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Golden Terrace #2
Golden Terrace, Vol. 2
As the bond between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan deepens, the looming threat above the empire of Great Zhou remains omnipresent. After the settlement of the Kuangshan Academy case, Yan Xiaohan accompanies Prince Qi southward to Jingchu. However, an unexpected storm traps Prince Qi’s party inside a mysterious temple and leads Yan Xiaohan into a hidden lion’s den.
Meanwhile, the investigation on Fu Shen’s injury continues to reveal deeper mysteries that enshroud the imperial court. To protect their loved ones and establish peace in this turbulent land, Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan must conquer the impending danger and uncover the truths of the nation in the final conclusion of this epic chronicle.
Meanwhile, the investigation on Fu Shen’s injury continues to reveal deeper mysteries that enshroud the imperial court. To protect their loved ones and establish peace in this turbulent land, Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan must conquer the impending danger and uncover the truths of the nation in the final conclusion of this epic chronicle.
408 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
October 16, 2023
It isn’t Jingyuan who can’t live without me. It’s I who cannot live without him
I didn’t succeed in giving my life for my country. You got the best of it.
How can one not fall in love with Xiaohan and Fu Shen? Nothing. No one. Not even my past self who gave this wonderful book a 3-star can change my mind anymore. This is among one of my favourite Danmei reads ever. Every word resonated in my heart. Tugged at my poor heartstrings. Took me to the edge of excitement and brought me back.
I was lost in its pages. I felt as if you stepped into ancient China every time I read it. I could almost hear the pipa playing, the whistle of a sword being unsheathed, and the smell of the blood of thousands. Is it a pretty picture I’m describing? Obviously not. Because this isn’t your usual pretty story. Despite my words praising (most probably overpraising) the romance, this book is more than that. Amongst the sugary sweet words, there is a gruesome court battle taking place. Cang Wu Bin Bai really outdid herself. Her witty style with beautiful prose really captured me.
I am glad we got to see more of our side characters. Especially that epilogue. I am so happy for Tingxin and Prince Su. My heart felt bittersweet reading their epilogue. They did get their happy ending but after centuries of longing and heartache.
As I praised her the first last time, I waited till now to praise her again. E. Danglars really outdid herself with this one. She’s half the reason that we danmei fans could truly enjoy the beauty of this book. Her translation was truly beyond any other translation I’ve read. And once again let me not forget to praise PeachBlossom Flower House. Thank you so much for picking this story up and thank you so much for the beautiful cover art. I am in love with it. Let me now tie this up with one of the many beautiful quotes in the book.
This time, the red thread that had been torn was at last tied into a knot, binding together lovers who had missed their destiny, to the end if this life, never to let go, never to part.
Sorrow and joy and parting and reunion,life and death and calamity and trial, wild laughter and tearful songs, twelve years hone by like the course of a long river-all if it flowed gently past in the instant their eyes met.
I didn’t succeed in giving my life for my country. You got the best of it.
How can one not fall in love with Xiaohan and Fu Shen? Nothing. No one. Not even my past self who gave this wonderful book a 3-star can change my mind anymore. This is among one of my favourite Danmei reads ever. Every word resonated in my heart. Tugged at my poor heartstrings. Took me to the edge of excitement and brought me back.
I was lost in its pages. I felt as if you stepped into ancient China every time I read it. I could almost hear the pipa playing, the whistle of a sword being unsheathed, and the smell of the blood of thousands. Is it a pretty picture I’m describing? Obviously not. Because this isn’t your usual pretty story. Despite my words praising (most probably overpraising) the romance, this book is more than that. Amongst the sugary sweet words, there is a gruesome court battle taking place. Cang Wu Bin Bai really outdid herself. Her witty style with beautiful prose really captured me.
I am glad we got to see more of our side characters. Especially that epilogue. I am so happy for Tingxin and Prince Su. My heart felt bittersweet reading their epilogue. They did get their happy ending but after centuries of longing and heartache.
As I praised her the first last time, I waited till now to praise her again. E. Danglars really outdid herself with this one. She’s half the reason that we danmei fans could truly enjoy the beauty of this book. Her translation was truly beyond any other translation I’ve read. And once again let me not forget to praise PeachBlossom Flower House. Thank you so much for picking this story up and thank you so much for the beautiful cover art. I am in love with it. Let me now tie this up with one of the many beautiful quotes in the book.
This time, the red thread that had been torn was at last tied into a knot, binding together lovers who had missed their destiny, to the end if this life, never to let go, never to part.
Sorrow and joy and parting and reunion,life and death and calamity and trial, wild laughter and tearful songs, twelve years hone by like the course of a long river-all if it flowed gently past in the instant their eyes met.
April 24, 2024
This book will be my new gold standard for political fantasy drama but make it cozy. Which is kind of staggering cause I can’t say that it’s a low stake story, cause it’s not, but their is something about the strength of the main couple that makes you believe that they can tackle anything.
I thought the pacing of this was fantastic, the story just kept moving along and never got mired down in itself. To the point where I found myself almost surprised at how adeptly it flew through scenes I expected would be a heavy slog to navigate.
Fu Shen and Yan Xioahan have got to be one of my favourite power couples. It was so refreshing to read a story where all the conflict was external to the relationship and didn’t rely on cheap interpersonal drama for story points. When one of them is upset, they do this wild thing where they talk transparently and then smooch. So healthy. Love to see it.
And the reuniting at the river scene 🫶🏻 god they’re so romantic, I just love them so much.
Golden Terrace, Vol. 1 5⭐️
I thought the pacing of this was fantastic, the story just kept moving along and never got mired down in itself. To the point where I found myself almost surprised at how adeptly it flew through scenes I expected would be a heavy slog to navigate.
Fu Shen and Yan Xioahan have got to be one of my favourite power couples. It was so refreshing to read a story where all the conflict was external to the relationship and didn’t rely on cheap interpersonal drama for story points. When one of them is upset, they do this wild thing where they talk transparently and then smooch. So healthy. Love to see it.
And the reuniting at the river scene 🫶🏻 god they’re so romantic, I just love them so much.
Golden Terrace, Vol. 1 5⭐️
September 15, 2024
To have been able to meet you is three lifetime's worth of blessings.
April 11, 2024
These 2 Chinese gems of books are absolutely amazing and this couple stole my heart from their first encounter. Their care for each other, their gentle hearts and their self-sacrifice for each other is nothing short of wonderful.
This is an historical political intrigue book with two important figures but who despite the hardships they manage to have a warm, mature relationship while navigating the dangerous palace intrigue web. The books are kind of long and very slow paced, and here comes my complaints because I felt they were too long and their time on page, though satisfactory, wasn’t enough in the context of such a long book. I’m not a fan of political intrigue books but I liked it here yet it was too much and sometime even too convoluted . I would have loved it to be shorter and a bit more focused on the couple because it was hinted in the blurb that they are kind of enemies, adversaries yet they weren’t. If felt a bit insta, or better said it felt that they were almost an established couple. I would have loved more tension between them, more resistance, I wanted to see them getting to know one another and getting to overcome their animosity for each other. Also, this being fade to black didn’t help either. Nevertheless, reading this was an amazing experience and the writing was beautiful. I teared up here and there because of how emotional it made me.
This is an historical political intrigue book with two important figures but who despite the hardships they manage to have a warm, mature relationship while navigating the dangerous palace intrigue web. The books are kind of long and very slow paced, and here comes my complaints because I felt they were too long and their time on page, though satisfactory, wasn’t enough in the context of such a long book. I’m not a fan of political intrigue books but I liked it here yet it was too much and sometime even too convoluted . I would have loved it to be shorter and a bit more focused on the couple because it was hinted in the blurb that they are kind of enemies, adversaries yet they weren’t. If felt a bit insta, or better said it felt that they were almost an established couple. I would have loved more tension between them, more resistance, I wanted to see them getting to know one another and getting to overcome their animosity for each other. Also, this being fade to black didn’t help either. Nevertheless, reading this was an amazing experience and the writing was beautiful. I teared up here and there because of how emotional it made me.
June 14, 2024
Domestic life between two high-profile individuals has the power to touch the hearts of people who have no interest in the politics at the imperial court in China. Even though this second volume of “Golden Terrace” by Cang Wu Bin Bai is less focused on the development of the romantic relationship between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan, it is their love for each other that holds the book together; “they were a match made in heaven” (p. 17)
The plot hurls itself into an arc about an addictive drug called “autumn white night,” which is immediately addictive and sends its victims into a financial and medical death spiral. This drug is a clear allusion to both the historical use of opium and modern drug culture. This phase of the novel is perhaps not so tightly wound into the machinations of court politics although the drug does tie in with some retribution for Fu Shen’s no-good, little brother at the end of the novel. Perhaps the redeeming grace of this section of the novel is that when Yan Xiaohan is accidentally dosed with the drug, only intimacy in the bedroom can truly alleviate his cravings. This detail ties neatly into the relationship but is a slightly artificial way in which to move their closeness forward. The balance between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan has now tipped over, because Fu Shen now can walk with the help of braces and so he steps into the nurturing role at the beginning of the book. There is a nice twist about Ren Miao’s identity, too.
The political situation, however, ends up splitting them up with Fu Shen in the north and Yan Xiaohan in the south with all of the Central Plains dividing them for months on end. But their love has changed them. Previously, Fu Shen would have ridden into battle without considering his own safety, but now he says, “I’m a married man” (p. 147) … “I can’t die” (p. 148). He understands that his death will impact Yan Xiaohan so refrains from foolhardy bravery and stays alive.
One of the most touching and romantic motifs in the book is Fu Shen’s use of geese to declare his love. A goose is a loyal bird who mates for life and so while trapped in the north Fu Shen brings down a goose, flying south, nurses it back to health and sends it on its way with a message tied to its leg on white silk. Later on, Yan Xiaohan sees a dead goose in the market place, because people are talking about the message on the white silk. Yan Xiaohan realizes that “northern goose” is homophonous for “Beiyan”, which of course is Fu Shen’s army. The message on the silk, “Is my wife well?” (p. 160), is romantic but it is only Yan Xiaohan who truly understands that it is addressed to him or at least that is what he feels even though his rational mind is telling him to get a grip. It is only later when they are together again that Fu Shen reveals that he sent off one to two geese a day in the hope that one of them would come to Yan Xiaohan’s attention. So, not only was this a declaration of love via goose letter, it was true dedication, because Fu Shen must have looked right ridiculous, ordering his soldiers to take care of all those wounded geese and sending them south with silk tied to their legs (p. 198-199). The motif is picked up again when Fu Shen sends an illustration that looks cryptic, but when viewed by the proper target reader i.e. Yan Xiaohan, it is a drawing of two geese (p. 266). No matter who might read this letter, only Yan Xiaohan will understand the true import of the message.
The most romantic scene of the whole novel is when they meet after a long period of separation and Yan Xiaohan is so desperate that he jumps into a raging river in order to swim across to Fu Shen on the other side. Any pretense that their marriage is simply political is shattered, because the “ruse had turned into reality” (p. 190). Their love is plain for everyone to see and Yu Qiaoting laconically says to Fu Shen, “I heard you fished a wife out of the river” (p. 184).
Most of the book is dominated by power struggles at the imperial court and emperors come and emperors go. The extras at the end of the book add a little background information. The most interesting added extra is that Yan Xiaohan’s parentage is revealed which informs his position and behaviour at court. The sweetest bonus scene is when the child emperor clings to Fu Shen’s leg, because he refuses to let his uncle go. The child offers Yan Xiaohan his empire if he can keep his uncle, but Yan Xiaohan then whispers into his ear, “He’s mine. Take back your empire. I’m not trading” (p. 341). In the light of the first extra story this statement demonstrates precisely how much this relationship is worth. Yan Xiaohan knows exactly what he is saying; he means every word.
The plot hurls itself into an arc about an addictive drug called “autumn white night,” which is immediately addictive and sends its victims into a financial and medical death spiral. This drug is a clear allusion to both the historical use of opium and modern drug culture. This phase of the novel is perhaps not so tightly wound into the machinations of court politics although the drug does tie in with some retribution for Fu Shen’s no-good, little brother at the end of the novel. Perhaps the redeeming grace of this section of the novel is that when Yan Xiaohan is accidentally dosed with the drug, only intimacy in the bedroom can truly alleviate his cravings. This detail ties neatly into the relationship but is a slightly artificial way in which to move their closeness forward. The balance between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan has now tipped over, because Fu Shen now can walk with the help of braces and so he steps into the nurturing role at the beginning of the book. There is a nice twist about Ren Miao’s identity, too.
The political situation, however, ends up splitting them up with Fu Shen in the north and Yan Xiaohan in the south with all of the Central Plains dividing them for months on end. But their love has changed them. Previously, Fu Shen would have ridden into battle without considering his own safety, but now he says, “I’m a married man” (p. 147) … “I can’t die” (p. 148). He understands that his death will impact Yan Xiaohan so refrains from foolhardy bravery and stays alive.
One of the most touching and romantic motifs in the book is Fu Shen’s use of geese to declare his love. A goose is a loyal bird who mates for life and so while trapped in the north Fu Shen brings down a goose, flying south, nurses it back to health and sends it on its way with a message tied to its leg on white silk. Later on, Yan Xiaohan sees a dead goose in the market place, because people are talking about the message on the white silk. Yan Xiaohan realizes that “northern goose” is homophonous for “Beiyan”, which of course is Fu Shen’s army. The message on the silk, “Is my wife well?” (p. 160), is romantic but it is only Yan Xiaohan who truly understands that it is addressed to him or at least that is what he feels even though his rational mind is telling him to get a grip. It is only later when they are together again that Fu Shen reveals that he sent off one to two geese a day in the hope that one of them would come to Yan Xiaohan’s attention. So, not only was this a declaration of love via goose letter, it was true dedication, because Fu Shen must have looked right ridiculous, ordering his soldiers to take care of all those wounded geese and sending them south with silk tied to their legs (p. 198-199). The motif is picked up again when Fu Shen sends an illustration that looks cryptic, but when viewed by the proper target reader i.e. Yan Xiaohan, it is a drawing of two geese (p. 266). No matter who might read this letter, only Yan Xiaohan will understand the true import of the message.
The most romantic scene of the whole novel is when they meet after a long period of separation and Yan Xiaohan is so desperate that he jumps into a raging river in order to swim across to Fu Shen on the other side. Any pretense that their marriage is simply political is shattered, because the “ruse had turned into reality” (p. 190). Their love is plain for everyone to see and Yu Qiaoting laconically says to Fu Shen, “I heard you fished a wife out of the river” (p. 184).
Most of the book is dominated by power struggles at the imperial court and emperors come and emperors go. The extras at the end of the book add a little background information. The most interesting added extra is that Yan Xiaohan’s parentage is revealed which informs his position and behaviour at court. The sweetest bonus scene is when the child emperor clings to Fu Shen’s leg, because he refuses to let his uncle go. The child offers Yan Xiaohan his empire if he can keep his uncle, but Yan Xiaohan then whispers into his ear, “He’s mine. Take back your empire. I’m not trading” (p. 341). In the light of the first extra story this statement demonstrates precisely how much this relationship is worth. Yan Xiaohan knows exactly what he is saying; he means every word.
April 5, 2024
“The greatest bliss I have known in my life was when I knew that you loved me too.”
-Yan Xiohan to Fu Shen
Volume 2 of Golden Terrace was A LOT. I loved it, don’t get me wrong, but holy crap so much was going on that I absolutely had to take breaks and that, along with me not being able to get through the text as quickly as I normally would due to it being a translation, meant that I spent more time reading this than I normally would for a book of this length.
But that time investment was worth it. This story was incredible… so well written, the characters and plot so well crafted and brimming with richness, depth, and beauty; it’s no wonder this has become one of my favorite danmeis. This volume is grander in scope than volume 1, encompassing multiple years, and touching on subjects such as drug addiction, separation due to war, forced suicide, assaination attempts, and regicide. At times, the political aspects of this story overwhelmed everything else and took center stage but I didn’t mind because being drawn into that political drama is what made Fu Shen and Yan Xiohan’s story that much more heartrending.
The only thing that would have made this a better reading experience is if the books included a map of the empire and its surrounding areas. I am one of those anal people that need to understand where things are located and because there was so much emphasis placed on the capturing and retaking various cities, from various provinces, it would have been very helpful. It also didn’t help that cities from the same provinces had names that were very similar to each other. This is just a small issue and in no way took away how deeply satisfying I thought both the relationship and the ending of the story was.
There are five short stories after the conclusion of the main story and my favorite was the last one, Final Reunion. While the previous stories highlighted moments in the relationship between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan, this one focused on the love between his uncle, Fu Tingxin, and the third son of the emperor, Sun Luo. They were robbed of their opportunity to be together during the time of the main story and were given another chance in another lifetime. My heart has still not recovered. 🥰💘💘 Absolutely 5 stars.
Volume 2 of Golden Terrace was A LOT. I loved it, don’t get me wrong, but holy crap so much was going on that I absolutely had to take breaks and that, along with me not being able to get through the text as quickly as I normally would due to it being a translation, meant that I spent more time reading this than I normally would for a book of this length.
But that time investment was worth it. This story was incredible… so well written, the characters and plot so well crafted and brimming with richness, depth, and beauty; it’s no wonder this has become one of my favorite danmeis. This volume is grander in scope than volume 1, encompassing multiple years, and touching on subjects such as drug addiction, separation due to war, forced suicide, assaination attempts, and regicide. At times, the political aspects of this story overwhelmed everything else and took center stage but I didn’t mind because being drawn into that political drama is what made Fu Shen and Yan Xiohan’s story that much more heartrending.
The only thing that would have made this a better reading experience is if the books included a map of the empire and its surrounding areas. I am one of those anal people that need to understand where things are located and because there was so much emphasis placed on the capturing and retaking various cities, from various provinces, it would have been very helpful. It also didn’t help that cities from the same provinces had names that were very similar to each other. This is just a small issue and in no way took away how deeply satisfying I thought both the relationship and the ending of the story was.
There are five short stories after the conclusion of the main story and my favorite was the last one, Final Reunion. While the previous stories highlighted moments in the relationship between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan, this one focused on the love between his uncle, Fu Tingxin, and the third son of the emperor, Sun Luo. They were robbed of their opportunity to be together during the time of the main story and were given another chance in another lifetime. My heart has still not recovered. 🥰💘💘 Absolutely 5 stars.
April 16, 2025
I love Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan, both in the first volume and this second one, and I started out enjoying this second volume with the further development of their relationship. I had expected more court intrigue in this book, and would have enjoyed that too, except that much happened off-page or, along with battles, are just described in summary, as others have said, rather like a dry textbook. It’s a shame because the depth of the world was an aspect I really enjoyed in the first volume. I wish that the overall plot had been focused to what the author could immerse us in with the characters.
March 21, 2023
Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan invented romance. I don't think I've ever been more amazed/jealous of a fictional relationship. It is built on the deepest love, admiration and devotion ever. The lengths to which they would go to just catch a glimpse of the other! Fuck! I think my favourite scene ever is when Yan Xiaohan, after seeing Fu Shen for the first time in a year, gets off his horse and just straight up runs into the river to cross it to be with his husband.
There's a lot of political intrigue going on (not sure I understood all of it, but it was fascinating!). Also didn't expect the ending (which only made sense after I read the first extra). I think I could read five hundred stories more of them.
Rep: queernorm setting, mlm mc with reduced mobility, gay mc
There's a lot of political intrigue going on (not sure I understood all of it, but it was fascinating!). Also didn't expect the ending (which only made sense after I read the first extra). I think I could read five hundred stories more of them.
Rep: queernorm setting, mlm mc with reduced mobility, gay mc
April 5, 2025
“the greatest bliss i have known in my life was when i knew that you loved me, too.”
(review for the entire book: here)
i am being awful critical with this book, but i had such high expectations that were not met AND for me, some of the issues i found with were pretty major.
the biggest thing is that the book is supposed to delve so much into politics and war, but its accounting of it literally reads like some wikipedia page. there were barely any scenes of proper warfare and they were brushed by so quickly that none of the events felt particularly significant - even though they were supposed to be. there were far more proper political scenes but that whole war/invasion wasn’t that done very well. also… everything just seemed to be resolved so cleanly. i didn’t like that.
this is a me thing, i don’t know why this happened because i loved the couple in the first book but somehow i just didn’t enjoy them that much in this book. i just got really bored by them and their relationship didn’t move me at all. this is definitely hot take, but i feel like the two main characters kind of lost their personality? they just became super devoted to each other and i wasnt able to really recognize the individuality anymore. but, that’s definitely a me thing.
honestly, i didn’t enjoy the extras in this that much as well. i saw that other people didn’t enjoy the very last extra with fu tingxin and prince su but i liked it a lot - i really wish we got to see more of them in their actual timeline.
the first volume of this was LOVELY but this second one… um…
here are some quotes i liked!
in the still, long night, he held fu shen's hand, which refused to warm up, and pressed a kiss as light as a dragonfly skimming the water onto his dry lips.
his heart was full of roaring flames, hatred rising to the skies, but that kiss was soft and restrained, as if he couldn't stand to shatter a beautiful dream.
yan xiaohan whispered into his ear: "i’m going to kill him."
and
the sorrow of separation in this world was so painful, but there were always those who would cross the vast river of stars, race over vast expanses of mountains and river, just for a tiny drop of sweetness.
it does not matter that fleeting time is always slyly substituting, that when you look back, the present moment will have become the past.
in this moment, it is the pleasant night on which the two stars meet, a tryst as perfect as a dream.
(review for the entire book: here)
i am being awful critical with this book, but i had such high expectations that were not met AND for me, some of the issues i found with were pretty major.
the biggest thing is that the book is supposed to delve so much into politics and war, but its accounting of it literally reads like some wikipedia page. there were barely any scenes of proper warfare and they were brushed by so quickly that none of the events felt particularly significant - even though they were supposed to be. there were far more proper political scenes but that whole war/invasion wasn’t that done very well. also… everything just seemed to be resolved so cleanly. i didn’t like that.
this is a me thing, i don’t know why this happened because i loved the couple in the first book but somehow i just didn’t enjoy them that much in this book. i just got really bored by them and their relationship didn’t move me at all. this is definitely hot take, but i feel like the two main characters kind of lost their personality? they just became super devoted to each other and i wasnt able to really recognize the individuality anymore. but, that’s definitely a me thing.
honestly, i didn’t enjoy the extras in this that much as well. i saw that other people didn’t enjoy the very last extra with fu tingxin and prince su but i liked it a lot - i really wish we got to see more of them in their actual timeline.
the first volume of this was LOVELY but this second one… um…
here are some quotes i liked!
in the still, long night, he held fu shen's hand, which refused to warm up, and pressed a kiss as light as a dragonfly skimming the water onto his dry lips.
his heart was full of roaring flames, hatred rising to the skies, but that kiss was soft and restrained, as if he couldn't stand to shatter a beautiful dream.
yan xiaohan whispered into his ear: "i’m going to kill him."
and
the sorrow of separation in this world was so painful, but there were always those who would cross the vast river of stars, race over vast expanses of mountains and river, just for a tiny drop of sweetness.
it does not matter that fleeting time is always slyly substituting, that when you look back, the present moment will have become the past.
in this moment, it is the pleasant night on which the two stars meet, a tryst as perfect as a dream.
March 19, 2025
MY BELOVED YANFU, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE ONE OF MY FAVOURITE COUPLES 🥹🥹🥹🥰🥰🥰😭😭😭
November 29, 2024
While I loved this book for the romance, I unfortunately didn't enjoy it as much as the first book. I loved all the adorable and heartwarming YanFu moments that had me absolutely gushing, but the surrounding plot sadly just didn't hold my interest as much in this one. I so badly want to give this book a perfect five stars just for the incredible romance, but there were a lot of parts outside of the relationship between the two main characters that I really struggled to get through.
Unlike the first book, this book focuses a great deal more on war and court politics. While my favorite part is always going to be the love story, the shift in focus wasn't my main problem. I often enjoy stories with political intrigue, but this just didn't really grab me the way similar stories have in the past. I also felt that the war aspect could have been much more intriguing and impactful if it had been handled differently. Sadly, the way it was written sometimes just made me feel like I was reading a textbook. There was just too much "In the such and such month of the such and such year, this, this and this happened". It just felt like a lot of exposition and info-dumping just telling what happened and not showing. I would have liked to see more actual scenes of battle then have everything just be glossed over in textbook format. The way it was written almost made the war feel trivial and unimportant. It seemed like things were too easily resolved. Getting through these sections really slowed down my reading progress because they were honestly a bit of a slog.
However, the main shining point of this novel is by far the relationship between Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen. I absolutely ADORED the two of them and there were so many scenes that just melted my heart and even had me tearing up. I love their relationship! I love how healthy they are as a couple and how they are always so supportive of one another. Fluffy, sweet relationships like this where there are no ridiculous misunderstandings and the characters actually communicate with each other are SO refreshing! I'm not a person who enjoys drama for the sake of drama, especially when it comes to relationships. I prefer the drama to come from outside the relationship so that the characters have to work together to overcome outside challenges and grow both individually and as a couple.
I honestly feel like this story would have been perfect if some of the aspects outside of the relationship between the main couple had been more fleshed out. I would have liked to hear more detail about the characters' individual struggles and I wish it had felt like the war had more consequences. I also would have liked to see more of the court intrigue and politics, as those were some of the most interesting aspects outside of the main couple. I particularly enjoyed seeing how Yan Xiaohan dealt with his political rivals, defended Fu Shen and even intervened in the imperial harem.
As for the extras, I enjoyed some but others not so much. I think my favorite was the one that revealed more of Yan Xiaohan's backstory and where he came from. It was extremely interesting! On the other hand, I didn't particularly enjoy reading the modern day transmigration plot about two fairly minor side characters. I did like those characters and their story was tragic, but I didn't really care enough to have an entire extra about them. I especially didn't like the fact that it took place in modern times because I prefer historical/wuxia/xianxia danmei. It also made me a little sad that the book ended on that story. I mean obviously, the main story ends before the extras, but I wish the last thing I read in the book had been about Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen.
Overall, I loved this book for all the beautiful, heartfelt YanFu moments. As far romances go, this one is absolutely top tier! YanFu is my gold standard for healthy, loving relationships. Nearly every scene between these two had me gushing and melting into a puddle of warm goo on the floor. I just couldn't get enough! Even for that aspect alone, this book deserves four stars! I am going to miss these two so much!
Unlike the first book, this book focuses a great deal more on war and court politics. While my favorite part is always going to be the love story, the shift in focus wasn't my main problem. I often enjoy stories with political intrigue, but this just didn't really grab me the way similar stories have in the past. I also felt that the war aspect could have been much more intriguing and impactful if it had been handled differently. Sadly, the way it was written sometimes just made me feel like I was reading a textbook. There was just too much "In the such and such month of the such and such year, this, this and this happened". It just felt like a lot of exposition and info-dumping just telling what happened and not showing. I would have liked to see more actual scenes of battle then have everything just be glossed over in textbook format. The way it was written almost made the war feel trivial and unimportant. It seemed like things were too easily resolved. Getting through these sections really slowed down my reading progress because they were honestly a bit of a slog.
However, the main shining point of this novel is by far the relationship between Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen. I absolutely ADORED the two of them and there were so many scenes that just melted my heart and even had me tearing up. I love their relationship! I love how healthy they are as a couple and how they are always so supportive of one another. Fluffy, sweet relationships like this where there are no ridiculous misunderstandings and the characters actually communicate with each other are SO refreshing! I'm not a person who enjoys drama for the sake of drama, especially when it comes to relationships. I prefer the drama to come from outside the relationship so that the characters have to work together to overcome outside challenges and grow both individually and as a couple.
I honestly feel like this story would have been perfect if some of the aspects outside of the relationship between the main couple had been more fleshed out. I would have liked to hear more detail about the characters' individual struggles and I wish it had felt like the war had more consequences. I also would have liked to see more of the court intrigue and politics, as those were some of the most interesting aspects outside of the main couple. I particularly enjoyed seeing how Yan Xiaohan dealt with his political rivals, defended Fu Shen and even intervened in the imperial harem.
As for the extras, I enjoyed some but others not so much. I think my favorite was the one that revealed more of Yan Xiaohan's backstory and where he came from. It was extremely interesting! On the other hand, I didn't particularly enjoy reading the modern day transmigration plot about two fairly minor side characters. I did like those characters and their story was tragic, but I didn't really care enough to have an entire extra about them. I especially didn't like the fact that it took place in modern times because I prefer historical/wuxia/xianxia danmei. It also made me a little sad that the book ended on that story. I mean obviously, the main story ends before the extras, but I wish the last thing I read in the book had been about Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen.
Overall, I loved this book for all the beautiful, heartfelt YanFu moments. As far romances go, this one is absolutely top tier! YanFu is my gold standard for healthy, loving relationships. Nearly every scene between these two had me gushing and melting into a puddle of warm goo on the floor. I just couldn't get enough! Even for that aspect alone, this book deserves four stars! I am going to miss these two so much!
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November 28, 2025“The nation belongs to all, and is not the private property of a single family. The rule and disorder of the nation do not mark the rise and fall of a single clan, but are the anxieties and joys of all the nation's people.”
"Golden Terrace Vol 2" is the second volume of the fan translation I read back in 2022. While the first volume was steeped in court intrigue, dangerous politics and an arranged marriage, the second volume deals with deadly politics, assassination attempts, bleak war and a couple determined to love each other through it all.
Fu Shen walked up to him and gently stroked his face, as if wiping away nonexistent tear stains. “Whose sake do you think I came all this way for? I've said this so many times I'm about to get calluses on my lips. Menggui, I haven't even had time to love you. How could I think you were a burden?”
The beginning of this book feels like the honeymoon stage. Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan were learning and getting used to each in the first book but now their feelings have been shared, reciprocated and acknowledged.That’s how the book starts, with them in love and wishing to spend all available time with each other. But there are still mysteries to be solved. Where did the autumn night white drug initially come from? What other secrets will Fu Shen’s injury reveal? As the bond between Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan deepens, the looming threat above the empire of Great Zhou remains omnipresent but just as the couple is enjoying being in love, a war breaks out and they are forced to go back to their political roles.
“Let us be upfront with each other. If Yintu wishes to sue for peace, then he can make a show of good faith. A head for each grain of rice. He can start the count with his own family. Once he has enough, I will immediately withdraw our troops. If he can't make up the number, I will bring this bowl of rice to his grave myself next year.”
…
“Go back and tell Yintu that starting from when he provoked me and launched a sneak attack on Liangkou Pass, our fate as enemies was sealed. A hatred on behalf of my nation, a heavy debt of blood. Unless he dies, this will not end.”
Reading General Fu Shen and [spoiler] Yan Xiaohan be viciously competent was delightful. Competency is something I love in characters heavily involved in politics and these two did not let me down. Their strategies in fighting the war on the battlefield and the war in court were *chef kiss* We love a power couple.
The plot of this entry was amazing. There were mysteries within mysteries. Reveals that make you clutch your chest in pain (The reveal of autumn night white had me fighting back tears) And the romance?! These two are the most healthy damnei couple I have ever encountered. The small jokes they share (I will never see geese and not tearfully smile) and the moments they were there for each other (Fu Shen asking for salve to treat the bruises on a sleeping Yan Xiaohan’s wrists while Fu Shen is literally in bed recovering from an assassination attempt) SUCH HEALTHY LOVE! I love love love this series and I will definitely be rereading it again in the future.
Now, I want to talk about a specific extra but I want to go heavily into the spoilers so I’m going to mark them.
The road ahead was hard, but he still had a person he wanted to protect–a person who had ridden the moonlight in the dead of night to come rescue him.
January 29, 2025
Was thinking of rating this 3 stars but then I remembered how much I enjoyed the start of this volume.
After the investigation of autumn night white, I was pushing myself to finish this. The events were interesting but not exciting enough for me to stay invested, it started to feel like a drag. I think I just expected more from the plot and characters: I wanted to be at the edge of my seat, I wanted to be blown away, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. I wish there was more with the fight for the throne. There was a lot of focus on the war aspect, maybe it was the way it was written / portrayed? It was really boring 😭 It rather read like a textbook, the author could have given us more thought and intellect with military strategies.
Then I got to the end and I realised I'm going to miss reading this.
The writing is beautiful and the translation was pretty well done. This volume was essentially fluff between Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen since they're already together. Favourite moments: The reveal of Ren Miao, Yan Xiaohan crossing the river, Fu Shen and his silly geese.
Their tension in volume 1 was more enjoyable to read but seeing the development was rewarding. Given their differences in upbringing, Yan Xiaohan found himself inferior and unworthy being with Fu Shen who has come from a noble background and status. The way they both communicate at establishing their feelings allowed for their relationship to develop deeper. The development of Yan Xiaohan in this volume was great:
These two are probably my favourite quotes from this book T^T Especially with Yan Xiaohan repeating what Fu Shen said at the start of the book. 🥺
Also love Fu Shen's character,
Favourite cute moment:
Honestly the side characters were pretty lackluster despite there being so many of them. I didn't feel much of a connection for them and forgot most of them x_x
The last lines of the main story and the last extra were beautiful, made me realise that I will miss Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan a lot T^T. Overall, I would like to read this again in the far future :D
After the investigation of autumn night white, I was pushing myself to finish this. The events were interesting but not exciting enough for me to stay invested, it started to feel like a drag. I think I just expected more from the plot and characters: I wanted to be at the edge of my seat, I wanted to be blown away, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. I wish there was more with the fight for the throne. There was a lot of focus on the war aspect, maybe it was the way it was written / portrayed? It was really boring 😭 It rather read like a textbook, the author could have given us more thought and intellect with military strategies.
Then I got to the end and I realised I'm going to miss reading this.
The writing is beautiful and the translation was pretty well done. This volume was essentially fluff between Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen since they're already together. Favourite moments: The reveal of Ren Miao, Yan Xiaohan crossing the river, Fu Shen and his silly geese.
"If you were stabbed right under my nose, I'd have no more use for my life." - Fu Shen, pg. 211
"It isn't Jingyuan who can't live without me. It is I who can't live without him." - Yan Xiaohan, pg . 303
Their tension in volume 1 was more enjoyable to read but seeing the development was rewarding. Given their differences in upbringing, Yan Xiaohan found himself inferior and unworthy being with Fu Shen who has come from a noble background and status. The way they both communicate at establishing their feelings allowed for their relationship to develop deeper. The development of Yan Xiaohan in this volume was great:
"Jingyuan, I'm your husband, not your burden, so don't grow distant from me. "
"Even if you fail, I'll still be with you. Husband and wife are one, sharing in glory and disgrace."
These two are probably my favourite quotes from this book T^T Especially with Yan Xiaohan repeating what Fu Shen said at the start of the book. 🥺
Also love Fu Shen's character,
"Your Highness... what crime have the people committed"
"Is the lamb soup not good?"
"It's good." Said Yu Qiaoting
"But not good enough to stop your mouth?" Fu Shen said. "Stop chattering, you're annoying me."
Favourite cute moment:
"he took off his hand and slithered away. Shortly, he stopped up ahead, waited for Yan Xiaohan to slowly catch up, and once again took his hand."
Honestly the side characters were pretty lackluster despite there being so many of them. I didn't feel much of a connection for them and forgot most of them x_x
The last lines of the main story and the last extra were beautiful, made me realise that I will miss Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan a lot T^T. Overall, I would like to read this again in the far future :D
February 4, 2025
"It isn’t that he cannot be apart from me, it’s that I can’t be separated from him."
Yan-Fu is THE standard, argue with the wall 😭🫠❤️.
The envelope was very thin, and sealed up tight. Inside it was only one transparent sheet of letter paper. Yan Xiaohan feared using too much hand strength and tearing it while he was pulling it out.
Why was there only one sheet? Those five words of ‘how does mine wife fare’ were still heavily branded onto his heart. What had he written this time, as he was beyond the infinite landscape?
Loved their little "displaying love through geese" (especially YZH literally shaking with the notes FS keeps sending him)😂❤️. YZH melting at anything that FS does is so REAL of him 💀
For some reason, the second volume didn't live up to the first; it could've easily been 5 stars but it felt like an info dump at parts. I was engrossed by the end, but the middle felt a little too dragged. Yan-Fu fluff was what kept me going 😭😂
Everyone is literally out for Fu Shen's life, give the man his well-deserved break 😭😂, but I'm pretty sure YZH goes after him to force him to take a break whenever he can 😌
I'm waiting for a Danmei couple to top these two when it comes to the best married couple. THE BANTER!? continues throughout the volumes and WE LOVE🤭❤️
I came here for the arranged marriage vibes, and BOY, was I served more than what I came for... They knew eo since childhood!? and the PINING!? Was not disappointed😌❤️✨
Yan-Fu is THE standard, argue with the wall 😭🫠❤️.
The envelope was very thin, and sealed up tight. Inside it was only one transparent sheet of letter paper. Yan Xiaohan feared using too much hand strength and tearing it while he was pulling it out.
Why was there only one sheet? Those five words of ‘how does mine wife fare’ were still heavily branded onto his heart. What had he written this time, as he was beyond the infinite landscape?
Loved their little "displaying love through geese" (especially YZH literally shaking with the notes FS keeps sending him)😂❤️. YZH melting at anything that FS does is so REAL of him 💀
For some reason, the second volume didn't live up to the first; it could've easily been 5 stars but it felt like an info dump at parts. I was engrossed by the end, but the middle felt a little too dragged. Yan-Fu fluff was what kept me going 😭😂
Everyone is literally out for Fu Shen's life, give the man his well-deserved break 😭😂, but I'm pretty sure YZH goes after him to force him to take a break whenever he can 😌
I'm waiting for a Danmei couple to top these two when it comes to the best married couple. THE BANTER!? continues throughout the volumes and WE LOVE🤭❤️
I came here for the arranged marriage vibes, and BOY, was I served more than what I came for... They knew eo since childhood!? and the PINING!? Was not disappointed😌❤️✨
March 21, 2025
This is probably more of a high 3-star rating, but it was still a lot of fun, and in the end, I adore the relationship enough to overlook some minor dropped plot points, a meandering storyline, and the sudden appearance of steampunk-like elements that manage to stay grounded enough to still remain semi-plausible in a non-steampunk setting.
Fu Shen and Yan Xioahan have this weirdly direct sort of mushiness that fits their characters perfect. It's sweet and funny, and seeing everyone around them being constantly bamboozled by them was hilarious. I'm already looking forward to the reread.
The extras were short but sweet, and I was especially intrigued by the one that centered on Fu Tingxin and Prince Su since it was not at all what I was expecting. The Tartar princess one is probably my favorite, though.
Thanks for the BR Rosa, Teal and Elena!
Fu Shen and Yan Xioahan have this weirdly direct sort of mushiness that fits their characters perfect. It's sweet and funny, and seeing everyone around them being constantly bamboozled by them was hilarious. I'm already looking forward to the reread.
The extras were short but sweet, and I was especially intrigued by the one that centered on Fu Tingxin and Prince Su since it was not at all what I was expecting. The Tartar princess one is probably my favorite, though.
Thanks for the BR Rosa, Teal and Elena!
March 22, 2025
“Review” for both volumes because it’s more of a book split in two than two books in a series, so the spoiler is mostly for the second volume. The plot had some aspects that could’ve been handled better and I really would’ve loved to see and the actual rating is probably closer to 3.5 stars, but I had fun reading this and the MCs are two very adorable idiots, so 4 stars it is.
FIY, the fan translation has two more extra stories at the end that the official translation didn’t include.
FIY, the fan translation has two more extra stories at the end that the official translation didn’t include.
December 27, 2025
“The greatest bliss I have known in my life was when I knew that you loved me too.”
Golden Terrace, Vol. 2 is an absolute gem. The way this book balances intense political drama with a deep, heartfelt romance is just brilliant. Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan’s relationship is the heart of the story, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the trust, respect, and devotion they have for each other.
The pacing is spot-on, keeping you hooked even as the plot dives into complex court intrigue. What really stands out is how the emotional moments are handled—those reunions after long separations hit hard and show just how much these two care for each other. Even with all the chaos of war and court politics, their relationship stays warm and loving.
Overall, Golden Terrace, Vol. 2 wraps up the story perfectly. It’s a richly woven tale that leaves you satisfied but still wanting more. Whether you're here for the drama or the romance, this volume has it all.
Date Read: 2024.08.17
Re-read: 2025.08.29
Golden Terrace, Vol. 2 is an absolute gem. The way this book balances intense political drama with a deep, heartfelt romance is just brilliant. Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan’s relationship is the heart of the story, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the trust, respect, and devotion they have for each other.
The pacing is spot-on, keeping you hooked even as the plot dives into complex court intrigue. What really stands out is how the emotional moments are handled—those reunions after long separations hit hard and show just how much these two care for each other. Even with all the chaos of war and court politics, their relationship stays warm and loving.
Overall, Golden Terrace, Vol. 2 wraps up the story perfectly. It’s a richly woven tale that leaves you satisfied but still wanting more. Whether you're here for the drama or the romance, this volume has it all.
Date Read: 2024.08.17
Re-read: 2025.08.29
February 24, 2023
This was a little difficult to get through. Character interactions and plot points are recycled, conflicts are resolved easily and without much tension, and the characters fell flat to me.
March 16, 2025
The conclusion to Golden Terrace didn't disappoint. I liked this second part as much as the first one and I was on edge in the last chapters, worried about the outcome.
I didn't see coming
The extras were very good, I loved the one with the Tartar Princess and the modern AU I liked the red string reference with which that extra ends.
I didn't see coming
The extras were very good, I loved the one with the Tartar Princess and the modern AU I liked the red string reference with which that extra ends.
January 22, 2023
When I finally have the time to dedicate to reading this volume in earnest, I pretty much continued until I reached the very end. It was fast and fun read, and I really enjoyed that author really stuck to the romance side of things and opted to portray the long year of battles in broadsweep, with birdseye view details without bogging story down.
This volume featured more of the politicking intrigues and successions struggle, and yet at its core, the soft idiot husbands remain incredibly soft for each other. The ultimate power couple who cares not if they stoop to foolish gestures to declare their love for each other. They go through ridiculous length to make the other happy, to ensure that thebother is well cared for, and to tease and flirt and be public nuances of themselves.
I am still in awe of their respect and trust to each other, and how for once they both are given space to be vulnerable and also lend support at the same time. In vol 1 we see mostly Yan Xiaohan being the caretaker, but in this volume we get to see Fu Shen take on that role as well!
There are two loose dangling threads (the person that Fu Shen originally escorted that lead to the start of whole journey as well as the current state of the drugs) Im curious about, but Im content to leave them be.and the extras were fun bonuses as well! Extra glimpses and details that really enhance the main story, and the last one really gives two of the side characters the soft endings they deserves.
This volume featured more of the politicking intrigues and successions struggle, and yet at its core, the soft idiot husbands remain incredibly soft for each other. The ultimate power couple who cares not if they stoop to foolish gestures to declare their love for each other. They go through ridiculous length to make the other happy, to ensure that thebother is well cared for, and to tease and flirt and be public nuances of themselves.
I am still in awe of their respect and trust to each other, and how for once they both are given space to be vulnerable and also lend support at the same time. In vol 1 we see mostly Yan Xiaohan being the caretaker, but in this volume we get to see Fu Shen take on that role as well!
There are two loose dangling threads (the person that Fu Shen originally escorted that lead to the start of whole journey as well as the current state of the drugs) Im curious about, but Im content to leave them be.and the extras were fun bonuses as well! Extra glimpses and details that really enhance the main story, and the last one really gives two of the side characters the soft endings they deserves.
December 26, 2024
Buddy read with Bunny, Jasmine & thewhelmedlife!
Although I found this second half of Golden Terrace a tad weaker than the first, it wrapped up really nicely which makes it a well rounded and nice story. Similar to book one, I find that there are too many names - both places and people - tossed around without us getting to know them. Given that this is a short series, I feel like this could have been chopped off a bit and just focused on a smaller but then more relevant cast. There's also a lot more political movement in this one - I love court and war politics in stories, but due to the many names, short page count and the style of narration, the political aspects often felt dry. In fact, it felt very similar to the Chinese history book I was reading simultaneously and basically adopted a tell rather than show narrative that just rattled down the different events.
