What do you think?
Rate this book
皇叔
《皇叔》讲述我是皇叔，皇帝他叔。曾经有闲人纵观本朝局势，归结出朝廷三大毒瘤。王勤巨贪，国库不满。云棠徇私结党，吏政不廉。然怀王弄权，为百毒之首，使皇位不安。这个百毒之首，弄权大恶，毒瘤中最大的一颗，说的就是小王我，怀王承浚。对这种说法，我只能讲本王很无奈。其实我一直很本分，很忠心，既无包揽大权之意，更无觊觎皇位之心。本朝之中，我敢说没有比我更忠的忠臣。但悲哀的是，我是忠臣这件事情全天下没几个人相信。
251 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
96 people are currently reading
1976 people want to read
About the author
大风刮过
22 books19 followers大风刮过（1984年7月29日－），狮子座，A型血，安徽人，网络人气小说女作家，真名不详，曾任职于《新干线》，并以大风刮过的笔名发表小说，其后转任《公主志》（《公主志》目前已停刊）编辑，代号"丝瓜”。已出版作品有：《又一春》、《江山多少年》、《桃花债》、《如意蛋》、《皇叔》、《潘神的宝藏》、《张公案》等。
大风刮过创作的小说文笔细腻，故事笑中有泪，深受读者喜爱。
为《爱情公寓第四季》插曲《虹之间》作词。
Associated Names:
* 大风刮过 (Wind), 大風颳過
* Da Feng Gua Guo
* ต้าเฟิงกวากั้ว (Thai Profile)
* Đại Phong Quát Quá (Vietnamese Profile)
大风刮过创作的小说文笔细腻，故事笑中有泪，深受读者喜爱。
为《爱情公寓第四季》插曲《虹之间》作词。
Associated Names:
* 大风刮过 (Wind), 大風颳過
* Da Feng Gua Guo
* ต้าเฟิงกวากั้ว (Thai Profile)
* Đại Phong Quát Quá (Vietnamese Profile)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
October 28, 2023
I picked The Imperial Uncle to read mainly because a friend of mine read it with me, and another was because it was translated by one of my fave translators, E.Danglars. The translation was amazing. It was written beautifully too, with depth. I have no complaints about it. It was just as I expected of E.Danglars. Since the ratings of the novel are quite high, I was actually looking forward to the story when I read Imperial Uncle. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t my cup of tea…
I found the story interesting at first and felt pity for the narrator. His life wasn’t an easy one despite his status. Truly, nothing is free. There is always something we need to lose in exchange, regardless of whether we are willing to do so or not. I guess this is what we all call “fate” and there’s nothing we can do as mortal beings.
A few chapters in the story, an unrequited love appeared unexpectedly. That got me more interested and I started guessing who his partner would be. A lot of potential characters were introduced in the novel that seems suitable, yet doesn’t seem to be the right one. Aside from the guessing game, there was also the plot to think of, the mystery behind all that had happened and was happening; and even the hidden meanings in almost every conversation. Having so many characters introduced in a chapter, and with the start of their names all quite similar, made me dizzy. I couldn’t remember them all at first, but I did so later on as I continued to read.
Although I know what I’m going to say now may be a bit irrelevant to the story, however, the age of the Imperial Uncle truly bothered me. I kept guessing his age because I just couldn’t picture a young uncle in mind, considering how he narrated watching his nephews grow up. That confused me a lot. I was like, “So, how old is he now?” If you plan to read this novel, don’t bother thinking about his age like I did. Just enjoy the story as is. I overthought a lot and that might have affected my reading.
The plot itself was mind-blowing. It pulled my brain left to right and vice-versa. In fact, it even got pulled vertically and not just horizontally. My brain almost exploded with all these push and pull. The narrator was quite contradictory with his words and actions as well. He talked like an observer when in fact, he was a part of what he was observing. Thinking he was just standing still in place when in fact, he had subconsciously stepped a foot in.
Despite my confusion, I persisted. I wanted to find out what the ending would be and who his partner would be. The plot twists were so unexpected and interesting, that it piqued my curiosity. However, love confessions arrived too abruptly with no warnings. There was no chemistry as if love was superficial. I couldn’t empathize with the narrator himself when it comes to his romanticism. Then the ending of the main story left me with a sense of emptiness and confusion. It came so abruptly, that I was flabbergasted. I thought I would be able to see the clear sky but it was obscured by blurry clouds.
I continued reading the extras after the main story. I was still hoping for a decent explanation and I did find it, just that, it added a ‘supernatural’ tag. It was too ‘out of setting’ and I found it weird. But since it was an extra, I let it pass. I mean, it’s normal to read AU settings in an extra so why not? I genuinely enjoyed the rest of the extras, especially the third one. That was hilarious!
Overall, since The Imperial Uncle wasn’t my cup of tea, I wouldn’t be in any position to recommend this. I guess we all have our preferences and this novel just so happens to not fall under mine. I don’t regret reading it, or anything. It was well-written and translated well. I was glad I was able to read it. Sad to say, just wasn’t what I expected.
PS. My rating to be exact would be 2.5 but giving it a round off, since we can’t rate halves on Goodreads.
I found the story interesting at first and felt pity for the narrator. His life wasn’t an easy one despite his status. Truly, nothing is free. There is always something we need to lose in exchange, regardless of whether we are willing to do so or not. I guess this is what we all call “fate” and there’s nothing we can do as mortal beings.
A few chapters in the story, an unrequited love appeared unexpectedly. That got me more interested and I started guessing who his partner would be. A lot of potential characters were introduced in the novel that seems suitable, yet doesn’t seem to be the right one. Aside from the guessing game, there was also the plot to think of, the mystery behind all that had happened and was happening; and even the hidden meanings in almost every conversation. Having so many characters introduced in a chapter, and with the start of their names all quite similar, made me dizzy. I couldn’t remember them all at first, but I did so later on as I continued to read.
Although I know what I’m going to say now may be a bit irrelevant to the story, however, the age of the Imperial Uncle truly bothered me. I kept guessing his age because I just couldn’t picture a young uncle in mind, considering how he narrated watching his nephews grow up. That confused me a lot. I was like, “So, how old is he now?” If you plan to read this novel, don’t bother thinking about his age like I did. Just enjoy the story as is. I overthought a lot and that might have affected my reading.
The plot itself was mind-blowing. It pulled my brain left to right and vice-versa. In fact, it even got pulled vertically and not just horizontally. My brain almost exploded with all these push and pull. The narrator was quite contradictory with his words and actions as well. He talked like an observer when in fact, he was a part of what he was observing. Thinking he was just standing still in place when in fact, he had subconsciously stepped a foot in.
Despite my confusion, I persisted. I wanted to find out what the ending would be and who his partner would be. The plot twists were so unexpected and interesting, that it piqued my curiosity. However, love confessions arrived too abruptly with no warnings. There was no chemistry as if love was superficial. I couldn’t empathize with the narrator himself when it comes to his romanticism. Then the ending of the main story left me with a sense of emptiness and confusion. It came so abruptly, that I was flabbergasted. I thought I would be able to see the clear sky but it was obscured by blurry clouds.
I continued reading the extras after the main story. I was still hoping for a decent explanation and I did find it, just that, it added a ‘supernatural’ tag. It was too ‘out of setting’ and I found it weird. But since it was an extra, I let it pass. I mean, it’s normal to read AU settings in an extra so why not? I genuinely enjoyed the rest of the extras, especially the third one. That was hilarious!
Overall, since The Imperial Uncle wasn’t my cup of tea, I wouldn’t be in any position to recommend this. I guess we all have our preferences and this novel just so happens to not fall under mine. I don’t regret reading it, or anything. It was well-written and translated well. I was glad I was able to read it. Sad to say, just wasn’t what I expected.
PS. My rating to be exact would be 2.5 but giving it a round off, since we can’t rate halves on Goodreads.
November 1, 2023
Still trying to gather my thoughts on this book. Overall I loved it. I read this immediately after fininshing Peach Blossom Debt by the same author. It's another 1st person POV (with a slightly unreliable narrator) which isn't my favorite, but I immediately fell in love with the MC so I was okay with that. There's definitely angst and unrequited love (maybe?) throughout the book and you never really know who the MC will end up with- if anyone at all -until the very end. My heart ached for the MC throughout the book and I found myself tearful at times. It has a satisfying somewhat unexpected (to me) ending. If you need lots or romance or smut/spice in your danmei, this book is not for you. I have so much more to say about the main character but I feel like it would spoil the book. He is very lovable but feels like no one loves or trusts him which is so sad. I gave this book 5* because I will definitely read again.
