I'm a big fan of all these characters - ALL of them. I may not in real life associate with any of them (heck, too much drama and pain), but as characters, they are truly well constructed and brought to life by an amazing cast. I rarely read the novels dramas are based on, but while watching S1, I really enjoyed reading Tong Hua's novel.
Being respectful of someone's differing opinion is hard online. I can post anything I want without anyone finding out who I am in real life. But words do mean something. If someone says something hurtful about a character I do actually like, do I retaliate and say something equally insulting about their favorite character? Life's too short lol. This may be a losing battle, but I'll try to continue to post on the main page and keep it positive overall.
In terms of his core personality/disposition, I would say no. But as far as him displaying more of his intelligence…
True, I think that S1 could have highlighted his strengths more. Without reading the novel, one might feel he comes off as a mopey lovesick puppy dog lol in S1, but I think there is also enough in the drama to infer things. His friends FL and Xinyue make comments that he is not the same as he was in the past. He is less confident and less sure of himself after Hou's cruel torture of him. I've said it before, but I see S1 as showing a damaged, humbled version of himself. If S2 follows the novel regarding Jing's story, he will gradually show more and more of his confidence and sharpness.
To me when reading the novel and watching the drama, I don't necessarily think it was only Jing's status that made him "great" prior to Hou's torture. Yes, he was sheltered, coddled even, but he was also kind and sharp. He really was skilled in the arts and in business. XL notes in the novel that he has been doing business with him for hundreds of years and knew he was not a weak fool.
So while he may not be the most exciting character, I believe he does go through a true character arc in this story - one of learning to regain himself wholly - not just family's wealth/status or a title (Qingqiu Master). He learns to be the best version of himself, I think. He gives his heart wholly to XY, the one person he cherishes and loves the most, and he supports CX not only for XY but also because he wants a world where everyone can live in peace. That is also why he seeks to resolve the issue with FFYY and Hou without killing them; he wants to break the cycle of hate and violence in his family (ahem, his horrible mother) for his young nephew's sake. A lot of this is told offhand in the novel as the focus is on XY and CX (as it should be).
Sorry I tend to get long with posts, but I just wanted to say my 2 cents regarding Jing.
Side note, I feel like Jing and XL have a very interesting dynamic in both the drama and novel - it's too bad that there isn't more of it, I would love to see them interact more.
In terms of his core personality/disposition, I would say no. But as far as him displaying more of his intelligence…
I know, it was hard to watch in S1, and where it ended didn't help because at that point, TSJ is probably at his lowest. S2 will definitely complete his story and character arc. The novel was pretty perfect in my opinion as far as how his story works out (actually a few of my favorite moments in the novel are between FFYY and TSJ when she really sees him for who he is and recognizes that his kindness is not a weakness but his strength). I really hope the drama doesn't mess it up lol. I'm already nervous about the changes it may have taken with XL and CX's characters.
Does Tushan Jing’s character have some development in terms of personality in this season. I’m biased towards…
In terms of his core personality/disposition, I would say no. But as far as him displaying more of his intelligence and getting things done, I would have to disagree and say that in the latter parts of the novel, he certainly does show these more. Along with XY's help, he finally sorts out FFYY and TSH's schemes and deals with them - in his own Jing-like way (he doesn't have them killed). Not sure how much more you'd like to know as far as spoilers from the novel, but like Kokuto said, the drama may take a different approach.
As one of those yaojing fans, I suppose on the one hand I am glad there is still a happy ending for XY and Jing in the leaked script. On the other, however, I am not pleased with how it handles CX's character.
For those who finished watching the first season, I have a question: Out of all the characters aside from Xiao…
I forget which episode this is: there is a scene when FFB/XL meets TSJ to discuss a business deal (he needs more provisions). I'm pretty sure based on how TSJ acts that he already knows then that FFB is XL. I can't remember if he knows before this scene though.
As a big fan, of course I hope you won't skip lol. BTW I never watched GoT, and no one can make me
Wow, this comment thread is becoming super long haha. Yeah, XY's story with Jing is one long and painful (but also sweet in my opinion) journey. She slowly learns to love and show love.
Thank you and I appreciate the many Xiangliu fans who have been replying to my posts but since most of your viewpoints…
With this story, it's clear many have very strong views on each character. I guess it's a testament to Tong Hua's rich storytelling and crafting multidimensional characters. What one person sees in a character can be quite different with that of someone else. And that goes for me too. I think that's why many of us have just gone to our respective discussion threads above to avoid any unpleasant drama lol.
I'll venture a bit and post some more: I don't see Xiangliu as a perfect saint, and I don't think the author intended him to be so. He's lived a life of violence when we meet him in the story, and unfortunately, he can and is quite mean to Wen Xiaoliu at first. He does soften as the story goes as he falls for XY and also experiences the warmth and understanding she displays to him as someone who has also experienced pain and abuse when younger. There's a lot to appreciate and admire in him as he saves her life later on and continues his support for the Chenrong soldiers. But he's still not "perfect" - no one is. As far as romantic relationships goes, to me, he is unable to communicate openly and thoroughly with XY (he has his reasons, I suppose), and that can be a nonstarter for some, including myself.
And while it's probably very clear that I like the character of Jing, I can see others being exasperated with him. He's damaged and traumatized when we meet him in the story as well (I guess that's a major similarity with a lot of the characters). Tong Hua also writes him as kind to a fault - and maybe I've never met someone in real life HAHA quite like this - but his character is key to her overall story. It's not just because XY ends up with him; his genuine kindness in a world of violence and in contrast to characters like Hou/FFYY and even CX is unmistakable and one of the enduring themes of her novel (at least in my opinion).
As far as what you noted regarding Xiaoyao, I can see her flaws especially in her dealing with her heart - she keeps it close to her and that I feel does make it hard for her to walk the road with Jing (or anyone) until she eventually learns to how to give her heart to someone (and I believe she does by the story's end, she's willing to help Jing with his family troubles). But I don't see her as completely aimless. In the novel she continues to practice her medicine and learn; hopefully we get to see that in the drama as well and not merely her romantic woes.
Anyway, I've gone too long. Hope to see you in some of the discussion threads above! Hoping also for a great S2!
As a big fan, of course I hope you won't skip lol. BTW I never watched GoT, and no one can make me
I think I meant more that she has to give herself wholly to this relationship and not necessarily she has to give up something (although in setting up a trap for FFYY and Hou in the novel she does show she is willing to risk to help Jing eventually). That may be why a lot of her back and forth with Jing is frustrating. To me, it's not that she does not love Jing, it's that she is woefully inept at showing her love - she hasn't exactly had good examples and guidance from those around her for a period of her most formative years. And of course, she guards her heart because she doesn't want to get hurt. She gradually shows more affection and does more for Jing as the story progresses - it's slow and painful LOL. To me, a major turning point was after her assassination and learning of what Jing did for her. I can see that she truly cherishes him.
As far as Jing, I know you and I will probably always disagree on him, so I will try not to pick a fight haha. To me, his story is one of learning to love himself again and to regain his confidence. When we meet him in LYF, he's a damaged version of himself. We'll never know him in his might and prime as the "Qingqiu Master." His family turmoil is frustrating to watch, but I get it. Maybe because it's because I'm a physician myself and see this sort of thing happen sometimes or maybe because I'm just getting older, but making a clean break from even a toxic family is easier said than done, especially from one as powerful and influential as Tushan. This doesn't negate the fact that Jing causes pain to XY because of his family issues, and I'm not disregarding that. This is what he needs to pass through and learn from. However, going back to XY, it's only when she and Jing team up later that his whole family stuff gets dealt with finally. It's a great way for all those storylines to come together in that moment. We'll have to wait and see how S2 deals with these storylines.
