Pure Historical Romance: A Cultured, Well-Bred Female Lead 纯古言，女主知书达理大家闺秀

1. 301 通 The Bedchamber Maid 通房丫鬟 Snow on the Cold River寒江雪Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted As a bedchamber maid, Hua Rong has always remembered her place. She mustn't fall in love with her master, let him become addicted to women, or compete with his future young madam for his affections. After finally enduring until age and fading looks let her buy back her freedom, Hua Rong sets her sights on an honest, decent widower and plans to share a simple life with him. But her highborn master pins her to the wall, eyes red, and asks, “You'd rather have that old man than me?” Hua Rong: “...” 2.6kReads9.2Score67414d adds
2. 302 熙 Xi Xi, Ever Like Spring 熙熙长似春 Big-Headed Fairy大头仙女Ancient Romance166k WordsOngoing Neither the hero nor the heroine transmigrates, and neither has a golden finger. They both grow up in the era depicted in the book. One-on-one romance, with character development, political intrigue, and farming. They met as children in a spacious mansion. Amid the rumors and unable to defy the emperor's decree, they became husband and wife. Everyone said the sixth daughter of the Zhao family had married against her wishes. Yet, still in her teens, she had already developed an innocent affection 7Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Purely historical romance, the female protagonist's growth journey

3. 303 断 The Scent of Broken Plum Blossoms 断梅香 Single Banana Leaf芭蕉单Ancient Romance38k WordsOngoing This novel consists of three different stories, though they are connected. The first story: Fragrance of Broken Plum Blossoms. [A proud princess with a tragic fate x a dashing, devoted heir] Cui Ming, confined in the palace, falls for Ling Ying, who often comes to visit. But fate is cruel: Cui Ming is forced to marry into the Teergu tribe, losing her only friend. Two years later, a revolt breaks out, and the man she married flees, leaving her to languish in prison. She dreams a wonderful dream, 1Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The first book is one I wrote myself; I'd appreciate feedback.

4. 304 剖 After Dying a Horrible Death in Childbirth, I Reject the Scumbag and Become a Fierce, Dazzling Legitimate Daughter 剖腹惨死后，拒渣男，嫡女拽又飒 Always Happy常乐Ancient Romance586k WordsOngoing Multiple characters reborn + multiple couples + long-planned schemes + sweet flirtation + happy ending In her previous life, Jiang Xin was tricked by a scoundrel and left to die in the wilderness. In the end, it was a stranger passing by who buried her. When she opens her eyes again, she rejects the scoundrel and makes sure he and his beloved white moonlight stay together forever! Somehow, she catches the attention of the Third Prince, who looks more and more familiar the longer she sees him! 5Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The male lead has strong moral values ​​and dotes on the female lead; the story is sweet, flirtatious, and slightly angsty.

5. 305 撩 Enticing Spring 撩春 Bai Su Yue白苏月Ancient Romance999k WordsCompleted Shen Lingyi, the daughter of a convicted minister, used a bowl of aphrodisiac wine to climb into the bed of Lord Lu, the Grand Secretary, and became his most favored mistress. Lu Yanting defied an imperial decree and refused to marry anyone else. He showered her with riches, all for the sake of seeing her smile… Sweet trap after sweet trap made Shen Lingyi fall completely in love with Lu Yanting, only for her to discover he had married her because she bore a resemblance to a princess who was al 2.4kReads8.9Score29014d adds
6. 306 侯 The Marquess's Wife Was Widowed for Three Years, Then Got Pregnant and Went on a Rampage 侯门主母守寡三年，一朝有喜杀疯了 Jin Gao金餻Ancient Romance289k WordsCompleted [Heroine runs away while pregnant + coercive romance + forbidden relationship + obsessive hero] A widow's life is hard, and life as a widow in a marquis's household is even harder. Shen Xiling's husband died young. She manages every affair in the marquis's estate, yet gets no appreciation for it. She thought she'd spend the rest of her life wasting away like this. But then her brother-in-law, who was believed to have died in battle, returns and inherits everything in the marquis's household. 112Reads6.6Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is very opinionated, and the story is a classic "wife-chasing-after-the-cremation" trope. The writing is good, and the plot avoids clichés [forced marriage + forbidden relationship + obsessive male lead]. Being a widow is difficult, but being a widow in a noble family is even more so. Shen Xiling's husband died early, and she single-handedly managed all the affairs of the noble family, yet still received little appreciation. She thought she would waste her life like this, but then her uncle, who died in battle, returned and inherited everything from the noble family, including her! After three years of widowhood, she became pregnant and began to carefully plan her escape from the noble family...

