“I pray that you’ll have a swift victory and return in triumph.” Yan Xiaohan’s hands never shook and he smiled as always, his voice soft and even. “I hope that you will hate me all your life.”

Golden Stage is an incredibly well written fake historical romance novel. Despite the focus being mainly on the couple, the plot of the book doesn't lag behind in the slightest and offers an intriguing story of court politics, manipulation and even mu*der mystery. The author comes up with a really good premise - a... more>> lot of arranged marriage novels are mostly nonsensical and have big plot holes but here the main character is forced into this arranged same-s*x marriage to strip him of political power after a failed assassination attempt. By not having heirs his title is bound to be returned to the throne after his death and he is therefore less of a threat. Meanwhile the male lead has his own reasons to accept the marriage - his own status is being raised and he can now exert his influence over the Northern army. They navigate their married life together but mostly try to survive in the ever-changing dangerous climate of the court.
The text is thankfully not overflowing with literary references (meaning: they are kept to an acceptable minimum). Despite this the whole book has a genuinely dignified tone, the scenes are tasteful and the romance while sweet doesn't inhibit the plot. I wouldn't be ashamed to recommend this novel to people who are completely disinterested in danmei or romance novels in general. <<less

Shortish well-translated complete work. Big appeal factors: adult power couple, genuinely explicitly like each other as friends from the beginning, super domestic, angst is due to external factors and not them being oblivious, not raised together from childhood. The first few chapters are heavy on the historical loredump, but things get easier to follow once the context is established.

One of the characters is a stern sarcastic border-guarding general whose legs have been disabled after an assassination attempt but he's playing up the injury for political reasons. The other is head... more>> of the imperial guard / black ops unit for the emperor who is considered a vicious scheming lackey, but is secretly super soft for the general. In order to nerf the general the emperor "grants" him a marriage to the imperial guard which they both protest because they're pretending to hate each other, but ultimately go along with it. So we get all this serious political intrigue paired with these two walking disasters being all domestic and flirty behind closed doors / in front of their coworkers, who think they must be brainwashed or something. It's not dissimilar to the dynamic of the latter half of Can Ci Pin's Lin-Lu pair once Lu becomes prime minister.

Some of the usual tropes – arranged gay marriage, enemies to friends to frienemies to lovers, getting injured protecting each other and hiding in a cave, erot*c use of the term 'gege', slightly out of left field s*x pollen (but leading to explicitly consensual sex), hurt/comfort in both directions. They start developing an *ahem* more intimate relationship pretty early on but the s*x is mostly vague. They have different philosophies and moralities which creates most of their interpersonal conflict but ultimately they work together behind the scenes on plot stuff. And, most importantly, TALK THROUGH THEIR ISSUES. Amazing, right. I mean they both def need therapy but it's nice that they have problems but are committed to dealing with them for a better marriage. <<less

I loved the main couple, they had an amazing dynamic. I found the story setting to be interesting but the pacing was a bit off. The story rushed a lot, especially towards the end. Also, it sometimes felt like a history lesson and not a novel. I wish the writer spent more time in writing the last 20 chapters. But other than that I loved it!

Not everyone's cup of tea. If you're not into political/historical stuff, then this is definitely not for you.

There's mutual respect and trust between our ML and the MC. Amidst the political and military unrest our MC and ML relationship unfolds beautifully. They built their relationship with trust and they are communicating really well. There's a lot of fluff when the MC finally realized his feelings towards his childhood "frenemy". Both are spoiled to each other in different ways. I just love their relationship and how they overcome all the problems... more>> that they meet along the way. Also, I love how our ML waited patiently and respectfully for our MC to realised his feelings towards him (no coercion/r*pe or egotistical bastard forcing the MC) before they do the deed.

The extra parts were also beautiful. <<less

I've never read a book so emotion-inducing before, this is just a beautiful piece of literature. The way the author wrote this book is so pleasing. It not only portrays the love between two people but also includes the way two people undergo hardships together only for their love to grow even more stronger. Their love is just so lovely, it makes me smile. The story is simply a masterpiece, I enjoyed the little humor and action in the story which made it even better.

I want to say more about... more>> the two leads but the story speaks for itself. Just read on and I'm sure you'll come to love FuShen and Yan Xiaohan as much as I do.

Its hard to find an ancient times Yaoi as good as this one. I wish for others to enjoy this book just like I did. It was a very interesting read and a must read for all those who wanna enjoy a BL story at its best.

