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Thrice Married to a Salted Fish (Novel) #1
Thrice Married to a Salted Fish (Novel) Vol. 1
An arranged marriage will become the perfect career opportunity for one would-be doctor—that is if a curse doesn’t get in the way.
Ten years of exhaustive study and sleepless nights have suddenly been rendered meaningless for aspiring Imperial Physician Lin Qingyu. In the midst of his education, he’s instructed to set everything aside and marry Lu Wancheng, the sickly son of the marquis—all in the hopes that this union will heal the illness that plagues the young master.
However, Lin Qingyu quickly discovers that Lu Wancheng isn’t just an ill-fated aristocrat. In fact, the man has a mysterious sixth sense that could help Lin Qingyu outmaneuver anyone, even royalty. Thus, Lu Wancheng proposes an idea to his new male bride, one that will help send Lin Qingyu back home to continue his studies and fulfill his dreams…both benign and dastardly.
Yet as feelings bloom between these new allies, a dark truth threatens to rip them apart in both sickness and in health.
427 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
March 1, 2026
This was a mix of both fun and pain simultaneously, a combination that I hadn't thought possible before. I didn't believe it could be possible to cry from the intensity of pain and yet laugh with pure happiness at the same time, but somehow, this danmei proved otherwise. I knew exactly how this volume's story was going to end, yet it still moved me to tears.
Honestly, this danmei revolves primarily around the main couple. While there are elements of political intrigue and some secondary characters who play important roles, the core of this story and its emotional impact is centered on the relationship between the two protagonists. I believe that focus is what makes this danmei so compelling.
Lin Qingyu is such a complex character, malicious yet incredibly humorous. He's the kind of figure who might be classified as a villain or antihero, with a demeanor that is cold and detached. He believes that anyone he finds repugnant or despises deserves to die. This might sound insane to some, but it is precisely what makes him so captivating. Lin Qingyu is fully aware of his own nature and embraces it. He exudes pride and arrogance, and his inner thoughts, often humorous, made me laugh out loud while reading. They reveal a layered personality that is both dark and amusing.
On the other hand, we have Lu Wancheng, the joker of the story. This guy hardly takes anything seriously, and his sense of humor is relentless. When he does become serious, it's often difficult to tell at first glance because he quickly slips back into his playful, jokester persona. Despite his comedic exterior, he cares deeply for those he loves. He is willing to endure immense pain and hardship just to ensure the well-being of the person he cares about and wants to protect.
Their relationship can be summarized in one phrase: husbands who kill together, stay together. They are undoubtedly the ultimate murder couple who scheme and conspire with such chemistry. Watching Lu Wancheng become so hot and bothered when Lin Qingyu is planning on killing someone is both hilarious and deeply romantic. Lin Qingyu usually masks his darker, more nefarious side, but with Lu Wancheng, he feels free to express it. Lu Wancheng finds Lin Qingyu even more sexy and attractive when he's in a murderous mood, so much so that he becomes entranced when Lin Qingyu’s killing instincts emerge. And let's be clear, the people they target and harm definitely deserve it.
In conclusion, this story was a rollercoaster of emotions, both funny and heartbreaking. I'm so captivated that I'm eager to dive straight into the second volume to continue this journey and, hopefully, to help myself heal from the intense feelings this first volume stirred up.
Honestly, this danmei revolves primarily around the main couple. While there are elements of political intrigue and some secondary characters who play important roles, the core of this story and its emotional impact is centered on the relationship between the two protagonists. I believe that focus is what makes this danmei so compelling.
Lin Qingyu is such a complex character, malicious yet incredibly humorous. He's the kind of figure who might be classified as a villain or antihero, with a demeanor that is cold and detached. He believes that anyone he finds repugnant or despises deserves to die. This might sound insane to some, but it is precisely what makes him so captivating. Lin Qingyu is fully aware of his own nature and embraces it. He exudes pride and arrogance, and his inner thoughts, often humorous, made me laugh out loud while reading. They reveal a layered personality that is both dark and amusing.
On the other hand, we have Lu Wancheng, the joker of the story. This guy hardly takes anything seriously, and his sense of humor is relentless. When he does become serious, it's often difficult to tell at first glance because he quickly slips back into his playful, jokester persona. Despite his comedic exterior, he cares deeply for those he loves. He is willing to endure immense pain and hardship just to ensure the well-being of the person he cares about and wants to protect.
Their relationship can be summarized in one phrase: husbands who kill together, stay together. They are undoubtedly the ultimate murder couple who scheme and conspire with such chemistry. Watching Lu Wancheng become so hot and bothered when Lin Qingyu is planning on killing someone is both hilarious and deeply romantic. Lin Qingyu usually masks his darker, more nefarious side, but with Lu Wancheng, he feels free to express it. Lu Wancheng finds Lin Qingyu even more sexy and attractive when he's in a murderous mood, so much so that he becomes entranced when Lin Qingyu’s killing instincts emerge. And let's be clear, the people they target and harm definitely deserve it.
In conclusion, this story was a rollercoaster of emotions, both funny and heartbreaking. I'm so captivated that I'm eager to dive straight into the second volume to continue this journey and, hopefully, to help myself heal from the intense feelings this first volume stirred up.
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May 20, 2025Putting one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in the whole novel as a cover is real crazy work, but okay! I love this novel so much!
November 21, 2025
Beautiful petty gremlin x sweet adorable enabler. Love these scheming sworn brothers 😂. Once this novel is completely published, it will be my #1 rec to new to danmei readers. Politics-light, humor, romance, easy to follow plot, lovable characters, and just so well written. Expect to feel all the emotions ❤️💔❤️🩹
MC: Smart, aloof, cold, cunning, loyal, manipulative, holds grudges
ML: Charismatic, clever, loyal, kind, “lazy” in everything but his pursuing of MC, shameless yet embarrassed, green flag when it comes to consent ✅
** Despite all the political scheming with the court, their relationship is nothing but complete honesty and bluntness with the ML confessing things even when he is so embarrassed 🤣
✔️Transmigration (but not from the POV of the person who TM)
✔️Historical
✔️Political/ court intrigue
✔️Slow burn
✔️Pining
✔️Power couple
✔️Together in multiple lifetimes
“Are you mad because I take too many naps?”
MC: Smart, aloof, cold, cunning, loyal, manipulative, holds grudges
ML: Charismatic, clever, loyal, kind, “lazy” in everything but his pursuing of MC, shameless yet embarrassed, green flag when it comes to consent ✅
** Despite all the political scheming with the court, their relationship is nothing but complete honesty and bluntness with the ML confessing things even when he is so embarrassed 🤣
✔️Transmigration (but not from the POV of the person who TM)
✔️Historical
✔️Political/ court intrigue
✔️Slow burn
✔️Pining
✔️Power couple
✔️Together in multiple lifetimes
“Are you mad because I take too many naps?”
January 24, 2026
by this time i really should’ve figured out i’m not a fan of isekai/transmigration type of novels, but hey…. i still don’t like them. i cheated and read a bit more than vol1 provided here to really finish this first life arc.
i liked the idea that there’s nothing wrong with simply being a salted fish and being lazy, because life is hard and hectic, and moments of rest are precious. it’s even better to be a salted fish when there’s someone nearby who’s willing to laze around with you or who’s willing to take care of things while you’re lazy. it’s a very logical and fair idea for a chinese author, you know the whole society lacks proper rest, people are constantly working, competing, and exhausting themselves. it’s very logical to embody the fatigue from the endless hustle and bustle and chronic sleep deprivation of chinese society in a character whose greatest value in life is doing nothing and sleeping and i respect it.
now here’s where what i don’t like and it’s the main character. i’m disappointed that manipulating the lives, feelings, and destinies of others was made just… a character trait of lin qingyu’s? and not just a character trait, but a sweet, endearing one, the one that makes the protagonist fall in love with him. i’m not the one to propagate sunshine and rainbow characters, quite the contrary actually. i love morally ambiguous characters, but there’s a fine line between a well-written morally grey character and just being a jerk for the sake of it. with lin qingyu, there’s no explanation, no motivation, no personal philosophy or belief system driving his actions. he’s not morally complex, he’s just mean because… well because he can be. there’s no depth, no internal conflict, no compelling reason behind why he is the way he is. what makes it even worse is that these awful moments come completely out of left field. most of the time he’s just existing in this bland, nonchalant, neutral state where he does absolutely nothing of interest, and then you look funny at him and he’s ready to poison you bro what😭😭😭😭😭
i don’t think it would be much of a spoiler thanks to a very specific and detailed synopsis the author so graciously provided, but the ml when reading the book says he falls in love with lin qingyu’s character because he’s handsome and does bad things. later in that brief moment of self awareness lin qingyu, after numerous manipulations and scams, thinks that maybe he should stop being the worst, to which the ml answers “NO, be yourself!”. ruining other people’s lives and playing with their destinies for one’s own ends is presented as a character trait so mundane and with nothing to back it up. i genuinely can’t form a proper opinion on him beyond wow this guy sucks because there’s nothing else there. he’s not compelling enough to analyze, not consistent enough to understand, just annoying enough to make me wish i was reading literally anything else.
to make matters even worse for myself, another character i want to bring up in this discussion is HE who shall not be named, of course i’m referring to yan wushi. you may ask and rightfully so what the HELL does yan wushi have to do with anything, but i like to get philosophical. the christian beliefs cultivated in my brain over the years get alerted when a character who scammed people for his own ends, was cruel, and acted vilely, shouldn’t receive a happy ending and love. but then a rational side, reminiscent of chinese philosophical thought, intervenes: the character owes nothing to anyone but himself. as long as he doesn’t betray his own worldview, he’s not obligated to change for the better or act according to moral principles, because he’s already virtuous by honoring the vows he made to himself and working to provide himself with everything he needs. and i think yan wushi is a perfect embodiment of that theory and i give respect where it’s due. and so unlike yan wushi, who truly has his own worldview and values that simply don’t align with the generally accepted ones, but instead presents an entire ideological system within which he functions quite logically, lin qingyu… he just enjoys doing bad things you know he’s just a bad girl. well that’s all he enjoys really. you know sort of an eye for an eye… make the whole world blind…
that’s not a good omen when a character’s impending death is the only thing keeping you invested. the plot was so directionless that for 40 chapters i was just sitting there waiting for the ml to die and that was genuinely the most exciting part. i’m pretty sure this applies for the next 2 lives as well.
overall, it’s not terrible, but not great either. you see where it could’ve been good, but it just… wasn’t. not sure if i will continue
i liked the idea that there’s nothing wrong with simply being a salted fish and being lazy, because life is hard and hectic, and moments of rest are precious. it’s even better to be a salted fish when there’s someone nearby who’s willing to laze around with you or who’s willing to take care of things while you’re lazy. it’s a very logical and fair idea for a chinese author, you know the whole society lacks proper rest, people are constantly working, competing, and exhausting themselves. it’s very logical to embody the fatigue from the endless hustle and bustle and chronic sleep deprivation of chinese society in a character whose greatest value in life is doing nothing and sleeping and i respect it.
now here’s where what i don’t like and it’s the main character. i’m disappointed that manipulating the lives, feelings, and destinies of others was made just… a character trait of lin qingyu’s? and not just a character trait, but a sweet, endearing one, the one that makes the protagonist fall in love with him. i’m not the one to propagate sunshine and rainbow characters, quite the contrary actually. i love morally ambiguous characters, but there’s a fine line between a well-written morally grey character and just being a jerk for the sake of it. with lin qingyu, there’s no explanation, no motivation, no personal philosophy or belief system driving his actions. he’s not morally complex, he’s just mean because… well because he can be. there’s no depth, no internal conflict, no compelling reason behind why he is the way he is. what makes it even worse is that these awful moments come completely out of left field. most of the time he’s just existing in this bland, nonchalant, neutral state where he does absolutely nothing of interest, and then you look funny at him and he’s ready to poison you bro what😭😭😭😭😭
i don’t think it would be much of a spoiler thanks to a very specific and detailed synopsis the author so graciously provided, but the ml when reading the book says he falls in love with lin qingyu’s character because he’s handsome and does bad things. later in that brief moment of self awareness lin qingyu, after numerous manipulations and scams, thinks that maybe he should stop being the worst, to which the ml answers “NO, be yourself!”. ruining other people’s lives and playing with their destinies for one’s own ends is presented as a character trait so mundane and with nothing to back it up. i genuinely can’t form a proper opinion on him beyond wow this guy sucks because there’s nothing else there. he’s not compelling enough to analyze, not consistent enough to understand, just annoying enough to make me wish i was reading literally anything else.
