Chenrong Xinyue pointed at the mulberry tree while cursing the locust tree — once again looking at people with contempt, like a dog judging others by their status.
Source ............
Forget it. To make it easier to understand, the blogger will just say it directly (personal opinion, for reference only, don’t take it seriously, just for fun!)
The straightforward story: [Book version — The Three in the Ice Crystal Ball]
A psychologically flawed young woman, for the sake of her beloved cousin’s great cause and to avoid repeating her mother’s mistakes, from the very beginning gave up on the “one she loved” and chose the so-called “right person” (using a substitute).
Xiaoyao has been torn back and forth between emotion and reason. Xiangliu, out of love, fulfilled her choice by providing the “three guarantees” (self-protection with bow and arrows, the big-bellied doll Ye Shiqi as companion, and the sea as a place to go). Xiaoyao lost true love forever and will spend the rest of her life longing; Yaoliu will never see each other again for eternity. Xiangliu’s love doesn’t need to wait until dawn — just lock up the big-bellied doll...
Is such a simple story really that hard to understand?
Hidden storyline (Snake and Fox fable): [Drama version — Mutual Devotion in the Ice Crystal Ball]
Yaoliu are in love but cannot be together due to their public identities. Xiaoyao uses a lover’s gu to gamble her life and bind them; over time, true hearts are revealed!
Early on, to help Cangxuan raise money, she willingly entered the fox demon’s prison cage. The snake demon, unable to eat Xiaoyao, wanted to leave, but xiaoyao “stole the snake egg,” so the snake demon stayed. The snake demon was killed by the fox demon protecting xiaoyao (the truth of the Plum Forest)...
Later, Xiaoyao adopts the “Round Lantern, Missing Boat” strategy (poisoning the fox demon), openly repairing the plank road (Yaojing), while secretly crossing the river (Yaoliu)...
Xiangliu secretly helps Cangxuan achieve the unification of the Great Wilderness. Xiangliu and Cangxuan reach a consensus to preserve Hong Jiang and let the righteous army return home, completing the true “Three Guarantees” (a healed heart, a beloved lover Xiangliu, and a free and equal Great Wilderness)...
In the end, Cangxuan appreciates Xiaoyao’s efforts, spares Xiangliu, and fulfills the sister’s wish for family reunion...
When I write novels,I usually adopt a relatively singular perspective.
About 70 to 80 percent of the time,I develop the story from the female lead’s point of view.
As for other characters,I still think about them,but I often say this:we need to think through 10 points,but when we put it into words, we might only be able to express 3.
And due to the limitations of language,what actually reaches the reader might only be 1 point.
‘Lost You Forever’ (《长相思》) is told from the female lead’s perspective.
When I first took on the job of screenwriting for this project,I was actually a bit resistant.
Because many senior writers had told me before:after you write a screenplay,you’ll likely lose a lot of the sensitivity and emotional nuance that you have when writing novels.
They said screenwriting and novel writing are two completely different forms of writing.
But at the time, due to various coincidences and circumstances,I had to take on this project myself.
However, once I truly began writing the script,writing ‘One Stays, Nine Leaves’ (一留九),and working through the final approved version,I was genuinely grateful that I took on this job.
Because it gave me a chance to re-enter the world of Lost You Forever.
And because the process of screenwriting is different,it requires a more omniscient, god-like perspective.
You need to stand beside each character,feel what they feel—not just stick to the female lead’s point of view like in a novel.
So when I was screenwriting,I brought out all the hidden threads and clues that hadn’t been written in the novel.
In a way,I also lived through these characters again—experiencing life in their world,together with them.
Even though it was exhausting at the time,because it was my first time working as a screenwriter,I was figuring things out as I went.
I also watched a lot of classic, well-known dramas to learn from the creative methods of the senior screenwriters.
But personally, I feel it was all worth it.
Thank you for posting! Another interesting take. Not sure I agree with it entirely, but as I said before, it isn't the first time I've seen CX connected to the Nine Tailed Fox cage of her youth. I still think it relates more to Tushan Jing, but Tong Hua certainly doesn't mind layer upon layer for multiple interpretations. Will have to think more on this.
However, this is an intriguing point, especially given how much crap YaoLiu took over XL's blood drinking. Will definitely make note of it in my rewatch.
The first time he “picked up the roadside trash,”he was saved by Xiaoyao’s blood.AkuMau:
The second time, when he returned from the deep sea,he was also saved by Xiaoyao’s blood.
The third time—when he was about to get married—Xiaoyao walked away.
Kokuto:
Thank you for posting! Another interesting take. Not sure I agree with it entirely, but as I said before, it isn't the first time I've seen CX connected to the Nine Tailed Fox cage of her youth. I still think it relates more to Tushan Jing, but Tong Hua certainly doesn't mind layer upon layer for multiple interpretations. Will have to think more on this.
However, this is an intriguing point, especially given how much crap YaoLiu took over XL's blood drinking. Will definitely make note of it in my rewatch.
It’s completely okay if you don’t fully agree — that’s the beauty of it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. 😊
Different perspectives only deepen our understanding of the story.
Like you said, Tong Hua really does enjoy layering meanings... and maybe all of them can be true, depending on who’s looking. 🌸
Thanks again, truly.
Maybe I can say that I believe about 80 out of 100 in the overall theory. Although there are still some question marks.
When connected with Tong Hua’s last interview before the novel was adapted into a drama—where she said that eternal longing belongs only to Cangxuan—it starts to make sense. It's also said that the main theme of the drama is healing, and how the structure of the ice crystal ball transforms into a merman running toward the mermaid.Then there’s also the window that was once closed, now being opened.There’s also that line "When we met again, my heartbeat recognized you before I did.does it truly fit Tushan Jing?And the drama's 'filter'—is it just a simple Easter egg, or another clue about Lost You Forever.
And if the theory about Guardian spirit is true—that behind Tushan Jing’s forgiveness and kindness lies the intention to obtain divine blood by making them willingly offer it.
Then when Xiangliu said, “I will give you a long-term companion” (I forgot which episode it was), does it really make sense that Xiangliu would give Tushan Jing as a long-term companion? Considering all the dark theories surrounding him, and how short his life is?
The drama does still follow the novel—it was written using the method of "writing one, leaving nine behind"—but the clues are clearly scattered everywhere.
Who dragged Xiangliu into it when they ganged up on Xiaoyao?
This piece addresses two questions:
Who wanted to kill Tushan Jing?
Who’s the fox, and who’s the dog?
Let’s start with the fox.
Let’s dig into a hidden metaphor.
At the very beginning of the story, a nine-tailed fox demon was buried (foreshadowed).
The nine-tailed fox demon is the man she met.
Who does the nine-tailed fox demon represent?
Dressed in white, always saying “I’ll eat you” — Xiangliu.
Dressed in white, captured her and locked her up — Cangxuan.
The nine-tailed fox demon symbolizes possessiveness.
Xiangliu —
At the bottom of the sea, Xiangliu drew the poison out of Xiaoyao’s body and willingly allowed himself to be poisoned.
Over the span of decades, Xiaoyao gathered rare medicinal herbs to craft poison.
The more she made, the harder it became,
the more beautiful it looked,
and the more delicious it tasted.
— Love poisoned and killed Xiangliu’s possessiveness.
From that point on, Xiangliu began to push her away, out of love.
Cangxuan
— Xiaoyao supported Cangxuan’s rise to power,
spent decades studying medical texts,
and devoted herself in every way to Cangxuan’s “great cause”—
also as a sacrifice for “home and country.”
In the end, Cangxuan bore the pain and let her go.
His “nine-tailed fox demon” died.
(This same pattern also applies to Shaohao.)
— Love and selfless devotion killed possessiveness.
Who is the nine-tailed fox demon a metaphor for?
Fox butt? There’s no way that wasn’t intentional.
In the previous chapter, we already placed the two foxes side by side for comparison.
