Eight Treasures Trousseau

Description

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Everyone in the City of Jing thinks that bestowment of marriage between Xian Junwang and the daughter of the Yi’an Marquis House is to insert a fresh flower into manure.

Xian Junwang was that fresh flower and the di daughter of Yi’an Marquis House was that manure that was not liked.

It is said that what is heard is false, seeing is believing. Who knows what the truth really is?

Associated Names
One entry per line
Bát bảo trang
Bā bǎo zhuāng
ETT
The Eight Treasure Dowry
ซ่อนรักวิวาห์ลวง
八宝妆
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
To Be A Virtuous Wife (34)
Chongfei Manual (9)
Chu Wang Fei (8)
Heavenly Divine Doctor: Abandoned Concubine (7)
Legend of Concubine’s Daughter Minglan (7)
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage (7)
Recommendation Lists
  1. The BEST Historical Novels (BG only)
  2. Delightful Story
  3. Most Popular Historical BG
  4. BEST CN NOVELS
  5. My Roman Empire

Latest Release

Date Group Release
12/19/17 Dreams of Jianghu c108 (end)
12/12/17 Dreams of Jianghu c107
12/12/17 Dreams of Jianghu c106
12/12/17 Dreams of Jianghu c105
12/05/17 Dreams of Jianghu c104
12/05/17 Dreams of Jianghu c103
12/05/17 Dreams of Jianghu c102
11/28/17 Dreams of Jianghu c101
11/28/17 Dreams of Jianghu c100
11/28/17 Dreams of Jianghu c99
11/21/17 Dreams of Jianghu c98
11/21/17 Dreams of Jianghu c97
11/21/17 Dreams of Jianghu c96
11/14/17 Dreams of Jianghu c95
11/14/17 Dreams of Jianghu c94
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Review
241 Reviews


martian447
New martian447
Mar 03, 2024
Status: --
Wish version of TBAVW. Not worth the hype.

1. Writing style (4/10)
Incoherent and mostly inconsistent flow of ideas. Best described as reading an unfinished draft. Multiple instances of different descriptions of one event in the opening and ending chapters. It caused the novel to be choppy and disconnected to one another

2. Side characters (3/10)
Author forces cannon fodders to continuously describe how physically attractive both MC's are. Many cannon fodders died or just disappeared all together. Some were so forgettable yet they are given more "screen time"... more>> only to be killed off again. Contradicting character personalities. Example: Main antagonist Sheng is someone who doesn't give af about anything yet suddenly describes FL as vicious and jealous causing a spy and a maid to die (even though he was the one who sends different assassins multiple times.) His disdain was so random and forced to justify his role. Smh.

3. Main Characters (-3/10)
FL is to lazy to think, scheme and retaliate. Even if she does react, she needs to do it halfassed 'cause she's too "lazy" to think. Don't worry though, she is physically strong. She doesn't need a protection of a man, or scheme like a woman. She is literally a "strong" independent woman. She does what she wants and she can get away with it 'cause she is, again, physically strong. Compared to ML who can't even carry FL without tripping. Don't worry he's the schemer. He's so hot that even though he tortures people gruesomely, he is a "good" person as he is so gentle to his wife and pampers her a lot. He is also physically attractive so it whitewashes him being a sadistic psychopath. Even the ending says ML did so much stuff that maybe he's a time traveller. 'Cause FL was so lazy that historians don't need to mention her modern day ideas. Credits only go to the ML and its ok 'cause they're deeply in love...

4. Plot (3/10)
Stale, bland and flat. 60 chapters in and still no earth shattering events at all because FL is lazy. Transmigration and previous job as an actress were never used to make FL shine at all. So why mention her as a transmigrator? Multiple times author pushed the imperial family as great actors so why even bother mentioning FL being an actress before? MC has no real role so plot has no real goal to accomplish. Meh.

My thoughts: I so wanted to drop this at c48 but still I persevered to continue. You need to be at least at chapter 68 for some "action". Tbh, you can skip all 67 chapters and you wouldn't even miss anything. Ending was so lackluster I wish I never wasted my time reading this. Novel suffered a lack of both creativity and direction. It was just plain boring. You won't miss anything at all if you don't read this at all. (4/10) <<less
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willwiz
willwiz
Oct 22, 2016
Status: Completed
The similarity between this novel and "To be a virtuous wife" is stunning. Anyone who enjoys TBAVW would absolutely enjoy this one. Contrary to the translator, despite reading TBAVW first, I actually like this novel a bit more hehe. As a side note, I don't think the English title for the novel is quite correct. 八宝妆 Isn't referring to a trousseau. This really supposed to be something like "The eight treasure dowry".

