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Ballad of Sword and Wine #7
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu (Novel) Vol. 7
UNDER SIEGE
Having at last consolidated the six prefectures of Zhongbo under his rule, Shen Zechuan stands between two looming threats: the Biansha Horsemen to the east, and the imperial court of Qudu to the west. Although Qudu remains paralyzed by internal strife, Shen Zechuan knows it’s only a matter of time before the fledgling emperor and her supporter, Xue Xiuzhuo, turn their eyes to him.
To the north, while Hassen continues to hammer Libei’s generals with relentless attacks, Xiao Chiye suspects his real target lies along the vulnerable border of Zhongbo. If he’s right, Shen Zechuan will be cut off and surrounded before reinforcements arrive.
Yet when Hassen’s attack comes, it is with a brutality no one anticipated. Forced to make a desperate stand, Shen Zechuan must hold the walls until Xiao Chiye arrives—or the city falls.
Having at last consolidated the six prefectures of Zhongbo under his rule, Shen Zechuan stands between two looming threats: the Biansha Horsemen to the east, and the imperial court of Qudu to the west. Although Qudu remains paralyzed by internal strife, Shen Zechuan knows it’s only a matter of time before the fledgling emperor and her supporter, Xue Xiuzhuo, turn their eyes to him.
To the north, while Hassen continues to hammer Libei’s generals with relentless attacks, Xiao Chiye suspects his real target lies along the vulnerable border of Zhongbo. If he’s right, Shen Zechuan will be cut off and surrounded before reinforcements arrive.
Yet when Hassen’s attack comes, it is with a brutality no one anticipated. Forced to make a desperate stand, Shen Zechuan must hold the walls until Xiao Chiye arrives—or the city falls.
470 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 12, 2026
this is so hauntingly beautiful... it makes my heart ache....
June 10, 2026
truly out of words.. this was a complete masterpiece.
an astonishing built up of political strategies and a frightening description of a battle, I was completely immersed and at the eage of my seat all the time.
another 5 stars rating for qjj, I love everything about this story.
an astonishing built up of political strategies and a frightening description of a battle, I was completely immersed and at the eage of my seat all the time.
another 5 stars rating for qjj, I love everything about this story.
September 24, 2025
im tattooing yao wenyu's name on my face and then k!lling myself
April 26, 2026
what other rating could i give a qjj volume? 😵💫😵💫 but, this one was especially great. rtc.
June 12, 2026
“Today’s pair of matched jades will be tomorrow’s tigers fighting over the mountain.”
I genuinely thought this was going to be the final major arc before a quieter ending volume full of extras, but clearly I underestimated just how much story is still left to tell. And honestly? I’m glad I was wrong because this volume feels huge. The war is so detailed and stressful that I had to keep putting the book down just to breathe for a second. Every chapter carries this constant pressure that something terrible could happen at any moment, and with this series, death is never just a possibility. It’s expected. That’s part of what makes it such a brutal read emotionally. This series is absolutely not for the faint of heart. I also love how war centered and political this volume feels. Normally I hate politics in books because I struggle to follow them half the time, but somehow danmei historical politics always completely hooks me anyway. QJJ continues to be one of the biggest exception to my usual reading tastes because I knew this series would become one of my all time favorites after only the first volume. Out of my top five danmei series, this is the only ongoing one, and somehow it still just keeps getting better.
Shen Zechuan feels fully sharpened here, not because he suddenly controls everything, but because every decision now carries the survival of Zhongbo on his shoulders. He’s no longer operating quietly from the shadows. He has to hold together land, soldiers, alliances, trust, and political authority while enemies close in from every direction. It makes him such a compelling main character because even with all his intelligence, he still feels human under the pressure. And seriously, how is this man with his weak, constantly ailing body still standing toe to toe with Hassen? I genuinely thought Shen Zechuan would get one-hit KO’d the second things became physical. Xiao Chiye remains incredible too because his role beside Shen Zechuan never feels performative. He stands with him as an equal, as a military partner, and as someone willing to carry the same burdens. Their relationship works so well because love doesn’t reduce the tension around them. It makes every decision feel heavier and more urgent. Xue Xiuzhou is also such a strong antagonist because he doesn’t feel evil for the sake of being evil. One of my favorite things about this series is how some enemies genuinely want what they believe is best for the nation. How do you fight someone who has no selfish ambition? Honestly, the thought of what Xue Xiuzhou could’ve become under teachers like Hai Liangyi or Qi Huilian is terrifying.
