Pure Historical Fiction, No Rebirth or Transmigration 纯古风，不重生，不穿越

1. 1 逼 You Force Me to Marry the Regent? I'm Pregnant, and the Crown Prince Has Gone Mad 逼我嫁摄政王？我有孕太子疯了 A Merfolk in the Northern Sea北冥有鲛Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted Marriage first, love later (sweet romance) + long-planned pursuit + domineering CEO + he pursues her + second male lead pursues his wife + elder brother steals younger brother’s wife + intense push and pull + wins her heart and her body + both virgins + happy ending + legitimate daughter + prince and princess consort + crown prince + struggle for the throne When the plum blossoms were in bloom, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyuan promised Shen Jinghong that once her father and brothers returned victorio 2.1kReads8.2Score190Shelves

   Reader note

   The first is a long story, an arranged marriage that blossoms into love with a happy ending. The second and third are short stories. The second is a tragic love story about a man pursuing his wife, while the third is a story about a man pursuing his wife but their relationship doesn't end well with a happy ending. Both the male and female leads are talkative, and both have a strong sense of national duty and a deeply affectionate male lead. [Heart]

2. 2 那 That Year, Blossoms Fell Across My Robes 那年，折枝花满衣 A Merfolk in the Northern Sea北冥有鲛Ancient Romance10k WordsCompleted That Year, I Wore Blossoms on My Clothes 980Reads—Score—Shelves
3. 3 状 The Top Scholar Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife? I Married the Regent Instead, and I'm Loving It 状元郎宠妾灭妻？我转身嫁摄政王真香了 A Merfolk in the Northern Sea北冥有鲛Ancient Romance21k WordsCompleted The Top Scorer Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife? I Turned Around and Married the Regent King Instead 674Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 4 我 I Took a Concubine for My Husband 我为夫君纳妾 Grapes That Won't Blow Away吹不散的葡萄19k WordsCompleted I Took a Concubine for My Husband 1.2kReads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   It's really good, you can't miss it!!!

5. 5 授 Hand Him the Reins 授他以柄 Zhou Fuyao周扶妖Ancient Romance96k WordsCompleted With the city about to fall and the kingdom on the brink of ruin, Pei Qing wrote a letter asking that man for help. For seven whole days, there was no reply. But just when all hope seemed lost, he arrived. His peerlessly handsome face was full of disdain and contempt. Xiao Yuan walked into the imperial bedchamber with blood dripping from his blade and lazily called out, “Elder Brother.” Having earned merit by rushing to the emperor’s defense, he naturally expected a reward. “I have plenty of gol 24.9kReads9.5Score2.8kShelves
6. 6 本 I, the Prince, Fear My Wife 本王，惧内 A Promise Worth a Fortune一诺重金Ancient Romance263k WordsCompleted [No Transmigration + No Rebirth + No Golden Finger + Victory Through Strength Alone + Fictional History That Cannot Be Verified] He is the Prince of Yan of the Great Liang, returning from campaigns in the northwest, weather-beaten and battle-hardened. She is the Chief Minister's daughter, delicate as a willow, arriving from the misty rains of Jiangnan. The Prince of Yan and the Chief Minister are bitter enemies, constantly at each other's throats. At first, he sneers, “What good could come from 4.8kReads8.8Score434Shelves
7. 7 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 92kReads9.6Score12.3kShelves

   Reader note

   So sweet! It's killing me with sweetness! The male lead is so pure and innocent, it's making my heart itch! He paves the way for the female lead and makes plans for her; that's what true love looks like – he's like someone you only see in novels! How can someone be so good, so perfect?! It's so good!!!

