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The Wife Comes First: Qi Wei Shang (Novel) #3
The Wife Comes First: Qi Wei Shang (Novel) Vol. 3
“OVER TWO LIFETIMES, I HAVE ONLY EVER LOVED YOU.”
Welcomed back to the capital with unbelievable rewards, Jing Shao and his princely consort Mu Hanzhang fall into a new routine at home and at court—involving challenging but satisfying duties that Mu Hanzhang takes on with pleasure.
While the two men contend with scheming princes, unexpected visitors, and volatile in-laws, new trouble is brewing. The earlier revenge taken on Mu Hanzhang’s behalf set off a chain reaction that now threatens his father’s clan and his mother’s life. And when a death unearths secrets from the past, Jing Shao may have to use all that he’s gained just to survive the machinations threatening him.
But with his brothers—both blood and sworn—at his side and his wife in his arms, Jing Shao vows that this time, no matter the danger, he’ll find happiness with Mu Hanzhang.
Welcomed back to the capital with unbelievable rewards, Jing Shao and his princely consort Mu Hanzhang fall into a new routine at home and at court—involving challenging but satisfying duties that Mu Hanzhang takes on with pleasure.
While the two men contend with scheming princes, unexpected visitors, and volatile in-laws, new trouble is brewing. The earlier revenge taken on Mu Hanzhang’s behalf set off a chain reaction that now threatens his father’s clan and his mother’s life. And when a death unearths secrets from the past, Jing Shao may have to use all that he’s gained just to survive the machinations threatening him.
But with his brothers—both blood and sworn—at his side and his wife in his arms, Jing Shao vows that this time, no matter the danger, he’ll find happiness with Mu Hanzhang.
396 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Lv Ye Qian He
9 books32 followersAssociated Names:
* Lu Ye Qian He (Pinyin)/Lv Ye Qian He (English)
* 绿野千鹤 / 綠野千鶴 (Chinese)
* ลวี่เหยี่ยเชียนเฮ่อ (Thai)
* Lu Ye Qian He (Pinyin)/Lv Ye Qian He (English)
* 绿野千鹤 / 綠野千鶴 (Chinese)
* ลวี่เหยี่ยเชียนเฮ่อ (Thai)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 26, 2026
“over two lifetimes, i have only ever loved you.”
i'm a master at writing unnecessarily long, boring, off-topic, terrible reviews. so here goes another one.
there are some things i hated and others that made me swoon. i guess i'm a pessimist, so let's start with the negatives.
the issues i had with the previous volumes still linger. the way men in this book talk about women, along with the brief scenes focused on childbirth and postpartum, left me seriously exasperated. then again, it's historical fiction, so i guess i can't hold grudges against fictional characters, especially considering that, in the real world, women in some places are still deprived of basic human rights. without the occasional misogyny, it would probably feel out of character for the genre itself. anyway, i'll stop there instead of listing every minor grievance i have.
now, moving on to the romance. that eyesore of a man, jing shao, has a single brain cell, and its only function is to lust after his own wifey. as the title suggests, “the wife comes first” indeed.
their dynamic is undeniably spicy, but i can't help nitpicking. i really didn't agree with what happened in that one chapter. our prince gets jealous, and instead of talking things out, he decides to have rough, violent sex, a perfect example of someone who thinks with his dick. yep, that lone brain cell failed him spectacularly.
now, some people might argue, "if that bothers you, you should stay away from bl." but that's not the point. it's not about feeling morally superior. this kind of behaviour shouldn't be labelled as healthy. plenty of people enjoy these tropes, and this book is, of course, filled with clichés, but this particular scene is so overused. i've come across it countless times, and more often than not, it ruins the flow of the story by creating unnecessary drama. they could have shared a genuinely sweet night together, but no, the author had other plans.
overall, i liked the romance. they have plenty of sweet moments, but the main character is often pushy and entitled. the idea of "you're my wife, so you must always satisfy my needs" gets pushed throughout the series. considering the protagonist was given a second life, a second chance, i expected a stronger redemption arc, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. ugh, i should probably stop here before people start calling me the moral police. just know that i have very mixed feelings. it's trash, but it's enjoyable trash. the writing is engaging enough and it fulfills exactly what it sets out to do.
there are plenty of tense moments, battle scenes, and court intrigues, which thankfully get resolved soon enough mostly thanks to the one-dimensional, cartoonishly dumb villains and jing shao's knowledge from his previous life. i figured out who the real villain was pretty early on, but i have to admit that some of the twists still managed to keep me curious.
another thing i loved was the brotherly bond showcased in this series. his brothers, both by blood and sworn, are genuinely interesting characters, and the relationship that develops toward the end is a pleasant surprise, all thanks to the founding emperor.
the characters i absolutely adore are little tiger sunbeam, mu hanzhang, and gu huaiqing. hanzhang is resilient, kind, and loyal, whereas huaiqing is somewhat mercurial yet incredibly well written. the light-hearted banter between prince cheng and his sworn brother brightened the story considerably.
so, final verdict: this series has both its merits and its flaws. another piece of enjoyable trash. i'm choosing to pretend some of the problematic moments never happened, switching my brain off, and simply enjoying the ride. ★ 3.5
(it's already past midnight, and i can't think of anything else to add. i'll edit this later.)
i'm a master at writing unnecessarily long, boring, off-topic, terrible reviews. so here goes another one.
there are some things i hated and others that made me swoon. i guess i'm a pessimist, so let's start with the negatives.
the issues i had with the previous volumes still linger. the way men in this book talk about women, along with the brief scenes focused on childbirth and postpartum, left me seriously exasperated. then again, it's historical fiction, so i guess i can't hold grudges against fictional characters, especially considering that, in the real world, women in some places are still deprived of basic human rights. without the occasional misogyny, it would probably feel out of character for the genre itself. anyway, i'll stop there instead of listing every minor grievance i have.
now, moving on to the romance. that eyesore of a man, jing shao, has a single brain cell, and its only function is to lust after his own wifey. as the title suggests, “the wife comes first” indeed.
their dynamic is undeniably spicy, but i can't help nitpicking. i really didn't agree with what happened in that one chapter. our prince gets jealous, and instead of talking things out, he decides to have rough, violent sex, a perfect example of someone who thinks with his dick. yep, that lone brain cell failed him spectacularly.
now, some people might argue, "if that bothers you, you should stay away from bl." but that's not the point. it's not about feeling morally superior. this kind of behaviour shouldn't be labelled as healthy. plenty of people enjoy these tropes, and this book is, of course, filled with clichés, but this particular scene is so overused. i've come across it countless times, and more often than not, it ruins the flow of the story by creating unnecessary drama. they could have shared a genuinely sweet night together, but no, the author had other plans.
overall, i liked the romance. they have plenty of sweet moments, but the main character is often pushy and entitled. the idea of "you're my wife, so you must always satisfy my needs" gets pushed throughout the series. considering the protagonist was given a second life, a second chance, i expected a stronger redemption arc, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. ugh, i should probably stop here before people start calling me the moral police. just know that i have very mixed feelings. it's trash, but it's enjoyable trash. the writing is engaging enough and it fulfills exactly what it sets out to do.
there are plenty of tense moments, battle scenes, and court intrigues, which thankfully get resolved soon enough mostly thanks to the one-dimensional, cartoonishly dumb villains and jing shao's knowledge from his previous life. i figured out who the real villain was pretty early on, but i have to admit that some of the twists still managed to keep me curious.
another thing i loved was the brotherly bond showcased in this series. his brothers, both by blood and sworn, are genuinely interesting characters, and the relationship that develops toward the end is a pleasant surprise, all thanks to the founding emperor.
the characters i absolutely adore are little tiger sunbeam, mu hanzhang, and gu huaiqing. hanzhang is resilient, kind, and loyal, whereas huaiqing is somewhat mercurial yet incredibly well written. the light-hearted banter between prince cheng and his sworn brother brightened the story considerably.
so, final verdict: this series has both its merits and its flaws. another piece of enjoyable trash. i'm choosing to pretend some of the problematic moments never happened, switching my brain off, and simply enjoying the ride. ★ 3.5
(it's already past midnight, and i can't think of anything else to add. i'll edit this later.)