I also need to scream about Gu Jin because omg, I love him so much. And Qiao Tianya too. The quieter emotional moments in this volume hit especially hard because characters like Qiao Tianya and Yao Wenyu bring tenderness and heartbreak into a story otherwise filled with warfare, siege pressure, and political maneuvering. This series constantly reminds you that today’s ally could become tomorrow’s enemy, and that instability makes every relationship feel fragile. Li Jianting and the Empress Dowager continue to prove how dangerous legitimacy and political influence can be even from far away. Nothing in this story feels simple anymore. Every side has reasons, every victory comes with a cost, and every moment of hope feels temporary. The volume is dense and definitely asks for your full attention, but the result is incredible because Zhongbo feels real, vulnerable, and absolutely worth fighting for. Few series manage to balance war strategy, leadership, romance, and emotional devastation this well. I finished this volume stressed, exhausted, emotionally damaged, and already desperate for the final one.
Date Read; 2026.05.12
I genuinely thought this was going to be the final major arc before a quieter ending volume full of extras, but clearly I underestimated just how much story is still left to tell. And honestly? I’m glad I was wrong because this volume feels huge. The war is so detailed and stressful that I had to keep putting the book down just to breathe for a second. Every chapter carries this constant pressure that something terrible could happen at any moment, and with this series, death is never just a possibility. It’s expected. That’s part of what makes it such a brutal read emotionally. This series is absolutely not for the faint of heart. I also love how war centered and political this volume feels. Normally I hate politics in books because I struggle to follow them half the time, but somehow danmei historical politics always completely hooks me anyway. QJJ continues to be one of the biggest exception to my usual reading tastes because I knew this series would become one of my all time favorites after only the first volume. Out of my top five danmei series, this is the only ongoing one, and somehow it still just keeps getting better.
Shen Zechuan feels fully sharpened here, not because he suddenly controls everything, but because every decision now carries the survival of Zhongbo on his shoulders. He’s no longer operating quietly from the shadows. He has to hold together land, soldiers, alliances, trust, and political authority while enemies close in from every direction. It makes him such a compelling main character because even with all his intelligence, he still feels human under the pressure. And seriously, how is this man with his weak, constantly ailing body still standing toe to toe with Hassen? I genuinely thought Shen Zechuan would get one-hit KO’d the second things became physical. Xiao Chiye remains incredible too because his role beside Shen Zechuan never feels performative. He stands with him as an equal, as a military partner, and as someone willing to carry the same burdens. Their relationship works so well because love doesn’t reduce the tension around them. It makes every decision feel heavier and more urgent. Xue Xiuzhou is also such a strong antagonist because he doesn’t feel evil for the sake of being evil. One of my favorite things about this series is how some enemies genuinely want what they believe is best for the nation. How do you fight someone who has no selfish ambition? Honestly, the thought of what Xue Xiuzhou could’ve become under teachers like Hai Liangyi or Qi Huilian is terrifying.
I also need to scream about Gu Jin because omg, I love him so much. And Qiao Tianya too. The quieter emotional moments in this volume hit especially hard because characters like Qiao Tianya and Yao Wenyu bring tenderness and heartbreak into a story otherwise filled with warfare, siege pressure, and political maneuvering. This series constantly reminds you that today’s ally could become tomorrow’s enemy, and that instability makes every relationship feel fragile. Li Jianting and the Empress Dowager continue to prove how dangerous legitimacy and political influence can be even from far away. Nothing in this story feels simple anymore. Every side has reasons, every victory comes with a cost, and every moment of hope feels temporary. The volume is dense and definitely asks for your full attention, but the result is incredible because Zhongbo feels real, vulnerable, and absolutely worth fighting for. Few series manage to balance war strategy, leadership, romance, and emotional devastation this well. I finished this volume stressed, exhausted, emotionally damaged, and already desperate for the final one.
