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The Wife Comes First: Qi Wei Shang (Novel) #2
The Wife Comes First: Qi Wei Shang (Novel) Vol. 2
JING SHAO IS GOING TO WAR AGAIN — BUT THIS TIME HE'S BRINGING HIS WIFE.
Sent to suppress a rebellion against the great Chen Empire, the third prince, Jing Shao, rides out once more as marshal of an army a hundred thousand strong. At his side is Mu Hanzhang--his "gentleman wife"--in the guise of a sage strategist.
As corruption and treachery in the imperial court begin to shape the battles ahead, Jing Shao uses the knowledge of his past life to alter the fate that once led to his downfall. Along the way, supported by Mu Hanzhang's cunning, Jing Shao uses his regression foreknowledge to take advantage of the things that once slipped him by--including the spoils of war, the flames of vengeance, and the arms of his wife.
As conspiracies deepen and long-buried truths come to light, the bond between Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang grows ever stronger--on the battlefield and within the royal tent.
Sent to suppress a rebellion against the great Chen Empire, the third prince, Jing Shao, rides out once more as marshal of an army a hundred thousand strong. At his side is Mu Hanzhang--his "gentleman wife"--in the guise of a sage strategist.
As corruption and treachery in the imperial court begin to shape the battles ahead, Jing Shao uses the knowledge of his past life to alter the fate that once led to his downfall. Along the way, supported by Mu Hanzhang's cunning, Jing Shao uses his regression foreknowledge to take advantage of the things that once slipped him by--including the spoils of war, the flames of vengeance, and the arms of his wife.
As conspiracies deepen and long-buried truths come to light, the bond between Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang grows ever stronger--on the battlefield and within the royal tent.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 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 56 reviews
July 23, 2026
“there's this beauty, one glimpse and he is etched in my soul; a single day without him, and i am lost in longing.”
the perfect turn-your-brain-off typa book. i'm honestly surprised to say i enjoyed this far more than i thought i would or should. eh, in fact i like this more than the previous volume. there are quite a few elephants in the room, but if we ignore them, it's actually a pretty enjoyable read. just don't think too much.
right now, i don't have the energy to dwell on all the glaring issues, or on how some aspects - especially the very genesis of the relationship between the main characters - are problematic. anyways, it is what it is.
a lot happened, including the demise of two vassal kingdoms, and i guess even more drama is on the way. our prince, whose hairstyle is kinda ridiculous, treats his wife like his greatest treasure, and for now, that's all that matters. so yeah, i'm happy. ★: 3.25
HAPPY WIFE, HAPPY LIFE.
the perfect turn-your-brain-off typa book. i'm honestly surprised to say i enjoyed this far more than i thought i would or should. eh, in fact i like this more than the previous volume. there are quite a few elephants in the room, but if we ignore them, it's actually a pretty enjoyable read. just don't think too much.
right now, i don't have the energy to dwell on all the glaring issues, or on how some aspects - especially the very genesis of the relationship between the main characters - are problematic. anyways, it is what it is.
a lot happened, including the demise of two vassal kingdoms, and i guess even more drama is on the way. our prince, whose hairstyle is kinda ridiculous, treats his wife like his greatest treasure, and for now, that's all that matters. so yeah, i'm happy. ★: 3.25
HAPPY WIFE, HAPPY LIFE.
April 11, 2026
there is literally no reason to drag this mediocre story over 3 vols. so im peacing out. cool covers though.
Review of advance copy
4.5/5 🌟
Vol 2 is one that sets up the remaining rest of the plot and how it’s going to affect the couple in their pursuit to peaceful lives. While living the most gushy and sweet couple life ever!
“I wonder what good fortune I managed to accumulate in my last life that led you to me.” When Jing Shao looked at him, there was no trace of teasing in his eyes. He was seriously thinking about what he had done in his last life, and how he had never expected the heavens to treat him so magnanimously and let him live again.
Mu Hanzhang looked at his serious eyes, and his lips slowly turned up. “To be able to have a husband like you, it is I who am blessed with great fortune.”
They gazed deeply at each other. The great importance and love they shared was clearly reflected in their eyes, and they couldn’t help but slowly drift closer to gently kiss each other’s lips.”
We get to meet new characters that have so much personality including Xiao Huang! GOSH I FREAKING LOVE HIM! Such a cute little playful fur ball. His and Jingshao’s rivalry is just too hilarious! It makes MHZ happy and it makes me so happy!
⚠️Spoilers from here down⚠️
*
*
*
*
*
*
One thing I’m glad about this story is that battle aren’t too draggy. But since there was a lot of them, it made a big portion of the plot kind of longer and predictable.
However, the only unpredictable moments was how MHZ was able to solve things and earn the respect of the army and now trusted soldiers. He really was able to shine and show his great intelligence and mind!
The thing I really like that this author has done is how she shapes each and every character. Though some scenes can be cut out, I think overall it helps give those side characters depth.
There’s so much more but I think the volume will end when the couple makes it back to the capital. Enter the era of future Marquis Hanzhang! GO WANG FEI!!
Look forward to more of Wang Ye spoiling his Wang Fei rotten!
Read 12/28/2025
Vol 2 is one that sets up the remaining rest of the plot and how it’s going to affect the couple in their pursuit to peaceful lives. While living the most gushy and sweet couple life ever!
“I wonder what good fortune I managed to accumulate in my last life that led you to me.” When Jing Shao looked at him, there was no trace of teasing in his eyes. He was seriously thinking about what he had done in his last life, and how he had never expected the heavens to treat him so magnanimously and let him live again.
Mu Hanzhang looked at his serious eyes, and his lips slowly turned up. “To be able to have a husband like you, it is I who am blessed with great fortune.”
