In essence, this is a delightful novel, despite its character-driven nature rather than a tightly plotted storyline. From the beginning, I was intrigued enough to seek out the original source. The narrative is straightforward and easy to devour; it's a soothing read before exams, featuring court intrigue and palace drama, albeit with a touch of unrealistic plot armor. While the world-building is minimal, it efficiently gets to the heart of the matter.
The plot itself is simple, with a light political backdrop, and it doesn't delve too deeply into grand-scale political maneuvering. However, there are moments that genuinely surprise, such as the revelation that the two male concubines serve as advisors, showcasing a clever strategy to maintain power amidst political threats.
Characters are the true highlight of the book. The dynamics between them are captivating, especially the romantic relationship between the protagonist, Jiang Suizhou, and his counterpart, Huo WuJiu. Jiang is a likable character, relatable and adaptable, while Huo starts off as somewhat invincible but grows on readers, showcasing emotional growth alongside his martial prowess. Although some supporting characters seem to fade towards the end, they are still well-developed.
Jiang Suizhou is my favorite, with his endearing qualities and ability to navigate challenging situations. Huo WuJiu, initially appearing as a plot device, wins hearts through his interactions with Jiang and personal development.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd give this novel 4.5 stars. The side stories are charming, and while the ending might feel somewhat rushed, the sweetness prevails. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience, and I'm grateful to the translator for bringing this story to English. I highly recommend giving it a try – it was a delightful journey for me, and I found myself binge-reading it!