Date Read; 2026.05.12
May 14, 2026
"i am yours, even in death. and you are mine. if anyone tries to take you from me, I'll kill them. even if it were the king of hell."
May 27, 2026
4.5/5
the battle for duanzhou going down as one of my favorite parts of the entire novel. it takes special skill to write such a tense battle sequence, even when the reader knows what the ultimate outcome will be. so many exciting moments that i could literally see being produced on the big screen.
qiang jin jiu vol. 7 also highlighted how good this novel is at portraying characters who are antagonists but not villains, namely xue xiuzhuo, li jianting, hassen. you can easily see them all as protagonists in their own stories.
in fact, just like fei sheng became the surprise favorite side character of the last volume, this time it's li jianting - i absolutely love how she actually appears to be an intelligent opponent to shen zechuan, and she's quite sympathetic and likable too - pretty rare to see in an antagonist. of course shen zechuan is still my favorite character but i love seeing him challenged.
the battle for duanzhou going down as one of my favorite parts of the entire novel. it takes special skill to write such a tense battle sequence, even when the reader knows what the ultimate outcome will be. so many exciting moments that i could literally see being produced on the big screen.
qiang jin jiu vol. 7 also highlighted how good this novel is at portraying characters who are antagonists but not villains, namely xue xiuzhuo, li jianting, hassen. you can easily see them all as protagonists in their own stories.
in fact, just like fei sheng became the surprise favorite side character of the last volume, this time it's li jianting - i absolutely love how she actually appears to be an intelligent opponent to shen zechuan, and she's quite sympathetic and likable too - pretty rare to see in an antagonist. of course shen zechuan is still my favorite character but i love seeing him challenged.
May 9, 2026
4.5 ★
June 5, 2026
"i am yours, even in death. and you are mine. if anyone tries to take you from me, l'll kill them. even if it were the king of hell."
while the last volume felt more ce’an centred this one felt more Lanzhou centred, it was thrilling to read as a whole and i feel so much when it comes to this volume that i can’t really put my thoughts together.
this volume also cemented my love for songyu. the character writing in qjj is spectacular and my heart hurt for a lot of people (fei sheng in particular). I actually had to put this volume down several times cause i was so stressed, like you know these characters will be okay overall but watching it all happen was nerve wracking.
I am terrified of what the final volume will bring but I can’t wait to watch Cezhou finally be at peace.
while the last volume felt more ce’an centred this one felt more Lanzhou centred, it was thrilling to read as a whole and i feel so much when it comes to this volume that i can’t really put my thoughts together.
this volume also cemented my love for songyu. the character writing in qjj is spectacular and my heart hurt for a lot of people (fei sheng in particular). I actually had to put this volume down several times cause i was so stressed, like you know these characters will be okay overall but watching it all happen was nerve wracking.
I am terrified of what the final volume will bring but I can’t wait to watch Cezhou finally be at peace.
May 27, 2026
This volume is very intense to read, especially the scene where Duanzhou is besieged. 😆
And finally, Hassen dies at the hands of Xiao Chiye. 🥺
This female emperor looks very interesting. It seems she is smart enough to be an emperor and doesn't want to just be Xue Xiuzhuo's pawn.
And finally, Hassen dies at the hands of Xiao Chiye. 🥺
This female emperor looks very interesting. It seems she is smart enough to be an emperor and doesn't want to just be Xue Xiuzhuo's pawn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
"One day, I will capture the deer the Li Clan lost, and in turn, Ce’an will hold me captive. The sun and the moon have orbited for tens of thousands of years without destroying each other. This is the stability for which the world yearns. We are that equilibrium.”
the way cezhou talk about one another will never not bring me to my knees
the way cezhou talk about one another will never not bring me to my knees
May 12, 2026
Relectura con la traducción oficial de Seven Seas
Ya en el penúltimo volumen y la tensión de la trama sigue igual de fuerte que al principio, y aunque ya conozco la historia y su desenlace, aún así estaba nerviosa leyendo jajaja Batallas, planes, la gran pregunta de en cuáles manos caerá el imperio, múltiples puntos de vista, pérdidas y victorias, y obviamente el asombroso romance entre Zechuan y Chiye.
Este volumen está fuertemente enfocado en una gran batalla, y las páginas pasaron volando, no podía parar de leer.
