The Phoenix and Luan Sing in Harmony

Xie Luan transmigrates into an old-fashioned novel as a female supporting character.

Her original self was a noblewoman from a powerful clan. Back then, she looked down on the male lead for his humble origins and low status, refusing to honor the marriage pact their ancestors had made.

When the kingdom fell and her family was destroyed, she sank into the mud. Before she died, she watched helplessly as the ambitious male lead rose to power, conquered the Central Plains, and claimed the empire.

Now, at the turning point in the supporting character's fate, Xie Luan looks at the marriage contract laid before her and glances at the dashing male lead beyond the screen. Then she says:

"Father, I don't want to marry."

The book is about to plunge into a war-torn age. Even if she marries the male lead, she'll suffer alongside him and make his success possible, only to end up as empress of one country.

With her complete knowledge of the book, she might as well conquer the realm herself and become its ruler. Who knows?

*

At the end of the dynasty, as heroes vie for supremacy in a chaotic age, the mighty Huan Ge is enfeoffed as a king and made a marquis. He is the chosen son of Heaven, just as everyone expects.

On his way back from a victorious campaign, he comes across a band of outlaws.

Their leader is none other than the noblewoman who once rejected his marriage proposal.

Huan Ge gives a scornful laugh.

"You turned down a life of luxury and refused to become a marquis's wife. You were born a lady of refinement, so why become a bandit?"

He puts the past aside and offers her the marriage pact once more, thinking to graciously rescue her from her plight.

But the fallen beauty smiles and refuses him again.

"The general is a marquis, and I am the leader of the outlaws. Our stations are worlds apart. Once my wings have grown strong, we can discuss marriage again."

Later, Huan Ge is trapped behind enemy lines, isolated and without support, when an army of righteous rebels charges in. Thousands of elite soldiers carve a path through the enemy and rescue him from captivity.

At their head, a red tassel flies, her battle robe billows, and her bright eyes gleam like the sun and moon.

It is the very same "bandit leader" who once refused to marry him.

His military strategist suggests marrying her: then Huan Ge could command a million soldiers, overcome the crisis, and rise again.

After long deliberation, Huan Ge finally tells the beauty how he feels.

This time, the beauty sits astride her horse, surrounded by thousands of followers. She looks at him coolly and gives a light laugh.

"I have soldiers and power now. The general is an outlaw. How could we possibly be a match?"

Huan Ge is a peerless beauty, the most distinguished man in the capital, and a warrior who has never lost a battle. Yet one woman makes him stumble three times.

Three proposals, three rejections.

It isn't until later, in the Golden Throne Hall, when he offers her the empire itself as a bride price, that he wins her hand. He presents the throne to her with his own hands, and only then does the beauty consent to marry him and share his love.

[One-on-one romance, both leads' firsts, happy ending, the heroine becomes emperor]

[Strategic beauty x Ambitious warlord who loves her more than the empire]

[Strong leads, a little love-hate, all-consuming love, and neither hesitates to scheme]

#SheBecomesEmperorAfterRejectingTheMaleLeadAgainAndAgain

Theme: I decide my own fate