For @Headintheclouds
FYI: I used Kaola translation for XL's quote when I wrote this essay back in September of last year, so now with all that I know now, I have it on my long list of things to do and that's to update the quotes with my own translation.
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."— Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight
When I think about Xiang Liu, I think about this quote from Christopher Nolan’s "The Dark Knight." Xiang Liu maybe an antihero, but unlike Cang Xuan, all of his decisions and actions appear selfish on the surface, yet they actually stem from a place of heroic unselfishness, filial piety, and true love. Everything he does, has done, or will do results in him gaining nothing—no praise, no victory, no glory, and certainly no love. Somehow, he has portrayed heroic traits as well as antiheroic attitudes, transforming himself into a villain in the eyes of the people of Dahuang, and even to some audiences/readers.
Tong Hua put a lot of thought into Xiang Liu. The stream of maybes, I could imagine, as she sat in her place of comfort, sipping tea (or coffee) and pondering the what if’s.
What if a demon with a heart of gold falls in love? Will he become a hero? If so, to whom does he become a hero? Will he confess, hide his love, or demand her love in return? What if this young demon was greatly misunderstood, just learning to be human? Will love transform his demon heart into a human one?
Whatever was Tong Hua’s intention, in the end, she has written one of literature’s most complex antiheroes I’ve ever encountered. In Xiang Liu, we see a character who embodies Nolan's quote, walking the fine line between heroism and villainy, and challenging our understanding of morality and love.
Approaching Xiang Liu with a black and white understanding of Good and Evil, as well as clinging to Christian ideals of Gods and Demons, would hinder a nuanced understanding of his character, as he defies such simplistic categorizations and invites a more profound exploration of moral ambiguity and the depths of his persona. In the world of Dahuang, gods, demons, and humans are intermixed, characterized by the length of their lives and demons' inclination toward more primal, animalistic instincts. Yet, they all share the capacity for both good and evil, showcasing the complex moral spectrum that defines their existence.
Therefore, depending on the fence, and perhaps which side of history, you are standing on, you may see XL as a hero or a villain. He's regarded as a hero by the remnants of Chenrong and deemed worthy as an heroic rival by his opponents (CX even once tried to convince him to come to his aid), while others see him as a villain to be feared. The only person who truly understood this complicated persona was Xiao Yao.
Xiang Liu's character undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a cold-hearted and aloof general into a symbol of the principle of repaying kindness. His journey is a testament to the profound impact of relationships on his character development. Initially, he is driven by the need to repay the kindness of FFB, his adopted father, Jing and Xiao Yao. His heart, once distant and unyielding, gradually softens as he falls deeply in love with XY, an emotion he never expected to encounter.
As Xiang Liu's love for XY grows, so does his determination to honor his fallen soldiers and ensure her peaceful life. He lays intricate plans, demonstrating the lengths he's willing to go to protect her. His heroic journey isn't just one of physical courage on the battlefield but also a transformation of his inner self, driven by love and the desire to secure a future of peace and happiness for XY.
XL has nine lives: one for himself, one for his adoptive father, and six for Xiao Yao—two to save her life, three to last her a lifetime and one for the man she wants to marry. He is willing to die nine times, while continuously crushing his only heart. In a paradoxical blend of antiheroic self-destruction and heroic self-sacrifice, Xiang Liu's demise ultimately ushers in peace to the world of Dahuang, serving as the catalyst to fulfill Cang Xuan's mission for a world where XY can lead a tranquil life with the one who will never abondon her. As he departs this world, leaving behind nothing but the legacy of a villain, to XY, he becomes the irreplaceable loss she'll carry with her always, a poignant tragedy, as she may never come to know the extent of his sacrifice.
Delving into Xiang Liu's sacrifices will invariably prompt a discussion of XY's own battles with selfishness and her inability to overcome the trauma of loneliness and abandonment. These two intertwined narratives illuminate the profound complexities of their relationship and individual character development.
Time and time again, Xiang Liu has demonstrated an unwavering ability to summon strength from the depths of his being to protect Xiao Yao. Regardless of injuries, diminished spiritual power, or even facing formidable armies, he fearlessly charges into battle for what he holds dear, showcasing his profound commitment to what he believes in and loves.
Xiang Liu has impressively prioritized XY while simultaneously balancing his filial devotion to his adopted father and commanding thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. However, within this intricate web of emotions and unspoken affection, they discover themselves entangled in an intense and uncharted emotional terrain. Yet, their relationship bears the strain of unresolved tensions, stemming from XY's self-centered yearning for love and fear of abandonment, and Xiang Liu's ongoing battle with his multitude of responsibilities, all of which contribute to the friction between them.
Adding to the intricacy of their relationship, they are like star-crossed lovers, trapped in the never-ending conflict between the remnants of Xiyan and Chenrong, a war that further complicates their already intricate bond. In their tumultuous journey, Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao have faced countless challenging encounters. Despite the hardships, XY harbors no blame toward XL; however, she finds it incredibly difficult to overcome the emotional scars left by their turbulent moments. Strangely, she manages to let go of the violence inflicted by Cang Xuan, the scars of which heal more readily than the wounds inflicted by the man she loves.
Her inability to let go of the trauma also serves as a barrier to Xiang Liu's approaches. He has faced rejection multiple times by XY and has been deemed unworthy to enter her dreams, a reflection of the lingering wounds in their relationship that both struggle to mend. XL, using these rejections as fuel, inadvertently pushes XY away, inflicting pain on his own heart, all while secretly laying plans for her to find happiness with Jing, despite the turmoil in his own emotions.
Yet, despite the pain, Xiang Liu served as Xiao Yao's mentor and protector, teaching her archery and life lessons during their dates. He encouraged her growth and offered fresh perspectives on life. As a poignant gesture, he gave her a map of the ocean, symbolizing his preparations for a future without him. These actions showcased his deep care for her well-being and left a lasting impact on her life.
"After decades of teaching you archery, you now have the ability to take care of yourself. You don't need your own body to shield someone you treasure when danger is around. You no longer have to endure solitude as your constant companion; you now have the right man to rely on. The sky is vast, and the oceans are deep. You now have a sanctuary to seek, free from the pursuit of others, and a place to call home. Xiao Yao, from now on, I can no longer stand watch to protect you. You have to take care of yourself. Wishing you a lifetime of worry-free happiness." — Xiang Liu
H19279:
liddi:
HeadInTheClouds:
