Fan-made guide — content verified from public playthrough sources. Road to Empress is © New One Studio.
Road to Empress

Chapter 1: The Unfathomable Rear Palace

Your journey begins as Wu Yuanzhao, a 14-year-old from a declining noble family, enters the imperial rear palace as a low-ranking concubine. Every choice shapes…

Survival Rate85%
Choices5
Death Branches1
Favor CheckLi Zhi

Synopsis

Your journey begins as Wu Yuanzhao, a 14-year-old from a declining noble family, enters the imperial rear palace as a low-ranking concubine. Every choice shapes your fate — from which quarters you claim to who you trust. Liu Xi, your childhood companion, harbors a secret grudge that could destroy you.

Choice-by-Choice Walkthrough

Choice 1

Where do you choose to live in the rear palace?

The Eastern Quarters — closer to the Crown Prince's palace
Show outcome
SAFE

Proximity to power, but also to danger

The Remote Pavilion — keep a low profile
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NEUTRAL

Safety now, but isolation limits future options

Choice 2

Liu Xi offers to help you settle in. How do you respond?

Accept warmly — she's been like a sister since childhood
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RISKY

You don't yet know she blames your family for her father's death

Thank her but handle things yourself
Show outcome
SAFE

Cautious approach avoids early manipulation

Choice 3

A senior consort warns you about the palace hierarchy. Do you heed her advice?

Listen carefully and memorize every detail
Show outcome
SAFE

Knowledge is your first weapon in the rear palace

Nod politely but trust your own judgment
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NEUTRAL

Independence is valuable, but ignorance is deadly

Choice 4

You catch a glimpse of Prince Jin (Li Zhi) in the garden. What do you do?

Step forward and introduce yourself
Show outcome
SAFE

An unlikely connection begins — Li Zhi Favor +1

Retreat quietly — a concubine shouldn't approach royalty
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NEUTRAL

You stay safe but miss a pivotal encounter

Choice 5

Your first night in the palace. A mysterious sound comes from the corridor.

Investigate the sound
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RISKY

You discover a conspiracy — but are now a witness

Stay in your quarters and lock the door
Show outcome
SAFE

The prudent choice; whatever it was can wait

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chapter 1 important for the true ending?

Yes. The choice to approach Li Zhi in the garden starts a favor chain that carries through the entire game. Missing this encounter doesn't lock you out, but makes the true ending significantly harder.

Can Liu Xi be trusted in Chapter 1?

Not yet. Liu Xi's father died due to actions linked to the Wu family. She entered the palace specifically to get close to you for revenge. Her helpfulness in Chapter 1 is a facade — but her arc can turn genuine later depending on your choices.

How many death branches are in Chapter 1?

Only 1 — if you fully trust Liu Xi and follow her guidance uncritically, you can walk into an early trap. Chapter 1 is relatively safe compared to later chapters.

Next →
Ch2: A Frightful Banquet