ASHES OF LOVE

This story tells us that even Gods and Goddesses are not immune to trials and tribulations, sufferings and separations. That they also have to fight for the right to be with their beloved.

Such is the case of our lead couple here. They had to go through countless challenges and misunderstandings before they ended up in each other's arms. They even have to defy fate and time so their love can survive.

A mother's love for a child is also very evident here, taking all precautions and giving the last of her power to make sure her child will not experience all the pains and sufferings love can bring. To my thinking though, that is a warp way of loving a child. Our children also have to experience all of these things so that living becomes worthwhile. They also have to go through the hell of loving another so that lifelong lessons can be learned.

Love triangles abound in this series, across generations and situations. It is also expressed in many forms- between parent and child, among friends, siblings and even through a master and a servant.

The story of the second male lead is so heartbreaking for me, even more so than the first male lead. Many might look at him as the villain but he is actually a good person and as outstanding, maybe even more so than the Fire Phoenix. Her love for Jin Mi is no less than the first male lead. From his childhood until thousands of years have passed, he never intended to rebel until his biological mother was brutally killed before his very eyes. So for me, his momentary lapse in judgment does not make him a bad person. Sometimes, we are driven by fate to the point of lashing back. Not making excuses here though. Just trying to be compassionate to this second ML.

This series is kind of tragic if not for the ending that most of you will approve of. For me though, Run Yu - the Heavenly Emperor should have been given his own clear HAPPY ending. He also deserves that much.

It's good to remember though all the lessons that can be glimpsed from ASHES OF LOVE. First, true love will always be the ultimate choice versus power and prestige. It is good to have power if one uses it for the greater good. The choices that you make in life will define who you are as a person but you will always have a chance to turn a leaf. Also, it doesn't matter how long or short a time you have been with your beloved. What matters most is that you have loved the best way you are capable of.