Palace Intrigue: The Real Deal, Scheming at Every Turn, With a Transmigrated Female Lead 宫斗文，真宫斗，步步为营，勾心斗角，女主穿越

1. 101 谢 The Xie Family's Short-Lived Son Has Lived to a Hundred 谢家的短命鬼长命百岁了 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] The lid of a dead person's coffin won't lie flat because they had an unresolved longing in life. Given time, that longing turns into a demonic obsession, and unless it is resolved, their descendants will suffer. Yan Sanhe's job is to release the dead from their obsessions. One day, she gets hounded by Third Master Xie, who claims to have one. Yan Sanhe says she doesn't deal with the living. Third Master Xie replies, “Everyone says I won't live long. Just think of 125.4kReads9.6Score17k14d adds
2. 102 婉 The Tale of Consort Wan 婉妃传 Lost in the Clouds雲深不知处Ancient Romance101k WordsCompleted Beneath the splendor, turbulent undercurrents set the stage for this inevitable, heart-wrenching romance! "I gave my heart to one person for my whole life. Wanrou, were you never truly the one who understood me?" Hua Yu sighed. Wanrou smiled. "Since your heart already belongs to someone else, where does that leave me?" "If the first half of my life was filled with deep love, then the second half was marked by reckless abandon. I ask only that you understand me. Can you do that?" 17Reads6.1Score—14d adds
3. 103 笑 Laugh at Her Divorce? After She Marries the Emperor, You'll All Kneel Before Her 笑她和离？改嫁帝王后都给她跪下 Guest from the Immortal Realm仙中客Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The heir of the Duke of Qingguo doted on his concubine and neglected his wife. The emperor felt sorry for the man’s wife and brought her into the palace to look after her. The result was the birth of several little princes and princesses. Full synopsis: Yun Qing’s father commanded a powerful army. Several princes wanted to marry her to gain control of his troops, which aroused the emperor’s suspicions. To protect both her and the Yun family army, her father had no choice but to petition the empe 14.8kReads9.0Score2.1k14d adds

   Reader note

   The characters in "Xian Jing Yuan" are incredibly lively; you definitely won't regret reading it. The plot is quite fast-paced, so it's worth a look if you're not impatient.

4. 104 后 A Cheat-Code Life in the Imperial Harem 后宫开挂人生 The Silent Instant Noodles沉默的方便面Ancient Romance584k WordsCompleted In the novel, she is the Empress Dowager’s niece and the emperor’s highest-ranking Consort Shu, with a noble status and boundless favor. Yet in the end, she cannot escape the fate of a minor cannon-fodder character, and dies with hatred in her heart! Qian Qing from another world takes her place and carefully plots every step, winning the emperor’s love and matching wits with the novel’s heroine. She wants to see whether a mere illegitimate daughter of a marquis’s household can still rise to the 1.8kReads7.6Score10914d adds
5. 105 当 When a Foolish Young Lord Meets a Rascally Wife! 当装傻世子遇到流氓夫人！ Sui Xi随兮Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Playing the Fool + Two Happy Endings + Household Intrigue] [Warning: The female lead is a little lustful! If that bothers you, don't read!] When Jiang Muyan woke up, she learned that she had transmigrated. She was still worried that people might mistake her for a monster and burn her at the stake when her servant told her that she had always belonged to this era. Then she learned that her stepmother and stepsister had plotted to marry her off to a fool, albeit a rich and powerf 4.9kReads8.7Score65014d adds
6. 106 娘 The Empress Pretends to Be in Love and Fights Her Way Through the Palace 娘娘装深情，一路宫斗成皇后 Yun Chui Yun云吹云Ancient Romance229k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + face-slapping] As Consort Shu, Qin Yunran was sent to the Cold Palace and then regained the emperor’s favor, holding tightly on to him. A consort is a consort, nowhere near as good as a Noble Consort. Then one day, she discovered that not only had she caught up, she had also stolen someone else’s child. … 3Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   I was genuinely interested in the synopsis of the first book! I can't spoil too much, but I can say that the male lead's mindset has changed, and he cares about the female lead. I really want to see the female lead cause trouble later on, and the male lead realize that the female lead doesn't love him! For the second book, just look at the author's profile; it's the author's second new book. The female lead has nothing at the beginning and relies entirely on herself – that's the satisfying part! The third book, "Pure Pure," is my personal favorite. The author's writing is amazing! Is this the kind of writing you can find on Taobao? The writing is incredible! The female lead's background is similar to that of a scumbag emperor, and she's somewhat similar to Consort Xian, but not entirely. Their backgrounds and experiences are similar. The last book is one I found enjoyable and interesting.

