DNF'd it the first time cuz the translation was shit. Found a dif site, obvs. Overall very cute story. [😬 TBH unless they change ML's ~character I don't see this playing well in a drama but...] he was more a knife mouth [dried] tofu heart. FL was really great too - both were such dynamic characters, and they really understood each other. Was disappointed YYQ sucked so much... *sigh* was hoping ML could have a good relationship with a good foreign ruler, yet... [Loved his two disciples] There were so many characters where I wanted to know MORE - and wanted more extras, ESPECIALLY with the way the author left things! Ahh! Pretty much everything was thoughtful and interesting until we get to that platform thing with the shit emperor. Sigh. Then stuff felt a bit rushed but also like ... I dunno - GIVE US MORE RELATIONSHIP BUILDING. It's good I still wanted more from the leads though.
I can see myself re-reading this one and would def rec it.
Solid B [😅 1/13/25 took me read/skimming my notes til c36 to realize/remember which book this is - chick who falls on dude in a brothel ... oh this girl. She broke my heart.]
~*~*~*~ Days of Seclusion and Love
1 FL is Guan Fengyue … wait is ML Yin Gezhi? And … she slept with him for half a month in the past?
2 I REALLY want to know their history like obviously it isn’t good but she’s willing to still fuck him (Yin Gezhi) so (though he doesn’t recognize her)
3 Ye Yuqing is (YYQ) crown prince of Wei which is where they are now.., why did FL save that Yi ZhangZhu chick Yin GeZhi (YGZ) is super concerned over? Esp getting her hands crushed by a bat …
4 ah FL knew YGZ 3 years ago. Seems YYQ is in love with that Yi chick
5 O.o how does YGZ not even know the name or appearance of the person - I’m assuming he had sex with? What it was always in the dark? (Book just says “looking for” but imo she has to be the person…) Ok imo FL’s Guan family were totally wronged.
6 YGZ is now ~24
7 Damn girl (that’s right!) “She had been too naive, thinking Yin Gezhi had never suspected her of anything, thinking she could fool him. How could she forget? The great Prince Yin, who had won nine battles out of ten, always acted with meticulous attention to detail. Once he became suspicious, he would investigate thoroughly. But so what? Everyone who knew her identity was already dead. Let him try searching in the underworld!”
😡 10 I don’t like how YGZ treats FL like shit. Ugh so bad but not THAT bad but the bad still makes me mad
12 😿 she was a general, now reduced to this
16 I’m ~mad YYQ didn’t give FL that hairpin! Yi bitch’s servant tried to rape FL and none of them care 😡. FL def wants to sneak into general Yi’s manor - I think he has something to do with the death of her family
17 😹💯 “Look at that – when you’re skilled enough, you can dare to challenge a whole group alone! If she were an assassin hearing those words, she’d just give up and go home to sleep. But those hidden people seemed to have strong principles. Provoked by his words, ten people suddenly appeared with a “swoosh,” silently standing around the eaves.” I’m mad on behalf of FL she’s crippled & has to abase (debase?!) herself this way
Bwaaah ““He didn’t offend me,” Yin Gezhi calmly replied, hands behind his back. “I saw he was honest but always laboring hard, so I took pity on him. By breaking his hands, he’ll never have to work again and can live comfortably for the rest of his life.””
22 Oh! I had thought it was YYQ who infiltrated the Yi manor but it was FL’s people! And he sent FL the Yi hairpin!
27 eeek so YYQ def knows FL had something to do with the break in. And someone took the place of FL to die 😿
28 FL’s birth name is Guan Qingyue. Whoa “Wang Han had once served as deputy commander under Guan Canghai, but was later exposed as a spy and defected directly to Wu Country, turning around to kill dozens of Wei soldiers, repeatedly achieving merit for Wu in subsequent battles. He was a Wei native, yet willingly became Wu’s dog.” That bit of sympathy I felt for him being targeted just went negative
32 for a generally smart girl getting so drunk with YYQ is incredibly stupid. Especially since she can’t keep her mouth shut when she drinks
36 dammit YGZ realized FL is sending messages in the ingots. Stupid pig teammate maid 😖
40 Argh! I’m not won over by YGZ yet! Stop making me feel warm fuzzies, author! “She had so many, many secrets. Who knew if those bundled things contained knives or what else—holding her like this, wouldn’t he get stabbed? However, though he thought this, he still held her, closing his eyes and peacefully taking a nap.”
