In Unchained Love episode 1, Emperor Yuanzhen’s death sparks chaos. Eunuch Xiao Duo seizes power, enforcing the tradition of sacrificing tribute ladies. Bu Yin Lou strives to avoid this fate. Meanwhile, political intrigue unfolds, involving Empress Rong’an, Prince Rong, and a plan to use Prince Fu. Episode 1 sets the stage for power struggles and personal challenges.
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Unchained Love Episode 1 Story: Emperor Yuanzhen’s Death Sparks Chaos
Back in the feudal era, when emperors died, their wives, concubines, and maids had to join them in the afterlife – a real party, huh? These lucky ladies were called Tribute Ladies.
So, in the 11th year of Longhua, Emperor Yuanzhen died. Chaos ensued because the heir, Prince Rong, was a kid. Everyone and their grandma wanted to control the young prince and the court. Also, the Zhaoding Bureau, was led by the ruthless Eunuch Xiao Duo.
Emperor Yuanzhen died without leaving a will. But, the Grand Secretariat got the memo just 30 minutes after. Grand Secretary Zhou Cheng De, leading the cabinet, tried to storm the palace, but Xiao Duo played gatekeeper.
Xiao Duo took charge of the inner court, handling the emperor’s funeral and the young emperor’s rise. He summoned the Empress and others for a chat. Oh, and he also ordered the whole tribute ladies’ spectacle by sending them off to the afterlife.
In a corner of Xiecui Garden, Bu Yin Lou was stressing about avoiding the tribute. She tried bribing Xiao Duo but failed. As a last resort, she sent her maid Tong Yun to the Imperial Service Bureau, claiming she escaped and fired her.
Tong Yun, surprisingly chill, assured Bu Yin Lou that help was on the way. She’d sent a letter to the Bu family. But before they could make a plan, strong eunuchs whisked Bu Yin Lou away. Now, Bu Yin Lou joined other concubines in a courtyard. The head eunuch read the decree – every childless concubine was now a tribute lady. Bu Yin Lou, hungry and desperate, leaned on the fence, trying to figure a way out.
One concubine, Beauty Li Pingru, sobbed uncontrollably. Yan Sun Lang, the corrupt officer, spilled the beans – those with money could buy their way out. But, no luck for those without support or cash. Li Pingru and Bu Yin Lou were stuck.
Meanwhile, Xiao Duo was flexing his power in front of the cabinet. He accused Grand Secretary Zhao Cheng De of bribery and fraud, dragging him down. Zhao Cheng De, furious, got tea-cup slapped and sent to prison. Yan Sun Lang, the corrupt officer, took bribes to free some ladies. Li Pingru’s family paid up, but Bu Yin Lou had no such luck. Her dad, the Grand Tutor, didn’t care. Tough life.
At Fengyi Palace, Prince Rong was dragged, wailing, by eunuchs. Inside, Empress Rong’an had Noble Consort Shao detained and poisoned. Xiao Duo intervened, saving the Empress. They had a chat, and it turns out, the Empress had plans with the Prince of Nanyuan, Yuwen Liang Shi. Xiao Duo was not pleased, and he ordered an investigation. That night, he set up an altar for his dead twin brother, Ah Duo. Vowed to avenge his death by killing the Prince of Nanyuan. Xiao Duo’s plan? To use Prince Fu, Murong Gao Gong, to compete with the Empress. But first, he sneaked into Prince Fu’s residence, breaking the Empress’ house arrest orders. The Prince asked for help to save Bu Yin Lou, and Xiao Duo agreed, setting a condition.
Meanwhile, Bu Yin Lou’s mother, Madam Bu, showed up not to save her but to sacrifice her as a tribute lady. She wanted her son to rise in officialdom. Bu Yin Lou prepared for the worst, hiding a sharp ornament. As the time for their “departure to the afterlife” approached, Bu Yin Lou whispered her last wishes to her maid, Tong Yun. When Eunuch Yan announced their time was up, The episode ends with Bu Yin Lou concealing a sharp ornament and following the procession to the Futu Pagoda.
Considerations: Is it worth watching Unchained Love?
I am going to jot down my opinions after watching Episode 1:
- I’m a Wang Hedi fan but till now delighted to see him with an unexpressive face. Not saying his acting is bad as I”m not sure how he’s supposed to portray such a character.
- I don’t like the FL. I don’t have a definite reason for this and maybe I still don’t get how a pseudo-relationship between a concubine and a eunuch can develop. Usually, I would like to see some sparks (love or hatred) from the first episode but didn’t see anything.
- Watching the part of the episode where they’re all hanged because of childless concubines was the showstopper moment of the episode. It makes us reflect on the value these women had for society and their families given no one was interested in them.
Now, let me list the reasons why I will continue to watch this drama:
- Curious to understand Prince Fu’s interest in Bu Yin Lou.
- Is there a reason why she was childless? Was she a proper concubine but couldn’t conceive a child or they’re hinting that she never had any physical relationship with the Emperor?