7. 107 帝 The Emperor Has No Heart, Yet His Cool and Elegant Noble Consort Has Her Ways 帝本无心，怎奈清冷贵妃手段高 My Cat Is Called Huabei我的猫叫花呗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Cool, seductive fox beauty vs. a carefree, womanizing emperor] [The heroine is the true daughter, driven by revenge and ambition: a scheming beauty, sweet on the outside but ruthless within, and far from virtuous. This is an unconventional palace-intrigue story focused on winning hearts. The hero is not chaste. Later, he desperately tries to win her back. The overall tone is sweet, and the romance becomes one-on-one in the latter half.] Until the age of five, Changyu Jiao was the legitimate da 8.8kReads9.4Score1k14d adds

   Reader note

   The first book features an exceptionally intelligent female protagonist who transmigrated at a young age. She meticulously disguises herself, and the palace intrigue is quite captivating. Each of the side stories is equally compelling, including one about the transmigrated protagonist and the male protagonist who has already spent a lifetime with the original female protagonist, along with the original female protagonist's attempt to win over the male protagonist in that lifetime. The second book begins with her scheming against the emperor during the imperial concubine selection process. The side stories are quite moving, and there are many foreshadowing elements throughout. The third book features a female protagonist with a tragic past; her revenge killing narration is very poignant. She also constantly schemes against the emperor and only loves herself.

8. 108 开 A Palace Maid from the Start, Rising to Empress 开局宫女，稳坐后位 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance530k WordsOngoing [Female-led power fantasy + pure palace intrigue + not both virgins] Yun Luo was born into poverty and endured cold looks and humiliation from a young age. Then, after catching a glimpse of wealth, boundless ambition sprang up in her heart. Yun Luo was fortunate enough to have a face of breathtaking beauty, giving her the courage to set herself the goal of “better to be a rich man’s concubine than a poor man’s wife.” At first, she had her sights set only on the young lord of the Duke of Guo’s es 7Reads8.1Score—14d adds
9. 109 谋 Scheming for the Heir 谋嫡 Master Hua花爷Ancient Romance403k WordsCompleted From being a pawn sent by her elder half-sister to the Third Prince's residence to climbing over a mountain of blood and claiming the empress's throne, Lin Wanying did just one thing: she kept Zhao Xuan firmly by her side. 3.3kReads9.1Score62614d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is too clever, with 800 schemes in her mind.

10. 110 咸 Deep Spring at Xianfu Palace 咸福春深 She Xiang蔎香Ancient Romance789k WordsOngoing On the summer solstice of the twenty-fifth year of the Qiansheng era, the Qiansheng Emperor died at the Hall of Tranquil Waves in the Old Summer Palace. In the chaos that followed, the struggle over the succession erupted, throwing everyone into a state of panic. The Empress issued an edict declaring, “The fourth prince, Prince Jing, is filial, intelligent, and kindhearted,” and enthroned him as emperor. Thus began the Qian Kun era... From then on, Qian Kun became embroiled in a web of intrigue 1Reads—Score—14d adds
11. 111 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 79.6kReads9.5Score8.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    The most novel aspect of this palace intrigue + time-travel + no-cheat-fingers novel is that the female protagonist transmigrates into the body of an empress. Unlike the typical story of a nobody rising to power, this one avoids clichés. The female protagonist is well-developed, knowledgeable, and has a good personality. Although it's a palace intrigue novel, it's not the kind with cutthroat competition, conspiracies, and murders where you have to investigate the culprits step by step before devising a counterattack. The female protagonist doesn't have any cheat codes, no precognition to avoid disasters, and as empress, there's no concept of a lifelong monogamous relationship. She uses her modern knowledge to subtly influence those around her and future generations in ancient times, guiding the era towards a better future. The novel isn't about dramatic ups and downs or intense emotions, but rather a heartwarming story with humorous language.

12. 112 狐 The Fox-Spirit Consort Is the Emperor's One and Only Favorite 狐狸精娘娘独宠后宫 Leng Chu冷初Ancient Romance243k WordsOngoing After transmigrating, the early story is pure palace intrigue, while the later part features the emperor doting exclusively on the heroine. But she stays clearheaded and never loves the emperor, from beginning to end. If Shi Yan had known she would transmigrate after dying of overwork, perhaps she wouldn’t have read that book, The Schemes of the Harem. Other people transmigrate and become princesses or empresses, but she became a low-ranking concubine destined to be cannon fodder. She didn’t eve 6Reads—Score—14d adds
13. 113 娘 The Empress Is So Sweet and Charming, Who Still Cares About a Lost Love? 娘娘又娇又媚，谁还稀罕白月光 Half a Month and the Fifteenth月半和十五Ancient Romance607k WordsCompleted [Villainess Transmigrates into a Book + Top-Grade White Lotus + Winning Hearts and Minds + Not Both Leads' First Love] [The heroine looks like a pure, sweet little bunny, but she's actually a scheming temptress who knows how to play her cards.] When Xu Zhuohua is named crown princess, Crown Prince Qi Hecang and his secondary consort Lu Wanning are at the height of their love. As the hero of a male-oriented novel, Qi Hecang only cares about building his career, and his heart belongs solely to Lu 12.7kReads8.2Score1.2k14d adds
14. 114 娇 The Sweetheart Deliberately Seduces the Cold Emperor, and He Falls for Her 娇娇蓄意勾引，清冷帝王沦陷了 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance651k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + push and pull + seduction and rising to power + falling deeper at every step + devotion to one woman in the later story Loving her and knowing it + a man in power bowing his head for love * The short drama is out now. Search for “The Sweetheart Deliberately Seduces Him, and the Cold Emperor Falls” on Fanqie or Hongguo to watch the full series. * Pei Tingyue transmigrated into a book. She became a disposable consort in The Palace in Power. In the original story, she was simple-m 37.8kReads9.3Score4.4k14d adds
15. 115 良 The Beloved Concubine Is Alluring and Charming, Rising to the Top 良娣又娇又媚，一路盛宠上位 Zhongli Wangshu钟离望舒Ancient Romance708k WordsCompleted Chu Yao was born with an irresistible, seductive charm. Every frown and smile was captivating, yet her aunt, the Empress, treated her as a pawn and sent her to the Eastern Palace. The Crown Princess, Qin Wan, was the Crown Prince’s cousin. She had already borne him a son and a daughter, securing her position. Crown Prince Gu Jingchen hated the Empress’s influence. On their wedding night, he left Chu Yao alone and placed her in the most remote quarters, the Liuyun Pavilion. Everyone waited to lau 8.6kReads7.8Score76414d adds

