The Great Ming’s First Female Grand Secretary

[Rebirth in the Ming Dynasty | A powerful woman at court | A heroine’s comeback | Female top scholar | Restoring the nation to greatness] With a mind full of learning and talent enough to astonish the world, Shu Huazhang was born to earn top honors and serve at court. But because she was a woman, she had to hide her brilliance, surrender her future and scholarly honors to her mediocre elder brother, and resign herself to a life confined to the inner chambers and an arranged marriage. Until her country fell, her family was destroyed, and the land was lost... She witnessed the end of the Ming Dynasty and the suffering of its people, and finally understood that when the empire crumbles, no one can stay untouched. Reborn before the imperial examinations, she picked up her brush and wrote her own name on the exam paper without hesitation. This time, the top scholar’s title would be hers! Dressed as a man, she wins the top honor and leaves the boudoir for the court and its inner councils. “Who says women cannot be heroes? Even slender arms can bear the weight of a nation!” When the land is restored and the great cause complete, only she and that person will have missed each other across two lifetimes... Shu Huazhang: “Your Majesty, the realm is at peace. Why are you so unhappy?” The Chongzhen Emperor gave a bitter smile. “The Ming Dynasty has been restored, but I have lost my reputation and honor.” Shu Huazhang: “Losing your reputation and honor is the better outcome.” The Chongzhen Emperor: “And the worse one?” Shu Huazhang smiled. “Being reviled for all eternity.” The Chongzhen Emperor: “...”