Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao’s Story and Romance

 AkuMau:

I actually felt very grateful for taking on this job.Because it gave me another opportunity to step back into the world of Lost You Forever.

This is why I watched A Lifetime of Love. lol

 AkuMau:

So when I was working on the script,I brought out all the hidden clues that hadn’t been written into the novel.

This is why I think the drama compliments the novel.

Thanks for posting this.  I love reading the excerpts from this LYF symposium.

❻ Understanding of Xiao Yao’s Identity
● Qingshui Town

Qingshui Town — the ideal of universal harmony, freedom, and equality

① Princess of Gao Xin, granddaughter of the Xuan Yuan King

In Qingshui Town, several people recognized Xiao Yao’s true identity

1️⃣ When did Xiang Liu find out about Xiao Yao’s true identity?

A woman, interesting.

— Guessed it from the first time she drew blood, and confirmed it when she took a fatal blow for Cang Xuan.

• Xiao Yao loves water, which suggests she spent her childhood in Gao Xin.

• Two kingdoms offered a great reward to find her.

• In the Great Wilderness, it was widely rumored that Xiao Yao was like "Tang Monk's flesh" (highly coveted and powerful).

Combining the three points above, when Xiang Liu first drank her blood and discovered the secret of her body, he had already guessed that she was the princess of Gao Xin.

"Tang Monk’s flesh" — the royal princess.

During the fight over medicinal herbs, she discovered Cang Xuan’s Ruomu puppet, confirming his identity.

Ruoshui Tribe

After Xiao Yao called out “Gege” (older brother), he officially confirmed it. (If anyone thinks Xiang Liu believed she was calling him “brother,” well… with all this information combined, if you still think Xiang Liu couldn’t figure it out, let’s just respect and understand each other…)

Confirmation of her brother

Before the parasite transfer, both sides once again affirmed how important CangXuan was — seriously, how could he not know she was the royal princess...?

Xiao Yao: I'm laying all my cards on the table now, no more pretending.

▽– Gao Xin announces her identity as the royal princess. Why was Xiang Liu still angry even though he already knew her true identity?

— Because he realized he had been deceived... He had believed Xiao Yao’s “three-no” declaration: no identity, no background, no ambitions — that she was just Wen Xiaoliu and would never leave Qingshui Town???

What happened to the promised “three-no’s”?

The demon eyes forced her to admit she was willing to be just Wen Xiaoliu? / Swore she’d never leave Qingshui Town even if beaten to death?

2️⃣ When did Tushan Jing find out Xiao Yao’s true identity?

— He guessed it when he was revived with her blood.

Discovered the “Tang Monk’s flesh”

Woman

In Qingshui Town, the first time she saw A-Nian, she used her innate spiritual eyes to see her true appearance (similarly, she also saw Cang Xuan’s true appearance).

Recognized A-Nian

▽– Did Tushan Jing recognize Cang Xuan?

• Did that Qingqiu young master previously know what Princess A-Nian of Gao Xin and the hostage prince Cang Xuan looked like? (It’s possible that Cang Xuan kept a low profile and never showed his face, but Princess A-Nian was a well-known figure in the Great Wilderness — wouldn’t it be a bit strange if the Qingqiu young master didn’t know what she looked like?)
If he recognized A-Nian, it naturally follows that he knew Cang Xuan’s identity.

Rumor in the Great Wilderness: The young prince accompanies the second princess of Gao Xin every day.

The “life of princes and princesses” once again points directly to the royal princess.

The sharp-eyed gaze of the clever fox

With Xiao Yao working so hard to save Cang Xuan, surely the fox must have confirmed it too, right?
Isn’t this basically laying all the cards on the table?

The importance of Xuan

3️⃣ The King of Gao Xin guessed it through Xiaoliu’s ability to use “Gu poison medicine” and her act of saving Cang Xuan.

Was it really just a guess?

Was there a Gao Xin spy in Qingshui Town?

4️⃣ Cang Xuan was informed

— From the beginning in Qingshui Town, Mr. Shi had already “told” him, but he didn’t believe it.

Even after all the probing and testing of Xiaoliu afterward, he still refused to believe it?