“I am your, even in death. And you are mine.” Then, revealing the ruthless edge of that blade, he continued, “If anyone tries to take you from me, I’ll kill them.”
“I want to live to a ripe old age with you.” Shen Zechuan dropped a light kiss on Xiao Chiye’s temple. “In a place no one else can reach.
Ya en el penúltimo volumen y la tensión de la trama sigue igual de fuerte que al principio, y aunque ya conozco la historia y su desenlace, aún así estaba nerviosa leyendo jajaja Batallas, planes, la gran pregunta de en cuáles manos caerá el imperio, múltiples puntos de vista, pérdidas y victorias, y obviamente el asombroso romance entre Zechuan y Chiye.
Este volumen está fuertemente enfocado en una gran batalla, y las páginas pasaron volando, no podía parar de leer.
“I am your, even in death. And you are mine.” Then, revealing the ruthless edge of that blade, he continued, “If anyone tries to take you from me, I’ll kill them.”
“I want to live to a ripe old age with you.” Shen Zechuan dropped a light kiss on Xiao Chiye’s temple. “In a place no one else can reach.
May 9, 2026
“The sun and the moon have orbited for tens of thousands of years without destroying each other. This is the stability for which the world yearns. We are that equilibrium.”
in questo volume sono successe tantissime cose e oddio non so come farò ad attendere fino ad agosto per il prossimo volume necessito sapere come prosegue la storia subito?? comunque sempre molti momenti omosessuali e ulteriori nozioni sulla politica commerciale del grano come piace a me quindi voto dieci🙏🏻🩷
(la mezza sega coi piedi mentre si parla di politica momento peak i Cezhou davvero i padri fondatori di freak town li si ama)
5⭐️
in questo volume sono successe tantissime cose e oddio non so come farò ad attendere fino ad agosto per il prossimo volume necessito sapere come prosegue la storia subito?? comunque sempre molti momenti omosessuali e ulteriori nozioni sulla politica commerciale del grano come piace a me quindi voto dieci🙏🏻🩷
(la mezza sega coi piedi mentre si parla di politica momento peak i Cezhou davvero i padri fondatori di freak town li si ama)
5⭐️
May 12, 2026
Volume epico sotto molteplici aspetti, la parte dedicata all'assedio personalmente mi ha gasata mi è piaciuta tantissimo, un equilibrio perfetto di azione, tensione, e momenti estremamente emozionanti (in alcuni la lacrimuccia s'è fatta sentire, lo ammetto, mentre la proverbiale pelle d'oca è stata una costante compagna durante l'intera lettura). A ogni personaggio, anche se secondario, è stato dato il giusto spazio, permettendo di indagarne ancora più a fondo la psicologia, sempre perfettamente tratteggiata e mai banale o stereotipata.
E niente, ci avviamo alla fine anche di questa splendida storia. Non vedo l'ora di avere il volume 8 fra le mani.
E niente, ci avviamo alla fine anche di questa splendida storia. Non vedo l'ora di avere il volume 8 fra le mani.
May 17, 2026
„The sun and the moon have orbited for tens of thousands of years without destroying each other. This is the stability for which the world yearns. We are that equilibrium. The blazing sun and the luminous moon.“
I am unwell.
Also, I want to protect Yao Wenyu as much as everyone in these books is protecting their grain.
I am unwell.
Also, I want to protect Yao Wenyu as much as everyone in these books is protecting their grain.
May 1, 2026
Me when Qiao Tianya and Yao Wenyu interact 🙈😛🥰
April 29, 2026
i just love love LOVE how consistently strong lanzhou is through this whole series whether it be through the pen or the sword or his scheming. he's never a damsel like he's got claws all the time and UGH i appreciate that so much 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
November 11, 2025
I think this is the best danmei ever written.
the story was so strong and interesting
it kept me at the edge of my seat from start to finish.
the chemistry between the characters was amazing
the fact that they both are on the same level of strength and intelligence made their chemistry even stronger.
pace of the story was just right
it wasn't too slow or rushed
it had some really heartbreaking moments but it didn't trauma dump just to be dramatic
everything was for the sake of the story.
