Political Intrigue, Historical Setting 权谋，古风

1. 301 王 The Princess Looks Up, and the Prince Bows His Head 王妃抬眸王爷低头 Yang Yunni扬云霓Ancient Romance572k WordsCompleted Zhou Yuening and Zhao Ke are childhood sweethearts (or so it seems). Whenever Zhou Yuening runs into him, she is almost always at her most wretched. Zhao Ke: She caused my mother to be confined in the Cold Palace for ten years. Why should she get to grow up safe and sound, dressed in fine clothes and eating well, smiling warmly at other young men? Why should someone come to propose to her with a bright future in hand when she comes of age? He refuses to let her have her way. The Crown Prince 32Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The male lead is a prince, the second male lead is a top scholar and strategist, and both male leads have a background in political intrigue. The CP is super sweet, and both the male and female leads are highly intelligent.

2. 302 成 What on Earth Is This? Complete in Two Volumes (The Original Novel Behind the Hit Drama Starring Wang Churan and Cheng Lei) 成何体统：全二册（王楚然、丞磊主演热播影视剧原著） Qi Yingjun七英俊Anime Fanfiction314k WordsCompleted What is it like to transmigrate into a web novel and become the tyrant's bedmate? After a few simple calculations, Yu Wanyin reached a conclusion: she would have to find another way. In this story full of villains, if she wanted to carve out a path to survival, she had to become the biggest villain of all. First, help the tyrant take down Prince Duan, then take down the tyrant and become empress herself. But when she met the tyrant and carefully considered the strange sense of familiarity in his 40.3kReads9.7Score6.3kShelves

   Reader note

   High-quality ancient Chinese romance novel recommendations

3. 303 沧 Lone Loyalty in the Vast Sea 沧海孤忠 Wu Xuanqing吴玄卿Historical825k WordsOngoing The Solitary Loyalist of the Vast Sea: The Complete Biography of Zheng Chenggong is a heroic elegy that delves deep into the heart and probes the soul. This book seeks to go beyond a simple tale of monument-building and portray a real man struggling amid the upheavals of his age. He was the son of a pirate, of mixed Chinese and Japanese heritage, and a Confucian scholar with the world in his heart. He was the "Lord of the Imperial Surname," personally named by the Longwu Emperor, and a lone mini 92Reads7.0Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A masterpiece of historical fiction, absolutely stunning and breathtaking!

4. 304 四 Chronicles of the Four Gods 四神战纪 Jiang Huixue姜灰雪Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted Xuanwu Divine Guardian Ziyan: hopeless romantic + a beautiful sleeper who gets injured once a month (His Majesty's perspective) At the end of the Age of the Gods, the Northern Emperor's daily life with the Divine Guardian he had long hoped to find and bring back to help him unify the world (excerpt from All Things Have a Spirit): Du Anxiawu finishes his tea, but Ziyan still hasn't come in. He follows him outside. It's already afternoon, and the sunlight falls just right on the area outside the s 57Reads—Score—Shelves
5. 305 凰 The Phoenix's Power (Part One) 凰权（上） Dong Zhu东竹Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted The real Xie Yuwei was born into the prestigious Xie family of Jiangzhou. When she was very young, her wet nurse lost her, and she was adopted by a hunter’s family, where she later died. To preserve the Xie family’s power and position, its head, Xie Zhouyu, bought a “fake Xie Yuwei” from the slave market, a girl who looked just like her. Though her elder sister is not yet fifteen, she was raised from childhood by the clan to become the Crown Princess and is now the Crown Prince’s betrothed. Her 114Reads9.3Score—Shelves
6. 306 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.6kReads9.6Score31.2kShelves
7. 307 长 The Blood Curse of Immortality 长生血咒 Guan Tangzi观棠子Ancient Romance531k WordsCompleted [The mystery of immortality + palace intrigue at its peak + battlefield schemes + devastating romance + dynastic upheaval] This is an intense political romance full of heartbreak. Get yourself emotionally prepared before reading! Twist after twist! Every character is clever! The plot is logical, the foreshadowing is rich, and the emotional impact lingers. It took me three days to recover after finishing it! Princess Yongzhao carries unusual blood, making her the most precious “medicine” in the 32Reads8.8Score147Shelves

   Reader note

   Try this one!! It's unlike your average ancient-style family drama! It's grand in scale, involving the unification of the Tanzhao Dynasty, the Western Huang Empire, and the 23 northern nomadic tribes! Around 50 chapters are packed with tear-jerking and exhilarating moments! My favorite character is the male protagonist, Ashina Yujiang. Yin Chengji, Yin Chengrui, including Yongning, Emperor Zhaoming, Imperial Physician Jingyan, Zhebie, Chen Qingyan, Consort Xiao, Consort De, even Prime Minister Xiao, Princess Xiyuan, Empress Dowager Yuanling, Su Yiliang… every character has their own origin and destiny, and each is vividly portrayed. There are many foreshadowing elements throughout, and the final epilogue is especially brilliant. Highly recommended!

