After Bearing a Child for My Sister, I Became the Empress

In the twelfth year of Longqing, Consort Ning Shu was secretly attacked and lost the ability to bear children. To preserve their wealth and status, the Duke’s household had no choice but to send Ming Li, her half-sister, into the palace.

Ming Li went along with it. She understood how ruthless her stepmother was, and knew that if she bore a child, they would not hesitate to kill her and keep the baby.

Rather than let others decide her fate, she would take the initiative.

Using her intelligence and resourcefulness, she slowly won the emperor’s heart, while always keeping a clear head.

From a Fifth-Rank Lady of Grace to the empress who ruled the inner palace, it took her fifteen years. She seemed to shine brilliantly, but only she knew the bitterness behind it all.

Note: Substitute trope + no golden finger + the heroine never falls in love