Unchained Love Episode 12 Recap
> Unchained Love Recap
Upon learning from his attendant, Cao Chunang, that Bu Yinlou was attracting customers at the Dream House's flower window while disguised as the courtesan Meng Jieyu, Xiao Duo became furious. Cao Chunang described how Bu Yinlou, though veiled, had captivated countless men and seemed to have truly mastered the art of seduction. Xiao Duo, assuming Meng Jieyu's attire was revealing, questioned how Bu Yinlou could dress so immodestly, but Cao Chunang clarified her clothing was not skimpy.
He tried to calm Xiao Duo by suggesting that if Bu Yinlou gained the Emperor's lasting favor, it would be advantageous for them. When Xiao Duo ordered him to return to the Dream House the next day, Cao Chunang refused, revealing that Bu Yinlou's maid, Tong Yun, had embarrassed him by mocking him as a eunuch visiting a brothel. He paradoxically confessed that what angered him was his own lack of anger over the insult.
That night, Xiao Duo was consumed by thoughts of Bu Yinlou and the nature of love, unable to sleep. He reflected on the lesson her master had taught her: that the most irresistible temptation is love itself, which can mesmerize a person and make them oblivious to all else. Meanwhile, Princess Wanwan, unable to find Yuwen Liangxu for a game of football, decided to visit Bu Yinlou.
Her servant informed her that Bu Yinlou had gone to the Dream House, a place deemed unsuitable for a princess. The staff at the Dream House refused Wanwan entry through the main door, citing house rules that guests must wait to be chosen at the flower windows. Just then, Xiao Duo appeared and forcefully broke through the main door, tossing money to pay for the damage. Intrigued by his audacity, Wanwan and her maid slipped in through the back door.
Inside, Wanwan followed the sound of a zither to Meng Jieyu. As she watched the performance, a disheveled Yuwen Liangxu stumbled out. While frantically trying to explain his presence to Wanwan, his pants slipped down, adding to his humiliation. Meng Jieyu cheekily clarified that Yuwen Liangxu was there to learn techniques for seducing Wanwan. Enraged and embarrassed, Wanwan chased after him, threatening to beat him up, while Meng Jieyu playfully offered to cover any damages.
While practicing her dance, Bu Yinlou was startled by Xiao Duo's sudden appearance. She lost her balance and fell towards the water, but Xiao Duo swiftly caught her. They shared an intense, silent moment, the intimate atmosphere broken only by Meng Jieyu's arrival. Xiao Duo helped Bu Yinlou steady herself, saying he would wait for her.
Though he tried to appear composed, his inner turmoil was betrayed when he realized his treasured sword had fallen into the water as he rushed to save her. As they prepared to leave, Meng Jieyu told Bu Yinlou a personal story, confessing she had been waiting for a man who went to war and never returned, regretting that she never confessed her feelings. She urged Bu Yinlou to be honest with her own heart and seize any chance at love.
The conversation made Bu Yinlou ponder her relationship with Xiao Duo. Upon returning to his residence, she noticed a railing had been removed. She questioned her maid, Tong Yun, who confirmed Xiao Duo had ordered it. Bu Yinlou took this as definitive proof that he was "coveting" her, a suspicion Tong Yun dismissed as one of her recurring fantasies.
Later that night, a restless Xiao Duo found Cao Chunang outside, philosophizing about how love consumes one's thoughts with a mix of anxiety and joy. Xiao Duo confided that he was experiencing the same sweet torment and wondered if Bu Yinlou knew. With the Lantern Festival approaching, Yuwen Liangxu asked Xiao Duo to help him invite Wanwan out. Yuwen passionately argued that love can happen in an instant and that one must seize the day, as life is short.
Impressed but cautious, Xiao Duo refused, citing the political risk due to the Emperor's suspicion of Yuwen's family. Undeterred, Yuwen turned to Bu Yinlou. He successfully baited her by suggesting she lacked the influence to sway Xiao Duo. Her competitive spirit ignited, and she agreed to help, mistakenly believing Xiao Duo's refusal to play matchmaker was proof of his personal interest in her. Bu Yinlou approached Xiao Duo but struggled to make her case.
He understood her intent but again refused, stating that a close relationship between Yuwen and Wanwan was unwise. Frustrated, Bu Yinlou declared she would handle it herself and went to wait for Wanwan at the palace gate, unaware that Xiao Duo had already secretly arranged for Wanwan to attend the festival. That night, Wanwan arrived at the festival accompanied by Xiao Duo.
As they watched the dancers, Xiao Duo subtly pulled Bu Yinlou away from the crowd just as Yuwen Liangxu emerged from a float and playfully bound a surprised Wanwan to it as part of his grand romantic gesture. Determined to test Xiao Duo's feelings, Bu Yinlou led him away, but they were separated in the bustling crowd.
Xiao Duo soon reappeared with a beautiful lantern for her, which she noted was the first she had ever received from someone other than her mother. As fireworks lit up the sky, Xiao Duo grew somber and spoke of his past. He explained his fondness for the festival came from his late brother. He recounted their tragic childhood: a locust plague and corrupt officials had ruined their family, leading to their parents' deaths.
The two brothers begged their way to the capital, arriving on the night of the Lantern Festival. He wistfully recalled how his brother would collect discarded lanterns after the festivities ended. Moved by the depth of his loss and suffering, Bu Yinlou's heart went out to him, and they decided to float river lanterns together, finding a moment of peace in each other's company.
