If you like annotating books, THIS IS THE ONE. I read this as a web novel after purchasing the Chinese version and the amount of information I was putting in my notes app was ridiculous (but I love that). Every character, clan, location, and group/organization is important to the story and will come into play at some point. I was very pleased with Seven Seas translation except one name change- “Embroidered Uniform Guard” replacing “Imperial Bodyguard” felt a little strange to me.

This is just the beginning of a beautiful, complex story with one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever read. Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye have my whole heart and I find myself thinking about them just as much as Hualian and Wangxian ♥️




Thrilled to finally have an official English translated version of one of my all time favorite novels! I consider this a masterpiece that has it all- amazing characters, world building, politics, military genius, drama, romance, plot twists, and betrayals. It's basically a Chinese fantasy Game of Thrones but better IMO.