January 1, 2025
4 stars. Not much in the way of action in this one, but I enjoyed the protagonist's narration quite a lot. I liked this one a lot more than Peach Blossom Debt.
November 15, 2023
Objectively, the novel is not bad. But I just didn't enjoy it, mostly due to the rushed, disappointing, and unsatisfying ending. The extras made it even worse.
August 18, 2025
4 'Imperial' stars
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Imperial Uncle. This is my second book by this author, so I kind of already knew what to expect. For instance, to be confused for about half the book what is even going on, and it didn't "dissapoint" in this manner, haha. I was also told to expect even less romance than in Peach Blossom Debt, and yes, everything is very subtle, so it already crossed my mind if we would even get any romance at all? But don't worry, it's there... somewhere, also it very much helps to just imagine some unspoken things 😉
Gif by guzufuren
It took me quite some time to truly get interested in the story and charachters. The main charachter His Higness Prince Huai is the Imperial uncle from the title. He reminded me a little of Song Yao from PBD because he also doesn't have a good opinion of himself and only through the story reader finds out that actually he's the one, who is always prepared to help others. And he reminded me a little of Shen Qingqiu as well - being a very unreliable narrator. So, you have to take extra attention to what he is NOT saying.
As for the romance aspect I already said it's very minimal. At first impression it seems that Prince Huai is not interested in love at all but on the other hand he falls in love left and right (he actually confessed to two different men in a span of a day 🤭). I'm not gonna say with whom he ends up, only that I changed my mind every few pages because I just couldn't be sure. Never mind that I went into this book thinking but that's probably more like sth Meatbun would write.
For the first half of the book this was a solid 3 stars. I loved the writing style (translation is amazing!) and I was having fun with guessing the love interest but otherwise the plot was kind of boring. However, in the middle of the book everything went into completly different direction that I expected and then for the rest of the story I couldn't predict anything that would happen. Still, the end left me kind of cold because it was very abrupt and I heard unflettering things about the extras, so I was like 'Is this seriously all??' But I LOVED extras. At first I thought 'wtf, new charachter for post canon???' but let me tell you, Zishu is my precious baby, and I want all nice things for him in the future!!
There was also that one "the sexy" extra, that was actually not any less subtle than the rest of the book but it did convince me that the couple truly belongs together 💖 I find it interesting how the author didn't choose epic love story or some one-and-only soulmate thing, but instead showed that actually it's not always clear, which person to choose for your partner. I think that the main charachter could be happy with any of the love interests - these would be two very different relationships but I belive that both could work in their own ways. And I think that extra is important to show readers that a couple can be happy together even minus the epic proportions of falling in love - some couple just have boring love stories, lol
Gif by Zoe
Ok, before I get too long, let me mention one more charachter. I absolutely adored the emperor! The interactions between him and Prince Huai were great, he was a very loveable charachter, and most importantly he was an amazing emperor.
I'm still not 100% sure who is supposed to be on the cover, so that's how I imagined them:
💚 Jing Weyi - His Highness Prince Huai, courtesy name Chengjun
Gif by movielosophy
💚 Yun Yu, courtesy name Suiya
Gif by mostlyfate
Gif by hundredthousandtimes
💚 Liu Tongyi, courtesy name Ransi
Gif by crouching-fandom
Gif by storge
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Imperial Uncle. This is my second book by this author, so I kind of already knew what to expect. For instance, to be confused for about half the book what is even going on, and it didn't "dissapoint" in this manner, haha. I was also told to expect even less romance than in Peach Blossom Debt, and yes, everything is very subtle, so it already crossed my mind if we would even get any romance at all? But don't worry, it's there... somewhere, also it very much helps to just imagine some unspoken things 😉
Gif by guzufuren
It took me quite some time to truly get interested in the story and charachters. The main charachter His Higness Prince Huai is the Imperial uncle from the title. He reminded me a little of Song Yao from PBD because he also doesn't have a good opinion of himself and only through the story reader finds out that actually he's the one, who is always prepared to help others. And he reminded me a little of Shen Qingqiu as well - being a very unreliable narrator. So, you have to take extra attention to what he is NOT saying.
As for the romance aspect I already said it's very minimal. At first impression it seems that Prince Huai is not interested in love at all but on the other hand he falls in love left and right (he actually confessed to two different men in a span of a day 🤭). I'm not gonna say with whom he ends up, only that I changed my mind every few pages because I just couldn't be sure. Never mind that I went into this book thinking but that's probably more like sth Meatbun would write.
For the first half of the book this was a solid 3 stars. I loved the writing style (translation is amazing!) and I was having fun with guessing the love interest but otherwise the plot was kind of boring. However, in the middle of the book everything went into completly different direction that I expected and then for the rest of the story I couldn't predict anything that would happen. Still, the end left me kind of cold because it was very abrupt and I heard unflettering things about the extras, so I was like 'Is this seriously all??' But I LOVED extras. At first I thought 'wtf, new charachter for post canon???' but let me tell you, Zishu is my precious baby, and I want all nice things for him in the future!!
There was also that one "the sexy" extra, that was actually not any less subtle than the rest of the book but it did convince me that the couple truly belongs together 💖 I find it interesting how the author didn't choose epic love story or some one-and-only soulmate thing, but instead showed that actually it's not always clear, which person to choose for your partner. I think that the main charachter could be happy with any of the love interests - these would be two very different relationships but I belive that both could work in their own ways. And I think that extra is important to show readers that a couple can be happy together even minus the epic proportions of falling in love - some couple just have boring love stories, lol
Gif by Zoe
Ok, before I get too long, let me mention one more charachter. I absolutely adored the emperor! The interactions between him and Prince Huai were great, he was a very loveable charachter, and most importantly he was an amazing emperor.
I'm still not 100% sure who is supposed to be on the cover, so that's how I imagined them:
💚 Jing Weyi - His Highness Prince Huai, courtesy name Chengjun
Gif by movielosophy
💚 Yun Yu, courtesy name Suiya
Gif by mostlyfate
Gif by hundredthousandtimes
💚 Liu Tongyi, courtesy name Ransi
Gif by crouching-fandom
Gif by storge
February 28, 2025
Generally, this book was pretty decent. I was expecting to dislike it a lot based on the rating.
Chengjun, the Imperial uncle, is full of love and compassion. He has a sort of saviour complex that annoyed me a little. I was hoping there’d be some change or development in his way of thinking and the way he was trying to take the blame for things. Sadly, there wasn’t. He also seems indecisive. Telling one person he loves them, then changing his mind and confessing to another, then switching again x_x. To me, it felt like he was saying “I love you” to those that met his needs / suited him best. This novel had the potential to be pretty angsty but it isn’t. Chengjun in the end chose someone that fitted his lifestyle to fill the void of loneliness to accompany him.
Since he was constantly changing his mind, it makes it difficult to see to the chemistry with the potential ML’s. It was there but it felt distant? I’d say it’s because of his unreliable first person POV that it feels like you can’t tell how deeply both the ML and MC love each other. I see it as the sort of love that was “convenient” for the MC. The side story from the ML was needed, he loves Chengjun and is willing to tolerate everything. He’s more of a soft ML who accepts the MC for who he is. It’s different from your general danmei.
I don’t know what to say on the overall plot honestly T_T It doesn’t focus on romance, and it had it’s twists and turns. The court politics isn’t anything crazy since there isn’t a major “villain” either. The writting / translation flows nicely, E. Danglars did an amazing job as always. If it wasn’t written well I’d probably DNF.
When you think about the characters a bit, on the whole, you find it’s pretty deep despite the MC feeling a little shallow. The book is worth a try, but it won’t have the same fulfilment you’d get from your standard danmei if you’re looking for something with strong romance and chemistry.
Chengjun, the Imperial uncle, is full of love and compassion. He has a sort of saviour complex that annoyed me a little. I was hoping there’d be some change or development in his way of thinking and the way he was trying to take the blame for things. Sadly, there wasn’t. He also seems indecisive. Telling one person he loves them, then changing his mind and confessing to another, then switching again x_x. To me, it felt like he was saying “I love you” to those that met his needs / suited him best. This novel had the potential to be pretty angsty but it isn’t. Chengjun in the end chose someone that fitted his lifestyle to fill the void of loneliness to accompany him.
Since he was constantly changing his mind, it makes it difficult to see to the chemistry with the potential ML’s. It was there but it felt distant? I’d say it’s because of his unreliable first person POV that it feels like you can’t tell how deeply both the ML and MC love each other. I see it as the sort of love that was “convenient” for the MC. The side story from the ML was needed, he loves Chengjun and is willing to tolerate everything. He’s more of a soft ML who accepts the MC for who he is. It’s different from your general danmei.
I don’t know what to say on the overall plot honestly T_T It doesn’t focus on romance, and it had it’s twists and turns. The court politics isn’t anything crazy since there isn’t a major “villain” either. The writting / translation flows nicely, E. Danglars did an amazing job as always. If it wasn’t written well I’d probably DNF.
When you think about the characters a bit, on the whole, you find it’s pretty deep despite the MC feeling a little shallow. The book is worth a try, but it won’t have the same fulfilment you’d get from your standard danmei if you’re looking for something with strong romance and chemistry.
January 15, 2026
Man. I really do not know how to rate this. I liked it but it was very confusing. There were so many looks between characters that conveyed something that we weren’t given insight into! They had certain looks on their faces and that was as much as we got. I’m not sure if that was on purpose by the author or if it was a translation thing where it just wasn’t descriptive enough. So I feel like there was so much going on that I just couldn’t grasp.
There’s the bit on the boats about Yun Yu that I’m confused about too. Is he not who he says he is? Idk… *I read some posts about this and honestly they can't have kids so who cares?
I’m still confused about the ending…. Was he tricked into coming home? Did he actually die? Idk!
The stories I enjoyed the most were when the nephew’s were children. So cute.
Imperial Uncle apparently was a jewel that everyone flocked too… 🥛
Also I think the cover is suppose to be Liu Tongy and Jing Weiyi but only the emperor can wear yellow..... So is it Qizhe and Jing Weiyi? Since the person in yellow also has a dragon hair pin?
There’s the bit on the boats about Yun Yu that I’m confused about too. Is he not who he says he is? Idk… *I read some posts about this and honestly they can't have kids so who cares?
I’m still confused about the ending…. Was he tricked into coming home? Did he actually die? Idk!
The stories I enjoyed the most were when the nephew’s were children. So cute.
Imperial Uncle apparently was a jewel that everyone flocked too… 🥛
Also I think the cover is suppose to be Liu Tongy and Jing Weiyi but only the emperor can wear yellow..... So is it Qizhe and Jing Weiyi? Since the person in yellow also has a dragon hair pin?
May 25, 2024
Da Feng Gua Guo has such an intricate style and storytelling. This is the second novel I read from them and it was similar to Peach Blossom Debt. I would say this story is even more character-driven and quiet, and the romance is so understated. But here I am, almost a week after finishing, and I'm still thinking about this book.
The dynamics were all so interesting, and I love how the reader only understand some things once you read all the extras. Liu Tongyi's love for Prince Huai is quiet, but so steady! and I loved the last story about a younger Prince Huai helping the Emperor get better, that was so sweet and it made the Emperor's final scene in the main story so much better.
I hope more books will be translated from the author!
The dynamics were all so interesting, and I love how the reader only understand some things once you read all the extras. Liu Tongyi's love for Prince Huai is quiet, but so steady! and I loved the last story about a younger Prince Huai helping the Emperor get better, that was so sweet and it made the Emperor's final scene in the main story so much better.
I hope more books will be translated from the author!
January 26, 2025
I really liked the narration and the first person pov made it very interesting since most danmeis don't have a first person pov like this (I've never read one at least 😅). This isn't really an action filled kinda book but it was still pretty enjoyable. Will read Peach Blossom Debt (by the same author - Da Feng Gua Guo) when I have the time.
August 12, 2025
I honestly don’t even know how to review this book. On one hand, I was confused from start to finish; on the other, I still wanted to get through it as quickly as possible, almost like pulling off a stubborn bandage. I’d read in multiple places that the MC is unreliable, and now I completely understand—this is not a narrator you follow so much as one you chase in circles. Even after turning the last page, I’m left asking myself: what actually happened? And no, I don’t think I’ll ever get an answer.
That said, I must confess—my heart did ache in the last few extras, particularly when we finally saw Liu Tongying’s perspective. It was like the book suddenly remembered it could feel something, and I wasn’t prepared for that.
Perhaps it’s for the best that I don’t have any more books by this author. Peach Blossom Debt wasn’t exactly a favorite either, but compared to this, it felt almost coherent. The saving grace here was undoubtedly E. Danglars’ elegant translation and the blessed fact that this was a standalone. Imagine my confusion stretched into a trilogy—an act of literary endurance I’m glad I’ve been spared.
That said, I must confess—my heart did ache in the last few extras, particularly when we finally saw Liu Tongying’s perspective. It was like the book suddenly remembered it could feel something, and I wasn’t prepared for that.
Perhaps it’s for the best that I don’t have any more books by this author. Peach Blossom Debt wasn’t exactly a favorite either, but compared to this, it felt almost coherent. The saving grace here was undoubtedly E. Danglars’ elegant translation and the blessed fact that this was a standalone. Imagine my confusion stretched into a trilogy—an act of literary endurance I’m glad I’ve been spared.
December 18, 2023
First: each character has multiple names, and I'm not sure which, if any, are more appropriate to use in my review. For Prince Huai/Jing Weiyi/Chengjun, I'm generally opting for Chengjun except when his title feels like a better option. For Liu Tongyi/Ransi, I'm opting for Liu Tongyi, and for Yun Yu/Suiya, I'm opting for Yun Yu.
Prince Huai, uncle to the young emperor, Qizhe, is deeply loyal but knows that his loyalty will always be doubted due to the actions and reputation of his late father. Even knowing that it could lead to his downfall, he decides to act as a spy, collecting information on conspirators against Qizhe while acting like he's going along with their uprising.
Things are coming to a head now, and the conspirators are preparing to make Chengjun the new emperor. As Chengjun works to simultaneously help Qizhe while avoiding getting caught in the trap of his own making, he finds himself pondering his relationships and future and wondering if there will ever be anyone willing to stand by his side. For a long time, Chengjun has been in love with Liu Tongyi, a virtuous official whose reputation is as spotless as Chengjun's isn't. Is it even possible for anything to come of those feelings, or would Chengjun be better off focusing on Yun Yu, the man everyone seems to already think is one of his lovers? Yun Yu is one of the conspirators against Qizhe, simultaneously Chengjun's closest friend and the person he's preparing to betray, and who may therefore lose his life during the attempted uprising. It seems as though there's nothing but loneliness and tragedy in Chengjun's future...
I hadn't previously heard anything about Peach Flower House, the publisher of this English translation, so getting this was a bit of a risk, but I ended up being impressed. I can't comment as to its accuracy, but I found the translation to be smooth and readable. There are occasional explanatory footnotes, as well as an author's note at the end that explains aspects of the names that North American readers may be unfamiliar with, as well as a brief glossary.
The characters and politics were intriguing, and I spent a lot of time trying to guess everyone's thoughts and motivations. The main story was told from Chengjun's POV, whose perception of where everyone stood (both in terms of their politics and their relation to him) shifted a lot. Many things were hinted at rather than said, and Chengjun (and readers) were left trying to piece together the truth. Sometimes, unfortunately, I had trouble following what even Chengjun might be thinking.
Although this kept my attention despite being fairly slow-paced, its central romantic storyline wasn't my cup of tea. I initially thought it'd be focused on Chengjun's long-term pining for Liu Tongyi, but not long after Chengjun earnestly told Liu Tongyi that he loved him and no other, Chengjun then just as earnestly told Yun Yu the exact same thing. I couldn't help but laugh when Yun Yu essentially pointed this out while turning Chengjun down.
I think the rest of the story was maybe intended to show Chengjun's slow realization of who he really loved (the person who most steadfastly supported him). Unfortunately, Chengjun was so romantically indecisive that I had trouble cheering him on. Combined with the oddly emotionally distant writing, Chengjun began to seem like someone with a martyr complex, wallowing in tragedy for the reader's benefit while steadfastly marching towards even more tragedy. Rather than the romantic aspects, I felt that the best and most emotionally effective parts of the book were the parts about Chengjun and his relationships with his imperial nephews, particularly Qizhe.
The thing I liked the least in this was the brothel scenes. This wasn't an explicit book in the slightest - most of the on-page stuff was kissing and nothing was described in any detail - but even so, brothel visits weren't what I was looking for even in a "romantic aspects" sort of story. The more that was revealed about Chu Xun (Chengjun's preferred male prostitute) and his history, the more distasteful those portions of the book became to me.
