The Prisoner of His Embrace

[A brooding, deranged, pure-hate heroine + traditional ensemble palace intrigue + hatred between women + love and hate intertwined]

[Plenty of chapters in reserve, two updates daily (6 a.m. and 6 p.m.), with occasional extra updates]

Xue Sui, a concubine-born daughter long oppressed by her legitimate mother, lies low for years. Then, on entering the palace, she throws in her lot with the empress.

On the surface, she's gentle and aloof, her beauty all the more striking for its restraint. In truth, she's cold and dark, captivating even in her heartlessness as she navigates the imperial harem's many women and the emperor, caught in a tangle of love and hate.

From the moment she enters, she inspires jealousy; her delicate brows refuse to yield to anyone.

Concealing her sleeves, she excels at slander; her foxlike charms can beguile even the sovereign.

She does all the things that would have ministers spitting with outrage.

Yet she has never felt an ounce of true affection for the emperor. She knows that power is the most irresistible tonic of all.

As she rises higher and higher, the positions of Noble Consort, Empress, and Empress Dowager are no longer enough for her.

However, Xue Sui gradually realizes that, apart from the emperor, no one in the palace seems to be taking herbal medicine...

[Content warnings ⚠️]

1. The heroine is career-driven and acts a part wherever she goes. Power is her one true love, though there are several male supporting characters she can pursue.

2. Lots of love and hate between women, with an elaborate setting. Don't read if that's not your thing.

3. The heroine has a moment of enlightenment in Longchang and is immediately sent to the Cold Palace.

4. The author inserts personal opinions. The heroine has Xue Baochai's exterior and Xue Sui's core. No conspiracy theories about Baochai, please.

5. There are many characters and the plot is complex. Don't read if you find that troublesome.