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破除為困住烏妃而設的結界已勢在必行，
然而他們卻遠遠錯估了初代烏妃的執著，
映入高峻眼中的那名髮色如月光閃爍的少女，究竟是誰？
「自烏解放後，吾將不復留於此地。」
烏妃身為前陣子引起後宮騷亂的罪魁禍首，故此高峻下達了烏妃不得擅自出宮的禁令，
儘管坐困宮中，烏妃壽雪仍繼續盡忠職守她的職責：
一名宮女面露恐懼將漆奩塞給壽雪保管，因自某日開始，
她總會看見一名女子出現床邊朝她微笑，這般場景正和漆奩上繪製的圖像如出一轍；
之季受高峻之託，前往解州欲請當地豪族鹽商羊舌慈惠出仕，
然而羊舌氏不僅為前朝遺臣，更與烏妃有著千絲萬縷的源淵，
他對當朝而言是敵是友？而深知這層微妙關係的高峻，心中究竟有何盤算？
另一方面，封一行講述了前代烏妃聯手巫術師曾試圖逃離宮城的傳言，
從傳說中找出的蛛絲馬跡，是否能替壽雪的未來帶來一線曙光？
為此壽雪與高峻迎來最劇烈的一次爭吵，結界若能順利破除，
高峻想將壽雪送往他國，然而他的苦心，似乎無法獲得壽雪的理解……
而白雷竟然同意協助壽雪與封一行一同破除結界，為鼇神服務的他，究竟抱持何種目的？
大鷲與三頭大蛇的爭鬥，被壽雪用星烏羽毛化成的雙刃劍揮斬，傳來的崩塌聲諭示結界已破？
接著發生的駭人之事出乎眾人意外，也讓壽雪看見那抹身影後止不住地慟哭……
驚人的傾盆大雨中，壽雪的銀髮閃耀著光芒，高峻忽然察覺哪裡不對勁……
然而他們卻遠遠錯估了初代烏妃的執著，
映入高峻眼中的那名髮色如月光閃爍的少女，究竟是誰？
「自烏解放後，吾將不復留於此地。」
烏妃身為前陣子引起後宮騷亂的罪魁禍首，故此高峻下達了烏妃不得擅自出宮的禁令，
儘管坐困宮中，烏妃壽雪仍繼續盡忠職守她的職責：
一名宮女面露恐懼將漆奩塞給壽雪保管，因自某日開始，
她總會看見一名女子出現床邊朝她微笑，這般場景正和漆奩上繪製的圖像如出一轍；
之季受高峻之託，前往解州欲請當地豪族鹽商羊舌慈惠出仕，
然而羊舌氏不僅為前朝遺臣，更與烏妃有著千絲萬縷的源淵，
他對當朝而言是敵是友？而深知這層微妙關係的高峻，心中究竟有何盤算？
另一方面，封一行講述了前代烏妃聯手巫術師曾試圖逃離宮城的傳言，
從傳說中找出的蛛絲馬跡，是否能替壽雪的未來帶來一線曙光？
為此壽雪與高峻迎來最劇烈的一次爭吵，結界若能順利破除，
高峻想將壽雪送往他國，然而他的苦心，似乎無法獲得壽雪的理解……
而白雷竟然同意協助壽雪與封一行一同破除結界，為鼇神服務的他，究竟抱持何種目的？
大鷲與三頭大蛇的爭鬥，被壽雪用星烏羽毛化成的雙刃劍揮斬，傳來的崩塌聲諭示結界已破？
接著發生的駭人之事出乎眾人意外，也讓壽雪看見那抹身影後止不住地慟哭……
驚人的傾盆大雨中，壽雪的銀髮閃耀著光芒，高峻忽然察覺哪裡不對勁……
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2020
29 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Kouko Shirakawa
45 books29 followersEnglish：Kouko Shirakawa
Japanese：白川 紺子
Traditional Chinese：白川紺子
Japanese：白川 紺子
Traditional Chinese：白川紺子
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 1, 2024
This volume had a fantastic explosive climax there at the end. It started pretty standard for this series, with some mysteries for Jusetsu to solve as she inches her way toward getting the full picture of who exactly the Raven is and what happened to it so long ago, but I wasn't expecting for it to just jut off into plot bomb after plot bomb in the second half. Plus, that build-up with the Jo Raven and everything that happened with her -- it was truly a volume that was fast-paced and hard to put down, making the reader want to jump immediately into the next one. I also want to say I like how the author ended up developing the relationship between Jusetsu and Koshun -- it's not exactly romantic per se, but these two rely and depend on each other in such a profound way, I kinda like it better than if it had gone the pure-romantic route.
September 21, 2024
damn! .... Raven
♡That moon reminds me of me and you. I think of you as part of me.
♡No matter where I am, part of me will be here.
♡All I'm saying is that I'll stay by your side.
♡Sometimes, you make me feel as if I'm looking in a mirror. If you're happy, I'm happy. If you're struggling. I can't stay calm. That's why, as much as I want to save you, the thought of having to send you far away makes me feel like part of me is being taken away. It hurts.
♡That moon reminds me of me and you. I think of you as part of me.
♡No matter where I am, part of me will be here.
♡All I'm saying is that I'll stay by your side.
♡Sometimes, you make me feel as if I'm looking in a mirror. If you're happy, I'm happy. If you're struggling. I can't stay calm. That's why, as much as I want to save you, the thought of having to send you far away makes me feel like part of me is being taken away. It hurts.
April 7, 2025
4,5*... Ach jej, tohle zas jednou zabolelo.
November 15, 2025
THAT ENDING
Also I had a brain blast the day after finishing that the prophecy is about Jusetsu and Eisei who is just so fucking good.
