This was fantastic, reaching even higher levels through the side stories. Hidden gems of insight were sprinkled throughout that really made this story hit hard in so many ways, from original MC to the different characters explored in the side stories. I really loved reading this, and even though it's so short, I think it's truly one of the best novels I've read despite also being one of the most seemingly simplistic. The translation was also done so well that I'm going to be looking into other novels they've translated.

I loved this

It was extremly well written and easy to read. I loved it handled balancing he light hearted comedy and the somber tragedy. Every character was likeable, and enjoyable to read from their perspective.

I quite like that through the young misses perspective its mostly the maid, and through the maid its mostly the young miss. They were really f*cking important to eachother holy moly. Im sobbjng as I write this.

Short and sweet. I would say the charm of this story is because of its simplicity, focusing on the key moments in the characters lives and their emotions.

If you have read other Ancient China novels, you might expect this to be filled with intrigue between marriage and concubines. However, this is more on the companionship between the maid and her master. I love the story partly because of this, as it is a story that does not end in drama or tragedy.

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Spoiler

I especially like the story because of the minor details the author tells us about the character's lives.

About how MC left the eggs in the food she was given before unknowingly being sold as a servant later that day. On how her master's husband seems to have a feeling of competition with her, because he loves his wife and this maid is her closest accomplice.

These details are not new, or unique to this story, but it is well placed that makes these characters feel alive, even with the short length of each chapter.

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I really like this story and would recommend others to read it. <<less

"A lady is born a lady, and a maid is born a maid. It's all decided at birth."

Quite apt and fully encompassed the short story. There's no fancy plot twist, just a journey from life to death and the relationship between master and servant. At first, I was hoping some sort of love story or the head maid being free from her position, alas, no. Plus, I wasn't really in the mood for sad stories so I was hoping against hope that my expectations would be met, albeit impossible even... more>> from the first chapter.

Loyalty, gratitude and a central theme of accepting one's fate and creating happiness within it.

I recommend this for the melancholy, for a taste if you ever wondered what it is like if you are a trusted servant of a high ranking individual.

But that's all.

Don't hope for something more, because if you do, then this story is not for you. <<less

Good story, I love all the char here, specially the main char.

The relationship between all char is just cheff kiss. I love the extra chapter too. The prince pov is hilarious, lmao.

The plot twist really make me laugh so much. I have the feeling there something wrong but never tought it would be like that.

Recomended for people who need simple yet full of heartwarming story.

It is indeed sweet for Shen Zhilan but bittersweet for her servant and sad and tragic for the First wife. In one word, if you don't like bitterweet/ heartwrenching/sad stories, don't read this one. And if you do, please go because this one is good. Sad, but good

(Only 3 stars because I don't like sad stories 😭😭😭)

This story is short but really unique in the sense that it's about the bond and companionship between MC and her mistress from childhood to old age. The story is told through snapshots of events throughout the characters lives and this format works well. This is mainly about how sincerely both MC and her mistress treat each other and how they both find their own happiness within their own means. It does give off a bit of a melancholic feeling especially considering the reality for women at that time. Honestly... more>> the loyalty and sincere companionship between them is the best part.

The plot twist with the wangfei was unexpected though. Prince Cheng's pov was surprisingly fun too plus the bittersweet feeling in the end really hits. Honestly each pov has a surprisingly good balance of humour and sadness etc. It definitely makes the characters feel alive. Zhao Ai's pov is the saddest tbh.

Overall a good read <<less