Why Harem Intrigue When You Can Just Raise a Dog Instead

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The “Dog Emperor” gets adopted by his fake “Favored Consort.” This story follows their story as they experience all sorts of trials in the imperial harem and find true love.

The dog king will recover his human body.

This is not a legitimate harem drama novel – there will be love, there will be pampering.

Enormous silver platters, shocking melodramas, all part of the package.

Looking at his own concubines and imperial offspring from a doggy’s perspective:

Who used to be the sweet, gentle, and eloquent flower turns out to be a venus fly trap behind the scenes.

Who used to be the filial and courteous, intelligent and adorable, imperial princes and princesses transform into demons in a flash.

The progression (of the story) overturns understandings and unmasks countless illusions.

But by the protection of the gods, the dog emperor met a healing owner. Although the path is rough, the end is pleasant.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Cung Đấu Không Bằng Nuôi Cún
เพียงหนึ่งใจ
宫斗不如养条狗
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
To Be A Virtuous Wife (5)
Empress with no Virtue (4)
Villainess With a Cat Changing System (3)
Didn’t Love You Enough (3)
Wangye, Wangfei is a Cat (2)
Rebirth of the Excellent Daughter of the Marquis Household (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. my fav grovel novels
  2. Most Popular Historical BG
  3. Forbidden Love in Ancient China (BG)
  4. Completely translated novels 6 (higher ratings)
  5. My Library Of Treasures

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/07/24 carpreads extra 4
03/06/24 carpreads extra 3
03/05/24 carpreads extra 2
03/04/24 carpreads extra 1
03/04/24 carpreads c85
09/27/23 Nyanovels c84
09/04/23 Nyanovels c83
04/02/23 Nyanovels c82
02/14/23 Nyanovels c81
01/31/23 Nyanovels c80
12/15/22 Nyanovels c79
10/02/22 Nyanovels c78
09/01/22 Nyanovels c77
07/25/22 Nyanovels c76
05/31/22 Nyanovels c75
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shahrshin
shahrshin rated it
July 10, 2023
Status: c78
Dear readers:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

You are reading a story with the tag of #Ancient_China and it means

There will be:

    1. polygamy;
    1. age gap between couples, and
    1. NO equal rights for woman, what's so ever.
Why some readers are so ignorant? Open yours eyes.

There is no women rights in polygamy.

There was no women rights in ancient times.

We are still living in a world that some women are being denied of their basic rights. Watch news about Afghanistan.

I don't know about other countries but in my country, Iran and in some part of it, we still have families that marry their 9 years old daughter to a 25+ years old man.

It is acceptable to marry a 9 years old child to a full grown man in Islam.

It was acceptable in many other cultures in ancient times.

Nowadays, You see some women in other countries that gave birth when they were 14 or 15 years old and you don't know who is their partner and how old is he, but you think this acceptable?

Did you ever watched "sleeping beauty"? In that animation, the princess told the fairies that "I am 16 years old" and she meant that she was old enough to enter a relationship.

And do you think that the rights you have right now, are given freely? No, there was many women who sacrificed many things to obtain freedom and equal rights. So don't think that what you have right now was there from the beginning.

So, if you can't handle this kind of situations, pleas DO NOT READ THIS NOVEL, and many other's as well.

By the way, to whom that think the ML must apologies to FL, you obviously don't know that men, specially the ones that have powers, don't apologize. With power, I don't mean the power of the king, in those cultures, simply the power of being a man is suffice.

Thank you.
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Lokilaki
Lokilaki rated it
July 9, 2022
Status: Completed
Really why harem intrigue if your dog emperor himself. I rarely into scumbag turned good husband but it was really well explained and you can't really say emperor is scumbag, actually. He just placed his trust on wrong people. One was his righteous teacher and another is powerful general who has control over army. Well you can see his point... And he suffered from this the most himself.

What I liked about it that emperor was emperor and not some virg*n fairytale prince. Even him turning into loyal dog husband is... more>> believable. And on other hand I liked that she didn't immediately believed into his true love, it took her years to fully open up to him and to wholeheartedly love him. <<less
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sslsdm
sslsdm rated it
April 2, 2022
Status: Completed
Ugh reread so many times and still couldnt get enough of it.

I despise harem/Reverse Harem. I really do. I hate ML/FL who have many lovers, thats why it took me months to finally read this.

Usually novels like this would still leaving me a bitter feeling even tho ML will end up only for MC e.g minglan, the job of an imperial concubine and etc (well blamed my posessiveness)

But this one, didnt leave me a single bit of dissatisfaction. It end nicely where MC really put her guard high, she's... more>> not like that usual type of MCs where they forgive ML so fast.

