Any Stories With a Scheming, Calculating, Coolheaded Female Lead? 有没有女主善权谋，心思贼重，沉着冷静的文

1. 151 别 Forget It! I’ll Use My Empire to Spoil This Temptress 别管！朕拿江山养祸水 Shark Hair Clip鲨鱼夹子Ancient Romance256k WordsCompleted [Past and present lives + strong heroine + sweet romance + harem showdown + revenge against scumbags + the hero’s long road to winning her back] Everyone says Bai Rufu, the legitimate daughter of the Protector General’s household, is breathtakingly beautiful, with a bewitching charm. When she entered the palace, she was named a Beauty and showered with the emperor’s favor. She uses her superb acting skills to become the sort of seductive beauty who brings ruin to the nation. On the surface, she 34Reads7.5Score—Shelves

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   It's great! I finished it in one night! The female lead is clear-headed and calm throughout, only interested in climbing the social ladder.

2. 152 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

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   In this story, the female lead's father and brothers are framed and killed by the emperor! She relies entirely on her cunning to lead her family of women and children to survive. The entire story revolves around how the female lead uses her wit and courage to survive. The romance is very subtle, but she eventually develops a romantic relationship with the guard who has always been by her side.

3. 153 我 I Build Infrastructure in Ancient Times 我在古代搞基建 Chi Mitang池米唐Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Woman Disguised as a Man + Infrastructure Building + Career-Focused + Fiercely Protective + Clear-Eyed Heroine] Original title: Building Infrastructure in Ancient Times Tang Yixuan, a brilliant engineer, transmigrates into the body of a woman who has taken her brother’s place as the new magistrate of Qingchuan County. To stay alive, she racks her brains and exhausts every resource at her disposal. She builds waterworks, raises tall buildings, paves roads with concrete, and constructs a city. Be 4.3kReads9.1Score575Shelves

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   Intelligent, not stupid, with an engaging plot and depth.

4. 154 穿 After Reincarnating as a Wretched Old Woman, I Just Want to Live a Laid-Back Life 穿成极品老妇之后只想当咸鱼 Every Inch Is Gold寸寸金Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted The old woman was a real piece of work. She drove her eldest daughter-in-law to her death, then doted on her second son, who passed the highest imperial exam and married the daughter of the prime minister. She even encouraged him to favor his concubine and neglect his wife. In the end, the prime minister had the whole family killed. The old woman suddenly came back reborn, only to be scared to death by what she had experienced in her previous life. Manxing, a promising 25-year-old woman, transmi 31.1kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves

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   As for the books that are left unfinished, there's no need to say more; they're always top-notch. The Xie family book was completely misleading because of its title—it's practically a mind-blowing experience… The rest are also quite logical. I just really prefer stories with strong female leads, grand narratives, and overt schemes.

5. 155 春 Spring Crabapple and Willow 春棠柳 Jingzhe Sheng惊蛰笙Ancient Romance253k WordsCompleted [1v11 System Conquest + Clever Female Lead + Ensemble Cast in an Ancient Setting + Palace and Household Intrigue + Political Schemes] What? I have to win over so many of them?! This is a story about young men and women supporting and redeeming one another, growing together, and joining forces to serve their country. Among these men are the loyal and devoted, the one who rules the world, the gentle and refined, the ones who care for the nation and its people, the bewitching and passionate, the cu 6Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The system guides the female lead, who is a princess and very intelligent.

6. 156 新 Jilted on My Wedding Night, I Bond with the Grand Agricultural Official System 新婚夜被鸽后我绑定了大司农系统 Zucchini Is on the Pumpkin Team西葫芦是南瓜派Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Women in government + farming and infrastructure + satisfying revenge with light comedy + career-focused with a little romance + male lead in a supporting role + beloved by everyone + romance after an arranged marriage] Lin Ran transmigrates to a fictional dynasty and gains a grandmother obsessed with chanting sutras, a father who brings bad luck to his wives, a bookish second younger brother, a wastrel third younger brother, an influential family by marriage, and a misfit System that hounds he 9.4kReads9.4Score1.4kShelves
7. 157 穿EN After Becoming the Villainess, I Clear My Name Every Day 穿成恶女后每天都在洗白 Gathering Vetch, Gathering Vetch采薇采薇Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Everyone’s Darling + Adorable Kids + Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy]: Transmigrating into a lovesick woman, Tang Zhuyun wakes up in the middle of a scene where she’s climbing into a man’s bed. She turns around and runs. Forget this bed, she’s not getting in! Who needs a man when her father is the top scholar, her brother is the top scholar, and even her son will be the top scholar? They’ll protect her, so she can do whatever she wants! As a master physician, she’ll focus on her career, save lives, and k 33.8kReads9.3Score4.7kShelves
8. 158 重 Reborn, the Cold Regent Relies on Me to Stay Alive 重生后，清冷摄政王靠我续命 Bamboo Rustles, Returning from the Washing Stream竹喧归浣Ancient Romance287k WordsOngoing The first thing Jiang Yingyue did after being reborn was sever her ill-fated ties with the scumbag prince. In this life, she wanted neither wealth nor glory. All she wanted was to stay out of courtly strife and keep her loved ones safe. But why had the Regent, who in her previous life was framed by that scumbag prince as a traitor and condemned to die by a thousand cuts, suddenly proposed to her? Only after he was gravely injured by accident, nearly costing her half her life as well, did Jiang Y —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   I especially loved the political intrigue in this book! I'm usually very picky about political intrigue in historical romance novels, and I'll drop a book if it feels even slightly out of place. But the political intrigue in this book is truly impressive. The logic is clear, the plot is intricately linked, and it's very immersive. It doesn't try to steal the spotlight with its plot twists. It's one of the better integrations between the main storyline and the political intrigue. It's rare to see such solid writing and plot on Tomato (the author's pen name). Sisters who like female-oriented, old-school writing styles should definitely not miss this!

