Pure Court Politics and Scheming: No Rebirth, Transmigration, or Cross-Dressing, Just Brains and Strategy 纯朝堂权谋，不重生不穿越不女扮男装全靠智商手段

1. 51 离 Li Yue Dances in Rainbow Silks 离月舞霓裳 Idly Slaying a Hundred Flowers闲来杀百花Ancient Romance290k WordsCompleted {Rebirth + Political Intrigue + Strong Female Lead} An old-school, slow-burn story: no System, no melodrama, and not a power fantasy She is the noble eldest princess of the Li Kingdom and the supreme leader of the Fengsi Office, which oversees the people’s faith! But in a single palace coup, her father is murdered and her mother takes her own life, all under the machinations of a poison-wielding strategist and powerful ministers. Her younger brother disappears, and she falls from the towering w —Reads—Score—14d adds

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   Pure political intrigue

2. 52 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

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   This book has excellent writing, a smooth story, and is particularly enjoyable.

3. 53 洛 Records of the Luoyang Pagoda 洛阳浮屠录 Yun Yuan Shaoze云鸢少泽Two Male Leads472k WordsCompleted (Main story complete) The young master, Sixteenth Lang, of the Duke of Chu's household has been kept at home all day and raised like a sheltered young lady. At last, he works up the courage to run away, only to end up aboard an enemy ship loaded with poison, ready to take on the Tang navy's hundred thousand men. Faced with a victim stabbed until he is covered in bloody holes, it isn't Sixteenth Lang who screams. It's Ashimi, a beautiful Qin-Tang mixed-blood who can't stop clinging to him like a 3Reads—Score—14d adds

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   Buddhism, Taoism, the Western Regions, and foreign lands! A stunningly beautiful mixed-race coroner, a cunning and spoiled young nobleman, and a 996 workaholic young minister—this iron triangle teams up to solve cases! The Wuhu Sea Explosion Case, the Wuliang Pavilion Massacre, the Tibetan Puppet Envoy Case… each case is intricately linked, with unpredictable endings. Explosions, massacres, conspiracies—the blood-stained Tang Dynasty, countless bones beneath its prosperity—where will the mastermind lead this world?!

4. 54 乱 After Fleeing the Chaotic Era, I Became the Founding Empress 乱世逃亡后，我成了开国女帝 Nan Wanxu南婉徐Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted [Publication rights signed] [Strong heroine + political intrigue + turbulent times + power struggles + ensemble cast] She’s fleeing from the start, a female warlord in a chaotic age. Lin Zhihuang, originally named Lin Zhihuan, transmigrates as a county magistrate’s daughter, only to find tens of thousands of refugees attacking the city from the start! While others transmigrate into palace or household intrigue, she transmigrates straight into a chaotic age and a desperate flight from famine. The 93.2kReads9.4Score12.8k14d adds

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   Synopsis: The first book is a great political intrigue novel set in a chaotic world. There's a short scene at the beginning where the protagonist disguises herself as a man, but it's very brief! After that, she's purely a woman establishing herself in the world and wielding power. The initial short section might seem like time travel, but it's not; this will be explained later. I won't say much about the second book.

5. 55 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 15.2kReads9.5Score1.7k14d adds
6. 56 雪 The Snowbound Blade 雪藏刃 Xie Xue Hanyan邪雪寒嫣Ancient Romance894k WordsCompleted One is a cold-faced constable who disguises herself as a man. The other is the Prince of Xichuan, a foreign nobleman said to have brought about his wife's death. When these two meet, an extraordinary story is bound to unfold. Passing herself off as a man to serve as a constable in the Six Fan Gate is no easy task. Dao Xueshan even changed her name to Dao Sanxue. To make it in a crowd of men, she has only one choice: be crueler, fiercer, more ruthless, and better at killing than they are. But she 353Reads—Score15214d adds

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   Completed, handwritten novel, strong female lead, the female lead disguises herself as a man, works in the government and navigates the political arena, patriotism, martial arts detective work, suspense and political intrigue, female mutual assistance, the female lead has super strong fighting ability, no romance brain.

7. 57 伏 Ambush 伏杀 Mo Bai1莫白1Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Original title: Ambush] Beneath the awe-inspiring might of Heaven, all living beings are mere ants. And yet he dares, with the strength of an insect, to turn the world upside down. For family, for friends, for the burning hatred in his heart, for the nightmares that haunt him year after year, for justice, and for fairness. This story is set in an imaginary world and has no connection to actual history. Everything in it is fictional. Any similarities are purely coincidental. 15.1kReads8.3Score96214d adds

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   Highly recommended! A hardcore political intrigue story set in a fictional imperial court, with a high-quality plot that avoids clichés, and smooth, vivid writing. A must-read if you're looking for something to read!

8. 58 满 The Lasting Red: How to Make a Living 满江红之何以立身 Zhi Chun栀纯Female-Channel Fanfiction333k WordsCompleted Both leads are virgins! Happy ending! Marriage before love! No weak woman paired with a strong man: the man must be A, and the woman must be A too! You are Qing Wei, an assassin raised in Qin Hui's household from childhood. You and your sisters fought your way through a hundred candidates to survive, and after coming of age, you were chosen as Qin Hui's adopted daughter. Qin Hui trained you in both letters and arms so that one day you could marry his trusted aides and help keep them under surve 36Reads—Score—14d adds

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   This is a fanfiction based on the movie "Man Jiang Hong" starring He Li. It features a poignant and unspoken love story, as well as themes of national righteousness. Originally, both the male and female protagonists were retainers of Qin Hui, but they ultimately turned against him, gradually escaping the Prime Minister's mansion and ultimately bringing down Qin Hui. An excerpt from the story: The moonlight was intoxicating; you, overwhelmed by the weight of longing, swung your dagger, trying to cut through the ever-tilting silver-gray light. You swung left and right, but in no time you were breathless with exhaustion, yet still enveloped by the moonlight, drowning in memories, unable to breathe.

9. 59 天 The Dragon and Phoenix of Destiny 天命龙凤 Let's Eat Hot Pot吃火锅呀Ancient Romance475k WordsCompleted [Serious drama + ensemble cast + court and martial world + love of country and family + female lead with a golden finger] The author is terrible at writing blurbs, sorry! If you enjoy this kind of story, feel free to give it a try. To save her life, Lu Wan does everything she can to send Yao Qian to the northern frontier. Sixteen years later, Emperor Li Yunshan summons the Third Prince, Li Tian, who has lived in the northern frontier, back to the capital. Rumors spread throughout the city that H 6Reads—Score—14d adds

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   Self-recommendation? Can you really get away with force? 😂

10. 60 清 Summer’s Deepening Breeze 清风予夏深 Qile Si其乐思Modern Romance159k WordsCompleted After her mother dies, she is subjected to all kinds of injustice. No matter how much she gives in, even giving up her education, she still can't escape her wretched fate! So she pretends to be a cat and a dog, and the second half of her battle of wits and courage begins... 3Reads8.3Score—14d adds

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    Come to this modern copyright strategy,

11. 61 轻 Where Does the Light Boat Go? 轻舟何岸 Plain Colors, Chilly素彩寒Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted Are the four princes of Rui Kingdom really going to marry four common women from Chan Kingdom? Could it be because every woman in Chan Kingdom is beautiful and fertile? She has the talent to be a chancellor in a matriarchal kingdom, yet marries the “intellectually disabled” prince of a patriarchal kingdom, entering the marriage as a spy under the pretense of a political union. He is a prince with exceptional intelligence who hides his true self. But even after he regains his true self, is that r 15Reads—Score—14d adds
12. 62 朕 I Am Hongli, Building a Golden Age for the Qing Dynasty 朕是弘历打造大清盛世 Third Aunt from the Farm农家三姑Historical1.4M WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue + Harem Rivalries + Factional Strife + Romance + Emperor] Hongli ascended the throne at twenty-five and ruled for sixty years, making him the longest-reigning and longest-lived emperor in history. He governed with diligence, excelling in both civil and military affairs, and led the Qing to the height of its golden age. Yet factional strife raged through the court, conflicts in the deep palace never ceased, and danger lurked behind the splendor. In the end, the golden age ga 15.8kReads8.3Score43714d adds

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    A super engaging historical novel, filled with the art of rulership, court intrigue, and factional struggles.

13. 63 镇 The Nation-Protecting Prince Consort 镇国驸马爷 Xuan Zhi轩轾Historical3.1M WordsCompleted [System + political intrigue + mind games! The story only gets better as it goes] Ji Ping’an, a die-hard Three Kingdoms Kill player, passes out while gaming. When he wakes up, he’s transmigrated to the Dayu Dynasty and, by some fluke, become its biggest doormat of a son-in-law: the princess’s husband. He also activates a Three Kingdoms Heroic Spirit System. With enough gold, he can summon any general, strategist, warlord, or beauty from the Three Kingdoms. From then on, Ji Ping’an sets out to ge 68.4kReads8.9Score5.1k14d adds

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    Take a look at this.

14. 64 侧 The Side Consort Arrives, Joining the Crown Prince in Rebellion, War, and the Rise to Emperor and Empress 侧妃驾到，携太子造反出征成帝后 Za Qi杂柒Ancient Romance458k WordsCompleted My first book wasn’t very well written. [Harem intrigue + political scheming + two powerful leads + revenge] He is Xiao Junze, a warm and gentle yet calculating Crown Prince with a devoted heart. She is Lin Qingyue, a cool-headed, clever side consort who has no desire to enter the palace. He says, “Qingyue, I’m afraid you’ll destroy the obsession I’ve held onto for ten years.” She says, “Junze, I’m willing to build a golden age with you.” As dangers close in at court, their feelings for each oth 11Reads6.6Score—14d adds

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    Strong male and strong female leads! The female lead, after losing her memory, becomes the Crown Princess, strategizing with the Crown Prince to outwit the court. After regaining her memories, she becomes the Crown Prince's favorite minister, not only navigating court intrigue but also seeking revenge for her family! The initial rating was a bit low, but the logic is sound and the plot is engaging.

15. 65 影 Shadows Shine Ever On 影照长明 Mr. Qi, Who Loves the Moon爱吃月亮的七先生Ancient Romance490k WordsOngoing [Delicate, ailing beauty × cold-faced King of Hell | The weak-looking schemer plays the fool × the Governor plays along to the very end] [Historical political intrigue + spy agency] The man who risked his life to set the trap fell in love. The Jade Maiden Gu is both a death warrant and an aphrodisiac. When she died before his eyes, he only furrowed his brow. Later, all of Great Zhao knew he had gone mad… When Pei Mingxi escaped from the Pei family’s country estate, she had only thr 2Reads—Score—14d adds

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    Hardcore, historical drama + political intrigue + espionage + high emotional intelligence and IQ.

16. 66 穿 Transmigrating to Great Qian as a Prince 穿越大乾当王爷 Wang Dongdong, a Late Bloomer大器晚成的王冬冬Historical627k WordsCompleted A worthless man from the twenty-first century transmigrates to the Great Qian Dynasty and tries his best to keep his head down. Instead, he is first made the Great Qian’s first non-imperial prince. Afraid the emperor will grow suspicious, he tries even harder to stay under the radar, only to gradually become the Great Qian’s richest man, the first prince to serve as a grand secretary in its Grand Secretariat, a pillar protecting the realm, and a minister entrusted with the emperor’s heir. He say 116Reads—Score—14d adds

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    I absolutely must write a historical fiction novel with flesh and blood, not entirely a wish-fulfillment story, but with tear-jerking moments. I need ten chapters; if you don't like it, just slap me in the face.

17. 67 月 Dreams Beneath the Moon in Huazhou 月落梦华州 Wu Tinglan梧听澜Ancient Romance374k WordsOngoing Don’t worry about the rating. [Desert Romance + Powerful Leads Who Save Each Other + Ensemble Political Intrigue + Hilarious Love Triangle] After a sudden raid by bandits, Gong Langyue, a princess of the Xiao Kingdom, is taken captive in the desert. Everyone assumes this delicate young woman from the Southern Dynasty won’t survive the winter. But she not only survives, she thrives, and even turns a group of women stranded on the grasslands into her own team. She may not be skilled in combat, 201Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    When the emperor put down his bow and crossbow to comb her hair, he said, "Look carefully, this is the only weapon that can kill me."

18. 68 江 Jiang Yan’s Dream: Flowers Bloom from His Brush 江淹一梦笔生花 Gurgling Spring泉之淙淙Historical505k WordsCompleted In the winter of the seventh year of the Daming era (463 AD), Jiang Yan was gathering firewood in the biting wind by the Qingxi River. Suddenly, he spotted a young woman stumbling along the main road, clutching her wounded left arm, with three constables from the Court of Justice in hot pursuit. Jiang Yan pulled her into a reed bed, helping her evade the officials’ deadly grasp. It turned out she was Xie Wei’s daughter. Xie Wei had been implicated in the Fan Ye case because of his poetry and pro 136Reads—Score514d adds

    Reader note

    Pure court intrigue and power struggles, no time travel.

19. 69 欲 Ascend to the Ninth Heaven 欲上云霄九重天 Reading Ink, Listening to the Wind读墨听风Historical2.5M WordsOngoing A coral pendant engraved with a fire phoenix emblem draws Qi Ming, a destitute youth who lives on credit at a teahouse in Tianque City, into a shocking secret plot sweeping across four kingdoms. The moment the iron hooves of the Longxiang Army smash through the door, he still has no idea that the token his parents left him is the “key” that can overturn the world. The grand machinations governing the realm have barged into his life without warning. From a tide of Gu poison in a dungeon to a pack 571Reads—Score—14d adds

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    No time travel, no system, no cheat codes! The pinnacle of political intrigue novels! An Eastern version of "Game of Thrones"! Almost none of the male or female characters are artificially dim-witted or naive. It emphasizes realism! I devoured over 300 chapters in one go and couldn't stop! It avoids the clichés of mindless wish-fulfillment stories; every step is a twist, and the power struggles between the four kingdoms are brilliantly written. Qi Ming's journey from a passive escape to mastering strategy and manipulating people—the sense of power and satisfaction in climbing from the bottom is truly amazing. Even the supporting characters aren't just tools; each has their own stance and calculations. You can't even hate the villains—they're so charismatic!

20. 70 穿 After Becoming a Female Chieftain, I Led the Frontier Out of Poverty 穿成女土司后，我带边疆脱贫致富 Likes the Trombone喜欢乐器长号Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted Lu Mingyu, an agricultural science student, transmigrates into the legitimate daughter of a chieftain's estate in Dayan. Her father died young, and her mother took over his duties and holds all the power. But the next day, she discovers that the estate lies in a remote border region, cut off from news, impoverished, and underdeveloped. So she gets to work, visiting the locals and conducting surveys herself, determined to help everyone escape poverty and prosper. But just as this young chieftain' 51Reads—Score—14d adds
21. 71 山 How Many Autumns Have Passed Over These Rivers and Mountains 山河几度秋 Jiang Xiaoyu江小雨Ancient Romance572k WordsCompleted In the first half of Zhao Lanxi's life, three men mattered most to her. One was her master, who had raised her; another was Yan Mo, the Vice Minister of Justice, who had recognized her talent; and the third was her full-blooded older brother, Zhao Jin, Duke of Zhenguo. Later, her master died, and Yan Mo died too. Zhao Jin, however, did not die. Not only was he alive, he also brought her a fourth man. One more thing: why does the heroine of a historical romance have to be a girl of fourteen or fi 53Reads6.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Both are historical romances with political intrigue, featuring an all-local cast, and both main and supporting characters are intelligent. The first book is about overthrowing a tyrannical emperor and installing a wise one. The second is a story of an ancient spy infiltrating the country, a historical romance version of "Proof of Identity."

