I didn't read once promised but saw some of  "life for love", the drama based on the novel once promised. Xiao yao's mom, ah henge, married the grand emperor but only in name.  She had a deal with him where she'll help him gain power in Gaoxing but she can be his wife only in name. After he gains power she will divorce him and return to Xuan Yuan. He agreed to the deal. At the time she was in love with chi you and already considered herself his real wife. She was also sleeping with him, creating Xiao Yao. Although XY is Chi You's biological daughter, the grand emperor loves her none the less, also consider her as his own daughter. 

Ok that's all I know about the relationship  between Ah henge, chi you, and grand emperor.  I couldn't finish the drama, the acting was atrocious. I didn't want to read the novel because it wasn't fully translated. 

MTH123  VIP

1 hour ago

The acting in A Life Time Love is atrocious, lol! This is why I can’t watch very many of the older Cdramas. But, I was fascinated by the story, wanted to know more, and found translations of Once Promised (partial translation only) and its sequel Lost You Forever (full translation). The author Tong Hua is an amazing novelist. I was gripped by her storytelling and writing like never before.

I am now able to watch A Life Time Love.  The CGIs are awful as well as the costumes.  Too bad because they have such a good cast,

I'm glad you are able to watch A Life Time Love. Even though the translation of Once Promised is limited, the 12.1 chapters were still helpful. Tong Hua's novels deserve better productions, like Lost You Forever!

Episode 24 is probably when XY was conceived.

 U-chan U-chan:

Ha-ha, thanks for isight detail 😆 

Hehehe.