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The Wife is First
Type
Web Novel (CN)
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Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 631 votes)
5    63% (396 votes)
4    18% (115 votes)
3    10% (60 votes)
2    4% (26 votes)
1    5% (34 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
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Year
Example: 2012
2013
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
3 Volumes (Completed)
105 Chapters + 3 Extras (Completed)
Licensed
Yes
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
Release Frequency
Every 2646 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #6527
Monthly Rank: #5977
All Time Rank: #722
Reading List
[Graph]
On 12921 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #1023
All Time Rank: #172

Description

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The wife is first, the country is second, and the husband is of lesser importance.

All of his life was spent riding a war horse and accomplishing meritorious military services. But what was the result? In the end, he was cast aside once he had served his purpose.

Out of selfishness, he had favored his consort and neglected his wife. Ultimately, the one who stood by his side was the wife that he had neglected for 10 years…

After being reborn, Jing Shao decided to repent and turn over a new leaf…

Standing outside the door while holding a pillow, Jing Shao gazed at the sky. He must first mend his relationship with his wife. Jing Shao formed a fist and knocked on the door, “Jun Qing, I know I was wrong, let me in!”

Associated Names
One entry per line
Qi Wei Shang
The Wife Comes First
Thê Vi Thượng
Wife Above All
You Own My All (Manhua)
Жена - превыше всего
หนึ่งคํามั่น นิรันดร์กาล
妻为上
妻為上
Related Series
The Stingy Friend (Spin-Off)
Recommendations
Tyrant Pampering Wife Diary (6)
The Deposed Crown Prince Is Pregnant With The Enemy Prince’s Child (4)
The General’s Favorite Husband (4)
Didn’t Love You Enough (4)
The Submissive Emperor (3)
Marrying the Contemporary Crown Prince (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Novelas Danmei
  2. My danmei reads
  3. Danmei To Be Read List [FULL LIST; UNORDERED]
  4. Danmei TBR
  5. Already Read Daimei

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118 Reviews sorted by


Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes rated it
January 14, 2025
Status: Completed
Maybe my expectation was a little too high being that it's a highly rated and recommended story. The story did started out with potential, but slowly it becomes flat.

Political plot is almost not there as it isn't all that complex or interesting because ML become nonchalant after rebirth.

Romance... I like the meat. Ok, I always appreciate when there's meat in my story. This story have plentiful of meat. I think that if the author had put all the focus on making the romance interesting, add some drama, I think maybe... more>> I would've liked it more.

Overall, I think it was an okay story. Not impactful, but I'm glad I at least read it and can judge for myself. <<less
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ntww12
ntww12 rated it
December 2, 2024
Status: Completed
I read this a few years back and came back for a reread before realizing I never gave a review. It is a good read if you enjoy a fluffy romance alongside political dispute regarding the throne. Basically there’s a fight between Princes and the Third Prince was made to marry a male wife to kind of sorta disqualify him for the throne. As per the summary ML neglects his male wife but when he is reborn he pampers his male wife instead. It is sooo sweet. He becomes a... more>> total green flag husband.

There isn’t much drama between them and the jealousy/misunderstandings gets resolved easily. As for the political drama, it’s all about the Princes fighting or not fighting for the throne.

I minus one star because the way the women is depicted is kinda sad. The low rank concubines can be sent away here and there to be someone else’s concubines. Most of the ladies portrayed in the story are either jealous harpies, superstitious ones or just meek ones. There are exceptions like Ge Ruoyi or Han Dadao’s wife but yeah, it wasn’t really about the ladies. The male wives is the focus. I just breeze through this part and don’t think about it too much as most BL tend to write this way.

The ending is pretty good too.

I read the manhua and it is 80-90% accurate to the novel. They did cut short some scenes but its more or less the same. It is so good! 11/10 would recommend. <<less
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sofourmore
sofourmore rated it
October 1, 2024
Status: Completed
I'm not going to lie, I actually mostly read the manhua adaptation instead of the novel, because the fan translation was confusing and writting felt flat and boring. In comparison, the manhua added fun and cute scenes in between that made the story feel more compelling, as well as the relationship. Actually, this isn't my type of story (hence the rating), but overall it left me with a nice feeling, plus the manhua did a good job at making it more entertaining.

