Life is the encounter and separation, is the starting time and oblivion, but there are always things that once happened, will leave traces, and always have a person, once appeared, will not be forgettable.
The fated meeting at the town of Qing Shui has changed the destiny of everyone, even change the destiny of Da Huang. The desire for a little warmth, a little of company, at some point decided a shattered heart. It is similar to a cup of poisoned wine, when it gets to the throat, it becomes sweet, melting hearts broken bone, and until it reaches the heart and lungs, no medicine can cure. The poison is discovered and it is paralyzing the heart and lungs. Only the smile of one’s beloved can eliminate it. If it can’t, the only thing left is the engraving of missing. It won’t stop even after death.
If everything is destined, when Xiao Yao and Du Shan Jing meet, they are fated to be parted one day, fated they cannot love, and also cannot forget. Although they can’t hold on to one another, at least to make themselves be unforgettable, bury everything deeply inside the heart. That gentle imprint will forever be indelible.
“Eternally Yearning For You” is the next part in the series of Shan Jing Hai Ji (The Book of Mountain and Sea) after Once Promised. The story will be about the life of Xiao Yao, daughter of Chi You and A’Heng. Xiao Yao was first introduced as Mun Xiao Lu in the book.
[Ebook One, Two, Three] [Eng Translation][Drama]
[Audiobook] [Trường tương tư One, Two]
Girls! The sequel is out! It’s gonna be about Ah Heng’s Daughter and Chang Yi’s Son. T_T Cousins? lol I’m gonna beg SLMY to read it with Ah Bu. I can totally imagine Ah Bu as the male lead.
It’s $12.99 + Free International Shipping if you buy up to $20 worth of books. Good deal right?
Ahh!!! What is the sequel called? This is too awesome…
长相思. It made me feel like crying just read the sypnosis. Brings back so many memories. Especially with the mention of the 9 Tail Fox’s tail that Chi You cut off for Xiao Yao. She still remembers him as Red Caped Uncle. T_T That’s your father Xiao Yao. Than remembering that one time that she bite him because he made her mom cry. She’s gonna be sadder than Yang Guo.
I think that Ah Heng came back to fetch Xiao Yao.
Just to make it fair, this book should have happy ending, but just incase it’s sad again I’ll save it to read later.
I like to read Tong Hua’s books. So far, I’ve read Bu Bu Jing Xin, Damo Yao, Secrets Hidden by Time, The Time Never Back, and Once Promise. I would say that it was such a heartbreaking and caused stream of tears while reading Once Promise. In BBJX, the only time I cried was the death of Rouxi. Damo Yao, I just couldn’t help but felt sorry for Meng Jiu even though it was a happy ending for Yu Jin and Huo Qi Bing. Secrets Hidden by Time, from point of view, I think at least it was happy ending because I always want Su Man vs. Song Yi. I understand that many people got upset because she didn’t choose LLC. Well, I would say it depends. Ten year isn’t a short time. The Time Never Back, I felt sad and regretful for Luo Qi Qi & Zhang Jun. Come to Once Promise, sad and heartbreaking. Chi You’s love for A’Heng is very touching. I’m now reading TH’s new book “Chang Xiang Si” which is about the daughter (Xiao Yao) of Chi You & A’Heng.
Yah, for Ballad of the Desert, I feel sad for MJ for the sacrifice he made for the leads to have happy ending, sob sob…As for Secrets, I understand it feels happy to have your crush recipocrate your feelings but I am definitely on LLC ship so I’ll watch the drama instead heehee. Get ready your tissues for Yun Zhong Ge, my fav Tong Hua’s book.
Hey Eugene, pls can you translate the synopsis of ‘Chang Xiang Si’ and post it here after you’ve finished the book? You also can include a short review in the comment section if you want. Pls tell me happy or tragic ending:P If you can, pls register & I’ll give you author access to post.
Chang Xiang Si has two books and I’m now reading the first one. As for the second book, it has not been published yet. If you want, I can translate the intro on the back of the first book. I already register. Please give me the author access and let me know
Thanks Eugene, you can post any book now:) Oh, another 2 volume book like The Pillow book:( I don’t really like the hanging feeling. I gave in to temptation & read the Pillow Book bcos I think 99% it’ll have a happy ending. As for Chang Xiang Si, I am not sure. I thought TH will write book 3 for DMY & YZG but instead this book came out.
Thank you very much to Eugene for posting this up so promptly as well as posting such detailed summary. Since I’ve not even listened to Once Promised I’ll not touch this book in the near future but I do want to know what kind of ending. If it is a happy ending then I’ll feel more keen to listen:) Will wait for the audiobook as well as part 2 to come out as I hate to wait, lol.
The title is from google translate? I don’t know what it means, French? I also don’t understand the Chinese title. I think it is from a poem. But wikipedia translated it as Lost You Forever which sounds more understandable & easier to remember, so don’t mind me for changing it.
I’m still reading the book and can’t tell who the male lead is. It’s either Zhuan Xu, son of Chang Yi or Du Shan Jing, 2nd young master of Du Shan family.
Here is a brief summary:
Mun Xiao Lu (Xiao Yao) is a native and doctor of Qing Shui Town. One day, she encountered a beggar and found out the severe wounds all over his body. She took him in and personally took care of him until his condition has become better. He didn’t tell her his name, so she called him Ye Shi Qi. Shi Qi is actually 2nd young master of Du Shan family, Du Shan Jing. His family’s business has spread all over Da Huang. Even Xuan Yuan and Shen Nong want to keep a good relationship with this family. He is engaged to the daughter Fang Feng family and were about to marry but disappeared right before the wedding day.
Zhuan Xu and his cousin, A’Nim came to Qing Shui Town. A’Nim got into a fight with Xiao Lu. Zhuan Xu uses the name, Xuan, to hide his true identity. Xiao Lu eventually knew who Shi Qi is. Xuan thought Xiao Lu was trying to harm A’Nim. He then asked his people to tie Xiao Lu up. Shang Liu appears to save Xiao Lu and get into a fight with Xuan. During the fight, Xiao Lu suddenly saves Xuan’s life. Xiao Lu asks Xuan why he treats A’Nim so nice, is he in love with her?
Xuan tells Xiao Lu that he has a cousin whom he has lost contact for 300 years. She is the daughter of his aunt (A’Heng) and his mentor (Shao Hao). A’Nim is daughter of his mentor. Being nice to A’Nim meaning he’s being nice to his long-lost cousin. *Xiao Lu is actually Xiao Yao, Xuan’s long-lost cousin but she doesn’t remember her past. Xuan’s mentor is Shao Hao but Xuan doesn’t know that Chi You’s actually Xiao Yao’s biological father. After Shi Qi goes back to his true identity, his fiancee gets in town. There are some parts that show Xiao Lu getting jealous when she knows that Du Shan Jing has fiancee.
Note: Xiao Lu first appeared as a man. No one knows that she’s actually a girl even herself has no clues. In the book also mentions the part of Xiao Lu having a dream where she’s playing with her brother (Zhuan Xu) and the red shirt uncle (Chi You) on Wu Mount. The small ball which Xuan always carries with him is actually the fox tail that was given by Chi You to Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao and Zhuan Xu played it together.
I understand the title but don’t know how to translate it into English. So I used Google translate. I think I’ll fix it to Lost You Forever. It’s kinda similar meaning to the title or we could say “Missing You”
This is temporary intro of characters:
Xiao Yao/ Mun Xiao Lu: actually a girl under man form. Daughter of Chi You and A’heng. She doesn’t remember her past until she has a dream. She lives in Qing Shui Town and is a doctor. It seems Xiao Yao has regained her memories. After Zhuan Xu left Qing Shui Town, Xiao Yao silently whispered: “Ge Ge, hoping you can have everything you want.”
Du Shan Jing / Ye Shi Qi: 2nd young master of Du Shan family. His family owns a huge business that spreads all over Dai Huang. He is saved by Xiao Yao. She named him Shi Qi until his servant recognized him. He seems to have special feeling for Xiao Yao even though he doesn’t know that she’s actually a girl. He’s willing to do whatever Xiao Yao requests without asking why. Before he met Xiao Yao, he’s engaged to the daughter of Fang Feng family.
Shang Liu / Fang Feng Pei: a nine-headed demon who serves under Shennong tribe. Shang Liu threatens Xiao Yao to help him make poisons. Shang Liu almost killed Xuan in a fight but Xuan was saved by Xiao Yao.
Zhuan Xu / Xuan: son of Chang Yi and cousin of Xiao Yao. He and his cousin, A’Nim comes to Qing Shui Town and opens a liquor house. First, they get into a fight with Xiao Yao and her friends but later Xuan and Xiao Yao hang out and drink together. Xiao Yao learns his true identity by hearing his servant call him Zhuan master. He’s still missing his long-lost cousin. He doesn’t know Xiao Lu is actually Xiao Yao.
I will update if there’s anything new.
I think 相思 means longing/yearning/pining for so 长相思 = Always Yearning For You.
Does anyone have the ebook version they could send me? I couldn’t find it online and I really want to read it. Too excited to wait for the audiobook to come out.
Eugene, thanks for the character info and summary!
Thank Xiaoyuer for helping translating the title. I will use it as a new title.
I don’t know where we can read the book online. One of my friends bought me this book during her trip to China.
Xuan came back and told Xiao Yao that he is a royal of Xuan Yuan tribe and his name is Zhuan Xu. He wants Xiao Yao to come with him because his mentor,Emperor Ku of Gouxin (Shao Hao) wants to meet her. Xiao Yao is afraid that Shao Hao will recognize her. She asks Du Shan Jing to help her escape from Qing Shui town. Jing asks his servant to prepare everything as he wants to leave with Xiao Yao.
Du Shan Jing: “You gently helps me heal my wounds, helps me wash carefully, patiently feed and applies medicine for me and helps wiping my body. You’re afraid that I will get hurt, talk to me, make jokes for me, afraid that I will give up my life, describe beautiful views to me, afraid that I will feel lonely, tell me your interesting stories. Not only you have cured my body, also saving my heart as well. You will never envision how much I always hope for myself to be Ye Shi Qi. But I must be Du Shan Jing. Therefore, I hate myself more than you do. I know you hate Du Shan Jing. I put many efforts to keep myself from seeing you. However, I dare not to leave. You help Mo Zi to form a family, get Tseng Dim’er for Shuen Zi, prepare everything for Old Mu. You prepare to let go of everything and continue wandering around. I’m afraid if I turn around a bit, when I turn my head back, I cannot find you.”
Thank you very much for the detailed summary & updates. I am not reading the book yet I feel attracted to the book from reading your summary. Tong Hua can always write equally compelling 1st & 2nd male leads, making me torn between them:( In most novels, you’ll normally know who to ship but not so in TH’s books. Oh, I think I’ll still be sad whether Xiao Yao end up with Jing or Xuan. Even worse is if she end up with nobody:(
Huh, why Jing said Xiao Yao hate him? Btw do I need to read Once Promised to read this book or it can be read stand alone? Just wondering, who are you shipping with Xiao Yao?
So far, I have no clues who the male lead is. I love Tong Hua’s works. The way she develops the story and its character make me feel excited of what will happen next and want to know the fate of each character. However, most of her works will leave the reader a tormented feeling.
Well, reading Once Promised can help you understand more about this book because it does mention the past that happened in Once Promised.
Actually, Xiao Yao doesn’t hate Jing. Just because when she learns his true identity of who he is and his engagement to another girl, she tells herself that Jing doesn’t belong here and one day, he will leave Qing Shui town. If so, they shouldn’t have any attachment. Therefore, she keeps telling him don’t be nice to her and don’t follow her. She saved him once and he gave her the medicine to save Shang Liu. Therefore, they are tied. From now on, he owes her nothing. However, Jing tells Xiao Yao that because she’s here, so that’s why he’s here, too.
I’m shipping Xiao Yao vs. Jing simply because of his sincere care for Xiao Yao. He’s willing to do anything for her without asking why or anything in return. Xiao Yao seems to have special feeling for Jing.
Xiao Yao and Jing escape to Gouxin. Jing knows that there must be reason why Xiao Yao refuses to see Emperor Ku, but he doesn’t want to ask her. Zhuan Xu orders his soldiers to search for them. To save Xiao Yao, Jing gives her a fox gem to find his combat vehicle. He himself will trick the soldiers to another place. However, Jing is caught by Zhuan Xu. Xiao Yao has no choice but to come back. They are escorted to Wu Chen Mount. where Emperor Ku lives. While they are locked in a dark room, Jing finally tells Xiao Yao his feeling for her. He knows Xiao Yao is actually a girl for a very long time. He knows that this is not her real look. Even Xiao Yao doesn’t know how she looks like. That’s why he’s afraid if he leaves her and when comes back, she will completely disappear without any traces left.
Xiao Yao “If I know that it’s hard to escape, I would rather stay here. But if I didn’t escape, how could I know that there is still a person who is willing to fulfill my wish? What should I do now? How good it would be if you didn’t agree to help me, so I could gently cut off all worries. How good it would be if you didn’t let me run away alone.”
Shi Qi silently holds Xiao Yao, Xiao Yao silently listens to his heartbeat. In this dead place where it separates everything from the outside world, all the ties, the complex relationship between man and woman suddenly has become very simple, only him and her. Xiao Yao feels like she has become a dependent and her heart is at peace.
Xiao Yao says “We don’t have to go outside, let’s stay here forever!”
Shi Qi “Good”
Xiao Yao “Good what?”
Shi Qi “Staying here is very good.”
Xiao Yao “Why is it good?”
Shi Qi “Only you and me”
Xiao Yao asks ” Shi Qi, was it because of feeling of gratitude that’s why you’re nice to me?”
“I saved your life and took you in for six years. This time, you care for me and help me wholeheartedly, wait until we get out of here, we owe nothing to each other. Don’t worry! In the future, I won’t come to bother you, will stay away from you I assure.”
Shi Qi “I will never leave you.”
Xiao Yao “Why? Why won’t you leave me? To return my gratitude? But I said it has been returned.”
Shi Qi doesn’t answer why. He just keeps saying “I will never leave you.”
Xiao Yao “Do you want to follow me for life?
Shi Qi firmly says “All my life.”
Xiao Yao sighs “I’m a man. Don’t you feel odd?”
This time, Shi Qi answers quickly “You’re a girl.”
Actually, Xiao Yao could feel his knowing she is a girl from a long time ago. Although she didn’t how he knew, “Are you certain of it? Even the most careful person like Shang Liu could not confirm that I’m a girl.”
Shi Qi smiled “because he hasn’t seen you…” He suddenly stops.
Xiao Yao “hasn’t seen what?”
The more he doesn’t want to say the more Xiao Yao is curious, “Hasn’t seen me what?” Xiao Yao looks up and shakes Shi Qi’s hand coddlely. “Hasn’t seen me what? Tell me, please tell me!”
Xiao Yao has always behaved as a man before. This is the first time she reveals the charming attitude of a girl.
Shi Qi “When my wounds were getting better, the first time I took a bath, you were sitting by my side. I saw it…You looked at my body…Your face blushed, I know to me you are…”
Shi Qi “After that person locked me up and tortured me for 2 years, humiliated me every day, told me that I’m nothing. I looked down without fighting back, silently let him torture me. He got angry. He threw me into the river. He didn’t kill me because he knew that I was dead. I didn’t know how long I was floated, when I regained my conscious, I found myself lying in the bushes. I knew I would die like that. Before I die, I just wanted to see the sun for once. I put effort to creep toward the sun. I fell asleep unconsciously, and knew that I could not see the sun again, also didn’t want to wake up again. However, God brought you there…”
Xiao Yao has forgotten her angry, slowly turns around and leans herself toward Shi Qi’s shoulder, silently listens. His forehead touches her hair. “I couldn’t open my eyes, could not see you. All I could do is to feel. You were afraid I would get scared, told me your name. You were afraid I would feel embarrassed, made jokes for me. You gently wiped the sweat for me, held me in your arms, washed my 3 year unwashed hair for me. I knew my body looked terrible. You treated me as precious thing, slowly protected me. Two years of torturing and humiliating, even I myself could not help to deal with my own body, even dare not to go outside of the room. But that day when I was taking a bath, you looked at my body, your face blushed. At that moment, I began to feel alive again. In your eyes, I am still a…man who could make your heart…”
Xiao Yao “Don’t say it!”
Shi Qi “When you carried me out of the bath, simply you dared not to look at me, placed me back to my bed and ran away without having done talking. How could I think that you’re a man?”
Xiao Yao “You are a liar. I’ve always thought that you’re honest. I was wrong.”
Shi Qi “That day, I dressed myself, opened the door, went into the sun, looked the cloud and sky which I haven’t seen in a long time. In people’s eyes, it was just a normal action and worth not to mention, but to me, it was like living my life again. Xiao Lu, at that moment I have decided, I will never ever leave you.”
Xiao Yao quickly claps his chest and lowers her voice: “Here is not that prison place. I am here, Shi Qi, I am here.”
Shi Qi puts his head into Xiao Yao’s hair, after a while he’s calm again, “When I was tortured and humiliated, I once thought if I could escape alive, I would still suffer. If so, even if I was still alive, my soul was already dead. I was no longer a normal person. I was just a person who was submitted and tortured by revenge. Fortunately, you saved me. Although, I was awful, you still treated me as a precious thing, carefully took care, despite how terrible my wounds were, you still felt shy and blushing for me…” At this moment, Xiao Yao doesn’t stop Shi Qi, just silently listens.
“Xiao Lu, when I see you, there is no hatred in my heart, only deep feeling of gratitude. I’m thankful to God for letting me stay alive; moreover, he also gives me a healthy body. My eyes still can see, so I can see you playing dumb. My ears can hear, so I can hear you whining. My hands are still moving actively, so I can help you wash your hair. My feet still have power like before, so I can carry you. Xiao Lu, I don’t want to revenge. I just want to be Ye Shi Qi.”
Xiao Yao looks down and says a word “uhm”
Shi Qi “Xiao Lu, I…I know I am engaged to someone else. I don’t have right to say anything to you…I also dare not to think…but…I will call off the engagement. I will definitely call it off. You just wait for me for 20 years…no…15 years, 15 years, you give Du Shan Jing 15 years. 15 years later, Du Shan Jing will definitely return you a Ye Shi Qi.”
Xiao Yao lowers her voice “Wait how?”
Shi Qi “You, you cannot let any other man go inside your heart.”
Xiao Yao “You really don’t understand me. My heart is cold, only a thick shell outside. Not just 15 years, even 50 years cannot make another man get inside my heart.”
Shi Qi “So you agreed to it? Let’s strike our hands to make promise!”
Xiao Yao is lazy to lift her hand up. Shi Qi looks for her hand and hit it after. After striking hands, he doesn’t take it back, quickly grab her hand, “Xiao Lu, I’m so happy.”
Xiao Yao “You says everything is just a business. Looking at you right now, how come I always feel that I am losing to you?”
Shi Qi “Anything that is important is just like a business, it doesn’t come without benefits, but only a word “Love” forever cannot be used to weigh the benefit. Parent-child love, sibling love, friendship love, male-female love, seems very simple and exists everywhere, but it’s hard to find, nothing can compare to it.”
Xiao Yao “Shi Qi, you and I aren’t the same. I’m not a business person, but dealing with something important, I always calculate carefully. I’m a cruel person, cruel to others and even to myself. You understand?
Shi Qi “I understand”
Xiao Yao “Who knows whether you really understand”
Shi Qi “I know you don’t give hope to yourself, will not trust nor focus. Tseng Dim’er is willing to use fake love to bet with her life. To you, you are being sincere, if the others won’t cherish, you will finally let go. I’m willing to wait, wait until you are willing.”
Xiao Yao “What if I’m not willing for rest of my life?”
Shi Qi “Then I’ll wait for rest of my life. As long as you don’t disappear, waiting for you the rest of my life is alright.”
Xiao Yao “It’s hard to blame the female servant who practiced dancing for ten years just to have a word from you. This time you return, I’m afraid many girls will hope for a glance from your eyes.”
Shi Qi feels uneasy, and is afraid that Xiao Yao might misunderstand, quickly says “I will not look.”
Xiao Yao feels little sweet in her heart, but doesn’t want to have it showed, pretends to turn around “Whether you will look or not, what does it have to do with me?”
Xiao Yao “Inside Gouxin palace, there are many precious things, perhaps, it can help healing you foot.”
Shi Qi “I don’t want it.”
Xiao Yao smiles and covers her mouth. Shi Qi says “You go to sleep.”
Xiao Yao “You should rest, too, but I don’t want you to leave.”
Shi Qi “I can lean here to sleep.”
Xiao Yao closes her eyes. Her hands are still holding Shi Qi’s sleeve.
Shi Qi gently holds Xiao Yao’s hand and lower his voice “Whatever happens, I will always be with you.”
OMG Tong Hua has a new book?!
EEEP I just read the synopsis and reviews on Dou Ban and I’m dying. 曾许诺 scarred me with it’s pain, I dont think I can wrap my mind around its epic-ness.
I just found this site courtesy of mookie’s recommendation. I love Tong Hua to death, thanks for this!
P.S. it’s gonna be a happy ending! 😀
Though I found what this person said on Dou Ban very true:
“爱情里最伤人的永远是三人行 – 虽然桐华自己都剧透说，这是个难得的喜剧结尾，只是在三个人的爱情世界里，哪会有真正的喜剧？”
Trans: In love, pain comes with threes. Even though Tong Hua herself has revealed that this book will have a rare happy ending, in a love connecting three people, how can there truly be a happy ending?
@ Dramarathon
I also hope it will have a happy ending. I can’t take it anymore if this’s gonna a sad ending. It was such a pain and heartbreaking back then when I was reading Once Promised. I already finished reading 1st book and am waiting for 2nd one to be published. I heard it will be in this May.
1. Gouxin Jiu Yao (nickname: Xiao Yao)
Xiao Yao’s childhood (other name: Mun Xiao Lu) was extremely happy with a dignified position, though can’t be said with thousands of thousands favored. However, under the protection of Shao Hao and A’Heng, along with protection of Chi You, she wasn’t subjected to any fear or hurt. The most challenging one at the time was her little cousin, Zhuan Xu. But Zhuan Xu couldn’t defeat her. In addition to her lovely character, she seemed to have all the love and protection from the elders. Later, all the beautiful memories of childhood have become a solid and stable protection and encouragement to her. That’s because of all these happy memories, she is able not to give up hope in any difficult situations, which has remained resilient and cannot be knocked down.
After her mother brought to Xi Wangmu at Yu Mountain, Xiao Yao waited for 70 years. Eventually, she had no patience for waiting in loneliness, she escaped from Yu Mountain. After discovering her true identity (her real father is Chi You not Shao Hao), she dared not to return to Gouxin, instead, she began wandering around. To avoid herself from getting killed, Xiao Yao hid her true identity and disguised herself as a man and changed her name to Mun Xiao Lu. She then became a doctor at Qing Shui Town. After being discovered by Shao Hao, she is forced to go back to Gouxin and returns to her true identity as Princess Royal of Gouxin, helps Zhuan Xu back to Xuan Yuan, war with Shennong, and continues on the path to war of the throne.
2. Qing Qiu Gong Zi (Qing Qiu Young Master) – Du Shan Jing (Ye Shi Qi)
Xiao Yao saved a strange man who was suffered from torturing. After careful treatment, Xiao Yao kept him and gave him a new name, Ye Shi Qi. Shi Qi only has his heart for Xiao Yao and that makes her produce a complex feeling which is the desire of wanting to rely on but is afraid to believe in it. Together for 6 years, until Shi Qi was discovered by people of Du Shan family. It turned out that Shi Qi is actually Du Shan Jing – the second young master of Du Shan family and also the one who will inherit the position as tribal leader in the future. That year, Jing was harmed by his elder brother, Du Shan Hou. He was humiliated and tortured for 3 years, and his body was thrown to the wild. After returning to his true identity, although he has to leave Xiao Yao’s house, he’s still missing Qing Shui Town and doesn’t want to leave. He knows Xiao Yao is a girl, but her magic keeps him from seeing her real look. Once he left, he’s afraid that he cannot find her again. Later, Emperor Kou of Gouxin wants to summon Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao refuses and asks Jing to help her escape from Qing Shui Town (Actually, Xiao Yao wants to confirm her position in Jing’s heart). Jing doesn’t ask her the reason. He risks his life to help her escape. Even when they are surrounded by Zhuan Xu’s troops, Xiao Yao is always his first priority and always thinks of ways to help her escape to the outside and he himself is captured. Xiao Yao cannot leave him and decides to go back, both of them was locked up a dark room. In there, they confessed their feelings for each other. Jing asks Xiao Yao to give him 15 years to call off his engagement and handle everything in tribe. After that, he will return to be her Shi Qi. Xiao Yao agrees to wait for him and during 15 years, no man can enter her heart. After, Xiao Yao returns to her true identity, Gouxin Jiu Yao, and also returns to her real look. Their true identities separate them into 2 distant places. They can only see each other occasionally, keeping the promise along with the feeling of yearning. Moreover, Jing with his wounded body and the problem with his leg, he feels that he doesn’t suit with Xiao Yao. It’s also because of what she had been through during the childhood; Xiao Yao is always longing for the happiness in presence, but is afraid of losing it.
At the end of book 1, Xiao Yao and Zhuan Xu will begin their trip to Shennong Mount. Shennong Mount. is very close to Qing Qiu, where Du Shan family located.
Hi Eugene, have you read the second volume yet ? Heard that a third male character has appeared on the scene.
Any thoughts on the second volume ? Am itching to start reading the first volume but hate the idea of waiting for the a third volume.
Eternally yearning for the audiobook so hurry up cxt8 end my pain!!!!! haha I can’t wait to murder myself with another Tong Hua novel. I need to wash my eyes.
Hm… I still believe there will be a great deal of eyewashing. No happy ending made simple from Tong Hua.
I am actually trying not to read too much in this thread, must keep myself clean of spoilers. Just basically read the blurb and that’s it. Heard that Si Lu Min Yin is going to do the audiobook with some guys. I hope she picks the good ones *coughs-please-make-it-Cgege-or-Abu-coughs* so I can totally drown in it.
I’m still reading 2nd volume. Actually, the male characters are Dushan Jing, Xiang Liao, and Zhuan Xu. They’ve already appeared in 1st book. And it’s pretty obvious that the male lead is Dushan Jing. 3rd book which I believe will be out in a month or two.
Hi Eugene,
Can you give some background info on the character Xiang Liu? So far have heard a lot about Dushan Jing and Zhuan Xu but not so much on the new guy.
Seems some readers say that Xiang Liu reminds them of Chi You and they like him a lot.
Really appreciate you sharing the little tidbits on their characters. Will make it easier for me to read and not confused 🙂
Read the comments again and realized Xiang Liu has been mentioned already!
Can’t wait for the series to be completed and start reading it !
Agree with raini that it won’t be a simple happy ending. But I really hope tha Xiao Yao finds happiness with one of the guys at least. (I think it will probably be either Du Shan Jing or Xiang Liu.)
Just realized that some of the characters in this series is based in Chinese mythology. Wished I paid more attention during Chinese cultural class >.<
hi all, i believe that book 3 is out! was skimming through it this weekend on 19lou.com
all i can say now is that Xiao Yao is one lucky girl but unfortunately there is only one of her – unfortunately for the 3 men who love her.
if anyone else has read the book, will be happy to discuss 🙂
Serendipity!
I just finished the books in one go, it was immensely entertaining to say the least 😛
I’m a Xiang Liu shipper though, and his ending was heartbreaking. I guess Xiao Yao got who was the best for her, and I’m glad she did. But I feel so sorry for xiang Liu and zhuan Xu.
hi dramarathon,
i think i see you around in koalasplayground 🙂 thanks for sharing your thoughts.
*WARNING – POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD !!*
all the 3 guys are compelling and heartbreaking in their own ways! really love them all but maybe just a teeny bit more love for xiang’liu. although xiang’liu appears almost cruel sometimes, he is probably the most selfless of the three – he doesn’t seem to mind if xiao’yao reciprocates his feelings or not, in fact, my impression is that he doesn’t even want her to know and chooses to let her think the worst of him. the last few chapters revealed what he had done for xiao’yao – he remembered what she told him at the beginning when they met and he fulfilled everything. that was one of the most touching paragraphs in the book for me :’)
zhuan’xu, i love him too although he chose the jiang’shan. however, the reason is stemming from some childhood issues where he begged his gugu (ah heng) not to take xiao’yao away. but she said how can he protect xiao’yao if he can’t even protect himself? i do believe that one of the reasons he chose the jiang’shan is to protect xiao’yao. he’s not as selfless as xiang’liu but oh the heartbreak everytime he has to add one more woman to his harem when all he wants is a lifetime with one person…
du’shan’jing – in the third book, his character doesn’t feature as prominently as the other two so he doesn’t leave as strong as impression. but i loved how his character was fleshed out over the course of book 1 and 2 (which i read sometime back and my memory is hazy but eugene’s posts above reminds me of how awesome he is! ) i think it interesting how most people think jing’s magnanimity towards the people who did him harm is a weakness but xiao’yao recognizes it as a strength and one of the reasons she loves him.
overall, a nice but meandering storyline. maybe better appreciated on a second read? (there are many well written and touching scenes between the characters) however, i still like da’mao’yao/ballad of the desert better as a story maybe also because it’s the first tong’hua story i read 🙂
If I want to start read this series, which book I will start? I can see in Yesasia online-store, there are 6 different books???
You can start with this “Chang Xiang Si Juan Yi Gu Yue Xia , Xu Jun Xin.”
Thanks for prompt reply! Ok, just for known, I can not start with book no 5, I have to follow the book no 1 and so on?
Ms Koala of koalasplayground.com has translated the first chapter of this book! It seems that she may translate the whole book :)))
Woohoo! It was the best news of today that Koala is translating this! I’m so grateful to Eugene’s summaries and translations above too, because I realllly like Ye Shi Qi/Du Shang Jing <3. Whee!
I'm going to read Once Promised, even though it's tragic just so I can follow this book better!
Decembi – Hehe your reading list just got longer ! Maybe you need more than 24 hours a day :p
Yes Eugene’s summaries and character descriptions really helped me to get a sense of the world and the characters. I didn’t read Once Promised cos I like happy endings (for some of the major characters at least).
Haha, you are right, May! I wish I had more hours in a day. I was planning to read 凤困凰 but now I can’t quite decide. I may pick a shorter one on my reading list first and then go read Once Promised once there is more of Koala’s translations. I’m also a bit worried 🙁 because Once Promised is so tragic!!!
Are you the type of reader who has the finish the novel in a marathon way or can read in short spurts? I think maybe save Feng Qiu Huang for a rainy day/holiday/weekend if you’re the former and read the short ones first. Because I’m more of the former, SSB has sometimes been detrimental to my health because I end sleeping three to four hours a night on a working day and fall sick after that. I would like to think I have learnt my lesson :p
Although I didn’t read Once Promised, I still managed to get a sense of the world and characters in Eternally Yearning For You thanks to Eugene although perhaps I may have missed out because OP would have laid out the groundwork for the background of the story and its characters. But I think reading the features of Once Promised is good enough for me 🙂
Not too sure that EYFY can really be counted as a happy ending though because not everyone got their happily ever after so it maybe a tragedy for some (i was both happy and sad towards the end – TH sure knows how to conflict your emotions!)
I’m the type that marathons ancient novels and can read modern novels in short spurts (in fact I only i finish about 3 out of 5 modern novels as they often lost my interest before the ending). I know what you mean about marathoning on a work day! I try to avoid that now because sleep is so impt. But I have trouble stopping when I read ancient novels, the plot can become so absorbing!
Eugene’s summaries are really good! I’m so curious about the female lead’s parents in Once Promised though. Have decided to pile up some modern fluff before starting on some ancient tragedy – Once Promised sounds pretty horrendous when I read the comments and summary… everyone pretty much dies and gets screwed up 🙁
I finished Book 1 yesterday, and might not continue unless someone can tell me Jing doesn’t get shafted in the end :'(
Ok, so let’s first talk about how I feel about the story as a whole. I’m a fan of mythology, but more of the pure shenmo genre, not even xianxia… which is why billing Forever Missing You as mythology doesn’t really work for me, esp since DH’s specialty is actually political machinations and plottity plots. So yeah, did not feel the magical world I anticipated, but that’s minor quibble.
Book 1 moves rather fast, and there’s almost a helter skelter sense of speed racing trying to get the many characters involved their page time, and also the shuffling of locations.
So now let’s go into how I feel about the romance. There’s an undertone of fragility in DSJ and XY’s relationship. You can always sense the doubts in both of them. Xiao Yao admits to wanting someone weaker so he wouldn’t abandon her, she admits to a possibility of being swayed by XL (on their swim), and she’s irrational about Jing’s fiancee’s presence. Jing, too, keeps asking for confirmation, has little self-confidence, and overall not assertive enough for someone I feel is right for XY’s level of independence and strong will.
So why do I like them? Because they’re so f–king fluffy sweet. Like fast melting cotton-candy that’s fleeting and short-lived. But they represent the kind of goodness the world is capable of. The only time innocence and pure unadulterated love exist in this story is when they are together. I don’t mind crying for XL, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to handle crying for DSJ. I like XL’s enigma, and his sexual chemistry with XY. But I guess I’ve seen him treat her so horribly that I don’t get the love (this novel, so violent!). There’s always time for redemption, but I wonder if I’d already given my heart to the young master of the DS family.
So tell me, should I soldier on with Book 2? Or will I spork my eyes out by the time this all ends?
Heys Hamster,
Appreciate your translations of T7’s novels! So glad to be able to read the english translations before reading the actual Chinese text.
Are you asking about what the ending of the story is like? Maybe I can email you if you’re interested. Not too sure if it’s too much of a spoiler to post here.
(Note: I read the book 2&3 last year, so my memory maybe a bit hazy. I’m hoping to buy the actual books and re-read them again sometime)
Hi May, you can email me at hinako442003[@]yahoodotcom.
ps I got a harder captcha this time compared to the subtraction the first time 3x_=9
almost forgot my time table there
Just finished the whole book but I skipped a lot of Book 2 with all the angsty plot inside.
This book is not as sad as YZG but still left my heart aching after reading… I have been rooting for Xiang Liu but tried to control myself to root for the main lead, so that I won’t get hurt so much. But still, the epilogue just left my heart breaking. How sweet can Xiang Liu be?
Anyway, this book is rather simple in its plot, with not much scheming people around. Everyone wants Xiao Yao to be happy and have a common goal, and therefore, there do not have much “conflict” between them.
But just wanna say that it is sweet that Jing ended up with Xiao Yao. They might not have a passionate or fiery love, but it is simple and happy. You know that Xiao Yao will be happy with him. There is no danger or anything.
At the end of the day, just wanna say, I LOVE XIANG LIU. I can really feel the LOVE in them when I was reading the text. Why does Tonghua always manage to write awesome 2nd leads who always suffer behind the back? 🙁
Hi May and hamster! Would love to discuss this novel with you guys!!! <3 my e-mail is yokechengs [at] gmail.com
Hi everyone, pls do post spoilers here bcos I think the hundreds of ppl who suddenly rush here are looking for spoilers so it’ll be nice to share with them. Before you post your spoiler, type [ spoiler ], without the spacing. After you finish writing your spoiler, type this [ /spoiler ], also without the spacing. Then the spoiler will be hidden and you need to click on it to read it. Those who do not want to read spoiler, will not click on it.
So as not to spoil the book, I can only term it as happy ending – or as happy as it can be by Tong Hua’s standard which to me is bittersweet. It is not a book where you will sob over, although I did over the part about Ah Heng. I read 曾许诺 so Ah Heng portion is very important to me.
More spoilers please….
Please give me more spoiler! Really love this story.
Whose spoilers are you looking for specifically, and for book 1, 2 or 3? The plot is fairly simple but it doesn’t do the characters justice without going into details.
@Moonblossom,
Hi! Would you mind giving spoilers to Book 3? I feel like I could gnaw my arm, searching for what happens in this book. If I could understand Chinese I would marathon this in a heartbeat! I would appreciate your help!
Here you go:
//SPOILERS FOR BOOK 3
…
…
Please exit if you do not want to read the synopsis
…
//END OF SPOILERS FOR BOOK 3
Hey, so I’ve finally crawled out of my pit of darkness to read this, and I’ll probably crawl back in now, because obsession is really bad for my grades, but I really want to get the feelings from this book off my chest.
*Another good reason to love the book, there is an actual reason for why the characters love each other, instead of a “BAM, hey you’re gorgeous, let’s fall in love and cause so much chaos to our friends, families, and kingdoms because we love each other.”
Thank you everyone who have and will post spoilers. Please don’t mention in Mrs K’s playground that we’ve been posting spoilers here at the book bar as I don’t want to see a koala hopping mad like a kangaroo:P I understand some people like me who have to check out the spoilers first b4 starting a novel. What I hate most is boarding the wrong ship & have my heart broken. But I’ve a feeling with this novel, no matter which boat you take, you also need some tissues. I’ve cried my heart out with DMY & YZG so I am staying away from Tong Hua’s books. I’ve hidden all the spoilers so if you don’t want to know, don’t click.
There r plenty of spoilers on the web, especially the Chinese forums, so I don’t think Koala will be upset over the spoilers posted here. There seems to be quite a few spoilers posted here since last year Anyway, there seems to be quite a few Koala fans here (me included) who came here to blab with clear conscious 🙂
I think it’s fine to blabber here, just don’t go back to the playground and blabber there. Spoiling it at the playground would be rude, but I feel many here have finished the story and should be able to freely discuss. Those who enter enter at their own risks.
Moonblossom and skyblu629,
Thanks for the sharing! It’s such a great story, I knew I couldn’t wait months and months to find out what will happen. I feel that knowing the end of the journey doesn’t detract from the anticipation of what will happen on the journey in itself. Thanks again!
You are welcome to discuss as much as you like since this is a book bar. I like to write spoilers, lol.What I meant is don’t mention this at her playground and tell people to come here to read spoilers since mrs k already wrote no spoiler at her playground. Some of the readers at the playground can’t read chinese which is why they come here to seek spoilers.
I’m glad I found this bar! Thank you for hosting.
When I wrote that that spoilers r posted here, I do mean at shushengbar. It will be rude – probably suicidal too – to post spoilers at the Playground when the blog master has explicitly said no to spoilers.
Funny enough, I picked up the hobby of reading Chinese novels after Ms Koala translated DMY n I am sad to say that I’m officially a non-Kdrama fan. I can’t help it. I am exasperated that I can’t find the mood to watch AM97, AM94, and now You from Another Star. I have probably read about 60 books in the past 6 months n I think my husband wants to kick my butt for being such a complete bookworm. I hope the bug wears off soon…
I’m currently reading Koala’s translation but couldn’t help and check around for spoiler ^^, *be impatient self* Anyway, so far i see many supporters for Xiang Liu, i wonder what you think of Shi Qi or Jing? i already have a soft spot for him even before reading any spoiler. Will he have any change in vol 2? I’d love to have spoilers for vol 2 too please. Thanks in advance.
I do have a soft spot for Jing, but he’s very passive in the first two novels. Part of it is because after his brother’s torture, he has low self-esteem (at least in regard to love), and part of it is because of his fiance. His devotion and how much he loves Xiao Yao is very apparent. It’s just that Xiang Liu and Zhuan Xu has a stronger presence (to me at least). Jing is reliable and would never deny Xiao Yao anything, and wants nothing more than to marry her. Their love feels like an eternal slow burn, they might not have the crazy emotional spikes, but they would love each other forever.
Hey skyblu, you still lurking around, lol? Thank you for all your spoilers and we miss you here but we understand study comes first. Next time, have better self-ctrl like me & don’t succumb to anymore novel temptations, lol.
To everyone, you are welcome to post spoilers here for any novels but just don’t mention at all in koala’s playground there are spoilers here. If I can remember I’ll hide the spoilers. Otherwise they are for all to see as I am not fuss about it. Hence, for those who don’t want to read spoilers, you’ve to be careful when you are reading the comments as there could be potential spoilers. From now onwards, I’ll try to be more mindful of this.
