Reborn Empress's Handbook

Xiao Wei transmigrates smoothly into the role of emperor in a matriarchal kingdom. She thinks she has met another transmigrator from her own world and expects the standard happy ending of a loving empress and her male consort. But the consort refuses to follow the script. He joins forces with his mother, seizes Xiao Wei's throne while she is focused on being a foolish ruler, and has her killed. Reborn, she has to deal with one miserable scheme after another. Her only comfort is the unconditional support of her best friend, who helps her get revenge and secure her rule. Wait, hold on. Her dear best friend isn't really a friend? In short, this is a palace-intrigue story told from the emperor's perspective. There's scheming in the harem, and scheming at court. There are two virgins, a devoted loyalist, dark elements, sweetness, physical torment, and cross-dressing (what even is that?). Favorites and comments are the way to go, so I'm shamelessly asking for them. (Imagine a cute expression here.) Look! A warning! Not included: male pregnancy, scumbag dying at the start. Potential triggers: a man disguising himself as a woman, a weak heroine at first who turns dark later, men wearing skirts and makeup. Here, here, look over here! (Waves) I'm working on a new story, Three Phoenixes Vie for the Phoenix. If you're interested, click through and take a look. Remember to favorite it and show your support. I hope you like it! Theme: