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Married Thrice to Salted Fish 三嫁咸鱼
At eighteen years old, Lin Qingyu was married as part of a Chong Xi into the Nan’an Hou Mansion, becoming the ill Lu Wancheng’s male wife.
On the eve of their wedding, Young Master Hou lay lazily on the bed and said, “Beauty, to be honest, I really don’t want to engage in domestic struggles. I just want to drift along, eat and wait to die. I want to be a salted fish.”
A year later, Young Master Hou became gravely ill. He took Lin Qingyu’s hand and sighed, “Wife, I’m going to die, but I think I can continue to transmigrate. In order for you to properly recognize me in the future, let us set a secret code.”
After the death of Young Master Hou, Lin Qingyu was prepared to stay a widow all his life. Unexpectedly, after only half a year, the great general who had rendered outstanding military service, actually came to propose marriage.
Lin Qingyu would rather die. But the general said but one statement, “If odd, change; if even, remain the same?”
Lin Qingyu: “…I will marry you.”
After two years, the general died in battle. Before Lin Qingyu even had time to grieve, he was recruited into the palace by the Emperor.
The emperor complained aggrievedly, “Baobei, this time I have became the Emperor. My salted fish dreams have been completely shattered…”
Lin Qingyu knew that although his husband was a bag of lazybones, no one was his equal when it came to conspiracy and schemes.
He rubbed the Emperor’s head. “Don’t think about it. Get started on those reports. Behave yourself.”
On the eve of their wedding, Young Master Hou lay lazily on the bed and said, “Beauty, to be honest, I really don’t want to engage in domestic struggles. I just want to drift along, eat and wait to die. I want to be a salted fish.”
A year later, Young Master Hou became gravely ill. He took Lin Qingyu’s hand and sighed, “Wife, I’m going to die, but I think I can continue to transmigrate. In order for you to properly recognize me in the future, let us set a secret code.”
After the death of Young Master Hou, Lin Qingyu was prepared to stay a widow all his life. Unexpectedly, after only half a year, the great general who had rendered outstanding military service, actually came to propose marriage.
Lin Qingyu would rather die. But the general said but one statement, “If odd, change; if even, remain the same?”
Lin Qingyu: “…I will marry you.”
After two years, the general died in battle. Before Lin Qingyu even had time to grieve, he was recruited into the palace by the Emperor.
The emperor complained aggrievedly, “Baobei, this time I have became the Emperor. My salted fish dreams have been completely shattered…”
Lin Qingyu knew that although his husband was a bag of lazybones, no one was his equal when it came to conspiracy and schemes.
He rubbed the Emperor’s head. “Don’t think about it. Get started on those reports. Behave yourself.”
1332 pages, Web Novel
Published January 1, 2021
154 people are currently reading
2030 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
August 23, 2024
When I die if someone could please throw a copy of this in with me I will bestow forehead kisses from the after life.
I just really loved this book so much and adored my time with it. Also considering the quality of some fan translations this one has been done so well ❤️.
Lin Qingyu is an aspiring young doctor who is forced into an arranged marriage at the decree of the empress to the terminally ill young noble Lu Wangchen. Lin Qingyu is deeply resentful initially at being forced into a Chongxi marriage (a marriage arranged for a very sick young man in the hopes that the great joy would hasten recovery) however soon discovers that things are not as they seem. I’m torn between not wanting to give too much away and also noting that a lot of the major plot points are basically spelt out in the synopsis 😂.
This was a wonderful and emotional story of slow burn enemies- to allies- to lovers featuring political intrigue and court mechanisms. I loved that Lin Qingyu isn’t a traditional protagonist, he is petty, vicious and vengeful and watching him find a partner who embraces this and encourages him to be his authentic little vicious self was so fun and was just so lovely.
I feel like the vibe of this was more reminiscent of Golden Terrace as a Danmei and people who love that would probably get a lot of enjoyment out of this. The plot of this story isn’t as prone to dramatics and trauma the way a lot of Danmei are but ironically this one made me cry more than any book has for a while. If it’s any indication to how much I enjoyed this I got through the 1300 pages in a bit over a week and every time I had to sleep or go to work I was so resentful 😂.
I just really loved this book so much and adored my time with it. Also considering the quality of some fan translations this one has been done so well ❤️.
Lin Qingyu is an aspiring young doctor who is forced into an arranged marriage at the decree of the empress to the terminally ill young noble Lu Wangchen. Lin Qingyu is deeply resentful initially at being forced into a Chongxi marriage (a marriage arranged for a very sick young man in the hopes that the great joy would hasten recovery) however soon discovers that things are not as they seem. I’m torn between not wanting to give too much away and also noting that a lot of the major plot points are basically spelt out in the synopsis 😂.
This was a wonderful and emotional story of slow burn enemies- to allies- to lovers featuring political intrigue and court mechanisms. I loved that Lin Qingyu isn’t a traditional protagonist, he is petty, vicious and vengeful and watching him find a partner who embraces this and encourages him to be his authentic little vicious self was so fun and was just so lovely.
I feel like the vibe of this was more reminiscent of Golden Terrace as a Danmei and people who love that would probably get a lot of enjoyment out of this. The plot of this story isn’t as prone to dramatics and trauma the way a lot of Danmei are but ironically this one made me cry more than any book has for a while. If it’s any indication to how much I enjoyed this I got through the 1300 pages in a bit over a week and every time I had to sleep or go to work I was so resentful 😂.
September 29, 2023
➺
4.5/5 🌟
i never expected to love this novel as much as i did but this is actually a pleasant surprise.
the synopsis of this is pretty much clear and straightforward. the lazybone but smart ML will experience death twice and will transmigrate three times in different bodies, and he will be married with the MC in those three times. it was constructed in a lighthearted and funny way so here i thought i was prepared emotionally and could take it lightly. but those 'death scenes' broke me.
this is overall not a very heavy novel. with the MC and ML's bickering and their entertaining interactions with each other, i sometimes forgot that this has some heavy themes. but when it wants to get emotional, tears are to be expected. i actually spent midnight reading with swollen eyes.
the characters, especially the MC, are not the typical kind-hearted, 'seeking justice' kind of characters. the mc is smart, manipulative, ruthless and a black-bellied beauty who holds a grudge even in the most simple matter. he was never the one who starts the issue but provoke him once and you'll definitely stay in his book of revenge forever and you'll never be able to live in peace. he's indifferent to most people, except his own family and people. the ML on the other hand is a young man transmigrated in this world and considered himself a salted fish. i've never encountered such lazy character in my life, lazy to point that he only tried 'jerking off' once when he was a teenager and never did it again because it was too tiring lol only the MC can pull him out of his bed. but despite being a salted fish, he's also clever and can be quite powerful when he really puts an effort. he's a little less 'evil' than the MC but he LOVES watching his baobei do ruthless things with other people who triggered him, even lending him a hand most of the time.
i swear, their character and relationship dynamic is the peak of this novel. a power couple doing bad things together? of course i'll love it! the side characters are also quite interesting, especially shen huaishi. he deserves the whole world! he's such a precious cinnamon roll in a body of a dangerous assassin and i'm glad the author gave him a satisfactory ending. i also loved the extra chapters where the three of them transmigrated in the modern world. i want more of their antics!!
i would love to recommend this to anyone, as long as you're fine with black-bellied characters.
i never expected to love this novel as much as i did but this is actually a pleasant surprise.
the synopsis of this is pretty much clear and straightforward. the lazybone but smart ML will experience death twice and will transmigrate three times in different bodies, and he will be married with the MC in those three times. it was constructed in a lighthearted and funny way so here i thought i was prepared emotionally and could take it lightly. but those 'death scenes' broke me.
this is overall not a very heavy novel. with the MC and ML's bickering and their entertaining interactions with each other, i sometimes forgot that this has some heavy themes. but when it wants to get emotional, tears are to be expected. i actually spent midnight reading with swollen eyes.
the characters, especially the MC, are not the typical kind-hearted, 'seeking justice' kind of characters. the mc is smart, manipulative, ruthless and a black-bellied beauty who holds a grudge even in the most simple matter. he was never the one who starts the issue but provoke him once and you'll definitely stay in his book of revenge forever and you'll never be able to live in peace. he's indifferent to most people, except his own family and people. the ML on the other hand is a young man transmigrated in this world and considered himself a salted fish. i've never encountered such lazy character in my life, lazy to point that he only tried 'jerking off' once when he was a teenager and never did it again because it was too tiring lol only the MC can pull him out of his bed. but despite being a salted fish, he's also clever and can be quite powerful when he really puts an effort. he's a little less 'evil' than the MC but he LOVES watching his baobei do ruthless things with other people who triggered him, even lending him a hand most of the time.
i swear, their character and relationship dynamic is the peak of this novel. a power couple doing bad things together? of course i'll love it! the side characters are also quite interesting, especially shen huaishi. he deserves the whole world! he's such a precious cinnamon roll in a body of a dangerous assassin and i'm glad the author gave him a satisfactory ending. i also loved the extra chapters where the three of them transmigrated in the modern world. i want more of their antics!!
i would love to recommend this to anyone, as long as you're fine with black-bellied characters.
August 12, 2024
What a gem 💜 I might be alone here but this feels like a very toned down, small scale version of QJJ, with more humor, a lot less characters, much smaller geography, and more light-hearted (but with substance!) and sweet. Lots of scheming and the couple is kind of similar. Watching Lin Qingyu fall in love little by little was so sweet.
MC: Smart, aloof, cold, cunning, loyal, manipulative, holds grudges
ML: Charismatic, clever, loyal, kind, “lazy” in everything but his pursuing of MC, shameless yet embarrassed, green flag when it comes to consent ✅
** Despite all the political scheming with the court, their relationship is nothing but complete honesty and bluntness with the ML confessing even when he is so embarrassed 🤣
✔️Transmigration (but not from the POV of the person who TM)
✔️Historical
✔️Political/ court intrigue
✔️Slow burn
✔️Pining
✔️Power couple
✔️Together in multiple lifetimes
The story ends at chapter 119 with 5 extras in the original historical setting and 25 extras set a modern setting (I only read the historical extras)
The humor is this book was everything
😂 Eye candy medicine
😂 Wilting
😂 I am a man!
One **small** gripe: referring to Lin Qingyu using the terms wife, DIL, SIL, Madame, and Empress in a derogatory way
MC: Smart, aloof, cold, cunning, loyal, manipulative, holds grudges
ML: Charismatic, clever, loyal, kind, “lazy” in everything but his pursuing of MC, shameless yet embarrassed, green flag when it comes to consent ✅
** Despite all the political scheming with the court, their relationship is nothing but complete honesty and bluntness with the ML confessing even when he is so embarrassed 🤣
✔️Transmigration (but not from the POV of the person who TM)
✔️Historical
✔️Political/ court intrigue
✔️Slow burn
✔️Pining
✔️Power couple
✔️Together in multiple lifetimes
The story ends at chapter 119 with 5 extras in the original historical setting and 25 extras set a modern setting (I only read the historical extras)
The humor is this book was everything
😂 Eye candy medicine
😂 Wilting
😂 I am a man!
One **small** gripe: referring to Lin Qingyu using the terms wife, DIL, SIL, Madame, and Empress in a derogatory way
November 16, 2025
First of all, the title — “MARRIED THRICE TO SALTED FISH.”
Sounds funny, right? Interesting? Trust me, the story is equally fascinating.
Yes… Lin Qingyu marries a salted fish 🐟 three times.
How?? Well… that’s for you to discover.
Lin Qingyu... our cold, sly beauty. A fox in human form. His beauty unmatched in the entire nation. He says one thing, thinks another, and always hides sharpness beneath his elegance. He’s my wife who loves to do bad things. You better don't mess with him 🙂↕️
Jiang Xing.. one soul but three bodies?? Wow, sounds impossible, right? But maybe it’s possible—what if it’s one after another? He may seem very mysterious, but he’s actually just a simple boy who wants to eat and sleep all day and night like a salted fish.
Jiang Xing, my boy—clingy, loud, shameless, always calling his wife “baobeiiii” ~ godddd 😭💘
Lu Wancheng, Gu Fuangzu, Prince Li… I personally love Lu Wancheng—he’s my babyy! 🥺 and I cried the most yess. Fragile yet unforgettable, the soft ache in Qingyu’s heart.
MY DEAR BELOVED COUPLE 💌
MY ROMAN EMPIRE
At first, Lin Qingyu doesn’t even realize how deeply he’s falling… until Lu Wancheng becomes the softest wound in his heart.
Their love feels platonic and romantic at once. It’s intimate in ways beyond description.
⚔ The Plot ⚔
Lin Qingyu (almost 20) is forced to marry a sick young master, Lu Wancheng, due to a divine prophecy. The marriage is supposed to save him. From then on, Qingyu swears revenge against everyone who wronged him. But his story twists on the wedding night—who exactly is Lu Wancheng? Who is inside this body? How does he know so much about what hasn’t even happened yet?
Politics. Intrigue. War. Mystery. Family struggles. Love. And two people finding each other again and again, no matter what.
“Qingyu, you look so beautiful when you do bad things.” - Wancheng
“Then, can you save me? I… I can’t die. He’s still waiting for me. I gave him a letter of guarantee. I can’t lie to him… Don’t let me die, he will cry.”
Tell me why I’m crying again just typing this 😭
Personal opinion?
I read this 2 years ago but the emotions… they never left me. I still cry, I still smile, I still feel the same ache in my chest whenever I remember Lin Qingyu and Jiang Xing.
They are soulmates across every universe.
Underrated gem doesn’t even begin to cover.
Highly recommended please please read aghh.
Happy reading 💌𓂃 ˚ ♡
꧁༺✦༻꧂
Sounds funny, right? Interesting? Trust me, the story is equally fascinating.
Yes… Lin Qingyu marries a salted fish 🐟 three times.
How?? Well… that’s for you to discover.
Lin Qingyu... our cold, sly beauty. A fox in human form. His beauty unmatched in the entire nation. He says one thing, thinks another, and always hides sharpness beneath his elegance. He’s my wife who loves to do bad things. You better don't mess with him 🙂↕️
Jiang Xing.. one soul but three bodies?? Wow, sounds impossible, right? But maybe it’s possible—what if it’s one after another? He may seem very mysterious, but he’s actually just a simple boy who wants to eat and sleep all day and night like a salted fish.
Jiang Xing, my boy—clingy, loud, shameless, always calling his wife “baobeiiii” ~ godddd 😭💘
Lu Wancheng, Gu Fuangzu, Prince Li… I personally love Lu Wancheng—he’s my babyy! 🥺 and I cried the most yess. Fragile yet unforgettable, the soft ache in Qingyu’s heart.
MY DEAR BELOVED COUPLE 💌
MY ROMAN EMPIRE
At first, Lin Qingyu doesn’t even realize how deeply he’s falling… until Lu Wancheng becomes the softest wound in his heart.
Their love feels platonic and romantic at once. It’s intimate in ways beyond description.
⚔ The Plot ⚔
Lin Qingyu (almost 20) is forced to marry a sick young master, Lu Wancheng, due to a divine prophecy. The marriage is supposed to save him. From then on, Qingyu swears revenge against everyone who wronged him. But his story twists on the wedding night—who exactly is Lu Wancheng? Who is inside this body? How does he know so much about what hasn’t even happened yet?
Politics. Intrigue. War. Mystery. Family struggles. Love. And two people finding each other again and again, no matter what.
“Qingyu, you look so beautiful when you do bad things.” - Wancheng
“Then, can you save me? I… I can’t die. He’s still waiting for me. I gave him a letter of guarantee. I can’t lie to him… Don’t let me die, he will cry.”
Tell me why I’m crying again just typing this 😭
Personal opinion?
I read this 2 years ago but the emotions… they never left me. I still cry, I still smile, I still feel the same ache in my chest whenever I remember Lin Qingyu and Jiang Xing.
They are soulmates across every universe.
Underrated gem doesn’t even begin to cover.
Highly recommended please please read aghh.
Happy reading 💌𓂃 ˚ ♡
꧁༺✦༻꧂
May 29, 2025
10x10/5 🌟
This is one of the most beautiful and romantic stories I’ve ever read—precious, tender, and laced with just the right amount of angst. Words can’t fully capture the depth of love between JiangYu. It’s overwhelming, it’s real, and it hurts in the best way.
The character development in Qingyu is absolutely incredible. He doesn’t change in the traditional sense—he remains himself—but his longing for freedom and emotional clarity grows stronger with every chapter. Jiang **** doesn’t just love him—he plants himself in Qingyu’s heart, growing there like moss. And Qingyu, in all his fierce loyalty, treasures that moss like it's sacred. If anyone dares touch it—or Jiang ****—he’s out for blood.
Make no mistake: Qingyu is not a soft character. He’s ruthless, calculating, and endlessly clever. He knows what he wants, and he’ll do anything to get it. That’s what makes him so intoxicating. One of my favorite lines from the story:
"Qingyu, you look beautiful when you do bad things."
This is easily one of my all-time favorite Danmei. I can't—I'm obsessed. I genuinely cannot recommend it enough.
This is one of the most beautiful and romantic stories I’ve ever read—precious, tender, and laced with just the right amount of angst. Words can’t fully capture the depth of love between JiangYu. It’s overwhelming, it’s real, and it hurts in the best way.
The character development in Qingyu is absolutely incredible. He doesn’t change in the traditional sense—he remains himself—but his longing for freedom and emotional clarity grows stronger with every chapter. Jiang **** doesn’t just love him—he plants himself in Qingyu’s heart, growing there like moss. And Qingyu, in all his fierce loyalty, treasures that moss like it's sacred. If anyone dares touch it—or Jiang ****—he’s out for blood.
Make no mistake: Qingyu is not a soft character. He’s ruthless, calculating, and endlessly clever. He knows what he wants, and he’ll do anything to get it. That’s what makes him so intoxicating. One of my favorite lines from the story:
"Qingyu, you look beautiful when you do bad things."
This is easily one of my all-time favorite Danmei. I can't—I'm obsessed. I genuinely cannot recommend it enough.
February 3, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a wonderfully intriguing story. I loved how we mostly followed Lin Qingyu’s pov and how we slowly learned more and more about our mysterious transmigrator husband. I loved the three vessels our ML got and I had to fight not to shed any tears when he died twice even though us readers knew from the beginning that that would happen.
This book’s sense of humour was superb. I laughed so much, especially when Lin Qingyu just accepted the modern nonsense his husband spouted at times. I loved the modern extras we got too.
The story felt a bit slow sometimes and the side characters weren’t fleshed out very much. For example, I had a hard time to connect with Shen Huaishi our original book’s hero who was wonderful mysterious in the beginning too. But his transformations were there for plot reasons and he lacked depth to make them believable. Same with Xiao Jie and Xi Rong.
Anyway, I had such a great time reading that I don’t want to complain in earnest. It’s just that I’ve read full 5 stars danmei books where the side characters weren’t just there to drive the narrative but made me feel for them too. This book is definitely about our MC and ML only.
This was a wonderfully intriguing story. I loved how we mostly followed Lin Qingyu’s pov and how we slowly learned more and more about our mysterious transmigrator husband. I loved the three vessels our ML got and I had to fight not to shed any tears when he died twice even though us readers knew from the beginning that that would happen.
This book’s sense of humour was superb. I laughed so much, especially when Lin Qingyu just accepted the modern nonsense his husband spouted at times. I loved the modern extras we got too.
The story felt a bit slow sometimes and the side characters weren’t fleshed out very much. For example, I had a hard time to connect with Shen Huaishi our original book’s hero who was wonderful mysterious in the beginning too. But his transformations were there for plot reasons and he lacked depth to make them believable. Same with Xiao Jie and Xi Rong.
Anyway, I had such a great time reading that I don’t want to complain in earnest. It’s just that I’ve read full 5 stars danmei books where the side characters weren’t just there to drive the narrative but made me feel for them too. This book is definitely about our MC and ML only.
March 4, 2025
My first Danmei novel, I’m hooked! This was beautiful and complex with Qingyu being my favourite kind of scheming murder husband. I admit it took me a while to get into and it was a bit of effort to keep track of all the different variations of someone’s name and the way the POV is written. It’s also very long. However there was some very key moments in this that had me unable to put it down, I was so emotionally invested and definitely lost sleep over parts of this!
