The Empress Is Alluring and Charming, Playing the Part to Rise to Power

[Palace intrigue + both leads have past relationships + the emperor eventually dotes exclusively on the heroine, who stays clear-eyed and loves no one + a scheming, theatrical green-tea woman + gradually becomes yandere] Her father abandoned her, and her mother died young! Because she looks so much like her legitimate sister, she must also impersonate her as a stand-in! The mysterious gentleman spoke with an almost bewitching persuasion, and Shen Qingshu agreed. He told her that her stepmother would summon her back to the residence in a few days. After that, the servants would treat her with contempt and make things difficult for her. The legitimate sister she trusted most would deceive her, while her cousin’s bloodstained sword would leave her in constant fear. After suffering every torment imaginable, she would still have to be obedient and sensible as a stand-in, meeting a tragic end. Shen Qingshu: “How exciting… But I refuse to follow the usual path!” She stole her sister’s clothes, intercepted her letters, and tricked her maid before finally returning to the capital. Gradually, the gentleman began to feel: “…Something seems off.” General Shen and Madam Shen: “A-Zhao, you’ve suffered so much.” Her cousin: “Your Majesty, I came too late.” The servants: “Our young lady is blessed. She’s sure to have a bright future!” One day, she is selected to enter the palace. The emperor is born with an imposing presence, handsome and imposing, and sometimes she must attend him in bed to nourish her flower-like self. Being a stand-in for someone else should be agony in body and soul, but she merely rests her pale, delicate fingers on the chaise longue and calls, “Your Majesty, what brings you here?” Her voice is utterly bewitching. A low chuckle rumbles in the emperor’s throat as he toys with the tiny, gossamer-light silk fan in his hand. “Wasn’t it my beloved consort who lured me here?” Behind the curtains, her delicate fingers settle on the emperor’s shoulder. He lifts his head and captures her crimson lips. Exhausted, she raises her eyes and gives her legitimate sister a strange smile. Even the gentleman has no idea that, for days on end, she once dreamed of… herself.