An intelligent but not infuriating MC who is sometimes too smart for her own good. She's sensible and not obsessed with wallowing in her own... more>> misfortune or punishing those who have done her wrong. She cleverly manipulates the men around her in order to obtain a better future for herself in a world where women have very little control. Of course, the long-suffering ML is the only one who sees right through her. <<less

I actually started and then dropped this one a while ago and only returned to it after repeatedly seeing people praise it to the high heavens. I was super skeptical because the opening scene where everyone shows up at the MC's deathbed to gloat about the decades long conspiracy against her is a bit much. Also the initial following scenes of petty courtyard face slapping are really not to my tastes. However, I'm SUPER glad I picked this back up because the story immediately ramps up from there. The MC is like the Countess of Monte Cristo. She's incredibly smart, driven, and utterly ruthless. While her "peers" are fighting with each other over the kinds... more>> of petty things that are usually the focus of these kinds of stories, she's several (hundred) steps ahead, not even caring about them.

Although she utilizes her knowledge of the future, it's not a crutch that feels like a cheap cheat. Her relationship with the ML is the same. Unlike in other stories where the MC relies on the ML for revenge, this MC is perfectly fine on her own. In fact, you can't help but worry that he'll bu*t in and ruin things for her instead. He's more of a rival than a love interest a lot of the time. I really adore this kind of vicious protagonist whose cruelty isn't excused by the narrative. She's kind of evil and I love it. This is Shen Miao's world; everyone else is just living - or dying - in it.

Now that I've finished the novel, I have to say that the latter parts didn't measure up to the first half. A lot of the things I loved about it kind of vanished and it feels rushed (despite being ridiculously long). Even so, I'm still a fan of this one. I enjoyed the beginning that much. <<less

MC is a selfish, materialistic, manipulative girl who has turned acting innocent to transifx men and gain benefits into an artform. MC, meet the consequences... more>> of your actions. I love the MC and I also love that the story actually makes her confront her mistakes and insecurities. It's a lighthearted story (for the most part), but my eyes did get misty. Warning for dub-con tho.  <<less

Unexpectedly wholesome for a courtyard drama with a self-styled green tea protagonist and a yandere ML. Uber sweet. A really good pick-me-up for a bad day.... more>>

Be aware that the translators split the chapters into five billion micro-parts and don't label it that way. It says chapter 204 but it's actually only chapter 45 of the raws. (lol can you tell I hate this practice) MTL is not hard to follow if you have basic understanding of common Chinese webnovel terms and translation errors. <<less

In a reversal from the previous entry on this list, unexpectedly dark. So many novels promise satisfying revenge on scum men and backstabbing sisters, but... more>> only this one REALLY delivers. 80 chapters in and I have no idea who the ML is or if there even is one and I don't even care. This is a suspense/thriller novel, not a romance, and it's PERFECT. I'll be shocked if it ends without someone getting stabbed, but bets are still out on who the victim and culprit will be. Maybe it'll be a total massacre. An absolute masterclass. I wish this novel was a high budget TV series I could binge watch over and over. It really takes a bit*h to kill a b*tch, I guess. <<less

Very funny. Everyone in this novel is extremely good at talking bullshit. I've learned a lot.... more>>

The real unsung hero is the MC's maid, who consistently goes above and beyond to support her mistress's ridiculous white lotus act. <<less

MC has a vision of impending disaster. Her response? "The white fox cloak I died in looked pretty. I should get one."... more>>

Has a similar comedic tone to The Times Spent in Pretense - a spoiled young miss and her hilarious family succeed despite expectations. <<less