My first review ever.

1st, would like to give my thanks to translator for the great translation. Without you I think the beauty of this story won't be conveyed at all.

This story have a heavy plot with war, conspiracies, political intrigue as background.

... more>> The relationship between MC & ML also deep & intriguing. The intimate scene between them also written beautifully. I'm in love with both of them equally <3.

I have read many stories (danmei) before I start to read Qiang Jin Jiu, for me this story have its own style. Can't be compared with the others for sure and it's on my no.1 favourite danmei even though I haven't finished it yet.

And I also agreed with a review that said this story is a masterpiece. I feel I will never can get enough give a praise for this story. Love it so much <3 I wish I can read Chinese so I can read the original text (laughs). <<less

So I started this and by the time I got to the last chapter available, 140, I knew that this is a novel I am willing to wait for till it's completely translated.

This is my first comment on novel updates- to tell you how much I enjoy reading this novel.

I will give a better review once I'm done reading.

*mild spoilers

World: This is how I interpret the world in the story.
QuDu (capital city of Da Zhou) : dazhou, to me, is an alliance of separate nations. The states are independent with separate militaries and it’s own King (Lan Zhou’s dad being the former king of Zhongbo, and Xiao Chi Ye’s dad being the king of Li Bei). Each state answers to the emperor in Qu Du. Zhongbo (not dazhou) has 6 prefectures. After the death of Zhongbo’s army, the state was thrown into chaos with bandits pretty much becoming the ruling party in some prefectures. One of Lan Zhou’s primary goals in the first part is returning to Zhongbo.

Story: honestly I couldn’t really read the novel at first, so I got into the audio drama and then read the novel to contextualize everything. But the novel is definitely better. It’s one of those novels where every detail is explained later on, so things that don’t seem to matter actually do, but you don’t really have to remember much to understand what’s going on. The first 120 chapters it’s 50% plot 50% relationship. Transitions between major arcs are smooth, doesn’t feel like separate stories with the same characters.
Lan Zhou’s dad is guilty of treason and causes the death of 40, 000 soldiers in Zhongbo, and commits su*cide. Xiao Chi Ye’s brother (Xiao Jiming) defeats the enemy and becomes allies with QuDu and is forced to send a hostage into Qu Du in exchange, the hostage ends up being Xiao Chi Ye. Since Lan Zhou’s family are all dead, he’s left to carry the burden of an unfounded charge and everyone blames him for the death of 40, 000 people.

Shen Ze Chuan (Shen lan Zhou) : A tragic character through and through, but he’s not written to be pitied. Throughout the first 100 chapters we see his hardened shell with a few pieces of inner thought sprinkled throughout. I like to compare him to Fang Yuan from Reverend insanity in the sense that he could trample over anyone to achieve his goals; the major difference being that he has people he loves and wishes to protect, and only for those people can his risk ambition. A very human character and hands down the best written. Emotionally appealing in the sense that he’s hella badass (literally skins someone alive and laughs it off). Cool headed, indifferent, can actually fight for himself, and smart. He’s the bottom btw. Later on (ch150 and beyond) we start getting more and more of his inner thoughts, and realize just how broken he was. He’s very conscious of the things he’s done and feels insecure about it, but he doesn’t let this insecurity hinder his actions.

Xiao Chi Ye: his back story stands in stark contrast to Lan Zhou’s. He was born in a loving family in an environment where his natural abilities allowed him to earn praise from everyone. The story opens with him being sent to Qu Du as a political hostage, away from the family that loves him and from the battlefield that he loves. Just as smart as Lan Zhou, but he doesn’t have Lan zhou’s maniacal quality at least he isn’t given the opportunity to demonstrate it. They’re biggest personality difference is probably the fact that Xiao Chi Ye’s confidence both inwardly and outwardly. Acts like an as*hole for the sake of having his political enemies look away from him. He pretends to be best friends with the emperor for the sake of retaining his post as viceroy and gaining influence within the capital. But when the emperor dies, he goes to meet his fake friend out of guilt.

Relationship: enemies to s*x partners straight to lovers. Honestly I’m still so confused how the heck it just happened. Both characters are emotionally competent and understand communication and consent. The story doesn’t end with their relationship pretty much reaching the final stage unlike most novels where nothing happens after the characters profess their love for each other.

