- Title: Unchained Love
- Also Known As: 浮图缘, Floating on the Edge, Forbidden Love
- Director: Wu Qiang
- Casts: Dylan Wang, Chen Yu Qi, Peter Ho, Zheng Li
- Screenwriter: Li Jing Ling
- Genres: Romance, Comedy, Historical
- Country: China
- Episodes: 36
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi, WeTV
- Adapted from the web novel: Fu Tu Yuan by You Si Jie
List of Recap:
- Unchained Love (Episode 1-2 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 3-4 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 5-6 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 7-8 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 9-10 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 11-12 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 13-14 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 15-16 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 17-18 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 19-20 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 21-22 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 23-24 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 25-26 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 27-28 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 29-30 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 31-32 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 33-34 Recap)
- Unchained Love (Episode 35-36 Recap) – The End
Dear readers, this is another Unchained Love episode recap for you. Xiao Duo showed a softer side to Bu Yin Lou. Right now, we could see a glimpse of sparkle in his eyes every time he saw Bu Yin Lou. However, I could not say the same about our girl. Her EQ was as slow as a tortoise…🐢
Before we get started with the recap, let’s meet our new characters.
New Characters Appearance
Eunuch Liu
Eunuch Liu was the head of the Imperial Mausoleum. He was an arrogant, sly, and perverted person. He took advantage of the late Emperor’s consorts who stay there.
Yuwen Liang Xu
Yuwen Liang Xu was the Second Prince of Nanyuan. He was the younger brother of Yuwen Liang Shi. He was an idle prince that never engaged in political matters, unlike his brother.
Episode Recap
Episode 5
Xiao Duo and his guards went to Zhongshan to capture the Prince of Nanyuan. In the middle of the hunt, She Qilang came with an urgent report: Prince Fu has entered the palace. He did not know the reason, but She Qilang found out that Bu Yin Lou had been missing and he found Empress Rong’an leaf card in her room. Xiao Duo could read the situation that the Empress has taken Bu Yin Lou as bait for Prince Fu.
Cao Chun’ang reminded his master that whatever happened to Prince Fu and Bu Yin Lou, as long as the Prince of Nanyuan died, Empress Rong’an could not do anything. Right now, they had to use the rare chance to catch the prince as soon as possible. However, in Xiao Duo’s mind was Bu Yin Lou’s voice that praised him as a good person and other words that express her trust in him. Xiao Duo was in dilemma right now.
Meanwhile, Bu Yin Lou was disappointed with Xiao Duo. She realized that she could not rely on anyone else except herself. But Bu Yin Lou had no way out. She gave up and thought that if she has to die that day, she only asked for a comfortable death. Bu Yin Lou lay on the bed and close her eyes. Not long after a man with a turquoise robe came and check on her breath. She bit the finger and opened her eyes. It was Xiao Duo! Bu Yin Lou was happy because he came to save her.
Xiao Duo intercepted Prince Fu’s carriage, took his clothes, and pretended to be Prince Fu to fool the Empress. He asked Bu Yin Lou whether the Empress left something suspiciously in the room and she pointed to the incense burner. Bu Yin Lou did not inhale the smoke because she put it out, but Xiao Duo accidentally inhaled the incense powder because of her carelessness.
Empress Rong’an has prepared to watch an exciting drama that she set up for the officials to see. However, she was shocked when she saw it was Xiao Duo who was in the room. The Empress knew that her plan has failed. She questioned his actions because she felt that she had treated him well enough.
But Xiao Duo retorted her words. He reminded her that she used to have a white dog that she treated very well. But when it revealed its feral nature, the dog was beaten hard by her. However, since the dog was tamed, he would be obedient and accept every hit from its master. Xiao Duo smiled and said that he was not the dog and he could not be tamed.
