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Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) #2
Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) Vol. 2
A HAUNTING IN THE DESERT
Rival investigators Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao embark on a diplomatic journey westward, hoping to build a key alliance that will stand against the power-hungry Eastern Khaganate. But they get more than they bargained for when they stop to rest at the oasis city of Qiemo, where they find a haunted inn, a beleaguered Sui magistrate, and the city divided between two powerful self-styled rulers.
Despite their larger mission, Cui Buqu has an audacious idea—one that will turn the city upside down and bring Qiemo back under Sui control if he succeeds. Even Feng Xiao must admit that, while Cui Buqu’s schemes are outrageous, there’s something increasingly intriguing about this sickly chief of the Zuoyue Bureau. Yet more is at stake in the city than petty power struggles: as the investigative duo digs into the underbelly of Qiemo, they uncover evidence of a conspiracy that stretches across Great Sui and beyond.
Rival investigators Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao embark on a diplomatic journey westward, hoping to build a key alliance that will stand against the power-hungry Eastern Khaganate. But they get more than they bargained for when they stop to rest at the oasis city of Qiemo, where they find a haunted inn, a beleaguered Sui magistrate, and the city divided between two powerful self-styled rulers.
Despite their larger mission, Cui Buqu has an audacious idea—one that will turn the city upside down and bring Qiemo back under Sui control if he succeeds. Even Feng Xiao must admit that, while Cui Buqu’s schemes are outrageous, there’s something increasingly intriguing about this sickly chief of the Zuoyue Bureau. Yet more is at stake in the city than petty power struggles: as the investigative duo digs into the underbelly of Qiemo, they uncover evidence of a conspiracy that stretches across Great Sui and beyond.
380 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2024
87 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
About the author
Meng Xi Shi
80 books435 followersAssociated Names:
* Meng Xi Shi (English)
* 梦溪石 (Chinese)
* เมิ่งซีสือ (Thai)
* Meng Xi Shi (English)
* 梦溪石 (Chinese)
* เมิ่งซีสือ (Thai)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 28, 2025
4.5 stars.
I adored this second volume, finding it even more compelling than the first. The experience was filled with fun and excitement, and that cliffhanger at the end left me full of anxiety.
The plot in this installment is thoughtfully divided into two distinct arcs. While I appreciated both arcs, I found that the first one tended to drag a bit and felt somewhat lackluster for my tastes. However, the second arc was everything I had hoped for, leaving me on the edge of my seat with anxiety and pure exhilaration as the story unfolded.
Feng Xiao has truly stolen my heart. He embodies the kind of protagonist I yearn for in every story. He is refreshingly shameless and confident, yet his self-assuredness doesn’t cross into arrogance; it adds to his charm. He has no qualms about what others think of him, which I admire immensely. And let’s not forget to mention the frequent, amusing reminders of his beauty that the narrative provides. It feels like there's hardly a chapter where his exquisite looks aren’t praised—it's both entertaining and endearing. Feng Xiao, is simply perfect.
Cui Buqu, on the other hand, managed to win me over significantly more than he did in the first volume. In this installment, he opened up in ways that allowed me to appreciate his character much more deeply. It was delightful to see him showcase his competitiveness, proving that he can certainly hold his own against Feng Xiao in the shamelessness department.
Their relationship advanced far more than I ever expected. They remain rivals, but the animosity that once defined their interactions has lessened; they’re no longer looking to eliminate each other. I found myself laughing out loud at their antics and the clever repartee that flows between them. The way they exchange barbs, revealing their genuine personalities to each other, creates a dynamic that is both entertaining and heartwarming. I cannot wait to see how their relationship continues to evolve as the story progresses.
In conclusion, this volume has solidified the series as one of my all-time favorites within the danmei genre. Now, I’m diving straight into the third volume because, after that cliffhanger, my impatience to see what happens next is almost unbearable!
I adored this second volume, finding it even more compelling than the first. The experience was filled with fun and excitement, and that cliffhanger at the end left me full of anxiety.
The plot in this installment is thoughtfully divided into two distinct arcs. While I appreciated both arcs, I found that the first one tended to drag a bit and felt somewhat lackluster for my tastes. However, the second arc was everything I had hoped for, leaving me on the edge of my seat with anxiety and pure exhilaration as the story unfolded.
Feng Xiao has truly stolen my heart. He embodies the kind of protagonist I yearn for in every story. He is refreshingly shameless and confident, yet his self-assuredness doesn’t cross into arrogance; it adds to his charm. He has no qualms about what others think of him, which I admire immensely. And let’s not forget to mention the frequent, amusing reminders of his beauty that the narrative provides. It feels like there's hardly a chapter where his exquisite looks aren’t praised—it's both entertaining and endearing. Feng Xiao, is simply perfect.
Cui Buqu, on the other hand, managed to win me over significantly more than he did in the first volume. In this installment, he opened up in ways that allowed me to appreciate his character much more deeply. It was delightful to see him showcase his competitiveness, proving that he can certainly hold his own against Feng Xiao in the shamelessness department.
Their relationship advanced far more than I ever expected. They remain rivals, but the animosity that once defined their interactions has lessened; they’re no longer looking to eliminate each other. I found myself laughing out loud at their antics and the clever repartee that flows between them. The way they exchange barbs, revealing their genuine personalities to each other, creates a dynamic that is both entertaining and heartwarming. I cannot wait to see how their relationship continues to evolve as the story progresses.
In conclusion, this volume has solidified the series as one of my all-time favorites within the danmei genre. Now, I’m diving straight into the third volume because, after that cliffhanger, my impatience to see what happens next is almost unbearable!
March 21, 2025
"keep your friends close and your enemies even closer" HOW much closer are we talking about in this case
November 7, 2024
Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu never fail to entertain me. In this book, they’re in cooperation mode, and we can see Feng Xiao’s growing interest in Ququ. Their constant bickering, attempts to outwit each other, and Feng Xiao’s antics are just plain hilarious.
