Oh No, I've Become a Rebel by Working Too Hard

“What you are all concerned about is that my family is of humble origins and that, as a woman, even if I became emperor, I could not produce many imperial relatives. Once I die, my rule would end, and chaos would return. Such concerns are only natural.

But the wealthy across the realm all hope I will issue more bonds, those who seek a future hope for another opportunity, my people hope for newly reclaimed fields, my old followers look forward to the next dividend, and my enemies hope to become my followers.

Wherever our borders expand, wealth grows. There is no blood tie in the world more binding than that.”

In □ year, □ month, a secret meeting was held within the palace. That month, she was elevated to princely rank.

[Plot-focused blurb]

After landing in an era where the realm was not yet unified and the future was uncertain, Chu Chen's original plan was simple:

Whatever the employer, get a position first, then wait for the next opportunity.

But things went a little off track. By the time Chu Chen came to her senses, the lowest bidder capable of taking on the whole operation had to be a country.

And the two neighboring powers that sent proposals...

Behind the first memorandum of cooperation was the state that paid an annual tribute and now wanted to turn against her... Great Song, is that you?

Behind the second wager agreement was the power whose leader had been summoned to dance, then turned around and overturned the table in rebellion... Jurchen, is that you?

As for the cards in her own hand...

Chu Chen slowly unfolded the map of Youyun and suddenly realized:

Oh no. It looks like I'll have to give myself a position.

*

Before You Begin:

· The author believes the primary purpose of web fiction is entertainment, and has no interest in linguistic experimentation or profound reflection.

· Low-martial-arts setting. A heroine who rules through power. She disguises herself as a man early on, then chooses to resume her female identity midway through.

· The story focuses on her career and the plot, not romance. There is little romance, and the heroine strictly replaces anyone over twenty-seven (in essence, long-term recruitment, but no long-term hires).

· This novel belongs to a series of alternate worlds inspired by the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties. The time period is based on the late Northern Song. It can be read on its own, and familiarity with the other books is unnecessary. The novel does not focus on the private lives of supporting characters.

· Chapter One's author's note has more detailed content warnings.

Theme: Seeking one's true self.