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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holachica
holachica rated it
March 25, 2021
Status: Completed
So, this review is mostly to address possibly controversial points, that may turn someone off from reading at first glance,

BUT 1ST!!! I say this from my heart, throughout the book the ML treats the MC with respect and only respect.

WHEN THE ML SLEPT WITH HIS CONCUBINES, THE MC AND ML WEREN'T EVEN TOGETHER YET. THEY HAD THEIR MOMENTS, SURE, BUT THE TWO WEREN'T TOGETHER. The ML's a prince vying for the throne, first and foremost. He. Needs. Sons. Is that so hard to accept? This... more>> story isn't some Wattpad romance fantasy novel where you fall for a prince and he throws aside everything for you, in fact, the romance isn't even the main point. I saw Night22's review and, and this is rare, but it pissed me off. You have to be a new level of biased to have that sort of view. The MC isn't pissed about it nor bothered whatsoever, so why are you?

  1. The ML only came to love the MC after what the MC did for him. He's a callous person. He's a prince, his hands anything but clean. It's hard for him to open his heart fully, but upon seeing the MC's efforts and genuinity, he came to love him.
  2. PRIOR to the war, the ML only considered the MC another concubine. I don't get why Night22 is so pissed about it. Even the MC doesn't make a huge fuss. He values the prince's reputation, and therefore wants the prince to get along with his sister (even if he hates her, but those are personal matters, which he separates from public matters). Also, he understands the ML's need for sons--for someone to carry on the family line. This isn't just 'petty feudalism', it's the tradition of the times, and if one can't accept that then shut up and leave. If you want your unrealistic whirlwind romance, go look somewhere else. This novel is set in ancient times, and it sticks to it.
  3. WHEN THE WAR IS OVER THE ML STOPPPED SLEEPING WITH ALL HIS CONCUBINES. I don't know what other people are misunderstanding??? Idk what Night22 was on, but if they'd even bothered to read properly, they'd have realized that 1. the Prince was really, really busy and 2. the only person he spent time with was the MC.
  4. I address the "ML still wanted to make Qi woman his empress after she tried to poison him???" later, but note that
    1. She drugged him with an aphrodisiac. Like bruh, there's a difference between that and actual poison. Please get your facts straight.

    2. People! Have! To! Realize!!!!! Being an Empress isn't just "omg Emperor let's have s*x and romance uwu". I mention exactly this later, but being an Empress is a huge burden. An Empress is called "Mother of the World" for a reason. I know many novels romanticize it, like "ah~ I wanna be Empress~"--but like, please, get the water out of your head. Please realize that there's a lot of work involved, many duties that one's obligated to perform, and there are many things to be in charge of. THAT THE ML WAS GOING TO CROWN QI NIQUN MEANS NOTHING. Being an Empress and being loved are often mutually exclusive. That's what concubines are for. Being an Empress isn't "RomAntiC".
Onwards then. I might repeat some points here, bear with me.

The ML is a prince. He's not yet crown prince, and neither is he all-powerful. He's just one of the many princes vying for the Emperor's throne. He's smarter than the other princes, but he's not like other MLs, with some extraordinary background and a bunch of shadow guards and control over the military, etc. etc. He can't just do whatever he wants because it will backfire on him. He depends on public opinion.

    • Given that, he needs concubines to form steady relationships with other officials, and the main consort wife to support his position as well. He may be gay, but he still has his duties to uphold. He needs sons to carry on his line, and he needs women for that--especially a legitimate son (although that didn't happen in the end) in order to be deemed "qualified" for the throne. Later in the book, the Emperor literally uses the excuse of "he doesn't have a legitimate son" as a reason to delay giving the ML the position of crown prince.
Spoiler

In fact, the ML, after ascending to become Emperor, was nearly deposed (by the Empress Dowager, former Empress) because so many officials were pissed about him wanting to crown MC as Empress and they could have very much just elected to kick him out. You have to realize, this ML doesn't have a whole army behind him to threaten everyone to listen to him. He's just a regular guy who becomes Emperor through elected means.

[collapse]

The MC doesn't have a huge problem (the concubines) with it either. The MC was brought up in that time period. He wasn't 'reborn' or 'transmigrated from the modern area'. Putting aside the neglect he went through with his family, he was brought up with the values of the ancient era. In fact, before meeting the ML he just wanted to become a regular office with a wife from a normal family. It was only after meeting the ML and going through the war with him, that his confident, brighter side was awakened.

Spoiler

In fact, the MC and ML have a talk too, before they first 'officially' got together, the ML asked MC if he would be able to put up with it because for the throne, he couldn't just dismiss all his concubines. The MC told him that he could, on the grounds that the ML would only love him. And the ML does, he doesn't look at anyone else, and after the two get together he stops sleeping with all of his concubines.