    Reader note

    In this cannibalistic harem, sincerity is the greatest luxury. All she ever wanted was the right to survive. "Power is merely a means. Favor is like the wind, capable of lifting you up, but to stand firm, you need something else."

16. 116 清 A Qing Dynasty Transmigration: The Life Player 清穿之生活玩家 Cat Butterfly猫蝶Ancient Romance465k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + lots of childbirth + clear-headed, decisive black-lotus heroine + managing the harem + slow transmigration] World One: Kangxi, complete. World Two: Yongzheng, complete. She transmigrates into the Qing palace. Starting out in modern times as a hairpin maker, Jiang Mengyu puts every skill at her disposal to work. She's already started hustling, thanks! No feelings, just technique. Her intelligence stays sharp, and she's a born workaholic. Content warning: When faced with life-or 4.1kReads9.2Score29514d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is cunning and resourceful, clear-headed, calm, and decisive. In the end, she uses the poison of the blue-ringed octopus to kill Emperor Kangxi without the slightest hesitation.

17. 117 女 The Female Bandit Goes to the Capital to Become an Official and Wins Over the Aloof Emperor 女土匪进京为官，诱拐了清冷陛下 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet historical romance + two powerful leads + devoted to each other + sweet and satisfying + fun and lively + no annoying supporting characters + sensible leads] A super-ferocious, super-rich bandit queen VS a cool, otherworldly beauty of an emperor Jin Sanglu owns thirty mountains of gold and is every inch a bandit queen. After earning military merit, she arrogantly calls out to the court: “If you won’t give me an official post, then make me empress.” The ministers are furious, but they fear 11.9kReads9.4Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's absolutely gorgeous!!!

18. 118 华 Consort Hua Reincarnates as Gua Liu 华妃娘娘她魂穿瓜六了 The Master and the Master's Husband夫子和夫子夫Female-Channel Fanfiction606k WordsCompleted Consort Hua, Nian Shilan, was a woman loved by Emperor Yongzheng. The daughter of a powerful official, she lost her child while still young because the emperor feared her family's influence. For decades, the man she loved most had her drink the incense-scented medicine known as Joyful Harmony, damaging her health and leaving her barren for life. Even so, in the end, she was condemned as having grown too powerful, and in a single night, every member of the Nian family was killed. Her soul is rebo 60Reads5.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Hua Fei Reborn: All Members Are Highly Intelligent, A Step-by-Step Intrigue - Pure Palace Intrigue

19. 119 娇 The Emperor’s Favorite: His Beloved Consort 娇妃娘娘盛宠六宫 Blue Snow Pear Blossom蓝雪梨花Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted (Transmigration + System + palace intrigue + happily ever after with the heroine as the emperor’s sole favorite) Xu Lanshan transmigrates into the body of a palace maid who was tortured to death by her own mistress. She has no choice but to plot her escape. The only way to stay alive is to win the emperor’s favor. She sees the bright side: he’s the most powerful man in the world, and he’s young and handsome, too. Sleeping with him would be a win. But what’s with this palace-intrigue System? If s 1.2kReads8.9Score10614d adds

    Reader note

    This palace intrigue is so addictive! There's no angst at all, the female lead has a system, is stunningly beautiful, and intelligent.

20. 120 让 They Wanted Me to Be a Sacrificial Stepmother, but I Chose to Make My Own Way 让我当炮灰主母，我偏另谋高枝 Ji Yun霁妘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Historical Romance / Household Intrigue / Sweet Romance / The Male Lead Is Head Over Heels] In Ruyi's Beloved Concubine, the heir apparent Xie Yunzhix is a brave and formidable warrior, always dashing across the battlefield in fine clothes, with no one able to stand against him. Sadly, he is only a supporting character. The story opens with him in a vegetative state, leaving behind three adopted sons. Xu Qingyi discovers that she has become the foil to the beloved heroine of a sweet romance. On 143.6kReads9.4Score20.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    These palace intrigue novels for female readers are highly recommended. They feature settings such as soul transmigration and transmigration into books. The female protagonists are incredibly intelligent and resourceful, and they either rise from obscurity to success, slap the faces of villains, or have a love affair with a powerful minister. The plots are full of high-energy twists and turns, and the strategies are explosive. They are definitely worth bookmarking for fans of palace intrigue!