I do like her personality so much, remind me of FL from ETT and FL from to be virtous wife— Smart, cunning, sharp, and vicious yet kind enough. Not like some white lotus who will kindly forgive those who abuse them for years.

Had no excuse for ML.

He's indeed a dicg to all this (ex) lovers. He's the type of character that will only be good to FL. He look down on women, arrogant, and selfish. For those that not in favor of him will die pitifully, yet those in favor of him will enjoy his grace.

The true victim is his concubines, poor them. Imagine living in ancient time only to be choosen as emperor concubine, yet he never looked at you amd you die pitifully while no one else knows bc no one will care enough for those who is not in favor.

Overall (except ML ofc) is 5/5

Wishing more of their ordinary life but well its just my wishfull thingking. <<less
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DojaDoge
DojaDoge rated it
January 27, 2022
Status: Completed
    • Story: 4.5 stars
    • Translation: 5 stars. TLs explain idioms/slang; explain word choices; provide helpful links and pictures
    • MTL: 3. Some idioms and confusing parts, but readable.
This is a very engrossing novel. I thought it was going to be a very goofy, comedic story. It's actually a light story about redemption, court politics, and love. If you like stories in which the jerk ML goes through all sorts of hell in order to redeem himself and win his lady's heart, this is for you. There's a tiny bit of angst and much suffering on the ML's part-- but you won't be overwhelmed with sadness.

At the beginning, the ML emperor acts like a dog. He treats the MC like crap.
Spoiler

He uses the MC as a shield to protect his favorite from the harem. The MC serves as a sort of decoy, or fake favorite. This way, she gets all the hate and assassination attempts while the emperor's sweetheart can live happily without fear.

[collapse]
So he is literally turned into a dog. He is humiliated repeatedly. He wears many green hats, if you know what I mean.

The MC is politically savvy and perceptive. EQ-wise, she is a bit dense. She isn't OP. Thankfully, she isn't dumb either-- unlike many heroines I've encountered in other CN novels. She's much more plain-spoken than the typical concubine, and I really like that.

However, there's something she said that made me cringe.
Spoiler

Her dad killed a whole bunch of political prisoners and was being condemned by many court officials. She was trying to get the emperor to protect her father, but the way she justified slaughtering all those people was just... Bad.

[collapse]

There are many warm and fuzzy parts too. Be prepared to eat dog food! (Pun intended.) This is probably one of the most "simp" emperors I have come across, although he's far from perfect.
Spoiler

I love the part where MC gets morning sickness. He holds her and she pukes in his hand.

[collapse]

There's one omission that I am really disappointed about.
Spoiler

The ML never tells the MC that he used to be her dog.

[collapse]

Trigger warning for animal cruelty.
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wilywilo
wilywilo rated it
February 7, 2021
Status: Completed
It was a satisfying read, the characters and the villains acted with purpose and suited the era. Both ML and FL are matured characters and their thought processes are as intricate as their position required them to be. Though both of them are clueless in regards to the matters of the heart.

The leisurely life of the FL and the doggy ML on the first half of the book really warms my heart. Now I want a pet for myself.

I wish there was an outtake on Sangyu’s turn where her soul... more>> transferred to Erbao and followed Shaoze everywhere. She would then have a glimpse of Shaoze’s true thoughts and maybe Shaoze admit that he was A’bao. That would’ve been soooooo gooooodddd. <<less
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Aniki212
Aniki212 rated it
December 20, 2020
Status: c38
One of the best CN novels I know so far, the translation is superb!!

pro: MC is very clever, strong, and no nonsense. She is very realistic and wise to know how ro handle things. The emperor had to try super duper hard to win her heart, he is not the typical overbearing ML.

con: almost none. Wish I could read MTL better. The translator is working hard to do this english version, I can’t thank her/him enough.. And dare nit to list my thirst for new chapter as the con of... more>> this excellent work.

thank you translator-sama! <<less
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Avidist
Avidist rated it
July 28, 2020
Status: c37
I stumbled on a gem. I literally cried tears reading this novel. The description was so vivid, every scene was so detailed. FL is your typical transmigrator/reincarnator. It doesn't explain how she was thrown into that world but this does not hinder the story at all. It's a bowl of fluffy read with a pinch of drama and a cup of scheming. I'm loving this novel to the point that I forced myself to read a crappy Google MTL of this. Please update fast. Thank you so much translator and... more>> author. <<less
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secret165
secret165 rated it
March 7, 2020
Status: Completed
This novel is so sweet, the journey of ML emperor in obtaining MC heart. This story was told from ML perspective.

