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Ballad of Sword and Wine #1
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu (Novel) Vol. 1
SCOURGE OF A NATION
Shen Zechuan is the eighth son of the traitorous Prince of Jianxing, a man who doomed his cities and people to destruction at the hands of the foreign enemy. As the only surviving member of his reviled line, Shen Zechuan bears the hatred of the nation. And no one's hate burns hotter than that of Xiao Chiye, the youngest son of the powerful Prince of Libei.
Xiao Chiye would love nothing more than to see Shen Zechuan dead, but against all odds, he clings to life. Rather than succumb to his family's disgrace, he becomes a thorn in Xiao Chiye's side, clawing his way into the cutthroat political world of the capital. Yet as these two bitter enemies struggle against the bonds of their fate, they find themselves drawn together with a force neither expected--and neither can hope to resist.
Shen Zechuan is the eighth son of the traitorous Prince of Jianxing, a man who doomed his cities and people to destruction at the hands of the foreign enemy. As the only surviving member of his reviled line, Shen Zechuan bears the hatred of the nation. And no one's hate burns hotter than that of Xiao Chiye, the youngest son of the powerful Prince of Libei.
Xiao Chiye would love nothing more than to see Shen Zechuan dead, but against all odds, he clings to life. Rather than succumb to his family's disgrace, he becomes a thorn in Xiao Chiye's side, clawing his way into the cutthroat political world of the capital. Yet as these two bitter enemies struggle against the bonds of their fate, they find themselves drawn together with a force neither expected--and neither can hope to resist.
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2024
736 people are currently reading
10124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 641 reviews
March 1, 2024
xiao chiye can also kick me
August 11, 2025
“I want a falcon, Shifu. I want to fly. I can learn to tame falcons. Once I tame one, his wings will belong to me. Wherever he flies, I will have flown there too.”
November 14, 2024
4.5 stars. You know how when you finish the first book in a series and you can already tell it’s going to be a 5 star series when all is said and done- that’s this one for me. This book did a fabulous job setting up the world and plot but at the end of the day it’s book 1 of 8 so it’s always going to be focused on introductory work.
I can see why people hold this story in such high regard as the gold standard for enemies to lovers in the Danmei community. Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan are full of equal parts hatred and horniness for each other and their banter has me endlessly entertained.
While I had a great time with this first installment I don’t think that this is necessarily the best entry point into the Danmei genre. This is a story that is heavy in complicated political court intrigue and machinations and I definitely think there are more accessible starting points (although that shit is my bread and butter). I found that at times I struggled to keep track of who all the people were and what their relationships to each other were and the roles they played in various schemes and I imagine that would be especially challenging to keep track of if you aren’t used to the use of courtesy names and family names. And bless Stacie for directing me to the character map on cangji.net to help with keeping track of everyone cause that shit was a life saver (the way I nearly choked on laughter when I read the relationship between Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan listed as ‘Ultimate Gaylords’ 🤣 that had me dying).
I also found it refreshing that in this instance this is just historical story with no fantasy elements. While I love my fantasy Danmei sometimes I’m just in the mood for historical court politics.
Content warning for animal cruelty though. That donkey scene was a rough read.
Finally, I hope that the illustrators pillow is always cold, their tea is always hot and their slippers are always comfy cause they are routinely churning out some of the most stunning covers and artworks out there (the same illustrator Seven Seas has been using for 2ha and Yuwu).
I’m already excited and dreading for when I catch up to the most recent release and have to start waiting.
(Why did I think this was meant to be longer than 2ha and it’s only 8 volumes??)
I can see why people hold this story in such high regard as the gold standard for enemies to lovers in the Danmei community. Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan are full of equal parts hatred and horniness for each other and their banter has me endlessly entertained.
While I had a great time with this first installment I don’t think that this is necessarily the best entry point into the Danmei genre. This is a story that is heavy in complicated political court intrigue and machinations and I definitely think there are more accessible starting points (although that shit is my bread and butter). I found that at times I struggled to keep track of who all the people were and what their relationships to each other were and the roles they played in various schemes and I imagine that would be especially challenging to keep track of if you aren’t used to the use of courtesy names and family names. And bless Stacie for directing me to the character map on cangji.net to help with keeping track of everyone cause that shit was a life saver (the way I nearly choked on laughter when I read the relationship between Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan listed as ‘Ultimate Gaylords’ 🤣 that had me dying).
I also found it refreshing that in this instance this is just historical story with no fantasy elements. While I love my fantasy Danmei sometimes I’m just in the mood for historical court politics.
Content warning for animal cruelty though. That donkey scene was a rough read.
Finally, I hope that the illustrators pillow is always cold, their tea is always hot and their slippers are always comfy cause they are routinely churning out some of the most stunning covers and artworks out there (the same illustrator Seven Seas has been using for 2ha and Yuwu).
I’m already excited and dreading for when I catch up to the most recent release and have to start waiting.
(Why did I think this was meant to be longer than 2ha and it’s only 8 volumes??)
June 9, 2024
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu is the latest Chinese boylove series translated by Seven Seas. It’s set in a secondary world that resembles ancient China with its culture, but with a completely different geography. The book even comes with a helpful map.
A war has almost ended in defeat when Prince Shen Wei shamefully fled before the enemy before killing himself. All his family has died too, except the youngest, illegitimate son, Shen Zechuan. He’s fourteen and hasn’t even met his father, as he’s been raised by his shifu, Ji Gang. Nevertheless, he’s been brought to the nation’s capital to face death for what his father has done. But political machinations and the Dowager Empress intervene, and he’s confined to a house arrest instead.
Xiao Chiye is sixteen and a son of another warrior prince. His family had to step up to defend the nation when Shen Wei fled. He’s a volatile young man and he hates Shen Zechuan for what his father has done. But political machinations catch him too, and the reward he’s granted to command the useless Imperial Army is in fact a prison for him too, as he’s basically held hostage in the capital to keep his family from revolting.
The main story starts five years later. Tides turn again, and Shen Zechuan is released, much to the dismay of the nation. Xiao Chiye’s hatred hasn’t eased at all, and he makes it his business to make life difficult for Shen Zechuan. But the emperor is dying and he doesn’t have children. People have started to take sides, and Xiao Chiye has his own player in the game. And behind the scenes, helped by his shifu and an old teacher of the former crown prince, Shen Zechuan is working on his revenge.
When the plot comes to a point, the two young men find themselves on the same side and Shen Zechuan ends up saving Xiao Chiye’s life. Their lives become tangled, but their animosity doesn’t ease. The problem for Xiao Chiye is, however, that he’s finding himself attracted to the younger man. For his part, Shen Zechuan is willing to make most of the attraction to get his revenge. It’s a game about power and manipulation that slowly comes to a point.
