Jiang Suizhou, a history professor transmigrated into the frail and hated Prince of Jing, has been dealt quite the losing hand. His only bastion of hope? The captured, incapacitated Huo Wujiu, his concubine—and the general whose vengeance will end the Jing dynasty.
But Jiang Suizhou’s not going down with the ship! He joins hands with Huo Wujiu with a promise—protection now for protection in the future—and seeks out a physician to heal Huo Wujiu’s legs. The two men’s bond and trust deepens as they step beyond their mutual obligations to trade blows with Minister Pang, the puppeteer pulling the corrupt court’s strings.
Stained reputations, hidden motivations, and political assassinations abound as Huo Wujiu and Jiang Suizhou fulfill their promise. But is this protection alone enough to keep them both safe…and is it all they seek from one another?
'Now here was someone who willingly chose to bind his own hands and feet and toss away his sword, who intended to stay at Jiang Suizhou’s side no matter the personal cost, humiliation, and all, simply because he’d sworn to protect him. He didn’t seem to be alone anymore.'
Volume 2 delivered and completely met all my expectations, exceeding them in many ways. The political intrigue was intensely more complex and layered in this installment, capturing a deeper sense of danger and treachery that made the suspense all the more compelling. The pervasive feeling of impending doom that hangs over the setting becomes even more palpable, amplifying the tension throughout.
Jiang Suizhou truly shone in this volume, demonstrating in a remarkable way that he deserves awards for his acting prowess. The skill he exhibits in portraying a malicious, spoiled prince, switching seamlessly from arrogant to vulnerable, makes for a captivating read. His ability to embody contrasting personas with such ease makes him such a compelling protagonist.
Huo Wujiu's character development in this volume was phenomenal. I finally gained a clearer understanding of his personality, the mischievous streak he has, his love for teasing Jiang Suizhou, and how these traits highlight his sharp wit and playful nature. His interactions always manage to bring a smile to my face, revealing a character who is both cunning and charming.
Their relationship in this volume was filled with beautiful, aching pining, and it was executed perfectly. Both characters are yearning for each other, their feelings bubbling just beneath the surface, yet neither has fully realized the romantic nature of their connection. The emotional depth of this slow-burning romance was simply top-notch, making every subtle gesture or glance all the more meaningful.
By the end of this volume, I felt so well-fed emotionally; my love for slow-burning romances and for love stories that are sweet, tender, and deeply moving was thoroughly fulfilled.
In conclusion, this volume did not disappoint, and I eagerly look forward to volume 3.
I tired to physically consume this book no less than four times like teeth on paper full biting like a rabid animal as an emotional response to the will they won’t they energy happening like I can’t handle anymore lingering glances and acts of devotion and stolen touches someone just confess already dammit
Banger!!! This was a stressful read, the wheels are turning, feelings are growing, things are HAPPENING. The more danmei I read the more I realize I really do enjoy reading about fucked up court politics. This has that and yearning and isekai like she was literally made for me. Always a sucker when the love interest falls first ESPECIALLY when they're mad about it and this delivers that in spades. Mwah🤌
I feel similarly to the first book, but I think: well this does read as ONE long book that happens to be cut into four parts. They even continue with chapter numbers from volume one. I could have easily read this in one sitting but I tried as hard as I could to make it last longer than the first installment (which I read in one day), knowing I have to wait four months for volume three and then another four months after that for the last volume. I wasn't that good about it. I will possibly have to reread the first two books to tide myself over till I have the third in my hands.
So we carry on directly from where we left off in volume one, where the Emperor and the Grand Chancellor continue to scheme pettily and bring the dynasty down with their limited thinking, and the Prince of Jiang and his War God Concubine deftly counter every move. What is very cute in this volume is how the heroes each keep small secrets from one another (often about their plans to protect the other) while simultaneously becoming confidants and simultaneously starting to have feelings for each other. It's just written in a very cute, very Asian romantic comedy way, I enjoyed it. Also, a lot of comedy comes from the loyal subservient characters, who zealously want what their masters want, but who make assumptions about what that is. I had a chuckle every time we are privy to the thoughts of these innocent bystanders.
This is a very light book, even though there are a lot of deaths (no one the reader ever "meets", always rather faceless, sometimes named as henchmen to the bad guys, they're dispatched quickly, mostly off page), and scenes of bullying, violence, and sickness. I just had a good time rooting for the good guys (and their romance) and for the comeuppance of the bad dudes. Just pure fun.
I love the sick in bed trope. When either character is sick or wounded, they do little acts of kindness. Like oh, Huo Wujiu treatment has side affects. Let me read to him to distract him from the pain. Oh, Jiang Suizhou induced an illness in order to find a physician to treat Huo Wujiu's legs? Let me commit murder and destruction of property for him. You know, it's the little things that really shows they care.
Huo Wujiu perspective is finally getting more focus and I adore how he starts questioning his emotions but quickly accepts that he want to spoil and protect Jiang Suizhou.
And the more Jiang Suizhou interacts with Huo Wujiu, the more honest he is with his reactions. He no longer needs to act as the villain in front of him and Jiang finds out that he is actually pretty softhearted but burdens himself with other people's issues. Maybe too much. Jiang is constantly putting himself in harms way for Huo's sake and Huo confronts him to stop. Jiang is not alone anymore, he has someone to relay on now.
I also find it funny that Huo is comfortable to tease Jiang, but the author describes Jiang facial expression like he was just bullied and it tugs on Huo's heart string.
SPOILERS
The scenes that really stuck to me was when Jiang emotions overwhelms him when he sees Huo wounded and a single tear escapes. Huo can't help but hold him.
When Huo stands for the first time and realized he wants Jiang to celebrate this moment. Then Jiang looks for him because he wants to drink for his own accomplishments. Resulting him getting drunk and Huo tricking him that he doesn't finishes his cup.
And Jiang opening the windows at night to induce another illness for Huo. Leading Huo to speak out for Jiang's health. Then Jiang's final realization.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love how this one only further develops their relationship and the trust that they build in each other. Also the fact that despite it being painfully obvious to the reader is fun.
I really do enjoy this one, to be honest, and I am really looking forward to the third book and how it'll go. I do wonder whether my theory is true or not.
I continue to enjoy the heck out of this series. The first half of the book was a little slow for me since the two of them were apart a lot or semi fighting. But the second half really made up for that with all of the action and relationship building we did. The political scheming in this book was also really exciting to witness. Overall a great continuation to the series with a great final chapter. Can't wait for the next book!
I don't know what kind of crack the author put into this novel, but I cannot stop reading. The moment this second volume dropped into my hands, I wanted to do nothing but read it. And now I have to wait for the third volume how long?! 100% recommend it. Read it, people. I repeat, read it. This is one of those books you have to read at least once in your lifetime.
I love Jiang Suizhou and Huo Wujiu so much. Like a ridiculous amount. My friend suffered the brunt of my addiction as I read this book, so she can attest to that. 🤣 I spent my time grinning like an idiot while I read this. The story itself is a good balance of sweet and adorable with tension and drama. I love it. So keen for the next book!
Excellent second volume. This is one of the rare "they're both straight" arcs that actually feels realistic. The dynamic between the characters and the way they muddle through their complicated relationship is really quite sweet.
Aside from the romance, which is believably slow with lots of time for the chemistry to develop, the plot is also a bit of a slow burn. There's enough going on that you don't get bored, but neither are you going to get overwhelmed and confused by who's who.
Overall, I'll continue to read this series as it comes out, and continue to be annoyed that I have to wait until the next volume is released because if it was out already I'd already be greedily reading it.
Did I mean to read this entirely in one sitting? I did not, but this does such a good job of sucking you in with a 'just one more chapter' mentality. I'm still not sure I love that Huo Wujiu figured out all on his own that Jiang Suizhou didn't actually have feelings for him - though mainly just because that's not what I would've done, not because it hurt the story in any way. I was so afraid Huo Wujiu was going to keep his secret all the way through to the next book and it was SO GREAT not to have that linger and yet still have so many other compelling avenues that I want answered in the next book! I can't wait! I shouldn't have read this so fast, omg, July?! how will I survive it *cries*
Wow, I’ll write a better review later, but this was amazing. Loved it. Could not put it down for a moment.
Update: I liked book 2 a lot more than I liked book 1, and I loved book 1. I love the MC's in this story and I especially was glad to read more of the LI point of view in this one. I love their uncertainty and the MC's complete obliviousness. It's hilarious to me that in the first one the LI was convinced the prince was pining for him constantly, and now that he knows the truth instead the tables have turned and he now pines for the prince.
The scenes are all so cute and hilarious and endearing to read. I couldn't put it down. The only downside was that every plan and every scenario works out for them beautifully and sometimes that hinders the story. As a reader, I want an unexpected adrenaline rush when plans dont work and are foiled in dramatic ways. I will say, I still liked it and it didn't break my immersion too much.
OMG I LUV THIS. I hate the fact that I can't read all the 4 Vols together... Jiang Suizhou finally realised his feelings for Huo Wujiu and their romance deepened, but shit is about to get real in the court too. I have a feeling Vol 3 is gonna be my fav, considering the direction of the story so far.
truly i am having the absolute time of my life with this book. THESE 2 LOSERS IN LOVE!!!! ARGHHHH im obsessed. their dynamic is PEAK and i am truly so fond of all the glimpses we get into how their relationship looks from the outside. ESPECIALLY from their number 1 shipper meng qianshan lmao
4.75. I love them so much. The way their relationship is developing and how they're both so clueless yet not, the way they take care of each other, everything is just.... *chef's kiss*