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Copper Coins: Tong Qian Kan Shi (Novel) #1
Медные монеты даруют миру покой. Том 1
In this historical fantasy danmei, a monk with amnesia and two raggedy paper dolls inhabited by a dragon and a ghost embark on a journey to reclaim their former glory. But can they endure each other long enough to find what they seek?
Under the blue glow of dawn, Xue Xian—former dragon and current paper doll—is mere moments away from being kidnapped and exorcized. Except, Xue Xian has no idea! Instead, he’s cursed to be trapped in the form of a hideous paper doll alongside the bickering Jiang Shining, a former ghost indebted to assist Xue Xian in reclaiming his lost glory and, ultimately, avenging the wrongs inflicted upon him.
So when a monk with amnesia named Xuanmin—hot on the trail of an unknown curse—arrives at the burnt ruins of Jiang Manor, he quickly finds the source. Putting off the exorcism for his return, Xuanmin unceremoniously stuffs two crude paper dolls inside his pouch and heads back, none the wiser. Furious, Xue Xian grumpily stews in captivity and declares a new vow: To turn this high-minded monk’s life into a living hell!
Trapped as a traveling trio, they must suffer one another’s company while seeking answers to their growing list of questions: Will Jiang Shining be able to fulfill the unfinished business that tethers him to this mortal coil? Will Xue Xian be able to crack Xuanmin’s icy demeanor, and will he like what he finds if he does? More importantly still, who even is Xuanmin?
504 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2025
51 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 8, 2025
Books that cured my prejudices against bald people.
November 25, 2025
Initially, I was very unsure about ‘Copper Coins’, (I did originally DNF a FTL a while back) and it took me a while to get a ‘feel’ for the story. However, after the first 100 pages I was then invested in the characters and the plot.
It was worth giving it a 2nd chance because everyone needs a cheeky dragon MC like Xue Xian in their lives.
For me, this was a good, solid start to a series but not a great one. However, I think it has the potential to be that though so will definitely be picking up volume 2.
It was worth giving it a 2nd chance because everyone needs a cheeky dragon MC like Xue Xian in their lives.
For me, this was a good, solid start to a series but not a great one. However, I think it has the potential to be that though so will definitely be picking up volume 2.
October 28, 2025
A dragon 🐉, a monk🧑🦲, and a ghost 👻(scared of other ghosts) end up going on a mystery adventure to find some bones (among other things) and collect a few crew members along the way.
MC Xue Xian: an angry lil gremlin dragon, shameless, chaotic, irritable in a cute and goofy way, snarky, always trying to save his dignity, often feels "humiliated" or embarrased because he's a dignified and mighty dragon, paralyzed :(
ML Xuanmin: monk, cold and aloof, has amnesia so he's a little bit of a mystery, patient
What I loved about this novel:
🐉SO FUNNY, the banter had me laughing out loud which I rarely do with books. I don't seek out books with humor but if it's there, I enjoy it. This novel hit the sweet spot with the amount of humor
🐉Smart/stoic/quiet monk x fiesty/mouthy dragon pairing-much like the Wangxian dynamic. XX can be so dumb (like WWX) misinterpreting or explaining away certain things XM does for him. He is also quite the unreliable narrator at times like Mo Ran
🐉Found family. Side characters are just as fun and entertaining as the MC. A scholar/bookworm ghost who is afraid of ghosts, a bratty ill-tempered kid who has a gift, and a talented coward stone mason
🐉Shares a universe with Panguan and Unseen Immortal of Three Hundred Years. While Panguan's focus is puppetry, Copper Coins is Feng shui.
🐉Slow burn. Seeing the shift in their relationship is so satisfying XX
🐉Mu Su Li is quickly moving up my list if trusted authors. I'll be reading Unseen Immortal soon!
Might not be for everybody, but if you want a fun xuanhuan novel with a dragon MC give this a try 🥰
Fairly short and 102 chapters and 1 extra. I loved this official translation so I didn’t change much from my original review 💜
MC Xue Xian: an angry lil gremlin dragon, shameless, chaotic, irritable in a cute and goofy way, snarky, always trying to save his dignity, often feels "humiliated" or embarrased because he's a dignified and mighty dragon, paralyzed :(
ML Xuanmin: monk, cold and aloof, has amnesia so he's a little bit of a mystery, patient
What I loved about this novel:
🐉SO FUNNY, the banter had me laughing out loud which I rarely do with books. I don't seek out books with humor but if it's there, I enjoy it. This novel hit the sweet spot with the amount of humor
🐉Smart/stoic/quiet monk x fiesty/mouthy dragon pairing-much like the Wangxian dynamic. XX can be so dumb (like WWX) misinterpreting or explaining away certain things XM does for him. He is also quite the unreliable narrator at times like Mo Ran
🐉Found family. Side characters are just as fun and entertaining as the MC. A scholar/bookworm ghost who is afraid of ghosts, a bratty ill-tempered kid who has a gift, and a talented coward stone mason
🐉Shares a universe with Panguan and Unseen Immortal of Three Hundred Years. While Panguan's focus is puppetry, Copper Coins is Feng shui.