Hi MoonBlossom, are you new here or has been a lurker, lol? If you are new, welcome and love to hear more from you. Hahaha, most of us are on the same boat as you. You can read about our fairly similar experience here:) http://hui3r.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/challenge-1-the-c-novel-that-started-it-all/
Bcos of our love for C-novel, Chancy suggested to set up SSB to share our love for reading C-novel. Wah, 60 books in half a year is not that bad. I know someone who can read more than that, lol. Out of curiosity, what kind of books you’ve read eg. ancient or modern? Which books or what kind of books you like best? Any recommendations which are not posted in the bar? Btw, if you are interested, you can post the books you love here and discuss about them. Lastly, isn’t it better for your hubby for you to read books & fantasize about the leading men than drooling at those handsome guys on the screen, lol?
Hello Everyone. I’m Moonblossom and I’m from Singapore. I saw this blog previously, but this is my first time commenting so I guess I new : )
My Chinese grades were very low in school, and I had thought I would never willingly read a chinese book in my life. Then came 步步惊心, 大漠谣 , and the rest is history. For some reason, I only like to read romance books but once in a blue moon, I read things like Da Vinci Code and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which I like too.
The abundance of free internet books and the ease of online dictionary makes reading so easy. I have read all of Tong Hua novels, 华婿引, and some Taiwanese novels. I haven’t yet found a book that match up to TH standard but I won’t hestitate to recommend the following books:
有女舜华 by 于晴. The story is set in ancient China and talks about how this girl died and her soul time-travelled 1 year back into another girl’s body. This book is part 2 of a trilogy so some parts were a bit hard to understand, but the characters and plot twists were very interesting.
叛逆 by 典心. A light-hearted rom-com set in modern Taiwan. Xiang Rou was a model student, was tasked to tutor the school’s dropout/gangster. Years later, the dropout return to the hometown to pursue her. The plot is simple but the OTP interactions were sincere and very heartwarming.
Wahaha, welcome another Singaporean:) Decembi is a Singaporean and she has her own book blog. I suspect Pm and May are also Singaporeans. Anymore Singaporeans, come & introduce youself:)?
Decembi also used to read a lot of Taiwanese novels but under my influence, she is reading C-novels now, lol. Feel free to browse around here as there are all sorts of books to cater to your taste. I can see you are a die-hard TH’s fans. She is good but too angsty for me. I’ll recommend you to give Tang Qi’s books a try, especially Hua Xu Yin. Her books have angst too but they are also sweet and funny. Thank you for your recommendation. I’ve only read Xi Juan & Ling Shu Feng’s T-novels b4.
thank you for the spoilers.
*crying a bucket of tears in front of my computer screen* Xiang Liu..Xiang Liu..huhuhuu…*wailing**take a deep breath**calming my self*
*apply superglue to my lips*
off to the playground, waiting for new chapter to appear.
Thanks for the recommendation. i have read Hua Xu Yin 华婿引 and especially like the first 2 tales, and the OTP own story. For a short book, it sure pack a punch!I still remember she has a tiger for a pet and his name is Xiao Huang.
Haha, you are welcome. I like Xiao Huang & its craving for roast chicken, lol. Tang 7’s 3 Lives 3 Worlds series are also good. Then you can try Fei Wo Si Cun’s Eastern Palace or Feng Qiu Huang, Hua Qian Gu, Heavy Sweetness etc. This list may come in handy but do remember everyone has different taste:) I think the list was compiled b4 Lost You Forever & The Pillow Book were finished.
http://hui3r.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/75-most-popular-chinese-romance-internet-novels/
@skyblu629 Thanks for the spoilers ^^ even now I’m only at the beginning I already feel that Shi Qi is very passive. That’s why I had my doubt that XL would ever fall for him and he’d just end up another perfect second male lead in my books ^^, But I hope that XL really loves him cause she’s one my favorite heroines in a while so I’d hate it if she’ll settle down with him simply because he’s best for her and would give her a life she desires. I’ll continue to read Koala’s trans cause I know the journey is still long and will be worth it. I don’t know chinese and I envy so much people who speak the language, I read the novels here (french & english even though I’m asian) but the styles are so different. Can only pray for miracle that some day more of these novels will be translated into my language.
Me! I shall defend my Jing haha. I don’t think Jing is passive per se. He’s in a difficult place of loving someone he doesn’t think he has the rights to love. He has a bit (a lot) of a complex which came after the ‘incident’.
Peanuts – yups I’m from Singapore too. Moonblossom I was the same type of student as you when young 😉
I agree with Hamster that Shi Qi isn’t a really passive person. Actually it’s Eugene translation of Shi Qi & Xiao Yao’s scene in prison (just a few comments above) that really make me love Shi Qi!!!
Quote:
Shi Qi “Xiao Lu, I…I know I am engaged to someone else. I don’t have right to say anything to you…I also dare not to think…but…I will call off the engagement. I will definitely call it off. You just wait for me for 20 years…no…15 years, 15 years, you give Du Shan Jing 15 years. 15 years later, Du Shan Jing will definitely return you a Ye Shi Qi.”
Xiao Yao lowers her voice “Wait how?”
Shi Qi “You, you cannot let any other man go inside your heart.”
Xiao Yao “You really don’t understand me. My heart is cold, only a thick shell outside. Not just 15 years, even 50 years cannot make another man get inside my heart.”
Shi Qi “So you agreed to it? Let’s strike our hands to make promise!”
End of Quote
Shi Qi was the first man to express his love for Xiao Yao and he did it when she still had the appearance of a man. It’s brave of him to make that first confession and put himself out there, expose himself to vulnerability and rejection.
Shi Qi and Xiang Liu are both amazing men who give support and comfort to Xiao Yao in their own way. (Ms Koala’s Chapter Seven: the underwater date! Really love that scene and the subsequent ones too.)
I skipped some parts of Book 1, so who shot the arrow at Xuan? And can someone explain more about the voodoo bug?
Out of the 3 men, only Jing was the most forthright in telling XY that he loves her (very much!) and who promised her a forever right from the very beginning. ZX never told her until she found out. XL never told her. At all. On this point alone, I’m on team Jing 😛
Yay for team Jing! (haha pardon me)
@Serendipity, Wasn’t it Fangfeng Yiying who shot Xuan? I skim a lot so I don’t know if it was ever proven, but apparently her family is one of the oppositions of Xuan, and he was none too happy that Jing eventually had to marry her thereby making his alliance with the Dushan clan less viable.
I’m also not 100% familiar with the voodoo worm either. I don’t know what happened with XL’s worm, but it seems generally it’s an ancient art that comes with a price. Jing’s grandmother almost had to pay with her life when she used it to (ironically) lengthen her days. It’s also like a parasite that’s hard to undo… not something one should use lightly. Someone else can explain better?
Oops sorry i forgot to change the username to “May” on my laptop.
Yup hopefully someone can explain more about the worms 🙂
I love spoilers. 🙂
Questions:
– Why did A’Heng send Xiao Liu/Xiao Yao to Yu Mountain? What prevented her from retrieving her daughter (and thus causing Xiao Yao to think she had been abandoned)?
– Why/how did Jing’s grandmother dupe him?
– Was Fan Feng Yi Yang cheating on Jing with Jing’s older brother even before all of that bad stuff was done to Jing by his brother? Why? I thought everyone preferred Jing to his older brother.
I’m sure I’ll come up with more questions later, but these are all I can remember at the moment. I repeat, I <3 spoilers.
Please please give me some spoilers on the voodoo bugs background! I’m dying to know lol
I’m dying to know more about Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao! How does their relationship progress after he willingly accepts the voodoo bug? Does Xiao Yao heart ever soften towards him? Please please do share lol I’m a huge fan of Xiang Liu
Do you mind telling me when and how Xiang Liu fell for Xiao Yao?2
At this point (chapter 7), he already loves her. The fact that the ritual succeed, the bug goes to his body, the walnut dissolves show that. Xiang Liu said it in chapter 7, Xiao Yao accepts him for him and doesn’t think he’s strange. From their very first meeting, Xiao Yao is not truly afraid of him (considering that she was tied up and still asked Xiang Liu to save the Jiu Jiu). I feel that he admires her tenacity and her adherence to her principles. Then she has the spunk to make the poisons taste as awful as possible after she realizes that he’s the one taking them.
He enjoys that she treats him like a normal person, and he just falls deeper as the story continues.
Thank you so much for answering my question 😉 my other question for you is how does their relationship progress after the voodoo bugs? Does Xiao Yao have any feelings for Xiang Liu at all? And why was he so willing to accept the bug? If you can help me answer this I would be so happy and it will be much appreciated 😉
Thanks so much, skyblu629!!! Care to answer more questions of mine, please? 🙂
– Huang Di adores Xiao Yao? Eh? Why/how/what? After all, this is the same ruthless Huang Di from Once Promised who essentially drove his family to murder each other, no? Maybe he mellowed out from age … Or after he indirectly killed almost all of his kids, he finally felt a smidgen of remorse.
– Does Shao Hao/Jun Di know Xiao Yao is not his daughter from the start? I know he had to strike her off the official family register after it was publicly revealed that she is Chi You’s daughter, but it’d be nice if he loved her as his own daughter because she is A’Heng’s daughter.
– A’Heng dies after first reuniting with her daughter, correct? Did she give up her life after knowing her daughter was safe and sound and she could now finally join Chi You in death? Man, these parents, why can’t they hang on longer for their kids. 🙁
Thanks in advance!! I <3 spoilers and I <3 you. 😉 Heh.
Thank you guys for the spoiler! I really enjoy reading through all of it.
So, eventually Jing has to marry his fiancee, right? 🙁 What will happen to Xiao Yao then?
I love how Tong Hua relates life, responsibility, and choices in each of the novel. I feel like I can relate to all of it.
Skybox has answered most questions on voodoo bugs, Xiang Liu, etc…. But I just want to add on to Mei’s question on Huang Di, Shao Hao and A Heng.
Huang Di’s seems to love Xiao Yao’s grandma (at least in this book if not in Once Promised), so some feelings could have rubbed off. And he better felt some remorse towards A Heng, and treat her daughter better.
Shao Hao really loved Xiao Yao. I don’t quite understand how the act of striking her name off the royal register is suppose to shield her beyond the fact that he rather draw attention to himself as a fool who gets duped. In Once Promised, his love is more apparent. He knew from the start that Xiao Yao is not his, but he never kept a distance from her. She can hug him and bug him anytime after court, and he professed that she is always the best part of his day.
As for Ah Heng, she did give up her life after the reunion but the context is not quite like that. To quote Xiao Yao, living is actually the hard thing to do for her mom, compared to death. Ah Heng can only wait in a burning dessert for the day her daughter comes to her. And because of her suffering, Xiao Yao finally found proof that her parents loved her dearly, and got over her identity crisis. I’m so relieved Jun Di is still alive at this point in time as I’m not sure who else have the spiritual powers to escort Xiao Yao safely to the peach blossom garden.
So Koala posted the translation of Chapter 8, and I just had to read Chapter 9 (in Chinese, rather than patiently waiting for the English translation) because I was so curious to see the reunion between Jun Di/Shao Hao and Zhuan Xu and Xiao Yao. I admit, I dug seeing ZX remorseful over his previous mistreatment of XY. I mean, he did what he had to do based on his limited knowledge at the time, and XY didn’t object to it in the least and never once blamed her cousin-brother (and even admired him for growing up “well”), but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy with him for his mistreatment of XY.
I have to say, I got really, really annoyed at Jun Di/Shao Hao for marrying a woman just because she looks like A’Heng. Ugh. Just, ugh. Strangely, I would’ve been more accepting if he took 1 consort simply because he “had” to (as in, to have at least one blood-related child in order to “preserve” his bloodline, as was so important in those days), but the looks-like-my-old-flame part just made me feel really disgusted. It sucks for all parties involved, because the replacement is just never going to be as good as the original, and being nothing but a substitute is sucky and pitiful for the substitute (and her spawn).
Moving on, I’d love spoilers for what happens to A’Nian. She’s such a spoiled brat. I know that ZX has to marry her later on (sigh), but strangely, it’s always the petty people with their petty actions that rile me up the most in novels, and it seems like A’Nian is just such a petty person. Torture, murder, massacre, all of these big bad things are, well, bad and make me sad/mad, but as far as making me want to strangle things and tear my hair out – it’s the petty people for the win! Anyone else get where I’m coming from? 🙂
Does Xiao Yao ever get her “real” face back? In Chapter 9, Jing/Shi Qi conjectures that A’Heng may have been hiding XY’s real face since birth, which I think is because she looks like Chi You. Can someone confirm this or not?
At this point in the novel (Chapter 9), I think Xiao Yao still believes Jun Di is her biological father, correct? Or does she know that Chi You is her father? It does seem that she suspects that Chi You was her mother’s lover, though, but I don’t know if she’s yet taken that line of thinking further to mean that she could possibly be their lovechild too.
Do you which chapter will xiao yao put on her real face back?
Chapt 12, after Xiao Zhu Chu festival has ended.
Xiao Yao’s identity as Chi You’s daughter was actually leaked by Zhuan Xu himself, and Jun Di (and Jing) knew it. The motive was to cut the ties between Xiao Yao and Jun Di so that Zhuan Xu could set out to conquer Gao Xin. I think Jun Di struck XY out of the family register for the same purpose – so that XY would not feel torn between the two sides. Which is of course quite impossible but still…
Hi hi, I’m also Singaporean and am so glad to see so many Singaporeans at this bookbar! Thank you so much for the spoilers! It keeps me from staying up all night struggling to read! 🙂 I failed Mandarin at school but am so intrigued by this story that I’m reading it with a dictionary! So I was wondering if anyone could tell me if Xiao Yao ever loved or had feelings for Xiang Liu?! It seems like they ‘get’ each other, and I totally love the strange but passionate relationship they seem to have (I”m at Chapter 11, book 1 right now)….but I’m wondering if her heart was just clearly Jing’s or if she ever felt anything for Xiang Liu?
Hi guys. Thanks so much for spoiler. I’m dying know what XY looks like. Someone mentioned it would be on chapter 12 but I can’t wait any longer. Please…. spoil me about her physical features.
XY is v.v. pretty. Has a beautiful pair of eyes, looks very prideful like her father. Has a plum mark on her forehead.
About Anian, I actually like her. Cruelty aside, because it seems all these people are violent to some degree, she is like a cute spoiled younger sibling, but she generally knows and learns her boundary, and comes to love XY as a sister too. I like her love for ZX. XY may have a special bond with him, but as a woman, it’s AN who loves him the most.
Thank you moonblossom for answering my question.
Can’t wait until XY put on her real face. I wonder what will Jing, Xuan, and Xiang Liu reaction will be? Can anyone tell me? I can’t wait until the next chapter! 😀 😀
Gah, I told myself I was going to patiently follow along with Koala’s English translation – and then I somehow found myself reading all of Book 1. Oops. But since I was skimming/reading really quickly, I’m sure I missed some stuff, so I’ll still be eagerly anticipating Koala’s translations.
Questions about Xiang Liu! 🙂
So it is revealed that he is also Fang Feng Bei, and thus Fang Feng Yi Yang’s older 2nd brother. How is a scion of the Fang Feng family a nine-headed demon? Are they all nine-headed demons? Or is he a bastard son? What’s his story? Wasn’t he also a slave for a time?
Additionally, Fang Feng Bei/Xiang Liu is loyal to Gong Gong and by extension the Shen Nong resistance. On the other hand, the Fang Feng family I believe supports Zhuan Xu’s uncles in their fight for the Xuan Yuan throne against Zhuan Xu. Doesn’t that kind of put them at loggerheads? Unless the Fang Feng family believes that Zhuan Xu’s uncles are so useless that if they were to become emperor of Xuan Yuan, that would lead to Xuan Yuan’s downfall and then Shen Nong would have a chance to resurrect.
I’m not totally sure about this, but I think the nine headed demon thing is just a rumor. I don’t think it’s ever proven that he’s a demon. We know he’s a god with water powers but that’s it.
But then again, I don’t speak chinese so don’t fully understand what’s going on. I just knew he was the fiancé’s brother.
Spoilers on Xiang Liu and Fang Feng Bei.
//…
please exit if you do not wish to read
Xiang Liu is really a 9-headed demon. He has to revert to his true form in book 3 chap 10.
And as to whether Xiao Yao has ever loved Xiang Liu, the following may provide some clues:
1. He is the only guy among the 4 whom Xiao Yao wanted to remember through her mirror.
2. Xiao Yao may have lived as a man for many decades, but she is too nonchalant on physical closeness with Bei/Xiang Liu. She never thought much of his lips on her neck, nor his lips on her lips (when he passed her oxygen when they went to Five God Mountain to remove Xuan’s voddoo bug).
3. Near the beginning when she was first in Central Plains with Zhuan Xu, Xiao Yao had a fun outing with Fang Feng Bei. When she reached home, she had to entertain Jing, and which she didn’t really enjoy.
4. She cried when Xiang Liu told her Fang Feng Bei is dead.
Of course, she also cried for Jing so maybe the last point may not mean much. My take is that she could have loved Xiang Liu a whole lot more but luckily she choose the guy who would give her (and the book) a happy ending.
Moonblossom can you tell me when Xiang Liu will see XY in her true form and face? Does he recognize her and what were his thoughts about her? How does XY feel later about XL? If you can tell me I’ll greatly appreciate it 😉 Thanks
See? What do I know? I thought it was just a rumor thus whole time. Thought I read somewhere that demons originated from animals that studied the spiritual powers…..
Counter arguments lol…
When XY went out w/ FFB she was doing partly because she was mad at Jing. She was upset he had left her waiting without coming to see her, she was also annoyed at having to see him with his fiancee together in town. And became even more peeved that he didn’t care she was with another man, so she was eager to leave again with FFB to poke at Jing some more. All of these are typical gf behaviors.
Jing’s the only one she cares to dress up for when she goes out to meet. She becomes shy, acts like a girl, feels giddy, feels jealous, feels pained. Years and years have passed and still it hurts when they meet again, and they cry and hug and heal (omg!). They are the definition of canon.
I won’t discount XY’s rapport with XL, and I’m sure she has an instinctive attraction for him. But I feel it ends there. Had he pursued her and had she allowed herself to explore her feelings, love may very well have happened, and maybe she’d move on from Jing in the interlude. Except neither ever occured. IMHO XY’s feelings for him, whatever they may be, did not develope into romantic love. She cared about him, she shared a friendship, a connection, but I’m on Book 3 now, and she still never really struggled with a choice or a dilemma on ‘what do I feel about this guy as a man, do I want a future with him’ etc. which I feel are important in determining the depths of their romantic relationship. It depends on where we’d like to dwell on: the vague existence of feelings, or the fact that they weren’t addressed. So I don’t know if I’m too sad about this ‘what if’, since neither really went after it.
Hamster428 can you tell me if XL ever tells XY how he feels about her? Is she aware of his feelings and if so, what was her reaction? Was Jing ever jealous of XL?
After Xiao Yao got her looks back (Book 1 chapt 12), Jun Di hosted an elaborate ceremony where she was introduced to the world as Princess of Gao Xing. That night after the ceremony, Jing requested to meet her at the cliff near the sea but before they could meet, Xiang Liu lured Ah Nian to help kidnap Xiao Yao.
Xiang Liu dragged Xiao Yao into the sea and when Xiao Yao is out of breath, he did not pass oxygen to her like the last time. Xiao Yao realized that she would have to kiss him if she needed air but she had just promised Jing not to let another man into her heart for the next 15 year. In the end, she did not kiss Xiang Liu and nearly died from a lack of oxygen and from the pain of being under the deep sea. Frustrated, Xiang Liu quickly saved her and brought her up to the water surface.
Below is a translation of what transpired next:
// Spoilers for Book 1, chapt 13 …
….
Xiao Yao came around after a long while. She held on to Xiang Liu’s knee and propped her body up. Because of Xiang Liu’s powers, the water beneath her is like a soft cushion. Her actions caused her to sink slightly, but she did not sink.
Xiang Liu looked at her expressionlessly for the longest time. Xiao Xiao did not know what to say. They were in the middle of the sea with the night surrounding them. It was as if there were only two of them left in the whole world.
Xiao Yao finally said: “I had originally thought that I’ll pretend not to know you if I see you again.”
“Your voodoo bug is still inside my body, do you wish to renegade on your promise?”
Xiao Yao replied: “Going by logic, only I can feel you, you can’t feel me. How did you know I am Wen Xiao Liu?”
Xiang Liu lifted his hand and lifted a wet tendril to the back of her head. He held her head and looked intently at her face. “Is this your real face?”
“Um.”
“You are a very good liar.”
Xiao Yao defended herself. “This is not lying, I really thought of myself as
Wen Xiao Liu.”
“Princess of Gao Xing?” Xiang Liu gave a cold laugh. “No wonder you rather die and save Zhuan Xu that day.”
Xiao Yao don’t dare to say another word. Xiang Liu carelessly sling his arm on her shoulders, his finger brushed across her neck, and said nonchalantly “What other words you have spoken are lies? Why not you be truthful today? I will not kill you.”
“I told you before, I only talk rubbish but I don’t tell lies” Xiao Yao waved her hand. “I like to talk because I fear loneliness. If my mouth is full of lies, I will only become more lonely.”
Xiang Liu retracted his sharp finger nails to look like normal nails. Xiao Yao did not know that at that moment, she really had a brush with death. Xiang Liu stared into the darkness, unknown to what he is thinking. Like a sword without a handle, his sharpness is so keen that no one in the world could get close.
Xiao Yao did not know why. She was floating on water but she felt as if she had sank to the bottom of the sea. Her chest felt tight. She suddenly remembered something and took out a wet purse. She poured out some colorful pills and passed to Xiang Liu. “Want to try some?”
Xiang Liu ate the pills like candy, popping them into his mouth one at a time.
“How is it? I made this especially for you. I did a lot of research, and looked for a lot of rare herbs.”
Some of Xiang Liu coldness faded away. “They are ok.”
“Only ok?” Xiao Yao was near tears. “Many of the herbs used were planted on Feng Lai island and watered with special water, for 800 – 1000 years!”
Xiang Liu said expressionlessly “So you still wanted to poison me?”
Xiao Yao shook her head “I’m a God of Poison and can even poison that Nine Tail fox. There is no reason why I cannot poison a nine headed demon like you!”
Xiang Liu laughed “I’ll wait for the day.”
Xiao Yao felt that the atmosphere lighten and asked carefully “Why are you in cohorts with Ah Nian?”
“Why can’t I?”
Xiao Yao grabbed his clothes and said seriously: ”No. Please don’t mess with her anymore. She is too sheltered by my father, and cannot withstand temptation from a person like you.”
Xiang Liu leaned forward and asked with a laugh “A person like me? What kind of person am I?”
Xiao Yao rolled her eyes. “You know in your heart what kind of person you are.”
Xiang Liu did not seem to mind. “She did not treat you like a sister, but you seem to want to be a good sister to her.”
“In relationships, there will always be one who must make the first step. This is so for man-woman relationship, and true as well for parent-daughter relationship. When the child is young and innocent, the parent will start to give first. I have always been selfish and does not wish to be the one to make the first step. But between Ah Nian and I, I have decided to be the one to take the first step. It is not because she is good nor worth it, but it is because of my father and Zhuan Xu. “
“Not all giving will have returns. If she can sell you out to me, she can sell you out to others. She pushed you off the cliff tonight and she can also stick a dagger into your heart next time.”
“I know, which is why I am only going to condone this once.”
Xiang Liu: “I agree not to look for your sister, but you must also promise me one thing.”
“Can I say no?”
“Of course not.”
Xiao Yao blinked at Xiang Liu and made a “I’m listening” gesture.
Xiang Liu: “Continue to help me make medicine.”
That is simple. Xiao Yao agreed. “But how am I going to pass the meds to you? I am no longer living in Qing Shui town, and you cannot come look for me at Five God Mountain.”
Xiang Liu laughed and replied “This is your problem. So long as I did not see your medicine after a while, I will go look for your sister.”
Xiao Yao pouted “I just know you will not let me off easily.”
Xiang Liu: “I already let of you off”
Xiao Yao pouted. Xiang Liu hurumph and asked suddenly. “Why?”
Xiao Yao understood he was asking why she rather risk death than kiss him, but she pretended to be confused. “What why?”
Xiang Liu grabbed her shoulders and they started to sink. Xiao Yao immediately shouted. “Oh. I remember now. I remember now.”
Xiang Liu glared at her and Xiao Yao said “I am afraid.”
“Even more fearful then death?”
Xiao Yao thought for a while and said. “My brother, which is Zhuan Xu, said that I am a girl who still have dreams. Although it may be so, but, but ….. I am afraid you will walk into my dreams if I am not careful. And you….” Xiao Yao shook her head. “Are not suitable to appear in a girl’s dreams. That would indeed be worse than death.”
Xiang Liu laughed softly, then louder. He let go of Xiao Yao’s hand, and his body drifted away.
Xiao Yao shouted: “Hey. Hey…. Don’t abandon me. You leave me here, how am I going to go back?”
Xiang Liu laughed: “Swim back!”
The color on Xiao Yao’s face changed. “You are letting me swim back from here? From the middle of the big, blue sea. There are sea monsters and my powers are weak. Any monster could have just eaten me!”
Xiang Liu said with mirth. “This is for your own good. If I am too gentle to you, I may step into your dreams , let you have a fate worse than death. Would that not be a sin?” Xiang Liu gradually sank into the sea when he finished, and disappeared.
Xiao Yao is still unbelieving, shouted: “Xiang Liu, Xiang Liu, Nine Lives! Nine Head demon! Cursed demon! Cursed Nine Head monster….”
The sea rise and fall, silence spread between heaven and earth.
…//
Thanks so much for the spoilers regarding Xiang Liu, Moonblossom! You and Skyblu are so awesome! 🙂
I read the last few chapters of Book 3, although from the spoilers so generously shared here, I already roughly knew how the story wraps up. I think I will not read Book 2 and the rest of Book 3 and just follow along with Koala’s translations. I think it will just make me sad watching Zhuan Xu exploit Xiao Yao, even with her permission/willingness, and eventually pushing her to the point of no return. However, I am interested in reading the chapter in which Xiao Yao reunites with A’Heng, if anyone can tell me which chapter that is.
I just wanted to share my thoughts on the 3 male leads, although Skyblu basically already perfectly summarized the love square. 🙂 (See her post on February 28.)
If I were able to freely choose any one of the 3 male leads, with no qualms whatsoever, I would probably actually choose Xiang Liu. However, because I do have qualms (mostly about getting my heart broken, and considering Xiang Liu’s loyalty to Gong Gong/Shen Nong), ultimately I choose Jing.
Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao are what I would deem “soul mates”. The rest of the world considers them freaks, but it’s that “freakishness” that allows them to first connect to each other. They’re explosive together and push each other’s buttons, but they’re also able to be completely open/honest with each other because of their mutual disregard for the other’s “freakishness”. In another world/story, I could see them “grow old together”. However, Xiang Liu chose Gong Gong/Shen Nong long before Xiao Yao came along and he’s not someone who retreats on his loyalties. And if the Shen Nong resistance army were to be completely annihilated (which it is), XL would choose to go down in flames with it rather than be the last one standing. The only way XL and XY could have been together is if XL had met XY before he met GG – but alas, that’s not the way fate played out.
Zhuan Xu and Xiao Yao also “get” each other but their mutual understanding evolved as a result of growing up together and weathering childhood storms together, rather than the magical and natural spark that Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao share. Their relationship is like that of brother-and-sister, but for the fact that Zhuan Xu is majorly in love with his “sister”, although he hides it pretty well. However, they cannot be together because what Xiao Yao craves is someone who will always choose her over everything else, but Zhuan Xu as emperor must always put his country/people first. Ironically, he first started down the road of ambition because of his desire to protect Xiao Yao, but upon reaching his goal (the throne), he realized that he had lost all chance to be with Xiao Yao.
Ultimately, the only person who can give Xiao Yao what she wants/needs (someone who will be by her side for all eternity) is Jing, and that is why I “choose” him. Of course, he had his own “shackle” to contend with, just like the other 2 male leads did, but his was the easiest to resolve, in that he had a “son”/biological nephew who could become the new head of Tu Shan. By comparison, Xiang Liu was tied to a lost cause (the Shen Nong resistance) and so was a dead man walking, whereas Zhuan Xu was tied to his throne and just producing an heir wouldn’t have resolved his problem as it did for Jing/Tu Shan, since in order to win the throne, Zhuan Xu had had to rely on many people, all of whom were now expecting “payback”. Winning the “jiangshan” is easy, keeping it is not.
I think that subconsciously, Xiao Yao knew that of her 3 “suitors”, only Jing stood a chance of being by her side “forever”, and so what minor hopes and dreams she allowed herself to harbor, she pinned them all on Jing. It would have been much harder for her to direct her hopes toward Xiang Liu or Zhuan Xu instead, since her chances of happiness with them were much, much slimmer to nonexistent. Xiao Yao is after all the type of person who would rather never taste happiness, than to taste it once and then have it cruelly taken away forever and thereby suffer even worse as a result. Xiao Yao could have loved any of the 3, but only ever really allowed herself a chance with Jing. One could argue that in her heart of hearts, she loved Xiang Liu and Zhuan Xu romantically as well as she did Jing, but as far as acknowledging it to herself, only Jing could have that honor.
Sorry it takes me a million words to say what other people say much better in a hundred words. XD
Moonblossom, thank you so much for answering the questions about Xiang Liu! Now I’m more excited about reading on! I thought my heart would break if it was only one sided! Now it looks like the relationships between Xiao Yao and all 3 guys are more richly complexed and layered. Thanks once again! 🙂
Jing is the only one who can give her the forever she wants. Xiang Liu is part of a rebel army fighting a losing war (the Qing Shui stalemate would end eventually, and not well.) Zhuan Xu has his throne and his wives to worry about.
Besides, only Jing’s confession happen in good circumstances. Zhuan Xu’s happened after he committed a horrible crime. Xiang Liu’s confession is non-existent (I don’t know if I would consider it foolish or smart).
In a way, I consider Xiang Liu’s love purest. He met her under (semi)-normal circumstances and he enjoys his time with her. Neither really owe each other anything, and they spend time together just to have fun.To Jing, Xiao Yao was that shred of hope in his most desperate times. I don’t know if the Tu’shan Jing before his torture would have loved her as much. Zhuan Xu’s love for Xiao Yao stems from their childhood and that desperate need to protect each other. In a different world, with a different past, Jing and Zhuan Xu might not love Xiao Yao, but Xiang Liu definitely would. I suppose Xiang Liu is the most emotionally stable in his love.
I can almost say that fate picked Jing for her, rather than Xiao Yao herself. In a better world, she would have a difficult time choosing. But this world and its circumstances chose for her (not that she loves Jing any less). If not in a happy world where everyone lived in peace without fighting, I want it to be like in Shennong arc. There is her scheming with Zhuan Xu, her fun times with Xiang Liu, and her making Jing jealous. Ironically, those dangerous times were probably a lot more fun than after Zhuan Xu wins the throne.
Somehow, talking about the novel makes me dig a lot deeper, and consider changing ships… Although, in this novel, the ships don’t really matter that much. All the characters are important to me.
For a Tong Hua novel, the mortality rate is actually quite small.
This part is really exciting! *fangirl screaming* I wonder why Xiang Liu “wants” XY to kiss him? Like to test her feeling for him or what? That is rather weird and unusual coming out from his character! I actually enjoy their passionate relationship (like the OTP in DMY). I guess I prefer this one than the gentle one, but Jing’s loyalty to XY is unquestionable. Because Hamster428 mentioned that XY actually has v.v. pretty face, I am curious about each of the main lead reaction? Can anyone please tell me?
well I haven’t started on Vol 2 yet but I must say as simple as it goes. Jing is the one who made her blush and act like a girl. She isn’t like that with XL on their ‘dates’. True, XL is not like Jing, XL’s words are harsh and he doesn’t mean what he says so it’s hard for XY to know his real intention. But in the end it’s still you can’t choose who to love who not, otherwise it’s not love. All those guys could love Xiaoyao but doesn’t mean she’d have same feelings towards them. She’d care for all three of them but she can only be in love with one. IMO she already started having feeling for Shiqi after he helped her to escape. The sparkle between lovers was just there. I don’t think she really considered who she could love or who would be able to give her happiness to be with that person. She could very well end up alone and wander around the world freely if she wanted to. Those 3 aren’t the only men on earth lol Can’t she be with Jing because she loves him, not because he’s the safe choice, like she has no other option?
Wow thanks guys for the spoilers. I wanted to know what happens so much but really understand the book a lot more with the explanations.
Can anyone explain how Xiang Lui helped heal Xiao Lui after she was dead. Did he die after healing her? I read some of book 2 but couldn’t really grasp the situations.
It pains me to read that she didn’t think he (Xiang Lui) loved her at all. I only wished that he had confessed her feelings to her. But then again the guy was so selfless. I think he did what he did because he had a lot of responsibility as a Shenong general and he couldn’t abandoned it. So in a way there was no tomorrow so how can he give her a future. I guess I see how Tong hua has given us the happy ending, but really in this case I wish Xiang Lui had been a little more selfish to let her know his feelings. He loves her from the very beginning by accepting the vodoo bugs to be connected to her. But i’m really confused how she was not able to feel his love for her even through the voodoo bugs.
I think it is not because she doesnt know, she just doesnt want to/afraid of facing her feeling toward XL, in her eyes it is completely no way XL would love her by the way he treat her. as there is no certainty so far, so she choose not to confront it.
it is different case with Jing, as Jing has already declared that he will always following her from the beginning (i forget which chapter mentioned it). she see the possibility of being love, then she dare to confront it and do the affirmation.
Wow! Thanks everyone! Love reading the indepth discussion and spoilers about the 3 guys and Xiao Yao! I love how Tong Hua has taken certain archetypes and made them interestingly unique. Xiang Liu is kinda like the bad boy, and Jing is the ‘perfect’ boyfriend/husband who will spoil you. Xiao Yao is such an interesting heroine because she is so strong, yet fragile because of her past. What I find interesting about her is that she is so excepting of others. It’s almost like she can read people so well that she becomes unconditional to a certain extent because she knows what motivates their actions. I don’t know if this is still true in Book 2 and 3 but it seems that way in Book 1….which is why she could save Jing, and have the special unassuming relationship she does with Xiang Liu and even the people at the clinic.
@fleuri: a million yes
To be perfectly honest, the only decision XY had to struggle with was whether she wanted to marry Jing, not whether she would choose him over a list of other men. Love comes in many forms, and isn’t so tangible to define. But it’s clear she loves Jing unlike any other. If all she wanted was a peaceful forever, Fenglong would’ve do just fine. He wouldn’t cheat, and would treat her well. He was the easy choice, if there was one. Except she wasn’t happy at all with that match. And she told his sister just as much, that it’s simply a matter of personal preference, and she prefers Jing romantically. Meaning… she wanted him for more than what he can give her. Let’s take a step back, too. It was Jing who promised her stuff. XY herself never 100% trusted she’ll get it. It means she was guardful of her heart, but she went into it despite fear and skepticism all the same, making herself vulnerable. She later admits to this in the end of B2, where she says while it seemed they were on a journey together, she had actually let him wander into the woods himself and never warned him of the dangers ahead. Yet it turned out she had hurt herself too in the process when she let him fall on his own. From this, you can see the internal conflict she has while loving him, that he was not indeed her safe choice.
She was hesitant even to accept FL’s proposal and only did so to save Xuan. But she was positively glowing with happiness to be asked by Jing. I guess the whole point is to leave some ambiguity to have discussions lime these, but for me, it has always been Jing whom she loves as a woman would a man. It wasn’t XY who is faced with a tough choice, but we readers and our shippy hearts. I admit to liking all three guys, and would’ve been quite happy had TH developed the story in any of the others’ direction (logically from the start).
Can anyone please tell me whether XY’s face in chapter 12 is genuinely her face? Or is it just another made up face so that it will hide the fact that XY is not the Grand Emperor’s daughter? Thank you!
I feel that Xiao Yao has romantic feelings for Xiang Liu. The fact that they can connect the voodoo to one another already shows that they have romantic feelings for one another. I suppose it is just that no one wants to go ahead to admit their feelings. And I do think that Xiao Yao doesn’t really know she has such an affection for Xiang Liu. She just feels lost and sad when Xiang Liu is gone, but she doesn’t dwell into it.
I really like how Xiang Liu is so selfless. He does not confess his love to Xiao Yao because he doesn’t want to start anything and to confuse Xiao Yao. After reading Once Promised, I am really glad he didn’t. Otherwise, it would be another story of Chi You and A’heng. I suppose that is also one of the reasons why Xiang Liu didn’t express his love for her. There is a precedent to show that love between a general and a princess from two opposing countries will never end up well.
I feel sad for Shao Han / Grand Emperor in Lost You Forever. It feels as if he is so exhausted from all the political stuffs and losing his loved ones. He chose it, but you can really feel that he kinda lost it all.
@Deeply – if I’m not wrong, that is her real face. She doesn’t know that she isn’t the Grand Emperor’s daughter (rumours but not confirmed) and the Grand Emperor was the one who hid her true face with A’heng so that nobody would suspect that she is not his daughter.
It was her real face. It was revealed later in Book 2 that she looks like Chi You. Fang Feng Bei was asked to perform magic tricks n the audience ask him to change the clothing on Xiao Yao. When her clothing was changed to red, someone noticed the likeliness to the red demon who massacred their clans. The guy was so convinced she is a descendent of Chi You, he proceeded to assassinate her.
When Xiao Yao ‘died’, Xiang Liu fed her some of his ‘heart blood’ which is blood from his middle finger (which is linked to the heart). It is a life-for-life treatment method in which he likely lost one of his nine lives but basically both lived on.
Despite me liking Xiang Liu, I am happy to ship Jing n Xiao Yao. To me, he totally deserve the girl because he worked for it. He professed his love for her in the dungeon, and he got her to promise him not to let another man into her heart for next 15years, without which, she would probably have fallen for someone else. Best of all, he is so sweet to Xiao Yao n put her above all else. Koala has translated the part where he let her move his chess pieces in his chess game with Xuan, and he is such a darling!!
If only people in real life is like that. …
Moonblossom, can you tell me if XY knew XL was FFB? Does XL play two different roles with 2 different faces? Some people are referring him as FFB and some XL so I’m kind of confused. Do you mind explaining? Thanks a bunch
Near the end of Book 1, Xiao Yao saw someone who looks like Xiang Liu, but with black hair. She even felt a weird vibe in her heart that FFB is XL but he managed to convince her otherwise. For example FFB can be poisoned unlike XL. By the next chapter, she got her proof that XL and FFB is one and the same. A few chapters down, the backstory on the real FFB and XL is revealed which explain why XL ‘disguise’ is so convincing and can fool anyone, even people in Fang Feng family.
XL actually maintain the same look for his 2 personas, except for the hair. But he can get away with it because XL is always masked when he meet people like Jing/XiaoQi, Xuan, or other people in Qingshui Town.
Moonblossom:
so what did you mean in your other post when you wrote that XY cried when XL told her FFB died? If she knew XL was FFB what was the meaning of him saying that? If you can explain I’ll greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much for all your help and spoilers.
Thanks Moonblossom for your clarification, it really helps me to understand the novel. I only get like maybe 70% of it all.
It meant XL gave up his FFB persona later on. Some netizens were of view that Xiao Yao cried because FFB will never appear again, and that is the side of XL she like best.
No problem, glad to discuss w everyone.
Thank you cloudandsea and MoonblossomKalridge for answering me.
Can anyone spoil me why did XY later die? Is it because of the assassination that someone did because he thought XY is Chi You’s descendant? How about Xuan and Jing? Why don’t they help her?
Xiang Liu is really selfless. It is really heartbreaking to watch him being so harsh on XY but actually cares for her more than she would ever know.
Yes, someone assassinated her because they believed her to be Chi You’s decendant.
All 3 guys save her. Jing was the first to appear onsite because he was closest in terms of physical distance. Her gift to him dropped when he was having a discussion and he thought something bad had happened to her. When he found her, he tried to prolong her life by giving her his powers but Xiao Yao was too severely injured.
Similarly, Zhuan Xu was listening to reports when he felt his chest tighten and felt a sense of foreboding. It was the same feeling when his father died and his mother died, so he immediately sent troops to where Xiao Yao was. His soldiers rescued both Xiao Yao and Jing from the burning forest – Jing has given up and is waiting to be burnt to death with Xiao Yao – and brought both back to Mt. Shen Nong. Despite the doctor proclaiming Xiao Yao’s death, Zhuan Xu kept transferring power to her and ordered others to do the same.
Xiang Liu was the only who knew for certain something had happened to Xiao Yao thanks to the voodoo bug. He broke off his discussion with Gong Gong and rused to Mt Shen Nong. He convinced Zhuan Xu that he was not behind the attack and that he is the last hope for Xiao Yao because of their special connection.
Had not for Jing’s first aid and Zhuan Xu’s seemingly extravagant gesture of transferring power to a dead person, Xiao Yao would have probably died before Xiang Liu arrived. Xiang Liu then took Xiao Yao under the sea, where he placed her in a big sea clam. Every month, Xiang Liu would feed her some of his blood and after 37 years, Xiao Yao finally recovered and woke up.
I should mention that for 37 years, Jing was also in coma like Xiao Yao. Although his injuries from the fire is light, he is willing himself to die. His grandma and Feng Long were distraught, and kept him alive with medicine. When Xiang Liu learnt that Jing’s situation is very dire, he hastened the treatment process. Once Xiao Yao woke up, he did not let her see him but instead send Furball to bring her to see Du Shan Jing.
Wattttt…. XL tended the wounded xiao yao for 37 years… And even not let her know that he save her…
Did Xiao Yao finally know that XL save her life.
Thank you so much Moonblossom!
Can you tell us if XY ever found out or knew XL saved her? I’m assuming yes because she rode furball to see Jing and she knows Furball belongs to XL. So does Jing wake up right when she goes to him?
Furball is one reason she knew, but sometime during the 37 years, Xiao Yao has regained her subconscious and knew Xiang Liu was treating her injuries. She could not move and the eternity of darkness scared her. But once she could hear, the waiting got slightly easier and she is most happy when Xiang Liu talked to her or brought her out on excursions. As more of her senses returned, she even know when Xiang Liu held her close. She figured Xiang Liu fed her his blood and because his blood is poisonous, Xiang Liu always had to suck out the blood (yey! more smooches on the neck!) during each treatment.
Before she finally woke, she already heard Xiang Liu telling her about Jing’s condition and felt most unhappy. Xiang Liu also know she is unhappy because she furrowed her brows at the news. When she woke up and reached Shen Nong, she sent word to Zhuan Xu that she is back, then rushed off to tend to Jing. Jing has deteriorated until his servants were unable to get him to swallow even a spoon of medicine or food by that time but Xiao Yao manage to do so by mouth feeding him (ha!). Althoguh Jing did not wake up immediately, his subconscious registered her presence and he manage to wake up after a few days and had a reunion with Xiao Yao.
Omg thank you so much Moonblossom!! Love love the spoilers you are providing! I just love XL because although he may seem rough on the outside he’s soft on the inside. I cannot wait to read the rest of this novel once it’s all translated 😉
So another thing that I’m quite curious about-how does XY feel about XL saving her? Doesn’t she wonder why he did it? XL must of been sad when she left him to Jing. He must of loved their 37 years together 😉
This is my first time actually commenting here, and the first book I read in Chinese.
I wanted to say thank you for all the spoilers. I only read book one and decided that was a good point to stop to prevent all the heartbreak that was going to come later on. Will probably wait until Koala translates all of it before marathoning through in English. Heartbreak lasts longer when I read in Chinese since I’m so slow at it. 🙁
I have to say that the Fang Feng Bei part might have been my favorite, thereby cementing Xiang Liu forever as the best. Even though Xiao Yao had ulterior motives for learning archery from him and being around him, it was just such a carefree time for the two of them. They did what they wanted and enjoyed life. I loved that he took her to all his favorite haunts and shared his life with her. It was a glimpse into what could have been had the two of them not been tied by other loyalties.
This is also probably why I can’t bring myself to read the other two books for fear of reading about what happens to FFB/XL…
What happen to Xiang liu after he saved xiao Yao?
Not much was written about Xiang Liu after Xiao Yao recovered. Xiao Yao was grateful to him and when she next met Fang Feng Bei, but both carried on as if nothing had happened since Xiao Yao respected the fact that Xiang Liu does not seem to want her to know what he did.
I also thought her time with Bei was meant to showcase what might have been. It is similar to DMY, when Meng Jiu painted a picture of how Jin Yu and him could have lived. I did not catch on at first, but Xiang Liu’s had probably spent some time thinking about Xiao Yao’s weaknesses and lead her to learn archery from him. He is so sweet. : )
Thanks so much Moonblossom! can you give a little spoiler on the promise he made XY make in order to take the voodoo bug? When will he use that promise?
aww that is so sweet of XL, he definitely is selfless. I love his character so much although he comes off as a meanie lol I wish XY would of shown signs of maybe having similar feelings towards him. I love Jing too but after all i’ve read on XL I cannot help me root for him.
You are going to squeal when Xiang Liu uses his promise.
He explains it as Jing asking him to do it, and promising him 37 years of food for his army, but it’s up to the readers to believe whether or not it’s the only reason.
By the way, can anyone recommend me a drama? Just finished Female Prime Minister (really blinding costumes and spotty storyline consistency) but it had good characters (2nd half of the story at least), an adorable romance, and a loving royal brotherly relationship (for once). So I’m in a craving for some angst, preferably historical.
Thanks so much Skyblu629! I cannot wait to get to all these good parts!
Can you tell me what Jing thought about her marriage with CSFL? So XL knew all along that XY loves Jing? Does he ever mention or talk about his feelings for XY?
As for a good historical drama recommendation to watch-I can recommend a few depending on which kind u are looking for? Chinese? Korean?
I haven’t seen any good historical Chinese dramas for a while now but seen some good Korean ones.
1. Jang Ok Jung-very good up till 10episodes but they ended up changing it a lot from original plot & book. However, it was still good.
2. Queen Inhyun’s man-time traveling but still very good
3. Princess’s Man
4. Prince Lan Ling
Let me know if u want more I can go on and on lol
The timeline is blurring for me, but I think that at that point Jing was married to Fang Feng Yi Yang (long story), and therefore had a fallout with Xiao Yao, so he didn’t think he had a right to interfere. But as the wedding date approached, he couldn’t bear it so he asked Feng Long to stop the wedding. Jing and Feng Long have a fallout over that, too. I can’t remember if he talked to Xiao Yao about it.
I think Xiang Liu knows about Xiao Yao’s feelings for Jing. She’s not that subtle. Xiang Liu never tells Xiao Yao about his feelings for her, nor does he tell anyone else. I think that Bi Jun (the fox with wings from Once Promised) figured it out when Xiang Liu saves her (in book 3) and swears to Xiang Liu not to tell Xiao Yao that Xiang Liu saved her.
I adored Princess’s Man, it was beautiful. I love the (real) starcrossed lovers plot device. I got tired of Lan Ling Wang about 2/3 of the way through or so (it was very pretty, and I might watch it again later). Might as well just wait for the dramas I’m anticipating to air and read some books. I might as well board the ship of Hua Xu Yin and Who Gets the World, both are fan favorites. It’s better late than never. But after my MV marathon…there are so many MVs of Chinese novels…
But speaking of historical dramas, I loved Bu Bu Jing Xin (can’t really think of anyone who disliked it). As much as I love Yang Mi, Gong couldn’t compare. I think Schemes of a Beauty (which I stopped in the last 5 eps) and Female Prime Minister were the only Yumama shows I finished. Have you tried Chinese Paladin 3, it was very cute and bubbly. The secondary pairing was awesome.
Skyblu629, yes I watched schemes of a beauty as well as chinese paladin 3. I love historical dramas! I too loved BBJX, and I cannot wait for DMY to come out. I like Female Prime Minister because I loved the OTP 😉 But so far this year I haven’t seen any historical dramas that caught my attention as well….
but thanks a bunch for the spoilers, I’m dying to read the next translated chapters! By the way, who was your favorite guy for XY? As you can see I’m a huge XL fan lol
While I was reading, it was Zhuan Xu, Jing, then Xiang Liu. After talking about it, it turns to Zhuan Xu and Xiang Liu are tied while Jing is second. It was really the last few chapters that made me love Xiang Liu. I love all of them though, and they got as happy of an ending as they could.
But for Xiao Yao, Jing was definitely the best guy for her. In a perfect world with no problems, I would have a harder time choosing. She could have had an eternity with any of them. But maybe the most perfect happy ending would be that she marries Jing, has a great sibling relationship with Zhuan Xu, and has fun with Fang Feng Bei.
I think the character with the happiest ending besides Jing is A’Nian. A’Nian has her time with Zhuan Xu and she never has to see him with other women (since their all in Shen Nong palace while she is in the Gao Xing palace). She is happy with that since that is the only way she can marry Zhuan Xu. Xiao Yao’s ending with Jing is happy, but she will never see her family again. Xiao Yao and Jing has their Huo Qu Bing and Yu’er ending.
I’m waiting for Da Mo Yao and tentatively for Yun Zhong Ge. I loved Yun Zhong Ge as a book, but I’m not sure how the drama will come out from the hands of Yumama. Chang Ge Xin’s trailer was interesting and it has both Ruby and Yuan Hong so I’m definitely tuning it for that.
I’ve been reading spoilers and like many I’m a XL shipper. My heart breaks for him bc at the end he understood XY the most, and I would say loved her the most. It’s easy to tell someone you live them, and to tell them what you did for them so that they too can feel that love. But XL knows that if he told XY he loved her and saved her, she will feel indebted to him and that in itself would be a cage. Plus, his identity is not his, he was originally an orphan and a slave. So I guess in his logic and mine he has spent a human lofe time of togetherness with the woman he loves – and was truly honest with her each time. His loyalty to his clan also meant only pain at the end for XY if they were together. XY is most afraid to be alone, and XL would eventually die in battle or assination. XY was right, human are truly lucky: we born, love, and die – so whatever heartache or regrets would come to an end. As a god, XY would feel the pain forever. XL has also seen many die in vain, tied to revenge loyalty like a prisoner – something he would not want for her. A love story sometime does not mean the one who loves the most wins the girl – it’s the selflessness that comes out of that love.
Halfway through Book 1, I started rooting for Shi Qi and Xiao Liu. I thought Xiang Liu was quite awful with claws and all. As the story progresses, I still root for Jing-Xiao Yao, but their colours have faded and I become more interested in Zhuan Xu and Xiang Liu. By end of book 3, I have become Xiang Liu’s fan (bye-bye Zhuan Xu!) , and went back re-read all the parts he appeared in. I considered the epilogue – written from Xiang Liu’s perspective – my favourite chapter, and I think you will enjoy it too. It is short and easy to translate but I’ll leave the fun to Koala who did such a great job for the rest of the books.
Can anyone tell me why Jing has to marry Fang Feng Ying Yang? Even though it’s a long story, I am dying to know of what actually happened 🙁
How does XY feel about that? And why does XY has to marry Feng Long too?
Thanks again Moonblossom and Skyblu629 😉 can one of you tell me how XL felt after saving XY and taking out the voodoo bug? Does he die and disappear forever after that? Will XL ever see him again after and does she ever find out or suspect he’s the one who saved her?
//Spoiler on Jing’s first marriage
….
somewhere in book 2…
…
[on a dark and stormy night] this is from me, not the author
…
Jing woke up naked one day with Fang Feng Ying Yang (FFYY) beside him. He suspect he was under some kind of spell the night before where he dreamt of Xiao Yao, but he cannot remember the details. A few months later, Xiao Yao was tending to his grandma when FFYY fainted. Xiao Yao confirmed her pregnancy and Jing has no choice but to marry FFYY.
Jing tried to explain to Xiao Yao but even with all the question marks, both knew there was nothing they could do about it. Xiao Yao literally vomit blood when she reached home and fell sick. Zhuan Xu was furious with Jing for hurting Xiao Yao and promised himself he will avenged Xiao Yao one day.
Speaking of Zhuan Xu, he was busy forming alliances and an army. One day, Huang Di visited the Central Plains and the situation became delicate. Xin Yue (Feng Long’s sister) chose to keep her distance during this period while Feng Long finally mastered the courage to propose to Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao agreed mainly to help Zhuan Xu.
I especially remembered this conversation when Feng Long proposed which was quite funny.
“Why did you choose me?”
“Because you are pretty and gutsy. I relate well to you, and can even compete drinking with you.”
“In which case any girl at the Qing Lou (brothel) next door would do better than me!”
“Only you would say that to me. ha.ha!”
So zhuan xu agree to let xiao Yao marry feng long?
Wow so much spoiler, I missed it =) Awesome.
I love a lot of Tong Hua’s work: DMY and YZG and have been waiting for a while for them to come one along BBJX to come out. I was introduced to TH by BBJX and fell in love with it.
I would recommend the following drama
Cuo/Xi Dian Yuan Yang
Best time- with Janine (it’s also by TH)
I’m not sure they resemble this particular genre but they’re good to watch
Anyhow, back to this novel. I love to read more spoiler on Xiang Lui . I’m really sold on her. What happened to Feng Long and her supposedly to get married. What happened, did the wedding not go through?
Thanks guys for all the discussion. Great insights
Thank you Moonblossom!
So, how did Jing finally find out that it’s not his son? I feel so sad for XY. To actually vomit blood after getting the news means that the news hurt her really bad.
I watched “Best Time” and I am going to remember it as the Pepsi-product-placement show. The ultimate scene is when Song Yi brought flowers to Su Man in New York…. and she proceeded pulled out a can of Pepsi from the bouquet. It was so awful, it deserve an award just for the absurbness of it.
Yes, Zhuan Xu agreed to the marriage with Feng Long although he is not happy about it. The outcome of that wedding is answered in skyblu629’s comments on how Xiang Liu used Xiao Yao’s promise.
Xiao Yao laid a trap and found proof of Hou and Ying Yang affair. The true father of the baby also came to light at the same time.
Deeply:
Thank you Moonblossom!
So, how did Jing finally find out that it’s not his son? I feel so sad for XY. To actually vomit blood after getting the news means that the news hurt her really bad.
Haha peanuts, I finally read your comment about me way above. <3
Ok, I finally finished all three books. It's crazy since I wanted to follow Koala's translations but after I finished Book 1 of Once Promised and read the ending, I couldn't help myself because I wanted to read A'Heng's reunion with her daughter and omg <3 I cried. I think the other part that made me cry was Xiang Liu's epilogue.
I'm going to gather my thoughts and write a proper entry since I literally just finished the book a few minutes ago and read everyone's comments! I find it pretty interesting that hamster is clearly Team Jing, skyblu Team Zhuan Xu and moonblossom Team Xiang Liu. Haha.
To be perfectly honest, I am team Chi You still (haha) but in the Lost You Forever context, I was Team Jing all the way. But, Xiang Liu was the one who broke my heart. I've decided I'm going to avoid three male character novels from now on, my heart is too weak for this.
I love Jing and I agree with everything hamster says! Actually, I'm biased since Jing reminds me a lot of my relationship with my husband (minus all the crazy dramatic elements). Jing is clearly husband material — he is the guy that is completely different from you but is always watching over you, observing what you like and placing you in the center of the world. Jing gives unconditionally and is the only one who can give up the world and be with Xiao Yao – who is the most calculative and scared when it comes to love. But, I also like that Jing is the most selfish – I honestly think he is the smartest out of the three guys, and Tong Hua shows it in very subtle ways – what Jing plans etc. Jing knows that there are better guys out there (but not necessarily in terms of loving Xiao Yao) and makes Xiao Yao promise to give him 15 years. Haha. Everyone always forgets that Jing's true form is a nine-tailed fox – he is one cunning guy, the only thing is that he is not cunning when he faces Xiao Yao because to him everything she does is the most beautiful thing in his world.
But, Xiang Liu is clearly Xiao Yao's soulmate. It's not expressly said, but there are several pretty clear signs throughout the books that Xiao Yao loves Xiang Liu. My heart twinged when Xiao Yao said wistfully that she wished she was born a few hundred years earlier, so she can be the one who help Xiang Liu when he just got his freedom from being released as a slave — so he won't be the Xiang Liu he is now, maybe he will really be a carefree FFB and can lead a happy normal life with the woman he loves. Xiao Yao is angry with Xiang Liu, but I really feel that she knows he loves her and what they mean for each other – only both of them know and feel the exact same way — how they once both felt like monsters, that loneliness, and fear of always being alone. They just get it each other. Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao are doomed from the start precisely of how similar they are — they are tied by their duties and responsibilities, they much rather die for what they believe then throw their principles away and try and live. Xiang Liu just won't be Xiang Liu if he abandons his troop – so he is doomed from the start. So, he chooses the best way he can love Xiao Yao — because he cannot be the carefree FFB, he hopes Xiao Yao can always be carefree and loved.
I have to admit that I feel very little for Zhuan Xu because of what happened in the third book. Ahahah. But, I shan't spoil it here.
Ok, one last thing, I totally agree that Xiang Liu really reminded me of Chi You — which is why
I knew while reading that there's no way Xiao Yao will end up with Xiang Liu, the rebel heroes type of Chi You and Xiang Liu — they live and love too extremely to be able to have the simple happiness that Xiao Yao wants.
I agree with decembi that Jing is actually pretty cunning! Just observe how he sends XY plum wine in counts of 15 or 105 which subtly reminds her of her 15-year promise to him!
Haha my dear dear Jing.
I have nothing to say/add. Currently stuck on ch10 of B3 and will likely stay there for a while -_-
Hahaha oh yes, the wine bottles! Jing is a sly one indeed.
Zhuan Xu’s tactical strategy of giving up Xuan Yuan Mountain and moving his base to Shen Nong Mountain was also Jing’s idea. I wonder if Jing merely wanted to bring XY closer to him or if he actually had other motives… did helping ZX conquer the world benefit Jing in terms of his relationship with XY?
I thought from the very beginning Jing was already helping Xuan because of XY. Since Xuan helped bring Jing & XY together, he was considered a friend of Jing’s, so he was helping a friend. But also, XY had expressively given her support to Xuan’s endeavor, so Jing naturally chose what she chose. Might also be a good business move for the Dushan business if all goes well, and seeing how good at calculations Jing is, he must’ve done the math to figure out his risks vs benefits. Yes, I love my fox. No shame :X
If I recall correctly, Xuan actually asks Jing why he helped him — and Jing actually said that while doing business, he himself wanted a King who had a heart big enough for all the people in all the lands. Also, it’s said that the fated leaders of the Tu Shan clan has a kind of prophetic power? They can sense things and changes, and when Jing’s grandmother rejected Xiao Yao as a possible wife candidate because she was a princess and the clan tradition was to not be involved in royal politics, Jing told his grandmother that he could sense the world changing, and they cannot choose to be left behind.
I agree with Hamster, Jing rocks. <3
When Jing came up with the plan to abandon Xuan Yuan for Central Plains, his agenda was pretty humble, which is to be closer to Xiao Yao. He is the one the book synopsis is referring to ”这一场清水镇的相遇改变了所有人的命运，甚至改变了整个大荒的命运。只为贪图那一点温暖、一点陪伴，一点不知道什么时候会消散的死心塌地。” [Translate: “This meeting in Qing Shui town changed everyone’s fate, and even that of the whole land. All because of the desire for a bit of warmth, a bit of companionship, a bit of forever-after that may fade away”].
At the beginning of Book 2, it is also mentioned “其实，这正是璟所想的，丰隆有雄志，他和颛顼要的是宏图霸业，而他想要，不过是和小夭更近一些，但说出来也没有人相信，与其让颛顼怀疑他所图，不如让他们都认为他所求是钱财，现在颛顼给了他钱财，他给予颛顼一点帮助，颛顼心安理得了，才是长久相处之策。 [Translate: Actually, this is what Jing is thinking. Feng Long has ambition; he and Zhuan Xuan wanted an empire, but what he wanted is only to be closer to Xiao Yao although no one would believe it even if he said so. Rather than let Zhuan Xu suspect him of having another agenda, why not let everyone believe that his objective is to get more wealth? Zhuan Xu offers him money, he offers Zhuan Xu some assistance; Zhuan Xu’s heart will be at ease, which is the best strategy in the long run. ]
I believe he wanted to see peace and that he believes Zhuan Xu to be a prime candidate for the position of King. But he is a changed man after his torture, and I thought it is quite in character that his main objective in everythings is so that he can be with Xiao Yao.
I just finished the epilogue and Xiang Liu totally broke my heart. As much as I love Jing’s devotion to Xiao Yao, I think purely on the fact that Jing ended up with her makes Xiang Liu even more endearing. I know Jing would throw everything away for Xiao Yao, but Xiang Liu also gave up so much and never even wanted Xiao Yao to know what he did for her — loving her and wishing her happiness from afar.
On a lighter note, Jing using his business smarts to keep Xiao Yao close to him in distance and heart was cute.
Can u tell more detail what Xiang Lu did for xiao Yao ? I don’t know on Chinese Nd just rely on koala for translating and you guys spolier to understand the book.
The usual stuff, like coming to her rescue when people try to murder her, nursed her back to health after she died, teaching her archery so that she is less helpless. The best parts are the things he did without letting her know like rescuing Jing, removing the voodoo bug, customising a bow for her, and making a doll for her as a wedding present. 🙂
Why did he have to remove the voodoo bugs? What happen to him after xiao Yao got marry with jiang in the end?
Gah, I don’t know what is wrong with me. I told myself I was going to stop reading after Book 1 and patiently wait for Koala’s translations of the rest, since I know Tong Hua and she writes angst like no other (seriously, I moped for 2 weeks after reading Bu Bu Jing Xin) and I thought maybe dragging out the angst would lessen the pain. However, I read the last few chapters of Book 3 so as to prepare myself for the ending … And then found myself reading backwards and finishing all of Book 3. XD So now I have all of these pent-up feelings about Zhuan Xu that I just have to “share” (more like release, otherwise I’m not going to get a good night’s sleep!).
Book 3 was really Zhuan Xu’s book, IMO. Admittedly, I haven’t read Book 2 (yet … I just know I’ll do so soon enough now that I’ve already got the beginning and the ending out of the way!) so I don’t know how prominently he figures there, but in Book 3, we really see the extent of ZX’s feelings for XY. He hides it well (so well that in Book 1, I thought that maybe he hadn’t yet realized he also has romantic feelings toward XY in addition to brotherly feelings, since he’s so instrumental in bringing Jing and XY together and that’s typically not the actions of a would-be lover!), but now I finally see why the shipping wars for this book are so heated and equally divided among all 3 male leads.
My feelings were rather cool toward ZX initially, partly because, as I mentioned, he’s so good at keeping his feelings hidden, and also because he tortures and maims Xiao Yao, albeit without knowing her real identity, on several occasions in the first few chapters of LYF (that’s certain to put a bad taste in my mouth!). However, finally seeing the extent to which he was forcing himself to keep his feelings hidden, for the good of XY, I’ve warmed up to him considerably, so much so that I may wish XY together with him more than I do XY with XL!
The piteous thing about ZX is that he knows that his goal of uniting the world is incompatible with his desire to be with XY romantically. As emperor, he must put the good of the people first, but to love XY, he would have to put her first above all else. (It’s why Jing is the best choice for her in the end, and not XL or ZX or anyone else.) All things considered, he’s truly one of the better emperors (maybe the best?) among all of Tong Hua’s emperor characters: Knowing that he can’t be the one to give XY happiness, he keeps his love hidden from her so that she won’t become torn between his love for her vs his duty to his people. He really does his best to be selfless; compare that to TH’s other emperors who try to selfishly have both jiangshan and meiren and instead end up driving themselves and everyone else around them into misery. Not that ZX isn’t miserable, but at least his selflessness (for the most part) means that he doesn’t rain misery down on the people around him (Yellow Emperor of Once Promised, I’m looking/glaring at you).
However, because of ONE impulse-driven mistake, among all of his other rational decisions, he drives XY forever away from his side. I’m of course referring to his attempted assassination of Jing, using Hou. One slip-up and he’s doomed forever. That sucks, but also makes him relatable.
That being said, I still haven’t completely figured out his motives for attempting to assassinate Jing so please excuse my brain dump here:
ZX was fine (to an extent) with Feng Long marrying XY but not Jing marrying her. ZX says, and Jing says, that it’s because he doesn’t believe that Jing can completely protect XY. I guess he’s referring to the fire in which XY almost died and Jing almost died with her rather than being able to rescue her. (In ZX’s eyes, at least XL does better than Jing in this respect.) Oh, and the part where Fang Feng Yi Ying tricks Jing into thinking he had sex with her, and thus XY believes that FFYY and Hou’s son is in fact Jing’s and she becomes deathly ill as a result.
I think, though, that ZX was also partly driven by jealousy and insecurity; he knew that XY and FL had no romantic feelings between them, but XY and Jing love each other wholeheartedly. I think ZX feared that, once XY married Jing, ZX would no longer occupy the #1 place in XY’s heart. At least if XY married FL, theirs would remain a “cool” relationship.
Additionally, because FL is a Xuan Yuan general, FL would never leave Xuan Yuan, and thus XY would always be around. On the other hand, married to Jing, anywhere XY wanted to go, Jing would follow, and ZX would no longer be able to keep her by his side. (This is proven by the ending, in which XY and Jing depart, never to return.) Ironically, although XY had originally planned to leave Xuan Yuan after marrying Jing (this is pre-assassination attempt), she’d only planned to move to Qing Qiu (Jing’s hometown) and establish a clinic there; although Qing Qiu is a distance away from Xuan Yuan, at least ZX would have known where to find her, and anytime he required it, I’m sure XY would have flown back to his side to help him do whatever. Alas, post-assassination attempt, XY experiences firsthand just how frightening imperial might is, and so when she and Jing leave Xuan Yuan after their successful wedding this time, it’s for good, and ZX will never be able to find her.
Sigh. Like I said, ONE mistake (albeit a deadly one), and ZX seals his unhappy fate forever.
What’s especially sad/ironic is that I think that if ZX had known beforehand that it was Jing and not Feng Long who came up with the grand plan to “Abandon Xuan Yuan, Occupy Shen Nong” – which was what really started ZX on his road to the throne – ZX’s misplaced gratitude would have been instead correctly directed toward Jing rather than Feng Long, and at the very least, he would’ve thought twice before attempting to do away with Jing. Oh well, I can’t really blame ZX or Jing for this; Jing didn’t desire recognition, only a chance to be by Xiao Yao’s side, so one could actually say he was being rather cunning in concealing himself as the actual originator of the grand plan. Too bad it backfired on him!
All right I’m done babbling. XD The short of it is that I may have suddenly found myself unwittingly on the Zhuan Xu ship, when before I was safely aboard the Jing ship (although really, I chose that ship because I knew I wasn’t going to drown on it). Well, abyss of the sea of forlorn love, here I come! (Waves hello to all the drowned Xiang Liu shippers.)
Hey Lily, Xiang Liu removed the voodoo bug at that point because he knew that his war with Zhuan Xu was going to end… which meant he would likely die in the battlefield and he did not want his life to be linked to Xiao Yao if that was the case.
Epic comment, Mei!!! Actually, your comment gave me a lot of food for thought because I was honestly asking myself why would anyone be on Zhuan Xu’s ship. Hahaha. I honestly tried to like him, but I never could – though I did find some perverse joy in seeing his sadness and jealousy with regards to Xiao Yao. I found ZX’s relationship with XY beautiful, but in a completely platonic brotherly sisterly sense, in a nostalgic golden moments of our childhood sense. Almost a first love, I think.
But, I never felt bad at all for ZX because he made his choice. He had a choice, and unlike most other characters, his road towards being an Emperor was not inevitable. His parents, his aunt, his grandmother, they all made the sacrifices which allowed him to lead a different life if he did not want to go on the path of royal politics. I know Tong Hua gave this bit where ZX perhaps took his first step to being an Emperor because he realised he needed power to protect Xiao Yao, but I also thought that was a little rubbish considering they had seen first hand how toxic palace and power politics are – you always have to give up your private concerns for the greater good. I always felt that when ZX and XY’s grandmother told them they only had each other – ZX had a choice then, to be XY’s life companion, but he made another choice. So, I’m rather indifferent to ZX haha.
In part, Zhuan Xu’s one selfish action was pushed by Xiao Yao. He asked her if he should pursue his love, and she wholeheartedly told him, yes. (I will admit that of all the selfish decisions he could’ve made, he chose the absolute worst one.） Zhuan Xu’s love is so restrained, it would have stayed buried in his heart. He didn’t need her to love him back romantically. He didn’t even make his own confession, Xing Yue did it for him. He only needed a little, like her not attending his weddings and giving him a wedding gift. As long as she didn’t acknowledge it, it wasn’t real for him.
Zhuan Xu was destined to be a great ruler. You can tell from how he dealt with Little Zhurong. If he were a selfish character, he would’ve have killed him for his parents’ revenge, but, instead, Zhuan Xu spared him. Zhuan Xu doesn’t have any legitimate power. He may be a Xuan Yuan prince, but his uncles have exiled him, and the Yellow Emperor won’t give him anything. Shao Hao might be his master, but most of the people in Gao Xing looks down on him. Because of who he is, he has to pursue power to protect those close to him.
If Zhuan Xu is Xiao Yao’s life companion (I’m assuming marriage), that would mean that Gao Xing is openly allying with him. Grand Emperor only has two daughters, so his heir would either be their husbands or one of his nephews (the husband is more likely). Based on that, Zhuan Xu’s uncles would definitely try to kill him. They have tried to kill him just for coming back with Xiao Yao in tow. If he and Xiao Yao were married with Gao Xing backing him, there is no way that they would just stand by.
You can say that palace and power politics were toxic, but Zhuan Xu never let it affect Xiao Yao. He has the power to make sure that none of it ever touches her. When he severed her relationship with the Grand Emperor, it was because the war between Gao Xing and Xuan Yuan is inevitable, and he didn’t want her feel conflicted straddling both sides.
Zhuan Xu and Xiao Yao always had this tacit understanding with each other. They know each other inside out. In the end of book one, when Zhuan Xu was becoming a hedonist to the point that A’Nian left in anger, Xiao Yao knew that he was pretending. Everything they do for each other was because they wanted to. Even her marriage with Feng Long, it was for Zhuan Xu, but he never makes her agree to it. (Feng Long was a better candidate than Jing for Zhuan Xu because he has more power (Chi’shui is more powerful than Tu’shan), is definitely on Zhuan Xu’s side, doesn’t have a homicidal brother, doesn’t have a fiance, and would treat Xiao Yao well (not that Jing wouldn’t)).
Xiao Yao doesn’t love Zhuan Xu romantically. (I can’t decide whether or not I ship them romantically, because I want them to be together forever, but I don’t want them to get married, but I don’t want Zhuan Xu to have a one-sided love… so conflicted.)
Decembi, I write too much. XD I’m not good at literary analysis (thesis writing in college gave me the heebie-jeebies – even now, I’m like, what the heck is a thesis?!), and my brain has only so much capacity for complex thinking (haha!), so I have to write everything down if I want to think something through. But I also suck at writing, so what you get instead is a monster of a tome. I like to think of it as my attempt at stream-of-consciousness writing, ala William Faulkner (except I hate his books – haha!).
I completely agree that ZX made a choice early on and that he should live by that choice. In fact, I tend to get most angered by characters who try to have their cake and eat it too, meaning they make a choice and then aren’t man/woman enough to reap the consequences. That’s why I admire, and feel sad for, ZX. 99% of the time, he lives by his choice (power over love), but then he makes one lousy mistake, and the consequences are crushing.
The way ZX chooses to live by his choice is to never confess his feelings to XY, which would put her in a bind. If he had wanted to, I do think he could have been a strong contender for XY’s heart, since they already shared a childhood history together. If Xin Yue in her anger hadn’t revealed his feelings for him, I believe that ZX would have continued hiding them forever, or at least until he thought XY might be open to accepting/reciprocating his love.
As for ZX’s choice, I would argue that ZX made his choice because he knew he really had no choice. (Confusing? 😉 He’s a son born into an imperial family: by birth, he’s expected to fight for the throne. Even if he professed to be not the least bit interested in power, no one would believe him! His uncles and cousins would never stop hounding him until he was a corpse.
At least by consciously making the choice to pursue power, ZX could feel that he wielded some control over his future, rather than letting circumstances completely dictate his future for him. When facing an inevitable decision, it is better to have a willing heart than an unwilling one.
Of course, I don’t want to discount at all that ZX was born to wield power; he’s Chang Yi’s son, but everyone knows he’s really Qing Yang’s reincarnation through and through. You could say that fate had one hand beckoning him forward and the other hand pushing him from behind.
Skyblu629, your analysis of ZX is very loving indeed! I actually liked ZX the most in Book 1 and Book 2, but just could never forgive him for
trying to assasinate Jing after agreeing to Jing and Xiao Yao to let them get married. It’s not just a selfish act, it’s an incredibly cruel act and it hurt Xiao Yao soooo bad. The hurt was so much the greater because more than anyone, Xiao Yao treated ZX as her other self. I guess that’s why I’m part of XL’s sunk ship – I always believe in the love that makes the person you love happy, regardless of your own sacrifices.
ZX’s love is really love for the future of one whole country — and within that calculation, is always that everything else can be sacrificed for the greater good. And, I guess that just doesn’t captivate me as a reader. It also disturbed me because there were times when I felt the Yellow Emperor would have killed Xiao Yao if not for the fact that he has mellowed and doesn’t get himself as involved with current politics anymore, maybe partly also because of his guilt towards A’Heng and how Xiao Yao resembles her grandmother so much.
Maybe, because I’m a bit naive, but I don’t really believe that ZX had no choice. Perhaps, it would have been very dangerous and extreme, but just like how XY could abandon her identity and be Xiao Liu, I thought it was definitely possible for both ZX and XY to throw off their past and try and live a simple incognito life. Since both their parents had sacrificed so much, they didn’t have to feel any guilt of having to run the country or any empire ambition. It’s just that ZX does not have that ability to lead a simple life in him – he is a man with great ambition. That’s why I totally agree with you Mei, that ZX resembled Qing Yang the most, but I also like how Shao Hao mentioned once that ZX has Qing Yang and Chang Yi’s best elements, which in the end, made him a great king.
Anyway, I thought Tong Hua gave the best ending she could for all three guys and I could really feel her love and thought for each character.
Can anyone spoil me how is Jing after the attempted assassination by ZX? Did he gravely injured or something? and how did XY eventually find out?
Many are saying that ZX make one stupid mistake that drives XY away. Is that mistake the assassination mentioned above?
Can anyone spoil me how is Jing after the attempted assassination by ZX? Was he gravely injured or something? and how did XY eventually find out?
Many are saying that ZX make one stupid mistake that drives XY away. Is that mistake the assassination mentioned above?
I board sunken ships like a moth is attacted to fire… so you guys are not alone 😛 That was why I rushed here to make sure I wasn’t sinking yet again. I wear the Jing shirt proudly, but I think all three guys match a certain side of XY, which is very interesting to me.
Xuan and XY connect in their calculating wits. She’s absolutely clever, the only woman who really understands his ambitions and pains, and would make an impressive helpful empress for him.
XL and XY connect in their vagabond spirits. They both went through tough childhoods and grew up with no definite identity. They’re drifters in spirit and would make great jianghu partners.
Jing and XY connect in their loving capacities and a yearning for true love. Both were either left or betrayed by loved ones and would want nothing more than to be with someone who unfailingly stays by their side. For this, they make my perfect couple no matter where in the world, as aristocrats, as drifters, or even as mundane villagers.
anyway, TH should really consider a harem next time.
Hi Deeply,
Yup, the ‘stupid mistake’ is referring to Jing’s murder. On the surface, it was Hao who wield the sword, but Jing was heavily guarded as head of Du Shan Clan. This give rise to the question if there is a mastermind behind Hao.
Jing was so severely injured that eye witnesses to the scene thought him to be dead although they can’t find his body. He managed to move near the river before Hao delivered the last blow and he drifted out to sea. He was rescued by a mermaid couple and was few years (7?8?) later before he could move. He went to look for Xiao Yao the moment he can move – n rescued her just before she became the next Yu Mu (aka cannot leave Yu Shan and cannot fall in love for the rest of her life).
Thank you for answering Moonblossom!
Just by reading the spoiler, my heart hurts along with XY. How can I bear reading through all the translation of this story. TH really has a way with a tear-jerker story. It’s only a tale, but I’m hurting along with the characters 🙁
Zhuan Xu has so much “screen time” in book 3, I had thought he is the real lead of the story. I had missed the signs of his true feelings in book 2 and early book 3 because I was focusing on Jing, Xiao Yao and Xiang Liu. By the second reading, all the “I get it now!” was too late because I had already cast him as the villian.
I had like Zhuan Xu since his first appearance in Once Promise. I like his ambition, and I had wondered if he and Xiao Yao will be the OTP in the sequel as it was a given that Zhuan Xu would appear in the sequel to unite the land. To my pleasant surprise, Huang Di did not hand him the empire outright, and Zhuan Xu proved his mettle by rising above being a hostage prince. He even have the guts to go to war with his Master and keep a harem – women problems are worse than politics – so he is still a lovely character to root for other then his one misstep.
Can you write a spoiler on how Jiang react when he first saw Xiao Yao female form?
Speaking of the mermaid couple that saved Jing, I always felt that they were sent by Xiang Liu – so Xiang Liu pretty much did everything for Xiao Yao, even saving her lover <3. Ah, my bleeding Xiang Liu heart.
Jing saw Xiao Yao for the first time as her official coronation ceremony as Gao Xing's Princess. His first reaction was insecurity and clenching his fist – as if something he once thought he could get was no longer there.
Xiao Yao and Jing will meet again in Chapter 14! You will see then how he reacts but he does tell Xiao Yao, she is the most beautiful 🙂
Decembi, is it because XY is so pretty that Jing feels insecure? *squeal* Can you please elaborate on how he reacts? I can’t wait for the translation no more!
ZX’s reaction is kinda confusing in a way too. Did he realize at that time that XY is not the Grand Emperor’s daughter?
That’s basically all it says of Jing’s reaction during the ceremony. But Jing later explains that he doesn’t feel that he is good enough for Xiao Yao with all his disabilities (from the torturing), that there were plenty of other healthy, smart, and handsome men for her. Back in the jail, had Jing known she looked like this, he would never have had the courage to confess to her.
In chapter thirteen, I don’t believe Zhuan Xu realized anything besides how beautiful she was. Stunned by her beauty. 🙂 In fourteen, during the ceremony maybe he subconsciously realized he loves her.
Sorry, I mean in chapter twelve and thirteen. Not thirteen and fourteen.
i look like a crazy girl reading an absurd novel.
since i can’t wait for the english translation so i just translate the chinese novel randomly via google translate. don’t recommend this for anyone except you want to get migrain for weeks!
i’m Xiang Liu shipper! i can see his tenderness for XY. he always there when she’s alone.
I love Jing too. he’s smart and patient. he wait XY to (almost) marry him in such a long time after their engagement day.
But after reading until chapter 9 book 3, my heart broke for Zhuanxu.
I’m crying when he told XY not to attend his wedding with ah nian and not to give him wedding gift, when Jing ask his permission to marry XY (ouch) and every time he remember XY promise to marry him when they were kid.
Suddenly i jump ship from Xiang Liu to Zhuanxu. i rarely change my ship, so this time i need a lot effort and reason to change the man.
I always loyal but this novel can’t let me be loyal.
i’ve read the spoiler, never imagine that Zhuanxu is the mastermind.
I’m afraid my heart can’t handle it.
Maybe after i finished book 3 i will back to my original ship (Xiang Liu I’m back to you!) or keep accompany Zhuanxu to share his sorrow and regret (hug Zhuanxu).
I’ll handle my weak heart and restock my tears first before continuing reading chapter 10.
Thanks guys for the spoilers. Can someone pls translate Xiang Liu’s story, i guess it was mentioned as an epilogue. Thanks tons!
Moonblossom, you did such a great job translating chapter 13! I read Koala’s version today as well. However I have a few questions I’m hoping you can help me answer.
1. Why was XL quiet and looking out at the sea after talking to XY about her identity? It seemed like he was sad about something up until XY gave him the poison she made him.
