ใต้หล้าไร้เทียมทาน เล่ม 4

Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) #4

by Meng Xi Shi, 梦溪石, เมิ่งซีสือ

เมื่อความเชื่อใจซึ่งหาได้ยากของ ‘ชุยปู๋ชวี่’ ที่มอบให้กับ ‘เฟิ่งเซียว’ ดันไร้ความหมาย
อีกทั้งยังถูกบังคับให้ต้องเลือกฝักฝ่ายเพื่อความอยู่รอด
มีหรือที่ชุยปู๋ชวี่จะยอมจำนน แม้ต้องถูกกริชแทงยังตำแหน่งหัวใจก็ตาม
และถึงในท้ายที่สุดจะรอดพ้นจากความเป็นความตายมาได้

ทว่าเจ้ากรมจันทราซ้ายอย่างเขากลับต้องประสบกับความยุ่งยากครั้งใหม่จากเหตุการณ์น้ำท่วม ซึ่งได้นำพาภาพวาดปริศนาอันมีต้นเค้าน่าแคลงใจมาให้
ซ้ำยังถูกชายผู้หนึ่งที่ดูอย่างไรก็คล้ายกับเจ้าจวนเจี่ยเจี้ยนมาตามเกี้ยวให้ย้ายไปอยู่ด้วยกันอีก

เห็นทีปัญหาครานี้คงมิง่ายเช่นที่เขาเคยพบพานมาเสียแล้ว

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical, LGBT, Mystery, Romance, China

456 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2025

About the author

Associated Names:
* Meng Xi Shi (English)
* 梦溪石 (Chinese)
* เมิ่งซีสือ (Thai)

Reviews

[Alexia · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

This volume put me through so much anxiety and suffering. It was truly exhausting to read, as it kept me on edge from one moment to the next. Yet, I still had a lot of fun reading it. Volume 5 can't come fast enough because I need it in my hands right now.

The plot in this installment consisted of battle after battle(political or otherwise), with barely any time to catch a breath. However, the storyline is starting to come together more tightly, especially since Volume 5 will be the conclusion.

Feng Xiao was, as always, a delight to read about. Every time he opens his mouth or does something, he brings me immeasurable joy. He is a narcissistic, arrogant man who is half in love with himself, but I absolutely adore him.

Cui Buqu is as impressive as always. His intelligence and endurance are truly admirable. While I may like him, I do want to slap him sometimes.

Their relationship evolved significantly in this volume. They are finally starting to admit their feelings for each other (though one is admitting it faster than the other). They demonstrate their care for one another through actions rather than words; their teasing banter serves as a form of flirtation between them. While I would prefer a more vocal expression of their feelings, I think this approach works best for both of them. Since they are both arrogant and not insecure, they understand, without needing words, that they love each other. I don’t think I’ve ever read about a couple that fits so perfectly together.

In conclusion, I need Volume 5 right now because I want to finally see them be happy and not have to worry about one of them losing their life.

[Nel · Rating 4 out of 5]

like, can ququ just sit on his face already? we all know fengfeng wants him to.

[iayal · Rating 5 out of 5]

final book of 2025 (finished just in the nick of time…) 🫶 intricate plot and so many intimate moments! probably my favourite volume of peerless so far and i loved this! (still not the PERFECT five stars, but still really good.)

the politics in this were fascinating - i was very engaged and nothing to say. i loved seeing cui buqu shine and everyone come to realize his value. seeing him slowly fall in love with feng xiao was lovely as well. his perspective of feng xiao showing his love was sweet but, slightly sad to read because cui buqu finds himself unloveable. yet, the experience of reading about a character who finds themselves unloveable facing an unsurmountable amount of love is unmatched. also, liked finding out more about his relationship with qiao xian and they’re very wholesome. this was more of a cui buqu-centric volume and though i like feng xiao more, i still really enjoyed this and it was great.

1.
instead of looking down upon him in disdain, that sickly man’s face, when he looked upon it, now gave him a burst of spontaneous joy.
this simply would not do.

his thoughts raced. he reached out and placed his hand on the nape of cui buqu’s neck, his palm flush against cui buqu’s skin. feng xiao could feel, beneath his warmth, the feeble pulse of his life. he slowly tightened his grip.

2.
cui buqu was unhealthily thin. his neck was long and slender—the slightest pressure would be sufficient to snap it.

then cui buqu would no longer breathe, much less sneer at feng xiao, spit his cutting words, or seethe with nefarious thoughts as he sought every possible chance to screw over the jiejian bureau. and feng xiao would be as free as a bird soaring over the mountains and rivers. no longer would he have any weaknesses.

there were countless benefits to be had and no disadvantages to speak of. and yet—he couldn’t do it. the reason for this could be summed up in six words: he couldn’t bear to lose this.

he couldn’t bear to lose the acid words that pelted him like a corrosive rain. he couldn’t bear to lose the arched brow that accompanied the sneering curl of that lip. he couldn’t even bear to lose the way this man said deputy chief feng, in a tone that was seven parts ridicule and three parts scheming..

