It’s Better to be the Empress Dowager

Tang Shishi was the number one beauty in the court. She was arrogant, domineering and aggressive. She accidentally picked up a book and learned that she was just a vicious female second lead in a palace struggle. Later, she would fight for favor with the female lead, and eventually she was ruined and died miserably. Now, they have just entered the fief of Jing Wang, and the first meeting of the male and female leads has not happened yet. There are two paths before Tang Shishi. The first is to hold the heroine’s thighs tightly and join the female lead camp early; the second is to please the male lead and steal the favor of the female lead. Tang Shishi chooses the third way. Tang Shishi knew that the male lead’s adoptive father Jing Wang seemed to be low profile, but in fact he was overly ambitious. In the near future, he will invade the capital and proclaim the emperor before the imperial court, but it is a pity that he passed away before passing the throne to the male lead. This year, Jing Wang is twenty-four years old, still young, and has yet to marry a wife.Anyway, she already in the Forbidden City. Instead of being the concubine of the male lead, it is better to be his adopted mother, the empress dowager in one step. ————– Zhao Chengjun had no intention to get married, so he adopted his subordinate son as his heir. He thought he would be with his army in his whole life. Later, the imperial family sent a team of beauties to Prince Jing, and the leader was named Tang Shishi. His young, adopted son and his subordinates also persuaded: Your Highness, this is a beauty trap.Jing Wang: I know. The so-called beauty trap was merely a bait for those who wish.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on It’s Better to be the Empress Dowager "It's Better to be the Empress Dowager" is a historical romance that definitely took me on a ride. It's a story where Tang Shishi, armed with a prophetic book, tries to avoid her cannon fodder fate and ends up charming the *wrong* person – or perhaps the *right* one? It's a bit of a mixed bag, but overall, I found it an enjoyable and unique read. ### First Impressions The premise is definitely intriguing. Tang Shishi discovering her role as a minor character in a book and trying to change her destiny? That's a hook. I was expecting a clever, scheming protagonist, but what I got was... something else entirely. It seems the book isn't a perfect guide, and Tang Shishi's efforts to exploit it often backfire hilariously. ### What Works Well Many readers, myself included, found Tang Shishi to be a refreshing and unapologetically ambitious character. She's not afraid to be selfish, and her flaws make her feel more human and relatable. The humor is definitely a strong point, stemming from Tang Shishi's eccentric thinking and constant missteps. The male lead, Zhao Chengjun, is a cold and powerful figure who slowly develops a soft spot for Tang Shishi's "dumbness," resulting in a fun and engaging dynamic. I also appreciated the slow-burn romance and the focus on their relationship, even amidst court intrigue and political maneuvering. The translation is well-done, preserving the cultural nuances and humor of the original story. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the novel, there are a few aspects that might not appeal to everyone. Some readers found Tang Shishi's initial pursuit of the original male lead frustrating, especially since he's portrayed as less than ideal. The story also has some potentially triggering content, including the consummation of the relationship under questionable circumstances. Others felt that the female lead became unlikeable when the male lead spoiled her. Additionally, the ending felt rushed for some, and certain plot points involving secondary characters were considered questionable. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some reviews mention specific plot points that could spoil the reading experience. These include details about Tang Shishi's backstory, the pregnancy, and the side stories. If you prefer to go in blind, proceed with caution. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "It's Better to be the Empress Dowager" is a worthwhile read if you're looking for a historical romance with a unique protagonist and a good dose of humor. Just be aware of the potential triggers and the somewhat uneven pacing. I'd recommend giving it a try and seeing if Tang Shishi's brand of "dumbassery" charms you as much as it did me.