[collapse]

THIS IS A NOVEL SET IN ANCIENT CHINA. ANCIENT SETTINGS ADHERE TO ANCIENT RULES. If you all have such a big problem with this being an ancient novel that actually

sticks with its settings, then maybe... stop reading novels set in Ancient China? Just a vague suggestion. If you want your modern romance then go read a modern-setting book. Stop expecting an ancient era, set hundreds of years ago, to adhere to your moral standards and "what you think is right". Because I'm sorry, but that's just not how things worked back then. They literally executed people by tying the person to 4 horses, and having them rush in different directions, ripping the person apart. They also executed people by boiling them in hot oil, letting the person boil to their death. Stop projecting your standards please.
Spoiler

Like, what the f*ck do people expect???

[collapse]

I know a lot of people have a problem with
Spoiler

the ML sleeping with his concubines before the two got together, and when he was only starting to take interest of/to like the MC. However, this is a more mature novel that isn't just about a whirlwind romance, and given its setting, the ML isn't wrong. He only liked the MC. The two weren't even together. As well, he was bound to his duties as a husband and to carry on the family line. Just because he came to like the MC, doesn't mean he was going to throw years of upbringing away. However, when they got together, the ML stopped sleeping with his concubines (I already mentioned this, thought I should repeat it.

[collapse]

As well, even with Qi Niqun and the whole "I would've still made you my Empress"
Spoiler

the ML told her, "Hey if you hadn't gone batshit, and tried to drug me, and try to kill the MC, maybe I still would've made you the Empress when I ascended to the throne." This serves to drive home the point that he is a man in the ancient era. It does not mean that he doesn't love the MC or anything similar, just that, following the customs of the time, the main wife of the crown prince, that is, the crown princess consort, would become the Empress. Some people could be mad at this, like "Wtf??? You weren't planning to make the MC Empress???" and to that I say, being an Empress is not an easy job, and generally speaking the Empress and the Emperor are only work colleagues. Rarely are they supposed to be in actual love. That's what concubines and such are for. In fact, being the Empress, just thinking about it--even if given the chance, I wouldn't take it. You have to get heavily involved in politics, carry just as much duties as the Emperor, manage a whole harem of concubines, etc. It ain't worth it.

[collapse]

Also for those interested in the concubine's situation at the end:

Spoiler
    • Tertiary (3rd rank, at least I think she was tertiary?) Concubine Li was put on permanent house arrest after hurting her child to get the ML's attention (because Qi Niqun had 'adopted' Concubines Li's daughter Yan'er, but after birthing her own daughters, she started subtly bullying/pushing out Yan'er. Concubine had the right intentions but went about it all the wrong way because Concubine Wei manipulated her, and because she's dumb. The ML got really mad.) Anyways she's really dumb, and can pretty much be considered dead at the end (though not actually).
    • Concubine Wei, the most scheming and arguably the smartest (although her schemes were always seen, she was the only one most in control of her emotions) of the three secondary consorts (the rank below the main wife) continued to scheme behind the scenes, but since she birthed a son the ML turned a blind eye (the MC too). Ultimately though, her goal was to become Empress and she didn't get that. The MC told her "hey we knew what you were doing all along, but we kept quiet because we didn't want you to ruin your son's reputation". As well, behind her, her family is a really lofty literary scholar family that is well respected, so ML had to be careful. When the ML ascends, he crowns her "Consort", except it's only nominal because he pretty much doesn't let her enter the palace. Before that, the ML banned her from seeing her son as well. So even though she's a Consort, it makes a moot difference.
    • Concubine Ji, the other secondary consort, is on the same level of horrible as Qi Niqun. Anyways she keeps trying to scheme but since she's pretty much a flashing "Hey look at me! I'm tryna stir sh*t up again!" the ML just gives up on her entirely. She's incredibly arrogant and has her nose up in the sky, venomous, and horrible to her servants. To her own son, too. She only sees him as a tool (he was sickly when he was a child because she didn't care about him and only schemed), but at least the MC took her son (Jing'er) under his wing early and away from her. The ML also bans her from seeing her son, to avoid manipulative means. Ultimately she's also crowned a "Consort" but same as Concubine Wei, she's not brought into the palace.
    • Both Secondary Consorts are ultimately, nominally the Emperor's concubines and again, even if it's the only nominal, people could still feel indignance. However, you have to remember, that the ML has brought his children into the palace. The eldest son is also the future crown prince. What would people think, if the Emperor's sons weren't even considered Consorts? It would be humiliating to them, and bad for their reputation overall, to be sons of women without an imperial title.
      [collapse]
Ultimately, too, I don't particularly have anyone. Dislike, for sure, but everyone had their motives.

