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. 251 帝 The Imperial Terrace's Charm: The Noble Consort Is Beautiful and Well-Behaved 帝台娇：贵妃娘娘她又美又乖 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + climbing the ranks and crushing the villains + doting romance. The male lead knows his own heart. He'll devote himself to her alone later on.] [The heroine rises through the ranks quickly at first, then more slowly later on.] [The heroine comes from a noble family, is the most beautiful woman in the harem, and already has two adorable children. The Emperor falls for her first and favors her from early on, before devoting himself to her alone in the middle and later parts.] By a 20.5kReads9.4Score2kShelves

   Reader note

   Every female lead is intelligent and initially unmoved, only focused on climbing the social ladder.

2. 252 深 Auntie Yun in the Deep House 深宅里的云姨娘 Ming Han明菡Ancient Romance11k WordsCompleted Auntie Yun in the Inner Courtyard 7Reads—Score—Shelves
3. 253 黑 The Black Lotus Rises to Become Empress, While the Chancellor Dotes on Her Every Day 黑莲花翻身当女帝，丞相日日宠 Chun Jin'an春尽安Ancient Romance171k WordsCompleted Don’t read my embarrassing old work anymore QvQ —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A strong female lead + love at first sight + both characters are virgins + a satisfying read. The Black Lotus Empress, ruthless and invincible, kills her enemies right from the start! She seduced him, sharing tender moments with him for three years, waiting for him to lower his guard before rising to power... She moved gracefully, covering her mouth with a soft laugh: "Prime Minister, you're out of the game." But her heart no longer seemed to belong to her... In a battle between two kings, the one who falls in love first is the loser.

4. 254 尤 The Alluring Consort Climbs to the Phoenix Throne and Captures the Emperor's Heart at First Sight 尤物娘娘爬凤位，让皇上一见钟情 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance228k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + the emperor falls at first sight + palace intrigue and rising to power through favoritism + heroine’s acting skills + strong, clever heroine] Wen Shuyao loved only herself. Only losers loved men. Now that she had been granted the title of Attendant and ordered into the palace, she would make use of the emperor’s love at first sight. The emperor was merely a stepping stone for Wen Shuyao. It wouldn’t be hard to act like someone deeply in love with him. Wen Shuyao was the legitimat 5.1kReads9.0Score609Shelves
5. 255 战 The God of War Prince Is Determined to Help the Princess Take the Throne 战神王爷一心扶公主上位 Fangfang the Lotus荷花芳芳Ancient Romance235k WordsCompleted [Tsundere, sharp-tongued prince × straightforward, spirited princess] [Alternate historical setting / five-year age gap / mutual devotion] “Feng Huaixin, from the moment you first saved me, you were destined to be mine!” When she was ten, someone pushed her into the water, and Feng Huaixin risked his life to save her. When she was fifteen, she heard he was returning to the capital after winning a battle. She went out of the city to welcome him, only to see someone try to assassinate him. She dre —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   New book, proceed with caution if you're particular about writing style! Pure historical romance, no time travel or reincarnation. The female lead is the emperor and empress's only princess and sole heir. The male lead is responsible for building the city walls to protect the people, while the female lead guards the court. When necessary, the two go to the battlefield together!

6. 256 我 I, the Dragon Prince, Am a Beauty's Power Bank in the Mountains 我，龙族太子，在山里当美人充电宝 Ming Han明菡11k WordsCompleted I, the Dragon Prince, Become a Beauty's Power Bank in the Mountains 52Reads—Score—Shelves
7. 257 后 A Laid-Back Concubine in the Inner Palace, Calmly Turning Her Life Around and Sunbathing 后宅小咸鱼，淡定翻身晒太阳 Orange Turned Orange橘子橙了Ancient Romance262k WordsOngoing Su Zhiyuan looked up at the person holding her around the belly and lifting her up, then lowered her head and kept nibbling on the pastry in her hand. Her father had said that everyone here was an important person, so she had to behave. Her mother had said that her father was the head of the family, and that if she listened to him, she’d get pastries. She’d been very good today, so she’d get another pastry when she got home. Six-year-old Feng Chen hugged Su Zhiyuan around the belly from behind a 9.9kReads8.6Score610Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead was noticed by the male lead when she was a child, and he raised her from childhood and doted on her.

