Fei Pin Ying Qiang

Description

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The journey of a generation’s male empress started because of four words.

“Send a dowry escort.”

During the 19th year of the Yuanqing Era, Qi Yunruo boarded a carriage and entered through a corner door of the second prince’s estate. Then, across the watery corridor, he gazed at the prince from afar.

———

The promotional record of a young teen married off as part of his legitimate sister’s dowry.

From two people who never met before to two people who could understand each other’s thoughts by just a glance.

There’s a type of happiness sparked when the most suitable people meet in the most suitable place.

Notes:
In order for aristocratic women in imperial China to marry into a family part of the upper nobility, they must be of the legitimate line and must also have a dowry escort that married into that family. That escort would be a “ying” (媵) and could be considered a concubine.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Phi Tần Dắng Tường
The Promotional Record of a Male Consort
妃嫔媵嬙
妃嬪媵嬙
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Rich And Honorable ChangAn (4)
Didn’t Love You Enough (4)
Eight Treasures Trousseau (2)
To Be A Virtuous Wife (2)
Sharing Rain and Dew (2)
Remarried Empress (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Reading Shelf
  2. Read again and again
  3. Comp -- Gay -- Asian
  4. Historical/ancient setting danmei - rating 4+
  5. Novels in 2024 and 2025

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72 Reviews sorted by


Nonameschemer
Nonameschemer rated it
January 6, 2023
Status: --
Honestly the monogamy signalling from all the commenters is really lowbrow. ML was not in the position of all your other fairytale cold ceo all powerful MLs and even had a harem BEFORE the MC arrived. Unless he wanted to ruin not only his chances at becoming emperor but even ruin his chance to not be hated and scorned by the imperial court he can't just not try for a son nor can he just poof away his harem. That said, I still didn't like this book.

The MC is weak... more>> and instead of the ML being "uwu falls in love instantly" it's the MC. He went from hating his circumstance to "happy with the ML" once they had s*x. Its really pathetic when you read a book and instead of loving the MC with the 2nd ML you ship the ML with a character that barely had any screen time. MC wasn't really smart, and if he didnt have a protag halo of being so pathetic and "simple-minded" that the ML fell in love with him he'd continue being stepped on for the rest of his life.

This novel sold the CP by implying that none of the MLs harem loved him (which I only partially agree. The antagonist 2nd consort may have been scheming but her jealousy mustve been rooted in some type of feelings) and here's the MC who's so innocent but hw isn't. He's just struggling aganist the current of his life and the ML was the drift wood. There's really no reason for the readers to believe that ML is any different than a conveniently timed backer for MC.

The romance? It just wasnt there. 90% of the book is politics and harem intrigue and it was very exhausting to read when we barely see any progression into their relationship and instead were just spoon fed moments when their feelings randomly deepen.

On to the ML. He isn't scum readers saying otherwise just have water in their heads but I wouldn't say he goes out of his way to be a phenomenonal person. ML was aware that taking in Ji Haun and MC into the "harem" would cripple their chances of ever being respected in whichever career path theyd take later. That said, it wasn't his decision to have them enter his home. It was their parents. If he didn't sleep with them their status and reputation would still be ruined, and than since their males in the harem they'd be extra stepped on. I think this makes him a complex character/morally gray character since he never had that much internal conflict over this nor did he even really ponder how Ji haun would feel going into the workforce after being a kept man.

Last but not least. Despite Ji haun realisticaly not being in love with the ML and only being slightly more honest than the harem women in his seduction of the ML its a real shame that there was no real romantical conclusion between him and the ML we don't even get to see much of their relationship and this wouldve been a perfect time for the author to compare and contrast MLs feelings and attidude for the MC to his ex Ji Haun. It just felt like the ML went for the weakest man he could find and fell in love with him since without the ML the MC would just be a pitiful nothing <<less
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peppergum
peppergum rated it
April 22, 2022
Status: c22
Mixed feelings reading this. Sure, it was quite realistic, but still lackluster. The ML's interactions with the MC were extremely dry in consideration to the ML's supposed attraction towards MC. Not asking for monogamy, just a little sprinkle of chemistry to make me feel more alive lmao.

