Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang

Description

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Bai Pingting has always been contrary to the saying, “A woman’s virtue is ignorance.”

Although she serves the Marquess of Jing-An as a maid, she leads a life far richer than most women. Her plain appearance is not what defines her — but her intelligence, far beyond many wise men.

Although Chu Beijie was an enemy general, she still cannot help being attracted to this man, despite the many lies and conspiracies…but between love and loyalty, she must make a choice. She can only hope that man’s love for her isn’t as deep as she thought.

One is a soul who seemingly destroys peace while the other aspires to be the sword that saves. Between them, lies a mountain of hate…

Who of the two most cunning people on earth cast the trap and just who captured the other?

Associated Names
One entry per line
A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated
General & I
จอมนางคู่บัลลังก์
孤芳不自賞
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Chaos Of Beauty (2)
A Mistaken Marriage Match: A Generation of Military Counselor (1)
Mulberry Song (1)
A Mistaken Marriage Match: Record of Washed Grievances (1)
Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang (1)
Black Bellied Prince’s Stunning Abandoned Consort (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Because of drama
  2. Historical Romance
  3. All my like
  4. pending
  5. Ancient China Drama/Serious Plot

Latest Release

Date Group Release
06/16/16 Chinatown KM dj story 1
03/24/16 Chinatown KM v3c75
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c74
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c73
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c72
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c71
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c70
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c69
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c68
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c67
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c66
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c65
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c64
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c63
03/23/16 Chinatown KM v3c62
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Review
49 Reviews


dysry
dysry
Mar 12, 2016
Status: --
Plot 2/5
... more>>
Spoiler

The female lead Bai Pingting, is captured and sold as a s*ave to an enemy country, where she meets and attracts the general and prince of the country, Chu Beijie. However as an enemy strategist, she escapes to her country despite falling for him. After a few clashes on the battlefield and plots orchestrated by BPT but manipulated by the second male lead, He Xia, she eventually returns to him despite his distrust. She’s soon captured by HX and while escaping, is hesitant to return to CBJ due to the friction and doubts that exist between them. HX then attempts to conquer and unite the countries, however his ruthless and manipulative approach causes BPT to re-unite with CBJ to defeat him.

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Relationship 1/5
Spoiler

BPT is supposedly a cute, intelligent and charming character, that attracts the attention of CBJ through her personality. And he is caring and dedicated to her, having recognized her as his intellectual equal. However given their roles in opposing factions (although she just happens to support all his enemies), this ideal relationship doesn’t last. This is followed by several make up and break up sessions. When they’re fighting they’re excessively melodramatic, and when they’re on good terms, they’re disgustingly sweet in a cheesy and tacky way, making them bi-polar but flat characters.

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Characters 0/5
Spoiler

While there is a lot of commentary on the MC’s intellect, it seems like her greatest victories play on the affections of the male lead towards her, and his unwillingness to harm her. Similarly, a lot of the angst and bitterness on her part due to her need to test his affections through unreasonable means despite misleading and disappointing him several times.

Tests include not explaining herself despite being accused of poisoning his nephews/heirs to the throne and expecting him to return to her on his birthday despite the country facing a coalition army at their borders. Both these choices are pretty much there to distance him from his country as well as his family for her. While her other tests make her appear suicidal, as she risks her life to prove a point.

The male lead is also meant to be cold and calculating but in front of the female lead, he seems to have lost any spine or common sense and is willing to chase after her and to take her back regardless of her actions. In a way he resembles Nangong Liuyun from DKC but without the moments of ruthlessness and ingenuity, while his female lead lacks Su Luo’s feistiness, resourcefulness and charm.


The second male lead loses his family and home at the start, and is driven by vengeance and ambition to conquer the four countries. To him, BPT represent the happy moments in his past, while CBJ gives him an inferiority complex. In the end he’s blinded by his hate and loses everything he values. In a way he’s the only character that actually makes sense in the warring states/political context, but not particularly great.
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The story started off well, and could’ve been a very fascinating read but ultimately ended up disappointing, with the nature of the characters clashing with the story setting. The MC never got to fully show off any of her wit or intellect as a strategist and person (mostly relying on the same tactic of using the male lead’s love for her), the author’s attempts at war tactics were just plain embarrassing. While the main pairing’s relationship felt unbalanced and unrealistic, with the male lead constantly betraying his family and country’s trust to be with her and neither of them addressing their underlying misgivings. <<less
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MangoGuy
normal guy
Jul 14, 2016
Status: Completed
This is a gem. A masterpiece, I feel. This review is being written after reading the entire work.

First off, the translations are otherworldly. As it is in pdf format, it is easily attainable. Kudos to the translator.

