anitfa

Very happy and just ending

I never watched Cheng Yi's works before, but after Mysterious Lotus Casebook (I digged into this one mainly because it is high rated wuxia), I come to Love and Redemption. Now I am at episode 30s. The plot is really good.

This year is so good for wuxia lovers. After The Blood of Youth, we have this. This drama is also so close to Nirvana in Fire. Both are mature show. So great. But, MCL is less political, less romance, more real fight with swords, and more exploration of the jianghu. I like it. I am ready to re-watch it. And, it makes me want to watch Nirvana in Fire again.

I agree. After Lacaya, the story goes down hill.

You almost don't know a thing about every character here because it is intentionally made so. Especially Xiao Se. He is a prince in exile/ presumed to be dead already. And the identity of other guardians are only revealed near the periode Xiao Se's identity is exposed. For me, this kind of character development is unique because we see how the characters are constructed through/ mid the story, not from the start.

I think, near the end, the drama doesn't have enough time to introduce Tang Ze. If you are curious about how he became one of the guardian, you'd be better to read the novel.

Indeed, however that much information is useful to minimize plot holes. This drama is wonderful because it is pretty neat and keeps its internal logics well. Even though it is originated from a novel, watching the drama itself is sufficient and gives you full experience.

I think, the use of several demons in the story is just for the sake of the world building. The point of the story is not to tell about them individually as they are just tertiary. In the beginning we have dream demon, and other several small demons devoured be TTJ, other weak demons in the Abyss, and another dream demon, and this spider demon.

Except for Pianran, Siying, and Jinmie as they are secondary. Pianran is important for TTJ's development as a king and device to expose the ugliness of YBC. Siying and Jinmie are DG's generals.

I don't understand it either. As I remember, there is nothing from the drama which tells us directly why TTJ is a moon. I am only able to make a guess.

LSS/ immortals/ gods and goddesses are symbols of light, the sun and broad day light. Meanwhile, Devil God and demon are the symbol of darkness, the night. At night, the only source of light for the world in darkness is the moon.

Moon revolves around the Earth in several phases. In the beginning of a month, the new moon is called "dark moon" or "black moon". TTJ at the beginning is like a dark moon. He is the shadow, the evil being that is created from the sin. Like a moon, he has potential to shine. But, he must endure a slow evolution.

Slowly along the time, the crescent of the moon is getting bigger. At the peak of the moon, we have a beautiful "full moon" which lights the night. TTJ's character growth is like a full moon. The moon is shining till the dawn is breaking. The moon is gone, but a new day is rising. He sacrifices himself at his peak; he finally reaches godhood. From that, we have a new world wherein everything is under the light.

So... "till the end of the moon". CMIIW!

1. They never get together neither break up. When they seemingly would get together, the director breaks them up. When they seemingly would break up, they get together again!
2. Periods of break up and get together again are repeated. One episode they break up, next episode they get together again continuously 'till the end of the moon. Each phase is no more than 2-3 episodes as I remember. The longest break up is around the tower scene.
3. No love triangles.
4. Happy open ending.

Thank you, Fiona! TTEOM is so special for me. I never watch a drama with such complexity. It is like one in a million opportunity to learn about drama making, fiction writing, and story telling.

It is very good explanation from you. It is mind opening.

When rewatching, I try to grasp the story from the perspective of side characters, because I have enough with the main leads from the first time watching it. This way, I can understand the story as a whole.

From the TTJ's perspective, I am with you. From Lan'an perspective, I have few insights.

Although Lan'an is only a side character, she has some development (even though it is a negative one). She and Yunxin serve as tools of the writer to describe and explain TTJ's past. So, their experience with TTJ can be understood as one narration.

