Looking for Pure Historical Settings: No Transmigration, Quick Transmigration, or Rebirth 有没有纯古风的，不要穿越不要快穿，不要重生的

1. 451 无 The Nameless Journey West 无名西行录 Searching for Traces in the Mist迷雾寻踪Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted After a sandstorm, Shen Heyin, a graduate student in cultural relics research, wakes beside a beacon tower in Guazhou at the start of the Zhenguan era. All she has left is half a bottle of water, a folding knife, and a fragmentary scroll that shows her visions of death. The first time the scroll lights up, it points to a dry well that isn't marked on any road. At the bottom of the well is a boy. Outside it are slashed waterskins, a working well that's been blocked up, and a road sign that's been 62Reads—Score—Shelves

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   This desert-themed novel features a protagonist who unexpectedly falls from a modern desert to the Gobi Desert surrounding Guazhou during the Zhenguan era. He ventures alone into a dangerous, dry well to rescue someone. The entire story is high-octane; you'll regret not reading it!

2. 452 涛 Tales of the Turbulent Waters 涛澜记 Tong Ziyan桐子言Eastern Fantasy171k WordsCompleted Everyone says that joining the four maps together will reveal a world-shaking treasure from the previous dynasty. Little do they know that this century-old legend is the greatest deception the ancients ever devised: the maps are fake, but the treasure’s location is real. Mu Yichun, the eldest daughter of the Mu family estate, knows only that her father is cold and her mother left home. Gu Poxi, the orphaned survivor of the Gu family fortress, saw her entire family slaughtered, with nothing left —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Pure traditional Chinese style, without special effects.

3. 453 让 A Woman Among Men 让须眉 Tong Ziyan桐子言Ancient Romance111k WordsOngoing The “sickly” idle prince × the “clumsy” new palace maid. One feigns illness, the other is genuinely silly, and together they live and die by each other’s side amid a storm of power struggles. Everyone in the palace knows the Fourteenth Prince of Huayang Hall is frail and sickly, and out of favor. His palace is so quiet, there aren’t even enough maids to go around. No one knows that at night, he practices with a long spear in the courtyard, every move full of heroic grace. Everyone in the palace —Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 454 中 The Central Palace 中宫 A Suo阿琐Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted “You are a gift from Qiu Zhenyu to the throne, offered in exchange for his head. Did your father not tell you that you must obey me?” With a light flick of the jade-handled fan in his hand, Xiang Ye removed the empress’s phoenix robe. “Grandmother said the daughters of the Qiu family don’t need to obey.” Min’er looked up at the king who had come drenched in blood, not the slightest bit afraid. On their wedding night, the emperor slept in another woman’s arms. Yet his neglect, humiliation, and bu 2.8kReads8.8Score367Shelves

   Reader note

   The first book was a pure classical Chinese text, which I read on another website many years ago. I really liked it then and still remember the plot. Later, I found it on Tomato (a Chinese online literature platform) and have kept it on my bookshelf ever since. The second book should also be pure classical Chinese, but I can't quite remember because it's been so long. Even if it's not, it should be at least 80% pure classical Chinese. There was a treasure I found when I wanted to read a pure classical Chinese book. It was very insightful. The third book wasn't pure classical Chinese, but it didn't have any cheat codes or anything like that. It only had the open-minded wisdom of modern people. There was no business or anything like that. The emperor fell in love with the female lead, and the female lead made the emperor think that she loved him. But in fact, the female lead was just conforming to the times. The emperor was a good person, but she didn't love him. This is also shown in the final epilogue, "Rebirth," where the female lead encounters the male lead's reincarnation in the modern world and pursues her, but doesn't accept. Throughout the entire story, the female lead maintains her character; she's a wise and gentle woman. The lengthy description I've used tells you how good it is, even with a slight time-travel element at the beginning. Sisters who like pure historical fiction shouldn't miss it. The last book isn't purely historical, but it's funny and entertaining, without any overpowered plot devices. The female lead is intelligent, and while the male lead is indeed a playboy, he's well-controlled by the female lead. If we're categorizing by percentage of pure historical fiction, the first book is 100%, the second is 80%, the third is 80%, and the fourth is 75%. Image 1 below is a comment on the last chapter of the third book; I think it's very well written. Yun is the female lead, and He is the male lead. Image 2 is a short excerpt from the beginning of the fourth book; you can see from the description that this novel is close to pure historical fiction, and the female lead is very intelligent.

