I finally read the entire novel from beginning to end and these are my thoughts, beware of my long post as I’m…
I now understand why LYF is so well loved and why the shipping wars are so intense. I can’t blame any of the them because I honestly loved XY’s dynamic with all the guys (maybe minus FL because he really wasn’t much of a contender lol).
It was a wonderful ride being taken along XY’s journey in achieving simple life with her lifelong companion. We witness her fighting alongside our male lead ZX in uniting the nations and conquering the world, and her relationships with the different suitors along the way.
Despite the debate on who XY should/could have ended up with, I still believe that she loved them all in her own way. Ultimately, fate, choices and circumstances led her to ending up with Jing. By the end of it, I was truly happy for them as they went through thick and thin and deserved a HE.
ZX/CX - My heart ached the most for him. There would not have been a story if they had a normal childhood, as they probably would have ended up a married couple just like his parents. They were each other’s closest family and blood. Surprisingly, his character grew on me and I couldn’t help but still root for him despite the things he did. The tragic irony in his journey to gaining power (to protect her) was that it led him to losing her forever.
TSJ - The only man who fits XY’s criteria. Even though he was the logical choice, XY truly loved him. He appears weak, but kills it with kindness. The smartest and most strategic, but without ambition. The one who was able to open up and heal XY’s heart. He is like water, calm and unwavering. It was nice to see her grow as a person through her experience with Jing - going from someone who was always prepared to run away to someone who was willing to yearn a lifetime for someone she felt was worth it.
XL - A memorable character with his touching silent love. Resolute yet doesn’t desire anything. He is a fan favourite for a good reason, and leaves a deep impression because his character will always make us wonder “what if”. He is probably my favourite standalone character. He deserved that epilogue.
In a way, each character had their HE since they achieved what they set out to do.
ZX became the most powerful man who ensured XY would always be protected so she could live freely and happily. TSJ ensured XY had a partner to walk through life's ups and downs for all eternity. XL ensured XY had all her needs in life - self defense, a life partner, and ability to call anywhere home (land or water).
I am super anxious about season 2 and hope that they can deliver the rest of the plot with the same success as S1 without cutting down the scenes/eps because we’ve got a lot to cover! Brb as I go rewatch S1 😭
I finally read the entire novel from beginning to end and these are my thoughts, beware of my long post as I’m having serious drama/story withdrawals 🥲
In the novel, Hou kills TSJ, and ZX makes it possible.Based on what we've heard about the leaked script for S2,…
They are cousins (his dad and her mom are siblings). I think her mom calls the grandmother ''master'' instead of ''mom'' but I heard this was voiced over in the drama. Not sure why because it was the norm for cousins to marry back then.
Finally finished the last ep of season 1 and loved it! Looking forward to season 2 and am hoping it delivers just as well as season 1. Great discussion everyone! See you then!
After watching the series for a second time, I’ve changed my mind. I want XY to marry both XL and TSJ. 🤣
Best of both worlds lmao. But I also really like her dynamic with CX. I like them all and can ship her with all and see her with them in a different situation or alternate reality
The guards were bribed by the uncle to turn a blind eye to Cang Xuan's assassination attempt. Seeing as they were…
The assassination attempt was done by a separate set of guards (separate from the guards in front of the grandfathers place) - wouldn’t the fifth uncle’s men continue trying to kill CX? Or did they all rush to protect the grandfather
ah ep 38 was epic! CX and XY made such a good team, they were on the same wavelength. I really liked the way they filmed it. I love the piggyback scene too with the backdrop of flowers - I can't help but love CX and XY's bond (I love her dynamic with each of the guys). Even tho I'm happy TSJ is endgame, and XL is my fave, I also really like CX's relationship with XY which is something so close and intimate. I love his love for her (even tho I know he gets greedy later on, but he loves her deeply).
Can someone explain to me what XY's tactic was? Her last arrow was shot at a bunch of guards who were guarding in front of her grandfather's place - was that to make it look like the uncles did it? wasn't really sure what the brilliant plan was. also, the grandfather was just sitting there calmly playing chess with Jing and FL (not sure why Jing and FL came since they wouldn't be able to do anything).
Is it weird that I ship Ah Nian and Ru Shuo? lol they would make a cute bickering couple. Does Ah Nian ever find out about CX's love for XY (I assume not since I didn't hear anything about it, assuming only Xinyue finds out)? I know Ah Nian is aware that the two are closer, but I'd imagine she'd still be unhappy about it since she acknowledges XY as her sister.
Episode 36:Every scene of XY and CX always hits me. If they cry then I’ll cry with them. They hold powerful…
Omg their scenes are the most moving because of the things they went through and how they are the only closest family they have left in the world. The way they can be vulnerable in front of each other.
Her bond with Jing and XL is special, and I like them most. But the latter half of the series made me realize how her bond with CX is even closer. They could’ve been end game if they were never separated
1 
Can someone please explain to me on some questions?
It was a wonderful ride being taken along XY’s journey in achieving simple life with her lifelong companion. We witness her fighting alongside our male lead ZX in uniting the nations and conquering the world, and her relationships with the different suitors along the way.
Despite the debate on who XY should/could have ended up with, I still believe that she loved them all in her own way. Ultimately, fate, choices and circumstances led her to ending up with Jing. By the end of it, I was truly happy for them as they went through thick and thin and deserved a HE.
ZX/CX - My heart ached the most for him. There would not have been a story if they had a normal childhood, as they probably would have ended up a married couple just like his parents. They were each other’s closest family and blood. Surprisingly, his character grew on me and I couldn’t help but still root for him despite the things he did. The tragic irony in his journey to gaining power (to protect her) was that it led him to losing her forever.
TSJ - The only man who fits XY’s criteria. Even though he was the logical choice, XY truly loved him. He appears weak, but kills it with kindness. The smartest and most strategic, but without ambition. The one who was able to open up and heal XY’s heart. He is like water, calm and unwavering. It was nice to see her grow as a person through her experience with Jing - going from someone who was always prepared to run away to someone who was willing to yearn a lifetime for someone she felt was worth it.
XL - A memorable character with his touching silent love. Resolute yet doesn’t desire anything. He is a fan favourite for a good reason, and leaves a deep impression because his character will always make us wonder “what if”. He is probably my favourite standalone character. He deserved that epilogue.
In a way, each character had their HE since they achieved what they set out to do.
ZX became the most powerful man who ensured XY would always be protected so she could live freely and happily.
TSJ ensured XY had a partner to walk through life's ups and downs for all eternity.
XL ensured XY had all her needs in life - self defense, a life partner, and ability to call anywhere home (land or water).
I am super anxious about season 2 and hope that they can deliver the rest of the plot with the same success as S1 without cutting down the scenes/eps because we’ve got a lot to cover! Brb as I go rewatch S1 😭
Can someone explain to me what XY's tactic was? Her last arrow was shot at a bunch of guards who were guarding in front of her grandfather's place - was that to make it look like the uncles did it? wasn't really sure what the brilliant plan was. also, the grandfather was just sitting there calmly playing chess with Jing and FL (not sure why Jing and FL came since they wouldn't be able to do anything).
Does Ah Nian ever find out about CX's love for XY (I assume not since I didn't hear anything about it, assuming only Xinyue finds out)? I know Ah Nian is aware that the two are closer, but I'd imagine she'd still be unhappy about it since she acknowledges XY as her sister.
Her bond with Jing and XL is special, and I like them most. But the latter half of the series made me realize how her bond with CX is even closer. They could’ve been end game if they were never separated