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. 251 命 The Fate-Matching Division 命理配平分部 Perhaps Not Just a Pond Dweller莫非池中物58k WordsCompleted Fate-Matching Division 5Reads—Score—14d adds
2. 252 驯 The Cat-Taming Chronicles 驯猫记 Little One小小Ancient Romance201k WordsCompleted The story of a well-bred young lady who falls in love with a killer from the martial world. An older woman-younger man romance: the male lead’s age is unclear, but he’s probably three years younger. Lin Zhiruo: A young lady of a marquis’s household, gentle and easygoing, who falls in love with the male lead at first sight. Jin Shu: Proud and aloof, inexperienced in worldly affairs, does whatever he pleases, hopelessly lovestruck, and ranked last in Cat Manners Class. 3.2kReads8.2Score34314d adds

   Reader note

   Oh my god, this is so good! I could read it several times in a row. I recommend a few ancient Chinese style novels! (This is a HE (Happy Ending) section, there are no BE (Bad Ending) stories, so please read with confidence [heart emojis])

3. 253 夏 A Few Things About Xiayang 夏阳二三事 Perhaps Not Just a Pond Dweller莫非池中物Ancient Romance219k WordsCompleted [Short Story Collection] Every protagonist in this book is named Xia Yang. Each Xia Yang is a different character with a different life. Come read a few stories about Xia Yang. This is a collection of short stories set in ancient times. If you like it, welcome aboard; if not, no worries. Kisses~ [All stories are purely fictional] 35Reads—Score314d adds
4. 254 从 From Now On, Everyone I Love Will Be Like You 从此，我爱的人都像你 Plum Rain 627梅子黄时雨627Modern Romance169k WordsCompleted [Reunion After Separation × Revenge and Heartbreak × Republican-Era Romance, HE] Tang Ninghui, if I’ve ever wanted something in this world, I’ve always gotten it. No exceptions! To outsiders, they seemed like a perfect couple. She was devoted to him, longing for a peaceful life together, with nothing but love between them. But he had his own motives and his own revenge to pursue, and he wavered in the face of her deep affection. He betrayed her and fled from their wedding, cutting off every path 873Reads9.0Score10314d adds
5. 255 回 Looking Back, I See the Azure Clouds 回首见青云 Perhaps Not Just a Pond Dweller莫非池中物Ancient Romance46k WordsCompleted Looking Back, I See Blue Skies 43Reads—Score—14d adds
6. 256 夫 Madam, the Heir Has Been Plotting This for a Long Time 夫人，世子他蓄谋已久 Susu Qian Ci酥酥芊瓷Ancient Romance471k WordsCompleted [A devoted couple, sweet romance, childhood friends] (Complete! Originally titled The Lady, the Heir Apparent Has Been Plotting This for a Long Time) [Scheming, doting heir apparent VS beautiful, high-maintenance heir apparent’s wife] Lu Zhaozhao, the youngest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yunyang’s household, is adored by her parents and protected by her older siblings. She has grown up in comfort, with everything going her way. At sixteen, Lu Zhaozhao is a peerless beauty, and the thre 26.8kReads9.2Score2.9k14d adds
7. 257 庶 The Concubine-Born Daughter’s Mismatched Marriage 庶女的错位姻缘 Perhaps Not Just a Pond Dweller莫非池中物Ancient Romance15k WordsCompleted The Concubine-Born Daughter’s Ill-Fated Match 212Reads—Score314d adds
8. 258 太 Has the Grand Tutor Forced Anyone to Love Him Today? 太傅大人今天强制爱了吗 Mian Tang Zhi Yu眠棠知榆Ancient Romance224k WordsCompleted [Yandere obsession + coercive possession + extreme possessiveness + brooding male lead + mutual firsts + tragic ending] [Clear-headed beauty vs. aloof madman] Chu Yanchen was born cold and indifferent, yet a dazzling, proud princess was the one person who could cloud his mind. He plotted every step carefully, becoming her tutor and putting on an air of cool propriety, gentle and courteous. He had meant to win her over slowly, but this hopelessly obtuse girl followed those hidebound rules of etiq 2kReads—Score10814d adds