8. 258 娇 The Spoiled Consort's Road to Glory 娇气包娘娘的荣华路 Qingxi Hexi清兮禾兮Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted Sweet romance! Undivided love! She’s doted on to the max! [The heroine is cunning, a little black lotus hidden beneath a rabbit’s skin] [The hero has a harem and isn’t chaste, but once he meets the heroine, he devotes himself to her alone in a one-on-one romance] The third young lady of the Sheng’an Marquis’s household, born to his secondary wife, was as beautiful as a celestial maiden. Sweet and clever, she knew how to win favor. Her grandmother and father favored her, and even her legitimate 13.4kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves
9. 259 江 The Realm Is Yours, I Return to My Homeland 江山归你，我归故国 Poetic Affections韫情诗意Ancient Romance512k WordsCompleted Synopsis: [Love at first sight + love unrequited + possessive forced marriage + tragic beauty + devoted to one another, both leads are sexually inexperienced] She is a beloved and honored princess, and he is a mighty general with countless victories to his name. She thought their lives would never cross, but after one breathtaking glimpse, he falls for her at first sight and uses his military power to force her to marry him. As a princess of the realm, she knows she has no freedom to choose whom 224Reads8.4Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Synopsis: Pure classical Chinese text, both characters are virgins, and the two books are related. Personal recommendation: Read the first book first, then the second. Definitely add this to your bookshelf!

10. 260 江 Though the Realm Is Dear, I Only Wish to Give You a Lifetime of Splendor 江山虽情重，只愿许你一世倾城 Mr. Fanyang范阳先生Ancient Romance576k WordsCompleted Synopsis: Emperor and empress couple + devoted one-and-only love + childhood friends Chu Qiyu is the crown prince of Great Chu and its future emperor. Luo Qingyan is a princess of Beiyuan, whose father is the powerful King of Beiyuan. They met for the first time that year and were betrothed by imperial decree. From then on, their fates were intertwined. As an emperor, he always had to put the realm first. Chu Qiyu had never imagined falling in love with her. He knew what she wanted, yet in the e 394Reads8.8Score100Shelves
11. 261 身 As Empress, I Love Both My Realm and My Handsome Consorts 身为女帝，江山和美人郎君孤皆爱 Wan Shanyue挽杉月Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Female-Dominant World] [Not 1v1] [Strong Female Lead] [Political Intrigue] [Feel-Good Power Fantasy] [A Full-Blown Palace Drama] [Main Story Complete] As the ruler, living in an era when women contend for supremacy, naturally she wants to unite the world. Who would have thought that on the road to unification, all the beauties under heaven would end up in her arms? [Note: Although the heroine aims to unite the world, this story is actually more focused on romance. Also, all the male leads are p 3.6kReads8.8Score396Shelves
12. 262 把 I Dumped the Prince and Got Together with the Young Lord of Nanjiang 把王爷甩了，和南疆世子在一起了 lllllllll Ahlllllllll啊Ancient Romance10k WordsCompleted I Dumped the Prince and Got Together with the Heir of Southern Xinjiang 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely historical romance, featuring a genuine, authentic female lead who is a divine healer—not a simp, but dashing and handsome, who dumps the prince; a youthful second male lead who rises to power—a short story that you can finish in just a few minutes! Definitely worth watching!

13. 263 夫 My Wife Is Timid and Unassuming 夫人胆小木讷 The Sleepy Kitty爱睡觉的喵Ancient Romance687k WordsCompleted Two people born to concubines were forced together for the sake of their family’s interests. One was a talented young man, the other bland and taciturn; one had genuine ability, the other only pretended to be dull; one wanted to make a name for himself, the other just wanted to play dumb… 9.4kReads8.4Score889Shelves

    Reader note

    It should suit your taste; it's a new work by a rising author, and it's really good.

14. 264 念 Nian Xiya 念曦呀 Not Weaker Than the Demon Wind不弱妖风Ancient Romance296k WordsOngoing The woman he loved broke off their engagement. From then on, he frequented the pleasure quarters, and married her, a woman little known among the capital's nobility. She was the daughter of a Minister who secretly harbored great ambitions. By chance, she married him, a man of high rank. Knowing full well that he did not love her, she weighed the pros and cons and chose to keep her distance. But in the end, he said he didn't want to let her go. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    He was jilted by his beloved and later married a woman who remained unknown among the nobles of the capital. She was originally a young lady from a high-ranking official's family, harboring great ambitions, but by chance, she married him, a man of high status.