to make matters even worse for myself, another character i want to bring up in this discussion is HE who shall not be named, of course i’m referring to yan wushi. you may ask and rightfully so what the HELL does yan wushi have to do with anything, but i like to get philosophical. the christian beliefs cultivated in my brain over the years get alerted when a character who scammed people for his own ends, was cruel, and acted vilely, shouldn’t receive a happy ending and love. but then a rational side, reminiscent of chinese philosophical thought, intervenes: the character owes nothing to anyone but himself. as long as he doesn’t betray his own worldview, he’s not obligated to change for the better or act according to moral principles, because he’s already virtuous by honoring the vows he made to himself and working to provide himself with everything he needs. and i think yan wushi is a perfect embodiment of that theory and i give respect where it’s due. and so unlike yan wushi, who truly has his own worldview and values that simply don’t align with the generally accepted ones, but instead presents an entire ideological system within which he functions quite logically, lin qingyu… he just enjoys doing bad things you know he’s just a bad girl. well that’s all he enjoys really. you know sort of an eye for an eye… make the whole world blind…
that’s not a good omen when a character’s impending death is the only thing keeping you invested. the plot was so directionless that for 40 chapters i was just sitting there waiting for the ml to die and that was genuinely the most exciting part. i’m pretty sure this applies for the next 2 lives as well.
overall, it’s not terrible, but not great either. you see where it could’ve been good, but it just… wasn’t. not sure if i will continue
November 18, 2025
5/5
My New Favorite Obsession! 💖
I wasn't expecting how this story played out! Wow! This was really good! I can't get enough! I love how Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng are so in tune with one another!
Lin Qingyu is so cunning, smart, and has an evil inner self that Lu Wancheng can see, and I love it! They both made me laugh! They are amazing characters who love to do bad things together, if you know, you know. The flirting between these two! In my opinion, from day one they're in love, even though they're "obviously" straight! Love this cunning and scheming couple!
"Of course. I love the way you look when you use poison."
Did I decide to continue on with this novel? Yes, yes I did! Will I still be buying all the volumes the moment they come out? Hell yes I am!
Happy Reading!
❤️🩹Spoiler Warning❤️🩹
Lin Qingyu was arranged to marry Lu Wancheng to extend Lu Wancheng's life. Lu Wancheng is chronically ill and doesn't have more than six months to live. Lin Qingyu hated the idea of being a male wife so much that he planned to poison Lu Wancheng.
The conniving these two do! Dear lord, I loved it so much. If anyone insults Lu Wancheng in any way, Lin Qingyu will find a way to plot their death! Of course, it's vice versa, but Lu Wancheng, with his weak body, needs help from Lin Qingyu.
The way Lu Wancheng would say certain phrases made me know immediately that he was transmigrated! And he was transmigrated from saving someone's life, only to die in this new life! Sob, sob, sob! I cried so hard reading the ending of this volume! I knew that Lu Wancheng was going to die, and I wasn't ready for it!
My New Favorite Obsession! 💖
I wasn't expecting how this story played out! Wow! This was really good! I can't get enough! I love how Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng are so in tune with one another!
Lin Qingyu is so cunning, smart, and has an evil inner self that Lu Wancheng can see, and I love it! They both made me laugh! They are amazing characters who love to do bad things together, if you know, you know. The flirting between these two! In my opinion, from day one they're in love, even though they're "obviously" straight! Love this cunning and scheming couple!
"Of course. I love the way you look when you use poison."
Did I decide to continue on with this novel? Yes, yes I did! Will I still be buying all the volumes the moment they come out? Hell yes I am!
Happy Reading!
❤️🩹Spoiler Warning❤️🩹
Lin Qingyu was arranged to marry Lu Wancheng to extend Lu Wancheng's life. Lu Wancheng is chronically ill and doesn't have more than six months to live. Lin Qingyu hated the idea of being a male wife so much that he planned to poison Lu Wancheng.
The conniving these two do! Dear lord, I loved it so much. If anyone insults Lu Wancheng in any way, Lin Qingyu will find a way to plot their death! Of course, it's vice versa, but Lu Wancheng, with his weak body, needs help from Lin Qingyu.
The way Lu Wancheng would say certain phrases made me know immediately that he was transmigrated! And he was transmigrated from saving someone's life, only to die in this new life! Sob, sob, sob! I cried so hard reading the ending of this volume! I knew that Lu Wancheng was going to die, and I wasn't ready for it!
June 9, 2026
“Sorry, Qingyu. I don’t think I can…keep holding on. But I tried really hard, so don’t be mad at me, okay?”
“I’ll sleep for a while, then. Remember to wake me up.”
When you know it’s coming, but it still hits you all the same. And the cover!!! 😭
“I’ll sleep for a while, then. Remember to wake me up.”
When you know it’s coming, but it still hits you all the same. And the cover!!! 😭
November 23, 2025
“And Lin Qingyu was wearing his wedding robes and a huadian, just like he had on the day he and Lu Wancheng first met.”
I will never recover from this. What an absolutely stellar arc of a story. The last 5 pages are stained with my tears. 100/10.
I will never recover from this. What an absolutely stellar arc of a story. The last 5 pages are stained with my tears. 100/10.
February 24, 2026
Such gut-wrenching story...