  • Qi Niqun went crazy because her husband paying lots of attention to people other than her. I'd definitely prefer it if she'd just shut up and sit still, but I acknowledge that she went through pain as she was unable to birth a son (mothers depended on their sons in ancient times) while the other concubines already had 2 sons. In fact, if this were a rebirth novel and Qi Niqun was rebirthed, it'd probably be a revenge story of how "I got revenge on my scum husband and the illegitimate brother who betrayed me and took his love" and how "I only wanted to do my best as the main wife".
  • The Count ZiYang, too. In the MC's perspective, his father treated his mom like crap.
    Spoiler

    But his mother was ultimately the Emperor's spy

    [collapse]
    Although on that note, the Count also knew she was a spy in the beginning, and purposely let her send out information because he knew the Emperor was targeting him. He also did all he could, to make her fall in love with him. It was his revenge. Regardless, it does not change the fact that MC's mother was indeed a spy with bad intentions. If we view it another way, it's a case of "I came here to destroy you but instead I fell for you". Seems romantic till you realize the complications. Does being in love absolve you of what you'd done before? Of course, his treatment of the MC is questionable, but he still gave him food and shelter. Though him taking all of the MC's dowry, that's where his higher moral ground ends... that part is unjustifiable. It wasn't even his money to take. And if he hated the son so much, why bring the MC back? The MC would've lived a happy life at the courtesan house.
  • The same goes for other people. They're all horrible people, but their actions aren't groundless and are all motivated by real reasons. Doesn't change the fact that I dislike them, just that I can make myself understand the other perspectives.
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Rainess09
Rainess09 rated it
November 7, 2019
Status: v1c24
Haven't read much of the MTL but I am starting to read it. From what I can tell, their relationship (MC and ML's) is of dubious consent. It's the MC just basically accepting his fate. As this is an ancient era, it isn't really anything to frown upon. Everyone is basically forced to act a certain part based not on their capabilities but their position/rank at birth. Apart for the upper echelons or the highest/ noblest of birth, basically everyone performs their part of the dance. The concubine fights for their position, the courtiers performs for merit, s*aves, well they do what s*aves do until death or until redemption. The prince themselves have their part to perform.
For the lowly MC being a son from a low-born and a highborn, which is highly frowned upon by the current society, he can only accept his fate whatever that is given to him. He didn't seem smart nor dumb. He was, for me, ordinary. Ordinary in the context of being part of the under-privileged. He wasn't 'maltreated', beaten, starved or taken advantaged of sexually or anything threatening his life in his birth home when he was young. He wasn't specifically maligned or anything. He was just not privileged. The worst treatment I think that he received was that he was ignored.
Although I said that, I felt, while reading the already translated chaps, that it was a far worst feeling for the MC. At least with being beaten, starved, criticized, or sexually harassed, he'd have a definite reason to spite, to feel sad or have vengeful ideas. But from the lines in between, it felt like he was suffering an unimaginable loneliness that he himself could not explain. There were sentences in which his heart suddenly feels sullen, out of the blue. Moments where he just looks at the sky in a daze. To not be recognized as someone who exists, to not have a place where you belong, to not being able to say you're own name with pride... I know and have first hand experience on such. Which I think is why I feel it hurts more for MC.
Anyway, with regards to ML and MC's relationship, seeing as MC has been ignored since young and have not even a little bit of comfort/doting before ML, I felt it's only natural that MC's heart has softened for ML. It was only ML who has taken notice of MC. Only ML pampered and protected him. Even if MC was not comfortable with having relations with men, it was the only line he can hold on to for self protection. But I feel, given MC's character as depicted, if he was set free by ML from the beginning, then he would've proceeded with whatever interested him with no preference. Maybe married a woman of low-born along the way.
All and all I think this is a good read. I like how the story was being relayed. I also like the fact that the MC doesn't speak much and treasures his words. Although I wouldn't call him smart, at least he has a good enough head. A bit naive, but only because he hasn't experienced much. I like how the ML didn't like bang*fireworks* fall head-over-heels-turned-yandere all of a sudden upon contact with MC.
I like to think most of the relationship between people happen based on circumstances rather than fate. Close contact does produce good feelings.
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Melange
Melange rated it
October 27, 2020
Status: Completed
The beginning of this novel is not 1:1. There is a lot of harem politics, and ML has multiple children with multiple women.

Please keep in mind that this is a more realistic depiction of the feudal era, so there is no OP ML going "you're the only one for me." Both ML and MC are beholden to the times and restrained by their social status/class, so if you are uncomfortable with this dynamic, don't read this novel because there is untold suffering for MC for more than half of the... more>> novel.

That being said, this is not really a light read. It's more angsty and sad, though this gets better near the end. It's well written, but not everyone will appreciate this type of novel. This deserves a higher rating for its literary value, but I know I certainly didn't enjoy it.

Part of me almost wanted some random deus ex machina to happen where random lightning smote all the antagonists, so MC could have something good going for him. Poor MC, you really deserved better. <<less
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teagsho
teagsho
June 27, 2020
Status: --
I feel weird, ML is..... sleeping with the concubines, even makes them pregnant, well, this happen before ML and MC has feeling for each other.

