I'm pretty sure I've tried to read through this several times... and I couldn't. I give up.

I've actually... not read this. every time I click on it, I'm not in the mood for tragedy :(

to explain the ML, the author wrote some very long paragraphs explaining why he is the way he is. I also prefer cats. 1.5/5 stars... more>> (I'm being generous) <<less

it was very interesting... I liked it's fresh and exciting take. the novel has a fast pace, and it sometimes skips over small things, so... more>> the reader has to go back and re-read a bit. 4/5 stars for the interesting story. <<less

have I read this? no. but I've tried! and failed so I will not be trying again thanks.

I feel like I've read this. Do I have it on my other lists?

alright... it's terrible. whats the point honestly. a reviewer commented that this novel was like social commentary about everything wrong with Chinese culture and that... more>> is painfully true. while reading this, it was the first time the author actually addresses the family planning law in society. I thought that because the family planning thing sounded ridiculous, it was an old thing of the past. nope! the family planning law was active in China until 2016 (wtf???)!! there's some fascinating articles (from NYT) on why Family Planning Law -> Human Trafficking -> increase in foreign families adopting Chinese girls -> said Chinese adoptees feeling alienated with their identity. long story short, don't read this novel. it's distasteful at best and boring, mindless, and absolutely ignorant at worst. 0/5 stars. <<less

ahhhhh. another long awaited completed novel. I re-read the entire thing to make sure I had a comprehensive review in my mind, and, it was... more>> worth it. short, sweet, and sugary! while some characters are blatantly ridiculous..., this is a comedy. enjoyable and not too convoluted. 4/5 stars <<less

this is has a complete MTL that I willing read through for this novel. I quite liked it, and the relationship felt very similar to... more>> the novel "Reborn Lady" whose emphasis on family dynamics was a strong point within the plot. I'd consider this worth the read and has interesting characters. 3/5 stars. <<less

this was good. it's great look into a woman trying to control her own destiny. it has a similar style to TBAVW, and The Job... more>> of an Imperial Consort, and goes by smoothly. The ML is interesting, and I find his relationship with the FL to be more dynamic then I expected. 4.3/5 stars. <<less

I have finally read this... and it was misunderstanding central. If you hate misunderstandings, you will suffer through this read. I don't hate the plot (there were twists that I thought were pretty interesting and 'novel'. Get it?) but the ending felt rushed compared to this build-up between the FL and the ML. I understand that misunderstandings are a easy trope but there was NO communication between the ML and FL until literally half way through the novel. but happy ending and all that so it ended fine. middle of the line, 2/5 stars. ... more>>

side note: the side characters and their plot line was... not good because the SFL basically drugged SML so he'd sleep with her and take responsibility. and I almost skipped over that until my reaction kicked in and I was like "???" ew <<less

This was another novel that resembles Changfei Manual as it starts when the FL is five years old. The ML is much older then her, although the age gap isn't as big. The novel spans ten years (although the passing of time is not clear at certain points) and it has a happy ending. It was fine, but it is ridiculous that the FL thinks other five year olds are as scheming as her. it's whatever, 1/5 stars.... more>>

this is translated up to chapter 120, but there is a completed MTL version if you don't want to wait for another translator to pick it up. SPOILERS***

After 120, FL and ML marry amongst the turmoil happening within the capital, even though ML's father and his concubines do not want this marriage to happen. FL gets poisoned (twice!) and the ML orchestrates the downfall of the Empress, the Empress's maternal family, the head concubine of his family, and his father. ML and FL have three kids and live happy ever after. <<less

5/5 stars. just go read it.... more>>

It's just so brilliant. The plot is sweet and there is always something happening in the background. I don't want to spoil it but it is a historical must-read. <<less

The author of this novel has written several other of my favorite historical Chinese novels and they are always above the others. It was fantastic,... more>> the author never disappoints. 5/5, FL is my kind of woman. <<less

It was cute. I enjoyed this more than I expected and it wasn’t incredibly overcomplicated. No face-slapping, just scholarly pursuit. 3/5 stars for the characters,... more>> which are the reason to read. <<less