Any Historical Romance with a Brilliant, Strategic, Strong Female Lead? 有没有高谋略的古言小说，女主很强很聪明

1. 301 穿 Transmigrating to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms as an Empress 穿越到五代十国当女帝 Zhu Sui, Who Likes Little Ginkgo Trees喜欢小银杏的朱隧Ancient Romance1.6M WordsOngoing I'm an ordinary female liberal arts student. After an accident, I transmigrated to the Later Jin and became Shi Jingtang's youngest daughter. I put my knowledge of history to use, sweeping across the land with a million troops, conquering the eight corners of the world, uniting the four seas, and winning the hearts of all under heaven. I gathered the finest weapons, recruited elite troops, armed myself to the teeth, and joined the heroes of the land in vying for supremacy over the Central Plains 804Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   I highly recommend two novels featuring female protagonists who are skilled in strategy and vying for power. They are by established authors and have excellent writing quality.

2. 302 绝 The Peerless Young Master: You Were Always So Cold 绝世公子:卿本凉薄 Clear Heart清心Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Three lives had made her cold to the core. Just a moment ago, everyone thought her heart was beginning to soften. In the blink of an eye, she walked away without a hint of regret. 503Reads8.5Score10114d adds
3. 303 国 The God of Gambling's Wife at the Duke's Mansion Wants a Divorce Again 国公府的赌神娘子又又又要和离了 Moonlight over Nanshan南山月明Ancient Romance447k WordsOngoing No rebirth, no transmigration. A powerful hero and heroine, and a tale of revenge. Devoted couple + palace and household intrigue + scheming hero + cunning heroine + love and hate + marriage pact Sang Wan was tricked onto a pleasure boat. She was only trying to escape an arranged marriage, but ended up on Pei Jinzhi's pirate ship and, by a twist of fate, became the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo's heir. Every morning when she wakes, she cries out three times: “I want a divorce! I want a divorce —Reads8.9Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Both the male and female leads are talkative, a bickering couple who complement each other perfectly. A revenge story with strong, clean leads, a slow-burning romance, and plenty of brainpower. The love is incredibly sweet, not artificially sweet!

4. 304 小 The Little Palace Maid's Thoughts Were Read 小宫女被读心了 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance254k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the palace as a maid, Qin Jianjian works diligently, flatters those above her, and deceives those below her. In the end, she becomes the top-ranked maid serving the Empress Dowager. She has undoubtedly reached the pinnacle of her profession. Money she’s openly entitled to, along with money she shouldn’t have, keeps flowing into Qin Jianjian’s pockets. Delighted, she just has to wait until she’s old enough to leave the palace and retire early. Who could have guessed the 14.7kReads9.4Score1.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   The first book is an absolute high-scoring ancient romance novel. The female lead is very intelligent and clear-headed, and the writing style is also quite unique. It's a clean romance novel. The third book is about the male lead's journey to win her back in his second life. The female lead is a time traveler, but she is very clear-headed and always knows what she wants. She is also truly ruthless. Neither of them are good people. The epilogue is about the female lead being tortured to death by the male lead in her first life. The fourth book has some fantasy elements, and the setting is very novel and enjoyable. The fifth book has a female official as the female lead. In the early stages, the female lead is strong and the male lead is weak, but later the male lead's identity is revealed, and he begins his journey to win her back.

5. 305 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

   The female protagonist's business acumen in this book is so impressive, it's like reading another book about training business tycoons! I feel like I could do it after finishing it.

6. 306 变 Transformed Into a Late Tang Princess, the Empress Commands You to Ascend the Throne 变身唐末公主，女帝请登基 Little Umbrella Monk of Spirit Grass Valley灵草谷的唐伞小僧Historical235k WordsOngoing A historical novel with a powerful female lead. The heroine is invincible, but not because she is the best in the world. Her advantage is on an entirely different level: in the later stages, she and her opponents exist in different dimensions, leaving her with an overwhelming edge. If that's not for you, don't read. The plot turns into a women-loving-women story, so if that's not for you, don't read. 315Reads7.0Score—14d adds
7. 307 异 Empress of Another World: The Crown Prince’s Beloved Wife 异世帝凰：太子的绝宠妻 Watching Lantern Flowers on Horseback走马看灯花Ancient Romance642k WordsCompleted [Complete. The heroine is at the pinnacle of both status and power, domineering and assertive. No angst, one-on-one romance, both leads devoted only to each other.] This book is also known as The Heavenly Dao and Her White Lotus Demon, or After I Returned to the Nine Provinces. In short, the heroine starts out beautiful, strong, and tragic, then becomes ruthless and calculating midway through, crushing all who stand in her way. A little amusement “He was mean to me!” The dignified crown prince’s 814Reads9.1Score10514d adds

   Reader note

   This is truly the pinnacle of ancient Chinese romance novels, a female version of Nirvana in Fire, a genuine political intrigue story. She is the renowned third-place scholar, showered with love and affection, but surprisingly, even her own father cannot realize she is a woman—a clear case of a woman disguised as a man.