I just made an account for reviewing this novel. Is sooo good

I already love it and I haven't even finished yet, hope It stays like that until the end.

The couple is so so beautiful. They are so good to each other, their love is just 😭

Is really rare for me to really like a couple but Ce'an and Lanzhou... I'm so happy just for reading those lovely moments.

I like that something is always happening, is heavy in politics but is enjoyable and not boring, it's makes you think.

Up to now it's great. Since it's too early in the story, I will refrain from reviewing until I read the whole thing. The translation work is top noch though, a huge thank you to the Lianyin team!

Overall rating: 5/5

Couple (TopxBottom) : Xiao Chiye x Shen Zechuan, ... more>>

Spoiler

Qiao Tianya x Yao Wenyu, Qi Zhuyin x Hua Xiangyi

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I've decided to write a review after many months after I've already completed it because of how much I love this novel. It is absolutely amazing, and the s*xual tension is SO REAL. Their love is so beautiful and the power struggles are such a great thing to embark on. I absolutely love T97's writing style and the poetic nature of the novel. I am so excited to see what the manhua has in store, and I was beyond happy when Seven Seas announced the licensing.

This novel is very political and takes place in a time where Shen Zechuan is wrongly accused in the beginning, to which Xiao Chiye doesn't like or acknowledge him. Throughout the novel, they go from enemies to lovers, and the development of their love is pretty great. The devotion and love between them is deeply rooted in my being, much so that Xiao Chiye is my number 2 in danmei novels (number 1 being Wei Ying from MDZS) because of his everything.

Do note that Shen Zechuan is not your average shou! My baby is ruthless and a great fighter. One of the things I love in this novel besides the romance is the fight scenes. My favorite fights in particular happen later on in the novel, and it's one of those novels where the top and bottom shine on their own without needing the other to be there. They are great in their own sense and both so very powerful. The fight scenes made my heart pump so hard, and it's all so so so good. This is probably the only novel by far where I've genuinely been hooked to the fight scenes and felt every moment of despair and intent. There are a few angsty moments to point out, but they're not too overpowering or devastating but they will be significant towards the characters in the novel.

Literally, in one sentence, QJJ is one of the best novels I've ever read in my entire life. <<less

This is a novel after my heart. The relationship between the leads is immaculate, I was... more>>

Spoiler

a bit scared that Shen Zechuan was playing Xiao Chiye at first, but I'm glad that wasn't the case

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. From the way the author describes the love and intimacy between the leads to the multiple same s*x couples to the world building was just sublime. Political and war novels are my least favourite genre but I thoroughly enjoyed this. Had to stop at c213 because I couldn't find any good translations and I refuse to let MTL ruin this experience for me, so I'll wait. Looking forward to completing this.

Wow, I got the chance to finish this story and all I can say is 'Wow, what a ride'. I'd like to thank the translators, they did a marvelous job.

I fell in love with Shen Zechuan's character from the onsetof the novel and by extension I also came to love the wolf pup of Libei. Although

Spoiler

their final victories left me reeling with joy, it also left a bitter after taste because all sides had great and formidable characters and personalities that invoked upon them my admiration. Their relentless passion and steadfastness was awe inspiring

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Another character I fell in love with as soon as he appeared was Huo Lingyun, it's a pity his character was drowned out in the chaos.

I particularly loved how the matters of war were never described in cliche black and white terms or as noble heroic ventures, it was described as a bloody and messy affair that it rightfully is. This novel was a beautiful sea of gray stars, with Shen Sechuan shining more brightly than the others. Just considering Shen Zechuan's character, this novel is already a 5/5 minus nada. I won't be getting over this character anytime soon. <<less

I can simply gush on and on about how incredibly well-written this whole novel is.

This is literally my all-time favourite danmei!

... more>> First of all, I admit that the way the reader just gets thrown into the complicated plot right from the very beginning kind of put me off at first. I was a little confused in the first few chapters.

But man!

What came after the initial bit of confusion was simply AMAZING!

The schemes and mysteries are slowly revealed as you read on and the way everything was tied so beautifully in the end was simply so satisfying.

I like how it was written in the POV of many characters and does not focus on the MC's POV alone.

And the writing style!

The writing style is so incredibly poetic and beautiful. Even the passionate scenes were written in a non-overly obscene but beautiful way. Kudos to the translators for the hardwork!