This was a great book. The two men were very similar in how they gave the world to understand they are useless while hiding their true strength and intent. Shen Zechuan is a dainty, beautiful man who seems to be plagued by an ill health. But he’s traumatized by the war and almost sociopathic in his behaviour when he finally has the chance for revenge. Xiao Chiye pretends to be a wastrel and drunkard, while he’s reorganising and training the Imperial Army for a coup.
Court intrigue dominates the plot, but the relationship between the two men is its backbone. It’s in no way romantic in this first book. Both are using the other for their own ends, and neither trusts the other. Xiao Chiye is open about his lust, but determined to control it. Shen Zechuan doesn’t feel the same, but in a fit of anger, he’s willing to push things to a point. The book ends with a bedroom scene, quite literally with a climax. It’s a slightly odd choice, but kind of works well with the tone of the book, and leaves the reader desperate for more.
The book is well written and doesn’t suffer from the over-abundance of telling instead of showing like so many of these Chinese BL series. Court machinations and background stories are handled in the dialogue, there are no repetitions, and the story advances in a fast pace. The opening chapters have some descriptions of torture, and there’s a very disturbing scene of animal cruelty in chapter 18: Donkey Roast, which you can easily skip, though it’s referred to later. All in all, one of the best BL series translated so far. I’ll definitely continue with it.
A war has almost ended in defeat when Prince Shen Wei shamefully fled before the enemy before killing himself. All his family has died too, except the youngest, illegitimate son, Shen Zechuan. He’s fourteen and hasn’t even met his father, as he’s been raised by his shifu, Ji Gang. Nevertheless, he’s been brought to the nation’s capital to face death for what his father has done. But political machinations and the Dowager Empress intervene, and he’s confined to a house arrest instead.
Xiao Chiye is sixteen and a son of another warrior prince. His family had to step up to defend the nation when Shen Wei fled. He’s a volatile young man and he hates Shen Zechuan for what his father has done. But political machinations catch him too, and the reward he’s granted to command the useless Imperial Army is in fact a prison for him too, as he’s basically held hostage in the capital to keep his family from revolting.
The main story starts five years later. Tides turn again, and Shen Zechuan is released, much to the dismay of the nation. Xiao Chiye’s hatred hasn’t eased at all, and he makes it his business to make life difficult for Shen Zechuan. But the emperor is dying and he doesn’t have children. People have started to take sides, and Xiao Chiye has his own player in the game. And behind the scenes, helped by his shifu and an old teacher of the former crown prince, Shen Zechuan is working on his revenge.
When the plot comes to a point, the two young men find themselves on the same side and Shen Zechuan ends up saving Xiao Chiye’s life. Their lives become tangled, but their animosity doesn’t ease. The problem for Xiao Chiye is, however, that he’s finding himself attracted to the younger man. For his part, Shen Zechuan is willing to make most of the attraction to get his revenge. It’s a game about power and manipulation that slowly comes to a point.
This was a great book. The two men were very similar in how they gave the world to understand they are useless while hiding their true strength and intent. Shen Zechuan is a dainty, beautiful man who seems to be plagued by an ill health. But he’s traumatized by the war and almost sociopathic in his behaviour when he finally has the chance for revenge. Xiao Chiye pretends to be a wastrel and drunkard, while he’s reorganising and training the Imperial Army for a coup.
Court intrigue dominates the plot, but the relationship between the two men is its backbone. It’s in no way romantic in this first book. Both are using the other for their own ends, and neither trusts the other. Xiao Chiye is open about his lust, but determined to control it. Shen Zechuan doesn’t feel the same, but in a fit of anger, he’s willing to push things to a point. The book ends with a bedroom scene, quite literally with a climax. It’s a slightly odd choice, but kind of works well with the tone of the book, and leaves the reader desperate for more.
The book is well written and doesn’t suffer from the over-abundance of telling instead of showing like so many of these Chinese BL series. Court machinations and background stories are handled in the dialogue, there are no repetitions, and the story advances in a fast pace. The opening chapters have some descriptions of torture, and there’s a very disturbing scene of animal cruelty in chapter 18: Donkey Roast, which you can easily skip, though it’s referred to later. All in all, one of the best BL series translated so far. I’ll definitely continue with it.
May 27, 2025
GOING TO RE-READ SOON..I WILL UPDATE THE REVIEW LATER ♡
March 19, 2025
they heard ''keep your friends close and your enemies closer'' and took it as a challenge
June 26, 2024
Fellas, is it gay to makeout with a man if he’s your enemy ?
This novel was so amazing. I found the politics way more interesting than Sha Po Lang (still love that series though.)
“Each would stain the other, letting mutual hatred spin a thread that couldn’t be severed. It was agonizing to live like this, alone, with only snow to listen to their howls at night. They had no one else to lean on but each other- so why not tear into each other until they were bloody?”
The romance is already very lovely. I like the slow burn because it has a lot of development. The lust will slowly turn into dedicated love, I’m sure. I love both Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye, they are total opposites in a flattering way.
Shen Zechuan is completely unreadable outside of the first few chapters. However, I love that about him. He has a persona for every situation. As someone who has nightmares every night as well, I enjoyed that flaw about him. It’s sad to see him become numb to everything but I know there are true feelings beneath the cold exterior. I’m hoping to see more glimpses of his true feelings going forward.
Overall, probably on par with MXTX! Though nothing will ever take the place of SVSSS or TGCF.. I will save that final verdict for the very end of the series.
This novel was so amazing. I found the politics way more interesting than Sha Po Lang (still love that series though.)
“Each would stain the other, letting mutual hatred spin a thread that couldn’t be severed. It was agonizing to live like this, alone, with only snow to listen to their howls at night. They had no one else to lean on but each other- so why not tear into each other until they were bloody?”
The romance is already very lovely. I like the slow burn because it has a lot of development. The lust will slowly turn into dedicated love, I’m sure. I love both Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye, they are total opposites in a flattering way.
Shen Zechuan is completely unreadable outside of the first few chapters. However, I love that about him. He has a persona for every situation. As someone who has nightmares every night as well, I enjoyed that flaw about him. It’s sad to see him become numb to everything but I know there are true feelings beneath the cold exterior. I’m hoping to see more glimpses of his true feelings going forward.
Overall, probably on par with MXTX! Though nothing will ever take the place of SVSSS or TGCF.. I will save that final verdict for the very end of the series.
November 22, 2024
I will never have enough words to describe how I felt reading this… (fyi this is me screaming into a pillow right now) WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! My jaw has dropped, my senses are tingling, and book two? Book two, is that you calling my name? It’s summoning me right now in this moment! I’m rereading this TONIGHT!
First thoughts on the novel: I LOVE ME SOME SHEN ZECHUAN AND SOME XIAO CHIYE! If I could get just about every sarcastic comment and flirty reply between the two ingrained on my frontal lobe I’d sell my whole child for that (im jk I think)! I also really love the political aspect of this novel. It’s rich and juicy with cultural elements and so much internal tension, suffering, conflicts that will go unsolved for generations… you name it!