Their mission to the Eastern Khaganate includes an interlude in Qiemo, where they manage to stir up chaos for the underground powers. Once they finally reach the Eastern Khaganate, they find themselves in even more danger than anticipated. Fair warning: the book ends on a cliffhanger. I need the next one ASAP!
Their mission to the Eastern Khaganate includes an interlude in Qiemo, where they manage to stir up chaos for the underground powers. Once they finally reach the Eastern Khaganate, they find themselves in even more danger than anticipated. Fair warning: the book ends on a cliffhanger. I need the next one ASAP!
October 6, 2025
More of Cui Buqu being smart, and Feng Xiao being cool... 🤤
This volume definitely suffered from the 'middle book' syndrome though... It feels like a setup for future plot events, and the romance didn't really move forward.
I'm looking forward to what's to come in the next book!
This volume definitely suffered from the 'middle book' syndrome though... It feels like a setup for future plot events, and the romance didn't really move forward.
I'm looking forward to what's to come in the next book!
February 2, 2025
Bickering can be a sign of familiarity and begrudging respect but if it is constant, it is also a sign of incompatibility. In this second volume of “Peerless” by Meng Xi Shi, Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu continue to snipe at each other throughout the whole book, but perhaps the nature of their banter has changed ever so slightly. Whereas the first volume was founded on genuine dislike and unfamiliarity, the main couple has now known each other for quite a while and have acclimatized to each other as travelling companions.
That said, there is no obvious romance in this book at all. There is one-sided, perhaps ironic and definitely sarcastic flirting, but actual reciprocal feelings are not on show in this book. There is the intimation that it might develop in the future, but since this is already the second volume in the series, it must be said that this is an extremely slow burn romance if that is what it is…
The plot sees Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu head off on a journey as envoys at the court of the Eastern Khaganate, which is an ethnically different neighbour to the Han Chinese Sui dynasty. Most of the book takes place in Qiemo, a small town dominated by a former bandit and a has-been scion of an aristocratic family. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao use their wits to solve a murder mystery and a ghost story, ending with villains being punished and the town being rescued from decades of misrule. This part of the novel is a fun, murder mystery with the added benefit of seeing Feng Xiao dressed as a beautiful woman.
Even though there is no romance arc in this book, there is the indication that Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao are growing closer. The plan was to enter the town in disguise, but since Feng Xiao is so vain, he is reluctant to dress down and look like a peasant. Instead, he chooses to dress up as the beautiful wife of Cui Buqu, who is travelling through Qiemo. This cross-dressing aspect provides plenty of opportunity for humour and while they are both clearly playing a role, they do sleep in the same bed and grow closer because of this forced proximity.
Feng Xiao also milks the situation and clearly delights in putting Cui Buqu on the spot. Feng Xiao is very fastidious and uses his womanly wiles to force Cui Buqu to humour his whims. So, when it looks as if there is no clean bowl, Feng Xiao coyly proclaims, “I know your lordship wants it, but your wife is having that time of the month. A few more days and I’ll give you what you need, hm?” (p. 34). Since they are pretending to be a married couple, Feng Xiao goes all out and finds a way to manipulate Cui Buqu into pleasing him by using language that really would suit a spoiled, pretty wife.
Their play-acting takes another turn when they arrive at the Khagan’s court and try to navigate the politics of the two princes and the Apa Khagan’s two wives. At some point in the intricate dealings, Cui Buqu has realized that the first prince is a cut-sleeve, and so orchestrates a romantic scene so that the prince’s servant can walk in on Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu making out. Feng Xiao is not slow to respond to Cui Buqu’s request when he says, “Quick, tear open my clothes, climb on top of me, and molest me” (p. 271). There are many layers to this scene, because they are pretending so that they can form an alliance with the first prince, who might be inclined to trust them when they, too, are cut-sleeves. However, Feng Xiao has spent the first two volumes of the series flirting outrageously with Cui Buqu so there may also be an element of truth in this lie. There is also the aspect that only people who trust each other would be able to pull off such a scene spontaneously.
So, there is no obvious romance in the novel but there are many suggestive situations and more importantly a growing familiarity between the main couple. Whether this leads to a proper relationship in the next question is an open question …
That said, there is no obvious romance in this book at all. There is one-sided, perhaps ironic and definitely sarcastic flirting, but actual reciprocal feelings are not on show in this book. There is the intimation that it might develop in the future, but since this is already the second volume in the series, it must be said that this is an extremely slow burn romance if that is what it is…
The plot sees Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu head off on a journey as envoys at the court of the Eastern Khaganate, which is an ethnically different neighbour to the Han Chinese Sui dynasty. Most of the book takes place in Qiemo, a small town dominated by a former bandit and a has-been scion of an aristocratic family. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao use their wits to solve a murder mystery and a ghost story, ending with villains being punished and the town being rescued from decades of misrule. This part of the novel is a fun, murder mystery with the added benefit of seeing Feng Xiao dressed as a beautiful woman.
Even though there is no romance arc in this book, there is the indication that Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao are growing closer. The plan was to enter the town in disguise, but since Feng Xiao is so vain, he is reluctant to dress down and look like a peasant. Instead, he chooses to dress up as the beautiful wife of Cui Buqu, who is travelling through Qiemo. This cross-dressing aspect provides plenty of opportunity for humour and while they are both clearly playing a role, they do sleep in the same bed and grow closer because of this forced proximity.
Feng Xiao also milks the situation and clearly delights in putting Cui Buqu on the spot. Feng Xiao is very fastidious and uses his womanly wiles to force Cui Buqu to humour his whims. So, when it looks as if there is no clean bowl, Feng Xiao coyly proclaims, “I know your lordship wants it, but your wife is having that time of the month. A few more days and I’ll give you what you need, hm?” (p. 34). Since they are pretending to be a married couple, Feng Xiao goes all out and finds a way to manipulate Cui Buqu into pleasing him by using language that really would suit a spoiled, pretty wife.
Their play-acting takes another turn when they arrive at the Khagan’s court and try to navigate the politics of the two princes and the Apa Khagan’s two wives. At some point in the intricate dealings, Cui Buqu has realized that the first prince is a cut-sleeve, and so orchestrates a romantic scene so that the prince’s servant can walk in on Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu making out. Feng Xiao is not slow to respond to Cui Buqu’s request when he says, “Quick, tear open my clothes, climb on top of me, and molest me” (p. 271). There are many layers to this scene, because they are pretending so that they can form an alliance with the first prince, who might be inclined to trust them when they, too, are cut-sleeves. However, Feng Xiao has spent the first two volumes of the series flirting outrageously with Cui Buqu so there may also be an element of truth in this lie. There is also the aspect that only people who trust each other would be able to pull off such a scene spontaneously.
So, there is no obvious romance in the novel but there are many suggestive situations and more importantly a growing familiarity between the main couple. Whether this leads to a proper relationship in the next question is an open question …
November 12, 2024
Okay, I am really starting to enjoy this story! The sarcastic and humorous banter between CB and FX is top tier IMO. I love how narcissistic FX is and how CB handles it (I get Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi vibes). Their relationship evolves more as you can see they start to trust each other more despite all the bickering.
They are crime solving buddies/frenemies for this entire volume which I loved. Both characters are a little ruthless and have no issues causing chaos or trouble if it serves their agenda.
I have laughed out loud so many times and really wanted to include a quote but also don't want it spoiled for first time readers.
I also very much appreciate having a strong female character, Qiao Xian who is a loyal and protective badass. Several more familiar names from Thousand Autumns also.
Possible spoilers:
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Love that FX willingly cross dresses and insists on being CB's wife
Love that we are starting to see FX develop possible feelings for CB
"I am taller than you because I am longer than you." 😂😂😂
They are crime solving buddies/frenemies for this entire volume which I loved. Both characters are a little ruthless and have no issues causing chaos or trouble if it serves their agenda.
I have laughed out loud so many times and really wanted to include a quote but also don't want it spoiled for first time readers.
I also very much appreciate having a strong female character, Qiao Xian who is a loyal and protective badass. Several more familiar names from Thousand Autumns also.
Possible spoilers:
🕵️♂️
🕵️♂️
🕵️♂️
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Love that FX willingly cross dresses and insists on being CB's wife
Love that we are starting to see FX develop possible feelings for CB
"I am taller than you because I am longer than you." 😂😂😂
July 11, 2025
As I continue to delve further into the incredible story that is Meng Xi Shi’s Peerless, I once again find myself wondering in absolute consternation how on earth another incredible danmei like this one isn’t more popular! Someone please explain to me how it is that this didn’t sell well enough copies for Seven Seas to do a special edition? Like HOW??? This series is SO incredibly good!! Why aren’t more people reading it?? If you haven’t read Peerless, then I am literally begging you, please give it a try! I am absolutely in love with these characters, and the plot is so interesting! I adore Meng Xi Shi’s writing! This book has such a great balance of political intrigue, wuxia/martial arts elements, interesting character and relationship development, murder mystery and great humor. It also has some of the best banter I’ve ever read in a danmei or otherwise. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao are absolute chaotic geniuses, and I love them for it!
Our two main characters are easily the stars of the show here. They are both so unique and interesting. The more I learn about them and the more I watch the two of them interact, the more I adore them. Cui Buqu is still my favorite. Though he is no martial artist, he is always ten steps ahead of everyone else, weaving complex schemes and maneuvering people like pawns on a 3D chessboard as he cleverly turns even the worst situation on its head and finds a way to somehow come out on top. I am so curious to find out more about Cui Buqu’s past. I would love to know what made him who he is and how he ended up in his current position.
As for Feng Xiao, he continues to grow on me more and more. Initially, I thought he was nothing more than an arrogant, narcissistic jerk who didn’t care about anyone besides himself. And honestly, that’s all still completely true. The thing is, he's also strangely charming and hilariously flamboyant in a way that somehow manages to be endearing. Meng Xi Shi seems to be a master of creating characters that, on paper, seem like they should be completely unlikable, and yet somehow, she makes you fall in love with them anyway. Though he is a very different character than Feng Xiao, I felt similarly about Yan Wushi from Thousand Autumns. Fortunately, Feng Xiao is much easier to like than Yan Wushi (I’m sure anyone who has read TA knows what I’m talking about), but I still find myself amazed at how this author is able to somehow make me like characters who seem inherently unlikable. Like seriously, how have I grown so fond of this ridiculous peacock of a man? Why is his narcissism suddenly so endearing? Why do I find myself smiling whenever he acts like a complete princess who balks at even a single speck of dirt on his person?
Together, these two make an amazing duo. They are a chaotic and unstoppable force of nature. Their dialogue and banter are pure gold, both in terms of humor and chemistry. I love how Feng Xiao is the only person who is able to keep up with Cui Buqu’s brilliant schemes and how the two of them are often able to communicate without ever saying a single word. Cui Buqu comes up with a plan and Feng Xiao just goes with the flow, managing to fit himself into said plan and execute it to perfection, albeit while also doing his utmost to drive Cui Buqu absolutely insane and gain the upper hand on his rival. I also really enjoyed seeing how Feng Xiao seems to be slowly developing feelings for Cui Buqu in this volume. It’s subtle and definitely slow burn, but I’m really loving this progression!
