Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao’s Story and Romance

❼ Loyal and Righteous (Shennong Rebel Army Arc)

Make Tushan Jing write these two characters...

① Rather Die Than Submit

Where there is life, there must be death;
An early end is not the fault of fate.
Last night, I was still among the living,
This morning, my name is listed among the dead.

Where has the soul and breath scattered to?
A withered body rests against a hollow tree.
My young child cries, seeking his father,
My loyal friends weep, mourning for me.

Gain and loss are no longer known,
How can right and wrong still be judged?
A thousand autumns and ten thousand years from now,
Who will still care about honor or disgrace?

My only regret in this life:
I never drank my fill of wine.

— Tao Yuanming, "Three Imitated Elegies," No. 1

Theme

["Three Elegiac Poems" were written by Tao Yuanming in his later years, at the age of 63. He passed away two months after composing them. In these poems, the poet imagines the situation of his friends and family after his death, expressing his views on life and death while also comforting his loved ones, telling them not to grieve too deeply.

The first poem describes the situation after his body is laid to rest, with his children and friends weeping over him. With a broad-minded attitude, the poet states that after death, honor and disgrace no longer matter. His only regret is that he didn’t get to drink enough wine before he died.]

Lyrics from the novel version:
This body is entrusted to rivers and mountains; life and death matter not.
Once breath ceases, the soul disperses like smoke.
No longer knowing gain or loss, how could one discern right from wrong?
A thousand years and ten thousand more—who would still remember honor or shame?

Lyrics from the drama version:
The rain falls endlessly, yet the resilient grass flourishes.
Snow covers the land, yet the resilient grass thrives.
Through withering and blooming, loyal ministers' bones endure,
Never surrendering to the House of Chenrong

For what purpose?

[The meaning behind the Shennong Rebel Army's perseverance]

One above, one below — guarding the Central Plains
[New Recruit]: The brave men of the Central Plains, charging forward one after another...

Willingly and wholeheartedly: honoring the ancestors above, protecting the descendants below.

(After Chichen’s death, the BailinClan, left without protection, once again fell into the status of outcasts.)

② Sacrificing Life for Righteousness

"Life is what I desire, and so is righteousness. But if I cannot have both, I will give up life and choose righteousness instead."

— Mencius, Warring States Period (Mencius · Gaozi I · Fish, I Desire Also)

"To sacrifice one's life for righteousness"

[Idiomatic Meaning :Since ancient times, China has been a nation that cherishes life, but even more so a nation that upholds integrity and moral principles. Throughout history, there have been countless individuals who sacrificed their lives for the greater good of the nation and for righteousness. These individuals became the spiritual soul and moral role models of the Chinese people, admired and respected by generations.

Wen Tianxiang once said: “Since ancient times, who has ever lived forever? Let my loyal heart shine through the annals of history.” Lin Zexu also stated: “If it benefits the country, I will give my life without hesitation—how can one choose based on personal gain or loss?”

At times, choosing to live dishonorably and choosing to die for righteousness are two vastly different paths.

Those who choose to survive through disgrace may live a lifetime of suffocation and regret; their words are submissive, their actions deceitful, and the reputation they leave behind is tainted and shameful.

On the other hand, those who choose to abandon life in pursuit of great virtue and justice possess noble hearts, radiant minds, honorable actions, and names that shine throughout the ages.]

Loyalty and devotion to the country.

Fight to the death and sacrifice oneself for the country.

◐ An Alternate Fan-Made Ending for the Shennong Rebel Army
(This is purely my imagination — please don’t take it seriously ❌ Just for fun!)

Blogger's fan-made version

The same tactic: deliberately giving Fenglong a chance to show kindness.

Rescue Xiaoyao, trade Shennong Mountain's Liangwang Peak, and let the righteous army "return home."

Kill Fenglong, trade to let the righteous army “return home alive.”
(Just like how Maoqiu was sent away before the final battle, that’s exactly how Hongjiang and the righteous army were sent off...)

Search for "Yixiantian" (literally: "a sliver of sky" — often refers to a narrow gap in mountains or a slim chance of survival).

Once Fenglong dies, Xiangliu is destined to die as well... Xiangliu uses his own death in exchange for the survival of the righteous army.

[This is what's called the truth.]“The truth” is merely a word from cangxuan’s mouth… (no evidence needed)

What Xiangliu seeks: unification of the world, Hongjiang’s survival, the righteous army’s return home, and staying true to both the people and to lovers

“The truth”

Xiangliu led the death warriors to die in battle, giving an explanation to Chishui and the world. Cangxuan promised to let the righteous army “return home.”
“The truth” was just a sentence from cangxuan’s mouth...

Xiangliu believed that life was precious (the righteous army was loyal and patriotic, sacrificing their lives for righteousness—they shouldn’t have ended up like this. Xiangliu used his own life to carve out a path home for them).

Summary: 9 lives = 3 for Xiaoyao + 6 for the righteous army.

