Looking for High-Quality Political Intrigue with a Powerful Female Lead 求高质量权谋大女主文

1. 201 薄 The Coldhearted Empress: Her Royal Husbands Marry Her, but Don’t Love Her 薄情女帝，皇夫们只娶不爱 Meng Ai Yuqi梦爱宇琦Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Strong female emperor]+ [Ancient-style political intrigue]+ [Palace intrigue with twists]+ [An entire cast of unhinged beauties]+ [Male leads are virgins] She is Xiao Jingli, the female emperor of Great Zhao, with the realm in her hands and the power of life and death at her command. Her harem is a chessboard. The three thousand beautiful men are not the emperor's prisoners, but living pieces on her political game board. The refined and gentle young nobleman; The proud, untamed son of a militar 1.1kReads9.3Score100Shelves

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   Empress Xiao Jingli uses male beauty to control the court, while the handsome men in her harem each harbor their own schemes. Their palace intrigues, including poisonous incense and love potions, are even more ruthless than those of women, with constant power struggles and twists of fate, a dark and passionate tug-of-war between two extremes – a high-end male version of "Empresses in the Palace."

2. 202 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 811Reads8.3Score109Shelves

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   A woman disguised as a man, with a heart for her country, a lively and strong female lead—worth watching!

3. 203 家 A Housewife's Spring: Overcoming Depression and Breaking Free from Home 家庭主妇有春天走出抑郁走出家 Snowy City in the Misty Rain雪城烟雨Modern Romance266k WordsOngoing People have three souls and seven spirits, and cultivators are no exception. To become a god, one must resolve the knots in one's heart. One of Hu Ni's souls failed its trial and had no choice but to be reborn and change its fate. The main soul sent down one of its spirits to merge with the soul and undergo the trial anew. I don't know whether the worlds they chose are full of exceptionally capable humans, or whether the trials have simply become harder. How are the trials going in the other wor —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   This story tells of a stay-at-home mom who overcomes her difficulties, steps out of her home, embraces freedom, and changes her destiny. The person you love may not love you as much as you imagine; your lifeline may be someone else's straw. The guiding light of life illuminates others but not necessarily yourself. The guiding light may still be in your hands; you need to light it yourself. Keep going, you will do well, and you will do even better. Move on, forgive yourself, but don't forgive him! Marriage is just a contract, but the spirit of the contract must be upheld! Whoever violates the spirit of the contract must pay the corresponding price!

4. 204 踹 After Kicking Over the Dragon Throne, the Entire Court Begged Her to Take the Crown 踹翻龙椅后，满朝文武跪求她登基 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted (The heroine focuses on her career, with no romantic pairing. She becomes somewhat cold-hearted and ruthless later on.) Born into the world as a princess, Yu Hui thinks that at last, an incredible fortune has fallen into her lap. She has a palace to live in, money to spend, and status to protect her, so she can enjoy a peaceful, happy life. But peace is out of the question. Calamities keep dropping out of the sky, and they’re heavy ones. Happiness? Not really. Someone is always ending up dead, s 8.6kReads8.8Score728Shelves

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   She transmigrated from another world, becoming a figure who stirs up trouble. "They can sit on the throne of the world's ruler, why can't I?" "I want you to be my sword."

5. 205 将 After I Was Given to the Prince, the Mad Emperor Regretted It Too Late 将我送给王爷后疯批皇帝追悔莫及 Wenxin Ruoshui文心若水Ancient Romance471k WordsCompleted With beauty enough to topple cities, she was cursed by the world as a demoness who would bring ruin to the nation. The emperor's favor turned out to be nothing but a means of revenge. Behind the glittering splendor, the truth slowly emerges. The one responsible for the hatred between their country and their families is none other than him... A peerless beauty made heroes across the land fall at her feet, yet he wanted nothing more than to see her dead. After going to great lengths to trick the i 470Reads8.6Score—Shelves
6. 206 变 Transformed into a Southern Song Princess, I Become an Empress for the Ages 变身南宋公主，朕为千古女帝 Bright Moon, Dreaming of Beauty明月梦婵娟Historical739k WordsCompleted [Gender Swap] [Single] [Southern Song Empress] [Reclaiming Lost Territory] [Building the Great Song Empire] A history enthusiast transmigrates to the Southern Song Dynasty and becomes Princess Qi, who was originally destined to die at six months old. She is given the name Zhao Lingsheng. After living a peaceful life as a princess for fourteen years, she recommends to Emperor Ningzong that Zhao Lingsheng be named Crown Princess when his adopted son, the Crown Prince of Great Song, Zhao Xun, falls 2.1kReads8.7Score172Shelves
7. 207 女 The Vicious Villainess in a Matriarchal World Raises Her Fish Online 女尊恶獠在线养鱼 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Matriarchal society + sweet romance + one-on-one + devoted to each other] [Calculating and ruthless princess × obedient, loyal guard] The capital's good-for-nothing Second Princess is beaten in the street by another woman for pursuing a man, then crashes into a stone lion. After recovering from her serious injuries, the Second Princess seems like a completely different person: kind to others, uninterested in competing, and always helping her sisters. It isn't until the day this powerful princes 15.1kReads9.5Score1.6kShelves