I also have to give a shout out to my girl Qiao Xian! I really love her as aside character! While she isn’t the toughest marital artist out there, she is still incredibly strong and fiercely loyal to Cui Buqu. I love her overprotective mother hen attitude toward him while at the same time she constantly seems to want to strangle Feng Xiao. I also really enjoyed getting to see Qiao Xian put a certain asshole in his place at one point during the story. I really hope we get to see more of her in the later volumes.
Incredible characters and relationship dynamics aside, the plot in this volume was even better than the first. While I really enjoyed volume one, volume two really just amped everything up to another level. The Qiemo arc was a lot of fun, although I absolutely loath Duan Qihu. The ghost story element really added something extra and gave this a bit of a spooky feel. I really enjoyed watching Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao turn the city on its head despite the fact that they were essentially just passing through.
Though my favorite part of this volume was the Qiemo arc, Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu’s adventures in the Western Khaganate were also extremely interesting. There were quite a few unexpected plot twists that had me curious about who is really pulling the strings behind all the various political schemes and power plays going on. I was going to try and pace myself more with this series so that I don’t have to wait as long between finishing volume four and the final volume coming out in October, but this story is just so good that it’s difficult for me to want to put it down! The cliffhanger in this volume is going to kill me if I don’t continue!
In short, I am completely smitten with Peerless so far. I honestly can’t think of a single negative thing to say about it. Meng Xi Shi is an incredible writer who is capable of creating loveable, complex characters and weaving an intriguing story for her readers. Her descriptions are excellent, and I love reading her fight scenes. I personally also loved Thousand Autumns, but I know some people were a bit overwhelmed or bored by all the fighting scenes in that series. Fortunately, Peerless has a better balance where there isn’t as much focus on martial arts and the jianghu. The marital arts are still there and still awesome, but it is definitely toned down compared to Thousand Autumns. If you are a danmei fan and haven’t tried this series yet, then I urge you to pick it up! Peerless absolutely deserves more recognition. If this story continues the way that it has been then I will probably end up liking it even more than Thousand Autumns!
Our two main characters are easily the stars of the show here. They are both so unique and interesting. The more I learn about them and the more I watch the two of them interact, the more I adore them. Cui Buqu is still my favorite. Though he is no martial artist, he is always ten steps ahead of everyone else, weaving complex schemes and maneuvering people like pawns on a 3D chessboard as he cleverly turns even the worst situation on its head and finds a way to somehow come out on top. I am so curious to find out more about Cui Buqu’s past. I would love to know what made him who he is and how he ended up in his current position.
As for Feng Xiao, he continues to grow on me more and more. Initially, I thought he was nothing more than an arrogant, narcissistic jerk who didn’t care about anyone besides himself. And honestly, that’s all still completely true. The thing is, he's also strangely charming and hilariously flamboyant in a way that somehow manages to be endearing. Meng Xi Shi seems to be a master of creating characters that, on paper, seem like they should be completely unlikable, and yet somehow, she makes you fall in love with them anyway. Though he is a very different character than Feng Xiao, I felt similarly about Yan Wushi from Thousand Autumns. Fortunately, Feng Xiao is much easier to like than Yan Wushi (I’m sure anyone who has read TA knows what I’m talking about), but I still find myself amazed at how this author is able to somehow make me like characters who seem inherently unlikable. Like seriously, how have I grown so fond of this ridiculous peacock of a man? Why is his narcissism suddenly so endearing? Why do I find myself smiling whenever he acts like a complete princess who balks at even a single speck of dirt on his person?
Together, these two make an amazing duo. They are a chaotic and unstoppable force of nature. Their dialogue and banter are pure gold, both in terms of humor and chemistry. I love how Feng Xiao is the only person who is able to keep up with Cui Buqu’s brilliant schemes and how the two of them are often able to communicate without ever saying a single word. Cui Buqu comes up with a plan and Feng Xiao just goes with the flow, managing to fit himself into said plan and execute it to perfection, albeit while also doing his utmost to drive Cui Buqu absolutely insane and gain the upper hand on his rival. I also really enjoyed seeing how Feng Xiao seems to be slowly developing feelings for Cui Buqu in this volume. It’s subtle and definitely slow burn, but I’m really loving this progression!
I also have to give a shout out to my girl Qiao Xian! I really love her as aside character! While she isn’t the toughest marital artist out there, she is still incredibly strong and fiercely loyal to Cui Buqu. I love her overprotective mother hen attitude toward him while at the same time she constantly seems to want to strangle Feng Xiao. I also really enjoyed getting to see Qiao Xian put a certain asshole in his place at one point during the story. I really hope we get to see more of her in the later volumes.
Incredible characters and relationship dynamics aside, the plot in this volume was even better than the first. While I really enjoyed volume one, volume two really just amped everything up to another level. The Qiemo arc was a lot of fun, although I absolutely loath Duan Qihu. The ghost story element really added something extra and gave this a bit of a spooky feel. I really enjoyed watching Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao turn the city on its head despite the fact that they were essentially just passing through.
Though my favorite part of this volume was the Qiemo arc, Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu’s adventures in the Western Khaganate were also extremely interesting. There were quite a few unexpected plot twists that had me curious about who is really pulling the strings behind all the various political schemes and power plays going on. I was going to try and pace myself more with this series so that I don’t have to wait as long between finishing volume four and the final volume coming out in October, but this story is just so good that it’s difficult for me to want to put it down! The cliffhanger in this volume is going to kill me if I don’t continue!
In short, I am completely smitten with Peerless so far. I honestly can’t think of a single negative thing to say about it. Meng Xi Shi is an incredible writer who is capable of creating loveable, complex characters and weaving an intriguing story for her readers. Her descriptions are excellent, and I love reading her fight scenes. I personally also loved Thousand Autumns, but I know some people were a bit overwhelmed or bored by all the fighting scenes in that series. Fortunately, Peerless has a better balance where there isn’t as much focus on martial arts and the jianghu. The marital arts are still there and still awesome, but it is definitely toned down compared to Thousand Autumns. If you are a danmei fan and haven’t tried this series yet, then I urge you to pick it up! Peerless absolutely deserves more recognition. If this story continues the way that it has been then I will probably end up liking it even more than Thousand Autumns!
