Ballad of Sword and Wine (将进酒) by Tang Jiu Qing

Historical Drama, Politics | 282 + 11 Chapters

🍶 Premise ⚔️

15-year-old Shen Zechuan is brought to the capital of Qudu as a prisoner, being a scapegoat for his father, the Prince of Jianxing, who was suspected of treason. Bearing his father's crimes, everyone hates Shen Zechuan, especially the second son of the Prince of Libei, Xiao Chiye. After days of interrogation, torture, and a fatal kick from Xiao Chiye, Shen Zechuan is made captive. Five years later, he crawls out of prison, vengeful beyond repair, and slowly establishes himself as a powerful figure in the court. From a pair of scheming enemies, he and Xiao Chiye become unlikely allies in the game of politics.

Recommended if you like:

• serious enemies to lovers (they almost killed each other multiple times)
• an actually really healthy relationship forged from mutual understanding of each other's suffering
• intricate and complex politics
• plot plot plot scheming scheming scheming
• many multifaceted characters with realistic struggles
• side couples! besides the main pair, there is another mlm pair and a wlw pair

Not recommended if you:

• can't handle a lot of politics
• don't like a slow-paced, plot-heavy, kinda really long novel
• are not down for taking notes because you WILL need them

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