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Golden Stage
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Rating(4.6 / 5.0, 1000 votes)
5    75% (754 votes)
4    16% (155 votes)
3    6% (58 votes)
2    1% (11 votes)
1    2% (22 votes)
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2018
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79 Chapters + 4 Extras (Completed)
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Release Frequency
Every 1729 Day(s)
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Weekly Rank: #1580
Monthly Rank: #2093
All Time Rank: #1069
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On 13928 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #1524
All Time Rank: #123

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The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis.

With one marriage edict, two people with mutual hostility are forced to marry and live under the same roof. Yet after these long days together, they come to the realization that this fellow is not truly devoid of any saving grace/unattainable and high out of reach.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Golden Terrace
Hoàng Kim Đài/Đài Hoàng Kim
Huáng Jīn Tái
หวงจินไถ ปรปักษ์เร้นรัก
黄金台
Related Series
Devoted To The Stand-In (Spin-Off)
Recommendations
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Recommendation Lists
  1. Ultimate Danmei TBR
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  5. Want to Read

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Write a Review
196 Reviews sorted by


BiMyself
BiMyself rated it
March 2, 2024
Status: Completed
I'm in love with this novel. One thing that absolutely blows my mind is the romance. It took me much longer than I should've to finish this book, because I kept rereading paragraphs or chapters. Their interactions were so precious that I just wanted to sear them into my brain. There are very very few times when I've liked both the MC and the ML almost equally, and this is one of those very few times. Fu Shen is powerful, sassy, confident with a beautiful soul, he has taken the... more>> No 1 spot of my favourite damnei characters (I'm sorry Shen Zechuan). The ML is not much less loveable; a powerful, confident, glib- tongued, beautiful man, who is absolutely devoted to the one he loves although he frequently does silly things, which is part of his charm. Although the later part of the story doesn't focus much on their romance, you could see their devotion to each other amidst extended periods of separation. <<less
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Huahua21
Huahua21 rated it
October 2, 2021
Status: c1
There's no logic in this novel, honestly this is so overrated so I'm giving it 1star to bring down average. If you think about the story, it doesn't make sense, there's no character or story development. Characters are so 1d, the story is just plain. The feelings of CP are also out of nowhere, because the author wanted and they don't make any sense.
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CJB20
CJB20 rated it
May 18, 2021
Status: Completed
COMMUNICATION!!!!! That's what this novel had. Throughout their married life all they did was communicate and understand each other. They didn't get in the way of each other's jobs as they had full trust in the other that they were doing the right thing.

Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen's relationship is one of the most healthy relationships that I have seen in danmei.

The only reason that I gave it four stars is that what makes a novel isn't just romance. In my opinion what fell short was the political aspect towards... more>> the end. Mind you, I don't hate politics in novels; I find it a good way to delve into the mind set of a character and learning what they consider right and wrong. However the political struggles within the court and the outsiders were too simple.

Spoiler

It was to be expected that after the Prince ascended to the throne he would become power hungry which was frankly disappointing since he had such a good relationship with Fu Ling and that got ruined. Speaking of Fu Ling, I wish we saw more of her relationship with Fu Shen rather then talk of it.

[collapse]
<<less
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Chinatsu
Chinatsu rated it
October 30, 2020
Status: --
I read this novel because of so many positive reviews. I love novels with political affairs, the story is good! but I don't understand why there is so much praise for MC and ML as a couple... I really didn't like the MC because he is irritating, selfish and extremely ungrateful. ML is that kind of man who deserves someone better. The ending is very unsatisfactory too.
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Roseon
Roseon rated it
July 14, 2020
Status: Completed
What should I say, this story was really a rollercoaster ride full of emotions !

The plot was really good and easy to understand, not many complicated war scenarios or as such. Our couple - Fu Shen and Yan Xiohan were THE best, I loved thier relationship so much from being enemies to inseparable lovers who had an equal footing and respect for each other. Everytime I read about them my heart just melted away, their interactions were so lovely, especially when they showed their jealousy was really funny.

