- #1
The novel is rather short, but packed with a punch of light-hearted (sometimes inappropriate jokes), fluffy moments that will make you grin and giggle to yourself and angsty moments that will make you clutch your heart and lament along with the characters. It's a very worthwhile read.The author is very brilliant and patient in a sense that for most parts of the story (except the second final chapter and 1 extra chapter), we only get the limited view of our main character, Wei Zisong. As such, we also agonize along with her as she guesses the motivations of the people around her and learn with her of the new information as they get revealed to her. Personally, I think that brings forth a greater emotional impact compared to if the author chose to make us omniscient viewers of all of the characters' feelings. Instead, we are left to guess, to draw conclusion and to suffer and empathize with the characters.There were moments in the novel that actually made me chuckle, also moments when it felt like happiness was so out of my reach - painful as it was. It's brilliant, but there are definitely some (forgivable) plot holes due to some late twists in the story the author decided to add (or probably had hinted all along and I just missed it - maybe if I reread I'll edit this review). Because of that, I wish the ending is drawn out a little longer. Especially because Spoiler
I don't think the eldest princess Chu Feichen had atoned enough for the grievances she had inflicted upon the person she supposedly loved very much. You'd think she at least give Wei Zisong a chance to defend herself from such a heavy accusation but noooooo. She couldn't be impartial and let her ex poured more gasoline into the situation. Zhao Yishu should've suffered more tbh. I want to see an ending where she grovels (or at least do more) to gain Wei Zisong's trust again. Also I totally adore Xiao He because it's the author wasn't shy in hinting where his true affection lied throughout the novel.
[collapse]Despite my complaint in the marked spoiler above, I truly enjoyed the novel. It's been a while since a novel had evoked such a visceral reaction from me. Glowing 5/5.