It seems as if fated for ML soul to possess a dog and learn how hypocrite his concubine, 'white moonlight', teacher, trusted eunuch and children. If ML never possess a dog, he will never learn the hidden gem MC been hiding and how smart MC is.

MC is really smart, independent and optimistic. The story is really sweet of ML become a loyal dog emperor of MC. MTL the novel until... more>> the end leave me feeling satisfied. This novel is really sweet for reader that likes

  • Smart, independent FL
  • ML strive to be loyal dog in obtaining MC heart.
  • Good family relationship
  • Not much of palace drama
<<less
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Lunasa Lanuru
Lunasa Lanuru rated it
November 1, 2022
Status: c86
I first tried reading this, a year or more ago but for some reason gave up around chapter 35? And for the life of I couldn’t remember why I hadn’t finished it. So I gave it another go - then I kinda realised why I gave up.

The first part, when the zemperor had been turned into a puppy and the added Harem and political intrigue was really good, I enjoyed it and the ML’s interaction with the MC as everything and everyone he thought he knew begin unravelling. But then... more>> he turns back and this is where I find a lot of the issues.

The Emperor lacked something for me and I can’t put my finger on what exactly it is, but compared to other similar novels I found his character to be quite bland (well as the human Emperor anyway). His attitude as well when pursuing MC after returning to his human body it didn’t go as I expected

, there was no real redemption arc for him per say or a slow approach to winning MC’s forgiveness for his past actions. It’s more ‘ok I was wrong, I won’t admit out loud I was wrong for my actions but shower love and affection on my very paranoid and suspicious Consort’. He was pushy, overbearing, overly obsessively affectionate and seemed more focused on his own wants rather than on MC’s comfort. And don’t even start me on the licking - no, just no. And his treatment of Er’Bao made little sense and the plot point for that became a pointless jealous point.

The MC was a so so character for me, she began strong and by midway she just muddled along. And she was good at everything, which for me personally is quite boring as there’s little actual character growth.

For me this novel just lacked something that could hook my attention. <<less
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Bookworm_Sueweetie
Bookworm_Sueweetie rated it
January 5, 2022
Status: Completed
This book was actually good especially viewing this in ancient perspective with harem intrigue theme.

I like both leads. Initially, ML was typical jerk to FL but due to circumstances... he changed his treatment to her and also redeemed himself in later chapters that some characters ate so many dog foods lol.

FL (Meng Sang Yu)

... more>>
Spoiler

She was only 14 yo when she entered the harem and been there for 3 years. She was a transmigrator but no cheats, however, she's intelligent, calm and level-headed. She knew how to control her emotions but never wanted to scheme. She only wanted to live peaceful but became victim of evil schemes due to ML's previous plans. Her eagle eyes were commendable by advancedly seen Emperor's true personality, plots and plans. Plus points, that despite FL accepting ML's advances (due to her status as concubine), she didn't easily forgive him or fell for him. It took more than a decade with 3 kids for her to confess her loving feelings for ML.

[collapse]

The ML (Gu Shao Ze/Emperor Zhou Wu)

Spoiler

He was a typical emperor with harem... he faked his pampering for FL bc he's using her as shield against harem to protect his first first love (Shen Hurui). When he became a dog, he discovered the realness of people including FL & her family... and also experienced the betrayal of people he trusted. I like his treatment and pampering to FL on later chapters.

He maybe flawed in modern times but can still considered as good Emperor and better man than others in ancient view... As Emperor, it was understandable that he's a negligent father to his other kids and negligent husband to other concubines, however, the way he dealt with some harem issues like green hat incident was actually worth-praising especially in a patriarchal society.

[collapse]

Many supporting characters such the concubines have depth, however, I can't sympathized with most of the concubines bc they deserved their punishments. Sadly, some of their kids became their sacrificial lambs. <<less
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Dianille
Dianille rated it
February 11, 2021
Status: Completed
Ah well, I haven't finished the story yet bcs of the current translation progress. I tried to mtl but I don't even understand. This story has an amazing MC, a particularly pragmatic person that won't affected much by palace drama. She won't easily fall in love with the ML, even if she did fall in love with him. She won't tell so we only see her love declaration in the last extra.
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usag1
usag1
September 21, 2020
Status: Completed
In one novel, you will find the best MC and ML...

MC is the strongest and cleverest ever MC as she knew when she needed to step back and protect herself... being cruel but good on the same time

ML... love the ML after he returned to his body... he's an emperor but he could become an ordinary man for her..

