When Spring Comes

“My name is Hua Chun.” When she first introduced herself to the Emperor, she saw the most beautiful smile blossom on his face; yet, it was only a pity that this cold, taciturn, and wicked emperor had only smiled once in his life. ༻✦༺ Hua Chun fell in love with the handsome and just Prime Minister from a popular TV show. But beyond all reason, she found herself transmigrated into the same story as none other than the Prime Minister — only to find out her beloved Prime Minister is actually a woman secretly parading as man in the Emperor’s court! Whirled into a historical world, Hua Chun, once a young and beautiful lady in her twenties, had to pretend as a man and stand beside the imposing Emperor, becoming his loyal and upright minister.

Original Publisher

163.com / netease

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on When Spring Comes "When Spring Comes" promised a delightful blend of comedy, gender-bending, and romance set against the backdrop of ancient China. Having finished the novel, I find it a mixed bag, with some aspects truly shining while others left me wanting more. ### First Impressions The initial chapters were definitely promising. I was immediately drawn in by the author's writing style and the potential for political intrigue. The premise of a capable woman cross-dressing as a Prime Minister in the imperial court had me hooked, and I eagerly anticipated the unfolding drama. ### What Works Well The female lead is a standout. I appreciated her level-headedness, intelligence, and practicality. She wasn't unrealistically kind or forgiving, and she used her knowledge and skills to navigate tricky situations, making her a compelling character. The slow-burn romance was also a plus. I liked that she didn't fall for the Emperor at first sight and was aware of the complexities of his position. The humor throughout the story was well-placed and added to the overall enjoyment. ### Areas of Concern While the novel had its strengths, I did find some areas that detracted from my overall enjoyment. The male lead, while complex, was often unlikable, selfish, and difficult to root for. I also struggled with the harem aspect of the story. While the author attempts to navigate this trope, it still left me feeling uneasy at times. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several readers mentioned that the MC begins to fawn over the emperor, acting as a bootlicker. This was disappointing because it goes against what the synopsis made the reader believe. There is also a big issue regarding the harem, and the ML sleeping with other women. Some readers said it was implied that he did, which made them dislike the novel. ### Final Verdict "When Spring Comes" is a story with interesting characters and great potential. However, the problematic male lead, the harem, and the shift in the MC's character are hard to ignore. If you're willing to overlook these flaws, you might find yourself enjoying the political intrigue and the witty banter. However, I think it’s a novel with some serious issues that need to be considered before diving in. I'd give it a tentative recommendation, but with a strong warning about the harem elements and the male lead's character.