I had a lot of fun reading this :D. The extras aren't out but since the main story is, I'm writing this to share my thoughts with potential readers who are curious and would like more info before diving into the story. 

I liked the characters. First, about the mains. It kinda feels like there are two MCs [much confuse doge] xD, Ning Wei and Yan Yixuan.

Ning Wei is a strong, capable General returning home to the capital victorious after more than a decade of war. Naturally, all those years have taken a toll on him in various ways and it's nice to see these issues getting addressed and maybe even resolved throughout the story. He seems kinda dense but also quite straightforward, and the occasional display of his verbal roasting skills is truly satisfying to witness xD. Then there's Yan Yixuan, a brilliant young Duke and head of his household, who is a very important and influential figure in the political scene of their country. He has a dark past and weak body, and despite these things making life very difficult for him at times, he almost always manages to make things work out one way or another. I think he has quite the interesting personality. Protective, forgiving, kind yet cruel (I lowkey love the way he acted while threatening a prisoner once xD), bashful yet bold, scarred but strong, insecure in some areas yet in others very confident - as he has all reason to be. Together, those two incredible badasses in their own right are a dream team whose strongest suit one might suspect is scattering dog food and blinding passersby and onlookers with their over lvl 9000 PDA xDD. Seriously, there's so much fluff it feels like cloud nine hahaha. They're very sweet, respectful, considerate and protective of each other. (▰˘◡˘▰)

If I had to give one word to describe the impression most relationships in this story gave me, I'd say "precious". I love how YYX gets along with the people around him and it's nice to see NW warm up to his family in the capital once again too. They're funny xD.

Story wise, there were some interesting and exciting things happening, at a imo comfortable pace. I was surprised a few times and I really liked it hahaha xD

It's entertaining, nice to read, interesting, heartwarming, at times sad, at times hilarious. If you're into what I described above, I'd recommend trying it out. Personally, I really enjoyed it, and so might you~ :)

[Edit: For those who have come across this story before and are still wondering about the first part of the synopsis, I'm putting my comment on that and the story below. Not a spoiler, just using the function cause it's not short. The author has since updated the synopsis and added the second part, which imo reflects the overall mood of the story very well xD. So ↓ doesn't contain important info anymore but do read if you'd like to know about the amount of politics in the story :).]

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Waylaid is yet another lovely story by Crimson Carnation. Here we can meet Great General Ning Wei, a war hero returning from the field of battle with the quiet expectations of settling down and spending his days in the capital peacefully. Little did he know that he traded one battlefield for another; for one where he finds himself wholly unprepared in a pit full of vicious snakes. His salvation comes in the form of the most illustrious head of the Yan household, Yan Yixuan, who is absolutely head over heels for him, and offers him a very beneficial deal in hopes of irrevokably tying his beloved to him. And so starts the adorable - and sometimes awkward - dance between a sly fox of a politician intent on taking every chance at stealing some tofu and his somewhat naive love interest who is obvious to most of his moves. The characters are once more hilarious and complex, making you look forward to each new chapter just to see which layer of them can you uncover next. If you like cheeky x slightly obvious cps I recommend you give this a try :)

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The MC and ML are refreshingly non-cliche and the pairing itself is mutually pampering. The MC and ML have their own strengths, and they aren't the type to be helpless without the other. The MC is cunning and sharp, he's very good at politicking, whereas the ML is kind and compassionate. They are also one of the more shameless couples after they get together.

I rather liken the MC to not exactly a typical ML but with sufficient qualities to make such a comparison. I'm even gladder that the ML isn't a very typical MC or ML either. None of them are cruel for the sake of being cruel and are rather protective of each other.

They mutually support each other throughout the story, through various events. You can expect character development here. ❤

Their shared encounter is not the reason for the MC falling for the ML, it is shown later on as to when he does fall in love, a few years later. 

The MC gives a token of affection to the ML before they meet at the start of the story, and while it is a tradition of MC's family to give such gifts to their betrothed, the MC never intends it as one, only giving it as an indulgence of his affection which was never meant to tie the ML to him. 

There are no non-con/dub-con scenes, since all consent is given, and the ML stops when asked.

I generally don't leave reviews, since I'm not too coherent in saying what I want, but this is written to clarify the points mentioned in another review here.

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Five stars!!!

As always, it was such a beautifully written story!

Thank u so much for this @crimsoncarnation.

I love all of these characters so much! They're all so refreshing and fun to read about. The plot was very interesting too. 

Yan Yixuan and the general are definitely at the top of my list of favourite characters. Love their dynamic. I like how YYX is possesive of his general but never crossed any lines. They're both capable on their own right and it's so much fun seeing them respect and appreciate each other as they learn more about their partner. I especially enjoyed seeing the different sides of YYX with different people - he's a doting uncle, a cute little brother, a mischievous and passionate lover, a cunning strategist, a slightly sadistic friend (poor minister Cang lol) and a terrifying adversary all at once!  I also really loved Ruan Shu, he's so awesome . The empress is hilarious too. Loved the healthy LGBT representation!!! Yaay! 

The pacing of the novel is great too. And I love the long extras 💕 It gives more texture to the story for me.

Your stories are always my literary safe space so thank u so much for writing such healthy, communicative, supportive and consensual interactions and relationships. I love all these adorable goofs now.

I really appreciate your talent and dedication, author. Thanks for letting us read this for free here.

This is another masterpiece in my opinion. Loved it so much.

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Absolutely a 5 star stunner!

This story truly showcases what a healthy and loving relationship looks like! It also shows how easy it actually is to adhere to the wonderful principle of consent (our Ah Wei is the embodiment of a gentleman). The development of both of their characters as the story progresses and the exhibition of their timeless love for each is so 🥰🥰🥰 If the fluff doesn't keep you going, there is quite a bit of marvellous political intrigue alongside a really momentous reunion!

I expected nothing less from @crimsoncarnation of course and I highly recommend that you check out other stories by this magnificent, awe-inspiring author (Heavenly Soul and Melting Frost are some of my other faves) 🥰 

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I almost gave four stars but still gave a five. Really worth reading.

I felt a bit if unease at first because I think that just meeting someone once as a child and obsessing over him romantically afterwards is a bit twisted. I feel it's not a sane way to love someone.

BUT I revised my judgment because I still read it until the end, and forgot this tiny bit if unease witnessing the characters' growth. In the end I was still sitting in my bed thinking "ah, that was great" so instead if dissecting the novel trying to point some dissatisfying points, I lazily prefer giving and overall review and the result is that it's GREAT (would have been even better with more steamy scenes ;))

And I REALLY like that the author works hard on :

-expressing diversity (LGBT+)

-putting a real importance on CONSENT (no dub con or non con, don't be scared or confused with the first scene in the carriage, this novel is safe !)

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