Unchained Love Episode 30 Recap
> Unchained Love Recap
Yuwen Liangshi, the Prince of Nanyuan, presented a Mid-Autumn Festival gift to Murong Gaogong in the imperial court. He demonstrated his unique skill of sword calligraphy. During his performance, a stone suddenly flew directly towards Murong Gaogong. Yuwen Liangshi deftly intercepted it with his sword just before it reached the Emperor, then immediately knelt to profess his unwavering loyalty. Murong Gaogong, pleased by the impressive display and show of devotion, offered a reward.
Yuwen Liangshi humbly declined, instead requesting to join Murong Gaogong on an upcoming hunting trip, promising his full service. Murong Gaogong approved the request and, disregarding the usual protocol suggested by Eunuch Sun, assigned the hunting ground security entirely to the Supreme Court. Later, Yuwen Liangshi confirmed to a subordinate that a crucial part of his elaborate plan, involving a "gift" for Murong Gaogong, was set to unfold at the Deer's Reed Residence the following day.
At the Deer's Reed Residence, Yinlou's sister, Bu Yinge, unexpectedly arrived, claiming to be distraught from her marriage to the Prince of Nanyuan, citing abuse and claiming her own father had turned her away, leaving her with nowhere to stay. Despite Yinlou's initial skepticism and annoyance, Bu Yinge's persistent pleas and appeals to sisterly affection eventually led Yinlou to reluctantly take her in.
However, Yinlou soon discovered that Bu Yinge had not only taken up residence but also secretly "borrowed" several of her dresses, immediately raising Yinlou's suspicions about her true motives. Meanwhile, Murong Gaogong, harboring growing suspicions about Xiao Duo, issued orders for elite Imperial Army troops to guard Xiao Duo at the Imperial Mausoleum, with strict instructions to execute him on the spot if he dared to leave, labeling any such attempt as an act of defiance against his decree.
Later, Murong Gaogong personally visited the Deer's Reed Residence, intending to invite Yinlou to accompany him on the hunting trip. To his surprise, he found Yinlou lively and in good health, playfully engaged in a ring toss game, far from the sickly image his eunuchs had painted. Observing her carefree demeanor, Murong Gaogong expressed his displeasure. His frustration deepened when he encountered Bu Yinge nearby, conspicuously wearing one of Yinlou's dresses.
He then began instructing Bu Yinge to imitate Yinlou's most rigid and distant expressions and movements, forcing her to practice severe court etiquette, explicitly stating that he preferred her in this formal, controlled role. At this moment, the real Yinlou entered, silently witnessing the unsettling scene. Upon witnessing Murong Gaogong with Bu Yinge, Yinlou immediately knelt, assuring the Emperor that she would keep silent about what she had seen.
Murong Gaogong, however, seemed vexed by her apparent lack of jealousy, commenting on her "unfearing" and "virtuous" nature. He then took Bu Yinge by the hand and led her into the room, clearly wanting a different reaction from Yinlou. Later, Murong Gaogong confided in Eunuch Sun, expressing his conviction that Yinlou harbored feelings for another man.
While Eunuch Sun initially suggested Lian Cheng, Murong Gaogong dismissed the idea, instead fixating on Xiao Duo, the only other person who had once been constantly by Yinlou's side. Eunuch Sun attempted to reassure the Emperor, arguing that as a mere eunuch, Xiao Duo could not possibly be a rival for the Emperor's affection. Despite the logical counsel, Murong Gaogong remained deeply troubled by Yinlou's unique and consistent defiance towards him.
At the royal hunting ground, Murong Gaogong showcased his supreme archery skills, effortlessly hitting a target, drawing lavish praise from Yuwen Liangshi, who spoke of the Emperor's absolute power. Murong Gaogong then called Bu Yinge forward and, despite her inexperience, intimately guided her in shooting an arrow.
During this public display, he declared that his decisions—whether to "hit or not, to kill or not"—were entirely his, a thinly veiled assertion of his ultimate control over everyone, including Yuwen Liangshi and his consort. An eunuch discreetly expressed concern about the impropriety of such a public display, but Murong Gaogong dismissed him, stating that such visibility was essential for everyone to understand their subordinate positions.
Observing this, Princess Hede, also known as Wanwan, expressed her disgust at Murong Gaogong's brazen intimacy with Yuwen Liangshi's consort. Yinlou, witnessing the scene, wryly commented that she and Xiao Duo were equally "shameless." Wanwan, however, explained the true significance of Murong Gaogong's actions: he was using Bu Yinge to send a clear message to Yuwen Liangshi and everyone present that there was nothing Murong Gaogong could not obtain, and this included Yinlou herself.
