Living in This World

1. Keywords

Two male leads, two equally strong leads, a historical ensemble cast, every character is part of a couple, mutual devotion, mutual pining, childhood friends, palace coup, political intrigue, uniting the realm, happy ending and bad ending, Kunqu opera, personal growth, meaningful writing, a feast of rich details

2. Main characters and plot

Jin Jizi: A cultured country landowner falls in love with a nobleman. He strives to break down the barriers between them and stand at his beloved's side. Though he makes tremendous efforts and sacrifices, he ultimately rises to high office as both a general and a statesman.

Zhong Chengyuan: A low-budget power fantasy version of Dream of the Red Chamber. He first withstands the confiscation of his family's property, then repels an invasion by another country, turning his fortunes around and completing his personal growth.

3. Style

I hate literary and artistic works that have nothing to say and wallow in self-pity. This book is grounded in careful research and detailed descriptions. I've thoroughly reworked all the rich details I've enjoyed and served them up for my fellow readers! (I wonder if anyone will spot all the foreshadowing.)

Theme: Every protagonist has their own life problems to solve. For Jin Jizi, it's a rigid class system; for Renshengguo, it's understanding the world and growing as a person.