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. 551 夫 My Husband Is Always Bringing People Together 夫君他总是成人之美 Jiaojiao Jiaojiāo娇娇椒椒Ancient Romance256k WordsCompleted Yu Jingshu, heir apparent consort of the Marquis of Yongchang, discovers that her husband, Xie Zhiyao, has a peculiar habit: he would rather talk all night with his friends than open his heart to her. She withdraws her affection, and he is relieved. Until she starts exchanging music and poetry with a qin player and corresponding with a general. He watches, but never intervenes. In private, he simply does everything he can to silence any rumors that might harm her reputation. At a palace banquet, —Reads—Score—14d adds

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   Purely classical Chinese style

2. 552 冒EN Impostor of the Langya Clan 冒姓琅琊 Eastern Zhou Young Master Nan东周公子南Historical1.6M WordsOngoing (Also known as “The Matter of Me Pretending to Be a Nobleman of the Southern Dynasties”) To transmigrate isn’t a dinner party. It’s a deadly game at every turn. The south is beautiful, yet lofty ambitions often fade away. Since ancient times, the Southern Dynasties have been weak, their heroes short-lived. No golden finger, no System, and no second chance at life. Everything starts from zero! Original owner’s memories: none! Identity: none! Supplies: none! When transmigration becomes reality, ho 497.6kReads9.7Score72.9k14d adds

   Reader note

   Don't be put off by the title!!! Don't be put off by the time-travel theme!!! This is a historical novel, a political intrigue novel, and a literary novel; all the poems are original works by the author. This novel truly stands out not only in the online literature world but also in the entire realm of online novels. It's absolutely not fictional; all the allusions are supported by historical records. Forgive my limited ability to express myself; the brilliance of the book awaits your discovery.

3. 553 蓦 When I Turned Around, That Person Was Still There 蓦然回首，那人依旧 Yue Lingyin悦凌茵Ancient Romance314k WordsCompleted After leaving her child behind and being forced out, she has returned to settle the score... "From beginning to end, all I wanted was to hold on to his sleeve and follow him to become immortals... But... I can never hold on to that sleeve... I thought fate had finally smiled upon me, but what awaited me was an imperial decree ordering that I be killed after giving birth, while my child was kept... A person whose life is as worthless as grass has only one way to stand tall before others..." 38.2kReads9.0Score3.6k14d adds

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   The writing style is humorous and witty, the pace is fast, and the content is exciting.

4. 554 最 The Last Daoist Lord 最后的道君 Dancing Lone Spirit舞独魂灵Mystery1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since my mother got pregnant with me, strange things kept happening at home. First, a hedgehog came into the house, a long snake coiled around the beams, and a weasel dug a burrow in the vegetable patch out back. Then foxes from the mountains joined in, showing up at our doorstep every few days to peer inside. Now the five immortals were all gathered: Hu, Huang, Liu, Bai, and Hui. Anyone in the know would recognize this as the Five Immortals entering a home. Any one of the five entering 10.8kReads9.1Score97814d adds

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   This book is suitable

5. 555 竹 Bamboo and Willow Sway in the Wind 竹柳扶风 Lychee Star Hidden荔枝星隐Ancient Romance155k WordsOngoing Female lead: Ye Lichu [A heroine with a knight-in-shining-armor complex and a resourceful court official] [One-on-one romance + equally matched leads + childhood sweethearts + mutual healing + romantic rivalry] After the fallen heiress Ye Lichu was taken in and taught martial arts, she returned to the capital ten years later with her knight-in-shining-armor complex in full force. Her junior sister is in trouble? She brings her down the mountain to help. Her senior brother is disfigured? She f 1Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The writing is elegant and refined, without any melodramatic tropes, but the main characters' emotional development is a bit slow.

6. 556 刺 The Assassin Big Sister Is Back, and the Capital Is in for a Shake-Up 刺客姐姐回来了，京城要变天 Lotus Seeds and Longan莲子桂圆Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + satisfying revenge + political intrigue + wuxia style + humor + very little romance + memorable male supporting characters] From the moment she was born, Lü Shangen, the second branch’s young lady in the Hanlin Academy residence, was regarded by her grandmother as an ill omen. When she was just over a year old, she was sent far away. The servants responsible for raising her were greedy to the core. They pocketed the money meant for her upkeep, let their own daughter take Lü 7.2kReads8.9Score82614d adds

   Reader note

   Give this book a try. It's not highly rated, but it's a small gem among smaller ones. It's a niche assassin story with a smart and capable female lead. It's a fast-paced, action-packed read, half court and half martial arts world. There's no time travel, no rebirth, no cheat codes, and no naive plot points. The story is fast-paced and engaging, with all the characters being intelligent and humorous. It's the kind of book that gets better with each reading, making you want to read it all the way through.