15. 265 贵 The Alluring Imperial Consort Climbs to the Top by Winning the Emperor’s Favor 贵妃娘娘妩媚诱人，一路争宠上位 Cheng Shuang乘霜Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted [A drama-loving, cunning heroine who puts on a beautiful act × a hero who falls for all her tricks] The heroine is spoiled by his affection, and the hero keeps lowering his standards for her Shen Yue knew from childhood that she had to fight for whatever she wanted. Having watched her concubine mother bow and scrape around the household, she wanted to win a respectable place in the world for them both. As a concubine-born daughter, no high-ranking family would take her as a principal wife. If sh 2.8kReads8.8Score251Shelves

    Reader note

    I've been searching for pure historical romance novels, and this one is a gem I recently discovered. There's no reincarnation, no cheat codes, just pure historical romance with palace intrigue and domestic power struggles. The female lead is very smart and knows how to be charming. The author updates very consistently, so it's definitely worth reading!

16. 266 泼 The Fiery Second Madam Shen 泼辣沈二娘子 The Sleepy Kitty爱睡觉的喵Ancient Romance701k WordsOngoing The Shen family of Tongji City is comfortably well-off. The family of seven should have been living happily together, but fate had other plans. Shen Muqing, the head of the household, suddenly passed away, leaving his widowed wife and young son and daughter to face a world full of predators... 46Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 267 虐 Tortured into a Locked Love 虐锁清欢 Already Exists 11已存在的11Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Leng Qinghuan was forced to marry the notorious Prince Yan. But she wasn't some naive, helpless girl. Crying and accepting her fate just wasn't in Leng Qinghuan's nature. She seized every opportunity, with the courage to burn her bridges, fought scheming women, fought the empress, opened shops, learned to solve cases, and more... Through her words and deeds, she proved herself. The woman Prince Yan had once sneered at ultimately became someone far beyond his reach! 293Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 268 你 You and I, Heart to Heart 你侬我侬 Smiling Eyes Amid Peach Blossoms桃花深处眉眼弯弯Ancient Romance322k WordsCompleted A hazy dream left Qiaoqiao unable to see things clearly, but one thing was certain: Mo Henghuan was a massive scumbag! So why wait? She should dump him! But why did trouble follow right on his heels, and why was it so hard to deal with? Well, having an ally was important, and the heir of the Bai family seemed like a good choice. But I’m only joining forces with you, not marrying you. How about we renegotiate the terms? The Bai heir: “Qiaoqiao, whether we’re cooperating or plotting together, you 1.9kReads9.5Score243Shelves

    Reader note

    A classic ancient romance novel with an engaging storyline.

19. 269 绝 The Peerless Little Princess Consort 绝世小俏妃 Dog Thirteen狗十三Ancient Romance575k WordsCompleted [A funny, charming princess consort + a scheming prince who fiercely protects his own + a manipulative woman + a wickedly seductive and mysterious Holy Lord, and more...] [Sweet romance + comedy + from scum to love + perfect ending] What does it feel like to fall in love with your enemy? The day he led his troops to invade her country, the sun shone brightly. The seventh prince of Beijiang, Mu Beiming, cut an imposing figure in his black armor. Even with a fearsome mask hiding his face, his shar 5.6kReads9.5Score668Shelves
20. 270 北 The Northern Princess's Love for Song: Father and Son 北国公主情系大宋父与子 C-Jun Like the MoonC君如月Ancient Romance560k WordsCompleted [Female-led coming-of-age story + princess + marrying into the wife's family + one woman and two men + older woman, younger husband] “Fine, then go!” “From now on, we're through. I, Yelü Fengxue, am no longer your wife.” ... ... “Why won't you marry me?” “Because I was once your father's woman.” “But the person you love now is me!” “If I didn't love you, perhaps I wouldn't be in so much pain.” 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    His eldest son, Xu Tianzuo, was always steady and capable, so there was no need to worry. Xu Tianyou, however, was naturally unruly and, without anyone to restrain him, he worried he might go astray. Now, in this northern land, nearing fifty, he had gained another son, Xu Tianqi. He longed for his two sons, far away in Bianjing, to witness this scene. "Uncle, what are you doing here?" Yelü Fengxue's voice pulled Xu Zhongbo back to reality. He turned around to see the princess smiling as she approached him. "I was just gazing at the snow, lost in thought. Have all the guests arrived?" "Not all of them have arrived yet. Father will be here soon; let's go to the gate to greet him."

21. 271 明 At Peace in the Heart 明心所安 Huaiyi Little Immortal怀义小神仙Fantastical Romance156k WordsOngoing Su Ji'an's spiritual meridians are depleted, and her lifespan is capped at eighteen. Quietly waiting to die is her only ambition. A kidnapping shatters the peace. In the next room is a white-robed scholar who claims to be the son of a wealthy merchant, putting on a panicked act. Su Ji'an sees right through him: he's pretending too. The two of them team up to stage a hostage ransom, fool the kidnappers, and narrowly escape. She thinks their paths will never cross again, but fate pushes her into J —Reads—Score334Shelves

    Reader note

    I'd like to recommend one of my own writings.