🐉Slow burn. Seeing the shift in their relationship is so satisfying XX
🐉Mu Su Li is quickly moving up my list if trusted authors. I'll be reading Unseen Immortal soon!
Might not be for everybody, but if you want a fun xuanhuan novel with a dragon MC give this a try 🥰
Fairly short and 102 chapters and 1 extra. I loved this official translation so I didn’t change much from my original review 💜
October 5, 2025
ya know i had the lowest expectations picking this up as my only ever experience with musuli was global examination and lets just say it didnt sing and it didnt dance for me in the slightest (it was probably the fan translation thou).
but!
this is surprisingly good. the strongest start to a series ive read in a while. id honestly read this even if it wasnt danmei.
xue xian is the star of the show. whether hes flailing about as a paper doll or rolling around as a pebble, hes stealing the scenes for me like the drama queen he is. hes the type of character to have five meltdowns before breakfast and i'm loving it.
i need more!!
but!
this is surprisingly good. the strongest start to a series ive read in a while. id honestly read this even if it wasnt danmei.
xue xian is the star of the show. whether hes flailing about as a paper doll or rolling around as a pebble, hes stealing the scenes for me like the drama queen he is. hes the type of character to have five meltdowns before breakfast and i'm loving it.
i need more!!
September 22, 2025
I 🤍 my Bald Donkey
December 26, 2025
This was pretty fun, I like the trio and look forward to more adventures. Xue Xian is a really funny character - he thinks he's super dignified and looks scary, when he's just a paper doll / mini dragon :D
December 7, 2025
3.5/5☆
September 21, 2025
Ok, I'm gonna be honest here. When the cover for this was 1st revealed, I was flabbergasted by the fact there's a bald ml. And was so not gonna read it. But I was tempted. And damn, that was the best decision of my life. It was hilarious af, though I got a little choked up at the end. Definitely continuing this series.
September 16, 2025
Copper Coins reminded me of everything I enjoyed about Global Examination and Mu Su Li’s writing. Her plot lines/world building are peak and her characters are unique and memorable. The banter between the leads was fantastic! I usually feel pretty ambivalent towards cocky and arrogant characters but Xue Xian is such a little show stealer it’s unreal and Xuanmin had me dying every time he DID respond to his antics. Also Jiang Shining is adorable.
I finished this book in a day and a half and I haven’t been this excited for a volume two since the start of 2ha and TGCF’s releases. So glad Mu Su Li will finally get the attention she deserves!
I finished this book in a day and a half and I haven’t been this excited for a volume two since the start of 2ha and TGCF’s releases. So glad Mu Su Li will finally get the attention she deserves!
November 12, 2025
“How capable one was depended on one’s experience. The older one grew, the harder one became to fool.”
I’ve been hearing about this series for a while and finally gave in, avoiding spoilers as best I could. I went in pretty blind—and sleep-deprived, which probably didn’t help. I hadn’t slept in two days when I cracked this open, so there were moments I just couldn’t picture what was happening. I’ll definitely reread it when I’m in a better state of mind, because even through the fog, I could tell there’s something intriguing here. It’s not the kind of book that makes a loud first impression, but it does have a quiet pull that lingers.
The pacing leans slow, with dense dialogue and layered folklore driving most of the action. There’s more ghostly world-building than emotional payoff at this stage, but the characters make up for it. Xue Xian and Xuanmin have a weird, prickly rhythm that’s fun to follow. They’re total opposites—loud vs. silent, chaos vs. calm—and watching them clash (and occasionally click) is one of the book’s biggest hooks. Even when the plot gets murky, the banter and odd tension between them kept me turning pages. It’s more eerie than thrilling, more curious than romantic, but it feels like it’s building toward something.
While I don’t think this is a strong opening volume, it’s clear the author knows exactly what kind of story they’re telling. There’s a lot of emotional detail packed into small moments, and the writing has a sharp edge I really liked. I can see why fans of the original praised it. This feels like one of those books that grows on you slowly—one reread at a time—and I’m holding out hope the next volumes dig in deeper.
