A review by stacieladams21
An Empire as a Betrothal Gift by Fu Bai Qu (浮白曲)

5.0

An Empire as a Betrothal Gift (English title). Another favorite new read that I will be adding the Seven Seas survey for English licensing. This novel was such an enjoyable read that I could not put down. Check some of the other reviews to find really good synopses of the story. 

MC Wei Lian: Beauty (of course the most beautiful in all the land ), looks fragile but is smart, cunning, manipulative?, acts coquettish with JY  

ML Ji Yue: "cruel" tyrant emperor,  smart, ambitious, has endless love for and devotion to WL, has a  constant fear of hurting WL, GREEN FLAG, also gorgeous of course. 

👑enemies to lovers

👑fake relationship

👑power couple (little bit of Mary Sue for MC)- both smart, clever, and good at martial arts

👑Misunderstanding/communication issues with their feelings (not the frustrating kind IMO though)

👑Historical/wuxia

👑Politics/court drama (light)

👑Angst with comedic relief

Things I loved:

♥️WL's inner dialogue and sassiness

♥️Couple dynamic- they are SO perfect for each other. It was achingly sweet at times but it took work to get there. The chemistry is incredible

♥️Both have an inner fear of hurting and losing the other

♥️WL constantly referring to JL as the "older man" when they are two years apart

♥️This book really had me in my feelings- I cried multiple times for JY

Not a perfect novel but still so worth reading.

Some convenient plot devices- so if that kind of thing drives you crazy, just know it's going to happen- especially towards the end of the book.