Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao’s Story and Romance

“Him biting her had more to do with needing to heal and with his injury his demon instinct was at the fortfront hence the arousal that usually he might have suppressed.”

@HeadInTheClouds Your interpretation seems similar to H19279. This seems very possible. For some reason the one that makes most sense to me is that XL was very jealous and wanted to assert his ownership over WXL. In my interpretation XL’s purpose for the bite was like to mark that “you belong to me”. This could be due to me being influenced by the drama portrayal. 

“You've read my interpretation of the Lovers Bugs, what are your opinions on them? This is one of the most, if not, the most hotly debated topics on this thread.”

I think I have read all the posts about the love bugs in this thread. I know that love bugs is a big plot device, but tbh, I have not cared too much about the details of the love bug. Part of this could be that I was convinced enough by the other evidence in the novel indicating that XY’ s feelings for XL was much much stronger than what she had for TSJ. And another reason could be that as a drama watcher first before the novel, I  was very confused by the description of the bug. Perhaps due to the confusing subtitles, I first stupidly misunderstood that the bugs cause the couple to separate and face misfortunes. The novel made much more sense later, but I have not spared a lot of thoughts on the bugs. However, reading through all the posts my general instinct very much aligns with what you had said in your recent post about the bugs. To me it doesn’t make much sense that this kind of mysterious bonding mechanism exists and it also allows multiple love interests. However my general conclusion is very much based on my cultural backgrounds and I don’t dare debate with you folks about the love bug :) I do very much enjoy all the discussion though. 

 liddi:

At the poinciana forest on Cao Yun peak, Cang Xuan gave the Ruo Mu flower to Xiao Yao, the woman he had always loved, the only woman he wanted to give it to. The Ruo Mu flower had the authority to deploy the armies of the Ruoshui clan, and now he gave it to her as her dowry and blessings from his mother who would have wanted her to have it.

He reminisced how in that same poinciana forest, she once promised to be his wife, never to part (this would definitely be changed to sister in the actual drama, in keeping with how the dialogue was re-dubbed). Xiao Yao never thought that he still remembered their promise, thinking he was like their grandfather, only caring about the throne.

Yeah, definitely expecting this to either get changed to sister to match how they changed the promise scene in episode 1 or to just get cut since it would make less sense / be less impactful if it were changed (given that CX and XY continued to call each other gege and meimei and continued to stay with each other and support each other after they reunited).

 liddi:

Xiao Yao and Tushan Jing were married at her grandmother Xie Zhu's palace on Xuan Yuan mountain.

In the morning, Xiao Yao and Tushan Jing went to pay their respects at their families' graves.

Since there is no Sir Bi or Lie Yang to attend the wedding reception and to cry and drink with her, I guess she doesn't get drunk on her wedding night in the drama?

 liddi:

TSJ: I too have no more cares left. Tushan Zhen is now the new clan leader. It would be awkward if I returned.

Wow. They really phrased this in a way that maximizes how bad TSJ's selfish decision (to allow a child to relieve him of his burdens) looks. This manages to emphasize how extremely cowardly (he's willing to dump his heavy burden on a child just to avoid some awkwardness!) and how extremely callous (he's willing to let the child he raised as his own son for decades suffer and bear the difficulties of being the clan leader with very little guidance or protection from the clan elders that are predisposed to make TSZ's position even more difficult since they know the truth about TSZ's parentage) that decision is. 

If they wanted to try to make TSJ look better, they could have phrased it more like, "I have no ties left to hold me back. Tu Shan Zhen is the new clan leader. If I returned, it would cause more problems than it would solve. I can only trust Hu Zhen, Jing Ye and Hu Mao to guide and protect him well in my stead."

They also could have kept the part where he gave Hu Zhen messages to pass on to TSZ and the clan leaders. 

 liddi:

Xiao Yao told her Royal Father that they had not decided where to settle down yet, but planned to travel the world, collecting medical prescriptions and herbs, and updating medical texts. They would settle down once they found a place they both liked. She promised him that they would send word once they settled down, and not just disappear without a trace.