Next, the actual story. It is a complex love story between two intelligent and stubborn people. The feels are REAL. VERY REAL. There are three main characters, with a few other characters who can almost be considered to be main characters. And all of them get sufficient screen time to leave a deep imprint... more>> in your heart. A VERY DEEP IMPRINT. The battle strategies are a part of the historical setting, but not the main thing in the story. It is much more about the struggles of the love birds. Few deep questions relating to human nature, cause of war, who is right and who is wrong etc are asked and they make you think really hard. If someone makes a good soundtrack, then this can even be made into a TV show (if it is not already made).

The characters are very well made, with questions of betrayal and human relations around. There are no clear heroes and villains. There are only people who were forced by fate to take action. After reading, you will definitely sympathize with the characters.

This one is definitely recommended to even those of you who are not looking for romance/drama/historical/feels. I personally rate it 5/5. Some people may feel the ending is a bit of a letdown, but do not fear. It is a satisfactory one.

Spoiler

There is a happy ending at least for the main couple, so fear not about tragedy.

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Personally, I feel that it is under appreciated. I mean, it is not too long either. I just can't find any faults with it. <<less
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ByleeM
ByleeM
Dec 28, 2019
Status: c67
This started out so good, like Im writing this comment at 3 am so good. Then the author went and took my BAMF leads and F them up sideways... Bai pingting went from like, the national spokesperson for what ancient women could do to "... Dis crazy b*tch need a slap in da face and some deading, please Lord hear my prayers and dead dis hoe!"

The ML was like Genghis Khan had a love child with Levi from Attack on titan and bam! There he was... until half way... more>> through the novel, around the same time MC turns into a manipulative psycho, he turns into like... mmm? you know those weak willed ukes who can do all but stand up to their A-hole seme and always get their feelings trampled? yeah?.. thats what happenes to him. Look, this had so much potential! But it feels like the author swallowed too many shoujo mangas halfway through the book hence the dumbing down of our oh so hopeful characters. Even the main reason for MC's conflict gets nullified by turning the "young master" she cared for like family into a brain dead cannon fodder 1D villian in order to justify Bai PingTing choosing ML. I mean if the relationship between MC and ML were reversed... Everyone would crucify the ML for being an abusive jerk. I'm not trying to be rude (even though it's coming of that way), but I've never read a novel that went from a 10 to -60, most books you can tell from the getgo if its gonna be bad.... but this had me saying "greatest literary work of the year" to "WTF.... give me my 4 hours back!!! 4 whole hours!! Give em back?, so this is why the manga was discontinued!"

*It doesnt get better so read at your own risk. The stars are for the translation, the baddest intro of characters and to give the author encouragement. <<less
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admiralen
admiralen
Jan 06, 2018
Status: --
This series started out pretty damn well, but when it gets to a certain point it just keeps on making drama for drama

The main character is a plain psychopath

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Spoiler

A good example is when she is pregnant and Chu Beijie doesnt come home at the proper time, so she decides to leave forever

She knows he wasnt at fault and that he never intended to be late, but she doesnt care, she knows he is in despair and searching for her, pretty much giving up all he has, but she doesnt care, she lets him search for several years while she raises their child on a farm where there isnt enough food (which is curious since she is supposed to be some kind of supergenius, but cant even make enough money to support her childs eating habits), and she only returns to Chu Beijie because she needs a general. Not because she cares about him or wants him back or anything, just because she wants to use him.

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Shaiole
Shaiole
Jul 14, 2016
Status: Completed
I'm never good at reviews but ill try to promote this novel because I like it so much but there are too few people that had read it.

I can say that this novel is not for everyone but it is for me. I could say that it is one of my favorites.

I want to say a few things about this novel.

... more>> It is not for kids. It's so emotional. Not erotic, but emotional.

Tragedy makes the story as it is. It is sad, but read it. It is about 2 smart people that love each other, but somehow, some people and events get in the way. Their love gets tested every single time. And this is what makes them stronger. The tests could have taken their lives.

Family or love?

Country or love?

Reason or love?

A tale of two hearts and two minds. <<less
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Tarotta
Tarotta
Sep 10, 2021
Status: --
This novel is a trap. We're starting with amazing MC, who will gradually transform into selfish and annoying drama queen. I felt bad for ML for being entangled with her. Same with the villain. Dropped this just a few chapters before the end of the novel cause I just couldn't continue. Most hated MC ever.
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mxg
mxg
Jul 28, 2018
Status: --
I don't even know at what point I officially gave up on this novel. It was such a difficult book to get through. I couldn't finish no matter how hard I forced myself to keep going. Nothing about this book lives up to my expectations.

The characters go from badass, independent individuals to lovers who can't breathe without the other in 0.3 seconds. The MC goes from resourceful and cunning to melodramatic, petty, and so effing annoying.
Spoiler

She demands that the ML love her even though she doesn't even try to explain the poisoning of his nephews, which everyone thinks she did. She just whines about he doesn't love her anymore and then tries to take her life through several hunger strikes and lonely instrument playing.