Good reading to everyone. ^-^ <<less

Thank you so much for your hard work, Chichi!

This novel just hit the right spot. I am so tired of novels where I have to wait literally for the very last chapter to see the MC and ML properly together as a couple (if at all).

This story might be quite heavy on the history and political conspiracies, but MC & ML have the dynamic I was craving for. They are well-balanced, strong, and they learnt how to evolve as a married couple. What they discuss, stays between them. They never... more>> betray each other. And they are not too shy to show their mutual affection in front of others either. And I also liked how they refered to each other as Wife/Madame - and they meant as a display of affection rather than hinting that the other was weaker.

I simply love this couple. And the last extra about Fu Tingxin and Sun Luo was the cherry on top of this really delicious cake. Goes and stays in my Favs. <<less

there's a lot of history essay-like part but if you get over it this is really great. One of the greatest ML for real. Like a standard.

Well color me surprised, a novel with characters that actually communicate?! Did the sun rise in the west? I think majority of the things I've read and dropped were because the leads are annoying and it takes a hundred or so chapters for them to admit their feelings after a billion misunderstandings when all they had to do was sit down and talk.

Seriously though, enjoyed the story 5/5. Leads are lovable, really loved their banter as a couple, and the sweetness almost gave me diabeetus. Also hilarious that both treat... more>> the other as 'wife' (though it's pretty clear who the wife is...). Their relationship is also good, well, really good (not a fan of characters who force themselves on others for love, or force their feelings until the other caves in. The characters in this one developed their feelings over time, with mutual respect, until such a point that they both understand each other, even with crude drawings (LOL at the two geese drawing by Fu Shen)).

One thing I did wish was developed even just a bit more was Fu Shen's little sister, but I guess cannon fodder is cannon fodder. She could've at least gotten even a tiny fraction of her big bro's personality. But that's just me.

All in all, 5 stars, would recommend.

This review is brought to you via geese message. <<less

😭😭😭😭 YANFUUUUUUUU!!!! Pls read golden stage if you're looking for a very sweet and lovely story of two men that are thrown into an arranged marriage

It doesn't feel forced despite that premise. They learn to love each other and they're just ready to protect the other until the end. Their communication is unmatched and OMG THE YEARNING YESSSS ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ they are so so in love

... more>>

Spoiler

yan xiaohan turned out to be the illegitimate son of the yuantai emperor, and the changzhi emperor was his step brother, the family tree is.-.

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Emperors are so dumb but are we surprised??? I am happy than yanfu has each other to overcome everything ♡ (> ਊ <) ♡ <<less

I really love how much the MC and ML respect each other. Even when they were still enemies (of sorts) and really seem to like each other, they still respected each other's work. There's some degree of mystery in the midst of the political warfare and I really liked how they hinted many of the things to come beforehand, which just shows that the story was well planned. The progression of the story was at a good pace, and author was smart to skip through any potential unnecessary (actual) warfare... more>> and only write the parts that are important to the story, preventing it from being too draggy.

The relationship was cute too, especially in the later part when more was revealed and things happened.

(Saw a review about how the "characterization of the MC and ML seem to break after they got together" midway. Just like to tell everyone else to push through it! Personally, I don't think that's the case. It's more like when they're temporarily in a honeymoon phase and everything was just sweet and cute. Later, you can still see that they did not lose any of their strong characteristics as a general/envoy etc)

(Also, just like to mention that the translation here is done really really well. Historical novels in general are really hard to translate so kudos!!) <<less

This one is so good and deserved to be ranked a second on my favorite ancient novel after The grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. The plot really good and full of smart and unpredictable schemes, and both ML and MC is smart, outstanding but not overbearing or too OP. They are a three dimensional characters that come to live in that world and realistic also have many anxieties and concerns too. Very recommended, or you will regret not read it in your fujoshi lifetime reading experience~ The translation quality is also... more>> very good ❤️ Thanks for your hard work author and translator~ Thumbs up for you~ <<less

if I could lose my memories just so I can read this like the first time, I would.

do you ever just fall in love with a relationship because that was me with yanfu ... more>>

Spoiler

after the misunderstanding about cai yue was fixed. THE MOMENT FU SHEN GAVE HIM ANOTHER JADE PENDANT I SCREAMED.

plus there were quotes that made me scream. THE DEVOTION THESE TWO HAVE FOR EACH OTHER!!!

