Any Stories About a Talented Woman Chosen in a Palace Draft, with Palace Intrigue and a Little Angst? 有没有女主选秀进宫，宫斗，有才华，稍微虐一点的

1. 1 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.1kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves

   Reader note

   Your Majesty, every single knife that pierced my body, I have returned to you, knife by knife.

2. 2 白 After His White Moonlight Enters the Palace, the Dog Emperor Won’t Stop Pursuing Her 白月光入宫后，狗皇帝紧追不舍 He Yuyu Yuyu鹤羽羽鱼鱼Ancient Romance538k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + both pure + childhood sweethearts + fictional setting + devoted love] From the moment she was born, Su Qining always got everything she wanted. Her family spoiled her until she became the little tyrant of the capital. She was dazzlingly beautiful and willful, the apple of the Crown Prince’s eye since childhood, and his future Crown Princess. But when the Crown Prince broke off their engagement, she became the laughingstock of the capital. Worse still, on the day of his wedd 314Reads5.7Score104Shelves

   Reader note

   This one is slightly angsty with a touch of sweetness.

3. 3 权 The Power of the Imperial Favorite 权宠天下 June六月Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted Live-action short-form drama: The Power and Privilege 4: Ruling the World is now streaming on Hongguo. A brilliant medical PhD transmigrates into the body of the Chu Prince’s discarded consort. As soon as she arrives, she encounters a critically injured patient. Guided by her medical ethics, she treats him, only to nearly be thrown into prison on false charges. When the Retired Emperor falls gravely ill, she finds a way to treat him, but that hateful Poison King misunderstands and berates her. I 10.3kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves

   Reader note

   Both are great. The first one doesn't have much of a romance; it's a pure, strong female lead who's brave and resourceful. The second one is also good. The key is, I can't imagine any male celebrity matching his alluring face. [Admiration][Admiration][Stunned]

4. 4 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score418Shelves

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   Having a reading slump? Let me recommend some books! [Top Post][Top Post] ① Don't let the name fool you, the content is really good! [Thumbs Up][Thumbs Up] The female lead is a pure ancient woman who enters the palace through the imperial concubine selection. She's shrewd and calculating, and her rank doesn't rise very quickly. [Kiss][Kiss] But overall, it's a very enjoyable read. [Admiration] ② The female lead is a modern person who transmigrates to ancient times. Her background is a bit complicated. [What?] But she's also quite cunning (she's very shrewd and manipulative), slowly climbing to the position of empress. Her child is also the crown prince. [Smirk] If you like it, please [Follow][Follow][Follow]

5. 5 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.3kReads9.2Score953Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a pure harem novel. The heroine has only just started her selection process. The slightly angsty parts might be when the male and female leads are having disagreements. The author's writing style is very soothing, making it suitable for reading when you're bored or want to eat.

6. 6 恶 The Wicked Supporting Actress Is Reborn and Wins at Life 恶毒女配重生后躺赢了 Bei Xin贝芯Ancient Romance622k WordsCompleted The emperor has never touched anyone but the heroine! One beloved consort in the harem + 1v1 romance + fictional setting. Meng Yan only learns on the brink of death that she's a supporting character in a sweet palace-intrigue novel. In the story, she loves the emperor, Lu Haozhi, devotedly until the very end. She diligently competes for his favor and tirelessly fights the innocent white-lotus heroine, only to land herself in the cold palace and die miserably in the snow. After being reborn, she 21kReads9.1Score2kShelves

   Reader note

   I found the first half a little angsty, but overall it was pretty good. I recommend it.

7. 7 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.8kReads9.0Score784Shelves
8. 8 新 On My Wedding Night, My Stand-In Bride Performed Surgery on the God of War in Her Spatial Realm 新婚夜替嫁医妃在空间给战神手术 Zhu Yumo朱雨沫Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sweet, satisfying revenge + humorous writing + pocket dimension + all-around darling + two strong, devoted leads] Ye Qingchen was the all-around chief military doctor of a special operations unit in the 22nd century. She was exceptionally gifted and possessed incredible skills. After transmigrating, she became the princess consort who was supposed to bring good luck through marriage to Mu Rong Ye, the God of War. On their wedding night, she used her miraculous medical skills to bring someone ba 16.9kReads9.4Score2.5kShelves
9. 9 春 Spring Boudoir Romance 春闺娇 Xiao Bei晓贝Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Ten-year-old Qin Zijin has just lost her mother when her aunt takes her to the capital. She thinks she's headed for a life as a dependent who'll die far from home, with no way back. Little does she know she's stepping onto a bright road where she and her mother-in-law will team up to take down scumbags, childhood sweethearts will shower each other with affection, and she can learn new skills and make money! Mother-in-law: I can do without a son, but my daughter-in-law is my own daughter. Husband 3.1kReads9.0Score438Shelves

   Reader note

   The story is nuanced, the plot is original, and you'll learn something new after watching it.