Very slow burn, not spicy but I didn’t miss it. I recommend going in blind without reading the blurb and just bearing through any early difficulties. It’s so worth it.
I’m really impressed this whole thing was translated by a fan. I do believe Seven Seas are releasing official translations in November.
Thanks Evie for getting me into this cool genre and for responding to all my messages at random hours about how this made me feel
Very slow burn, not spicy but I didn’t miss it. I recommend going in blind without reading the blurb and just bearing through any early difficulties. It’s so worth it.
I’m really impressed this whole thing was translated by a fan. I do believe Seven Seas are releasing official translations in November.
Thanks Evie for getting me into this cool genre and for responding to all my messages at random hours about how this made me feel
September 28, 2023
"If a person's dream is only to be a good-for-nothing, then what is the difference between him and being free from all care and anxiety?" 😂
Married Thrice to Salted Fish is a hidden gem! The title of the novel wasn’t appealing to new readers but because there were a lot of its reading threads in my Twitter timeline, I decided to give it a read as well. And boy, was I surprised. It was hilarious! The pace was very very slow, but every time the author drops a line, it cracks me up. I truly enjoyed reading it!
But don’t be fooled by the comedic lines and scenes. This novel will bring you to a rollercoaster of emotions that you would never have expected. From laughing with tears in your eyes one second, feeling full of sadness in your heart the next, having a sense of relief another second later, and then suddenly, you’ll be bawling your eyes out, and then repeat. However, no need to fear! The loop wasn’t infinite, after all, they only got married thrice as per the title.
Despite having 119 chapters, the chapters weren’t that long. It was the extras that I found lengthy, although reading it was quite amusing as well. It gave me a sense of satisfaction since the ending of the main story wasn’t good enough for me. The plot of the last arc was a bit ‘meh’ for me, but based on the author’s note, it seems she already did her best. I’m guessing she ran out of ideas on how to proceed towards the end.
What I like the most in the novel is how blunt the ML and MC are to each other, with no barriers between them. Transparency seems to be the reason why their relationship could be that strong. And even with topics related to obscenities, they could still talk openly with not even an ounce of embarrassment. It is quite hard to find someone and to be at that level of openness. I admire that very much.
Married Thrice to Salted Fish is a hidden gem! The title of the novel wasn’t appealing to new readers but because there were a lot of its reading threads in my Twitter timeline, I decided to give it a read as well. And boy, was I surprised. It was hilarious! The pace was very very slow, but every time the author drops a line, it cracks me up. I truly enjoyed reading it!
But don’t be fooled by the comedic lines and scenes. This novel will bring you to a rollercoaster of emotions that you would never have expected. From laughing with tears in your eyes one second, feeling full of sadness in your heart the next, having a sense of relief another second later, and then suddenly, you’ll be bawling your eyes out, and then repeat. However, no need to fear! The loop wasn’t infinite, after all, they only got married thrice as per the title.
Despite having 119 chapters, the chapters weren’t that long. It was the extras that I found lengthy, although reading it was quite amusing as well. It gave me a sense of satisfaction since the ending of the main story wasn’t good enough for me. The plot of the last arc was a bit ‘meh’ for me, but based on the author’s note, it seems she already did her best. I’m guessing she ran out of ideas on how to proceed towards the end.
What I like the most in the novel is how blunt the ML and MC are to each other, with no barriers between them. Transparency seems to be the reason why their relationship could be that strong. And even with topics related to obscenities, they could still talk openly with not even an ounce of embarrassment. It is quite hard to find someone and to be at that level of openness. I admire that very much.
November 26, 2025
The first marriage:
“He had always disdained Lu Wancheng for being too lazy, too big-hearted to care about anything. But now, instead, he hoped that Lu Wancheng could spend what little time he had left as simple and unthinking as before.”
Lin Qingyu is less than pleased to be the male wife to Lu Wancheng. Now he’s unable to write the medical exam that’s only available once every three years. He’s so unhappy about this that he considers poisoning Lu Wancheng to speed up his death process. As the two grow closer together, Lin Qingyu decides against getting rid of Lu Wancheng. He’ll stay by his side and try to lengthen his husband’s lifespan, for a reason he’s unsure of himself. He hasn’t yet accepted that his feelings towards Lu Wancheng are romantic.
Lu Wancheng turns out to be a big supporter of Lin Qingyu’s bad deeds, and is sad when he’s not involved. I think my favourite part of their relationship is scheming against those who have wronged Lin Qingyu.
It becomes obvious quite early in the story that Lu Wancheng is not from this world. He transmigrated here. It just so happens that Lu Wancheng’s favourite character had always been Lin Qingyu, and he’s been secretly helping Lin Qingyu advance through the plot.
“No matter how warm Lin Qingyu’s hand was, the man’s hand still grew colder little by little in his, so cold that it pierced through the bone.”
We all knew it was only a matter of time before Lu Wancheng would die. Still, it didn’t make his death any less sad. We see vulnerability and pain in Lin Qingyu despite the fact that he doesn’t wish to show it.
The second marriage:
“In terms of outward appearance, Lu Wancheng and Gu Fuzhou each have their own advantages. Inwardly, they are all you. As long as it is you, it makes no difference to me.”
Lu Wancheng is now Gu Fuzhou, a general, and he feels so bad for making Lin Qingyu wait over 100 days for his return, so he of course poisons himself to ensure reuniting with his wife. It’s more obvious to us the reader that Gu Fuzhou is Lu Wancheng solely because of the change in the general’s personality. Much to similar to our beloved salted fish.
At long last our couple is reunited. This time around their relationship advances more. Shared kisses, exchanged rings, the use of “baobei” and “laopo”, verbally confessing feelings and the desire to date, and far more intimate touches. Lin Qingyu faces the fact that he might not be as straight as he thought. As long as it’s Gu Fuzhou, that’s all that matters. And this time, his beloved won’t slip away from him again. Or so he thought.
“If he had known it would end this same way, he shouldn’t have confessed to Lin Qingyu, shouldn’t have kissed him, shouldn’t have dirtied him. He’d made Lin Qingyu sad once and now, he was going to hurt him a second time. He was a despicable man.”
Gu Fuzhou can’t escape yet another death. Only this time it will hurt Lin Qingyu more, and for that he can’t forgive himself. I found this death to be more sad than when he was Lu Wancheng. They couldn’t even be together in Gu Fuzhou’s final moments, and we the readers were worried the next reunion would take as long as the first one.
The third marriage:
“Baobei, don’t cry. You’ll ruin your eyes from crying. Your husband will be there soon.”
“But he didn’t want to appreciate Lin Qingyu’s beauty when he was going insane. He liked watching Lin Qingyu deal poison, he liked watching Lin Qingyu do bad things and even more, he liked watching Lin Qingyu’s expression as he lay under him. But what he liked most has always been and will always be the way Lin Qingyu looked when he was happy.”
“Lin Qingyu was never one to expose his vulnerable side to others, he was the sole exception.”
“Because there was one thing that was more important than being salted fish.
His wish was for Lin Qingyu to be unrestrained, to be able to do what he wanted to do; even to be able to do bad things without the slightest scruple. He hoped that Lin Qingyu could freely pursue his ideals and live out the brightest and most dazzling existence.
He didn’t want Lin Qingyu to be well-behaved and sensible. He didn’t want Lin Qingyu to suppress himself for the so-called good of the country.
He wanted Lin Qingyu to be willful and happy forever.
For this reason, he was willing to be a salted fish that was not so idle.”
At long last, the third marriage. This time we don’t have to worry about our ML dying again. And we know his actual name! Jiang Xing. This danmei takes the award for being the first danmei I’ve read where I don’t know the ML’s actual name for 90 or so chapters.
Now Jiang Xing has transmigrated into Xiao Li, who is the emperor thanks to Lin Qingyu’s shenanigans. The one thing I am still confused about and didn’t get a clear answer on is how Jiang Xing’s soul originally belonged to Xiao Li’s body. Jiang Xing isn’t even from this world, how could he have an original body here? Maybe I misunderstood something or the translation was off, but it makes no sense to me.
Jiang Xing is quick to make it possible for him as an emperor to have a male wife. He gives no fucks about the rules or how things have been done in the past. He will make Lin Qingyu his wife and there isn’t anything anyone can do about that. Lin Qingyu is more than willing to marry Jiang Xing once more.
What I loved about their third marriage is how possessive Lin Qingyu has grown. Possessive shous are my favourite trope in danmei. That is your man and you have every right to tie him to that bed!
I wasn’t expecting to love the extras as much as I did. The modern setting worked perfectly. There’s the right amount of romance and silly moments as Lin Qingyu navigates a modern world.
It was hilarious how Lin Qingyu had to constantly remind himself of criminal law. He can’t do what he’d normally do in his world because now he has to worry about police coming after him with guns. He cant even love his husband in the way he wishes to without worrying about going to jail hahaha.
Shen Huashi and Lin Qingyu discovering the omegaverse thanks to Jiang Xing’s fujo cousin has got to be one of my all time favourite moments in all of danmei. I couldn’t stop laughing.
All in all I seriously enjoyed this novel. I only struggled for the first 20 or so chapters to get invested, but after that I was able to read ~30 chapters a day no problem. Well done.
“He had always disdained Lu Wancheng for being too lazy, too big-hearted to care about anything. But now, instead, he hoped that Lu Wancheng could spend what little time he had left as simple and unthinking as before.”
Lin Qingyu is less than pleased to be the male wife to Lu Wancheng. Now he’s unable to write the medical exam that’s only available once every three years. He’s so unhappy about this that he considers poisoning Lu Wancheng to speed up his death process. As the two grow closer together, Lin Qingyu decides against getting rid of Lu Wancheng. He’ll stay by his side and try to lengthen his husband’s lifespan, for a reason he’s unsure of himself. He hasn’t yet accepted that his feelings towards Lu Wancheng are romantic.
Lu Wancheng turns out to be a big supporter of Lin Qingyu’s bad deeds, and is sad when he’s not involved. I think my favourite part of their relationship is scheming against those who have wronged Lin Qingyu.
It becomes obvious quite early in the story that Lu Wancheng is not from this world. He transmigrated here. It just so happens that Lu Wancheng’s favourite character had always been Lin Qingyu, and he’s been secretly helping Lin Qingyu advance through the plot.
“No matter how warm Lin Qingyu’s hand was, the man’s hand still grew colder little by little in his, so cold that it pierced through the bone.”
We all knew it was only a matter of time before Lu Wancheng would die. Still, it didn’t make his death any less sad. We see vulnerability and pain in Lin Qingyu despite the fact that he doesn’t wish to show it.
The second marriage:
“In terms of outward appearance, Lu Wancheng and Gu Fuzhou each have their own advantages. Inwardly, they are all you. As long as it is you, it makes no difference to me.”
Lu Wancheng is now Gu Fuzhou, a general, and he feels so bad for making Lin Qingyu wait over 100 days for his return, so he of course poisons himself to ensure reuniting with his wife. It’s more obvious to us the reader that Gu Fuzhou is Lu Wancheng solely because of the change in the general’s personality. Much to similar to our beloved salted fish.
At long last our couple is reunited. This time around their relationship advances more. Shared kisses, exchanged rings, the use of “baobei” and “laopo”, verbally confessing feelings and the desire to date, and far more intimate touches. Lin Qingyu faces the fact that he might not be as straight as he thought. As long as it’s Gu Fuzhou, that’s all that matters. And this time, his beloved won’t slip away from him again. Or so he thought.
“If he had known it would end this same way, he shouldn’t have confessed to Lin Qingyu, shouldn’t have kissed him, shouldn’t have dirtied him. He’d made Lin Qingyu sad once and now, he was going to hurt him a second time. He was a despicable man.”
Gu Fuzhou can’t escape yet another death. Only this time it will hurt Lin Qingyu more, and for that he can’t forgive himself. I found this death to be more sad than when he was Lu Wancheng. They couldn’t even be together in Gu Fuzhou’s final moments, and we the readers were worried the next reunion would take as long as the first one.
The third marriage:
“Baobei, don’t cry. You’ll ruin your eyes from crying. Your husband will be there soon.”
“But he didn’t want to appreciate Lin Qingyu’s beauty when he was going insane. He liked watching Lin Qingyu deal poison, he liked watching Lin Qingyu do bad things and even more, he liked watching Lin Qingyu’s expression as he lay under him. But what he liked most has always been and will always be the way Lin Qingyu looked when he was happy.”
“Lin Qingyu was never one to expose his vulnerable side to others, he was the sole exception.”
“Because there was one thing that was more important than being salted fish.
His wish was for Lin Qingyu to be unrestrained, to be able to do what he wanted to do; even to be able to do bad things without the slightest scruple. He hoped that Lin Qingyu could freely pursue his ideals and live out the brightest and most dazzling existence.
He didn’t want Lin Qingyu to be well-behaved and sensible. He didn’t want Lin Qingyu to suppress himself for the so-called good of the country.
He wanted Lin Qingyu to be willful and happy forever.
For this reason, he was willing to be a salted fish that was not so idle.”
At long last, the third marriage. This time we don’t have to worry about our ML dying again. And we know his actual name! Jiang Xing. This danmei takes the award for being the first danmei I’ve read where I don’t know the ML’s actual name for 90 or so chapters.
Now Jiang Xing has transmigrated into Xiao Li, who is the emperor thanks to Lin Qingyu’s shenanigans. The one thing I am still confused about and didn’t get a clear answer on is how Jiang Xing’s soul originally belonged to Xiao Li’s body. Jiang Xing isn’t even from this world, how could he have an original body here? Maybe I misunderstood something or the translation was off, but it makes no sense to me.
Jiang Xing is quick to make it possible for him as an emperor to have a male wife. He gives no fucks about the rules or how things have been done in the past. He will make Lin Qingyu his wife and there isn’t anything anyone can do about that. Lin Qingyu is more than willing to marry Jiang Xing once more.
What I loved about their third marriage is how possessive Lin Qingyu has grown. Possessive shous are my favourite trope in danmei. That is your man and you have every right to tie him to that bed!
I wasn’t expecting to love the extras as much as I did. The modern setting worked perfectly. There’s the right amount of romance and silly moments as Lin Qingyu navigates a modern world.
It was hilarious how Lin Qingyu had to constantly remind himself of criminal law. He can’t do what he’d normally do in his world because now he has to worry about police coming after him with guns. He cant even love his husband in the way he wishes to without worrying about going to jail hahaha.
Shen Huashi and Lin Qingyu discovering the omegaverse thanks to Jiang Xing’s fujo cousin has got to be one of my all time favourite moments in all of danmei. I couldn’t stop laughing.
All in all I seriously enjoyed this novel. I only struggled for the first 20 or so chapters to get invested, but after that I was able to read ~30 chapters a day no problem. Well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
absolutely delightful! a couple that schemes together, stays together. ❤️🔥
December 23, 2023
three times huh. tragic. this was awesome.
November 18, 2024
i admit i don't read a lot of historical danmei but this is so stinking cuteeeee it's a bit of a slow burn and also somewhat angsty, but it's also funny and i love jx and lqy's dynamic?? like lqy is restrained and self-disciplined while jx is lazier and more relaxed but together they're evil geniuses who crush their enemies 🤭🤭it's so sweet how they support each other and that they wanna do all the work themselves so their partner can relax 🥹
also +1093485345 bonus points cos jx can speak cantonese rjlfnrefajrferuliffruad
不常看古耽可是真的好甜！！一開始慢熱，鹹魚攻去世時會虐，但不多，也挺快重逢的。攻鹹魚到極點可是也會（不情不願）起身幹事的，也有幽默感。受是高嶺之花，清冷脆弱大美人，很可愛喜歡養毒蛇，有壞壞的一面，是我前三最喜歡的受。每一章也不是特別長。五天內看完真的很不捨，應該會二刷。強烈推薦！！
also +1093485345 bonus points cos jx can speak cantonese rjlfnrefajrferuliffruad
不常看古耽可是真的好甜！！一開始慢熱，鹹魚攻去世時會虐，但不多，也挺快重逢的。攻鹹魚到極點可是也會（不情不願）起身幹事的，也有幽默感。受是高嶺之花，清冷脆弱大美人，很可愛喜歡養毒蛇，有壞壞的一面，是我前三最喜歡的受。每一章也不是特別長。五天內看完真的很不捨，應該會二刷。強烈推薦！！
June 15, 2025
₊⊹♡ 5 stars ⋆˙⟡
this was an absolute masterpiece, it became one of my favorite danmei.
when I started reading it, i didn’t know it was a transmigration story, and honestly, thinking back, that was a great choice. you slowly start to realize it through some of the things salted fish says (yes, i’m calling him that to avoid spoilers 🙏)
i also loved the fact that the story is told from Lin Qingyu’s perspective, so he learns the truth about salted fish gradually, it makes the plot even more engaging and immersive.
i think my favorite part was the first arc, the whole story about Lu Wancheng, but the others were also fantastic and very well written.
’’No matter how warm Lin Qingyu's hand was, the man's hand still grew colder little by little in his, so cold that it pierced through the bone. The north wind brought evening snow, the cold color illuminated them, everywhere was silence. He was wearing his wedding dress, a huadian on his forehead, just like when he and Lu Wancheng first met.’’
i cried SO MUCH even though you know from the very beginning that he’s going to die (he literally says it in the first few pages) it still hits.
also, i absolutely loved the extras, i loved the modern setting, it was so much fun to read.
’’Being "salted fish" wasn't doing nothing. Rather, it was being free from the pressure of external forces, having one's time at one's own disposal.’’
unfortunately, i’m a salted fish too 🙏
this was an absolute masterpiece, it became one of my favorite danmei.
when I started reading it, i didn’t know it was a transmigration story, and honestly, thinking back, that was a great choice. you slowly start to realize it through some of the things salted fish says (yes, i’m calling him that to avoid spoilers 🙏)
i also loved the fact that the story is told from Lin Qingyu’s perspective, so he learns the truth about salted fish gradually, it makes the plot even more engaging and immersive.
i think my favorite part was the first arc, the whole story about Lu Wancheng, but the others were also fantastic and very well written.
’’No matter how warm Lin Qingyu's hand was, the man's hand still grew colder little by little in his, so cold that it pierced through the bone. The north wind brought evening snow, the cold color illuminated them, everywhere was silence. He was wearing his wedding dress, a huadian on his forehead, just like when he and Lu Wancheng first met.’’
i cried SO MUCH even though you know from the very beginning that he’s going to die (he literally says it in the first few pages) it still hits.
also, i absolutely loved the extras, i loved the modern setting, it was so much fun to read.
’’Being "salted fish" wasn't doing nothing. Rather, it was being free from the pressure of external forces, having one's time at one's own disposal.’’
unfortunately, i’m a salted fish too 🙏
November 9, 2025
What a cute story. Decent straight-forward plot, absolutely heart-rending, tear-jerking parting scenes. If you hadn’t read the synopsis, this is a transmigration and reincarnation/multiple lives story in which we follow one character from a palace drama revenge novel, Lin Qingyu, and the reader of that novel who transmigrates into the story, Jiang Xing, dies and returns. From their first meeting, you wouldn’t expect anything beautiful or romantic to bloom between these two—Lin Qingyu has sworn he’ll enact revenge on the ailing man he was forced to marry. But to his surprise, he soon finds his husband to be a willing partner-in-crime to Lin Qingyu’s scheming against others in the household with whom he carries some grievances.
When the first parting between these two happens….when I say I instantly started sobbing, it was so unexpectedly emotional yet beautifully written. That scene is going to haunt me for life. I could not have predicted how quickly I was emotionally invested in Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng’s (Jiang Xing’s) development.
I’m a sucker for reincarnation and star-crossed lovers stories, so this really checked the boxes for me. With each reincarnation, the author slowly built up LQ and JX’s relationship with snarky humor, a shared mission, and wholesome admiration for each others’ tenacity, strength, and beauty.
There’s some odd age-jumping with each of Jiang Xing’s incarnations. Wasn’t the biggest fan of him going back and forth between being a minor who celebrates his 18th, transmigrating into a mature adult body, then back into a minor’s body again while Lin Qingyu was aging normally (they start about the same age). The last couple of incarnations have this weird dynamic where it’s become a noted issue between them that LQ is an adult while JX is a minor. That whole subcontext could have just been axed and our main characters starting out as young adults the whole time, at least not having Jiang Xing reverting to younger than his starting age.
Some of the “bad” characters really weren’t…that bad? Maybe I’m misremembering but sometimes these side characters just looked at my man Qingyu sideways and he took that as incentive to plot their murder. (Except for the greasy creepers who kept lusting after LQ. They deserved his ire.) Which, I get Lin Qingyu is meant to be the antagonist from the OG novel that JX has transmigrated into, but this was either not played up/justified enough or we were just “told” and not really “shown” just how much of the bad guy novel LQ really was. Honestly, his bad thoughts/inclinations were usually just that, and he typically chose the peace-keeping or passive approach, turning the other cheek. I think Jiang Xing could have given us a lot more insight into the OG novel in general, which would give us the contrast of his initial perception of antagonist Lin Qingyu vs the Lin Qingyu he gets to know and falls in love with.
Extras were so extra—probably could have been cut down or condensed, but you can really tell the author just had a blast writing these characters and wanted to have some fun with them. And pop off, honestly. Although I do wish that after the modern-day extras, we finally get to see LQ and JX return to the Dayu, because oddly that ended up feeling more like where Jiang Xing belonged than in his native modern-day setting.
Overall, I really really enjoyed reading this. Was genuinely excited to pick it up again every day, thought about these characters when I wasn’t reading. There was so much humor packed into this otherwise sometimes serious and heart-wrenching romantic drama, but the wholesomeness of their reunions and developing love made the pain of their separations bearable.
When the first parting between these two happens….when I say I instantly started sobbing, it was so unexpectedly emotional yet beautifully written. That scene is going to haunt me for life. I could not have predicted how quickly I was emotionally invested in Lin Qingyu and Lu Wancheng’s (Jiang Xing’s) development.
I’m a sucker for reincarnation and star-crossed lovers stories, so this really checked the boxes for me. With each reincarnation, the author slowly built up LQ and JX’s relationship with snarky humor, a shared mission, and wholesome admiration for each others’ tenacity, strength, and beauty.
There’s some odd age-jumping with each of Jiang Xing’s incarnations. Wasn’t the biggest fan of him going back and forth between being a minor who celebrates his 18th, transmigrating into a mature adult body, then back into a minor’s body again while Lin Qingyu was aging normally (they start about the same age). The last couple of incarnations have this weird dynamic where it’s become a noted issue between them that LQ is an adult while JX is a minor. That whole subcontext could have just been axed and our main characters starting out as young adults the whole time, at least not having Jiang Xing reverting to younger than his starting age.
Some of the “bad” characters really weren’t…that bad? Maybe I’m misremembering but sometimes these side characters just looked at my man Qingyu sideways and he took that as incentive to plot their murder. (Except for the greasy creepers who kept lusting after LQ. They deserved his ire.) Which, I get Lin Qingyu is meant to be the antagonist from the OG novel that JX has transmigrated into, but this was either not played up/justified enough or we were just “told” and not really “shown” just how much of the bad guy novel LQ really was. Honestly, his bad thoughts/inclinations were usually just that, and he typically chose the peace-keeping or passive approach, turning the other cheek. I think Jiang Xing could have given us a lot more insight into the OG novel in general, which would give us the contrast of his initial perception of antagonist Lin Qingyu vs the Lin Qingyu he gets to know and falls in love with.
Extras were so extra—probably could have been cut down or condensed, but you can really tell the author just had a blast writing these characters and wanted to have some fun with them. And pop off, honestly. Although I do wish that after the modern-day extras, we finally get to see LQ and JX return to the Dayu, because oddly that ended up feeling more like where Jiang Xing belonged than in his native modern-day setting.
Overall, I really really enjoyed reading this. Was genuinely excited to pick it up again every day, thought about these characters when I wasn’t reading. There was so much humor packed into this otherwise sometimes serious and heart-wrenching romantic drama, but the wholesomeness of their reunions and developing love made the pain of their separations bearable.
July 13, 2024
The story is only 119 chapters long. I've not read the extras so can't comment on them.
Objectively, I should be giving this 4* because it's a character driven story whereas I tend to prefer those which are more plot focused. The synopsis is the entire plot so there was no surprises at all. Also, Lin Qingyu's (MC) beauty is mentioned A LOT.
However, I really fell in love with the characters and wasn't bored. I'm going to miss their scheming ways. I really appreciated the fact that the one who transmigrated wasn't the MC but the ML and that made a nice change.
I absolutely adored Luo Wencheng/ General Fuzhou/ Jiang Xing (who later becomes the Emperor and is the ML). Every time he died I genuinely teared up. The slow burn romance between the MC and ML was done so well.
The politics was easy to follow. I liked how this was told in 3rd person.
So yeah, if you're in the mood for a great historical fiction romance then this is the one for you.
Objectively, I should be giving this 4* because it's a character driven story whereas I tend to prefer those which are more plot focused. The synopsis is the entire plot so there was no surprises at all. Also, Lin Qingyu's (MC) beauty is mentioned A LOT.
However, I really fell in love with the characters and wasn't bored. I'm going to miss their scheming ways. I really appreciated the fact that the one who transmigrated wasn't the MC but the ML and that made a nice change.
I absolutely adored Luo Wencheng/ General Fuzhou/ Jiang Xing (who later becomes the Emperor and is the ML). Every time he died I genuinely teared up. The slow burn romance between the MC and ML was done so well.
The politics was easy to follow. I liked how this was told in 3rd person.
So yeah, if you're in the mood for a great historical fiction romance then this is the one for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
I was looking for something that would stir my soul. Married Thrice to a Salted Fish delivered and how! Not only was my soul stirred, it was salted and stir fried.
I haven’t read the extras yet but the main plot is now complete and I can safely go ahead and rate this book 5 stars.
This book has catapulted into my top five Danmei books of all time. And my top three romance novels of all time.
This is a master class on characterisation with gold tier dialogues and humour that borrows from ancient china and modern times to create a delicious potpourri of lip smacking goodness. I am not someone who gets invested in side characters but, in this story, I was. I found myself getting attached to supporting characters and in some places even rooting for the antagonist. I think, a story is brilliantly written when the antagonist is realistic. When you loathe them but also understand why they’re the way they are.
There are multiple antagonists in this story but by the time revenge gets served to them, I somewhat felt sympathetic. That’s how nicely fleshed out they are.
I loved the romance. The ML is one of the best I’ve come across in Danmei. He is very similar to Hua Cheng (TGCF) and Yan Xiaohan (Golden Stage). The ML is not a scum gong. He is respectful, patient, smart, funny and endearing. I wanted to squeeze his face. And I’ve never felt that way before for an ML. He’s such a darling, honestly.
The MC is not your typical Mary Sue. He’s not self sacrificing and pitiful. He is smart, conniving and not someone to mess with. Sometimes he can be scary. And I liked that about him. The MC is a nice character that is pushed into situations that require him to protect himself. He is cornered repeatedly and therefore decides to plot his way out. It’s an interesting characterisation to adopt for an MC and I enjoyed every bit of being inside Lin Qingyu’s mind.
I also loved Shen Huashi and the multiple versions of the ML. My personal favourite was General Gu.
Great translation by Chrysanthemum Garden and what else can I say? It’ll take a while to get over this delightful book.
I haven’t read the extras yet but the main plot is now complete and I can safely go ahead and rate this book 5 stars.
This book has catapulted into my top five Danmei books of all time. And my top three romance novels of all time.
This is a master class on characterisation with gold tier dialogues and humour that borrows from ancient china and modern times to create a delicious potpourri of lip smacking goodness. I am not someone who gets invested in side characters but, in this story, I was. I found myself getting attached to supporting characters and in some places even rooting for the antagonist. I think, a story is brilliantly written when the antagonist is realistic. When you loathe them but also understand why they’re the way they are.
There are multiple antagonists in this story but by the time revenge gets served to them, I somewhat felt sympathetic. That’s how nicely fleshed out they are.
I loved the romance. The ML is one of the best I’ve come across in Danmei. He is very similar to Hua Cheng (TGCF) and Yan Xiaohan (Golden Stage). The ML is not a scum gong. He is respectful, patient, smart, funny and endearing. I wanted to squeeze his face. And I’ve never felt that way before for an ML. He’s such a darling, honestly.
The MC is not your typical Mary Sue. He’s not self sacrificing and pitiful. He is smart, conniving and not someone to mess with. Sometimes he can be scary. And I liked that about him. The MC is a nice character that is pushed into situations that require him to protect himself. He is cornered repeatedly and therefore decides to plot his way out. It’s an interesting characterisation to adopt for an MC and I enjoyed every bit of being inside Lin Qingyu’s mind.
I also loved Shen Huashi and the multiple versions of the ML. My personal favourite was General Gu.
Great translation by Chrysanthemum Garden and what else can I say? It’ll take a while to get over this delightful book.
September 24, 2023
I just finished reading this story and now it is my life mission to convince everyone to read it!!
The story is about Lin Qingyu, our main character, who is suddenly forced to marry the young master of a prestigious family and forced to give up his big dream of taking the examination of the Imperial Medical Office in which he was preparing for three long years, to become a doctor. It is then that we follow his story through this marriage, where he has to find out the true identity of his mysterious husband.
This story was beautiful from beginning to end. The story is about transmigration, however, it follows the point of view of the one who has NOT transmigrated, so it was fun to read the reactions of the characters being so confused about this character who acts and speaks very different from them, and they don't know what it is due to.
The story has parts of angst, however, I think a very good balance is created throughout the story, which makes it a very enjoyable and easy read to follow.
Although the story has a funny tone most of the time, you should also be aware that it deals with heavy topics, such as diseases and violence.
The characters are excellent and very realistic, I mainly loved the relationship between the two main characters, the mutual support they gave each other and how romantic their relationship is!!! I really loved their interactions, and the way their relationship evolved through the chapters, it was beautiful to be able to see all this growth and see slowly how they started to trust each other. I loved the secondary characters as well. Many times I don't usually care much for them, however, in this story it was nice to read about them when it was their time to be on "screen" and the story always kept my interest in them alive.
This novel has now become one of my favorites, and I am so glad I gave it a chance and got to know this world and these characters!!! Now that I've finished it, I can't stop thinking about them T-T.
The story is about Lin Qingyu, our main character, who is suddenly forced to marry the young master of a prestigious family and forced to give up his big dream of taking the examination of the Imperial Medical Office in which he was preparing for three long years, to become a doctor. It is then that we follow his story through this marriage, where he has to find out the true identity of his mysterious husband.
This story was beautiful from beginning to end. The story is about transmigration, however, it follows the point of view of the one who has NOT transmigrated, so it was fun to read the reactions of the characters being so confused about this character who acts and speaks very different from them, and they don't know what it is due to.
The story has parts of angst, however, I think a very good balance is created throughout the story, which makes it a very enjoyable and easy read to follow.
Although the story has a funny tone most of the time, you should also be aware that it deals with heavy topics, such as diseases and violence.
The characters are excellent and very realistic, I mainly loved the relationship between the two main characters, the mutual support they gave each other and how romantic their relationship is!!! I really loved their interactions, and the way their relationship evolved through the chapters, it was beautiful to be able to see all this growth and see slowly how they started to trust each other. I loved the secondary characters as well. Many times I don't usually care much for them, however, in this story it was nice to read about them when it was their time to be on "screen" and the story always kept my interest in them alive.
This novel has now become one of my favorites, and I am so glad I gave it a chance and got to know this world and these characters!!! Now that I've finished it, I can't stop thinking about them T-T.
March 6, 2025
"Like this, he accompanied him, walking step by step to the highest spot. Hundreds of officials paid homage. Heaven and earth celebrated together. From this day on, winter had another meaning to Lin Qingyu."
I am so in love! MTSF is a refreshingly unique take on romance, political intrigue, and personal growth. Everything about the book is so fun and lovable! From the characters and to the plot points. It's a book you can enjoy no matter whatever you're feeling at the moment.
What makes this book stand out to me is its complex portrayal of Lin Qingyu. He is unapologetically confident, ruthless, and at times cruel—traits that might normally make him seem villainous. However, these very characteristics are what make him feel so human and relatable. His dark side, far from being a flaw, is embraced by his husband, Jiang Xin, who finds beauty in Lin Qingyu's brilliance when he embraces his more vengeful instincts. Their slow-burn relationship develops naturally from friendship into something deeper, while maintaining a balance of sweetness and emotional depth.
The love between Lin Qingyu and Jiang Xin is built on hardship, suffering, and emotional turmoil, yet it’s portrayed in a way that feels both romantic and tragic without melodramatizing the pain. Lin Qingyu’s reaction to the multiple deaths of his husband is particularly touching, as his grief is quiet and realistic, lending emotional weight to the story without exaggeration. This portrayal makes the loss feel genuine and impactful, lingering long after it occurs.
Though the story may seem like a typical "love against all odds" tale, it surprises by delving into the morally gray aspects of its characters. Lin Qingyu's inability to forgive and his resolve to do what’s best for himself, even at the cost of others, provide a refreshing departure from the typical "pure-hearted" protagonist. Jiang Xin, instead of challenging these traits, supports them, creating a unique dynamic where both characters find strength in each other’s imperfections. It's an emotional, slow-burn story, where every feeling is earned, and every step forward feels monumental.
Moving on from the seriousness, I couldn't help but laugh and giggle so hard at every other chapter especially at the extra chapters showing them at modern times! They are just so cute and adorable, ancient or modern, their personality traits never changed. Aside from these, I genuinely love Xiao Cheng's and Shen Huaishi's relationship. I like dogblood a lot and if I could be given a chance to read Huai's Refusal of the Monarch, I'd read it in a heartbeat.
Kyah, I hope for them a successful double degrees and return safely to Dayu! Love ling to the Emperor and Empress!
"Jiang Xing took two steps back, cupped his hands before his chest and bowed. “First, a thousand years to langjun and second, to qieshen, perpetual health.”
Lin Qingyu smiled, and replied, “Third, like the swallows perched on roof beams, may we see each other year after year.”
They wore their hair short, wore modern clothes and saluted each other as they did in the Dayu."
I am so in love! MTSF is a refreshingly unique take on romance, political intrigue, and personal growth. Everything about the book is so fun and lovable! From the characters and to the plot points. It's a book you can enjoy no matter whatever you're feeling at the moment.
What makes this book stand out to me is its complex portrayal of Lin Qingyu. He is unapologetically confident, ruthless, and at times cruel—traits that might normally make him seem villainous. However, these very characteristics are what make him feel so human and relatable. His dark side, far from being a flaw, is embraced by his husband, Jiang Xin, who finds beauty in Lin Qingyu's brilliance when he embraces his more vengeful instincts. Their slow-burn relationship develops naturally from friendship into something deeper, while maintaining a balance of sweetness and emotional depth.
The love between Lin Qingyu and Jiang Xin is built on hardship, suffering, and emotional turmoil, yet it’s portrayed in a way that feels both romantic and tragic without melodramatizing the pain. Lin Qingyu’s reaction to the multiple deaths of his husband is particularly touching, as his grief is quiet and realistic, lending emotional weight to the story without exaggeration. This portrayal makes the loss feel genuine and impactful, lingering long after it occurs.
Though the story may seem like a typical "love against all odds" tale, it surprises by delving into the morally gray aspects of its characters. Lin Qingyu's inability to forgive and his resolve to do what’s best for himself, even at the cost of others, provide a refreshing departure from the typical "pure-hearted" protagonist. Jiang Xin, instead of challenging these traits, supports them, creating a unique dynamic where both characters find strength in each other’s imperfections. It's an emotional, slow-burn story, where every feeling is earned, and every step forward feels monumental.
Moving on from the seriousness, I couldn't help but laugh and giggle so hard at every other chapter especially at the extra chapters showing them at modern times! They are just so cute and adorable, ancient or modern, their personality traits never changed. Aside from these, I genuinely love Xiao Cheng's and Shen Huaishi's relationship. I like dogblood a lot and if I could be given a chance to read Huai's Refusal of the Monarch, I'd read it in a heartbeat.
Kyah, I hope for them a successful double degrees and return safely to Dayu! Love ling to the Emperor and Empress!
"Jiang Xing took two steps back, cupped his hands before his chest and bowed. “First, a thousand years to langjun and second, to qieshen, perpetual health.”
Lin Qingyu smiled, and replied, “Third, like the swallows perched on roof beams, may we see each other year after year.”
They wore their hair short, wore modern clothes and saluted each other as they did in the Dayu."
September 5, 2024
It's ungodly hours again, and I'm here to rate and review this perfection. Don't be fooled by the looks of it, I know you only see 5 starts here, but it's actually 5000 stars. It's an entire galaxy. I'm absolutely mesmerized by this book, by its romance, by the CHARACTERS. I wouldn't change a single fucking thing in this book, it's safe to say that it's become one of my new favorites. Even the translation was amazing, I was eating it UP (and we all know that translating Chinese is far from easy). It was so incredibly witty and funny, I got a feeling that it depicted author's words just right, giving it the exact flavor it needed!
The most outstanding part, and the HIGHLIGHT is, of course, the romance: their dynamic, the most delicious slowburn. I remember when I first searched the book with my friend and we saw it was 1300 pages of supposedly romance, we were a bit sceptic, but I had a gut feeling that it would be good, and boy oh boy, I was more than correct. Li Qingyu and Jiang mean everything to me, and their love is so freaking beautiful that it made me cry multiple times (both from laugher and sadness). The couple that scheme together (and raise poisonous pets later on, heh) stay together. I'm so glad that I randomly stumbled upon this book one day on that random TikTok fanart, the first and only time I saw this book title mentioned, so a special shoutout goes to TikTok for introducing to me this masterpiece.
P. S. CONTRARY TO THE POPULAR BELIEF, THIS BOOK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ACTUAL FISHES, ITS A METAPHOR, TY
The most outstanding part, and the HIGHLIGHT is, of course, the romance: their dynamic, the most delicious slowburn. I remember when I first searched the book with my friend and we saw it was 1300 pages of supposedly romance, we were a bit sceptic, but I had a gut feeling that it would be good, and boy oh boy, I was more than correct. Li Qingyu and Jiang mean everything to me, and their love is so freaking beautiful that it made me cry multiple times (both from laugher and sadness). The couple that scheme together (and raise poisonous pets later on, heh) stay together. I'm so glad that I randomly stumbled upon this book one day on that random TikTok fanart, the first and only time I saw this book title mentioned, so a special shoutout goes to TikTok for introducing to me this masterpiece.
P. S. CONTRARY TO THE POPULAR BELIEF, THIS BOOK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ACTUAL FISHES, ITS A METAPHOR, TY
January 4, 2024
This is a brief review(I may add more details and thoughts about this book in the future).
First of all, this story has the right amount of laugh, angst (crying), political plot and “war” that was never heavy or exaggerated!
I loved the different characterizations of the main and supporting characters (Xiao Cheng included, even though I still think Shen Huaishi, who is a character I absolutely loved and I would give my life for, was too gentle and soft-hearted with him, despite everything he did) and the dynamics! Especially I adored the main couple (both the characterization of the two and the dynamic between them), so much so they became one of my favourite couples, a perfect match that made me laugh, cry and despair and also warmed my heart!!++they were so cute both in the Dayu and in modern times setting T-T.
I decided to read this novel because the transmigration trope regards a point of view different from that of MC. And now i would like to read this trope from such povs in all of the other novels about transmigration!
That was so refreshing and intriguing(fortunately before reading the novel I didn’t read all the plot in NU or goodreads, so I didn’t know what would happen).
Therefore, not my favourite novel but I enjoyed it very much, everyone who likes historical and transmigration novels should read it!
First of all, this story has the right amount of laugh, angst (crying), political plot and “war” that was never heavy or exaggerated!
I loved the different characterizations of the main and supporting characters (Xiao Cheng included, even though I still think Shen Huaishi, who is a character I absolutely loved and I would give my life for, was too gentle and soft-hearted with him, despite everything he did) and the dynamics! Especially I adored the main couple (both the characterization of the two and the dynamic between them), so much so they became one of my favourite couples, a perfect match that made me laugh, cry and despair and also warmed my heart!!++they were so cute both in the Dayu and in modern times setting T-T.
I decided to read this novel because the transmigration trope regards a point of view different from that of MC. And now i would like to read this trope from such povs in all of the other novels about transmigration!
That was so refreshing and intriguing(fortunately before reading the novel I didn’t read all the plot in NU or goodreads, so I didn’t know what would happen).
Therefore, not my favourite novel but I enjoyed it very much, everyone who likes historical and transmigration novels should read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
It was soooooo cute I love how healthy and adorable the couple is 😭. I loved Lin Qingyu with all my heart he deserves the best
December 6, 2023
No es malo como tal, pero siento que se saltan muchas cosas que hubiera considerado importantes. Como punto a agregar, no leí los extras. Los extras se suponen que es contenido adicional, pero en sí considero que todo lo importante de un libro debe estar concluido dentro de la historia principal, lo que no sucede. Muchas tramas que podrían haber resultado interesantes se quedaron al aire, a penas exploradas.
Eso sí, la relación de los dos protas me encantó, qué fue eso. Puro amor <3
Eso sí, la relación de los dos protas me encantó, qué fue eso. Puro amor <3
November 15, 2025
The first fifty-odd chapters are transcendent. My most favorite thing: a cracky premise given a slow burn, emotionally complex treatment. I was in love, I raved in my progress notes, I actually CRIED at one point. Those fifty-odd chapters were a five-star read.
But there are 149 chapters in total. And the rest of them suck.
That's... too harsh. They don't suck. They just shrivel in comparison with what came before. What is a unique, touching, sweet, funny take on the bog-standard transmigration trope becomes a... bog-standard take on the transmigration trope. A little worse than bog-standard, if we're being honest, because Bi Ka Bi's strengths do not include grand political drama.
The thing is, the story is great when it's working on a small scale: when it's about the relationship between a transmigrator stuck in the body of someone doomed to soon die, and the super-intelligent beauty whose canon fate doesn't do them any justice. It's great when it's about household drama and the petty in-fighting between family members jockeying for power and resources, and how Lin Quingyu disrupts all that by being utterly and unexpectedly ruthless; it's even better when it's revealed through his careful treatment of his (unwanted) husband that it doesn't mean he's heartless. It's so charming to watch the believable progression of a high school student transmigrated into a fantasy story fall in love with his favorite character from that fantasy, even while acknowledging the character has no reason to love him back after being forced into marriage.
The scene that made me cry was
But then they reunite.
And suddenly everything is boring as shit.
I know what the problem is: Lin Qingyu is our POV character, the rise and fall of tension in the narrative is dependent on him, what he wants and strives for.
The problem is, after reuniting the first time, Lin Qingyu has everything he wants. He was only ever a cannon fodder shou; he had no overarching narrative. Once he avoids death... he's good! He's a doctor! He's in the middle of successfully murdering the crown prince! (More on that later.) He has his husband back! He! Doesn't! Want! Anything! Else!
So the next almost-100 chapters are stuff happening to our main couple, while they parry and dodge. Or just describe endless details of court relationships and power players' schemes, very few of which affect them directly. (Sometimes they do affect the couple directly, and the story is interesting again! It is usually a very brief interlude.) Listen, the setup is so obvious at that point, the author is literally writing notes to ask readers to let the second husband die with respect before ushering in the obvious, and obviously younger and better-looking Final Destination husband. It's that obvious a set-up, a holding pattern.
Jiang Xing reveals they're living out the events of a book, which leaves Lin Qingyu completely unfazed, and the main focus of their lives is whether or not they'll end up as truly romantic partners and not just partners in crime, which would also mean having sex. Again, this might be more interesting if it were like the first third, where Jiang Xing has secrets he's hiding, or Lin Qingyu thinks he has to hide his true nature. Instead, it's just a lot of "banter" that trades on the motifs established in the first third: Jiang Xing is lazy and cute, Lin Qingyu is emotionless except when it comes to Jiang Xing, they sleep in bunk beds how cute, Jiang Xing is very concerned with how much less handsome he is in his new bodies, Lin Qingyu plots murders, etc.
There is no escalation of internal conflict, there's no real development of the characters beyond stock tropes. While this worked as solid ground to build on... there's no building, here. We just double down.
It's a similar problem in the jump from household drama to the assassination of princes and emperors. I could rant forever about this section of the book, because it's so dumb, it's SO DUMB; people being petty and shitty for no reason works in emotionally claustrophobic households, but when you have the literal
...
I have never been so in love and then so vilely disappointed with the same title. I thought the ending to MDZS sloppy and slapdash, but I chalked it up to MXTX running out of steam and wrapping things up as quick as she could. I never imagined things could be worse, that an author could go on for almost one hundred chapters with almost nothing new to say, just because of a promised plot conceit of three reincarnations, and then had to make good.
Bah humbug. I bailed out early; usually that's an automatic one-star, but I loved the first sequence so, so much... so. Two stars.
But there are 149 chapters in total. And the rest of them suck.
That's... too harsh. They don't suck. They just shrivel in comparison with what came before. What is a unique, touching, sweet, funny take on the bog-standard transmigration trope becomes a... bog-standard take on the transmigration trope. A little worse than bog-standard, if we're being honest, because Bi Ka Bi's strengths do not include grand political drama.
The thing is, the story is great when it's working on a small scale: when it's about the relationship between a transmigrator stuck in the body of someone doomed to soon die, and the super-intelligent beauty whose canon fate doesn't do them any justice. It's great when it's about household drama and the petty in-fighting between family members jockeying for power and resources, and how Lin Quingyu disrupts all that by being utterly and unexpectedly ruthless; it's even better when it's revealed through his careful treatment of his (unwanted) husband that it doesn't mean he's heartless. It's so charming to watch the believable progression of a high school student transmigrated into a fantasy story fall in love with his favorite character from that fantasy, even while acknowledging the character has no reason to love him back after being forced into marriage.
The scene that made me cry was
But then they reunite.
And suddenly everything is boring as shit.
I know what the problem is: Lin Qingyu is our POV character, the rise and fall of tension in the narrative is dependent on him, what he wants and strives for.
The problem is, after reuniting the first time, Lin Qingyu has everything he wants. He was only ever a cannon fodder shou; he had no overarching narrative. Once he avoids death... he's good! He's a doctor! He's in the middle of successfully murdering the crown prince! (More on that later.) He has his husband back! He! Doesn't! Want! Anything! Else!
So the next almost-100 chapters are stuff happening to our main couple, while they parry and dodge. Or just describe endless details of court relationships and power players' schemes, very few of which affect them directly. (Sometimes they do affect the couple directly, and the story is interesting again! It is usually a very brief interlude.) Listen, the setup is so obvious at that point, the author is literally writing notes to ask readers to let the second husband die with respect before ushering in the obvious, and obviously younger and better-looking Final Destination husband. It's that obvious a set-up, a holding pattern.
Jiang Xing reveals they're living out the events of a book, which leaves Lin Qingyu completely unfazed, and the main focus of their lives is whether or not they'll end up as truly romantic partners and not just partners in crime, which would also mean having sex. Again, this might be more interesting if it were like the first third, where Jiang Xing has secrets he's hiding, or Lin Qingyu thinks he has to hide his true nature. Instead, it's just a lot of "banter" that trades on the motifs established in the first third: Jiang Xing is lazy and cute, Lin Qingyu is emotionless except when it comes to Jiang Xing, they sleep in bunk beds how cute, Jiang Xing is very concerned with how much less handsome he is in his new bodies, Lin Qingyu plots murders, etc.
There is no escalation of internal conflict, there's no real development of the characters beyond stock tropes. While this worked as solid ground to build on... there's no building, here. We just double down.
It's a similar problem in the jump from household drama to the assassination of princes and emperors. I could rant forever about this section of the book, because it's so dumb, it's SO DUMB; people being petty and shitty for no reason works in emotionally claustrophobic households, but when you have the literal
...
I have never been so in love and then so vilely disappointed with the same title. I thought the ending to MDZS sloppy and slapdash, but I chalked it up to MXTX running out of steam and wrapping things up as quick as she could. I never imagined things could be worse, that an author could go on for almost one hundred chapters with almost nothing new to say, just because of a promised plot conceit of three reincarnations, and then had to make good.
Bah humbug. I bailed out early; usually that's an automatic one-star, but I loved the first sequence so, so much... so. Two stars.
November 18, 2024
I genuinely cannot even put into words how much I loved this book. From the politics, to the romance, to just how CUNNING Lin Qingyu is? He's so brilliant and cold and I absolutely fell in love with him. I also love how they both grew to love each other, a real, friendship grown into their pairing and it. There were also these moments of humour that broke through the constant tension that I appreciated and made me further love Lin Qingyu as a main character.
I did burst into tears at Lu Wancheng's death, so devastating yet so beautiful. Truly the lowest point of that book. "I'm sorry, Qingyu. I don't think I can hold on anymore. But I've worked really hard. Don't be angry." TEARS. SOBBING.
I can't even put how much I loved this into worlds. Top book of the year by far.
Some lovely quotes, although I couldn't pick my favourites:
"'You did all this, even taking on the risk of poisoning youself, just to come back to see me?'
Gu Fuzhou said without hesitation, 'If not for that, then for what?'"
"Although I despise the world, I love you—Could it be that I can't?"
PLEASE READ IT.
I did burst into tears at Lu Wancheng's death, so devastating yet so beautiful. Truly the lowest point of that book. "I'm sorry, Qingyu. I don't think I can hold on anymore. But I've worked really hard. Don't be angry." TEARS. SOBBING.
I can't even put how much I loved this into worlds. Top book of the year by far.
Some lovely quotes, although I couldn't pick my favourites:
"'You did all this, even taking on the risk of poisoning youself, just to come back to see me?'
Gu Fuzhou said without hesitation, 'If not for that, then for what?'"
"Although I despise the world, I love you—Could it be that I can't?"
PLEASE READ IT.
August 2, 2024
MARRIED THRICE TO SALTED FISH PT 1
4/5stars
i absolutely LOVE this story - the characters are so believable and so real, I love their relationship (the slow burn is SO REAL) and how they banter and tease each other. i really really love qingyu as a character and how he really breaks the mold of what the pretty, feminine, "wife" character is in most danmei. He is so badass and I love how he's kind of a terrible person but its okay cause his husband encourages him to be a bad person LOL
the politics within the palace are so entertaining and ridiculous but not TOO convoluted or hard to follow. it's been the perfect combination of everything.
