Lost You Forever: A Tale of Love, Power and Destiny

"Lost You Forever" is a compelling Chinese historical fantasy drama series available on Netflix, featuring its first season comprising 39 episodes. Adapted from Tong Hua's novel series, "The Book of Mountain and Sea," the drama series explores themes of love, power, and destiny.

Background and World Setting

The story is set in a world where humans, gods, and demons coexist, within the realms of three powerful kingdoms: Haoling, Chenrong, and Xiyan. Haoling is the most prosperous kingdom. Chenrong has vast fertile land and is the most populated region. Xiyan has strong military power. Xiyan conquered Chenrong and annexed it to its territory. The drama series happens when there are only two competing powerful kingdoms: Haoling and Xiyan.

Synopsis

In this gripping narrative, "Lost You Forever" delves into the lives of two central characters, Princess Xiao Yao and Prince Cang Xuan, separated for centuries but brought together by their shared desire for the throne. Bound by a childhood promise to protect each other, they embark on a journey to the capital, driven by their determination to attain political power and secure the kingdom's future.

The Power Struggle

The King of Xiyan, their grandfather, is now becoming old and frail. Prince Xiyan Dayen, their uncle, wields considerable political and military influence in the capital and is poised to seize the throne, even if it means assassinating Xuan.

When Xuan becomes an orphan, the King of Xiyan tells him to follow in the footsteps of his father and aunt Heng, who die heroes by defending the kingdom and its people. Young Xuan tells his grandfather that he will not become a hero like them, leaving his wife, his mother, and his children in grief without protection. However, he wants to be the king of Xiyan in order to protect Zhaoyun Peak and Xiao Yao. His grandfather tells him that becoming a king is much harder than becoming a hero because it is an arduous and dangerous journey. In order to protect his loved ones, he must grow strong. His grandfather knows the danger and sends him to the Haoling kingdom, away from his uncles, as a hostage, but he becomes the disciple of the King of Haoling and prepares him for his quest for the throne.

The Tragic Love Story and Its Significance

The title of the series, "Lost You Forever," bears a poignant weight that resonates throughout the narrative. It alludes to the intricate web of love, sacrifice, and yearning that defines the relationship between Xiao Yao and Tushan Jing, who is engaged to Fangfeng Yi Ying. This title captures the essence of their story, reflecting both the pain of separation and the eternal yearning for a lost love. As we delve into the intricate dynamics of their relationships, we witness the heartbreak and betrayal that shape their destinies, making the title's significance all the more profound.

Parallel Narratives and Character Journeys

"Lost You Forever" skillfully navigates two parallel narratives. On one hand, we follow Cang Xuan's arduous journey towards the throne, filled with political intrigue and external threats. On the other hand, we witness Xiao Yao's quest to discover her true purpose in life.

Will Cang Xuan succeed in ruling the Xiyan kingdom? Will Xiaoyao ever find the true love she seeks? These questions form the crux of the narrative, creating a captivating and suspenseful story that explores themes of love, power, and destiny.

Xiao Yao and Cang Xuan's Background

Xiao Yao and Cang Xuan share a childhood in the Xiyan kingdom marked by tragedy. Xuan's parents perish in a battle with Chenrong, a conflict exacerbated by internal power struggles: his uncle intercepts the letter causing the delay of the reinforcement and the demise of his father. Devastated by betrayal, Xuan's mother takes her own life after killing his uncle. Xuan, orphaned, is placed under the care of his grandmother, Xiling Xie, and aunt Xiling Heng, who is also Xiao Yao's mother.

Xiling Heng, once the Queen of Haoling, divorces the King of Haoling and returns to Xiyan. As the Princess General of Xiyan, Heng leads the army in a battle against the notorious Chenrong General Chi Chen. In the battle, General Heng kills General Chi Chen but she also loses her life.

There is a rumor that General Chi Chen is Xiao Yao's father. This revelation explains Xiao Yao's affinity for demonic powers. She also inherits her mother's skill in medicine, particularly the art of poison-making, and bears the Face Rejuvenating Flower on her forehead, enabling her to transform her appearance and, at the same time, an identifying mark of her identity.

After the death of her mother, Xiao Yao is sent to Mount Jade for safety. However, she moves down from the mountain. Based on her recollection of her childhood, she suffers a lot. She is even captured and tortured. In her childhood, she discovers her power to transform her appearance and use poison as her weapon. She kills her tormentor by using poison. Since she is an immortal, she survives for hundreds of years.

In the small village called Qhing Sui, which is neither a territory of Haoling nor Xiyan kingdoms, Xiao Yao appears as a male doctor, specializing in fertility, known as Wen Xiao Liu. She works with Lao Mu and his two sons Ma Zi and Chuan Zi in the Rejuvenation Hall (medical clinic).

Xiao Yao's Journey with Four Men

Xiao Yao's life takes a dramatic turn as she encounters four significant men. Cang Xuan, Tushan Jing, Xiang Liu, and Chishui Feng Long each play a distinct role in her life.

1. Cang Xuan. Xuan arrives in Qhing Sui with the second princess of Haoling, Ah Nian. They settle as wine dealers. Xuan has been searching for her but when they meet, he does not recognize her as she is now a guy and she hides her identity very well. In the battle against the Chenrong rebels, Xiao Yao recognizes Xuan and saves him. When Xuan is assassinated, she also saves him.

2. Tushan Jing. Jing is found half-dead by Xiao who nourishes him back to life. He is named Ye Shi Qi and he becomes devoted to her as he recognizes her as a woman. Jing is tortured by his own brother Tushan Hou because of his title as Master Qhing Shui known for his musical arts. His brother shows him that without his expensive clothing and title, he is nothing. Jing is the nine-tailed fox. He soon becomes the chief of the Tushan clan. While he is devoted to Xiao Yao, he is engaged and married to Fangfeng Yi Ying, who gives him a son. When Xiao Yao knows about his child, she ends whatever relationship they have.

3. Xiang Liu. Xiang Liu is the leader of the Chenrong rebels. He is a sea monster with nine heads. He is notorious for his cruelty and insatiable thirst for blood. He inflicts so much pain on Xiao Yao but, he also shows her tenderness and care. This is why Xiao Yao is not afraid of him but she learns to forge friendship with him. He nourishes Xiao Yao from deep sleep and offers his blood to save her. He learns to love her despite their differences and teaches her archery and forges for her the legendary bow.

4. Feng Long. Feng Long comes from the royal family of Chenrong. He is not the romantic type but he is straightforward and honest. He likes Xiao Yao and even proposes marriage to her. Xiao Yao is willing to marry him. Compared to Jing and Xiang Liu, Feng Long has no baggage and his Chishui clan is the most influential in the Central Plains.

Xiao Yao faces a difficult choice among her four suitors, each with their own complexities and loyalties. Cang Xuan and Jing are already married, Xiang Liu is duty-bound, and Feng Long offers stability. The series keeps viewers guessing about her ultimate decision.

Cang Xuan's Path to the Throne

Season 1 predominantly focuses on Cang Xuan's journey to claim the throne of the Xiyan kingdom. His visit to Qhing Sui serves not only to find Xiao Yao but also to track down remnants of the Chenrong army and rebels, particularly Xiang Liu.

Throughout his journey, Cang Xuan faces assassination attempts orchestrated by his uncles. As a child, he had been sent to the Haoling kingdom as a hostage but ultimately became a disciple of the King of Haoling and formed a close bond with Ah Nian, the second princess. His true identity is revealed during a confrontation with Xiang Liu, and he is subsequently saved by Xiao Yao.

Xuan returns to the kingdom of Haoling and mentions the doctor who healed him. When the King of Haoling learns about the poison skill of the doctor, he orders Xuan to bring in Xiao Yao. However, Xiao Yao escapes but is captured and crippled.

When Xiao Yao meets the King of Haoling, the king knows who she is but does not force her to reveal her identity. When Xuan learns about her identity, he feels sorry for what he did to her. Xiao Yao is restored as the Princess of Haoling and she accompanies him to the kingdom of Xiyan to compete for the throne.

In the kingdom of Xiyan, Xuan is drugged by his cousins and he plays with them as he wants his uncles to see him as weak and therefore, would not plot to kill him. It is during this journey that he forges a friendship with Chishui Feng Long and Chenrong Xin Yue, who is smitten by his charm. Feng Long supports Xuan’s plan for the throne and convinces him to start his plan at the strategic place of the Central Plain. In Central Plain, Xuan and Xiao Yao meet Jing, who is a cousin of Feng Long and Xin Yue. The plan is to raise an elite army and get the support of the clans in the Central Plain. Through the financial support of Jing and the political influence of Feng Long, they are ready to compete against Xiyan Deyan. In the end, the King of Xiyan abdicates the throne and installs Xuan as the new king.

The Unpredictable Path of Love and Power

Xiao Yao's life takes an unexpected turn as four influential men enter her world, each presenting a unique opportunity for love and stability. The intertwining threads of love, power, and destiny weave a complex and suspenseful narrative in "Lost You Forever."

Season 1 provides a glimpse into Cang Xuan's ascent to power, setting the stage for the series' future developments. The path forward is uncertain, and viewers are left eager to see how Xiao Yao's story unfolds in the upcoming second season.