"He was a very honest butterfly who hardly dared to flap his wings, so where did all these changes come from?!" ~ The Seventh Prince

This novel tested my moral sensibilities (though I was surprised to discover I even had any). I feel like I might have enjoyed this novel more if it were not BL.

The translator notes really helped considering the names and titles that were thrown left and right. Also the sheer amount of research done 👍. A big kudos to the translator.

Familial relationships were surely the best part... more>> of the novel. The time jumps, however, were a bit abrupt. But despite the flaws, it is a good read. I don't regret reading this. <<less

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel, I’ve come across it multiple times, but the in*est tag always kept me from starting it.

I’m actually quite happy I waited for so long. After reading my fair share of novels on NU, I couldn’t find any good novels within my scope, so I reluctantly started this after reading quite a few mediocre ones.

Everything is done tastefully and feels very natural, like it should have been like this.

I also very much liked the detailed notes of the translator. Normally I’m very annoyed when... more>> there are a lot of notes, because I’m there to read the novel and not the scruples of the translator. But this translation has a lot of history being shared, that’s been researched by the translator. <<less

Sup, this is the translator, Bambi! I started translating this novel because it is one of my faves, and I absolutely love this couple. It has several tropes I like, such as ancient times, growing together, unrequited love becoming requited, a dense protagonist, a fatherly figure in place who dotes on quietly, and sibling's love... (coughcoughthatkindofcoughlovecough). It's a fairly decent slow-burn if you ask me!

If you're wondering who are the couple: Yinyou, the transmigrator, and Yinzhen, the future emperor Yonzheng. This story shows us their early childhood, their teenage years, their adult life, and a bit of their old age. We truly see them live well and together, and it's amazing how this novel can have so many flavors, sincere, tender moments, and asphyxiating moments where we can't bear to... more>> see them suffering (mostly Yinzhen because of lovesickness). Ugh! 💘

The author of this work is Butterfly, the one who wrote "To be a virtuous wife" and I believe this speaks volumes of how good it is. If you read my translation, beware of the long footnotes (although some images were removed since they stopped loading, there are still quite a few up).

Warnings:

1. in*est since they're half-brothers.

2. The brothers eventually get married to their consorts and concubines, and both have children. So yeah, it's not going to be monogamous! That's why the polygamy tag. <<less

I was a little sceptical about reading it especially considering how homosexuality is usually portrayed in historical danmei novels (very idealistic), even more so when it's practically about in*est. However, this novel concluded everything well and the ending gave me proper closure.

The novel is about royal brothers growing up while fighting for the throne. What I love most is the subtle hints of brotherhood and familial love portrayed. Majority of the characters are really smart, including the side characters like their wives, and the servants. Different from other palace novels,... more>> things here are not portrayed as dramatic and it takes a more realistic approach in things. Face-slapping was done in a reasonable way and because we are viewing from the pov of the brother who doesn't want the throne, you have to read between lines to really realise that there was a turbulence before the cause and effect happened.

The subtle hints of the love portrayed by the King and the 2nd ML to the MC made me emotional. The author did not describe it directly, and they've never said it out loud, but all the hints and crumbs really makes you understand that "ah, this person really loves him (MC) "

Overall, it is something that I enjoyed, laughed and cried over. The romantic aspect of it might not be as obvious to some since it was more subtly hinted, and the in*estuous aspects of it may put some people off since this novel is based on real historical figures, but I personally enjoyed reading this piece of work. <<less

First of all, translator did a very good job on giving context and letting readers deep-dive into the history of Kangxi and his sons. This is the best translation of Chinese historical novels I've ever read.

It's probably why I finish this book although I really hate how MC and ML both are married and copulate a bunch of time with their wives.. Don't get me wrong I understand that at that time there's no way they would have a monogamous relationship especially as gay couple, but as someone whose aunt... more>> has been deceived by a gay man into a marriage I kinda feel strongly uncomfortable for the women and the children.. <<less

I don't like the idea of a grown ass man in a child's body acting like a child. Even when I know it's fiction, liking it is a line I just can't make myself cross.

However I love the translation. These people (or person) did such an amazing job.

All those ancient texts and references and images... I felt like I was attending a Chinese history class!! Right now I'm working on some research project and I wish I had these translator's motivation; they literally give information plus sources and references and... more>> all that and it's really impressive. <<less

The story was well written and well researched. You could tell that the author had a plan and stuck to it instead of changing the plot. The translator also did a great job! Since this was a translation there was a lot of context that was lost and the translator notes helped with reading comprehension. So make sure to read the notes or you'll miss out in some context.