Oh god.. You kinda expect what's going to happen but damn, it still hurts
Oh god.. You kinda expect what's going to happen but damn, it still hurts
November 14, 2025
This is one of my all-time favorite books and the official English translation was my most anticipated read of the year. What I really love about this story is how earnest the MCs are towards each other, they prove their sincerity through their actions as they wholeheartedly devote themselves to supporting each others’ ambitions and wellbeing. I mean, they also spend a lot of time scheming to destroy anyone who has ever wronged them in any way (no matter how slight) but morally grey characters deserve happy endings too. Lu Wancheng is a lazy salted fish and Lin Qingyu can be cruel and petty but they match each others’ freak in a way that makes me so happy. That said, the scene depicted on the cover is the most emotionally painful scene that I can recall reading in a book and with my emotions so raw from my dog’s recent passing it had me straight up sobbing.
March 4, 2026
˗ˏˋ ★★★★★ ˎˊ˗
֪ 🗯️ ׁ ۪ ⋆ᝆ ׁ ❝ If odd, change; if even, remain the same? ❞
ifykyk
︶꒦꒷₊˖˚₊ ✎‧ Trigger Warnings:
❏ major character death
❏ murder & attempted murder
❏ mentions of homophobia
❏ chronic illness
‿︵‿︵‿୨ ୧‿︵‿︵‿
╰──ིੑ🍓ᬉ MY REVIEW…
This is the first Chinese light novel I have ever read to completion. I am very grateful for the occasional footnote to provide the necessary context for specific references. A lot of the poetry and shows mentioned in this book were previously unheard of for me. There’s also a very helpful glossary in the back that offers more explanations + a guide for the important characters.
I’d like to give a little shoutout to my bestie Haven for gifting me this book for my 26th birthday. 🎈 It was truly a pleasure to read this & discuss my reactions with you.
Thrice Married to a Salted Fish is a light novel that follows newlywed couple Lin Qingyu, a young and aspiring physician, and Lu Wancheng, a young marquess with a fatal chronic illness. Their marriage was arranged by the empress and Lu Wancheng’s stepmother, Lady Liang. While Lin Qingyu is spiteful at first over being forced into the position of ‘male wife,’ the book follows the progression of their relationship over a year’s time.
The beginning was the hardest part to read for me. I really struggled to connect with Lin Qingyu’s character for the first few chapters and I find that a majority of the book is spent following his thoughts and feelings, leaving Lu Wancheng’s more of a mystery (because the young marquess seems to be hiding something…). Lin Qingyu is cold, calculated, and ambitious. He is also extremely apathetic. Getting an emotional response out of him is like hoping a tortoise will win a race (which I swear won’t ever happen save for that ONE time the hare took a nap!)
Because of his reserved nature, Lin Qingyu has little emotional investment in… well, anything besides becoming an imperial physician. Because he doesn’t care, I found it really difficult to care, too. But a few chapters in, drama is revealed and Lin Qingyu reveals a dark side that spins the whole plot on its head and makes things infinitely more interesting.
As for Lu Wancheng, he’s more spirited (when he isn’t bedridden and napping) and carefree. He loves making jokes. He’s frivolous most days. I found him extremely compelling from the start especially because I’m sympathetic to his plight. Being born with a chronic, incurable illness that will result in a premature death? Absolutely devastating. Not to mention that since his marriage was arranged, his life is very much out of his control.
I was worried that he and Lin Qingyu would clash too much to make an interesting duo. I was wrong. The more you read, the more you realize they are perfect together — as reluctant friends, as sworn brothers, and as husbands.
There are several reoccurring characters that also have some interesting interactions with the two leads. Most of them have compelling personalities although some were one dimensional (like Lu Wancheng’s half-siblings and stepmother).
I braced myself for the ending but still felt a weight in my chest when I read that last chapter. The buildup to those moments was worth the payoff. You feel their mutual pain. Their grief. God, it was beautiful and tragic all at once.
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were a little slow. Lin Qingyu took a minute to grow on me. But the humor, the chemistry, and the story about grief was worth me pushing through those moments. I adored this book and I think that other readers will too.
︶꒦︶꒷︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶꒷꒦‧ ₊˚・
֪ 🗯️ ׁ ۪ ⋆ᝆ ׁ ❝ If odd, change; if even, remain the same? ❞
ifykyk
︶꒦꒷₊˖˚₊ ✎‧ Trigger Warnings:
❏ major character death
❏ murder & attempted murder
❏ mentions of homophobia
❏ chronic illness
‿︵‿︵‿୨ ୧‿︵‿︵‿
╰──ིੑ🍓ᬉ MY REVIEW…
This is the first Chinese light novel I have ever read to completion. I am very grateful for the occasional footnote to provide the necessary context for specific references. A lot of the poetry and shows mentioned in this book were previously unheard of for me. There’s also a very helpful glossary in the back that offers more explanations + a guide for the important characters.
I’d like to give a little shoutout to my bestie Haven for gifting me this book for my 26th birthday. 🎈 It was truly a pleasure to read this & discuss my reactions with you.
Thrice Married to a Salted Fish is a light novel that follows newlywed couple Lin Qingyu, a young and aspiring physician, and Lu Wancheng, a young marquess with a fatal chronic illness. Their marriage was arranged by the empress and Lu Wancheng’s stepmother, Lady Liang. While Lin Qingyu is spiteful at first over being forced into the position of ‘male wife,’ the book follows the progression of their relationship over a year’s time.
The beginning was the hardest part to read for me. I really struggled to connect with Lin Qingyu’s character for the first few chapters and I find that a majority of the book is spent following his thoughts and feelings, leaving Lu Wancheng’s more of a mystery (because the young marquess seems to be hiding something…). Lin Qingyu is cold, calculated, and ambitious. He is also extremely apathetic. Getting an emotional response out of him is like hoping a tortoise will win a race (which I swear won’t ever happen save for that ONE time the hare took a nap!)
Because of his reserved nature, Lin Qingyu has little emotional investment in… well, anything besides becoming an imperial physician. Because he doesn’t care, I found it really difficult to care, too. But a few chapters in, drama is revealed and Lin Qingyu reveals a dark side that spins the whole plot on its head and makes things infinitely more interesting.
As for Lu Wancheng, he’s more spirited (when he isn’t bedridden and napping) and carefree. He loves making jokes. He’s frivolous most days. I found him extremely compelling from the start especially because I’m sympathetic to his plight. Being born with a chronic, incurable illness that will result in a premature death? Absolutely devastating. Not to mention that since his marriage was arranged, his life is very much out of his control.
I was worried that he and Lin Qingyu would clash too much to make an interesting duo. I was wrong. The more you read, the more you realize they are perfect together — as reluctant friends, as sworn brothers, and as husbands.
There are several reoccurring characters that also have some interesting interactions with the two leads. Most of them have compelling personalities although some were one dimensional (like Lu Wancheng’s half-siblings and stepmother).
I braced myself for the ending but still felt a weight in my chest when I read that last chapter. The buildup to those moments was worth the payoff. You feel their mutual pain. Their grief. God, it was beautiful and tragic all at once.
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were a little slow. Lin Qingyu took a minute to grow on me. But the humor, the chemistry, and the story about grief was worth me pushing through those moments. I adored this book and I think that other readers will too.
︶꒦︶꒷︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶꒷꒦‧ ₊˚・
August 5, 2026
BITCHESSSSS, I CRIED LIKE LITTLE BABY, SEND HELP
January 18, 2026
"Although the reason you and I met was unfortunate, we've come all this way together, and I've come to see you as a close friend. A thousand taels of gold are easy to find, compared to the difficulty of meeting a kindred spirit. I...will always remember Lu Wancheng."
I went into this volume wondering why so many readers were hooked. The first half just didn’t catch my interest, and I kept trying to figure out what everyone else was seeing. I stayed with it, though, and I’m glad I did. Once the story settles into its real momentum, the tension sharpens, the emotion deepens, and the mix of wit, medical detail, clever banter, and political maneuvering starts to hit with precision. The world feels rooted in ritual and tradition, shaped by etiquette, belief, and a social order that pushes every choice.
The heart of the book sits with Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng. Their dynamic works because each stands strong in a different way: Qingyu with his cool intelligence and guarded warmth, Wancheng with humor, fragility, and a bold charm that cuts through the gloom. They spark whenever they share a scene. Their friction fuels the narrative, and the slow shift from arrangement to something more honest lands with quiet force. Readers who appreciate smart characters, sharp dialogue, and bonds built through steady growth will likely connect with them. Those sensitive to forced marriage dynamics, illness, or heavy household scheming may find the tone intense, but the emotional payoff runs deep.
By the time I reached the final chapters, the story had me fully hooked. The twists tighten, the complications build, and the emotional pull hits with real impact. The mystery around Wancheng adds a thread that keeps the momentum clean and focused. And while the first half didn’t draw me in, the second half hit so hard that I closed the book in tears and immediately went looking for an FTL version to keep going. For readers who want layered character work, rising tension, and a blend of sharp humor with real feeling, this volume is well worth the time.
Date Read: 2025.11.27
I went into this volume wondering why so many readers were hooked. The first half just didn’t catch my interest, and I kept trying to figure out what everyone else was seeing. I stayed with it, though, and I’m glad I did. Once the story settles into its real momentum, the tension sharpens, the emotion deepens, and the mix of wit, medical detail, clever banter, and political maneuvering starts to hit with precision. The world feels rooted in ritual and tradition, shaped by etiquette, belief, and a social order that pushes every choice.
The heart of the book sits with Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng. Their dynamic works because each stands strong in a different way: Qingyu with his cool intelligence and guarded warmth, Wancheng with humor, fragility, and a bold charm that cuts through the gloom. They spark whenever they share a scene. Their friction fuels the narrative, and the slow shift from arrangement to something more honest lands with quiet force. Readers who appreciate smart characters, sharp dialogue, and bonds built through steady growth will likely connect with them. Those sensitive to forced marriage dynamics, illness, or heavy household scheming may find the tone intense, but the emotional payoff runs deep.
By the time I reached the final chapters, the story had me fully hooked. The twists tighten, the complications build, and the emotional pull hits with real impact. The mystery around Wancheng adds a thread that keeps the momentum clean and focused. And while the first half didn’t draw me in, the second half hit so hard that I closed the book in tears and immediately went looking for an FTL version to keep going. For readers who want layered character work, rising tension, and a blend of sharp humor with real feeling, this volume is well worth the time.
Date Read: 2025.11.27
February 18, 2026
"I can ignore everything else -- I'm too lazy to care about it anyway. But this... I can't shrug it off. ... You were born to stand atop mountains. Even if you commit every evil in the world, I can't let you be reduced to a mere speck of dust."
Absolutely gobsmacked. I'm writing this review through my tears...!
This is a book about loving someone for who they are inside, completely and unconditionally.
Not just the person that they pretend to be -- a person who follows society's rules of politeness and conduct, the person who is put-together and capable, even a person who is kind, respectable, and admirable -- no. This is a book about seeing past a person's outermost layer and not only loving, but whole-heartedly accepting (and even encouraging) everything that's underneath. Any level of nastiness, pettiness, ugliness, shamefulness, hatred, even the lies --when you find your kindred spirit, even the most poisonous toxicity is beautiful. Wancheng and Qingyu embody "unconditional".
I love the characters in this book. They are so different from any I've encountered before. I think that Qingyu and Wancheng stand out among the other danmei protagonists I've enjoyed because they're completely and shamelessly vengeful and devious, traits which are usually reserved for villains, those of whom are often two-dimensionally and unabashedly evil people. Yet these two do immoral things out of a sense of hurt pride and rage, or else on a mere whim for their own amusement, repaying insult with great injury. Yet they're very far from being, or even feeling like, mustache-twirling villains. One is chronically ill, whose family is merely waiting for him to die, an eldest son who could never amount to anything in the household even if he wanted to. The other is a genius cut down in his prime, who, on top of it, is the victim of sexual harassment, misogyny, and objectification by his peers due to his beautiful and feminine appearance. Both of them have so many reasons to hate, even kill.