10. 10 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 90.9kReads9.6Score12.1kShelves
11. 11 卿 Qing Chen's Scheme 卿宸谋 Southward, Where the Shepherd's Flute Plays南有牧笛笙Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted [Not a virginal romance, not a wish-fulfillment story. Read with caution! A story that could loosely be called an ancient Cinderella tale] [Traditional Historical Palace Intrigue]+ [Rich Plot]+ [A Mix of Sweetness and Heartbreak]+ [Slow-Burning Happy Ending] Autumn, Year Seventeen of the Nanyan era. The late emperor passed away, and his eleventh son, Xiao Yuning, ascended the throne, ushering in the Minghe era. In the third year of Minghe, the court decreed that officials of the fourth rank and 1.1kReads8.9Score132Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure historical romance novel with palace intrigue elements; the female lead starts from the imperial concubine selection.

12. 12 皇 Your Majesty, I Think Your Palace Maid Is Cursing You Again 皇上，你家宫女好像又在骂你 Six Yuan六元钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The irresistible appeal of what you once rejected + powerful men bowing their heads + a double-standard male lead + raising her before a story of power and statecraft + romantic push and pull + he truly doesn’t love her at first, but gives his all once he does] Su Nanchu is unruly. Shen Jingzhi has always known that. But life in the palace is dull, and he doesn’t mind having a little plaything who can kick and scream. She becomes his daily amusement: reading memorials, practicing calligraphy, a 11.6kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves

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    A story with both joy and sorrow. [Completed + The Powerful Man Bows Down + Raising a Child + Male Lead Who Truly Doesn't Love When He Doesn't, But Gives His All When He Does] Shen Jingzhi had always known that Su Nanchu was restless. But life in the palace was boring, and he didn't mind having another little rascal. From then on, he had a new source of amusement every day: reading memorials, writing, and teaching Su Nanchu manners. Unconsciously, many years passed as he spoiled her. It wasn't until Su Nanchu became increasingly arrogant, vaguely resembling the infamous Consort Chen of yesteryear, that Shen Jingzhi wanted to end this game and realized he had unknowingly fallen quite deeply in love. Killing her seemed too much to bear… The same spirit that used to mock the late emperor for losing everything for love pierced him like a boomerang a few years later. ...[The "True Fragrance Law" + the protagonist bowing down + the male lead's double standards] Initially: He said, "Is a mere palace maid worth all the trouble I have to investigate?" Later, he said, "I am willing to bow down and be with you, to share this life with you. I am willing to share my empire with you." Initially: He said, "If you dare to enter the harem, you will be the next one to be beheaded." Later, he said, "To have such a wife is the greatest fortune of my life, Shen Jingzhi." PS: - Not a story of pure love and no wish fulfillment, set in a traditional feudal society. - The female lead has a system and knows the future, but has no cheat codes. - Not a story of exclusive favor from the start, but a pure soul-to-soul collision. The woman is either gentle or strong, but neither is wrong. She is patient, low-key, almost cowardly, but not weak. She is not lacking in wisdom, nor in backbone. The strength of delicate silk and brocade can also restrain the most stubborn blade in the world. A seemingly weak palace maid wins the emperor's heart, possesses unique charm, is strong and brave, and is clear-headed and rational.

13. 13 宫 A Palace Maid's Daily Life: My Parents Want Me to Be a Couch Potato 宫女日常：爹娘让我当咸鱼 Yu Tangluo玉糖萝Ancient Romance699k WordsCompleted Hang Jiayanxin was a bondservant of the Plain White Banner and a court-appointed royal service worker. She entered the palace at thirteen and would leave at twenty-five. For twelve years in the palace, she kept her parents' advice in mind: be a good-for-nothing fish, and hang on until it's time to leave. But the towering palace before her was like a massive vessel, bearing endless power and desire. Once she pushed open those heavy doors, she stepped onto a path from which there was no turning ba 5.2kReads9.1Score575Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is truly amazing! The female lead doesn't have any special abilities; she's a palace maid. Most importantly, unlike other novels, she doesn't become a concubine. Her love interest isn't the emperor. There are some heart-wrenching moments in the middle, but the ending is genuinely sweet. Although her parents are time travelers, they have very little screen time; the female lead relies entirely on her intelligence. She's clear-headed, not love-struck, and decisive...