I'm giving it a 4 though just because I wish we got more of their relationship and less stuff about what was going on in the house... but its a very high 4 esp for the ending scene like GOSH I cried so hard esp at
MARRIED THRICE TO SALTED FISH PT 2
5/5stars
MAN the first volume of this was so strong, but this one blew me away. This book truly has everything - I'm obsessed with the two main characters, especially Qingyu with his pretty face and horrible intentions. The progression of the romance in this literally had me kicking my feet and screaming every time anything happened - I just LOVE a good slow burn.
SO much happened in this volume to progress the plot as well also the development of the world is SO INTERESTING
But also ya girl was CRYING like when Qingyu woke up on Ju Wancheng's death anniversary? SOBBING
I have SO MANY THEORIES for the finally "part" of this and then I've already heard the extras are amazing so I'm sure I will love it. I will be reading it IMMEDIATELY!
MARRIED THRICE TO SALTED FISH PT 3
5/5stars
The ending of this was honestly just SO sweet and so perfect for these two. I love how they grew together, how they changed and adapted for each other, but also how they protected the other and wanted him to be who he truly was (Jiang being so obsessed with making sure Qingyu could always 'do bad things to people' was weirdly adorable).
I love how everything came together in the end and how all of the characters and their lives intersected, but most importantly I just loved our two boys so much <3
OVERALL
5/5stars
This might be one of my favorite romances in a danmei ever - it was just so wonderful. They were so strangely realistic, and I just loved this idea of the two main characters kind of being bad people who just wanted to screw up everything for everyone else - but TOGETHER lol
Qingyu is probably one of my new favorite danmei characters as well, I just adored him so much
Although the plot was a bit more simple than more danmei I've read, after so much intense politics/fighting/fantasy in many other books in this genre, it was honestly a breath of fresh air reading something like this. I really liked how it was predictable enough to be a comfort read but also twisty enough to keep you on your toes. I LOVED how sometimes we got to be "in on it" with Qingyu/Jiang about their plots and ploys, and other times we got to see them happen in real time with the rest of the characters.
Overall, I really really loved this!!
4/5stars
i absolutely LOVE this story - the characters are so believable and so real, I love their relationship (the slow burn is SO REAL) and how they banter and tease each other. i really really love qingyu as a character and how he really breaks the mold of what the pretty, feminine, "wife" character is in most danmei. He is so badass and I love how he's kind of a terrible person but its okay cause his husband encourages him to be a bad person LOL
the politics within the palace are so entertaining and ridiculous but not TOO convoluted or hard to follow. it's been the perfect combination of everything.
I'm giving it a 4 though just because I wish we got more of their relationship and less stuff about what was going on in the house... but its a very high 4 esp for the ending scene like GOSH I cried so hard esp at
MARRIED THRICE TO SALTED FISH PT 2
5/5stars
MAN the first volume of this was so strong, but this one blew me away. This book truly has everything - I'm obsessed with the two main characters, especially Qingyu with his pretty face and horrible intentions. The progression of the romance in this literally had me kicking my feet and screaming every time anything happened - I just LOVE a good slow burn.
SO much happened in this volume to progress the plot as well also the development of the world is SO INTERESTING
But also ya girl was CRYING like when Qingyu woke up on Ju Wancheng's death anniversary? SOBBING
I have SO MANY THEORIES for the finally "part" of this and then I've already heard the extras are amazing so I'm sure I will love it. I will be reading it IMMEDIATELY!
MARRIED THRICE TO SALTED FISH PT 3
5/5stars
The ending of this was honestly just SO sweet and so perfect for these two. I love how they grew together, how they changed and adapted for each other, but also how they protected the other and wanted him to be who he truly was (Jiang being so obsessed with making sure Qingyu could always 'do bad things to people' was weirdly adorable).
I love how everything came together in the end and how all of the characters and their lives intersected, but most importantly I just loved our two boys so much <3
OVERALL
5/5stars
This might be one of my favorite romances in a danmei ever - it was just so wonderful. They were so strangely realistic, and I just loved this idea of the two main characters kind of being bad people who just wanted to screw up everything for everyone else - but TOGETHER lol
Qingyu is probably one of my new favorite danmei characters as well, I just adored him so much
Although the plot was a bit more simple than more danmei I've read, after so much intense politics/fighting/fantasy in many other books in this genre, it was honestly a breath of fresh air reading something like this. I really liked how it was predictable enough to be a comfort read but also twisty enough to keep you on your toes. I LOVED how sometimes we got to be "in on it" with Qingyu/Jiang about their plots and ploys, and other times we got to see them happen in real time with the rest of the characters.
Overall, I really really loved this!!
November 8, 2023
I really really enjoyed this book. I love the concept of transmigration stories, of waking up in the world of a book you loved (or hated) but as a character whose future is fated to go badly unless you change the plot for yourself.
Married Thrice to the Salted Fish was both a great execution of that trope and also a wonderful twist of it. Having the story told from mostly Lu Qingyu’s (the non-transmigrator) perspective in the beginning was clever and allowed for the “original story” to be revealed in such a way that kept the reader curious. This is definitely my favorite transmigration novel I have read.
The romance was also so so lovely. The pacing was excellent and the trust and love that was slowly built between our main characters, from friends to companions to lovers, was a very rewarding arc. And the telling also struck a nice balance between somber, funny, and romantic.
Really just a nice, comforting, well written read.
Married Thrice to the Salted Fish was both a great execution of that trope and also a wonderful twist of it. Having the story told from mostly Lu Qingyu’s (the non-transmigrator) perspective in the beginning was clever and allowed for the “original story” to be revealed in such a way that kept the reader curious. This is definitely my favorite transmigration novel I have read.
The romance was also so so lovely. The pacing was excellent and the trust and love that was slowly built between our main characters, from friends to companions to lovers, was a very rewarding arc. And the telling also struck a nice balance between somber, funny, and romantic.
Really just a nice, comforting, well written read.
October 4, 2023
120 CHAPTERS, 4 STARS
SHALL UPDATE REVIEWS AFTER I AM DONE WITH EXTRAS
Update: I don’t think I will finish the extras. I loved the young master and general arcs but the emperor arc was lacking.
2+2 stars for the first two arcs.
When I reached the emperor arc, it made me realize the downside of this book and that is our ml’s personality. He is funny yes but his whole personality is just Lin Qingyu great beauty this, Lin Qingyu my wife cool that. There is nothing else to reminisce about him. The ending of the main story was so abrupt, it makes one disappointed. The story is continued in the extras but what’s the point to make it ‘extras’ if it’s the main story continuation?
SHALL UPDATE REVIEWS AFTER I AM DONE WITH EXTRAS
Update: I don’t think I will finish the extras. I loved the young master and general arcs but the emperor arc was lacking.
2+2 stars for the first two arcs.
When I reached the emperor arc, it made me realize the downside of this book and that is our ml’s personality. He is funny yes but his whole personality is just Lin Qingyu great beauty this, Lin Qingyu my wife cool that. There is nothing else to reminisce about him. The ending of the main story was so abrupt, it makes one disappointed. The story is continued in the extras but what’s the point to make it ‘extras’ if it’s the main story continuation?
October 24, 2022
This is a refreshing BL palace story. It does not follow the predictable standard storyline. The main couple is likable, intelligent and imperfect.
January 2, 2025
[5/5] ✦
"if odd, change. if even, remain the same."
i loved the reincarnation aspect of this novel so much - as someone who loves themes similar to that, it really fulfilled my wishes!
lin qingyu is my favourite type of character. he reminds me a lot of shen lanzhou and fei du <3 his dynamic with jiang xing was so sweet.
even though the side characters were a bit flat, i loved shen huaishi's character + saltedsnake made up for the rest
♡
for a long time, gu fuzhou did not speak. afraid that he was blaming him for being late, lin qingyu added, "i have made the general wait for so long. please forgive me."
gu fuzhou didn't look at him. finally, he was able to get something out.
"it's alright," he said with a low chuckle, "i like waiting."
"you're wrong." lin qingyu said, "lu wancheng, gu fuzhou, they may be supporting roles. but when you came, they became the protagonists."
ling qingyu said softly, "i want to hide you, lock you up, so that you can't go anywhere. i want you to only stay by my side, look only at me."
what he liked the most has always been and will always be the way lin qingyu looked when he was happy.
although i despise the world, i love you
"if odd, change. if even, remain the same."
i loved the reincarnation aspect of this novel so much - as someone who loves themes similar to that, it really fulfilled my wishes!
lin qingyu is my favourite type of character. he reminds me a lot of shen lanzhou and fei du <3 his dynamic with jiang xing was so sweet.
even though the side characters were a bit flat, i loved shen huaishi's character + saltedsnake made up for the rest
♡
for a long time, gu fuzhou did not speak. afraid that he was blaming him for being late, lin qingyu added, "i have made the general wait for so long. please forgive me."
gu fuzhou didn't look at him. finally, he was able to get something out.
"it's alright," he said with a low chuckle, "i like waiting."
"you're wrong." lin qingyu said, "lu wancheng, gu fuzhou, they may be supporting roles. but when you came, they became the protagonists."
ling qingyu said softly, "i want to hide you, lock you up, so that you can't go anywhere. i want you to only stay by my side, look only at me."
what he liked the most has always been and will always be the way lin qingyu looked when he was happy.
although i despise the world, i love you
May 1, 2025
no esperaba que me fuera a gustar tanto esta novela, pero estuve atrapadísima de principio a fin. si bien en algún punto había mucha política, no me saturó en ningún momento; de hecho, fue fácil seguir el hilo. me gustó muchísimo la dinámica de la pareja, fue algo diferente para mí (ahora necesito leer algo parecido, sigh). amé la forma en la que se fue desarrollando su relación, para mí, no fue un ritmo lento, creo que estuvo perfecto. a los personajes secundarios también les tomé cariño y los llevo en mi corazón (shen huaishi, te amo meu bb)
genuinamente disfruté cada segundo esta lectura, fangirleé, me reí un montón, me enojé, me estresé y sufrí un poco, todo muy bien balanceado !!
genuinamente disfruté cada segundo esta lectura, fangirleé, me reí un montón, me enojé, me estresé y sufrí un poco, todo muy bien balanceado !!
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