I was actually excited to read a novel with the premise of a fully functioning harem in place, because I thought it could really add dimension. But so far, the female characters came off flat (though I am pretty interested in Concubine Wei). And... more>> sure, it's a danmei, but I feel like if the author was gonna spend deadass 65% of the time narrating the perspectives of the concubines, it could've had more nuance. A touch more feminism for these poor ladies who were treated like breeding cattle for the ML, please.

And yes, I'm aware that patriarchy ran the social programming back then, which makes sense why some of these concubines/consorts acted the way they did. But god was it tiring to read a narrative where MC's the most oppressed one.

Spoiler

Like come on, oppressed because you're a man in a court of women? Death rate for pregnancies were high as hell back then, but viewed as the only path to success for women. No worries if you're a dude though, cause ML is more than willing to pave an alternative way to freedom for his male companions.

I don't blame the concubines for despising the MC for his gender at all. To put it in perspective, if men already occupy every position in the outside world, and Ji Huan & MC control the household, where can the wives go? There's simply no space for them to exist, other than a room to pump a baby out every few years.


Also, with this quote, "But after Li Chen left, being a man in the inner courtyard would prove difficult. He could find himself abandoned in the future due to old age, or an even more miserable fate."

I'm confused because what makes it worse for men? Women get abandoned due to old age consistently, it's not a new concept.

MC's personality bugged me as well. Granted, he's a 16 year old boy, but I'm surprised at how short-sighted he is despite his general attitude of "Don't worry about me, I know what I'm doing" to Ji Huan. If the author's trying to show us this contrast as a symptom of naïve adolescence, I'd really appreciate more interiority lol.

But who knows, maybe I'll eat my words once I hit midway. Maybe I'm too nitpicky. Maybe I just watched Raise the Red Lantern one too many times.

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To sum it up, I felt like the author bit off more than they could chew. There needed to be a lot more character depth to pull off a depiction of the complex inner workings of inner court, while also tackling the complicated politics of imperial court that the ML was confronted with. <<less
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Kaylee
Kaylee rated it
January 5, 2022
Status: Completed
When reading a ML who had a wife, 2 consort wife, and plentiful woman in his backyard, people might say they dont want to read such novel and someone will counter back 'relax, in the end it's a 1v1'.

But I wanna say, so what? In the ancient setting, such is the norm. We can not like it because we and me are the monogamous era. Yes, it'd be fantastic if they could be one husband and one wife even for emperor and empress. At least, in this story I read... more>> of how a ML strutted along in his house with all his 11 wifes, spending his time to pacify his household, dealing and handling his ambition and still want to find someone to accompany him in his lonely throne. And yes, after he found the one he truly felt connection he nvr had other again.

Both MC and ML were different characters before they met and with interacting with each other they changed to comply and compliment with each other.

Kudos to the author to write such brilliant story, even if it's cut short here and there. And double kudos to the translator, all the translation of title, status, rank were done magnificiently.

Although I wanna complain and ask, what's that abt the first sentence in the summary?? No explanation or extra chapter abt it at all! <<less
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Rowan_Hood
Rowan_Hood rated it
May 11, 2021
Status: c75 part2
An extremely well written book and seemed fairly realistic (per my limited knowledge of ancient China). I actually liked that the male lead had a harem in the beginning (even though I really dislike it) since it made it seem more realistic - I always felt that other books which had none or just dissolved them instantly were a bit fake and hand wavey.

Definitely a slow burn kind of book, but I think the relationships make a lot of sense (between the MC and ML), and while some of the... more>> other characters were kind of 2D, the author explained it and honestly, it also makes sense.

My one complaint is I felt that the MC changed a bit abruptly and that some things seemed too lucky to be real, but that’s ok.

