Cold Sands

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He’s just a low-ranking deputy general and he’s a prince. They meet on the battlefield but it turns out to be the beginning of a complicated and beautiful story.

Murong Yu is a very confident man – until he meets Han Xin.

There’s nothing he cannot get; there’s nothing he cannot destroy.

To let live or not, is all up to him.

He is the future ruler of Great Yan and so it’s only natural that the world should bow down at his feet.

But he had never thought that one day he would lose control of it.

That even his own will would be uncontrollable.

Murong Yu can neither get nor destroy this prisoner of war.

Han Xin has never given a care about the world – until he meets Murong Yu.

He has never cared about anyone, nor has anyone cared about him.

It doesn’t matter if you’re alone or sad, as long as you can still laugh, life will go on.

He has learned long ago how to not question, how not to believe, how not to lose and how not to care.

Destiny’s uncaring teasing and humiliations have already become numb to him.

That’s right, he doesn’t have a care in the world.

Even if it’s this Prince Royal of Great Yan who’s started to warm up to him.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Beyond the Frore Dunes
Mo Shang Han Sha
漠上寒沙
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
War Prisoner (7)
Thousand Autumns (4)
Xia Niangniang (3)
To Rule in a Turbulent World (3)
Till Death Do Us Part (3)
Ai No Kusabi (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. All BL Novels I've Read Part (1)
  2. TBR BL that i believe hold the potential to make i...
  3. BL in Ancient Times
  4. Danmei worth reading (at least for me!!!)
  5. Political Danmei

Latest Release

Date Group Release
08/08/15 Chinese BL Translations extra 4
07/30/15 Chinese BL Translations extra 3 part2
07/18/15 Chinese BL Translations extra 3 part1
07/02/15 Chinese BL Translations c41 + epilogue
06/25/15 Chinese BL Translations c40
06/18/15 Chinese BL Translations c39
06/11/15 Chinese BL Translations c38
06/04/15 Chinese BL Translations c37
05/28/15 Chinese BL Translations c36
05/21/15 Chinese BL Translations c35
05/14/15 Chinese BL Translations c34
05/08/15 Chinese BL Translations c33
05/07/15 Chinese BL Translations c32
05/06/15 Chinese BL Translations c31
04/30/15 Chinese BL Translations c30
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79 Reviews sorted by


Airisu
Airisu rated it
August 15, 2018
Status: extra 4
I... cried so much. One of the best novel I read, and I am pretty picky in saying this.

Beware, this is not something that will make you feel well, probably it will destroy you for some days (as it did for me). Is it worth the pain it gives? Yes, it is.

So, if you want to read something really good, and deep, that you probably can relate to, this is for you. If you are weak and want fluff, this isn't. Or better.... there are some very adorable moments, even... more>> more precious since they are rare. But if you don't wanna suffer (even if I assure you it is worth the pain), find something else. I warned you.

Want a power couple? Both male leads that respects each other on a profound level? Then, read it. I felt... so satisfied for how the story went on. It is sad, yes, but I feel that, since this is a realistic portrait of warring countries, the end is bittersweet, but it's still the more fitting for the characters. The growth of all the characters is not shallow, you can see the author made a good work on this (even secondary characters).

I felt so close to MC, really, he's so human and feel so real I could't do anything if not loving him, till the end. The ML surprised me too, positively.

i don't want to spoil anything, so I'm stopping here. <<less
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Rubyspecs
Rubyspecs rated it
June 5, 2022
Status: Completed
The instant I saw the tragedy tag, I closed this web page, lol. I really can't bring myself to read tragedy or BE. But then as I am literally out of good historical bl right now, so hardened up my heart to start reading it.

From plot, to characters, their decisions, their inner struggles, panic, dilemma, loneliness, and their insatiable love for eachother and despite that they were totally sober and knew they don't have fate in their own hands. And can only walk up to the path that has been... more>> left open for them.