44 carriage sex - damn you censorship we get NO DETAILS. Also 😡😡😡 YGZ better fall desperately in love soon!!!
67 oof that Yi bitch trying to string along YGZ & YYQ. Honestly I don’t think either like her? Or they better not.. poor FL dreaming about the execution of her whole family. It’s gotta be tough having to fuck the man you hate
71 ok it’s kinda adorable YGZ is scared of thunder and *sigh* as much FL hates him she def still feels something for him
72 oh DuanXian 😿 ““Qin’er, the great revenge has been achieved, may you have a good reincarnation. In your next life, don’t find such a useless person like me to be your sister.””
98 FL is so smart! Evading kidnappers & pouring oil & wine at the manor edge to get them when they came back. (I wonder if Nanny Xu will come back… also if that general Yi & his sister the noble consort really are in an incestuous relationship. Or are they not biological siblings?)
101 😬 ok considering the situation I do NOT like this “Looking ahead with calm eyes, Yin Gezhi said word by word: “I live, you live. I die, you die.”
Yeah 🫥 102 “After being lost in thought for quite a while, she finally asked with a smile, “Does Your Highness mean that this servant is worthy of living and dying alongside you?” Looking at the shadows emerging from the intersection ahead, Yin Gezhi’s gaze turned sharp as his lips curved slightly upward. “No, I mean that while I’m alive, you must stay by my side. And if I die, you must accompany me in death.””
103 😿 poor FL having to suffer through pain to hide her identity
104 🫠 “Yin Gezhi frowned, pulled her into his arms, and glared at her. “You’d better hold back on these honeyed words. If you say too much and truly betray me one day, you’ll die a horrible death.” Trembling in fear, Feng Yue blinked her innocent large eyes at him. “Your Highness worries too much. How could this servant ever betray you?” After all, she had never intended to be purely loyal in the first place!”
107 damn, pgirl Getting out of bed and standing before the mirror, Yin Gezhi looked at himself, his fists clenching and unclenching. After a long silence, he suddenly asked: “If you made a decision that led to many deaths, and later discovered that decision might have been too hasty, what would you do?” Anyone else might not have understood what he meant. But as it happened, Fengyue knew exactly what kind of dream he’d had as soon as she heard this. Smiling as she tied his sash in a tight knot, she said softly: “Those who know their mistakes but don’t correct them will go to hell.”
109 🤦🏻♀️ This dunce YGZ feeling killing intent thinking about FL marrying someone else but NOT GETTING WHY. Argh! Stop being mean to her! At this point I’m hoping for wife chasing crematorium! Hah! And she saves him what with coming ~halfway to intercept that (Yang?) baby shit general Yi is holding hostage (Also I hate that Yi bitch)
😖😖😖 111 I hate she had to tell him who she is. And he’s being shitty. You’re the reason her whole family died. And in part why the country collapsed without the Great General. Fucker.
😿😿😿 113 this clear eyed rational girl. And I hate there’s no way she can ever fully recover
lol “Whatever the case, before General Yi’s downfall, this man’s mind was essential for survival. It absolutely couldn’t be damaged by fever!”
119 and revealed how Yi framed Guan. Stupid YGZ (Huh I forgot to note whatever chapter he realized he likes her? Maybe 112 but he thought it was all for naught?) at least YGZ feels incredibly guilty. Shithead.
