Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel), Vol. 2

Format read: paperbackReading time: A couple of months (it was on hiatus for way too long)Tags: wuxia, xianxia, fantasy, translation, trauma, found family, friendship, lgbt (m/m), enemies-to-lovers, politics, philosophyOwn a copy: yesReread likelihood: 10/10ReviewWe part at the ends of the sky, only to meet at the edges of the sea.Book 2 is rife with political schemes, plots, and betrayals, even more so than book 1. In this volume, Shen Qiao finds himself at the centre of quite a few clan feuds, and he somehow gets dragged into all of their fights despite his weakened physical state. Like in book 1, Yan Wushi leaves him to fend for himself, driving him to the very edge of exhaustion before sweeping in and helping (if at all). Shen Qiao is repeatedly forced to fight despite his injuries and damaged martial abilities, yet this push to the extreme ultimately pays off as he gains more stamina and strength throughout the book. Shen Qiao is the epitome of selflessness and peace. As a Daoist, he fully embraces the qualities of kindness, goodness, generosity, etc. and extends a helping hand to anyone who needs it, even if the person has mistreated or betrayed him (coughYan Wushicough). Whenever Shen Qiao fights, there are passages of the [b:Daodejing 2693939 Daodejing Lao Tzu https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1609192624l/2693939.SY75.jpg 100074] that illustrate the various sword techniques as well as Shen Qiao's philosophy. These quotes are especially beautiful and inspiring, and it's a pleasure to read them in this context. Meng Xi Si's writing remains one of the most beautiful out of all the danmei authors. Her work only rivals with Cang Wu Bin Bi's [b:Golden Terrace, Vol. 1 62629580 Golden Terrace, Vol. 1 Cang Wu Bin Bai https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663531919l/62629580.SY75.jpg 98392913] in terms of the vivid and literary descriptions. All of the sword techniques are inspired by nature, and their names and descriptions reveal a deep connection between the two. In terms of Shen Qiao's character, this makes perfect sense since for him the Dao is connected to everything else in the world, but we see this philosophy utilized by other non-Daoist characters, too. Thus, it is clear that the dominating philosophy in this universe is that of the Dao even though many of the characters are unaware.To know the world, one must know themselves. Then they must forget themselves. Once they forgot both the world and themselves, never again would they be moved by worldly gains and losses. (p.325)The political aspect of the book can be a bit dense at times, and I understand why many danmei fans have a hard time getting through QQ because of it. Unlike other stories, QQ moves very slowly with minimal movement, much like the Dao itself, and it reads like a journey of discovery alongside Shen Qiao who learns to overcome his own mortal shortcomings in favour of a more enlightened path.Overall, I greatly enjoy this series from the point of view of a xianxia/politically-focused story. Shen Qiao keeps surprising me in each new chapter, and I'm excited to see what he'll do next.