#but it worked as an exquisite comedic counterpoint to dfqc's initial characterization

[jaggedcliffs]

I mentioned on the tags of this post that “this isn't the first instance when I got hit in the face with [Xiao Lanhua’s] character development,” so I thought I should mention the first time I was hit in the face with her character development, back in the human world:

[Xiao Lanhua in mortal clothing, looking to the right offscreen at a vendor’s sugar cakes]

As she’s walking with Xiao Run in episode 24, and remembering all her times with Dongfang Qingcang instead, we get this flashback to her being, well, rather childish and ridiculous. 

[Xiao Lanhua sits next to Dongfang QingCang at the table in Shuiyuntian’s Siming Hall. Her face is distraught after touching a hot bowl]

[Xiao Lanhua is upset, looking on the verge of tears, and pouting as she exclaims, “It’s hot!”]

[Xiao Lanhua is upset and blowing on her fingers as she asks, “Why is it so hot?”]

And then you just can’t help but think of the last few episodes, where for one thing she’s realizing she’s not simply a lowly fairy, but a political actor in her own right -- one with the capability to affect the outcome of wars between their peoples, with responsibilities and duties to Shuiyuntian...and also, maybe to Cangyanhai as well.

And for another thing, she’s no longer quite so short-sighted and childish, no longer someone who would whine over touching something too hot, or break down crying over cut hair, or coming up with a plot that could get herself killed by both Shuiyuntian and Cangyanhai, or hell, even wheedle her friends for spirit stones and make promises (that she definitely won't fulfill) to pay them back later. Instead, she’s figuring out effective ways to distract Dongfang Qingcang from Changheng/Xiao Run, she’s ready (if put-out) to go along with the bad make-up scheme and the sister scheme within the various Xiao Run/Xie Wanqing schemes...she’s overall just much more mature.

And for a last thing, as the other post points out for Xiao Lanhua a few episodes from now, her love has matured as well. She’s not going to extreme lengths for a silly, infatuated crush...but figuring out the depths of real love she feels now.

In short, she’s shaping up to be someone who would make a peace-maker as the Goddess of Xishan, and a good co-ruler as the Yuezhu.