Don’t Learn Mandarin Ducks

The Zhuang Lady sent her dog, Yin Huayue, to keep an eye on him and confine him. She is cold-blooded and hypocritical, and always has a fake smile on her face. Helping him get ready, combing his hair, and lighting the lamps. Awake for twelve hours a day, Li Jingyun spends ten hours thinking about how to make her leave. But after that, she actually left. He became anxious. Despite our brief time together, we are not appreciated despite our strength. Rather be alone, instead of withering alongside with another.

Original Publisher

ruochu

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Don’t Learn Mandarin Ducks "Don't Learn Mandarin Ducks" promised a delightful historical romance, and while it delivered on some fronts, it ultimately left me with mixed feelings. The premise, set in ancient China with an arranged marriage between a cunning female protagonist and an arrogant general, was immediately appealing. I dove in hoping for a captivating story, and for a while, I wasn't disappointed. ### First Impressions The initial chapters were quite engaging. I found myself quickly drawn into the dynamic between Yin Huayue and Li Jingyun. Their bickering was genuinely funny, and I appreciated that both characters had distinct personalities and individual goals. Yin Huayue's quest for revenge, masked by a seemingly innocent facade, added a layer of intrigue that kept me hooked. ### What Works Well The novel excels at balancing humor, angst, and romance. The pacing is brisk, and I found the story consistently entertaining. The author also dedicates ample time to developing secondary characters, adding depth and richness to the world. I particularly enjoyed the political intrigues woven into the narrative, which elevated the story beyond a simple romance. The male lead's unwavering devotion to the female lead, despite her focus on revenge, was also a compelling aspect of their relationship. ### Areas of Concern My biggest issue lies with the ending. It felt rushed and unsatisfying, especially considering the build-up throughout the story. I was expecting a more substantial resolution, but instead, I was left feeling somewhat deflated. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about *that* ending. Yin Huayue achieves her revenge, which is great, but then she decides to leave Li Jingyun *immediately* after giving birth to twins, taking one of the children with her. I understand her need for independence, but her departure felt abrupt and lacked emotional depth. The reunion two years later also fell short of my expectations. Instead of a heartfelt reconciliation, we get a vague sense that Li Jingyun is simply wearing her down until she gets used to his presence. There's no real closure or meaningful conversation about their past. ### Final Verdict "Don't Learn Mandarin Ducks" is an enjoyable read with a compelling premise and engaging characters. However, the underwhelming ending significantly detracts from the overall experience. While the journey is entertaining, the destination leaves much to be desired. If you're looking for a lighthearted historical romance with some political intrigue, this might be worth a try, just be prepared for a potentially disappointing conclusion.