8. 8 雪 Spring Brewed in Snow 雪酿春 Jiang Chengyu C江承钰C44k WordsCompleted Snow-Brewed Spring 325Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A pure ancient Chinese romance novel with a strong female protagonist—definitely not frustrating! 🌹 A noble princess is forced into a political marriage with a prince, but the prince's heart belongs to another, and he plans to use her and her family for a purpose. After a breakdown in the rain, the heroine awakens to a new reality and immediately leads her family to ally with the prince's rival, protecting her family and killing the male lead, her enemy! 👍 During this process, she meets a mysterious spy, and the two fall for each other while still lucid—super addictive and easy to watch! ✌️ A well-written novel with a smooth plot and fresh storyline! 😍🍅

9. 9 蓄 Long-Planned: The Chief Councilor’s Daily Devotion to His Wife 蓄谋已久：首辅大人的宠妻日常 I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance566k WordsCompleted “The rating just came out, so it’ll go up later.” Sweet, delicate beauty × scheming powerful official. A marriage that turns into tooth-achingly sweet love! “The aloof beauty comes down from her pedestal of her own accord.” A spring palace painting leads to “bedroom lessons,” and the heart-fluttering moments just won’t stop! Reading guide: Both leads are virgins, happy ending, sweet romance with no angst, sugar from beginning to end! Qin Nuan married Shen Yanqing, the Chief Minister who was the 30.9kReads8.9Score2.9kShelves

   Reader note

   It recently finished airing, and it's incredibly good, getting better and better as you go on!!

10. 10 权 The Powerful Minister Pursues His Wife: He Says He'd Even Accept Being Her Lover! 权臣追妻，他说外室他也愿意！ I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance339k WordsCompleted The rating has just come in, so it’ll go up later~ The male lead starts out on top, then turns into a devoted lapdog later. There’s a little political scheming and domestic drama. The satisfying face-slapping comes later. This isn’t a strong-female-lead story either, so don’t read it if that’s not your thing. "Beautiful, fair-skinned, voluptuous, innocent heroine vs. a man who doesn’t realize he’s in love until he’s on his knees pursuing his wife" "Powerful minister pursues his wife ➕ both leads 2.3kReads8.1Score217Shelves
11. 11 细EN A Slender Waist, a Hidden Beauty 细腰藏娇 Pikachu Out of Power没电皮卡丘Ancient Romance472k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + marriage before love + devoted couple HE + sweet romance + children later on + both leads speak their minds] Su Luoqian was the daughter of the richest family in the Great Jin Dynasty, cherished by her parents from the day she was born. She was lively and clever, bright and openhearted. But after a natural disaster exposed the Su family’s wealth, their prominence attracted envy and greed. Surrounded by wolves, Su Luoqian gritted her teeth and accepted the emperor’s arranged 26.9kReads9.3Score3.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is super, super, super sweet!!! Sweet without any misunderstandings!!! Both the male and female leads have mouths.

12. 12 错 Mistakenly Bound to the Eunuch, He Helps Me Ascend the Throne 错绑九千岁，他助我登临帝位 Two or Three Sounds Beneath the Moon月下两三声Ancient Romance156k WordsOngoing [War-God Grand Princess × Lord Eunuch: Fierce and ruthless to outsiders, proud and devoted to her] “Women rule” + “Court intrigue” + “Both pure” + “Power couple” Ye Shumei returns from battle to find that her fiancé, Wen Zhijin, is going to marry her imperial younger sister. How could she possibly put up with that? If you’re going to be so unreasonable, then I’ll just... On a dark, windy night, she climbed over the wall into the Grand Tutor’s residence and hauled someone back to her villa in a s 41Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Both of these are true; 1 is a long story, and 2 is a short story, a side story of "Flowers Bloom in Splendor".