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   This is the same author's work, I've recommended it so many times, just go for it!!

8. 208 虐 Tortured into a Locked Love 虐锁清欢 Already Exists 11已存在的11Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Leng Qinghuan was forced to marry the notorious Prince Yan. But she wasn't some naive, helpless girl. Crying and accepting her fate just wasn't in Leng Qinghuan's nature. She seized every opportunity, with the courage to burn her bridges, fought scheming women, fought the empress, opened shops, learned to solve cases, and more... Through her words and deeds, she proved herself. The woman Prince Yan had once sneered at ultimately became someone far beyond his reach! 293Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Fight for yourself! An imperial decree forces Qinghuan, her childhood sweetheart, to part ways with the Crown Prince. The innocent love of youth is always especially beautiful! Qinghuan accepts her fate of marrying the cold-faced prince, but she never imagined that the blood on her wedding night would end in such a way. Such humiliation! No more illusions of love! Live for her family! Fight against scheming women, fight against the Empress, and even the once deeply affectionate Crown Prince becomes her enemy! After countless trials, she finally becomes the heroine of her own life!

9. 209 云 Dreaming of Yun Wei 云微入梦 Five-Finger Peach k五指毛桃kAncient Romance260k WordsOngoing [Mystery + Detective Work + Political Intrigue + Soul Transmigration + Romance + Strong Female Lead] After Lin Xuan, a 21st-century master surgeon, committed suicide, she unexpectedly found herself in the body of Duan Yunwei, the daughter of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage in the Great Yao Dynasty. Though she had forgotten her past, she used the original owner's memories to join the Imperial City Office and even rose to become its commander. She was a formidable martial artist and a brilliant 24Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A female-centric power struggle story! Highly recommended! The female protagonist thinks she's an observer, but she's actually already deeply involved in the game.

10. 210 考 She Died Pursuing the Imperial Exams for Her Husband: Life Is Hard in a Man-Dominated World 考科举因夫掉命，男尊女贵挺难活 It's Never Too Late to Take the Plunge入坑不晚Ancient Romance564k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead] + [political scheming] + [one woman, multiple husbands] + [comedy] You somehow end up in a world where men are revered and women are prized. There are many men and few women. One woman marries three husbands, and women stay home to serve their husbands and raise children. But you’re rebellious to the core and insist on disguising yourself as a man to take the imperial exams. After years of hard study, you finally become the top scholar! You work hard to build a career, but e 823Reads9.0Score104Shelves

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    A woman disguises herself as a man. She plays dumb to outsmart others. She is skilled in both literature and martial arts. Career-driven, she becomes a female prime minister, above all others. One woman and three men. The male lead is obsessed with romance.

11. 211 农 The Farmer's Daughter Rises to Power and Goes on a Rampage 农家女上位，杀疯了 Stockpiling Little Mouse囤货鼠鼠Ancient Romance417k WordsCompleted Comeback × strong heroine × not a pure one-on-one romance × one woman and multiple men, skip if that bothers you × their unrequited love She went from an ugly, plain farm girl to a courtesan who danced for the gentry. She grew more beautiful by the day. Once she came into her own, she used her beauty to set a trap and became the unattainable ideal of the capital’s most exceptional young men. They were falling for her; she was building her career. By the time they came to their senses, she had al 49Reads8.1Score—Shelves

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    The cool and rational female protagonist grows step by step, and is not obsessed with love.