Cang Xuan’s inner monologue:
“My little sister must be a beautiful woman with a flower mark on her forehead — how could she possibly be some stinky man?”

Very interested in Liu Brother? Are you really that blind?
(He’s showing me kindness… he wants something from me? Is this a conspiracy?)

The drama version added a plotline where Rushou misleads Cang Xuan.

Misled into thinking he was the son of a traitor — Cang Xuan was blind in both eyes and heart.
▽– Why did Rushou hint that Xiaoliu might be the son of a criminal?

1. A misjudgment on Rushou’s part — an unintentional mistake?

2. A deliberate move — was the misleading done on purpose?

• Was Rushou just stirring up trouble?

• Or was it under the orders of the King of Gao Xin?

【Return to being the royal princess】

You are completely different from how I imagined you.

I want to return to Chaoyun Peak.

You are the embodiment of all my loved ones’ hopes.

Let’s go home together.

❹ Left ear

When she sees him, who does she think of?

This natural substitute doesn't even need much explanation, right? Xiao Yao could already start projecting (her feelings) back in the death arena — and with Zuo Er, she could fully immerse herself in his entire growth process...

• Xiao Yao’s “dream”

She gave her own “dream” to Miao Pu, then did her best to match Zuo Er and Miao Pu together in order to fulfill that dream…

• Will you miss him?

He’s gone — will you miss him? He would be very happy.

• Seeing Zuo Er reminds her of “her Jing.”

Zuo Er learning to ride a celestial horse —
When she saw “the cold and ruthless Zuo Er actually blushing and nervous,” did it remind her of “her Jing”?
She only associates Zuo Er with one particular person — the one who once rode a celestial horse with her…
(The novel version pretty much makes it clear: the cold and ruthless Zuo Er = “her Jing” = who could that be?)

(Shared celestial horse ride — see Table of Contents, Chapter 7-❾)

• I’ll help him protect you.

I’ll help him protect you.

• I hope you become Bei.

I hope you become Bèi...

• Teaching Zuo Er reminds her of Xiang Liu.

Imagining Hong Jiang teaching Xiang Liu...

• Seeing Zuo Er immediately makes her think of him.

Seeing Zuo Er always makes her think of a certain someone —
Woman, your other name should be “saying one thing but meaning another”...

• Zuo Er’s wish

“Was deceived by someone,” “went down the wrong path”...
Hong Jiang: ...???

• Gotta treat your wife with care.

Wishing Zuo Er and Miao Pu a lifetime of happiness.
That’s why the “Zuo Er storyline” in the drama had to be removed — it was way too obvious...

Xiang Liu “fulfilled” Xiao Yao’s wish.

Whose heart is hurting?

Baozhu went to look after Huichun Hall.

Lately, aside from training troops at the camp... Master occasionally brings me along to Qingshui Town, but honestly, I, Furball, find it quite boring.

Moreover, every time Master tells me there’s something important to do in Qingshui Town, all he ever does is sit around or go to Huichun Hall. After thinking about it for a few days, I, Furball, have finally figured out what Master is up to.

Could it be that… Master wants to buy Huichun Hall while Xiaoliu is away? What do you all think?

◐ The meaning of 结发夫妻:A couple who married when they were young

Original Spouses

"结发夫妻" (Jié fǎ fūqī) refers to original spouses—that is, a couple’s first marriage, their first lawful husband or wife.

In ancient China, jie fa (binding hair) was part of the coming-of-age ceremony. Both men and women would grow out their hair. At age 20, a man would undergo the Guan Li (capping ceremony), where his hair would be tied into a topknot to symbolize adulthood. At age 15, a woman would undergo the Ji Li (hairpin ceremony), where her hair would be styled with a hairpin, also marking her coming of age.

During the Han Dynasty, “jie fa” became a significant part of the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom would each cut off a lock of their own hair, twist the two strands together, and tie them with a red ribbon, symbolizing their union in marriage and a vow of lifelong fidelity. This intertwined hair was called “结发” (tied hair). Therefore, the term "结发夫妻" came to represent a couple joined through formal marriage—true, legitimate husband and wife.