Not only that but I learned a lot about history and they even included sources if you wanted to learn more!! The... more>> translator is a big reason I gave a 5.

Onto the story, the MC isn't interested in fighting for the throne so its more of a slice of life with hints of court intrigue. So the plot isn't too slow like some slice of life novels are. The MC still faces small difficulties because he's a prince but he's just an outsider watching the other princes plot against each other. Eventually its revealed which events were orchestrated and by who.

The romance is also subtle and slow. It's realistic given that the era was homophobic and they couldn't be openly in love. But I liked how their love was realized and its continuation for the rest of the novel. Their love isn't portrayed as strongly like in fluffy novels but is more like a calm warmth.

I also really liked how the author portrayed the MC's relationship with his father! The MC acts spoiled to his father and the father secretly takes care of MC in subtle ways so that the princes don't get jealous. <<less

I laughed, cried and was put on an edge by this story. I'd still read this even without the ML, the MC and the Emperor Father's bond is enough for me to ugly cry and laugh. Good ending, this made me sad but also genuinely happy.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. I like the interactions between the two leads and it’s cute how they’ve grown up together. On the other hand, I don’t like how they’re related and how they both have their own families with wives and children.

The childhood arc dragged on too long. It was further damaged by the fact that the author has absolutely no idea how children behave. A six year old is not going to observe the intricacies of socioeconomic relationships in the harem and make decisions on who to interact with based on that. A three year old is not going to know long winded court phrases, and intricate politically aware speeches. Adults are not going to think kids are s*upid if they don’t know this crap or judge them for it.... more>> Yes, not even in Ancient China.

Childhood arcs are the absolute downfall of even the best writers because no one knows how to write kids, and if they did they wouldn’t because it’s boring. The author should have skipped ahead years after the first few chapters. Also, the fact that MC is a thirty year old man having trouble with toddler level homework just because he’s not used to the subject matter is absolutely psychotic. <<less

I really like this story. Kudos also to the translator for making it both good and understandable. 😍 As for the story itself, it’s heartwarming and real. Unlike typical tropes where the male lead (ML) and the main character (MC) avoid physical relationships with others, here the ML and MC manage to have children with their wives and consorts. Normally, stories where the ML and MC have children with others make me uncomfortable, but this one doesn’t. It effectively portrays their love for each other, and I appreciate how the MC... more>> remains practical and open-minded, even going so far as to sleep with his wives to avoid arousing the emperor's suspicion.

I also admire their wives, who are both smart and understanding of the relationship between the ML and MC. When the ML and MC eventually express their feelings openly, the ML refrains from any further relationships with other women. I even remember that when the ML became emperor and needed to choose women for his harem, he selected only three to avoid upsetting the MC.

Overall, it’s a great story. Others might not enjoy it due to its themes involving in*est, but if you’re not bothered by that, give this book a chance. Instead of relying solely on reviews, judge it for yourself.

Kidding aside, I feel like I haven't done the book justice with my explanation, so just read it! <<less

I really like the novel but the translation is on another level. The story plays out in a realistic, instead of idealistic/dramatized setting. The translator bambi, managed to completely hook me and explained the setting and twists very well. I dare say the best translation work on this site.

The plot is surprisingly good in my opinion 🤔

A lot of historical knowledges. I like it.

Sometimes I failed to understand things, such as why MC got angry with ML about a certain maidservant. The maid was used to serve crown princess but somehow ended up serving ML. Then she was given to MC.

Later, MC got a nightmare, he questioned about the maid and decided to let her serve his E-Niang. The next few days, MC didn't go to ML's place and didn't send his servant to inform ML about his... more>> abstinence...

ML became restless and anxious. He knew that ML was angry...

I don't even know the reason why MC got angry 😅 Palace intrigues are really confusing...

I don't feel anything about the in*est part except a little bit interest, excitement in a fiction. 🤔

About MC, an uncle acted like a child... He transmigrated into the body of a child of one year old. If he was too eye-catching, too smart or mature beyond his age, perhaps he would have died since the first 5 chapters already 🤔 <<less

The story is good. As expected from the author. However, I find it a little anti climatic; probably due to the expectations I've read from reviews.

But this is good enough given that it has only 79 chapters in total.

The MC is the lame prince and the ML is his brother, the future emperor. MC transmigrated as the 7th child of the king while ML is the 4th child. The MC plans to hug the thigh of the future emperor. This is not a fluffy novel since it has a realistic... more>> approach but the plot doesn't have an aphyxiating moment for me as claimed since those unfavorable situations are predictable. <<less

Oh, I've read this via mtl! One of my favorite. Just beware of the siblings love, if that's your no-no trope. I love this author's semi realistic approach to tell the story. Nice.

