The Legend of Ruoxun in the Qing Imperial Harem

A Qing dynasty palace-intrigue novel in the vein of Empresses in the Palace, War and Beauty, and Story of Yanxi Palace. A slow-paced historical period romance, with traditional palace scheming and a strong female lead. No System, no transmigration, no rebirth. A coming-of-age heroine is forced to enter the palace in place of an Eight Banners noblewoman who refuses to endure its torments. With a face resembling Wanwan, she is threatened into taking the noblewoman's place in the selection. Her family thinks she is just a country bumpkin, and while using her as a substitute for their daughter, they also hope to profit from it. But she slips out of their control and brings the entire family to ruin! Influenced by Yilan, the heroine shifts from scheming for her own household to working for the greater good. She uses every means and stratagem at her disposal, rising to a position of power where she cannot be defeated! But the country is on the brink of collapse. The emperor is incompetent, and the nation has ceded half its territory to foreign powers. The land is divided, and under the rule of opium, the people are reduced to slaves. Even when they have nothing to eat, they still need their next smoke. The people are nearly wiped out... See how two young women turn the tide and save the nation.