2. Why did he leave her out in the sea? Was he upset?
3. Will XY continue with her promise and continue making poisons for him?
Thank you so much for all your spoilers and clarifications 😉
I just absolutely love their time together. Although he may seem bad he really isn’t.
After 3 days and 3 books later… This proves to be very detrimental to my sleep and grades! I was head over heels for Xiang Liu as soon as he appeared, must be my unique bad boy/ demon kind of Sesshomaru senses tingling. But my little Xiang Liu Xiao Yao ship sunk before it even started the journey took off. I was getting my hopes up after Jing married Fan Feng Yi Yang or supposedly “went missing” but sadly I knew he would come back sooner or later. I really loved the novel though, I felt like there was a balance between all of the more fierce characters like XL, ZX, and such with Jing’s gentleness. He was the one who could provide XY with her dreams of living a normal life. I really love TongHua’s writing despite this being the first time I read a chinese novel. I absolutely love how she pays attentions to little tiny bits and details, I have to say I liked the politics/family as well as the romance plots. Simple but quite satisfying, minus the XL ship! Does anyone have other recommendations that are similar to this genre/theme for me to read???! 😀
Does anyone know who the title is in reference to?
Currently doing a slow re-reading of LYF and I can’t help but fall for Xiang Liu all over again. I’m on chapter 5 of book 2 and my heart aches at how patient he was with Xiao Yao and how well and long he took care of her by all he had done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iB1Dx4Dm-c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VKkjlKz0zo
Talk about awesome! I so agree~
Changqing and Zixuan has a spot on my top 10 list of OTPs of all time. Hehe, now that’s what I call a true “three lives three worlds” story. Never seen a more gorgeous pairing than Wallace Huo and Tiffany Tang Yan in CP3.
Can’t wait to see them in “Perfect Couple” because their chemistry in CP3 was so palpable. But if the drama gods decide to give them a sad ending again, I’m going to flip a table. Seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkaSUBEbRSM ~> Perfect Couple trailer
Have you watched Chinese Paladin 1? The secondary pairing there was also pretty awesome~ Story was ehhhh, but have you ever seen a more cute, happy, and funny couple??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sHfdIziOPo ~> Eddie Peng when he still had those trademark baby-fat cheeks of his <3
Looking back at Legend of Lu Zhen, the plot was actually lacking (but very addictive at the time) with the saving grace being the rich costumes and most adorable OTP ever. Hehe, I think most of us Chen Xiao/Zhao Li Ying shippers came from watching this drama. Plus, the guy who played General Shen was so good-looking!
I ended up skimming through King of Lan Ling by the 20th episode when the witchy 2nd female lead came between the H/h. Daniel Chan was the best part of the drama and I only watched his and Ariel's interactions in the remaining episodes. lol
I'm a sucker for star-crossed lovers romance, so "The Princess' Man" fit the bill. But I was surprised at how good the show was that I even enjoyed watching the scheming parts of the show. I ended up really liking both couples in the drama and hated Shin Myeon (the traitor friend) and Se-ryung's father with a passion.
First, I’d like to thank everyone at SSB and Koala for the English translations and the spoilers. I’m in love in Chinese historical/fantasy novels, but regrettably I do not understand Mandarin. Western books just don’t capture the same “magical” feeling. I would give up my left arm to be able to understand Chinese. Well, maybe not my left arm, but definitely a pinkie toe!
I’m wary of Tong Hua novels after getting my heart broken in Yun Zhong Ge, so this time I’m preparing myself by reading spoilers for LYF first. Well no surprise here, it looks like I’ll be heartbroken a second time since XL is my favorite male lead 🙁 *sigh* why can’t they just run off and be happy together?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCJ1tZ6jgp0 ~> most favorite Changqing/Zixuan fanmade MV yet. 😀
does anyone know how Jing will finally meet XY in chapter 14? Does Jing know that XY met XL and therefore got caught up and she could not meet him?
I think Koala said the main character was Zhaun Xu. I think it could be him, he spent 300 years missing XY and we know from the SPOILERS that she’ll eventually disappear to where he won’t be able to find her. Even while he was with her, he loved her but couldn’t tell her.
I believe the main male character is actually Jing though. Read on for spoilers.
He’s the one who ends up with Xiao Yao at the end… and the main romantic relationship that was known to all was between Jing and Xiao Yao, how he asked her to give him 15 years to sort out his clan issues and the engagement to FFYY. After that things keep happening so Jing and Xiao were separated for many years, yet they still were longing for the other and could not forget. So that’s were I think the longing, the yearning, the waiting of the title eludes to.
Questions987: I think Koala said the main character was Zhaun Xu. I think it could be him, he spent 300 years missing XY and we know from the SPOILERS that she’ll eventually disappear to where he won’t be able to find her. Even while he was with her, he loved her but couldn’t tell her.
Jing might be the man that Xiao Yao chooses to be with, but Zhuan Xu should be considered the main male character. I remember someone mentioning that Tong Hua said that Zhuan Xu is the main male character because he has the most page time and his story is paralleled with Xiao Yao’s. It’s just rare for the OTP to be between the main female character and a non-main male character. (Made the same mistake in Scarlet Flowers…)
I think Zhuan Xu embodies the “lost you forever” more as he both waited for a longer period of time and he has little to no hope of Xiao Yao returning his feelings. Zhuan Xu has both the 300 years of his childhood, and he will never see her again after her wedding. At the end of LYF, the characters are about 600(?) and Gods live for thousands of years. Throughout the novel, Jing has Xiao Yao’s promise and the only time he really lost her was during the fire (in which he would go down with her, so it’s not really lost) and Book 2 (when he was married to FFYY).
I read somewhere that the title of the novel may be a reference to Li Bai’s poem with the same name. But as I’m not very good with poetry, I can’t verify that or analyze it.
Haha, I think there’s so many questions I don’t really know where to start answering from.
But, I really like the question of who the title refers to. I thought about it as well when I finished the novels — when you read the novels, you realised that so many people will have someone that they long for. The Heavenly Mother/Emperor Mother who lives in Jade Mountain longs for someone, the Great/Jun Emperor (Shao Hao) also longs for someone, even the Yellow Emperor also loves for someone. No matter how great you are, perhaps if you live long enough, you will yearn for someone.
If Jing did not return, perhaps Xiao Yao will yearn for him always. I believe Xiao Yao will yearn forever for Xiang Liu (since I believe they are soulmates), and so too will Zhuan Xu yearn for Xiao Yao and the past that they had left behind.
In the end, you will yearn for he or her who is no longer with you. <3
For recommendations in the same genre, do you mean fantasy/mythology? If you like to read about gods, check out the Xian Xia section in book bar.
Thank you all so much for helping me answer my question regarding who the title is in reference to 😉 Each of your opinions really helped and I feel like everyone’s explanations really helped me understand it more.
Has there been any recent news on the audiobook version of LYF? Any updates would be greatly appreciated! And it isn’t too greedy of me to wish for a radio drama, too, right? 😀
Joanna: No audiobook and no radio drama yet. Check back often for update.
AcrossTime: Tang Qi Gong Zi is an author who is comparable to Tong Hua but they’ve different style. Hence, you can give her novels a try.
Hi everyone!
I’m actually a reader from Ms. K’s playground and although I told myself to enjoy the journeys, but strongly hinted comments on her blog gave away the ending and I just had to find out what really happens especially to Xiang Liu. He was the first and only ship I chose (even tho I did have a strong pull towards Jing in the first few chaps) and I after reading the comments over there I was hoping somewhere would spill the beans and I am glad SSB spilled everything.
My heart fills so heavy for him and like someone above said, “why does tong hua have to give us such compelling 2nd leads!” I can’t even sleep now as I am tormented by how Xiang Liu has his ending. I had only hoped he would have at least lived but after reading the wiki page on the mythical beast, my fears got even worse. So that’s why I’m here to vent.
I could already tell from the beginning Zhuan Xu was going to have to choose the kingdom over Xiao Yao and of course he would have to have many women to make sure the kingdom has a heir, so happiness with him was something Xiao Yao could never enjoy because she doesn’t want to be alone anymore so even if he was able to spend time with her, she would not have his full attention.
Then Shi Qi was always there and I had liked him for his attentiveness and caring but when he did not save Xiao Liu that first time, I knew he had uncertainties. Usually for characters like this I always wish they would redeem themselves because we all have emotions and fears so of course mistakes can happen and he did redeem himself when Xiao Liu asked for his help. But he had female baggage that I hate male leads to have carrying around so that’s why I could not completely invest onto his ship. My non existent Chinese has limited me to Ms. K’s generous and speedy translations so I can’t say for certainty Jing is a passive person to an extent in my opinion. But from what I gather I do not like how whenever he and Xiao Liu disagrees on something he would rather shut up and say nothing. For me it felt like he always had to hide something and be afraid of how Xiao Liu would be angry, therefore I would think a relationship like this would not last too well.
Then comes Xiang Liu. Yes he was vicious in the beginning and tormenting Xiao Liu, but Zhuan Xu has done the same thing as well. Both were at fault but both had reasons to torture her, one in case she was a spy or someone dangerous and the other because then she was just a nobody that had hurt his family member. Anyway, like all of us has seen, the two had exploding chemistry, some could argue because it was just because of physical tension that us readers were drawn to this couple, but for me because of what Xiao Yao said. Because she was lonely and she never wants to experience it again that’s why she seeks his companionship. For me her conversation with Xiang Liu was always more meaningful and engaging than when she speaks with Jing or Zhuan Xu.
So that’s why I am so sad, not because they don’t end up together, but because he wouldn’t even let her know and he is the only one out of the four that dies. After writing this “essay” I think I can come to terms why Tong Hua would want to end this wayl if Xiao Yao knew, she can’t completely love Jing without regrets. If Xiang Liu doesn’t die he would have to suffer everyday knowing she was with someone else. And Xiang Liu had his responsibilities as well, so even if he lived he would have to continue to fight for his godfather’s cause. *sigh* although now I have said all that has pent up I still can’t let go of his death and sacrifices.
So I know I have ranted a long way (am sorry) and ms. K will eventually finish translating the book one day, but after reading someone mention Xiang Liu dying for his godfather and it’s not a hard or long epilogue to translate. Would anyone mine translating it here or give us the gist on how he had spent his last moments? If anyone can, I will be eternally grateful and my heart will finally be able to make peace within. Again, thank you everyone for all the spoilers that now I can actually continue on without such a heavy heart everyday thinking without Eternally Yearning For You.
Actually one more thing. Does anybody feel like tong hua kind of gave us something extra, something that would have these three engraved forever into our hearts? 1. Jing of course gets Xiao Yao 2. Zhuan Xu gets the title of the book because Xiang Liu can’t really yearn anymore since he’s gone and Xiao Yao really did not have a clue he even loved her to yearn for him. 3. Xiang Liu gets to be on the only poster officially released by the publishers with Xiao Yao so we would always have have that picture within our hearts.
decembi & Peanuts: Thanks for the recommendations! I just checked that author out and found a pretty nice synopsis for 三生三世，十里桃花 I’m going to check it out after my midterms!
Yuyi: I feel you. At one point while reading, I got my hopes up since Jing married FFYY and then he “died” for awhile. So I was like… maybe, just MAYBE Tong Hua will give me the ship I want. But I kinda raged after reading the ending, it was so sad, I’m glad she wrote an epilogue for our dear Xiang Liu though. I feel that TongHua really develops her characters well, there was quite a bit of variety: the selfish, the selfless, the passive lover. But I wouldn’t mind if Xiao Yao went down the same path as her mom and marries a demon, it’s just that XL’s position and circumstances wouldn’t allow. I think it was a reasonable ending, like the kind of person Xiao Yao is. Ah, reading your post is making my heart ache for Xiang Liu again 🙁
Actually Xiang Liu lovers are very lucky, because to my knowledge, Tong Hua only wrote one epilogue and it’s entirely for Xiang Liu!
Peanuts: thanks~ 🙂
decembi: I wonder it Tong Hua wrote the epilogue because she had loved Xiang Liu just as much as the rest of us did. Maybe in another world, another life where war wasn’t imminent, Xiao Yao would have fallen in love with Xiang Liu and had their HEA together.
I think much like RuoXi and 13th Prince in BBJX, Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao were each other’s confidant (知己) but with sexual awareness between them and an actual chance for a romantic relationship if they hadn’t been who they were.
My translation is definitely not on par with Ms. Koala’s, but I will try my best, since I really do love the epilogue, and it makes me so emotional. I definitely have a new appreciation for other people’s translation. It’s so hard to choose what words to use with all the connotations that exist. Translating this made me tear up again. In another world, I wish Xiang Liu could have gotten his happiness.
Epilogue: I Wish You an Eternity of Peace and Happiness
In a forest on a continuous mountain range.
In a valley near a water supply, there are many tents. Currently, the sky is already dark, the bonfire should be roaring and the campsite should be lit with thousands of lights. But in order to cover their tracks, this pitch black valley did not have a single light lit. There is not a whisper of noise, only groups of soldiers with dirty clothes and exhausted expressions patrolling.
Xiang Liu quietly walk past the tents, his snow white clothes are like a gentle wind, slowly floating across the camp. He is the only light that stifles the darkness, every soldier who sees him feels his spirit relax a little, their expressions cheer up a little.
Many years ago, there were new recruits who complained to the old soldiers, “Why is that nine-headed demon showing off? We are here to fight a war, not a blind date, why does he have to wear such eye-catching clothing?”
After experiencing life and death situations, after personally cremating a fellow soldier’s corpse, the old soldiers have an air of weariness; they lightly smile and say, “After you fight a few battles, you will understand!”
When the new recruits also have a weariness set on their brows, they understood the old soldier’s words. Every soldier is afraid that red will touch that white figure. On the battlefield, as long as that white figure appears, he will attract the enemy’s attention. The most powerful attacks will be drawn to him. There will always be more soldiers that live to the next battle. At the camp, under the darkness of night, as long as they can see that white figure, no matter how close the enemies are, the soldiers can sleep steadily.
After burning one corpse after another, the soldiers feel that they understand why Xiang Liu is always wearing white – maybe he is haughty and wants the enemy to see him immediately, maybe he is a good general, and wants the blood-soaked soldiers to always be able to immediately spot him, no matter how dark. No one dares to ask Xiang Liu for the true reason. The reason that Xiang Liu wears white is a debate that the camp will never be able decide the outcome, but it will always be debated.
After Xiang Liu patrolled the camp, he reached the mountain peak and looked down on the camp.
A forest from far away is lit by fire. It is Ru Shou burning down the forests, forcing them to battle. The final battle has arrived. All the soldiers are aware of their fate, but they continue to choose this path with no second thoughts. The world is at peace, the citizens are living safely. They have already been ruthlessly abandoned by time. They have become superfluous people, death is the best relief, and the best ending.
Xiang Liu sat down on the limestone, and takes out a carving made from divine mulberry. He sat down and delicately carves. The figure of a charmingly naïve, fat, smiling doll is already there, but the eyebrows and eyes still need a bit of work.
After Xiang Liu finished, he looks at it and considers it satisfactory. He places the smiling doll upside down on his lap and opens the base. It reveals an empty belly and pulls out a snow globe.
Inside the sparkling snow globe is a dark blue ocean. Inside the ocean are magnificent rainbow fish, red corals, and a pure white clam shell. It looks like a brilliant blossoming flower. There is a beautiful mermaid lying on the clam shell, her seaweed green hair is let down, half of her fishtail is on the white clam shell, and the other half is floating in the water. Beside her stands a man who is holding the mermaid’s outstretched hand, smiling at the mermaid. In a nook, there is a male mermaid floating on the waves. The distance between him and the calm shell is not far, but his disaffected attitude makes people feel that he is in another world, and not in this quiet peaceful ocean.
Xiang Liu quietly stares at it for a moment, and using his nails as a blade, quickly writes two lines of small words. At that moment, there is a streak of moonlight that passes through the tree branches and hits the snow globe, allowing one to see the two words next to the male mermaid: You have the ability to protect yourself, someone to depend on, and a place to go to. Wish you an eternity of peace and happiness!
A white-winged, gold-crowned condor dives from the sky and lands on the cliff. In his mouth is a jade bucket, it is filled with the deep green mulberry sap. The power is so abundant that there is a green fog hovering over it. Furball knows that divine mulberry wood looks dull and gray, but one careless mistake can burn his feathers. He carefully places the jade bucket by Xiang Liu’s side and immediately backs up a few steps. He doesn’t dare disturb Xiang Liu, and can only curiously watch Xiang Liu’s every move.
Xiang Liu places the snow globe in the smiling doll’s empty belly. It holds the snow globe perfectly, after covering up the base, the snow globe is sealed in the smiling doll’s belly. The snow globe as water, mulberry as wood, water and fire aids each other, the cold and hot accompanies each other. It perfectly fits each other so that the snow globe won’t freeze the person and the mulberry won’t burn someone. Even someone with any powers can hold this mulberry smiling doll.
Xiang Liu soaks the smiling doll in the mulberry sap. The smiling doll’s body and base are made from the same divine mulberry wood, as long as he casts a spell, after a few months, the base and the smiling doll will join together. However, he doesn’t have that much time and can only use his powers.
Xiang Liu uses his blood to set up the spell and several dozen rocks that have soaked in thousands of years of solar essence to draw the power. Using his powers, the green sap in the jade bucket bubbles and looks like boiling water. Slowly, the smiling doll absorbs the sap until the sap has entirely dried up. The smiling doll’s body and base has completely fused together, and there does not appear to be a single crack. It looks like the doll was made from a single piece of solid wood.
Xiang Liu used about fifty percent of his power. He tries to open the smiling doll, but it doesn’t open. He takes out his weapon and strikes it twice, the smiling doll does not have a single crack. Xiang Liu is finally satisfied and nods his head.
Furball stands up, tilts his head, and looks at Xiang Liu like he’s crazy.
Xiang Liu stares at the smiling doll in his hand. The smiling doll’s eyes are curved, with a pair of small upturned lips, smiling at him. Xiang Liu’s lips also turn upwards and smiles.
He places the smiling doll in a bag and ties it to Furball’s back. Furball looks at him in confusion, Xiang Liu says, “Go to Jade Mountain and tell Lord Bi that this is his wedding present to Xiao Yao.”
Furball widens his eyes, and lets out a sharp cry. He doesn’t understand why. It is obviously something that the nine-headed demon made, but he has to say that it is something that fox made. Xiang Liu pats its head and orders, “Stop saying useless words, and just do as I say!”
Furball makes a few noises with his throat, flaps his wings, and soars into the sky, flying in the direction of the Jade Mountain. Xiang Liu raises his head and watches as Furball flies farther and farther away, until he slowly disappears into the dark night.
He still remembers the first meeting in Qing Shui Town, your smiling face, your mouth filled with lies, and the only truth you spoke was: I don’t have the ability to protect myself, don’t have a person to depend on, and nowhere to go.
After several decades of archery, you have the ability to protect yourself; in a desperate situation you no longer need to use your body to shield the person you want to protect. An adoring lover, you already have a person to depend on, you no longer need to be by yourself. The sky and ocean are so large, you have a place to stay and will no longer be chased by people with no place to stay.
Xiang Liu silently says in his heart: Xiao Yao, from today on, I can no longer protect you. You have to take care of yourself well, I wish you an eternity of peace and happiness!
My heart just shredded. I can’t read anymore. I love XL More then any other male lead of hers, and this just kills me. Oh I’m a glutton fir punishment.
Omg thank you so much skyblu629!! I’m seriously super sad after reading the epilogue of XL. My poor XL 🙁 I seriously love his character and its such a sad ending for him…..
Been following koala’s translation of the chapters so far and I hope Ah Nian has a miserable marriage to Zhuan Xu! What a brat!
Thank U So Much *xoxo*
l just want to add some backstory to flash out the impact of the epilogue.
//Spoilers…
….
In the last or second last chapter, Xiao Yao heard a detailed report of the battle and knew how Xiang Liu died. She cried and was moody for the next few days. When she was packing up to leave with Jing after the wedding, she went through her wedding gifts and all were pretty useful except for the ornamental doll which Bi Jun gave her. However, it was the doll that made her laugh and Jing thought “thank god for the doll that finally lifted her spirits!” and made sure the doll gets packed into their lugguage.
As for the crystal ball within the doll, it was originally a present from Xiao Yao to Xiang Liu. War was starting and knew she knew she could no longer continue making poison for Xiang Liu. So she made the ball out of poison and modelled the details after her excursion under the sea with Xiang Liu, where he watched over her as she napped in a giant sea shell. In Xiao Yao’s ball, the mermaid was reaching out to the merman, but the merman is backfacing her. In Xiang Liu’s ball, he add another merman beside the mermaid, while the third man watch over them from afar.
…
…//End
Hi Mayx,
I think he was weighing all the info in his mind – her new dentity, her refusal to kiss him, his position, her view that he is not suitable to appear in any girl’s dreams – and has probably concluded that they are a lost cause.
When he said “I have already let you off”, I was squealing and clutching my pillow because I know he means that other than letting her live, he will continue to love her although Xiao Yao will probably never know this part. He is a beast and beasts are fairly straight-forward in the Once Promise / Lost you Forever world. When he accepted the voodoo bug, it is already his pledge to her (again Xiao Yao does not know, as she does not know her bug is the Lover Bug) and promises will not change.
As for leaving her to swim back, he is upset and is likely paying her back for the misery she gave him, coated under the pretense that it is Xiao Yao’s idea that he should not make her fall in love with him. : ) Their relation is not too affected by this fiasco though, and Xiao Yao will continue to make poison for Xiang Liu until war starts.
thank you Skyblu629 and Moonblossom
i can’t stop crying right now T______T
Xiang Liu sacrifice everything for XY but their fate just wont let them together.
They are soulmate but they have different life path.
Xiang Liu will never confess his feeling for XY because he knows their opposite possition and he doesn’t want to harm XY.
Even the bug already gone but their heart will keep connect each other.
I want Xiang Liu stay alive for a long time but i know it’s impossible.
Last night i’m crying all night long after Xiang Liu safe XY and make Ah Bi promise him not to tell everything to XY.
Don’t cry too much. It is a very good ending already. Even Xiang Liu is happy to die in battle. And his doll will be with her forever. : )
Had they been paired together, the story would have been even sadder. Think of Once Promise where Princess + Enemy General + turbulent times = flood of tears + swearing off all Tong Hua novels. Had Koala not said that LYF has a happy ending, I would not have read his book even though it is a pity for me since I have read all her other novels.
And don’t forget the other lovable men in the tale. Jing and Zhuan Xu both rocks! Even the Yellow and White Emperors appear quite saintly here.
I want to wait for the full translations but I succumbed and went here ><. I'm crying right now for Xiang Lu. To me it's not sad as in sad, but more bittersweet knowing what he'd done for her.
TQ for the brief but I want to ask, I understand the XL’s ball, XY with Jing with XL watching over her (am I correct?), but XY’s ball, is it XY with XL (his back), is there any symbolic meaning behind this? What do you think? Sorry if I’m reading too much.
—
I like symbolic or rather imagine lol, but I think XL wearing white fits his character, he’s not perfect and far from being ‘good’ person, but imo he has the most genuine/pure intention. He’s the general but his fight wasn’t for his own benefit, it’s a promise, repaying his debt. His love for XY is selfless, for her happiness, it’s enough if she’s happy (I’m crying again). So white symbolizes his pure heart despite being a ruthless demon and general in appearance.
In another story, I may like Jing more, but in LYF, there is XL and ZX who dwells with responsibilities and that attracts me. Jing is an honest character <3 and I love he is about his love for XY. ZX and XL on the other hand, choose something else. What makes XL endearing to me is the fact that he can just go, leave all the soldiers, but he stuck through his promise and responsibilities, I adore that quality in him.
XL did so much for XY but what I love most is he taught her archery so she can protect herself. It's such a rational thing to do, for a rational and independent girl like XY.
TQ guys for the spoilers and discussion 😀
Oh no, all the XL fans breaking their hearts here. Don’t be too sad, XL fans, because I think XL is probably the best written out of all the characters and he gets a lot of love in Book 2.
Joanna: I absolutely think Tong Hua loves XL the most out of the 3 characters (and I’m a Jing shipper). Because, XL stayed true to himself from start to end, and was just amazingly awesome and incredible all the way through. Also, I’m a bit biased since I’m a Chi You shipper too, and XL is so similar to Chi You at times. But, I can’t imagine a happy ending for XL and Xiao Yao at all in the universe of Lost You Forever, so this was the only true way it could have ended!
Hi Lea
When Xiao Yao gave the ball to Xiang Liu the first time, there were 2 people inside. The mermaid was trying to reach out to the merman, but he is looking away from her. When Xiang Liu gave back the ball to Xiao Yao, hidden inside the doll, he added a man next to the girl and the ball now shows 1 girl and 1 boy together, while a third man stands from a distance away. This pretty much sums up their relationship.
I have translated a bit of Book 2 chap 14 when Xiao Yao looked at the ball she made. You can read her intentions here:
“Inside the crystal was a clear, blue sea. There were colourful little fishes, red corals, and a big, white shell. Like a blooming flower, a beautiful mermaid sat on the shell, with her hair flowing around and her tail half on the shell and half in the water. She held one hand over her heart while her other hand is stretched in front of her, as if to catch on to something or call someone. Where her hand is pointing, a merman floated on the waves. He is near the sea shell, but he is looking outside the crystal and his cold demeanor gave the impression that he exist in another world, and not among the sea.”
Actually, it is a very simple reason why Xiang Liu is always in white. His formative years are spent in the Northern Glaciers where white is the standard colour for camouflage. He sort of kept the habit when he is back in Central Plains but people like us and his man like to speculate why he always dresses in white. P: )
Moonblossom thank you so much again for your spoilers 😉 So when XY made that ball, was her intention to give it to XL? I read chapter 14 translation from Koala and was wondering if you can tell me more about that fish ruby? Why does it seem like XY wants it?
When doing the translation, I realised that Xiao Yao made the ball because she was getting married to Feng Long and not because war was starting. Sorry about the error. The ball is made from all sorts of (expensive) poison and is supposedly her last batch of poison to Xiang Liu since she will be officially on Shen Nong side of the fence after her marriage and cannot continue to make poison for him.
The fish ruby will give the wearer powers to breathe under water for an extended period of time . Powerful gods like Jing and Ah Nian can probably survive for a while under water, but for a weak god like Xiao Yao, it is a very useful tool as she cannot even last 5 minutes without having to come up for air. I have not read the latest translation but I seem to remember the ladies like the ruby because it is rare and also quite pretty.
I just finished reading the novel. My eyes swollen so bad 🙁
This 2 last chapter and XIang Liu epilogue is just so sad.
I’m still crying so hard eventhough I know exactly what the story after reading the spoiler here.
The way XL death T___T and when XY looking for his memory on her mirror T_____T
This is my first Chinese novel and I never know that my heart will hurt this much because XL. He’ll definitely gonna be my most favorite man ever!!!
Omg so sad. Can you pls elaborate on the mirror? Why was XY looking for her memories of XL? What did she feel when she realized they were gone? How did XL know she saved memories of him in her mirror? Was he happy to know she saved him as a memory? And last but not least why did he erase the memories? So sad poor XL. I know the ending but I still will read each translated chapter because I still want to read about how great of guy XL is. If someone can spoil me some more on XL I’ll definitely appreciate it.
Then do u think what the meaning behind the globe that she give him? Did she have feelings for him and reach out to him like in the globe? But he always close but also distance with her.
Someone please tell me that Hou and that fiancé die at the end! So far, I hate those two the most for what they’ve done to Jing!
I stumbled on this website by accident while wanting to read more after Koala posts chapter by chapter.
So glad I found like minded souls here.
I am curious how Xiao Yao exposed Hou’s adultery and I wish these adulterous couple shd be expelled to hell or be killed by Jing for what Hou has done. I am appalled when Hou dare to smile with the gang in Chapter 13 where Xiao Yao was restored.
No principles at all.
I don’t understand why the clan never expel Hou after his parentage was revealed or at least destroy his powers.
I dont ship any guy after badly scarred from Answer me 1994 hahahah
Ms. K’s latest chapter….XY is dead curious wt fish gem, for her to breathe underwater and no longer “kiss” XL for air ? Will XY get a fish gem? from Jing or Xiang Liu himself? *squeels* spoilers plz 🙂
It was Jing who got her a purple one, she doesn’t really use it though XD
My chinese is not that good but can anybody please confirm that the last time when XL wanted XY’s blood, it is not for himself but for Jing, right? XL wanted as much as possible bcos he doesn’t think that he has that much time anymore. That means the 3 things that he mentioned in the epilogue, he actively pursued for XY. My heart breaks once again….
Thanks so much
Can I know what’s the use of the purple one??
@Moonblossom TQ so much for your input :D. And hehe, yup, my imagination is running wild again.
Like many others, I love that the 4 main characters are written with depth. No one is the perfect vision of good vs devil. And I love getting spoilers/ discussion over here 🙂
After Xiao Yao gave Xiang Liu all her blood and left, Xiang Liu condensed the blood into a ball and gave it to a merman. If he had meant to consume the blood when he is injured, his action would not make sense. Add to Jing’s statement that he was saved by a merman couple, all the signs seem to point to Xiang Liu behind Jing’s rescue.
The purple stone also gives the wearer the ability to breathe underwater but it is less powerful than a red stone. The stone that Hou found is thus very rare.
//Spoiler on how Xiao Yao caught he adulterous pair using the purple stone…
…
…
After Xiao Yao suspected Hou and Yi Yang was having an affair, she purposely gave Hou chances to court her. Since Hou was deeply jealous of Jing and he knew Jing loves Xiao Yao, he could not pass up this opportunity to hurt Jing by snatching his woman. When Xiao Yao showed her purple ruby from Jing to Hou, Hou made Xiao Yao exchange her stone for the red ruby (like a gorilla beating his chest and showing off that he is the better man I might add).
Xiao Yao wanted the red stone because she suspected Hou had given the red ruby to Yi Yang after the boating trip, but had kept the stone on behalf of Yi Yang since it was not convenient for Yi Yang to keep the stone in her possession, Xiao Yao then showed off her red ruby to Yi Yang and waited for Yi Yang to blow the basket. Jing borrowed Xiao Yao’s magic mirror and plant it at a place where he thought Hou and Yi Yang would meet, and the prehistoric CCTV then manage to catch the two arguing about their affair.
…//
Oh my god Moonblossom. Thanks for telling me. I did not realize that, it was most likely Xiang Liu who saved Jing. Great more heart aches for my dear Xiang Liu! I cry T_T I can’t take this. I’ve been like making little fanfictions of my ship in my head lately. Would totally love it if anyone’s into that kinda stuff 😉 It’d be my pleasure to read ^_^
Thank you for the spoiler!
I love how you explain about the prehistoric cctv! That’s really a funny way to explain the use of the mirror 😀
@moonBlossom Thank you very much for your explaination…. To think that XY has a big quarrel with XL bcos of that. XL purposely wanted XY to hate him so that she will not think of him anymore. And plus he destroyed his images in her mirror…. He really loves her selflessly.
I think the reason why XY and XL’s love story breasks my heart so much and leaves such a last impression is because I grew up believing that soulmates are destined to be together, and will have the happy ending that I can only dream for myself. So it’s truly heartbreaking when this story shows that even if a couple are soulmates, it does not mean they end together. It invalidates my fairy tale on happily ever after. 🙁
Im so happy that my ship this time is sailing all the way…Team jing and XY….im a bit scared that my ship will sunked also just like in DA MO YAO….but as i read some of the spoilers hahahah i was grinning all the time…go go go my beloved jing take XY away and live happily ever after….
Moonblossom, can you you please help me answer my previous questions regarding elaborating on the mirror? Why was XY looking for her memories of XL? What did she feel when she realized they were gone? How did XL know she saved memories of him in her mirror? Was he happy to know she saved him as a memory? And last but not least why did he erase the memories? So sad poor XL. I know the ending but I still will read each translated chapter because I still want to read about how great of guy XL is. If you can spoil me some more on XL I’ll definitely appreciate it. Thank you so so much for all your spoilers. It is greatly appreciated 😉
Can anyone spoil me regarding the ending of Once Promised? So, Ah Heng and Qi Yong fight each other in the end as both are the leader of opposite party? But in the end, Ah Heng did not die and live until she met XY right? Can anyone tell me the story behind this? Thank you!
Sorry for the late reply.
When Xiao Yao heard how Xiang Liu died in battle, she wanted to see his images… to think of him I guess. To her shock, the images were gone – Xiang Liu had erased them when he last treated her at Yu Shan after her suicide attempt – and she was bewildered and sad. Why had he done that and why? Why had he not permit that she retain a memory of him? (When I was reading that part, I thought to myself that I’ll never think of Noble Idoicy the same way again. This is how NI should be.)
It was not written if XL was happy to see his pictures in her mirror though I assume he was because he was quite bleak when he erased them. He was an orphan and he spent his life battling for survival. He had no playmates and no one dared play with him after he has grown up. When Xiao Yao drew 9 heads on his face, he felt no malice at her actions and was secretly glad there was someone to tease him even though he did threaten to kill her at that time. When he saw his second image, he sigh at being unaware when the image taken and was amaze (and happy?) he actually has a moment when he let down his guard.
He probably found out about the pictures when he was treating Xiao Yao during the 37 years under the sea. One day, Xiao Yao heard him saying “Xiao Yao, those images in you’re mirror, you must delete them when you were awake.”. Even in her unconscious state, Xiao Yao was worried but there was nothing she could do. She was relieved when she found her images were intact subsequently, but she would never know how did XL manage to delete them.
Thank you so much Moonblossom for the spoilers on XL 😉 I cannot wait till the whole book gets translated. I’m dying to read more but can only patiently wait till it’s all translated. Your spoilers makes me even more excited lol thanks again!
Most welcome!
Thank you Moonblossom for the spoiler!
Most welcome!
Koala posted an awesome summary of what happened in Once Promise from the royal family perspective at the commentary section of her latest translation. Have you read it? I once tried to put my thoughts of Once Promise on paper but they did not sound right. Koala really nailed the plot by going at this angle.
Yea, I have read it. I don’t read Once Promised so I don’t really know what’s going on other than the princes killing each other. So the yellow emperor still loves his first love but married Lei for power? What a guy.
Can you tell me when did Qi Yo and Ah Heng actually have their “wedding night”? I thought they are not married.
Once Promise have 2 volumes. They got intimate in volume 1, but because Chi You was half expecting Ah Heng to betray him, the seduction/situation ended up badly within a few days. In volume 2, Ah Heng left Shao Hao the moment he was coronated since her promise to stay with him only extended up to the time he became King. She set up a home in Jiu Li and waited for Chi You to come when the peach blossom blooms. At that time, Shen Nong was facing an internal power struggle and Chi You was given time-off to let the other party cool down. That one month in Jiu Li was the one time they behaved like a normal family.
By the time Chang Yi died, Ah Heng publicly divorced Shao Hao and moved back to Xuan Yuan to take care of her mother. Before Lei Zu died, she gave her permission for Ah Heng to marry Chi You and bade her to be happy. When Ah Heng told Chi You the news, he was very moved as he had not dare hope to ever recieve her family’s blessing in marriage. I have to search to confirm but I think they had a simple bowing ceremony towards Cun Yun Court and finally declare themselves husband and wife. Not long after after, she was summoned to war because that asshole of a Huang Di claim that he was injured and cannot lead the army, and Chi You was summoned back to lead Shen Nong’s army.
Thank you for the spoiler Moonblossom!
Moonblossom, did XY attempt suicide because she thought Jing’s dead? Can you spoil me the detail regarding this, like how did she do it and how XL saved her? Thank you!
Sure, my pleasure. It can only be a combination of Jing, Zhuan Xu and her own, internal struggle that can drive Xiao Yao to suicide.
//Spoiler on Book 3 on Xiao Yao’s death….
…
….
When Zhuan Xu confessed to Jing’s murder, Xiao Yao tried to kill him for revenge. His guards saved him and dragged him away. For Zhuan Xu’s safety, Huang Di removed all of Xiao Yao’s possession – so that she cannot make poison – and barred all communication between the two. Despite these measures, Xiao Yao still manage to send word and meet Zhuan Xu at their swing. When they met, they played the swing and she fed him honey from the pheonix flowers like old times. They talked about their childhood, Jing, and how clever she was since her way of ending things are sweet instead of bitter.
Zhuan Xu knew the flowers were poisoned but he took them anyway and agreed that it was the best way since he was worried what his women at Zi Yun Ding would do to Xiao Yao if he was not around. Laughing and holding her, Zhuan Xu lost consciousness.
When he woke up, he found out that he was alive while Xiao Yao was dead-but-not-quite-dead like the last time. Ultimately, Xiao Yao could not bear to kill him and the poison she fed him could be purged if he could be found in time. As for herself, she started taking the poison long before meeting him so her intention was to die whether or not Zhuan Xu turned (which she had hoped not). Ah Nian turned up at this moment with a white sea shell that she found among Gao Xing’s treasures, which she claimed can prolong her sister’s life. Zhuan Xu placed Xiao Yao in the sea shell and then shipped her off to Yu Shan for treatment.
Ah Nian’s appearance wasn’t written, and was only told as a by-story when Lord Bi asked Xiang Liu on how he managed to save Xiao Yao. In Book 1, Ah Nian had promised Xiang Liu a favor in exchange for him helping her punish Xiao Yao. The favor that Xiang Liu demanded was that Ah Nian to use the shell to save Xiao Yao should she meet with danger one day, but no one was to know that the shell was from Xiang Liu. Once Xiao Yao is at Yu Shan, Xiang Liu then saved her like last time where he fed her his blood. Since the last time he used this kind of life-for-life treatment, it was likely he lost another of his nine lives but when Lord Bi offered to treat him, he replied that there was no difference of having one or two lives less, in face of the upcoming war with Xuan Yuan.
So Xiao Yao was saved and none the wiser on what truly happened. She could only lament that had she known how hard it was to die, she would never, ever plant the voddoo bug in Xiang Liu in the first place. : )
//
TQ for your explanations Moonblossom, I really enjoy them 🙂
So XL saved XY’s life twice (and lost 2 of his 9 lives as well)…If the case with the merman is true, he saved both Jing and XY. Talk about selfless love T__T. Although I want XY to know what he did for her, I think it’s good that some things remain unknown.. (at least to her)
Anyone can tell me how XL and Lord Bi come to know each other that he agreed to keep XL’s secret?
They are drinking buddies but owe no loyalties to each other. Yu Mu is the foster sister to the late Yan Di of Shen Nong and will send medicine or wine to Gong Gong (Yan Di’s disciple) from time to time. Xiang Liu will collect her gifts from Yu Shan and will usually stop to drink with Bi Jun.
Bi is a special kind of fox whose voice can befuddled nearly everyone. But Xiang Liu is one of the rare few who can retain a clear head when Bi sings, and Bi admires Xiang Liu for that as only people who are pure at heart and have no ulterior desires can do that. To that, Xiang Liu joked that he can remain clear-headed because he has nine heads and it is not easy to hoodwink all nine heads at the same time.
Bi can agree to his drinking buddy’s request since it is not something that will impact Yu Shan’s neutral position on worldly matters.
How does XY find out Fang Feng Bei is XL?
To skyblu629:
I would have to keep this short since my laptop is dying. Really and truly thank you for translating the epilogue. It did hurt while reading it but it was more a calming effect than wanting to burst into tears. I just want to applaud the speed you had it up and the time you took to do it. I’m sorry it took so long to show my gratitude but my small phone and I do not agree for me to type long passages without glaring mistakes everywhere.
Though I do have another question that I want to speculate upon. How specific did Tong Hua get on describing the death of Xiang Liu? And does she really describe him as having nine lives?
I am not sure where to find the translated version. This forum also have a short discussion on this book (https://www.shushengbar.net/?p=2228) but the links are to the chinese text.
XiangLiu’s death in described in the last chapter, after Jing & XiaoYao’s wedding.
summary below
/spoiler/
He masqueraded as his godfather General GongGong so that GongGong can slip away.
Chi Sui army fought GongGong’s troops until GongGong had to retreat to a barren island where GongGong’s troops made their last stand. One thousand against RuSuo’s ten thousand soldiers. No one surrendered but all died in battle.
