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Phoenix Hairpin
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Web Novel (CN)
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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 64 votes)
5    61% (39 votes)
4    16% (10 votes)
3    11% (7 votes)
2    6% (4 votes)
1    6% (4 votes)
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2022
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Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
725 Chapters (Completed)
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Release Frequency
Every 6.3 Day(s)
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Weekly Rank: #1367
Monthly Rank: #3245
All Time Rank: #4717
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On 1856 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #11414
All Time Rank: #5444

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

Empress Lu’s biggest regret during her lifetime was that she failed to successfully advance to become the queen mother.

Open your eyes and return to the age of Shaohua.

Of course, it was the man who kicked the flying dog, and had revenge.

Unexpectedly, on the way of revenge, a pair of dark eyes stared at her…

Associated Names
One entry per line
簪头凤
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
It’s Better to be the Empress Dowager (2)
Jin Wang Dotes on His Concubine (2)
The Lofty Fierce Consort (2)
I Am This Type of Woman (2)
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage (1)
Empress with no Virtue (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Imperial Family
  2. CHINESE HISTORICAL ROMANCE
  3. Reborn in Ancient China
  4. TBR Books
  5. ancient china / schemes / female protagonist

Latest Release

Date Group Release
07/26/25 Aayahstranslation c170
07/23/25 Aayahstranslation c169
07/22/25 Aayahstranslation c168
07/21/25 Aayahstranslation c167
07/20/25 Aayahstranslation c166
07/19/25 Aayahstranslation c165
07/18/25 Aayahstranslation c164
06/27/25 Shanghai Fantasy c240
06/27/25 Shanghai Fantasy c239
06/27/25 Shanghai Fantasy c238
06/27/25 Shanghai Fantasy c237
06/27/25 Shanghai Fantasy c236
06/27/25 Shanghai Fantasy c235
01/05/25 Shanghai Fantasy c234
12/31/24 Shanghai Fantasy c233
123…27
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23 Reviews sorted by


Fro225
New Fro225 rated it
July 20, 2025
Status: --
Could have been so much more !

BUT :

● MC is too cold (Even when the romance began, I still didn't feel like she treated ML right) , violent (for example, in one chapter, concubine Meng discussed concubine Su's promotion by the emperor with empress qiao, Mc's mother in law. Though Meng was secretly disrespecting Qiao, an intelligent MC wouldn't have engaged into such a petty fight and instead, sought to shake off the power that gives Meng the confidence to act this way. But our former empress and... more>> oh so clever MC, decided that just having a petty win in this argument was the right way to go. In this way, she angered Meng and while I know she would have still been an obstacle that Meng would have sought to remove anyway, her acting up sped up the process and endangered her baby), rash (in some chapter, our very smart MC decided impulsivement to get down her fortified carriage -while pregnant- to help a girl. Except, it was an assassination attempt🤦🏿‍♀️. Can someone tell me how come such a rash person became empress ? Some might argue that she was irritated by the girl's cries since she was pregnant. But I still stand by the fact that being pregnant or irritated doesn't make you dupb. So she could have found other ways to go about this situation).

● MC 's family :

The concept is interesting but it is so badly executed that the interactions with anyone other than Mc's dad feel like fillers.

● ML is the only good point but even he himself isn't that smart (because if he truly was, he would have found ways to stand straight in the palace, even with his mother not being favored).

● Empress Qiao is too passive and her daughter is annoying.

● Women of power in this book are bullies (yes, I consider taking your anger out on people as bullying) to their spouses (e g : MC ; Ml's sister).

● The romance 's start has left me with a bitter taste for a long time (ML coerced FL into the relationship ; and am I the only one who finds it strange that this man coveted his past life sister in law (MC) in said past already? Besides, he himself said that he still held some ressentiment for the fact that she mu*dered him.). Luckily, MC took her sweet time before reciprocating ML 's feeinngs (severs him right for forcing her !!!)

● The emperor and his mother were the reasons I dropped this (after concubine Meng awoke from her attempted su*cide I jsut couldn't with them anymore!) . The emperor is a wise ruler but he is such a jerk in marital matters that I find it hard not to hate him. AND HIS MOTHER!!! (I do not have any energy left to talk about her).

Still, the political intrigues are good.

But the harem's dramas are so proeminent that we can't even fully appreciate it.

My true rating is more like 2.5 <<less
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pimni
pimni rated it
March 10, 2022
Status: c725
Hi, translator here. I am currently reading this novel and loved the FL so decided to jump into translating it. I chose this novel because the FL is very strong, she is reincarnated but doesn't start face-slapping or scheming against the villains of her previous life. She just makes sure she doesn't make the same mistake twice.

What is unique about this novel is ... more>>
Spoiler

there are not 1 but 3 reincarnated characters (as far as I have read with both the ML and the FL being two of them. The other one is the villainous mother-in-law who to me is petty and s*upid as a character. The FL quickly puts her into place and makes sure she doesn't spill any secret (so far)

[collapse]

Edit

So I finished the novel and what a ride it was. The ML and FL are my favourite pair in this kind of genre so far, and both of them have character development as another reviewer says. Each side character has its own growth or story arch but that never dilutes the focus from the main pair. Apart from the main pair, my two favourite characters are the fourth prince and his wife who was his cousin and childhood sweetheart. To me, they were the best characters in the whole novel because whatever they did, was from the goodness of their heart and were genuinely good characters. <<less
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ApolloAresZues
ApolloAresZues rated it
February 8, 2023
Status: Completed
This book was so entertaining despite its length. I usually dont read books that are over 300 chapters because it always becomes boring at one point but this one manages to keep the interest going for its entire duration imo. Everything from the characters, the plot, the romance, and the familial bonds was all well developed even until the end. This is not a unique premise but the plots themselves felt unique and interesting. The writing at first seemed a bit too comedic? To me but once you get used... more>> to the tone you begin to enjoy it and it's just the right amount of serious and funny. I'll explain more in depth below. This review contains spoilers.

To start off the plot is basically that the only (bloodrelated) daughter of a great military general falls in love with the 3rd prince in line with the throne. This prince isnt great in terms of background (his mother is just a lowly dancer) but is talented. She marries him and eliminates obstacles for him to finally get the throne. But unfortunately this prince is actually a s*um and only 6 months after things go downhill when he marries his cousin into the place, disregards the FL, and places his mother and brother on a higher priority level compared to her. In the end her fate is tragic
Spoiler

The emperor (3rd prince) dies from a war injury and on his death bed his mother (Queen Dowager) convinces him to skip his only son (by MC) in favor of giving the throne to his (the Emperors) brother. After that the Emperors brother attempts to r*pe MC but she beats him so badly he loses the ability to have kids. Later the Queen Dowager maliciously poisons her to death thru snacks her young son unknowingly gave her. On her death bed she stabs and kills the Queen Dowager.

[collapse]

Then she is reborn back to before she married the 3rd prince. In this life she is determine to protect her relatives, live happily, take revenge against those who wronged her, and not make the same mistakes. Ofc all this seems pretty common for this genre but the difference lies in the telling and characters. Plus there is a key plot point that imo makes it unique
Spoiler

The MC is not the only reborn person. The Second Prince (the legitimate one that is born by the empress) is also reborn. And in the last life she killed him and hes back to make her repay what she owes lol. The mother of the 3rd Prince is also reborn.

[collapse]

The characters really make this novel for me. The MC can really be described as heroic and bold. The type to never allow themselves to be wronged or suffer any grievances. She has supernatural strength, a sharp tongue, a bright mind, and viciousness to match. She really doesnt let up on her enemies. However at the same time she strangely isnt Mary Sue. Her talents lay in martial arts and the explanation behind that is obv (General Dad) and plus her scathing tongue which was built up by years being in a superior position and being spoiled by her father. I feel like MC is definitely a case where the environment makes a person and you can see how she is the way she is. Domineering, proud, and arrogant. But she has the capital to be. The best part is the MC is never weakened throughout the entire novel, not even at the end, she isnt even overcome by the ML himself. I would even say she overshadows the ML throughout the novel (which actually is acknowledged by many people). Not that ML isnt good, it's just that MC actions are too thunderous and her light is too strong. Shes regarded in the novel as a woman who defies norms but is definitely worthy of others respect and fear. From beginning to end, I liked her and kinda regarded her as a role model. In some other novel she'd definitely be the Male Protagonist. She even saves the "beauty" ML.

On the other hand is the ML. The ML is the Second Prince who
Spoiler

was assassinated on the battlefield by MC in the last life.

[collapse]

ML is quite pitiful imo. The obv legitimate son who should obv be the Crown Prince by virtue of birthright and status and talent, but because the Emperor is biased towards the First Prince and doesnt like him, he needs to fight for what should have been his. In the last life this led to him being repressed and keeping a low profile. In this life hes less willing to bear wrongs and isnt that interested in winning his fathers favor anymore. Like MC, he wants to protect his family, live happily, and ascend the throne. The ML in the new life is actually a bit shameless and black belly, but I like him alot because hes actually a real person with real feelings. He feels disappointed and sad that his father doesnt favor him and doesnt see his merits. Angry that his father continues to trample on his mother the Empress. And later when he marries MC he feels connected to his MC family and truly feels comfortable and happy with them. The relationship between father in law and son in law is esp touching considering ML own father is incompetent while MC father is so great and loving. He is not OP at all, hes totally the weak chicken scholar that's often written about. Even the 3rd Prince is more skilled at fighting than he is. But ML is still the most suitable to be the emperor bc he does practical things, is for the people, and is also quite openminded. Not to mention he is the smartest of the princes. Best thing abt him is that
Spoiler

In the extras after they have children he is completely a proud father. He praises and pays attention to the kids and will even spoil his stomach to eat burnt food they cooked. He wanted to be the father for his children his dad never was.

[collapse]

On to the relationship between MC and ML. The actual relationship develops fast in terms of this novels length bc they actually began as a business marriage of sorts but the actual emotions take a while. This is esp so bc the MC has just come off being betrayed and lost all trust in men while the ML was wronged by her in the last life. They marry because MC is truly indebted to ML and imo I felt it was only right for ML to do what he did. He
Spoiler

tells her point blank hes reborn and hes come to collect the debt in the last life from her killing his innocent self. In the last life the one evil thing MC did was assassinate ML so 3rd prince can get the throne.

[collapse]
So the ML essentially forces her to marry him and support him to the throne and tbh I dont blame him at all. If the genders were swapped the ML would have drowned in readers spit by now for being a terrible person so it was only right for ML to be repaid. The relationship between ML and MC is fun bc MC is such an overbearing wife ppl kind of feel bad for ML but ML is extremely tolerant and likes her the way she is. In the last life he both hated and loved her bc like the 3rd prince, he also fell in love at first sight but the two were already entangled so he had no chance. Then
Spoiler

after he dies his spirit enters the MCs longbow that killed him and he witnesses her from then on till her death.

[collapse]
in any case the love was very strong.

On to the overall plot. The plot is basically them getting married and then fighting for the throne, dealing with princes, the Emperors concubines, schemes, and family matters. The novel actually has a bit of a pattern where the MC and ML will first suffer a grievance where you feel it will be hard to come back from but then they will find a way to get it back later. MC esp holds grudges. The amount of grievances the MC and ML suffer in the moment, is just some of what they find a way to get back later. This format is actually quite satisfying bc it allowed for the main leads to suffer losses and failures so that they weren't OP, while leaving room for clever comebacks and reversals to let us feel the main leads brilliance. It's like, you want the main leads of any book to be powerful and domineering in order for it to be satisfying, but also not so OP it's boring. This is them. You know they will turn the situation around, but arent sure how or when or how much damage the main leads need to take before it happens. This gives readers a sense of urgency and conflict and helps keep the story fresh even till the end. Heres an example.
Spoiler

1. The 3rd Prince attempted to draw a wedge in the Emperors and Second Prince relationship and succeeds. He also sends his father a new beauty to get some leverage in the palace. But MC spreads rumors that father and son are being served by this new beauty together which is very damaging to his reputation. Then she drives a nail in the coffin by spreads rumors that 3rd prince isnt actually Emperors son bc she was actually just a dancer who served others then went to serve the emperor. This "other" she served happened to be one if the Emperors current ministers, the 3rd Princes father in law. This rumor was really vicious and completely hit 3rd prince hard. It was very enjoyable face slapping!

[collapse]
. The plot was eventful up until the very end and tbh I was breathless and on the edge of my seat. It was wild, but satisfying.

The side characters are also one of the greatest part of this novel. Like them, hate them, everyone feels human and flawed. Let me mention some honorable ones:

The MC father deserves the best dad of the year award because he is truly such a good dad even his son in laws love him. He only married on person and when she died after giving him a daughter he chose to adopt children rather than remarry. He is humorous, broad minded, talented, likes to make up drama in his head, and loves his children more than anything. Hes just such a good father and this is esp obv because the emperor is such a bad father.