13. 13 花 Flowers Bloom in Splendor: My Wife Is Not to Be Trifled With 花开锦绣：我家夫人她不好惹 Two or Three Sounds Beneath the Moon月下两三声Marriage & Romance11k WordsCompleted Blossoms and Brocade: My Wife Is Not to Be Trifled With 197Reads—Score—Shelves
14. 14 满 Spring Over the City: A Collection of Historical Romances by Yiyimaiqian 满城春（一枚铜钱古言精选） A Copper Coin一枚铜钱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted A collection of classic historical romances by popular Jinjiang author Yi Mei Tong Qian. These three works are all timeless favorites, perfect for staying up all night to read: Spring Over the City, Poisoned Wine, and Strange Tales of the Eighth Day of the Twelfth Month. The Liu family of the capital is an eminent clan so powerful that even the imperial family treats them with respect. Liu Yan, the legitimate youngest daughter of the second branch, is brilliant and blessed with both wisdom and g 23.4kReads9.4Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    These three books are all super, super good! They're all in ancient Chinese style, and include elements of domestic intrigue and farming. There's bound to be one that suits your taste!

15. 15 攀 You Married Up, So I Married a General. What Do You Regret? 攀高枝另娶，我嫁将军你悔什么 Meme Yu么么愚Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Lighthearted]+ [Rival suitors]+ [A sunny, strong heroine who raises pigs and makes the impossible happen] After being a widow for eight years, Lu Qiniang buys a man to give her a child. Just as they enter the bridal chamber, her husband, who was supposedly killed in battle, suddenly returns home in triumph. Lu Qiniang: ... Looking at the two men ready to draw swords, she has a sudden idea: “The three of us should just make a good life together. That's better than anything else!” Xiao Yan & Zhan 34.7kReads9.3Score4.5kShelves
16. 16 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance859k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 1.9kReads9.3Score270Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese political intrigue, no time travel or rebirth.

17. 17 阿 Ah Li 阿漓 The Sensitive-Skin Toast Lover爱吃吐司的敏感肌Ancient Romance696k WordsCompleted She was the eldest daughter of the Protector General’s household in Great Liang, yet she was born with the ability to understand the language of beasts… She should have enjoyed a life of luxury, but at the age of five she was sent away to face the world alone… She longed for the love of family, only to be abandoned by her relatives again and again… Time after time, hope was within reach, only for disappointment to follow! It turned out she had come into this world alone, and was destined to leav 16.2kReads9.1Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This one! Purely in the ancient Chinese style! The writing and content are absolutely top-notch! Highly recommended!

