WRT Dixing and time, I have my own ideas – like there being several competing and inconsistent timekeeping systems that cause what's best referred to as sectarian conflict. And that Zhang Shi was lying to embellish sempai's reputation and the whole thing happened only about 4k years ago, because the tech level of 10k years ago is more "someone in the Middle East figured out we could domisticate goats maybe" and they have metal already. (Swords only started being a thing in China 2500-3000 years ago!) So. Timelines!
Point being, canon looks pretty different if I let myself think that some of Shen Wei’s constant vaguely described angst and pining is about his estranged omnicidal brother. I wonder if that will continue to hold up and, if it does, how that will change the rest of canon for me. I've rewatched it at least once through, and I think I interpreted his vague angst as being about the whole situation, all the things he could not do, for Ye Zun, for the war, and for his separation from Kunlun. IIRC it's pretty nonspecific, especially if you go for broad-spectrum angst where Shen Wei gets to angst about absolutely everything, from Zhao Yunlan not knowing to Ye Zun hating him to Dixing's present situation. He's such an angst moppet. Runs off melodrama. I wonder whether he has PTSD related to war stuff. He was almost certainly a child soldier, too. So, yes, Shen Wei needs a hug, and lots of them.
To state it as brutally as possible: While Zhao Yunlan is dying out of love for Shen Wei, Shen Wei is holding hands with someone else. Yes, that is very brutal indeed. I think you've also put a finger on why I think the only real Good Ending is one where Ye Zun is redeemed and goes to live with Shen Wei, regardless of how the romantic relationships shake out.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2020-07-19 03:33 pm (UTC)I've rewatched it at least once through, and I think I interpreted his vague angst as being about the whole situation, all the things he could not do, for Ye Zun, for the war, and for his separation from Kunlun. IIRC it's pretty nonspecific, especially if you go for broad-spectrum angst where Shen Wei gets to angst about absolutely everything, from Zhao Yunlan not knowing to Ye Zun hating him to Dixing's present situation. He's such an angst moppet. Runs off melodrama. I wonder whether he has PTSD related to war stuff. He was almost certainly a child soldier, too. So, yes, Shen Wei needs a hug, and lots of them.
Yes, that is very brutal indeed. I think you've also put a finger on why I think the only real Good Ending is one where Ye Zun is redeemed and goes to live with Shen Wei, regardless of how the romantic relationships shake out.