As an alluring beauty, the Ninth Prince Qi Changyi inherited his mother’s looks, but was unfortunately a bit s*upid. Not only did he live in fear, even within palace walls, but he also merely lived as a substitute in his beloved’s eyes. Then, while being used and tormented, his delicate, pure heart finally burned to ashes.
Pei Zheng was the Prime Minister of the Imperial Court, a man of great status; he gained it all through the most ruthless methods. He was known for his cruel nature, but gradually, he became close to the unfavored ninth prince.
“Your Highness, just now, at court, who were you looking at? Huh?” Pei Zheng squeezed the small man’s delicate little chin.
Qi Changyi’s eyes were misty with tears of pain, “I, I wasn’t.”
“Stop trying to seduce others.” Pei Zheng’s voice was frigid. “Otherwise, I’ll make sure that General Zhao, for whom you pine, dies on the battlefield!”
He thought he had a firm grip on this little fool, but he could’ve never imagined that one day, this little fool would leave his side carrying a broken heart.
“Brother Pei, I’m leaving now, you should be happy.”
With scarlet eyes and a heart burning with obsession, he searched everywhere, but found no trace of him.
“I won’t, without you, I’ll never be happy again. Your Highness, where should I go, how can I bring you home?”
At times, I can't help but wonder how different his life might have been if he had actually wed [Redacted/Spoiler]. Unfortunately, the ML consistently ruins any potential for happiness for MC.
This novel shares similarities with "Paper Flower" in terms of its themes. There's a particular scene where the protagonist attempts suicide by jumping off a cliff, which might be a trigger for those who didn't enjoy that novel.
The main character is quite pitiful, portrayed as obedient, small, and weak. His frequent association with a milk-like scent raises concerns. The author seems to infantalize him for an endearing effect, which can border on creepy. Despite the time skip, he maintains a childlike demeanor, often justified by his past trauma. However, this becomes less endearing as it progresses. Most of his character revolves around being a victim.
The male lead is abusive and has a tragic backstory, but it doesn't justify his actions. He eventually undergoes some character development late in the story, but his forgiveness comes too easily. In the beginning, he subjects the protagonist to harsh treatment, exploiting their age gap and the protagonist's mental state. He confines him, forces tattoos, and tries to force a marriage alliance.
Side characters, though aware of the abuse, lack genuine efforts to help. For instance, when the protagonist's childhood friend rescues him, they ultimately succumb to the male lead's presence. Additionally, the novel's villains receive minimal consequences despite their extreme wickedness.
I also have issues with the secondary relationships. The doctor and the male lead's bodyguard had potential, but they don't get enough screen time. The second side couple involving the childhood friend and a later character feels forced, as the childhood friend ends up with a clone-like character who is even more pitiful.
Lastly, the pacing is problematic, with major plot points rushed or underdeveloped. Characters are introduced and dismissed abruptly, like disposable elements in the repetitive narrative. For example, the crown prince, initially portrayed as a significant antagonist, disappears quickly within a few chapters.
Overall, this novel is frustrating, especially for fans of the genre. It's not one I would recommend, especially for those sensitive to certain themes. The constant annoyance and frustration might make it suitable for a drinking game challenge, but I wouldn't encourage it.
The MC's childhood brain injury contributes to his perceived slowness, but it doesn't justify his passive behavior. However, I chose to overlook this aspect since Pei Zheng's character ultimately piqued my interest.
Unfortunately, the story begins to decline when Shen Huan enters the scene, despite her initial appeal as a non-horrible female character. While Shen Huan herself is decent, the plot loses its momentum and becomes repetitive, which spoils the overall experience.