5. 455 逞 Indulging 逞娇 Yuan Yuan原瑗Ancient Romance683k WordsCompleted [Rugged Hero and Sweetheart, A Princess's Devoted Suitor] [Marriage First, Love Later, One True Pairing, Sweet Romance] As the most honored princess of the Great Yi Dynasty, Pei Heyu was raised from birth in a world of wealth and luxury. When she grew up, she associated only with princes, nobles, and members of eminent families. Those young ladies and gentlemen all came from households of immense wealth, dressed in bejeweled finery. They drank Mingqian Longjing tea worth a fortune, ate tribute p 11.7kReads8.9Score1.1kShelves

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   The first book is about a princess and a general, without time travel or reincarnation. The second book doesn't involve either the male or female protagonist being reincarnated or time-traveling; only the side story mentions the male protagonist's father being reincarnated, but that doesn't affect the story. I genuinely found this book enjoyable.

6. 456 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 8.8kReads7.8Score781Shelves

   Reader note

   No time travel, purely ancient setting, palace intrigue and exciting story.

7. 457 千 Cherished and Adored: The Emperor's Sweet, Adorable Little Wife 千娇百宠：皇上的娇软小萌妻 Shi Yiyuan十一源Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted 1v1, sweet romance, growing-up romance (Comic adaptation signed) Everyone knows that Little Commandery Princess Shen Ruyue is the beloved treasure of the Yuan palace, pampered beyond measure. Her father is the Prince Regent, feared throughout the land. But most importantly, Emperor Yuan, Pei Jingxuan, has kept the soft-spoken little girl in his heart for years. Since childhood, the little princess has climbed onto the dragon throne and slept in the dragon bed. Every time she calls him "Imperial 5.7kReads9.2Score666Shelves

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   Xiao Nuonuo is the female lead in a sweet romance novel. She was taken into the palace by her imperial brother and pampered from a young age. She slept on the dragon bed and lay on the dragon throne from childhood and was the emperor's precious treasure.

8. 458 夫 The Third Year After His Wife Left 夫人走的第三年 White Dog白白的狗Ancient Romance195k WordsCompleted Widower romance / bitter-sweet second chances / a touch of angst / bickering couple The heir to the Duke of Liang's household has been a widower for three years. Everyone in the capital says he has mourned his wife for three years, proof of how deeply he loved her. Only he knows the truth: he got promoted, got rich, and his wife died. What a wonderful life! From then on, he could indulge in cockfighting and dog racing, with no one to hold him back. But... the nights were cold, and strange things 13.5kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   Purely in the traditional Chinese style.

9. 459 她 She Wields a Gentle Blade to Slay the Hearts of Emperors 她用温柔刀，斩尽帝王心 Zhongli Wangshu钟离望舒Ancient Romance724k WordsCompleted Chen Yueyi, daughter of a powerful minister, is so beautiful she could topple kingdoms. Yet she enters the most exalted cage in the realm with an air of gentle vulnerability and pure, tender virtue. Once inside the palace, she flawlessly becomes what the emperor longs for most: a pure, flawless flower who depends on him completely and adores him. Before long, she becomes the irreplaceable moonlight in his heart. Emperor Shen Yanzhi believes every word. He draws her into his arms, convinced he ha 2.1kReads8.2Score207Shelves
10. 460 在 A Hundred Ways to Win the Emperor's Heart in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.2kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves
11. 461 你 You Retired Too? What a Coincidence, So Did I! 你也退休了？好巧，我也是！ Qian Jin na千谨naAncient Romance340k WordsCompleted [Romance included; historical romance; there may or may not be awful relatives (I haven’t written any before, so I’m still working them out)] Xie Yu was an ordinary palace maid who became an ordinary female official. She longed to leave the palace, and at last her dream came true. With the savings she’d earned during ten years of palace work and her battered old bundle on her back, she returned to the hometown she’d been away from for so long. Her dream was to build a little home, open a small s 1.2kReads8.8Score106Shelves

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    It's a historical romance with a romantic pairing. Xie Yu, an ordinary palace maid who rose to the rank of a female official, longed to leave the palace, and finally her dream came true. With her savings from ten years of working in the palace and her tattered belongings, she returned to her long-lost hometown. Her dream was to build a small courtyard, own a small shop, adopt a few children, and become the happiest retired palace maid/female official. Then, nothing happened. The story proceeded according to plan until her retirement, and then, "snap," Xie Yu bumped into someone, and then kept bumping into him, over and over again. Damn it, there's no man in her retirement life!

12. 462 本 This King's Sleeve Is Thoroughly Severed 本王这袖，断的彻底 Born Under a Lucky Star八字过硬Two Male Leads562k WordsCompleted [Preorders for The World Cannot Keep What It Loves Most open at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. For the first 15 minutes, signed copies are available with no quantity limit; from 16 to 30 minutes, copies personally signed by the author are available with no quantity limit!] [Two male leads + The prince has a bit of a sense of humor] Everyone knew Prince Pu was gay. Even the man on the imperial throne turned a blind eye. Prince Pu had loved many people in his life. A horseman from the frontier 34.7kReads9.6Score5kShelves

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    My Zihuan, I'm crying so hard.

