A Concubine’s Competitive Life in the Prince’s Household

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

【Time Travel + Workplace Competition + No Lazing Around + Ambitious Female Lead】

Overachiever Shen Wei traveled through time and found herself as the lowest-ranking maid in the grand residence of the Yan Prince.

The Yan Prince held a prestigious position, but his consorts were all content to live dull lives. The noble-born princess consort was as tranquil as a chrysanthemum; the concubine sought a life of monogamy; the reincarnated woman was utterly disillusioned with the Yan Prince and had given up on striving for anything; and the other timid concubines dared not make a move…

The queen of workplace competition, Shen Wei, declared: Don’t stop me! I’m going to outwork these unambitious slackers!

The Yan Prince had grown accustomed to the stagnant atmosphere in his harem, until a particularly skilled courtesan appeared.

This concubine was stunningly beautiful, adept at both literature and dance, hardworking, and always brought him fresh excitement. The Prince couldn’t help but take a second, then a lifetime-long, look at her.

Years later, Shen Wei became the all-powerful Imperial Noble Consort, with children and the emperor’s exclusive favor.

Meanwhile, the princess consort remained as tranquil as ever; the concubine was aging and had yet to experience a monogamous life; and the reincarnated woman was still eating simple meals in her modest abode…

After half a lifetime of striving, Shen Wei finally reached retirement and revealed her true nature, fully embracing a life of leisure. The retired emperor interjected: “You competed for favor just to retire?”

Shen Wei snacked on melon seeds: “What else?”

Living is all about retirement!

The retired emperor was even more surprised to find, in midlife, that other men were vying for his wife’s affections!

Associated Names
One entry per line
不当咸鱼,王府宠妾的内卷日常
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
100 Techniques to Conquer the Emperor in the Harem (2)
The Job of an Imperial Concubine (1)
It’s Better to be the Empress Dowager (1)
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (1)
The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue (1)
The Girl Who Struggled Through Palace Intrigues to Become the Empress (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Novels I've Read and Liked
  2. Ancient China w/ Strong, Intelligent, Manipulative...
  3. NOT My Cup of Tea
  4. Strong female lead with actual brains novels
  5. Comfort books to re-read 5

Latest Release

Date Group Release
05/29/25 akkNovel c191
05/28/25 akkNovel c190
05/28/25 akkNovel c189
05/27/25 akkNovel c188
05/27/25 akkNovel c187
05/26/25 akkNovel c186
05/26/25 akkNovel c185
05/25/25 akkNovel c184
05/24/25 akkNovel c183
05/24/25 akkNovel c182
05/23/25 akkNovel c181
05/23/25 akkNovel c180
05/22/25 akkNovel c179
05/22/25 akkNovel c178
05/21/25 akkNovel c177
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Write a Review
5 Reviews sorted by


Sayurisama
New Sayurisama rated it
May 22, 2025
Status: c178
What a delectable novel—truly a feast for the senses. The characters are wonderfully crafted, each with a distinct charm, but the female lead stands out as exceptionally intelligent, graceful, and cunning. I find myself deeply admiring her wit and strength.

This story is a delightful treat for readers who crave the thrill of transmigration, the intrigue of ancient royalty, and the drama of a well-woven harem plot. With a beautiful, clever heroine and a dashing prince, it checks every box for lovers of historical romance and fantasy.

Each chapter is like a... more>> daily indulgence—two doses of addictive storytelling that never fail to satisfy, yet always leave me wanting more. I’m currently on Chapter 178 and still insatiably hooked. I truly hope for more updates soon—this novel has completely captured my heart. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Mistygirl56
New Mistygirl56 rated it
May 20, 2025
Status: Completed
FL is the baddest, coldest. And most inspirational character I have ever read. She sets her goals, and follows through no matter how long it takes. She is calm and strategic. Sometimes I think that she sees herself harshly. She treats everyone well but she would excuse it and say it's because she has a motive. I felt so bad for the Emperor at the end, but I was just as fascinated with this cold borderline cruel FL who only thinks of her interest.

I read until the end to get... more>> her true feelings. Some of the storylines were over the top esp close to the ending and FL was almost omnipotent. Too OP but her personality was so unique, it made up for it. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Clarimel7
Clarimel7 rated it
April 2, 2025
Status: Completed
As a maid, FL made the best of her available choices.

  • ML strong needs:
She had her own fitness plan: [Morning: ten laps of jogging, squats. Afternoon: practicing Baduanjin. Before sleep: dancing the "Pamela Fitness Routine."

XD

... more>> Her sleeping posture was also intentional. Shen Wei didn't lie on her side; lying on the side would thicken the shoulders and distort the face. The best sleeping position was flat on the back.

But lying flat would make the buttocks flat, so Shen Wei used a small soft pillow under her waist to maintain her figure.

  • My mentor:
You need to show concern through words and actions. Shen Wei's goal was to become Prince Yan's "flower that speaks, " his spiritual refuge, the only harbor he wanted to rely on when tired.

  • Clear goals
She didn’t aim for “one man, one woman for life.” Prince Yan was merely her ATM and a stepping stone toward retirement.

  • Clear minded
Never let internal friction wear you down; always strive to excel internally.

  • Tenacity
She would keep learning and improving for as long as she lived

I love her character decelopment insights

Spoiler

Shen Wei hates roses. Because when she wanted to abandon her husband and children, her skirt was caught by the rose bush, and she lost her freedom for the rest of her life.

[collapse]

  • Note taken:
People cannot live without society.

Being lonely for a long time can easily lead to depression, and the slightest stimulation can easily cause psychological distortion and abnormality.

  • Working out benefits health
"Walk a little every day, and you'll live to be ninety-nine."

Life lies in movement! <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
LJReads
LJReads rated it
May 19, 2025
Status: c183
So far I am greatly enjoying the novel. I found the short drama on Youtube first, and loved it, hating that it ended seemingly in the middle of the plot. I went looking and found the actual novel, which is wonderful!

EDIT: I originally did take off one star but it is back because I am happy with it.

... more>>
Spoiler

I don't love the sub plots, but especially not the one with Sun Qingmei. I HATE the husband returns with a mistress trope. Yes the wife usually comes away with either a wonderful second husband or stands on her own two feet but the amount of ab*se that happens first is enough to make me hesitate to read parts of the story. I am however, much happier now that she has quickly and summarily resolved the problem by not even being on "screen" so to speak.

[collapse]
<<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
BrittaMarii
BrittaMarii rated it
May 1, 2025
Status: Completed
This may be the best chinese novel I have ever read. But take this with a grain of salt dince this is the first of its kind I have actually finished.

I loved Shen Wei and her whole personality. I loved how she tormented prince yan in the later chapters.

... more>>
Spoiler

she almost killed him which was so funny since he didn't even notice and it was also so funny how she planned to kill him if he ever doubted her again

[collapse]

Another fun thing about this novel is that even though it has a lot and I mean A LOT of harem plots and characters dying left and right. There were many funny moments that I wasn't expecting and the concubines became kind of like the comic relief character after a serious moment.

I had many laughs which I was not expecting but I loved this novel all the way and hope you give it a chance to charm you with the FL and all her funny thoughts and actions. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.