Date Read: 2025.11.12
I’ve been hearing about this series for a while and finally gave in, avoiding spoilers as best I could. I went in pretty blind—and sleep-deprived, which probably didn’t help. I hadn’t slept in two days when I cracked this open, so there were moments I just couldn’t picture what was happening. I’ll definitely reread it when I’m in a better state of mind, because even through the fog, I could tell there’s something intriguing here. It’s not the kind of book that makes a loud first impression, but it does have a quiet pull that lingers.
The pacing leans slow, with dense dialogue and layered folklore driving most of the action. There’s more ghostly world-building than emotional payoff at this stage, but the characters make up for it. Xue Xian and Xuanmin have a weird, prickly rhythm that’s fun to follow. They’re total opposites—loud vs. silent, chaos vs. calm—and watching them clash (and occasionally click) is one of the book’s biggest hooks. Even when the plot gets murky, the banter and odd tension between them kept me turning pages. It’s more eerie than thrilling, more curious than romantic, but it feels like it’s building toward something.
While I don’t think this is a strong opening volume, it’s clear the author knows exactly what kind of story they’re telling. There’s a lot of emotional detail packed into small moments, and the writing has a sharp edge I really liked. I can see why fans of the original praised it. This feels like one of those books that grows on you slowly—one reread at a time—and I’m holding out hope the next volumes dig in deeper.
Date Read: 2025.11.12
September 14, 2025
i like them bald men
tbr-owned
October 16, 2025Just bought a physical copy of this as a gift for my mom and it'll be arriving today! Yayyyyy!!!!
September 12, 2025
xue xian stole the show for me
September 9, 2025
★★★★ - 3.5/5 stars
September 21, 2025
Uuff 3.5 ⭐️, maybe? Not groundbreaking, but still fun.
Mysterious monk with reoccurring memory loss, a dragon finally reunited with his body, and a ghost in paper form travel around to do....something? It's honestly not clear. Xue Xian obviously wanted to find his missing body, but Xuanming? He's carrying Xue Xian and Jiang Shining - our beloved ghost - around in his pocket. Why he's doing what he's doing remains a mystery.
Also ghost boy is just tagging along 😅 (love him though)
There was a plot. I'm just not entirely sure what happened. Something, I guess.
I was definitely entertained and it was not a bad read at all.
Really curious to see what will happen in the next volume!
Mysterious monk with reoccurring memory loss, a dragon finally reunited with his body, and a ghost in paper form travel around to do....something? It's honestly not clear. Xue Xian obviously wanted to find his missing body, but Xuanming? He's carrying Xue Xian and Jiang Shining - our beloved ghost - around in his pocket. Why he's doing what he's doing remains a mystery.
Also ghost boy is just tagging along 😅 (love him though)
There was a plot. I'm just not entirely sure what happened. Something, I guess.
I was definitely entertained and it was not a bad read at all.
Really curious to see what will happen in the next volume!
September 24, 2025
This was a lot of fun. Xue Xian is so arrogant, but instead of being frustrating it's entirely entertaining. The reasons for that are mainly that a) Xuanmin can handle his own when dealing with Xue Xian (often in hilarious ways) and b) Xue Xian is all bark and (almost) no bite. Even Jiang Shining has his funny moments. The humour in the story is largely an understated kind of humour, but it worked well. Plus, even though I'm really curious to know more about all three of these characters, I kind of liked the style of the storytelling. I didn't learn too much about them except through their actions, but the way it feels like I'm not seeing the whole picture actually lends itself well to the mystery element. I'm very much looking forward to the next volume!
September 25, 2025
I'm not going to lie, this was not the dinamic I was expecting seeing the cover, but it was even BETTER. They're super fun together and xue xian is such a dramaqueen that I can't help but love him dearly. I had an amazing time reading their banter and the plot was interesting. Also dragons!!!!
so excited to read the next ones, I hope xuanmin can keep strong in dealing with xue xian, I'm supporting you, king!
so excited to read the next ones, I hope xuanmin can keep strong in dealing with xue xian, I'm supporting you, king!
November 8, 2025
Oh my gosh I’m hooked already. I am loving the banter and always a huge fan of Mu Su Li’s writing! I can’t wait to dive in more!
September 26, 2025
5/5 🌟
This has got to be one of the funniest books I’ve ever read! Definitely making it in one of my favorite historical fantasy!
⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
Don’t let such a funny story deter you from such crazy lore lying underneath! The secret behind the spider mark, the enemy that attacked our dragon enough to weaken him so, our little friend we meet along the way that caught an illness due to some events; how is he going to continue with the gang? Also, what’s our other paper friend’s final wish? (╭ರ_•́)
Not to mention, despite this story being so silly, I did cry twice. The amazing way MSL has where she could write the funniest inner and outer dialogue with the wittiest characters alongside Priest, but on top of that to make such incredibly sad scenes of characters you’ve grown attached to in a matter of a chapter. Ugh! My heart. QAQ
Xie Xue is such a funny and open book character. He really hides nothing, and the way Mu Su Li expresses his inner thoughts, he really is so shameful and so bossy! For an all powerful and mighty dragon to succumb to being constantly shoved into a side baggie, to having to later roll around and around. Finally, turning into a tiny little soft and fluffy dragon that won’t let go of Xuanmin, and bosses the monk around—biting him if he doesn’t get what he wants when he gets all riled up from having his buttons pushed by simple facial expressions or words from our monk!
( ｡ •̀ ᴖ •́ ｡) 🤣
He’s such a grumpy cutie!
Xuanmin is not pushover, but can’t help cave to his little dragon, calling him an evil spirit. lol His lore, insane! I am very intrigued as to what is his back story! He’s so serious and funny, I can tell he loves to bully and annoy Xie Xue around when the latter is in such weakened states! Lol they're seriously so cute!
( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡
The temptation I have to pick up the fan’s translation and read the remaining of the story is real! But I won't. I’ll wait until December for the second volume. I have too much I have lined up to read! This volume was so small, but the paperback version’s paper quality has improved from the previous and recent Danmei Seven Seas has put out? Wha~?
This has got to be one of the funniest books I’ve ever read! Definitely making it in one of my favorite historical fantasy!
⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
Don’t let such a funny story deter you from such crazy lore lying underneath! The secret behind the spider mark, the enemy that attacked our dragon enough to weaken him so, our little friend we meet along the way that caught an illness due to some events; how is he going to continue with the gang? Also, what’s our other paper friend’s final wish? (╭ರ_•́)
Not to mention, despite this story being so silly, I did cry twice. The amazing way MSL has where she could write the funniest inner and outer dialogue with the wittiest characters alongside Priest, but on top of that to make such incredibly sad scenes of characters you’ve grown attached to in a matter of a chapter. Ugh! My heart. QAQ
Xie Xue is such a funny and open book character. He really hides nothing, and the way Mu Su Li expresses his inner thoughts, he really is so shameful and so bossy! For an all powerful and mighty dragon to succumb to being constantly shoved into a side baggie, to having to later roll around and around. Finally, turning into a tiny little soft and fluffy dragon that won’t let go of Xuanmin, and bosses the monk around—biting him if he doesn’t get what he wants when he gets all riled up from having his buttons pushed by simple facial expressions or words from our monk!
( ｡ •̀ ᴖ •́ ｡) 🤣
He’s such a grumpy cutie!
Xuanmin is not pushover, but can’t help cave to his little dragon, calling him an evil spirit. lol His lore, insane! I am very intrigued as to what is his back story! He’s so serious and funny, I can tell he loves to bully and annoy Xie Xue around when the latter is in such weakened states! Lol they're seriously so cute!
( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡
The temptation I have to pick up the fan’s translation and read the remaining of the story is real! But I won't. I’ll wait until December for the second volume. I have too much I have lined up to read! This volume was so small, but the paperback version’s paper quality has improved from the previous and recent Danmei Seven Seas has put out? Wha~?
September 25, 2025
UGH! I'm actually so pissed it's over. I am obsessed! I cannot wait until December to read the next volume. If you're wondering if you should pick this up, PLEASE read it! At first, it felt a little slow just because you're immediately dropped into the world with no introduction, but that slowness quickly went away. It was fun to try to figure out what's going on and who's who. The more the book developed, the more you peeled back the layers and were able to truly enjoy everything. I just fell more and more in love with the characters and the story as it went on. I love the dynamic between the MC and the ML. Plus, the MC is so funny, I laughed so often while reading this. Also, as someone who's read a handful of Chinese classic folktales, I was getting a bit of that vibe from this book, which was so pleasant. I really love the more classic folklore vibe! I'm excited to see where this goes.
October 3, 2025
Honestly I didn't know how to feel until i got to the 2nd arc we finally see pieces tie in together i'm not an episodic demon hunter type of reader i prefer when there's an overarching theme or bigger picture, also big on character development so I didn't expect to get so attached to the 2 Lu brothers in the 2nd arc.