3.
within three years, i’ll topple the southern dynasty for you.” cui buqu coughed a few times. he was as pale as a ghost. “on the condition that you do not harm anyone here tonight.”

xiao lü sighed quietly. “is it worth it, for a single feng xiao?”

cui buqu’s lips parted. though he made no sound, xiao lü saw him mouth the words: worth it.

[Queens Love Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cui Buqu, you can list so many of my virtues! Doesn’t that prove you care for me, and that I value you?”



Before I start, I gotta say that this is my most favorite cover in the entire series! I absolutely love Mimo’s art, and the interior illustrations are just as lovely. Now, as for the story, I honestly think this is the best volume of the series. I love how Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu’s relationship has developed, and there are so many moments between them that I enjoyed reading. They still have their usual bickering and attempts to outwit each other, but there’s also a level of trust between them that makes their interactions even more satisfying. I especially love seeing them rely on each other without making a big deal out of it. These two are so stubborn, but I like that they don’t have to change their personalities just because they’ve grown closer. And Feng Xiao, in particular, has some moments in this volume that made me appreciate him even more. I love seeing that side of him, especially when he has to deal with something beyond his usual confidence and abilities.

I also really enjoyed how the story unfolded in this volume. There are some clever reveals, and I like seeing how the different pieces connect as the bigger conflict becomes clearer. Cui Buqu has always been one of my favorite characters because of how he uses his intelligence to handle situations, and I love seeing him deal with people who are just as calculating as he is. The story also gives us more insight into the people behind everything that’s happening, which makes the conflict more interesting. However, there’s one thing that still bothers me, even after reading this series for the third time. I still don’t understand why “the traitor” couldn’t simply refuse to do what they were asked to do. In the first volume, the reasons the traitors had limited choices were much clearer to me. Here, the explanation feels vague, and even when the story eventually reveals more about what happened, I still can’t fully understand what made their situation so impossible to escape. Maybe I’m missing something, or maybe I understand the explanation but just think it’s stupid. Either way, this part has always bothered me, and re-reading it hasn’t changed my mind.

One thing I appreciate about this series is how Meng Xi Shi can mix serious investigations with whatever this ridiculous thing Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu get up to. There are some genuinely funny moments in this volume, and I love that the humor doesn’t feel out of place even when the story gets darker. I can say that I had a really great time reading this volume.

Date Read: 2025.07.07
Re-read: 2025.09.12
Re-read: 2026.10.17

[Sollenbum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is the ability to trust on a visceral level. In the fourth volume of “Peerless” by Meng Xi Shi the main couple is beginning to emerge from a slow burn romance into kissing that is more than role-playing or sardonic teasing. The plot continues seamlessly from the end of the previous volume. Cui Buqu is dreaming fitfully after having been stabbed by Feng Xiao; he is drifting in and out of consciousness but is anchored to reality by Feng Xiao gently kissing him on the lips. This kiss sets the scene for an explanation and as it turns out Feng Xiao very deliberately missed his vital organs. A normal reaction would be to draw back in fear when the person, who just stabbed you, approaches but even though Cui Buqu is still in the dark, he senses that he is in no danger and perhaps even that there is a more personal reason for Feng Xiao´s strike with the sword.

It turns out the Feng Xiao was approached to join the secret organization, the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai, and since he believed that there was a spy close to Cui Buqu, he chose not to disclose his plans. The result was that his behaviour looked like a betrayal of their trust, but in reality it was an attempt to keep Cui Buqu safe. The existence of this spy foreshadows a reveal at the end of the book, but it also creates a situation where Cui Buqu is forced to relate to Feng Xiao without any proof. This is a lesson in trust, because sometimes in life there is no time to demand proof; sometimes it is necessary to go with your gut and trust the people in your life.

Cui Buqu shows his devotion to Feng Xiao by rescuing him from the Ursa Major Twin array and Feng Xiao has saved Cui Buqu by running against the tide into a cave full of flames to save him. Both are wounded and unsure of the other, but they go with the flow and eventually Yuxiu, the warrior monk, is lured out and is promptly finished off by Feng Xiao with a zither string. So, the kiss was Feng Xiao multitasking. On the surface Cui Buqu is spitting with rage but as Feng Xiao thinks, “You wish to remain a bystander, aloof and unmoored, but I wish to drag you into that red dust, send you tumbling until you´re feathered in phoenix down. I want you unable to detach yourself ever again” (p. 80).