13. 463 探 The Top Graduate and the Lovely Young Lady 探花郎与娇小姐 A Simile Is a Figure of Speech比喻是修辞Ancient Romance330k WordsOngoing [New author, new book. Content notes: This is a completely fictional setting. No transmigration, no System, no rebirth. A lighthearted, slice-of-life sweet romance. The leads will have a child, and the hero can embroider. Both leads are inexperienced, one-on-one romance, two-year age gap, with the man older. #Adorable, bold young lady × gentle, sly top scholar# The Minister of Rites said that Wang Zhaohua had the talent to come first in t 161Reads—Score108Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this new book. It has no time travel, no rebirth, and no system. It's about the daily life of two ancient-style male and female protagonists in a romantic relationship.

14. 464 纨 The Spoiled Couple’s Mutual Admiration 纨绔夫妻互捧日常 Aconite on the Snow雪上一枝蒿Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Su Yu'an is forced to marry Jiang Qiyun, the eldest son of the Marquis of Rongyang and the leader of Kyoto's four notorious young lords. Everyone in Kyoto waits for the two of them to make fools of themselves, but instead, they see a couple constantly praising each other. Jiang Qiyun: My wife is clever and brilliant. She brings good fortune to her husband and keeps our home safe! Su Yu'an: My husband is as handsome as a jade tree, shielding me from wind and rain! Kyoto's nobles: Are you talking 18.3kReads9.1Score2.2kShelves
15. 465 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 33.5kReads9.3Score5.8kShelves

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    🌿🌿This book is seriously amazing!! I read it all night long. The plot is fast-paced and doesn't drag at all. It's really good!! [Palace intrigue, a heroine who grows through the story]

16. 466 嫡 The Beloved Legitimate Daughter Must Make the Most of Her Days 嫡女多娇，须尽欢 The Girl Who Walks Sideways姑娘横着走Ancient Romance879k WordsOngoing Chu Yan is alluring and captivating. A hint of her charm is enough to haunt countless men in their dreams and have them getting dressed at dawn. Only Li Yin, the second son of Prince Ning, holds her in contempt. “Chu Yan is so beautiful, and you spend every day with her. Don't you feel anything for her?” Li Yin scoffed. “A venomous beauty, shameless and scheming. Anyone who falls for her is a dog!” That night, Li Yin cornered her by the bed. “First you seduced my eldest brother, then you lured a —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This book is incredibly good, it jumps right from the start!!! The male lead is charmingly roguish, seemingly a womanizer, but he's actually very calculating. Sometimes he even throws a tantrum because of what the female lead says. She's a strong, independent female lead! I absolutely love her intelligence and resourcefulness!

17. 467 沈 The Grand Secretary Shen’s Beloved Darling 沈首辅的掌上娇 Mu Yun Cheng慕妘娍Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Jiang Jincan, the third young lady of the Yong'an Marquis's household, is said to bring death to her husbands. If she takes a liking to you, tell me, would you panic? Shen Yanqing said, “What’s there to panic about? Heaven may not have dropped a fortune into my lap, but it did drop me a wife. That’s a sure win.” Who in the capital didn’t know that Shen Yanqing, heir to the Duke of Dingguo, would do anything Jiang Jincan asked, since their families had been close for generations? He practically w 2.9kReads9.0Score348Shelves

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    A pure ancient Chinese romance novel about raising a child; it's very good, and it highlights family unity and harmony.

18. 468 心 The Moon's Longing 心月迢迢 Yun Ziyou云子柚Ancient Romance279k WordsCompleted (1v1) Both are devoted only to each other. Jiang Xinyue’s childhood sweetheart and husband went off to war one day and was never heard from again. She held the family together alone, cared for the elders, raised their young child, and opened an embroidery shop. Then one day, she suddenly learned that her husband was not only still alive, but had become a celebrated general and was about to marry a beautiful woman and join the imperial family. He had completely forgotten her and their child. Jian 1.3kReads8.4Score122Shelves

    Reader note

    They're all purely historical romance novels, filled with patriotism and family drama, with love subtly hidden in the details. I read the first book twice.

19. 469 换 After Our Marriage Swap, the Mad Crown Prince Became Obsessed With Spoiling Me Night After Night 换嫁后，被疯批太子夜夜强宠上瘾 Fourteen of Eleven十一的十四Ancient Romance706k WordsOngoing [Both leads are each other's one and only + long-planned schemes + playing the fool to outwit the enemy + fighting tooth and nail over each other + a seductive, calculating heroine + a refined yet unhinged crown prince] Crown Prince Qi Heng was noble and virtuous, gentle as jade, and had been betrothed to the Shen family's legitimate daughter since childhood. On the Lantern Festival, the Shen family's eldest daughter was kidnapped. The family substituted their second daughter in her place. Every 41.3kReads8.4Score4kShelves

    Reader note

    It's super good-looking, highly recommended!

