This was one of the best novels I've read this year. The characters, the plot, the face slapping, so good.

I loved how they didn't trust each other fully even after starting to fall for each other, their relationship gradually deepened.

There were some knives in this story, and I did shed some tears at two paragraphs of one of the extras, but overall it was a great enemies to pretend-lovers to lovers against the world trope.

10/10 would recommend.

It was amazing. I saw a comment saying that they hate how OP the protagonists were but there is a reason for that which you would have known if you read it till the end. Plot was good, Romance was great, and no plot holes. The MC and ML were ready to sacrifice anything including themselves for the well-being of the other. It was so touching. Another thing I loved the most was, the author really did a good job with all the side characters and their stories. Also author... more>> has offered some views on the world, society, and humanity within the story which really made my eyes teary. <<less

Super sweet and adorable!

The MC and ML are super overpowered. They can only view each other as equal because everyone else is not smart and powerful enough.

They understand each other so well and are so incredibly devoted.

... more>> The story wasn’t overly intriguing but it had unexpected some plots so it was pretty interesting regardless.

I think the couple developed their feelings and relationship a bit too early so I couldn’t really enjoy a lot of tension in the beginning stages. Sadly I always lose a lot of interest after the couple gets together. They did have very cute fluff afterwards.

There were some sad stories and some yearning but imo it wasn’t quite fulfilling. But I guess I just love tragedies too much.

In conclusion, a very satisfying and heartwarming story. There is a good amount of fluff, a straightforward romance story and no sad moments, just right for a cute little read. <<less

The plot is very interesting! I like how the protagonists are both very smart and with good martial arts skills, they are on par with each other.

The pacing is just right for me, but maybe too slow for others. I like how the plot thickens and how good the author with the storytelling. There's a lot of twist and turns and the extra chapters are really good.

The side characters are good as well but they aren’t given the chance to really shine. The focus of the story is mainly on... more>> the MC and ML, although there’s a little story dedicated to MC's "master" at almost the very end. The other characters are only there as deco. Lol

Overall, Ji Yue and Wei Lian's are my type of characters and I really love how the author portrayed their them. The story itself is nothing life altering but if you just want a nice, slow read then this is highly recommended. <<less

It’s been a while since I’ve read such a gem. So happy.

Two extremely intelligent, talented, and understandably cautious leads make for a very exciting and satisfying read. At its heart it’s a romance novel, flavoured with just the right amount of political and dramatic plot to keep things interesting.

The first part is fraught with tension and beautiful character building amidst an underlying undeniable mutual attraction that slowly builds.

... more>> To get two people who have many reasons to not fall in love to eventually succumb... the pacing was excellent.

The pre and post confirmation fluff was also really good. So sweet I found myself uncontrollably smiling along.

Heart twinges, laughter, worry, fear, relief. But no tears and only implied smut haha.

I feel the main text ending was already very good; which is rare because I usually crave a bit more. The extras help to close the gaps that weren’t explained but my initial reaction was ‘huh? was that necessary?’ But after getting used to it... okay, kinda cute. Can accept.

Definite reread. Favourite :) <<less

Started this novel out of boredom, just something to read during lunchtime, so it took me by surprise how I ended up so invested in finishing them. It took me 3 days to finish them!

This is a 10/10 recommended novel. The development of the characters and story are so beautifully well-done. I love my protagonists strong and smart, and both Ji Yue and Wei Lian are definitely my cup of tea. Starting as enemies and ending as lovers for eternity, you will find yourself giggling at their antics once they... more>> become honest with their feelings toward each other, but before that, you might shed a tear or two because of course this novel has angst. And I love every moment I spent reading this one.

So totally recommend this for everyone to read! <<less

A must read!!! Such beautiful story! Both cp just wonderful! Love the style of author writing. Both cp were very sweet and endearing. The story also so so good. The extras were best as well. The romance were both op and bit of realism. But still the romance is what most of us want. No regret reading this. The author spins a wonderful tale and translator is just did a great job. Thank you.

The MC and ML are cute, sweet, and OP. The plot is easy to follow and interesting as well. I enjoyed reading it. Would highly recommend!

Thursday, 2:50 pm

I just finished reading the last chapter of the main story and now only the extras are left. I will read the extras sometime later when I feel like reading them and I'll also update this review when I do finish reading the extras.

I really liked reading this novel! The story was pretty good and I enjoyed it very much, tho I'll admit I got a little bored after reaching ch 100, I mean there's 119 chapters in total and it was a little too long for me... more>> rn. But still, after taking a little break and coming back to finish the rest of the chapters, I'm just glad I read till the end cause this story really suits my taste and it was an enjoyable ride.

I enjoyed our two powerhouse protags getting together and their super amazing acts! The couple is fun and playful and the story is light and fun to read.

So yeah really liked it and am glad I read this novel! Would recommend it!

❤❤❤ <<less

Love it love it love it!!!! One of the best novels I have ever read.... loved the main characters... both are geniuses and OP (which I love love love).. loved he plot... loved the mystery... loved the twist... loved all the characters... and above LOVED the TRANSLATION by Teo of Chrysanthemum Garden... a brilliant work and a must read for people who love action and romance with characters who have a brain and who takes action when they decide on something.... thanking the author and the translator for bringing us... more>> this piece of gem 💎 🙏 <<less

The pacing of the story would pick up in the later stages but it doesn’t feel rushed or a patch up work. The way Fu Bai Qu (the author) gradually unravels the mysteries of their novels is such a nice touch as well, characters doesn’t just drop from the sky, they don’t disappear without explanation as well. Each of their characters has a thought out introduction and ending.

The romance between the main couple is extremely sweet, I catch myself randomly smiling at their silly love story at 2 AM 😂

One... more>> thing that I really liked about their stories is that no matter what genre or tags there is, they promote social good, may it be subtle or big time. It made me think of the many novels that I’ve read that discards moral grounds just to uplift/make their characters overpowered/outshine everyone. Everyone of Fu Bai Qu’s characters— may it be NPC or main ones, are so fleshed out it’s refreshing.

If you’re a fan of gongs and shous that are overpowered from the start then I really do recommend you to binge read all of their works, BUT they have a common setting for their shous that I’ve noticed from the beginning. The shous are strong, yes, but not to the extreme, and then they’ll eventually get overpowered as time pass on, while the gongs on the other hand, is overpowered at the start.

An Empire As A Betrothal Gift is a historical piece at the start that later on became fantasy/xianxia (had me on the first half ngl) and if you’re backing out reading this because of that, please don’t ! You’ll miss out on such a fantastic literature. <<less

Im so lazy to comment today but since I love this novel I will.

Its a very nice novel, it funny, actionpact, world and love building is very natural and gradual.

So many plot twist which I enjoy.

... more>> Its kind of unique.❤️

The only downside is theres no bellow the neck love scene. Lol

But all and all its good.

Theres some to be saying it bad but different people have different taste. Just read it. It quite good. Dont judge by negative comment. I just love this that even the lazy me to the nth power would have care to give it 5 star score even if im lazy to the bone.

Seriously theres part I almost want to stop reading but thankfully I persevere, its worth it. I have no regret. <<less

I am keeping this one in my list for a long time and finally decided to read it after hearing good reviews about it. It is really an underated gem. More people should know about it. It has enemies to lovers troupe. Both ML and MC are equal in talents. It has a quite good amount of plot romance, humor and some angst. The level of deep love MC and ML have for each other, how they each overcome their tragic pasts and learns to trust each other, like each... more>> other and then fall deeply in love with each other the process is worth reading also despite them being together and no third party between them There is still alot they have to go through to be together forever truly. There is alot of hilarious moments the bickering between MC and ML that made me laugh also there are sad moments that can made one cry. So it is bit of a roller coaster ride. There was never a moment that this novel bored me. Also the author is same who wrote After marrying the evil god. So those who liked that will surely like this. <<less

The MC and ML have a very healthy relationship despite the barrier between them, I like how the author slowly broke it down without harming the characters personality. They are very OP characters so there's not much hardships in this story aside from their backgrounds that was mentioned multiple times in passing.

You may think it's a novel only for light-reading and dog-blood romance but the plot picks pace after 50 chapters. A g

the author's perception of a fluff novel is a bit heavier from typical fluff novels which adds more substance to the following arcs, for which I'm very glad because honestly, I cannot take such long dog-blood romance for more than 100 chapters with measly progression in the plot. So this was a pleasant palate cleanser.

My pop: it's worth a try after a heavy dose of angst. Would give a... more>> 2nd read. <<less

Astounded bc I believe this book deserves a higher rating!!! Main couple are so sweet, and the extras brought me to tears 🥹 translation was also beautifully done.

... more>>

Spoiler

The only downside to this novel for me, as a hetphobic, are the BG side couples. There was no spark in their story for me, so I had to skip their parts 🤭 Still doesn't diminish how great of a story this is tho! Still a 5/5 for me, as I choose to look away from the BG side couple 🙂

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Haven't read wuxia novels in a while, and this was a good treat. If you read any bad comments here, it's a lie and those who commented them are all boring indvs. Do not listen to them. I strongly recommend you give this a try! <<less

It's a very simple and not overly complex worldbuilding and character group. Which I really liked, because I was a tiny bit sick of overly comlex places with 500 characters to learn and needed a break. This break was indeed a good one. I would give it 4.3/5 if I would rate this. People like me who really like the "enemies to friends" trope will be pretty satisfied with this I think. They slowly fall in love with each other, but not so slow as in the most slowburn novels,... more>> which was great too. I am too impatient sometimes for this. At first, the king is a real red flag, but slowly you understand his character and he changes fast enough for people to like him. The s*xual scenes were (even tho pretty censored) still existing and kind of cute. It doesn't have that much comedy, but is still sometimes silly and funny enough because you learn what both of them think for real. Which leads sometimes too many misundertandings. Like teenage couples do. I mean they are both inexperiences, so this is very realistic. <<less

4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

It started really well. The plot was good. And there isnt much drama. Lots of dogfood.

Minus one star because

But I really enjoyed the romance between the MC and ML.

A heart-warming story about court drama, relationship drama, war and love.

No, seriously, there's little to no angst, plenty of comedy at the start, and only minor squabbling in this pairing. Wei Lian and Ji Yue are both quite mature characters, and balance their identities as rulers of nations with being lovers quite well.

The extras are explained as bonus stories not connected to the main plot, but honestly, with how unrealistic some bits were, especially in regards to how OP the two main leads are, adding that fantasy element actually helps... more>> maintain the sensibility of the plot lol.

Either way, a very fun read! Quick page turner. The translation is also painstakingly done! I applaud the TL-er.

3½⭐️ <<less

Love the plot, love the couple, love this novel. Characterization is logical but very sweet. There were funny moments, sad moments (it doesn't get too bad), and I spent so many chapters just smiling because the character interactions made me happy. Highly recommend