Next is the Queen (ML mom). I didnt know what to think of her at first esp bc she didnt like MC but at the end she was my favorite after the dad. She underwent such a brilliant change and I applaud her for finding strength and inner peace. At the start she keeps herself calm and pretends to be magnanimous and kind to everyone despite suffering grievances due to not being the Emperors sweetheart nor being liked by the Empress Dowager. Shes been forced to bow her head and endure shame for years. She forbears really well and imo has a decent tempmernt. No matter what she thinks in her heart, she will treat MC well bc ML and wont make things difficult for her. Later she is influenced by MC and learns to let go and not bear everything out of kindness. She begins to argue back to the Emperor and stand her ground. It's very satisfying watching this woman who had her wings clipped in the palace grow a backbone and no longer care abt that dog man the Emperor nor her reputation and just does what she wants. She and MC become close and united by the end truly a beautiful mother and daughter relationship.

Next is the Emperor. At first I admired him a little. At least he was a decent Emperor at the beginning and aside from favoritism he was fine. Then years went on, he got older, became more suspicious and I feel like his hypocrisy and shallowness shown through.
Spoiler

After he made ML crown prince I thought he settled down but no he cant see the son he doesnt like doing better than himself. Hes too biased against ML and even when a concubine of his tries to kill his grandchild (MC kids) he gets more angry that the MC killed said concubine while he was away. He was already a bad husband and father but he becomes more a terrible husband and father. The first prince he liked so much is dropped like a shoe after he is disabled, the second is hated no matter how talented he is, he gives into mother the Queen Dowager too much letting her run rampent, and hes suspicious all the time. I felt his death was really suitable for him, dying at the hands of his prev beloved son.

[collapse]

The 3rd prince is next and is disgusting in every way. Literally the only redeeming quality I could find is that hes good at leading troops. Every other thing he does tell me hes a tr*sh person. Similar to the emperor, hes a hypocrite.
Spoiler

After knowing the events of the past life and the grievances, he still wonders time again why MC is so ruthless toward him and hates him. Like are you s*upid? You dropped her like a shoe and passed the throne to your brother

[collapse]
anyway he is tr*sh and I dont feel bad for his ending at all. Could have suffered more.

Next is the 4th prince whom I like alot. Hes funny, smooth talker, unambitious, and just like to watch the fun from the sidelines. He frequently provokes people and likes to see others jokes, but I found that "flaw" refreshing. And at critical moments he never drops the chain. Him and his wife were my favorites.

Next is 1st prince and 5th prince. Will quickly go thru them. Both were super distorted by the end for different reasons. 1st prince was disabled and fell from favor and couldn't stand the blow. He became distorted from the before and after and
Spoiler

killed his father the Emperor to take the throne.

[collapse]

On the other hand 5th prince is easily ignored, ugly, and untalented. Hes often overlooked, but imo is the cruelest and creepiest person in the whole story.
Spoiler

Toruring and killing palace maids from a young age (13!) Hes truly a vile person that likes abusing others

[collapse]
I hated both characters but what I liked is that the author dropped hints for everything including the character progression. The background set up of the proud son unable to stand the blow of falling to the earth and the ignored son made me completely able to see how they came out this way. They were evil but had backstory for said evil. Lastly is the adopted siblings who completely supported and loved the MC. I wont go into details but they were all so distinct and lovely. Their sibling bond was a sight to behold.

The ending of this novel is a HE but it's also really tragic up until the last few moments. The final battles for the throne really shows just how bloody it takes to get the throne. And how far people are willing to go. It was very bloody and sad and alot of people died. Like I was exhausted after reading tbh. In any case, I would def recommend this book. It's an interesting spin on the usual ancient china transmigration revenge story. A solid book. <<less
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s1003
s1003
July 26, 2022
Status: Completed
Wow! This is the first time I've read a CNovel longer than 500+ chapters and didn't want to give up. In fact, there were times I didn't want to stop reading!

The summary doesn't do this novel justice. We start off with the typical reincarnation backstory - MC is used, betrayed and then killed by her s*um husband and his family. She then finds that she has returned to the past and decides to seek revenge. However, what really sets this story apart from all the others similar novels is the... more>> following:

    • Excellent character development of all the characters, including the MC and ML! Too often, the MC is a Mary Sue and the ML is the cold, cool, all powerful character. While our MC is indeed very strong, and she doesn't suffer many losses, you never get the feeling that the "win" came easily or cheaply. There were many times in the novel where I wasn't sure how a problem would be resolved. I love that she has a strong support system and that the main "antagonist" (her s*um ex husband) was a real threat at times. I also really like the ML, who is is neither cold nor cool.
      Spoiler

      While he is the only di son, the son of the empress, his situation is precarious. I think the author did a great job showing the struggles of being born in the imperial family and all the problems that come with it.

