Translated stories I like enough to recommend. I review them so expect some spoilers (I try not to spoil major events.)
(Please read the novels on the original translator's site which can be found on novelupdates!)
During an interview with prominent Tang Dynasty ministers: You have known Li Yuanying for a long time. What do you think about his character?
Wei Zheng: Shameless!
Fang Xuanling: Shameless!
Sun Simiao: Shameless!
His Majesty Li Er: My most shameless brother
Li Yuanying: Continue talking guys! I'm leaving first.
This is a lighthearted novel documenting the adventures (or more accurately ruckus) of Li Yuanying, youngest brother of Emperor Taizhong of Tang Dynasty.
Thoughts:
Another fun slice of life story!
It's set in an alternate universe wherein MC gains a system and changes history. Most, if not all, characters mentioned are real historical figures, so I had fun googling and comparing fiction from reality.
I really liked the MC!
His lively personality is what makes this novel stand out. Reading his crazy antics, his uncle personna, how he persuaded others to join, and the court's reactions over it, never got old. He is the textbook definition of a yapper.
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I liked how the author showed his growth gradually, especially since he was actually born in that era and not someone who transmigrated into it. MC didn't become mature or book smart overnight just because of the system. Like yes, he was already described as intelligent, but he still had to put in effort and struggle with understanding before developing a love for learning. He also had a mix of traditional and a modern mindset, which made him more accepting of things like concubines, political marriages, nationalism, etc. It was in line with the setting.
He has just the right balance between arrogance, perceptiveness, naughtiness, and intelligence, which makes him a really likable and compelling character! And as the description mentioned, he really is shameless.
One of the main highlights of this novel is the MC's interactions with other people, especially his brother (emperor). They are so alike, that it's hilarious reading their bickering and the courtiers complaints whenever they teamed up. I also appreciated the fact that they had their conflicts too.
I loved reading their real arguments as it was such a contrast to their usual dynamic. Chapter 107 was very memorable to me.
Moving on, the romance was mid. While I wouldn't change the pairing, it could have been executed better. The author could have poured a bit more personality onto the love interest and have more couple moments.
There were also a lot of side characters, and while I had difficulty remembering them, they had a strong impact on the plot. I liked that they were not just thrown away after an arc, but were recurring and actually felt like real people with their own goals and beliefs, not just mobs.
The system was not shown as much towards the end, but its impact cannot be undermined. It was the main reason why MC changed after all. And it still pops up every now and then.
While the novel focused more on the development of the Tang dynasty midway, it never felt stale. Whenever it felt like the plot was being repetitive, the author added new arcs which made it refreshing again. Just wanted the marriage arc to be longer tho.
The story also ended abruptly, which the author also acknowledged and stated that it was better ended that dragged on. Still, I loved the extras! It was such a fun conclusion to a great novel.