The nine-tailed fox demon seeks revenge for the “cut tail” and the “stolen friend” — a complete parallel to Tushan Jing.
(Both the front and back ends of the story count as “tails.”)
The nine-tailed fox demon imprisoning Xiaoyao, extracting emotional value from her, and “using blood as medicine” also fully aligns with Tushan Jing.
Now, let’s look at Xiaoyao’s attitude toward the nine-tailed fox demon:
Early Qingshui Town — Provoking Tushan Jing
Qingshui Town, Haoling, Zhiyi — Constantly betrayed, constantly tormented.
When there’s nothing going on, she refuses to see him; when there is, she endures the humiliation — staying silent and refusing to cooperate.
Courting death — “Saving someone who shouldn’t be saved is asking for death,” but she didn’t end up dying.
Wanted him dead — The “faceless death warrior” was sent to kill Tushan Jing.
The reason she wanted him dead: It was the fox’s doing, and she knew it.
Xiangliu reminded Xiaoyao twice that it was Tushan Jing who killed her.
The first time:
In the slave fighting pit of Qingqiu, he told Xiaoyao about the connection between Tushan Jing and Meilin’s biting “dog monster.” (In the screenshot, Yang Zi gives a subtle facial expression.)
The second time:
Jealous of Cangxuan, he brought up Tushan Jing's motive — a "crime of passion."
The third time (in the novel):
He mentioned another motive for Tushan Jing — a "revenge killing."
The drama cut out Xiangliu's third reminder.
On the other hand, it added the assassin sent to kill Tushan Jing, whose "faceless" special effect was exactly the same as Xiaoyao’s.
Which means the answer was given: After Xiangliu’s two reminders, Xiaoyao had already completely figured out the real culprit behind the torture and killing in Meilin.
She wanted to finish using Tushan Jing, then get rid of him.
— You can’t raise a rabbit in a den of wolves. The female lead is not some great benevolent person.
Continuing with the Nine-Tailed Fox:
The cave of the Nine-Tailed Fox — was burned down.
The Tushan family’s immense fortune — is it still intact? You’ll find out by the end of this article.
The fox’s tails — were cut off one by one. On the fox’s face appeared a look of relief, no longer tormented by love and hatred, finally freed.
The metaphor of the Nine-Tailed Fox once again points to: Tushan Jing is dead.
The third way Tushan Jing dies has now been revealed:
Killed by Tushan Hou. (Tied to the plotline of "two hearts in conflict")
Drowned. (Tied to the retelling of the Nine-Colored Deer story)
Freed after having his tails chopped off one by one. (An allegory through the Nine-Tailed Fox’s ending)
— Yet, the scene of Tushan Hou cutting off the tails was deleted.
— Tong Hua mistreated the fox, giving him three types of death.
Tong Hua, that kind? Are three deaths enough?
No. There’s more. We’ll keep digging.
After finishing with the fox, let’s now look at the dog.
The dog symbolizes ambition.
Butcher Gao was “hanging a sheep’s head while selling dog meat” — what he displayed was Xiaoyao and Anian, but what he was truly selling was political ambition.
Xiaoyao kidnapped Anian, and the camera showed a flock of sheep.
As for the "dog," it directly refers to Lirong Chang.
Lirong Chang is the dog raised by Tushan Jing.
And then there’s Fenglong Xinyue.
Tong Hua, through the metaphor of “dog,” strings together sweet-sounding words that are actually veiled insults.
If we pull out all the hidden jabs and look at them openly—it's quite a spectacle.
"Every sentence says 'dog,' every sentence says 'dog.'"
From the moment he appears, the tone is set:
At the banquet, Chishui Fenglong flies into a rage, slams the table, and says, “Dog meat is not fit for a banquet.”
With that, the species is confirmed.
Chenrong Xinyue looks at people with condescension — like a dog looking down on others.
Xiaoyao and Xiangliu "not speaking like humans."
When Xiangliu was injured, Xiaoyao immediately cursed Tushan Jing and Fenglong. (Obscured by sheer curtains)
Xiangliu confirmed: “You guessed right — I was indeed forced by Tushan Jing and Fenglong.”
Neither of them are decent people; they’re nothing but “a fox and a dog in cahoots.”
Xiangliu was seriously injured.
Later, when Xiaoyao saw Bei at the residence of those so-called “scoundrel friends” (literally: fox and dog friends), she panicked and immediately started scolding them.
Xiangliu was scolding the younger generation, and the so-called "father-in-law" Chichen was actually referring to his adoptive father, Hongjiang. (They are one family, with an uncle-nephew generational relationship).
The four unspoken words: “Trying to be human?” — a curse directed at the demon Xiangliu.
In the brutal torture at Meilin Forest, aside from the same injuries as the fox, there was also a pair of dogs. In the savage abuse of the royal princess, those dogs were outrageously audacious.
A pair of dogs above the death arena symbolizes the “slave-owning” prince and princess of the Chenrong rebel army — a brother and sister with hearts of wolves and lungs of dogs (cruel and ungrateful).
"Chenrong Xinyue called herself a 'stray dog'."
Fenglong is dead, the Chenrong clan has lost its power, and she (Chenrong Xinyue) has truly become a stray dog with no home.
After Xiaoyao got engaged to Fenglong, both Xiaoyao and Xiangliu ended up in the jaws of dogs.
To help Cangxuan usurp the throne, the Central Plains diverted Xiyan's troops to Qingshui Town, causing the alliance between the rebel army and the Central Plains to collapse. Trapped between clashing forces—caught in the interlocking jaws of hounds—Xiaoyao and Xiangliu struggled to survive in the cracks.
After the alliance between the rebel army and Zhongyuan collapsed, Xiaoyao began referring to Xiangliu as "General." The title of "Military Advisor" was a term exclusively used by the dog-headed clan (i.e., the Chenrong faction).
Fangfeng Bei's forced marriage disrupted Zhongyuan’s political stage. The relationship between the two sides further deteriorated, and the "dog" identity of Bei was effectively destroyed.
Xiaoyao grew to deeply resent the Chenrong clan for dragging her husband down, even cursing Hongjiang along with them—calling them "cruel and heartless demons with the heart of a wolf and lungs of a dog."
Xiangliu didn’t dare talk back and only responded, “I won’t betray” and “I’m not human.”
Queen Xinyue flaunted her power, like a dog bullying others by relying on its master’s strength.
After hundreds of years of bleeding the rebel army dry and feeding off their flesh, Fenglong discarded them like worthless rags. Then, in pursuit of profit, he turned his sword against them. In the end, he personally led troops to "suppress" them.
(The lives of tens of thousands of Yijun soldiers were treated as worthless—trampled like weeds by the nobility.)
—The fox-and-dog version of the “cured, then kill your savior” act once again confirms their wolf’s heart and dog’s lungs — cruel and ungrateful.
Xiangliu drew his bow, while Fenglong came rushing in like a starving dog to a latrine—looking for shit.
Cangxuan unified the world and got rid of Fenglong—just like the saying, “when the rabbit dies, the dog is cooked.”
If you dig deeper, there’s still more… but saying too much is exhausting. As long as the intention is understood, that’s enough.
It’s an entire string of insults from beginning to end…
To convey the metaphors, the handsome male actors and skilled actresses deliberately showed fierce and contorted expressions multiple times.
Using the Spring and Autumn Annals writing style, the story portrays one fox and two dogs—outwardly elegant and noble, but behind the scenes, behaving like wandering dogs and lustful foxes.
Cangxuan and the killing trap
We’ve already analyzed the “Central Plains conspiracy” and the “brutal massacre in the plum forest.”
Cangxuan was fully aware of Tushan Jing’s schemes.
Zhang Wanyi delivered a highly accurate portrayal, and Cangxuan’s emotional cues and attitude were made obvious. His “changing face” only deceived characters within the story—not the audience.
There’s no need to overanalyze the plot—just look at the facial expressions, and everything becomes clear.