      [collapse]
    • Realistic development of the MC and ML's relationship.
      Spoiler

      I didn't know who the ML was going into this story and when it became apparent their relationship would be a marriage for convenience at first, I was excited to see how it would progress. The author didn't disappoint. What started off as a reluctant alliance became a strong, healthy marriage where the two parties openly support each other. I love how both the ML and MC were able to be vulnerable with each other.

      [collapse]
    • Strong cast of secondary characters. All the characters - MC's family, the imperial family, other noble aristocrats - are very well developed. Each character has their own ambitions and motivations. Their relationships with each other are often complex and things changed over time. It felt very realistic.
    • Good pacing - I never felt like the story dragged on, which is great. Not only that, there is a good balance between the political intrigue, war, and romance / family life. We also see different characters' perspectives throughout the story, which adds depth to the characters as well.
    • Interesting twist!
      Spoiler

      As the translator mentioned in their review, there are 3 reincarnated figures in the story! Not what I was expecting at all.

      [collapse]
Overall, 5/5. It is long, but definitely worth the read! <<less
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whitespade
whitespade rated it
December 12, 2022
Status: c456
This is a very good story! I agree with most of the reviews. I love the fact that the ML is not perfect, actually the previous husband is even more 'perfect' than him in terms of strength but the very fact our ML is not a mommy's boy make him 673% better since every readers hate that type of guy lol!

I also like the fact that the emperor is not some foolish old guy but a very vigorous and fair minded person, in another novel he would be the MC.

Read... more>> this novel if you love ancient harem novel but like the little twists and subversions here and there making it fun, enjoyable, and fresh.

I deduct 1 star only because author tend to be long winded in some description and dialogue that don't further the plot. I just skip them. <<less
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Naimena
Naimena rated it
October 25, 2022
Status: Completed
Best rebirth ever! There are some similarities in the initial setting of Lu Mingyu to Shen Miao: loving general father, falling in love with a man who used them to get the throne and being betrayed and abandoned as an empress. That's where the similarities end.

Don't get me wrong, I loved TRMEML but it is definitely a journey for revenge. This novel is different. The MC took her rebirth as a new chance to live well, avoid repeating her past mistakes and strive for the happiness of her family. Revenge... more>> is at most a side quest, although she's happy to vent her hatred with her fists when possible.

She's best described as a valiant, heroic woman who can't bear grievances when she could beat up people or scare them to death with a show of strength. She was born with divine strength and is skilled in martial arts.

She had no intention to marry again after rebirth but it turned out she did ONE terrible thing in her previous life to help the do*che husband. Who'd have expected that the victim came back and wanted to claim debts? Poor MC was half guilted half coerced into marrying. ML (aka debt collector) is a gentle crown prince in a rather precarious situation and he very much welcomes the protection of his super strong wife.

Lu family is endearing and funny. Lots of adopted children and they are very much a big happy family.

Pros:

    • Unsual dynamic in main couple. It's not rare to find powerful MCs but they are usually matched with an even mightier, cold ML. Here we have powerful military FL x gentle book-smart ML. He does make progress with his martial arts and war but admits he can't compare to talented people in that field. FL is the one that saves the day most of the time. She even carries him when he's injured or weak and he's quite happy with it.
    • Heartwarming FL's family and reasonable ML's mother empress. She's a gentle woman and initially dislikes the FL but treats her well for the sake of her son. As time passes they are able to appreciate each other's qualities and have a friendly, respectful relationship.
    • No one-dimensional, basic enemy. That's to say, not all women are evil scheming lunatics and not all men are heartless. Most characters are in the grey area. They have their own selfiness and goodness. Exceptions are former life's MIL and brother in law. For example, the emperor was a good ruler and general, even if he was a poor father and husband.
    • Nice character development where most characters, including the MC, learn and change from the important events and situations they experience.
Cons:

    • None in particular...
<<less
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tasukenme
tasukenme rated it
March 16, 2022
Status: --
This story is must read for the ancient story lover. Really love the Xiangyang wangye & the empress qiao character😊 they Both really good to their child and their child’s partner. Esp the Queen, eventho FL wasnt the type she like but because her son wanted her, she accept her the she can. The Queen also did not do harm to other concubine even if there is Meng guifei (the emperor’s beloved) or Qin Fei (the empress dowanger’s niece) makes trouble. Her endurance for emperor and empress dowanger bias deserve... more>> the praise. Xiangyang wangye the FL’s father love for his children make all the other prince jealous of the second prince. He love his son and daughter in law like his biological child. Also he had 5 foster child, all FL sibling. He loves them all the same🥺🥺🥺 the most villain is the emperor, he is A good son & good emperor but never A good husband and A father ex cept for the First prince <<less
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frostcrystal
frostcrystal rated it
December 10, 2023
Status: Completed
Starts out slow and somewhat cliché, but really picks up after a hundred chapters or so. You get to really like the characters, who are all very well-fleshed out. ML is one of my favourites in a long time; he's very secure in his masculinity and supportive of our rather manly FL, and the author takes care to juxtapose him against her ex-husband, who felt kind of threatened by his wife. And FL's dad Lu Lin is just absolutely hilarious! OMG when his hobby of writing corny novels made a... more>> comeback halfway through I laughed so hard.

The reincarnation gimmick takes a backseat to the plot about halfway through, because at that point everyone has lived past the point where FL died in her past life. I liked this turn of events - it really felt like everyone had grown past the point of needing information from the previous life.

For the most part things sail smoothly for our main characters - it's not like there aren't challenges, but you get the impression that they're always just slightly more competent than the antagonists. However, it really gets good around the climax, which is very exciting and tension-filled. I was on the edge of my seat!

P.S. Shout out to all the chapters in which the Emperor's wife and concubines all took turns smiling politely while inwardly cursing "This dog man!" <<less
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thispalaceisbored
thispalaceisbored rated it
July 25, 2023
Status: Completed
A satisfying read! At first I was reluctant to read it bc of the long chapters and it isn't completely translated yet but I can no longer hold back myself so I decided to give it a go. Thank heavens the MTL is readable.

If you're looking for an FL that's strong and independent, this is for you! There's never a damsel in distress moment bc she's too powerful herself and she's the one who, most of the time, saves the beauty (ML) lmao. She's a type of person who dares... more>> to love and hate. She's arrogant (rightly so) and is never pretentious. Whether she likes a person or not, she never concealed it. And bc of the betrayal in her past life, she had a hard time trusting the ML but she never truly closed her heart once she realized that the ML is way different to her past love. The love is slow burn but the progress of their relationship is not which I am so glad for. I just love how the FL never shy away from their intimacy bc she knows her role as a wife since she agreed to marry the ML and ML is shameless enough to show his love for the FL. At the end, she never really directly tell ML she loves him back, but her actions showed him and that's when the ML knew.
Spoiler

Damn, like FL is willing to risk her life for the ML just so he can be safe, multiple times. If that's not love, idk what is.

[collapse]
But even then, he remains consistent bc he's aware that a scar of betrayal would always leave a mark and he knows that only time would tell and prove everything.

Reviewers says that FL overshadows the ML bc she's just amazing and powerful while the ML's weakness is martial arts which is very the best at. But for me, his love and consistency for the FL really shines through and he stands on his own limelight. If FL is a person who dares to love and hate, then the ML is a person who dares to love through and through! Despite
Spoiler

knowing that the person who killed him in his last life is the FL, he still dares to marry her. Although there is another reason why he did, the way he treated and pursued the FL to agree showed how much it is more than to get the FL's military fam support. He loved her in his two lifetimes and finally gets her.

[collapse]

I just love how the ML and FL never had any misunderstanding bc both of them would immediately talk about it. Even them
Spoiler

being reborn, they immediately talk it out. How ML collects a debt and how the FL agrees after.

