Unchained Love Episode 18 Recap
> Unchained Love Recap
Yuwen Liangshi, having observed Xiao Duo's distinct affection for Bu Yinlou, punishes Concubine Rong for her past failures. He then receives a secret message from Empress Rong'an revealing the existence of Xiao Duo's former palace lover, Qiu Yuebai. Seeing an opportunity, Yuwen Liangshi plans to use her to spy on Xiao Duo. Meanwhile, sensing the escalating danger, Xiao Duo confesses to Cao Chunang that his recklessness in enjoying moments with Bu Yinlou has put her in peril.
Cao Chunang advises Xiao Duo that since he and Bu Yinlou have no future, he must make a clean break. As Xiao Duo prepares to investigate the Prince of Nanyuan's finances, he instructs Cao Chunang to stay behind, ensure Bu Yinlou's well-being, and keep his absence a secret. The next morning, Bu Yinlou waits for Xiao Duo, only to be heartbroken when he walks past her without a word. Upset, she seeks out Lian Cheng at Mingding Tower.
She laments that the longer she spends with Xiao Duo, the more she desires, despite knowing their relationship is unrealistic. Lian Cheng warns her that Xiao Duo may be deceiving her and has another woman. On her way back, Bu Yinlou glimpses a figure she believes is Xiao Duo, strengthening her suspicion that he is secretly watching over her despite his cold demeanor. This belief only deepens her turmoil.
Meanwhile, Xiao Duo, who was indeed following her, buys a box of rouge for her but ultimately hesitates, unable to bridge the distance he has created. Later, Cao Chunang reports that Qiu Yuebai has arrived. Upon seeing Xiao Duo, she calls out his brother's name, "A'duo," and collapses. Xiao Duo orders her hidden in an empty room and a doctor summoned secretly. The doctor confirms Qiu Yuebai's health is fragile from past hardships.
An investigation reveals she was a palace maid expelled six years ago, making her sudden appearance suspicious. Xiao Duo speculates she is likely his deceased twin brother's secret lover. The next day, Bu Yinlou finds Xiao Duo and his men guarding the hidden room. When he tries to divert her, she asserts her authority as Consort Dowager and demands he accompany her to the Flower God Temple Fair. Firmly taking his hand, she leads him away.
As they stroll, Bu Yinlou feigns indifference and sings a melancholic song about unrequited love to express her hurt. At a tavern, emboldened by wine, Bu Yinlou confronts Xiao Duo about his sudden coldness, accusing him of following her and hiding outside her room while pretending to be aloof. She tearfully questions why he pursued her only to abandon her, asking if he ever truly liked her.
Xiao Duo, unable to explain, can only remain silent, causing her to storm off in frustration. Back at her residence, she forces her way into the guarded room and discovers Qiu Yuebai. Instantly sobered, she sarcastically congratulates Xiao Duo on meeting an "old acquaintance." Maintaining a sarcastic demeanor, Bu Yinlou retreats to her room, where her fury erupts. She brands Xiao Duo a philanderer, convinced he has cast her aside for an old flame.
Her maid reminds her that fleeing would implicate Xiao Duo, as he is escorting her under imperial orders. Bu Yinlou defiantly declares that she will be the one to end things and storms out to confront him again. Meanwhile, Xiao Duo interrogates Qiu Yuebai, noting her expensive clothes contradict her story of poverty and deducing someone sent her. He orders his men to investigate her contacts.
When Cao Chunang suggests eliminating the potential threat, Xiao Duo refuses, explaining that he cannot harm his late brother's beloved. To protect Bu Yinlou from the complicated situation, he forbids anyone, especially her, from approaching Qiu Yuebai. Unaware of his motives, Bu Yinlou misinterprets his actions as protecting his lover and locks herself in her room, refusing to eat. Worried, Xiao Duo paces outside her door.
Cao Chunang suggests that letting her misunderstand might be for the best, as a brief heartbreak is better than a lifetime of entanglement. Concurrently, Yuwen Liangshi learns that Xiao Duo is keeping Qiu Yuebai confined. Believing a desperate woman will do anything, he instructs his subordinate to give Qiu Yuebai a deadly poison, "Snow-on-a-branch," to slip into Xiao Duo's food.
He plans for Xiao Duo's death to look like an accident, with his body found in a staged shipwreck outside West Shu territory to avoid any blame. Curious about her rival, Bu Yinlou creates a diversion by pretending to fight a chicken to bypass the guards and enter Qiu Yuebai's room. She sees through Qiu Yuebai's act of a frail, wronged woman, pointing out her carefully applied makeup.
Recalling a story Xiao Duo told her, Bu Yinlou's suspicions about his identity intensify. She probes Qiu Yuebai about Xiao Duo's "brother," culminating in the direct question: "Is Xiao Duo really Xiao Duo?" At that moment, Xiao Duo enters. Qiu Yuebai immediately feigns distress, grabbing Bu Yinlou's hand to make it look like she was attacked. Seeing the trick, Bu Yinlou delivers a real slap, declaring, "I hit her."
Xiao Duo ignores Qiu Yuebai's theatrics and asks Bu Yinlou if she is alright. Feigning jealousy, Bu Yinlou demands he reveal his secrets, warning that her patience is wearing thin. Frustrated by his promise to explain "later," she walks away. Xiao Duo then sternly warns Qiu Yuebai that if she behaves, he will protect her, but if she dares to play any more tricks on Bu Yinlou, he will show no mercy, threatening to have her poisoned and made mute.
