Tyrannical Wang’s Beloved Wife

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Other people’s bad reputation, if not because of themselves, then it’s slandered by others. Jing Wan’s bad reputation wasn’t because of herself, but schemed by her future husband. Jing Wan’s bad reputation wasn’t caused by others, but of his design, only for the sake of marrying the woman he has had eyes on for two lifetimes! One unable to take a bride, one unable to marry. Because he was the number one handsomest man, but she wasn’t the number one beauty. So it was still her who has earned? What the hell?

After marrying, the husband’s close beautiful servant girls didn’t try to crawl onto the bed, but instead served her like an ancestor. The previous stewards didn’t monopolize the power, but instead handed over in great detail all the properties and even the husband’s private funds. So strange no matter how one looks at it! After getting along day and night, she discovered that her husband suffers from a severe case of crazy, please cure!

“Husband, just what do you like about me? I’ll change, just please stop being weird.”

His disease acting up in seconds, telling you with his actions, just how strong his possessive desires towards you are, that’s how much care you must give back.

Alright, for the sake of his disease not becoming more severe, and seeing how there’s no concubines or mistresses or other little demons, Jing Wan rolled up her up sleeves and went all out.

Associated Names
One entry per line
戾王嗜妻如命
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage (8)
Chongfei Manual (8)
Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine (7)
Eight Treasures Trousseau (7)
Transmigrator Meets Reincarnator (6)
Heroine Saves A Gentleman (4)
Recommendation Lists
  1. The BEST Historical Novels (BG only)
  2. My absolute faves
  3. My roman empire
  4. Historical Romance
  5. Cliches, Classics, Goats

Latest Release

Date Group Release
11/04/23 Broken Jinsei c633 part2
11/01/23 Broken Jinsei c633 part1
10/29/23 Broken Jinsei c632
10/29/23 Broken Jinsei c631
10/24/23 Broken Jinsei c630
10/24/23 Broken Jinsei c629 part2
10/19/23 Broken Jinsei c629 part1
10/16/23 Broken Jinsei c628
10/14/23 Broken Jinsei c627
10/11/23 Broken Jinsei c626 part2
10/11/23 Broken Jinsei c626 part1
10/07/23 Broken Jinsei c625 part2
10/04/23 Broken Jinsei c625 part1
10/04/23 Broken Jinsei c624
09/30/23 Broken Jinsei c623 part2
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95 Reviews sorted by


znukhsoc
znukhsoc rated it
August 7, 2022
Status: c10
Giving it a 3 because I can classify this as "good writing that didn't draw my interest". It's honestly fascinating that some people can write and READ accurate historical romance. I respect it.
I don't know how I finished reading 10 whole chapters. I guess it's REALLY not for me because the story is in ancient time, all the blood relations confuses my mind as a person with only 2 relatives, the whole schemey respect thing is tiring to me. Also, the ML is mentioned like 2 times. I quite... more>> like obsessed yanderes but I don't have the patience to read this novel. The whole family relationships part was killing my soul.

Anyway, if you have absolute patience this novel is for you. <<less
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sslsdm
sslsdm rated it
May 5, 2022
Status: Completed
TWBW literally my fave. They have it all (things that I like lol) doting romance, Passionate ML, smart- calm and cunning Leads.

People get so mad over romance thingy, but aint care abt the plot.

I mean literally the translator is so good, and the plot itself is chef kizz. The plot aint just focusing on romance, but more deeper on (political??) schemes.

I like the author words and translator did a very good job at it. When they describe thing, it simple yet I could imagine what happend there. The dialog is... more>> minimum but dang I like it sm, It's rare to find novels with minimum dialog, and lots of cn romance novels have lots of cringy dialogs no offense lol. <<less
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ErikaBoo
ErikaBoo rated it
October 12, 2021
Status: c453
Love this 😊 Those that rated this with 3 below because of how manipulative the ML is should have checked the tags before reading. You'll find clues that the novel will really trigger your moral values in real life.

Good movies and novels challenge moral values, which I believe what happened on this novel. It's not the best but it's already pretty good.
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LaynForrest
LaynForrest rated it
September 27, 2021
Status: c448
4.3/5

What makes this novel different from other bg historical novel is, the plot and the characters.