The plot has a historical setting. In this universe,... more>> nobles who aren't direct heirs get male 'wives' (which means getting married into the noble's household) and this stops them from ascending positions, it is a strategy to keep part of the royalty in line and avoid conflict between noble members. Jing Shao is the one of the emperor's sons, forced to marry Jun Qing (a concubine's son, scholar). He is angry about this fact because he wanted to rule after his father the emperor but due to his marriage he can't, so he treats his spouse really bad. The story starts when he's about to get killed by higher orders after being framed, everyone in his household abandons him except Jun Qing, he realizes too late that he's the only one who cares for him (besides his older brother) and decides to die with him. Jing Shao then reborns in his 19 years old body, the day after both got married. He promises that he would become devoted to Jun Qing from now on and correct his mistakes, so in this second life he dotes on him all the time.

The setting about the male wives was interesting. I liked how the author showed that the wife position isn't related to anything else, a perfect example is a side couple MCs encounter in the middle, where it is implied that the one who calls himself husband is on the receiving end (if you know what I mean), while the male "wife" is dominant in bed, but outside of their relationship is the other who takes more upfront role. There were also two other sides couples which were really cute, the two generals and the other between Jing Shao's older brother and the King, the latest was unexpected to me but intriguing as well. I wanted more of each.

I don't have much else to elaborate about the plot, since the entire story is about the married couple getting to know each other, falling in love and supporting each other on everything. Jing Shao is the muscle and Jun Qing is the brain. Jing Shao breathes only to worship Jun Qing, and Jun Qing enjoys always being right. Both complement each other really well, plus I love a good dog and cat dynamic. Jun Qing became my favorite because I always go crazy for shous who are smart beauties, he was also harsh at times (mostly with Jing Shao) which made him even more likeable to me.

There is a few things that I didn't find great, besides the writting. The ending way too rushed, although I liked it and think it was a great closure. There's also how many evil women there are through the story, mostly being wives and consorts. I found it distateful how it was always women trying to set the couple apart or endagering their lives. I wouldn't mind it if there was a balance with evil men as well or at least if the characters were complex, but these were too cartoonish. Anyway, I guess this adds to how simple the story is, which isn't bad in itself, just not my type of novel. It isn't a bad one at all, but I'd recommend the manhua, found it ten times better. <<less
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Kuromi.Soldier
Kuromi.Soldier
September 24, 2024
Status: Completed
The redemption arc towards ML is satisfying and nothing worth fussing over the past life. This is 100% sweet, fluffy and wholesome. Definitely my type of novel, I love being fed dog food by the main couple.

I don't care about anything else except for the main couple's romance. I like that the story doesn't stray away from the romance unlike other novels that would focus on other things to give a more in-depth plot.
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Bbsnugs
Bbsnugs rated it
January 3, 2024
Status: Completed
Another good story from this author. After realizing he’s been given a 2nd chance in life, he cherishes and puts the ML 1st in everything he does and doesn’t repeat the same mistakes. Their love is really sweet and the side characters are well written as well.
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omganteng
omganteng rated it
December 22, 2023
Status: Completed
This is one of my favourites.

I’ve read it twice and still enjoyed every aspect of it. What was touching was seeing MC attempting to fix his life and relationships especially with ML.

MC grew up a lot after rebirth. He also realized that he never really did consider effects and actions in his past life which resulted in his ending previously.

Interactions between MC and ML is good and healthy. Translation was well done, and on top of that there’s a manhwa on this novel.

What’s not to love? It’s great!
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OverShelter
OverShelter rated it
November 8, 2023
Status: Completed
This is one of those stories about regret, rebirth and compensation. Where you do your best to clean up your mistakes and become a new person.

In this plot we have Jing Shao, a Gong/Seme, as the protagonist. Before he was reborn, he was scum. A complete as*hole who always treated his Wang Fei very badly and only realized he was wrong when he f*cked up completely because of the sh*t a concubine did. It was only by staying in jail with this same Wang Fei that he realized who he... more>> should really care about and love. And so, after being reborn, he promises to always listen to, respect and love his Wang Fei. Cute in a way, and it would have been more so if the author hadn't faltered a little at one point in the narrative. But I don't think you can expect much, especially with a seme like MC. They're almost always going to falter badly in this air at some point...

Moving on to other things, Mu Hanzhang, the much-mentioned Wang Fei, is a very precious cinnamon roll. He really could have been as disgusting as possible and f*cked up the MC in so many different ways just by relying on his own intelligence that you have no idea. But no. From the start, he had his mind set on helping if he could, since, in his words: "I'm already married to you, if I don't help you, who else would I help?" And I find that truly admirable considering how Jing Shao treated him in his past life and a little at the beginning of this one (but here I leave it a little aside, since it was JS before he was reborn).

In terms of plot and development, it's well-written. However, it becomes a bit monotonous and boring at a certain point. I don't really know if this is because I don't have much patience for political themes, schemes and whatnot, but there was a part where I honestly got fed up with all the political games being played. I felt it dragged on and, I confess, I even skimmed over it at times.

Other than that, it was a relatively enjoyable ride. I'd say I could re-read it with a certain gusto and would even recommend it. But not as a memorable read, if you're looking for one like that, in my opinion you're in the wrong place.

This novel is more for passing the time or when you find yourself short of reading options. <<less
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sbob
sbob rated it
May 6, 2023
Status: Completed
Generally smooth sailing palace intrigue fluff. Reincarnation happens early on with little past life angst (almost wish the angst were stronger so that it’s even more sweet after haha).

MC & ML both strong personalities and having strengths in their own ways gel together so well. Some mild tension points that are quickly resolved make for a lighthearted read with enough happening to keep things interesting and not boring. Almost felt a bit slice of life dating novel set in historical palace drama haha.

Very much enjoyed the fluff and stickiness. The... more>> side couples are also super cute haha. <<less
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XianYiXi
XianYiXi rated it
May 3, 2023
Status: Completed
Rating 4.3/5

MC (Seme) Jing Shao had neglected his male wife (ML). But when betrayed and imprisoned, only his male wife stayed by his side through ten years of hardship. After being reborn, ML decides to live his life better, love and pamper his male wife and support his brother.

the whole story is full of sweetness with almost no drama but bit of political element mix. it's specially sweet when you see all the pampering, all the cuteness and everything MC Jing Shao (Seme) does to redeem himself and his attempts... more>> to woo ML Mu Hanzhang (Uke).

The MC and ML are actually a perfect pair. The MC is a military man who is powerful but clueless about political stratagems while ML is a scholar who is brilliant but had low status, and now cannot enter officialdom. The MC pampers and protects ML, and ML observes and advises the MC against plots. They cover each other's weaknesses well.

Although I really like the story and love the relationship of MC and ML, there were time when I was disappointment.
Spoiler
  1. It would have been better if both MC and ML had the memories instead of just MC alone. the whole redemption went smooth and easy because of that...... which is nice but I was expecting more of struggle and hard work from MC, especially after what ML went through sh*t in the past life. Maybe I just wanted to see MC suffer more before getting ML heart....... well, looking at ML easily forgiving nature, I guess it wouldn't have made much difference.
  2. I was fine with ML easily forgiving nature towards MC (Biased) but I really hated that at one point. yes, it is when MC forced on him (Rape) out of jealousy to the point where he end up trembling out of fear when MC tried to approach him............. but then he was fine and alright when he found that MC was just eating vinegar....... like WTF!!!! how can you after what he did to you. the f*cker did try to ask him or communicate, instead end up making his own assumptions and then f*cking forced on ML and like how he blamed ML for this after that (though he did apologized later on)........ I really wished ML to slap or punch him instead of confessing I Love You to ease MC heart....... That was really wrong of him.
  3. Again on MC......... Is a 'wife' word an insult to him?? If so why does he use it on ML but get angry when ML call him Wife...... He should be happy with ML calling him wife...... I mean it's better than nothing or anyone other getting called like that. He should learn from Zhao guy (Xiao Yuan male wife) and Empress Gu, how to pamper their partner........ there's nothing wrong with TOPs being called The Wife
    [collapse]
The spoiler in author notes....... well, spoiler or future glimpse can have negative or positive effect depending on person and their views..... in my case it had negative impact which did impact on my love toward the story and rating.
Spoiler

Jian Chen (MC brother) having Male Empress in future.......... I don't hate it but it made me very conflicted as I never though he would marry a man. I assume he was straight and this kind of felt like author just making people around MC all gay (not a fan of that tho) plus he was married and have wife and concubine and his wife, although not good but was also not bad at first. knowing he gonna take male empress made my heart heavy with bit pity for his wife.

when I found that the future empress is my Gu hualing?? guy, I was even more conflicted as I love that guy and knowing him ending up with jian chen who's a good brother but not the best guy as partner with wife and children....... I was not happy.

I really like their relationship at near end. it would have been better with no spoiler sh*t in author note...... then I wouldn't have to go through conflicted sh*t and would have enjoyed their relationship progress smoothly with flow as written

[collapse]

I was also looking forward for more of left and right protector general story. I ship them so hard. Their relationship kind of remind me of MDZS Lan Zhan and Wei Ying, Similar personality and relationship. Left general is exactly like Lan Zhan. f*ck, I need their story !!!

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. especially since it got some...... uncensored papapa. The Yaoi tag didn't disappointed me. It been so long reading real Yaoi.

***********

Thanks to the translator for translating this novel. <<less
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Fisukisuki
Fisukisuki rated it
March 18, 2023
Status: Completed
I didn't remember when I started reading this novel and stopped by On-going Translation. And end up waited till the translation completed because I didn't have the right mood to continue. Lol

Anyway this Novel was Truly Great!

The first chapter was already hooked me. The Characters aka MC and ML are Enjoyable and Likable. Sure MC was far from Perfect, but I can still understand and accept his flaws. Even ML didn't hate him or anything for the obvious flaws in the present life, and still stick to him till death... more>> in the previous life. Thought that also what make ML totally Admirable and Loyal.

Other characters are great too. Love the Brotherhood between MC and JC. Love some fun and likable Side Characters. And even the Emperor himself was Interesting, at least I don't hate him.

The story was very well written, the Drama, War and the Political plot.

Like I said, sure it's not Perfect, but it was Really Really Good and I LOVE IT!!! It has quite Satisfactory ending. I'm Truly Loving it!!! <<less
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glitteryjoon
glitteryjoon rated it
February 6, 2023
Status: c1
Not much to say on this, they get together pretty quickly with minimum effort on the MCs part and the MCs basically MLs brain because he was basically a muscles brain.

It was an interesting novel, but because of how quickly they got together, reading through the constant smut made it feel less like a palace intrigue and more like fanfic. I'm not sure if that makes sense but that's how it felt for me.

Anyway, the character I ended up liking the most was actually the Hunanian (sp) King GH. As... more>> for MC JS I actually ended up not liking him to much. He seemed too childish for someone that went through a whole mess of life only to basically coast through the second one because of his brother and husband.

Also, TBH, the final chapters were so rushed I wasn't even aware we were at the end until the emperor died and then everything was fast forwarded.

It wasn't terrible and it got me through a dry spell of nothing to read. 3.5/4 <<less
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Blubeagle
Blubeagle
January 28, 2023
Status: Completed
This is a precious novel to me.

It is about a man who recognizes the wrongs he committed against his wangfei in his past life and strives to rectify all his wrongdoing.

To me, this was admirable.

... more>> While I had issues with how he behaved on their wedding night, he even rectified that and gained his wangfei's forgiveness.

He learned that his wangfei was his equal, not someone who was worth his contempt. He learned that for all the strengths he had, his wangfei had strengths to match, and was even stronger than he.

He even became childish when he and his wangfei were alone, which I thought was truly adorable. His wangfei was the only one that he truly let down his guard in front of.

When treasonous situations arose, he allowed his wangfei to deal with them and found that his wangfei was incredibly capable of being as devious as himself, which I loved.

He grew to understand that the one he had favored before, while he ignored his wangfei, was a piteous viper in his midst.

He was far less careless about those he let around him, and far more careful in listening to the wisdom of his wangfei, etc.

I loved this novel.

Neither was perfect, but they were a perfect match.

One thing about the manhua: Their chibis are freaking adorable! <<less
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Irissska O_o
Irissska O_o rated it
October 29, 2022
Status: Completed
I really cannot say much at this point of time cz after chapter 100 the translation was going very slowly and in the end more than half a year later I just mtl'ed while being not very interested anymore. I just remember that I did not really like MC, but his "wife" is just the best.
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Fujaiya Sumyoshi
Fujaiya Sumyoshi rated it
October 11, 2022
Status: Completed
It's a good novel with soft romance, lots of love making and heartfelt dedication.

This novel is a story of Jing Shao making up to Hanzhang in his second life. The first life was full of pitfalls where Jing Shao couldn't save himself as he lacked the consciousness against court politics and backyard intrigues. Jing Shao was trapped by other's sweet coaxing and didn't understand right from wrong. He thought he was fair to his consorts because they always flattered him, whereas they were actually working for other people to trap... more>> him. The worst consequence was not his being conspired against, rather it was the misunderstanding of Jing SHao with Jing Chen, his only elder brother. Jing Shao had "muscle brain", he would always think about fighting and war, defending the country and getting praised by the father emperor. He had lost his mother, and lost the protection of the empress at the same time, which he was unable to understand completely. As such, he wasn't wary of people around him, and believed in a lot of them.