22. 272 柳 Liu Jingyue 柳惊月 Nine Snowy Branches九枝雪Ancient Romance108k WordsCompleted [Ending] At first, he thought he had merely fallen in love with an assassin, and waited for the day they would meet again. Little did he know that the girl he was waiting for had already been sent by his own hand to marry for peace. He had taught her the difference between good and evil, and shown her compassion. Looking back, he could only think how hypocritical he had been. “I was a fool to think I could save you.” Now she had become a princess revered by all, while he was left consumed with r 87Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In "Liu Jingyue," the female lead is a princess, but the male lead doesn't know this and thinks she's just an ordinary assassin. For the sake of power, he suggests that the princess be married off to a foreign ruler. Only on the day of the marriage does he realize that the female lead is actually a princess...

23. 273 重 Reborn as the Apple of My Husband’s Eye 重生我是夫君心尖宠 Yuan Youtiao元柚窕Ancient Romance218k WordsOngoing In her previous life, she was a pitiful little thing with no one to rely on. Her family constantly targeted and framed her, and in the end, she died with an arrow through her heart. After she died, she drifted through the air, watching the people who had hurt her live happily. Furious, she lunged at them, only to grab at empty air. Later, somehow, she found herself by the side of the all-powerful Eunuch of Nine Thousand Years, day after day. He was like a god to her. He uncovered the truth for h —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    He has no cheat codes whatsoever, and his rebirth in this life leaves him with little memory of his past life. The male protagonist, Yin Yin, is a pitiful girl who, in order to repay a debt of gratitude, ends up seducing the female protagonist into bed.

24. 274 你 You Seduced My Husband, I’ll Seduce Your Son. Fair’s Fair 你吊我夫君，我诱你儿子，不能亏 Thirty Thousand Gold三万金Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Song Xuwan had the husband everyone envied: he was chaste and had never even taken a concubine. But his handsome facade was ripped away in bloody fashion after one drunken night... Zhou Minghai was hardly chaste. He simply had a first love in his heart and wanted to remain faithful to her. Now he had even hidden his first love at a hot-spring villa, sneaking off to meet her every few days. Enough was enough! Whoever wanted that old geezer in his thirties could have him. She had no interest i 13.8kReads8.9Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    A good title is half the battle; just from the title, I knew I'd buy it if the writing was decent. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

25. 275 边 Wild Passion on the Frontier 边塞狂情 The Moon and the Lantern月与灯Ancient Romance220k WordsCompleted [A Woman Disguised as a Man + Two Strong Leads + Love and Conflict] A blood-soaked wedding nearly brought down the governor's residence. Xuan Yuan Yu, the governor's daughter, tries to turn the tide and embarks on a long journey to escort the Prince of Duan's bride. As one of the four envoys of the “Shadow,” Liu Guchi can either advance to deputy commander or retreat into an abyss. His mission is to assassinate the Princess of the Yuezhi, who is coming to marry into the empire. They are fated to 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [A ruthless, cunning, and stunningly beautiful assassin VS. A clever and decisive daughter of a prefect] A love-hate relationship between two powerful figures: A blood-stained wedding nearly destroys the prefect's mansion. The prefect's daughter, Xuan Yuan Yu, attempts to save the situation, embarking on a long and arduous journey to escort the Prince of Duan to his new marriage. Liu Gu Chi, one of the four envoys of "Shadow," faces a choice between becoming a deputy commander or falling into an abyss. His mission is to assassinate the Yuezhi princess who has come for a marriage alliance. Destined to be mortal enemies, yet bound by tenderness.

26. 276 竹 My Childhood Friend Is Ruthless and Savage to Everyone Else, but a Sweet Puppy to Me 竹马对外杀伐狠戾，对我软萌奶狗 Only Loves Coffee芷爱咖啡Ancient Romance311k WordsOngoing [Pure Historical Romance] [Slow-Burn Romance] [Childhood Sweethearts] [Long-Standing Scheme] [Two-Faced Male Lead] [Sweet Romance with a Hint of Bittersweetness, No Angst] [Light Family Intrigue] [Dear readers: This is a sweet, slow-burn romance. The leads dote on each other from childhood to adulthood. At first, they're all children, so the pace is slower, with nothing but innocent sweetness and no flirting. Once they grow up, multiple couples' stories unfold in parallel. Please choose for your 44Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure ancient romance novel, with no rebirth, no time travel, and no cheat codes. Childhood sweethearts, the male lead has loved her since childhood and has been plotting for a long time. The female lead is straightforward with the male lead, who is cunning, jealous, and silently ruthless.

27. 277 抄 After the Estate Was Confiscated 抄家以后 Snow Tea Woof Woof雪茶汪汪Ancient Romance252k WordsCompleted [A clever, levelheaded noblewoman vs. an honest, straightforward, fiercely loyal guard] [Historical Romance + Revenge + Healing + Political Intrigue + Love That Grows Over Time + Devoted Guard] Cheng Ming'an was the daughter of a general. On the eve of her wedding, the Cheng family was arrested and their assets confiscated for treason. Her father and brothers were executed, her eldest sister took her own life, and her married sisters were put through one hardship after another. Her fiancé change 11.5kReads9.5Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    They possess a unique beauty.

28. 278 两 A Tale of Two Fated Loves 两段缘 Little Ke小棵Ancient Romance86k WordsOngoing The ruthless General Yunhui has met the bane of his existence. This woman is a bewitching charm in human form. When she smiles, the sky brightens. When she cries, he aches. When he looks at her, he cannot bear to turn away. Even when she is by his side, he still longs for her. Then one day, she suddenly vanishes, nearly costing him his life... The naive “woman from a painting,” Liu Pianxian, somehow steps out of the picture and becomes real. She meets the jade-faced demon, a man who kills withou 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese setting, no time travel, no cheat codes. The male lead is a cunning and ruthless general, a lonely and aloof character. The female lead is initially naive and sweet, but later becomes beautiful, strong, and tragic. The story includes court intrigue, vast deserts, separations, and reunions.

29. 279 退 After the Engagement Was Called Off, the Regent Treated His Wife Like a Queen 退婚后，摄政王宠妻如命 Mu Leng沐冷Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A friendly reminder: This isn’t a nonsensical wish-fulfillment novel, and the heroine isn’t quirky. Readers who might be bothered by that, please think twice before reading.] She thought that growing up together as childhood sweethearts, understanding and supporting each other, would lead to growing old together in happiness. But after waiting three years, what awaited her wasn’t a wedding crown and bridal robes. Instead, he had another woman in his arms. That dashing young man in fine cloth 10.2kReads8.9Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a pure ancient romance novel. The male lead is devoted and domineering, and the female lead is not reborn but transmigrated, instead being aloof and elegant. There's also a second female lead who transmigrates but can't accept reality. Absolutely amazing! Don't miss it!!!

30. 280 司 The Retired Life of a Female Court Archivist 司籍女官的退休日常 Jing Ban静半Ancient Romance561k WordsCompleted [Fictional setting, not a transmigration or rebirth story + household intrigue + lady of the house] [Early story: self-reliant junior female official x by-the-book prefect] [Later story: perceptive and sensible lady of the house x scheming grand secretary] Wu Xi has spent thirteen years in the palace, struggling her way up, cautious and restrained, dodging countless hidden attacks. At last, she earns the position of sixth-rank female official in charge of the palace library. But then the former 1.1kReads8.6Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    In this book, the female protagonist doesn't time travel or reincarnate! She's a female official who was released from the palace. After returning to her hometown with her savings, she sets up her own household, meets the male protagonist, and becomes the mistress of the house after marriage. It's not a farming novel, but a domestic drama.

31. 281 丞 Lord Chancellor, the General’s Wife Is Expecting 丞相大人，将军夫人有喜了 Sugarheart Qu Qi糖心曲琦Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted You are the foremost civil official in the land, the prime minister of a nation. You offer wise counsel time and again and best your rivals in debate. I am the descendant of a military family, a commander who rides at the head of the troops and guards the northern frontier. You protect the nation, and I defend its borders. Together, we bring the people a peaceful and prosperous age. When princes from neighboring states come to visit, they provoke us repeatedly at the Hundred Flowers Banquet. Gu 95Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a female general who protects her country, and the male lead is a prime minister who safeguards all families. For the sake of the country, for Huangshan Mountain, and for the people, the two join forces to protect the world. Thank you for appearing in my life, allowing me to have no worries.