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The ML's consistent trust, support, and standing by FL's side even when he knows FL can do it independently is just so heartwarming to read in contrast to the FL's tragic past life. The same goes with the FL's consistent support for the ML's every decision and how they got each other's back no matter what. I read a reviewer said the ML became the father his father never been to him. Which I completely agree with. Not only did he became a loving father he never got to have but he also became a husband and a lover his father would and could never be. He married the person he love as a main wife and married only her alone. I love how the ML showed and expressed his emotions. Unlike other MLs who's cold and have stiff faces, the ML is never afraid of showing his emotions and being emotional. He felt so real, so human on how he felt disappointed, hurt, and how much grievance he had for his father. And I so much love how he never felt insecure nor inferior to the FL bc of how powerful she is in the field he's not good at and FL just being a strong and independent woman she is. Unlike the FL's past who has an inferiority complex hidden deep inside him lol. The ML basically love the FL just the way she is. He never forces FL on the things she doesn't want, respect her limitations while slowly getting his way in her heart, and spoils her in everything. I also love how he stands firmly in between his mother and wife. Not losing filial piety while also not losing his respect and love for his wife. It shows that if a man wants to, he would.

My favorite characters are; Of course the FL's dad. He is indeed the best dad, one of the best dad I've ever read in novels. And he could've been a good husband too, if he was given a chance. His love for the FL and other children and things he would do for them is just so heartwarming to read. Alongside him is his adopted children, love how they always got each other back and are each other's biggest support. Never related by blood, but their bond is stronger than that. Even surpassed the blood relation of the imperial family. The Empress is also my fave, I love her character development so much. How she grows from the taciturn and enduring Empress to talking back and standing her ground. She's also not some witch mother in law. Although at first she dislike FL as a daughter in law, she never made things difficult for her and I love how their bond progressed and became so close at the end. Lastly is the Fourth Prince and his wife. The Fourth Prince is a certified melon eater lmao. Their dynamic as husband and wife is good too and I love how simple minded yet sensible they are when it's needed.

The fight for the throne is so bloody. I think this is one of the bloody fight for the throne I've read bc most of the time the setting is in a war and not so much details were written. My heart keeps beating so fast while reading it and pity how so much lives got implicated with just a wrong step and selfish ambition.

Overall, very recommended to read! The MTL is readable and translation is still on-going. <<less
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dramamonster
dramamonster rated it
February 18, 2023
Status: Completed
In her first life, the FL loved the wrong man and was eventually betrayed to death. Reborn to her teenage self, she embarks on a much better life.

The FL is smart, domineering, righteous and an invincible fighter. The ML is the right person for her. My favourite character is the FL's dad - a powerful, wily, general who secretly likes to read sensationalistic romance novels and unabashedly dotes on his only child.

The noble / imperial / harem scheming / politics / warfare storylines were solid, realistic, and well written for... more>> all 725 chapters. There's plenty of character development and the support cast is large. For an ancient Josei story, it's pretty epic. It's a
Spoiler

happy ending with extra epilogue chapters.

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PurplexStar
PurplexStar rated it
June 16, 2022
Status: Completed
This is a brilliant book!

It's a bit long, but definitely worth a read.

It's funny, it makes you cry, it makes you angry, it brings out all the emotions you can think of.

... more>> I loved the relationships depicted throughout the book. I love how LMY slowly grows out of her past and accepts LJ's love, how she's able to preserve her family and their happiness.

I have read many books with amazing father-daughter relationship, but Lu Lin's love for his daughter is unprecedented and father-daughter moments are, in my opinion, the best part of this book. He's honestly my favourite character in the book. The whole family gets along great together and even the sons-in-law are not excluded.

Spoiler

The ML, LJ has more fatherly feelings for his father-in-law than for his own father.

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In contrast to the harmony and love of the Lu family, you have the imperial Li family, which is the complete opposite. The father is blatantly favouring one son over the other. Holding up one concubine and pressing down his wife. It is to the point that he literally lets people get away with mu*der.

Spoiler

All of the spoiling and favouring led to the emperor's death in the hands of his favourite son.

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Another favourite character is the Empress. Her character growth is one of the best in the book.

Spoiler

She bore the indifference of the emperor, having to keep her head down so her children could be raised safely. She spoils her children and keeps them at the tip of her heart. She then learned to accept the indifference and stopped condoning the emperor's s*upidty and undeserved hate. She stood strong when she was needed at the most critical times. She also gave way when the time came.

One of my favorite scenes is her calling over the newly enthroned LJ and basically telling him she won't allow him to accept concubines, because his current position is inseparable from his wife's help and she deserves all his heart. The sad part is that this also comes from her own experience of having to deal with the emperor's concubines and children from other women.

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It is satisfactory to watch the way the antagonists end up. They get what they deserve.

The truly sad part though was some of the children's lives. These innocent children were affected because of their s*upid parents and malicious parents.

