Mei Gongqing

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After burning herself to death, Chen Rong finds herself waking up in her 14-years old self in the past.

Set in the Eastern Jin era when bureaucrats and their lofty yet equally hypocritical and oppressive ideas once ruled the empire, Chen Rong is made to use her past life’s experience to survive and hopefully find happiness this time around.

Associated Names
One entry per line
The Bewitching Courtier
เสน่ห์รักขุนนางหญิง
媚公卿
Related Series
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Recommendations
The Princess Wei Yang (9)
Chu Wang Fei (7)
To Be A Virtuous Wife (6)
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage (5)
Chongfei Manual (3)
Black Bellied Prince’s Stunning Abandoned Consort (2)
Recommendation Lists
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  2. Rebirth Stories
  3. want read
  4. books i enjoyed
  5. My roman empire

Latest Release

Date Group Release
09/06/22 Hamster428 c205-208
04/28/22 Hamster428 c202-204
01/01/22 Hamster428 c197-201
10/04/21 Hamster428 c195-196
05/25/21 Hamster428 c193-194
02/17/21 Hamster428 c190-192
11/16/20 Hamster428 c188-189
08/31/20 Eila Mai c85 part1
08/13/20 Eila Mai c84
04/05/20 Hamster428 c181-184
01/19/20 Hamster428 c180
01/12/20 Hamster428 c179
11/03/19 Hamster428 c178
09/22/19 Hamster428 c177
08/25/19 Hamster428 c176
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98 Reviews sorted by


ByleeM
ByleeM rated it
March 9, 2022
Status: c97
Came here after rebirth of an Ill fated consort since most of the ancient era ones I've already read.

The premise and translation was so good I slept at 5am and almost missed work. I don't know if I dreamed cursed the story into Crapville while I slept but daymnnn!

I can't remember the last time I read a story that went downhill that quickly. My strong, independent, pragmatic MC fighting for a semblance of dignity in an unfair world turned into a wishy washy brainless idiot.

The men... I'm not even sure... more>> who is the ML is at this point and it's the first time I've read a story whith all the love interests being equally horrible. I'd like to disqualify the previous life husband but this new and refined braindead moronic MC may end up choosing that scum male again.

What did Author-san do to my brilliant MC? Bring her back😭!! <<less
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xxxhydrangea
xxxhydrangea rated it
January 14, 2022
Status: Completed
This is a story of a woman challenging social norms during ancient times, it's understandable why readers will feel frustrated over loving and hating this book at the same time. This is probably one of the most realistic plots/settings I've read so far. Every character is flawed, in order to enjoy this book one must first put themselves in the shoes of an ancient chinese person living in this era. Shackled by what is deemed acceptable by their social standards. Women hold no power, even worse for our female lead... more>> who is a daughter with a "poor" family background.

It is extremely heartbreaking to see the FL struggling simply because she wants to achieve happiness on her own terms. You cannot help but cheer for her victories, feel sad for her frustrations and hopelessness, or at times wanting to give her a slap for her choices. Despite her rebirth our female lead isn't an overpowered heroine, knowing the future doesn't mean she is immune to all dangers. At the end of the day she is still an one man army against a sea of vultures. If anything she opened new doors to an unknown future and new dangers, a perfect example of this is when our FL decides to save the ML's life, with this she has already changed the course of the first timeline and the future is already a foreign one to her. She may still be able to foresee the major and unavoidable catastrophes but the people she meets as well as her surroundings has changed, too many unknown variables has appeared and she is bound to meet new hurdles that are out of her control. The ML is a beautifully flawed character, he is the epitome of what every male should embody in their social standards, the golden child of every parent's dream. A wolf hiding in a sheep's clothing he is manipulative, arrogant and proud, as a reader you will go through the cycle of loving and hating him. The FL constantly challenges the ML merely by remaining firm and resolute in her ultimate goal and because of this the ML goes through a lot of character development. The author focuses mainly on the FL's perspective which gives an air of mystery around the ML and thus he can be portrayed as insincere and also nonchalant. But, over time the author does lift the veil and shows a more humane side of the ML and this is further shown in the side stories where we are given a small glimpse of the ML's perspective, he does go through lots of anxiety and feeling helpless over the FL's unyielding iron will.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read and I highly recommend this book! What is deemed unacceptable or acceptable in our current modern standards is being openly challenged by a single female character during this time period was exhilarating. The struggle was raw and real. Certain points of the novel can feel unfulfilling as the both of the FL and ML are always plotting in their own ways, we will probably never fully understand both of them indepth-ly but their love for each other is true and committed in every possible way. Disclaimer: I've finished reading the chinese version and it's side stories. <<less
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Ainslee
Ainslee rated it
August 12, 2021
Status: c193-194
MTL up to chapter 260 (Main story finished, Fanwai not complete yet).