Plot-wise, I'd say this is Definitely my top picks amongst the bg historical novels. Dog blood drama? Face-slapping? And the scheming? Yes it got everything. But what makes it different is how every plot points didn't drag on and on, like some of the common historical novels. The whole plot is very cohesive. Every single thing is connected. Most of the times you need your brain cause some characters and plot point was mentioned early... more>> on and they were brought up again MUCH later. Also there are a lot of plot twists too. While some are cliche, some are quite unexpected.
Spoiler

totally didn't see it that Fu Yunting was Jingwan's husband in the previous life. He was introduced very early lmao.

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Characters:

There are no saints here. Hate Li Hongyuan as much as you like. I don't like him either, but I understand how he came to be. Let alone Jingwan, she's pretty much a hypocrite in some things, but at least she's one of the decent ones in this novel. And I like how corrupted she came to be since marrying lol. Literally telling you that you surroundings shape you. While tbh I don't really like any romance scenes of them cause imo they're boring, but I acknowledged that they are a good couple. Definitely a match made in heaven.

The other characters are quite deep and the big guns aren't s*upid obviously. Each and every single one got brains. But too bad since Li Hongyuan is a cheat incarnated they always look bad. Sometimes I just want LHY and LJW get in big trouble once lol.

Imperial court drama is the main focus value of this novel. I think if you really like historical drama as it is and don't really have much hope for the romance dept go read this. The whole scheming and plotting is very satisfying. This novel telling you; The Imperial family is nothing good and just a snake pit. Stay tf away, don't get near I'm telling you 😅

The whole LHY being a creep might be uncomfortable for some. I don't have a problem cause I pretty much don't care about it and it's been mentioned that he has mental illnesses. If you can't stomach it then don't read this. <<less
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Yousei
Yousei
May 13, 2021
Status: --
I was reading comments to see if this story interested me, and I saw multiple people staying the age gap was so big, they were so shocked they stopped reading! I thought the ML was going to be about 40yo, but turns out he is only 22 😂

You know in the past, a rich man could be 40 or 50 and still have a 16yo wife, it wasn't that unusual. But here they only have an 8 years difference! Even today, this little difference wouldn't shock me. I am 5... more>> years younger than my boyfriend, 3 years more wouldn't change anything.

Maybe the MC's age is what actually surprised you? But long ago people didn't get to live as old as we do now, so it was pretty common to marry early. If this is something you can't accept, maybe you should give up reading historical romance... <<less
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Sharmin
Sharmin rated it
November 6, 2020
Status: c162
Well there are already a lot of reviews. So I will just say one thing that is I am definitely not a fan of political intrigue and palace dramas. I am not also a fan of late romance. Which is why I am late with this novel. I started a few days ago. What I can say about this novel is GREAT. It just keeps you hooked. After reading this I got to understand that the fact I am not a fan of political intrigue and palace dramas and all... more>> the complicated things is because those stories weren't well written. But this novel is SO WELL WRITTEN THAT IT'S INSANE. ALSO A BIG SHOUT OUT TO THE TRANSLATOR JEN WHO IS GREAT. The translation is soooo good. But anyway the main conclusion is this novel has great story, great characters, great everything. You will understand after reading <<less
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CN_Cyanide
CN_Cyanide rated it
January 2, 2020
Status: Completed
Finally finished the originals. There won't be any spoilers here that will affect your reading, however there are some things I must say, and I hope everyone will continue to support the author and the translator and read until the end (the 'extra' chapters after the main story ends are also relevant and manly centered around Jing Wan and Li Hongyuan)

Firstly, about the translations: I love them, to me they are pretty well done and the release scheadule is also very good. I hope you'll do it until the... more>> end!! Good luck!

Now, my review. Why didn't I give this excellent story a 5 star review? Well, the story is pretty until until the 500's, it follows a consistent plot and apart from some small details, the level of Fantasy and Supernatural phenomena match our scenario pretty well. However close to the end, there's a bunch of chapters in which they decide to add a lot of new things that didn't exist at all, and weren't informed at all... they don't match the story. It was to a point that I thought I would have another 公公有喜, where they made the story confusing and nonsensical in the end. It was good, that it looks like the author is cured from her sickeness and close to the end the main story concludes in line with the original plot (is almost like you can ignore this nonsense without affecting your experience at all. You'll know when you get there, its a rollercoaster of unnecessary emotions).

And that's why you have to read til' the end, and read all the extra chapters. They are relevant and well written, and they will make your heart swell in delight of having withstood that nonsense, like it never existed at all.

Even if the title looks like any other story of the genera, this is a must read for those who like 'second chances' category. :)

Thank you all who had the patience to read this. <<less
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kyuloves
kyuloves rated it
December 17, 2019
Status: c300
Just read this up to chapter 300 few days ago, and I think its okay, if you ignore the fact that the ML is a degenerate.