12. 212 凤 The Phoenix Reigns Above 凤在上 Flowers, Trees, and Bodhi花木菩提Ancient Romance193k WordsOngoing [Beautiful Man-Eating Flower Princess VS Cunning, Affectionate Fox of a Man] [One-on-One Romance + Mutual Devotion + Two Powerful Leads + Face-Slapping + Punishing Scum + Five-Year Age Gap] Princess Li Yunrong of Lin'an was living it up in her fief when an imperial decree ordering her to marry for peace “forced” her to return to the capital. On the way, she “kindly” rescued someone. Yan Cheng thought his time had come in these desolate mountains. He never expected fate to spare him, or that a g 7Reads—Score—Shelves

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    You can try these two books.

13. 213 明 The Bright Moon Falls into Your Heart 明月落君心 Flowers, Trees, and Bodhi花木菩提Ancient Romance398k WordsCompleted Gao Yan, Prince of Jingbei, was twenty-five and still unmarried. He commanded an army of three hundred thousand and ruled from Jingbei City. The emperor feared his younger brother might rebel, and thought to marry him to Qin Fanghua, the empress's niece, so she could keep an eye on Jingbei for him. But he hadn't known that Qin Fanghua had already pledged herself to the crown prince and refused to go to the bitterly cold frontier of Jingbei. War flared again on the eastern border, and the Kingdom 3.9kReads8.2Score517Shelves
14. 214 权 The Queen of Ambition 权欲女王 A Passing Guest in the Flow of Time往事流年稍作客Ancient Romance121k WordsOngoing #BlackLotus #Regent #Empress #Reborn #Revenge On the day Shen Shaxue, the legitimate daughter of the General's household, was forced to drink poisoned wine, the Crown Prince burned her wedding dress in front of the newly ennobled court. Amid the flames, she heard her bones snap and heard him say, “You venomous woman, you don't deserve it.” When she opened her eyes again, she was fifteen, at a banquet to discuss marriage. The Crown Prince arrived with a marriage contract, gentle and refined, ju —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    [Cool][Cool][Cool][Cool][Admiration][Making a face]

15. 215 手 Making a Living with Firelight in Hand 手执烟火以谋生 Young Master Yu羽公子Ancient Romance292k WordsCompleted Lin Qi couldn't help letting a bitter smile tug at the corners of his mouth. Huo Qingchen. No one knew that he had followed her story for ten whole years, right up until the Black Armor Army was wiped out. She, too, had died in battle. When he was six, he learned that she had entered the army for training. He imagined a little girl, only four years old, training and living in a military camp. He himself hadn't been sent to the camp for training until he was five. He knew firsthand how much 15Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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    This is perfect! It's incredibly impressive and beautiful.

16. 216 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 Romance847k WordsOngoing The rating has just come out, so don't pay it any mind... [Pure historical romance] [Plot-driven] [Political intrigue] [Two equally matched leads] [One-on-one romance] [Everyone is clever] [Powerful prince who dominates the court vs. exceptionally intelligent illegitimate daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen is the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's residence. Born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble country home, she is suddenly forced into the treacherous world of the capital's n 8.4kReads8.7Score838Shelves

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    Political intrigue, a strong female lead—it's truly a fantastic read, with superb writing.

17. 217 我 I'm a Master? How Come I Didn't Know? 我是高手我怎么不知道 I Took Great Pains我煞费苦心Ancient Romance705k WordsCompleted "Feel-good power fantasy"[Words Become Law]+ [Overactive Imaginations]+ [Ensemble Cast] Original title: I’m a Master, So Why Don’t I Know It? Xiao Ranshu suspects this world has gone mad! The dog she picked up is the fearsome Wolf King, renowned for his incredible combat prowess? The servant she hired while out shopping is a great sea monster from the merfolk? That silly rabbit is a Taotie that feeds on dragons... Xiao Ranshu slams the table in fury. “Bullshit! My pets are sweet, cute, and obedi 46.6kReads9.4Score4.9kShelves

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    🌈🌈Family, these are all female-centric novels with no romantic pairings. The female leads are incredibly powerful and fierce, 🔥🔥 and their characters are all cool and aloof beauties, making them super enjoyable to read.🌟🌟 I highly recommend the first one; I really love ice queens, she's the epitome of female dominance. 🌈

18. 218 发 After Going Crazy, I Became the Beloved of the Female Lead's Geniuses 发疯后，被女主的天骄们团宠了 I Am the Phoenix吾为凰Ancient Romance580k WordsCompleted [Female-led power fantasy + lighthearted comedy + no fixed couple + an absurdly powerful golden finger] Xia Ye transmigrated into a cultivation novel full of admirers, as a disposable cannon-fodder character. The genius junior sister was innocent and adorable, doted on by the young talents of every sect and loved by everyone. The useless original owner worked tirelessly and endured every beating and scolding. She nearly died protecting the heroine, only for the holy medicine she earned to be for 294Reads8.7Score103Shelves
19. 219 浮 A Long Dream of a Fleeting Life 浮生若长梦 Su Jinmai苏金麦Ancient Romance225k WordsCompleted Having weathered a lifetime of tribulations and tasted every flavor of human life, she transmigrates through the storms of life and death, turning hardship into tenderness and loneliness into a light that shines on all. While everyone believes she is searching for a place to belong, only she knows the truth: this long journey of hardship and wandering was not about meeting anyone. It was about becoming, in this dreamlike world, a lamp that could light the way for others. A long ballad of life in 15Reads—Score—Shelves

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    He sacrificed nine lives for the Empress [Sparrow's Divine Work]

20. 220 五 Five Years of Waiting Came to Nothing: My Husband Brings His New Love to Demand a Divorce 五年痴等成空，夫君带女逼我和离 Cang Yuesheng仓月生Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Both Chaste] [Romance with His Older Brother's Wife] [Male-Male Story] [The Male Lead is repeatedly seen completely naked but stays faithful. Later, what looks like infidelity is actually a guard in disguise; the male lead remains devoted to the female lead throughout.] [Dear readers, we're very sorry! When you reach Chapter 139, please skip straight to Chapter 146. Chapters 140 to 145 are inconsistent and can be ignored.] On their wedding night, unrest broke out at the border, and her husband 5.9kReads9.3Score443Shelves

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    The eldest daughter of a legitimate wife in ancient times was incredibly intelligent. [KISS][KISS]

21. 221 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 7.1kReads9.1Score1kShelves

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    Click to read now and see how the most sassy female top scholar in history turns the imperial court into a thrilling novel!

22. 222 男 A Woman-Supreme Village in a Man-Supreme World: I’ll Conquer the Land and Reign as Queen 男尊世界女尊村，逐鹿天下我称王 Bai Bai, Take Your Medicine白白吃药啦Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + younger men desperately trying to win her back + a touch of power struggle + daughter inherits the throne] Li Yuman is the notorious hell-raiser of Lijia Village. One day, following her family's tradition, she picks up a man by the roadside to be her husband. Her husband is like the pure white snow on a mountain peak, noble and unstained, exactly Li Yuman's favorite type. Having seen her mother's attempt to pick up a man end badly, Li Yuman keeps this snow-like beauty under 595Reads8.7Score103Shelves

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    It's so good! The female lead and male lead broke up, so she found someone else to be by her side and enjoyed being with him (just by his side). See how many books I've read! This book is absolutely amazing, and the theme is very novel. The theme is rural, but it's definitely not just about village life. A true female-centric novel! [Laughing][Laughing][Laughing][Sending hearts] I'm currently following the updates.

23. 223 穿 After Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 137.8kReads9.6Score16.6kShelves

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    High-quality ancient Chinese romance novels

24. 224 寒 A Clear Sparrow Falls on a Cold Branch 寒枝落清雀 Yi Gongjin一公瑾Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance + strong female lead + political intrigue + ensemble cast + woman disguised as a man] At the age of ten, Xie Youning watched her mother die by the sword and her elder brother fall in a pool of blood. The Xie family was wiped out. She hid in the woodshed and narrowly escaped with her life. Five years later, under the assumed name Liang Yanchu, she passed the palace examinations as a disaster refugee from Hexi, placing second, and entered the imperial court. She intends to unco 3Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A woman enters the imperial court alone, solely to clear her family's name. Amidst the ever-changing political landscape, she struggles in a perilous situation. The moment her identity is exposed, her feelings for her sworn brother can no longer be concealed.

25. 225 回 Back in the Capital, the Brilliant Miss Is Famous Across the Land 回京后，神算大小姐名满天下 Bright Blue灿蓝Ancient Romance741k WordsCompleted [No romance + metaphysics + fortune-telling + satisfying read + secret identity + ghost-catching + lighthearted, no angst~] Yun Zhuo of the Xiao family was abandoned as a child. When her relatives come looking for her, she decisively returns to the capital to become a thorn in their side. Her birth mother says she’s uncouth and illiterate? But in the blink of an eye, she’s welcomed into the capital’s circle of master scholars, discussing poetry and prose and interpreting the fate of the world. T 154kReads9.6Score20.1kShelves
26. 226 世 The Crown Prince's Consort Turns Dark After Being Reborn 世子妃重生后黑化了 A Drunken Glance at the Glazed Moon一醉琉月Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Fake and real heiresses] Chu Miao was born the eldest legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's residence, but her life was switched at birth with a village woman's daughter. When her family finds her, she becomes a pawn of her parents and the imperial family. She is deceived into marrying Xiao Rongjin, the legitimate son of the Prince of Pingnan. Her father-in-law is a war god who has never known 7.4kReads9.1Score1.1kShelves

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    I've read each of these books multiple times and highly recommend them; they're all exceptionally good.

27. 227 我 Me! A Little Orphan! I Rose Up and Crowned Myself Emperor! 我！小小孤女！起义称帝！ Gui Yaoyao圭垚垚Ancient Romance308k WordsCompleted [No CP romance + orphan girl fleeing famine + mind-reading + political intrigue + empress] (The heroine is ruthless. She kills someone in the very first chapter, so don’t read if that bothers you.) The heroine, Yun Sheng, flees famine in the early part of the story, launches a rebellion in the middle, and becomes emperor in the end. A severe drought strikes Dingzhou, leaving the people homeless and destitute. What should have been an ordinary drought becomes the spark that tears the Great Shuo D 122Reads6.0Score—Shelves

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    The tag is wrong; it's actually a political intrigue novel. The first few tens of thousands of words are about escaping famine, the rest is about conquering the world.

28. 228 他 He Covets Her Beauty 他窥姝色 Shen Jiayu沈嘉鱼Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Feel-good revenge + mutual salvation + everyone grovels] Gu Tangning is a princess, the brightest jewel in Shengjing. The emperor she personally supported wants to kill her and seize her power. The Prince of Yun'an, whom she raised herself, wants to take her by force. The powerful minister Shen Qinghan, who shares her love, wants to imprison her. They all say they love her, but they only want her to be a caged songbird. They want her beautiful and fragile, kept under lock and key, obedient and 2.2kReads8.9Score227Shelves
29. 229 绿 Green Shoots on the Branch 绿上枝头 Light Peach Blossoms轻薄桃花Ancient Romance221k WordsCompleted [Signed for print] [Brave, steadfast transmigrated heroine VS cool, clearheaded young noble] [Transmigration + rebirth + prominent family + household intrigue + feel-good + career building + strong heroine + light comedy] Jiang Lübao, daughter of a censor, was unexpectedly kidnapped and had her reputation ruined. The marriage that had already been arranged for her was called off, too. For a young woman from a prominent family, this was a devastating blow. But she burst out laughing. No one knew 86.2kReads9.6Score9.6kShelves
30. 230 夺 Seizing Shenghua 夺盛华 Fragrant Pear香梨Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Jiang Qingyi spent her whole life as a discarded pawn, trampled on and bullied, until her own mother was defiled and driven to suicide because of her! Reborn, Jiang Qingyi flipped the table. To hell with being anyone’s pawn! Her medical skills could bring the dead back to life. With her extraordinary eyes, she could read the flames of a person’s fate, divine their future, determine fortune or misfortune, and calculate everything without fail. Powerful people came to her door just to ask for a re 430Reads8.8Score109Shelves
31. 231 病 The Yandere Villain Visits My Dreams Every Night: Sister, You’re Mine 病娇反派夜夜入梦：姐姐你是我的 Song Jiujiu宋玖玖Ancient Romance284k WordsCompleted [Raise a Cub into a Wolf + Feigned Possessiveness] Shen Xia was forced to transmigrate into a book. Apparently, she had to kill the villain and help the male lead rise to success before she could go home. But she turned around and chose to crush the System outright, helping the beautiful, tragic, powerful young villain become the male lead instead. She did whatever she wanted, free of all constraints. But just as she was ready to bow out after accomplishing her mission, the villain she had raise 4.4kReads9.3Score615Shelves

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    This is great! It's a time-travel story with political intrigue and a yandere villain's conquest plot. I haven't found anything similar yet; it's really good! I absolutely love the female lead, Shen Xia, and I also love the villain.

32. 232 姝 Radiant Beauty 姝色艳艳 Shen Jiayu沈嘉鱼Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Main story complete] [Revenge + satisfying read + mutual healing] In her previous life, Gu Mingyue was the Princess Consort of Prince Chen, an undefeated female general, and the peerless King of Xiangchu. Unfortunately, though ghosts roamed the night, the human heart was the most terrifying thing of all. Prince Chen betrayed her, shot her with his own hands, and wiped out her entire Gu family. Her closest friend climbed over her corpse to ascend the imperial phoenix throne. The boy she'd rescue 3kReads9.0Score342Shelves
33. 233 姜 Jiang Wei: Father-in-Law and Son-in-Law Serve the Same Court 姜维：翁婿同朝 A Pearl in Hand明珠在手Female-Channel Fanfiction632k WordsCompleted Complete. An unofficial history of the Three Kingdoms!! The story of young general Jiang Wei's life, from his return to Shu to his death for his country: the Northern Expeditions and a love story. Jiang Wei and his wife Fei Zhao, daughter of Fei Yi and a county princess of Shu Han, embrace as they die for their country. Ten thousand bolts from the repeating crossbow pierce them, and she carries their unborn twins. The Sima clan means to separate them; when they cannot, they cut them apart. The h 76Reads—Score—Shelves

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    All characters suffer tragic endings. In the chaotic Three Kingdoms period, everyone is caught in the crossfire; the sweeter the beginning, the more painful the end. This is true in over a dozen parallel worlds, where all beings suffer, desires are unfulfilled, and happiness is never possible. (Multiple perspectives in the side stories, even more heartbreaking moments) The second male lead, Zhuge Ke, is a mirror; his tragic life reflects the suffering of everyone. He secretly loves the most talented man. He appears thirty chapters late, missing out on opportunities by seven or eight years, loving painfully and humbly. In his final desperate act of madness, he dies, his clan is wiped out, and he suffers eternal damnation. His name is repeatedly tarnished by many. Even after his death, more people continue to discover traces of his deep love. In over a dozen different side story "IF" scenarios, he still cannot achieve a happy ending (he is tortured countless times in different ways).

34. 234 美 A Beauty Like Wine, Sweet Yet Poisonous 美人似酒亦似毒 Yu Jiudeng虞九灯Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted Everyone knows that Prince Ding of Beiming, a man who avoids women, fell for a delicate beauty and spoiled her beyond measure, granting her every wish. The beauty was like both wine and poison. On the eve of their wedding, she dropped her disguise, stole the battle formation plans of the Xiao family army, and made a clean getaway. All of Xiao Ciyuan’s heartfelt devotion became a joke. . Wen Yuyan, daughter of the great general who protects Xichu, burst onto the scene. Brilliant and gifted, with 1.3kReads9.3Score151Shelves
35. 235 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 28.7kReads8.7Score2.1kShelves
36. 236 一 A Game for All Under Heaven 一局苍生 Crab by the Sea海边的螃蟹Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Pure historical romance + powerful heroine + equally matched leads + political intrigue) Let me make this clear: this is a political intrigue novel with a strong female lead, not a harem-intrigue story. Everyone in this novel is intelligent. Even the few fools are pretty entertaining. Heroine Mo Xishui: stunningly beautiful, at the peak of martial prowess, and unrivaled in intelligence. For the sake of the family her mother was meant to protect, she has always been an invincible force. In her e 182Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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    Mo Xishui (Nalan Leyin) VS Situ Mingye [heart] The female lead is the head of the Du family, and also the true head of the Mo family. The male lead is the second young master of the General's Mansion and a third-rank official. The Du family suffered a calamity, and Nalan Leyin began plotting revenge and restoring the Du family's honor when he was six years old. The Du family travels among the four kingdoms, yet they are not bound by their rules, making them a source of fear. What exactly happened that led to the Du family's disaster? [What] The female lead is intelligent, skilled in martial arts, well-informed, and supports the new emperor, earning respect. [Kiss]

37. 237 想 I Want to Lie Flat, but My Strength Won't Let Me 想躺平，怎奈实力不允许啊 Big Boss Norma诺玛大大Ancient Romance637k WordsCompleted If you like stories that jump straight into fighting and killing, with life-or-death stakes, this one may not be for you. The heroine isn't naturally inclined to seek power or kill. For a long time at the beginning, she enjoys peaceful days filled with family life and everyday trivialities. They are the easiest, most carefree years of her life, and a crucial period for gathering supplies and building the reputation she will need when she later rises up. When natural disasters and human calamitie 730Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The female protagonist was a mercenary king in her previous life and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. After transmigrating, she only wanted to retire and live a peaceful life, but unexpected natural disasters and man-made calamities came. Farming solves the disasters, technology, infrastructure, military merits, ancient modernization, and empress.

38. 238 人 In Dream of the Red Chamber, I Become Wang Xifeng's Maid 人在红楼，成了凤辣子的丫鬟 Storyteller from Shu蜀中说书人Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Synopsis: Xu Le died young and was reincarnated in the world of Dream of the Red Chamber as a bondservant of the Jinling Wang family. At eight by Chinese reckoning, she was selected to serve the Wang family and became one of the dowry maids of the famous, fearsome Phoenix, Wang Xifeng. Faced with the decline of the Four Great Families, Xu Le can only struggle to survive in the cracks and find a way out for herself... (Content warning: The female lead isn't purely good. She'll hurt people for her 10.6kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

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    [Admiring the screen][Admiring the screen][Admiring the screen][Sending hearts][Sending hearts][Sending hearts]

39. 239 重 Reborn, the Brutal Princess Goes on a Killing Spree 重生后暴虐公主杀疯了 A Hint of Cool in South City南城微凉吖Ancient Romance163k WordsOngoing [Strong female lead + feel-good power fantasy + an incredibly cool heroine + fictional dynasty + sweet romance + female-centered story] (A ruthless, unhinged princess versus a battle prince with power over the entire court) Mu Xiyan is the most favored princess of the Linyue Kingdom. In her previous life, she was infatuated with the eldest son of the Chancellor’s family. After marrying him, she used her family’s favor to help the Chancellor’s household at every turn. In the end, the Chancellor r 6Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The pinnacle of action-packed novels! Sisters, let's go! My favorite line is: "Your subject upholds the principle of overwhelming all heroes; what scheme cannot be broken? Before absolute strength, any conspiracy or trickery is utterly useless." A female protagonist who prioritizes strength is the coolest! In this colorful world, my sexual orientation is all over the place, but I love you, heroine!

40. 240 拯 Saving My Hopelessly Romantic Brother: I Tutor Him for the Top Universities 拯救恋爱脑亲哥，我辅导他考清北 Come Ship the Couple来磕糖吖Modern Romance314k WordsCompleted Su Zijin is fifteen years younger than her brother, Su Gu. Su Gu has been the perfect child since he was little: handsome, academically gifted, and possessed of sound values. Everyone says he’s bound for one of China’s top universities, but no one could have predicted that he’d fall for Xie Sisi, a master manipulator. The golden boy falls from grace. The title of “academic genius” gradually gives way to “delinquent,” and their parents smile less and less. Su Zijin wants to change things, but she 6.5kReads9.4Score902Shelves

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    "I long to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine, but it will never be the same as the carefree days of my youth." Su Zijing returned to Su Gu's 17-year-old self, saving him and many others. But they, too, were saving Zijing. Li Zhizhi's constant prioritization of Zijing, Su Gu's spiritedness, Xiao Song's cuteness, Gu Ru's gentle silence, Zhou Shuo's humor, and Zijing's adorable gentleness and thoughtfulness—each person had their own unique qualities. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds, forever spirited, forever proud.

41. 241 长 The Grand Princess Was Banished to Her Fief, So I Became Empress 长公主被贬封地，我转身成女帝 Happy Little Crawler幸福的爬爬虫Ancient Romance279k WordsCompleted [Strong Female Lead + Revenge and Regret + Empress + No Romance + War for Supremacy in a Chaotic Era] Chu Ning transmigrates into the Great Chu Dynasty as a princess who has been confined to her fief. Carrying the grudge of her mother’s murder, Chu Ning unexpectedly awakens the strongest Empress System, and begins a fiery journey to become an empress who conquers the realm. With a decisive hand, she takes control of Changle Commandery, her fief, and builds a solid power base. Declaring herself Q 672Reads—Score102Shelves

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    This book is absolutely fantastic!

42. 242 让 You Asked Me to Be a Concubine, So I Killed the Lord? 让你当小妾，你把主君杀了？ Jiang Yu Is Very Lazy江鱼很懒Ancient Romance685k WordsCompleted (A full-cast audio drama has been produced) (The short drama adaptation, A Kiss Beneath the Spring Moon, is now online) [Quick transmigration + femme fatale + palace and household intrigue + revenge for every grudge + villainess fiction + no fixed male lead + growth-focused heroine] As a newly created System, Erdan only wanted to choose a gentle, charming Host who knew how to humble herself, so they could complete the concubine survival missions. But it turned out Erdan had misjudged her. A low- 17.1kReads9.6Score2.4kShelves

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    It's not exactly a political intrigue novel, but it's uniquely entertaining.

43. 243 嫡 The Princess's Revenge: Watch Me Tear That Scumbag and His Tea-Sipping Mistress Apart 嫡公主复仇：看我手撕贱男茶女 Nan Qiuyan南秋砚Ancient Romance182k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Revenge + Nation and Family + Tormented Romance + Cunning Hero + Equally Matched Leads] The realm is divided, and the three powerful nations of Huaiyuan, Xihe, and Jiyuan eye one another with suspicion. Wen Beining, Xihe's only legitimate princess, enjoyed a carefree life until the age of sixteen. But everything was shattered on her wedding night... On her wedding night, her entire family was slaughtered. Poisoned and consumed by hatred and regret, Wen Beining was reborn three months b 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Don't be fooled by the sensational title! It's great and I love watching it! The female lead is very smart; she can thwart any scheme!

44. 244 冷 The Cold-Faced Prince and His Jianghu Consort 冷面王爷，江湖妃 Plum Blossoms in Ink, Blooming in Clusters墨梅朵朵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Two powerful leads, devoted and faithful love]+ [A doting husband and villains getting what they deserve]+ [Family, nation, and the world]+ [Political intrigue] The Yao family has served the nation with unwavering loyalty. After years of sacrificing everything for their country and its people, only two men remain in the family. The eldest daughter, Yao Yuluan, grew up with her maternal grandfather, who passed down to her the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower. After several years of growth, it became one o 82Reads6.8Score—Shelves

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    The female protagonist is the legitimate daughter of a general and also a top-tier gang leader in the martial arts world. After returning to the capital, she uses her power to work with the male protagonist to punish wicked women, eliminate treacherous officials, cleanse the martial arts world, and restore order to the land.

45. 245 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—Shelves

    Reader note

    This, this.

46. 246 蝳 The Poisonous Heart Stirs the World 蝳沁引儛动仁环 Liqi's Autumn Foamflame荔彩柒的秋日沫炎Ancient Romance213k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy + alternate world + power struggles + sweet on the outside, dark within, and seductive] He casually set down his teacup and picked up the fan on the table, then launched into his spirited tale: “An ill-omened child was born. With no other choice, the late emperor sent her out of the palace. He banished her to a brothel, where she could sell her skills but not her body, hoping to put an end to her curse. But even that plan failed. In less than three years, the late emperor, on —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    If he were a rare and wise ruler, I would consider it even if I had a blood feud with him. But what use is there in keeping an emperor as incompetent and cruel as him who harms the people?

47. 247 穿 I Transmigrated to the Zhou Dynasty, Helped Wu Zetian Summon Great Figures, and Built a Golden Age 穿越到武周朝代，我帮武则天召唤大佬们创盛世 Bring Me a Vat of Luosifen来一缸螺蛳粉8k WordsCompleted I transmigrated to the Wu Zhou dynasty and helped Wu Zetian summon great talents to create a golden age. 517Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Looks good, looks good 30

48. 248 女 The Female General Forces the Empress to Marry Her [Two Female Leads] 女将军逼迫女皇娶她【双女主】 Bring Me a Vat of Luosifen来一缸螺蛳粉6k WordsCompleted The Female General Forces the Empress to Marry Her [Two Female Leads] 689Reads—Score—Shelves
49. 249 美 The Beautiful, Aloof Master Dotes on Her Little Disciple [Two Female Leads] 美丽清冷师尊宠爱小徒弟【双女主】 Bring Me a Vat of Luosifen来一缸螺蛳粉8k WordsCompleted A Beautiful, Aloof Master Dotes on Her Little Disciple [Two Female Leads] 1.2kReads—Score—Shelves
50. 250 主 The Mistress's Daily Life 主母日常 Zhou Dabai周大白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [An Aristocratic Lady Tears Apart a Transmigrator + Reborn + An Idyllic, Leisurely Life as the Mistress of an Ancient Estate] Lu Lingjun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, were both reborn. In their previous lives, Lu Lingjun married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her younger sister married the heir to a marquis’s estate. Everyone said her sister had made the better match. But who could have guessed that Lu Lingjun’s husband would become the prime minister and sec 23.5kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

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    Highly recommend!!!

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