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Thrice Married to a Salted Fish (Novel) #2
Thrice Married to a Salted Fish (Novel) Vol. 2
"IF ODD, CHANGE. IF EVEN, REMAIN THE SAME..."In the marquess of Nan'an's household, Lu Wancheng's death has left Lin Qingyu a young widow, and he loses no time fleeing his late husband's hostile family to continue pursuing his dashed dream of becoming a physician. Indeed, the empire of Great Yu has never been as desperate for fine physicians--both the emperor and one of his finest generals are in such ill health as to threaten the country itself.
Lin Qingyu's medical talents are far from rusty, and soon enough, they ensure that he's ushered into the imperial palace. There, he waits for someone to utter the secret code Lu Wancheng taught him--the code that begins "If odd, change. If even, remain the same..."
When Lin Qingyu finally hears those words, the speaker isn't the person he expected--nor are they the only person in the palace interested in Lin Qingyu. The young physician's beauty and talent have created professional rivals and even more serious threats. The speaker of the secret code may have come too late.
Lin Qingyu's medical talents are far from rusty, and soon enough, they ensure that he's ushered into the imperial palace. There, he waits for someone to utter the secret code Lu Wancheng taught him--the code that begins "If odd, change. If even, remain the same..."
When Lin Qingyu finally hears those words, the speaker isn't the person he expected--nor are they the only person in the palace interested in Lin Qingyu. The young physician's beauty and talent have created professional rivals and even more serious threats. The speaker of the secret code may have come too late.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
52 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 3, 2026
This volume wasn't as powerful or impactful as the first, but it still offered an enjoyable reading experience. The focus shifts more towards political intrigue and the complex machinations within the story.
Lin Qingyu has noticeably matured since the first volume. He has become even more strikingly beautiful, but with a darker, more malicious edge. I love how he refuses to become emperor simply because, in his view, wielding power would strip away the fun of doing bad things. I also appreciate that he doesn't pretend to have learned medicine out of a genuine desire to help people, nor does he claim any true concern for the empire's well-being.
Gu Fuzhou, the love interest, who now goes by a different name since he has a new body, finally has a healthy, strong physique that allows him to show off proudly to Lin Qingyu. His new body, belonging to a general, makes him powerful and capable. It's worth noting that he is in his second life, or actually his third, which adds a very mysterious layer to his character.
Sadly, he is no longer a salted fish since nobody lets him sleep as much as he would like, and I truly feel for him. His only desires are to sleep and eat peacefully, yet nobody seems willing to grant him that simple happiness.
Their relationship develops more in this volume. They start to realize that they don't like only girls and that they might harbor romantic feelings for each other. Although their chemistry remains strong, it isn't as intense as in the first volume. This might be because the love interest is now in a new body, as a transmigrator, which influences their dynamic.
In conclusion, while I didn't enjoy this volume quite as much as the first, I still found it fun.
Lin Qingyu has noticeably matured since the first volume. He has become even more strikingly beautiful, but with a darker, more malicious edge. I love how he refuses to become emperor simply because, in his view, wielding power would strip away the fun of doing bad things. I also appreciate that he doesn't pretend to have learned medicine out of a genuine desire to help people, nor does he claim any true concern for the empire's well-being.
Gu Fuzhou, the love interest, who now goes by a different name since he has a new body, finally has a healthy, strong physique that allows him to show off proudly to Lin Qingyu. His new body, belonging to a general, makes him powerful and capable. It's worth noting that he is in his second life, or actually his third, which adds a very mysterious layer to his character.
Sadly, he is no longer a salted fish since nobody lets him sleep as much as he would like, and I truly feel for him. His only desires are to sleep and eat peacefully, yet nobody seems willing to grant him that simple happiness.
Their relationship develops more in this volume. They start to realize that they don't like only girls and that they might harbor romantic feelings for each other. Although their chemistry remains strong, it isn't as intense as in the first volume. This might be because the love interest is now in a new body, as a transmigrator, which influences their dynamic.
In conclusion, while I didn't enjoy this volume quite as much as the first, I still found it fun.
February 20, 2026
5/5🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠
While Volume 1 was all about the heartbreakingly short time with Lu Wancheng, Volume 2 is where the story really finds its comedic and political stride!
The best part of this volume is watching Lin Qingyu navigate his "widow" era while dealing with the sheer audacity of Gu Fuzhou.
I love them so much!I love how hilarious they are, the scheming, the sweetness, and the incredible connection they share.
Lin Qingyu is even more lethal and "villainous" in this volume.
Happy reading🥰
SPOILER'S FOR FUTURE VOLUMES IN MY COMMENTS = AUTOMATIC BLOCK!
❄️Spoiler Warning❄️
Seven days after Lu Wancheng’s death, Lin Qingyu dreamed of him visiting. In the dream, the young man was cracking jokes and even picked Lin Qingyu up princess-style! But once he woke up, the memory of the young man’s face just faded away.
Then the rumors started: Gu Fuzhou finally woke up, only to become a total "salted fish." Everyone was so confused, guessing that a brush with death just changed him. But we know the truth—that salted fish is actually Lu Wancheng!
The night before the one year anniversary day of Lu Wancheng's death, Lin Qingyu woke up to fine Gu Fuzhou gone! He felt so scared! My heart couldn't take it! Thank god Gu Fuzhou came back to be there and comfort Lin Qingyu!
One of the highlights of this volume is the payoff for the math code Lu Wancheng left behind:
“If odd, change. If even, remain the same...”
The moment this code finally appears in the Imperial Palace is handled with such perfect tension. It’s the ultimate "I found you" moment that will make you want to scream into a pillow.
Lin Qingyu, am I seeing your feelings for Gu Fuzhou finally grow? The way you missed him and felt so empty after the 100th day of Lu Wancheng’s death stirred something in me. I felt that emptiness right along with you!
And Gu Fuzhou... did you really just become a lazy, greasy character? Look, if you know, you know. 😂
My Favorite Moment: Gu Fuzhou closed his eyes. "It means I have a crush on you. I want us to date," he said quietly.
Lin Qingyu furrowed his brow. "You want to crush me on a certain date...?"
Spoiler warning in my theory from the vol 3 cover art (please don't tell me if my theory is right or wrong lol)
I am 99% convinced the Volume 3 cover isn't just pretty art—it’s a massive hint. I think the Sixth Prince, Xiao Li, is Gu Fuzhou’s next "vessel." Here’s the evidence:
• The Missing of Memory of Lin Qingyu's Dream: After the princess-style carry in the dream (iconic, btw), Lin Qingyu couldn't remember Lu Wancheng’s original face. Could the Sixth Prince and Lu Wancheng's original body have the same face?
• The "Soulless" Gaze: Xiao Li having empty, soulless eyes is a classic trope for a body that is currently a "blank slate." It’s basically a "Vacancy" sign for a certain salted fish soul.
• The Interrogation: Why would Lin Qingyu suddenly ask Gu Fuzhou what his original world's body looked like right after meeting the Prince? Our icy doctor’s intuition is never wrong. He felt a soul-deep familiarity that he can't quite put into words yet.
If I'm wrong about this, I will personally apologize to every salted fish in the kingdom. But I’m NOT wrong, but I can also be wrong😂😂
While Volume 1 was all about the heartbreakingly short time with Lu Wancheng, Volume 2 is where the story really finds its comedic and political stride!
The best part of this volume is watching Lin Qingyu navigate his "widow" era while dealing with the sheer audacity of Gu Fuzhou.
I love them so much!I love how hilarious they are, the scheming, the sweetness, and the incredible connection they share.
Lin Qingyu is even more lethal and "villainous" in this volume.
Happy reading🥰
SPOILER'S FOR FUTURE VOLUMES IN MY COMMENTS = AUTOMATIC BLOCK!
❄️Spoiler Warning❄️
Seven days after Lu Wancheng’s death, Lin Qingyu dreamed of him visiting. In the dream, the young man was cracking jokes and even picked Lin Qingyu up princess-style! But once he woke up, the memory of the young man’s face just faded away.
Then the rumors started: Gu Fuzhou finally woke up, only to become a total "salted fish." Everyone was so confused, guessing that a brush with death just changed him. But we know the truth—that salted fish is actually Lu Wancheng!
The night before the one year anniversary day of Lu Wancheng's death, Lin Qingyu woke up to fine Gu Fuzhou gone! He felt so scared! My heart couldn't take it! Thank god Gu Fuzhou came back to be there and comfort Lin Qingyu!
One of the highlights of this volume is the payoff for the math code Lu Wancheng left behind:
“If odd, change. If even, remain the same...”
The moment this code finally appears in the Imperial Palace is handled with such perfect tension. It’s the ultimate "I found you" moment that will make you want to scream into a pillow.
Lin Qingyu, am I seeing your feelings for Gu Fuzhou finally grow? The way you missed him and felt so empty after the 100th day of Lu Wancheng’s death stirred something in me. I felt that emptiness right along with you!
And Gu Fuzhou... did you really just become a lazy, greasy character? Look, if you know, you know. 😂
My Favorite Moment: Gu Fuzhou closed his eyes. "It means I have a crush on you. I want us to date," he said quietly.
Lin Qingyu furrowed his brow. "You want to crush me on a certain date...?"
Spoiler warning in my theory from the vol 3 cover art (please don't tell me if my theory is right or wrong lol)
I am 99% convinced the Volume 3 cover isn't just pretty art—it’s a massive hint. I think the Sixth Prince, Xiao Li, is Gu Fuzhou’s next "vessel." Here’s the evidence:
• The Missing of Memory of Lin Qingyu's Dream: After the princess-style carry in the dream (iconic, btw), Lin Qingyu couldn't remember Lu Wancheng’s original face. Could the Sixth Prince and Lu Wancheng's original body have the same face?
• The "Soulless" Gaze: Xiao Li having empty, soulless eyes is a classic trope for a body that is currently a "blank slate." It’s basically a "Vacancy" sign for a certain salted fish soul.
• The Interrogation: Why would Lin Qingyu suddenly ask Gu Fuzhou what his original world's body looked like right after meeting the Prince? Our icy doctor’s intuition is never wrong. He felt a soul-deep familiarity that he can't quite put into words yet.
If I'm wrong about this, I will personally apologize to every salted fish in the kingdom. But I’m NOT wrong, but I can also be wrong😂😂
February 10, 2026
I continue to be utterly enamored with this series. It's not all that action packed or fast paced but I just love the way Lin Qingyu navigates all of these political situations he puts himself in. I love seeing his dark plotting side as he works to make the kingdom into something he wants simply because he wants to be free to study medicine unimpeded. I also love our young "Jiang" (I guess that's what I'll call him for now) is so lazy but actually so intelligent. It isn't even about knowing the original plot of the novel. He was working on battle strategies. He's keeping up with talks between generals. He is insanely smart and talented. I loved the continuation of their relationship in this book. They just keep getting closer and closer and I love it so much for them. This book of course left me on a cliffhanger for their relationship so now I'll have to wait in agony for the next book. At least this one didn't have a sad ending like book 1 (though I know book 3 will also have a sad ending so I'm preparing myself). I've also had a lot of fun trying to guess what body young "Jiang" will end up in next. I had a solid guess for a while and then I switched to something dramatic. Then I met some more people and had a new idea. By the end of this book I have a solid choice that honestly makes the most sense. Can't wait to see if I'm right in book 4. Anyhow, I love this series and both of them so much. Can't wait to keep reading this series.
February 21, 2026
"In terms of their outer appearances, Lu Wancheng and Gu Fuzhou both have strengths. And in terms of their core, they're both you. As long as that's the case, there's no difference to me."
Some stories just grab me by the throat and refuse to let go, and this was one of them. I stayed up way too late because I had to see what move they would make next. What I love most is how unapologetically conniving the couple is. They are clever, patient, and completely in sync. Lin Qingyu is exactly my type of protagonist. He’s sharp and composed, and even when he’s grieving, he never falls apart in a messy way. His pain makes him focused. Every decision feels intentional, whether he’s handling medicine or maneuvering through court politics. And yet the small moments wrecked me. The quiet gestures, the soft flashes of vulnerability, the way love shows through control. It made him feel so real to me.
Gu Fuzhou is the perfect match for him. He hides devotion behind jokes and a shameless grin, but you can feel how serious he is underneath it all. I loved how he plays indolent and carefree while carefully planning everything that truly matters. The way they flirt through sarcasm and coded words had me smiling like an idiot. Their dynamic is built on intelligence and restraint. They don’t need loud declarations to prove how much they care. It shows in the way they stand beside each other, in the quiet loyalty, in the shared ambition. They feel like partners in every sense of the word. Conspirators first, partners always. I ate that up.
The political tension kept me hooked the whole time. Court debates, medical breakthroughs, shifting alliances, and constant pressure from every direction made it impossible to relax. The tone leans morally gray, and I loved that about it. These characters are willing to make hard choices, and the story doesn’t shy away from that. The pacing is steady and thoughtful, which worked for me because it let the emotions sink in. By the end, I felt wrung out in the best way. It’s intense, smart, romantic, and deeply satisfying.
Date Read: 2026.02.21
Some stories just grab me by the throat and refuse to let go, and this was one of them. I stayed up way too late because I had to see what move they would make next. What I love most is how unapologetically conniving the couple is. They are clever, patient, and completely in sync. Lin Qingyu is exactly my type of protagonist. He’s sharp and composed, and even when he’s grieving, he never falls apart in a messy way. His pain makes him focused. Every decision feels intentional, whether he’s handling medicine or maneuvering through court politics. And yet the small moments wrecked me. The quiet gestures, the soft flashes of vulnerability, the way love shows through control. It made him feel so real to me.
Gu Fuzhou is the perfect match for him. He hides devotion behind jokes and a shameless grin, but you can feel how serious he is underneath it all. I loved how he plays indolent and carefree while carefully planning everything that truly matters. The way they flirt through sarcasm and coded words had me smiling like an idiot. Their dynamic is built on intelligence and restraint. They don’t need loud declarations to prove how much they care. It shows in the way they stand beside each other, in the quiet loyalty, in the shared ambition. They feel like partners in every sense of the word. Conspirators first, partners always. I ate that up.
The political tension kept me hooked the whole time. Court debates, medical breakthroughs, shifting alliances, and constant pressure from every direction made it impossible to relax. The tone leans morally gray, and I loved that about it. These characters are willing to make hard choices, and the story doesn’t shy away from that. The pacing is steady and thoughtful, which worked for me because it let the emotions sink in. By the end, I felt wrung out in the best way. It’s intense, smart, romantic, and deeply satisfying.
Date Read: 2026.02.21
March 3, 2026
they really did just edge all of us with that ending 😭😳
10/10 I had no doubts it wouldn't be hehe
and of course, rtc
10/10 I had no doubts it wouldn't be hehe
and of course, rtc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely adore this story, the second volume feels like a big warm hug.
February 12, 2026
The ending is killing me ughhh
March 3, 2026
Omg this volume was so good…BUT NOW WHATTTT the next volume doesn’t come out for months I’ll cry😭
February 10, 2026
I love this series so much. I love the characters so much. I love the slow realisation about their feelings for each other and also that they may not necessarily be as straight as they think they are. I love how Lin Qingyu looks and presents himself as being one way but in truth is a really cunning, resentful and vengeful man. I love how he doesn't dismiss 'Jiang' and what he says and has a genuine interest in where he's from and what he says.
And ending this volume like that?! Aaaaa!
And ending this volume like that?! Aaaaa!
February 26, 2026
── 5.0✦
I would give this book 4 stars if I weren’t in love with the story. Look at the husbands scheming against the crown together🥰Ugh, I can’t wait for the next volume!
Also from the cover of volume three and the hints towards the end of this book, I think we know what’s coming and who the third husband will be😭
I would give this book 4 stars if I weren’t in love with the story. Look at the husbands scheming against the crown together🥰Ugh, I can’t wait for the next volume!
Also from the cover of volume three and the hints towards the end of this book, I think we know what’s coming and who the third husband will be😭
February 22, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
two silly demi boys in love!!!!! what more could you want
two silly demi boys in love!!!!! what more could you want
February 17, 2026
Fun things to do with your significant other:
•scheming by the lake
•conspiring over frozen grapes
•plotting on long walks
•threatening your enemies into submission over lunch
•enacting the downfall of your enemies between rendezvous
•murdering if the opportunity arises
•sharing a bunk bed
Lol.
This series really does it for me.
Do I have to suspend some disbelief? Yeah, of course. But, I also think the author does a good job of establishing how clever, capable, malicious, and petty our main characters can be early on which makes their increasingly and delightfully unhinged actions throughout this series more believable.
I’m just an apologist for murder husbands, though.
Put it on my headstone. If a couple is down with murder, they are my ride or die.
I guess I never got over my Hannigram phase.
Anyway.
I really LOVE this series and would HIGHLY recommend it! Put down whatever boring danmei you’re slogging through and read this instead~
•scheming by the lake
•conspiring over frozen grapes
•plotting on long walks
•threatening your enemies into submission over lunch
•enacting the downfall of your enemies between rendezvous
•murdering if the opportunity arises
•sharing a bunk bed
Lol.
This series really does it for me.
Do I have to suspend some disbelief? Yeah, of course. But, I also think the author does a good job of establishing how clever, capable, malicious, and petty our main characters can be early on which makes their increasingly and delightfully unhinged actions throughout this series more believable.
I’m just an apologist for murder husbands, though.
Put it on my headstone. If a couple is down with murder, they are my ride or die.
I guess I never got over my Hannigram phase.
Anyway.
I really LOVE this series and would HIGHLY recommend it! Put down whatever boring danmei you’re slogging through and read this instead~
February 23, 2026
Gu Fuzhou stopped moving. "What?"
"Do you want to get me dirty again?" Lin Qingyu demanded.
Gu Fuzhou blinked. After confirming his intentions, he smiled. "Oh no. I think I sort of do."
Oh no... I loved this book 1000%, with all my heart, seriously... which means that now I'll have to wait till June 13 for the next volume's official release...! Awaiting preorder dates is a true hell of its own... but it's one I can definitely put up with if it means I get more of these two in the future...!!
🙇 SEVEN SEAS! SEND ME AN ARC AND MY LIFE IS YOURSSSS!!! 🙇🙇🙇
This is less of a review and more of me taking an opportunity to talk about all the plot points in this in full spoilery detail, so if you haven't read this book, please ignore this review! My review is that it's perfect and I loved it and it was great, and you should definitely pick up a copy for yourself!!
With how strong of a base the first volume is, this second volume was an absolute slam dunk for me as we get to see the characters roam to different places and interact with more nobility than they did in the first volume.
Right away, the first part of the novel that covers the 100 days after Wancheng's death are so hard-hitting. The subtlety of emotion in its characters is one thing I really admire in the writing in this book, because Qingyu is never outright stated to be mourning, nor holding on to hope that the young man will come find him again -- but you can tell, quietly through his actions and day-to-day how much pain he's in, how precarious his hope is.
I love how much it's clear that Qingyu doesn't even realize that he adores this man, the one person who has ever accepted and encouraged him, flaws and evil plots and all. As an audience, we're privy to the feelings of love between them long before even they two seem to be, and there's something so precious about that.
There's much more court politics in this volume as the Emperor and Empress, Xiao Cheng, Xiao Li & Xiao Jie, and many eunuchs and Imperial physicians come into play -- but I never felt confused by this. In this book, I think that the palace intrigue is actually handled in a really understandable way that is easy to wrap my head around. And the Emperor and Xiao Cheng are both absolute creeps... I can definitely tell that they're father and son, and I endorse all the plotting to kill them! 👏
On that note too, I don't remember if I said this in my review for my last volume, but -- it really is refreshing to have two protagonists who don't shy away from thinking, "In order to accomplish this, people have to die.", just straight out. No moral grandstanding or wavering, simply knowing that what they want to accomplish to live happily involves killing disgusting, horrible people (especially political figures who are offensive, and gross). But it's not like Qingyu nor Fuzhou are these deranged serial killers, or seem maladjusted as people. It's just a truth of their reality, same as the fact that the sun rises. I find it weirdly very refreshing, and I love watching them scheme.
Qingyu is a victim of misogyny and homophobia everywhere he goes. The fact that he has a partner to support him, uplift him, and be by his side as he plots to take out the bigots and manipulate those complicit... it's strangely empowering, the level of sway and confidence that Qingyu holds, and I appreciate his activeness and intelligence as a protagonist. He's truly one of the best I've ever laid eyes on.
I also love how the characters of Shen Huaishi and Xiao Cheng really come into focus as the "former protagonists" in this book. Especially Huaishi, who has incredibly compelling emotions, and honestly seems like a sweetheart who's been wronged at every turn, at the mercy of the one person in the world who he carries a torch for... it's very heartbreaking. I really hope that he has a decent ending, because he really has done very little wrong -- unlike Xiao Cheng. Even if Xiao Cheng wasn't completely complicit in the Tianyu Sect massacre like Qingyu lied about, Fuzhou is right: he's a total greaseball, and an abusive predator. His sadness and heartbreak for Princess Jingchun doesn't negate what an absolute tyrant he is, so I'm really glad that Huaishi stood up to him!!
In terms of the Fuzhou/Qingyu romance, this book has so many great, great scenes of development between them. And I'm so glad because all of the best romantic scenes were given beautiful, beautiful illustrations that really fit the scene for me!! Honestly, one thing I love most about these Seven Seas English editions is the gorgeous illustrations, they always really elevate the moment for me and to me, are like a little treat to come across while I'm reading!!
I also really love that Fuzhou discusses being from the modern world and a transmigrator with Qingyu so openly, and that Qingyu is curious and wants to learn more about it. Honestly, the transmigrator revealing where they're from and who they are is my favorite part of novels like these, because I love the honest revelation of it and the communication. Fuzhou and Qingyu have that in spades -- they might easily be one of my favorite danmei couples ever.
My final verdict on this volume is that the plot is so tight and well-written, the mysteries and scheming elements come up and are resolved quickly and cleverly, the character interactions are immensely strong and wonderful to watch. This series so far has a charm like none other I've come across, and I think any danmei fan who hasn't read this is severely missing out!!
I'm sorry I couldn't be more intelligent-sounding and succinct in this review and mostly rambled, but honestly, it's just because I had so much fun devouring this over my weekend and really wanted to get all my positive feelings about this out!! I'm really grateful and happy I started reading this series, even if now the waiting for the third volume begins!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
vol 2 summed up:
- this whole quote: "then we're left with no choice but-"
"for you to be my bride?" gu fuzhou couldn't help but interject
"no choice but for me to murder both the emperor and xiao cheng at the same time," lin qingyu continued, casually
- abs
- jiang being jealous of his own self (lmao) and losing sleep over it until qingyu says he likes both versions of him
- role play for “scheming purposes”
- demisexuals!!!
in conclusion, i love them sm!!!! the slow burn is slow burning and wow what a cliffhanger
- this whole quote: "then we're left with no choice but-"
"for you to be my bride?" gu fuzhou couldn't help but interject
"no choice but for me to murder both the emperor and xiao cheng at the same time," lin qingyu continued, casually
- abs
- jiang being jealous of his own self (lmao) and losing sleep over it until qingyu says he likes both versions of him
- role play for “scheming purposes”
- demisexuals!!!
in conclusion, i love them sm!!!! the slow burn is slow burning and wow what a cliffhanger
February 15, 2026
Just taking a moment to appreciate how nice it is when both your leads are smart as hell (except when it comes to their own feelings)
March 19, 2026
Confirmé que los amo.
March 3, 2026
4,7⭐️ rounded up
This book was such a joy. And at least one of them admits to himself that his feelings aren’t as platonic as he thought 😂
Also their relationship is so tender and sweet 🥹🥹🥹
Now I have to wait until summer for the next book to be released 😭😭
This book was such a joy. And at least one of them admits to himself that his feelings aren’t as platonic as he thought 😂
Also their relationship is so tender and sweet 🥹🥹🥹
Now I have to wait until summer for the next book to be released 😭😭
February 14, 2026
“Thrice Married to a Salted Fish,” aka: two men realize the existence of demisexuality and are two very different total moods about it. One is shocked to realize he has a libido at all; the other... pretends it is not happening. There's no attraction or affection if he refuses to acknowledge its presence, right?
The cold beauty Lin Qingyu’s frail husband has died, leaving him widowed and finally able to follow his dream of becoming an imperial doctor. He misses his husband more than anyone can see, but has hope that the transmigrator will come back to him, somehow. Meanwhile, the great general Gu Fuzhou has recovered from illness and is acting oddly. Begging to return to the palace, lazing about, avoiding as much work as possible… sounds familiar, no?
This volume was alright; I suspect it will end up being one-half of the second arc of the story. It kind of suffered from expectations. The first volume was very neat in following Lu Wancheng’s fate and finishing with a very cleanly tied ribbon around it. This one, while engaging because of my love for the characters and the constant fear inspired by the first volume + the series title, fell a little bit flatter. I can see that it’s very much setting up what’s to come for the remainder of the series - but it was bittersweet to see how Lin Qingyu was actually affected by his first husband’s death…
…and how it affects his relationship with his second husband! 🤭 I really enjoyed the little differences in character between volume 1 and 2, especially the closer Lin Qingyu gets to his husband. It’s very much giving “you, not the state of you” and if that’s not being demi idk what is. The way he falls into modern anachronisms because of his husband’s proximity is absolutely hilarious, as is Jiang Xing’s total switching on-and-off based on who is around him. Boy just wants to sleep and look at his beautiful wife. Can’t judge him for that.
I do need to confess: I made a mistake and saw the cover of the third volume. I am absolutely terrified for what is to come. It’s “Thrice Married” for a reason.
Help. My heart is not ready.
The cold beauty Lin Qingyu’s frail husband has died, leaving him widowed and finally able to follow his dream of becoming an imperial doctor. He misses his husband more than anyone can see, but has hope that the transmigrator will come back to him, somehow. Meanwhile, the great general Gu Fuzhou has recovered from illness and is acting oddly. Begging to return to the palace, lazing about, avoiding as much work as possible… sounds familiar, no?
This volume was alright; I suspect it will end up being one-half of the second arc of the story. It kind of suffered from expectations. The first volume was very neat in following Lu Wancheng’s fate and finishing with a very cleanly tied ribbon around it. This one, while engaging because of my love for the characters and the constant fear inspired by the first volume + the series title, fell a little bit flatter. I can see that it’s very much setting up what’s to come for the remainder of the series - but it was bittersweet to see how Lin Qingyu was actually affected by his first husband’s death…
…and how it affects his relationship with his second husband! 🤭 I really enjoyed the little differences in character between volume 1 and 2, especially the closer Lin Qingyu gets to his husband. It’s very much giving “you, not the state of you” and if that’s not being demi idk what is. The way he falls into modern anachronisms because of his husband’s proximity is absolutely hilarious, as is Jiang Xing’s total switching on-and-off based on who is around him. Boy just wants to sleep and look at his beautiful wife. Can’t judge him for that.
I do need to confess: I made a mistake and saw the cover of the third volume. I am absolutely terrified for what is to come. It’s “Thrice Married” for a reason.
Help. My heart is not ready.
February 13, 2026
chewing up this book (affectionately) god i love “jiang” and lin qingyu SO MUCH
March 4, 2026
aroace MC x grey ace LI
February 13, 2026
Ugh, I love these two so much. This one felt a little slower, but I think the development of both of our guys realizing at least how much they care about and trust each other, if not realizing the full extent of those feelings, made up for it pretty well. I am both excited and terrified of the next volume, since I know it's gotta hurt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
if volume 1 is slow, dreadful, heartbreak, then volume 2 is edging you to a warm hug.
lin qingyu has just lost his husband. and while he promised he'd get over it quite soon, that he's unaffected and logical when it comes to all aspects of his life, the book shows really well how much he really misses lu wancheng. so much good pining too. he swore he'd wait 90 days for "lu wancheng" to be reborn and just when its been long enough for him to be disappointed, he receives a sliver of hope.
truth be told, it was never really a secret or very subtle who "lu wancheng" became - the great general gu fuzhou, who even from the battlefield, plots to keep lin qingyu from falling into the grasping hands of the crown prince and emperor.
when they finally do reunite, its with a "you're here" "i'm sorry I took so long" and I really love how strong, but understaded their feelings for each other are. as if only the other should understand.
and of course, they get back to pulling off their nefarious plans to finally be free from the imperial family.
volume 2 ends ominously in my opinion. gu fuzhou's pledge to not die on the battlefield, coupled with the title thrice married to a salted fish does not bode well for the new couples' marital bliss.
lin qingyu has just lost his husband. and while he promised he'd get over it quite soon, that he's unaffected and logical when it comes to all aspects of his life, the book shows really well how much he really misses lu wancheng. so much good pining too. he swore he'd wait 90 days for "lu wancheng" to be reborn and just when its been long enough for him to be disappointed, he receives a sliver of hope.
truth be told, it was never really a secret or very subtle who "lu wancheng" became - the great general gu fuzhou, who even from the battlefield, plots to keep lin qingyu from falling into the grasping hands of the crown prince and emperor.
when they finally do reunite, its with a "you're here" "i'm sorry I took so long" and I really love how strong, but understaded their feelings for each other are. as if only the other should understand.
and of course, they get back to pulling off their nefarious plans to finally be free from the imperial family.
volume 2 ends ominously in my opinion. gu fuzhou's pledge to not die on the battlefield, coupled with the title thrice married to a salted fish does not bode well for the new couples' marital bliss.
February 27, 2026
Salted Fish continues to be a darling book to me. Physician Lin getting his revenge is adorable. I love that Physician Lin knew he would be invited back to the palace. The emperor really thought that removing his pay would affect him. The man is set from his inheritance alone.
I appreciate that Physician Lin is emotionally effected by Lu Wancheng's death. We see it when the 100 days are up and how his heart drops. How his perspective on snowy days have changed. General Gu sees him at his most vulnerable and ensures him that he is healthy and alive. With a title like this, he is really foreshadowing his fate. But I love that we as the reader knows what will happen and read all the little details that sets up the next volume.
Though I understand why one-third of the book focuses solely on Physician Lin, I was disappointed that General Gu wasn't scheming as his significant other. In book one Lu Wancheng was as much of a manipulator as Physician Lin. He had his own plans to ensure his spouse's future and happiness. But now, General Gu is more focused on sleeping and admiring his Lin. They are still endangered from the crown prince, General Gu should still be precautiously planning for Physician Lin's sake.
I appreciate that Physician Lin is emotionally effected by Lu Wancheng's death. We see it when the 100 days are up and how his heart drops. How his perspective on snowy days have changed. General Gu sees him at his most vulnerable and ensures him that he is healthy and alive. With a title like this, he is really foreshadowing his fate. But I love that we as the reader knows what will happen and read all the little details that sets up the next volume.
Though I understand why one-third of the book focuses solely on Physician Lin, I was disappointed that General Gu wasn't scheming as his significant other. In book one Lu Wancheng was as much of a manipulator as Physician Lin. He had his own plans to ensure his spouse's future and happiness. But now, General Gu is more focused on sleeping and admiring his Lin. They are still endangered from the crown prince, General Gu should still be precautiously planning for Physician Lin's sake.
February 14, 2026
Great second instalment; the love story is advancing at a really believable pace, with good chemistry and characterisation. Loved the foreshadowing of the third husband.
I kind of wish I had a clearer idea of the overarching plot, other than just "trying to avoid the creepy crown prince and emperor", but that's good enough to keep things moving and maintain some threat and conflict to overcome.
Overall, loved it, and mildly sad that I have to wait for the third instalment.
I kind of wish I had a clearer idea of the overarching plot, other than just "trying to avoid the creepy crown prince and emperor", but that's good enough to keep things moving and maintain some threat and conflict to overcome.
Overall, loved it, and mildly sad that I have to wait for the third instalment.
February 20, 2026
These books just capture me and put me in a little jar. Such great court intrigue, you never know how “jiang” and Lin Qinyu are going to weave their way out of things. The building of romance as well is so lovely and why I’m always captivated by this type of danmei, the meeting of equals and how they fall in love. BLOODY GORGEOUS 💕
February 28, 2026
I love how their relationship develops in this one. Though I do feel bad for all the people who knew Lu Wancheng and don't realise he's still with them. Or whatever his real name is (wish he would just say it!!! Bah!!!)
Review of advance copy
Rating: 4.25/5 stars
February 11, 2026
I love them
February 13, 2026
not quite as absolutely and chemically addictive as volume 1, but still soooo good. im having SUCH a good time, truly
February 15, 2026
What a cliffhanger
I can't believe I have to wait for so many months to get more of this amazing story!!
Vol 1 and 2 have been so good!!!
Im in love with the way the author writes their characters.
-Destynnee
I can't believe I have to wait for so many months to get more of this amazing story!!
Vol 1 and 2 have been so good!!!
Im in love with the way the author writes their characters.
-Destynnee
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