Climbing the Ranks for His Favor? I Already Have the Phoenix Seal and Rule the Empire

【Duke's Legitimate Daughter vs. Beloved Saintess, Rebirth vs. Transmigration】 Everyone said Xiao Zhichu, the duke's legitimate daughter, was blessed by fate. She married Fu Yin, the young emperor who had been her childhood sweetheart, and became the most favored woman in the imperial harem. But just as she survived a near-fatal childbirth to deliver the emperor's eldest son, with an impending appointment as empress, her father's long-hidden illegitimate daughter, Shi Yun, suddenly became the saintess of the realm. The people praised Shi Yun for her virtue and compassion, and for caring for the people. Some even petitioned the court, declaring, “The saintess's virtue and talent make her worthy of her position. She should be the mother of the nation.” And so the empress's throne, which had been just within Xiao Zhichu's reach, was easily snatched away. Even her status as the duke's eldest legitimate daughter became Shi Yun's for the taking, with Fu Yin's tacit approval. When the crown prince accidentally offended Shi Yun's second son, he was forcibly sent to a temple to have his head shaved and become a monk. Her mother was falsely accused of disrespecting the saintess, and eventually drowned in the lotus pond on a freezing winter's day. Xiao Zhichu pleaded for her mother's innocence, but Fu Yin personally banished her to the Cold Palace, where she would never see the light of day again. At the second prince's hundred-day celebration, a raging fire consumed her. Burning with boundless hatred, Xiao Zhichu returned to the time before her position was stolen. This time, she shut her heart to love, determined only to seek justice for her mother and son, who had died so tragically! The once-beloved consort no longer clung to the emperor's affection. She encouraged the consorts to compete for favor and selected new women for the harem, making it harder for Shi Yun to monopolize his attention. She contacted her former allies, won over officials, and planned every move carefully, tearing apart Shi Yun's false mask of virtue. Months later, powerful civil and military officials knelt before her in unison. “His Majesty is gravely ill and unable to attend to state affairs. Your Highness's eldest son is of pure blood and rightfully should ascend the throne. Please take charge of the realm!” As Fu Yin stared at her in horror, Xiao Zhichu held out a cup of poison. “Your Majesty, allow me to attend to you one last time.”