Unchained Love Episode 13 Recap
> Unchained Love Recap
As they floated river lanterns, Bu Yinlou encouraged Xiao Duo to make a wish. Xiao Duo initially claimed to have no wishes, but then shared his profound desire for a virtuous and peaceful world where common folk would no longer be separated from their loved ones, adding that he hoped the world would no longer need people like him.
Bu Yinlou immediately countered, arguing that the Great Ye Empire still needed the Zhaoding Bureau and men like him because the world was not yet truly peaceful. She explained that many of his Zhaoding Guards were impoverished orphans who found a lifeline through him, and he had protected them in the complex political landscape of the capital.
She then passionately told him that she also needed him, acknowledging his many sufferings and selfless desire for others not to endure what he had. She highlighted that despite his seemingly ruthless actions, his sword only struck down corrupt officials, and despite his sullied reputation, he genuinely protected the country and its people, proving him to be a gentle soul.
Visibly moved, Xiao Duo admitted that meeting her had helped him to begin liking himself, a feeling he had never had before. They then moved to watch street dancers, with Bu Yinlou playfully remarking that her own dancing was better. Their lighthearted moment was interrupted by Murong Gaogong, who approached Bu Yinlou with extravagant flattery. He sternly chided Xiao Duo for an earlier incident at the Dream House, but Bu Yinlou quickly took responsibility, stating she had insisted on going.
Undeterred, Murong Gaogong declared his affection for her regardless of her actions and expressed his desire to spend the beautiful Lantern Festival night with her alone, claiming destiny had led him to find her in the crowd. He then dismissed a common lantern and proudly presented a courtyard full of elaborate Zouma lanterns that he claimed he had personally crafted for her. He revealed his nickname, Youwu, and pressed Bu Yinlou to share hers, but their conversation was cut short.
A sudden commotion erupted in the crowded street, leading to a falling pillar. Murong Gaogong instinctively shielded Bu Yinlou, asserting that he was the only one capable of protecting her. Xiao Duo swiftly apprehended the source of the chaos: a spy planted by the Prince of Nanyuan. Enraged, Murong Gaogong killed the spy, declaring it an honor for anyone to die by the emperor's hand.
Concerned for Bu Yinlou's safety, Murong Gaogong insisted she return to the palace to receive an official title once her injuries healed. Xiao Duo subtly voiced concerns about potential criticism from the court if such an edict was issued and offered to take Bu Yinlou back to his own residence for treatment. Murong Gaogong dismissed his objections, affirming his decision and tasking Xiao Duo with purging the Prince of Nanyuan's remaining loyalists in the capital.
Later, as preparations were underway for Bu Yinlou's return to the palace, including new identity documents, Xiao Duo's subordinate, Cao Chunang, advised him against getting distracted, reminding him of his own crucial tasks and Bu Yinlou's preordained fate. Aware of her impending return, Bu Yinlou tried to assure Xiao Duo she was ready, even playfully suggesting that with her intelligence, she would soon become a powerful figure in the palace capable of protecting them both.
Despite her brave front, after she left, Xiao Duo seemed determined to persuade the Emperor to rescind his order, prompting his subordinate to caution him against antagonizing Murong Gaogong. Meanwhile, at the palace, Xiao Duo encountered Grand Tutor Bu's wife, who was causing a scene, distraught and threatening suicide.
She explained that the late Emperor had betrothed her legitimate daughter, Yinge, to the Prince of Nanyuan, but given the Prince's current unstable political standing, she refused to allow her daughter to marry a "rebel." Murong Gaogong informed Xiao Duo of the attempt to annul the marriage, acknowledging that the Bu family's fate could sour Bu Yinlou's feelings towards him and expressing his intent to cancel the wedding.
However, Xiao Duo advised caution, highlighting the Prince of Nanyuan's substantial military power in West Shu and the risk of rebellion if he was provoked. He proposed a strategic plan: send an envoy with the wedding entourage to West Shu under the guise of the marriage to gather intelligence before taking action. Murong Gaogong appointed Xiao Duo to lead the critical mission.
Xiao Duo then raised the concern that the Prince of Nanyuan could exploit Bu Yinlou's title as Consort Dowager to undermine their plans. Although Murong Gaogong voiced frustration at this new obstacle, he ultimately agreed to Xiao Duo's proposal for the expedition, urging an immediate departure.
Privately, Murong Gaogong confided in his attendant that his true motive was to weaken Xiao Duo's power base by sending him away, anticipating a conflict between him and the Prince of Nanyuan that would consolidate the emperor's own authority. News of the renewed marriage decree reached the Bu family. Grand Tutor Bu's wife, determined that their legitimate daughter, Yinge, would not be the one married off, decided to substitute Bu Yinlou.
Despite Grand Tutor Bu's furious objections, she remained resolute and orchestrated a deception, sending a message to Bu Yinlou that her mother was gravely ill to lure her back to the residence. Although Bu Yinlou found the sudden illness suspicious, she rushed home, only to be confined upon arrival.
Having been informed of the suspicious illness of an aunt who had never been mentioned before and was absent from the dowry list, Xiao Duo deduced it was a ploy and stormed the Bu residence. Xiao Duo demanded the whereabouts of Consort Dowager Duan. Grand Tutor Bu claimed he believed she was still at Xiao Duo's residence.
However, Cao Chunang found Bu Yinlou's maid, Tong Yun, who tearfully revealed that her mistress had been forced into a replacement marriage and had just been taken away in a wedding carriage. Enraged, Xiao Duo vowed dire consequences if Bu Yinlou was harmed and dispatched his guards to intercept the wedding fleet, ordering that no Bu family member be allowed to leave the capital. Meanwhile, Bu Yinlou, realizing the trick, escaped the carriage.
When confronted by pursuing guards, she defiantly invoked her imperial-sanctioned status as the future bride of the Prince of Nanyuan. Just as the confrontation escalated, Xiao Duo arrived. Bu Yinlou urged him to take her to Fushui Town, and he immediately agreed.