Despite my issues with this book, I still felt it was a worthwhile read and plan to read the author's other English-translated work, Peach Blossom Debt.
Extras:
Four extra stories - two of which are connected and add supernatural aspects, while sort of answering some questions about a particular time period that the main story glossed over, one fan service-y for those hoping for a little more on Chengjun and [redacted's] romance (although even here there is no on-page sex), and one about an incident from Qizhe's childhood. Also, an author's note and a glossary.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Prince Huai, uncle to the young emperor, Qizhe, is deeply loyal but knows that his loyalty will always be doubted due to the actions and reputation of his late father. Even knowing that it could lead to his downfall, he decides to act as a spy, collecting information on conspirators against Qizhe while acting like he's going along with their uprising.
Things are coming to a head now, and the conspirators are preparing to make Chengjun the new emperor. As Chengjun works to simultaneously help Qizhe while avoiding getting caught in the trap of his own making, he finds himself pondering his relationships and future and wondering if there will ever be anyone willing to stand by his side. For a long time, Chengjun has been in love with Liu Tongyi, a virtuous official whose reputation is as spotless as Chengjun's isn't. Is it even possible for anything to come of those feelings, or would Chengjun be better off focusing on Yun Yu, the man everyone seems to already think is one of his lovers? Yun Yu is one of the conspirators against Qizhe, simultaneously Chengjun's closest friend and the person he's preparing to betray, and who may therefore lose his life during the attempted uprising. It seems as though there's nothing but loneliness and tragedy in Chengjun's future...
I hadn't previously heard anything about Peach Flower House, the publisher of this English translation, so getting this was a bit of a risk, but I ended up being impressed. I can't comment as to its accuracy, but I found the translation to be smooth and readable. There are occasional explanatory footnotes, as well as an author's note at the end that explains aspects of the names that North American readers may be unfamiliar with, as well as a brief glossary.
The characters and politics were intriguing, and I spent a lot of time trying to guess everyone's thoughts and motivations. The main story was told from Chengjun's POV, whose perception of where everyone stood (both in terms of their politics and their relation to him) shifted a lot. Many things were hinted at rather than said, and Chengjun (and readers) were left trying to piece together the truth. Sometimes, unfortunately, I had trouble following what even Chengjun might be thinking.
Although this kept my attention despite being fairly slow-paced, its central romantic storyline wasn't my cup of tea. I initially thought it'd be focused on Chengjun's long-term pining for Liu Tongyi, but not long after Chengjun earnestly told Liu Tongyi that he loved him and no other, Chengjun then just as earnestly told Yun Yu the exact same thing. I couldn't help but laugh when Yun Yu essentially pointed this out while turning Chengjun down.
I think the rest of the story was maybe intended to show Chengjun's slow realization of who he really loved (the person who most steadfastly supported him). Unfortunately, Chengjun was so romantically indecisive that I had trouble cheering him on. Combined with the oddly emotionally distant writing, Chengjun began to seem like someone with a martyr complex, wallowing in tragedy for the reader's benefit while steadfastly marching towards even more tragedy. Rather than the romantic aspects, I felt that the best and most emotionally effective parts of the book were the parts about Chengjun and his relationships with his imperial nephews, particularly Qizhe.
The thing I liked the least in this was the brothel scenes. This wasn't an explicit book in the slightest - most of the on-page stuff was kissing and nothing was described in any detail - but even so, brothel visits weren't what I was looking for even in a "romantic aspects" sort of story. The more that was revealed about Chu Xun (Chengjun's preferred male prostitute) and his history, the more distasteful those portions of the book became to me.
Despite my issues with this book, I still felt it was a worthwhile read and plan to read the author's other English-translated work, Peach Blossom Debt.
Extras:
Four extra stories - two of which are connected and add supernatural aspects, while sort of answering some questions about a particular time period that the main story glossed over, one fan service-y for those hoping for a little more on Chengjun and [redacted's] romance (although even here there is no on-page sex), and one about an incident from Qizhe's childhood. Also, an author's note and a glossary.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
April 9, 2024
Masterful storytelling and really effective use of first person pov. Author is particularly good at controlling the flow of information. Guessing what happens next is a pointless exercise but it’s impossible not to be led around by the narration. Strictly speaking, this is HE, but I spent so much time just feeling gut punched. Really lovely translation. Merits a reread.
Spoilers and more thoughts below:
Spoilers and more thoughts below:
December 6, 2023
The translation reads well. Not a big fan of love triangles, as usual; there was some chemistry with both LIs but the MC’s characterization wasn’t interesting. Most of the plot is delivered in exposition, and often after the fact, and I felt it a bit incoherent by the end. Nirvana in Fire and Sha Po Lang etc have given me high standards for court politics and I won’t back down. Skimmed through the extras, which simultaneously filled in some gaps and also made things more strange (introducing a new ghost character who then takes the focus for 50 pages? Bold move).
January 17, 2025
DNF around 100 pages in.
Still marking it as read because i deserve it after putting time and effort into trying to read it.
I just need to stop trying to read books written by this author. I always end up disliking them and DNFing
Still marking it as read because i deserve it after putting time and effort into trying to read it.
I just need to stop trying to read books written by this author. I always end up disliking them and DNFing
February 18, 2024
And in an unexpected turn of events - my favourite Danmei so far! I am saying this because the reviews are mostly scathing but to be honest - they just made me want to read it more. Slow pace? More than one potential love interest? Confusing narration? YES PLEASE!
To be honest, I can see why this didn’t go down well with the Danmei community. It is less of a passionate love story and more a melancholy exploration of loneliness. It is told in first person which surprised me and being so much in the protagonist brain is quite intense, especially considering how unreliable his voice is. Here is a man who doesn’t understand his own feelings let alone anything that happens around him.
It is much more literary than the normal Danmei fare. It is at times agonisingly slow and subtle. The writing is gorgeous. Feelings are conveyed through landscape descriptions as if the protagonist can’t engage with them directly. The ending is bitter sweet. No eternal love that burns heaven and earth. A mist of poetic sadness permeates the story.
I don’t even know if I would call it Danmei but I would call it masterful. Beautiful.
To be honest, I can see why this didn’t go down well with the Danmei community. It is less of a passionate love story and more a melancholy exploration of loneliness. It is told in first person which surprised me and being so much in the protagonist brain is quite intense, especially considering how unreliable his voice is. Here is a man who doesn’t understand his own feelings let alone anything that happens around him.
It is much more literary than the normal Danmei fare. It is at times agonisingly slow and subtle. The writing is gorgeous. Feelings are conveyed through landscape descriptions as if the protagonist can’t engage with them directly. The ending is bitter sweet. No eternal love that burns heaven and earth. A mist of poetic sadness permeates the story.
I don’t even know if I would call it Danmei but I would call it masterful. Beautiful.
January 2, 2024
First read of 2024 was a novel I was expecting to love love love but it was a bust besties.
I was anxious the WHOLE time but not in a good way and the plot was so bizarre that I still don't know how the author managed to sew the parts together. Nothing made sense, no characters were explored in a cohesive way and the relationships are simply unmentionable bc I can't for the love of me comprehend how the fuck the MC fell in love with ppl left and right in like....500 pages?
All I know is that i was sad and confused and after reading the extras i got even more confused. this didn't work for me at all unfortunately:(
I was anxious the WHOLE time but not in a good way and the plot was so bizarre that I still don't know how the author managed to sew the parts together. Nothing made sense, no characters were explored in a cohesive way and the relationships are simply unmentionable bc I can't for the love of me comprehend how the fuck the MC fell in love with ppl left and right in like....500 pages?
All I know is that i was sad and confused and after reading the extras i got even more confused. this didn't work for me at all unfortunately:(
June 7, 2025
This Is Not A Romance!!!! It's barely a danmei. Don't recommend and if you want to save your brain cells don't read this Ever!
June 7, 2025
This book is trash. Actual literary fraud. I want financial compensation and psychological counseling for every brain cell I lost reading this mess. The title, the cover, the synopsis...all of it is a bold-faced scam designed to trap unsuspecting danmei enjoyers into reading 400+ pages of absolutely nothing.
The MC is an emotional wet mop with a superiority complex and a hoe streak that’s not even entertaining. He flirts with everything that breathes, catches feelings in five minutes and moves on in four. He’s not charming, he’s not clever, he’s just constantly whining, posturing or tripping into someone’s bed emotionally while pretending to be above it all. You can’t even call him a slut properly because he doesn’t own it LMAO.