The heart of the book is their bickering, which slowly evolves into a dependence on each other. Cui Buqu is cranky and Feng Xiao is sunny, but they both rub along, enjoying the skirmishes. They are both swirled into intrigues that might see them married to different princesses but they evade these attempts with ease. The main crux of the plot is the attempt to defeat the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai and to uncover the mole. Feng Xiao is, however, beginning to realize that he is actually attracted to Cui Buqu and so teases him incessantly. He hides the truth in plain sight when he says, “I want you” and then a beat later adds, “to do me a favour” (p. 139). Cui Buqu´s subordinate, Qiao Xian, describes their relationship quite succinctly when she says, “to trust someone meant that you cared for them.” (p. 200)

The episode in Guangqian County is mainly focused on Cui Buqu investigating corruption with rice and the embezzling of court finances, but it also has fun, flirty scenes with Feng Xiao. However, the situation turns serious when greedy, high status families kill in order to keep their secrets and it becomes even worse when it is revealed that the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai are deeply embedded in these schemes. The pavilion leader i.e. the leader of the organization is determined to kill both Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao so most of the book is a web of attempts to do just that. Fortunately, Cui Buqu´s mind is sharp and so his shrewd plan turns the trap around and so they end up uncovering the spy in their midst. The plot in this fourth volume is tightly woven, unlike the third volume where the plot was more episodic. The result is suspense that builds and builds until the end of the volume, at which point both the spy and the important plot points are revealed. In retrospect, foreshadowing is cleverly used throughout the book so that the reveals hit hard.

The book ends with a battle between Feng Xiao and the leader of the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai, Xiao Lü. Cui Buqu´s shoulder is shattered in the attempt to save Feng Xiao and when asked whether it was worth it, he silently mouths, “Worth it” (p. 345). This is not quite a love confession but it is close and Feng Xiao saw it. Xiao Lü eventually decides to retreat rather than risk being killed, leaving both of them alive. Cui Buqu tries to take back his declaration but ends up being kissed soundly and very publically for everyone to see.

[V~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8/5 🌟

Damn! This was so good! The first two volumes left me confused and a little annoyed. But after 3 and finally 4, I am blown away!

The bickering: 10/10
The romance that had build up up to what we have now: 10/10
The plot: 10/10
Writing and translation: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Flow: 8/10
Politics: VERY heavy.

Many things didn't make sense, but ya know... I'm not being picky. The power system in this novel is a little confusing, especially after having already read Thousands Autumns, but you know what? It's fine, because things like there being three Feng Xiaos, cracked me up!! ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)
Plus, it has my favorite "couple" themes:

Tsundures, Banter, & Bickering! ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡

⚠️ Spoiler Warning From Here Down: ⚠️




My favorite moments:

🔹The kisses! Dear lord the kisses are so scrumptious! Specifically the one in chapter 150!
🔹The blood licking... Hey... You'll understand once you read it for yourself! That whole scene was hilarious!
🔹FX desquising himself and flirting with Cui Buqu.
🔹 Cui Buqu badassery at bringing down Yang Yun in his feeble body!

Favorite scenes:

1️⃣
FX: "If you both admire each other so much, why not just go with him?"

CBQ: "He left too quickly; there wasn't much time."

FX strode up and dropped to one knee before him, though only to make it easier to look down on him.
"You could have easily stayed in your secure Governor's residence and let us mutilate each other. What on earth possessed you to come all the way here?"

CBQ: "Just passing by."

FX: "I saw you say 'worth it.'"

CBQ: "You must be blind."

FX narrowed his eyes, "you said you would trust your back to me."

CBQ: "What I meant was that I would take over the bureau after your death. There's no need to thank me. Helping others is the foundation of happiness, and we've known each other for some time after a—"

Barely a minute had passed and he was denying everything. FX laughed in anger. Rather than wasting time arguing, he took hold of CBQ's chin, and lowered his head, swallowing those unfinished words.

SEND HELP! FENG XIAO HAS FALLEN HARD FOR THIS MAN! This shameless turd needed to go insane for him because in the first two volumes, he treated Ququ like shit! I really wanted to strangle him! But now look where we are! (੭ ˊ^ˋ)੭ ♡

2️⃣

FX: "Exchange clothes with me. I'll wear yours."

CBQ: "Not a chance."

The two of them struggled on, supporting each other as they awkwardly made their way back. Their footsteps were slow because part of their strength was wasted on bickering, with neither sides willing to concede.

FX: "Buqu, your sharp tongue and plain looks, if you keep this up, you're sure to die young."

CBQ: "Your lordship needn't feel overly concerned."

FX: "How about I show some mercy and offer myself up as a living sacrifice? At least then you won't bring Calamity upon others."

CBQ: Is Leng (Cold) Ding's cloak warm?"

FX: "It's passable. Why? Are you thinking about trading with me now that you're cold? Forget it."