8. 308 王 The Prince’s Darling: His Substitute Bride Is No Easy Target 王爷娇宠：替嫁丑妃不好惹 Half a Hu of Pearls半斛珠Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Born into a general’s household, she was raised by a female slave. Orphaned young and terribly ugly, she barely managed to survive in the vast general’s residence. Amid the palace’s treacherous intrigues, she had no choice but to take her legitimate elder sister’s place and marry the equally neglected Seventh Prince. One was ugly, the other cold and indifferent. It suited their plans and pleased them both. She had thought she would spend her whole life in obscurity, but the wheel of fate took an 9Reads8.7Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Let me quietly recommend myself. I really put a lot of effort into writing this. Both of my female protagonists are exceptionally intelligent and stir up trouble in the capital!

9. 309 长 The Long Wind Blows for Tens of Thousands of Miles 长风几万里 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted Kunyi fell for someone. Monsters ran amok at the palace banquet. The man arrived with the constables of the Shangqing Bureau, standing right beneath her favorite bronze lamp shaped like a flying crane. Radiance fell across his broad shoulders, and when the wind stirred the hem of his dark robe, it fluttered like an eagle circling a cliffside. Sometimes love at first sight really is that simple. She hadn't even seen his face clearly, yet she had already thought of names for their children. A ser 2.6kReads9.2Score40214d adds
10. 310 游 A Wandering Immortal, Dazzling as a Swan 游仙惊鸿 A Chacha阿查查Ancient Romance104k WordsOngoing [Powerful, dominant female lead + yandere younger male lead + flamboyant cat pet + light domestic and palace intrigue] Her mother killed her husband and was branded a “mad princess” who had forsaken all human decency. Li Leyou grew up with nothing but the title of a noblewoman. Her father’s clan disowned her, while the imperial relatives avoided her like the plague. Even Fu Qian, the husband she’d given up everything to marry, treated her like dirt: he left for war on their wedding night, took h 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Her mother killed her husband, and she was subsequently called "Little Madwoman." Her husband, whom she married down from her station, favored his concubine over his wife; her mother-in-law was treacherous; her sisters-in-law were scheming; and her sister-in-law was foolish and wicked… Turning the tables like this must be incredibly satisfying!

11. 311 万 Reborn as a Phoenix for Ten Thousand Lifetimes 万世为凰 Full Flush, Self-Draw混一色自摸Ancient Romance295k WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + No Fixed Couple + Satisfying Read + Court Intrigue] [No Rebirth, No Transmigration, No System] “Why is a woman called wicked just for wanting status, power, and wealth?” Xiao Qi remains silent. Song Shixu doesn't need his answer. She turns and walks away, and the two part ways. The palace, a symbol of supreme power, gleams in dazzling splendor. Song Shixu walks toward it up the jade steps, without a moment's hesitation. 6Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A female-centric story with political intrigue and satisfying plot twists [Taste it for yourself]. Tired of the usual formulaic historical romance novels? This one will feel different. The female lead's relationship with her half-sister breaks away from the typical sisterly rivalry, but it's not mindless indulgence; there are realistic considerations. The story weaves together threads of social interaction among noble ladies, power struggles within aristocratic families, and corruption in officialdom. The characters' motivations are all plausible, making for a very enjoyable read.

12. 312 天 The Phoenix of Destiny Defies Fate in Huadu 天命之凤逆华都 Half a Hu of Pearls半斛珠Ancient Romance606k WordsCompleted He was a wild boy from the Marquis’s household, a nuisance to everyone, doing as he pleased from heaven to earth. Everyone said the esteemed Marquis of Boling had raised a rebellious son! But at a literary gathering, a faint silhouette behind a folding screen captured the boy’s heart. From then on, he laid his whole heart before her, hoping to win even the smallest favor. He didn’t care if it meant offending the Crown Prince. Just as he began to believe she felt the same way, she cruelly humilia 1Reads—Score—14d adds
13. 313 上 Spring Affairs in the Capital 上京春事 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Ning Chaoyang rises to become a fourth-rank female official, yet still can’t escape the fate of being traded into a political marriage. She decides to take in a lover to fight back. He must be lowborn, handsome, and preferably too frail to look after himself. She glances to the side and spots a charming young doctor in white. 5.5kReads9.3Score85514d adds
14. 314 锦 Wealth and Power: The Concubine's Merchant's Scheme 锦绣钱权：庶女商谋录 Little Hejian小禾尖Ancient Romance721k WordsCompleted From five taels in her private stash to wielding control over the empire’s finances, she relied on the simplest principle: Everything in the world can be calculated. Human greed, tangled interests, the rise and fall of dynasties: it is all just a ledger waiting to be tallied. 69Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is intelligent and decisive, clear-headed in her career, skilled in both political maneuvering and business warfare. From a weak woman confined to a wealthy family, she rises to power, making for a high-energy and satisfying story.

15. 315 她 Why Is the Bastard Son of the Earl's Manor She Toyed With Living in the Eastern Palace? 她玩弄的伯府庶子，怎么住东宫啊 Beijing Bamboo北京竹Ancient Romance336k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + both leads are each other's first love + heroine treats hero as an antidote + hero's longtime crush comes true and drives him mad with love] [Brave and fearless female general VS scheming, gloomy, sweet-faced-but-black-hearted crown prince] Pei Zhao is the first female general of the Yong Dynasty. Meng Yansheng, heir to the Marquis's household, has been secretly in love with her for years and willingly marries into her family. On their wedding day, a sealed imperial or 135Reads6.6Score1214d adds

    Reader note

    A historical romance novel with political intrigue elements; the female lead is sassy and strong, while the male lead is a cunning, manipulative, and eccentric character; the relationship is extremely volatile.

16. 316 别 Don't Mess with Her: The Princess May Lie Flat, but She'll Still Crush the Scum 别惹她，长公主虽躺平，但狠虐渣 Flying Like Clouds如云飞扬Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing [Transmigration, past and present lives, woman disguised as a man, political intrigue, sweet and satisfying] Yun Qing was a princess born of the emperor's elder sister. On the day she was born, she was switched, poisoned, and hunted down, ending up in the common world as a discarded daughter of the family who had to disguise herself as a man. Her heartless father, her vicious concubine stepmother, and all manner of monsters and demons wanted her dead. When she opened her eyes again, she had s 1.5kReads9.3Score18314d adds

    Reader note

    Using people's hearts as pawns, he wreaks havoc on all sides, scheming to conquer the world. The writing style is humorous and witty, making it a great read.

17. 317 咦 Huh? Prince, Why Are You So Doting? 咦？王爷你好宠！ Yi Angzi一昂子Ancient Romance303k WordsOngoing My scumbag father despises me and sends me to the countryside? I’ll secretly work hard, build my own power, then return to the capital and watch you make a fool of yourself. My stepmother plots against me behind my back? I’ll shave your head clean! Wait, the vegetarian, prayer-loving grandmother who favors boys has a life on her hands? You think I’m just a delicate young lady? Then I’ll master ancient divine arts and amaze everyone. You look down on me? How about being a princess? Or a princess —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is hilarious! The female lead's sharp tongue is so outspoken and sarcastic. The male lead is of noble birth and dotes on her unconditionally. It's a hilarious ensemble piece in an ancient Chinese romance, definitely worth reading. Perfect for killing time.

18. 318 花 The Courtesan's Blade, the Prince's Waist 花魁的刀，王爷的腰 Totally Bewitched可迷可迷了Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted [A short drama and comic adaptation with the same title are now available] [Secret Identities / Devoted to Each Other / Happy Ending / Scheming Prince x Cold, Elegant Pavilion Master] Sworn enemies become spouses, uncovering each other's secret identities and flirting their way into a sweet romance! The Prince of Lingyuan x the Azure Bone Sect: a carefully orchestrated descent into madness. She is the mysterious master of the Pig Bone Pavilion, as well as the most famous courtesan in the capita 9.6kReads9.0Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    She is a courtesan assassin burdened with a blood feud, and he is a cold-faced prince with immense power. In a contract marriage, he falls in love with her through repeated acts of protection, and ultimately, the throne cannot compare to her.

19. 319 神 The Abandoned Divine Doctor Consort 神医弃妃 Green Hat, Never to Return青笠不归Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted She rose from the dead! After fifteen years in the grave, she crawled out of Hell! Gu Qinghan’s medical skills are unmatched, and powerful ministers and wealthy nobles flock to her. She commands spirits and ghosts with her occult arts, making even the fiercest wraiths do her bidding! Trying to scheme against her? She’ll summon the vengeful ghost of a woman who died horribly to strike back! Call her useless? She knows military strategy, statecraft, poetry, books, rites, and music. The one thing s 51Reads8.6Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Please follow] ① The current emperor, Shen Muchen, was born on the same day, month, and year as her. He is not only the youngest son of the enemy who murdered his father and brothers, but in this life, he was also banished to the cold palace and then sent to reward the three armies... The female protagonist, a ghost reincarnated, is going to drag him into the abyss! [Please follow] ② Both the male and female protagonists are strong. Before their transmigration and rebirth, they were modern soldiers with the world in their hearts. In ancient times, whether they are princes or goddesses, they still want to be passionate heroes who protect their country. [Thumbs up] The poorest powerful person in transmigration novels, always racking his brains to make money. [Laughs]

20. 320 裙 A Servant Beneath Her Skirts 裙下臣 Rice Ball米团子Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Someone tells Li Yi, “The Lu family's daughter your imperial brother is going to marry is beautiful, sure, but she's as dull as a block of wood.” Li Yi scoffs. “What, did that block of wood come to life?” 1.9kReads8.9Score52014d adds

    Reader note

    I never imagined Tomato (a popular Chinese author) could write such good historical romance novels. With over twenty years of reading experience, trust me, you won't regret it! [Kissing emoji]

21. 321 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 21.5kReads9.3Score2k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's so good! The female lead is just acting the whole time, all she wants is to go home. I'm hooked! I'm hooked! I'm hooked!

22. 322 长 The Eldest Daughter’s Dazzling Rise 长女惊华 Get Rich Overnight一夜暴富Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Satisfying revenge + political intrigue + mutual salvation + miracle doctor + two powerful leads] The Ji family was a century-old military clan, revered by everyone in the imperial capital of Yulin. And yet the eldest Ji daughter was known throughout Yulin as a useless coward. Then, in a single night, the Ji family fell, and every man in the family died on the battlefield. It was the supposedly useless eldest daughter who held the entire family together. She divorced a prince! She made an enemy 3.1kReads8.8Score50114d adds
23. 323 听 Word Has It, This Person Is Highly Esteemed 听闻，此人素有雅望 We Will All Become Rich Women我们终将富婆Ancient Romance100k WordsOngoing First, I'm hopeless at coming up with names. Second, I don't dare use names I find online, either. Finally, I want to start a historical romance. I'll write as I go, and I've got a decent backlog so far. Male lead: undecided Female lead: Yan Linglan. She fires the first shot in the history of the feudal era by running away from her arranged marriage, though she doesn't quite get away. As if bound by fate, she still meets the people she's destined to meet, and what is meant to happen still happen —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The novel featuring the female protagonist running away before marriage fired the first shot in the feudal era of elopement.

24. 324 嫁 After Marrying the Mad Crown Prince to Bring Him Good Fortune 嫁给疯批太子冲喜后 You Shi尤时Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The unfavored legitimate daughter of the Mu family is ordered by imperial decree to marry the crown prince, Zhou Jing, who is at death's door, to bring him good luck. Plenty of people wait to laugh at her, saying she might just end up bringing him luck by killing him in bed. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. The young woman is clearly terrified of him, but still can't help swearing her loyalty. “Your Highness, I'll treat you very well.” “Your Highness, after you pas 33.2kReads9.4Score4.6k14d adds
25. 325 开 From the Start, I’m Forced to Marry the Enemy Kingdom’s Crown Prince, and the Heir Goes on a Killing Spree 开局强娶敌国太子，世子她杀疯了 Pondering Life While Making Pancakes摊饼时思考人生Ancient Romance735k WordsCompleted [Play the Pig to Eat the Tiger] [High-IQ Political Scheming] [Madwoman in Disguise as a Man] [Two Powerful Black Lotuses] [Happy Ending] The disguised marquis's heir (openly putting on an act, with a sharp tongue) VS the gentle, scheming Crown Prince (ruthless in secret, a beautiful madman) Before she was reborn, blood flowed at the execution ground. Her entire family was wiped out. She watched him suffer humiliation and died full of hatred! After being reborn, she arrived at a brothel in a gran 112Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a female-centric novel! The female lead fights her way to the top, only to be imprisoned in the palace by the male lead just as she's about to become empress. In the end, she and the male lead engage in a battle of wits and courage, using the empire as a chessboard. Both characters are virgins, and the story has a happy ending.

26. 326 顶 After Taking the Heiress's Place, the Capital's Most Eligible Bachelor Sets His Sights on Me 顶替千金后，京城第一公子盯上我 Sleepless Whale不失眠鲸鱼Ancient Romance211k WordsCompleted [The Ice-Cold Beauty Goes Wild for Love | Push and Pull to the Limit | Combative Couple | Restraint | Unaware of Their Own Love | One-on-One] A Ling assumes another person’s identity to infiltrate the Duke’s manor. The task assigned to him is to use his prestigious status to marry Shen Heng. At first, the mission goes smoothly. But his cousin at the manor, the capital’s most celebrated young gentleman, may seem charming and carefree, yet he has already uncovered A Ling’s true origins in secret. 18Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    If you don't like mindless sweet romance novels, you might want to give this one a try. The core plot revolves around disguise and intrigue within a powerful family. The female lead lives under someone else's identity, walking a tightrope at every turn, her every word and action carefully chosen to avoid revealing her true identity. She must learn all the skills of a sheltered young lady while simultaneously advancing her original plans. The male lead, a renowned playboy in the capital, appears carefree and irresponsible, but secretly he has already uncovered clues suggesting the female lead's identity is questionable. The relationship between the male and female leads is largely one of testing and maneuvering, with their romance developing gradually.

27. 327 楼 Between Towers and Misty Rain 楼台烟雨间 Liu Shuiyue刘水月Ancient Romance149k WordsOngoing [Turbulent times + medicine + court intrigue + personal growth + two strong leads + fast-paced + sweet at first, angsty later + a later-stage battle for love + a refreshingly straightforward plot] [A gifted young physician who knows how to read the situation vs. a cold-blooded prince with unfathomable depths] I only meant to save a badly injured man on a whim. Who knew that one act would drag me straight into the storms of court politics? Wait, what is going on here... The Second Prince wants 11Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I was frantically searching for books, and then I stumbled upon this gem! The female lead's character is absolutely amazing; you won't find another like her anywhere else online. She's hilarious, intelligent, and has a hidden identity—I won't spoil it yet. As you read on, you'll understand why the male lead is so good to her. The whole book is free of melodrama; it's all plot twists, a blend of pure romance and political intrigue set against a chaotic backdrop—a true "hero emerges from troubled times" story. The Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties setting feels very historical and believable, depicting the helplessness of ordinary people facing imperial power. The female lead has an incredibly broad perspective, and the author's design of the political intrigue is meticulous, filling in all the plot holes flawlessly! The twists and turns are completely unexpected! You absolutely must read it! This newly updated version is fantastic—the setting is so fresh! Everyone should read it!! It's absolutely amazing!

28. 328 G GB: Is the Shadow Guard Too Submissive? The Lady Takes the Lead GB：暗卫太卑微？小姐亲自折腰 It's Xiao Shang是肖尚Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing [Female Top, Male Bottom, No Switching or Reversal, Plot-Driven Angst, Growing Female Lead] [Scheming, Dominant Young Lady x Humble Puppy-Like Shadow Guard] [Not Just a Two-Person Story, Slightly Female-Centric] [Bittersweet Romance, Childbirth, The Author Has Decided Who Gives Birth] The state of Qiao is bound by rigid Confucian morals, with civil officials holding the reins of power. Beneath the surface, turmoil has long been brewing. Zhi He’s original wish was simple: for the Zhi family to li 2kReads8.1Score25914d adds

    Reader note

    I stumbled upon a historical romance novel about political intrigue. The female lead is the legitimate daughter of a Grand Commandant, a shrewd and calculating woman caught in the power struggles of the court. The male lead is her personal bodyguard, trained from a young age with an ingrained sense of hierarchy, accustomed to seeing himself as a selfless blade. Their romance doesn't begin with instant attraction; it's the female lead who gradually peels away his facade of inferiority. The two navigate the turbulent court affairs while cautiously pulling at each other, the political intrigue and romance intertwined seamlessly.

29. 329 这 This Prince Is Impossible to Kill. I Have to Tame Him! 这个王爷命太硬，得盘！ Noble Title for a Meal封侯拜饭Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted After toiling for a thousand years, Chi Rourou became a domineering queen whose roar could shake heaven and earth. Then, in a single moment, she croaked and opened her eyes as a young girl again... and a squeaky little thing with superhuman strength. Second Miss Chi: Squeak, squeak! Believe me, I can knock your head off with one slap! The bandit sneered. “Go ahead and try!” Second Miss Chi waved her hand lightly. Bandit: Where’s my head? The heir of the Prince of Yu’s household was a refined sco 1.1kReads9.3Score13914d adds

    Reader note

    Synopsis: I highly recommend the first ancient romance novel about rebirth; it's different—it's about a thousand-year-old zombie who is reborn. After her rebirth, she bickers and argues with the male lead. The next two are just average.

30. 330 盲 The Blind Physician in the Capital: Schemes of the Imperial Court 盲医踏京：帝阙权谋录 Dong Wang Jinglan东往景澜Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted She is a blind physician with clear-sighted purpose, lying low for thirty years, waiting to stir up the treacherous imperial court. He is the supreme ruler, commanding all beneath heaven and mastering every scheme, yet somehow failing to account for his own heart. One fateful red thread binds her bloody vendetta at one end and his vast empire at the other. When her celestial eye sees through his game, it also reveals her own fate. A tragic romance that begins in manipulation and ends in deep 115Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Absolutely! Who understands this kind of fateful political intrigue? The female lead is blind yet sees through everyone's schemes, while the emperor, possessing a vast empire, loses his composure for her. Their initial encounter is entirely based on mutual exploitation, a game of chess where every move is a clash of wits, hatred and love inextricably intertwined. There's no forced whitewashing, no mindless romance; the female lead's revenge is satisfyingly written, and the emperor's later pursuit of his wife is heart-wrenching. The writing is delicate and atmospheric; fans of high-IQ historical romance shouldn't miss it.

31. 331 被 Forced to Become the Stepmother of Five Villains 被迫成了五个反派的后娘 Mo Yuzhi陌于之Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted After transmigrating, she found herself a stepmother, and every one of her stepchildren was destined to become a major villain. The reason? Their stepmother had been cruel, vicious, and utterly unreliable. Qiao Lianlian was mortified. Luckily, Heaven had sent her here. From then on, she patiently taught the children to be kind, and the little string beans grew into chubby dumplings. But just then, the children’s father returned, and Qiao Lianlian discovered that four of the five children had ast 10.4kReads9.2Score1.8k14d adds
32. 332 沙 The Hilarious Heir Apparent Needs More Than Just a Lesson in Decency 沙雕世子她缺的不止是德 Good Fortune Sixfold福六顺Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Cross-Dressing as a Man + Everyone’s Favorite + No Romance + Yandere + Ancient Academy + Political Schemes + Ensemble Cast] The moment Xiang Mu transmigrated into a book, she knew she was doomed. Her father was the most heinous villain in history, and she was the most notorious young wastrel ever. The entire country wanted the villainous father and son dead, and even her own lovely wife was sharpening a knife in the courtyard, ready to kill her with her own hands. To change her fate of being ki 2.5kReads9.0Score39114d adds

    Reader note

    I think Gaga is beautiful and the female lead is very smart.

33. 333 朱 The Belle of the Vermilion Gates 朱门娇医 Three Thousand Moons三千月Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Reborn + two powerful leads + satisfying read + punishing scoundrels + devoted couple] A renowned healer’s descendant from the 21st century is reborn as the only daughter of a powerful family. Even the princess has to show her respect. She’s ignorant, utterly arrogant, and yet no one dares rein her in! Her family connections and resources are the cream of the crop among transmigrators into other people’s bodies. Just when Rong Xinyu decides to take it easy, she discovers that even her stunning 120Reads8.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend it, but the title isn't great.

34. 334 步 Splendor at Every Turn, Spring at Every Step 步步惊华步步春 Twenty-Four Flower Mornings廿四花朝Ancient Romance850k WordsOngoing [Pure Historical Romance] [Plot-Driven] [Court Intrigue] [Two Strong Leads] [One-on-One Romance] [Everyone Is Clever] [Powerful Prince Who Holds the Court in His Hand vs. Brilliant Commoner Daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen, the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's household, was born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble home in the countryside. Then, one day, she was forced to enter the treacherous world of the capital's noble houses. Her relatives put on a false show of welcome, 8.7kReads8.7Score85714d adds

    Reader note

    A historical romance novel about political intrigue, featuring an exceptionally intelligent female protagonist.

35. 335 侯 The Marquis's Widow Raised a Household of Geniuses 侯夫人守寡，却养出满门天骄 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Tang Shuyi transmigrated into the Great Qian dynasty, becoming the wife of the Marquis of Yongning. She was rich, powerful, and high-status, with no parents-in-law and a dead husband: she had it better than almost anyone else who had transmigrated. Just as she was about to enjoy a comfortable life as a wealthy noblewoman, she discovered that she had transmigrated into a book, and was its biggest villain. She wasn’t just rich, powerful, and high-status. She also had three unruly children. The eld 71.3kReads9.4Score10.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    🎋The widowed heroine single-handedly raises three children and single-handedly supports the Yongning Marquis's mansion in the Great Qian Dynasty! 🌻Thirty thousand taels! Why doesn't Tang Shuyi just fly to the moon? 🌻Her parents were called in by the teacher! 👶🏻 🌻This one isn't good, let's move on to the next one!

36. 336 与 Through Frost and Snow, Together with You 与君共霜雪 Su Zhong夙衷Ancient Romance937k WordsCompleted [Woman disguised as a man + court intrigue + simmering tension + slow-burn serious drama + duty to country and people] Everyone at court says that the emperor and Cheng Jin are the perfect ruler and minister. No one knows that this pillar of the court is actually a woman. From the throne, a pair of tranquil eyes is always tracing the curve of her nape. He sees her as ever upright and self-controlled, treating him only as her sovereign. He fears that she cares only for her country and its peopl 823Reads8.3Score10414d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The female lead is both smart and adorable.

37. 337 山 Spring Comes to the Mountain Woods 山木逢春 The Fly Doesn't Fly乌蝇不飞Ancient Romance263k WordsOngoing [Two formidable leads + court intrigue + kindred spirits + growing together + long live idealism] Censor Zhou Huaiyue is ordered to investigate a fire at the salt warehouse. A token belonging to the Fang family is found in the ashes. Armed with an imperial edict, he turns the Fang family’s estate upside down, determined to find the statue of an evil god rumored to be enshrined in their inner residence. He doesn’t find the statue. Instead, he brings out a young woman who seems detached in both 43Reads—Score13514d adds

    Reader note

    A traditional writing style, a strong blend of ancient Chinese romance and fantasy. The male protagonist has read countless books, the female protagonist has traveled far and wide; their meeting is as beautiful as a fleeting moment in the mortal world. There are no melodramatic plot devices, no overpowered plot twists, no time travel or rebirth cheat codes.

38. 338 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 77.1kReads9.5Score7.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    These three stories are well-written, and the female protagonists are intelligent and not overly idealistic.

39. 339 少 The Young Marshal Rules His Wife: Even If the Forced-Melon's Not Sweet, It Has to Be 少帅霸妻，强扭的瓜不甜也得甜 Chu Diandian初点点Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Traditional household intrigue + revenge on scoundrels + fictional Republic-era setting + coercive pursuit + reborn heroine] Young Marshal Jing Yuanzhao is captivated by Yan Xin’s striking beauty and wants to keep her in a private residence, even though she is already married. “Stay with me for three months, and I’ll give you all the luxury and wealth you want. Your husband’s career will take off, too.” Yan Xin slapped him across the face. After he went to every length to get her, he asked with 27.3kReads9.5Score3.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    These four female leads are probably at the pinnacle of intelligence! Highly strategic and meticulously planned! [Please follow][Please follow][Please follow] ① Rebirth in the Republican Era: The female lead was exploited and lived a miserable life in her previous life. After being reborn, she takes revenge on her ex-husband's family with high strategy and meticulous planning, creating traps and schemes within traps, making her ex-husband's family scream in agony! The male lead is ruthless and unreasonable, but after falling in love with the female lead, he dotes on her! Super sweet! ② Republican Era: The female lead is a princess of a fallen kingdom, raised according to the emperor's standards. She has extremely high intelligence, understands medicine, and is very skilled at planning. The male lead is ruthless, but after falling in love with her, he transforms from a fierce Tibetan Mastiff into a husky! ③ Modern Suspense: The female lead's intelligence is off the charts; she can kill without lifting a finger! ④ Ancient Domestic Strife: From a stay-at-home girl to a woman with a grand vision for the nation! Highly strategic and meticulously planned, very entertaining!!

40. 340 少 Young Marshal, Your Wife Has Run Away Again 少帅你老婆又跑了 Ming Yao明药Modern Romance5.4M WordsCompleted “My wife is a country girl. She doesn’t know anything about fashion, so don’t bully her!” the Young Marshal declared. The socialites and noble ladies whom the Young Marshal’s wife had completely overshadowed wanted to cry: Who was bullying whom, exactly? The Young Marshal added, “My wife is gentle and quiet. She doesn’t know anything about Chinese medicine or marksmanship!” The patients cured by his wife and the enemies she’d shot dead wondered: Young Marshal, are you blind? “My wife is tend 16.7kReads9.3Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    A story of power struggles and intrigue within a wealthy family. The female lead appears to be a country girl, but she is dignified, intelligent, and meticulous. She is constantly targeted, yet she navigates each situation with cunning and strategy, always managing to turn the tables and achieve victory in thrilling and suspenseful moments. Highly recommended!

41. 341 鸾 Spring of the Phoenix 鸾春 Yin Yu尹玉Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [One-to-one, devoted couple + palace and household intrigue + revenge + strong heroine + reborn + satisfying story + power struggles] The first time Lu Yuanzhi met Sheng Yi, she provoked the cold-faced demon. Everyone thought that sooner or later, she would die at Sheng Yi's hands. Then, in the blink of an eye, Sheng Yi was smiling tenderly at Lu Yuanzhi. "I know you're using me, but I'm happy to let you." "You used yourself as bait to draw me into your scheme. How could you know that wasn't exa 1.6kReads8.9Score18614d adds

    Reader note

    This book is amazing! The story is original, the plot is fast-paced, there are no naive girls, the characters are intelligent and resourceful—the kind you'd binge-watch all night!

42. 342 穿 After I Transmigrated, I Doted on the God of War Prince 穿越后，我娇养了战神王爷 Singing to the Wind Beneath the Pale Moon浅月吟风Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Transmigration] [Medical Skills] [Secret Identity] [Superpowers] [Portable Space] [Strong Female Lead] [Fleeing the Famine] [Sweet Romance] The author solemnly promises: every work under my name is entirely handmade, with absolutely no AI! Super agent Gu Qingyue, a gifted little doctor with healing powers, transmigrates. She transmigrates into the body of Gu Qingyue, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's household. Since childhood, her aunt had schemed to sell her to a remote mountai 4.2kReads9.0Score49414d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is incredibly intelligent, highly skilled in martial arts, unparalleled in medicine and poison, decisive in killing, and ruthless in punishing and slapping down villains. Highly recommended.

43. 343 为 To Solve a Major Case, I Have to Get Close to My Nemesis 为查重案，我被迫和死对头贴贴 Cold Night, Long Light寒夜长照Ancient Romance227k WordsCompleted [The cold, iron-willed female deputy minister × the smooth-talking male vice minister] [An unwilling partnership decreed by imperial edict | Bickering partners solving cases together] Shen Ciwan, deputy minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and Pei Yan, vice minister of the Ministry of Justice, are the capital’s most famous rivals in government. She thinks he’s a slick-tongued, shameless rogue; he thinks she’s cold-hearted and has no human feeling. They routinely submit memorials accusing 84Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The pinnacle of political intrigue—the author is an amazing writer!!

44. 344 两 Two Lives of Joy: The Duke's Legitimate Daughter Is Truly Unrestrained 两世欢：公府嫡女她是真的狂 Dancing Sunflower跳舞的向日葵Ancient Romance667k WordsCompleted (Rebirth power fantasy + married across two lifetimes + palace and household intrigue + political machinations) Ye Liujin once thought she was the happiest young lady in Shengjing. Her aunt was just one step away from becoming empress. Her elder brother was the illustrious Duke of Shanguo, commanding an army of two hundred thousand, while her elder sister was a brave and battle-hardened warrior admired by all, both in court and beyond. She herself had been betrothed in infancy to the Third Princ 17.7kReads9.0Score4.6k14d adds
45. 345 恶 The Devil Reversed 恶魔逆位 20/100 Vision视力零点二一Mystery737k WordsCompleted “If I wanted to kill him, I wouldn’t use a method this laughably clumsy.” After the black-haired girl in black finished speaking in the interrogation room, she didn’t say another word. The way she calmly studied the photograph made it seem more like she was admiring the victim’s gruesome death. In the photo was a cold, white bathtub filled with shocking amounts of blood. A man lay slumped inside, his deathly pale body visible only from the shoulders up. The deceased was Zhou Haixiong. He had 39kReads9.5Score6k14d adds
46. 346 双 Two Wild Geese Return in the Drizzle 双雁归来细雨中 A Qi7阿柒7Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The rating is low because it was just released and the platform gave it a default score! It has nothing to do with the quality of the story!!) (Please give this story a chance!) She is the only daughter of a distinguished general's household. Thinking ahead, she gives up the luxurious life in the capital and goes away to study the arts, all to leave her family a way out in case it ever falls into decline. He is The Outcast, the crown prince, second only to the emperor and above all others. He w 285Reads8.1Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is very strong and intelligent, possesses high martial arts skills, and wields considerable influence in the martial arts world. She travels incognito with the male lead, the crown prince, to explore the martial arts world and thwart court conspiracies.

47. 347 汴 Spring Deepens in Bianjing 汴京春深 Wheat小麦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Audio version now available, welcome to listen] Madam Rongguo, Wang Fu, devoted herself to her family until she fell gravely ill and died. She was reborn in the body of Meng Jiuniang, a foolish illegitimate daughter who was only seven years old. In her previous life, her husband became her uncle in this life, and her son became her cousin. In this life, Meng Wan had a simple wish: to live peacefully and watch her son, her cousin Su Fang in this life, grow up safe and sound. But as she and a gro 18.9kReads9.5Score2.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    A very good book, with clear and logical structure! Excellent!

48. 348 女 The Dashing General and Her Pretty Boy: Playing the Lazybones in Jiangnan 女将俏郎：我在江南装咸鱼 Spicy Seared Salmon辣炝三文鱼Ancient Romance188k WordsOngoing Also known as "All I See Is Dust" [Happy Ending + Strong Female Lead + Male Lead Transmigrates + Light Political Intrigue + Light Comedy] #Cool-Headed, Reserved Yet Warmhearted General vs. Witty, Gentle, Scheming, and Clingy Husband# In the winter of the nineteenth year of Shuncheng, General Lu is framed for treason. His steadfast loyalty is branded as treachery, and blood and bitterness stain the capital. Only a young orphaned girl is left behind. Four years later, the late emperor dies, and t 11Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I stumbled upon a historical romance novel that's still being serialized, and the premise is quite fresh. A female general who has distinguished herself in battle is transferred away from the capital and plans to live a low-key life in Jiangnan. However, the emperor unexpectedly arranges a marriage for her with a live-in son-in-law. The key point is that this groom is a modern person whose soul has transmigrated into the body of the protagonist. Upon arriving, he immediately encounters a runaway bride and a tiger, resulting in a constant stream of internal monologues. There's some light political intrigue, but also plenty of comedic everyday moments. The characters are all well-developed, making it very addictive.

49. 349 求 Begging for Love 求娇 Three Lives, Three Three叁生三三Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Strong Heroine and Hero] [Love-Hate Relationship] [Defying Fate] [Print edition signed with a publisher] Gu Miaoyin always thought she was the pampered darling her emperor treasured most, until the Great Jin fell and the Northern Hu cavalry smashed through the palace gates. Only then did she realize how tragic her life was. Ten years of the emperor's favor could not withstand a sudden change of heart. In the end, she and her mother were trapped in the imperial city and burned alive. Reborn into 36.4kReads9.5Score4.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    Super satisfying novels! The first one features a very strong female lead, the male leads initially fight each other, the second male lead is her ex-husband, and the third male lead is a cold and aloof Buddhist monk—basically, everyone's unresolved issues are addressed. The second one has no romantic pairing; it's a political intrigue novel about a princess raising an army to conquer the world—very exciting and satisfying!

50. 350 女 The Lady of the House 女家主 Nine Rivers Above the Clouds云上九川Ancient Romance500k WordsOngoing (No romance, not a wish-fulfillment story) Lin Zhiyi was born into this life thirteen years ago and spent all thirteen years in a foolish stupor. (Note: She was reborn with her memories, became foolish after birth, and has been the same person all along.) Then one day, she comes to her senses, facing the deaths of her father and uncle in battle, the emergence of hidden enemies, and an emperor who dislikes her from the start. Lin Zhiyi thinks it over and decides: retreat. So, after making thoroug 784Reads9.1Score13414d adds

    Reader note

    ① This is a female-centric novel where every step the female lead takes to achieve her goals is meticulously planned. Opponents eventually come to her to offer their support. There is no romantic pairing. ② The female lead is physically weak. The male and female leads have a love-hate relationship. It's a battle of wits and schemes between the two leads. It's a mind-bending novel where every chapter is full of details and intricate plots.

Other lists with Transmigrating to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms as an Empress