To Be A Virtuous Wife

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As a virtuous wife, does it include tolerating his cousin, enduring his concubines, bearing his mother?

If you will not let me live freely, why would I let you live in satisfaction?

Did fate let women time-travel so they could learn the three morals and four virtues?

Rather than act like a coward and live, it would be better to live in satisfaction and die.

Associated Names
One entry per line
He Wei Xian Qi
Thế nào là hiền thê
ชายาผู้มีคุณธรรม
何为贤妻
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Eight Treasures Trousseau (31)
Chu Wang Fei (14)
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Chongfei Manual (9)
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Mei Gongqing (7)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Best Female Protagonists
  2. 5 RATED HISTORICAL NOVEL
  3. a history
  4. Favorite B/G Historical Novels
  5. The BEST Historical Novels (BG only)

Latest Release

Date Group Release
01/05/16 Dreams of Jianghu c123 (end)
01/04/16 Dreams of Jianghu c122
01/03/16 Dreams of Jianghu c121
01/02/16 Dreams of Jianghu c120
01/01/16 Dreams of Jianghu c119
12/31/15 Dreams of Jianghu c118
12/30/15 Dreams of Jianghu c117
12/29/15 Dreams of Jianghu c116
12/28/15 Dreams of Jianghu c115
12/27/15 Dreams of Jianghu c114
12/26/15 Dreams of Jianghu c113
12/25/15 Dreams of Jianghu c112
12/24/15 Dreams of Jianghu c111
12/23/15 Dreams of Jianghu c110
12/22/15 Dreams of Jianghu c109
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352 Reviews sorted by


Bloodkiller
Bloodkiller
June 23, 2023
Status: Completed
Ngl best read, its refreshing, love it.

I read many novel from different genres but this one is different well written "no bullsh*t " "no fillers" "no bad one side-minded characters".

I recommend this to read it. But it some time to read it cuz first 3 -4 chapter r pain in ass to read or digest becuz of footnotes but its better translation as u read on.
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linlun
linlun rated it
June 18, 2023
Status: --
Great story with a great plot. I have to say it's almost perfect. Up to the side characters, the relationships between the characters, plot twists and denouement, I liked everything.

I also liked FL. She's smart and sagacious, understands the situation around her well and adapts easily.

The novel itself is very colorful. All characters have a place in the story, and they all have their own ending.

In general, this is a perfect read for me, there is nothing superfluous here and I'm very satisfied.
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trash_generalist
trash_generalist
January 13, 2023
Status: Completed
The heroine of this novel is called Qu Qingju. She transmigrated into the body of the unfavored wife of the second prince, He Heng (the ML). The original owner was weak-willed and not fit to be the master of the second prince's estate, leading to her early death. But with the FL taking her place, things changed. The FL is a very calculating kind of person. One may describe her as cold, but that's not really the case. She's just very practical. She doesn't think of herself as a protagonist... more>> from the very beginning. She just wants to live the best life she can have within the limits of her current identity. That meant straightening up the ML's concubines, pleasing her mother-in-law, and, of course, attracting the attention of her new husband.

I like that the heroine doesn't hesitate when it comes to pursuing her goals. Her personality may seem bland in other romance novels, but in this one, it ended up working out just right. From the very beginning, she knew what she wanted and how to get it. There was almost no tension in that regard. My desire to keep reading was focused mainly on the development of the other characters.

For example, there's the slow evolution of the ML from a cold husband that favored many, to a henpecked husband who wanted to stay with his wife forever XD. None of the minor characters get short-changed either. Each of them undergo a change of some sort throughout the story (some more intense than others). I really liked this! And I'm now eager to read more of the author's other stories to experience more of it hehe.

TL: As for the TL quality, the TL is not the cleanest and not the easiest to read, but its readable with a bit of patience. A lot of the terms are left untranslated, and I almost wanted to give up on reading it several times XD. BUT, because I had read another one of the author's works previously, I decided to just grit my teeth. I don't regret it, even if it was a pain at first. (My advice is to have the chapter open on the TL notes on your computer while you read on your phone. That's how I did it, anyway).

Rating: 4.5/5

This novel is probably not for just anyone. No, that's a bit wrong. I guess I should say that this novel is better read when you're in the mood for this kind of novel. For example, if you're expecting the usual fast-food romance and face-slapping, then this is not the novel for you. Never mind the amount of patience required because of the TL, there's also the matter of the plot of the novel itself. I didn't think it was boring at all, but if you come into it expecting something, it's likely you'll dislike it. So yeah! ALL in all, I think it's a great read. But it requires a certain mood and some mental preparations. <<less
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elliepot
elliepot rated it
December 28, 2022
Status: Completed
This was one of the first Chinese Historical novels I read on this site so I hold an attachment to it. I’ve reread it a few times as well. This novel introduced me to different Chinese terminologies and honorifics used during Ancient China which eventually allowed me to be more at ease when I read other novels of the same genre.

