The Way of Favors

In her last life, Fu Rong was a concubine of Prince Su and was especially favoured. Unfortunately, Prince Su was short-lived, and she had also reincarnated.Fu Rong was ecstatic. It was good to reincarnate and she would definitely find the best man to marry this time. Who expected Prince Su to get entangled in this all of a sudden. It was okay to do some small things, but he wants to take her as his princess consort? Fu Rong really didn’t want to marry. She wasn’t afraid of him being cold during the day and at night……but she didn’t want to become a widow. (Original Novel of 2020 Chinese historical romance drama The Blooms At Ruyi Pavilion.)

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

chinese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on The Way of Favors "The Way of Favors" is a historical romance with a second chance twist that had me intrigued from the start. The premise of reincarnated individuals navigating ancient China's aristocracy, politics, and martial arts sounded like a perfect blend of genres. Having read the story, I can say it's a mixed bag, offering both heartwarming moments and some deeply troubling elements. ### First Impressions The initial chapters drew me in with the promise of a slow-burn romance and a chance for the female lead (FL), Fu Rong, to avoid the tragedies of her previous life. The idea of her focusing on her family and personal growth rather than revenge was refreshing. However, the male lead (ML), Xu Jin, immediately raised red flags with his obsessive behavior and questionable interactions with a younger Fu Rong. ### What Works Well One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the portrayal of Fu Rong's family. I found their loving and supportive dynamic to be a breath of fresh air. It's a welcome change to see parents still in love and siblings finding their own paths in a healthy environment. Fu Rong herself, despite being somewhat vain, is relatable in her desire for a peaceful life and a loving partner. The story also provides an interesting glimpse into the dating customs of ancient China. The slow-burn romance, when it works, is also a plus, showing the leads developing feelings over time. ### Areas of Concern Sadly, the major concern revolves around the male lead. I found his actions towards Fu Rong, especially in the early stages of their second life, deeply unsettling. The constant unwanted advances and borderline forceful behavior were difficult to overlook and colored my overall impression of the romance. The reasoning behind his obsession with Fu Rong, particularly the "disease" that only she can alleviate, felt like a lazy plot device to justify his actions. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some reviews mention that Xu Jin was reborn first and regretted his past treatment of Fu Rong. He then tries to protect her, but his methods are often overbearing and insensitive. Fu Rong, on the other hand, is reborn later and retains her adult mentality, which is a plus. However, her beauty attracts unwanted attention, and she struggles to navigate the schemes and dangers of her new life. ### Final Verdict "The Way of Favors" has potential, especially with its focus on family and the female lead's growth. However, the problematic behavior of the male lead significantly detracts from the overall experience. If you can overlook or tolerate these aspects, you might find enjoyment in the story's other merits. However, I would advise caution and a critical eye when approaching this novel.