20. 470 被 Forced into Marriage by a Scheme, the Seventh Prince Spoils Her Rotten 被算计强娶，七王爷他超宠的 Fang Qingqing方卿卿Ancient Romance349k WordsCompleted [Historical revenge] [Flirtatious, bewitching prince + ruthless, clever beauty + no rebirth + play the pig to eat the tiger + multiple secret identities] Song Yunshu was the eldest daughter of the valiant General’s household. Clever from childhood, she had a photographic memory. But when she was seven, a power struggle at court saw her entire family accused of treason and executed. During her escape, she was unexpectedly rescued by a merchant family from Jiangnan who had come north seeking medic 4.8kReads8.8Score495Shelves

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    A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love and revenge. The female lead witnessed her parents being murdered when she was seven years old. After ten years of planning and scheming, she enters the fray solely to avenge her parents. She marries the male lead, and the two work together, using the identity of a princess to gradually eliminate their enemies.

21. 471 侯 The Marquis’s Daughter Can Fly 侯府千金她会飞 Joy Born of Nothing, NPC无妄生欢NPCAncient Romance291k WordsCompleted Though Lin Xi was born into a marquis’s household, she grew up among the martial world. On her maternal grandmother’s sixtieth birthday, she bid farewell to her master and traveled alone to the capital to pay her respects. Unexpectedly, she stumbled upon the scene of a prince being murdered. Terrified, she put her one real talent, an escape technique, to extraordinary use and fled all the way back to the capital with a secret in tow. Once home, she dutifully took up her role as the young lady of 1.3kReads8.8Score144Shelves

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    The female protagonist appears to be a delicate and refined young lady from a noble family, but in reality, she grew up in the martial arts world and is skilled in martial arts. On her way back to the capital for a birthday celebration, she stumbles upon the male protagonist's plot to assassinate a prince. The male protagonist is a cunning and powerful minister who falls in love with her and dotes on her. It's a beautifully written and quite sweet short story.

22. 472 疯 The Mad Crown Princess Refuses to Behave Like a Proper Wife 疯魔太子妃她不守妇道 Youde Linluosi由得林洛斯Ancient Romance409k WordsOngoing At first, they’re bickering enemies; later, he chases his husband to the crematorium. [A loyal dog who says one thing but means another] x [A willful, arrogant troublemaker] Has this crown princess gone mad? She’s lost her virginity to a stranger before the wedding! What a disastrous start! Xu Xinyu was the crown princess appointed by imperial decree, but both parties wanted to resist the marriage. She was secretly in love with the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard! Sun Yi came to the capit 5Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This is a must-have!! Ancient Chinese romance + strong female lead! + Lighthearted atmosphere + delicate emotions! Crown Princess Xu Xinyu loses her virginity to a stranger on the eve of her wedding! To pursue her dream man, she tries every means to annul the engagement, only to be cheated on by a scumbag, shattering her worldview! A lightning strike awakens her! The heroine instantly turns evil, "Men! Get lost!" The Crown Prince tries to snatch her away, the Prince tries to intercept her, and Sun Yi gets furious, daring anyone who tries to take her away! Xu Xinyu's investigation touches a nerve, forcing her to flee to the border overnight. Sun Yi relentlessly pesters her, "If you won't take responsibility, then take responsibility for me!" (⋟⋞)

23. 473 另 Seeking a Better Match: I Won’t Be the Madam of This Marquis’s Manor! 另谋高嫁：这侯府夫人我不做了！ Egret Under Clear Skies晴天白鹭Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Original title: Finding a Better Match: I’m Done Being the Marquess’s Wife! Regarding plagiarism, don’t make baseless accusations. The publication dates are there for all to see. [Traditional historical romance and household intrigue + strong heroine and hero + mutual devotion + a prince who cherishes his wife] A merchant’s daughter marries into a marquess’s household, becoming the laughingstock of the capital. For six years, Jiang Shu lives alone and supports the entire household without compla 23.9kReads9.2Score4.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Pure ancient romance novels with two-way traffic

24. 474 求 You Want a Secondary Wife? I’ll Marry Your Third Uncle in a Ten-Mile Bridal Procession! 求娶平妻？十里红妆嫁你三叔！ Optimistic Sunflower乐天派向日葵Ancient Romance447k WordsCompleted Everyone in the capital knew that Shen Zhao, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Personnel, was deeply in love with the eldest son of the Cui family. But no one knew that the emperor had personally arranged the marriage between the Shen and Cui families. Cui Shaoqing had been engaged to Shen Zhao for ten years, yet had never cared about her. Only later did Shen Zhao understand that Cui Shaoqing favored women with pride and backbone. She had wasted all her affection and put up with every i 22.6kReads9.2Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a pure ancient-style character and is not a time traveler. She is deeply in love with the male supporting character. However, despite being engaged for 10 years, he has never taken her seriously. In the end, she marries his third uncle, thinking, "If I can't be your bride, then I'll be your aunt."