Also I had a brain blast the day after finishing that the prophecy is about Jusetsu and Eisei who is just so fucking good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
By now you probably know that I absolutely love this series. It's so good. And while this is definitely a really good book, it felt very much like an "in between" book. Everything that happened was very necessarily for the development of the plot. All revelations from previous books are coming together and we're moving forward.
That also meant that this book had little revelations or new information. The first chapter I actually really liked, it was really good, the case is had was interesting, if a bit convenient. (Or inconvenient depending on how you look at it.)
The final scenes were incredible. They were haunting, emotional, complicated and incredible. It blew me away. I hate that it ended on a cliffhanger, but I do own the next two books.
That said, the middle dragged a little. There was almost no focus on cases (or no case at all) and there was more focus on politics and less on the friendships/relationships I love so much. Again, I totally understand that this was necessary to get the plot moving. It's well written and the world building is complex and more explained in this volume.
I still love this book, just not as much as the other volumes. Part of me wonders if it's because I've been reading all these volumes in quick succession, and although the plottwist/cliffhanger definitely has me interested, I'm going to try read a completely different book in between, to see if that makes the next book feel even better… probably. The ending really got me hooked tho, so it's a hard choice xD
That also meant that this book had little revelations or new information. The first chapter I actually really liked, it was really good, the case is had was interesting, if a bit convenient. (Or inconvenient depending on how you look at it.)
The final scenes were incredible. They were haunting, emotional, complicated and incredible. It blew me away. I hate that it ended on a cliffhanger, but I do own the next two books.
That said, the middle dragged a little. There was almost no focus on cases (or no case at all) and there was more focus on politics and less on the friendships/relationships I love so much. Again, I totally understand that this was necessary to get the plot moving. It's well written and the world building is complex and more explained in this volume.
I still love this book, just not as much as the other volumes. Part of me wonders if it's because I've been reading all these volumes in quick succession, and although the plottwist/cliffhanger definitely has me interested, I'm going to try read a completely different book in between, to see if that makes the next book feel even better… probably. The ending really got me hooked tho, so it's a hard choice xD
April 25, 2025
The main plot has gained steam with most of the volume focussing on learning about the past, trying to help the Raven Consort escape both from the literal imprisonment and the claws the Raven Goddess has on her. Of course, court life (and unlife) goes on and Jusetsu is still struggling with how much her life changed recently (and wondering what to do if she is ever free of her position). I like the story for its characters and the world building and the solid progress in the main plot is a very good thing. I feel the author is a bit optimistic of much use old folktales are in solving actual myths, but that is minor. Now if only it didn't end in a cliff hanger...
July 26, 2025
Un volume molto interessante sotto vari punti di vista. Finalmente tutti i piani di Koshun per liberare Jusetsu stanno per essere messi in pratica. Una cosa sicuramente incoraggiante, se non fosse per il risultato finale: in quanto discendente della famiglia regnante precedente, una volta libera, Jusetsu dovrà prendere la strada dell'esilio - una scelta facilmente comprensibile a livello razionale, ma che la ferisce, quando la ragazza capisce che sarà probabilmente costretta a dover salutare tutte le persone a cui si è affezionata. Koshun incluso. Nemmeno l'imperatore se la passa troppo bene, visto che i suoi sentimenti per la nostra protagonista sono piuttosto chiari - nascosti dietro una facciata all'apparenza distaccata e pacifica, ma ci sono. Peraltro il lignaggio di Jusetsu le rende impossibile diventare anche una concubina a tutti gli effetti...insomma, una volta raggiunto tutti gli obiettivi, sarà tempo di saluti.
Certo, prima c'è molto lavoro da fare, a partire dalla distruzione della barriera che impedisce alla Consorte Corvo di uscire dal palazzo imperiale. E questo rituale si rivelerà più complicato del previsto, un po' perché una delle persone coinvolte partecipa per conto del dio ao, il dio tartaruga nemico giurato del Corvo (vuole prendersi Jusetsu come oracolo e sacrificio per via del suo lignaggio legato non solo alla dinastia Ran, ma pure a quella precedente), e un po' perché nessuno poteva prevedere il livello di ossessione di quella prima Consorte Corvo che ha creato la fantomatica barriera. Insomma, il risultato finale è che tutti i bei piani di Koshun vanno a farsi benedire quando il Corvo prende pieno possesso del corpo do Jusetsu, mentre l'anima della ragazza viene spedita chissà dove. Bene ma non benissimo 😭 Jusetsu che, nel mezzo di tutto il parapiglia, è costretta a vedere il cadavere di Reijo, la consorte precedente e sua maestra, usato in una magia proibita e poi fatto a pezzi. Un tipo di sofferenza che la poverina si sarebbe risparmiata - Reijo l'aveva accolta, le aveva dato affetto, rispetto ad altre Consorti Corvo aveva vissuto più a lungo, sopportando così la solitudine, il dolore delle notti di luna nuova. Insomma, una donna che si meritava un po' di pace, almeno dopo la morte. Bene ma non benissimo, parte seconda.
Il volume sei ci porta sempre più vicini alla conclusione: adesso l'obiettivo sarà quello di recuperare l'anima di Jusetsu, altrimenti tutto sarà stato inutile.
Jusetsu mi fa tanta tenerezza: spesso mi dimentico che è solo un'adolescente che ha passato buona parte della sua vita da sola e che si porta ancora dietro il trauma (e il senso di colpa) per la morte della mamma. La sua vita cambia con le visite di Koshun, con l'arrivo di nuove persone nel palazzo Yamei, con l'apertura a nuove esperienze e sensazioni. Da amante delle ship, mi piange il cuore non vedere lei e Koshun insieme, ma l'esilio all'estero è l'unico modo per tenerla al sicuro. Spero comunque che qualcuno dei suoi attendenti, vedi Tankai e Onkei, decida di seguirla e di aiutarla nella sua nuova vita. Comunque sia, io li shippo lo stesso 🥹 (peraltro la nostra Jusetsu si è trovata pure un altro spasimante...a sua insaputa, però c'è 😂).
