Golden Stage

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The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis.

With one marriage edict, two people with mutual hostility are forced to marry and live under the same roof. Yet after these long days together, they come to the realization that this fellow is not truly devoid of any saving grace/unattainable and high out of reach.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Golden Terrace
Hoàng Kim Đài/Đài Hoàng Kim
Huáng Jīn Tái
หวงจินไถ ปรปักษ์เร้นรัก
黄金台
Related Series
Fight the Landlord, Fall in Love (Spin-Off)
Devoted To The Stand-In (Spin-Off)
Recommendations
Sha Po Lang (15)
Qiang Jin Jiu (11)
Peerless (8)
The Fourteenth Year of Chenghua (5)
Thousand Autumns (5)
Those Years In Quest Of Honour Mine (4)
Recommendation Lists
  1. "Vamos partilhar a vida boa juntos"
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  4. All BL Novels I've Read Part (1)
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192 Reviews sorted by


Peachzixe
Peachzixe rated it
June 12, 2020
Status: c53
Very beautiful! I love the relationships between the ML and MC.

It's very satisfying, the storyline actually has an interesting plot filled with mysteries, conspiracies and plots.

The characters are fleshed out and well-rounded, there's character growth and development.
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Sasanz
Sasanz rated it
March 6, 2020
Status: c40
Strong characters from both MC & ML. Even the slightest gestures between them two shows the deep respect and love they have for each other. Should really thank the Emperor for the force marriage! Personally love this story for the great plot and steady developments of the different individuals. A MUST read!
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lanyons
lanyons rated it
December 4, 2019
Status: c13
a really underrated novel about a general and official forced into marriage by a corrupt emperor. But joke's on the emperor because these two develop such respect & tenderness & love for each other & they become a power couple & take down their enemies. Similar to 'nirvana in fire' in terms of politics/court dynamics/loyalty & devotion/the villains getting their comeuppances
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BiMyself
March 2, 2024
Status: Completed
I'm in love with this novel. One thing that absolutely blows my mind is the romance. It took me much longer than or should've to finish this book, because I kept rereading paragraphs or chapters. There interactions were so precious that I just wanted to sear them into my brain. They're are very very few times when I've liked both the MC and the ML almost equally, and this is one of those very few times. Fu Shen is powerful, sassy, confident with a beautiful soul, he has taken the... more>> No 1 spot of my favourite damnei characters (I'm sorry Shen Zechuan). The ML is not much less loveable; a powerful, confident, glib- tongued, beautiful man, who is absolutely devoted to the one he loves although he frequently does silly things, which is part of his charm. Although the later part of the story doesn't focus much on their romance, you could see their devotion to each other amidst extended periods of separation. <<less
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buuble
buuble rated it
September 5, 2023
Status: Completed
I love I love and I love Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen! Perfect couple that compliments each other and listens and understands. They trust each other with their lives and you can feel that trust between the pages. Their healthy relationship was such a fresh take <3

The book itself is relatively heavy in plot and schemes. There were a couple of times where I lost track of some character names but taking a few notes helped. However, the CP and their relationship felt as important as the plot, so I... more>> think the author created a perfect balance. Would def recommend to everyone!! <<less
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ghoststories
ghoststories rated it
January 28, 2023
Status: Completed
Was hard for me to get into this book because of the writing style. A lot of random literary references, and the author treats the reader like an idiot, overexplaining plot points just in case we didn’t understand what happened.

Characters carried it through the first half for me. Second half had some OOC. I did like MC and ML’s hate/love dynamic with each other. Felt their backstory was not super believable as an emotional basis, but at least the present-day timeline interactions felt nice.
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amy97
amy97 rated it
October 11, 2022
Status: c43
Okay... I picked up this novel out of boredom as I didn't had anything else to read. It was already a long time since I avoided reading it but I couldn't one afternoon of October'22.

Current status: chapter 43.

Mc: Fu Shen (Shou) He is (was) a general who is strong, independent, and at times, a bit childish.

... more>> Ml: YXH (Gong) He is court lackey who is strong, fox-like, and also, very childish.

Also note, they don't switch. The author made it very clear. Apparently, there is some misunderstanding. Although that doesn't change the fact that the story is really intriguing and full of fluff.

But, yes there is a but.

The story does feel like a slow burn not in terms of the fluff because there is plenty of it but in regards to the plot line itself. There is just too much politics going on. So, ultimately, it's not a novel that is an easy-read.

