Chasing Jade

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After her parents passed away, Fan Changyu faced a string of hardships—her childhood sweetheart broke off their engagement, greedy relatives wanted to seize her inheritance, and with a five-year-old sister to care for, she decided to take a husband in name only.

Her plan centered on a man she had saved: wounded, with nothing to his name but a strikingly handsome face. They quickly reached an agreement: she would take him in to recover, and he would pretend to marry her, helping her hold on to her family assets.

Once the family business was secure, Fan Changyu prepared to write the divorce agreement, as promised. However, a war erupted, and soldiers were recruited; her “husband” was conscripted and vanished without a trace.

The next time she saw him, he was drenched in blood, lying in a wounded soldiers’ tent. His handsome face was smeared with blood, while his simple soldier’s uniform was torn to shreds. Seeing the hardship he had endured, Fan Changyu’s eyes reddened with tears.

“Don’t be a soldier anymore,” she whispered, her voice choked. “Come back. I’ll slaughter pigs to support you.”

He barely opened his eyes, coughing up blood. “You… wanted a divorce…”

Her eyes filled with tears. “No divorce, no divorce!”

[Mini Theater]

Xie Zheng, the Marquis of Wu’an, became renowned at a young age, his achievements in battle granting him the title of marquis before he even turned twenty. His methods in military command were famously strict and ruthless, making him unmatched across the entire Dayin dynasty.

Recently, however, the soldiers noticed something peculiar about their marquis. He no longer resided in his spacious command tent, preferring instead to squeeze into the cramped and shabby tent designated for the wounded.

Though he’d taken a serious injury—a wound deep enough to bleed through his armor—under normal circumstances, he’d be back on his feet within a couple of days. Yet this time, he’d been lying there for over ten days with no sign of improvement.

The camp’s grizzled strategist clicked his tongue after visiting him. “Hmph. If someone is by your side to wipe your brow and feed you medicine, of course the wound takes longer to heal!”

It wasn’t until the marquis’s mysterious wife—who had never shown herself before—snuck into the barracks, wearing her husband’s tattered soldier’s uniform, and took his place on the front lines, fearing her “delicate, sickly husband” might die on the battlefield. Only then did the “gravely wounded” marquis leap up from his bed in shock, hastily don his armor, and rush to chase after her.

As the blood-red sun set, a lone goose cried across the vast sky.

With a butcher knife in hand, Fan Changyu hacked off the enemy general’s head and squinted toward the distant friendly troops kicking up clouds of yellow dust as they approached. She pulled over a nearby soldier and asked, “The one charging at the front, wearing that bright armor with the Qilin shoulder guards and riding that big horse… why does he look a bit like my husband?”

The soldier: …Isn’t it possible that he actually is?

Naive but fierce Little Sunshine (Female Lead) vs. “That woman is so crude” to “Why doesn’t that woman like me?” Marquis Xie (Male Lead)

1V1, sweet romance

Associated Names
One entry per line
Pursuit of Jade [drama]
Trục Ngọc/Hầu Phu Nhân Và Đao Mổ Lợn
Zhu Yu
ล่าหยก
侯夫人与杀猪刀
逐玉
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Ballad of the Bamboo Scroll (3)
Rebirth of a Star General (2)
A Dream Like the Beginning (2)
After Shedding My Armor, I Await Marriage (2)
The Marquis Is Innocent (1)
Meridian of the Capital (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Romance In Ancient Times
  2. Completely translated novels 22
  3. novels i loved so far pt 3
  4. Historical novel
  5. Historical romance

Latest Release

Date Group Release
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama extra 5
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama extra 4
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama extra 3
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama extra 2
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama extra 1
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 12
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 11
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 10
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 9
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 8
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 7
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 6
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 5
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 4
05/19/26 ReadTheDrama side story 3
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24 Reviews sorted by


New Dianalovesdiane
May 24, 2026
Status: Completed
I love the novel so much than the drama itself. The adaptation is good especially how they changed xie Zheng character but I love the original one better. Here in novel is super guarded doesn't trust anybody that easily. But still they way fan changyo changed him. I love it. I also love the complect the have when they both learned about her identity.

I been searching for the author other novel. Does it have here? I wanna read it.
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Sanjungy
New Sanjungy rated it
May 21, 2026
Status: c1
I really wanted to like this book. Sigh.

The book starts well. Good development, cute, enjoyable, couldn’t put it down. Where does it start to go downhill?

