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The Wife Comes First: Qi Wei Shang (Novel) #1
The Wife Comes First: Qi Wei Shang (Novel) Vol. 1
A philandering prince discovers that the prince-consort he neglected in life is the only one by his side in death. Now that he’s got a second chance, can the prince make it up to him?! A heartwarming romance about second chances, palace intrigue, and found family—The Wife Comes First makes its English debut!
As his life flashes before his eyes, self-obsessed Prince Cheng has a moment to reflect on something curious. Despite knocking at death’s door, only one person remains by his side: his all-but-abandoned prince-consort, Mu Hanzhang. Except, rather than celebrate that fact, Prince Cheng can only wonder… Why, after everything, is Mu Hanzhang still with him?
After all, Prince Cheng spent most of his life philandering and mastering political intrigue. Meanwhile, Mu Hanzhang had to discard his dreams of taking the Imperial Examination to become a minister, and was instead coerced to serve as male wife to a cruel prince!
Granted a second chance, Prince Cheng is miraculously reborn, waking up the morning after his wedding. As he does, the prince makes another vow: the wife comes first, the state second, and the husband last.
Where to start? Well first, he must kneel outside Mu Hanzhang’s bedroom door and beg to be let in, of course! Then again, after the sacrifices Mu Hanzhang’s had to make, will he even be willing to forgive his new husband?
396 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2025
About the author
Lv Ye Qian He
9 books32 followersAssociated Names:
* Lu Ye Qian He (Pinyin)/Lv Ye Qian He (English)
* 绿野千鹤 / 綠野千鶴 (Chinese)
* ลวี่เหยี่ยเชียนเฮ่อ (Thai)
* Lu Ye Qian He (Pinyin)/Lv Ye Qian He (English)
* 绿野千鹤 / 綠野千鶴 (Chinese)
* ลวี่เหยี่ยเชียนเฮ่อ (Thai)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Did Not Finish
December 29, 20252.5 stars.
DNF 50%.
As I read through it again, I was reminded of the reasons why I didn't complete it the first time. Despite my strong desire to see it through on the second attempt, I ultimately found myself unable to do so. The entire novel gradually became more irritating because I found the characters increasingly intolerable.
The plot itself is not particularly original; it follows familiar themes. However, it could have been entertaining, especially if one cares deeply about the characters involved. Essentially, the story revolves around political intrigue(but do not expect it to be great)and the evolving relationship between the main protagonists.
Jing Shao is a character I simply cannot stand. He embodies the archetype of the himbo—everything about him makes me cringe. His actions and behavior drove me crazy. Although he is described as being nineteen at the start of the story, considering that he died in the beginning and then reincarnated into his younger self with all his memories intact, one would expect him to act more maturely. Instead, he behaves like a clown—immature and childlike.
He is both a prince and a general, yet he demonstrates a blatant lack of understanding of the political landscape surrounding him. While I can understand some naivety, his cluelessness seems so profound that I questioned how he could have risen to such a high rank as a general. I disliked him intensely.
On the other hand, Mu Hanzhang was a character I didn't have many complaints about. The only aspect that frustrated me was that he never once questioned why Jing Shao acted so familiar with him from their very first meeting. Instead, he just went along with it, which I found strange. If I were in his place, I would have found it very odd and might have questioned the sudden familiarity, especially since they had just met.
As for their relationship, I found it to be somewhat lacking in chemistry. They quickly moved into a state of being very affectionate and lovey-dovey, which didn't sit well with me. I prefer stories with a slower development of romance, so I was a bit disappointed by how rapidly their relationship progressed.
In summary, I went into this story with certain expectations but ended up reading something that didn't match my mood or preferences at the moment. It left me disappointed and unfulfilled.
DNF 50%.
As I read through it again, I was reminded of the reasons why I didn't complete it the first time. Despite my strong desire to see it through on the second attempt, I ultimately found myself unable to do so. The entire novel gradually became more irritating because I found the characters increasingly intolerable.
The plot itself is not particularly original; it follows familiar themes. However, it could have been entertaining, especially if one cares deeply about the characters involved. Essentially, the story revolves around political intrigue(but do not expect it to be great)and the evolving relationship between the main protagonists.
Jing Shao is a character I simply cannot stand. He embodies the archetype of the himbo—everything about him makes me cringe. His actions and behavior drove me crazy. Although he is described as being nineteen at the start of the story, considering that he died in the beginning and then reincarnated into his younger self with all his memories intact, one would expect him to act more maturely. Instead, he behaves like a clown—immature and childlike.
He is both a prince and a general, yet he demonstrates a blatant lack of understanding of the political landscape surrounding him. While I can understand some naivety, his cluelessness seems so profound that I questioned how he could have risen to such a high rank as a general. I disliked him intensely.
On the other hand, Mu Hanzhang was a character I didn't have many complaints about. The only aspect that frustrated me was that he never once questioned why Jing Shao acted so familiar with him from their very first meeting. Instead, he just went along with it, which I found strange. If I were in his place, I would have found it very odd and might have questioned the sudden familiarity, especially since they had just met.
As for their relationship, I found it to be somewhat lacking in chemistry. They quickly moved into a state of being very affectionate and lovey-dovey, which didn't sit well with me. I prefer stories with a slower development of romance, so I was a bit disappointed by how rapidly their relationship progressed.
In summary, I went into this story with certain expectations but ended up reading something that didn't match my mood or preferences at the moment. It left me disappointed and unfulfilled.
July 16, 2026
listen! in terms of writing and plot, this book is bad. after reading a few pages, anyone can easily tell it was written by an amateur. so technically, my rating shouldn't be anything more than two stars, but this time i refuse to be too petty. when i started my reading journey, i started with exactly this type of trashy wattpad fanfiction, so this story took me back to the days when i used to be obsessed with 'royalty' stories. hence, my rating is rounded up to three stars.
if i talk about the plot, honestly, there's not much to talk about. we already have plenty of similar stories: a jerk prince who turns into a green flag for his lover, a scheming empress stepmother, a horde of concubines fighting for love, multiple brothers fighting for the throne, and the inevitable outcome of the hero becoming the next emperor. at this point, it's totally predictable. and for a danmei with court politics, it's written in a very, very dull way.
this book lacks good characters. though the main couple is tolerable, the rest are simply the dullest crayons in the box. especially the empress. just tell me she'll die in the next volume and i'll throw a party. the story is basically this: in his previous life, despite being mistreated, mu hanzhang stayed loyal to his husband. so in this life, the reborn third prince vows to treat mu hanzhang better. the entire plot revolves around prince cheng being a doting husband.
from the blurb and the cover, i thought it'd be a story like 'erha', but alas, it's just ranwan 0.5 from temu. i guess even temu has better products. my biggest gripe is that we don't get to see any character development from prince cheng, everything happens off-page. so yeah, it's one of those moments where we've gotta make good use of our imagination. our prince wakes up in the body of his younger self and immediately starts doting on hanzhang. where's the pining? where's the catharsis? where's the redemption arc? he wakes up and gets together with his husband. i actually don't hate the way the couple treats each other in their very cringe yet very sweet way, but i love slow burn, so i gotta say.... frauds!!
even though i'm complaining a lot, my timing with this one was good. i'm currently stressed with life, and it somehow helped take some negative thoughts off my mind. so i'm giving it more stars than it deserves. it's perfect if you want to read something lighthearted, possibly stupid, and don't want to think too much.
eh, bro, i don't know what else to say. i ran out of things to talk about. this book is truly shallow, but one admirable thing is that the concept of homophobia doesn't exist in this universe, so yeah, that's a win. to the author: please try to write good female characters in your next novel and treat them kindly. i can't deal with misogyny.
p.s. the blabbering ends here. my very wattpad-level review for this wattpad story. i refuse to use my brain. ★: 2.75
“the leaves of the union tree part during the day and reunite at night, symbolizing requited love. i’m giving it to you because i wish for our hearts to be united for life, in joyful union for all eternity.”
if i talk about the plot, honestly, there's not much to talk about. we already have plenty of similar stories: a jerk prince who turns into a green flag for his lover, a scheming empress stepmother, a horde of concubines fighting for love, multiple brothers fighting for the throne, and the inevitable outcome of the hero becoming the next emperor. at this point, it's totally predictable. and for a danmei with court politics, it's written in a very, very dull way.
this book lacks good characters. though the main couple is tolerable, the rest are simply the dullest crayons in the box. especially the empress. just tell me she'll die in the next volume and i'll throw a party. the story is basically this: in his previous life, despite being mistreated, mu hanzhang stayed loyal to his husband. so in this life, the reborn third prince vows to treat mu hanzhang better. the entire plot revolves around prince cheng being a doting husband.
from the blurb and the cover, i thought it'd be a story like 'erha', but alas, it's just ranwan 0.5 from temu. i guess even temu has better products. my biggest gripe is that we don't get to see any character development from prince cheng, everything happens off-page. so yeah, it's one of those moments where we've gotta make good use of our imagination. our prince wakes up in the body of his younger self and immediately starts doting on hanzhang. where's the pining? where's the catharsis? where's the redemption arc? he wakes up and gets together with his husband. i actually don't hate the way the couple treats each other in their very cringe yet very sweet way, but i love slow burn, so i gotta say.... frauds!!
even though i'm complaining a lot, my timing with this one was good. i'm currently stressed with life, and it somehow helped take some negative thoughts off my mind. so i'm giving it more stars than it deserves. it's perfect if you want to read something lighthearted, possibly stupid, and don't want to think too much.
eh, bro, i don't know what else to say. i ran out of things to talk about. this book is truly shallow, but one admirable thing is that the concept of homophobia doesn't exist in this universe, so yeah, that's a win. to the author: please try to write good female characters in your next novel and treat them kindly. i can't deal with misogyny.
p.s. the blabbering ends here. my very wattpad-level review for this wattpad story. i refuse to use my brain. ★: 2.75
“the leaves of the union tree part during the day and reunite at night, symbolizing requited love. i’m giving it to you because i wish for our hearts to be united for life, in joyful union for all eternity.”
December 22, 2025
5/5. DONT SPOIL FUTURE VOLUMES IN COMMENTS
Review: Why I Loved Volume 1 🍶
I honestly thought I wouldn't like this novel, I'm not even sure why, but I ended up absolutely loving Volume 1! The character development is just incredible. I especially loved the doting, heartfelt, and consensual love between the leads. Please give this novel a read! You get to see Jing Shao truly redeem himself, and how he becomes a better version of himself.
🍶 Spoiler Alert 🍶
The Story of Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang
Jing Shao is a prince who was forced to marry a man, an act that stripped him of his rightful claim to the throne. For over ten years, he resented the male wife who actually saved him.
Mu Hanzhang was the common-born son of a noble house. He dreamed of becoming a scholar and hoped to use the imperial exams to gain freedom from his family. However, those dreams were shattered when he was forced to marry Prince Cheng (Jing Shao) just a year before the exams. Instead of freedom, he found himself confined to the "cage" of the inner harem.
The Turning Point
After being betrayed by his own country, Jing Shao found himself in prison with only Mu Hanzhang for company. During a desperate escape, they were hunted down; Mu Hanzhang was fatally stabbed, and Jing Shao was struck by arrows. Refusing to be captured, Jing Shao jumped off a cliff with his wife in his arms, promising to treat him better if they ever had a next life.
A Second Chance
Waking up on his wedding day a decade younger, Jing Shao is determined not to repeat his mistakes. This time, he wants to cherish Mu Hanzhang. He devotes all his time to him, seeking comfort from him like a child and truly listening to his needs. Most importantly, he waits for consent and treats him with the respect he deserves.
A Moment to Remember
A key plot point involves the mystery of who killed Jing Shao’s mother. During a moment of deep grief in the rain, Mu Hanzhang was the only one there for him when he needed someone most.
Happy Reading!
Review: Why I Loved Volume 1 🍶
I honestly thought I wouldn't like this novel, I'm not even sure why, but I ended up absolutely loving Volume 1! The character development is just incredible. I especially loved the doting, heartfelt, and consensual love between the leads. Please give this novel a read! You get to see Jing Shao truly redeem himself, and how he becomes a better version of himself.
🍶 Spoiler Alert 🍶
The Story of Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang
Jing Shao is a prince who was forced to marry a man, an act that stripped him of his rightful claim to the throne. For over ten years, he resented the male wife who actually saved him.
Mu Hanzhang was the common-born son of a noble house. He dreamed of becoming a scholar and hoped to use the imperial exams to gain freedom from his family. However, those dreams were shattered when he was forced to marry Prince Cheng (Jing Shao) just a year before the exams. Instead of freedom, he found himself confined to the "cage" of the inner harem.
The Turning Point
After being betrayed by his own country, Jing Shao found himself in prison with only Mu Hanzhang for company. During a desperate escape, they were hunted down; Mu Hanzhang was fatally stabbed, and Jing Shao was struck by arrows. Refusing to be captured, Jing Shao jumped off a cliff with his wife in his arms, promising to treat him better if they ever had a next life.
A Second Chance
Waking up on his wedding day a decade younger, Jing Shao is determined not to repeat his mistakes. This time, he wants to cherish Mu Hanzhang. He devotes all his time to him, seeking comfort from him like a child and truly listening to his needs. Most importantly, he waits for consent and treats him with the respect he deserves.
A Moment to Remember
A key plot point involves the mystery of who killed Jing Shao’s mother. During a moment of deep grief in the rain, Mu Hanzhang was the only one there for him when he needed someone most.
Happy Reading!
June 28, 2026
4 'In another life' stars
I've had high expectation for this book partly because I fell in love with the cover, and because the premise sounded really good. However, the story turned out to be way more cozy than I expected it to be. It started deliciously angsty - the main character is reborn after dying as a traitor alongside his husband, who is the only one still staying by his side. That same husband that the prince treated very poorly through their whole marriage, so getting another chance he decides to remedy that in his second life.
After that angsty beginning of them dying together, I excpected the story will continue in that same tone but despite Jing Shao waking up in his second life the morning after their disastrous wedding night, everything goes relatively smoothly for him relationship wise. His wife/husband Mu Hanzhang is not exactly happy with the situtation but since Jing Shao immediately apologized for his harsh treatment, he's relieved because he expected much worse spouse and marriage in general. However - as much as I liked how Jing Shao is doing a good job of trying not to be an asshole, and undrestanding Junqing that he's just at ease of not having as horrible husband as he was afraid - I still wanted a little more drama around their relationship.
It might be a little the case of 'it's me not you' because the premise made me think it's gonna be interweaving past and present like in erha, and that we're gonna get similar contrast like Taxian-Jun/Chu Fei and Mo Ran/Chu Wanning relationship. But we don't learn much about the past and mostly just see them as a present couple. I probably sound like I disliked this book but when I adjusted my expectations, I started to really enjoy it. Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang's interactions are very sweet and adorable. Jing Shao is in full 'pampering his wife' mode, while Jungqing lets himself be pampered 😊
As I said, I prefer a little (or a lot) angst mixed with my romance but they were actually really cute as a couple. And they got together so fast that sometimes I had a feeling like I was reading post canon extras because they were that much sweet with each other.
I don't have much to say about them as individuals. Jing Shao's main personality is simping for his wife, and look, I like this in men, but apart from that he was kind of boring. Also, I thought that him being reborn would play a bigger part in the plot but I didn't feel like that it did. I liked Mu Hanzhang a lot more. Everyone underestimated him because his "worth" dropped in a way being married off as a wife. But it was not for no reason that he wanted to take Imperial Examination to become a minister. He certainly has a feel for scheming and Jing Shao can be glad he's married to him, otherwise his harem would already be in a huge disarray and his political carrer in shambles.
Gif by bluesandfilms
I just dislike how meek he is in Jing Shao's presence. I understand that at first he was hesitant because we were told their wedding night was not exactly ideal. However, since that morning after, Jing Shao has been doting on him non stop and I don't get it why Junqing is still so shy around him. They could be a really good power couple together if only Mu Hanzhang would't change into a damsel in distress everytime he's with his husband. And if there's one thing I can't complain about Jing Shao is that his pursuing game is immaculate.
Gif by heretherebedork
I have a feeling my review sounds very confusing. Yes, I complained about a lot of things but in general I enjoyed this book. Especially their relationship was very amusing. I hope they will stay this cute, adorable couple. I totally need some fluffy danmei for in between angsty ones - and then I procede to chose the second most sad scene in this volume for the visuals. Oh well, but I also really like how they are always there for each other 🥹
For the end, I can't leave you without some sexy scenes. There were more than I expected but even in that quantity, I couldn't find one in which Junqing is 100% enjoying himself. I hope this guy will finally relax a little in the next vol because I trust in Jing Shao's tehnique 😏
Gif by bluesandfilms
If you like this book I definitely recommend watching Journey with you - cdrama from which the gifs were taken from - and the other way around. If you enjoyed this drama, chances are you're gonna like this book too 😀
4 'In another life' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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I've had high expectation for this book partly because I fell in love with the cover, and because the premise sounded really good. However, the story turned out to be way more cozy than I expected it to be. It started deliciously angsty - the main character is reborn after dying as a traitor alongside his husband, who is the only one still staying by his side. That same husband that the prince treated very poorly through their whole marriage, so getting another chance he decides to remedy that in his second life.
After that angsty beginning of them dying together, I excpected the story will continue in that same tone but despite Jing Shao waking up in his second life the morning after their disastrous wedding night, everything goes relatively smoothly for him relationship wise. His wife/husband Mu Hanzhang is not exactly happy with the situtation but since Jing Shao immediately apologized for his harsh treatment, he's relieved because he expected much worse spouse and marriage in general. However - as much as I liked how Jing Shao is doing a good job of trying not to be an asshole, and undrestanding Junqing that he's just at ease of not having as horrible husband as he was afraid - I still wanted a little more drama around their relationship.
It might be a little the case of 'it's me not you' because the premise made me think it's gonna be interweaving past and present like in erha, and that we're gonna get similar contrast like Taxian-Jun/Chu Fei and Mo Ran/Chu Wanning relationship. But we don't learn much about the past and mostly just see them as a present couple. I probably sound like I disliked this book but when I adjusted my expectations, I started to really enjoy it. Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang's interactions are very sweet and adorable. Jing Shao is in full 'pampering his wife' mode, while Jungqing lets himself be pampered 😊
Mu Hanzhang's face was pressed close against Jing Shao's chest. He sighed and curled inward, trying to create a little distance.
"Junqing, I'll tell you everything from now on, and you have to tell me whatever you're thinking as well. This way, we won't ever fight." Jing Shao raised a hand to untie the hair ribbon holding Mu Hanzhang's topknot, then nuzzled his chin over the crown of his head.
"Mm-hmm..." Mu Hanzhang mumbled a vague reply. He was wrapped up nice and warm, and the tension in his heart had eased. It was making him feel a bit drowsy.
Hearing no response from the man in his arms, Jing Shao thought he'd fallen asleep, and he stroked his long hair gently. "I thought: If I get to spend a lifetime with someone as wonderful as you, that's a pretty good thing. Whether other people believe in me doesn't really matter. I promise to protect you from now on, and I won't let you suffer in slight..."
He wasn't sure yet exactly what he felt for the man in his arms, but he knew that Mu Hanzhang was the only one willing to die with him. [...] This man was his only salvation. He must hold on tight and never let go again.
As I said, I prefer a little (or a lot) angst mixed with my romance but they were actually really cute as a couple. And they got together so fast that sometimes I had a feeling like I was reading post canon extras because they were that much sweet with each other.
"Junqing!" Jing Shao immediately swooped in, clutched his injured hand, and pulled out the splinter with practiced ease.
As all ten fingers had a direct connection to the heart, Mu Hanzhang couldn't help but gasp as the wound kept bleeding. But Jing Shao's next move shocked him silent.
Heart aching at the sight of the blood endlessly seeping from that slender jade-like finger, Jing Shao took it into his mouth, licking away the blood, [...] Briefly meeting his gaze, Mu Hanzhang quickly lowered his eyes, flustered.
Only then did Jing Shao realize how provocative his actions had been. With a gentle rain of peach blossom petals swirling behind Mu Hanzhang, Jing Shao found the bashful man before him as beautiful as a peach blossom immortal. He couldn't help but pull his consort - so embarrassed he seemed about to burst into flame - into his arms, and with one hand holding the back of his head, he pressed a kiss to his lips.
Mu Hanzhang moaned as scorching lips pressed and slid against his own. Having been ambushed, he'd no chance to think of resisting. However, once something soft and wet slipped between his lips and attempted to coax his mouth open, he was left utterly stunned.
I don't have much to say about them as individuals. Jing Shao's main personality is simping for his wife, and look, I like this in men, but apart from that he was kind of boring. Also, I thought that him being reborn would play a bigger part in the plot but I didn't feel like that it did. I liked Mu Hanzhang a lot more. Everyone underestimated him because his "worth" dropped in a way being married off as a wife. But it was not for no reason that he wanted to take Imperial Examination to become a minister. He certainly has a feel for scheming and Jing Shao can be glad he's married to him, otherwise his harem would already be in a huge disarray and his political carrer in shambles.
A hint of smirk played at Mu Hanzhang's lips, hidden in the lowered angle of his head. With His Majesty here, he might as well go all in and escalate the situation. And so, he weakly lifted his head, glanced at the appproaching Jing Shao, and cried out soflty in a hoarse voice, "Your Highness..." Then he closed his eyes and limply fell backward!
Gif by bluesandfilms
I just dislike how meek he is in Jing Shao's presence. I understand that at first he was hesitant because we were told their wedding night was not exactly ideal. However, since that morning after, Jing Shao has been doting on him non stop and I don't get it why Junqing is still so shy around him. They could be a really good power couple together if only Mu Hanzhang would't change into a damsel in distress everytime he's with his husband. And if there's one thing I can't complain about Jing Shao is that his pursuing game is immaculate.
"[...] I'll never take a concubine again, nor will I marry another secondary wife."
Mu Hanzhang's beautiful eyes abruptly widened at those words. "You don't even have heirs. You can't possibly mean that."
Jing Shao smiled at him. "Since I've already taken a man for a wife, it doesn't matter whether or not I have heirs. And besides, ever since I met you, it's been difficult for anyone else to catch my eye."
"Xiao Sháo... you..." Mu Hanzhang looked at him in shock. How could an imperial prince not desire offspring?! Were these his true feelings? The sharp bitterness in his heart was replaced by a sudden sweetness.
He slowly set his chin on Jing Shao's shoulder. "Me... me too..." Me too, I'm also fond of you. He was ultimately too shy to say this out loud.
But Jing Shao understood these unspoken words anyway, and lowering his head, he caught those reddening lips in a kiss. This time, Mu Hanzhang didn't resist, instead parting his lips slightly to invite him in.
Gif by heretherebedork
I have a feeling my review sounds very confusing. Yes, I complained about a lot of things but in general I enjoyed this book. Especially their relationship was very amusing. I hope they will stay this cute, adorable couple. I totally need some fluffy danmei for in between angsty ones - and then I procede to chose the second most sad scene in this volume for the visuals. Oh well, but I also really like how they are always there for each other 🥹
For the end, I can't leave you without some sexy scenes. There were more than I expected but even in that quantity, I couldn't find one in which Junqing is 100% enjoying himself. I hope this guy will finally relax a little in the next vol because I trust in Jing Shao's tehnique 😏
Mu Hanzhang trembled, wishing to hide away from Jing Shao's increasingly forceful thrusts, the unceasing and terrifying pleasure on the verge of becoming unbearable. But Jing Shao seemed to have discerned his intentions and targeted that spot relentlessly, grinding against it.
"Ah... I can't take it anymore..." Mu Hanzhang moaned. It felt like they'd been going on for hours, and Mu Hanzhang had long since passsed his breaking point, his slender legs helplessly trembling.
[...]
"It's the last time, I promised," Jing Shao said, kissing his teary eyes.
Mu Hanzhang woke up as punctually as always and couldn't help furrowing his brow. [...] As he carefully tried to recall what had happened the night before, he suddenly snapped awake, and a dash of crimson colored his handsome face.
Unsure how he should face the man who was spooning him from behind, Mu Hanzhang closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. But after waiting quite a length of time, with Jing Shao still showing no sign of waking up, Mu Hanzhang was worried tha he might miss getting to court on time, and so he nudged the slumbering man with an elbow.
"Junqing..." Jing Shao let out a hum and hugged him even closer, nuzzling his long, silky hair before returning to snoring gently.
Gif by bluesandfilms
Jing Shao reluctantly opened his eyes, and when he saw his consort's gently creased brow and tired but handsome face, he froze for a moments, before grinning sleepily. He pulled Mu Hanzhang back to press a fresh kiss to those lighly swollen lips.
If you like this book I definitely recommend watching Journey with you - cdrama from which the gifs were taken from - and the other way around. If you enjoyed this drama, chances are you're gonna like this book too 😀
4 'In another life' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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January 3, 2026
dnf at %20
it reads like a wattpad fanfic in the worst possible way and the mc is so unlikeable can't stand him(￢_￢)
it reads like a wattpad fanfic in the worst possible way and the mc is so unlikeable can't stand him(￢_￢)
December 27, 2025
5/5 🌟
God! I forgot how much I loved this story! I read the manhua two years ago and loved it so much, if you can, go read it! The scenes make every part where JingShao is being a wifey puppy, when Junqing getting salty or telling his hubby to go away, into the cutest chibbies— ever!
I.e:
And Junqing when he's cute angry!
Anyway! Into my review!
The amount of sweet moments in this volume is insane! ( ˊo̴̶̷̤ ̫ o̴̶̷̤ˋ)
"You won't fall with me here."
"I thought: if I get to spend a lifetime with someone as wonderful as you, that's a pretty good thing. were there other people believe in me doesn't really matter. I promise to protect you from now on, and I won't let you suffer any slight..."
Like.... Who wouldn't fall for this man! He's not only speaking these sweet nothings, but he really following through with them.
(இ﹏இ`｡)
"He slowly close the distance between them and buried his face in his consort's chest, taking a deep breath of subtle fragrance that clung to him then he let himself relax and slowly close his eyes. Since his rebirth, the world seemed full of blood and turmoil; only by this man's side did he feel like he his. He was the one salvation in the heavens he had granted him."
"His arms securely wrapped around the sleeping man... This man finally belonged to him completely; this man, who was to him the warmest and purest existence on earth, was now held firmly in his embrace, and no one could ever take him away."
He literally be treasuring him, for he was the last man on earth who stood by his side in the past life.
( っ´ `)っ(´͈ ᵕ `͈˶)
However, it's not just Jingshao falling hard, Mu Hanzhang also head over heels for his husband.
"Me too. I'm also fond of you."
Hes quite savage, too! He don't let any bitch overstep him or try to one up him! Those concubines deserve what they got! He's so confident and scheming! To protect his hubby and himself, he would do anything. He may not be strong but he knows how to set things straight!
Not only is Mu Hanzhang the only man that was there for Jingshao, but so was his brother. I love how their relationship has developed and there was a line that really got my heart throbbing from how heartwarming it was. (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )づ♡ I love when family dynamics are also expressed in danmei, and this one that made me tear up!
"You are my only little brother. Even if I have to give up everything I have, I'm never going to let you die."
Mu Hanzhang also got his opportunity to improve his mother's situation. And I think that's what I love most about this story. I love how small acts that Mu Hanzhang and JingShao (primarily the former) does that changes the story and shapes those decisions of the people around them.