RuSuo ordered all his soldiers to shoot arrows into the surrounded GongGong army. GongGong was hit by 10000 arrows and died.
When they found GongGong’s body, the transformation disappeared and it was actually XiangLiu who had died. RuSuo’s soldiers wanted to desecrate XiangLiu’s corpse but RuSuo did not allow it.
As RuSuo’s troops were retreating, XiangLiu’s corpse dissolved into a pool of black blood that spewed vicious toxic poison everywhere. All the vegetation died and even the earth turned black, no living thing was left on the island.
/end of spoiler/
cried buckets for XL although i had already earlier anticipated that he would die
Ha. Ha. I’m late but here is my contribution anyway.
//Spoiler/Translation on Xiang Liu’s ending…
…
…
Xiao Yao fainted upon hearing news that Xiang Liu has died. Jing escorted her back to Chao Yun Peak and dispatched someone called Miao Fu to find out more.
When the Miao Fu returned, Xiao Yao asked immediately: “Is it fake news?”
Miao Fu: “General Ying Long said Xiang Liu has died in battle.”
Xiao Yao: “This is not possible, I do not believe!”
Miao Fu dared not say another word.
Jing brought a bowl of wine and half-force Xiao Yao to take a sip before asking gently: “Do you still want to listen? If not, I can accompany you for a drink.”
Xiao Yao held her head and bade Miao Fu to continue.
“After Master of Chi Shui (Feng Long) died, his Majesty ordered the extermination of Gong Gong’s army at all cost. General Ru Shou lead the attack with 200,000 soldiers. Under the strong attack from Xuan Yuan forces, Gong Gong’s army retreated repeatedly. They hid among the deep mountains and refused to engage in battle. General Ru Shou set fire to the mountains to force Gong Gong out. Once on land, Gong Gong has to face the strong Xuan Yuan forces, especially with the arrival of another 200,000 back up soldiers, and Gong Gong tried to flee via the waters. General Ru Shou has expected his move and had stationed a fleet of crack solders familiar with water warfare to capture Gong Gong. But Xiang Liu was resourceful and managed to open a path for Gong Gong to escape with a group of kamikaze soldiers. General Ru Shou gave chase and managed to catch up with Gong Gong on a deserted island after several days and nights. He surrounded the island with men and stratagem so that Gong Gong cannot escape even if he is a fish, before battling it out on the island…”
Miao Fu lowered his voice: ”A thousand soldiers against hundred thousand, but none surrendered. Yu Jiang was the top fighter among the clans, and yet could not defeat the injured Gong Gong. General Ru Shou then ordered the archers and shot Gong Gong to death. After he fell, his real form was revealed to be the nine-headed demon…. General knew then that he had been tricked”
Xiao Yao bent over and covered her face, unable to stop her shivers. Miao Fu dared not continue. Jing stroke to Xiao Yao’s back and bade him to continue.
Miao Fu looked at Left Ear and seeing his expressionless face, found his courage to continue “When General Ru Shou found out that he has been tricked, he was not angry. He was happy that Xiang Liu had died and thought that the most difficult part of the war has been won. Because Xiang Liu had injured too many of our soldiers, many of our men had wanted to take it out on his corpse. But General Ru Shou whipped the soldiers who tried to do so and ordered a retreat. They had just pulled out to sea when Xiang Liu’s body suddenly spewed into a pool of poisonous, black blood, destroying all the flora that it touched, charring the land, until there was nothing left living on the island. All the soldiers and General Ru Shou where frightened. Had he not respected his opponent and disallowed his men from mutilating the corpse, it was likely that he would not be able to escape.”
Xiao Yao slide weakly to her bed. Had she not believe before, than at this moment, she can no long choose to disbelieve…. only Xiang Liu can do what has been describe.
…//
moonblossom,
i enjoy your translations very much – thank you.
/cried again re-reading XiangLiu’s demise – of the 3 guys, i liked him best.
Thank you for I have learnt something too. You are right, it should be “toxic” not poison, “vegetation”, not “flora”.
Thank you again Moonblossom! Can you provide some spoilers on FFB & XY? If XY is going to central plains how will she get to see FFB? also will she find out that he is XL? In koala’s translation today for chapter 16, can you explain why XY felt like he was gonna bite her neck? Was it because he was angry since he felt used by her? I just love XL so much that I want to hear everything about him lol. Thanks a million 😉
The beauty about Fang Feng Bei and XL is that they are one and the same; there is no camouflage or difference except for the hair colour. Let me see if i can find the passage and translate it out later.
You can wait for Koala’s next translation to find out how Xiao Yao discovered that Bei is XL through his actions.
As for for feeling that Bei is going to bite her …well, if your girlfriend suddenly choose to be with another guy after spending a lovely date with you, I think it is fair to assume you will get angry or jealous or both. And neck biting is such a XiangLiu-eque thing to do whenever he wants to punish Xiao Liu.
I’m the same as you, I love him so much. I’ll always head here to read spoilers (Moonblossom and the others are so great and helpful, thank you very much)
The discussion here are more about XL <3 though I appreciate all opinions and views about ZX/Jing characters too.
I was thinking the same although I’m probably in the worst position to say so. Do discuss more on other characters of the story folks! This is afterall a forum for Lost You Forever and I’m sorry if all my waxing lyrical on XL is turning you off. I will tone down after I sort out the part on Fang Feng Bei and Xiang Liu for Mayx. : )
Actually, I don’t mind waxing lyrical on Jing and Zhuan Xu, but it has to be on a specific part since the beauty of LYF is in the words, not the plot. I personally find LYF a bit too draggy; Book 2 might as well not exist. But it is the journey and not ending that is awesome for this book.
If you like Tong Hua, you may like to check out her 回不去的少年时光 “Time that We Cannot Turn Back”. It is quite a good book although expect the same kind of bittersweet ending.
XL/FFB is so splendid n yet so tragic. Such characters make wonderful reading in books and draws me in so much,
but in reality? i would also choose Jing – steadfast and reliable. Life with a XL/FFB would be too turbulent.
sad but true
and he bites too and as a demon can potentially eat you up in anger.
Shudder ……
too close to danger for comfort.
Thank you Moonblossom and everyone else who are providing spoilers and helping us answer & better understand the questions we have 😉 I love this forum!
Moonblossom in regards to the other book you mentioned by Tong Hua, is it translated? Is the book modern of historical like most of her books? I can’t read Chinese 🙁 I absolutely love Tong Hua too.
@Moonblossom I’m guilty in wanting to know more about XL more. Always appreciate your efforts 😀
Unfortunately, I can’t read Chinese. I haven’t read the previous translated books either, but will find time to read. It’s a good thing spoilers mostly don’t spoil me to continue reading.
@Petunia In reality, I will choose no one (probably because they don’t exist). They all have their merits and flaws, and each relationship is beautiful. But tbh, everyone is troublesome lol. I’d choose friendship with all three of them, If it’s not because I like XY and understand her loneliness, her 4th choice is the best X’D
@ Lea – yeah, they don’t exist in real life!! 🙂
but someone like Jing, who agrees with me all the time – aaargh, i think will drive me up the wall eventually.
Really XL/FFB is much more fun to be with but risky .
This is my first chinese novel since like forever ; only heard of Tong Hua because of the drama series adaptation of BuBu Jing Xin.
Normally, i dislike chinese novels – scarred by 琼瑶’s horrible books. And the movie adaptations ??? let’s say i’m no fan of Chin Han and Lin Qing Xia on account of pathetic plots.
Mayx: No English translation is available for Time Will Never Go Back unless Koala or Moonblossom wants to translate it:P
petunia: Aunty Qiong Yao (琼瑶) has retired. Most of the current online novels are rather nice & good depending on your taste, from ancient to modern and from funny to angsty.
@ peanuts
retired? Good riddance to bad rubbish !
The only good thing i can say about her books is that they are a good example of bad writing. Her female protagonists should be drowned at birth.
sorry for my rant. I promise this is the last and i shall concentrate on the lovely XY’s story. <3
I have never read a Qiong Yao book, but I have watched her drama adaptations while growing up. All the beautiful, kind, and gentle women ….. made me very depressed for I’m not like that at all! Thankfully, that kind of role model was replaced by Kim Sam Soon and Coffee Prince, and it was like “Farewell Clinging Wallflowers; Hello Sunshine!” from 2000 onwards.
If you are born after 1985 and have never seen a Qiong Yao show, good for you!! It was so depressing to have a Qiong-yao female lead as your role model. Give me a hardworking Eun Chan anyday – even if she looks like a boy and manners of a pig. Or I would say, especially when she looks like a boy and has manners of a pig.
Moonblossom were you able to find the passage regarding FFB/XL? I have another question I’m hoping you can answer, will FFB be more present in book 2 or XL? I love him as both characters but I prefer him as XL a little more just because he’s so bold & bad lol again thanks for the spoilers & clarifications on everything 😉 greatly appreciate it
Thank you so Moonblossom an Petunia for translating his death scene. I feel puzzled about this ending that I feel I just need to wait until Tong Hua do something or nothing at all to change my opinion on his death. But considering all the poison he had been eating thanks to Xiao Yao’s help, it would not be hard to believe his way of death. However I still have one last strand of hope.
I am really happy with all the discussion about Xiang Liu. If your following Koala’s translation, then Xiang Liu would appear the most mysterious right now. We already know Jing’s tragic past and now we’re waiting to see his next move considering the 15 years promise. Zhuan Xu has revealed his ambitions and we all know the path he is going on.
So in my opinion, at the moment, Xiang Liu is the most interesting character besides Xiao Yao with the Yellow Emperor and Grand Emperor right behind them. I haven’t read Onced Promised only what the generous folks have shared. So these two elderly interests me a lot. One, I keep suspecting one of them will die. Two, the repentance or lack there of the two will have in this book.
well said,,,all the little things XY did is a sign that she is inlove with jing to the point of being pathetic just to get his attention..whereas to XL its like they are just best buddy hanging out together,having fun but thats it no romantic feelings involve,,,,just like the purple stone when she is about to put in her mouth but jing told her that he tasted it already and she immeadiately put it down and fell like the stone is burning ….if that is not love i dont know what to say anymore..all XY experiences i expercienced it too..i was onced a girl who was inloved
Hi Mayx! Here is the passage. It was from Book 2 Chap 1 so Koala should be there soon. While recapping, I realized what a great chapter this was. Zhuan Xu was mentioned in the beginning and it was like *swoon* for his determination and hints of love for Xiao Yao which I totally missed the first time. Jing had his romantic moment with Xiao Yao in the middle, while Fang Feng Bei had his big reveal at the end.
Fang Feng Bei and Xiang Liu made several more appearances in Book 2, but fades away by Book 3, leaving Zhuan Xu, Xiao Yao (and through her, Jing) at the centre stage.
//Spoiler/Translation on the relationship between Bei and Xiang Liu
…
…
Xiao Yao brought Feng Feng Bei into the maze. She does not know where to go so she just walked where her foot leads her until they reached a quiet clearing where they can talk without fear of others eavesdropping.
Finally, Xiao Yao turned and shouted: “Are you crazy? This is the House of Little Zhu Chu. If you are found out, I will not be able to save you a second time!”
Feng Feng Bei smiled and replied: “This is not Xuan Yuan City, but the Central Plains”.
Xiao Yao was momentarily stunned and thought to herself, that’s right! This is the Central Plains that once belonged to Shen Nong. Although the major clans have pledged their loyalty to the Yellow Emperor, they still respect Gong Gong who had refused to surrender, especially Little Zhu Chu, who probably harbor more guilt and respect then most. The major clans may not support the rebel army but will not help the Yellow Emperor capture members of the rebel army either.
“So considered me a busybody!” tossed Xiao Yao and turned to leave, but Feng Feng Bei blocked her way.
“How is your archery?” “I kept practicing. Grandfather found me a teacher who is a crack shot. But his teaching method does not suit me. He believes archery require a high level of power and thought I’m being lazy. He keep forcing me to build up my powers for a strong foundation and I dismissed him after a few lessons.” “Then I shall continue to teach you.”
Xiao Yao glared at him. Xiang Liu teaching her archery? Sounds ridiculous.
Feng Feng Bei laughed: “Don’t you dare? Where is the courage when you teased the snake demon?”
Xiao Yao also laughed and agreed. She needed to master archery and the teacher doesn’t matter. If it was Xiang Liu then so be it. Xiao Yao looked at Feng Feng Bei and poke him at the shoulders. “Did you not die already at the Northern Glaciers?”
Others may not understand her question but Feng Feng Bei answered “Yes.”
“Why did you choose him?”
“I did not choose him. It was more of him choosing me. He was dying but could not bear to leave his mother. He promised to give me all his powers if I could take care of her on his behalf and let her live a bit better. It is not easy to meet a god who would willingly be eaten by a demon and his condition is not hard to meet, so I did not reject.” In the world of the gods, a person’s will makes a difference. If a person is not willing, his flesh will only serve as a tonic. If a person is willing, his powers could then be transferred to the demon that eats him.
Xiao Yao had waited years for her mother to pick her up, and understood the fear of waiting. She found that she envied Feng Feng Bei’s mother and asked gently: “Did you see his mother when you returned?”
Xiang Liu lowered his eyes, “I saw her. She was weak, lonely, and had no one to care for her. Because I brought back many valuable ice crystals, the Fang Feng family moved her to a better house and sent her maids. She died smiling after I accompanied her for four years.”
Xiao Yao sighed. The deal between Feng Feng Bei and Xiang Liu has an unregretable ending. But it was still hard to imagine Xiang Liu taking care of an old woman for four years. And which was probably the reason why the rest of the Fang Feng family had no doubts about his identity. “Since you have fulfilled his promise, why are you still pretending to be Feng Feng Bei?”
Feng Feng Bei laughed and looked coldly at Xiao Yao: “I only pretended for four years to fulfill my promise. I am myself for the past four hundred years. Which eye of yours saw me pretending? Be it ‘Feng Feng Bei’ or ‘Xiang Liu’ or ‘Nine Lives’, it is but a name only.”
Although the younger Feng Feng Bei looked different from the older Feng Feng Bei, most had already forgotten his younger looks. As Xiao Yao thought back, Feng Feng Bei may looked different from the cold Xiang Liu, but wasn’t that devil-may-care, does-not-crave-for-anything attitude another form of coldness? The only difference was probably Xiang Liu wore an armor and appeared at the battlefield, while Feng Feng Bei did not wear armor and indulges in worldly pursuits.
Feng Feng Bei mocked: “You probably had more identities then me, could you say all were pretences?”
Xiao Yao shook her head. “No matter how I change, I am still me. But I am ultimately more worldly and value external things more than you.” Xiao Yao looks expectantly at Feng Feng Bei. “You… is this your real face?”
“Who would have the patience to wear another face for four hundred years? And ensure no mistake every time you transform?”
“Do you look the same as Fang Feng Bei?”
“Not the same. But Feng Feng Bei was still young when he left home. It was normal that he change as he age. He also injured his face at the Northern Glaciers and had a doctor repaired his face.”
“They say you have nine faces and eight-one transformations. Is it for real?”
Feng Feng Bei eyes swept the woods and wrinkled his brow. He crooked his finger at Xiao Yao which made her grasp her neck in fear. “I didn’t say anything bad about you! I was only curious.”
Feng Feng Bei squinted at her and asked coldly. “Are you coming over, or shall I?” Xiao Yao dared not utter further and approached Feng Feng Bei. Feng Feng Bei lowered his head and Xiao Yao slouched. She wrapped both hands around her neck and begged. “If you want to bite, just bite the shoulders!”
Feng Feng Bei only whispered in her ear: “There is someone spying on us.
Xiao Yao got angry “And you don’t care?”
Feng Feng Bei laughed and replied: “May I remind you I am son of a concubine. It does not pay to stick my neck out too often.” He placed an arrow with an ice-crystal encased tip in her hand. “Your Highness, let me see how is your archery.”
Xiao Yao asked: “Where is the person?”
Feng Feng Bei held her hand and aimed towards a patch of trees. “There”. Xiao Yao focused and shot her arrow. A shadow ducked and walked out from the trees. It was Jing! Xiao Yao hurriedly asked: “Did it hit you? I did not know it was you.” “No.” Jing passed the arrow back to Feng Feng Bei and Feng Feng Bei smiled as he took the arrow. “How come you are alone? Did you not accompany my sister to play?”
Xiao Yao figured out that Feng Feng Bei had tricked her and called out his name in exasperation. Feng Feng Bei smiled at her and asked why did she call him? Xiao Yao thought that he was irresponsible and cunning and sly. It was obviously Feng Feng Bei’s and Xiang Liu’s bad traits all rolled into one, and what can she do except pray that she will get rid of him the next time he is injured!
Xiao Yao turned and left, hoping to stay as far away from him as possible. Jing tried to follow but Xiang Liu stopped him after a few steps. “I thought I saw my sister searching for you over there.” Jing had no choice but to stop and watch Xiao Yao and Feng Feng Bei disappear among the woods.
Xiao Yao glared at Feng Feng Bei “So is it fun making bullying an honest guy?” Du Shan Jing an honest guy? Xiang Liu wrinkled his brow and replied “Not as fun as bullying you.”
..//
Thank you so much Moonblossom for translating the passage! I absolutely loved it 😉 I cannot wait to read more lol
Have you ever thought about translating any books?
Yes, but I don’t know what would I do that for. I like it when I see a Chinese passage retain its flavor/essence after converting to English. Chinese is v different from English n not just because it is usually written in reverse from a grammar standpoint. The thought process behind each character is vastly different from western books and speaks for itself a culture that has evolved for over 4000 years. Hopefully, more people can appreciate its richness and keep it alive. I mentioned before I’m from Singapore. It is v sad to see how Chinese – as a language, as a social value, as an entertainment media – is disappearing here as the next generation latch on to the superficial stuff.
Thank you Moonblolssom for the passage above. What chapter is this? I love XY and Jing, but Xiang Liu’s appearance always make things more exciting and interesting. I am glad the Jing interrupted XY and XL.
It was from Book 2 Chap 1, when Zhuan Xu finally got himself posted to Central Plains.
How did I manage to get broken two times in a row? The last Tong Hua novel I read, Yun Zhong Ge, I rooted for Meng Jue. For more than a week following the end of that book, I was miserable. Now, I am taken away by all the burning chemistry Xiang Liu exuded with Xiao Yao. When his hand closed around her hand and said “Yes, it sure seems like it’s really beating together,” I literally cannot love him more.
Sighhh, I am on Chapter 11 of Book 3, could not stand the suspense anymore and looked for spoilers here…only to know I will be drowned in my ship. I guess all the signs were there but I was just denying it. When I finished chapter 10 of book 3, I was like “How will Tong Hua turn the tides around and has Xiao Yao be with Xiang Liu in 9 chapters?” And that was when I awoke. There’s gonna be no happy ending for Xiang Liu!
I have this belief that the soulmate should always be the ONE. They don’t have to end up with each other, but at least they must be the OTP. omg, the Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao ship never even sailed. I can live with Xiang Liu dying, but I’m just super upset that he never even told her his love. How selfless is he.
In Da Mo Yao, I never cared about the other guy who was not Huo Qu Bing (cannot even remember his name) and never understood why others were so taken away by his selfless acts. I can understand now that Xiang Liu happened to me. Xiang Liu is probably the purest character I have ever encountered. His love for Xiao Yao is the most innocent I have ever experienced.
I am just super despondent now, feel so out of energy, cannot do anything. This is how much this impacts me! Maybe I should have really finish the last 9 chapters instead of reading spoilers. To feel more. To be with the characters. I am pretty sure if I had not read the spoilers, Xiang Liu’s death would have hit me in the face and I would have cried/fainted like Xiao Yao.
His non-appearance in most of Book 3 so far did have me worried, but I really didn’t expect him to die! All the “nine lives” stuff made me think he was really invincible, so the possibility of his death didn’t even enter my mind. Die without even once confessed to Xiao Yao!
Tong Hua, I wonder whether I should love your books because they make me feel so much or hate them because most of the feelings are sadness, misery, and despair.
Moonblossom can u translate the passage when xiao Yao found out that feng fang bei is Xiang liu?
Maira,
I totally empathize with you.
I am from Singapore and happened to stumble upon Koala’s blog. I was looking for recaps and never expect to be swept into the Tong Hua’s world. I stopped at ep 18 of BBJX when I couldn’t bear the ending. I cant read Chinese as I am exempted from Chinese language.
Anyway, I think Xiang Liu knew that there is no happy ending for Xiao Yao and him if they choose each other.
Firstly he is with Gong Gong which cant be accepted by either Yellow and Grand Emperor. Either he leaves or dies. That is it!
Secondly, I suspect he asked Xiao Yao for poisons so that his body would be highly toxic and destroy everyone within certain distance upn his demise.
Thirdly, he knew Xiao Yao yearns for companionship which he cannot provide. Only Jing can. And I really admire Jing for being steadfast and I don’t think any guy can stand seeing Xiao Yao’s lovebites.
FYI, I was for Meng Jue (crash)
I was for Chilbongjie (Answer 1994) *Crash*
Now I am not shipping anyone hahahah – but I would love to slap Ah Nian but feel vindicated when Xiao Yao “fought” with Ah Nian.
Moonblossom, many thanks for translating. Please continue 🙂
There is not much to translate. There was an assassination attempt at the Yellow Emperor n Xiao Yao found Bei injured n hiding in her room. The Fang Feng clan may support Xuan’s uncle but has no grudge against Huang Di. Plus the fact that he asked for her blood for healing…. the person can only be Xiang Liu.
I have been following this page since ockoala began translating the book. I have been enjoying all your comments, spoilers and translations very much. Not great for my study time, but oh well.
I understand that a lot of people love FFB/XL. I do too! He is such a unique character. That being said, I still prefer doting and clever Jing – I have a huge soft spot for him. It is my understanding that there is a very sweet chapter in book 2 (chapter 3, I believe) where Jing and Xiao Yao spend more time together. If it is not a huge imposition, would anyone have time to translate the interesting parts?
I look forward to reading more of your comments and insights 🙂
Oh my God, that’s exactly how i felt. i was reading this book until chapter 9 book 3 and i was searched for some spoiler here and my heart broke when i know Xiang Liu gonna die.
so i take some times to calm my self and after i can brave my self to continue to read, my eyes swollen so bad after crying all night long. Xiao Yao reaction was just so sad. Sometime i hate Xiang Liu for not telling Xiao Yao that he loves her so much, but i realize that he didn’t tell her because he knew that Jing is the best man for her, not him. He will always protect her and give her his lives without any hope.
Every time i remember about him i always want to cry T___T
Each volume’s English title corresponds to a male lead!
Volume 1: Lost You Forever – Zhuan Xu
Volume 2: Love You Forever – Jing
Volume 3: Miss You Forever – Xiang Liu
I think he made her swim back bc he knew the exercise was what she needed. She was suffocating at the palace and needed to feel like she was free again in the vast ocean. Like XY said she is a woman who likes to sweat – that is when she is most happiest. XL knows XY, even when she doesn’t know it herself. He is her soulmate 🙂
How did xiao Yao found out that zhau xu love her? How did she react?
Maira
I wonder Koala would be offended if you tell the readers about this link in her blog as she did mention about no-spoiler in her thread.
One of the things I love about Lost You Forever is that some chapter titles came from poems. I am going back to volume 1 and 2 and writing about the origins of these chapter titles on a wikia. If anyone wants to write with me, here is the link http://lostyouforever.wikia.com/.
A wikia is an organized medium to explain background stuff from Once Promised and explain nuances or things you notice; that way the stuff you write can help someone else in the future too. When I love a novel so much, I take notes and mark down pages and passages so that I can go back to it later. Sometimes I feel that it’s a waste to keep them to myself, so I want to share it!
If you’re interested, crowd-writing Lost You Forever with me! You don’t have to think of it as work; like because I love Xiang Liu so much, most of the stuff I write and the passages I marked down are about him, lol.
@Missymay, I didn’t know about that. Would she? Oops, I really didn’t know. I emailed her my apology and told her she can remove my comment if she wants. Hope I didn’t ruin this for someone else.
She found out from someone else. Her reaction is disbelieve and more disbelieve. I can only say poor Zhuan Xu! But it was finally his moment to shine.
Peanuts – could you do the spoiler-hiding-bar thing for my passage below? It was not my intention to spoil Koala’s fun because she put in incredible effort to translate so much and in such detail. But I just spent a long time working on this on my iPad instead of a laptop, and I hope not to waste it.
//Spoiler/Translation on how XY found out Zhuan Xu loves her….
…
…
MoonBlossom: Hidden already. It is nice of you to write those spoilers and those who come here are eager to read them or else they won’t be bother to search for spoilers. Anyway, if they know Chinese, they can read ahead or read those spoilers in Chinese website. Some even use google translate to translate into less than perfect English themselves. Some people are rather impatient and eager. They’ll still read and support koalaplayground for the full translation. Just that some probably have a weak heart like me & can’t take surprise so they wanna prepare themselves. After you know your destination, then only you can enjoy the journey better:)
Kamsahamida!!
@ peanuts
Certainly, I am one of those impatient ones who have read on the Chinese version after Koala’s english translations – i started after Koala’s translation of chapter 2. It is only from Koala’s website that i have discovered this lovely lovely book.
My chinese is not good enough to easily read the chinese websites on this novel and i’m too lazy to bother slowly plodding through them. I prefer to spend my efforts on the book itself.
While i can know enough Chinese to understand the gist of each chapter, i find i miss the details that enrich the tale. Hence i appreciate so much the English spoilers here.
Even when i do understand most of the chapter, I simply enjoy re-reading it again in English.
Thank you Moonblossom!
@ Maira
Thank you for starting that wikia project.
It’s so interesting – there are so many things i don’t know and i’m so happy that someone much more knowledgeable has put it all together for people like me. Many thanks.
I’m so sorry i dont know enough to contribute to it. I wish i did and could.
Omg thank you so much Moonblossom! I love the passage you just translated! It’s so heartbreaking. ZX’s part seriously broke my heart. I love XL but like Jing & ZX as well. All three men in this novel are awesome.
Well that’s me peanuts. I won’t complain eventhough my head ache so much after reading the translation from google. I just can’t wait. The curiosity really torture me. So i feel glad and grateful you guys make all that scene and conversation clear for me.
I read Maira’s comments about how the titles of each chapter forms a Chinese poem, how cool is that? The thing that strikes me next is ‘在水一方’ (on one side of the river) in one of the title. I think Tong Hua has a special affinity to this poem or phrase as she also uses this as the name of the pub in her book “Times that cannot be turn back”.
Hey Maira, very cool wikia project! Coincidentally, I was starting work on translating Chapter 7 of Once Promised and was reading up on on its title as well since I thought it was too poetic to be translated. I agree that learning about the origins of the title conveys so much more.
Questions987 from Koala’s blog and I collaborated and edited this super cute comic strip about Xiang Liu’s nine heads scene in Chapter 3 to English. I want to share it with you guys because it’s just too adorable. I found the comic strip while browsing the images in Tong Hua’s weibo.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i460/Vina_Le/XiangLiuScroll.jpg
There are also two other comic strips: one about Jing and the other about the benefit of a wife (lol).
Hi decembi, thanks for the encouragement! I love poems, especially ancient Chinese poems because they just arggg so beautiful. They can convey so much with just 4 words in a few lines. Sometimes they are deliberately ambiguous, and it’s this multiple layers property that makes them powerful.
So far I found that in Book 1, six chapter titles (8,9,12,13,14,17) are from poetry; four of them are from the Classic of Poetry and describes a range of topics. The other two chapter titles, Book 1 Chapter 9 and Book 1 Chapter 14, came from the Song dynasty’s poems, and both deal with separation and longing.
Decembi, if you found more and can point them out to me, I would be very grateful because I love poetry and writing about it! If you feel like it, write on the wikia too. lol, if only I write, it’s only gonna be about Xiang Liu.
While researching the poetry titles in Book 1 again, I discovered something interesting and super cool tidbit that would have totally make me hyperventilated if I had been following the novel live. I love it when authors leave crumbs as hints for the readers.
Tong Hua is sneakily hinted at the Chinese title of Book 2 in Chapter 15. Chapter 15’s title is 思往事，易成伤.
These are lines 5 and 7 from the poem 訴衷情 (sù zhōng qíng) by Ouyang Xiu (歐陽修). And of course 訴衷情 (sù zhōng qíng) is the title of Book 2: Telling of the Sorrowful Love!
You can read the whole poem here: http://28utscprojects.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/s026/
Basically instead of this whole line “Recollecting bygones and bemoaning loss of time predispose me to suffer pain,” Tong Hua shortens it into “Recollecting bygones predisposes me to suffer pain” for the Chapter 15 title, hinting at the Chinese title of Book 2 as the name of the poem.
I suddenly feel like a detective.
@ maira
you’re an excellent detective.
TQ for all the interesting info – i’m amazed.
Can someone spoil me regarding the incident where XY force Jing to kiss her underwater but he refused? Thank you!
Spoiler pls when XY finally meet her mom, A’Heng wt the help of grand emperor.
@ Moonblossom, as a mom….do u think Lost U Forever is a safe and good read for a 9 yr old who studies Mandarin. So far, in Koalas translations… no steamy make out scenes yet ( ? )
My daughter luvs mystical characters. Thank U So Much!
The make out scene is with Jing in book 2. Nothing too steamy – just a lot of kisses and beating hearts. If that is fine with you and she like myths, no harm reading.
I only read romances and most have them are explicit so I cannot recommend. Maybe someone can recommend other mythical books here?
Moonblossom,
is the makeout scene including *the really makeout* thing? or is it just kisses?
Deeply,
Personally, if I had a daughter, I wouldn’t give Lost You Forever to her because it’s just too adult-complicated and can be sad/bittersweet. These are very complicated emotions, and I wouldn’t want to burden a 9 year old girl with them. She’ll have questions about adult things.
Thanks Maira and Moonblossoms 🙂
This is my cue to sell “Time that cannot be turn Back” again. ha.ha. But while the story is interesting – it tells the growing up story of Luo Qi Qi in 80’s China. She was a misfit who buried herself in books and gangster friends, and turned out top student as a result. However, I thought a nine-year old interested in mythical beasts would not be keen on this kind of boring, real life tale.
Kissing only, in Book 2, chapter 3 Xiao Yao got some alone time with Jing by pretending to take qin lessons from him. She wanted to tease him but ended up the one seduced while Jing is more at ease.
Jing could tell that Xiao Yao’s heart was not with him so he did not kiss her.
//Spoiler
…
… In Book 2, chap 1. XY was busy helping Zhuan Xu recover from his addiction. When he recovered, she finally had a chance to meet up with Jing. Jing noticed her fatigue and suggested she take a nap. She confessed that she has been under a lot of stress lately and that it may be better to swim instead.
Xiao Yao jumped into the lake with a splash. It was summer and the water was warm. She tried to dive to the bottom of the lake but it was deeper than expected and she had to surface for air.
Seeing Jing’s smile, she remembered something and slapped her head. “I’m so stupid!” as she took out a purple ruby from under her collar. “I have forgotten this treasure you gave me! Let’s go play under the sea. It is very beautiful and we can play for a whole night without being bored.”
“Sure.”
Xiao Yao suddenly thought of Xiang Liu and turned silent. Is he being Xiang Liu now or Fang Feng Bei? She grabbed Jing into the water and said “Accompany me to the bottom.” Without waiting for his answer, she put the fish ruby in her mouth and pulled him into the water. The water was indeed much deeper than expected and even Jing have difficulty coping even with his level of powers after a while. He pulled Xiao Yao’s hand to indicate that he wanted to go up but Xiao Yao shook her head. Jing did not mention going up again and gamely followed Xiao Yao even when his face started to change colour.
Xiao wrapped her hands around his shoulders and tried to pass him a mouthful of air. Jing stared at Xiao Yao blankly and choked. Xiao Yao quickly passed him some air and continued their descent. They finally reached the bottom but there was nothing to see in the pitch blackness so Xiao Yao started to swim up. Jing finally woke from his daze and followed her. Xiao Yao pointed to her lips to indicate that Jing could kiss her if he is out of air. But Jing did not touch her and quickly swam to the surface.
Xiao Yao spat out her fish ruby and asked Jing with a mixture of shame and confusion. “Why?”
Jing looked at a spot far away and answered “I was not in your eyes.”
Xiao Yao walked towards the hut without a second word.
..//Spoiler
Samie, for you.
//Spoiler. Mother and daughter reunion in book 3.
(I can never read this part without crying so let me summarize)
…
…
By this time, the whole world was aware that Xiao Yao was Chi You’s daughter. Jing sought Jun Di’s help to let Xiao Yao learn the truth of her parentage so that she can finally be at peace with herself.
Jun Di was hesitant because he was not sure if truth is what Ah Heng would want for her daughter but he finally agreed. He brought them to a dessert and held on to Xiao Yao’s hand to protect her from being scorched by the dessert heat. The heat was unbelievable and even a powerful water god like Jun Di could not prevent burns as they venture deeper and deeper. Xiao Yao begged to turn back and tried to shake off Jun Di’s hand. He refused and never let go until they reached an oasis lined with peach blossoms.
The moment she reached the oasis, Xiao Yao felt coolness envelop her. Jun Di and Jing however, could barely stand. To an outsider, it was as if Xiao Yao was the powerful god while Jun Di and Jing were the mortals. Jun Di called out “Ah Heng!” and after a while heard a reply “Shao Hao? Is that you?”
Xiao Yao saw a shadow in the distance. Jun Di finally saw the woman of his dreams and there is so much to say and so little words until he only managed “How have you been all these years?”
The shadow (Ah Heng) answered that she is ok and asked after Yellow Emperor and Zhuan Xu. After Jun Di and Xiao Yao updated her, Ah Heng noticed Jing and asked why was this person here. Jun Di mentioned that Jing was here because he seeks the thing most precious to Ah Heng. Ah Heng wasn’t impressed that Jing was a descendent of the Nine-tail fox but decided to accept him after Xiao Yao assured her mom that he was very good to her.
Ah Heng asked for a moment to be alone with her daughter. Alone, she told Xiao Yao of how she met and fell in love with Chi You; their sixty years writing to each other at Jade mountain; her farce of a marriage to Shao Hao; how Chi You sacrificed his life for hers when she turned into a demon after the final battle between Xuan Yuan and Shen Nong.
Xiao Yao finally asked the question that has always bothered her “Mom, you have never meant to abandon me right? It is not that you do not want to retrieve me from Jade Mountain but more that you can’t right?” Xiao Yao have seen the heat emitting from her mom and already knew in her heart that there is no way Ah Heng could make her way to Jade mountain. Ah Heng admitted that she could only hope for Xiao Yao to come to her one day and that her father has been keeping her company all these while.
Xiao Yao thought for a moment Chi You was alive but Ah Heng quickly corrected her that it was Chi You’s heart in her body, as well the oasis they were in. Did she not feel its protection the moment she stepped into it? Xiao Yao wanted her mother to leave with her – she is a very good doctor now and she can cure her. Ah Heng is more realistic and only asked for a hug before she had to go. “Your dad is right. He had said that I would find all of this worthwhile when I finally get to see you and tell you that we both love you very, very much.”
Xiao Yao knew her mom has endured this burning hell for over 400 years and should not suffer longer. She has seen her mother’s form – an ugly demon with blacken skin without any hair, for all had been burnt away. The oasis disappeared into a stream of peach blossoms, leaves and wind in order for mother and daughter to hug. In that moment, their family is finally together. Before Ah Heng disappeared, Xiao Yao saw a slender woman in green and a strapping man dressed in red. The heat disappeared the same time they disappeared, and raindrops finally fell from the heavens enveloping everyone in their soothing coolness.
..//Spoiler
Thank U so much moonblossom *xoxo*
Thank you Moonblossom!
Is there any moment like this for XY and XL?
That’s true peanut! I really can’t wait to know the development of the story.
That’s why Thank you Moonblossom for your patience and kindness in replying each of our question and then make some time to actually summarize some parts of the story! I really appreciate it.
Can u translated that part where she learned Qin lesson and the part when Xiang Lu stay together under the sea when he save her the first time?
Luckily there is. What he lacked in quantity, my Xiang Liu made up for it in quality. Below is one of my favourite passages in the book.
//Spoiler: XY’s underwater date with XL
After Jing’s wedding, in which Xiao Yao did not attend and Fang Feng Bei did, as brother of the bride, Xiao Yao met Xiang Liu as she wandered around the city. Xiang Liu knew Xiao Yao must be feeling down so he cracked jokes and offered to bring her out.
…
…
Xiao Yao was peeved that Xiang Liu could sense her sadness over Jing’s wedding. It was her feelings and it was supposed to be PRIVATE. She was disturbed how naked her feelings were to Xiang Liu, but cheered up a little when Xiang Liu pointed out that he felt 100% of her heartaches, and not one-ninth of it like physical pain. Could she please take better care of herself so that he could have a better life?
After a pause, Xiang Liu suddenly said: “Sometimes, I part-time as a killer.”
At her quizzical look, Xiang Liu went on: “If you are willing to pay, I can settle Fang Feng Yi Yang and her baby for you.”
Xiao Yao thought that it was a lousy idea so Xiang Liu concluded half seriously “So don’t you get heartaches so easily in future. Make trouble for me,and I may end up killing you myself.”
Xiao Yao wasn’t satisfied: “I did not force you to accept the voodoo bug in the past!”
“In the past, I knew you were useless and would often get injured. However, I never expect you to be so useless and can’t even guard your own heart!”
Xiao Yao tried to rebut him, but could not find the words. Dejected, she dropped her head like a wilted sunflower.
A wing horse appeared and Xiang Liu hopped on. “Aren’t you coming?”
Xiao Yao raised her head “To where?”
“To the sea.”
Xiao Yao knew the sea was far away, but she could not stem the longing that seemed to be in her blood. She stood “Let’s go then!”. She left instructions to inform Zhuan Xu that she needed to be away for a few days and hopped on the horse.
As she looked at Xiang Liu on the way to the sea, she asked “Aren’t you going to change your hair back to white?”
Xiang Liu replied: “My hair is dyed and not changed with a magical spell.”
“Why did you choose such a troublesome method?”
“The first time is because I do not want to make any mistake. The subsequent times are because of habit.”
Thinking that there were times where Xiang Liu felt clumsy and nervous, Xiao Yao laughed.
Xiang Liu seemed to know what she was thinking and said plainly: “In the beginning, all baddies and normal people are alike.”
Xiao Yao’s laughter faded.
Soon they were at the sea.
Xiang Liu caught hold of her and sky-dived into the sea. Xiao Yao gave a start but soon started to enjoy the feeling of free falling. The wind was biting and the only warmth came from their entwined hands. Xiao Yao suddenly thought that even if she fell to her death now, there is nothing much to it.
Xiao Yao felt the sea enveloping her as they dove down. When she felt herself running out of air, she tugged Xiang Liu and indicate that she wanted to go up. When he refused, she was chagrinned, did he wanted to force her to…. again?
Xiang Liu laughed at her and continued swimming while Xiao Yao continued her internal tug-of-war. To kiss or not to kiss? Her promise to Jing has been broken now that he was married. When she finally decided to heck it and darted towards Xiang Liu, he ducked and smiled at her. She felt embarrassed and decided to die rather than be laughed at so she dived even deeper.
Xiang Liu gave chase and said behind her. “Don’t suffocate yourself. Try take a breath. I am not forcing to you… kiss me by not letting you surface. It is just that you no longer need that stuff.”
Xiao Yao paused and tried his suggestion. To her surprise, she found that she could indeed breathe like a fish! Instead of being happy, she shouted: “You must have done it on purpose. Xiang Liu I hate you!”
“Wait. I could even talk under water?” Xiao Liu continued. “Xiang Liu, I hate you! How dare you still laugh. You… you…” Xiao Yao had nothing to threaten him. She knew that he only cared for Shen Nong Rebel army but she did not dare to make threats on that even if she has suddenly grown ten extra guts. Giving up, she decided to ignore him and enjoy the sea on her own.
