- #1
To be honest overall the story quality rating for me is probably 4, but there's a few reasons I bumped it up - unconventional story-telling principle and the author (in original footnotes) demonstrates strong understanding over Chinese history, and it's clear they did an incredible amount of research.To address another comment right off the bat - yes, a lot of extreme topics were brushed over quite quickly with a humorous lens (which makes it in line with the rest of the story), but the grand scheme of complex ideas the author presents in a multi-dimensional fashion. For example, MC and story never directly condemn keeping women only in the back, and many important characters support the "virtues", but we see more and more examples of positive change and progress occur.Although presented very lightly and humorous, in a way that makes people feel the appropriate gravity isn't given, the story does go over many more and more overdramatic situations without much sympathy - but I'd say for the most part the appropriate justice is there. In addition, it actually fits with the flow of the story, rather than misogynistic or victim-blaming biases.Although the story is very long, feel mostly self-contained, I love when earlier foreshadowing is appropriately referenced. The growth of the characters and the complexity of them is also great - the author is clear to express their flaws and unethical morality.I particularly loved the relationships MC develops, especially with the old emperor. Family not related by blood.Overall, a fairly light story with some really deep themes to be read between the lines, that really only pop up at the end. Trigger warning - many situations of injustice in a feudal society, and especially the beginning is quite "flamboyant".