Schemes in the Song Palace: The Unrivaled Art of the Empress

A modern historian becomes Empress Cao, the "dignified and virtuous" wife of Emperor Renzong of Song.

While researching Northern Song artifacts at a museum, Cao Yunshu accidentally transmigrates into the past and becomes the "virtuous yet lonely" empress recorded in the history books. Her husband is a benevolent ruler for the ages, yet he is surrounded by favored consorts. The inner palace is rife with hidden tensions, and although she observes every rule, she remains childless for life.

Armed with the script of history, she sees the truth clearly:

In this deep palace, virtue is a shackle, and rules are a blade.

The favored Consort Zhang wears hairpins beyond her rank? Cao Yunshu sends them back on the spot, as required by the Tiansheng Code.

The six palaces' expenses are a mess? She settles the accounts clearly according to rank.

A princess oversteps in her form of address? Gently but firmly, she corrects her: "Huirou, you should call me Your Majesty."

She observes propriety, but is no stickler. She is virtuous, but has an edge.

At first, Emperor Renzong of Song, Zhao Zhen, sees her as nothing more than a suitable symbol of the imperial harem.

Until she