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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #2
ฆ่าหมาป่า เล่ม 2
ในแคว้นต้าเหลียงอันยิ่งใหญ่ ซึ่งเจริญรุ่งเรืองด้วยสิ่งอำนวยความสะดวก
อย่างหุ่นจักรกลและเครื่องจักรไอน้ำที่ใช้ถ่านหิน
รวมถึงเชื้อเพลิงหายากอย่างทองคำเหลวม่วงในการขับเคลื่อน
เด็กหนุ่มนาม ‘ฉางเกิง’ อาศัยอยู่ในเมืองเล็ก ๆ ตรงชายแดน
เมื่อครั้งฉางเกิงยังเยาว์วัยได้ลอบหนีออกไปเที่ยวเล่น
นอกประตูเมืองตามลำพัง ทำให้พบเข้ากับฝูงหมาป่าจนเกือบเอาชีวิตไม่รอด
ดีที่ ‘เสิ่นสือลิ่ว’ ผ่านมาช่วยไว้ทัน
จึงกราบเป็นพ่อบุญธรรมเพื่อทดแทนบุญคุณช่วยชีวิต
แต่แล้ววันหนึ่งกองทัพอนารยชนนอกด่านลอบบุกเข้ามาโจมตีเมือง
ชีวิตของฉางเกิงเกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงอย่างใหญ่หลวงภายในค่ำคืนเดียว
ราวกับว่าชีวิตในเมืองเล็ก ๆ แห่งนี้เป็นเพียงภาพลวงตา
ยามนี้เขาไม่ได้เป็นเพียงเด็กหนุ่มที่มีชาติกำเนิดธรรมดาอีกแล้ว
กระทั่งมารดา หรือแม้แต่พ่อบุญธรรมน้อยของเขาเองก็มีสถานะเปลี่ยนไป...
อย่างหุ่นจักรกลและเครื่องจักรไอน้ำที่ใช้ถ่านหิน
รวมถึงเชื้อเพลิงหายากอย่างทองคำเหลวม่วงในการขับเคลื่อน
เด็กหนุ่มนาม ‘ฉางเกิง’ อาศัยอยู่ในเมืองเล็ก ๆ ตรงชายแดน
เมื่อครั้งฉางเกิงยังเยาว์วัยได้ลอบหนีออกไปเที่ยวเล่น
นอกประตูเมืองตามลำพัง ทำให้พบเข้ากับฝูงหมาป่าจนเกือบเอาชีวิตไม่รอด
ดีที่ ‘เสิ่นสือลิ่ว’ ผ่านมาช่วยไว้ทัน
จึงกราบเป็นพ่อบุญธรรมเพื่อทดแทนบุญคุณช่วยชีวิต
แต่แล้ววันหนึ่งกองทัพอนารยชนนอกด่านลอบบุกเข้ามาโจมตีเมือง
ชีวิตของฉางเกิงเกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงอย่างใหญ่หลวงภายในค่ำคืนเดียว
ราวกับว่าชีวิตในเมืองเล็ก ๆ แห่งนี้เป็นเพียงภาพลวงตา
ยามนี้เขาไม่ได้เป็นเพียงเด็กหนุ่มที่มีชาติกำเนิดธรรมดาอีกแล้ว
กระทั่งมารดา หรือแม้แต่พ่อบุญธรรมน้อยของเขาเองก็มีสถานะเปลี่ยนไป...
358 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2021
157 people are currently reading
2820 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
February 24, 2025
if i ever get reincarnated into historical danmei i want to serve as much cunt as gu yun does
January 26, 2024
Amazing volume! I'm glad we had the four-year time jump as this put Gu Yun and Chang Geng on a more equal footing. In fact, Chang Geng has grown a lot; he's become a lot wiser and educated in acupuncture and military strategy. I love that he does all this for his yifu! That's so sweet!
Their relationship also evolves in an interesting way - at some point Chang Geng confesses, and Gu Yun, is stubborn and oblivious, and often thinks to himself that Chang Geng cares more for him than a wife. xD Yeah, I wonder why that is!!!
The last quarter was really action packed, and a lot of political intrigue happened - can't wait to read vol 3!
Their relationship also evolves in an interesting way - at some point Chang Geng confesses, and Gu Yun, is stubborn and oblivious, and often thinks to himself that Chang Geng cares more for him than a wife. xD Yeah, I wonder why that is!!!
The last quarter was really action packed, and a lot of political intrigue happened - can't wait to read vol 3!
January 18, 2025
br with the lovely trice🫶🫶
check out this beautiful art💘
source!
December 15, 2025
5 'Gu Yun needs all the hugs' stars
If it's possible, I loved vol 2 even more than vol 1. So many great things happen in this volume but the most important is that we got more equal changgu, which made their scences together even better.
Yes, our baby Chang Geng is all grown up now and on a mission to seduce his yifu. My man here really perfected his martial arts, made connections through all jianghu, learned medicine, probably "graduated" from military & state affairs, and I think learned to cook as well - all these just so he can present himself to his yifu and says 'look at me, I'm everything you could ever need'. I can only applaus this dedication.
Fanart by Fenek
He also learned that being a brat won't work with Gu Yun and that he will have more success with other tactics - such as being obedient and then shocking him out of the blue, lol
Well, shocking him out of the blue can be applied the other way around as well, of course. I mean, it's Gu Yun we're talking about. Is there even a time when he's not shameless, haha. However, speaking about his character, he's so much more than just that. Yes, he's indeed shameless, and loud and totally in your face and has absoulutely no filter and he seems as carefree as he can be. But honestly he cares so much (too much sometimes), he's constantly risking his life, he would do anything for the Black Iron Battalion, he's prepared to suffer just for the common people to be safe. He's practically running the empire (without even coveting the throne) and he rarely even takes credit for it.
Fanart by Fenek
I just want to give hima hug lots of hugs. He deserves them. (At least Chang Geng is more than ready to provide.) He's really giving his everything and then he's even punished for that?!? Where is justice here??
Ok, before I get too sappy, I have to say that I'm weak for these men kneeling. Isn't there something really hot about being all pathetic and kneeling in the snow. I mean, it's not only Gu Yun, we also have Tantai Jin and Chu Wanning and probably more of them... Alright, let's go back to topic. This scene also made Chang Geng all emotional, getting very teritorial about his yifu and finally admiting his feelings.
Fanart by etroveria
Not that Gu Yun really belived him. He still thinks that their relationship is perfectly normal and that Chang Geng will eventually get over his feelings. HAHA, meanwhile Chang Geng -
I can't with these two. They need to get together as soon as possible before they drive each other crazy - and everyone around them, lol
I almost forgot to include their first kiss. Was it bizzare? Yes! I woulnd't expected anything else from them. And of course Gu Yun was drunk.
Fanart by 域说的年记丶
I think that was Chang Geng's second sexual awakening because that long list of everything he wants to do to Gu Yun happened after this kiss, so... my man here got a lot of ideas. And the one who panicked the most after was naturally Gu Yun, who went to pester even drunker Shen Yi about it, lolz
I need to study their friendship under the microscope! I was thinking they remind me a little of Qi Ye and Zishu and then I was like, of course, it's Priest. I really enjoy reading their banter.
I want a whole volume of these two just annoying each other!! Also, I'm pretty sure they fucked once but were both too drunk to remember.
Ok, before this review gets too long, just one more Shen Yi quote. I love this grumpy man ❤️
P.S. I'm convinced that Tan Hongfei is the first changgu shipper even if he doesn't know it yet. Just look at him.
P.P.S. I NEED Winner is King to finally be released!!!! Tan Jianci made a song about Gu Yun and he performed it with Gu Yun's beauty marks on his face. Look, I NEED to see him play Gu Yun, I just know his performance is amazing! I can't find that video where he paints the marks before the start of the song but here's some fanmade video with pics from the drama.
5 'His little yifu' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'Gu Yun needs all the hugs' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'All is fair in love and war' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 'War and love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'changgu in love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If it's possible, I loved vol 2 even more than vol 1. So many great things happen in this volume but the most important is that we got more equal changgu, which made their scences together even better.
Yes, our baby Chang Geng is all grown up now and on a mission to seduce his yifu. My man here really perfected his martial arts, made connections through all jianghu, learned medicine, probably "graduated" from military & state affairs, and I think learned to cook as well - all these just so he can present himself to his yifu and says 'look at me, I'm everything you could ever need'. I can only applaus this dedication.
Fanart by Fenek
Four years ago, he had swallowed down his misery and affected a calm façade as he declared," The Marquis Estate can't detain me forever."
Today, he looked at Gu Yun and carefully revealed just the right amount of emotion. "If Yifu isn't there, what reason is there for me to go back?"
He also learned that being a brat won't work with Gu Yun and that he will have more success with other tactics - such as being obedient and then shocking him out of the blue, lol
Gu Yun's eyes widened with surprise.
Chang Geng met his gaze with a thin smile. "You needn't be so shocked, Yifu. When it comes to matters that concern you, there's no one who knows better in all Great Liang."
Gu Yun didn't know how to respond.
[...]
He turned to Chang Geng with a serious expression, then whipped out his ultimate technique: carefree shamelessness. "What, are you flirting with your yifu now?"
As expected, his response took Chang Geng completely by surprise.
Well, shocking him out of the blue can be applied the other way around as well, of course. I mean, it's Gu Yun we're talking about. Is there even a time when he's not shameless, haha. However, speaking about his character, he's so much more than just that. Yes, he's indeed shameless, and loud and totally in your face and has absoulutely no filter and he seems as carefree as he can be. But honestly he cares so much (too much sometimes), he's constantly risking his life, he would do anything for the Black Iron Battalion, he's prepared to suffer just for the common people to be safe. He's practically running the empire (without even coveting the throne) and he rarely even takes credit for it.
Fanart by Fenek
Gu Yun was acutely aware that there would come a day when the conflict between the Black Iron Tiger Tally and the jade seal of the Son of Heaven would indeed become irreconcilable: either the traitor to the nation usurps the thorne, or the sovereign casts his general aside like a bow once the birds have gone to roost.
I just want to give him
Ok, before I get too sappy, I have to say that I'm weak for these men kneeling. Isn't there something really hot about being all pathetic and kneeling in the snow. I mean, it's not only Gu Yun, we also have Tantai Jin and Chu Wanning and probably more of them... Alright, let's go back to topic. This scene also made Chang Geng all emotional, getting very teritorial about his yifu and finally admiting his feelings.
Fanart by etroveria
Chang Geng took Gu Yun's hand, clasped tightly between his own, and lifted it to his chest. With a muffled sob, he closed his eyes and pressed his trembling lips to the back of Gu Yun's cold-chapped hand like a brand.
Not that Gu Yun really belived him. He still thinks that their relationship is perfectly normal and that Chang Geng will eventually get over his feelings. HAHA, meanwhile Chang Geng -
"You cared deeply for the late emperor, but did you want to kiss him, embrace him, and entangle intimately with him your entire life?
"What?" Gu Yun blurted.
"Very well. You've answered, so now it's my turn," Chang Geng said, his face ascetic as a monk's. "I do."
[...]
"I want it - at all hours of the day, even in my dreams. And I especially want it now... I also want other things. I'm afraid I'll sully Yifu's ears if I say them aloud, so I won't."
"Last time, you told me you would be fine with anything I ask you to do."
[...]
"I don't want you to leave; I don't want you to force yourself to do anything. All I want is for you to be well."
Chang Geng stood frozen in place for a long interval, face blank. Then, he turned and made his escape without a sound.
I can't with these two. They need to get together as soon as possible before they drive each other crazy - and everyone around them, lol
I almost forgot to include their first kiss. Was it bizzare? Yes! I woulnd't expected anything else from them. And of course Gu Yun was drunk.
Chang Geng's back slammed against Gu Yun's rock-hard bed.
Gu Yun gazed down at him from above. Chang Geng opened his mouth to call out, "Yifu," and found himslef unable to speak.
Suddenly Gu Yun smiled. The drunkard no longer seemed to recognize him and reached out to stroke his cheek. He slurred in a nasal voice, "Now behave."
Fanart by 域说的年记丶
He took Chang Geng, who was stiff as a board from head to toe, into his arms and earnestly pressed a line of kisses from his brow to his lips. He licked open the seam of Chang Geng's mouth with utmost tenderness, treating him to a lingering yet fervent bout of sweet torture.
I think that was Chang Geng's second sexual awakening because that long list of everything he wants to do to Gu Yun happened after this kiss, so... my man here got a lot of ideas. And the one who panicked the most after was naturally Gu Yun, who went to pester even drunker Shen Yi about it, lolz
"I need to talk to you." Gu Yun looked like he had seen a ghost.
Shen Yi didn't dare ignore him. A jumble of wild guesses ran through his head...
[...]
"What's wrong?" Shen Yi asked cautiously, heart in his mouth.
A pause. "Forget it. I don't feel like talking anymore."
Shen Yi lost it, so angry he nearly blew a fuse. With the way this man spoke in halves, it was a wonder no one had stabbed him to death.
I need to study their friendship under the microscope! I was thinking they remind me a little of Qi Ye and Zishu and then I was like, of course, it's Priest. I really enjoy reading their banter.
"You are learned in both ancient history and current affairs, with literary talent enough to enter the Hanlin Academy and martial talent enough to pacify a region. [...] It's about time you stepped out of my shadow..."
The two were comrades as well as friends, and although their was a life-and-death bond such that they would entrust their widows and orphans to each other, Gu Yun had a dog's mouth that could never manage a sincere word.
Shen Yi's eyes stung. "Zixi, honestly, you don't have to..."
"Beside, I owe you an apology," Gu Yun added, earnest. "With a natural beauty like me hanging around, your chances at romance have been thwarted. After all these years, you're still single. Truly... tsk, I can't be sorry enough."
Shen Yi was speechless.
I want a whole volume of these two just annoying each other!! Also, I'm pretty sure they fucked once but were both too drunk to remember.
Ok, before this review gets too long, just one more Shen Yi quote. I love this grumpy man ❤️
Shen Yi stood tall and graceful, the black wings of his hawk armor outspread behind him like storm clouds. "The Black Iron Tiger Tally and the marching orders decree are here. I come on the orders of the Marquis of Anding to take command of the Southwest Supply Depot and arrest these insolent bandits. The Supply Depot in now under lockdown. Execute these bandits at once!"
P.S. I'm convinced that Tan Hongfei is the first changgu shipper even if he doesn't know it yet. Just look at him.
"Our Highness shares everything with the marquis. If only you were a princess. That way, maybe we could add a princess's tent to our camp again, just like we did back in the day."
Gu Yun was beyond words. He couldn't help but grit his teeth in irritation.
[...]
"Aiyo, but wait, that match wouldn't work," the simple-minded Tan Hongfei said. "His Majesty usually calls our marshal 'Imperial Uncle' - you belong to different generations!"
"Fuck off!" Gu Yun snapped.
Tan Hongfei, who was purely yanking his chain, and Prince Yanbei, who harbored secret intentions, both burst into laughter.
P.P.S. I NEED Winner is King to finally be released!!!! Tan Jianci made a song about Gu Yun and he performed it with Gu Yun's beauty marks on his face. Look, I NEED to see him play Gu Yun, I just know his performance is amazing! I can't find that video where he paints the marks before the start of the song but here's some fanmade video with pics from the drama.
5 'His little yifu' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'Gu Yun needs all the hugs' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'All is fair in love and war' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 'War and love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'changgu in love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 20, 2024
4.75 stars
I just love ShaPoLang. It’s among my favourite danmeis and I had to force myself to stop after a chapter or two to make this volume last as long as possible. May is not far away, yay.
Some years have gone by since Gu Yun and Chang Geng separated at the end of volume one and the latter has grown up in the meantime. It was great fun to see how their dynamic changed. Over the course of this volume Gu Yun lost his cool around his charge and as the reader one gets to laugh a lot about it. I also loved that he is still this hilarious adult person who’s got no qualms about losing face - not even around the emperor but with the exception of Chang Geng. Then, once Gu Yun had realised Chang Geng’s feelings for him, he became awkward and flustered.
The court politics and intrigues picked up pace too and it became obvious that Chang Geng oldest brother is an equally catastrophic emperor as his father was (even though in different ways). In this volume the enemies of Great Liang gathered around all borders and the situation didn’t look good in the end.
I remember bits and pieces from my first read but I’m still looking forward to seeing it play out in the next three volumes. Book 3 is supposed to come out on May 7th, book four mid September and the fifth has - for now now - no publication date. I hope it doesn’t take years. *fingers crossed*
I just love ShaPoLang. It’s among my favourite danmeis and I had to force myself to stop after a chapter or two to make this volume last as long as possible. May is not far away, yay.
Some years have gone by since Gu Yun and Chang Geng separated at the end of volume one and the latter has grown up in the meantime. It was great fun to see how their dynamic changed. Over the course of this volume Gu Yun lost his cool around his charge and as the reader one gets to laugh a lot about it. I also loved that he is still this hilarious adult person who’s got no qualms about losing face - not even around the emperor but with the exception of Chang Geng. Then, once Gu Yun had realised Chang Geng’s feelings for him, he became awkward and flustered.
The court politics and intrigues picked up pace too and it became obvious that Chang Geng oldest brother is an equally catastrophic emperor as his father was (even though in different ways). In this volume the enemies of Great Liang gathered around all borders and the situation didn’t look good in the end.
I remember bits and pieces from my first read but I’m still looking forward to seeing it play out in the next three volumes. Book 3 is supposed to come out on May 7th, book four mid September and the fifth has - for now now - no publication date. I hope it doesn’t take years. *fingers crossed*
December 25, 2025
“It is my belief that, as long as you’re willing, there’s nothing in this world that can defeat you - not even your own flesh and bones.”
This review is based on my second time reading Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 2, and I have to say, this volume solidified why this series is one of my favorite danmei novels. While the first book laid the foundation for Chang Geng’s complicated emotions and Gu Yun’s effortless command over the battlefield, this one takes things to another level. We get deeper into the Long’an Emperor’s reign, and Chang Geng’s feelings for Gu Yun become so obvious that every decision he makes is either for Gu Yun or somehow tied to him. Meanwhile, Gu Yun—who is feared by so many—finds himself completely at a loss when it comes to facing Chang Geng after their drunken encounter. The tension between them is unbearable in the best way. They’re both walking a fine line, avoiding and concealing what they feel, yet every move Gu Yun makes shows he’s growing more and more attuned to Chang Geng’s emotions.
Beyond their relationship, this volume shines in its portrayal of war, strategy, and politics. I love how war-focused it is, giving us a front-row seat to Gu Yun’s brilliance, even when he no longer holds the Marquis of Anding seal. He remains a formidable leader, proving that his influence extends far beyond titles and ranks. Meanwhile, Chang Geng’s character growth is striking—his decisiveness, his ability to maneuver through political complexities, and his relentless drive to protect Gu Yun make him an even more compelling protagonist. The way Priest weaves intricate political struggles with personal stakes is masterful, making every moment feel high-stakes and deeply personal.
I was first drawn to danmei for its Wuxia/Xianxia stories and the deeply romantic devotion found in novels like TGCF, but Sha Po Lang made me realize how much I love a perfectly crafted court/war/political danmei. The way Priest balances intense battles, political intrigue, and an achingly slow-burn romance is nothing short of phenomenal. Even on a reread, I found myself just as captivated by the storytelling, the world-building, and, of course, the emotional turmoil between Chang Geng and Gu Yun. This book only strengthened my love for the series, and I can’t wait to continue the journey.
Date Read: 2024.05.03
Re-read: 2025.02.18
This review is based on my second time reading Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 2, and I have to say, this volume solidified why this series is one of my favorite danmei novels. While the first book laid the foundation for Chang Geng’s complicated emotions and Gu Yun’s effortless command over the battlefield, this one takes things to another level. We get deeper into the Long’an Emperor’s reign, and Chang Geng’s feelings for Gu Yun become so obvious that every decision he makes is either for Gu Yun or somehow tied to him. Meanwhile, Gu Yun—who is feared by so many—finds himself completely at a loss when it comes to facing Chang Geng after their drunken encounter. The tension between them is unbearable in the best way. They’re both walking a fine line, avoiding and concealing what they feel, yet every move Gu Yun makes shows he’s growing more and more attuned to Chang Geng’s emotions.
Beyond their relationship, this volume shines in its portrayal of war, strategy, and politics. I love how war-focused it is, giving us a front-row seat to Gu Yun’s brilliance, even when he no longer holds the Marquis of Anding seal. He remains a formidable leader, proving that his influence extends far beyond titles and ranks. Meanwhile, Chang Geng’s character growth is striking—his decisiveness, his ability to maneuver through political complexities, and his relentless drive to protect Gu Yun make him an even more compelling protagonist. The way Priest weaves intricate political struggles with personal stakes is masterful, making every moment feel high-stakes and deeply personal.
I was first drawn to danmei for its Wuxia/Xianxia stories and the deeply romantic devotion found in novels like TGCF, but Sha Po Lang made me realize how much I love a perfectly crafted court/war/political danmei. The way Priest balances intense battles, political intrigue, and an achingly slow-burn romance is nothing short of phenomenal. Even on a reread, I found myself just as captivated by the storytelling, the world-building, and, of course, the emotional turmoil between Chang Geng and Gu Yun. This book only strengthened my love for the series, and I can’t wait to continue the journey.
Date Read: 2024.05.03
Re-read: 2025.02.18
September 21, 2024
Our cinnamon roll has grown up, and what a fine young man he’s become. The cat is out of the bag, and the dynamics of their relationship keeps changing and adjusting as the story progressed.
Can I say, “Serve you right!” to the idiot emperor who dismantled the strength of his country with his own hands? Except I can’t really do that, because it’s still the loyal people who have to bleed and suffer to fight the enemies. 😭
It continues to amaze me how many imaginations, schemes, battle strategies, etc, came out of Priest’s head. And how she managed to wrap them into such an addictive story, and balance it with humor, romance, and angst. Kudos.
Can I say, “Serve you right!” to the idiot emperor who dismantled the strength of his country with his own hands? Except I can’t really do that, because it’s still the loyal people who have to bleed and suffer to fight the enemies. 😭
It continues to amaze me how many imaginations, schemes, battle strategies, etc, came out of Priest’s head. And how she managed to wrap them into such an addictive story, and balance it with humor, romance, and angst. Kudos.
November 3, 2025
While I very much enjoyed the first volume of Stars of Chaos my biggest complaint was that it felt like set up for the rest of the series and didn’t do much in the way of furthering the overall plot. Fortunately, volume two in the series is much more plot oriented and had plenty to hold my interest. This volume was action packed, especially towards the end. It really got me invested in this story in a way that the first volume didn’t quite manage.
In the first volume, I was a bit uncomfortable with the fact that Chang Geng was still underaged. Nothing inappropriate happened between him and Gu Yun. However, I was still relieved by the four year separation and time skip in the second volume which brought Chang Geng into adulthood. The fact that Gu Yun still continues to treat Chang Geng as a son and a child did bother me a bit though. And there’s also the fact that Chang Geng’s feelings only seem to make Gu Yun uncomfortable. So far, I don’t see any indication of reciprocation from the marquis. And while I do generally enjoy and even prefer slow burn romance, this just feels more like Gu Yun has no interest in Chang Geng, or any other man, in that way. If I didn’t already know from the covers and the fact that this is a gay romance that they would likely end up together, I might be a bit concerned. As it is, I’m sure that Gu Yun will likely come around at some point. I just wish that this attachment didn’t feel so one sided at the moment.
So far, I don’t really feel like Gu Yun fully appreciates Chang Geng and everything that Chang Geng does for him. I love Chang Geng for how sweet, caring and respectful he is towards Gu Yun and how he never attempts to force his feelings onto him. Chang Geng simply does everything in his power to help and support the man he care for so deeply, even if that means keeping his distance.
As for the actual plot of this volume, outside of the romance, I very much enjoyed the political intrigue. To avoid spoilers, I don’t want to go into any detail. Suffice it to say that it was very interesting to see how the various plot threads from the previous volume as well as some of the earlier parts of this volume fell into place later in the story and culminated into a thrilling crisis for our heroes to overcome.
Once again, the steampunk “mech” like elements of the story were fascinating and highly original in this setting. I’ve never read anything quite like it before! And, though I do wish that some of the violet gold powered technology of Great Liang and the other nations involved in this story had been described in more detail to form a clearer picture in the reader’s mind, I still loved the idea of these steampunk elements overall. I was particularly intrigued by the giant octopus like warship.
After reading this exciting volume, I’m really looking forward to finding out what happens next one. Hopefully in the next volume Gu Yun will start to see Chang Geng in a different light!
In the first volume, I was a bit uncomfortable with the fact that Chang Geng was still underaged. Nothing inappropriate happened between him and Gu Yun. However, I was still relieved by the four year separation and time skip in the second volume which brought Chang Geng into adulthood. The fact that Gu Yun still continues to treat Chang Geng as a son and a child did bother me a bit though. And there’s also the fact that Chang Geng’s feelings only seem to make Gu Yun uncomfortable. So far, I don’t see any indication of reciprocation from the marquis. And while I do generally enjoy and even prefer slow burn romance, this just feels more like Gu Yun has no interest in Chang Geng, or any other man, in that way. If I didn’t already know from the covers and the fact that this is a gay romance that they would likely end up together, I might be a bit concerned. As it is, I’m sure that Gu Yun will likely come around at some point. I just wish that this attachment didn’t feel so one sided at the moment.
So far, I don’t really feel like Gu Yun fully appreciates Chang Geng and everything that Chang Geng does for him. I love Chang Geng for how sweet, caring and respectful he is towards Gu Yun and how he never attempts to force his feelings onto him. Chang Geng simply does everything in his power to help and support the man he care for so deeply, even if that means keeping his distance.
As for the actual plot of this volume, outside of the romance, I very much enjoyed the political intrigue. To avoid spoilers, I don’t want to go into any detail. Suffice it to say that it was very interesting to see how the various plot threads from the previous volume as well as some of the earlier parts of this volume fell into place later in the story and culminated into a thrilling crisis for our heroes to overcome.
Once again, the steampunk “mech” like elements of the story were fascinating and highly original in this setting. I’ve never read anything quite like it before! And, though I do wish that some of the violet gold powered technology of Great Liang and the other nations involved in this story had been described in more detail to form a clearer picture in the reader’s mind, I still loved the idea of these steampunk elements overall. I was particularly intrigued by the giant octopus like warship.
After reading this exciting volume, I’m really looking forward to finding out what happens next one. Hopefully in the next volume Gu Yun will start to see Chang Geng in a different light!
March 16, 2024
"brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular." i really can't rate SPL fairly because it is my fave novel but i really enjoyed it. the plot of the novel is slowly starting to pick up and i really can't wait to get vol 3 into my hands (may seems so far!).
but in this volume we had:
* first kiss,
* pet rat,
* Chang Geng housewife in training (i can cook i can clean...i can kill a man....i can do anything you want),
* story behind gu yun's blindness,
* big brains and other great things - sadly i didn't write down any notes so this is the end of the list lmaoooo.
we already got some jokes about dowry but ahhhh chang geng's dowry for gu yun will be so much more meaninful and bigger pretty soon!
i was using my sticky notes to mark my fave parts, 64 sticky notes in total. for gu yun i used 13 blue stickers, for chang geng 18, for their interactions 18 and for once i also marked important informations for later plot - 15 notes.
but in this volume we had:
* first kiss,
* pet rat,
* Chang Geng housewife in training (i can cook i can clean...i can kill a man....i can do anything you want),
* story behind gu yun's blindness,
* big brains and other great things - sadly i didn't write down any notes so this is the end of the list lmaoooo.
we already got some jokes about dowry but ahhhh chang geng's dowry for gu yun will be so much more meaninful and bigger pretty soon!
i was using my sticky notes to mark my fave parts, 64 sticky notes in total. for gu yun i used 13 blue stickers, for chang geng 18, for their interactions 18 and for once i also marked important informations for later plot - 15 notes.
March 14, 2024
Well this is cute, despite the whole story is actually talking alot more about War, Political Court intrigue and dark past life rather than romance but when it happened the angst is just ughhhh it makes me want to howl & tattoed my back with their shipname 😍, i swear Danmei story (so far) and Priest never failed to cheer me up!!
I love Chang Geng character development here, Prince Yanbei definetly is no longer an innocence little boy 😂 and i love how Gu Yun seems like always questioning where is the hell his little brat godson go??? i love their interaction so much.. i cannot wait to see how the romance bloom more in Volume 3 😍😍
The story heavy with political intrigue and it took all my braincell towork to understand and remember all the side characters (that is also part this book didn’t get fully 5stars from me) but overall i really enjoyed this book 😍😍
I love Chang Geng character development here, Prince Yanbei definetly is no longer an innocence little boy 😂 and i love how Gu Yun seems like always questioning where is the hell his little brat godson go??? i love their interaction so much.. i cannot wait to see how the romance bloom more in Volume 3 😍😍
The story heavy with political intrigue and it took all my braincell towork to understand and remember all the side characters (that is also part this book didn’t get fully 5stars from me) but overall i really enjoyed this book 😍😍
July 12, 2024
RTC (I swear)
Pre read:
WE HAVE A COVERRRRRR 😩😩
Pre read:
WE HAVE A COVERRRRRR 😩😩
November 5, 2025
If the first volume was the spark, the second one is the fire that starts quietly and then swallows everything. Everything is in absolute chaos. But finally, Chang Geng's feelings for his Yifu is out. He was literally on the verge of attaining Buddhahood, until he reunited with Zixi again.
"Yifu, you don’t know this, but every day you fail to appear before me safe and sound is a day I dare not close my eyes in sleep." How do you stay detached when your entire being revolves around someone who's constantly walking towards ruin? Everything Chang Geng learns, everything he does, every choice he makes—it all circles back to Gu Yun. I believe at first he wasn't really chasing power. He's just chasing a way to protect his Zixi. But after finding out the truth of his Yifu being destroyed again and again by the very system he protects, you can feel that spark of rebellion starting to grow inside Chang Geng. His love is something that transcends morality, law, and order. I love him so much!
And all Gu Yun ever wanted was peace: peace for his nation, for his soldiers, for his people (CH42). Which contrasts to the latter chapters. The fire has spread so much and everything is in utter chaos. On CH58, we witness the cruel irony; he’s the one who can never have peace. Each happenings, each report, and each burden being faced by the nation is like blade twisting his very flesh and bones. But every quiet gesture feels monumental by the time we reach CH59, Gu Yun can actually achieve peace. The only place he can rest is in Chang Geng's arms, but even then, it's fleeting. I'm so sad!
"If you lose, I will share your burden of infamy for all eternity. If you die, I will accompany you in death."
This volume is so beautiful! I'm so glad I am rereading, I nearly forgot how shameless Gu Yun is! Aside from that, my blood is rushing like it's the first time I am reading this. The plot is really taking me to the edge of my seat, like I am unaware of what's to come. And Gu Yun’s desire for peace and Chang Geng’s determination to rebuild the world just to give it to him is so personal, so human, and yet so impossibly grand. My ChangGu fits each other so well. I want to cry!
"Yifu, you don’t know this, but every day you fail to appear before me safe and sound is a day I dare not close my eyes in sleep." How do you stay detached when your entire being revolves around someone who's constantly walking towards ruin? Everything Chang Geng learns, everything he does, every choice he makes—it all circles back to Gu Yun. I believe at first he wasn't really chasing power. He's just chasing a way to protect his Zixi. But after finding out the truth of his Yifu being destroyed again and again by the very system he protects, you can feel that spark of rebellion starting to grow inside Chang Geng. His love is something that transcends morality, law, and order. I love him so much!
And all Gu Yun ever wanted was peace: peace for his nation, for his soldiers, for his people (CH42). Which contrasts to the latter chapters. The fire has spread so much and everything is in utter chaos. On CH58, we witness the cruel irony; he’s the one who can never have peace. Each happenings, each report, and each burden being faced by the nation is like blade twisting his very flesh and bones. But every quiet gesture feels monumental by the time we reach CH59, Gu Yun can actually achieve peace. The only place he can rest is in Chang Geng's arms, but even then, it's fleeting. I'm so sad!
"If you lose, I will share your burden of infamy for all eternity. If you die, I will accompany you in death."
This volume is so beautiful! I'm so glad I am rereading, I nearly forgot how shameless Gu Yun is! Aside from that, my blood is rushing like it's the first time I am reading this. The plot is really taking me to the edge of my seat, like I am unaware of what's to come. And Gu Yun’s desire for peace and Chang Geng’s determination to rebuild the world just to give it to him is so personal, so human, and yet so impossibly grand. My ChangGu fits each other so well. I want to cry!
