I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country

Description

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Gu Yuanbai transmigrated into a BL novel as a weak, sickly emperor who barely had any sense of presence in the plot. The novel was a story of the struggle to gain the political power and love between the future regent and the first beauty in the capital, and he was supposed to serve just as a backdrop board.

Gu-wildly ambitious-Yuanbai: Don’t make me laugh.

He was the emperor—why would he let go of his power instead of expanding the national borders and leaving his name in the annals of history?

*

Xue Yuan, the son of the current supreme general and the future regent, hiding a burning ambition, accompanied his father into the palace for the first time. That day, he looked up, hidden among the crowd of courtiers, and caught a glimpse of the young emperor’s face.

Naturally rebellious, he sneered, thinking contemptuously that the little emperor looked prettier than the palace ladies. With this too-beautiful appearance and weak body, how was he planning to rule the country?

By making people take pity on his frailty?

Associated Names
One entry per line
Peerless Beauty
Ta dựa vào mỹ nhan ổn định thiên hạ
ฮ่องเต้โฉมงามพลิกแผ่นดิน
我靠美颜稳住天下
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
There’s A Beauty (3)
Qiang Jin Jiu (2)
After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine (2)
Transmigration of Mian [Reluctantly] Becomes His Man [Wife] (1)
Imperial Uncle (1)
Bite Your Fingertips (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Part 2 virg*n ML and MC BL/ true love / first love
  2. My Cup of Tea~
  3. Kingdom Building in Ancient Times
  4. Master-disciple(servant), shixiong-shidi, tutor-wa...
  5. Novels I wanna rant about

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/06/24 Second Life Translations c97
03/05/24 Second Life Translations c96
03/05/24 Second Life Translations c95
02/11/24 Second Life Translations c94
01/19/24 Second Life Translations c93
01/19/24 Second Life Translations c92 part2
01/19/24 Second Life Translations c92 part1
01/11/24 Second Life Translations c91 part2
01/11/24 Second Life Translations c91 part1
01/10/24 Second Life Translations c90
01/10/24 Second Life Translations c89
09/08/23 Second Life Translations c88
09/06/23 Second Life Translations c87
09/06/23 Second Life Translations c86
08/31/23 Second Life Translations c85
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37 Reviews sorted by


TheDecayingFlower555
TheDecayingFlower555 rated it
January 21, 2021
Status: c36
So far, I like how the novel is balancing between seriousness and humor.

Spoilers Maybe (01/20/2021) :

... more>>
Spoiler

Like the events are ridiculous once in a while but I like how the transmigrator took on his role as an emperor quite seriously. The second he transmigrated into an emperor, he pretty much went: "Aight, I guess this is what we are doing now". Unlike a lot of transmigration stories where they will begin to act OOC or not like the role they are meant to play, our character adapted extremely quickly into his role as an emperor. At times, I forgot he was even a transmigrator because he barely mentions it and only focuses on the health of the emperor and on how he can do his job as an emperor well.

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10/12/2021 Update:

Spoiler

The novel is still good for me so far. I like the way the writer has written their characters. But the ML at times disturbs me. I get that his brash attitude is supposed to represent his childhood of living in the barracks. But at times it's a bit overdone. In the end of the day, he is a young master serving the emperor, even the rudest of nobles in the past would be wary of their behavior around the emperor. Also, I think the MC is being a bit too dictator-like in the current chapters. I recall, how he stated that's not how he wanted to go but that is pretty much how he is acting. I get that he's an emperor, but in history there have been emperors who were strong and respected without the use of force. Also he's a BIT too harsh to Xue Yuan. If this were any other Transmigration novel, the MC will definitely be killed by Xue Yuan in the future for treating him so badly. Nonetheless, I love everything else about the characters and the story.