Love their interaction and looking forward to read the translation.. I was MTLed but happy that I did it... really nice novel
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s1003
s1003 rated it
June 16, 2020
Status: Completed
Absolutely loved this story! I was not disappointed by the high expectations set by other readers and was sad to find it was a short (er) read.

The feeling of this novel is quite similar to To Be A Virtuous Wife. It's a slice of life with some political scheming in the background, but the story mainly focuses on the relationship between the two main characters and how it develops over time.

Meng Sang Yu is my favorite type of character. She's beautiful, intelligent, and has a strong personality. She's very realistic... more>> about her situation and position; she knows what she wants, what she needs and how to get it. She doesn't overstep her boundaries, but won't let others bully her.

I love how the emperor is not the typical cold-blooded ML. Instead, he's human - he was overconfident and fell for the manipulations and facades of his concubines and officials. After becoming a dog, he begins to see the truth and does his best trying to amend for his past mistakes.
Spoiler

I also really appreciated the fact he knows wooing the MC will be a challenge and its because of he used her in the past as a shield for his "true love". He recognizes he treated her poorly and that she won't easily believe him nor accept his love. While he does get frustrated and discouraged, he tries to put himself in her shoes. He never lets his pride get in the way, which is very admirable!

[collapse]

Overall, definitely recommended! I wish there were more stories like this! <<less
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meiloulou
meiloulou rated it
May 26, 2020
Status: c35
Having seen this novel recommended in most of the lists I like, I decided to give it a try, despite my reluctance. What's with an Emperor changing into a dog? The idea is weird, and doesn't sound interesting at all.

Boy, was I wrong! This novel is surprisignly a hiddem gem! The writing is quick, descriptive but not overly so. The relationship between the Consort and (dog) Emperor is just a cute owner towards a smarter pet from her perspective. From his perspective, he is learning the true hearts of his... more>> women, subordinates, children and, suprisingly, his own. It has harem intrigue, friendship, and romance.

If you like cute/fluffy stories, if you like harem/palace stories, and if you like romance stories with a twist, I would def. Recommend you try it!

5 stars for the writing, and 5 stars for both translators. <<less
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Empress M rated it
May 9, 2020
Status: --
I like it!

MC is smart, and plays it safe, knowing how her family is in a precarious situation. Her mindset of animals are more trustable than humans is actually quite to my liking. Why? It's true. Animals are simple, though some are more intelligent than others. They don't scheme against each other all the time, unlike us. Ignorance and low IQ is a good thing in some cases.

ML... I kinda like him.... Kind of. I have nothing to say about him, really.

One thing about the antagonists, both main and minor.... more>> At first, they're persistent. But in later chapters, near the end, when the palace fighting's white hot phase is over, they kinda... deflated. Just one blow is all it takes for them to give up.

Author must've gotten tired of it, xD.
5/5, ah. <<less
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Dhaturas
Dhaturas rated it
March 27, 2020
Status: Completed
The basic plot is that the MC is a perfect concubine who has to live under a crafty, paranoid and gullible emperor who fears the MC and her family. The MC's father is a great general and war hero, so the emperor only pretends to favor her when she's only using her to misdirect the hatred of the rest of the harem away from the concubine he truly loves.

But the twist is that the emperor falls of a horse and wakes up in the body of the MC's new pet... more>> dog. The emperor's body is in a coma and the true love concubine uses the opportunity to install a fake emperor and let her family take over the dynasty.

The Emperor realizes his beloved's true colors while realizing the genius intellect the MC has been hiding. If there's one possible fault in this story, is that the MC is so perfect and can predict everything will happen exactly. It's better than a weak MC, but it's a little hole in the believability of the story.

The plot is pretty predictable from there. Emperor as a dog falls for the MC and eventually returns to his body and retakes control, punishing his past beloved concubine. The rest of the novel is spent with the emperor trying to woo the distant MC who is just puzzled why the emperor is suddenly enamored with her for realz.

It's a good novel. But the plot lacks any twist. The MC never faces any real trouble. Once the emperor returned to his body, all the tension for the life of the MC was gone.

But its a solidly fun read. MTL is not half bad too. <<less
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housyspecial
housyspecial rated it
May 27, 2019
Status: Completed
Great realistic historical Palace novel.

The background description of the novel makes it easier for readers to understand its setting. And the depictions of love and harem intrigues make its even more enticing. Basically, the background building is awesome.

... more>>
Spoiler

I love the part where MC screams out to the emperor that she would be s*upid if she gave her heart to someone that constantly needs to give his heart to others.