Ying-Jing: The proper match for “original spouses”
①⑥ Letter to My Wife by Lin Juemin

(Yiying is a metaphorical representation of Xiaoyao — see Directory_4-⑼-①)

To my dearest Yinying, as if in person:

I now write this letter to bid you an eternal farewell. When I write this, I am still among the living; by the time you read it, I will already be a ghost in the underworld.

As I write, my tears fall together with the ink. I cannot bear to continue, yet I fear that if I stop, you won’t understand my heart. You might think I abandoned you without care, or that I didn’t know you’d rather I lived. So I endure the sorrow and write this for you.

I love you deeply. It is precisely this love that gives me the courage to die.

Since I met you, I’ve always wished that all lovers under heaven could become companions. Yet now, the skies are blood-red and the streets full of wolves and dogs. How many people can truly find happiness? Like Sima Xiangru in a sorrowful robe, I cannot follow the cold-hearted way of the sages and forget love.

An old saying goes: “The benevolent love not only their own elders and children, but all elders and children.” I extend the love I have for you to the world, helping others love their beloved. That’s why I dare to die before you—not because I don’t care for you, but because I hope for everlasting happiness for all people. Please understand this and, amidst your tears, think of the world as well.

Do you remember? Four or five years ago one evening, I once said: “If one of us must die first, I’d rather it be you than me.” You were angry at first, but after I gently explained, though you didn’t agree, you had no words to counter. I said that with your gentleness, you would not be able to bear the grief of losing me. I could not stand leaving that suffering to you. So I would rather carry that sorrow myself. Alas, who would have thought I would indeed die before you?

I truly, truly cannot forget you. I recall our little house behind the alley — walking through the corridor, the front and back halls, then a few turns to a small room where we stayed together. I remember the winter months just after our wedding, moonlight filtering through the sparse plum blossoms. We sat side by side, whispering about everything. Now, thinking back, I can only weep.

I remember six or seven years ago, when I ran away from home and then returned. You cried and said, “If you ever go far again, promise to tell me. I want to go with you.” I agreed. Just over ten days ago, I returned home and wanted to tell you about this journey. But when we were face to face, I could not speak. You were pregnant, and I feared my words would sadden you. So I drank every day to numb my grief. At that time, my sorrow could not be described by mere words.

I sincerely wished to live and die with you. But looking at the situation today—death may come from natural disasters, from bandits, from foreign invasion, or from corrupt officials. In today’s China, there is no time or place where death cannot come. If I had to watch you die with open eyes, or if you had to watch me die—could either of us bear that?

Even if we could live, being separated and never seeing each other again would be even more painful than death. When has a shattered mirror ever truly been made whole again?

Now, you and I are still healthy. Yet in this world, how many people are dying when they shouldn't, or being forced apart unwillingly? How can lovers like us bear it? That is why I dare to die today, though it tears me apart.

I die without regret. Whether the revolution succeeds or not, others will continue the cause. Our son Yixin is five—soon to be grown. Raise him well so that he will resemble me. You’re pregnant; I think it’s a girl. She will surely look like you, and that brings me comfort. If it’s a boy, raise him with my ideals. Then even after I’m gone, two little Yidongs will remain in the world. How fortunate!

In the future, our family will be poor. But poverty is no great pain. We only need peace and calm to get through the days.

I have no more words to say. In the afterlife, if I can hear your cries, I will cry along with you. I never believed in ghosts, but now I hope they are real. They say telepathy is possible—if true, then my spirit will always remain near you. So don’t grieve for being alone.

All my life, I never told you my deepest ambitions. That was my fault. I feared that telling you would only bring you daily worry. I could die a hundred deaths for my beliefs, but to make you suffer from fear—that I could not bear.

I love you deeply, but I’m afraid I’ve never fully expressed it.

How fortunate that we found each other—how unfortunate that we live in today’s China! I could not live selfishly while others suffered.

Alas, so many things left unsaid. You can imagine the rest.

I will never see you again. You can’t let me go, but perhaps you will find me again in your dreams. One last weeping farewell.