121 Oh his real name is Yin ChenBi
(126?) lol to the assassins thinking FL’s group is weak. But uh I REALLY hope this whatever Guan Zhi & Ling Shu is NOT A THING cuz she’s only what 12? And that’s gross AF. 126 poor ML only just realizing how shit his dad is. And oh surprise now your also shit brother is the crown prince. Your fuckhead dad tricked you and lied sending you off to Wu
127 I need to know are people actually still calling ML the crown prince or is that shit translating? lol and he’s definitely going to catch FL saying she doesn’t like him, huh (Glad he’s at least willing to stand up to his shit dad & wants to clear general Guan’s name)
129 man I don’t know how to feel about Feng Ming. Loyal & devoted, but FL never wanted him! Also he’s an asshole (rushing through streets etc) … ugh why did FL’s dad act that way/just agree to the marriage. Obviously she handled things terribly too. (Also so I guess FL is 18-19 ish?)
130 😹😅 ok so arson is bad but I kinda love a) he saved FL b) didn’t tell her cuz he didn’t want her to be mad 😖 knows she doesn’t like him c) was about to burn down ML’s house cuz he wouldn’t tell him where FL is. Awww and FM is smart & recognizes FL immediately lol (Glad they all caught that one traitor too)
133 lol ok I do like ML is jealous & FM is like “LET’S GO! Compete! Bring it!”
134 <.< ok does FM *actually* want to be brothers with FL now or is this him trying to lull her into a false sense of security & build affection? lol ok next line cleared it up. Def the latter
136 FL called it. Trash ass emperor protects a serial killer just cuz he flatters him. Poor ML further disillusioned
140 ok I like this revenge arc but it all still seems so … almost nice
142 FL seeing her dad’s pathetic “grave,” bones exposed, DIGGING THEM UP then collecting them… taking them to that funerary place and arranging them in a coffin alone THEN crying… I teared up. Glad ML went to comfort her but someone needs to muzzle him
Oof 143 FL learns FM has deep affection for her, & everyone else sees this nan mu coffin ML sent for her father is wood that is only supposed to be used for imperial coffins
144 … wouldn’t people recognize the wood as they make a big production of leaving the city?
151 FL finally learns ML has been searching for her for three years but … 🤷🏻♀️
Oh. Shit. 152 ML was outside the courtyard and heard it all
153 OOF “ Truly angry now, Feng Yue lifted the carriage curtain intending to jump out. The horses weren’t running fast; jumping wouldn’t kill her. His pupils contracting slightly, Yin Gezhi reached out and pulled her back. Holding her with his hands crossed and locked over her shoulders, he rebuked sharply: “If you don’t value your life, then give it to me!”” (And whoever was “editing” the MTL fell down on the job here)
154 I’m lightheaded with rage at that Shi HongWei or whatever. Also the emperor won’t die a sufficiently miserable death. (I thought ML’s mom was the empress? Did she die so the current one is the current CP’s mom?)
lol “Squatting at the main house doorway, Feng Yue rolled her eyes, thinking these people were truly pitiful. They came offering themselves to be killed by Yin Gezhi, and those who didn’t die had to help him clean up, yet still had to thank him.”
158 omg lol ML is so shameless. But I hope his calculations are true. Let Wu pressure the shit emperor and officials.
159 *squeals* (this after ML moved in & FM goes looking for/at him) “Slowly opening his eyes, Yin Gezhi propped himself up to look at him: “Didn’t you say my situation was more difficult than yours?” “Now, I’m breaking free from those difficulties.” Slightly startled, Feng Ming’s expression turned ugly: “Don’t tell me it’s for Moon?” “What else?” “No!” Feng Ming was angry: “Even if you’re no longer a prince, past sins can’t be erased so easily!” “They can’t.” Yin Gezhi said methodically: “But when a path is broken yet you still want to walk it, you can only slowly rebuild it.””
