It's been a long time since I felt so emotionally invested in a novel's conclusion. I initially picked this one due to impatience for translations, but the storyline was clear despite the language barrier.
The characters truly resonated with me; their growth and the touching moments left me feeling quite melancholy. Each character had their unique background, adding depth to the narrative. I particularly loved the female lead's (FL) character; she was strong, assertive, innocent, and warm-hearted, yet resilient against her family's past. She didn't seek revenge, maintaining her independence and rationality, which I found admirable.
The FL's solo mission to Rundu, knowing He Rufei wouldn't send reinforcements, was thrilling. It showcased a FL who took matters into her own hands, something I wish to see more of in literature. And the ML, Xiao Jue, was a refreshing change – level-headed and focused on the bigger picture rather than personal emotions, making their relationship feel authentic.
While the initial mistrust between ML and FL was slow-building, it added realism to the romance. The ML supported her wholeheartedly, encouraging her to be true to herself. I confess, I developed a fondness for both the FL and ML.
The only slight drawbacks were the lengthy palace politics, which could be tedious in machine translation, and occasional overly-long flashback sequences. Despite these, I still gave the book a solid 5/5 rating. The story's pace improved after the MC's重生 arc, and the slow-burn romance, starting around Chapter 200, was a rewarding read for someone like me who prefers well-developed plots over rushed romances.
In summary, this novel stands out among Qian Shan Cha Ke's works, especially for its captivating character development and engaging plot. If you're looking for a strong female lead and a thoughtful romance, give it a try, keeping in mind that it's not your typical fast-paced love story. I'm now on the hunt for more books with such compelling FLs.