Matrilocal Marriage

Yun An was a volunteer chosen among thousands by the space time research institute. Simply planning to record the true historical events of the military revolt in the year nine hundred and sixty, she signed the consent form, stepped into the time machine, but a peculiar thing happened during her travel through time, causing Yun An to be sent to an unknown place and time… This dynasty was not recorded in earth’s history; perhaps Yun An had entered a parallel world. This kingdom was known as the ‘Yan’ kingdom. It’s regime was similar to the middle period of the Ming dynasty. The economy was an unprecedented level of prosperity, and the men were regarded as superior to women. The renowned Lin family of the Yan kingdom lived in luxury and extravagance. Their extreme wealth had already continued for three generations. However, the famous Lin family faced an awkward problem at their third generation— the master of the family had no son. Although the master of the Lin family had seven concubines, he had not gained a son for years. Master Lin eventually became too old to have any hope for a male heir. The rise and fall of the Lin family now rests on the shoulders of master Lin’s only legitimate daughter: Lin Buxian. The Lin family appeared to be powerful and untouchable, but it was actually surrounded with danger. Their wealth was hankered after by powerful ministers and coveted by their relatives. Lin Buxian was a woman, but she had to step out often. Because of this, she was often denounced by the public. Eight merchants came to attend Lin Buxian’s twentieth birthday, but they heard the shocking news that her past childhood friend had already become the lucky son-in-law of a Minister, and he intended to take her as a concubine? Lin Buxian made an announcement to the entire kingdom during her birthday banquet; the Lin estate is looking for a handsome son-in-law, to marry and live with the bride’s family.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Matrilocal Marriage "Matrilocal Marriage" promised a delightful blend of comedy, drama, romance, and yuri in an ancient setting, and as I dove in, I found myself both charmed and, at times, frustrated. It's a story that clearly resonated deeply with many, yet also stumbled in ways that left some readers, myself included, wanting more. ### First Impressions The initial chapters hooked me with the unique premise of a modern woman, Yun An, time-traveling to ancient China. I was immediately drawn to her character – a researcher trying to navigate a completely foreign world while grappling with the implications of her presence. The budding friendship, and eventual romance, with the intelligent and restrained Lin Buxian was also a major draw. ### What Works Well I found the character development to be a strong point, particularly the growth of both Yun An and Lin Buxian. Yun An's ethical compass and genuine care for those around her made her relatable, while Lin Buxian's intelligence and quiet strength, constrained by the societal norms of her time, were equally compelling. The slow-burn romance was also a plus for me, allowing for a deep connection to form between the two leads. The world-building was another aspect that I appreciated. The author paints a vivid picture of ancient China, immersing you in the customs and challenges of the era. I also appreciated the translator's dedication in providing context and explanations, enhancing the overall reading experience. The story is quite unique and the realism is really good. ### Areas of Concern However, I couldn't ignore some of the recurring criticisms. Several readers, including myself, felt that the plot became bloated and meandering, especially in the later stages. Unnecessary exposition and unresolved plotlines detracted from the overall narrative. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning I do have to address the ending, which seemed to be a major point of contention. The sudden introduction of science fiction elements, including a post-alien invasion world and space cowboys, felt jarring and out of place. It felt like a complete departure from the established tone and themes of the story. Many readers also felt that the ending was rushed and failed to provide satisfying resolutions to various plot threads. ### Final Verdict "Matrilocal Marriage" is a novel with a lot of potential and many enjoyable aspects. The strong characters, well-developed world, and heartwarming romance make it a worthwhile read. However, the meandering plot and controversial ending ultimately detract from the overall experience. It's a novel I'd recommend with reservations, urging readers to be aware of its flaws while still appreciating its strengths.