Imperial Uncle

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I’m an imperial uncle; his imperial majesty’s uncle.

Once, someone with nothing better to do took a comprehensive survey of the current dynasty, and summed up the imperial court’s three great cancers.

Wang Qin leads in corruption; the treasury is never full.

Yun Tang favours a few, forming cabals; leading to corruption in our politics.

Prince Huai plays with power, and serves as the head of a hundred poisons — thus causing instability to the throne.

When they talk about the most venomous of vipers, the wicked one who plays with power, the biggest cancer of them all, they’re talking about me: this insignificant prince, Prince Huai, Chengjun.

I can only say that I feel rather hapless in the face of these theories.

In truth, I have been ever dutiful, ever devoted, devoid of intention to monopolise power, and possess even less of a heart to covet the throne. In the entire imperial court, I dare say there is no loyal subject more loyal than I.

But, most tragically, in all the realm, the matter of me being a loyal subject is something that not many would believe.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Hoàng Thúc
Huang Shu
เสด็จอา
皇叔
Related Series
The Mystery of Zhang Gong (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
Those Years In Quest Of Honour Mine (6)
Golden Stage (3)
Fei Pin Ying Qiang (2)
Lord Seventh (2)
The Wife is First (2)
Di Wang Gong Lue (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Pretty / Feminine / Shou-like Gong Seme
  2. Books I have Read Till Now
  3. Switch/Verse/Seke/Reversible
  4. Historical politic genre danmei
  5. all types of beautiful MCs | Bl

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61 Reviews sorted by


Xuruine
Xuruine rated it
January 12, 2021
Status: --
I found this story yesterday & binged it in one sitting. I made this account just to write this review. I was almost done with it but accidentally refreshed and now I'm rewriting it again. Because this story is SO UNDERRATED, and I hope that more people can read this. I've read over 30 BL danmei and this is the only story that has kept me on my toes, anxiously pressing next on dreamwidth (LOL). And not because the story is action packed or fast paced. Because I honestly had... more>> no idea what would come next. And that uncertainty propelled me anxiously forward (thanks to the unreliable MC narrator).

This is the MOST REALISTIC bl I've ever read. It might be the most realistic story I've read, period. Partway through, I had no idea who the ML was. Just like in real life. There are no guarantees or certainties. Just like real life. And as someone who's chased romance ever since young, declared love many times, broken others' hearts, crushed my own, and struggled with depression and recently, loneliness, I've never related more to a protagonist than our very own MC.

The translation by foxghost is beautifully done and retains the "ancient prose" (kind of like western Shakespeare) well. The descriptions and speech can be long winded because that's the way they spoke at the time, but because it's so beautifully translated, it encompasses the tone of the time.

I've learned so much about myself, life and love through this story. Please do yourself a favor and read.

ALSO, AFTER CH 34, READ THE EXTRAS. WHEN YOURE DONE WITH THE EXTRAS, then continue forward. Do NOT read the extras at the end. You will be missing an important plot point. <<less
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Irissska O_o
Irissska O_o rated it
January 7, 2021
Status: Completed
Wow! Just wow, guys. And believe me there are not many danmei novels I can say this about. There are plenty of good reviews here so I will not repeat what they say, just know this: it is really worth reading. I could never guess what is coming next, I was worried and anxious all the time, and I almost cried many times. The only thing somewhat spoiling my pleasure was ghost story extras. They give us more insights into other people thoughts but fantasy plot appeared out of nowhere... more>> and felt alien to the main story.

  • The translation is awesome!
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Fulminata
Fulminata rated it
July 8, 2020
Status: c38
I always love a bit of distance on a narrative; it gives a sense of wistfulness, like recalling a memory. And combined with an unreliable narrator such as our mc? It's gold.

This story is not like what you would expect from reading a webnovel romance. For one, it's a tad bleak. The bit of political intrigues makes the romance murky (don't expect a clear-cut dotings in here), but it's done well and actually serves as a solid basis for the romancr. This, in return, makes the story's pace a bit... more>> slow. But makes no mistake, for you need the slow pace to truly savor the interaction between all of the characters.

And regarding the MC, I suggest that you don't believe everything that he said, and try to piece the actual situations from the interactions between them all instead. Although I personally believe that the MC could still be developed so much more, I'm still quite happy with how things stand.