July 29, 2026
"I do feel bad for Junqing, but more than that, I know that I will never love anyone aside from Junqing, and I don't see how he'd be happy just because he was away from me either. So, as long as I can be with him, I'll always do my utmost to give him whatever he might want and make sure he never has to settle for less."
I closed this volume feeling satisfied. It had exactly the right balance of story and extra chapters for my taste, so I never felt like anything dragged or overstayed its welcome. Every chapter gave me something to enjoy, whether it was the main plot moving forward or quieter moments with the characters. I also like seeing the story return to the capital because it opened the door to new conflicts without losing the charm that made me enjoy the series in the first place. Watching the characters deal with family issues, court politics, and the consequences of earlier decisions kept me interested from beginning to end. The only thing I refuse to accept is that “founder” situation at the end. It was completely unhinged, and I honestly laughed because of how crazy it was. I’m choosing to pretend I never saw it, even though I can’t deny it was funny. Aside from that, I really loved how this volume wrapped everything up and left me feeling happy after I finished reading.
I also loved seeing how much Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang have grown as a married couple. Their relationship feels so comfortable now, and I enjoyed watching them trust each other through every situation they faced. Jing Shao still has his possessive and childish moments, which honestly make me smile because they fit his personality, but it’s obvious how much he has matured. His focus is always on protecting the life he has now, and I appreciate seeing that side of him again and again. Mu Hanzhang continues to be my favorite character because his intelligence always feels genuine. I never felt like the story was simply telling me he was smart. You actually get to see it through his decisions, the way he handles people, and how naturally he understands both political and family matters. I also really like seeing Jing Shao surrounded by people he could trust. Knowing what happened in his previous life made those relationships feel even more meaningful, and it was nice seeing him build a life where he wasn’t carrying everything on his own.
I did have a couple of small issues. The political conflicts sometimes felt a little too convenient because Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang were almost always several steps ahead. I never found myself worrying much about how things would turn out since many of the people working against them made such poor decisions. Some of the villains also felt pretty one-dimensional, so I never became very invested in their side of the story. Even with those complaints, they never took away from my enjoyment because I was having such a good time following Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang. Their growth, their marriage, and the people around them were easily the strongest parts of this volume. Finishing this series left me with such a good feeling, and I genuinely think this was my favorite volume. It gave me exactly what I wanted from the story, a satisfying conclusion, plenty of heartwarming moments, and just enough humor to keep me smiling… even if I’m still pretending that final founder situation never happened.
Date Read: 2026.07.28
I closed this volume feeling satisfied. It had exactly the right balance of story and extra chapters for my taste, so I never felt like anything dragged or overstayed its welcome. Every chapter gave me something to enjoy, whether it was the main plot moving forward or quieter moments with the characters. I also like seeing the story return to the capital because it opened the door to new conflicts without losing the charm that made me enjoy the series in the first place. Watching the characters deal with family issues, court politics, and the consequences of earlier decisions kept me interested from beginning to end. The only thing I refuse to accept is that “founder” situation at the end. It was completely unhinged, and I honestly laughed because of how crazy it was. I’m choosing to pretend I never saw it, even though I can’t deny it was funny. Aside from that, I really loved how this volume wrapped everything up and left me feeling happy after I finished reading.
I also loved seeing how much Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang have grown as a married couple. Their relationship feels so comfortable now, and I enjoyed watching them trust each other through every situation they faced. Jing Shao still has his possessive and childish moments, which honestly make me smile because they fit his personality, but it’s obvious how much he has matured. His focus is always on protecting the life he has now, and I appreciate seeing that side of him again and again. Mu Hanzhang continues to be my favorite character because his intelligence always feels genuine. I never felt like the story was simply telling me he was smart. You actually get to see it through his decisions, the way he handles people, and how naturally he understands both political and family matters. I also really like seeing Jing Shao surrounded by people he could trust. Knowing what happened in his previous life made those relationships feel even more meaningful, and it was nice seeing him build a life where he wasn’t carrying everything on his own.
I did have a couple of small issues. The political conflicts sometimes felt a little too convenient because Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang were almost always several steps ahead. I never found myself worrying much about how things would turn out since many of the people working against them made such poor decisions. Some of the villains also felt pretty one-dimensional, so I never became very invested in their side of the story. Even with those complaints, they never took away from my enjoyment because I was having such a good time following Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang. Their growth, their marriage, and the people around them were easily the strongest parts of this volume. Finishing this series left me with such a good feeling, and I genuinely think this was my favorite volume. It gave me exactly what I wanted from the story, a satisfying conclusion, plenty of heartwarming moments, and just enough humor to keep me smiling… even if I’m still pretending that final founder situation never happened.
Date Read: 2026.07.28
August 7, 2026
── 3.0✦
This series has been a fun time. Going back in time stories will forever have my heart
This series has been a fun time. Going back in time stories will forever have my heart
August 1, 2026
I wish I could go back and relive what made me enjoy this story when I read the fan tl, because I do distinctly remember enjoying it. Having finished all three volumes of the official english translation for the wife comes first, I honestly can't say why.
The story is narratively weak and devoid of any real stakes or tension. There's never a time when you feel that the protagonists are in any real danger, and that includes all the times when the book tells you that they're in danger. Jing Shao is the strongest, most valiant warrior, and Mu Hanzhang is the smartest, most shrewed strategist. The book makes an attempt at courtly politics and intrigue, but like everything else, it feels very shallow
The best part of the story is the relationship the emperor has with his sons and Jing Shao's resentment and regrets from his past life where his father and brother are concerned. But nothing is really done with it besides Jing Shao righting his mistakes from his first life, like he's going through a checklist.
It's also quite frustrating that the worst thing you can be in this book is a woman. Every single male character is a misogynist, including the man that is canonically called a "male wife", something that was used to restrict his husband from gaining political power and also prevents him from finishing his studies. You would think there would be some self-refelction or deeper commentary on this, but no. The women are either entirely loyal to our male protagonists or scheming, conniving concubines that don't have two braincells to rub together. That's not even mentioning the amount of times we have men hitting their female partners, be it wife or concubine, as a rebuke for her actions and it being presented as a good thing, as something she deserves.
gods, I'm tired of this book. I'm glad I'm through with it. it was a very unremarkable three volumes.
The story is narratively weak and devoid of any real stakes or tension. There's never a time when you feel that the protagonists are in any real danger, and that includes all the times when the book tells you that they're in danger. Jing Shao is the strongest, most valiant warrior, and Mu Hanzhang is the smartest, most shrewed strategist. The book makes an attempt at courtly politics and intrigue, but like everything else, it feels very shallow
The best part of the story is the relationship the emperor has with his sons and Jing Shao's resentment and regrets from his past life where his father and brother are concerned. But nothing is really done with it besides Jing Shao righting his mistakes from his first life, like he's going through a checklist.
It's also quite frustrating that the worst thing you can be in this book is a woman. Every single male character is a misogynist, including the man that is canonically called a "male wife", something that was used to restrict his husband from gaining political power and also prevents him from finishing his studies. You would think there would be some self-refelction or deeper commentary on this, but no. The women are either entirely loyal to our male protagonists or scheming, conniving concubines that don't have two braincells to rub together. That's not even mentioning the amount of times we have men hitting their female partners, be it wife or concubine, as a rebuke for her actions and it being presented as a good thing, as something she deserves.
gods, I'm tired of this book. I'm glad I'm through with it. it was a very unremarkable three volumes.
Review of advance copy
4.6/5 🌟
When I read the manhua, I could not understand a lot of the politics in this story because the translation was such ass. I just was trying to follow. It I like how simple this was written where I didn’t feel confused by it unlike some other stories... *(cough cough... QJJ and Golden Terrace lol)*
Though there are some things that were rushed and some things left unsaid, I still loved it. It was a happy ending and to me, that was the cutest thing ever. However, going ack to the whole pacing issues, mainly because I feel like the author wanted to just be done and over with the story, which isn’t bad, but when the pacing changes within the last 10 chapters, it certainly starts feeling different.
Like… whatever happened to the shop owner and the vice minister of war?? What about the shop? Did they open more shops? Did they open more ports? That would have been nice to see. Also, the Left and Right generals deserved an extra. I believe they are canonly together just like I feel like Muqing and Fengxing from TGCF are together. Lolol there was wayyyy too much chemistry to not be together.
Also, holy hell side couple! Bottom emperor and top male wifey empress??
Staaaahp! >///<
Now, the main couple. I love how jealous Mu Hanzhang can get too. Hehe! I love me some jelly wifey. (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝)
🔹 “I won’t allow you to take concubines…” Mu Hanzhang lowered his eyes and whispered.
“What did you say?” Jing Shao drew close to his lips, and his smile grew bigger and bigger.
“I won’t allow you to take concubines…” Mu Hanzhang’s voice was still low, but it was very firm.”🔹
But jealous hubby… oh man… he fucked up. He deserved that month of rejection and celibacy. Turd! (｡•̀ ⤙ •́ ｡ꐦ) !!!
I love and I cried at two main parts. One is when Mu Hanzhang got his dream to come true. He got a title and became recognized as more than just a male wife to the 3rd prince!
🔹 “Being conferred the title of marquis meant that he would be qualified to enter court, that his talent had been recognized, and that he had the right to bring his mother into his residence to take care of her when his father was gone… Because he was married to Cheng Wang, he wasn’t able to take the imperial civil service exam, and he thought it would remain like that for all his life. Later, in the history books, he would only be mentioned as the “Cheng Wang Fei” – someone perpetually mentioned in relation to another person. He never expected things to take a different turn!” 🔹
🔹 “By the Mandate of Heaven the emperor calls upon Cheng Wang Fei Mu Hanzhang, of great erudition and scholarship and exceeding intelligence. He made many miraculous achievements on the battlefield and has been of great use to the empire. As a royal heir, he is now granted the title of ‘Wen Yuan’ and appointed as a military general and a minister of the civilian court. The ceremony to grant him the title of ‘Marquis’ will be held in seven days. This is the emperor’s decree!”🔹
One of the cutest things of this all is that Jingshao really did such a good job as a faithful husband to protect and uplift his male wife- helping him feel secure and loved. He really made him happy! Junqing deserves the world! 💕
🔹 “Today’s Mu Hanzhang had washed away the repression and anxiety he felt. He was like a treasure sword drawn out of its sheath, shining with glorious colors. Even through so many tribulations, his sharp edge wasn’t eroded. It was now clear to everyone, and no one would dare bully him again.”🔹
They truly became the best power and badass couple with cute nephews running in their home playing with their fur-ball lazy tiger haha. I love you, Xiao Huang! May you get many cuddles from your owner. I hope he gives you more love. The extra made me sad at the end! T^T
(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥) I'll hug you baby!
The saddest moment that had my ass shedding tears! The emperor's death. I’ll just leave this quote from the emperor. He truly loved his son and I’m glad Jingshao got the chance to see that in his new life. (இ﹏இ`｡)
🔹 “Your mother gave you the name Shao because she hoped that you would be like the phoenix from the nine movements of Xiao Shao and bring peace and prosperity to the country of Da Chen.” Emperor Hong Zheng sighed, “Zhen has watched you grow from a little boy to an invincible Prince. What reason is there for me to feel unhappy? I hope that the two of you can protect and help each other and not disregard all the hard work your mother has put into raising both of you.”
“Imperial Father……” Jing Shao raised his head, his eyes tinted slightly red. He had never heard his Imperial Father praise him like that before. It was the first time he had heard those words of praise from his father in two lifetimes.”
“Jing Shao is your biological brother. If he makes a big mistake in the future, you must keep in mind the brotherhood both of you share today.”🔹
Remember to embrace and love your loved ones. You never know if you could ever get second chances with them.
₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎ ♡( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡
When I read the manhua, I could not understand a lot of the politics in this story because the translation was such ass. I just was trying to follow. It I like how simple this was written where I didn’t feel confused by it unlike some other stories... *(cough cough... QJJ and Golden Terrace lol)*
Though there are some things that were rushed and some things left unsaid, I still loved it. It was a happy ending and to me, that was the cutest thing ever. However, going ack to the whole pacing issues, mainly because I feel like the author wanted to just be done and over with the story, which isn’t bad, but when the pacing changes within the last 10 chapters, it certainly starts feeling different.
Like… whatever happened to the shop owner and the vice minister of war?? What about the shop? Did they open more shops? Did they open more ports? That would have been nice to see. Also, the Left and Right generals deserved an extra. I believe they are canonly together just like I feel like Muqing and Fengxing from TGCF are together. Lolol there was wayyyy too much chemistry to not be together.
Also, holy hell side couple! Bottom emperor and top male wifey empress??
Staaaahp! >///<
Now, the main couple. I love how jealous Mu Hanzhang can get too. Hehe! I love me some jelly wifey. (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝)
🔹 “I won’t allow you to take concubines…” Mu Hanzhang lowered his eyes and whispered.
“What did you say?” Jing Shao drew close to his lips, and his smile grew bigger and bigger.
“I won’t allow you to take concubines…” Mu Hanzhang’s voice was still low, but it was very firm.”🔹
But jealous hubby… oh man… he fucked up. He deserved that month of rejection and celibacy. Turd! (｡•̀ ⤙ •́ ｡ꐦ) !!!
I love and I cried at two main parts. One is when Mu Hanzhang got his dream to come true. He got a title and became recognized as more than just a male wife to the 3rd prince!
🔹 “Being conferred the title of marquis meant that he would be qualified to enter court, that his talent had been recognized, and that he had the right to bring his mother into his residence to take care of her when his father was gone… Because he was married to Cheng Wang, he wasn’t able to take the imperial civil service exam, and he thought it would remain like that for all his life. Later, in the history books, he would only be mentioned as the “Cheng Wang Fei” – someone perpetually mentioned in relation to another person. He never expected things to take a different turn!” 🔹
🔹 “By the Mandate of Heaven the emperor calls upon Cheng Wang Fei Mu Hanzhang, of great erudition and scholarship and exceeding intelligence. He made many miraculous achievements on the battlefield and has been of great use to the empire. As a royal heir, he is now granted the title of ‘Wen Yuan’ and appointed as a military general and a minister of the civilian court. The ceremony to grant him the title of ‘Marquis’ will be held in seven days. This is the emperor’s decree!”🔹
One of the cutest things of this all is that Jingshao really did such a good job as a faithful husband to protect and uplift his male wife- helping him feel secure and loved. He really made him happy! Junqing deserves the world! 💕
🔹 “Today’s Mu Hanzhang had washed away the repression and anxiety he felt. He was like a treasure sword drawn out of its sheath, shining with glorious colors. Even through so many tribulations, his sharp edge wasn’t eroded. It was now clear to everyone, and no one would dare bully him again.”🔹
They truly became the best power and badass couple with cute nephews running in their home playing with their fur-ball lazy tiger haha. I love you, Xiao Huang! May you get many cuddles from your owner. I hope he gives you more love. The extra made me sad at the end! T^T
(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥) I'll hug you baby!
The saddest moment that had my ass shedding tears! The emperor's death. I’ll just leave this quote from the emperor. He truly loved his son and I’m glad Jingshao got the chance to see that in his new life. (இ﹏இ`｡)
🔹 “Your mother gave you the name Shao because she hoped that you would be like the phoenix from the nine movements of Xiao Shao and bring peace and prosperity to the country of Da Chen.” Emperor Hong Zheng sighed, “Zhen has watched you grow from a little boy to an invincible Prince. What reason is there for me to feel unhappy? I hope that the two of you can protect and help each other and not disregard all the hard work your mother has put into raising both of you.”
“Imperial Father……” Jing Shao raised his head, his eyes tinted slightly red. He had never heard his Imperial Father praise him like that before. It was the first time he had heard those words of praise from his father in two lifetimes.”
“Jing Shao is your biological brother. If he makes a big mistake in the future, you must keep in mind the brotherhood both of you share today.”🔹
Remember to embrace and love your loved ones. You never know if you could ever get second chances with them.
₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎ ♡( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2026
Relectura con la edición oficial en inglés por Seven Seas
Diría que entre todas las partes de la historia, esta es la que menos me gusta. Solamente por un tema de entretención, aquí la trama se pone un poco más lenta (aunque el final llega de forma apresurada) y el drama de palacio no fue tan interesante para mi. A diferencia del primer y segundo volumen que contaban con aspectos más atrapantes: el conflicto entre los protagonistas, el inicio de la relación, evitar el final de sus primeras vidas, los viajes al pueblo, la aventura producto de la guerra, etc.
De todas formas creo que este danmei es bueno, tiende a ser más cozy y tranquilo, es una historia fácil de seguir. Me gustó mucho en esta relectura y la traducción la encontré buena.
Diría que entre todas las partes de la historia, esta es la que menos me gusta. Solamente por un tema de entretención, aquí la trama se pone un poco más lenta (aunque el final llega de forma apresurada) y el drama de palacio no fue tan interesante para mi. A diferencia del primer y segundo volumen que contaban con aspectos más atrapantes: el conflicto entre los protagonistas, el inicio de la relación, evitar el final de sus primeras vidas, los viajes al pueblo, la aventura producto de la guerra, etc.
De todas formas creo que este danmei es bueno, tiende a ser más cozy y tranquilo, es una historia fácil de seguir. Me gustó mucho en esta relectura y la traducción la encontré buena.
July 22, 2026
A glorious ending to a great tale!
I read this last volume in one sitting ...Couldn't put it down. From the opening chapter it's a roller coaster ride of romance, political intrigue, murderous schemes before it ends in the most satisfactory way. I will miss all the characters but I'm sure it won't be long before I visit them again.
For all lovers of historical danmei...no slow burn romance this, but full on steam!!
I read this last volume in one sitting ...Couldn't put it down. From the opening chapter it's a roller coaster ride of romance, political intrigue, murderous schemes before it ends in the most satisfactory way. I will miss all the characters but I'm sure it won't be long before I visit them again.
For all lovers of historical danmei...no slow burn romance this, but full on steam!!
August 5, 2026
more like “the maritime trade comes first” good lord
The only thing saving this book is that the emperor was a bottom
The only thing saving this book is that the emperor was a bottom
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2026
Definitely a cute danmei with cute and silly protagonists...BUT...the plot lacks depth. Sometimes, it felt like there's something missing.
September 14, 2026
Where do I begin?
I was of the opinion that if this wasn't the next book I read, I would never read it. So, I forced myself into a slump because I was having the hardest time just picking this book up. Thankfully, I finally did manage to get over that particular hump, and I'm finally done with this story.
The first thing I would like to say is that this was much better than the second volume that lost me so completely multiple times! This one kept my interest and was really easy to get through, which confirmed my suspicion that one of the things I really liked about this book was the politics of it all, because in this book we return to the palace and the thinly veiled struggle for succession playing out in the court. It has to be one of my most favourite things about the book besides the romance, but for the most part the romance is kind of done by the first volume. While our main characters continue to have their moments, the focus on their relationship never returns to the intensity it takes on in the first volume.
My biggest problem with this story is the misogyny; it's so blatant that it is impossible to overlook, and it manifests in every variation possible. The women in this story somehow always meet the short end of the stick, even if they are committing the same crimes the men are. There is a blatant double standard in this entire story when it comes to scheming, and the overlap that has with misogyny is honestly appallingly obvious.
This story is basically focused on a succession battle between the first four sons of the Emperor, Jing Rong, Jing Chen, Jing Shao and Jing Yu. Jing Rong is a common-born son and doesn't appear to be anyone's favourite for succession. Jing Chen and Jing Shao are full brothers, and after Jing Shao's regression, Jing Shao is all in with his brother and wishes to see him succeed the emperor. Jing Yu is the present empress's son, and therefore is seen to have more influence over the emperor, considering his mother is the emperor's favourite.
For the entirety of the series, Jing Rong is basically a non-issue; he is hardly at the capital after Jing Chen and Jing Shao outmanoeuvre the court to get him sent to subdue the Southern Barbarians, a task that Jing Shao is aware turned out to be exceptionally thankless given its tedious and time-consuming nature.
So, for the majority of the series, the actual power struggle is between Jing Chen and Jing Yu's factions, with Jing Shao firmly in his elder brother's camp. There is scheming on both sides, but Jing Chen's faction always comes out on top even when both camps are committing similarly treasonous acts; there is a habit throughout the series wherein even the wrongs of our protagonists aren't treated as such because they are the protagonists; they have their reasons, but no such sympathy is granted to the opposing faction. The opposing faction is also portrayed as being as mentally capable as bricks; they regularly seem to orchestrate their own downfall and, frankly, aren't worthy opponents at all. Jing Shao manages to secretly travel in his carriage to the court and to the Beiwei Estate, without anyone finding out. He manages to spend almost two years pretending to fight a war and manages to hide an unauthorised militia close to the capital, without anyone knowing better. But as for the women, no matter the faction, they always end up losing.
The most horrid example in this entire series is what happens to Princely Consort Rui, Jing Chen's primary wife.
The thing is, the only women who are portrayed as good in this book are the ones who submit entirely to the will of men and who only work in their interest and never in their own. Honestly, the only good women in this series are those who hardly contribute to the plot at all, like Mu Hanzhang's mother or Ge Ruoyi; the latter is used as a plot device exactly once and then relegated to the background.
Every other woman is basically the worst thing ever for having ambitions or for wanting the men in their lives to pay attention to their wants and desires. The empress, Marquise Beiwei, and Song Lingxin are all tarred with the same brush for scheming to keep their husbands' attention, when keeping their husband's fleeting attention is the source of the only power they are granted over their own lives.
The worst part of this book is that when men enter traditionally female spheres, like in this case being concubines or wives to more "important men", they are favoured. This happens in real life too, but the version I encountered in this book felt really distasteful because, seemingly, the world this author is portraying is one where women serve no purpose besides child-bearing and being servants; it almost felt like the philosophy of this book is that men hate women so much that if they could, they would do away with them entirely, which really made me examine what I was reading and why I was choosing to read what I did. Women writing MM romance to avoid dealing with misogyny in their wish-fulfilment fantasies is fine, but women writing MM romance to somehow fantasise a world where women serve no purpose is heading into the realm of horror. I'm starting to wonder if this decentring of women by women authors is going to end well, and honestly beginning to doubt my own interest in reading books that basically feature no women whatsoever.
This series is giving me an existential crisis I really didn't sign up for. I might just have to rate this volume lower than volume 2 after all.
The one thing I'm coming to realise as I tread into the danmei world is that there is a very stereotypical character archetype in danmei novels, one who is almost always dressed in white. He is austere, beautiful and respected, but he has absolutely no sexual desire whatsoever, to the extent that all sexual acts against his person must be initiated by the gong/top. This figure is also almost always the shou/bottom. Mu Hanzhang fits into this white character archetype a little too well, and even though I haven't read a lot of danmei, this is almost certainly a pattern.
Mu Hanzhang seems to like sex but seems to never want it enough to initiate anything himself to the extent that it always feels like he's being forced into putting out, and that means that the line between consensual and non-consensual sex is paper-thin as is, but danmei authors can't seem to keep from punching the paper regardless. There is this scene in this volume that starts out consensual but then rapidly turns painful for Mu Hanzhang, and despite his entreaties for Jing Shao to stop, he doesn't till he finishes the act. It sounds like rape, doesn't it, probably because it is. I don't understand this obsession with non-consensual sex acts that danmei authors seem to have. Logically, if so many of them put them in their works, it only makes sense that their audience must enjoy it to some extent.
In Erha, there is a fully non-consensual sex act between the main characters, technically Taxian-jun and Chu Wanning, and if you know the story, you understand the implications. We know this scene is non-consensual, but we also know why it must happen as it does. The story is complicated enough that I understand why this scene exists at all, but I don't get why it was described in such graphic detail. We already knew the backstory between Taxian-jun and Chu Wanning; did I really need to experience it in such detail? Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou is very good at writing sex scenes, and the sex scenes in Erha are hot; volume 6 about killed me with joy but the fact that the author still felt like she needed to include this non-consensual sex act between our main characters has me wondering why? I guess it could be titillating in a certain light, but by the time this scene rolls around, I'm already so invested in Chu Wanning's character that I can't find that light at all, and again I get what the scene is trying to convey, but do we need it to be this explicitly graphic?
I'm also starting to understand that Lan Wangji’s very portrayal is somewhat antithetical to this white character archetype because you can't say he doesn't experience sexual desire. The more danmei I read, the more I understand why Mo Dao Zu Shi stands apart as much as it does even in its local market, because it is truly doing a lot of apparently unconventional stuff that I didn't recognise as such because I didn’t have that context.
Danmei seems to have this tendency to pigeonhole its main characters into a heterosexual dynamic, but surprisingly that's not the case with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. No matter how many times Wei Wuxian calls himself the wife, he's the least wife-like; in fact, Lan Wangji tends to fulfil the wife role more. It's almost like he's the caretaker of his crazy-genius spouse. I feel the more danmei I read, the more I'll realise how exceptional MDZS is.
This story has been a ride, but before I end this review, I want to talk about this publication. I own three danmei series by them - MDZS, TGCF & Erha - and in all of them the character guide had the meaning of the characters' names given. Unfortunately, this is something completely missing from this series’ character guide. Chinese names almost always have meanings, and it's interesting to see how authors play with the meanings of names to hint at certain characteristics of the character concerned, and I'm not happy about losing that context altogether. Does anybody know a rational reason why that is the case for this series, or is this just Seven Seas cutting corners?
I was of the opinion that if this wasn't the next book I read, I would never read it. So, I forced myself into a slump because I was having the hardest time just picking this book up. Thankfully, I finally did manage to get over that particular hump, and I'm finally done with this story.
The first thing I would like to say is that this was much better than the second volume that lost me so completely multiple times! This one kept my interest and was really easy to get through, which confirmed my suspicion that one of the things I really liked about this book was the politics of it all, because in this book we return to the palace and the thinly veiled struggle for succession playing out in the court. It has to be one of my most favourite things about the book besides the romance, but for the most part the romance is kind of done by the first volume. While our main characters continue to have their moments, the focus on their relationship never returns to the intensity it takes on in the first volume.
My biggest problem with this story is the misogyny; it's so blatant that it is impossible to overlook, and it manifests in every variation possible. The women in this story somehow always meet the short end of the stick, even if they are committing the same crimes the men are. There is a blatant double standard in this entire story when it comes to scheming, and the overlap that has with misogyny is honestly appallingly obvious.
This story is basically focused on a succession battle between the first four sons of the Emperor, Jing Rong, Jing Chen, Jing Shao and Jing Yu. Jing Rong is a common-born son and doesn't appear to be anyone's favourite for succession. Jing Chen and Jing Shao are full brothers, and after Jing Shao's regression, Jing Shao is all in with his brother and wishes to see him succeed the emperor. Jing Yu is the present empress's son, and therefore is seen to have more influence over the emperor, considering his mother is the emperor's favourite.
For the entirety of the series, Jing Rong is basically a non-issue; he is hardly at the capital after Jing Chen and Jing Shao outmanoeuvre the court to get him sent to subdue the Southern Barbarians, a task that Jing Shao is aware turned out to be exceptionally thankless given its tedious and time-consuming nature.
So, for the majority of the series, the actual power struggle is between Jing Chen and Jing Yu's factions, with Jing Shao firmly in his elder brother's camp. There is scheming on both sides, but Jing Chen's faction always comes out on top even when both camps are committing similarly treasonous acts; there is a habit throughout the series wherein even the wrongs of our protagonists aren't treated as such because they are the protagonists; they have their reasons, but no such sympathy is granted to the opposing faction. The opposing faction is also portrayed as being as mentally capable as bricks; they regularly seem to orchestrate their own downfall and, frankly, aren't worthy opponents at all. Jing Shao manages to secretly travel in his carriage to the court and to the Beiwei Estate, without anyone finding out. He manages to spend almost two years pretending to fight a war and manages to hide an unauthorised militia close to the capital, without anyone knowing better. But as for the women, no matter the faction, they always end up losing.
The most horrid example in this entire series is what happens to Princely Consort Rui, Jing Chen's primary wife.
The thing is, the only women who are portrayed as good in this book are the ones who submit entirely to the will of men and who only work in their interest and never in their own. Honestly, the only good women in this series are those who hardly contribute to the plot at all, like Mu Hanzhang's mother or Ge Ruoyi; the latter is used as a plot device exactly once and then relegated to the background.
Every other woman is basically the worst thing ever for having ambitions or for wanting the men in their lives to pay attention to their wants and desires. The empress, Marquise Beiwei, and Song Lingxin are all tarred with the same brush for scheming to keep their husbands' attention, when keeping their husband's fleeting attention is the source of the only power they are granted over their own lives.
The worst part of this book is that when men enter traditionally female spheres, like in this case being concubines or wives to more "important men", they are favoured. This happens in real life too, but the version I encountered in this book felt really distasteful because, seemingly, the world this author is portraying is one where women serve no purpose besides child-bearing and being servants; it almost felt like the philosophy of this book is that men hate women so much that if they could, they would do away with them entirely, which really made me examine what I was reading and why I was choosing to read what I did. Women writing MM romance to avoid dealing with misogyny in their wish-fulfilment fantasies is fine, but women writing MM romance to somehow fantasise a world where women serve no purpose is heading into the realm of horror. I'm starting to wonder if this decentring of women by women authors is going to end well, and honestly beginning to doubt my own interest in reading books that basically feature no women whatsoever.
This series is giving me an existential crisis I really didn't sign up for. I might just have to rate this volume lower than volume 2 after all.
The one thing I'm coming to realise as I tread into the danmei world is that there is a very stereotypical character archetype in danmei novels, one who is almost always dressed in white. He is austere, beautiful and respected, but he has absolutely no sexual desire whatsoever, to the extent that all sexual acts against his person must be initiated by the gong/top. This figure is also almost always the shou/bottom. Mu Hanzhang fits into this white character archetype a little too well, and even though I haven't read a lot of danmei, this is almost certainly a pattern.
Mu Hanzhang seems to like sex but seems to never want it enough to initiate anything himself to the extent that it always feels like he's being forced into putting out, and that means that the line between consensual and non-consensual sex is paper-thin as is, but danmei authors can't seem to keep from punching the paper regardless. There is this scene in this volume that starts out consensual but then rapidly turns painful for Mu Hanzhang, and despite his entreaties for Jing Shao to stop, he doesn't till he finishes the act. It sounds like rape, doesn't it, probably because it is. I don't understand this obsession with non-consensual sex acts that danmei authors seem to have. Logically, if so many of them put them in their works, it only makes sense that their audience must enjoy it to some extent.
In Erha, there is a fully non-consensual sex act between the main characters, technically Taxian-jun and Chu Wanning, and if you know the story, you understand the implications. We know this scene is non-consensual, but we also know why it must happen as it does. The story is complicated enough that I understand why this scene exists at all, but I don't get why it was described in such graphic detail. We already knew the backstory between Taxian-jun and Chu Wanning; did I really need to experience it in such detail? Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou is very good at writing sex scenes, and the sex scenes in Erha are hot; volume 6 about killed me with joy but the fact that the author still felt like she needed to include this non-consensual sex act between our main characters has me wondering why? I guess it could be titillating in a certain light, but by the time this scene rolls around, I'm already so invested in Chu Wanning's character that I can't find that light at all, and again I get what the scene is trying to convey, but do we need it to be this explicitly graphic?
I'm also starting to understand that Lan Wangji’s very portrayal is somewhat antithetical to this white character archetype because you can't say he doesn't experience sexual desire. The more danmei I read, the more I understand why Mo Dao Zu Shi stands apart as much as it does even in its local market, because it is truly doing a lot of apparently unconventional stuff that I didn't recognise as such because I didn’t have that context.
Danmei seems to have this tendency to pigeonhole its main characters into a heterosexual dynamic, but surprisingly that's not the case with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. No matter how many times Wei Wuxian calls himself the wife, he's the least wife-like; in fact, Lan Wangji tends to fulfil the wife role more. It's almost like he's the caretaker of his crazy-genius spouse. I feel the more danmei I read, the more I'll realise how exceptional MDZS is.
This story has been a ride, but before I end this review, I want to talk about this publication. I own three danmei series by them - MDZS, TGCF & Erha - and in all of them the character guide had the meaning of the characters' names given. Unfortunately, this is something completely missing from this series’ character guide. Chinese names almost always have meanings, and it's interesting to see how authors play with the meanings of names to hint at certain characteristics of the character concerned, and I'm not happy about losing that context altogether. Does anybody know a rational reason why that is the case for this series, or is this just Seven Seas cutting corners?
July 24, 2026
I liked this book, and the whole series, a lot. It was a very fun read and a very satisfying ending.
I did have one problem with it though, and that’s Lady Xiao’s storyline. It was very clear that she was suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety and I wish the narrative treated her better or at least addressed it in a substantial way. I felt bad for her and in the end she just died. Not to mention, she kept thinking that Jing Chen had already told the main couple that he wanted to give them one of his children, when they had no idea he was planning to do that, sowing unnecessary discord between them. She had every right to feel upset about her child possibly being taken from her. I thought perhaps they would eventually address it and clear the air but that didn’t happen either. If the author wanted to clear a path for Gu Hauiqing to marry Jing Chen, I think instead of doing all that, they could’ve just had Lady Xiao pass away during childbirth along with Xiao-Si and then figure out another way to introduce the poison that killed the emperor and former empress.
I did have one problem with it though, and that’s Lady Xiao’s storyline. It was very clear that she was suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety and I wish the narrative treated her better or at least addressed it in a substantial way. I felt bad for her and in the end she just died. Not to mention, she kept thinking that Jing Chen had already told the main couple that he wanted to give them one of his children, when they had no idea he was planning to do that, sowing unnecessary discord between them. She had every right to feel upset about her child possibly being taken from her. I thought perhaps they would eventually address it and clear the air but that didn’t happen either. If the author wanted to clear a path for Gu Hauiqing to marry Jing Chen, I think instead of doing all that, they could’ve just had Lady Xiao pass away during childbirth along with Xiao-Si and then figure out another way to introduce the poison that killed the emperor and former empress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2026
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed reading the first two volumes. They have the perfect amount of fluff, politics, and character building (even more on Mu Hanzhang's part because we actually saw how his character bloomed into his confident self). My main criticism of this volume was how it just discarded Lady Xiao (Jing Chen's original primary wife) away just to make way for Jing Chen and Gu Huaiqing's romance.
I was really disappointed that there wasn't anymore foreshadowing and only subtle clues that Gu Huaiqing and Jing Chen are a thing. I thought their relationship needed more buildup. Anyway, it was pretty distasteful how Lady Xiao's character was treated. I am, by no means, defending her wrongdoings. I thought it was pretty fucked up to send away the common-born son and his mother just because a shaman (the nun) told her that the common-born son brought bad luck to her own son.
What didn't sit well with me was everyone KNOWS that she was having postpartum depression and it was a hard pregnancy for her plus her newborn son wasn't healthy. Her being worried for her newborn was entirely valid, but instead of alleviating her worries, Jing Chen even told her that her unhealthy son would be adopted by Mu Hanzhang and Jing Shao as their adoptive son. She didn't know the couple well enough to actually comprehend that they meant well. And if we're talking about the first lifetime, she was valid to suspect what kind of motive Jing Shao has since we know Jing Shao wasn't at all that enthusiastic about giving away the throne to Jing Chen, even believing that Jing Chen betrayed him (though he, of course, later on realized that Jing Chen was actually protecting him).
Granted that she never gave Mu Hanzhang and Jing Shao to show good will, and she never exerted effort to get to know them. But in concerning her son, I think we can agree that she was relatively educated and was clever (or at least not clueless). I'm sure as hell that she has at least SOME clue that her husband was trying to gain the throne and she could have thought that giving away her son to by adopted by Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang would entirely eliminate the said son in the succession if Jing Chen happens to be successful to be the emperor. Every mother wants what could be best for their children. I l, myself, would want to give my children every opportunity their birth could afford them.
Besides, both Mu Hanzhang and Jing Shao were MEN, she has a point when she implied what do they know about raising a CHILD? But instead of reassuring her, Jing Chen shut her out and let her wallow in the false pretenses of the nun. Of course, we, as readers, know that Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang would be great parents, but Lady Xiao doesn't know that. She still suspected that Jing Shao, being a great marshall with military accomplishments who was then forced to marry a gentleman to block him off from the succession, still bore resentment because it is simply the logical thing to think. So, I think, being a mother, she had a valid crashout when she thought Mu Hanzhang, by sending herbs, was seeking for her favor so he and Jing Shao can adopt her son, and she held on tighter to her son who then, inadvertently, died which caused an irreparable damage to her marriage with Jing Chen.
Was it right to punish and blame others for the health of her newborn? Of course not. But I can understand where she was coming from, and just because she didn't like the protagonists should not mean that she should be painted in such a distasteful light. The author could've come up with a more graceful way for Jing Chen and Gu Huaiqing's relationship to happen, but no, a woman (a mother) must suffer first.
I really enjoyed reading the first two volumes. They have the perfect amount of fluff, politics, and character building (even more on Mu Hanzhang's part because we actually saw how his character bloomed into his confident self). My main criticism of this volume was how it just discarded Lady Xiao (Jing Chen's original primary wife) away just to make way for Jing Chen and Gu Huaiqing's romance.
I was really disappointed that there wasn't anymore foreshadowing and only subtle clues that Gu Huaiqing and Jing Chen are a thing. I thought their relationship needed more buildup. Anyway, it was pretty distasteful how Lady Xiao's character was treated. I am, by no means, defending her wrongdoings. I thought it was pretty fucked up to send away the common-born son and his mother just because a shaman (the nun) told her that the common-born son brought bad luck to her own son.
What didn't sit well with me was everyone KNOWS that she was having postpartum depression and it was a hard pregnancy for her plus her newborn son wasn't healthy. Her being worried for her newborn was entirely valid, but instead of alleviating her worries, Jing Chen even told her that her unhealthy son would be adopted by Mu Hanzhang and Jing Shao as their adoptive son. She didn't know the couple well enough to actually comprehend that they meant well. And if we're talking about the first lifetime, she was valid to suspect what kind of motive Jing Shao has since we know Jing Shao wasn't at all that enthusiastic about giving away the throne to Jing Chen, even believing that Jing Chen betrayed him (though he, of course, later on realized that Jing Chen was actually protecting him).
Granted that she never gave Mu Hanzhang and Jing Shao to show good will, and she never exerted effort to get to know them. But in concerning her son, I think we can agree that she was relatively educated and was clever (or at least not clueless). I'm sure as hell that she has at least SOME clue that her husband was trying to gain the throne and she could have thought that giving away her son to by adopted by Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang would entirely eliminate the said son in the succession if Jing Chen happens to be successful to be the emperor. Every mother wants what could be best for their children. I l, myself, would want to give my children every opportunity their birth could afford them.
Besides, both Mu Hanzhang and Jing Shao were MEN, she has a point when she implied what do they know about raising a CHILD? But instead of reassuring her, Jing Chen shut her out and let her wallow in the false pretenses of the nun. Of course, we, as readers, know that Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang would be great parents, but Lady Xiao doesn't know that. She still suspected that Jing Shao, being a great marshall with military accomplishments who was then forced to marry a gentleman to block him off from the succession, still bore resentment because it is simply the logical thing to think. So, I think, being a mother, she had a valid crashout when she thought Mu Hanzhang, by sending herbs, was seeking for her favor so he and Jing Shao can adopt her son, and she held on tighter to her son who then, inadvertently, died which caused an irreparable damage to her marriage with Jing Chen.
Was it right to punish and blame others for the health of her newborn? Of course not. But I can understand where she was coming from, and just because she didn't like the protagonists should not mean that she should be painted in such a distasteful light. The author could've come up with a more graceful way for Jing Chen and Gu Huaiqing's relationship to happen, but no, a woman (a mother) must suffer first.
August 4, 2026
In this conclusion to "The Wife Comes First" trilogy, Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang have returned triumphant to the Chen empire after the war in the Xinan fiefdom. But the third prince and his consort barely get to enjoy their rewards and any rest before brewing schemes begin to bubble over. Between Jing Shao's concubine, Song Lingxin, and her father, Mu Hanzhang's stepmother and half brother, and the fourth prince, Jing Yu, the couple face enemies on all sides. And with Emperor Hongzheng growing closer and closer to abolishing the Huainan fiefdom, the threat of a new conflict is increasing tensions. Thankfully, they have allies that include Jing Shao's older brother, Jing Chen, and Gu Huaiqing, the king of Hauinan, to help save their necks -- and just maybe the empire. Although he has no foreknowledge to rely on anymore, Jing Shao is dead-set on avoiding another untimely demise for him and Mu Hanzhang. Will they be able to achieve their happily ever after?