So XY won't fully achieve the freedom from her bloodline that she successfully achieved in the novel. 

-----

Chapter 51:

The Grand Emperor asked Xiao Yao and Jing, “Have you decided where you’re going?”

Jing replied, “No, just wander for a bit and if we can find a place both of us like then perhaps we will settle there.”

The Grand Emperor joked, “When you decide on where to settle, send word to us. Don’t go and disappear without a trace.”

Jing smiled and said nothing while Xiao Yao kneeled down with him and both bowed three times to the Grand Emperor. Xiao Yao said, “Dad, please take care of yourself. We are off now.”

The Grand Emperor sighed in resignation and said with a smile, “Off you go!”

Jing and Xiao Yao got on the cart and, with the clamor of horse hooves and wheels, soon they disappeared amongst the people and carts on the road.

The cart they were riding was ordinary and could not be distinguished from the other carts on the road.

The Grand Emperor had sharp eyes but soon he couldn’t not tell which was her cart. He saw countless carts on the road and everyone was the most ordinary human out there, and now Xiao Yao was one of them.

The Grand Emperor’s heart was sorrowful but also a sense of letting go.

Xiao Yao had the most noble and royal lineage in the entire world. Her mom tried to break free from it with all her might but she didn’t succeed. But now Xiao Yao succeeded.

Xiao Yao had the Face Forming Flower inside her and Jing was the descendant of the Nine Tailed Fox. Once they departed, they could disappear forever.

The Grand Emperor already could sense Jing and Xiao Yao’s intentions but did not openly acknowledge it. He acted like it was a normal trip and would also let Zhuan Xu and the Yellow Emperor think that Xiao Yao was still living in Xuan Yuan Castle.

A few hundred years ago when Xiao Yao escaped Jade Mountain and wandered the world, it likely set in motion today’s ending. She returned briefly to the world of the Gods, from Five Gods Mountain to Xuan Yuan Mountain to Sheng Nong Mountain, she witnessed firsthand the unification of the entire Wilderness. Perhaps it was to complete her mother’s final wish to let Zhuan Xu safely ascend the throne, and today Xiao Yao had fulfilled her mother’s dying wish. Xiao Yao chose the path going forward of the water returning to the sea, the bird returning to the tree, once again returning to where she really belonged.

The Grand Emperor walked with Ah Nian slowly back to the blacksmith shop.

It was the busiest time in Xuan Yuan Castle, people walking on the streets and alleys, carts and horses jamming up the space. The sounds of vendors calling out mixed together, and Xiao Yao could be the lady selling wine in the shop, or the doctor napping in his clinic, or that lady chasing after her son with a fan…

The Grand Emperor could not help but smile, when Zhuan Xu discovered [that Xiao Yao was no longer living in Xuan Yuan Castle] and then could not find Xiao Yao, he would undoubtedly be furious. But he would soon realize that Xiao Yao was the world of people and the world of people was Xiao Yao. As long as the entire world was at peace, then their Xiao Yao would be living happily.

 liddi:

AN (her expression seemingly relaxed, but her eyes were cautious): Older Sister, this is my wedding present for you. Wishing you and... Jing, hearts that are forever united, remaining a devoted couple to the end of your lives.

Xiao Yao was momentarily stunned before taking the gift and holding it in her arms.

XY: Haven't you given us a gift already? Still, one can't have too many presents. Since you wish to give again, I will accept again.
AN (requesting): Older Sister, bring this doll together with you to travel the world. (holding back her sorrow) Make... (softly) up... for what I am missing out on.
XY: Alright.

