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To Rule in a Turbulent World : 乱世为王 #2
To Rule in a Turbulent World: 乱世为王 Vol.2
◆Loosely based on the history of Song Dynasty, To Rule in a Turbulent World tells the story of You Miao—the dandy son of a merchant who climbed his way to the very top from rock bottom. We witness the history of a nation, from prosperity to decline, to a new order.
◆Peace, war, internal strife; You Miao has lived through it all—but not without his loyal Quanrong slave-turned-husband, Li Zhifeng. Theirs is a story of undying devotion that combats racial boundaries in a time when the ethnic tribes of the north clashed with the Han empire. Together, they ruled the world! (Behind the scenes, of course.)
◆As friends, as foes, as friends turned foes and foes turned friends, the epic continues its song, and the most beautiful moonlight of the great desert is yet to come...
◆Peace, war, internal strife; You Miao has lived through it all—but not without his loyal Quanrong slave-turned-husband, Li Zhifeng. Theirs is a story of undying devotion that combats racial boundaries in a time when the ethnic tribes of the north clashed with the Han empire. Together, they ruled the world! (Behind the scenes, of course.)
◆As friends, as foes, as friends turned foes and foes turned friends, the epic continues its song, and the most beautiful moonlight of the great desert is yet to come...
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2024
About the author
Gu Xue Rou
17 books20 followersAssociated Names:
* Arise Zhang
* 非天夜翔
* Fei Tian Ye Xiang
* เฟยเทียนเย่เสียง (Thai)
* 顧雪柔
* Gu Xue Rou
* Cố Tuyết Nhu (Vietnamese)
* Arise Zhang
* 非天夜翔
* Fei Tian Ye Xiang
* เฟยเทียนเย่เสียง (Thai)
* 顧雪柔
* Gu Xue Rou
* Cố Tuyết Nhu (Vietnamese)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 15, 2026
i was enjoying myself for most of it. i can appreciate slice of life and domestic pacing just fine, but what really gets me invested from page one is a sense of looming disaster, the kind where something is clearly going to go wrong you know what i mean. that is usually the point where i lock in, and unsurprisingly it ended up being my favorite part here too. the first two thirds were fine. farming does not offend me and routine does not scare me. there were moments where the story felt extremely comfortable doing nothing in particular. very serene.
unfortunately the main couple never really landed for me. their relationship exists and functions as intended, but it never quite sparked anything for me. a large part of that comes down to li zhifeng, bless his soul, he feels less like a character and more like an extremely loyal household object (i will not be apologising). i understand the silent caretaker archetype, but silence plus devotion plus zero discernible personality is a bold creative choice. even bolder was the fact that the moment he left the story, i started enjoying it about a thousand percent more. also is it just me or the chemistry between the mc and the third prince is like exponentially better??? it’s so much more fun, so much more dynamic, so much more literally anything that i almost forget li zhifeng existed at all which, frankly, is the ultimate review of his character for me.
anyway, speaking of the third prince. stunning. thank you for gracing this novel with your presence because honestly you’re carrying it my goat. i love me a tragic, pathetic and pitiful character and he checks every single box. like yes king…i mean yes emperor…. and if im wrong just remember i lie recreationally and with great confidence. he’s the one character apart from the mc whose stakes i actually care about and the one whose arc makes me curious.
overall the novel works more often than it doesn’t. when it leans into war, politics, and crucially - zhao chao being zhao chao - im listening. when it retreats into cozy domestic nonsense or asks me to care about a romance that feels like hugging a plank of wood it drags
unfortunately the main couple never really landed for me. their relationship exists and functions as intended, but it never quite sparked anything for me. a large part of that comes down to li zhifeng, bless his soul, he feels less like a character and more like an extremely loyal household object (i will not be apologising). i understand the silent caretaker archetype, but silence plus devotion plus zero discernible personality is a bold creative choice. even bolder was the fact that the moment he left the story, i started enjoying it about a thousand percent more. also is it just me or the chemistry between the mc and the third prince is like exponentially better??? it’s so much more fun, so much more dynamic, so much more literally anything that i almost forget li zhifeng existed at all which, frankly, is the ultimate review of his character for me.
anyway, speaking of the third prince. stunning. thank you for gracing this novel with your presence because honestly you’re carrying it my goat. i love me a tragic, pathetic and pitiful character and he checks every single box. like yes king…i mean yes emperor…. and if im wrong just remember i lie recreationally and with great confidence. he’s the one character apart from the mc whose stakes i actually care about and the one whose arc makes me curious.
overall the novel works more often than it doesn’t. when it leans into war, politics, and crucially - zhao chao being zhao chao - im listening. when it retreats into cozy domestic nonsense or asks me to care about a romance that feels like hugging a plank of wood it drags
August 25, 2026
4 'Farm/Study arc' stars
It took me ages to finish this vol. I'm serious, at one point I even forgot that I'm not yet finished with it. It might not be entirely the story's fault because vol 1 + vol 2 are supposed to be one arc, so splitting it up where it is, disrupt the narrative. That's why vol 2 starts kind of boring and very slow paced, instead of this part being the middle of the arc. Anyway, this vol continues with the "farm arc" that started at the end of the previous vol. It's far from being very exciting but it's true that the author knows a lot about this era, and I love learning new historical facts, I'm just not always in the mood for that. However, this part also gave us very domestic You Miao and Li Zhifeng, who seem to be in their honeymoon phase, so I won't complain too much.
Gif by blov01
It's been a while since I started this volume, so I don't really remember what I wanted to say but all quotes I saved are about You Miao and Li Zhifeng, so let's talk about them first. I find their relationship dynamic very funny. They had sex once - correction: multiple times in one night - and after a while they were both like 'Huh, I guess, this is the person I'll spend the rest of my life with?' and they never looked back. Half the time they act like newlyweds because they are all over each other all the time, and half the time they are like old married couple that's been together for decades.
Gif by bluesandfilms
Gif by bluesandfilms
Gif by bluesandfilms
Gif by tanrak
I forgot about that three years time skip some time between first and second vol, so apparently they truly are an old married couple, hahaha. But they could definitely work a little on their conversation skills because I don't remember them talking much with each other, except while they are having sex. And speaking of that, I wonder was there like a specific quantity of sexy times for this novel, and Feitan already used up all explicit details for that first scene or You Miao & Li Zhifeng decided they prefer more vanilla variation 😆
Gif by bluesandfilms
They really are cute together!! I love it when there's slow burn or emotional drama or angsty pining but I also love couples that get together early on, and we see more of the happy ever after. Not that we are exctly already in the 'after' era despite love confessions and "You're my wife" talking. Since there's still more than half of the novel left, I'm sure they will have to go throught a lot in their relationship.
I love this scene so much!!! (Next historical BL, please include that kind of scene, I NEED gifs!)
2/3 of this vol was "study arc". Equally not particularly exciting but still interesting - I might finally get inspiration to start one of my three editions of The Art of War. I also missed You Miao and Li Zhifeng being together but it was funny to read how (badly) they were handling their separation.
You Miao, you silly baby, you could've have at least come up with some love poem.
Almost the biggest surprise of this volume was Li Zhifeng's letter. I think that's the longest speech I've heard him say. And maybe it's true what he said about having so much to say but not knowing how. He really is a man of few words but it's his actions that count. There's still not much we know about his character, however there's no doubting his loyalty to You Miao.
The last third was the most interesting in my opinion. (I only missed Li Zhifeng 🥹) You Miao already matured a lot at the beginning of this volume, when he started working on his estate. He didn't only made a lot of renovations and inventions, he also provided many people with jobs and helped with disaster relief rations. He still often acts reckless and immature, especially when he's with Li Zhifeng (I think he loves being pampered and taken care of) but there was significant development in his character. Especially after he started studying for the imperial exam, and later when he got a position at court. He still needs to learn a lot about politics but for someone totally new to this, I think he was pretty good at his job. The ending of this volume was particulary shocking. I did not expect That was truly a disaster situation but it was interesting to read about how different were Zhao Chao and Zhao Zhuo in finding the solution. I really liked Zhao Chao in vol 1 but I can't say I was exactly fond of him in this vol. Being reckless and stubborn has always been kind of charming parts of his personality but when the whole empire is at stake, it's not really charming anymore. On the other hand, the crown prince was definitely more clear-headed and prudent, and I think he could be an amazing emperor in peacefull times but in the middle of war, he kind of lacked boldness in making difficult decisions. So, I'm looking forward to see if Zhao Chao will afterall still be a better option. Also, very important question but I think I already have an answer to it:
4,5 'Politics and agriculture' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
4 'Farm/Study arc' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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It took me ages to finish this vol. I'm serious, at one point I even forgot that I'm not yet finished with it. It might not be entirely the story's fault because vol 1 + vol 2 are supposed to be one arc, so splitting it up where it is, disrupt the narrative. That's why vol 2 starts kind of boring and very slow paced, instead of this part being the middle of the arc. Anyway, this vol continues with the "farm arc" that started at the end of the previous vol. It's far from being very exciting but it's true that the author knows a lot about this era, and I love learning new historical facts, I'm just not always in the mood for that. However, this part also gave us very domestic You Miao and Li Zhifeng, who seem to be in their honeymoon phase, so I won't complain too much.
You Miao stopped beneath one of the lanterns and watched as it revolved. Two of his favourite verses were written on it. He couldn't help but smile as he recited them aloud: "Long is the journey, a thousand miles of misty waters. Leaden are the evening clouds that loom in the vast southern skies."
"You're home?" Li Zhifeng asked, frowning.
That bit of earlier gloom in You Miao's mind had all but dispered. He replied with a smile, "Yeah, I'm home."
Then he rushed over and pounced on Li Zhifeng, nuzzling and laughing.
"I missed you so damn much."
Gif by blov01
It's been a while since I started this volume, so I don't really remember what I wanted to say but all quotes I saved are about You Miao and Li Zhifeng, so let's talk about them first. I find their relationship dynamic very funny. They had sex once - correction: multiple times in one night - and after a while they were both like 'Huh, I guess, this is the person I'll spend the rest of my life with?' and they never looked back. Half the time they act like newlyweds because they are all over each other all the time, and half the time they are like old married couple that's been together for decades.
Gif by bluesandfilms
Li Zhifeng put down what was in his hands and walked into the inner chamber. He undressed and climbed into bed, where his hands immediately started to wander. It was warm cold but his hands were chilly, and You Miao yelped when they groped inside his shirt.
"Don't..."
Li Zhifeng shuffled over to lie on You Miao's shoulder, his long hair cascading loosely down as he kissed his ear lovingly. He whispered, "We are practically an old married couple already. What are you getting shy for?"
Gif by bluesandfilms
Li Zhifeng still wore the jade pendant that You Miao had given him three years ago around his neck. It drooped down to rest against You Miao's chest when he leaned down, settling right against You Miao's heart. Face flushed and heart beating fast, You Miao reached up with a hand to cup Li Zhifeng's face.
"Do you ever miss your home?" he asked.
Caught off guard by the question, Li Zhifeng looked puzzled. He broke away from kissing and sniffing at You Miao's neck to prop himself on his elbow. "What?"
You Miao said seriously, "Home. Beyond the border. Do you miss it?"
Gif by bluesandfilms
"We Quanrong - we don't have a home."
Still holding You Miao who sat astride him, Li Zhifeng applied oil and then let him sink slowly down onto his shaft. You Miao clutched his shoulders tightly, his face burried against his shoulder and breathing short and shallow as he felt that lenght press into his body.
Li Zhifeng nosed at the corner of You Miao's lips, continuing in a quiet voice, "Once we find our beloved, wherever we are together, wherever we live, that is home..."
He pushed deep inside of You Miao as he spoke, pressing against that spot that made You Miao tremble and cling to his neck.
"Mn..." You Miao said. "I'll give you one."
Li Zhifeng answered quietly, "You already have."
[...]
You Miao mumbled, "Even after I go to the capital... stay with me, just like this..."
"I will," Li Zhifeng whispered into a kiss.
"I don't need a wife anymore..."
"You are my wife..."
You Miao's heart melted at his words. Li Zhifeng held him close, pressing their bodies flush together as You Miao's hazy eyes stared at the bed curtains, feeling Li Zhifeng thrusting into him with abandon.