Certo, prima c'è molto lavoro da fare, a partire dalla distruzione della barriera che impedisce alla Consorte Corvo di uscire dal palazzo imperiale. E questo rituale si rivelerà più complicato del previsto, un po' perché una delle persone coinvolte partecipa per conto del dio ao, il dio tartaruga nemico giurato del Corvo (vuole prendersi Jusetsu come oracolo e sacrificio per via del suo lignaggio legato non solo alla dinastia Ran, ma pure a quella precedente), e un po' perché nessuno poteva prevedere il livello di ossessione di quella prima Consorte Corvo che ha creato la fantomatica barriera. Insomma, il risultato finale è che tutti i bei piani di Koshun vanno a farsi benedire quando il Corvo prende pieno possesso del corpo do Jusetsu, mentre l'anima della ragazza viene spedita chissà dove. Bene ma non benissimo 😭 Jusetsu che, nel mezzo di tutto il parapiglia, è costretta a vedere il cadavere di Reijo, la consorte precedente e sua maestra, usato in una magia proibita e poi fatto a pezzi. Un tipo di sofferenza che la poverina si sarebbe risparmiata - Reijo l'aveva accolta, le aveva dato affetto, rispetto ad altre Consorti Corvo aveva vissuto più a lungo, sopportando così la solitudine, il dolore delle notti di luna nuova. Insomma, una donna che si meritava un po' di pace, almeno dopo la morte. Bene ma non benissimo, parte seconda.
Il volume sei ci porta sempre più vicini alla conclusione: adesso l'obiettivo sarà quello di recuperare l'anima di Jusetsu, altrimenti tutto sarà stato inutile.
Jusetsu mi fa tanta tenerezza: spesso mi dimentico che è solo un'adolescente che ha passato buona parte della sua vita da sola e che si porta ancora dietro il trauma (e il senso di colpa) per la morte della mamma. La sua vita cambia con le visite di Koshun, con l'arrivo di nuove persone nel palazzo Yamei, con l'apertura a nuove esperienze e sensazioni. Da amante delle ship, mi piange il cuore non vedere lei e Koshun insieme, ma l'esilio all'estero è l'unico modo per tenerla al sicuro. Spero comunque che qualcuno dei suoi attendenti, vedi Tankai e Onkei, decida di seguirla e di aiutarla nella sua nuova vita. Comunque sia, io li shippo lo stesso 🥹 (peraltro la nostra Jusetsu si è trovata pure un altro spasimante...a sua insaputa, però c'è 😂).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
買回第五集之後，看完第一個故事〈微笑之女〉就先放置，前幾天晚上忽然來了興致，一鼓作氣看完後續章節，尤其從〈黑鹽〉又陸續釋放出杼朝到欒朝的歷史淵源，以及烏漣娘娘、鼇神數百年來暗潮洶湧的神明鬥爭，還有我很喜歡的烏妃、千里等人一起從神話、鄉野傳奇推敲烏漣娘娘半身所在地關聯的考古情節。愈看興致愈高，很快就看完了。
