Reflections on the Three Rivers: A Casual Chat

It is said that the Top Three Rivers recommendation allows for a message to be shared, so I shall write one as well.

First and foremost, I must thank all the esteemed readers for their support, especially the great “Warm Sun 1314” and editor Sheng Xia. Without you, this book would never have reached the Top Three Rivers.

To be honest, I never imagined this book would go very far. My highest hope was simply to reach a modest ranking and quietly be published. The idea of making it to the Top Three Rivers never crossed my mind—I even mentioned this to friends in passing.

I am well aware of my own limitations. I am no expert in history, and this is my first time writing a historical novel. I do not believe my writing is particularly outstanding.

One reader left a comment in the review section, saying, “Full of errors, yet so many people are reading it.” I replied, “You’re right, I think my writing is quite average and don’t deserve such a large audience. Thank you for your comment!”

This was not meant as a retort, but rather an honest reflection. I truly believe my work is mediocre and not worthy of so many readers or the honor of reaching the Top Three Rivers. If I could have even five thousand readers, I would consider that a great success.

Once again, I thank the great “Warm Sun 1314.” It must have been the sponsorship from this esteemed figure that elevated the book to the Top Three Rivers. Thank you, thank you!

Whether it is the generous rewards from Warm Sun or the book’s rise to the Top Three Rivers, I feel quite uneasy, as I fear my abilities do not match what I have received. This could bring harm. On Wednesday, watching the number of favorites rise rapidly, I even hoped it would slow down a bit.

The more readers there are, the more their keen eyes will expose my shortcomings.

Moreover, I was struggling with how to continue the story in those days, feeling anxious and weighed down.

In the past couple of days, I have calmed down and thought to myself: what’s there to be afraid of? After all, I am just a small, humble writer—why carry such burdens?

Whether my writing is good or bad, it is what it is. Since I have come this far, I might as well embrace it.

Where there are errors, I will try my best to correct them. Where I cannot, I will openly admit the flaws and write according to my own vision.

I am an ordinary person; I will inevitably make mistakes and cannot satisfy everyone. Rather than overthinking, I will stay true to my own story. Readers are here to enjoy the tale I tell.

If I were to follow every reader’s suggestion, it would no longer be my story, nor truly theirs, but a confused mix that I could not continue writing.

This is not to say that readers’ opinions are without merit—I welcome and adopt good advice, but some suggestions simply cannot be incorporated.

Once more, I thank all my readers and wish you a joyful life, good health, and a cheerful spirit. Please do not quarrel or become upset over this book.

To me, this is just an ordinary historical time-travel novel, lacking any special merits compared to others—nothing worth getting angry about.

Of course, that is easier said than done. I spent over half a year ill this year and gained some perspective, but even so, I sometimes cannot help but feel frustrated.

Finally, thank you all once again!