21. 121 开 From the Start, All I Had Was a Trash System: A College Girl Takes on the Palace Schemes 开局一个破系统，女大学生闯宫斗 Ruqi濡祈Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Household and Palace Intrigue + No Naive Doormat Heroine + Rise to Power + Sweet and Satisfying] Also known as: Everyone Has to Kneel Before Me? A university student who knows palace-intrigue dramas inside out transmigrates, and the empress’s throne is practically in her grasp! She transmigrates into the Forbidden City, only to find herself a lowly palace maid! What a disastrous start. Luckily, she has a System to help her. But you’re saying my ultimate mission is to become empress? Me? Empress 592Reads8.2Score10714d adds

    Reader note

    Without losing her intelligence, the female lead remains clear-headed, knows what she wants, treats the emperor as her superior, works a typical 9-to-5 job, and diligently strives for promotion in the harem!

22. 122 带 Days in a Palace Drama with a System 带着系统在宫斗剧里的日子 Love Purple Rice Yogurt爱吃紫米酸奶Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted With a reincarnation System from the underworld, Shu Ning has no choice but to fight to survive through each mission. P.S. Everyone has their own writing style. This story is based on TV dramas, and the author’s writing may not suit everyone’s tastes. I hope every reader finds a story they love! This is the everyday life of a wage worker in a palace-intrigue novel. Primarily set in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace and Empresses in the Palace... (It’s a slow transmigration story.) 3.2kReads8.5Score13914d adds
23. 123 入 Entering the Imperial Harem 入春宫 Kun Yuan坤垣Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + villainess with a career-driven mind + fluffy mind-reading + men competing for her] Su Fuqu was the legitimate youngest daughter of the Grand Preceptor. She and the Crown Prince, Qin Zhaolin, grew up together and were deeply in love. But after she came of age, Qin Zhaolin abandoned her, chose her cousin as his wife, and asked Su Fuqu to become his concubine. She turned around and schemed her way into the emperor's bed, sowing discord between father and son and throwing the pal 64.7kReads8.9Score8k14d adds

    Reader note

    A battle of wits between ambitious individuals! [Cool] The author's writing is superb; I don't want to miss a single word! [Thumbs up] The power struggles between those in positions of authority are so exciting! [Eating popcorn] It's a great read; everyone should enjoy it! [Masterpiece by Sparrow]

24. 124 炮 Book Transmigration: The Delicate Cannon-Fodder Supporting Character Is Too Pitiful 炮灰女配她娇软堪怜【穿书】 Spring Waters Stretch a Thousand Miles春水千里Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, delicate little star, adored by everyone, men competing in a battlefield of love] Hua Wu transmigrates! The good news: she’s transmigrated into a historical romance about a Mary Sue heroine adored by everyone. The heroine is born with an irresistible allure, and any man who sleeps with her becomes unable to leave her. She gathers a scheming prince, a bold general, an obsessive imperial tutor, a cold, aloof miracle doctor, a mysterious state preceptor, and many more 5.8kReads8.8Score63314d adds

    Reader note

    A delicate, sickly, and scheming female star transmigrates into a book with the power of a begonia flower fairy. She can return to the modern world by absorbing dragon energy, starting with a palace intrigue during a talent show, a series of deadly traps! A fake heiress usurps the throne, a seductive concubine, an arrogant and jealous imperial concubine, a meticulous and calculating Yao Shuyi… it's incredibly exciting!

25. 125 小 The Sweet and Obedient Maid Has the Chaste Heir's Heart Racing 小通房又乖又软，禁欲世子心狂跳 Water, Clouds, and Mist水云雾Ancient Romance580k WordsCompleted [Both leads sexually inexperienced, household and palace intrigue, growing-up romance, arrogant young heir × clever maid who plays the pig to eat the tiger] In her fifth year at the marquis’s residence, Youli has risen from the lowest-ranked maid responsible for sweeping and cleaning to the most favored senior maid at the side of the heir of the Marquis of Yong’an. She has reached a small peak in her career as a servant. She is quite content with her life and dares not ask for much more. She pl 3.9kReads8.8Score35214d adds

    Reader note

    🌟Youli rose from the lowest-ranking cleaning maid in the Marquis's mansion to become the most favored head maid of the Marquis of Yong'an's heir. Content with her position, she unexpectedly became the heir's concubine. The young and talented heir, after becoming a concubine, diligently managed the household affairs, handling the courtyard and shops for him. The heir valued her increasingly. However, she heard rumors that concubines had been forced out by the principal wife, and that some had been mistreated to death. Meanwhile, the heir was about to marry a noblewoman. At this time, she discovered she was pregnant. For her own sake and that of her child, she decided to save money and run away. But the cold-hearted heir suddenly acted madly. The story showcases the heroine's struggles and growth amidst the power struggles within the household.

