A Woman's Guide to Rising to Power as a Minister

Synopsis: Rong Zhen is born into a distinguished family, but it falls into decline. At eighteen, she enters government service and earns the emperor's deep favor. At twenty, she marries Emperor Ninghua's imperial consort, Ji Heng. From then on, her career soars until she reaches the pinnacle of power, envied by everyone at court. Her friend Zheng Yu secretly warns her, "There are three things you must never do with an imperial consort: share his bed without being summoned, take a concubine without an imperial decree, or divorce your husband without having a child." Rong Zhen plans to move to a separate residence after the wedding. But on their wedding night, the elegant, refined man removes his splendid robes and stops before her. With a smile at the corner of his lips, he reaches out to help her undress, fulfilling his duty as a husband to the utmost, and says softly, "My wife, please be gentle with me." Rong Zhen loses her father at a young age and is raised by a close friend of her mother's. She is carefree and spends her days at the pleasure quarters. When her mentor is convicted of a crime that implicates his entire family, Rong Zhen finally comes to her senses and enters the world of politics. From a low-ranking sixth-grade official to a regent who rules the court, Rong Zhen holds power over all under heaven. But how will the story of a powerful minister end? Reader's guide: 1. This is a matriarchal world, with male pregnancy. The female lead is not a virgin, while the male lead is. Ji Heng is the confirmed male lead. 1v1. 2. The story centers on the female lead. She is somewhat of a scumbag, so fans of the male lead and gender-swap fans should not read. 3. This is the story of the female lead's rise to power, but her career has its ups and downs, and she suffers for her ambitions. This isn't a feel-good story from start to finish. Female-lead fans should read with moderate to serious caution. Other works in my matriarchal-world series: Matriarchal Harem Chronicles: The Mistake of That Day Matriarchal Dog-Blood Drama: The Lost City Matriarchal Succession Struggle: Supreme Blossoms; Matriarchal Revenge: Flower Slaughter Theme: Stand on your own and grow strong.