The Empress was angry and was about to leave but Xiao Duo stopped her and told Cao Chun’ang to bring Yan Sun Lang and Zhang Yujin. Both of them was tied and gagged. Xiao Duo told the Empress that she was too busy with Prince Rong’s matters that she did not even realize that her subordinate had been switched by him. X
iao Duo suggested the Empress find a good place to rest (He told her to leave the imperial City). Empress Rong’an vented her anger at Yan Sung Lan and Zhang Yujin. She stated that they had illicit affair and deserved to be punished.
Meanwhile, She Qilang apologized because he could not capture Yuwen Liang Shi. He escaped and left his younger brother, Yuwen Liang Xu, as a decoy. Xiao Duo was disappointed but he ordered Yuwen Liang Xu to be detained at a villa. Yuwen Liang Xu was only a playboy who did not involve in governance. Therefore, even if he was interrogated in prison, they would not gain anything.
Xiao Duo asked for Prince Fu’s forgiveness because he failed in protecting him and catching Yuwen Liang Shi. Although the way Xiao Duo asked for forgiveness was too arrogant, Prince Fu could not blame him at all.
Empress Rong’an left the palace in a carriage. She lamented that she could not win Xiao Duo’s heart.
I feel dizzy when I saw this scene. The carriage shook hard, as you can see from the Empress’s hairpin..🤢.
Xiao Duo regretted his failure to use the opportunity to avenge his twin brother. Cao Chun’ang reminded him that he should not return to the Palace to save Bu Yin Lou. Cao Chun’ang protested that Xiao Duo had been too soft-hearted when it came to her. Xiao Duo told his assistant that if his twin brother did that, it would not be strange at all. But he was the one who carried the burden of secret identity and the blood-soaked debt of their family. He had no right to be kind and only could harden his heart.
Tong Yun was busy telling the rumor about Yan Sun Lang and Zhang Yujin’s illicit affair at Fengyi Palace. She was quite theatrical when she told the stories. The Empress did her best to vent her anger to Yan Sun Lang and Zhang Yujin. Both of them was caught undress in a room. Tong Yun also told her that the Empress was furious that she ordered Yan Sun Lang to be beheaded and Zhang Yujin was granted a silk rope. After that, the Empress said that she did nnot managed the harem well, so. The Empress went to Tanxi temple to reflect.
While Tong Yun was enthusiastically telling the story, Bu Yin Lou nonchalantly played the card game. Although her hand was busy with the card, her mind was obviously wandering around. Bu Yin Lou remembered that to keep Xiao Duo’s mind clear after he was poisoned with the incense, she had slapped him as hard as he could. Now, Bu Yin Lou was afraid that Xiao Duo would take revenge for her behavior, and right now, he must be pondering the method to torture her.
Bu Yin Lou went to see Xiao Duo with two jugs of wine. She intended to coax him so he would forget about the slap. The half-drunk Xiao Duo took her to see a barren pear tree. The pear tree should be a twin, but the other one died. Bu Yin Lou thought that he was sad because the tree did not bear fruit, so she prayed to the fish immortal and promised that if the fish immortal heard her prayer, the flower would fall from the tree. And to make it happen, Bu Yin Lou bumped the tree so the flowers would fall. Her hard work paid off because after some time, Xiao Duo smiled.
Murong Gao Gong ascended to the throne in a formal ceremony. Although it was ridiculous, he was the only person who have the right to be the Emperor of Great Ye and he also had the full support of the Zhaoding Bureau.
The Emperor still thought about Bu Yin Lou. He was concerned that he scared her because she tried hard to resist him. Sun Tai Qing coaxed his master by saying that Bu Yin Lou must be enduring the pain of being separated from the Emperor because of her status as the Late Emperor’s Consort Dowager. He was sure that Bu Yin Lou was interested in the Emperor and had been weeping day and night 🤣.
Sun Tai Qing suggested the Emperor be more subtle with Bu Yin Lou, or maybe he could pretend to be sick, so she would feel sorry for him. The Emperor took the suggestion seriously and started to fast on the pretense of the guilt he felt over the death of Prince Rong. Eunuch Sun’s suggestion worked on Bu Yin Lou. When she heard the Emperor was not in a good shape, she asked to meet him. Eunuch Sun was elated.
When the Emperor saw Bu Yin Lou, he admitted that he was the one who killed Prince Rong by accident. And now, he felt that Prince Rong always come to see him. He had done everything from fasting to chanting sutras, but none of them worked. Right now he just wanted to know if Bu Yin Lou would forgive him for the accident. Bu Yin Lou’s forehead creased, she did not expect the Emperor who made the young prince died.
She asked the Emperor why did he care whether she would blame him or not. The Emperor told her what happened when he was bullied in the Bu residence and how she rescued him. Even though Bu Yin Lou did not remember it all, he said that he would remember it forever. He gave her a lantern that he specially made for her.
Bu Yin Lou told the Emperor to stop fasting. Rather than ask for forgiveness from the dead, he should do something more meaningful for the living. She told him to pardon the people of Chengyuan Palace, Prince Rong’s residence. The Emperor agreed to her suggestion.
Xiao Duo has just arrived at the Zhaoding Bureau when Cao Chun’ang told him about the meeting between Bu Yin Lou and the Emperor. He said that they looked happy and Cao Chun’ang was sure that Bu Yin Lou held some feelings for the Emperor.
Episode 6
Xiao Duo went to Xiecui Garden and found Bu Yin Lou walking back and forth to find a place to hang the lantern. He was displeased because she put importance on the lantern. Xiao Duo confiscated the lantern and told her that the lantern’s design did not conform to the palace’s rules.
Xiao Duo scrutinized Bu Yin Lou’s feelings for the Emperor. When Bu Yin Lou said that she did not have any intention to enter the harem, a smile escaped from the corner of his mouth. Bu Yin Lou begged him not to send her to the Emperor. However, Xiao Duo said that he could not control the mind of the Emperor. Bu Yin Lou had another idea to avoid the Emperor. She wanted to be sent to the Imperial mausoleum to avoid rumors. Xiao Duo did not give any answer but he left the courtyard after he took the lantern.
Xiao Duo did not realize that he had fallen for the silly Bu Yin Lou. Back in Zhaoding Bureau, he inquired about rumors about Bu Yin Lou. Cao Chun’ang said that the rumors were spread by the people of Chengyuan Palace. He mused and asked Cao Chun’ang to do something for him.
The Emperor was waiting for a piece of news from Eunuch Sun. However, Sun Tai Qing came with two pieces of news. The first was the news about how people have praised him to be a benevolent emperor since he had pardoned the people of Chengyuan Palace. And the second one was about Xiao Duo had taken several maids from Chengyuan Palace to be interrogated.
The Emperor was anxious because he promised Bu Yin Lou that he would pardon the servants of Prince Rong’s palace. The Emperor told Xiao Duo to come to Shangqiong Palace. Xiao Duo explained the rumor of the Emperor seducing his sister-in-law. Xiao Duo softly reminded the Emperor that his frequent visits to Xiecui Garden have created rumors.
Eunuch Sun did not like Xiao Duo’s arrogance and also reminded his master that he was the Emperor. If somebody made a mistake, he could just punish them. And if he liked somebody, he did not need anybody’s permission. The Emperor left after he heard Sun Tai Qing’s words. Xiao Duo stared at Sun Tai Qing meaningfully.
The Emperor hurriedly went to Xiecui Garden and when he saw Bu Yin Lou, he took her into his arms. Xiao Duo who just entered the room was taken by surprise when he saw them. The Emperor told Bu Yin Lou that he wanted her to be his consort. He reassured her that nothing to be worried about since he would take care of everything. But Bu Yin Lou refused his intention. When Xiao Duo heard her words, he sighed in relief. Bu Yin Lou said that she wanted to be a free person and the Emperor could not give it to her.