Fenglong said, "only then can I negotiate with you and the King of Xiyan," but he didn’t mention Xiaoyao’s biological father, the King of Haoling. Cangxuan’s face instantly turned cold.
"Beside Fenglong, at the bottom of the screen, there’s a heart even blacker than Tushan Jing’s."
Toward Xinyue
Endure / Tolerate
Toward Li Rongchang
Toward the fox
Tushan Jing raised puppets, schemed to seize power and usurp Cangxuan’s position, humiliated and attempted to murder Xiaoyao, manipulated the political scene as a tycoon and noble, and brought chaos to the court.
Cangxuan had strong motives to eliminate Tushan Jing — from the perspectives of himself, Xiaoyao, and the nation. But as an emperor, if he couldn't establish moral high ground, he couldn’t act openly; he had to do it in secret.
In the drama, this was changed to Cangxuan “killing with a borrowed knife.”
Watch what Cangxuan says to Fenglong.
Tushan Jing has family conflicts that can be exploited.
You're the true founding hero—what right does he have to steal the credit from you?
Tushan Jing—I’m not interested in him. But the Tushan family, they do have a vast fortune.
The Tushan clan is as rich as a nation, and Tushan Jing is actually the real number one on the bounty list.
Whether Fenglong was tempted like a hunter spotting prey and pounced like a vicious dog—was never stated. But right after that, Xinyue made her move, stabbing Xiaoyao in the process.
Hurting Xiaoyao enraged Cangxuan.
Fenglong immediately turned around and bit back at Xinyue!
This sentence sends a chill down the spine
Such “deep sibling affection” — like two dogs fighting and ending up with a mouthful of fur!
(Fenglong told his father that he led the troops into battle to save Xinyue — do you believe that?)
Persuaded Xinyue to take the fall.
So, is the “wealth that could rival a nation” in Tushan Jing’s fox den still there? — Just like the metaphor, it was all burned to ashes.
Fenglong’s grandfather, Yanzhuo, was the God of Fire.
The plot is very exciting, and it cleverly maintains a balance.
On one hand, it "whitewashes" Cangxuan in front of the audience — making it seem like, “Our Cangxuan isn’t bad, he didn’t kill your Jing!”
On the other hand, it portrays Cangxuan with even more imperial charisma, while also adding dramatic conflict between the “dog brother and sister” that the audience loves to watch.
In summary, this article points out that Xiaoyao, Cangxuan, Fenglong, and Xinyue all wanted to get rid of Tushan Jing.
Tushan Jing is the fox; Fenglong and Xinyue are the dogs.
The Tushan Residence is a microcosm of the entire story.
The first person in the Tushan household to reveal their identity is Yu Xin — which literally means “foolish trust.”
Only a fool would believe.
Silent Night and Noisy Day
Tushan Jing’s personal maid is named Jingye (Silent Night), while Fangfeng Yiying’s personal maid is named Xuanzhou (Noisy Day).
At first glance, Xuanzhou seems evil and Jingye seems good,
but their names form a pair — day and night, light and dark — suggesting a reversal.
So what does this say about the light and dark dynamics between Tushan Jing and Fangfeng Yiying?
When Jingye makes her appearance, her dialogue deliberately references Dream of the Red Chamber.
[Heaven must be merciful—
for this servant has actually found the young master.]
Yaoliu (瑶柳), composed of the jade and wood radicals, is derived from the “Wood and Stone Pact” between Baochai and Daiyu in Dream of the Red Chamber.
Xiaoyao, entangled with Tushan Jing, is like a stone splashed with filth—
and behind that sullied stone hides Xiangliu.
The stone fox at the entrance of the Tushan residence is very clean.
"Grandfather" said that in the Ningguo Mansion, only the stone lions are clean.
Maternal grandfather used to be Liu Xianglian
[ What a truly enchanting pair." Upon hearing this, Xianglian stomped his foot and said, "This isn’t right—absolutely must not be done. In your Eastern Mansion, aside from those two stone lions, I fear not even the cats or dogs are clean. I won’t be one of those shameless scoundrels." When Baoyu heard this, his face flushed red. Xianglian, realizing he had spoken out of turn, quickly bowed and said, "I deserve to die for such reckless words. ]
Close your eyes and ask your heart — you’ll see something different.
[ I dwell beyond the mortal world,
With lowered brows and eyes, I observe only the heart.
I neither listen nor look—only guard love.]
Fangfeng Yiying’s ending is adapted from You Sanjie.
[Jia Lian still wanted to argue, but Xianglian stood up and said, “Brother, let’s talk outside. It’s not convenient here.” But You Sanjie clearly heard everything from inside the room. She had waited so long for him to come, and now, seeing him try to back out, she realized he must have received news from the Jia household. Naturally, he now looked down on her as a shameless runaway woman, unworthy of being his wife. If she let him go out and talk to Jia Lian to withdraw the engagement, Jia Lian would surely claim he had no choice, and she would become a joke.
As soon as she heard Jia Lian wanted to talk with Xianglian outside, she quickly took off her sword, hid the sharp blade under her elbow, and came out, saying, “There’s no need for further discussion. I’m returning your betrothal gift.” Tears poured down like rain. With her left hand, she handed the sheathed sword to Xianglian, and with her right, she drew the blade and slashed it across her own neck.
How pitiful:
“Peach blossoms shattered, crimson scattered across the ground.
The jade mountain toppled, never to rise again.”
That fragrant soul, delicate and bright, faded into the mist—who knows where she went?
Everyone was struck with terror and rushed to save her, but it was too late. Old Master You wailed while cursing Xianglian. Jia Lian quickly grabbed Xianglian and ordered people to tie him up and deliver him to the authorities. But You Erjie wiped her tears and tried to reason with Jia Lian:
“You’re being too much. No one forced her to die—she took her own life. Even if you turn him in to the officials, what good will it do? It will only create more scandal and disgrace. Better to just let him go and be done with it.”
Jia Lian, uncertain what to do, let go of Xianglian and told him to leave. But Xianglian didn’t move. Weeping, he said, “I truly didn’t know she was such a courageous and virtuous woman… worthy of admiration, truly worthy.” He then knelt beside her body and sobbed uncontrollably.
After a coffin was purchased and the body laid to rest, he again wept bitterly over the casket before finally bidding farewell and leaving. ]
Viewing the characters You Sanjie and Fangfeng Yiying side by side:
They were, at first, women of purity, with beautiful faces.
But greedy men, in their desire to possess them, ended up defiling them.
Liu Xianglian gave a pair of swords (yuanyang swords), while Tushan Hou gave a paired bow and arrows (yuanyang arrows).
They fought against fate with unwavering determination, yet were scorned by the world, humiliated, and betrayed by their own families.
They loved with all their hearts and once gave their deepest affections to the men they cherished.
But they answered with death. When their sincerity was trampled, when the men they loved came to see them as dishonorable women—You Sanjie took her own life with the yuanyang sword, while Fangfeng Yiying and Tushan Hou pierced each other’s hearts with the yuanyang arrows, dying together.
Branded as wanton women, yet in truth, they were noble and steadfast.
Fangfeng Yiying was a woman who fought against fate, but was destroyed by greedy people in a patriarchal world.
Fangfeng Yiying symbolizes or represents the "意" "Yi" (will/feeling/desire) of Xiaoyao.
Xiaoyao's story is similar to theirs, but the ending is reversed.
Look—Bailian Xiangliu and Liu Xianglian, they are opposites.
Xiangliu said, "Why not marry Fenglong?" — deliberately provoking Xiaoyao. Xiaoyao fired her divine arrow, but couldn’t bring herself to strike a vital point.
One begged to be pursued, to be used, to die together;
the other did everything possible to push her away, even risked his life to remove the curse.
The tragic tale of a devoted woman dying for love was reversed — turned into wholehearted protection.
Because they understood each other's hearts, and the love ran deep.