Gif by tanrak
I forgot about that three years time skip some time between first and second vol, so apparently they truly are an old married couple, hahaha. But they could definitely work a little on their conversation skills because I don't remember them talking much with each other, except while they are having sex. And speaking of that, I wonder was there like a specific quantity of sexy times for this novel, and Feitan already used up all explicit details for that first scene or You Miao & Li Zhifeng decided they prefer more vanilla variation 😆
"Can't you take more initiative sometimes?" You Miao complained.
Li Zhifeng flashed him a smile, then flicked his fingers and soundlessly snuffed out the oil lamp from the force of air. Quiet descended upon the room, but it didn't last long - soon the air was filled again with You Miao's harsh panting and Li Zhifeng's heavy breathing.
"Man, I love you to death..." You Miao gasped, his voice soft in the dark. "Easy, easy...ah!"
"Me too." Li Zhifeng rasped, his voice low and deep. You Miao was about to say more, but his lips were sealed by Li Zhifeng's kiss.
A long time after, You Miao was lying on his side, hugging Li Zhifeng with his head burried in his chest, contently asleep.
Gif by bluesandfilms
They really are cute together!! I love it when there's slow burn or emotional drama or angsty pining but I also love couples that get together early on, and we see more of the happy ever after. Not that we are exctly already in the 'after' era despite love confessions and "You're my wife" talking. Since there's still more than half of the novel left, I'm sure they will have to go throught a lot in their relationship.
"If I do get Jinshi, then I'll most likely have to stay in the capital until next spring next year anyway, so you don't need to rush."
"Okay," Li Zhifeng said.
You Miao's brows twitced, looking like he wanted to say more. Before he could, however, Li Zhifeng's large, handsome figure blocked the sun and slightly tilted downward. His legs squeezed the sides of the horse, and half of him leaned forward as if he was performing an acrobatic bow. Then, he lowered his head and brushed a soft kiss against You Miao's lips.
You Miao brightened at the gesture.
I love this scene so much!!! (Next historical BL, please include that kind of scene, I NEED gifs!)
2/3 of this vol was "study arc". Equally not particularly exciting but still interesting - I might finally get inspiration to start one of my three editions of The Art of War. I also missed You Miao and Li Zhifeng being together but it was funny to read how (badly) they were handling their separation.
There were a few things he wanted to say, but he didn't know how to word them to Li Zhifeng. It was funny, thinking about it now. They had never separated since their first meeting all these years ago, and while together, they didn't usually talk.
[...] He finally gave up and simply scrawled, "Miss you, come back soon."
You Miao, you silly baby, you could've have at least come up with some love poem.
The few simple lines of the letter were written with so much pressure that the strokes were nearly etched through the paper in certain parts - clearly the work of someone who rarely wrote:
The ccontents read: "There is unfinsihed business at home, but I'll be back soon. My heart burns with how desperately I miss you. I have a million words to say yet I do not know how to speak them. Consider this letter the same as seeing me and take care of yourself. - Feng"
Almost the biggest surprise of this volume was Li Zhifeng's letter. I think that's the longest speech I've heard him say. And maybe it's true what he said about having so much to say but not knowing how. He really is a man of few words but it's his actions that count. There's still not much we know about his character, however there's no doubting his loyalty to You Miao.
The last third was the most interesting in my opinion. (I only missed Li Zhifeng 🥹) You Miao already matured a lot at the beginning of this volume, when he started working on his estate. He didn't only made a lot of renovations and inventions, he also provided many people with jobs and helped with disaster relief rations. He still often acts reckless and immature, especially when he's with Li Zhifeng (I think he loves being pampered and taken care of) but there was significant development in his character. Especially after he started studying for the imperial exam, and later when he got a position at court. He still needs to learn a lot about politics but for someone totally new to this, I think he was pretty good at his job. The ending of this volume was particulary shocking. I did not expect That was truly a disaster situation but it was interesting to read about how different were Zhao Chao and Zhao Zhuo in finding the solution. I really liked Zhao Chao in vol 1 but I can't say I was exactly fond of him in this vol. Being reckless and stubborn has always been kind of charming parts of his personality but when the whole empire is at stake, it's not really charming anymore. On the other hand, the crown prince was definitely more clear-headed and prudent, and I think he could be an amazing emperor in peacefull times but in the middle of war, he kind of lacked boldness in making difficult decisions. So, I'm looking forward to see if Zhao Chao will afterall still be a better option. Also, very important question but I think I already have an answer to it:
4,5 'Politics and agriculture' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
4 'Farm/Study arc' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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October 15, 2025
"The unbending are easily broken; the unyielding are easily dishonored. One must not conduct oneself overly perfectly."
If the first volume pulled me in, Volume 2 sealed the deal. The emotional depth here is next-level—grounded, layered, and consistently rewarding. It’s a slow burn in all the right ways, where every conversation, silence, and shared routine builds into something powerful. The bond between the leads isn’t about fireworks; it’s about the kind of steady, evolving trust that feels rare in fiction. The romance works because it’s not trying to impress you—it’s just real, unfolding in everyday moments that hit harder than any dramatic confession could.
The political and domestic threads are tightly interwoven, creating a world that actually functions. Flood control, land rights, military structure—this stuff isn’t window dressing, it’s central to the characters’ lives. When things start to spiral, it feels earned. There’s no handwaving, no easy wins. The transition from quiet planning to full-on crisis is sharp and relentless. And yet, even in the chaos, nothing loses its emotional weight. Every decision narrows the field, every consequence cuts a little deeper. It’s methodical without being cold, intimate without being soft.
The prose sticks with you—clear, deliberate, emotionally intelligent. The pacing won’t be for everyone, but if you’re patient, it pays off. There’s tenderness, tension, even heat—but it never feels forced or showy. Just two flawed people trying to hold on to something real in a world that keeps shifting under their feet. This is historical fiction that respects your time and your attention. I came in expecting more of what I liked in Volume 1. I walked away with something better.
Date Read: 2025.10.15
If the first volume pulled me in, Volume 2 sealed the deal. The emotional depth here is next-level—grounded, layered, and consistently rewarding. It’s a slow burn in all the right ways, where every conversation, silence, and shared routine builds into something powerful. The bond between the leads isn’t about fireworks; it’s about the kind of steady, evolving trust that feels rare in fiction. The romance works because it’s not trying to impress you—it’s just real, unfolding in everyday moments that hit harder than any dramatic confession could.