Spoiler

ALTHOUGH MY SHIP SEEMS TO HAVE SUNK

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That aside, for a WN, I will give this a solid 4.7. <<less
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Cocole
Cocole rated it
June 14, 2020
Status: c35
Beautifully translated. Excitingly different.
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mustafu
mustafu rated it
August 2, 2024
Status: Completed
Depresso galore. Not saying this in a bad light, I think the characters and their struggles are written realistically and the ending is bittersweet (leaning bitter at most, due to the circumstances the character I was most interested in) at most. It's a very unique tone and a refreshing spin compared to the other books I've read, but I guess I just read it in the wrong time and during the wrong mood (or maybe it's just not really my cup of tea). Objectively well-written, subjectively not my type, this... more>> the 3/5 rating. <<less
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silentgalaxy
silentgalaxy rated it
June 28, 2022
Status: Completed
better not read this book expecting a satisfying romance to have palpitations over. the book is quite realistic in the sense of nothing working out quite right for its MC. that being said, that's the very thing that makes it interesting, at least to me. the ending is incredibly bittersweet and full of regrets and what-could-have-beens, specially after you read the extras and unpeel another layer of truth from the story. I feel like I could spend the rest of my life writing fanfic and imagining scenarios where some of... more>> these characters finally resolve their issues and can find a happy ending.

the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that, towards the end, the dramatic twists were getting a little excessive. there's one in particular that I'm sure I'm not the one outraged by because of how unnecessary and out of place it was, also it ruined a lot of readers' hopes and dreams LOL but that in itself is part of the book's charm I think. reads a little like a mexican novella with a sad, painfully real ending. maybe I'm just as whipped for this book as [redacted] is for [redacted].

Spoiler

so many parts of this book made me gasp and laugh out loud, and I ended up crying my eyes out during Prince Huai's imprisionment and su*cide. I don't remember the last time a scene from a book made me so miserable. please just be reborn in some other era when you can be a carefree throuple with your 2 (or more??) boyfriends...

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earlgreyt
earlgreyt
December 1, 2020
Status: Completed
Having read the novel without the extras, I have to agree with the reviewer emiliers --

They are best read in the middle.

The writing is in fact very much more confusing and obscure regarding the relationships between the MC and the other characters, and none of the actions in the later half had impact.

I'm quite familiar with Chinese (and historical drama), delving between the lines, and so on.... but without the extras, the second half of the story jumped around so much, with a ridiculous amount of expected assumptions and unspoken... more>> words, that none of the sacrifices or actions from any of the potential MLs at all had the impact intended by the author.

I was just as suspicious as our unreliable narrator MC (despite knowing he is unreliable, there's no way to guess for certain the extent of his bias without the context in the extras.)

I will now proceed to read the extras in the original text and come back, hopefully, with a better review.

Translation overall was very excellent and flowed very well. <<less
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aballofstress
aballofstress rated it
July 4, 2020
Status: --
A really good and surprisingly underrated novel. The author does a good job to make you sympathize with the protagonist (as it is from his perspective), but also consider both his shortcomings and his impression on the other characters. The fact that it seems like he often misunderstands them, and vice versa, makes the novel really interesting. The pacing is good, and not so slow-burn that it's boring, but not so quick that it feels unrealistic. Definitely worth a read!
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Airisu
Airisu rated it
June 20, 2020
Status: c37
I absolutely LOVE this novel. It's kinda different from the usual, but in a good way.

I wanna thank so much the translator for picking up this gem.

I will probably update my review when I finish the novel, for now I just wanted to give a nice review to this novel that's become one of my absolute favs.

... more>>

Edit: my god I love it SO MUCH. And at ch. 37 I still absolutely have zero clues on who the ML is.... but it's not bad at all, it makes it far more intriguing. <<less
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Zanavveska
Zanavveska rated it
May 27, 2025
Status: c2
"Imperial Uncle" is one of my favorite danmeis for the following reasons:

  1. The first-person POV is rather uncommon in this genre, and I find this perspective very refreshing.
  2. I love the unreliable narrator trope, and it's used so well here, adding layers of ambiguity and making you question what's real versus how the MC perceives things.
  3. The MC is a complete hot mess. Very hot, very messy.
  4. There are a lot of trope subversions—classic setups that don’t play out the way you'd expect. The plot resists predictability, and you really can’t tell where it's headed next.
  5. I’m not a fan of the “childish” tone that some danmeis lean into, but this one feels very mature and grounded.
  6. The translator did a fantastic job. The overall style is very elegant and smooth.
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ashydunes
ashydunes rated it
April 18, 2025
Status: --
Da Feng Gua Guo's Imperial Uncle is not a conventional historical romance, but rather a compelling exploration of one man's extraordinary life journey amidst the intricate web of imperial politics. Based on the perspective of Prince Hui, this novel offers a unique and often surprising narrative.

