Lord Seventh

Lord Seventh (七爷, Qī yé) is a Chinese xianxia danmei webnovel originally published by JJWXC on the 13th of June 2010. It shares its universe with Faraway Wanderers.

Synopsis
Waking up again in his seventh reincarnation, Prince Jing Beiyuan found himself back in time, when everything had yet to be set in motion. Having been given a second chance, Beiyuan has to survive court and decide whether it was finally time for him to let go of his feelings or not, all while trying to handle the youthful, innocent force of nature that had suddenly barged into his already complicated life.

Plot & Themes (mostly spoiler free)
Aside from the obvious character and relationship developments, the plot revolves mostly around politics and court. As the novel progreses you gradually see the characters grow (mentally as well as physically) and gain a better understanding of the political situation through the main character's point of view while also watching this group of literal children grow up(and become a menace to society, in some cases). That being said, if you are not a fan of (fictional)politics/find them extremely boring then the book might become rather tedious.

However, there are also other topics being explored such as sexuality and sexual identity, same sex relationships and the acceptance of such. Furthermore you gain a good understanding about the cultures of the different areas and where they clash. Ignorance and prejudice on both sides, observed through the eyes of Jing Beiyuan, who is really just too old for these childish things and would very much prefer to take a nap instead of acting shocked about customs and traditions other people have.

Characters
Note: Due to there not being an official translation some names are spelled/Romanized slightly differently depending on the translator. Here is a Character Guide & Glossary from one of the translators https://chichilations.home.blog/ls-guide/

Jing Beiyuan
Also known as Jing Qi, Prince of Nan Ning or Nan Ning Wang is the main protagonist of the story, finding himself in his 10 year old self's body in his 7th reincarnation. He likes to put on the act of a leisurely, carefree good-for-nothing teenage boy while in reality he is constantly plotting and scheming to a down right terrifying extent.

Wu Xi
The next in line to become the Great Shaman of Nanjiang, therefore of the same status as Jing Qi. Coming to the capital at about 11 as a hostage as part of the peace treaty between the empire and his nation, he moves into an estate that happens to be just one street away from The Nan Ning residence, effectively making him the protagonist's neighbour. Wu Xi, as all of his people, is brutally honest and can be downright blunt. His people don't value the etiquette and mind tricks that the Imperial Court is so fond of, the complete opposide to most everyone else. Through eventually befriending Jing Qi he becomes an unexpected ally on Helian Yi's rise to power.

Helian Yi
Is the crown Prince, Jing Qi's best friend, soulmate, and former study partner. While they are incredibly close in their youth, he ends up responsible for Jing Qi's death in every one of their reincarnations, causing Jing Qi to distance himself in their last life. While obviously infatuated with Jing Qi, Helian Yi never truly understood him and put his responsibility for his country over everything else.

Zhou Zishu
A fellow ally in Jing Qi's schemes, a great supporter of Helian Yi and also a great drinking buddy who missed a formidable career as a makeup artist. Instead, he uses his disguise skills to assassinate people. Zhou Zishu is also the protagonist of Faraway Wanderers.

Minor Characters (incomplete list)
Ping An - could be argued to be counted in with the main characters. He is Jing Beiyuan's head servant and most trusted subordinate. Ping An is relevant in both Lord Seventh as well as Faraway Wanderers. He likes to nag his master about finances but it comes from a place of genuine care and loyalty. He has been serving Jing Qi since they were children.

Liang Jiuxiao - Zhou Zishu's younger sect brother, tries his best but it never really leaves the 'trying' stage of things.

Helian Pei - is the current Emperor. A middle aged man who is not described to be the brightest and often makes impulsive decisions. However, he has always been kind to Beiyuan, treating him almost like a son.

Helian Zhao - is the First Imperial Prince. He's in charge of the military and though he is not as skilled in elaborate political schemes, he has enough brute force to gets what he wants. He is described to be arrogant, notably looking down on the rest of the court.

Zhuo Silai - Helian Zhao's butler and closest advisor, harbours deep affections for Cai Jianxing's concubine.

Helian Qi - is the Second Imperial Prince. His mother was an Imperil Concubine of extraordinary beauty, passing on some gentle effeminate features to her son. However, one should be cautious not to mistake appearance with personality. Unlike his older brother, Helian Qi is quite skilled with words.

Taoist Li - Helian Qi's advisor.

Su Qingluan - Helian Yi's consort. In their first life, her death was the reason for Helian Yi inevitably killing Jing Qi.

Lu Shen - a young scholar without furtherly remarkable background or martial abilities. He is friends with Jing Qi and Helian Yi.

He Yunxing - another friend and ally of theirs. His father is the Marquis He Jing. Despite his best efforts to enter official ranks his father keeps holding him back. He is considered to be amongst the Top 3 Young Masters of the capital

Cai Yazhang - son of Chief Minister of Revenue (Cai Jianxing) described as "gold-coated and jade-adorned but all cotton inside"

A Xin Lai - one of Wu Xi's subordinates. He is a rather fierce person, but also quite simple which makes him seem impulsive.

Nu A Ha - another one of Wu Xi's subordinates. Unlike A Xin Lai, he is more calm and reliable, providing Wu Xi with good advise despite claiming his words to be mostly useless.

Underworld
Briefly explored within the very first chapter, the Underworld is the place where Jing Qi spent most of his concious life sitting next to the Three-Life Rock, ignoring everything around him while he waited for Helian Yi to join him. He is a bit of a legend there considering that they have rarely ever seen anyone as stubborn as him. Refusing to forget his first lifetime, then trying to force the memories out, refusing a reincarnation, all to be reunited with a person who always caused his demise.

Nanjiang
Nanjiang (initially falsely translates as South Xinjian) is the home of Wu Xi's people. To the citizens of the capital it is a barbaric, wild place harbouring even more barbaric and wild people. The leader of Nanjiang is the Great Shaman, a position that is not inherited but instead for each Great Shaman, a Shamanet is chosen among the common people. This child will then study under their master and one day take over this position. It is essentially the Nanjiang equivalent to Emperor & Prince since they too understand themselves to be above others through their connection to the Gods, acting in their God's will.

According to Wu Xi, the people of Nanjiang are much more genuine than those of the capital. He describes his Wa Sa Clan as following: "'They ate when hungry, even if all they had was the bark of tree and weeds. They slept when sleepy, even if they would have to take the sky as curtains and earth as mats. When they met the person they loved, they would spend their entire life with her, treat her really nicely, and never have a change of heart. When guests of honour came to visit, they would treat them with tasty wine. People from any corner of the world, all could become their brothers. When facing the enemy, there would be no such thing as putting up a hypocritical show of cordiality – whether there was a valid reason to wage war or not, the act itself would still be the same. Once hatred had been planted in their heart, they would make sure that an eye for an eye and the other party had to pay with his blood. If skinning the person and tearing his tendons apart could alleviate their anger, they would do it without hesitation.' (ch.8)"The population of Nanjiang also seems to be extremely profitient in the use of all sorts of poisons and Wu Xi's residence is known to have all sorts of poisonous creatures crawling all over the place. Jing Beiyuan seems to be the only person who is not even mildly disturbed by this.