Spoiler

This isn't up in the story until the second last chapter, when she presents it to the male lead. It has a specific meaning within the story for the protagonist and represents the central theme of the story. However, you are not told of it until you finish reading the story basically. This is no impact on the story itself.

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For those who are not familiar with TBAVW. This novel is a Chinese historical political drama with royalties contending for the crown. The plots and schemes within this story tenders to be more realistic than some of it's novel counterparts. Readers are expected to enjoy the characters and their roles in a particular troubled and contentious time within the universe, rather than be in awe at the greatness and brilliance of the protagonists and their abilities.
Spoiler

The Transmigration (more so reincarnation) in this story is mainly used to explain the protagonist's personality and ideals which doesn't not conform to the moral and ethics within the novel universe, while playing no other roles.

The protagonist in this story is one of the more unique one that I've read. She's basically my hero, with her attitude and choice of lifestyle. Definitely the best part of the novel itself. Being able to live the lifestyle that she wants, while showing occasional brilliance when needed to stay safe and protect the ones she cares about.

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The story is very very well written, with great pacing, foreshadowing, descriptive language, and a great cast of characters with interesting personality. This is one of the very few novels that I would expect almost all readers to enjoy. Absolutely give this a shot if you have the time.
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Mikleo
Mikleo
May 20, 2017
Status: --
Normally, I'm pretty lenient when giving out ratings and reviews.

However, I just find this novel to be pretty Boring. Yes, Boring.

It seems that majority of the reviewers here gave out reviews and ratings because this is a 'TBAVW 2.0' as they like to say, but really, with the current pace, I had a hard time liking this novel.

I read plenty of novels, whether it be Chinese, Korean, Japanese and others. I also don't categorize the word 'Boring' because of this novel's lack of action. I find it Boring because hell,... more>> there is mostly nothing happening in the 'Dialogue' department. The Author just like to explain things and write 'This Happened', 'That Happened', and then the Dialogues were even cut short. Another thing was, there is almost No Hype at all.

I guess I would've liked this novel if I didn't read novels like Chu Wang Fei, or maybe even Demon Wang's Golden Favorite Fei. But ultimately, even though I love Lazy Main Characters (aka The Lazy King), I am quite disappointed that the story became dragging in the end.

There is Almost No Chemistry with the Female MC and the Male Lead. It's like, ok, they kissed, and yeah, they had s*x. But there is often a dead air when those two get together.

I don't know if it's the Translator's fault that the 'original' feeling that the Author wanted to portray to readers was Dampened severely... or this was just the way the Author intentionally wrote it. <<less
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Xing
Xing
Oct 22, 2016
Status: c3
As far as I know Dream of Jianghu always pick good quality novel n for this novel...

She pick a good one again ToT *all hail wyhcwe I luuubbhh uuu

The story written well and the pace just right--It's not draggy nor it's too fast.

The male lead is similar to "To Be a Virtuous Wife" male lead who respect his wang fei but... it's not revealed that much yet n the cliff atm (c3) really killing me ???
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Fathom
Fathom
May 31, 2017
Status: Completed
A bit on the dry side. Not so much for the plot, but because of the romance. There's plenty of political conspiracies, and social backstabbing play, but the romance was a bit lacking.

Female lead is a transmigrated soul who used to be an actor of all things in modern times. After transmigration, basically all she does is sleep and eat. Of course, she is so beautiful that it doesn't really matter that she has a sloth like personality. Throughout it all, the female lead is not only super smart, but... more>> she has uber martial skills. Most of which is barely used at all, as she prefers to just sleep and eat all day. It's a different change in pace from the usual OP female leads in other novels. However, her lazy personality makes the story drag because she has absolutely no interest in any of the events around or what her husband is doing. Not only that, she basically doesn't even show much emotion towards her own husband.

Perhaps, the story would have benefited with another narrator, but the lack of interest in the machinations of politics causes me as reader to also feel ambivalent about the story plot or any other character as well.

It isn't until maybe around the last chapters that the female starts to believe in love, but really it was just practically in a summary at the end.