Oh and my favorite part...the supposed “romance.” Yeah lmao there isn’t one. Just a trail of confused, underwritten, limp interactions masquerading as “tension.” There’s zero passion, zero intimacy and zero buildup. And don’t tell me it’s okay because “it’s not really about the romance, it’s about the politics.” No, it’s not. The “politics” are half-assed exposition dumps wedged between pointless flashbacks and emotional diarrhea. The rebellion plot is weak and half the court gets executed or betrayed and no one even cares.
Also, the story gives entire backstories to background extras like it’s trying to pad out a word count. Why do I know the prostitute’s childhood trauma? Why did we pause a national crisis to talk about some side character’s unrequited crush from 20 years ago? I didn’t sign up for a sad NPC scrapbook.
Oh and let’s not forget the emperor...the one on the damn cover. He shows up, what, five times? It’s pure clickbait.
UGH WHATEVER
Burn it. Flush it. Yeet it into the void. This is not danmei. It’s not political intrigue. It’s not a character study. It’s all just clickbait.
The MC is an emotional wet mop with a superiority complex and a hoe streak that’s not even entertaining. He flirts with everything that breathes, catches feelings in five minutes and moves on in four. He’s not charming, he’s not clever, he’s just constantly whining, posturing or tripping into someone’s bed emotionally while pretending to be above it all. You can’t even call him a slut properly because he doesn’t own it LMAO.
Oh and my favorite part...the supposed “romance.” Yeah lmao there isn’t one. Just a trail of confused, underwritten, limp interactions masquerading as “tension.” There’s zero passion, zero intimacy and zero buildup. And don’t tell me it’s okay because “it’s not really about the romance, it’s about the politics.” No, it’s not. The “politics” are half-assed exposition dumps wedged between pointless flashbacks and emotional diarrhea. The rebellion plot is weak and half the court gets executed or betrayed and no one even cares.
Also, the story gives entire backstories to background extras like it’s trying to pad out a word count. Why do I know the prostitute’s childhood trauma? Why did we pause a national crisis to talk about some side character’s unrequited crush from 20 years ago? I didn’t sign up for a sad NPC scrapbook.
Oh and let’s not forget the emperor...the one on the damn cover. He shows up, what, five times? It’s pure clickbait.
UGH WHATEVER
Burn it. Flush it. Yeet it into the void. This is not danmei. It’s not political intrigue. It’s not a character study. It’s all just clickbait.
March 17, 2024
This is a very unexpected historical/palace intrigue danmei about the much-maligned imperial uncle of the emperor. At first I thought this was going to be a lighthearted himbo type book like Peach Blossom Debt by the same author but this book really didn’t pull its punches when I expected it to. There’s no point trying to anticipate where the plot’s going and it wasn’t even clear who the endgame love interest was until the last idk 40 pages so don’t expect tons of romance. There are lots of quietly melancholy vibes and trying to make the best of poor situations. If the MC didn’t have such a breezy approach to the events of the plot it would’ve been a real angst-fest, it’s only with the clarity of hindsight that you can see just how much meat this book has on its bones. The extras were great to get some much-needed alternate perspectives since the MC is an unreliable narrator.
CWs: suicide happens throughout the book, pregnancy of a side character, infidelity, sexism, period-accurate adult-minor relationships (side character has a 17 year old wife), sex work, slavery, homophobia, incestuous attraction, ableism
CWs: suicide happens throughout the book, pregnancy of a side character, infidelity, sexism, period-accurate adult-minor relationships (side character has a 17 year old wife), sex work, slavery, homophobia, incestuous attraction, ableism
August 9, 2024
3.5 because I’m not sure DFGG’s pacing or character development is my cup of tea, but rounding up because the extras were cute
February 6, 2024
I'm struggling how to rate this, but I'm going with a 3.5 for my level of enjoyment, with rounding for its unusualness in the pantheon of danmei I've read. I definitely think it's worth giving a try, but adjust your expectations as it doesn't provide the hits to the id I associate with typical danmei / romance.
I read this cold knowing only what was in the blurb, and it reminded me of nothing so strongly as a late 19th c tragicomic farce (this is probably influenced as well by the translation style; the translation is great, btw). The titular imperial uncle Prince Huai is bumbling, perpetually perplexed by and resigned to everyone's mistaken assumptions of his villainy, yet determined to commit one loyal deed for emperor & country, and incredibly unreliable as a narrator. It's hard to tell who the ultimate love interest(s) are in the beginning (or the first half, or maybe even the second), and frankly Prince Huai doesn't know for sure either - but in the moment his feelings are always devoted and proclaimed. Plot twists abound, deus ex machinas appear for fun and then new deus ex machinas introduced to contradict previous ones. Somewhere amid all of that, the author still has time to make you feel some emotions about the various misunderstandings and the constraints imposed by circumstances of birth.
I will say the end is kind of abrupt and there are some plotholes I think the author sort of forgot about , but overall the book was a nice change of pace from the nth domineering cold love interest etc plot.
I read this cold knowing only what was in the blurb, and it reminded me of nothing so strongly as a late 19th c tragicomic farce (this is probably influenced as well by the translation style; the translation is great, btw). The titular imperial uncle Prince Huai is bumbling, perpetually perplexed by and resigned to everyone's mistaken assumptions of his villainy, yet determined to commit one loyal deed for emperor & country, and incredibly unreliable as a narrator. It's hard to tell who the ultimate love interest(s) are in the beginning (or the first half, or maybe even the second), and frankly Prince Huai doesn't know for sure either - but in the moment his feelings are always devoted and proclaimed. Plot twists abound, deus ex machinas appear for fun and then new deus ex machinas introduced to contradict previous ones. Somewhere amid all of that, the author still has time to make you feel some emotions about the various misunderstandings and the constraints imposed by circumstances of birth.
I will say the end is kind of abrupt and there are some plotholes I think the author sort of forgot about , but overall the book was a nice change of pace from the nth domineering cold love interest etc plot.
November 14, 2023
The main story: 3.5/5 stars. Several parts were confusing, but I did repeatedly sob during it, so I was definitely emotionally invested.
Extras: 5/5. Intoxication was my favorite, because it cleared up some things I was unsure about. It went from "they were business partners" to "ohh they were 'business partners'" in the "they were roommates" kind of way. I'm really happy those were included.
Extras: 5/5. Intoxication was my favorite, because it cleared up some things I was unsure about. It went from "they were business partners" to "ohh they were 'business partners'" in the "they were roommates" kind of way. I'm really happy those were included.
January 21, 2026
The first half and the second half of this book were so different that I'm going to talk about them separately (spoilers onwards!!!)...
April 14, 2024
Honestly, this wasn’t my usual cup of tea as far as Danmei goes. There was a lot of politics involved that just made my head hurt at points, and I really wish there was more substance to the romance.
I enjoyed the premise, but there was too much talking and not enough action for me to really enjoy myself. A lot it felt like it was just repeating the same thing over and over again.
I’m glad to have read this, but the ending just fell through for me.
I enjoyed the premise, but there was too much talking and not enough action for me to really enjoy myself. A lot it felt like it was just repeating the same thing over and over again.
I’m glad to have read this, but the ending just fell through for me.
June 7, 2025
dnf @ 57%
November 2, 2023
Stand too long in the dark, and you begin to love the light. If you can only eat sweets, your mind dwells on salt. I think that it is perhaps because of this that I first fell in love with him. I was the court’s greatest malignant tumor, and he, its most loyal minister since Li Yue, another spotless pillar in the raging current of filth.
El príncipe Huai, tío del emperador, lidia con una de las peores reputaciones del imperio. Todos lo consideran un peligro andante, un riesgo para el trono, y solo esperan a que demuestre su naturaleza traicionera. Su única razón para unirse a un plan para usurpar el trono es en realidad proteger a su sobrino y demostrarles a todos que en verdad es leal. Pero ¿cómo pueden creerle si la corte imperial está llena de conspiraciones?
No existe protagonista más incomprendido. Cada paso que da Chengjun, cada palabra que sale de su boca, es analizada y retorcida para darle los significados más ominosos, sus sonrisas esconden cuchillos, sus sugerencias son vistas como burlas o faltas de respeto e incluso sus declaraciones de amor son meras lisonjas. Nadie puede creer que se preocupa genuinamente por su sobrino Qizhe, el emperador, y que su único anhelo es encontrar a alguien con quien compartir momentos triviales en una vida tranquila… ya que su esposa lo ha aborrecido aún desde antes de casarse.
