The General's Perfect Wife

by Julia Tong

Imagine being so bored by society gossip that you seriously consider retiring to a nunnery.

Shen Yun-yao—perfect, poised, and perilously single—was ready to embrace spinsterhood when an imperial decree married her off to the Bloody General.

Her peaceful life? Gone. Her new husband? A handsome, gentle warrior who quotes romance novels and insists on acting out every cliché “for authenticity.”

On the battlefield, Zhen-ting can command armies. At home, he’s determined to win his wife’s heart with laughter, teasing, and the occasional over-the-top trope.

A sweet and lightly-spiced tale of unexpected love, courage, and the irresistible charm of marrying a man who knows exactly what kind of story he’s in.

For readers who love arranged marriages, slow-burn romances, marriages of convenience, secret past connections, gentle heroes, heroines finding themselves, tender open-door intimacy, and Chinese historical romance; presented with all the charm and drama of Cdramas.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2025

Reviews

[Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!] · Rating 2 out of 5]

“I believe love is a compass more accurate than any map."

⋆౨ৎ《Now playing: Reflection from Mulan》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀My Thoughts❀°~
Y'all, this is one of the cutest romances I've ever read (minus certain scenes *cough*)! 🤭🥰 I was close, oh so close, to rating this five stars. The reasons I didn't is because the romance got more touchy and spicy than I'm comfortable reading (which means I wasn't comfortable with any of it pretty much), and also because there ended up being like, witchcraft in it, too. (If you want to know why I didn't DNF due to the content, it's because I felt bad about DNF'ing an ARC. It's a bad problem, I know. I'm trying to work on it. 😭)

Lowkey this is a very unrealistic book. Like, just the characters and the romance I feel like would be pretty unrealistic to most people's standards, but when I think about the Ancient Chinese culture, I personally didn't find it to be too unrealistic.

Beyond the cuteness of most of the romance, this was a very interesting read. It's quite different from what I usually read, but I liked it.

⋆౨ৎ《Look at me》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀Characters❀°~
Yun-yao:
Lowkey I liked her better in the first half of the book than the second. I found her to be more relatable then. She wasn’t a bad character later on in the book, it's just that her personality somewhat changed and although it's supposed to be more so her “true” personality that she keeps hidden, I felt like it leaned “not like other girls” which it honestly pretty overused in my opinion and I would have liked to have seen something different this time. But she definitely was insufferable like some of these other characters nowadays, which leaves a high chance of other people liking her way more than I did.

Zhen-ting:
I saw someone else say he isn't a green flag, he's a green forest, and I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. 🙂‍↕️ Y'all, he acted out book scenes! 🤭 And he was just so head over heels in love with her. 🥰 He was just great!!

⋆౨ৎ《You may think you see
Who I really am》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀Book Cover Rating❀°~
7/10

⋆౨ৎ《But you'll never know me》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀Content Warnings❀°~
(Warning! 🚨 Before you go any further, there is a chance that something I've said about the content will possibly be a bit spoilerish, so please proceed with caution! Also, if I missed any content, please let me know so I can add it!)

☆Trigger Warnings:
None

☆Faith based/Christian:
None

☆Other Religious Content:
Mentions of goddesses; mentions of zodiac animals; mentions of a certain family having “spiritual” blood; mentions of a character's ancestors whispering secrets to her; mentions of prayer and nunneries (although I don't think it was meant in a Christian way, which is why it's here); characters use stars to tell the future.

☆Violence:
Mentions of war, battles, and executions; a character has the nickname “The Bloody General”; mentions of characters’ deaths; a character almost dies; mentions of a character being stuck in a cave; mentions that is characters took a certain path they would all die; mentions of wounds, blood, and broken bones.

☆Sexual Content/Romance:
*note: I most likely missed content because I skipped over and skimmed any steamy and spicy scenes to find the ending of them, so the content below is just what I sadly caught 😭*
Kissing (up to semi-detailed); very touchy and steamy scene in chapter 14; almost spicy scene in chapter 20; open door spice scene in chapters 25 and 27; touching (breasts, stomach, chest); a male character nips/bites, licks, and kisses his wife's neck; it happens between a married couple, but a man “explores” and touches a lady's private parts (up to semi-detailed); mentions of a man's “hardness” and of it being at a lady's “entrance”; a mention of a lady's “convulsing”; blushing; a lady sits on a man's lap; characters remove each other's clothes; mentions of a wedding night (though nothing happens on that night); mentions of this being both characters first time um… making love; mentions of book with inappropriate stuff and illustrations in them and of characters reading those books; mentions of a man kissing his wife's breasts and her private parts; characters are naked in front of characters of the opposite gender; a character ends up pregnant by the end of the book.

☆Magic:
Mentions of some characters have visions and of rocks that vibrate when certain characters touch them; a character uses the rocks a good bit in the middle and end of the book.

☆Bad Language:
Hell 3 times
D*mnation 1 time

☆LGBTQ+:
None

☆Drugs/Alcohol:
None

☆Miscellaneous:
N/A

⋆౨ৎ《Every day
It's as if I play a part》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀My Age Recommendation❀°~
18 years old and older due to the sexual content.

⋆౨ৎ《Now I see
If I wear a mask》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀Part of a series?❀°~
It's the first book in the – series by . I do not know at this time if they can be read as standalones, though.

⋆౨ৎ《I can fool the world
But I cannot fool my heart》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀Will I read the rest of the series/more from this author?❀°~
I doubt it because I try to stay away from spicy books.

⋆౨ৎ《Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me?》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~❀Would I re-read this book?❀°~
As much as I wish I could, I won't due to the content.

⋆౨ৎ《When will my reflection show》˚⟡˖ ࣪

~°❀Books similar to this one❀°~
If you want a clean, young adult book with some of the same vibes in this book, I highly recommend The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson!

⋆౨ৎ《Who I am inside?》˚⟡˖ ࣪


*I received a free copy of this book from the author. A review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Chancellor’s oldest daughter, Shen Yun-Yao knows the importance of being perfect. As her betrothed died before she could be married, she has been trapped in a societal grey zone, not-quite spinster, but her family’s too important to be ignored. When the Bloody General, Zhen-Ting Wei asks the Emperor for Yun-Yao’s hand in marriage as his reward for winning the war, Yun-Yao assumes it’s a political marriage. But Zhen-Ting has loved Yun-Yao for years, and he’s determined to woo his new wife.

The General’s Perfect Wife is a delightfully written Asian historical romance. Yun-Yao has internalized her family’s honor and her perceived duties to the point that she doesn’t acknowledge her own personal desires. Zhen-Ting refuses to follow her notions of propriety, and as he enacts dramatic scenes from romance stories, she finds herself no longer caring about what others think. As she is forced to discover herself, she falls more and more in love with her eccentric husband.

The perfect feel good, slow burn romance with just enough dramatic flair and politics to keep it interesting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Layla Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The General's Perfect Wife is a sweet, low-stakes romance inspired by Ancient China. The story follows Yun-Yao, the eldest daughter of the Chancellor, and Zhen-Ting, a famous general and their arranged marriage.

Yun-Yao, despite being the daughter of a powerful man, has remained unmarried because of certain circumstances, and is rumoured to be cursed. She is both a dutiful daughter and the image of the perfect noblewoman, a young woman caught between daring to dream for herself and doing her duty, the latter being the one she chooses most of the time. So, when she learns that the Emperor himself has decided she will marry Zhen-Ting, she accepts.

Zhen-Ting is the kind of MMC I love. In extremely simple words, he's not just a green flag, he's a green forest. I loved his interaction with Yun-Yao, the vital role he played in regards to her character development, as well as the way he has always tried to protect her.

The writing was beautiful, and the author did an amazing job of building these complex characters.

There were, unfortunately, some things that I didn't like.

The first is a large portion of the plot. I liked the story itself, but there were moments when I got so bored I had to take a moment, go on a walk around my house or find something to do for a couple of minutes because I wanted to finish the book, but it was definitely a challenge. In truth, when there were about ten chapters left (or something like that), I was starting to wonder why it is so long (the book is not long, it only has twenty-eight short chapters). I'm not sure how to explain this, but I felt that, while the characters moved forward, the action did not. I would say that, although it was nice to read about the way Yun-Yao and Zhen-Ting get closer to each other, the period after the wedding and before Zhen-Ting is forced back to the front was hard to get through.

Another thing that has something to do with the fact it bored me at some point is the world-building. Medieval fantasy is my favourite thing to read, Regency romances being the second. As the book draws inspiration from a society I had, unfortunately, never read before, I was so exited to learn more about Ancient China (or, at least, the elements the author decides to incorporate in this story). Unfortunately, the world-building felt rather undeveloped (to my standards, at least), and it did disappoint me.

Another thing that I can't say exactly I liked was the translation of titles. Of course, there are some titles that can be translated into English without any problem (king, emperor), but I have always loved books that, especially when being inspired from different cultures, use titles is their original form. Now, I don't speak Chinese, and I had to Google the pronunciation of names, but I would have loved to see titles in their native language. Of course, I understand this is a tricky thing because there are people who might see too many words in a foreign language and decide that they make the book too hard to read.

