just because xiao yao and xiang liu were doomed from the start doesn't mean i’ll stop wishing they were endgame.…
The key difference between Jing and his nephew lies in their circumstances. Jing had an elder brother, Hou, who was deliberately passed over due to his parentage — the unacknowledged son of a maid, constantly demeaned by Jing's mother. In contrast, Jing’s nephew was the sole heir, with no rival siblings. His grooming as future clan leader was expected — it was a matter of when, not if.
Yes, Jing was seen as the golden child, but that was based on family decisions, not his own ambition. From his conversations with Xiao Yao, it’s clear Jing never wanted to be the Tushan leader, He thought his brother’s strength and charisma made him more suitable. Jing took on the title out of duty, not desire.
Jing’s final choice was not abandonment, but a difficult and considered decision. I agree that the boy likely loved him as a father and losing that presence would hurt. But after being presumed dead for years, Jing returned to find his nephew already established as Chief. Taking back the title would have only risked reopening old wounds, especially with rumors about the boy’s parentage and the possibility of a YaoJing son later. Jing chose to break the cycle instead.
As for the CX and XY comparisons — yes, losing parental figures is traumatic. But the contexts differ. Cang Xuan faced assassination plots from his own family. Xiao Yao endured abduction, torture, and identity loss.
Jing’s nephew, while touched by loss, had a stable upbringing, clan backing (even if imperfect), and most likely continued guidance from Jing’s trusted aides. That foundation matters. The story doesn’t show us what happens next, but the environment left behind was one of continuity, not collapse.
Jing left to protect the boy’s position and to honor his promise to Xiao Yao. In a world where no one gets a perfect ending, that was his version of doing right by both.
Nooooooo.....7th prince has been bearing too much for that silly girl Song YiMeng. Poor guy, that has got to hurt a lot. 🥲 The Emperor is such an ass. 😠
just because xiao yao and xiang liu were doomed from the start doesn't mean i’ll stop wishing they were endgame.…
As we only have the novel for reference, many scenarios will naturally be hypothetical. But what we can reasonably infer from the narrative and character arcs is this: Jing never actively sought the role of Tushan Chief. He took on the responsibility out of duty to his family and clan — not personal ambition. In fact, he had shared with XY that he thought that his brother might have made a better leader for the Tushan clan.
Jing’s nephew was not “trapped” in the role of clan leader. He was raised from the start as the future Tushan Chief — supported by the elders, groomed for the position, and never treated as a second choice. His ascension was a matter of when, not if. That’s a far cry from Hou’s situation — an unacknowledged son of a maid, demeaned by Jing's mother who sees him as a living reminder of her husband’s infidelity.
Jing’s nephew never even knew his grandmother, who died shortly after his birth — so her absence likely carried little emotional weight. He was probably raised by Jing and FFYY, with Hou as a doting “uncle.” And since he never knew Hou as his biological father, that absence likely meant little to him. His mother, FFYY, was an unfortunate casualty in Hou’s power struggle for clan leadership. Of all the adults in his early life, she may have been the one Jing’s nephew missed most.
As for comparisons to Cang Xuan and Xiao Yao:
Cang Xuan was raised amid political strife and assassination plots. His uncles had been trying to kill him since childhood, forcing him into survival mode — shaping the ruthless, pragmatic man we know.
Xiao Yao, after years of trauma, abandonment, and identity loss, eventually became Wen Xiao Liu — emotionally detached, self-reliant, and slow to trust.
Jing’s nephew, by contrast, grew up in a stable environment, with a clear role as the clan’s future leader, and support from both family and elders.
The story ends before we learn what happens next, but it’s entirely reasonable to assume Jing stayed in contact, likely through letters, and he left behind trusted aides to guide and protect his nephew.
Jing’s decision ultimately served two purposes: it safeguarded his nephew’s future and preserved the clan’s stability. And whether or not that was his original intent, it allowed him to keep his most important promise — to return to Xiao Yao as Ye Shiqi.
just because xiao yao and xiang liu were doomed from the start doesn't mean i’ll stop wishing they were endgame.…
Regarding “To be with Xiao Yao, Jing had to abandon his role as Tushan clan leader, passing the responsibility onto his young nephew.”