Murong Gao Gong did not understand her definition of freedom. He persuaded her and said that as long as they were together, she could have everything she wanted. But for Bu Yin Lou, to be able to refuse something that she did not want was true freedom. Bu Yin Lou also said that she wanted to go to the Imperial Mausoleum.
It was inappropriate for her to stay at Xiecui Garden. Two people were left speechless when they heard her words. The Emperor was disappointed but he could only approve of her wish. While Xiao Duo immediately strode out of Xiecui Garden.
Cao Chun’ang asked Xiao Duo why he was determined to escort Bu Yin Lou to the Imperial mausoleum. Cao Chun’ang suspected his Godfather would take action against Bu Yin Lou. The truth was, Xiao Duo suspected that Bu Yin Lou was going to run away from the palace. Her determination to go to the Imperial Mausoleum was an excuse to conceal her true intention.
Bu Yin Lou was shocked to see Xiao Duo at the gate. But she hurriedly entered the carriage as if Xiao Duo did not see her suspicious behavior. In the middle of the city, Bu Yin Lou stopped the carriage and went to see the stalls.
But when the stall owners saw Xiao Duo and his uniform, they immediately ran. Even a child cried when he saw Xiao Duo.
When Bu Yin Lou saw his dark face, she coaxed him and said that he was the nicest person besides her mother. She even went as far as to compare Xiao Duo’s handsomeness with the male prostitute at the brothel. Xiao Duo smiled at her flattery and told her that her flattery sounded awkward but he liked it.
The Emperor was in a gloomy mood. Eunuch Sun comforted his master and asked him why he let Bu Yin Lou go. Eunuch Sun reassured him that there were no women who did not admire power and yearned for support. He believed that women needed protection from a powerful person. He told the Emperor that he was the most powerful person in the world. He could sit on the throne because of heaven’s will. The words stunned the Emperor. He mulled over the word “Heaven’s will”.
This Eunuch Sun was blindly supporting his master. He obviously did not know Bu Yin Lou well, but he always assumed her thoughts!🤯
Bu Yin Lou and Xiao Duo arrived at the Imperial Mausoleum. She stared at the grand entry of the Mausoleum and muttered to herself that the Mausoleum was close to Fushui Town, where her mother lived. Tong Yun asked whether she missed her mother. If Bu Yin Lou entered the Mausoleum, she would never have a chance to get out of there.
Bu Yin Lou told Tong Yun that back then, her legitimate mother threatened her with her mother’s illness to force her to enter the palace on behalf of her sister. Bu Yin Lou was worried about her mother’s health so she entered the palace secretly. Xiao Duo who was standing not faraway from them listened to their conversation quietly.
Bu Yin Lou was eager to enter the Imperial Mausoleum so she did not have to see Xiao Duo anymore. However, it was just her wishful thinking. Xiao Duo reassured her that he still remembered that she was wiling to collude and conspire with him. Hence, she would see him again. Xiao Duo promised that he would come again next month. Before he left, Xiao Duo reminded her to keep low profile and avoid controversy. But Bu Yin Lou always had a knack for finding troubles.
Tong Yun who saw their interaction assumed that her mistress was favored by Xiao Duo. Bu Yin Lou stared at her with a mocking expression. She said everything he said was fake. Bu Yin Lou was sure that Xiao Duo would torture her in the future.
Xiao Duo actually cared about her well being. Before he left, he made sure that Bu Yin Lou’s daily necessities we’re taken care of. However, he still concealed his identity and let Cao Chun’ang settled things for Bu Yin Lou.
When she stepped inside the Mausoleum, Bu Yin Lou was welcomed by Li Ping Ru who entered the mausoleum when they pretended to be poisoned back then. Li Ping Ru said that once she entered the Mausoleum, she would no longer be herself. Suddenly a group of eunuchs who carried tables appeared. They were followed by overly enthusiastic concubines.