Different from other historical romance setting, something seemed to make Mei Gongqing have different flavour.

Both FL and ML were not the usual protagonist. They didn't have their own cluster of best friends or close subordinates. They tended to be loners, who planned their way to the goal. Sometimes their goal was very vague, and it put me in jitters, wondering whether they'd end up together or got separated forever.

And the environment itself was quite different too, they moved from... more>> one place to another in a very fast pace.

Lastly, the side story was not finished yet. Or perhaps it was completed already but I am unable to find the completed Fanwai online. What happened after FL went to the palace? Who married to Xiao Xuan, the twins and the heroic daughter?

¯\_ (ツ) _/¯ <<less
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OP_Female_MC
OP_Female_MC rated it
December 31, 2020
Status: c147
Honestly uncertain why Im still reading this book... boredom I guess.

I hate OP leads so yes it was refreshing that she wasnt OP, but the issue was she was so weak despite saying she wanted to be different in her rebirth to the point where the only thing she does when faced with a crisis is cry and what for a guy to save the day - just to pathetic.

And its a wonder how anything gets done at all in this world as it seems that all the so called... more>> upper class men can do is think with their d*cks... like literary I cant even count the amount of times the writer goes on about breasts and ass. The story if crude.... ive read worse I guess... but it gets grating after a while. <<less
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Icecoldchilly
Icecoldchilly
May 6, 2018
Status: c157
Let me start off by thanking the translator for a job well done. To capture alot of the nuances and undertones in the novel, you can get a real feel for how the characters feel and the implied things they are actually saying; it definitely helps you to read between the lines. This is not your average reincarnation story. This isnt the typical “OP-know-everything Heroine and I shall get revenge on everyone” that plagues almost every reincarnation story I run across. In fact, the heroine herself says she isnt “smart.”... more>> She isnt all-powerful scheming 5D chess master manipulator. The gender constraints and birth status is REALLY important and cannot just be randomly overcome by some nice social manuvering/scheming. Your clan is both your protection and your cage. I definitely felt how chained the heroine to her gender and her birth status and how it just limits alot of her actions.

In the first chapter, you find out she killed herself because she became completely devastated that the man she devoted her entire love to does not love her back, in fact, he is kinda disgusted at her obsession. She is driven insane with jealousy towards her cousin. When she is reborn, she doesnt immediately think “i want revenge on that man and my evil cousin.” She tries to live; she uses her knowledge of the future to plan ahead but because she acted different, the story begins to change. Events that didnt happen in her previous life are throwing our heroine for a loop. Its the butterfly effect unlike alot of story where it seems whatever the MC do, alot of the future events are set so all they have to do is prepare for it. Our MC wants to avoid that man cuz really if a person love you, are you obligated to love them back? Ah Rong is not perfect. If we werent all behind her cuz she was simply “MC”, she did a couple of schemes and manipulations to get into that man’s household. I mean, I at least understand from the man’s prospective that he viewed her the same as all the other scheming women.

Even with these flaws I love the MC. You find that she is really a girl who cannot tolerate sharing love of her man with another woman/women. She was driven insane with jealousy and became such a tragic figure because of this trait. So this life, she knows the pitfall of this road. Yet she fell in love again, to the ML. But she knows her status will not allow her to be his sole wife. In fact, she barely qualify to be his concubine. She knows if she becomes his concubine, she will go down that same road. Driven insane with jealousy when he will eventually have to take a legit wife. So lesson learned, she rejects even though she knows she loves him. She’s pragmatic and sometimes while reading, I just want to put her in my pocket and protect her from all the pitfalls and constraint of that time period. She is really a modern girl at heart who wants the sole love of her man. Only thing about reading this novel is that the updates are not fast, so your patience will be tested. But for the quality of the translation, its definitely worth it. Plus youre reading it for free, cant complain ;) <<less
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Qiqi
Qiqi rated it
March 19, 2018
Status: --
I loved this story to bits--the narrative and the characters--until "the scene" happened

... more>>
Spoiler

Yep. The r*pe scene.

Dropped it because I cannot have respect for the male lead. She is still not a maid--but a lady, even considering the ancient timeline, it is not right for him to do so. If I were her, I would have just killed him with my own bare hands. He did something more unforgivable than the ex-husband in my opinion. After all Ran Min never abused her--just never touched her and went for her sister instead--that is also because of her behavior. He even told people to bring her out of fire until he knew that she did it herself.

[collapse]
Great translations though <<less
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Tikkitumble
Tikkitumble
February 24, 2018
Status: c149
When I started reading this, I was in love. In love with the translator's prose, her wording, her creative use of the author's translation. But of course, while I adore the translator, the novel in and itself was equally amazing.

However, the novel's updates were delayed, so I had to stop for a while. These past two days, I've picked up where I left off. Initially I was dismayed by the onslaught of negative reviews and I feared that the plot's turning point only meant even worse things to come. I'm... more>> sure we've all encountered novels where it started off great, but quickly derails or gets thrown off tangent in the middle. This story, I'm happy to say, is not like that. Yes, some points of the story did change our main character and not in a good way, but she's evolved. She's living through her mistakes and carving her own path within the constrictions of society and her own social standing. What she wanted from the very beginning, aside from revenge, is to control her fate. That notion has never changed. I don't think anyone can contest that she hadn't done that from the start up until 3/4ths of this book. What happens to people outside of her, is ultimately out of her control and she finally comes to that realization near the end of the story.

Her suitors' actions might give people pause. But it's very realistic how they acted in that period of time. So I can absolutely believe they would treat her so "poorly, " though it wouldn't be considered as such back then.

Overall a very convincing, emotionally evocative novel. I still love it. <<less
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chibiheaven
chibiheaven rated it
January 16, 2017
Status: c112
An interesting read. I find the style of writing is very different from other second chance revenge stories wherein the main character actually has very little control over her fate. The romance is a bit confusing to me.
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fluffybananaclouds
fluffybananaclouds rated it
September 9, 2016
Status: c107
Beautifully written, heart touching and emotional. This is probably one of the best stories I've ever had the chance to read. It's so good, I finished all 107 chapters in one sitting and completely bawled my eyes out while reading it. The female lead is likable, as well as clever with a strong personality. Not to mention, the male lead, he might as well be perfect in my eyes. In my perspective, I find that the couple are extremely compatible with each other and that their relationship is not at... more>> all awkward and flows very naturally. <<less
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korezmi
korezmi rated it
August 14, 2016
Status: c107
I like this is a lot so far because I can just immerse myself in the characters and the setting. The translation quality is also top top top quality! The MC scared me at first and I couldn't root for her and the story just made me sad in general but at this point after getting to know more of what she's been through and the way she handles the situation now I can't stop reading because I want to see what she does next! I still find the story... more>> gloomy but it's a very enjoyable type of gloomy! I also really appreciate the notes for historical references. Great stuff! :D <<less
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Starvenus
Starvenus rated it
June 3, 2016
Status: c95
A romance story with a war looming over the horizon as a backdrop for the story.

Chen Rong, our MC was given a second chance as she travelled back to the past after her death. While she committed su*cide, I would say she died of heartache. That's why she vowed she will not make the same mistake ever again. Everything is difficult for our MC. Being a woman in a common class family plus she is alone (family is missing cause of war), she has only herself to rely on. Her... more>> family (clan) sucks, never on her side. The second time around her goal is to find a husband that will treat her right while trying to avoid all these life trials that she has to endure. Given that she experienced it before (in her last life) she knew what to do on some of the events. Off course things are changing due to her attempt to change her fate. Will she able to change her fate? Will she still fall in love with the same man and bear the same heartache? Will she love another man this time around ? <<less
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pichu
pichu rated it
May 17, 2016
Status: c93
Reviewed at chapter 93.

So far so good, give it a try. The MC sent back to her past life. She is beautiful, calm, and intelligent. Though as story progress I think her calmmess starts to crack little by little, like when she cries in front of the male lead (i think he is..?)

So far there are 3 guys in this story, each one is charming in their own way. One is her ex in her previous live and is a famous general, the other she met on her journey... more>> in the early chapters, and lastly is the one who I believe is the male lead. Who is he? Read it yourself :p <<less
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citygirl
citygirl rated it
October 22, 2023
Status: Completed
Definitely one of the better novels and I really enjoyed reading it! If you're hesitating because of some of the other comments, jump into it, don't wait, and judge for yourself!

What I liked best about the novel is its realism. These were not pretty times, and the author did not spare us the ugliness. Women were playthings, daughters were objects to be traded for favor, and sadly, even in modern society, women are harshest on other women.

With war in the background and commoners starving, all the noble folk cared about... more>> were themselves, the song and dance, the women and wine, wealth and power. Family prestige and rank accorded one the right to be in the inner circle, and everyone else was underserving. Only the very beautiful or talented were allowed to draw near, but never accepted.

And it's against this backdrop, with such rules, that we see the characters struggle and grow and change (or not). I really liked all the main characters, flaws and all.

Lastly, I am always grateful for the time and effort that a translator puts in, so that the rest of us can enjoy wonderful stories like these. But one tiny bit of regret is that there were a few chapters which the translator chose to skip, and the extras were also not translated. As someone who likes to read each story thoroughly, I'm a tad disappointed that I'm not getting the works. I really hope that the translator, or someone else, would pick this up and complete the job. <<less
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merylstreepily
merylstreepily rated it
October 20, 2023
Status: Completed
If you like Pihanjin, The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage and can bear the stabbing pain from The Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir. You’re gonna love this.

This MC is unyielding like the pihanjin’s, and more realistic of a woman who’s in love than the malicious empress (not that malicious empress is less bad since ME’s MC came from a military background. I just think this MC is more of what an ordinary woman who went though what she went though did what she did). And the ML... more>> is less cruel than the Dreamer’s.

I skipped this novel several times cuz of bad reviews I read and I’m glad I continue reading past 10 chapters.

It’s exactly what you will get from a classic realistic historical romance (milder version of the Dreamer, that s still traumatized me but I also appreciate it. It’s too realistic but yet so intriguing and couldn’t believe what’s actually happening since all other historical novels I’ve read stick to the “lovey dovey light hearted happy but a little sad historical romance” type). So this Mei Gongqing def has that Dreamer vibe but without the nasty pain stabbing from the dreamer. And don’t worry this one is a happy ending. The pain is just enough with full focus on romance. But mind you if u can’t handle historical love/men/women ideology, this won’t be for you.

The male characters make sense given the norms and the timeline. So I can’t hate the ML but respects his growth.

I only wish the author focused a bit more on the ML near the end. But anyways I’m happy with this novel. Thanks for the translation. <<less
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sweet_nothing
sweet_nothing rated it
July 6, 2023
Status: Completed
The novel was much better than I expected, I actually read it last year and it still haunts me. I’m left conflicted about the leads relationship and if there will really be sustained future happiness.
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Potatoxxcake
Potatoxxcake rated it
May 20, 2023
Status: Completed
Edit: this book is part of 3 book series of the author. The other 3 books was not translated. You can find them raw. I want to start by saying that this novel is a product of reality. It is quite realistic the that timeline and people mindset. Rather going the pink bubble, perfect world setting, the author choose to stay true to setting of that time.
women, especially those with low social status and beautiful appearance live a hard life, even worse when they are not the main wife.... more>> They can be given to other people as gift and play thing.
our ML is extremely flawed. I hate so many part of him but just as we analysis maybe he's the only one can provide her what she wanted. And she choose to compromise. When you want something, you will compromise accordingly to how important that something is to you.
You need to read the extra chapters to get a good disclosure of the ending. They actually have 3 sons and 1 daughter. Some people might not agree with MC being with ML and her forgiveness. But I think what is most important is that she's happy. Being too rigid will cause her more pain than being forgiving so why shouldn't she be so. <<less
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nouhr99
nouhr99 rated it
September 13, 2022
Status: Completed
Amazing story and great translation. Thanks to both the author and translator for this amazing book
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Randomwriter
Randomwriter rated it
November 22, 2021
Status: c17
How does this have high ratings? Something about the way its written seem so choppy and unrefined. MC's character is so confusing. One moment she's a pick me

... more>>
Spoiler

She was blocked by a crowd so what she does is she goes back up her carriage plays her zither ExCEptIoNaLly wELl to get their attention and then pretend to sleep. Like what was the reasoonn??!! What was the reasoon?!?!

Very akin to a child sulking and bringing out her best toy to play 'show off' and pretend to ignore everybody.

[collapse]

The next she acts like she's someone wise and mighty. I can't even grasp her motivations after being reborn.

Reading this feels like I'm listening to someone play a guitar while changing their notes sloppily. <<less
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Seshiru99
Seshiru99 rated it
August 15, 2021
Status: c1
I've read MGQ a long time ago and I remembered crying a river because of Ah'Rong and her situations. She's truly strong. This story is nothing like those rebirth novels who has OP for an MC, or a perfect ML ready to serve his all in a silver platter for his beloved. No, in this story, you'll be greatly disappointed with ML. Why? That's because he's not perfect, he makes mistakes.

When I was reading MGQ, I thought I was reading some historical book that was based on a true story.... more>> That's because every character here felt like a real person to me. I can feel their pain, their struggles, the hard decisions that characters in some rebirth stories make like they were just deciding what to eat. I just want Chen Rong to feel happy, with or without a man.

Spoiler

I may like Qilong but I honestly don't like him for Chen Rong, but like in reality, I was speaking as a third person. I'm not Chen Rong who felt Qilong's love and sincerity but too stubborn to be his concubine (because c'mon, she knew better and I truly, truly support her in this) and I'm not Qilong who truly loves Ah'Rong but couldn't make huge sacrifices coz of practical reasons (although I got annoyed sometimes but I couldn't truly blame him. Because this is an era where power and titles matter the most and if you're just a person without a power backing you, then it's over for you. And Chen Rong knew very well Qilang's situation but still doesn't want to bend and I really admire her for that)

[collapse]

I'll reread this but I need to ready myself first. <<less
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blackrose21
blackrose21 rated it
September 14, 2020
Status: --
I honestly like it when an author doesn't give us the same generic male lead (Who will give the female lead the world and is too OP) I love the restraint, angst that this novel shows. It's different and perhaps some people can't stomach it as they want that kind of perfect male lead (hence the negative reviews). I personally love it when a novel deviates from that persona and I don't get why it gets negative reviews.

one
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