What is it, in summary?: Prince Huai (Jing Chengjun) is the Emperor's uncle, a cutsleeve who just wants to live a comfortable life. However, he is viewed by most of the court as a suspicious, manipulative, treacherous villain. He tries to make himself seem non-threatening and supportive to his nephew, but it's difficult to repair his reputation. When he's brought into a conspiracy against the Emperor, he decides this is his opportunity to bring it down from within and finally be redeemed... but it doesn't go as he planned.
The story is told in first person, from Prince Huai's point of view, and he is often biased or ignorant of some things, which makes for an interesting plot. He has two potential love interests for much of the story, Yun Yu, a scheming but charming courtier who is likewise part of the coup conspiracy, and Liu Tongyi, an intelligent, upright, and virtuous court official who Chengjun thinks is far too good for him. Although I felt like I knew which way the romance would wind up going, I still wasn't totally sure until nearly the end, which is a tribute to how well developed his relationship is with each of them and how both are interesting characters in their own right.
What do you love about it?: Court politics, family and interpersonal drama, complex relationships, queer love. I enjoyed both the love interests, and honestly would have been happy for Chengjun to end up with either one of them.
What sort of things are you likely to request for it?: Well, love triangles can be solved by post-canon polyamory, of course! Or if not, then more post-canon sweet shippy fic would be delightful too.
Are there sections of canon (rather than the whole canon) that can be consumed by themselves to fulfil your requests, or that showcase particular characters and relationships?: No
Content warnings (ie, rape, incest, racism, gore/violence): Some very light incest implications that are mostly pining/unrequited (and depend on what you consider incest anyway...)
皇叔 - 大风刮过 | The Imperial Uncle - Dà Fēng Guā Guò
Media: Novel
Approx length: about 450 pages
Where to find it: The official English translation is published by Peach Blossom House: https://www.peachflowerhouse.com/store/p/the-imperial-uncle (also available from Amazon and other booksellers generally)
What is it, in summary?: Prince Huai (Jing Chengjun) is the Emperor's uncle, a cutsleeve who just wants to live a comfortable life. However, he is viewed by most of the court as a suspicious, manipulative, treacherous villain. He tries to make himself seem non-threatening and supportive to his nephew, but it's difficult to repair his reputation. When he's brought into a conspiracy against the Emperor, he decides this is his opportunity to bring it down from within and finally be redeemed... but it doesn't go as he planned.
The story is told in first person, from Prince Huai's point of view, and he is often biased or ignorant of some things, which makes for an interesting plot. He has two potential love interests for much of the story, Yun Yu, a scheming but charming courtier who is likewise part of the coup conspiracy, and Liu Tongyi, an intelligent, upright, and virtuous court official who Chengjun thinks is far too good for him. Although I felt like I knew which way the romance would wind up going, I still wasn't totally sure until nearly the end, which is a tribute to how well developed his relationship is with each of them and how both are interesting characters in their own right.
What do you love about it?: Court politics, family and interpersonal drama, complex relationships, queer love. I enjoyed both the love interests, and honestly would have been happy for Chengjun to end up with either one of them.
What sort of things are you likely to request for it?: Well, love triangles can be solved by post-canon polyamory, of course! Or if not, then more post-canon sweet shippy fic would be delightful too.
Are there sections of canon (rather than the whole canon) that can be consumed by themselves to fulfil your requests, or that showcase particular characters and relationships?: No
Content warnings (ie, rape, incest, racism, gore/violence): Some very light incest implications that are mostly pining/unrequited (and depend on what you consider incest anyway...)