The political and domestic threads are tightly interwoven, creating a world that actually functions. Flood control, land rights, military structure—this stuff isn’t window dressing, it’s central to the characters’ lives. When things start to spiral, it feels earned. There’s no handwaving, no easy wins. The transition from quiet planning to full-on crisis is sharp and relentless. And yet, even in the chaos, nothing loses its emotional weight. Every decision narrows the field, every consequence cuts a little deeper. It’s methodical without being cold, intimate without being soft.
The prose sticks with you—clear, deliberate, emotionally intelligent. The pacing won’t be for everyone, but if you’re patient, it pays off. There’s tenderness, tension, even heat—but it never feels forced or showy. Just two flawed people trying to hold on to something real in a world that keeps shifting under their feet. This is historical fiction that respects your time and your attention. I came in expecting more of what I liked in Volume 1. I walked away with something better.
Date Read: 2025.10.15
July 24, 2024
I feel like this series is very underrated and somehow remains under the radar (IMO this is Via Lactea's fault). It is SO good. Volume 2 gets heavier with the politics, court intrigue, and angst (and a cliffhanger ending).
There is something so satisfying about watching You Miao and Li Zhifeng establish Riverwave Estate (and practically a village) from the ground up with only a few silvers. And LZ's devotion to YM is close to Hua Cheng levels 🥰. Many new relationships are being established that will definitely come into play later. Also, enjoyed seeing the young masters/friends who were "in school" in the first book becoming the new leaders and part of the court in this volume.
“Once we find our beloved, wherever we are together, wherever we live, that is home…”
Via Lactea is the publisher and there are supposed to be six volumes total. This company has some great danmei licenses for English translation but they have terrible communication so the customers never know anything about release dates. So far Vol 1 and 2 are available ebook only and preorders for the physical copy of Vol 1 have closed.
There is something so satisfying about watching You Miao and Li Zhifeng establish Riverwave Estate (and practically a village) from the ground up with only a few silvers. And LZ's devotion to YM is close to Hua Cheng levels 🥰. Many new relationships are being established that will definitely come into play later. Also, enjoyed seeing the young masters/friends who were "in school" in the first book becoming the new leaders and part of the court in this volume.
“Once we find our beloved, wherever we are together, wherever we live, that is home…”
Via Lactea is the publisher and there are supposed to be six volumes total. This company has some great danmei licenses for English translation but they have terrible communication so the customers never know anything about release dates. So far Vol 1 and 2 are available ebook only and preorders for the physical copy of Vol 1 have closed.
July 11, 2026
I love the farming arc. I was hoping for more of a found family trope, but unfortunately the newcomers in You Miao's household stay in the background. On the relationship part, I agree with the general opinions of other reviewers that Li Zhifeng is too bland. Sure, You Miao and him have some sweet moments together, but I need him to come forward and be like a real person for once, not just there existing for his Miao Miao.
I also found the exam preparation and the first period of the capital to be a bit boring. Luckily the pace picks up again towards the end. Then the shit really hits the fan! To my pleasant surprise, many of these characters have an unexpected side. It seems such a waste, though, with how things develop, that we won't see many of them again.
I also found the exam preparation and the first period of the capital to be a bit boring. Luckily the pace picks up again towards the end. Then the shit really hits the fan! To my pleasant surprise, many of these characters have an unexpected side. It seems such a waste, though, with how things develop, that we won't see many of them again.
June 13, 2025
3.8/5 🌟
Ugh!!! Finally I finished this!!!
Honestly, it was good, but not great.
The beginning was great, there was romance and characters were interesting and very unique. I loved how the couple just knew that they wanted to be together. Their romantic letters they sent half way through the story were to die for that I was giggling and kicking my feet. You Miao just kept climbing up and up with all his hard work.
The last 75 pages, however, just drove me crazy from the suspense that I just wanted to chuck the book! 😩
Spoiler from here on
Things just kept getting worse and worse for the protagonist along with the civilians of Tianqi because of this crazy war. It all started with the floods that caused Li Zhifeng to leave to help the farms.
Honestly, the "bad to worse x10" was overkill. I didn't like that aspect. We still don't know what's happening with Li Zhifeng. Everything went to shit. Our protagonist had literally zero wins. I see no end to this misery or any winning possibilities. Our cute protagonist will certainly lose everything at the point; I'm so mad and sad!
Like... Even if there was somehow a magic win, it'll just be a deus ex machina which is my least favorite trope most of the time. Even if Li Zhifeng somehow were to come back and save the day, like how? I still wouldn't be satisfied because of all the "bad to worse and worse."
I would want blood and full on revenge from all these ****** Tartars for hurting my sweet child You Miao, as well as their ridiculous demands! Off with all of their heads would make me feel satisfied.
Every single one of them.
Maybe I'm just being pessimistic because right now I'm too annoyed to decide if I will ever feel satisfied with the remaining of this arc.
Ugh!!! Finally I finished this!!!
Honestly, it was good, but not great.
The beginning was great, there was romance and characters were interesting and very unique. I loved how the couple just knew that they wanted to be together. Their romantic letters they sent half way through the story were to die for that I was giggling and kicking my feet. You Miao just kept climbing up and up with all his hard work.
The last 75 pages, however, just drove me crazy from the suspense that I just wanted to chuck the book! 😩
Spoiler from here on
Things just kept getting worse and worse for the protagonist along with the civilians of Tianqi because of this crazy war. It all started with the floods that caused Li Zhifeng to leave to help the farms.
Honestly, the "bad to worse x10" was overkill. I didn't like that aspect. We still don't know what's happening with Li Zhifeng. Everything went to shit. Our protagonist had literally zero wins. I see no end to this misery or any winning possibilities. Our cute protagonist will certainly lose everything at the point; I'm so mad and sad!
Like... Even if there was somehow a magic win, it'll just be a deus ex machina which is my least favorite trope most of the time. Even if Li Zhifeng somehow were to come back and save the day, like how? I still wouldn't be satisfied because of all the "bad to worse and worse."
I would want blood and full on revenge from all these ****** Tartars for hurting my sweet child You Miao, as well as their ridiculous demands! Off with all of their heads would make me feel satisfied.
Every single one of them.
Maybe I'm just being pessimistic because right now I'm too annoyed to decide if I will ever feel satisfied with the remaining of this arc.