Close your eyes, and the story becomes even clearer.
Relying only on the eyes, one still can't see the hidden malice beneath the elegant and radiant facade of Qingqiu’s noble son.
This work is a mirror — the eyes can deceive; truth and appearance often stand in opposition.
Beneath the roof of Tushan’s residence, under layers of green tiles and porcelain bricks, lies the filthiest secret in the entire story.
Now, let’s begin our search — inside the Tushan residence...
What else is reversed?
Hakimi, the one “taken care of” by Cangxuan,
is not Tushan Jing’s spiritual consciousness,
but rather — the consciousness spirit itself.
Reversed.
Look, it was "taken care of" by Cangxuan.
It is a wisp of the wandering soul of an old fox demon, sustained by the offerings of the Tushan clan.
It must consume the divine blood of the gods in order to protect the descendants of Tushan.
[ The nine-tailed fox, like the phoenix, is an auspicious divine beast — but it is also a fierce demon that devours humans. As the legends were passed down over time, people could no longer tell which part was true and which was false. They could only both revere and fear it. In truth, both are real.
Humans eat beasts, and beasts eat humans — there is no good or evil, no right or wrong. It is simply the way of nature.
The spirit guardian of the Tushan clan, known as the "shishen" (consciousness spirit), is said to be a wisp of the wandering soul of a Tushan ancestor. It receives offerings from the Tushan clan and protects their descendants.
Yiying is a pure-blooded member of the divine race, full of spiritual power and strong in cultivation. If her divine blood were used as an offering to nourish the spirit, it would surely bring great benefit to the Tushan clan. ]
Let’s break down the question:
Where does the divine blood come from? — No one knows.
But the little fox spirit has always followed Tushan Jing.
[Yi Ying looked up at Jing.
The summer sunlight shone down from above his head, illuminating his features with striking clarity. His face resembled Hou’s, but without Hou’s cunning wildness — instead, it was open and honest, like clear water and a bright moon, calm and gentle.
For the first time, Yi Ying truly saw what Jing looked like.
Yi Ying smiled and said,
"I used to think you were weak and useless.
But today, I finally understand — hatred doesn’t require wisdom.
It’s just an instinctive reaction after being hurt.
Forgiveness, on the other hand, takes wisdom and strength.
Unfortunately, I’m not capable of it.
Turns out, I’m not worthy of you.
I still prefer an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Hou and I really are a perfect match."
Jing said,
"Until you’re able to take care of Qier, I will take good care of him."]
Tushan Jing used "forgiveness," "kindness," and Tushan Zhen to make Fangfeng Yiying willingly offer herself as a sacrifice to nourish the spirit guardian (shishen).
["It wasn't hard to do, so I didn't refuse."
But whether it’s done willingly or not makes a big difference.
If it's unwilling, even if a demon consumes the divine blood of a god, it's no more than taking a tonic — it merely strengthens the body.
But if it's willing, the demon can absorb the spiritual power that the god has cultivated through hard training, greatly enhancing its own demonic power.]
Whether it's done willingly or not when being consumed by a demon makes a huge difference.
Fangfeng Yiying willingly and wholeheartedly offered herself to nourish the spirit guardian, and even when all that remained of her was a pile of bones, she still thought,
"I owe you."
When the Shengsheng Mirror revealed the truth, Xiaoyao trembled with nervousness.
If back then, Fangfeng Yiying hadn’t happened to be pregnant,if the palace hadn’t collapsed, forcing the Tushan family to deliberately keep their distance—would the one whose divine blood was consumed by the wandering soul of the nine-tailed fox… have been her instead?
The spirit guardian (shishen) protects the descendants of the Tushan clan, allowing the family to escape danger time and again.
Tushan Jing is the carefully cultivated future leader of the clan, bearing the weight of family responsibility from a young age.
To offer sacrifices to nourish the spirit is to protect the Tushan clan.
[Jing said, “You are not of Tushan blood. Once the spirit guardian receives your divine blood, it will consume it greedily, without restraint. You will suffer pain that pierces straight to the heart.”]
Tushan Jing knew that when the spirit guardian fed on the pure blood of the Tushan bloodline, it would show restraint.
But if it wasn't of the Tushan bloodline, the spirit would indulge greedily, causing the one being sacrificed to suffer excruciating pain.
So, how did Tushan Jing come to know all this?
Romance is a realm of love for women, but a hunting ground for men.
Tushan Jing is a love letter written by Tong Hua to her female readers.
Tushan Jing “hunted” Fangfeng Yiying to reduce the amount of spiritual energy the guardian spirit would consume from himself.
Upon seeing this, the previous doubts in the earlier story are also resolved.
In thirty-seven years, why did Tushan Jing just lie down and nearly die from it, while this little fox remained lively and full of energy…?
Cangxuan kept a close watch, so Tushan Jing didn’t dare to make a move — he couldn’t “hunt.”So then, what did the guardian spirit (shishen) feed on?
...Therefore, after thirty-seven years, Tushan Jing was about to run out of energy and die. After drinking Xiaoyao’s blood, he came back to life.
So, after coming back to life, Tushan Jing cried his heart out while holding Xiaoyao, saying: “I don’t want to be Tushan Jing anymore — I just want to be Ye Shiqi…”
So, Tushan Jing was unwilling to become the clan leader. When he was forced to take on the role, he sat in silence on the mountaintop, blankly reciting poems about the clan’s prosperity.
During the succession ceremony, he looked worriedly at Xiaoyao.
So, during the grand wedding, Tushan Jing sent a puppet to perform the ceremony, while he himself sat on a hillside, crying in anguish.
Only when the truth about the spirit guardian (识神) feeding on blood was revealed did we finally see that Tushan Jing didn’t want to be Tushan Jing—because Tushan Jing was a sacrificial offering, and he wanted to live.
But the education he received since birth had ingrained in him the instinct to protect the Tushan clan. The habits of a nobleman's life were already imprinted on his body. He couldn’t accept becoming Ye Shiqi—because in this world, Ye Shiqi didn’t exist.
To be Tushan Jing and still want to live—he could only cry in despair.
Much of Tushan Jing’s “strange behavior” is finally explained.
The character is complex—not just worthy of resentment, but also truly pitiful.
After seeing what makes him pitiable, let’s now look at what makes him detestable.
Let’s see—how many women does Tushan Jing have?
Tushan Hou took the woman who belonged to Jing, and the handkerchief was a gift from Lanxiang.
Let’s start with Lanxiang.
Tushan Hou seduced Lanxiang and instructed her to poison the wine.
Tushan Jing noticed the wine had been meddled with.
He had only two close-serving maids, so with a single question, he knew who was responsible.
Tushan Jing remained calm and collected — he neither investigated further nor replaced the wine, but simply stopped sending wine to Xiaoyao.
During the river transport incident, he met with Xiaoyao and subtly led her to bring up the matter of the wine — seeking the truth about the poison.
The scheme was set up by the princess, and the poison was also prepared by her. Lanxiang was instructed to administer the poison by Tushan Hou, while the “victim,” Tushan Jing, forgave Lanxiang and told her to live her life well. He also told Lanxiang, “Your family situation—Jingye knows all about it.”
Compare this with Fangfeng Yiying:
The scheme to sow discord was set up by the princess; Tushan Hou was the one seduced by her. Fangfeng Yiying was betrayed by Tushan Hou, yet the “victim,” Tushan Jing, forgave Fangfeng Yiying and told her, “Your son will have to rely on me to grow up.”
Tushan Jing’s series of calculated moves made Fangfeng Yiying willingly feed the guardian spirit (识神) with her own blood.
The exact same pattern.
So—where did Lanxiang go?
Tushan Jing had another woman—Lanmei.
Jing’s mother married off Jing’s maid, Lanmei, to Hou as his primary wife, but Lanmei remained deeply attached to Jing.
