Bullied as a Palace Maid? This Prince Slaps Back

Pei Ji, regent of the Great Liang dynasty, holds the power of life and death. He is such a terror that even dogs in the capital cross the street to avoid him.

When he wakes, he isn’t on a soft pillow in the imperial bedchamber, and what he’s clutching isn’t the imperial seal. It’s a rag that reeks of old food.

A woman is screaming in his head: “Quick! Throw it on the emperor! Then we can become his consorts!”

Pei Ji watches the young emperor pass by, then turns around and slaps the scheming palace maid who tried to shove him. The blow sends her flying into the lotus pond.

Everyone goes still.

Pei Ji calmly wipes the grease from his hands. “This prince has no interest in the imperial bed. I want a different seat on the throne.”

From then on, the imperial kitchens have a strange new scullery maid.

She’s greedy and lustful, yet writes brilliant essays on statecraft. She’s timid as a mouse, yet dares to curse corrupt officials to their faces.

Then one day, the regent returns to his own body and corners the girl against a wall. Instead of killing her, he points to the assembled court officials and says, “You helped me manage this realm. Now you can help me manage my harem too.”