March 8, 2025
4 stars. There was so much plot in this one. Really picked up a lot of steam. Also a good helping of character development. Enjoying this story a whole lot so far.
May 15, 2024
Oh, my gods! This volume was soooooooooo much better than the first book! From beginning to end this installment of the story was jam-packed with action. From rebellion to all-out war, I did not want to put this down.
I think that the four-year time skip was the perfect decision. With Chang Geng all grown up and experienced thanks to his dealing with the Linyuan Pavilion Gu Yun does not know what to do with his wayward godson, not to mention what those four years did to their relationship.
Gu Yun managed to mature and temper himself in those four years he had been defending the newly established Silk Road. But I was happy to see that he had managed to keep some of his childish nature. When he finally sees Chang Geng again on his way to quash the unrest in the south, he becomes unsure of himself while outwardly maintaining his usual persona of doting Yifu. As the story goes on he realizes more and more that the boy he plucked from the northern border is all grown up.
Chang Geng has managed to find ways to make himself useful and subdue the poison he has been inflicted with in the first book, but that goes out the window when he lays eyes on the man he loves so much. While he is useful he finds it hard to maintain his aloof manners, and can barely control his carnal desires. He takes the one opportunity he has to kiss the man whom he loves, but then runs away fearing rejection.
They both want so much to care for the person they see as their only family, but they are so emotionally constipated I want to bash their heads together. All of that just adds to the charm in my opinion despite how it irritates me.
The political intrigue makes me want to bash my head into a wall but that's just me. I prefer it when they speak with more actions than anything. Still, I find it fascinating to see certain aspects of the whole ordeal and I hope Chang Geng becomes emperor sooner than later cause his brother is pissing me off with his mood swings. Also, FUCK the western pope. He needs to die as quickly as possible.
Other than that I loved this and am starting book 3 immediately. 10/10 please go read this!
I think that the four-year time skip was the perfect decision. With Chang Geng all grown up and experienced thanks to his dealing with the Linyuan Pavilion Gu Yun does not know what to do with his wayward godson, not to mention what those four years did to their relationship.
Gu Yun managed to mature and temper himself in those four years he had been defending the newly established Silk Road. But I was happy to see that he had managed to keep some of his childish nature. When he finally sees Chang Geng again on his way to quash the unrest in the south, he becomes unsure of himself while outwardly maintaining his usual persona of doting Yifu. As the story goes on he realizes more and more that the boy he plucked from the northern border is all grown up.
Chang Geng has managed to find ways to make himself useful and subdue the poison he has been inflicted with in the first book, but that goes out the window when he lays eyes on the man he loves so much. While he is useful he finds it hard to maintain his aloof manners, and can barely control his carnal desires. He takes the one opportunity he has to kiss the man whom he loves, but then runs away fearing rejection.
They both want so much to care for the person they see as their only family, but they are so emotionally constipated I want to bash their heads together. All of that just adds to the charm in my opinion despite how it irritates me.
The political intrigue makes me want to bash my head into a wall but that's just me. I prefer it when they speak with more actions than anything. Still, I find it fascinating to see certain aspects of the whole ordeal and I hope Chang Geng becomes emperor sooner than later cause his brother is pissing me off with his mood swings. Also, FUCK the western pope. He needs to die as quickly as possible.
Other than that I loved this and am starting book 3 immediately. 10/10 please go read this!
November 9, 2025
October 2025:
3/5stars
So I wanted to reread this to be able to continue on the series because I truly did think about Gu Yun/Cheng Geng the last 10 months since I last read this story, but rereading my previous review, I found that I definitely still feel the same way, but I think I can put my complaints into better words.
I think the problem with this book/series is that Priest gives us way too much information. As an author as well, I know the feeling of "what do i tell my reader directly vs show them vs let them be a bit confused about and figure out on their own" - but in SPL, Priest just tells us EVERYTHING. Every time someone is introduced, every time a place is mentioned, every time two characters interacted, every single thing in every single interaction was explained. There is just simply NO reason we need to know EVERYTHING about every single character or every single scene. I think that that's actually why SPL is known as being "so confusing" - not because people don't know whats going on because the story is confusing (it's not - it's actually REALLY interesting) its just that that story is completely lost by unnecessary information.
Because of this, I also found that so many scenes are drowned out by all this information. It was so difficult trying to keep track of where the actual story/characters were because there was so much explanation around it. (Example would be "general X, who is xyz (for like 2 paragraphs), said we should go to the frontlines, which are xyz (another several paragraphs explaining where the frontlines are and the history of the town/place) and said we should do xyz battle strategy (cue several pages explaining the battle strategy, when its been used before, what strategies they'd used in the past, etc)" but we only needed to know general x said we should go to the frontlines and do the battle strategy. I hope this makes sense)
I think this also is why these characters feel SO impersonal and like we are held at a (very far) arms length. This book is a perfect example of an omniscient pov (which is a pov where the narrator is an all-knowing "god" like narrator who is not a character in the story but knows everything that is happening in all places, time, etc. and knows everyone's thoughts and feelings) and also a perfect example of why i don't like omniscient pov lol I don't like being in EVERY characters' head! ITS TOO MUCH! I don't need to know what the character who is on page to say 2 words is thinking while he's saying those 2 words!!!! It feels so incohesive and jumping around too much.
So, basically, my thesis about people finding SPL "too confusing" is because Priest gives us WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION.
I have no idea if I'm going to continue this. I truly LOOOVVEEE gu yun/cheng geng and I know the romance really picks up in vol 3 so I might try it but damn i just really don't think this is for me.
December 2024:
2.5/5stars
Okay... I'm really disappointed in this T-T I really want to love it cause I really like priest's characters and writing and LOVED Guardian, but this just isn't it. With Guardian, I had heard people really didn't like priest and found her boring, but I was all there for just vibing and going along with it and being okay with not fully understanding because there was so much else happening and SO MUCH interaction and longing and pining and UG SUCH GOOD STUFF between the mcs but this... yeah... not the same
Let me start with that I REALLY love Gu Yun and Cheng Geng they're great and why I persevered through this but it came with very little pay off - usually I can handle a bunch of politics and war and shit because the characters interacting saves it but gosh there was SO LITTLE of Gu Yun/Cheng Geng being together it was so sad.
the politics and military infodumping is SO BAD in this book i sweat 80% of it is just trying to explain what's going on and I STILL have no idea what the politics were about. Like even in the middle of otherwise nice, normal scenes with our characters, there'd be PAGES and PAGES of infodumping. I found myself skimming over so much with glazed eyes cause I just couldn't even try to understand and I also simply didn't care to. Like listen, I could maybe stumble or an explanation of the Guardian lore and plot but gun to my head I couldn't tell you what this one is about.
Also the pacing for this story just seems so off - in volume 1 it felt 100 years long because there was SO MUCH going on within the story (and it wasn't just constant infodumping), and then this volume it was painfully slow and boring. Every time I thought the pace was picking up and something fun was happening, it slowed right back down.
I love complex worlds and interesting plots in my Danmei, but this book is 99% plot/politics/war/fighting/world building and 1% romance to the point where I was wondering why I was supposed to be caring about what was going on.
I'm debating if I want to continue with the next volume... I might take a break and try again later but for right now this was a big let down ug I wanna love priests books besides Guardian but this one might just be a me thing idk
3/5stars
So I wanted to reread this to be able to continue on the series because I truly did think about Gu Yun/Cheng Geng the last 10 months since I last read this story, but rereading my previous review, I found that I definitely still feel the same way, but I think I can put my complaints into better words.
I think the problem with this book/series is that Priest gives us way too much information. As an author as well, I know the feeling of "what do i tell my reader directly vs show them vs let them be a bit confused about and figure out on their own" - but in SPL, Priest just tells us EVERYTHING. Every time someone is introduced, every time a place is mentioned, every time two characters interacted, every single thing in every single interaction was explained. There is just simply NO reason we need to know EVERYTHING about every single character or every single scene. I think that that's actually why SPL is known as being "so confusing" - not because people don't know whats going on because the story is confusing (it's not - it's actually REALLY interesting) its just that that story is completely lost by unnecessary information.
