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. 501 山 Spring Comes to the Mountain Woods 山木逢春 The Fly Doesn't Fly乌蝇不飞Ancient Romance263k WordsOngoing [Two formidable leads + court intrigue + kindred spirits + growing together + long live idealism] Censor Zhou Huaiyue is ordered to investigate a fire at the salt warehouse. A token belonging to the Fang family is found in the ashes. Armed with an imperial edict, he turns the Fang family’s estate upside down, determined to find the statue of an evil god rumored to be enshrined in their inner residence. He doesn’t find the statue. Instead, he brings out a young woman who seems detached in both 43Reads—Score13514d adds

   Reader note

   A traditional writing style, combining the best of ancient Chinese romance. The male protagonist is a voracious reader, the female protagonist a seasoned traveler; their meeting is a match made in heaven. No melodramatic plot twists or overpowered plot devices; instead, they focus on building a solid career and living a prosperous life.

2. 502 当 Back Then, I Refused to Marry the East Wind (A Companion to A Spring Rain on a Night in a Small Tower, a Historical Pride and Prejudice) 当年不肯嫁东风（《小楼一夜听春雨》姊妹篇，古代版傲慢与偏见) Bright Moon Tilts明月倾Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted [Sisters united + rekindled romance + historical ensemble cast] The Ye sisters’ battle to protect their romantic prospects: a long-planned, romantic counterattack. With sisters sticking together, nothing is too difficult! After their mother died, the three Ye sisters broke with their father, who favored his concubine and neglected his wife. They lived in a separate residence and took in A Cuo, the adopted daughter of their late maternal aunt, relying on one another to get by. Four years ago, the 16.8kReads9.6Score2.8k14d adds

   Reader note

   I could recommend these three books for the rest of my life!!!

3. 503 挽 Reclaiming the Splendor of Youth 挽韶华 Tide Over the Ocean汐洋汐上Ancient Romance459k WordsCompleted Gongsun Haoyue, the young lady of a marquis’s household, dreamed from childhood of riding into battle. She longed for her father to teach her martial arts when he returned victorious, but who could have guessed… After suffering the unbearable loss of her father and brother, Gongsun Haoyue developed a heart condition, yet her desire to avenge them only grew stronger. Six years later, Gongsun Haoyue returned from her training just as war flared up again in the north. Disguised as a man, she went t 16Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Having grown accustomed to countless tales of heartbreak, are there no ancient romance novels filled with love?

4. 504 落 Falling Blossoms Fill Chang'an 落花满长安 Jiahe Tiantian嘉禾田田Ancient Romance281k WordsOngoing [Women's redemption + female independence + strong female lead + political intrigue + marriage first, love later + domineering CEO + emperor's exclusive favor] Synopsis: Gu Jiangning, the only daughter of Jiangnan's richest man, Gu Shaoqing, is beautiful and brilliant. While trying to rescue Li Xiangjun, who is trapped in a brothel, she happens to meet Dou Bo'an, an official overseeing the Jiangnan textile industry. Her family then pushes her onto a so-called marriage alliance, all for her own g 5Reads—Score114d adds

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   It's really good! 😆😆 A carefree young master from a noble family falls in love with a notorious "witch," and in the end, he competes with the prince for her hand in marriage. It's sweet and doting in the beginning, but gets quite angsty later on. It's not brainless; the female lead is very clear-headed. I highly recommend it to everyone!

5. 505 太 Crown Princess, You’ve Been Faking Your Love for Two Lifetimes! 太子妃，她骗宠了两辈子！ Encounter遇见Ancient Romance360k WordsCompleted [A villainess takes the legal wife's place + faithful to each other + stopping at nothing to achieve her goals + ensemble cast of powerful women + both reborn] Merchants prize profit and are skilled at scheming. As for me, Qian Yueshu, I'm among the very best at it all. In my previous life, I was a concubine, yet I schemed to make the Crown Prince lose his virginity to me. I entered his household five years before the Crown Princess. After that, I fought and clawed my way forward, bearing his 4.7kReads7.2Score23914d adds
6. 506 趁 While Her Husband Is Still Green, the Young Wife Turns on the Charm 趁夫君青涩，娘子她花式开撩 Encounter遇见Ancient Romance662k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other’s first and only love + married first, fall in love later + all kinds of flirting + knows how to keep her husband in line + says the sweetest things while striking with the sharpest knife] In her previous life, after marrying into the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, she was exhausted every day. She had to get up at three in the morning to serve her mother-in-law, constantly find ways to please her sister-in-law, and put up with her several sisters-in-law hitting her up fo 9.5kReads8.5Score83314d adds
7. 507 前 After a Brutal Death in Her Past Life, She Went on a Rampage in the Capital 前世被虐惨死后她在京城杀疯了 Qin Xiaomi秦小米Ancient Romance337k WordsCompleted Reborn + revenge against scumbags + household intrigue + political schemes + no saintly heroine + scumbag ex faces a road to redemption Li Yunshu is exceptionally talented and breathtakingly beautiful, renowned throughout the capital. Betrothed from childhood to the heir of the Duke’s mansion, she thought they were childhood sweethearts, never imagining her fiancé would fall for her half-sister. After marrying into the Duke’s household, she endured endless hardships. Her maternal family was fram 283Reads8.2Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Rebirth + revenge against scumbags + palace intrigue + political maneuvering + no saintly side + scumbag boyfriend's downfall - so satisfying, it's really good!

8. 508 天 The Four Rebellious Immortals of Heaven Are Here, Make Way! 天庭四大反骨仔驾到，通通闪开 Joyful Words Through the Years岁语长欢Ancient Romance367k WordsCompleted [The animated series is now streaming] Today's front-page headline in the Immortal Daily: “Attention! Heaven Has a New Rebel!” Sources say this person is the newly adopted sidekick of the Great God of the Three Altars and the Sea. People call her “Fourth Auntie.” Great Sage Sun rebels in the open, Erlang Shen rebels in secret, the Third Prince is ready to rebel at any moment, and Fourth Auntie rebels whenever I do. Wherever I go, she follows. These people do nothing but sit around and chat, yet 32.1kReads9.2Score5.6k14d adds

   Reader note

   This is a great book about daily life in the celestial realm. The protagonist leaves the underworld with a heart full of unwavering convictions and heads to the celestial court. He actively tries to get close to the difficult celestial figures and unexpectedly reveals his own special abilities. Highly recommended.

9. 509 步 Splendor at Every Turn, Spring at Every Step 步步惊华步步春 Twenty-Four Flower Mornings廿四花朝Ancient Romance850k WordsOngoing [Pure Historical Romance] [Plot-Driven] [Court Intrigue] [Two Strong Leads] [One-on-One Romance] [Everyone Is Clever] [Powerful Prince Who Holds the Court in His Hand vs. Brilliant Commoner Daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen, the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's household, was born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble home in the countryside. Then, one day, she was forced to enter the treacherous world of the capital's noble houses. Her relatives put on a false show of welcome, 8.7kReads8.7Score85714d adds

   Reader note

   This book on political intrigue and wit will likely leave a lasting impression and make you look at the world in a new light.

10. 510 穿 Reborn as Zhu Yunwen’s Wife: I Can’t Lie Low in This Chaotic Age 穿成朱允炆妻，我躺不平乱世 I Absolutely Adore Fan Wenzheng超爱范文正公92k WordsCompleted Lin Wei, a modern history major and consummate slacker, stayed up all night reading about the Jingnan Campaign in Ming history. When she opened her eyes, she had become Ma Shi in the early Ming dynasty The wife of Zhu Yunwen, she knows the outcome of the Jingnan Campaign is already set. She cannot rewrite history and has no golden finger. All she can do is scheme carefully within the rigid palace, doing everything in her power to secure a way for herself and her child to survive the chaos. In th 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's a new book; you can give it a try.

11. 511 愿 I’d Be Content to Serve at Her Feet: I’ll Make My Lord Empress 愿为裙下臣之奉主为帝 I Am No Virtuous Woman妾非良人Ancient Romance367k WordsCompleted Political intrigue + romance (the leads aren’t each other’s first, and there are no obstacles in the way. This is definitely not a road to kindergarten). The sweetest romance ever!!! She teases him, and he tells her she has no manners or shame. Then she stops pursuing him, and he panics. 75Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Purely ancient setting, no time travel.

12. 512 血 Bloodstained Silver Hairpin 血染银簪 Distantly Knowing the Wind's Tune遥知风曲Ancient Romance309k WordsOngoing [Twelve Years Slaughtering Chickens, Now I Take My Blade to Chunxiang House] [Slow-Burn Historical Mystery | No Golden Finger | Not Reborn | Does Not Transmigrate] [Happy Ending] [Ensemble Cast] Shen Wan was six when she lost her family. Her father was murdered, her mother vanished, and all they left her was a silver hairpin and three words: Chunxiang House. For twelve years, she slaughtered livestock and sharpened her blade. She carried the hairpin to the capital to investigate a bloody case 6Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    No rebirth or cheat codes—the logic is quite strong; recommended.

13. 513 过 Beyond One Mountain Lies Another 过了这一山又一山 In Zhongshan钟山里Ancient Romance234k WordsOngoing [Pretend siblings + no blood relation + life among the common folk + court intrigue] A carefree beauty vs. an aristocrat who's not what he seems. A pair of bickering rivals, fated to meet. Chang'an basks in the splendor of a golden age, while the small border city has its own charms. Ye Cizhen, an ordinary woman from the streets of Liuzhou, believes life is short, so you should enjoy it while you can. She dreams of traveling far and wide. She knows feng shui, plays the suona, performs exorcisms, 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a traditional ancient romance novel, not a time-travel, rebirth, wish-fulfillment, or system story. It occasionally incorporates some fantasy elements, has an antique charm, and spans from the common people to the imperial court, from Lingnan to Chang'an. The author is reliable and will definitely finish writing it.

14. 514 穿 After Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 139.1kReads9.6Score16.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    The two books I've been reading recently are pretty good; I won't recommend any that are still ongoing.

15. 515 惹 The Trouble-Making Disciple 惹祸的徒弟 Autumn Winds Sweep In寒枫袭来Ancient Romance555k WordsCompleted Because of natural disasters, the people of Liangcheng in Tianguo suffer from severe hunger. With no choice but to leave their hometown to survive, they head for the prosperous capital. A mother and son cling to each other as they make the arduous journey of a thousand li. By the time they reach the outskirts of the capital, the unfortunate mother is on the verge of death from hunger. Looking at her young son, she hopes some kindhearted person will take him in so he won’t starve to death. After 1.7kReads6.9Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    A humorous and entertaining story set in the ancient Chinese world, featuring master and apprentice relationships and intrigue.

16. 516 芙 Lotus Ashes: Frost and Snow over Bianjing 芙蓉烬之汴京霜雪 Light Rain on a Sunny Day, Weiwei晴天微雨薇薇Ancient Romance82k WordsCompleted The capital of Shu falls, and the whole kingdom is forced to relocate. Fei Rui'er follows Meng Chang to Bianjing, thinking that as a surrendered captive, all she can do is cling to life. But soon after they arrive in Bianjing, Meng Chang dies suddenly, and Zhao Guangyi begins persecuting the Meng family one blow after another. With memories of a later age, she witnesses this succession of calamities with her own eyes. Outside the palace walls, there is no way out. 164Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This person is definitely intelligent.

17. 517 宫 A Palace Maid's Daily Life: My Parents Want Me to Be a Couch Potato 宫女日常：爹娘让我当咸鱼 Yu Tangluo玉糖萝Ancient Romance699k WordsCompleted Hang Jiayanxin was a bondservant of the Plain White Banner and a court-appointed royal service worker. She entered the palace at thirteen and would leave at twenty-five. For twelve years in the palace, she kept her parents' advice in mind: be a good-for-nothing fish, and hang on until it's time to leave. But the towering palace before her was like a massive vessel, bearing endless power and desire. Once she pushed open those heavy doors, she stepped onto a path from which there was no turning ba 5.2kReads9.1Score57514d adds

    Reader note

    This book is very good.

18. 518 好 What a Song Dynasty 好一个宋朝 Wu Gou吴钩Historical127k WordsCompleted Although the Song dynasty was over a thousand years ago, life back then was not as boring as we might imagine. Keeping cats and dogs as pets was already popular. The entertainment found along Song dynasty streets was not all that different from what we enjoy today. City residents already had access to "running water," and commerce was so developed that people had a strong sense of branding. Some shops even had "lightbox advertisements"... This book is a "documentary" about the Song dynasty. Rea 245Reads9.3Score10114d adds
19. 519 嫁 Married into a Wealthy Family as the Second Wife, I Won the Cold Husband's Heart 嫁入高门做继室，清冷夫君动了情 Luo Yin in Blue Robes青衫洛隐Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted Jiang Muyun was the daughter of a minor prefect, and thought she would be free to live her life as she pleased. But then her elder sister died young, and her grandmother schemed against her. Her life was turned upside down. 722Reads6.5Score10714d adds

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese romance, no cheat codes, very realistic, a slow and steady relationship.

20. 520 表 My Cousin Keeps Eyeing Other Families' Eligible Bachelors, and the Heir Is Panicking 表妹总想攀别家的高枝，世子爷急 Plain Rice and Greens白水青菜Ancient Romance247k WordsCompleted [Mutually exclusive first love! Mutually exclusive first love! + exclusive devotion + happy ending + welcome aboard + not a light read, the author’s last stand] [Cunning beauty + scheming heir] Shen Shu has a soft, delicate figure and a voice that twists and turns with seductive charm. Among all the proper young ladies of the aristocracy, she stands out with her own unique allure. But this beautiful young woman has only one thing on her mind: finding the perfect husband, so she can latch onto th 105Reads5.8Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Kiss] A high-quality ancient Chinese romance novel with a pure historical setting. No silly tropes, no simplistic plots, and no weak or idiotic elements. [Thumbs up] The supporting characters are definitely intelligent. [Heart] Both characters are virgins, 1v1. [Thumbs up] The writing is excellent. [Thumbs up] It's worth reading; you'll understand once you do. [Thinking]

21. 521 少 The Young Imperial Guard 少年金吾卫 Xiao Yilian萧逸莲Martial Arts715k WordsCompleted This is a martial arts novel set in an alternate history. A mysterious jade pendant leads to the founding of a brand-new princely residence. The protagonists are a group of sunny, cheerful young people. They have no blood feud over a father’s murder, nor any grudge over the destruction of their families. All they have is passionate conviction and the courage to root out traitors and drive away evil. After one drinking session, the heir sells himself to the crown prince. From then on, ruler and s 141Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Would martial arts novels work?

22. 522 君 You and I 君与卿 Nine Taro Balls九颗芋圆Ancient Romance214k WordsCompleted (Sweet Romance + Mutual Devotion + Both Pure + Romance) The stern marquis, rumored to have schemed for power and persecuted anyone outside his faction for a thousand years, starts spouting flirtatious lines after a chance encounter during the Qixi Festival... “Sheng’er, I can’t afford to die just yet. I still have to live long enough to marry you and take responsibility for you.” “Alas, you missed the whole point. My plan to make you take responsibility for me has fallen through again.” “I long 21Reads8.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I'd like to recommend this book I wrote myself. It's a pure historical romance, with no invincible villainous second female lead. It's a sweet story about a marquis and a county princess. No time travel, no revenge, and no rebirth! It's sweet but not cloying.

23. 523 寒 A Lone Lamp Shines in the Cold 寒灯独照 Su Jiao素蛟Ancient Romance166k WordsOngoing The doctor at the pharmacy in Qingshui Town was the only survivor of the Shen family massacre, and the last inheritor of the Mingdi Division. She could have spent her whole life stitching wounds and dispensing medicine, until the man who claimed to be "in the ironware business" collapsed at her counter: Xiao Yan, the new king of Xuan. Three months later, at the alliance of the six kingdoms, she took her seat as a guest official. Not one of the powerful ministers in court thought much of this wo 9Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a great story. A battle of wits between two powerful figures. A complex web of intrigue. A chaotic world working together to achieve peace. This time, our heroine shoulders the responsibility of saving the Nine Provinces. A heartwarming and epic tale!

24. 524 朱 Willows by the Vermilion Gate 朱门柳 Nine Startling Dreams九惊梦Ancient Romance917k WordsOngoing [An alternate-history Tang-inspired aristocratic family saga of power and intrigue, told through a cast of women.] [Romance is only a touch of color. Survival and ambition are the story’s true foundations. No transmigration, extraordinary encounters, or golden finger, and no one-dimensional villains.] [Main characters: Xiao Lingxi, Xiao Yunxiu, Xiao Yungui, in no particular order] An age of prosperity approaches its end, and the Rongguo estate teeters amid the storm. The eldest daughter, Xiao Li 364Reads8.1Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    Absolutely stunning! Absolutely antique-style, and incredibly pleasing to the eye.

25. 525 千 Record of a Thousand Lanterns 千灯录 A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mystery solving + palace intrigue and household scheming + face-slapping and revenge + powerful families + court and kingdom] Fifteen prospective husbands are locked in a fight to the death in my family’s back courtyard, while all I want is to become a nun. Schemes and deceit, suspicion at every turn, bloodshed and tragedy piling up, a deadly battle in the back courtyard with no survivors allowed. [The high-born judge of the Court of Judicial Review, who loves wiping out entire households] x [T 22.7kReads9.4Score4.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance novels! Absolutely amazing! I'll recommend the last two to everyone I meet!

26. 526 大 The Ming Emperor's Beloved Consort, Wan Zhen'er 大明宠妃万贞儿 Mad Twenty-Four Snake疯廿四蛇Ancient Romance745k WordsCompleted 8.1kReads9.4Score68114d adds
27. 527 攀 Climbing the Social Ladder: The Crown Prince Lowers Himself for Me in Secret 攀高枝:太子爷伏低做小见不得光 Lu Xixi路希希11k WordsCompleted Climbing the Social Ladder: The Crown Prince Plays the Submissive Lover in Secret 377Reads—Score—14d adds
28. 528 知 Knowing the Subtle Truth 知情微 An'an Tianya鞍安天涯Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted “The pawn strikes back X I enter the game in the name of a pawn, and I insist on playing against you.” [Replacement * no rebirth * no transmigration * high-stakes palace intrigue * everyone is wicked] What secrets lie buried in the past? What is the truth beneath the treacherous struggles of the imperial harem? One winter, Luo Zhiwei was separated from her family. The twelve-year-old Prince Cheng found her and brought her home. She couldn't remember who she was, where she came from, or where 72Reads—Score—14d adds
29. 529 折 Plucking the Golden Bough: Her Guard Keeps Competing for Her Affection 折金枝:侍卫他又争又要 Lu Xixi路希希Ancient Romance11k WordsCompleted Plucking the Golden Branch: The Guard Wants It All 761Reads—Score—14d adds
30. 530 重 Reborn, I Married the Powerful Regent 重生后，嫁给权倾天下的摄政王 Wen Liu温流Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted Wen Jiu woke up reborn at fifteen, only to find her sworn enemy arriving with a bridal sedan to marry her?! Luckily... He was only there to escort his sickly younger brother's bride. Wen Jiu knew her fiancé was short-lived, that the Xie family would one day be a house of powerful nobles, and that the young man before her would become a regent with power over the entire court... With her heart pounding, Wen Jiu secretly tried to win over the future regent. “I'll earn the money and support the 1.1kReads9.1Score20614d adds

    Reader note

    The writing is delicate and smooth, the characters are vivid, and the plot is exciting and engaging. Highly recommended!

31. 531 汴 Spring Deepens in Bianjing 汴京春深 Wheat小麦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Audio version now available, welcome to listen] Madam Rongguo, Wang Fu, devoted herself to her family until she fell gravely ill and died. She was reborn in the body of Meng Jiuniang, a foolish illegitimate daughter who was only seven years old. In her previous life, her husband became her uncle in this life, and her son became her cousin. In this life, Meng Wan had a simple wish: to live peacefully and watch her son, her cousin Su Fang in this life, grow up safe and sound. But as she and a gro 18.9kReads9.5Score2.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book, *Springtime in Bianjing*, is a classic Chinese romance novel. Wang Fu, in her previous life, was a high-ranking matriarch who devoted herself to her family until her death. She is reborn as the 7-year-old, good-for-nothing concubine's daughter, Meng Jiuniang. She decides to let go of the past and, together with her friends, compose a heroic epic of youthful exuberance.

32. 532 山 The Mountain Girl Is Like a Princess 山里妹子像公主 Works by Li Chunxiao李春晓作品Ancient Romance153k WordsCompleted [Main Characters] Wang Xiumei, Sister-in-Law Pang, Eunuch Chen, Yang the Strongman, Liu Xiu, Yin Lihua, Liu Boji, the Old Lady of Mount Tai (also known as Granny Mount Tai), Wang Mang, Fan Chong, Strongman’s Father, Xiumei’s Mother, Liu the Carpenter, Mei the Stonemason, Li the Stonemason, Prefect Guo, Clerk Zhang, Xiao the Fairy, Chang Longface, Yuan Roundface, Godmother Gan, Eunuch Zhao, Eunuch Qian, Eunuch Sun, the Peony Hermit. [Synopsis] Before and after Emperor Guangwu of Han, Liu Xiu, asc —Reads—Score—14d adds
33. 533 月 Moonset in Warm Embrace 月落温怀 Chang'an Is in the North长安在北Ancient Romance259k WordsCompleted Wen Lin and Song Changyue have been married for ten years, and theirs is a loving marriage. Still, whenever Wen Lin looks at Song Changyue, he can't help wondering whether she regrets it. After all, he was the one who ruined her match back then. She said she didn't like living in a grand, secluded household, yet in the end, she still has to devote herself to its affairs. 50Reads—Score13014d adds

    Reader note

    Absolutely fantastic! You won't regret investing in it! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

34. 534 明 Moonlight on Ice and Snow 明月照冰雪 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted A crazy, formidable woman. General Shen Guizhou VS a prince who only wants romance. Prince Chen Muyi Shen Guizhou was once the young general of the Shen Army, which commanded 300,000 troops in the northern frontier. As her reputation grew, her family feared the emperor would discover that she was a woman disguised as a man and bring disaster upon her. After weighing their options, they sacrificed her. For the sake of peace in the north and the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Shen Army, 4.9kReads9.2Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Without going into too much detail, I highly recommend "Drunk on the Way Home at Dusk," a unique ancient-style novel by Tomato, with absolutely no similar works.

35. 535 公 The Young Master Moves to the Countryside 公子落乡间 Chang'an Is in the North长安在北Ancient Romance647k WordsCompleted A pure-love, 1v1 sweet romance | Cold-faced imperial censor x orphaned herb-gatherer While investigating a case away from home, Imperial Censor Lu Heng accidentally falls in a remote countryside area. He’s lucky to be rescued by Shen Suxin, an orphan who gathers medicinal herbs. To rest and recover in peace, he simply pretends to have lost his memory and stays in her little farmhouse. Once a stern, imposing official at court, he now has to rely on someone else’s hospitality. The heroine even lay 395Reads—Score—14d adds
36. 536 重 Reborn Once More, I Think a Short-Lived Husband Sounds Pretty Good 重活一世，找个短命夫君挺好 Big Sister Doesn't Like Sugarcane Ice姐姐不爱甘蔗冰Ancient Romance324k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Palace and Household Intrigue + Marriage First, Love Later + Historical Romance] In her previous life, Jiang Wanguan was framed for adultery by her husband and stepmother. In the end, they sent her to her death with a bowl of poison and killed her maternal grandfather’s entire family as well. When she awoke one day, Jiang Wanguan had returned to the time before her marriage. Her stepmother and stepsister schemed to make her marry the same scumbag who had been her husband in her previou 13Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A rebirth story set in ancient times, without melodrama or overpowered plot devices. It's simply a slow-paced, everyday life in ancient China. After being reborn, the female protagonist gets rid of her scumbag ex-husband and considers the short-lived male protagonist from her previous life as a potential husband.

37. 537 予 Waiting for You to Return 予卿归 Flying a Plane on a One-Plank Bridge独木桥上开飞机Ancient Romance243k WordsCompleted The Prince of the Manor x The Minister's Legitimate Daughter The two meet for the first time and get into a fierce fight over a misunderstanding. By chance, they meet again, and the young lord Shen is determined to win Miss Lu's heart. When Miss Lu encounters bandits while out, young lord Shen risks his life to save her, and the two fall for each other. But when sudden upheaval strikes the capital, young lord Shen must take up arms for his country and family. After the rebels are defeated, the t 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A tale of political intrigue: the heir of a princely family and the legitimate daughter of a high-ranking official. The male lead first meets the female lead while catching a thief on the street, and falls in love at first sight. Their relationship blossoms from the start, full of high-energy moments. Both leads are intelligent and witty, with no angst and only sweetness throughout. Amidst the turmoil in the capital, they join forces to catch the culprit. A must-read for fans of pure love!

38. 538 做 Be a Concubine? You're Not Worthy! I'll Find a Better Match, and You'll Beg Me to Stay 做妾？你也配？另谋高嫁你下跪 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted This book is now available as a full-cast audio drama, and it’s hilarious! Give it a listen! [Hilarious Transmigration + Medical Space + Sweet, Satisfying Romance + Power Struggles + Palace and Household Intrigue + Mutual Devotion and Strength] A genius in medicine and poison transmigrates to ancient times with a medical space. She wakes up in a coffin, only to have a bewitching man try to steal it? Her ex-husband favors his concubine, abuses his wife, and shamelessly claims her dowry? Her fathe 5.5kReads8.9Score54714d adds

    Reader note

    A refreshing and hilarious ancient Chinese romance novel featuring a strong female protagonist. A sweet and fluffy time-travel story where a goddess doctor travels to ancient times, punishes villains, and builds her career in a thrilling and satisfying way. Sweet, refreshing, and funny with no angst.

39. 539 云 The Legend of Yun Qiao 云翘传 Jade Mat and Dawn Breeze玉簟晓风Ancient Romance423k WordsCompleted [Transmigration]+ [Revenge]+ [Medical Skills] [A guide to what this story does not have: no space, no supernatural abilities, no martial arts, and no golden finger. The heroine has only her superb medical skills to rely on!] Yun Qiao, a genius doctor from the twenty-first century, was transported to a dynasty she had never heard of after a plane crash. For five years, she relived in her dreams the short life of a five-year-old girl named Lin Qiao, who shared her name. In her dreams, she watched 4.3kReads9.0Score56014d adds

    Reader note

    Look at this, it's definitely not melodramatic.

40. 540 鹊 A Magpie Lands on a Branch 鹊踏枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Shen Qiyuan, son of the Grand Princess, earned the emperor’s favor at a young age and wielded great power. In Great Qian, he could have anything he wanted. But Liu Ruyi was neither wind nor rain. She was an untamed warhorse beneath the blazing sun, a spark that would not go out in a torrential storm. She was the dream he hated, yet longed to touch every night. Shen Qiyuan x Liu Ruyi Features demons and gods; mystery-solving is secondary, romance is the focus. A fictional setting, so don’t get t 2.8kReads8.9Score44814d adds

    Reader note

    These are all books that I've read several times on my bookshelf. I personally think they're really good, not long, and all completed.

41. 541 青 Once You Turn Blue, You’ll Turn Red 青了之后就会红 Deer-Eyed Princess鹿瞳姬Ancient Romance864k WordsCompleted Qiu Yanzhi was once a fairy. After refusing the God of War's marriage proposal, she was ostracized and sent to the mortal world, then tricked into falling into the demon realm. The Azure Emperor, moved by mortal feelings, wanted to undergo a trial in the demon realm, so he transformed into a little snake demon. Qiu Yanzhi and the Azure Emperor had crossed paths once in the heavens. In the demon realm, he owed her a debt of care, and the two developed all sorts of feelings for each other. Little 826Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Fantasy, historical romance, with a captivating plot full of twists and turns, delicate emotions, it gets better as it goes on.

42. 542 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 4.1kReads8.8Score43814d adds

    Reader note

    🌸💥**Tomato Double Madness Ultimate Edition! Sweet and Heartbreaking Explosion!** 📖 "The Soft and Spoiled Crown Princess, the Most Beloved in the Eastern Palace" 🌪️Hook-like Black-on-White × Crazy Self-PUA Crown Prince "Your Majesty burned down the Eastern Palace!" "Quickly add my dragon robe to fuel the fire—I want to burn out her name!" 💥Forced Marriage Literature + Crown Prince's Self-Crippling + Female Lead Tames the Mad Dog📖 "On the Wedding Night, the Reborn Prince Overturns Her Contraceptive Soup" 🩸Crazy Reborn Yama × Heartbroken Princess "The Princess used the coffin as her wedding bed!" "Quickly nail me in—I want to carve my name with hers for burial!" 💢Hellish Crematorium + Male Lead Dies for Love by Digging Up Graves + Double Death HE Aesthetics👇**Click "Immediately Heartbroken":**** Sweet enough to make your blood vessels burst😍 Heartbreaking enough to make your soul scatter😱 (🔖High Risk! Prepare artificial tears)

43. 543 天 The Princess from the Ends of the Earth 天涯的王妃 Xia Bing t夏冰tAncient Romance205k WordsCompleted Qingliu followed her mother into a second marriage and became half adopted daughter, half servant to the Pingchuan household. Her adoptive father’s care was her only warmth. But she never imagined that, to save himself, he would change her name to Li Ying and pass her off as his own daughter, marrying her to the old and brutal ruler of an enemy kingdom. Survive! Become the Crown Princess of Northern Yan! Yuan Zhen seemed carefree on the surface. His father was the ruler of the northern kingdom, 143Reads—Score10214d adds

    Reader note

    An adopted daughter, half slave and half master, was married off to a barbaric northern kingdom to an old and cruel king, but ultimately rose up against all odds.

44. 544 云 Where the Clouds Run Deep, There Is Heng 云深有珩 Mo Xiaodu Jinyi莫小嘟锦溢Ancient Romance154k WordsCompleted A streak of cinnabar stains a sleeve, while half a broken token strikes fear into the heart. A secluded mansion cannot cage an orphan girl’s ambition, and a sea of blood cannot hide the brilliance of a rising general. Watch as the orphan girl and another orphan join hands, wielding medicine as a blade and deep affection as armor. Amid noble courtyards and icy battlefields, they write an extraordinary tale of love and bloodshed. 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The plot is original, and both the male and female leads are intelligent.

45. 545 快 Quick Transmigration: Being a Villainess Is Hard! The Side Character Gives Up and Turns the Tables 快穿：恶女难当！路人甲摆烂逆袭 Spicy, Sweet, and Bitter辛辣甜涩Ancient Romance130k WordsOngoing [Slow-burn quick transmigration with no System + traditional historical romance in an alternate setting + devoted 1v1 pairing + a touch of fantasy] [The writing is a little leisurely paced, but it’s worth the read. Thank you for your patience.] [Free-spirited, unconventional witch vs. a sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, deeply devoted divine official] A Ling, a minor grudge demon from the Moon Realm, is coerced by the Moon Lord Molu into sending her soul to the Sun Realm for a hundred years. She —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A pure ancient Chinese romance novel with no system, featuring a slow-paced transmigration plot! Unlike any other typical transmigration story you've read! Purely original plot with a touch of fantasy, incredibly realistic and vivid writing, a free-spirited, rebellious, and interesting female lead, and most importantly, it's not mindless, not mindless, not mindless! You won't regret reading it!

46. 546 新 On Our Wedding Night, the Reborn Prince Knocked Over Her Contraceptive Soup 新婚夜，重生王爷打翻她的避子汤 A Hand That Can Reach the Sea手可探海Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Sweet Romance + Feel-Good Wish Fulfillment + Devoted Couple] Ye Chen is reborn on his wedding night with his Qiu'er. In his previous life, he couldn't even keep his Qiu'er's remains safe. This time, he will stay by her side every moment. Her greatest regret in her previous life was never having children of her own. This time, he will have lots of children with her. She was trapped in the capital all her life before. This time, he will travel across the land of the Nine Provinces with 21kReads9.0Score2k14d adds
47. 547 幸 Lucky to Have Met Your Peach-Blossom Face 幸得识卿桃花面 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Wei Qing transmigrated. Her principle was simple: if you can settle it with your fists, don't waste your breath. 6.9kReads9.2Score84114d adds

    Reader note

    Books 1-7 are purely ancient Chinese romance novels, clear and concise, each with its own style, and the last one is very funny.

48. 548 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.6kReads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Thumbs up] [Sweet romance + ancient romance + palace intrigue + slow and steady romance + adorable baby + favored at the beginning, pampered from start to finish] Female lead: charming and adorable concubine, soft and cute, never suffers injustice or resentment, always speaks her mind, is clear-headed, independent, decisive, principled, compassionate, and not a saint.

49. 549 反EN Villain: My Little Brother is the Chosen One 反派：我的弟弟是天选之子 I Keep a Fat Rabbit家养了只肥兔Eastern Fantasy4.3M WordsCompleted "Lovably awful villain + wish fulfillment + scheming + lighthearted + sly trickster + shameless + not an invincible protagonist" Qin Feng transmigrated into the ancient wilderness as the eldest young master of the Qin family. His twin younger brother was the legendary Chosen One, and possessed a one-in-ten-thousand Supreme Bone. He thought he could ride his brother’s coattails to the peak of life, but then an unprincipled System showed up and told him there was a bright future in being a villain 342.4kReads9.5Score38.6k14d adds
50. 550 小 The Little Taoist Nun Has a Rebellious Streak 小道姑一身反骨 20/100 Vision视力零点二一Ancient Romance747k WordsCompleted “As a hired assassin, killing is my specialty. I make sure my clients go peacefully.” “Be good. You don't need to cover your head. I'd never ruin that pretty face of yours. That would make it harder to carry your head to the Judicial Office and collect the reward.” The moon slanted over the river as night settled in. Mist hung thick in the air, dreamlike and hazy. Only the dim oil lamp hanging from a covered boat on the Qiantang River cast a faint, wavering glow. A small gray-robed Taoist, impos 24.2kReads9.5Score3.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    A revenge story. Xiao Qi's entire village was massacred when she was a child. She chases the killers across thousands of miles, declaring, "Three punches from me, and you'll be dead for seven days." Driven by family and national hatred, the female protagonist personally kills her way through the entire story. A truly high-quality read with a tight plot. A traditional Chinese story (no rebirth or transmigration system). The female lead's personality is vivid and lively. I love it!

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