If hopes and dreams were real then xiao chiye would kick me and shen lanzhou would bite me. That’s all I want in life.I SEE YOU JUDGING ME but damn. I love me a complicated storyline with angst, hatred, AND overwhelming desire. DROWN ME IN IT 😫😫
First thoughts on the novel: I LOVE ME SOME SHEN ZECHUAN AND SOME XIAO CHIYE! If I could get just about every sarcastic comment and flirty reply between the two ingrained on my frontal lobe I’d sell my whole child for that (im jk I think)! I also really love the political aspect of this novel. It’s rich and juicy with cultural elements and so much internal tension, suffering, conflicts that will go unsolved for generations… you name it!
If hopes and dreams were real then xiao chiye would kick me and shen lanzhou would bite me. That’s all I want in life.
June 14, 2024
If you like annotating books, THIS IS THE ONE. I read this as a web novel after purchasing the Chinese version and the amount of information I was putting in my notes app was ridiculous (but I love that). Every character, clan, location, and group/organization is important to the story and will come into play at some point. I was very pleased with Seven Seas translation except one name change- “Embroidered Uniform Guard” replacing “Imperial Bodyguard” felt a little strange to me.
This is just the beginning of a beautiful, complex story with one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever read. Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye have my whole heart and I find myself thinking about them just as much as Hualian and Wangxian ♥️
Thrilled to finally have an official English translated version of one of my all time favorite novels! I consider this a masterpiece that has it all- amazing characters, world building, politics, military genius, drama, romance, plot twists, and betrayals. It's basically a Chinese fantasy Game of Thrones but better IMO.
This is just the beginning of a beautiful, complex story with one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever read. Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye have my whole heart and I find myself thinking about them just as much as Hualian and Wangxian ♥️
Thrilled to finally have an official English translated version of one of my all time favorite novels! I consider this a masterpiece that has it all- amazing characters, world building, politics, military genius, drama, romance, plot twists, and betrayals. It's basically a Chinese fantasy Game of Thrones but better IMO.
June 25, 2024
4 ✨ this rating is based on the first book & the first book alone. ;)
i know this is a very loved series & everyone who has read it in its entirety rates it very high. as a first time reader, i’d be lying if i said i understood half of what was going on (i didn’t). i know this is gonna be a politics heavy read (which i love) but for now, i’m still trying to digest all the information that was thrown at me. it also took me a while to know who’s who (other than our mcs & Xiao Jiming, i can barely point out the roles and names of the other characters).
nonetheless, the relationship dynamic between our mcs is nothing short of phenomenal. i’m always a sucker for a romance subplot more than a romance driven romance so it was always a fun time to yearn and look forward to their little moments together. this is also why i believe that the more i understand the politics, the more i’ll get to enjoy this story in all its glory.
overall, a solid start to a series & i cannot wait to see where this goes!
i know this is a very loved series & everyone who has read it in its entirety rates it very high. as a first time reader, i’d be lying if i said i understood half of what was going on (i didn’t). i know this is gonna be a politics heavy read (which i love) but for now, i’m still trying to digest all the information that was thrown at me. it also took me a while to know who’s who (other than our mcs & Xiao Jiming, i can barely point out the roles and names of the other characters).
nonetheless, the relationship dynamic between our mcs is nothing short of phenomenal. i’m always a sucker for a romance subplot more than a romance driven romance so it was always a fun time to yearn and look forward to their little moments together. this is also why i believe that the more i understand the politics, the more i’ll get to enjoy this story in all its glory.
overall, a solid start to a series & i cannot wait to see where this goes!
Want to read
September 24, 2023i felt every possible human emotion when this publication was announced.
you can find my review of the whole novel here :) (in case you need some encouragement)
you can find my review of the whole novel here :) (in case you need some encouragement)
August 2, 2024
OMG ??? I LOVED IT SO MUCH !!! I WANT TO READ THE SECOND VOLUME RIGHT NOW !!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
This was sooo good, the plot and all the characters were so interesting !!! I love Xiao Chiye and Shen Lanzhou so much already 😭💗
This was sooo good, the plot and all the characters were so interesting !!! I love Xiao Chiye and Shen Lanzhou so much already 😭💗
January 23, 2025
Such a treat to read, the politics are easy enough to grasp and not too much of a hassle to keep track. The characters are so charming, and my god the uninterrupted bantering.
"But i was born with a pair of affectionate eyes"
Shen Zhechuan what a tease you are !!!
"But i was born with a pair of affectionate eyes"
Shen Zhechuan what a tease you are !!!
July 30, 2025
"But Libei. Libei!"
absolute cinema
absolute cinema
July 8, 2024
Enemies to lovers is a common trope so it is more a question of doing it well rather than surprising with a new twist to the premise. In the first volume of “Ballad of Sword and Wine” by Qiang Jin Jiu the main couple is given ample reason to hate each other. They are both trapped in a political game that places Shen Zechuan as a scapegoat for his father’s disloyalty and Xiao Chiye as the political hostage who is forced to live in Qudu to prevent his father from invading. They are both troubled, young men who are separated from their families and yearning for home.
The series opens in medias res with a torture scene that hits doubly hard, because it is an adolescent who is tortured for the sins of his father. The scene is graphic and it is particularly cruel because of the inherent injustice of the situation. Shen Zechuan is only 16 at the time, but his life has already been launched on a trajectory not of his own choosing. He is an illegitimate son by a dancer, but is used as a scapegoat for his father’s treason. He is treated with inhumanity by power hungry people and is forced to grow up fast so it is rather remarkable that he manages to keep a sliver of his humanity and develops a cunning humility that serves him well in the future. He is, however, perfectly aware of who is responsible for his torture and in chapter 34 he repays his tormentor with a cruelty that even shocks himself.
When Xiao Chiye first meets Shen Zechuan, he kicks him viciously because Xiao Chiye’s family in Libei were besieged due to Shen Zechuan’s father’s military decisions. There is open hatred behind this kick and it shows an unbridled approach to violence that seems entirely unprovoked at this point. It is a violent and sad meeting that shows individuals who are trapped in the political machinations that are spun by others. However, it also shows a young man who clearly needs to control his temper.
After a time jump of five years they meet again. Both are still trapped in Qudu, but find themselves thrown together in situations where they end up working together even though they still have an open disdain for each other. Shen Zechuan has grown into a young man whose mother’s looks have been transformed him into a beautiful man, whose looks are subject of frequent conversation. He is discriminated against because of his looks but he uses this to his advantage, because people assume he is incapable of fighting because of his good looks. The lesson here is that lookism can apply to men as well as women.