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tmr_
tmr_
January 18, 2022
Status: c45
me, an empath: *sensing that the author has some sort of an illness fetish*

no, seriously. If a victorian man suffering from tuberculosis showed the author his ankle, the author would probably die of desire.

okay, having said that- I will not rate this book yet, as the translation is ongoing, but here are some of my thoughts so far:

- the translation is sooo good. Chapters 1-10 are translated by xah xiaoran, and then the translation was taken over by barebones. Both translators did/are doing so incredibly well. I don't recall the... more>> last time i've read a webnovel with such a clear translation. It's very easy to read, but at the same time translators provide with a lot of footnotes to make sure that the historical context is not lost.

- the fact that the MC insists that he knows of the bl novel he transmigrated into only because there was an adaptation of it in which the 2 main characters developed a 'socialist brotherhood' is very funny to me. Suuuure, gyb.

- as other readers pointed out, the title of the book does not reflect its content. One thing to be admired about the main character is that despite being frail and sickly, he remains incredibly competent. And lord, it's such a cliche, but I really enjoy the emperor's displays of power (don't tell any fellow anarchist leaning leftists that I said that).

- for most of the time we just follow the emperor in his daily chores, which might be tedious to some, but I find it very interesting. Even fragments such as the emperor explaining spreadsheets to his officials are quite amusing. So, if you're looking for a historical webnovel from which you can actually learn something - this book is for you. The dynasty is fictional, but the setting is very much detailed and most of the court structure refers to the song dynasty, if I remember correctly.

- in all honesty, I do not really care for the characters nor the romantic plotline much so far, it's the background and the politics that really captivate me. But I'm sure that for some, whatever is going on in xue yuan's mind is compelling. Not me, you all stay safe though.

- one thing that I find tiring in this novel (okay, apart from the way the main character is described by all the men he meets) is how every single character insists that he's straight. Like, come on. Not even one of them is self-aware enough to admit what their sexuality is. Booring. (Also, I just realised that there are literally no plot-relevant women in this book. Sighhhh)

tldr; if you're looking for an action-driven novel with a steamy romance, this one probably isn't for you. Still, I would recommend giving it a try - who knows, maybe following a transmigrator in his lengthy journey to stabilise the country will turn out to actually be your cup of tea? It certainly is mine:)

once again, huge kudos to barebones!! Thank you for bringing this translation to us:) <<less
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withintheeventhorizon
withintheeventhorizon rated it
November 5, 2021
Status: c165
I finished the novel a while ago, though my chinese skill is pretty decent, I still could miss some points (also my memory is pretty poor).

But I'd say this novel is one of my favourite. Although, the plot isn't intense, and it's indeed about stabilising the country. It might've felt boring at some time, but the characters and the relationship between the main CP are making up for that.

Usually when I read a novel, even if I like characters to bits, there still would be some point of time where... more>> I feel irritated (or even hate them yk lol) but this time I didn't have any negative feelings even once.

As for characters... I WOULD LITERALLY THROW HANDS FOR XUE YUAN!!! He's such a good boy!
yep, at first I thought that he's typical scum gong but the further I read the stronger my love for him was. Actually, he isn't scum at all, our little emperor is the real 渣男 heh
Spoiler

after that impromptu handjob that he asked Xue Yuan to do for him and then like ayyy we're just bros helping each other and I'm straight

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Xue Yuan's feeling for little emperor made my heart clench several times.
Spoiler

when he said that if you trained a dog, you have to take responsibility for it (I don't remember the wording correctly but it was something like that) ;

or when the little emperor is like: "you like me."

and Xue Yuan: "actually you're wrong, 我好喜欢你"

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don't if it's a spoiler but
Spoiler

every time little emperor gripped xue yuan's chin, I was going feral

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The little emperor is also such a likeable character, even though he's acting like a 渣男 towards Xue Yuan at first lol. Especially in the last few chapters, I really admired him for his decision:
Spoiler

he's gotten used to Xue Yuan always being around him, it's the period when their feelings are mutual, he showed his weaknesses to Xue Yuan, and Xue Yuan also showed his. But even if Gu Yuanbai was reluctant to let Xue Yuan go see the world for a pretty long time (3 or 5 years? I don't remember...), he still let him leave in order for him to gain a stable position for himself and have no regrets, so in the future IF they fell out of the relationship, Xue Yuan wouldn't depend only on Gu Yuanbai or be obsessed to the point that falling out would drive him insane but could find another path for himself. He didn't want for such a great person as Xue Yuan to just waste his time just as 侍卫 by the emperor's side when he could accomplish much more.