and portrayal of women was wonderful
in a world where it is cruel to women and they are treated as a second class citizen,
these women do not sit still and look pretty.
they take action and stand their ground.
and the smut?
omg THE BEST smut I've ever read.
nothing too explicit
no disgusting details
no r@pe or @ssualt
just strong chemistry and tender love
its was so hot I loved it
the story was so strong and interesting
it kept me at the edge of my seat from start to finish.
the chemistry between the characters was amazing
the fact that they both are on the same level of strength and intelligence made their chemistry even stronger.
pace of the story was just right
it wasn't too slow or rushed
it had some really heartbreaking moments but it didn't trauma dump just to be dramatic
everything was for the sake of the story.
and portrayal of women was wonderful
in a world where it is cruel to women and they are treated as a second class citizen,
these women do not sit still and look pretty.
they take action and stand their ground.
and the smut?
omg THE BEST smut I've ever read.
nothing too explicit
no disgusting details
no r@pe or @ssualt
just strong chemistry and tender love
its was so hot I loved it
January 15, 2026
5 star twist with a 4 star ending
May 4, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
The political intrigue was absolutely off the charts in this one, and I loved it even more because of that.
Usually, I find myself a bit confused whenever a new QJJ volume comes out, but this time everything was still fresh in my mind, which made the experience even better.
I can’t wait for the final volume. 🥲
The political intrigue was absolutely off the charts in this one, and I loved it even more because of that.
Usually, I find myself a bit confused whenever a new QJJ volume comes out, but this time everything was still fresh in my mind, which made the experience even better.
I can’t wait for the final volume. 🥲
April 23, 2026
Really really good as always. So much murder though oh my god. Like from the characters you expect AND everyone else. It took 70% of the book to get an illustration of the main couple because all the rest were just murder
April 26, 2026
god, so many beautiful passages in this one. xiao chiye & shen zechuan do spend a good chunk of the book apart again but GOD it just makes their scenes together hit like a goddamn train. im really intrigued to see how especially the more political plotline in qudu unfolds cause i feel like it could go a ton of different ways. AAAAAAA i love this danmei so much its insane
May 8, 2026
SO.FREAKING.GOOD
And I love Cezhou being flirty.
And I love Cezhou being flirty.
May 8, 2026
The cutest thing is how Xiao Xun is so fond of Shen Zechuan. It made me so happy.
June 18, 2026
Shen Zechuan et Xiao Chiye mes bébés
Plus qu’un tome apres, je vais etre trop triste de les quitter 😭
Plus qu’un tome apres, je vais etre trop triste de les quitter 😭
June 23, 2026
The moment Hassen touched Shen Lanzhou, you knew he was done for
Also, this cover is so cute. I’m obsessed with all the couples in this series
Also, this cover is so cute. I’m obsessed with all the couples in this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
“His loose hair fanned out over the bedding. Unable to curl up, he lay gingerly on his uninjured side, revealing a sliver of his side profile. The upturned corner of his eye possessed none of its usual seductive allure. He looked as if he were merely sleeping. Xiao Chiye touched the corner of his eye, but he didn’t stir. Shen Zechuan only dared be so unguarded when Xiao Chiye was by his side. He looked very small like this, completely enveloped by Xiao Chiye’s larger figure.
Xiao Chiye could hardly draw breath. Everything in his chest hurt. He leaned over and kissed Lanzhou’s temple. Even the movement of his fingertips was ever so light, as if caressing a baby fox cub yet to shed its winter down.”
Xiao Chiye could hardly draw breath. Everything in his chest hurt. He leaned over and kissed Lanzhou’s temple. Even the movement of his fingertips was ever so light, as if caressing a baby fox cub yet to shed its winter down.”
May 3, 2026
me, everytime I finish a qjj volume: damn that was a masterpiece
but this one was REALLY amazing. The battle was so intense, oh my god. You know when you're reading laying down and then there's a shift in the narrative and you just have to sit up because it's THAT important? that was me the whole time they were fighting.
and the couple scenes had me screaming!! so much!! cezhou are such a power couple ;; I adore them. you can really feel how much they love and support each other and it's just make me cry. I'm so glad they have each other.
the scene with qi zhuyin and hua xiangyi going on a date (they can say whatever, it was a date!!) was so cute, I kept giggling and kicking my feet. I also loved the lipstick scene (xiao chiye trying to find a difference in the color was adorable), and when qi zhuyin says the "I'm fond of girls"!!
