Concubine Dowry

Jiang Xihe died from overwork and transmigrated.

The good news: Her mother is a princess of Li, and her father is a marquis of Li.

Jiang Xihe: So my reward is getting to be a rich second-generation kid, huh? Hee hee.jpg

The bad news: That was nearly twenty years ago. The state of Li has already fallen.

Jiang Xihe: Rich second-generation kid turned into a fallen-state second-generation kid. Not so hee hee.jpg

Even with a disastrous start, she has to survive first.

Jiang Xihe has a cousin named Xiao Taoyun, who was also once a princess. Even after their state fell, her cousin remains wealthy as the daughter of the former King of Li.

Sometimes Jiang Xihe and her cousin Xiao Taoyun seem like a study in contrasts.

In looks, her cousin is peerlessly handsome, while she is merely ordinary.

In learning, her cousin is erudite, while she is still struggling to overcome her difficulties with classical Chinese.

In reputation, her cousin is renowned for her virtue, while she is unknown.

Even when the emperor issues an edict summoning consorts, Xiao Taoyun is made Worthy Consort, while Jiang Xihe is only assigned as Xiao Taoyun's accompanying concubine.

But Jiang Xihe doesn't dislike her cousin.

"Xiao He, I'll protect you," her cousin says, stroking her hair as they enter the palace.

Jiang Xihe: Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease.

Jiang Xihe: From now on, we'll wreak havoc together. You do the killing, and I'll cheer you on.

Once in the palace, Jiang Xihe, young and mediocre in every respect, becomes a mere extra in the imperial harem.

Every day brings a new piece of gossip, each more vicious than the last.

In one witchcraft case, some people have their entire clans exterminated, while others are imprisoned until they die...

Deep in the palace, Jiang Xihe still wonders: How can I live with dignity?

The day after her cousin Xiao Taoyun becomes empress, she summons Jiang Xihe, who is still only a Talented Lady.

Her cousin sincerely asks, "Do you want to win the emperor's favor? If you do, I can recommend you."

Jiang Xihe shakes her head like a rattle drum. "Can't I just cling to your coattails?"

From then on, Jiang Xihe's career goal is to become the empress's closest aide.

Later, Xiao Taoyun becomes the powerful regent empress dowager of Great Yan, and Jiang Xihe rises to glory, becoming the most influential person at court.

*

When she first enters the palace, Jiang Xihe is appointed a Talented Lady and put in charge of the palace's records, serving as a secretary in the inner court.

Later, when Empress Dowager Xiao rules from behind the throne, she appoints Jiang Xihe as Bright Countenance and entrusts her with drafting edicts and taking part in decisions on state affairs.

Jiang Xihe's decisions and influence shape military and state affairs, government policies, and the promotion and demotion of officials. For a time, her power is at its zenith.

Later still, a woman becomes emperor, and Jiang Xihe enters the outer court for good. She rises to the rank of one of the Three Excellencies, serving as chief minister under three successive rulers. She is The Outcast, second only to one and above all others.

Notes:

1. The system of accompanying concubines in this story includes many original settings.

2. In the early part of the story, the female lead's status in the harem falls somewhere between that of a consort and a female official.

3. Later, when the female lead is made Bright Countenance, the position is somewhat like Shangguan Wan'er's rank of Bright Countenance during Emperor Zhongzong's reign. It is more of a female-official role, since no suitable high-ranking post within the female-official system exists for her at this point.

4. The emperor is not her destined partner. The female lead prioritizes her career and won't retreat to a domestic life. There is a romance, but it isn't a major focus.

5. This is a fictional setting that blends many elements and includes lots of original details. Don't nitpick the historical accuracy.

Theme: Sometimes the choices you make matter more than your hard work. The right choice can save you forty years of detours.