They gazed deeply at each other. The great importance and love they shared was clearly reflected in their eyes, and they couldn’t help but slowly drift closer to gently kiss each other’s lips.”
We get to meet new characters that have so much personality including Xiao Huang! GOSH I FREAKING LOVE HIM! Such a cute little playful fur ball. His and Jingshao’s rivalry is just too hilarious! It makes MHZ happy and it makes me so happy!
⚠️Spoilers from here down⚠️
*
*
*
*
*
*
One thing I’m glad about this story is that battle aren’t too draggy. But since there was a lot of them, it made a big portion of the plot kind of longer and predictable.
However, the only unpredictable moments was how MHZ was able to solve things and earn the respect of the army and now trusted soldiers. He really was able to shine and show his great intelligence and mind!
The thing I really like that this author has done is how she shapes each and every character. Though some scenes can be cut out, I think overall it helps give those side characters depth.
There’s so much more but I think the volume will end when the couple makes it back to the capital. Enter the era of future Marquis Hanzhang! GO WANG FEI!!
Look forward to more of Wang Ye spoiling his Wang Fei rotten!
Read 12/28/2025
March 27, 2026
3.5/5stars
I really loved the first volume and was very excited for this second one, but unfortunately it fell a bit flat. I think it really suffered from "middle book syndrome" where this volume just felt like 300 pages of set up for the finale. It felt like the author didn't really know what to do with the space in between the beginning where the main couple really develop their relationship, to the ending. We took away the stakes of them getting together because they are fully established and loving in this volume (which I love!! they are SO cute together!!) but also the war/politics don't feel incredibly important. Also, the author seemed to just need to fill space because the scenes were SO short and choppy - some of them were barely 2 paragraphs before there was a break in the page and moving onto a completely new scene.
Also this is completely a me thing but I haaaaaaate when characters in books have animals/pets because I think it's just honestly really annoying/boring/irritating. Like WHY do they have a pet tiger now? I know a lot of people think its cute but I found it so pointless.
overall, I am liking this series - the couple is great, their smut is great, but the story is lacking a bit - and I'm excited for the last volume!
I really loved the first volume and was very excited for this second one, but unfortunately it fell a bit flat. I think it really suffered from "middle book syndrome" where this volume just felt like 300 pages of set up for the finale. It felt like the author didn't really know what to do with the space in between the beginning where the main couple really develop their relationship, to the ending. We took away the stakes of them getting together because they are fully established and loving in this volume (which I love!! they are SO cute together!!) but also the war/politics don't feel incredibly important. Also, the author seemed to just need to fill space because the scenes were SO short and choppy - some of them were barely 2 paragraphs before there was a break in the page and moving onto a completely new scene.
Also this is completely a me thing but I haaaaaaate when characters in books have animals/pets because I think it's just honestly really annoying/boring/irritating. Like WHY do they have a pet tiger now? I know a lot of people think its cute but I found it so pointless.
overall, I am liking this series - the couple is great, their smut is great, but the story is lacking a bit - and I'm excited for the last volume!
April 1, 2026
“What’s really valuable is often something that you can’t take with you.”
I liked this volume, but I didn’t love it the same way I loved the first one. Something about the earlier part of the story just pulled me in more. It had this balance that kept me hooked without feeling too heavy. I was really into both the manhua and the novel up until the point where they had to leave for war. After that, my interest started to dip a bit. I usually enjoy war stories, especially something like QJJ, so I was a little surprised that this didn’t land the same way for me. It’s not bad at all, it just didn’t hit as strongly on a personal level.
I still really enjoyed the characters, though. Mu Hanzhang is the kind of character I naturally gravitate toward. He’s calm, observant, and always seems to be thinking a few steps ahead without making a show of it. I like how his care comes through in small, intentional actions, and when he reaches his limit, he doesn’t hesitate. Jing Shao feels like his complete opposite in the best way. He’s intense, affectionate, and very open with how he feels, even when it’s messy or impulsive. There’s something really genuine about him that makes his actions easy to understand. Watching the two of them adjust to each other is still one of my favorite parts. Their relationship builds in quiet ways, through little moments that slowly add up, and I found that more meaningful than anything dramatic.
What stood out to me in this volume is how everything is connected. The relationship, the investigation, and the military planning all move together, and you can feel how one thing affects the next. The wolfsbane poisoning thread kept my attention because it unfolds through small clues, and I liked seeing how it all came together. At the same time, I did feel a bit lost here and there. Some information is revealed slowly, which made certain parts harder for me to fully follow in the moment. The shifts between softer scenes and sudden violence also caught me off guard a few times. I can see why others would really enjoy this kind of structure, especially if they like detailed planning and buildup. For me, it just didn’t feel as immersive as the first part, even though I still had a good time reading it.
Date Read: 2026.03.31
I liked this volume, but I didn’t love it the same way I loved the first one. Something about the earlier part of the story just pulled me in more. It had this balance that kept me hooked without feeling too heavy. I was really into both the manhua and the novel up until the point where they had to leave for war. After that, my interest started to dip a bit. I usually enjoy war stories, especially something like QJJ, so I was a little surprised that this didn’t land the same way for me. It’s not bad at all, it just didn’t hit as strongly on a personal level.
I still really enjoyed the characters, though. Mu Hanzhang is the kind of character I naturally gravitate toward. He’s calm, observant, and always seems to be thinking a few steps ahead without making a show of it. I like how his care comes through in small, intentional actions, and when he reaches his limit, he doesn’t hesitate. Jing Shao feels like his complete opposite in the best way. He’s intense, affectionate, and very open with how he feels, even when it’s messy or impulsive. There’s something really genuine about him that makes his actions easy to understand. Watching the two of them adjust to each other is still one of my favorite parts. Their relationship builds in quiet ways, through little moments that slowly add up, and I found that more meaningful than anything dramatic.