CBQ: "I heard he has a strange habit. Before every battle, he must sleep with a beautiful woman. Perhaps the cloak you're wearing now was laid under a lady. Who knows what evidence of their passion remains? There seems to be a reek coming from it."

FX: "Keep talking— I'll vomit blood on you, and we can die together!"

At last, silence.

😂😂😂

I'd like to add that I loved seeing Yan Wushi's name mentioned a few times! 🩵 The DILF of danmei!

Read 07/09/25

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel feral about Cui Buqu. No wonder even the arrogant Feng Xiao is working overtime to earn his affections, or at least his attention. If that diseased, fragile man paid me any mind at all, I would also be devoted for life.

[Rose ✧⁎⁺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5☆

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cui Buqu can do no wrong in my eyes. Everyone knows Feng Xiao has a flair for dramatics, but so does Cui Buqu in his own cunning way. They're still so great together, and we finally get some truly romantic, swoony realizations and moments. Of course it's always accompanied by a fair dose of bickering and sarcasm, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
The plot was fine, but the climax was great. Someday I'll have to reread this series all at once, so it'll be easier to keep track of characters, but the basics are pretty straightforward.
I'm highly anticipating the final volume of the series, and can't wait to see how it all finally works out for these two.

[V.ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You could have easily stayed in your secure governor’s residence and let us mutilate each other. What on earth possessed you to come all the way here?”

“Just passing by.”

“I saw you say ‘worth it.’”

“You must be blind.”

Bickering couple for the win!!!

[Alastair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so let's get some things straight: this review will be anything but objective.

The truth of the matter is, this volume is a bit different from the others. More focus is put on the martial arts aspect, echoing Thousand Autumns at some points. The mystery is the same as always: confusing, a bit non-sensical, with Meng Xi Shi toying with random plot points to see what sticks. I enjoyed the plot of the third volume a bit more because of the backstory it revealed. This one wasn't as interesting because I had no attachment to the people involved.

And yet, as always, I am too enchanted by this book to put it down - because of Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao. I know this series is not as good as countless others, has many flaws, but the dynamic between the two leads is just too good for me to actually pay it any mind. What's the use if I'm having fun? If I'm glued to the pages for hours without a single break? One scene from those two bastards makes up for everything else, lol

I had waited for this volume for months and now, I will wait for the finale for another couple of months. And you know what my biggest grievance is? That Peerless didn't get a special edition. That's the biggest flaw I can find.

Live laugh love Peerless or whatever. I fucking love this series so so soooo much
(the "worth it" scene? shfkgj)

[NiaKantorka · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

Another wonderful volume. Lots of action in this one and I can honestly say that I found the fights in Thousand Autumns a bit more captivating and intriguing than in Peerless (so far). That we finally got to meet the mastermind of the thirteen floors again was rather interesting. I was also really surprised by that person who managed to betray Cui BuQu of all people. I’m happy that it didn’t end in a total disaster but it was still disappointing (as there aren’t that many of those characters in this book - no spoilers here).

Looking forward to starting the last volume tomorrow. Sadly, I don’t have another day off so I’ll probably won’t manage to read it all in a day.

[thedeadlyscimitar · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This review assumes that you have read the previous books in the series and may contain spoilers for volumes 1-3**

After the way the last volume ended, despite loving the overall story, I was a little bit concerned about how things might progress between our two main characters in this volume. Fortunately, I needn’t have worried in the slightest. This actually turned out to be the best volume yet! I struggled to get through this volume at first, not due at all to the book itself but to the fact that I’ve been having some major issues with my recent glasses prescription which have made it very difficult for me to read physical books for the last few weeks.

For a while, I wasn’t able to read at all without getting terrible headaches and eye strain. This last week, however, I was dying to get back to this story and determined that I would read at least one chapter a day in spite of my ongoing optical issues. Fortunately, most of the chapters in Peerless are only around ten pages long, so that definitely felt doable to me. However, that goal very quickly went out the window as I became so thoroughly engrossed in the plot that I simply couldn't put the book down despite still from suffering headaches and eye strain. It was just that good! Whereas I had only intended to read ten pages per day, that quickly turned into about fifty pages a day and then nearly a hundred pages yesterday! My point in sharing this likely uninteresting personal anecdote about my reading experience is that this book was just so incredibly good that I was willing to suffer fairly debilitating headaches and eye strain just so that I could continue reading!

I just love these characters so much!! More than anything else in her writing, I feel that Meng Xi Shi really shines when it comes to amazing character development. For me as a reader, that is one of the most important aspects of any story. If I don’t care about or relate to the main characters, then I could really care less about the book even if it has an excellent plot. For me, the main cast of characters are the true backbone and foundation of any story. I need characters who I can relate to and empathize with in order to truly bring the story to life. If the characters are lackluster or unlikable then I usually fail to get invested in their story regardless of how good it is.

