- #1
First off, the translator is phenomenol. Minimal technical mistakes and not an onslaught of terms that the reader needs to scroll down to the glossary to understand. The story is charming, and I applaud the translator for being able to keep the spirit of the author.Oh man, I've been on a C-Novel binge the past month with a preference for historical settings and this has to be among my top favorites. The MC is the perfect blend of lazy, intelligent (particularly socially and emotionally intelligent), yet bold to make the readers understand why the relationship between the MC and ML works after the weird first dozen chapters of us wondering why the ML is inexplicably attracted to the MC. Trust me, give the story until chapter 20ish to let the relationship and plot to take off, I didn't regret it.The ML! He's capable, intelligent, and ambitious. I knew I found a character I was interested in when I wasn't plagued by the strong desire to roll my eyes. He's in love with the MC but it's oddly refreshing that both the reader and the ML know his feelings. There isn't any long confusion of the ML being in denial of his feelings.I really love how their relationship is for a historical couple. The draw of it isn't the romance aspect of it, but the two of them knowingly and unknowingly making moves against each other. One of them is in love and wants that love returned, completely and honestly. The other knows respect and status will be what keeps her happy in the long run and isn't willing to lose her head over love but also isn't so unreasonable that love is completely off the table for her. It's just that she knows in the long run that she needs to look after herself first when her husband and master is a part of the imperial court.FAIR WARNING: heed the r*pe tag. Spoiler
There are instances of rough and harsh s*xual contact between the ML and a concubine. The concubine basically roofies him and in retaliation the s*x is hate filled and disturbing. I wasn't too disturbed by it as I have a healthy dissociation between fiction and reality but I have no idea if there will be other instances further in the novel.
[collapse]Ugh, only 73 chapters in and we've apparently haven't even gotten to the meat of the plot. I have high hopes for this one.