26. 126 破 Break the Spring Chill 破春寒POCHUNHAN Qin Shengyao秦声遥Ancient Romance124k WordsOngoing *Palace intrigue only + slow-burn romance + clear-headed, intelligent female lead + she always gets even + not a one-on-one romance In the eighteenth year of Yuanming, Xue Yunzhi is forced by her stepmother to enter the palace in her elder sister’s place. One blow after another leaves her barely able to breathe, while her elder half-sister happily prepares her dowry. Beaten down, humiliated, destroyed: none of it frightens her. Those who fail to sink her into the mire will become stepping stones —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This story follows an unfavored concubine's daughter who is forced to enter the palace in place of her elder sister. The emperor is a lecherous man, and the concubines and maids in the palace are all shrewd and cunning. The female protagonist is framed, scolded, and beaten, but she is indomitable and always seeks revenge. She will trample those who bully her underfoot and use them to rise to power. She plans every step of the way, with each move linked to the next, playing mind games and using all sorts of tricks. It's a true palace intrigue story.

27. 127 娘 The Empress Is Beautiful and the Emperor Dotes on Her: Every Step in the Palace Struggle Brings Her Closer to the Throne 娘娘美貌皇帝怜爱，宫斗步步为皇 I Have Green Beetles我有青蚨Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted Heaven gave Jiang Zhi stunning, irresistible beauty, but not a family powerful enough to protect her. As a palace maid, she worked conscientiously and diligently, counting the days until she could leave the palace, marry her beloved, and reunite with her parents. Who could have guessed that the emperor would take a fancy to her and make her one of his consorts? Jiang Zhi was furious. That wretched emperor had made her betray everyone who loved her. But there was no changing what had happene 46Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a high-IQ palace intrigue story, but it's not about rebirth or time travel.

28. 128 谁 Who Says the Empress Is a White Lotus? She’s Clearly a Green Tea 谁说娘娘是白莲花？明明是绿茶 Xiu Zhengchun修正纯Ancient Romance138k WordsOngoing [All-around strong female lead, fiercely ambitious, no rebirth or transmigration, play the pig to eat the tiger, concubine-born daughter rises against the odds] Shen Yurong is the eldest daughter of the Shen family, and she has been beautiful since childhood. Her parents therefore had her study music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, as well as singing and dancing, hoping she would be chosen in the imperial consort selection and become a favored consort, bringing glory to the Shen family. Her p —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    No rebirth or time travel, pure ancient Chinese romance. The initial selection process is omitted; the first chapter focuses on the fifth day after entering the palace. The female lead is intelligent, shrewd, and multi-talented; she's a strong, ambitious woman. With the Empress Dowager's help in the early stages, she effectively seduces the Emperor. The concubine ranking system is based on the Tang Dynasty (Empress > Noble Consort > Consort > Concubine > Lady > Beauty > Talented Woman > Imperial Concubine > Imperial Concubine > Lady of the Palace), aesthetically pleasing and easy to remember.

29. 129 宠 Even a Favorite Consort Wants to Play Murder Mystery 宠妃也要玩剧本杀 White Peach Taro Balls白桃芋圆Ancient Romance312k WordsCompleted [Feng Yi, Immersive Palace Intrigue Script Game, Male Lead, No Female Purity, Palace Intrigue, Mutual Devotion, Strong Female Lead, Fake Favored Consort, Scumbag Man and Villainous Woman, Happy Ending] Shen Qingyan is a plant hired by the game company. Using technology, she has her consciousness implanted into a murder-mystery game world, where she plays along with the players. She follows the main storyline, playing the part of an evil, favored consort. In the ending, the consort is murdered, a —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is really good, highly recommended. The female lead is a game shill, and the male lead is the CEO who develops the game system. They play an immersive murder mystery game where they engage in palace intrigue, both displaying their sharp wit. The premise is that their real-life memories are sealed after entering the game, only returning after the game ends. The first murder mystery game world has ended, and the author is currently updating the second. She and her roommate owe money on Alipay and credit cards, and she became a game shill to pay off her loans. Her roommate uses her photo to lure people into online romances, then gets them to play the game to earn commissions.

30. 130 恶 Reborn After My Own Son, the Cruel Empress Dowager, Stabbed Me to Death 恶毒太后被亲儿子捅死之后重生了 Ink墨色Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted The vicious Empress Dowager Jiang Mingzhu was reborn. In her previous life, to put her son on the throne, she poisoned and tried to assassinate the emperor, colluded with court officials, drugged a pregnant consort to make her miscarry, and plotted against the young crown prince. Every time she schemed, she put her own life on the line to grind her stepson's face into the dirt. But when the plot to put the son she'd worked so hard to support on the throne was exposed, he stabbed her in the back 19.6kReads8.9Score2.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    The beautiful female lead in this story assassinated the emperor in her past life for her son, who was love-struck and killed him to avenge his beloved. She is reborn into this life.

31. 131 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 82.1kReads9.5Score9.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    There are 19 books in total, and every single one is worth reading.

32. 132 演 I Played the Emperor My Whole Life, and After Being Reborn, He Still Wants the Crown Prince 演了皇上一辈子，重生他还要太子 One Little Sweet Fish一口小甜鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Original title: Only After His Death Did He Learn That the Empress Did Not Want to Be Buried With Him [The heroine transmigrates, the hero is reborn] As he lay dying, Emperor Tianhe looked back on his eventful life. He had risen from humble beginnings to become the founding emperor, and the world praised his achievements. In his fading consciousness, he saw his virtuous empress, his beautiful consorts, and his weeping children. He felt that his life had been complete. But after he died, his soul 31.7kReads8.9Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    After the male protagonist dies, he learns that the female protagonist doesn't love him, and he is reborn, constantly pulling at her heartstrings.