8. 308 战 Warring States: Jin's Desperate Counterattack to Reclaim Han, Zhao, and Wei 战国：晋国绝地反击，收复韩赵魏 Feng Shaoshui封少水Historical3.1M WordsCompleted [This novel is set against the historical backdrop of the Partition of Jin. Familiarity with this event will help you enjoy the story.] [Ancient Warring States setting + rival states vying for supremacy + the Hundred Schools of Thought + political maneuvering + battles of wit and courage + no System + no harem + not for beginners] After transmigrating to the early Warring States period, he becomes Ji Jiujiu, the last ruler of Jin. His rise begins with infiltrating the Mohists. He keeps a low pro 3.7kReads8.8Score294Shelves

   Reader note

   Is this classical Chinese style and prose classical enough? I've copied a dialogue; let's see how well I do it. Wu Qi said, "To rescue Zhao, we'll be sending a long and arduous expedition, wasting military resources. What benefit will Chu gain?" Niu Chu replied, "When the Chu army marches north, it will help the weak and punish the strong, and all the feudal lords under heaven will look up to it. The prestige of a great power will be established; this is the first benefit." Wu Qi said, "Grand Tutor, Chu's virtue is meager and its reputation shallow; I fear it cannot live up to such high praise. Why not seek it from Qin?" Niu Chu spoke eloquently, "If Chu and Zhao form an alliance, they will respond to each other from north to south. They will work together to punish the Wei traitors, rescue those in distress, share disasters and rejoice together, aligning their likes and dislikes, without any disloyalty. If anyone harms Chu, Zhao will attack them; if anyone harms Zhao, Chu will attack them. With Chu and Zhao joining hands, what country can stand against them? This is the second benefit!" Niu Chu continued, "With Chu and Zhao joining hands, the Chu army will march north, and all the lands conquered and the spoils obtained will belong to Chu." "With a single victory, the granaries will be full and the treasury abundant; our territory will expand and our northern frontier opened—this is the third benefit!" "With these three benefits, how can Chu not send troops?" Wu Qi: "Grand Tutor, I am foolish and dull. These three benefits will be ours alone; what need is there for Zhao to intervene?"

9. 309 大 The Splendor of Great Zhou 大周风华录 Is Wasabi Spicy?芥末辣不辣Ancient Romance4.3M WordsCompleted After three years of drought, the land was strewn with the dead. Her parents sold Qin Fengyao as a “two-legged sheep.” Faced with certain death, she sold herself into servitude and escaped with the human traffickers. Sold to the Chang family, she accompanied their eldest daughter through confiscation of their property and desperate flight, then their restoration to favor. She helped the young lady establish herself in her husband’s household, became embroiled in the struggle for the throne, and, 21.3kReads9.2Score2.8kShelves
10. 310 大 The Purple Robe of the Great Qing 大清紫袍 Sun Yiding孙一丁Historical187k WordsCompleted All the ministers inside and out wear purple robes. Who will share my burden? The jade cups drain the blood of a thousand households; the silver candles burn away the people’s fat. When Heaven sheds tears, the people shed tears; where the singing grows loud, the weeping grows louder. You speak so freely of the sovereign’s boundless grace, yet you are the ones who have betrayed it. Jiaqing Set against the White Lotus Rebellion during the Jiaqing reign, this novel traces the fates of high-rankin 126Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Novels about the White Lotus Rebellion during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty

11. 311 北 Return North: The Ashen Flame's Journey Home 北归：烬火归途 Liu Niu六妞Ancient Romance159k WordsCompleted A fire engulfed the imperial retreat, killing the emperor and the eldest prince. Prince Li Xiao of Funan enthroned the young emperor, seized power, and took sole control of the court. No one knew that the eldest prince, Luan Cheng (Li Cheng), had been saved at the cost of their lives by loyal retainers of the late emperor. He spent ten years in hiding on the northern frontier, operating an escort agency under an assumed name while secretly investigating the truth behind the fire. Princess Yue Xi 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    That's alright, worth watching.

