Tang Wan, once the Noble Consort Rongduo, drank poison and ended her life in the Cold Palace.... more>>

When she opened her eyes again, thirty-six years had passed.

Reborn, she returned to the palace once more—this time as Ming Wei, a concubine-born daughter from a marquis household.

And the man she married this time… was the Crown Prince’s grandson, Rong Zhen.

From Noble Consort to Empress,

She completed that final step in her second life.

The greatest difference between her past and present lives— Was simply that she chose a different man. <<less

In just three short years, the party known as [Unnamed (Unknown)] rose to S-Rank.... more>>

In the town of Avantale, their name was hailed as one of the strongest.

Their strength? Undeniable.

Their identities? A complete mystery.

Faces, backgrounds, genders, ages, races — everything about them was hidden.

And now, at last, the leader steps forward.

That’s right — even the leader knows nothing!

For three whole years, he remained in the dark!

This is the tale of an unwitting harem adventure, led by a man who simply believes, for no particular reason, that everyone in the party is a guy. <<less

Pei Shiyuan always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, the reason she thrived in her maiden household was thanks to her tea skills—win over her father, and she’d be set. She was quite proud of herself for it… until she entered the backyard of the Eighth Prince.... more>>

The Eighth Prince:

His mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored she eclipsed the Empress herself.

Her clan held such overwhelming power that no official could breathe freely.

And he, drenched in imperial favor, left no room for any other prince to rise.

Everyone, from court to harem, loathed this mother-son pair and wished to see them fall—

But alas, the Noble Consort remained radiant, and the Eighth Prince stayed arrogant.

Pei Shiyuan’s take on it?

“Eat whatever you want, there’s no cure. I’ve read enough novels to know: people like him are textbook villains. They usually get sacrificed for the main character’s growth arc… or, if not, stabbed to death in broad daylight.”

She shrugged. “Let it be. This plot's doomed.”

So she started acting out too—after all, who knows how long the good days would last?

Drink while there’s wine; deal with tomorrow when it comes.

What she never expected—was that the Eighth Prince had a long life ahead.

And then, one day, he declared he’d clean up the chaos in his backyard.

The tea masters, the drama queens, the white lotuses, the black-hearted schemers—

They’d all be out of luck.

Pei Shiyuan counted on her fingers.

“Well, that’s it. I’m definitely doomed this time.” <<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

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

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

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

Gu Xi was switched three times in her life.... more>>

The first time was when she was born. Gu Xi was switched with the daughter of a merchant family and stayed in Suzhou for fifteen years.

The second time was when she was taken back to the capital. Her father didn't care, her grandmother didn't love her, and everyone in the capital disliked her. One day, the Empress Dowager wanted to hold a banquet to select wives for the royal family members. Because her sister had a lover, she secretly switched herself with Gu Xi to enter the palace.

The Empress Dowager: "Xixi, you really look like ai jia's daughter who died early. You are as bright as a flower and can even be called the most beautiful woman in our capital." From then on, Gu Xi had another backer.

The third time she was switched was at a palace banquet. She was inexplicably drugged and then taken away by a man by mistake.

Afterwards, Gu Xi ran away quickly with her clothes under her arm. This time she didn't want to know who the man was. She would never admit it, and she didn't want any big backers anymore!

The Emperor smoked a cigarette afterwards: Who slept with zhen and ran away? Find out for zhen!

The Emperor, who had been single for more than 20 years, was forced by the Empress Dowager and the civil and military officials of the court to see noble ladies at the banquet. In the end, he accidentally brought back a beautiful woman. <<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

After nearly four months of brutal war, the mighty empire of Cheongwolmok, led by Grand King Yoongeon, succeeds in conquering the Western Kingdom of Seoro. ... more>>

Though the nation now lies at his feet, Yoon Geon, instead of executing its foreign king, Seo Hwi, locks him away in the royal harem — solely for the fact that Seo Hwi dared to hold out against him for so long.

A year passes.

The Grand King, who had all but forgotten Seo Hwi’s existence, suddenly remembers — and decides to humiliate him.

“You’ve been living here for quite some time now, and yet, as your ‘husband,’ I haven’t even properly consummated our union.”

Seo Hwi only laughed — openly, mockingly.

“You want me to spread my legs? Go on, then. Try it—if you can.” <<less

Lu Wanning, the fifth daughter of the Marquis of Loyal Valor, never dreamed of entering the palace to fight for extravagant riches—even with her beauty like that of a blossoming flower.... more>>

But fate had other plans.

Her cousin, the noble consort—once pregnant but now barren—set her eyes on Wanning’s beauty and vulnerability, especially now that Wanning’s father had died, leaving her easy to control.

Forced into the palace, Wanning decided: if she had to go, she would go all the way.

Fine. She’d enter the palace. But not just to survive—she would climb.

She would become a favored consort. Step by step, she would replace her cousin.

One day, she would make her cousin regret ever making this choice. <<less

Before the imperial edict for marriage arrived, I never imagined that my husband-to-be would be Xue Shaochong.... more>>

Although we practically grew up together—studying and playing in the palace—we were childhood acquaintances at best.

