The Sickly Beauty and the Butcher’s Knife
By 雾矢翊
256 chapters
2024
Description
Yu Li transmigrates into the body of a peasant girl sold off by her own family to marry a sickly scholar from the same village in a bid to improve his fortunes. At first, she assumes the marriage is just for show and that her real role would be to act as a maid in the scholar’s household. However, to her surprise, she finds herself truly becoming his wife, with the authority to manage the household—and finally having consistent meals instead of worrying about her next. It doesn’t take long for her to discover that the scholar’s family is just as poverty-stricken, barely scraping by. As Yu Li looks at her bedridden husband—his ethereal features tinged with a sickly blush that lends him an oddly enchanting beauty—she takes a deep breath. It’s just a second chance at life. Surely, she can make it work this time. * With a sickly husband, a frail mother-in-law, and two children to feed, Yu Li has no choice but to take on the responsibility of supporting the family. But her skills at needlework are mediocre, washing clothes earns too little, carrying goods at the docks invites exploitation, and foraging in the mountains is too risky. The only thing she has going for her is raw strength… Her husband asks, “What kind of work did you find?” Yu Li answers, “Butchering pigs.” He pauses. “Have you done it before?” Yu Li replies confidently, “No, but I’ve watched it being done!” “…” Just as Yu Li’s pig-butchering career begins to thrive, the sickly scholar miraculously recovers. Not only that, but he rises through the imperial examination system, eventually earning the title of a Duke. And Yu Li? She becomes the Duchess. To this, Yu Li simply says: “…” — Notes: 1. Set in a fictional dynasty, with a highly fantastical take. 2. A slice-of-life farming story with family dynamics. 3. The heroine is exceptionally strong, and no amount of scheming can match up to absolute strength.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- jjwxc
- Original Language
- chinese
- Type
- Web Novel
The Sickly Beauty and the Butcher’s Knife Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on The Sickly Beauty and the Butcher’s Knife
"The Sickly Beauty and the Butcher’s Knife" is quite the mixed bag, and my reading experience reflected that. It's a blend of transmigration, ancient China, cooking, and a slow-burn romance, all wrapped up with a strong female lead. While it has moments that shine, it also stumbles in areas that left me wanting more.
First Impressions
The initial chapters hooked me. The premise of a genetically enhanced woman from an apocalyptic world transmigrating into ancient China? Intriguing! I was ready for a clever protagonist navigating political landscapes. The early romance was fun, and I was eager to see how the male lead's mysterious background would unfold.
What Works Well
The FL's strength and her willingness to help others are definite highlights. I enjoyed her rise from poverty and her interactions with her siblings. The slow-burn romance, though very slow, eventually delivers some sweetness, especially once the FL becomes more frank with the ML. Their love is shown through actions, with both of them doing their best to care for each other. The slice-of-life aspect, focusing on their daily lives and the FL's attempts to improve the lives of women in that era, added a unique touch. The world-building, particularly the details of ancient Chinese society and the FL's attempts to bring change, was also well-done.
Areas of Concern
Unfortunately, the story loses some of its luster as it progresses. The political elements, which I was initially excited about, felt underdeveloped. The FL's role in the political arena diminishes significantly, and her "big moments" start to feel repetitive. Some of the early plot threads, like the people she helped before reaching the capital, are dropped entirely, making their initial importance feel pointless. There's also a lack of depth in the FL's character; her free-spirited nature sometimes comes across as silly rather than clever, and her reliance on brute strength can feel one-dimensional.
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Final Verdict
"The Sickly Beauty and the Butcher’s Knife" is a decent read, especially if you enjoy slice-of-life stories with a strong female lead and a slow-burn romance. However, be prepared for a lack of political intrigue and some repetitive plot elements. It's a lighthearted story that doesn't take itself too seriously, but it could have been so much more with a more developed political plot and a more nuanced role for the FL. I'd recommend it with reservations.
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