I can tolerate the ML to some extent, and later on, the way the ML’s love is shown for the FL is quite enjoyable to read. Their interactions are really nice too in my opinion.

In the end, only 2 cons for me in this novel.

First: Too slow-paced, but its fine for me since I can read raw.. I can understand how the readers would feel... more>> reading this, and unfortunately some people will get bored because of the slow-pace and not enough chapters. Recommend to wait for chapters to stack before reading.

Second: As everyone would know from the reviews, ML is a degenerate, like a total degenerate scum. I almost couldn’t stand reading this during the early chapters because of ML, and mind you, I’m not the kind to get irritated easily. But I’m glad I carried on and reading it because I enjoyed reading it in the end later.

Conclusion: Give this novel a try and try to bear with the ML. 4/5 for me. If ML wasn’t such a degenerate, 5/5. <<less
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hariett98
hariett98 rated it
November 13, 2019
Status: c109 part5
this is so very fantastic. and so far it's on my top list of favorites...

i just love jing wan as much as I love jin qinwang!!! I mean, they're so perfect and very well balance in terms of attitude and persona.. its not too fast and very detailed but not boring. it is making me excited for the next chapter every time I visited NU and I love it very much...
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Saffari
Saffari
September 23, 2019
Status: c77
4.2

First of all, let me say that the writing of this story is one of the best here. To be frank, it's the language is very literary and consistent. The characters are very well done, even our small villains are fleshed out and not lacking of characterization. All characters have motivation, as well and not just caricatures.

To be honest, the quality of the craft is the best I've read on this site.

It's truly well done. The relationship of the characters are woven beautifully. I also like that our leads aren't... more>> perfect, they have flaws and give you frustrations but also lure you back for the same reason.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the ML is TOO flawed for my liking. Frankly, he's a predator, he had nonpenetrative s*x with the MC while she was asleep and drugged in her own room, before they even had a conversation in their second life. She's 14.

I'll probably stop reading this when they actually get together, but for now and the author tries to make it romantic. But for now, I'm reading it for the storyline of MC and her bestfriend. Such a shame because I really enjoy the writing style of rhe author <<less
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Nelic
Nelic rated it
December 19, 2022
Status: c87
All the one-star ratings are here because people can't handle reading a historical novel of ancient china, where people getting married off at the age of 13 was the norm.

They get triggered, because MC gets mol*sted in her sleep at the age of 16 by her fated person who waited two lifetimes for her.

This clearly was a time when a woman's life was worthless and could only be used to gain a political benefit or whatsoever.

You shouldn't judge any fictional book by the moral standards of a person living in... more>> the 21st century.

If you do so, you're better off reading a non-fiction book instead of giving a wonderful story with fleshed out, three-dimensional characters, and wonderful political intrigue, such a low rating. <<less
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Mehmeh713
Mehmeh713 rated it
January 28, 2022
Status: c479
The translation is great!!
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sushimomo
sushimomo rated it
October 30, 2021
Status: c460
It’s a brilliant novel full of twists and turns.

The main lead is very manipulative to say the least but it’s a testament to his intelligence and prowess.

The MC is very likeable and strong in her own sense

The romance starts quite late so I hope the other readers push on till then.
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jtlmi
jtlmi rated it
May 19, 2021
Status: c395
This would be a prime example of a love story between a hardcore yandere and a soft yandere.

MC is a modern woman who dies and reincarnates as a Di daughter to the second master of the Luo family in ancient times. Growing up, due to her parent's incompetence she is raised by her grandmother, the matriarch head of the clan. MC is doted on and the most favoured grandchild in the Luo Clan.

ML on the other hand is the Sixth Prince who dies in his future and reincarnates back into... more>> his childhood self. In his past life he becomes obsessed and infatuated with MC which follows him into his second life where he makes it his mission to protect the MC from all harm and save her from her tragic fate.

The romance is a slow burn, with the first 230 chapters focusing on family and political intrigue. The author is meticulous in world-building and you become intimately introduced to the vital characters that make up this ancient world. As well as that, it's also a very sweet domestic slice-of-life about the MC growing up and adapting her modern views and morals to ancient times where women's rights were non-existent. She's a very relatable character, her behaviour realistic– such as tolerating but disliking the concept of concubines though not voicing her opinions outright. (Because in ancient times she'd be scorned and reprimanded for her views.) Or even the fact that though she ideally would love a monogamous relationship, she knows that in this lifetime it would be very unlikely to occur and so comes to terms with this fact.