One of my main interests in this series are the two main characters and their relationship and for the first half of the book, they're largely apart. The few interactions we see are very sweet though and make up for it a bit. I really liked that there was a bit of flip in care taking - in this volume it is Fu Sheng who looks after Yan Xiaohan which really adds to their relationship. Once the main political shifts have settled and the book starts to focus more on the main characters and the present situation, it became a lot more interesting again. There were some surprising reveals and I think the story was wrapped up really well - much more satisfying than I would have expected given the sometimes hopeless seeming situation the main characters were in.
I also really enjoyed the bonus chapters. Although they are bonus chapters, I think it's quite essential to read them because there are some surprising reveals that add a lot to how you view the main story and will no doubt also affect my reading experience the second time around. I also really enjoyed the final and longest bonus chapter which was a big surprise with the shift in setting - I wouldn't have minded a whole volume instead of a chapter for that part!
May 31, 2025
مهمترین مشخصه این ناول در بین داستانهای مشابهش، کاپل بالغ و فهمیدهاشه که با وجود سختیهایی که همه کمر بستن در زندگیشون ��ندازن، بازم موفق میشن در کنار هم جلو برن و به معنی واقعی کلمه با هم باشن.
اون یه ستاره رو هم کم کردم چون روایت تیتری جنگ گیجکننده بود و به نظرم میتونست با جزئیاتتر و طولانیتر بیان بشه و مدت بیشتری با عزیزان دل وقت بگذرونم.
اون یه ستاره رو هم کم کردم چون روایت تیتری جنگ گیجکننده بود و به نظرم میتونست با جزئیاتتر و طولانیتر بیان بشه و مدت بیشتری با عزیزان دل وقت بگذرونم.
February 1, 2025
4.5 stars. This was just as good, if not better, than volume one. More action too, which I always enjoy. The main characters and their wonderful relationship continued to be a delight from beginning to end.
Honestly, just a very well-rounded story from start to finish. Strong character arcs. In-depth world-building. Solid plot with some good twists. I don't have any significant negatives to discuss, which is rare.
Top-tier novel. Highly recommend, especially if you like danmei.
Honestly, just a very well-rounded story from start to finish. Strong character arcs. In-depth world-building. Solid plot with some good twists. I don't have any significant negatives to discuss, which is rare.
Top-tier novel. Highly recommend, especially if you like danmei.
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December 29, 2023closing the parentheses on this, my silliest year yet.
October 19, 2023
I think what made this book so readable to me was the devotion and trust our MCs had for one another. No matter what they weathered they always had one another’s back, faithfully and unquestioningly, and that is a lovely element to weave through such an epic story of politics and war. Overall a great read and the last bonus chapter was everything I didn’t know I needed to be the cherry on top!
February 27, 2023
seriously peak romance, yxh and fs invented love !! the separation arc is always dear to my heart, i sobbed so much, how can the 2nd read still be so heart wrenching 🥺
June 15, 2024
4.75 / 5: The sorrow of separation in this world was so painful, but there were always those who would cross the vast river of stars, race over vast expanses of mountains and river, just for a tiny drop of sweetness.
It does not matter that fleeting time is always slyly substituting, that when you look back, the present moment will have become the past.
In this moment, it is the pleasant night on which the two stars meet, a tryst as perfect as a dream.
in a system where ambitious schemes and murderous plots are created, lovers being united under such deceit has to be one of my new, favorite tropes 🧡
extras #4 and #5 have my heart, and i am happy to have seen the way yanfu’s love story has unfolded in this political turmoil. yan xiaohan is a yearner at heart, and seeing the way fu shen is described to have become much softer because of his love for his “wife” made their scenes feel really special.
i loved that as sweet as these scenes were, the author reveled in these pair of lovers taking decisive action against foes. it made the complicated politics feel even more immersive, which i enjoyed very much. while this volume took more time for me to read because of everything that happens, i enjoyed every page, both plot-wise and relationship-wise.
this story deserves so much more attention and i’ll definitely be reading from this author more :’)
and this video proves it: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRK3SkTf/
content warnings:
major: descriptions of violence, war, and death
moderate: drug trafficking & abuse, sexual content, attempted assassination (through poison), medical content, and injury/injury detail
minor: rape, and death of parent
It does not matter that fleeting time is always slyly substituting, that when you look back, the present moment will have become the past.
In this moment, it is the pleasant night on which the two stars meet, a tryst as perfect as a dream.
in a system where ambitious schemes and murderous plots are created, lovers being united under such deceit has to be one of my new, favorite tropes 🧡
extras #4 and #5 have my heart, and i am happy to have seen the way yanfu’s love story has unfolded in this political turmoil. yan xiaohan is a yearner at heart, and seeing the way fu shen is described to have become much softer because of his love for his “wife” made their scenes feel really special.
i loved that as sweet as these scenes were, the author reveled in these pair of lovers taking decisive action against foes. it made the complicated politics feel even more immersive, which i enjoyed very much. while this volume took more time for me to read because of everything that happens, i enjoyed every page, both plot-wise and relationship-wise.
this story deserves so much more attention and i’ll definitely be reading from this author more :’)
and this video proves it: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRK3SkTf/
content warnings:
major: descriptions of violence, war, and death
moderate: drug trafficking & abuse, sexual content, attempted assassination (through poison), medical content, and injury/injury detail
minor: rape, and death of parent
August 12, 2025
This series is very close to perfect to me. The romance and longing are breathtaking, but the love between these two is also so grounded, giving both Fu Shen and Yao Xiaohan strength. They are fierce men, feared by many, but together their tenderness and chemistry melts off the pages.
The main story is compelling and well done too, plots coming full circle and revelations being made right up through the end.
I'm so glad this was recently licensed for publication through Seven Seas, both because it needs more exposure and because I can't wait to see the gorgeous art sure to accompany it.
The main story is compelling and well done too, plots coming full circle and revelations being made right up through the end.
I'm so glad this was recently licensed for publication through Seven Seas, both because it needs more exposure and because I can't wait to see the gorgeous art sure to accompany it.
dnf
October 31, 2024dnf at page 116
They've been happy and in love for at least 200 pages at this point and I just do not care about the political machinations and mysteries.
They've been happy and in love for at least 200 pages at this point and I just do not care about the political machinations and mysteries.
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