The Empress Rises to Power

Sheng Nanqing, a hardworking wage slave, drops dead after another late night of overtime.

When she wakes up, she's somehow bound to a palace intrigue System.

[Welcome to the game world of How High Is Your Consort Rank? Please confirm your readiness, player. Teleportation will begin in thirty seconds...]

After a dizzying spin, a shrill eunuch's voice rings above her head: "You're just a lowly palace maid, yet you dared offend Her Ladyship Consort Yi? Thirty strokes would be getting off easy, you shameless hussy!"

Sheng Nanqing: ???

Sheng Nanqing: I thought this was supposed to be a palace intrigue game! Aren't these games supposed to start with the imperial selection? Why am I a maid?

System: Analysis complete. The System has randomly assigned you Hard Mode. Good luck climbing the ranks and claiming the throne of the inner palace.

Sheng Nanqing: ...What a lousy game!

Please note:

1. The male lead is a traditional emperor and is not a virgin. The heroine will not fall in love with him.

2. An old-school palace intrigue progression story. No emotional or physical abuse, and the heroine keeps rising through the ranks.

Theme: Strive to survive.