It's almost like RPG games that change based on the decisions you make.
Anyway, this scene was the last scene that made me cry. All the hard work was worth it for Junqing. (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥)
"Mu Hanzhang in case that his mother and her pink finery. so she was no longer a young woman, time had done nothing to erode her charms, and she mistakenly embodied the wisdom and grace of Jangnan woman. 'Mom..' For the first time, Mu Han Zhang was able to call her this in front of others. Lady Qiu's eyes welled up with tears."
Read: 12/26/2025
God! I forgot how much I loved this story! I read the manhua two years ago and loved it so much, if you can, go read it! The scenes make every part where JingShao is being a wifey puppy, when Junqing getting salty or telling his hubby to go away, into the cutest chibbies— ever!
I.e:
And Junqing when he's cute angry! Anyway! Into my review!
The amount of sweet moments in this volume is insane! ( ˊo̴̶̷̤ ̫ o̴̶̷̤ˋ)
"You won't fall with me here."
"I thought: if I get to spend a lifetime with someone as wonderful as you, that's a pretty good thing. were there other people believe in me doesn't really matter. I promise to protect you from now on, and I won't let you suffer any slight..."
Like.... Who wouldn't fall for this man! He's not only speaking these sweet nothings, but he really following through with them.
(இ﹏இ`｡)
"He slowly close the distance between them and buried his face in his consort's chest, taking a deep breath of subtle fragrance that clung to him then he let himself relax and slowly close his eyes. Since his rebirth, the world seemed full of blood and turmoil; only by this man's side did he feel like he his. He was the one salvation in the heavens he had granted him."
"His arms securely wrapped around the sleeping man... This man finally belonged to him completely; this man, who was to him the warmest and purest existence on earth, was now held firmly in his embrace, and no one could ever take him away."
He literally be treasuring him, for he was the last man on earth who stood by his side in the past life.
( っ´ `)っ(´͈ ᵕ `͈˶)
However, it's not just Jingshao falling hard, Mu Hanzhang also head over heels for his husband.
"Me too. I'm also fond of you."
Hes quite savage, too! He don't let any bitch overstep him or try to one up him! Those concubines deserve what they got! He's so confident and scheming! To protect his hubby and himself, he would do anything. He may not be strong but he knows how to set things straight!
Not only is Mu Hanzhang the only man that was there for Jingshao, but so was his brother. I love how their relationship has developed and there was a line that really got my heart throbbing from how heartwarming it was. (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )づ♡ I love when family dynamics are also expressed in danmei, and this one that made me tear up!
"You are my only little brother. Even if I have to give up everything I have, I'm never going to let you die."
Mu Hanzhang also got his opportunity to improve his mother's situation. And I think that's what I love most about this story. I love how small acts that Mu Hanzhang and JingShao (primarily the former) does that changes the story and shapes those decisions of the people around them.
It's almost like RPG games that change based on the decisions you make.
Anyway, this scene was the last scene that made me cry. All the hard work was worth it for Junqing. (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥)
"Mu Hanzhang in case that his mother and her pink finery. so she was no longer a young woman, time had done nothing to erode her charms, and she mistakenly embodied the wisdom and grace of Jangnan woman. 'Mom..' For the first time, Mu Han Zhang was able to call her this in front of others. Lady Qiu's eyes welled up with tears."
Read: 12/26/2025
January 5, 2026
ya know those novels where mc is being neglected by ml in the first half, but then ml has a change of heart and starts chasing mc around? well, this novel is like that only we skip the first act and arrive straight at the wife chasing. cue in tons of groveling, kissy kissy and lustful encroachments - so much of that the waifu has to open a lube store to get rid of his stockpiles.
anyway, this novel is good for when ur brain is in the idle mode. there is some politics and court intrigue, but it's pretty surface level.
my main gripe, though, is with mu hanzhang. im so fed up with bottoms like him. a lame mix of victorian spinster and pillow princess. i like bottoms who are proactive in bed, ok. who like a good fuck and are never too shy about that. is this too much to ask???
anyway.
my prediction for the ending: prince cheng is going to become the emperor and crown mu hanzhang as his gentleman empress. please blink twice if im right. :D
anyway, this novel is good for when ur brain is in the idle mode. there is some politics and court intrigue, but it's pretty surface level.
my main gripe, though, is with mu hanzhang. im so fed up with bottoms like him. a lame mix of victorian spinster and pillow princess. i like bottoms who are proactive in bed, ok. who like a good fuck and are never too shy about that. is this too much to ask???
anyway.
my prediction for the ending: prince cheng is going to become the emperor and crown mu hanzhang as his gentleman empress. please blink twice if im right. :D
January 7, 2026
this started out great, i love the idea of the mc being reborn into a new life to right all his wrongs. especially when it's all for his wife 😍😫
jing shao spends this whole book cherishing mu hanzhang but the plot lost me. i was just bored and found myself putting the book down constantly. i loved how jing shao was like a big dumb alpha who's obsessed with his man. and mu hanzhang reminded me of chu wanning a bit 🥺 however, i felt like random things just kept happening after another and there was no solid plot. i mean obviously i love the wife chasing and grovelling, but maybe it's just me but the couple didn't have me hooked like i thought they would.
and oh my goddddd the concubines were so annoying! why do they always have to be a bitch! i was so happy when jing shao finally got rid of them but jesus it took long enough, i wish it happened sooner 😭 majorrrr eye rollsssss
also for those who think this might be an angsty book based on the cover or the synopsis, it's the total opposite. it's super fluffy and sweet 🥰 so I appreciated that.
i'm not sure if i'll read the next coming volumes, if it’s anything like this i will be pushing myself through finishing those.
jing shao spends this whole book cherishing mu hanzhang but the plot lost me. i was just bored and found myself putting the book down constantly. i loved how jing shao was like a big dumb alpha who's obsessed with his man. and mu hanzhang reminded me of chu wanning a bit 🥺 however, i felt like random things just kept happening after another and there was no solid plot. i mean obviously i love the wife chasing and grovelling, but maybe it's just me but the couple didn't have me hooked like i thought they would.
and oh my goddddd the concubines were so annoying! why do they always have to be a bitch! i was so happy when jing shao finally got rid of them but jesus it took long enough, i wish it happened sooner 😭 majorrrr eye rollsssss
also for those who think this might be an angsty book based on the cover or the synopsis, it's the total opposite. it's super fluffy and sweet 🥰 so I appreciated that.
i'm not sure if i'll read the next coming volumes, if it’s anything like this i will be pushing myself through finishing those.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2025
reread :3
-----------------------------------
just found out there's an official translation coming out, so i'm moving my review here!! while i think it's not as good as 君為下 (the mc js can be quite pushy towards mhz sometimes), i really liked the sibling relationship!! and mhz is just so sweet. (and smart!)
p.s. idk why they put prince cheng in the blurb? 1. he's not a prince 2. cheng is his title not his name?? 😭
-----------------------------------
just found out there's an official translation coming out, so i'm moving my review here!! while i think it's not as good as 君為下 (the mc js can be quite pushy towards mhz sometimes), i really liked the sibling relationship!! and mhz is just so sweet. (and smart!)
p.s. idk why they put prince cheng in the blurb? 1. he's not a prince 2. cheng is his title not his name?? 😭
Want to Read
September 20, 2025
pre-read
જ⁀➴
╰┈➤ Seven Seas has picked it up; I will wait for the official translation to come out, as the fan translation isn't that good at the moment.
edit: oh girllll it's also the wife-chasing genre!!! 😋😋 def will be reading
╰┈➤ Seven Seas has picked it up; I will wait for the official translation to come out, as the fan translation isn't that good at the moment.
edit: oh girllll it's also the wife-chasing genre!!! 😋😋 def will be reading
July 26, 2026
The rebirth trope allows characters to revise their life choices and re-live their lives in the light of their poor choices in their previous lives. In a sense rebirth allows the reader an extended version of omniscient narration. In the first volume of “The Wife Comes First” by Lv Ye Qian He the protagonist, Jing Shao, is reborn and chooses to treat his husband, Mu Hanzhang, much better the second time around.
His motivation for this about-face is that Mu Hanzhang is the only person who remained loyal him in their previous lives, despite having been treated less than well by Jing Shao. After the initial chapter the rest of the book delineates how Jing Shao learns how to treat his husband well. Their marriage was arranged by the Empress because marrying a man would take Jing Shao out of the line of succession so it was a marriage of convenience and not a love marriage.
The timing of Jing Shao’s rebirth is relevant, because he is reborn after their wedding night in which he had helped himself a little too much with no regard for his new husband’s wishes. This becomes the low point in their relationship from which Jing Shao needs to regain his trust. Not surprisingly, Mu Hanzhang is puzzled by this shift in behaviour and only very slowly warms to his husband’s advances throughout the book.
The premise of the plot is fairly basic since Jing Shao is singularly motivated to treat Mu Hanzhang better in this lifetime and has knowledge of the court’s politics to prevent himself from being sent off to war thus leaving his husband behind and at the mercy of intrigue.
The book is peppered with slightly spicy scenes that indulge in some details such as the use of fragrant balm in bedroom activities. These are fun but perhaps lack true emotional resonance, because the main couple is a little flat. There is some dynamic development in that they grow to trust each other during the book, but this is perhaps more a plot contrivance rather than a natural evolution of feelings between two characters.
In sum, the book is light and fluffy without any significant emotional heft. It makes for an easy read but is also easily forgettable …
His motivation for this about-face is that Mu Hanzhang is the only person who remained loyal him in their previous lives, despite having been treated less than well by Jing Shao. After the initial chapter the rest of the book delineates how Jing Shao learns how to treat his husband well. Their marriage was arranged by the Empress because marrying a man would take Jing Shao out of the line of succession so it was a marriage of convenience and not a love marriage.
The timing of Jing Shao’s rebirth is relevant, because he is reborn after their wedding night in which he had helped himself a little too much with no regard for his new husband’s wishes. This becomes the low point in their relationship from which Jing Shao needs to regain his trust. Not surprisingly, Mu Hanzhang is puzzled by this shift in behaviour and only very slowly warms to his husband’s advances throughout the book.
The premise of the plot is fairly basic since Jing Shao is singularly motivated to treat Mu Hanzhang better in this lifetime and has knowledge of the court’s politics to prevent himself from being sent off to war thus leaving his husband behind and at the mercy of intrigue.
The book is peppered with slightly spicy scenes that indulge in some details such as the use of fragrant balm in bedroom activities. These are fun but perhaps lack true emotional resonance, because the main couple is a little flat. There is some dynamic development in that they grow to trust each other during the book, but this is perhaps more a plot contrivance rather than a natural evolution of feelings between two characters.
In sum, the book is light and fluffy without any significant emotional heft. It makes for an easy read but is also easily forgettable …
January 4, 2026
“I thought: If I get to spend a lifetime with someone as wonderful as you, that’s a pretty good thing. Whether other people believe in me doesn’t really matter. I promise to protect you from now on, and I won’t let you suffer any slight…”
I gave this three stars, and I still really enjoyed it. I’ve already read the manhua, and even with my usual frustrations with that format, the story itself has always worked for me. The novel version moves in a very straightforward way. Even with regression elements, it doesn’t try to be clever or keep you guessing. I found myself reading without stopping to analyze much, just letting the story unfold. A lot of the side characters barely register and fade into the background, but that didn’t bother me since the focus stays tight where it matters. The pacing is slow and controlled, which made the book feel steady and intentional, even during stretches where not much seems to happen.
What really stood out to me is how the story treats consequences. The rewind doesn’t soften what already happened, and progress often comes from bad timing, withheld truths, or careful social maneuvering rather than big reveals. I could feel tension building in small domestic moments and formal interactions long before anything openly political appeared. Each solution felt like it solved one problem while quietly narrowing future options. By the time larger conflicts begin to surface, the escalation felt natural instead of sudden. I can easily see some readers struggling with the patience this book asks for.
Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are the main reason I stayed invested. They’re written with consistency and emotional restraint, shaped more by trauma than by romance. Jing Shao shows care through action and physical closeness, often before he knows how to communicate it properly. Mu Hanzhang’s affection is quieter and more deliberate, grounded in effort and clarity rather than words. Watching their uneven dynamic slowly shift into trust felt tense and believable. The romance unfolds through regret, restraint, and hard earned understanding, which made their connection feel genuine and thoughtfully built.
Date Read: 2026.01.03
I gave this three stars, and I still really enjoyed it. I’ve already read the manhua, and even with my usual frustrations with that format, the story itself has always worked for me. The novel version moves in a very straightforward way. Even with regression elements, it doesn’t try to be clever or keep you guessing. I found myself reading without stopping to analyze much, just letting the story unfold. A lot of the side characters barely register and fade into the background, but that didn’t bother me since the focus stays tight where it matters. The pacing is slow and controlled, which made the book feel steady and intentional, even during stretches where not much seems to happen.
What really stood out to me is how the story treats consequences. The rewind doesn’t soften what already happened, and progress often comes from bad timing, withheld truths, or careful social maneuvering rather than big reveals. I could feel tension building in small domestic moments and formal interactions long before anything openly political appeared. Each solution felt like it solved one problem while quietly narrowing future options. By the time larger conflicts begin to surface, the escalation felt natural instead of sudden. I can easily see some readers struggling with the patience this book asks for.
Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are the main reason I stayed invested. They’re written with consistency and emotional restraint, shaped more by trauma than by romance. Jing Shao shows care through action and physical closeness, often before he knows how to communicate it properly. Mu Hanzhang’s affection is quieter and more deliberate, grounded in effort and clarity rather than words. Watching their uneven dynamic slowly shift into trust felt tense and believable. The romance unfolds through regret, restraint, and hard earned understanding, which made their connection feel genuine and thoughtfully built.
Date Read: 2026.01.03
December 22, 2025
This was SO good, can’t wait for the next volume
January 18, 2026
2.5 ⭐, really.
It definitely won’t be my favorite. It reads like a mid fanfic that you scroll through exactly once and then never find again.
I hated how sex was described here. Even if we read their first time wildly generously and say it was just a miscommunication typical of the period’s power dynamics, it’s still not great (and I don’t).
The face-slapping is meh, in my opinion. The MC didn’t really suffer that much; he just sat in a cell for a bit. He systematically behaved like a dick and got what he deserved in the end. The one who could have had a satisfying payoff is Mu Hanzhang, but he doesn’t even know it. At the very least, a hotter crematorium (pun intended) would have been welcome.
The MC is extremely unlikable. The ML… meh. It’s all such (awful) “rich people problems,” except for the rape, you know - which was swept under the rug.
Women were treated pretty badly in this one. And yes, in the end I did find some misogynistic stuff. Even though it wasn’t said by the narrator, it was said by characters we’re clearly supposed to like. So while it may be realistic… why did it need to be there?
That said, the last couple of chapters had some pretty fun palace politics, so I’m holding on to a bit of hope.
It definitely won’t be my favorite. It reads like a mid fanfic that you scroll through exactly once and then never find again.
I hated how sex was described here. Even if we read their first time wildly generously and say it was just a miscommunication typical of the period’s power dynamics, it’s still not great (and I don’t).
The face-slapping is meh, in my opinion. The MC didn’t really suffer that much; he just sat in a cell for a bit. He systematically behaved like a dick and got what he deserved in the end. The one who could have had a satisfying payoff is Mu Hanzhang, but he doesn’t even know it. At the very least, a hotter crematorium (pun intended) would have been welcome.
The MC is extremely unlikable. The ML… meh. It’s all such (awful) “rich people problems,” except for the rape, you know - which was swept under the rug.
Women were treated pretty badly in this one. And yes, in the end I did find some misogynistic stuff. Even though it wasn’t said by the narrator, it was said by characters we’re clearly supposed to like. So while it may be realistic… why did it need to be there?
That said, the last couple of chapters had some pretty fun palace politics, so I’m holding on to a bit of hope.
August 31, 2026
The Wife Comes First lacks depth and well plan out political plot unlike 2HA and Thrice Married to the Salted Fish respectly. For a rebirth trope, it doesn't take advantage of the plot or realize the gift MC was granted. I come to realize that this series also has second chance and instant love, which are not my favorite tropes.
The beginning reminded me of 2HA, or at least what it should have been. We learn that Mu Hanzhang stay loyal to Jing Shao and enter into prison with him. Where he eventually dies protecting Jing Shao. Jing Shao realizes what he had and regrets ever mistreating and neglecting him. Here is the issue, Jing Shao is described to be a terrible person in his previous life, but we never see him mistreating Mu Hanzhang.
In comparison to 2HA, the main character dies as the villain. Is reborn but still hates the man he is obsessed with. Gradually, he comes to realize his feelings and changes. Here, we don't know how terrible of a person he was. He vows to be good to Mu Hanzhang out of guilt and pity from his past life but all of a sudden he is instantly in love with him. And become instantly nicer and better composed. While no one even questions his sudden change in personality.
Jing Shao dies but we don't know why he was ever imprisoned. He comes back and there is no plan, only a goal to survive this time. No revenge, no long term scheme that I could see. Maybe planting some seeds for a contingency plan. But nothing else.
I was spoiled with Thrice Married to the Salted Fish, where the MC is reincarnated into novel, using the knowledge he has from the book, he schemes with his new "wife". Just like Mu Hanzhang, he was also forced to marry a man and give up his dream. The difference is together, they get revenge on all the people that wronged them.
I am not just disappointed with Jing Shao, I am also irritated with Mu Hanzhang. Here we have a man with no motivation, easily accepts his situation despite being intelligent and better composed that Jing Shao. He is the only one that experienced his husband's treatment and then easily accepts his affection. Even he realizes how wrong it is to crave affection from a man that assault him last night!
This was a misopportunity to give both characters complex characteristics. Mu Hanzhang, could have been docile but cunning. Jing Shao could have kept his ruthless, hot temper, personality and still showed kindness and composure.
The only reason I kept reading this was after I gave up my expectations and read it for what it was, a juvenile first love story, I was able to enjoy it. I was only interested in their interactions and honestly Mu Hanzhang had the better conflict with his family that I wished we kept more focused on.
Maybe I'll read the next volume. Maybe it will address my issues. Maybe it will get better.
