4.0/5
I didn't expect it to be so emotional. This novel was a mix of comedy, brutality, discrimination, and racism among others. But it was written in a way it was believable. It was an ancient China theme so I already expect uncomfortable topics.
The characters were never black and white. The MC was naive but not the white lotus kind who shoulders every responsibility and expect everything to go their way. This MC knows the brutality of the ancient time but he was easily able to adapt it although it was also the thanks of the gossip system. Plus, the MC doesn't have a romantic love interest which was quite refreshing.
Even though some parts of the novel are a bit difficult to read, I'm glad I read until the end. I really love the ending and how the author choose to end the novel. Even if some might think the ending is quite abrupt, I think it is the most fitting end.
But if you are easily pissed off, I don't recommend this novel at all since some parts are quite sensitive.
Pros
Spoiler
As you know, in ancient China, woman as a whole was seen as inferior. At the start of the novel, they were treated as such. But slowly and slowly, the ancient people gradually change their views from just a birthing machine to people that can hold against their own on court. It was not by far perfect and the misogyny still exist but the minds of people are gradually changing that they themselves didn't even notice it. It was a slow process but I feel like it's quite realistic for ancient China setting.
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Cons
Spoiler
MC has unhealthy obsession against foreigners specifically Japanese and there was never any reasons or background on why MC doesn't like them. And s*avery. Basically, the two country went to war for golds and rocks, the loser country had people made them s*aves, It was not mc's fault per se but just the brutality of the war and ancient times. Except for this, every thing is pretty normal for ancient China novel.
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