The ending was painful, but thank goodness none of them died as it happens in tragedy, as MC used to say it's still better to live. Their romance was akin to fireworks, blazing, passionate, beautiful yet momentary as it reduced to smoke as they were chained by their own destiny. <<less
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BlackLoveInSpace
BlackLoveInSpace rated it
March 27, 2022
Status: Completed
Read this if your life is too happy for its own good. This story is not really tragic, just really bitter.

First thing that strikes in this book is the first person narration. You are closer to the MC, you understand him better, his desire for simplicity, his distaste of war and politics, his sarcasm and witty banter. This will click later in the book when he becomes a shell of his former self. But for now, he may be irritable and a little sexist, but he is incredibly loyal and... more>> had a good heart.

The ML is the most dislikeable part of the story imo. The classic scum gong. He is pushy and never knows when to stop, he takes advantage of Han Xin when he is wounded, of his lower social status (the power dynamic of s*ave-master) and of him being all alone and scared in an enemy territory.

You could argue that Han Xin liked him because he was in a vulnerable state, on top of already being love depraved. He could accept anyone. Only, he didn't really accept him. ML simply forced himself upon him, again and again, until our poor boy became a mess, longing for his abuse. The whole romance was, to me, disturbing to say the least.

There is also another character later on who likes MC. He is not husband material but he doesn't abuse the wounded or the socially powerless so he is already and objectively better person.
Spoiler

Sadly, fate is not kind to him, because f*ck you, why would it be. Han Xin basically had a wonderful marshal who was loyal, loved him dearly and respected his decisions and what did he do- he accused him of treason even though he knew he was innocent becausewhynot. Then he burned his apology letter and didn't even attend his funeral.

Everyone is talking about the love story but this guy's fate was the most tragic part of this book. In the end, the only difference between love interest and not-love-interest was that one just took it all by force, while the other let him bloom.

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Han Xin just wants a mediocre life, longing to be a common person, free of political responsibility and societal expectations. When that mediocrity is stripped from him, he becomes a shell. As you follow him through his journey of becoming heartless, you see him making more and more heartbreaking decisions. He loses himself to the point one can't recognize him anymore. Even with this cold indifference, you still pine for his happiness, hoping he might one day return to his roots.

And if you think the ending was sad, then the extras were the cherry on top.
Spoiler

You get to see everyone grow old and die unhappy, yaaaay.

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Spoiler

Okay but for real, the way Han Xin's name was pretty much erased from history because he didn't conquer new lands and only focused on defense and the well-being of citizens, even though we know all he's been through and that the country wouldn't exist anymore if not for him... That was true sorrow. Makes you think of how many people like him truly existed, and nobody remembers them.

The little spark of joy at the end was that they had an indirect kid by marrying off their descendants. What they couldn't do was accomplished by their children. Very nice symbolism by the author.

As another review pointed, I think that in real life, they would still be able to find a way to meet from time to time. 20 years is a huge time period to not meet. It's heartbreaking but arguably unnecessary.

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I know the term is overused in danmei but this story is just pain. No happy fluffy moments, no payoff, no revelations, no tension release. It's sad from start to finish and it somehow manages to gradually become worse. Nobody gets the things their way, there is no satisfaction, only a dose of real life for you.

I have read and reviewed several "tragic" classics of danmei, but this is the first one that genuinely managed to make me feel depressed. Not because of the romance, but the other elements (decisions, aging, responsibility) were actually well written and struck where it hurt.

The translation was top work. I would rate this 5 stars if the love was more consensual.

Bonus: (if you don't mind a little spoiler, read this. it's hilarious)

Spoiler

virg*n Murong Yu vs Chad Heng Zeyu:

virg*n Murong Yu:

    • takes advantage of a wounded man (I will never, EVER forgive that)
    • grooms someone of lower power
    • neglects his fiancee
    • is born rich and powerful

Chad Heng Zeyu:

    • flirts with someone more powerful who has the authority to kill him on the spot
    • doesn't take advantage of the wounded and instead protects him with his life
    • is loyal af
    • rises to power from a common background through sheer wits and courage

I rest my case.

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Jir_14
Jir_14 rated it
September 28, 2021
Status: --
It took them 20 years to meet again and Han Xin left Murong Yu again. Murong Yu had to spend many lonely years while being alive to finally be able to be with Han Xin for eternity.

