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The Job of an Imperial Concubine
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Web Novel (CN)
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Rating(4.6 / 5.0, 577 votes)
5    77% (447 votes)
4    14% (80 votes)
3    4% (22 votes)
2    2% (9 votes)
1    3% (19 votes)
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2014
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Completed (117 chapters + 4 extras)
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Completely Translated
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Release Frequency
Every 1749 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #9367
Monthly Rank: #5003
All Time Rank: #746
Reading List
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On 4584 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #574
All Time Rank: #1584

Description

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To pass as an imperial concubine, one must be professional.

Actually, the profession of an imperial concubine is pretty good. The emperor will accompany you in eating and drinking, and even pay you for it. What’s not good about that?

Associated Names
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Nghề làm phi
ว่าด้วยอาชีพนางสนม
妃嫔这职业
Related Series
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Recommendations
To Be A Virtuous Wife (10)
The Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir (7)
Eight Treasures Trousseau (4)
Pampered Consort’s Acting Awards (4)
The Times Spent in Pretense (3)
Chongfei Manual (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Binge worthy Ancient China (BG)
  2. Imperial theme [BG]
  3. Best Female Protagonists
  4. Memorable Reads
  5. The BEST Historical Novels (BG only)

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Write a Review
148 Reviews sorted by


DemiUchiha
DemiUchiha
November 24, 2019
Status: Completed
This was a pretty good read. I really like the MC. I like how she's not really in love with the emperor because she knows that he has so many other women in the harem. I had to MTL this because I could not wait for the other 100 chapters to be translated.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Bkgksan
Bkgksan rated it
November 21, 2019
Status: c23
I love this kind of slow palace drama. I don’t even care if there is reincarnation as that is not at all the important part of the story. The translator is good. I ended up finding this novel on the translators website when I went there to read story of Yanxi palace.

FL is very realistic. She reminds me of the virtuous wife story. Both don’t completely give up their heart as they don’t trust the emperors love. Not sure how it will end up, but it is very interesting and... more>> the chapters are long. I hope the translator doesn’t stop half way. I am really enjoying the story! <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
mochichimchim
mochichimchim rated it
October 8, 2019
Status: c15
Honestly this is one of the few novels that excites me quite a lot! It reminds me a little bit of Zhen Huan (from the drama Empresses in the Palace) in her latter years as a Consort. The wits and mindset of the MC is really up to my taste also the ML (I don’t really think he’s a complete ML more like a half ML lol) is not dumb or disgusting which makes the deal a whole lot better. The translator does a wonderful job and has become one... more>> of my favs translator <3 definitely would recommend and will be excitedly expecting the updates ;) <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Jeanne_DG
Jeanne_DG rated it
July 8, 2019
Status: Completed
The story is beautiful and satisfying. It ultimately leaves you feeling good.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Taetaehee
Taetaehee
February 20, 2024
Status: Completed
this is by far my most fav het stories ever. It is very realistic albeit being a transmigration story.

... more>>
Spoiler

the female lead didn'tgive the ML her full love bcuz she knows there's other woman in the harem besides her despite being the most favoured in the end of the story. Had they met before the ML ascend the throne, perhaps she could've been the empress seeing she is the legitimate daughter of a prominent fam, but sadly she's not

[collapse]

FL is very level-headed, she know her worth, she knows her place, she knows what to do and how to act in every single situation. She is not op, not the most beautiful, not the most talented and not the smartest (in the emperor's eyes) but she is smart and is knows what to do with her brains. She knows how to secure the emperor's heart (albeit loosely) and how to stabilise her position in the ml's heart.

very recommended this one, I've read this long ago, even before it was finished and it's worth every single time I waited by the website for it to update. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
SchaYen
SchaYen rated it
August 13, 2023
Status: Completed
This is one of my all-time favorite novels. It paints a fairly realistic seeming picture of harem intrigue with so many fully fleshed out characters. There are only very few brainless cannon fodder supporting characters and most of the cast is portrait rather realistic and they act with actual reasoning.