My personal opinion: for now, I am dropping it cause of my own personal preferences. So far, I liked the novel, no doubt about that. But I would have liked it more if Fu Shen could've been the top. You see, ultimately, it seemed that even though the author didn't want to follow the stereotypes yet, ended up making the characters a bit stereotypical.

Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that story itself is bad. It had so many moments where I couldn't keep myself from smiling. The story itself is quite wholesome, like the interactions between the main couple.

It's just that it's a bit too brainy. <<less
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The_Crimson_Moon
The_Crimson_Moon rated it
August 1, 2022
Status: Completed
What a ride! I am sooo soooo glad I read this novel. I was initially a bit hesitant looking at the 5 star reviews because I'm paranoid (like is it really THAT good???) and it felt almost too good to be true, but no. This was that good. It was SOOO GOOD. Golden Stage is god-tier writing (characters, world-building, plot, pacing, etc.) and oh my dear god the translation is 50895 million/10. Thank you so much Chichi-sama! Your translations were absolutely gorgeous, it was like reading a book and you... more>> really captured the poetic nature and the essence of the og work!!! Thank you so so much :)

I fell in love with Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan and I promise that if you haven't read this, you will also fall in love with these adorable characters and the vivid and engrossing plot. Strongly, strongly recommend this!!! <<less
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afaerytale
afaerytale rated it
July 11, 2022
Status: extra 5
NO SPOILERS REVIEW

One of the best light novels I've read in a while.

(As an aside for the hardcore fujoshis out there: there is no smut in this book. I repeat: THERE IS NO SMUT. Now, on with the review.)

... more>> The characterisation and character development was *chef's kiss* and the relationship dynamic between the two main characters is just beautiful to watch.

The synopsis pretty much summarises the opening plot of the novel.

Fu Shen (MC) and Yan Xiaohan (ML) are both high-ranking members of the imperial court. Fu Shen is a Duke and decorated general with incredible military accomplishments. Yan Xiaohan is the head of the Flying Dragon Guard (which is basically like Internal Affairs). Because Yan Xiaohan investigates cases among the nobility and civil officials, he is both feared and reviled by the rest of the court. He is derogatorily referred to as 'the court lackey' because he is one of the Emperor's most trusted subordinates and acts as his eyes and ears. On the other hand, Fu Shen is adored by the masses and revered as a hero. He has devoted his entire life and sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears to bring peace to the realm. The Emperor has grown increasingly threatened by his large influence (there is a longer, more in-depth explanation given for this involving Fu Shen's family history, the power struggles in the court, and the Emperor's own ascension to the throne that I won't go into here) and is convinced Fu Shen is just a few steps away from overthrowing him. Because of this political friction, Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen aren't on good terms. They constantly bicker whenever they meet, with Yan Xiaohan attempting to suppress Fu Shen's power at every turn and Fu Shen fighting back. The entire realm knows the two are irreconcilable enemies.

At the beginning of the novel, Fu Shen is returning to court fresh from the war front after recently surviving an assassination attempt. Although he survived, he lost all mobility in his legs and is confined to a wheelchair. Despite Fu Shen being crippled, the Emperor is still wary of him. In an attempt to curb his power and limit his actions, he decrees a marriage between the two arch-rivals... and that's when things get start to get interesting.

Regarding the mystery aspect of the novel, the plot is centered around two major puzzles our main characters have to solve. The first half of the novel follows our MCs as they work to uncover the identity of the mastermind behind Fu Shen's attempted assassination. The second half of the novel follows their journey as they trace the source of a deadly drug with fatal consequences that ultimately leads them to the doorstep of a years-old conspiracy that spans the entire realm. The two mysteries are important because the outcomes of our MCs' investigations have major ramifications for them both personally and politically.

However, while there are political conspiracy plots and a heated war going on, that all takes a back seat to the main characters and their relationship. (At least, it did to me.)

I read a quote somewhere once that loving a hero is overrated because a hero will sacrifice you to save the world, but a villain will sacrifice the world to save you. Yan Xiaohan is that villain. He is 100% the type to set the world on fire and watch it burn just to keep his lover warm. (Which I LOVE.) Although I wouldn't go so far to call their relationship a hero x villain type, it does reflect it to a certain degree. Yan Xiaohan embodies a lot of the stereotypical villain characteristics - selfish, indifferent, ruthless, cunning, etc. On the other hand, Fu Shen possesses the classic 'hero' personality - loyal, steadfast, kind, brave, selfless, etc. It would have been easy for the author to let them remain in the two-dimensional boxes of 'hero' and 'villain', but their characters have so much more depth and complexity than that. If Yan Xiaohan is a cunning lone wolf, then Fu Shen is a proud, fearless eagle. They couldn't be more different, but this made it even more touching and beautiful to watch them grow - both in love and as people - and learn to trust each other.

To give some background here, Fu Shen was born into nobility as the eldest son of a Duke and racked up a slew of achievements in the war to earn his own separate ducal title. So, he's a Duke both by birthright and by his own achievements. On the other hand, Yan Xiaohan is the adopted son of a eunuch - something he is repeatedly mocked for, growing up - and was born as a commoner. Because Fu Shen is so much higher than him, both in court position and birth rank, Yan Xiaohan possesses an inferiority complex which Fu Shen works to alleviate.

On the other hand, Fu Shen's selflessness and sense of duty can go overboard to the point of self-harm. He frequently places the needs and desires of others before his own - to the point of placing his own life in danger. Yan Xiaohan works to ease his mind and show Fu Shen that it's not his job to take responsibility for and shoulder the burdens of the entire world.

They balance each other perfectly.

The side characters were also realistic and well-fleshed out, with their own motivations, goals, and desires. If I'm really being nitpicky about this novel then I wish they had been given more attention. (Particularly the sister. She was one of my fav characters and I would have loved to read her POV for certain scenes, particularly in the second half of the novel. I was disappointed most of what we learn about her story is indirect/second-hand.)

Definitely 5/5 stars, 100%.

(PS Some readers feel that FS doesn't love YX as much as YX loves FS, but I don't agree.) <<less
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terri5fication
terri5fication rated it
June 16, 2021
Status: Completed
Beautiful story and amazing translation by ChiChi.

MC and ML has the healthiest relationship I have ever read about. They talked out their feelings like actual adults !

I wish there was even more because I definitely cannot get enough of it.
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Misa07
Misa07 rated it
May 25, 2021
Status: Completed
This is one of those novels which make you feel so utterly happy and full of love that you see the world in a new light.

The Plot:

Pretty good for an easy read. It is engaging enough to not make me want to skip the politics part, and not heavy enough that I focus on it more than the CP. A very well balanced ratio of angst and victories and politics and fluff, honestly I did not expect it to be so good.

... more>> The Characters and the CP:

GORGEOUS. One of the best things about this novel (and a lot of my favs) is that the MC and ML aren't dependent on the other in any way.
Spoiler

At least, like, they can manage on their own. The fact that the MC lets the ML take care of him in his house is more of a if-he-is-willing-why-should-I-say-no-to-free-service kind of thing

[collapse]
They are completely functional adults and they stay together because they want to, not that they need to (except, well, the arranged marriage part but I mean emotionally). Also they spoil each other so bad oh my god...

Spoiler

Also, they actually aren't enemies. Like sure they "disliked" each other (it's one sided anyways) but it ends up being mutual co-operation in like five chapters anyways

[collapse]

The Translations:

A wonderful job. They're one of my favourite translators anyways, and they never fail to do a spectacular job

TL;DR:

Cute CP who spoil each other rotten, with a good mix of politics and court drama and a wholesome arranged marriage trope. Go read it. <<less
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AmeTG4
AmeTG4 rated it
September 3, 2020
Status: --
I love this novel with my whole heart.

Okay but can we talk about how this novel literally has the " #friends to enemies to lovers #power couple #forced marriage #childhood sweethearts " hashtags and the writing is so good it doesn't feel cliche at all? Also lol those enemies to lovers narratives are something I've always enjoyed, but this is like the superior version.

I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't go in depth about why I love the MC and ML, but I totally appreciate that both of... more>> them have really powerful characters and their past is tasteful.

The first chapters are a little slow, but get past 5 and you'll be unable to stop until you finish. I hope everyone will give this novel a shot.

The plot is good, the characters are very good and it's not really a hard read in my opinion. It has a narrative, but it's not a very difficult one if you don't take really long breaks between reading so you forget details.

