I need to just sit with this for a moment because Li Wu. LI WU. This kid is absolutely wrecking me and I don't know what to do. He gets his phone SMASHED in his face, gets called a sissy waste, gets told he's only useful because of his family connection — and what does he do? He COOKS STEAK for Shu Xian. Like, genuinely. After everything, he's standing in the kitchen making creamy mushroom soup and cutting up steak because "brother would like it." And the internal monologue! "He had to capture brother's stomach and not let anyone else trick him away so easily." This boy is so starved for affection that even abuse isn't enough to make him walk away. Meanwhile, Shu Xian's guilt is palpable. He feels SO bad about the tasks — he calls Li Wu "little brother" with actual tenderness in his head, he feels sorry that the kid's self-esteem is being crushed, he even says "Wuwu, little brother Li Wu, brother is sorry" internally. But he can't break character. And Gu Tingyuan is this whole other layer — he's the ruthless schemer who somehow finds Shu Xian "cute" and says he'd be willing to spare his life if he wasn't like his past-life self. That line gave me chills because it implies there's a PAST LIFE version of Shu Xian who was different, and that's clearly going to matter later. The dynamic between Shu Xian and Li Wu is the emotional core of this story and it's absolutely killing me.
I need to talk about Yu Hongyu and Yu Banxia's relationship because it is genuinely one of the sweetest things in this novel. The scene where she gives him ten taels of silver and he goes 'Did you rob a bank or something?' — I laughed out loud. He's this old man who's been through hardship and suddenly his niece is telling him 'if you don't have enough money, come find me again,' and his reaction is just pure unfiltered joy. 'Goodness, there really came a day when someone told me that.' Madam Wu calling her a 'mischievous monkey' while laughing — this family dynamic is so warm and real. But what really got me was the revelation about Doctor Zhao. Yu Banxia says she's been studying medicine from him for over ten years, and then Zhao Boxian himself confirms it with this quiet, almost vulnerable moment: 'I am a solitary person by nature, yet she is the only one who isn't afraid of me and frequently comes to keep me company and talk.' That line hit me like a truck. This man who keeps to himself, who gives her extra when she sells herbs, who she sometimes complains to about foolish things — their relationship isn't dramatic or flashy, it's built on years of quiet mutual care. And then the Sugar Lotus Seed moment! Lan Qiuju remembers Yu Banxia slipping something into her mouth during labor when she was seven years old, and Yu Banxia just chuckles and lets the misunderstanding stand. She doesn't correct her. She lets her mother-in-law believe her daughter-in-law saved her life. That's not deception — that's wisdom. She understands that some beautiful stories are better left untangled. The midwife scene was also fascinating from a character perspective. This woman who immediately tries to block Yu Banxia, questioning whether an unmarried girl can deliver a baby, gets silenced by a needle and then obediently steps aside. Her submission isn't cowardice — it's the recognition of authority. She knows when she's outmatched.
The intricate plot and vivid descriptions made this a truly unforgettable read.
I love the world building and character development. Its well written and it’s a great story overall. I’m surely adding it on my collection.
Author is really good at harassing EX??sometimes I can't help but feel sorry for him.
The story is unbelievably good. Just keep grinding
oooh this is getting intense. lol the character design is awesome and the story build up keeps pulling me in. Death to the evil queen!
The book is very nice i liked it, so much??
wow so cool and sigma, I can't beleaf it. I went home frum skool and red tis it so amazing and eggciting wow bazinga??‼️
I just stayed reading the book although I hate starting unfinished work , hopefully this author will not disappoint .I think the characters are okay am also a fan of sapphic romance especially Yuri and Yaoi .I needed something fantasy let's see what more the author has
A very nice leveling novel? it's sad that Mc was forced to do missions as a baby???
My problem is that we need gender equity?I am no girl, but to us we were raised by sm's it is hard to accept.Anyways...i really like how Ace is faithful and not some mf??thumbs up man