The Contest for the Blue-Eyed Beauty (Matriarchal Society)

PS: The story entered VIP status with Chapter 23 on 9/24. Thanks for your support! I also have two gender-bender entertainment-industry stories, Protect Him and Taming the Nonhuman Idol Group, collecting follows in my author profile. Everyone's welcome to add them to your favorites!

Story blurb:

After years of fighting in the harem, Lin Chulang finally understood that his greatest enemy was the empire in the hands of the person beside him...

"Your Majesty, if you begrudge me your love, then please don't begrudge me your empire."

Many years later, when the young princess held an umbrella for Lin Chulang and helped him across Lan Bridge, she saw the empress dowager, now past forty, give a dazed smile. She heard him speak of the day he first met the late emperor. The railing had been darker than it was now, and the umbrella had been a little lighter in color.

Reader's guide and content notes:

1. A devoted but unfaithful empress who loves her empire x a formerly lovestruck, delicate male consort who later becomes a ruthless careerist. A matriarchal setting with men fighting for favor in the imperial harem.

2. The story is mainly told from the male lead's perspective, with a small ensemble cast. The male lead gets a happy ending in his career, but a sad ending in love. It has a serious tone. The female lead is devoted but unfaithful, and loves beauty, but loves her empire more. Readers who mind this should be cautious.

3. The dynasty is fictional, and the society is matriarchal, with men getting pregnant. Some forms of address will be different.

4. The story doesn't make any claims about social values, so please don't read too much into it. Thank you!

Theme: A grand, illusory dream. Love and hatred are ours to choose.