I finally finished the novel, and it honestly took me quite some time. Not because it was bad at all, but it was very anxiety inducing. The novel was probably like 40% political, 40% scheming, 10% psychological, 0% humour (I think I only laughed once throughout the whole novel and it was laughing at how ironic the scene was instead), 10% romance/sweetness, 999% suffering for our leads. Every time the novel teases you with happiness, it tears you right back down to reality through the tragedy that comes with war.
It’s a very character driven story and I don’t think I disliked any characters including the antagonists. Everyone had a clear motive and did the best they could with the hands they were dealt. They were all smart and made decisions that made sense for the situations they were in. You can really see the growth of the characters as the story progresses due to the interaction and influences they have on one another.
This is the part where I’m really curious how the drama adaptation will handle. The plot definitely isn’t the main focus of the novel. There are no crazy political plot twists that are designed to shock you. Instead, the plot is used as a medium for character development. The political plot creates tension and pressure, but the real focus is the character’s internal struggles and emotions. The novel never left me stunned or satisfied, but instead I was just relieved our leads survived another day. The novel really shines when you understand and can empathise with the characters.
But as readers, we can see and understand what they feel easily through their inner monologue. However, this is the opposite in a filmography especially for XQS. He must suppress his emotions on the outside every second and become an empty shell despite the turmoil stirring within. So, I’m curious how they will be able to portray this in the drama. Especially during the scenes between XQS and Nan Yi. He’s constantly emotionally conflicted while with her but can’t express it at all to deceive Nan Yi. I have not watched any of the directors or screen writers past dramas, so I am unsure what they are like but how they portray the internal conflicts and progression of every character will really make or break this drama imo because it’s what carried the novel.
For an example, I think it is easy to blur the lines as XQS being a noble idiocy for the sacrifices he makes. But since we can read his inner thoughts, we know it’s not that simple. He acknowledges the consequences and suffering of his actions especially towards Nan Yi. He doesn’t do it for her sake, but instead for the burden he’s been carrying. The greater good for the dynasty. Despite all this, his balance of emotions gradually changes throughout the novel due to Nan Yi’s influences and humanises him. This portrayal can easily fall into frustrations instead if not done well.
I really hope TJC and LYX can pull it off and portray the tensions between XQS and NY especially in the beginning. The tense and emotional interactions they had with each other really shaped them to become who they were at the end of the novel. The support and growth they gave each other subtlety really makes you want to cheer for their happiness. I’m a huge romance fan but imo, romance really shines when it’s used as a subplot than the focus. I think the novel does this perfectly. The novel has a very heavy theme on emotional restraint, and the romance plays deeply on how it affects their decisions and emotions during conflicts.
I really liked how their relationship progressed. They were two lonely souls in the beginning. XQS who had discarded all emotions and was ready to die, meets Nan Yi who is full of vitality and struggling till the very end to survive. Nan Yi, who’s resilient, strives for stability and survivability, sees the conviction and formidability in XQS.
We also can’t forget to mention Zhang Yue of course. I loved how ZY isn’t simply there as a love rival. I personally perceived it as the author using ZY to juxtapose XQS. We have XQS who’s willing to sacrifice everything including his love for NY, and suppresses his guilt for abandoning NY, for the greater good of the dynasty. In contrast, Zhang Yue is willing to sacrifice everything he has and endure guilt for Nan Yi, all for the sake of love. I think this was really reinforced by how they both “died” as well.
As for the ending, I’m usually someone who hates BE especially those endings that force angst just for the sake of a memorable ending. I know technically it’s a HE, but I think in this case, I would’ve been fine with it being a BE because it made sense. Perhaps the author decided to show mercy to our two leads after all the suffering they’ve been through (and I 100% think they deserve happiness!)
Anyways, this was my subjective interpretation of the novel. There’s a lot more to write about because of how complex each character is and the growth they had in each other, but it will be too long. I’m more interested in how the drama will be able to portray this depth because it really is vital to the story. I do hope they stay loyal to the tone and theme of the novel and not make it into an idol drama instead. I don’t think you can mellow it out that much without changing the critical parts of the story. I can only hope the whole team can pull it off. Perhaps the fact that they are filming for the rumoured 4-5 months despite being a 32 eps drama along with the majority of the scenes being political talks is a good sign?
We’ll find out in 1.5-2 years when it airs.
Also, can I just say, this was by far my favourite quote from the novel. It really showed how far Nan Yi had come due to the impact XQS had on her and the love she had for him.
“I’m just thinking… how can I tell the world that all the bones and blood and courage in my body are his gifts to me.”
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