But still....... when I know Concubine Wei is pregnant, I feel uncomfortable since when this happen ML and MC relationship starting to soften, but in the end ML still sleeping with others....
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AbsoluteMeowster
AbsoluteMeowster rated it
August 30, 2020
Status: Completed
4/5

Knocking down a star due to the ML still imp**gnating others while beginning his relationship with the MC (understandable given the historical context and the ML's prince position, but still unpleasant to read about). Also the fact that he considers reconciling with his wife (the wicked sister, who is the arch-nemesis of our MC) while in a serious relationship with the MC (also understandable given his status, but again, unpleasant. He knows that the MC can't have kids or a wife, yet the ML has the freedom and choice to... more>> do so... it really puts an unpleasant taste in my mouth over this extreme power imbalance in the relationship).

Elucidating more on the power balance, it's really tilted on the side of the ML, uncomfortably so. The MC is definitely no damsel-in-distress (he's extremely adaptable and smart, and though he can't fight, he uses his brain for all those court intrigues) , yet he has basically no freedom or choice beyond what the ML grants him. The MC stays with ML, but I do not know if it's actually of his own choosing, or that staying with the ML is the best choice the MC has to survive (or even worse, Stockholm Syndrome, because the ML basically raised the MC since he was a teen). He was given the chance to leave the Prince ML, but he stayed with the ML and basically sacrificed his entire life and future for the ML, while the ML is able to have children and concubines and his true wife (who absolutely hates our MC's guts). It's just difficult to read how the ML has so many children and wives and is, though not affectionate with them, is considerate to them, and even holds them sometimes in higher regard than the MC
Spoiler

In Chapter 63, the ML admits that if the true wife hadn't attempted to poison him that day, he would still respect her and even hold her in higher regard than the MC, who freaking went to war and sacrificed himself multiple times for the ML and even figures out some court intrigue for the benefit of the ML. And this is right after the true wife slapped the MC so hard his face puffed up, even after the MC attempted to save the true wife from the ML's beating. Honestly, this made my opinion go down the drain for the ML.

[collapse]
. However, the MC has no one in his corner, only himself. This extreme power imbalance, where the MC is just like a toy the ML can play with, makes me depressed reading this.

The writing and translation is superb however, and the plot keeps you on your toes (if you ignore the distressing parts of the MC +ML relationship). The MC really grows throughout the novel into someone strong and willing to stand up for himself. The ML is... well, he doesn't really develop as a character, because he starts off as 'perfect', but I guess him feeling love is development???

Honestly, most of the 4 stars is for our adorable MC. I really do love his character, it's just unfortunate his circumstances. I really do feel that if he had a family to support him, he wouldn't even look at the ML in a romantic light because our MC is just... he deserves so much more. I'm an intense BL lover, and I wouldn't even mind if he paired up with a girl to get an adorable baby (the MC really loves kids, which sucks because he can never have his own, but
Spoiler

ends up adopting the ML's kids

[collapse]
). <<less
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Piggychan
Piggychan rated it
September 19, 2019
Status: v1c14
I heard that 'To be A Virtuous Wife' author also wrote danmei. If they did, I imagine the story/writing style would be similar to this.

The ML was the true depiction of an ancient Chinese man with his harem (you can't get more ancient Chinese than imp**gnating 2/3 women at the same time lol), but the way the author described it makes me kind of cool about it. Can't wait to read more.
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dona
dona rated it
July 13, 2019
Status: c27
There´s not much to say so far. But what put me off first of all is MC. Don´t have a clue about his personality. So far it seems like he´s just a clueless, helpless child being pushed around by scheming adults. I don´t really look forward to his scenes or dialogues since he doesn´t really do or say anything meaningful.

Secondly, I don´t really mind ML having multiple wives but there are seriously way too many characters. I can´t keep track of all names. And this novel is somewhat unusual because... more>> the females get to have a lot of appearance. It almost makes me forget I´m reading BL and instead it feels like a Chinese historical novel about the inner struggle between the women in the royal palace.

We´ll see where it goes.

update: I decided to drop this. It´s honestly a good read for those who enjoy a slow but sweet story but I got bored. I really don´t like MC´s character who live like a small white sheep with his fate already handed to him. <<less
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Honefuusen
Honefuusen rated it
December 12, 2020
Status: --
Piece of sh*t ML. Helplessly weak MC.

Like the worst ever scum out there ML. Scummiest of all scum man. He should reincarnate into a pig for at least 3 lifetimes. Like, seriously. It's the greatest misfortune of any man or woman to meet this ML brand's of romantic partner.

The only good thing is how high the quality of the translation is. I don't know the motive of the translator for picking up this story but I feel like this story wasted the skill of the translator.
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Macca
Macca rated it
December 24, 2020
Status: --
I like how ML is realistic enough, and I love the development of their relationship. The end is very sweet (mtl). This is the best chinese royalty novel I've read. Its really, truly satisfying. For peole who said ML scum, did you really read it well? ML is doing his duty properly, he knows his position, and what he did is REALISTIC. He protect MC as best and as subtle as he can, and MC protect ML with all his might!! From the war arc to the end.

... more>>
Spoiler

I love the struggle ML had to overcome to make Little Qi his empress. I got bored with 'I'm the emperor, so you can just be my empress', with no regard to tradition etc.