My heart going... more>> jelly with this lines like this:

“He’s mine. Take your country back; I won’t trade him.”

They're my ultimate power couple. ✧◝ (⁰▿⁰) ◜✧. I woul really like to thank the translator Chichi for doing a commendable job. The translation was top notch and had great flow and rythm, everything was just perfect (ᵔᴥᵔ). And the translator after notes were fun to read too.

Overall ratings:

Plot-5/5

Main couple-10/5 (◍•ᴗ•◍)

Side characters-4.5/5

Romance-10/5 (ꈍᴗꈍ)

Translation-10/5

An amazing read ! One should definitely read it. <<less
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ghoststories
ghoststories rated it
January 28, 2023
Status: Completed
Was hard for me to get into this book because of the writing style. A lot of random literary references, and the author treats the reader like an idiot, overexplaining plot points just in case we didn’t understand what happened.

Characters carried it through the first half for me. Second half had some OOC. I did like MC and ML’s hate/love dynamic with each other. Felt their backstory was not super believable as an emotional basis, but at least the present-day timeline interactions felt nice.
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phobosdeimos
phobosdeimos rated it
April 14, 2021
Status: Completed
The only thing I hate about this novel is how underrated it is!!!

C'mon, we need more fanarts of Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan!

This novel's summary is a complete lie. True, they were 'enemies' technically and if you're expecting some hardcore enemies to lovers trope (which I was) then you should stop for a minute because the only thing these two fights about is how to take care of themselves. Seriously this novel called me 'single' and 'ugly' in so many different ways.

Their relationship is so freakin' healthy that they literally... more>> screamed #couplegoals. There's no plot dragging misunderstanding throughout the novel and even if there is, they would immediately settle it down. Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan invented communication and said 'f*ck toxic BL relationships'

What can I say but read this amazing novel :)))) <<less
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Rootea
Rootea rated it
March 25, 2020
Status: c44
I'm not so fond of giving review since my english is not that good, but!! I cannot not review this novel. Or, to be exact, I cannot help myself to not recommend this novel.

It's a really really good story! I LOVE both MC and ML characters so much. They have mutual respect, there's no power play, they communicate really well. One don't feel inferior to another, eventhough one is crippled and one is an adoptive son of a eunuch. They are both strong characters with distinctive personality. At first I'm... more>> not sure who's the gong and who's the shou haha. It doesn't really matter tho, as long as they're together!

I don't know why this novel is not that popular. It's such a wonderful story! So far I really enjoy the plot, the mistery, the connected events, it's enticing. And I really love the translation. The words flow beautifully, like the chemistry of the main couple.

I wish this novel gets more fame. <<less
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Muantlau77
Muantlau77 rated it
March 10, 2020
Status: c40
I really love this novel. The characters are well fleshed out and really surprised me as I thought they would get stuffed in their tropes like most other bl novels. Really big brained MC and ML lmao.

The translator has done a good job too. Give it a try you won't regret it :)
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bmb
bmb rated it
April 13, 2019
Status: c4
It looks really promising.

Since I love novels with political affairs and also romance and badass protagonists, I think I will really love this one.

Also, the translator's work is quite good and every term and chinese expression is explained well so you won't have problems understanding it.

Althought I have to say that its not your typical simple novel without many details on the context. No, in this one its thoroughly explained -- which is necessary of course, for the sake of the plot and to understand everything like why some things... more>> happen, why some characters behave like that, etc. -- I feel I have to say this because there were some comments on the translator site saying that some parts in the first chapters were boring -- because the author was explaining the context -- I find this type of comments really ridiculous, I mean are you saying you don't need to know the world and the context of the novel you are reading? THAT is what would be boring

Anyway, Im surprised this is the first comment tbh because the plot looks so GOOD; I think I will succumb to MTL-ing because Im so eager to know what happens between these two! <<less
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MangaNoob1995
MangaNoob1995 rated it
March 9, 2024
Status: Completed
Nothing but love for this story! I personally detest stories with political tropes. However this story which I thought will have heavy politics became one filled with romance and fluff.

The couple became close real fast, it was a given since they knew each other for a long time. I loved Fu Shen, the sassy general with a cold exterior and Yan Xiaohan, the loving royal inspector envoy who is extremely devoted to Fu Shen.

The story does have politics but in my opinion it's not heavily plot based. It's a story... more>> where the couple communicates, put each other above everything and gives you butterflies throughout the whole story. They are one of the perfect couples! <<less
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ulf6503
ulf6503 rated it
March 22, 2023
Status: Completed
I read ChiChi’s translation when it was available, and the novel was amazing and read it twice. I bought the printed version to support the author, but the translated print is not as well written. However the story and plot are amazing. It’s really heart wrenching. Must read.
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amy97
amy97 rated it
October 11, 2022
Status: c43
Okay... I picked up this novel out of boredom as I didn't had anything else to read. It was already a long time since I avoided reading it but I couldn't one afternoon of October'22.

Current status: chapter 43.

Mc: Fu Shen (Shou) He is (was) a general who is strong, independent, and at times, a bit childish.

... more>> Ml: YXH (Gong) He is court lackey who is strong, fox-like, and also, very childish.

Also note, they don't switch. The author made it very clear. Apparently, there is some misunderstanding. Although that doesn't change the fact that the story is really intriguing and full of fluff.

But, yes there is a but.

The story does feel like a slow burn not in terms of the fluff because there is plenty of it but in regards to the plot line itself. There is just too much politics going on. So, ultimately, it's not a novel that is an easy-read.

My personal opinion: for now, I am dropping it cause of my own personal preferences. So far, I liked the novel, no doubt about that. But I would have liked it more if Fu Shen could've been the top. You see, ultimately, it seemed that even though the author didn't want to follow the stereotypes yet, ended up making the characters a bit stereotypical.

Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that story itself is bad. It had so many moments where I couldn't keep myself from smiling. The story itself is quite wholesome, like the interactions between the main couple.

It's just that it's a bit too brainy. <<less
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afaerytale
afaerytale rated it
July 11, 2022
Status: extra 5
NO SPOILERS REVIEW

One of the best light novels I've read in a while.

(As an aside for the hardcore fujoshis out there: there is no smut in this book. I repeat: THERE IS NO SMUT. Now, on with the review.)

... more>> The characterisation and character development was *chef's kiss* and the relationship dynamic between the two main characters is just beautiful to watch.

The synopsis pretty much summarises the opening plot of the novel.

Fu Shen (MC) and Yan Xiaohan (ML) are both high-ranking members of the imperial court. Fu Shen is a Duke and decorated general with incredible military accomplishments. Yan Xiaohan is the head of the Flying Dragon Guard (which is basically like Internal Affairs). Because Yan Xiaohan investigates cases among the nobility and civil officials, he is both feared and reviled by the rest of the court. He is derogatorily referred to as 'the court lackey' because he is one of the Emperor's most trusted subordinates and acts as his eyes and ears. On the other hand, Fu Shen is adored by the masses and revered as a hero. He has devoted his entire life and sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears to bring peace to the realm. The Emperor has grown increasingly threatened by his large influence (there is a longer, more in-depth explanation given for this involving Fu Shen's family history, the power struggles in the court, and the Emperor's own ascension to the throne that I won't go into here) and is convinced Fu Shen is just a few steps away from overthrowing him. Because of this political friction, Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen aren't on good terms. They constantly bicker whenever they meet, with Yan Xiaohan attempting to suppress Fu Shen's power at every turn and Fu Shen fighting back. The entire realm knows the two are irreconcilable enemies.

At the beginning of the novel, Fu Shen is returning to court fresh from the war front after recently surviving an assassination attempt. Although he survived, he lost all mobility in his legs and is confined to a wheelchair. Despite Fu Shen being crippled, the Emperor is still wary of him. In an attempt to curb his power and limit his actions, he decrees a marriage between the two arch-rivals... and that's when things get start to get interesting.

Regarding the mystery aspect of the novel, the plot is centered around two major puzzles our main characters have to solve. The first half of the novel follows our MCs as they work to uncover the identity of the mastermind behind Fu Shen's attempted assassination. The second half of the novel follows their journey as they trace the source of a deadly drug with fatal consequences that ultimately leads them to the doorstep of a years-old conspiracy that spans the entire realm. The two mysteries are important because the outcomes of our MCs' investigations have major ramifications for them both personally and politically.

However, while there are political conspiracy plots and a heated war going on, that all takes a back seat to the main characters and their relationship. (At least, it did to me.)

I read a quote somewhere once that loving a hero is overrated because a hero will sacrifice you to save the world, but a villain will sacrifice the world to save you. Yan Xiaohan is that villain. He is 100% the type to set the world on fire and watch it burn just to keep his lover warm. (Which I LOVE.) Although I wouldn't go so far to call their relationship a hero x villain type, it does reflect it to a certain degree. Yan Xiaohan embodies a lot of the stereotypical villain characteristics - selfish, indifferent, ruthless, cunning, etc. On the other hand, Fu Shen possesses the classic 'hero' personality - loyal, steadfast, kind, brave, selfless, etc. It would have been easy for the author to let them remain in the two-dimensional boxes of 'hero' and 'villain', but their characters have so much more depth and complexity than that. If Yan Xiaohan is a cunning lone wolf, then Fu Shen is a proud, fearless eagle. They couldn't be more different, but this made it even more touching and beautiful to watch them grow - both in love and as people - and learn to trust each other.

To give some background here, Fu Shen was born into nobility as the eldest son of a Duke and racked up a slew of achievements in the war to earn his own separate ducal title. So, he's a Duke both by birthright and by his own achievements. On the other hand, Yan Xiaohan is the adopted son of a eunuch - something he is repeatedly mocked for, growing up - and was born as a commoner. Because Fu Shen is so much higher than him, both in court position and birth rank, Yan Xiaohan possesses an inferiority complex which Fu Shen works to alleviate.

On the other hand, Fu Shen's selflessness and sense of duty can go overboard to the point of self-harm. He frequently places the needs and desires of others before his own - to the point of placing his own life in danger. Yan Xiaohan works to ease his mind and show Fu Shen that it's not his job to take responsibility for and shoulder the burdens of the entire world.

They balance each other perfectly.

The side characters were also realistic and well-fleshed out, with their own motivations, goals, and desires. If I'm really being nitpicky about this novel then I wish they had been given more attention. (Particularly the sister. She was one of my fav characters and I would have loved to read her POV for certain scenes, particularly in the second half of the novel. I was disappointed most of what we learn about her story is indirect/second-hand.)

Definitely 5/5 stars, 100%.

(PS Some readers feel that FS doesn't love YX as much as YX loves FS, but I don't agree.) <<less
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Dumdada
Dumdada rated it
August 17, 2021
Status: Completed
This book won my heart. Very good ❤

I need the manhua version of this book!!

First, I apologize for my bad English. This is the first time I have added a review and a star to a novel. Because this book is really good. At least once in your life, you must read this book. The dynamics created by this couple are very good. Their communication too. There are no long-standing misunderstandings. They finished right then and there. The romantic plot is measured very well. This book really won my... more>> heart. I really hope that one day this book will have a manhua version. A story as good as this deserves 5 stars. I have no complaints about this book.

*Sometimes I reread this book when I miss Yan-Fu's sweet moments :))

ILY AUTHOR FOR THIS MASTERPIECE YOU MADE 💖 <<less
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lilacwood
lilacwood rated it
July 2, 2021
Status: Completed
This is it, you guys. This is the one that lives in my head rent-free. It's a gem, no joke. The main characters are multi-dimensional and equal, and they just respect and balance and love each other the whole time and communicate their way through any rough patches. ((Healthy relationships? In MY danmei?? It's more likely than you think.))

The beauty of this one is that all of the conflict comes from OUTSIDE their relationship - they get to be a united front against it all the way through... more>> until their HE.

The plot is super tightly-written (court intrigue! War strategies! Shocking twists!) and the side characters are almost as well-rounded as the MC and ML.

If I was going to recommend a single danmei novel to a first-timer it would be this one. The translation is also top-notch, huge thanks to Chichi :) <<less
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Raizel_Pendragon
Raizel_Pendragon rated it
April 9, 2021
Status: Completed
I came looking for dogblood drama but ended up staying to eat dogfood.... I kept putting this off cause I'm not too keen on palace politics. But once I started reading I was almost immediately hooked.

"So freaking amazing!! A perfect 5/5! Read! Re-read! Re-re-read!! Copy lines/paragraphs onto your note to read and admire from time to time.".... So on and so forth screams my shamelessly fangirling heart that still can't move on from this masterpiece. (ʃƪ＾3＾) ❤

This novel has everything I look for in a romance story (be it... more>> BL/GL/BG...)

- Want a ML who is NOT the run-of-the-mill factory version of the stoic/OP/tyrannical? A ML who can actually show his emotions through words and actions, one made of flesh blood and tears, yet keep respectable distance and never push the MC for instant reciprocation of affection?? Read on!

-MC with both wits and strength. Loyalty whittled away by repeated betrayals from the ones he tirelessly fought to protect. Yet unrelenting in his duty of protecting the realm and it's people. A nobleman to the bones.

- A Switch Couple with lots of mutual respect, communication, trust and teasing!! The number of times and ways they make eachother speechless is just....😩👌

-Villains/side characters who are NOT there to just glorify the main characters. There is no instant gratification/face slappings here. Each move against them is planned and worked on. The only inadvertent help they rendered the CP is probably that marriage sanction!

-World building that is detailed without going overboard. It is both logical and realistic within the framework of timeline and dimension.

-Amazing translation that gets the story across in all its beauty!

The only downside that I can point out is that the side characters don't have much development/screentime. I'd have loved to read more about FS's sister and both their subordinates. But this is understandable considering the length of the story.

Well, reading this reminded me of Ron's tessomancy reading for Harry in P.o.A- "... you're going to suffer but you're going to be happy about it." Cause now that I'm done reading this, I'm left this gratification of knowing an amazing pair who I wholeheartedly wish gets lifetimes worth of happiness alongside the feeling of a void that I am not exactly sure how to fill.

Overall ratings:

Plot-5/5

Main couple& Romance- Level unreadable cause value exceeded limits! ♾️

Side characters- 4/5

Translation-10/5 <<less
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Lighthouse Snail
Lighthouse Snail rated it
February 11, 2021
Status: Completed
Reading this novel feels like someone is pouring sugar on my mouth continuosly. Every single moment between the main couple means a new round of hearbeats and sweetness crawling all the way up to the heart. It's hard to even describe how much I loved the romance in the story. The couple has the most respectful relationship I've seen until now. They never force each other to do anything and never take advantage of one's moment of weakness. When facing difficulties they both do their best to stand by each... more>> other's side, not pushing their own beliefs into one another's mind and forcing them to adhere, but communicating and opening their hearts to understand what the other has to say. The development of their relationship is something really adorable to see, getting more and more pleasing to the eyes. 10/10.

Main Plot

I'm not the type of person who is fond of breaking my mind trying to understand stories with political stuff and conspiracy issues, but the main plot in Golden Stage was quite good to read and I got myself immersed in all the events, even those that are not directly related to romance. It's was not difficult to process what was actually going on, unlike some other stories with the same theme, and we are able to see some nice ideas about the way a governance treats it's own domain and it's own people, as well as a scenrio that perfectly fits the phrase: “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Spoiler

Zeng Guang statement, which was the main inspiration for Fu Shen's ideas of how the structure of a government should be, is something not to be overlooked: “The world is a world of its denizens, not the private property of one family. A land’s destabilized governance does not reside in the rise and fall of one surname, but in the sorrow and happiness of all its citizens.” That was very well written.

[collapse]

It was the first time I read a novel with antagonists who are not smartasses, but rather some useless dumbasses (yeah, I'm talking about you, Emperor Yuntai and your s*upid sons). The author didn't throw in the plot some machiavelic conflicts, but just political plays that are likely to happen in real life (as it surely has happened somewhere in human history). The characters feel real and human, and their angst is also very not-out-of this world.

In conclusion, I loved everything about this novel. The translation was also amazing and pleasing to read! Thanks to Chichilations, who did a great and admirable job in translating every term and writing some interesting side notes.

I hope to read more novels like this one in the future. <<less
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EUGEO SYNTHESIS
EUGEO SYNTHESIS rated it
January 5, 2021
Status: c1
This novel is perfect... They have a good plot, they have a good character and they have a good story line too..

But for me, the reason this story have a high rating is because the story is very heartwarming and the way the author write the characters are completely real, none of the characters in this story have golden fingers things... well 10/10 for me...

AND HERE MY FAV PART BETWEEN MC AND ML

... more>>
Spoiler

The boy Emperor struggled to follow the Grand Tutors' book study and character practice. Sometimes, he would get someone in the palace to write a letter to his uncle on his behalf that asked when he would be coming back, as he wanted to take him to view the freshly-planted lotuses in the imperial garden.

He'd never once asked a word about Yan Xiaohan, but he'd also never once forgotten that petty wife of his uncle's who was decent to him, yet made people unable to like him.

Later on, when the Chengming Emperor had grown up and turned into the lord of the land that sat within a sea of wealth, he still firmly remembered what Yan Xiaohan had said to him in the palace that day.

"He's mine. Take your country back; I won't trade him."

[collapse]

Well the things that happend to Fu Tingxin (I think it's transmigrating mix with amnesia) is surprised me, because they really have sad ending in the first life (Imperial era)... Fu Tingxin have die at war, and after that Sun Luo keep single until death too, (He death when the territory that he rules at imperial get attack by enemy...)

Spoiler

That went completely in one ear and out the other for Sun Luo. He didn't care what Fu Tingxin said; just him responding was enough. He soaked for a time within the sudden tenderness and contentment, having a surplus of complacency, then suddenly thought to himself: why didn't he go find Fu Tingxin for confirmation back in the day?

Why didn't he listen to his own answer with his own ears? Even if he voiced a rejection, that would have been overall better than seven years of bullheaded painful torment and endless separation.

Why didn't he dare to believe that this person, who was so good to him, would never hurt him?

"Let's kiss again." He pulled Fu Tingxin's face towards his own, impatient to seek out the gentle comfort between those lips and teeth, and said once more: "I like you. I've liked you for really long time."

"What a coincidence." Fu Tingxin welcomed his lips. "I've liked you for a really long time, too."

"Nn?"

"Starting from our last life.

[collapse]
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Staringatastar
Staringatastar rated it
November 25, 2020
Status: Completed
I'm still processing the novel - it was definitely a gem. The characters are beautifully drawn, the translation is meticulous, and the extras (especially the alternative universe one) almost felt like a new story, in all the right ways.

While the main point of the book is unraveling court conspiracies, most of which might lose their novelty after the initial expose, this is still a story I could re-read multiple times to enjoy the relationships and slowly digest the nuances of the conspiracies.

This is not a light read - don't let... more>> the chapter count fool you, this will probably take a full day or two to binge. However, there's moments of absolute sweetness and humor, sweeter than most mindless novels with much fewer plot holes and brainlessness. I felt like I was getting steeped in Chinese history and culture throughout this book, especially with the wonderful footnotes and links throughout the translation.

At the same time, the author uses the story to explore power, addiction, devotion to the state and greater good, and what makes a good government. At one point, the author nudges the idea of democracy (in the Roman sense of the word), but settles for a more democratic monarchy. I'm not sure I agree with the author that a democracy is the full answer to better government (the democratic Rome still found a way to sink into dictatorship, some modern democracies are cesspits of corruption, and democracies introduced the world to hi*ler and Trump). However, the novel was thought provoking on what it means to be loyal, and when loyalty to a nation necessitates disloyalty to the nation's leader. <<less
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