14. 14 疯 After Reforming, the Mad Enchantress Has Every God at Her Feet 疯批妖姬洗白后，诸神皆为裙下臣 One Who Came Running Out of the Mountains大山里跑出来的Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, everyone dotes on her, everyone gets their comeuppance, the villainess is redeemed, but she refuses to forgive] After transmigrating into a book as Jun Qing, a wicked female demon condemned by Heaven, she fails to clear her name time and time again because of the Heavenly Dao’s restrictions. Her Imperial Lord father strips her of her divine status. Her three older brothers despise her. The little slave she took in betrays her, and her God of War disciple personally dra 1.7kReads8.6Score328Shelves

    Reader note

    These are a few slightly angsty, sweet-angst intertwined, palace intrigue novels.

15. 15 全 Everyone Gets Their Comeuppance, but the White Moonlight Just Wants to Build a Career 全员火葬场，白月光只想搞事业 Li MuMU李木MUAncient Romance251k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + cross-dressing as a man + everyone reborn + no rekindling old flames + everyone faces a groveling redemption arc] Jiang Yan died silently beneath the heavy snow. In the moment before she closed her eyes, she looked back on her life and saw nothing but regrets. When Jiang Yan was born, her mother died in childbirth. She was branded a jinx from childhood, disliked by her father and estranged from her older brother. Her brash young cousin bullied her, and even the little beggar sh 2kReads8.5Score126Shelves
16. 16 清 Qing Transmigration: The Noble Consort Takes Down Consort De and Becomes Empress Dowager 清穿：贵妃娘娘她灭了德妃成太后 My Feelings for You卿我意Ancient Romance873k WordsCompleted [Child-rearing (not self-sacrificing; willing to go after her mother, but never schemes against children) + Harem intrigue] After transmigrating into the Qing Dynasty as Noble Consort Tongjia during the reign of Kangxi, Ruirui's first thought was to go find that poor child... Ruirui didn't like the Qing Dynasty. But if she had to choose one person in all of Great Qing, it would be the Fourth Prince, later the Yongzheng Emperor. Not because she liked him, but because she felt for him. She felt fo 14.6kReads9.4Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I personally think these two historical novels are quite well written.

17. 17 穿 After I Transmigrated Into a Book, the Villainess Became Everyone’s Darling by Playing Her Cards Right 穿书后，恶毒女配反向操作成团宠 Fei Ye斐曳Ancient Romance341k WordsOngoing (Sweet romance + cultivation + transmigration into a book + everyone’s darling + beloved by all, regardless of gender + plot-focused + devoted couple + master and disciple) Si Chen X Su Qingqing With a crash of thunder, Su Qingqing transmigrates into a book. To get home, she dutifully plays the role of the willful, bratty, spoiled villainess. She bullies the heroine on one side and swoons over the hero on the other. But why is the plot getting harder and harder to understand? When danger strikes 234Reads9.3Score104Shelves
18. 18 谁 Can You Believe It? The Empress Wrote a Hundred Palace Rules 谁懂啊，娘娘写了一百条宫规 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Ancient-Era Heroine + Reborn Supporting Female Character + Transmigrated Supporting Female Character + Everyone Is Clever + Clear-Eyed Heroine] From ordinary palace candidate to empress. Everyone believes the emperor is devoted to Ning Wanyin. Only Ning Wanyin knows how treacherous and perilous the journey has been. She has survived every step through sheer caution. Lady Tang, reborn: “She killed me in my last life. This time, of course I’ll… make her my friend! Do I really th 41.2kReads9.6Score5.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Every female protagonist in these books is very clear-headed; they're all acting, knowing what they want, and seeking revenge—it's a satisfying read.

19. 19 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 36.9kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves
20. 20 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.6kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a spoiled and charming concubine, a lighthearted and humorous story with a gradual, steady development. She's intelligent, quick-witted, and avoids misunderstandings, with sound morals. It's a palace intrigue novel, not a virgin story. #FemaleLeadEntersThePalace #PalaceIntrigueNovelWithAScreenCharacteristicFemaleLead

21. 21 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Dotes on Consort Yuan 入宫后，偏执皇上盛宠元妃娘娘 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [A violent emperor + a feigning-fool, ruthless concubine-born daughter + not mutually exclusive in the early stages + favored above the entire harem later] An Qingyu was the fourth daughter of the prime minister. Her mother, Concubine Lan Yue, had been brought into the household as the prime minister’s wife’s dowry maid. As a concubine-born daughter, An Qingyu had grown up at the First Madam’s side, keeping her head down and ingratiating herself, just like Concubine Lan. Then a twist of fate rui 1.8kReads9.0Score194Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing! Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing!

22. 22 宫 A Heart Caged Behind Palace Walls: Consort Yuan Is Promoted Again 宫墙锁心宠，元妃娘娘又晋位了 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance320k WordsCompleted No one is completely devoted to one person in the early part of the story, so don’t read if that’s a dealbreaker. The emperor is a scoundrel at first, but utterly doting later. More sweet than angsty. [Palace intrigue and rising to power + many children + absolute favor + climbing to the top one step at a time] Su Zhitang, the daughter of a general, enters the palace as a beauty after the selection. Her father is already a second-rank official, so she only wants to heed her mother’s advice, keep 607Reads9.0Score101Shelves
23. 23 萧 Empress Xiao: Win the Emperor and Bear Him a Son 萧氏皇后：拿下皇上生皇子 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted More children, more blessings. [The fiercest rise to power through palace intrigue + Winning the emperor's heart + Having all the children in the imperial palace + Having children nonstop] Every child who survives in the end is the heroine's. After breaking all ties with Prince Ling, she enters the palace. Two years go by, and she avoids the emperor's favor, wanting only to live out her life in peace. She never expected the empress's banner to sway in her direction and choose her. Xiao Wan'er kn 286Reads8.9Score—Shelves
24. 24 锦 The Tale of Consort Jin: Put Down Your Blade, Your Majesty, I Can Still Kill 锦妃传：皇上刀放下，本宫还能杀 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she trusted the empress and helped her eliminate her enemies, only to be cast aside once she was no longer useful. In this life, she’ll hold on to the emperor and topple the empress. Consort? Noble Consort? If she’s going to be anything, she’ll be empress. Your Majesty, here I come! 139Reads8.4Score—Shelves
25. 25 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Bewitching, and the Emperor Gives In to Pleasure 娘娘撩人魅惑，帝王纵情堕落 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The Tomato short drama Kun Yi is now streaming~ [Transmigrate into a book, male lead is not a virgin but female lead is, palace intrigue, psychological games, happy ending] The Crown Prince, Jun Zechen, has seen his fair share of calculating women, and loves only those who are pure and kind. While campaigning beyond the frontier, he meets Ling Yue and is captivated by her free-spirited kindness. He promises to spend his life with her alone. But two years pass, and the Crown Princess has yet to c 120.1kReads9.5Score11.3kShelves
26. 26 冉 The Empress Ran 冉后 Nai Nai J奈奈JAncient Romance376k WordsCompleted Ran Hu was made a Jieyu concubine as soon as she entered the palace. On her very first day, she was summoned to the emperor’s bedchamber and granted the title of Chen, cherished like a rare treasure. Her peerless beauty and her younger brother’s illustrious military achievements as Marquis of Chang’an gave her the confidence to act as she pleased in the harem. The two souls who had come from a later age ultimately left a lasting mark on this strange world. 4.6kReads9.0Score479Shelves

    Reader note

    A clear-headed and strong female lead, I love it! 😍

27. 27 我 With the Beloved Empress System, I Become the Prince's Favorite 我靠宠后系统，被王爷宠上天 Sweet Nine with Sugar甜九加糖Ancient Romance296k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, sweet story] Gu Qingmei wakes up one morning to discover that she has transmigrated into the body of a palace selection candidate with the same name. “Ding! The Beloved Empress System is online. Our goal: defeat every obstacle and claim the throne of Empress!” Gu Qingmei looks at the emperor across from her, carefully holding out the imperial seal, and smiles alluringly. That was easier than expected. Xie Lang looks at the young woman in front of him, who's angry with him, a 749Reads9.0Score100Shelves
28. 28 两 A Love Across Two Lifetimes, as Pear Blossoms Fall Upon Your Heart 两世缘，梨花落君心 Shi Wan时莞Ancient Romance313k WordsCompleted Shen Youli is reborn. She returns to the day she first entered the Crown Prince’s residence. In her previous life, she was timid and meek. Even though the Crown Prince treated her kindly, she was always cautious and deferential toward him. The Crown Princess smiled faintly. “Just give me a child, and your mother will be safe and sound.” Shen Youli answered meekly, “Yes, Elder Sister.” Her obedience brought her nothing but tragedy. As soon as she gave birth to a son, someone smothered her to deat 1.1kReads8.9Score106Shelves
29. 29 摆 I Slacked Off Until the End and Became Empress 摆烂到最后，侧妃封后了 Mei Yi Si瑂忆覗Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted In the first year of her marriage to Fu Mingyuan, she was the side consort of a prince. In the second year of her marriage to Fu Mingyuan, she was the side consort of the Crown Prince. In the sixth year of her marriage to Fu Mingyuan, she was an imperial consort. … … After who knew how many years of marriage to Fu Mingyuan, she became empress. Looking back on her life many years later, she had once felt the stirrings of love, once been melancholy and sentimental, and once tried to fight back… S 1.7kReads8.8Score105Shelves
30. 30 后 A Cheat-Code Life in the Imperial Harem 后宫开挂人生 The Silent Instant Noodles沉默的方便面Ancient Romance584k WordsCompleted In the novel, she is the Empress Dowager’s niece and the emperor’s highest-ranking Consort Shu, with a noble status and boundless favor. Yet in the end, she cannot escape the fate of a minor cannon-fodder character, and dies with hatred in her heart! Qian Qing from another world takes her place and carefully plots every step, winning the emperor’s love and matching wits with the novel’s heroine. She wants to see whether a mere illegitimate daughter of a marquis’s household can still rise to the 1.8kReads7.6Score109Shelves
31. 31 侧 The Side Consort’s Memoir of Becoming Empress 侧妃为后记 Spring Has Filled the Blossoming Branches华枝春已满Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Household Intrigue + Palace Intrigue] Not a one-on-one romance. The male lead has a wife and concubines early on, but later dotes on the heroine alone. No suspicion or misunderstandings. A little angst, but mostly sweet. The heroine falls for him first, but she isn't completely ruled by love. Her experiences have shaped her, and she's usually quite level-headed. (Though perhaps she is a little taken by his looks.) The male lead doesn't realize his own feelings, but he's been good to the heroine 3.3kReads9.0Score261Shelves
32. 32 独 Reigning Supreme in Kangxi's Harem, the Consort Is Clever, Charming, and Fertile 独霸康熙后宫，娘娘娇慧又好孕 Sunlight on a Sunflower向日葵印着阳光Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted A growth story + a growth story + a growth story Let me say it again: this is a growth story!! Love at first sight + breathtaking beauty + sweet romance + doting husband + clear-eyed heroine Important things must be said three times: fictional setting! Fictional setting! Fictional setting! Reader beware: This novel is entirely fictional, and please note that it is a growth story. If you want to read about historical figures, please look elsewhere. There is no golden finger! Jiaojiao transmigrate 5.9kReads8.8Score493Shelves
33. 33 攻 Conquest Failed: Livestreaming the Prosperous Present to the Ancients 攻略失败：给古人直播当今盛世 Emperor皇帝Modern Romance519k WordsCompleted [Strong Female Lead, No Romance + Awakening of Women in Ancient Times + Passionate Sense of Justice + No Female Rivalry] After failing to win over the emperor, the System punishes me by making me livestream modern life to people of the past. The man I personally helped ascend the throne sees me in a sleeveless crop top and miniskirt, dancing at a lavish party full of lights and drink. He flies into a rage and scolds me for being unchaste. I smile calmly, point the camera at a modern street, and 8.7kReads8.8Score785Shelves
34. 34 我 I Lie Flat on My Good Looks 我靠美貌躺平了 A Journey Through Mountains and Seas山海一程Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both are devoted only to each other + sweet romance + marriage first, love later + mutual devotion] That day in the peach grove, it wasn’t the wind that stirred, but the heart… Song Zhaoyue was born into the body of an unfavored concubine-born daughter of a marquis’s household. Her stepmother forced her to marry a playboy who drank, gambled, and visited brothels, so she turned around and entered the palace selection instead! Who could have guessed she would be granted in marriage to Prince Yan, 35kReads9.1Score4.4kShelves

    Reader note

    It follows ancient logic, is very good, the female lead isn't naive or innocent, and the male lead is wise and not a womanizer.

35. 35 谢 Empress of the Xie Family 谢家皇后 Song of the Yue People越人歌Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted In her first year in the palace, she is a Talented Lady. In her fifth, she is a Jieyu. In her tenth, she wants to become empress. As empress, she can hold on to everything she treasures and keep it from being taken away. She can protect herself and her child, and she can... stay by his side. This is a road with only one direction: take a single step back, and all will be lost. The bright yellow ceremonial parasol moves forward, and the emperor's procession slowly enters the city gate. A yellow p 8.8kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    I absolutely loved watching it! The misunderstandings in the middle were heart-wrenching, but they all served to drive the main couple's relationship forward. The male lead's love eventually blossomed into deep affection! 😍

36. 36 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is amazing!! Although it's set in the deep palace, there's not much palace intrigue, but it's definitely not a mindless novel!! Its theme leans towards depicting the misfortunes of women in the palace. There are no earth-shattering stories or passionate love affairs; the narrative is simple, yet the soul-stirring prose paints a true picture of the inner palace. I think our definition of the harem is somewhat flawed; we only think of vying for favor and palace intrigue. After reading this book, I realized how difficult it is for women in this world, and how far the inner palace is from a good place. The devoted woman ultimately only hates that scoundrel emperor, but is it just hatred? If she didn't love him, why would she stay in the inner palace? She can only blame loving the wrong person.

37. 37 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 79.6kReads9.5Score8.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Synopsis: This is a slice-of-life harem novel that avoids simplistic plots and forced idiocy. It incorporates palace intrigue and power struggles while leaning towards the everyday life of a harem woman. The female protagonist transmigrates into the body of the Empress. The original owner was obsessed with the Emperor and Empress's love, neglecting the Emperor's expectation that she fulfill her duties as Empress. After transmigrating, the female protagonist quickly defines her responsibilities, diligently manages the harem, and treats it like a workplace. The female protagonist's greatest strength is her exceptional emotional stability; she avoids internal strife, maintains a clear mind, and has well-defined goals. She is neither swayed by the harem's power struggles nor easily swayed by emotions. The harem boasts three thousand beauties, each with distinct characteristics, and the male protagonist (the Emperor) is even more fleshed out and not unlikeable. [Laughs]

38. 38 甄 Empresses in the Palace: A Tapestry of Beauty 甄嬛传：一揽芳华 benbendoudouFemale-Channel Fanfiction681k WordsCompleted A story about a female lead who uses her knowledge of the plot to survive until the end and become empress dowager. Of course, watching the drama unfold and vying for favor are part of the deal. 984Reads7.7Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    These books are absolutely fantastic; just look at the ratings!

39. 39 人 In the Imperial Harem, My Goal Is to Become the Empress Dowager 人在后宫，目标太后 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance358k WordsCompleted # Palace intrigue is out of the question. I'll eat snacks, watch the drama, and have children, that's the plan # Cui Xuejian transmigrated into the past and became a low-ranking palace consort. Powerful figures towered over her, while a few insignificant nobodies clawed at her feet. With things like this, why bother with palace intrigue? Better to just give up and coast! Cui Xuejian believed that as long as she kept out of trouble, no monsters, demons, or other ghoulish creatures would come afte 1.7kReads9.2Score138Shelves

    Reader note

    The writing style is humorous, and the female lead has a fantastic personality.

40. 40 皇 The Empress Leaped to Her Death, and the Mad Tyrant Wept Until His Eyes Were Red 皇后纵身一跃，疯批暴君哭红了眼 Huang Dandan黄蛋蛋Ancient Romance635k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, devoted couple + palace intrigue + regretful pursuit, clear-headed heroine, everyone's unattainable ideal] Meng Tang is a gracious, gentle empress who never competes for favor. Everyone thinks she is a true white lotus standing tall in the harem, and even the tyrant believes it. He takes a new concubine, and she smiles, congratulates him, and arranges for the newcomer to spend the night with him. He sends her restorative medicine, and she obediently takes it, knowing full we 21.5kReads9.3Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    This one's good. The female protagonist regains her senses, successfully seduces the tyrant, and then gracefully retires. But the tyrant is heartbroken, clutching her corpse, and is determined to find her again in a desperate attempt to revive her.

41. 41 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 47.7kReads9.5Score6.1kShelves

    Reader note

    🌟These books all feature characters who enter the palace through the imperial concubine selection process, rising step by step from the lowest rank. They are all cunning, intelligent, and resourceful, comparable to the classic tale of Zhen Huan, and definitely worth reading!🔥

42. 42 读 Reading My Mind Made the Tyrant Drop His Act, So I Lie Flat and Enjoy the Show 读我心暴君人设崩了，我躺平吃瓜 Xinxin欣欣Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [The whole family can hear her thoughts + adorable baby + transmigrate into a book + palace intrigue + comedy] Yuan Baobao transmigrates into the unborn baby of the pregnant heroine of an old-fashioned tragic romance. She is eight months along, and the baby is about to be killed before it even opens its eyes, with her blind regent father planning to do the deed himself. [Mom, stop struggling. We’re going to be tortured to death sooner or later anyway. We might as well go report to the King of He 1.5kReads8.5Score309Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm dying of laughter! This book is hilarious! So funny!

43. 43 骗 A Marriage Scam? The Consort’s Alluring Beauty Steals the Emperor’s Heart and the Empress’s Throne 骗婚？云鬓酥腰娘娘诱帝夺后位 When Fuyao Rises当扶摇上Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted Mutual firsts, a tightly woven palace power struggle, and a sweet, delicate beauty who is doted on The young woman I’ve secretly loved for years is about to enter the palace as a selected consort. I’m so excited I downed three bowls of sweet rice wine dumplings. She’s a delicate beauty who needs protecting. After she’s made a consort, she starts acting up! Make her a Noble Consort and she lets her true nature loose; make her Empress... In her past life, Jiang Sheng was locked in a woodshed by he 746Reads7.4Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel features a female protagonist who enters the palace through a selection process, strategizes meticulously, and ultimately wins the throne of Empress. The palace intrigue is captivating, and the romance is also sweet and delicate.

44. 44 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 35.1kReads9.3Score5.9kShelves
45. 45 娘 The Consort Is All Charm and Cunning, Scheming Her Way to the Top 娘娘又茶又媚，一路宫斗上位 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance835k WordsCompleted Signed for print publication In the third year of the Yifeng era, a concubine-born daughter of the Ningyang Marquis’s household enters the palace. The palace is a vast, treacherous place, where the one thing you must never do is give your heart away. Ning Shuyan is clear-eyed: she wants wealth and prestige, along with the emperor’s favor. For three years, she carefully plots each step, wins the emperor’s attention, and rises from Talented Lady to Noble Consort. Rumor has it that the emperor only 56.6kReads9.5Score7kShelves

    Reader note

    In the third year of Emperor Yifeng's reign, in the third month, the current emperor, having completed his three-year mourning period for the late emperor, held his first imperial concubine selection. The palace and its surroundings were bustling with activity. Street vendors thronged the streets and alleys, their laughter and chatter filling the air, the crowds stretching as far as the eye could see. Even the number of beggars hiding at the crossroads was greater than usual. One beggar, however, stood out. Though he carried a begging bowl, he wore a string of Buddhist prayer beads around his neck. A strange, eerie light shone in his eyes as he stared intently at a woman on the street. The woman was about sixteen years old, dressed in a light purple ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her long, black hair simply styled in a bun, a single strand falling to her chest, exuding a charming and alluring beauty. Her features were exceptionally beautiful: teeth like melon seeds, a delicate forehead and arched eyebrows, eyes as clear as autumn water, and a face as white as jade. Surely, any man would be captivated by her beauty. Unexpectedly, the beggar suddenly stepped forward and blocked the woman's path. His dark face was filled with a serious expression, and his tone was very solemn: "Miss, you exude an air of nobility. As I foresee, you will surely be the most honored woman in this Yifeng Dynasty in the future." The maid beside the woman looked at the beggar and chuckled, "You're just a beggar, do you think you can tell fortunes?" The woman turned her head to look at the maid, her fair cheeks tinged with a thin layer of gold by the setting sun, making her appear serene and tranquil. She said gently, "Give him some silver." Upon hearing this, the maid quickly took out some loose silver from her sleeve and gave it to the beggar. The beggar smiled broadly and bowed, "Thank you, Miss, thank you, Miss."

46. 46 贵 The Noble Consort Is Cool and Aloof, and the Emperor Yearns for Her Night After Night 贵妃清冷，圣上夜夜相思 Que Ling Yan Zi雀翎宴子Ancient Romance448k WordsCompleted Shen Qinghe was in the bloom of youth when she entered the palace, where she weathered its intrigues for more than a decade. She had hoped to leave with a reward one day, or perhaps spend her whole life peacefully as a palace official. But then an order came down, and one day she unexpectedly became an imperial consort. She watched these women fight day after day, never expecting to become entangled in their schemes herself. Shen Qinghe could only sigh. He was the emperor, and she was a palac 12.8kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    [Palace Intrigue and Domestic Strife] 🍃Second Book (Completed): The female lead is a palace maid who is chosen to become a concubine. She initially refuses but later becomes deeply involved. It was the male lead who used his cunning to get her into the palace!!! ( ᵒ̴̶̷̤໐ᵒ̴̶̷̤ ) 🍃Third Book (Completed): The female lead enters the palace through the imperial concubine selection and focuses on her career. Although she encounters some setbacks, she manages them all! The female lead knows when to pretend and when to take revenge!!! ૧(●´৺`●)૭

47. 47 皇 Has the Noble Consort Left Qirong Palace Today? 皇贵妃今天出栖容宫了吗？ Xiaoman Crisp小满酥Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [☆No transmigration, no rebirth, and no pristine couples] [☆The romance develops gradually] Everyone in the palace knew that the person they must never offend was neither the pampered and fiery Noble Consort Hui nor the peerlessly beautiful Consort Cen, but Noble Consort Zhe of Qirong Palace, Lady Fucha. A consort's guide to survival: If you want to get ahead, never provoke the lady of Qirong Palace. She was the emperor's first woman, his companion and confidante since their youth; the mother 15.3kReads9.3Score1.3kShelves
48. 48 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, the Foolish Princess Marries the Ninth Lord with Her Four Maids 退婚后，傻妃携四大丫鬟嫁九千岁 Clingy Little Tomato粘人小番茄Ancient Romance1.8M WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Household Intrigue + Historical Romance + Princess Consort + Legitimate Daughter + Medical Skills + Two Powerful Leads + Cunning + Playing the Fool + Reborn + Fiercely Protective + Political Scheming] 99% of the comments are positive! Read with confidence! Su Qian, once the leader of a special forces unit in the apocalypse, died unexpectedly while carrying out a mission. With her portable medical space, she transmigrated to ancient times and into the residence of a great gener 23.3kReads8.1Score3.8kShelves

    Reader note

    No more feeling lost in a reading slump! This book is definitely worth following. The plot is engaging, the characters are compelling, and there's no disappointing ending. You won't regret reading it; you'll want more after you finish! A highly recommended gem! The plot is tight and fast-paced, with plenty of exciting moments that don't feel frustrating. The writing is smooth and immersive. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down! I've discovered a treasure of a novel, with likable characters, an explosive plot, and not a single dull moment. If you like this genre, don't miss it! [Eating melon emoji][heart emoji]

49. 49 穿 After I Transmigrated Into a Book, I Took the White Lotus's Place as the Heir's Wife 穿书后，我顶替白莲花成了世子妃 Lush Bamboo Swaying绿竹依依Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Synopsis: [Heads-up: angst at first, then satisfying revenge + heroine has a past, male lead is chaste + second male lead takes the top spot + groveling chase + abused concubine grows into a powerful heroine] In the novel My Lord, Your Favorite Concubine Has Run Away Again, the heroine escapes again and again, only for the male lead to catch her and drag her back to the Marquis’s residence every time. Wu Weiwei transmigrates into a book and becomes a low-ranking servant girl sold into slavery at 91Reads7.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all good and fit the title.

50. 50 穿 After I Transmigrate into a Book, I Become the Beloved of the Beautiful, Strong, Tragic Male Lead 穿书后我成了美强惨男主心尖宠 Your Wife你的夫人Ancient Romance555k WordsCompleted [Transmigrates into a book + dark-hearted male lead + cannon-fodder female lead + both leads are each other's first and only + sweet romance] [Beautiful, tragic male lead + beloved, irresistible female lead] [Complete] Jiang Shi's mother dies in childbirth, and his father falls in battle. His uncles covet the title and fortune of the marquis's household. They act as though they care for him deeply, but hide daggers behind their smiles. Before he is even out of swaddling clothes, he's poisoned ev 7.3kReads8.5Score831Shelves

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