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The author tried to paint her character in a better light by having all the ML's friends or acquaintances be shocked by her charm/wit/selfless love blah blah blah. But it doesn't help at all - it just makes you question the intelligence of these characters.

I can't even rant about the ML because he's such a flat, static character whose only role is to be OP and love the MC unconditionally -
Spoiler

DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE STILL THINKS SHE POISONED HIS NEPHEWS. Like, come on, dude! She's not even arguing against the accusations (for some really s*upid reason too). So much is wrong with their relationship.

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All in all, don't read this. Save yourself time and effort. It's not worth it.
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areeba1169
areeba1169
Jan 03, 2016
Status: Completed
Whoever has an interest in historical romance novel would love this. Its has become number one in my list. I fell in love with the manga and came across this. So glad I did. The two main characters Bia Pingting and Chu Beijie go through many heartache such as being both from different countries so politics gets in the way of their relationship. This story would leave you in an emotional wreck but you cant help but read on hoping that there would come a time where the could settle... more>> down somewhere isolated from this world. But obviously this is impossible but hopefully they have a nice ending. Nevertheless I cant wait to see what happen next. Its amazing to see a person who was a lowly position of a maid was able to shake the great 4 nations. She is great at the qin and has the mind to rival any great General. Definitely not weak, you cant help but fall in love with her and feel empathy from beginning to end. Definitely a must read. I cant help but envy there love for each other ^_^ <<less
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Bunnypillow
Bunnypillow
Nov 23, 2016
Status: --
This novel is seriously like a masterpiece. It portrays a brave and valiant girl that is also very intelligent! For me, I enjoy the female MC being a smart and cunning woman, and Bai Pingting is both of em. I honestly think you should read this novel, it's just really really good! &Gt;|||<

I don't really know how to describe it but I think you'll know what I mean when you start reading this. &Lt;3
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luxe
luxe
Nov 26, 2016
Status: dj story 1
This is a real gem if you're interested in an intelligent female lead and a thrilling romance. Bai Pingting is a woman who is crafty, good at battle tactics, and falls in love with a general who is her equal (at least in mental tactics department). It's heart-wrenching at certain moments, but you're never left hanging for too long. Great read, already fully translated so even better.

Admittedly, there are cringe-worthy moments where I question things, but I'm mostly reading stories that don't constantly require the female lead to be saved.... more>> She does end up using the main lead's affections for her often in her tactics when they're on opposite sides. But, being in love tends to get you doing s*upid things, I suppose, and makes you admit there are some characters who don't want to go past a certain point. Emotions can sometimes imbalance you.

I don't get why, with all the times she tricks Chu Beijie due to her duty and her intelligence, she doesn't consider the possibility that Chu Beijie is delayed when He Xia and Beijie's brother plots together, and ends up getting heartbroken. \O/

Edit: After returning to this, I admit I don't really like how BPT uses Chu Beijie in her tactics. The author truly doesn't really go into much details in war tactics that show off BPT's intellect without using Chu Beijie's emotions and him not wanting to hurt her. In one of the bigger plots she uses, she doesn't even consider that she's one small tactician in the game, can be betrayed, and made no back-up plans in case that happened. Ignoring the tactics, though, this story did squeeze my heart a bit. : ( <<less
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DOHere
DOHere
Apr 20, 2018
Status: v2c46
The story is seriously wrong. It's ok if MC betrays ML continuously and he has to forgive her even for sth so very cruel
Spoiler

killing your nephews is not sth you forgive someone for

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, but he wrongs her only once and she leaves him
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BillionJellyfish
BillionJelly
Mar 20, 2018
Status: Completed
A MASTERPIECE

Just skip this review and start reading it! What are you waiting for?!

*cough cough* Ahem- my review/summary will be brief:

The MC is an enemy spy who eventually betrays the ML to save her own country, but the MC falls in love with the ML during their time together. The ML chases after the MC through battlefields in the hopes that she will come back to him (which she does!) and they end up happily every after. Okay, I skipped over several important turning points of the story, but ya... more>> get the gist of it. The story is a gem! Quickly go read it! The story is so well written that there is even a drama and manhwa adaptation of it!

I highly recommend this story for those in love with historical romance and a strong MC! <<less
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The.Muse12
The.Muse12
Aug 16, 2020
Status: v1c1
It was such a journey for me, this novel. It was perfect with its imperfections. And I loved it. Reviews before me 4/5 stars ratings thoroughly explain why it is such a gem. Please read it.
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Pristine Xia
Pristine Xia
May 11, 2020
Status: Completed
One of my all time favorite novels. The one that got me hooked into c-novels in general.