They set up the tables and chairs and started to play mahjong and cards. Li Ping Ru never knew that Bu Yin Lou loved to play that kind of game. She was stunned when Bu Yin Lou eagerly joined the crowds with confidence.
And lost the games…🤣
Tong Yun comforted her mistress who lost half of her money. Li Ping Ru warned Bu Yin Lou about Eunuch Liu who was the head eunuch of the Imperial Mausoleum. She said that Bu Yin Lou must be careful not to attract his attention since he could not be offended.
When they talked about him, Eunuch Liu suddenly appeared. He urged Bu Yin Lou to go to her room because it was late. But he tried to detain Li Ping Ru with a lame excuse that he found her lost bracelet, and now it was in his room. Hence, he invited Li Ping Ru to come with him to see the bracelet. Bu Yin Lou saw the unfavorable situation and helped Li Ping Ru from his clutches.
Eunuch Liu’s attendant saw how arrogant Bu Yin Lou was and suggested his master punish her. But Eunuch Liu said that he got a message from Imperial City to take care of Bu Yin Lou. The messages were passed through so many people that he could not track who was the person behind them. He admitted defeat that day and left the courtyard. Inside the room, Bu Yin Lou tries to inquire about the situation from Li Ping Ru, but she did not want to reveal anything.
The next morning, Bu Yin Lou was late for the morning class. Eunuch Liu reprimanded her in front of the concubines. He reminded the concubines that although they used to live in luxuries, inside the mausoleum they had to curry favor with him because if they wanted to eat and drink well, they had to watch for his mood. Eunuch Liu also asked one of them to serve in the underground. Everybody shivered in fear when they heard his words.
Li Ping Ru explained that the underground Eunuch Liu mentioned was the tomb of the late Emperor. And it was rumored that the place was haunted. The people who went there would return insane or commit suicide. Eunuch Liu caught them whispering with each other. He told Li Ping Ru to go to the underground and asked Bu Yin Lou to accompany her. Li Ping Ru was hesitant to bring Bu Yin Lou. Eunuch Liu said that he could make an exception for her. However, before he could say anything, Bu Yin Lou had already agreed to accompany Li Ping Ru to the underground.
The two of them entered the tomb. Contrary to the shaken Li Ping Ru, Bu Yin Lou was calm. She was excited when she saw the robe of the late emperor. The two of them laid beside the robe. Li Ping Ru still could not calm down and suggested they chanted sutras. But nobody remembers the sutras…🤣
Bu Yin Lou had an idea to pray for the King Of Hell who lived in the Imperial City. Because she heard from the elders that a person with a strong evil aura was untouchable, even the demon would avoid them. Hence, two silly concubines recited name and prayed for good fortune and the safety of the King Of Hell, Xiao Duo.
At the Imperial City, Xiao Duo the King of Hell was absent-minded. He kept staring at the calendar. Even Cao Chun’ang was puzzled by his strange behavior. To avoid Cao Chun’ang’s questions, Xiao Duo asked him about Yuwen Liang Xu, the second Prince of Nanyuan, who was under house arrest.
Yuwen Liang Xu had been living an idle life at the villa. He practiced swordsmanship or play polo. He also summoned entertainers to the villa. Xiao Duo planned to use Yuwen Liang Xu as bait for Yuwen Liang Shi’s spies. He knew that the two brothers were close and depended on each other. He intended to wait for Yuwen Liang Shi’s spies to appear and catches them all. After some time, Xiao Duo realized something wrong with Cao Chun’ang’s words. He asked again about the news Yuwen Liang Xu invited entertainers to the villa.
Xiao Duo came to the villa at the right time. Yuwen Liang Xu was holding the acrobatic performer’s knife. He took the knife and discover a package inside the secret compartment. It smelled of highly poisonous monkshood root.
My Musing
I was amazed at how Bu Yin Lou could think that Xiao Duo’s name could ward off evils when she was in the Emperor’s tomb.🤣