What stood out to me in this volume is how everything is connected. The relationship, the investigation, and the military planning all move together, and you can feel how one thing affects the next. The wolfsbane poisoning thread kept my attention because it unfolds through small clues, and I liked seeing how it all came together. At the same time, I did feel a bit lost here and there. Some information is revealed slowly, which made certain parts harder for me to fully follow in the moment. The shifts between softer scenes and sudden violence also caught me off guard a few times. I can see why others would really enjoy this kind of structure, especially if they like detailed planning and buildup. For me, it just didn’t feel as immersive as the first part, even though I still had a good time reading it.
Date Read: 2026.03.31
Read
May 30, 2026── 3.0✦
This was entertaining enough
This was entertaining enough
June 10, 2026
In the second volume, the reincarnated prince Jing Shao sets out to handle war campaigns that almost cost him his life the first time round. And now the war has come years earlier, so he can’t be sure it goes the way he remembers. But this time, he has his gentleman wife, Mu Hanzhang, with him as a strategist, keeping their marriage a secret from everyone.
From the start, things go differently. Mu Hanzhang uncovers a large case of embezzlement that had led to Jing Shao’s downfall in his first life. And Jing Shao is able to recruit a warrior that almost singlehandedly turns some battles for him. The war proceeds fast and the prince is victorious. But he can’t afford to give the emperor a notion that he’ll use his success as an attempt to usurp the throne. So it’s time to strategize with the knowledge he has from his first life. But Mu Hanzhang is starting to become suspicious of his knowledge.
Jing Shao’s generals are impressed with Mu Hanzhang, but they’re wondering why the prince spends his nights at the strategist’s tent. There are some comedic moments as the couple tries to keep their relationship secret and the generals try to uncover things. There are plenty of bedroom moments for everyone to realise what’s going on. There’s also a cute tiger cub Mu Hanzhang adopts that adds to the sweetness, though they could treat him a bit better.
This was a good volume. It’s fast-paced and well-written, and there’s plenty of action. The battle scenes are especially good and not too drawn out. Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are very much in love, so the romance doesn’t bring tension to the story. The volume ends at a tiny cliffhanger, but I doubt anything comes of it either. Overall, despite all the wars, the stakes remain pretty low and conflicts are handled fairly easily. A lovely low-angst read.
From the start, things go differently. Mu Hanzhang uncovers a large case of embezzlement that had led to Jing Shao’s downfall in his first life. And Jing Shao is able to recruit a warrior that almost singlehandedly turns some battles for him. The war proceeds fast and the prince is victorious. But he can’t afford to give the emperor a notion that he’ll use his success as an attempt to usurp the throne. So it’s time to strategize with the knowledge he has from his first life. But Mu Hanzhang is starting to become suspicious of his knowledge.
Jing Shao’s generals are impressed with Mu Hanzhang, but they’re wondering why the prince spends his nights at the strategist’s tent. There are some comedic moments as the couple tries to keep their relationship secret and the generals try to uncover things. There are plenty of bedroom moments for everyone to realise what’s going on. There’s also a cute tiger cub Mu Hanzhang adopts that adds to the sweetness, though they could treat him a bit better.
This was a good volume. It’s fast-paced and well-written, and there’s plenty of action. The battle scenes are especially good and not too drawn out. Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are very much in love, so the romance doesn’t bring tension to the story. The volume ends at a tiny cliffhanger, but I doubt anything comes of it either. Overall, despite all the wars, the stakes remain pretty low and conflicts are handled fairly easily. A lovely low-angst read.
June 30, 2026
It's not for me, and I also think it's bad, separately 😅
It's hard for me to sympathize when this level of privilege is used to the full. Like when a royal prince rapes and kills when he's a bit miffed - well, he's not a positive and/or sympathetic character, sue me. And the writing skill here is not enough to craft him a character arc. The difference between his first life and second chance is not any kind of understanding or contrition, he just knows how to serve himself even better due to foreknowledge.
Misogyny is also still alive, in case anyone was worried about it.
My anger is mostly rolled over from the first volume. This particular one is suffering from the second act problem: almost nothing interesting happens, even though we're going through the motions of war. It's a sacrifice you make when you writing supposedly "wholesome" stuff, you need to know how to preserve some tension.
In the very end we have madam Song appear and I don't even know what would be worse: a very tropey third-act "break-up" or we'll just kick some women again. I mean I don't want to see women kicked but it'll probably end faster.
Edit: I have to say the exhibitionist sex scene was a bit hot, but only out of context. Doesn't change my rating though.
It's hard for me to sympathize when this level of privilege is used to the full. Like when a royal prince rapes and kills when he's a bit miffed - well, he's not a positive and/or sympathetic character, sue me. And the writing skill here is not enough to craft him a character arc. The difference between his first life and second chance is not any kind of understanding or contrition, he just knows how to serve himself even better due to foreknowledge.
Misogyny is also still alive, in case anyone was worried about it.
My anger is mostly rolled over from the first volume. This particular one is suffering from the second act problem: almost nothing interesting happens, even though we're going through the motions of war. It's a sacrifice you make when you writing supposedly "wholesome" stuff, you need to know how to preserve some tension.
In the very end we have madam Song appear and I don't even know what would be worse: a very tropey third-act "break-up" or we'll just kick some women again. I mean I don't want to see women kicked but it'll probably end faster.
Edit: I have to say the exhibitionist sex scene was a bit hot, but only out of context. Doesn't change my rating though.