Yet you never get the sense, in my opinion, that either are truly evil or bad people... they simply see each other, and give each other permission to be bad. They see the pain that living has caused the other. And both of them seem to say to each other: "Just let go and lash out how you want, I'll help you bury the bodies."
And there's something just so deeply satisfying about that. Neither protagonist is trying to be a hero, or the bigger person, or a saint or martyr, or anything. They're just lashing out and hitting back, because they've both been dealt the shortest end of the stick. Wancheng wants to look at beautiful things before he succumbs to his chronic illness, and Qingyu is so beautiful when he's doing bad things, so he'll help him however he can. There's something so raw, honest, and human about that, in the simple desire of that.
Especially when you contrast the attitude of these two with the extremely strict etiquette and societal standards for politeness that the other characters adhere to, seeing two characters go, "No, fuck you, I'm not going to grin and bear it while you look down on me, you will pay for this." is nothing short of satisfying (especially as a queer person reading a book about two queer people -- sometimes, you just want to see bad things happen to the oppressor. Sometimes, I don't want to read a story where we're the bigger person who takes it on the chin).
You can't help but love watching these two be bad while reading. But they are also so, so good.
How is this book so funny despite being so sad all the way through? There's such angry, bitter feelings of regret and hatred in the protagonist, Lin Qingyu, but Lu Wancheng, his carefree, grinning, layabout husband, balances him out so effortlessly. They are so hilarious to watch together, fitting together like two puzzle pieces, or like a black cat with a golden retriever.
And in between these exciting moments of scheming and plotting and revenge are these shocking scenes of tenderness. Sometimes the author will seemingly-casually throw out a sentence like "Qingyu cupped Wancheng's cheek" or "Wancheng laid in Qingyu's arms" (paraphrasing) and imagining it will just paralyze you with its sweetness and intimacy. There's never a big to-do about their romance -- it's hardly even a (conventional) romance at all, but it's certainly not a brotherhood. Calling them kindred spirits just feels so right. It just develops into something far past friendship before you even realize it, all happening between the lines. And I love that. Qingyu doesn't even have a moment of realizing that he wants to do everything he can for Wancheng to live... it's just a feeling that he slowly, steadily takes action on without thinking too hard about it. It's such subtle and quiet storytelling but feels so natural and lovely.
I find myself wanting to watch them forever. I want them to stay together and have each other in the world, you know? I want Qingyu to have someone who loves even his ugliest parts, just like I want Wancheng to have that person who challenges him and gives him a hard time. They need each other. I can't imagine what's going to happen next, but I know I need to get my hands on the next book as soon as possible...!
November 20, 2025
I’m so obsessed with this novel. I can’t believe it’s so underrated compared to some other danmei.
The end broke me so bad 😭 like i know he was going to die but holy fuck. It made me so much sadder than i thought.
The end broke me so bad 😭 like i know he was going to die but holy fuck. It made me so much sadder than i thought.
March 30, 2026
4.5 ☆
hey so that was diabolical and heart wrenching (╥﹏╥) i am obsessed with the relationship between lin qingyu and lu wangcheng, their dynamic is chef’s kiss!! i love a good transmigration novel, my bread and butter honestly
hey so that was diabolical and heart wrenching (╥﹏╥) i am obsessed with the relationship between lin qingyu and lu wangcheng, their dynamic is chef’s kiss!! i love a good transmigration novel, my bread and butter honestly
January 25, 2026
3.75(ish)*
NOW IM SAD I NEED THE NEXT VOLUME NOWWW😭😭😭
NOW IM SAD I NEED THE NEXT VOLUME NOWWW😭😭😭
November 29, 2025
so cute !!! but damn i knew what was gonna happen and still teared up at the end
"perhaps they were what the scholars called soulmates"
their dynamic was so fun to read, especially qingyu's responses to wancheng's teasing
exhibit A: "every other beauty insults their husband by calling them a bastard. then physician lin comes along and calls me a swine right off the bat. as i'd expect of my wife"
"fuck off"
"i can't" he whined shamelessly
and we love wancheng being qingyu's #1 enabler and defender when it comes to his secret poisonings and gremlin tendencies 🫶🏼
the cover is so evil... excited to continue and see how the rest of the transmigration plays out!
"perhaps they were what the scholars called soulmates"
their dynamic was so fun to read, especially qingyu's responses to wancheng's teasing
exhibit A: "every other beauty insults their husband by calling them a bastard. then physician lin comes along and calls me a swine right off the bat. as i'd expect of my wife"
"fuck off"
"i can't" he whined shamelessly
and we love wancheng being qingyu's #1 enabler and defender when it comes to his secret poisonings and gremlin tendencies 🫶🏼
the cover is so evil... excited to continue and see how the rest of the transmigration plays out!
Read
July 12, 2026── 5.0✦
Lin“I’m tired of pretending to be a good person. I’m going to poison all my enemies”Qingyu marrying Lu“I love the way you look when you use poison.”Wancheng
Lin Qingyu is close to achieving his dreams of becoming an Imperial Physician when an edict comes from the palace that he is to marry the sickly young marquess – Lu Wancheng. Bitter that ten years of hard work is being wasted, Lin Qingyu eagerly awaits his husband’s death, hopefully before the Imperial physician exams are to occur. But when the newlyweds spend more time together, Lin Qingyu comes to realise that this young master who’s been sick and bedridden his whole life knows more than he should. Lu Wancheng proposes an idea that will help send Lin Qingyu back home to continue his studies and fulfill his dreams. As feelings bloom between these new allies, a dark truth looms over their tenuous bond—one that threatens to rip them apart in both sickness and health.