Both Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye are somehow tangled up in the plot to replace the emperor. There are many complicated details, but they end up at the Nanlin Hunting Grounds, trying to keep Prince Chu safe and trying to stay alive themselves. It would be misleading to say that they are working together intentionally, but what happens during their attempt to avoid capture is that Xiao Chiye’s body reveals the attraction that he feels towards Shen Zechuan who is not unaware of this reaction, because they are trapped in a hiding place, forced to be in close physical proximity to each other.
After this episode the two begin to pace around each other warily, but are drawn together in various situations. Xiao Chiye increasingly becomes aware of his attraction and is especially fascinated by Shen Zechuan’s nape. “Water trickled down his collar, exposing his fair, delicate neck. Every time Xiao Chiye looked at that neck, he felt like someone seeing a cat – he couldn’t help but want to give it a few strokes” (p. 313). In turn Shen Zechuan is aware of this attention, but is hardly interested in reciprocating although he does tease him.
Only gradually do the two grow to tolerate each other more. Xiao Chiye had engineered a situation that forces Shen Zechuan to served as his personal assistant, saying that until the reassignment of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, “you’ll attend me night and day” (p. 310). This leads to the repeated use of the double entendre, because he keeps saying that, “you’re sleeping with me” (p. 358, 367 + 373). Xiao Chiye is creating situations where they are alone together and slowly this turns into sleeping in the same room in separate beds to sharing a bed. The slow development of their relationship is commented upon by the two spies, who are sitting on the roof, tasked with keeping an eye on Shen Zechuan. This, of course, inadvertently creates a situation where they are forced to watch them together and humour is created when they provide a running commentary on how well or not it is going.
After several false starts, the book ends with an intimate scene between Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye. It all begins because Shen Zechuan is having a nightmare and Xiao Chiye notices, because they are now sharing a bed. They are still lying to each other but beneath the false words they are beginning to understand each other better. Xiao Chiye does not hide that he is attracted but is himself still perplexed by what that means. It therefore comes as quite a surprise that, “Shen Zechuan lifted his head and kissed Xiao Chiye’s lips. The soft touch was accompanied by icy derision. ‘See if I care’” (p. 414). So, they hate each other but desire each other or at least Shen Zechuan decides to allow Xiao Chiye to have his way with him. The question is who is in control here, because Xiao Chiye is the one who has the strongest need so does that make Shen Zechuan powerful, because he determines whether or not to move forward? Or is Xiao Chiye in control, because he is the one who wants to move forward? On the surface, the situation looks transactional for Shen Zechuan who might be submitting in order to achieve control over Xiao Chiye, but perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle where they are both struggling for power and neither of them ends up the clear winner. This last scene “was a night of indulgence to break free of their misery” (p. 418), but it is most certainly not a romantic scene. It will be interesting to see whether they can develop a proper, emotionally healthy relationship in the future rather than this desperate expression of physical desire.
Trigger warnings:
Chapter 1: Torture of an adolescent and description of a mass grave
Chapter 3: Cruel beating of an adolescent
Chapter 18: Animal cruelty in lieu of torturing a person
The series opens in medias res with a torture scene that hits doubly hard, because it is an adolescent who is tortured for the sins of his father. The scene is graphic and it is particularly cruel because of the inherent injustice of the situation. Shen Zechuan is only 16 at the time, but his life has already been launched on a trajectory not of his own choosing. He is an illegitimate son by a dancer, but is used as a scapegoat for his father’s treason. He is treated with inhumanity by power hungry people and is forced to grow up fast so it is rather remarkable that he manages to keep a sliver of his humanity and develops a cunning humility that serves him well in the future. He is, however, perfectly aware of who is responsible for his torture and in chapter 34 he repays his tormentor with a cruelty that even shocks himself.
When Xiao Chiye first meets Shen Zechuan, he kicks him viciously because Xiao Chiye’s family in Libei were besieged due to Shen Zechuan’s father’s military decisions. There is open hatred behind this kick and it shows an unbridled approach to violence that seems entirely unprovoked at this point. It is a violent and sad meeting that shows individuals who are trapped in the political machinations that are spun by others. However, it also shows a young man who clearly needs to control his temper.
After a time jump of five years they meet again. Both are still trapped in Qudu, but find themselves thrown together in situations where they end up working together even though they still have an open disdain for each other. Shen Zechuan has grown into a young man whose mother’s looks have been transformed him into a beautiful man, whose looks are subject of frequent conversation. He is discriminated against because of his looks but he uses this to his advantage, because people assume he is incapable of fighting because of his good looks. The lesson here is that lookism can apply to men as well as women.
Both Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye are somehow tangled up in the plot to replace the emperor. There are many complicated details, but they end up at the Nanlin Hunting Grounds, trying to keep Prince Chu safe and trying to stay alive themselves. It would be misleading to say that they are working together intentionally, but what happens during their attempt to avoid capture is that Xiao Chiye’s body reveals the attraction that he feels towards Shen Zechuan who is not unaware of this reaction, because they are trapped in a hiding place, forced to be in close physical proximity to each other.
After this episode the two begin to pace around each other warily, but are drawn together in various situations. Xiao Chiye increasingly becomes aware of his attraction and is especially fascinated by Shen Zechuan’s nape. “Water trickled down his collar, exposing his fair, delicate neck. Every time Xiao Chiye looked at that neck, he felt like someone seeing a cat – he couldn’t help but want to give it a few strokes” (p. 313). In turn Shen Zechuan is aware of this attention, but is hardly interested in reciprocating although he does tease him.
Only gradually do the two grow to tolerate each other more. Xiao Chiye had engineered a situation that forces Shen Zechuan to served as his personal assistant, saying that until the reassignment of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, “you’ll attend me night and day” (p. 310). This leads to the repeated use of the double entendre, because he keeps saying that, “you’re sleeping with me” (p. 358, 367 + 373). Xiao Chiye is creating situations where they are alone together and slowly this turns into sleeping in the same room in separate beds to sharing a bed. The slow development of their relationship is commented upon by the two spies, who are sitting on the roof, tasked with keeping an eye on Shen Zechuan. This, of course, inadvertently creates a situation where they are forced to watch them together and humour is created when they provide a running commentary on how well or not it is going.