Written by my hand, at the fourth watch of the night, March 26, 1907 (辛未年),
 —Yidong.

To the elders in the family who are literate: if there are parts you don’t understand, please explain it to her. I will be grateful if my meaning can be made fully known.

➡️ "Book version"Note: May you have the strength to protect yourself, someone to rely on, a place to return to, and may your whole life be filled with peace and free from worries.

➡️"Drama version special episode"

Xiaoyao,

May this letter find you well.

The full moon rises again above the sea, though it's not as beautiful as the one we once admired together.

Today, I finally gathered all the materials needed to forge a bow. Sea monsters are cunning, and the Jiao people are fierce.

Yet when the sea demon’s core and Jiao bones are combined, they can create a truly fine bow.

If you want to wield this bow well, you must diligently practice your archery—only then can you truly protect yourself.

When the time comes, I will have someone deliver the bow to you—because I don’t want you to feel indebted. I know you always want to repay everything.

But if you do repay it all, I fear there will no longer be any ties between us.

Xiaoyao, I want you to have the strength to protect yourself, someone to rely on, and a place to call home.

Even if that strength wounds me, even if that someone is not me, even if that place holds no trace of me—

If you can live this life well in my stead, then that is enough.

❶⓪ 同床共枕

To share the same bed and pillow

At night, the head is off the pillow;
In the morning, the head is on the pillow.

That's right, he slept just like that.

When Xiangliu is using his internal energy to heal, he can't afford to let his breath falter—

So how did he end up on the pillow? Think about it carefully...

⑧ Am I a bad person? (from a netizen)

Actually, the part about male and female mermen is also quite rich and worth savoring — it indirectly reveals what happened on that night 37 years ago. It ties into Xiangliu’s three questions to Xiaoyao: “Am I a bad person?” which follow a progressively layered grammatical structure.

First question’s premise: Xiangliu said he dyed his hair to get close to Xiaoyao, then asked her, “Am I a bad person?” Xiaoyao shook her head and said no.

Second question’s premise: Xiangliu gave half of his demon blood to Xiaoyao, turning her into a half-human, half-demon. Xiaoyao said she had gained an enormous benefit — Xiangliu wasn’t a bad person.

Third question’s premise: Xiaoyao saw the shattered shell. Xiangliu once again asked her, “Am I a bad person?” According to the progressive grammatical pattern, the only possible implication is: “I did the same thing as you — am I now a bad person?”

In the same scene, the repeated questions and visual presentation progress step by step — the situation escalates from light to serious.

When it reached the final question, “Am I a bad person?”, Xiaoyao fell silent.

After coming ashore, she grilled fish for Xiangliu, wanting to wander the world with him — but was rejected.

Xiaoyao was really about to cough up blood. She went back and asked Cangxuan for a man, saying her taste in men was terrible.

The hidden storyline feels just like the main storyline.

• The first time being a bad person

• The second time being a bad person

▽–Why did Xiaoyao go downstream?

[Xiaoyao was overwhelmed with shame and anger, thinking it would be better to just die! She shook off Xiangliu’s hand, and not only did she not swim upstream — she even went further downstream.

Xiangliu chased after her, laughing as he said,
"Don’t really suffocate yourself! Try to breathe a little.
I’m not stopping you from surfacing not because I want to force you… to kiss me."

Xiangliu burst into laughter again,
"It’s because you simply don’t need to use that thing right now."

Minor revision in the drama version — seems like she didn’t really want to die?

1. She was overwhelmed with shame and anger, truly wanting to die and thinking of suffocating herself?

2. Cunning Sister Xiaoyao, forcing Xiangliu to give her breath — if he didn’t, she’d suffocate…?

(In the end, Xiangliu said: “Even if I don’t give you breath, you still won’t die.” Hahaha)

• The third time being a bad person

• Go find someone else.• You are a demon.

⑨ Wild man

The term "wild man" appears twice in the full text.

In the drama version, a dog’s mouth strikes again.

• A'nian scolds

A'nian scolded Xiaoyao's father, calling him Xiaoyao's mother's "wild man."

• Xiaoyao scolds

Xiaoyao scolded Xiangliu, calling him her "wild man."