I loved loved loved nearly everything about this story. I loved the political scheming; the plot was fantastic. I loved Jing Beiyuan and his ragtag team of young nobles fighting for the throne. I loved his complicated relationship with Helian Yi and friendship with Zhou Zishu. I wasn't the biggest fan of Wu Xi for most of the novel, but it wasn't a turn off. I just think his romance with Jing Beiyuan wasn't super my vibe (he felt a bit too... boyish? idk). The plot going on with Zhou Zishu devastates me every single time. Loved the question being asked: What would you sacrifice for your beliefs? How many immoral acts would you commit for what you think is the greater good? A constant reread for me. I wish I had a physical copy to hold and put on my shelf.