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All in all, it's pretty light novel (well, except for some things) with great characters who will make you laugh occasionally~ strongly recommend!

(And I still have extras to finish...) <<less
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Rutabaga
Rutabaga
August 31, 2021
Status: c19
One thing you have to know before reading is: the MC is a 'heartthrob', meaning there are gonna be a lot of characters that are going to fall in love with him, for either absolutely no reason or simply for his appearance. It's been mentioned in the summary of the raws as a landmine (something major that may displease you in the novel), so don't expect the people around MC to be 'normal'. There are currently no tags (that I know of) for this type of character, so it might... more>> turn people off. It's a bit of a shame that bad reviews are going to appear because of this. (The MC doesn't turn s*upid because of this so you have that, I guess). I'm not gonna leave a rating (as I said, the raw summary did warn me about the MC), but ignoring the 'heartthrob' stuff, the story has a decent plot, and seems interesting. The first 19 chapters are a bit bland for my taste and I don't really like heartthrobs, so I dropped it. Heartthrobs' aren't really my thing.

Rough Translation: (mtl with editing)

①CP XueYuan, 'mad dog' gong, 'heartthrob' shou, beware of land mines.
②A lot of details and reasons will be revealed later in the novel, so don't be too restless at the start of the novel.
③ Gong is naturally cold and has no ethics, disrespects imperial power, and is crazy and obsessed with shou in the later parts of novel. He pursues the shou in the early parts, and they pamper each other in the later parts.
④ I wish you a happy reading experience, weibo has extras and small shorts @晋江望三山 <<less
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thebadgirl05
thebadgirl05 rated it
August 26, 2021
Status: --
It doesn't really pique me much.

I find it quite bland and too abrupt, not to mention, its superficial. Brainless characters seem to fall head over heels when mentioning MC. ML is annoying and its like the author just made up some random stuff and evolved them into problems to probably spice it up but they just made my impression of it worse.

I was only three chapters on before skimming through, dropped it after 6 chapters more.
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kyuujunana
kyuujunana rated it
January 8, 2024
Status: c88
My favorite novel of all times! Usually it doesn't take long for an emperor to fall in love in most novels I read. And it makes me feel bored to have the kind that is easily swoon by ML. (Of course there are times I do feel bad for the ML especially that time when he cooks longevity noodles for the MC).

But let me tell you this one, our beloved MC is just the best emperor I would protect. Ugh the charisma and steadfast character he posses makes me go,... more>> "Yes! This is what you call an emperor."

To think I finally found a gem worth reading. This is definitely a reread.

Cons: waiting dutifully for translator to update is giving me pain. <<less
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Onyo.onyo
Onyo.onyo
September 10, 2023
Status: Completed
The title is deceptive! I was ready for a s*upid novel that didn't make sense but instead I found a study of royal dynasty politics. I'm not someone who likes state leaders, but if Gu Yuanbai becomes emperor/leader I feel like I can believe in the country and have hope for future generations. To some extent the title is true, who doesn't like a handsome person with the intelligence to lead the country wisely? I might as well have a huge crush. I also thought this novel would be a... more>> harem novel but 1vs1 is also not bad. ML in the beginning is very redflagged, some people might hate it because his behavior. But ML's character development when he liked MC didn't even feel sudden or forced, I just felt carried away and had just accepted ML pursuing MC the way he did. I really like the way MC and ML love each other, they each realize their partner's potential and talents, instead of shackling their partner under the pretext of love, they support each other so that their partner has strength and stands on their own feet. Their journey and love relationship is not perfect but they each become the best versions of themselves when they are together.