12. 312 女 The Female Bandit Goes to the Capital to Become an Official and Wins Over the Aloof Emperor 女土匪进京为官，诱拐了清冷陛下 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet historical romance + two powerful leads + devoted to each other + sweet and satisfying + fun and lively + no annoying supporting characters + sensible leads] A super-ferocious, super-rich bandit queen VS a cool, otherworldly beauty of an emperor Jin Sanglu owns thirty mountains of gold and is every inch a bandit queen. After earning military merit, she arrogantly calls out to the court: “If you won’t give me an official post, then make me empress.” The ministers are furious, but they fear 12.4kReads9.4Score1.7kShelves
13. 313 三 Three Kingdoms: The Female Warlord of a Chaotic Age 三国：乱世女枭雄 Handsome Er You帅气的二油Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing (Also known as: The Female Overlord of a Chaotic Age) [Strong female lead + Three Kingdoms + no System + traditional empire-building + ensemble cast] Liu Yi, a female engineering PhD, transmigrates into the late Han dynasty during the Three Kingdoms era and grows up as a boy. She develops water conservancy, conducts research, and improves life for the people of her region. Just as the various factions are trying to win her over, she reveals herself as a woman and establishes her own power base, 57.6kReads9.3Score8.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This female-centric novel boasts a grand scale! The idea that "those in high positions should protect the people and help women" is incredibly relatable. The plot flows smoothly and is full of depth, making it increasingly addictive! She doesn't rely on her beauty to gain attention, but rather on her solid knowledge and clear mind. When dressed as a man, she's a sought-after talent; when dressed as a woman, she's a world-shaking overlord.

14. 314 我 I Find the Top Scholar So Charming 我见探花多娇媚 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Jing Bao has three wishes: First, protect the family estate of the main branch; second, enter the Imperial College, place third in the palace examinations, and bring honor to the family; third, keep living as a man in disguise until the end. Lord Gu has three wishes too: First, help someone protect their family estate; second, help that someone place third in the palace examinations; third, bring the disguised top scorer home and make her the mistress of the household. 4.1kReads9.4Score756Shelves
15. 315 囚 The Imprisoned King 囚王 Li Anglong李盎龙Eastern Fantasy425k WordsCompleted Who am I? I woke up in a prince's manor after a seven-day dream. I had forgotten who I was, where I came from, and where I was going. It seemed I had once been plotting something, but before I could investigate, an assassination attempt sent me stumbling into the martial world. Thus began the weaving of a conspiracy spanning both court and martial world. 181Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese adventure and political intrigue

16. 316 掌 Beauty in the Palm of His Hand 掌中姝色 Mo Xiaolan莫小澜Ancient Romance160k WordsCompleted [A patient, restrained new emperor bent on revenge VS a radiant noblewoman with a powerful minister for a father] [The emperor's long road to winning back his wife] Everyone said Xie Mingshu was merely a pawn in the struggle between the new emperor and the empress dowager. No one knew that for Xie Mingshu, he had knelt on eighty-one flights of steps, his plain robes spattered with blood, just to pray for her to be reborn. Reborn, Xie Mingshu resolved to escape the fate laid out for her. But 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    First book, highly recommended. The male lead is a fallen prince who later ascends the throne and vie for power with the Empress Dowager. However, during his revenge, he uses the female lead. In the end, he eliminates the Empress Dowager's power and experiences a humiliating chase after his wife.

17. 317 女 After Faking Her Death in Disguise as a Man, She Starts Playing the Frail, Scheming Green Tea 女扮男装死后，她开始演柔弱绿茶 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of [Playing Coy] is available on all platforms. [The heroine is everyone’s beloved, with maximum “moonlight in the heart” appeal + doted on by all + universally adored + strong female lead] Qin Buwen disguised herself as a man and played the part of a treacherous official for sixteen years. At the height of her infamy, everyone in Chang’an, even the dogs, would go out of their way to avoid her. Then she was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. She leapt from a tall building, onl 36.5kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves
18. 318 欲 Longing for Your Embrace 欲扶腰 Zhen Shi Jinli臻十锦鲤Ancient Romance827k WordsCompleted Nan Yu had just turned twenty when she became empress dowager. With a young child to care for and a declining nation to govern, she urgently needed a powerful backer. Xiao Yiquan, a scheming courtier who held power over the court, beckoned her with a finger. “Little Empress Dowager, what do you think of me?” Nan Yu lifted her peerlessly beautiful face and knelt at his boots. “If I behave, will you give me anything I want?” Later, she really did behave. So well that she settled every humiliation 70Reads6.8Score—Shelves
19. 319 心 The Scheming Adopted Son Is Raising a Puppy Again Today 心机义子今天也在养小狗 Tofu Pudding and Crucian Carp豆花鲫鱼Two Male Leads379k WordsCompleted [Complete] [Younger top, two male leads, one-on-one romance, ancient military setting, alternate history, happy ending] [Nameless orphan × (supposed) bandit's adopted son] [The young master is always right] × [I've worked hard for years and don't want to do this anymore. I need to find a sucker to take over my job.] Sincere, passionate gong × gentle, scheming shou Their tangled love and hatred twists and turns, until it all comes to nothing, like flowers reflected in a mirror and the moon in wat 112Reads—Score—Shelves
20. 320 重 Reborn in the World of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer 重生笑傲江湖世界 Author Chen Ran作者陈然Male-Channel Fanfiction740k WordsCompleted The protagonist is reborn in the world of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. What are the Five Mountains Sword Alliance, the Sunflower Manual, or the Dugu Nine Swords compared to doing whatever you please? The martial world is simply a place where people clash with one another. 47Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical fantasy novel perfect for reading in one sitting, full of plot twists and face-slapping moments.

