The Favored Minister

At eighteen years old, the young marquis of the Duke’s manor, Xu Chun, had been yearning for a male companion. He wanted someone older, who would be considerate. He wanted someone good-looking; that was a given. He wanted someone skilled—after all, the first time must set a good precedent. So he could enjoy the boundless pleasures of life! After much deliberation, he set his sights on Emperor Jiu, who was traveling incognito. Xie Yi became emperor before he was even a month old; At twelve, he allied with the court’s civil officials and his royal uncle to force the regent empress dowager to relinquish power, securing his own reign smoothly; At fourteen, during the invasion by foreign tribes, he joined forces with enraged border generals to weaken the regent king, who held absolute power and could cover the sky with one hand; By sixteen, he was already the undisputed emperor of the nine regions; The emperor governed with ease, not meddling in trivial matters, Approaching thirty, Xie Yi began to feel; Life was rather dull; Being emperor for too long was no fun, he didn’t want to live anymore. Until he met Xu Chun, the notorious hedonistic heir, in the capital city. It started with physical attraction, they bonded over kindness and gratitude, love grew from the heart, and they hit it off instantly. They actually found their lives quite enjoyable together Until one day, Xu Chun discovered… That the emperor, who dwelled in the profound imperial palace, whose authority was unfathomable, Was none other than Jiu Ge, who told him bedtime stories every day and coaxed him to write floral notes.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Favored Minister "The Favored Minister" is a historical yaoi novel that really pulled me in with its blend of political intrigue, slice-of-life moments, and a sweet, developing romance. It’s a story set in ancient China, and the rich setting immediately captured my attention. With a rating of 4.2/5, it’s clear many readers, like myself, found something special in this story. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn to the premise of a carefree protagonist navigating the complexities of court life. I found myself immediately invested in the main character's journey. Seeing him initially perceived as frivolous, only to reveal hidden depths of intelligence and kindness, was a delightful surprise. ### What Works Well The romance between the MC and ML is truly the heart of the story. I loved watching their relationship evolve from a chance encounter to a deep, meaningful connection. The author does a fantastic job of portraying the ML's gradual falling in love, showing how the MC becomes his comfort and source of joy. I especially enjoyed the scenes where the ML unconsciously indulges the MC, creating moments of genuine warmth and affection. I think the author did a great job with the MC's character growth, seeing him evolve and mature throughout the story was really satisfying. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the overall story, I did find some of the plot developments in the later chapters to be a bit rushed. Certain important scenes felt glossed over, leaving me wanting more detail. I felt that some of the character's decisions were a bit out of character and created unnecessary conflict. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning I can't help but discuss some plot points that might spoil the experience for new readers. One example is the MC's sudden departure to the seas and the subsequent miscommunication with the ML. This plot point felt a bit contrived, and the lack of a face-to-face conversation before the MC's departure felt out of character. ### Final Verdict Despite some minor pacing issues and character choices, "The Favored Minister" is a worthwhile read. The engaging romance, clever protagonist, and intriguing political backdrop make for a captivating story. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a historical yaoi with depth, heart, and plenty of sweet moments. Just be prepared for a few plot twists along the way!