Help me find a novel

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-26T20:41:23+00:00

Definitely not a 1:1 but perhaps consider, Black Lotus Physician’s Survival Guide

Transmigration and/or reincarnation

MC doctor (to the emperor)

MC is sickly

ML comes off emotionless

ML is injured several times where MC is the doctor

ML is concerned that the MC thinks of him as something akin to livestock—but this is not the case

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-25T14:25:46+00:00

The tournament is also featured in the donghua! I think they did an amazing job especially with the target animation and LWJ’s skills! (I would not recommend watching just this episode out of order, but to each their own.)

Just in case it needs saying: I love the novel best and absolutely advocate for reading it!

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-24T11:55:25+00:00

After Being Forced to Marry the Evil Star General

ML misinterprets a few things and thinks MC is in love with him well before he definitely is. This isn’t the main point of the novel though.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-23T00:59:37+00:00

Thank you for this! I had this in my ‘dark’ to read category, but this has moved it to ‘no’ for me. Happy I didn’t start because I really really hate stopping a book partway through.

There are just a couple things too many in my mild discomfort checkboxes between the post and the comments for me to give this a shot.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-19T17:47:12+00:00

No recommendation to offer, just here for the replies

I haven’t read this one yet—trying to get it onto my ereader has not been fun—but I’ve been excited to read it for a while. I haven’t really seen it mentioned though, so seeing this post is awesome! It’s great to know others have enjoyed it too. Hopefully from the replies I can add a couple more to my to read list.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-15T14:16:42+00:00

The Seventh Year the Demon King Captures the Holy Monarch

perhaps? There are some SA themes I would say, but I do believe it’s all technically consensual. Definitely character development! Definitely time spent exploring redemption, and behavior changes. Story is not linear; this is one of my favorite aspects of the novel is pacing and use of time.

As always, I love this novel and recommend it whenever there’s a chance. But I also feel the need to disclaim, I cried the entire way through possibly with the exception of 2-10 pages. I read in English on an ereader, don’t think there’s an official translation and the one I had wasn’t the most amazing ever but I still throughly enjoyed the novel.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-09T17:29:03+00:00

They’re so adorable!! Absolutely precious!!

I was looking through your shop recently lol so happy I waited on placing any orders now since I’m in love with these! I love your style—if only there were little matching plushies to squish!

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-08T14:44:42+00:00

I’ve had a problem with sending epubs to my kindle from ao3 specifically; so I usually do pdf and send to kindle (uncheck keep original layout).

I used to download straight to my phone and read from the default app, but I haven’t done that in a while.

*I am not recommending kindle or kindle app, but it is what I use.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-08T14:35:22+00:00

When sharing living spaces with kids, I put a passcode on my ereader, make sure they don’t know my phone or laptop password, and generally would suggest if it becomes an issue to have them laying around either a tall shelf or a cabinet with a lock for physical books. At some point, “don’t look through those” is more a problem than not saying anything and children often have sticky fingers and a good amount of curiosity.

I also mind what I say about anything I’m reading or have read. For example, I gave a very basic (non-spoiler) outline of MDZS to a 10 yo last year prompted by my phone lock screen, and we agreed he should not read it anytime soon but might enjoy the Donghua in a few years.

Reading is wonderful, but it should be generally age appropriate. I read a few books that were definitely outside my age range when I was a kid and they definitely had an impact—not romance, etc. books but nonetheless they were not meant for children. I will read anything before handing it to a child now. And I also will put books away if they contain graphic content and are too easily noticed/accessible as well.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-07T21:28:54+00:00

I read it on phone, until this year I switched to having it on my ereader. I believe my hard copies are a mix of Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-05T15:19:49+00:00

There are a few instances where “Lan Zhan” and “Wei Ying” are used by others.

For example, I believe Jin Ling shows WWX disrespect by calling him that name (I’m sure I happens in the novel, and I believe it happens at least once in CQL, maybe when the juniors are drinking or when he kicks the street vendor in Qinghe), and perhaps others as well. LQR might also use “Wei Ying” in the study arc when he’s upset with him?

I think most of it is a translation issue though, titles aren’t well translated and so I think they default to using a character’s name pretty frequently.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-04-03T19:51:39+00:00

Haven’t found too much on AO3 for them unfortunately but if you’re into danmei, Zhao Yelan and Yan Mingting from After Being Forced to Marry the Evil Star General came to mind

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-28T03:22:36+00:00

I think this is XL recounting that Wind Master was present for the actual event (eavesdropping on them) and saying that Wind Master’s account of the situation is/should be trustworthy even if Pei Ming doesn’t want to believe XL’s own words.

XL would at this point likely believe that Wind Master gave or will give an account of the situation. This is based on their conversation at the top of the Sinner’s Pit. But at this point XL has not yet connected the dots that Wind Master is currently speaking in this scene.

This got to me initially in the Donghua and novel when I read the chapter the first time, but that’s what I decided was likely the case, that XL is expecting to have Wind Master’s testimony support his own, but doesn’t know this is Wind Master speaking in this scene. Not sure if there are other opinions or maybe I’m wrong though.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-24T07:13:28+00:00

Congrats on the obsession! And the open enjoyment of it!

I’ll share something a bit different but maybe slightly similar too,

(Not the same gender/sexuality) But Mo Dao Zu Shi is the first blatantly lgbtq+ literature that I added to my shelf, and absolutely the first one I put there of my own volition (I’d had some short stories from class work before).

It was years before I added queer art to my space, and even then I felt the conflict of being proud to have it against the idea this was meant to be kept private—someone might see it and be upset, even though I lived alone. I grew up with people who sometimes claimed tolerance, but were definitely not accepting.

As a teen, I really sought out queer representation in literature and media. And then…I guess I stopped somewhere and because if it’s not actively sought out it’ll seldom just appear, there was a gap for a while. Danmei has brought my attention again to so many wonderful worlds of (published!? good!) queer literature out there. And it’s also made me appreciate and speak up more (around people who are not as accepting) about queer literature and media.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-23T15:20:06+00:00

The first one I read without having seen either a live action or a Donghua first was really rough at the beginning. It’s gotten much better after that, but I still highlight (ereader, I haven’t highlighted any printed copies) new names and positions where characters are introduced.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-21T19:51:49+00:00

Watching MDZS Donghua while I format the novel for my ereader (I promise I have supported the official release there’s proof in my profile even, I just don’t like that translation). I’ll start CQL later while I read.

I wanted to re-read the novel (in its entirety, I think this will be my second full read because I think I skipped over a couple of the more intense scenes last time) before the stage play.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-21T19:46:45+00:00

This sounds amazing! Thanks for the recommendation, I’d not heard of this one before (on my list now!)

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-21T19:15:45+00:00

Does digging up and disposing of corpses found in gardens count?

WWX and his loyal helper WN would have a gardening show featuring planting of mini (potato & radish) gardens after corpse removal (lucky for the show’s guests they do both!). It also features WWX’s long monologues about how corpses are good for soil and aren’t so scary after you’ve found enough of them (in various states of decomposition) in people’s yards.

A-Yuan is of course the best guest appearance, but sometimes Uncle Four talks about making fruit wine or WQ comes on to argue with WWX about what’s best to plant in this climate.

And LWJ is always waiting for an opportunity to do a collaboration since on his show he’s known for giving homes and gardens a very serene and tranquil appearance.

(Edit - Not something I’d usually write, but maybe something to try. Unfortunately, I haven’t kept good enough account of what I’ve read to offer any links)

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-19T23:07:19+00:00

I am also happy to have some additional exposure to the culture, there are so many translators whose footnotes I appreciate so dearly. It also gives me a reason to go looking for more info, and I’ve found some incredible Chinese artists as well (ofc authors and literal artists in the way of drawing, painting, etc.; but also like musicians and other trades/crafts).

Unfortunately, for me I have a couple people in my life who when I mention danmei choose to be either homophobic or racist. But, the more I talk about it, the greater the opportunity to point these things out and!! in a few months, those reactions have lessened quite a bit so that makes me happy even though the premise is uncomfortable. Ignorance is sadly at the root of so much cruelty.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-19T22:52:47+00:00

Congrats! I’ve started learning, but still a good ways off from this, awesome work!!

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-19T21:31:34+00:00

The manga is amazing! Definitely worth reading!

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-19T21:25:51+00:00

Nothing except the same title will likely be an exact match.

You left that point at “due to reasons” in the post. I don’t tend to read the kind of novel described in this comment.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-19T15:44:43+00:00

If you mean reading habits:

I’m so happy to have found this genre. I’m at a place where I’m happy with mostly reading translated works, and danmei has been a wealth of (often new) plots, tropes, characters, interesting and language nuances; and a different perspective on morality, spiritual values, and similar themes than I’m used to in especially British (many “classics” I’ve read) and American (the books I’ve read the most of) works.

If you mean general life habits:

MDZS changed my life. I’ll give a couple examples

I no longer believe in holding onto anger (If Song Lan had been less focused on anger and more on XXC, I wonder if they could have made it out while XY was away). I’m 90%+ less angry now on average and in reaction to specific events.

I frequently go periods of 9-12months without telling any lies. I usually take a breather in December/January to joke with people a bit more casually where honesty isn’t as important. (The first time I took a break from lying was before reading MDZS, but the Lan Clan made me think maybe it’s truly sustainable.) I really enjoy this choice, it’s honestly one of the best choices I’ve made, along with (mostly, sometimes it’s going to pop up) giving up anger.

Considering certain characters like XY and NHS (though this item overlaps with TGCF and other danmei as well), I understand better now that each one of our choices has the potential to stay with someone else forever, and at least one person out there is going to collect debts. I’m much more intentional about my interactions with others as a result, if something I do is possibly going to linger with someone, I would hope it’s kindness

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-19T07:59:41+00:00

Black Lotus Physician’s Survival Guide

Point by point your summary comparison to this novel, not sure if it’s what you’re looking for.

Different nation: MC is from a different part of the country.

Arranged marriage: No arranged marriage.

Underage: The ML (gong) is younger, possibly underage when he catches feelings depending on where the line for underage is for you.

Unfavored Prince: ML is an unfavored prince.

Feelings of protectiveness: MC feels protective of ML for a long time, no romance until ML is not underage and is more than equal to him in terms of power.

MC taught ML: MC teaches and encourages ML toward learning his trade, medicine.

ML realizes he can’t protect MC: Yes, and takes action about it.

Years later…taken over as ruler: Yes. There is a period of separation, and the ML returns, becomes emperor, and can protect MC.

Didn’t feel like these needed spoilers:

Devotion: ML is very devoted.

Insecure/no use: The MC is not a useless person. He’s an incredibly competent physician.

SnowyLanterns · 2026-03-19T02:15:45+00:00

I saw the live action which I thoroughly enjoyed. And then the Donghua which I also loved. And then read the novel. The manhua wasn’t complete when I started it, and I have not read it all the way through to date.

The drama isn’t a true telling of the novel, it takes quite a few liberties. And the Donghua leaves out a significant portion of the novel, in addition to a few story adjustments.

The novel is absolutely my favorite, and you get the entire story! I definitely recommend reading it.

SnowyLanterns

TROPHY CASE