people weren't kidding when they said yanfu can make you aware how single you are, and if you were in a relationship, they'd make you feel like you Weren't in a relationship. they're so disgustingly sweet with each other blegh /j

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aside from the ship itself, I also very greatly enjoyed the plot! I remember the author saying something along the lines of "sorry this is boring" or something BUT??? IT WASN'T??? the mystery parts made me CLING TO MY PHONE WANTING TO KNOW WHAT COMES NEXT BECAUSE COME ON

i probably have a lot more to say but like. I just want to quote the entire

Spoiler

whitedew/fallnight white segment until the death of the changzhi emperor

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segment...

i fell in love so hard with this. PLEASE. PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY <<less

It's one of the underrated novels. I definitely would recommend it to all the readers, most especially if you are a fan of historical plus political intrigue type of novels. I love the dynamic of both the main character and the main lead. I definitely enjoy their journey. It is one of the most wholesome novels, I ever read. Each chapter of this novel has its fair share of comedy, romance, and angst. Also, I love how the author chose not to follow the common trope of a domineering male... more>> lead so definitely, it's a very refreshing read. I definitely observed the dedication the author gave to this novel. The information that connects to history also educates the reader as they go through in each chapter.

Also, I just want to add that the main couples are the best ones you can have. Both are supporting each other. No one forces anyone to do things that are against their will. It's just wholesome. You are gonna fell in love with them.

Lastly, a shout out to the translator, you did an awesome job! I'm giving you a warm tap on your shoulder.

I don't really want to add some spoilers so that anyone who reads this review has to read the novel. So, you'll come to love the novel as well.

Definitely loving Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan <3 <<less

One of the best BL novels and translation I've read. The plot is tight with perfect pacing and the characters are on point. This is one of the rare stories where the MC and ML has equal standing. In fact they could both be considered MCs. They both are equally well characterized and you get both POVs and the relationship is pretty equal too. The villains, semi-villains, aren't one-note and there is reason to their actions. The exception is the stepmother/half-brother which is one of the few weak points. The... more>> side characters are interesting. There are some that are mentioned only a few times but have great impact on the story in a way that feels real and not manufactured. It leaves me wanting more with a few of the side characters. <<less

This novel is just ??. I love the characters individually and together and very much so. Easily one of my all time favs. The entire time reading it I genuinely felt so content. Yah Xiaohan and Fu shen together make my heart warm. This novel is so wholesome and I absolutely loved it. The translation is also done so well and I'm so grateful for it.

I LOVED IT. That’s it. Since there are a lot of reviews already, I won’t go in details. Just... you want “enemies to lovers” but VERY WELL written? You want a traitor character that in the end you will just start to love madly? You want a super well written love story, with a lot of foreshadowing and not shallow at all? Well, this is for you.
All spiced up with a very well thought plot, that puts everything to his place and makes sense from start to the end.

So, yes, read it. Translation is amazing too.

OMG! This is one of the best Chinese BL novels I have read! The two protagonists are so well rounded and so compatible. Their interactions are too cute (even though neither is the "girl") And the world building is excellent, the plot well though out. Bravo! This should be turned into a drama. And not a Chinese bromance, since you cannot have the two men marry and have it be bromance, so I guess Netflix will have to produce it. I can't wait to see what the author's next... more>> novel will be like. <<less

This story is amazing! It’s perfect for those who enjoy historical BL and witty, strong characters. I felt that the main pair had a good balance between them and the sidecharacters and pairings brought a nice addition to that.

All I can say is that I’ve never read a CN BL novel with such fleshed out, multifaceted characters before (and I’ve read a lot) ! It was a gem to discover and read. The translator is phenomenal as well, and I throughly recommend it to anyone who wants to read something with substance behind it.

By far, the most mind blowing china palace politics novel I ever read.

A change of ruler by treason is usual, but to have a country besieged and a dynasty fell to the enemy, reclaimed it back, the new emperor to ascend and die while the previous emperor still alive? These are stuff I never read before.

Also, this is a novel in which you dont have a care of MC and ML, no need, since both are MCs. Golden Stage is a tedious with many and the lack of details yet... more>> it also felt short lived with only 78+extra) chapters. The wholesome chapters lack of care to the characters, other than main casts was somehow unsatisfying.

Nonetheless, as reader I am satisfied to have read this novel, and will visit to read them again. <<less