The Untamed Episode 43 Recap
> The Untamed Recap
Wei Wuxian explained to Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji that the missing page from the "Collection of Turmoil", which detailed complex evil music from Dongying, was integral to Jin Guangyao's scheme. Wei Wuxian theorized that Jin Guangyao, possessing a photographic memory, tore the page not because he couldn't remember it, but to destroy any evidence, ensuring that even if his actions were discovered, the source of the melody would remain untraceable.
He suggested that Jin Guangyao subtly wove the fatal evil music into the "Cleansing Music" he played for Nie Mingjue, slowly affecting Nie Mingjue's mind like a chronic poison. Although Jin Guangyao had played the complete "Cleansing Music" in front of Lan Xichen, Nie Mingjue, not being a music master, would have been unable to discern the subtle changes, especially if Jin Guangyao channeled little spiritual power into the "Cleansing Music" part but full power into the evil melody.
Lan Xichen expressed his deep internal conflict, finding it difficult to reconcile his perception of Jin Guangyao—a man of forbearance, benevolence, and kindness—with the accusation that he orchestrated Nie Mingjue’s death. He admitted he found it hard to believe that everything Jin Guangyao had presented was a facade and that he himself might have unwittingly aided his sworn brother's sinister plot. Requesting more time to discreetly evaluate the evidence, Lan Xichen decided to visit Lan Qiren.
Lan Wangji then offered to take Wei Wuxian back to the Jingshi, and Lan Xichen agreed. After Lan Wangji departed, Wei Wuxian seized the opportunity to ask Lan Xichen about the whip scars on Lan Wangji's back, as Lan Wangji himself refused to speak of them. Lan Xichen reluctantly recounted the events following Wen Ning's unintentional killing of Jin Zixuan.
After Wen Qing surrendered with her clan, the major clans, led by Jin Guangyao, converged on the Burial Mounds after the battle of Nevernight. When they attempted to search the Demon-subdue Cave, Lan Wangji fiercely stood against them to protect Wei Wuxian. His defiant actions enraged Lan Qiren, who brought him back to Cloud Recesses and had him punished with three hundred whip lashes, followed by three years of confinement and repentance in the Cold Pond Cave.
When Lan Qiren accused Lan Wangji of forgetting the Lan clan's doctrine against associating with evil, Lan Wangji defiantly questioned, "Who's right and who's wrong? Who's black? Who's white?" leaving his uncle profoundly disappointed. Lan Xichen revealed that even during his confinement, Lan Wangji maintained his trust in Wei Wuxian's character, as he considered him his confidant. Lan Xichen then led Wei Wuxian to the Jingshi, revealing it was the former residence of their mother.
He explained that their father fell in love with their mother at first sight but was torn when he learned she had killed one of his teachers over a past conflict. In immense agony, he brought her to Cloud Recesses, married her against the clan's wishes, and declared he would protect her for life. As a form of penance and to shield her, he confined her to the Jingshi while he secluded himself nearby.
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were raised by their uncle, Lan Qiren, whose strict nature and hatred for unorthodox ways were intensified by the tragedy that befell his brother. Lan Xichen recalled how he and Wangji cherished their monthly visits to their mother. After she passed away, a stubborn young Wangji continued to go to the Jingshi every month, sitting on the porch and waiting for a door that would never open again.
Lan Xichen concluded that Wangji's pain and confusion upon seeing Wei Wuxian practice unorthodox cultivation mirrored the unresolved feelings he had about his mother. Later, Wei Wuxian found Lan Wangji, who had anticipated his arrival and prepared Emperor's Smile. Wei Wuxian struggled to voice his gratitude but shared his recent discoveries. They discussed the mysterious flute music heard at both Qiongqi Road and Nevernight.
Wei Wuxian explained that Wen Ning had heard two flutes at Qiongqi Road, and he himself heard a second flute at Nevernight which caused him to lose control of Chenqing. He was now convinced that someone, likely Jin Guangyao, had secretly used the "Collection of Turmoil" to alter his commands.
However, Wei Wuxian expressed his indifference to proving the truth, reasoning that the world needed a target for their hatred, and the Yiling Patriarch had already been cast in that role. Acknowledging the profound loneliness he felt after the deaths of his sister and the few others who believed in him, Wei Wuxian expressed his deep gratitude for Lan Wangji's unwavering trust.
Raising his cup, he toasted Lan Wangji, declaring that having one true friend was enough and that a clear conscience was all that mattered. Finally, he managed to say, "Lan Zhan, I'm sorry. . . and thank you." Lan Wangji looked up, silently acknowledging his words. Soon after, Jin Guangyao arrived at Cloud Recesses, returning the now-ineffective Pass Jade to Lan Xichen.
He reported that the clans were growing suspicious of the Lans for not allowing a search of their grounds and suggested a superficial inspection to appease them. Jin Guangyao then revealed that puppets were reappearing and heading towards the Burial Mounds, likely summoned by Wei Wuxian, and that a second siege was imminent.
He invited Lan Xichen to Jinlintai to discuss the matter with other clan leaders and also mentioned that he would be burying Nie Mingjue, asking if Lan Xichen wished to pay his final respects. After Jin Guangyao's departure, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian emerged from hiding. A resolute Lan Xichen declared that if Jin Guangyao truly harbored ill intentions, he would show no mercy.
The three decided to split up: Lan Xichen would go to Jinlintai, while Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian headed for the Burial Mounds. On their journey with their donkey, Lil' Apple, Wei Wuxian noted how the animal, like the rabbits at Cloud Recesses, clearly preferred Lan Wangji. As they traveled, Wei Wuxian began humming a tune and had a sudden realization.
He understood that Lan Wangji had recognized him on Dafan Mountain because the song he had played was the same melody Lan Wangji had sung to him in the Xuanwu Cave years ago. When Wei Wuxian asked for the song's name, Lan Wangji revealed he had composed it himself, much to Wei Wuxian's delight. Their path led them to a farmhouse to ask for water. Finding it empty, they hid when a couple returned with their young daughter.
They overheard the father jokingly warn the child, Mianmian, about the Yiling Patriarch. The girl retorted that her mother said the Yiling Patriarch was a good person and those stories were nonsense. The father then addressed his wife as "Qingyang." Wei Wuxian peeked out and was astonished to recognize the woman as Mianmian, the former disciple from the Jin clan whose real name was Luo Qingyang.