It's painful but beautiful. Their bodies could not be together but their hearts and souls are one...

Fate is not in our hands they loved each other very much but they weren't meant to be.

Painful to live many lonely days and nights but one thing they that is blessing was that they shared many grandchildren... more>> together..

It could be considered as their legacies <<less
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enaillig
enaillig rated it
July 13, 2021
Status: extra 4
Do you know what it feels to be raised up high, only to be dropped hard to the ground? That's how painful this novel is.

Like having a delicious meal only to be sent at the guillotine. The ending is so realistically painful, desolate... it will leave you empty.

You will also realize a lot of things. Not everybody gets a happy ending, not everybody gets recognized for their sacrifices and not everybody can escape their fate. I think this is what the novel highlighted the most. We are all s*aves to... more>> fate. And it sucks.

AND PLEASE. I JUST WANT HENG ZIYU TO BE HAPPY. IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK? JUST WHY? AUTHOR WHY MUST YOU BREAK ME LIKE THIS? 😭 <<less
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momorang
momorang
April 29, 2021
Status: Completed
What the f*ck. I love this story so much but I am never re-reading this ever again. The pain just goes through my body and pierces my bone marrow. What the f*ck. Looking for a painful, well-written, heart-shattering BE danmei? Cold Sands is for you. I can't put into words how hurt I am by what I read, and the extras just made it better/worse. Reading this will never be a bad decision, but re-reading it means that you love the pain that badly.
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Oceanskyice
Oceanskyice rated it
March 31, 2018
Status: Completed
This......

I cried. I rarely cry in love stories, mind you, but this was something that will stay with me for quite a long time. A wrote a short poem like summary. For those who want impact, read this after reading the entire series, including the extras. I wish a good journey.

... more>>
Spoiler

two emperors forever separated from each other, their love never forgotten between them, aging like wine. One cold and ruthless that wanted only the best for citizens, one generous and kind that in truth loved war, the love of the two emperors forbidden and hidden behind masks. Twenty years after ascending the throne, they meet briefly once again, speaking words that should have been spoken in their youth. The emperors lived lives of loneliness, reminiscing of their past days of joy and laughter, now separated by infinite space. When the cold emperor died, he was known in history only as a heartless leader, his sacrifice for his country unknown. After the death of his lover, the kind emperor left his throne not long after, reuniting above the clouds. They met as a prince and a prisoner of war, they left as rulers of two allied countries. The only witness in their forbidden love was a long gone general. The two emperors were remembered as two emperors who united the countries, and nothing more, their love lost in the never ending annals of history, buried beneath politics and war.

written by a certain snow fox

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Diviana
Diviana rated it
September 15, 2017
Status: extra 4
4.5 out of 5.

This novel made me bawl. This is a classical tragedy. It may not actually be a classic, but the prose and tone evoke the ambiance of one. That the author's care in crafting sentences showed even in a translation is amazing.

The focus of this novel is definitely the character's internal landscapes. We understand a great deal about Han Xin's motivations as well as Murong Yu. Never was there a point when I was reading that I felt they made decisions that were not the logical conclusion of... more>> their actions or personalities. It somehow made it even more bittersweet of read. They always behaved according to their personalities, the situation, and their respective roles. A lot of conflict came out of when these two to three things conflicted.

I cheered them on because of the odds.
Spoiler

I wanted them to achieve their dreams so badly. I felt like if the events had repeated, the same situation, with no change in personality or roles, they would have made the same choices. Han Xin'so growth really compounded it in. He went from a man with nothing to one with the world on his shoulders.

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The novel made feel very strongly for these characters when I typically shy away from political intrigue and historical heavy novel. I was invested in them. I found this novel because of War Prisoner. While the topic is same, the approaches to it were every different. I expected a similar progression and pleasantly surprised by the difference. I'm glad I read this. <<less
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Excelezreal
Excelezreal rated it
August 1, 2022
Status: --
tr*sh, cringe, wouldn't be surprised if the author was only 20 themselves, the main character is incredibly annoying to listen to, but, after listening to other characters, I've inferred its not the main character who is insufferable. Its the dry, annoyingly cringe style of writing the author has used, this style is present in all characters and ruins the novel. My final take: I feel likes I read the school project of a 14 year old, although I previously said I wouldn't be surprised if the author was only... more>> 20, even that would be giving them praise.