There is so much to this book that can't be put in this review. It's better to read it to understand all the nuances. <<less
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Karby
Karby rated it
February 3, 2023
Status: --
I sincerely enjoy this novel. It's not to over the top, has good character building and I love the FL unruly side haha I laughed so hard over some parts, I can totally vision the few sentences written. Looking forward to read the entire story
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nejeriv
September 9, 2024
Status: --
MC is "a strong independent woman", and by that I mean, physically strong. She's violent and physically abusive to everybody, including her own family, who are depicted as affectionate while also not wanting to be anywhere near her. MC also has no backbone. She swears up and down that she's never going to give herself to a man in this life, and five seconds later a man corners her for marriage and she's putty in his hands.

ML is a loser and he's rapy. The incel lines "you'll change your mind... more>> tho" and "you're cute when you're angry" literally come from him. He
Spoiler

guilt-trips MC into marriage, forcing her against her will. The fact that she's unwilling turns him on. "A cute look of being forced to marry" and he gets all handsy with her. This is depicted as "not forcing her" and "being sincere". He also tells MC that he won't tell her anything until they're married because they're enemies. Girl, how s*upid do you need to be in order to marry your enemy? I'm sorry to say I liked her previous husband better. ML is also full of himself and incredibly arrogant. He says that he only needs like five minutes with her in order to convince her to nod her head and agree to marriage. How about she just kills him again?

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Humbledaisy
Humbledaisy rated it
May 11, 2024
Status: c220
I’ve been re-reading some novels from my Finished list and this is probably my favorite so far. A very vivid mix of harem politics, court politics and simple family life. I especially liked how the author shows the backstory behind the different main characters - generals, clan heads, concubines, royalty - as they navigate this complex world. Some people are s*upid no matter how much they get in life and some characters learn to let their light shine. A really good story.
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femalenovelist
femalenovelist rated it
February 25, 2024
Status: --
I liked the novel and the MC until

Spoiler

It was revealed the MC killed the ML in their past lives to help her former lover/husband ascend to the throne. I found that difficult to justify and it was ridiculous how the ML forgave her.

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Vivilliam
Vivilliam rated it
October 20, 2023
Status: Completed
A little long but good to read💗

This is totally my type.

But I want Li Hao to know about his faults in previous life.
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Alizay
Alizay rated it
April 20, 2023
Status: c1
This is a really good novel. All the characters are properly fleshed out. You can see their thought processes, their driving force, fears and hopes. One thing I like is that all characters are consistent, which is rare to find in c-novels. The translation is also top-notch.
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Bookmanic
Bookmanic rated it
February 23, 2023
Status: c1
Compared to many novels with the same genre this novel is quiet refreshing. It has its bloody moments but it all ties together and make sense, no unnecessary bloodshed or drama. The only thing I didn't like was that the author always repeats the characteristics of almost all the characters like ML is gentle and kind and FL is heroic or indifferent and even about the other characters like the sister is domineering ot the brothers are arrogant, insidious, is fat or dull looking, all these things are fine if... more>> mentioned occasionally but every time any of these characters appears so does these lines about them, that was the only annoying thing except for that everything else is very enjoyable to read. <<less
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Sekstifire
Sekstifire rated it
February 5, 2023
Status: c84
Really enjoyed what I've read so far. The main things that stand out to me are the dialogue, which is funny in a very "real" way, and the side characters. Rather than having a bunch of supporting characters who sort of just orbit around the main character, there's a good assortment of friendly, neutral, and hostile characters that each have their own concerns.

The ML is sorta meh though. Not bad or anything, just cookie cutter.
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Eeria
Eeria rated it
December 18, 2022
Status: Completed
It’s a great novel! Loved that the focus is not in vengeance. Though the FL had suffer major grievances, after her rebirth she wanted to spend her energy on her family. Loved the loving family of the FL. The FL is somewhat smart but has some very dumb moments. The ML is a softie. Their romance is like the frog being boiled at the bottom of the well. The story focuses more on court politics and intrigue.
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czeihne
czeihne rated it
July 22, 2022
Status: Completed
I like the FLs personality. Love and hatred is very clear.

The ML is a bit weak as typical ML but they both loved each other in the end.

The emperor was neither a good husband or father. The fate of the 1st, 3rd and 5th brothers were really sad.

It was a good read, good plot and my fave character is the FLs father. His love for his daughter is really commendable.

Happy ending indeed
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