September 18, 2026
Volume 2 is something of a mixed bag, largely because the plot repeatedly stalls under the immense volume of material it tries to cover. I’ve seen other readers mention that this arc was originally split into two separate volumes, which would certainly explain why certain stretches feel buried under pages of exposition. Feitian’s dedication to historical accuracy is impressive, but the endless imperial bureaucracy, administrative minutiae, and political formalities can make for a bit of a slog. 😅
Fortunately, You Miao single-handedly carries the book on his back lol. 🫡
The farming stretch at Shen Garden was a great opening to the volume. You Miao gets a rare pocket of peace where he can actually build something of his own instead of constantly putting out the next political fire. A core realization in his growth is learning how to give and accept care; coming to terms with the fact that his biological family offers no real support, he builds his own community.
His visit to the East Market marks a crucial turning point. Seeing impoverished families driven to selling their own children forces him to confront the extent of his privilege, and the experience leaves him genuinely shaken. That reality check fundamentally changes how he treats the people working on his land. He starts seeing his tenants and workers as human beings rather than simply labor, personally brewing them tea and welcoming them into his household. It’s a shame this phase was so brief, as the story seems to abandon his newly forged connections almost as quickly as it builds them.
Once the plot pivots toward the imperial examinations, the scholarly debates, ceremonial pageantry, and dense official etiquette offer You Miao a genuine opportunity to delve into learning, distinct from his farming adventures. However, the detailed descriptions drag on far too long, grinding the momentum to a halt. I understand why all that scaffolding is necessary, especially given how much of the later conflict depends on the political structure being established, but I sometimes found myself wishing the book would simply pick up the pace and move on.
Even when the plot itself stalls, You Miao’s personal development keeps me hooked as increasingly heavy responsibilities are dumped onto his shoulders. His explosive argument with his father over court allegiances displays this transformation, especially when he vehemently rejects cold political pragmatism by snapping:
“In your eyes, humanity, justice, decorum, wisdom, and respect all amount to money!”
He’s steadily shedding his earlier “cheeky, shrewish little thug” act. Stepping into the role of an Imperial Censor demands an entirely different presence—waging wars with words and strategy against seasoned politicians.
And then there’s the romance...
The primary romance takes a huge backseat here, and Li Zhifeng suffers the most from this. For much of the volume, he functions primarily as You Miao’s emotional centerpiece rather than a character with his own driving ambition. His long absence makes it surprisingly easy to forget about their dynamic for huge stretches of the book lol.
Meanwhile, Zhao Chao and You Miao are out here having shouting matches, throwing each other into snowbanks, and making wild promises about staying together forever, while Li Zhifeng just stands in the corner like expensive wallpaper. Sure, You Miao chose Li Zhifeng, but Zhao Chao gets all the dramatic tension, fierce arguments, and emotional meat.
While Zhao Chao conforms to traditional marriage expectations, You Miao’s devotion to Li Zhifeng led him to abandon that path. Their relationship carries so much unresolved tension that Li Zhifeng feels almost invisible beside him. How can we pull Li Zhifeng out of the background and give him actual agency so he isn't just sitting by while those two consume the entire plot haha? 😂
To its credit, the physical distance between the main pair does produce a few wonderful moments of yearning. XD When You Miao is crushed over having to leave his estate, Li Zhifeng reassures him:
“It doesn’t matter to me. Home is where you are.” 🥹
Later, while recovering from a broken leg, he sends You Miao a letter written with such violent intensity that the ink strokes nearly puncture the paper, with crushed osmanthus flowers tucked alongside Meng Jiao’s famous examination poem. These moments remind me why You Miao and Li Zhifeng matter to each other, even when the book barely gives them shared page time. (Still... I have to be honest, I wish Zhao Chao were the love interest, even though I know that’s not going to happen lmaooo). 💀
And then everything falls apart, and I was waiting for this haha!
The final act changes the tone. All the earlier setup surrounding agriculture, civil service examinations, estate management, and political maneuvering suddenly takes on life-or-death significance as enemy armies reach the Yellow River. The stable, enclosed world You Miao has painstakingly built is abruptly exposed to the fires of war.
When Zhao Chao frantically begs him to abandon the falling capital, You Miao refuses to budge, shouting:
“Is the survival of the country more important than one life?!”
He only relents when Zhao Chao strikes directly at his greatest vulnerability, warning that Li Zhifeng would recklessly throw his life away on the front lines to avenge him if he died. War has arrived at the doorstep, and suddenly all those systems matter because they directly impact everyone You Miao is involved with.
Volume 2 feels uneven for me; the middle section, particularly the examination material and layers of political protocol, takes a bit of a toll on the pacing and entertainment value, but much of that slow-burn setup becomes vital once war breaks out.
All in all, the book leaves me exactly where a good volume ending should: anxious to find out how they're going to survive the fallout. 😭
Fortunately, You Miao single-handedly carries the book on his back lol. 🫡
The farming stretch at Shen Garden was a great opening to the volume. You Miao gets a rare pocket of peace where he can actually build something of his own instead of constantly putting out the next political fire. A core realization in his growth is learning how to give and accept care; coming to terms with the fact that his biological family offers no real support, he builds his own community.
His visit to the East Market marks a crucial turning point. Seeing impoverished families driven to selling their own children forces him to confront the extent of his privilege, and the experience leaves him genuinely shaken. That reality check fundamentally changes how he treats the people working on his land. He starts seeing his tenants and workers as human beings rather than simply labor, personally brewing them tea and welcoming them into his household. It’s a shame this phase was so brief, as the story seems to abandon his newly forged connections almost as quickly as it builds them.
Once the plot pivots toward the imperial examinations, the scholarly debates, ceremonial pageantry, and dense official etiquette offer You Miao a genuine opportunity to delve into learning, distinct from his farming adventures. However, the detailed descriptions drag on far too long, grinding the momentum to a halt. I understand why all that scaffolding is necessary, especially given how much of the later conflict depends on the political structure being established, but I sometimes found myself wishing the book would simply pick up the pace and move on.
Even when the plot itself stalls, You Miao’s personal development keeps me hooked as increasingly heavy responsibilities are dumped onto his shoulders. His explosive argument with his father over court allegiances displays this transformation, especially when he vehemently rejects cold political pragmatism by snapping:
“In your eyes, humanity, justice, decorum, wisdom, and respect all amount to money!”
He’s steadily shedding his earlier “cheeky, shrewish little thug” act. Stepping into the role of an Imperial Censor demands an entirely different presence—waging wars with words and strategy against seasoned politicians.
And then there’s the romance...
The primary romance takes a huge backseat here, and Li Zhifeng suffers the most from this. For much of the volume, he functions primarily as You Miao’s emotional centerpiece rather than a character with his own driving ambition. His long absence makes it surprisingly easy to forget about their dynamic for huge stretches of the book lol.
Meanwhile, Zhao Chao and You Miao are out here having shouting matches, throwing each other into snowbanks, and making wild promises about staying together forever, while Li Zhifeng just stands in the corner like expensive wallpaper. Sure, You Miao chose Li Zhifeng, but Zhao Chao gets all the dramatic tension, fierce arguments, and emotional meat.
While Zhao Chao conforms to traditional marriage expectations, You Miao’s devotion to Li Zhifeng led him to abandon that path. Their relationship carries so much unresolved tension that Li Zhifeng feels almost invisible beside him. How can we pull Li Zhifeng out of the background and give him actual agency so he isn't just sitting by while those two consume the entire plot haha? 😂
To its credit, the physical distance between the main pair does produce a few wonderful moments of yearning. XD When You Miao is crushed over having to leave his estate, Li Zhifeng reassures him:
“It doesn’t matter to me. Home is where you are.” 🥹
Later, while recovering from a broken leg, he sends You Miao a letter written with such violent intensity that the ink strokes nearly puncture the paper, with crushed osmanthus flowers tucked alongside Meng Jiao’s famous examination poem. These moments remind me why You Miao and Li Zhifeng matter to each other, even when the book barely gives them shared page time. (Still... I have to be honest, I wish Zhao Chao were the love interest, even though I know that’s not going to happen lmaooo). 💀
And then everything falls apart, and I was waiting for this haha!
The final act changes the tone. All the earlier setup surrounding agriculture, civil service examinations, estate management, and political maneuvering suddenly takes on life-or-death significance as enemy armies reach the Yellow River. The stable, enclosed world You Miao has painstakingly built is abruptly exposed to the fires of war.
When Zhao Chao frantically begs him to abandon the falling capital, You Miao refuses to budge, shouting:
“Is the survival of the country more important than one life?!”
He only relents when Zhao Chao strikes directly at his greatest vulnerability, warning that Li Zhifeng would recklessly throw his life away on the front lines to avenge him if he died. War has arrived at the doorstep, and suddenly all those systems matter because they directly impact everyone You Miao is involved with.
Volume 2 feels uneven for me; the middle section, particularly the examination material and layers of political protocol, takes a bit of a toll on the pacing and entertainment value, but much of that slow-burn setup becomes vital once war breaks out.
All in all, the book leaves me exactly where a good volume ending should: anxious to find out how they're going to survive the fallout. 😭
May 22, 2025
3.75/5☆
“When one accompanies another, going in pairs… If one of the pair leaves, it really will feel like a piece of your heart is missing.”
The last 100+ pages or so felt like an entirely different book..I need more
“When one accompanies another, going in pairs… If one of the pair leaves, it really will feel like a piece of your heart is missing.”
The last 100+ pages or so felt like an entirely different book..I need more
June 25, 2024
4.5 / 5: No longer need I boast the days of woe, For in exams I’ve ranked, my spirits aglow.
On spring’s breeze, I ride so free, Chang’an’s splendor in a day I see.
Directly below the verses was a single line:
“Wait for me.—Feng”
the whiplash the last quarter of this volume gave me….unparalleled :’)
i desperately need sleep; i meant to prolong my reading for another couple hours but the surprise of the last 50 pages had me invested.
i have high hopes for a long review so!! please wait for it, if you can <3 goodnight for now
12 hours later...
just finished washing & styling my hair + i have sasaki and miyano playing in front of me, so this is the perfect time to write my review!!
so!! thoughts...
i adore how close i've become to this series. there's something really special about being in you miao's pov, and seeing him grow so fast from just the first volume. in his youth, he was very rebellious and snarky with his studies but as years pass, he becomes more responsible when handling the land his deceased mother passed to him. seeing him grow to be incredibly ambitious with different projects around the land was really compelling for his character, and i loved that stuff like the waterwheel were just one out of the many to come into fruition.
there's a much larger cast that encompasses these fields, and new characters who lend some support to you miao one way or another. li zhifeng will always be number one, however, and their relationship only becomes even more intimate in their quiet communication. despite how little li zhifeng speaks, his presence is so solid in the story, you can hardly miss him with how loyal and attentive he is. i do admit, the more these scenes of them pass by, the more curious i am to see what it would be like to be in li zhifeng's pov and understand more of his backstory. on the one hand, it's only natural to have that curiosity, but on the other, i think it speaks a lot how much li zhifeng doesn't really care to be understood by others as long as you miao sticks nearby. his devotion is so much more profound in how little there needs to be said for you miao to communicate his fears and desires, and eventually you miao comes to terms with how much he might have taken it for granted.
when they eventually split up a little over halfway through this volume, their bond only becomes even more apparent once they stand miles away from each other. to go from such a quiet and cozy atmosphere at the riverwave estate that you miao and li zhifeng have painstakingly nourished to become a new haven, and then return to the calculating air of the nation's capital--it was a very interesting switch. when it comes to court politics in danmei, i've become accustomed to seeing from militarized perspective or someone with their hands directly near the throne--leaders of some sort. you miao, however, brings an interesting new perspective as an aspiring court official who engages more in depth with his studies. his new relationship with his mentor, sun yu, was one of my favorite aspects of this new arc, as not only do we get to see you miao become more studious, but the content of the stuff he learns from a genius scholar had me fascinated.
a lot of confucius philosophy and talks about the famous art of war, which are nowhere near my area of my expertise, but had me really curious as i could tell we were approaching the real meat of the story. everything you miao learns about the growing tensions between the han empire and the barbarian tribes puts him right at the center of court affairs and makes him more inquisitive. to have been birthed from a skeevy merchant who twists and manipulates for his own gain, seeing you miao become a scholarly official in his own right who genuinely cares about the lives of the entire nation, and not just its rulers, is an amazing development. it made his scenes with zhao chao and li yun feel more interesting because of how much weight is put onto all their shoulders to figure out the best strategy on how to move forward. however, as i mentioned before, the last quarter of this volume really throws things into chaos.
