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风雪怒号，千里雪原，李渐鸿此时正孤注一掷，遭数千铁骑围攻，在形势危急之时，他从混乱中直杀出战阵，在悬崖轰塌之际消失在深渊之上……而另一头，汝南城中段家，管家婆因怀疑偷窃正在责罚“逃生子”段岭，正当他困顿无助之时，被一个陌生的男子救出带走。大雪如被，青峰如墨，幕布拉开，传奇就此而出。
2266 pages, ebook
Published May 9, 2020
29 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
非天夜翔
87 books18 followersAssociated Names:
* Arise Zhang
* 非天夜翔
* Fei Tian Ye Xiang
* เฟยเทียนเย่เสียง (Thai)
* 顧雪柔
* Gu Xue Rou
* Cố Tuyết Nhu (Vietnamese)
* Arise Zhang
* 非天夜翔
* Fei Tian Ye Xiang
* เฟยเทียนเย่เสียง (Thai)
* 顧雪柔
* Gu Xue Rou
* Cố Tuyết Nhu (Vietnamese)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 2, 2025
the best thing about family bonds is when parents actually treasure their kid, not just raise them but also become their friend, their safe place, and their guide armed with all that battle tested life experience. now shift that into a love story, and you get a couple where both partners love and respect each other, both listen, both burn for one another in equal measure. the shou isn’t shy about stepping up, and the gong is so devoted that he’d hand over his whole life without blinking. add in the palace drama and you’ve got a tale that’s equal parts tender and nerve wracking.
Duan Ling, my beloved. i usually have at least one complaint locked and loaded about a protagonist, but here my notes app is blank (except for when LJX is on the horizon but about that later). he’s written so well i get him in every moment. bonus points for the times he actually took the lead in his relationship, which had me cheering. he’s sweet, sometimes an adorably clueless fool, but then he flips into brave, sharp, and serious mode in a heartbeat. basically, he’s just as amazing as his dad.
speaking about Duan Ling’s dad, what do you know about my goat Li Jianhong? you know a love a good dilf representation. there’s something unbeatable about a main character having a parent who’s not just alive (we don’t talk about this...) but actually reliable, loving, and willing to fight the whole world just to give their kid happy memories. and since most fiction either kills off the parents (we don’t talk about this either…) or turns them into walking disasters disguised as “loving,” Li Jianhong feels like a miracle.
Li Yanqiu my husband, thank you very much. i fell for him all over again in that one chapter where he pulled out a sword and started beating everyone’s ahh like YES KING…i mean YES EMPEROR WE ARE WORMS WORTHLESS WORMS.
as if being lethal wasn’t enough, he’s also clever and sharp and cunning and has a big… heart…👅 he’s the perfect storm of brains, steel and charisma and honestly everyone else should just go home at this point.
Wu Du, of course. he’s far from mysterious, his whole character is obvious in his relationship with Duan Ling. i really liked how Wu Du slowly changed, becoming more connected to the mc and showing growing sympathy for him. i remember the scene where Duan Ling was crying and Wu Du just sat and watched him, it felt very romantic, hard to put into words. his love confession was insanely sweet and exciting as well. i saw someone complain about the sex scenes, but i don’t agree. sure, there are novels with shocking sex scenes (looking at you erha, bab✌️), but as a seasoned danmei warrior and huge fan of their couple, i was very satisfied. from their first meeting i loved how Wu Du genuinely cared about Duan Ling’s comfort.
now.. you know there is always this ONE character i rant about. today’s victim: Lang Junxia. when i first started reading, i honestly thought LJX was the ml. his name pops up everywhere whenever Joyful Reunion is discussed, and i even saw a quote from his letter to Duan Ling that sounded kind of romantic, so naturally i assumed he was the one. what really caught my attention early on was Li Jianhong’s obvious distrust of LJX, and since Li Jianhong is basically FATHER, i trusted his instincts completely. to me that was a huge hint that LJX wouldn’t be the right match for Duan Ling.
throughout the book, it was clear there was more going on with LJX. that said, i imagined his poisoning and river dumping stunt would be more cleverly orchestrated. in my head he had a plan: make sure Duan Ling would be fished out, get Wu Du there on some pretext so Wu Du, as poison master, could provide the antidote. then i realized none of that was actually LJX’s plan. he was basically just hoping Duan Ling would survive. like… dude, you toss an unconscious person into a river and cross your fingers? too much wishful thinking, even if the story demanded Duan Ling survive. what i didn’t like was how LJX, while never portrayed as an outright villain, stayed pretty unlikable to me the entire book. he’s that kind of character where you keep waiting for a redeeming moment, but it barely comes, and when it does, it feels half-baked. then comes his letter at the end, full of confessions and declarations of feeling, and honestly, it made it all worse. the author had already signaled that LJX wasn’t exactly a good person, so the story setting him up for redemption after his death when all is said and done to me is very unsatisfying. i just can’t buy it. death doesn’t erase poor choices or questionable behavior and honestly, it left me rolling my eyes more than swooning. i get why LJX is an interesting character, and i understand why Duan Ling might want to forgive him or even trust him again, given that he had once been the most important person in his life. personally tho i could never get past the betrayal.
the story itself is quite a gem for historical and politics lovers, though i found myself a bit confusifyed and bored at times. now i can’t wait for Legend of Exorcism and To Rule in a Turbulent World! (im not starting these anytime soon)
Duan Ling, my beloved. i usually have at least one complaint locked and loaded about a protagonist, but here my notes app is blank (except for when LJX is on the horizon but about that later). he’s written so well i get him in every moment. bonus points for the times he actually took the lead in his relationship, which had me cheering. he’s sweet, sometimes an adorably clueless fool, but then he flips into brave, sharp, and serious mode in a heartbeat. basically, he’s just as amazing as his dad.
speaking about Duan Ling’s dad, what do you know about my goat Li Jianhong? you know a love a good dilf representation. there’s something unbeatable about a main character having a parent who’s not just alive (we don’t talk about this...) but actually reliable, loving, and willing to fight the whole world just to give their kid happy memories. and since most fiction either kills off the parents (we don’t talk about this either…) or turns them into walking disasters disguised as “loving,” Li Jianhong feels like a miracle.
Li Yanqiu my husband, thank you very much. i fell for him all over again in that one chapter where he pulled out a sword and started beating everyone’s ahh like YES KING…i mean YES EMPEROR WE ARE WORMS WORTHLESS WORMS.
as if being lethal wasn’t enough, he’s also clever and sharp and cunning and has a big… heart…👅 he’s the perfect storm of brains, steel and charisma and honestly everyone else should just go home at this point.
Wu Du, of course. he’s far from mysterious, his whole character is obvious in his relationship with Duan Ling. i really liked how Wu Du slowly changed, becoming more connected to the mc and showing growing sympathy for him. i remember the scene where Duan Ling was crying and Wu Du just sat and watched him, it felt very romantic, hard to put into words. his love confession was insanely sweet and exciting as well. i saw someone complain about the sex scenes, but i don’t agree. sure, there are novels with shocking sex scenes (looking at you erha, bab✌️), but as a seasoned danmei warrior and huge fan of their couple, i was very satisfied. from their first meeting i loved how Wu Du genuinely cared about Duan Ling’s comfort.
now.. you know there is always this ONE character i rant about. today’s victim: Lang Junxia. when i first started reading, i honestly thought LJX was the ml. his name pops up everywhere whenever Joyful Reunion is discussed, and i even saw a quote from his letter to Duan Ling that sounded kind of romantic, so naturally i assumed he was the one. what really caught my attention early on was Li Jianhong’s obvious distrust of LJX, and since Li Jianhong is basically FATHER, i trusted his instincts completely. to me that was a huge hint that LJX wouldn’t be the right match for Duan Ling.
throughout the book, it was clear there was more going on with LJX. that said, i imagined his poisoning and river dumping stunt would be more cleverly orchestrated. in my head he had a plan: make sure Duan Ling would be fished out, get Wu Du there on some pretext so Wu Du, as poison master, could provide the antidote. then i realized none of that was actually LJX’s plan. he was basically just hoping Duan Ling would survive. like… dude, you toss an unconscious person into a river and cross your fingers? too much wishful thinking, even if the story demanded Duan Ling survive. what i didn’t like was how LJX, while never portrayed as an outright villain, stayed pretty unlikable to me the entire book. he’s that kind of character where you keep waiting for a redeeming moment, but it barely comes, and when it does, it feels half-baked. then comes his letter at the end, full of confessions and declarations of feeling, and honestly, it made it all worse. the author had already signaled that LJX wasn’t exactly a good person, so the story setting him up for redemption after his death when all is said and done to me is very unsatisfying. i just can’t buy it. death doesn’t erase poor choices or questionable behavior and honestly, it left me rolling my eyes more than swooning. i get why LJX is an interesting character, and i understand why Duan Ling might want to forgive him or even trust him again, given that he had once been the most important person in his life. personally tho i could never get past the betrayal.
the story itself is quite a gem for historical and politics lovers, though i found myself a bit confusifyed and bored at times. now i can’t wait for Legend of Exorcism and To Rule in a Turbulent World! (im not starting these anytime soon)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
➺
5/5 🌟
This novel has one of the most heart wrenching scenes I've ever read in my whole life, and that specific scene was not even the fifth of the way through the story. I literally bawled my eyes out, I actually had a splitting headache for hours. The first arc of this novel gave me so much sincere familial warmth and love but also gave me the most heartbreaking parting, and just by thinking about it, I can already feel my eyes stinging.
The betrayal of a certain character in this novel hurts so much, that I really have a complicated feelings about him. I hated him, but I felt that there was more to his actions than straight up deception, so I don't exactly know what to feel about him. That's why I fully understand the MC's indecisiveness to judge him but also not willing to be near him. For once, I was actually glad to be spoiled about who the ML is from the start because I think that betrayal would have been so much worse if I thought 'he' was the ML when it happened. But it still stung, nevertheless, especially when they have this irrefutable bond that no one, not even the MC's father and the ML themselves can cut off.
The ML is actually very unexpected for me. He didn't fully appear until the second arc, but his appearance in MC's life is very much fated. I can actually say that both their initial and official encounters are pretty much in the right place and the right time. The event that both changed their lives connected them and they found the comfort in each other despite all the pain. I loved their relationship so much, and I admire their growth both individually and as a couple.
This historical danmei is actually quite different from all the historical danmeis I've come across. This is not the typical imperial brothers fighting for the throne or protagonists overthrowing the cynical but incompetent emperor or the emperor's harem using their imperial sons to fight for the power or some revenge plot. It is actually very unusual to have the royal clan very likeable in this kind of setting. It's rare to have the imperial brothers, who are both worthy of the throne, pushing the position to the other. They were like, 'You be the emperor' 'No, I don't want it. You be the emperor'. They have this sincere familial bond that even the treacherous officials couldn't severe. Rather, this story is about the protagonist claiming his rightful position as the crown prince after someone stole his identity, crawling his way up to prove his identity.
This novel managed to become one of my favorite danmei, maybe up there with QJJ, when it comes to plot and characters. This has my most favorite father-son relationship that absolutely broke me, even much more that the father-son relationship in QJJ. The actual difference is that here, we actually get to see the details of their relationship from the start and it makes us loved every single scene of the MC and his father together, so it's much more impactful. This character only appeared very briefly but gave me the most impact, and both his existence and absence affected the story so much. But not just this specific character, all characters have their own role to play in the plot and each has their own charm. Fei Tian is very intricate with his plot and characters that I almost have no major complains. There are some nitpicks, but nothing serious that can lower even a half of my rating. This hit me so much right in the heart, I don't know if I can even recover from this.
I would like to recommend this to anyone who loves historical novels, but I just want to remind that this has an age gap romance, maybe 6 or 7 years gap, and the romance started when MC is 16 years old, so the ML is around 22 or 23 years old. I saw some people complaining about this issue and it makes me want to complain about them instead. Since this is a historical setting where people are already engaged when they're 13 years old and married when 16, very much normal back in this time period, the couple's set up is hardly unusual. This is a kind of setting where a rich man in his 40s can get a 16-year-old maiden as a concubine. It's sometimes aggravating, but it's a historical fact. Someone who frequently reads historical novels should have been used to this setting, so stay away if you're not. It personally didn't trigger me since I'm used to reading historical fictions, so that's that. If you still want to continue because of the plot, you can stay but try to swallow your complaints about the age gap romance because you've been warned.
[MC and ML's first encounter when MC is only 8 years old]
This novel has one of the most heart wrenching scenes I've ever read in my whole life, and that specific scene was not even the fifth of the way through the story. I literally bawled my eyes out, I actually had a splitting headache for hours. The first arc of this novel gave me so much sincere familial warmth and love but also gave me the most heartbreaking parting, and just by thinking about it, I can already feel my eyes stinging.
The betrayal of a certain character in this novel hurts so much, that I really have a complicated feelings about him. I hated him, but I felt that there was more to his actions than straight up deception, so I don't exactly know what to feel about him. That's why I fully understand the MC's indecisiveness to judge him but also not willing to be near him. For once, I was actually glad to be spoiled about who the ML is from the start because I think that betrayal would have been so much worse if I thought 'he' was the ML when it happened. But it still stung, nevertheless, especially when they have this irrefutable bond that no one, not even the MC's father and the ML themselves can cut off.
The ML is actually very unexpected for me. He didn't fully appear until the second arc, but his appearance in MC's life is very much fated. I can actually say that both their initial and official encounters are pretty much in the right place and the right time. The event that both changed their lives connected them and they found the comfort in each other despite all the pain. I loved their relationship so much, and I admire their growth both individually and as a couple.
This historical danmei is actually quite different from all the historical danmeis I've come across. This is not the typical imperial brothers fighting for the throne or protagonists overthrowing the cynical but incompetent emperor or the emperor's harem using their imperial sons to fight for the power or some revenge plot. It is actually very unusual to have the royal clan very likeable in this kind of setting. It's rare to have the imperial brothers, who are both worthy of the throne, pushing the position to the other. They were like, 'You be the emperor' 'No, I don't want it. You be the emperor'. They have this sincere familial bond that even the treacherous officials couldn't severe. Rather, this story is about the protagonist claiming his rightful position as the crown prince after someone stole his identity, crawling his way up to prove his identity.
This novel managed to become one of my favorite danmei, maybe up there with QJJ, when it comes to plot and characters. This has my most favorite father-son relationship that absolutely broke me, even much more that the father-son relationship in QJJ. The actual difference is that here, we actually get to see the details of their relationship from the start and it makes us loved every single scene of the MC and his father together, so it's much more impactful. This character only appeared very briefly but gave me the most impact, and both his existence and absence affected the story so much. But not just this specific character, all characters have their own role to play in the plot and each has their own charm. Fei Tian is very intricate with his plot and characters that I almost have no major complains. There are some nitpicks, but nothing serious that can lower even a half of my rating. This hit me so much right in the heart, I don't know if I can even recover from this.
I would like to recommend this to anyone who loves historical novels, but I just want to remind that this has an age gap romance, maybe 6 or 7 years gap, and the romance started when MC is 16 years old, so the ML is around 22 or 23 years old. I saw some people complaining about this issue and it makes me want to complain about them instead. Since this is a historical setting where people are already engaged when they're 13 years old and married when 16, very much normal back in this time period, the couple's set up is hardly unusual. This is a kind of setting where a rich man in his 40s can get a 16-year-old maiden as a concubine. It's sometimes aggravating, but it's a historical fact. Someone who frequently reads historical novels should have been used to this setting, so stay away if you're not. It personally didn't trigger me since I'm used to reading historical fictions, so that's that. If you still want to continue because of the plot, you can stay but try to swallow your complaints about the age gap romance because you've been warned.
[MC and ML's first encounter when MC is only 8 years old]
September 2, 2025
4.8/5 🌟
The best way to describe this book is “Wow, what a journey.” I feel sort of empty now that I finished it. It left a bitter sweet taste, but at the same time, I know what FTYX wanted to express.
The expression of those tough journeys and sacrifices that a warrior must take. I’m sure when he first wrote it, he was planning to make Lang Junxia the main character. The ugliness of war; the relationships one must break due to it. One’s home is the home they build; the one they fight for.
”Heaven, earth, ruler, relative, teacher.”
One has to fight for those in that order, and in ancient times a warrior had to set aside all passions, connections, relationships, lover, and pleasures to fight for one’s priorities.
⚠️ Spoilers from here on! ⚠️
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The sacrifices and things Duan Ling learned:
Not only did Duan Ling have to learn to let go of those shackles that kept him in the past, but he also had to learn to say goodbye and keep the past in memories, only. All for the unbearing weight and responsibilities on his shoulders.
He lost Batu, one of his most dearest friends, if not, maybe one he considered his best friend. Despite being a barbarian and a foreigner, they still build a solid relationship.
Duan Ling always wanted to get close to him— Batu, too wanted to get close to Duan Ling. Perhaps he closed his heart away because in his heart, there was only Duan Ling. Batu searched to the ends of the earth for him, never giving up hope that he would find him.
I love that in the end, (before their upcoming upcoming big battle in two years) Duan Ling gave Batu a hug of brotherhood. He wished him the best and happiness. In the result, they still had to battle and never see each other again. Duan Ling never stood a chance against wrestling with Batu, but he always kicked his ass in the battle field. The final and last time they battled was this one.
Duan Ling was often seen as cruel and heartless, and I can see why. He was raised by the coldest and most closed off person: Lang Junxia. He had to let go and make sacrifices. Sometimes, however, I truly don’t understand why he made the decisions of certain sacrifices:
Like not saying goodbye to Mu Qing, that was a little uncalled for, but Duan Ling never let himself get too close to him. I’m sad Chengliu Jun left, but I’m happy he got to be with his son. (Which was really shocking to me. I loved that twist. It made sense once it was said!)
In the end, Duan Ling also lost the very first person who showed him love, who became his guardian, his savior, his protector; one who would wash and comb his hair; one who would hold his hand as he took him to school and picked him up when the time came.
The one Duan Ling always pardoned in his heart, was always Lang Junxia— I can see why. Even when Lang Junxia tried to kill him, Duan Ling had an inkling that they had a special bond. In the end, he was right because LJX never wanted to truly kill Duan Ling, he was going to save him but couldn’t.
Lang Junxia was stoic, never expressing emotions like a true warrior. He was such a mysterious character that he had me cursing at him and hating him, but the one’s whose ending brought me to tears anyway.
However, you have warriors like Li Jianhong that were brute and strategic. Were passionate and were willing to make as many sacrifices as he could to win what he needed to win. A man of many passions, incredibly strong, but had one too many weaknesses, his son. He was such an incredible father. His relationship with Duan Ling was so beautiful, and so quickly lost. It made me feel a little like how I felt when I lost my father to the tragic ending of death.
Finally, Wu Du.
God! I. fucking. Love. This. Man!
This big, tall, handsome ball of emotions: Grumpy, sassy, petty, savage, romantic, horny, jealous, and the most incredible of all the warriors. (My hot take is that this is what a true warrior is like.)
The romance in this story was so incredible! It brought me that feeling that QJJ gave me. That feeling that its them against the world.
They slowly grow and learn to gain the trust of others. Duan Ling had no body, and by fate, Wu Du was always meant to be by his side. The caresses, the kisses, the snuggles, and the spice left me speechless!
Wu Du demonstrated a warrior that was lost; one who had failed many battles. He was on the verge of giving up, and unlike LJX, Wu Du decided to open his heart to Duan Ling and held him sincerely. I found it incredible how there was small moments where he could show over and over, “I did it. I completed my mission,” after he met Duan Ling. Those always made cry.
The bickering. The flirting. The love… I’M SWOONING! I love them. 🥹
In the end, I loved so many more side characters. Not to mention how much I loved Li Yanqiu (the most laid back uncle ever lol. No but for real, he’s seriously one of the best side characters I’ve ever read—ever.) and Zheng Yan (the most loyal of all the warriors. I wish I could taste his cooking.) Chengliu Jun… I love you, you big teddy bear! 😭 I could go on and on about these characters, but for the sake of you all reading this already long review, I won't.
I’m glad Cai Yan got what he deserved (though the description was gruesome that I started to feel bad.) LJX asking for lenience, and Duan Ling finally finishing off Cai Yan by piercing his heart. It hurt Duan Ling so much that he wept. It hurt him because he really did care for Cai Yan.
The story only dragged in two instances, but it was never boring. Duan Ling’s flaws were legit, I was meh about them at first, but after thinking about it, i didn’t mind it because it fit who he became in how he grew up. Also, the final epilogue may seem quick and abrupt, but I think it fit the story. There was no need to go into too much detail. It was short, straight to the point, and bitter sweet.
Some of the lines Duan Ling said towards the last 20% of the story left me in awe! And the savagery of Wu Du all throughout the novel. I wish I could find them, but I have over 2K highlights… whoops!
Gave my rating this way because I still had questions at the end. Like the empress... Yeah! Some things were inconsistent like places and how long it takes to get somewhere.
***Edit: I found the extras and omg!!!! 😭 Batu, his daughter, Muqing, Chengliu Jun!!! 😭
Batu signs a peace treaty and lol... Wants to possibly marry his daughter (that wants to marry Muqing) to Duan Ling's nephew! 🤣
The best way to describe this book is “Wow, what a journey.” I feel sort of empty now that I finished it. It left a bitter sweet taste, but at the same time, I know what FTYX wanted to express.
The expression of those tough journeys and sacrifices that a warrior must take. I’m sure when he first wrote it, he was planning to make Lang Junxia the main character. The ugliness of war; the relationships one must break due to it. One’s home is the home they build; the one they fight for.
”Heaven, earth, ruler, relative, teacher.”
One has to fight for those in that order, and in ancient times a warrior had to set aside all passions, connections, relationships, lover, and pleasures to fight for one’s priorities.
⚠️ Spoilers from here on! ⚠️
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The sacrifices and things Duan Ling learned:
Not only did Duan Ling have to learn to let go of those shackles that kept him in the past, but he also had to learn to say goodbye and keep the past in memories, only. All for the unbearing weight and responsibilities on his shoulders.
He lost Batu, one of his most dearest friends, if not, maybe one he considered his best friend. Despite being a barbarian and a foreigner, they still build a solid relationship.
Duan Ling always wanted to get close to him— Batu, too wanted to get close to Duan Ling. Perhaps he closed his heart away because in his heart, there was only Duan Ling. Batu searched to the ends of the earth for him, never giving up hope that he would find him.
I love that in the end, (before their upcoming upcoming big battle in two years) Duan Ling gave Batu a hug of brotherhood. He wished him the best and happiness. In the result, they still had to battle and never see each other again. Duan Ling never stood a chance against wrestling with Batu, but he always kicked his ass in the battle field. The final and last time they battled was this one.
Duan Ling was often seen as cruel and heartless, and I can see why. He was raised by the coldest and most closed off person: Lang Junxia. He had to let go and make sacrifices. Sometimes, however, I truly don’t understand why he made the decisions of certain sacrifices:
Like not saying goodbye to Mu Qing, that was a little uncalled for, but Duan Ling never let himself get too close to him. I’m sad Chengliu Jun left, but I’m happy he got to be with his son. (Which was really shocking to me. I loved that twist. It made sense once it was said!)
In the end, Duan Ling also lost the very first person who showed him love, who became his guardian, his savior, his protector; one who would wash and comb his hair; one who would hold his hand as he took him to school and picked him up when the time came.
The one Duan Ling always pardoned in his heart, was always Lang Junxia— I can see why. Even when Lang Junxia tried to kill him, Duan Ling had an inkling that they had a special bond. In the end, he was right because LJX never wanted to truly kill Duan Ling, he was going to save him but couldn’t.
Lang Junxia was stoic, never expressing emotions like a true warrior. He was such a mysterious character that he had me cursing at him and hating him, but the one’s whose ending brought me to tears anyway.
However, you have warriors like Li Jianhong that were brute and strategic. Were passionate and were willing to make as many sacrifices as he could to win what he needed to win. A man of many passions, incredibly strong, but had one too many weaknesses, his son. He was such an incredible father. His relationship with Duan Ling was so beautiful, and so quickly lost. It made me feel a little like how I felt when I lost my father to the tragic ending of death.
Finally, Wu Du.
God! I. fucking. Love. This. Man!
This big, tall, handsome ball of emotions: Grumpy, sassy, petty, savage, romantic, horny, jealous, and the most incredible of all the warriors. (My hot take is that this is what a true warrior is like.)
The romance in this story was so incredible! It brought me that feeling that QJJ gave me. That feeling that its them against the world.
They slowly grow and learn to gain the trust of others. Duan Ling had no body, and by fate, Wu Du was always meant to be by his side. The caresses, the kisses, the snuggles, and the spice left me speechless!
Wu Du demonstrated a warrior that was lost; one who had failed many battles. He was on the verge of giving up, and unlike LJX, Wu Du decided to open his heart to Duan Ling and held him sincerely. I found it incredible how there was small moments where he could show over and over, “I did it. I completed my mission,” after he met Duan Ling. Those always made cry.
The bickering. The flirting. The love… I’M SWOONING! I love them. 🥹
In the end, I loved so many more side characters. Not to mention how much I loved Li Yanqiu (the most laid back uncle ever lol. No but for real, he’s seriously one of the best side characters I’ve ever read—ever.) and Zheng Yan (the most loyal of all the warriors. I wish I could taste his cooking.) Chengliu Jun… I love you, you big teddy bear! 😭 I could go on and on about these characters, but for the sake of you all reading this already long review, I won't.
I’m glad Cai Yan got what he deserved (though the description was gruesome that I started to feel bad.) LJX asking for lenience, and Duan Ling finally finishing off Cai Yan by piercing his heart. It hurt Duan Ling so much that he wept. It hurt him because he really did care for Cai Yan.
The story only dragged in two instances, but it was never boring. Duan Ling’s flaws were legit, I was meh about them at first, but after thinking about it, i didn’t mind it because it fit who he became in how he grew up. Also, the final epilogue may seem quick and abrupt, but I think it fit the story. There was no need to go into too much detail. It was short, straight to the point, and bitter sweet.
Some of the lines Duan Ling said towards the last 20% of the story left me in awe! And the savagery of Wu Du all throughout the novel. I wish I could find them, but I have over 2K highlights… whoops!
Gave my rating this way because I still had questions at the end. Like the empress... Yeah! Some things were inconsistent like places and how long it takes to get somewhere.
***Edit: I found the extras and omg!!!! 😭 Batu, his daughter, Muqing, Chengliu Jun!!! 😭
Batu signs a peace treaty and lol... Wants to possibly marry his daughter (that wants to marry Muqing) to Duan Ling's nephew! 🤣
December 17, 2024
5 stars
Joyful Reunion was a marvelous book. From the start I was intrigued by Duan Ling‘s life and how it started with many hardships and only got better in increments. It was like each happy moment had to be extracted from one big mine of tribulations (not sure that metaphor works, but I hope the meaning comes across).
I was honestly baffled that his friends and potential partners called him heartless quite often when he had such a sunshine personality and how he forgave nearly everyone their sins (with only few and well deserved exceptions). You kind of had to push him from a cliff (it was actually something else but no spoilers) after you stabbed him in the lung (again that’s not what happened) and when Duan Ling later realised that you regretted those actions and asked for forgiveness he granted it. This young man was extraordinarily lovely and in no time I joined the ranks of people who would die for him (more than one person actually did). It’s been a long time since I’ve fallen so hard for a fictional character. *sighs happily *
As mentioned I was not the only one who fell for our MC but all the other characters in this novel were so well fleshed out too. I can’t name them all, but there was no one who left the reader untouched. The villains got your blood boiling, the good guys made you sigh or cry and the people in-between were mesmerising as well.
Three examples:
Lang Yunxia. He was the enigma of this novel and never talked much. A guy whose actions spoke louder than his words. He had a huge influence on Duan Ling and I loved him for that even though things got complicated after a while. His background was revealed over time, but this story was over 2k of pages long so as the reader you could never be sure you had him figured out. Lang Yunxia’s history with the Li family (the emperor’s family) was really something. After our MC and ML he was the most interesting person we met.
Li Jianhong. What a legend. I really could see him before my eyes, riding this awesome horse (let’s imagine some Frisian stallion but without their abundance in mane and tail hair because that would be a killer for a warhorse), while swinging a 20 kilo sword like it weighs nothing in one hand and with the other picking up his son from the ground in full gallop. Yeah, he did that among other things and I loved how strong and honest and good he was even though he had his flaws. One of the best scenes in the whole book was his.
Wu Du. Another mysterious man in the beginning, but thankfully we got to know him much better than the other two characters. He had his heart in the right place and got his priorities straight. He was also a very funny character who made our MC laugh (and me too). Many people worked well together with our MC, for example the men mentioned above, and yet Wu Du made his connection to Duan Ling seem effortless. I also had much fun imagining him in action.
This review has already got too long, but I need to mention how much I appreciated the complicated plot with all threads woven into a brilliant story. I’m a sucker for politics with a complicated history set in motion and Joyful Reunion delivered such a story. This was definitely not the last book I’ve read by Fei Tian Ye Xiang (Arise Zhang).
Last but not least a huge „Thank you !“ to foxhost‘s beautiful translation (thankfully I got my hands on it just before the official translation was announced). I religiously followed all the explanatory links and learned a lot while reading.
Joyful Reunion was a marvelous book. From the start I was intrigued by Duan Ling‘s life and how it started with many hardships and only got better in increments. It was like each happy moment had to be extracted from one big mine of tribulations (not sure that metaphor works, but I hope the meaning comes across).
I was honestly baffled that his friends and potential partners called him heartless quite often when he had such a sunshine personality and how he forgave nearly everyone their sins (with only few and well deserved exceptions). You kind of had to push him from a cliff (it was actually something else but no spoilers) after you stabbed him in the lung (again that’s not what happened) and when Duan Ling later realised that you regretted those actions and asked for forgiveness he granted it. This young man was extraordinarily lovely and in no time I joined the ranks of people who would die for him (more than one person actually did). It’s been a long time since I’ve fallen so hard for a fictional character. *sighs happily *
As mentioned I was not the only one who fell for our MC but all the other characters in this novel were so well fleshed out too. I can’t name them all, but there was no one who left the reader untouched. The villains got your blood boiling, the good guys made you sigh or cry and the people in-between were mesmerising as well.
Three examples:
Lang Yunxia. He was the enigma of this novel and never talked much. A guy whose actions spoke louder than his words. He had a huge influence on Duan Ling and I loved him for that even though things got complicated after a while. His background was revealed over time, but this story was over 2k of pages long so as the reader you could never be sure you had him figured out. Lang Yunxia’s history with the Li family (the emperor’s family) was really something. After our MC and ML he was the most interesting person we met.
Li Jianhong. What a legend. I really could see him before my eyes, riding this awesome horse (let’s imagine some Frisian stallion but without their abundance in mane and tail hair because that would be a killer for a warhorse), while swinging a 20 kilo sword like it weighs nothing in one hand and with the other picking up his son from the ground in full gallop. Yeah, he did that among other things and I loved how strong and honest and good he was even though he had his flaws. One of the best scenes in the whole book was his.
Wu Du. Another mysterious man in the beginning, but thankfully we got to know him much better than the other two characters. He had his heart in the right place and got his priorities straight. He was also a very funny character who made our MC laugh (and me too). Many people worked well together with our MC, for example the men mentioned above, and yet Wu Du made his connection to Duan Ling seem effortless. I also had much fun imagining him in action.
This review has already got too long, but I need to mention how much I appreciated the complicated plot with all threads woven into a brilliant story. I’m a sucker for politics with a complicated history set in motion and Joyful Reunion delivered such a story. This was definitely not the last book I’ve read by Fei Tian Ye Xiang (Arise Zhang).
Last but not least a huge „Thank you !“ to foxhost‘s beautiful translation (thankfully I got my hands on it just before the official translation was announced). I religiously followed all the explanatory links and learned a lot while reading.
December 11, 2025
a book full of love from beginning to end. yet it left me heartbroken. still, one of the best i’ve ever read
August 25, 2024
This book is an investment but it is a beautiful masterpiece IMO. It’s over 800k words broken up into 5 books. Slow introduction as the first book sets the stage introducing characters, locations, and political alliances and rivals. I don’t think this book is for everyone but if you like epic journeys taking place over a long period of time with lots of details that will be come into play eventually- this book is for you. Highly recommend annotating or at least writing out names/locations to keep from getting lost because it is A LOT. My epub had a very helpful map and character/location index.
The cover is NOT the MC/ML
✔️Ancient China (sooo much history)
✔️Heavy plot
✔️Political and court intrigue
✔️Intricate and complex characters
✔️Mystery who the ML will be for a good bit- (Don’t read any spoilers because that is part of why the story so great. MC has a lot of boys who care for him)
✔️Well written and thrilling battle scenes
✔️Plot twists and betrayals
✔️Friendships and romance
✔️ There is 🌶️ but it’s so meaningful and well written and important to the story
Don’t read past here unless you are okay with spoilers…
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🥟
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I absolutely LOVED who the love interest ended up being (WD) and I never got over what LJ did to DL. I agree with someone else who said the epilogue and some of the extras took away from WD and just gave LJ more than he deserved.
The cover is NOT the MC/ML
✔️Ancient China (sooo much history)
✔️Heavy plot
✔️Political and court intrigue
✔️Intricate and complex characters
✔️Mystery who the ML will be for a good bit- (Don’t read any spoilers because that is part of why the story so great. MC has a lot of boys who care for him)
✔️Well written and thrilling battle scenes
✔️Plot twists and betrayals
✔️Friendships and romance
✔️ There is 🌶️ but it’s so meaningful and well written and important to the story
Don’t read past here unless you are okay with spoilers…
🥟
🥟
🥟
🥟
🥟
I absolutely LOVED who the love interest ended up being (WD) and I never got over what LJ did to DL. I agree with someone else who said the epilogue and some of the extras took away from WD and just gave LJ more than he deserved.
January 3, 2023
Finally done with this novel and I got to say it was a gem. It was so well-written both in raws and in English translations. Feitian’s writing was so profound yet easy to understand. However, after reading this novel, I realized Feitian’s writings are too poetic, heavy in content, and not meant to be binged. Foxghost did amazing on the translations and she even added references for the quotes and poems, historical facts mentioned in the novel, and also short introductions to historical figures. You can find them on her notes almost after every chapter.
Book 1 and 2 was more like Duan Ling’s life story, from his childhood to adulthood. The novel started slowly. The pace got me feeling impatient. At first, I felt skeptical about reading Joyful Reunion because I can’t take harems, since this is a pseudo harem, a first for me, I decided to just give it a try anyway. And by book 2, I just want to get it over with and find out who he will end up with! 😂 I did find it weird how father and son have so many skinship, and Duan Ling is always so thirsty, but the fact that Duan Ling grew up to be so exceptional made me happy.
Books 3 and 4 were my faves. The politics are so interesting, I don’t really mind that there are fewer romantic scenes than I expected. There were a lot of surprises in book 4 and I truly enjoyed it. Wu Du is a jar of vinegar and those scenes are quite funny.
Reading book 5 got me so nervous, it made me wonder if there would be a plot twist. 😬 And as I expected, book 5, or rather the epilogue, dropped the bomb at the end. Book 5 was so damn painful. 😭 The epilogue made my heart break 💔 I was so sad, it was still on my mind when I woke up the next day, lol. It totally caught me off guard so it hit me hard. Indirect angst attacked me like direct angst. 🫠
I like the chemistry between Duan Ling and Wu Du. It’s not the obsessed or possessive kind of love. Both are very chill but trust is there 100%. Makes me feel comfortable reading their interactions.
By the way, there is a gore part near the end of book 5. You might want to skip it if you can’t handle gores. Feitian described it so well I don’t think I will be able to eat meat in the coming days.🤢 He should have done the same for the smut scenes instead of just subtly mentioning what happened.
Overall, it was a fantastic journey! If you are looking for a novel you can read slowly at your own pace, then this is perfect for you. The smut scenes are short and few, and the story is more focused on the plot so don’t expect a lot of smutty scenes.
//edit
I just finished listening to the ad and the ad was amazing also. Great production and on point with the novel. I’m glad I listened to the audio drama as well.
Book 1 and 2 was more like Duan Ling’s life story, from his childhood to adulthood. The novel started slowly. The pace got me feeling impatient. At first, I felt skeptical about reading Joyful Reunion because I can’t take harems, since this is a pseudo harem, a first for me, I decided to just give it a try anyway. And by book 2, I just want to get it over with and find out who he will end up with! 😂 I did find it weird how father and son have so many skinship, and Duan Ling is always so thirsty, but the fact that Duan Ling grew up to be so exceptional made me happy.
Books 3 and 4 were my faves. The politics are so interesting, I don’t really mind that there are fewer romantic scenes than I expected. There were a lot of surprises in book 4 and I truly enjoyed it. Wu Du is a jar of vinegar and those scenes are quite funny.
Reading book 5 got me so nervous, it made me wonder if there would be a plot twist. 😬 And as I expected, book 5, or rather the epilogue, dropped the bomb at the end. Book 5 was so damn painful. 😭 The epilogue made my heart break 💔 I was so sad, it was still on my mind when I woke up the next day, lol. It totally caught me off guard so it hit me hard. Indirect angst attacked me like direct angst. 🫠
I like the chemistry between Duan Ling and Wu Du. It’s not the obsessed or possessive kind of love. Both are very chill but trust is there 100%. Makes me feel comfortable reading their interactions.
By the way, there is a gore part near the end of book 5. You might want to skip it if you can’t handle gores. Feitian described it so well I don’t think I will be able to eat meat in the coming days.🤢 He should have done the same for the smut scenes instead of just subtly mentioning what happened.
Overall, it was a fantastic journey! If you are looking for a novel you can read slowly at your own pace, then this is perfect for you. The smut scenes are short and few, and the story is more focused on the plot so don’t expect a lot of smutty scenes.
//edit
I just finished listening to the ad and the ad was amazing also. Great production and on point with the novel. I’m glad I listened to the audio drama as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
4,75 ⭐️
Where do I start?
I absolutely loved this novel.
At the beginning, the story seems to take his time to mesh but soon enough you notice that the first book is basically about MC’s relationship with two people who will remain in his heart until the very end of the novel. It’s not something to underestimate. The romance obviously start quite later (between the end of book 2 and book 3). I have to say the end of every volume is very poetic.
The descriptions throughout the story are always so beautiful, graphic and suggestive. They set perfectly the different atmospheres of the story.
I often think about how a story could be brilliant and meaningful but it doesn’t work enough if it’s not written in an adequate way. Well, I’m sure Feitian is able to write even a basic and simple story without plot twists ecc…(this is not the case) and yet makes it deep enough to had you enjoy it. The style and narration of Joyful reunion suits perfectly with the themes.
The fact that Feitian chose to end mostly of the five books writing lines from ancient poems makes the entire novel suggestive. It broke my heart. It REACHED my heart, especially at the end: the meaning of the very last poem of Li Yi summarizes perfectly the main relationships Duan Ling experiences and sets the most adequate atmosphere.
Since I have already read other recent novels of Feitian’s, I can see his writing becoming better in the recent ones but it remains always creative, suggestive (I’ve already said it? Well, i’ll say it one more time), immersive and interesting in descriptions of actions, atmospheres/landscapes and characters’ feelings (especially when it comes to Duan ling’s emotional states).
❗️This following section will have many major spoilers:
Aside from the MC and ML, the character i got more fond of is (unexpectedly) Lang Junxia.
Lang Junxia is really an enigmatic character: we get to know him in Book 1 and when he seems just like a savior and the only person who really cares about Duan Ling, then we get caught off guard by his betrayal and actions throughout the entire story, since the end of book 1. I don’t even know how to describe my feelings about him: from not get him to love him with all my heart. I somehow have always felt like he was just protecting Duan Ling but its personality made him too mysterious to be effectively sure about anything about him…I really felt bad for him at the end of the novel. I had to recover a little while because of that. His last words and his letter made me hold back my tears and I got more attached to him thanks to these as well. Such a melancholy when it comes to him. In other words, he was a sort of bittersweet character.
So, I enjoyed Feitian’s style and how he chose to portray everything. The political schemes and parts were not so difficult to follow (except for the fact that there were a bit too many countries, regions and so on to keep in mind, but fortunately there was a map to have a general idea and track about them all).
Furthermore, there are many characters: some of them were well characterized and I enjoyed reading of them (i really appreciated Batu’s development, who managed to get over Duan Ling and his sort of “obsession”; or for instance Chang Liujun and Zhang Yan) and some others who left me almost nothing, but it’s not a problem to me, since they were not so important and needn’t any kind of excessive deepening.
I empathized quite a lot with the MC (Duan Ling), especially in the first two books and the very last one and felt his development in the deep, besides all the pain and sorrow he went through (but after all, who doesn’t suffer? There are simply gentle people who happen to experience too much tragedies but the important thing is to get through them, learn from them and take them as a way to improve ourselves). Moreover, I found the ML (Wu Du) PERFECT and adorable: he’s not the traditional cold character who doesn’t show emotions, but he’s considerate, loveable, caring, gentle and strong, trustworthy, confident and ready at the same time and he also shows his “weak” sides to Duan Ling: he was simply the perfect match with Duan Ling(moment of appreciation for his extra and his relationship with Li Jianhong, i’m so weak). However, I would have liked to read more development of their relationship but I guess there were enough matters to handle with throughout the novel.
Honorable mention to Li Jianhong: i loved how he hasn’t been forgotten and how his aura and presence is felt throughout all the narration+the role he had in Duan Ling’s life and other characters’ ones as a great emperor and father <\3. Particularly his conversation with Wu Du as a child that sounds just like a prediction makes my heart really warm.
❗️End of spoilers
To sum up, the main characters are well-written and interesting; the plot is intruiguing and even though is not too focused on the romance, this one is satisfying enough. I would like to write many other things but I don’t want to get in other detailed aspects (otherwise i’d write an entire poem, not just a review ><).
Therefore, this well-written and fantastic novel didn’t disappoint me at all and I’m so glad of this I’ll recommend to everyone who isn’t scared or easily bored of politic, wars, regency issues with evocative descriptions and narration(without being heavy or at least not too much of a bother). I thought I’d suffer an indescribable amount of pain but I found just the first book and the ending filled with more angst; the other ones were full of melancholy and some other little things that didn’t make me feel too bad.
Also, i found some similarities between Joyful Reunion and Sha po lang by Priest, so i’d suggest to give this a try if you liked spl.
“Just before he leaves, Duan Ling looks up at the bright, clear harvest moon above.
“Let’s go home!” Duan Ling says.”
Thank you, Feitian<3.
Where do I start?
I absolutely loved this novel.
At the beginning, the story seems to take his time to mesh but soon enough you notice that the first book is basically about MC’s relationship with two people who will remain in his heart until the very end of the novel. It’s not something to underestimate. The romance obviously start quite later (between the end of book 2 and book 3). I have to say the end of every volume is very poetic.
The descriptions throughout the story are always so beautiful, graphic and suggestive. They set perfectly the different atmospheres of the story.