But we never opened our hearts to each other, nor truly understood one another. We got along well enough when we played.

He loved archery and horseback riding; I followed along and became a skilled archer myself. I excelled in painting; he once asked me to draw for him.

He is a prince born of the Noble Consort, while I’m the biological niece of the Empress. He holds status, and I am no less noble.

Yet neither of us ever thought we’d be a good match.

Why?

Because his mother gave everything—mobilized the entire strength of Xiliang—to help the emperor ascend the throne, yet she was denied the position of empress.

Meanwhile, my aunt, by sheer family power, has held her place in the Central Palace despite never bearing a child.

His mother is Princess Dai Zhan of Xiliang—iron-willed and unyielding.

My aunt is Wang Baochuan—the same woman who waited eighteen bitter years in a cold cave before soaring as a phoenix once she emerged.

It has been ten years since the emperor ascended the throne, and still no crown prince has been named.

This marriage between the two of us? It’s bound to be anything but smooth.

🍉 Everyone is morally gray

🍉 No lovesick characters

🍉 Romance is not glorified. <<less

The Qing Dynasty took a strange turn, the Fourth Prince had a wild imagination, and the kids were a handful.... more>>

That’s the summary Yaliqi came up with after entering the Fourth Prince’s harem.

Born into the lower five banners with nothing but a surname to her name, Yaliqi came from a dirt-poor family.

Her plan was simple: have a child, retire in peace, and hopefully live to eighty.

She never expected to only guess the beginning of the story right.

Yaliqi: Exhausted but can’t give up just yet. <<less

With a cunning grandmother, a father stationed far away at the border, and a stepmother who happens to be a scheming imperial princess—one who forced her way into marrying her father and even caused the death of her birth mother—Yan Nangui finds herself in a real mess after transmigrating into this body.... more>>

As if that weren’t enough, her wicked stepmother arranges a marriage with a s*umbag, who not only mistreats her but also forces her to take a drug that causes a miscarriage.

Upon arriving in this disaster of a life, Yan Nangui knows what her first task is: divorce! Why keep a man who’s nothing but garbage?

Next comes revenge. Not a single one of these dogs is getting away unscathed. But how does one bring down a princess of the royal family? That’s the tricky part.

Her gaze slowly drifts toward the man on the dragon throne… If she must, she doesn’t mind becoming this vicious stepmother’s sister-in-law.

Just then, His Highness the Crown Prince appears with flair: "Follow me. That wretched stepmother of yours will be kneeling at your feet before long."

The Crown Prince is just that dazzling—enough to make Yan Nangui swoon.

So how do you defeat a venomous stepmother who's a royal princess?

Simple:

Break into her maternal home base—

And pull that damn old emperor right off his throne! <<less

Liu Yuetang was cast off to a rural estate by her stepmother the moment she was born. On the year she came of age, her legitimate sister backed out of entering the palace due to a dream and instead stole her betrothal—spending the wedding night with her fiancé.... more>>

Seizing the moment, Liu Yuetang chose to enter the palace herself and forge a brighter path. Once inside, she laid low, studied bedroom arts, mastered the art of seduction and restraint, and used every tactic at her disposal to claim a place in the emperor’s heart.

From a low-ranked yunu (court woman) to one of the four imperial consorts, it took her only two years.

Everyone said she was beautiful, but cunning—willing to use any means to climb the ranks. Only Liu Yuetang knew how perilous every step had been.

If she had shown even a sliver of mercy or hesitation, she’d never have made it to the top.

From beginning to end, what she wanted was never love or romance, but the emperor’s favor—wealth and power.

—

Xiao Heng grew up amidst scheming and deceit in the imperial palace. From the moment he ascended the throne, he knew he could never afford emotions, let alone a weakness.

So even when the naturally seductive Liu Yuetang entered his life, he only gave her favor and power—never his heart.

That is, until the day he saw her trapped in a sea of fire… and rushed in like a madman. <<less

Jinyue, the legitimate eldest daughter of a general’s household, is chosen in a royal selection and designated by the Empress to serve as a spy. She is bestowed in marriage to the Crown Prince as a secondary consort. From the moment she steps into the Eastern Palace, she understands clearly: there will only be mutual interests between her and Zhongli Jin—never affection.... more>>

Sixteen years in the deep palace transform her. No longer the spoiled and willful noble daughter, she becomes the emotionless and ambitious Empress, reigning over the inner court with a heart hardened by power struggles.

✨ No transmigration or rebirth

✨ Pure palace intrigue

✨ The heroine remains emotionally detached

—

T/N (eliiizabeth): The title “凤娇鸾” literally translates to “Phoenix Delicate Luan.” 凤 (Phoenix) refers to a symbol of the Empress or a noblewoman, while 鸾 (Luan) is a mythological bird often paired with the phoenix, representing harmony, virtue, and high status. For this novel title, I translated it in a more figurative and contextually appropriate sense as:

“Elegant Birds of the Palace.” <<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 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

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