32. 282 姝 Her Beauty Is Hard to Resist! The Dali Temple Chief Is as Fierce as a Wolf 姝色难逃！大理寺卿他如狼似虎 Pikachu Out of Power没电皮卡丘Ancient Romance611k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, Resilient Fallen Noblewoman × Stern, Devoted Minister of the Court of Judicial Review] [Historical Romance + Devoted Couple + Sweet Romance + Long-Laid Plans + Mutual Pining] [Male Lead’s Perspective: Long-Laid Plans; Female Lead’s Perspective: Each Gets What They Need] Meng Yunzhi, daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, was famous in Luojing for her graceful beauty, with glossy dark hair and a slender, delicate figure. She was engaged to a young master of the Qi family. Once he 18.2kReads9.1Score2.3kShelves
33. 283 重 Reborn, I Turned Around and Married the Emperor's Uncle, Then Tore the Scumbag to Pieces 重生后转身嫁皇叔手撕渣男 Mo Ting莫葶Ancient Romance1.8M WordsOngoing [Handsome, Tragic, Scheming Prince + Bright, Resilient, Delicate Heroine + Married First, Love Later + One-on-One, Both Leads Are Each Other’s One and Only] A sweet romance, not a strong-female-lead story. The leads had no connection in their previous lives; after the heroine is reborn, they marry first and fall in love later. Su Lingyue grew up without a mother, unloved by her father and disliked by her stepmother. After marrying, she was tricked by the Crown Prince and her own younger sister, 57Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Having lost her mother at a young age, unloved by her father and stepmother, Su Lingyue was killed after her marriage by the Crown Prince who ripped out her heart. Reborn, she sets her sights on the Crown Prince's uncle, a sickly man on the verge of death. However, on their wedding night, the sickly uncle also tries to kill her, but fails. He gradually falls for her, wanting only to keep her imprisoned in his arms day after day.

34. 284 被 After the Mad Imperial Preceptor Took Me by Force 被疯批国师强取豪夺后 Jing Mo旌墨Ancient Romance783k WordsCompleted Based on the original novel of Youku’s web drama Eternal Night’s Long Dawn [Mad Male Lead VS Stubborn Female Lead] [Both Pure and Faithful + Traditional Historical Romance + Love by Force + Sweet and Angsty + Happy Ending] Xie Wanyin, the legitimate daughter of the Xie family, lost her mother at eight. Her father remarried, and she was sent to grow up in her maternal grandmother’s home. Years later, she returned to the Xie household, wanting nothing more than to avoid conflict and focus on g 3.1kReads9.4Score394Shelves
35. 285 将 A General's Daughter's Comeback: No More Coddling, It's Time to Rise 将门逆袭：不要娇宠要上位 Sweet Potato with Plum Powder甘梅地瓜Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted When her aunt was on her deathbed, she entrusted her child to Wanqing. Out of gratitude, Wanqing became the concubine of the general’s eldest son. The rules for concubines in the general’s household: be dutiful and proper, and have no children. The household had no need for children born to concubines. Yet Wanqing bore four sons and a daughter, then took her place as the eldest son’s principal wife. The Empress Dowager personally bestowed on her the title of First-Rank Lady of Virtue. Someone sc 41.2kReads9.5Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese setting, not a time-travel/reincarnation story, and there are no cheat codes or special abilities. The female lead starts as a concubine and later becomes the principal wife and a first-rank noblewoman. Both characters are virgins.

36. 286 锦 A Match Made in Splendor, Her Beauty Rules the World 锦绣良缘之男颜倾天下 Su Ang苏盎Ancient Romance232k WordsCompleted Shen Heng was an unremarkable young lady among the official families of Shangjing. Aside from her somewhat striking looks, the one thing that made people take notice was her “remarkable achievement” of being jilted by the Prime Minister’s legitimate son. 3.7kReads9.7Score586Shelves
37. 287 月 After I Danced with a Sword Under the Moon, the Prince Mistook Me for His White Moonlight 月下舞剑后，王爷认错白月光 Lan Zhijin澜知锦Ancient Romance204k WordsOngoing She took beatings in her elder sister's place for seventeen years, then was sold into the prince's manor as a servant. The prince gazed at her face, longing for his unattainable beloved, never realizing that the woman who danced with a sword beneath the moon that night was her. 609Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In the residence of Gu Chongwen, the Second Grand Secretary, his wife Wang Wanru and concubine Liu Yunniang gave birth on the same day, resulting in the birth of their legitimate daughter Gu Qingyi and illegitimate daughter Liu Weiyue. A fortune teller predicted that the two girls would resemble each other, one paving the way for the other, while the other was destined to grow up amidst hardship…

38. 288 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    🌷🌸🌼🏵️💐 Pure ancient setting, so don't expect both characters to be virgins. 🍀 The eldest princess and the legitimate daughter of a marquis, despite their illustrious status, cannot escape the life-and-death power of the imperial court. After the death of the crown prince and the female lead's fiancé, to stabilize the court, the late emperor betrothed the female lead to the current emperor, who was then the crown prince, Prince Cheng. The male lead has feelings for the female lead, but not much, just a little more than others [laughing and crying]. All the characters in the story are intelligent. ☘️ The female lead was originally a favored daughter of heaven, but after her family suffered misfortune, she was forced to marry a fool. The male lead admired her for ten years; what the female lead thought was love before love was actually the male lead's love at first sight. 🌱 Rong Yu was the emperor's first woman; favored but not arrogant, unconcerned when out of favor, neither greedy nor infatuated.