If you like "To be a Virtuous Wife" you may like this, but TBAVW is far much better because there is more emotional input and more in-depth conspiracy play. <<less
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KKristen
KKristen
Feb 23, 2017
Status: c107
As most people have said, this story has some similarities to To Be A Virtuous Wife:
- The premise is similar: a woman from the modern entertainment industry is reincarnated in the body of a new wife in a country similar to Ancient China.
- The tone and pacing are similar since it is the same author and translators.

However, there are some noticeable differences so far:
- The main character's personality is far more casual and laid-back than in TBAVW. She's lazy, less firey, and also is an extremely rare... more>> "calamitous beauty."
- This story is already beginning to be darker and bloodier than the previous one. Nothing too extreme yet, but I can predict it coming...

I'll post a more full review later, but for now here's what you really need to know:
- You can enjoy this series without reading TBAVW first. However, I would recommend starting with that, since it's already complete and this one has just started.
- The translation quality of Dreams of Jianghu is great as usual. However, as usual, there's a lot of Chinese vocabulary used in the beginning that can make it a challenging read for readers new to this sort of Chinese light novel.
- Overall, this series looks promising and isn't a clone of TBAVW (yet). Give it a try if you like stories focused on female main characters in the fu and imperial court.

Update:

Much like the characters themselves, this story slowly grows on you. The intelligent main couple are a breath of fresh air, and it's great watching their unspoken understanding and growing trust in each other. This novel's ending does not disappoint. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a realistic, subtly endearing, sometimes mellow, sometimes exciting, historical drama. <<less
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Ruyi
Ruyi
Nov 08, 2016
Status: c6
I like this story, and I'm surprised by how calm the elements play out. I expected intrigue and backstabbing and plots, which seems typical of tales in this genre, but there's something very relaxing about this story and its MC so far. You get a sense that she and her husband are capable, calm people with common sense who are equipped to face any troubles befalling them in the future. It's almost... comforting, and a refreshing change from the constant Drama - Tension - Shock - Tension - DRAMA you... more>> see everywhere else. To be honest, I've yet to finish TBAVW so I can't speak on their similarities, but I like the refreshing twist on atmosphere in this one. Looking forward to future chapters! <<less
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fan63
fan63
Nov 29, 2017
Status: c101
This novel demonstrates that truth may be hidden in plain sight. No one is what they portray themselves to be. Look for the alternatives in all situations. The story is centered around two people who are polar opposites. Who are forced into a marriage that neither wanted, but, accepted it. And agreed to work to live peaceably. They are attractive and physically indulgent of one another. He is a scholar with an outwardly docile appearance. In reality he is truely brilliant and masterfully vicious. She is a beauty with out... more>> rival concerned with her own leisure and dining. Under all this she too is skillful in reading personalities and actions of others. She has excellent martial art skills which she keeps hidden. Hah! Until she really needs them. This couple will support the other in all things. So there is no separating this couple. No matter what happens they are "one". Cast in ancient China this couple manuevers their way through the battle field of the royals of the Imperial Palace and it's relative Wangfus.. They are envied and feared by most because they move as a forged unit which is inpenetrable. This novel gives a snapshot of life with the royals. You see how a misplaced word may lead to death or a surprise alliance. You see how love is always sought after, but, rarely obtained because position is more relevant to your needs. Read this novel for the adventure of a life time in one short book. Follow the grandeur of life in and near the palace. It is not at all what it seems to be. <<less
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pinkumilkuu
pinkumilkuu
Oct 17, 2019
Status: Completed
A very underwhelming read. I had high expectations as ratings were high and the plot seemed really good unfortunately, it failed me. I felt like I read a really long summary of a novel. This is NOT the translators fault, it really was how the story was told by the author. The story lacks clarity, everything was semi-vague. Our couple is harmonious but that was it. Both "understands" each other but they didn't really talk abt certain matters that needs to be addressed. If you're bored then read this. If... more>> not, go check other novels. <<less
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Elementarteilchen
Elementartei
Aug 03, 2019
Status: --
BEFORE YOU READ:

You better open the glossary first and start to learn all the chinese terms in this novel. Otherwise it could be really confusing on what is going on.

I'm also not talking about simple terms like "meimei" and "daren" etc.

I read a lot of chinese novels, therefore I know a lot of terms, but this here is on a whole new level. There are new terms everywhere and you need to know them all to be not utterly lost and confused about the relationships and what is going on... more>> here.

I also had to reread some sentences and think about who is related to whom and about some meanings. So, this novel isn't something you just start and enjoy reading it.

