I think the description itself share some similar things to the description of the koy playing with lotus that XY made, but I am not sure if that's what you're thinking too. Could you share your view, I am curious.blabla100:
I thought you might enjoy reading the extra details about the flowers during the wedding since you inquired about the hibiscus leaves and other plants in the novel earlier. You’re right, the poison XY made for XL of koi playing with lotus definitely shared similar aspects – another hidden treasure from reading a direct translation. Thanks for reminding me of that connection. It may bring added meaning to the gift.
Especially TH used the special writing techniques for LYF which she scattered the hint all over .H19279:
Exactly this. It’s also interesting to note that these meaningful details aren’t necessarily found in consecutive order.
I thought you might enjoy reading the extra details about the flowers during the wedding since you inquired about the hibiscus leaves and other plants in the novel earlier. You’re right, the poison XY made for XL of koi playing with lotus definitely shared similar aspects – another hidden treasure from reading a direct translation. Thanks for reminding me of that connection. It may bring added meaning to the gift.Snowcup:
I was wondering why the drama had XY walking on lilly / lotus pads when she came to the wedding 'altar.'
Exactly this. It’s also interesting to note that these meaningful details aren’t necessarily found in consecutive order.
Interesting ... or frustrating? lol No, no, it's all part of the joy of peeling away the layers of LYF. :)
I think most folks didn't like FFB/XL's open emotion, and especially how he took XY's response / rejection. In the novel, I don't think we any such emotions from him.Kokuto:
Right, we don’t actually see much of XL’s emotional range in the novel. Yet even within the drama, XL is more apt to get angry than show he’s hurt or vulnerable. That’s why his response seems to signify more.
Yes, that was something different from the novel ... or at least something that wasn't revealed directly in the novel, though we did see it happen with CX and XY, so of course it makes sense that it would be the same with XL and XY, or even more.
What strikes me most about the S2 scene with XL holding the pearl in his seashell is the lack of any surprise in his expression. The scene just before it has XY meeting XL on the beach during CX-AN’s wedding. They argue about the lovers bugs (after XY calls him a "friend"), and XL taunts XY to use it against him. These added scenes (not in the novel) show us not only the physical reality of the bug connection but also how the consequences might have affected or influenced XL during their relationship. It even suggests that XY is aware of its effects (likely from CX previously) and isn’t above using it (she initiates the kiss with Jing).
Exactly this. It’s also interesting to note that these meaningful details aren’t necessarily found in consecutive order.
Interesting ... or frustrating? lol No, no, it's all part of the joy of peeling away the layers of LYF. :)
Think of it as a treasure hunt. LYF is a veritable onion. :-)
. Lei Zu and Yellow emperor's relationship kinda resemble XY-jing's relationship, but with reverse roles. They both used the same tactics to trap the one they wanted. I am not sure though why yellow emperor sees XY resembling Lei Zu, since to me jing is the one who resemble her.
I don't see much similarity between XY-Jing relationship and Yellow Emperor-Lei Zhu's one. They are two different love with 2 different foundation.
Lei Zhu was first attracted by the young guy from Xuan Yuan. At that time he already had a girlfriend (actually a kind of hidden fiancé) but he had great ambition to conquer the whole Dai Huang. With regard to what she had done for him, I do think that she loved him a lot in the beginning. On the other hand he didn't love her at first then he took the benefit and relied on her support. Thus he betrayed his fiance and chose to marry Lei Zhu. Somehow for a long time, Yellow emperor thought his true and pure love was for the concubine who was his first love and fiance. However, by the time when the relationship between him and Lei Zhu was damaged he was confused who he had fallen in love. In LYF, it shows that he remained to live in Lei Zhu's palace. It implied that he did have deep connection with Lei Zhu but it was too late. Lei Zhu was a bright and competent woman with high pride. Thus when the young Xuan Yuan guy refused her, she tried to change his mind and win his heart. She still chose to marry him even she knew another woman had got pregnant with that guy. By the time, her love for him got fading due to his treatment to her and their children as well as his political ambition. However, they were more or less equal position when they started their relationship.
XY and Jing's relationship was different. It was formed by Jing's dependence on WXL/XY. She was his savior, his only hope of life after WXL had saved his life. And WXL accepted the 15 year promise due to her fear of being abandoned, the earning for someone who completely depended on her and never left her. XY loved Jing or she just needed a long term accompany?