June 23, 2026
better than the first. don't think too hard on the stupidity of these military generals. the cute couple becomes a power couple. really enjoyed mhz as a strategist and meeting all these new characters that are setting up the new arc, very interesting. the expansion of the conflict from inside the doors of the estate to a war excursion was quite enjoyable -- finally my boy is using his brain and his time-traveling knowledge to his favor. i'm excited for the next one.
March 29, 2026
✧˖°.˗ˏˋ THE WIFE COMES FIRST ˊ˗˖°.✧
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----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Characters: ★★★☆☆
World Building: ★★☆☆☆
Plot: ★★★☆☆
Tension: ★★★☆☆
Writing style: ★★☆☆☆
Entertainment: ★★☆☆☆
Romance/Smut: ★★☆☆☆
Overall Score: ★ 2.5/5.0 ★ 5/10 ★
The wife chaser is back in business and now with the action on the field! Personally i wish not to speak about about this read through, as it was lackluster and monotone in its nature. The politics and warfare fell flat for me and some decisions rather unexplainable... yet i pushed through the last 50% to see how it ends... Will i read the last volume? Yes because im so close on ending this and from what i heard it seems to be more wife pampering, which isnt too bad, just not my flavour.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
- Series ☆ 2.7/5 ☆ -
[ The Wife Comes First Vol. 1 ] ★ 2.8/5.0 ★ 6/10 ★
[ The Wife Comes First Vol. 2 ] ★ 2.5/5.0 ★ 5/10 ★
[ The Wife Comes First Vol. 3 ] ★ 0/5.0 ★ 0/10 ★
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
All of the devotion and love he felt in such a tender gesture had filled his heart to bursting. At this moment, only one thought was left in his mind; he wanted him, wanted to be one with him completely.
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Characters: ★★★☆☆
World Building: ★★☆☆☆
Plot: ★★★☆☆
Tension: ★★★☆☆
Writing style: ★★☆☆☆
Entertainment: ★★☆☆☆
Romance/Smut: ★★☆☆☆
Overall Score: ★ 2.5/5.0 ★ 5/10 ★
The wife chaser is back in business and now with the action on the field! Personally i wish not to speak about about this read through, as it was lackluster and monotone in its nature. The politics and warfare fell flat for me and some decisions rather unexplainable... yet i pushed through the last 50% to see how it ends... Will i read the last volume? Yes because im so close on ending this and from what i heard it seems to be more wife pampering, which isnt too bad, just not my flavour.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
- Series ☆ 2.7/5 ☆ -
[ The Wife Comes First Vol. 1 ] ★ 2.8/5.0 ★ 6/10 ★
[ The Wife Comes First Vol. 2 ] ★ 2.5/5.0 ★ 5/10 ★
[ The Wife Comes First Vol. 3 ] ★ 0/5.0 ★ 0/10 ★
March 10, 2026
The relationship between these two characters is everything. They love and respect each other so much, even if Jing Shao does get jealous and possessive quite easily even over the little tiger. Jing Shao is so mean to the little cub! Give the cub some respect, he's adorable!
August 28, 2026
5/5 ⭐️
Siento que no hay suficientes danmei wholesome allá afuera. Qué mal... porque literalmente me dan años de vida. ❤️
Me encantó este tomo porque estuvo mucho más movido que el anterior. Y el romance... UGH. El romance. 😭✨️
Siento que no hay suficientes danmei wholesome allá afuera. Qué mal... porque literalmente me dan años de vida. ❤️
Me encantó este tomo porque estuvo mucho más movido que el anterior. Y el romance... UGH. El romance. 😭✨️
May 13, 2026
3.45 Stars 🌟 I liked it better than book 1.
Right Guard X Left Guard shipper for life!!!
Right Guard X Left Guard shipper for life!!!
August 24, 2026
Picking up where book 1 left off, we get more Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang. The couple grows closer, mending some of the issues that were in the first book. They travel and go to war but so many parts of this still read like a fun time at home. They have a tiger cub now!
I love this couple and the dedication that Jing Shao has for his marriage and Mu Hanzhang. He never wavers in his love and devotion and I admire that. I enjoy seeing him really listen to Mu Hanzhang and act protective. They really are an ideal pair - a great martial artist and his clever wife (husband)!
I love this couple and the dedication that Jing Shao has for his marriage and Mu Hanzhang. He never wavers in his love and devotion and I admire that. I enjoy seeing him really listen to Mu Hanzhang and act protective. They really are an ideal pair - a great martial artist and his clever wife (husband)!
March 31, 2026
4.0. I absolutely love the dynamic of these two, and how they develop trust and make everyone around them a little weirded out will never not make me laugh. They're so sweet it makes my teeth rot and that's perfect for the pallete cleanser I was hoping this series would be.
April 14, 2026
Third prince Jing Shao has set off to to quell a rebellion in the Xinan Fiefdom, taking his beloved princely consort, Mu Hanzhang, along with him in the guise of a master strategist. Jing Shao remembers this war from his previous life, and although it's occurring several years ahead of schedule, his intel is still pretty useful, and so he launches his plan to avoid the disaster of the past. Luckily, he has his wife with him, who proves to be especially adept at playing the strategist. Each day brings a new challenge, but even in the midst of life-threatening conflict, Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang grow closer and increasingly depend on one another. However, the couple will have to put their heads together to face not only the anticipated battles in Xinan and back at court but also unexpected treachery within their own camp.
There's nothing like seeing a loving, utterly devoted husband put his deserving and highly capable wife on a pedestal. Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are an awesome yet adorable power couple, and that alone made me enjoy this second installment in the series. Although the former is formidable on the battlefield, scheming machinations prove to be the latter's forte, and reading how the two complement (and compliment) each other kept me fed. I'm also happy to report there were no obnoxious miscommunications that caused a spat between the two; in such a dangerous setting, there was no room for anything other than absolute trust in one another. The author balanced these more serious interactions with a mix of romantic and funny scenes, both between the male leads (mostly the former) and with their subordinates (always the latter), and I chuckled especially at the Right Guardian and two of the generals, Hao Dadao and Zhao Meng. The introduction of the pet tiger, Li'l Sunbeam, was also a cute addition.
Those moments of levity were also important to offset the tense action that dominated this book, as the entirety of the plot centered on the war with the king of Xinan (and Dongnan in the latter half). Because, even though Jing Shao had a pretty good idea of what would happen and could plan for it, not everything stayed the same, and things got dicey more than once. On top of that, he and Mu Hanzhang had to root out a traitor and solidify their position at the Chen court from afar. But these obstacles only made their bond stronger, and I finished the book feeling very satisfied with where the two ended up. This is a lighter danmei novel that doesn't skimp on emotional development or plot line, nor rely on annoying tropes to create drama, making for an easy and enjoyable read.
There's nothing like seeing a loving, utterly devoted husband put his deserving and highly capable wife on a pedestal. Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang are an awesome yet adorable power couple, and that alone made me enjoy this second installment in the series. Although the former is formidable on the battlefield, scheming machinations prove to be the latter's forte, and reading how the two complement (and compliment) each other kept me fed. I'm also happy to report there were no obnoxious miscommunications that caused a spat between the two; in such a dangerous setting, there was no room for anything other than absolute trust in one another. The author balanced these more serious interactions with a mix of romantic and funny scenes, both between the male leads (mostly the former) and with their subordinates (always the latter), and I chuckled especially at the Right Guardian and two of the generals, Hao Dadao and Zhao Meng. The introduction of the pet tiger, Li'l Sunbeam, was also a cute addition.
Those moments of levity were also important to offset the tense action that dominated this book, as the entirety of the plot centered on the war with the king of Xinan (and Dongnan in the latter half). Because, even though Jing Shao had a pretty good idea of what would happen and could plan for it, not everything stayed the same, and things got dicey more than once. On top of that, he and Mu Hanzhang had to root out a traitor and solidify their position at the Chen court from afar. But these obstacles only made their bond stronger, and I finished the book feeling very satisfied with where the two ended up. This is a lighter danmei novel that doesn't skimp on emotional development or plot line, nor rely on annoying tropes to create drama, making for an easy and enjoyable read.
August 26, 2026
This volume was horrendous - it felt worse than it probably is because I had such a difficult time getting through this book. I continuously lost interest partway through this book on multiple occasions. At one point, this was in real danger of being inadvertently DNFed because I just couldn't find it in myself to pick up this book.
If this had been the first volume in this series, I would have DNFed the whole thing and never spared it a thought, but because this was the second volume of a series whose first volume I had phenomenally enjoyed, I kept at it.
This book's biggest fault was losing my interest, which meant that I would get annoyed by things I might have otherwise overlooked, like the misogyny. Danmei novels don't have a good track record when it comes to misogyny, yet the biggest name in this genre wrote her books without ever resorting to it, so my expectations are high.
Secondly, this book brings up this philosophy —"Nature’s law and moral order were inescapable principles, and karmic retribution never failed to catch those deserving of its ire in the end." — exactly twice, but it stood out so much that the second it was brought up, it got on my nerves. Mu Hanzhang tends to use this philosophy to look down on the actions of others, but he literally has no higher ground to stand on. And the idea of nature's law being used to defend an empire is really rich considering how man-made the whole concept is, and what does nature's law even mean — might makes right?! And let's not even get into the morality of it all, considering Mu Hanzhang's cunningness. I get that the world they live in means that cunningness can translate into literal survival, and I agree it is extremely beneficial to our main characters that Mu Hanzhang has such a knack for it, but I would refrain from giving lectures on morality.
I think the biggest reason this book lost me so often is because I struggled to understand — what is the point of this story? The first volume had a very straightforward premise: Jing Shao had neglected his princely consort in his first life, and he has avowed to do better, and he does; he doesn't realise how much his brother loves him, but now he does and acts accordingly. Plan accomplished, so what exactly is the point of this story going forward?! Unfortunately, that is still something this story hasn't made clear.
One potential plot point to explore would be Jing Shao's past life and revealing the truth about Jing Shao's foreknowledge to Mu Hanzhang. We get a hint that this might be a potential plot point in the future in this book, but honestly, the way it's handled doesn't give me a lot of faith about it being followed through upon. I want to know what happened between Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang in their past life and how Jing Shao could possibly wrong his consort this badly, since the few revelations we have gotten about their past relationship seem to suggest they didn't spend much time together at all. Also, it would be nice to explore how Mu Hanzhang would feel about his husband's feelings being anchored more in guilt than in genuine affection for him atleast at first; that is the kind of meat I want, not whatever this volume was.
Besides the romance, I really liked the court intrigue and the politics of the first volume, which is largely absent in this volume as our main characters are off fighting a war, but hopefully this will change in the last volume. However, I don't know if that will be enough to salvage this series for me.
Most of this volume is just Jing Shao fighting a war that is completely skewed in his favour; there is honestly no real intrigue to anything happening in this volume. Also, the Jing Shao of volume one acted more like the thirty-year-old man he was, but the Jing Shao of this volume is barely acting the age he supposedly is, which would be fine if he was actually twenty, but again he's not.
This volume irritated me a little, which means that this review probably makes it seem like the book is worse than it actually is, but this book really rubbed me the wrong way.