◐The Four Great Warriors of Shennong

After King Yuwang of Shennong was killed, the four great warriors of Shennong—Chi Chen (Chiyou), Yanzhuo (Zhurong), Houtu, and Hongjiang (Gonggong)—each acted independently to resist the Xuanyuan forces.

Personalities of the Individuals

【According to the Timeline】

1️⃣ Houtu Surrenders

Surrendered with her troops.

2️⃣ Yanzhuo Died in Battle

Yanzhuo (father of Shennong Yi, grandfather of Fenglong) triggered a volcanic eruption to perish together with Zhongyi (father of cangxuan).

• Shennong Yi (Young Zhurong) surrendered.

3️⃣ Chichen died in battle

Chichen perished together with A Heng on the battlefield.

He didn’t completely die — he was left in a state worse than death.

After Chi Chen’s death, the Shennong army was defeated.

•During the second inspection tour of the Central Plains by the old Xuanyuan King, Xingtian attempted to assassinate him.

Xingtian

Xiangliu hunted down the surrendering factions: Houtu and Little Zhu Rong.

Excerpt from A Thousand Faces of Xiang (sourced from the internet)

4️⃣ Hongjiang died in battle

He would rather die than surrender, sacrificing himself for the nation.

Sacrificing oneself for the country.

Drama version brief.

◐ Xiangliu's Generational Status Issue

Hongjiang and Zhurong both belong to the Shennong royal clan, and Hongjiang is Xiangliu’s adoptive father.

Hongjiang is Shennong Yi’s uncle.

Xiangliu and Shennong Yi are of the same generation, and are considered elders to Fenglong and Xinyue (not much older in age, but in terms of seniority, that’s the case…).

Xiangliu scolded Xinyue by taking the position of an elder (Xiangliu: "Go home and ask your father").

(In Xinyue’s eyes, who would dare to tell her to go ask her own father?)

7. Little Scenes

❶ Five Blood-Sucking Moments in Qingshui Town That Sealed Their Love

Science/Explanation

[The mating process of snakes is complex and delicate—and extremely time-consuming.

Two snakes bite and rub against each other,entwining their bodies together.

In the end, the male king snake bites the female king snake’s neck,and this marks the beginning of the mating process.]

① The first blood-sucking — Fish Fire

It was “desire fire” (a forceful first kiss).

② The second blood-sucking — Heart stirred by the Red Matchmaker Star (wearing the red-thread marriage garment).

Burying the neck.

A thousand miles of destined love, connected by a single thread.

[Red thread / red string

It symbolizes the bond of love or marriage between a man and a woman, as well as a promise to stay together for a lifetime.

The tradition of the red thread has gradually been replaced by wearing red string bracelets, which also symbolize love. Lovers each wear one on their wrists—men on the left, women on the right—as a token of their affection.

Those destined to be together are called “fated partners.”

As the saying goes, “A thousand miles of fate are tied together by a single red thread,” the red thread is often used to symbolize marriage or matchmaking, and it also serves as a token of commitment in love.

In mythology, there is an old man who is believed to tie a red thread around the pinky finger of every newborn. The other end of the thread connects to the person destined to be their lifelong partner.

Because traditional Chinese culture values subtle beauty, romantic relationships are often interpreted as fated by heaven. And the object that carries this symbolism of fate is, of course, the legendary red thread.]

③ The third blood-sucking — Wind stirs the fluttering banner.

It is not the wind that moves, nor the banner that moves—it is the heart of the kind that is stirred.

Expansion

[In the Platform Sutra, it is written:

“At that time, the wind was blowing and a banner was fluttering.

One monk said, ‘The wind is moving.’

Another said, ‘The banner is moving.’

They argued without end.

Then Huineng stepped forward and said:

‘It is not the wind that moves, nor the banner that moves—it is the kind person’s heart that moves.’”]

After “sucking” for too long, the snake gets embarrassed.

④ The fourth blood-sucking — Waiting

⑤ The fifth blood-sucking — Passion and desirePassion and desire

Xiao Liu had his passion and desire drawn out.

▽–Can cangxuan guess who the person getting intimate with Xiao Liu is?

•Could it be…?

Your sister isn’t allowed to think about Xiangliu, but Wen Xiaoliu is?

【From this moment, a lifelong yearning】

⑥ The “pleasure” of the boudoir

The neck won’t do—just biting the wrist already brings pleasure.

⑦ The great whirlpool — “Waves surging wildly”

Couldn't resist—took two bites.

⑧ Farewell kiss at Gourd Lake

❸ Octopus / Nine-headed Demoness

① Octopus

[ An octopus has nine brains.

The distribution of an octopus's brains is quite unique. One central brain, located in the nervous system's control center, contains about 40% of the total neurons. The other eight auxiliary brains are located in each of its eight arms, collectively containing the remaining 60% of the neurons.

This distribution allows each arm of the octopus to have a certain degree of independent movement, capable of reacting quickly in some situations without direct commands from the central brain.]

Xiao Liu was shocked and clung to Xiangliu’s body like an octopus.