33. 133 皇 Your Majesty, I Think Your Palace Maid Is Cursing You Again 皇上，你家宫女好像又在骂你 Six Yuan六元钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The irresistible appeal of what you once rejected + powerful men bowing their heads + a double-standard male lead + raising her before a story of power and statecraft + romantic push and pull + he truly doesn’t love her at first, but gives his all once he does] Su Nanchu is unruly. Shen Jingzhi has always known that. But life in the palace is dull, and he doesn’t mind having a little plaything who can kick and scream. She becomes his daily amusement: reading memorials, practicing calligraphy, a 11.6kReads9.2Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first thirty or forty chapters might make you feel the female lead is too wronged, but the further you read, the more addictive it becomes. The male lead is truly a qualified emperor, and he even has a guiding, romantic feel to him, though it's very well hidden and hard to notice until later. The female lead isn't a pushover either; she's very astute and knows how to assess situations. Under the male lead's guidance, she becomes increasingly outstanding. The only downside is the male lead's impurity; I actually disliked him somewhat in the early chapters, but after reading further, especially when he says, "An official should not pursue profit with the people," my admiration for him skyrockets. He has a grand vision for the nation, loves his son and his people, and is truly suited to be an emperor. He also gradually learns to love through his daily life with the female lead, and later you realize that it's a mutual process of taming each other! It's so good! There are too many merits to list. Read it all! If you still don't like it after reading the first hundred chapters, feel free to criticize!

34. 134 风 Willows in the Wind 风中柳 Yu Ling雨泠Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Ruthless heroine➕female-lead power fantasy➕light ensemble-style palace intrigue➕face-slapping and scum-bashing➕primarily focused on building her career] (Female lead is a virgin; male lead is not) Jiang Fu, the Jiang family’s fifteen-year-old illegitimate daughter, was lovely and graceful. Unfortunately, her stepmother was cruel and her father was heartless. As an illegitimate daughter, she had no say even in the marriage that mattered most to a woman. Her family could manipulate her as they p 2.1kReads8.8Score29214d adds

    Reader note

    A highly-rated palace intrigue series. The female lead navigates the selection process step by step to enter the palace, eventually becoming a favored concubine and empress. The plot is captivating; you won't regret watching! [Heart emojis]

35. 135 令 The Tale of Lingyi 令仪传 Lan Ruoxue of Tianzao Mountain天葬山的蓝若雪Ancient Romance761k WordsCompleted Historical romance, palace intrigue and power struggles, a heroine’s rise, and a comeback story Her nine brothers had died on the battlefield, and her father and uncles had barely been laid to rest. Before a mourning hall could even be set up, the Shangguan family was accused of treason and sentenced to execution in its entirety. Overnight, only women and children remained. Fifteen-year-old Shangguan Lingyi tore up her token exempting her from the selection and bowed to her mother. “Your daughte 29Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    From a laundry slave in the Imperial Laundry Bureau to a powerful imperial concubine, it took her five years. No special advantages, just the tenacity of a daughter of a military family. Step by step, she plots her way through scheming women, outwits other concubines, protects her family, and raises adorable children—this palace intrigue novel is incredibly addictive!

36. 136 土 The Native Matriarch Makes a Bold Entrance and Takes on Everyone 土著主母霸气侧漏，单挑全场 First-Rate Red Chamber一品红楼Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted [A strong heroine at heart + mature adults building their careers] He Fangting was the quintessential noblewoman, with no flaw beyond being despised by her imperial uncle, the emperor. After marrying, she became a capable lady of the house, using her generous dowry to support her husband's family and finally give them a solid foundation. One day, her husband returned from disaster relief with a female physician who had received the emperor's commendation. He Fangting admired the woman and prepar 19.8kReads9.2Score2.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend the first book; it's incredibly good. The female lead is a bit frustrated before the divorce, but the story gets really exciting after she starts preparing for it. The only downside is that it's not finished yet. The latter two books are complete.