25. 475 夫 The Marquis's Bright and Tender Wife, Doted on Without Bounds 夫人明媚娇软，清冷侯爷宠妻无边 Xiao Tianyi小甜一Ancient Romance605k WordsCompleted After more than three years of marriage, Qiao Man finally realizes that she and her ice-cold husband are never going to be a loving couple. Since that’s the case, she won’t make herself miserable over it. Life is short, and she has her own parents and siblings to care for. There’s no need to disregard everything for a man. But to her surprise, the moment she stops paying attention to him, he comes scurrying after her all on his own. * Ning Qi is very pleased with the wife he married without ever 24.2kReads8.5Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    After marriage, the female lead felt that the male lead no longer loved her and gradually became distant. The male lead, however, felt that the female lead had changed and took the initiative to learn to love her.

26. 476 白 After My White Moonlight Married, I Married My Archenemy 白月光成亲后，我嫁了我的死对头 A Spoonful of Cherry Blossoms一勺樱花Ancient Romance419k WordsCompleted [The Ex-Wife’s Revenge] Yun Xingran, the daughter of Prince Li’s household, spent ten years humbly chasing after Jiang Xun. At last, an imperial edict arranged their marriage, but even the best-laid plans could not account for fate. A month before the wedding, Jiang Xun made a grand spectacle of bringing Qiao Qingqian, who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, into his home along the city’s ten-mile main street. He gave Yun Xingran a resounding slap in the face. With the wedding date approaching 319Reads8.7Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel is purely in the ancient Chinese style, and the male lead hides his feelings for the female lead very well; I feel a little sorry for him.

27. 477 定 Still the Frost and Dust 定霜尘 Return Slowly with You与君缓缓归Two Male Leads153k WordsCompleted Shen Shuang, the legitimate daughter of a distinguished family, was granted a marriage by imperial decree, making her the envy of everyone in the capital. But with the wedding fast approaching, her fiancé secretly kept a concubine and sullied her good name. Rumors spread, her family was disgraced, and trouble brewed beneath the surface. Everyone advised her to swallow her anger, accept her fate, and bow her head. But Shen Shuang refused to yield to the storm. She tore the corrupt schemers to pie 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Then please read this book; you won't be disappointed.

28. 478 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 19.9kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

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    A top-tier completed historical romance novel. Xie Queshan (male lead): A seemingly traitorous general, but in reality a lone wolf undercover agent, possessing both iron will and tender heart, concealing a loyal soul. Nanyi (female lead): A small-time female thief surviving in a chaotic world, transforming from an ant into a sharp blade. From initial one-sided domination to later evenly matched struggles, the male and female leads achieve a spiritual resonance through pursuit and counterattack. When the female lead grows from an "ant" into a spy who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the male lead, the line "You taught me to live, and I will find your name again" perfectly captures the ultimate romance amidst chaos.

29. 479 最 The Royal Family Is Truly Heartless 最是皇室无情人 Xia Xiaoli夏小礼Ancient Romance50k WordsCompleted For generations, the Mu family had loyally served the country. In the end, their entire clan was sentenced to execution. The official presiding over the execution was her husband, the most brilliant and extraordinary of the Great Jing Kingdom's Third Princes. Then she awoke to the truth: The man she loved was a member of the royal family, the most heartless people in the world... 613Reads7.0Score119Shelves

    Reader note

    These books feature original characters without any special abilities or overpowered personalities, and the plots are fast-paced. In the first book, the female protagonist marries into a family as a widow to repay a debt of gratitude, supporting the household. However, six years later, she is heartbroken when her husband brings home another woman, leading to a divorce and her pursuit of her own life. In the second book, when she wishes him a vast empire but no one to share it with, my heart aches. I feel sorry for the female protagonist and the tragic massacre of her family caused by her love.

30. 480 宫 Deep in the Palace, She Speaks Not; Qingyan Makes No Contest 宫深不语，清晏不争 Winter Is No Time for Reading冬天不是读书天Ancient Romance152k WordsCompleted She was the daughter of an ordinary civil official in the capital, from a modest family, neither favored nor ambitious. All she wanted was a quiet life: to marry into an ordinary household and spend her days in a little courtyard. But when an imperial edict called for a selection of palace women, she had no way to refuse and was forced to enter the towering red walls of the palace, where every step was fraught with danger. Others entered the palace seeking favor, power, and glory for their famil 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is the book! It's really good, I'm not kidding, I grew up watching "Empresses in the Palace".

31. 481 良 Who Will Share This Lovely Night? 良宵谁与共 Su Jingchu苏静初Ancient Romance496k WordsCompleted Her widowed mother remarries into the Xiao family. After enduring all kinds of ups and downs, she finally raises Xu Lingyun to adulthood. When Xu Lingyun reaches the age to choose a husband, she discovers that the eldest son of the Xiao family has had his eye on her for a long time... They fall in love and live happily ever after. 2.9kReads9.0Score286Shelves
32. 482 强 Forced Marriage: The Mad Ninth Imperial Uncle Has an Obsession With Imprisoning Me 强娶：疯批九皇叔囚宠上瘾 Tang Jueyu唐九珏Ancient Romance309k WordsOngoing [A shameless male lead + genuine coercive pursuit + melodrama + a touch of political intrigue + chasing his wife to the crematorium] Content warning: This is not a power fantasy with a strong female lead. If that’s what you’re looking for, please move along. Thanks! Synopsis: On a snowy, windy night, Jiang Yunshi is chasing a cat darting through the streets when she witnesses a bloody massacre. To save her own life, she tearfully calls him Ninth Imperial Uncle! Lu Zhi’s sword tip sinks into the 14Reads6.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    New books are here! Freshly baked gems of novels, why not give them a try? 🍒 Don't let the title put you off by the first one; the male lead is a bit ruthless, but so far, we haven't seen him fall in love with the female lead yet 🤭 The third book has such a fun plot—the male lead practically gives his woman to his nephew! He's gone mad with love, haha!

33. 483 朝 Day After Day, Endless and Long 朝朝漫漫 Young Master Little White Rabbit小白兔公子Ancient Romance335k WordsCompleted Moonlight spilled across the ground, cool and pale. Lotus flowers stood tall in a tranquil pond. A gauzy veil concealed her face as she danced with graceful poise, every smile and frown captivating. People said Gu Yanchu, the powerful grand secretary, was the emperor’s illegitimate son, abandoned among the common people. Otherwise, how could he have joined the Grand Secretariat at such a young age? It was a pity that such an elegant, handsome gentleman had married a fierce and domineering young 5.1kReads9.1Score410Shelves
34. 484 梨 When the Pear Blossoms Bloom, I’ll Return to You 梨花开时与君归 Jian Wei见薇Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted She was the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor’s household. Her father was the sitting Chancellor, and her mother was the only daughter of a celebrated old general who had defended the nation. She should have lived a life of wealth and privilege, safe and smooth, but everything changed abruptly ten years ago. First, her valiant maternal grandfather died suddenly in battle. Then her mother was assassinated, and she was forced to disappear for six years in the same attack. Six years later, she 45Reads6.3Score—Shelves
35. 485 农 The Farmer's Daughter An Ning 农女安宁 Boat on the River河之舟Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted [Mid-Length Novel Contest] Du Ning, the eldest granddaughter of the Du family in Xishui Village, has always seemed soft and fragile to the villagers. At first, they thought she was incredibly lucky because a constable from the city had taken a liking to her! Then they thought her luck had run out when the constable broke off their engagement. In the end, they decided she was lucky after all, because she found herself another constable. So, miss, have you got some kind of thing for constables? Wi 571Reads8.6Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    Not time-travel, not rebirth, not space [I get it]. That's rare! I searched and searched, but there are so few novels that don't have these three elements. I found this one by accident. While it's not a particularly amazing novel, to be honest, I gave it a low score! In a time when time-travel, rebirth, and space-themed stories are everywhere, finding one like this is quite difficult.

36. 486 糟 Oh No! My New Husband's Uncle Is My Former Lover 糟糕！新婚夫君小叔竟是旧日姘头 Luo Tan罗檀Ancient Romance656k WordsCompleted [The unattainable beauty becomes a mistress for love] [At first, the heroine is all sweet talk; later, the hero is consumed with longing] Jiang Yu, a concubine's daughter abandoned at a country estate, was unexpectedly abducted by bandits. To survive, Jiang Yu did everything she could to ingratiate herself with the bandits' second-in-command, becoming his most beloved bandit wife. She whispered sweet nothings to him while secretly waiting for her chance to escape. When the imperial court came to 2.2kReads7.9Score296Shelves
37. 487 被 Forced to Become His Bedchamber Maid, She Is Spoiled Beyond Reason by the General 被逼成通房后，她被将军逆天独宠 Demon Realm Style魔域画风Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A true maid-companion, no transmigration and no later identity makeover] Su Qingwan was treated as a pawn in the household's inner-familial schemes and assigned as a bedchamber maid to an illegitimate son. She refused, she ran away, and then she was forced back. On one side was the matriarch, who could kill without spilling a drop of blood. On the other was a violent illegitimate son who would casually order twenty strokes for a maid. She struggled to survive between them. Thinking she had chos 2.8kReads9.1Score673Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a purely historical romance novel. The female lead is a delicate and gentle concubine, while the male lead is ruthless and doesn't talk much.

