I Became Lü Zhi, and My Goal Is to Become Empress

Reincarnated as Lu Zhi, the notorious empress dowager of history.

Lu Zhi thinks the title "poisonous empress" sounds awful. Since she's joined the annals of emperors, shouldn't she have an emperor's title instead of being treated as inferior?

At first, Lu Zhi plans to follow history and stay healthy, keeping her head down.

After all, Liu Bang, her useful tool, dies before she does, and power will eventually return to her hands.

But the Lu family is nothing like she imagined. They love and protect her unconditionally.

Lu Zhi thinks of how the Liu family will kill her kind parents, loving brothers, and adorable younger sister once they gain power.

Sorry, Liu family, but you'd better stay put in Pei County!

So she sets her sights high. When the Zhou dynasty loses its hold on the realm, everyone will fight for it. If you, a low-ranking clerk, can do it, why can't I?

Until the very last moment, no one knows who will claim the prize.

Lu Zhi first relies on her family and brings Xiao He over to become the chief magistrate of Pei County.

Then she makes Pei County her base and gets to work in earnest: developing agriculture, exploiting mineral resources, manufacturing weapons, and recruiting talent.

Stockpile grain, build high walls, and only later claim the throne.

In the chaotic final years of the Qin dynasty, Pei County is rich and powerful, attracting commoners from all over to join them. Lu Zhi rises to become one of the leading powers of the age.

In just five years, the people first call her Lady Lu, then the Phoenix Sovereign, and finally prostrate themselves before her as Emperor Lu.

Lu Zhi says, being Heaven's favorite daughter is the best!

Mini-scene 1

"Lady Lu, two people outside want to see you. They say they wish to join you."

"Oh? Who are they?"

"They call themselves Chen Sheng and Wu Guang."

Mini-scene 2

"My lady, there's a beggar outside insisting on seeing you. He says he's a great talent."

"?"

"Did you ask his name?"

"Yes, my lady. He calls himself Han Xin."

"Bring him in at once!!"

Mini-scene 2

On the nth day of Liu Bang staying overnight at Cao Shi's home with Liu Fei.

"Has my lady admitted she was wrong?"

"No. My lady has already launched a revolt and captured Sishui Commandery!"

Author's warning: This is a super satisfying female-led story with an exceptionally strong female lead!!! There is no romance between her and Liu Bang! There may be a romance later, but it's not important!

Alternate-history premise. Please keep comments friendly, and thanks for reading.

Theme: Create a better life through your own efforts.