When it comes to my own opinion, a book doesn't have to have sort of incredible prose to be a good book. For me, a good story is one with interesting world-building, complex characters and intriguing actions. Unfortunately, the General's Perfect Wife only checks one box and a half of those.

I still believe it is a nice story, and I did like it. It just didn't exactly meet my expectations in terms of world-building more than anything else.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The general's perfect wife
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

He wants me. Not just as a wife, not just as a duty, but her.

Honestly I am really surprised by this, I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did but then again I am obsessed with Chinese-novels, manhua & shows! So this one was quite right up in my alley!
☕🐉
It felt like a quiet afternoon read as it took me to the Song Dynasty!

• The writing was really gripping and enjoyable, with the solid plot to make it all fun!

• I loved the quiet & tender love between Zhenting and Yao Yao, the kind devotion between them and how they slowly developed a strong emotional connection by always choosing to put efforts in the relationship!

• The Northern expedition of Yao Yao was entirely amazing, it didn't feel forced or just for the plot but rather something YunYao would do because she evolved and grew to accept herself, unbound from the societies expectations that has been force upon her during her entire lifetime.

• And Zhen Ting was the one who gave her the courage and support to be herself!

• I loved how they shared poetry, how he built a sanctuary so that she could feel and be herself there! How he acted out scenes from the huabens (novels) to court her, how he taught her to protect herself, to spread her wings-all that was really amazing !!

• P.S. I'm excited for Yunsi, like childhood bestfriends? Oh yess!

Favorite Moments/Quotes

“Why are you doing all this?”
“Because you're my wife. I want you to be happy here.” “With me.”

“You don't think it’s... improper?”
“I think,”“I'm honored that you trust me enough to share this.”

She wasn't just defending him anymore. She was choosing him.

💌Overall..
I really enjoyed this work and would highly recommended it made me few all kinds of fuzzy and giggly!!

💜 I recieved an ARC from BookSirens and all opinions are my own!

[scribsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shen Yun-yao is the eldest daughter of the Chancellor and some say that she is cursed despite having been raised and trained to be the perfect daughter and wife. However, things change when the Bloody General returns from a decade long war and she receives an imperial decree stating that she is to marry the great warrior, Wei Zhen-ting. How will she respond with this sudden change of fate? Will her training fail her or will she rise to the occasion? And just what kind of man is her husband?

I love this. I love this story so, so, SO much. I also know that this particular genre and story isn’t for everyone but for me, it’s everything I want. I’m Chinese American and representation matters to me a lot. When I saw the ARC call and offering for The General’s Perfect Wife, I jumped at the chance because I was hopeful that it would fulfill my desire to see something familiar to me. I grew up watching Chinese historical dramas and I loved the gorgeous outfits, the graceful characters, the intelligent banter filled with hidden meaning, etc. and while I still enjoy them, I’ve been waiting for a book version of it and The General’s Perfect Wife by Julia Tong checks all my boxes and then some. The characters are wonderful (the sisters are a delight!) and I love the interaction between them especially once the slow burn starts going…I could not put this book down! I’m already looking forward to the rest of the series!

Thank you so much to Julia Tong for the gifted ARC! Congratulations on your debut!

[TheAmazonian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advance reader copy.

AHHHH this book. If you like C Dramas (costume and historical), this is the book for you. Both the Main characters and the sides charachters are so well written. The gossip of the noble ladies, scheming maidens, Generals whose reputation precedes them, strict households and so much more. My favourite part of the book was the MMC woos the FMC, its so delicious. Imagine the husband by the decree of the emperor going out of his way to make his perfectly behaved wife be comfortable with him, enough to be herself, in the society that places propriety and manners above everything else. Yun-yao's character was completely relatable because there's a certain strength in the restraint of one self, but even she shows remarkable courage when the situation calls for it.
I did enjoy this book a lot and read through it almost one sitting (more like one and half). I think this my favourite "he fell first, she fell harder" trope. I do hope Julia Tong gives each sibling their own HEA. I am especially looking forward to the youngest one(you'll know once you read this one). That's it from me, folks.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 overall I really enjoy ancient china as a setting so I was so excited when I got an ARC of this book. This book was a super fast read and kind of retelling of beauty and the beast (based on the hints from the book) It was one of the sweetest books though, I loved how he took so much interest in her and what she liked to do and was never patronizing. He found out she liked to read romance books and he took up reading them to talk to her about it. They also recreated sweet romantic moments from the books. I loved that he didn't care that he was breaking the mold and was down bad for her in public! I also enjoyed the introduction to her sisters who I am assuming are the next two books.

