The Rich And Honorable ChangAn

My Thoughts on The Rich And Honorable ChangAn

"The Rich and Honorable ChangAn" promised a sweet and perhaps slightly dramatic historical romance, and after diving in, I found it delivered... mostly. It's a completed story, which is always a plus, and the ongoing translation is generally readable, if a bit rough around the edges in the earlier chapters. I went in expecting a certain level of political intrigue and perhaps some intense revenge plots, but the reality was a bit more mellow.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a mature BL novel that avoids common tropes. The idea of a naive but intelligent MC navigating the complexities of court life alongside a scheming prince was appealing. The slow-burn romance also piqued my interest. However, I also saw some mixed opinions regarding the MC's passivity, and I was curious to see how that would play out.

What Works Well

I appreciated the character development, particularly the gradual growth of fondness between the MC and ML. The fact that it wasn't love at first sight felt refreshing and more realistic. Many readers praised the sweet and heartwarming nature of the story, and I agree that it's a comfortable read if you're looking for something light and enjoyable. I also liked that the side characters had their own motivations and weren't simply cardboard cutouts. The novel also seems to subvert some expectations by not making every female character a villain, which is always a plus in this genre.

Areas of Concern

The MC's passivity was definitely a sticking point for me. While his naivety can be attributed to his sheltered upbringing, I sometimes found myself wishing he would take a more active role in shaping his own destiny. The revenge plot felt somewhat underdeveloped, with the MC's enemies often stumbling into their own downfall without much direct intervention from him. Additionally, some plot points felt rushed or not fully explored, leaving me wanting more depth and emotional resonance. I also found the title misleading, as I didn't feel the "rich and powerful" aspect was strongly emphasized.

Final Verdict

Overall, I'd say "The Rich and Honorable ChangAn" is a decent read if you're in the mood for a light, sweet, and relatively low-drama historical romance. While it has its flaws, particularly in terms of plot depth and MC agency, the heartwarming relationship between the main characters and the generally positive tone make it an enjoyable way to pass the time. It might not be a top-tier novel, but it's certainly not a bad one either. I'd recommend it with the caveat that you should adjust your expectations accordingly and be prepared for a more mellow experience than the summary might suggest.