Then, there is this one passage from the novel that made quite an impression in my mind, especially the last sentence. Ugh, my heart.

Spoiler

Outside, a full moon was shining.

That night, in the quiet Zhen-Bei Ducal Residence, the two people, respectively from Gui Le and Dong Lin laid together. One losing soul, the other losing heart.

(From Vol. 1 Chapter 8)

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Rouzmary
Rouzmary
May 19, 2020
Status: Completed
One of my all time favourite works.

What I love best about Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang is it's story of love & loyalty and how they're the same and yet can tear apart as well.
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Hime03
Hime03
Nov 15, 2019
Status: v3c71
I like this story a lot. The female lead is not a great beauty but she has great strength in characters which makes her a great beauty that does not fade.

Both female and male leads are brilliant strategist. It is interesting to read when they battle each other. When they unite together, they become a force that is unbeatable.

I love the pace of the story. I like how they fell in love with each other. They fell in love loving the character of the person. That is perhaps why through... more>> all the plots twist and misunderstandings their love manage to survive.

I will admit that sometimes I feel like the author is cruel to the female lead. She only wants to lead a carefree and simple life, yet her life is always in danger because of men and their political ambitions. <<less
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mielru
mielru
Aug 19, 2019
Status: Completed
It's not a lengthy novel. Honestly I enjoyed 1/3 first part, 1/3 in middle I was like "Oh come on!" and I have to make sure that this novel is happy ending first before continuing the rest of the story. The love romance is unlike other typical novel. They face a lot of challenges. And their character development is well built throughout the story. Overall I enjoy this novel very much.
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KichiX
KichiX
May 01, 2018
Status: --
I... really liked this. The "will-they-won't-they" part of the romance filled the first volume, and after that, however many ups and downs they experienced, they are a "couple", which is refreshing to read. Far too often romances stop after the leading characters get together, which doesn't allow you to see the true fulfilment of the relationship you've been watching grow.

Personally, I thought that there was a lot of chemistry between the leads, and they balanced each other perfectly - soulmates if you will. I don't know if everyone would like... more>> it, but I certainly did! <<less
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Mavsynchroid
Mavsynchroid
Apr 12, 2018
Status: Completed
Loved it! To be clear, this is NOT a wuxia novel with cultivation and arrogant young masters getting slapped every 5 chapters by the MC. This is... how do I put it.. an adults novel? It's written extremely well. All characters are absolutely realistic, even the villains. You can relate (but not necessarily agree) to their actions. The MC and ML are both incredibly well written as well. They're not super heroes. They use their brains, and as corny as it sounds -- their love, to overcome all... more>> odds. The writing actually makes me think of the grand master strategist. Not so much by how complex the writing is. More like... Alright, every character is actually a real person who make sensible choices and actions. All in all, it's an incredibly interesting story.

I recommend changing the novel update chapter listing for this novel as I'm not a big fan of short novels, so I actually skipped past this completed novel for a while because I thought there were only 30 or so chapters. I didn't realize the last two listings in the chapter list were somehow another 40 chapters!

I give this a 5 out of 5 due to how incredible it was, even WITH the errors the translator/editor makes fairly often. Confusing names (somehow a character was actually called by the name of a city at one point instead of their name), previous and past tense screw ups, missing words. It wasn't enough to make me drop the novel, however, and I'm EXTREMELY picky about lazy/overconfident translating/editing.

So.. If you like intelligent strategist MCs who use their brains and not ALWAYS their brawns, this novel will be a treat for you! <<less
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HiddenHermit
HiddenHermit
Apr 10, 2023
Status: Completed
Amazing but awfully tragic read. I admit that if I could go back, I might not read this novel. Yes it's amazing but it's too good at hooking the reader and cutting up the heart. FL and ML do have a happy ending but I still became emotionally invested in the side characters. Almost every character suffers to some extent and I felt the anxiety of what is to come in the next chapter.

FL, Bai Pinting, is super smart, strong of character, and loyal. ML, Chu Beijie, is ruthless and... more>> domineering.

Spoiler

FL ends up in the enemy country where she meets ML. They fall for each other but FL chooses her master over ML. However, her master doubts her loyalty and sends her away but he later has regrets. ML captures FL and forces her to be with him. Stuff happens and they are separated for many years.

FL was pregnant with ML's child before they were separated. They eventually reunited and reign over a new empire composed of four countries.

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Something I didn't agree with...

Spoiler

FL being unfairly upset with ML and choosing to let him believe that she was dead. I thought it was cruel. However, maybe some real people would act like this in her place. The reader can see the overall situation and the truthful minds of the characters. FL only knows a small portion of the plot and news that happen to reach her... whether it was true or not is unknown. So yeah, I was annoyed with FL but she raised her child and didn't go look for another lover. She still loved ML even though she didn't want to.

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