[They all got along well with her. Later, Mother married her off to my eldest brother. She became more and more silent, and eventually, you could hardly ever see her smile. I knew my brother treated her coldly, but there was nothing I could do—so I quietly looked after her, asking Jingye to visit her whenever he had time. Perhaps afraid of being scolded by my brother, my sister-in-law rarely spoke much to me. But every spring, as long as I was at the estate, she would give Jingye a bouquet of Yunyin azaleas to place in my study. Those flowers were extremely beautiful and only bloomed on the peak of Qingqiu Mountain. When we were young, my brother and I often took the girls to see them. Though my sister-in-law seemed indifferent…]
Couple outfits of Tushan Jing and Lan Mei.
Secret Affair Between Yiying and Hou:
Tushan Jing sensed something was wrong. He exposed his own scars to test her and confirmed that Fangfeng Yiying harbored disgust toward him.
The subtle flirting between Yiying and Hou was instantly seen through by Xiangliu, the monster who had just begun to grow a human heart.
Madam Tushan wasn’t blind—she had known about Yiying and Hou’s affair for a long time.
Tushan Jing wasn’t blind either—he had also known about it all along.
The reason no one exposed it was because they were all waiting for the same outcome: Tushan Zhen.
Consummating the marriage with medicine
Tushan Jing had studied medicine for many years—he knew there was medicine in the soup. Still, he drank it, and the whole family tacitly put on a grand performance.
When he realized that his body had been seen by Fangfeng Yiying, he was overwhelmed with shame and anger—his first reaction was to kill her to silence the matter.
But thinking of his "great duty" as a man and the need to produce heirs for the family, he swallowed his humiliation and went out drinking to drown his sorrow.
Having been seen, he flew into a rage out of shame.
Lanmei’s Report
This wasn’t a secret—Tushan Hou wasn’t afraid of Tushan Jing finding out!
Tushan Jing already knew from the beginning and even cooperated willingly.
He was actually hoping Lanmei would report it to him!
Reporting it was equivalent to putting Tushan Jing in a trap.
If he didn’t react, it would be like admitting he was a eunuch.
If he did react, he lacked the power to do anything.
At this point in time, Tushan Jing had only just woken up from a two-year coma, and real power in the Tushan family still lay in the hands of Tushan Hou and Fangfeng Yiying.
Tushan Hou didn’t have a motive to kill.
The camera blocked Tushan Jing.
The one who was truly afraid of Lanmei’s report was Tushan Jing.
Tushan Hou was keeping vigil for Grandmother.
The one shown killing Lanmei on screen—was it really Tushan Hou?
Tushan Jing hadn’t gone hunting in a long time.
Where did Lanmei go?
Xiaoyao had half of her blood drawn in the plum forest—where did that blood go?
Fangfeng Yiying, Xiaoyao, Lanxiang, Lanmei...
The iconic “killing wives for insurance” scene—Quadra Kill!
The secret of Tushan Jing’s origin
This is a brainteaser.
No evidence is provided—only a series of “inconsistencies.”
The task of a brainteaser is to use a “hypothesis” to connect all these “inconsistencies” into something that makes “sense.”
It’s a lot like solving a math problem.
We won’t solve it—just extract the information from the problem statement.
“It’s here.”
Tushan Jing’s grandfather and father both died young.
The mystery of Tushan Hou’s identity:
Jing and Hou disguised themselves as twins, with their seniority determined solely by words. As a result, the status of “legitimate eldest son” went to Tushan Hou.
Hou repeatedly got dead drunk in front of Miss shen’s memorial tablet, calling her “mother.” Jing was never seen in front of Miss shen’s memorial tablet.
Jing’s mother’s attitude toward Jing Hou:
Jing’s mother harbored extreme hatred and malice toward Tushan Hou.
She insulted and bullied him, married off Tushan Jing’s maid, Lan Mei, to Tushan Hou, and chose an “ideal spouse” for Tushan Jing — the lady Fangfeng Yiying.
The Dowager Madam’s attitude toward Jing Hou:
After Jing’s mother died, the Dowager Madam told Hou about his parentage. (For what? To pit the brothers against each other?)
She tacitly approved of Yiying and Hou’s illicit relationship, and prevented Tushan Jing from breaking off his engagement. She was the head of the family who held great power.
When Tushan Jing was unconscious and she herself had little time left to live, she handed over the entire family estate to the true couple, Yiying and Hou.
She cared about whether Tushan Jing lived or died, but never truly from the heart.
She raised Tushan Jing from childhood with the goal of making him the clan leader, forcing him into that role.
She oversaw and orchestrated the “forced fatherhood” incident. (How did she know that at this moment Yiying needed to make Tushan Jing a forced father?)
After completing Tushan Jing’s “becoming clan leader” and “forced fatherhood” tasks, she passed away with a smile.
We do not know what the truth is, and no clues are given.
It can only be speculated that:
Jing Hou’s true identity has hidden secrets.
The real or false nature of Miss Shen has hidden secrets.
Jing seems like a “sacrificial offering” carefully groomed by the Tushan family.
After Tushan Zhen was born, Shi Shen had one more descendant of the Tushan clan to protect, and Tushan Jing’s health condition worsened steadily.
At this time, Tushan Jing had already served as clan leader for ten years, having accumulated power.
By investigating Tushan Zhen’s identity, he confirmed that he and Hou were indeed biological brothers.
(Otherwise? Would he not know whether he was a eunuch?)
At the cost of half his life, he traced back his memories.
Given Tushan Jing’s character setting as a “business elite,” the only thing worth such a price for him to figure out could be one thing: seeking his roots.
By tracing back to the memory of his birth, he confirmed his own parentage.
After waking up, Tushan Jing’s eyes were vacant…
What is the truth? It is left blank — left to the imagination.
(Clue :An ancient Chinese proverb, originating from Zhan Guo Ce,The “fox borrowing the tiger’s might” between Jing and Hou. Hou’s son’s name is Zhen (瑱) — when the character is broken down, it becomes 真王, meaning “true king.”)
However, what can basically be confirmed is that Tushan Jing had learned the truth — that from the moment he was born, he had been designated by the family as the one to be sacrificed…
The flashback shows Xiaoyao behind a gauzy curtain; Xiaoyao is like his mother, and she is also his life.
In the blank spaces lie unspeakable filth. Shi Shen is the source of all evil.
In the Tushan residence, not even the cats or dogs are clean — only the stone fox at the gate is clean.
The satirical meaning of the Tushan residence:
Satire is a lancet for curing illness.
Tushan Jing
Capital, money.
Aside from his mother, everyone despised him, yet everyone needed him.
Money is a tool for transactions; by using money, one can fulfill needs.
Money is not the master, but a servant — a eunuch.
In the Osmanthus Garden, Xiaoyao lowered her head to please him, only to be cruelly killed.
In the ancestral hall, Fangfeng Yiying was bewitched by him, experiencing pain down to the soul.
At the end, Fenglong tried to seize his family property and lost his life.
If people bow to money, are bewitched by money, and let the desire to possess money cloud their judgment, the ending will be naked and bloody.
If used wisely, money will present you with a splendid wedding gown.
Shishen/Guardian spirit
The umbrella that protects big capitalists, outwardly appearing harmless and gentle.
While protecting the capitalists, it also drains their very lifeblood, and forces them to exploit and control the working people, so that it may continue feeding on their essence.
Greedy without restraint, until it consumes people completely, leaving nothing behind.
In order to feed it, beneath the prosperous facade grows the darkest and most terrifying evils of human nature.
(The little fox Shishen was bound by cangxuan, and the forces of power dismantled the capitalists’ protective umbrella.)
At this point, Tushan Jing’s seemingly “inexplicable” actions have, for the most part, been connected together.
[You are simply not as good as your younger brother.
Your thoughts are filthy.
Your character is despicable.]
Tushan Jing’s character portrayal:
In terms of writing technique, Jing and Hou are the same person.