I also love how the author plays with MCs inner world in contrast to MLs and other people's perception. Neither of them is omnipotent and I think the author did such a great job in developing their relationship. Both are so... more>> calculating with each other and their feelings. I think what makes this work so great is that everyone is so flawed in their own way and that we get to see that. MC and ML are no exception to that.

I often get easily bored by slife of life stories, but this one was so interesting I would love to forever be a fly on the wall and seeing a story like this develop. I have already read a lot of different harem intrigue novels but I rarely ever find a similar feeling that satisfies me as much as this one.

Absolutely recommend reading this if you are interested in smart MCs with little romance and questionable morality in a harem intrigue struggle. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
JessieImInTheWallsJesse
JessieImInTheWallsJesse rated it
July 28, 2023
Status: --
Actually very good novel, not cringy, not long and drawn out, characters feel like actual people and not cardboard cutouts for the female main character to do dunk on plus the male lead is an actual person who is fit to be an emperor although if you into the more "No one will ever touch a single hair on my beloved or else I'll dismember them" or "If a single woman dare look upon me with eyes not belonging to my true love I shall gouge them out" kind of... more>> guys you might not his more calculated actions but I actually really like him and want to see more male leads written like him.

All in all well written, well paced, realistic, witty and intelligent female lead, interesting male lead and pretty fun. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
cas_ciel21
cas_ciel21 rated it
July 6, 2023
Status: Completed
This novel is leaning more on slice of life, no romance, no face-slaps, the MC isn't even cunning, those tags are a little wrong.

MC is just a normal and sensible person who transmigrated to the past and tries to survive in an imperial harem. What I dreaded the most is when modern woman lost her sense of self, and MC doesn't disappoints. I adore that MC wasn't some beautiful and perfect with the arts like every other MC, but I feel MC was really really lucky.

The emperor is scum but... more>> I feel indifferent to him. He is a man of the times where he sees himself as the almighty, I honestly don't care about him and his feelings, wished he get hurt in the nuts but civility is the least that he could do.

I feel bad for all women in this novel, just imagine their ages, the pressure of family and duty, the paranoia, and their lives being worthless.

I LOVE ALL THE WOMEN IN THIS NOVEL. They are all so colorful and with real motivations, the author's notes is my favorite.

The author really is a remarkable writer, the women's struggle was written clearly and nothing was just a plot point, everything made sense realistically.

The ending was perfect but I wanted more extras, cause I wanted to see more into the future of the palace. <<less
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Karby
Karby rated it
June 27, 2023
Status: Completed
I honestly love this type of story, if you expect true love and such this isn't for you. While it might lack some depth it's still nicely written and I enjoyed it. If you like a tad realistic story it's great. It's not to long and not to short either, I find it nice that she understands the way to survive and acts upon it without crazy schemes herself.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Mardiket
Mardiket
May 31, 2023
Status: c121
Perfect story, she really treats it like a job and is cold hearted to the emperor who has million of woman. He gets attached to her though which is maybe a bit unrealistic but neat.

She is very smart and can plot like noone else. Also most of time she just doesn't do anything and enemies overreach and get destroyed. She is a bussiness about this whole thing. And at the end she is successful the best concubine that emperor had and I think she even became emperess.

I think even at... more>> the end she still don't really like him, a job is a job tho. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ntww12
ntww12 rated it
April 7, 2023
Status: Completed
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS NOVEL OMG. ALL I WANTED AND MORE.

First of all: This is not a romance novel. I repeat NOT A ROMANCE novel. This is a novel about SURVIVAL.

Our MC is a woman from the modern world who transmigrates to ancient China as one of the Emperor’s concubine. She thinks its due to karmic retribution and thus knows that life in the harem will be hard. She treats it as a job. After all as a concubine she still gets “pay” aka her monthly allowance and servants, food... more>> and a beautiful place to stay plus s*x with a handsome man aka the Emperor who she calls the Boss in her mind. She doesn’t just want to blend into the background as our MC is a tough lady who hates to be bullied. She simply wants to be one of those at the top so as to not be bullied and then live peacefully. (Or as peaceful as it can get in a harem.)

That is the entire story, about how she rises from one of the lower ranks, acts like a lady in love with the Emperor till she obtains a large portion of his thoughts and heart. I wouldn’t say the Emperor falls in love with her but he does think of her a lot. I am pretty satisfied with that.

If you enjoy face-slapping moments, a shameless MC who knows when to act, how to act and her genius schemes, this is the book for you. She does not openly harms other concubines but she does retaliate if they harm her or scheme against her. She does not pretend to be a white lotus. She is merely firm in her pretend love with the Emperor (others think she is so in love that they pity her).

What a fun read. Also do read it from the original source sleep chaser. Wordpress. Get the password from their discord. The translation plus footnotes is SUPERB. Thoroughly loved it.

Thank you! <<less
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HiddenHermit
HiddenHermit rated it
March 27, 2023
Status: Completed
Entertaining read. No romance, except for the fake romance. MC is smart, logical, and has a keen sense of awareness. She views her marriage as a job. In this way, she can survive without emotions getting in the way. She knows falling in love with the Emperor would be dangerous. He could love her now but there are countless fresh beauties, he will eventually love someone else.

... more>>
Spoiler

It's a lil funny that everyone thinks MC truly loves the Emperor, even the Emperor himself. MC fakes it all and manages to live an idle, pampered life with her son as crown prince. While the ladies who loved the Emperor were defeated one after another due to their jealous scheming.

MC will not start any fights but will end it for sure.

[collapse]
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novel.junkie
novel.junkie rated it
January 26, 2023
Status: Completed
Don't read it if you're in the mood for romance, this is no typical sweet love story, rather, it addresses the sad reality of being a concubine in the imperial harem. And this makes it so refresing. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the love stories with emperors, but I have to admit most of the time the developments are unrealistic. While this is not a romance novel, there were a lot of moments between our FL and the emperor that could objectively be described as romantic, although they... more>> can have a bitter aftertaste after remembering the circumstances. In the end, I don't know who to pity more. It was a really satisfying and enjoyable read, I recommend it if you don't go into it expecting it to be a sweet story. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
PurplePhoenixx
PurplePhoenixx rated it
October 28, 2022
Status: Completed
I like this work by the author way more than the other newer novels by her. The story was the same pace throughout, very consistent with the character's personas. Moreover, it’s consistently realistic all the way through. The character development of the leads and the climaxes were very satisfying. The way the MC navigates her way around the palace as she is continuously being schemed on and she schemes back.

The author did a great job with ML. He is not your typical overly trusting and obnoxiously romantic ML. He is... more>> alright. A bit epathetic but it is in line with his position and era.

The leads have beneficial relationship with each other. They both are clear about what they want, no angst and all that frustration from miscommunication and expectations. A worthy read, so try it out 🫶🏽. <<less
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puregarnet
puregarnet rated it
October 7, 2022
Status: Completed
4 Stars

Overall

So far, I had not liked any of the palace drama/Ancient China royal politics web novels because all the characters including the MC are very dislikable. They are so b*tchy, look down on each other, talk behind everyone's back and are just extremely cruel. In my experience haha. However, this is the first palace/harem web novel I've been quite engaged in. Not sure if I liked reading it but I keep thinking about it. There is scheming and reacting against the scheming all throughout the story. So much thinking... more>> and plotting and deciphering of what other people think. The good thing about the story is the MC. She's quite pragmatic and doesn't go out of her way to strike first nor is she extreme. She's also not in your face cruel. What helped made me like her is her position in the harem when she transmigrated into her body, she a lowly 5th ranked concubine that was just framed by someone else for havig and then lost the emperor's favour and was forced to kneel in front of the empress’ palace. So we see her rise from a low position, step by meticulous step, upward in the emperor's affection. This made it easier to root for her. It's also nice that the first look I have of her maids and eunuchs is not them sneering at other people but worried about her. Throughout the rest of the story, blaming and looking down on the other concubines were not their main purpose in life. The other story by this author that apparently had many good reviews, To Be a Virtuous Wife, was so freaking annoying and hateful. The characters are all just ughhh, so freaking two-faced and incredibly b*tchy. The MC there was the proper wife so there was nothing for me to root for since she is already in a position of power anyway.

