Sssnoopyyy:
Thanks @Romans_Revenge and @AH!
I was just really sad that ZX and XY’s relationship could no longer go back to the way it was. The outcome ended up the same - Jing and XY got married anyway. If ZX’s selfish desire didn't get the best of him, XY perhaps would have stayed closer. I remember in the drama, ZX was sad about the thought of not seeing XY as often anymore after she marries Jing and she reassured him saying that they would continue living nearby. They were supposed to be together forever.
However, it was the best outcome considering everything that happened. As the Grand Emperor said at the end, XY was free from all the shackles. With all the hardships she and Jing went through, they deserve a peaceful life exploring the world. I really hope S2 does the rest of the novel justice (praying to the drama universe - please do not cut out the episodes!)
I think throughout the novel, ZX both directly and indirectly hurt XY the most although she was most loyal to him. There are several events, including killing the other two men she loved and some earlier actions too. If we look at from XY's side it would be too much to bear, as he did not seem considerate her feelings at all and only did what he thought it was good. I think there was some selfishness. While I was reading and reaching to the end, I thought he got what he deserved. But when I look from his perspective, he grew up to believe having power can protect the ones he love.His surrounding push him towards getting power more and more. (escaping politics conflict and live as normal is not in his mind) I think he also hated the idea of giving up everything for love. His mom suicide to be with his dad than to stay for him. In process, he sort of let go of his ...um ..his more emotional side I guess. That's probably why he was able to endure XY spending time with other men to support for his throne (If XY reject, he surely won't force her). And he married several women. And only when he got the throne that he thought about getting XY to be his empress. It's already too late. His way of handling things were harshed. But with 3 kingdom united together, in big picture it was good. Even though he claimed that he did these all to protect XY from everywhere, but by doing so part of his soul was dead, that made him lost XY. It's tragic because XY is the only woman ZX actually love. We could only hope that later in his life he would be able to open up his heart again .