Before becoming a widow, Hua Yang disliked almost everything about her husband. She disliked his sullen face every day, disliked him for lying on the bed full of sweat, and even disliked his lack of restraint at certain moments.
But when he really died and she became a widow, Hua Yang actually began to miss his good qualities one by one, such as his figure walking steadily in the heavy rain carrying her on his back, such as his blazing hot chest in the cold winter.
Once reborn, Hua Yang decided to be nice to him.
Rating: 3.8/5
Summary: Princess Hua Yang marries a man she initially despises due to his lack of refinement, only to lose him in battle four years later. Despite her widowhood and reluctance to remarry, she misses him and begins to appreciate his positive traits over the next three years. Shockingly, her father-in-law, the Minister, dies, followed by a scandal implicating her in-laws, leading to their exile. Despite her appeals, her brother, the new emperor, takes drastic action against them.
Upon a fever-induced breakdown, Hua Yang finds herself transported back to the early days of her marriage. Determined to change her course, she sets out to uncover her husband's redeeming qualities and protect her family. As she navigates her relationship with him, she discovers that beneath his rough exterior, he might not be as despicable as she once thought.
Reasons for Consideration to Stop Reading:
- Initially, I planned to write a review based on my impressions up to Chapter 37, but I continued beyond that point to Chapter 168. However, I'm considering stopping due to the slow pace.
- The main character's love interest (ML) was a sticking point for me. While some readers enjoy his character, I found him childlike. Although Hua Yang isn't mature in her interactions with him, he generally respects her boundaries. However, his jealousy and constant bickering, particularly over his eunuch's appearance, made him difficult to take seriously.
- As I progressed, I softened towards the ML. Their developing bond and mutual care were heartwarming. Despite his immaturity and impulsiveness, his protectiveness and willingness to adapt were endearing.
- The family dynamics were a sore point initially, with the entire family mistreating and belittling the ML. However, later, I discovered a softer side to their relationships, especially with his eldest brother and mother.
- The Chief Minister, ML's father, was portrayed as an impressive figure, but his flaws, including favoritism and unfair treatment of the ML, caused friction. The novel does address these issues, making for some compelling moments.
- Hua Yang's character could be frustrating, with her initial judgments of her husband and her tendency to compare him unfavorably. But her growth in understanding and acceptance was crucial to their compatibility journey.
- The arranged marriage seemed implausible given the circumstances, but the novel explores themes of power dynamics and the reversal of typical roles, adding depth.
- Although I initially intended to drop the book, I eventually grew attached to the lead couple's relationship. However, the story became拖沓 after the emperor's death, focusing heavily on Hua Yang's mission to clear her in-laws' names.
In conclusion, while there were aspects of the story that didn't resonate with me initially, the characters' growth and the evolving relationship kept me engaged. However, the slow pacing and repetitive nature of certain plotlines ultimately led me to consider discontinuing the read.
Additionally, the storyline makes sense when the FL is unable to prevent her father's passing. Unlike previous instances where she could rectify human-made disasters, her father's deteriorating health predates her existence. Ultimately, his body couldn't withstand the strain, and no plan could change that outcome.
The character development in this context is profound, as it highlights the FL's strong bond with her family. Despite knowing on some level that her father's fate was unavoidable, she persists in trying to save him, showcasing her determination and emotional depth.
Uniquely, this book seems to be one of the few that seamlessly accomplishes all these elements. 😂 Although the fandom might not flourish on a platform like AO3 due to the author's exceptional work, that just speaks to the quality of the storytelling.
And a standing ovation goes to the translator for their incredible translation, making the reading experience truly exquisite. Words simply cannot express how fantastic this novel is. Simply breathtaking! 🙌🏻✨