I do think that because the book was so short, it was a little light on some deals especially around her family history. I would have enjoyed more concerning that to add color and details. This also created some moments that felt rushed like with her travels.

I cannot wait to read the next one, this author wrote such romantic, strong, and fierce leads that I adore.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This really caught my eye as I’ve been getting into cdramas past few months and this story was pretty good. Shen Yun-Yao is the perfect eldest daughter of 5 siblings of Chancellor Shen but who remains unmarried as her previously brothed has passed. But the feared ruthless bloody general (as gossipers have named) Wei Zhen-ting, has won the northern battle that ends the war and has asked the emperor for Yun-Yaos to be his wife. Turns out there’s more to the reason why Zhen-tings specific request. Zhen-ting turns out not to be the beast and want a true loving marriage with Yun-Yao. I just wished there was more building with side characters and more plot as at times the story felt too simple. Not enough interaction with Yun-yaos family. The next one does give a hint of who the story will be about.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Tong is a new author for me, and I enjoyed this short story of Shen Yun-Yao and Zhen-Ting. The General's Perfect Wife is the first book in the Ballad of the Five Seasons and was a lovely read. Shen Yun Yao is the Chancellor's eldest daughter and when her betrothed dies before they are married, this leaves her in limbo and contemplating joining the nunnery. However, Zhen-Ting, also known as the Bloody General, approaches the emperor to request Yun-Yao's hand in marriage. Unknown to Yun-Yao, Zhen-Ting has always loved her.

He woos her with poetry and reading the romance novels that Yun Yao likes and enacts them out with her to win her love. All this endears him to Yun Yao and makes her fall in love with him. Such a lovely story that was nice to read. I would recommend this book / Author.

I received an ARC from the publishers and Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

General’s Perfect Wife is a classic historical romance that leans heavily into familiar tropes — arranged marriage, a stoic male lead, and a heroine navigating duty, expectations, and slowly growing affection. What makes the story engaging is the emotional push-and-pull between the leads and the way the heroine quietly asserts her strength within a rigid social structure.

The pacing is steady, with plenty of domestic moments and romantic tension that fans of traditional historical or C-novel-style romances will appreciate. While some plot beats are predictable, the comfort of the genre is part of the appeal. It’s a satisfying read if you enjoy slow-burn romance, misunderstandings, and a strong but understated female lead.

[Yinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt like I was watching a CDrama: Zhen- Ting is a famed general who's known to be battle hungry. Yun- Yao hears of all the rumours about Zhen-Ting being bloodthirsty and cruel. However, after meeting him, she realizes that Zhen-Ting isn't as intimidating as she previously thought and js actually a little clumsy yet lovestruck. Zhen-Ting is so sweet, I love how he tries to reenact scenes from her love novels and does everything he can to win her over. Their intimate scenes progress from longing, steamy and desperation every time they're alone together.

a very cute and loving story that I recommend especially if you like watching CDramas.

[Sara Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a slow-burn, character-focused romance that felt very quiet and gentle in tone. The pacing was quite slow in the beginning and middle, and at times the story felt circular, but the pace picked up as the book went on and the different plot threads came together by the end.

While the ending was fairly predictable, it was satisfying, and the writing itself felt more refined as the story drew closer to its conclusion. Overall, this was a quick, cozy read that would likely appeal to readers who enjoy very slow-burn romances and a soft, comforting emotional arc.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The General's Perfect Wife is Book 1 in the Ballad of the Five Seasons by Julia Tong. I thought that this was a beautiful romance. The top general, called the Bloody General, is given Shen Yun-Yao as his wife. A commanding warrior on the battlefield, but, a gentle husband. The story is exciting and even though I watched the romance through words, it is an excellent romance with battles and the story takez an unexpected turn. I am looking forward to Book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Ivene Ambat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves reading books with a sprinkle of culture, this book is superb! I love how well the story has been written and how the Chinese culture has been integrated into the story!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mina Ashford · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Yun-yao realized she felt unsettled—not by offense or fear, but by the unfamiliar warmth of being genuinely considered."

I loved this romance! Tong is a master at subtle detail and rich description. She describes moments just enough, but trusts her readers to follow the breadcrumbs. The romance itself was just so... Sweet. The way Yun-yao was finally able to let her inner voice free with Zhen-ting, and the way he found his home in her. Lovely!

Also, and a bonus for me, she includes the perfect sprinkle of Slice-of-Life scenes. Those little moments! Just wonderful how Tong incorporates them as a feature.