He is a dark and cunning capitalist, filthy in thought and base in character. His inborn mission is to protect the family. For this, he harms others by any means while also being forced to harm himself. He is both willing to be sacrificed for the family and yet wants to live.
He is also a pitiable man abandoned by his own kin. After his mother died, no one ever treated him with genuine affection again — until he met Xiao Liu, who cared for him like a mother. In countless moments, he had fleeting thoughts of wanting to remain Ye Shiqi forever.
"However, his kind thoughts were few, while his evil thoughts were far too many. The two hearts fought against each other, and the gentle, weak Tu Shan Jing could never defeat that evil and powerful Tu Shan Hou..."
What was Tushan Jing’s true ending?
"Afterwards, it goes straight to Tu Shan Jing’s death."
Xiao Yao’s identity revealed
In the drama, the scene where Fangfeng Bei helps Xiao Yao change clothes was removed. In the Dragon Bone Prison, an extra line of dialogue was added, making what was previously left vague more clear, and also making the “sugar” between Yao and Jing feel more “industrial.”
— Secretly teasing the fox again.
At the enthronement ceremony, Shao Hao stared at Xiao Yao, lost in thought.
"The young men of Zhongyuan are not blind; many people have seen Chi Chen."
Here, Tu Shan Jing said something very funny.
The part “They speak very well of you” was obscured in the shot by sharp dragon fangs.
Xiao Yao understood — others were saying she looked like her biological father.
"Tu Shan Jing tests."
Xiao Yao was very cunning; every time she kissed the fox, there was always a reason.
Sensing the test, she feared the fox would break his promise and prepared to take a bite at him.
"The fox dodged away, raising the stakes in his heart."
Compared to Tu Shan Jing, Xiao Yao is still naive.
This “kiss offering” is truly like the saying “no silver here” (meaning trying to hide something only makes it more obvious).
Next, continuing from the part skipped in the previous chapter.
Cangxuan entered Zhongyuan, seeking a slim chance of survival from the two orphans of Chaoyun Peak; at the same time, he was like a lamb walking into the tiger’s den.
"Tu Shan Jing is very selective; children without parents are easy to bully."
"Fenglong and Cangxuan cooperate to raise troops, establish mutual interests, and keep shared secrets."
Division of labor and cooperation among the four main male leads
Money is skimmed from the funds for Cangxuan’s palace construction.
Cangxuan bears the risk of privately raising troops and embezzlement.
People are recruited by Fenglong.
Fenglong bears the risk of colluding with Cangxuan.
Weapons — using provisions as bait to force Xiangliu to steal.
Xiangliu is forced into the scheme, bearing the risk of being besieged and hunted.
Tu Shan Jing secretly creates fake accounts for Cangxuan, embezzling public funds, and simultaneously secures major contracts for building materials supply.
Tu Shan Jing faces almost zero risk, casually counting money.
Cangxuan and Fenglong can’t do without him.
"Fenglong does not trust Cangxuan, and in the name of 'liking' him, demands a hostage. Which girl, when going on a matchmaking date, stays at the groom’s house for half a year?"
“Cangxuan struggled, hesitantly expressing his request to Xiao Yao. At this moment, Cangxuan was wearing couple outfits with Liu Yun patterns( willow leaf and cloud patterns).
Xiao Yao touched the calluses on her hand and agreed.”
"It implies that Xiao Yao is struggling to survive with Cangxuan, gaining the power to protect herself, and also fearing that Fenglong might attack Fangfeng Bei because of her refusal."
Later, Fenglong sent strange and cheap gifts as a form of “courtship.” Xiao Yao pretended to be crude, causing the siblings to be disgusted. Tu Shan Jing took advantage of the situation to “tag along.” The scene where Xiao Yao gave a fireworks-style kiss that disgusted Fenglong, then begged for help while fawning over Tu Shan Jing, was explained in our previous summary.
Once Tu Shan Jing arrived, Yao and Jing stuck medicinal plasters on each other, and Fenglong left.
"A woman born out of wedlock who was about to be eliminated—he truly didn’t care."
During this period, in order for Cangxuan to be better controlled, Fenglong and Xinyue needed to cut off Cangxuan’s wings, making him truly “without support,” so he could only cling to Zhongyuan like grasping at a straw for survival, and be controlled by Zhongyuan.
Therefore, for the greater strategy of Zhongyuan, Cangxuan’s only reliance—the “Haoling King’s Princess”—must be eliminated.
This indirectly illustrates the tactic of “using hatred to kill someone by borrowing a knife.”
The five kings and seven kings despise Xiao Yao’s interference in the politics of Xiyan; they openly forbid it but actually intend to crush her, provoking Mu Fei to take revenge.
However, they fear the true princess whom the emperor cherishes.
(Xiao Yao hides Xiangliu, brings out Anian; Tu Shan Jing’s shadow-written figure Shi Ran dares not forcibly search and orders to stop.)
— The reason they dare to get rid of Xiao Yao is because everyone knows she is a fake princess, a “tool” used by the Haoling King to interfere in the politics of Xiyan. They have also seen the “wanted notice” that has been known throughout the wilderness for three hundred years.
The real culprit behind the brutal killing in Merlin
The one who actually carried it out is him. ⏬
"Because of him. ⏬"
“Those who truly planned and participated behind the scenes are them. ⏬”
"Because of him. ⏬"
Those who more or less indirectly trapped her were her own relatives.
Father, mother, husband, stepfather, maternal grandfather, cousin...
— Those who loved her, those who hated her, whether intentionally or unintentionally, all had something to do with her death.
Continuing the plot.
Xiangliu sensed the murderous intent from Zhongyuan and felt the “leg hair kiss,” once again voluntarily falling into the trap and seeking out Tu Shan Jing.
The Guifang clan is not in Zhongyuan, so he is powerless to intervene. Meanwhile, Tu Shan Jing is a central figure in the Zhongyuan circle.
A single call of “Xiao Yao” revealed Tu Shan Jing’s guilt; now they can talk about making a deal.
“I’m using her to make a deal with you.” Behind the veil, in this broader context, this sentence is easy to understand.
I’ll let go; the person is yours. If you want her, you have to find a way to save her!
The two reached an agreement. Tu Shan Jing expressed his intention to take the person and bought out the master-disciple relationship, allowing Fangfeng Bei and Xiao Yao to be “even,” with no debts or ties between them.
On the surface, it looks like “disrespecting women,” but actually Xiangliu is pleading for help from Tu Shan Jing for Xiao Yao’s safety.
The prop was really bad — a green belt.
This part is around the 10-minute mark of episode 29. After the sheepskin scroll was thrown out, Teacher Tan’s subtle details were amazing; his body was struggling and trembling.
To keep her alive, he “sold” her.
The King of Xiyan gave Xiao Yao a generous reward to show special favor.
— The smartest old fox knew that Xiao Yao was trapped in danger and used the emperor’s favoritism as a warning.
During the Spring Festival, the siblings trapped in Zhongyuan.
Tu Shan Jing holding a broken peach branch in his hand.
Xiangliu, who is worried and concerned, drowns his sorrows with alcohol.
Tu Shan Jing took a carriage back to Qingqiu. Due to the snow, he had to travel by land, causing a significant delay. This implies that, under normal circumstances, the first to arrive at the massacre site should have been Cangxuan, who was the closest.
The Tu Shan family’s carriage... has the character “寿” (longevity) on its roof.
— The creators tirelessly enjoy teasing the fox.
Tu Shan Jing lifted the cloth curtain — the snowfall this time is quite nice.
Shenshu Hui held a banquet, and Xinyue took Xiao Yao along. The women planned to isolate her, with the plum blossoms being very beautiful, intending to lure the guest into a trap.
After the massacre was completed, the fox skilled in formations entered the array, erased footprints in the snow, and possibly collected the blood of the divine clan in the process.
A mix of fear and resentment—the classic expression of a murderer. Deng Wei’s subtle acting was flawless.
