[Two male leads + golden finger + receiving lead + infrastructure building + vying for the throne + progressive power growth]
I became Prince Qi's heir apparent's consort after being forced into a substitute marriage, going from a concubine-born son to the heir's wife.
After our wedding, Xiao Cheheng was cold toward me, and his secondary consort made trouble for me. I turned the tables by taking control of the household's finances, then saved Xiao Cheheng's life during an assassination attempt.
When the imperial physician announced the news in a trembling voice, Xiao Cheheng crushed the jade cup in his hand. He stared at me, his eyes full of shock.
Xiao Cheheng ordered, "From today on, anyone who dares hurt him will have their entire clan executed."
[As the heir's consort]
I used my Longxi to stabilize the household and helped Xiao Cheheng claim the position of Crown Prince step by step.
[As the Crown Princess]
When Xiao Cheheng left the capital on an inspection tour of the south, I governed in his stead as Crown Princess. I solved a major imperial-examination fraud case, winning the respect of the court officials, who knelt before me and praised my virtue.
[As the Empress]
Enemy nations joined forces to force their way into the palace. In front of everyone, they revealed my secret, hoping to bring about my death.
On the imperial throne, Xiao Cheheng clasped my hand tightly and announced to the world, "The Empress is an auspicious blessing sent by Heaven, and our heirs are destined by Heaven!"
That day, I walked through my enemies' blood and the rumors flying everywhere, and secured my position as Empress.
[As the Empress Dowager]
Xiao Cheheng died young, leaving behind a young Crown Prince to ascend the throne.
I ruled from behind the curtain, put down internal rebellion, and reformed the old system.
"I will both protect this realm and pass it down."
[As the Grand Empress Dowager]
The new emperor is wise, and the realm is at peace.
Watch how Rong Shuyan, a man, wields the phoenix seal, rules the realm, and brings order to the world.
In the end, I will write an immortal chapter in the history books.
After Being Stripped of My Title and Sentenced to Death, I Turn Around and Marry the Mad Prince
Back in the Capital, the Prince Goes Absolutely Wild
After My Terminal Diagnosis, the Whole Rich Family Regretted Everything
Reborn After a Tragic Death, I Helped My Nemesis Take the Throne
Open Up! This Princess Wants All of This, That, and the Other Thing!
Mocked by the Whole Internet, I Became a Star on a Dating Show by Going Crazy
It looks pretty good so far