where to read the novel?
You can read it at wuxiaworld and the title is: The emperor and the knightness
I don't know if the novel is completely translated in english, but i've read the spoiler threads on here. I feel like the novel had darker content (I only read the 1st couple chapters) than the manga, but the core politics and sexism of that time period was maintained.
They haven't finished translating the novel. But yeah, the tone is quite heavy and shook me a lot, still reading and at least Poli situation improved when compared with how she started.
I recommend reading the novel instead of just staying with the spoilers people are throwing for shock value. You understand better and get frustrated with the things she experiences.
That's what I'm saying. I love that this story attempts stay as grounded in realism as it can. the problem of pauliana's gender is recurrently brought up again and again because of the type of world setting the story takes place in, the political and social pressures about it dont just go away after she finds someone who understands her. the emperor has to do things even engage in political marriages for his countries sake even if he may not want to, he cant just do whatever he wants. and most often times the person you marry is NOT going to be the first person you fell in love with. people expect paualina and the emperor to just get together and ignore everything else because of love, but thats not how things work in real life.
Thank you for your translations!! I bookmarked your work so I could come back once its all been translated (๑•ㅂ•)و✧
Compared to the manga, Paulina's perspective in the novel is very raw and humbling. I think I stopped around the chapter where Paulina remarked her sister was really pretty w/o feeling sorry for herself/ any jealousy. It was said as merely a fact and it was simply refreshing to read it. + our ML!!! He is so very respective of miss Paul and never domineering. He could very easily marry her or force her to be his partner, but doesnt. He's really s/o who treasures and loves her.
Unpopular opinion: I really want it to follow the novel, if I read the spoilers right. The novel is realistic in its approach and this manga follows that. One of the biggest charms of this manga is the realistic portrayal and court politics. So far, neither has been compromised to ensure a HE for our characters and I want that to continue. I like the approach where despite the hardships a HE can occur. It'll be a rollercoaster ride, but I love a series where the ML is vulnerable to his country and court and Miss Paul will have to make a name for herself on her own terms.