Overall, a very well written book, with interesting political stuff, and some sweetness (and cute children too). <<less
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aeanis
aeanis rated it
May 9, 2021
Status: Completed
I really like the journey, both MC and ML are not unreasonable people. ML was bound to his duty as a prince and MC was bound to his duty as a dowry escort. I really like their romance, and how ML is not some sort of that omnipotent gong danmei usually had. He had wives, sure, he had children, sure, he had s*x with his concubines before he met MC, sure. But he was a prince nonetheless, how can he secure his position if he were to abandon everything he... more>> worked for just because he met the MC?

I don't get why some called Li Chen a scumbag www because he's not, he respected MC and love him very much.

This novel is not only about romance, there are some political things in here too. Please broaden your view and see it from the novel timeline's perspective.

This was a good read and I enjoyed it very much. <<less
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rambling.d
rambling.d rated it
January 29, 2020
Status: Completed
This was truly a lovely book. I especially loved the romance development. I wouldn't have minded if there were a few more chapters!
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Silangan
Silangan rated it
December 28, 2019
Status: c30
A well written story about Ancient China politics and the ML’s harem.

The romantic build up is meh. I mean it aint bad, the same level as all the danmei - very little build up and just fluff galore (and angst everywhere)

What I don’t like about it is that the MC is pretty useless. Its understandable how he is that way, but he doesnt have the drive to be better - because his family snuffed it out of him.

What I love about it is the translator. They really work hard... more>> on it, and I really like their notes and comments explaining whats an action or phrase means in regard to the whole story. <<less
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Ritu
Ritu rated it
October 31, 2019
Status: c21
Really beautifully written novel tbh. The characters slowly reveal their depths and history. The MC is like a blooming flower. Quiet and closed off in the starting. You'll hardly know about his thoughts but the author slowly unravels his character and you start to adore him.

There's a kind of beauty in the authors storytelling. It's set in ancient China and there are concubine and old thinking style but the author doesn't let any bit of modern sentimentality seep into it and you manage to appreciate the story properly.

1p/10
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sadjam20
sadjam20 rated it
July 22, 2019
Status: v2c36
Really liking the story.

MC starts to grow in the second volume. He broadens his horizons and isn't as easy to push around anymore. I'm glad, since it shows depth in the MC's character. He doesn't stagnate, but is actually dynamic. It's hard to tell in the first few chapters that are translated.

Spoiler

In the second volume, Li Chen brings Qi Yunruo to the northwest border with him. We also learn some things about his mother.

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Maa8989
Maa8989 rated it
March 23, 2023
Status: c36
There’s kinda a lot to unpack so I’ll go fast

1. I found it odd that from the jump everyone in the book was expecting the MC (male) to seduce the ML (the prince). It doesn’t address why all these people expect a man with multiple wives and kids to immediately fall for this 15 year old boy. Throughout the first half of the book (It may be addressed later but it’s too late for me) there is very little reaction as to the fact that this prince has taken... more>> a male lover inside his harem. The MC himself feels emasculated because he as being treated as some dainty female concubine instead of as a male.

2. I have seen almost no chemistry between the MC and ML. When asked about whether MC wants to get into bed with ML, the MC expresses no interest and treats it as “it is what it is, I’m not really interested”. The first time they spend the night together the ML just randomly says “he (MC) is spending the night” and the MC just says “???? Ok I guess”. There’s very little dialogue between the MC and ML and there was no flirting or banter or anything before they got involved. Afterwords they still don’t act affectionate or even talk at all. I’ve had more romantic conversations with the people taking my order at Starbucks. I’m assuming that after the point I stopped reading they develop some sort of relationship, but by chapter 36 there is absolutely no chemistry (unless you count a 15 year old boy sitting in a grown man’s lap every once in a while).

To me, their relationship really didn’t seem consensual, the MC showed no intention of wanting it, and the MC is the legal property of ML so refusal would be complicated to say the least. If it was consensual, it definitely wasn’t enthusiastic. This book could have a great turn around in the second half where they fall in amazing love and they don’t treat the MC like a girl but I’m not sticking around to wait for it. <<less
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GhostFlute
GhostFlute rated it
December 16, 2021
Status: --
I like how historically accurate it is, how the plot moves slowly but surely, and how the omniscient narrator doesn't linger too long on one character.