7. 557 乌 The Crow's Cry Never Ceases 乌啼不住 Dao Xuan Er Qi道玄而齐Ancient Romance187k WordsOngoing “I'm the young high lord of the Cangxu Divine Clan! How could they arrange a betrothal for me just like that?!” The little Crow of Cangxu, Xiao Wu, grumbled to herself all the way to the Divine Realm. Though she was the young high lord, she was face-blind and not much of a cultivator. Before she even reached the realm's gate, a divine beast guarding it nearly flattened her! Then, after she stumbled her way to the main hall, the very person whose engagement she wanted to break off led her around 1Reads—Score—14d adds
8. 558 家 My Wife Is from Four Hundred Years in the Future 家妻来自四百年后 Jia Jia佳家Ancient Romance900k WordsOngoing High-Energy Genius Doctor and a Censor Who Has Only One Bar of Blood [Not a feel-good power fantasy, not set in an alternate world, no face-slapping, no rivalry between women, no clichés, no System] A Few Things About My Wife and Me: 1 My wife says she could never fall in love with someone from the Ming dynasty. She comes from the modern world, four hundred years in the future. She’s a surgeon, and she says she’s a genius, too. This woman is full of lies. She’s forgotten that in every one 9.6kReads8.8Score1.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   A twenty-year bookworm. Having reached a plateau, these books are a lifesaver, original, and powerfully written.

9. 559 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 47.7kReads9.5Score6.1k14d adds

   Reader note

   The author's writing is excellent, and the plot is logically sound without many melodramatic elements. Although the female protagonist transmigrates into the book, she doesn't exhibit any signs of intellectual impairment.

10. 560 死 The Dead Concubine Becomes the Duke’s Mansion’s Cousin Miss 死去的外室她成了国公府的表小姐 Heavy Snow in May五月下大雪Ancient Romance1.6M WordsOngoing Original title: Passing as a Noblewoman [Historical ensemble cast] [Power struggles] [Not reborn] [Plot-driven] [Romance] [Male lead is sexually inexperienced] [Ensemble cast, multiple protagonists, multiple perspectives] [Pei Yuehuan and Chen Man are both heroines. The protagonist field cannot be changed after the contract is signed, so it lists the main pairing of this story.] The imperial capital holds many secrets, and much resentment. There are merchants falsely accused and thrown into pris 42.5kReads9.4Score4.6k14d adds
11. 561 暴 The Tyrant Tormented Me? I'll Turn Around, Seduce the Powerful Eunuch, and Seize His Empire 暴君虐我？转身勾搭权宦夺他江山 Green Mountain Has Its Say青山有辞Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted For eight years in the palace, Xiangjun fought to get ahead and tried to please everyone, yet the palace’s noble masters still ground her down, used her, humiliated her, and cast her aside... Those nobles basked in all the wealth of the realm atop heaps of corpses and bones, yet mocked her for trying her hardest and not knowing her place. In the end, the child Xiangjun risked her life to bear called her enemy “Mother,” while Xiangjun was cut open alive so the baby could be taken from her. She di 115.1kReads9.6Score16.6k14d adds
12. 562 母 Becoming Empress of the Realm by Pretending to Be the Chancellor's Widowed Sister-in-Law 母仪天下，从冒充丞相寡嫂开始 Luo Chunshui洛春水Ancient Romance630k WordsCompleted [Revenge + Face-Slapping the Scum + Lighthearted + Sweet Romance] When you’re out in the world, you can choose your own identity. To infiltrate high society and avenge the massacre of her sister’s family, Feng Qingsui decides to pose as the distant cousin of a prestigious household. But just as she’s about to seek their help, the household she picked is raided by the Imperial Guards. She tries another family. Raided. Then another. Raided again. At her wit’s end, she knocks on the door of the “Pr 23.9kReads9.4Score4k14d adds
13. 563 春 Spring Overlooks the Mountain Pavilion 春望山楹 Zhuang the Great Blade庄大刀Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Yun Jian had spent ten years slaughtering pigs in the countryside. One day, a carriage painted with ornate lacquer and jade stopped outside Tonghua Lane. They had come to take the Zhen family’s daughter, who had been living away from home, back to the capital. Yun Jian thought it over, tucked her butcher’s knife into her clothes, and climbed into the carriage. The country butcher’s daughter transformed overnight. She became a noble lady, married into a marquis’s household, and rose to the top in 325Reads8.5Score10314d adds
14. 564 寸 A Moment of Joy 寸欢愉 It's an Avocado是鳄梨呀Ancient Romance105k WordsOngoing (A cool-headed, rational noblewoman x a ruthless, scheming crown prince; classic historical household intrigue + two reborn leads taking revenge on scum + sweet romance) Jiang Yue Le died at the hands of her husband's favored concubine. She thought she would be reduced to nothing, but instead she was reborn with hatred still in her heart. Eighteen years into the past, and from the start she was expected to marry that scumbag all over again! How could she agree? She lifted her veil and stepped d 2Reads—Score—14d adds