AND THE ROMANCE

Goshhh. I swear, Lanzhou and Ce'an are just made for each other. They did not overly dramatize how they felt for each other. Like when they realized how they felt, they just acted and got together. No annoying misunderstandings at all.

"Oh, how I love you so." They literally make me feel so single.

The s*xual tension is just chef's kiss!

But I really do recommend this to anyone who might be looking for a well-written and well-balanced plot and romance! <<less

I love Tang Jiucing so much. She is talented, meticulous, pays attention to detail, and her stories are always interesting. This novel isn't an exception either; it's so good; the plot is really complicated and amazing; the pace of story telling is perfect; and the characters are well-rounded.

Writing historical fiction is hard; it can become boring because of political discussions and historical facts, but this novel is a masterpiece. It never gets boring. The descriptions of events, government officials, geographical locations, etc. Were detailed but not to the point of... more>> becoming too much. She gave as much information as was necessary for setting the atmosphere. It also helped that there were funny moments too.

Apart from the plot, the characters are amazing too. Both MC and ML are clever and have a strong mentality. At the beginning of the story, MC and ML are in a difficult situation, and troubles keep coming for them. There are constant plots and betrayals against MC and ML. But all of that makes the story more engrossing. It was really interesting to observe how they dealt with problems. I especially liked MC. His character is so complex: he is smart yet sometimes acts recklessly; he is kind but at the same time can be really cruel and twisted; he is strong but from time to time he becomes weak. He has past trauma; his childhood and upbringing weren't good either; all of that affected him, and he became who he is now. His character is so real; I loved him very much. I genuinely think that ML grounded him; if MC didn't love him and restrain himself for the sake of ML, he would have died a long time ago while doing some crazy thing. ML is just a wolf pub—wild, frivolous, but clever and smart. He is too charismatic and lovable. They are too different but match each other perfectly. Their relationship is sweet and wild. I love that even during serious discussion, they can plot and flirt at the same time. As the summary suggests at the beginning, they don't like each other and are considered enemies. Yet because they are both caged and long to break free, and they can only be their true selves in front of each other (because both of them are too clever to be deceived by the act), they get closer. Despite being enemies, they can understand each other. Because of that the development of their relationship was interesting, and reading about them at any stage of it was delightful.

The story is really long, but it's fast-paced and eventful; there isn't a part that seems dragged out or boring. It is brilliant and definitely worth reading. I don't think that Tang Jiucing needs any recommendation, yet I have to say that it's a must-read. <<less

My favorite danmei!

I didn't read properly the first time, and I'm re-reading now hence the chapter 40. It's a little hard to understand sometimes, with the intense politics and scheming, but when you do it's worth it. Reminds me of Game of Thrones but Chinese and gay.

MC (Shen Lanzhou (Zechuan)) is really smart, cunning and cruel. I love him. ML (Xiao Ce'an (Chiye)) is funny, charming and just so loveable. He's also very h**ny.. Which in other books might be annoying but in this, , you can't complain.

The enemies to... more>> lovers is so. Well. Written!! It isn't the basic rivalry you usally see, but the actual Enemies.. I'm talking about them trying to kill eachother. It's really refreshing. Even if you don't like the trope, I'm telling you, read this gem!

World building is as in most Danmei, really good. Also, reading about Shen Zechuan slowly rising back from the pit he was in the start.. It's really thrilling.

I could go on for many paragraphs about this novel, but I'll just say Qiang Jin jiu isn't praised for nothing. <<less

9/10 God this was long. But damn was it a ride. Honestly, even as a big enjoyer of Priest novels, this was a tough nut to get through. All the intricacies of court and military politics, relationships of the past and present, different twists and developments so closely intertwined into each other, the combination of this all makes this novel very challenging to wrap your head around and follow.

This is definitely not a good read for people just getting into chinese novels in general as well as people who don't... more>> really like to read between the lines every other page. But to those who love a good political drama with a dose of an extremely passionate and well developed romance, as well as a wide cast of memorable and interesting side characters, this is a really good read. <<less

The Best. Don't leave bad reviews when you're not even halfway of the story. The plot is thick, the romance is SATISFYING, the pacing is good, world build and characterization are good, the drama is good, overall it's VERY GOOD. I don't have ways with words but all I can say is The Best I've read in it's genre

This novel is my favorite forever, it has a bit of everything, although it is difficult at first to understand all the political intrigue, do not hesitate to continue as it gets better and better.