I'm a little conflicted about this volume. The first two-thirds are great, and then the last third, which could have been a fantastic finale, was rushed and kind of fizzled out. By book three, the main couple's relationship is solidified, so don't expect any major developments (or regressions, I'm happy to report). Part of me hoped Jing Shao would reveal his rebirth to Mu Hanzhang, but there was never a good opportunity for that revelation, and at least it wasn't shoehorned in there randomly. I loved that Mu Hanzhang finally got his due! And seeing Jing Shao love and adore him made me happy. His strong relationship with his brother was also nice to see, and I laughed at every interaction the couple had with Gu Huaiqing. The side couple's relationship (I won't say who, since it's revealed in this volume) needed some work. It just appeared all of a sudden through not-so-subtle hints...and then nothing happens. The author only tells their story in *very* broad strokes in one of the extras at the end. That could've been handled better, woven into the story more smoothly. I would've enjoyed seeing their romance bloom, but it was reduced to silent, one-sided pining.
The smaller schemes between different households kept my interest and moved the plot along at a good pace. What was disappointing is that those were better developed and more interesting than the novel's "coup de grâce" in the latter third. I don't know if the author had a character limit, but the book's climax was a total rush job, so much so, that the author didn't even bother to describe some of the key major events -- she just did time skips! Plural! I was shocked by that choice, and it really dinged my star rating for this book. Thankfully, I really liked the characters, so seeing them get their happy endings softened the blow for me and ended things on a positive note. I'd still recommend this series for a lighter Danmei read.
I'm a little conflicted about this volume. The first two-thirds are great, and then the last third, which could have been a fantastic finale, was rushed and kind of fizzled out. By book three, the main couple's relationship is solidified, so don't expect any major developments (or regressions, I'm happy to report). Part of me hoped Jing Shao would reveal his rebirth to Mu Hanzhang, but there was never a good opportunity for that revelation, and at least it wasn't shoehorned in there randomly. I loved that Mu Hanzhang finally got his due! And seeing Jing Shao love and adore him made me happy. His strong relationship with his brother was also nice to see, and I laughed at every interaction the couple had with Gu Huaiqing. The side couple's relationship (I won't say who, since it's revealed in this volume) needed some work. It just appeared all of a sudden through not-so-subtle hints...and then nothing happens. The author only tells their story in *very* broad strokes in one of the extras at the end. That could've been handled better, woven into the story more smoothly. I would've enjoyed seeing their romance bloom, but it was reduced to silent, one-sided pining.
The smaller schemes between different households kept my interest and moved the plot along at a good pace. What was disappointing is that those were better developed and more interesting than the novel's "coup de grâce" in the latter third. I don't know if the author had a character limit, but the book's climax was a total rush job, so much so, that the author didn't even bother to describe some of the key major events -- she just did time skips! Plural! I was shocked by that choice, and it really dinged my star rating for this book. Thankfully, I really liked the characters, so seeing them get their happy endings softened the blow for me and ended things on a positive note. I'd still recommend this series for a lighter Danmei read.
August 20, 2026
Welcome to my thoughts. Don't get lost!
This third and final book can only be compared to living in the 90s in a house where your tv barely picks up the neighbor's cable. Your show is on, but the screen is lined in static that covers half the characters faces and you can barely hear it. Still, you continue watching it, because you have already watched all the previous episodes and you feel a certain duty to see it through. You need to see what happens next simply for closure's sake. And then, just as the final moments are about to hit....BAM it's the Sopranos all over again with a fade to black....or worse Bleach, when Ichigo says, "I'll see you around." Then Rukia: (Teasingly) "How many times have I heard you say that?" Ichigo: "It won't be the last time, so it doesn't matter how many times I say it." Then walks his ass through the Senkaimon. Most anticlimactic ending ever. He may as well of said "ok guys gonna go take my night time piss before heading to bed ya'll"
Bischhhh WHAT!? This is how you gone do me? After walking to school uphill both ways!?? In the snow!? With holes in my shoes!?
I literally just commented on a post on this Fable feed about a good story ending badly. I said with my whole chest, that doing that made the author a traitor. And that the offense cut deep when they betray my trust like that.
I stand by my words! And get this, if she had just left it at the chapter before that last one, this would be an entirely different review. Am I gonna read the other series she wrote? Yes, because I already bought them. Am I expecting to like it? No! However, as much as I am holding a grudge now, I do believe in redemption arcs. So I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Well I am off to the next book. Just follow the breadcrumbs out.
This third and final book can only be compared to living in the 90s in a house where your tv barely picks up the neighbor's cable. Your show is on, but the screen is lined in static that covers half the characters faces and you can barely hear it. Still, you continue watching it, because you have already watched all the previous episodes and you feel a certain duty to see it through. You need to see what happens next simply for closure's sake. And then, just as the final moments are about to hit....BAM it's the Sopranos all over again with a fade to black....or worse Bleach, when Ichigo says, "I'll see you around." Then Rukia: (Teasingly) "How many times have I heard you say that?" Ichigo: "It won't be the last time, so it doesn't matter how many times I say it." Then walks his ass through the Senkaimon. Most anticlimactic ending ever. He may as well of said "ok guys gonna go take my night time piss before heading to bed ya'll"
Bischhhh WHAT!? This is how you gone do me? After walking to school uphill both ways!?? In the snow!? With holes in my shoes!?
I literally just commented on a post on this Fable feed about a good story ending badly. I said with my whole chest, that doing that made the author a traitor. And that the offense cut deep when they betray my trust like that.
I stand by my words! And get this, if she had just left it at the chapter before that last one, this would be an entirely different review. Am I gonna read the other series she wrote? Yes, because I already bought them. Am I expecting to like it? No! However, as much as I am holding a grudge now, I do believe in redemption arcs. So I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Well I am off to the next book. Just follow the breadcrumbs out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2026
3.5/5
The Wife Comes First is a three-volume regression fantasy danmei that blends historical court politics with romance. After being betrayed, the third prince, Jing Shao, discovers that the only person who remained loyal to him was the gentleman wife he had been forced to marry and long neglected out of spite, Mu Hanzhang. Upon their deaths, Jing Shao awakens in his own body ten years earlier, on the night of their wedding. Given this second chance, he resolves to put his consort above all else and use his foreknowledge to ensure they survive the deadly struggle for the throne.
The regression premise immediately hooked me because it promised a fun mix of romance, political intrigue, and second chances. While I did enjoy it overall, I couldn’t help feeling that it never fully capitalized on its concept. This was just a cute and fun danmei that I might even consider cozy if not for all that casual executions, ruthless political scheming, and morally questionable decisions casually carried out or ordered by the protagonists. It also contains the genre’s familiar undercurrents of misogyny and dubious consent (in this case, outright sexual assault) which can be particularly jarring when viewed through a modern lens.
Despite being first and foremost a romance, the relationship itself never felt especially romantic to me. Although this is probably the spiciest danmei I’ve read so far, Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang’s relationship undergoes surprisingly little development, feeling largely the same from beginning to end. Meanwhile, the political storyline initially comes across as somewhat aimless, especially throughout the first volume. The intrigue and court maneuvering become much more engaging in the second, but the final volume wraps up the larger conflict rather abruptly, making the conclusion feel less satisfying than it could have been.
The Wife Comes First is an enjoyable comfort read despite its undercooked romance and political plot.
The Wife Comes First is a three-volume regression fantasy danmei that blends historical court politics with romance. After being betrayed, the third prince, Jing Shao, discovers that the only person who remained loyal to him was the gentleman wife he had been forced to marry and long neglected out of spite, Mu Hanzhang. Upon their deaths, Jing Shao awakens in his own body ten years earlier, on the night of their wedding. Given this second chance, he resolves to put his consort above all else and use his foreknowledge to ensure they survive the deadly struggle for the throne.
The regression premise immediately hooked me because it promised a fun mix of romance, political intrigue, and second chances. While I did enjoy it overall, I couldn’t help feeling that it never fully capitalized on its concept. This was just a cute and fun danmei that I might even consider cozy if not for all that casual executions, ruthless political scheming, and morally questionable decisions casually carried out or ordered by the protagonists. It also contains the genre’s familiar undercurrents of misogyny and dubious consent (in this case, outright sexual assault) which can be particularly jarring when viewed through a modern lens.