As for the main romance storyline I think the dynamic between Xue Xian and bald donkey Xuanmin is fun so far nothing crazy wondering if this is more slow burn since none of them seem attracted to each other yet. Does ghosty Jiang get his own boyfie? I am intrigued but not dying to pick up the next volume. I'm sure it gets better but my Danmei TBR is STACKED with all the rosmei and 7S releases so I will put this series lower down the list for now, still decent intro. I'm looking for something more plot heavy at the moment
As for the main romance storyline I think the dynamic between Xue Xian and bald donkey Xuanmin is fun so far nothing crazy wondering if this is more slow burn since none of them seem attracted to each other yet. Does ghosty Jiang get his own boyfie? I am intrigued but not dying to pick up the next volume. I'm sure it gets better but my Danmei TBR is STACKED with all the rosmei and 7S releases so I will put this series lower down the list for now, still decent intro. I'm looking for something more plot heavy at the moment
September 27, 2025
So a monk, a ghost, and a dragon walk into a bar….🤣
This was an excellent start to the series! I honestly had such a fun time, mostly in part to Xue Xian. His character was hilarious and honestly kept the plot flowing for me. While this volume wasn’t anything groundbreaking, I feel like it did a great job setting up the plot and world building. The pacing did drag in places for me, but nothing too terrible. Xue Xian and Xuanmin were really funny together and I’m excited to see how their relationship develops!
& the fact that he calls Xuanmin “bald donkey” was taking me OUT
This was an excellent start to the series! I honestly had such a fun time, mostly in part to Xue Xian. His character was hilarious and honestly kept the plot flowing for me. While this volume wasn’t anything groundbreaking, I feel like it did a great job setting up the plot and world building. The pacing did drag in places for me, but nothing too terrible. Xue Xian and Xuanmin were really funny together and I’m excited to see how their relationship develops!
& the fact that he calls Xuanmin “bald donkey” was taking me OUT
October 20, 2025
"𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐤 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧."
I really like this bald, blunt monk Xuanmin. He's definitely mysterious. His amnesia situation sounds suspicious though. It feels like a curse i need to know more about. 👀 Xie Xian (our grumpy dragon without a body) beeing an arrogant paper doll most of this book cracks me up. Jiang Shining (the ghost) didn't add much for me, to be honest, despite being a very important character in the first arc.
This wasn't my favorite Danmei i've read but maybe i was in bit of a slump. I am invested in this story though and i will continue this one.
I really like this bald, blunt monk Xuanmin. He's definitely mysterious. His amnesia situation sounds suspicious though. It feels like a curse i need to know more about. 👀 Xie Xian (our grumpy dragon without a body) beeing an arrogant paper doll most of this book cracks me up. Jiang Shining (the ghost) didn't add much for me, to be honest, despite being a very important character in the first arc.
This wasn't my favorite Danmei i've read but maybe i was in bit of a slump. I am invested in this story though and i will continue this one.
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed the mystery and supernatural element to this one.
Although the story is a bit slow, I have a feeling that it'll build to something spectacular in the next volume or so. That being said, I do love a slower, mysterious build to the beginning of something like this. Somewhat reminiscent in a good way of the beginning chunk of Mdzs for anyone that's looking for a comparison before reading.
Definitely would recommend this one I'll be spinning until I can get my hands on the next volume.
Although the story is a bit slow, I have a feeling that it'll build to something spectacular in the next volume or so. That being said, I do love a slower, mysterious build to the beginning of something like this. Somewhat reminiscent in a good way of the beginning chunk of Mdzs for anyone that's looking for a comparison before reading.
Definitely would recommend this one I'll be spinning until I can get my hands on the next volume.
October 8, 2025
Loved this one! Mu su li really know how to make the slow burn bickering main couple! They are so perfect together ;_;!
I alsmo must say I specially loved the dragon! He's hilarious character, you may cry a bit here but is mostly fun adventure/fantasy story!!
Can't wait for the rest!!
I alsmo must say I specially loved the dragon! He's hilarious character, you may cry a bit here but is mostly fun adventure/fantasy story!!
Can't wait for the rest!!
November 4, 2025
Fun!
not sure why so many people online are put off by the monk character, what's wrong with being bald? I used to be bald and I looked great! Anyway, I really enjoyed this and am very much looking forward to read the rest.
not sure why so many people online are put off by the monk character, what's wrong with being bald? I used to be bald and I looked great! Anyway, I really enjoyed this and am very much looking forward to read the rest.
December 7, 2025
Enjoyable read
This was a fun easy read. The translation was great and it wasn't wordy like some Chinese translation I've read have been. Easier to follow events and interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the next book of the series.
This was a fun easy read. The translation was great and it wasn't wordy like some Chinese translation I've read have been. Easier to follow events and interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the next book of the series.
September 21, 2025
Dragon !!!! 🐉🐉🐉
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews