After Entering the Palace, Her Majesty Becomes the Emperor's Sole Favorite

[The leads are not each other's first. A traditional palace-intrigue story. The emperor won't dote exclusively on one woman later, so if that's what you're looking for, best move along!]

The legitimate daughter of the Suiyang Marquis's household is gentle and virtuous, talented and beautiful, and renowned far and wide.

Just as Emperor Xuanhe ascends the throne, the Empress Dowager orders that young women of eligible age be chosen to enter the palace and attend the emperor. Shen Cihuan, the legitimate daughter of the Suiyang Marquis's household, is among them.

Everyone expects Shen Cihuan's reputation to win her the emperor's favor. But three months pass, and Emperor Xuanhe still hasn't summoned her to his chambers.

Just as the palace servants in Shen Cihuan's residence give up on their mistress and prepare to seek positions elsewhere, they cry, “My lady, we shouldn't have harbored disloyal thoughts. Please forgive us!”