what first transitioned from the peaceful air of farming land, to then the inquisitive nature of court affairs and rigorous studies, eventually get thrown away once the capital gets bombarded by a foreign enemy and engages in brutal violence. by the time i reached the last page, there's a huge cliffhanger that puts you miao, li zhifeng, and zhao chao's lives up in the air and it's so stressful to think about. it honestly was a bit of a whiplash to have such a swift change of pace in this narrative, but as i had already wondered what this story's title meant for these characters, it's clear we've entered the absolute crux of you miao's story.
i am very thankful to a fellow danmei reader for putting this volume's release on my radar, as it would've probably taken me a bit longer to be aware of its publication. i loved being in you miao's pov again, as has been already made clear, and i look forward to seeing where things end up in the next volume for sure :')
content warnings:
major: descriptions of violence, fire/fire injury, death, and war
moderate: sexual content
On spring’s breeze, I ride so free, Chang’an’s splendor in a day I see.
Directly below the verses was a single line:
“Wait for me.—Feng”
the whiplash the last quarter of this volume gave me….unparalleled :’)
i desperately need sleep; i meant to prolong my reading for another couple hours but the surprise of the last 50 pages had me invested.
i have high hopes for a long review so!! please wait for it, if you can <3 goodnight for now
12 hours later...
just finished washing & styling my hair + i have sasaki and miyano playing in front of me, so this is the perfect time to write my review!!
so!! thoughts...
i adore how close i've become to this series. there's something really special about being in you miao's pov, and seeing him grow so fast from just the first volume. in his youth, he was very rebellious and snarky with his studies but as years pass, he becomes more responsible when handling the land his deceased mother passed to him. seeing him grow to be incredibly ambitious with different projects around the land was really compelling for his character, and i loved that stuff like the waterwheel were just one out of the many to come into fruition.
there's a much larger cast that encompasses these fields, and new characters who lend some support to you miao one way or another. li zhifeng will always be number one, however, and their relationship only becomes even more intimate in their quiet communication. despite how little li zhifeng speaks, his presence is so solid in the story, you can hardly miss him with how loyal and attentive he is. i do admit, the more these scenes of them pass by, the more curious i am to see what it would be like to be in li zhifeng's pov and understand more of his backstory. on the one hand, it's only natural to have that curiosity, but on the other, i think it speaks a lot how much li zhifeng doesn't really care to be understood by others as long as you miao sticks nearby. his devotion is so much more profound in how little there needs to be said for you miao to communicate his fears and desires, and eventually you miao comes to terms with how much he might have taken it for granted.
when they eventually split up a little over halfway through this volume, their bond only becomes even more apparent once they stand miles away from each other. to go from such a quiet and cozy atmosphere at the riverwave estate that you miao and li zhifeng have painstakingly nourished to become a new haven, and then return to the calculating air of the nation's capital--it was a very interesting switch. when it comes to court politics in danmei, i've become accustomed to seeing from militarized perspective or someone with their hands directly near the throne--leaders of some sort. you miao, however, brings an interesting new perspective as an aspiring court official who engages more in depth with his studies. his new relationship with his mentor, sun yu, was one of my favorite aspects of this new arc, as not only do we get to see you miao become more studious, but the content of the stuff he learns from a genius scholar had me fascinated.
a lot of confucius philosophy and talks about the famous art of war, which are nowhere near my area of my expertise, but had me really curious as i could tell we were approaching the real meat of the story. everything you miao learns about the growing tensions between the han empire and the barbarian tribes puts him right at the center of court affairs and makes him more inquisitive. to have been birthed from a skeevy merchant who twists and manipulates for his own gain, seeing you miao become a scholarly official in his own right who genuinely cares about the lives of the entire nation, and not just its rulers, is an amazing development. it made his scenes with zhao chao and li yun feel more interesting because of how much weight is put onto all their shoulders to figure out the best strategy on how to move forward. however, as i mentioned before, the last quarter of this volume really throws things into chaos.
what first transitioned from the peaceful air of farming land, to then the inquisitive nature of court affairs and rigorous studies, eventually get thrown away once the capital gets bombarded by a foreign enemy and engages in brutal violence. by the time i reached the last page, there's a huge cliffhanger that puts you miao, li zhifeng, and zhao chao's lives up in the air and it's so stressful to think about. it honestly was a bit of a whiplash to have such a swift change of pace in this narrative, but as i had already wondered what this story's title meant for these characters, it's clear we've entered the absolute crux of you miao's story.
i am very thankful to a fellow danmei reader for putting this volume's release on my radar, as it would've probably taken me a bit longer to be aware of its publication. i loved being in you miao's pov again, as has been already made clear, and i look forward to seeing where things end up in the next volume for sure :')
content warnings:
major: descriptions of violence, fire/fire injury, death, and war
moderate: sexual content
March 13, 2026
3.75/5 ✨
November 18, 2024
Now this volume crushed me, 10/10
Arc 3 really kicks off with politics and angst like I suspected it would after the farming & calmness of vol. 1.
Arc 3 really kicks off with politics and angst like I suspected it would after the farming & calmness of vol. 1.
March 3, 2025
Volume two of an ongoing series. The impetuous young You Miao, having distanced himself from his father's family, flings himself into managing the estate inherited from his mother. But the imperial service exams calls him to court and entangles him in an increasingly fraught political scene, just as the empire's borders are most at risk...
To sum it up, this is a book about a guy who's born to be a civil engineer, yet forced to learn philosophy and get into politics. I enjoyed the You Miao manages the estate arc, as he matured into a more confident and serious young person. I was less engaged by his philosophy era, although it was nice to see him finally apply himself properly. And it was rewarding to see the political setup in book one coming into fruition--You Miao is personally devoted to Third Prince, who is dangerously out of favor at court, and doesn't have a political faction to protect him. As always, You Miao's tendency for melodrama and talent for forming beneficial connections with people are a delight without ever becoming grating. The romance with Li Zhifeng was more understated in this book, since they spent half of the book apart, but the plot is clearly maneuvering for Big Drama in the next volume.
Deliciously crunchable political romance, and extremely readable. As I said before, recommended for fans of A Taste of Gold and Iron or Captive Prince, but start with the first volume.
