[Strong female lead + clear-eyed heroine + pure palace intrigue + ruthless + rise to power and seize authority]
The heroine never loves the male lead. She has her own romantic storyline, with angst and heartbreak along the way. The male lead is a scumbag emperor.
Shen Nian, later renamed Shen Zhilan, is the legitimate daughter of the Shen family. Her specialty is playing the pig to eat the tiger, and she is also willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.
From the moment she entered the palace selection, her objective was crystal clear: “The entire harem will belong to me one day.”
So, from the moment she entered the palace, she began to plan every step, transforming from the little white rabbit of the Shen household into a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Using her intelligence and beauty, she eliminates everyone who threatens her and claims the Empress’s throne.
But that is not her ultimate goal. What she wants is to hold all the power at court.
