4.25⭐️ Wow. This book was brutal and absolutely devastating, and I couldn’t put it down. Set during the Ming Dynasty, it follows a low-ranked scholar and one of the most powerful eunuchs as they find each other in a world full of suspicion, violence, and control. Their bond is built on trust and sacrifice, every moment tense because danger is always lurking.
The politics are sharp, but it’s the emotional weight that stays with you. Every character hits hard, and the side cast made me ache. Unforgettable main leads, with a love that’s steady, painful, and fiercely devoted. Major props to the translator—the prose captures all the nuance and tenderness perfectly. Overall, incredible but emotionally brutal—check TWs before going in. Highly recommend it.
Title : The Powerful Eunuch There is a certain side couple here that I wished would have a happy ending, but unfortunately, they didn’t 😔 that left a bittersweet taste at the end. The main couple are so sweet though. They would die for each other they’re giving: - Penpals to kinda enemies to friends to lovers - the gong is low-ranked than the shou - the gong is obsessed with the shou (literally) - Horny for him 🙂↕️( has feet fetish ) - They flirt through poems since they’re both into it 🤓 (nerds) - Scholar x eunuch - their smutty scenes 🔥 The translation was also great with footnotes and recaps for a better understanding of the contexts and different political schemes
Actually it's 4.5 ⭐, but I round them to 5 'cause it deserves a better rating overall and it's one of the most particular novels that I've ever read. It's a really tragic and cruel story, but the plot is so well written and the characters so interesting that it's still worth reading it imo.
I just finished reading The Powerful Eunuch (《大珰》) by Tong Zi (童子), and I’m still reeling from how beautifully it portrays unconditional love and devotion. The relationship between the main characters—Xie Yilu (MC-the gong) and Liao Jixiang (ML-the Shou)—is absolutely breathtaking. Their love story is pure and selfless, full of sacrifices and unwavering commitment that left me completely moved.
The way they first connect—through exchanging letters and poems—feels so poetic and magical. It reminded me of those timeless stories where people find a deep connection through something as simple yet profound as a message in a bottle or a pen pal. It adds this sense of fate to their relationship that just pulls you in. The fact that the ML is a eunuch makes their love even more extraordinary. Despite societal norms and prejudices, they find each other and hold on, even when it would’ve been easier to let go and move on with their lives. Their sacrifices are monumental, but their love feels so worth it. And yes, they get a well-deserved happy ending, which made my heart so full.
The side characters in this novel are incredible too. There are so many of them, yet each one stands out with their own personality, ambitions, and struggles. Even Zheng Xian, who gets a backstory explored in the extras, left a deep impression on me. His arc was so heartbreaking, and it’s hard not to feel for how he became the person he is. Special shoutouts to Jin Tang, Gao Xiaozhuo, Aliu, Zhang Cai, Yishiha, Ruan Dian, Tu Tao, Mei Azha, and Wang Liu’er—they all added so much depth and texture to the story.
But then there’s Qu Feng. Ugh, I couldn’t stand him. Sure, I understand his motivations, but his selfishness and cowardice just made him unbearable. I couldn’t feel any sympathy for him, no matter how the story tried to frame his character.
If I had one gripe, it’s that I wish we got more about the King. His presence was so intriguing, and I kept wanting the story to explore his role in the plot more.
And let’s talk about the spice—because wow. If you’re here for explicit, passionate smut, this novel delivers. The chemistry between the MC and ML is off the charts, and those scenes? Absolutely intense.
Overall, The Powerful Eunuch is a stunning blend of love, sacrifice, and rich character development. It perfectly balances romance, drama, and some seriously steamy moments. If you’re looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you completely hooked, this is it. Highly recommend!