After several false starts, the book ends with an intimate scene between Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye. It all begins because Shen Zechuan is having a nightmare and Xiao Chiye notices, because they are now sharing a bed. They are still lying to each other but beneath the false words they are beginning to understand each other better. Xiao Chiye does not hide that he is attracted but is himself still perplexed by what that means. It therefore comes as quite a surprise that, “Shen Zechuan lifted his head and kissed Xiao Chiye’s lips. The soft touch was accompanied by icy derision. ‘See if I care’” (p. 414). So, they hate each other but desire each other or at least Shen Zechuan decides to allow Xiao Chiye to have his way with him. The question is who is in control here, because Xiao Chiye is the one who has the strongest need so does that make Shen Zechuan powerful, because he determines whether or not to move forward? Or is Xiao Chiye in control, because he is the one who wants to move forward? On the surface, the situation looks transactional for Shen Zechuan who might be submitting in order to achieve control over Xiao Chiye, but perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle where they are both struggling for power and neither of them ends up the clear winner. This last scene “was a night of indulgence to break free of their misery” (p. 418), but it is most certainly not a romantic scene. It will be interesting to see whether they can develop a proper, emotionally healthy relationship in the future rather than this desperate expression of physical desire.
Trigger warnings:
Chapter 1: Torture of an adolescent and description of a mass grave
Chapter 3: Cruel beating of an adolescent
Chapter 18: Animal cruelty in lieu of torturing a person
October 11, 2025
A lot of my friends started reading this series recently (and loving it), so I hoped it would be a good one. I didn't expect it to be so complex, especially the court intrigue. Shen Zechuan is such a compelling character, and I love how obsessed Xiao Chiye already is. That ending...hehehe.
October 29, 2024
28/10/24: The enticing push pull of Shen Lanzhou and Xiao Chiye.... There has never been yearning, enemies to lovers, prose, dulcet tangent desire written so well. I'm literally mourning as I close on each chapter.
08/08/24: It's true!! I have more fun reading when I'm supposed to be studying
08/08/24: It's true!! I have more fun reading when I'm supposed to be studying
June 15, 2024
Vol 1 be like:
Lanzhou's nape: *gracefully exists*
Xiao Chiye: *breathing intensifies*
Tang Jiu Qing really did done write an epic masterpiece about one man's obsessive nape kink.
100000/10 would recommend.
Lanzhou's nape: *gracefully exists*
Xiao Chiye: *breathing intensifies*
Tang Jiu Qing really did done write an epic masterpiece about one man's obsessive nape kink.
100000/10 would recommend.
August 10, 2025
4,5 'Enemies to and lovers' stars
I was a little intimidated by this book because everyone said that SPL and QQ have nothing on QJJ in terms of complicated politics and they were right. QJJ is definitely on a next level considering a huge cast of charachters and the complexity of court politics and schemes. However, I was not nearly as lost as I was afraid I'd be. Well, it probably helped I'm not new to c-novels anymore, and I also have quite a lot of c-dramas on my watched history, so I can finally say I do understand what's going on. Though, I still can't remember half of the charachters, and of those I did remember - half are dead already, oh well 😅😅
I won't got into details about the plot - too complicated to explain in short, haha, so I'll just start with main charachters. It's not a surprise I first fall for Shen Lanzhou. Give me the the most poor looking little meow meow, and I'm like 'that's my blorbo' 😍
However, his charachter really surprised me. I was sure I'll have to pity him and feel sorry for how he is treated for at least 3 more volumes but after five years time jump, he really came back like 'my middle name is murder btw'. I underestimated him and so does his enemies.
Gif by t110n
Our little foxy here definitely has claws and he's more like a húlí jīng. I'm really curious how did he manage to get all the connections in the court and having half the Qudu underground in his pocket (ok, probably it's someone else's pocket, lol, or he possess some secret treasure). Also, love me some delicate looking guy, who seems to have no knowledge of martial arts but he can secretly kicks anyone's asses.
It took me a little longer to warm up to Xiao Chiye. It's completely his fault that he kicked my baby and instantly deserved my anger. But in reality, he's a good boy, who can be just a little reckless and impulsive.
Gif by t110n
The first impression that Xiao Chiye gives is really not very flattering - spoiled and carefree er-gongzi, who takes nothing seriously. But later it is revealed that's actually just a facade - he's a pawn in a great game and he has a specific role to play. Only with acting as being as minimum threat as he can possibly be, he can help his allies. Also, his family seems really great and I hope no harm will come to them. (He kind of gives me Lei Wujie vibes in a way that every older charachter seems to knew him as a child. I just imagine him as this cute, chubby baby that every general from one border to another, cuddled him at least once, haha)
The most enjoyable part of this vol was interaction between cezhou. They really make enemies to lovers into enemies AND lovers because currently I think they are firmly still both. Reading their parts together is so delicious - they really do make hating each other very sexy.
They have so much chemistry just looking at each other. I can't remember when was the last time I became so quickly invested in a couple. I was rooting for them before I even wholly accepted Xiao Chiye as an individual. And one of the reasons why he grew on me is because he crushes so hard on Shen Zechuan. My man here really is totally helpless. One look at grown up Lanzhou, and he was gone, haha. And of course we can't forget about love on first fight. What even is a fight if not a dirty forplay.
I almost felt sorry for Xiao Chiye. Despite being a frequent brothel visitor, he didn't give me a feeling as being overly interested in sexual activities. And then one look at Shen Zechuan and suddenly he can't stop thinking about this man. Let's not mention how he gets a boner at the most inappropriate timings. Because why not squeeze some sexy times in the middle of running for your lives - it certainly gets the blood pumping 😏
I really don't know if we should blame Lanzhou for being too sexy but sometimes I think he genuinely doesn't know he's practically oozing seductiveness.
And y'all were not kidding about Xiao Chiye being obsessed with SZC's nape 24/7. As we were already discussing in my reading progress, that's seriously his full time job.
The answer is obviously yes, lol
Gif by zhouyes
That's how I imagine Shen Lanzhou looking at Xiao Chiye when he's certainly not flirting. (RIP Ce'an when Lanzhou decides to flirt with you for real)
But let's not put only Xiao Chiye in a hot spot. Shen Lanzhou can play indifferent but it was so funny when out of the blue he got strucked by this feeling of finding Xiao Chiye's scent very pleasent. He was so totally shocked but well, karma is a bitch and all that 😂😂😂 so they are both crushing on each other and being very petulant about it 🤣🤣
Another thing that's really funny is how their mutual crush is like the most "exciting news" of Imperial Army. Every other soldier is speculating about their relationship and even reports are written about 'did they hook up already or not' 😅😅 seems you have no privacy even being a supreme commander 😅
I know I'm starting to repeat myself but their interactions are just so good. Also, the height difference 👌I went to check if Shen Zechuan is really smol or Xiao Chiye is just so freaking tall, and yeah Lanzou is supposed to be 180cm 😆
One last thing for the end, I love the 'one bed trope' 😄 well, it's not exactly 'there was only one bed' but more like 'Xiao Chiye deciding they will sleep in his bed' and Lanzhou doesn't object or if he does, he gets unceramoniously picked up and carried to the bed. Aren't they romantic, lol? 🥰
Gif by guzufuren
Fanart by m00n
I'm so very excited for the next vol to see the progress in their relationship and also how this political mess will untangle.