37. 137 这 This Noble Consort Doesn't Do Overtime 这个贵妃不太卷 Butterflies Dance into Tragedy蝶舞成殇Ancient Romance535k WordsCompleted Qin Yan was sent to the Eastern Palace by imperial decree and became Shen Jingchuan’s secondary consort. Everyone in the palace was an expert at scheming. To survive, they all relied on familiar tactics like acting coy and warning the servants. Two years later, Shen Jingchuan ascended the throne and bestowed on Qin Yan the rank of Consort, second grade, with the title Rong. At Jingyang Palace, Qin Yan reclined on a chaise longue, her brows slightly furrowed as she complained, “Your Majesty is fa 890Reads6.4Score10014d adds
38. 138 继 The Empress Dowager Starts Taking Them Out 继后开始刀人 Meng Ri Wan梦日万Ancient Romance491k WordsCompleted The empress consort wants no part in the fight for favor. She just wants to kill people. Wei Xiangwan entered the palace with three things to do. First, uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious disappearance. Second, avenge her best friend, who died unjustly. Third, give birth to the crown prince. As for the emperor's affection, it was the least important thing of all. In the resplendent harem, where false affection bloomed everywhere, some people still yearned for true love. Qi Zhao fel 6.3kReads8.8Score65914d adds
39. 139 好 The Fertile Imperial Consort: The Emperor’s One and Only Favorite 好孕贵妃：独得圣宠 The Fish Who Loves Tea爱喝茶的鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Noble Consort Jingmin: the highest rank many women in the imperial harem could dream of attaining. But what if it was a posthumous title? Who would want that? Given another chance, Wanran had no desire to become empress. She only wanted everyone who had harmed her in her previous life to receive their due punishment, and for her children to live in peace, never again to suffer through those dark days. As for the emperor, she would never again give him her whole heart. 2.4kReads9.2Score21914d adds
40. 140 重 Reborn with a Bewitching Allure, I Claim the Seat of Power 重生后娇骨魅心，坐高位 My Peaceful Self我之安然Ancient Romance324k WordsOngoing In her previous life, she gave him everything she had. She even had her father use his influence to help him secure a position of honor. In the end, he repaid her by having her entire family arrested and their home confiscated, leaving her to die a tragic death. Reborn, she would never again let herself become a laughingstock. She swore to make her enemies pay for their crimes in blood. She trained hard, studied military strategy, and mastered the art of scheming and manipulating people. She wou 6Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this masterpiece of ancient romance novels. It's so good that I don't want to delete it. The beginning is explosive and shocking, and it's so exciting that you can't stop reading.

41. 141 宫 The Maid Is Sweet and Scheming, Climbing Her Way to the Top 宫女又茶又媚，一路内卷做娘娘 11 Means 1111就是11Ancient Romance356k WordsCompleted [They scheme against each other + the male lead has been with other women, while the female lead is chaste + palace intrigue + exclusive devotion later on + marriage before love] The rating just came in. It’ll go up later. The heroine grows over time! She suffers a little at first, but later fights back and gets a major power-up! She was once the cherished jewel of the Jinzhong prefect, raised like nobility. But when her father was exposed for corruption and thrown into prison, she was implicate 265Reads6.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A true palace intrigue story, the female lead is intelligent, and the supporting female character is equally capable. The plot unfolds in a series of interconnected events, making it one of the more enjoyable palace intrigue novels on the internet.

42. 142 爱 Love and Hate, All for Nothing 爱恨莫须有 End of the Ninth Month玖月尾Ancient Romance126k WordsOngoing [Love and Hate Intertwined] [Plot Twists] [Power Games Without a Golden Finger] [A Fresh Take on Transmigration] [Ensemble of Female Characters] [Male Lead Falls for Her on His Own] [Sweet and Satisfying] Jiang Ci'en wakes up to find herself reborn as the third daughter of the Minister of Rites, bound by a power-struggle System to an outrageous mission. But she soon realizes: Everyone in the imperial palace is treating her like a pawn. She won't sit around and wait for her fate! After rejecting —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The concubines in the imperial harem are too ruthless! In order to get rid of the female lead, they actually plotted a "kill two birds with one stone" scheme, wanting her to have a scandal with the emperor? This palace intrigue made me break out in a cold sweat. Will the female lead be able to escape this calamity?

43. 143 撕 Tear Apart the Harem! Win Favor! She's a Lunatic, Who Dares Cross Her? 撕后宫！得恩宠！她是疯批谁敢惹 Cats Are Extra Sweet猫猫特别甜Ancient Romance683k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue Only + Concubine-born Daughter + Reborn + Revenge + Everyone Is Evil + Wish-Fulfillment] [The story begins before the heroine enters the palace] [The emperor favors no one at first, and the heroine doesn’t fall in love] Jiang Shiying had died once. She died in childbirth, after her own elder sister had her killed to keep the baby. Reborn, she had made up her mind: she would enter the palace and get revenge, but she wouldn’t suffer! Not her stepmother or her elder sister, not eve 7.5kReads9.3Score95214d adds

    Reader note

    Jiang Shiying had died once. She died on the delivery bed, her own sister taking her child instead of her own, dying in childbirth. Reborn, she was determined: she would enter the palace, exact revenge, and endure any hardship! Not only her stepmother and stepsisters, but even the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the Imperial Concubine, would not tolerate her suffering the slightest grievance! The entire harem knew that the newly arrived Consort Jia was a formidable opponent. She had slapped the Empress and the Imperial Concubine in the face, yet the Emperor not only pretended not to see it but also held her in his arms and comforted her. Everyone in the palace guessed it was because of her devastatingly beautiful face. They thought that once the novelty wore off, the Emperor would get tired of her. But they waited and waited, and she rose from Consort Jia to Imperial Noble Consort, yet the Emperor still wasn't tired of her? What? The Emperor wanted to make her Empress? A chorus of lamentations erupted throughout the court and the harem: "Your Majesty, please reconsider! How can the daughter of a disgraced official be fit for the Empress's position!"