The story centers on Prince Hui, an imperial uncle who holds a complex position within the court. He is His Majesty's favorite uncle, yet is frequently misunderstood. Portrayed as quick-witted, highly sarcastic, openly "cut-sleeve" (a historical term for homosexuality), and remarkably unlucky in love, Prince... more>> Hui lives life boldly on his own terms. Despite possessing wealth, status, and influence, his deepest longing is not for power but for genuine connection with a person close to his heart. However, his romantic pursuits consistently meet with disappointment, whether due to unrequited feelings, betrayal, or complicated relationships. Despite the myriad calamities he faces, Prince Hui is characterized by a notable lack of regret and a rare ability to move forward without blaming others for his misfortunes.

While Prince Hui's perspective dominates the narrative, the author masterfully integrates a cast of supporting characters such as Yun Yu, Liu Tongyi, Qizhe, and Qinte, ensuring they play equally vital roles in the protagonist's life journey. This prevents the story from feeling like a one-man show and enriches the overall tapestry of the novel. The political backdrop is crucial, weaving a narrative heavily focused on themes of trust and alliance within the imperial court.

Intriguingly, the novel can be seen as divided into two distinct parts: the period before and the period after a significant "death." The first part is rich with humor and sarcasm, deeply embedded in imperial life and political maneuvering. The second part shifts gears entirely, becoming a journey focused outside the imperial sphere, presenting a completely new phase of Prince Hui's life that the reader had not previously experienced. The seamless yet drastic change in his life and his quiet acceptance and forward movement without dwelling on the past is particularly striking.

The pacing is enhanced by a series of well-placed twists that keep the reader engaged without overwhelming them with excessive detail. The author demonstrates a careful hand in crafting these moments. Another highlight is the dialogue; conversations are notably polite, even when laced with sarcasm. The blend of wit and courtesy in interactions is a unique stylistic choice. One element that might strike readers is the prevalence of coincidences or the sheer number of spies operating within the story, which contributes to a sense of pervasive intrigue, understandable perhaps in a time without modern communication, where information spread rapidly.

A special commendation is due to the translator, E Danglars. The translation is highly satisfactory and serves as an excellent gateway into the story, even introducing the reader to new vocabulary along the way.

Ultimately, Imperial Uncle is a beautifully told story of an unfortunate person navigating life's unpredictable path with resilience and self-acceptance. While the romantic outcome might remain ambiguous even after finishing the novel, the journey itself, and the "happy ending" it ultimately provides, is portrayed as deeply satisfying and beautiful. <<less
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BiMyself
BiMyself rated it
March 8, 2025
Status: --
I really enjoyed the first arc watching the story unfold through Prince Huai's eyes, although he's sometimes a very unreliable translator. But it was fun figuring out the actually story.

However the second arc, left me totally confused. Maybe it's because of the absence of scene and time markers combined with the convoluted plot and the fickleness of the MC's heart.

... more>>
Spoiler

"I love Liu Tongyi" "No, I just love the image I've created of him" "I love Yun Yu" "No, I just love the image he created for me" "After many years Yun Yu is still the one I love" "Oh No! I'm his cousin" "Liu Tongyi is the one who has always been beside me every time I almost passed away, so he has to be the one that I love, right?"

I also perceived that the emperor, his other nephew, also had feelings for him. Although it might be just my misconception.

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The extras made up for a lot of this confusion, but still the romantic progression was very confusing.

Spoiler

Although I loved seeing the events that took place during Prince Huai's "death" through the perspective of his ancestor and his life afterwards

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  1. One thing remains absolute and probably the best thing about this novel was how human Prince Huai felt. In many novels, the main character always feels unreal or superhuman, but maybe it's because of the perspective it was reading that made it feel like I was reading a journal, I was able to feel what he felt and various times.
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nanasuki
nanasuki rated it
October 6, 2024
Status: Completed
The plot of this book is really good. The characters are unique and work well on their own. The romance on the other hand is a bit.... eh. listen, I am a Ransi stan. His silent strength is truly my favorite element in this entire story.

... more>>
Spoiler

The end just seemed like the uncle settled for Ransi just because he is there. He did not get together with Yun Tang only because he was his nephew. The author made it seem like he truly did not love Ransi as much as Yun Tang which made like no sense logically lmao. But that's just me.

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I had so many feelings with this book. It was a rollercoaster. Even if you hate it you'll never be bored. <<less
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Goddessalias
Goddessalias rated it
November 16, 2021
Status: --
I loved this novel more than I thought. Learned a lot about how to speak diplomatically without revealingtrue Intentions 😂😂. Thanks for the translation.

