This author really knows how to tell stories. Her prose is very readable and her stories are very engaging - there's SO MUCH going on. I just wish they weren't so long. Long review coming.
I started with the audio drama (really good by the way, 10/10 recommend). This is a character-driven story of the intense growth of two main leads, Liu Yuru and Gu Jiusi. Liu Yuru starts the story as the neglected but still sheltered daughter of a wealthy family, Gu Jiusi is the doted on careless/bold son of the wealthiest/most powerful family. They get married because of a misunderstanding. As they get married, there's a bit of an 'enemies to friends to lovers' trope because they were each other's last choice for a marriage.
While their romance is developing, the political situation changes rapidly - the current Emperor faces insurgency and both the wealthy families' survival are at stake. As the two face massive hardship together, they grow closer and fall in love, and also grow as individuals and find their own motivations for living and their place in the world. You could say they start to figure out their careers, lol, since Liu Yuru becomes an extremely successful businesswoman and Gu Jiusi becomes an extremely influential court minister.
Mo Shu Bai is renowned for her characterization and romance abilities. This is such a sweet romance. The author really delves into their psyches to unpack why each struggles to open their heart to the other, and the things that they learn as they grow to trust each other. I'm quite amazed at the depth and nuance of their romance. It's a truly healthy and very affectionate relationship - a very securely attached couple.
The romance storyline mostly concludes around 30%, in terms of resolving the 'will they won't they'. The remaining 70% of the story is about the two's careers (lol) and the external obstacles they face as a couple. The author still gives us romantic angst and tension by creating high pressure situations.
The side characters are just as well-written and developed, each with their own arcs and conclusions, some very sad 😭
I had serious issues with the length of this novel - I had the same issue with her other novel, Grand Princess. Imo this author's stories could really do with more stringent editing. There were subplots that were unnecessary. I skipped chapters and could still follow the story fine. I got exhausted by the length of this book and started skipping massively near the end.
Something I find interesting is that the female lead, Liu Yuru, has the kind of personality that in most other stories would make her a side character. But she was so badass in this novel - totally loved the arc where she travelled around the whole country conning various states to give her rice. I just loved how she wasn't a damsel in distress. She mostly resolves difficult situations by herself, before the male lead comes to save her.
And also I love how the female characters weren't trashily written. You don't just have one likeable female lead, and a bunch of weak, toxic, hateful other female characters. The women have their own strengths and motivations, and there are actually (gasp) female friendships and mentorships/mother-daughter relationships.
Definitely going to check out Mo Shu Bai's other stories. Just wish they weren't so long.
This is a great romance and character growth story. You might think the main pair is the spotlight of all stories, but no, side characters actually have their own scenes and pain too. I quite like how everyone is depicted as not perfectly kind or perfectly evil. Everyone turned up in a certain way due to events in their life or choices they made.
The story climax didn't let up even until a chapter before the ending. It's also very sad to see how things ended up for some characters. You could see that coming but it doesn't make it hurt any less.
All in all, this is quite a long story but worth your time reading it. Maoer FM also has the first season radio drama without significant change to the script. I recommend it.
One of the best BG I’ve ever read. You can see how much love the author has put into creating both the male and female leads. The character of the male lead Jiusi in particular is so lovely; he’s smart and good at reading people and although he behaves like a dandy, when time calls, he’s reliable. He’s simple in character but he’s not dumb. Despite the hardships his heart remains pure and untainted. He’s the personification of gentleman. Female lead Yuru on the other hand is smart, brave and good at business. I cried with her at the beginning when she thought her life is ruined upon being made to marry Jiusi. I truly feel her anguish. After all, each and every step she made since young is for the purpose of marrying well and when things go wrong, it’s akin to having wasted all her time and effort. Both of their characters were shaped by the environment they grew up in. Jiusi is carefree because his parents love him and he grew up in a rich and worry-free environment. Yuru is prudent because her mother is powerless in their family. Both Jiusi and Yuru support and complement each other in their quest to carve out a stable life in a politically unstable land. As readers, we witness their story, love, communication and most importantly, growth. The characters’ developments are so well written.
Love story checked, interesting supporting roles and villains checked, political intrigues checked, heartfelt moments checked (I cried), great writings checked. Btw, let me gush about how much I love Jiusi, I want my own Jiusi! He’s my ideal type!
Lastly, let me share a translated bit I found interesting and relatable:
“Women are not happy if they don't spend money and they are not happy if they spent too much money.”
Lại một cuốn truyện đọc vì thấy nguyên tác sắp chuyển thể thành phim :) Trường Phong Độ của Bạch Mặc Thư
Truyện dày khiếp đi được (3.200 trang ebook ~ 1.000 trang in), nhưng đọc rất cuốn. Tác giả viết truyện này hẳn đầu tư khá nhiều chất xám đấy- mưu kế tiếp nối mưu kế, hết tình tiết gay cấn này đến biến chuyển khác. Làm mấy đêm liền mình phải "nốt chương này" - sáng ra thành gấu trúc luôn :))
Mình cực thích phát triển nhân vật của truyện. Nam nữ chính đều không hoàn hảo ngay từ đầu, mà đầy thiếu sót và ngô nghê. Họ trải qua sóng gió mà từng bước trưởng thành, tự nỗ lực để trở thành một phiên bản tốt hơn, độc lập hơn và vững chãi hơn.
Tình yêu trong truyện cũng được xây dựng rất thuyết phục. Không phải là yêu từ cái nhìn đầu tiên, không phải long trời lở đất. Mà là sự thấu hiểu chầm chậm, từ không hiểu tình yêu là gì đến gắn bó không rời, trân trọng và làm điểm tựa- bến neo đậu cho nhau.
I read a lot of chinese romance novels and none makes me feel the way 长风渡 does. Liu Yuru and Gu Jiusi is the epitome of relationships take work lmfao. Unlike most romance novels I read, I feel that there is a good balance between both of them; Yuru doesn't wait around for Jiusi to solve her situations and Jiusi also relies on Yuru a lot. The trust they forge through their trials and tribulations is a sight to behold. The rawness of their relationship is great, truly great. Also the scene where Jiusi feeds her his b***d??? Please, the image is etched in my brain. I read the novel quite some time before the tv series came out and when it came out that scene was so weak compared to how it was portayed in the novel I was so disappointed lol. Anyways read 长风渡, I highly recommend it.
Did not finish reading this cause I finished watching the TV adaptation, Destined, faster than reading the book. So, would give the TV series a solid 3.5 stars, although I hear the book is better.
The Rollercoaster of Life Love, Wealth, Slander, Conflict, and War. Wuah,.............. this is the complete package, the tale of two souls entwined in the ballad of life, their destinies combined.