I enjoyed the novel mostly because I learned a lot about the overall social structure during the Chinese Dynasty, the concept of concubines, imperial harem, political intrigue and top notch... more>> scheming. People were brutal back then, killing s*aves and other people without batting an eyelash was the norm. Dragging each other down to bring oneself up, was the circulating belief of the noble families. The romance wasn’t too bad but personally it felt more of a side plot since the main goal of the female protagonist was to survive and live a comfortable life. <<less
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smlsqshy
smlsqshy rated it
May 6, 2022
Status: Completed
it's such a good story, not many scheme or drama.

i often wonder if they're both (he heng & qing ju) really love each other since I can't really see the difference when their feelings turn into love since they're both good at acting from the beginning. But I think you can called it love, though they never talked about love, their action potrayed how they'd love each other.

i thought that this story would have a lot of drama from the description and setting, but no. You can read this leisurely.

this... more>> kinda remind me of other story, the job of imperial concubine.
Spoiler

and I wonder if he heng is just too smart that he knew about qing ju's feeling for him or that qing ju isn't as smart at pretending to love like zhuang laoyan from that story.

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sometimes I found this story a little bit lacking in some aspects, not to the point of boring of course.

the author didn't set qing ju as the female lead to be an OP characters, the only thing she's really has a talent is dancing (and that only for he heng to see), there's no event to show her talents anyway. But he heng's character is the typical unrealistic male lead that I doubt even exist, well blame me for my issues. And I TELL YOU HE FELL FOR HER FIRST. <<less
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Pixchelitas
Pixchelitas
March 13, 2022
Status: Completed
Wow it's really good novel. At first I was annoyed with the titles/rank and footnote. But after around 5 chapters it wasn't really there anymore. And you also can refer to 'Cast' (can be found on the site menu) to understand their complicated titles and such. Simply said it's a moving story, I truly love the love between FL and ML.
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Mehmeh713
Mehmeh713
January 17, 2022
Status: Completed
A wonderful slice of life ancient Chinese romance. The mood and tone is deliberately slow and even mellow though dramatic events happen regularly.

Romance: I really like how the FL and ML’s relationship developed over time as well as the reasons and considerations involved. From ML wanting to respect traditions about getting along with his wife to his attraction and respect for her to deeply falling in love with her. For the FL, she’s very realistic in the sense that she’s already his wife and it’s necessary for her lifestyle to... more>> keep a good relationship with him but she also does fall for him (though she does keep him on his toes because of her love for herself, her awareness of how much more difficult it is for her as a woman in this time period, as well the possibility that he will one day fall out of love with her).

I think at the start, their relationship felt somewhat fake in that they both just seem to really like sleeping together and their interactions otherwise are kind of placid. But over the course of the book, other than the occasions where they show genuine concern for each other which is sweet, it’s shown that they are truly a marriage of equals. Just as ML maintains a good image and acts appropriately while being really scheming, FL also keeps her own image within boundaries and manages the circumstances around her flexibly to her advantage. ML doesn’t actually have to protect her because she fully carries out her responsibilities and works to improve and maintain whatever advantages she has. While ML treasures and pampers FL, it’s because she really deserves and can handle it.

By the end of the book, their relationship which seemed shallow comes to feel like a great marriage of equals where they both persistently act to keep their relationship strong. Their love isn’t super fairy tale like nor is it dramatic but it is very genuine. Very enjoyable read. <<less
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Julyeys
Julyeys
November 26, 2021
Status: --
It always on my recommendation but I don’t read it. I tried reading it but the 1st chapter is so boring. But I muster the courage and read it. And boy, where have I been? The story is really good. Worth reading.
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Ariata
Ariata rated it
November 4, 2021
Status: Completed
When I first read the description, I didn't really attract to it. But after read it, I found that this novel is a GEM.

Maybe some will find that the story is boring, but for those who like the typical realistic and steady romance or strong yet realistic characters, I recommend you this one.

... more>>
Spoiler

ML is a prince who married to FL through the decree of the Emperor. At first he didn't really like her, because she is not "her" yet, so her personality was a timid one. He knew this type of person couldn't live well in the imperial family. So he didn't have any interest on her. It was after "she" became her that he began to like her. Because he saw she changed to be a better one.

She was not timid anymore and began to show her power as a mistress of the house. She knew how to respect and love herself. She knew how to treat people. She fulfilled her duty as wife and the Mistress and as daughter in law.

He also fulfilled his duty as a husband and as a prince and as a son. He protected her very well. Later when he is really in love with her, he promise her to only favor her. Even though she didn't really believe it. But she knew he was sincere at the moment. She just didn't know for how long he could keep the promise. So she couldn't fully give her love to him.