21. 321 凤 The Phoenix-Eyed Curse 凤瞳劫 Figgy Boba Snowflake无花果啵啵绵绵冰Ancient Romance306k WordsCompleted [A ruthless, sharp-minded tyrant * a coolheaded, golden-eyed blind woman] The Tyrant’s Golden-Eyed Blind Girl Has Tricked Him Again: A Real Tyrant, and a Heroine Who Is Neither Reborn nor Transmigrated into a Book Born with golden eyes, the blind girl can see the past, present, and future of all things, yet she cannot see her own fate! The moment Zi Fuying opens her eyes, Xiao Yanyu, the tyrant who seized the throne by murdering his brother, locks her inside the palace. He wants her to be a “hu 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's my own place, take a look when you have time!

22. 322 我 My Fierce Dog, My Horse: I Do Whatever I Want 我的恶犬我的马，我想咋耍就咋耍 Jiu Chuang九创Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong female lead, powerful heroine, reborn female general, woman disguised as a man, duty to family and country, serious alternate-history drama, ensemble cast in chaotic times. If you mind a weak romance, don't read.] She died in the very year she was ennobled and made a general, crowned with glory. It turned out that even someone with no lingering resentment could be reborn after reaching the top. In her previous life, because of something her mother said, she took on the burden of her fami 11.5kReads9.5Score1.8kShelves
23. 323 穿 Transmigrating to Great Qian as a Prince 穿越大乾当王爷 Wang Dongdong, a Late Bloomer大器晚成的王冬冬Historical627k WordsCompleted A worthless man from the twenty-first century transmigrates to the Great Qian Dynasty and tries his best to keep his head down. Instead, he is first made the Great Qian’s first non-imperial prince. Afraid the emperor will grow suspicious, he tries even harder to stay under the radar, only to gradually become the Great Qian’s richest man, the first prince to serve as a grand secretary in its Grand Secretariat, a pillar protecting the realm, and a minister entrusted with the emperor’s heir. He say 125Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It has to look good, or call me.

24. 324 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 3.2kReads9.2Score286Shelves
25. 325 智 The Wise Don’t Fall in Love, Your Majesty, I Want You to Take Responsibility 智者不入爱河，兄长朕要你负责 Watching The Rain On North Street北街看雨Two Male Leads254k WordsCompleted (Aloof, cold Grand Justice of the Court of Judicial Review as the pursuer VS the Black-Bellied Ninth Prince who seems sweet and innocent as the pursued) (Two male leads, both each other’s first and only, equally matched, secretly in love with each other) This story is entirely fictional. Please don’t associate it with real people. It’s just for entertainment! One day, the Ninth Prince complained to Lord Su: “They say I ought to take a princess consort. I hear the Prime Minister’s daughter is a f 53Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Ninth Prince (a character from a historical drama) asks, "Do you want me?" The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review replies, "Want what?" The Ninth Prince declares, "You have me whether you want me or not! I'm all yours! Humph!!!"

26. 326 此 Chang'an of This World 此间长安 Gu Yanqing顾砚青Ancient Romance353k WordsOngoing A lifetime in a frail body, half a life among books. After an unexpected long sleep, he wakes in the Tang dynasty, during the Zhenguan era. Young Lin Chen has nothing to his name and a life as insignificant as a blade of grass. The moment he opens his eyes, he falls into a deadly predicament. In his previous life, he was confined to a sickbed, unable to live freely. In this life, even if he must walk through the mud, he will make every step shine. He will neither curry favor with the powerful no 26Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Those who live in history never realize they are creating history; it is those who write history later who create it!