163 poor ML I think he’s thoroughly finally disappointed in the emperor? … still I don’t think will let FL kill him though. *sigh*
164 lol ok I love that ML’s two disciples are the Wu envoys but especially the silly mess that is this chapter them begging FL for help to get Xu’s blade back
167 🥺 FL finally learns it was FM who saved her/bribed the prison guard. And now he’s going to marry Princess NanPing?! Feels like he never even really TRULY started competing with ML! 😿 “Aren’t you happy? You can finally be rid of me,” the person before her was tall and handsome, wearing an iron jade crown, with sunlight pouring down from above his head, passing through his eyelashes to fall on her head: “Consider it my final gift to you. Since childhood, you’ve never liked me, yet I’ve always stubbornly wanted to marry you, saying I’d never let you go, scaring you into always running away.”
172 😒🫥 I think ML is WAY too easily & naively believing the emperor & is going to get himself in trouble. Ugh. And how can he not guard against the empress. Dummy. He did so well in Wu. And yup. Asshole sinister emperor
173 ok so NOW will ML give up on his dad since the shit emperor has put a poisoned dagger at his back?
174 so WTF happened on that platform other than the empress poisoning the emperor like it’s just annoying how ML & FL were so smart yet can’t seem to figure this shit out I already knew from like 172 this would be stupid so I put off reading it for like 4 hrs 😒😡
175 oh thank god ML did take precautions
178 😹😅☠️💯 ““It’s fine,” shaking his head, Yin Gezhi’s gaze became determined as he placed his hand on Feng Yue’s belly, saying seriously: “Even if she’s not pregnant now, I can make sure she becomes pregnant again.” “…”” … that easy? He just walks into court and they call ML the emperor? (And imo she’s definitely pregnant!)
179 eeee ““Make a choice, Guan Qingyue.” Leaning against the partition, Yin Gezhi glanced at her sideways and said calmly, “First path: give up this child. Since you couldn’t achieve your revenge anyway, you might as well abandon everyone and die alone – that would be easier.” “Second path: marry me as Empress, bear the Crown Prince, and let someone with your Guan family blood rule my Yin family’s empire!””
183 aww ascension to the throne & empress coronation together
Aha ““Your Majesty,” Ling Shu was quite puzzled: “You’re impeccably good to master, especially when she’s drowsy, you’re always so gentle. But when she’s awake, you become so fierce… why is that necessary?” “Don’t be nosy,” Yin Gezhi said: “We know how We should treat her.” “But…” This way master won’t appreciate Your Majesty’s goodness at all! Ling Shu frowned. Looking back at her once, Yin Gezhi said flatly: “Your master has a quick temper and straightforward nature. If We were truly gentle with her all the time, she would become unruly and push boundaries.” Right now everything was just right, perfectly balanced.”
187 ok lol her acting out like a scorned woman in the palace and him just letting her have her fun 😹☠️💯
189 😹😻 I love the brothel’s Madam Jin has such an extraordinary background!
191(?) Oof “The path had been cleared, and next, he needed to take her and stride forward.” ❤️❤️❤️ hurdle cleared! Def 191 oh no poor He Chou/Wang Rou (or whatever her name is they keep changing the pinyin)- that bad YYQ. Duan Xian better survive!
😬😬😬 193 everything better go well everywhere with ML leading the troops!
199 awww FL more calm than ML as she gives birth. Also 😿😿😿 He Chou
206 extra 2 awww lol ML is so disappointed his second child is also a son (Also I like how well he treated his disciples)
207 e3 yay FM & princess NanPing 2 years later will finally consummate their marriage! FM is attached!
Yes! 208 e4 “If there were obstacles between two people, remove them! If paths were broken, rebuild them! Once someone is in your heart, use all your strength to leave no regrets. What was the point of all that tangling and suffering? Better to let go early!” WAIT WAIT WAIT WHAT WHAT WHAT?!?!?! How could the book end that way?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?? We get a M/M BL between the disciples only not?!?!???!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.