... more>>
Spoiler

The one person I couldn't figure out at all in Yun Yu.. He is so confusing. I was sure he was the ML till he betrayed prince huai. Does he ever like prince huai at all? One moment he is teasing Chengjun with Liu tongyi, that one Korean girl, Chu Xun, etc like a bestie.. Then he is completely out of character getting drunk and kissing him, getting drunk again and staying overnight after 3 yrs. I somehow felt that that was not Yun yu but Liu Tongyi disguised as Yun Yu as he knew all the details of making face mask and blurt out like "my face.." then changed his sentence when he was explaining about it. Must be my wishful thinking

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Kazekaachan
Kazekaachan rated it
September 16, 2021
Status: extra 1 part6
I don't know what to say, this novel is so melancholic huuu...

Our MC, Chengjun, is very unreliable. he is good at talking and fighting tricks, but when faced by the people he cares about (the ML) he will become an instant fool.

there are 4 ML here. one of ML is his white moonlight (his first unattainable love). but, to be clear, I think he really loves one person, and that is NOT the last ML with him.

all ML basically love MC with their own reasons. but well, I'm not surprised... more>> who was the last ML with him, but what drives me crazy is that MC really loves one ML and that ML also loves him, but until the end they can't be together (because they both are hindered by something). it was a complicated thing, they ended up hurting each other and luckily they weren't together.

here, all ML is very manipulative, so be careful. I feel sorry for MC, he just wants to be loved, live in peace and be loyal to the emperor, but in reality all ML consider MC as 'something dangerous'. later, when they find out the truth in MC, they feel guilty.

The ML that I think is the most complicated is Yun Yu. I don't hate him, in fact I like him, but it still hurts to like him. As for the Emperor... he's the one who gets the least amount of attention from the MCs, I feel sorry for him. Liu Tongyi? he is fine, I liked him from start to finish, never once hated him. whereas Chu Xun... forget it, the last part of him didn't even get the part to appear.

Spoiler

and last! The last ML that was with the MC, even if they were together, it didn't exist together under the same title as 'lover'. however, the fact that they want to live together is proof that in the end they need each other to live to the end.

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Evesneon
Evesneon rated it
January 19, 2021
Status: Completed
Wow.

Such a bittersweet novel. I didn't think I would be so captured by this novel. Even though it was just 60+ long, every chapter was filled with so much subtlety.

Political drama (not too heavy) and also our MC with his desire to prove his worth and his aching want for someone to stay by his side. This is my first novel that I'm reading with 2 ML and it's leaving me on the hooks trying to decipher who is the actual one.

Really well written/translated. Thank you!

—Edit—- Shower Thoughts—

Spoiler

I think the main reason why MC changed his focus of love at the start was because he wanted someone who would always be there for him because he craved that form of tenderness and trust. That's why he gave up on the first

But he never knew until the end of their feelings.

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Spoiler

And it seems like YY may have gotten what he wanted at the end. '" That's one of his children. The same as they are. The same."'.

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The ending - the final sentences - make me think it's all going a whole cycle. Another start to another reign of political life.
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cas_ciel21
cas_ciel21 rated it
January 12, 2021
Status: extra 1 part6
daym. I was already hooked in chaprer 10.

this is gonna be one of my favorites to read. I read it without expectations other than its harem and bl, but its so much more.

love the MC he is so reasonably smart, I like how he handles things and reacts to things, its so likable.

... more>> THANK YOU SO MUCH TRANSLATOR FOX GHOST. It was really beautiful.

the romance feels like a little Pride and Prejudice-y, like its something sacred, and I appreciated it.

it focuses more on family relationships and im already addicted to the drama of it all. It was all exciting chapter after chapter, but got confusing in chap 50+, cause of the flashbacks.

This is a gem and the summary didnt helped at all but people will understand after reading few chapters what the premise is, and its so good. <<less
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Alwaysgreatlife
Alwaysgreatlife rated it
September 24, 2024
Status: c2
It's mean years since I read this novel so I don't remember the plot that well. It was one of the first novel I got into. Damn it I was kinda leaning towards the emperor. I still remember how betrayed I felt at that time and the ending my young brain couldn't comprehend, not gonna lie I avoided this name since. It made me afraid to go into a novel and guess CP blindly. ┗ (T﹏T) ┛
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Moon1111
Moon1111 rated it
May 8, 2022
Status: Completed
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Evilve
Evilve
May 23, 2021
Status: Completed
This was a good read, and a breath of fresh air compared to lots of other novels.

I actually really applaud the author for... more>>
Spoiler

not having the MC end up with an ML. Okay, technically he does "end up" with one but from what I can tell, they're basically "just friends" as ML is insecure and never confesses to him.

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There seems to be some mixed feelings on the extras and my personal opinion is:

Don't read them at all. That's right, not in the middle where the originally were, not at the end either. I feel the tone, mood and overall feel of the extras doesn't fit in with the main story at all. The information from the extras is... also not necessary in my opinion. The ending is a lot "happier" without the information from the extras, and in a story that's as hard hitting as this one, I don't think it's needed. <<less
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