Well, if it wasn't for the fact that ML is an obsessive, infatuated and devoted yandere who worships her like a jewel. ML ticks quite a few boxes on the yandere checklist. He'd willingly slaughter anything in the way of obtaining his love, whether they be human, animals, even plants and items that take up too much of the MC's attention are in threat of being destroyed. He does things that are dubcon initially to borderline non-con. ML is not a good person and shouldn't be treated as one though it's true he would slit his own throat if he ever hurt the MC.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing is the fact that when MC and ML get together, parts of MC becomes obsessive and soft-core yandere as well. They really might be a match made in heaven.

I'd recommend this story to those who like unhealthy yandere relationships and those who like ancient politics.

It does have a lot of doting and cute moments within their relationship though!

Chapter Spoiler for MC and ML getting together:

Spoiler

MC and ML don't get married until around Ch. 234 so prior to that their romantic interactions are pretty limited though ML does enjoy crossing boundaries pre-wedding. You'll get kisses, sleeping in bed together and maybe some soft petting but their relationship gets more stage time once they marry.

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Lazyhazy
Lazyhazy rated it
May 3, 2021
Status: c301 part2
I highly recommend this novel to those who really love the chinese historical setting and their culture. To be able to love this novel you can't have modern world mindset because the whole premise of the book is based on feudalistic world. So many people are nitpicking about age gap, possessive ml, tyranical behavior blabla.. But please remember this book is based on ancient time with male dominate society, where higher class people rules over lower class, where husband can take more wife, where women are treated as a tool... more>> for giving birth or have marriage connection. You can't think like a modern thinking while reading historical novels. And to be honest ML isn't that bad like some people are claiming him to be. The political fight and conspiracy in this novel is so deep, auther will make you think what actually happened and who was the real conspirator. Like literally you will be left out like that to make your own guess. In most of the novels you will only get to know in and out about MC and their family, other characters their only for making MC look cool or add little bit spice to the story but here almost every characters has their own color, on the surface they may look normal but little by little you will get to unravel the depth to these characters. And our translator Jen did so well with her work I have no complain about her work. She does so many research and adds explanation notes and pictures for us reader for a better understanding. Such a meticulous and high quality translation, Jen deserves a praise for her hardwork. <<less
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Hualan
Hualan rated it
August 9, 2020
Status: c200
You know reading that description, you kinda expect some light tyrant CEO wooing face slapping MC type of book but there are ALOT of historical and political details once you read it. People who rate it low after reading less than 100 chapters clearly came in expecting some generic fanfare and not realized this is more complex novel.

There are chapters with ancient rites that you can tell the author did their research because it span couple chapters and the details are all complex and interesting to read. The conflict... more>> on the throne isn't action oriented but more like subtle scheming in the background and you read about the process as it happen. There are small events that happen at same time as big ones that require you to pay attention to the plot. The author mention details in the early book that play out later. Most characters are all well fleshed out and 3D. Even the headstrong, death seeking fodder type also has her little redemption arc later.

Now the MC was transmigrated at birth. She has all the knowledge of modern time and her background is a daughter of fallen politician which is quite unique in these type of stories. Because of her facing hard times due to her old dad, her personality and train of thought is more subdued now that she was reborn. All she want is to help protect her family. Occassionally she would reveal some knowledge to help her family members but she doesn't go out there to make herself into big name. She is also devoid of romantic desires because of her realistic expectation of ancient time which I find is interesting. She knew men back then aren't expected to be loyal to one woman so she already steeled her heart to not have true love. She show absolute disdain for the other wives her father have. She has no expectation of marrying for true love and only hope for mutual respect between the husband and wife. The ML job is to show her that his feelings for her are genuine because he loved her since his last life but MC doesn't know of that past.

Now the ML...I like him and I don't like him sometimes. I like that he's very smart that he even destroyed his new life reputation so he can act however he wants and everyone would underestimate him. I don't like that he's a f*cking creep that sneak into MC bedroom or groped her when she passed out once. He is obsessive and jealous of literally anyone who breath near the MC including women. His schemes toward the enemies can be pretty cruel sometimes tho he is not as bad as the villain.

The only thing that helped me deal with this couple is that the MC is hinted to be lowkey off herself. If ML ever betray her love and unloyal to her then she thinks she will drag him down. The ML is also extremely indulgent toward her and treat her and her family well. There's no big gap of power balance in the dynamic because of how devoted ML is to MC. I guess it is like tiger is dangerous but being able to tame a tiger to unconditionally love you has an appeal in itself...

