LittleFrog

The story is compelling. It kindles interest in ancient Chinese customs, culture and history. The palace intrigue is gripping. The romance between Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu is beautiful. Their characters are opposite but each attractive in its own way. One aspect puzzled me: both the hero and the heroine are in their prime, and it is a bit strange that the heroine, despite loving the hero, only endures the lovemaking and doesn't enjoy or initiate it. This may be because according to societal culture, women are not supposed to enjoy it. The author may have faced this constraint. The last few chapters where they meet in an alternate setting was completely unnecessary.