hell59:
Could someone, please, comment on why LBY resorted to revenge and gave up on CSS whom he loved so dearly? Why did he choose revenge to being with her? He knew how much he was going to hurt her.
It is quite complicated so I will try to sum it up. LBY's identity is General Huo's youngest son. His entire family was slaughtered brutally in front of him and he barely escaped by assuming his cousin's identity with his aunt's protection. His aunt pretended to be crazy to protect him but turned real crazy by grief over the death of her only son, the guilt of bringing a murderer into her family...
He witnessed his aunt's emotional turmoil throughout his years of childhood, being ingrained by her that he was the only survivor of his family and the one who had to revenge for his family. He had been searching for proof for the Ling brothers' crime all along without success. His sole purpose in life before meeting CSS could be said was revenge.
He didn't expect to fall in love with her, or even getting married. I reckon he felt like he would never find happiness because he had such heavy burden to carry. Imagine facing the one who murdered your whole family for years and had to call him 'father'. It is a statement that shows how much he had withheld.
After meeting CSS, he found happiness but revenge was still on his mind. The death of his aunt pushed him over the edge, because he felt he was truly alone now. Also, in the novel, his supposed stepbrother got engaged with princess Yuchang around that time as well, which means the Ling family was extending their power. His effort to find evidence also turned naught. He felt that if he did not resort to violence, he would never be able to revenge for his family.
In the novel, CSS did mention there were other ways to take revenge which might take longer, but he chose the worst way, ready to sacrifice himself, and in turn her and their happiness. That was why she could not forgive him and broke off their engagement.
In my opinion, the masaccre of Ling family shows how he is such a strong, passionate character, yet also flawed and vulnerable. It makes his character more alive to the readers.