On the other hand though, I dislike the lack of substantial sub-plots, and especially the pace of the characterization.

Mind you, the characterization itself is fine, it's the *pace* of it that doesn't agree with him one bit. I prefer a pace that goes like: "Character X is like this, " then things happen and character X behaves according to the presentation we readers have experienced.... more>> Then the narrator makes us privy to small changes within the character. And then something else happens and character X behaves according to the small changes we've read about. I prefer this pace.

Instead this novel has a pace that goes more like this: "Character X is like this, " then things happen and character X behaves according to the presentation. Then something else happens and the character behaves differently. Then something else happens and the character behaves yet differently again. And only later on, very much later on, the narrator makes us privy to the changes in the heart and mind of the character. Not through long flashbacks, it's not a "the past plays a big role" sort of narrative style. It's simply a different characterization pace. And one that I personally don't like.

It's not that the whole novel is like this, there are some exceptions, but I found it is predominantly like this. And I just can't make myself to like it. <<less
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Lit Sheep rated it
June 21, 2021
Status: Completed
I really like this novel. No OP and overbearing ML, no cliche romance, and no over description about their appearances (somehow I found lots of novel describing the appearance of the characters in a very hyperbolic ways)

They both grow during the plot.

The translators also doing a good job, adding so much informations & references about the culture.
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sapphireader.weeb
sapphireader.weeb rated it
November 30, 2020
Status: c64.1
My rating: 3.8 (bumped up to 4 stars because of the translation quality)

The story isn't bad, the plot is pretty solid and a few of side characters are fleshed out, but my main problem is with the ML; he's kinda flat as a character and isn't very relatable or well-developed, but at the same time, he's realistic in standards of ancient China

... more>>
Spoiler

I hate how ML told the Princess Consort that he would've crowned her empress and kept the MC as a concubine if she hadn't drugged him... the translator explains that it's not because the ML doesn't love Little Qi (MC) or anything, but it still rubs me the wrong way and Little Qi deserves better ngl. The ML also seems to love less than the MC, where Little Qi is steadfast and dedicated to him, but he has 5 children with the consorts and 4 concubines :/ yes, it's ancient China and he needs a son and stuff, but gahhhh, he doesn't seem as emotional as Little Qi when it comes to affection or dedication

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I love the MC though :D he's not OP in terms of fighting, but he's smart and can still hold his ground in fighting

Spoiler

which is shown when he kills two warriors during a battle and saves the ML

[collapse]

The translation is top tier as well, they occasionally mess up with pronouns a bit, but they're able to capture the tone and mood of the writing as it shows through MC's perspective (the writing style is quite unique, it's this slow paced and calm+tranquil type that fits well in the setting)

All in all, I do recommend reading this, but it's a plain 4/5 stars for me and isn't a favorite. <<less
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LeiraEastburn
LeiraEastburn rated it
November 14, 2020
Status: c62
I really dont like MC and ML's personality. I just found it really diagusting.

ML said that he prefered same s*x yet he able to imp**gnate bunch of women, and still hoping to have more child.

And the MC, well... idk I feel like he is becoming more like sluts the more I read it 😅
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starrysea98
starrysea98 rated it
April 30, 2020
Status: v2c46
honestly wasn't expecting to be so invested in this??? It starts off a little bit cliche but I found myself wanting to know more. It helps that MC is so cute, I want to protect him from everything bad in the world. Ok, granted, he doesn't start off so great but I love that the author hints at what's beneath his placid surface and finally starts to unravel his complexities as we get to know him better.

also, i'd say the fade to black smut scenes do more good than harm... more>> bc MC is underage here. Yeah, imperial china sucks.

