Scheming for the Empire: The Phoenix Returns to Her Nest

Lin Ruoxue, an illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites’ household, was born into low station but harbors grand ambitions. She navigates the intrigues of a great household and carefully advances through the turmoil of changing emperors. From pawn to player, she uses her keen mind to break out of dead ends and her delicate hands to command the game of empire. At last, she climbs the bloodstained steps, dons the phoenix crown, and becomes empress, mother of the realm.