I think it wasn’t clearly explained in the drama, but novel readers have clarified that after Jing’s near-fatal fight with Hou in Season 2 — where he fell into the ocean — he went missing for years and was presumed dead. To maintain stability, the Tushan elders went ahead and named his nephew as the new clan leader.
When Jing eventually returned, he chose not to reclaim the title. He knew his nephew would likely step down and return it to him — but doing so would stir up succession drama, especially after the affair between Jing’s brother and FFYY became public, raising doubts about the nephew’s parentage.
Jing was planning to marry Xiao Yao, and if they had a son, it’s likely some elders would have pushed for the YaoJing child to replace the nephew as heir. Jing didn’t want history to repeat itself. He had already seen how painful it was to grow up feeling like a second choice due to bloodline — as Hou had. He didn’t want his nephew — whom he raised well — to go through the same thing.
By stepping aside and allowing his nephew to remain Chief under the guidance of the elders, Jing avoided disrupting the clan and ensured his nephew a clear, uncontested future.
In Episode 34, when Jing wakes from his coma, he tells Xiao Yao that he no longer wants to be “Tushan Jing” just to marry her. At first, he believed he needed a title worthy of her princess status. But he comes to realize that what matters most is simply being with her. No titles. No politics. No power plays. Just a man and a woman in love. In that sense, I believe he was staying true to his word when he chose to leave with Xiao Yao instead of returning to reclaim leadership of the Tushan clan.
It wasn’t an act of abandonment, but a considered decision — made to avoid destabilizing the clan, protect his nephew, and build a quiet life with Xiao Yao.
7th Prince saving SYM from her predicament with the 18th prince. LYN entered the scene with so much SWAG. Loving it. 🤣😂 Even if SYM refuses to admit, I am sure she was blown away by his swag. 🤪😏
Lantern buying scene is hilarious too. Why do they always make fun of his eyes? 🤣😂
Personally, I have no issue with whoever ends up with Xiaoyao.That choice belongs to the narrative and the character’s…
Well, that’s Jing fans giving their take on why they see things differently, just like XL fans have their own interpretations too, right? That’s what makes these discussions so lively… though I do wish they were a bit less heated sometimes. 😅
Personally, I like both Jing and XL. I see Jing’s flaws, just as I see XL’s. They’re both complex, imperfect characters, each loving the same girl in their own way.
Personally, I have no issue with whoever ends up with Xiaoyao.That choice belongs to the narrative and the character’s…
@AkuMau >>>> If some fans are so sure of their interpretation, then surely they can respect the fact that others may see it differently. This isn’t about shipping wars—it’s about honoring the complexity of a story that was never meant to be one-dimensional. <<<<
I agree with this. Respecting different interpretations is important. But that balance really needs to apply across the board to all characters, not just the ones some fans happen to prefer.
It’s interesting how Tushan Jing often gets put through the wringer with detailed analyses of everything he supposedly did wrong, while the flaws of other characters are barely mentioned — if at all.
It would be refreshing to see that same level of thoughtful critique applied more evenly. Characters like Cang Xuan, Feng Long, and even Xiang Liu each have their own set of flaws and if we were to dissect them just as closely, there's plenty to discuss there too.
Honestly when I meet fans of LYF, they often don't like it when I say: "I love that XY chose TSJ in the end. Although…
@cherryisha All the characters in LYF are flawed in their own way, including XY. So in the end, it’s really about who’s the best fit for her, not who’s perfect.
I believe XY loved both Jing and XL, but in different ways. One gave her stability and the promise of never leaving her, the other gave her freedom and the pain of letting go. Neither love was simple — and that’s what makes this story so rich.