1000% recommended, do not hesitate to read it ❤️❤️❤️❤️

The best danmei I've ever read, period.

This is not a light and fast read, it will drain your brain juice but it's worth it. I just love love LOVE Ce'An and Lanzhou relationship, dynamic, their love languages and everything. Will definitely reread

My favorite BL of all time.

It’s heavily political but a read that is definitely worth it. We have chapters and chapters dedicated to grains. Who knew we could care so much about that.

The characters are so well written and developed. Honestly, empathized a lot with the “villains”.

That feeling when you read a novel without reading synopsis even without knowing the name of MC and ML and fortunately it turns out to be really good.

Just a brief summary of some thoughts as there's really too much to write if you want to go in depth on a book like this. Just as a note, while I did give this a 4, that is actually pretty high in my rating trends.

First of all, the translation is excellent, even throughout a story that has a lot of idioms and concepts that can be relatively hard to explain.

A very solid novel with cohesive themes that represents this genre of Chinese danmei really well, even though the genre... more>> is generally over saturated. This is a political/military novel at its core, and while the relationship between MC/ML is definitely there and vital to the plot, don't expect this to include much slice-of-life style romance.

Some things I specifically liked about this novel that I feel stood out to me:

1. There are relatively, really great women/female characters in this book, which I, sadly, find kind of rare. They hold important roles not only in the nation, but in the plot. The major players all have distinct personalities and motivations that steer their agenda and are not a backdrop in their world at all.
2. The military battles are well paced, well written, and generally satisfying to read. Whether or not they are realistic or not isn't something I know enough about to judge, but they were at least internally consistent with the author's own world building.
3. Essentially every moment is written for a reason. Seemingly inconsequential details may become clues to not only who is scheming, but what they are planning to do. No one is omniscient, and all the major characters "villain" and "hero" alike have moments where they missed things to devastating consequences.
4. Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye. I won't write too much here as plenty of reviews talk about their characters, and of course I like them or I probably wouldn't have finished the book. What I like most about them is that they are both ambitious characters with agency that made them easy to root for.

Of course, these aren't the only things I liked about the book, but I think many of the other reviews cover the other pats to like.

Things to think about:

1. This book has a lot of characters and factions and locations. While this does make the world feel full, it inevitably can become convoluted and complicated. The plot line within this book has so many layers behind it, and even SZC's thoughts and plans are obscure to the reader. While I actually do like that as I prefer to have a little intrigue in the plot I need to think through myself, I feel like the author was perhaps a little over ambitious with how many plot lines were present. There are many things that happen off-screen in this book and are only obliquely referenced or noted when the result occurs and really requires a lot of concentration to catch the foreshadowing and scheming. Heading towards the latter third of the novel, it almost felt like there was a rush to resolve and reveal so many things that the author even decided to write a summary of the timeline and events that occurred.
2. Some people have written about how the romance is abrupt, and I can understand that sentiment. This is not necessarily a downside to me, but just something to pay attention to if you are considering reading.

Overall, if you're thinking about reading this book, go into it knowing what to expect. If you like other books of the genre, I would definitely give it a shot. <<less

Some of you might think it's too soon for me to write a review when I only just started reading it. But this novel is quite lengthy per chapter and I really don't understand what people find good in this story. So far the interrogator and the King and other people just kept saying SW was a traitor, because he's coward, retreated, blah3x, so he's definitely a traitor; while SZC kept saying "no he's not a traitor" without even a speck of reason. All I read was how his brother... more>> died, his shifu and shiniang took him as if he was their son. That was all. I mean, come on. What makes people keep reading a new novel is how interesting and understandable the start of the story is. Defending someone who you know is sh*t to your death without any reason while your enemies repeatedly forcing you to give a statement that they WANT you to say is definitely a VERY not interesting story. I feel like an idiot reading all of them repeat the words "SW is a traitor. Say it". Forget waiting until his husband come running. No more, thanks... <<less

I really enjoyed reading this, it did take a while for me to get invested cause of the politics and they were so many names haeww, but the love and welll they match each other makes up for all that.

I really recommend it plus they are side couples but the ending of one of them is sad.

Overall a 9/10 and you should definitely read it.