YOU HAVE TO INVEST TIME. I dropped this sometime, because it is really hard to get into it. <<less
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MisheruBookish
MisheruBooki
Jan 30, 2017
Status: completed
This is my favorite novel after To be a Virtuous wife. Dreams of Jianghu really knows how to pick treasures among those numerous novels. I read novels with almost/ the same genre and I still find the two novels (ETT, TBAVW) highly favorable with its stable flow of story and high quality of characters, plot and theme.

Spoiler

I really love that HXW is an intelligent woman whom one should not underestimate albeit that she always does not care about anything but eating and sleeping. She is from a loving family and does not have to fight concubines which is in contrast of TBAVW. Though It seems to be bit lacking with the ending (atleast for me), the story is still worth reading for.

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dysry
dysry
Nov 01, 2016
Status: c20
Written by the same author as TBAVW, it's easy to get your hopes up for ETT. And if you liked TBAVW, you'll like this - only not as much. Generally speaking, ETT is a dumbed down, in your face version of TBAVW, with maybe half the charm. The female lead is beautiful and whimsical, while the male lead is cunning but devoted to his wife, and the two navigate through the political landscape with ease. In terms of background, the female lead has it a lot easier (so it was... more>> a little forced to give her the exact same views and doubts as Qu Qing Ju), but her husband's position is less stable, allowing for more cloak and daggers. Overall, the author has decided to play it safe and stick with what she knows, so ETT doesn't really bring anything new to the table - to the point that barely anyone can review this without mentioning TBAVW. Hopefully it will develop into a story in it's own right, but right now it's exactly what it's described as - TBAVW 2.0. In terms of translations, it's easier to follow since I've already read TBAVW, but for someone just starting out, it'll be very confusing and take a lot of patience. 3.5/5 <<less
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Kardelune
Kardelune
Oct 20, 2020
Status: Completed
There is a lot of subtext to this story. The reader is expected to read between the lines a lot of the time. This story isn't amazing through it's plot, or characters (those don't defer much from the average historical asian story) but by the way it is written. And it is masterfully done.

The narration is in third person, but it's (mostly) not omniscient. A lot of the time it's a bit like watching the story from a camera above the FL's head (occasionally we get other people's pov but... more>> the MCs are always seen from the side, never from inside their heads). We are never told the thoughts in the characters heads unless they speak them out loud, we are never told the reasoning behind their actions, unless they explain them or until their actions bear consequences. It's a little hard to explain, some people might not like it because it makes the reader slightly removed from the action.

I've seen other reviews describe it as calm, boring, or lacking emotion, dampened, semi-vague... I get why they would feel that, but I disagree. This novel is an amazing demonstration of what "show don't tell" means. Every emotion is shown, the attachment between the two leads is there in the gestures they share, the small smiles they exchange. Their intentions and tension is hidden in the double meaning of their words, and in all the things they don't talk about. It's not dull, it's an HD photo. One so simple and well taken that it's hard to understand why it stands out without putting some thought into it. We can choose to figure it out or just accept that it does stand out.

We are spectators to the lives of these people, and we have to exercise our own insight to see through the words and actions of everyone. It's a little like the first three quarters of a detective story (Sherlock Holmes and the like), where we are given the events and hints that sometimes seem contradictory and we try to figure it out. Normally there's then a big reveal where the detective explains everything. We don't get that here.

The end result?

We KNOW that the FL is smart and cunning and vicious if she needs to be, but we never see her be anything but what most people in the story think she is: a beautiful, naive, lazy princess.

We KNOW that the ML is just as smart and cunning and vicious, and probably the greatest villain of the whole story, but he maintains the image of a righteous man who obtained his position and power through being in the right place and justly punishing the truly evil ones and finally reluctantly stepping up to do his duty to the people and the country.

We aren't fooled, and yet it's all hearsay, happenstance, and suspicion. We have no concrete proof of their true nature, just so much second hand evidence that we know what the hidden truth is. There is no detailed explanation, we will know everything that happened and yet we will not get a confirmation that we are right. The author simply trusts that the readers will understand. And I think that's beautiful. <<less
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hastingsj
hastingsj
Jan 20, 2020
Status: c42
I only made it to ch42 before skipping to the end, the reason being that it was very dry and each chapter had at most 2 interesting lines. I lost nothing and nothing unexpected occured.

the narrator is as lazy and aloof as the protagonist. instead of giving you any deep meaningful character interactions, this novel gives you a few lines of double talk and expects you to turn it into something deep yourself. Yes, you say the characters are deep, cautious, and not what they appear... can you show me... more>> any examples? bc you, the narrator, seem to be keeping all those scenes to yourself.

by ch 42 we have minimal indication that the male lead MAY have devoloped some feelings for his wife (the main character), but we know with certainty that the MC still either fully belives he is acting or just gives no shots (or both). It even seems at this point the male lead is getting a bit frustrated by her complete distain for living.