39. 289 娇 The Sweet and Gentle Crown Princess Is Adored Throughout the Eastern Palace 娇软太子妃宠冠东宫 Autumn Smoke, Falling Rain烟秋落雨Ancient Romance647k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + sweet romance + love at first sight + love that deepens over time + one-on-one + both leads are each other’s first and only + fictional history + lighthearted + a sweet, pure love story] The gentle, kind, and lovely Crown Princess, Shen Muyao, x the refined and elegant Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, Ji Siming Shen Muyao was raised in her family’s hometown in Jiangnan, where the entire Shen clan doted on their little darling. On her sixteenth birthday, she left Jiangnan 4kReads8.8Score423Shelves
40. 290 与 Dreaming with the Cold, Powerful Official: The Sweetheart Blushes and Her Heart Races 与清冷权臣共梦，娇娇脸红心跳 Orange Gummies橘子软糖Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance + devoted couple] Fourth Miss Jiang lost both her parents when she was young. She has spent years hidden away in the inner quarters of the Jiang household, never meeting anyone. After coming of age, rumors spread that she is ugly and timid as a mouse, prompting her fiancé to break off their engagement. But on the day the engagement is called off, the man who arrives isn’t her fiancé. It’s his uncle, the man who visits her dreams every night. Jiang Fu has a secret. Ever since she c 12.7kReads9.2Score1.6kShelves
41. 291 泥 The Rough-and-Ready River Pirate Is Completely Wrapped Around the Spoiled Princess's Finger! 泥腿子水匪被娇气公主哐哐拿捏！ Baiyun Yeye白云耶耶Ancient Romance390k WordsCompleted (A sweet-faced beauty who’s secretly cunning and loves taming men × a 190-cm, fair-skinned, rugged and savage god of war × possessive, coercive romance) Liang Xun is the head of the bandits on the Bian’nan waterways. A debtor wants to settle his debt by handing over a delicate beauty. “Beauty means nothing to me...” The moment he sees her, he gives a little cough. “Fine. Send her to my place.” That night, just as Liang Xun is about to get down to business, she howls like a slaughtered pig. “You’ 59.8kReads8.9Score9.6kShelves

    Reader note

    This is purely in the traditional Chinese style, it's beautiful! [Learned it!]

42. 292 皇 Has the Noble Consort Left Qirong Palace Today? 皇贵妃今天出栖容宫了吗？ Xiaoman Crisp小满酥Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [☆No transmigration, no rebirth, and no pristine couples] [☆The romance develops gradually] Everyone in the palace knew that the person they must never offend was neither the pampered and fiery Noble Consort Hui nor the peerlessly beautiful Consort Cen, but Noble Consort Zhe of Qirong Palace, Lady Fucha. A consort's guide to survival: If you want to get ahead, never provoke the lady of Qirong Palace. She was the emperor's first woman, his companion and confidante since their youth; the mother 15.3kReads9.3Score1.3kShelves
43. 293 软 Sweet and Soft, Yet Full of Tricks: The Unhinged Heir Can’t Resist Her 软糯娇娇手段高，疯批世子不经撩 Xie Jinan谢今安Ancient Romance356k WordsCompleted Also known as The Mad Young Heir Claims the Lead Role in a Rom-Com [Adorable, outspoken little princess x gentle, loyal big black dragon] [Not a strong female lead + sweet, doting romance, both leads have only ever loved each other + mutual healing + loving and caring for each other] One day, Rong Yu catches Gu Yun'uan bandaging a pigeon’s injured leg and remarks sarcastically, “How kind of the Heir’s Consort.” Gu Yun'uan gives him a puzzled look, then picks up the other six pigeons tied togethe 688Reads9.2Score102Shelves
44. 294 斩 Cutting Spring 斩春 Chinese Loropetalum in the South南有檵木Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted ༆ Original title: "Slaying Spring", courtesy title: "Three Thousand Miles of Floating Light", also known as "A Little Bookshop in Chang'an" . "The audiobook is now available. Give it a listen!" . [Historical fantasy, farming, ancient romance, healing, opening a bookshop, romance, with a strong focus on the love story.] · [Heroine: Xu Jiang ★ Hero: Lou Yunchun] · [Other characters: Hu Xu ★ Song Li, Zeng Zhui ★ Lin Hongchu, Lin Qinnian ★ Madam Lin, Lou Jing ★ Madam Lou. Du Hui, Yuan Zuzu, Wu Zhi, 19.8kReads9.5Score3kShelves
45. 295 乡 The Country Heiress's Guide to a Comeback 乡野千金逆袭攻略手册 Han Cixue寒辞雪Ancient Romance286k WordsCompleted [Overlooked Legitimate Daughter × Scion of a Great Family] [Mutual, Devoted Love] “A country bumpkin from Baling…” “Stupid and ill-mannered…” Those words lodged in Wang Jin’an’s heart like thorns. She had been raised in her uncle’s home in Baling for eleven years, where his family never took much to her. Insecure and sensitive, she had long hoped that someone from the Prince’s residence would come to bring her home. At twelve, her wish finally came true. But just as she began to look forward to —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book features a female protagonist who starts out as an insignificant figure in the Prime Minister's mansion but gradually grows into a powerful county princess. Her relationship with the male lead is mutual. The entire book has very positive values, avoids melodramatic misunderstandings, and the supporting characters are also excellent.

