#baihe novels

[sillysistersusi]

So, I have a question to everyone out there who likes baihe novels. I've been thinking about starting to read one (I only read danmei so far) and I wanted to ask you all about your opinion.

I wanted to start with 'the beauty's blade' since it isn't a really long book and this way I could find out if I like baihe or not (I think I will, since I'm a not really straight girl yk), but I'm afraid to start it and then end up not liking it.

I also thought about reading 'female general and eldest princess' but I heard from a lot of people that it drags on a lot and that the princess is very manipulative and toxic ... I, however, have no idea how much of this is true and what I should do now.

So I would like to beg the baihe fandom for their help😅🥰🥰

#baihe #the beauty's blade #the beautys blade #female general and eldest princess #fgep #baihe fandom #baihe recs #cnovels #baihe novel #baihe novels

[aworldforastage]

Clear and Muddy Loss of Love/泾渭情殇 by 请君莫笑

(Art from the audiodrama on Mao'er, with the named changed to 泾渭无间)

Synopsis

Qiyan Agula is the orphaned survivor of the Jing royal family, an ethnic nomadic tribe wiped out a decade ago in a war with the Wei kingdom. Vowing revenge, she takes the identity of a man named Qi Yan, and tries to enter the Wei government through its Imperial Exams and destroy it from the inside. However, her plans go awry when the Emperor asks Qi Yan to marry his favorite daughter Nangong Jingnu.

Qi Yan's powerful teacher and benefactor, a princess of the previous dynasty, is also determined to destroy the Nangong court. She has a network of spies helping Qi Yan maintain her secret identity to continue with the revenge plan. After earning the trust of the young and naive princess, Qi Yan begins to work with the princes, using their political influence to her advantage while prodding on them to turn on each other in the competition to become Crown Prince.

The Wei Kingdom is plagued by poor policy, a corrupt and entrenched gentry, and ambitious neighbors at its borders. In the maelstrom of politicking and backstabbing, Nangong Jingnu is the only person in the world who really cares for her "husband" Qi Yan like family, and Qi Yan is tortured by the reminder that the person she has grown to care for is the daughter of her arch nemesis. As Emperor Nangong Rang's health deteriorates, Jingnu is forced to grow up and learn about the history and politics behind her life of privilege, and choose her path in this world ...

Thoughts that live rent-free in my head [unmarked spoiler ahead]

Political Intrigue

Political Intrigue is what initially hooked me on this novel. It's not super intricate or rigorous, but it's definitely above-average for a historical web novel. The scope of the political intrigue covers palace intrigue and imperial succession, politicking among the elite classes, the impact of policy and inequality on grass root citizens, local/regional governance, and of course, the opportunities and complications brought by neighboring nations with a different culture and ethnicity.

I'm kind of picky with political intrigue stories. It's hard to write "the protagonist is smart and strategic" while also avoiding "everyone else is stupid and incapable of independent thought." Qi Yan has the physical constitution of a dry leaf that will disintegrate with one wrong move, but she is given an over-powered political brain to make up for it. She is knowledgeable about everything that is relevant, her complex plans usually pan out perfectly, and she is rarely outclassed or cornered in these power games. But the plot and action are tightly-paced, which keeps me engaged instead of dwelling on potential plot holes.

Unlike most c-novels I have read, this story highlights the perspective of the nomadic tribes, and (at least in the main story line) does not end with the Han-coded emperor "unifying" the land. The tribes still do not have the most flattering portrayal, as we see with the Nagus Clan's numerous deceptions and scandalous affairs, and Bayin's obstination and simpleness. However, Qi Yan has memories and ideals for a freer and kinder tribal life, and we empathize her grief for the loss of that way of life.

Qi Yan

Qi Yan is a very interesting character. She is smart, ruthless, drowning in rage and grief, but only rarely loses herself in it. While her mentor has trained her to lean into hatred and resentment, Qi Yan is not ignorant to the kindness, sincerity, and innocence of the most Wei citizens who had nothing to do with her family's death. She eventually narrows the scope of her revenge to the core of the Nangong court, and is earnestly helping the Wei citizens when working as an official.

