Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

This was a great read, but I've been very busy. I had Covid, I've gotten a new King Charles Cavalier puppy for Christmas and my brother went out of town twice and I've had to watch his kids, so my reading time has been much much less.

I am into this story. There are fantasy elements, but this is more down to earth and about court intrigue. Our two characters are hiding their relationship with each other, but they have admitted to being there for each other. I don't think they pretend this isn't real any more.

A whole basket of worms was opened in this volume and there is so much that can happen in the future. I can't tell if Xiao and Shen want to rule Qudu, or find a rightful ruler. So much is going on and several people died. A lot happened in this volume. They spent the series in the capital so far and now we are somewhere else. I will miss the court intrigue, but I'm sure the story will stay strong. I look forward to what comes next.

I want to talk about some of the plot, so SPoilers ahead:










Spoilers:

There is regicide here. They kill the king and try and pin it on Xiao Chiye. It's so obvious that he didn't do it too. The corrupt nobles are going all out to get control back. Shen and Xiao have hit them hard and they are struggling, so the nobles went postal.

We find out a little more about what happened to Shen Zechuan's homeland and why it fell. It's not as simple as history makes it out to be. After the regicide, both Xiao and Shen flea the capital as wanted men. Shen was going to stay, but Xiao came back for him and took him away. Such romance. I loved that.

Xiao is finally going home. He can't wait, but now Qudu, the empire is going to come for Xiao's home. To get home they have to go through Cizhou. They don't want to be seen letting someone who killed the emperor through. So Xiao and Shen go to catch the local bandit that is assaulting the countryside around the city.

I love the ending. Xiao declares to the rulers of Cizhou that Shen will run his household and he want to concubines in his room, male or female. It's a declaration of their love. It was wonderful.