The good

I like the fact that the author did not hesitate to show the realities of being an enuech. So many palace novels tend to gloss over the ugly realities of the whole palace system.

Like the fact that the maids and servants had to kneel in snow for such a long time and get whipped until their skin turned out.

I also like the fact that both MC and the ML have both been affected by this horrendous system that their personality is shaped adapting this. Even the king is not spared.

All characters are morally gray in some aspects.

The MC and ML are sort of a cut out characters but the whole palace system added to their uniqueness. The ML especially I like the fact that they both accept that they will have s*x life without his dick

The bad

The bdsm aspect. Power play done wrong. Why would you expect your readers to feel horny when the MC is worried over the fact that he will either get r*ped or he has to hold in his piss because he is imprisoned. The MC over the entire novel was worried and so worked up over his words and actions that I felt so bad for him.

After raping him for over half a month or a month (again the Mtl kept changing) , I felt the whole situation was bad.

But again as said by the MC, " I have never felt someone has ever loved me, and even the one I loved betrayed me, so the ML will have a special place in my heart "

Since it is set in ancient times and is a little bit realistic, I feel the ending is ok, even though the MC deserves way better.