I love the portrayal and transformation of the rage and resentment Qi Yan feels over the loss of her family and tribe. We see her grow from being consumed by vengeance, to sympathizing with innocent people, to trying to make the best out of the good things she has, and finally, to realizing there are things she just cannot forgive.

A lot of stories get very preachy about things like vengeance and forgiveness, and c-novels especially tend to have marginalized people absolve the Han-coded emperors or officials to "prioritize the big picture" But this story really leans into the humanity of the love and grief that drives Qi Yan's rage. The decision she makes about it in the end is so wonderfully flawed and completely in character -- because there is just no way for all this to end perfectly after all that's happened.

Jingnu

As for Nangong Jingnu, I really do think she is a poor precious sweet angel who did not deserve *gestures vaguely at the whole plot* this but this is such a classical case of sins of the father. And her father really is a terrible person to everyone, including his other eleven children, except for her.

She has an amazing character arc, starting as an naive princess and eventually ending up as a competent and wise Empress Regent. I think her growth as a politician is a bit too quick and smooth. For a long time she is consistently outclassed by other politicians like Qi Yan, but very quickly she becomes an independent ruler. Still, it's very satisfying to see her finally becoming a force for change in their broken world.

One thing I find very interesting about Jingnu is her devotion to the imperfect people that she loves. Her father and Qi Yan never show her the full extent of their darker sides, but she loves that best version of them so fiercely. As her father's favorite princess, she is respected and pampered, but no one truly dares to get too close to her because she is ranked higher than everyone. I think that loneliness really did a number on her. She finds home in Qi Yan so she is determined to keep it, and I'm just happy she can have the thing she really wants (even though I do not think this relationship has been fair to her).

Other thoughts

An interesting side effect I noticed while reading the novel, which centers on Qi Yan's POV, is I ended up internalizing some of her cynical and revenge-focused world view. I felt fairly disaffected by most of the character deaths in the story because Qi Yan did not want to care about them; even if she objectively knows they are not all terrible, she is not prone to being sympathetic to most Wei officials. When I finally sympathize with a supporting character, I keep on praying that he won't be revealed to be total trash a few story arcs down the line, because it happens a lot. It's nearly 90% into the novel when I finally come across a character death that genuinely saddened me.

There are many great female characters in this story. Jingnu's wise-and-caring oldest sister helps her out of many pinches, and the gentle-but-resilient second sister gets a fantastic story line and side CP. Tribal princess Jiya is ambitious, brave, and made my jaw drop some many times (in joy and in shock). The mysterious princess of the previous dynasty is also amazing (even as a villain) and makes you wonder how history might have changed if she became the ruler instead of her brother.

I was a bit disappointed that many side characters' story lines are are still left wide open at the end of such a long novel, but the author's note convinced me this is for the best. The author has given this universe and these characters so much life that their own stories can and should go on for millions of words more, and it's both impossible and unfair to think they will all wrap up neatly just as Qi Yan and Jingnu's story ends.

And last but not least, the theme song from the AD is just so goooooooood

#jwqs #clear and muddy loss of love #gl novel #my reading #qi yan #nangong jingnu #泾渭情殇 #danmei faves #baihe novels

[unforth]

Danmei and Baihe C Novels and Manhua Officially Licensed in English

Things are getting licensed fast enough that keeping a list like this up-to-date is basically impossible, but I saw someone asking in the tags so I figured I'd try. All titles are danmei unless otherwise noted (very little baihe is licensed so far). I've included Chinese titles and linked novelupdates for each title when I was able to find them, but sometimes publishers change the original titles so much that I can't track them down, apologies.

Basically: this is everything I know of as of April 12, 2024. There might be more. I tried.

For the latest danmei news, Danmeinews.com is a great resources.

Note that some of this information was sourced from this Carrd, last updated in March 2023.

-

Seven Seas:

The full list of danmei novels licensed by Seven Seas is here. The full list of danmei manhua licensed by Seven Seas is here.

These titles are in various stages of publication, from "entire series released" to "license literally announced less than a week ago." As far as I know, all Seven Seas titles are available world-wide, through major distributors and libraries, and in e-book and print formats.

Mo Xiang Tong Xiu titles:

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System (Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong).