They saw many beautiful fishes and corals. They even heard the mesmerizing songs of the merpeople. Xiang Liu was surprised she knew it was their song of love and Xiao Yao had to deflect his suspicions that she knew it because she heard him telling her so during her 37 years with him. She dragged him to play peeping Tom on a mermaid couple and fled when they were discovered by the angry mer-couple. When she was tired, Xiang Liu called forth a giant shell for her to rest while he guard over it. This was the scene she made into a crystal ball as a present to Xiang Liu in future.
…//Spoiler
Oh my god I so in live with Xiang lu thank you moonblossom
Thank you moonblossom!
Is it just me that wanting a more steamy scene or make out scene for XY and XL? Can I know which chapter that XY got assassinated?
Book 2 chapter 4
Thank you for the spoilers
I feel so much close to Xiang Liu and how pure and single minded he is towards his Saviour and Xiao Yao. I wish he could be like Jing, giving up Gong Gong for xiao Yao so that xiao Yao won’t suffer
I rather have soulmates being together rather than staid Jing being with xiao Yao. Oh my ! I really admire Tong Hua for her fluid vivid imagination. It is a truly gem in her these days.
You all have made my Mondays brighter with your posts
Another in Book 3 chapter 10
Wow…can anyone share spoilers on make-out sessions between Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao – Book 2 Chapter 4 & Book 3 Chapter 10?
Thank you
Thank you very much !!!
I love love love reading comments here and reading Koala’s translations. I just can’t get over how lovely this novel is. On top of that, my love for XiangLiu is never ending. Now does anyone have their hands on links to some fanfiction (Chinese or english) ._. I need to read something where XiangLiu and Xiao Yao has a happy ending before I can put this down in my heart T_T I’m not familiar with any chinese sites and on top of that… no idea what fanfics are called in chinese 🙁
For all the JIng-XY shippers, here is a summary of their time together in Book 2, chap 3
//Spoiler – Qin lessons from Jing.
Xiao Yao accepted Feng Long’s invitation to stay at House of Little Zhu Chu as Zhuan Xu wanted to foster closer relations with the major clans. Jing took the opportunity to invite himself over, and Xiao Yao decided she could spend more time with him on the pretext of taking qin lessons.
…
…
When Xiao Yao finally got Jing alone at his room, she asked him coolly: “Why did you not seek me out? If I had not come to you, will you not find ways to seek me out?”
Jing replied: “I did seek you out.” He was outside her woods the night before, and only left after she slept.
“You were spying on me?”
“Not exactly. I wasn’t near enough, I only saw your silhouette…”
Xiao Yao said: “I told Xin Yue I wanted to learn qin from you and you can see me every day.” At Jing’s smile, Xiao Yao continued smugly “Am I not clever?”
Jing smiled and nodded.
Xiao Yao felt a wave of sorrow for him. What was his expression when everyone else have left to hunt? How did he feel whenever he walked towards Yi Yang but she only stared at the floor?
Xiao Yao went over to Jing and buried her face in the nook of his shoulders. Although she did not say a word, her gentle embrace had conveyed her feelings. Jing caught her closer and felt that there was nothing else he could hope for.
They hugged for a long time and only broke apart when his attendants approached.
Xiao Yao pushed Jing to sit on the bed and examined his leg. Although she could not fully treat the injury, she was confidant she could heal it until it became unobvious when he walks. When Jing asked if she minded the injury, Xiao Yao shook her head and kissed his injured calf. Both were shocked by her action and fell into a daze. Jing finally moved next to her and said “If you don’t mind, let’s not treat it yet.”
“But I mind that others mind. I do not wish others to look down on you. I hope that you can be happy. I wish you…”
Jing silenced her with a finger to her lips. “I understand your worry but Xiao Yao, so long as you are willing to look at me, I do not care how others look at me. I am not hurt by what they think.”
Xiao Yao wanted to say something, but Jing leaned over and she forgot what she wanted to say. He kissed a corner of her lips, and then the next corner and when she did not duck, he finally covered her mouth fully with his.
His kiss reminded Xiao Yao of the nectar from the Pheonix flowers. When she was young, she loved to suck its nectar and let its sweetness permeate her. Only this time, she was the Pheonix flower and Jing was the one sampling the nectar.
When Jing slipped his tongue in, Xiao Yao felt weak all over. She did not understand why she felt sweetness all the way from her lips to her heart when she was the one being sucked? Xiao Yao laid down on the bed and Jing was entranced by her hair which had came lose. He lean over to kiss her eyes to stop them from trembling and yet he liked to see then trembling for him. He kissed her cheeks that had turn rosy because of him. He kissed her hair, delighting in their entanglement. Xiao Yao looked at him from half-lidded eyes and smiled. Jing cannot stand but kissed her lips again to capture her smile into his heart so that he could treasure it forever.
Xiao Yao smiled and said: “It is sweet”
“Uh?” Jing does not understand.
Xiao Yao buried her face in his chest: “Your kiss is sweet.”
They parted finally and Jing held her loosely as he did not dare to tempt himself further. Xiao Yao lifted her head and asked with her eyes shining “Why?”
“What why?”
“Why is it now? When we were at the beach the last time, I invited you… but you refused.”
“I am not sure. Maybe it is because you are too good to be true. Maybe it is because I am too selfish. Or maybe you are too…” Xiao Yao could not hear his last few words but the shape of his words looked like “tempting.”
The next day, Jing went shop for a zither with her and they started her lessons. She was an impatient student and her “lessons” often ended up with Jing playing for her. Jing has not played the qin since his torture as his fingers were damaged and he could no longer played like before. However, he would play if Xiao Yao wanted to hear, and this slowly healed one of his emotional scars. His maid was also won over by Xiao Yao from this moment, for she knew Xiao Yao has helped her master overcame one of his emotional hurdles.
After 6 months of peaceful idle, it was time for Xiao Yao to show off her skills. Feng Long and Xin Yue had asked many times on her progress but she had always pushed it off. After she played her piece, Xiao Yao asked others for their opinions. Feng Long tried to say something encouraging but when Xiao Yao insisted that he say the truth, he finally blurted: “I think your talents lie elsewhere. If there are people who asked you to play in future, just reject the request!”
Xin Yue also interjected: “Xiao Yao, you have let down your master. If people ever ask, please don’t admit that you were taught by the Master of Qing Qiu!”.
Jing tried to shoulder some of the responsibly and everyone pipe in one word after another, and time passes away in the sounds of their laughter.
..//Spoiler
Hey,here is the Viet Ebook.Hope this help 😉
http://tieuduongtd.wordpress.com/truong-tuong-tu-dong-hoa/
AcrossTime, you can check out baidu forum for any fanfic: http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kw=%B3%A4%CF%E0%CB%BC
Dream: http://tieuduongtd.wordpress.com/truong-tuong-tu-tap-2-to-trung-tinh-tac-gia-dong-hoa/
Yuyi, since you can’t understand Chinese, your only option is English translated Chinese books which can be found here:
https://www.shushengbar.net/?page_id=27
Most of us have lost touch with English language novels since there are too many Chinese novels to pick from so you may need to go to an English book bar to get some recommendations. Off the top of my head, someone recommended me a funny English novel called Bewtiching by Jill Barnett but I’ve yet to have the time to check it out.
Where can read book 2 in vietnamese?
I am a Xiang Liu shipper and love everything you are able to put out of their scenes but reading your spoiler of the qin lessons just made me squeal so much inside. I think it’s because the piece was so lovely and there was actual happiness in it that made me turn to mush.
I think my beef with Jing is because he is Jing. I loved Ye Shi Qi and felt for him in my bones when Xiao Liu was mad at his betrayal, when his identity was outed.
Then there’s Zhuan Xu that has to shoulder the world and lose the girl. Your spoiler on his moment with Xiao Yao nearly had me crying like a baby and I had to read it a couple of times just to be in the moment awhile longer.
Now I just love them all so much that I really don’t care anymore what happens in the end or who gets who or who is better than who. They are all awesome and feel like actual people I can connect with.
Moonblossom, you really are spoiling us rotten 🙂 Thank you!!
So actually I have a favor to ask and I am sorry to be using this page because it’s not even about the book.
I loved to read when I was younger and would go through books like water but then the ability of nitpicking kicked in when I was around 19 and began to lose interest because stories began to become predictable and mainstream and the writing become quite juvenile.
And unfortunately I only know how to read in English because I was lazy younger to understand Spanish. (Am raised in America, in parts of California and then Arizona that does not offer kids learning Chinese as a secondary language in high school)
Basically, can anybody recommend anything in English that have a similar feel or really a book that would bring a reader into their world and won’t fizzle out in the end and make a reader regret even starting.
I had read the Eragon series because I liked the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Come fourth it made me wonder why his style of writing became so different it did not feel it was the same writer.
I actually liked the first book of the Twilight series because it had such a beautiful romantic concept in it, however hated the rest wishing the author had quit and kept the beautiful world that was created in the first book untainted.
I have tried many romance books and some carries me til the end, but now they all are starting to sound the same because of the instant attraction of “he’s/she’s the one and can be no one else” feel. If done right and actually have some logic of why the development of feelings were explained/caused I would not feel like I should be banging my head on a desk.
To be honest, I love romantic stories that are cheesy and mushy and actually love moments of sweet cringe worthiness if the characters draw me in.
I’m sorry this is becoming such a long post, but it’s been awhile since I have read a good book that makes me restless and now all I have is Eternally Yearning For You and Pillow Book to wrap around me and drive me nuts waiting to know what happens.
You would probably have read Nora Robert but in case you have not, I enjoyed her “The Villa” and hope you would like it too.
Another series I would recommend is “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (book 1), “The Girl Who Played with Fire” (book 2) and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest” (book 3) by Stieg Larsson. They are crime trillers and the romance parts are probably more sadistic than romantic. It is not suitable for children and young adults because of the violent theme/scenes. It is sad too that the author has died and there will be no more books from him.
Thank you Peanuts and Moonblossom for your recommendations.
I think what I’m suffering from right now is how different Chinese Novels are from English Novels. I’m really drawn to the lyrical prose of Chinese novels that is hard to find in English Novels.
I really am not internet/social media savvy, so I don’t know any book bar besides this one :P. I have been on Goodreads.com for a few weeks now and they have a huge database as well but nothing so captivating as Eternally Yearning For You. I think I’m having withdrawal symptoms from an inability to fully enjoy the book, *laughs*.
It was koala’s blog that led me to this novel.
Then intense curiosity n impatience led me to search for the ebook/audiobook and spoilers.
Hence, i landed here n not only found this but other great chinese books as well!
I’m so glad n thankful to discover this “bar” – best bar i’ve ever visited!!
I am totally floored..Tong Hua actually used historical figures and weave stories around them!
And she is very young and born in the year 1980. Hat off to her!!!
1. Just wondering what Hou’s & Fang Feng Yi’s reaction was when Jing was found.
2. I saw the summary on the exile of Hou. Can anyone share why FF Yi kill Hou?
3. If in the ending, Jing and Xiao Yao wander, what happen to Tu Shan businesses?
This is what I can recollect. Please correct me if I am wrong:
(1) The first time Jing was found at Qing Shui town, we did not know their reaction although his fiancee was supposedly very happy. The second time Jing, Hou and Yi Yang all perished together so they never knew Jing survived.
(2) Hou broke Yi Yang’s heart. When Jing exposed their affair to the clan elders, Hou pushed all the blame to Yi Yang. Heartbroken, she agreed to receive the heaviest punishment, which is to become a sacrifice for the Fox ancestors (who will suck away her powers in a painful process) while Hou was exiled. I thought she had died but she appeared when Hou tried to murder Jing, and ran a sword through Hou and herself.
(3) When Jing “died” in book 3, the elders became guardian of his “son” and managed the family business. When he returned from the dead, he went home but bade the elders to maintain the cover that he has died. The elders promised to guide his son until he has grown up and can take over the family business.
Did xiao Yao still keep in touch with Jiang after his wedding?
Can anyone translate the chapter where XY is assassinated? Thank you!
@peanut @acrosstime if you find any good fanfic about XL and XY, can you post the link here? (Sorry, is this allowed?) My Chinese is not good enough to surf websites… What I’ve been doing to read these books is to tranfer into pinyin. I can understand around 70% and the rest I depend on koala’s and moonblossom’s translation. Desperate times call for desperate measures
@Yuyi
There’s a lot of English scifi-fantasy books like Eragon (which I also really liked) available such as the also really popular Mistborn or Wheel of Time series. If you like wuxia, spcnet has a fairly large community of people who translate famous wuxia novels into English:
http://www.spcnet.tv/forums/forumdisplay.php/29-Wuxia-Translations
Moonblossom can you translate XY’s first assassination attempt? I know you mentioned a little before about how XL was the first to know and feel it by dropping everything to seek her, and ZX getting a weird feeling something happened as well as Jing, but can u actually translate that passage? I’m dying to find out how it went and how each guy reacted or felt. What was she like when Jing first found her? If you can spoil us some more with this I would greatly appreciate it 😉 thank you for all your spoilers and help
@lilZah
Thanks, actually I have been there and tried a couple out. But same as here where most are not done translated and there is so much gore and denseness in main characters that have banging my head again.
Hi Moonblossom,
Thank you for your contribution and constantly spoiling us with some tidbits of the novel. I was wondering if you could help translate the part how zhuan xu come about holding xiao yao’s skirt or shoe? After reading zhuan xu’s confession to xiao yao i feel terribly for him. His ambition to the throne was because he wanted to protect those who he love (xiao yao). The price of the throne was the sacrifice of losing her. However reading the novel up until now through Ms. Koala’s translation I have a hard time realizing that there are any hidden emotions that zhuan xu held for xiao yao other than a brotherly love.
Thanks
Ok, let me work on it tonight as it is a far bit.
Actually, Tong Hua has hinted at Zhuan Xu’s feelings for the longest time. Take this instance in right at the beggining of Book 2 for example. I missed at the first reading and only noticed it when I was translating why Jing did not kiss Xiao Yao.
//Spoiler. Zhuan Xu’s moment with XY in Book 2 Chap 1. ..
…
…
When Zhuan Xu was officially dispatched to Shen Nong, Xiao Yao rejected all invitations to meet Jing as she needed to focus on getting rid of Zhuan Xu’s drug addiction. Zhuan Xu relied solely on willpower to get over his addiction and Xiao Yao did not bind him up like other drug rehabilitants. Sometimes, he would lose his mind when the withdrawal symptoms hit him hard, and he could even hurt Xiao Yao in the process. But the moment he saw her hurt, Zhuan Xu would quickly regain his control.
During this period, Jing accepted her rejection without complaints, but he would send her 15 bottles of Plum wine to mark every 15 days that they haven’t seen each other. Finally when Zhuan Xu has recovered…
Zhuan Xu saw the latest crate of wine and laughed at Xiao Yao: “Du Shan Jing has gone crazy!”
The crate contains 105 bottles of Plum wine. It has also been 105 days since Zhuan Xu and Xiao Yao reached Shen Nong.
Had it been in the past, Xiao Yao could have finished all the wine. But Xiao Yao has stopped drinking these few months in order to concentrate on helping Zhuan Xu. All the unopened bottles were chucked to the wine cellar and there were easily a few hundred bottles in the cellar at the moment.
Zhuan Xu took out a bottle and asked: “Did your promise to Jing involve something to do with 15? I noticed it is a recurring theme, as if to remind you of something.”
Xiao Yao opened a bottle and happily gulped some “How I miss this taste with the past few months of abstinence!”
Zhuan Xu lowered his head and played with the bottle in his hand. “There is nothing wrong to miss wine, just don’t miss the person.”
Xiao Yao made a face and continued drinking “Please help me pass a message to Jing that I can meet him now.”
Zhuan Xu’s lips compressed to a straight line.
“Zhuan Xu?”
Zhuan Xu shook himself out of his reverie and smiled as took a swig from his bottle “Sure!”
..//
I swoon at the part “Just don’t miss the person”. In retrospect, I am sure there were 10 or even 20 hints littered all over the story. If you were not focusing on Zhuan Xu, you would probably have missed them.
i think many clue about Zhuan xu feeling to Xiao Yao mostly written in book 3. i feel so bad for him because he desperately hold his feeling for Xiao Yao.
The night before he marry Ah nian and told Xiao Yao that he didn’t want Xiao Yao to attend his wedding nor congratulate him made me cry so bad.
Hi Moonblossom,
Thank you for pointing that out, now I do see the little hints of zhuan xu’s feelings for xiao yao. Your translation of his confession was so sweet. He has a lot of devotion to her as with him seeing her everyday. I couldn’t help but be a little more anxious to read more about about zhuan xu. At the beginning, I was totally shipping Xiang Lui and Xiao Yao, but i’m slowly warming up to zhuan xu with your translation. =)
Thanks Moonblossom, take your time 😉 Thanks again for spoiling us 😉
Hi Redhazel,
i think many clue about Zhuan xu feeling to Xiao Yao mostly written in book 3. i feel so bad for him because he desperately hold his feeling for Xiao Yao.
The night before he marry Ah nian and told Xiao Yao that he didn’t want Xiao Yao to attend his wedding nor congratulate him made me cry so bad.
if that’s the case, I can’t wait for Book 3, I want more clues =).. Awww, I can’t wait for the part where he marries Ah nian.
For mayx and Deeply (I hope you are referring to this assassination)
//Spoiler/Translation. Our 3 heros and XY when she died…
…
…
At a party hosted at the House of Little Zhu Chu Xiao Yao was lured into a patch of snowy woods. Someone had laid a trap for her and she could not find her way out of the magical maze. There were bloody traps and beasts trying to kill her. She defended herself with her dagger and bow but could not hold out for long.
When she was badly injured, a man appeared whom she recognized as the guy who accused her of being Chi You’s daughter. He refused to buy her argument that he had mistaken her identity and used a spell to conjure up daggers from the ground and pierced through her body. As Xiao Yao lay bleeding, the man cried out for his family to finally be at peace.
– – – – – – – –
In the deep mountains outside Qing Shui town.
Xiang Liu was discussing with his godfather Gong Gong on food rations for the coming spring. Suddenly, his face turned somber and he stood.
Gong Gong looked at him quizzically “What is wrong?”
Xiang Liu threw down a “I have something. I need to go” and raced out of the hut. He called for Furball and before it had fully touched down, he leaped on it and started flying to the Northwest.
Gong Gong could only exchange confused looks with another of his general.
– – – – – – – –
At Zi Jin Ding in Shen Nong Mountain.
Zhuan Xu was lying on his bed with Xiao Xiao’s head on his knee. He was listening lazily to a report on the palace refurbishment when he felt his heart lurched as if like a panic attack.
He pushed Xiao Xiao away and stood up. Seeing the displeasure on his face, his man bade his leave while Xiao Xiao waited expectantly for his orders.
Zhuan Xu collected himself and remembered that he had the exact same feeling when misfortune befell his dad thousands of miles away. His faced changed colour and he ordered Xiao Xiao to lead some troops to where Xiao Yao was and to keep her alive at all cost.
She left and he called out arrangements to leave as well. He prayed “Dad, Mom, Aunt, Grandma, Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, please, please I beg of you!” No matter how bleak the future was, he had promised them that he would survive and there was no need to worry for him. Now he can only pray that they can bless his only remaining family.
– – – – – – – –
In Du Shan residence, Qing Qiu.
Grand Madam Du was telling Jing, Yi Yang, Hou and his wife Lan Mei, that she wished to see Jing assume reins as head of the family and for them to live together in harmony. If they could give her great-grandkids, she would be able to die with a smile on her face.
All four fell silent. When she coughed, Jing sooth her back and assured that all will be well and not to worry. Grand Madam glared at him: “You are the one I’m most worried about! You refused to get married and refused the handover ceremony. How long more are you going to drag this out?”
At this moment, Jing’s scented pouch dropped to the floor. He bent to picked it up and felt a sudden sense of foreboding. The pouch was from Xiao Yao and a thought flashed across his mind – he must find Xiao Yao immediately.
On that thought, he dashed out of the room, leaving a sea of confused faces behind.
Grand Madam Du figured that Jing must have sense that something was about to happen. She explained to her curious family that Jing has inherited their family prediction genes. He had the sixth sense, which was something that had helped steer the family from misfortune in generations past.
She looked at Hou and then to the Nine-tail fox portrait on the wall: “Jing is destined to be Head of Du Shan clan.”
Lan Mei lowered her head while Ying Yang cast a worried look at Hou. Hou just smiled coldly.
– – – – – – –
Jing rode like the wind to the House of Little Zhu Chu. When he was told that Her Highness has gone to the plum woods, he rushed there. There were many ladies and gentlemen gathered under the flaming flowers but there was no sight of Xiao Yao. Jing called forth his little fox to track down Xiao Yao. He followed it to another valley where he found a deathly maze made with water, wood, and fire energy.
He wandered in and heard a man crying. When he found him, he saw the ground soaked with blood. A bloodied body hang in mid air and it was hard to differentiate if the body belonged to a male or female other than it has a pair of wide-open eyes. Jing gave a painful cry and rushed to cut Xiao Yao loose.
He called out her name repeatedly and tried to transfer his energy to her. He kissed her cheeks, eyes and lips that would no longer bloom for him. He was shaking and his tears soaked her clothes. No matter how much energy he tried to give her, there was no response. Xiao Yao! How am I going to leave in a world without you? I was wrong to leave you. I should never have left your side no matter the reason!
By now the maze has morphed into an inferno which was meant to destroy all evidence to conceal the murder. The flames licked at Jing and burnt his clothes and skin, but he continued to hug Xiao Yao closely and did not let go.
Xiao Yao! I only wanted to be your Ye Shi Qi. I had promised to listen to you forever so please do not abandon me! I will follow you no matter where you go! No matter where you go, I will follow!
– – – – – – – – – –
When Zhuan Xu and Xiao Xiao arrived, all they saw was flames. Zhuan Xu tried to go in but Xiao Xiao held him back. Zhuan Xu kept crying “Xiao Yao! Xiao Yao!…” and refused to be restrained. Xiao Xiao bit her lips and finally knocked him out. She ordered her men to protect His Highness while she venture inside with some guards. If she did not return within an hour, they must escort His Highness back to Shen Nong Mountain.
Fire has consumed the whole place and Xiao Xiao and the guards could see nothing but red flames. Time trickled by and the skin of the guards was scorched black. Still, they showed no fear and kept calling out “Your Highness! Your Highness!”. Finally Xiao Xiao led the men to a corner where they found a man holding a girl tightly in his arms. He was transferring his energies to her, which kept the girl safe from the flames while he himself was burnt to the point of near unconsciousness.
The guards quickly surrounded the couple and blocked the flames. They tried to separate the two and bring them out to safety but they could not get Xiao Yao out from Jing’s grasp no matter how they tried.
A guard with wood energy changed his weapon to a stretcher and managed to transfer Jing and Xiao Yao out of the woods. Xiao Xiao checked their pulse and found that Jing was still alive but Her Highness…. has no more life signs. Xiao Xiao ordered her men to return to Shen Nong Mountain and to take turns transferring energy to Xiao Yao. She also sent word to Xing Yue that Xiao Yao was gravely injured but to keep a lid on the news.
When they returned and Zhuan Xu woke, Xiao Xiao said “We have brought Her Highness back from the fire.” purposely using the word “brought” instead of “rescued”.
Zhuan Xu was brought to see Xiao Yao, whom they finally managed to separate from Jing. Xiao Yao was resting on a special water jade mattress, which was rumoured to have been used by the late Flame Emperor and good for preserving magical energies.
Xiao Yao was all bundled up such that only her face was visible. Yin, the mute doctor, informed Zhuan Xu that Xiao Yao was dead. Zhuan Xu turned to him with eyes of an enraged beast and Yin promptly fell to the floor in fear.
When Zhuan Xu finally squeezed out “Dismissed.” the doctor retreated gratefully. Zhuan Xu sat beside Xiao Yao and touched her face. Although his eyes were sinister, he face was calm as he ordered “Speak.”
Xiao Xiao immediately reported on Her Highness injuries. Her palm, feet, legs, shoulders and abdomen has been pierced through thrice. There were also multiple dart wounds on her body. Such killing method was usually used to avenge another blood debt. Although the last weapon used was fire, the injuries on Her Highness indicated the presence of a water and wood spirit. From the looks of it, there were at least 3 people who laid the trap. One of the killers must also be someone who knew Ms Zhao in order to be able to invite Ms Xin Yue and Xiao Yao to the party.
Zhuan Xu’s breathing hitched before he calmed down “Go and check. Find the culprit but do not let him die!”
As Xiao Xiao turned to leave, Zhuan Xu bade Jin Xuan to inform the Grand Emperor, Yellow Emperor, and let them send their best doctors. Jin Xuan left to do his bidding.
Due to the continuous energy transfer, Xiao Yao’s body was still warm. Although Zhuan Xu could not felt her pulse or breath, he could feel a weak heart beat. He stroked her forehead and said “I know you are strong and will survive. Xiao Yao, you know the taste of abandonment so I know you will never abandon me. I have planted Pheonix trees at Zi Jin Ding and they will blossom in a few decades. Remember your promise to see the Pheonix flowers with me at Mount Shen Nong!”
Xin Yue arrived with two of the best doctors in Shen Nong. When she saw Xiao Yao, she lost the strength to stand and fell to the floor without a word. As the doctors tended to Xiao Yao, Zhuan Xu helped her up “This has nothing to do with you. It was a carefully designed plot and you should not blame yourself for the mistake of people who would make use of others.”
Xin Yue felt the tears in her eyes and felt her heart warm. Her sense of guilt made her all the more angry with the people who had made use of her and promised to investigate the matter thoroughly in order to answer to Xiao Yao.
The doctors finished their examination and said: “Your Highness, please pardon our incompetence.” The two doctors was tutored by the late Flame Emperor, who was a great doctor himself and their words were as good as death bells. Xin Yue felt the tears on her face but dare not cry out as it would add to Zhuan Xu’s burden. Zhuan Xu was calm as he dismissed the doctors “Xiao Yao would not abandon me. She will make it this time.”
Xin Yue swallowed the words she wanted to say and passed a chest of rare medicine to Zhuan Xu. Zhuan Xu thanked her and bade her to leave to do the thing that only she could do. Xin Yue said she understood, and Zhuan Xu bade Jin Xuan to see her out.
Outside, Xin Yue asked the doctors if Xiao Yao has really… gone. The doctors confirmed that Xiao Yao was dead, and it was only the energy transfers that had prevented her organs from turning cold. Seeing that Zhuan Xu could not accept the truth, Xin Yue bade Jin Xuan to try console Zhuan Xu before she left with the two doctors.
Jin Xuan returned to Zhuan Xu to report on Jing. Although his injuries were not severe, he remained in coma as if he sought death. Zhuan Xu considered his steadfastness worthy of Xiao Yao and bade Jin Xuan to keep him alive with medicine.
Zhuan Xu sat with Xiao Yao that whole night. When Jin Xuan asked Xiao Xiao if they should try to persuade him, Xiao Xiao shook her head. “His Highness knows what he is doing. He cannot rage, cannot cry, and above all, cannot collapse. This is his outlet to express himself. Let us just do the things within our areas.”
Suddenly, the alarm sounded indicating an intruder in Shen Nong Mountain. Xiao Xiao bade all guards not to panic and maintain their stations while Jin Xuan stood by Zhuan Xu to protect him.
Zhuan Xu smiled. “If there is indeed someone here to take my life using this opportunity, I would make him regret his decision.”
A burst of power surge to the hall and Zhuan Xu turned to Jin Xuan with a smile. “Such a powerful being could not have been a normal assassin. Let’s go and meet him.”
Jin Xuan wanted to advise him against it but agreed in the end. With this man, everything can only be his to comand and she could only obey. Zhuan Xu bade the guards “No matter what happens, your job is only to protect Her Highness.” and stepped into the outer hall.
A figured in white appeared in the distance. His white hair and silver mask was like a pure snowflake under the sun and very striking to the eyes. Zhuan Xu smiled “So it is an old friend.”
The guards surrounded Xiang Liu but he used his magic to send words into Zhuan Xu’s ear “Zhuan Xu, do you want Xiao Yao to live, or die?”
The news has been suppressed so the fact that Xiang Liu was so well-informed meant that he could very well be the killer. Zhuan Xu’s fury reached its peak but he smiled “Let him in.”
Xiang Liu walked towards Zhuan Xu “Where is Xiao Yao?”
“What do you want?” Zhuan Xu could not figure out his motive. If he wanted something from him, he would need Xiao Yao to be alive. But the killers had wanted Xiao Yao dead.
Xiang Liu was a clever man and guessed that Zhuan Xu has mistook him. “I was not behind this. I was at the mountains outside Qing Shui town yesterday afternoon and only just stepped into Shen Nong Mountain.”
Zhuan Xu belived him “How did you get to know about Xiao Yao?”
Xiang Liu replied “At Qing Shui town, Xiao Liu poisoned Xuan with a weird poison. To remove the poison, Xiao Liu had shifted the poison to another person.”
Zhuan Xu raised his hand to dismiss his men. “The voodoo bug is in you?”
“Um.”
“Why?” Zhuan Xu understood how Xiao Yao could have poisoned someone else for his sake, but he could not comprehend why Xiang Liu tolerated her actions.
Xiang Liu was expressionless “That is between Xiao Yao and me.”
“What is your motive of coming here? Why did you ask me if I wanted Xiao Yao to live or die?”
“Give her to me. I could save her.”
“What do you mean give her to you! Can’t you treat her here?”
“No!”
Zhuan Xu gave a bitter laugh: “You are the nine-headed Xiang Liu who has took numerous lives. If my brains are not muddled, we are arch enemies. Why would I trust you with my sister?”
“If you do not hand her to me, she can only die.”
Yin and the two doctors had proclaim Xiao Yao dead. Xiang Liu was the only one who believed Xiao Yao was not dead. He did not believe Xiang Liu but he could not abandon the only hope of keeping Xiao Yao alive. “Let me think about it.”
Xiang Liu replied calmly: “Her time is running out.” Had there not been so many powerful experts giving their energy to her, Xiao Yao could not have made it even if he managed to rush here. It could be said that Zhuan Xu’s extravagant gesture bought Xiao Yao a line of hope.
“How long do you need? When is the next time I could see her?”
“I am not sure. Maybe a year or two. Maybe a few decades.”
Zhuan Xu paced up and down the hall. Finally, he made up his mind. “Take her away! But if you dare harm her, I will raze your army to the ground and cut your body into a thousand pieces!”
Xiang Liu replied calmly: “Even if I do not harm her, will you not raze my army to the ground and cut me up into pieces?” What is the difference of a few or a thousand pieces to a dead man?
Zhuan Xu looked at Xiang Liu in consternation. He suddenly understood how Xiao Yao could be friends with Xiang Liu. He may be a low-life, but he was an interesting low-life. He sighed “So long as you understand my meaning.”
Xiang Liu asked Zhuan Xu for his best medicines which Zhuan Xu bade Jin Xuan to bring. “Is this enough? If not, I can get more from Yellow Emperor, Grand Emperor and Yu Mu.”
Xiang Liu looked at the big chest on the floor and mocked “This is enough. No wonder everyone wanted power.”
Although Zhuan Xu has made his decision, he could not help but clenched his fist when Xiang Liu picked up Xiao Yao. He said to Xiao Xiao “Escort him out from the secret tunnel! I do not wish my sister’s name to be associated with a monster. I have hopes that she can still marry well.”
Xiang Liu did not seem to mind and continue to smile as he carried Xiao Yao into the tunnel.
…//
This is my second or third time reading this part. I did not noticed before that most was written about Zhuan Xu – his denial, his calm facade in face of calamity. He really had the makings of King.
Thank you so much for translating this part. I was looking forward to it.
I was glad to read that Jing got to spend some time with his beloved Xiao Yao. It seemed like he only got to spend a few hours here and there since he returned to being Jing.
I do get how so many find Xiang Liu and Zhuan Xu more exiting and fiery than Jing. I don’t think that he’s gentleness and quietness should be against him though.
I have been re-reading ockoala’s translations and noticed so many indications of Xiao Yao’s affection for Ye Shi Qi and how he is her ideal partner. I found most revealing when she didn’t care who tried to assassinate Zhuan Xu (even Xiang Liu), as long as it’s not Jing (when Zhuan Xu was shot by an arrow in Qing Shui Town). Also, her definition of happiness in one of the chapters was peaceful, quiet and boring. Such happiness can only be Jing. Combined with his willingness to give everything up just to be by her side, I cannot help but root for him regardless of my deep affection for the other two guys (heartbreak!!!).
So again, thank you for all the spoilers and translations! I was wondering if anyone could translate the reconciliation of Jing and Xiao Yao once they find out that Yi Yang’s child was not Jing”s? I am so giddy at the two of them being together after their separation.
After reading koala’s cute translation about Furball and Yuan Yuan, can anyone tell me what happened to Furball after XL died???
Thank you Moonblossom for taking your time to translate this! I know I’ve been so greedy asking for many chapters to be translated 🙁 but I really just so curious about some chapters!
I agree with Bella regarding the pre and post XY and Jing reunion! Can you tell us more about this?
There is no mention of Furball after Xiang Liu died. It was wartime. Doubt anything good can happen. Only hope he flew away.
Thank you soooo much, Moonblossom! I’m the sort of person who likes to read entire books in 1-2 days, and waiting for one chapter a week is killing me. Thanks to all the spoilers here, I can almost piece together the entire story, and it has put my mind at ease somewhat.
You may like this. It follows my spoiler yesterday when Xiao Yao died and our 3 heros rescued her.
//Spoilers/Translation. 37 years.
…
…
Xiao Yao remembered the last thing she saw was a sea of plum blossoms flying towards her. Petals surrounded her and it was a beautiful sight. Then came pain.
She could feel her heartbeat fading away. Just before it stopped completely, she heard the sound of another heart. The beat was strong and bade her own heart to follow suit. She seemed to hear Xiang Liu say “Are you intending to give up just like this?”
She wanted to rebut – what do you mean by “just like this”? Try being beaten like a pulp and see if you would give up!
She felt her heart weakening again. Despite encouragement from the second heart, her strength was fading. Suddenly, a surge of power course through her and jumpstart her heart beat again.
She could see nothing, hear nothing, feel nothing; but she could feel the sorrow. She could not imagine how the owner of the energy must be feeling if his/her power felt so dissolute. Xiao Yao wanted to know who was feeling such sadness, but she really lacked the strength. It was as if she was in a deep sleep, or asleep in a coffin buried deep underground, and it was torturous!
In the darkness, time has no beginning or end. She has no idea how long she was trapped, but she understood that it was the most fearsome thing in the world to be trapped in eternal darkness when the mind is alert. If she could kill herself, she would have done so. In her helplessness, she started to hate the person who saved her.
One day, Xiao Yao could feel a trickle of warmth flowing into her and she sucked at it greedily. After some time, there would be another trickle and although the wait in between the trickles was long, it made waiting more bearable.
Time lost its meaning. Xiao Yao has no idea how much time has passed, except that it was really, really long!
One day, Xiao Yao realized that she could feel again. Someone was cradling her and although she could not see or hear or feel her own body, she could feel two heartbeats, probably as a result of the voodoo bug. She sensed his gentle touch on her face and him lying down beside her. He seemed to have fallen asleep, so she fell asleep too. When she awoke, he was gone.
She was not sure how long she waited but after some time, she felt Xiang Liu. He touched her forehead, bade her hello, laid beside her, and fell asleep again.
Every 20 to 30 days, Xiang Liu would treat her. They should be pretty intimate during each treatment because Xiao Yao could feel him holding her tightly to him, when he would only touch her forehead during normal times. Gradually, she could feel the warmth she felt was probably Xiang Liu feeding her his blood. Unlike normal blood, the blood is very hot so Xiao Yao guessed that he must be feeding her his life blood.
Because Xiang Liu is poisonous all over including his blood, he must suck it out from her (neck) each time he fed it to her. Xiao Yao guessed that this must be life-for-life treatment she heard about, and she sincerely hoped he really has nine lives so that he would not be too disadvantaged by giving one of his lives to her.
Slowly, she started to recognize sounds and could hear something opening or closing every time Xiang Liu returned. Sometimes Xiang Liu would talk to her. She really hoped he would talk a bit more to her but he was always so silent. In a moment of grief, Xiao Yao wondered if something has happened and Xiang Liu has turned mute?
One day, she felt Xiang Liu gentle caress on her face “Xiao Yao. I hope you would not hate me after you wake up.” Xiao Yao thought – I won’t! I won’t! I promised I won’t if you can just say a few words!”
But Xiang Liu was silent again and she thought – I hate you! I hate you! I hate you even if you are the one who saved me!
Xiang Liu would check on Xiao Yao every day. Although she was as prone as ever, he thought the crease between her brows was not the same. He suddenly remembered Xiao Yao saying that she was afraid of loneliness. “Are you feeling bored under the sea?”
Xiao Yao was surprised she was under the sea. No wonder she felt like she was floating in a cloud.
Xiang Liu said” “Let be bring you to see the moon!”
Xiao Yao was jubilant – Yes! That sounds great!
Xiang Liu swam with Xiao Yao to the surface. Xiao Yao could feel the sea breeze and hear the tide and wind. Xiao Yao was so touched at that moment, she could have cried.
Xiang Liu said. “It is a crescent moon tonight. Its shape is like a bow. I would treat you every full moon and could not bring to the surface. I have not seen the full moon for many years.”
So she has guessed correctly that Xiang Liu would treat her once a month. She heard before that demonic powers were strongest at full moon, which was the time Xiang Liu choose to heal her. Xiang Liu fell silent and held Xiao Yao to him. Xiao Yao fell asleep and Xiang Liu smiled at her in slumber.
From then on, Xiang Liu would bring Xiao Yao out every few days. He was still a man of little words, but he would mention something mundane every now and then.
Once it was near full moon and the clouds formed a pretty border. Xiang Liu said “Tonight’s moon looks a little like your magic mirror which you use to store your memories…”
Xiao Yao broke into a cold sweat.
Xiang Liu paused “You must erase them when you are awake.”
Xiao Yao though through her cold sweat. No problem! All is negotiable so long as you don’t get angry and break my mirror!
Once, they met with a huge storm. It was similar to hurricane on land, but more fearsome.
Xiang Liu said: “When I escaped from the slave arena, I was badly injured and nearly died in a sea storm. It was Godfather who saved me. At that time, there was still Shen Nong and besides Godfather, there were other famous generals in Shen Nong like Zhu Chu and Chi You. I injured Godfather in my desperation to escape but he did not seem to mind. He taught me a set of healing skills and said he would bring me to the Flame Emperor for treatment. I did not believe him so I ran away again.”
Xiao Yao hoped he would say more, but he did not continue and left the storm with her.
After a long time, Xiang Liu brought her to the surface. “It is snowing. Where is the most beautiful snow you have seen?”
Xiao Yao thought about it and replied with certainty – Up in the Northern Glaciers where there are thousands of miles of snow. The snowfall is frightening, but is also the most beautiful!
Snowflakes floated down on them and Xiang Liu said “The most beautiful snow I have seen is at the Northern Glaciers. I hid there for a hundred over years to avoid capture. The snow not only saved my life but let me understood many things. It also inspired me to create my own cultivation method together with the healing skills Godfather taught.”
Xiao Yao thought – No wonder his moves are graceful as flying snow whenever he kills!
Xiang Liu smiled and continued. “Outsiders have always ponder on my choice of white clothing but it is actually just a habit. White is the color of camouflage up in the North.”
Xiang Liu fell silent again and Xiao Yao felt a wave of sadness for him. He should have left the North after he met Fang Feng Bei. When Shen Nong fell and Gong Gong was at his most dissolute, he probably went to Gong Gong to repay his kindness. When Gong Gong took him in as his godson, it became even harder to cut ties. On this, Xiao Yao thought she hated Gong Gong but the situation was a little ridiculous, so she ended up moody with herself.
Xiang Liu stroked her brow. “Are you not happy? Do you not like the snow? How about I bring you to play in the sea?”
After another x years, Xiao Yao could feel her own leg and move. Although she did not know if she managed to wriggle her toes, she felt the time was approaching for her fully awake. Xiang Liu returned and stared at her for a long time. She could not fathom his thoughts, but could feel him pondering until he came to a decision. “It is full moon tonight. Let me bring you out to play!” Xiao Yao did not understand. Is she not suppose receive treatment during full moon?
Xiang Liu brought to many places and was very generous with his words that night.
“There is a shell there that is bigger than your bed at Qing Shui town. You can use one to make it into a bead if you like it in future.”
“There is a fish monster whose ruby is probably better than the one you are wearing. However, you probably have no use for it in future.”
They heard an ethereal sound. It was mesmerizing but it sounded neither like voices or instrument. It was the most beautiful sound Xiao Yao has ever heard.
“The merpeople are in heat again. That is the song of love they use for courtship and rumored to be the most beautiful sound in the world. Gods and humans cannot hear it but you may be able to hear them when you awake.”
After half a night, they finally returned.
“Xiao Yao, do you remember Du Shan Jing? He is Wen Xiao Liu’s Ye Shi Qi. Since you fell asleep, he fell into coma. He managed survive with the help of medicine but he is unable to hold on much longer. He is going to die.”
Jing… Jing… Xiao Yao did not feel sad when she died. Life has beginnings and naturally has endings. However, she felt sad now. She does not want Jing to die.
She tried to move and heard Xiang Liu say “Will you be sad if he died? Will you hate me to the core?”
Xiao Yao thought in her heart: I do not want Jing to die. I will not hate you either.
“I am going to wake you tonight.”
Unlike previous treatments, Xiang Liu’s blood is like a fire ball when they were like sparks previously. The fire course through her body and seem to split up her cells before healing close again. Xiao Yao could not cry or make a sound. Slowly, she could move her hands and legs. And gave a loud cry. As power surge through her body, the pain of it knocked her unconscious.
When Xiao Yao woke up, she could feel the sunlight on her eyes. She found that she could raise her hands and she called out for Xiang Liu in joy. There was no answer but she could feel the sun outside her cocoon. The walls have a lovely wavy pattern and when she pushed at the walls, it opened to allow sunshine to surround her.
Only someone who has been trapped in the dark understood the precious feeling of sunshine. The light hurt her eyes but she could not bear to close them. Her eyes filled as she stood and she gave out a long cry.
Xiao Yao found that she is wearing a loose white dress and is atop a giant shell in the middle of the sea. So Xiang Liu has been letting her sleep in a clam all these years? Is it not like him hiding a precious pearl in a shell?
She put her hands to her mouth and shouted “Xiang Liu! Xiang Liu. Where are you? I have work up!”
She saw Furball flying towards her but there was no sight of Xiang Liu. She stroked its back “Furball, where is your master?”
Furball flapped his wings and gave a loud cry as if inviting Xiao Yao to climb aboard. Xiao Yao asked happily “Xiang Liu bade you to bring me to him?”
Furball shook his head.
Slowly, she asked again “Xiang Liu asked you to send me back?”
Furball nodded.
Xiao Yao could not understand if he was busy or he wanted to avoid her. The happiness she felt faded away like the tide at her feet.
When Furball pecked her hand, she climbed to its back and flew towards Shen Nong.
..//
Thank you moonblosson! Can I ask if you can translate the part when xiao Yao reunite after jings wedding with yang yi?
thanks moonblossom for your wonderful spoilers 🙂
pls continue your current spoiler….when furball brought XY to Jing who refuses to live and how she fed medicine to him *swoon*
Does anybody have a clue if Tong Hua wants to write a squeal to this one. We got to read the continuation of Xiao Yao and Zhuan Xu from Onced Promise and we can see that the kids’ generation starting to form from Eternally Yearning For You. “Du Shang Jing” has a son and Zhuan Xu will definitely have kids also. Again, still not believing Xiang Liu is gone completely, maybe he would be like A’heng waiting.
And maybe Xiao Yao and Jing will have a kid as well. But to be honest I don’t want them to have kids because
1. Xiao Yao suffered growing up so she might not want her kids to feel the same especially since they would be able to live a long period of time.
2. The two feel like Huo Qu Bing and Jing Yu to me because they just want to be free and together, so they might start neglecting their kids as well, so again back to how Xiao Yao will feel if her child would have to go through the same thing she did
Moonblossom, thanks so much! I am totally on xl ship for now. He knows her so well then he also knows what to do avoid more longing in the future. In the first parts of your translation-37 years- the surge of power and sorrowful feeling xy felt-was that xl? Why wasn’t xl talking much to xy all those years? Why did he say I hope you won’t hate me when to wake up? What did xl do?
At first, I thought the sorrow was from Jing since he was the first to transfer power to her and we read how distraught he was just before we came to this part. But when I re-read the passage again for translation, I realised it was actually Xiang Liu who was grieving. No matter how powerful he is, there must times at the beginning when he can feel her slipping away and dispair over his helplessness.
He was a man of little words.
When he gave his lifeblood to Xiao Yao, he has changed Xiao Yao into a demon like him. That is what he meant when he said “gods and humans cannot hear the merpeople song, but Xiao Yao can hear them in future” – as she would have become a demon like him. He is insecure how Xiao Yao would react and fear that she would dispise him for it.
Many years later during their underwater outing, he finally told her in the face that she has changed into a “wierd creature” because of him. When Xiao Yao took a while to digest the news, he assumed she was displeased and tried to run away. It is cute to see how a big bad guy like him would angst over something like this. : )
Moonblossom, I think you have successfully converted 90% of the Lost You Forever SSB readers to Xiang Liu shippers. Even I’m starting to feel sorry for Xiang Liu all over again. Ah, the feels.
Only because the SSB folks have not read enough about Zhuan Xu : ) Zhuan Xu came in really strong in book 3 and I expect most would probably change ship by then.
Koala did the right thing by keeping her preference close to heart until her latest translation. I saw the shipping war at her forum and could only imagine the war on the chinese blogs. No matter who you ship, no matter who you like, this book is an interesting read. And like Missymay said, written by a woman in her 30s. Amazing.
you right moonblossom. i change my ship from Xiang Liu to Zhuan Xu when i was reading book 3. But then i change my ship back to Xiang Liu again when the novel end 😛
please don’t throw egg to me. it’s just my heart that can’t resist Zhuan Xu.
actually i still love Zhuan Xu so much.
Moonblosson can u translate the part where Xiang lau told xiao Yao ?
Hi RedHazel,
Same goes with me, I’m a xiang liu shipper, sometime i would feel my heart ache for him at the gestures that he’s done for xiao yao but not asking for anything in return. He would suppress his emotions and never let her know his feelings for her and at the lengths he go through to protect her. I think Xiao Yao is in love with Jing though. Sometimes, Jing would be stalking xiao yao while she’s with Xiang liu, he really ruins her moment with them. In addition, the guy seem to constantly remind her of their 15 year promise. Sometimes I couldn’t help but feel that he’s insecure and needy.
Anyhow, I like Zhuan xu too, do you think he had developed feelings for xiao yao when they were kids in once promise or did he start having romantic feelings for her in chapter 12 when he first saw as in the female form?
Of course not! I love all 3 guys by the end of the book. In fact, I was on Zhuan Xu ship even before I started LYF.
Liliy, it happened like this:
“Wait. I could even talk under water?” Xiao Liu continued. “Xiang Liu, I hate you! How dare you still laugh. You… you…” Xiao Yao had nothing to threaten him with. Giving up, she decided to ignore him and enjoy the sea on her own.
Xiao Yao found that she is literally like a fish in water, Xiang Liu asked if she felt weird. Xiao Yao pirouette a few rounds and swam to Xiang Liu “It feels strange. My body seems different from the past.”
“This is the price you have to pay to survive – become a monster.”
Xiao Yao froze and recalled he once said “Do not hate me” during one of his treatment.
Xiang Liu waited quietly for her response and when there was none, he figured she must be upset. He laughed and sped past Xiao Yao. When she realized he has left, she quickly gave chase and kept calling “Xiang Liu! Xiang Liu..”
She could not keep up with him and he never looked back, leaving her to stare at his back from a distance.
“Ah!” Xiao Yao gave a sudden cry and bent over as if she has been bitten/injured by a sea monster.
Xiang Liu was beside her in a flash. He reached for her before he realized she could not have been hurt. They were connected through the voodoo bug and he would know if she was indeed hurt. Before he could pull back, Xiao Yao has caught hold of him and smiled like a cat who got the canary.
Xiang Liu gave her a cold glare: “Let go if you do not wish to die!”
She let go of his hand but held on to his sleeve. “I was only joking! Why are you so petty?”
Xiang Liu ignored her and swam away. She followed closely while holding on to his sleeve. “My body has indeed become different, but I do not feel that it is a ‘price to pay’. In fact, it is gift from heaven which I am more than happy to accept!”
Xiang Liu continued to ignore her but did not try to brush away her hand.
…”
I believe Tong Hua is trying to be fair to 3 guys by writing everything from beginning to end for each guy. I am truly amazed how much homework she did to ensure that nothing is missed out.
Even though I can’t read Chinese except 1 to 10 *hehehe*, I can more or less follow the ending thanks to SSB postings.
Zhuan Xu has certainly paid a heavy price for killing Jing and losing XY at the end. I wonder what happens to his 1st wife, Xing Yue after her murder attempt was discovered?
Xiang Liu must have died with a smile – paying off life debt by dying in his godfather’s place and finally meeting his soulmate. I believe he really relished every moment he dated XY as Fang Bei.
Jing – a solid steadfast guy. I must take my hat off to him for being resilent and never turn red. My husband is green in face if I am close to any guy except gay male.
If there is LIKE button in SSB, I definitely will click LIKE on every posts here.
I have 3 nagging questions
1. If Zhuan Xu marries so many wives, how he spends time with XY? Who is Xiao Xiao to Zhuan Xu? No physical action??
2. If Jing leaves Tu Shan clan into his son’s hands, i believe Tu Shan will fall as the son does not inherit fox instinct like Jing’s 6th sense. I wonder whether Jing divorces Yi after discovering her affairs?
3. Who was Xiao Yao’s 1st husband before she marries Jing?
Thank you
Thank you moonblosson
moonblossom, if you don’t mind… could you translate the part when xiao yao finally see xiang liu’s true form? I’m so addicted with this novel, and my fav char is xiang liu… thanks
Thank you moonblossom. I know this might be too much with all the request ppl have been asking u. But if u have time (only if u really have free time though >.<) can u translate the part where XY found out that Yi yang is pregnant? And the reunion between XY and Jing after the affair has been announced? Thank you so much!
Moonblossom, thanks so much for this!
it was really, really fun to read about xl running away and xy holding his sleeve and that 🙂 they are both such a tease
thanks moonblossom!
I also initially thought it was jing! but as i read thru your translation i realised – she can’t even feel anything at all – so i was thinking the only way she’d feel the sorrow would be xl coz of the voodoo bugs just how she felt the second heart. i love that part of the book coz its mainly between the 2 of them…
before xl was sending xy away to jing – he brought her out for a “date”… 🙂 xl is so sweet.
oh! she’ll be “weird”..lol! that’s she he said he won’t need even the better fish ruby in the future. i like that part of xl is left in xy – his “demon” part… she’ll definitely miss/think of him when she’s underwater. huhuhu…as your translation in the chase/tease underwater – i do agree with xy – what xl did was a great gift for her – her life plus she can stay long in the water where she usually find comfort.
xy/xl interactions for me is like high quality dark choco pieces in cookies – the “taste” lasts and i would be soaking in it’s goodness even the size is small and there are few
Oh yes! I agree with Samie that it would be nice to read how Xiao Yao brought Jing back to life… 🙂 Considering that they were both in a coma for 37 years, their 15-year promise has expired… I wonder how Xiao Yao now views the longing that she first described as a string and who knows what it will become after 15 years. With her personality, isn’t Jing’s willingness to die with her the ultimate proof that he will never abandon her?
Oh my, I love ALL the translations I am reading about Zhuan Xu and Xiang Liu… Am I allowed to be on all three ships (because I do still love Jing)?
Isn’t it heartbreaking how Zhuan Xu waited for Xiao Yao to return for 300 years, then loses her forever because he made a very stupid mistake? Sometimes I wonder what would have happened had he told Xiao Yao how he felt about her before she became more involved with Jing… Was it because he didn’t realize the full extent of his feelings for her? I felt like he did based on some of the translations. Even if he needed to consolidate his power, he still could have confessed and ask her to wait for him. No?
And it’s just heartbreaking for Xiang Liu…. Although his actions are more telling than words, he never confessed and she didn’t get to know the full extent of all he did for her… I kind of get why Xiao Yao was upset with Gong Gong and then realized how it was ridiculous to be upset with Gong Gong.
Even rooting for Jing and knowing he gets the girl, I am still so sad for the other two. It’s a happy but bittersweet ending. (To be honest, I am a bit scared by how often I think about this story. Anyone with me?)
Thank you for all of you who post translations and spoilers. You guys are wordsmiths!
Actually, I’m thinking how to write about the breakup and reunion now. It spans across several chapters and I cannot recall the specific portion that nails the moment when the mirror broke and when the crack recovered (破镜重圆).
Although Xiao Yao and Jing both knew that something was fishy about Yi Yang’s pregnancy, they could not find a way to prevent the marriage. For the next few chapters/years, Xiao Yao fell ill, cold-shouldered Jing and finally decided to marry Feng Long to help Zhuan Xu stabilize his position.
Jing felt guilty as hell and he suffered her pain as well as his own. He kept a distance from Yi Yang during the entire marriage (which we later learned from his maids) and can only imagine the toll of all these on him as parts of his hair actually turn white after several years down the road. He broke down when he learnt about Xiao Yao’s impending marriage to Feng Long, got drunk and started playing the qin while singing the song that Xiao Yao used to sing with him. Feng Long was furious over his display of unrequited love and nearly came to blows with him over this.
When Jing discovered that Xiao Yao was not really happy over her upcoming marriage, he decided to break up wedding by striking a deal with Xiang Liu. He did not know beforehand what method Xiang Liu would use – which was to ask Xiao Yao to fulfill her promise to him by running off with Fang Feng Bei on her wedding day – and that is the thing that triggered the reunion.
When Xiao Yao found out from Xiang Liu that Jing was the real mastermind who destroyed her wedding, she looked for JIng and if I recall, was when the real reunion took place. It was more of Xiao Yao thawing towards him and they started to really think, talk and work together again. Again, I do not recall a significant scene (or maybe there were too many) when Jing became single again, which is why I’m now in such a quandary.
Hi Moonblossom,
Hmmmm, I see what you mean. Wasn’t there a scene when Jing showed Xiao Yao the mirror with Yi Yang and Hou in it? I used google translate so it wasn’t great, but I was under the impression that was when they truly reconciled. Does that make sense?
Thank you for the summary. I now understand much better what went on. As someone said earlier, you are spoiling us rotten. ^^
moonblossom, can you pls translate the part where jing askd for xl’s help? i wonder how jing asked xl to stop the wedding and the part how xy run off with ffb. what happened to ffb after people knew she took off with him?
Thank you moonblossom!
I’m just curious about several things, like how did XY get sick and literally vomit blood? Then, why did XY suddenly suspect Hou and Yi yang having an affair?
If it’s possible, can u translate the vital point in the novel where XY and JIng really talk it through?
We only learn from Xiang Liu (after he absconded with bride) that Jing has approached him to stop the wedding, in exchange for 37 years of food for his army.
As for the how, he turn up at the wedding as FFB and asked Xiao Yao fulfill her promise to him. It was a high profile wedding, whose union could tip the scales of power. But she kept her promise, apologised to the groom and left with Fang Feng Bei in front of all the guests.
The sequence of events goes like this. After Xiao Yao and Jing recovered from the assassination attempt (37 years), Xiao Yao offered to treat Grand Madam Du who was sick. During Xiao Yao’s last visit at Qing Qiu, Yi Yang fainted in the hall so the nearest doctor (aka our female lead) went to take her pulse and announced that Yi Yang is pregnant. Although Yi Yang could have staged all this, there was no denying she was pregnant so Jing had to marry her.
Xiao Yao was shocked and angry but managed to reach home before she broke down and vomited blood. She managed to meet with Jing to find out what happened but there was nothing they could proof or do at that time.
Jing got married and they seldom meet up again be it in public or private. At the beginning, Xiao Yao would cold-shoulder him and in later years, pretend to treat him like an ordinary friend as she knew this would hurt him the most. She never truly forgave him until many years later when she found out from Xiang Liu that Jing is the real mastermind behind her wrecked marriage ceremony.
She went to see Jing and they had their first real talk in years. Hou’s wife had died at that time and it triggered their suspicion that she was murdered and that Hou and Yi Yang were having an affair. The rest of it like how Xiao Yao found proof of the affair, the divorce, is a bit like logistics.
Just to add that there was no divorce. Yi Yang agreed to be punished and after weighing all the pros and cons, their clan announced that Yi Yang fell ill and subsequently “died”, leaving Jing a free man again.
I think I will focus on their first real talk and sum up with the short para the author wrote when Jing went to see Xiao Yao as a single man at last.
//Spoiler. Together Again.
…
…
Jing Ye invited Xiao Yao for a bath and change of clothes, while she informs her master of Xiao Yao’s visit. Feeling tired and dirty, Xiao Yao nodded and followed 2 maids to the bathhouse. When she left Qing Shui town, she was angry and wanted to confront Jing if he was indeed the one who made use of Xiang Liu to stop her wedding. Why did he want to humiliate her so? But the past 3 days of travel – no thanks to the inferior wing horse she rode – had diminish her anger and replace it with a sense of helplessness. So what if she knew the truth? Even if Jing was the mastermind, would she kill him? She must have been driven mad by Xiang Liu to come to Qing Qiu and she started to regret her rashness.
Xiao Yao soaked for nearly 4 hours before deciding that she could not hide forever. Jing was waiting for her in a room with a big warmer. Powerful gods like him do not fear the cold but Xiao Yao was not like them.
Hearing her footsteps, Jing stood up. Xiao Yao ignored him and marched straight to open the windows. Jing tried to close them instead: “Your hair is not dry yet. Be careful of catching a cold”. When Xiao Yao commanded him to leave the windows open, Jing compromised and left a gap. He moved to place the burner behind Xiao Yao and put a cup of floral tea beside her before finally taking a seat opposite her.
Xiao Yao was thirsty and slowly sipped her tea: “Are you not going to ask me where I went with Fang Fel Bei for the past month?”
“I knew Fang Feng Bei is Xiang Liu. He should have brought you to the mountains where the resurgence army is hiding.”
“I am Zhuan Xu’s sister. Do you think he is an idiot to bring me to his camp?” She continued grouchily “I was in Qing Shui Town, next to Hui Chun Tang (Xiao Liu’s medical shop).”
Jing was surprised her presence was not detected, when Xiao Yao said “I did not leave the house and it was not until the last day that I realize I was next to Hui Chun Tang.”
Jing asked if she has met Sang Tian Er which surprised Xiao Yao, since this meant he knew Sang Tian Er was still alive.
“Yes I have seen her.”
“Do not be sad. Lao Mu and the rest all met with a good end.”
“You… have been keeping tabs on them?”
“I visited Lao Mu before he passed away. I told him Xiao Liu is living well and that he need not worry.”
The last thread of her anger vanished. She started at the floral print at the base of her teacup and said: “Xiang Liu said you gave him a lot of money to prevent my wedding with Feng Long.”
“Yes I did, although I did not expect his method to be so extreme.”
“Why did you do that?”
“That day when you told me that you were getting married. I did not see any joy in your eyes. I cannot understand why you would force yourself to marry Feng Long when no one else is forcing you. I…. I could not let you marry Feng Long. I begged him to cancel the wedding but he rejected me. I wanted to look for you but I know it will only make the matter worse. When I met Fang Feng Bei by coincidence, I remembered you owe Xiang Liu a promise for agreeing to remove the voodoo bug. Since Zhuan Xu’s coronation, it has been more difficult for the resurgence army to obtain food so I made a deal with Xiang Liu to buy that promise in exchange that he stop the wedding. But I really did not expect him to exact the promise at the wedding itself. I was careless and I am really sorry!”
“There is nothing to apologize since everything is strictly business. It was a fair deal between Xiang Liu and me; it was a fair deal between you and Xiang Liu. However, I hope you would stay out of my business in future! It is none of your concern whether I am happy or not!”
Xiao Yao had thought that her trip to Qing Qiu was absurd to begin with. Now that she has clarified things, she stood up to bid her leave. Jing tried to block her exit but started swaying, as if about to faint.
Xiao Yao quickly caught hold of him. Seeing his sickly color, she reached for his pulse. Jing tried to push away her hand. “I am alright! It is already late, why not you rest here tonight and leave in the morning? If you do not wish to see me, I will leave immediately.” Jing’s face was devoid of colour, but his eyes were like black velvet. They seemed to contain a thousand words which he could not say, and were full of sorrow.
Xiao Yao remembered something Tian Xiao Er said and agreed with a sigh “I will leave tomorrow.”
Jing looked at her and paused: “I will take my leave. Please rest well. Jing Ye will be outside and you can call her if you need anything.”
He started to leave when Xiao Yao said: “I have something to tell you.”
Jing turned and waited. Xiao Yao gestured for him to take the seat opposite hers but did not say anything for a long time. Jing just continued looking at her and hope that this moment could stretch longer.
Xiao Yao said; “I have not slept well all these years. Often, I would think about the past.”
Jing was surprised. He too has not slept well all these years and often thought about the past. But Xiao Yao always appeared as if nothing has happened, which made him think that Xiao Yao has gotten over him.
Xiao Yao said: “Fang Feng Yi Yang was despicable but you are the one who gave her the opportunity. Although I said that it did not matter in the beginning, I did blame you in my heart. That is why whenever I see you, I would force myself to smile and talk normally when what I really wanted is to avoid you. I acted as if I do not care but I kept tabs on your reaction.”
“I understand. It was my fault.” In the past, he has tried not to hurt Fang Feng Yi Yang, believing that he and his clan had let her down. But he has forgotten that Xiao Yao was the one he hurt by doing so.
Xiao Yao said: “ You were wrong, but you were not the only one. I have been concentrating on medicine research these few years and my view of many things have changed. The more I thought about it, the more I was wrong to heap all the blame on you and I am sorry about it.”
“No, you were always very good to me….”
Xiao Yao gestured for Jing to listen what she has to say. “Sang Tian Er said that life is like a winding mountain path, nobody knows what they would encounter next. Sometimes, life can take a tumble, take a wrong turn, meet with fierce beasts, and that is why we need a companion to support each other. Although I have agreed to be with you, I have been passively waiting. It is like we have agreed to climb a mountain together, but I did not warn you when I see you taking a wrong turn. I would let you fall of a cliff without stopping to lend a hand. All these while, I have always been aloof and watch things unfold with a cold eye.”
Xiao Yao asked: “Do you know Fang Feng Yi Yang has tried multiple times to kill Zhuan Xu? Once she shot an arrow through his chest.”
“What?”
Xiao laughed at herself: “Fang Feng Yi Yang has always maintained a gentle, polite demeanor in front of you. But I knew from the start she is scheming and vicious. She knew you are soft-hearted and would make use of your sense of guilt towards her. I did not warn you or do anything, contented to observe at the sidelines. Because of what I had been through, I am pessimistic and thought that nothing lasts; on one is trustworthy. I have never truly believe you nor give myself to you. And when things happed, I would think ‘See, everything happened as I thought. The human heart can never be trusted!’ I overlooked that there is this thing call ‘reap what you sow’. Like what Sang Tian Er said, I never planted seeds, not spent effort in cultivation, how could I expect a harvest?”
Xiao Yao eyes brimmed with years: “When I could not sleep every night. I would remember the past. I knew I was wrong to be pessimistic, wrong not to trust, and caused me to lose the person that I like. Had I put in more effort, speak more, do more, maybe the ending would be different today. Zhuan Xu thought I could not get over it and that I hated you, but the truth is that the person I hated is myself! Jing, you need not reproach yourself and felt that you owe me. Perhaps to outsiders, both of us are smart people. But we have made mistakes when handling our own relationships. Some mistakes in life have opportunities for correction. Some mistakes however, will never be corrected…”
She knew she has made a mistake that she could never correct. The pain of it was as if something has taken a saw to her bones, but all was water under the bridge now… She turned to wipe her tears with her sleeve, but the more she rubbed, the harder her tears fell.
Jing was alarmed and hugged her “Xiao Yao, please don’t cry! You did nothing wrong. I had promised to be the first one to give myself, to trust. But I failed to protect you.”
Xiao Yao buried her face in his shoulders and sobbed. For thousand of nights, she had hated Fang Feng Yi Yang, hated Jing, but in the end, the person she hated most was herself.
Hearing her cries, Jing felt like his heart was being sliced by sharp knives. It was the first time Xiao Yao has cried for him. Even when she learnt that Fang Feng Yi Yang was pregnant, she was all smiles. Given a choice, he rather Xiao Yao no longer cared or has forgotten him, instead of suffering like him. He patted her back and called her name repeatedly. How he has missed her in all the nights that have passed, nights where she was not there.
Xiao Yao hammered him and continued crying: “Why did you stop me from marrying? Why not let me pretend that nothing happened and carried on with a smile?”
Jing has no answer. Perhaps it was her lost look when she stood at the street of Qing Qiu that day. He did not wish that her whole life to be like that. Perhaps he loved her too deeply and could not bear to let her be with anyone else. Perhaps he still have hopes in a deep recess of his heart. “I wanted to retract my earlier apologies. I do not regret my actions the least. Even if Xiang Liu has used an extreme tactic that cause chaos across the entire land, I am still happy you did not marry Feng Long.”
“You… jerk!” Xiao Yao continued to cry and hit him.
Jing’s heart warmed. “I have always been a jerk!”
When Xiao Yao’s tears finally subsided and sanity returned, she pushed herself out of Jing’s embrace. He asked her to drink some tea but she was embarrassed. “I have said my piece. You could leave now. I will leave for Shen Nong Mountain tomorrow and you need not send me off.”
Jing looked at Xiao Yao and thought that she would probably never see him again after tonight. Xiao Yao smiled “A wrong has been committed and there is no turning back. We can only work hard to forget and continue forward. Be it for your well-being or mine, it is best we do not meet in future.
Jing smiled that he was so spot-on on her response. He asked her to have her dinner, afterwhich he has something to tell her.
[Jing told Xiao Yao that he has avoided Yi Yang ever since their marriage. Recently, his sister-in-law has committed suicide by swallowing poison but he suspected that she was murdered by Yi Yang. Although he could not recollect what happened the night when he supposedly slept with her, he knew it was highly possible that nothing happened. He was drugged and dreamt that Xiao Yao was beside him, urging him on. But because Xiao Yao was too important to him, he would have waited for their wedding night no matter what. He also suspected that his “son” could be his nephew in truth, and that Lan Mei was murdered because she knew too much. He has noted some things that Fang Feng Yi Yang did recently that made him suspect that he was her next target.
Jing also told Xiao Yao that he had admitted to Feng Long that he was the mastermind behind his wedding fiasco, because he was worried Feng Long would implicate the entire Fang Feng clan when he fail to find Fang Feng Bei. Feng Long tried to kill Jing but was stopped by Jing’s guards. Having failed, he has severed their friendship.
The next day, Xiao Yao examined Jing as a doctor and made some changes to his current medication. She asked to speak to his maids privately and inform them that Jing’s life was in danger and that they must be diligent in protecting their master, especially against Hou and Yi Yang.
Before she left, she told Jing “It is not a shortcoming to be kind-hearted and compassionate. But to people like Hou and Yi Yang, it will be a shortcoming.” Jing said he understood and that he would no longer back down given the current state of things. Jing gave her the purple ruby he had once given her as payment for her consultation, which Xiao Yao accepted before leaving.
On the surface, nothing have changed between Jing and her after that night, but in truth, they have forgiven themselves and each other in their hearts. Xiao Yao set a trap and purposely gave Hou chances to court her. Since Hou was deeply jealous of Jing and he knew Jing loves Xiao Yao, he could not pass up this opportunity to hurt Jing by snatching his woman. When Xiao Yao showed her purple ruby from Jing to Hou, Hou made Xiao Yao exchange her stone for his red ruby, which was more precious by far.
When Xiao Yao showed off her red ruby to Yi Yang, Ying Yang had a big fight with Hou. Jing recorded their conversation with Xiao Yao’s magic mirror and finally prove their affair and the true identity of his child. When they finally have the evidence, both Xiao Yao and Jing grieved for themselves for a good, long while before happiness kicks in. Jing told her: “Xiao Yao, from henceforth, I will never let anyone hurt you again, including yourself. Please give me another chance.” When she smiled at him, Jing could not fathom her answer and asked “Are you willing?”. Xiao Yao’s answer was to fall into his arms and he hugged her tightly in return.
The clan elders were informed and held a meeting. Hou pushed all the blame to Yi Yang and called her a slut for seducing him. Yi Yang finally woke up to reality and although Jing tried to spare her, she agreed to be punished severely and offered herself as a human sacrifice to the ancestors. To the outside world, the family announced that she fell ill and died. Hou got off lightly and was exiled to Gao Xing upon orders never to return.
Given that the graveness of this on 2 big clans, it was a good 6 months before all was settled and Jing came to Xiao Yao.
Brushing off the snow on her cloak, Jing smiled and said: “Xiao Yao, I am here”. The words brought a wave of heartache to Xiao Yao. From the Dragon Dungeon at Five God Mountain to Xiao Yue Ding at Shen Nong Mountain, 70 over years have passed. Behind a simple “I am here” was many, many days and nights of pain. Finally, he could finally stand in front of her.
Jing opened his palms to show a purple fish ruby glowing softly within. He put it around her neck and said in all seriousness: “This is not for payment of your medical skills.” Xiao Yao smiled and placed the fish ruby carefully under her collar. She took out a red ruby from her pouch and placed it in Jing’s hand. “A very rare stone, but one which Hou no longer cares about and Yi Yang no longer want.” Jing sighed and exerted his powers. Slowly the ruby dissolved into red dust and dispersed with the wind like glowing fireflies. Jing tighten Xiao Yao’s cloak “Be careful of catching a cold, let us go in!”. Xiao Yao smiled and nodded, and took his hand as they return to the house.
…//Spoiler
I hope you have enjoyed reading but I will be laying off lengthly translations for a while. There are enough spoilers to know what has happened and I’ll leave it to the translated book to let you savor on the details. Have a happy weekend!
Thank you Moonblossom for all your time and effort.
So many years of grieving for our Xiao Yao and Jing, I am happy that they are now truly supporting each other and being together. I am glad that Jimg gets to know how much Xiao Yao likes him, because he was always so uncertain about it. They’ll be separated again but oh well.
I love you, Moonblossom. You’re like, the hero of Shushengbar for us non-Chinese speakers <3
Thank you MoonBlossom.
Most, if not all, of my favourite parts have been translated so beautifully by you.
You are most welcome! It was a fun experience for me as well.
thank you moonblossom for this wonderful spoiler like a fresh breath of air..i was reading the “Once promise” translation from another blogger the scene where a’heng kill her 9th brother it was so hearthbreaking that i dry a bucket so reading this happy chapter ease my heartache ..thank you soooo much
Here you go, but I still don’t know if the heads are in one vertical column, one horizontal row, or in 3×3 format. :).
//Spoiler/Translation. XL true form.
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…
Someone tried to kill Xiao Yao and lure her to the sea by pretending to have news of Jing. Once there, the hired assassin forced Xiao Yao to consume a poison to remove her strength, before putting her into a crystal box and throwing the box to the sea. Either Xiao Yao would drown, or get smash to smithereens by the underwater storm that was brewing.
…
…
When she heard the casing break, Xiao Yao was expecting the pain of being ripped to pieces. To her surprise, she saw Xiang Liu. His hair was spread out like wings of a giant bird, blocking the wrath of the sea as he held her in a protective embrace.
The storm was very powerful and Xiang Liu was visibly struggling to keep both of them alive. He closed Xiao Yao’s eyes with his hand and said “I need to revert to my demon form in order to leave this place. Do not look!”
Xiao Yao nodded. She felt the waters shaking around her, as if a wall had sprung up to counter the the storm. When she felt they were drawing away from the center of storm, she could not resist and decided to take one small peep…
Among the waves and darkness, a giant, nine-headed sea monster was battling with the sea. The sea roared and wave after powerful wave beat at its white body. The fight was brutal, without any fancy techniques, just a pit of raw strength against raw strength.
Suddenly, Xiang Liu detected Xiao Yao’s movement and turned a head towards her. Xiao Yao quickly closed her eyes. Her heart was beating like a drum, not in fear but in awe, much like how one would feel when standing before an erupting volcano.
“I told you to close your eyes!” Xiang Liu said icily. Xiao Yao opened her eyes and found that they were on a deserted island. Xiang Liu looked like a mess and he had injuries on his face and neck. Xiao Yao tried to smile: “I was just too curious how your nine heads are arranged.”
“So now you know!” as Xiang Liu turned to go.
Seeing that he was about to disappear, Xiao Yao called out to him and leap at him. Xiang Liu was unable to duck and fell with her to the sand.
Xiao Yao was surprised: “You are badly injured?”
Xiang Liu tried to push her away and escape with the tide. But Xiao Yao held on to him with all her strength. “I know I was wrong! I broke my promise! I was just…. Just… too curious! I wanted to see how you really look like. I was wrong! I was wrong!…” Xiang Liu continued to struggle and when he finally tore free, Xiao Yao latched on to his leg in desperation. He fell down again and ran out of strength to even push her away.
His blood has stained the sea to a dark red. Xiao Yao continued to plead forgiveness and begged him not to move. Enraged, Xiang Liu showed his fangs and threatened to eat her. When Xiao Yao dared him to, he pushed her to the ground and bite down hard on her neck. Xiao Yao shuddered in pain, but did not loosen her embrace. She soften her stance as she felt Xiang Liu gulped her blood like someone who was about to die of thirst. When he finally stopped, Xiao Yao urged him to drink a bit more but Xiang Liu flipped on his back and looked at the sky: “Are you not the least bit afraid? A demon is a demon. It can lose its mind especially when it is gravely injured and I could have sucked you completely dry!”
Xiao Yao touched the tip of his bloodied lips and said gently “You are the one afraid!”
Xiang Liu laughed “Me, afraid?”
“I saw your true form and it is not ugly! And you did not suck me dry! So your body is a little… ok, a lot bigger than mine. And you have more heads than me. Not too much, just by eight heads. But who is to judge that normal people should only have one head? If there are more nine-headed beings than one-headed beings, maybe we would be the ones to be ashamed of having only one head.”
“I should really suck more of your blood since you are in such fine spirits!” Xiang Liu’s face was black, but the bite on her neck and gentled to a buzzing tickle.
When they finally stopped bantering and Xiang Liu stopped sucking her blood, He looked silently at the pale Xiao Yao in his arms. Xiao Yao have fallen asleep and only woke when she smelt food. She saw Xiang Liu grilling fish and asked longingly if she could eat it.
Xiang Liu handed her the fish on a shell with some seaweed side dishes. Xiao Yao wolfed down her food and complimented his fish. Xiang Liu thought that she must be hungry and passed her some seafood soup, which she sipped carefully.
When Xiao Yao murmured her thanks, Xiang Liu replied coldly. “No need for thanks! It is just my way of repaying you for your blood!”
Xiao Yao teased him some more if her blood was so cheap. Xiang Liu then changed his tune that he rather not test out the Voodoo King’s theory that he will die if she died. Xiao Yao gave a sad smile “No matter what, you did save me.”
…//
Moonblossom, would you kindly translate the part of Xiao Yao and Jing’s wedding? Greatly appreciated!!!!
So I was looking up nine-headed demons, and I think I may have found pictures of Xiang Liu’s demon form haha
http://imgur.com/gtqMdPl,qlUvOn6#0
http://imgur.com/gtqMdPl,qlUvOn6#1
^The sculpture depicts Yu the Great, who supposedly killed Gong Gong’s minister Xiangliu, a nine-headed snake monster.
Thank you moonblossom.
You’re our savior!
All XY and XL interaction are always cute, funny and a little bit sexy 😀
At first I thought that XY soulmate is Zhuan Xu because they have a deep connection and fate since they’re child. But now I think it’s XL that match the meaning of soulmate.
Xiang Liu!! But the guy with 8 packs looks yummy! [wipe drool]
Thank you.
Here you on the Power Wedding..
Thank you moonblossom for all the translation! You’re the best <3
Thanks for your translations, Moonblossom. I can read Chinese but still thoroughly enjoyed your very evocative English version. Thank you for the pleasure!
Moonblossom, Thanks for all the translation!!!!
Is An nian aware that Zhuan Xu has feelings for Xiao Yao
I was actually wondering if any other character than Xing Yue was aware of Zhuan Xu’s feelings for Xiao Yao. Considering how smart and observant the Grand Emperor, Yellow Emperor, Xiang Liu and Jing are, I am surprised that none of them would have noticed. Any thoughts?
Moonblossom, thank you for all your translation <3
did you translate this novel until finish? coz you always reply every request of translation very quick.
I actually start translating when I see a request. The only exception is the passage when XL reverted to his demon form which I have written beforehand because it was exciting scene. You can say I have put my new hobby on high priority. : )
Yellow Emperor silently observed Zhuan Xu’s preferential treatment towards XY and was aware of his true feelings, but he has never interfered so long as their being together (or apart?) did not jeopardize his precious 江山 (empire). There was once he thought of them as 手心是肉， 手背也是肉 (no matter which side of the palm, it is still a part of your body). One of his rare interference was when he separated the two to prevent XY from killing ZX. He could have killed XY to eradicate the risk completely, but I think he still have some leeway and he tried to protect her in his way.
Love all the spoilers. I visit here everyday. Thanks Moonblossom for your quick responds and update on all of the questions. I read the passages many times as if I may have missed something for reading to fast. Feel so satisfied.
the XL in the story is almost identical with the one in the history. Tong Hua is really mind blowing with the way she creates her story that revolves around history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangliu
Thanks for All of Your spoilers moonblossom *xoxo*
Moonblossom, after I read all the passage and translation again, I think XL actually show XY that he loves her. Many times. It’s just XY who actually decides to ignore that and not to think about it. Is there any moment where XL show his feeling that’s so transparent that XY must actually get the feeling that XL loves her?
i don’t know if anyone has asked this before or not, but i would like to know why Zhuan Xu tried to kill Jing? Was it because of political reasons that he wanted to get rid of Jing or was it because of Xiao Yao that he wanted to kill Jing because Jing was a love rival?
Don’t have; he was more a good companion than lover in the few other times they were together. Their relation got worse as the story progresses. There was once XY saw Xiang Liu on the streets (after she has got back together with Jing) and Xiang Liu pretended not to know her. It was only when XY manage to prove that he was Xiang Liu, before he exchanged a short coversation with her and left. XL was also mean to XIao Yao everytime they part, so you can’t blame XY for getting mixed signals. You can only blame Xiang Liu for being too good at what he does – hide his love interest.
I mean no other scenes, other than the one already discussed – when he tried to rescue Xiao Liu from Five God mountain, when he accepted the voodoo bug, his time with her as Fang Feng Bei, healing her when she died, coming to her rescue in the sea storm.
I agree with you he did show his love in his own ways and XY choose not to think too much on them.
More because he was a love rival who would soon be marrying Xiao Yao. At that time, Zhuan Xu also thought that Jing was a wimp who was not good enough for Xiao Yao.
Thank you Moonblossom! I’m glad the Yellow Emperor tried to protect Xiao Yao. I do see how Zhuan Xu and Xiao Yao are considered as the same body. I am still surprised only the Yellow Emperor noticed and that the others all thought it was only siblings affection. I suppose that’s a good thing – there’s plenty of drama in that story already!
Did he think Jing a wimp because he married Yi Yang? I thought he considered Jing as steadfast enough for Xiao Yao after Jing went into a coma when Xiao Yao was almost killed… I suppose he still resented Jing for the pain Xiao Yao went through after she discovered Yi Yang was pregnant… Is that correct?
To a big extent, yes. Zhuan Xu thought Jing was a weak man, who did not have the capability to deal with a brother who tried to murder him, or prevent a marriage that ended up hurting his beloved Xiao Yao. He could not see what Jing did exhibit true strength.