To sum it up, this is a book about a guy who's born to be a civil engineer, yet forced to learn philosophy and get into politics. I enjoyed the You Miao manages the estate arc, as he matured into a more confident and serious young person. I was less engaged by his philosophy era, although it was nice to see him finally apply himself properly. And it was rewarding to see the political setup in book one coming into fruition--You Miao is personally devoted to Third Prince, who is dangerously out of favor at court, and doesn't have a political faction to protect him. As always, You Miao's tendency for melodrama and talent for forming beneficial connections with people are a delight without ever becoming grating. The romance with Li Zhifeng was more understated in this book, since they spent half of the book apart, but the plot is clearly maneuvering for Big Drama in the next volume.
Deliciously crunchable political romance, and extremely readable. As I said before, recommended for fans of A Taste of Gold and Iron or Captive Prince, but start with the first volume.
June 1, 2026
I am a fan of how Li Zhifeng’s feelings are getting deeper and deeper for You Miao, considering his stoic start.
“The two of them pressed skin to skin, Li Zhifeng held You Miao close with his left hand and undressed him with his right as he whispered next to his ear, ‘It doesn’t matter to me. Home is where you are.’”
March 6, 2026
Most of this book is a bit boring, the story gets interesting in the last 70 pages.
You Miao’s character development is really good.
You Miao’s character development is really good.
July 16, 2025
easy 5/5 stars from me! absolutely obsessed with the characters and world building.
can’t believe how fast i finished this book, 3 days!!
i loved the peaceful farming vibe but the switch up was insane, the entire 3rd arc felt like it was a completely different book, im so invested, i need the third volume asap!
can’t believe how fast i finished this book, 3 days!!
i loved the peaceful farming vibe but the switch up was insane, the entire 3rd arc felt like it was a completely different book, im so invested, i need the third volume asap!
August 23, 2024
Commending the author for realistic politics, alas it was fucking boring to read.
Next books should be more interesting.
Next books should be more interesting.
March 6, 2025
★★★★ - 4.5/5 stars
March 3, 2026
My ratings are completely subjective, and three stars means "might read this again, might not."
I really enjoyed the first volume, but with this second I'm doubting if this series is for me. It feels more like a regurgitation of historical anecdotes than an actual STORY with a purposeful narrative and complex characters. It's not unenjoyable, but it's just kind of... lacking in savor, to my taste. There are sections that are really interesting, or really sweet, but it just feels like it lacks focus and drive.
Might just be a weak volume? I already own the third in physical book form, and I love the IDEA of this series, so we'll see.
I really enjoyed the first volume, but with this second I'm doubting if this series is for me. It feels more like a regurgitation of historical anecdotes than an actual STORY with a purposeful narrative and complex characters. It's not unenjoyable, but it's just kind of... lacking in savor, to my taste. There are sections that are really interesting, or really sweet, but it just feels like it lacks focus and drive.
Might just be a weak volume? I already own the third in physical book form, and I love the IDEA of this series, so we'll see.
June 2, 2026
满江红这卷是真的好看，感情线稍微弱了点，但国破的部分写得令人不忍释卷。也别说我们淼子开金手指了，不开金手指我不如去看宋史。这本的翻译校对比第一本走心，除了几个typo还没看出来明显的改变了原句意义的翻译错误。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
July 19, 2026I don’t mind reading about agriculture or politics but damn, the characters and the main couple became background noise. Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
This started out just like the first volume; You Miao getting things in order at his estate like the water wheel and acquiring residents. Opposite of the first volume, I found this part a bit boring. I think this was the reason it took me so long to finish it. It just didn’t drag me in like the first one did.
I found myself wishing for You Miao and Zhao Chao to be together. Since the first volume I sensed some chemistry there. Their chemistry is different from You Miao and Li Zhifengs, better even. I like them together, I just don’t see them in the same light I did when I first started reading this story.
Zhao Chao has become my favorite character of the whole story. The moment he came in and Li Zhifeng left, the story seemed to be more cohesive. I’m not saying I don’t like Li Zhifeng! I’m just saying he hasn’t added much to the story in a while. I also feel that I still don’t know enough about Li Zhifeng to like him as much as I do Zhao Chao. He’s a man of few words but I fear what he lacks for words, he also lacks for in personality.
In the last 100-150 pages the story takes drastic turn. War comes down on the capital like a boulder. It’s quick, drastic, and very powerful. It felt like I was reading a whole different book. My heart was racing at times and I couldn’t put it down. This story is rich in political and war intrigue and I kind of forgot how much my brain thrives reading this stuff. It’s like candy to me when it’s done right. I really really enjoyed the politics and war intrigue with this volume.
I’m super excited to read the next volume, but I do worry for Zhao Chao. I feel like he’s very underestimated and is taken advantage of. And he’s very overlooked and looked down on.. I wanna see him hold victory and I wanna see him happy.
This started out just like the first volume; You Miao getting things in order at his estate like the water wheel and acquiring residents. Opposite of the first volume, I found this part a bit boring. I think this was the reason it took me so long to finish it. It just didn’t drag me in like the first one did.
I found myself wishing for You Miao and Zhao Chao to be together. Since the first volume I sensed some chemistry there. Their chemistry is different from You Miao and Li Zhifengs, better even. I like them together, I just don’t see them in the same light I did when I first started reading this story.
Zhao Chao has become my favorite character of the whole story. The moment he came in and Li Zhifeng left, the story seemed to be more cohesive. I’m not saying I don’t like Li Zhifeng! I’m just saying he hasn’t added much to the story in a while. I also feel that I still don’t know enough about Li Zhifeng to like him as much as I do Zhao Chao. He’s a man of few words but I fear what he lacks for words, he also lacks for in personality.
In the last 100-150 pages the story takes drastic turn. War comes down on the capital like a boulder. It’s quick, drastic, and very powerful. It felt like I was reading a whole different book. My heart was racing at times and I couldn’t put it down. This story is rich in political and war intrigue and I kind of forgot how much my brain thrives reading this stuff. It’s like candy to me when it’s done right. I really really enjoyed the politics and war intrigue with this volume.
I’m super excited to read the next volume, but I do worry for Zhao Chao. I feel like he’s very underestimated and is taken advantage of. And he’s very overlooked and looked down on.. I wanna see him hold victory and I wanna see him happy.
October 30, 2024
3.5 stars
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