Yun Xinran and Di Chen: The Palace Maid’s Schemes

Li Yunxin transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace maid, hoping only to hold out until she can leave the palace. But after she correctly guesses the emperor's intentions, Huo Jinchi takes an interest in her. Used and mistrusted by her master, she risks her life to save him, only to be assigned to a eunuch as his companion. Enraged, she drops her pretense of meekly trying to survive and volunteers to serve the emperor in his chambers. The ruler first takes an interest in her looks and uses her to balance the court and harem. But after witnessing her injury, he becomes fiercely protective, eventually offering her the imperial seal and begging to keep her for himself alone. She meets his gaze coolly. “Your Majesty, I am merely a favored consort.” Within the deep palace walls, she starts with nothing, yet stirs the currents of power amid favor and schemes.

(Note: Includes a palace maid rising in rank, a favored consort in the early stages and sole favorite later, and a male lead who is not a virgin.)