18th prince is such a foodie. He doesn't care whose food he is eating, even if it is the "enemy's" food, he'll eat it as long as it tastes good. HAHAHAHA
And Shangguan He's poor hair since EP 7, it got "abused". 😂🤣😆🤪
I can't believe I nearly gave up on this drama. It has definitely grown on me and so funny. For those of you just starting and finding it meh, it picks up around EP 3 / EP 4. Give it a go.
ikr? I wonder if someone from production team had to eat that much or fake sunflowers were used... 😂
I am guessing it could be a pile of paper shaped like a heap and then just glue the empty sunflower seeds on it? LOL Else that must be everyone on set eating packets and packets of sunflower seeds. 🤣😂😆
18th prince seems to be quite terrified of his 7th brother. LOL Baby hamham.🐹😝
Oh no...Special ep then...Damn what ensing will be this dont seems good... 🥹
Yes, that is indeed true. Just that LYN's characters have such tragic ends for so many dramas in a roll, would be nice to have him to have some HEs in a roll also. LOL As SandraNoLie counted, it's been 5 dramas that ended tragically for LYN's characters! Nooooo....😅😆🤪
Anyways too early at this point to say, we will just keep our fingers crossed and I also guess it cannot be too bad/sad as this does seem very lighthearted drama.
3 
Yes, Jing was seen as the golden child, but that was based on family decisions, not his own ambition. From his conversations with Xiao Yao, it’s clear Jing never wanted to be the Tushan leader, He thought his brother’s strength and charisma made him more suitable. Jing took on the title out of duty, not desire.
Jing’s final choice was not abandonment, but a difficult and considered decision. I agree that the boy likely loved him as a father and losing that presence would hurt. But after being presumed dead for years, Jing returned to find his nephew already established as Chief. Taking back the title would have only risked reopening old wounds, especially with rumors about the boy’s parentage and the possibility of a YaoJing son later. Jing chose to break the cycle instead.
As for the CX and XY comparisons — yes, losing parental figures is traumatic. But the contexts differ. Cang Xuan faced assassination plots from his own family. Xiao Yao endured abduction, torture, and identity loss.
Jing’s nephew, while touched by loss, had a stable upbringing, clan backing (even if imperfect), and most likely continued guidance from Jing’s trusted aides. That foundation matters. The story doesn’t show us what happens next, but the environment left behind was one of continuity, not collapse.
Jing left to protect the boy’s position and to honor his promise to Xiao Yao. In a world where no one gets a perfect ending, that was his version of doing right by both.
Feed my eyes, Weiwei! 🤪😏😍😍😍
Thanks for the heads up Sunbath!
That magical glow coming out of YiTing's schedule shared out to the 18th prince. 😂🤣
Nooooooo.....7th prince has been bearing too much for that silly girl Song YiMeng.
Poor guy, that has got to hurt a lot. 🥲 The Emperor is such an ass. 😠
Jing’s nephew was not “trapped” in the role of clan leader. He was raised from the start as the future Tushan Chief — supported by the elders, groomed for the position, and never treated as a second choice. His ascension was a matter of when, not if. That’s a far cry from Hou’s situation — an unacknowledged son of a maid, demeaned by Jing's mother who sees him as a living reminder of her husband’s infidelity.
Jing’s nephew never even knew his grandmother, who died shortly after his birth — so her absence likely carried little emotional weight. He was probably raised by Jing and FFYY, with Hou as a doting “uncle.” And since he never knew Hou as his biological father, that absence likely meant little to him. His mother, FFYY, was an unfortunate casualty in Hou’s power struggle for clan leadership. Of all the adults in his early life, she may have been the one Jing’s nephew missed most.
As for comparisons to Cang Xuan and Xiao Yao:
Cang Xuan was raised amid political strife and assassination plots. His uncles had been trying to kill him since childhood, forcing him into survival mode — shaping the ruthless, pragmatic man we know.
Xiao Yao, after years of trauma, abandonment, and identity loss, eventually became Wen Xiao Liu — emotionally detached, self-reliant, and slow to trust.
Jing’s nephew, by contrast, grew up in a stable environment, with a clear role as the clan’s future leader, and support from both family and elders.
The story ends before we learn what happens next, but it’s entirely reasonable to assume Jing stayed in contact, likely through letters, and he left behind trusted aides to guide and protect his nephew.
Jing’s decision ultimately served two purposes: it safeguarded his nephew’s future and preserved the clan’s stability. And whether or not that was his original intent, it allowed him to keep his most important promise — to return to Xiao Yao as Ye Shiqi.