“Not sad at all, not allowed to see his face, it looks like he was the one who set the fire.” — Yes, the director and editor did that on purpose.
Channeling spiritual power to keep Xiao Yao alive, waiting for Xiangliu to come and use the gu to save her, and then shifting the blame!
"Tu Shan Jing’s cunning plan. Besides the major interests in the Central Plains, there is also Tu Shan Jing’s own cunning plan behind Merlin’s torture. He wants to kill Xiao Yao because of personal grudges:"
Her grandfather castrated me!
Her lover stole my woman!
"The Nine-Tailed Fox's grudge over the severed 'tail,' the hatred over a friend being taken."
There is also personal desire, personal desire makes him want to keep Xiao Yao.
There are many personal desires; at this stage, the main ones are 'imprisoning the princess, obtaining emotional value as a man,' and 'raising a blood pack.'"
—From the perspective of the Nine-Tailed Fox, there are emotional needs and medicine refining!
Because there is still personal desire, combined with Xiang Liu backing down, Tu Shan Jing left a way out in the torture scheme.
It is precisely because of Tu Shan Jing’s deep involvement in Merlin’s torture that the original plan to definitely kill Xiao Yao turned into a scheme to use the lover’s poison to lure and kill Xiang Liu, giving Xiao Yao a glimmer of hope.
The name of the culprit and motive for the murder:The person involved in and orchestrating Merlin's brutal killing is Tushan Jing, a decision made after careful consideration by Shen Chui.
As a result, there are two extreme possibilities.
If the torture and luring to kill succeed, Xiaoyao dies, Xiangliu dies.
Then, proceed to execute Zhan Xue (相柳 Xiangliu) and Ling (西陵 Xiling), and kill the “Double Wood” (樊氏大郎 Fan Shi Dalang) who took poison, so that the two can depart to the afterlife (曋氏 Shen family) sooner.
[进，则斩雪（相柳）绫（西陵），杀吃毒药的“双木”（樊氏大郎），二人早日上西天（曋氏）。]
Result: The entire situation in Central Plains is affected, and personal revenge is exacted.
2. If the “letting go” succeeds, Xiaoyao lives, and Xiangliu saves.
If retreating, then the deal with Xiangliu takes effect:Jinyue (禁月 - Longing), Jian (箭 - Love), Guan You’er (关右耳 - Zheng family), and Chushi (出师 - Chu family).
[退，则和相柳的交易生效。禁月（相思）箭（情爱），关右耳（郑氏），出师（褚氏）。]
Result: Personal desires are fulfilled, and win over the beautiful woman.
In either outcome, whether advancing or retreating, Tushan Jing is guaranteed to profit.
Tushan Jing’s specific actions:
The torture that the King of Xiyan inflicted on me is being repeated on your granddaughter.
Rattan whip, fire formation, flying knives, flower petals.
“You call my Qingqiu lord ‘Ye Shiqi’? I’ll give you seventeen knives.”
10
12
17
Do you like being bitten by beasts? Then let the beasts bite you properly!
Treating this fox like a dog?
Here are two dogs for you!
The original work also had a hammer smash, but the drama version deleted it.
[The branches of the plum tree formed a huge hammerhead, which slammed down hard onto Xiaotian’s head.]
The medicine pouch fell, triggering an unexpected spirit detection warning, posing a risk.
Tushan Jing’s scheme was flawless, yet he miscalculated Cangxuan.
The miraculous telepathy caused Cangxuan to appear unexpectedly!
Tushan Jing is trapped inside the formation! The formation has only one exit, and coming out means running straight into the enemy!
How did I end up inside the formation? I can't explain it!
The only option is to "die for love" and pretend to be dead!
Lie still without moving, even Jingye believed it.
Don’t dare move; Cangxuan isn’t stupid either and has sent people to keep watch constantly.
With astonishing perseverance, he lay still for thirty-seven years.
Even though spirit recognition can gather information, lying still for thirty-seven years is not easy.
Imagine: a healthy person, not allowed to turn over, unable to move, lying down for thirty-seven years with only a television placed in front of them.
— Thirty-seven years! Our Fox Brother has endured!
[This part is related to the guardian spirit that absorbs spiritual energy from Tushan Jing, because Tushan Jing cannot hunt.]
Hidden clues lie like faint snake trails thousands of miles away.
Lao Mu: saving the fox = death.
Xiao Liu: saving the fox = death.
Xiaoyao saved the fox, so no one knows how he died.
In summary, Fenglong and Xinyue are the masterminds, Tushan Jing planned it, and the Central Plains clans participated in Merlin's torture and killing—not speculation, but solid proof.
Clues, foreshadowing, and logic all clearly point to them.
After Merlin's brutal killing, both the Kings of Xiyan and Haoling showed unexpectedly furious and tough attitudes.
They... just begged for mercy.
The two old foxes seized the opportunity to make a show of intimidation.
Cangxuan’s attitude is very tough; Fenglong is afraid because behind Cangxuan in this matter is his grandfather.
“Point at the mulberry tree while scolding the locust tree.”
(This is a Chinese idiom meaning to criticize or scold someone indirectly.)
Make several murderers suffer the worst deaths imaginable, causing Fenglong and Xinyue to become tremblingly cautious, and forcing Tushan Jing to lie still for thirty-seven years.
After that, Chichen’s enemies became wary, and the Central Plains began to reexamine the true value of the “fake princess” in the political arena.
Xiaoyao, who was valued by two emperors, became genuinely favored, which led to the subsequent fights between Fenglong and Tushan Jing and Fenglong’s marriage proposal.
“My person” is Cangxuan. Binding Xiaoyao = binding Cangxuan.
— When Xiaoyao was still a maiden, they thought she was worthless; now, pregnant… she has become desirable.
The fox Fenglong rushed to “happily become a father,” tearing off his face and fighting hand-to-hand.
Not bad, keep going!
(Actually, the fight earlier happened because Fenglong discovered that the fox deliberately “let go” (放水) during the torture.)
[The Mirror of Wind and Moon (Feng Yue Bao Jian)
Feng Yue Bao Jian is a classical masterpiece featured in Dream of the Red Chamber (Hong Lou Meng), specifically from Chapter 12: "Wang Xifeng cunningly sets up a lovesick trap, Jia Tianxiang faces the Mirror of Wind and Moon."
Plot Summary
Jia Rui takes a fancy to his beautiful cousin-in-law, Wang Xifeng. Not only does he flirt with her verbally, but he also goes to her house to pay his respects. Xifeng hates him for being like a toad trying to eat swan meat (aiming beyond his status) and decides to teach him a lesson.
The consequences are severe. The first time, she locks him in the cold corridor on a winter night to freeze. The second time, she sends Jia Rong and Jia Qiang to catch him in the act. They force Jia Rui to write an IOU for one hundred taels of silver and pour a bucket of feces all over him.
Jia Rui finally realizes Xifeng is deliberately playing with him, and he is very angry. But when he thinks of Xifeng’s beautiful face, he still wishes he could hold her in his arms.
Jia Rong and Jia Qiang often come to collect the debt, and Jia Rui, because his grandfather is watching him closely to prevent improper behavior, is forced to do a lot of homework as punishment. After all this, he falls ill.
No matter how many medicines he takes or doctors he visits, nothing helps. When he is near death, a lame Taoist suddenly arrives. The Taoist says he specializes in treating illnesses caused by grievances and bad karma.
Jia Rui desperately wants to live and hurriedly calls for a Bodhisattva to save him. The Taoist tells him that his illness cannot be cured by doctors or medicine but that he has a treasure which, if Jia Rui looks at it every day, will cure him. That treasure is the Mirror of Wind and Moon.
However, Jia Rui does not recover. It turns out that the Mirror of Wind and Moon can only reflect the back side and not the front. If you look at the wrong side, the consequences are unimaginable.