the palace drama is pretty interesting too (i am just tr*sh for court intrigue, sue me). Anyway, massive props to the translator for their hard work!! <<less
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Indelible Faith
Indelible Faith rated it
January 29, 2020
Status: v2c34
Honestly, the romance is secondary right now, there's progress but not much. But ooh am I really intrigued about all the mysterious pasts of the characters! Looking forward to that!
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trash_generalist
trash_generalist
January 18, 2023
Status: c29
I feel like this novel is one of those literary works. Or, to provide a better example, like those complicated French films where seemingly nothing happens, but there is meaning behind everything. XD Of course, this novel is not so reliant in subtext as those French films, but it's pretty darn close! Because of this, my uncultured self ended up growing bored pretty quickly. In any case, I now know that this is a very unconventional piece. Whereas most would read BL novels for the sake of indulgence, the main... more>> purpose of this novel is to show a realistic version of what the life trajectory of a male empress would have had, starting with the very realistic occurrence of a homos*xual prince taking in countless wives and concubines despite his lack of interest in woman, all the way to the various schemes that take place behind the scenes. In this way, the story is pretty novel, and I think worth reading if you're looking for something more complex and meaningful to add to your BL library.

Unfortunately, I'm in the wrong mood for this kind of novel, so I decided to drop it before I grew completely tired of it. I'll come back to reread it when I have the chance in the future. For now, I've leaving the rest unread and the novel unrated. <<less
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Sceer
Sceer rated it
June 3, 2022
Status: Completed
I was reluctant to read this because the ML has so many wives. But I was glad I finished it. I cried at the end when the ML really went true to his promise to never let the MC get wronged again.
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Melih
Melih rated it
June 1, 2022
Status: Completed
4.5

I am picky with harem novels, ok I usually dislike them. But, this is one of those historical with harem novels that I would have not minded if it went for 100 chapters more.
Loved the MC's character development!! Qi Yunruo went from an almost invisible, easily frightened and neglected young man who quietly stole Li Chen's heart to becoming his shield and partner and I absolutely enjoyed the journey.

Every time the Li Chen (ML) looked at Little Qi and he just smiled, no words, no convoluted speeches but just... more>> smiled, which happened quite often, my heart became mushy.

Quite a hidden gem!! <<less
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someonewithemptyhands
someonewithemptyhands rated it
May 5, 2022
Status: --
all the reviews said everything that I wanted to say so I wont write anything just want to say that this story is a GEM!! And satisfy me both in romance and plot. Eventhough usually this kind of story focused mainly on plot and world progress and has a little romance but this novel is really good on everything! And defently recommend to ppl that enjoy ancient theme!

just want to add smth ab ML's harem and their relationship:

when u reading ancient CN theme u should put ur self in that... more>> time and think like ppl from that time too. Now we are in 2022 and everything is equal between ppl but on that time its really usual to sleep with all of ur wife but at the same time u love one of them too. As many ppl mentioned in the novel children are ur wealth and happiness and cuz many childern died in the past and boys are really imp to family eventhough some ppl really like their wife they should take consort and concubine to continue their bloodline . Yes I like ML to be like a man in 2022 and only sleep with his lover and remove all of his wife but he isnt cuz he grow in ancient time and think like them too! And this story focused more on reality than other danmei. In addition I dont mention ab that ML wanted to be king so he really needed his wife family support more than anyone else and I didnt say ab his wives. Do u think he could kicked out all of them after they gave birth to his children? Ofc not cuz he is not a scum! After he loved MC he devoted himself physically and mentaly to MC but he is a responsible man how could u except him to abandon his wives? How could his wives live after this??? So in my opinion he did his best and choose the most suitable solution

so although I dont like this aspect of Realistic setting and I prefer it to be like other danmei and im sure that if his wives didnt betrayed him and doing wrong thing maybe he would sleep with them even in the future and as MC said in the last ch ML like all of his 3 wife before going to the battle. But its the ppl thinking in that time and I couldnt really hate ML CUZ of that. And I decided to care and fucos on MC rather than ML <<less
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