5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I am so glad I picked up this novel. It’s a slow burn romance, but it’s very enjoyable. The MC is clever but sometimes also a little bit clueless and an unreliable narrator. The ML is protective of the MC, while scheming against his other brothers. Their relationship starts from when they were 6 and 3 years old. It takes a long time for them to get together. But the slow burn is soooo good. It’s so beautiful to see their relationship progress. From (half) brothers to lovers.

Yinsi... more>> (the eight prince) also stole my heart. The way he is, is because of his past. He didn’t had it easy. He did his best. I really feel sad for him..

The relationship between the MC and the kangxi was also very heartwarming. The subtle way the kangxi showed affection towards the MC. The MC not realizing it, but people around them do. The last scene between the kangxi and MC broke me. I cried while reading it.

The whole story was perfect. I really loved it. I am still blown away how good this story is.

And the translator Bambi did an amazing job. The footnotes were so informative and it makes it a lot easier to understand the story. Thank you Bambi for translating this beautiful story. You’re amazing! <<less

I'm so glad I randomly chanced upon this novel. It is now one of my all-time favorites! This novel delivers a historical royal family danmei that is fairly realistic, which is so so rare. This author does an amazing job fleshing out every character as a whole person. There's no two dimensional villain and no self-indulgent face slapping. All the characters, even the antagonists, have personalities, realistic motives, and flaws that make them human. Everything that happens makes sense and fits with the Qing dynasty setting, which is a really... more>> high bar for a historical danmei.

Please be aware that the main couple are half brothers and given the realism they both end up having wives & concubines. For the people concerned about the wives/concubines, I think this was done well overall given the period specific circumstances. Given their position as princes, they couldn't get away with no marriages. Also marriages in that time period were all done for political alliances. The main CP and their wives are analogous to any western historical royalty LGBT where they have to outwardly look conventional so they're not punished more severely and torn apart. Everyone in their households are clear on who they really love.

This is a slow burn, which usually I don't care for but I love it in this case because it truly makes sense given who these characters are. I love that you see the main couple and their brothers grow up together and how the dynamics change over time.

Some other reviews mentioned that the MC being mentally 30 years old is weird, and I can see how that might turn off some readers since he's being paired up with a much (mentally) younger ML. My counter to that is the MC doesn't develop any romantic feelings about the ML until they are both much older. The MC is unfamiliar with living in China 400 years ago and has to learn many things from scratch. Also, since the MC is physically younger and has less influence than the ML, there's no unbalanced power dynamics between them. The MC interacts with the ML as his brother for the entirety of their childhood, so his mental age has fairly minimal impact on their relationship. The one thing I feel could have been better is

Spoiler

when the MC finally realized the ML's feelings for him. There was so much buildup to it but when the MC finally realized it, he just went ah ok and accepted it and moved on. It would have been better if he at least struggled with it a bit more and thought more about the issues associated with that kind of relationship before accepting it. His reaction was just too anti-climactic and glossed over quickly, making it not very emotionally satisfying to read.

That being said, it was very emotionally satisfying when they finally got together. I was so giddy from all the feels! Ahhhhh their devotion to each other is so touching 🥹

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The translator (Bambi) does a really good job providing a lot of context and footnotes for readers that aren't as familiar with the history. I'm so glad they do though must take a lot of effort!!

TLDR, this is an outstandingly danmei take on the lives of Emperor Kangxi's sons and their struggles growing up in the royal family. This story depicts a very touching pure relationship between the main couple over the course of their lives, from childhood through adulthood. It's a beautiful novel, I can't recommend it more! <<less

This novel is too cute. I know they are supposed to be real people and it's blasphemous to ship real people. But like, it's already 300 years and the trajectory of the world is not the same thus we can pretend we are not trampling on real people's faces.

Anyway, the novel is not too complicated eventhough there's a lot of characters because the author have firm grasp in the story beats and translation is very clear. The MTL is not too bad when you already read the translation as you... more>> can understand most of it.

This is a slow burn story but the ending is worth it. <<less

I find this story interesting as for the first time a transmigrator uses his knowledge of the future not to make money or gain glory or prestige.

Instead, he hugs the golden thigh which allows him to have a relative care-free life and lets him be a winner in that he has a good ending in life.

In addition, he ensures that his action does not make him stand out that people will take notice of him.

