Peach Blossom Debt

Written by Da Feng Gua Guo

I learned about this book through unfortunate circumstances. Apparently, it was — along with some others — in part plagiarized by an author who went on to success with her own books and TV adaptations. I picked up PBD out of a mix of curiosity and guilt, since I adored the TV show that had benefitted from it, and was delighted by what I read. Now, nearly twenty years after it was first published, PBD has become one of my most beloved books.

On its surface, it appears to be a standard love triangle between the narrator, Song Yao, and two immortals he’s tasked with subjecting to love trials. It unfolds subtly on first read, teasing but always taking a step back. The late-game twist shattered my heart, but luckily, this one ended well (for me, at least).

Features one of my favorite characters of all time, Hengwen Qingjun, who is the star of my danmei bookshelf.

Peach Blossom Debt is currently out of print in English, but DFGG has it unlocked on jjwxc, where you can read it in its original form, legally and for free.