I think the the villain of this book was written actually stood out. She is straight up psychotic and much more complex than regular villains in these type of novels. She also has a mystery power behind her due to her mother.

She doesn't really love ML but she was arrogant and sheltered that she misunderstood ML like her because he act more tolerable toward her. It is really just that she's too crazy that ML is a little shaken by her and doesn't want to disturb the power she has behind her yet. She want ML because she thought it make her unique to be treasure by a guy rumored to bed 1000 beauties (which is all lies made up by ML to destroy his rep). Then she realized ML actually loves MC and never cared about her that she became more obsessive. ML finally plotting to destroy her when she moved after MC pushed that obsession into hatred. She gradually became more cruel and psychotic as story progress. She's crazy but I can't really blame her for the hatred for ML either after what he did to destroy her. Unlike other villains that feel like inconvenience, the villain in this book is definitely menacing after she became darker and more obsessive <<less
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apzzz
apzzz rated it
December 12, 2023
Status: --
Rating it 2.5

Both the ML and FL aren't likeable. Initially, it was okay to have some flaws. But as the story progressed, they became increasingly unbearable.

ML: as mentioned in the other reviews, he's disgusting.

FL: she is mentioned to be good hearted in many chapters. But her kindness is only limited to a selected few - main wives, di born sons and daughters. She's flawed hypocrite

Also ... more>>
Spoiler

each side character is given a whole backstory, only to be wasted as an accessory to the main characters. Even good characters end up with terrible endings

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Also the story is too dragged out. It's okay to have some detailed chapters, but dragging out this much made the story somewhat boring.

Overall, the story is suitable for those who have enough time and patience, who doesn't get attached to side characters and those who can overlook some sensitive points

Spoiler

like the ML drugging the FL.

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BoriCats
BoriCats rated it
December 12, 2023
Status: c90
I was severely disappointed with this book. I was here for the romance because the title and the blurb shows it's about that, but pet me disappoint you that the romance in this book is less than 20% and you might not even get any large movements in the first 100 chapters why because they focused on the political plot and they will only be married on Ch 230 something. I don't shun from political drama because I like it also but I've read so much about throne fighting that... more>> when the plot is about it, I was not interested. What made it worst was that it was plain as f*ck. It's so stale and boring that I was more than a hundred chapters already and I was still looking when will the political struggle start. Not knowing that it already started since chapter 1, and I was like 'dont kid me!', that was it?! I thought that was just introduction and some small petty movements from side characters, but that was your political intrigue that you're jumping and praising for. It saddens me that some peoples standards was so low they think puppy love is the greatest love of all time. It's a shame as they promised good world building but I still was looking at a kingdom and a place that was just mentioned. That's not world building! That's uninspired writing. The translator be like commending the characterization when im fact they're just made well but was made uninteresting with the endless amount of their screentime and their boring life. They're fleshed out, but they're boring people. A doting granma and grampa. An innocent and pliable brother and a strong girl friend. Honestly they are so boring. Have you watch GAME OF THRONES? Atleast one of those side characters will trample any characters in this book. There's no challenging conflicts. The ML is so strong that it's a forgone conclusion that he will get the throne so why was it so looooooong till the plot moves. HONESTLY, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME READING THIS! IT'S NOT WORTH IT!. It's clock baiting romance readers with a plot that will only happen 230 chapters in the book where a chapter can reach 14k words! This is a shame to those existing the same genres like these.

An early review where I'm still in a good mood but just bored from the story:

A lot of reviews focus on how either they like the story or they hated it because the ML is 'pedo' and rapist they say. TBH, I'm quite uncaring about it as I don't expect kindness and modesty from a deranged man like him. I don't care if he got the MC or not because the story fails to really tethers me to it. I just viewed his actions as someone whose obsessions completely overrode his reasons. Honestly, I've seen worst obsession than him. And if you have been reading Evil or Villain MC's story, then you can just equate his actions as preschool moves.

But that's not the issue. I was not going to read this if only I have nothing other to read. I quite stayed at the boring and lengthy start but as I go on I already slept thrice to the story. No matter how much I stayed and deny that this can be interesting, sleeping thrice to the story was already a big sign that this story is BORING.

It's boring, I have read quite scheming books the likes of Malicious Empress etc. And if you can't surpass their standards then at least reach their level. This book fails to reach their standard. Why?