The beginning reminded me of 2HA, or at least what it should have been. We learn that Mu Hanzhang stay loyal to Jing Shao and enter into prison with him. Where he eventually dies protecting Jing Shao. Jing Shao realizes what he had and regrets ever mistreating and neglecting him. Here is the issue, Jing Shao is described to be a terrible person in his previous life, but we never see him mistreating Mu Hanzhang.
In comparison to 2HA, the main character dies as the villain. Is reborn but still hates the man he is obsessed with. Gradually, he comes to realize his feelings and changes. Here, we don't know how terrible of a person he was. He vows to be good to Mu Hanzhang out of guilt and pity from his past life but all of a sudden he is instantly in love with him. And become instantly nicer and better composed. While no one even questions his sudden change in personality.
Jing Shao dies but we don't know why he was ever imprisoned. He comes back and there is no plan, only a goal to survive this time. No revenge, no long term scheme that I could see. Maybe planting some seeds for a contingency plan. But nothing else.
I was spoiled with Thrice Married to the Salted Fish, where the MC is reincarnated into novel, using the knowledge he has from the book, he schemes with his new "wife". Just like Mu Hanzhang, he was also forced to marry a man and give up his dream. The difference is together, they get revenge on all the people that wronged them.
I am not just disappointed with Jing Shao, I am also irritated with Mu Hanzhang. Here we have a man with no motivation, easily accepts his situation despite being intelligent and better composed that Jing Shao. He is the only one that experienced his husband's treatment and then easily accepts his affection. Even he realizes how wrong it is to crave affection from a man that assault him last night!
This was a misopportunity to give both characters complex characteristics. Mu Hanzhang, could have been docile but cunning. Jing Shao could have kept his ruthless, hot temper, personality and still showed kindness and composure.
The only reason I kept reading this was after I gave up my expectations and read it for what it was, a juvenile first love story, I was able to enjoy it. I was only interested in their interactions and honestly Mu Hanzhang had the better conflict with his family that I wished we kept more focused on.
Maybe I'll read the next volume. Maybe it will address my issues. Maybe it will get better.
August 25, 2026
This book is ass. The misogyny is intolerable, women are all screeching or scheming and need to be “put in their place.” Jing Shao is extremely childish and unlikeable, the plot is tediously nonexistent, and the writing quality reminds me of bad fanfic
January 22, 2026
If I could give this 2.5 stars I would. Unfortunately this danmei did not do it for me. I tried reading slower, highlighting sentences, being open-minded, and taking a step back since I thought my lack of enjoyment was due to a reading slump. No, no, there was nothing I could do to make myself enjoy this book. I’m quite easy to please, as shows in everything I’ve logged on Goodreads so far, so I was very disappointed I didn’t like this book. What I liked about the book was that it gave me something to do on my 20 minute train ride to class.
I’d be willing to give the next volume a read if a day ever comes where I find myself with zero books on my tbr.
I’d be willing to give the next volume a read if a day ever comes where I find myself with zero books on my tbr.
January 8, 2026
love the main couple but the story is just kind of boring
Read
May 29, 2026── 3.0✦
Time travel giving the MC a chance to fix his romantic and familial relationships that he wasted in his first life? Good food.
Time travel giving the MC a chance to fix his romantic and familial relationships that he wasted in his first life? Good food.
Did Not Finish
April 8, 2026This is not a good one. It's so boring. I don’t want to finish it at all, I can’t even hate-read it.
I like the concept, but I profoundly dislike the execution. Prince Cheng has got to be one of the worst protagonists. He comes across as super basic rather than having any emotional depth. The writing doesn’t help either. It feels underwhelming,
The romance is weak as well. There’s no buildup, no visible shift in perception, we’re just given the end result. He wakes up in the past and is suddenly like, “I lovey dovey you forever and ever 🫶,” and that’s supposed to compelling?
Mu Hanzhang isn’t well defined yet, but if he’s going to end up falling for someone like Jing Shao, I don’t see the point in getting invested.
I like the concept, but I profoundly dislike the execution. Prince Cheng has got to be one of the worst protagonists. He comes across as super basic rather than having any emotional depth. The writing doesn’t help either. It feels underwhelming,
The romance is weak as well. There’s no buildup, no visible shift in perception, we’re just given the end result. He wakes up in the past and is suddenly like, “I lovey dovey you forever and ever 🫶,” and that’s supposed to compelling?
Mu Hanzhang isn’t well defined yet, but if he’s going to end up falling for someone like Jing Shao, I don’t see the point in getting invested.
Read
February 21, 2026I'm just glad it's over
May 1, 2026
Dnf 83%
I really hoped this would get better but it didn't. I will now list my main complaints, there may be slight spoilers but ngl not much can be spoiled bc there is barely any plot:
- I don't need to constantly be reminded that Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are 2 men, indeed I assumed so given this is a danmei novel. So the author mentioning this basically every 2 pages is fucking annoying
- every female character gets villainised. This is absolutely unnecessary
- the gender roles forced on to a queer couple are strong here. Like can we not do the assigned bottom by status thing?!
- speaking of: if the mcs talked about what they actually felt like this would have been loads better
- the plot is so boring and barely there anyways. No idea why this story needs multiple novels
- also the spicy scenes are awful. Like if you choose to include smut you don't just describe the beginning in detail and then fade to black half way through. Either commit or fade to black earlier.
I really hoped this would get better but it didn't. I will now list my main complaints, there may be slight spoilers but ngl not much can be spoiled bc there is barely any plot:
- I don't need to constantly be reminded that Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are 2 men, indeed I assumed so given this is a danmei novel. So the author mentioning this basically every 2 pages is fucking annoying
- every female character gets villainised. This is absolutely unnecessary
- the gender roles forced on to a queer couple are strong here. Like can we not do the assigned bottom by status thing?!
- speaking of: if the mcs talked about what they actually felt like this would have been loads better
- the plot is so boring and barely there anyways. No idea why this story needs multiple novels
- also the spicy scenes are awful. Like if you choose to include smut you don't just describe the beginning in detail and then fade to black half way through. Either commit or fade to black earlier.
December 22, 2025
A warm feel good historical romance with palace intrigue and military strategies.
Novel: 4⭐
Translation: 3⭐
This is a reread for me. So the rating is for the whole novel not only this volume. This is one of my favourite feel good webnovels. There's also a manhua adaptation that I find quite cute and funny with the chibi graphics every time the characters act childish 😂
So if you're in the mood for a light-hearted, wholesome romance, with conspiracies, satisfying revenge, and overall relaxing vibe, this is the one.
As for the translation, I can't help being a little disappointed:
- There were several long-winded sentences that got me confused and had me reread again.
- The way some characters were addressed was unnecessarily overcomplicated.
- Sometimes, the character names are wrong, which is also confusing. Ex: In a conversation between the 3rd Prince and his consort, the 4th Prince's name is used instead of the 3rd.
Novel: 4⭐
Translation: 3⭐
This is a reread for me. So the rating is for the whole novel not only this volume. This is one of my favourite feel good webnovels. There's also a manhua adaptation that I find quite cute and funny with the chibi graphics every time the characters act childish 😂
So if you're in the mood for a light-hearted, wholesome romance, with conspiracies, satisfying revenge, and overall relaxing vibe, this is the one.
As for the translation, I can't help being a little disappointed:
- There were several long-winded sentences that got me confused and had me reread again.
- The way some characters were addressed was unnecessarily overcomplicated.
- Sometimes, the character names are wrong, which is also confusing. Ex: In a conversation between the 3rd Prince and his consort, the 4th Prince's name is used instead of the 3rd.
January 29, 2026
“Solo cuando lo perdió todo entendió a quién había perdido primero.”
El príncipe Cheng muere convencido de que lo tuvo todo—poder, amantes, prestigio—y solo al final se da cuenta de algo incómodo: la única persona que no lo abandonó fue el esposo al que ignoró toda su vida. No hay épica en ese momento, solo una verdad amarga.
Cuando despierta de nuevo, justo después de su boda con Mu Hanzhang, la novela no intenta vendernos un milagro fácil. El arrepentimiento no borra el daño hecho, y eso es lo que hace que la historia funcione. Cheng sabe que fue un mal esposo, y lo sabe con vergüenza, no con grandilocuencia. Su primer impulso no es conquistar, sino pedir perdón… aunque ni siquiera está seguro de merecerlo.
Tropes
• Second chance / rebirth – morir, arrepentirse y volver atrás con memoria completa.
• Regret arc – protagonista que entiende demasiado tarde el daño que causó.
• Groveling husband
• Neglected spouse
• Wife comes first
• Actions over words
• Slow forgiveness
• Soft but strong shou
• Reformed scum gong
• Political intrigue as background
• Marriage first, love later
• Found family
• Domestic healing
El príncipe Cheng muere convencido de que lo tuvo todo—poder, amantes, prestigio—y solo al final se da cuenta de algo incómodo: la única persona que no lo abandonó fue el esposo al que ignoró toda su vida. No hay épica en ese momento, solo una verdad amarga.
Cuando despierta de nuevo, justo después de su boda con Mu Hanzhang, la novela no intenta vendernos un milagro fácil. El arrepentimiento no borra el daño hecho, y eso es lo que hace que la historia funcione. Cheng sabe que fue un mal esposo, y lo sabe con vergüenza, no con grandilocuencia. Su primer impulso no es conquistar, sino pedir perdón… aunque ni siquiera está seguro de merecerlo.
