Chronicles of the Empress's Rise

Transmigrated into a chaotic age, starting out as a starving refugee. Going it alone is a dead end. Chu Chen decides to first get into the dynasty's system and work his way into a safe position, then plan his next move. Gradually, he gets money, land, followers, and even an official post. Chu Chen lets out a long breath: Next, I'll join the army and earn some prestige. No matter whose dynasty rules in the future, I'll be a valuable asset. The only problem is that the power rising in the east looks more and more like the Jurchen. The trade routes in the south look more and more like the Great Song. ...So whose script is the dynasty I've worked so hard to invest in following? And how many more years can I hold on to this iron rice bowl I finally got? When I was a starving refugee, they told me the village landlord could buy me as a concubine. When I ruled a territory, they told me a nobleman's son was willing to marry me as his principal wife. When I destroyed a country, they told me the emperor of a neighboring kingdom could make me a consort, or even his empress. Now I sit on the dragon throne, and the world has finally gone quiet. - Chu Chen * A few things to know before reading: 0. The author believes the primary purpose of web fiction is entertainment, and has no interest in reinventing language or deep introspection. 1. Low-martial-arts setting. The heroine is a natural ruler. She disguises herself as a man early on, then chooses to resume living as a woman midway through. 2. The main plot focuses on her career, not romance. The romance is minor, with one partner at a time, and the relationship is unequal in status. It's essentially a long-term hiring arrangement, not a long-term commitment. 3. This is part of a series set in an alternate world inspired by the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties. It can be read on its own, and reading the other books is not necessary. The story doesn't focus on the supporting characters' private lives. 4. Chapter one's author's note has more detailed content warnings. Theme: Seeking one's true self