   Reader note

   I've tried to make it as old-fashioned as possible. [Smirk][smirk][smirk][smirk]

9. 259 湖 The Young Lord in the Lake 湖中公子 Little Fox Ruwei小狐濡尾Martial Arts234k WordsCompleted Once I fall in love with her, she will be the only woman in my life, forever. Even if she deceives me, destroys me, betrays me, or abandons me, there will be no room in my heart for anyone else. As a little girl, Zhu Wei made a grand vow: the man she married would be like her father, able to govern the country with his pen and defend it with his sword. With peace across the land, he would travel the world with her, taking in its beautiful sights and savoring every delicacy. But she sneaked away 894Reads9.3Score17114d adds
10. 260 毒 Poison Doctor Qing Chen 毒医倾尘 Tracing the Smoke Upward溯烟上Ancient Romance833k WordsCompleted [Money-loving poison doctor who lives for making money vs. devoted, affectionate, iron-blooded general] Song Weiran has always loved three things most: practicing medicine, using poison, and making money. In her seventh year of seclusion in a mountain village, she saves a wounded soldier and takes the largest silver ingot from his purse as her fee. Seven days later, the man leaves a jade pendant behind and heads for the front lines. Only when war ravages the northern frontier and plague spreads 2.1kReads—Score30614d adds
11. 261 昭 My Heart Shines Bright 昭昭我心 Big Brother Meng猛哥哥Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted [Sweet, gentle young lady vs. cold-faced, sharp-tongued Marquis] [Historical romance + substitute marriage + marriage before love + sweet romance + political intrigue + secret love] After Qin Zhaoyu’s elder sister died, she took her place as the bride of Li Jing, her sister’s fiancé. Before the wedding, her mother comforted her: “Li Jing is a fine man. He’ll treat you just as well as he treated your sister.” She had grown up by their side, witnessing Li Jing’s deep love for her sister. All she h 914Reads9.0Score5914d adds
12. 262 血 Blood-Drop Twin Lotus 血滴并蒂莲 Wen Xiao玟潇Ancient Romance201k WordsCompleted A hidden lotus pond, an ancient twin lotus, and a group of strange races concealed from the world. After the war, Tong Che was the only son left in the General's household, which had guarded the nation. Princess Baolian, the eldest princess of Wei, was born with a lotus-shaped birthmark. For the sake of her people's peace and to save the one she loved, she had no choice but to embark on a political marriage. Then came the terrible news: Princess Baolian had been poisoned by a deadly toxin and wa 922Reads—Score13714d adds

    Reader note

    A young general's tragic love story in the martial arts world, a good read.

13. 263 寒 A Cold Crow Nests in Your Heart 寒鸦栖君心 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone envies the Prince of Beian for loving his wife beyond all measure, with a love as deep as the sea. No one knows he won this perfect life by risking everything. Yan Junjue clawed his way out of a mountain of corpses in the Cold Palace. He was bloodthirsty and ruthless, a possessive, obsessive madman whose jealousy was carved into his bones. Everyone in the world feared him. Only Cui Yunqi was a little warmth in his endless darkness. She was the proud and steadfast lord of Hanya City, dev 8.4kReads8.8Score81814d adds

    Reader note

    Both of these books are intellectually stimulating, avoid melodrama, and feature both love and hate, as well as nationalistic themes. Highly recommended.

14. 264 缚 Bound by Gold 缚金枝 Chubby Childhood Sweetheart胖青梅Ancient Romance388k WordsCompleted [A bandit-born general + a royal princess] Princess Chu Yingluo gets married three times in her life. The first time, she is married off to Northern Rong after her country loses a war. The second time, Northern Rong’s throne changes hands, and the new king takes both the throne and her. The third time, her homeland’s army invades Northern Rong. Not long after returning home, she marries Helian Jing, a fierce general who was born a bandit. 568Reads8.4Score12114d adds

    Reader note

    I love this book. The princess, who has endured countless hardships, and the general, born of humble origins, redeem each other and achieve greatness together. [Sending hearts][Sending hearts][Sending hearts]

15. 265 权 A Woman in Power 权姝 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance628k WordsCompleted Legitimate daughter | Devoted hidden guard × Long-suffering childhood friend, the prince | Pure romance | Court intrigue | Strong female lead | Nation and family The court of the Great Qi dynasty is in turmoil, with the struggle for the throne brewing beneath the surface. The Molong cavalry bears down on Zhenmen Pass, where starving, freezing soldiers hold the border with their flesh and blood. On the battlefields of a troubled age, it is not only men who march to their deaths. Fu Ziyou brav 602Reads—Score—14d adds
16. 266 拨 Seeking Daylight Through the Snow 拨雪寻昼 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance291k WordsCompleted “You and I have loved each other since childhood, childhood sweethearts with nothing to hide from one another.”, Ouyang Yuqian, "The Peacock Flies Southeast" [Childhood sweetheart loses to the newcomer + love grows over time] [This story is entirely fictional. Please do not read too much into it. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.] Because their mothers had been close friends since their girlhood, and the Xie and Shen families were neighbors, Xie Chenxue and Shen Fu 698Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Here comes a collection of classic Chinese romance novels, all featuring local female protagonists, with no time-traveling heroines.

17. 267 给 After Giving Way to My Ex-Husband's White-Moonlight, I Came Out on Top 给前夫的白月光让位后，我赢麻了 Little Conch Shell小小螺号Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted ※Traditional Historical Romance and Household Intrigue※No Rebirth or Transmigration※Both Leads Are Chaste※ Shen Shihao is the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's household. Her biased mother sells her off in marriage to Li Yuheng. Half a year into their marriage, her husband remains cold and refuses to consummate their union. Hoping to keep peace between them, she has long suppressed her true nature. Then she hears him say with his own lips that he plans to demote her to a concubine, be 2.8kReads9.0Score38614d adds

    Reader note

    Oh, this one 😐, the female lead is intelligent, the male lead respects her, and he's also a very good person.

18. 268 娘 The Empress Doesn’t Care 娘娘不在乎 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance317k WordsCompleted [Palace and household intrigue + Marriage first, love later + Fictional era] [This story is entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.] Though Qiao Qingyi is a concubine’s daughter, her legitimate mother never treated her harshly. In fact, she raised her like her own child. But when her elder sister’s marriage arrangements change, the match that was supposed to be hers falls to Qiao Qingyi instead. To repay her legitimate mother’s kindness, Qiao Qingyi w 328Reads—Score—14d adds
19. 269 贵 Long Live the Noble Consort 贵妃娘娘千岁千千岁 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance164k WordsCompleted The Nan family had offered one of their daughters to the royal family, only for her to be killed by the scheming women within the palace. To keep the emperor's favor, Nan Shiyun begins her journey into the palace to compete for his affection. [This story is set in a fictional world. Please don't take it too seriously.] 111Reads—Score—14d adds
20. 270 高 Raising a Noble Lady of the Great Houses 高门贵女养成记 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance347k WordsCompleted In a nutshell, this is the growth diary of Fang family’s noble daughter. Her father favors his concubine over his wife, and her aunt and illegitimate younger sister run wild. Fortunately, her clever and resourceful mother teaches Fang Yanxi well, and despite her surroundings, Fang Yanxi grows into a fine young lady of a prominent family. [This is a fictional setting for a trial project, so please don’t take it too seriously. A novice’s work, written for my own practice.] 416Reads—Score—14d adds
21. 271 佛 The Easygoing Second Wife 佛系继室 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance111k WordsCompleted From the moment Cui Jiangwan learns she’s to marry Marquis Wu’an Ji Huai, she knows the marquis still carries an irreplaceable first love in his heart. That woman was his late wife and his childhood sweetheart. So Cui Jiangwan plans to be a laid-back second wife and live with Ji Huai in mutual respect. 3.1kReads6.8Score22614d adds
22. 272 红 Red Palms and Green Claws 红掌与绿爪 Dou Gu Buliang豆姑不梁Ancient Romance41k WordsCompleted [Spirited Noblewoman Cai Banban vs. Cold-Faced Military Governor Zhou Yize] Someone asked General Zhou what kind of woman the Third Lady Cai of Qinghe was. At the mention of Cai Sanniang, the general’s fierce gaze softened. He tilted his head in thought, then replied, “As beautiful as a red palm, as bold as a green claw.” When he tilted his head, the person noticed the scratches on General Zhou’s neck and asked curiously, “How did you get those injuries, General Zhou?” General Zhou replied, “Fro 1.2kReads9.3Score22414d adds

    Reader note

    I absolutely can't resist ancient Chinese romance novels about marriage before love! The story of Cai Banban, a charming noblewoman from Qinghe, versus the cold-faced military governor Zhou Yize is short. The heroine and hero are married first, then fall in love. The heroine is angered by the hero and goes back to her parents' home, while the hero tries hard to win her back and appease her. The heroine is charming and cute, good at being coquettish, and can be a bit dramatic, but she's really not annoying at all! The hero is a complete straight man who doesn't understand the heroine's feelings and often makes her angry, which really annoys her!

23. 273 替 A Substitute Bride to the Eastern Palace: The Husband I Picked Up Is the Crown Prince 替嫁东宫：捡来的夫郎是太子 Guan Guan's Short Stories关关的短篇Ancient Romance221k WordsOngoing In the second year of the Taiqing era, Shen Qingci, the Marquis's legitimate daughter, took her younger sister's place in an arranged marriage to a wounded soldier of unknown origins. She had no idea that the husband she had taken in was the orphaned heir of Crown Prince Zhaoming, who had been hunted for years. What seemed like a marriage she was forced into was a fate written in the stars. There was understanding and misunderstanding, happiness and sorrow. Amid the tide of history, the two grad 16Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Two strong individuals embark on a journey together, an arranged marriage blossoms into love, and true affection blossoms amidst chaos. The story is filled with patriotism and unwavering devotion! A compelling plot!

24. 274 庶 The Concubine’s Daughter Takes Her Place: The Regent’s Beloved Princess Consort 庶女替嫁，摄政王的娇宠王妃 Ying Huan楹欢Ancient Romance225k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance]+ [Marriage Before Love]+ [The Regent Prince Dotes on His Wife] Rumor has it that Regent Prince Qin Jingxiao brings death to his wives. Three princess consorts have already died in succession. Now he is to marry again, and an imperial decree arrives at the home of a low-ranking official of the fifth rank. The legitimate daughter refuses to marry at any cost, so the official’s family dares to pass off a concubine-born daughter as legitimate. To save her mother, who is a servan 1.3kReads—Score13014d adds

    Reader note

    This is a historical romance novel about a woman who falls in love after marriage. The female protagonist is a pitiful child in her family of origin. She marries a regent who has a reputation for killing off wives, in place of her elder sister. After the marriage, she is pampered in every way.

25. 275 被 After My Eldest Sister Swapped Our Marriages 被长姐换亲之后 Ink Brush Mints Gold墨笔生金Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [Farming + marriage first, love later + switched betrothals + contrast couple + business + transmigration] [Available as a full-cast audiobook and comic drama] Song He dies in an accident while saving someone and transmigrates to ancient times as an ordinary farm girl. Life is hard, and even having enough to eat and warm clothes is a struggle. As the second daughter in her family, the original owner is ignored by her father and scolded by her mother. Her eldest sister is fiercely competitive, an 52.5kReads8.7Score6.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    A female protagonist transmigrates into a farming novel; the male protagonist is obsessed with romance while the female protagonist is ambitious. She opens a workshop, organizes a caravan, and becomes wealthy, while the male protagonist takes the imperial examinations and rises from a novice to the top scholar. [Top Post]

26. 276 重 Reborn: Grand Tutor, Wake Up! The Princess Is Really Dead 重生之太傅醒醒吧，公主真的死了 Nine Snowy Branches九枝雪Ancient Romance302k WordsCompleted [Both reborn, pampered legitimate princess × obsessive Grand Tutor × groveling pursuit of his wife × the chaste man falls] Qin Shu could never come to terms with the fact that the person who killed her in her previous life was Song Xun. Back then, she was Princess Jingyuan, and she called him Grand Tutor. She died on a snowy day during the Jing era. She said, “If there is another life, then I hope never to meet you again, Grand Tutor...” But she didn’t know that from then on, Song Xun came to ha 4.5kReads8.9Score39514d adds

    Reader note

    This one! Highly recommended!

27. 277 临 Lin'an, Gaze North 临安北顾 Lu Qiao芦樵Ancient Romance864k WordsOngoing (All chapters are complete. The novel is currently being revised, so it may appear to have stopped updating.) (Feedback and suggestions are welcome.) [Set in the mid-to-late Southern Song dynasty + ensemble cast of young characters + central couple’s push and pull + a touch of wuxia + long timeline] The emperor’s adopted son x daughter of a military family // Some background and plot elements are based on historical figures (no transmigration + no rebirth + no golden finger + plenty of heartbrea 5Reads6.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Click here for stories about ancient China and the world during the Southern Song Dynasty.

28. 278 神 Divine Oil 神油 Lying-Down Dog躺狗Urban5.7M WordsOngoing The waters of the Gui River cannot wash away old blood debts. A jar of miraculous oil can keep the secrets of a powerful family locked away. The Republic of China is in chaos, the country teetering on the brink of collapse. At the command of his ancestors, the sole surviving heir of the Shi family enters the fray, disguising himself as an anonymous laborer at the Wen family’s oil mill. He appears plain and timid, but in his heart he is plotting a sweeping revenge. The miraculous oil the Wen fami 66.9kReads9.2Score3.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Just look at it if it looks good.

29. 279 姣 Jiaojiao's Joyful Years 姣姣岁欢 Little Yuanbao元宝儿Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Jiang Suihuan marries Qin Huaijing, a royal relative whose family has fallen on hard times, bringing a generous dowry with her. On their wedding night, before they can consummate the marriage, he leaves her to fend for herself in the manor. Two years later, Qin Huaijing is selected by the court to become the Crown Prince of Great Jin. Jiang Suihuan thinks that her husband’s rise will make her Crown Princess. Instead, her husband returns victorious from the battlefield and tells her that a lowbor 9.2kReads8.9Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    🍒This book is great! The female lead makes a low-key entrance but acts with great flair. She has several prestigious identities (the true daughter of a prime minister), considerable influence in the martial arts world, and her martial arts skills are incredibly high, reaching a level of mastery. 🌸She's intelligent, seemingly delicate and harmless, but actually ruthless and vengeful. She's only vicious towards her enemies, but kind to her own people. 🍀The male lead has a hidden identity; he's the head of an intelligence network. He's skilled in martial arts, cunning, sharp-tongued, and ruthless. He's the type to settle scores immediately and never suffers a loss. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

30. 280 皇 The Emperor's Cousin Says He Must Refuse 皇上表弟说他恕难从命 Coffee Chocolate咖啡朱古力Ancient Romance490k WordsCompleted [Completed] Younger man + sickly male lead + hapless cousins + a little palace intrigue + lighthearted Ye Su never imagined that because her fate was so strong, it would claim the lives of two fiancés, leaving her unmarried even at twenty-two. After her parents went to the palace to weep to her aunt, the Empress Dowager, it was decided that she would become a consort to her sickly cousin, the emperor. The reason was that a holy monk had declared Ye Su and the emperor’s destinies to be one strong 87.5kReads9.2Score10.6k14d adds
31. 281 伴 Accompanied by Smoke 伴烟 Laba Coconut腊八椰子Ancient Romance106k WordsCompleted [Naive, Wild Girl x Gentle Scholar + Happy Ending] She loved him, so she ran to him with all the courage she could muster. Liu Yunzhi treated her wonderfully, caring for her and asking after her, soothing her to sleep at night, reading to her whenever he had time, stroking her slightly rounded belly, and discussing baby names with her. She lost herself in it, deceiving herself as she sank into the gentle web he had woven, dreaming that they would be the only two in each other’s lives forever. Bu 2.4kReads9.3Score20714d adds
32. 282 哄 You Want Me to Be Your Concubine? After I Faked My Death, the Playboy Marquis Went Mad 哄我做妾？死遁后纨绔侯爷发大疯 Heart's Water Turns to Sweet Dew心水成沁Ancient Romance580k WordsCompleted The short-drama rights have been sold. Now just waiting for it to premiere~ "A taste of ancient China · devoted lovers · clear-headed heroine" "Romance and intrigue · household and palace rivalries · the fate of the nation" Su Tan is the top courtesan at the Fragrant Pavilion in the capital of Great Wei, blessed with otherworldly beauty, porcelain skin, and a flawless complexion. After transmigrating here eight years ago, she has endured humiliation and bided her time, hoping to auction off her 8.5kReads9.2Score98614d adds
33. 283 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.1kReads9.5Score9.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    There is no rebirth or time travel. The female lead is a master actress who works very hard in the palace. She has already entered the palace, so she is definitely not here to fall in love, but to rise in rank and gain favor.

34. 284 枕 Pillow of Beauty 枕姝色 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance566k WordsCompleted Now published under the title The Young Man in Fine Clothes and on Fine Horses [Stoic general x fallen noblewoman, mutual healing, traditional historical romance, with no rebirth, transmigration, or golden finger] She was a noblewoman from a powerful family, beautiful and radiant, but when her family fell into decline, she became an orphan everyone could bully. Gu Lin protected and pampered her, but refused to marry her. Later, when the young man went away and matchmakers crowded her doorstep, s 10.8kReads9.0Score1.5k14d adds
35. 285 沈 The Shen Family’s Fifth Young Lady 沈家五姑娘 Boiled Radish Slices水煮萝卜片Ancient Romance763k WordsCompleted Reborn as the Shen family's Fifth Miss, she no longer envies the wealthy and powerful, yearns for a harmonious household with a husband and concubines, or hopes to win her in-laws' approval. All she wants is to meet a good man and live in peace and happiness. Of course, she'll repay those who harmed her in her past life with vengeance, and those who helped her with gratitude. But what's going on? What is going on with that man? So it was him, after all. 27.2kReads9.1Score3.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all high-quality ancient romance novels, definitely worth reading!

36. 286 长 The Long Night Terrace 长夜台 Strings of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion潇湘馆的琴弦Ancient Romance234k WordsOngoing From the martial world to the imperial court, from the capital to the feudal domains, a vivid panorama of life in the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty slowly unfolds. Rich in historical atmosphere, it captures youthful romance, devotion to family and country, the helplessness of the times, the decline of a dynasty, a slacking emperor, extravagant princes... There are no palace intrigues, no power fantasies, no transmigration, and no rebirth. There is only the helplessness of life... —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Just by looking at the titles of each chapter, you can tell how antique and elegant it is. [Facepalm]

37. 287 蒹 The Reed Chronicles 蒹葭纪 Peach Milk Cap桃子奶盖Ancient Romance131k WordsCompleted [Childhood Friends + Love and Hate + Rekindled Romance + Sweet Romance + Happy Ending] Gu Jiaqi is decisive, while Pei Lang is ruthless. Despite their very different natures, the two once shared a sweet romance. But to save her family, Gu Jiaqi resolutely entered the palace and became an imperial consort. Pei Lang hated her for betraying him and using him as a stepping stone to power. He used his influence to make Gu Jiaqi Empress Dowager, then controlled her and the young emperor as regent. The 466Reads9.2Score11314d adds
38. 288 抄 After the Estate Was Confiscated 抄家以后 Snow Tea Woof Woof雪茶汪汪Ancient Romance252k WordsCompleted [A clever, levelheaded noblewoman vs. an honest, straightforward, fiercely loyal guard] [Historical Romance + Revenge + Healing + Political Intrigue + Love That Grows Over Time + Devoted Guard] Cheng Ming'an was the daughter of a general. On the eve of her wedding, the Cheng family was arrested and their assets confiscated for treason. Her father and brothers were executed, her eldest sister took her own life, and her married sisters were put through one hardship after another. Her fiancé change 11.8kReads9.5Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's been a long time since I've read a book with such meticulous logic and a female protagonist who's almost supernaturally wise!! This book is purely historical romance! No time travel or reincarnation. The author's writing is excellent, unfolding the story in a captivating and engaging way, and the plot is tight and fast-paced. Highly recommended!!!