About the similarity between XY and Lei Zhu as Yellow emperor mentioned: I just recall one part in chapter 15. The similarity between XY and her grandmother according to Yellow Emperor is their appearance and their high position which made them as the most desired woman in Dai Huang. Lei Zhu had come from one of the most powerful, noble clan in Central Plain. She was competence (good at flighting and strategy, high power, knowing the textile works etc) and has huge support from the clan (they had their own army). But YE found XY different from her in character. In the book, Yellow Emperor several times mentioned that XY resemble her mother. Yellow Emperor did mention Lei Zhu had chosen the wrong man (to love). To certain extend both Lei Zhu and A Heng loved the wrong men who put their ambition or responsibility above love. And both of them scarified a lot for their love one. And later Yellow Emperor mentioned several times that she resemble her mother. So with regard to these point, there is some similarity between XY and her grand mother. But I don't recall Yellow emperor talked about this in other part of the story
Reading the last few chapters and everyone's mentality on the battlefield, there's no doubt in my mind that XL never thought of the possibility of saving himself a last life to live in seclusion with XY. That's definetely out of the question IMO.
Could you expand on this? This is the part of XL's journey I struggle with the most. I’d like to better understand this position.
Btw, any thoughts on the purple clam shell pearl lamp that XY had? Koala only mention a lampshell, but reading the chinese version, it seems that it's a clam shell pearl or something, if google translator îs accurate. Kinda interesting if we think about the mermaid's pursuit. Didn't the mermaid accept the merman by taking the clam shell's pearl?
No one has any thoughts about the seashell Pearl lamp? I think Windiaaa mentioned it a while ago, but I can't recall the details. I find it very interesting, especially because the lamp has been mentioned quite a few times în book
There was one mention of a “purple jade seashell lamp” that XY had in Gao Xing, but “sea shell pearl lamps” (or just “pearl lamps”) were mentioned a few times here and there. I found this line in the novel during WXL-XL’s undersea excursion (after planting the lovers bugs) that may help to explain it.
Ch. 7
The gods like to use jellyfish and pearls to make lanterns. Xiao Liu has seen palace lanterns made of jellyfish many times, but this is the first time he has seen a live jellyfish. Its body is crystal clear and has a graceful curve. It is really a natural lampshade. It would be a disservice to its appearance if it’s not made into a lantern.
Reading the last few chapters and everyone's mentality on the battlefield, there's no doubt in my mind that XL never thought of the possibility of saving himself a last life to live in seclusion with XY. That's definetely out of the question IMO.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and including the passages from OP. It’s a complex topic with many moving parts to consider. I wasn’t entirely clear on whether you were suggesting XL never thought of saving himself while fighting in the last battle or that he never intended to pursue a relationship with XY.
I would definitely question the notion that XL never considered pursuing a relationship with XY. We know he made a deliberate choice to accept the lovers bug, knowing what it was and understanding what it meant, which was made clear in the drama. When XY said he wasn’t suitable to appear in a girl’s dream, a chastened XL approached her again as FFB – lively, considerate, and patient – spending two years as her companion and teacher, almost as if he wanted to prove otherwise. Perhaps you were suggesting that XL did want a relationship with XY but chose to distance himself because he was still determined to die on the battlefield. With that, I'd find it hard to believe that XL, with nine heads and nine lives, never envisioned a future with XY – especially when he already willingly gave up his one heart – if he had the chance.
"Xiaoyao couldn't imagine it, but she could understand Xiangliu's meaning, just like her fourth uncle, who could obviously escape, and obviously loved her fourth aunt and Zhuanxu, but chose to die with his comrades. In this world, there are some friendships that cannot be given up even if it means sacrificing one's life."
Not to discount the importance of friendships to both, but I’m not convinced their positions were all that similar. I’m not sure what CX’s father was like, but as a Xuan Yuan prince, he held a status in society that XL never had. While fourth uncle’s comrades may have been his friends, they were also his “people,” those to whom he likely felt a sense of responsibility. XL, too, had a deep sense of duty toward the remnant soldiers, but that was due to his nature rather than his birth. Another key difference is that, with his multiple lives, XL had a greater ability to survive while fulfilling his duty, an option that fourth uncle presumably did not have.
When S1 aired, I recall a scene where XL overhears some of his comrades making derisive comments about him. (For some reason, this scene appears to have been cut from the version of the drama currently available online.) Even without that scene, the novel implies that not all soldiers accepted or respected XL, while XL himself indicates that he holds the memory of countless fallen comrades in his heart. It’s interesting how TH adds these details, as if to make us feel the imbalance.