Jia Rui, desperate for a cure, first follows the Taoist’s instructions and looks at the back side of the mirror. But when he does, he sees a skeleton inside. He breaks out in a cold sweat and curses the Taoist for scaring him.
Then he wonders, what does the front side show? Thinking this, he flips the mirror over. The front side shows a flamboyantly dressed Wang Xifeng waving to him. Jia Rui is delighted and, floating happily, steps into the mirror to be with Xifeng.
After one time, his heart is still unsatisfied. He enters the mirror several more times. But the last time, when he tries to come out, two people lock him inside, and he dies.]
“Opposite” means “illusion” (from a netizen)
This novel should not be judged only by appearances… appearances are false…
Compared to the book version, the drama version is characterized by its straightforwardness, where the "opposite" is Xiaoyao's substitute literature (a tool), expressing emotions through "Jing," and substituting "Xiangliu" with "Jing"...
● The opposite love letter
The reverse of the character "相" can be most clearly observed.
Looking at the snow flying across the sky, once again she was replaced by her (feeling great~).
● The opposite clan emblem
● The opposite knife
https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/699826956?utm_psn=1792613331888119810
[Some coincidences]
4 knives of the Zhan clan, 6 knives of the Jin clan, 3 knives of the Shen clan, and countless plum blossom darts of the Mu clan.
Mu Fei clearly stated every cut he made, but what about the other injuries that were not mentioned? Is there a reason?
Mental state
"Didn’t pull out the fingernails (the culprit is so kind)."
"Hit the hammerhead (didn't hit the body, the culprit is so kind)."
"Do you like being bitten by beasts? (The weakest beast didn’t tear Xiaoyao apart, the culprit is so kind)."
"Four extra cuts make a total of 17 cuts (the extra four cuts are not fatal, the culprit is so kind) / (only found the four cuts from xiangliu, can’t remember the others)."
Cangxuan burns manually / Jing burns automatically (Jing, who masters both water and fire).
"Saving the wrong person is courting death" — Inspiration from The Legend of the Condor Heroes, where Bao Xiruo saves Wanyan Honglie but ruins her life as a “saintly mother.”
The Life of Bao Xiruo, the “Saintly Mother”
Bao Xiruo was from Hongmei Village, Lin’an Prefecture. Because she was kind-hearted and gentle since childhood, even sparing the chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep raised by her family from slaughter, her father named her “Xiruo” (meaning ‘cherishing the weak’). Later, Bao Xiruo married Yang Tiexin; the couple lived harmoniously and were deeply in love.
The sixth prince of the Jin Kingdom, Wanyan Honglie, came with troops to Niujia Village to pursue Qiu Chuji over the death of Wang Daoqian, but was wounded by Qiu Chuji’s arrow. In the snowy wilderness, Bao Xiruo found him. Her compassion made her save Wanyan Honglie, feeding and treating his wounds. Upon seeing Bao Xiruo’s beauty, Wanyan Honglie could not forget her, so he schemed and ordered Duan Tiande to frame Guo Xiaotian and Yang Tiexin. After Guo Xiaotian’s death, Yang Tiexin, to protect Guo’s descendants, had to abandon his wife to rescue Li Ping. Bao Xiruo was separated from her husband and was taken away by Wanyan Honglie.
After Bao Xiruo was brought to the Jin Kingdom by Wanyan Honglie, she was deceived into believing Yang Tiexin was dead. Unable to resist Wanyan Honglie’s flattery and persistence, she reluctantly remarried him and became the Jin princess consort. Later, Bao Xiruo gave birth to Yang Tiexin’s son, Yang Kang. To commemorate Yang Tiexin, Bao Xiruo ordered all the furniture from the Yang family’s former home in Niujia Village to be moved into the prince’s mansion, while she herself remained in the old home, remembering her former husband.
When Yang Tiexin and Mu Nianci were captured and imprisoned in Prince Zhao’s mansion by Yang Kang, Bao Xiruo learned the news and came to free them, leading to Yang Tiexin recognizing her. After the couple reunited, they escaped from Prince Zhao’s mansion. Wanyan Honglie led troops in pursuit. When Qiu Chuji and Ma Yu could not fend off the skilled fighters in Zhao’s mansion, Yang Tiexin, so as not to implicate Qiu Chuji, and Bao Xiruo both committed suicide together.
Before dying, Bao Xiruo entrusted Mu Nianci with a dagger inscribed with the characters “Guo Jing.”
“Destined clan leader” means “destined sacrifice.”
[Liang Si / Anonymous, Pre-Qin
The plowshare enters the soil sharp and keen,
Heading first to till the southern fields.
Sowing seeds of a hundred grains,
Each kernel teeming with life and vitality.
Someone comes bearing food to see you,
Carrying baskets—square and round—
Filled with millet grains.
Wearing a hand-woven straw hat on the head,
Holding a hoe to turn the soil,
Weeding and clearing the field furrows.
Wild grasses decay and become fertilizer,
Crops grow lush and thriving.
The sound of sickles cutting resounds together,
Harvested grains piled up high.
Look at the granaries, tall like fortress walls,
Their rows resembling comb teeth.
Hundreds of granaries open wide,
All filled to the brim,
Bringing peace and joy to women and children.
The slaughtered cattle have black lips and large yellow bodies,
Their curved horns are beautiful and fine.
Continuing rituals passed down from ancient times,
Honoring ancestors and their rites.]
The clan leader must inherit and promote the "excellent" traditions of the ancestors in order to maintain lasting prosperity.
Zhou Song · The Mandate of Heaven (维天之命)
维天之命,於穆不已。
The mandate of Heaven, solemn and unceasing.
於乎不显,文王之德之纯。
Oh, how illustrious and bright is King Wen’s pure virtue.
假以溢我,我其收之。
Blessed by it abundantly, I shall surely embrace it.
骏惠我文王,曾孙笃之。
Our noble King Wen’s kindness guides us; may his descendants faithfully uphold it.
Zhou Song · The Ancestral Temple (清庙)
於穆清庙,肃雍显相。
In the solemn ancestral temple, reverence and harmony are manifest.
济济多士,秉文之德。
A multitude of worthy gentlemen gather, bearing King Wen’s cultured virtues.
对越在天,骏奔走在庙。
Facing the lofty heavens, swift messengers run tirelessly within the temple.
不显不承,无射于人斯!
If not illuminated and inherited, these virtues would not be passed on to the people!
◐ The Fate and Medicine of Tushan Jing (from a netizen)
"Xiaoyao is my life."
Good prescription (Jing: Don’t ask nonsense, hurry up and get the medicine).
▽ - Hu Zhen looked at the prescription (called it a good prescription) and asked Xiaoyao if she had thought it through?
• So hard to guess, can’t figure it out... (The Tushan clan is as rich as a country. Just get the medicine according to Xiaoyao’s good prescription and take it. Is it unaffordable to take it for ten or twenty years? Or is there some rare ingredient in the prescription that can’t be obtained? Does Xiaoyao need to carefully think it over?)
White jade covered in dust
A pure and flawless jade disc is covered by dust.
This generally symbolizes something beautiful being tarnished by something bad, or it refers to talented people whose abilities are not recognized or utilized. Sometimes, it also refers to people of noble character and morality whose reputation is damaged for certain reasons.
"Xinyue expressed in front of Xiaoyao that after Tushan Jing went missing and was injured, it was like white jade covered in dust, which was truly regrettable."
When no one is around, xiaoyao secretly curses Tushan Jing, saying, "He’s not white jade at all, so how could there be white jade covered in dust?"
Sister Yao: Jing is not a good person at all.
After seeing the monitoring of the spirit fox through the mirror, Sister Yao immediately changed her words: "Jing is the bright and shining moon..."
Sister Yao (inner voice):Whoa, there’s a ghost! I almost slipped up…?!
Tushan Jing’s fox-style surveillance immediately received it.
Jing’s inner monologue: Xiaoyao is secretly praising me, everything is under control!
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