Man these changes. Not. a. fan.

 liddi:

As they receded into the distance, Gao Xin Shao Hao and the old Xuan Yuan king calmly noted that they had conveniently forgotten to inform Cang Xuan that Xiao Yao and Tushan Jing were leaving. Gao Xin Shao Hao was sad but gratified that Xiao Yao had managed to accomplish A Heng's unfulfilled wish. As long as the world was peaceful, the old Xuan Yuan king was certain Xiao Yao would have a good life.

 liddi:

Among the audience were Cang Xuan and A Nian, dressed in plain clothes, with Lao Sang and Hai Tang in attendance. A physician carting a medicine box accidentally ran into A Nian, touching her dress. A Nian did not mind but merely smiled, but Cang Xuan violently turned and chased after the physician, calling him "Xiao Yao", then realised that he was mistaken. Dejected, he watched as the physician disappeared into the crowd. The world now at peace, Qingshui town was bustling more than ever, but Xiao Yao was no where to be found.

CX: The waters return to the sea, the birds enter the forest, Xiao Yao has returned from whence she came. I wonder where she is right now, and whether she is doing well.
AN (following his gaze to look at the marketplace): Older Sister could be the woman selling flowers, or the owner of the clothing store who is dozing off, or the married woman buying candy for the child... By looking at them, you would know that no matter where Older Sister is, she is definitely living a good life.

This doesn't seem to match up with XY promising to keep in touch and not disappear? Unless it's clear that XY was lying when she made that promise to her father?

 liddi:

Leaked script Ep20 scenes 19-24

Thank you for translating liddi!

 nathsketch:

Don't go there, trust me. It's not worth it. AH can confirm, she keeps saying I shouldn't go there.

Yep. If those kinds of posts upset you, don't go there for your own sake. It will harm your mental health and there's no benefit. Definitely not worth it. 

 AH :

IMO, slotting in that text makes the scene feel disjointed and makes it so that it doesn't flow as well as Koala's translation.

That is why she/he skipped that. First time that I read the text in my language with that text included, I also feel the text is disconnected to the whole content. But TH didn't write thing without intention

I brieftly put the whole text (I had little time now so I can't polish or check other translation but Kaola also skipped a lot of Jing's garden and the decoration of the room

Ten days later, Xiao Liu woke up and found himself in a very elegant room. The  bright pearl lamps hang high and the silk thread hangs low. It was hot summer outside, but it was very cool indoors. From the wide open window, one could see that the courtyard was full of flowers, such as jasmine, jasmine, gladioli, musk vine, Zhu Jin, and osmanthus. , red banana, harpo, bu... Under the eaves, there wss a row of wind chimes hanging. They were made of ice crystals from the far north where there was snow all year round. They were red, bamboo green, purple indigo, lotus under the moon white...  the ice crystals carved into various flower shapes matching their colors. The breeze blew by, picking up the cold air on the ice crystals and spreading them around, making the entire courtyard as cool as spring

Xiao Liu put on a robe and walked out to the corridor. Jing stood up in the courtyard and looked steadily at him. 

The bright warm sun, the vibrant flowers, and there was a gentleman, such as gold, such as tin, such as jades; everything was pleasing to the eye and made people happy. 

Xiaoliu walked up to Jing, smiled and sighed softly: "I just poured wine from that golden bottle, Drink it to avoid missing forever I only pour wine into a cup made of rhino* horn, Drink it to avoid suffering forever" from death to life, let me indulge for a while and forget about those sad things  

Jing reached out and stroked his cheek, as if to confirm that he was really the same. Xiao Liu tilted his head slightly, feeling the warmth in his palm, Jing hugged Xiao Liu, and gently but forcefully held her in his arms.

Xiao Liu closed his eyes and rested his head lightly on Jing's shoulder. At this moment, they were  Shi Qi  and Xiao Liu.

Ding Ding Dong - the sound of cups and plates falling to the ground.

Xiao Liu raised his head and saw Jing Ye standing sluggishly under the porch, her eyes full of horror.

Keep in mind what happened in the pool just before she was unconscious , the arousal sensation she had with XL who she knew he was not suitable and in the drama they showed XY called XY name, tried to grab, keep him Of course you also can interpret that she called XY to stop killing CX in her dream. However, XY had never develop romatic feeling (lover to CX) so what is more plausible

 AH :

Yep. If those kinds of posts upset you, don't go there for your own sake. It will harm your mental health and there's no benefit. Definitely not worth it. 