Startled by this realization, Yinlou agreed to leave the main hunting area with Wanwan and head into the forest. As Yinlou and Wanwan walked through the forest, they encountered Yuwen Liangxu. Wanwan joyfully greeted him, and Yuwen Liangxu invited them to explore deeper into the woods. Sensing something amiss, Yinlou politely declined the invitation, allowing Wanwan and Yuwen Liangxu to go on ahead. Remaining behind, Yinlou discreetly observed Bu Yinge engaging in a clandestine meeting with Yuwen Liangshi.
She overheard Yuwen Liangshi demanding a specific item from Bu Yinge by nightfall, threatening her life if she failed. Bu Yinge expressed concern about the palace's stringent security, but promised to deliver. Just as Yinlou tried to piece together the implications of their conversation, Bu Yinge spotted her. Bu Yinge immediately confronted Yinlou, accusing her of spying. Yinlou admitted to following Bu Yinge, then openly chastised her for her manipulative behavior and shameless public display of intimacy with Murong Gaogong.
Bu Yinge defiantly admitted to deliberately seducing Murong Gaogong, stating her intention to usurp Yinlou's favor. She challenged Yinlou to kneel and beg for mercy, further taunting her by disparaging Xiao Duo as a "loser" who was "kicked out of the Imperial City like a dog," suggesting they were a perfect match. As their argument escalated, Bu Yinge pulled out a dagger, threatening Yinlou. Just then, Murong Gaogong appeared.
Bu Yinge, quick to react, released the dagger and feigned innocence, implying that Yinlou had attacked her out of jealousy during the archery lesson. Murong Gaogong sent Bu Yinge away, then directly asked Yinlou if she had struck her, promising to overlook the transgression if she confessed.
Receiving no answer, he issued Yinlou a final ultimatum: she must come to his bedchamber that night, and if she did, all past misdeeds would be forgiven, and he would always take her side. Later, Yinlou pondered whether to inform Murong Gaogong about the secret meeting she had overheard, but decided against it due to a lack of concrete details. However, her suspicions led her to secretly follow Bu Yinge.
She watched as Bu Yinge met with Yuwen Liangshi and handed over a crucial item: the commander's seal for dispatching the Imperial Army. Yuwen Liangshi praised Bu Yinge for fulfilling her task and promised her the title of Noble Consort upon the success of his ambitious plan, for which Bu Yinge professed her loyalty. Yinlou realized with dawning horror that Yuwen Liangshi planned a rebellion.
She rushed to Murong Gaogong's bedchamber, intending to warn him, but was informed by Eunuch Sun that the Emperor had already retired for the night and had passed the time he was waiting for her. From outside the room, she heard sounds that indicated Bu Yinge was already with Murong Gaogong. Unable to gain entry, Yinlou frantically sought out Wanwan, who had just returned after getting lost with Yuwen Liangxu.
Yinlou urgently revealed that Yuwen Liangshi was launching a rebellion and that his feigned loyalty was merely a ruse for Bu Yinge to steal the Imperial Army's commander's seal. Wanwan initially dismissed the threat, arguing that the Imperial Army would not turn on the Emperor simply because of a seal. Yinlou clarified that the seal's purpose was not to command the army to attack the Emperor, but to move them away.
She stated she had seen no Imperial Army on her way to the palace. She then revealed the most shocking detail: Wanwan's own father, Bu Yulu, was complicit in the conspiracy with Yuwen Liangshi. Realizing the immediate danger, Yinlou urged Wanwan to take everyone to the main hall while she investigated the situation further. As night fell, rebel forces launched a surprise attack on the palace.
Yuwen Liangshi led his troops, declaring that the Imperial Army had been drawn away, clearing their path to overthrow Murong Gaogong and "restore our country." Meanwhile, a subordinate reported to Yuwen Liangshi that Xiao Duo was isolated and defenseless at the Imperial Mausoleum, confirming it was the perfect opportunity to eliminate him and secure their future. Elsewhere, Yuwen Liangxu found Wanwan, desperately urging her to escape with him.
However, Wanwan, revealing her full name as Murong Jun, Princess Hede of Great Ye, acknowledged her destiny and unwavering duty to her dynasty. She firmly asserted that she would not abandon her post, defiantly ordering her guards to remove Yuwen Liangxu. While Murong Gaogong frantically inquired about Bu Yulu's whereabouts amidst the chaos, Yuwen Liangshi appeared before him, revealing Bu Yulu's betrayal by stating, "He won't come."
Yuwen Liangshi then openly declared his intention to "restore our country," deeming Murong Gaogong a foolish ruler, and ordered a full assault on the palace. Simultaneously, Xiao Duo, though heavily outnumbered by numerous assassins at the Imperial Mausoleum, bravely defended himself, skillfully fighting off and defeating his attackers.