39. 289 本 This King's Sleeve Is Thoroughly Severed 本王这袖，断的彻底 Born Under a Lucky Star八字过硬Two Male Leads562k WordsCompleted [Preorders for The World Cannot Keep What It Loves Most open at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. For the first 15 minutes, signed copies are available with no quantity limit; from 16 to 30 minutes, copies personally signed by the author are available with no quantity limit!] [Two male leads + The prince has a bit of a sense of humor] Everyone knew Prince Pu was gay. Even the man on the imperial throne turned a blind eye. Prince Pu had loved many people in his life. A horseman from the frontier 34.7kReads9.6Score5k14d adds

    Reader note

    Thousands of pear trees in bloom

40. 290 另 Seeking a Better Match: I Won’t Be the Madam of This Marquis’s Manor! 另谋高嫁：这侯府夫人我不做了！ Egret Under Clear Skies晴天白鹭Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Original title: Finding a Better Match: I’m Done Being the Marquess’s Wife! Regarding plagiarism, don’t make baseless accusations. The publication dates are there for all to see. [Traditional historical romance and household intrigue + strong heroine and hero + mutual devotion + a prince who cherishes his wife] A merchant’s daughter marries into a marquess’s household, becoming the laughingstock of the capital. For six years, Jiang Shu lives alone and supports the entire household without compla 24.1kReads9.2Score4.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    🍁🍁🍁This is the perfect ancient-style romance novel! All the heroines perfectly capture the atmosphere and helplessness of ancient times! The protagonist, Jiang Shu, is proposed to by a marquis's family, but unexpectedly, they are only after her wealthy dowry. Her husband not only treats her coldly but also marries and has children on the border. Jiang Shu wants a divorce, but the marquis's family refuses, determined to seize her dowry!

41. 291 今 Raise a Toast and Sing Together Today 今朝有酒共高歌 Seeking the Moon Through Flowers穿花寻月Ancient Romance108k WordsCompleted [Reborn] [Transmigration] [Cultivating Prince] [Driven Mad by Love] [Younger Puppy Boy] [Two Strong Leads] [Sweet on the Outside, Dark Within] “Chu Mingzhao, what is it you want?” “I want this world... to never devour people again.” “Chu Mingzhao, don’t go! Don’t leave me all alone!” “A Zhao, we once loved each other deeply. Why do you avoid me as if I were a plague?” “Elder Sister, I’ll do anything you say!” Synopsis: Chu Mingzhao died on her wedding night. Poisoned and bound inside her dowr —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This ancient romance novel is super good, with delicate writing and no brainless plot holes.

42. 292 宫 A Rhapsody of Palace Flowers 宫花赋 Six-Eared Yuanyuan六耳圆圆Ancient Romance681k WordsCompleted [A no-nonsense, trope-defying palace-intrigue drama + no love for the emperor + ensemble of women] Everyone has their own ambitions. I have no interest in fighting other women over a man. She was little Qing Luo, a girl who valued her life above all else. Abandoned by her parents as a child, she had wandered through hardship until she entered the Forbidden City, where she met the beautiful, gracious Yue Ren and the clever, perceptive Lü Zhu. At last, her wandering heart found a home. The three s 30.4kReads9.6Score4k14d adds
43. 293 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 35.1kReads9.3Score5.9k14d adds
44. 294 孤 A Soul-Luring Lantern in a Lonely Ghost’s Hands 孤魂手中的一盏引魂灯 Moonlight and Clear Breezes溶月清风Mystery501k WordsCompleted After the Qu family is struck by disaster, Qu Shuanghua unexpectedly transmigrates two thousand years into the past while at Zhaoruo Temple. She becomes Biyue, a beautiful spy sent to the Kingdom of Yue. As she grows closer to King Huan Chiling, she discovers that he despises Biyue. To uncover the connection between the ancient Kingdom of Yue and the tragedy that befell the Qu family, and to put an end to the hatred between Biyue and the king, Qu Shuanghua chooses to use her own kindness to reso —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Book recommendation. A great book. You won't want to stop once you start reading.

45. 295 千 A Thousand Miles Along the Xiaoxiang, Together 千里潇湘共同途 It's Weiyang是微阳呀Ancient Romance222k WordsOngoing [Concubine's Daughter] [Political Schemes] [Revenge] [Both Leads Are Inexperienced] A noblewoman who appears gentle and dignified but is secretly ruthless × a young nobleman who seems cold and heartless but ends up eating his words One day, a talented and beautiful illegitimate daughter of the Wen family suddenly appeared in the capital. Not only was she stunning, she was also gifted. She rose to fame at a poetry gathering, soon becoming the capital's most celebrated beauty. She also won the ard 26Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This female lead is intelligent and single-mindedly focused on revenge. She mostly uses the male lead, who initially doesn't like her but gradually falls for her. The satisfying comeback is when he gets his comeuppance! Warning: This is a pure historical romance, so the pacing might be a bit slow; please enjoy it carefully. [Admiring][Admiring]

46. 296 逢 The Lantern-Bearing Chronicles 逢灯纪 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance982k WordsCompleted (Signed for publication, with screen adaptation rights sold) You're the daughter of a marquis. You want to take your mother's dowry and remains with you? Done. I'll take the dowry and remains, and bring you your mother's divorce papers as well as your own severance papers cutting ties with your family. You were declared dead and became an invisible person behind your brothers. You want to live like a normal person again? Done. I'll restore your name and identity, and make sure you receive the en 86.7kReads9.3Score12.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    You won't regret investing in this; just read it. The writing is exquisite, and the female lead is quite intelligent.

47. 297 长 There Was Once a Young Man in Chang'an ("A Thousand Miles of High Towers, Untouched by Wind or Snow") 长安曾有少年郎（“高台千里，勿沾风雪”） A Sen阿森Ancient Romance161k WordsCompleted [Revenge and court intrigue + childhood sweethearts + tragic palace romance + maximum angst] [Loyal young general VS coldhearted heiress bent on revenge VS gentle, devoted emperor. A tangled love between three people, with heartbreak that cuts to the bone] Qing Ru'an's life was buried beneath the fire that raged through the snowstorm that year. Her entire family was slaughtered, both her parents were gone, and the Qing family, the richest in Zizhou, was reduced to ruins overnight. The once-proud 3.3kReads9.4Score78414d adds
48. 298 醋 The Jealous Empress's Bitter Tears 醋精皇后的心酸泪 Southeast Scenery东南形胜Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted No transmigration, no rebirth, no System. The heroine is beautiful and knows how to flirt, while the hero never goes mad or sees red! This novel is extremely devoted to its heroine. [One-on-one romance, sweet, angsty, and satisfying; a jealous queen and a beleaguered emperor] Ji Yun was spotted in the mountains by the Prince of Yan. He mistook her for a dignified, magnanimous woman and asked for her hand in marriage. Before long, the Prince of Yan became emperor and married her as his empress. F 1.2kReads8.6Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is an empress, but she doesn't follow the usual tropes. There's not much scheming or backstabbing from female supporting characters. She's not tolerant or unreasonable, and aside from being jealous, she's not a bad person.

49. 299 行 Late in the Day 行止晚 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + emperor and empress + tragic palace romance] 145,000 readers gave it top ratings, and countless readers cried their way through it! The year’s breakout historical romance, a heartache readers can’t forget. A clear-eyed, sweet empress VS a proud emperor whose love never wavers. Born into the imperial family, how can everything ever go as you wish? May we remain together forever, and may I keep you safe and at peace. A gentleman’s word is his bond. In a daze, I saw the moon rise. 25.7kReads9.6Score3.3k14d adds
50. 300 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1k14d adds

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