18. 18 我 I'm No Guest Beneath the Eaves 我非檐上客 Yu Twenty-Three羽廿三Ancient Romance695k WordsCompleted [Bold, free-spirited noblewoman from a military family with a can-do attitude × gloomy prince who is aloof, taciturn, and feels unworthy of love] [Not a power fantasy + 1v1 + First-person POV + Healing + Sweet and angsty] - At the Lantern Festival palace banquet when I was fifteen, the most exalted person in the land said I was lively and clever, and a good match for the Ninth Prince, Zhao Lin. It took nearly all the courage I had to say those words in front of everyone. "This humble subject's d 6.4kReads8.7Score942Shelves
19. 19 世 The Young Lord's Wife Is a Little Sweet 世子夫人有点甜 The Moon Hangs Over the West Tower明月挂西楼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Shen Mian, the young lady of the Shen family, is unlike other girls. While they all dream of marrying the heir apparent Jiang, she thinks about going back to her hometown in Qingzhou to eat seafood every day. The heir apparent is on the verge of tears. “How am I worse than seafood? Tell me, and I'll change.” Shen Mian blinks. “You can buy seafood. I can't buy you.” The heir apparent says, “You can have me.” Shen Mian doesn't believe him, so he has to try every trick in the book, marry her first, 1.5kReads9.0Score177Shelves
20. 20 死 The Dead Concubine Becomes the Duke’s Mansion’s Cousin Miss 死去的外室她成了国公府的表小姐 Heavy Snow in May五月下大雪Ancient Romance1.6M WordsOngoing Original title: Passing as a Noblewoman [Historical ensemble cast] [Power struggles] [Not reborn] [Plot-driven] [Romance] [Male lead is sexually inexperienced] [Ensemble cast, multiple protagonists, multiple perspectives] [Pei Yuehuan and Chen Man are both heroines. The protagonist field cannot be changed after the contract is signed, so it lists the main pairing of this story.] The imperial capital holds many secrets, and much resentment. There are merchants falsely accused and thrown into pris 42.4kReads9.4Score4.6kShelves
21. 21 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 87kReads9.3Score12.7kShelves
22. 22 四 A Husband for Four Taels 四两买夫婿 Lin Geng林耕Ancient Romance124k WordsCompleted [A lone heroine from a poor village × an outcast hero from a powerful household] Tian Youyu had always kept a low profile. As a poor peasant, she knew her place: don't draw attention, don't cause trouble, and keep her head down while saving money. Her goal was to buy a small courtyard with a shop in Tongguan City before she turned thirty and spend the rest of her life there. But after danger at the city gate led her to bring her mute benefactor back to the village, her life changed dramatically. 2.4kReads8.2Score327Shelves
23. 23 大EN The Tang Dynasty's Pearl-Dispelling Record (Original Novel of the TV Adaptation Starring Tian Xiwei and Song Weilong) 大唐辟珠记（田曦薇、宋威龙主演同名影视原著） Meal Card饭卡Martial Arts810k WordsCompleted [All-New Bonus Edition] [A Screen Adaptation with the Same Title Has Been Officially Announced, Starring Tian Xiwei and Song Weilong] [Beloved Princess Reborn: Looks Like a Delicate Crybaby, Actually a Well-Rounded Warrior] ✖ [Defiant, Doomed, Devoted, Pure-Hearted Top Jianghu Big Shot] [Their Romance Is So Sweet It Makes You Cry] Princess Wanshou, blessed with the Tang emperor's favor and love, died of an illness at just seventeen. A thief secretly opened the eerie underground palace, only to d 203.8kReads9.7Score25.2kShelves
24. 24 月 Moonlight on Frost 月照霜 Chen Xiaodan陈小丹Ancient Romance378k WordsCompleted When Gu Wanxi was seven, her mother died of an illness. On her deathbed, she pressed a silver bracelet into Gu Wanxi’s palm. “Go find your father. His name is Gu Huai’an, and he’s in the capital.” Gu Wanxi waited eight years. She walked from Qingping County to the capital, waiting from the age of seven until she was fifteen. At last, she saved enough for the journey and knocked on the gates of the Marquis of Yong’an’s residence. Her father recognized the bracelet and knelt to beg her: “Just say 21.7kReads8.2Score2.5kShelves
25. 25 独 Sole Possession of Spring: Stones from Other Mountains 独占春：他山之石 Gu Jin Ruo辜今弱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Also known as: When My Late Husband Returned, My Stepson Went Mad!] "Both leads are virgins + Younger male lead + He’s been plotting this for a long time" Lin Yitao became a widow at seventeen. To continue the family line, her husband’s family adopted a young boy and made him her legitimate son. The boy was exceptionally gifted, and under her guidance he quickly went from an unknown nobody to the celebrated Jade Carver of the capital. No one knew that the Jade Carver was steadily plotting to ma 19.1kReads9.0Score2.9kShelves
26. 26 笑 Laugh at Her Divorce? After She Marries the Emperor, You'll All Kneel Before Her 笑她和离？改嫁帝王后都给她跪下 Guest from the Immortal Realm仙中客Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The heir of the Duke of Qingguo doted on his concubine and neglected his wife. The emperor felt sorry for the man’s wife and brought her into the palace to look after her. The result was the birth of several little princes and princesses. Full synopsis: Yun Qing’s father commanded a powerful army. Several princes wanted to marry her to gain control of his troops, which aroused the emperor’s suspicions. To protect both her and the Yun family army, her father had no choice but to petition the empe 14.3kReads9.0Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    It's not a time-travel story, nor is it a reincarnation story. It's already completed.🍂🍂 The female protagonist, Yun Qing, uses her wisdom to divorce her scumbag boyfriend and reunites with the male protagonist she saved four years ago. Unexpectedly, the male protagonist turns out to be the new emperor who has been on the throne for two years and has always had feelings for her. In the end, she wins him over and becomes his empress.