At some point in time, the author starts writing angst for angst’s sake. I like angst, when it is done well. If angst progresses the plot or adds to character development, that’s great. However, if the angst is there simply to try to induce pity, it becomes a chore to read. Also, if the author is trying to produce angst all the time, then when... more>> the angst really needs to hit the reader, it falls flat. So, in the end, the book became tedious to finish.

The male lead is so incredibly red flag. If you like red flag males, fine. I do not like red flag males. <<less
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xxchroniclerxx
xxchroniclerxx rated it
May 6, 2025
Status: Completed
Loved it !

Binged it in 3 days and regret finishing it so fast and want to re read this immediately again.

First few chapters in and I was completely hooked. It was mysterious, humorous, intriguing and oh the eventual development of the plot, it was refreshing.

I have always loved strong FLs, be it physically, psychologically or whatever, and this FL embodies all. Is she lowkey mary sue? hell ya, but the way she is written is good, she isn't completely a mary sue character, she is physically strong, like a bull... more>> and her upbringing makes her naive, not s*upid but constricted and simple. She is all brawns, beauty and brains (lowkey) but she is also resolute, passionate, resilient and caring. from the beginning to the end her essence never falters, if she cannot resolve something with her brains, she would with brute strength (i love this troup lol) her fave thing to do is, lets kidnap and resolve it XD

But she is also someone who doesn't get handed everything as long as she wants, when she has nothing, she becomes a butcher to pave a smooth way for her and her sister (also her poor husband lol), she repays even the slightest bit of warmth that she received ten folds, be it the zhao couple, qianqian or the ML. She stumbles, she falls, but she gets up by herself and gets ahead. I liked how the ML doesn't give her what she wants on a golden platter if he is able to, she chooses her own pats, makes her decisions and goes through with it and the ML, even if he worries and disagrees, he respects her choices and gives a helping hand when she is unable to should it on her own.

Spoiler

The thing that got me hooked on this novel was her thinking process, she find the holding on to life by a thread of breath ML and takes pity of him due to her parents similar death and decides to rescue him, and when uncle zhao, the veterinary doc (yes lmao) says it's difficult for him to live, she immediately thinks.. ah... how to bury him? should I buy a cheap coffin and bury him or just bury him in a hole after he dies. lmfaoo. She is destitute, struggling financially and is constantly haunted by her uncle who wants to take the lil property her parents left her. She is practical and a little silly. I found her extremely endearing and tbh relatable. I mean even if the guy looks like a jade sculpture, she doesn't really care for him face and pity and all, she did her best to try and give him a chance at life and if he doesn't make it then its his problem. XD

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The ML, is wow, I love his descent into madness. Yes. Call me a sad*st IDC, but his development was intriguing and different. He is your typical iceberg with a botox face without muscle movements, but he is one colourful guy lol. But by no means is he the favoured son of heaven who fell into the mortal world through schemes and goes crazy archetype, nuh uh. He is disliked by heavens, broken and beaten up by people who were supposed to protect him, but he still holds on. A bit cliched and all but he's the only ML whose jealously towards any male creature made sense. He is terribly insecure, to the point of denying his emotions over and over till he is broken by them before he accepts. He is also fiercely ambitious, focused, loyal (to his beliefs) and a cute tsundere. He learns and grows, even though, he is constantly beaten down by his circumstances.
Spoiler

His forceful kiss scenes with the FL initially, was indeed a bit.. yucky, but understandable. He doesn't know how to express anything, he hasn't been taught, he wasn't corrected ever, however was he right in doing that ? nope, he was rightfully punched and beaten up (lowkey I think he is a masochist, he always gets crosses the line and gets punched by the FL, love it tho lol)

I like how he tries to come to terms with his feelings in the later half, with the guillotine of the FLs family secrets hanging over both their heads, he decides to let go of her, but he cannot. I felt the sense of desolation along with the characters, they were in the fog, without even knowing the path to take, where it would lead them, but they eventually find their way back. He learns to communicate (not really, brozki still needs heaps of development but it's still better)

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I really liked the flow of the story, it's very cohesive. The flow of time is and plot is the same, I didn't feel that any time skips or switch in pov were out of place or random, it was very smooth. It has some plot holes tho, namely in the characterization of the villains.
Spoiler

