The Job of an Imperial Concubine

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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
One entry per line
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. Ancient time Rebirth
  2. Read and liked
  3. Unforgettable memories
  4. CN w/ Excellent Plot (BxG)
  5. Binge worthy Ancient China (BG)

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149 Reviews sorted by


Tang Ning777
Tang Ning777 rated it
May 9, 2022
Status: --
Here the MC is FL who is an independent woman in the very sense in my opinion. Whrever you place this type of person in wherever situation they will be able to overcome it and come out victorious. The ML, he may not be a good man but he is a good emperor. Reading this novel in historical genre I felt this to be one of the most realistic. Some readers I've seen commenting that the FL could've chosen to flee instead of getting involved in harem drama. But I... more>> don't think that's realistic at all. Like dude, there's the Zhuang family there, it's a palace drama novel not a martial arts novel where you'll use qinggong and fly. And I heard that some readers are also dissatisfied because the ML did not choose monogamy. I would say that's an emperor. In history there were many lascivious kings and emperors but those who truly did monogamy are only a handful. Truth be told, otherwise it won't just justify the name of the novel. The FL and ML did not need to be in passionate love to live a life together like a couple. FL could never monopolize the emperor because she can't be the empress, she'll always be an imperial concubine. But despite that she can be the winner in the imperial harem. She still lived a long life with the ML with their son.

One of the main reason I like it so much though is the way the FL makes comments about the emperor's s*xual interc**rse. I don't know why I always feel a comedic undertone to it. Or maybe I'm just weird.

Another main reason it's worth reading is the depth of character. Every character here has their own uniqueness. They have their own depth not to make it dramatic but to add that kick to it. You can emphasize with the characters more this way.

P.S:

This is one of my favorite novel, truly. I've read it twice back to back. So I 100% recommend it. I like it even better than the same author's 'To be a virtuos wife'. Though if you are in the mood of something romantic then I don't think it's suitable. <<less
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Infinitie
Infinitie rated it
April 14, 2022
Status: Completed
I love this novel!!!!

A hugh shout-out to the Author for producing such a precious gem and of course the Translator for doing justice to this novel. I love harem intrigue genres and by far this is my most favourite novel.
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rndmsmmrflng
rndmsmmrflng rated it
January 9, 2022
Status: Completed
I like it very much! At first it was a little bit boring because I'm still testing the story's direction. This one the few stories I read where the FL is not the Empress, crown princess, primary wife—Or any of those typical 'main' roles in historical novels. But as I continue reading it I gradually enjoyed how the job of an imperial concubine is being described in the FL's point of view. I enjoyed her interactions with the other concubines and also the emperor. Not gonna lie but I felt... more>> giddy and happy whenever the emperor feel an 'emotional' reaction towards FL. It's really funny and also makes me anticipative. It keeps me wanting the FL's feelings to be sincere in the future or end up liking him eventually. Makes ne frustrated at the middle because of the same reason and in the end although it was indeed satisfying I'm still unsure whether she really did. It was not clearly mentioned but there was once or two scenes where she sincerely looked and reacted at him which made me happy.

Definitely recommended.

But I think she didn't in the end. I think she might have only 'liked' him at most but love? She's too realistic for that. <<less
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friedbanana
friedbanana rated it
January 6, 2022
Status: Completed
I'm about to read it for the 3rd time when I make this review.

A novel from my favorite author is never dissapoint me. I'm being hooked with their works since I read TBAVW. And to be honest, for me this novel is better. The plot was actually a light read but I felt so much emotions reading this.

... more>>
Spoiler
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I don't even hate character like Consort Ning who tried to kill Zhong Louyan. I honestly pitied all of women in the harem.

Feng Jin as a main character I think perfectly represented how an emperor/man in power would act. You know in a very pratriarchal society with such believes about women is really hard to find a man like him having a monogomous marriage.

Spoiler
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I actually cried my ass off when Zhong Louyan injured almost to dead in the lotus pond incident and Feng Jin felt guilty to her. I know her emotion was fake, but I love how many times Zhong Louyan made him more like ordinary human. And this scene will always one of my favorites.

Honestly, as realistic and rational this novel is, I want more cute scene between the two MC. But I know it's impossible with plot like this lol. And at the same time I'm glad that in the end Zhong Louyan didn't fall to him, but I'm sure Feng Jin did. He actually fregile in the heart. But still I'm satiffied with how the two interacted and he was a good husband (according to the novel era standard) in the later chapters.

Personally speaking, this novel really craved well what I think about marriage. I don't understand what love is, but I think in a serious relationship it should be beneficial for both parties. But for sure, as a modern woman I'm not tolerate my husband with other women. I mean we can respect in other personal like the way Zhong Laouyan did...

Ah, I want to type more but suddenly I lost motivation.

So in conclusion, this is a well writen and a good read novel. You don't have to worry about r*pe or pe*ophilia thingy because that's not the author's cup of tea. But maybe you will find it irritating about how bias Feng Jin is to his children. But then again, every emperor are bastards.

Well then, happy reading. <<less
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Leesonghwa
Leesonghwa rated it
December 4, 2021
Status: Completed
I love how the author gave so much depth to the characters and made the FL so realistic. I really enjoyed this novel and it was an amazing read. The relationship between the FL and the emperor is so well written and intriguing to read about. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who likes historical novels.
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Ronit
Ronit rated it
December 2, 2021
Status: Completed
Basically It's a wonderful story of an imperial concubine who was in HR dept in her previous life and how she manages to live worry free and happily..

This novel is like a fresh air among other transmigration novels not much romance no excessive and unrequired dialogues between consorts and even the emperor is ok (I know some people may disagree but if we consider that period the emperor were power hungry and lustful but this ML does everything that needs to be done) and I like how our FL isn't... more>> op and trolls the emperor in her mind... I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.. <<less
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MegumiTan
MegumiTan rated it
November 16, 2021
Status: Completed
A very enjoyable read - great characters, good plots, good pacing. Nothing overly angsty and dog's blood, while still having enough tension and drama for you to want to read to the end. Despite both main leads never truly admitting they 'love' each other, I feel the author at the end really wants you to read between the lines that they both care about each other. At some point when genuine love and pretend love have been mixed together for so long, does the distinction even matter?
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smlsqshy
smlsqshy rated it
November 9, 2021
Status: Completed
it's the second time that I read this story, and I'm NOT the type of person who like to re-read or re-watching book or movie that I like.

Spoiler

i respect ZL commitment to not fall in love with the emperor till the end. It's amazing how she pretend to love someone wholeheartedly like that.

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Smtha
Smtha rated it
October 22, 2021
Status: Completed
The story is very good. It’s like the the drama Ruyi palace. Which is truly sad and pitiful women everywhere. It’s just the FL is very good at pr (as her previous life) and very good at grasping the men heart and in bed. Lol. She also very good at scheming and to protect herself. So she really good transmigrated to this life. The plot is just to show how sad those women live in the palace, only to be used and discard or if unlucky, bully and killed.... more>> Those maids and eunuchs too. The end FL is lucky all her schemes paid off, atleast the emperor cares about her and protect her. (I guessed this to paint a pretty ending for the story.)

Usually I don’t read this realistic, harem type story (to down for me) but I thought this are those typical fantasy transmission story, with unrealistic fluff and romance. Lol

Even though this are those dramatic plots. It’s written not so heavy and dogblood. (Even though those beauties dies in blink of the eye) or have too many heavy political, twist and turns. It’s mostly touch upon the harem scheming and plotting.. Thank you <<less
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everflow
everflow rated it
August 18, 2021
Status: --
love the smart, ruthless MC. Her acting skills must've been so amazing for the emperor to believe her. I also like how this was realistic (no love between a concubine/the emperor).
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becadfn
becadfn rated it
July 4, 2021
Status: c107
Lets begin praising the translator. The wording, phrases and all are beautifully translated and she even shows pictures for better experience!

Now to the story, clearly one of the best I have read. This is not a romance, it is purely social politics, intrigues and manipulation. Quite realistic (one of the best in that aspect, I might say) and well writen, no plot holes so far and full of hidden snakes (hahahah). Each character has its own necessary depth, secrets and proper appearance.

Read this if you want to enjoy a realistic... more>> setting. Do not bring your morals and ethics into this. None of the characters care. Lol <<less
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Figliapao
Figliapao rated it
June 18, 2021
Status: c1
It's fine.

But I just wish the author could add more at the ending, lots of good novel (Chinese historical- transmi/reincarnator etc) always makes me fell in love for the first chapters then sometimes in the middle it could become more exciting or a bit boring.. It's still fine just little ripples for me, but why mostly the ending is always make me disappointed? I'm such a greedy person💆
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rh.hours
rh.hours rated it
June 12, 2021
Status: Completed
Just like the author's other historical novels, the FL here is practical and realistic, very befitting of how she used to be from the modern world. However compared to TBAVW and ETT this novel is more bittersweet.

To those complaining about the emperor having a harem, that's the whole idea and perhaps even beauty of the story— realism. Throughout history there is rarely any emperor in China that only had one wife. This novel paints a more realistic picture of a time in history, if someone was really to transmigrate into... more>> the palace, this is most likely what they will experience rather than having an emperor ML who will love them and only them for eternity. Okay you can try running away, but odds that you'll die even before reaching the palace gates lol do you really think it's that easy? Your entire family line would probably be prosecuted too because you attempted to escape. The FL did the best she could in this situation to survive, and she did it beautifully as well. The author portrayed the sad truth of women in the palace, but yet does it in such a skilful way that makes the FL the ultimate victor despite how women are supposed to be the ones that suffer from heartbreak in such a situation.

Spoiler

The FL never never truly loved the ML, and thus she will not get hurt that the ML has other women. On the other hand (I personally think that the ML loves her but is just denying it), the ML clearly has more affections for her than she has for him, and is stuck in a lie that FL really loves him, so he's the pitiful one in the situation. We would expect the FL to be suffering to see how the ML sleeps with other women, but she never does because she isn't in love with him. This is EXACTLY how a transmigrated female from modern times who know how emperors have many wives should behave. She knows clearly that she wouldn't be the ML's only woman, so she never invested true feelings, and this makes the ending satisfying as we see her live peacefully and carefree in the palace for the rest of her life, which was precisely what she planned from the start. From all the other concubines and even the empress, our FL has the highest position in our ML's heart. Despite not being the empress, she's still the most influential female in the palace.

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This author is extremely skilful and while I wouldn't say this novel is particularly exciting, it kept me going on as I wanted to see how the novel would end. And it did live up to my expectations with how painfully realistic it is.
Spoiler

As mentioned in the novel, "The job of a concubine, can be prioritised but you can't catch feelings. For if you catch feelings, you'll be subjected to eternal damnation." Eternal damnation of heartbreak, is precisely what the FL managed to avoid by treating her time spent with the emperor as a necessary job.

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No forced blissful endings, just a bittersweet ending in which they spend the rest of their lives together, teaching their child (the future emperor) and strolling in the garden smiling happily. But they could never truly understand each other. <<less
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Nomnomiee_
Nomnomiee_ rated it
May 31, 2021
Status: c105
This is one of the best Chinese novels I've ever read. The translation also one of the best I've ever read. Its easy to read, every sentence matched with the previous and later sentences.

This is the type of novel where the MC is smart, and not filled with the 'true love' mindset. Usually on this type of harem novel, the emperor falls in love with the MC and forget the rest of the harem or makes the MC the empress. But this novel is really realistic, there's some schemes where... more>> concubines use to get the emperor favor, and I must admit its really smart and sneaky.

The MC also didn't try to keep her 'modern mindset' where harem and schemes are considered a bad thing, she uses her modern knowledge to win favor so she can live peacefully. Her schemes are really smart and the results are always satisfying.

The novel highlight that the Harem Place isn't a place where weak people, 'true love' minded people can live. Its a palace full of battle, battle for the emperor favor (not love). You can't breathe easily, you have to act right use everything you have just to survive in the Harem.

If you're looking for a novel that's filled with love, romance, fluff where the emperor is a simp for the MC, this might be not your cup of tea. But overall I REALLY recommend giving this one a chance ☺. <<less
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jtlmi
jtlmi rated it
May 2, 2021
Status: Completed
I wouldn't really call this novel a romance, though in an unspoken subtle way it is. TJOAIC would be one of the more cynically and bitterly realistic novels written by YXDY.

The Emperor exercises his polygamous rights with his harem of women. This isn't the sweet fluffy 'I will abolish the harem for MC' like Eight Treasures Trousseau or 'I will only have marital relations and only look at MC' like To Be A Virtuous Wife. It's starkly shown that MC is just another woman fighting for survival in an environment... more>> where only the favoured live comfortably but never safely. Everyone is out to sabotage, frame and drop-kick you down the hierarchy. Love can be play-acted but only an idiot would legitimately let themselves fall in love with the Emperor– or that's what MC believes.

But when you're playing the illusion of love long enough, and if the other party begins to fall into that illusion and believes in it... inevitably something will blossom out of that fake emotion. Or maybe not? As a third-party watching in, even as a reader it's hard to tell sometimes whether or not the feeling is real or not. When it comes to the Emperor that is. Maybe the MC is just too good at manipulation and chess.

The wonderful thing about this novel is that many of the side-characters are very fleshed out and feel alive. As a woman you feel empathy for those in the harem because even the MC feels empathy for those in the harem. It's pitiful that so many brilliant individuals are reduced to being caged birds fighting over one man. The villains aren't always one-dimensional though I wouldn't say many of them are likeable.

After MTL-ing the entire novel, I would say that the ending is a happy one. For me it wasn't a satisfying one, however. Still worth a 5 Star rating because it's truly a good read. <<less
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Roxasfleur
Roxasfleur rated it
January 28, 2021
Status: Completed
Spoiler

Love this. Until the end they both still pretend that they love each other. That's good.

The story is between the concubine and emperor, so of course it's good that MC didn't really love ML. However, they treated each other extremely well. I really love this!

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Sravani13
Sravani13
January 4, 2021
Status: Completed
I like this novel very much. This is unlike other Novels where MC is head over heels with ML. This novel conforms with the ancient times. ML is good emperor but not a good husband to anyone. His favour is conditional. MC recognises this fact and act accordingly to live freely without any emotional entanglement but fools everyone that she hopelessly loves emperor.
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Thiron
Thiron rated it
November 27, 2020
Status: c75
It's a pretty interesting "Imperial Harem Reincarnation" story. Most of those stories start from either childhood or during marriage, and have MC capture the ML's heart to be the only one. But here, it's different from the start - MC starts from already being a concubine, in a pretty numerous harem.

MC is pretty adaptable. She wants to live a good life, so she works on gaining the Emperor's favor. She acts like the kind of woman that Emperor wants - a contradiction of being deeply in love, but being reasonable... more>> and convenient. However, that love is shown on purpose, but in reality she's always clear-headed.

The main issue, to me, is that MC is unreasonably successful at acting. She manages to convince everyone that she feels exact emotions she wants to show, even something like "hidden" emotions. I can understand it when that comes from calculated actions, but pretty often she manages to mislead others with just the look in her eyes... <<less
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Pau
Pau rated it
November 9, 2020
Status: Completed
As the title said, this novel focused on MC's role as Imperial Concubine. What is Imperial Concubine? How to conduct oneself as one? And any plot that revolved around it.

You can find many face slaping scenes, not the kind that directly embrase the opponent, but was executed beautifully.

For me, the romance itself only worth 3stars. But considering how well writen this novel, I think it worth 4stars (or more).
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famine
famine
November 1, 2020
Status: Completed
The story flow is steady, the characterization is clear and the conflict is written clearly from the start, climax and solution. The MC isn't bad, but maybe a tad bit unfeeling as she regard it as a job like in the desc... It doesn't make her hateful though. The writing doesn't make her a Mary Su better than everyone, but it does give me the impression that everyone is drunk and she's playing the waitress giving booze to everyone..? wwww
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