7. 307 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
8. 308 纨 After the Dandy Heir Married Me 纨绔世子娶我为妻后 Fu Yao扶妖Ancient Romance561k WordsCompleted On the second day after transmigrating, Feng Wanyue is betrothed by imperial decree to a spoiled young heir. The heir is handsome and dashing, a brilliant young man. But he puts all his talents to use eating, drinking, and having fun, and chasing cats and teasing dogs. When they meet, neither of them is happy about the marriage. On their wedding night, Feng Wanyue holds out her hand. “The divorce papers. Hand them over.” Xiao Jue says dismissively, “I'm writing them.” After the wedding, Feng Wan 1.4kReads9.0Score21014d adds
9. 309 璃 Lihua Shu 璃花舒 Wu Fourteen芜十四Ancient Romance585k WordsCompleted (Alternate world, no transmigration, no rebirth, one-on-one romance) In the household of Shen Beiqi, Duke of Jing, there's a gentle young adopted sister as lovely as a jade flower. Her name is Shen Li, though everyone calls her Third Miss Shen. There's someone she's loved since childhood, a secret known to no one but herself. Shen Li was born Jiang Li. When she was eight, disaster struck her family, and her father and brothers were exiled. Shen Beiqi was close friends with Jiang Li's elder broth 2.1kReads8.8Score22614d adds

   Reader note

   No rebirth, no time travel, pure ancient Chinese romance~~ Most importantly, the chapters aren't too long, making it very comfortable to read~~ Similar to a nurturing/development story~ No mindless, brainless, naive, and sweet romance~~ I recommend it~~ Haha 😊

10. 310 凌 When the Phoenix Sings in the Hall of Soaring Skies 凌霄殿上凤鸣时 Hua Zhijun画之隽Ancient Romance233k WordsCompleted Her mother spent half her life lowering her eyes, and that was a thorn in Jiang Youwei’s heart that never went away! To save her mother, she uses herself as bait and returns to the marquis’s residence, only to unexpectedly marry Gu Lingxiao, the crown prince who holds power over the entire court. He sees through her scheme at a glance and sneers, “After all your scheming, don’t you just want to climb into my bed?” As they spend day after day together, the cold-faced crown prince falls deeply in 5Reads—Score—14d adds
11. 311 拂 Parting the Clouds to See You 拂云见卿 Hua Zhijun画之隽Ancient Romance153k WordsCompleted He is Xie Yanci, heir to the Duke of Zhenguo, whose power reaches across the court, and the sharpest blade in the emperor’s hand. She is Shen Qingyu, daughter of a low-ranking sixth-grade official, and a master strategist holding the accounts that can turn the tides of power. A missing-weapons case and a bloody conspiracy bind their fates together. He believes she is devious and calculating. She loathes his arrogance. Prejudice stands between them like a wall of ice. Until the night of a pursuit 3kReads8.0Score40014d adds
12. 312 强 Forced to Submit: The Heir's Sinful Concubine 强制承欢：世子的外室罪妻 Cuihua Loves Fish翠花爱吃鱼Ancient Romance324k WordsCompleted There's no escape. The orphaned daughter of a convicted official is forced down a path of promotion without a pay raise, from kept woman to concubine. A twisted, obsessive male lead + a beautiful, resilient female lead + a forced-possessive romance She is the orphaned daughter of a convicted official, raised at Old Madam Shen's side. He is a heaven-blessed favorite, born with every advantage. He has never failed to get what he wants, and that includes her... How will she hold fast to her princip 1.7kReads8.7Score13214d adds

    Reader note

    This is a historical romance novel. The author possesses a deep understanding of the genre, and the entire piece is concise and to the point, allowing for careful reading. It has a beautiful and evocative atmosphere, and the male and female leads are vividly and three-dimensionally portrayed. It creates a sense of tension and suspense. However, it has low readership and a low rating. The actual content is excellent.

13. 313 姝 Her Beauty Is Hard to Resist! The Dali Temple Chief Is as Fierce as a Wolf 姝色难逃！大理寺卿他如狼似虎 Pikachu Out of Power没电皮卡丘Ancient Romance611k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, Resilient Fallen Noblewoman × Stern, Devoted Minister of the Court of Judicial Review] [Historical Romance + Devoted Couple + Sweet Romance + Long-Laid Plans + Mutual Pining] [Male Lead’s Perspective: Long-Laid Plans; Female Lead’s Perspective: Each Gets What They Need] Meng Yunzhi, daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, was famous in Luojing for her graceful beauty, with glossy dark hair and a slender, delicate figure. She was engaged to a young master of the Qi family. Once he 18.2kReads9.1Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    This one is more in line with [Aimer].

14. 314 月 Dreams Beneath the Moon in Huazhou 月落梦华州 Wu Tinglan梧听澜Ancient Romance374k WordsOngoing Don’t worry about the rating. [Desert Romance + Powerful Leads Who Save Each Other + Ensemble Political Intrigue + Hilarious Love Triangle] After a sudden raid by bandits, Gong Langyue, a princess of the Xiao Kingdom, is taken captive in the desert. Everyone assumes this delicate young woman from the Southern Dynasty won’t survive the winter. But she not only survives, she thrives, and even turns a group of women stranded on the grasslands into her own team. She may not be skilled in combat, 201Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I recommend you both watch it! The female lead has a very dignified and resilient personality, and the male lead is also quite interesting.

15. 315 裂 Shattered Sun, Fading Blood 裂阳残血 Soaring Over a Thousand Mountains飞跃千山Historical1.2M WordsCompleted The Heavenly Dao is merciless. One strike can split it apart; the Three Pure Ones are nothing special! The story is initially set in the Kingdom of Wuyue during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It follows the romance between a young Daoist and the Princess of Wuyue, their pursuit of immortality, and their tribulations in another world. There is only one heroine. The few other women are merely tribulations the protagonist must overcome. 50Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is a princess of the Wuyue Kingdom during the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. She is well-educated, elegant, and aloof. The male lead is a descendant of the Li Tang dynasty and is likely related to Li Yu, the last ruler of the Southern Tang, and his wives, the elder and younger Zhou empresses. Single female lead, super sweet, no angst. The pinnacle of romance and passion.

16. 316 凤 The Phoenix Roams the Four Seas 凤游四海 The Moon in Shadow月亮暗暗Ancient Romance58k WordsOngoing “The phoenix soars through the skies, seeking its mate across the four seas.” Huo Lingdu was the youngest general in Great Yan. The emperor personally bestowed on him the title of prince of a different surname, granting him the right to wear his sword at court and exempting him from bowing. A political conspiracy brought him into contact with Shangguan Wei. The young general didn't know how to put his love into words. He only knew that whenever danger arose, he could keep Shangguan Wei safely ou —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A group portrait of ancient Chinese romance novels

17. 317 区 How Could a Mere Transmigrator Ever Beat a Proper Lady? 区区穿越女，怎斗得过大家闺秀！ Mu Shiwan慕十皖Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Pure palace intrigue in a fictional setting] [Native-born heroine and transmigrated second female lead from an old-fashioned novel] [Fake heiress and real heiress] Su Qingwan, the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor’s household, was raised by the Empress from childhood and personally taught the importance of having a sharp tongue. Meanwhile, she studied The Tyrannical Crown Prince Falls for Me inside and out, annotating it and writing daily summaries of her takeaways. Next door, the Crown 501Reads7.6Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    🍀🍀3. My father's white moonlight (his mistress) returned, wanting to drive my mother away. My mother couldn't win, so I, the high-level green tea (a term for a manipulative woman), stepped in and devised a plan to get rid of them. On my mother's birthday, my father actually brought his white moonlight back, even calling her half a master. How ridiculous! They've long forgotten the origins of the Marquis's mansion. 🌾🌾

18. 318 雪 Snow Falls on Youyan 雪落幽燕 Helian Chengcheng赫连澄澄Ancient Romance176k WordsCompleted Li Mei, courtesy name Shuyuan, is the legitimate daughter of Prince Yongping’s household. At seven, she was granted the title of County Lady Jing’an. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she nevertheless had an unreliable mother. Her mother was a fiery-tempered daughter of a military family, fiercely jealous by nature. In a fit of rage, she killed Su Su, Prince Yongping’s favorite concubine, and was stripped of her title, expelled from the household, and sent to live in seclusion on Mount Nan, 1.1kReads—Score10214d adds

    Reader note

    Was killing one's wife punishable by death in ancient times? In the early and mid-Tang Dynasty, it was. However, in the late Tang Dynasty, due to the decline of national power and the need to appease men to maintain rule, the regime became increasingly ruthless towards women, and some cases of wife-killing were no longer punishable by death. This story is set in the mid-Tang Dynasty. The male protagonist goes to Youzhou to hunt down the murderer of his wife and encounters the female protagonist, who is forced to flee due to family misfortunes…

19. 319 蔓 Green Radish Vines (Two-Volume Set) 蔓蔓青萝（全两册） Zhuangzhuang桩桩Anime Fanfiction521k WordsCompleted Li Qingluo, the third daughter of the Right Chancellor of Ning, was born to a concubine and despised by the First Madam. She rarely dressed up, not wanting to draw attention, but quietly taught herself the guqin and cooking in private. By chance, Qingluo met the Fourth Prince, Zili. Graceful and gentle as jade, he regarded her as a kindred spirit, and the two shared an easy rapport. Liu Jue, heir to the title of Prince Anqing, was proud and domineering, and he and Qingluo clashed from the moment 6.8kReads9.4Score1.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    The ancient romance novel, *Manman Qingluo*, is one I read ten years ago.

20. 320 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3k14d adds
21. 321 我 My Nemesis and I Share Each Other's Pain 我和冤家共享痛觉 Drunk Thirteen醉十三Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Supernatural elements, no transmigration, solving mysteries, romance, devoted to each other, past and present lives] The only woman general in the Celestial Dynasty, Shen Qingchen, is breathtakingly beautiful, yet she loves nothing more than practicing with swords and sabers. She refuses to be confined to the inner quarters. The handsome man she once frightened away with her “looks” turns out to be the notorious wastrel of the capital, the Seal Keeper of the Blackbird Bureau and the commander 13Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A well-bred young lady, knowledgeable and courteous, possessing great strength, she neither time-travels nor reincarnates. Together, these two powerful individuals break through the impasse, tearing away layers of truth… and encountering supernatural events.

22. 322 我 I Stole the Prefect’s Innocence 我玷污了太守大人清白 White Peach Soda白桃苏打水Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted Jin Cancan, a livestream shopping host, unexpectedly transmigrated to ancient times and found herself in the body of Zheng Wan'er, a refined young lady from a prominent family in Damou City who was saddled with enormous debt. Just as her creditors were pressuring her, Yan Siqi, the prefect of Damou City, guaranteed her debt and gave her six months to repay it. How could she pay back 1,200 taels in six months with nothing but a rundown cosmetics shop? Modern-day Jin Cancan knew exactly what to do 494Reads9.3Score10014d adds
23. 323 元 The Trueborn Daughter 元嫡 Flowers, Trees, and Bodhi花木菩提Ancient Romance582k WordsCompleted Li Qingluan, the only daughter of a mighty general, was at the age when girls first blossomed, gentle and lovely. On a warm afternoon, her radiant smile shone like a ray of sunlight into Emperor Liu Heng's heart, making this middle-aged man, cold and distant since childhood, realize for the first time that a woman could be so charming and adorable. But the girl before him was clearly still so young. The shy, tender way she said, “Your Majesty,” made his heart flutter despite himself... Many year 3.7kReads8.7Score29114d adds

    Reader note

    They were born before I was born, and I was born after you had grown old; fortunately, they didn't miss each other. A charming and bright heiress versus a ruthless and decisive middle-aged emperor.

24. 324 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

    Although the female lead is the daughter of a merchant, she excels at everything she does, managing the marquis's mansion impeccably and making the family shops thrive. This sweet romance novel features a couple who are both eloquent, straightforward, and morally ambiguous, with both being virgins and strong-willed.

25. 325 小 The Easygoing Wife 小闲妻 Yu Tangluo玉糖萝Ancient Romance584k WordsOngoing [Historical court intrigue, richly traditional atmosphere, no transmigration or rebirth, household-intrigue ensemble, clever and capable heroine, devoted and protective hero] Cen Ruxi spent two years caring for Jiang Huai, the blind and deaf heir of the Duke’s household, in place of her legitimate younger sister. After the heir regained his sight, her sister Cen Ruyi took credit for her work and married him. Cen Ruxi, meanwhile, was ordered by her family to marry the Third Prince, Zhao Yao, a no 452Reads8.1Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    There's no time travel or reincarnation involved. The female protagonist is well-educated, a little cunning, and breaks free from her dysfunctional family to avenge her mother and brother.

26. 326 娘 My Mother Is a Proper Lady 娘是大家闺秀 Li Yao离钥Ancient Romance10k WordsCompleted Mother Is a Proper Young Lady —Reads—Score—14d adds
27. 327 将 A General's Daughter's Comeback: No More Coddling, It's Time to Rise 将门逆袭：不要娇宠要上位 Sweet Potato with Plum Powder甘梅地瓜Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted When her aunt was on her deathbed, she entrusted her child to Wanqing. Out of gratitude, Wanqing became the concubine of the general’s eldest son. The rules for concubines in the general’s household: be dutiful and proper, and have no children. The household had no need for children born to concubines. Yet Wanqing bore four sons and a daughter, then took her place as the eldest son’s principal wife. The Empress Dowager personally bestowed on her the title of First-Rank Lady of Virtue. Someone sc 40.8kReads9.5Score5.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    Wanqing was an orphan. Before her death, her aunt arranged for Wanqing to become a concubine of the eldest son of a general's mansion for the sake of her own daughter. The general's mansion's rule for concubines was to be honest, dutiful, and not bear children. However, Wanqing gave birth to four sons and one daughter, and even rose to the position of the principal wife. 🌲🌲🌲

28. 328 大 A Society Lady Transmigrates to the 1970s and Spoils Her Rough-and-Ready Husband 大家闺秀穿越七零爆宠糙汉 The Moon Is Never Quite Full月亮总不圆Modern Romance182k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + transmigration + 1970s + farming + forthright beauty + rugged man + devoted romance + mutual devotion + adorable child] Ruan Youyi, the legitimate daughter of an eminent family in ancient times, was pushed into a pond by her half-sister. When she transmigrated, she became an educated youth sent to the countryside in the 1970s and married Zheng Xiao, the man she had been promised to as a child. Together, they embarked on a life of doting on each other in all sorts of ways. 51Reads—Score—14d adds
29. 329 夫 Madam’s Lover Knows His Sutras 夫人的情郎会念经 Fish Who Loves Eggplant Casserole爱吃茄子煲的鱼Ancient Romance69k WordsOngoing At the foot of the wall of the borderland Marquis’s estate, Shen Lianzhi heard the whole story of her husband’s affair and his love for his mistress. She didn’t storm in to tear them apart, or shed a tear. Instead, she calmly wrote herself a “Lover Wanted” notice: One: Handsome. Two: Sweet-talking. Three: Ideally, he can chant Buddhist scriptures. Her maid Qing Dai asked, “Madam, what kind of requirement is that?” Shen Lianzhi replied coolly, “To send someone to the next life.” Later, she really 2Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A purely ancient-style novel with a good plot and beautiful writing. It's neither a reincarnation nor a time-travel story. The well-educated and sensible female protagonist is forced to find a lover who can recite scriptures, hahaha.

30. 330 宠 Pampering My Beloved Wife 宠娇妻 Mu Ziyang木子阳Ancient Romance226k WordsCompleted Although Ye Ruoning, nicknamed Jiaojiao, was born into a marquis's household, she was far beneath her cousin, the future wife of the heir to the Duke of Zhenguo's household, a family honored by the imperial court. The emperor had arranged a marriage between the heir and her cousin long ago. But no one expected Ye Ruoning to take her cousin's place and marry the heir, a handsome man with the bearing of jade who excelled in both letters and arms. Everyone knew the heir was pleased with his betroth 5kReads9.1Score46514d adds

    Reader note

    The male and female leads initially treat each other somewhat differently, but their relationship develops rapidly; it's a sweet and romantic novel.

31. 331 讹 After I Swindled the Crown Prince Out of Five Thousand Taels, He Refused to Take It Lying Down! 讹了太子五千两后，他不干了！ Fish Who Loves Eggplant Casserole爱吃茄子煲的鱼Ancient Romance233k WordsCompleted Crown Prince Xiao Chen was furious the moment he met Shen Yunxiu: How dare she step on his face? How dare she swindle him out of five thousand taels of silver? She thought that fatso was cuter than him! She loved gold ingots most of all! She was blind! And then, he went blind too! All he could see was Shen Yunxiu! 364Reads6.9Score10414d adds
32. 332 将 The General Doesn't Like Me 将军他不喜欢我 Rinse the Cups and Pour Another洗盏更酌Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance] [Marriage first, love later, slow burn] [A delicate, adorable sweetheart x A cold and fierce man on the outside, but a possessive, jealous wife-spoiler on the inside] Ying Qi’an, raised in seclusion by her elder brother, is breathtakingly beautiful, gentle, and adorable. But because of political rivalries, she is hastily married off to the general Mu Xuanqing. General Mu Xuanqing is valiant in battle and as cold as ice. He married a woman he never wanted only to get revenge on he 1.5kReads8.6Score13514d adds
33. 333 清 Dreams Locked in Time: The Imperial Consort 清梦锁年妃 What Is It Like to Be Human VL何似在人间VLAncient Romance390k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + political intrigue + the Nine Princes' struggle for the throne + based on Qing history] Yongzheng's love story that gave the Qing dynasty another hundred years, sweet at first, then heartbreaking, with a slow-burn pace. A working-man's memoir of Yongzheng, and the cinnabar-mark love of his life. [No transmigration + no alternate history + no rebirth] A long historical romance Nian Fei was a gentle, perceptive woman from a distinguished family whose ancestors had 42Reads—Score—14d adds
34. 334 念 Fragrant Thoughts Beneath the Silk Quilt 念香衾 Companion in the Mist烟霞侣Ancient Romance963k WordsCompleted 5.5kReads8.9Score50914d adds

    Reader note

    The first book was about an indigenous person; the second year, it was about a cousin and her brother (not related by blood).

35. 335 表 My Cousin Has Ambitions 表妹野心有点大 A Duo Guli阿朵古丽Ancient Romance136k WordsOngoing Pure historical romance + scheming, calculating legitimate daughter + winning her back + forced marriage + political intrigue The hero is the emperor, ten years older than the heroine. Jiang Shi should have been a noble young lady of the capital, but her grandaunt came to seek refuge with the Jiang family and ended up in her father's bed. Afterward, her father favored his concubine over his wife, and the Jiang family tried to seize everything from Jiang Shi's mother. After her mother divorced an 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is truly homegrown! The female protagonist's background isn't particularly difficult. Her father favored his concubine over his wife, and her mother divorced and remarried, so she was neither loved by her father nor her mother. At six, she was sent to live with her maternal grandfather, where she suffered from being ostracized by her cousin. However, she wasn't twisted; she was clear-headed, strategic, and knew how to protect herself and her family's reputation. Each character has their own stance. Her strategy of seeking revenge and killing her half-sister was somewhat unexpected and amazing. Usually, people only start planning after returning home, but the protagonist had already ruined her half-sister before even returning, making it seem like she had nothing to do with it on the surface. Moreover, she took the opportunity to encourage other women to read and write more.

36. 336 边 The Little Tailor on the Frontier 边疆小裁缝 Perhaps Not Just a Pond Dweller莫非池中物Marriage & Romance36k WordsCompleted The Little Tailor on the Frontier 228Reads—Score—14d adds
37. 337 荏 Rennan 荏南 A River Full of Stars满河星Modern Romance115k WordsCompleted Rennan is the apple of the Jiang family's eye, a refined young lady whose every word and action is proper and graceful. Whatever she wants is hers for the asking. Only Rennan knows what she wants most, yet can never reach. Though she is the Jiang family's young master's betrothed in all but name, the one she has always coveted is the head of the Jiang family himself, Jiang Qingzhi. She wants to take off the gold-rimmed glasses he always wears, kiss the hollows beneath them, and kiss the moon she 1.8kReads9.4Score19914d adds
38. 338 上 I've Suffered Enough in My Last Life. I'd Rather Die Than Marry Him Again 上辈子苦够了，打死她都不嫁了 Chang Qingqing常庆庆Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Shen An'an came from a distinguished family and was both talented and beautiful. As soon as she came of age, she was betrothed to the fourth prince, Xiao Yuan, a man of heavenly beauty and noble character, and the dream lover of every young lady in the capital. Heaven had dealt her a winning hand. Even she once believed she was blessed beyond measure, until her girlish heart was shattered into pieces. She suffered every kind of pain at the hands of that graceful, refined man, and paid a devastat 17kReads8.6Score2.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    [Top Post][Top Post][Top Post] 715,000 people are reading this! With that many, I have to check it out. The female lead, Shen An'an, is reborn into a prestigious family, talented and beautiful. In her previous life, she suffered terribly at the hands of that handsome and refined man. Given a second chance, Shen An'an will run as far away as possible. Wouldn't marrying a husband who loves her in return be better?

39. 339 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
40. 340 江 The Jiang Family Girl Who Never Made It Into the Family Register 江家那上不了族谱的小女子 Red Sugar红红糖Ancient Romance633k WordsCompleted Because her father was struck from the clan register, Jiang Jiuzhu was born a little girl who could never be entered into the family genealogy. So be it. She could simply live her life as it came… Even if it was a complete mess, even if she couldn’t make sense of it, as long as she stayed alive… and didn’t die. 4.2kReads8.0Score44814d adds
41. 341 仵 The Coroner's Wife's Tea-Picking Journal 仵作娘子采茶记 Perhaps Not Just a Pond Dweller莫非池中物Ancient Romance20k WordsCompleted A Coroner's Wife's Tea-Picking Journal 80Reads—Score—14d adds
42. 342 东 The East Wind Is Warm, the Courtyard in Full Bloom 东风暄，满庭艳 Qingqing Xiaowu清清萧梧Ancient Romance911k WordsCompleted Meng Zhihua was born into the century-old Meng family, a clan with deep roots. Yet she trusted the wrong people, costing both herself and her kin their lives. Reborn, she finally saw the truth! She tore away the false face of her former lover and stripped her old sisters of their hypocritical masks. To protect her family, she deliberately approached the Prince of Qishan, who had emerged unscathed from the princes' struggle for the throne, hoping to discover his secret. Little did she know that b 1.2kReads8.9Score15014d adds
43. 343 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
44. 344 旺 Bringing Fortune to Her Husband and Glory to His Clan! The General's Wife Is a True Lucky Star! 旺夫！兴族！将军夫人真锦鲤！ March Sluggishness三月意懒Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [A dangerously unhinged, handsome and tragic general × a delicate beauty who cries at the drop of a hat; marriage first, love later + sweet romance + age gap] Cheng Yang is the Liang dynasty’s greatest general: stern, ruthless, and utterly brutal in his methods. People in court call him the “Fourth Chancellor.” Despite his outstanding military service, he is cursed with the fate of a lone star. His father and brothers are all dead, his birth mother is gravely ill, and his sister-in-law has gone 12.3kReads9.2Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    This one fits the bill perfectly. Don't be misled by the title! The first book is about arranged marriage followed by a love-hate relationship and an age gap. The female lead may appear delicate and weak, but that's just a facade. She's actually strong, intelligent, and very clear-headed. The other characters in the story are also fantastic; each one is vividly portrayed.

45. 345 锦 The Brocade Spring Boudoir 锦明春闺 Startled Magpie惊鹊儿Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Second male lead takes the spotlight + ex-husband crawls over broken glass to win her back + love triangle drama + Mary Sue + real and fake heiresses + faithful to each other + sweet, satisfying romance] In her previous life, Ming Jin had her identity and name stolen. After finally making it home, she was rejected by her family and disliked by her fiancé. Even though she eventually got what she wanted, she ended up battered and bruised. As she lay dying, she thought that if she had another life 4.7kReads8.8Score40614d adds
46. 346 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
47. 347 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
48. 348 幺 The Youngest Daughter, Changle 幺女长乐 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Miss Zhu Si’s rough fighting skills have always made her the laughingstock of the capital’s noble families. In everyone else’s eyes, that’s the sort of work meant for household guards. Zhu Changle, who considers herself invincible, isn’t ashamed of it. She’s proud. Not everyone can protect their own home, but she can! And then some! She’d even turn the whole capital upside down to protect it! Don’t believe her? Try her! 18.8kReads9.5Score3.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    I read it in one go and became a fan of the author instantly! It avoids the cliché of time travel; the female protagonist carves out her own path with wisdom and courage. Every character in the book is vivid and three-dimensional, from the main characters to the supporting roles, each possessing a unique charm. Every story is captivating. A must-read for fans of historical romance!

49. 349 糊 After the Scatterbrained Mother Was Reborn, Her Hard-Luck Life Turned to Wealth and Glory 糊涂娘重生后，命苦的她富贵荣华 You Lu由鹿Ancient Romance645k WordsCompleted [The heroine’s mother is reborn; devoted to one another in both her past and present lives; one-on-one romance; happy ending] Qi Manyue was so foolish that she didn’t realize until she was on the verge of death that she had raised her enemy’s son, while her own daughter had been abandoned far from home. She clung to life to search for her daughter, and at last found her: nothing but bones in a mass grave. When she saw the remains, she finally breathed her last. But when she opened her eyes again 5.6kReads8.9Score64514d adds

    Reader note

    🌋I really loved this book, mainly because of its focus on female love. In this ancient setting where patriarchal values ​​were prevalent, I saw the unconditional love the female lead's mother had for her, and the princess's doting care for her daughter. 🌠The female lead is also wonderful. I saw a gentle, kind, and resilient woman who, despite life's hardships, seizes every opportunity to survive and thrive. She's intelligent and constantly learning; she can kindly save those around her and treat others with clear-cut love and hate. 🌠The relationship with the male lead is also very sweet, and they have an adorable baby. The male lead can't refuse the female lead's requests; he's easy to please, obedient, and incredibly cute! It has everything you need, and the pacing is excellent.

50. 350 最 The Waning Glow 最阑珊 Fu Erqi傅二七Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted [Not a wish-fulfillment novel + neither lead is perfect + real people with real feelings] (Heir × Commandery Princess, a political marriage between two kingdoms, marriage before love, both devoted to each other, happy ending) The hero becomes a loyal puppy later on, with a world that consists only of the heroine and everyone else. The heroine is wise, noble-born, and deeply unfortunate. * She still remembered that Qixi Festival, when colorful lanterns hung high and candlelight filled the sky. Su 13Reads6.3Score—14d adds

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