Memoirs of Palace Intrigue

The leads are not each other’s firsts. Later, after the heroine wins the emperor’s favor, he will not dismiss his harem for her. If that bothers you, don’t read! The heroine enters the palace at a very low rank and rises through palace intrigue and childbirth. In this story, low-ranking consorts are promoted one rank when they become pregnant and another after giving birth; high-ranking consorts are promoted after giving birth. Consorts of the Pin rank and above can raise their own children. Those above Jieyu rank but below Consort rank may live in side halls, while those below Jieyu rank can only live in a side room. Those of Consort rank and above may live in the main hall of a palace. The dynasty in this story is fictional, so many historical rules do not apply. Please don’t complain! Song Yanli is the legitimate daughter of a fifth-rank Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue. Her father’s position is neither very high nor very low. As Madam Song sees it, if her daughter marries up, she is unlikely to become the principal wife; if she marries down, it would feel like an injustice to her. This young woman from a family of modest standing changes her fate through a palace selection. Once she enters the palace, she finds herself among a dignified and noble empress and a dazzling, overbearing consort, with beauties blooming everywhere. No one ever expected Song Yanli to join forces with the emperor, outmaneuver the consorts, cleanse the court, and rise steadily through the ranks, enjoying his favor at every turn.