It's true that XL had no land to protect or family to feel ashamed of him if he was to escape at the end, but how could a righeous person like him live with himself, knowing that he's the only one standing at the end, while all his comrades gave their all?
By the end of the battle, no comrades remained – XL was the last soldier standing, with six lives still left. I struggle with the word righteous to describe XL’s death. I’m not sure if this term originated from TH or the cast, but I wonder if it was a mistranslation. Describing XL’s death as righteous (morally right) implies that war survivors are not, or that death is the only morally correct choice – a troubling thought.
Take Li Rong Chang’s one-armed uncle, for example, the one who explained the lovers bug to XL – was he not righteous since he survived his war? He lived while many others died, including Chi Chen and A Heng. Does that mean he didn’t give his all? Was his life any less meaningful or significant? He likely carried survivor’s guilt, but should he feel ashamed for having survived?
If you meant that XL always accepted the possibility of dying in battle, I could agree with that. War inherently carries the risk of death. Without question, XL’s honorable nature and unwavering loyalty meant he would always give his all for his adoptive father, HJ, and his comrades, who were essentially his family and friends for centuries.
Even though most of them didn't care about power and all they wanted was to live a peaceful life next to their loved ones, they still chose to give their last breath on the battlefield.
While it’s likely true that they didn’t care about power or winning, the novel makes it clear that the remnant soldiers were deeply committed to their cause. That’s why “they chose to give their last breath on the battlefield.” However, I’m not convinced that XL fully shared in their beliefs, which, for me, makes his sacrifice feel especially unjust and difficult to reconcile.
Ch. 5
Although it was true that the Xuan Yuan king occupied Shen Nong's territory, the Shen Nong Kingdom had already perished. As long as the people could live and work in peace and contentment, they did not care who was the king. They even began to praise the Xuan Yuan king's great talent, generosity and kindness. They did not care about the gains and losses of the soldiers who refused to surrender. After thousands of years, no one would know their honor or disgrace.
As long as they give up, as long as they are willing to bend down, they can have a gentle wife, lovely children, and even enjoy the wealth and glory bestowed by Emperor the Xuan Yuan king. However, they still firmly guard their beliefs, insist on things that many people no longer care about, and are even willing to sacrifice their lives for this persistence.
The wheel of history has already rolled forward, but they still stand still, holding their arms high, fighting against the wheel of history. They are the people forgotten by time, they try to swim against the current, but they are destined to be washed away and their bodies crushed.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and including the passages from OP. It’s a complex topic with many moving parts to consider. I wasn’t entirely clear on whether you were suggesting XL never thought of saving himself while fighting in the last battle or that he never intended to pursue a relationship with XY.
blabla100 and I go back and forth on this point as we seem to have taken diametric opposite stances on this question. :) One thing you have to differentiate is that XL willing accepted the Lovers Bug from WXL, not XY. He didn't know WXL was the princess of his sworn enemy and her relationship with CX. And he fully intended to have a life with WXL, because he accepted the Lovers Bug and even bought the house next to the clinic -- though we go back and forth on whether he intended their relationship continuing after the final battle with CX or not. Of course, WXL didn't have the criteria of XY -- all they wanted was someone to share their life, even if it was temporary.
Once WXL resumed her identity, that's when their relationship became tragic star crossed lovers. I still maintain that XL wanted a life with XY, but that changed too, as their circumstances changed
blabla100 (and others) also differ in how we see the 'inevitability' of the Chenrong Resistance Army's end. When XL and XY met, it wasn't inevitable, IMO, especially if XL or the Uncles had managed to kill CX.
That said, there did come a point where XL could not deviate from the path he was on, and his army's fate was sealed. I maintain that the Wedding Robbery was the last time he was willing or able to make a life with XY.
What you get in that Chapter 5 portion you quoted, sounds a bit like propaganda and the myth making revised history and POV of the victors, told almost in hindsight and given the seal of 'fate.' IIRC, Tong Hua may have even put similar words in XL's mouth.
IIRC, the novel doesn't have those negative comments from XL's men. I'm not sure why they were included in the drama, because part of XL's commitment is his ties to the men of the army, the band of brothers ethos, as well as Gong Gong. But part of the reason why XL didn't abandon the army was what he told Ru Shou, and what even some of his men said in the drama -- humans are loyal, demons are not. And XL always strived to experience and be more human, than even those that were born human.
