Love the writer and his/her other novels and this did not disappoint. So good and funny and a lighthearted reading.

I love this story. This is arguably one of the best historical romance that I've ever read so far. The plot revolved around conspiracy that threatened the harmony between officials and monarch in Great Jin. Although it sounded heavy and potentially angsty, the antics of the characters in this novel successfully made it into a comedy.

I also love all the characters in this story. The emperor wasn't narrow-minded. He genuinely appreciated the generals who defended his country instead of being suspicious of them. He also treated his consorts equally without... more>> particularly favoring one over the others so his harem was quite harmonious. Aside from that, he's also a good father and cared for his sons. Alhough he favored ML more, he never neglected his other sons and even patiently dealt with each of their quirks.

MC and ML were also a highlight of this story. ML was a black-belly and never gave anyone face but he really cared about his families. MC was also as cunning as ML and she pretended to be a sickly beauty while she's actually proficient in martial arts. It's really entertaining to see her thwarting the enemy's plan with her innocent face. Their romance was a slow-burn though but there were still many sweet moments between MC and ML scattered throughout the story.

The ending was very satisfying although it's a bit regrettable that I didn't get to see other side character's potential love story and...

Spoiler

... the little bun.

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This is one of the rare novels that I would forego sleep for. The characters were very fleshed out, realistic, and the plot was intriguing. I didn't think too deeply while reading so I was kept guessing who did what until the end. Others might guess, but I didn't. Super fun read! Would (and have) recommend

It has always been hard for me to write a review of a good book/novel. It's also true for this one.

This author's historical BG novels have always been my favorites. Another one has joined the ranks now.

It was a great blend of slice of life, romance, mystery, palace intrigue, conspiracy and comedy. Though the romance part is quite subpar compared to her other novels, I think the other elements made it up for that.

... more>> The comparison between the Great Jin and Daimao kingdom also sends a great message.

Our FL, Hua Liuili, is a sickly and delicate beauty who is totally a face-control. But there is also a twist. Only if you read, you'll know.

Ji Yuansu had such an infuriating poisoned tongue but he was such a wife-s*ave too. I liked his character a lot. I wanted more scenes between these two.

And finally an emperor who is not a dog. The relationships among the imperial family were also quite unique. The emperor was definitely a good father. I felt for the Fourth prince. Poor boy.

The translator also did a great job.

This novel made me laugh, it also made me tear up so many times. And no matter what I just couldn't put it down either.

Definitely worth it!

"Some people in the world always ask why they should give up an entire forest for the sake of one tree. She thought, perhaps it's because that tree is the most beautiful, the most upright, and the most pleasing. With the existence of that tree, all the other trees in the forest become the same and no longer attracts one's attention." <<less

The translator had done a good job. It is a story of two pretentious people falling in love. The comedy makes you laugh. FL and ML are both likeable. Even supporting characters are well developed.

I love this author! Never disappoint. Although this wasn’t my favourite out of all the author’s novels I’ve read, I enjoyed it. It’s funny and the plot is smart. Also, the novel has the best emperor ever! Wish more leaders in the world are as wise.

So far, it is good

But I still wonder why MC has that kind aspiration to become a sickly beauty that go down in history 😂

That's the only reason why I keep reading it. But I think I am gonna pause here, because I am in the mood of comedy-tragedy-romance 🤣

Maybe I'll come later

This novel is gold! I don't know how many times I've laughed... MC and her family is awesome, the ML and his father emperor is so funny, even the antagonists are s*upid, simply loved it, I think this one is my most favorite of the author's all novels

What is this hilarious story? Omg. I did not expect this to be so funny. I swear I'd laugh so hard, I'd have tears in my eyes. Hahaha.

Guys. You have to read this. This is a gem.

Dropped because I found it very boring.

Reasons:

1. It’s supposed to be funny. But the humor is slapstick comedy which I didn’t find funny. For example, bad guy says “The last person who made a mistake is already dead and grass has grown over his grave!!!” His subordinate then replies “Master, it’s winter, no grass has grown yet.” Didn’t find it funny. Jokes in this novel didn’t hit right with me.

2. FL pretends to be frail, and weak. Bur she actually has a good appetite. In fact, from the very beginning... more>> we get sus vibes about her that she’s hiding something. I couldn’t get into the story because I knew nothing about her other than the fact that she’s probably very smart and not as weak as she seems. This story begins with a mystery and slowly builds with the political intrigue so I didn’t feel invested with the characters. So for the ML and FL, I wasn’t interested in their story.

3. The political drama. Mygod the antagonists seem super dumb. FL easily foils the assasination attempts and I don’t know how she does it. Maybe it’s explained later on but so far it just seems as though FL almost always foils it somehow with her actions. Antagonists also plan really dumb ways to assasinate. Which makes this less like a novel I’m interested in.

Maybe it gets better later on but I keep trying to read it and to be interested since there’s so many good reviews but it’s just too boring for me. <<less

I read 27 chapters and decided to drop this. At the beginning it was a 5 now it seems like 2, 5. I'm living it without rating because I did not read the whole book.

But why? I liked the main leads at the beginning but everything seems repetitive: the crying, sending gifts, unsuccessful assassinations. And I don't know why everyone likes the FL so much. It's so glaring she's pretending. Like... In my opinion Jiamin Junzhu is a better character than her but JJ is recognized as s*upider by her... more>> and the Crown Prince and Emprior. She's not s*upid just does not care for the intrigue. Also she's young, naive and without life experience of serious violence. That one has great characterisation.

I guess I don't care that FL pretends to be weak but I care that she's an a**hole. And a hypocrite. And arrogant. Most importantly judgmental.

Edit: Actually it occurred to me that FL is a 15 years old girl (let's forget how unrealistic it it for her to be so good at killing at that age) and has a right to be a little ridiculous and immature. But with the way the author sings praises to her and ML I don't believe there's much hope for a character grow <<less