Transmigration: Raising Kids as Consort De in Qing Dynasty

Shulan, a modern kindergarten teacher, transmigrates into the body of Consort De, a historical figure from the Qing Dynasty, at the precise moment she is giving birth to her second child. The narrative opens in the Yonghe Palace, where the atmosphere is tense with the scent of mugwort and the urgency of labor. Shulan, confused and terrified by her sudden displacement in time and body, manages to survive the childbirth with the help of the midwife and a bowl of ginseng broth. She gives birth to a healthy prince, who is historically known as the Sixth Prince, Yinzuo. Upon awakening, she realizes she has become Lady Uya, the consort who would later become the Empress Dowager Xiaogongren, and that she is now responsible for the survival of her children in the treacherous imperial harem.

The birth of the Sixth Prince immediately shifts the dynamics of the palace. Emperor Kangxi, initially preoccupied with state affairs in Shaanxi and Gansu, is pleased by the news and sends generous rewards to Yonghe Palace. He personally visits to see the newborn, bestowing upon him the name Yinzuo, which carries the weight of the dynasty's fortune and longevity. Kangxi is struck by Consort De's intelligence and the practical inventions she has introduced, such as anti-choking pillows and protective cushions for the infant. However, the joy of the birth is shadowed by the absence of the Fourth Prince, Yinzhen, who has been taken from his mother and raised by Noble Consort Tongjia. Tongjia, the Emperor's cousin and the highest-ranking woman in the harem, views Consort De's success with thinly veiled hostility, particularly because she herself is barren despite her noble status and the Emperor's favor.

Shulan navigates the complex social hierarchy with caution, understanding that her lowly origins as a bondservant make her vulnerable. She maintains a low profile during the Sixth Prince's full-month celebration, rejecting the ostentatious displays expected of imperial consorts to avoid drawing unnecessary envy. Her restraint is noticed by other consorts, including Consort Hui and Consort Rong, who engage in subtle political maneuvering. Tongjia uses the occasion to warn Shulan about the dangers of overstepping her bounds, reminding her that she is merely a servant who bore children for the Noble Consort. Despite these threats, Shulan remains composed, focusing on raising her son and protecting him from the political intrigues that define palace life.

As time passes, Shulan develops a close bond with Yinzuo, utilizing her modern knowledge of childcare to ensure his health and development. She introduces innovations such as baby walkers and protective padding, which impress Kangxi during his visits. The Emperor's affection for the Sixth Prince grows, and he considers promoting Consort De's rank, though she deflects the offer, prioritizing her children's safety over personal ambition. Meanwhile, Tongjia's obsession with securing an heir and maintaining control over Yinzhen intensifies. She rigorously trains the young Fourth Prince to address her as his only mother, punishing any sign of attachment to his biological parent. The tension between the two women escalates when Yinzhen accidentally calls Shulan "Mother" during a chance encounter in the palace garden, leading to a stern reprimand from Tongjia and a warning to Shulan to remember her place.

Shulan responds to Tongjia's aggression not with open conflict, but with strategic patience. She begins to plot her own moves, reaching out to her grandfather, Esen, to accelerate plans that could shift the balance of power in her favor. The narrative highlights the stark contrast between Shulan's nurturing approach to motherhood and Tongjia's manipulative and cold upbringing of Yinzhen. While Shulan enjoys moments of joy with her children, Tongjia remains isolated by her infertility and her desperate need for control. The story sets the stage for a long-term struggle within the harem, where Shulan must protect her children from the Emperor's ruthless succession politics and Tongjia's vendetta, all while maintaining her position in a world that views her as an outsider.