All in all I'm really grateful I was able to read this novel❤️ <<less
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chiakiss
chiakiss rated it
August 9, 2020
Status: Completed
i legit LOVED this story I don't even feel sad its over because it was such a perfect book, from beggining to end. I don't even feel that I can do a pros and cons review because it would just be a pros and pros

Both the ML and the MC are strong and defined characters, which is rare to happen to the extent that it does in this novel. More often than not, one of the leads suck, or is okay but lacks shine and one of the parties is... more>> the really developed character. In these one, both fell like real people, truly amazed me.

basically they are opposites to each other, but not in a shallow "x is weak and shy and y is bold and strong". They both have high positions in the government, and are strong in their own aspects, but their differences lie in their morals, their personalities, the way the present each other to society and the position they have. From just that, they really wouldnt get along, but the author explored the nuances in their personalities so well, their getting together was not forced at all. Their interactions explore those details in full, and despite all of those obstacles in writing this couple, they are in harmony.

The way their insecurities, flaws and even the fluff moments are written are never OOC and that really makes you respect the author for writing two great characters that fit so well. My favourite moment was especially when there was a flashback to the past, and I could tell it was a flashback just from how the behaviour of Fu shen had changed. When you compare his teenage and adult self, you can see the similarities, and that they are the same person, but you can clearly see how he matured because of the war and got wiser, less impulsive, and more understanding of politics, but still bold and stubborn like he used to be lmao. I just thought it was genious, that consolitated that this is great writing from me

Other than that, the overall development of romance was smooth and the pacing was nice, and things never got stale because of the (also amazing and well developed) story. On itself, it was interesting, but it also kept their intereactions fresh and ever- changing.

The story is great: backgroung is well built, pacing is nice, chain of events make sense, and is entertaining. I Couldn't ask for more. It does, however, have a lot of info ou have to pay attention to. So, this is not a light read at all, but there wasn't excessive infodump; its just that you'll have to read the footnotes, especially on the first chapters that set the stage of the novel

Not problematic in the slightest, which makes me think "see, bl authors??? its so easy to not write problematic sh*t in our story. Its much better to read when ou dont have to excuse weird behaviour of the ML, or other f*cked up shit"

Translator was Amazing. I dare say its one of the best translations i've read. The vocab and language in this story are hard, but they nailed the translation, and kept the pacing good, and even went above and beyond and linked every reference to poem, joke, and saying. Also did footnotes for historical events... I stan

Anyways, a perfect 5 out of 5. Even though secondary characters don't have much of a presence, it's not like names are thrown around and then forgotten, or like it affects the flow of the story in any way. this story doesnt focus on them, and I feel like thats fine bc its not a must have and it did not affect anthing. So here's my love letter to this novel, I really hope you'll give it a chance if you're considering reading this, you wont be disappointed <<less
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toohappyforyou
toohappyforyou rated it
March 10, 2020
Status: Completed
ITS SO GOOD!!! The main couple actually communicates and they equally expressed their love to each other so it doesnt feel like a one sided love. The pacing is just right and you just grow to love both of the characters. The protaganists are really cunning and it really shows how it is like in the palace in ancient china. 10/10 qould recommend!!
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sfarraday
sfarraday rated it
December 30, 2019
Status: c20
From what I read so far (which is just a bit), this is a novel that deals with the values in life (what do we live for? Can the MC and ML find a common ground with their opposing values, or will their love for each other rise higher and surpass everyting?) . Also we have a bigger mistery, which I love. The author gives valuable clues moving an exciting story forward.

I like the caracters, they are strong and caring and are constructed though story and not just inner thoughts.

What... more>> I wish most is for the translated chapters to come sooner, I tried to mlt, but it is very hard to understand. So I will be good and wait. <<less
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donnaelvira
donnaelvira rated it
June 16, 2023
Status: --
I think this is more solidly a romance novel than certain other danmei I've read-- the focus is pretty strongly on the main couple vs. The side characters, so it's not a novel that comes off as "complex political plot with a gay romance thrown in on the side". Sometimes events do serve more to connect the romance scenes than anything. Still, the political elements of the plot, although straightforward to follow, were well-thought-out enough that they didn't come off purely as set-dressing for the romance.

Since that's the case, though,... more>> I would have preferred if the romance between the two leads would have taken a bit longer to develop-- any doubts they have about each other get resolved quickly close to the beginning of the novel. Their feelings don't seem to deepen a ton throughout the novel. There was initially some sense that their different political roles might make their relationship difficult (in the sense of having to pretend to be more at odds than they actually were), so I wished at times that that would have been a more prominent part of the plot than it turned out to be.