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    Look here! (A rational and aloof noblewoman x a crazy and cunning crown prince, traditional ancient romance with domestic intrigue + double rebirth and revenge + sweet romance) Jiang Yule died, at the hands of her husband's favored concubine. She thought she would be annihilated, but unexpectedly, she was reborn with resentment. Returning to eighteen years ago, she was immediately forced to remarry the scumbag! How could she agree? Lifting her veil and stepping down from the sedan chair, before she could even utter "I want to annul the engagement," she heard that the joyous occasion at the Marquis of Wuding's mansion had turned into tragedy. The powerful Marquis of Wuding had been assassinated in the wedding hall? The bride was not married, and a life was lost. The destruction of the Qi family had only just begun. Those stained with the blood of the Jiang family would not escape. Meng Yan, who was secretly plotting, felt that this young woman had changed after her rebirth. In the past twelve years spent together in the Mirror of Rebirth, she had always been virtuous and courteous. Why was she now so murderous? However, seeing the triumphant smile on her bright and generous face, he thought that taking her back as the Crown Princess might not be so bad? So, Meng Yan, using the name of Cui Shiyan, the notorious playboy of the capital, stood boldly at the Jiang family's gate before Jiang Yule had even broken off her engagement with the Marquis of Wuding's family, and declared passionately, "Cui Shiyan, the youngest son of the Cui family, seeks to marry Jiang Yule, the third young lady of the Jiang family. We wish to be husband and wife, and to spend our lives together." ---- Jiang Family: The Cui family has always been well-behaved; how could they have produced such a dissolute son… Qi Family: Is this taking advantage of my weakness to kill me? Cui Family: This son has already been expelled from the family. Don't ask; we don't know anything about him!

15. 565 泛 A Merman of No Great Renown 泛泛之鲛 Yuan Jiu沅酒Two Male Leads407k WordsCompleted Alternate titles: The Trifling Merman; Azure Sky and Starry Firmament [Two Male Leads + Sweet Mutual Spoiling + A Little Bit of Angst + Rekindled Love + HE] A delicate, helpless, dramatic Merman Emperor × A silver-tongued, pure-hearted boy-next-door He Qiong is an ordinary man from the streets. He once learned a few tricks from a reclusive martial artist, and with his gift of gab, he manages to make ends meet in Jin'an Prefecture. One day, he finds a filthy-looking person by the sea and takes 12Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Just by looking at the title, you can probably guess it has a classical Chinese feel. This author is truly a conscientious writer whose talent has been wasted on pure ancient romance with no clichés, from the title to the text. Anyway, I'm a medical student with an exam tomorrow and I'm still following the story QAQ

16. 566 她 Why Is the Bastard Son of the Earl's Manor She Toyed With Living in the Eastern Palace? 她玩弄的伯府庶子，怎么住东宫啊 Beijing Bamboo北京竹Ancient Romance336k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + both leads are each other's first love + heroine treats hero as an antidote + hero's longtime crush comes true and drives him mad with love] [Brave and fearless female general VS scheming, gloomy, sweet-faced-but-black-hearted crown prince] Pei Zhao is the first female general of the Yong Dynasty. Meng Yansheng, heir to the Marquis's household, has been secretly in love with her for years and willingly marries into her family. On their wedding day, a sealed imperial or 135Reads6.6Score1214d adds

    Reader note

    This is a pure ancient Chinese romance novel without any time-travel or rebirth cheat codes, but it features novel character designs, a stunning plot, and excellent writing.

17. 567 福 The Lucky Little Princess 福气小王妃 Cuckoo布谷鸟Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Jiang Muxue: “It's strange. How did I get noticed by the Prince Yu's household after just one trip to a temple?” Before they met, Li Jingheng: “This is ridiculous. I've somehow been engaged without even knowing how it happened.” After they met, Li Jingheng: “This engagement isn't so bad after all.” After they married, Li Jingheng: “Imperial Uncle, I don't want to take any concubines.” Jiang Muxue's ideal life was to have a little money and grow trees and flowers. But she unexpectedly became eng 12.8kReads9.0Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese style, no time travel or rebirth.

18. 568 何 What Is Love? 何以情 Yuan Jiu沅酒Ancient Romance226k WordsCompleted Li Muying was born into a distinguished family, yet she had a wild and unruly streak in her blood. From climbing walls and rooftops to punishing thugs and catching petty thieves, she did it all. Everyone in Yannan City said there was no one who could win her heart. Until she met someone. He was a carefree, dashing young man who roamed the martial world, righting wrongs with a sword in one hand and a jug of wine in the other. He came into this world, spent a little over twenty years in it, a 3Reads—Score—14d adds
19. 569 逆 Against the Current 逆水沉舟 Yuan Jiu沅酒Two Male Leads323k WordsCompleted Content warning: The leads aren't both untouched! The ending reveals that they are. There are many deviants in the story, so stay away if that's not your thing! Loyal, protective guardian × mad beauty of a prince Lian Jing was born in the demon realm and rose to the position of crown prince. But because of his parents' sordid past, his heritage became the subject of gossip among the demons. For the first half of his life, he was trapped in a gilded cage, a bird longing for high mountains and 77Reads8.5Score—14d adds
20. 570 黎 There Is No Good Weather at the Li Residence 黎府没有好天气 Hedge Shadow篱影Ancient Romance231k WordsCompleted Ever since a fire took her mother and younger brother, and her father remarried, Li Luo, the legitimate daughter of the Minister's household, has become a forgotten presence, unloved by either parent. A young man with no home of his own, dressed in shabby clothes yet surpassing the fine-clad sons of noble families. A handkerchief embroidered with roses, worth more than any treasure in the world. When the truth comes to light, all is clear as water, with fish visible beneath the surface. One ling 15Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A classical Chinese poem with an antique charm.

21. 571 重 Reborn, I Become My Arch-Enemy's Living Widow Sister-in-Law 重生后，我成了死敌的活寡嫂子 Two Times Four Means Prosperity二四得发Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted [Both leads are reborn + sister-in-law and brother-in-law + an aloof beauty brought down from her pedestal + emotional push and pull + winning her heart and her body + devoted couple] The Eastern Palace has no crown prince, and the princes are locked in a fierce struggle for the throne. Ning Miao and Yan Mobai are the top strategists of their generation, each serving a different master. They cross paths over a map of iron mines and kill each other. Only after her death does Ning Miao learn tha 39kReads9.4Score5.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    Recommendation 🦆 ① It's a story with two strong leads~ but it's a rebirth novel. The male and female leads are both very intelligent, digging traps for each other step by step, and then burying more traps. It's mind-bending, has romance, and can be considered a "feel-good" novel~ with a little bit of humor 🤏🏻

22. 572 鸿 The Female Bandit of the Court of State Ceremonial 鸿胪寺女悍匪 20/100 Vision视力零点二一Ancient Romance808k WordsCompleted Manzhu, a tribal princess, brought a team of spies full of glaring flaws and married Su Dingyue, a general of the Southern Dynasty, under the pretext of a diplomatic marriage. Her ultimate goal was to secure a successful peace treaty and prevent the two nations from going to war. But there were traitors inside framing her, a scheming minister outside plotting against her, and a bumbling spy team holding her back... She touched the dagger in her hair. She wasn't afraid. A murder case? Cut them op 3.4kReads9.2Score57514d adds
23. 573 春 Spring Returns to the Banquet: A Fresh Start at Last 春归宴：换种活法爽一回 Lan Shang兰觞Ancient Romance122k WordsOngoing Get rid of the awful father, marry a prince, and fight all the way to the finale {Devoted love, satisfying household and palace intrigue, finding little moments of warmth in a cold home and seeking traces of love in a blood-soaked palace} Reborn as the legitimate daughter, she joins forces with her frail mother to take on the second branch of the family and usher in a new era of household intrigue for the Shen family. Perhaps her arrival was predestined. She is not bound by convention, blood tie —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's a new book, and it's actually quite interesting. In the beginning, the female lead is independent, strong, and intelligent, while later the male lead appears and they join forces. It's a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love, sweet and sensual, and she enjoys her way to the pinnacle of life.

24. 574 吾 Where My Heart Finds Peace, the Phoenix Jade Awaits 吾心安处凤凰珏 Half-Moon River半月河Ancient Romance387k WordsCompleted [Alternate history, palace intrigue, deep romance, transformation without rebirth, major twists] Yue was once an ancient nation of powerful aristocrats, but now it has fallen into decline, reduced to preserving the royal family's dignity by marrying its princesses off to foreign powers. Peiyun, once a carefree princess of Yue, suddenly loses her elder sister and younger brother to murder, and her mother dies unexpectedly of illness. Clinging to her dream of marrying a wandering swordsman, she ha 3Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    No time travel, no reincarnation, no clichés—pure ancient Chinese romance. Based on Mencius's philosophy of valuing the people over the ruler, the book tells the story of a princess and prince who are out of step with the royal family.

25. 575 听 They Say Everyone Rumored to Be Involved with This Maid Gets Promoted 听说和这丫鬟有绯闻的都升官了 Tears in the Heart of the Tree树心有泪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigrated Maid + Ensemble Cast + Political Schemes and Twists + Hilarious Chaos] One-sentence summary: A maid and two minor officials are brought together by a wastrel marquis to resolve crises and crack bizarre cases. Zhuxin transmigrated into the body of a maid in a Duke's manor. She thought her future would involve either household intrigue or farming, but then the manor was confiscated and she landed in the Imperial Prison. Zhuxin felt like she was doomed. They were all picking on her j 16.5kReads9.3Score2.3k14d adds
26. 576 青 After Losing Her Memory, the Childhood Sweetheart Became the Young General's Cherished Love 青梅失忆后成了少年将军掌中娇 Kelisiting克莉斯汀Ancient Romance223k WordsCompleted [Clever, Cunning Foxlike Heroine VS Steady, Stern, Humble Hero] [One-on-One Romance, Sweet Pampering, Adorable Child, Childhood Sweethearts] [The Hero Suffers] The night before, Shen Zuihuan was still preparing for her engagement ceremony. The next morning, she woke up in shock to discover she had been married for five years already! Her fiancé was nowhere to be found, and her current husband was the childhood friend she had hated most of all. He was even holding a child who looked exactly like 26.1kReads9.3Score2.4k14d adds
27. 577 窃 The Book of Stolen Lives 窃命书 Heavy Snow in May五月下大雪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of this book, A Book of Ashes and Joy, premieres at 12:15 a.m. on February 13. If you're interested, keep an eye out! [Regains control after being possessed | Not a wish-fulfillment story | Plot-driven | Light ensemble cast] Lin Ruochu, the legitimate daughter of a general's family, was possessed during her coming-of-age ceremony at fifteen. The transmigrated woman, sold off by a System, used every means to “win over” the young heir of a marquis's estate. She turned e 37.3kReads9.4Score5.6k14d adds
28. 578 一 Before I Knew It, His Majesty Was Helping Me Fight My Household Battles 一不小心，陛下他下场帮我宅斗了 A Touch Of Green On Junshan君山一点青Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted An accident causes Cui Lingyao and the reigning emperor, Pei Jie, to swap souls. On the fifteenth of every month, each must spend a day in the other's body. One side is the chaotic Earl's residence, with a reborn younger cousin, an aunt harboring dark intentions, an uncle shrouded in secrets, and a grandmother who loves to smooth things over. The other is the imperial court, where the empress dowager holds power, Prince Xin is ambitious, the emperor's personal attendant has already defected, an 10.5kReads8.9Score1.5k14d adds
29. 579 死 My Archrival Treats Me Like His One True Love 死对头拿我当心头肉 BB Is ThreeBB三岁了Ancient Romance267k WordsCompleted [A formidable female spy VS a refined, depraved grand minister] [Ancient romance + pseudo-taboo + espionage + spies + political intrigue and martial world, the heroine plays the pig to eat the tiger] Shen Ji is a powerful minister at court. Though he seems as pure as moonlight and a gentle breeze, he is ruthless, willing to trample even his own kin's lives to climb higher. Ning Xun is a spy who will stop at nothing to obtain intelligence, and her actions make Shen Ji pursue her relentlessly. Dur 120Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's really good! I've been following it for half a month. I've never read a novel before that I could stick with from beginning to end, and this one gets better and better as it goes on. Here's the synopsis: [Powerful Female Spy VS Refined Scoundrel Powerful Minister] [Ancient Romance + Pseudo-Taboo + Spy + Intrigue + Jianghu, Female Lead Plays the Fool] Shen Ji is a powerful minister, seemingly gentle and kind, yet ruthless and cruel, willing to trample on the lives of his own people to climb the ranks. Ning Xun is a spy, willing to do anything for intelligence, which makes Shen Ji relentlessly pursue her. She nearly loses her life during a mission and is given a new identity to evade capture. But just as she's starting to enjoy her newfound freedom, Shen Ji comes knocking—and he turns out to be her brother-in-law! He sabotages her missions during the day and tries to break into her room at night. In less than half a month, Ning Xun is exhausted both mentally and physically, and decides to secretly escape. However, her luck is truly bad; she's blocked by Shen Ji again on her next mission. Shen Ji, who used to be aloof and arrogant, looking down on women and wanting to catch her and punish her, leaned forward, his nose lightly touching hers. "Sister-in-law, you seem to care a lot about your image when you're with me. Aren't you afraid of being misunderstood when you're arm in arm with other men?" Ning Xun, "…?" This corrupt official is becoming more and more unpredictable.

30. 580 诱 Luring the Emperor: The Consort Is Alluring and Witty, and the Emperor's Favorite 诱君宠:娘娘媚且茶，陛下心尖宠 Shu Mai舒麦Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate + Feel-good revenge + Palace and household intrigue + play the pig to eat the tiger + Not a one-true-pairing story] Jiang Zixi and her legitimate elder sister, Jiang Ziying, were born on the same day. On the day of their birth, strange celestial signs appeared, and an expert declared that a daughter of the Minister's household was born with the destiny of a phoenix and a bright future ahead. But Jiang Zixi was not the lucky one. Her birth mother died in childbirth, so while her eld 252Reads8.4Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book features a delicate, illegitimate daughter who, by chance, disguises herself as a maid to accompany her elder sister to a grand selection of consorts for the prince. She saves the prince but is betrayed by her scheming sister. Fortunately, the wise emperor sees through her disguise and, with some resistance, enters the palace. The story follows her rise to become the emperor's most beloved concubine. With its antique charm and meticulous descriptions, this book is a must-read.

