Looking for an Elegant Historical Chinese Romance Without Outlandish, Over-the-Top, or Brain-Dead Tropes 求古色古香的古言小说，不要各种天雷狗血脑残梗的

1. 1 逃 A Rough-Hewn Hunter Dotes on the Runaway Heiress He Rescued 逃难千金被捡后，糙汉猎户娇养了 Spring Day Jinhe春日今禾Ancient Romance668k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance, no golden finger + A rugged husband who spoils his wife + Everyday life raising children] The third son of the Wei family found a young wife who had fled hardship. She was beautiful and delicate, and seemed too frail to fend for herself. At first, Mother Wei sighed and fretted constantly. Who knew that after the young wife married into the family, the whole Wei household would take off like a rocket? The first thing Wei the Third did when he came back from the mountains 3.7kReads8.7Score440Shelves

   Reader note

   Antique

2. 2 王 A Little Sweetheart Arrives at the Prince’s Mansion 王府来了个小甜心 Jin Yi锦怡Ancient Romance172k WordsCompleted After quelling the rebellion, the emperor issued a decree marrying Hua Bingyu, a female general past the usual age for marriage, to the only “single dog” in the imperial family: Seventh Prince Qi Ruizhan. On their wedding night, the much-adored Qi Ruizhan was immobilized with pressure-point techniques by the famously beautiful Hua Bingyu. The reason: he wouldn't cooperate. Qi Ruizhan glared furiously. “Father! What kind of princess consort have you married me?” Afterward, the idle Seventh Prince 1.6kReads9.4Score181Shelves
3. 3 抢 Stealing Another Man's Wife Is Wrong, But It Sure Feels Right 抢别人媳妇不礼貌，但是，真香 The Phone's Owner是机主本人Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted Ju Yue was so beautiful that her fiancé worried people would say he was marrying her for her looks. So, on their wedding day, he deliberately left her waiting outside the marquis’s residence to show that he didn’t care about beauty. Even worse, he led his virtuous and demure cousin inside first to perform the wedding rites. Could Ju Yue put up with that? Absolutely not! She made a scene on the spot and demanded to break off the engagement. The young tyrant Lou Buqi happened to be passing by. He 5.8kReads8.5Score488Shelves
4. 4 小 With a Flirtatious Beauty at His Side, Even the Chaste General Breaks His Vows 小撩精在侧，禁欲将军也破戒了 The Nation's Female Hooligan国民女流氓Ancient Romance303k WordsCompleted This is the story of a beautiful, fair-skinned country girl who gradually conquers a cold, aloof, secretly passionate God of War general, taking him from “barely giving her the time of day” to endless face-slapping. How can you pursue a man without being bold? If you like him, make your move. As long as you have thick skin, no man is out of reach! Feng Qingqing, a country girl, found an injured man. His handsome, refined face caught her eye at once, and she fell for him on sight. Her first thou 16.2kReads9.0Score663Shelves
5. 5 退 After My Engagement Was Broken Off, I Married a Rugged Countryman Who Treated Me Like a Treasure in Three Days 退婚后嫁山野糙汉，三天被宠成宝 Green Tea绿茶茶Ancient Romance199k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance + devoted love + cozy farming + gentle heroine] Taohua's engagement was broken off, and in her shame and fury, she jumped into the river. Unexpectedly, a rugged man passing by rescued her. Her clothes were soaked through, and as he pulled her from the water, the man didn't know where to look. To protect her reputation, he came to ask for her hand in marriage the very next day. Taohua accepted through tears. She thought marrying him would mean a hard life, but it turned out he was 9.8kReads9.2Score918Shelves
6. 6 家 The Lucky Little Wife Who Brings Prosperity to Her Husband 家有旺夫小福妻 Aow Big Meow嗷大喵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted On the day Cheng Wulang of the Cheng family in Jiqing Village, Bali Town, married a bride to bring him good luck, the bride was switched for a little girl who hadn’t even grown up yet. The entire village waited to laugh at them. But after the little girl joined the family, the Chengs’ lives changed beyond recognition. The sickly husband she married later became the chief minister. The close friends she picked up along the way turned out to be princesses and commandery princesses. Even the nephew 10.1kReads9.4Score1.6kShelves
7. 7 下 After Descending to Earth, the Lucky Baby Girl Becomes the Darling of the Entire Imperial Clan 下凡后，锦鲤奶包被整个皇族团宠 Meow Jinjin喵金金Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Everyone’s darling + sweet romance + alternate-world setting + mutual devotion + lighthearted style] The emperor of Yunxi has ten sons in a row, and he longs for a daughter more than anything. When the empress goes into labor, Yunxi welcomes its first little princess in a hundred years. The emperor of Yunxi issues an order: “Dote on her! All of you, dote on her!” Whatever the little princess wants, even if it’s a star in the sky, they must pluck it down for her. As they spoil her, Yunxi grows r 10.9kReads9.4Score1.2kShelves
8. 8 与 Together with Hua Yan'er 与婳燕尔 Shi Munan十木南Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted (The print edition is now available. Search the platform for A Pair of Swallows to purchase.) [Pure historical romance, not reborn + Marriage Before Love + One-Sided Salvation + Cherishing and Doting + Emotional Push and Pull] (Completed. Original title: A Pair of Swallows) [Sweet Romance, Both Leads Untainted: Gentle, Clever Noblewoman VS Dark, Ill-Tempered Prince] A marriage decree forced Yun Hua, the fourth daughter of the Yun family, to marry the Seventh Prince, Si Heng. The imperial edict c 25.8kReads9.3Score3.7kShelves

   Reader note

   This is truly one of my favorite historical romance novels. It's a sweet, everyday story about a pre-marital marriage. The writing is excellent, and it's educational. There are three side couples, so it's never monotonous! (All happy endings!)

9. 9 榜 Catch a Husband at the Results Board, and My Scheming Groom Is Irresistible 榜下捉婿，腹黑夫君太撩人 Optimistic Sunflower乐天派向日葵Ancient Romance347k WordsCompleted [Clear-eyed, wealthy beauty VS scheming, devoted top scholar] [Marriage First, Love Later; Sweet Romance] Zhao Wanqing, the legitimate daughter of Prince An of the Great Yue Dynasty, was frail as a child. At the abbot’s guidance at Xiangguo Temple, she learned that she needed to marry someone whose Four Pillars of Destiny were purely yang. Prince An loved his daughter dearly. He followed every lead until he found her destined match, then shamelessly begged the emperor to arrange the marriage, fi 6.5kReads9.1Score822Shelves

   Reader note

   These two books are pure historical romance! No time travel or reincarnation. The author's writing is excellent, unfolding the story in a captivating and engaging way, with a tight and fast-paced plot. Highly recommended!!!

10. 10 卿 You and the Sun and Moon 卿与日月 Mo Huan陌缓Ancient Romance654k WordsCompleted [Originally titled My Love, the Sun and Moon. Everyday life in an ancient setting + mutual salvation + seemingly delicate but inwardly strong heroine who grows over time + hero who still holds on to kindness and honor after falling from his position as a favored son of heaven] Wen Shining, the legitimate daughter of the Wen family, was confined to her home for sixteen years because of a curse claiming she would bring death to her parents and disaster upon her family. Fu Wenzhou, the second son o 56.2kReads9.2Score6.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all rated 9 points or higher, and they're quite good. I especially recommended the first one many times. I like it but I don't dare to rewatch it because the male and female leads are so pitiful. It's a bittersweet story!

11. 11 娇 After a Frail Beauty Marries to Bring Good Fortune, She Becomes the Regent's Princess Consort 娇软美人冲喜后，成了摄政王妃 Flowers and Fruit有花有果Ancient Romance539k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance + No Rebirth or Transmigration + Marriage Before Love + Sweet, Devoted Romance + Putting Scoundrels in Their Place + Having a Baby + Growing Heroine] Jiang Yuanyi is peerlessly beautiful, soft and charming, but unfortunately, she is a lowborn concubine-born daughter. Her father dislikes her, her stepmother despises her, and her legitimate older siblings bully her. Despite her betrothal, they force her to bring good fortune to the dying heir of the Duke of Jingguo by marrying 11.4kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves
12. 12 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter's Cunning, and Her Way with Husbands 嫡女善谋，御夫有道 Optimistic Sunflower乐天派向日葵Ancient Romance421k WordsCompleted [Calculating Earl’s Legitimate Daughter vs. Cold and Ruthless Heir to the Duke] [Power Couple, Sweet Romance] Shen Yunshu, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Earl of Xiting, is the only legitimate heir of her generation. But her father, Lord Shen, favors a beautiful young concubine who has both a son and a daughter, while her domineering grandmother can’t stand her either. Always calm and unruffled, Shen Yunshu only wants to live a quiet life with her mother. Yet people keep trying to disrupt 9.5kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves
13. 13 为 After Clearing the White Moonlight's Name, the Prince Panicked 为白月光翻案后，王爷他慌了 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance10k WordsCompleted After Clearing Her White Moonlight’s Name, the Prince Panics 2kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended short stories in ancient Chinese style

14. 14 我 After I Was Ordered to Divorce, My Ex-Husband Regretted It 我奉旨和离后，前夫悔不当初 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance36k WordsCompleted After I received the imperial decree to divorce, my ex-husband regretted it too late. 11.2kReads—Score229Shelves
15. 15 傻 The Foolish Scholar’s Fortunate, Plump Wife 傻状元的福运胖妻 Mi Yiner弥音儿Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted [Flexible Setting + Cozy Farming + Everyday Family Life + Slow and Steady + Devoted Couple, No Messy Drama] A friendly reminder: This is a fictional setting, not serious historical fiction. Relax and enjoy the story, and don't overanalyze the historical details. Zhen Mier had been chubby since childhood, the fattest girl for miles around! Gu Tingzhi had been exceptionally clever since childhood, known throughout the area as a top-scorer-in-the-making. The chubby girl had never slimmed down, whi 6.9kReads9.2Score586Shelves
16. 16 妹 My Sister Stole My Identity, Not Knowing She Was Marrying the General Who Died in Battle in My Place 妹妹抢我身份，却不知是替我嫁给战死的将军 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance12k WordsCompleted My younger sister stole my identity, never knowing she was taking my place in marrying a general who would die in battle. 1.2kReads—Score—Shelves
17. 17 赐 After the Imperial Betrothal, the Grand Secretary Finally Got a Clue 赐婚后，首辅大人开窍了 Wangwang Milk Beans汪汪奶豆Ancient Romance575k WordsCompleted Everyone in the capital knew that the legitimate daughter of Imperial Censor Qiao was frail and could be knocked over by a breeze. Yet the emperor betrothed her to Mu Shijing, the Chief Grand Secretary, who stood second only to the emperor and above everyone else. Mu Shijing was the man who had shattered the dreams of countless young ladies in the capital, and on top of that, he had paid a fine for staying unmarried for two years in a row, making him the capital's most eligible bachelor. When th 5.6kReads8.8Score723Shelves
18. 18 被 Sold as a Sacrificial Bride, I Toppled My Ancestors' Memorial Tablets 被卖冲喜后，我掀了祖宗牌位 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭25k WordsCompleted Sold as a Bride to Bring Good Fortune, I Toppled the Ancestral Tablets 481Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 19 锦 The Young Master of the Jin Family Lost a Bet and Picked Up a Bride to Be His Wife 锦世子打赌输了捡个新娘当世子妃 Han Nianyi寒廿一Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted “Do you think the Ye family's young lady is dead?” “Hard to say. If my husband had rejected me at the altar on my wedding day, what face would I have left to live in this world? I'd probably have thrown myself headfirst into a wall too.” Ye Qingran walked down the street in her wedding dress when a white figure descended from the sky. “Would you marry me?” A few years later, a solemn-faced little boy looked helplessly at the lively woman in front of him, then looked up at the handsome man beside 4.4kReads9.1Score477Shelves
20. 20 入 After Three Years in Prison, the Marquis Regretted It 入狱三年，侯爷他悔疯了 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance8k WordsCompleted After Three Years in Prison, the Marquis Regretted It Too Late 1.6kReads—Score—Shelves
21. 21 农 The Tough Farmer’s Wife and Her Frail Husband’s Unbridled Devotion 农门悍妇，病弱相公宠妻无度 Full Belly, Ready to Write吃饱饱好码字Ancient Romance320k WordsCompleted Li Miaomiao transmigrates into the body of a woman who was abandoned by her groom, went mad and married Xiao Xian, who had come to attend the wedding feast, then demanded the next day to go back and become the groom’s concubine. She fell into a river and died. The guests all laugh at the useless cripple, who has nothing but a handsome face and lives in abject poverty, unable even to keep the jilted bride. Everyone expects her to wake up and torment Xiao Xian. Instead, she picks up a toolbox and 16.8kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves
22. 22 除 Everyone in My Family Was Reborn Except Me 除了我，全家都重生了 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭10k WordsCompleted Everyone in My Family Was Reborn Except Me 289Reads—Score—Shelves
23. 23 家 My Family Sent Me to Die in My Brother's Place. Now That I've Become a War God, They Beg Me to Acknowledge Them 家族让我替弟从军赴死，我成铁血战神后他们跪求相认 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭11k WordsCompleted My Family Sent Me to Die in My Brother’s Place. Now That I’ve Become a Battle-Hardened God of War, They’re Begging Me to Acknowledge Them 627Reads—Score—Shelves
24. 24 昼 Jade by Day, Heng by Night 昼如玉，夜如珩 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance10k WordsCompleted Jade by Day, Heng by Night 9Reads—Score—Shelves
25. 25 试 The Trial-Room Maid 试房丫鬟 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance11k WordsCompleted The House-Testing Maid —Reads—Score—Shelves
26. 26 老 After My Husband Cheated, I Ran the Company into Bankruptcy 老公出轨后，我把公司搞破产了 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭9k WordsCompleted After My Husband Cheated, I Ran the Company into Bankruptcy 5.7kReads—Score—Shelves
27. 27 误 Lost in the Depths of Spring 误入春深 Wen Naixi温乃兮Ancient Romance148k WordsCompleted Prince Yu, Yu Huaiji, believed he had spent his life acting decisively, plotting every move, and leaving himself no weaknesses. He was sure he was invincible. But Heaven was about to show him that there was always someone greater! It sent him a delicate young lady from the Song family: Song Nao. She looked so fragile and soft that anyone could bully her, but in truth she was clever in her own way. After meeting him only twice, she had already found and firmly grasped his one fatal weakness. Yet 5.6kReads9.4Score609Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all novels on my bookshelf that I find very enjoyable.

28. 28 老 After My Husband Returned from a Business Trip to Chengdu, a Casual Short Video Made Me Go Viral 老公从成都出差回来后，我随手发个短视频爆火了 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Marriage & Romance14k WordsCompleted After My Husband Returned from a Business Trip to Chengdu, a Short Video I Posted on a Whim Went Viral 12.6kReads—Score101Shelves
29. 29 纨 The Arrogant Regent Forcefully Steals the Bride 纨绔摄政王强势抢亲 Thinking of Bamboo and Flute念竹思笛Ancient Romance247k WordsCompleted [The seemingly spoiled, lovesick Prince Regent ✘ the foodie young princess of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, who’d rather throw a punch than say a word] [A sweet romance with just a touch of silliness. The author’s values follow the looks; if that bothers you, don’t read.] The first rule of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household: Men do not take concubines, and women do not become concubines. Ling Mo, the Prince Regent, has been doted on since childhood. He has always had someone he can’t stop thinki 4.6kReads9.2Score428Shelves
30. 30 恶 I'm the One Who'll Deal with the Wicked Neighbor 恶邻自有我来磨 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭7k WordsCompleted Leave It to Me to Deal with the Wicked Neighbor 1Reads—Score—Shelves
31. 31 依 Drunk on Your Clothes 依衿醉 Qiqi, Who Loves Humpback Whales喜欢驼背鲸的七七Ancient Romance293k WordsCompleted Lu Huai had imagined his future wife many times: gentle and charming, educated and reasonable, beautiful as a flower, and mild-tempered. But the woman before him was beautiful, at least. As for the rest... She was nowhere near educated and reasonable. She was fussy, quirky, and petty, and she even had a highly skilled maidservant at her side. After her parents died in battle, Zijin was determined to find a live-in son-in-law to carry on the Zhao family line. What? The emperor had arranged for 5.8kReads9.1Score685Shelves
32. 32 跟 I Followed My Wife to a Hotel, and I Regretted It 跟踪老婆到酒店后，我后悔了 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Marriage & Romance7k WordsCompleted I followed my wife to a hotel, and regretted it 5.7kReads—Score—Shelves
33. 33 闪 After a Whirlwind Wedding, I Became a Rich Woman and Didn't Have to Work Night Shifts 闪婚后我成了富婆，还不用上夜班 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭13k WordsCompleted After a Whirlwind Marriage, I Became a Rich Woman and Didn't Have to Work the Night Shift 11.3kReads—Score100Shelves
34. 34 郡 The Princess Is Sweet 郡主微微甜 Xiao Siniang箫四娘Ancient Romance184k WordsCompleted Rong Lian, daughter of Prince Qing'an, is falsely accused and demoted to Shenyuan Ward, known as the “prison of the mortal world.” At the same time, Lan Jin, the Marquis of Liu'an, who once held sway over Chang'an, is also banished there. Desperate to leave Shenyuan Ward, Rong Lian deliberately gets close to Lan Jin, hoping to use his influence to clear her father and brothers’ names. But Lan Jin is cold and calculating. Not only does Rong Lian fail to achieve her goal, she ends up getting a tas —Reads8.4Score—Shelves
35. 35 菀 Wan Yuan Is Your Substitute, Yet Better Than You 菀苑类卿却胜卿 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance8k WordsCompleted Wan Yuan Resembles Qing, Yet Surpasses Her 557Reads—Score—Shelves
36. 36 春 The Spring Breeze Blows Through Yumen Pass! 春风吹度玉门关！ Scallion Pancake with an Extra Egg手抓饼要加鸡蛋Ancient Romance409k WordsCompleted [They marry at the start + married life + sweet romance + native-born leads + mutually devoted] Gentle, tolerant, and magnanimous heroine & jealous, rough-around-the-edges puppy-dog hero The sixth year of the Zhending reign, spring. The old Duchess of Dingguo knelt before the Empress Dowager, asking for a marriage match for her grandson Yun Zheng, who was guarding the northwest. The emperor honored the Yun family’s generations of loyal service. Having also heard that the Cui family’s daughters 23.3kReads9.0Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    This romance novel is quite fitting for the ancient setting. Both the male and female leads have great personalities and are intelligent. Highly recommended!

37. 37 将 The General's Adorable Forensic Doctor 将军家的仵作娇娘 Wen Ting温听Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted Sickly beauty Su Yihan vs. unruly General Shen Su Yihan, daughter of the Commander of the Imperial Guard, was born with an illness and was a delicate beauty. Lord Su cherished her as if she were the apple of his eye. Once, when a mischievous young man made suggestive remarks to her, Lord Su chased him for two whole streets and beat the brat until he screamed. Her several older male cousins treated her like fragile porcelain, protecting her with the utmost care. They always saved the best food an 762Reads9.3Score117Shelves
38. 38 全 My Whole Family Are Occult Masters, While I'm Just a Lazy Fish 全家玄门大佬，而我咸鱼一条 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Female-Channel Fanfiction26k WordsCompleted Everyone in My Family Is a Master of the Mystical Arts, but I'm Just a Lazybones 44Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 39 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

    Reader note

    🐱Cat Cat is here to recommend books! [Heart] First book: The male lead is captured by an enemy country and forced to marry the female lead. After four years of manipulation and hurt, the female lead is scarred and heartbroken. The male lead chases after her relentlessly, but the broken relationship cannot be mended, and the second male lead takes her place. [Heart] Second book: The female lead and the second male lead are childhood sweethearts. Due to a series of coincidences, the female lead loses her memory and marries the male lead. The male lead wipes out the female lead's entire family. It's super heart-wrenching, but the broken relationship cannot be mended, and the second male lead takes her place. [Heart] Third book: Sweet and slightly angsty. The female lead is a woman disguised as a man, independent and strong. The male lead is lively, cute, and talkative, vowing to sever all emotional ties and believing he has fallen in love with a man. [Heart][Heart] Fourth book: The male lead is crazy and devoid of emotions, but he dotes on the female lead. The female lead is a well-bred lady. Their childhood encounter brought them together. The last three books are related, all pure ancient romance, no rebirth, no time travel, no cheat codes, and all characters are highly intelligent.

40. 40 死 My Archenemy Has Had a Crush on Me Since He Was Eight 死对头他八岁就开始暗恋我 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance8k WordsCompleted My Archrival Has Had a Crush on Me Since He Was Eight 18Reads—Score—Shelves
41. 41 被 After My Childhood Friend Forced Me to Drink Poisoned Wine, I Became the Enemy Kingdom's Crown Princess 被竹马灌下毒酒后，我成了敌国太子妃 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance6k WordsCompleted After My Childhood Friend Forced Me to Drink Poisoned Wine, I Became the Crown Prince's Consort in the Enemy Kingdom 33Reads—Score—Shelves
42. 42 王 Prince, a Brothel Isn't a Study Hall! 王爷，青楼不是自习室！ Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance9k WordsCompleted Your Highness, a Brothel Is Not a Study Hall! 218Reads—Score—Shelves
43. 43 娇 A Bride of Tender Grace 娇聘 Mu Xiaoyang沐晓杨Ancient Romance767k WordsCompleted A captivating heroine + household intrigue + mystery-solving + married first, love later, and doting romance The heroine is a sharp-tongued little firecracker; the hero may be a smiling tiger. As the only daughter of the Minister of Revenue, Su Jinli is famous among the capital's noble families for her beauty, as well as for being spoiled, lazy, and useless. All she wants is to lie flat, but she is looked down on by the noble young ladies, disliked by her future mother-in-law, and even has her e 4.1kReads9.1Score609Shelves
44. 44 青 My Childhood Sweetheart Is Hard to Coax, but My Boyfriend Spoils Me Every Day 青梅难哄，竹马折腰日日宠 Fragrant Wood Terrace木香台Ancient Romance281k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + slow and steady love + early Tang setting] As soon as Yu Nianqiu finishes her mourning period, the Ji family comes to break off the engagement. Yu Nianqiu turns away and bursts out laughing. That means I don't have to get married! Unfortunately, the emperor issues an edict requiring her to marry, so she has no choice but to recruit an honest, easy-to-manage live-in husband. As soon as the news gets out, talented young men come flocking. The scholar: “I am gentle 1kReads9.0Score178Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all well-written and engaging historical romance novels, intelligent and without any major plot holes. I especially recommend the third book!

45. 45 灌 After He Made Me Take Abortion Pills, the Scumbag Asked Who the Baby's Father Was 灌我堕胎药后，渣男又问孩子是谁的 Making a Living as a Kept Man硬吃软饭Ancient Romance8k WordsCompleted After He Made Me Take Abortion Pills, My Scumbag Ex Asked Who the Baby Belonged To 47Reads—Score—Shelves
46. 46 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.6kReads9.6Score31.2kShelves
47. 47 独 Sole Possession of Spring: Stones from Other Mountains 独占春：他山之石 Gu Jin Ruo辜今弱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Also known as: When My Late Husband Returned, My Stepson Went Mad!] "Both leads are virgins + Younger male lead + He’s been plotting this for a long time" Lin Yitao became a widow at seventeen. To continue the family line, her husband’s family adopted a young boy and made him her legitimate son. The boy was exceptionally gifted, and under her guidance he quickly went from an unknown nobody to the celebrated Jade Carver of the capital. No one knew that the Jade Carver was steadily plotting to ma 19.1kReads9.0Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Fine chaff, worth

48. 48 授 Hand Him the Reins 授他以柄 Zhou Fuyao周扶妖Ancient Romance96k WordsCompleted With the city about to fall and the kingdom on the brink of ruin, Pei Qing wrote a letter asking that man for help. For seven whole days, there was no reply. But just when all hope seemed lost, he arrived. His peerlessly handsome face was full of disdain and contempt. Xiao Yuan walked into the imperial bedchamber with blood dripping from his blade and lazily called out, “Elder Brother.” Having earned merit by rushing to the emperor’s defense, he naturally expected a reward. “I have plenty of gol 24.9kReads9.5Score2.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The first one is very short and the story isn't complicated. The second one is more famous; it's a rebirth story with a strong female protagonist.

49. 49 蓄 Long-Planned: The Chief Councilor’s Daily Devotion to His Wife 蓄谋已久：首辅大人的宠妻日常 I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance566k WordsCompleted “The rating just came out, so it’ll go up later.” Sweet, delicate beauty × scheming powerful official. A marriage that turns into tooth-achingly sweet love! “The aloof beauty comes down from her pedestal of her own accord.” A spring palace painting leads to “bedroom lessons,” and the heart-fluttering moments just won’t stop! Reading guide: Both leads are virgins, happy ending, sweet romance with no angst, sugar from beginning to end! Qin Nuan married Shen Yanqing, the Chief Minister who was the 30.9kReads8.9Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    They made the list!! Under the moonlight, the two nestled together. Shen Yanqing's usually aloof eyes softened with endless tenderness when they met Qin Nuan's gaze. His eyes were unusually gentle, filled with Qin Nuan counting on her fingers in his arms. His thin lips parted slightly, a smile spreading across his face, his voice brimming with joy for her: "Yes, Shen Yanqing promised."

50. 50 抢 You Stole My Trash Ex? Taste the Massacre First 抢我渣前夫？6，灭门惨剧你先尝 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance278k WordsCompleted [Rebirth, revenge, family intrigue, sweet romance, satisfying read, one-on-one romance] Also known as "My Reborn Half-Sister Wanted to Switch Marriages, So I Let Her. Now She’s the One Crying" Lu Jintang and Lu Zhaoyue were both reborn. As soon as she returned, Lu Zhaoyue eagerly declared, “I’ll give you the Xie family match. I’ll marry into the Xiao family in your place!” Lu Jintang happily agreed and married without hesitation into the seemingly doomed Xie family. Lu Zhaoyue was overjoyed. At 4.7kReads—Score468Shelves

    Reader note

    The writing is exquisite, the plot is engaging, and it's a completed historical romance novel!

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