Anyway, this story is surprisingly a bit philosophical. Some things that feel like they were left hanging or ambiguous seem to be deliberately so. Like what happened in the previous emperor's reign with the empress dowager, what happened in the extra when the MC felt sock etc. The ambiguity of it just made the story feel like it had depth. Like we have given so much detail that we don't want to give everything away haha. I love that the MC will always have these thoughts on the role of women both in ancient times, especially as part of the harem with only one "husband" and in modern times. It's sad how powerless and inferior their lives are compared to men's. She doesn't help because she wants to live but she doesn't go too far out of her way to beat down somebody. I also like how in the extras we are purely in the pov of someone other than the MC. It's surprisingly a good touch and adds an additional layer of depth to the story.

Did I like it? Well, I was engaged enough to finish the story. I don't exactly like it because I think I just don't like harem politics in general but since we have a rootable MC, I am willing to come along for the ride.

Writing/Translation

The translation I read is from everywhere. Since the main group is gone, I’ve been reading from aggregate sites and some formatting has run a bit. There are some missing paragraphs too. And I’m not sure, but maybe some footnotes in the latter half aren't there. So, what is there is pretty good. I don't really remember if there were any mistakes.

Pacing

The pacing was pretty much perfect.

Plot

It's a pretty straightforward plot. MC makes lots of small moves with the emperor to increase his favour and her ranking until she reaches the most favoured person in the harem, just under the empress.

Themes/What Story Tried to Achieve

An amazing imperial harem drama. Lots of scheming and thinking. Mysteries and suspicions are everywhere. Lots of pondering about other people's plans and the emperor's mind in order to protect oneself.

Characters

MC is rootable, calm and smart. She treats this as a lifelong job that she cannot resign from. She will be the best concubine, the highest in the emperor's eyes because that’s her job hahaha. The ML is an interesting one. He's a real emperor who has to sleep with a lot of women and manage the big harem. He uses the women in the harem as just tools. Interesting. So does he really love the MC? Who knows XD. Find out in the extra. XD The other side characters like the harem members are all varied and good antagonists for the MC.

My Created Lists (I include my rating and review in the list itself XD)

  • All Novels I've Read Sorted By Rating - Where I ranked every single novel I read on novelupdates.
  • Heartwarming or Feel Good or Wholesome Stories I Liked - As stated haha
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khunbam3
khunbam3 rated it
July 25, 2022
Status: c62
.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
green_tea43
green_tea43 rated it
March 3, 2022
Status: Completed
Excellent! Excellent! An actually well done transmigration novel! Wonderful translation, wonderful, cunning, intelligent protagonist, lots of plotting and interesting developments... Couldn't ask for more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
auraizen
auraizen rated it
February 24, 2022
Status: Completed
Not for everyone, especially if you like picture perfect romances

It's a realistic perspective on transmigating into a harem — the emperor doesn't make MC the empress and kick everyone else out

There's s*x within the first few chapters but never true love. It's the closest to love MC and ML could offer though, and I found it raw yet satisfactory

I liked the scheming and plots a lot too, so if that's your thing you'll enjoy this ^^
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
SuperMochi_186
SuperMochi_186 rated it
January 26, 2022
Status: c1
This novel offers a lot of liberal thoughts in describing life as a woman during an era where monogamy was not a thing especially in a very complicated place like the imperial harem. I liked the MC for her level-headed thinking and wit. Although pure love is very common in novels, taking a look at a woman's perspective more calculatively is also very fascinating. The plot portrays a more realistic apporach in describing the MC's emotions and it helped me empathize with how women think during those times. A good... more>> read indeed! <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
squealing fujoshi
squealing fujoshi rated it
December 8, 2021
Status: --
Ho. Ly. Hell. Y'all.

I've read this over the course of a few months 💀 bc I'm unable to focus on longer pieces before running out of interest, but every time I came back I'd feel re-engaged. Sure, a few times it'll drag on. But mostly, it's just a whole ass experience. I LOVE THIS ❤ 🤍 💙

100 percent reccomend, babes
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