4,5 'Enemies to and lovers' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
5 'Together in sickness and in health' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4,5 'Ce'an and Lanzhou being murderous together' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
4,5 'Dragon among fish' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
tbr
I was a little intimidated by this book because everyone said that SPL and QQ have nothing on QJJ in terms of complicated politics and they were right. QJJ is definitely on a next level considering a huge cast of charachters and the complexity of court politics and schemes. However, I was not nearly as lost as I was afraid I'd be. Well, it probably helped I'm not new to c-novels anymore, and I also have quite a lot of c-dramas on my watched history, so I can finally say I do understand what's going on. Though, I still can't remember half of the charachters, and of those I did remember - half are dead already, oh well 😅😅
I won't got into details about the plot - too complicated to explain in short, haha, so I'll just start with main charachters. It's not a surprise I first fall for Shen Lanzhou. Give me the the most poor looking little meow meow, and I'm like 'that's my blorbo' 😍
However, his charachter really surprised me. I was sure I'll have to pity him and feel sorry for how he is treated for at least 3 more volumes but after five years time jump, he really came back like 'my middle name is murder btw'. I underestimated him and so does his enemies.
Gif by t110n
Our little foxy here definitely has claws and he's more like a húlí jīng. I'm really curious how did he manage to get all the connections in the court and having half the Qudu underground in his pocket (ok, probably it's someone else's pocket, lol, or he possess some secret treasure). Also, love me some delicate looking guy, who seems to have no knowledge of martial arts but he can secretly kicks anyone's asses.
It took me a little longer to warm up to Xiao Chiye. It's completely his fault that he kicked my baby and instantly deserved my anger. But in reality, he's a good boy, who can be just a little reckless and impulsive.
Gif by t110n
The first impression that Xiao Chiye gives is really not very flattering - spoiled and carefree er-gongzi, who takes nothing seriously. But later it is revealed that's actually just a facade - he's a pawn in a great game and he has a specific role to play. Only with acting as being as minimum threat as he can possibly be, he can help his allies. Also, his family seems really great and I hope no harm will come to them. (He kind of gives me Lei Wujie vibes in a way that every older charachter seems to knew him as a child. I just imagine him as this cute, chubby baby that every general from one border to another, cuddled him at least once, haha)
The most enjoyable part of this vol was interaction between cezhou. They really make enemies to lovers into enemies AND lovers because currently I think they are firmly still both. Reading their parts together is so delicious - they really do make hating each other very sexy.
In that split second, he locked gazes with a pair of eyes he remembered well. Those eyes were long and narrow, their ends extending in a delicate upward curve. Even in the dim glow of the lantern, the irises glittered like lost stars. Shen Zechuan's lips seemed to curl in a hint of a smile as he glanced at Xiao Chiye, so faint that once he passed it left no trace - it had come and gone like the chill night wind.
They have so much chemistry just looking at each other. I can't remember when was the last time I became so quickly invested in a couple. I was rooting for them before I even wholly accepted Xiao Chiye as an individual. And one of the reasons why he grew on me is because he crushes so hard on Shen Zechuan. My man here really is totally helpless. One look at grown up Lanzhou, and he was gone, haha. And of course we can't forget about love on first fight. What even is a fight if not a dirty forplay.
I almost felt sorry for Xiao Chiye. Despite being a frequent brothel visitor, he didn't give me a feeling as being overly interested in sexual activities. And then one look at Shen Zechuan and suddenly he can't stop thinking about this man. Let's not mention how he gets a boner at the most inappropriate timings. Because why not squeeze some sexy times in the middle of running for your lives - it certainly gets the blood pumping 😏
I really don't know if we should blame Lanzhou for being too sexy but sometimes I think he genuinely doesn't know he's practically oozing seductiveness.
With those eyes and that smile, he exuded a sensual appeal even without meaning to.
Come hold me.
Come touch me.
Come tangle your limbs with mine to your heart's content.
This kind of appeal was harmless yet pesistent as a drizzle, and at some point unbeknownst to Xiao Chiye, it had invaded his mind. Meanwhile, Shen Zechuan seemed entirely oblivious to it.
And y'all were not kidding about Xiao Chiye being obsessed with SZC's nape 24/7. As we were already discussing in my reading progress, that's seriously his full time job.
"Your swordsmanship's not bad." Xiao Chiye's gaze was so intense it could've peeled back Shen Zechuan's collar. [...]
Shen Zechuan looked sidelong at him. Noting the direction of Xiao Chiye's gaze, he raised a hand to the back of his neck. "How many times a day do you have to look at it? Are you that obsessed?"
The answer is obviously yes, lol
Gif by zhouyes
That's how I imagine Shen Lanzhou looking at Xiao Chiye when he's certainly not flirting. (RIP Ce'an when Lanzhou decides to flirt with you for real)
How could the back of a man's neck possess such breathtaking beauty? It was beyond anything Xiao Chiye had experienced in the past; it amazed and buffled him.
The fangs of the Libei wolf pup were sharp, but they had never bitten such a neck before; never such a man. His gaze slid down from the nape of Shen Zechuan's neck with an intensity that felt like a caress, moving farther and farther down the smooth curve of it, down his back.
But let's not put only Xiao Chiye in a hot spot. Shen Lanzhou can play indifferent but it was so funny when out of the blue he got strucked by this feeling of finding Xiao Chiye's scent very pleasent. He was so totally shocked but well, karma is a bitch and all that 😂😂😂 so they are both crushing on each other and being very petulant about it 🤣🤣
Another thing that's really funny is how their mutual crush is like the most "exciting news" of Imperial Army. Every other soldier is speculating about their relationship and even reports are written about 'did they hook up already or not' 😅😅 seems you have no privacy even being a supreme commander 😅
"Let's go. Er-gongzi will hold umbrella for you."
Shen Zechuan looked at Xiao Chiye's shoulder, which rose taller than the top of his own head. He smiled up at him. "I can stand on tiptoe and hold the umbrella."
"I don't want it knocking into my head." Xiao Chiye had a charming profile, with a straight nose and crisp contours. "You're too short."
Shen Zechuan strode through the main entrance with him. "You're the one who's too tall."
I know I'm starting to repeat myself but their interactions are just so good. Also, the height difference 👌I went to check if Shen Zechuan is really smol or Xiao Chiye is just so freaking tall, and yeah Lanzou is supposed to be 180cm 😆
One last thing for the end, I love the 'one bed trope' 😄 well, it's not exactly 'there was only one bed' but more like 'Xiao Chiye deciding they will sleep in his bed' and Lanzhou doesn't object or if he does, he gets unceramoniously picked up and carried to the bed. Aren't they romantic, lol? 🥰
"You sleep in my bed. You know very well what I think about every night. You call me impressive, but Shen Lanzhou, the impressive one is you."
