Chasing Jade

After her parents passed away, Fan Changyu faced a string of hardships—her childhood sweetheart broke off their engagement, greedy relatives wanted to seize her inheritance, and with a five-year-old sister to care for, she decided to take a husband in name only. Her plan centered on a man she had saved: wounded, with nothing to his name but a strikingly handsome face. They quickly reached an agreement: she would take him in to recover, and he would pretend to marry her, helping her hold on to her family assets. Once the family business was secure, Fan Changyu prepared to write the divorce agreement, as promised. However, a war erupted, and soldiers were recruited; her “husband” was conscripted and vanished without a trace. The next time she saw him, he was drenched in blood, lying in a wounded soldiers’ tent. His handsome face was smeared with blood, while his simple soldier’s uniform was torn to shreds. Seeing the hardship he had endured, Fan Changyu’s eyes reddened with tears. “Don’t be a soldier anymore,” she whispered, her voice choked. “Come back. I’ll slaughter pigs to support you.” He barely opened his eyes, coughing up blood. “You… wanted a divorce…” Her eyes filled with tears. “No divorce, no divorce!” Xie Zheng, the Marquis of Wu’an, became renowned at a young age, his achievements in battle granting him the title of marquis before he even turned twenty. His methods in military command were famously strict and ruthless, making him unmatched across the entire Dayin dynasty. Recently, however, the soldiers noticed something peculiar about their marquis. He no longer resided in his spacious command tent, preferring instead to squeeze into the cramped and shabby tent designated for the wounded. Though he’d taken a serious injury—a wound deep enough to bleed through his armor—under normal circumstances, he’d be back on his feet within a couple of days. Yet this time, he’d been lying there for over ten days with no sign of improvement. The camp’s grizzled strategist clicked his tongue after visiting him. “Hmph. If someone is by your side to wipe your brow and feed you medicine, of course the wound takes longer to heal!” It wasn’t until the marquis’s mysterious wife—who had never shown herself before—snuck into the barracks, wearing her husband’s tattered soldier’s uniform, and took his place on the front lines, fearing her “delicate, sickly husband” might die on the battlefield. Only then did the “gravely wounded” marquis leap up from his bed in shock, hastily don his armor, and rush to chase after her. As the blood-red sun set, a lone goose cried across the vast sky. With a butcher knife in hand, Fan Changyu hacked off the enemy general’s head and squinted toward the distant friendly troops kicking up clouds of yellow dust as they approached. She pulled over a nearby soldier and asked, “The one charging at the front, wearing that bright armor with the Qilin shoulder guards and riding that big horse… why does he look a bit like my husband?” The soldier: …Isn’t it possible that he actually is? Naive but fierce Little Sunshine (Female Lead) vs. “That woman is so crude” to “Why doesn’t that woman like me?” Marquis Xie (Male Lead) 1V1, sweet romance

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Chasing Jade "Chasing Jade" is a wild ride through ancient China, filled with war, political intrigue, and a romance that blossoms amidst chaos. This novel grabbed my attention from the very beginning, and while it has some flaws, it ultimately delivered a compelling story that kept me invested. ### First Impressions The initial chapters introduce us to Fan Changyu, a strong and capable butcher's daughter, and Xie Zheng, a seemingly helpless man she rescues. I immediately appreciated the contrast between them and how their unconventional meeting sets the stage for an interesting dynamic. The early parts of the story, focused on the village and the mundane aspects of Changyu's life, were surprisingly engaging. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its characters, particularly the female lead. Changyu is a refreshing protagonist – hardworking, resilient, and fiercely independent. I enjoyed watching her character growth as she navigates war, court politics, and her evolving feelings for Xie Zheng. The male lead, while initially cold and aloof, develops into a devoted and protective partner. I found his "descent into madness," as one reader put it, to be a compelling aspect of his character arc. The romance, though sometimes angsty, felt genuine and well-developed. The political intrigue and underlying mystery surrounding a past tragedy added depth to the story. I appreciated how the author gave even the antagonists compelling backstories, making them more than just one-dimensional villains. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the overall story, some elements felt less polished. The pacing occasionally faltered, and the court intrigue, at times, dragged on. The motivation of one of the main villains felt somewhat illogical. The plot device of a transmigrator character seemed unnecessary and didn't contribute significantly to the main storyline. Additionally, some readers may find certain scenes, like the initial forceful kiss, uncomfortable due to their non-consensual nature. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning *The following contains potential spoilers about plot points and character reveals.* A transmigrator character appears, but doesn't contribute to the main story line. One of the main villains' motivations are questionable. *Spoilers end here.* ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "Chasing Jade" is a worthwhile read. The strong female lead, the intricate plot, and the well-developed romance make it a captivating historical novel. If you enjoy stories with action, political intrigue, and a touch of wuxia, I recommend giving this one a try.