If this had been the first volume in this series, I would have DNFed the whole thing and never spared it a thought, but because this was the second volume of a series whose first volume I had phenomenally enjoyed, I kept at it.
This book's biggest fault was losing my interest, which meant that I would get annoyed by things I might have otherwise overlooked, like the misogyny. Danmei novels don't have a good track record when it comes to misogyny, yet the biggest name in this genre wrote her books without ever resorting to it, so my expectations are high.
Secondly, this book brings up this philosophy —"Nature’s law and moral order were inescapable principles, and karmic retribution never failed to catch those deserving of its ire in the end." — exactly twice, but it stood out so much that the second it was brought up, it got on my nerves. Mu Hanzhang tends to use this philosophy to look down on the actions of others, but he literally has no higher ground to stand on. And the idea of nature's law being used to defend an empire is really rich considering how man-made the whole concept is, and what does nature's law even mean — might makes right?! And let's not even get into the morality of it all, considering Mu Hanzhang's cunningness. I get that the world they live in means that cunningness can translate into literal survival, and I agree it is extremely beneficial to our main characters that Mu Hanzhang has such a knack for it, but I would refrain from giving lectures on morality.
I think the biggest reason this book lost me so often is because I struggled to understand — what is the point of this story? The first volume had a very straightforward premise: Jing Shao had neglected his princely consort in his first life, and he has avowed to do better, and he does; he doesn't realise how much his brother loves him, but now he does and acts accordingly. Plan accomplished, so what exactly is the point of this story going forward?! Unfortunately, that is still something this story hasn't made clear.
One potential plot point to explore would be Jing Shao's past life and revealing the truth about Jing Shao's foreknowledge to Mu Hanzhang. We get a hint that this might be a potential plot point in the future in this book, but honestly, the way it's handled doesn't give me a lot of faith about it being followed through upon. I want to know what happened between Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang in their past life and how Jing Shao could possibly wrong his consort this badly, since the few revelations we have gotten about their past relationship seem to suggest they didn't spend much time together at all. Also, it would be nice to explore how Mu Hanzhang would feel about his husband's feelings being anchored more in guilt than in genuine affection for him atleast at first; that is the kind of meat I want, not whatever this volume was.
Besides the romance, I really liked the court intrigue and the politics of the first volume, which is largely absent in this volume as our main characters are off fighting a war, but hopefully this will change in the last volume. However, I don't know if that will be enough to salvage this series for me.
Most of this volume is just Jing Shao fighting a war that is completely skewed in his favour; there is honestly no real intrigue to anything happening in this volume. Also, the Jing Shao of volume one acted more like the thirty-year-old man he was, but the Jing Shao of this volume is barely acting the age he supposedly is, which would be fine if he was actually twenty, but again he's not.
This volume irritated me a little, which means that this review probably makes it seem like the book is worse than it actually is, but this book really rubbed me the wrong way.
August 18, 2026
Welcome to my thoughts. Don't get lost!
In Book 2 of The Wife Comes First Series, Jing Shao is as randy as ever, while Mu Hanzhang is now the reigning Master of the Art of Thwarting. They are joined by the mouthy General Zhao Meng, the prudish General Hao Dadao, the clueless Right Guardian, and his bromance partner the stoic Left Guardian. This group is the living embodiment of "Don't ask, don't tell" and it makes for a very humorous read.
Our favorite gay army swings into full battle mode in a campaign against the King of Xinan and his ally the King of Dongnan. Throw in their saucy secret weapon (Girl Power✌️) and watch the pieces fall as they may! The writing is great! It is clear and understandable with no trace of confusion in sight. The pacing is steady and flawless. The banter between the characters is believable and relatable given their circumstances.
The military camp is gritty and uncomfortable as it should be, and the leads of course have the more luxurious tent and amenities since they are an imperial prince and his consort. The environment is used well throughout, and gives realism and validity to the story. Overall, the message I gleaned from this installment is that sheer force of will must be tempered with preparation and strategy in order to combat one's obstacles, love is as much of a distraction as it is an inspiration, and correcting your mistakes is easier when you have your own hot tub time machine.
In closing, this neat little book is a good, solid story. It is also an entertaining way to pass time. However, it took me longer than usual to read through. This is due to having just come off of reading a meaty, epic journey series that spanned three times the volumes this one boasts. I usually leave little room to breathe before I dive into my next read, so this shortcoming is probably more so on me than the book itself.
Well I am off to the next book. Just follow the breadcrumbs out.
In Book 2 of The Wife Comes First Series, Jing Shao is as randy as ever, while Mu Hanzhang is now the reigning Master of the Art of Thwarting. They are joined by the mouthy General Zhao Meng, the prudish General Hao Dadao, the clueless Right Guardian, and his bromance partner the stoic Left Guardian. This group is the living embodiment of "Don't ask, don't tell" and it makes for a very humorous read.
Our favorite gay army swings into full battle mode in a campaign against the King of Xinan and his ally the King of Dongnan. Throw in their saucy secret weapon (Girl Power✌️) and watch the pieces fall as they may! The writing is great! It is clear and understandable with no trace of confusion in sight. The pacing is steady and flawless. The banter between the characters is believable and relatable given their circumstances.
The military camp is gritty and uncomfortable as it should be, and the leads of course have the more luxurious tent and amenities since they are an imperial prince and his consort. The environment is used well throughout, and gives realism and validity to the story. Overall, the message I gleaned from this installment is that sheer force of will must be tempered with preparation and strategy in order to combat one's obstacles, love is as much of a distraction as it is an inspiration, and correcting your mistakes is easier when you have your own hot tub time machine.
In closing, this neat little book is a good, solid story. It is also an entertaining way to pass time. However, it took me longer than usual to read through. This is due to having just come off of reading a meaty, epic journey series that spanned three times the volumes this one boasts. I usually leave little room to breathe before I dive into my next read, so this shortcoming is probably more so on me than the book itself.
Well I am off to the next book. Just follow the breadcrumbs out.
March 17, 2026
Relectura con la traducción oficial
Este tomo ya está de lleno en la trama de campaña militar-guerra, y a diferencia de en su vida pasada Jing Shao está acompañado de Mu Hanzhang. Pero eso no es lo único diferente, la campaña ocurre mucho antes de lo esperado y aunque Jing Shao tiene una idea de las personas que serán esenciales (como aliadas o enemigas), nada está escrito en piedra y de igual forma tendrá que estar sumamente atento a cualquier cambio que ocurra.
Para su suerte tiene a Mu Hanzhang a su lado como un estratega.
Aunque el libro se enfoca en planes de guerra y batallas, es sumamente divertido. Hay nuevos personajes que entregan humor a esta parte del plot, además de que todos los soldados son medios chismosos y se preguntan quién es realmente Mu Hanzhang ¿es el amante secreto del príncipe? ¿Es realmente un estratega profesional?
Mu Hanzhang por su parte está disfrutando poner todo su conocimiento y astucia en práctica. Además quiere demostrar que merece el puesto que tiene en el campamento y de esta forma se gana el cariño, confianza y lealtad de todos. Al punto en que muchos ven a Jing Shao como un sirvenguenza que trata a Mu Hanzhang como un amante sabiendo que tiene una esposa-hombre en casa (un tremendo malentendido porque Mu Hanzhang es la esposa en cuestión jajaja)
“He had long since given up on the throne and the empire; they weren’t what he wanted anymore. All he wanted from this lifetime was to spend it next to Junwing. If he lost this man, what was even the point of reliving this life again?”
Este tomo ya está de lleno en la trama de campaña militar-guerra, y a diferencia de en su vida pasada Jing Shao está acompañado de Mu Hanzhang. Pero eso no es lo único diferente, la campaña ocurre mucho antes de lo esperado y aunque Jing Shao tiene una idea de las personas que serán esenciales (como aliadas o enemigas), nada está escrito en piedra y de igual forma tendrá que estar sumamente atento a cualquier cambio que ocurra.
Para su suerte tiene a Mu Hanzhang a su lado como un estratega.
Aunque el libro se enfoca en planes de guerra y batallas, es sumamente divertido. Hay nuevos personajes que entregan humor a esta parte del plot, además de que todos los soldados son medios chismosos y se preguntan quién es realmente Mu Hanzhang ¿es el amante secreto del príncipe? ¿Es realmente un estratega profesional?
Mu Hanzhang por su parte está disfrutando poner todo su conocimiento y astucia en práctica. Además quiere demostrar que merece el puesto que tiene en el campamento y de esta forma se gana el cariño, confianza y lealtad de todos. Al punto en que muchos ven a Jing Shao como un sirvenguenza que trata a Mu Hanzhang como un amante sabiendo que tiene una esposa-hombre en casa (un tremendo malentendido porque Mu Hanzhang es la esposa en cuestión jajaja)
“He had long since given up on the throne and the empire; they weren’t what he wanted anymore. All he wanted from this lifetime was to spend it next to Junwing. If he lost this man, what was even the point of reliving this life again?”
September 11, 2026
—• 4.75 •—
there is so much to love about this volume! it’s absolutely filled with quiet acts of devotion and moments of domesticity. neither of them can bear to be parted for the months/years the war will take so Jing Shao simply kidnaps his own wife and takes him along. Mu Hanzhang wants everything to go smoothly (and safely) for his husband so he takes over logistical duties and even if his strategist title was only to hide his real identity, Mu Hanzhang becomes the best strategist the imperial army has ever seen.
when Jing Shao regularly finds Mu Hanzhang staying up late to finish more paperwork, he makes sure to gently pry him away so that he doesn’t overwork himself. they work so well together, constantly looking after the other and working seamlessly to fill in each others gaps.
i also cannot stress enough how much i absolutely adore our little resident tiger cub! 🐯
the author actually goes fairly deep into military tactics as well. the side characters in this volume felt more valuable to the plot as well. yes the first volume has Jing Shao’s older brother but this volume introduced several military generals, a childhood best friend and a new ally. not to mention the right and left guardians who are definitely in love but haven’t figured it out yet
overall i’m very happy with this series as a whole and im excited for the last volume!!!
there is so much to love about this volume! it’s absolutely filled with quiet acts of devotion and moments of domesticity. neither of them can bear to be parted for the months/years the war will take so Jing Shao simply kidnaps his own wife and takes him along. Mu Hanzhang wants everything to go smoothly (and safely) for his husband so he takes over logistical duties and even if his strategist title was only to hide his real identity, Mu Hanzhang becomes the best strategist the imperial army has ever seen.
when Jing Shao regularly finds Mu Hanzhang staying up late to finish more paperwork, he makes sure to gently pry him away so that he doesn’t overwork himself. they work so well together, constantly looking after the other and working seamlessly to fill in each others gaps.
i also cannot stress enough how much i absolutely adore our little resident tiger cub! 🐯
the author actually goes fairly deep into military tactics as well. the side characters in this volume felt more valuable to the plot as well. yes the first volume has Jing Shao’s older brother but this volume introduced several military generals, a childhood best friend and a new ally. not to mention the right and left guardians who are definitely in love but haven’t figured it out yet
overall i’m very happy with this series as a whole and im excited for the last volume!!!