Tropes
• Second chance / rebirth – morir, arrepentirse y volver atrás con memoria completa.
• Regret arc – protagonista que entiende demasiado tarde el daño que causó.
• Groveling husband
• Neglected spouse
• Wife comes first
• Actions over words
• Slow forgiveness
• Soft but strong shou
• Reformed scum gong
• Political intrigue as background
• Marriage first, love later
• Found family
• Domestic healing
February 25, 2026
Eis que vc pega um romacinho bobo pra leitura deleite e se torna leitura do cão? Péssimo. Escrita medíocre. Estranhamente misógino pra um romance entre dois homens. Pessoalmente preferiria morrer do que casar com essa praga de protagonista mas vai de cada um. Top 1 danmei que NÃO merecia licenciamento da 7seas nem fudendo mas agora já era
May 22, 2026
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, this reads like a first draft or just the writing of an extremely amateur writer. Unlike most of the negative reviews, I didn't particularly hate Jing Shao nor Mu Hanzhang, but what I did dislike was the plot as a whole. This story depends heavily on its political intrigue plot, but it is paradoxically too simple to be interesting and too confusing to be intriguing. The confusion mainly stems from information being either intentionally or unintentionally skipped over, and characters jumping to conclusions via assumptions that I just couldn't understand. While the latter may be a result of cultural differences, the former is simply poor writing. For example, that scene where Jing Shao comes sprinting in on his horse, swings his spear around for hours for some reason (this mental image is so ridiculous) and then finally falls into Mu Hanzhangs arms and cries about something his brother told him about his dead mom? That is never expanded on. I still have no clue what that was about and it was never mentioned again.
I think the constant skipping was honestly the biggest issue here. There was so much summary of events happening that at times I felt like I was reading an outline rather than a finished novel. The direct scenes that did happen quickly felt repetitive and dull, and though i enjoyed the main couple's simple dynamic, there was no substance to it whatsoever. I started to wonder as I was reading if this was trying to capture how unbelievably boring the daily life of an ancient prince is. Wake up, go to court, little happens, go to work, nothing happens, go home and kiss your wife, rinse and repeat. Interspersed are scenes of Mu Hanzhangs family and their various reactions and lukewarm schemes, all of which felt like a waste of pages that could have been used developing the characters into something more complex and interesting.
My last gripe is that Jing Shao being reborn is completely pointless. Its rarely a factor at all and it barely affects how Jing Shao acts aside from how he adores Mu Hanzhang now. We also got basically no information about his previous life and what that was like. The first few pages gave us his death, but nothing about why he was being chased, why he was held in prison, and the supposed mental effects that prison had on him are not actually shown at all during the events of the book. He acts as if he has no memory of his past life at all, aside from occasionally saying that he remembers this event occurring before so he'll plan for it now, which in itself is tiresome. That's not an adequate way to build a past life into your story.
Jing Shao has no anxiety for the future, despite theoretically knowing that his future is leading him toward an early grave. He isn't making proper plans for things he's certain will be repeated, or if he is, it's happening off page for some reason. All his discussions with his brother are off page, despite them having a significant impact on Jing Shao and his reasoning, though not by much. Most of the main characters' scheming is off page. If Jing Shao has actual anxiety over the events of the book, you can bet that's also off page. I felt like there was an entirely separate book that was supposed to be read alongside this one that I was missing. If these events are deliberately obscured for dramatic effect, the author has failed to make that clear, so instead it just feels like things are missing by accident.
Overall, the cuteness factor of these simple characters, and my general positive view of danmei as a whole was what pushed this into 2.5 rather than 2, but I won't be reading the next book.
Unfortunately, this reads like a first draft or just the writing of an extremely amateur writer. Unlike most of the negative reviews, I didn't particularly hate Jing Shao nor Mu Hanzhang, but what I did dislike was the plot as a whole. This story depends heavily on its political intrigue plot, but it is paradoxically too simple to be interesting and too confusing to be intriguing. The confusion mainly stems from information being either intentionally or unintentionally skipped over, and characters jumping to conclusions via assumptions that I just couldn't understand. While the latter may be a result of cultural differences, the former is simply poor writing. For example, that scene where Jing Shao comes sprinting in on his horse, swings his spear around for hours for some reason (this mental image is so ridiculous) and then finally falls into Mu Hanzhangs arms and cries about something his brother told him about his dead mom? That is never expanded on. I still have no clue what that was about and it was never mentioned again.
I think the constant skipping was honestly the biggest issue here. There was so much summary of events happening that at times I felt like I was reading an outline rather than a finished novel. The direct scenes that did happen quickly felt repetitive and dull, and though i enjoyed the main couple's simple dynamic, there was no substance to it whatsoever. I started to wonder as I was reading if this was trying to capture how unbelievably boring the daily life of an ancient prince is. Wake up, go to court, little happens, go to work, nothing happens, go home and kiss your wife, rinse and repeat. Interspersed are scenes of Mu Hanzhangs family and their various reactions and lukewarm schemes, all of which felt like a waste of pages that could have been used developing the characters into something more complex and interesting.
My last gripe is that Jing Shao being reborn is completely pointless. Its rarely a factor at all and it barely affects how Jing Shao acts aside from how he adores Mu Hanzhang now. We also got basically no information about his previous life and what that was like. The first few pages gave us his death, but nothing about why he was being chased, why he was held in prison, and the supposed mental effects that prison had on him are not actually shown at all during the events of the book. He acts as if he has no memory of his past life at all, aside from occasionally saying that he remembers this event occurring before so he'll plan for it now, which in itself is tiresome. That's not an adequate way to build a past life into your story.
Jing Shao has no anxiety for the future, despite theoretically knowing that his future is leading him toward an early grave. He isn't making proper plans for things he's certain will be repeated, or if he is, it's happening off page for some reason. All his discussions with his brother are off page, despite them having a significant impact on Jing Shao and his reasoning, though not by much. Most of the main characters' scheming is off page. If Jing Shao has actual anxiety over the events of the book, you can bet that's also off page. I felt like there was an entirely separate book that was supposed to be read alongside this one that I was missing. If these events are deliberately obscured for dramatic effect, the author has failed to make that clear, so instead it just feels like things are missing by accident.
Overall, the cuteness factor of these simple characters, and my general positive view of danmei as a whole was what pushed this into 2.5 rather than 2, but I won't be reading the next book.
August 17, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
Ugh, qué cosa tan bella. 🥺❤️
La trama no es compleja ni particularmente especial. Se trata de la típica historia de dramas familiares en una corte real; hay juegos de poder, corrupción, alianzas, traiciones, celos, estrategias, venganza, una guerra inminente... Tú sabes, solo otro día más. 😂 Sin embargo, se me hizo lo suficientemente interesante como para mantenerme intrigada y entretenida de principio a fin. Lo bueno es que tiene un ritmo ágil y un muy buen balance entre el romance, el drama y la acción, por lo que no se hace para nada pesado de leer.
Ahora, con respecto a los protas, todavía tengo ciertas reservas en torno a Jing Shao. 🙄 Sé que se esfuerza al máximo por hacer las cosas bien en su segunda vida, pero al mismo tiempo siento que me hace falta saber más sobre su pasado... Creo que sería justo tener el contexto completo. Me habría gustado ver flashbacks donde se mostrara lo cruel, violento y orgulloso que (todos afirman) era antes de morir. Porque así que solo me lo cuenten de pasada y no me lo muestren hace que no pueda crearme una imagen del todo nítida sobre él, pues lo que conocemos como lectores es su redención, no aquello que lo llevó a necesitar/querer una en primer lugar... Además es medio bruto, calenturiento y manipulador 💀, peeero sigue siendo un personaje bien construido y carismático, con sus matices buenos y malos.
Por otro lado, Mu Hanzhang es absolutamente precioso. PRECIOSO, te digo. 🥺 Un amor de personaje. Estratégico, inteligente y audaz, pero muy vulnerable, tanto emocional como físicamente. Algo tienen los personajes así que hacen que me vuelva muy sobreprotectora con ellos, como que me sacan el instinto materno, yo qué sé. 😂 Ojalá hubiera puesto más en su lugar al impertinente de su marido, eso sí, porque a veces de verdad que se merecía un pequeño escarmiento... 🙄
Fuera de ellos, el elenco de personajes secundarios destacan en uno que otro momento. Algo que se aprecia... que no estén ahí solo pintados/de adorno. Me gustó especialmente el hermano mayor de Jing Shao, la dinámica que hay entre ellos dos.
La verdad estoy amando este romance, es taaan hermoso... Solo voy por el primer libro, pero ya lo recomiendo full. ❤️
Ugh, qué cosa tan bella. 🥺❤️
La trama no es compleja ni particularmente especial. Se trata de la típica historia de dramas familiares en una corte real; hay juegos de poder, corrupción, alianzas, traiciones, celos, estrategias, venganza, una guerra inminente... Tú sabes, solo otro día más. 😂 Sin embargo, se me hizo lo suficientemente interesante como para mantenerme intrigada y entretenida de principio a fin. Lo bueno es que tiene un ritmo ágil y un muy buen balance entre el romance, el drama y la acción, por lo que no se hace para nada pesado de leer.