First of all, the lack of motivation and central focal point of whose the MC, is it the FL or the ML. Both fails unfortunately. The ML motivation was the MC and the throne was just a means to an end. For a conflict driven book that focuses on palace politics of whose gonna sit in the throne in the future. Let's not mention, how this angle of politics has been washed on and used by countless mediums of storytelling platforms, the ML was not even caring about it. Because honestly, he could just abduct the MC in a faraway place and live there away from trouble. The palace politics was not that important and not even engaging, mysterious, groundbreaking and emotional invoking. It's a flop, it's like eating plain pasta when you already knows tomato sauce and pesto sauce makes it more better.

The MC was a very passive character. She has no importance to the 20% of what I've read in the story. She's cool, but she was not giving. She have no avenue to showcase her MC aura and she was just like a boat being flowed by the river itself. And she has no motivation. She has no goal and dreams. She got a stable character background and characterization but she was unnecessary to the whole story, there's a big incongruence. She also was in a better place, where a lot of people protects and cherish her. She has some petty conflicts thrown at her but most of the time her contribution on fixing it was just minimal and sometimes she only has to speak one word and others has to do everything. She FAILS.

If you like politics and just it, then this can be passable but only if you're standards is low, if you have read outstanding books in the same genre then this book was just a joke on your eyes. I'm still going to continue reading as I have nothing better to read. <<less
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Rhyolit
Rhyolit rated it
November 26, 2023
Status: Completed
I forgot about it, but rereading specifically one situation pissed me off.

... more>>
Spoiler

There were PLENTY of dubious scenarios and such, especially him mol*sting her in her sleep... but when telling his close servant girls to just go sleep with someone... and then punishing them afterwards...

If Jing Wan knew... she'd probably not actually care about him as much anymore, I don't remember if she did find out or not... but knowing that while Jing Wan doesn't consider ancient customs to be the most important thing ever, and can accept women being equal to men in bedroom matters... making a girl sacrifice her v**ginity simply to give yourself more cover, and then punishing her when she's didn't do a good enough job of choosing who to sleep with, when the person she wanted was one you wouldn't let her touch? Not to mention, the previous girls Ruan girl killed 'for' him, if innocent and possibly tortured sexually... and he let her... this ML can eat a dick.

Knowing that technically he's supposed to build good karma for JW, but letting those things happen, or ordering them to happen??? Ruined everything else for me. If you can stand those things it's otherwise pretty good from my memory. Actually at least a 4. But I was mostly reading and didn't connect the dots like I should have about RFF and the fiancées of LHY, but the servant girls by his side... he totally could have sent them to his aunt to learn how to act as though they were experts in bedroom matters and thus giving them the benefit of knowledge but at least sparing their bodies... lesser of two evils.

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nanfeng
nanfeng rated it
June 21, 2023
Status: c234
First things first, just want to say thank you to Jen for keeping up with this story and translating it faithfully for years. This is one of those few novels where I can confidently say that the translator literally improved the quality of novel in English. Although, there's one or two sp & grammar errors, their ability to capture the nuance and express it both subtly and poetically made this a beautiful page turner. Loved seeing the pictures, videos, metaphors and vignettes from their life incorporated into their TL notes.

Now,... more>> I'll say, this is a creepy, slightly disturbing, mildly (very?) dark, highly intricate political thriller with a fleeting side of romance. Won't comment on the leads as many of the other reviews have done justice to that from as many angles as necessary to help you make that choice. That said, just wanted to point out that, imo, the strength of this story is in its complex character- and world-building. It is basically like an onion that is wrapped in 50 nested dolls that unravel ever so slowly and in so much detail that seem baffling at first glance but all end up raising more questions as you go until it makes sense somewhere down the line.

I especially loved her the political machinations were especially labyrinthine (actually if this is not your cup of tea, then just don't read this book) and most of the characters - apart from the few obvious cannon fodders - were complex people that could change based on the opportunities/mishaps that they were afforded to them a very realistic-to-a-fault setting. It was disconcerting to discover just how much more cruel/blasé/s*upid/shrewd/deranged/unfeeling/air-headed etc. a character could be after more of their actions & thoughts were revealed.

Honestly, other than knowing that the ML and FL will end up together and
Spoiler

that the ML will probably end up as emperor no matter how much he says he doesn't really care for the throne that much

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, everything else had a sense of mystery that made any correct plot predictions all the more satisfying.

if any of these spoke to you, read and/or re-read this. if it was all blarghh, then...

[overall score so far: 4.3] <<less
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