I really liked this novel. It was a fresh perspective on a story I already kind of know (through dramas). The two leads balance each other out in a lot of ways. I enjoyed the protagnist's POV and how we still see him use some skills/knowledge from his past life. The translation is amazing with great attention to detail. The footnotes were also very helpful. I would totally recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance without too much politics.

Ahhhhhhhh!!! I love Butterfly’s historical stories (... well everything they write...).

This was so beautiful. The relationships were on point. The MC was absolutely adorable (esp as a little kid and the army chapters). While I almost had a heart attack ... more>>

Spoiler

when I thought Huang Ama was going to kill the MC

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, the dad love was really, really moving in the careful restraint way that any Emperor could feel for their kid. This isn’t the first time Butterfly has captured this dynamic, but I think it was the best executed.

Super kudos to the translator who put in some serious work to not only translate, but annotate and add a little extra literary (ish) asides.

This is definitely worth a read (or two...). <<less

I thought the description for this novel was really interesting, plus I generally enjoy novels by 月下蝶影, so I was excited to pick this up and give it a try. It did not disappoint. Even though it's historical danmei, it's the most realistic book in this genre I've read, most likely because the characters are real figures from history. The translation was excellent, and I appreciated all of the translator's historical notes. She put a lot of effort into doing research as part of the translation, and it was interesting... more>> to get that additional context. Included in the footnotes are also the translator's thoughts on the unspoken meaning behind various characters' words and actions, which I found very helpful.

The novel follows a 30 year old transmigrator from modern times who wakes up in the body of Yinyou, the 7th son of Emperor Kangxi who ruled during the Qing dynasty. He's born with a lame foot to a low status concubine, so that automatically takes him out of the running for emperor. Because of that, he's able to live a relatively carefree life even as a prince and focus on things that he enjoys, such as food, improving tools with his modern knowledge, etc. And stay out of the fight for the throne. The story starts when Yinyou is only 1 years old and follows his journey into adulthood, so you can really see how the innocent relationships between the young princes as kids gradually changes into a subtly antagonistic dynamic as each brother is either vying for the throne or joins another brother's camp.

The one thing that stays constant in Yinyou's life is his good relationship with the ML, his half older brother and 4th prince, Yinzhen (so note there is the in*est tag). Initially the MC wants to cozy up to Yinzhen because he knows the course of history and that Yinzhen eventually becomes the next emperor. Because he doesn't have much status among the princes, he wants to get into his 4th brother's good graces early on so that he can live nicely once Yinzhen becomes emperor. What eventually starts as a relationship based on self benefits gradually develops into a relationship with real feelings as they spend a lot of time together and each comes to realize that the other truly cares about him. In this kind of cutthroat environment where all the princes don't fully trust each other and only ally with each other for mutual self-interest, even if they're in the same camp, it's rare to have that kind of genuine affection.

At the same time though, both main characters are realistic and understand that having heirs is critical to success, so they follow the emperor and their mother's will in getting married and each have multiple women in their harem. They each treat their women with respect and leave the management of the household up to them, and that's where the relationship ends. Only with each other do they show their real selves and bring love and feelings into the relationship. It's such an interesting dynamic between juggling each other and their wives and concubines, and I wish there was more historical danmei written like this. Maybe there is and I haven't seen it, but to me it was very refreshing to read a story like this.

The romance is definitely slow burn but it's so worth the read. Yinzhen catches onto his feelings much more quickly than Yinyou, but there are a lot of sweet moments even before they get together as you see them show their vulnerable side to each other and protect each other. And then obviously after they confirm their feelings, things are very sweet as well, even though it takes time for their relationship to cross into the physical realm since the confirmation happens at a time when the relationship between the emperor and the princes and between the princes are tense and they don't want to make any missteps.

I really liked both the MC and ML. I feel like if I were to transmigrate into historical China, I'd be exactly like the MC. Enjoy the food and luxuries you get as a prince and follow whatever you're passionate about. We don't see this side of the ML that much, but he's actually super smart and good at scheming. Yinyou points it out a couple times, but because we're reading the story from his perspective and he doesn't want to get too involved in the fight for the throne, we don't actually see it in practice. Only at the end, when Yinyou visits the deposed Crown Prince, do we learn a little bit about how he's secretly been pulling the strings behind the scenes, and boy was I surprised at how much influence he had on events that lead to the downfall of his other brothers. It's always the quiet ones you have to watch out for, as they like to say!

I would highly recommend this book if you don't mind the in*est and polygamy and enjoy reading stories with plenty of political intrigue. I had a hard time putting my phone down and stayed up till 2-3 am everyday reading until I finished, so it's definitely a page turner! <<less