[collapse]

And what I love the most is Little Qi is a fighter! He is not just a hopeless MC who asked ML to solve his every problem. He helped ML so much in the end, and he is very decisive. It's truly, truly sweet.

Translator, you did a great job! Thankyou ♡ <<less
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calypsoxin
calypsoxin rated it
August 29, 2021
Status: c23
This novel is realistic and the translations make me go [heart eyes]. The ML doesn't fall in love with the MC straight-away, start loving him unconditionally or go "oH bOy MoNoGaMy 1!1!", while the MC's character fits how someone with his upbringing would think and act.

Nevertheless, I can't help disliking the MC's circumstances and the ML's indifference to his situation. The line "... Thank goodness I accepted him." from the ML's perspective in Chapter 23 really ticked me off. Are you f*cking delusional? You've more or less ruined his life.... more>> It's already bad enough that:

a) the countess sealed off his future by sending him into the prince's harem as a male plaything (meaning he'd forever be branded as the prince's person and have no chance to gain an official position or anything similar)

b) he has the least influence there

c) he's of lowly birth with zero backing

d) he has no way of bearing children and securing a position in the harem

e) he has barely any possessions (for bribing and etc) or an incredible skillset (to, y'know, not make the others think he's just a deadweight and/or give others a leverage to embarrass him)

But when the prince appeared out of nowhere and showed favour to him, he'd be daft to not realise he had just made the MC go from "eyesore" to "capable threat" in the eyes of his concubines. If it weren't for that, the MC could've spent his days living a simple and idle, though caged life in his harem – sure, he would've been looked down upon by concubines and servants alike, but it's nothing he hadn't faced in his paternal household. However, now that the prince had shown his liking towards him, whether the MC had actually plotted for this to happen or not, he'd now be perceived as what we like to call "scheming green tea". Now everyone will go out of their way to make life horrible for him, and even seemingly innocent and minor actions will be seen as some sort of ploy in the overcautious eyes of others.

The ML isn't making things any better. He has a very "let them deal with it" attitude towards the women in his harem, which is understandable considering he acknowledges that none of them truly hold any affection for him (and vice versa), and that their relationships (if you can call it that) are more of political business transactions. Really, I would've done the same if I had my hands tied with princely duties – why would I bother playing around with insincere people who only want to use me for their personal gain? So why would he make the life of someone he actually cared for, miserable out of selfishness? It's not he doesn't know what'll happen; in fact, he does damn well what he's doing and the consequences of his actions as it is stated that he's no stranger to the schemes and ploys as well as the fickle hearts of the women in his harem.

I'm not sure how the MC will end up, especially if the ML's fondness (note how I didn't say "love") for him disappears (not that it'll happen in novels like these, but from the spoilers of other reviews, it doesn't get much better anyways). Hadn't either of them considered this? When the prince eventually tires of him, which is very reasonable and plausible as his affection won't last forever, the MC's only choices are to endure the contempt of others after losing favour and live on eggshells for the rest of his life or to change his guilelesss and honest personality to [stereotypical inner courtyard woman] and also spend the rest of his life fighting for the favour of a man who only sees him as a pet. <<less
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applejelly
applejelly rated it
June 28, 2019
Status: v1c15
This is one of the few danmei that's got me reading ahead in the raws. I personally find it sweet, although there's some points where it's kind of... angsty? I'm not sure if that's the right word for it. But it does make me want to beat up whoever's bullying the MC. But I don't find the MC weak either... it's hard to explain

Anyway, author does a good job in making up sympathize with the MC. Now I'm off to binge the rest of the chapters
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Night22
Night22 rated it
November 22, 2020
Status: --
I really hate this story!

The translator did a good job but still I hate this book!

The ML is too insincere. Sure, the feudalism of that era is greatly portrayed there, but that doesn't excuse the fact that he is just too greedy.

He has a harem full of women and lots of kids. And despite the fact that the MC risked his life for ML on several occassion he still says that if that Qi woman hadn't tried to poison him he would still regard her as his legal wife. What... more>> is this?!

I simply hated it. It simply gave me a headache and left a bitter taste in my mouth.

The part I hate the most is the fact that the ML said that even if the MC stayed with him in the future he would still admit more women into his harem! This is not just going overboard! It's completely treating MC as just another woman in his harem! It simply disgusted me to the poing of throwing up!!!

This is most disgusting novel I had ever read. And I've read my fair share of bl novels that had hateful MLs. But even they didn't disgust me like this novel's ML did.

At least those MLs, even thought they're scummy, hateful, and downright disgusting at least they were true to themselves. They might be vicious towards the MC and okay they can be really hateful, but at least they stayed tru to their feelings!

But this ML... he's simply saying that he loves MC one moment then he's having s*x with another woman the next! It's truly, downright disgusting! <<less
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nothing of the sort
nothing of the sort rated it
June 11, 2020
Status: c50
One word to describe this book ; predictable. Everyone's personality feels like a tool for the story to proceed. Not a bit of originality in nearly any of the characters : (I would love to hear more about characters personal wishes like consort wei once said she would rather marry an ordinary man.. And I get it there will be competition between the harem members but is it really necessary to revolve the book around their schemes? They're no even that good.. Classic, predictable schemes..
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Moongodess76
Moongodess76
November 11, 2020
Status: c26
I must say that this novel made my heart really uncomfortable. Like all the other reviewers had already said, the ML has a harem and children around him since the beginning, and I was trying reeeeaaaaly hard to continue reading despite this (the translator was cheering the readers up all the time, telling how nice will be later on so that made me endure), then

... more>>
Spoiler

the ML spent the night with the MC and right the next night he was with the legal wife!!

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but that's it, I gave up. First of all, the ML is not gay, but bi because he still can do it with so many women despite liking the same s*x.

Second, strongly dislike harem stories (a trauma of mine), my super tender sensitive heart can't deal with angst, so I try to avoid it.

But if you really like to read it, go ahead, is just the sensible me that have to drop it.

Cheers to the translator, her attitude is great! <<less
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BlueThunderRuthless
BlueThunderRuthless rated it
October 20, 2021
Status: --
I know this is wrong, but I'm also not sure how to describe my feelings, I read this novel from 7-10 am. And I really have wasted my time. This is my first time leaving a review because of the unbearable pain.

Well let's talk about the novel, here I will make it clear for those of you who want to read in hopes of seeing ML who spoils the MC and puts the whole world aside for him, no! Don't read this or you will cry like me. The more... more>> you read you will only feel s*upid and this novel becomes unbearable, but if you are a lover of realistic novels, with real love rivalries, and true human nature then I suggest you to read it. This novel is very very good in terms of realistic. Here it really describes how MC must accept the fact that he is a man and cannot give ML offspring, and ML also will not throw everything just for the sake of MC because he is also helpless, this is reality.

ML is not OP in every way, he has to compete for the throne and needs his officials and concubines, he also needs his sons to strengthen his status, so MC can only be put aside here and get ML's love from other ways a man can. This is how a true gay love story would have unfolded if it had happened in a kingdom.

But it's better for you to read for yourself and feel for yourself rather than just speculating from various reviews. If you find it unbearable then don't force yourself, there are still many sweet sugar novels to cheer you up so don't be offended like me.

I gave this novel five stars because it was really good, I wouldn't blame it with a star reduction because I myself chose to read it in the first place. I dropped this novel here, goodbye🤗👋 <<less
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glitteryjoon
glitteryjoon rated it
August 19, 2021
Status: Completed
Wow. What a ride this was.

If anyone who reads this remembers one thing from my posts, I hope it's that they should never take reviews to heart without reading it for yourself.

While not many of the reviews were bad, there was one in particular that made me think this story would end with the ML still fooling around and place the blame on being an emperor in need of children.

... more>> However that is not that case.

If I'm being honest, this was the most realistic ancient chinese novel I have ever read, and that's saying something because I've read many.

What I mean by that, is that as far as romance goes, the ML wasn't a character like most of the princes in these novels are. Where he wasn't interested in concubines or in having children but rather had them and treated them with respect. I liked that there was the aspect of a harem not because I like harem novels, but because it shows that in those times, things like heirs and wives actually do make a difference.

On the other hand, I loved that once he fully fell in love with the MC he stopped staying the night at the concubines place and instead devoted himself fully to the MC.

the one thing I commend the author on is the Mc's development. You know the development is smooth when you don't even realize there was a change until halfway through and you're stuck wondering just when did that shy and timid little bean grow up and start fighting for what he wanted.

it was such a smooth transition and development process that the MC felt so real and fleshed out. my heart ached when he cried and raced when he was in danger. it felt like I could see him within the authors words.

the ML was a little more stagnant here and there, but such is ml's that are meant to appear imposing and intimidating. Let's just thank our lucky stars he wasn't the cold and domineering type who only gave a smile to his beloved, but was in fact more personable with everyone. I loved how our Mc's development somewhat forced the ML to develop as well. he became more focused on wanting his kids to grow up loving each other than striving for power and became more of a father figure to them rather than a rival.

What also made me pleasantly surprised was how, although we didn't get a sick fight scene and villainous explanation from our prince jing, we did get a pretty well wrapped up ending that mentioned most of the side characters and there endings / life afterwards with the exception of maybe one or two.

this was honestly one of my favorite novels I've read in a long while. the only real problem I had was the repetition of certain phrases, but while they were annoying, I do think it didn't take too much away from the overall story.

what I've learned, again is never completely trust the reviews. read it for yourself and form your own conjectures. Someone noted that this novel was a waste of such a great translation and in my honest opinion I disagree. this novel would have been terrible if the translator did not dedicate their time to translate AND edit their work. so I am completely grateful for it.

As an edit: I would like to just say, please make sure you understand this is an ancient palace novel. not slice of life or anything else. there are going to be many confusing threads to follow and if you're not familiar with what that entails it'll be all the more confusing and unenjoyable to you. for example— many names and characters, not all of which are important but are there to further express the different factions/jobs/and enemies of the full plot. if that does not entertain you then don't read it.