I think it wasn’t clearly explained in the drama, but novel readers have clarified that after Jing’s near-fatal fight with Hou in Season 2 — where he fell into the ocean — he went missing for years and was presumed dead. To maintain stability, the Tushan elders went ahead and named his nephew as the new clan leader.
When Jing eventually returned, he chose not to reclaim the title. He knew his nephew would likely step down and return it to him — but doing so would stir up succession drama, especially after the affair between Jing’s brother and FFYY became public, raising doubts about the nephew’s parentage.
Jing was planning to marry Xiao Yao, and if they had a son, it’s likely some elders would have pushed for the YaoJing child to replace the nephew as heir. Jing didn’t want history to repeat itself. He had already seen how painful it was to grow up feeling like a second choice due to bloodline — as Hou had. He didn’t want his nephew — whom he raised well — to go through the same thing.
By stepping aside and allowing his nephew to remain Chief under the guidance of the elders, Jing avoided disrupting the clan and ensured his nephew a clear, uncontested future.
In Episode 34, when Jing wakes from his coma, he tells Xiao Yao that he no longer wants to be “Tushan Jing” just to marry her. At first, he believed he needed a title worthy of her princess status. But he comes to realize that what matters most is simply being with her. No titles. No politics. No power plays. Just a man and a woman in love. In that sense, I believe he was staying true to his word when he chose to leave with Xiao Yao instead of returning to reclaim leadership of the Tushan clan.
It wasn’t an act of abandonment, but a considered decision — made to avoid destabilizing the clan, protect his nephew, and build a quiet life with Xiao Yao.
7th Prince saving SYM from her predicament with the 18th prince.
LYN entered the scene with so much SWAG. Loving it. 🤣😂
Even if SYM refuses to admit, I am sure she was blown away by his swag. 🤪😏
Lantern buying scene is hilarious too. Why do they always make fun of his eyes? 🤣😂
Personally, I like both Jing and XL. I see Jing’s flaws, just as I see XL’s. They’re both complex, imperfect characters, each loving the same girl in their own way.
I agree with this. Respecting different interpretations is important. But that balance really needs to apply across the board to all characters, not just the ones some fans happen to prefer.
It’s interesting how Tushan Jing often gets put through the wringer with detailed analyses of everything he supposedly did wrong, while the flaws of other characters are barely mentioned — if at all.
It would be refreshing to see that same level of thoughtful critique applied more evenly. Characters like Cang Xuan, Feng Long, and even Xiang Liu each have their own set of flaws and if we were to dissect them just as closely, there's plenty to discuss there too.
I believe XY loved both Jing and XL, but in different ways. One gave her stability and the promise of never leaving her, the other gave her freedom and the pain of letting go. Neither love was simple — and that’s what makes this story so rich.
18th prince is such a foodie. He doesn't care whose food he is eating, even if it is the "enemy's" food, he'll eat it as long as it tastes good. HAHAHAHA
And Shangguan He's poor hair since EP 7, it got "abused". 😂🤣😆🤪
I can't believe I nearly gave up on this drama. It has definitely grown on me and so funny.
For those of you just starting and finding it meh, it picks up around EP 3 / EP 4. Give it a go.
Else that must be everyone on set eating packets and packets of sunflower seeds. 🤣😂😆
18th prince seems to be quite terrified of his 7th brother. LOL
Baby hamham.🐹😝
Baby 18th prince and a mountain of eaten sunflower seeds almost covering him. 🤣😂😆 Is he a hamster or what? 🐹🌰
Anyways too early at this point to say, we will just keep our fingers crossed and I also guess it cannot be too bad/sad as this does seem very lighthearted drama.
Hey Diamonds, reservations are opened for Days of Seclusion & Love (DSL) on iQiyi. 🥝🥝
Have you made your reservation?
https://www.iq.com/album/%E9%A3%8E%E6%9C%88%E4%B8%8D%E7%9B%B8%E5%85%B3-2026-a8tkp0yr0t?lang=en_us
And for those with Netflix, you can put in the request for DSL here:
https://help.netflix.com/en/titlerequest
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