September 24, 2025
vibes. ngl, i dont know the plot but our main two are fun so i like following them
February 16, 2025
4.5/5
I really liked this volume! The plot is slowly developing and thickening, big brains are working at their maximum and the local peacock is starting to open its tail for one little fox.
Good soup.
Very side note: I'm not going to lie, after reading how Feng Xiao takes care of himself I bought a hair mask myself and started using my skin care products again (I've been sick for almost a month, so my maximum effort was day cream and washing). A proud peacock for every family! He saves people's beauty!
I really liked this volume! The plot is slowly developing and thickening, big brains are working at their maximum and the local peacock is starting to open its tail for one little fox.
Good soup.
Very side note: I'm not going to lie, after reading how Feng Xiao takes care of himself I bought a hair mask myself and started using my skin care products again (I've been sick for almost a month, so my maximum effort was day cream and washing). A proud peacock for every family! He saves people's beauty!
October 29, 2025
"They say man plans and the heavens laugh, but we are the ones who determine our paths. People always forget that. It seems both Xiao-xiong and I are people who reject our fates.”
Volume 2 of Peerless is like stepping into a battlefield where the weapons are wits, words, and the occasional smoldering glance. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao continue their chaotic, banter-filled adventure with a dynamic so sharp it could slice through steel (or at least someone's fragile ego).
Cui Buqu, our brilliant but physically frail mastermind, is still out here playing 4D chess while everyone else is stuck on checkers. And then there’s Feng Xiao—equal parts maddeningly smug and irresistibly charming, because of course he is. Together, they’re the ultimate “enemies to reluctant allies to ‘why am I blushing?’” duo, and watching their interactions is pure gold.
The political intrigue? Absolutely dripping with twists and turns. Alliances shift, secrets spill, and you’ll find yourself clutching the book like a lifeline because, honestly, who’s got time to breathe when betrayal is lurking around every corner?
That said, there are a few slower moments—mostly when the story takes a deep dive into logistics and historical details. Fascinating for world-building, but you might catch yourself thinking, “Alright, but when are Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu going to argue in a way that’s basically foreplay again?”
This volume delivers the perfect blend of tension, strategy, and sizzling character chemistry. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao remain a delightfully unhinged pair you can’t help but root for. If you’re here for clever dialogue, scheming galore, and just the right amount of emotional chaos, Peerless Vol. 2 won’t let you down.
Date Read: 2024.11.21
Re-read: 2025.09.05
Volume 2 of Peerless is like stepping into a battlefield where the weapons are wits, words, and the occasional smoldering glance. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao continue their chaotic, banter-filled adventure with a dynamic so sharp it could slice through steel (or at least someone's fragile ego).
Cui Buqu, our brilliant but physically frail mastermind, is still out here playing 4D chess while everyone else is stuck on checkers. And then there’s Feng Xiao—equal parts maddeningly smug and irresistibly charming, because of course he is. Together, they’re the ultimate “enemies to reluctant allies to ‘why am I blushing?’” duo, and watching their interactions is pure gold.
The political intrigue? Absolutely dripping with twists and turns. Alliances shift, secrets spill, and you’ll find yourself clutching the book like a lifeline because, honestly, who’s got time to breathe when betrayal is lurking around every corner?
That said, there are a few slower moments—mostly when the story takes a deep dive into logistics and historical details. Fascinating for world-building, but you might catch yourself thinking, “Alright, but when are Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu going to argue in a way that’s basically foreplay again?”
This volume delivers the perfect blend of tension, strategy, and sizzling character chemistry. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao remain a delightfully unhinged pair you can’t help but root for. If you’re here for clever dialogue, scheming galore, and just the right amount of emotional chaos, Peerless Vol. 2 won’t let you down.
Date Read: 2024.11.21
Re-read: 2025.09.05
November 19, 2024
Mystery and politics are at the forefront of this volume, with only the beginning stirrings of attraction (from Feng Xiao's side at least).
Romantically, this is definitely a slow burn, and while I was hoping for just a little more, my knowledge that feelings are in fact on their way keeps me invested in the leads' connection. In the meantime, the banter between these two is hilarious and clever.
Aside from their relationship, Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu are simply great characters. I would like some backstory on each of them, but in the present, they are brilliant, competent, and a joy to read about.
This volume ends on a cliffhanger, though not an unbearable one. It leaves me eager for what's next, especially since I can see how these events might strengthen the bond between our leads.
Romantically, this is definitely a slow burn, and while I was hoping for just a little more, my knowledge that feelings are in fact on their way keeps me invested in the leads' connection. In the meantime, the banter between these two is hilarious and clever.
Aside from their relationship, Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu are simply great characters. I would like some backstory on each of them, but in the present, they are brilliant, competent, and a joy to read about.
This volume ends on a cliffhanger, though not an unbearable one. It leaves me eager for what's next, especially since I can see how these events might strengthen the bond between our leads.
November 15, 2025
3.5 stars
Political intrigue and plot thickens up quite a bit in this volume, split into two distinctive arcs. Loaded with lots of fights, lots of snark, and lots of situations that Feng Xiao decides are best resolved by acting licentiously toward Cui Buqu although there was probably another non-sexual solution (it’s for the investigation, he swears…)
The first major arc in Qiemo didn’t grab me, possibly as it was laden with backstories of the men vying for power in the city. But I found the Khagan arc in the second half of the book a bit more intriguing and easier to follow. Both arcs eventually tied into the larger question floating around Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao’s investigation—what is the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai and who constitutes this organization? Once the arcs connected to the larger plot, the story felt more engaging overall as opposed to feeling like CB and FX were just off on another adventure.