Please stop trying to apply modern views with an ancient themed novel, it ruins the whole experience. getting mad because he kept his princess consort around after the ML saved his life is not a reason to lower the ratings... it's ancient times, wives and children is the whole purpose of royalty. children means their reach is farther and furthers the bloodline, wives mean backing if he had neither of these things as the ml, he wouldn't logically be in the running for crown prince.. other novels that show you otherwise usually end with the ML causing the other brothers in the running some sort of problem that would end with them no longer eligible.

This novel really doesn't deserve low stars because your interest and understanding in this theme/genre of novel is lacking.

just state your opinion without rating it please.
5/5 <<less
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CoCiaLia
CoCiaLia
June 14, 2021
Status: v1c12 part1
On the debate surrounding the ML I want to give my opinion, feel free to disagree and enjoy at will.

  • On the what people should feel surrounding this character, I don’t disagree with shipping the cp or admiring the ml.
  • I don’t like ‘x doesn't like ML because x is childish and has unrealistic expectations for people’s
<how I see argument to sympathize with ML> a good man, one that treats woman with respect yet is bound by duty as a prince so has to do things seen in today’s culture as disrespectful... more>> in a s*xual relationship.

to sum; I don’t think ML is that great

  • One thing straight, ML doesn't go out of his way to treat woman better (or fair in today standards) than others generally do. I wouldn’t say he is a great pioneer in this area.
  • While he doesn't use violence and relies on others, he isn’t very capable in managing the emotions of the people in his estate. The relationships should be clear so that people can learn to be calm with where they stand.
  • Harem thing,
Spoiler

having gotten one woman pregnant, then just getting another pregnant at the same time!
(Saying ‘oh yeah I got her pregnant to. Btw’) If he wants many sons, maybe he could just choose one woman to have many sons with. It’s not hard to go around this premise of a harem.

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I actually like characters who have motives that aren’t wildly praised but I don’t think this author presented ML properly. He seems to one of the good guys yet he’s not really that saintly. <<less
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dramamonster
dramamonster rated it
May 25, 2020
Status: c48 part1
Qi Yunruo is the downtrodden and unloved illegitimate son of the powerful Qi family. He is also Prince Chun's person after entering Prince's estate as a dowry escort for his sister, Princess Consort Chun. Like any historical novel, powerful men have harems, money and soldiers; their women strive to bear children to maintain their own status; and young men go to battle to earn martial merits or study for examinations to become officials and make their mark in the world.

Because of his personal history, Qi Yunruo's family has ruthlessly neglected... more>> and confined him so that he cannot pursue any of these achievements. He doesn't want to be cast away by his family to be a bed warmer, but once he enters Prince Chun's estate, he belongs to Prince Chun for the rest of his life (like any other young girl who enters a harem, except he's male). When he enters Prince Chun's estate, he is unassuming and bland to avoid trouble, and has no ambitions beyond staying alive. However, Prince Chun, who is gay (but being a royal, he still does his royal duty and has biological children), notices him right away.

The story begins with Prince Chun's estate and its harem politics and feels more like a slice of life novel such as To Be A Virtuous Life. There are moments when you can see Qi Yunruo hating what his life is, but tamping it down in order to survive. His honesty, caution and pure heart eventually wins him allies.

Later, Qi Yunruo accompanies Prince Chun to the battlefield and has many adventures that help him mature and display his bravery and intelligence.

If you like historical chinese slice of life novels, and BL novels, this is an interesting read. There are a lot of people in the harem/estate, and in the battlefield arc, so the names may get confusing. The translation is great. There is no smut, just fade-to-black scenes. I hope the rest of the novel is this good. <<less
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Sun_day
Sun_day rated it
December 22, 2020
Status: Completed
My rating: 4.7

This is the first story that compelled me to write a review, and the first to get me mtl through the rest of the chap because I was just so curious.

The plot is solid and consistent, mainly it revolve around the intrigue surrounding MC and ML be it from the inner court (harem) or the fore court and battlefield, it isn't really complicated or full of scheme ala romance of three kingdom style, but it isn't light either, the weight is still there, if u know what I... more>> mean, there's no comedic undertone at all, and many angst mainly because I pity the MC situation :' (

ML is the eldest legitimate child of emperor and empress, thus he has many enemies, ML want to be emperor, he's smart and ambitious, very clear headed and have a calm temperament. MC technically is ML concubine because his legitimate mother made him accompany his half-sister as dowry escort, his sister marry ML as main wife and are very awful toward him (MC), I think MC gradually fall in love (?) with ML because ML is the first to give him affection, and dedicated himself to serve and always be by ML side.

I also love that the antagonist (mainly ML enemies and brothers) are not there to serve as foil, the princes especially prince Jing are really smart, they feel like real threats instead of stereotypical villain use to elevate Main characters.

There's a bitter feeling in my heart and feeling sad for MC regarding ML still imp**gnating other women in spite of liking MC, but I think it realistic given the ancient setting and ML is ambitious to become emperor so he needs to have sons, if it's any consolation after chapter 20 ML doesn't sleep with any other consorts again.

I don't remember clearly about the details, but the first 20 chapter are set in the harem, and we get to see the consorts idiotic attempts at scheming, I must say that I have an aneurysm while reading this section, the consort fully believe they're smart and can fool the ML when actually the ML are merely tolerating their bullsh*t because he still need the consorts family support and reputation and so he can't outright offend them, the harem are just full of hate and the MC always get involve directly or indirectly and get hurt in the end.

The consorts:
Spoiler

The consorts are like any other consorts in this type of story, always fighting to the death to get the prince attention and strive to have sons, consort Ji is arrogant and domineering, consort Wei is introvert but she's the smartest of the bunch, I always think she's a bit of hypocrite, she say she rather marry ordinary man, but gets really happy when ML visit her courtyard, I think she also has a hand regarding the eunuch incident at the first 20 chp that resulting in MC getting hurt, tertiary consort Li I think is just a simple minded person, opportunistic but not malicious.

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Though the one I hate the most is MC sister qi niqun and her mother, they are the typical clowns that blame others for disadvantageous situation that results because of THEIR OWN DOING, qi niqun is perhaps the most vicious yet the most idiotic female antagonist that I have ever encounter, she isn't smart, nor is she charismatic, she doesn't has any plus point beside being the princess consort. MC father are also horrible, coward and cold blooded, you will understand in chapter 57-ish

MC sister fate:
Spoiler

In the end she died because of her own doing, she give birth to 2 daughters, after that, she drinks many medicine from 'doctors' that 'supposedly' can conceive a son, the ML at that point already hate her because she doesn't assign proper care for ML eldest daughter, the one he has with tertiary consirt Li, qi niqun depict immense hate to children from illegitimate line you see, so she attempt to drug ML with aphrodisiac to make ML sleep with her, ML resist and kick her away, MC also come to save him, since then ML never touch her again, some months or years (?) later the medicines effect accumulate and counteract against each other making her seriously ill, the doctor called by MC were a bit late because he was obstruct by ML enemies on the way (ML was frame by his brothers and his brothers army surround ML estate), in her death bed she never repent nor does she realize her situation was because of her own greed, she just lament to ML why she doesn't give birth to a son while consort Ji and consort Wei have a son on their first try, geez 😒

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Last but not least I like that the characters personality are shown by their actions rather than a long dozen paragraph, the authors also doesn't emphasize much in appearance either, the physical attribute are describe along with the character introduction and never mention again, I think it's more impactful and memorable that way. Li Chen is also a rare ML in this kind of setting, he isn't domineering, arrogant, or obsessive, he's just polite, treating others courteously according to their status and position, and cautious, I think he's the perfect and can't afford any weakness type, that also makes sense considering many people want him dead.

The translation are superb, I like that almost all of the imperial titles are convert to english, it doesn't subtract the conservative feeling of ancient china strict social hierarchy, I think it rather enhance it, sometimes I don't like when there's too much wang, fei, qie, guifei, niang, zhen etc terms thrown all over the place, makes it quite difficult to concentrate on the plot.

whew, sorry if it's a bit long, all in all this is a good story and worth to read for those who want a serious but not to heavy plot and a good balance of angst and fluff, ending is 1v1, and don't worry it's HE. If the author plan to write another story I would surely look forward to it <<less
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Sonata123
Sonata123 rated it
October 18, 2021
Status: Completed
The story is fabulous; it was a joy to read it. I actually was putting off reading it for a while because I was scared of some things mentioned in the reviews. But as another review says: don't judge it from reviews, read it for yourself. And I'm so glad I did. It is truly beautiful, very positive and sweet. It is not a fluffy "pampering" story - the things that happen it it have a realistic feeling. It is also realistic in the aspect that it almost feels as... more>> if the author chronicles the lives of real people. There are many characters, and even episodic ones are well fleshed out. There are many details that make you feel "inside" the story.

Both the MC and the ML are wonderful. All right, Little Qi is more than wonderful, he is absolutely amazing. At first he appears quiet and reserved, as if dormant, and the more amazing you feel when he slowly takes more and more responsibilities, revealing his character. The ML, the prince, is extremely decent. I actually don't think there is a moment in the story while he would hurt the MC, even out of a misunderstanding. That's a lot more than can be said about 90% of BL MLs.

I was afraid I would feel uncomfortable about the ML having a wife and concubines, like "not being exclusive" with the MC. But it was done so well! Yes, the ML isn't some imaginary virg*n prince. When he meets the MC, he has an established household. And it makes it even more amazing how their relationship develop, how the ML comes to feel the need of exclusivity, not in a yandere way, but true mutual being the only ones for each other.

The translation is top-notch, all the remarks by the translator were very useful, thank you for the wonderful experience! <<less
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