白川紺子推進劇情的情節相當迅速，會直接省略掉相對不重要的情節，例如〈黑鹽〉裡之季重返解州調查羊舌慈惠給的問題時，我以為接下來會有不少篇幅闡述之季在解州各地奔波追查十五年前疑案的因果，順道透露更多霄國不為人知的歷史，成為壽雪、高峻解除烏妃枷鎖的線索。沒想到之季在解州官府詢問的情景才剛寫了開端，下一個場景就回到宮廷，之季向壽雪匯報調查結果。羊舌慈惠很快就入宮面見壽雪，也同意接受高峻的任用。這種挑重點講的筆法讓許多情況以迅雷不及掩耳之勢在推進。對我而言，不拖戲也顯得暢快俐落，可以直搗核心瞭解我最在意的謎團。
〈微笑之女〉跟前面處理心結未解的人或幽鬼的狀態頗有異曲同工之妙，那些未能消解的難堪傷感仍由當事人概括承受，擱置在心裡隨著時間流逝而轉化，只是這次尋求協助的宮女松娘回饋給壽雪的不是感謝與仰慕之情，反倒因為時機太過湊巧，讓本意是想阻止松娘遇險而趕赴現場的壽雪被眾人謠傳烏妃下咒害人才導致房屋塌陷，松娘畏懼宮人輿論也沒有勇氣跟壽雪持續接觸而退避三舍。看了也是覺得心情相當不適，覺得壽雪一番好心付出被人當垃圾輕賤，但又覺得松娘的反應確實是人性的其中一面。出於膽怯烏妃未知的力量、懼於他人側目而離棄有恩於己的人，現實生活中亦所在多有。
可能是我一口氣讀完〈黑鹽〉、〈烏妃的首飾〉、〈破界〉的緣故，總感覺這三個章節有渾然一體與層層推進的特質，大概是隨著瞭解古老歷史和前朝烏妃的遺老陸續登場為壽雪他們帶來更多情報，讓他們的目標宛如拼圖般逐漸成形的緣故吧。〈烏妃的首飾〉藉由各方支援，調查出上百年前的烏妃序寧、巫術師五生的名字，繼而思索與序寧入宮有關的鄉野奇談隱藏的可能內幕，還有將海底火山與烏漣娘娘的半身所在地連結起來。推測繼母追逐入宮女兒的真正原因的橋段也很有趣。話說回來，《後宮之烏》世界觀的宗教裡好像沒有「投胎」這種概念？看到壽雪欲招序寧之魂卻不可得，當時我心裡第一個想法是「都過那麼久了，搞不好序寧的魂魄早就投胎成新的生命體了啊？」但後續五生猜測可能的原因也沒有提及「投胎」這個可能性，大概在這整個世界的宗教體系裡是不存在的吧。
序寧的遭遇著實讓人哀痛，看封一行聊到曾經有過一年換過三次烏妃的紀錄真是嚇壞我了。之前沒有特別的感覺，以為歷任烏妃起碼都可以撐個幾年，活到交接給下一任烏妃的時候，原來也是有很多身心不足以支撐住每月一次肉體與靈魂被烏漣娘娘夜遊引起的撕扯之痛，而上任不久就香消玉殞的烏妃案例啊。看到這裡，再想起薛魚泳怨恨唯有壽雪可以擺脫烏妃枷鎖的話語，頓時能更深刻地理解他的悲憤心情，歷任烏妃明明也沒做錯什麼，卻被關在後宮終生寂寞，承受烏漣娘娘帶來的肉體折磨，眼見壽雪一人恢復自由、不再孤獨，而其他烏妃生前卻沒有這種機緣。別說是旁觀者薛魚泳，恐怕其他任烏妃地下有知，心理多少也會感到不平衡而怨懟起壽雪來也不一定。儘管壽雪沒有傷害過她們，但遠比其他人幸運的機遇有時候就足以構成被怨恨的契機。
不過，序寧的海商家族出身、麗娘的強韌與慈愛特質、壽雪的杼朝血脈，從這三位烏妃各自的經歷與特質可知烏漣娘娘並非隨興挑選少女來擔任烏妃一職，而是有目標的讓能夠幫助自己找到半身和破除香薔結界的少女成為烏妃。序寧的行動功敗垂成，但她留下的遺產讓壽雪窺見解方的端倪，而麗娘本人除了堅強的撐到晚年才殞命，對壽雪付出的關愛與教育也成為如今的壽雪足以抗衡烏妃命運的力量，加上生前盡力佈置反制香薔咒術的努力，為壽雪的戰鬥減少許多障礙，而薛魚泳留下的龐大資料則成為後繼者千里能夠幫助烏妃的媒介。
這一集揭露出來的麗娘生前死後的偉業和高貴情操，讓我成為麗娘粉絲，很喜歡她對壽雪付出的慈愛與關懷，個性堅毅、待人又柔軟真誠，透過生前的研究查明很多遙遠之前的烏妃線索，察覺壽雪血脈上的歷史淵源並悉心教養，且在生前策畫好反制香薔咒術的方式，即使讓自己的遺體被糟蹋毀損也平心靜氣的接受，視同這是和香薔對決與保護其他人必須付出的代價。看完麗娘付出的這一切，完全可以理解壽雪和薛魚泳為什麼這麼珍愛麗娘，又為她艱辛的一生感到如此不平而悲痛吶喊。但願完成身為烏妃的最後一役後，麗娘可以真正在極樂淨土好好安息。
《後宮之烏》這個故事從冬王的角度去看，簡直是為歷任烏妃創造出一齣又一齣不同形式人生悲劇的基底，但從烏漣娘娘的角度去體會霄國歷史的演變，可說是烏漣娘娘為了擺脫香薔咒術禁錮的奮鬥史，每一次選擇新任烏妃或多或少都存在著利己考量，最後烏漣娘娘堅持不懈的奮鬥在壽雪這一任烏妃開花結果。第三集烏漣娘娘的哥哥梟說她因為烏妃長年奉獻餵食牡丹花而喪失神智，可由決定烏妃的因緣來看或許未必如此，烏漣娘娘說不定還清醒冷靜得很，沉住氣暗中操盤這一切，在漫長時光中一步一腳印達成自己的目標。雖說過程中傷害到很多無辜女子的人生，可從烏漣娘娘立場去看這段經歷，就像激勵「人要比氣長才能走得遠」的勵志故事。
看第五集結尾烏漣娘娘似已佔據壽雪的肉身，而依照第六集文案，壽雪的靈魂飄盪在迴廊星河期間遇見香薔。我很好奇烏漣娘娘會怎麼跟宮廷裡的人對話、相處？烏漣娘娘恢復自主意識，鼇神是否也徹底復原，兩方又會再來一場神明戰役？我也很想知道香薔何以有如此深沉執念，即使欒朝早已不存，仍不願放過後代烏妃自由？香薔的執念也是逐步加強描寫，第四集藉由封一行轉述香薔用九根指頭在九道宮門設下結界牽制後代烏妃已讓人毛骨悚然，沒想到第五集結尾那個烏妃骷髏大軍還能加倍恐怖，簡直是香薔執念的具現化。到底是什麼原因促使香薔這般執著？她對欒夕有感情深厚到對方怕她作祟將她的遺體醢（ㄏㄞˇ）了仍不離不棄？就因為香薔執念之故，歷任烏妃生前飽受折磨，死後靈魂仍被禁錮而不得安寧。一想到這裡就感到氣憤難抑。
第五集乍見似乎都是烏妃線在檯面上活躍推展，但細查之下可以看到作者在高峻線的敘述也未馬虎，持續藉由高峻在各項人事和政策的安排上，呈現出高峻「知人善任」的賢明君主形象，高峻的人事安排不僅在表面上調節了高階官員人際圈的冷硬氛圍，內裡也拉攏羊舌一族成為壽雪的依仗，而藉著拉近跟沙那賣晨關係的作法或許有可能使高峻日後有機會從中干預沙那賣家族的繼承權問題，間接改變沙那賣朝陽的家族營運方針，從剷除烏妃轉為支持烏妃的態度。安排令狐之季到解州出差，除了是讓之季歷練以外，亦透過他的優異表現使羊舌慈惠間接認可高峻的治理能耐。無論是國家政務或守護壽雪的私情，高峻都盡可能做得綿密周全，足見他的心思之縝密。