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi)

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi) manhua

Heaven Official's Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)

Meatbun Doesn't Eat Meat titles:

Case File Compendium (Bing an Ben)

The Husky and His White Cat Shizun (Erha he Ta de Bai Mao Shizun)

Remnants of Filth (Yuwu)

Meng Xi Shi titles:

Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu)

Peerless (Wushuang)

priest titles:

Guardian (Zhenhun)

Stars of Chaos (Sha Po Lang)

Other titles:

Ballad of Sword and Wine (Qiang Jin Jiu) by Tang Jiuqing

I Ship My Rival x Me (Wo Kele Duijia x Wo de CP) manhua by PEPA

Run Wild (Saye) by Wu Zhe

The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish (Canji Baojun de Zhangxin Yu Chong) by Xue Shan Fei Hu

You've Got Mail: The Perils of Pigeon Post (Fei Ge Jiao You Xu Jin Shen) by Blackegg

-

Rosmei:

Rosmei licenses are Singapore distribution rights only. There is a list of international partners organizing group orders here. I've personally placed my orders through Yiggybean, as discussed in reply to this ask.

These titles are only being released as print editions.

Eta: titles that weren't originally on JJWXC (of which there are several here) WILL have e-book editions.

Ning Yuan titles:

BAIHE: At the World's Mercy by Ning Yuan

BAIHE (I think???) The Creator's Grace by Ning Yuan

priest titles:

Coins of Destiny (Liu Yao)

The Defectives (Can Ci Pin)

Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire (Lie Huo Jiao Chou)

Other titles:

Albert from Earth by Jie Mo Jun

The Bat (Bian Fu) by Feng Nong

Breaking Through the Clouds (Po Yun) by Huai Shang

Don't You Like Me (Ni Shi Bushi Xihuan Wo) by Lv Tian Yi

The Earth is Online (Diqiu Shangxian) by Mo Chen Huan

Everyone Loves the Cannon Fodder (Chuan Cheng Wan Ren Mi de Paohui Zhuma) by Qie Zai Shan Yang

Global Examination (Qianqiu Gao Kao) by Mu Su Li

Gold Class Enforcers (Jinpai Dashou) by Pao Pao Xue Er

How to Survive as a Villain (Chuanyue Cheng Fanpai Yao Ruhe Huming) by Yi Yi Yi Yi

Kaleidoscope of Death (Siwang Wanhuatong) by Xi Zi Xu

The Killer of Killers (Sha Qing) by Wu Yi

Nan Chan by Tang Jiuqing

Obsessed (Ki Ma) by Wu Chen Shui

Wine and Gun (Jiu yu Qiang) by Mengye Mengye

Wow, You Guys are Really Good at Gaming (Nimen Nansheng Da Youxi Hao Lihai O~) by Yi Xiu Luo

-

Peach Flower House:

Peach Flower House titles are primarily for sale through their website and through some distributors, such as Amazon.com. Whether titles are e-book only, print only, or both varies by title.

Da Feng Gua Guo:

The Imperial Uncle (Huang Shu)

Peach Blossom Debt (Taohua Zhai)

Other Titles:

Golden Terrace (Huang Jin Tai) by Cang Wu Bin Bai

In the Dark (Zai Hei An Zhong) by Jin Shisi Chai

Little Mushroom (Xiao Mogu) by Shisi

University of the Underworld by Ziloi

-

Via Lactea:

The full list of danmei novels licensed by Via Lactea is here.

Via Lactea titles are primarily for sale through their website and through some distributors, such as Amazon.com. All titles are either print-only or e-book + print. Only a handful have actually been released, the rest are licensed and presumably in progress.

Jing Shui Bian titles:

Salad Days (Jing Jiu)

Silent Hearts (Mo Mai)

Other Titles:

Dawning (Liming Zhihou) by ICE

Euthanasia by Feng Su Jun

Falling (Luo Chi) by Yu Cheng

Psycho (Feng Zi) by Xiao Yao Zi

Limerence (Wo Xichen Ni Nan Pengyou Henjiule) by Jiang Zi Bei

Lip and Sword (Chun Qiang) by Jin Shisi Chai

The Missing Piece (Maoheshenli) by Kun Yi Wei Lou

Raising Myself in 2006 by Qing Lv

Rose and Renaissance (Wo Zhi Xihuan Ni de Renshe [Yule Quan]) by Zhi Chu

Killing Show (Sha Lu Xiu) by Fox

Soul Vibration (Linghun Saodong) by Dr.solo

To Rule in a Turbulent World (Luan Shi Wei Wang) by Gu Xuerou

-

Monogatari Novels:

It is unclear to me if Monogatari Novel titles are available for world-wide distribution, but there are group orders being organized or I think they can be ordered directly from their webpage; they are based in Spain. These titles can also be ordered from at least some major retailers. Note that there has been some controversy about Monogatari Novels.