One thing you have to differentiate is that XL willing accepted the Lovers Bug from WXL, not XY. He didn't know WXL was the princess of his sworn enemy and her relationship with CX. And he fully intended to have a life with WXL, because he accepted the Lovers Bug and even bought the house next to the clinic -- though we go back and forth on whether he intended their relationship continuing after the final battle with CX or not.
That’s true, XL accepted the lovers bug from WXL without knowing XY’s actual identity and ties. Ultimately, I don’t think it mattered to him whether she was WXL or XY, aside from the complications it introduced to their relationship. It’s funny to think about how XL (and Jing) fell for WXL in male form, who would have looked quite different from XY’s true form. And it was XY who seemed more preoccupied with XL’s appearance. She was even relieved when he confirmed he was using his true face as FFB. I do wonder when exactly XL (as Bao Zhu?) acquired that house that they would later spend a month+ together after the runaway wedding.
What you get in that Chapter 5 portion you quoted, sounds a bit like propaganda and the myth making revised history and POV of the victors, told almost in hindsight and given the seal of 'fate.' IIRC, Tong Hua may have even put similar words in XL's mouth.
Yes, the tone is a bit heavy-handed, as it reflects XY’s perspective of the soldiers when XL brought her to the army camp during the miasma outbreak. While XY’s pov isn’t always reliable, her observations here are rather useful. This visit changed her mind about the resistance army, earning her respect as she witnessed the soldiers’ genuine dedication to their cause.
IIRC, the novel doesn't have those negative comments from XL's men. I'm not sure why they were included in the drama, because part of XL's commitment is his ties to the men of the army, the band of brothers ethos, as well as Gong Gong.
Found the scene!
This is another example of how the drama adds deeper insight into the story. While the novel hints at some implied skepticism from the soldiers, it’s subtle. Keep in mind that these soldiers are from the Central Plains. This perspective from some of the soldiers does make sense when you consider the cultural differences between the Central Plains and Xuan Yuan. Central Plains society had an elitist mindset, focused on the aristocracy and family-clan hierarchy system where blood ties were paramount. It brings to the foreground some of the challenges that XL had to contend with even within his own army. In contrast, Xuan Yuan society was more democratic, with the Yellow Emperor supporting equality among the races – gods, demons and humans – as well as between those of noble and humble origins. See where I’m going? Food for thought.
In one of our prior discussions, a portion of the leaked script that was shared showed a scene that was changed in the drama. The scene includes just Hong Jiang and Xiang Liu. There was “(hidden meaning)” before HJ thanking XL. I’m curious what this “hidden meaning” was supposed to represent. Does anyone know?
Leaked script Ep20 scenes 10-13
[As war raged on at the outskirts of Qingshui town, only one mountain peak remained under the Shen Nong army, its surroundings captured by Xuan Yuan, with no possibility of escape. Under orders from Xuan Yuan Cang Xuan, Great General Ru Shou spared no effort to ensure a quick, decisive victory by laying siege on the Shen Nong resistance army, giving orders to destroy all enemy resources, razing everything to the ground, even setting fire to the mountains, leaving the Shen Nong army with nowhere to hide. As more and more battles were fought, the noose tightened, until at last the two armies collided.]
*********************
Fires raging all over the mountains trapped the Shen Nong army within, an ominous blood-red glow in the sky.
Hong Jiang and Xiang Liu faced the soldiers who stood in formation. While the soldiers appeared gaunt and exhausted due to lack of proper rest and shortage of supplies, their expressions remained inordinately resolute, as each person awaited the arrival of that final moment.
HJ (heavily): By dawn tomorrow, the Xuan Yuan army would have breached the concealment formation of our base.
The Shen Nong soldiers looked at Hong Jiang in silence.
HJ: There is no need to keep watch and patrol tonight. Brothers, sleep well. When our forces collide tomorrow, let us fight to the death!
Soldiers (resolutely): Fight to the death!
HJ (red-rimmed eyes): Go and get a good rest!
Soldiers: Yes!
With that, the soldiers dispersed.
Hong Jiang looked at Xiang Liu, his eyes filled with gratitude and guilt, as if he had something to say. Before he could say anything, Xiang Liu intercepted his words.
XL: Adoptive Father, you go and rest! I will keep watch tonight.
Hong Jiang patted his shoulder with a heavy heart, controlling his emotions.
HJ (hidden meaning): Thank you.
Xiang Liu nodded, and Hong Jiang left.
***************************
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