9. 159 幺 The Youngest Daughter, Changle 幺女长乐 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Miss Zhu Si’s rough fighting skills have always made her the laughingstock of the capital’s noble families. In everyone else’s eyes, that’s the sort of work meant for household guards. Zhu Changle, who considers herself invincible, isn’t ashamed of it. She’s proud. Not everyone can protect their own home, but she can! And then some! She’d even turn the whole capital upside down to protect it! Don’t believe her? Try her! 18.7kReads9.5Score3.1kShelves
10. 160 踹 After Dumping the Jerk, the Whole Capital Lines Up to Marry Me 踹翻渣男后，全京城排队求娶 Moonlight Falling on Branches明月落枝Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Audio edition available. Search for it to listen] In her previous life, for Jiang Yin's sake, Gu Ying cast aside the dignity of being the legitimate daughter of the Earl of Dongping's household, pursuing him relentlessly until she finally became his wife. Later, Jiang Yin rose to the highest ranks of the court. First he plotted against the country, then he killed her father and wiped out her family. Her scoundrel of a husband and her treacherous sister plotted together to break both her legs an 2.5kReads8.9Score710Shelves

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    I read all of these books without missing a single chapter, and overall they were good. The female lead is intelligent.

11. 161 侯 The Marquis's Widow Raised a Household of Geniuses 侯夫人守寡，却养出满门天骄 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Tang Shuyi transmigrated into the Great Qian dynasty, becoming the wife of the Marquis of Yongning. She was rich, powerful, and high-status, with no parents-in-law and a dead husband: she had it better than almost anyone else who had transmigrated. Just as she was about to enjoy a comfortable life as a wealthy noblewoman, she discovered that she had transmigrated into a book, and was its biggest villain. She wasn’t just rich, powerful, and high-status. She also had three unruly children. The eld 70.6kReads9.4Score10.4kShelves
12. 162 双 Bound Together Across Two Lifetimes, We’ll Grow Old Together 双世缱绻，与君共白头 Dreamer Dadao爱做梦的大道Ancient Romance727k WordsCompleted [Two powerful leads who rise to greatness | Complete souls | Extreme contrast | Love across two lifetimes | Sweet romance and court intrigue] A modern married couple are reborn as babies in the Tianqi Dynasty. He becomes an iron-fisted Crown Prince, commands the Xuanhuo Army, and plots to industrialize the realm. She becomes a queen of commerce, controls trade routes along three borders, and holds the lifeblood of the people in her hands! Toward their enemies, he presides over the execution of t 5.5kReads8.1Score646Shelves

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    A story of childhood sweethearts and a loving couple for 55 years in their past lives + double rebirth + a UI designer male lead with a meticulously crafted political intrigue plot (implementing new policies and navigating court politics) and a delicate emotional arc (daily interactions and tender care). Modern skills are applied (double-entry bookkeeping and design applications). This multi-dimensional balance offers a comprehensive blend of sweet romance, political intrigue, strong-willed co-governance, past-life bonds, a deeply affectionate time-travel story, and a profound fusion of romance and court politics.

13. 163 锁 Locked in the Spring Night 锁春宵 Banana Pizza香蕉披萨Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + reborn + revenge on scum + sweet romance + mutually faithful] In her previous life, Su Qingyu had been married for three years without ever consummating the marriage. Then her cousin suddenly appeared before her with a child, and Su Qingyu finally learned that the man wasn't impotent. He just couldn't perform with her. Her cousin stripped off Su Qingyu's face, took her place as the legitimate daughter of the marquis's household, and became the matriarch of the S 33.3kReads9.3Score5.6kShelves
14. 164 规 Rule Horror: Who Taught You to Study Like That? 规则怪谈：谁教你这样读书的 Bamboo Shoot Buns Are So Delicious竹笋包子超好吃Mystery426k WordsCompleted [Strong Female Lead, No Romance, Rule-Based Horror, Infinite Realms, Chinese-Style Horror] Traditional culture has been distorted on a massive scale in modern society. Altered pronunciations, words smeared with stigma, and ancient sayings twisted out of shape are gnawing away at the human soul. Su Muyu, the thirtieth-generation descendant of Su Shi and the sole inheritor of the Soulcrafter lineage, joins Li Guazi, a girl whose past is a mystery, and Mr. Dongli, a word spirit from the handwritt 50Reads9.4Score—Shelves
15. 165 上 The Strange Tales of Shangguan Zhaorong 上官昭容诡事录 Bamboo Shoot Buns Are So Delicious竹笋包子超好吃Mystery1.6M WordsCompleted [Completed] [Strong female lead, no romance, Chinese-style horror, transmigration through history, numerous foreshadowed clues, coherent plot, no System, not a power fantasy] [The Strange Tales of Shangguan Zhaorong] [Also known as: Old Tales from the Yellow Springs] [Reader’s guide: The main plot and the individual arcs are interconnected, with plenty of clues and foreshadowing. Almost every character who appears has a role to play, though each arc can also be read as a standalone story.] Th 2.1kReads9.3Score347Shelves

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    The female protagonist, Yan Yulin, is a scheming empress who orchestrates the Mount Tai Husband Ceremony, uncovering a mysterious past between the Empress and Meng Po (the goddess of forgetfulness) in the underworld.

16. 166 十EN Ten Days to the End 十日终焉 Pest Control Team Member杀虫队队员Mystery3.2M WordsCompleted 2024 Tomato Novel Annual Peak Rankings TOP 1 | 2024 China Online Literature Influence List | 2024 China Good Novel Award | Over 2 million copies sold (No harem, no formulaic tropes, no invincibility, no System, no mindless antics, no wish fulfillment. Read with caution if these bother you.) Just when I thought it was an ordinary day, I discovered I had been captured and taken to the End. Just when I thought I could escape by continually taking part in death games, people began awakening supernat 1.7MReads9.9Score207.7kShelves
17. 167 簪 The Record of Hairpins (Complete in 4 Volumes) 簪中录（全4册） A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Mystery992k WordsCompleted The little red fish Agashnie, which feeds on human blood; the mysterious talisman that had followed Li Shubai for years; Empress Wang, the peerless beauty of the Daming Palace; three clusters of doodles written by the late emperor himself before his death; a marriage contract made with Wang Yun in their youth... Every mystery returns to its point of origin. Every choice remains beyond anyone’s control, as impossible to resist or escape as fate itself. Yang Chonggu has returned to the palace and 17.3kReads9.7Score2.8kShelves
18. 168 灵 Spirit Spring Space: Reincarnated as the Disabled Chief Secretary's Vicious Wife 灵泉空间，穿成残疾首辅恶毒原配 The Beloved Fish团宠鱼Ancient Romance665k WordsCompleted (Publication deal signed) [Flight from famine + pocket dimension + medicine + farming + imperial exams + one-on-one, both leads devoted only to each other] Song Jin transmigrated into a book, becoming the selfish, unbelievably stupid and malicious female supporting character. From the start, she was plunged into a mini ice age and forced to flee with her whole family. In the book, the original Song Jin not only abandoned her disabled husband and ran off on her own when disaster struck, she also 14.7kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves
19. 169 权 The Powerful Prince’s Spoiled Princess: Proud, Wild, and Unruly 权王溺宠：狂傲王妃野又撩 Green Plums and Bamboo Wine青梅竹酒Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Court intrigue + feel-good power fantasy + ruthless decisiveness + an incredibly badass heroine + face-slapping + a heroine with her wits about her] Bai Xuan, commander-in-chief of the Huaxia Special Forces Training Camp, transmigrates to the Great Zhou. She is a peerless beauty with exceptional martial skills. As a woman, she carves her own path through force of arms, establishes herself at court, and wields enormous influence. With a deft hand, she turns the tide of both schemes and open stra 16.4kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves

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    Bai Xuan, the commander-in-chief of the Huaxia Special Forces Training Camp, transmigrates to the Great Zhou Dynasty. As a woman, she uses martial arts to pave her way to power, establishing herself in the court and wielding immense influence. With both literary and military prowess, she stabilizes the court and defeats enemy states. Later, the emperor even bestows upon her the title of Regent Queen.

20. 170 成 Why Help Others Get What They Want? I’ll Choose Myself 成全别人？不如成全自己 Yue Cangyun Nali月藏云那里Modern Romance235k WordsCompleted In the book, Xu Jing'an spent her whole life helping others and putting them first, yet in the end, no one even said a kind word about her. This time, she's going to look after herself first and do what's best for her. 141.6kReads9.5Score11.6kShelves

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    Since she was destined to lose her, she chose to give up and enjoy the present. But when her real daughter returned and found her in this state, she thought: "Maybe we should just keep her at home; she's too stupid."

21. 171 逆 Defying the Clan's Rules: A Record of Life and Death 逆改族训生死录 Master Miao Miao淼淼法师Mystery128k WordsOngoing [Courtroom Power Plays] [Intellectual Romance] [Rule of Law and Rule of Ritual] [A Woman Disguised as a Man] [Mystery and Detective Cases] A female prosecutor transmigrates into another world. Armed with evidence and facts, legal principles and human compassion, she takes on a feudal dynasty and wins herself a host of devoted young admirers... and the hearts of nine hundred million women! [Synopsis] What? Every daughter of the Xiao family must be drowned? Even newborn girls? Because of... a cla —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A love triangle between two highly intelligent individuals navigating the treacherous world of power. Anyone harboring even the slightest ulterior motive will be discovered. The main theme is: "I know everything, let's see how you perform." [Cool]

22. 172 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.4kReads9.4Score3kShelves
23. 173 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.6kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

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    A female-centric power struggle novel, everyone is cunning and scheming, a top-tier battle of wits ◔.̮◔✧. Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Couples Mutual Pampering + Everyone is Cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence, everyone is cunning and scheming, a peak battle of wits! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, was blinded and used forbidden techniques to save her scumbag husband, exhausting her life force. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled healing and poisoning skills, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and invincible ruler, was suffering from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi threw down the antidote, her voice cold and arrogant: "I will extend Your Highness's life. Lend me your blade to slaughter all the demons and monsters, how about it?" The world believed that the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the palm of the Regent's hand. Only when powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, did everyone realize with horror—the seemingly fragile Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a woman of unparalleled wisdom and skill! She and he entrusted their lives to each other, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

24. 174 轻 Where Does the Light Boat Go? 轻舟何岸 Plain Colors, Chilly素彩寒Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted Are the four princes of Rui Kingdom really going to marry four common women from Chan Kingdom? Could it be because every woman in Chan Kingdom is beautiful and fertile? She has the talent to be a chancellor in a matriarchal kingdom, yet marries the “intellectually disabled” prince of a patriarchal kingdom, entering the marriage as a spy under the pretense of a political union. He is a prince with exceptional intelligence who hides his true self. But even after he regains his true self, is that r 16Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A wise man navigates a boat without fear of fire or water. A woman, a top scholar from a female kingdom, marries a seemingly "mentally challenged" prince from a male kingdom. In reality, it's a power struggle between two strong individuals, four women and four sons, ostensibly a marriage alliance but in reality a battle of wits and emotions. Will she become the emperor's advisor, helping him conquer the world and become an empress for all time? Or will she follow her heart and simply live her own life…

25. 175 生 After Giving Birth, the Cold and Aloof Demon Emperor Begs Me to Stroke His Tail 生崽后，清冷妖皇哭求我摸他尾巴 Big Tangerine, Big Fortune大橘大利Fantastical Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Cool, aloof seductress VS domineering female demon] The female demon Chu Qun was reborn. A thousand years had passed, yet her legends still covered the continent. The Saint of the Pill, the world-destroying Marquis Chu Yi, the sword-forging patriarch... They were all her secret identities! In her previous life, her siblings betrayed her. She was torn apart by chariots, and her soul was sealed beneath the abyss. This time, she returned in triumph, slaying prodigies, killing her enemies, and supp 39.1kReads9.6Score5.5kShelves
26. 176 美 A Beauty Like Wine, Sweet Yet Poisonous 美人似酒亦似毒 Yu Jiudeng虞九灯Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted Everyone knows that Prince Ding of Beiming, a man who avoids women, fell for a delicate beauty and spoiled her beyond measure, granting her every wish. The beauty was like both wine and poison. On the eve of their wedding, she dropped her disguise, stole the battle formation plans of the Xiao family army, and made a clean getaway. All of Xiao Ciyuan’s heartfelt devotion became a joke. . Wen Yuyan, daughter of the great general who protects Xichu, burst onto the scene. Brilliant and gifted, with 1.3kReads9.3Score151Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book: A valiant prince and a female general from an enemy country disguised as a delicate beauty. The female lead is intelligent, cunning, and a master of political maneuvering on the battlefield. The second book: The female lead disguises herself as a man as a local magistrate. She possesses exceptional skills and high intelligence, transforming her jurisdiction into a strategically vital location. The third book: This is a hardcore political intrigue novel. The female lead is incredibly capable and shrewd, rising from county magistrate to prime minister through her own efforts. There's another super good one too!

27. 177 三 Three Kingdoms: The Female Warlord of a Chaotic Age 三国：乱世女枭雄 Handsome Er You帅气的二油Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing (Also known as: The Female Overlord of a Chaotic Age) [Strong female lead + Three Kingdoms + no System + traditional empire-building + ensemble cast] Liu Yi, a female engineering PhD, transmigrates into the late Han dynasty during the Three Kingdoms era and grows up as a boy. She develops water conservancy, conducts research, and improves life for the people of her region. Just as the various factions are trying to win her over, she reveals herself as a woman and establishes her own power base, 57.6kReads9.3Score8.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all stories about loving daughters. [Sending hearts]

28. 178 被 Driven to Death by Her Cultivator Mistress? I Take Up My Sword and Storm the Ninth Heaven 被修仙外室逼死？我提剑杀上九霄 Bian Lu边鹿Ancient Romance710k WordsCompleted [Power fantasy, a female lead who begins as a villain and turns righteous, no transmigration, no rebirth] Only when she was dying did Li Fu learn why she could never defeat her husband's mistress, Huayue. It turned out that beyond this world lay a realm of cultivation. Huayue had come from that realm. With Taoist magic at her command, there was no way Li Fu could ever beat her. Tortured, skinned, and dismembered, Li Fu was abandoned by everyone and died after enduring every kind of suffering. Ho 78.6kReads9.6Score10.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The first female-oriented novel, the female lead is righteous despite being wicked, it's amazing! The second one has no romance, it's a post-apocalyptic rebirth story, she wanted to be a carefree person, but she turns out to be the biggest cheat code.

29. 179 秦 End of the Qin Dynasty: A Warring States Empress, Starting Her Conquest in Bashu 秦末：乱世女帝，从巴蜀开始争霸 Gazing at the Dressing Table望妆台Ancient Romance629k WordsCompleted [Due to the author's health problems, the story only reaches the point where the protagonist becomes a queen. The author has added a 16,000-character outline of what happens next, as well as around 30,000 characters of side stories. The novel is complete, but readers worried about an unsatisfying ending should choose carefully.] [No romance + no System + farming in the early stages, vying for supremacy later + political intrigue + serious tone + ensemble cast + powerful female lead] [Content war 630Reads8.4Score101Shelves
30. 180 皇 The Heartless Empress 皇后薄情 You Zhi Yu尤知遇Ancient Romance467k WordsCompleted [Ruthless Empress VS Cold-Blooded Prince] [Palace intrigue + power plays] She is the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, skilled at riding and archery, well versed in strategy, and every bit as bold and valiant as any man. Then, in a single night, everything changes. The Duke of Zhenguo’s household falls into decline, and she becomes empress. In public, she is a virtuous empress, renowned for her grace and dignity; in private, she plots every detail of her revenge, rut 959Reads9.1Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    A fiery empress versus a cold-blooded prince. In public, she is the mother of the nation, renowned for her virtue. In private, she is cunning and shrewd. Step by step, she schemes for power, rising to a high position, all for the sake of avenging her family. Once her revenge is achieved… she realizes she could never truly let go of him.

31. 181 重 Reborn: I Give the Nation a Cheat Code 重生之我给国家送外挂 If I Do Not Leave若不辞Modern Romance653k WordsCompleted [No romance + post-apocalyptic rebirth + ensemble cast + the nation steps in] (The first season of the animated series is out.) The Civilization Codices descended, devouring Blue Star in a dimensional attack and bringing the world to an end. Greed, envy, sloth... What secrets do the seven great Civilization Codices conceal? Yan Chu, a tomb keeper, was hit on the head by a brick and inexplicably reborn in the past. She decided to hand over what she had to the nation. With the Book of Fate and a b 29.7kReads9.4Score4.4kShelves
32. 182 乱 A Lone Woman in Troubled Times, Plotting an Age of Prosperity 乱世孤女，谋千古盛世 Lingering Fragrance and Faded Powder旧香残粉Ancient Romance2.2M WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + No CP + Empress + Ensemble Cast + Political Scheming + War + Power Struggles in a Chaotic Era + Nation-Building and Farming + No Spatial Storage or System + Slow-Burn Growth + Epic Length] Yun Huaijin suddenly became a "corpse" in a world torn apart by chaos. She crawled out of a pile of bodies, with only a child on the verge of starving to death beside her. In this world, nobles lived in drunken indulgence, powerful clans monopolized knowledge, bandits slaughtered withou 24.2kReads8.9Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    It has to be this one.

33. 183 谋 The Thousand-Year-Old Scheming Consort 谋妃千岁 Gu Xige顾夕歌Ancient Romance959k WordsCompleted She is a powerful chancellor who holds sway over the court, a treacherous minister everyone wants dead. He is a hostage prince from Nanqin, noble and aloof, pure and untarnished, seemingly above worldly concerns. But it's all an act. In truth, he is ruthless, cruel by nature, devious, and calculating. Beneath the mask of an incapable hostage prince lies a formidable force capable of turning the world upside down. When the arrogant, brazen her and the cold, scheming him fall for each other, the m 107Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I think all three of these books are excellent. Don't be fooled by the lower rating of the third one; it's actually a very good book.

34. 184 摆 The Lazy Princess: Fight for the Throne? Don't Make Me Laugh! I Can't Even Get Up 摆烂公主：夺嫡？别闹！我起不来 Easygoing Bro不易老哥Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Good news] She transmigrated into the sixth princess in an empire ruled by an empress. [Bad news] From the start, she drugged the chancellor's legitimate son, and now he's writhing on the bed, hey! [The Princess's Inner Thoughts] Fight for the throne? Don't even start! No way, not in this lifetime. Get up at three in the morning, attend court at five, and work all year without a break? Sorry, I can't get out of bed. 13.7kReads9.1Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so beautiful!!!

35. 185 震 Shocking! The Scheming Concubine Reforms After Being Reborn 震惊，作精庶女重生后改邪归正了 Yu Yueyue余越越Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Cui Yunchu is a handful, but what pampered concubine isn’t? Her aunt taught her to be this way. What’s she supposed to do about it? Flirting with her cousin’s fiancé, only for the Crown Prince to turn her down? Oh, wait. Her legitimate younger sister’s childhood sweetheart is handsome too. Cui Yunchu is obsessed with marrying into the imperial family and becoming a princess consort. But none of her plans work out, and both her cousin and younger sister chase after her to berate her. Then Cui Yun 43.8kReads8.1Score5.4kShelves

    Reader note

    1️⃣ Cui Yun Chu was deeply obsessed with marrying into the royal family and becoming a princess. However, she failed at every attempt and was even chased and scolded by her cousin and younger sister. Cui Yun Chu glanced at a stunning beauty and tried her best to seduce her, only to be rejected. No, who gave her the terrible idea to sleep with Shen Xia Bai? After being shot through the chest, she was reborn. Cui Yun Chu declared that she would never let go of the Four Books and Five Classics and would always recite etiquette. All sorts of demons and monsters... Shen Xia Bai, "Miss Cui, you look somewhat familiar." "." Not familiar at all. Afterwards, Miss Shen, I admire you. 2️⃣ Luo Ning was seriously injured while taking a knife for the Empress Dowager, in exchange for her family. After three years of recuperation, she returned, and her cousin had replaced her. Luo Ning's parents and brothers doted on her, and her grandmother appreciated her; even Luo Ning's childhood sweetheart secretly admired her, saying that she was better than them in every way. They conspired to kill her. After being a ghost for eighteen years and seeing their fate, she was reborn. She lived again. This time, she wanted to live life to the fullest. —Luo Ning sought the Regent's protection for revenge. "On the surface, you are the Princess Consort of Yong, but in reality, you are my slave. One day, I will help you fake your death and escape, changing your name and surname. I will bestow upon you the title of Princess, with a fief and stipend, equal to that of a Prince." She could control the concubines, defeat the ambitious powerful clans, and appease the Empress Dowager. A few years later, the Regent became the new ruler. The domineering and ruthless young emperor asked her in a very ethereal voice: "Would you be willing to exchange the Princess's seal for the Empress's golden seal?"

36. 186 虎 The Tiger Wife 虎妻 Lotus Flower藕花Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted The Great Qi Dynasty’s foremost God of War, the ruthless, hideous common-born general Yuchi Gui, was granted a marriage by the emperor to the capital’s greatest beauty, Princess Xu Xiyan. Then his high-born fiancée looked down on him, and the wedding was called off. Three years later, after suppressing a rebellion, the handsome and dashing general returned to the capital, becoming the hero every noblewoman in Great Qi wanted to marry. Then his former fiancée clung to him and forced him into marr 8.2kReads9.3Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    This is absolutely fantastic! The female lead is intelligent and has a comprehensive understanding of the situation. I highly recommend this book; it's another must-read after "Xi Hua Zhi"! Although it's not a time-travel novel, it's still incredibly captivating! The author's writing is truly excellent, so for someone like me who's straightforward, it might be a bit mentally taxing! But that doesn't detract from the overall quality; it's definitely worth a read.

37. 187 招 I Hired a Dragon-Pride Bruiser and Tore Up the Tragic Romance Script 招个龙傲天打手，虐文剧本我撕了 Shredded Potato with Rice Grains on Top土豆丝盖米粒Ancient Romance456k WordsCompleted [A career-driven heroine who cultivates both alchemy and formations and has transmigrated into a book vs. a sharp-tongued sword cultivator, a Dragon Proud Heaven type from another small world] [Theatrical couple + punishing scum and face-slapping + fake relationship turns real + complementary skills + lighthearted, no angst + monogamous and both inexperienced] Lu Qingyan, who had transmigrated into a book, was shocked. How could a Golden Core cultivator and daughter of an elder like her be bulli 7.2kReads8.6Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    These two books are really good, especially the first one, which overturned my stereotypes about cultivation novels! [Kissing emojis]

38. 188 侯 Jiang Congnan, the Marquis's Eldest Daughter 侯门长女江从南 Meng Ri Wan梦日万Ancient Romance608k WordsCompleted The marquis’s principal wife had only two daughters. Who would inherit the title? Until she was twelve, Jiang Congnan was pampered at home like a treasured guest. That year, seeing her mother tormented by her grandmother for failing to bear a son, she made a bold move: she went to Qingfeng Abbey outside the city, took up a lay practitioner’s life, and prayed for her grandmother’s good fortune. She stayed there for three years. Three years later, the question of who would inherit the title of Mar 4.4kReads8.8Score497Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist, Jiang Congnan, is betrayed by her father who favors his concubine over his wife. To save her mother's life, she marries the third prince. Unexpectedly, while she believes she is making a choice, the empress and the princess are also making choices, only the third prince remains oblivious. As the old predicament is resolved, a new one begins. To completely break this cycle, they embark on a struggle for the throne.

39. 189 恶 After the Wicked Saintess Divorced Him, the Demon Lord Begged for Forgiveness 恶毒圣女休夫后，魔君跪求我原谅 Xiao Yu Shisan潇雨十三Ancient Romance413k WordsCompleted [Just launched, so the rating will rise] Ever since she was little, Shen Yu knew she would marry Li Yuan when she grew up. It was the destined fate of the Saintess and the Demon Lord. They were bound together for a lifetime. That is, until the moment Li Yuan cut off Shen Yu’s head. Only then did she understand. Her love was nothing but a joke to Li Yuan. She had never been the one he wanted. After being reborn, she resolved to bring Li Yuan and the woman he loved together and called off their en 2.1kReads8.2Score265Shelves
40. 190 余 Embers Light Up the Spring Mountains 余烬照春山 Fluffed-Up Big Head炸毛大头8k WordsCompleted Embers Light the Spring Mountains —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    He was the prince consort she had promoted from among the slaves, yet he returned to the manor with unfamiliar guards to confront her. "Embers Illuminate Spring Mountains" subverts the typical tragic romance novel formula, featuring a ruthless princess who retaliates with cold-blooded brute force, slapping the scumbag man without hesitation.

41. 191 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

    Orange's Book Recommendation 🍊 A woman disguises herself as a man to enter the imperial court, wielding great power. She is brave and resourceful, and the male lead is devoted and respectful to her. A rare gem of a novel.

42. 192 别 Don't Mess with Her: The Princess May Lie Flat, but She'll Still Crush the Scum 别惹她，长公主虽躺平，但狠虐渣 Flying Like Clouds如云飞扬Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing [Transmigration, past and present lives, woman disguised as a man, political intrigue, sweet and satisfying] Yun Qing was a princess born of the emperor's elder sister. On the day she was born, she was switched, poisoned, and hunted down, ending up in the common world as a discarded daughter of the family who had to disguise herself as a man. Her heartless father, her vicious concubine stepmother, and all manner of monsters and demons wanted her dead. When she opened her eyes again, she had s 1.4kReads9.3Score173Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is incredibly cunning and ruthless, possesses a natural talent for crushing villains, and exudes an aura of overwhelming power. In short, it's exhilarating!

43. 193 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

    When it comes to female protagonists skilled in political maneuvering, these two books are the perfect choice. Kong Liu's books never disappoint.

44. 194 云 Disheveled Locks: Tangled with a Treacherous Minister, I Can't Escape 云鬓乱：惹上奸臣逃不掉 Three Feet of Brocade Letters三尺锦书Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted Original novel of the short drama The Jade Hairpin Askew, Her Cloud-Like Hair in Disarray In her previous life, Liu Yunxiang was widowed at a young age and spent most of her life working herself to the bone to keep the crumbling Jing’an Marquis household afloat. Only when her hair had turned completely white did she discover that her husband had never died. He had been living in a secluded paradise, blissfully in love with another woman. Her mother-in-law, uncle, and aunt knew the truth, but the 2.7kReads8.4Score871Shelves

    Reader note

    🍂Here it comes!🍂 🍃①The Empress Dowager, who ruled the court for over a decade, has passed away. Reborn as a fallen, unloved concubine's daughter in a noble family.🍃②In her previous life, the protagonist was widowed young. To support the crumbling Jing'an Marquis's mansion, she toiled for most of her life. Only when her hair turned white did she discover that her husband was not actually dead, but had been secretly enjoying a life of love with another woman in a secluded paradise.

45. 195 弱 Schemes of the Frail 弱骨谋 Ru Shisan茹十三Ancient Romance272k WordsOngoing [Sickly beauty × scheming, politically shrewd prince] [Strong heroine + strong hero + satisfying revenge + court politics + devoted romance] “Your Highness, Prince Chen, I saved you not out of kindness. I need your help to overturn this court, where right and wrong have been twisted.” Cen Lianshuang was the frailest young lady in the Tang family, a delicate cousin who might topple in a breeze. She coughed blood into her handkerchief and could barely lift a bucket of water. No one knew she was an 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Sending a heart][Smirking][Smirking]

46. 196 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.6kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue! The female lead is fully sane throughout the story, her only desires being the Empress and power, not the Emperor's body. She rises from a lowly concubine to the Empress, the palace intrigue is brutal, it's so captivating! 🤩🤩

47. 197 坏 The Peerless Expert the System Told Me About Is Actually Me 坏了系统说的绝世大佬竟是我本人 Xue Yin薛喑Ancient Romance2.2M WordsOngoing No romance, focused on the protagonist [The heroine was a demon lord in her previous life, with unmatched combat prowess; now she's reborn] Xue Lan took her own life in her previous incarnation. This time around, she's busier than ever, and she's a chatterbox who likes to hide in dark corners. One day, Heaven suddenly gives her a System. She learns she's in a world where the plotlines of various protagonists are tangled together. System: [Your junior brothers and sisters are all going to die!] X 3kReads9.2Score458Shelves

    Reader note

    Silly, calm, collected, observing the big picture, his actions are like a game of chance.

48. 198 献 Offering to the Abyss 献京渊 Qi Yi Zi七一子Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Print edition releasing October 25] “He taught me to kill, seize power, and look after myself. I taught him what it means to have a weakness.” [Serious drama + political intrigue + the fate of the nation and its people + I’m terrible at writing blurbs] Jiang Qingyu was born into wealth, and her family’s love had made her naive and pampered. It wasn’t until the day the entire Jiang family was executed that she realized how foolish she had been! When she opened her eyes again, she was determined 24.7kReads9.5Score4kShelves

    Reader note

    It's really good! The female lead is reborn at the beginning, knowing the fate of her family in her previous life. In this life, she wants to change everything, just like the powerful prime minister who uses his power. The male lead also guides her step by step, helping her grow.

49. 199 我 I’m Reborn, So Why Are You Still Asking Me to Confess? 我都重生了，你还叫我表白 Soy Milk and Buns豆浆包子Urban423k WordsOngoing [Reborn + Campus Belle + System + Everyday Romance + Political Maneuvering] “With empty sleeves, how could I dare to keep a beauty from her happiness?” Burdened by enormous debt and framed by others, Tang Lin is reborn at eighteen. This time, the spring breeze stirs your long hair, but it’s my dreams it sets in motion. From a naive boy to a devoted man with graying hair, this time, I won’t miss my chance. I’ll confess my love ninety-nine times. This time, Chen Manzhen is the one who comes after 13Reads6.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Fate is so unfair! Thirty years east of the river, three... Oh, the system is gifting me a Dragon-Slaying Saber? Three seconds west of the river, eight hundred and eight, one slash and the villain is nine hundred and ninety-nine! Fate is unfair, so the system rewards me. Let the injustice come even stronger!!! Hehehe, this book is really good, an ultimate feeling and experience!! I have to read it all.

50. 200 转 After I Turned Away, I Became a Sensation in the Legal World 转身之后，我在律圈爆火 Yao Jiu姚九Modern Romance568k WordsCompleted [Top-tier legal world × rising financial star × equally matched leads who choose each other × growth through betrayal × urban power fantasy] For ten years, capital has reshaped Huating, while undercurrents swirl through the legal world. Beneath the glittering nightlife, unseen battles for power are being fought. Qin Suisui is a beautiful, unhinged lawyer who clawed her way up from an ordinary family. With no connections, no backing, and no faith in fate, she believes only in her own hard-earne 12.5kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist of this book is intelligent, thoughtful, and has strong moral principles. This is a good novel whose title doesn't do it justice.

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