44. 144 拽 The Feisty Consort Climbs to Power Through Palace Intrigue, Everyone Else Back Off 拽妃宫斗上位，闲杂人等退退退 Pine Blossom Candy松花糖Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama is out now. Search for it on Fanqie to watch. [Palace Intrigue Power Fantasy + Not a Clean Romance + Being the Emperor’s Mother Is Better Than Being His Consort] Every woman in the harem hopes to win Emperor Jingrong’s favor, but Yuan Yuntang sees the emperor only as a tool for having children. Women in ancient times had to marry sooner or later anyway, so she might as well marry the most powerful man of all. After all, Emperor Jingrong has a great figure, a handsome face, and a 16.6kReads9.1Score1.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    The novel "The Real Power Players" is well-written and has a high rating. True palace intrigue is meticulously planned, and the female lead is clear-headed, intelligent, beautiful, and ambitious—almost a born ruler.

45. 145 宫 A Palace Maid's Daily Life: My Parents Want Me to Be a Couch Potato 宫女日常：爹娘让我当咸鱼 Yu Tangluo玉糖萝Ancient Romance699k WordsCompleted Hang Jiayanxin was a bondservant of the Plain White Banner and a court-appointed royal service worker. She entered the palace at thirteen and would leave at twenty-five. For twelve years in the palace, she kept her parents' advice in mind: be a good-for-nothing fish, and hang on until it's time to leave. But the towering palace before her was like a massive vessel, bearing endless power and desire. Once she pushed open those heavy doors, she stepped onto a path from which there was no turning ba 5.2kReads9.1Score57514d adds

    Reader note

    A lowly palace maid witnesses the power struggles within the palace.

46. 146 贵 The Noble Consort Rejects Romance: While Others Fight for Favor, I Seize Power 贵妃不入爱河，别人争宠我夺权 Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Female-Lead Wish Fulfillment + Unfeeling Persona + Ruthless Revenge and Face-Slapping] Years later, the history books would describe Ming Tang as a master strategist with an iron fist, the ultimate winner of the harem struggles and the vast empire. Only Ming Tang knew she had never wanted to be that winner in the first place. From a young girl to the ruler of the realm, all she had wanted at first was to avenge her elder sister. The harem was full of danger. On one side was Consort Jin, who had 7.3kReads9.4Score86914d adds

    Reader note

    1. Exciting palace intrigue! Mastering the emperor's heart with great wisdom and strategy, she ascends to the highest position and shares power. 2. Three lifetimes, she uses three different paths to win over the emperor, and is also a super dragon tamer. 3. The female lead is a super actress and a master of seduction, using push and pull techniques to make the emperor fall at her feet and give her heart. 4. Originally a heroine who should have shone brightly on the battlefield, she enters the palace to avenge her sister, plotting to win the emperor's heart while stirring up the winds of the harem and the court, punishing the murderers who killed her sister and her unborn child, and ascending to the throne as empress, setting a precedent for women.

47. 147 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Delicate, and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Falls for Her at First Sight 娘娘娇娇媚，冷戾帝王一见倾心 The Star Among the Stars in the Sky天上星星的星星Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue and revenge, a slow-burn, slow-payoff story + stunning heroine + exceptionally clearheaded heroine with an unwavering goal] [The hero always favors the heroine + dotes on her exclusively in the middle + disbands his harem later] After Shen Qingtang’s aunt is schemed against and killed by Madam Shen, her goal becomes perfectly clear: she will enter the palace, become the most honored woman in the land, and make everyone who plotted against her aunt pay. She is also perfectly clea 5kReads9.1Score56414d adds
48. 148 傲 The Haughty Empress's Concubine Conquest 傲娇娘娘的宠妃攻略 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance437k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + historical romance + not mutually chaste + marriage first, love later She is the general’s younger sister, with an excellent family background and beauty to match. After she transmigrates, she wakes up caught in the schemes and betrayals of the imperial palace. To protect herself, she resolves to become the emperor’s favorite consort. When they first meet, he tells her, “I will never like a woman like you in this life.” Gu Qingyan successfully presents herself as somewhat 1.6kReads8.9Score14114d adds
49. 149 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Charming, and Covets the Empress Dowager's Seat 娘娘娇娆柔媚，觊觎太后宝位 Buddhist-Style Little Salty Fish佛系小咸鱼Ancient Romance570k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + palace intrigue + medical skills + no pairing + doesn't love the emperor] At the age of seven, she was kidnapped in her previous life and became the disciple of a genius physician. But her master coveted the peerless beauty she gradually grew into. After three years of planning, she struck a fatal blow, thinking she was finally free. Then she found the letter her master had left behind... Reborn in a single moment, she changed her fate of being kidnapped and entered the palace. She tr 1.3kReads9.1Score15914d adds
50. 150 贵 The Imperial Noble Consort Is Sweet and Alluring, and the Emperor Is Absolutely Smitten 贵妃娇软妩媚，帝王他超爱 Deep Pupil ss深瞳ssAncient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Su Wanyu transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking concubine in the imperial harem. How is she supposed to survive here? Just look at her situation! She started at the very bottom! Her family has no standing, she has nothing to bargain with, her rank is low, and she has a face so stunning it could bring a kingdom to ruin. If Su Wanyu wants to live comfortably in the palace, she'll have to rely on the big boss, Helian Yu. So she pretends to be innocent and naive to lure him in, uses astrology 810Reads6.6Score10414d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is not love-struck; she is always clear-headed, can indulge in eating, drinking, and having fun, and enjoy life without ever experiencing internal conflict or self-destruction. She gradually wins the emperor's heart step by step.

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