Despite being first and foremost a romance, the relationship itself never felt especially romantic to me. Although this is probably the spiciest danmei I’ve read so far, Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang’s relationship undergoes surprisingly little development, feeling largely the same from beginning to end. Meanwhile, the political storyline initially comes across as somewhat aimless, especially throughout the first volume. The intrigue and court maneuvering become much more engaging in the second, but the final volume wraps up the larger conflict rather abruptly, making the conclusion feel less satisfying than it could have been.
The Wife Comes First is an enjoyable comfort read despite its undercooked romance and political plot.
August 13, 2026
This bothers me so much. It took me nearly a month to actually read because I found myself not being interested, despite the fact I do like the story and the story was interesting enough. I don't know if it was the heat, but I genuinely just could not muster the care or interest to the point where I've had to push through to finish today.
I also don't know if the heat has just fried my reading comprehension but it also felt like this one was more sloppily written?
I think the main thing that I especially noticed in this one that has retroactively caused me to have a major issue and that is Jing Shao and how sexually aggressive he is with Mu Hanzhang to the point where in this one .
I thought the wife came first? Why are we doing this?
I also don't know if the heat has just fried my reading comprehension but it also felt like this one was more sloppily written?
I think the main thing that I especially noticed in this one that has retroactively caused me to have a major issue and that is Jing Shao and how sexually aggressive he is with Mu Hanzhang to the point where in this one .
I thought the wife came first? Why are we doing this?
July 26, 2026
I didn't really enjoy this volume because it was poorly paced and ultimately anticlimactic. It took a solid 70% of the book for anything to actually happen- for most of it, I was left grasping at straws to figure out what the plot actually was.
The only thing the book has going for it is the fluff. But even that leans heavily into the whole coy-pretending-to-be-coerced thing, and Jing Shao regularly comes across as pushy and entitled, not loving. Add that to the time he gets violent with Mu Hanzhang because he's jealous, and it just doesn't have the charm of proper fluff because there's too much bad/morally questionable behaviour being presented as cute and wholesome.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed in this ending. The story meanders and goes nowhere before suddenly finishing with a thoroughly undeserved bang.
The only thing the book has going for it is the fluff. But even that leans heavily into the whole coy-pretending-to-be-coerced thing, and Jing Shao regularly comes across as pushy and entitled, not loving. Add that to the time he gets violent with Mu Hanzhang because he's jealous, and it just doesn't have the charm of proper fluff because there's too much bad/morally questionable behaviour being presented as cute and wholesome.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed in this ending. The story meanders and goes nowhere before suddenly finishing with a thoroughly undeserved bang.
July 27, 2026
so surprised this was the end
I loved it. Worth the wait, although it wasnt long for me.
It wrapped up pretty nicely.
I think maybe 1 or 2 questions, but i cant even remember them right now.
A happy ending, and the secondary couple was cool too i guess.
I didnt really get their love but it happened.
I really loved that it was the end but it was a bit rushed, but i think it was okay because they were in love and that was the point of this story.
Im seeing a lot of similarities with these stories, which isnt bad yet because each author has their own take but i feel like i missed some ancient chinese class.
I loved it. Worth the wait, although it wasnt long for me.
It wrapped up pretty nicely.
I think maybe 1 or 2 questions, but i cant even remember them right now.
A happy ending, and the secondary couple was cool too i guess.
I didnt really get their love but it happened.
I really loved that it was the end but it was a bit rushed, but i think it was okay because they were in love and that was the point of this story.
Im seeing a lot of similarities with these stories, which isnt bad yet because each author has their own take but i feel like i missed some ancient chinese class.
September 1, 2026
Oof. After I really enjoyed book 2 and its faster pace, book 3 felt so so slow. The court setting is exhausting tbh.
I enjoyed the relationship development between Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang, even though Jing Shao behaved like a bratty kid most of the time^^
The overall plot and "mystery" was okay-ish. I think this story could have been better with two or three more books to develop the story in a coherent way.
And Right Guard and Left Guard were deeply missed :( I loved them so much in book 2.
I enjoyed the relationship development between Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang, even though Jing Shao behaved like a bratty kid most of the time^^
The overall plot and "mystery" was okay-ish. I think this story could have been better with two or three more books to develop the story in a coherent way.
And Right Guard and Left Guard were deeply missed :( I loved them so much in book 2.
July 23, 2026
This was a sweet, fun series and I'm so glad that I devoured it. I will admit that I found the final volume to be a lot of fluff and it was mostly that the last 50 pages of the book contained the real meat of the plot. However, considering the exhausting state of the world, I was due for some happy, loving fluff. The final volume was probably closer to a four, but I'll say overall the series was a solid 4.5 - 4.75 stars.
July 31, 2026
| How many chances to begin again would this world ever offer? Do not wait until that treasured one has been lost before realizing that wealth and glory are but mere illusions, leaving only regrets…|
Legit the most coziest danmei I've ever read. And my ship sailed!! What more can a girl ask for?
What's even more shocking is that the all the political plot was engaging. I wasn't bored, even for a second.
Legit the most coziest danmei I've ever read. And my ship sailed!! What more can a girl ask for?
What's even more shocking is that the all the political plot was engaging. I wasn't bored, even for a second.
August 1, 2026
I don’t know how I feel about this last volume, the whole series has been a fun turn your brain off read. but this volume disappointed me a bit. I was just trying to get through it. I got a bit annoyed with the main couple dynamic this book. I can’t recommend this series at all if I’m being honest and also lowkey it feels like it has some misogynist undertones but that’s just me. Glad to be done with it.
August 9, 2026
I was honestly just going to leave a rating for this one, but I ended up having mixed feelings about it.
Overall, it was good, but there were a few moments here and there that just didn't quite make sense to me. Nothing that completely ruined the experience, but enough to leave me a little unsure about how I felt.
So, I'd say a rough 3.5 ⭐️.
It was a decent, casual read, something I'd pick up for a bit of leisure reading, but probably not one that I'll be thinking about for long.
Overall, it was good, but there were a few moments here and there that just didn't quite make sense to me. Nothing that completely ruined the experience, but enough to leave me a little unsure about how I felt.
So, I'd say a rough 3.5 ⭐️.
It was a decent, casual read, something I'd pick up for a bit of leisure reading, but probably not one that I'll be thinking about for long.
July 23, 2026
The definition of a fun cozy fantasy with no stakes that doesn't concern itself with asking too deep questions about its own plot.
How was Jing Shao able to go back and relive the last year and make amends? Don't worry about it.
The good guys win, the evil is defeated and banished, and the man gets to laze around with his wife for the rest of his life. What more can you ask for?
How was Jing Shao able to go back and relive the last year and make amends? Don't worry about it.
The good guys win, the evil is defeated and banished, and the man gets to laze around with his wife for the rest of his life. What more can you ask for?
August 20, 2026
"How many chances to begin again would this world ever offer? Do not wait until that treasured one has been lost before realizing that wealth and glory are but mere illusions, leaving only regrets…"
One of the most satistying endings I've ever read in danmei novels so far. No loose ends, an unexpected but desired imperial wedding, as well as spicy extras. Loved this one to bits.
One of the most satistying endings I've ever read in danmei novels so far. No loose ends, an unexpected but desired imperial wedding, as well as spicy extras. Loved this one to bits.
September 7, 2026
This series was such a quick read! I loved the characters and the story even tho at times I found Jing Shao a bit too pushy with Mu Hanzhang. Loved how everything is cleared up and Jing Shao escapes his fate from his first life. A good series to read if you like the main guy acting a bit childish at times with a puppy complex when it comes to his wife.
August 3, 2026
Made the mistake of reading BL for the plot, which is not why one comes to read The Wife is First. However, I got very caught up in the political intrigue of it all only for it to have a kinda meh conclusion. Good for those gay people, though, I guess. Sorry about your wife and child, Prince Rui
August 5, 2026
Jing Shao is a low-life piece of shit across two lifetimes. DNF'd at 300 pages after he violently "laid claim" to Mu Hanzhang over his unjustified jealousy. I was already getting very irritated by his behaviour, but that just pushed it far beyond the line. What a letdown of a book.
August 18, 2026
That’s my twins right there, BOTH of them! He literally is so tsun I love him. The tiger is basically just a cockblock huh? HE GOT HIS MFING TITLE!!! And when he finally said I love you I teared up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2026
Must a series be "good"? Is it not sufficient that it's fun? This sticks the landing with both the political plot and the happily-ever-after, with a bonus side pairing that I for one did not see coming!
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