And also I was skeptical at first, if MC is an ordinary modern person why is he so good at leading as emperor, isn't he too OP? It turns out the answer is in the extras and it makes a lot of sense. I really liked this novel ❤️❤️❤️ <<less
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shonsz
shonsz rated it
January 25, 2023
Status: Completed
Plot: 5/5
MC transmigrated to a novel where he is the physically weak emperor. ML is something like a general. He's sickness is eventually cured nearing the end of the novel. Lots of emphasis on his physical weakness. I realise a lot of chinese novels like to have the characters cough up blood as a sign of sickness/weakness.

Overall thoughts:
Good translation. The original chinese version is great. Recommend to read again.
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AppleIsForYou
AppleIsForYou rated it
December 26, 2022
Status: Completed
I'm still reading it. And I will re-edit later.

I find this novel very interesting. I know most of the time xianxia, hitorical or any dry genre could be exhausting to read. But. This one is very entertaining.

Yes. The novel felt like a gary stu because (literally) all men liked MC's beauty. And because of his beauty, he can conquer anyone, literally everyone and anyone. The thing is because the MC had a knowledge of everything in the story as he transmigrated, he tried to change the country. He naturally was... more>> successful due to the amount of people who wanted him to be "comfortable" in his seat. He's naturally smart to and knows how to use people and his power. MC is smart too and genuinely wants to change the country for the best. For example the anti-corruption journey in the beginning of the story. Or even the actions of adopting and giving education orphaned kids that has been through a lot to just make a loyal subordinates. The executions were really great. I wont say anything anymore and I didn't bother hiding it too. Coz there's really a lot happened

What I liked tho is that, whenever MC is doing a job of some sorts, all random people will try to show affection to him and he doesn't know that they were into his beauty.

Well, he knows he is beautiful beyond gender. But still. He should be supposed to be aware of everyone's desire as he knows that originally ML Xue and OGMC are gay. So there's possibility that people could become gay for him and his beauty. That's just what was bothering me throughout. ML Xue is entertaining lol. He tries to make MC smile or be happy despite annoying him. His way is effective tho as all the burdens and fatigue of the MC disappears despite it being childish most often. He isn't really actually annoying which people claim. I just find him brute and naive. He was sent to borders when he was a kid and experienced brutal life in there. Of course, he didnt learn human socialization but human survival. He actually told his true feelings about what happened and what he experienced and what he felt to the emperor MC. MC promised to change and avoid the brutal things ML experience in the future. ML also was always the one who guard the MC to the obvious malicious or pure desire of everyone. Oblivious you may say, that the MC couldn't see it. I'm actually glad that the ML was there to stop it or else, it's will just be really a harem and it's just gonna be whomever shows off can get his attention type of story. But no! It's a story of building a country while ML's interaction with MC entertains us. It's funny and sweet you guys. The languange is also straight forward and mature which I liked.

ML was the first one to realize his feelings.

Spoiler

at chapter 51, it precisely shows that his feelings aint a loyalty but the feeling of like to someone else.

53 is the first kiss and ML helped him fapMC in a cave

Then on, ML went to subdue rebels for 1 and half month.

Came back and finally ML can't handle it and pursue MC.

61 ML asked him releave/serve down there again

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Spoiler

Chapt 64 is a little cruel. ML is going to be punished with a 50 plank instead of being cut of from military merits (which he wanted) from cutting someone's finger. He wanted to bot leave his majesty's side, that's why he refused the military merit because he'sgonna be promoted and leave MC's side. You can finally see how MC's feelings to ML. He knows that sames*x relationship is not favoured. He'sbody has inconvenience and he is the successor of the general's household and an heir and marriage is needed for ML even with MC (but he knows thay originally, ML is with OGMC Chu. So I dont get this one.)

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I cried in the end.
Spoiler

Theyve been together for 15 years, that's the last chapter 167 status. They finally grew sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn. At the lantern festival. MC finally properly confessed through a poem of love 😭

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I MTLed it in Shaoboa. <<less
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yiyuan
yiyuan rated it
April 20, 2021
Status: c43
I just really love the mutual antagonism between the MC and ML. The author handles it really well, and I don't feel like the MC is weak or needs to be sheltered from the 'big bad' ML, since they both have very strong personalities.

... more>>
Spoiler

I find it really amusing how the ML insists to himself that he's straight while he's obsessed with trying to find a way to look at the MC's private parts without getting killed for his audacity, to see if they are as beautiful as the rest of him.

ML clearly acknowledges to himself that his interest in the MC goes beyond the bounds of normal behavior for a straight man, but when he sort of brings up the issue to his dad, he gets a typical clueless straight guy reassurance that his obsession is actually just his loyalty to the Emperor (the MC.)

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Lola_xoxo
Lola_xoxo rated it
May 27, 2023
Status: --
I usually love anything I read but this time I have to agree with the low reviews, besides that the end is really disappointing, and that each time there was a problem about politics Su Mochi somehow manged to solve everything pretty fast and with no big trouble AT ALL, the novel doesn't make you suffer even a little bit, wich kinda makes it boring, the only suffering I had were the s3x scenes; at least with Gu something dude he was kinda enjoying it, in some parts with the... more>> other ML too but I have so many questions, why does he hates it most of the times? Why doesn't he stops them if he is actually suffering? How can he get tired with one round if he has interc**rses regularly? Does he even like to f*ck? Why can't he sometime switch? Like dude why don't you try to switch sometimes if you hate it so much?Please the gangbang & trheesome scenes were terrible and just sad, also I really hope this is a translation problem but the random explicit/modern words while reading smut completely ruined the mood. <<less
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Ladyk18
Ladyk18
November 3, 2022
Status: c45
it’s a political story where our MC wakes up as an emperor in the past and has to take control of the court, which takes place 3 years prior to the novel start. By the time the novel starts the MC is fully immersed in his role as emperor.

The ML by chapter 45 does seem to have started to fall for the MC, but so far it seems more along the lines of looks then personality, but it’s getting there.

This was a very good read for the chapters available via... more>> link in NU <<less
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aviserised
aviserised rated it
October 22, 2022
Status: --
man... I really wanted to like this story. It has a good solid foundation, the Main Character isn’t OP and is over all like-able. It’s just the ML isn’t it for me, he’s more of a hindrance to what the MC is Trying to achieve, I honestly think The MC should have honestly killed him. He doesn't really add much, he doesn't respect the MC, he thinks thats he is super great cuz, he can fight, like a mad dog etc. but honestly doesn’t have brain. So yeah, the ML... more>> ruined it for me... he is Toxic y’all. <<less
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trash_generalist
trash_generalist
October 8, 2022
Status: c3
I think this novel requires a lot of patience. I only read three chapters and, with very little patience, I ended up quitting *sneezing-face*. I’m not sure if I’m just not understanding properly or what. But I can’t get into it at all. So... for now, this shall be left unread and unrated.
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ceannn
ceannn rated it
September 18, 2022
Status: --
to me all his conflicts seem too easy for him to deal with. I mean he really has never failed to control situations that I find unreasonable. Putting the politics of the empire and noble families aside, this novel takes the military a bit too lightly which is regrettable. The way to win is too simple, just send generals then win which is very boring. There is no tension at all either internal or external politics.

then the chapter where he leads the army is really unwise. He really is just... more>> a weak chicken who has never even been to the border especially considering he is a person of modern times how he forced to join the war I think that makes no sense at all. I mean he's not a general right? Reading military books is another, the experience is practically zero. I really want to hrhdhdjdjdj.

he's also the type of emperor I don't really like, too greedy and too petty. Want to control and seize everything in his grasp. <<less
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coralyne
coralyne rated it
May 28, 2022
Status: c45
I really love this story type. There are quite inconsistency with the plot,
Spoiler

like it I haven't seen any hide on what age is he was when he transmigrated because his way are somewhat far from the mindset of a 21st century citizen

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Overall, I like the plot. Waiting for more chapters.
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