Their style is rough, when you expect something to happen it doesn't, and when you expect serious moments, it comes out nonsensical. I said it sounds like a 14 year old's school project as the writing is self entitled and cringe. At times, the conversations make no sense and when they do make sense they are still cringe, sounding like something a 14 year would use to flirt with, at times sounding like things a 14 year old would think are 'bad ass' and at times sounding like something a 14 year old would use to sounr sad.

The thought process, character development, character journeys and mythology of all characters seem haphazard and decided on the whim of the author.

Overall, 1/5 wish I could give it a -1

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Hanxinsunhapiness
Hanxinsunhapiness rated it
July 25, 2022
Status: Completed
Such a realistic and beautiful story. Forever engraved in my heart. I've read this story twice and I don't think I will ever get tired of it, despite all the pain lol
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Wangxian365
Wangxian365 rated it
April 28, 2022
Status: --
just finished this book, 10/10 would recommend it, I think the author was hell-bent on writing a tragedy that they turned a story that didn't necessarily have to be a tragedy into one. Realistically speaking they each had the world at their feet and meeting a couple of times a year was not out of the question.

that being said I absolutely love the story and the passion, the wonderful passion being shared and, the fact that they learn to accept themselves and the circumstances.
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Nessi
Nessi
December 6, 2021
Status: --
It's a longas* review, some ranting and also a little bit of my imagination at the end...

So, this book is giving me my longest book hungover, a readers worst nightmare...I'm not someone who gets emotional easily, I never cried reading classic tragedies or modern tragedies, rearely felt hollow and empty... sadness from cold sands is a first for me... It's been more that 5 months and I'm still not over it... what hurt me most is how unfair everything was for Xin...... more>>
Spoiler

He gave up his freedom, died early, acted like an emperor which he never wanted to be... but no one remembers his sacrifices, except for a few... If he died as a free man it wouldn't hurt me like it's now... it probably hurt me more than their separation

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Spoiler

like even if Xin took Yu's offer and stayed who knows that Yu wouldn't deal with Xin in the future like Helian Yi did with Prince Qi in Qi Ye (book by Priest)... Helian Yi as a good and strong emperor can't have any weakness or anyone clever knowing his secrets to stay alive, that's why he dealt with Prince Qi that way tho he did love him... and Xin dealt in the same way with marshal (who didn't do anything but was loyal and loved Xin), tho he didn't kill him but his ways were ruthless too and he never loved marshal... marshal was a threat to the throne in his eyes (well kinda true)...I wish marshal a peaceful and happy next life with a new love...I know Yu is far better than Helian Yi, I'm just trying to comfort myself by saying this...

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The plot was also quite okay... Xin's character development was awesome, Tho some of his thinking wasn't really like how an ancient man would think but it was good, compared to him Yu was more like an ancient man like his desire to conquer and rule, how he was unable to let go of his ambition and responsibility also his thought that if he conquers Rui he'll be able to get both throne and Xin (for which he can't really be blamed as it's really how things worked in ancient time but it was definitely a main reason why he and Xin couldn't be together that's the truth, even if Xin didn't left or wasn't forced to take the throne, a prideful man like Xin wouldn't want to live as Yu's concubine and betray his country to live in a foreign country full of enemies)... Xin's last development as an emperor hurts to read... Yu and Marshal's were much swallower but they were quite good for a first persons POV... the only illogical and unnecessary thing in this book was Xin's promise...

Spoiler

The treaty was already in place why the hell he promised not to set foot in Yan???it wasn't needed...I believe the author wanted to make it more angsty in this way, tho it worked and hurts but it looks totally illogical to me, Yu also said it was a s*upid promise, I agree... and Xin didn't gave any reason for this promise, I mean author didn't give us a reason... and also if he didn't promise this they could meet for celebrating decade of peace... Oh, don't give me the emperors are busy reason card, emperors sometimes arranges hunt and banquets too for political reasons and allowing younger generation to show talents etc so it wasn't totally impossible for decade of peace celebration between two countries, no matter how hostile they used to be it'd be already over 10 years, and they could've met much earlier than more than 20 years in their kids wedding (how the bowing to the parents happened anyway if Xin didn't go over... weren't you supoosed to do that in traditional chinease wedding???)... so yeah I kinda agree with the review saying as lovers they were a little lame... well they were fine but by trying to make it more angsty author made them a little lame... also they could've abdicated if they really wanted to be with each other, it's not like emperors never abdicate before dying and their heirs/crown princes were of age already... tho author didn't mention it I do think Yu thought about this like hoped to spend some retirement life with Xin but Xin died... otherwise why would he think (I know he's sad because his lover passed away) that after brief encounter what waited for them was eternal farewell they won't meet again, if he didn't have this thought???and Yu also said it's not too late during the reunion, what did that imply???if not abdication there was no chance for them to meet again anyway, so I think he was probably hoping for a retirement life with Xin but...I wish they were able to, no matter even if it was just 1 month or 2...

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...

And I really wish there was Yu's death scene, what he was thinking before death and a little after life scene like till death do us apart (sequel of living to suffer, translator of CS also translated this one) to mend my heart, one line like we meet again was enough for me... If author ever writes a sequel and even if it's like like author of living to suffer did with barely there (not really there but a little less painful) HE, I'll be glad... but it's been a long time, probably they don't plan to *cries*...

Ending of cold sand was realistic and painful, most of the high ratings are probably because of this... Why the extras exist tho... aren't they supposed to be light hearted and fun... in this book they were there to probably to add more salt to the wound...

There will only be an eternity that belongs to them-they're now living happily together as now all the suffering passed... there is an extra 2 in middle which the author said set in an unknows universe, unknown time...I'm gonna take it as their next happy reincarnation... about fluffy and happy extra 2 I have some ideas... my imagination:

Spoiler

Here is how I'm gonna make this extra 2 their next life... spoiler spoiler spoiler about the whole book...

So after Xin's second prince went to Yan with his sister during her marriage with Yan crown prince, Yu's third prince fell in love with him and vise versa (Yeah I'm making up a story with Xin's second prince mentioned only once and Yu's prince who wasn't even mentioned... why not, like father like son)... Yu and Xin was aware but they didn't stop them, they let their kids have what they wanted but couldn't get, they weren't heirs to the throne anyway... after Xin and Yu died their crown princes became Emperors, they respected their father's wishes and didn't wage wars... moreover when another enemy attacked Yan, Rui helped and as gratitude Yan returned the 400 li to Rui... this way the peace became solid... in the war of course the Yan third prince and Rui second prince led the army jointly and won victory together... The Emperors knew their brother's relationship but turned a blind eye, them being like this also lessens their threat to the throne anyway... Murong Yu's son the Yan emperor had a good relationship with his empress, Xin's daughter so he didn't have that much concubine born sons... the ones he had couldn't pose any threat to our dearest Murong Xun, Xin and Yu's grandson... because his grandfather adored him when he was alive, more than his other brothers, probably because he looked like a certain someone, grandmother empress later empress dowager also adored him for the same reason (as it was implied she also kinda liked Xin), also his third imperial uncle protected this nephew for ahem his maternal second uncle, he was favored by his father and mother too, his other maternal uncle, Rui emperor also supported him... So he ascended the throne without a hitch... the day he ascended a baby was born in a merchant family with distant connection with the royal family of Yan... the baby was named Murong Yu... after some years in a merchant family with distant connection with the Han family of Rui another baby was born... he was called Han Xin... that year Yan emperor opened a business route with Rui, so merchants of both countries were able to exchange without a problem... his uncles also supported him... He also became aware of his two uncles relationship early and granted his third uncles request to retire and live leisurely with his second maternal uncle...

Btw What happened in the underworld after Xin and Yu's death in my imagination:

Xin died early at 45... after Xin's death Yu lived another 5-8 years (He died at 60, Xin at 45...I remember Yu was older but I don't remember how much and don't have the heart to re-read to find out... Marshal was 7/8 years older so Yu's probably the same or more, maybe 10)... after he died he saw Xin waiting for him beside the Naihe Bridge... They reunited, kissed and refused Meng Po soup several times, spending lovely time together as ghosts in the underworld... Underworld officials also turned a blind eye to this tragic pair of emperor mandarin ducks... after several decades they finally drank Meng Po soup together and went to reincarnate together...

Continuation of extra 2 imagination :

Yan emperor lived up to his grandfathers expectation of prolonging the peace, so baby Murong Yu and Han Xin lived a worry free life without any burden... they met each other at the border in a business exchange and there was suddenly a feeling of deja vu and finally finding the missing piece if their heart and finally fulfilling a promise... they fell in love quickly but their family didn't agree... so they eloped together to live freely in seclusion like Xin always wanted, because tho they didn't know what is it but they had a feeling of not again... their family could go on without them anyway... they didn't have any neighbors but another family of two middle aged men lived nearby and they could tell the relationship between those two because they were on the same boat (yeah the middle aged couple are the Rui second prince and the Yan third prince)... they felt a unexplainable bond with them and these two family got along happily... extra 2 takes place in a day of their everyday life... they all lived peacefully and freely together without any burden...

So this is the result of my ADHD brain and me unable to get over this book no matter how much I try and having a book hungover for 5 months... who knows when I'll be able to get over, so painful... but yeah they lived happily in their next life and this is the prove... Hopefully I'll be able to get over this soon...

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Spoiler

or they reincarnated in a totally different world where they don't have any heavy responsibility or ambition, fell in love and lived together without worry... extra 2 is definitely real, they are really happy now...

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wuwuwu author why didn't you write a AU extra in the end???you know extras are supposed to be happy and come back to write a sequel please... damn you book hungover...

So yeah, they are living happily and freely together without worries or burdens... There is only an eternity that belongs to them... They won't have to separate ever again... <<less
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k540
k540 rated it
October 19, 2021
Status: Completed
I picked this up as a quick and fluffy way to get over "A Thousand Autumns", thinking that short means sweet....... Oh my poor heart, you can never escape your fate. (cries a thousand rivers)

This story hits different in a good kind of way. The characters seem rather flat at the beginning but flesh out completely by the 1st third of the book and even the side characters are lovable and complex. This is the first BL novel where I was even cheering for the second lead, despite my... more>> absolute adoration of the main couple. As for how they flesh out, well, let's just say that the MC goes through one hell of a character development. I am a sucker for character development as I usually think that if the MC is the same as when the story started, then it's not worth reading. However, this character development is like watching a spectacular train wreak. You just want to protect him but also want to see him reach his full potential.

As for the love story, for the historical setting that it is in, it is super realistic. Which means, Disney did not write the ending here..... However, Yu and Xin's love is so moving, poetic, and star-crossed that you can't help but root for them agains the will of the heavens, the earth and fate itself. Also, smuttt. Where the plot allows, you will not be disappointed in this department.. ;)

The only thing that was not the best in this book was the world development. Though the politics and relationships are good enough to carry the story, the larger picture of the world around the Rui capital is hazy at best. However, I understand why the author did that. If the world were to be totally fleshed out, it would take a lot of time and with this type of story, laden with feels and heartbreak, you have to stab at the heart; otherwise how could any one survive 100+ chapters of this torture?!?!

Over all, 100% would recommend.

PS: Start a "Go Fund Me" for tissues. <<less
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Dummy
Dummy rated it
August 30, 2021
Status: extra 4
I remember reading this in school years ago and sobbing in a corner lol. I just remember not being able to pick up another book for DAYS because I was still stuck in this. In hindsight, it was pretty funny, but the novel was not. Anyway, this novel had me totally hooked like oh damn their dynamics. I read this novel way before I even found Novelupdates, can't believe I'm only leaving a review now.

