Why did Shu He die? Kill To Love ending explained as death scene leaves viewers devastated

Chinese period BL drama Kill To Love (紫陌红尘) aired its final episode on September 9, 2025, bringing an emotional conclusion to the story of Shu He and Duan Zi Ang. The drama's ending left many viewers shocked and heartbroken as Shuhe chose death over the promise of a new beginning.

In the finale, Shu He chose death as an act of revenge against Duan Zi Ang. Having lost his brother, his kingdom, and his people to Duan Zi Ang's actions, Shu He believed the only way to punish him was to take away the person he cherished most.

By ending his own life, Shu He delivered what he saw as the final justice for everything that had been destroyed. In the afterlife then, he was once again reunited with Zi Ang

The ending of the drama left fans devastated as the drama closed on its most tragic note. Many viewers were heartbroken by Shu He's tragic choice and the couple's reunion only in the afterlife.

The finale emphasized the painful conflict between love and duty, closing the story on a note of sorrow that resonated deeply with audiences. One fan commented,

"I'm devastated, it's been a long time since a BL series made me cry as much as this one did."

The ending of Kill To Love not only shocked viewers but also left a lasting emotional impact across its audience. Fans who had followed Xiao Shu He and Duan Zi Ang’s journey closely admitted being left in tears by the finale, with many expressing how deeply the tragic twist resonated with them.

While many viewers were heartbroken by the tragic conclusion of Kill To Love, others found closure in the ending. Fans interpreted the finale in different ways. Some saw it as the perfect resolution to Shu He and Zi Ang’s turbulent relationship. Others appreciated the emotional justice carried out through their fate.

Kill To Love ending explained: The tragic fate and afterlife reunion of Xiao Shu He and Duan Zi Ang

Kill To Love (紫陌红尘) is based on the Chinese novel The Eternal Silence of Mountains and Rivers aka Shan He Yong Ji (山河永寂) by Yi Han He. The story unfolds in a world torn apart by war between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. It weaves together themes of forbidden romance, betrayal, political ambition, and the struggle between love and power.

At the center of the tale of Kill To Love is Xiao Shu He, the sixth prince of the Southern Kingdom, who has little claim to the throne. During a mission, he rescues Duan Zi Ang, a man raised in secrecy and molded into a human weapon with no room for hesitation.

Their encounter creates a bond that challenges the strict boundaries of their society, eventually blossoming into a love that defies fate. Yet love is not enough in a world where survival depends on power. To secure Shu He’s future as the heir to the South, Zi Ang makes a painful choice that shatters their relationship.

Years later, their paths cross again under entirely different circumstances. Zi Ang has risen to become Emperor of the North, while Shu He has ascended to the throne of the South.

Still from Kill To Love (Image via GagaOOLala)

Now standing on opposite sides as rival rulers, they face each other once more. What has once been a shared dream of devotion is now clouded by politics, conflict, and the weight of their kingdoms. Their love, once forbidden, becomes a battlefield of its own.

Both Xiao Shu He and Duan Zi Ang are torn between duty and love. Shu He dedicates himself to protecting prisoners of war, holding onto the hope of one day restoring their lost kingdom. Zi Ang, on the other hand, longs so deeply to keep Shu He by his side that he even resorts to chaining his legs to prevent him from leaving.

In the final episode of Kill To Love, Shu He visits Zi Ang, who has fallen ill. Ziang repents for his actions, and Shu He admits that while he hates Zi Ang, he hates himself even more for being unable to turn away from him.

Despite the pain between them, the Shu He expresses a wish to 'start over' and live an ordinary life together. He suggests they could escape together with Shen Song's help, making Zi Ang, who instantly agrees, happy.

They visits Shu He’s princely home, where they share quiet, intimate moments together. Shu He plays an instrument while Zi Ang dances to its melody. Later, they enjoy dinner with friends, and that night, Zi Ang proposes that they perform the marriage ritual of sharing three bowls of nuptial wine and cutting their hair together.

He explains that legend says hair cut with a bloodied blade ties two souls together even in the afterlife. Though Zi Ang is gravely ill and continues coughing blood, the two complete the ritual, drink the wine, and seal their vows with a kiss, confirming their union.

The next morning, before returning to the Palace, Shu He tells Zi Ang that life, death, and prosperity are in the hands of the heavens and confesses his love for Zi Ang once again. Zi Ang is happy as they cherish the fleeting time they spent together.

Soon after, Shu He is summoned before Emperor Zi Ang in court. He is accused of breaking laws and committing rebellion even as a prisoner of war. As punishment, he is sentenced to death by poison. Zi Ang, having a plan to save him, smiles at Shu He, silently mouthing the words,

“See you later.”

Secretly, he has arranged an antidote through Shen Song before hand. Now as an Emperor, he formally declares the punishment as an example of law and order in the kingdom.

Shu He however, secretly has asked Shen Song for real poison, not to run away, but to carry out his plan. Determined to sacrifice himself as retribution for the death of his family and kingdom he chooses to drink only the real poison.

Smiling as he falls into death, he denies Zi Ang the chance to save him. Realizing Shu He’s true intentions, Zi Ang rushes to his side, cradling him in his arms as he cries out in anguish, coughing blood. He weeps,

“Shu He, you have deceived me. You have deceived me my whole life.”

In the following scene of Kill To Love, Shu He appears at the door of the afterlife and reunites with his brother. After a brief exchange, his brother departs, apologizing to Shu He.

Left behind, Shu He lingers at the gates of heaven, saying that he is waiting for the person he has been in the arms of when he dies. Soon after, Zi Ang arrives smiling, crossing the threshold into the afterlife, where he is finally reunited with Shu He. On this note Kill to Love ends.

All episodes of Kill To Love are now available to stream on GagaOOLala.

About the author

Adrija Chakraborty is a writer at Sportskeeda with a Master's degree in English literature, which provided her with a strong foundation in research, analysis, and writing. Currently, she covers all things K-drama trends. In school, Adrija served as an editor for her school magazine and has published many stories that received delightful responses.

Adrija's passion for pop culture, especially K-pop and K-dramas, developed during her university years. Writing blog posts and articles on these topics, which received positive feedback, helped her build a portfolio and opened doors to opportunities in the pop culture writing industry. This also allowed her to combine her academic background with her love for K-pop and K-dramas.

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In her free time, Adrija enjoys watching K-dramas, reading books in different languages on various topics, singing, painting, and cooking.

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Edited by Adrija Chakraborty