June 2, 2026
The Wife Comes First: Qi Wei Shang (Novel) Vol. 2 continues the story with a stronger focus on trust, loyalty, and the growing relationship between Jing Shao and Mu Hanzhang. The emotional connection between the main characters is the heart of the novel, and their interactions feel both sweet and rewarding as they face new challenges together.
The political intrigue and military conflicts add tension without overshadowing the romance, creating a good balance between action and character development. While the pacing can be uneven at times, the heartfelt moments and the couple’s unwavering support for each other make this volume an enjoyable read. Fans of historical danmei, second-chance romance, and devoted relationships will likely find a lot to love here. Goodreads readers have generally praised the character growth, romance, and emotional moments, giving the volume strong ratings overall.
The political intrigue and military conflicts add tension without overshadowing the romance, creating a good balance between action and character development. While the pacing can be uneven at times, the heartfelt moments and the couple’s unwavering support for each other make this volume an enjoyable read. Fans of historical danmei, second-chance romance, and devoted relationships will likely find a lot to love here. Goodreads readers have generally praised the character growth, romance, and emotional moments, giving the volume strong ratings overall.
March 30, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I loved Volume 1, so I guess I went into Volume 2 with pretty high expectations... but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to its prequel.
I found myself needing to take breaks while reading, and at one point I even considered DNF’ing it. In the end, though, I pushed through because I just wanted to finish it.
That said, I still loved the dynamic between them. It carried over from the first volume, which was something I really enjoyed. And the new tiger cub? Absolutely adorable, welcome to the family.
Overall, though, this volume felt quite slow compared to the first. I’m hoping Volume 3 picks things up again, otherwise I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series.
I loved Volume 1, so I guess I went into Volume 2 with pretty high expectations... but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to its prequel.
I found myself needing to take breaks while reading, and at one point I even considered DNF’ing it. In the end, though, I pushed through because I just wanted to finish it.
That said, I still loved the dynamic between them. It carried over from the first volume, which was something I really enjoyed. And the new tiger cub? Absolutely adorable, welcome to the family.
Overall, though, this volume felt quite slow compared to the first. I’m hoping Volume 3 picks things up again, otherwise I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series.
September 7, 2026
(4.35/5)
Definitely better than the first volume. They're so ridiculously in love with each other and I love that. They're so domestic too. The tiger cub was a sweet addition to their little family.
I ship the right and left guardians so much, they remind me of wangxian. Also, the main couple is literally liushen, if u squint hard enough.
The plot is plotting and I have to say, it's very interesting. The battles were intriguing to read and the schemes and stuff are also fun.
On a side note, I love the cover art so much. They really captured the scholarly air of Mu hanzhang and the love in Jing Shao's eyes for him.
Bath tub smut was yum 😋.
Definitely better than the first volume. They're so ridiculously in love with each other and I love that. They're so domestic too. The tiger cub was a sweet addition to their little family.
I ship the right and left guardians so much, they remind me of wangxian. Also, the main couple is literally liushen, if u squint hard enough.
The plot is plotting and I have to say, it's very interesting. The battles were intriguing to read and the schemes and stuff are also fun.
On a side note, I love the cover art so much. They really captured the scholarly air of Mu hanzhang and the love in Jing Shao's eyes for him.
Bath tub smut was yum 😋.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
I liked this volume too better than volume one because we did see more actual events happening versus just being told that they had happened and I think some of the side characters that were introduced to are kind of entertaining Even though they're maybe not as large of a part of the story as you might expect them to be. All in all entertaining and I still think the main couple is cute and silly and that's why I'm here
March 27, 2026
Another installment of a great story
This time travel fix it is so so good. I can not wait for the next volume to come out. Jing Shao and Junqing's devotion to one another is so apparent. And nothing is more fun than Prince Cheng getting jealous and possessive over his gebtlenan wife.
This time travel fix it is so so good. I can not wait for the next volume to come out. Jing Shao and Junqing's devotion to one another is so apparent. And nothing is more fun than Prince Cheng getting jealous and possessive over his gebtlenan wife.
August 5, 2026
Once again just absolutely delightful tropey “wife guy gets a second chance to get it right” trash, this time on campaign instead of at court. Mu Hanzhang gets a pet (who hates his husband)! Jing Shao gets into multiple fights to defend his beloved’s honor (it did not need defending)! I’m enjoying the series immensely and can’t wait for the final volume.
September 8, 2026
Rating: 3.5 stars
The things that kind of urked me in the first volume got worse here. Jing Shao's macho man jealousy/over-protectiveness was obnoxious and his lack of respect for Junqing's boundaries was...kind of problematic, but this didn't completely put me off. I think there's one more volume in this series so I'll see it through to the end because I'm curious.
The things that kind of urked me in the first volume got worse here. Jing Shao's macho man jealousy/over-protectiveness was obnoxious and his lack of respect for Junqing's boundaries was...kind of problematic, but this didn't completely put me off. I think there's one more volume in this series so I'll see it through to the end because I'm curious.
March 12, 2026
MY DIVAS ARE BACKKK!! Im surprised im keeping up with the political side of things. THEY GOT A BBY TIGER CUB!! And I Fweakin called it that he was gonna take him along to the battle. I love how everyone’s like “THATS OUR STRATEGIST DINT TOUCH HIM!!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2026
unfortunately, I don't have much to say about vol.2 of the wife comes first, other than that it was okay. there is not a lot of anything here really, but the relationship between the two main characters are very sweet and they are cute, if not repetitive.
April 22, 2026
I definitely love the dynamic between our main protagonists and all the political intrigue, also, never a bad time when a baby tiger shows up, y'know? It does sometimes feel a little thin but I'm still enjoying it! More Left and Right Guardian in volume 3!
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