Placid Chang’an

Regent Prince × Newly Appointed Top Scholar: Solving Cases, Rising in Rank, and Falling in Love In the eighth year of the Tianshou reign, the former emperor suddenly passed away, and the new emperor, only six years old, ascended the throne. Prince Ning, holding military power, entered the court as the regent, while Empress Dowager Chu ruled from behind the curtain. Factional struggles within the court were fierce, and anyone seeking a position had to first learn how to pick a side. A young and spirited scholar from Suzhou, carefree by nature and unbound by conventions, unexpectedly found himself caught in the political whirlpool, unable to control his fate. A series of mu*ders among newly appointed officials, a mysteriously missing corpse from a coffin, a hidden world-class treasure within a painting, and eerie rumors surrounding the Mountain Goddess… Li Shi is like the city of Chang’an in Su Cen’s heart. Having wandered half his life to find it, Su Cen desires it deeply upon just one glimpse. If this city were ever to fall, he would be left drifting, with nowhere to call home. A powerful prince towering above all (Li Shi) × an extraordinary and talented top scholar (Su Cen). The older gong and the younger shou. Happy ending. The story is set in an alternate historical world, so please don’t scrutinize too closely. The age gap between the protagonists is over ten years.

Original Publisher

chang pei (gongzicp)

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Placid Chang’an "Placid Chang’an" certainly seems to have carved out a niche for itself in the historical yaoi genre. After diving into what readers are saying, I've formed a pretty good picture of what to expect. It's definitely a novel with layers, promising both intrigue and romance, but also some potential pitfalls. ### First Impressions The initial chapters seem to hook readers with a compelling blend of historical setting and mystery. I get the sense that the author's writing style is polished, drawing comparisons to other well-regarded historical novels. The cleverness of the protagonist is also a major draw. ### What Works Well The intricate plot, full of twists and turns rooted in court politics, appears to be a strong point. The pacing seems well-managed, keeping readers engaged as the love story unfolds amidst the political machinations. I appreciate that some readers found the characters realistic, especially the male lead. He's not portrayed as overly indulgent, which adds a layer of complexity and realism to his role as a Regent. The translation is also highly praised, which is always a huge plus. ### Areas of Concern There are some serious content warnings that potential readers need to be aware of. The inclusion of non-consensual acts and imprisonment is a significant issue that could be triggering for some. It's a shame that the story wasn't tagged more accurately to reflect these elements. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Several readers have pointed out the problematic nature of the initial interactions between the main characters, specifically mentioning r*pe. Additionally, there’s concern about the male lead's past relationships and the power dynamics between him and the protagonist. The age gap and manipulation are also brought up, which definitely colors the romance in a potentially disturbing light. ### Final Verdict "Placid Chang’an" appears to be a complex novel with a compelling plot and well-developed characters. However, the presence of potentially triggering content, particularly non-consensual acts, is a major concern. If you're comfortable with dark themes and morally grey characters, this might be a worthwhile read. But proceed with caution and be mindful of the content warnings. For me, it's a pass, but I can see the appeal for readers who enjoy morally ambiguous stories.