There were such a group of people living in the Imperial Harem: Empress Dowager, grasping great power in her hand and observing others in the Imperial Harem indifferently; Queen Mother Ji, the late Emperor's first wife, focusing on supporting her relatives to grab powers in the imperial court; Queen Mother Yuan, legal mother of the Emperor, being patient and cautious all the time and bearing various plots in her mind; Queen Mother Qu, the Emperor's biological mother, living a secluded life with nobody knowing her thoughts; the nominal Emperor, with no real power in his hand; and Consorts and Concubines sharing different backgrounds gathering in the Imperial Harem. Among them, Yun Fenghuang was nothing but a powerless one with no family background. Joining the Imperial Harem as a little Bao Lin at the beginning, was she able to survive to the end? Would the Emperor be willing to govern the country nominally? With so many powerful women and resourceful weak ones in this place, you could expect nothing but unheard treacherous living stories like intrigues, plots, frauds, and conspiracies. Go find out the details.
In the early spring of the 7th year of Chunjia Period, the Empress Dowager worried that the Emperor had no offspring, so she ordered Yousi Department to select some girls from good families, and also cordially invited some ladies from rich families to enrich the Imperial Harem. They were expected to deliver children for the Emperor.
Yun Zhao, namely Duke Yi, was the General-in-chief and held great military power in the country. His eldest legitimate daughter had been bestowed as Noble Consort Shu when she married the Emperor, and she was in charge of Tong Xia Palace since then. Yun Zhao also had a beautiful younger daughter delivered by his concubine, who was still underage, but many boys had come to pursue her. However, taking the advantages of being a favored position, people in the palace had heard about this girl's reputation. Therefore, Duke Yi's Mansion was soon ordered to be prepared for the Principal to announce the imperial decree.
Although it was not surprising, people of the Yun tribe still came to congratulate one after another, hoping to connect their fellowships with Duke Yi.
"Nian Xuan, the rosewood box on the dressing table is my gift to Qingman. Take it to the backroom and give it to my aunt. Tell her that I have a sudden headache today, so I have to rest." Xie Fenghuang had long dark hair, leaning against a blue peony pillow, and lazily ordered her maid, "And I won't go with them to Duke Yi's Mansion."
She added, "Tell my aunt I'm fine and don't bother to get me a doctor. The family is in celebration, so don't get them upset for me. We are only a small alley away from them!"
"I know that, My Lady." Nian Xuan signed, "But don't you go there this time? I know you mind that your surname is not Yun, so it's not appropriate to join in their family feast. However, Fourth Miss is the only one who is suitable to marry the Emperor in Duke Yi's Mansion. You have been friends with her for so long. If you don't visit her now, I'm afraid you will have no opportunity to meet her in the future!"
Xie Fenghuang waved her hand, "I have learned the rules of cordial invitation. She does not need to join the Imperial Harem immediately after taking the imperial decree. After the banquet, I will say goodbye to her. No one else would be there to disturb and it's more convenient for us to chat."
Although it was the fact, she still felt regretful for her friend.
Three years ago, due to the mishap of Xie's Family, she was brought to Dijing City by her aunt, Ms. Xie, whose husband Yun Ju was a cousin of Duke Yi. Yun Ju's ancestral house was on the side of Duke Yi's Mansion, so their children often contacted with each other. Yun Qingman, the fourth daughter of Duke Yi, shared similar age and temper with Xie Fenghuang, so they quickly became close friends, and it was even suitable to say they were sisters.
Last year during their chatting, they even dreamed that they would let their sons and daughters get married in the future. Unexpectedly, Yun Qingman would soon marry the Emperor, and no one knew whether it was a blessing or a curse.
Xie Fenghuang thought of the ups and downs of the concubines in the past and the warning of her eldest sister (a daughter of her father's concubine) before her death. She was even sadder and could only comfort herself, "Well, there is nothing to worry about. After all, Qingman's father is Duke Yi and her sister is Noble Consort Shu, who married the Emperor a long time ago. They can protect her."
She couldn't sleep and didn't get out of bed until noon.
Nian Xuan was combing a Liusu haircut for Xie Fenghuang. Suddenly, there were a mess of footsteps!
They were surprised, because everyone in Yun's Mansion, except them and their servants, all went to Duke Yi's Mansion for congratulations. Who was so brave to break into the backyard? They then saw Ms. Xie rush in, with her hairs fluffy. Ms. Xie went straight to Xie Fenghuang, hugged her and cried, "Poor girl!"
Xie Fenghuang was confused.
"Your damned uncle!" Ms. Xie cried, stamped her chest and stomped her feet, "As an experienced man, how could he do such a thing? If he were here, I would definitely tear him into pieces!"
Although her aunt didn't explain the situation, Xie Fenghuang, who had rich experience as a sweet girl, had her own guess about what had happened. Yun Ju must have had affairs with someone young, so her aunt went crazy.
She said instantly, "Aunt, calm down. My uncle has always respected you, so there must be a reason for this. Maybe he just couldn't refuse it?"
"He told me he was muddled at that time, but how could he make such a big decision out of muddle? I can't just forgive him for he was muddled!" Ms. Xie continued and gritted her teeth, "How could he explain to your father and mother in the future?"
Xie Fenghuang wiped her cold sweat secretly, wondering that her aunt must have been mad, because her parents were thousands of miles away. They were too far away to offer any help. Even if they were here, they would be in no position to blame their brother-in-law for getting a concubine!
However, she also felt strange. Although her uncle's five sons and three daughters were all delivered by Ms. Xie, there were still two concubines, and Yun Ju went to them every now and then, but she had never seen Ms. Xie become so angry.
Was it because the concubine was too beautiful and arrogant, so that Ms. Xie felt so nervous even if she was Yun Ju's wife and had so many children?
Xie Fenghuang gently reminded her aunt, "Since it's already happened, instead of arguing with uncle, you'd better think about what to do in the future. Anyway, you are the hostess of this family, so whomever uncle wants to marry as his concubine should have to follow your orders."
Xie Fenghuang wondered if her aunt cried and spread the news out, people would blame her for being so mean and jealous, according to the prevailing concept.
Therefore, it was better to accept the concubine, and if she were domineering, many servants would know what to do to crucify her. They've been trained and taught by her aunt for many years after all. As time went by, the concubine might be disabled, out of favor, or die. Quite normal in this world... If so, it would be the concubine who had a bad fate. Her aunt had nothing to do with that!
"What concubine?" Xie Fenghuang thought that her words were reasonable, and her aunt was not sensible, so she would definitely listen to it!
It was true. Ms. Xie calmed down after hearing it, but asked in confusion, "I'm talking about you, but whom are you talking about?"
Xie Fenghuang was shocked, "Me?"
"Yes!" Ms. Xie choked, "Your uncle showed off your talents to Duke Yi when he was drunk the other day. He said you were clever and beautiful. After asking about your information from other ladies and people who know about you, Duke Yi handed a letter to Noble Consort Shu. Therefore, the one who was in charge of the Emperor's auditions added your name into the cordial-inviting list. Your surname also has changed into Yun. Now, as our daughter, you are going to join the Imperial Harem and your title is Bao Lin... Your father has only two daughters. Since your elder sister died, I thought taking you in Dijing City would lead you to a peaceful life, though far away from your homeland. But I didn't expect... I didn't..."
She was sobbing again.
Xie Fenghuang was shocked, "Noble Consort Shu has entered the palace and Qingman will join her after the cordial invitation. Why did Duke Yi want me to change my surname and join them?"
She hadn't seen Noble Consort Shu before, but it was fair to say that Yun Qingman was definitely a beauty!
Therefore, Qingman could help Noble Consort Shu after she got in the Palace!
"For having offspring for the Emperor." Ms. Xie said in tears. "It has been eight years since the Emperor succeeded the imperial throne when he was 15, but his concubines only got pregnant several times, and none of them had made it to bring the baby to the world! In the past eight years, Noble Consort Shu had served and slept with the Emperor for many times, but she didn't have any child. Guess it's impossible to count on her. As for Qingman, she is indeed beautiful, but she is the sister of Noble Consort Shu, sharing the same blood, so she might have the same fate as Noble Consort Shu. You are different, however. You are my niece, and have several brothers and cousins, so it is reasonable that Duke Yi selected you."
With an aunt who gave birth to five sons and three daughters, and a mother who gave birth to four sons and one daughter, Xie Fenghuang was guaranteed to have many children, too.
Based on this logic, Duke Yi seemed right! Xie Fenghuang pressed her chest, swallowing her anger, and confirmed again, "Is the imperial decree true? But I haven't received it yet?"
"Today we went to Duke Yi's Mansion for congratulations. I heard it clearly when I kneeled behind the wife of Shizi (the heir of Duke Yi)." Ms. Xie sniffed and said with certainty, "I have no interest in attending the banquet anymore, so I came back to tell you this. As for why you are not asked to receive the imperial decree, maybe because it was given to Duke Yi, letting him send you to the Palace someday... Even Qingman kneeled in the back-end of the crowd today."
She cried again, "You and Qingman share the same way of cordial invitation as Noble Consort Shu, obviously, Noble Consort Shu is showing her power! Who knows how she will treat you after you join the Imperial Harem?!"
"Aunt, maybe Noble Consort Shu just shows her respect to Duke Yi?" Xie Fenghuang took a deep breath and wondered there was nothing to do but be optimistic. After all, neither she nor Ms. Xie had the right to resist the imperial decree, so she comforted Ms. Xie, "After all, Noble Consort Shu and Qingman are sisters, so she would take care of Qingman for sure. Besides, she had no child in the past years. It's possible that she might hope Qingman could give birth to a child to win honor for her."
Ms. Xie cried, "You are really an innocent child! Obviously, Noble Consort Shu wanted to put pressure on both of you from the very beginning. If any of you has children in the future, she can foster them. Maybe she would kick down the ladder by then, banning them from calling you Mom... After all, Noble Consort Shu has no blood relationship with you. As for Qingman, though they are sisters, they have different mothers. Before she entered the palace, Qingman was still young, so their relationship is not that close. As the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke, Noble Consort Shu has been arrogant, so how could she treat Qingman, the daughter of her father's concubine, and you, a so-called sister who just shares the same surname with her, as equal sisters? Not to mention allowing you to be superior to her."
Xie Fenghuang knew these!
She just wanted to comfort herself and Ms. Xie by the way... But Ms. Xie didn't understand her.
Xie Fenghuang remained herself that she was a sweet girl, then she smiled, "Aunt, don't worry. It doesn't matter if Noble Consort Shu doesn't want to help us. She is not in charge in the Imperial Harem. Besides the honored Empress Dowager and three Queen Mothers, there are the Emperor, the Empress, and Noble Consort Gui, who are all superior to her. Qingman and I are going to the palace for serving the Emperor, not her. If she deliberately makes things hard for us, we will turn to the Emperor."
Hearing this, Ms. Xie cried more sadly, "How do you know the situation between the Imperial Court and the Imperial Harem, you little girl? Ji's Family has been in power ever since the Empress Dowager became Queen Mother. The Emperor was 15 when he was enthroned. It was reasonable to say he was a little bit young to govern the country at that time. However, the Emperor is 23 now, but he is still forbidden from the Imperial Court by both the Empress Dowager and one of the Queen Mother who share the same surname of Ji. They only asked the Emperor to continue his study."
"After all, Duke Yi supports the Emperor, and the Prince Regent is a member of the imperial clan. Although the latter was unhappy when Ji's Family insisted to enthrone the present Emperor, he has to cherish the relationship with his nephew, namely the Emperor... If not, I am afraid that women of Ji's Family would have occupied the Imperial Harem, and girls from other families won't be selected as concubines of the Emperor."
"So, even if the Emperor likes you and Qingman, what can he do for you?"
Xie Fenghuang was speechless.
Looking up at the rooftree again, she suddenly felt that it was very suitable with a white skein... It would be more suitable if she was hung on it...
Ms. Xie, however, continued to tell the sufferings of being a concubine of the Emperor, as if she thought her niece's will to die was still not strong enough, "Now that your surname is Yun, Ji's Family and the Prince Regent would surely regard you as the supporter of Noble Consort Shu, but Noble Consort Shu actually dislikes you. Therefore, if you are favored by the Emperor, everyone in the Imperial Harem will hate you! If not, Noble Consort Shu will blame you. Tell me, what can you do?"
Xie Fenghuang was desperate.
What could she do?
Could she just kill herself with the white skein immediately?!!!
Song Yixiao, a lady of an official family, was miserably drowned to death due to the vicious scheme of her stepmother, after her parents divorced and respectively remarried. Coincidentally, she was resurrected and became her 8-year-old self. With grievance and ambition, Song Yixiao was determined to revenge and live a different life. She plotted her own kidnapping in order to frame her stepmother for revenge. Afterwards, she moved to live with her birth mother, shunning from the previous fate of being drowned to death. By coincidence, Song Yixiao encountered a noble young man called Jian Xubai, Duke Yanguo, who was also unloved by his father and siblings just like her. As the wheel of fate rolled, their lives were linked and afterwards they got married. During the vicissitudes of dynasties, they supported each other through various hardships and games of thorn.
The poor Commandery Princess is down and out. Her father dies when she is young, and her mother passes away not long ago. Her grandfather, the only one she can rely on, is now at death's door from his illness. Faced with the merciless uncle, the greedy aunts, as well as cousins competing to present the model of the worst relatives, the Commandery Princess could do nothing but feel depressed in heart. But now, she comes and transmigrates into the body of the poor Princess! As an expert who lived at the end of the world, regarding the killing as a common practice and being good at all kinds of intrigues and tricks, she is proficient in everything except drinking. What will happen to her? What will she do to deal with these relatives? How does she become a famous empress of an eminent family from the poor Commandery Princess?
She is a beloved daughter whose mother is the official wife. Her father tries every means to marry that young lady and once makes an oath that he will always love his wife. However, one day, he brings back a 17-year-old boy and calls him son who has a beautiful face but is actually cunning and foxy. The boy she likes is actually a playboy under the disguise of the Prince Charming. The young promising political star, with pretty appearance, loves nothing but her father’s money. Is it really a relaxing and sweet story? What’s the real name of that son of a mistress? What will happen between the sister and brother?
The invaders were ready to attack the Central Plains, and the imperious officials were scheming for power. But the emperor was still leading a befuddled life in a world full of wine and beauties. In troubled times, while other ladies were proficient in the Four Arts, she preferred to practice martial arts than dressing herself up. Having a disobedient husband? Beat him up! Having an annoying sister? Fight her! Involving into royal disputes? Strike them back! Facing a Wildling Attack? Fight against them! However, if she knew that there would be someone to protect her, would she put down her weapons and stop learning from Mulan?
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
A sudden twist of fate connected Helena to a prominent and influential person. To onlookers, she appeared as a naive bimbo. In truth, she was a top-tier specialist, shrouded in layers of hidden identities. Charlie declared, “She’s quite delicate and easily hurt. Cross her, and you’re crossing me.” The elite families, outwitted by Helena's prowess, kept these truths from him. Helena eventually broke free from Charlie, sending him on a frenzied worldwide hunt. To him, she was a bird with dazzling wings, and his goal was to help her reach new heights.Â
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"