Like, I don't think I'm a M but this novel hurts so good, if you know... more>> what I mean. I really liked the ending and couldn't have asked for anything better. Even my heart sped up whenever I looked forward to them getting some intimacy. I've reread it a few times, skipped the middle part where Han Xin left and there was no Murong Yu.

I don't think I could reread this now, considering that my heart has gotten weaker with age. Maybe when I'm in the mood for some abuse, I'll come back. <<less
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clea
clea
August 16, 2021
Status: Completed
Last year 2020 I started to read BL books. And this is one I still have on my list because I cannot handle the pain. Typing it already make my nose sour. I will finish it one day..... I still remember you!
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nyxzane
nyxzane rated it
July 29, 2021
Status: --
i m giving 5⭐ without reading this novel bcz reviews are greatly written... why m not reading it coz I have a very weak heart and tragedy I can't handle....

Bravo to the writer 👍 who wrote this masterpiece so the readers after so many years still remember it....
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Jan3Lauw
Jan3Lauw rated it
July 21, 2021
Status: Completed
Well.. just this word : beautiful but it's hurt...

Spoiler

not happy ending

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But, the love between ML & MC is really beautiful..

I gave 5 stars, half of the 5 stars are for the translator.. you really have a strong heart to translate this story.. thank you..
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Eehh
Eehh rated it
February 4, 2021
Status: Completed
F*** I saw this novel again while scrolling for new novels to read. Let me curse ok? It has been years since I last read this novel and I've been avoiding seeing this title like the plague because the pain, the sorrow, the unwillingness to let their story end like that still remains. I honestly bawled my eyes out tears and snot included when I was reading especially towards the end when you slowly feel that foreboding sense of dread that slaps you in the face with the fact that... more>> no matter how much I wanted them to be together, for both of their love to prosper, its never gonna happen.

One of my favorite scenes and one of the most heartbreaking one

Spoiler

is when they were spending the night together, making love, whispering words that for me is nothing but a very solemn and very heartfelt marriage vows knowing that once the morning comes, they will stand at the opposite sides of the battlefield. Basically break up sex

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And boy did I cry like my life depended on it.

The ending was also so so beautiful but heartbreaking. Overall, this novel is something that is really worth reading, don't be terrified of the tragedy tag (even though this novel made me swore off most novels with this tag, there are exceptions tho). It's a beautiful and vivid story that shines light upon realities of life, realities of being two men being in love but had to seperate due to their respective circumstances. This teaches us that there will be times where you need to choose, choose which one will you sacrifice, your happiness or that of your country's peace and prosperity. This is something we usually do not see in historical novels where the characters can bulldoze their way, breaking tradition and views, just for their love to blossom. No, it isn't like that, life isn't like that, and this novel portrays that.

SO GO AHEAD AND READ THIS NOVEL SO YOU CAN SUFFER WITH ME

Lmao

Ps: this is much more convincing than romeo and juliet in the so called star crossed lovers trope IMO. <<less
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saintwawa
saintwawa rated it
April 12, 2020
Status: c1
This is the first novel that made me cry. After finishing the last few chapters, I couldn't accept it and went back to reread a few times. Probably when I feel sentimental in future, I will come back to read this again. It is a gem.
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Rosula_D
Rosula_D rated it
November 30, 2018
Status: Completed
I really liked this- to the point where I made an account so I could specifically review it.

First, I feel like the "tragedy" tag is a bit misleading. This was not a happy ending, but also not a tragedy per se. For me, the ending was really appropriate for the overall tone of the novel: melancholic and realistic, but with a hint of optimism for the future.

Second, I think this is also not strictly a romance. For the most part, we read about the struggles of the MC. The ML... more>> is present only for 3/5 of the novel. For me, the strongest parts are the political and war elements. Very well written, definitely not a fluffy and light read. However, there are certain points where the writer delivers on the cuteness and sexiness.

Third, I can't read Chinese so I'm not sure how this was in the original. The style is quite modern, not full of ancient words or cultural references. The translation also includes several notes which were helpful. Overall, I would rate this as a good translation.

I would recommend this for sure, especially if you enjoy angst, palace intrigue and a smart MC. <<less
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