BAIHE: A Clear and Muddy Loss of Love (Jing Wei Qing Shang) by Please Don't Laugh

BAIHE: Female General and Eldest Princess (NuJiangjun he Zhang Gongzhu) by Please Don't Laugh

How to Survive as a Villain (Chuan Yue Cheng Fanpai Yao Ru He Huo Ming) manhua by Yi Yi Yi Yi

The Legendary Master's Wife (Chuanshuo Zhi Zhu de Furen) by Yin Ya

The Silent Concubine (Ya Nu) by Qiang Tang

BAIHE: Soulmate manhua by Wenzhi Lizi

-

Aloha Comics:

A tiny, Hawaii-based press focusing on manhua. Titles appear to primarily be available through Diamond Comics. There are also pre-orders on Yiggybean. All of these are pre-orders, though the earliest are coming out by the end of April 2024 (about two weeks after when I'm posting this).

All these titles are manhua!

Day Off by Qing Cai

Here U Are by DJUN

Link Click by Li Haoling and Haoliners (not technically danmei!)

Nirvana in Fire (Lang Ya Bang) by Hai Yan (not technically danmei!)

-

Chaleuria:

As far as I can tell, Chaleuria has not updated their webpage since April 2023, so the current status of in-progress titles is unknown. All titles are digital and/or e-book, and I'm not sure how to purchase them as I haven't tried.

Complete Guide to the Use and Care of a Personal Assistant (Zhuli Shiyong Zhinan) by Why Radiance

Deep in the Act (Ru Xi) by Tongzi

Fake Slackers (Wei Zhuang Xue Zha) by Mu Gua Huang (no longer available)

From Body to Love (Leng Yan E Nan: Xian Shenhou Ai) by Wan Wan Yi Xia

Interstellar Power Couple (Xingji Qiangli Lianyin) by Kun Cheng Xiongmao (no longer available)

Intoxicated Friends (Zui Qing Zhi Pengyou) by Ye Shu Ying

The Long Chase for the President's Spouse (Zongcai Zhui Fu Lu Manman) by Three Thousand Crow Language

Reborn into a Hamster for 233 Days (Chong Shengcheng Cangshu de 233 Tian) by Yi Shu

Records of the Dragon Follower (Cong Long Ji) by Yueren Ge

Urban Tales of Demons and Spirits (Dushi Yaogui Lu) by Qie Er

World Hopping: Avenge Our Love (Ni Wufa Yuliao de Fenshou, Wo Du Neng Gei Ni Song Shang) by Xiaomao Bu Ai Jiao (no longer available)

-

Honorable Mentions:

There are a handful of titles I know of that are official translations of C Novels, where the C Novels aren't danmei or baihe but are often treated as adjacent within fandom (as in: I've seen people shipping characters from them, lol). I've included two above under the entry for titles from Aloha Comics (Link Click and Nirvana in Fire) and here are a couple others I currently know of:

The Grave Robbers' Chronicles (Daomu Biji) by Nanpai Sanshu (six volumes are available in English from Things Asian Press

The Legend of the Condor Heroes (She Diao Yingxiong Chuan) by Jin Yong from St. Martin's Press

Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Yanyi), attributed to Luo Guanzhong, available in multiple translations

The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants (Zonglie Xiayi Chuan), attributed to Shi Yukun, there are two translations to English listed at the linked Wikipedia page

Note that to the best of my knowledge both of these are considered very substandard translations. I've personally read the official DMBJ translations and... yeah... and I've heard the LOCH translation is also mediocre.

I will add to the "Honorable Mentions" list if I find any other more mainstream titles with official translations.