Although I do really like all of the characters, for some reason I’m just not super invested in them yet. It might be because there’s been hints of their backgrounds and personal goals, but nothing concrete yet. We’re given one dimension of their personalities from the get-go, but have yet to see any development or complexities in their characterization beyond just the tropes they’re established to be. I will make an exception Qiao Xian, though. This woman has my whole heart and I want nothing but the absolute best for her.
Political intrigue and plot thickens up quite a bit in this volume, split into two distinctive arcs. Loaded with lots of fights, lots of snark, and lots of situations that Feng Xiao decides are best resolved by acting licentiously toward Cui Buqu although there was probably another non-sexual solution (it’s for the investigation, he swears…)
The first major arc in Qiemo didn’t grab me, possibly as it was laden with backstories of the men vying for power in the city. But I found the Khagan arc in the second half of the book a bit more intriguing and easier to follow. Both arcs eventually tied into the larger question floating around Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao’s investigation—what is the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai and who constitutes this organization? Once the arcs connected to the larger plot, the story felt more engaging overall as opposed to feeling like CB and FX were just off on another adventure.
Although I do really like all of the characters, for some reason I’m just not super invested in them yet. It might be because there’s been hints of their backgrounds and personal goals, but nothing concrete yet. We’re given one dimension of their personalities from the get-go, but have yet to see any development or complexities in their characterization beyond just the tropes they’re established to be. I will make an exception Qiao Xian, though. This woman has my whole heart and I want nothing but the absolute best for her.
January 16, 2025
Vol 3 can't come soon enough 😭
October 17, 2025
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this volume. Especially the part they spent in Qiemo was very entertaining and not as hastily told as the part beyond the Central Plains. With the Göktürks one thing culminated after the other and it felt too black-and-white for me (hopefully I’ll be wrong about it). This volume ended with a mean cliffhanger and I’m glad that I didn’t read it earlier and no waiting has to happen.
Cui Buqu is still my favourite. I love is wit and the way he stays unfazed most of the time. I’ve been starting to like Feng Xiao more in this volume and I can already tell he’s slowly falling for CBQ even though he doesn’t know this yet. But all his musings about CBQ’s slim and fragile and pretty body parts (hands, ears, face, hair etc.) are hard to overlook. And isn’t that the guy who thinks himself a gift to humanity? That he even looks at another instead of into the mirror says it all. Let’s see if Cui BuQu realises this sometime soon and what will happen next.
Onwards to the next volume.
I really enjoyed this volume. Especially the part they spent in Qiemo was very entertaining and not as hastily told as the part beyond the Central Plains. With the Göktürks one thing culminated after the other and it felt too black-and-white for me (hopefully I’ll be wrong about it). This volume ended with a mean cliffhanger and I’m glad that I didn’t read it earlier and no waiting has to happen.
Cui Buqu is still my favourite. I love is wit and the way he stays unfazed most of the time. I’ve been starting to like Feng Xiao more in this volume and I can already tell he’s slowly falling for CBQ even though he doesn’t know this yet. But all his musings about CBQ’s slim and fragile and pretty body parts (hands, ears, face, hair etc.) are hard to overlook. And isn’t that the guy who thinks himself a gift to humanity? That he even looks at another instead of into the mirror says it all. Let’s see if Cui BuQu realises this sometime soon and what will happen next.
Onwards to the next volume.
October 3, 2025
Talk about ending on a cliffhanger!! Glad I have at least 3 volumes before I started reading. Although if I'm gonna be honest, this whole series could have been 3 volumes, 7S.
And since I'm already talking about the physical aspect of it, I might as well bemoan the French flaps. Of all the danmei novels I own, only Peach Flower House novels don't have them (my one Rosmei book has a dust cover). But the PFH books had thick covers or in the case of softer covers, also thinner pages. 7S books having thick pages and thinner covers feels bad, man. I appreciate the thick pages because they don't fox or yellow, but the cover just doesn't match the paper feel.
Complaints aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this volume. Is it even a MXS novel if one character is not crossdressing?
And is it even a MXS novel if her characters are not constantly battered and fighting numerous foes while trying to recover?
And since I'm already talking about the physical aspect of it, I might as well bemoan the French flaps. Of all the danmei novels I own, only Peach Flower House novels don't have them (my one Rosmei book has a dust cover). But the PFH books had thick covers or in the case of softer covers, also thinner pages. 7S books having thick pages and thinner covers feels bad, man. I appreciate the thick pages because they don't fox or yellow, but the cover just doesn't match the paper feel.
Complaints aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this volume. Is it even a MXS novel if one character is not crossdressing?
And is it even a MXS novel if her characters are not constantly battered and fighting numerous foes while trying to recover?
December 27, 2024
Every time they come into a new conflict, I can’t help but focus on all the impossibilities of resolution, yet every time, they manage to beat all odds. With Qiemo and now Apa Khagan, they always come out on top. Their shamelessness, resourcefulness, and intelligence really holds them to a higher level. Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu are very engaging protagonists.
I’m mad about the cliffhanger though.
I’m mad about the cliffhanger though.