27. 327 替 A Match Made in Heaven: The Court's Shifting Tides 替嫁良缘之朝堂覆雨翻云录 Gentleman Xiao Yu君子小俞Ancient Romance214k WordsCompleted Historical political intrigue + martial heroes + two couples, all strong and devoted + no rebirth, transmigration, System, or golden fingers + marriage before love + exclusive devotion + satisfying wish fulfillment In the fictional ancient kingdom of Cheng, Duanmu Zimo, the General's daughter, disguises herself as a man and marries the Prime Minister's daughter in her elder brother's place, hoping to keep their family from being implicated after he flees an arranged marriage. Meanwhile, Murong 17Reads—Score—Shelves
28. 328 废 What Evil Could a Deposed Empress Have in Mind? She Just Wants to Rebel 废后能有什么坏心眼，想造反罢了 Apricot Wind, Peach Fish杏风桃鱼Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Dual rebirth + political intrigue + ensemble cast + powerful leads + character growth] In her previous life, Yun Tong died in the snow. Beside her lay the rival she had fought her whole life, and standing before her was the emperor she had protected all her life. The victor becomes king, the loser a criminal. Since she had chosen this path, she accepted its end. But natural disasters and calamities struck, the emperor was incompetent, corrupt officials held power, and the people could barely su 698Reads8.1Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a political intrigue novel featuring a large cast of characters, well-written, and offers a unique experience unlike most other books on the market.

29. 329 大 The Benevolent Ancestor of the Tang Dynasty 【大唐仁祖】 Tang Renzu of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors三皇五帝唐仁祖Historical973k WordsCompleted [Golden Finger] [Transmigration] [Li Ke] [Political Intrigue] [History] From the start, he transmigrates into Li Ke. Facing certain death, he uses Li Shimin as a chess piece and goes head-to-head with the Changsun clan and the Guanlong aristocratic families, deftly resolving the struggle over the crown prince's succession. From the start, he is trapped in a dead end: Changsun Wuji has already begun plotting to frame him, and the deadly purge of Zhenguan Year 17 is less than six years away. He 5.5kReads—Score494Shelves

    Reader note

    When it comes to political intrigue, this book is the place to go! After finishing this novel, you'll realize that those on the best-selling and recommended lists are just storybooks; this is a true novel. Moreover, its quality reaches the level of historical fiction and serious drama, possessing the potential to be a timeless classic. If it were adapted into a TV series, this novel would be unparalleled! I guarantee it with three readings and even a handstand while urinating! This novel is high-quality, intellectually stimulating, not mindless, logically sound, and features brilliantly portrayed characters! "Emperor Renzu of Tang" is a nearly million-word novel that concluded in mid-September, with all foreshadowing resolved, all plot holes filled, and no disappointing ending. I recommend reading the comments section of the last chapter first, where the author summarizes the entire novel, which will aid your reading. The author's writing style, word choice, plot structure, imperial strategies, political maneuvering, emotional nuances, military warfare, court intrigue, and governance are all top-notch. His writing is astonishing, his scope grand, his themes lofty, his thoughts profound, his knowledge solid, his cultural background deep, and his political intrigue masterful. If you don't like it after reading it, you can slap me!

30. 330 夫 My Wife Is a Fairy, and Everything She Says Is Right 夫人是仙女她说的都对 Sweet Potato's薯地瓜的Ancient Romance486k WordsOngoing (The dazzling, carefree, flirtatious eldest daughter of a Duke's household ✖️ a humble, restrained, handsome young man who refuses to take the bait and has a remarkable background) He had been surrounded by bloodshed since childhood, a man who had clawed his way out of the mud. Covered in filth, how could he ever presume to dream of the bright moon hanging high in the sky? Even reaching out to touch its reflection in the water felt like sacrilege. She had always been a free-spirited breeze, soar 12Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A newly released ancient romance novel, currently earning points. No rebirth, no time travel, no system or cheat codes. A slow-burning story with subtle power struggles, featuring the love of a loyal and devoted male lead. Young lady, please accept this! Synopsis: (A bright and dashing young lady from a noble family, a master of seduction ✖️ A humble, restrained, and handsome young man with a distinguished background) Why is he always so clueless? She confesses, he runs away! She gets close, he avoids her! Could it be as her friend says, that he cultivates the body of a Vajra Arhat in Zen Buddhism? Miss Chu is always willful and capricious, getting what she wants without regret. Even a blockhead would blossom in her presence! [Learned]

31. 331 公 After the Princess Refused a Political Marriage, She Conquered the Empire 公主拒绝和亲后，称霸了江山 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance395k WordsCompleted [No rebirth or transmigration + powerful female lead + nation and family + court politics and ambition + light, stress-relieving power fantasy] Princess Chaohuang, daughter of the late crown prince, is deeply beloved by the emperor and the most exalted princess in the Kingdom of Xining. But the great clans consider her a thorn in their side and are constantly trying to drive her out. The daily question: Has Princess Chaohuang been kicked out of the Eastern Palace yet? Envoys from enemy states: W 315Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The eldest daughter's sovereignty is the key to the whole career.

32. 332 重 Reborn, the Regent Drops His Act and Drives His Arch-Enemy Wild with Flirting 重生后摄政王不装了死对头被撩疯 Shakespeare Baby莎士北鼻Two Male Leads475k WordsOngoing Dual male leads + ancient setting + equally matched leads + reborn + sweet romance, both devoted to each other + happy ending A lazy, unhinged, flirtatious prince as the one pursued; a ruthless, scheming, devoted-to-his-lover commander as the pursuer Everyone knows that Luo Xihe, the regent of Dazhao, and Pei Yanzhi, commander of the Langya Guards, are sworn enemies. In his previous life, Luo Xihe gave everything for the people of the realm, only to be pierced by thousands of arrows and die at H 6.9kReads8.7Score933Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical drama featuring two male leads and political intrigue—it's insanely good!!!

33. 333 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 11.9kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Pei Shu seemed destined for good fortune, born into a high-ranking family, loved by her parents, and raised in luxury. Her only setback was her fiancé's change of heart and annulment of the engagement. Before the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial edict arrived, transforming her into the Empress. Her life thereafter was smooth sailing; her son was made Crown Prince and later Emperor, making her Empress Dowager. But navigating the inner palace was far from easy. The Virtuous Consort had a son, the Benevolent Consort was favored, and the Beautiful Consort was stunning—all formidable figures, each eyeing her down as Empress. Other concubines also caused numerous troubles. Only Pei Shu knew that her continued rule wasn't merely a matter of good fortune; her life was far from the smooth sailing outsiders imagined. How could she maintain her position in the treacherous harem? How could she gradually win back the heart of her imperial husband?

34. 334 重 Reborn as the Seventh Prince, Conquering the Six Kingdoms 重生七皇子横扫六国 Seventh Uncle of Nanming南溟七叔Historical398k WordsCompleted Ye Qiu, a top student in weapons engineering, transmigrates into the chaotic Wu Dynasty and becomes its Seventh Prince, Wu Zetian. The realm is fractured among seven kingdoms, all of them at war with one another year after year, leaving the people to suffer terribly. Called upon in a crisis, Wu Zetian is sent to defend Jialing Pass against the enemy. He then travels through the various kingdoms, sometimes championing justice, sometimes ruling with an emperor’s authority. Once in power, Wu Zetian 109Reads7.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Court intrigue and power struggles, a dialogue in ancient style.

35. 335 嫡 The Noble Daughter Shocks the Capital: Don't Mess With the Carefree Tower Master 嫡女惊华：逍遥楼主不好惹 A Floating Leaf浮叶一株Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing Lin Weier transmigrates as the legitimate daughter of the Lin family, imperial merchants of the Great Yin Dynasty. Knowing the sorrow women face in this era and the enormous risks lurking within her family, Lin Weier resolves to take control of her own life! Disguising herself as a man under the name “Lin Mobai,” she uses the Lin family’s wealth to establish the Xiaoyao House, opening up a much broader path for her family. More than once, she secretly defuses deadly threats against them, giving 52Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a character who grows and develops; she's not a naive or innocent girl. She knows martial arts, is a businesswoman, and builds her own power. The male lead is a young master from Miao territory; he's obsessive, skilled in using Gu poison, and extremely possessive. He puts a Gu poison on the female lead on their second meeting. Both are virgins.

36. 336 我 With My Blood, I’ll Save These Mountains and Rivers 我以我血挽山河 Black-Hearted Little Beaver黑心小海狸Historical1.6M WordsCompleted [Not a Power Fantasy + Slow Burn + Multiple Storylines + No Golden Finger + Passionate Conquest of the Song] At the end of the Northern Song dynasty, Bianjing was under siege, and the realm was falling into enemy hands. After his soul traveled nine hundred years through time, Gu Yuan found himself on the snowy plains outside Bianjing, where he and a band of fleeing soldiers happened to rescue the reborn Princess Zhao Yingluo. Through careful planning at every turn, he rose to become the era’s gr 33.6kReads9.2Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The political intrigue and ancient Chinese style is super good-looking.

37. 337 妾 Your Delicate Concubine 妾身娇贵 You Zhi Yu尤知遇Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Marriage First, Love Later + Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Revenge] Zhuang Wan always believed she would marry Prince Qin, the most talented man in the capital. They would be perfectly matched, and she would bear him children and build a happy life with him. But in a single night, the man she wanted to marry destroyed her family. After saving her, he gave her away to someone as a concubine. Huo Shixuan, son of Yangzhou’s richest man, was a troublemaker, a spoiled wastrel gone bad, and a hopele 2.1kReads9.1Score276Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese political intrigue novel

38. 338 火 The Fire Phoenix Returns to Court, Stunning the World with Her First Cry 火凤还朝，一鸣惊天 Old Boy in the Clouds云中的老童Ancient Romance148k WordsOngoing For thirty years, the Left and Right Chancellor's households stood against each other, their influence deeply rooted throughout the court. The emperor and the two chancellor's households formed a three-way balance of power. A carefully laid scheme, an imperial edict granting a marriage, and a top-secret report about the “Fire Phoenix's Return to Court” repeatedly pushed the Left Chancellor's household into a dead end. Yet with protagonist Helan Yu's schemes and the perfect cooperation of her fat 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    High intelligence, fictional world

39. 339 剑 Scheming with the Sword: The Alluring Emperor Both Dotes on and Torments Me 剑谋天下，邪魅帝君又宠又虐 Cheap Little Enchantress妖姬贱贱Eastern Fantasy1.1M WordsCompleted The Heaven-Splitting Sword weeps, and heaven and earth lose their color. When the Blood Talisman appears, the martial world is stained red. This story overturns the traditional tale of an orphan's rise in Wuxia, revealing the path of a young master from a martial arts clan through the martial world. From an innocent youth to a leader who commands the tides of the martial world, worries over the nation's fate, plots for power, and steers the course of events with a laugh... He was the son of the 344Reads8.9Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese setting, political intrigue! The first book to subvert traditional martial arts fiction, this is the coming-of-age story of an orphan, revealing the rise and fall of martial arts families and showcasing the growth of a young master from a carefree and naive boy to a ruler of the martial arts world, concerned for the safety of the nation, scheming for power, and manipulating events with ease... Turbulent times, love and hate over the sword, the struggle for leadership, the poisonous butterfly of the underworld, the blood talisman's saga, the Three Kingdoms, the struggle for supremacy, the battle for imperial power, love and hate entanglements...

40. 340 谋 Scheming for the Phoenix: The Empire as a Game, You as My Pawn 谋凰：江山为局，卿为子 Mo Bai Long Miao墨白陇喵Ancient Romance281k WordsOngoing [Reborn + political intrigue + palace and household drama + the hero's desperate pursuit of his ex + strong female lead] In her previous life, Shen Yu, an illegitimate daughter in the household of the Vice Minister of Personnel, suffered a cruel fate and watched her closest family die. She helped the Third Prince, Xiao Jue, ascend the throne, only for him to end her life with a bowl of lethal poison. Reborn with all her bitterness intact, she returns to three years earlier, when her adoptive mot 3Reads6.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance novels about political intrigue!

41. 341 公 The Princess Reigns: Handsome Men Beg Humblely for Her Favor 公主在上：美男卑微求恩宠 Fireflies and the Waning Moon流萤残月Ancient Romance581k WordsCompleted [One heroine + several men] [Not all characters are sexually inexperienced] This gets explicit! Don't read if that bothers you! [Growing heroine] [Not a strong, independent heroine. If that's what you want, turn left and go elsewhere.] The Kingdom of Wei was conquered by the Kingdom of Wu. The King and Queen of Wei were killed, and their only surviving daughter, a beautiful princess, was taken to Wu to satisfy the desires of its generals and soldiers. Shen Jianing accidentally transmigrated into 929Reads8.1Score101Shelves
42. 342 替 The Substitute Maid Fights Back 替身丫鬟反了 Li Muzhou李沐舟Ancient Romance157k WordsOngoing [Two powerful leads + System + historical romance] On her first day as a maid framed to take the blame in the Chancellor’s household, Shen Yuan was forced to kneel on shards of broken porcelain. The legitimate daughter, Liu Yinshuang, held out a cup of tea. “Confess, and I’ll give you a clean death.” Shen Yuan looked up, blood at the corner of her mouth, and smiled. She pulled out the Crown Prince’s jade pendant. “His Highness gave this to me.” The whole household erupted. Even more shocking, 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Shen Luan climbed out of the pile of broken porcelain, fought against the legitimate daughter, and snatched the jade pendant, enjoying the entire process to the fullest.

43. 343 江 Jiang Yan’s Dream: Flowers Bloom from His Brush 江淹一梦笔生花 Gurgling Spring泉之淙淙Historical505k WordsCompleted In the winter of the seventh year of the Daming era (463 AD), Jiang Yan was gathering firewood in the biting wind by the Qingxi River. Suddenly, he spotted a young woman stumbling along the main road, clutching her wounded left arm, with three constables from the Court of Justice in hot pursuit. Jiang Yan pulled her into a reed bed, helping her evade the officials’ deadly grasp. It turned out she was Xie Wei’s daughter. Xie Wei had been implicated in the Fan Ye case because of his poetry and pro 126Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese style, high quality

44. 344 天 King of the World 天下王者 Moon of a Single Scene一景之月Historical3.7M WordsCompleted At the end of the Yuan dynasty, warlords rose up across the land. The realm was a picture of beauty, its women bewitching, and countless heroes vied for glory. Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhang Shicheng, Chen Youliang, Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, Liu Bowen, Wang Baobao. Amid plots and power struggles, who would claim the throne and rule the realm for a hundred years? Xiao Yun, a special forces soldier, was struck by lightning one day and transmigrated to the age of warring heroes at the end of the Yuan dynasty. Fro 912Reads6.2Score104Shelves
45. 345 新 New Year Begins 新正引 Lu Yanyan露颜颜Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + black lotus + political intrigue + tragic love] One night, Shen Ciqiu and Du Jinheng went together to the military camp where the Marquis of Zhenbei had been stationed for years and stole the Tiger Wing Token, the military tally that could command 100,000 Northwestern troops. As a result, the entire Xie clan was sentenced to death. Out of consideration for past ties, the emperor spared the heir's life. At the same time, Shen Ciqiu discovered that the Tiger Wing Token wa 24Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Let's take a look at the power struggles.

46. 346 双 Two Wild Geese Return in the Drizzle 双雁归来细雨中 A Qi7阿柒7Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The rating is low because it was just released and the platform gave it a default score! It has nothing to do with the quality of the story!!) (Please give this story a chance!) She is the only daughter of a distinguished general's household. Thinking ahead, she gives up the luxurious life in the capital and goes away to study the arts, all to leave her family a way out in case it ever falls into decline. He is The Outcast, the crown prince, second only to the emperor and above all others. He w 272Reads8.1Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure ancient Chinese setting. The female lead is incredibly powerful, exceptionally intelligent, and highly skilled in martial arts. She is independent, self-reliant, and does not depend on the male lead. She is able to work alongside the crown prince to thwart court conspiracies and travel the martial world. She is not driven by romance and always adheres to her principles.

47. 347 何 Who Will Walk Beside Me Through the Night? 何人伴我夜间行 Raindrops Falling on the Eaves水滴落在屋檐上Ancient Romance880k WordsOngoing [Courtly schemes + wits and courage + fictional late Qing setting] Would you call her a ruthless, calculating schemer, or a refined young lady, educated and well-mannered? The unforgettable steward Jiao swears brotherhood with twelve heroes and establishes a stronghold. Hardship breeds hardship, but a chance encounter with spring can transform a fish into a dragon. Why did “Ji Liuniang” cast aside the “Liu” in her name, and what carried her to success? A shrewd and far-sighted minister of the co 7Reads7.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A high-quality fictional story set in the late Qing Dynasty, the female protagonist lays out her network of connections beforehand and plans for the long term.

48. 348 悔 I Broke Off Our Engagement When He Was Poor, but Now He's a Powerful Official Who Keeps Me as His Darling 悔婚穷书生他成权臣囚我做掌中娇 Yan Jingzhen盐景珍Ancient Romance881k WordsOngoing Historical fiction History seen through a young couple’s love and heartbreak The Xining and Yuanfeng Reforms of the Northern Song Dynasty, the fall of the Northern Song + the history of Zhejiang celadon (Yue kiln to Longquan kiln) 1. The New Policies among the people (the Song-Jiao war) 2. The Yun case in Dengzhou 3. Infighting among supporters of the New Policies (the Zhang Ruoji case in Xiuzhou) 4. The Chen Shiru case (the Yuanfeng reforms) 5. Su Shi’s poetry case at the Crow Terrace 6. Longqu 32Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The strategist who gets himself involved will not have a good ending.

49. 349 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 1.7kReads6.9Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient style comedy with constant martial arts intrigue

50. 350 红 Forgotten Beauty 红颜忘 Red Hall Incense Burner红殿香炉Ancient Romance105k WordsCompleted She is a spirit child, and the reincarnation of a gifted witch. From the moment she was born, she could forget nothing. He grew up with her, but is fated to lose his memories once every five years, leaving his life in fragments. Yet even when he forgets, the grudges from their past lives still bind them together. Meanwhile, three factions are stirring, and a tangled web of espionage and conspiracy is slowly taking shape. After enduring trials of the heart, the grudges of the martial world, and t —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Mysterious arts, romance, (jianghu grudges), three-way espionage, and power struggles. Each character is fleshed out, with no one starting with an invincible identity, and no unwarranted sweetness. Suitable for readers aged 30 and over.

Other lists with The Princess Looks Up, and the Prince Bows His Head