SheauT:
Do you find novels are much better than the dramas? I guess cos it can delve deeper unlike drama limited by number of episodes etc. I have recently started reading Legend of Yunxi or Poison Genius Consort as the novel's called translated into English as my mandarin isn't that great. It is so much better even though i really like the drama watched it several times.
I am beginning to enjoy novels as they go deeper into the plot and even make the setting and costumes seem really elegant and luxurious. I am more of a visual story lover but for Chinese historical novels, wow! I became addicted super quickly haha. Dramas always end up cutting a story shorter, with novels I can read about my favourite characters more deeply and you can eof course continue the story for longer whilst also finding out things that may have been inaccurate or just not mentioned in the drama.
I also find that it is easier to connect to characters and the setting as I feel more immersed in the story. :)
Also, where did you find the english translated novel for Yanxi palace? I have been looking for super longgg.