The Times Spent in Pretense

The Hua family, through generations, values loyalty and righteousness. Regardless of gender, everyone prioritizes defending their home and country. The harmony between ruler and subjects, sharing all kinds of emotions, all stem from the sense of righteousness in their hearts. As the weather turns cooler, has the favored crown prince been dethroned by His Majesty? No. As the weather turns hotter, has the loyal and brave Marquis Hua Residence been disposed of after its use? No. Not only that, but the Crown Prince has also married Hua Liuli, the daughter of Marquis Hua.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Times Spent in Pretense "The Times Spent in Pretense" is a historical romance that I found utterly charming. It’s a story that plays with familiar tropes in refreshing ways, and I quickly became invested in the characters and their… well, pretenses. While it might not be a groundbreaking epic, its lightheartedness and focus on familial bonds make it a delightful read. ### First Impressions I was immediately drawn in by the premise. Hua Liuli, a general's daughter, dreams of being a sickly beauty, and the Crown Prince is a seemingly lazy and arrogant figure. These initial characterizations are ripe for comedic misunderstandings and surprisingly sweet interactions, which the story delivers on in spades. ### What Works Well The characters are the heart of this novel. Many readers praised the author's ability to create vivid and relatable personalities, and I wholeheartedly agree. Hua Liuli's dedication to her "frail" persona, despite her martial arts skills, is endlessly entertaining. The Crown Prince, for all his laziness, has moments of genuine loyalty and affection that made me root for him. I especially appreciated the positive portrayal of the imperial family, with an emperor who, while exasperated by his sons' quirks, genuinely cares for them. The female friendships are also a highlight, offering a refreshing contrast to the often cutthroat dynamics found in similar stories. The humour lightens the more serious political elements, creating a well-balanced narrative. ### Areas of Concern While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, some readers found the plot to be somewhat meandering. There was a sense that the story occasionally lacked a clear direction, feeling more like a series of events than a tightly woven narrative. Also, while the lightheartedness is a strength, it might not appeal to those seeking a more intense or dramatic story. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some reviews I read mentioned aspects of the plot that could be considered spoilers. These include the true nature of the Crown Prince's "tyranny," which is actually a cover for cleaning up the court, and the revelation that the FL's frailty is also a carefully constructed facade. Also, there are some mentions of the fourth prince's story in the epilogue. ### Final Verdict Overall, I found "The Times Spent in Pretense" to be a delightful and engaging read. Its strengths lie in its well-developed characters, humorous situations, and refreshing take on familiar historical romance tropes. While the plot may occasionally meander, the strong character interactions and heartwarming family dynamics more than make up for it. If you're looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable story with a touch of political intrigue, I highly recommend giving this one a try.