It’s Better to be the Empress Dowager

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Tang Shishi was the number one beauty in the court. She was arrogant, domineering and aggressive. She accidentally picked up a book and learned that she was just a vicious female second lead in a palace struggle. Later, she would fight for favor with the female lead, and eventually she was ruined and died miserably.

Now, they have just entered the fief of Jing Wang, and the first meeting of the male and female leads has not happened yet. There are two paths before Tang Shishi. The first is to hold the heroine’s thighs tightly and join the female lead camp early; the second is to please the male lead and steal the favor of the female lead.

Tang Shishi chooses the third way.

Tang Shishi knew that the male lead’s adoptive father Jing Wang seemed to be low profile, but in fact he was overly ambitious. In the near future, he will invade the capital and proclaim the emperor before the imperial court, but it is a pity that he passed away before passing the throne to the male lead.

This year, Jing Wang is twenty-four years old, still young, and has yet to marry a wife.
Anyway, she already in the Forbidden City. Instead of being the concubine of the male lead, it is better to be his adopted mother, the empress dowager in one step.

————–

Zhao Chengjun had no intention to get married, so he adopted his subordinate son as his heir. He thought he would be with his army in his whole life.

Later, the imperial family sent a team of beauties to Prince Jing, and the leader was named Tang Shishi.

His young, adopted son and his subordinates also persuaded: Your Highness, this is a beauty trap.
Jing Wang: I know.

The so-called beauty trap was merely a bait for those who wish.

Associated Names
One entry per line
宫斗不如当太后
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
I Became The Stepmother of My Ex-husband (5)
Greetings, Ninth Uncle (4)
Second Marriage (3)
The Crown Prince in the Jade Pendant (2)
I’ll Be the Male Lead’s Sister-in-Law (1)
Married To The Male Lead’s Father (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Memorable Reads
  2. Most Popular Historical BG
  3. BEST CN NOVELS
  4. Historical Romances
  5. Novels I've read in 2024

Latest Release

Date Group Release
12/31/21 Just for Fun Trans c143
12/29/21 Just for Fun Trans c142
12/28/21 Just for Fun Trans c141
12/26/21 Just for Fun Trans c140
12/25/21 Just for Fun Trans c139
12/23/21 Just for Fun Trans c138
12/22/21 Just for Fun Trans c137
12/20/21 Just for Fun Trans c136
12/19/21 Just for Fun Trans c135
12/17/21 Just for Fun Trans c134
12/16/21 Just for Fun Trans c133
12/14/21 Just for Fun Trans c132
12/13/21 Just for Fun Trans c131
12/11/21 Just for Fun Trans c130
12/10/21 Just for Fun Trans c129
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122 Reviews sorted by


yup987
yup987 rated it
December 23, 2021
Status: Completed
The plot is rather fast-paced, but it's ok. The characters were fine and the plot was interesting too, not that cliche I think. There's one thing that may put some people off

Spoiler

She was drugged by one of the beauties and without knowing about it she ran to the mansion because she wanted to tell something to the male lead before he set off. There was heavy rain and the drug effects were slowed down. When she met with the ML the drug took the effect and she was almost unconscious (almost because she didn't know what was happening but still knew that something WAS happening). ML helped her take the wet clothes off, one thing lead to another and they did the naughty.

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Overall it's a funny and relaxing read and I recommend reading it. You won't regtet it.

Edit [03.01.2022]

Finished reading extras. I love the one about the past life (last 6 chapters). Their children are adorable and I caught myself shipping the princess (second child) with the eldest prince's companion. I wish there was more about it, but, oh well, my imagination still can do the work.
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LauraTakarai
LauraTakarai rated it
December 19, 2021
Status: c135
Despite the fact MC has a book with the main plot as a guideline, she keeps taking wrong steps once and again.

It was funny to read.

I'm looking forward to the extras!
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cataclysmic
cataclysmic rated it
December 11, 2021
Status: c130
Although it's a really good novel where everything feels pretty natural and satisfying I don't really like de MC

... more>>
Spoiler

it's a world that MC just succeeds because she's the MC, the original FL is much more cunning and intelligent. The only reason MC gets a happy ending is cause ML is in love with her. Yes she's not s*upid but clearly lacking as a empress

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About the original FL and ML

Spoiler

while I hold no sympathy towards the OML, I honest pity OFL and almost every single woman present there. They weren't good but neither the MC. All of then schemed behind the scenes just like MC but because it's a historical setting they all had relied on the men in theirs life

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It's still one of my favorites nothing seemed to be like crazy and unreal conspiracies we usually see in novels like this <<less
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sovoy
sovoy
December 4, 2021
Status: c103
Started out pretty well, but after

... more>>
Spoiler

the marriage

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the FL became so unbelievably obnoxious and spoiled. I don't know if the author meant this to be a charming trait? At the start it was kinda cute, but later on it just became so tiresome and annoying. You can't even say that it was just due to

Spoiler

pregnancy hormones, because even after she gave birth she was still that rude and uncaring.

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What makes it worse is the fact that

Spoiler

she doesn't even love the ML yet. Granted she also doesn't know that the ML actually loves her, so she's technically not taking advantage of his love for her, but the way she abuses the ML's goodwill by continuously being rude to him for illogical reasons made me so nauseous I was actually starting to root for the antagonists.

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And that was when I knew I had to stop. Well, can't really rate this because maybe it becomes crazy good in the last 50+ chapters, but I am really unable to keep reading. <<less
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mercipourleslivres
mercipourleslivres rated it
December 2, 2021
Status: Completed
I love this story even more on my second read through. Such a fun OTP! And the ML really grew on me, I love how he loves her so much even when she’s being extremely exasperating lol.
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iKONIC
iKONIC rated it
November 29, 2021
Status: Completed
I love this story to the 99999th power! I love how the female lead is confident and smart yet s*upid at the same time xD she devised different plots to get the og male lead but hooked wangye instead HAHA I love their interactions, small details but you can see how the male lead is slowly falling and loving the female lead. All in all, I really love this story.
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Myaar
Myaar
December 9, 2023
Status: --
I understand how this novel could get frustrating really fast. I mostly didn't feel it because I had started reading this a while back (chapter 40) and continued recently. And I could only basically remember the general plot, despite this I still felt fraustated. I genuinely don't think I could read the first 60 chapters of this book at once. I do however think the author did a good job (not the best).

Despite the fls selfishness, I found her endearing. She is basically someone who fears the strong and bullies... more>> the weak. She also thinks she was smart but in actuality not very bright, she just had incredible dumb luck (not in a mary sue way though). But I understood her motivations and tbh it was too comical to be taken seriously. However, right to the last chapter I didn't really feel any character development from her. It also doesn't help that for the first 60 chapters she spends it chasing after the ogML despite knowing him to be scum. I also didn't like the lack of communication, when she does something wrong and the ML confronts her about it, you would think they would actually talk and clear misunderstandings but nooo, she always avoids responsibility and the ML just lets her be.

I actually loved the ml, he was really the only character who was self reflective in this novel. He actually pondered on the things he had done and how they affected other people. In terms of the fl, he was incredibly indulgent and had no bottom line but at the same time it was easy to understand why he fell in love with the fl.

Now on to the plot/side characters. This novel had a lot of contradictions, it seemed like some thing were just happening to move the plot along. I felt this especially in regards to the ogml, ogFL and ogml's legitimate wife. The legal wife basically notices early on that something was going on between the leads (mind you ML is her biggest backer) but instead ignores it and goes to curry favor with a completely unrelated woman who for some reason they all thought ML would marry. And I am like fine, but why couldn't she play a double agent? Instead she completely falls out with the FL for the sake of the other lady.

The ogFL is basically a villian who thinks she is righteous and that the whole world owes her something. She wasn't originally a villain and I get how she got there but it doesn't justify anything she ends up doing. Also don't understand how she was able to get away with everything she did even after being found out. This are crimes that would normally cost her life but somehow she doesn't even get grounded? Mind you the only person protecting her was the ogML who had zero power to even do anything. Add that to the fact that he doesn't love her enough to not have 9 more concubines and lust after his father's wife but he loves her enough to go against moral principles and his "father"?

The ogML was just an ungrateful pe*vert with no brains whatsoever. Everything was literally handed to him. It is important to note that his adoptive father (ml) is only 5 - 6 years older than him. He doesn't find it weird to call him father but finds it weird he has an infant brother and a young mother 🙄. This was one character I just couldn't get or understand and it didn't even make sense how he was able to become the emperor in the ogbook. With how much imperial families valued their bloodline I don't see how he was allowed to ascend, I am very sure there would be tens of people with better claim to the throne than him. Even the ML had to defend the throne when he ascended as a direct imperial bloodline so how was it that the ogML ascended with zero claim. Just didn't make logical sense. He was all in all just a terrible excuse of a human with no sense of gratitude.

As for the plot, with the things we learn in the novel as the basic/common etiquette in that era, it doesn't make sense how anything in the ogbook could have actually happened and the author doesn't even find an excuse for this. It was also annoying how all the characters (except ml) literally lived in their delusions when the truth was right in front of them.

These are all things that irked me but I am just making a molehill out of an anthill. It was actually a good book and I appluade the author for taking a generic plot and making it a standout/something special. <<less
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Purplepants
Purplepants rated it
November 27, 2023
Status: Completed
Enjoyed this more than I expected. FL grows on you. She is very annoying initially, but if you can tolerate it and her selfishness, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. She's not similar to any other FL, and I think that is why I kept reading. Satisfied with the novel. Highly recommend giving it a try!
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Silkscreen
Silkscreen rated it
September 15, 2023
Status: c139
I'm trying to power through the extra chapters... but the novel was entertaining except for several plot holes. Anyway, it's easy to get hooked with the story but also find many events too narrow and small. You could picture this as a drama that was produced with a small budget that allowed people to enjoy the show but see many discrepancies, as well, including bad acting.

Towards the end, it felt and read like the author lost steam and just wanted to fix the plot holes with fillers.
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cheeseliz
cheeseliz
July 31, 2023
Status: Completed
I liked this very much! The initial stages
Spoiler

when FL was clinging to her original plot with shizi was annoying, but her development and true heart with jing wang was amusing to read. Everytime there was a big decision, she chose jing wang. Loved that!

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The middle and latter stages were so much better
Spoiler

after the FL really decided on her path. Jiayou, shishi! Be as domineering as you want! You have wangye/ bixia behind you!

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Agreta1
Agreta1 rated it
July 11, 2023
Status: Completed
If Malicious Empress of Military Lineage is a 6 this is a 4. It doesnt deserve a 3 as it s still better than many other historical chinese romance. It s very remisnicent of Greetings Ninth Uncle.

First part is quite good. Middle part you just want to slap the MFL for being too obnoxious. And the ending was a little too rushed. The side stories on past lifes are very good.
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sakura_teppei
sakura_teppei rated it
June 29, 2023
Status: Completed
I wannt give this a 5 star rating but accidentally press less star. Why can't I re-star it?

Anyway, this is such a good reading. The MC is all kind of s*upid that sometimes I lover her for it, sometimes I laughed because of her s*upidity and other time I get angry just because pf how s*upid she can be. Her character is not that positive, and sometimes It can get a little bit annoying.

But, I really can't help binge ing this. It's so good~~

Please note that I'v found some similarities... more>> between this novel and novel Greetings, Ninth Uncle. And I love both.

*sigh* such a good read. Not complicated with palace politics which can be overwhelming. <<less
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zen_zest
zen_zest
April 5, 2023
Status: Completed
Tang Shishi is so funny! I've read I Became The Stepmother of My Ex-husband and GNU by the same author before. I like this better than those two! I have to say the three MCs are so different from each other; you won't feel like you're reading the same storyline (compared to how TBAVW, ETT, LPAJ are very similar).

The plot is also pretty tight. I like how it is explained/wrapped up at the end. Unlike Cheng Yujin in GNU, a reader can tell Tang Shishi develops feeling for ML pretty... more>> early on. Even though ML keeps saying he must owe her in the previous life, the romance doesn't feel only one-sided.

This is surprisingly funny and I totally recommend! <<less
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Pomee
Pomee rated it
March 27, 2023
Status: Completed
I absloutely love this novel. The comedy, romance, politics all were really nicely written.

I loved the relationship between the main couple. They had such good companionship and a healthy relationship ! The ML is one of my favourites. The last time I liked the ML so much was when I was reading 'Ascending donot disturb'.
Also I loved the scarcity of brainless cannonfodders in this novel. Everyone had a good solid goal. I mean they are there but not as irritation as other novels.

Its also hilarious how the FL managed... more>> to fool the Empress Dowager.

The FL might seem annoying but I enjoyed her personality. She remained who she was even after knowing the future. She didn't become this solemn, smart, super intelligent amazing heroine just because she knew the future. She's not the smartest but she went wholeheartedly for what she wanted. But could easily find another way out if it didn't work out.

The female didn't truly fall in love until much later. She is ambitious and her scheming is something you would see the villain stepmom in other novels have. Not that overtly done. But she had very clear reasons and situations that brought this one.

A sure 5 star rating for this one. <<less
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Mytrumpet143
Mytrumpet143
February 2, 2023
Status: Completed
5/5 I really enjoyed this!

You know the stories where the MC used is originally a side character but when you read it you doubt cuz everything goes her way? Well not this! MC is a true side character. Her personality, her actions, her role, the plot. Brilliant!
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Sasi23
Sasi23 rated it
January 30, 2023
Status: Completed
They are a fated couple the ori ML is indeed an as*hole like he crossed levels of being an as*hole so righteously

Nonetheless a really good read. And our malelead is such a sweetheart.

I binge read the whole thing.
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aovel
aovel
October 17, 2022
Status: Completed
at first it was sort of frustrating because I was reading it with the wrong perspective. The story wasn't wrong. If you consider the fact that the MC was from that time era and doesn't understand what 'transmigration' or 'rebirth' was then it makes sense. Her choices seemed petty and without substance if you consider it from the point of view of someone who read dozens of such genre. But if you put yourself in her shoes and with the mentality that women during those had a different set of... more>> goals and beliefs then it would all come together and make sense.

in a sense, it was quite amusing because the story wasn't that complicated. But all this thoughts into it, it became something else entirely. I loved the flashback with the bracelet. It was an absolute eye opener and explained a lot of things. That's a spoiler, right there. Sorry.",) <<less
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FeatherQwill
FeatherQwill
August 4, 2022
Status: c143
Excellent (for a webnovel of this sort). One of the best features of this story is the very natural and honest relationship the two MCs build, despite having a host of secrets between them. Other stellar features include (moderately) complex and consistent villains with human emotions, and also a good number of characters who are neither Team MC nor Team Villain, but just getting on with their own lives as best as they can. No real surprises in the plot, but also very minimal manufactured heavy drama. A pleasantly comfortable... more>> read. <<less
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chande
chande rated it
August 2, 2022
Status: Completed
MC was certainly an interesting character. She's selfish, opportunist, vain, and heartless. Her characteristics were really in line with a villainess cannon fodder character who destined to die under the lead characters. She herself admitted that she wasn't a good woman and never acted like hypocrite. That's why she never won against the protagonist aka Zhou Shunhua when she tried to curry favor of Zhao Zixun (original ML). It didn't mean that MC was s*upid. She's actually quite smart but unfortunately, she wasn't as smart and as scheming as Zhou... more>> Shunhua. MC certainly had many flaws compared to other MC but that's what made her character quite refreshing compared to other MC. But I still didn't like how she treated ML.

Spoiler

MC knew that ML indulged and spoiled her without any limit but the more ML treated her like that, the more she became more unreasonable. She always contradicted ML and even didn't give him face in front of servants and his subordinates. And when ML tried to educate their children, MC always scolded ML for being too fierce in front of their children and in the end, ML could only give in to her. It didn't matter if those things only happened occasionally but throughout the story, she's always like that and it really annoyed me.

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As for MC and ML's relationship, the major turning point of their relationship was indeed when MC was drugged and they ended up sleeping together. But it wasn't really out of the blue because before that, MC already cared of ML a bit and ML already determined to marry her after he realized his feeling. Overall, ML really treated MC well but I didn't like how sometimes he didn't bother to tell MC about his plan and inevitably exposed her to danger.

Spoiler

First, after they slept together, ML immediately left for expedition without telling MC anything and made MC think that ML didn't care about her. She almost aborted her child out of desperation when she learnt about her pregancy but in the end, she couldn't bear to do it. When the protagonists knew about her pregancy, they forced her to abort her baby and made her infertile. Fortunately, ML came back in time and prevented it from happening.

Second, ML tried to trap Zhao Zixun after he knew about his ending from MC's book. He feigned his injury and like in the book, ML tried to take a throne for himself. Zhao Zixun framed MC of rebellion and forced her to kill herself. Like always, ML came to the rescue in the right time. This time, ML was indeed prepared but MC, who didn't know anything, thought that ML was really injured and she was quite depressed because of it. Moreover, she was pregnant with her second child and she's a bit fragile at that time. What if she had a miscarriage because of too much stress?

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The ending was quite satisfying. I particularly like the alternate ending where:

Spoiler

MC became a ghost after her death in the original story and she met the past ML where he still lived in the palace. Because of that, they got to know each other earlier and when ML became wangye, he tried to seach for MC everywhere and finally found her in her original house.

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<<less
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Akri
Akri rated it
July 4, 2022
Status: Completed
This is for sure one of the best if not the best BG novels i've read so far!

Original by far in the way that the story is staged, I does involve palace and concubines but not in the "traditional" way, the villans are not confrontational at all, it all happens behind the scences which I apreciate

I love FL, she is such a villan and yet she is not obnoctious, idk why everybody keeps saying she is s*upid when obviously she is quite smart, the relationship with ML is cute af... more>> and just awesome like it starts from nothing step by step until you get to the extras and you get why everything happens the way it does

Spoiler

I apreciated the beginig of their relationship with drugs and all, it didnt seem forced at all, more like it was the only way it could happen.

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I loved how there where a bunch of pregnencies, I'm not a fan of this per se but the way FL was not all weak even tho she was whinin, she was not a white lotus and sobing and all that

ML was cute in his interactions with FL and I loved the honesty and coherence of the character in general, he was helples and he showed it without being weak nor did he regreat it.

Great novel! Would read again and regreat I didnt read it sooner. <<less
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