31. 581 花 Flower Demon 花妖 Cotton Flower棉花花Ancient Romance337k WordsCompleted [Past and Present Lives + One True Love + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggles] A thousand years of longing will not go unanswered; a lifetime of devotion will never bring regret! A brilliant, resilient surgeon versus a suspicious, ruthless God of War general! Meeting him was the bond of fate from her past life, and the tribulation of this one. A tearjerking tale of a white plum blossom in the immortal realm of Qilian, a true dragon, and a snowflake reincarnated to endure a trial. The white plum 6.4kReads9.5Score97014d adds

    Reader note

    A thousand-year obsession, a lifetime of infatuation—the story is captivating and avoids clichés. A wise and resilient female surgeon meets a suspicious and ruthless war god general. Their meeting is both her destiny from a past life and her tribulation in this one. The author's writing is vivid, concise, and free of clichéd tropes. The story originates from a great drought millions of years ago. A white plum blossom on Mount Qilian, grateful for the rain brought by a true dragon, falls in love with him, only to be severely punished by the Heavenly Court and condemned to a thousand-year tribulation. This year marks the end of their thousand-year cycle, and the true dragon is in his final incarnation, his malevolent aura extremely strong. Only she can dispel it. If she can change his fate and prevent a massacre, the two can successfully overcome their tribulation; otherwise, they will be annihilated at the end of the thousand-year cycle, vanishing into the six realms of existence. She transcends time and space, solely to face this ultimate test with him, weaving a heart-wrenching legend.

32. 582 平 Wishing You Peace and Joy, Princess, You Shouldn't Mess With Her 平安喜乐，公主殿下惹不得 Fat Cat Lychee肥猫荔枝Ancient Romance298k WordsOngoing “The Seventh Princess is beautiful and wise, clever and quick-witted, and deeply dear to me. Though I am loath to part with her, the children of Southern Song must help ease their country's burdens and care for its people. Therefore, I bestow upon the Seventh Princess the title of Princess Ping'an, to bring peace to Southern Song, and decree that she be sent to Northern Qi for a political marriage on an auspicious day.” What a fine way to “bring peace to Southern Song.” Once, she was the Seventh —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    How will you know it's not what you're looking for if you don't take a look? [Shy][shy]

33. 583 仙 The Immortal's Appearance 仙人状 Shi Jin是今Martial Arts313k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + mystery solving + male lead with a secret identity + lovers who fight as fiercely as they love] A dazzling, outspoken heroine and a seemingly gentle but secretly ruthless physician, locked in a battle of equals as they fall in love! A celebrated romance author's popular historical mystery! A relationship between equals, full of tension; heart-stopping court intrigue; and the shocking truth behind bizarre murders! A celestial being appears in a dream to help solve a case and 16.9kReads9.6Score2.8k14d adds
34. 584 回 The Spring Renewal Pharmacy 回春药铺 The Coldest Days Are Coming小寒将至Ancient Romance432k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + no rebirth or transmigration + revenge + political intrigue] Every thrilling tale begins in a little apothecary. After a chance encounter, a master and apprentice who have both suffered the slaughter of their families and endured countless hardships find themselves facing powerful enemies. They have no choice but to assume secret identities and disappear into the bustling streets of the capital, plotting carefully and advancing step by step as they seek revenge, stirri 19kReads9.4Score2.5k14d adds
35. 585 缚 The Captive's Delicate Beauty 缚戎娇 Rose Milk Tea玫瑰烤奶Ancient Romance165k WordsCompleted -She thought he was a bloodthirsty sword, unaware that he had long hidden his tenderness beneath his armor. -He thought she was a bird in a gilded cage, only to see her take the pieces and turn the game around, winning him a chance at survival. A pampered princess × a victorious general. Marriage first, love later, in a turbulent age where political intrigue and romance intertwine. "She had only glimpsed the renowned general from afar atop the city wall. The next moment, she learned she was to m 124Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Pure ancient Chinese romance, no melodrama!! The writing style is so pleasant, I'll really cry if no one reads it 🥹

36. 586 羲 The Tale of Xihe: Captured, I Became the Enemy Emperor’s Empress 羲河传：被俘后，我成了敌国皇后 Lord Lingchun翎春君Ancient Romance173k WordsCompleted [Fallen Princess vs. Unhinged Crown Prince] When a nation falls and a family is destroyed, a ruler is duty-bound to die with his country. But what should a princess do? Princess Xihe was willful and arrogant in her youth. At sixteen, her country fell and her family was killed. Alone, she struggled to survive in a world of chaos while protecting the six-year-old heir. She met a general from the enemy nation. He took her for an ordinary young woman and fell in love with her, but how could she forg 36kReads9.5Score5.6k14d adds
37. 587 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, She Became an Investor Everyone Wanted to Win Over 退婚后，她成了万人追捧的投资人 Ten Thousand Blades千万刃Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Medical skills + transmigrated supporting villainess + political intrigue + strong heroine + secret identities + satisfying read] Bai Jiu'er, a doctor, transmigrates into the body of a vicious supporting character with a truly tragic ending. In her previous life, she was the male lead's wife, only to end up as a miserable prostitute. After transmigrating, she has nothing but money. At least she isn't married yet. First step, obviously, is to break off the engagement! What? The male lead went cr 50.6kReads9.2Score7.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    Recommendations🦆 ① Ancient Chinese romance: The female lead initially seems only interested in marrying a high-ranking official to avoid being threatened by the plot. She just wants to protect herself. Later, she realizes that relying on herself is worse than relying on anyone else, and she rises to the occasion. ② The female lead is sickly. The male lead is her "warm-hearted protector," so of course he'll protect her.

38. 588 春 Blood of the Spring Champion 春魁血 Born Under a Lucky Star八字过硬Modern Romance810k WordsCompleted [Republican-era setting + gloomy warlord male lead + earth-mother-style assassin heroine] [Happy ending + dark humor + ensemble cast + everyone is a little crazy] [Business before romance + no good men or women + high-stakes warning] Long Chun was delighted when she married Han Ziyi. At last, she thought, she was no longer the unlucky assassin who made a living taking lives. With Han Ziyi’s army protecting her, she could pursue lucrative ventures without holding back and become a respectable bus 10.5kReads9.3Score1.5k14d adds
39. 589 燕 Yan Yun Locks Away the Bright Pearl 燕云锁明珠 Xu Xixi徐希希Ancient Romance427k WordsCompleted [Fantasy Dynasty + Reborn + Flirtatious Green Tea + Palace and Household Intrigue + Revenge on Scoundrels + Scheming Emperor] [The leads are not each other's first. If that bothers you, please skip this book.] In her previous life, Xiao Mingzhu died a horrible death. When she opened her eyes again, she discovered she had been reborn, and that it was three days before her wedding to Zhao Yichen, heir to the Marquis of Jingwu. As she planned how to change her fate this time around, her half-sister 43Reads8.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Please follow][Please follow] Xiao Mingzhu's lips curled into a faint smile: "Who do we have here? It's none other than Du Yunyi, the talented woman from the capital! Miss Du!" She emphasized the phrase "talented woman from the capital," causing Princess Ninghui and the others to burst into laughter, recalling their competition on the island in the lake. Du Yunyi's face flushed crimson. Undeterred, she continued, "Isn't what I just said true? Does being the Crown Princess's sister give her the right to disregard palace rules?"

40. 590 团 The Beloved Little Childhood Friend, The Bandit Bosses Can't Hide Anymore 团宠小青梅，山匪大佬们藏不住了 Fragrant Wood Terrace木香台Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Reclusive experts + an ensemble cast's comeback] Everyone on Black Bandit Mountain has a special skill, but they've retired from the martial world to raise children. Who knew life after retirement would be anything but peaceful! Zhizhi goes fishing, and the fish leap right into her net? Zhizhi goes down the mountain and catches a notorious bandit? Zhizhi goes to the academy and makes a name for herself in a fight! Zhizhi goes to the capital, and, well... The realm falls into chaos, and the dyna 30.9kReads9.5Score5.3k14d adds
41. 591 公 The Beautiful, Arrogant Princess and Her Sly, Flirtatious Consort 公主美又骄，钓系驸马茶艺高 Fragrant Wood Terrace木香台Ancient Romance353k WordsCompleted [Flirting with each other + Sweet romance, both are virgins + Taking down scumbags] [Arrogant princess + Scheming, sickly, beautiful prince consort] Yun Chaorong’s transmigration into a book went wrong, and she became the heroine of a tragic romance. She learned she was destined to be disfigured and humiliated, lose her entire family, then be imprisoned and tortured to death by the male lead, Xie Nanzhu. What the hell! Yun Chaorong wasn’t having it. She kicked the original male lead and the supp 12.1kReads9.4Score1.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    So beautiful! Unbelievable! Absolutely gorgeous!

42. 592 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, This Princess Stops Pretending 退婚后，本公主不装了 Gardenia Milk Foam栀栀奶芙Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted [Household intrigue + secret identity + everyone’s darling + true and false heirs + mutual devotion + scumbag chases his wife to the crematorium, but never wins her back] A wealthy merchant’s only daughter arrives in Rongcheng. She’s young, beautiful, and rich. Madam Xi of the Xi family has her eye on the girl’s dowry. But the eldest Xi son looks down on her, even as he plans to take her for everything she’s worth. The second Xi son looks down on her too. To avoid the marriage, he drugs her and 5.7kReads9.1Score1.1k14d adds
43. 593 孤 You Can’t Bully an Orphan Girl 孤女不可欺 Lady Sanqi三七娘子Ancient Romance389k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Wen Ruochao was flayed and dismembered by her husband's family, then left bleeding at the edge of a cliff. Now she's reborn! Back at the spring banquet where the schemes began, she looks at the pack of hypocritical men and vile women before her, smiling brightly. Sorry, my revenge story is just getting started! Take down the wicked relatives and leave them penniless; punish the scumbag and kick him into the lake to feed the fish; tear off the white lotus's mask and ruin 4Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    You could give this a try. Although there's no rating or reviews, the plot is quite good. The female protagonist is reborn to seek revenge, determined to be the one in control. She plans her revenge in a tightly woven, step-by-step manner, experiencing self-redemption and growth. Her intelligence is on point throughout, making it well worth watching!

44. 594 娇 The Delicate Beauty Is Hard for the Powerful Minister to Spoil 娇娇美人，权臣难宠 Flowers Fall Year After Year花落年年Ancient Romance435k WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted to each other + sweet romance + household intrigue + pure historical romance + rekindled love after a breakup + the husband’s long road to winning his wife back] The wealthy Bai family of Yunzhou was wiped out overnight. When their only daughter, Bai Mengjiao, was abducted, she fell off a cliff and injured her head. When she awoke, she had forgotten everything about her past… Pei Huaizhi brought her back to the marquis’s residence, telling everyone she was his younger sis 85Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's a pure ancient romance novel with a particularly comfortable writing style. The male lead is a cold and aloof powerful minister, and the female lead is an amnesiac orphan. The "chasing-back-to-him-them-after-the-wife" trope is especially captivating.

45. 595 缘 The Beginning of Fate: Forced to Play the White Moonlight 缘起：被迫充当白月光 Platinum Meat Bun白金肉包Ancient Romance273k WordsOngoing [Household Intrigue] [Comeback] [Secret Love Revealed] [The Push and Pull of Pursuit] [Ultimate Twist of Fate] I always thought I was Lin Qiqi, a soul from another world who had transmigrated and taken the place of Lin Rongxi, the legitimate daughter of a general's household who had suffered endless bullying. She had lived with her maternal grandparents since childhood, where her cousin had bullied her mercilessly and ruined her reputation. After I awoke, I tore into the fake innocent and fough 56Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    There are no melodramatic plot twists. Although it's a time-travel story, there are no overpowered abilities. The plot is logical, there's plenty of enjoyment, and the emotional descriptions are delicate. Recommended.

46. 596 盛 The Beloved Cousin 盛宠表姑娘 Lazy Breeze Returning Late懒风晚归Ancient Romance582k WordsCompleted When Jiang Yunting first arrived in Bianjing, all she wanted was to be a well-behaved young cousin at the Duke of Dingguo's residence, enhance her standing, then marry her childhood sweetheart and live a smooth, happy life. But later, her fiancé turned his back on her for wealth and status, while the refined, aloof second cousin in the household began looking at her strangely, as if he wanted to devour her. When Shen Yu first met Jiang Yunting, he had one erotic dream after another. In his d 16.9kReads9.0Score2.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's a traditional Chinese romance novel, without any outlandish or bizarre plots. It's a slow and steady story, and you should definitely read the first book—it'll make you smile like a proud auntie! Hahahaha!

47. 597 东 The Eastern Palace’s Caged Sparrow: Changning’s Mistake 东宫囚雀：长宁误 Rika Under the Moon月下绘里香Ancient Romance395k WordsOngoing [Love and hate entwined | Discipline | Revenge | Political scheming] I am the fallen dynasty's princess, the most docile canary in the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince killed my father, destroyed my homeland, and used rules to cage me into the most obedient plaything in his palm. He told me to learn political strategy, so I did. He told me to smile, so I smiled. After lying low for five years, I finally got the chance I'd been waiting for: the day he was trapped in a desperate situation. I broug 180Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance, deeply moving love story

48. 598 玉 Spring in the Jade Palace 玉殿春 Writer A-Xing写手阿星Ancient Romance266k WordsCompleted [Resilient, Gentle Noblewoman x Cunning, Patient Scholar] [Female Growth + Forbidden Love + Tormented Romance + Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Redemption] Yan Qing was a noblewoman from a distinguished family. One day, on a whim, she saved Jiang Weiren, a poor scholar. Though they came from utterly different worlds, the two began to cross paths. The gentle young woman and the brooding young man fell for each other in secret. But then the Yan family fell from power. To protect her famil 3.2kReads9.2Score28714d adds
49. 599 后 The Legend of Empress Zhaoyi of Later Tang 后唐昭懿传 Luo Guigui罗姽姽Ancient Romance834k WordsCompleted In the chaotic final years of the Tang dynasty, she is a lonely phoenix, adrift and without a home. When she was twelve, she met a young man and never forgot him. She journeyed a thousand miles just to find him. He is a young hero. Fulfilling his father's dying wish, he sweeps south to defeat Zhu Liang and marches north to trample the Khitan, single-handedly restoring the Tang dynasty. But forced by his stepmother and framed by his wives and concubines, he loses the woman he loves most, leaving 189Reads8.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This historical romance novel, set against the backdrop of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, is relatively respectful of history, so it avoids melodramatic plots. Historical events mentioned in the novel are generally faithful to historical records; only the romantic relationships between men and women are fictional. The author demonstrates deep research into the culture, customs, and clothing of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and the romantic scenes are written with great delicacy.

50. 600 娇 Cherished and Adored 娇宠 Lan Ze兰泽Ancient Romance773k WordsCompleted She is a princess of the fallen dynasty, and the cherished darling of his heart. He destroyed her kingdom, killed the man she loved, and drove her parents to their deaths… 4kReads8.5Score26414d adds

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