Luckily, both Feng Xiao and especially Cui Buqu are incredible characters who have only continued to grow on me more and more throughout this series. Cui Buqu is such a strong person. Despite being born sickly, he is by far the strongest, smartest, most resourceful and even unconventionally charismatic character in this story. He isn’t a warrior or a martial artist, but he still manages to take down enemies who are vastly superior to him in terms of physical strength merely through cleverness, intellect and sheer force of will. Every time Cui Buqu manages to turn the tides with that big sexy brain of his, I just get so fired up and giddy! It’s so incredibly thrilling and immensely satisfying to watch him slowly evolve his intricate schemes and turn the tables in even the most dire of situations! He’s been through so much that would have crushed a weaker person and yet still managed to claw his way to the top purely based on his own incredible abilities and willpower.

As for Feng Xiao, I initially didn’t think much of him in the earlier volumes. I thought that he was just an arrogant, narcissistic asshole who didn’t have to work in order to achieve anything. In many ways, that is true, but Feng Xiao is also a much more complex character then he first appears to be and is also the one who has the most significant character development throughout the story. A lot of his character development is subtle and takes place internally, but it is no less profound because of that. He is still Feng Xiao, still an arrogant peacock who is completely in love with himself, but he becomes far more sympathetic as the story unfolds, and he slowly learns to care about someone other than himself.

I absolutely adore the snarky banter and subtle flirting between Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu as well. This is one of the best written instances of enemies/rivals to lovers that I’ve ever personally read. I love that its slow burn and that there is actual meaningful relationship development that takes place gradually and feels fully earned and realistic. It makes me feel far more invested in the story as a whole and especially in the burgeoning relationship between these two phenomenal characters.

I’m not typically one to get overly attached to or invested in side characters or side ships, but I really love some of the supporting cast in this story as well. In particular, I have a strong attachment to Qiao Xian and Pei Jingzhe. I would really love to see the two of them end up together. I think that they would make a very cute couple.

Fortunately, creating loveable and well developed characters is not the only thing that Meng Xi Shi excels at. The plot for this volume was absolutely stellar as well! From the events at Mount Tiannan to the conclusion in Guangqian County, I was fully invested in the story the entire time. Unlike the previous volume, which I still loved, I didn’t feel like there were any points in this one where the story lagged or I lost even a little bit of interest. Peerless has such an incredible blend of exciting wuxia style battles, compelling political intrigue, thought provoking mystery and slow burn romance. As much as I love Thousand Autums I have to say that, so far, the plot of Peerless feels overall tighter and better developed with less meandering plot threads and more focus. The directors of the enigmatic and devious shadow organization known as the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai make for very compelling antagonists as well. And the pavilion leader in particular is an intriguing character who I’m very eager to hopefully learn more about in the final volume.

I have always thought that Meng Xi Shi was one of the best at writing actions scenes and this volume of Peerless is no exception. There were some truly exciting battles in this installment, especially the final showdown of this volume. Personally, this was also something that I loved about Thousand Autums, but I know that there were many other readers who felt a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of battles and focus on martial arts in Thousand Autums. For those readers, I definitely feel like Peerless would be a much better fit. There are still plenty of excellent, heart stopping battles, but these are more interspersed and balanced out by other elements of the plot. It just feels like Meng Xi Shi really evolved as a writer with Peerless and managed to make it even better than her previous work.

Overall, this is an incredible story with phenomenal characters! I’m dying to see how it ends in the final volume! Unfortunately, I now have to wait until the end of October to find out what happens. This is the reason why I typically wait until the entire series has been released before I start reading. I just can’t take these cliffhangers! Luckily, this volume doesn’t leave its readers hanging quite as badly as the previous volume did. Either way, I will be in agony and desperately missing FengCui for the next few months! Hopefully by then, my glasses issues will be resolved, and I won’t have any trouble reading and fully enjoying the final volume of this epic masterpiece!

**Also as a minor side note, I absolutely ADORE the cover of this volume! It is so incredibly gorgeous and I personally think its one of the best danmei covers I've ever seen! Me.Mimo did an excellent job, as usual!

[Brigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu's relationship was my favourite part. Their devotion and bond just grows ever stronger, even if Cui Buqu tries to deny it. :))

The mystery was really interesting in this arc and there were a lot of twists. Can't wait to see what happens in the last volume!

[⋆ ࣪˖ ִֶָ sel ་༘࿐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this volume because I feel like it finally lets us see the full extent of both Cui Buqu's and Feng Xiao's abilities, especially when placed against Xiao Lu, who is genuinely a terrifyingly competent opponent. Feng Xiao's subtle jealousy towards that guy makes perfect sense and hilarious at the same time, because Cui Buqu sees Xiao Lu as someone who is as brilliant as him. I don't even hate him! He's a really interesting and charming antagonist.

