The Side Consort Arrives, Joining the Crown Prince in Rebellion, War, and the Rise to Emperor and Empress

Power Plays, Scheming, and Brainy Strategists

Become my pawn once again. I will win this game, even if the gods themselves stand in my way. I will beat them by half a move.

Books That Can Hold the Attention of a Veteran Reader of More Than Ten Years

Can anyone recommend a novel for a reader who's been at it for ten years? I want something I can stick with. I've already read most of the topics in today's novels, and I can't get through more than ten or twenty chapters. I'm having such a hard time.

Looking for Well-Written Political Intrigue Novels

I want a smart female lead with a high status who knows when to keep a low profile or conceal her abilities 🙈 No scummy fathers and stepmothers, or concubine half-sisters constantly causing petty trouble in the household. No sweet romance, just a pure historical power struggle 🤗

Intricate Power Plays and Mind-Bending Schemes

The protagonist gradually seizes power, schemes, and plays political games. The more intricate and difficult to follow, the better. I want something that really makes you think.

Political Intrigue, Historical Setting

Are there any grand-scale political intrigue novels like *Scheming for Love* and *The Prosperous Age's Strategist*, with court politics and a turbulent martial world, but no domestic infighting?

Proper Historical Fiction, No Transmigrate, No Reborn, No Romance Drama

I'm looking for a proper historical novel. No being reborn, no transmigrating, and no romance-obsessed drama. There are more and more novels about transmigration, being reborn, and romance-obsessed characters, and I'm sick of them. I'm getting more and more disappointed.

Historical Romance with Two Strong Leads: Both Are Cunning and High-Born, with Palace and Household Intrigue, and No Goody-Two-Shoes Heroines

The male and female leads are clever strategists with high status. Palace and household intrigue, no saintly characters, a tightly paced plot, and a happy ending.

Political Intrigue, Political Intrigue! Any Stories That Test Your Wits? Come and Put Me Through the Wringer ･᷄Ὢ･᷅

I've been a little arrogant lately and need someone to humble me. Come on, make me jealous!!!･᷅ὢ･᷄ Throw your IQ at me as hard as you can!!!(;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`)

All Kinds of Crown Princes

I just really love the title Crown Princess, biubiubiu!

Political Intrigue With Everyone Smart and Competent

Less romance, please. Don’t let the leads’ love story ruin a good political intrigue novel.

Female Disguised as a Man, in an Ancient-Style Setting

It can be angsty or sweet, but the female lead must be powerful.

Any Grand-scale Historical Political Intrigue Novels?

The male and female leads should be smart, not foolish and naive.

Any Good Political Scheming Novels? Palace Intrigue That Takes Brains Is Fine Too!

Looking for Historical Romance With an Incredibly Intelligent Heroine and Unmatched Cunning

A male lead or no male lead, either is fine.

Scheming Powerful Minister, Historical Romance

The male lead is a powerful minister who is both sly and ambitious, while the female lead is not foolish.

Strong Male and Female Leads: She's Bold and Fearless, He's Scheming and Dominant, Sweet Romance with No Angst

Ongoing and completed series are both fine. Thanks for all the recommendations!!!

A Woman Disguised as a Man, with Great Power and Influence, in an Ancient Setting

Nothing too angsty, and preferably no fake white-lotus types.

A Powerful Hero With Lots of Shadow Guards Who Dotes Exclusively on the Heroine

Looking for a Good, Low-Key Historical Romance

An empress or a legitimate-born daughter is fine. Anything goes as long as it's not a farming novel!

Historical Romance: A Male Lead Who Seems Gentle but Is Scheming Behind the Scenes, and a Highly Capable Female Lead

Palace intrigue.

I'm a Devoted Female-Lead Fan and Want to Read About a Cool, Aloof Heroine. Please Recommend Some!

The heroine should be cool and aloof, not haughty, with an ethereal, almost otherworldly air. I hope the male lead is well written too. At the very least, he shouldn't be the kind of frustrating, brain-dead male lead you'd find in an angsty story. Thanks for the recommendations.

Woman Disguised as a Man, High IQ, Political Intrigue, Ancient Setting

Both leads are strong and devoted. It'd be even better if the heroine were stronger.

Historical Romance Where Both the Hero and Heroine Have Extremely Noble Status

Historical romance, with both leads coming from very distinguished backgrounds. The male lead dotes on the female lead, and she loves him too. Ideally, she should be a general, a princess, or a legitimate-born young lady, while he should be a prince, the crown prince, or a regent.

Looking for a Logical Historical Novel About a Woman Disguised as a Man Who Becomes a Powerful Official

A dashing, charming female lead who is a great literary master. Romance-free is fine. She starts out as the top scholar or second-place candidate and carefully works her way up to become a powerful official. She should be a skilled strategist with sound values and as few flaws as possible.