Ya que Chengjun es el narrador (poco fiable, según vamos descubriendo) los lectores estamos sometidos a sus juicios y opiniones, pero podemos ir formando nuestras propias conjeturas en sus muchas interacciones con los varios personajes secundarios, y entender si lo que nos cuenta el protagonista es la realidad o está muy equivocado. Especialmente en el aspecto romántico de la historia, donde hay un triángulo amoroso, mientras Chengjun suspira por alguien incólume que ha puesto en un pedestal, parece tener una excelente relación con un amigo, con el que los rumores lo relacionan continuamente. ¿Vale la pena intentar algo más con ese amigo o debe seguir suspirando por su ideal inalcanzable? ¿O tiene siquiera oportunidad con alguno? Sobre todo cuando su vida está en riesgo por la conspiración de la que forma parte.
La narración es una belleza que pinta escenarios con un lenguaje muy fluido. Hay descripciones tan poéticas cuando Chengjun encuentra a cierto interés amoroso, que fácilmente puedes imaginarte a los personajes con fondo de flores cada vez que aparece. El inconveniente de este tipo de narración es que depende mucho del subtexto y las referencias a personajes históricos para transmitir las emociones, y si no estás muy familiarizado con las historias ambientadas en la China ancestral, podrías no alcanzar a comprender todo el significado de ciertos pasajes. Afortunadamente el trabajo de traducción es excelente y esta edición contiene notas y aclaraciones que ayudan a comprender.
Es una historia preciosa, llena de sentimientos y emoción, incluso de momentos graciosos, que más allá de enfocarse en la vida romántica de Chengjun (aunque él languidece hablando de ello), nos muestra la vida implacable de la familia imperial, llena de sospechas y traiciones en todos los rincones. Nadie puede confiar en nadie y todo se presta a la mala interpretación. Especialmente me dio pena Qizhe, sometido al rigor de una vida impuesta por sus mayores.
Definitivamente no se disfruta igual si no estás familiarizado con el estilo de vida en la China Ancestral, pero ruego que le den una oportunidad porque es exquisita.
A person might not even have a clear idea of what kind of a person he is himself. How could outsiders pronounce an accurate judgment? Treachery or loyalty are only standpoints. People in different positions have different views. Nothing in the world is absolute.
¿Qué Disfruté?
Después de sufrir tanto con el protagonista incomprendido en la trama política, y la incertidumbre total con sus dos intereses amorosos, fue una delicia verlo asentado en su vida conyugal.
¿Qué Prefiero Olvidar?
Lloré una barbaridad con los dos extras del emperador fantasma. Mi único consuelo fue el reencuentro final... pero esos dos extras parecen inconexos por el factor sobrenatural que aporta a una historia que por lo demás, es intriga política con pizca de romance. ¿Era realmente necesario utilizar ese recurso para contarnos qué había sucedido antes del salto de tiempo de tres años?
At my age, all prior entanglements, whether true or counterfeit, were as transient as clouds. But there was one person who, when I had nothing to my name, I could trust, could rely on, who made me feel at peace, who kept me company; only that was real.
July 10, 2024
like a rounded up 3.5
August 8, 2019
ถึงจะจัดในหมวดวาย แต่เรื่องนี้มีความวายน้อยมากเลยค่ะ น้อยจนแบบที่นิยายที่ไม่วายแต่เขียนให้จิ้นได้หลายเรื่องยังมีโมเมนต์พระนายมากกว่าเรื่องนี้ด้วยซ้ำ เพราะฉะนั้นถึงไม่อ่านวายก็อ่านเรื่องนี้ได้แน่นอน
.
ไม่ค่อยวาย ไม่หวาน แต่สนุกค่ะ
.
แนวหลักคือแนวยากคาดเดา คนเขียนชอบหลอก ตัวละครหลอกคนอ่าน ตัวละครหลอกตัวเองจนคนอ่านโดนหลอกอีกที บิดไปบิดมาจนกระดูกเอวไม่เหลือ แนวรองคือดราม่าและอบอุ่นค่ะ
.
‘เสด็จอา’ ตามชื่อเรื่อง เล่าถึงตัวเอก คือ ไหวอ๋องเฉิงจวิ้น เขาเป็นอาของฮ่องเต้องค์ปัจจุบัน แต่ไม่ใช่อาแท้ ๆ พ่อของเขาเป็นน้องแท้ ๆ ของปู่ฮ่องเต้ ไหวอ๋องก็เลยมีศักดิ์เป็นน้องอดีตฮ่องเต้ และเท่ากับเป็นอาของฮ่องเต้องค์ปัจจุบัน
.
ในสายตาราชสำนักและคนทั่วไป ไหวอ๋องเฉิงจวิ้นเป็นเนื้อร้ายก้อนใหญ่ที่ราชสำนักต้องกำจัด เพราะคุกคามความมั่นคงของราชบัลลังก์ คนเชื่อว่าเขาซุกซ่อนกองกำลังทหารไว้ และอยากขึ้นเป็นฮ่องเต้แทน ไม่มีใครเชื่อเลยว่าไหวอ๋องแสนจะจงรักภักดีและบริสุทธิ์ผุดผ่องที่สุดแล้วในเรื่อง ยกเว้นคนอ่าน เพราะเรื่องเล่าในมุมมองบุคคลที่หนึ่งแทนตัวไหวอ๋อง
.
การโดนคนเข้าใจผิดมาตลอดก็สร้างความเจ็บช้ำระกำใจเหมือนกันนะ ไหวอ๋องถึงขนาดประกาศกับคนไปทั่วว่าชอบผู้ชาย เพราะต้องการให้เรื่องนี้สิ้นสุดลงที่ตัวเอง ไม่ต้องการให้ลูกต้องเผชิญชะตากรรมเหมือนตน ซึ่งพอหลอกคนอื่นไปมาก ๆ เข้า ร่างกายและจิตใจดันเชื่อตาม ตัวเองดันชอบผู้ชายเข้าจริง ๆ ซะงั้น (แต่ในเรื่องโอว่าไหวอ๋องเป็นไบนะ ได้ทั้งหญิงและชาย แต่ที่แน่ ๆ คือดวงกุดเรื่องความรักสุด ๆ )
.
ไม่รู้ท่าไหน ไหวอ๋องถึงความคิดตกผลึกว่า ในเมื่อไม่เชื่อดีนักใช่มั้ย งั้นข้าร่วมกับอีกสองเนื้อร้ายของราชสำนักที่เหลือวางแผนก่อกบฏซะเองเลยแล้วกัน ถามว่าอยากเป็นฮ่องเต้เหรอ เปล่า ไม่ใช่เลย ไหวอ๋องอยากเป็นคนเปิดโฉมหน้ากบฏ ต้องการกำจัดภัยร้ายของราชสำนักเพื่อพิสูจน์ความจงรักภักดีต่างหาก อารมณ์เป็นสายลับนั่นแหละ แต่ไหวอ๋องเป็นสายลับประเภทที่ไม่มีใครส่งไป แต่ไปเป็นเองแบบไม่ให้ชาวบ้านชาวช่องรู้
.
และนี่ก็คือจุดเริ่มต้นของเรื่องราววุ่นวาย ที่คนอ่านจะได้รู้จักคำว่า ซวย ชะตาเล่นตลก และปลงอนิจจัง
.
มีทั้งตลก เศร้า บีบคั้น และอบอุ่น อ่านแล้วน้ำตารื้นขึ้นมาหลายครั้งเลย โอชอบมุกตลกของผู้เขียน ตลกหน้าตาย ที่เหมือนไม่ได้ตั้งใจให้ตลก แต่มันตลก (แต่จริง ๆ ก็ตั้งใจนั่นแหละ) หรือช่วงสะเทือนอารมณ์ ที่เหมือนไม่ได้อยากให้เราร้องไห้ แต่มันช่างสะเทือนใจเหลือเกิน (ซึ่งที่จริงก็ตั้งใจอีกเหมือนกัน)
.
เราเข้าใจนะที่ตัวละครอื่นระแวงไหวอ๋อง เพราะเขาไม่สามารถอ่านความคิดของคนอื่นได้ เหมือนที่พอตัวเราอยู่ในมุมมองของไหวอ๋อง เราก็ไม่แน่ใจ และไม่เข้าใจความคิดของตัวละครอื่นเช่นเดียวกัน
.