〈破界〉中的互相坦露心曲的情景稱得上是夏雪CP的重大進展，互為半身的告白象徵著彼此在各自內心的份量之重，壽雪原本氣惱高峻提議要她離開霄國，理智上明白這對她的安全才是最恰當的安排，情感上卻無法輕易接受而心煩意亂，也擔心自己會失去好不容易跟後宮眾人建立起來的情誼。我想雙方都無法克制內心慌亂，大概是都領悟到離別的時刻已近，瞭解卻仍存留著不願放手的心情，伴隨著這份慌亂和眷戀，兩人更加清楚體認到對方於自己的重要份量。月下告白的情景描述十分美麗，高峻的告白話語亦令人動容，我很喜歡告白後壽雪的心理變化，原本焦慮的她確認跟高峻心靈相通就平靜了下來，她知道日後無論距離遠近，高峻的感情會相伴在側，而自身心意也放在高峻那裡，陪伴待在深宮度過餘生的他。你就是我，我就是你，從此再無分別。
＊劃線筆記：
頁一四四
「這不是他真正想知道的事情。一個人的內心，追求的往往不是事實，而是『道理』。為什麼女兒非死不可？這是什麼道理？這才是羊舌真正想問的問題。當然這世上根本找不出所謂的道理，但他沒有辦法接受，因為那實在是太痛苦了。」
正因如此，羊舌慈惠才會不斷問著「為什麼」。
頁一六二
律法是一切秩序的基礎，高峻認為自己身為皇地，更需要遵守律法。衛青很清楚高峻的這個觀念，也明白這應該是因為高峻從小對先帝的皇后擅權干政、目無綱紀的行徑感到不滿的關係。
如今高峻的重要美德之一，竟然來自於當年先帝的皇后，這是多麼諷刺的一件事。
頁二一六節錄
「說起來實在很不可思議，越是美麗的寶玉，越有著悲哀的來歷。」
⋯⋯
越是平凡的事物，越能帶來幸福。這也意味著美麗的事物往往會招致不幸。尤其是一些古老的傳承故事，往往是這樣的情節。不知道是為了警惕世人，還是美麗之物當真有著邪惡的魔力。
頁二五一至二五二
既然這些傳說都是由魚泳親筆抄下，千里費盡千辛萬苦才找到的線索，魚泳生前必定了然於胸。然而魚泳在辭世之前，並沒有給予千里任何的提示。從這一點，便可看出魚泳對壽雪抱持著相當複雜的心情。魚泳真正想拯救的對象並非壽雪，而是前代烏妃麗娘。
——但是⋯⋯魚泳大人，我想要拯救那少女。
盡可能幫助烏妃，是冬官的職責所在。何況壽雪還只是個稚嫩少女，更是讓千里無法見死不救。
千里心想，魚泳的內心深處應該也隱約有著想要幫助壽雪的念頭才對。否則的話，魚泳不會留下他畢生的心血結晶。他大可以在離去前，把這些東西全部銷毀。
魚泳大人，我猜得沒錯吧？千里看著魚泳的文字，在心中問道。
→很喜歡千里這一��內心獨白，可能我心底同樣盼望魚泳對壽雪並不全然是憎恨，也有想幫助壽雪的念頭。幫助壽雪，也是幫助日後不再有其他女子像前面一百三十六位烏妃一樣受到烏妃制度的折磨。還有千里透過研究先人遺物，去體察逝者留下的意志，這部份讀來莫名令我感動，彷彿感受到當事人的體溫，體會他的愛與恨。
白川紺子推進劇情的情節相當迅速，會直接省略掉相對不重要的情節，例如〈黑鹽〉裡之季重返解州調查羊舌慈惠給的問題時，我以為接下來會有不少篇幅闡述之季在解州各地奔波追查十五年前疑案的因果，順道透露更多霄國不為人知的歷史，成為壽雪、高峻解除烏妃枷鎖的線索。沒想到之季在解州官府詢問的情景才剛寫了開端，下一個場景就回到宮廷，之季向壽雪匯報調查結果。羊舌慈惠很快就入宮面見壽雪，也同意接受高峻的任用。這種挑重點講的筆法讓許多情況以迅雷不及掩耳之勢在推進。對我而言，不拖戲也顯得暢快俐落，可以直搗核心瞭解我最在意的謎團。
〈微笑之女〉跟前面處理心結未解的人或幽鬼的狀態頗有異曲同工之妙，那些未能消解的難堪傷感仍由當事人概括承受，擱置在心裡隨著時間流逝而轉化，只是這次尋求協助的宮女松娘回饋給壽雪的不是感謝與仰慕之情，反倒因為時機太過湊巧，讓本意是想阻止松娘遇險而趕赴現場的壽雪被眾人謠傳烏妃下咒害人才導致房屋塌陷，松娘畏懼宮人輿論也沒有勇氣跟壽雪持續接觸而退避三舍。看了也是覺得心情相當不適，覺得壽雪一番好心付出被人當垃圾輕賤，但又覺得松娘的反應確實是人性的其中一面。出於膽怯烏妃未知的力量、懼於他人側目而離棄有恩於己的人，現實生活中亦所在多有。
可能是我一口氣讀完〈黑鹽〉、〈烏妃的首飾〉、〈破界〉的緣故，總感覺這三個章節有渾然一體與層層推進的特質，大概是隨著瞭解古老歷史和前朝烏妃的遺老陸續登場為壽雪他們帶來更多情報，讓他們的目標宛如拼圖般逐漸成形的緣故吧。〈烏妃的首飾〉藉由各方支援，調查出上百年前的烏妃序寧、巫術師五生的名字，繼而思索與序寧入宮有關的鄉野奇談隱藏的可能內幕，還有將海底火山與烏漣娘娘的半身所在地連結起來。推測繼母追逐入宮女兒的真正原因的橋段也很有趣。話說回來，《後宮之烏》世界觀的宗教裡好像沒有「投胎」這種概念？看到壽雪欲招序寧之魂卻不可得，當時我心裡第一個想法是「都過那麼久了，搞不好序寧的魂魄早就投胎成新的生命體了啊？」但後續五生猜測可能的原因也沒有提及「投胎」這個可能性，大概在這整個世界的宗教體系裡是不存在的吧。
序寧的遭遇著實讓人哀痛，看封一行聊到曾經有過一年換過三次烏妃的紀錄真是嚇壞我了。之前沒有特別的感覺，以為歷任烏妃起碼都可以撐個幾年，活到交接給下一任烏妃的時候，原來也是有很多身心不足以支撐住每月一次肉體與靈魂被烏漣娘娘夜遊引起的撕扯之痛，而上任不久就香消玉殞的烏妃案例啊。看到這裡，再想起薛魚泳怨恨唯有壽雪可以擺脫烏妃枷鎖的話語，頓時能更深刻地理解他的悲憤心情，歷任烏妃明明也沒做錯什麼，卻被關在後宮終生寂寞，承受烏漣娘娘帶來的肉體折磨，眼見壽雪一人恢復自由、不再孤獨，而其他烏妃生前卻沒有這種機緣。別說是旁觀者薛魚泳，恐怕其他任烏妃地下有知，心理多少也會感到不平衡而怨懟起壽雪來也不一定。儘管壽雪沒有傷害過她們，但遠比其他人幸運的機遇有時候就足以構成被怨恨的契機。
不過，序寧的海商家族出身、麗娘的強韌與慈愛特質、壽雪的杼朝血脈，從這三位烏妃各自的經歷與特質可知烏漣娘娘並非隨興挑選少女來擔任烏妃一職，而是有目標的讓能夠幫助自己找到半身和破除香薔結界的少女成為烏妃。序寧的行動功敗垂成，但她留下的遺產讓壽雪窺見解方的端倪，而麗娘本人除了堅強的撐到晚年才殞命，對壽雪付出的關愛與教育也成為如今的壽雪足以抗衡烏妃命運的力量，加上生前盡力佈置反制香薔咒術的努力，為壽雪的戰鬥減少許多障礙，而薛魚泳留下的龐大資料則成為後繼者千里能夠幫助烏妃的媒介。