Because of this, I also found that so many scenes are drowned out by all this information. It was so difficult trying to keep track of where the actual story/characters were because there was so much explanation around it. (Example would be "general X, who is xyz (for like 2 paragraphs), said we should go to the frontlines, which are xyz (another several paragraphs explaining where the frontlines are and the history of the town/place) and said we should do xyz battle strategy (cue several pages explaining the battle strategy, when its been used before, what strategies they'd used in the past, etc)" but we only needed to know general x said we should go to the frontlines and do the battle strategy. I hope this makes sense)
I think this also is why these characters feel SO impersonal and like we are held at a (very far) arms length. This book is a perfect example of an omniscient pov (which is a pov where the narrator is an all-knowing "god" like narrator who is not a character in the story but knows everything that is happening in all places, time, etc. and knows everyone's thoughts and feelings) and also a perfect example of why i don't like omniscient pov lol I don't like being in EVERY characters' head! ITS TOO MUCH! I don't need to know what the character who is on page to say 2 words is thinking while he's saying those 2 words!!!! It feels so incohesive and jumping around too much.
So, basically, my thesis about people finding SPL "too confusing" is because Priest gives us WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION.
I have no idea if I'm going to continue this. I truly LOOOVVEEE gu yun/cheng geng and I know the romance really picks up in vol 3 so I might try it but damn i just really don't think this is for me.
December 2024:
2.5/5stars
Okay... I'm really disappointed in this T-T I really want to love it cause I really like priest's characters and writing and LOVED Guardian, but this just isn't it. With Guardian, I had heard people really didn't like priest and found her boring, but I was all there for just vibing and going along with it and being okay with not fully understanding because there was so much else happening and SO MUCH interaction and longing and pining and UG SUCH GOOD STUFF between the mcs but this... yeah... not the same
Let me start with that I REALLY love Gu Yun and Cheng Geng they're great and why I persevered through this but it came with very little pay off - usually I can handle a bunch of politics and war and shit because the characters interacting saves it but gosh there was SO LITTLE of Gu Yun/Cheng Geng being together it was so sad.
the politics and military infodumping is SO BAD in this book i sweat 80% of it is just trying to explain what's going on and I STILL have no idea what the politics were about. Like even in the middle of otherwise nice, normal scenes with our characters, there'd be PAGES and PAGES of infodumping. I found myself skimming over so much with glazed eyes cause I just couldn't even try to understand and I also simply didn't care to. Like listen, I could maybe stumble or an explanation of the Guardian lore and plot but gun to my head I couldn't tell you what this one is about.
Also the pacing for this story just seems so off - in volume 1 it felt 100 years long because there was SO MUCH going on within the story (and it wasn't just constant infodumping), and then this volume it was painfully slow and boring. Every time I thought the pace was picking up and something fun was happening, it slowed right back down.
I love complex worlds and interesting plots in my Danmei, but this book is 99% plot/politics/war/fighting/world building and 1% romance to the point where I was wondering why I was supposed to be caring about what was going on.
I'm debating if I want to continue with the next volume... I might take a break and try again later but for right now this was a big let down ug I wanna love priests books besides Guardian but this one might just be a me thing idk
May 7, 2024
I wish I could permanently tattoo spl into my eyelids so I can forever be blessed with this beauty. Perfect follow up to the first book; no notes.
We are making major progress in the Gu Yun/Chang Geng ship (also can someone please tell me their ship name). While it is still a bit ‘one-sided’ right now (though I’m sure that won’t be true for much longer) the loyalty?? The devotion?? The love?? Between them?? Anyone with eyes can see they care for each other. Even Shen Yi, the poor bastard, is already getting the premonition that these two are going to be disgustingly in love together (I pray for the sanity of our third-wheeling Shen Yi).
Since the last book, four years has passed, Chang Geng is no longer the youth he once was. He has grown and learnt many things from health care to combat (all to protect a certain someone ofc) and their reunion was a whirlwind of conflicting feelings and emotions. And now we must wait to see when Gu Yun will wake up and realize that he’s got a hot shadow willing to devote himself wholeheartedly to him.
This volume was especially plot heavy. Situations very quickly arise and the tension is palpable. It builds up to a major war and also builds up to some rising tensions between our couple *wink wink*
Ahh what a delicious meal that Priest has provided us. Because yes I can wholeheartedly admit that I’m a slut for this ship dynamic; that of which being the lowkey mistreated loyal servant of a nation with its protection being foremost in his heart, and the man wildly in love with said servant who’s willing to burn down said nation to protect him. I’m just a slut for devotion, there I said it. Gu Yun and Chang Geng my beloveds, I am beyond excited to see the progression of their relationship. Also when Chang Geng started calling him Zixi?? Boyyy 😮💨
Alright I concede. There’s one complaint I have with this volume and it’s simply that there wasn't enough of my husband. I cherish the few scenes I get of my Shen Yi with all of my heart. My boo. My sweetheart. My man.
If you lose, I will share your burden of infamy for all eternity. If you die, I will accompany you in death.
We are making major progress in the Gu Yun/Chang Geng ship (also can someone please tell me their ship name). While it is still a bit ‘one-sided’ right now (though I’m sure that won’t be true for much longer) the loyalty?? The devotion?? The love?? Between them?? Anyone with eyes can see they care for each other. Even Shen Yi, the poor bastard, is already getting the premonition that these two are going to be disgustingly in love together (I pray for the sanity of our third-wheeling Shen Yi).
Since the last book, four years has passed, Chang Geng is no longer the youth he once was. He has grown and learnt many things from health care to combat (all to protect a certain someone ofc) and their reunion was a whirlwind of conflicting feelings and emotions. And now we must wait to see when Gu Yun will wake up and realize that he’s got a hot shadow willing to devote himself wholeheartedly to him.
This volume was especially plot heavy. Situations very quickly arise and the tension is palpable. It builds up to a major war and also builds up to some rising tensions between our couple *wink wink*
Chang Geng spoke over him: "Why do you still exhaust yourself for him to protect this rotten nation? Why do you concede so much ground? Why…did you take me in and care for me for so many years?" he finally asked quietly.
Ahh what a delicious meal that Priest has provided us. Because yes I can wholeheartedly admit that I’m a slut for this ship dynamic; that of which being the lowkey mistreated loyal servant of a nation with its protection being foremost in his heart, and the man wildly in love with said servant who’s willing to burn down said nation to protect him. I’m just a slut for devotion, there I said it. Gu Yun and Chang Geng my beloveds, I am beyond excited to see the progression of their relationship. Also when Chang Geng started calling him Zixi?? Boyyy 😮💨
Shen Yi couldn't find the tears to cry. He buried his face in his horse's mane and thought, This is way too embarrassing!
Alright I concede. There’s one complaint I have with this volume and it’s simply that there wasn't enough of my husband. I cherish the few scenes I get of my Shen Yi with all of my heart. My boo. My sweetheart. My man.
October 19, 2024
You know what's funny? It took so long for me to finally knuckle down and start this series, and yet I finished vol. 2 in essentially 48 hours, after finishing vol. 1 the same day I started vol. 2.
I should have known this series was gonna be basically made for me. I'm always a sucker for a good political intrigue story (I'm looking at you, The Goblin Emperor) so this story was bound to check all my boxes. I love the way the different maneuverings and twists of the story take shape. I love how you never completely know what's happening until you're in the moment. Also, it's a weird little thing, but I love how the POV doesn't stay with the two main characters all the time. I really like how we'll just pop into someone else's story for a couple pages and then go back to the main couple. It's something I know Priest does in Guardian too, and it really helps flesh out what's happening for me.
And then there's those two dummies. Can I just say that Chang Geng is just...the greatest. I love how he's grown in this volume, how he seems to have really settled into himself and knows what he wants out of his life. Obviously it isn't perfect cause this is only the 2nd volume and there's so much going on with him, but it definitely feels like he's more comfortable with where he is in life and I really enjoyed that. The way he can say completely innocuous sounding things, while being so menacing might just be my new favorite thing. Also, seeing him be so convinced in the idea that his affection will not be returned and yet still be unashamed in showing his affection takes extreme guts and so ladies and gents, we did it. We figured out who my favorite character in the series is going to be.