ซึ่งในความคิดของเรา ไหวอ๋องออกจะเป็นเสด็จอาที่น่ารักของหลาน ๆ ในหลายครั้งตามใจหลานมากเกินไปด้วยซ้ำ เรื่องจะมีช่วงที่ไหวอ๋องนึกถึงตอนหลานยังเด็ก แล้วช่วงเวลาเหล่านั้นก็ทำให้อบอุ่นหัวใจมาก จนอดสงสารไม่ได้ว่า คนที่น่ารักแบบนี้ จริงใจขนาดนี้ ทำไมยังต้องเจอเรื่องแบบนี้ ต้องเผชิญชะตาแบบนี้
.
ซึ่งในเรื่องก็จะมีพูดถึงเรื่องที่ไม่มีใครที่บริสุทธิ์ร้อยเปอร์เซ็นต์ นอกจากความคิดจิตใจ ก็ยังมีเรื่องของภาระหน้าที่ เจตนา บุญคุณความแค้น รวมถึงมุมมองและความเข้าใจเข้ามาเกี่ยวข้อง ในสายตาของเรา เราอาจเป็นไม่ได้ทำอะไรผิดเลย แต่ในสายตาของคนอื่นอาจไม่ใช่อย่างนั้นก็ได้
.
คำถามที่คาดว่าหลายคนน่าจะอยากรู้ เรื่องนี้มีพระนายไหม ตอบว่ามีค่ะ ไหวอ๋อง เสด็จอาผู้น่ารักของเรามีคู่แน่นอน ซึ่งกว่าจะมีได้นี่ลุ้นจนหืดขึ้นคอ ส่วนใครจะคู่กับไหวอ๋องของเรานั้น... ไม่บอกค่ะ ฮ่า ๆ
.
อย่าเพิ่งปารองเท้าให้โอสิ จะบอกว่าเรื่องนี้มันเป็นหนึ่งในความลับของเรื่องเลยนะ เราจะไม่รู้ว่าใครเป็นพระเอกนายเอก ไหวอ๋องจะรุกหรือรับ แล้วจะคู่ใครกันแน่ กว่าจะรู้ก็ใกล้จบน่ะ เอาความลับสวรรค์มาแพร่งพรายไม่น่าดี เพราะงั้นให้ไปลุ้นตอนอ่านเอาเองนะคะ จะได้แจวเรือเล่นน้ำสนุกกันไป ฮ่า ๆ
.
แล้วโอเพิ่งรู้ตอนอ่านไปค่อนเรื่องว่า ‘เสด็จอา’ คือจักรวาลเดียวกับ ‘ยอดบุรุษพลิกคดี’ ไหวอ๋องคืออ๋องขาเสียที่จางผิงใน ‘ยอดบุรุษพลิกคดี’ จ้องขา สำหรับจางผิง ใน ‘เสด็จอา’ แปลใช้ว่า จางปิง บทของเขามีแค่ตอนคนอื่นพูดถึง แต่ไม่มีบทแบบมีนัยสำคัญอะไรเท่าไร ไม่จำเป็นต้องอ่านเรื่องใดเรื่องหนึ่งถึงมาอ่านอีกเรื่องได้ โดยรวมทั้งคู่ไม่ค่อยเกี่ยวกันอยู่แล้ว มุมมองและบทบาทก็คนละอย่างกัน (ซึ่งโอก็จำตัวละครในยอดบุรุษพลิกคดีไม่ได้หมด เพราะเรื่องนั้นตัวละครเยอะมาก) แต่ถ้าอยากเก็บรายละเอียดหรือมุมมองให้ครอบคลุมก็ควรอ่านทั้งสองเรื่อง สนุกทั้งคู่ด้วย เชียร์นะคะ
.
มีส่วนที่ชอบมาก ๆ กับส่วนที่คิดว่า ทำไปเพื่ออะไรกันเนี่ย โดยรวมชอบค่ะ โดยเฉพาะควา���อุ่น ๆ ในเรื่อง ชอบฉาก ฉากหลายฉากในเรื่องไม่ค่อยได้เห็นในเรื่องอื่น เช่น อยู่ในเมืองที่น้ำท่วมบ่อยต้องพายเรือ (แบบบนปก) แนวแบบนี้หาอ่านยากด้วย ตอนพิเศษตอนแรกอ่านแล้วแอบแปลก ๆ รู้สึกมันผิดที่ผิดทางแต่พออ่านไปอ่านมาดันชอบซะงั้น แล้วดันเข้าล็อกกับที่เรื่องเคยพูดไว้ก่อนหน้า เลยกลายเป็นดีไปเลย
4.5 ดาว
.
ไม่ค่อยวาย ไม่หวาน แต่สนุกค่ะ
.
แนวหลักคือแนวยากคาดเดา คนเขียนชอบหลอก ตัวละครหลอกคนอ่าน ตัวละครหลอกตัวเองจนคนอ่านโดนหลอกอีกที บิดไปบิดมาจนกระดูกเอวไม่เหลือ แนวรองคือดราม่าและอบอุ่นค่ะ
.
‘เสด็จอา’ ตามชื่อเรื่อง เล่าถึงตัวเอก คือ ไหวอ๋องเฉิงจวิ้น เขาเป็นอาของฮ่องเต้องค์ปัจจุบัน แต่ไม่ใช่อาแท้ ๆ พ่อของเขาเป็นน้องแท้ ๆ ของปู่ฮ่องเต้ ไหวอ๋องก็เลยมีศักดิ์เป็นน้องอดีตฮ่องเต้ และเท่ากับเป็นอาของฮ่องเต้องค์ปัจจุบัน
.
ในสายตาราชสำนักและคนทั่วไป ไหวอ๋องเฉิงจวิ้นเป็นเนื้อร้ายก้อนใหญ่ที่ราชสำนักต้องกำจัด เพราะคุกคามความมั่นคงของราชบัลลังก์ คนเชื่อว่าเขาซุกซ่อนกองกำลังทหารไว้ และอยากขึ้นเป็นฮ่องเต้แทน ไม่มีใครเชื่อเลยว่าไหวอ๋องแสนจะจงรักภักดีและบริสุทธิ์ผุดผ่องที่สุดแล้วในเรื่อง ยกเว้นคนอ่าน เพราะเรื่องเล่าในมุมมองบุคคลที่หนึ่งแทนตัวไหวอ๋อง
.
การโดนคนเข้าใจผิดมาตลอดก็สร้างความเจ็บช้ำระกำใจเหมือนกันนะ ไหวอ๋องถึงขนาดประกาศกับคนไปทั่วว่าชอบผู้ชาย เพราะต้องการให้เรื่องนี้สิ้นสุดลงที่ตัวเอง ไม่ต้องการให้ลูกต้องเผชิญชะตากรรมเหมือนตน ซึ่งพอหลอกคนอื่นไปมาก ๆ เข้า ร่างกายและจิตใจดันเชื่อตาม ตัวเองดันชอบผู้ชายเข้าจริง ๆ ซะงั้น (แต่ในเรื่องโอว่าไหวอ๋องเป็นไบนะ ได้ทั้งหญิงและชาย แต่ที่แน่ ๆ คือดวงกุดเรื่องความรักสุด ๆ )
.
ไม่รู้ท่าไหน ไหวอ๋องถึงความคิดตกผลึกว่า ในเมื่อไม่เชื่อดีนักใช่มั้ย งั้นข้าร่วมกับอีกสองเนื้อร้ายของราชสำนักที่เหลือวางแผนก่อกบฏซะเองเลยแล้วกัน ถามว่าอยากเป็นฮ่องเต้เหรอ เปล่า ไม่ใช่เลย ไหวอ๋องอยากเป็นคนเปิดโฉมหน้ากบฏ ต้องการกำจัดภัยร้ายของราชสำนักเพื่อพิสูจน์ความจงรักภักดีต่างหาก อารมณ์เป็นสายลับนั่นแหละ แต่ไหวอ๋องเป็นสายลับประเภทที่ไม่มีใครส่งไป แต่ไปเป็นเองแบบไม่ให้ชาวบ้านชาวช่องรู้
.
และนี่ก็คือจุดเริ่มต้นของเรื่องราววุ่นวาย ที่คนอ่านจะได้รู้จักคำว่า ซวย ชะตาเล่นตลก และปลงอนิจจัง
.
มีทั้งตลก เศร้า บีบคั้น และอบอุ่น อ่านแล้วน้ำตารื้นขึ้นมาหลายครั้งเลย โอชอบมุกตลกของผู้เขียน ตลกหน้าตาย ที่เหมือนไม่ได้ตั้งใจให้ตลก แต่มันตลก (แต่จริง ๆ ก็ตั้งใจนั่นแหละ) หรือช่วงสะเทือนอารมณ์ ที่เหมือนไม่ได้อยากให้เราร้องไห้ แต่มันช่างสะเทือนใจเหลือเกิน (ซึ่งที่จริงก็ตั้งใจอีกเหมือนกัน)
.
