While I’m more than willing to concede that Yuanyi is in large part the reason for why Niaoniao carries around low trust issues on her sleeve, at the end of the day the business of co-existing with Ling Buyi has to go on for better or for worse. It is undeniable that Niaoniao has become the fiercely independent young woman because of the perception that she’s had to stand up for herself for the longest time. That side to her is decidedly the result of both neglect as well as hit and miss parenting. The issue of “losing herself” was borne out of that fear of having no one to rely on rather than a well-thought out philosophical position leading to a kind of activism. On the surface it looks as if Niaoniao is fighting for her right to be her own woman but dig deeper and it seems to be about her ongoing need to prove herself while shaking her frustrated fists at the mother who has been emotionally absent for far too long.
Hi again, Lily! It’s always so nice to hear your thoughts for LLTG.
The part where you mentioned how Niaoniao isn’t quite alone in so many aspects… I am glad you called it out. For Shaoshang, I wonder if it’s the result of being an adolescent to not quite reflect that while she was separated from her parents, when her family returned, her father and brothers lovingly out-right dote on her. The same with her third uncle and especially her third aunt (I miss them). But I do think whenever she has the inner monologue to herself of relying on no one else but herself, it does help her endure the hard times.
YESS! I wish there was more conversation between them for growth from the tiger seal incident. It felt like such a missed opportunity for the drama.
Ahh, this! “It always a puzzling thing that people spend so much time and energy on their careers/professions and so relatively/ proportionately little effort on their closest relationships.” All of this!!!
At first, I thought the way LBY executed his “gift” to the princess was quite cruel, though in character with him. Then considering what you reminded us with what 5th princess did and how she saw Shaosheng’s life, I could understand why LBY exacted the situation.
I think in another place and time, if he and LBY were not love rivals, they’d be good friends.
I always love the way you write and structure your thoughts/essays by the way. You already know that though. :) Onto the next!
Hi again, Lily! It’s always so nice to hear your thoughts for LLTG.
The part where you mentioned how Niaoniao isn’t quite alone in so many aspects… I am glad you called it out. For Shaoshang, I wonder if it’s the result of being an adolescent to not quite reflect that while she was separated from her parents, when her family returned, her father and brothers lovingly out-right dote on her. The same with her third uncle and especially her third aunt (I miss them). But I do think whenever she has the inner monologue to herself of relying on no one else but herself, it does help her endure the hard times.
YESS! I wish there was more conversation between them for growth from the tiger seal incident. It felt like such a missed opportunity for the drama.
Ahh, this! “It always a puzzling thing that people spend so much time and energy on their careers/professions and so relatively/ proportionately little effort on their closest relationships.” All of this!!!
At first, I thought the way LBY executed his “gift” to the princess was quite cruel, though in character with him. Then considering what you reminded us with what 5th princess did and how she saw Shaosheng’s life, I could understand why LBY exacted the situation.
I think in another place and time, if he and LBY were not love rivals, they’d be good friends.
I always love the way you write and structure your thoughts/essays by the way. You already know that though. :) Onto the next!