"Ah. What's to be done, then?" Shen Zechuan's voice was a little hoarse. He said nonchalantly, "I didn't do anything."
"But I want to." Xiao Chiye leaned in and stared down at him. "I want to do it."
"Maybe you don't know, Xiao Er, but everything you want is written in your eyes. And at this moment, you want to chain me up, am I right?"
"I want to forge a golden chain," Xiao Chiye said. "It's a pity this neck is so bare."
"Dog collars were first used to leash wolves," said Shen Zechuan. They were so close now they could hear each other's breathing. "I'd like to put a golden chain around your nect too. For every sentence you speak, I'll yank it once."
Gif by guzufuren
The tips of their noses were about to touch. Xiao Chiye's thumb ring was digging into Shen Zechuan's wrist, already red in his grip.
Xiao Chiye continued, "Since it's-"
Shen Zechuan lifted his head and kissed Xiao Chiye's lips. The soft touch was accompanied by icy derision. "Want to go wild with abandon?" There was madness in Shen Zechuan's eyes as he murmured, "Do you dare? Try tearing me apart, Xiao Er. See if I care."
Fanart by m00n
"Go on, show me how feral you can be," Xiao Chiye breathed into his ear. "You wanted me to go wild with abandon, yet you dare to run? Don't you want to see which of us is more ruthless? I'm not afraid."
Shen Zechuan's cheek chafed against the sheets as he closed his eyes and gasped for breath.
How did he blossom into such a tender sight?
Xiao Chiye took Shen Zechuan's chin and lifted it to capture his lips, giving him no chance to rest or catch his breath
I'm so very excited for the next vol to see the progress in their relationship and also how this political mess will untangle.
4,5 'Enemies
5 'Together in sickness and in health' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4,5 'Ce'an and Lanzhou being murderous together' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
4,5 'Dragon among fish' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
tbr
March 29, 2025
oh my goodness, this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT
tldr: i am a wanderer lost in a vast desert and cezhou is the water that rejuvenates my spirit
i’m not going to lie, i was a bit scared at first. i heard that the politics and story was a bit complicated, but i thought the illustrations were really neat, so i picked it up. AND BOY AM I GLAD THAT I DID
the characters!!! the story!!!!! CEZHOU!!!!! everything about this story made it so hard to put down. we see how shen zechuan and xiao chiye’s relationship develops naturally, from true enemies to a sort-of cat and mouse game between them to whatever they had going on in the last chapter.
individually, each person shines as their own characters. lanzhou was easily my favorite simply because of how entertaining it was to watching him pull strings behind the scenes. i love me a wolf in sheep’s clothing character, and szc is that and more!! xc also proves himself to be smarter and more intimidating than he lets others believe, and watching their dynamic with other people versus with each other is genuinely so entertaining and satisfying.
i will admit, the politics can be a lot if you’re not used to books with heavier court politics, but i at least found it bearable. in fact, surprisingly enough, i also enjoyed reading the story for the plot itself and not just for the characters, which is always a good sign. the illustrations scattered throughout only enhanced the story more. i think my absolute favorite is the one right after *that* szc-ji lei scene (iykyk), lanzhou looks so intimidating and i am HERE for it 😋
last but not least, CEZHOU!!!! i knew virtually nothing about their dynamic going in aside from the whole enemies to lovers thing they got going on, but i smiled like an idiot everytime they interacted with each other. i already ranted enough about them in my story updates, but THEY ARE AMAZING!! i can’t wait to see more of them in the next volumes.
overall, easy 5 stars, and probably my favorite read so far in 2025! the series is looking very promising, and seeing how i already went out and bought the next 2 volumes, i know this is one that will stick with me. time to lock in and get reading 🫡
tldr: i am a wanderer lost in a vast desert and cezhou is the water that rejuvenates my spirit
i’m not going to lie, i was a bit scared at first. i heard that the politics and story was a bit complicated, but i thought the illustrations were really neat, so i picked it up. AND BOY AM I GLAD THAT I DID
the characters!!! the story!!!!! CEZHOU!!!!! everything about this story made it so hard to put down. we see how shen zechuan and xiao chiye’s relationship develops naturally, from true enemies to a sort-of cat and mouse game between them to whatever they had going on in the last chapter.
individually, each person shines as their own characters. lanzhou was easily my favorite simply because of how entertaining it was to watching him pull strings behind the scenes. i love me a wolf in sheep’s clothing character, and szc is that and more!! xc also proves himself to be smarter and more intimidating than he lets others believe, and watching their dynamic with other people versus with each other is genuinely so entertaining and satisfying.
i will admit, the politics can be a lot if you’re not used to books with heavier court politics, but i at least found it bearable. in fact, surprisingly enough, i also enjoyed reading the story for the plot itself and not just for the characters, which is always a good sign. the illustrations scattered throughout only enhanced the story more. i think my absolute favorite is the one right after *that* szc-ji lei scene (iykyk), lanzhou looks so intimidating and i am HERE for it 😋
last but not least, CEZHOU!!!! i knew virtually nothing about their dynamic going in aside from the whole enemies to lovers thing they got going on, but i smiled like an idiot everytime they interacted with each other. i already ranted enough about them in my story updates, but THEY ARE AMAZING!! i can’t wait to see more of them in the next volumes.
overall, easy 5 stars, and probably my favorite read so far in 2025! the series is looking very promising, and seeing how i already went out and bought the next 2 volumes, i know this is one that will stick with me. time to lock in and get reading 🫡
April 21, 2025
Alright. I loved it. Fantastic worldbuilding, characters that are interesting and complex, a plethora of goings-on behind the scenes to keep you guessing. I honestly could not wait to hop into the next volume.
This was definitely a slower read for me, but honestly, that was mostly because I wanted to immerse myself in this world and try to understand everything that happens. And there's a lot happening, from palace drama to dicey politics to extra ~tense~ interactions between our two main protagonists, I did not want to leave the story and really looked forward to jumping back into it every time I sat down to read.
Brb I'm gonna bury myself into volume two...
This was definitely a slower read for me, but honestly, that was mostly because I wanted to immerse myself in this world and try to understand everything that happens. And there's a lot happening, from palace drama to dicey politics to extra ~tense~ interactions between our two main protagonists, I did not want to leave the story and really looked forward to jumping back into it every time I sat down to read.
Brb I'm gonna bury myself into volume two...
January 20, 2025
I wish to have something like what they have 😮💨
Couple goals.
Writing goals, honestly, I wish I had the mind of authors that write politics this good 🚬🤌🏼
Couple goals.
Writing goals, honestly, I wish I had the mind of authors that write politics this good 🚬🤌🏼
April 24, 2025
ohmygod the yearning, the lust this was so yummy I want more
May 10, 2025
delicious.
i love these home essentials.
i love these home essentials.