Lan'an and Yunxin are people who understand TTJ in term of his temperament. They are practically TTJ's mothers. They know TTJ since he was born and his peculiarities such as he was alive by sucking blood, he had natal teeth (a symbol of bad omen), his extreme emotional deficit, inability to shed tears, and his method of survival. And one thing that finally created shock and terror in them is when TTJ asked if he can kill people. It is very unusual question from a child. Since that time, they are afraid of him. Even though TTJ never did any harm, he never hold them special in his heart (he didn't have a heart). TTJ cannot fulfill their emotional needs and treat them coldly like they are strangers.

These sentences are the essence of TTJ's personality understood only by Lan'an and Yunxin: "He is cold and aloof by nature, yet he desires care and attention. The less we display selfishness, the smoother things will go. As long as we don't hurt him, what is wrong with using him?" The method to tame TTJ is actually pretty easy. Because he is a very simple person and what he wants are as simple as being alive, safe, and cared well. He is like a very nice pet. Just don't agitate him, or he will fight back. With this understanding, Lan'an can lure TTJ out of Sheng Kingdom, set a trap, and sell him out to TTML.

Lan'an's selfishness appears later in the ship when she and NBY talked about her daughter. She just love her daughter so she let herself be used by TTML. From TTJ's perspective (and ours too), her action is selfish. But for Lan'an, she just did what a mother would do. Her scolds to TTJ only happens in the very last moment, and I understand it as her long bottled up emotions. I think, actually she has the ability to hold those feelings as usual. It is just TTJ wants to know the truth before his death, so she reveals her hidden thoughts and feelings. She defends herself and Yunxin (for me, she doesn't accuse TTJ on anything), she tells him the reasons why they are willing to let him be killed. They have no choice. It is their way to survive under the pressure of circumstances and people with power above them.

At first, TTJ is innocent and he is the victim. However, he had been hurt so badly, so as predicted he fought back. Lan'an thus becomes his first and the most mentally devastating murder. After killing her, he experiences mental break down. He loses hope, and wishes to die (it is the second; the first one is when he learned he is the cause of his biological mother's death and we got the third when YXW's died).

Lan'an and Yunxin's story are explanation of TTJ's past. In comparison, YXW is come from TTJ's distant future. Lan'an knows his beginning as a pitiful and powerless child. YXW knows his ending as merciless and powerful Demon God. Both sides hold important information to understand TTJ. It is just YXW and Lan'an never exchange thoughts so YXW doesn't have opportunity to learn Lan'an wisdom about how to handle TTJ.

Your questions refer to...? The first or second sentence?

The ancient divine artifact, world-alluring jade is an interesting plot device. Why it appears to YXW is mysterious, but in the end, it chose TTJ to be its owner. Ability to talk to animals is very interesting. It is very rare in xianxia to have other creatures, beside demon, immortal, and human, to work together. I wonder if this ability is bestowed by Demon God to Yiyue tribe.

I found the first plot holes in TTEOM in this episode. YXW knows that TTJ is gone astray and that she must look after him closely. But she decides to jump off the ship, resulting in their separation. Seemingly, it is her carelessness. She is too quick to act. I think, it is easier for her to just stay. It would save much time and avoid unnecessary misunderstanding if YXW witnesses Lan'an's betrayal and murder and TTJ's craziness and suicidal act "with her own eyes" (maybe from a hiding place, a little far for her to hear everything clearly). It would be more understandable if the separation is happened after both jump and get drowned. It is natural to lose one each other in the water. Also, it is impossible to stay beautiful after drowning. At least, her make up and one or two hair ornaments must be lost.

And, the way they reunite again is very unlikely. She found TTJ like finding a random rock on the road. What guides her to TTJ's whereabout? So I imagine, YXW should follow the news from surrounding villages (maybe that TTML makes a grave scene in the bank of Ruo river and everybody is in terror, maybe because TTML slaughters some Yiyue tribesmen and dumps their bodies in the river). She should PANICKLY (instead of calmly) search for TTJ's body along the river after sending the letter to her family.

