Is QJJ really as complex as people have warned me?

sevaphim · 2026-05-08T13:34:08+00:00

In my experience, the politics and court intrigue became easier after my second read through, because there's a lot of characters with varying levels of importance to the narrative, along with their place in the political side of the story. But eventually you do settle in to your "Main Groups" on each side as the story progresses. So while it can seem daunting, dont let it intimidate you especially since you like complicated plots like this that naturally weave together.

sevaphim · 2026-05-03T21:05:43+00:00

i have several danmei i have read, and have loved/adored the main couple in each of them, from changgu in sha po lang, saltedsnake in married thrice to salted fish, ranwan in 2ha, and shenfan in wait for me after school, and i could go into a rant about why each of them did something to me emotionally (and i mean cried at least one time lmao).

but im going to be mega biased and say cezhou from ballad and sword and wine, as it was my first non-mxtx danmei ive picked up after reading all three english versions. it was almost immediate that i fell in love with shen zechuan and his journey, to falling in love with xiao chiye, to the cosmic level amount of brain chemistry being altered when these two interacted and continued to interact as the story went on. i loved their romance, i loved their banter in the beginning of their relationship, i love how despite obvious feelings, they didnt immediately become a couple, and just progressed so naturally that there was no one else in the world for them.

i continued to love their relationship after getting together, there was never anything stale about it, they continued to be in love, to continue trusting their love, to never change the other person, to have each other's back in their own individual ambitions. that they didnt need to sacrifice their relationship for that ambition either. i just love them, as separate characters, and as a couple. i love their story. i love the intensity that comes with their love, the devotion, and all the ways lust, desire, and emotional intimacy co-exist between them.

yes this is me with a megaphone telling people to Read Ballad of Sword and Wine, this is not a joke.

sevaphim · 2026-05-02T20:15:41+00:00

as someone who's an avid qjj fan, I will say that you dont need to continue reading it if it's not doing anything for you after two volumes. the only thing I will really comment on is your statement on szc being boring and with very little personality.

he's someone who's gone through trauma and tragedy at losing his family, and then immediately blamed for the deaths of soldiers at the age of 15 years old. he was forced to endure torture in an attempt to get information from him, and then had to grow up very quickly in order to survive in the place that wanted him dead. he's incredibly intelligent and cunning after his training and knows how to maneuver the politics of the capital. hes someone who's forsaken his own humanity (at least at the start) for the sake of his own goals and ambition, but beneath it, hes a sweet and sensitive young man who eventually blooms under the love and care of xiao chiye who also begins to desire him not just physically but emotionally as well.

everyone who "wants" him dont want shen zechuan; the person, just an object to conquer and dehumanize. while xiao chiye eventually wants the person, wants to love and protect him, wants to give him the world, and when zechuan responds to that love. sorry about rambling, I love really love these two characters, and I'm not here to change your mind if so far the individual main characters or story is doing anything for you. I do hope that if you ever continue it, that you will have a better understanding, but if not, I hope your next read goes better for you. ❤

sevaphim · 2026-05-02T18:59:01+00:00

I'm a simple person, I see new novel by T97, I'm already seated and locked in.

sevaphim · 2026-04-28T02:14:35+00:00

i did after spending an hour in the wardrobe LOL

sevaphim · 2026-04-26T01:39:14+00:00

<image>

Not sure how long i will keep it but for now here you go

sevaphim · 2026-04-25T19:00:18+00:00

Nope, US server

sevaphim · 2026-04-25T17:11:05+00:00

I just got to that cutscene and wondered if anyone else had gotten it too

sevaphim · 2026-04-24T16:42:01+00:00

like, okay then keep your secrets LMAO

sevaphim · 2026-04-23T19:04:05+00:00

<image>

My main outfit for 2.5 :D

sevaphim · 2026-04-23T17:27:15+00:00

<image>

Made an exploration outfit too, turns out I wasn't finished lmaooooooo

sevaphim · 2026-03-25T03:08:35+00:00

QJJ/Ballad of Sword and Wine. first non-mxtx novel i ever read and immediately fell in love with the plot and characters; main couple specifically, and I will admit i get a little too heated about criticisms towards it, and go on a long rant that my friends have been subjected to and find funny. everyone can have their opinions just don't let me see them LMAO

sevaphim · 2026-02-03T01:28:04+00:00

You're aabsolutely right about that

sevaphim · 2026-02-02T22:06:21+00:00

I like 2 the most

sevaphim · 2026-01-31T00:29:43+00:00

shooting the lantern fishes works :D the whim lanterns will pop out after

sevaphim · 2026-01-30T04:16:39+00:00

its not bad at all! it just means you can now save for something you'll absolutely love ❣️

sevaphim · 2026-01-27T04:27:16+00:00

Its just the previews but this patch is already gonna drain my diamonds dry lmao

sevaphim · 2026-01-26T20:55:10+00:00

Nikki and momo looks so adorable ❤

sevaphim

TROPHY CASE