46. 296 连 A Profusion of Intertwined Blossoms 连枝花浓 Muye Qingxi牧野清溪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted They say Jiang Qingli, the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, is an empty-headed fool with not a shred of learning. Yet thanks to her maternal grandmother, a Grand Princess, she was betrothed to Gu Anlan, the elegant and distinguished heir of the Gu family. Meanwhile, the Jiang family’s concubine-born daughter, Jiang Qingrou, is renowned for both her beauty and her talent, yet she was promised to Gu Anyu, Gu Anlan’s infamous wastrel of a half-brother. The gossips of the capital have sighed 4.2kReads8.9Score412Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a sweet romance novel [sending hearts][sending hearts]. The male lead is a playboy, and the female lead is a good-for-nothing. Jiang Qingli says, "You're a playboy, and I'm a good-for-nothing, we're a good match, aren't we?" [Sparrow's Masterpiece][Sparrow's Masterpiece]

47. 297 娘 Your Majesty, the Empress Requests You Dress in Red 娘娘，陛下请您着红妆 Heng Jiujiu恒久九Ancient Romance254k WordsCompleted [Childhood Friends + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Couple, 1v1] Everyone knew that Shen Zhouxing, the new emperor, and Gu Yunqing, head of the Seventh Bureau, couldn’t stand each other. The court officials submitted impeachment memorials against Gu Yunqing in piles, like snowflakes, and never seemed to tire of it. They hoped the new emperor would simply wave his hand and sentence the treacherous, tyrannical official to death by the executioner’s blade. One memorial stated: “Gu Yunqing, head of the 1.2kReads8.8Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese setting, no time travel. ① Gu Yunqing, the head of the Seventh Department, and the new emperor Shen Zhouxing, she would rather be a powerful minister than an empress; ② Meng Shu, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Ying's family, and the seemingly weak but actually cunning emperor.

48. 298 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—Shelves

    Reader note

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

49. 299 全 After My Whole Family Was Burned to Death, My Rival in Love Told Me My Savior Was the Killer 全家烧死后，情敌告诉我救命恩人是凶手 Fish Roe花鱼籽Ancient RomanceCompleted After my whole family burned to death, my love rival told me that my savior was the culprit —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended short story! It's a short story I wrote myself! The female protagonist is made a Noble Consort on her very first day in the palace; the Emperor falls in love with her at first sight. The Empress poisons her and deposes her. There's a little angst in the middle, but a happy ending!

50. 300 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement! The Sickly Emperor Abducted Me into His Harem 退亲后！病娇皇帝掳我入后宫 Wan Bao妧宝Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted Meng Shu, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Ying’s household, is a great beauty renowned throughout the capital, with countless admirers. Unfortunately, she is already spoken for: since childhood, she has been engaged to Wei Qingyun, heir to the Duke of Cheng’s household, a match between equals, and they are only waiting for the wedding. Meng Shu has always believed Wei Qingyun is deeply in love with her. But on their wedding day, he betrays her. She takes a group of people to catch him in the 7.8kReads9.1Score996Shelves

Other lists with The Imperial Terrace's Charm: The Noble Consort Is Beautiful and Well-Behaved