I really really love the development of Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao here! Cui Buqu's trust and unquestioning belief when it comes to Feng Xiao marks a rare and dangerous lapse in his control. Meanwhile, Feng Xiao's feelings creep in without permission; it's not desire that scares him, but how irrational it is. He calls his Ququ average again and again, yet can't bear to lose this "invalid," thinking of him constantly. He's so, so in love! And our A-Cui is also getting there soon!

But my most favorite here will be when Xiao Qian accuses Feng Xiao of lusting after Cui Buqu, followed by Cui Buqu laughing so hard he can barely breathe and declaring it impossible. It was so funny that he doesn't believe it when Feng Xiao has been kissing him at literally every opportunity! The dramatic irony is delicious. Cui Buqu truly has no idea what's happening to him, and Feng Xiao absolutely does at that point.

About the mystery in Guangqian County... It's not like I dislike it but I also don't particularly like it. Although I understand what it's doing thematically: the cruelty of power, how officials can burn cities while common people aren't even allowed to light a lamp, how suffering always falls downward, but I feel like it dragged for me. Its connection to the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai felt tenuous, especially since Yang Yun is ultimately acting for himself rather than truly aligning with them. Still, that slow buildup paid off immensely: the confrontations—Cui Buqu vs. Yang Yun, Feng Xiao vs. Yuan Sansi, and finally the clash with Xiao Lu—were phenomenal. All that tension marinated perfectly, and the payoff was worth it. I devoured those scenes like a champ!

Anyway, moving to the side characters, I love how they had their moments too even if it's little. Ming Yue, Pei Jingzhe, Qin Miaoyu, and especially Xiao Qian. Xiao Qian broke my heart, you know? But repentance is coming. Also, may the souls in this volume rest in peace.

[Ky ! · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY THE ROMANCE HAS BEGUN !!!

[Yvonne ⚬ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ★

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

i feel like shits about to go down. also the relationship development in this was peak. the slow burn is killing me. 4.5 ⭐️

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

See that stab wound on Cui Buqu's chest on the cover? That's the SECOND TIME he's gotten stabbed in the chest in the recent plot! Give this guy a break! Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao continue to face off with the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai organization (after killing several of their big players at the end of the previous volume). This book is less funny and less cathartic than book 3 (I can see why book 3 is the fan favorite) but it develops the big plot line well, includes some great moments with the Jiejian and Zuoyue Bureau second and third in command lines, and Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao face their most dangerous encounters yet.

[Qingjia · Rating 5 out of 5]

z ważnych informacji: Yan Wushi mentioned

[mara - hyrulevalkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The question you asked me yesterday— I can answer it now. My answer is: I would.”
6/5 STARS HOLY MOTHER OF XIE LIAN this is the best volume of peerless!!! I publicly crashed out reading this at work, love that for me.
Cui Buqu the man that you are 😩🖤

[Stay Alive · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was the best so far, I can't wait for the next one! At the same time, though, I can't believe this novel is so close to its end.

[goblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

you ask me how i like my bottoms? pretty, smart and almost dead. this is your answer.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 4 continues where the cliffhanger ending of the previous book left things: Cui Buqu injured at the hands of Feng Xiao who has seemingly become a member of the Thirteen Floors conspiracy group. But things are never as they seem with the two espionage masters. In no time at all, they’ve created chaos and fled the caves.

They were lured there with the promise that they get to meet the leader of the group, but that person never shows up. All is not lost though, because they learn the leader’s identity anyway, someone they’ve met already, though someone neither of them thought much of.

Safety is fleeting. On Empress’s orders, Cui Buqu heads to a region pestered with floods. He’s accompanying an imperial censor who suspects foul play in distribution of aid. What looks like a simple matter of embezzlement turns out to be more sinister. And once again, the men are in mortal peril.

This was an excellent book. The number of times Cui Buqu almost died is incredible, yet he soldiered on. And Feng Xiao finally decides that Cui Buqu is the only person worthy of his attention. Too bad he has great trouble making the other man take him seriously. But the banter is spot on.

The volume doesn’t conclude the flood case, but it’s not a cliffhanger as such, merely it leaves the wrapping up unfinished. But the men now know who they’re fighting against and the rope is tightening. And of course, there’s the romance to root for. Looking forward to reading more.

[Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cui Buqu willing to work with his enemy only to save Feng Xiao and saying that Feng Xiao is worth it, is everything to me. Both of them saying that they trust each other with their lives.

[icedcoffeeandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The question you asked me yesterday—I can answer it now. My answer is: I would.”

good to say! I'm obsessed with fengcui because what the hell? the dynamics, the plot, the romantic subplot, everything grasps you in..😩

in this volume we get to know more about the organisation behind all the drama & duels and how intricately fengcui have to deal with everything going on.

my love for cui buqu, increases exponentially with every volume & this volume was no less.🤌😩

also finally are the sparks flying between both?!?!😏

(there's one plot twist which I honestly honestly honestly didn't predict at all, because wtf?) 😮‍💨

[nhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

let's spend some time healing from our injuries in a hospital gang we cannot keep kissing up on eachother half beat to death . anyway i really enjoyed this volume but it took a while for the flood plot to really sink in (haha) for me 😁🫶 ohh feng-er

[natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The intrigue is strong, the banter is incredible, and Feng Xiao is obsessed with Cui Buqu. He’s not even in denial about it. On the contrary, he’s out here stealing kisses every chance he gets.

Their moments are so good: they’re not outright flirting, but they scheme and understand each other so well. Truly the epitome of “my favourite enemy is you.”

[Georgina Vanda Kosztadinovszki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story continued where it left off. Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu destroy one of the lairs of the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai, but they fail to meet its illustrious leader, who doesn't show up until much later in the story. The plot itself is interesting, but I have to say that the second half was a bit slower for me, and I felt that some of the villains were too one-dimensional. However, I liked how Cui Buqu dealt with Qiao Xian after her betrayal. She deserved that demotion and punishment. Just accepting her apology would have been a too light punishment, considering what was at stake. Rong Qing got on my nerves more times than I could possibly count. Every time I thought he might not be that dumb after all, he said something to make me reconsider. Still, his dumbest comments were after he was trapped and didn't realize who the culprit was. Seriously, I just wanted him to shut up at that point.

I didn't really like the part near the end when Feng Xiao saw Cui Youwang in a fever dream. Also, the picture didn't exactly match the description, as Cui Youwang was described as having a moustache and beard, while he had none of it in the picture. Except for the arrogant, condescending look on his face. That was on point.

The relationship between Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao deepens. Feng Xiao outright tells Cui Buqu that he is interested in him and kisses him multiple times. While Cui Buqu is the complete opposite. He tells Feng Xiao he doesn't return his feelings, but as the story continues, he shows clear signs of having feelings for Feng Xiao. It takes time for him to realize the truth behind his actions towards Feng Xiao, but it is all the more satisfying when he finally tells Feng Xiao that he trusts him with his life, and even tells Xiao Lü that Feng Xiao is worth saving and risking his life for. They truly suit each other well, as they are not only intelligent, but both of them have a way of saying harsh things to each other to make the other change their mind and leave, so they won't end up in a life-threatening situation.

This volume was overall interesting, but the plot was a bit slower-paced than the previous volumes, so it took longer to read it.

[Maria Drago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts off with a bang, right on the tails of volume 3, but the arcs in this one just aren't as fun. Still, 4 stars for good gay shit.

Notes (spoilers!!):
- Okay yeah so FX was definitely pretending to be on the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai's side.
- Feng Xiao waiting on Cui Buqu on his sickbed <3 <3 <3
- Feng Xiao is now aware that he fell in love?? Though he's still a bit in denial (although it's really more of a baffled, reluctant acceptance). It's so funny. FX is basically like: THIS guy? Seriously, THIS guy?? I'm like ten times more beautiful!! He's so sickly! So surly! I'm literally peerless and perfect! ... THIS GUY??!!
But it's also soooo cute:
Instead of looking down upon him in disdain, that sickly man's face, when he looked upon it, now gave him a burst of spontaneous joy.
And then he contemplates snapping CBQ's neck. You know, like a normal person.
There were countless benefits to be had and no disadvantages to speak of. And yet--he couldn't do it. The reason for this could be summed up in six words: He couldn't bear to lose this.
He couldn't bear to lose the acid words that pelted him like a corrosive rain. He couldn't bear to lose the arched brow that accompanied the sneering curl of that lip. He couldn't even bear to lose the way this man said "Deputy Chief Feng," in a tone that was seven parts ridicule and three parts scheming.
THAT'S LOVE, BITCH.
- FX has now twice kissed CBQ while CBQ is unconscious. TWICE. Get your act together, man.
- FX fantasizes about CBQ timidly saying "I missed you dearly..." Then he points out how impossible it is. Surely this means we're going to get that later??
- Omggg FX going straight for CBQ when the fire breaks out in the cave, and his anxiety when he finds that CBQ is missing !!!
- And now CBQ has to go save FX from the maze array!!
- Lowkey loving the whump of CBQ being on death's door as he goes to set a fire (mischievous fiend that he is) and getting manhandled a bit, and now having to drag himself off to save FX <3 <3 <3
- Oooooh so the array shows people different illusions? What do you wanna bet that FX is sure to think CBQ showing up to save him is an illusion.
(I was right.)
- OKAY, WE'VE GOT MORE CREDENCY TO MY TOP-CBQ THEORY. PARTICULARLY THIS LINE: Part of his frustration came from the way his body responded to Feng Xiao's, impossible to control. Part of it was that he refused to be the submissive one.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Honestly, though, we all know how this is gonna end. But a girl can dream...)
- Oh we love FX taking advantage of a situation to make out with CBQ, pretending like it's all part of his plan.
- Okay, so FX lowkey just confessed his feelings? In the worst way possible? XD Lowkey, it's giving Mr. Darcy.
"I fear this heat will be hard to cure. Look at the mediocre masses out there. Who could be worthy of my esteemed gaze? Forget women. To me, even Feng Xiaolian, a ruinous beauty capable of toppling nations, is merely another woman whose looks will fade with time. Form is emptiness, as they say; all things are void."
He paused deliberately and looked Cui Buqu up and down. "Only a certain sickly invalid...is barely passable," he said pointedly.
My brother in Christ... This is not the way to go about professing your love.
- And CBQ's only reply is basically: "We kissed twice for vaguely business reasons. It will not happen again." And FX just thinks that there will be many, many more times after that.
- LOOOOOVE FX BEING THE ONE TO CARRY CBQ BACK HOME DESPITE ALSO BEING HEAVILY INJURED.
And what's this bullshit excuse? "I've already picked him up. Switching hands now will only be a hassle."
- So cute them playing a little board game together. And I loved that Ming Yue guy pointed out that FX is "all play and no work" while CBQ is "all work and no play" and that they balance each other out well.
- OH OH OH! ARE WE GOING INTO A ROMANTIC ARC? THE EMPRESS IS TRYING TO MARRY OFF CBQ!!
Oh, nevermind. It was CBQ's plan all along. (You could summarize the entire series with that one sentence.)
- DUDE, I was also thinking that this flirty Li Shisi guy had to be Feng Xiao in disguise. And then turns out CBQ was thinking the same thing! Except it turns out it's not possible, and now CBQ is wondering if he's losing it, and why he's thinking about Feng Xiao so much XD
Also: Feng-er? They're already got cutesy names for each other, pleeeeasssee <3
- Okay so I've been wondering about Feng Xiao's backstory/family this whole time; I truly think Li Shisi is Feng Xiao in disguise, and the reason this identity seems so legit it because it IS legit. Feng Xiao is probably his fake name.
Also, Li Shisi is under suspicion of delivering these random paintings, and we literally saw Feng Xiao painting something earlier (which we didn't get to see).
(In the end, it looks like I was overthinking this. Feng Xiao just stole Li Shisi's identity, and I guess he just likes painting on the side, no plot relevancy whatsoever.)
(IDENTITY THEFT IS NOT A JOKE, FENG XIAO.)
- Hey, so, it was lowkey weird when Feng Xiao licked Cui Buqu's wounds clean. And yet, it was kinda hot. Mostly the way he's worried about the wounds is hot. Licking blood is freaky. And not the good kind of freaky. Well, I mean... okay, idk. Go off, Freaky King.
- Eeeeeek not Cui Buqu acting as a matchmaker for little Pei and his crush on Qiao Xian <3
- TWICE in one scene we got our main couple getting distracted while oggling each other hehehe. Though I like FX getting flustered far more.
Cui Buqu raised his eyes and looked at Feng Xiao.
When Cui Buqu focused on a person, his eyes were particularly bright. Sharp and cold, yet with a hidden sentimentality to them, like flowing spring waters concealed beneath ice and snow.
Feng Xiao had only meant to take a single look, but found himself taking an additional two or three. It wasn't until Cui Buqu raised an inquisitive brow that he coughed lightly and continued.
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
- I'm sorry, Feng Xiao stating "Cui Buqu looks much better when he vomits blood" to a woman (who was helpfully fighting alongside him, no less) is WILD!
- AAHLFIUAHELUFHAG CUI BUQU RIDING INTO BATTLE TO SAVE FENG XIAO. BRINGING BACK THE QUESTION FENG XIAO ASKED HIM ABOUT TRUSTING HIM AND FINALLY ANSWERING "YES." FENG XIAO TURNING ON HIM, BUT ONLY TO ANGER CUI BUQU INTO LEAVING SUCH A DANGEROUS SITUATION. (THE ONE WOMAN PRESENT BEING SO DONE WITH THESE DUMBASS MEN LYING ABOUT THEIR DESIRES.) CUI BUQU IGNORING HIM.
- Not the big bad Xiao Lu hitting Cui Buqu with the "we're not so different, you and I."
- My god, I love these petty bastards. They keep dramatically putting their lives on the line for each other, and then at the end of battle when they're both on death's door, all they can do is bicker.
- And MY GOD, the kisses we got in this one. Dear me, I must fan myself!