這一集揭露出來的麗娘生前死後的偉業和高貴情操，讓我成為麗娘粉絲，很喜歡她對壽雪付出的慈愛與關懷，個性堅毅、待人又柔軟真誠，透過生前的研究查明很多遙遠之前的烏妃線索，察覺壽雪血脈上的歷史淵源並悉心教養，且在生前策畫好反制香薔咒術的方式，即使讓自己的遺體被糟蹋毀損也平心靜氣的接受，視同這是和香薔對決與保護其他人必須付出的代價。看完麗娘付出的這一切，完全可以理解壽雪和薛魚泳為什麼這麼珍愛麗娘，又為她艱辛的一生感到如此不平而悲痛吶喊。但願完成身為烏妃的最後一役後，麗娘可以真正在極樂淨土好好安息。
《後宮之烏》這個故事從冬王的角度去看，簡直是為歷任烏妃創造出一齣又一齣不同形式人生悲劇的基底，但從烏漣娘娘的角度去體會霄國歷史的演變，可說是烏漣娘娘為了擺脫香薔咒術禁錮的奮鬥史，每一次選擇新任烏妃或多或少都存在著利己考量，最後烏漣娘娘堅持不懈的奮鬥在壽雪這一任烏妃開花結果。第三集烏漣娘娘的哥哥梟說她因為烏妃長年奉獻餵食牡丹花而喪失神智，可由決定烏妃的因緣來看或許未必如此，烏漣娘娘說不定還清醒冷靜得很，沉住氣暗中操盤這一切，在漫長時光中一步一腳印達成自己的目標。雖說過程中傷害到很多無辜女子的人生，可從烏漣娘娘立場去看這段經歷，就像激勵「人要比氣長才能走得遠」的勵志故事。
看第五集結尾烏漣娘娘似已佔據壽雪的肉身，而依照第六集文案，壽雪的靈魂飄盪在迴廊星河期間遇見香薔。我很好奇烏漣娘娘會怎麼跟宮廷裡的人對話、相處？烏漣娘娘恢復自主意識，鼇神是否也徹底復原，兩方又會再來一場神明戰役？我也很想知道香薔何以有如此深沉執念，即使欒朝早已不存，仍不願放過後代烏妃自由？香薔的執念也是逐步加強描寫，第四集藉由封一行轉述香薔用九根指頭在九道宮門設下結界牽制後代烏妃已讓人毛骨悚然，沒想到第五集結尾那個烏妃骷髏大軍還能加倍恐怖，簡直是香薔執念的具現化。到底是什麼原因促使香薔這般執著？她對欒夕有感情深厚到對方怕她作祟將她的遺體醢（ㄏㄞˇ）了仍不離不棄？就因為香薔執念之故，歷任烏妃生前飽受折磨，死後靈魂仍被禁錮而不得安寧。一想到這裡就感到氣憤難抑。
第五集乍見似乎都是烏妃線在檯面上活躍推展，但細查之下可以看到作者在高峻線的敘述也未馬虎，持續藉由高峻在各項人事和政策的安排上，呈現出高峻「知人善任」的賢明君主形象，高峻的人事安排不僅在表面上調節了高階官員人際圈的冷硬氛圍，內裡也拉攏羊舌一族成為壽雪的依仗，而藉著拉近跟沙那賣晨關係的作法或許有可能使高峻日後有機會從中干預沙那賣家族的繼承權問題，間接改變沙那賣朝陽的家族營運方針，從剷除烏妃轉為支持烏妃的態度。安排令狐之季到解州出差，除了是讓之季歷練以外，亦透過他的優異表現使羊舌慈惠間接認可高峻的治理能耐。無論是國家政務或守護壽雪的私情，高峻都盡可能做得綿密周全，足見他的心思之縝密。
〈破界〉中的互相坦露心曲的情景稱得上是夏雪CP的重大進展，互為半身的告白象徵著彼此在各自內心的份量之重，壽雪原本氣惱高峻提議要她離開霄國，理智上明白這對她的安全才是最恰當的安排，情感上卻無法輕易接受而心煩意亂，也擔心自己會失去好不容易跟後宮眾人建立起來的情誼。我想雙方都無法克制內心慌亂，大概是都領悟到離別的時刻已近，瞭解卻仍存留著不願放手的心情，伴隨著這份慌亂和眷戀，兩人更加清楚體認到對方於自己的重要份量。月下告白的情景描述十分美麗，高峻的告白話語亦令人動容，我很喜歡告白後壽雪的心理變化，原本焦慮的她確認跟高峻心靈相通就平靜了下來，她知道日後無論距離遠近，高峻的感情會相伴在側，而自身心意也放在高峻那裡，陪伴待在深宮度過餘生的他。你就是我，我就是你，從此再無分別。
＊劃線筆記：
頁一四四
「這不是他真正想知道的事情。一個人的內心，追求的往往不是事實，而是『道理』。為什麼女兒非死不可？這是什麼道理？這才是羊舌真正想問的問題。當然這世上根本找不出所謂的道理，但他沒有辦法接受，因為那實在是太痛苦了。」
正因如此，羊舌慈惠才會不斷問著「為什麼」。
頁一六二
律法是一切秩序的基礎，高峻認為自己身為皇地，更需要遵守律法。衛青很清楚高峻的這個觀念，也明白這應該是因為高峻從小對先帝的皇后擅權干政、目無綱紀的行徑感到不滿的關係。
如今高峻的重要美德之一，竟然來自於當年先帝的皇后，這是多麼諷刺的一件事。
頁二一六節錄
「說起來實在很不可思議，越是美麗的寶玉，越有著悲哀的來歷。」
⋯⋯
越是平凡的事物，越能帶來幸福。這也意味著美麗的事物往往會招致不幸。尤其是一些古老的傳承故事，往往是這樣的情節。不知道是為了警惕世人，還是美麗之物當真有著邪惡的魔力。
頁二五一至二五二
既然這些傳說都是由魚泳親筆抄下，千里費盡千辛萬苦才找到的線索，魚泳生前必定了然於胸。然而魚泳在辭世之前，並沒有給予千里任何的提示。從這一點，便可看出魚泳對壽雪抱持著相當複雜的心情。魚泳真正想拯救的對象並非壽雪，而是前代烏妃麗娘。
——但是⋯⋯魚泳大人，我想要拯救那少女。
盡可能幫助烏妃，是冬官的職責所在。何況壽雪還只是個稚嫩少女，更是讓千里無法見死不救。
千里心想，魚泳的內心深處應該也隱約有著想要幫助壽雪的念頭才對。否則的話，魚泳不會留下他畢生的心血結晶。他大可以在離去前，把這些東西全部銷毀。
魚泳大人，我猜得沒錯吧？千里看著魚泳的文字，在心中問道。
→很喜歡千里這一��內心獨白，可能我心底同樣盼望魚泳對壽雪並不全然是憎恨，也有想幫助壽雪的念頭。幫助壽雪，也是幫助日後不再有其他女子像前面一百三十六位烏妃一樣受到烏妃制度的折磨。還有千里透過研究先人遺物，去體察逝者留下的意志，這部份讀來莫名令我感動，彷彿感受到當事人的體溫，體會他的愛與恨。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