Finally, Gu Yun. I love how his back story has slowly been unfolded throughout this volume, and also how subtly Priest weaves in the way his feelings are starting to shift slightly with regards to Chang Geng. Obviously it would always be harder for him to accept the change in his feelings, and so I think the way it's been done works very well. He's definitely not in love (or anything like it) yet, but you can clearly see where his own image of Chang Geng has started changing from that of the child he used to look out for, to someone he sees as being on equal footing.
Ok, I need to slow down my read through of this series so I don't finish all 4 before the final one has come out, but I'm really glad I finally started this. It's definitely becoming a favorite.
I should have known this series was gonna be basically made for me. I'm always a sucker for a good political intrigue story (I'm looking at you, The Goblin Emperor) so this story was bound to check all my boxes. I love the way the different maneuverings and twists of the story take shape. I love how you never completely know what's happening until you're in the moment. Also, it's a weird little thing, but I love how the POV doesn't stay with the two main characters all the time. I really like how we'll just pop into someone else's story for a couple pages and then go back to the main couple. It's something I know Priest does in Guardian too, and it really helps flesh out what's happening for me.
And then there's those two dummies. Can I just say that Chang Geng is just...the greatest. I love how he's grown in this volume, how he seems to have really settled into himself and knows what he wants out of his life. Obviously it isn't perfect cause this is only the 2nd volume and there's so much going on with him, but it definitely feels like he's more comfortable with where he is in life and I really enjoyed that. The way he can say completely innocuous sounding things, while being so menacing might just be my new favorite thing. Also, seeing him be so convinced in the idea that his affection will not be returned and yet still be unashamed in showing his affection takes extreme guts and so ladies and gents, we did it. We figured out who my favorite character in the series is going to be.
Finally, Gu Yun. I love how his back story has slowly been unfolded throughout this volume, and also how subtly Priest weaves in the way his feelings are starting to shift slightly with regards to Chang Geng. Obviously it would always be harder for him to accept the change in his feelings, and so I think the way it's been done works very well. He's definitely not in love (or anything like it) yet, but you can clearly see where his own image of Chang Geng has started changing from that of the child he used to look out for, to someone he sees as being on equal footing.
Ok, I need to slow down my read through of this series so I don't finish all 4 before the final one has come out, but I'm really glad I finally started this. It's definitely becoming a favorite.
on-hold
January 12, 2025on hold @ 31%
…i just don’t have the heart to continue this right now 😭 and it’s so so disappointing because i really did love the first volume!!!
there’s a lot of infodumping, a lot of political scheming which wasn’t that bad, but i simply couldn’t motivate myself to care about what was happening plot wise. in the first volume, i was flipping through the pages so invested and on the edge of my seat about what’s happening. and then with this volume, despite some high tension moments, i was mostly just wanting to rush through it until gu yun or shen yi started talking
the characters? 12/10 i freaking LOVE gu yun, chang cheng, shen yi, chen qingxu, ge chen, and cao niangzi so much. sometimes in danmei with a lot of side characters, they can blend together, but priest always does an excellent job at making the main and side characters interesting with distinct personalities. as much as i love the character and want to see how everything pans out for them, i feel like I’ll just end up skimming which wouldn’t a good idea considering how plot heavy everything is
so for now i’m going to sit this aside and move onto other things. at some point i hope to pick this back up but for now i’m just going to move onto other things
…i just don’t have the heart to continue this right now 😭 and it’s so so disappointing because i really did love the first volume!!!
there’s a lot of infodumping, a lot of political scheming which wasn’t that bad, but i simply couldn’t motivate myself to care about what was happening plot wise. in the first volume, i was flipping through the pages so invested and on the edge of my seat about what’s happening. and then with this volume, despite some high tension moments, i was mostly just wanting to rush through it until gu yun or shen yi started talking
the characters? 12/10 i freaking LOVE gu yun, chang cheng, shen yi, chen qingxu, ge chen, and cao niangzi so much. sometimes in danmei with a lot of side characters, they can blend together, but priest always does an excellent job at making the main and side characters interesting with distinct personalities. as much as i love the character and want to see how everything pans out for them, i feel like I’ll just end up skimming which wouldn’t a good idea considering how plot heavy everything is
so for now i’m going to sit this aside and move onto other things. at some point i hope to pick this back up but for now i’m just going to move onto other things
July 24, 2025
I enjoyed this one more than the first but there's still something just lacking about this series. I'm gonna continue obviously. It's not doing anything wrong it's just not hooking me hooking me like other danmei have. 3.5
June 13, 2025
Things have gotten intense. I like Chang Geng evolution and growth, but I'm not sure . I also like the secondary characters, those two village boys have grown a lot from book one. And I still get Golden Terrace, Vol. 1 vibes, which I'm still not sure if I like. Let's see what next book brings.
July 7, 2024
4.5 🌟!
July 16, 2024
“For you, I am willing to do anything. If you find me an eyesore, I will stay out of sight. If you want only a filial and well-behaved godson, I promise never to step over this line.”
March 30, 2025
So frickin' good!! I think I might have enjoyed it even more than the first volume, if only because I was actually interested in the politics and where everything was going. Probably just my mood haha. But yes, so good. I'll pick the next volume up pronto.
November 30, 2024
I have only ever read wuxia in ancient China inspired settings and I think that needs to change because the Christian Pope being the villain is so real and also hilarious.
January 21, 2025
Format read: Paperback
Reading time: 8h
Tags: military, steampunk, political, adventure, translation, friendship, found family, lgbt (bi, m/m)
Own a copy: yes
Reread likelihood: 10/10
Reread count: 1
Cry count: 0
A+ military strategems
RTC
Reading time: 8h
Tags: military, steampunk, political, adventure, translation, friendship, found family, lgbt (bi, m/m)
Own a copy: yes
Reread likelihood: 10/10
Reread count: 1
Cry count: 0
A+ military strategems
RTC
April 2, 2025
"For you, I am willing to do anything."
It's a testament to Priest's skill at getting you invested in her characters that my anxiety just wouldn't let up at all this entire volume. Never mind my anxiety over Gu Yun, which is already a given at this point; Priest has me biting my nails and grieving over minor - and even nameless - characters.
The first volume lays the foundation for our setting and our characters, and this volume rolls out a carpet of utter ominous dread for what lies ahead of us. Each conflict that Chang Geng and Gu Yun encounter just builds up into a powder keg that, ultimately, blows up in the last third of this book. After two volumes I've noticed almost a contradiction with this series. On surface level, it may seem too long and that the series is padded with senseless and slow moments. But as the story unfolds and you peel back the layers of politics and war strategies, you come to realize that every scene matters.
Even something as insignificant as a rat, initially introduced for what you think is exclusively humor, ends up playing a role you never thought it could. There is never a useless word or phrase for Priest.
Alongside that, we get developments on the romance front as well. I appreciate how Chang Geng's feelings for Gu Yun get exposed this early on, and that Gu Yun isn't the type of character who is competent at everything but oblivious when it comes to love. (Well, he is oblivious when it comes to love, but in an entirely different way.) The tension - because of their gender, because of their filial relationship, because of the war on the horizon - is palpable, and my chest hurt over the romance as much as it did over the tragedy of the war. While the romance is truly a slow burn, it's not absent. In fact, every action that Chang Geng takes is done out of love. If that isn't the definition of romance, then I don't know what would qualify for it.
While I know there's a happy ending in store, I can't imagine how much Priest will squeeze my heart on the way there. There's a long road ahead for Chang Geng and Gu Yun - and myself, as a reader.
It's a testament to Priest's skill at getting you invested in her characters that my anxiety just wouldn't let up at all this entire volume. Never mind my anxiety over Gu Yun, which is already a given at this point; Priest has me biting my nails and grieving over minor - and even nameless - characters.
The first volume lays the foundation for our setting and our characters, and this volume rolls out a carpet of utter ominous dread for what lies ahead of us. Each conflict that Chang Geng and Gu Yun encounter just builds up into a powder keg that, ultimately, blows up in the last third of this book. After two volumes I've noticed almost a contradiction with this series. On surface level, it may seem too long and that the series is padded with senseless and slow moments. But as the story unfolds and you peel back the layers of politics and war strategies, you come to realize that every scene matters.
Even something as insignificant as a rat, initially introduced for what you think is exclusively humor, ends up playing a role you never thought it could. There is never a useless word or phrase for Priest.
Alongside that, we get developments on the romance front as well. I appreciate how Chang Geng's feelings for Gu Yun get exposed this early on, and that Gu Yun isn't the type of character who is competent at everything but oblivious when it comes to love. (Well, he is oblivious when it comes to love, but in an entirely different way.) The tension - because of their gender, because of their filial relationship, because of the war on the horizon - is palpable, and my chest hurt over the romance as much as it did over the tragedy of the war. While the romance is truly a slow burn, it's not absent. In fact, every action that Chang Geng takes is done out of love. If that isn't the definition of romance, then I don't know what would qualify for it.
While I know there's a happy ending in store, I can't imagine how much Priest will squeeze my heart on the way there. There's a long road ahead for Chang Geng and Gu Yun - and myself, as a reader.
May 28, 2024
Hmm can’t decide how I feel about these books.
On the one hand I’m really enjoying them, the second half of this one in particular. The characters are fun and I love that Chang Geng has finally admitted his feelings. The carrot dangling from these Danmei writers is top notch.
Gu Yun seems to have become a little more serious in this book but i suppose with a looming war who wouldn’t. Shame though I liked his joker character in the first book so hopefully that’ll make a reappearance.
The first half of the book read like a droney history book so it took me effort to keep pushing on. The second half of the book it all kicked off so I enjoyed it much more.
Onto book 3
On the one hand I’m really enjoying them, the second half of this one in particular. The characters are fun and I love that Chang Geng has finally admitted his feelings. The carrot dangling from these Danmei writers is top notch.
Gu Yun seems to have become a little more serious in this book but i suppose with a looming war who wouldn’t. Shame though I liked his joker character in the first book so hopefully that’ll make a reappearance.
The first half of the book read like a droney history book so it took me effort to keep pushing on. The second half of the book it all kicked off so I enjoyed it much more.
Onto book 3
January 29, 2024
Hard to evaluate this book without knowing what's gonna happen next. But overall this volume feels like a necessary transition from point A to point B. Some progress has been made with the main couple but no fireworks going off yet or anything like that. Mostly Gu Yun panicking and failing to keep up with the fact that his baby godson has grown into a tall glass of water who is after his milfy chops.
I am really looking forward to volume 3.
I am really looking forward to volume 3.
Want to read
November 26, 2023CHANGGU looking SO good on the cover 😩🤌🏻
January 16, 2024
”Great Master, fret not; I was always a poisonous creature. If I was the slightest bit more capricious, I would in all likelihood have already brought disaster upon the nation and its people. But I haven’t done anything at all yet, have I?”
. . . From within Chang Geng’s little courtyard, one had only to lift their head to see the magnificent eaves of the imperial palace gleaming in the moonlight. Chang Geng glanced, perhaps unintentionally, in the direction of the palace, a tempest brewing in his eyes.
That hair-raising glare lingered for but a flash, then disappeared without a trace.
16 january update: it’s gu yun’s birthday!! which means this book is now officially published so one message from me.
even though gu yun considers his birthday so very little and as a sign of bad luck, chang geng will always be there by his side to show otherwise. even with all the pain his yifu suffered before, chang geng will fight like hell to make sure it doesn’t happen any longer.
this volume coming out on his day unveils some very sinister plots and sad backstories on gu yun’s life, and it also gives the characters so much justice, with such powerful presences in the story.
i’m still blown away by how well-written it all was, and it was all worth the anticipation, just like it was worth those 4 years gu yun & chang geng were separated, only to then see each other again. i was worried initially about the shorter length of this volume in comparison to the first, but then it all turned out so epic and was filled with so much yearning, i loved it so much. so yeah….
happy birthday, gu yun :’) you were an absolute star in this one. and to chang geng, you always will be.
original review:
chang geng’s utter devotion to gu yun. tragic revelations in regards to gu yun’s past and the hell he continues to be put through by the country he’s sworn himself to protect. full-out war that causes mayhem in all spades.
all of this, and more, and we’re only on the second volume? :’)
this was…epic. the plot absolutely drove the story to its best & highest potential and had me not wanting to waste a single second looking the other way. political instability in fictional settings just has that drive for me. the fact that this one is set in the backdrop of technological innovations beyond some of my understandings makes it even more memorable.
some side characters fall under the radar while new ones take siege, but it’s still only the beginning and i’m just so happy i got the chance to see it sooner than i thought i would. this volume is officially set to come out on gu yun’s birthday, and this really felt like a homage to him. chang geng played such a pivotal role as the central character of the story—his mysterious yet calm demeanor hinting at so much more potential that’s bubbling under the surface. but gu yun….really was put through the ringer in this one.
everything felt so intense without a moment of peace, so i can only hope to see how it’ll all continue in the next volume. if i experienced this much fervor and tension in this volume, i can only imagine how it’ll feel like to read the third, and that’s what reading any series should feel like, this growing dread yet burning anticipation. so i’m genuinely happy with how much i’m loving this one :’)
amazing writing & translation. seriously well-done, my god. and i will forever feel sentimental about this cover, knowing the scene it takes inspiration from.
chang geng & gu yun, despite only knowing much of their story from these two volumes alone, have gotten a grip on me for a while now. it only fueled even further when i read this, and it’s almost laughable the significance of it. there’s just something about chang geng’s yearning that’s so striking and also familiar, yet i can’t go into full detail as of yet. i just know how much he wishes to grow stronger to protect his yifu and i’m absolutely rooting for him in his stellar development.
until then!!!
. . . From within Chang Geng’s little courtyard, one had only to lift their head to see the magnificent eaves of the imperial palace gleaming in the moonlight. Chang Geng glanced, perhaps unintentionally, in the direction of the palace, a tempest brewing in his eyes.
That hair-raising glare lingered for but a flash, then disappeared without a trace.
16 january update: it’s gu yun’s birthday!! which means this book is now officially published so one message from me.
even though gu yun considers his birthday so very little and as a sign of bad luck, chang geng will always be there by his side to show otherwise. even with all the pain his yifu suffered before, chang geng will fight like hell to make sure it doesn’t happen any longer.
this volume coming out on his day unveils some very sinister plots and sad backstories on gu yun’s life, and it also gives the characters so much justice, with such powerful presences in the story.
i’m still blown away by how well-written it all was, and it was all worth the anticipation, just like it was worth those 4 years gu yun & chang geng were separated, only to then see each other again. i was worried initially about the shorter length of this volume in comparison to the first, but then it all turned out so epic and was filled with so much yearning, i loved it so much. so yeah….
happy birthday, gu yun :’) you were an absolute star in this one. and to chang geng, you always will be.
original review:
chang geng’s utter devotion to gu yun. tragic revelations in regards to gu yun’s past and the hell he continues to be put through by the country he’s sworn himself to protect. full-out war that causes mayhem in all spades.
all of this, and more, and we’re only on the second volume? :’)
this was…epic. the plot absolutely drove the story to its best & highest potential and had me not wanting to waste a single second looking the other way. political instability in fictional settings just has that drive for me. the fact that this one is set in the backdrop of technological innovations beyond some of my understandings makes it even more memorable.
some side characters fall under the radar while new ones take siege, but it’s still only the beginning and i’m just so happy i got the chance to see it sooner than i thought i would. this volume is officially set to come out on gu yun’s birthday, and this really felt like a homage to him. chang geng played such a pivotal role as the central character of the story—his mysterious yet calm demeanor hinting at so much more potential that’s bubbling under the surface. but gu yun….really was put through the ringer in this one.
everything felt so intense without a moment of peace, so i can only hope to see how it’ll all continue in the next volume. if i experienced this much fervor and tension in this volume, i can only imagine how it’ll feel like to read the third, and that’s what reading any series should feel like, this growing dread yet burning anticipation. so i’m genuinely happy with how much i’m loving this one :’)
amazing writing & translation. seriously well-done, my god. and i will forever feel sentimental about this cover, knowing the scene it takes inspiration from.
chang geng & gu yun, despite only knowing much of their story from these two volumes alone, have gotten a grip on me for a while now. it only fueled even further when i read this, and it’s almost laughable the significance of it. there’s just something about chang geng’s yearning that’s so striking and also familiar, yet i can’t go into full detail as of yet. i just know how much he wishes to grow stronger to protect his yifu and i’m absolutely rooting for him in his stellar development.
until then!!!
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