While this narrative might not be as intricate or graphic as the previous two novels, the plot is quite satisfying. I truly appreciate all the works created by Qian Shan Cha Ke, especially the character Jiang Li. Unlike Shen Miao and Jiang Ruan, Jiang Li possesses her own unique appeal. She expresses herself more openly and avoids excessive violence, showcasing gentleness and kindness.
The male lead is indeed a dream husband material! Not only does he possess culinary skills, with exceptional dishes and desserts, but he is also a gentleman, capable of singing opera and maintaining a level of modesty. His temperament lies somewhere between Xie Jing Xing and Xiao Shao, making him a master of espionage, with Mo Yun Army backing Xie Jing Xing and Xiao Shao commanding a formidable assassin group.
He is undoubtedly handsome, though not quite as vividly described as Xie Jing Xing. The banter between the female lead (FL) and the male lead (ML) is delightful, and ML's tragic backstory stands out among the others.
In terms of the story's premise, it shares some similarities with "Ill-Fated Consort." FL is sent to a convent due to her stepmother's machinations, her father is a high-ranking official, and she faces a spoiled stepsister. Her mother passed away early, and her maternal family treats her kindly. The key difference is that FL's father has remorse and tries to make amends, but ultimately fails to fulfill his role as a good father to Jiang Li. FL, in turn, refrains from seeking revenge or causing the family to suffer, although she believes that their fate reflects the consequences of the real Jiang Li's actions.
The story mainly revolves around the schemes of FL and ML, resulting in less focus on secondary characters like servants, FL's extended family, or ML's companions. Even FL's maids and ML's subordinates feel somewhat bland, lacking the intrigue of characters like Cong Yang or Lu Zhu. However, I absolutely adore ML's grandfather, who adds a touch of humor throughout the tale.
Unfortunately, his demise towards the end deeply saddened me. Despite these aspects, the story is definitely worth reading, and I hope the author expands on the supporting narratives in future works.