38. 488 似 Snowy Dreams Beneath the Moon, Silken Tassels 似月雪梦流苏 Rainbow Little Turtle七彩小乌龟Ancient Romance205k WordsCompleted They say the Seventeenth Prince has no interest in women and a peculiar temper, yet somehow he has fallen for a nun. The young nun looked at the prince as if he were an idiot and said, “We’re not right for each other.” “An’an, would you be my princess consort?” the man pleaded. “Not interested,” the nun said with disdain. 4Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 489 美 The Gorgeous, Flirtatious Maid Who Ran After Seducing the Heir 美艳通房茶又娇，撩完世子她就跑 Sugar-Free Pineapple Milk Pudding菠萝奶冻不加糖Ancient Romance426k WordsCompleted One-on-one romance, happy ending, sweet and doting, ridiculously sweet, both steamy and heartfelt. Everything you want, I've got. Beautiful, scheming, down-on-her-luck heiress X cold on the outside, warm on the inside, intensely possessive heir to a marquis The whole capital thinks Young Lord Jin has gone mad! The aloof and proud Young Lord Jin actually defied an imperial decree and rejected his betrothal, leaving the daughter of the powerful chancellor in the lurch! Rumor has it that it's all 8.7kReads9.1Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a historical romance novel with no time travel or rebirth elements. The female protagonist's family invites trouble, and a scumbag boyfriend, after climbing the social ladder in high school, frames her family. The female protagonist escapes from a brothel but encounters the male protagonist killing someone. To save her parents, she makes a power-for-sex deal. Her parents rescue her, and the two fall in love. However, they then face a marriage arranged by the male protagonist, and her former lover reappears. The female protagonist leaves, and the male protagonist, having defied the emperor's decree and stripped of his title, searches for her, turning to the dark side. The male protagonist is psychologically strong enough to avoid tormenting the readers; after a few days of darkness, he becomes a clingy puppy. The rest of the plot awaits readers to unlock! [Eating melon emojis]

40. 490 三 Three Souls as the Betrothal Gift, Seven Spirits as the Wedding Present 三魂为聘，七魄为礼 All Out肆意满Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone has three hun and seven po souls. Yin Wenjiu has only one hun and one po: an unidentified resentful soul and an unidentified life soul. Both exist to keep her body alive. But she only cares about enjoying the moment. She tells fortunes with perfect accuracy and charges the highest price! She won’t go out of her way to stay alive, nor will she actively seek death. She waited at Yunmeng Marsh for five years. If someone came to save her, she would go with them; if no one did, she would dig 24.4kReads9.3Score3.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is amazing!!! You have to buy it!

41. 491 惊 Breaking News! The Princess Consort Wanted by the Entire City Is in His Bridal Chamber 惊爆！被全城通缉的王妃在他洞房 Jian Yu简钰Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Two equally formidable leads + quirky heroine + seemingly innocent but secretly cunning hero + playful flirting + metaphysics] Prince Pei Yuheng is a man of extraordinary bearing. He can defend the nation with military might and govern it with literary skill. Countless noblewomen in the capital dream of marrying him. Yet he falls in love with Ye Qingwu, a lowborn merchant’s daughter, and even defies the emperor’s decree for her: He will take her as his principal wife and accept no concubines! H 7.7kReads8.4Score1kShelves
42. 492 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I think these books are the pinnacle of ancient Chinese romance novels. There are no cheat codes or time travel elements; they're just about pure ancient people. They're so good! I've finished them all, and I don't believe anyone doesn't have these books on their bookshelf!

43. 493 末 Apocalypse: The Whole Company Denies the Existence of the 18th Floor 末世：全公司否认18楼存在 On Jiufeng Mountain九峰山上Sci-Fi & Apocalypse783k WordsCompleted [Apocalypse + No System + Reborn + Mystery + One Female Lead + Zombies + Hard Sci-Fi + No Mindless Decisions + Revenge] Reborn six hours before the apocalypse, Chu Yan has not only retained his memories of the future, but also mastered the ultimate secret of genetic evolution! He can become the most powerful god in the apocalypse! He frantically stockpiles supplies, builds weapons, modifies vehicles, and saves his parents, racing against time! He will kill his enemies with his own hands and turn 3.4kReads8.7Score290Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure ancient-style post-apocalyptic novel, without time travel or reincarnation, featuring realistic portrayals of human nature, excellent writing with many plot twists, and increasingly addictive to read.

