Without spoilers?
Excellent world and character building.
Superb translation including explanations of idioms.
Many cultural/historical (chinese) references.
MC and underlying story that does not follow most of the tropes. Out of all the novels I have read I would say this is in the top 5%. And that includes every single one here if you search by rating or ranking. (Top 100 or 50 at the time of this comment.)
That said. I am dropping this excellent series. i.e. I don't mind tragedy...but I prefer more of an upside in my reading. I may take it up again though, after I buy enough chocolate and ice cream for a mood boost.