Being respectful of someone's differing opinion is hard online. I can post anything I want without anyone finding out who I am in real life. But words do mean something. If someone says something hurtful about a character I do actually like, do I retaliate and say something equally insulting about their favorite character? Life's too short lol. This may be a losing battle, but I'll try to continue to post on the main page and keep it positive overall.
To me when reading the novel and watching the drama, I don't necessarily think it was only Jing's status that made him "great" prior to Hou's torture. Yes, he was sheltered, coddled even, but he was also kind and sharp. He really was skilled in the arts and in business. XL notes in the novel that he has been doing business with him for hundreds of years and knew he was not a weak fool.
So while he may not be the most exciting character, I believe he does go through a true character arc in this story - one of learning to regain himself wholly - not just family's wealth/status or a title (Qingqiu Master). He learns to be the best version of himself, I think. He gives his heart wholly to XY, the one person he cherishes and loves the most, and he supports CX not only for XY but also because he wants a world where everyone can live in peace. That is also why he seeks to resolve the issue with FFYY and Hou without killing them; he wants to break the cycle of hate and violence in his family (ahem, his horrible mother) for his young nephew's sake. A lot of this is told offhand in the novel as the focus is on XY and CX (as it should be).
Sorry I tend to get long with posts, but I just wanted to say my 2 cents regarding Jing.
Side note, I feel like Jing and XL have a very interesting dynamic in both the drama and novel - it's too bad that there isn't more of it, I would love to see them interact more.
I'll venture a bit and post some more: I don't see Xiangliu as a perfect saint, and I don't think the author intended him to be so. He's lived a life of violence when we meet him in the story, and unfortunately, he can and is quite mean to Wen Xiaoliu at first. He does soften as the story goes as he falls for XY and also experiences the warmth and understanding she displays to him as someone who has also experienced pain and abuse when younger. There's a lot to appreciate and admire in him as he saves her life later on and continues his support for the Chenrong soldiers. But he's still not "perfect" - no one is. As far as romantic relationships goes, to me, he is unable to communicate openly and thoroughly with XY (he has his reasons, I suppose), and that can be a nonstarter for some, including myself.
And while it's probably very clear that I like the character of Jing, I can see others being exasperated with him. He's damaged and traumatized when we meet him in the story as well (I guess that's a major similarity with a lot of the characters). Tong Hua also writes him as kind to a fault - and maybe I've never met someone in real life HAHA quite like this - but his character is key to her overall story. It's not just because XY ends up with him; his genuine kindness in a world of violence and in contrast to characters like Hou/FFYY and even CX is unmistakable and one of the enduring themes of her novel (at least in my opinion).
As far as what you noted regarding Xiaoyao, I can see her flaws especially in her dealing with her heart - she keeps it close to her and that I feel does make it hard for her to walk the road with Jing (or anyone) until she eventually learns to how to give her heart to someone (and I believe she does by the story's end, she's willing to help Jing with his family troubles). But I don't see her as completely aimless. In the novel she continues to practice her medicine and learn; hopefully we get to see that in the drama as well and not merely her romantic woes.
Anyway, I've gone too long. Hope to see you in some of the discussion threads above! Hoping also for a great S2!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_PVNDNp7_k
As far as Jing, I know you and I will probably always disagree on him, so I will try not to pick a fight haha. To me, his story is one of learning to love himself again and to regain his confidence. When we meet him in LYF, he's a damaged version of himself. We'll never know him in his might and prime as the "Qingqiu Master." His family turmoil is frustrating to watch, but I get it. Maybe because it's because I'm a physician myself and see this sort of thing happen sometimes or maybe because I'm just getting older, but making a clean break from even a toxic family is easier said than done, especially from one as powerful and influential as Tushan. This doesn't negate the fact that Jing causes pain to XY because of his family issues, and I'm not disregarding that. This is what he needs to pass through and learn from. However, going back to XY, it's only when she and Jing team up later that his whole family stuff gets dealt with finally. It's a great way for all those storylines to come together in that moment. We'll have to wait and see how S2 deals with these storylines.