January 6, 2025
The plot was a little confusing with all the court politics, but the enemies to lovers banter was next fucking level. This translation is also beautiful. I loved the writing.
THE PREMISE: two outwardly pleasant beasts are trapped in the cage of court politics.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Enemies to lovers
- When they’re both dirty schemers and cleverer than they look
- Great banter
- When the meet cute is attempted murder via a kick to the chest
- One bed trope
- Totally heterosexual appreciation of a male neck
4.5⭐️ 0.5-1🌶️
THE PREMISE: two outwardly pleasant beasts are trapped in the cage of court politics.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Enemies to lovers
- When they’re both dirty schemers and cleverer than they look
- Great banter
- When the meet cute is attempted murder via a kick to the chest
- One bed trope
- Totally heterosexual appreciation of a male neck
4.5⭐️ 0.5-1🌶️
January 17, 2025
₊˚⊹♡ ˚ ➺ 5/5 ✧
how to be lang tao xue jin?
how to be lang tao xue jin?
June 19, 2024
❤️ Ballad of Sword and Wine - Tang Jiu Qing ❤️
A DELICIOUS ENEMIES TO LOVERS DANMEI 🥰 this is a story about two rivals entwined with a heavy military plot which is not meant for everybody but I enjoyed reading the push and pull between Lanzhou and Xiao Chiye as their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS 🙌🏻 the sexual tension is real in this one 🥵🥵🥵
A DELICIOUS ENEMIES TO LOVERS DANMEI 🥰 this is a story about two rivals entwined with a heavy military plot which is not meant for everybody but I enjoyed reading the push and pull between Lanzhou and Xiao Chiye as their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS 🙌🏻 the sexual tension is real in this one 🥵🥵🥵
August 27, 2024
TLDR: They hate each other, but in a sexy way.
4.5 stars, I may round up
This is by far the most political of the danmeis I've read so far. The cast of characters is lengthy, and even with the character list at the end, it's hard to keep of track of who is who at times. And that's without even detangling the alliances and loyalties, which are ever-shifting. But none of this is a bad thing. In fact, the story itself is fascinating, and I've already been surprised multiple times by the twists within.
It's the central relationship that's keeping me fully invested though. Both leads are manipulative, even cruel at times, but they are complicated and I love each of them. The chemistry between them sizzles with both verbal sparring and sexual innuendo, but it's their similar status as someone else's tool that leaves them truly bound to each other, and trapped within their world.
Both of our main characters wear masks that keep their true motivations hidden from each other, and in Shen Zechuan's case, even from the reader. He's an enigma that I've yet to unravel and it has left me itching for more.
I have no idea where this story will take me (aside from the assurance of a happy ending for these two together), and that's both an exciting and nerve-wracking place to be as a reader. But I'm fully here for it.
4.5 stars, I may round up
This is by far the most political of the danmeis I've read so far. The cast of characters is lengthy, and even with the character list at the end, it's hard to keep of track of who is who at times. And that's without even detangling the alliances and loyalties, which are ever-shifting. But none of this is a bad thing. In fact, the story itself is fascinating, and I've already been surprised multiple times by the twists within.
It's the central relationship that's keeping me fully invested though. Both leads are manipulative, even cruel at times, but they are complicated and I love each of them. The chemistry between them sizzles with both verbal sparring and sexual innuendo, but it's their similar status as someone else's tool that leaves them truly bound to each other, and trapped within their world.
Both of our main characters wear masks that keep their true motivations hidden from each other, and in Shen Zechuan's case, even from the reader. He's an enigma that I've yet to unravel and it has left me itching for more.
I have no idea where this story will take me (aside from the assurance of a happy ending for these two together), and that's both an exciting and nerve-wracking place to be as a reader. But I'm fully here for it.
August 31, 2025
4⭐️
The beginning was engaging and sucked me right in.
The relationship development between MCs was fun and all the veiled (and not so veiled haha) plots were awesome.
I liked the book. But towards the end I felt like pausing. Have no idea why. It wasn’t boring, wasn’t too complicated. And thanks to the character guide Evie sent me, I knew who was who. But the last bit dragged for me a bit.
So I’m pausing to dive into vol2 with new energy a bit later
The beginning was engaging and sucked me right in.
The relationship development between MCs was fun and all the veiled (and not so veiled haha) plots were awesome.
I liked the book. But towards the end I felt like pausing. Have no idea why. It wasn’t boring, wasn’t too complicated. And thanks to the character guide Evie sent me, I knew who was who. But the last bit dragged for me a bit.
So I’m pausing to dive into vol2 with new energy a bit later
September 3, 2024
“It was the sunlight beyond his reach, the bright spirit he no longer possessed. There was a part of him that didn't want to return it.”
Okay, I haven’t really been in the mood to write reviews recently, but for QJJ I have to write at least a little because this novel has such a special place in my heart.
This first volume is already a beautiful insight into the complex political world t97 is building, I know for many it’s going to be confusing at the beginning, but the hurdles in your path are definitely going to pay off. The politics in QJJ are set up not only to be intriguing, to keep you guessing to a certain degree, but they’re also explained in detail through conversations the characters have and their subsequent actions, which I’ve always loved about this novel because not every author does it in such detail and from different perspectives.
However, not only the politics and world building are praise-worthy, it’s also the character development (although in this volume we haven’t seen the extend of it yet and won’t for a good while). Especially when it comes to the main characters Shen Lanzhou and Xiao Ce’an, they both not only develop as a unit together with their extremely unique bond, but also as individual characters.
Coming from a person who is reading this novel a second time now, the beauty of QJJ really is in how, despite knowing what will happen next, you still feel practically the same excitement and thrill you felt when you first read it. I haven’t had this much fun rereading a novel in a bit, especially since the first time reading it had a such significant emotional impact on me.
Okay, I haven’t really been in the mood to write reviews recently, but for QJJ I have to write at least a little because this novel has such a special place in my heart.
This first volume is already a beautiful insight into the complex political world t97 is building, I know for many it’s going to be confusing at the beginning, but the hurdles in your path are definitely going to pay off. The politics in QJJ are set up not only to be intriguing, to keep you guessing to a certain degree, but they’re also explained in detail through conversations the characters have and their subsequent actions, which I’ve always loved about this novel because not every author does it in such detail and from different perspectives.
However, not only the politics and world building are praise-worthy, it’s also the character development (although in this volume we haven’t seen the extend of it yet and won’t for a good while). Especially when it comes to the main characters Shen Lanzhou and Xiao Ce’an, they both not only develop as a unit together with their extremely unique bond, but also as individual characters.
Coming from a person who is reading this novel a second time now, the beauty of QJJ really is in how, despite knowing what will happen next, you still feel practically the same excitement and thrill you felt when you first read it. I haven’t had this much fun rereading a novel in a bit, especially since the first time reading it had a such significant emotional impact on me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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