The main villain Wei Lan, the uncle, he was supposed to be this very mysterious, brilliant in scheming guy who treats lives like grass, his backstory was... lackluster. He was the real arrogant son of the heavens who f*ked up once he was beaten down and decided to shove a hell lot of innocent people into their unmarked graves because of his own feelings. smh. I was expecting something grand, but it felt lowkey s*upid. I liked the motivation of the 2nd villain Qi Min more. Heh. I reallly really like his character. His twisted personality makes sense, I actually cried in his side story, he was pitiful and yet too much burdened. He was a horrible dude who deserved his end, but, he also didn't. I really like Qianqian, a lot of people were like her character as a transmigrator made no sense ?? But it made a lot of sense for me. Typically a character like her would be the FL, and even the character of Qi Min would be the ML of a dog blood novel, maybe he also reincarnates and all then hell breaks loose but he becomes better and all that yk what. But here, the transmigrator was the side character, interesting right? Maybe not all transmigrators are supposed to be the main characters, she did have a really good ending and all so who knows, maybe she is also a main character from a different pov.

as for Li Huai'An, his redemption was satisfactory, I didn't feel ad for him at all, ugh, but his eventually suffering and understanding, it was nice to read.

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Special mention for the falcon, the cutest and cuuuutessttt character in the novel for me lol, I loved that bird, wished I saw more of it later on as well.

I don't think I spoiled a lot of things here haha, but this is a novel that I will definitely come to re read again, especially as the translator updates more chapters. Ty to them for picking up this novel. Definitely a good read, can't wait to see how it plays out in the drama (clutching my pearls and praying, hoping they don't mess this up)

A lil heads up to those who wanna finish reading the entire novel
Spoiler

mydramanovel is pretty good, much much better than mtling, but it has the last chapter missing, trust me I lost braincells trying to find out where to read the last one, I did contact them about it so hoping they can add it, if it's still not there and you want to read then dm me, I may have the last chapter

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Happy reading !! <<less
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spicyeggroll
spicyeggroll rated it
March 11, 2026
Status: Completed
DRAMA SO FIRE I HAD TO CHECK OUT THE NOVEL

I did skim here and there, especially for the political scheming parts but overall a 3.5 stars. It's a little drawn out with the politics storyline and lost my attention a couple of times. But the characters are cuties and ultimately I really enjoyed the romance - except when it gets bogged down by the scheming.

ON ROMANCE & MAIN CP

I love them!! Was worried a bit about the push-and-pull like one reviewer mentioned, but trust me it's not thattt bad (WAY... more>> more tolerable than other Cnovels I've read). Any reason for separation was, in my opinion, quite justified whether it was for character growth (first argument pushing ML to leave and FL to join the army to find him was definitely them establishing their feelings and romantic foundations) or plot progression (like yo, it makes sense for ML to take some time off after finding out about the FL's background, right? Man's got trauma to get through).

THE GOOD NEWS - they communicate it out! And truly, the separations are NOT long at all. I was literally expecting chapters... but naur. The ML cannot stay away from her. Mans is obsessed. I dig it.

Any angst, I'm telling you, is all from the ML. He's such a drama queen in the most diva way which is why I love him. You know, with Cnovels we have "yanderes" left and right. But this ML literallyyy only has eyes for our FL and will happily take a beating to be with her. That song "Would Let the World Burn" is his theme song. If he can't have her no one can. Like come on--

Spoiler

He willingly gets whip lashes in his ancestral hall to be with her despite the potential betrayal her fam did to his fam (they were framed but he hadn't confirmed it at that time). He literally BLEEEEDS so that her battle weapon is forged with his blood.

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Do I love male suffering too much? Maybe. Worth it.

If you don't like physical relationships though maybeee this won't be your cup of tea. He force-kisses her; she punches him back. Low key I think he kinda likes it because he always be walking out of those interactions with a bruise and everyone's like "who would do that to our General???" and he's like happy about it BAHAHA. Equal rights, equal fights I guess.

The FL is so grounded, so lovely. Started from the bottom as a humble pig butcher to become a successful female general :,) Worked hard to stand EQUALLY with the man she loves even though he was 100% okay with being with her as a pig butcher. I think one characteristic of their relationship that resonates with me is how they will both sacrifice so much to be with the other which, to me, is the ultimate show of love and devotion. Lots of showing and not just telling. AnyML can growl and howl at the moon about how the FL is "his" and blah blah blah but this ML consistently supports our FL even though she's an independent woman. And the FL? Literally his sun who lights up his life. ARGH.

BUT THE POLITICS SIGH

Oof paragraphs of exposition and who's pretending to be whom, who's invading what, blah blah blah. Kinda longwinding. By ch 130 (they're long chapters!!) I was like okay I gotta start skimming because we're just headed to another war. I appreciate the detail but at the same time I was like bruh, get me back to the main couple kicking ass.

I wasn't too enamored of any of the side couples. The FL's girl friend ends up having an interesting backstory but her male counterpart was obsessive for no good reason and I couldn't really feel their chemistry (I was unconvinced their kid wasn't even his bc of the way he was treating him LOL). The ML's uncle story was valid - one of those older generation stories where you just sigh in pity that all of this had to go down and affect the later generations. ML suffering backstory? Ehh also unconvinced on that having to happen but I'll go along with it. Puppet emperor had potential (especially how he be acting with the eunuchs omg) but he was just kind of there.

Things I did like - the ML's teacher was sooo hilarious. Actually the light comedy in this novel is perfect to balance out the cutting tone of the politics. And also everytime the FL's ultra strength came on-page. Honestly one of the biggest reasons why I stayed reading.

TRANSLATIONS

Ty MyDramaNovel as always! Pretty easy to read for the most part.

OVERALL

ML is yandere goals, FL is plus-ultra strong heroine goals. Power couple uncovers the older generation's mysteries, keeps the nation stabilized between scheming factions, and puts the right ruler on the throne. Oh, all while having a dramatic but heartlifting romance along the way. <<less
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addictedtoit
addictedtoit rated it
October 14, 2024
Status: side story 9
The story has been completely translated. I don't know the person who keep on changing the completely translated part.

I really liked the story, the MC at the beginnning is quite naive but as the story goes on, you can see that she started developing and learning. Shes also very strong and independent, not fully needing the ml. She has inhuman strength even from the beginning of the story. In the initial part of the story, you will be at village part, very mundane. Then goes to the war part of... more>> the story then to the capital.

Also I really like how the author fleshed out the antagonist, and not just mainly because hes evil thats why he did it nor just for the sake of it.

At the side story
Spoiler

you will see that the main antagonist would be given a chance to regress and will show what would have been if the tragedy didnt happen, very brief but less tragedies

[collapse]

In conclusion, a historical novel about the life of a female orphan who went to war for her love and her family. Trying to clear her family's name due to palace intrigue and the consequences of the whims of the emperor and the officials. Very nice story. <<less
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08phamann
08phamann rated it
June 27, 2025
Status: Completed
This novel started off great. Good pacing with a level headed and capable MC. The romance with ML was good, but not great. Especially since I never really got their chemistry from the beginning, and although it was not instalove, the ML did fall quite easily (for someone with his background and life experience) and then when he fell, he never got back up again. Their romance was the large driving plot factor in this novel, and the author tries to add in some court intrigue and mystery that MC... more>> and ML need to uncover before they can be together, and I just have to say that this flopped so hard. It dragged the plot on needlessly and made me loose interest in the novel. I was skimming towards the end of the novel because I honestly did not care about the unsolved mystery from 17 years ago. The reason why MLs father died and MCs grandfather was branded a traitor and who is the big baddie who plotted this all along? IDC. And towards the latter half of the novel I also felt like the romance fell flat. It was a game of you push me away and I pull you back, rinse and repeat. It got boring after the first few fights. Overall, this is a readable novel but it falls flat in the latter half.

Kudos to the translator though, for translating this entire novel. It was well translated. <<less
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excubilant
excubilant rated it
April 19, 2025
Status: --
The first half of the story captivated my attention enough for me to stay for the whole novel. MC is very hardworking and has the ideal traits of a good heroine. My only critique was the romantic climax or that "confession" scene from the ML.

... more>>
Spoiler

They were about to part ways and divorce but the ML couldn't bear with the fact that MC might marry another person after him so he forcibly kissed her to show his feelings. The way the author wrote this scene showed how non-consensual it was for the MC, which made me uncomfortable.

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Then, throughout the novel it was proactively shown that ML has big jealousy issues BUT the author justifies this by making his possessiveness be rooted with his past (?). Still, too much jealousy shouldn't be used as a romantic plot device because not only it is repetitive and boring, it's a common trait for ab*sers. I'm glad that ML seems to be fairly decent—being protective over MC— but still has flaws.

Another plot device that I couldn't quite get:

Spoiler

One of the characters reveals that they are transmigrator but despite this the fact never contributes to the main storyline so what was the author's purpose?

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Overall I recommend this story for readers looking for power couple with fight scenes. And the extra chapters is a good addition to the story! <<less
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cruzau
cruzau rated it
April 6, 2026
Status: Completed
I loved this novel waaaayy before the live action came out. Our heroine is brave and capable and the male lead is heroic and handsome. I enjoyed the mystery behind the female lead's family and how everyone got what they deserved. Highly recommend!
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Julz254
Julz254 rated it
March 8, 2026
Status: Completed
I don’t even know how to start this review except by saying: I loved this book. Like, genuinely loved it. I read it in three days. I barely slept.

First of all, Fan Changyu is exactly my type of female lead. She’s strong, resilient, and capable. There were so many moments where I expected the male lead to swoop in and save her — and she saved herself instead. I love that. I love female characters who don’t lose their strength once romance starts, and this book never takes that away... more>> from her.

Then there’s Xie Zheng. I know he’s toxic. I know. But I loved it. He reminded me of Xie Wei from Story of Kunning Palace, and I love that type of morally gray, calculating male lead. What I liked most, though, is that even with his personality, the romance felt realistic. Their feelings developed naturally. It didn’t feel rushed, and it didn’t feel forced.

One of the biggest things for me: no dragged-out miscommunication trope. Even when they disagreed, they talked. Even when there was distance, it didn’t last forever. There was no endless “I’m hiding this to protect you” nonsense. That alone made the story so refreshing.

The political maneuvering was engaging. The fight scenes were actually entertaining — I didn’t skim them. That says a lot because I skip when I’m bored. In this book, I barely skipped anything. The only part I skimmed was one of Wei Yan’s extra backstories. Everything else held my attention.

I also laughed a lot. There were so many moments where I was genuinely laughing, and then other moments where I was kicking my feet because of their chemistry. The balance between tension, romance, politics, and humor was done so well.

If I have criticisms, they’re mostly about specific plot points.
Spoiler

The letter from her father still confuses me — I don’t fully understand its purpose. And Wei Yan making his sister kill herself felt questionable. I understand the emotional logic behind it, but politically, I feel like there were other ways that situation could have unfolded, especially since many of the original problems were caused by the emperor. That part didn’t fully convince me.

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The extra stories, though? So good.
Spoiler

Especially the alternate universe where they meet as children and grow up together. I loved those chapters so much.

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This has been on my TBR for a long time, and I hesitated because the blurb didn’t make it sound that interesting. I regret waiting. It was absolutely worth it.

I’m genuinely sad it’s over. I can see myself rereading this in a year or two and enjoying it all over again.

I’m also really nervous and excited about the drama adaptation coming out soon. I genuinely hope they keep the soul of the book. Obviously some changes are necessary for adaptation, but I really hope they don’t change the core dynamics — especially the way Fan Changyu stays strong and the way her relationship with Xie Zheng develops.

There are certain scenes that, if they get them right, I’m going to completely lose it. But at the same time, I know adaptations can go either way. Ideally, it’ll be one of those rare cases where I love both the book and the drama for different reasons.

Another thing I really loved is the parallel between Wei Yan and Xie Zheng. They’re uncle and nephew, and the way the story mirrors them is so well done.

Spoiler

Wei Yan becomes the villain, but when you look at him closely, you can see how he got there. He’s obsessive, intense, and once he loses everything, he basically chooses revenge as his entire identity. He kills the emperor, but after that, what is he supposed to live for? His whole personality is built on anger and loss.

[collapse]

And honestly, Xie Zheng isn’t that different at his core. The way he loves, the way he fixates, the way he would absolutely choose Fan Changyu over the world — it’s the same kind of intensity. The only difference is that
Spoiler

Xie Zheng has direction and purpose, and things don’t collapse around him the way they did for Wei Yan. If the circumstances were slightly different, I genuinely think Xie Zheng could have become another Wei Yan.

[collapse]

That mirroring made the story so much stronger for me. It makes Wei Yan more understandable, even if he’s terrible, and it makes Xie Zheng’s darkness feel real.

I really loved this so if you are hesitating reading this book don't!! <<less
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ntww12
ntww12 rated it
December 18, 2024
Status: Completed
An epic novel. Thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a novel that focuses on the war due to political interests of many different people trying to control the country. There is also an underlying mystery regarding a tragedy that happened about ~10 years back at the start of the novel. There are some plot holes but I didn't mind it since it didn't distract from the epicness of the story much.

The novel starts with the simple introduction of our main characters: a kind-hearted and strong FL. She's naive in the beginning... more>> but as the novel progresses, she learns how to be smarter around manipulative people. ML is a fierce wolf-dog sort of character. Taciturn, extremely intelligent and extremely protective over the FL after he falls for her. FL saves the ML after he's badly injured and as repayment, he marries in her family. It's a contract marriage and they both were going to part ways but they gradually fall for each other. ML realizes his feelings first and FL likes him too but she doesn't quite understand her own emotions. So when the war began and ML had to leave, they actually parted on bad terms.

ALOT of things happen and they don't meet for several chapters before she encounters him again. That's when ML pretends to be weak to gain FL's love and sympathy. It's a fun read lmao.

As the story progresses with the political drama and the mystery gets deeper... Their romance becomes more "Romeo & Juliet" with a forbidden love aspect. There is a lot of angst at this point. ML is suffering from his love for FL and vice versa. The romance in between the fighting and war parts is so well written!!!

When we finally get to know the truth, it just feels so painful because so many people suffered... And it was all because of a few foolish words.

The journey to the end is such a wild ride. Really enjoyed reading it so I won't spoil too much. I will just say a few things that I liked.

The plot twist I never expected!

Spoiler

Yu Qianqian is a transmigrated person from the future! While she doesn't play quite a big role in the novel, reading it from her POV would definitely be interesting.

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Antagonists:

Wow I love how the author writes such brilliant characters. They have their own backstories on why they did what they did. And they're not dumb and sometimes I can't tell what will happen because everyone is so cunning and smart.

Spoiler

One of my confusion is why Wei Yan would work so hard to cover up the Jinzhou tragedy if the old Emperor is the one truly at fault. Wei Yan tried to kill the Fan family so many times for what??? He wasn't the one who was wrong? So I don't get this part. Felt like author was just trying to make him seem "good" at the end.

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This novel will be on my fave list. <<less
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miu
miu rated it
November 29, 2024
Status: Completed
Rating: 4.7 stars

It's a pretty good read. There's a lot of mysteries from MC's parents' generation and older and it all accumulated to the current day. It involves a lot of different parties including ones who you never meet because they've already died previously. You won't get the answer until the last few chapters and maybe to some people it's not as satisfying but I thought it was a good wrap up. There are a few times where I scratched my head due to the explanations not really making sense... more>> so it's not a perfect novel. But overall, it's still a good read and worth the time. The MC and ML are so cute together. There's a few chapters where there's angst but it gets resolved (or more like, they learn to overcome the difficulties because their love is stronger) pretty quickly. The MC is super strong and pretty and is a straightforward person. ML is the typical cold, hates all worldly things including women, etc. Male protagonist in the beginning but after falling for MC, he's a super yandere, clingy husband (just my type of guy). Anyways, they compliment each other very well and I really enjoy all their moments together especially ML's crazy outbursts.

The author also tries to give everyone a reason why they're an antagonist so most of the villains do have a decent backstory. But since so many people died regardless, I personally still don't pity them that much even if they had a tragic history. There's also a few extra chapters and one was an alternative timeline in which Wei Yan gets reborn right before everything happened so it was a bit interesting to see what could have been if everyone was still alive. Overall, if you like these kinds of stories with strong MC/ML then I do recommend giving this one a try. <<less
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Odditiodd
Odditiodd rated it
January 23, 2026
Status: Completed
This is the first time I am writing a bad review and I think this deserves it... more>>
Spoiler

What's wrong with the plot of a country's ruler drugging ML and him falling for it and it just becomes a plot device for ML and FL snu snu scene. Even the most ridiculous face slapping novel villains don't succeed in doing that anymore. Feels like reading a smut novel where the plot conveniently made them sleep together for no reason.

Some ppl are saying this is better than legend of female general. Mind you characters in that novel are more nuanced and complex than this. This is just a mixed copy of legend of female general and grand secretary's pampered wife (which has more assembled cast than this, even the FL ruffian habit of kidnapping and beating ppl up is copied).

The only redeemable point of this novel is being easier to adapt to drama bcuz of small casts who don't have any interesting characteristics so they don't need to butcher up many interesting characters.

Palace intrigue is the most boring and immature i've ever seen and the author is avoiding the mystery plot that isn't even interesting and mysterious. The biggest reveal is only shoved up to your face at last minute.

This is just full of fan service supposingly hot scenes that are repeated 10 times in the same flavor. So unnecessary.

Just imagine romeo and juliet in ancient times who are kissing messing around in the middle of war and crisis. Even supporting couple toxic romance is so pre2010 coded. So outdated.

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dogdaysindurham
dogdaysindurham
June 10, 2025
Status: Completed
What is there not to love about this c-novel. Female protagonist who has a harsh life and runs a butcher shop to support herself and little sister. She one days rescues an undercover Tsundere "prince". She does pull a "Mulan" to join the army and rejoin the Prince after they seperate. There is a bit of forced / aggressive kissing, but it's not R18 like Prisoner of Beauty (which the TV show did a really great job minus 1-2 small things in making the story better). Novel wise this... more>> is vastly superior. I would rate it in my top 2-3 light novels.

I love the female protagonist, she is kind of tomboy-ish and a no nonsense person. There are a lot of role reversals in the story like reverse she piggyback carriers him. There is quite a bit of humor with how tropes are inverted in the novel.

I highly recommend if you like independent and strong female leads, with romance and action mixed in.

I am really looking forward to this TV adaptation. No animated or drawn adaptation that I know of yet. <<less
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Serendipity_22
Serendipity_22 rated it
April 10, 2025
Status: Completed
Its a great novel. The characters are well fleshed out, the story is funny, engaging and smart.

Fan Changyu is the eldest daughter of a butcher and his wife. After her parents died tragically in a presumed bandit attack, she has to care for her little sister and try to escape the clutches of her despicable gambling-addict uncle.

The only way forward is to either marry or marry. Sadly (?) her whiny betrothed with a spine as strong as cooked spaghetti, whom her parents enabled to study, broke up the engagement.

Lucky for... more>> her she saved a guy, who was hanging on his last breath and he's willing to be her "husband" for some time to help her.

Sadly for her, her brand-new husband has too many secrets and even her own heritage is shrouded in mystery, so the peaceful days of butchering pigs have to end...

The ML is a great general with a painful past, as it should be for an overpowered ML in an ancient novel, he has his own demons to fight but is incredible hilarious with the FL (from rejection to befuddlement, to fondness, to obsession), his growth his very satisfying to watch and he is generally a very pleasant ML.

The FL is just great. She makes this novel so great and I really have absolutely nothing bad to say about her. She's intelligent, optimistic while being realistic and funny. Shes strong and caring with principles without being a mary sue or annoying. Her rise from an butcher's daughter to a general is very beautiful.

Special mention to the side story, I thought they were great and I'd love this kind of alternative reality.

My only critique:

Spoiler

The "main villain" or rather the uncle - I thought it made no sense that he never told the truth or never admitted to the whole story and would've rather have his family die and the ML hate him than tell the truth, especially since neither he nor the concubine did anything wrong? The way he was ready to kill so many people just for that was very illogical, for a character who was depicted as this omnipresent, hyper intelligent master mind. The would have been a thousand ways he could have taken his revenge that wouldn't have broken down the whole country and - more importantly - lead to the suffering of the people. If he wanted to temper the ML, he could have been honest with him as he got older...

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wanny98
wanny98
April 18, 2026
Status: Completed
This is my opinion.

I really liked this novel. I loved the characters and I liked how most of them were fleshed out and complex. I liked how the villains were bad but had motives and thoughts and changes. I liked that the romance was present but not all-consuming. I really like that Changyu stayed pretty independent and kick-ass and fierce.

The fighting and the battle scenes were intense and I appreciated that the author wrote it immersively.

It was pretty funny to me that everyone would get so hurt and damaged but... more>> end up all fine after a few sentences (time) passed. Like I know the scars were there but there were never any on faces. Lol.

Xie Zheng is my favorite kind of ML. Possessive, protective, gets jealous easily, cares for the FL but lets her do her thing.

I liked the side stories. They flesh out the other characters and the stories behind what the author was thinking when they make the decisions they make. I would have loved to see more of little Ning Niang and Bao'er.

Overall, I am now very excited to see the cdrama and see my favorite characters live. <<less
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Jes934
Jes934 rated it
May 20, 2025
Status: c178
This is probably one of the best Chinese historical romance novel I have ever read.

I love the characters especially the FL, she is really amazing. She is quite different from the start,

... more>>
Spoiler

being a butcher and extremely strong. But she becomes better and better as her dreams become bigger and bigger.

First she wants to revive her dad's butcher shop. Then she wants to open a braised pork shop.

After falling for the ML she resolves to become better and not rely on him l, and she does just that.

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She is my favorite FL out of all the novels I've read.

Then let's talk about the ML he starts off kinda mild.
Spoiler

He marries her for her household registration to escape notice from his pursuers. But then he falls in love with her.

He's also amazing, one of my favorite parts is where he protects her sister when assassins come to their house.

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Even though he started off mild, that quickly changes when he fall in love with her.
Spoiler

He becomes more and more possessive, though he never restricts her.

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I could go on and on but long story short is that this is an amazing novel and you should give it a try. <<less
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AishaEiny
AishaEiny rated it
May 14, 2026
Status: Completed
The story is well written and rounded: plot is there, romance is there and unexpected turns are also there. Liked characters a lot too, they are not dull and one dimensional but well thought out, like living real people- not black or white but with their own story and pain, even the villains: you find yourself sympathizing with them and can’t help but feel sorry. Found myself pondering about philosophical questions about how the world is so unfair and hard to live lol.

overall amazing story, will definitely reread it. Definitely... more>> recommend! <<less
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alexidioz
alexidioz rated it
December 30, 2025
Status: Completed
For people who are used to brainless villains, this novel would be refreshing! The starting pace was slow filled with day to day activities of MC and the bloodshed begins from the middle.

YOU ARE NEVER A VILLAIN IN YOUR OWN STORY!! That’s what this story is for me.

most of the characters are neither black or white, they are somewhere in between forced to make decisions that might not be right which I feel is more realistic.

I love the interactions between the leads the MOST!!!! They were sweet, bitter, made me... more>> smile also made me cry. Their journey was not smooth but they learn to communicate. They were imperfect in their own ways but just right for each other.

overall I totally loved this story <<less
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tenshineko
tenshineko rated it
November 20, 2024
Status: Completed
Really enjoyed this one. Is it perfect, no. But it had twisty politics and a lovely couple. FL is strong and capable, ML is devoted and powerful. When it all comes out there are some explanations as to how villains ended up this way, and slight redemptions arcs, though it doesn’t make up for the tragedies. The extras go to an AU history, and that was soothing to read.

The translation is complete by mydramanovel, and it’s decent though has some issues of pronoun swapping and the names very occasionally changing.... more>> I recommend giving it a shot. <<less
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Uruchan2009
Uruchan2009
March 1, 2026
Status: Completed
I think this story was one of the best (if not the best) in category of good characters. All of the protagonist were not the saints, while all the villains were not the monsters. They were all just people who struggle to live their life smoothly. Trying to restrain their desire, avoiding regret in life and also trying to holding on their conscious and moral.

The tragedy was a tragedy, because a lot of people involved in it.

This is a big spoiler. Like, a main plot spoiler.
Spoiler

and also because it's not happen just because of the one mastermind. But because so many people trying their best to get their best.

And the truth that sometimes a little things that accumulate could turn into big tragedy that almost destroys the nation.

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One of the review felt disappointed of the main villain. But, I actually like his characters the most after the FL and ML. His characters just showing him as a human. A weak, but arrogant human who trying his best to right his wrong and endure the guilt of his misspoke words
Spoiler

but, also just lije the phrase "hero die young, or live long to be villain". He also the hero that live too long until became a villain. He is such a pitiful soul that I'm glad he got a second chance.

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The story was good, the pace was great. And I didn't even find the plot hole. It's a nice novel that could make you lose sleep to read it.
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XiaoBaiMinglan
XiaoBaiMinglan rated it
February 13, 2026
Status: Completed
Such a great book! It was really hard to put down, the story was entertaining, the romance was fantastic, and the villains got their comeuppance. A wonderful happy ending!

I'm really looking forward to the drama, Zhang Linghe is going to be amazing as Xie Zheng!
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HiddenHermit
HiddenHermit rated it
January 17, 2025
Status: Completed
Enjoyable read. I liked the first half of the novel when FL, Fan Changyu, was just a butcher. She had a fresh wildness. She was still wild after joining the army but mature, toned down.

The novel's plot goes along with the intro mostly but there is more to it. There's a bigger conspiracy that adds depth to the story.

Overall, I'd recommend this novel to those who like independent and strong female leads.

Of Note: This novel was a little weird in that ML's, Xie Zheng, good looks were mentioned more... more>> often than FL's. It made me think that the novel could still work if FL was replaced with a guy. She's that tomboyish.

Spoiler

The intro says most of it. ML isn't attracted to FL at all at first but then he comes to like her instead of just wanting to repay her kindness. However, he can't stay with her because he was conspired against and that is how he ended up injured. He needs to go back and resolve the problem before he can bring her into his world.

SPOILER...

...

Later it is unveiled that FL's parents are not ordinary people. It turned out that they were in hiding and committed su*cide to protect their daughters. FL's maternal grandfather might've caused ML's dad to die. FL's dad was ML's uncle's former subordinate. ML's uncle might've caused ML's dad's death. I say might've because there's another level to the conspiracy.

I won't give the end spoiler here since it really would ruin the entire novel. If you wanna jump ahead, read the Side Story regarding ML's uncle, Wei Yan.

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