I’m a big fan of transmigration stories but this is the first where it is the ML and not the MC that has transmigrated and I loved how Lin Qingyu was so confused by the random modern lingo Lu Wangcheng spewed. Their whole murderer x enabler dynamic was entertaining to read. I was having so much fun reading them make moves against everyone else then stuff started happening and I was fighting for my life in the last chapter. I’m so happy volume 2 is already out because I don’t know how the rest of you coped.
Also, whoever chose THAT scene for the cover?!!
Lin“I’m tired of pretending to be a good person. I’m going to poison all my enemies”Qingyu marrying Lu“I love the way you look when you use poison.”Wancheng
Lin Qingyu is close to achieving his dreams of becoming an Imperial Physician when an edict comes from the palace that he is to marry the sickly young marquess – Lu Wancheng. Bitter that ten years of hard work is being wasted, Lin Qingyu eagerly awaits his husband’s death, hopefully before the Imperial physician exams are to occur. But when the newlyweds spend more time together, Lin Qingyu comes to realise that this young master who’s been sick and bedridden his whole life knows more than he should. Lu Wancheng proposes an idea that will help send Lin Qingyu back home to continue his studies and fulfill his dreams. As feelings bloom between these new allies, a dark truth looms over their tenuous bond—one that threatens to rip them apart in both sickness and health.
I’m a big fan of transmigration stories but this is the first where it is the ML and not the MC that has transmigrated and I loved how Lin Qingyu was so confused by the random modern lingo Lu Wangcheng spewed. Their whole murderer x enabler dynamic was entertaining to read. I was having so much fun reading them make moves against everyone else then stuff started happening and I was fighting for my life in the last chapter. I’m so happy volume 2 is already out because I don’t know how the rest of you coped.
Also, whoever chose THAT scene for the cover?!!
November 18, 2025
i never expected to cry so much reading a novel titled MARRIED THRICE TO SALTED FISH but BOY was i wrong because i was sobbing even though i knew it was going to happen!!!
January 12, 2026
This was sooooo good when I read it, but I think it was even better the second time. I love them. Lu Wancheeeeeeng *cries
"Lu Wancheng watched Lin Qingy with mirth in his eyes."Don't worry, Physician Lin. You're beautiful even doing bad things""
Btw, the cover??????? Plain evil
"Lu Wancheng watched Lin Qingy with mirth in his eyes."Don't worry, Physician Lin. You're beautiful even doing bad things""
Btw, the cover??????? Plain evil
April 29, 2026
Byd, I’m crying
July 31, 2026
Amazing
Truly loved the devolping relationship between the leads. And how they respected each others autnomy and sense of self. The book was great in showing how to be known is to be loved.
Truly loved the devolping relationship between the leads. And how they respected each others autnomy and sense of self. The book was great in showing how to be known is to be loved.
November 27, 2025
Well, I can't believe I ever worried I might not enjoy this book just because I usually don't buy books without knowing them or the author beforehand.
But oh my god, this book was so good I can't straighten out my thoughts. I sobbed so hard at the ending, and the three month wait until volume 2 will be painful although worth it.
I definitely recommend this novel, but especially if you've never read a danmei! It's really beginner friendly, and I'm kind of wishing it was my first one, although I love tgcf with all my heart XD
My friend asked while I was reading this if I think she'd enjoy it. My answer is 100% a yes. The characters are so special, the story is easy to follow, the dialogue is well written, and the plot is easy to predict but not in a bad way? It's more so like you're less likely to get confused while reading. The only thing I noticed were some typos, such as there being two of the same words right next to each other. (example: there there )
But oh my god, this book was so good I can't straighten out my thoughts. I sobbed so hard at the ending, and the three month wait until volume 2 will be painful although worth it.
I definitely recommend this novel, but especially if you've never read a danmei! It's really beginner friendly, and I'm kind of wishing it was my first one, although I love tgcf with all my heart XD
My friend asked while I was reading this if I think she'd enjoy it. My answer is 100% a yes. The characters are so special, the story is easy to follow, the dialogue is well written, and the plot is easy to predict but not in a bad way? It's more so like you're less likely to get confused while reading. The only thing I noticed were some typos, such as there being two of the same words right next to each other. (example: there there )
February 23, 2026
What a stunning and heartbreaking volume. I can’t remember the last time I cried this much over the book, the final chapters were so beautiful yet so devastating.
The relationship between Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng is so witty, filled with clever and tender banter. I loved this story deeply and somehow appreciated it even more after finishing this volume.
But why oh why did they have to put that scene on the cover? 😭
”You seem to have grown even prettier, Qingyu.” He was like an extremely poisonous flower that had hidden itself for a long time but finally had a chance to bloom. He was beautiful yet terrifying, causing heart palpitations after a single glance.
Lin Qingyu lowered his head to look at his pristine, flawless hands. When he spoke, his voice seemed a bit accusatory. “You were the one who turned me into this.”
Lu Wancheng laughed softly. ”It was my honor.”
The relationship between Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng is so witty, filled with clever and tender banter. I loved this story deeply and somehow appreciated it even more after finishing this volume.
But why oh why did they have to put that scene on the cover? 😭
”You seem to have grown even prettier, Qingyu.” He was like an extremely poisonous flower that had hidden itself for a long time but finally had a chance to bloom. He was beautiful yet terrifying, causing heart palpitations after a single glance.
Lin Qingyu lowered his head to look at his pristine, flawless hands. When he spoke, his voice seemed a bit accusatory. “You were the one who turned me into this.”
Lu Wancheng laughed softly. ”It was my honor.”
December 17, 2024
[5/5] ✦
January 2, 2026
I love murder husbands. Match my freak is fine. But, match my desire for vengeance and retribution? To DIE for—literally.
Anyway.
This is SO GOOD???? Way better than I was expecting from the silly title. I’m actually bewildered by just how much I enjoyed this!
Not only is this a danmei novel that makes use of several favorite tropes, it’s also very much an inner palace/manor intrigue story.
Arguably, I’d say that’s what this first novel is mostly about—our two young, newly married men trying to navigate the interior machinations of noble (and married) life. Pettiness abounds. Squabbles can be found around every corner. Toes are stepped on. Righteous anger flourishes. Just desserts are served. It gives some lite “Downton Abbey” vibes. Very fun.
I was just so captivated by all of THAT. I really enjoy it when a story is able to convey the important things about its characters through their actions.
Show don’t tell, you know?
Here, the author really makes use of this setting and this story’s circumstances to the fullest extent to demonstrate everything you need to know about the characters. How they think or react to different situations. How they respond on short notice or how they scheme. What bargains they make and who they confide in. What slights they forgive and what crosses a line. It’s pretty well done—and so deeply satisfying at points.
More, I really appreciate how this writer crafted the relationship between our main characters.
It feels more natural than relationships I’ve come across is other danmei series. I like the pacing of it and how it grows over time.
I REALLY like the endearingly antagonistic dynamic the pair has. They really play off each other and their interactions genuinely move the plot along. More, I appreciate how they have this mutually respectful and playful relationship. They’re jokingly mean to each other but, ultimately, on the same side.
And, they’re both down with murder. Which, is super fun.
How this author chooses to reveal certain information about Lu Wancheng’s character also belies an understanding of craft when it comes to storytelling. Subtlety is an art. It requires a careful hand. You can make your readers work for things and wait for reveals. I really like how the author leaves us—the readers—with some implications but plenty more questions. It makes me want to pick up the next book.
Anyway, anyway.
This is a well-conceived and well-crafted series all-around.
Highly recommend! I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of this series. It’s probably one be of my top danmei reads going into this new year~
Anyway.
This is SO GOOD???? Way better than I was expecting from the silly title. I’m actually bewildered by just how much I enjoyed this!
Not only is this a danmei novel that makes use of several favorite tropes, it’s also very much an inner palace/manor intrigue story.
Arguably, I’d say that’s what this first novel is mostly about—our two young, newly married men trying to navigate the interior machinations of noble (and married) life. Pettiness abounds. Squabbles can be found around every corner. Toes are stepped on. Righteous anger flourishes. Just desserts are served. It gives some lite “Downton Abbey” vibes. Very fun.
I was just so captivated by all of THAT. I really enjoy it when a story is able to convey the important things about its characters through their actions.
Show don’t tell, you know?
Here, the author really makes use of this setting and this story’s circumstances to the fullest extent to demonstrate everything you need to know about the characters. How they think or react to different situations. How they respond on short notice or how they scheme. What bargains they make and who they confide in. What slights they forgive and what crosses a line. It’s pretty well done—and so deeply satisfying at points.
More, I really appreciate how this writer crafted the relationship between our main characters.
It feels more natural than relationships I’ve come across is other danmei series. I like the pacing of it and how it grows over time.
I REALLY like the endearingly antagonistic dynamic the pair has. They really play off each other and their interactions genuinely move the plot along. More, I appreciate how they have this mutually respectful and playful relationship. They’re jokingly mean to each other but, ultimately, on the same side.
And, they’re both down with murder. Which, is super fun.
How this author chooses to reveal certain information about Lu Wancheng’s character also belies an understanding of craft when it comes to storytelling. Subtlety is an art. It requires a careful hand. You can make your readers work for things and wait for reveals. I really like how the author leaves us—the readers—with some implications but plenty more questions. It makes me want to pick up the next book.
Anyway, anyway.
This is a well-conceived and well-crafted series all-around.
Highly recommend! I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of this series. It’s probably one be of my top danmei reads going into this new year~
July 20, 2026
if i hadn't already bought volumes 2 and 3, i probably would've dnfed this. that's entirely my fault though: i broke my own rule about never buying ahead before i've read the first book.
the biggest issue for me is the writing. both the structure and the narrative feel incredibly messy, and the character motivations often seem to come out of nowhere. a key example is lin qingyu's primary goal is to become the head physician, yet he's also perfectly content with murdering people whenever it suits the plot. those two aspects of his character never felt meaningfully reconciled, so a lot of his decisions came across as inconsistent rather than complex.
that said, there are elements i genuinely enjoyed. i really like the premise of lin qingyu being on the verge of achieving everything he's worked for, only to have his future ripped away by a forced marriage. it's so tragic, and i think it's one of the novel's strongest ideas. i also really enjoy transmigration novels, so the concept was always going to appeal to me.
overall though, the execution just doesn't live up to the premise. there are a few moments that i liked scattered throughout, but they're buried beneath a narrative that feels disjointed and poorly structured.
despite my disappointment, i do plan to continue with volume 2. partly because i want to get my money's worth and read at least half of the story before deciding whether to dnf it for good, but also because the central concept is compelling enough that i'm willing to give the story more time.
the biggest issue for me is the writing. both the structure and the narrative feel incredibly messy, and the character motivations often seem to come out of nowhere. a key example is lin qingyu's primary goal is to become the head physician, yet he's also perfectly content with murdering people whenever it suits the plot. those two aspects of his character never felt meaningfully reconciled, so a lot of his decisions came across as inconsistent rather than complex.
that said, there are elements i genuinely enjoyed. i really like the premise of lin qingyu being on the verge of achieving everything he's worked for, only to have his future ripped away by a forced marriage. it's so tragic, and i think it's one of the novel's strongest ideas. i also really enjoy transmigration novels, so the concept was always going to appeal to me.
overall though, the execution just doesn't live up to the premise. there are a few moments that i liked scattered throughout, but they're buried beneath a narrative that feels disjointed and poorly structured.
despite my disappointment, i do plan to continue with volume 2. partly because i want to get my money's worth and read at least half of the story before deciding whether to dnf it for good, but also because the central concept is compelling enough that i'm willing to give the story more time.
December 5, 2025
I can't even say which of these two cuties I love more 😔 my sweet little schemers :(( 💗
December 21, 2025
so what do i do now? kill myself??????
December 24, 2025
I wasn’t going to read this until volume 2 came out but I’m so glad that I didn’t wait. But also I’m miserable because I sobbed the entire last chapter. Merry Christmas?
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