She was originally the daughter of a powerful official, the niece of the empress dowager, showered with countless favors; but she fell in love with... more>> the one who brought her endless misery, and could only choose to perish with him.
Now, Fu Mingzhu has the chance to be reborn. Let's see how she will clear her past shame, confront her enemies, and bravely annul her marriage. She vows to rise above all and overturn the heavens and earth! <<less

In the nine-tiered imperial palace, everyone has their own ambitions.... more>>

The palace maids often whisper among themselves:

– Some just want to survive quietly until the day they're released from the palace.

– Some harbor romantic dreams of marrying a refined and scholarly nobleman.

Gu Qingshuang once had both dreams.

But after a flood outside the palace claimed her entire family, even the gentle and affectionate nobleman she trusted backed away in fear. Gu Qingshuang realized all his tender words were lies—his vows meant nothing, and they didn’t stop him from marrying a well-matched noble daughter in a grand ceremony.

Shaking her head, she came to a sudden realization:

With nothing left outside the palace, and love proving unreliable, she would build her own path—

A jade staircase reaching the heavens.

She set her sights on supreme power, and the Phoenix Seal that all women envied.

A path embroidered with blood, jade steps paved with white bones. <<less

The fourth imperial prince’s Fu Jin, who had time-traveled, was very frustrated. She had to take care of his food, his drinks, and even his concubines!... more>>

Back then, when I asked you to come, you wouldn’t. Now, when I try to chase you away, you won’t leave. If you want to have a son, go find someone else!

The reborn Fourth Prince was even more frustrated. His third son was rebellious, the fourth squandered the family fortune, and the fifth was reckless.

Sigh, it still takes a good mother to raise a good son.

“Fu Jin, how about we have another child?”

Actually, this is just a story about a low-key woman with no experience in romance, transmigrating to the Qing Dynasty, trying hard not to become cannon fodder.

T/N: Fu Jin means Wife in Manchu. It's a title used for the main wife of imperial princes during the Qing Dynasty. <<less

The original ancestor of harem novels and the sequel to the nationally popular drama Empresses in the Palace (Hougong · Zhen Huan Zhuan) — Liu Lianzi once again creates a pinnacle of classical perfectionism!... more>>

An epic of survival for women in the imperial harem, a whirlpool of power struggles intertwined with imperial favor.

In the harem, status and power have always been tied to the emperor’s affection. The open and hidden battles among the concubines are like the chill of winter — cold to the very core.

With the Fourth Prince Hongli ascending the throne, the power structure of the inner palace shifts dramatically. The Ula-Nara clan once brought Qingying unmatched honor and status as a secondary consort, but now it feels like a thorn in her back.

The noble favor and affection she enjoyed during her days in the prince’s manor have long faded like passing smoke. All her doubts and grievances can only be buried in the endless time of palace life.

To protect herself, Qingying asks the Empress Dowager for a new name: Ruyi — meaning “beautiful and peaceful.” But can a single word, endurance, truly bring stillness to the ever-swirling undercurrents of the imperial harem?

Note: This novel has 6 volumes. <<less

Jiang Man: I entered the palace just to eat, slack off, and wait for death. I have no intention of getting involved in those brain-draining palace schemes.... more>>

Emperor Yong’an: I’m afraid that’s not up to you.

————————————

Jiang Man had been in the palace for four years without ever seeing the Emperor’s face. Just when she thought she could live out her days peacefully and quietly, Emperor Yong’an suddenly barged into the Jade Hibiscus Court.

That in itself wasn’t a big deal. With so many beauties in the harem, it was hard to win favor but easy to lose it. Besides, she wasn’t particularly favored anyway.

But… plans can never keep up with fate.

Jiang Man stared tearfully at her growing belly day by day.

Wasn’t it said that Emperor Yong’an had difficulty producing heirs?

Can someone please tell her—why did she get pregnant so quickly? <<less

How do you become a favored imperial consort?... more>>

Noble birth? Proper education? Gentle and courteous?

Unfortunately, Nan Jin has none of those.