ALSO qiao tianya and yao wenyu made me so emotional help. If you count them maybe they didn't have that many scenes but all of them were SO good I kept closing the book to scream and going back to read just to close it again and repeat the cycle I just can't get enought of them I love them so much.
I can't believe next volume is the last one ;; I'm not ready to say goodbye.
but this one was REALLY amazing. The battle was so intense, oh my god. You know when you're reading laying down and then there's a shift in the narrative and you just have to sit up because it's THAT important? that was me the whole time they were fighting.
and the couple scenes had me screaming!! so much!! cezhou are such a power couple ;; I adore them. you can really feel how much they love and support each other and it's just make me cry. I'm so glad they have each other.
the scene with qi zhuyin and hua xiangyi going on a date (they can say whatever, it was a date!!) was so cute, I kept giggling and kicking my feet. I also loved the lipstick scene (xiao chiye trying to find a difference in the color was adorable), and when qi zhuyin says the "I'm fond of girls"!!
ALSO qiao tianya and yao wenyu made me so emotional help. If you count them maybe they didn't have that many scenes but all of them were SO good I kept closing the book to scream and going back to read just to close it again and repeat the cycle I just can't get enought of them I love them so much.
I can't believe next volume is the last one ;; I'm not ready to say goodbye.
Review of advance copy received from Altro
Un altro volume che si merita 5 stelle.
Nella prima parte del libro l'azione è spostata sulla capitale e finalmente molti dei personaggi che mi stanno a cuore hanno avuto occasione di brillare senza che i due protagonisti li mettessero in ombra. Ho particolarmente apprezzato la rappresentazione femminile: queste tre donne le avevamo già viste nei volumi precedenti lottare contro i pregiudizi del loro tempo, ma finalmente in questo volume riescono a ottenere quello che hanno semplicemente voluto. Mi ha fatto tantissimo piacere vedere questa loro rivalsa verso una società che le ha sempre ostacolate e viste indegne delle cariche che ricoprivano.
Che dire della seconda metà della storia? Me la sono divorata in un'unica sera perchè non riuscivo a staccarmi dalle pagine. L'autrice è stata davvero brava nel descrivere l'assedio, sia dal punto di vista militare, che da quello umano. Riuscivo a vedere vividamente la disperazione dei sudditi, il loro terrore per un secondo massacro e la rabbia per non riuscire a scappare. Anche qui alcuni personaggi secondari hanno avuto la loro tanto agognata gloria e le loro emozioni le ho sentite come le mie. La parte che mi ha dato più soddisfazione però è stata quando Xiao Chiye si è vendicato, uccidendo il bandito che lo aveva umiliato nei volumi precedenti
Nella prima parte del libro l'azione è spostata sulla capitale e finalmente molti dei personaggi che mi stanno a cuore hanno avuto occasione di brillare senza che i due protagonisti li mettessero in ombra. Ho particolarmente apprezzato la rappresentazione femminile: queste tre donne le avevamo già viste nei volumi precedenti lottare contro i pregiudizi del loro tempo, ma finalmente in questo volume riescono a ottenere quello che hanno semplicemente voluto. Mi ha fatto tantissimo piacere vedere questa loro rivalsa verso una società che le ha sempre ostacolate e viste indegne delle cariche che ricoprivano.
Che dire della seconda metà della storia? Me la sono divorata in un'unica sera perchè non riuscivo a staccarmi dalle pagine. L'autrice è stata davvero brava nel descrivere l'assedio, sia dal punto di vista militare, che da quello umano. Riuscivo a vedere vividamente la disperazione dei sudditi, il loro terrore per un secondo massacro e la rabbia per non riuscire a scappare. Anche qui alcuni personaggi secondari hanno avuto la loro tanto agognata gloria e le loro emozioni le ho sentite come le mie. La parte che mi ha dato più soddisfazione però è stata quando Xiao Chiye si è vendicato, uccidendo il bandito che lo aveva umiliato nei volumi precedenti
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