I was glad that the MC's disability wasn't milked for cheap melodrama. It seems more realistic as well as accurate to his character as a military man that he's able to adapt and take it stride rather than believing that his life is simply over. He isn't portrayed as pitiful for needing assistance from the ML. Later in the novel, some of the ways he's able to get around his physical impairments do seem like a deus ex machina, though.

This novel has a ton of hurt/comfort scenes, and not only involving the ML as caregiver either. I liked how eager they both were to accept comfort from each other, and since I love caretaking between a couple it was like it was written to go straight to my id. The author isn't afraid of stopping the action for some indulgent romance scenes, if that kind of thing's your cup of tea. I found their easy banter with one another cute, too. The "calling each other 'wife'" part was also really cute-- we get the sense that being a "male wife" is seen as humiliating by people in power, so the fact that they turn it into an endearment/bit of gentle teasing is sweet.

Overall, there were some flaws that prevented this from becoming an all-time favorite, but it was a fun read that hit many of the things I personally like in a romance. <<less
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ulf6503
ulf6503 rated it
March 22, 2023
Status: Completed
I read ChiChi’s translation when it was available, and the novel was amazing and read it twice. I bought the printed version to support the author, but the translated print is not as well written. However the story and plot are amazing. It’s really heart wrenching. Must read.
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Winterrz
Winterrz rated it
September 13, 2022
Status: Completed
It's alright. The MC and ML are likeable and influencial people. Fu Shen is such a big sweetheart and I don't think Yan Xiohan is as evil as he thinks of himself

Anyways 9/10. Would recommend 👍🏾
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cleocries
cleocries rated it
July 22, 2022
Status: Completed
finally finished this! I binged read it in a little less than 2 days, because it was just that good! this is a crippled general x emperor's envoy / imperial official story. now for the review:

firstly, I picked this up as I read a review that mentioned the story's similarity to that of Sha Po Lang (another wonderful novel btw) and I knew I had to give this a go. this book has that intense war-plot and politics like SPL, but that being said it is a completely original work;... more>> both titles are so equally good in it's own ways. Golden Stage is more mild, PG rated and has less gore descriptions than Sha Po Lang.

mc: I love him! he has a weak physique from having lost the use of his legs, but that has never stopped jingyuan from doing what he wants. he has a very strong mentality, continuously upholds the virtues he believes in. this form of righteousness that stay rigid even after going through so much in his life, is very admirable. he reminds me much of Zi Xi in SPL, a strong protagonist who values honour and always wants to see the good in others. that being said, he is not a pushover in any way, as he is still an intelligent and cunning general who would no hesitate to kill when needed. in the words of jingyuan: " A nobleman's place in this world was defined by what he did and did not do. "

ml: a doting, caring and protective man who loves and adores our MC so much. his feelings for jingyuan runs so deep, and is something that perhaps no other could ever truly understand but the couple themselves.
Spoiler

when I read the reveal that he had loved jing yuan ever since the beginning, and waited 7 years to finally reunite in one place together... cue the tears : (and he was completely content with watching our MC from afar, as long as he was safe.

[collapse]
xiao han is very sentimental, but that side of him will only ever be shown to jingyuan, and I think that is very beautiful. in the words of xiao han: " it isn't that he cannot be apart from me, it's that I can't be separated from him. "

the two of them are a matchmade in heaven, nothing can change that fact. the romance in this novel was so nice to read, the way their relationship blossomed as time went by, affection still so everlasting and eternal. " I hope to become the Southwestern Wind, so that I may remain in your arms always. " instant heart-melting moment gahhh~

the power play in this was great, and the plot is exciting because of the many twists and unexpected turns. there are many characters that get introduced throughout the novel, so it might take some time to adjust and remember. but it is so worth reading! 10/10 :) <<less
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moonbeam00
moonbeam00
January 11, 2022
Status: Completed
This is not only romantic story but a whole story abt how a dynasty can fall apart or unite bcs of a Monarch and how his subjects have to scramble to assist the Monarch in eshtablisment of a Nation. Through MC and ML story, we can feel how ugly political intricts and war can be. Two fated lovers, one has utmost dignity of a General with honors even when he was betrayed by his own Emperor and the other has to work his brain to survive the political complicated curent... more>> by being manipulative. The betrayal even when you are most loyal to your nation. The separation from loved ones because of the wagging war, and worse you didn't know the other was alive or die. And the two survived that many struggles. Seed of love sprouted unexpectedly from tender age, but blossomed in their prime times. Its a completed historical romance without petty intricts. <<less
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