Her strengths include—but are not limited to—acting, scheming, manipulation, fighting tooth and nail, and wanting it all.

In just three years in the palace, with exceptional tea-making skills, beauty, and wit, Nan Jin managed to lure the emperor like a hooked fish and rose from a lowly palace maid whose life was worth less than grass to become the emperor’s most cherished consort.

The other consorts hated her to the bone and used the vilest words to describe her:

“You’re cunning, ruthless, and will stop at nothing!”

Nan Jin merely raised a delicate brow and accepted it all with grace:

“Thank you, sister, for the praise. I humbly accept it.

At first, when facing the cold and distant Emperor Shen Yanci, Nan Jin thought:

‘Justice in this world has always been in the hands of those in power. Then I shall become the one in power and tilt justice toward myself.’

‘He is the only road I have to ascend to the clouds.’

Later, faced with the now passionate Shen Yanci, Nan Jin played hard to get with a charming smile.

“Heh, the emperor?”

“Playing him is as easy as training a dog~” <<less

Gu Panfu, a concubine-born daughter of a marquis household, was selected to enter the palace. She never expected to rise to the top overnight or become the most favored consort in the harem. But she was determined to give it her all—after all, if she was going to enter the palace, she might as well enjoy the splendor and luxury while she could.... more>>

🍉 Palace intrigue + daily life

🍉 Male lead is the emperor <<less

So it turns out, in the Song Dynasty, being a concubine wasn’t a lifelong contract. A respectable woman sells herself into concubinage. As her three-year pawn term nears its end, this modern woman-turned-“fake mistress” in ancient times must choose:... more>>

Should she reclaim her freedom and search for true love again?

Or submit to fate and remain a servant for the sake of a fleeting royal command? <<less

Guifei is favored, Xian Fei has a son, Zhaoyi is the emperor’s white moonlight, and Li Fei is his cinnabar mole. The other concubines all have their own strengths and charms-a true garden of blooming flowers.... more>>

So who is our protagonist?

She is the successor empress-unfavored, childless, and without a powerful family background.

Wonderful. Why does this plot feel strangely familiar?

Whatever. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated, she decided to lie flat.

Compete for favor? Compete for what, exactly?!

There’s no reason to depose her for no cause, and the emperor wants to be a wise ruler, after all. <<less

In the third year of Yifeng, the illegitimate daughter of the Ningyang Marquis' household entered the palace.... more>>

Entering the palace is like stepping into an unfathomable sea; the only rule is to never fall in love.

Ning Shuyan was well aware of this. What she sought were wealth, power, and the Emperor's favor. Over three years, she planned meticulously, captivating the Emperor's attention and climbing from the rank of Cairen to Noble Consort.

The harem whispered that the Emperor's affection for women was dictated by utility and interest. When Xiao Yu first met her, he was intrigued by this woman. He said, "I didn't expect her to have such beauty." Everyone claimed that his interest in her was merely fleeting. Yet, that fleeting interest turned into a lifetime of favor for Ning Shuyan.

Xiao Yu later admitted: At first, he was drawn to her looks, then captivated by her alluring charm.

Unexpectedly, a lifetime passed, and no matter how much he looked at her, he never grew tired.

To him, she was gentle and enchanting, pure and kind, and deeply devoted to him. Even years later, she remained unchanged in his heart, as radiant as ever, with his love for her growing stronger with time. <<less

In the 30th year of Yuanfeng, the selection process ended.... more>>

Zhou Yun, the daughter of a third-rank minister, entered the Xian Wangfu as a Cefei.

With her charming appearance, soft speech, and delicate personality, she gained Xian Wang's favor.

After entering the mansion, she gained a reputation for being a femme fatale, jealous and intolerant.

She just smiled coldly: "Ridiculous! Since we're all the king's women, we each get favor according to our own means. Just because she's the main wife, do I have to give way?"

"Being virtuous, gentle, and understanding, that's what the main wife should do. Since I'm not in that position, why should I take on her responsibilities?"

Zhou Yun knew she wasn't a good person, and there weren't any good people in the inner courtyard or the palace.

Kind-hearted people would have been drowned in the well of the inner courtyard long ago.

Femme fatale, pretentious, narrow-minded, and clearly bad - that's the female lead.

Warning:

The female lead will use all means to gain favor, no transmigration, no rebirth, no thoughts of being virtuous and kind.

A proper harem struggle novel turning into a palace struggle novel.

Favoritism but not exclusive, male lead is not a virg*n, proceed with caution!

Slow pace!

One-sentence summary: People say I'm jealous.

Theme: In any situation, one must proceed with caution.

Content tags: Court nobility, Focused affection, Harem struggle, Palace struggle, Serious drama. <<less

Heartbroken by the death of her fiancé and driven to desperation by her stepmother’s ab*se and her father’s insistence on remarriage, Hu Shanwei stole her family’s household registration certificate and applied to become a court lady in the Great Ming Imperial Court.... more>>

Once inside the palace, Hu Shanwei found herself embroiled in a series of political intrigues and palace power struggles. Through her courage and intelligence, she distinguished herself and rose through the ranks to become the highest-ranking female official in the Great Ming Court: Hu Shang-gong of the Shang-gong Bureau.

The Great Ming Dynasty witnessed the reigns of five emperors—Hongwu, Jianwen, Yongle, Hongxi, and Xuande—each succession battle more treacherous than the last. Amidst the palace intrigues and court conflicts, Hu Shanwei met Mu Chun, a nobleman from a distinguished aristocratic family. Their mutual understanding blossomed into love, and they became each other’s unwavering support in the perilous imperial court and political arena.

This novel, grounded in authentic historical figures and events, unfolds a breathtaking panorama of five dynastic eras in the Great Ming Dynasty. Meticulously researched and rich in vivid detail, it chronicles Hu Shanwei’s remarkable journey from a humble court lady to a powerful official, offering an inspiring tale of an ordinary woman’s awakening and her relentless pursuit of career and ideals.

Name: Hu Shanwei

Occupation: Court Lady of the Great Ming Imperial Court, female civil servant

Work Experience: From the founding Hongwu Emperor to the Xuande Emperor, Hu Shanwei served five generations of rulers in the Great Ming Imperial Palace. She held the position of Fifth-Rank Palace Attendant in the Shanggong Bureau and reigned as the undefeated champion of palace intrigue for five consecutive terms.

Work Ethic: “If you stir up palace intrigue, I’ll take you down. If you vie for the position of heir apparent, I’ll thwart you. My mission is to maintain harmony and order within the Great Ming Imperial Palace, and I won’t tolerate any troublemaking.”

Advice to Women of the Imperial Harem: “Stay away from the emperor’s bed to stay safe.”

Catchphrase: “This job is inhuman! I’m quitting after this term.” Yet, she ended up serving five consecutive terms.

Hobbies: Eating, sleeping, and flirting with Xiao Chun. Who is Xiao Chun? Shhh, it’s a state secret.

This story is also known as: The Five-Time Palace Intrigue Champion’s Step-by-Step Guide to Conquering the Great Ming Imperial Palace, Tales of the Great Ming Imperial Palace, My Two or Three Things with Chun Chun, A Woman’s Dangerous Relationship with Five Generations of Emperors and Empresses, The Great Ming Female Civil Servant’s Exam Preparation Guide: From Novice to Expert, and more. <<less

Gu Yu Qi, a daughter born to a marquis household. She was beautiful with knowledge in both civil and military, and her kindness broader than the sky. It was love at first sight for her, and she insisted on marrying him and was happy even if she were to become a mistress. She worked hard to help him step by step to become the emperor.... more>>

But what happened to her in the end?

For ten whole years, she was humiliated and abandoned. Disheartened, she drank poison to end her life and set her place on fire, only to find herself back to when she was ten years old. It was the year she followed her mother into the capital. It wasn’t too late to change her fate.

If Yun Ke had any regrets in his previous life, then it would be how he always kept thinking about a woman who died decades ago. Because of that, before he died, he secretly had the woman’s ashes pressed beneath his coffin. As the emperor, he had the final say of everything under the sky. So how could he allow that woman to be arrogant in front of him? Even at his deathbed, he would crush her beneath him.

Who knew he’d be reborn again…

When the transmigrated girl meets the boy who was reborn, Gu Yu Qi simply wanted to yell at the sky. Just what are you playing at!? <<less

Three Emperors have died in quick succession. The prince whom nobody had taken notice of unexpectedly succeeds to the throne. He is quickly plunged into... more>> layers upon layers of danger. The Empress Dowager dislikes him, wishing to install a younger, more obedient Emperor. His half-brother dislikes him, accusing him of stealing the throne that is rightfully his. The palace attendants and servants dislike him, believing that he is not a true Emperor. The Child Emperor must save himself. <<less

In the previous life, the First Rank Duke’s mansion collapsed and completely vanished. In this lifetime, Bai Qing Yan, the eldest legitimate daughter was reborn and she will never let the Bai family follow the same footsteps than in the previous life.... more>>

The son of the Bai family is already dead, so there is no place for the Bai family to stand in the capital ?

Xiao Rong Yan, a wealthy businessman from the Great Wei State, said: “For hundreds of years, the First Rank Duke’s Bai family of military lineage, never produced any waste, and the family’s daughters are no exception.

Later… the eldest miss of the Bai family was this generation’s goddess of war, legend had it that she had never been defeated.

The second miss of the Bai family was the resourceful matriarch at the newly appointed marquis of Zhongyong’s mansion.

The third miss of the Bai family is this world’s second richest merchant, a talent of the business world who can decide the rains and clouds.

Bai Qing Yan was grateful to Xiao Rong Yan for having helped her several times in the previous life, and then secretly sent him informations several times.

On a snowy night, they were blocked outside the city.

Xiao Rong Yan: Miss Bai saved Xiao Mou from fire and water again and again, is it that you admire Xiao Mou?

Bai Qing Yan said: Young Master Xiao misunderstood.

Xiao Rong Yan : Xiao Mou saved Miss Bai from fire and water again and again, can Miss Bai admire Xiao Mou?

Bai Qing Yan: … <<less

Xu Ze transmigrated into a novel and became the final villain, capable of becoming an immortal level existence if he completed the plot ten times over.... more>>

To achieve immortality, Xu Ze devoted his life to playing the role of the villain who abandoned the heroine and was incomparably evil.

However, all the heroines suddenly regained their memories of their previous nine lives during their last lifetime.

The hatred and love they had for Xu Ze blackened them all.

"Xu Ze, I hate you for abandoning me! But I also love you. So I'm locking you up by my side so you can never leave!"

"Xu Ze, do you like me, or Big Sister? You certainly like me, right? After all, you told me that you would love me until death do us part."

"Xu Ze, I know why you abandoned me. It's because of this man, right? Then, I will kill him right now, so don't leave me, okay?"

The protagonist: "Brother Xu save me! I'll give you the system, I'll give you all of my treasures, so please don't send your woman to kill me."

Xu Ze, who was tied up, shrugged his shoulders helplessly.

My brother, it wasn't that I didn't want to save you. Even I cannot protect myself. <<less

If You Yusui had died completely, he would have been just an ordinary crown prince in the history books who failed to seize the throne, lying in a small grave with the terrible posthumous title given by his father, left to be gossiped about by future generations.... more>>

But he was reborn! And kept being reborn repeatedly.

In his first life, he failed in the power struggle and was sentenced to death by his own father, with the posthumous title “Crown Prince Li”.

(TL: “Li 厉” meaning difficult to endure, terrible, or aggravating)

In his second life, he was diligent and cautious, but eventually died from serious illness.

In his third life, he bided his time and gathered talented people, but was ultimately executed by his third imperial brother’s army, without even leaving a complete corpse.

….

In his fifteenth life, he was extremely careful and only sought to survive, but was sent to pacify refugees and ended up hacked to death.

In his sixteenth life, the deposed crown prince opened his eyes and thought: “I’m tired. Whoever makes me unhappy, I’ll make them even more unhappy. To hell with respecting the worthy and being gentle and kind.”

So upon opening his eyes, You Yusui’s first action was to arrange for the most expensive nanmu wood coffin for himself, and then proceeded to act recklessly.

He insulted the emperor’s favorite concubine, punished his younger brother, beat officials, and repeatedly pushed his father’s boundaries.

Looking at the crying court and harem, You Yusui sat on his palanquin with a long-stemmed pipe and chuckled. “A person should do things befitting their posthumous title.”

You Yusui thought that with his defiant and troublesome behavior, his father would immediately depose him and offer him a cup of poison. Instead, he became his father’s most beloved son.

You Yusui: “My father probably has some issues.”

And those officials who hadn’t yet adjusted to the crown prince’s change from gentle and kind to troublesome: “The crown prince has probably gone mad.” <<less

Shen Yunxuan always starts each life with a bad hand, slowly working her way up to become a winner in life. But this time, upon restarting, she discovers that people keep fighting to take her bad hand, even trading their good ones with her.... more>>

Shen Yunxuan (confused, but respectful): "Is there really such a good thing?"

…

[World 1: Socialite Sisters]

Shen Yunxuan isn't as sweet-talking as her sister Shen Yunrui and doesn't win over the elders. During their marriages, Shen Yunrui married into the wealthiest family, enjoying a grand ceremony, while Shen Yunxuan married her grandfather's savior-a poor young man.

Twenty years later, Shen Yunxuan and her husband became billionaires, while Shen Yunrui's husband was left in a vegetative state, and the once-glorious family fell apart.

After her rebirth, Shen Yunxuan finds herself before their weddings, and Shen Yunrui suddenly insists on marrying the savior while urging Shen Yunxuan to marry into the wealthiest family. Moved, their family wholeheartedly supports the swap.

Shen Yunxuan (overjoyed): "When my future husband faints, I can skip fifty years of struggle by taking over his empire!"

(Note: World 1 is short and comedic. Feel free to skip to other, more conventional stories if this one isn't to your taste.)

…

[World 2: Stand-in Actress & the Villain]

Shen Yunxuan and Qian Yue graduate from film school and audition together. Qian Yue secures a major role as a scheming villain in a popular IP drama, while Shen Yunxuan lands a stand-in role in a niche art film.

To everyone's surprise, the blockbuster IP flops, while Shen Yunxuan's art film becomes a box-office hit. The director and lead actors take notice of her talent, offering her three consecutive roles, skyrocketing her career to Best Actress status.

Reborn before the auditions, Shen Yunxuan watches Qian Yue snatch the stand-in role and push her into the IP drama.

Shen Yunxuan (delighted): "With a few tweaks, this script will definitely become a hit—no more detours in this life!"

…

[World 3: The Favored Consort vs. The Devoted Wife]

Shen Yunxuan and Shen Rong are both daughters of a general. Shen Rong enters the palace as a consort, while Shen Yunxuan marries a young general and lives a lonely life.

Years later, Shen Rong is banished to the cold palace, while Shen Yunxuan's husband is promoted to marquis and dismisses his harem, showering her with exclusive devotion. Shen Yunxuan enjoys the respect of her in-laws, the love of her children, and a reputation as the most enviable woman in the land.

Reborn before their engagements, Shen Rong tries to win favor with the elders, aiming to marry the young general, and insists Shen Yunxuan enter the palace.

Shen Yunxuan (smiling brightly): "If my sister insists on giving me such a great card, how could I refuse?"

…

World 3: The Favored Consort vs. The Devoted Wife

World 4: Marrying a Pretty Boy vs. Becoming a Military Wife

World 5: Fortune-Telling Livestream vs. Wealthy Matron

World 6: Farmhouse Cook vs. Noble Servant

World 7: Orphan with a System vs. Harem Protagonist <<less

Xia Changge is a timid and honest cultivator who has practiced for eighteen years without even killing a chicken.... more>>

His ordinary life changed after his fellow Daoist next door went out to seek opportunities, and begged him to help take care of his wife and daughter… <<less

I transmigrated as an extra in a hopeless dark fantasy novel.... more>>

...But the heroines are somehow strange. <<less

Shen Yuqing and the Emperor had a secret arrangement—... more>>

She was his pampered consort, and she would hit wherever the Emperor directed her to strike;

The Emperor “loved and favored her forever”, and she could do whatever she wanted.

Later, she set her eyes on the Empress who had the same type of marriage only in name… <<less

Ah Bao has transmigrated! She’s become a princess of a fallen nation, who was killed as a disaster star right after birth.... more>>

【Father, the official from the Imperial Astronomy Bureau is an old charlatan who, together with Concubine Li, deceived you and will stab you in the heart on the day of the nation’s fall.】

The Tyrant Emperor immediately turned against the old official for his daughter, and Ah Bao was taken out of the Cold Palace.

【Sixth Prince, the chosen one, was manipulated by the transmigrated woman, going mad and smashing into walls for her, only to be used by her, dying alone and childless in misery.】

Sixth Prince: ?

He pushed away the female lead and turned into the ruler of the world!

【Seventh Prince, plagued by bad luck, died saving the female lead from a knife, missing out on his lucky little princess. Charge! Marry the official match and drive away your misfortune.】

Seventh Prince: ?

He stabbed the female lead, and at the selection banquet, he chose the lucky little princess and showered her with love and affection.

【Aunt, your beloved son-in-law has been keeping a mistress behind your back and brought a bastard child to the princess’s residence for you to raise. In the end, the adopted son and the mistress conspired to drive you to death and seize your family assets.】

Princess Chang: ?

She decisively divorced her husband and sent the s*umbag to prison for a death sentence!

【And there’s the big uncle, the King of God War, surnamed Shen, who will use your drunken state to set up a bed scene, feigning tears and selling pity to make you responsible. In the end, she poisons you, leaving you crippled.】

Everyone is astonished; the small princess’s presence turns into a large-scale gossip event.

The once-fallen Tiansheng Dynasty has grown prosperous, becoming the number one nation among the seven countries!

Ah Bao has become the beloved treasure of everyone.

The defeated male and female leads: …

Where’s the promised protagonist halo? <<less

The Jiang and Song families have been friends for generations. Before Song Wan was born, she was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian. The two grew up together, and she was confined to the inner courtyard, learning everything to prepare to be a wife in the Jiang family. The young man, ambitious and high-spirited, left for the frontier to build his career before reaching adulthood. Before leaving, Jiang Xingjian personally put a white jade hairpin on her. With a promise to wait for him, Song Wan kept him in her heart, even if he died on the battlefield. She insisted on marrying into the Chengyang Marquis's mansion, holding his memorial tablet.... more>>

She kept the young man in her heart and remained a widow for six years, only to see Jiang Xingjian return to the capital with his beloved. The young man's beloved behaved strangely, and during the summer, she made ice and supported the Marquis's mansion with firearms. Song Wan watched as he embraced the girl, showering her with endless affection. She also saw him personally take away the power of the household from her hands only to make the girl smile. <<less

Zhou Qing: Not to mention her crossing, even the father of the original owner was also a transmigrator, an ancient dandy!... more>>

Farming? Would not!

Raising pigs? Would not!

Eating chicken? Yes!!!

Zhou Qing embarked on a road of no return to urge her father to study to live a rich life like all heroines who had crossed over.

One moment: Father was kind, and daughter was filial

Next moment: The chicken was flying

The male lead: The first step to pleasing his wife was to help his father-in-law to study. <<less

Lianxi transmigrated into a novel she read—... more>>

Strictly speaking, as a tragic side character with a gruesome death.

Lianxi cried bitterly. Rather than meeting such a miserable end,

She might as well take matters into her own hands—at least it would hurt less.

Thus began her hilarious journey to seek death...

The tyrannical and ruthless emperor who only loves killing: Noble Lady Lian’s brain...???

The harem beauties: She’s insane!! <<less