November 17, 2024
5/5☆
”He sat silent, his gaze clear and open. But that look alone was worth a thousand words. For the first time, Feng Xiao’s stony heart cracked open just a hair, softening the tiniest bit” 🤭🤭
”He sat silent, his gaze clear and open. But that look alone was worth a thousand words. For the first time, Feng Xiao’s stony heart cracked open just a hair, softening the tiniest bit” 🤭🤭
March 17, 2025
i love these gremlins soooooo much
November 1, 2025
Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu set out together with just one underling from the Zuoyue Bureau, Qiao Xian, and the envoy from the Western Khaganate. They still have multiple assassins on their tail, so naturally they decide to disguise Feng Xiao as a woman and pretend he is Cui Buqu's wife, thinking this will help them keep a low profile. It does not. As soon as they get to Qiemo they encounter a haunted inn, a double murder, and the power struggle between three men trying to control the city. Naturally, Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu stick their noses into the murder investigation, their cover is blown, and they decide that being subtle is no longer an option. Why not try to take the city for the Empire with their tiny party? What could go wrong? This series is really laying on the fanfiction tropes, so far in the first two books we have: huddling for warmth, cross dressing, forced proximity, only one bed, making out for contrived reasons and work rivals to lovers (maybe). Also quite a bit of murder and lots of martial arts fights, including one that finally challenges Feng Xiao's extraordinary skills.
November 16, 2024
4.25 / 5: ”They say man plans and the heavens laugh, but we are the ones who determine our paths. People always forget that. It seems both Xiao-xiong and I are people who reject our fates.”
i love cui buqu a lot :’)
and i also really love the amount of detail this author puts in her writing. as easily distracted as i got with some parts—specifically with the first part of this volume when they were at Qiemo—i love how compelling these characters are when interacting with each other. it’s like witnessing a chess game in action, and cui buqu & feng xiao’s banter really added to the scenes.
i can’t wait for the next volume after that hell of cliffhanger……please come soon.
content warnings:
major: physical violence, and descriptions of blood & injury
moderate: murder, allusions to rape & drugged torture against women, as well as mentions of past gang rape….
i love cui buqu a lot :’)
and i also really love the amount of detail this author puts in her writing. as easily distracted as i got with some parts—specifically with the first part of this volume when they were at Qiemo—i love how compelling these characters are when interacting with each other. it’s like witnessing a chess game in action, and cui buqu & feng xiao’s banter really added to the scenes.
i can’t wait for the next volume after that hell of cliffhanger……please come soon.
content warnings:
major: physical violence, and descriptions of blood & injury
moderate: murder, allusions to rape & drugged torture against women, as well as mentions of past gang rape….
November 11, 2024
Second volume of Peerless sees Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao, the brilliant leaders of Sui empire’s secret agencies, embark on their journey to west to form an alliance with one of the khaganates there. With them is the khan’s favourite concubine, and Cui Buqu’s trusted underling. But since two women and two men who are not married or related travelling together is seen improper, the group poses as two married couples, though not in obvious kind of pairings.
The journey through the desert is arduous and the small group pauses at Qiemo, the remotest outpost of the empire. They soon discover, that the actual power in the town isn’t in the hands of the empire’s representative, but a former bandit and a descendant of a former king who have divided the town between them. Since they have a bit of time in their hands, Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao decide to do something about it, with their now familiar method of causing chaos and seeing what’s what once the dust settles. What emerges is a discovery of a secret organisation that neither agent had heard of before.
From there, the journey continues to the khaganate. There they discover that the favourite concubine has lost her position and the enemy and the khan’s second son now have the khan’s ear. They’re determined to see the representatives of the empire dead, concocting a scheme after another. The pair prevail, though not unscathed, turning the tides for the empire. But just as they’re about to form the alliance, bad luck—or a hidden enemy—strikes again, ruining everything. The book ends at this cliffhanger.
This was in some ways better book than the first. The story was more straightforward, and the dynamics of the odd pair started to settle in. Cui Buqu wasn’t sick the whole time, so his brilliant mind could shine. Feng Xiao wasn’t quite as obsessed with his own beauty and excellence, and he got to show off his martial arts skills—and his acting skills as a woman, which he made the most of. But the power struggle between the pair wasn’t so prominent, with fewer funny scenes between them, and there were more battle scenes, which paused the story several times. Not as many as in Thousand Autumns though. Nevertheless, the grumpy-sunshine(ish) pair is wonderful and I can’t wait to see how they get out of the latest scrape and where they’ll head next.
The journey through the desert is arduous and the small group pauses at Qiemo, the remotest outpost of the empire. They soon discover, that the actual power in the town isn’t in the hands of the empire’s representative, but a former bandit and a descendant of a former king who have divided the town between them. Since they have a bit of time in their hands, Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao decide to do something about it, with their now familiar method of causing chaos and seeing what’s what once the dust settles. What emerges is a discovery of a secret organisation that neither agent had heard of before.
From there, the journey continues to the khaganate. There they discover that the favourite concubine has lost her position and the enemy and the khan’s second son now have the khan’s ear. They’re determined to see the representatives of the empire dead, concocting a scheme after another. The pair prevail, though not unscathed, turning the tides for the empire. But just as they’re about to form the alliance, bad luck—or a hidden enemy—strikes again, ruining everything. The book ends at this cliffhanger.
This was in some ways better book than the first. The story was more straightforward, and the dynamics of the odd pair started to settle in. Cui Buqu wasn’t sick the whole time, so his brilliant mind could shine. Feng Xiao wasn’t quite as obsessed with his own beauty and excellence, and he got to show off his martial arts skills—and his acting skills as a woman, which he made the most of. But the power struggle between the pair wasn’t so prominent, with fewer funny scenes between them, and there were more battle scenes, which paused the story several times. Not as many as in Thousand Autumns though. Nevertheless, the grumpy-sunshine(ish) pair is wonderful and I can’t wait to see how they get out of the latest scrape and where they’ll head next.
October 18, 2025
This volume was slightly less enjoyable for me than the first, the events in Qiemo just weren’t as fun for me as the Khotan envoy case. On the other hand, the Gökturk diplomacy mission is engaging so I really enjoyed the latter part of this volume. Feng Xiao keeps cracking me up, he can’t stop being an arrogant pest but he’s also having these cute little moments where he’s started simping for Cui Buqu. I love how he’s so fussy that he’d rather cross dress for weeks than wear a grubby disguise, bro is just too unserious. The banter and bickering continues, I can’t wait to see Cui Buqu soften towards Feng Xiao!