I often think about how a story could be brilliant and meaningful but it doesn’t work enough if it’s not written in an adequate way. Well, I’m sure Feitian is able to write even a basic and simple story without plot twists ecc…(this is not the case) and yet makes it deep enough to had you enjoy it. The style and narration of Joyful reunion suits perfectly with the themes.
The fact that Feitian chose to end mostly of the five books writing lines from ancient poems makes the entire novel suggestive. It broke my heart. It REACHED my heart, especially at the end: the meaning of the very last poem of Li Yi summarizes perfectly the main relationships Duan Ling experiences and sets the most adequate atmosphere.
Since I have already read other recent novels of Feitian’s, I can see his writing becoming better in the recent ones but it remains always creative, suggestive (I’ve already said it? Well, i’ll say it one more time), immersive and interesting in descriptions of actions, atmospheres/landscapes and characters’ feelings (especially when it comes to Duan ling’s emotional states).
❗️This following section will have many major spoilers:
Aside from the MC and ML, the character i got more fond of is (unexpectedly) Lang Junxia.
Lang Junxia is really an enigmatic character: we get to know him in Book 1 and when he seems just like a savior and the only person who really cares about Duan Ling, then we get caught off guard by his betrayal and actions throughout the entire story, since the end of book 1. I don’t even know how to describe my feelings about him: from not get him to love him with all my heart. I somehow have always felt like he was just protecting Duan Ling but its personality made him too mysterious to be effectively sure about anything about him…I really felt bad for him at the end of the novel. I had to recover a little while because of that. His last words and his letter made me hold back my tears and I got more attached to him thanks to these as well. Such a melancholy when it comes to him. In other words, he was a sort of bittersweet character.
So, I enjoyed Feitian’s style and how he chose to portray everything. The political schemes and parts were not so difficult to follow (except for the fact that there were a bit too many countries, regions and so on to keep in mind, but fortunately there was a map to have a general idea and track about them all).
Furthermore, there are many characters: some of them were well characterized and I enjoyed reading of them (i really appreciated Batu’s development, who managed to get over Duan Ling and his sort of “obsession”; or for instance Chang Liujun and Zhang Yan) and some others who left me almost nothing, but it’s not a problem to me, since they were not so important and needn’t any kind of excessive deepening.
I empathized quite a lot with the MC (Duan Ling), especially in the first two books and the very last one and felt his development in the deep, besides all the pain and sorrow he went through (but after all, who doesn’t suffer? There are simply gentle people who happen to experience too much tragedies but the important thing is to get through them, learn from them and take them as a way to improve ourselves). Moreover, I found the ML (Wu Du) PERFECT and adorable: he’s not the traditional cold character who doesn’t show emotions, but he’s considerate, loveable, caring, gentle and strong, trustworthy, confident and ready at the same time and he also shows his “weak” sides to Duan Ling: he was simply the perfect match with Duan Ling(moment of appreciation for his extra and his relationship with Li Jianhong, i’m so weak). However, I would have liked to read more development of their relationship but I guess there were enough matters to handle with throughout the novel.
Honorable mention to Li Jianhong: i loved how he hasn’t been forgotten and how his aura and presence is felt throughout all the narration+the role he had in Duan Ling’s life and other characters’ ones as a great emperor and father <\3. Particularly his conversation with Wu Du as a child that sounds just like a prediction makes my heart really warm.
❗️End of spoilers
To sum up, the main characters are well-written and interesting; the plot is intruiguing and even though is not too focused on the romance, this one is satisfying enough. I would like to write many other things but I don’t want to get in other detailed aspects (otherwise i’d write an entire poem, not just a review ><).
Therefore, this well-written and fantastic novel didn’t disappoint me at all and I’m so glad of this I’ll recommend to everyone who isn’t scared or easily bored of politic, wars, regency issues with evocative descriptions and narration(without being heavy or at least not too much of a bother). I thought I’d suffer an indescribable amount of pain but I found just the first book and the ending filled with more angst; the other ones were full of melancholy and some other little things that didn’t make me feel too bad.
Also, i found some similarities between Joyful Reunion and Sha po lang by Priest, so i’d suggest to give this a try if you liked spl.
“Just before he leaves, Duan Ling looks up at the bright, clear harvest moon above.
“Let’s go home!” Duan Ling says.”
Thank you, Feitian<3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
Tương Kiến Hoan - Phi Thiên Dạ Tường
Nội dung nghiêm túc quá, đọc xong hết hơi chóng mặt hoa mắt. Nhảy bộ này vì thấy ẻm được rec trong topic những bộ hoàn hảo, không có khuyết điểm gì nên tui tò mò :)) Tui đã không hiểu đâu ra rumor Phi Thiên Dạ Tường dùng nick clone viết bộ Loạn Thế Vi Vương, mà đọc Tương Kiến Hoan xong tui kiểu, ai cần bằng chứng gì nữa, giọng văn y xì đúc, motif cũng vậy luôn :))) đọc phát là nghĩ 2 bộ cùng tác giả ngay.
Tương Kiến Hoan (tạm dịch: Niềm Vui Gặp Mặt) kể về cuộc đời Thái tử lưu lạc của Đại Trần - Đoàn Lĩnh, sau này là Lý Nhược, từ năm 8 tuổi gặp lại cha ruột là Tam vương gia Lý Tiệm Hồng. tới khi tự mình giành lại ngôi vị Thái tử. Từ xa xưa khi mới lập nước, ai nắm giữ kiếm truyền quốc Trấn Sơn Hà sẽ có quyền ra lệnh cho tứ đại thích khách. Bắc Lương Vương Lý Tiệm Hồng bị phản thần tước binh quyền, bị đuổi giết khắp nơi, cử người đi nhận lại đứa con trai thất lạc ở Đoàn gia. Sau đó nhiều biến cố xảy đến, phe cánh nhăm nhe cướp ngôi, nhiếp chính, giặc ngoài muốn xâm lăng lãnh thổ Đại Trần, Đoàn Lĩnh từ Thái tử trở thành tứ cố vô thân.
Đọc hết quyển 1 vẫn chưa biết ai là công đâu =))) nên nói luôn anh công là Vũ Độc nhé, qua quyển 2 mới có đất diễn. Cái ghét ở bộ này là viết chemistry của Đoàn Lĩnh với những người không-phải-công nó kì kì sao á, hint tứ tung chả biết đâu mà lần, hơi có vibe vạn nhân mê, thậm chí là với ba của ẻm là Lý Tiệm Hồng luôn, ai không biết còn tưởng phụ tử văn mất (－‸ლ) nhưng mà vậy lại giải thích cho việc ẻm gei từ bé (?) Câu ấn tượng nhất truyện: của Vũ Độc đm =)))) Tìnhiu bộ này typical anh Gà, kiểu nó phải vậy, hai người này phải yêu nhau chứ méo khác được ấy. À mà hoa đào em Lĩnh bay tứ tung, làm quen được toàn vua nước láng giềng mà ai cũng yêu thích ẻm ◔̯◔
Điểm cộng: edit quá mượt, bạn Vện là nam mà chỉn chu cực, siêu ít typo luôn. Xưng hô ta - em, lão gia - em nó ứ ừ ghê gúm (〃▽〃) thịt siêu ngonnn , ngon nhất trong những bộ tui từng đọc mất =)))) còn lưu lại để lâu lâu lôi ra xem =)) anh Gà chính thức là tác giả viết H hỏni nhất tui biết (/ε＼*) Văn phong của PTDT rất gọn gàng, không thấy lan man dài dòng chỗ nào hết, bối cảnh hoành tráng, kết mỗi quyển đều là đại cảnh cao trào cảm xúc. Viết bè phái phe cánh trong triều tốt, Đoàn Lĩnh phải đối đầu với thầy mình, dù tui thấy Mục Khoáng Đạt cũng không phải là xấu.
Nhân vật gây hoang mang nhất chắc là Lang Tuấn Hiệp, tui ghét ổng cho tới chương cuối mới đỡ ghét. Thích nhất là Trịnh Ngạn :))) zui tánh nấu ăn ngon.
Đọc hết bộ này thấy có tự tin hơn tí khi đọc quyền đấu, vì nó tỉ mỉ lắm. Tui công nhận nó hay nhưng tui không thích bộ này lắm, vì loveline typical quá, với cảm thấy thiếu thiếu chút cà rởn để giải trí. Đọc truyện của PTDT đau não đấy, không đọc 2 bộ liên tiếp nổi luôn, với ổng viết motif khá tương tự nhau dù plot hoành tráng thât.
Nội dung nghiêm túc quá, đọc xong hết hơi chóng mặt hoa mắt. Nhảy bộ này vì thấy ẻm được rec trong topic những bộ hoàn hảo, không có khuyết điểm gì nên tui tò mò :)) Tui đã không hiểu đâu ra rumor Phi Thiên Dạ Tường dùng nick clone viết bộ Loạn Thế Vi Vương, mà đọc Tương Kiến Hoan xong tui kiểu, ai cần bằng chứng gì nữa, giọng văn y xì đúc, motif cũng vậy luôn :))) đọc phát là nghĩ 2 bộ cùng tác giả ngay.
Tương Kiến Hoan (tạm dịch: Niềm Vui Gặp Mặt) kể về cuộc đời Thái tử lưu lạc của Đại Trần - Đoàn Lĩnh, sau này là Lý Nhược, từ năm 8 tuổi gặp lại cha ruột là Tam vương gia Lý Tiệm Hồng. tới khi tự mình giành lại ngôi vị Thái tử. Từ xa xưa khi mới lập nước, ai nắm giữ kiếm truyền quốc Trấn Sơn Hà sẽ có quyền ra lệnh cho tứ đại thích khách. Bắc Lương Vương Lý Tiệm Hồng bị phản thần tước binh quyền, bị đuổi giết khắp nơi, cử người đi nhận lại đứa con trai thất lạc ở Đoàn gia. Sau đó nhiều biến cố xảy đến, phe cánh nhăm nhe cướp ngôi, nhiếp chính, giặc ngoài muốn xâm lăng lãnh thổ Đại Trần, Đoàn Lĩnh từ Thái tử trở thành tứ cố vô thân.
Đọc hết quyển 1 vẫn chưa biết ai là công đâu =))) nên nói luôn anh công là Vũ Độc nhé, qua quyển 2 mới có đất diễn. Cái ghét ở bộ này là viết chemistry của Đoàn Lĩnh với những người không-phải-công nó kì kì sao á, hint tứ tung chả biết đâu mà lần, hơi có vibe vạn nhân mê, thậm chí là với ba của ẻm là Lý Tiệm Hồng luôn, ai không biết còn tưởng phụ tử văn mất (－‸ლ) nhưng mà vậy lại giải thích cho việc ẻm gei từ bé (?) Câu ấn tượng nhất truyện: của Vũ Độc đm =)))) Tìnhiu bộ này typical anh Gà, kiểu nó phải vậy, hai người này phải yêu nhau chứ méo khác được ấy. À mà hoa đào em Lĩnh bay tứ tung, làm quen được toàn vua nước láng giềng mà ai cũng yêu thích ẻm ◔̯◔
Điểm cộng: edit quá mượt, bạn Vện là nam mà chỉn chu cực, siêu ít typo luôn. Xưng hô ta - em, lão gia - em nó ứ ừ ghê gúm (〃▽〃) thịt siêu ngonnn , ngon nhất trong những bộ tui từng đọc mất =)))) còn lưu lại để lâu lâu lôi ra xem =)) anh Gà chính thức là tác giả viết H hỏni nhất tui biết (/ε＼*) Văn phong của PTDT rất gọn gàng, không thấy lan man dài dòng chỗ nào hết, bối cảnh hoành tráng, kết mỗi quyển đều là đại cảnh cao trào cảm xúc. Viết bè phái phe cánh trong triều tốt, Đoàn Lĩnh phải đối đầu với thầy mình, dù tui thấy Mục Khoáng Đạt cũng không phải là xấu.
Nhân vật gây hoang mang nhất chắc là Lang Tuấn Hiệp, tui ghét ổng cho tới chương cuối mới đỡ ghét. Thích nhất là Trịnh Ngạn :))) zui tánh nấu ăn ngon.
Đọc hết bộ này thấy có tự tin hơn tí khi đọc quyền đấu, vì nó tỉ mỉ lắm. Tui công nhận nó hay nhưng tui không thích bộ này lắm, vì loveline typical quá, với cảm thấy thiếu thiếu chút cà rởn để giải trí. Đọc truyện của PTDT đau não đấy, không đọc 2 bộ liên tiếp nổi luôn, với ổng viết motif khá tương tự nhau dù plot hoành tráng thât.
December 12, 2022
I was sad when I reached the end of this book and the end of Duan Ling's journey. Over the course of 5 books, I really felt like I had lived through the highs and lows of his life with him, and I was reluctant for the story to end.
I picked up the book knowing almost nothing about it, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. There's plenty of plot and a healthy dose of romance as well, once that starts picking up. The story follows our MC, Duan Ling, as he's rescued from a life as a mistreated orphan and given a home and proper schooling. He's never met his father, but eventually his dad comes and DL learns his true identity as a prince of the Han. The rest of the story follows his trials as he makes his way through war and treachery to reclaim his rightful place on the throne.
There is a lot of plot to follow, and sometimes I'd get lost, especially for all of the names, and forget who's who and how they're related to some other key character. But overall I really enjoyed the story. It's set in a pseudo-historical setting when China was split up between the Han and a couple other ethnic groups, so there's a lot about alliances and wars between the various groups. As a young man, DL is sent to be a student at a prestigious school in Shanjing that caters to the families of various political leaders, so it's interesting to see how the friends DL made at school play a part in his later life as well.
Both the writing and the translation are beautiful, so kudos to the author and the translator for doing such a great job!
As for the romance, I won't spoil who the ML is, but I spent the whole first book wondering about his identity and was happy to see it finally pick up in the second book. They both meet each other during a low point in their lives, and their feelings build up very naturally. I'm happy for DL that he has someone he can fully trust next to his side, someone who saved him and gives him his full support knowing nothing about his true identity.
Now onto some spoiler-filled thoughts:
Highly recommend this story to everyone looking for a meaty historical danmei novel to sink into!
I picked up the book knowing almost nothing about it, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. There's plenty of plot and a healthy dose of romance as well, once that starts picking up. The story follows our MC, Duan Ling, as he's rescued from a life as a mistreated orphan and given a home and proper schooling. He's never met his father, but eventually his dad comes and DL learns his true identity as a prince of the Han. The rest of the story follows his trials as he makes his way through war and treachery to reclaim his rightful place on the throne.
There is a lot of plot to follow, and sometimes I'd get lost, especially for all of the names, and forget who's who and how they're related to some other key character. But overall I really enjoyed the story. It's set in a pseudo-historical setting when China was split up between the Han and a couple other ethnic groups, so there's a lot about alliances and wars between the various groups. As a young man, DL is sent to be a student at a prestigious school in Shanjing that caters to the families of various political leaders, so it's interesting to see how the friends DL made at school play a part in his later life as well.
Both the writing and the translation are beautiful, so kudos to the author and the translator for doing such a great job!
As for the romance, I won't spoil who the ML is, but I spent the whole first book wondering about his identity and was happy to see it finally pick up in the second book. They both meet each other during a low point in their lives, and their feelings build up very naturally. I'm happy for DL that he has someone he can fully trust next to his side, someone who saved him and gives him his full support knowing nothing about his true identity.
Now onto some spoiler-filled thoughts:
Highly recommend this story to everyone looking for a meaty historical danmei novel to sink into!
September 15, 2024
UPDATE: THIS WONDERFUL BOOK HAS BEEN LICENSED!!! IM SO HAPPY :DDD
---------
The answer? No joy. Which is funny because the title of this book is LITERALLY "Joyful Reunion"
...
(get ready, this is my first long review on a book I enjoyed, and not a rant about how bad the book is... and unlike some reviews here, I will actually put a spoiler warning when needed and NOT ruin the reading experience for others *cough cough*)
Ah... where do I start?
Duan Ling is smoll little child when the story begins. He lives with the Duan family that absolutely make his life horrible. He's like, punched everyday and lives his life in a small little woodshed. However, one day, someone comes to take Duan Ling away, and his lovely name is Lang Junxia, the unattainable first love, my erstwhile attachment, the object of my suffering, the source of my most torturous afflictions, and has been all along. (if you get it, you get it) Lang Junxia gives Duan Ling a home, gives him a place to learn, and gives the warmth Duan Ling has waited so long for. Lang Junxia says that once the peach blossoms bloom, his dad will come get him back. At first it was "when is my dad coming back", and finally! Duan Ling's dad ACTUALLY comes back! Yay good parental figures! But unfortunly, Lan Junxia leaves, which makes Duan Ling sing a new song; "When is Lang Junxia coming back?"
too bad too sad;
We watch the father and the son spend time with each other, and honestly, while i was reading this, i started crying because NEVER in a book has there been a parental figure that was so so SO heartwarming and soft. I love the dad, Li Jianhong.
Also, Duan Ling gets a lot of friends in school, and all of them are part of big political families... or even royalty in their tribe!
Later, Duan Ling finds out he's actually a prince! (SHOCKER!!!!) But he has to reclaim his rightful place in the royal family.
(MAJOR SPOILERS!!)
After the horrible arc one, I came to arc two with red eyes.
Duan Ling's story, in one sentence is;
There is much traveling in this story, as Duan Ling finds his way back to get his rightful place in the palace. But as long as he gets there, he'll be fine, right?
wrong :D (major spoilers)
I won't spoil who the ML is, mostly because I think it's fun like that. But this story is such a heartfelt story. You can cry, you can laugh, and you can get mad.
You meet new people, you see old friends, but in the end;
-Lang Junxia
As we get to the home stretch, the political schemes got really good, and there was so much symbolic meaning in every place, person, and thing. It felt good to understand what such things symbolized.
Fei Tian Ye Xiang's writing style is extremely unique in a way where everything moves quickly but you still have time to reminisce about the past. I had tried to read his other story, Tian Bao Fu Yao, but I couldn't get into it (probably because I mtled it) but now, I realize how much emotion his works carry. I had wanted to read this story but I was too scared I wouldn't like the writing style... I ate my words because this is the first book I have not stopped because I was too bored. 228 chapters is past my limit of when I get bored, and I am proud to say I finished this without getting bored. The characters in here are actually so fleshed out, I love love the political intrigue and the morals in here. I will definitely be re-reading this one because I KNOW there are foreshadowing, but I need to re-read to see it!
spoilers for the rest!!!
The epilogue in the story also killed me. As soon as the story said someone had caught Duan Ling and saved him from the enemies, I knew, it was Lang Junxia. I was about to start smiling and cheering, until I remebered this was a battlefield they were in, and I quickly prayed he wouldn't die. FTYX did not decide to listen. The last few moments with Lang Junxia broke me so hard.
(FRICK OMG I JUST REALIZED I READ PART ONE OF THE EPILOGE AND NOT THE SECOND PART OF THE EPILOGE... BRB)
tell me that isn't heartbreaking.
In the end, he dies, all past memories are just. there. AND NOW I FEEL SAD.
But that's okay!
Because Lang Junxia wrote a letter to Duan Ling! (IN WHICH DUAN LING DID NOT READ WHEN HE WAS SUPPOSED TO READ IT. HE'S DEAD NOW. SO IS THERE A POINT IN READING IT?!?!?!?!) In which his audio drama voice actor... voice acted. Let's just say I wish I never read this book.
Overall, a horrible expereince, would not rate. I hope this story never get's licensed, and I pray that no one will ever read this story again. That's it.
I DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO READ THE EXTRA'S BEFORE WRITING THE REVIEW, BUT LANG JUNXIA ISN'T DEAD?! WHY DID I CRY FOR 2 HOURS THEN? FTYX... YOU EVIL EVIL MAN.
wait, no nvm, lang junxia.. is dead. he's just... this is... THIS IS AN AU?! FTYX YOU EVIL EVIL MAN.
---------
"...life is like a dream; how much joy can we ever hope to gain?"
The answer? No joy. Which is funny because the title of this book is LITERALLY "Joyful Reunion"
...
(get ready, this is my first long review on a book I enjoyed, and not a rant about how bad the book is... and unlike some reviews here, I will actually put a spoiler warning when needed and NOT ruin the reading experience for others *cough cough*)
Ah... where do I start?
Duan Ling is smoll little child when the story begins. He lives with the Duan family that absolutely make his life horrible. He's like, punched everyday and lives his life in a small little woodshed. However, one day, someone comes to take Duan Ling away, and his lovely name is Lang Junxia, the unattainable first love, my erstwhile attachment, the object of my suffering, the source of my most torturous afflictions, and has been all along. (if you get it, you get it) Lang Junxia gives Duan Ling a home, gives him a place to learn, and gives the warmth Duan Ling has waited so long for. Lang Junxia says that once the peach blossoms bloom, his dad will come get him back. At first it was "when is my dad coming back", and finally! Duan Ling's dad ACTUALLY comes back! Yay good parental figures! But unfortunly, Lan Junxia leaves, which makes Duan Ling sing a new song; "When is Lang Junxia coming back?"
too bad too sad;
We watch the father and the son spend time with each other, and honestly, while i was reading this, i started crying because NEVER in a book has there been a parental figure that was so so SO heartwarming and soft. I love the dad, Li Jianhong.
Also, Duan Ling gets a lot of friends in school, and all of them are part of big political families... or even royalty in their tribe!
Later, Duan Ling finds out he's actually a prince! (SHOCKER!!!!) But he has to reclaim his rightful place in the royal family.
(MAJOR SPOILERS!!)
After the horrible arc one, I came to arc two with red eyes.
Duan Ling's story, in one sentence is;
"I have a cup of wine, enough to console the dust of my travels."
There is much traveling in this story, as Duan Ling finds his way back to get his rightful place in the palace. But as long as he gets there, he'll be fine, right?
wrong :D (major spoilers)
I won't spoil who the ML is, mostly because I think it's fun like that. But this story is such a heartfelt story. You can cry, you can laugh, and you can get mad.
You meet new people, you see old friends, but in the end;
"clearly, people spend most of their time apart."
-Lang Junxia
As we get to the home stretch, the political schemes got really good, and there was so much symbolic meaning in every place, person, and thing. It felt good to understand what such things symbolized.
When wondrous scenery fills your vision you dream of far-off friends in vain; it is the most wistful sight, watching the flowers wither in rain; instead, why not cherish the person before your eyes?
Fei Tian Ye Xiang's writing style is extremely unique in a way where everything moves quickly but you still have time to reminisce about the past. I had tried to read his other story, Tian Bao Fu Yao, but I couldn't get into it (probably because I mtled it) but now, I realize how much emotion his works carry. I had wanted to read this story but I was too scared I wouldn't like the writing style... I ate my words because this is the first book I have not stopped because I was too bored. 228 chapters is past my limit of when I get bored, and I am proud to say I finished this without getting bored. The characters in here are actually so fleshed out, I love love the political intrigue and the morals in here. I will definitely be re-reading this one because I KNOW there are foreshadowing, but I need to re-read to see it!
spoilers for the rest!!!
The epilogue in the story also killed me. As soon as the story said someone had caught Duan Ling and saved him from the enemies, I knew, it was Lang Junxia. I was about to start smiling and cheering, until I remebered this was a battlefield they were in, and I quickly prayed he wouldn't die. FTYX did not decide to listen. The last few moments with Lang Junxia broke me so hard.
(FRICK OMG I JUST REALIZED I READ PART ONE OF THE EPILOGE AND NOT THE SECOND PART OF THE EPILOGE... BRB)
Naturally there’ll be people there to protect you all through your life. There’s no need for you to stand before me.
If I failed to protect you, then I’d have failed in my duty. If that day ever comes, even if I’m not dead someone will come finish me off. But that’s no matter. Once I die, there’ll naturally be plenty of others who’d line up to stand in front of you to block blades and swallow swords for your sake...
Duan Ling runs towards him, and as Lang Junxia topples over, he falls into Duan Ling’s arms.
A gale begins to blow, and snow curls through the wind, obscuring everything for miles around.
In the midst of a blizzard, Duan Ling kneels on a boundless snowfield. Snowflakes flutter through the air. Lang Junxia lies in Duan Ling’s arms. He reaches up, shivering, struggling to run his fingers over Duan Ling’s cheek.
“Lang Junxia …” Duan Ling says, choking back tears, “Why did you have to come back.”
The corner of Lang Junxia’s mouth curls up almost imperceptibly.
It’s almost like they’ve gone back to that gentle evening many years ago in Shangjing; just like this, he’d lain in the snow, and a little Duan Ling had wrapped his arms around him, using all of his strength to drag him back into the house.
“Because … I …
"Wanted to … see if … you’d grow up … to become … a … very good …
"Little …
“… Emperor.”
tell me that isn't heartbreaking.
In the end, he dies, all past memories are just. there. AND NOW I FEEL SAD.
But that's okay!
“Did you see the letter?” Lang Junxia says.
“What?” Duan Ling asks with a frown...
Because Lang Junxia wrote a letter to Duan Ling! (IN WHICH DUAN LING DID NOT READ WHEN HE WAS SUPPOSED TO READ IT. HE'S DEAD NOW. SO IS THERE A POINT IN READING IT?!?!?!?!) In which his audio drama voice actor... voice acted. Let's just say I wish I never read this book.
Overall, a horrible expereince, would not rate. I hope this story never get's licensed, and I pray that no one will ever read this story again. That's it.
reunions in life are far and few; we move like stars, each to its sphere.
I DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO READ THE EXTRA'S BEFORE WRITING THE REVIEW, BUT LANG JUNXIA ISN'T DEAD?! WHY DID I CRY FOR 2 HOURS THEN? FTYX... YOU EVIL EVIL MAN.
wait, no nvm, lang junxia.. is dead. he's just... this is... THIS IS AN AU?! FTYX YOU EVIL EVIL MAN.
August 4, 2023
This story remained in my had a long time after I finished reading it. The whole novel made me think about the ethereality of life and the value of encounters. I really like the writing: the author provides us precious descriptions and metaphors. It was very pleasant to follow Duan Ling's growth path. I know many people do not agree, but in my opinion, Wu Du was a perfect ML. The only thing that bothered me about the novel is the fact that every male character seems to be somehow interested in the protagonist (it does not sound very realistic). But the other aspects of Joyful Reunion are sooo wonderful that such a detail becomes a very small matter.
September 2, 2025
the only disappointing thing about this novel is that duan ling and lang junxia didn’t get to fuck at least once
February 11, 2024
Twisty and turny, the less you know about the plot going in the better. Had some of the customary Han Chinese weirdness toward the nomad groups but … well… anyway. Excellent characters. I appreciate that the author doesn’t spare their characters. Made me cry. The history and politics are also more digestible than QJJ, really props to the writer for coming up with all of this stuff and foxghost for translating so many ancient texts and poems so beautifully.
October 9, 2023
Will write reviews when I am done with extras
May 13, 2024
4.5*
April 1, 2025
4.5 sobbed when i saw the tumblr translation was taken down
April 19, 2023
5/5 for Fei Tian's Joyful Reunion.
In certain books, every character, phrase, and relationship holds profound significance. Faustian bargains are struck, and seemingly invincible characters are brought down. Joyful Reunion is an example of such literature, where every betrayal and alliance can tear one's soul in two.
This masterpiece took me on an emotional journey through the kingdoms of Southern Chen, Liao, Xianbei, and Yuan, where I cried, laughed, and travelled alongside the characters.
Fei Tian's writing is imbued with poetic beauty, skillfully fleshing out characters to the point where their every expression feels vividly real.
Joyful Reunion is the kind of book that reveals the importance of each dialogue and interaction only upon a subsequent reading, allowing for a deeper understanding of the intricacies woven into the story.
If you haven't read this book, I beg you to stop loitering around the Novelupdates/Goodreads review page. You may catch a spoiler. Don't do yourself that disservice. Don't deprive yourself of the masterpiece that is Joyful Reunion.
Will I reread Joyful Reunion? Yes. Will I bawl my eyes out during the reread? Also yes.
Also, what do I do with my life now? Please send help.
You're now crossing into spoliery territory. Proceed with caution.
Lang Junxia
Did I forgive Lang Junxia? No. I couldn't bring myself to and I'll explain why. Would Li Jianhong or Wu Du, even in the most desperate circumstances poison Duan Ling and throw him off a cliff? No. They wouldn't. What a bargain LJX took by choosing to throw him into the river. What if he had drowned? He was unconscious, wasn't he? What if he banged his head against a rock? What if he fell into the wrong hands? Wouldn't Wu Du and Li Jianhong consider these possibilities? They would. This is why I did not completely buy LJX's story. I agree he had a turn of heart after a certain point, but I don't completely buy into his story of using deception to fool Cai Yan.
I agree that LJX is a layered and complicated character. I believe he raised Duan Ling with full sincerity and those years when they were together were genuine. I personally believe that LJX had a hard time accepting that his previously ruthless heart had been moved. This internal struggle manifests throughout the book as he shows up one moment to save Duan Ling and the next to thwart his plans.
Wu Du
Man oh, man. Fetian did me a number. I had no idea who the ML was until book two. I made two wrong guesses and my mind was blown when I realized who the ML ultimately was.
I loved Wu Du and my only complaint is that the romance between him and Duan Ling takes a backseat after they get together. Yes, they have a lot of sex which is tantalizingly well-written, but the romance pretty much ends once they get together.
Yelu Zongzhen
Can I have this man, please? I loved him the first time he showed up in the book and thank heavens he remained a wonderful character until the very end.
Batu Borjigin
I loved Batu in Book One. Loved him to bits.
But the obsessive, maniacal dude he grows up to be really put me off.
Li Jianhong
Man! What a DILF.
I loved this man. Everything he said. Everything he taught Duan Ling is etched in my heart. Did I sob my eyes out for him? I did.
Cai Yan
What a hateful character. He deserved what he got in the end.
Zheng Yan
One of my favourite characters. I love how he is nonchalant, dismissive and such a dork when he's fooling around. But, no one can mess with him when he gets down to business.
Chang Liujun
Such an interesting guy. I loved the way his character developed.
In certain books, every character, phrase, and relationship holds profound significance. Faustian bargains are struck, and seemingly invincible characters are brought down. Joyful Reunion is an example of such literature, where every betrayal and alliance can tear one's soul in two.
This masterpiece took me on an emotional journey through the kingdoms of Southern Chen, Liao, Xianbei, and Yuan, where I cried, laughed, and travelled alongside the characters.
Fei Tian's writing is imbued with poetic beauty, skillfully fleshing out characters to the point where their every expression feels vividly real.
Joyful Reunion is the kind of book that reveals the importance of each dialogue and interaction only upon a subsequent reading, allowing for a deeper understanding of the intricacies woven into the story.
If you haven't read this book, I beg you to stop loitering around the Novelupdates/Goodreads review page. You may catch a spoiler. Don't do yourself that disservice. Don't deprive yourself of the masterpiece that is Joyful Reunion.
Will I reread Joyful Reunion? Yes. Will I bawl my eyes out during the reread? Also yes.
Also, what do I do with my life now? Please send help.
You're now crossing into spoliery territory. Proceed with caution.
Lang Junxia
Did I forgive Lang Junxia? No. I couldn't bring myself to and I'll explain why. Would Li Jianhong or Wu Du, even in the most desperate circumstances poison Duan Ling and throw him off a cliff? No. They wouldn't. What a bargain LJX took by choosing to throw him into the river. What if he had drowned? He was unconscious, wasn't he? What if he banged his head against a rock? What if he fell into the wrong hands? Wouldn't Wu Du and Li Jianhong consider these possibilities? They would. This is why I did not completely buy LJX's story. I agree he had a turn of heart after a certain point, but I don't completely buy into his story of using deception to fool Cai Yan.
I agree that LJX is a layered and complicated character. I believe he raised Duan Ling with full sincerity and those years when they were together were genuine. I personally believe that LJX had a hard time accepting that his previously ruthless heart had been moved. This internal struggle manifests throughout the book as he shows up one moment to save Duan Ling and the next to thwart his plans.
Wu Du
Man oh, man. Fetian did me a number. I had no idea who the ML was until book two. I made two wrong guesses and my mind was blown when I realized who the ML ultimately was.
I loved Wu Du and my only complaint is that the romance between him and Duan Ling takes a backseat after they get together. Yes, they have a lot of sex which is tantalizingly well-written, but the romance pretty much ends once they get together.
Yelu Zongzhen
Can I have this man, please? I loved him the first time he showed up in the book and thank heavens he remained a wonderful character until the very end.
Batu Borjigin
I loved Batu in Book One. Loved him to bits.
But the obsessive, maniacal dude he grows up to be really put me off.
Li Jianhong
Man! What a DILF.
I loved this man. Everything he said. Everything he taught Duan Ling is etched in my heart. Did I sob my eyes out for him? I did.
Cai Yan
What a hateful character. He deserved what he got in the end.
Zheng Yan
One of my favourite characters. I love how he is nonchalant, dismissive and such a dork when he's fooling around. But, no one can mess with him when he gets down to business.
Chang Liujun
Such an interesting guy. I loved the way his character developed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
wu du square tf up
January 13, 2025
If you’re looking for a gripping danmei novel with the emotional depth and complexity of Qiang Jin Jiu (QJJ), Joyful Reunion will not disappoint. Fei Tian Ye Xiang delivers yet another masterful story that weaves together political intrigue, personal growth, and unforgettable characters.
The story follows Duan Ling, the MC (and shou), on his transformative journey from a vulnerable child to a resilient adult. His life is a series of hardships—separation from his father, heartbreak, and struggles to survive in a treacherous world filled with shifting alliances and betrayals. Watching the MC grow, adapt, and persevere through these challenges is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making him one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve encountered in danmei literature.
One standout aspect of the novel is its richly developed characters, particularly the assassins. The story introduces not one but four assassins, each with distinct personalities, motivations, and roles in the plot. Without giving too much away, these characters add layers of intrigue and action, as they’re often caught between loyalty, ambition, and their personal relationships.
Among them, my favorite is Lang Junxia, whose enigmatic presence and complex dynamic with the MC leave a lasting impact. Lang Junxia is a fascinating character—both a mentor and a challenge to the MC. His interactions with the MC are charged with tension, and he plays a pivotal role in shaping the MC’s journey, for better or worse. Lang Junxia’s blend of strength, intellect, and moral ambiguity makes him one of the most unforgettable figures in the story.
Fei Tian Ye Xiang’s writing is as captivating as ever, blending intricate world-building with emotionally charged character arcs. The relationships, both platonic and romantic, are meticulously developed, and the stakes feel deeply personal. Whether it’s the MC’s bond with his father, his alliances with friends, or his encounters with assassins like Lang Junxia, every relationship carries weight and meaning.
For fans of QJJ or anyone looking for a danmei novel that balances action, drama, and heart, Joyful Reunion is an absolute must-read. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
The story follows Duan Ling, the MC (and shou), on his transformative journey from a vulnerable child to a resilient adult. His life is a series of hardships—separation from his father, heartbreak, and struggles to survive in a treacherous world filled with shifting alliances and betrayals. Watching the MC grow, adapt, and persevere through these challenges is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making him one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve encountered in danmei literature.
One standout aspect of the novel is its richly developed characters, particularly the assassins. The story introduces not one but four assassins, each with distinct personalities, motivations, and roles in the plot. Without giving too much away, these characters add layers of intrigue and action, as they’re often caught between loyalty, ambition, and their personal relationships.
Among them, my favorite is Lang Junxia, whose enigmatic presence and complex dynamic with the MC leave a lasting impact. Lang Junxia is a fascinating character—both a mentor and a challenge to the MC. His interactions with the MC are charged with tension, and he plays a pivotal role in shaping the MC’s journey, for better or worse. Lang Junxia’s blend of strength, intellect, and moral ambiguity makes him one of the most unforgettable figures in the story.
Fei Tian Ye Xiang’s writing is as captivating as ever, blending intricate world-building with emotionally charged character arcs. The relationships, both platonic and romantic, are meticulously developed, and the stakes feel deeply personal. Whether it’s the MC’s bond with his father, his alliances with friends, or his encounters with assassins like Lang Junxia, every relationship carries weight and meaning.
For fans of QJJ or anyone looking for a danmei novel that balances action, drama, and heart, Joyful Reunion is an absolute must-read. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
April 5, 2024
Extremely well written, profound, and poetic. Fei Tian does a wonderful job in this novel (as well as a great translation and notes from Foxghost). The pacing is just right !!! I took my time reading it and I am glad I did. I really enjoyed all the books, for different reasons. I like how they are spaced out and the arcs make sense. It all comes together quite beautifully. Sometimes the politics in this genre of danmei get a bit much for me, but Fei Tian managed to make it intriguing and exciting.
Full of unpredictable turns that made it so thrilling. There is not a single boring moment in the novel or any unnecessary characters/plots. Loved all the characters, the paths they take and how they grow. So much pain and so much love. I am a bit sad it ends with such a heartbreaking letter.... still crying......... I never got over him..... (I can't believe this is the same author as the seizing dreams book which is not in the same caliber as this one, glad I didnt drop this because of that).
Full of unpredictable turns that made it so thrilling. There is not a single boring moment in the novel or any unnecessary characters/plots. Loved all the characters, the paths they take and how they grow. So much pain and so much love. I am a bit sad it ends with such a heartbreaking letter.... still crying......... I never got over him..... (I can't believe this is the same author as the seizing dreams book which is not in the same caliber as this one, glad I didnt drop this because of that).
April 20, 2025
A good book - it was nice, funny read. If you want danmei comparison, I'd say spl meets qjj. I really loved abundance of secondary characters and overall plot! MC's young years at school might be my 100 % fav part! At times it felt like harem yaoi (everyone want MC ) - but still in a very funny, easy to read way. MC was likeable and 2ha mains would love to hear that wontons play big role here, too!
There was also a very smart horse. Sometimes I wondered if he would start talking 😂
I liked the way author decided to end some of the chapters - it was very well done visually and emotionally, absolutely chef's kiss! Some part are once of the saddest, heart-wrenching part you read. Beautifully created, truly.
My main issue lays with how author decided to bring plot into culmination - you see this problem at the start, too, but it's more visible later: It's rushed, everything happens at once, not taking into consideration time and geography. I wouldn't call it forced, but it's pretty much an issue of "we got ending like this because author said so" and many things happens at random, not being an effect of thought out plans or actions of characters. Afterall, it just comes too easy, which brings plot down for me a bit.
Still, I would recommend this book, because even with those flows, you still want to read it - you still cheer for many characters, and even with some "villans", you want them to be redeemed.
PS. NOT MANY JOYFUL THINGS ABOUT SOME OF THOSE REUNIONS 😭
There was also a very smart horse. Sometimes I wondered if he would start talking 😂
I liked the way author decided to end some of the chapters - it was very well done visually and emotionally, absolutely chef's kiss! Some part are once of the saddest, heart-wrenching part you read. Beautifully created, truly.
My main issue lays with how author decided to bring plot into culmination - you see this problem at the start, too, but it's more visible later: It's rushed, everything happens at once, not taking into consideration time and geography. I wouldn't call it forced, but it's pretty much an issue of "we got ending like this because author said so" and many things happens at random, not being an effect of thought out plans or actions of characters. Afterall, it just comes too easy, which brings plot down for me a bit.
Still, I would recommend this book, because even with those flows, you still want to read it - you still cheer for many characters, and even with some "villans", you want them to be redeemed.
PS. NOT MANY JOYFUL THINGS ABOUT SOME OF THOSE REUNIONS 😭
January 14, 2024
dude
plot? Immaculate
characters? complex, multidimensional and so likeable. Like even the antagonists had depth and feelings, you know? They weren’t just there to be “evil”. Some just had a life path that conflicted with the mc. Some of their motives still don’t make sense to me but it wasn’t really a big deal in the long run.
world building? A little confusing, not gonna lie, I’m not good with history and remembering the names of regions and there were a lot of them. But it was still well done and even with my confusion I could still understand what was going on.
A beautiful book
plot? Immaculate
characters? complex, multidimensional and so likeable. Like even the antagonists had depth and feelings, you know? They weren’t just there to be “evil”. Some just had a life path that conflicted with the mc. Some of their motives still don’t make sense to me but it wasn’t really a big deal in the long run.
world building? A little confusing, not gonna lie, I’m not good with history and remembering the names of regions and there were a lot of them. But it was still well done and even with my confusion I could still understand what was going on.
A beautiful book
May 18, 2025
This series is plot heavy, angst ridden, intense, and an absolutely masterpiece. The series takes its time developing the main character. There is so much war and politics in this book, that it's a lot to binge. I had to take a break during book 4 but I came back and it was so worth finishing this series. This story is so complex and well crafted that I feel sad that I've finished it.
Side note: The romance is graphic but takes quite a while to develop. And, ummm, there's also quite an age gap so it might make some readers uncomfortable.
Side note: The romance is graphic but takes quite a while to develop. And, ummm, there's also quite an age gap so it might make some readers uncomfortable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
It was so long that I had a hard time finishing it. But its soooo good! I cried towards the end. Lang Junxia definitely is my favorite character from this book.
“What time one spends in the mortal world is as brief as the passing sojourn of a guest far from home” while another saying goes, “life is as ethereal as a waking dream; how much joy can we ever hope to gain”, clearly, people spend most of their time apart. These things cannot be forced.
“What time one spends in the mortal world is as brief as the passing sojourn of a guest far from home” while another saying goes, “life is as ethereal as a waking dream; how much joy can we ever hope to gain”, clearly, people spend most of their time apart. These things cannot be forced.
May 4, 2023
one of the best historical fictions i’ve ever read. fei tian did an amazing job at capturing the geopolitical aspect of the narrative and creating relationships that went beyond the bounds of nationality / ethnicity. each character found a warm place in my heart (lang junxia i miss you already). i mourned the end of the story. wish i could read it again for the first time.
May 15, 2025
these characters are etched into my soul.
if i counted every single tear i shed while reading the ending of the first book, and the ending of the final book and extras + some mentions of you-know-who in between, i’m pretty sure i’d be able to fill 3 whole buckets. no exaggeration.
lang junxia and li jianhong: forever in my heart.
if i counted every single tear i shed while reading the ending of the first book, and the ending of the final book and extras + some mentions of you-know-who in between, i’m pretty sure i’d be able to fill 3 whole buckets. no exaggeration.
lang junxia and li jianhong: forever in my heart.
May 18, 2023
Amazing!!!
Really, one of My favorite danmeis of all times, it got me laughing, bawling, ugly crying, the plot and the characters are SO well done, I'm not quite prepared to let this novel go, My heart is empty
Really, one of My favorite danmeis of all times, it got me laughing, bawling, ugly crying, the plot and the characters are SO well done, I'm not quite prepared to let this novel go, My heart is empty
October 30, 2024
this book will forever have my heart. the storytelling is absolutely heartbreaking, and had me clutching my sheets, crying for hours. months later, even still thinking about what happens, my heart feels heavy all over again. such a masterpiece.
February 15, 2024
This series is incredible. It made me feel so many emotions and was written so well. The tension, the story, the romance, everything was just incredible.
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