On the other hand, the MCs complete stone cold indifference to this abitious man is pretty unique in a genre full of empresses who went mad for love and were betrayed, only to need a second try to learn not to easily give their hearts away to ppl who will use it as a stepping stone. The fact that she gives him literaly NOTHING probably attributes to him not scrowing her over since her affection in any form probably becomes more vauluable the harder he has to work for it. Its just male lead neglect.

Spoiler

MC, your husband is mu*dering ppl and doing court intrigue, please care a little, the audience is bored.

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OHtheNovelty
OHtheNovelty
Dec 12, 2017
Status: Completed
Even though at times I didn't understand the implications each move a character made, this novel is very well thought-out in terms of characterization and in plot. If I had to describe one word for this novel, "complex" would be it. Nothing is simple, everyone has a hidden dagger hiding up their sleeves.

Overall a great read. Thank you translators for all your hard work and your blunt comments. They helped sometimes when I didn't understand what happened in chapters.
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mshh
mshh
Sep 01, 2018
Status: Completed
I like the subtle meanings. But there were so many subtle meanings! Nothing is explicitly stated.

And I couldn't grow attach to the FL and ML. There wasn't much on personality/character development but just re-emphasis on how lazy but strong and beautiful the FL is. The ML had a dark side which was never really explored as he is cruel to the spies in his household and the reincarnated FL knew but accepted it as the norm in that timeline.

I like how the FL's family is very supporting. Her mom is... more>> a tigress who will defend her babies.

But overall, it was a bland read. <<less
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xchronicles
xchronicles
Sep 10, 2018
Status: c108
I don’t really get why most people would give 5 stars, at most this novel would be 4.

  • With all the building up chapters for the ML’s seize of throne, the ending seems a bit rushed.
  • The ‘schemings’ seems a joke for me. Full of plot holes and plot armor and pretty predictable.
  • Another love sick ML
  • Can’t help but compare it to TBVW and the latter’s more beautifully written and the character’s more alive.
  • One thing I like most in this novel is compared to other ancient times novel, this one has more sense and not so much face slapping
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Cresentruby
Cresentruby
May 04, 2019
Status: --
I don't understand this novel. Too much holes unexplained.

The only scheme which I knew is the killing of young master Zhang. But how his body can thrown outside the city?

Too many unexplainable ?

I cannot feel any love from female lead as well. She is too lazy to show a bit affection?
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New Moon
New Moon
Dec 07, 2017
Status: c104
One of best ancient china novel. I like how lazy clever kind and strong MC is. She is protected toward her family. She is my fav character. I like her and ML interact. They are prefect couple.

great unique story that hook you in. I love this novel very much. Worth to read this novel.
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Littledragonlady
Littledragon
Oct 11, 2016
Status: c108
Review after completely reading this novel. Despite what the TL said about how this novel is heavier, more sinister, bloodier than TBAVW, don't let it hinder yourself from reading 8TT. It is indeed bloodier, but at the same time, feels more realistic as battles for throne shud be. Pst. 8TT is still much milder than the vicious political battle in Princess Wei Yang. MC is a somewhat gentler, more forgiveful than her
Spoiler

savage, merciless husband who keep a dungeon wherr he torture his enemy

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and somehow, these contrasting characteristic blends very well, presenting us with sweet, lovey dovey scene.
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Karumin
Karumin
Jun 24, 2023
Status: c108
The transmigration part is useless. She being an actress reborn in ancient times has not weight at all other than highlight the high quality performance of the interactions of the Imperial family. By how lazy the MC is, the author could have just said she was a cat born human and it would be more fitting (there are many scene with her just laying on the bed or other places, literally yawning while interacting with others), or better yet just cut-off the mention of her being a modern times actress,... more>> since it doesn't affect in anything the novel. Like, at all.

She was just aloof, sleeping and eating leisurely and displaying her beauty, the scheming one was the ML.

A bit heavy on scheming and foreshadowing but still manages to engage the lector, but didn't enter on my favorites. <<less
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