She is just a super adorable character. I like her the most. The 2nd that I like is her mother in law and the ML. I also like their love. They show their love through actions. They have the typical mature relationship
[collapse]

The revenge in this story is also super satisfied. It's not cruel but just right. There will be some character development for some side characters.

Overall it's a good story. <<less
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WeirdPersonOnTheInternet
WeirdPersonOnTheInternet rated it
September 27, 2021
Status: c38
I have not gotten too far into this novel but this is how I think of it right now. It's good but I felt kinda unimpressed. Based on the amazing reviews, I thought I would love this but right now it's only... Good. I like FL and the ML, it's just that the ML kinda develops feelings too quickly for me. In other imperial harem novels I enjoyed, it took a while before the main couple realized their feelings. This late romance is what I think is best fitting for... more>> the imperial harem novels. If the ML already loves FL from early on, the FL is put above all the other concubines and thus she barely has any conflicts. I just find it to be a bit boring, though it can be exciting at times. This novel so far is only lacking in imperial harem conflict that I loved the genre for. <<less
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darkelf01
darkelf01 rated it
August 9, 2021
Status: Completed
THIS!! I hereby declare that I'm a fervent stan of this novel.

This story is the answer of what The Concubine's Daughter Minglan lacked. I loved the MC's attitude to bits and the ML's silent support of her no-nonsense attitude, even though it started as a proper respect of the main wife that is her due to receive. For example:

... more>>
Spoiler

"Ben wang's woman, she only needs to be good to me. To others, being bad is fine."

[collapse]

I actually enjoyed the slow growth of their romance so much because I can read and believe what naturally developed between the leads without getting a whiplash.

Spoiler

She wasn't the type of person live in discomfort. If she really had to live in hardship and unpleasantness for her entire life, it would be better for her to just jump into a pond right now.

[collapse]

If only more ancient FLs are like her, I wouldn't have to rage-quit a lot. I like that she's so indifferent to the power play but once someone tried to cross swords with her, she turned into a blood-sucking, vengeful vixen I couldn't help but adore.

The ML is kinda unique, too. My first impression of him wasn't about how standard he was, but about his apparent fetish of luan buyou (bird-shaped hair accessories) XD. The MC noticed and milked it for all it's worth that it became the starting point of his attraction to her.

Also, I adore that both leads are mature adults who, even though they knew that they were strangers who married each other due to politics, it didn't prevent them from respecting each other and they're quite open to the possibility of love passion after marriage. <<less
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Uninspiredfae
Uninspiredfae rated it
August 8, 2021
Status: Completed
This is the kind of fluff that gently flows rather than intensely passionate, which is why some readers and reviewers stated that it's boring.

MC's stance on love is basically reverse psychology on the males in this era, who are used to having subservient women throwing themselves into the men's harems. This ploy, whether subconscious or intentional, protected her heart and made it extremely attractive/peerless to the ML.

Some reviewers wrote that the ML loves the MC more than she loves him. I don't agree. While he does stay true to her,... more>> doesn't she stay true to him as well? ML is incredibly intelligent and understands that this female responds like with like and values her above all. She knew that if she fawns over him, it would be a turn off, so there's no way to express her love. For example, her half-sis was so desperate and look at her ending.

Anyway, this was a gratifying read with decent face slapping! <<less
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mercipourleslivres
mercipourleslivres rated it
July 21, 2021
Status: Completed
I tried reading Eight Treasures Trousseau first and found myself kind of bored. On the other hand, this novel seemed to flow a lot better and I found myself caring about leads very quickly. If you're trying to choose between which to read, I'd say To Be a Virtuous Wife is definitely the stronger of the two works.
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javv
javv rated it
June 28, 2021
Status: Completed
this is the first cnovel I have read, which is quite significant 'cause its overturned some of my addictions from japanese lightnovels that years back, from then on I have read dozens if not hundreds cnovels although the plotlines nowadays are becoming overly repeatitive.

its rational characters are quite compelling, its insightful details in the ancient times of what is the norm of their society, of what is demanded of women and their reality make it quite remarkable. And the way that the author make it appealing by quietly merging the... more>> flow of the story to what is acceptible on our current beliefs nowadays. Its a marvelous read👍 <<less
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Fisukisuki
Fisukisuki rated it
May 18, 2021
Status: Completed
It's so much better than my expectations and definitely has satisfying ending!

MC is Great from the start till the end! ML keep getting better and better. And their Relationship is always develop smoothly. Their Love was growing steady. And their Love become the Legend in their Era.

Worried with Imperial Harem tag? Don't worry, ML while HAD experienced, NEVER touch anyone else since MC transmigrated. And never interested at anyone but MC since MC there. Loyal with his eyes and heart. Good ML! 👍 Didn't disappoint us!

MC is perfect the way... more>> she is! Cruel when needed, Kind when she can, Playful and Carefree as she can. She lives the way she want! She's not afraid to die like the summary said as long as she live the way she want!

