
I live for big fat redemption arcs and guess this story will turn to one too like in BJ Alex! Not gonna talk down how toxic and fucked up this all is, but I really don't hate the ML as much as I thought I would from the comments.
I hate the "conclusion" of some other BL where there was literally no redemption at all and the ML's just got away with all (and even more fucked up stuff) while not improving themselves one bit. But this author at least got it perfect with BJ Alex so I have high hopes for this story too and actually enjoy it with this thought in mind!
The whole "but I can change him" trope is super toxic in real life, but some people really enjoy media were the wish of someone doing a 180 is being fulfilled.
BUT, I'm only at chapter 25 so I can only talk about up to that chapter. I'm out of here too if it gets too hard to bear whatever happens between the two of them.

It would be another thing if the concubines really were in love with the king. But all of this just feels obligatory and not out of real feelings. It still just shows how damn hard it is for them to be woman with their constrained duties in life. Also said, I really like all of the concubines and believe that they will help Paulina with further future character development. And pls don't hate on Lucius, his love right now is one-sided and he also has duties to fulfill.

I agree, though I have to say it gave me a lot of shock and kind off dissapointed. But I am also well aware that there life isn't easy. I needed to give myself a bit of self confort for a second because it's sad to see Lucious will be a father to another woman. But we all know Paul can't give birth. Life isn't easy, and I know I was wrong to be dissapointed. I hope all the conbucines, Lucious and Paul get the happiness they deserve. They are all good people so I hope for the best.
Youngchans complex really reminds me of a real issues that hits me close to home
My little brother was always at least a head bigger and looked way older than everyone his age. So he was more prone to accidently hurt other kids while playing (leading parents to start shouting at him while not understanding that he was one of the times only 2 and their kid at least 2 years older...). Plus he always was blamed for stuff that he never even did too. In 4th grade he had to stand in front of the whole class to read out an apology letter for beating up a little first year kid. When my mother heared about it days later and asked him what happened, he suddenly bursted out into tears and said it was just an accident - He swung his arm to the side and hit the boy behind him he did not see coming. But already two teeth were hit out because of his strenght. Under sobs he proclaimed how nobody even wanted to listen to him, they never did. So he just accepted it and did the apology, leaving him absolutely shamed, embarrassed and hated by the whole class. Little boy confirmed whole thing later on and thanks to my mother the teacher had to do an apology run after that. But I saw him cry many times because of similiar stuff. This really infuriated me as a big sister. He was always very sensitive and kind. But he had to learn to control his strenght and be especially kind and courteous, more so than anyone else to not be default blamed due to his appearance.
Youngchan now having this complex about his intimidating appearance and strenght and him especially trying to be goofy and less 'scary' for the people around him actually really makes me sad for him and reminds me a lot of my little brother. Would wish for more people to not judge a book by it's cover and actually start to listen and see the real person.
Bravo and thanks for everyone who actually read the whole thingヾ(❀╹◡╹)ノ~
I'm sorry for what happened to your brother, most people like him that I know personally are what you call gentle giants , they are very friendly and care for others a lot , one of my closest friends is like that