เราเข้าใจนะที่ตัวละครอื่นระแวงไหวอ๋อง เพราะเขาไม่สามารถอ่านความคิดของคนอื่นได้ เหมือนที่พอตัวเราอยู่ในมุมมองของไหวอ๋อง เราก็ไม่แน่ใจ และไม่เข้าใจความคิดของตัวละครอื่นเช่นเดียวกัน
.
ซึ่งในความคิดของเรา ไหวอ๋องออกจะเป็นเสด็จอาที่น่ารักของหลาน ๆ ในหลายครั้งตามใจหลานมากเกินไปด้วยซ้ำ เรื่องจะมีช่วงที่ไหวอ๋องนึกถึงตอนหลานยังเด็ก แล้วช่วงเวลาเหล่านั้นก็ทำให้อบอุ่นหัวใจมาก จนอดสงสารไม่ได้ว่า คนที่น่ารักแบบนี้ จริงใจขนาดนี้ ทำไมยังต้องเจอเรื่องแบบนี้ ต้องเผชิญชะตาแบบนี้
.
ซึ่งในเรื่องก็จะมีพูดถึงเรื่องที่ไม่มีใครที่บริสุทธิ์ร้อยเปอร์เซ็นต์ นอกจากความคิดจิตใจ ก็ยังมีเรื่องของภาระหน้าที่ เจตนา บุญคุณความแค้น รวมถึงมุมมองและความเข้าใจเข้ามาเกี่ยวข้อง ในสายตาของเรา เราอาจเป็นไม่ได้ทำอะไรผิดเลย แต่ในสายตาของคนอื่นอาจไม่ใช่อย่างนั้นก็ได้
.
คำถามที่คาดว่าหลายคนน่าจะอยากรู้ เรื่องนี้มีพระนายไหม ตอบว่ามีค่ะ ไหวอ๋อง เสด็จอาผู้น่ารักของเรามีคู่แน่นอน ซึ่งกว่าจะมีได้นี่ลุ้นจนหืดขึ้นคอ ส่วนใครจะคู่กับไหวอ๋องของเรานั้น... ไม่บอกค่ะ ฮ่า ๆ
.
อย่าเพิ่งปารองเท้าให้โอสิ จะบอกว่าเรื่องนี้มันเป็นหนึ่งในความลับของเรื่องเลยนะ เราจะไม่รู้ว่าใครเป็นพระเอกนายเอก ไหวอ๋องจะรุกหรือรับ แล้วจะคู่ใครกันแน่ กว่าจะรู้ก็ใกล้จบน่ะ เอาความลับสวรรค์มาแพร่งพรายไม่น่าดี เพราะงั้นให้ไปลุ้นตอนอ่านเอาเองนะคะ จะได้แจวเรือเล่นน้ำสนุกกันไป ฮ่า ๆ
.
แล้วโอเพิ่งรู้ตอนอ่านไปค่อนเรื่องว่า ‘เสด็จอา’ คือจักรวาลเดียวกับ ‘ยอดบุรุษพลิกคดี’ ไหวอ๋องคืออ๋องขาเสียที่จางผิงใน ‘ยอดบุรุษพลิกคดี’ จ้องขา สำหรับจางผิง ใน ‘เสด็จอา’ แปลใช้ว่า จางปิง บทของเขามีแค่ตอนคนอื่นพูดถึง แต่ไม่มีบทแบบมีนัยสำคัญอะไรเท่าไร ไม่จำเป็นต้องอ่านเรื่องใดเรื่องหนึ่งถึงมาอ่านอีกเรื่องได้ โดยรวมทั้งคู่ไม่ค่อยเกี่ยวกันอยู่แล้ว มุมมองและบทบาทก็คนละอย่างกัน (ซึ่งโอก็จำตัวละครในยอดบุรุษพลิกคดีไม่ได้หมด เพราะเรื่องนั้นตัวละครเยอะมาก) แต่ถ้าอยากเก็บรายละเอียดหรือมุมมองให้ครอบคลุมก็ควรอ่านทั้งสองเรื่อง สนุกทั้งคู่ด้วย เชียร์นะคะ
.
มีส่วนที่ชอบมาก ๆ กับส่วนที่คิดว่า ทำไปเพื่ออะไรกันเนี่ย โดยรวมชอบค่ะ โดยเฉพาะควา���อุ่น ๆ ในเรื่อง ชอบฉาก ฉากหลายฉากในเรื่องไม่ค่อยได้เห็นในเรื่องอื่น เช่น อยู่ในเมืองที่น้ำท่วมบ่อยต้องพายเรือ (แบบบนปก) แนวแบบนี้หาอ่านยากด้วย ตอนพิเศษตอนแรกอ่านแล้วแอบแปลก ๆ รู้สึกมันผิดที่ผิดทางแต่พออ่านไปอ่านมาดันชอบซะงั้น แล้วดันเข้าล็อกกับที่เรื่องเคยพูดไว้ก่อนหน้า เลยกลายเป็นดีไปเลย
4.5 ดาว
January 15, 2026
“A person might not even have a clear idea of what kind of a person he is himself. How could outsiders pronounce an accurate judgement? Treachery of loyalty are only standpoints. People in different position have different views. Nothing in the world is absolute.”
On my first read, this was one of those books that didn’t stick with me as much as I expected. I didn’t dislike it, but once I finished, I didn’t feel that pull to immediately think back on certain scenes or lines. Reading it again changed that. I noticed the quiet choices, the restraint, the way moments were allowed to sit instead of being pushed. I genuinely appreciated it more the second time around. Still, I’m knocking a star off. Even though I like the book more now, I’ve read enough danmei that my ratings aren’t just based on how a story makes me feel in the moment anymore. Enjoyment matters, but so does how fully a book delivers on what it’s aiming for.
The characters are part of why I kept thinking about this one after finishing. Jing Weiyi’s emotional distance and self awareness felt very real to me, but spending so much time inside his head sometimes made the story feel heavier than it needed to be. Liu Tongyi’s steadiness and discipline were grounding, and I liked what he represented, even if his reserve kept an emotional gap in place. Yun Yu added a spark that helped balance the mood, but I often wished the story lingered on him a little longer. A lot of the relationships unfold through implication and silence, which I usually enjoy, but here it left me wanting just a bit more emotional release.
What worked best for me was the quiet tension running through the story and the way power and obligation shape nearly every interaction. Side characters don’t feel random; everyone adds pressure in their own way, from family members to servants who understand the cost of loyalty. The story moves slowly, but with intention. Small moments come back later with more weight, and consequences feel earned through repetition and restraint rather than shock. I came away respecting the craft behind it and liking it more than I expected to, even if it remains a book I admire more than I connect with.
Date Read: 2024.09.06
Re-Read: 2026.01.12
On my first read, this was one of those books that didn’t stick with me as much as I expected. I didn’t dislike it, but once I finished, I didn’t feel that pull to immediately think back on certain scenes or lines. Reading it again changed that. I noticed the quiet choices, the restraint, the way moments were allowed to sit instead of being pushed. I genuinely appreciated it more the second time around. Still, I’m knocking a star off. Even though I like the book more now, I’ve read enough danmei that my ratings aren’t just based on how a story makes me feel in the moment anymore. Enjoyment matters, but so does how fully a book delivers on what it’s aiming for.
The characters are part of why I kept thinking about this one after finishing. Jing Weiyi’s emotional distance and self awareness felt very real to me, but spending so much time inside his head sometimes made the story feel heavier than it needed to be. Liu Tongyi’s steadiness and discipline were grounding, and I liked what he represented, even if his reserve kept an emotional gap in place. Yun Yu added a spark that helped balance the mood, but I often wished the story lingered on him a little longer. A lot of the relationships unfold through implication and silence, which I usually enjoy, but here it left me wanting just a bit more emotional release.
What worked best for me was the quiet tension running through the story and the way power and obligation shape nearly every interaction. Side characters don’t feel random; everyone adds pressure in their own way, from family members to servants who understand the cost of loyalty. The story moves slowly, but with intention. Small moments come back later with more weight, and consequences feel earned through repetition and restraint rather than shock. I came away respecting the craft behind it and liking it more than I expected to, even if it remains a book I admire more than I connect with.
Date Read: 2024.09.06
Re-Read: 2026.01.12
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews