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

   Reader note

   The female lead is scheming against the male lead from the very first chapter.

2. 402 她 Her Alluring Charm Has the Powerful Men of the Capital Wagging Their Tails, Begging for Her Pity 她媚骨酥软，满京权贵摇尾求怜 Wei Zhi谓止Ancient Romance619k WordsCompleted Peerless Beauty x Powerful Nobles "The heroine is pure, and all the men are virgins" [Enchanting, adored-by-all beauty ☆ Seduction to the extreme ☆ Flirtatious tension ☆ Scheming her way to the top ☆ Coercive love ☆] A scoundrel husband chases his wife through hell, while a pack of men fight over her in a brutal battle for her favor. Reborn, Su Wanzhi masters the art of seduction and willingly takes another bride’s place to marry a spoiled wastrel, only to become the white moonlight of her h 16.3kReads8.8Score1.4k14d adds

   Reader note

   Her goal after her rebirth was clear: to no longer be a pawn to be slaughtered, but to fight for a way out for women. She moved among a group of powerful people, making the eunuch crown prince go mad for her, her sickly uncle pretend for her, and the aloof Buddhist monk break his vows for her, but she never fell in love with anyone, only carefully maneuvering in the power struggles.

3. 403 凤 Farewell to the Phoenix Coffin: One Palace, Two Kingdoms 凤棺辞：一宫风月，两方山河 A Big Tingting一只大婷婷Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted The phoenix crown is a splendid ornament for a coffin, and the empress's throne is a foreordained death trap. The position of empress, shunned by every consort in the palace, falls to Wen Xiwan, a low-born concubine. One day she's tending a little vegetable garden in the palace laundry, and the next she's seated upon the phoenix throne. Everyone is certain she's only waiting to be buried in the imperial mausoleum. Pei Yuan, the chief minister who put her on the throne, did so only to find an exp 152Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   It's packed with content! It's really great, I highly recommend watching it, I'm sure you'll like it too.

4. 404 权 The Powerful Minister's Black Lotus Princess 权臣的黑莲花公主 No Pine Nuts for the Squirrel不给松鼠吃松子Ancient Romance167k WordsOngoing A dark-hearted princess with formidable martial prowess and a talent for flirtation × a gentle, scheming scholar, the powerful minister’s beloved moonlight, who is all too easy to win over Li Yaojiang was the first true princess of the Great Wei to be sent off for a political marriage, the first princess to marry three Northern Liang khans across two generations of father and son, and the first to return to the capital alive. Unwilling to be at the mercy of fate, Li Yaojiang secretly swore the d 3Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is incredibly intelligent, brave, and resourceful. During her marriage to a foreign ruler, she outwits the ministers who try to force her to abdicate. After returning, she rivals the favored concubine and sets traps for the princes she dislikes. Her motto is: "Anyone can suffer a loss, but I will never suffer one."

5. 405 锦 The Brocade Guard 锦卫 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Ancient Romance539k WordsCompleted He is the princess’s shadow guard, concealing his sharpness beneath his sleeve and protecting her for a lifetime. She is the reborn legitimate daughter of the Great Jing, holding the pieces in her hands as she seeks vengeance and retribution. From palace scheming to the smoke and fire of the battlefield, he clears the thorns from her path, while she clears his family’s name and avenges their wrongful conviction. Two formidable leads stand side by side, where political intrigue intertwines with d —Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   These are all good.

6. 406 黑 The Black Lotus Is Reborn, and She Slaughters Her Way Through with the Ailing Young Lord 黑莲花重生，和病弱小公爷杀疯了 A Drunken Glance at the Glazed Moon一醉琉月Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted Shen Wan is the model of an aristocratic young lady: equally skilled in the literary and martial arts, and a peerless physician. Her parents and five older brothers adore her and treat her like the apple of their eye. Before these very relatives hunt her down and kill her, she too believes she is the beloved young lady everyone dotes on, and the Crown Prince’s sweetheart. Only as she lies dying does she learn the truth: she is not the legitimate daughter of the Shen family at all. The true daugh 28.8kReads8.7Score2k14d adds

   Reader note

   All four books feature intelligent female protagonists, each with a different type of intelligence; there's bound to be one that catches your eye.

7. 407 一 A Peach Blossom in a Single Thought 一念桃花 Sea Green Takes the Swan海青拿天鹅Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Eight years ago, Chang Wanyun was rescued from the chaos of war by a young man dressed in white. Gazing at the handsome, wealthy youth before her, she decided on the spot that he was exactly her type. Eight years later, Wanyun finally learned who he was: Pei Yuan, the ninth prince of the current emperor. When they met again, Wanyun, the sole disciple of the Medical Sage, came to Pei Yuan’s side to treat his injuries, calling him “big brother” this and “big brother” that. Pei Yuan was buried in w 1.9kReads9.1Score23614d adds

   Reader note

   Good stories are like soda, sweet or salty, each has its own appeal. 1. 🌸Can you drink chicken soup from a peach tree? 🌈Brother, can I like you? 🌈The male and female leads are intelligent and shrewd, using love as a stepping stone in their political maneuvering. 2. A rising star in archaeology is reborn as a princess, and unexpectedly finds herself with Yu Wushuang, the most beautiful flower in the center of political intrigue! Accustomed to using schemes to achieve peace, suddenly she's showing genuine affection? Don't use love as a weapon to kill me!

8. 408 小 My Concubine's Dowry Is Five Million 小妾嫁妆五百万 Ashes Mixed with Toilet Paper烟灰拌卷筒纸Ancient Romance557k WordsCompleted [A Concubine Who Doesn't Want to Be Empress Is No Good Lord] [Still no interest in strong women and even stronger men] [Overpowered heroine], [Content warnings] [Neither lead is chaste] [Neither lead has a heart] [Both put on an act] [They use each other] [Their moral compass comes and goes] At the beginning of the story: Ni You kneels on the ground, begging Shi Jing to protect her. Later on: Ni You sits in a position of power, waiting for Shi Jing to repay her, one by one, for every kowtow she 769Reads9.1Score14314d adds

   Reader note

   Both are impure; the female lead is cunning and manipulative; the male lead ultimately loses to her and becomes one of her generals.

9. 409 与 Playing Chess with You: The Phoenix's Power 与君奕：凰权 Jiang Tanluoyue江潭落月Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted (The rating has only just opened and will rise later) “Political intrigue + evenly matched leads + marriage before love + traditional war for supremacy in a chaotic age + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + nation and family” In these chaotic times, even a monarch can hardly hope for a lifetime of peace. Crowned heir to the throne at six, named crown prince at eight, and enthroned at twelve, Yan Xi was the “future savior of the Yan Kingdom” foretold by an astrologer, blessed with the Purple 211Reads8.0Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   A novel featuring powerful political intrigue and brilliant characters, all with high intelligence, a captivating plot, and excellent writing. Highly recommended.

10. 410 首 The Chief Minister's Poisonous Favorite 首辅的掌心毒妃 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Ancient Romance552k WordsCompleted A Modern Master of Medicine and Poison Reborn as a Good-for-Nothing in a Marquis’s Household? The Powerful, Scheming Chief Cabinet Secretary Insists on Spoiling Her! Shen Qingci uses her silver needles to break deadly schemes and her miraculous healing skills to save the people. Sharp-tongued and steely, she takes down her rotten relatives. Xie Jingyuan governs the court and brings order to the realm, protecting his beloved’s vulnerable side with deep devotion. His ruthlessness is reserved for e —Reads—Score—14d adds
11. 411 日 Drunk on the Road Home at Dusk 日暮醉归途 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted The cool, intelligent beauty Shui Qiaoyou, a general of the former dynasty, and the pure-hearted, reserved prince Chu Moli, a prince of the current dynasty Historical romance, no transmigration, no palace intrigue, no household drama, one-on-one romance, strong female lead. Shui Qiaoyou felt as though she’d merely fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes again, a hundred years had passed. Her homeland, family, and friends were like smoke, long since vanished into the river of time. Fate had left 13.2kReads9.2Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    These two books are good, by the same author. The first one features a female protagonist with exceptional strategic skills who completely overwhelms the other characters. The second one features a female protagonist who turns adversity into advantage.

12. 412 天 Peace Under Heaven 天下长安 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted Princess Yiyang of Dazhao is breathtakingly beautiful, ruthless, and cruel. While the late emperor still lived, she kept male favorites, amassed private troops, purged the imperial harem, and schemed for an heir. She was more brazen and domineering than the few useless princes. After the emperor died, she seized power, purged the court, killed senior officials, and placed a new emperor on the throne. She ruled as a woman who usurped a man’s role, controlled the court, and held the Son of Heaven 1.3kReads9.0Score14614d adds
13. 413 女 The Villainess Only Wants to Build Things 女配她只想搞建设 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云309k WordsCompleted Modern engineer Shen Qingxu is born into another life as the concubine-born younger sister accompanying a princess sent abroad for a political marriage. When she awakens, she is bound to the Nation-Building System. She turns away from schemes within the household and chooses instead to aid Xie Heng, a fallen prince held hostage in an enemy kingdom. Using scientific knowledge and the System’s support, she starts with infrastructure and agriculture, helping him return home and claim the throne, re 3Reads—Score—14d adds
14. 414 明 Moonlight on Ice and Snow 明月照冰雪 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted A crazy, formidable woman. General Shen Guizhou VS a prince who only wants romance. Prince Chen Muyi Shen Guizhou was once the young general of the Shen Army, which commanded 300,000 troops in the northern frontier. As her reputation grew, her family feared the emperor would discover that she was a woman disguised as a man and bring disaster upon her. After weighing their options, they sacrificed her. For the sake of peace in the north and the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Shen Army, 4.9kReads9.2Score1.3k14d adds
15. 415 夫 My Wife Is a Fairy, and Everything She Says Is Right 夫人是仙女她说的都对 Sweet Potato's薯地瓜的Ancient Romance486k WordsOngoing (The dazzling, carefree, flirtatious eldest daughter of a Duke's household ✖️ a humble, restrained, handsome young man who refuses to take the bait and has a remarkable background) He had been surrounded by bloodshed since childhood, a man who had clawed his way out of the mud. Covered in filth, how could he ever presume to dream of the bright moon hanging high in the sky? Even reaching out to touch its reflection in the water felt like sacrilege. She had always been a free-spirited breeze, soar 12Reads8.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this one. It's a historical romance novel with a female protagonist and subtle political intrigue. The writing is solid, the story flows smoothly, and the logic is clear. You'll know it's a book worth savoring as soon as you open it.

16. 416 摄 The Regent’s Sickly Sweetheart Is a Powerful Big Shot 摄政王的病娇娇是大佬 Peachy Dumpling白桃团团Ancient Romance479k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s darling + light fantasy + slightly unhinged, occasionally theatrical + powerhouse] In her previous life, she rode through the martial world, a spirited and valiant female general. Reborn, Ming Qingqing carried the weight of her country’s enemies and her family’s grievances. She moved carefully, determined to avenge them and cut down every schemer hiding in the shadows. Watch as she navigates the imperial court, roams the martial world with her companions, and ventures into a mysterio 1.2kReads9.3Score15814d adds

    Reader note

    These four books are all highly strategic, with very intelligent female protagonists; they're incredibly good! [Heart][heart][heart][heart]

17. 417 三 Snow at the Third Watch 三更雪 Ji Youliang季有粱Ancient Romance533k WordsCompleted [Traitor’s Daughter vs. Forbearing Prince, Political Intrigue + Investigations + Not Reborn + Two Powerful Leads + Plot-Driven] Rumor had it that the second daughter of Marquis Chu was a rough-and-tumble martial artist, overbearing and ill-mannered. One day, she was captured by a man whose dignified exterior concealed a mind full of schemes. He disarmed her, bound her hands, and stole her clues to lure her into a thousand-li chase. She pretended to approach him, testing him at every turn… For ye 1.8kReads8.9Score23814d adds
18. 418 悔 I Broke Off Our Engagement When He Was Poor, but Now He's a Powerful Official Who Keeps Me as His Darling 悔婚穷书生他成权臣囚我做掌中娇 Yan Jingzhen盐景珍Ancient Romance881k WordsOngoing Historical fiction History seen through a young couple’s love and heartbreak The Xining and Yuanfeng Reforms of the Northern Song Dynasty, the fall of the Northern Song + the history of Zhejiang celadon (Yue kiln to Longquan kiln) 1. The New Policies among the people (the Song-Jiao war) 2. The Yun case in Dengzhou 3. Infighting among supporters of the New Policies (the Zhang Ruoji case in Xiuzhou) 4. The Chen Shiru case (the Yuanfeng reforms) 5. Su Shi’s poetry case at the Crow Terrace 6. Longqu 30Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is the strongest.

19. 419 命 A Fated Ordeal of Love: There's No Escape, Even with Wings 命定情劫，即使插翅也难飞 Dusk Snow over Qingcheng青城暮雪Ancient Romance619k WordsOngoing A cataclysm brings the Demon-Suppressing Pavilion to ruin in a single day. The survivor, Su Jing, takes his junior sister Xiaoyue and raises the pavilion's banner once more. Together, they travel far and wide to vanquish demons and embark on a long road of revenge. Knowing that Xiaoyue has long harbored feelings for him, Su Jing fears the dangers of the path ahead and the harm it may bring her. He deliberately keeps his distance, not daring to accept her love. Through every storm, they travel si 13Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book has two storylines, one of which begins after Chapter 140 (Chapter 3) and focuses almost entirely on Mu Xue's plot. She's truly powerful, and writing about her was very smooth and enjoyable! Mu Xue, a fallen noblewoman of the demon race, enters the Three Delusions City alone. Despite being harassed and suppressed by various lords, she refuses to be bullied and builds an intelligence agency that surpasses all other forces. She oversees everything from behind the scenes, assisting Ye Chen in his quest for the Demon King's throne. She has her own goals, and romance isn't everything to her. Everyone thinks she's ambitious, but she only pursues her goals and is never blinded by desire.

20. 420 念 Spring Tide of Longing 念念春潮 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance754k WordsCompleted [Print edition under contract] [Sweet romance and comeuppance, a seemingly gentle but calculating male lead, a fierce and adorable heroine, and intense push-and-pull between the leads] The Marquis of Wuning's daughter is to be married, but the bride hangs herself. The groom is Prince Danshuo, a handsome man who enjoys the emperor's deep trust, and the emperor himself personally arranged the marriage. In their panic, the marquis's household can only find someone to take the bride's place. Cheng 73.8kReads9.4Score10.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    I've chosen these books as my "poison" 💊💊

21. 421 守 After Three Years of Mourning, the Frail Princess Consort Was Wed by Him 守孝三年后，柔弱王妃被他娶进门 Second Uncle二舅爷Ancient Romance505k WordsCompleted Luo Ci despises the gods and Buddhas, because none of them came to the aid of her loyal family. Yet that man always wears a string of prayer beads around his wrist. He kills without mercy, but kneels in devout worship. Luo Ci likes to make clear-cut deals. At first, she and Yan Wen each got what they wanted. During their final transaction, Luo Ci asked him, "My lord, what do you want from me?" The man, usually so calm and self-possessed, finally lost his composure. He cradled the back of her hea 7.2kReads9.4Score87014d adds
22. 422 痴 Three Years of Foolishness: The General’s Legitimate Daughter Returns Home and Goes on a Rampage 痴傻三年：将军嫡女回府杀疯了 Wen Xingyun温幸运Ancient Romance582k WordsCompleted Historical fantasy + adored by all + strong heroine + understands animals + face-slapping + punishing scum + legitimate daughter Song Yue, a PhD in medicine, transmigrates by chance and becomes the legitimate daughter of a general’s household, a young woman who had been mentally impaired for three years. Her concubine stepmother and stepsister poisoned her, then left her in a nunnery to be beaten and treated like a madwoman. Her stepmother seized the family fortune, while her stepsister took her 2.5kReads8.4Score26414d adds

    Reader note

    Doctor of Medicine Song Yue unexpectedly transmigrated, becoming the legitimate daughter of a general's mansion, who had been mentally impaired for three years. She was poisoned by her stepmother and stepsister, turning her into a 'mad lady' subjected to humiliation in a nunnery. Her stepmother seized the family fortune, and her stepsister took her place, becoming the glamorous eldest daughter of the general's mansion. To cover up their crimes and deceive everyone, her stepmother had the nunnery burned down, hoping to eliminate all witnesses. When the imposter married in her name, Song Yue returned, sword in hand, braving the flames. With her left hand, she used silver needles to heal; with her right, she used poison to destroy hearts, slapping faces and punishing the villains, exposing their conspiracy to the world. At their first meeting outside the capital, the fearsome Prince Jing, who used the tip of his sword to lift her veil, said: "A madwoman and the King of Hell, a perfect match indeed." This book is amazing!!!

23. 423 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 10.3kReads9.4Score3.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all well-written historical romance novels, all completed, and highly rated. Choose whichever you like. Each book has tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of reviews. Note that these are reviews, not online readership. [Sending hearts][Sending hearts]

24. 424 国 The Imperial Tutor Pursues His Wife: His Beloved Only Wants Revenge 国师追妻，掌中娇她一心只想复仇 Yu Ye Mo雨叶陌Ancient Romance171k WordsCompleted Wei Chen was the tyrant’s most ruthless enforcer. Cold and taciturn, distant and aloof, he struck without hesitation, sentencing entire families to execution and staining his hands with blood. But Mu Yaoyao never expected this cruel, vicious man to be so gentle in private. He gave her a rare tenderness and trust, stirring the darkest, most frenzied possessiveness within her. Everyone who had harmed the Mu family had to die. Anyone who dared compete with her for Wei Chen had to die, too! To keep 8Reads6.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead plots revenge, determined to seize power and become empress. She's incredibly insane, the kind of person who kills without blinking an eye, and she even imprisons the male lead.

25. 425 两 Two Lives, Cen 两世岑 Autumn Sun and Fine Rain秋阳细雨Ancient Romance138k WordsOngoing The legitimate daughter of a general's household enters the palace as a consort, only to be framed and have her entire family executed. She is also falsely accused of faking a pregnancy and ultimately banished to the Cold Palace. Fortunately, another woman in the Cold Palace, the bewitching consort who ruled the palace thirty years ago, passes on all her skills to her. The consort was once the most famous courtesan in the capital, renowned throughout the city. She excelled at music, chess, calli 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Explore][Explore]

26. 426 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.2kReads9.5Score3k14d adds

    Reader note

    1. Yan Sanhe murmured, "Between men and women, romantic love is the shortest, but affection is the longest." 2. The male lead was saved by the female lead, and feelings developed between them. 3. You are like the bright moon, and I love you.

27. 427 遗 A Song of Regrets 遗恨歌 Zhong Qi钟麒Historical297k WordsOngoing In the early Hongwu years of the Ming dynasty, Chen Shixun, son of Chen Youliang, the former emperor of the Chen Han regime, enters the imperial court by a twist of fate, secretly supported by former Chen Han officials and taking the place of Zhu Yuanzhang’s lost son. Together with an alliance of avengers formed by Yan Wang Zhu Di, the posthumous son of Yuan Shundi; Han Miaotong, younger sister of former Red Turban leader Han Liner; and the monk Yao Guangxiao, who entered the clergy after losing 19Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A high-IQ historical novel filled with political intrigue and mind-bending strategies, but it's all the protagonist's doing. Everyone's incredibly intelligent; with 10,086 clever minds, losing even one wouldn't guarantee survival until the next chapter!

28. 428 双 The Twin Phoenix Tribulation 双凤劫 A Straw-Cloaked Figure in the Rain一蓑烟雨Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted [Two Strong Leads + Palace Intrigue + Revenge + Substitute Marriage + Love After Marriage + Woman Disguised as a Man + The Regretful Husband's Pursuit] On the eve of her twin sister's marriage into the imperial palace, she was murdered, violated, and left to die. Returning drenched in blood, Feng Jiuyan shed her armor and took her sister's place, becoming the empress of the nation. Then she went on a killing spree! The emperor had a beloved woman, so everyone assumed Feng Jiuyan would receive no 86.9kReads9.3Score9.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    [Sending hearts][Sending hearts][Sending hearts] A highly-rated ancient romance novel that I've been following day and night, recommended to my friends! Brave and resolute time-traveling heroine, adorable little pets, high-quality audio drama with multiple voice actors, sweet and romantic ancient romance, mutual love.

29. 429 小 The Little Junior Sister Has a Space 小师妹有空间 Little Sunflower小小向日葵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Su Yue, the top assassin in the world of killers, was reborn as a newborn baby girl. She planned to spend this life eating and drinking, growing medicinal herbs, and playing with poisonous bugs… What a pleasant life. Unfortunately, her master kicked her out of the mountain. Her eldest senior brother was another country’s crown prince, her second senior brother was the leader of the martial arts world, and her third senior brother was a divine physician. Her fourth senior brother… well, let’s ign 23.9kReads9.2Score3.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Su Yue was reborn into the body of a princess. Her mother died shortly after her birth, and she was taken to the White Cloud Temple by a large white wolf… Thirteen years later, Su Yue, who had grown up in the temple, was expelled from the mountain by her master. It turned out she was a royal princess, her maternal grandfather was a great general, and her own brother was also in the palace. With her true identity revealed, Su Yue became almost everyone's darling… Exciting, captivating, and incredibly sweet!

30. 430 明 The Bright Moon Rests on the Mountain 明月栖山 Moss Blossoms as Small as Rice苔花如米小Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted [Alternate-history rebirth + historical romance + sweet pampering as he pursues his wife + the male lead falls hard] A little sweet historical romance, not a face-slapping power fantasy with a strong heroine. P.S. As long as it doesn't affect your reading, there's no need to nitpick the fictional details. Shen Yufu was reborn. She wasn't a daughter of the Shen family. In this new life, all she wanted was to leave the cold, unwelcoming Marquis of Yiyong's residence and find her real family. She n 444Reads9.0Score10214d adds
31. 431 世 Never More Than Three Times 世不过三 Yu Duoyou余多柚Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + reborn + three lifetimes + little poison doctor + no golden finger + political intrigue + satisfying read + sweet romance + reverse raising + romance + ensemble cast + scheming + a little angst] Xia Shi has been reborn three times, and each life has been more exciting than the last! Now in her third life, she’s an invincible little poison master. Who would dare let her suffer even the slightest grievance? In her first life, she lived for herself and married a foolish empero 2.3kReads9.5Score43714d adds

    Reader note

    This book is hilarious; the female lead has an incredibly high IQ.

32. 432 本 I Return to the Palace with Mind-Reading Powers 本宫带着读心术，杀回宫了 Snowflakes in the Twelfth Month腊月雪花Ancient Romance119k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + mind reading + political intrigue + palace intrigue + devoted couple + revenge + a touch of angst] Cool, self-possessed heroine + gentle, scheming emperor I was once the foremost young lady in the capital. Arrogant and overbearing, I thought myself above everyone. My grandfather was the emperor’s tutor, with countless students, and my mother was a renowned official celebrated throughout the land. But after my mother died unexpectedly, I lost everything I had… My stepmother’ —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book features two strong protagonists, mind reading, revenge, political intrigue, and a "wife-chasing-after-the-cremation" scenario.

33. 433 满 The Whole Sect Is Full of Crazy Villains, Only the Junior Sister Is a Goofball 满门反派疯批，唯有师妹逗比 Wei Xiaoxi未小兮Ancient Romance3.5M WordsCompleted After transmigrating into a book, Ye Linglong becomes the vicious cannon-fodder villainess in a cultivation novel. With terrible aptitude, she even coerces the heroine into taking her into the top sect during the Cultivation Tournament. After joining, she opposes the heroine at every turn and eventually dies a miserable death. To enjoy a long, happy life, Ye Linglong immediately gives up on coercing the heroine and turns around to join the worst sect in the cultivation world. She’s done being th 251.1kReads9.6Score25.1k14d adds
34. 434 无 The Path of the King of the Infernal Realm 无间王途 Mi Li Ka Mang米理卡忙Ancient Romance214k WordsOngoing [Transmigrated into a Book + Everyone Is Clever + Devoted to Each Other + Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Power Fantasy] Song Li transmigrates into a book as a cannon-fodder spy. She only wants to survive, and thinks she accidentally changed the plot, but discovers that other transmigrators are behind the changes. The gears of fate push her forward, one step at a time. She wins people over, makes a fortune, and develops explosives... In the end, unable to win love, she has no choice but to sei —Reads—Score—14d adds
35. 435 科 Imperial Examinations: Reborn, She Took Her Ex-Husband's Steady Job 科举：重生后她抢了前夫的铁饭碗 Rabbit Lord's Chitchat兔君闲谈Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Heroine Does Not Disguise Herself as a Man | Civil Service Exams and Government Career | A Name in the History Books | A Strong Heroine Who Grows] In her previous life, Jiang Ruchu was a fallen noblewoman. Her father was faithless, her mother weak. Carrying a keepsake, she married into the prominent local Huo family to repay a debt of gratitude. When her husband entered school, Jiang Ruchu quietly supported him through his studies... She kept a low profile and fulfilled her duties, hoping only 7kReads9.1Score99014d adds

    Reader note

    Why isn't anyone recommending this book? It's so good! There aren't too many character relationships; you have to remember all the names for ages! The female lead is a super-smart, academically gifted girl! She's intelligent and clever! Ahhhh, everyone should read this!

36. 436 腹 The Scheming Prince's One and Only: The Princess Consort Can Do It All 腹黑王爷独宠妃之王妃啥都会 Lan Mengtingzi蓝梦婷子Ancient Romance179k WordsCompleted Shen Xiaoyun, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, rejected the royal princes' marriage proposals again and again, yet still ended up marrying into the imperial family. She became the wife of Prince Jin, Yang Chenyi, who had wanted to marry only her his entire life. "My princess consort, are you already planning to fill my household with women right after our wedding?" Shen Xiaoyun stared at him in shock. "When did I ever think so little of myself that I'd find someone to share you with?" 3Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is very smart and has a never-give-up attitude.

37. 437 攀 Ascending to the Dragon's Heights 攀龍 Kaji Yellow Peach咔叽黄桃Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted A flirtatious widow with a child ✖️ a reserved warlord who becomes the founding emperor [Complete] Lou Mizhi was born a woman who never learned to accept her lot in life. If she wanted something, she took it by her own merit, even if she had to snatch it away. Her first husband was short-lived and ill-fated, and his family wanted to burn her and her child to ashes? Bah! As if I’d let you! She hid her savings and took her child away from her late husband’s family. With no one to protect them in t 40.6kReads9.4Score5.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's so incredibly good! I've read over fifty chapters and there's not a single flaw!!! The female lead is beautiful, intelligent, and resourceful; she's calm, rational, and loves herself!! She uses her cunning perfectly!! I absolutely adore her effortless and composed demeanor. And again, I'll say it if you can accept both characters being morally ambiguous. For me, the novel has no major issues, the author writes exceptionally well, and the characters are incredibly captivating. The author keeps mentioning the ex-husband, which has me incredibly curious, and she even says that Heng-ge'er is very similar to him, the gentle type—it's so alluring! Heng-ge'er is so cute! I want to beg the author to update soon! 🤭

38. 438 折 Breaking Your Heart 折君 Li Er'er李尔尔Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Serious drama + healing one another + marriage before love + one partner for life + revenge) After transmigrating fifteen years ago, Yan Hui thought she could live as a contented layabout in a world especially harsh toward women, then marry a good man, support him, and raise their children. But when her parents suddenly died, she and her younger brother became dependent on relatives. For her brother’s future, she had no choice but to make plans for herself while living under someone else’s ro 12.1kReads9.1Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is very strong, especially skilled in political maneuvering and palace intrigue.

39. 439 霓 A Rainbow of Silks Before the Palace Gate 霓裳惊阙 The Owner of Wood Machine Dog木机狗的主人Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing Political intrigue + romance + strong female lead This is a slow-burn story, an extremely slow burn!!! If you like fresh, lighthearted jianghu adventures, start with Volume One. If you like the twists and turns of court politics, start with Volume Two. If you like domineering emperor + haughty consort + substitute romance, start with Volume Three. If you like an unconventional succession struggle, start with Volume Four. Everything else is in Volume Five. The story takes place in a fictional Eas 71Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The first volume is about the martial arts world, the second about the imperial court. The female protagonist easily deals with three major forces, growing stronger and stronger, but ultimately she is still outmaneuvered. In the third volume, a few weak sighs and glances are enough to kill her enemies, but she is tormented by love (not romantic love), and has no choice but to ascend to immortality and become a god...

40. 440 前 I Died Tragically in My Past Life, Then Was Jilted Again After Being Reborn 前世惨死，重生后又被退婚 Ye Chenhuo叶尘火Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Complete] 1. This story focuses mainly on palace and household intrigue, with very little romance and not much screen time for the male lead. The leads support each other and join forces against their enemies, with no misunderstandings or love rivals. One man and one woman, both pure; a strong heroine and an even stronger hero. The male lead spoils the heroine. 2. This is a fictional setting with no connection to real history. Synopsis: Everyone in the capital knows that the eldest daughter of 9kReads9.3Score1.3k14d adds
41. 441 春 The Allure of Spring 春华引 Sticky Ash粘粘灰Ancient Romance2.3M WordsCompleted As a princess, Shen Minghua spent her previous life taking “doing whatever she wanted” to the extreme. If anyone crossed her, she would use her power to crush them. Yet she was favored by the emperor, so even those who resented her had to flatter and appease her. With so many sycophants around her, she gradually lost sight of who she truly was. In her previous life, she trusted the wrong person, and one cup of poisoned wine cost someone their life. When she opens her eyes again, she is back in J 460Reads5.4Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is very clever; she plans step by step.

42. 442 掀 Flip the Table! The Legitimate Daughter Returns to Make Her Mark! 掀桌子！归来嫡女要立威！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Story + Sharp Tongues + Ensemble Cast + Nation and Family + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Couple] The legitimate daughter of a general's household, who had been left to fend for herself in the countryside, was maliciously attacked. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Liu Qingyue, China's top special agent. Determined to repay her master's kindness in recognizing her abilities, Liu Qingyue accepted his dying wish, left the Taoist temple, and returned home t 9kReads9.1Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    This one! Read it yourself! After the female protagonist enters the court, all the officials are terrified during court assemblies.

43. 443 新 New Year Begins 新正引 Lu Yanyan露颜颜Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + black lotus + political intrigue + tragic love] One night, Shen Ciqiu and Du Jinheng went together to the military camp where the Marquis of Zhenbei had been stationed for years and stole the Tiger Wing Token, the military tally that could command 100,000 Northwestern troops. As a result, the entire Xie clan was sentenced to death. Out of consideration for past ties, the emperor spared the heir's life. At the same time, Shen Ciqiu discovered that the Tiger Wing Token wa 22Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The princess remained silent, simply continuing her act.

44. 444 救 Help! This Unhinged Villain Is Impossible to Woo 救命！疯批反派竟如此难撩 Xuri Chenran旭日辰然Ancient Romance489k WordsOngoing [Historical Romance] [System] [Takes Down Scumbags] [Strong Female Lead] [Monogamous Romance] Su Qingzhi accidentally touched the wheel of fate and was drawn by a mysterious force into binding herself to the legendary Palace Intrigue System, setting foot in the magnificent Jin Yang Dynasty. When she awoke, the whole world had changed. Her loving father had vanished, and she had been cruelly rejected by her fiance, leaving her devastated in body and spirit. Yet Su Qingzhi's heart remained as stil —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    She is the daughter of a military general, strategizing and calculating with meticulous planning; he is a cold and aloof young master, naive and inexperienced, yet he gives her everything. An orphan abandoned by her family, she rises step by step to the pinnacle of power through exceptional intelligence and cunning. She appears gentle and refined, but is actually ruthless and calculating, leaving no stone unturned. For revenge, she is willing to use herself as a pawn, stirring up the turmoil within powerful families. Pei Chenyuan, a noble young master, is as aloof as the moon, untouched by worldly dust. He is inept at scheming, yet willing to give everything for her, even if it means defying the world. When cunning meets innocence, when power struggles intertwine with genuine affection, who will emerge victorious in this game of power?

45. 445 腹 I Pounced on the Scheming Prime Minister 腹黑相爷被我扑倒了 A Broad Mind Adds Years to Life心宽可增寿Ancient Romance113k WordsOngoing [No-Brain Fun] + [Historical Political Intrigue] ≈ [Sweet Romance] Slow burn! Lighthearted sweet romance. The heroine is a lovable goofball, always positive and optimistic. The hero is a scheming powerful official who plots to rule the world, but the heroine is the one person who leaves him helpless. #Historical Sweet Romance #Scheming Powerful Official #A Blackhearted Hero Beneath a Gentle Facade #Mutual Healing #Feel-Good Power Fantasy #One-on-One, Both Pure #Historical Political Intrigue #Liv 24Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Political intrigue, but the female lead is a goofball.

46. 446 怯 Fearing Spring's Return: Half Longing for Parting, Half Longing for You 怯春归：半缘离思，半缘君 A Dream Drunk on This Fleeting Life一梦醉浮生Ancient Romance219k WordsCompleted [Wild, Carefree Fake Playboy VS Clear-Headed Heiress] After dying, modern-day surgeon Su Qiao transmigrated and was accidentally caught up in an assassination plot targeting the Crown Prince. Thus began her arduous escape and fight for survival as a bride forced into an arranged marriage. Ji Minghan retrieved the fake bride from prison after her escape attempt failed and she nearly fell into the hands of human traffickers. She was supposed to be a pawn kept by his side, but somehow she became hi 19Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese Romance: Power Struggles and Pampered Wife (Add to Bookshelf)

47. 447 灯 Dancing Shadows 灯影舞 Bamboo-Wind Gentleman风竹君子Ancient Romance156k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue and political scheming + a spy in a chaotic age + love of country] (A beauty consumed by love and revenge is reborn through the merciless torment of a cold-blooded emperor, then becomes a spy for the sake of her country.) When Song Lei was fifteen, she fell for the emperor at first sight and willingly entered the palace as his consort. But her devotion to love earned her nothing but the emperor’s cruel expulsion. Unwilling to accept it, she returned to the palace with an unparal 5Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A female protagonist with two sides, scheming and cunning, engaging in a battle of wits and courage—it's super entertaining! [Kissing emoji]

48. 448 何 Who Will Walk Beside Me Through the Night? 何人伴我夜间行 Raindrops Falling on the Eaves水滴落在屋檐上Ancient Romance880k WordsOngoing [Courtly schemes + wits and courage + fictional late Qing setting] Would you call her a ruthless, calculating schemer, or a refined young lady, educated and well-mannered? The unforgettable steward Jiao swears brotherhood with twelve heroes and establishes a stronghold. Hardship breeds hardship, but a chance encounter with spring can transform a fish into a dragon. Why did “Ji Liuniang” cast aside the “Liu” in her name, and what carried her to success? A shrewd and far-sighted minister of the co 9Reads7.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I must say, my female lead is very smart.

49. 449 穿 Wrong Body: A Tough Lady and Her Escape from Death 穿错身：生死逃亡硬汉小姐伴君谋 Clouds at Summer's Night夏夜云端Ancient Romance126k WordsOngoing A formidable female lead who never lets anyone take advantage of her: a woman with a man’s heart, clever and cunning, who always pays back every slight and avenges every grudge A decisive, fugitive heir: patient in seeking revenge, as cold as jade, loyal and upright To secure wealth and status, she disguises herself as a man and risks her life to save the heir of a fallen city, beginning a perilous journey of escape and political intrigue. To evade her fate, she sets out to seduce a cold, beau —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead has the mind of a man; she is cunning and resourceful, relying entirely on her wits to escape life-or-death situations without losing her intelligence.

50. 450 御 The Censor Is Still Trying to Save My Life Today 御史大人今天也在努力捞我狗命 Qiye Is a Cat崎野是只猫Ancient Romance125k WordsOngoing [Cool, world-weary noblewoman x gentle, scheming imperial censor] [Transmigrate into a book + political intrigue + a touch of ensemble cast + mutual redemption + younger man/older woman + 1v1] This story has a somber tone and no perfect characters. It is neither a sweet romance nor a power fantasy. The romance may be a slow, complicated burn. The main focus is political survival and the tension between the characters. If you’re here for romance alone, this may not be for you. Court power struggl —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The male protagonist is a refined and strategist, a restrained, patient, and skillful player who uses gentleness to overcome strength. The male and female leads don't fall in love at first sight; their feelings slowly develop amidst life-or-death situations and moments of trust. The male protagonist's feelings for the female protagonist are based on "understanding before desire, and respect above possession." He relies on strategy rather than force, so while his physical strength may not be high, every move he makes is calculated and nuanced.

Other lists with Her Beauty Is Hard to Resist! The Dali Temple Chief Is as Fierce as a Wolf