② Nine-headed Demoness

Xiaoyao’s Nine-Headed Demoness transformation plan

One more death, and the Nine-Headed Demoness transformation plan will be complete.

Dreaming sweetly inside a seashell—and the dream comes true.

◐ Joint property

▽–Why could Xiaoyao so easily say, “Die once more,” and tell Xiangliu to extend his life?

•Because Xiaoyao believes that since they planted the Lover’s Gu in each other, they are like a married couple—sharing one life, and thus she has equal rights to manage their joint property… (don’t question Sister Yao’s way of thinking).

She also has nine lives—what belongs to Xiangliu, belongs to her.

• Lirong Shop

The one in her heart isn’t me (the most important person in her heart is cangxuan).

Here, “the person in her heart” is written to contrast with “the person she wants to see,” reflecting the shift in Xiaoyao’s mindset and choices...

(The drama version made some adjustments to cangxuan’s feelings toward Xiaoyao...)

The person Xiaoyao wants to see isn’t me (the one she wants to see is Xiangliu).

①④ Song of White Hair / Li Bai

The brocade waters flow northeast,
Rippling waves rock a pair of mandarin ducks.

The male nests in the trees of the Han palace,
The female plays in the fragrant Qin grass.

Better to die a thousand deaths and have my silken wings shattered,
Than to endure separation in the clouds, torn apart in midair.

At this moment, Lady A Jiao is burning with jealous grief,
Sitting alone in the long gate palace, sorrowing till dusk.

If only the lord’s favor for me were deep,
Why would I begrudge spending gold to buy poems and prose?

When Sima Xiangru wrote a poem and received gold,
He, a man, embraced novelty and grew fickle at heart.

One day, he went to marry the girl from Maoling,
And Lady Wenjun composed the “White Hair Song” in response.

The waters that flow east will never return west,
Fallen flowers part from the branches, ashamed to return to the old forest.

Dodder vines are indeed heartless,
Swaying and tumbling with the wind.

Who made the creeping maidenhair bind,
Clinging forcefully without consent?

Two grasses can share one heart,
But human hearts are not as faithful as grass.

Do not roll up the dragon-hair mat,
Let him tangle his life in new threads.

Leave behind the amber pillow,
Perhaps a dream of him may still come.

Spilled water cannot be scooped back into a full cup,
The one who abandons me will not return again.

In ancient times, the favored never betrayed one another,
But now, I see only the tomb at Qingling Terrace.

[Li Bai’s “White Head Song” shares the same theme as the ancient poem “White Head Song” traditionally attributed to Zhuo Wenjun — both express the sorrow of an abandoned woman and a longing for steadfast love from a woman’s perspective.

However, Li Bai’s version differs from the ancient poem in that it incorporates the story of Empress Chen of Emperor Wu of Han, who spent a thousand gold pieces to buy a composition from Sima Xiangru in an attempt to regain his favor.]

["I would rather die a thousand deaths and have my silken wings shattered,
 than bear to be separated like clouds parting in the sky."]

["Even two blades of grass share one heart; human hearts are not as united as grass."]

Even plants and trees can love each other with one heart; compared to that, the human heart is not even as faithful as grass and trees.When we reunited, my heartbeat recognized you before I did.

⑦ Far, Far Away the Cowherd Star / Nineteen Old Poems (The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl)

Separated by a glistening stream,they gaze at each other in silence, unable to speak.Gazing at each other through the door.

❶❶ Into the Dream

The drama version added a scene where Xiangliu enters Xiaoyao's dream in Qingshui Town.

So far in the drama version, no other characters seem to be involved with dreams?

Tushan Jing was "dead," and she said she never dreamed of Jing even once—so who did she dream of?

How many times has she met him in her dreams? To the point she wonders if it was really just a dream?

Meeting Xiangliu in the great whirlpool—she almost thought it was just a dream.

As shown in the drama version.

Almost felt like a dream.

The drama version adds a scene where she dreams of Xiangliu (before he dies in battle).

• A discussion between Xiaoyao and Xiangliu about “that man” (the image content is purely my imagination, please don’t take it seriously ❌)

Just for fun, don’t take it seriously.

3️⃣ To destroy you mentally.

(Tushan Jing officially makes his appearance here, but it is also his end—because "Jing" is forever someone who is dead.)

Double entendre.

[Explanation of the Double Meaning:

• Literal Meaning:

When Xiangliu says, “只要这世上还有这样的景色” (“As long as such scenery still exists in the world”), he is talking about the beauty of the world—the peaceful moment and the moon they are admiring together.

A typical response would echo the word “scenery” (景色).

• Hidden Meaning / Wordplay – "Jing" as a Symbol of Death:

Xiaoliu replies, “景永远是死的” (“Jing will always be lifeless”).

Here, she doesn’t respond with the meaning of “scenery” (景色), but instead refers to Tushan Jing—whose name, “璟”, is a homophone of “景.”

→ Her line subtly means: “Tushan Jing will always be dead "]

This is a deliberate pun using homophones. The author would never make such a basic linguistic mistake—the only possible explanation is that it was intentional.