27. 27 迷 The Scatterbrained Consort Has the Crown Prince Wrapped Around Her Finger 迷糊妃子，太子爱不释手 No Cilantro in the Wonton Soup云吞别放香菜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The comic adaptation of this novel is now available on Tomato. If you're interested, go check out The Prince's Ditzy Consort Can No Longer Hide. Zhu Yunlan is the second legitimate daughter of the Minister of War and the most scatterbrained girl in the capital. At eighteen, she still can't tell salt from sugar. She once embroidered ducks instead of mandarin ducks, and recited a poem as, "Two pairs of shoes on the ground." She fell into a pond chasing butterflies, then fished out a royal koi by a 426Reads—Score114Shelves
28. 28 姐 My Older Sister Took My Place and Married a Playboy, So I Took Hers and Sought to Tempt a Powerful Official 姐姐替我嫁纨绔，我替姐姐诱权臣 Gathering Vetch, Gathering Vetch采薇采薇Ancient Romance610k WordsCompleted [Sisters Swapping Marriages]+ [Sisters Choosing Their Own Partners]+ [A Warm, Complementary Love That Saves Them Both] Everyone in Liaodong knew that Lu Lingyue, a fierce warrior who could hit a target at a hundred paces and had slain countless enemies, loved her elder sister more than life itself. When she returned to the capital to marry, she faced a cold and aloof powerful official and a dissolute young lord. Lu Lingyue thumped her chest and said, “The powerful official makes a fine brother-i 17.4kReads8.8Score2.1kShelves
29. 29 青 The Childhood Sweetheart Can't Compete with the Newcomer: The Crown Princess Is Far Too Irresistible 青梅不敌天降，太子妃她太过撩人 Mu Guining慕归宁Ancient Romance539k WordsCompleted [Villainess + winning hearts + male lead has a past, female lead is chaste + palace and household intrigue + pregnancy] Fu Qingtang, the general's daughter, is the hostage the Fu family left with the emperor. She grew up in the palace and has been childhood friends with the crown prince, Qi Junli. The two share a deep affection for each other. Just as everyone assumes Fu Qingtang will become the crown princess in all but name, an imperial decree appointing the crown princess arrives at the Grand 2.5kReads8.2Score301Shelves
30. 30 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Innocent, and the Emperor Raises Her to the Top 娘娘单纯娇媚，陛下捧她上位 Sleepy Snail爱睡觉的蜗蜗Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted [A native heroine who's been good at acting since childhood] As the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's household, Bai Ruoli had always gotten everything she wanted. But when the palace selection came, she was destined to enter the palace as a concubine. The palace had not only the Empress Dowager and the emperor, but also the empress, and then the emperor's favored consorts below her. Bai Ruoli wasn't intimidated. Her family background was excellent. As long as the emperor wasn't a devoted 5.6kReads8.5Score711Shelves
31. 31 妖 After Being Reborn, the Bewitching Consort Only Wants to Push the Tyrant to Improve Himself 妖妃重生后，只想督促暴君上进 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance420k WordsCompleted [Publication rights acquired] [Capricious, wicked, silly beauty vs. dark, obsessive-love maniac tyrant] [Palace intrigue, not a pure romance + doted on from the start + not a strong female lead + a lovesick, unstable woman and a deranged man drawn to each other] Yueli was the top courtesan at Chunfeng Pavilion. She didn't want to be sold to the demon-like general, so on the day she was to leave the brothel, she timidly tugged on the emperor's sleeve... She spent three years throwing her weight a 26.4kReads9.2Score3.1kShelves
32. 32 芙 The Hibiscus Canopy: The Crown Prince’s Childhood Sweetheart Wins Big 芙蓉帐：东宫青梅赢麻了 Ming Family Charcoal Fire明家炭火Ancient Romance448k WordsCompleted [Both Leads Are Inexperienced + Sweet Romance + Palace Intrigue + He Eventually Dotes on Her Alone] Xiao Wanyu had spent more than a decade living with carefree arrogance. Then she refused a marriage proposal and injured the young lord of the Duke of Wei’s household, who had coveted her family’s wealth. She was thrown into prison. To protect her maternal family’s immense fortune and save her own life, she agreed to become a concubine in the Eastern Palace, seeking the Crown Prince’s protection 2.1kReads7.6Score172Shelves
33. 33 东 The Eastern Palace’s Lovely Beauty Is So Sweet, the Crown Prince Spoils Her to His Core 东宫美人乖媚，太子殿下娇宠入骨 AAaquaAncient Romance429k WordsCompleted [Charming, weepy, airheaded beauty tames an eccentric crown prince] A month after Yu Jinhuan entered the palace, she had already become the emperor’s favorite. No one had imagined that the Crown Prince, who had never been given to romance, would dote on someone so completely, sharing every meal and every night with her. The reborn Crown Princess hated her to the core, and the other women in the Eastern Palace saw her as a thorn in their side. Yet Yu Jinhuan not only escaped becoming everyone’s t 9.1kReads8.3Score992Shelves
34. 34 娇 The Sweet and Gentle Crown Princess Is Adored Throughout the Eastern Palace 娇软太子妃宠冠东宫 Autumn Smoke, Falling Rain烟秋落雨Ancient Romance647k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + sweet romance + love at first sight + love that deepens over time + one-on-one + both leads are each other’s first and only + fictional history + lighthearted + a sweet, pure love story] The gentle, kind, and lovely Crown Princess, Shen Muyao, x the refined and elegant Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, Ji Siming Shen Muyao was raised in her family’s hometown in Jiangnan, where the entire Shen clan doted on their little darling. On her sixteenth birthday, she left Jiangnan 4kReads8.8Score423Shelves
35. 35 说 I Said I'd Be a Treacherous Official, So How Did I Become a Legend? 说好当奸臣，怎么名垂青史了 Plankton the Lab Rat做实验的痞老板Ancient Romance12k WordsCompleted I said I wanted to be a treacherous minister, so how did I end up immortalized in history? 15.1kReads—Score574Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommendations for well-written short stories in the ancient style

36. 36 岁 Years Pass, Stars and Frosts Gather 岁月稔星霜 Deep Dimples梨涡深深Ancient Romance492k WordsCompleted [Age gap, fictional setting, forbidden romance, long-laid plans, powerful minister x heroine who grows into her own] Content warning: The male lead is not chaste and is not a good person. Shi Hua lost both her parents when she was young. With no one to rely on, she could only turn to her elder sister, finding shelter under her brother-in-law Shen Xun's protection. Back then, Shen Xun was both a teacher and a friend to her. But Shen Xun's old flame ate away at him like poison, eventually breaking 5.7kReads8.9Score668Shelves

    Reader note

    I love this book! The male lead isn't a virgin, and he's a slow burner. He falls for the female lead later on, and he's very strategic and cunning. Especially after they get together, oh my god!

37. 37 明 A Ravishing Beauty Plays Innocent, and the Heir Willingly Falls for It 明艳美人装无辜，世子他甘愿受骗 Little Lotus Bud小荷才露角Ancient Romance414k WordsCompleted Pure historical romance + everyday life among the elite + devoted couple and sweet romance + intelligent, growth-oriented heroine + light comedy + love at first sight Yan Zhenzhen, the legitimate daughter of a century-old scholarly family, has a strikingly beautiful face. But her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, the top-ranked scholar, betrays her for power, turning her into a laughingstock. Everyone is waiting to see her meet a miserable end. But who could have guessed that Xiao Ningzhou, heir 3.7kReads—Score407Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure historical romance + slice-of-life life in a high-class family + sweet and virgin story + a heroine who grows and matures + love at first sight for Yan Zhenzhen. Yan Zhenzhen, the eldest daughter of a century-old scholarly family, possesses a radiant face, yet she is betrayed by her childhood sweetheart, the top scholar fiancé, for power, becoming a laughingstock. Everyone waits to see her tragic end, but unexpectedly, Xiao Ningzhou, the rumored arrogant and cold-faced heir of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, protects her in front of everyone. "Marry me, and I promise you a lifetime of peace; no one will dare to bully you in the slightest." ... After the marriage, Prince Xiao realizes he was "deceived" by his wife's bright and innocent face.

38. 38 夫 My Wife Is Timid and Unassuming 夫人胆小木讷 The Sleepy Kitty爱睡觉的喵Ancient Romance687k WordsCompleted Two people born to concubines were forced together for the sake of their family’s interests. One was a talented young man, the other bland and taciturn; one had genuine ability, the other only pretended to be dull; one wanted to make a name for himself, the other just wanted to play dumb… 9.4kReads8.4Score889Shelves

    Reader note

    It's purely set in ancient times, without any unnecessary or messy elements; it's truly excellent.

39. 39 论 On the Upbringing of Noble Daughters 论贵女的养成 The Plainspoken Baili Che简单明了的百里澈Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [No rebirth or transmigration, a light ensemble cast] [The first part focuses on the everyday family life at the heroine’s maternal home, the Marquisate of Wuyang. The second volume focuses on everyday family life at her husband’s home, the Prince of Xinning’s residence.] Shen Lening is very happy with her life. She never has to worry about anything. Her only daily concerns are what to wear, what to eat, and what to accessorize with. (I’ve written several stories where the heroine’s mother is a 8.2kReads6.3Score751Shelves

    Reader note

    Here they are! Both are novels without time travel or rebirth, depicting the lives of noble ladies in ancient times.

40. 40 古 The Leisurely Life of a Noblewoman in Ancient Times 古代闺秀的悠闲生活 The Plainspoken Baili Che简单明了的百里澈Ancient Romance296k WordsCompleted Savor the unhurried passing of time and enjoy a carefree life. I envy your graceful beauty, reflected in the blue heavens and the jade moon. Su Huayue learned everything from her mother from a young age, treating being a daughter of the Su family as a job. As the legitimate daughter of her father's second wife, all she had to do was live freely under the protection of her mother and elder brother. Her only pleasure was watching her two elder half-sisters compete for their father's and grandmothe 11.5kReads8.4Score1.1kShelves
41. 41 文 Empress Guo of Wende: A Scheming Queen in a Chaotic Age 文德郭皇后：乱世女王的攻心计 Xiaoya Takes in the Scenery小雅看风景Ancient Romance6k WordsCompleted Empress Guo of Wende: A Queen of Chaos and Her Art of Winning Hearts 19Reads—Score—Shelves
42. 42 深 Springtime Secrets in the Deep Manor: I Lean by the Window, Shaping My Brows 深宅春信，我正倚在窗前描眉 Xiaoya Takes in the Scenery小雅看风景Ancient Romance6k WordsCompleted Spring News from the Inner Courtyard: I was sitting by the window, drawing my brows. —Reads—Score—Shelves
43. 43 此 If We Could Share a Snowfall in This Life, We Should Grow Old Together in the Next 此生若能同淋雪，来世应当共白头 Becoming a Clear Breeze Overnight一朝化风清Marriage & Romance11k WordsCompleted If we could share a snowfall in this life, surely we’ll grow old together in the next. 6Reads—Score—Shelves
44. 44 胭 The Tigress in Rouge: Liu Sanniang's Tale of Taming Her Husband and Managing the Household 胭脂虎：柳三娘驯夫掌家记 Xiaoya Takes in the Scenery小雅看风景Ancient Romance11k WordsCompleted The Tigress in Rouge: Liu Sanniang's Guide to Taming Her Husband and Running the Household 7Reads—Score—Shelves
45. 45 花 The Bridal Sedan’s Shocking Twist: A Minister’s Daughter and a Marriage of Convenience 花轿惊变：户部尚书嫡女的联姻风云 Xiaoya Takes in the Scenery小雅看风景Ancient Romance9k WordsCompleted A Shocking Bridal Procession: The Marriage Alliance Turmoil of the Minister of Revenue's Legitimate Daughter 1Reads—Score—Shelves
46. 46 再 No More Breeze, No More You 再无清风再无卿 Five Flowers, Ten Blossoms五花十朵Ancient Romance259k WordsCompleted A hostage prince from the southern kingdom and a princess from the northern kingdom, caught in a love-hate relationship and pushed to their limits. Opening: “Princess, your hands are so cold.” Ending: “Princess, your hands are so cold.” 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No rebirth, no time travel, pure ancient style

47. 47 兄 Elder Brother, You Mustn't 兄长不可 Ning Qingxuan, Who Likes Geng Sai Niu喜欢更赛牛的宁清璇Ancient Romance406k WordsCompleted Shen Yanci is the envy of everyone in the capital: the refined and upright heir of the Shen family, with a bright future ahead. Yet his family also takes in Su Wanqing, an orphan girl with no one to rely on. An elder's words, "Raise her by your side and treat her as your own younger sister," become an invisible shackle between them. He watches her grow from a timid little girl into a graceful young woman, cherishing and protecting her at every turn. But as they spend day after day together, he d 4.5kReads8.1Score508Shelves

    Reader note

    These are so good! Why did I discover these two books so late?! The author is incredibly talented; they're bound to be a hit! [Added to bookshelf]

48. 48 深 Late Nights in the Deep Estate 深宅晚 Ning Qingxuan, Who Likes Geng Sai Niu喜欢更赛牛的宁清璇Ancient Romance742k WordsCompleted Her husband, Song Hemian, died young, leaving Jiang Wanyin alone in a desolate mansion, surrounded by endless gossip. Her late husband's younger brother, Song Heran, returns from afar. He is refined and handsome, yet reserved and inscrutable, treating her with a tenderness that constantly oversteps the bounds of propriety. As they spend their days together, Jiang Wanyin gradually realizes that this “younger brother-in-law” is nothing like the Song Heran her husband described, in either his habit 2.1kReads7.3Score201Shelves
49. 49 她 She Trains the Young Duke Like a Dog 她把小公爷当狗训 I Want a Diamond Mountain想要钻石山Ancient Romance245k WordsCompleted He is the young duke adored by everyone, with handsome looks and a distinguished family. She is the eldest daughter, unloved by her father and ignored by her mother, who is mistreated by her stepmother. One day, the old madam of the Duke’s household decides to find her only grandson a wife. He wants no part of it. Who knew a gentle blade could cut so deep? A little scene: Zhou Shiyi was furious, the corners of her eyes red and her hands trembling slightly. She looked at the carefree Tang Zhuo. 120Reads—Score121Shelves
50. 50 刚 After Winning the War, the Emperor Orders Me to Enter the Palace as His Empress 刚打完胜仗，皇上竟让我入宫为后 Zi Shan Mu Yu子山木雨Ancient Romance705k WordsOngoing Both are each other’s one and only + marriage before love + love and rivalry: a spirited female general versus a scheming younger emperor. Their married life is like a battlefield, with both of them putting the Art of War to the test. Shen Qinglan had just led the Shen Army to a great victory over the enemy. Before the soldiers could even drink their celebratory wine, an imperial edict dropped on them like a bomb: “By the Mandate of Heaven, the emperor decrees: Shen Qinglan of the Shen family is 467Reads—Score110Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely historical romance, no time travel, highly recommended.

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