General Above I am Below

Triumphantly back from eight years on the battlefield, the Great General of the Realm’s Armies turns out to be a woman! Per the Empress Dowager’s decree: Prince An’s younger brother Xia Yujin, now conferred the title of prince of Nanping, is to marry the general. Now he faces a mu*derous, iron-willed, and ruthless wife. The useless prince’s only recourse in this cold and terrible world is to desperately cry and call out for help. “How can I uphold the traditional authority of a husband over his wife?”

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on General Above I am Below "General Above I am Below" presents a refreshing twist on historical romance, flipping gender roles in a way that's both hilarious and thought-provoking. I dove into this novel expecting something different, and it largely delivered. While it has its flaws, the core concept and the reactions it elicits make it a memorable read. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a strong female general and a delicate, pampered male lead. The arranged marriage setup seemed ripe for comedic situations, and I wasn't disappointed. The early chapters are full of witty banter and awkward interactions as the two leads navigate their unusual dynamic. However, I can see why some readers might be put off initially by the male lead's personality. ### What Works Well The role reversal is undoubtedly the strongest aspect of this novel. The female lead, a battle-hardened general, is a force to be reckoned with, defying traditional expectations of women in historical settings. This subversion extends to the side characters as well, with many women vying for the general's attention and showering her with affection. The comedic undertones are well-executed, creating genuinely funny scenarios that kept me entertained. I also appreciated the gradual development of the characters, particularly the male lead. ### Areas of Concern One common concern I noticed is the male lead's initial behavior. He starts as spoiled, immature, and seemingly ungrateful, which frustrated some readers. While I understand this criticism, I also saw potential for growth, and I'm glad I stuck around to witness his character arc. The plot can also feel a bit slow-paced at times, lacking a central conflict to drive the narrative forward. It leans more towards a character-driven slice-of-life, which might not appeal to everyone. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several reviewers mentioned specific plot points, so be warned! Some highlighted the humorous reactions to the female lead's pregnancy and the lengths the male lead goes to support her. Others discussed the complexities of the side characters and their unrequited love for the general. ### Final Verdict Despite some initial reservations about the male lead and the pacing, I found "General Above I am Below" to be a genuinely enjoyable and unique read. The reversed gender dynamics, coupled with the comedic elements, make it a refreshing departure from typical historical romances. If you're looking for a story that challenges traditional roles and offers a good laugh, I recommend giving this novel a try. Just be patient with the male lead's initial flaws; his development is worth the journey.