Yeah.That was my first and last.I was just curious but then I realised it was really a terrible idea.Never again!I'm just gonna stay put in our own shell.

 HeadInTheClouds:

Oh @liddi! It must have been tough all these months with that abomination running through your head. No wonder you had that outburst about Xiao Yao, when you're usually so calm. Unlike some of us here :-)

So sorry for missing your post! It's out in the open now... so I don't feel so lonely anymore since everyone here is suffering from it too!

 HeadInTheClouds:

I've been good this past week, staying away from the drama, the novel and the discussion forums. It has helped. But today, with everyone feeling so upset, seeing that gif that Elise posted of the scene when he found out about her identity and writing about his outfit/the exchange outside the Bone Prison had me tearing up again. Stupid hormones!!!

You had me all emotional too with the implications of the outfit and why he never wore it again, at least in S1. Not sure if we would see it make a comeback in S2, but I doubt it, based on the script.

 HeadInTheClouds:

The drama makes me hate Xiao Yao and I just want to find some XL/OC character fan fiction to wash the bad taste out of my mouth. Reading this last episode was so bad that I ran back to Love My Voice despite that show being as dull as watching paint dry. 

If I remember correctly, Yang Zi made an interesting comment though... based on her analysis of the character, in the end, Xiao Yao's healing did not come from anyone else, but through her own personal growth as she faces and overcomes all the hardships that came her way. I thought I read somewhere that she fought for the scene with her mother to be included, but I don't see any such scene, unless they are referring to that illusion she had of her mother and father in the bamboo house. Whatever it is, I am still holding out hope that the leaked script was not yet finalised, and someone had the good sense to address the glaring issues. However, I then remember what she insisted in her live stream that, Xiao Yao never knew the extent of what Xiang Liu felt and did for her, so I don't know what to think anymore. Please don't disappoint. S1 won so many awards this year, and I really hope that this will continue with S2.

As for LMLMV, I don't know whether I will ever go back (I never watched past Ep1!) if rumours that the Gu Yun persona was purely for the MV, and not even in the drama proper, are true. Do you know? I will probably try and continue Are You Safe, or A Journey to Love (though I heard that was another massacre in the end) to distract myself. We will see. 

 H19279:

the cast has to try to attract audience and “sell” the drama.

Please don't shatter my bubble. It is fragile enough as it is, and I need something to hold on to. Seriously though, there are scenes I am definitely looking forward to - the bugs glowing in unison after the 4th question, Xiang Liu singing Chi Chen's song to Xiao Yao, the final confrontation, killing of the lovers bug, and his death scene. 

 MayaDavid:

While I have time to engage in the thread, I have another question. Does anyone know, what is supposed to happen to XL once he is passed according to the Chinese mythology the novel is based on? Can he reincarnate? Or be revived by using his demon core or something like described in fanfiction? Will he have his memories if that happens? Is there a higher status like nirvana in Chinese mythology? 

The mythological figure that Xiang Liu is based on didn't get reincarnated. Many Chinese fantasy series have multiple lifetimes and/or reincarnations. With reincarnations, there is usually a memory wipe with each reincarnation, but they will typically remember by the end of the story. It depends on the individual world-building of the novel. Nirvana is more of a Buddhist concept and depending on the world-building, some stories will have a mixture of Buddhism, mythology and Taoism.

There were no reincarnation or multiple lifetimes in Once Promised or LYF. However, Tong Hua gave an interview about how she planned to write, I think 4 books as part of the Once Promised, LYF world and the second novel was supposed to feature the Underworld.  If there's an Underworld then chances are reincarnations/resurrection would have been definite possibilities. It's too bad that it's highly unlikely that Tong Hua will return to the LYF universe again. Maybe it's a good thing because who knows what she'll write and that may or may not "ruin" the stories that we've already got.