This novel is really interesting! The Faceslapping and Karma are Spectacular Moments! Satisfying! Punish the bad but didnt over punish the one who did forgivable mistake. And then there's this one character who we hate badly at first but his character growth made him tolerable and even I started to like him. Didn't expect that!

This novel is truly Great! Not Perfect, but Absolutely Wonderfully Great and Satisfying! Yes, I Love it beyond words! <<less
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Tsukiakari
Tsukiakari rated it
May 12, 2021
Status: Completed
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 Star story!

I really liked this novel. The love story between the MC (Main Character) and ML (Male Lead) was heartwarming, but it still retained that real factor.

... more>> I personally don't think that the MC was overpowered. It's just that several of her actions when related to how she acts against the schemers are implied instead of mentioned. If one is not paying close attention, it is easily missed.

In regards to the translation, I love how detailed it is. They even put some images so that readers can immerse and understand the story a bit more. I ended up learning new things. I recommend checking out the Glossary, Cast and Historical Information tabs under 'To be virtuous woman' in the translation website, specially the Cast tab, the family/relationship tree in there was a time saver.

I really loved this story. I would totally recommend you read it if you have good attention to detail and are willing to invest the time.

Now a great spoiler for those who wanna know about the ending and the relationship between MC and ML. DON'T CLICK THAT '+ SPOILER' SIGN IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ SPOILERS!

Spoiler

Big spoiler. ----&Gt; ML is actually faithful to MC. I had my doubts but he still was faithful, even when the officials try to push him to get more concubines.

They have 4 children: 3 boys and 1 girl. I'm not telling you in what order.

The ending and extras pulled so hard at the heartstrings. They gave the story a satisfying ending.

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I don't feel the time I invested reading this story was wasted. I really liked the ending and I am sad that it is over.

To you, whom managed to read until here, I wish you a good reading experience 📖 ! <<less
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YouToon
YouToon rated it
May 8, 2021
Status: Completed
An actress transmigrates into a girl who has married a powerful contender for the throne. What does she do? Consolidate her power over the household in the most lazy slice of life fashion possible. The characters are a little too OP and the storyline is melodramatic. I come back for the chill heroine. The ML is interesting but some of the sub plots with his rivals are meh or downright disturbing. Alot of tropey one note characterization in the side characters service the plot our more complex main cast follows.... more>> Recommend if you like historical intrigue, realistic romance and arent turned off by men with historical *cough* crap *cough* values.
Spoiler

The ML has a harem. He just isnt interested in it once he has the FL.

[collapse]
<<less
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AriA_Morningstar
AriA_Morningstar rated it
February 18, 2021
Status: --
Because there's a lot of 5 star rating. I started reading this novel. I have to say it's pain me to understand the overall story because I'm not used to the nickname that the Chinese use when they address themselves as the prince, 1st bro, 2nd bro, 3rd bro or the little bro, the concubine name or title also totally different urgh. It's confusing and waste of my time to understand the addressing name. The translator might want to keep the original or want to educate their reader but it's... more>> just became more confusing. And I can't directly turn the next page of the chapter. I need to go through at the table content to finish reading it. About the novel, it's a romance novel with less tragedy plot. It's not spicy enough for me. But the characters didn't disappointed me. They stay smart until the end and theres no mary sue syndrome here I think. It's heartwarming story about how an ancient man (prince then emperor) fall in love with his legal wife which is a girl from modern era. With a mind set of a modern girl + her talent as an entertainer in her previous life work. She manage to capture the man true heart and the rest of the story is about how the man spoil her and a jelousy of other man / women didn't affect their relationship. &Amp; They live happily ever after. It's a happy ending. This novel is suitable to those who like to read fluffy romance story. That all from me. Happy reading. <<less
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hyakkiiiii
hyakkiiiii rated it
February 17, 2021
Status: Completed
It's a great read. Would recommend this.

I pretty much enjoyed reading this. However, for me it only deserves 4 stars. Even though I liked the story as a whole, after I finished reading the story, it didn't give me that much impact. It didn't leave that satisfying feeling after you read something you highly enjoyed. There's no craving for more chapters kinda feel. (Maybe if I reread this I'll be satisfied enough, not sure.)

The translation is great. I like how they retained some words in chinese instead of using... more>> english words. It shows the exact relationship between characters and makes reading much easier. The translator also added some supplements in the beginning. Really nice. <<less
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Lachaize
Lachaize rated it
December 8, 2020
Status: --
The translation is excellent, the politics and the plot are complex (not that much compared to tyrannical Wang beloved wife but still, people are not brain dead compared to other historical novels) , characters are multi dimensional

But... It's just so bland, I am really trying to like the story but I don't feel invested at all. Maybe it's the writing

Anyway it get a 3/5
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