Please don't come at me for including a couple classics. The characters shippable, what can I do? I've written fic for Romance of the Three Kingdoms...

-

A handful of other licenses are mentioned on the Carrd I linked at the beginning of this post; I have no idea the status of those titles and wasn't able to find information on them while putting together this post other than what was listed on that Carrd, so I've omitted them.

As a final note, I've personally purchased from every printer on this list EXCEPT Monogatari Novels (I'm holding off because of the controversy and will see how things play out) and Chaleuria (which I vaguely knew existed but nothing beyond that).

Seven Seas translation varies but the editing is general strong and the editions are sturdy and nice. Extras that have come with final volumes are lovely. I am buying literally everything they publish except for You've Got Mail, due to information about the author that was shared with me that the author is a transphobe. Note that Kinnporsche by Daemi is not danmei as it's Thai (and I've heard unsavory things about the author - I don't have a link for that as the information was shared with me on Discord, and I encourage you to do your own research rather than taking my word for it). No judgement if you make a different choice than me, to be clear, I'm just sharing the information I have and why I personally am not buying the books). Note that Seven Seas isn't without controversy, especially for treating their contractors poorly resulting in them unionizing. Some people have also been unhappy with the fidelity of their translations compared to the original Chinese (I've been satisfied personally but ymmv).

Peach Flower House has inconsistent inconsistent editing quality, but the books are very readable, and I'm excited that they're working with translators such as E. Danglars. I haven't bought any of their special editions so can't speak to their extras, but I've bought all their print translations and will continue to do so going forward.

I just got my first title from Via Lactea last week and finished reading it on Sunday, and the translation read very well and there were minimal errors. It also came with a bundle of cute extras, which I wasn't expecting and pleased, and writing this post has caused me to cave and spend $150 to buy the rest of their books. Thank you, tax refund. (Should I spend this money? No. Did I anyway? ...)

No Rosmei titles have actually shipped yet, so I can't speak to their quality, though the previews they've shared on social media (as outlined here, for example) read decently and I'm optimistic. The cover art is also lovely, and they've been communicative and responsive, for example they've already issued a statement related to a recent controversy over perceived poor marketing for At the World's Mercy.

Tl:dr, the above is absolutely everything I personally know about mlm and wlw Chinese novels and manhua that have been licensed for English publication. I hope it helps someone.

Now go forth, and buy some books!

#danmei #baihe #mxtx #priest #priest novels #tang jiuqing #mu su li #meng xi shi #yi yi yi yi #this probably needs a billion other tags but oh well #i've been meaning to write something like this for ages #like there's literally a similar post saved in my drafts #but apparently today is the day i don't have the willpower to not #as also evidenced by my literally buying some of these books while in the middle of putting the post together lmao #i broke a windshield wiper on sunday and SHOULD spend money fixing that instead but here we are #at least it's the passenger side wiper??? #anyway as always just tryin to do my part to get people to read more than just mxtx #not that i don't love mxtx #but please guys there's so much amazing stuff out there READ MORE BOOKS

[junesfool]

jwqs fandom if you're real tell me scenes to draw from memory

#art #jwqs #jwqs fanart #qi yan #nangong jingnu #qijing #baihe novel #novel #doomed yuri #doomed by the narrative #shen jiu #doomed lesbians #clear and muddy loss of love #jing wei qing shang #doodles #the brainrot is real #mini brainrot

[piojooojo]

#jwqs #泾渭情殇 #qi yan #qi yan fanart #jwqs fanart #pdl novels #baihe #my art

[yeyayeya]

Does anyone have any recommendations for any Baihe (GL) novels? I’ve read a decent amount of Danmei, and I’ve been really wanting to read some Baihe too.

Aside from Female General & Eldest Princess and Clear and Muddy Loss of Love, which I will get to eventually, is there any other novels that are good?

On a separate note, how good is Ballad of Sword and Wine (QJJ)? Is it worth reading?

I want to read more Danmei and Baihe since I am now in a rabbit hole.

#yeyarants #Danmei #Baihe #uh what else do I tag #should I tag other novels? #and authors? #probably if I want to get it to as many people as possible #mxtx #mo xiang tong xiu #rou bao bu chi rou #meatbun doesn't eat meat #erha #2ha #tgcf #mdzs #svsss #uh idk what else #oh wait #qjj #I need more recommendations #idk where to look tho #so if there’s anyone that’s read some #please let me know

[lantianlong]

Cr: Velinxi (see lower left corner)

#chinese novel #svsss #mxtx svsss #svsss donghua #baihe #sha hualing #liu mingyan #mingling

[neerbear]

them, yet again!

currently working on the LAST illustration for this project

after that, I have a cute little fandom dump I plan on doing (which fandom? surprise!)

anyways, can these two stop being awkward and just kiss already?

#digital art #art #drawing #illustration #oc #original character #original characters #ocs #original art #artists on tumblr #my characters #xianxia #baihe #original novel #fantasy novel #wlw #sapphic #lesbian #girls love #gl #hanfu

[sendmeartgifs]

Prince Agula of the grass plains ✨

#qiyan agula #jwqs #jwqs fanart #jwwj #clear and muddy loss of love #qi yan #baihe novel #girls love #lesbian #pdl #please don’t laugh #donghua #manhua #fanart #nangong jingnu #qijing

[qiulangjun]

ok i’ve seen some confusion on the internet regarding the differences between some cnovel specific genres, so here’s a clarification:

Wuxia（武侠）: lower fantasy, concerns the adventures of martial artists in ancient china

Xianxia (仙侠）: higher fantasy, subgenre of Wuxia, concerns cultivators and supernatural beings

Xuanhuan（玄幻）: the highest of high fantasy, subgenre of Xianxia, still concerns magic and supernatural beings, albeit in a more fantastical setting with foreign (aka not chinese) elements

p.s. keep in mind that i’m by no means an authority on this stuff, but that’s the general gist :)

#chinese novel #cnovel #wuxia #xianxia #xuanhuan #danmei #baihe

[missararts]

Kinda spoilers?

That part when Qi Yan got kidnapped by Nangong Jingnu

#jwqs #jwqs fanart #qiyan agula #qiyan #qi yan #nangong jingnu #baihe novel #baihe

[incorrect-web-novels]

Webnovel Carrd Links [Part 2]

Danmei / BL (Cont.)

Of all the Transmigrations, Why am I a Prisoner?

Panguan 

Peach / Hantao 

Peerless / Wushuang (hit the picture of the two characters) 

Peerless Immortal Surrounded by Demonic Disciples / PISDD 

Qiang Jin Jiu 

Qing Kuang / Bloom of Youth 

Qi Ye / Lord Seventh 

Reborn with an Old Enemy on the Day of Our Marriage 

Saye

Seizing Dreams 

Sha Po Lang (1, 2, 3)

Shenshang / Estranged 

SVSSS / Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System (1, 2)

TGCF / Heaven Official’s Blessing

The Earth is Online (CW: glitch effect)

The Governor is Sick 

The Ultimate Blue Seal / Zhongji Lanyin 

The Villain Has Something to Say 

The Villain is Outrageously Beautiful 

The Wife is First / Qi Wei Shang 

The White Cat’s Divine Scratching Post 

Those Years in Quest of Honor Mine 

Thousand Autumns / Qianqiu

Tian Ye Ke / Faraway Wanderers

Till Death Do Us Part & Living to Suffer

Transmigrating into a Mob Character to Rehabilitate the Villain Plan 

To Rule in a Turbulent World / LSWW 

Unbridled / Xiao Zhang

Want to Ascend? Then Fall in Love 

Where is Our Agreement to Be Arch-Rivals? 

Wu Chang Jie / Impermanence Calamity 

Xia Niangniang / Blind Concubine 

Youyi / Itinerant Doctor

Yuwu / Remnants of Filth 

Baihe / GL

Clear and Muddy Loss of Love / JWQS

Couple of Mirrors (originally a drama with a novelization & manhua)

FGEP / Female General and Eldest Princess

Matrilocal Marriage / Ruzhui 

My Wandering Spirit Lady 

Purely by Accident 

Other

Debut or Die 

Lout of the Count’s Family 

ORV / Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (LinkTree)

Return of Mount Hua Sect / Return of the Blossoming Blade

The King’s Avatar 

You Fei / Bandits (Drama: Legend of Fei)

[Part 1]

#not a quote #danmei #baihe #web novels #carrd #translations #long post #web novel carrd links #my posts #edit: my butt hurts from sitting in one place for so long lol #this took forever #no one does carrds like danmei fans jesus christ

[aworldforastage]

currently reading: Clear and Muddy Loss of Love/泾渭情殇 by 请君莫笑

This is a loooooong novel, but surprisingly I'm almost halfway through without taking a break from it.

Premise: Qiyan Agula wants to take revenge on the Wei Kingdom for destroying her tribe and family. She pretends to be a man named Qi Yan, hoping to enter the Wei Court through the Imperial Exams to dismantle the government from the inside. However, the Wei Emperor grants her a marriage with his beloved daughter, Princess Jingnu. This new position complicates Qiyan's revenge plan, and also forces her to build a complicated relationship with the naive but sweet princess.

The Wei kingdom is newly founded by the current Emperor, and the chaotic state of its court and gentry reflects the messy power brokering that stabilized the new dynasty. The Emperor does not have a good succession plan, nor an effective approach to governing. There are ruthless games of power and backstabbing in elite politics, and dire threats against survival of the common people.

The political intrigue is pretty interesting and keeping me hooked on the novel. The style reminds me of Joyful Reunion. Most of the plots are not super intricate or complex, but there are a lot of plotting, deception, and long games. It's a fairly serious attempt to explore the motivations and implications of war, political reform, social inequality, and (autocratic) leadership.

Qi Yan is pretty brutal. When I say she is not a good person, I mean she is actively ruining the lives of people who haven't done anything to her. She gradually realizes her revenge plan is causing immense pain and harm to people who never hurt her, but so far she is trying to internalize and justify it instead of changing her priorities.

I feel sort of conflicted about Jingnu. She is kind, sweet, talented, but only this way because she is a sheltered and favored royal, oblivious to the legacy of bloodshed and oppression that has built and sustained her life of privilege. The narrative has mostly exempt her from the dire experiences and circumstances that has forced other characters to break their morals and principles, but we get to look forward to how she'll handle the big betrayal/reveal waiting for her in the future.

The GL romance developed very organically but also ... not very GL. They started in an arranged royal marriage so they are constantly performing these rituals of marriage without any emotions attached. It's two people trying to live together peacefully falling for the other person's strength and kindness. One of them doesn't know her "husband" is a woman and is not thinking of this like a GL or w/w relationship. The other person, to be fair, has much bigger problems with this relationship than her partner's gender.

and some other random iinitial thoughts:

old Emperor Nangong is really a *string of expletive*

.... I did not expect [spoilers] to be our first lesbian relationship in this nove... ╭( ๐_๐)╮

... I really did not expect [more spoilers] to become a long term lesbian relationship ... (⚆ᗝ⚆)

... that awkward moment when all the points in the love dodecahedron is on the same family tree, but it's an extended traditional Chinese clan so I guess they are not that related (●__● )

Princess Jingnu you have many very good reasons to hate and be disappointed in Qi Yan but so far the one you found out and fixated on is the one thing she actually didn't do...

but seriously how are you married for SEVEN years, half of which is actually more-than-amicable, but still not know your "husband" is a woman?

#jwqs #my reading #not done reading yet #baihe novels

[clearandmuddy]

#I kept thinking this while reading the novel #I love JWQS so much #but it could have been so much shorter if our protagonists actually communicated and just had honestly #Like there literally would have been no plot. #jwqs #clear and muddy loss of love #jing wei qing shang #qi yan #nangong jingnu #qiyan agula #qijing #jwwj #baihe #meme

[junesfool]

"A handsome dead with lively eyes" (or someone's been studying too many national romanticism poems nowadays)

#jwqs #jwqs fanart #art #baihe #baihe novel #qi yan #qiyan agula #qi yuanjun #clear and muddy loss of love #two adamant hearts #forget me nots #how does one do backgrounds #mini brainrot #doomed lesbians

[lazulisong]

Whatcha reading, Meg?

Qin Su is the dumbest lesbian in the world and I would die for her.

#meg what is your problem #books #cnovels #web novels #baihe #SHES SO FUCKING STUPID I WANT TO KISS HER ON THE MOUTH