Hanzhang was purely what can be called Jing Shao's Golden Finger. With Mu Hanzhang beside him, Jing SHao not only defeated his inner demons, but also his external enemies.

Of course there are time when Jing Shao wants Mu Hanzhang all to himself, and acts like a neanderthal, but it can be explained as his straight-forward manner of showing affection towards his WangFei.

This novel hardly has any points that can be picked on. The love and understanding between Hanzhang and Shao, the sibling relationship between Shao Chen, the hints of romance between left and right protector, Chen's new married life with the King of Huainan are all amazing and intersting.

All in all, it's a good novel. <<less
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Redle
Redle rated it
August 24, 2022
Status: Completed
The story totally fulfils its promise!

I was looking for a novel mostly focused on the romance and the couple's relationship, I got exactly that here with a good balance of palace intrigue, conspiracies, war and betrayal; without losing focus of the MC and ml's love story.

I loved the romance of the novel, this couple is one of my favorites, lovely without being over the top.

"The wife is first" is really what you get here! A very good recommendation if you're looking for something not heavy but still hooking, with very... more>> devoted and in love husbands. <<less
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erhu
erhu rated it
August 17, 2022
Status: Completed
This was a very enjoyable read. It's indulgent, sure, but enjoyable. The world-building is great as well, with the inner court and familial politics being especially gripping. However, I do wish the novel could have dived more into Jing Shao's guilt, questions about fate/destiny, and other such reflective elements for there to be more substance — Mu Hanzhang never even ended up finding out about the rebirth! Still, the core of the novel is sweet and of import: No matter all the riches or glory you may obtain, life is... more>> not worth living without the people you love.

(P.S. LOVED Gu Huaiqing's character and really wish he had more appearances. 10/10 guy. Maybe my favourite part of the novel?) <<less
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bellaleigh
bellaleigh rated it
August 11, 2022
Status: Completed
This was just a fun read. Seeing the MC realize his mistakes and do his best to treat the ML better was very endearing. I honestly really liked the ML and seeing the MC change his ways and accept that he won’t be forgiven right away made him more likeable as well. On top of the romance I also enjoyed the relationship between the MC and his brother after he realizes how much his brother really does care for him. The plot is pretty easy to follow so this is... more>> a great novel to pick up for an easy read. <<less
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heaven_falling1381
heaven_falling1381 rated it
February 23, 2022
Status: Completed
It's a flutty love story between a Prince and his Wang fei. Although all these flutty love are after a lifetime full of regrets as to why he didn't pay more to his male wife but its still good that he learned from those mistakes and in this life he trust him fully.

About the main characters I could use what Gu huaiqing said about them:

"one who was academic and one from the military. One bravely charging a head and other planning the schemes."

Yes, across from all those fluffy and NSFW... more>> parts that make your heartbeats go wild there is a lot of political schemes and royals battle for throne so prepare your mind for taking in and comprehending those parts.

Also it has a manhwa named" You owe my all" and the art is perfect although you miss many small and important details that aren't mentioned in manhwa so I suggest you all to read the novel as well. <<less
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Endofighter
Endofighter rated it
February 10, 2022
Status: c102
I would like to start off by saying if you do not like novels that have to do with schemes, then do not read novels that deal with royalty. All royal families have schemes going on, as there is always the "fight for the throne" as a plot. If you do not like novels that deal with "old rules/ways" then do not read novels that are based on Ancient China/or other countries. Ancient China for one has always had harem/harem like situations, especially in royal families. If a concubine is... more>> gifted to someone they can not deny the gift as that would be considered rude. They can only accept and not sleep with that concubine, as JS chose to not sleep with them. Sorry, do not get people down rating/complaining about these sorts of things they "don't like" when it is clearly a novel that deals with these things. Especially when it gets mentioned that it is not as they complained about.

Yes, this novel does mention r*pe, but there is not a detailed r*pe scene as it had already happened. Everyone deals with their trauma differently. It is not like JQ just "forgave or forgot" immediately. It took him some time to even trust the JS.

IMO, I loved this novel. JS and JQ's love story is very sincere and their trust is earned, though JS's trust in JQ was from before his "rebirth." Compare to other novels I have enjoyed it is a rather lighthearted love story. <<less
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honeypeach
honeypeach rated it
August 18, 2021
Status: c94
I've read this book like... 3 times? and absolutely would reread this again bcs it's THAT GREAT!

this one has such nice and cute story. the plot flows so good and well-made. I usually find plots with political background to be very heavy, but this one is really fun to read. pure fluff, and comedy!
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