This way, the plot still can move smoothly, while letting us know that she still cares for him despite her anger. In the hut, YXW interrogates him, why TTML ambushed him, why he killed Lang'an, and why he is blind. TTJ responds her with his coldness, like we've seen. Nothing to explain because it is too shocking and painful, he is too tired and too sick, and he knows, he is not trusted and hated. His teary right eye is so perfect describing his internal turmoil, when he said, "It is just a betrayal," like it is an everyday event.

I think, it shouldn't be a guessing game for YXW. She has a bad habit to conclude everything by thinking herself. They are indeed lacking exchange of thoughts necessary for better mutual understanding. However, it is interesting to see YXW developing new views about TTJ. Before, she wants to save him, but later she said she regrets saving him. Now, she thinks he is a pitiful, yet detestable person. She now understands TTJ's cruelty as his natural reaction to the cruel world and fate.

YXW's behavior is indeed perplexing for TTJ. Why doesn't she wish him die, or let him die, or kill him, or hand him to the enemy when she has all the reasons? TTJ is almost died twice, and he also ever tried to kill himself once. YXW always stops him midway to death, and unbelievably, she put herself in danger to protect him. What YXW does to him is in contrary to his core morality: survival.

'Till this point, TTJ has learned the lesson about how to be a good person: 1) you must help and do no harm to others (episode 7), 2) you must be merciful and forgiving (episode 8), and 3) you must protect and sacrifice for others (episode 9). It is important to notice that TTJ begins to question what love actually is. YXW gives him the examples and definition: "Love is you don't want him to die. You wanna stay with him. You'll be worried if you don't see him. You'll be happy if you do." He is one step closer to become a normal human.

Actually, TTJ has all of the quality categorizing him as a good person. He once helps Ye Bingchang from YXW's evil plan. He never harms other first and only does so for self-defense. He is ready to forgive Lan'an. He protects YXW and sacrifice himself. Yet, YXW doesn't see them all. She keeps reminding herself that he is the Demon God. She believes in the detestable side of TTJ more than his pitiful one, and let this assumption to be her guidance. It would be a different story if she sympathizes more to his pitiful side (that he is a victim of evil) and throw the idea of killing him completely, until the situation forces her to do so.

Another holes: Where did YXW found mortar and pestle in wilderness? I think it is understandable to provide him with just fruits. They don't know the poison, so how is she able to make the antidote? In the end, TTJ is still dying.

Episode 8 staged a new battle for TTJ. It is no longer to survive in Sheng Kingdom, but to claim his rights as an emperor.

Yingxin is gone crazy because of guilty feeling. Chief Wu's abuse of YX is an unexpected event. Later TTJ killed him and it can be considered his revenge for YX.

Important thing, YXW rises new question about TTJ's personality as a devil fetus. "He is merciless. Is the Devil God really heartless? Is there any remedy for him to be a good person?"

These are desperate questions, because she answered them herself by announcing her regret for saving TTJ. For me, she is in illusion again. If the saving she meant refers to the scene where TTJ is almost frozen died (episode 1-2), it is YXW/ her own fault. She lost her resoluteness easily; maybe she never expects that saving TTJ would be a very difficult task to do. She naively thought that only kindness is enough to "cure" evil. Unconscious to her, she responds TTJ's "evil" deed with similar evil deed. She cut her ties with TTJ, her official husband.

In comparison to TTJ, she is the one with emotion here, but her feelings are only anger, hate, and fear. She is so influenced by the horror caused by the Demon God 2.0 and cannot see TTJ as himself. Instead of trying to adapt herself, remembering their good memories in Ye mansion, she distances herself. It is ironic that she said that TTJ treat YX like a stranger, while she did the same to TTJ.

Actually, TTJ is not treat his nannies like stranger. For some extents, he shows appreciation and he has a principle: he won't hurt them if they don't hurt him first. This morality is pretty fair, although it is quite animalistic. [However, YXW another expectation is that to be good is to have mercy and to forgive others regardless the sin (beside to help and save others).] That's why he doesn't kill YXW in the ship, even though he scares and threats her, telling her she is his prey. YXW just cannot deduce the answer from TTJ behavior to her and she didn't see how good he treats Lan'an with respect like his own mother. TTJ is not merciless and not heartless. It is just a matter of different definition of what is moral.

Plot twist: Lan'an's betrayal. It is very unexpected. We don't see it there. It is a heavy blow for TTJ. He lost YXW, and now Lan'an.

Lan'an and TTJ's last dialogue is very meaningful to overall story. A person who used to be strong turns (morally) weak and destructible because of love. This corruption is not merely due to love, but the bonds created with the beloved person. When that person is the most precious, it weighs more than everything in this world. Love is the highest form of loyalty. To love is to not betray and to do things as expected by the beloved. A bond created by love is thus hard to cut. From this, we may deduce that at this time, YXW doesn't love TTJ yet. But, TTJ does have love to YXW.

TTJ's expressions in the brink of death is very impactful and astonishing. From the time he admits his defeat to TTML: his calmness and silence facing the sudden dangerous situation, his unbeatable pride despite of the defeat, his bottled up anger, his disgust to TTML, his resistance to bow down, his wary when TTML vents his anger uncontrollably, his willingness to understand Lan'an's reason of betrayal, his disbeliefs on the effect of love on a person, his sadness knowing Lan'an's honest thoughts about him, his disappointment about Lan'an final choice, his last hope by reminding Lan'an their relationship, his denial, his acceptance of the bitter truth, his self consolation (the gesture: patting the chest), his defense against Lan'an accusation, his hidden thought like saying "what should I do to her?" (the gesture: diverting eyes from Lan'an, breaking eyes contanct) while the emotion is heightened, his anger knowing Lan'an use YXW to trap him, his "finally I grasp everything" (his heavy breathing), his increased coldness to Lan'an, his suspenseful moment before making final decision to kill Lan'an, his hesitation to let Lan'an died (the gesture: gripping Lan'an's both upper arms, getting closer to her), his mercy giving Lan'an a chance to live, his hope that Lan'an regrets her evil deed, his tear hanging in the right eye, his farewell to his beloved nanny (the gesture: distancing himself) and his resoluteness to kill. He kills Lan'an without batting his eyes.

His cunningness enables him use this very little time of shock to escape from TTML. He refuses to give up his life, but at the same time, he is so brave to lose his life (he cut his wrist to release the poisoned blood). He is more than an animal. He is a psycho. An animal wouldn't harm itself, but he would. He stated his warning to TTML that TTML would pay him. His final laughs stating his confidence.

This emotional performance is outstanding from Luo Yunxi. So many intentions are communicated without much words!

Her saying denotes a huge difference between her and Ye Xiwu. Lan'an knows him best, so she knows how to treat and influence TTJ the best, despite she has ulterior motive. YXW has more noble purpose (to save and turn TTJ to be a good person), yet she knows nothing about TTJ. Both fail TTJ in the end.

Had YXW understand TTJ as good as Lan'an, she would be more patient and not too judgmental. Had Lan'an wish as genuine as YXW for the goodness of TTJ, she would be TTJ's greatest ally. YXW with her kindness and Lan'an with her wisdom would be precious hands for TTJ to defeat TTML and help TTJ to serve as a good ruler. It would be a very different story.

A costume can function as a sign of change in personality or phase of life. I think this change serves more as a symbol. Before, TTJ is a hostage prince. Now, TTJ is a escaping prince. He couldn't dress conspicuously. So the choice of color is a pale one, without ornament.

In the earlier episodes, his dress is also simple pale in color. Later, it becomes bolder and more ornamented with quality fabric. Here, his dress is changed again, suited for his new identity and purpose.

I feel, it is jealousy. At this time, he is finally able to appreciate the warmth, care, kindness, and protection of a family. He can be less cautious. He wants to be part of Ye family. Yet, he still doesn't get the same attention and treatment.

Lan'an said in the end of the episode, "He is cold and aloof by nature, yet he desires care and attention." Care and attention equals to love. He can't feel emotion, nevertheless he understands what love is as a good thing.

Episode 7 is the end of TTJ's life as a weak hostage prince.

This episode is the beginning of TTJ's escape to Jing Kingdom. The push factor: he is to be assassinated. The pull factor: Yiyue Tribe is finally able to help him come back to his home. LSS/YXW also gains her resoluteness to save TTJ and to help him to be a good person by giving him happiness, instead of killing him. This new goal is resulted from her understanding of TTJ's past and his innocence.

***

The story turns to a new direction, leaving the capital of Sheng. New characters introduced: Ye Qingyu, Pianran, and Nian Baiyu. It is interesting that initially TTJ is hesitating to escape. He never thought to leave Sheng Kingdom; because he is now able to enjoy his life in Ye mansion with YXW. He is cared and protected well. However, he is attempted by power (his gesture: looking intensely with amusement at his right hand). So, he wills to go. However, his true intention is not merely to get power, but to be able to protect himself using his own power. So actually, he wants independence.

The scene after TTJ talking to Lan'an is poignant as he is thinking of leaving and his heavy heart, parting with YXW. They have last happy time together at Ye mansion, and this memory is the one which is reserved in TTJ's Bo're dream (episode 39). It depicts his very dream: to have a normal life. I love to see their natural messy hairs after playing with snow. They enjoy their togetherness.

Later, in Ye Qingyu's abduction by Pianran, we see an interesting fact in YXW's way of thinking. Her criteria of "good person" for TTJ is too naive, easy, and simple: 1) help other and 2) save other. Those are her expectations to TTJ, which is soon broken by the revealed crimes of TTJ. This is the first stumbling block in their relationship. YXW jumps into conclusion after she knows that TTJ is mastering demonic cultivation. It is true that TTJ is involved in Xuancheng incident and eunuch Wu's death. However, she doesn't dig more to the reasons behind (those harming "evil" acts are just TTJ's efforts to fight back). YXW thinks that she is the only one who is able to influence and shape TTJ's personality. She has the illusion of control while she is unaware to the things happen behind her back (TTJ's hidden talent as a member of Yiyue tribe, his power as a devil fetus, his personality only known by his nannies, and his conversation with Lan'an). She only knows TTJ's past, but not his present. She thinks TTJ is lying to her. In fact, she is just not knowing TTJ well enough.

But, this problem is understandably inevitable because TTJ never talks about his heart and thoughts to YXW. He keeps everything to himself. He enjoys YXW companionship, but he doesn't fully trust her yet. When YXW opposes and hurts him to defend Pianran, TTJ who expect YXW support as usual also feels betrayed.

Plot twist: Instead of leaving YXW in Sheng, TTJ is taking her to Jing Kingdom. It is not his initial plan. Maybe he can't bear to be without her, or it is because YXW knows his secrets. Maybe both. Had TTJ follows his initial plan, the story would be less complicated. Also, we know TTJ and YXW are not genuine husband and wife. TTJ plots all things, again in order to survive. YXW is not an innocent woman, but can feel cheated, too. Funny.

Trivia: Lan'an is actually married to the new chief of Yiyue tribe. Her actual purpose is to use TTJ to protect the tribe from TTML. She knows TTJ the best. "He is cold and aloof by nature, yet he desires care and attention. The less we display selfishness, the smoother things will go. ... As long as we don't hurt him, what is wrong with using him?" Lan'an is wise for certain point. Young people is lacking experience. Things in the world are not black and white. Behind things there are other things. What is moral is not clear cut.

Trivia: Nian Baiyu is the one who makes Lan'an lost her daughter. Lan'an has hidden purpose: to save her daughter.

I think, had YXW shared Lan'an's wisdom "just give him care and attention, display less selfishness and don't hurt him", TTJ would trust her completely and she would had more chance to influence TTJ. But in the end, the upset and angry YXW decided to cut relationship with TTJ. This development puts them in opposition. Their conflict is just getting deeper and interesting to watch.