Pillars of a Troubled Age

The book is alright, but the protagonist only becomes emperor after over 600 chapters. Everything else is fine, but one thing really bothers me. The protagonist spends over twenty years developing his power, amassing a strong army, and wielding revolutionary firearms and cannons—enough to sweep across the world.

I really couldn't continue reading after chapter 60. It's fine for the author to emphasize the hardships of the lower classes, but they can't just focus on that. It's endless, over and over again. Why bother reading a novel when you can just read the news about the struggles of the lower classes in a major historical period?

Is this a supplementary text? Judging from the title and synopsis, it seems so? The Northern and Southern Dynasties were better suited for power struggles; it seems there weren't many monarchs capable of unifying the country who were worth assisting.

Aside from technological advancements, there's nothing else to it. 80% Of the stories are just about technological advancements—they've even invented cannons and phonographs. Dude, don't forget this is a historical novel. Historical novels should be set in the original era of cold weapons. Even though it's a time-travel story, please don't incorporate too much modern technology and ideas.

I came from the previous book, and I support the author.

I'm a bit confused about these two chapters. Shouldn't the protagonist be taking advantage of the chaos to develop his power? Why is he trying to act like Guo Ziyi? What's so great about supporting Xiao Liang? Hasn't the protagonist figured it out yet? And he's making Kongming lanterns? People are dying from those now, let alone back then! Isn't this just a case of playing dumb?

Author, I read about eighty chapters and couldn't continue. I can understand writing about making money, and other things are fine too, but writing about the protagonist being a slave—did you run out of plot devices to advance the story? These days, most readers are looking for satisfying, logical plot points!

Author, you're now guiding the book through a turning point, so pay attention! Don't let the protagonist establish a constitutional monarchy in the Northern and Southern Dynasties; that would be suicidal. Also, don't invent anything too advanced; people might not accept it. For example, steam engines and trains are unnecessary. Author, learn from Wang Mang's example! 🙂🙂🙂

I've read both of the protagonist's books, and I'd say the writing is good, and the historical background is also solid. However, the plot and character development are quite poor. One novel is disorganized and lacks a coherent structure; it's unclear what the protagonist is actually trying to achieve, and he's constantly struggling, always on the defensive, and becomes arrogant after achieving even a little success.

I thought the author intended to write a story like the Ming Taizu (Emperor Hongwu) with the domineering spirit to usurp power, but it turned out to be more like Sima Yi. Or even worse than Sima Yi. In that era, having no family was equivalent to having no base of support. If the protagonist didn't move, the people's hearts would scatter; if the protagonist died, everything would be over.