I don’t usually tend to read a lot of BL manhua and novels because they like to use the same tropes and romanticise rape and torture, and the bottom is always so weak esp during smut.

So this was honestly such a breath of fresh air, and the author of the original novel meant for that too. She wrote in a note at the end that she wanted to show that even it’s pure slowburn romance, people will like it. And I absolutely did.

The story started off with a common enough trope - transmigration, imperial court, emperor as main lead etc., But it was quickly clear that the plot wasn't going to fall into the common forced-smut-with-borderline-Stockholm-syndrome trope, instead it focused on really establishing the relationship between the male leads - how they fell in love through various small acts and storylines. It was super sweet and the main character was really lovable and overall just a good person.

The story was also generous with establishing the storylines of the side characters and how they connect with the main character, which was such a highlight for me because it gave the main character a lot more depth. He didn’t just exist in a vacuum or only in relation to the other male lead.

The manhua itself is not finished, but I couldn’t wait so I went and read the novel, and honestly the only dissatisfaction I had was that I wanted MORE. I really wanted to read more about their story, and the side characters’ stories.

I highly recommend this esp if you have read too many BL manhua or novels and need a good break from all the rape-y scenes and asshole tops.

... Last updated on August 1st, 2021, 12:34am

Note: there are two different official English translations, and I recommend the Tapas version.

It took me a few tries to get past the first two chapters, but once I was hooked, I read it all in two days! I'm glad I kept trying.

The romance is a slow burn, but definitely pays off, and the story remains interesting even after they get together. The political plot was only occasionally difficult for me to follow, but that wasn't an issue for me. The emotional plot was always clear and interesting, and is definitely the more important plot thread.

I like that even though there were various misunderstandings and miscommunications, those were never the only thing driving conflict. I also appreciate that there are some truly dramatic and tragic events, but the vibe never got too dark. Each twist and turn felt exciting, even though I had faith it would all turn out okay in the end. A very satisfying and comfortable read!

... Last updated on January 15th, 2023, 1:53pm

Despite how oblivious the MC seems, he's actually not as dumb as you think he is. I've read countless of stories where the main characters just fall in love with their love interest super easily and when they do, they ignore all their other bonds. However, Xiao Yu An (MC) is refreshingly different. Even if he cares about the ML, he also cares a lot of everyone else, including the palace maids, his generals, and the common people. That's why the MC is so lovable. And I know this is setting the bar super low, but wow! An enemy x emperor romance that does not involve rape!! The ML NEVER ever behaves rapey towards the MC, even if he loves him. And he doesn't try to invade his personal space and anger him. Even when Ok yes I know the bar is in hell but yeah, both MC and ML are actually really amazing characters. And even when MC is chummy with his friends and family, ML has never acted insane and start going possessive and all that. As of chapter 69 The only thing that gripes me is how MC is alright with his feelings towards ML. Alright in the sense that there's no conflict over them being enemies and all that. Even if he knows what that ML is just fulfilling his duties, I expected there to be some internal conflict over whether it is ok for them to be together, given that they are both royalty from opposing countries and ML's army literally Hence, it would have been way more realistic for MC to properly distance himself from the ML out of guilt for what ML has done. But in the story so far, MC seemed pretty accepting of ML.

... Last updated on April 10th, 2021, 8:51am

(♡ヮ♡)

This was a great story. The main character has a bit of a silly/quirky personality but it’s not annoying and it actually adds to the story.

The main story was amazing with details, character development, and world building…and those epilogue stories polished this into a memorable story.

... Last updated on October 14th, 2022, 11:31pm

I don't get this new isekai trope where lead's try there uttermost best to keep the original shipping in the story they just jumped into. This story uses this trope to the extreme, which honestly makes it funny but lacking. You see as a reader, the obliviousness of our lead is funny, annoying, and stupid in that order. As a romance, the story is full of the normal baits with no progress. At some point, the stupidity of the lead and the intenstity which he tries to have the story play out as he remembers just makes you, as a reader, want to stop reading.

The arts nice. The side couples are nice. The setting and pairings are different for an isekai. These are all its good points, but they don't carry the story forward, sadly.