Checkmate! The Sweet Little Princess Actually Pulled Off a Coup

[Palace intrigue + strong female lead + matriarchal society + sweet on the outside, dark within + heroine focused solely on her career + clear-eyed and worldly]

In the deep palace, she rose from an ugly, neglected princess to the greatest female emperor of the Nine Provinces.

The world knows only that the empress is bloodthirsty, brutal, cold, and merciless, with a constant stream of male favorites at her side. Some even say that she went from a little princess unloved by both her father and mother to sitting atop the throne by winning men over in bed.

Empress Si Yao only smiles and says nothing. No one knows how hard her journey has been, like walking on burning coals and rolling over a thousand blades! She won hearts, seized military power, and outmaneuvered her enemies...

This road was paved with mountains of corpses and seas of blood. How many had to die before she could unite the realm and secure her throne?

Looking down upon the realm, she gently strokes the dragon-headed throne. Ask if she regrets it, and she will only sneer: “The one who regrets it is Ye Zhaoyue, who died the day she learned the truth. I, Emperor Si Yao, have never regretted a thing.”

Countless men have loved her in this life, but she has had only two true confidants. Sadly, a true gentleman will die for the one who understands him!

Shadow guard Mo Feng: “I owe her. I deserve to die without complaint. Just watch me lose my mind!”

Younger foster brother Zhao Yu: “Whatever Elder Sister wants, even if it is my life, I am willing to give it. Elder Sister, I only ask that you cherish me~”

Minister Ji Qingchen: “To have stood by Your Majesty’s side throughout this life and protected her as she grew is more than enough. How fortunate I am, Qingchen, to have witnessed the birth of the first female emperor.”

Emperor Qin Mu Yan: “To receive the princess’s favor is a blessing across three lifetimes. I await Your Majesty in Yuan. May Your Majesty rule over all under heaven! Anming will always be here.”

[Content warning: A feel-good story with a powerful female lead, no male lead, focused on her career. Not a devoted one-to-one romance with both partners’ romantic pasts clear; more emphasis on navigating palace intrigue and the harem. Feel free to pick your favorite early, but don’t read if this bothers you!]