The Shadow Guard is also the White Moonlight [Rebirth]

When Fu Nian first met Chu Zhaoyi, the late emperor was still alive, and Chu Zhaoyi was still a Wangye. But at their first meeting, Fu Nian experienced the ferocity of this future ruler. A cacophony rang in his mind, and as the metallic tang of blood flowed along his numbed skin, Fu Nian heard that devilish voice tell him, “Thunder and rain, all are the grace of a ruler. Just a bit of thunder, and you’re reduced to such a state.” Later, he would hear these words again, but it would be a long time later. “Thunder and rain, all are the grace of a ruler,” Chu Zhaoyi pronounced deliberately by Fu Nian’s ear. With the remnants of his strength, Fu Nian struggled to suppress a sob, “Your Majesty, such thunder and rain, this humble subject… truly doesn’t deserve.” Sensing his impending fate, he believed that the heart-connecting gu inside him was planted by a pitiable scapegoat, ordered by the ruler. Not wanting to implicate innocent people, he forcefully removed the gu from his heart, gasping his last breath only after handing it to the Imperial Guards. After death, Fu Nian realized that the one who had planted the heart-connecting gu wasn’t anyone else, but Chu Zhaoyi, the one above ten thousand others. He thought of Chu Zhaoyi as heartless and merciless, someone who didn’t trust him, let alone love him. Only in death did Fu Nian know that his master, who had plucked him from the pile of corpses and nurtured him, didn’t treat him as a disposable pawn, but genuinely cared for him. After Fu Nian’s death, his master went madly searching for medicine, going so far as to use living people as ingredients, all to save Fu Nian’s life. His Senior Brother, too, surprised him. Fu Nian had thought that their last meeting before parting ways was the night his Senior Brother gifted him a sword. Little did he expect that the one keeping their childhood sword manuals was his Senior Brother, and the one keeping the birthday gift he sent was also his Senior Brother. And after his death… it was his Senior Brother who clung to the jar containing the heart-connecting gu that he had dug out, crying uncontrollably. But what surprised Fu Nian the most was Chu Zhaoyi. He never thought that Chu Zhaoyi, whom he believed never truly loved him. Would, after his death, hold onto his already stiffened body, gently place the phoenix crown and red wedding robes he never dared dream of onto him, kiss him devoutly over and over again, and even, like they did in their lifetime, sleep side by side through the night. Awakening from a deep slumber, Fu Nian discovers a chance to rectify all the regrets of his previous life. Everything is still within reach. With a cold exterior but a warm heart, a ruthless monarch finds himself entangled with a stunningly beautiful and seemingly insane individual who is devoted and submissive to only one person, while showing no mercy as the commander of a ruthless group of shadow guards. The timeline progresses linearly, with no time-traveling involved; the protagonist’s body remains his own throughout.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Shadow Guard is also the White Moonlight [Rebirth] This novel, "The Shadow Guard is also the White Moonlight [Rebirth]," is a wild ride through ancient China, filled with political intrigue, a complicated romance, and characters who are far from perfect. It's definitely a story that will keep you on your toes, though it might not be for everyone. ### First Impressions Initially, I found the story a bit confusing. The protagonist's rebirth throws you right into the thick of things, and it takes a while for the events leading up to his death and subsequent return to become clear. I'd say that around chapters 50-60, the narrative starts to solidify, but the constant twists definitely kept me hooked. The world it depicts is brutal, and the characters act accordingly, which may not be for the faint of heart. ### What Works Well The core premise is intriguing: a shadow guard reborn with a chance to change his fate and the dynamic with the Emperor. The relationship between the MC and ML is undeniably a draw, even if it's toxic. There's something compelling about watching them navigate their power imbalance and try (sometimes failing) to communicate. I also appreciated that the MC's disability is a consistent part of his character and isn't magically erased. The author doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of living with a prosthetic limb in this setting. The ending, while perhaps rushed, offers a satisfying resolution to the couple's relationship, hinting at a more balanced dynamic. The translation quality is also consistently praised. ### Areas of Concern The plot can feel somewhat disjointed. Several storylines are introduced but never fully resolved, creating a "Swiss cheese" effect. I was also frustrated by the MC's density at times. Despite being a highly skilled assassin, he often seems oblivious, which felt inconsistent with his character. This, coupled with the lack of communication between the main characters, can be frustrating. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers may be put off by the mpreg element. Also, despite the MC's attempts to change things in his second life, some feel he ultimately accepts a similar role as before, simply becoming the Emperor's "bedwarmer and trainer" without truly gaining more agency or involvement in state affairs. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "The Shadow Guard is also the White Moonlight [Rebirth]" is a compelling read if you're looking for a dark, dramatic romance with complex characters and a unique premise. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride with some unresolved plot threads and a healthy dose of angst. I'd recommend it with a caveat: read the tags carefully and know what you're getting into.