After the Black-robed Niangniang incident, Jusetsu is now back in the confinement of her Yamei Palace. Her attempt to avoid people don’t stop them from seeking her help though, so she still receives ghost-related requests from various parties. At first the cases in this volume may seem rather short and simple. Jusetsu is dealing with a haunted make-up box, a mystery of a curse involving black salt, and the history of a Raven Consort who died during an escape attempt. But upon a closer look, each of these cases actually reveal more information about the position of the Raven Consort itself. It’s not a pleasant experience, to put it mildly… even after death.
While the previous books did a marvelous job showing how easy it is for the Raven Consort to gain fervent followers, volume 5 proves that it’s just as easy for people to turn against those they used to revere. The mysterious nature of the Raven Consort only fuels this even more, because people fear what they don’t understand and so they can just blame Jusetsu for things going wrong. It may seem like the main plot takes its time to move since Jusetsu only attempts to break Kosho’s barrier towards the end, but the payoff is so worth it because the catastrophic aftermath of that, combined with the growing fear towards Jusetsu and the presence of the ao god, is the ultimate recipe for disaster.
The disaster will have to wait for the next volume though, because this one ends in a cliffhanger. Luckily I waited for the series to be complete before reading this, so now I can just continue immediately LOL.
Also, Koshun is desperately trying to save Jusetsu. There’s still no romantic feelings between them, but they do have a strong bond that also goes beyond friendship and familial love. I really like how the author develops their relationship without really slapping a label on it, as well as her way of describing emotions like loneliness and grief. The writing is so lyrical and gentle. Whether Jusetsu can be saved or not, however, remains to be seen.
While the previous books did a marvelous job showing how easy it is for the Raven Consort to gain fervent followers, volume 5 proves that it’s just as easy for people to turn against those they used to revere. The mysterious nature of the Raven Consort only fuels this even more, because people fear what they don’t understand and so they can just blame Jusetsu for things going wrong. It may seem like the main plot takes its time to move since Jusetsu only attempts to break Kosho’s barrier towards the end, but the payoff is so worth it because the catastrophic aftermath of that, combined with the growing fear towards Jusetsu and the presence of the ao god, is the ultimate recipe for disaster.
