Heaven Official’s Blessing (TGCF), by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, is a sweeping epic of love, redemption, and the haunting echoes of past traumas. The series is rich with intricate world-building, complex characters, and deep emotional exploration. I adored this series through and through, as a predominately character-driven tragedy.

Hualian: The Beautifully Tragic OTP
The relationship between Hua Cheng and Xie Lian is the heart and soul of the series. Their bond is beautifully complex, with a tortured dynamic that arises from their different but interconnected pasts. Hua Cheng, who has adored Xie Lian for centuries, embodies devotion in its purest, yet most intense form. He’s suffered unimaginable torment, yet his love for Xie Lian is steadfast.

Xie Lian carries an aura of tragic nobility. His kindness is immeasurable even through his deep scars from his fall from grace and the harsh realities of his past. One a prince-turned-outcast, one ghost king born from devotion, they both each other. Xie Lian’s hesitation and insecurity to fully accept Hua Cheng’s devotion is contrasted by Hua Cheng’s unconditional love, and it makes every interaction between them filled with both tenderness and pain. Their love is not simple or easy, but it’s precisely this tortured dynamic that makes their connection so profound.

Clap your hands, if you Beefleaf!
One of the aspects that left me yearning for more was the potential in Beefleaf, the complex and often underexplored relationship between He Xuan and Shi Qingxuan. There’s an inherent tragedy in their connection, steeped in betrayal, misunderstanding, and He Xuan’s pursuit of revenge. He Xuan’s cold, calculating persona hides deep emotional wounds, and his interactions with pure, oblivious babygirl Shi Qingxuan, are laced with tension and unspoken pain.

He Xuan’s bitterness contrasts sharply with Shi Qingxuan’s carefree nature, but as the story unfolds, you realise how both characters are caught in the web of fate and circumstance. Neither have been afforded the right to decide their journey for themselves. The tragedy of Beefleaf is in how much is left unsaid and unresolved.

Ho Ho Ho: Why Pei Ming is Actually Loveable (no, really)

On the surface, Pei Ming seems like the stereotypical womanising General, but as the story progresses, you see a more complex side to him. Pei Ming’s interactions with the other characters, especially female figures like Ban Yue and Ling Wen, reveal a deeper understanding of his personality. He is not just driven by lust but is driven by duty, honor, and the weight of responsibility.

There’s an understated loneliness to Pei Ming’s character as if his carefree attitude masks a deeper sense of isolation. His relationships with women, while problematic, also speak to his inability to form genuine emotional connections. He’s flawed, but his moments of loyalty and understanding, especially toward those he respects, give him a surprising depth.

Overall, TGCF is a series that excels in delivering heart-wrenching emotions, intricate character dynamics, and a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. The narrative expertly delivers emotional storytelling, blending epic romance, tragedy, and the eternal struggle between gods, ghosts, and mortals. The way it explores the complexities of love, pain, and redemption makes it an unforgettable read, with characters that will stay with you long after the final chapter.