44. 494 末 Apocalypse Cockroach 末日蟑螂 Mighty Cockroach伟岸蟑螂Sci-Fi & Apocalypse6.3M WordsCompleted Zhang Xiaoqiang is an insignificant nobody, a lazy loser who had been content to lounge around and wait to die. Staying at home lets him avoid the first outbreak of the zombie virus. When he sees his neighbors in the same apartment complex turn into zombies, he is overcome with boundless terror. He struggles to survive alone in an Apocalypse where people prey on each other. At last, worn down by loneliness, he picks up his gear and heads out into a world shrouded in smoke and fire. He takes the 27kReads8.9Score2.3kShelves
45. 495 权 The Alluring Powerful Minister 权臣妖娆 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance960k WordsCompleted Also known as The Female Top Scorer and The Female Imperial Tutor. He was a celebrated, charmingly elegant top scorer, showered with every favor under the heavens. Only after the Du family was destroyed and he hanged himself in prison did the world learn that “he” was a woman! After her father's death, the family's good name was ruined. Dozens of loyal servants starved to death. The beautiful women of the household were either made into servants or reduced to playthings for officials. Reborn, Du 3.3kReads9.1Score435Shelves
46. 496 强 A Bold Pursuit! After the Secret Guard Falls for Her, He Only Wants to Defy His Master 强撩！暗卫沦陷后，只想以下犯上 Autumn Waters Play with Mayflies秋水戏蜉蝣Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted [Alluring Beauty x Devoted Shadow Guard, 1v1, Strong Female Lead, Transmigration] “Master...” Feng Ming called softly again and again, his face very close to hers. His hot breath traced her fair little face, yet he never dared to touch her. At the same time, he restrained himself and drew back his outstretched hand, clenching it into a fist... 4.5kReads8.7Score308Shelves
47. 497 琢 Carving Jade 琢玉 Blowing Flowers, Chewing Petals吹花嚼蕊Ancient Romance555k WordsCompleted [Gentle, resilient, delicate flower × rebellious, pampered young master] [Pure historical romance + everyone’s crush + childhood sweethearts + reunited after a breakup + happy ending] The young heir of Prince Rong’s mansion, Nan Rongxuan, was a spoiled playboy, rebellious and unwilling to listen to anyone. Yet he was completely under the thumb of the delicate flower from his sworn enemy’s household, Li Shuyu, the prime minister’s legitimate daughter. The girl he treasured above all else could 690Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A purely ancient Chinese romance novel featuring a young couple. [Top post][Top post]

48. 498 被 After I Was Found by a General from a Neighboring Kingdom 被临国将军捡到之后 Xie Chen谢忱Ancient Romance312k WordsCompleted [Indulgent God of War General VS breathtaking fallen noblewoman] With treacherous ministers in power, the Su family is falsely accused of treason and bringing ruin to the nation. Overnight, the entire Su household is slaughtered. Su Yunyao, the “traitor’s daughter,” hides and scrapes by, eventually forced to become a beggar. Ten years later, she is brought into the imperial palace as a saintess and, by imperial decree, made the Crown Prince of Li’s consort. She thinks revenge for her family i 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    So pretty! (♥∀♥)

49. 499 我 I Find the Top Scholar So Charming 我见探花多娇媚 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Jing Bao has three wishes: First, protect the family estate of the main branch; second, enter the Imperial College, place third in the palace examinations, and bring honor to the family; third, keep living as a man in disguise until the end. Lord Gu has three wishes too: First, help someone protect their family estate; second, help that someone place third in the palace examinations; third, bring the disguised top scorer home and make her the mistress of the household. 4.1kReads9.4Score756Shelves
50. 500 侯 The Cousin's Daily Struggle to Survive in the Marquis's Estate 侯府表姑娘生存日常 One Foot of Dye一尺染Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Psychologist Su Jinyi transmigrates to the ancient Liang Dynasty, only to become an orphan who has lost both parents and is left to care for her little brother. At least her family is fabulously wealthy... but someone is actually trying to steal it? As if! To make a good life for herself in ancient times, Su Jinyi reluctantly embarks on a battle of wits within the household! 7.5kReads9.2Score997Shelves

    Reader note

    Pure ancient Chinese romance, no time travel or reincarnation!!! I recently finished reading "Listening to Spring Rain All Night in a Small Building," and I was left wanting more. The author's writing is delicate, focusing on the psychological descriptions of the characters, and the internal struggles within the household are tense and exciting, with the story unfolding smoothly. Each character has a distinct personality. Seeing the eldest sister, Qingyun, gentle and dignified, and rule-abiding, reminded me of Shouhua, the eldest sister in "Five Blessings at the Door," which I read recently; the second sister, Xianyue, frail yet charming and insightful, reminded me of Lin Daiyu; the third sister, Lingshuang, lively and unconventional, reminded me of Leshan, the fifth sister in "Five Blessings at the Door," played by Zhao Liying. The others are all good books I'm currently reading or have read before!!!

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