There are several points in the novel that really tugged my heartstrings. I couldn't help but cry buckets of tears. One progression was after the Summer Hunt and Lin Qing and Lin Lin Ting's brotherly relationship cooled. Lin Feilu was caught in the middle and was forced to watch them fight - while preparing her heart to pickup the loser in the future. I cried mainly for Lin Ting because it destroyed him mentally and emotionally. He lost his smile, his light, and self - he was forced to hold the hem of her maternal side's bid for the throne, was forced to shoulder the wasted lives along the way - because of her mother and maternal family. At the crucial point of stalemate between the factions, he finally succumb to depression and attempted su*cide. His emperor father watched with folded arms for years, Lin Ting, as the bid of his clan to the throne, and Lin Qing, from the empress's faction. The emperor was well aware of Lin Ting's struggle and unwillingness and even pushed the rapids for fiercer battle - in my opinion, this is a step more crueler than Ruan-gufei's actionse. At the conclusion, Lin Qing was even reluctant to let Lin Ting live and leave the capital to travel and to recuperate; this is the most pragmatic way to curb the divided factions, to stabilize the crown prince position, and pay the debts of blood. If not for Lin Feilu's interference and request to Lin Qing prior to their departure, Lin Ting would not have survived until the end. This is most heartbreaking part of the novel for me. What made my heart lighter is Lin Jingyuan's comment of "who would want to bid for that dragon seat, it is troublesome up there, " and he was beaten black and blue by Consort Xian. LOL

Lin Ting's depression. Although like another reviewer commented, it could've been handled better. Like, while I think Yanxin is a great character, the way she popped up was unexpected. Perhaps giving Lin Ting a potential love interest so early on in their trip was weird for me.

Anywho, it's just rare to encounter mental health issues in stories set in Ancient China.

the second male lead T.T While I have guessed he'd be the second ML when he was just introduced, I was so sad because I felt MC had more chemistry with him haha maybe I just like couples who make fun of each other a lot. Also, I didn't like how MC brushed of his feelings like not caring about the pendant he gave her. And the worst is I don't think the story mentioned what happened to him : (the story didn't say if he married someone else after that.

I also hated how ML tried to kill him when he heard rumors about MC's engagement with him.

I like that MC initially didn't see the ML as a chasing target but genuinely feel heartache for him. ML is not treated nicely in the palace as he is a prince from another country and sent as a peace treaty (?). MC is like a mother caring for her son sending him firewood during the winter, standing up and sharing treats with him. She also calls him a little beauty in her heart. ML is also perceptive and knows that MC is not so innocent but smart and crafty. Gradually as they get older their feelings start to change.

I see the Male Yandere tag for the ML but there wasn't much scenes of him going crazy.. Only once when ML tried to kill MC's rumored marriage partner. Other than that.. He seems more black-bellied than yandere??? Lmao or maybe my image of yandere has long been skewed by all the crazy MLs from other novels that this ML doesn't seem that terrible.

MC and ML's relationship is really sweet but they only got together around 3/4 of the novel. The novel isn't heavily focused on their relationship but still, it's highly enjoyably to read.

I think especially after the ML went back to his country then there are short but multiple time skips. Naturally there is a fight for the throne but it's not heavily depicted, so don't expect full on politics. It's not a very heavy story.

One thing I don't get is why the author had to kill off the Emperor. It feels like the reason for it is just to allow the ML to request a marriage with the MC?? Like oh ML's country might unite with another country to fight with MC's country and oh no the newly crowned Emperor don't have the capability to handle this but noooo ML just want the MC?? Kinda no logic but I guess it works?

So the later parts is really skimmed through but it starts slowing back down once MC and ML got married. The last 15-20 chapters are just FLUFF. ML is sooooooo sweet to the MC and MC is really someone who brings joy and laughter into the ML's life. They also had 3 kids all are equally adorable and got the personalities of MC and ML.