Most of the comedy comes from when the time the emperor was a puppy begging for love from MC and his obsession with MC afterwards.

[collapse]

Overall, it was a beautiful read. Full of court and harem drama, cute & funny love scene between MC and ML. But most of all, I love mc's blunt but intelligent and fun personality. <<less
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Mezzhy_liu
Mezzhy_liu rated it
August 7, 2018
Status: --
So far as the translations, this story is incredibly good. The story is good and it feels satisfying just by reading it and the translated chapters are long but it also takes a really long time to wait for translations but it keeps you interested. I promise.
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ntww12
ntww12 rated it
May 16, 2023
Status: Completed
The basic premise of the story is of an Emperor who was injured and somehow his soul went into a newborn poodle puppy and was then taken to the Virtuous Consort, aka our FL to be raised. He realizes that things aren't what it seems and falls in love with the FL. However, FL doesn't love the ML and the story progresses from political agendas and schemes to ML struggling to romance FL to loving him.

The story has several parts: first, the cute and funny times when ML was a... more>> dog, the schemes to overthrow the Emperor, ML simpering for the FL, and some drama to strengthen the bond between the ML and FL. It does focus on the relationship between the ML and FL so the scheming for the throne does end pretty quickly with little fanfare.

What I liked:

This story has similar vibes to The Job of An Imperial Concubine whereby a transmigrated modern woman is in the Emperor's harem and she has to be smart to survive. In Why Harem Intrigue, it isn't quite the same as our FL, Sangyu seems to have transmigrated much earlier. There is a line in Chapter 51/52 that says "Sangyu has been in Zhou her whole life" which could indicate that she was born into this ancient world and lived to now? It does not mention that it's a novel world, so Sangyu is just using her streetsmarts from the modern world to analyze the Emperor and the harem schemes to survive with no help from any system or others.

FL sees through the ML's cold heart and she treats his favour as something that must be done to ensure her Meng family survives. She loves her parents and older brother and she often sends them advice to survive this harsh world since before the Emperor had deep suspicions about their family since her father is a reputed General.

ML is an Emperor raised with the sensibilities of the ancient times with different priorities. Naturally there are some readers who dislike that. He has a harem, and he is careful towards everyone he encounters. He had loved a woman previously but due to him favouring her alot, she died from the schemes of his other concubines and enemies. So, when he falls in love again with the Gracious Consort Shen, he made use of our FL. He made it seem as if he favored FL a lot, just to protect the Gracious Consort. FL is aware of this. FL doesn't hate the ML for it as she knows, this is just how it is in the harem.

Because of this knowledge of the ML's character, FL thinks that the ML has a head injury when he finally falls in love with her and starts to pamper her for real. She sees the love in his eyes and she's like, "did he hit his head too hard???" ML spends the rest of his life trying to make it up to FL and romancing her. I quite enjoyed that.

As for why ML falls so hard for FL... He spends 5 months with her as her dog and I think some of that loyalty and love transferred over to human him lol.

It is a fantastic story to read but do keep in mind as always, if its set in ancient times, there are usually minors involved (Sangyu is 14 when she is first sent to the Palace. Girls are considered adults once they get their first bleed), the Emperor has a harem, the Emperor is usually a chauvinistic scum.

In this story, the ML does eventually keep only the Virtuous Consort as his sole Empress and wife. <<less
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Avrohom
Avrohom rated it
November 2, 2022
Status: c78
Two people transmigrate. One is a modern Chinese gal and another is an ancient Chinese emperor. She becomes one of many emperor's wives and he becomes her toy poodle. This kind of relationship allows each one of them to be honest in the presence of another.

He will eventually go back into his original body and be an emperor, acting from the position of new understanding of his own family, home and court politics, but the girl is not so lucky. She has to continue being the emperor's consort and live... more>> in the palace. Except now she has to live as his favorite wife which is a position full of many dangers for her and her family let alone of many difficult obligations one of which is the oblgation of being extremely vicious.

As I was reading it, I felt a mixture of amazement and rejection. The writing and translation are exquisite, worthy of a palace novel, simply a joy to read, but the essence, the meaning is not there. It feels like reading about people stuck in a dead end life, going nowhere, not being lead nor leading.

I completely understand readers who enjoy this novel, in a sense, it is a masterpiece about finely nuanced relationships among people in such a place at such time. But for me, the rejection eventually won. I was unable to hold on to the thin thread of empathy I felt for the modern woman stuck in that ancient Chinese harem, stuck in that marriage, it changed her, and for the French poodle puppy with the human soul inside. It completely disappeared by the middle of the novel when the emperor became a man again. <<less
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