Ahora, con respecto a los protas, todavía tengo ciertas reservas en torno a Jing Shao. 🙄 Sé que se esfuerza al máximo por hacer las cosas bien en su segunda vida, pero al mismo tiempo siento que me hace falta saber más sobre su pasado... Creo que sería justo tener el contexto completo. Me habría gustado ver flashbacks donde se mostrara lo cruel, violento y orgulloso que (todos afirman) era antes de morir. Porque así que solo me lo cuenten de pasada y no me lo muestren hace que no pueda crearme una imagen del todo nítida sobre él, pues lo que conocemos como lectores es su redención, no aquello que lo llevó a necesitar/querer una en primer lugar... Además es medio bruto, calenturiento y manipulador 💀, peeero sigue siendo un personaje bien construido y carismático, con sus matices buenos y malos.
Por otro lado, Mu Hanzhang es absolutamente precioso. PRECIOSO, te digo. 🥺 Un amor de personaje. Estratégico, inteligente y audaz, pero muy vulnerable, tanto emocional como físicamente. Algo tienen los personajes así que hacen que me vuelva muy sobreprotectora con ellos, como que me sacan el instinto materno, yo qué sé. 😂 Ojalá hubiera puesto más en su lugar al impertinente de su marido, eso sí, porque a veces de verdad que se merecía un pequeño escarmiento... 🙄
Fuera de ellos, el elenco de personajes secundarios destacan en uno que otro momento. Algo que se aprecia... que no estén ahí solo pintados/de adorno. Me gustó especialmente el hermano mayor de Jing Shao, la dinámica que hay entre ellos dos.
La verdad estoy amando este romance, es taaan hermoso... Solo voy por el primer libro, pero ya lo recomiendo full. ❤️
August 15, 2026
i truly wanted to love this
and i don't mind, this is a bunch of predicable tropes thrown together
the title speaks for itself
so i knew beforehand what i am getting myself into,
i signed for exactly that, no remorse
but what didn't work for me, and what was the main problem for more than a half of the read, was the fact that said half took place in less than a week since the MC started his life anew
and with that poor story pacing execution came few problems;
1. the MC was too pushy on his newly weeded wife. i know he was excited to comeback after he realized what gem of a person he married but with that,
2. he never really deeply pondered about what he did to his wife on their first night together, which was frustrating. the ML was traumatized i he needed more than just a week to just "get over it".
even taking into consideration that they never fully did it for the next few months, still i hated how it was resolved and presented in the story
it seems that the author realized that their timeline is fucked, and the other half takes place in a span of few moths, which works in a favor of characters to grow and their relationship to deepen
the best part of the story was the shenanigans of the main couple,
when they finally get there with trust and unquestionable loyalty, the whole story started to shine
and i don't mind, this is a bunch of predicable tropes thrown together
the title speaks for itself
so i knew beforehand what i am getting myself into,
i signed for exactly that, no remorse
but what didn't work for me, and what was the main problem for more than a half of the read, was the fact that said half took place in less than a week since the MC started his life anew
and with that poor story pacing execution came few problems;
1. the MC was too pushy on his newly weeded wife. i know he was excited to comeback after he realized what gem of a person he married but with that,
2. he never really deeply pondered about what he did to his wife on their first night together, which was frustrating. the ML was traumatized i he needed more than just a week to just "get over it".
even taking into consideration that they never fully did it for the next few months, still i hated how it was resolved and presented in the story
it seems that the author realized that their timeline is fucked, and the other half takes place in a span of few moths, which works in a favor of characters to grow and their relationship to deepen
the best part of the story was the shenanigans of the main couple,
when they finally get there with trust and unquestionable loyalty, the whole story started to shine
January 16, 2026
Relectura con la traducción oficial por Seven Seas
“If there is a next life, I promise to treat you well, and use my whole life to make it up to you”
Ni en mis sueños más locos pensé que traerían este danmei, pero supongo que era más popular de lo que esperaba.
La primera vez que leí esto me gustó mucho y estoy feliz de ver que la traducción por Seven Seas le hizo justicia. Además es el manuscrito sin censura.
Este danmei trata de un príncipe -que luego de cometer muchos errores- es asesinado junto con el esposo que había abandonado. Ahora Jing Shao tiene una segunda oportunidad, porque ha despertado en su noche de bodas. Y su plan es no morir nuevamente. Y para evitar la tragedia lo primero que debe hacer es cuidar del esposo que maltrató: Mu Hanzhang.
“Id I get to spend a lifetime with someone as wonderful as you, that’s a pretty good thing. Whether other people believe in me doesn’t really matter. I promise to protect you from now on, and I won’t let you suffer any slight.”
Nota: Jing Shao se refiere a su esposo como esposa, y tiene una explicación en base a rangos y títulos. Para que la gente no se confunda y piense que esto es un romance heterosexual, no lo es.
Como dijo la autora: The wife comes first, the state second, and the husband comes last.
Aunque la trama suena muy dramática y trágica, en realidad el libro es cozy y por sobre todo se enfoca en dramas de palacio. Jing Shao sabe todo lo que pasará en los siguientes años de su vida, así que se enfoca en ser estratégico y tener ventajas respecto a guerras y situaciones que pasarán en el palacio. Y ahora que tiene una buena relación con Mu Hanzhang, lo tiene como aliado y eso mejora sus posibilidades de triunfar en esta red de política y milicia.
No esperen drama en el romance o entre los protagonistas, porque se llevan muy bien, especialmente ahora que Jing Shao está corrigiendo sus errores. También es importante mencionar que el POV va cambiando constantemente, lo cuál es algo común en los danmei. Pero es bueno saberlo, porque pueden estar en un parrafo con Jing Shao y al siguiente con Mu Hanzhang. Igual la forma en que fue traducido hace fácil seguir el hilo de este estilo de narración.
El primer vol aborda hasta
Disfruté mucho de la relectura, ya quiero leer la siguiente parte.
“If there is a next life, I promise to treat you well, and use my whole life to make it up to you”
Ni en mis sueños más locos pensé que traerían este danmei, pero supongo que era más popular de lo que esperaba.
La primera vez que leí esto me gustó mucho y estoy feliz de ver que la traducción por Seven Seas le hizo justicia. Además es el manuscrito sin censura.
Este danmei trata de un príncipe -que luego de cometer muchos errores- es asesinado junto con el esposo que había abandonado. Ahora Jing Shao tiene una segunda oportunidad, porque ha despertado en su noche de bodas. Y su plan es no morir nuevamente. Y para evitar la tragedia lo primero que debe hacer es cuidar del esposo que maltrató: Mu Hanzhang.
“Id I get to spend a lifetime with someone as wonderful as you, that’s a pretty good thing. Whether other people believe in me doesn’t really matter. I promise to protect you from now on, and I won’t let you suffer any slight.”
Nota: Jing Shao se refiere a su esposo como esposa, y tiene una explicación en base a rangos y títulos. Para que la gente no se confunda y piense que esto es un romance heterosexual, no lo es.
Como dijo la autora: The wife comes first, the state second, and the husband comes last.
Aunque la trama suena muy dramática y trágica, en realidad el libro es cozy y por sobre todo se enfoca en dramas de palacio. Jing Shao sabe todo lo que pasará en los siguientes años de su vida, así que se enfoca en ser estratégico y tener ventajas respecto a guerras y situaciones que pasarán en el palacio. Y ahora que tiene una buena relación con Mu Hanzhang, lo tiene como aliado y eso mejora sus posibilidades de triunfar en esta red de política y milicia.
No esperen drama en el romance o entre los protagonistas, porque se llevan muy bien, especialmente ahora que Jing Shao está corrigiendo sus errores. También es importante mencionar que el POV va cambiando constantemente, lo cuál es algo común en los danmei. Pero es bueno saberlo, porque pueden estar en un parrafo con Jing Shao y al siguiente con Mu Hanzhang. Igual la forma en que fue traducido hace fácil seguir el hilo de este estilo de narración.
El primer vol aborda hasta
Disfruté mucho de la relectura, ya quiero leer la siguiente parte.
January 1, 2026
4.25/5stars
I really enjoyed this danmei!! It was definitely not what I was expecting considering the cover, description, marketing, and what I've heard others say I thought it was going to be much darker and angstier since I heard a lot of comparisons to erha with it.
But this was actually a very... fluffy isn't the right word, but much sweeter and gentler than I was expecting. I loved their relationship dynamic and how they grew together as individuals and a couple. It kinda sucks that a lot of the plot rides on the SA that happens very early on (and before our mc was thrown back in time so he couldn't change it), but I also LOVE the groveling and redemption arc he goes through.
I bet it's going to be even better in future volumes!!
I really enjoyed this danmei!! It was definitely not what I was expecting considering the cover, description, marketing, and what I've heard others say I thought it was going to be much darker and angstier since I heard a lot of comparisons to erha with it.
But this was actually a very... fluffy isn't the right word, but much sweeter and gentler than I was expecting. I loved their relationship dynamic and how they grew together as individuals and a couple. It kinda sucks that a lot of the plot rides on the SA that happens very early on (and before our mc was thrown back in time so he couldn't change it), but I also LOVE the groveling and redemption arc he goes through.
I bet it's going to be even better in future volumes!!
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