The disaster will have to wait for the next volume though, because this one ends in a cliffhanger. Luckily I waited for the series to be complete before reading this, so now I can just continue immediately LOL.
Also, Koshun is desperately trying to save Jusetsu. There’s still no romantic feelings between them, but they do have a strong bond that also goes beyond friendship and familial love. I really like how the author develops their relationship without really slapping a label on it, as well as her way of describing emotions like loneliness and grief. The writing is so lyrical and gentle. Whether Jusetsu can be saved or not, however, remains to be seen.
April 24, 2024
I love this book the most out of the the series. I haven't read Part 6 and 7 yet. But the progression of the story is perfect for me. We get to know more about the past Raven Consorts and why Jusetsu couldn't summon their souls. I never expected the reason! You can see as well that Jusetsu choices to not remain alone catches up to her in a form of weird worship and some kind of "Black robbed Niangniang" uprising. The resulting conflict starts a new thought within Koshun about his relationship with Jusetsu and what Jusetsu's future. Still I dislike that Eisei hasn't told Jusetsu his suspicion that they are half siblings. But I liked that there was a premonition from Hakurai alluded to that, so it's not forgotten. There are still some typos in this book but at this point I'm kinda used to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
This book was a bit harder to rate. It is very much an inbetween book that is supposed to bridge events and as such, on it's own, it is rather mid.
The mini stories from before are taking second place and they sizzle out as fast as they appear. In fact, they are so easily resolved I wonder what was the point of them in the first place as they are well and over midway through chapter and plot focuses on the main point of the Raven consort herself.
BUT those side stories aside, the main plot has good progress and the ending of this book should be illegal to pull off.
Mini stories - 3/5
Main story - 4.5/5
Off to waiting for next volume!
The mini stories from before are taking second place and they sizzle out as fast as they appear. In fact, they are so easily resolved I wonder what was the point of them in the first place as they are well and over midway through chapter and plot focuses on the main point of the Raven consort herself.
BUT those side stories aside, the main plot has good progress and the ending of this book should be illegal to pull off.
Mini stories - 3/5
Main story - 4.5/5
Off to waiting for next volume!
March 11, 2024
Aunque me gustaba que Jusetsu resolviera los problemas relacionados con fantasmas, por fin la trama ha dado un salto enorme en cuanto al propio conflicto de la protagonista y este volumen se ha centrado sobre todo en eso, en Jusetsu y los demás tratando de romper la barrera y todo lo que eso conlleva.
Por fin se ha podido ver algo debajo de la máscara de Koshun de cómo se siente con respecto a Jusetsu, y también los sentimientos de la propia Jusetsu, solo espero que los dos acaben juntos, POR FAVOR. Ahora lo malo es tener que esperar a que salga la siguiente encima con ese final.
Por fin se ha podido ver algo debajo de la máscara de Koshun de cómo se siente con respecto a Jusetsu, y también los sentimientos de la propia Jusetsu, solo espero que los dos acaben juntos, POR FAVOR. Ahora lo malo es tener que esperar a que salga la siguiente encima con ese final.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2024
The suspense is building up! Jusetsu decided to free herself from uren Niangniang and as Raven consort by destroying the barrier made by the first Raven consort. With the help of koshun, seri, shiki, they tried figuring out how.. they succeeded, however, Raven aka uren Niangniang took over jusetsu’s body at the end of this volume!! Oh no, can’t wait for volume 6!!!
July 30, 2025
Ya dejamos atrás el ir resolviendo misterios y fantasmas del palacio. Este libro tenía como meta central el romper la barrera y entender mas sobre el trasfondo de las consortes cuervos y definitamente nos centramos en eso.
Todo cambia a partir de este libro y no puedo esperar para terminar la historia, solo 2 libros más 🫡
Todo cambia a partir de este libro y no puedo esperar para terminar la historia, solo 2 libros más 🫡
December 7, 2023
I like jusetsu jaoushung
April 16, 2024
i absolutely love this series!! the ending for vol 5 was crazy and i can’t believe i have to wait 3 months to find out what happens!
April 27, 2024
My gad, the last pages... T.T
I thought Kosho was wronged her entire life, but it seems that the Summer Sovereign was right in being scared of her. The girl was a psycopath. *shivers*
I thought Kosho was wronged her entire life, but it seems that the Summer Sovereign was right in being scared of her. The girl was a psycopath. *shivers*
May 7, 2024
The story just gets better and better! I can't wait to read the next one!
June 5, 2024
The last chapter??? The cliffhanger??? Mannn, The Raven of the Inner Palace just gets more interesting and fascinating. Can't wait for the next book.
November 17, 2024
What a cliffhanger!
July 16, 2025
Dnf it halfway because I connected the dots and turned out the ending that I hoped wouldn't happen by the end of this series will happen.
April 12, 2024
3.5
I bamboozled myself leaving it "rtc" for too long, and now I don't remember clearly what was what in this volume. However, I will say that the latter chapter(s?) were nice, with the action packed stuff.
Because of the circumstances of the story however, there was a little less development in the relationship between Jusetsu and Koshun, since they were less often together.
There's still 2 volumes to go, and I'm not sad for the story to finally finish. It was fun, but I'm ready for things to get resolved.
I bamboozled myself leaving it "rtc" for too long, and now I don't remember clearly what was what in this volume. However, I will say that the latter chapter(s?) were nice, with the action packed stuff.
Because of the circumstances of the story however, there was a little less development in the relationship between Jusetsu and Koshun, since they were less often together.
There's still 2 volumes to go, and I'm not sad for the story to finally finish. It was fun, but I'm ready for things to get resolved.
April 16, 2025
The last chapter was an amazing payoff to what the characters have been working towards thus far. I'm so excited to see what happens next!
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