March 29, 2025
Settling on a 3.5 for this one!
I still very much love Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu’s banter, but in this volume, it felt a bit sparse. It's still present, but few and far between. A huge chunk of the story was dedicated to the Qiemo plot, and while I enjoyed their arrival, the rest of the plot wasn't all that interesting.
Then we moved along to the Khaganate, and that part was much stronger, and the volume ended on such a good cliffhanger!
Also, it’s painfully obvious that Feng Xiao is the first to catch feelings, but it’s an oblivious crush; he has no idea, but it's kinda cute
I still very much love Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu’s banter, but in this volume, it felt a bit sparse. It's still present, but few and far between. A huge chunk of the story was dedicated to the Qiemo plot, and while I enjoyed their arrival, the rest of the plot wasn't all that interesting.
Then we moved along to the Khaganate, and that part was much stronger, and the volume ended on such a good cliffhanger!
Also, it’s painfully obvious that Feng Xiao is the first to catch feelings, but it’s an oblivious crush; he has no idea, but it's kinda cute
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May 13, 2025this was fun, plot was more engaging than vol 1 bc less world-building and exposition. however, not much character or relationship development here. maybe a little on feng xiao’s part. ends on a cliffhanger but im holding out til next month for volume 3.
i will say i laughed out loud a few times here. even if the romance is nowhere to be found yet, these two are just hilarious together.
i will say i laughed out loud a few times here. even if the romance is nowhere to be found yet, these two are just hilarious together.
October 12, 2025
estos 2 realmente dijeron vamos a constantemente jugar a pretender ser pareja y ninguno pensó que era medio raro hacerlo incluso cuando se odian
feng xiao estás cayendo terriblemente por cui buqu (valid) y estás siendo un loser tremendo, también lo siento por tu embarazo psicológico debido al trauma causado por el aborto
cui buqu tú estás siendo perfecto, sigue así, representando a toda la gente que a la mínima tiene un bajón de azúcar y chao
feng xiao estás cayendo terriblemente por cui buqu (valid) y estás siendo un loser tremendo, también lo siento por tu embarazo psicológico debido al trauma causado por el aborto
cui buqu tú estás siendo perfecto, sigue así, representando a toda la gente que a la mínima tiene un bajón de azúcar y chao
September 23, 2025
Mystery & plot twists are ever present for the two investigation masters.
From putting on disguises to destroying organizations from inside out, Cui Buqu's innate intelligence just shines in this volume.
While very faint, you can allude to a future relationship between him and Feng Xiao as Feng-langjun just so stirred by this unique, peerless and unpredictable Ququ.
Wherever they go, trouble follows but only for the unlucky bystanders. There is absolutely no way they would not succeed and take home intelligence 'trophies' for the Sui Dynasty.
Volume ended in a cliffhanger that finally does not seem in favor of those two, but we shall see. There's no way Cui Buqu didn't think about how to turn this around for his soon-to-be Feng Xiao.
From putting on disguises to destroying organizations from inside out, Cui Buqu's innate intelligence just shines in this volume.
While very faint, you can allude to a future relationship between him and Feng Xiao as Feng-langjun just so stirred by this unique, peerless and unpredictable Ququ.
Wherever they go, trouble follows but only for the unlucky bystanders. There is absolutely no way they would not succeed and take home intelligence 'trophies' for the Sui Dynasty.
Volume ended in a cliffhanger that finally does not seem in favor of those two, but we shall see. There's no way Cui Buqu didn't think about how to turn this around for his soon-to-be Feng Xiao.
October 11, 2025
This author really needs to stop using the term "shook their head" for implying both yes and no.
The pacing was all over the place and the moments between the main couple felt forced to the point of being ridiculous. The conflicts were boring and at no point as interesting as the previous one.
The racist and colorist undertones were there on the last book and series, but my gosh did they shine bright in this one. And it's not like the sexism that the author is clearly against —despite being so prominent— but a sistematic thing that appears where it isn't even needed, like "darkening one's skin to make themselves uglier".
Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao also pissed me off for forgiving that man's life. I know they had their reasons and it was resolved in the next couple of chapters, but you can't tell me about the scummiest man on heart and expect me to be chill about it. He deserved what he did to that girl multiplied by a 100 in front of the whole county. Yan Xuexing was entirely right, I too would want to slaughter everyone and burn the entire world down.
I would give it 2 stars bc it took me real mental power to get through it but some of the jokes were hilarious and geniuenly had me laughing out loud.
The pacing was all over the place and the moments between the main couple felt forced to the point of being ridiculous. The conflicts were boring and at no point as interesting as the previous one.
The racist and colorist undertones were there on the last book and series, but my gosh did they shine bright in this one. And it's not like the sexism that the author is clearly against —despite being so prominent— but a sistematic thing that appears where it isn't even needed, like "darkening one's skin to make themselves uglier".
Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao also pissed me off for forgiving that man's life. I know they had their reasons and it was resolved in the next couple of chapters, but you can't tell me about the scummiest man on heart and expect me to be chill about it. He deserved what he did to that girl multiplied by a 100 in front of the whole county. Yan Xuexing was entirely right, I too would want to slaughter everyone and burn the entire world down.
I would give it 2 stars bc it took me real mental power to get through it but some of the jokes were hilarious and geniuenly had me laughing out loud.
May 17, 2025
Wow. Twist after twist after twist. This book is incredible.
November 29, 2024
Honestly, the first half was a mix of fun and boring—if that makes any sense. That’s just how it felt to me. But the second half? So much better! It kept getting more exciting with every page. And that cliffhanger at the end? Seven Seas, that was NOT cool. Thankfully, I’m reading the fan translation, so I don’t have to wait to find out what happens next.
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