His real awakening was when Feng Long told Zhuan Xu (after Jing was dead) that it was Jing who came up with the “Abandon Xuan Yuan for Central Plains” strategy and got him on board. It was so well excuted, not even Zhuan Xu suspected that there was another mastermind. Zhuan Xu then realised that if Jing had such foresight, there was no way such a man could be a weakling.
i never thought that Xiang Liu, Zhuan Xu, Yellow Emperor, Chi You etc are actually some real people in history. I think that make this novel become more awesome!
does anyone know if Xiao Yao and Jing are actually fictional or real?
tong hua is a very brilliant writer for creating a wonderful story with some connection in history.
Aren’t they all fictional? I thought this story was based on chinese mythology.
I have heard of the more famous ones like Yellow Emperor, Flame Emperor since young because we are all supposed their decendents (炎黄子孙）. Wiki also have reference to Chi You, Zhuan Xu, Gong Gong. But Jing and Xiao Yao are fictional. The magical animals in the LYF and Once Promised are drawn from an ancient text on Mountains and Sea.
thank you for your explanation moonblossom <3
wow, even the magical animals based on ancient text. great!
Thank you for the explanation Moonblossom!
please m.b elaborate hw jing die?
Thank you so much for the spoilers esp to you, moonblossom. I enjoyed reading it tremendously. The spoilers help me go through the rest of the week before ms koala translate the next chapter. 🙂
A month before his wedding with Xiao Yao, Jing received news that his son, Tian Er was very sick and kept calling for him. Despite feeling that something was amiss, he went to Qing Shui Town where Tian Er was with a lot of bodyguards.
It turns out that Hou and Yi Yang has poisoned Tian Er in order to lure Jing to Qing Shui Town. After Hou gave Tian Er the antidote, he informed Jing that he has taken care of all his bodyguards and let him choose the place to have a fair duel once and for all, to prove who is the better man. Jing choose the riverside and proceed to duel with Hou. Hou was indeed the better fighter and was about the kill Jing when he was shot through the chest by an arrow. Yi Yang appeared and confessed that her real aim in helping Hou was to kill Hou instead. She was genuinely in love with Hou and now she wanted to exact his promise to her to be with her forever. Hou did not deflect when she hugged him tightly and used an arrow to skewer both of them to death, but he was not contented to let Jing off and dealt him a killing blow even with his last breath
All 3 fell into the river and although their bodies were never found, they were all presumed dead.
so sorry but am gonna press further did jing really die?n what happen at the end of the story?tanks you 🙂
What happened to Jing in 50 words…
Jing was near death but was rescued by a mercouple after he fell into the river. They let him recuperate on a remote island and once he was able to move, which was 8 years later, he left to look for Xiao Yao immediately. Xiao Yao was forced into a corner by ZX at that time and volunteered to be the next Jade Mother, as the current Jade Mother needed a successor, and Jade Mountain was the one place on earth that is beyond ZX control. Jing busted her swear-in ceremony and they lived happily ever after : ). [/Spoiler]
YES!!am in peace 🙂 tanks m.b tank u.nw i cn go with koala’s flow.
I was wondering if anyone could say what do the lead names mean (Jiu Yao, Jing, Zhuan Xu and Xiang Liu)? I know Tong Hua put in a lot of thought in the character names in Yun Zhong Ge so I was curious about the meaning of the names for this book.
forced to corner? what did ZX do?
50 words cannot do justice to what Zhuan Xu did and how both of them felt, so the least I can do is to show their exchange.
Deeply, sorry if my reply appears to have no head or tail, but basically
Where was XL? why he didn’t stop her? sorry to ask when i’m not even the OP ^^,
He was in the middle of war, but maybe he did something?
No, it’s really helpful. Thankyou moonblossom!
Moonblossom thank you so much for all your spoilers and translations 😉
I’m curious can you tell me why XL asks XY if she will hate him if Jing died? Was it because he could have woken her up sooner but chose not to? I’m not quite understanding how she would hate him or blame him if Jing were to die. I feel so bad for XL, love his selfless acts so much but wished he would have told XY how he felt. Wished he would have seen her off when she woke 🙁 Do you know the reason why he didn’t see her off? Thank you so much once again…you’re truly the best lol
The author never wrote about what he thought but I think your conjunctures are right. Xiang Liu probably figured Xiao Yao would blame herself if Jing died while trying to rescue her, and may even transfer some of the anger at Xiang Liu because he proved in the end that he could wake her up if he intensify the treatment.
XL reminds me of a child genius at this instance – on one hand, he is smart enough to find out Jing’s real condition, his location, the cure he needs, while emotionally, he is like a child trying to please his loved one. He never think for himself, and everything is based on Xiao Yao’s perspective – Xiao Yao would not want Jing to die. Xiao Yao wants to be with Jing. Xiao Yao would be sad if Jing died, and she may blame herself and the people around her if it happens. I am also sad that he is not the first person she sees after her long sleep, but to him, it is the best thing for Xiao Yao if she wants to be with Jing in the long run. And he managed to be with her for 37 years! That surely counts for something.
What did Zhuan Zu do to Xing Yue after he discovers that she was behind the plot to kill Xiao Yue?
Thanks for the spoilers so far!
You are most welcome!
He found a scapegoat to take the blame for Xing Yue, in order to maintain his hold on the major clans.
Ha.ha. got you for a second there right? As it was a proper investigation, there has to be a culprit. One of his wives was willing to lead a peaceful life and agreed to the scapegoat in exchange for an isolated spot at Zi Yun Ding to spend the rest of her life, and wealth and fame for her clan. Zhuan Xu was very cold towards Xing Yue after the inccident and the rest of his harem soon caught on his real feelings and started showing their own disrepect to the Empress. Without his backing, Xing Yue has no real defence against women who saw her as their love rival, and the situation got so bad, Feng Long has to plead for leniency for Xing Yue after several years.
Moonblossom, which chapter does XY find out about Yi Yang pregnant and find out abt the affair of Yi Yang and Hou?
XY found out about Yi Yang’s pregnancy in Book 2, Chap 8.
Jing told XY his suspicions about Yi Yang and Hou in the last chapter of Book 2, which is Chap 16, and they got their proof in Book 3 Chap 1.
Thanks again Moonblossom! I appreciate your quick responses and spoilers so much 😉
Anyways, I have another question I’m curious about….Does Feng Long actually have feeling for XY or is he only interested in her because of ZX? How does FL take it when FFB leaves with XY on the day of their wedding? Also when is it revealed that XY isn’t the Grand Emperor’s biological daughter? Does FL still want to marry XY even after that is revealed? Can you tell me what Jing, ZX, and XL’s reaction to finding the truth behind XY’s biological father?
Thank you once again.
Feng Long is someone who wanted to leave his mark in the world; to be someone greater than simply a merchant.
Thanks again Moonblossom for clearing things up for me in regards to FL and everyone else 😉 FL does indeed sound like a good guy as well. I’m so torn between all 4 guys in this novel. I feel bad for all of them. However, the guy I truly love is XL. He is truly selfless and I love the way he tries to hide how sweet he really is.
Thank you moonblossom 🙂
The other time when I was trying to answer “how JIng died”, I remembered feeling emphathy towards Yi Yang and Hou. A good book develops even the side characters and I have translated a bit of the book from Yi Yang’s perspective as my tribute to the author.
We first heard about this woman in Book 1 as someone who was so devoted to Jing, that she has lived as his wife when they have never met or married. The next we know, she turns out to be a materialistic bitch who seemed to want the title of Mistress Du Shan, even if it means she has to marry a useless cripple like Jing (we know it is not true, but well, it is her view).
I remember loathing her for coming between Jing and XY, being turned off by her when she seemed to favour the brother-in-law over her husband-to-be. Who knows that I would like her better than that hypocrite Xing Yue by the end of the tale?
It seems to be a recurring theme in Chinese novels– that characters tend to fall in love with the people who saved them, or with the first person they meet who have shown them kindness.
– If Yi Yang had met Jing before Hou, perhaps things would not have ended this way.
– I sometimes wonder if Jing’s devotion to Xiao Yao would’ve run so deeply if she were not the one who saved him.
– If General Gong Gong was not the man who saved Xiang Liu, then Xiang Liu would have no obligations to Shen Nong and he would be free to love Xiao Yao.
*sigh* …what could have been…
Thanks for the latest translation, Moonblossom. It has given us greater insight into FFYI’s character and has made her into more a more sympathetic figure. I hated Yi Yang for what she did to Jing, but love causes us to do irrational things. It’s good that she came to understand the errors of her ways, and her last words to him were touching. It’s true that forgiveness requires greater strength than vengeance.
By what Hou said to Jing the very last time before the kick, did he actually acknowledge Yi Yang as his wife?
Yup, he used the term “妻子”, so a corner of him was true to Yi Yang afterall. If you have read “Song in the Clouds” by the same author, Ling GeGe also refered to Yun Ge as his wife (妻子), while his legally married spouse – Shang Guan Xiao Mei – is only his Empress. I don’t think Zhuan Xu uses this term to refer to any of the woman he married too.
Moonblossom, can you translate the part where Jing and XY decided to leave after their wedding? Or is there any part that tells about their newlywed life?
Yes, I am keen to know too. I am sure there are others reading this…pls do share Moonblossom!
dear moonblossom, by any chance, do u have a blog of ur own in regards to tong hua’s books? I find your translations really helpful. thank you so much!
Sorry for the late reply. There is not much written on their wedded life – much of the text was about XY learning how XL died, let me go through the last chap again later tonight n see if I can work out something.
I’m a fan of Tong Hua works n am glad to spread the love. 🙂 I don’t have my own blog and mainly read in my spare time. Glad you find the translations useful.
Yup, they got married at the end of the second last chapter (wedding has been translated above) and the last chapter is used to tie up the loose end of Xiang Liu before the blissful couple disappeared into the crowd, to live a normal, peaceful life.
Below is a short snippet of what happened after their wedding and before the town got abuzz with the news of Gong Gong’s defeat and Xiang Liu’s death.
Thank you moonblossom!
Thank you moonblossom for your translation!!!! Honestly, your translations are wonderful, especially since many readers (like me) can’t read Chinese.
Can you clarify how exactly did Xiang Liu die? Was it because of Xiao Yao?
I was on Jing’s boat at first but as I read your translation I realized how much Xiang Liu sacrificed for Xiao Yao. It’s very touching how every action he makes is for Xiao Yao’s sake.
Do you mind translating the part where Xiao Yao realizes that Xiang Liu died?
You are most welcome. Xiang Liu died in battle and I have translated how Xiao Yao reacted when she heard the news, which you can can read here:
Although she was mentally prepared, the day still came too soon for her.
I love Xiang Liu becauase his love is very pure. I’m glad you like him too but the surprises are not over. Zhuan Xu will take centre stage soon and his journey is no less amazing. A word to the readers here that I won’t touch on Zhuan Xu because it takes literally a book to do him credit.
Moonblossom, if it’s okay with you, can you translate the part where XY got sick after Jing and Yi Yang got married?
There is not much to it. She threw up when she got home, got headache, heartache, etc. Zhuan Xu was furious to see her suffering and this part was more important for being one of the reason why Zhuan Xu dealt with Jing in future.
@Moonblossom, If it’s not too much trouble can you translate Xiaoyao and Jing’s reunion when he came back in time to stop her becoming the next Jade Mother? Thankss
Thanks Moonblossom!!! I really appreciate your effort and time in translating the requests we made!! Your translation helped me understand each of the male lead better. So far, Zhuan Xu has not left a deep impression on me yet but I shall take your word that the last book will justify him. I just can’t stop tanking you enough!!!!! 🙂
Moonblossom can you tell me if XY ever finds out XL was the one who found all those precious stuff to make and forge the bow especially for her?
fleuri – sure, I will work on it later today.
Mayx – XY could have suspected it because she is not dumb – who could be crazy enough to hardcode a bow in such a way that it would require the blood of a nine-headed demon to tame it? But it was not written that she suspected XL as the originator, and she definately did not know that the bow is a present from XL all the way to the end.
thank you so much for answering my question Moonblossom. oh how i wished XL wasn’t so selfless and just let XY know how he feels. I know XY probably feels the same too….if only she found out the truth
Thank you moonblossom for explaining! I really want to know about the moment when XY find out that Yi Yang got pregnant. Can you elaborate more on that part? Just by reading the latest translation, my heart already hurts thinking how XY will get hurt later on.
Here you go. It is rather long, so I have broke it into two. I will post the second part after I have completed it tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy our knight in shiny armour.
Sorry for the bit of snorting at the end. Can’t help it. That idiot XL is too apt at covering his tracks. Just a couple of chapters before this, XL has taken all the blood he could from XY and passed it to a merman who disappeared with the medicine.
My snorts disappeared because I put them in sharp brackets… oww, I guess it doesn’t matter, here is the continuation from yesterday.
The reason I wanted to translate more here is because I felt that for Jing to truely return, he must stop XY from taking over the Jade Mother AND he must also address the person who made him disappear in the first place. Otherwise, there is no guarantee he will not disappear a second time right?
I am also happy to tell you guys that I am undertaking a translation project. Decembi has kindly offered to host my translation of a lighthearted wuxia novel on her blog so do check it out at http://onesecondspring.blogspot.sg/2014/04/gentleman-free-floating-cloud-prologue.html. : )
@Moonblossom Thank you so much 😀 and I’ll definitely check out your other translation, actually I’m on it keke
Many thanks to Moonblossom!
can you give some more spoilers about Xiang Liu. Will he show up again to rescue Xiao Yao after rescuing her from the first murder attempt from Xing Yue? xing Yue wont give up killing off Xiao Yao right? how many times did she try?
Xing Yue made two attempts on XY’s life. After the first time where she nearly died in the sea storm, XY hired a bodyguard (Left Ear) and he help her survive the second attempt on her life.
thanks moonblossom!
Read your new translation….so much looking forward for more 🙂 I’m your fan *mwah*
*mwah* too. It is nice to share the book to someone.
Moonblossom: Give me some spoilers.
XL: The spoiler is there are no more spoilers. You tell too much.
Moonblossom: Ok, if not spoilers, tell me a joke.
XL (think about it): Can, I am going to kill you if you don’t shut up.
Moonblossom: No, I asking for a joke like the one you told XY.
Aren’t XY and XL lovely together? I even find Jing and XL lovely together. When I was doing the translation, I suddenly realized that Jing must have suspected how XL truly felt. And it is amazing how they have tolerated each other for the same woman they both love.
My apologies I did not get the meaning right for this sentence so I append herewith the amended version since I can’t edit my comments once posted:
“As you know, I have nine heads, so I have a better appetite compared to others. Since young, I have to scramble to survive and live what can only be term as a piteous existence. The people around me are those who would yell ‘fight!” or “kill!” every now and then, or it will be my nine heads wanting to kill each other. There was also once when I was starving and one head wanted to eat another head …”
thanks again Moonie, hope u dont mind the abbreviation 🙂
what a excitingly swoony spoilers…..it makes the pain of waiting for msK’s full chapter translation bearable.
luv U much *mwah mwah*
Also, who did the “peck” in XY’s forehead? Is it XL or wily fox Jing? 🙂
I don’t think Jing has the speed to zoom in and out of the room that fast so it must be XL. He was unusually gentle to her this instance, I really hope it is for XY sake and not because he is putting on a show for Jing.
hi moonbloosom *waves*
thanks for your reply….i guess it XL….her soulmate did the pecking….he sure do know his limits and set his own boundaries for XY’s sake and happiness *swoon*
part 2 pls of chapter 1 *wink*
Moonblossom, I really enjoy your work of the gentlemen-free-floating-cloud! <3<3 Goodluck with the rest of the translations!
STOP THIS! STOP TRANSLATING ABOUT XIANG LIU ALREADY!!! WHENEVER YOU PEOPLE TRANSLATE ABOUT HIM……………………………
…………………………………..
………………………………….I fall for him more.
thank you for all the translations…
me too, falling for XL more and more…
I just finished reading all the comments. needless to say,it took me the whole day. I’m in a daze. I just really really wanted to thank moonblossom for her efforts. thank you.
You are most welcome. It was a new experience for me as well.
Thank you for the spoilers and translations.
I have to be honest. At the start, I also fell for Xiang Liu, not because of his deeds but because of the biting scenes (arrggh I must be crazy). With all the good deeds, I must say he deserves to find a soulmate.
Anyways, I love Jing more coz he is my type, his attentiveness, kindheartedness and seemingly timid nature so I’m happy that he got Xiao Yan. huhu finally after Meng Jiu lost the girl, I get to see a quiet kind guy get the girl. I’m happyyyyy.
Moonblossom what are the requirements for planting and removing a love voodoo bug? Now I’m super curious.
Hello! I am not sure myself. What we do know is:
(1) the originator can plant it in anybody and it is effective up to a certain extent. When Xiao Liu was injured, Xuan would feel pain in the same body part.
(2) the bug can be transferred, but only if the receipient is willing.
(3) there were no known ways to remove the voodoo bug. This was the conclusion reached by the Witch King, XL and XY.
After that, it is a free-for-all. My own two cents is that the bugs are intelligent and can do a swap between the master bug and minion bug, because Xiang Liu seems to be able to control when Xiao Yao can feel him (ie, he has the master bug), while Xiao Yao can’t (ie, she has the minion bug). It should not be a male-female thing because the original bug recognised Xiao Yao (female) as the master, unless it was confused because she was a ‘he’ at that time. Another possibility is that Xiang Liu truely accepted Xiao Yao in his heart while the latter did not, which is why the master bug ended up with him.
As for ‘pest control’, although Xiang Liu did not know how to remove the bug, he managed to do so in the end by brute force. And because he is Nine-lives : )
Moonblossom can you please translate the part when Xiang Liu removed the voodoo bug. Please and thank you so much for your hardwork.
After Xiao Yao tried to kill herself towards the end, Zhuan Xu sent her to Jade Mountain instead of sending her to Xiang Liu. XL came in secret nonetheless and saved Xiao Yao one last time by feeding her his essence blood. After she was cured, Xiang Liu left a spell to let her sleep a little longer and persuaded Ah Bi (XL calls him Lord Bi) to give him some time with Xiao Yao, to settle some unfinished business.
Before he left, Xiang Liu remembered something and called forth snow to fall from the sky. When the snow touched the giant, white shell which has hosted Xiao Yao, the shell dissolved in to white powder and melted into the lake, much like his presence which will never be known.
This is the first time in reading the spoilers and translations where I truly cried. Gag XL, such a sad character. She was his only joy in life and in the end, he gave it all up for her.
Gah***
When Xiao Yao learnt of XL’s death, she regretted that her last words to him were “I do not want to see you again ever!”. Since these 2 were soulmates and think alike, I wondered how much of his “I also do not want to see you again ever!” was said in pique, and how much of it was a cover for his true feelings. Would he be happy if he knew she regretted her words? Yes, he is indeed a sad character.
Compared to all the 2 leads, Xiang Liu is the best and his heart is truly pure and single-minded.
Sigh..I rather have XL and Xiao yao to have the happy ending. *sob*
Jing – too stupid to listen to his Grandmother (I can understand his filial issues but not to the extreme where everyone suffers in the midst)
Zhuan – too ambitious and I dont think he is happy in the end too when XY marries Jing finally.
Actually, the story reads differently when you have different bias. I remember a time when I was rooting for Zhuan Xu and I was very affected when we got to Koala’s latest translation where Xiao Yao got drunk and he offered to look for a man for her who fit her requirements. His
“eyes were filled with despair” got to me because he so seldom let any problem get to him. But at that moment, he has just kicked himself out of her league since he failed her only requirement that her man can only ever have one woman. Poor thing.
*sigh*
Thank U So Much dear Moonblossom for your hard work…..i so much appreciate your spoilers in XL’s way of removing the voodoo bug. He sacrificed another one of his nine lives….he is indeed preparing himself to die in the war *sobs*
I wonder if, XL is aware of Qui Yo and A’Heng love story…. a beast and a princess are better left as friends & soulmates than, lovers *deep sigh* for XL, being wt XY is like being friends ( wish i can say, sleeping …) with the enemy. Guess, having met and played wt XY are the best memories of his life. As, he is ready to face death after ” fixing ” everything for XY future life and happiness.
Awww….never thought a demon can be a martyr? I doubt there’s even a man in real life like XL, Jing and most certainly a combination of both characters is non existant. *whew*
Moonblossom,
Thank you so much for the spoilers 😉
Can you tell me why XY said she didn’t want to see XL ever again? Can u spoil us some more with more XL and ZX scenes? Is there a sweet scene with ZX?
Moonblossom can you please translate some more sweet/romantic scenes or encounter of Xiao Yao and Jing after his wedding to FFYY. Thanks
Xiao Yao was mad at Jing over his wedding fiasco so there were no sweet screnes before they reconciled which is end of Book 2. If anything, she would ignore him which add on to his misery. Their romantic times if any, would be in Book 3 but they are littered all over the place.
The last time Xiao Yao ever saw Xiang Liu, he shared his suspicion that ZX was the one behind Jing’s disappearance. XY knew XL wanted to sow discord between herself and ZX to distract ZX from the war he is fighting with the Shen Nong resistance army. Or else, why did XL not tell her earlier but only now when war has started? Sick of being used, she tell him she never, ever wanted to see himagain and XL made her give her all the blood she could as a parting gift.
As for Zhuan Xu, his moments are littered all over the place which makes it hard to translate any particular scene because they are not easy to remember (and find!) once you moved onto the next chapter. The best I could do is only Xing Yue’s observation of what ZX does for XY.
Thanks again Moonblossom!
Can u elaborate on how XY hurt ZX’s face? Or when she had him hold her skirt and carry her shoes? I would love for you to spoil us with those scenes 😉
Hi, everyone! I’ve just started watching C-dramas & got absorbed into the world of C-novels this year. My biggest regret is not being able to read Chinese & have to rely on translations but thank goodness I found this place! The first book I read was Da Mo Yao & after reading it many, many times (front to back, back to front) & rewatching its trailer & MV (also many, many times), I figured I needed a new obsession before I go crazy while waiting for its broadcast.
I couldn’t bring myself to read Yun Zhong Ge. I need my happy-ever-afters. I tiptoed into Lost You Forever & I’ve started spiralling. Sigh, so much for trying to keep my sanity in check. I read all 26 chapters on Koalasplayground last Thursday, read all the comments here yesterday & now, am having a critical withdrawal syndrome for wanting more! But I’m so grateful for all the spoilers & revealed endings.
Compared to Lost You Forever, Da Mo Yao is like candy fluff! All rainbows & unicorns & sunshine. I love Huo Qu Bing to death & was so happy my ship sailed into the sunset. In Lost You Forever, however, I wasn’t so sure. I thought I was happy with knowing that Xiao Yao ending up with Jing but reading all your comments & arguments, I wavered between the three male leads. I began to think that if Xiao Yao had ended with any of them, I’d have been happy nonetheless. This shows how awesome all three guys were. If only Tong Hua could write alternate endings in which Xiao Yao ended up with Xiang Liu & Zhuan Xu respectively. Wishful thinking on my part.
I love the comment on the correlation between the titles of the 3 volumes & the 3 male leads. I’ll talk about Jing first since he ended up with Xiao Yao. Love You Forever- yup, that’s what he got to do, a privilege denied to the other 2 who could only love Xiao Yao secretly. I admire his steadfast love & unwavering need to be with her & I guess for that, he got his biggest reward in Xiao Yao who loved him back. He always knew he was willing to let go of everything else for her & I love him for that. He only ever wanted Xiao Yao.
Next comes Xiang Liu. I didn’t realise he was Xiao Yao’s soulmate until I read the epilogue & remembered their times together whether when he was Xiang Liu or Feng Fang Bei. For everything he did right until the end to make Xiao Yao be oblivious to what he did for her, I believe that she always knew. Her reaction upon learning his death is proof enough. Despite dying, he died gloriously in knowing that he had done everything he could for Xiao Yao. He chose battle over love & for that, I guess his ending was a good one despite not being a happy one. Miss You Forever- I’ll always imagine Xiang Liu watching over Xiao Yao from wherever he is.
Lost You Forever- Zhuan Xu. This guy makes me cry. I didn’t even notice him in the beginning! Not until I began to notice the little things he did for Xiao Yao after reading about how Xiao Yao found out that he loved her all along & wanted to marry her. Despite wanting to cry for him, I will not be sad because he made a choice in wanting the throne & he got it. He was the first guy whom Xiao Yao loved (even if only as a brother) & she was willing to love & support him in everything. My only regret is that Ah Nian got to marry him & become his Empress. She was a substitute when Xiao Yao went missing & she was again the substitute when Zhuan Xu couldn’t get Xiao Yao to marry him.
To me, Lost You Forever has a brilliant ending because all 3 male leads got what they desired: Jing (love), Xiang Liu (battle) & Zhuan Xu (throne). For that, I choose to be happy about it.
Thanks everyone for sharing this with me. I read chapters 27 & 28 using Google translate & will do so for the rest until Koala got everything up. Darnit, anyone got a magic potion so that I can miraculously read Chinese?
Can anyone link me to a picture showing Jing, Zhuan and Xiang Liu? I cant remember but do remember seeing it somewhere in SSB.
I need to reconcile faces when I read Koala’s posts 🙂
Szara has posted links to 2 images of Xiang Liu (nine-headed sea demon) before, are you referring to his one?
http://imgur.com/gtqMdPl,qlUvOn6#0
http://imgur.com/gtqMdPl,qlUvOn6#1
Someone here posted a picture of 3 guys in a row citing Zhuan, Jing and Xiang Liu…I have been prowled and cant find it 😉
Moonblossom I know this is totally off topic from LYF but I was wondering if you can spoil me on some Heavy Sweetness Ash Like Frost scenes specifically from Chapter 46 in the web ebook version 😉 I’m dying to know lol If you can post spoilers I asked on the HSALF section that would be awesome 😉 I’m a huge fan of these Chinese novels
Actually, I am not very familiar with the book, because I skipped the middle part, right after Water God Daddy had an accident. Frankly, I’m not too keen to learn about the heavy stuff which happened after that, which I deduced from the back chapters. Let me reply your question on “mutually cultivation” in the “Heavy Sweetness” thread at SSB and we can take it from there.
http://onesecondspring.blogspot.com/2014/03/talk-7-lost-you-forever-three-classical.html
@ Han Byul,
Thank you for the picture. that is right!!!
You make my day 🙂
lol! I never knew that you were referring to that picture. It’s actually from another novel though and not an official Lost You Forever picture, but I thought it fitted 🙂
I’m dying for msK’s next chapter’s full translation every week….she’ve missed this weekend * deep sigh *
@samie I thought I might be the only one who felt kind of disappointed with not having a new chapter last weekend. Looks like we’re in the same boat! I’ve actually read the rest of the novel using Google Translate but I still want to read it properly translated. I’ve been at her website every day refreshing & hoping to find a new chapter pop up suddenly. Haha. This is the problem with starting a novel with its translation still in progress. I totally enjoyed marathoning through Da Mo Yao in its entirety. =)
Aggggghhhhhh, heart just shatters… T_T
Xiang Liu oh Xiang Liu
*waves to all the LYF sea travellers regardless of the ship they are on*
Hi guys, I’m the new kid on the block who just marathoned to the end of mz Koala’s recent chapter and could not help myself but search for spoilers because if I had to wait 20 wks to get an ending which may end up with everyone dead or sad I would go insane! From the get go I was a Jing tradgic and was so sure our ship was a gonna by now yet could let go…
@ skyblu629 & moonblossom, thank you so very very much for your generosity!! It hasn’t spoiled anything for me instead it gives me the strength to read on and ALSO I know I will be able to appreciate the subtle unsaid things more when I read the rest of the novel. Your transalations are awesome and breathes so much depth to characters and their motives that so far in the story have just left us guessing what it MAY mean!! It was always gonna be Jing for me but man your spoilers makes it hard to not jump ships and go down with in flames with the bad boy!
Now when i reread the part of the novel explaining XY&bei time together before she was sure it was XL all the more painful, XY assumes a real Bei would use the pretence of teaching her archery while really trying to hit on her, hence it confused her and threw her off when he was so serious about teaching her… Sighs.. If only u knew.
Remember when Xiang Liu left XY out In the middle of the ocean to swim back and she was yelling out that things might eat her on her way back, was I the only one that imagined a big softy like XL would swim under her to secretly escort her back safely? Good Luck to any sea monster that tries to eat his XY! Lol
@ Samie & Riley_Elizabeth, I too have the same impulse and the page with msK drama/book recap list is a permanent page on my phone’s internet explorer which I sadly refresh a few times a day!! Lol I wonder if it will be one of us that notices the new chapter first because of how often we haunt that page for a new chapter! 🙂
Same here!!!
Hope, msK will continue translating LYF 🙂
@MissyMay No problem 🙂
Eiikkkklll!!! Chapter 30 is up!!!!!
Oh happy Happy joy joy 🙂 grinning so wide my teeth will catch a cold. Hehehe
Wow finally finished once promised and chang xiang si. Despite everyone saying that chang xiang si is the best novel that tong hua has written, I think it’s not as well paced as once promised, or as nuanced and beautifully written as bu bu jing xin. It’s not as lovely as da mo yao, or as gut wrenching as yun zhong ge. But chang xiang si is probably one of my favorite tong hua books. I felt that book 2 got a little draggy (i hopped over to once promised halfway through book 2) but man, book 3 made it all worth it. After reading the epilogue, all the memories of what Xiang Liu has done for Xiao Yao came rushing back to me, and it left me so heart broken. Our great general Xiang Liu! You’re not as daring and straightforward as Chi You, but you’re the one who loved the deepest in all of tong hua’s male characters. You loved Xiao Yao so deeply that you loved without asking for anything in return, but yet you put your army, your pride and your honor before xiao yao, but because you loved her so much you know you can never give Xiao Yao what she wants, and therefore you chose to give her to Jing because you know he’s the one that can make Xiao Yao happy. Are you selfish or selfless? I still can’t decide.
The plot in chang xiang si is honestly very simple, and way too drawn out. Often times it’s draggy and the story doesn’t go anywhere. But I think Tong Hua outdone herself with her romantic male leads this time.
Even though everyone in chang xiang si got what they wanted, even though it seems to be a happy ending for XY, I still felt really depressed after finishing it. Maybe because in BBJX and Once Promised, a lot of things were out of control for the leads. But in Chang Xiang Si, they could have changed their fate. Zhuan Xu didn’t need to be king, he could have lived a happy ordinary life with Xiao Yao if he wanted to. But to get his throne, he gave Xiao Yao away to other men again and again. Xiang Liu never fought for his own happiness, all his life he never once lived for himself. Xiao Yao was obviously very attracted to Xiang Liu, and she knew that he had feelings for her, but she never did anything. She is the most passive out of all the Tong Hua females. In the end, only Jing could give up everything to be with her, and that’s why he deserved her the most, because he’s the only one that put Xiao Yao above even himself.
I suspect he made her swim back herself because he’s slightly hoping that she would miss her date with Jing =P
It’s been awhile and after reading koala’s latest translated chapter I have a billion questions lol
Moonblossom can u spoil me some more with some more spoilers? I was wondering if you can tell me about the wooden doll I keep hearing about? Who is the doll made for and what does it mean? Also, will there be more XL and XY sweet moments? Will they ever kiss again? I’ve been missing XL since he wasn’t in a few chapters. However I’ve been very happy reading about ZX. I like ZX too and feel bad for him. Can you tell me why the Yellow Emperor didn’t want anyone to hear ZX’s confession about XY and why he said to kill anyone who heard it? If you can spoil me some more I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks a million 😉
Hi Mayx, most of the scenes (at least those involving XL) as been spoilt. Let me cheat a bit by rehashing a bit of what has been written earlier.
By itself, the doll was only a beautifully painted and clever toy. “Clever” because the doll was carved from a fiery type of mulberry wood, which will burn the hands of the person who touched it if the person was low in spiritual powers. By right, Xiao Yao could not have handled the doll for long because her powers were low, but because there was a high grade glacier-ice hidden inside the doll – which neutralized the fire power of the wood – so she was able to hold it. You can read more about how this doll was made in skyblue629’s translation of the epilogue.
The big deal about the doll was because of the secret it concealed – that Xiang Liu loved Xiao Yao very, very much.
I’m sorry but my memory of the book is a little hazy, can you tell me where it is when the Yellow Emperor gave the orders to kill anyone who heard ZX’s confession? What was the confession about? Yellow Emperor’s primary concern was his empire although he did try to be merciful to his family especially towards the end. If he wanted anyone dead, it was probably to remove any potential threats against the land.
Mayx,
My guess is that Yellow Emperor knew that Xiao Yao wants her husband to be monogamous. Zhuan Xuan couldnt meet that very basic requirement.
If Xiao Yao founds out that Zhuan Xuan was carrying a torch for her, she may choose to leave instead of hurting Ah Nian and other women in his life.
My question again – Xiao Xiao is a woman right. Doesnt Zhuan Xuan ever fall for her as I understand her beauty is tops?
Thank you so much Moonblossom! Now that you refreshed my memory I remember reading this spoiler about the doll. XL is so amazing I feel so sad that he couldn’t truly express his feelings for XY.
Anyways the scene where the yellow emperor tells Xiao Xiao to kill anyone who hears ZX’s drunk confession about loving XY only and only wanting her was in Koala’s latest translated chapter which is chapter 31. XY and ZX get drunk because she’s about to go back to the grand emperor to prepare for her wedding and that’s when ZX tells her to not leave him and tells her he only wants her. The Yellow Emperor then knocks him unconscious. Also the Yellow emperor told him earlier to let go of the messenger bird which I think signifies letting XY go. Does the emperor not want ZX to love XY?
I am only guessing but if I am the Yellow Emperor, these will be my reasons for killing whoever who overhead ZX that night: (1) Protect ZX’s secret. If anyone knows how important XY is to ZX, they could have use the knowledge to manipulate him. (2) Protect XY. With so many women who loves ZX at Zi Jing Ding, they may try to harm XY out of jealousy. Thank god he trust Xiao Xiao enough not to kill her…
ZX is not the right man for XY, who wanted monogamy. If he turn monogamous, then ZX would not be as good an Emperor as he could be since the current ZX is someone who could unify the land using a mixture of both hard (force) and soft (marriage) tactics. Both XY and ZX are grandchildren whom he owe a lot because he indirectly caused the death of their parents, so he tries to side both when able. However ZX is also his heir and guardian to his hard-fought empire, if push comes to shove, I think Yellow Emperor will not hesitate to remove any threat to ZX.
Thank you so much for helping me to better understand the Yellow Emperor 😉 I cannot help but feel sorry for ZX 🙁 He loves XY but cannot do anything other than try to keep her by his side.
Hello does anybody have any updates on the drama, i.e. who has been casted, when it will start production / screening? Thanks!
Hi all,
Can someone in here contiue translating chapter 37? I don’t know whether koala playground will still translatingor drop the project.
I’m the xiang liu/xiao yao shipper, and from the spoiler I guessed my ship sink at the end.
At the beginning I like jing than zhuan xu, but now I feel sympathy for zhuan xu, of course xiang liu my favouritefrom beginning till now. For jing, I really disliked him now
everyone… Koala just update the translation of chapter 37 *throws confettis*
I just realized that the 相 (Xiang) in Xiang Liu is the same as the 相 in Chang Xiang Si. I just love how Xiang Liu’s name is in the title; it’s almost like ‘Missing Xiang Forever.” I know it is not grammatically correct (the correct verse would be Chang Si Xiang?) but it is sooo close! There’s no way that Tong Hua did not notice Xiang Liu’s name in Chang Xiang Si; it would not surprise me if she did that deliberately.
Hi everyone,
I’ve been following this website for a little over a month now but have stayed quiet in the background. I read this book around a week ago and have gone through quite a few other books since then but I keep thinking about it. I have to say, I was quite disappointed by the ending even though I knew approximately how it would end. It’s awful but I totally wished that Jing would stay dead because I am a Xiang Liu shipper. D;
I was just taking a break from 琉璃美人煞 (unbelievably long!) and happened upon Koala’s review on “Secrets Hidden in Time” written by Tong Hua. It made me think about how Tong Hua loves to feature selfless and completely amazing male leads that are always left behind.
(http://koalasplayground.com/2012/04/16/secrets-hidden-in-time-by-tong-hua-a-sodden-makjang-mess-of-a-modern-novel/)
Of all the selfless men by Tong Hua, Xiang Liu probably rank first n Menu Jiu a close second. Others like Ba Ye, Meng Jue, Xiao Bo are memorable in their own way but not exactly selfless.
It should be Xiao Yao and Xiang Liu who are fated to meet but cannot love. Summary of the book is not correct. Check out this site for XL’s shippers : http://wishingmytimeaway.blogspot.sg/2015/04/lost-you-forever-quaint-and-quiet-sorrow.html
Read this a while ago though I preferred Once Promised to this, despite it’s BE. One of the most memorable scenes for me is when Xiao Yao had her family reunion, brought back too many feels….
Though I have to comment on a character…
When I was reading this Huang Di in Lost You Forever I was kinda surprised at how mellow he’s turned compared to the villain he was in Once Promised. Hated him to the core in Once Promised, so I was a little disappointed he didn’t suffer as much in LYF. Those millennias must’ve mellowed him out…Yeah I’m evil but I wanted him to hurt as much as Lei Zu and his kids… I guess the casualty in Once Promised was too impressionable I couldn’t forgive Huang Di even in Lost You Forever…I actually thought he had a pretty decent ending despite what he’s done and, I think, does not deserve…
Finished this story awhile ago. Didn’t have the guts to dive into it after finishing Once Promised Casualty, basically tore my heart out and left it bleeding!!!
After like 3 years, finally came back to read this and it brings back such strong feelings for the series. I’m so sad this is the last book. I hope Tong Hua will come back in the future and grace us will some spinoff novel of the Shan Jing Hai Ji world, but I know that’s just wishful thinking…
I love the ending a lot, Xiao Yao get’s to be with her man, finally someone gets a happy ending. Sadly, I got on the wrong ship, knowing full-on that it was gonna sink!! It’s ok, in my heart, Xiangliu will always be the male lead. I don’t know, maybe all of us Xiangliu shippers are all delusional, but I do feel that deep in her heart, Xiao Yao actually loved Xiangliu. The name of the story is 长相思 and with the amount thinking Xiao Yao does of him, the feeling is too strong! His last line “愿你一世安乐无忧“ still make me teary-eyed whenever I come across it.
Xiangliu & Chiyou have a special place in my heart。。。
Just something funny I found: Xiangliu Tieba has 关注： 4,057 贴子： 90,494
He has a lot of active fans lol!
I heard that there is a 3rd novel in the series called “Sorrow Relieving Tune”. Is it published or does anyone know some details about the setting?
Sorrow Relieving Tune has nothing to do with Lost You Forever. It is the Great Han trilogy after Ballad of the Desert & Song in the Cloud. The setting is around the same time period as the first 2 novels as they’ll be connected yet independent. It has not been published and she is taking a very very long time to write it so she might have given up the idea or having writer’s block. If she has any new novel, you can be sure SSB will have it since we’ve a Tong Hua’r ardent fan here.
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%A7%A3%E5%BF%A7%E6%9B%B2/6450019
@Peanuts Thank you for your information! Oops I thought it was a because I read the information in Wikipedia, better stick to Chinese sources. Hmm it would be interesting how “Sorrow Relieving Tune” will turn out, considering the tragic ending of “Song in the Clouds”
I heard rumors that Yang Mi’s studio bought the rights to adapt Lost You Forever into a drama and that Dilireba will be Xiao Yao. Is that true? Honestly, I am not sure that Dilireba has the acting chops to lead such a production. She’s a decent actress, but not that good yet. I wonder who the three male leads will be. There have some MVs made of this book already. This one below has Luo Yunxi as Du Shan Jing, Yang Zi as Xiao Yao, Gao Wei Guang as Xiang Liu, and Ren Jia Lun as Zhuan Xu.
https://www.bilibili.com/video/av31359726?from=search&seid=1731770051535440979
No, according to Baidu the right belongs to another coy, the production coy that produced Best Time. Also, those are fan-made MVs. There are many rumors & fan-made MVs floating around and you should take them with a grain of salt until the official announcement. The production coy may take the fan-made MVs into consideration but not necessary cast them. Just be patient & wait for the official announcment.
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%95%BF%E7%9B%B8%E6%80%9D/6266895
Hey Mel, you are still lurking around lol? I thought you had retired to other dramaland :)? Still fancy Wallace Chung?