, it's an okay historical novel, but it's difficult to define. It isn't quite a romance, nor an adventure, nor a political drama. By the end, I found myself asking, what was the point of this novel? It feels like a blend of biographical and slice-of-life genres, yet I never truly got to know or care about the protagonist.
Summary:
The eldest legitimate daughter of a duke, our main character (MC) is known throughout the capital as a noble, proper, and gentle young lady. Despite her privileged status, she feels isolated and trapped by her family's lofty expectations. Her aunt is a noble consort in the palace, her father wields military power as a duke, her stepmother fears offending her due to her status, and her younger sisters respect her. Her family and her consort aunt (the 4th prince's adoptive mother) want her to marry the 4th prince, the leading candidate for the crown prince. To facilitate this, they establish a schoolroom and invite King Ji (the emperor's younger brother) to teach the duke's children and the 4th prince.
As time passes, the MC notices that the 4th prince shows no interest in her, but rather gravitates towards one of her sisters. Secretly relieved, she hopes this will free her from her preordained fate. Meanwhile, King Ji is particularly attentive and strict with her, sparking a mutual attraction despite their suspicions and the constraints of their situation.
Spoiler
King Ji initially teases and baits her, even threatening her for knowing too much about his plans. Yet, he eventually falls in love with her. She tries to ignore him but finds herself continually drawn to him, as he allows her to drop her façade of politeness and perfection. She ultimately decides to wait for him and trust her feelings, especially after he sabotages her other marriage prospects. Eventually, he usurps the throne, cripples the crown prince, names himself regent, and marries the MC, spoiling her rotten. The end.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this novel. Kudos to the author for creating teenage characters who act their age for once. The MC and her sisters are genuinely childish and immature in their behavior and outlook. The MC tries to maintain her steady and elegant demeanor, but it takes a toll on her.
This is why I struggle to classify this as a romance novel. Unlike the usual setup (with a transmigrated or reborn heroine, essentially an adult in a teenager's body), the MC is a true 14-year-old, both in age and mentality. In contrast, the male lead (ML) is 24, more experienced, and has authority over her as her teacher. While the age difference might not be historically inaccurate, it feels uncomfortable, as it seems like he's grooming and manipulating her.
Spoiler
Initially, the ML is intimidating and calculating, clearly stating his intention to use her for her family's power and ruining her other marriage prospects. As the novel progresses (around 40+ chapters), the author seems to realize that this isn't very "romantic" and tries to soften the ML's image by having the MC vent to him about her lack of freedom and choices. While he supposedly listens, we don't see a genuine change, as the MC decides to follow her heart and accept him almost immediately. The story concludes with a happy ending where the ML goes out of character, shedding his cold and scheming persona to spoil the MC.
The problem is that, beyond their mysterious falling in love, the characters lack depth and substance. We don't learn about their goals, passions, or regrets. The leads aren't partners, allies, or friends. The MC is so passive it's boring—she doesn't dare to desire anything since her family dictates her future—and the ML, supposedly a genius schemer, lacks consistency and seems aimless after achieving his goal.
There's nothing inherently wrong with this novel, but when I finished it, I was left thinking: that's it?