22. 72 风 Through Wind and Rain, the Wild Geese Return 风雨雁归来 Jiang Xiaoyu江小雨Ancient Romance499k WordsCompleted Cao Jinghe was one of the best spies in Jianzhang Palace, code-named Snow Goose. She entered the palace at eight. At sixteen, her homeland fell and Chang’an was lost. She spent eight years undercover in enemy territory, until the bandits surrendered, the lost lands were recovered, and peace returned to the realm. But she waited where she was, and the order to end her mission never came. Even her handler, “Mountain Ghost,” who had sent her secret reports all along but whom she had never met, vani 455Reads8.5Score10114d adds
23. 73 大 The Boss Puts on a Secret Identity and Takes the Court by Storm 大佬她披上马甲A爆朝堂 Sleepy Cat猫沉沉Ancient Romance810k WordsCompleted To avenge her elder brother, she disguises herself as a man and enters the government as an official. The officials soon notice that Lord Yuchi, once as gentle as jade, has become bold and dazzlingly cool. The cute, soft-spoken young woman is sweet on the outside but ruthless within: clever, calculating, wealthy, and armed with plenty of secret identities. She doesn't even blink as she takes down her powerful political rival. As she keeps tormenting him, the feared minister falls for her... Qin, 598Reads9.1Score12414d adds

    Reader note

    The story originally involved the female protagonist's brother dying, and the female protagonist disguising herself as a man to take his place.

24. 74 谋 The Strategist’s Deception 谋士骗术 Slow Growth缓慢成长Historical1.2M WordsOngoing These stories blend fact and fiction, drawing on forgotten details to craft tales. Enjoy the wisdom of the ancients and see how human nature changes. Learn from the past to understand the present, and know when to reveal your hand and when to keep it hidden. The plots are built around human nature and follow the logic of ordinary people. Deception and countermeasures, strategists on both sides pitting their wits against each other, plans colliding to see who comes out on top. In battles with col 222Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A story of human nature orchestrating schemes and breaking stratagems, depicting realistic strategic battles across various ancient eras. There is no fixed system; neither the protagonists nor the antagonists are intellectually diminished. It adheres to normal logic.

25. 75 王 The Dragon of the Dynasty in Dateng 王朝之龙在大腾 Don't Ask Who I Am不问我谁Historical672k WordsCompleted [Alternate history] + [struggle for the throne] + [epic battles] + [light System elements] + [court intrigue] + [control of the dynasty's finances] Today is Deng Shuhang's birthday, and then he transmigrates into the novel he wrote five years ago! He has the amazing ability to see character profiles!!! Watch an ordinary man grow into a king who rules the world! (If you ever get the chance to transmigrate to ancient times, make sure you read this book carefully. It's the most realistic guide to t 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book relies purely on intelligence; it's suitable for everyone from childhood to adulthood and will definitely meet your requirements.

26. 76 楚 Chu Yunxing 楚云行 Peng Hu彭胡Historical1.8M WordsOngoing [No transmigration, no System, no formulaic tropes, no brainless decisions, no invincible protagonist, no wish-fulfillment. Read with caution if these bother you.] The history of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms + wuxia + political intrigue + a young hero’s legend + the mysterious Tang Mo Dao + homeland and humanity + love and hate + the traditional chapter-and-verse format = an epic historical wuxia saga of sweeping grandeur 56Reads—Score—14d adds

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    Check out this book; it meets the requirements. It's a rare historical martial arts novel set in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, featuring political intrigue, regional power struggles, martial arts romances, everyday life, military battles, vividly portrayed characters, rigorous historical research, and a traditional chapter-style writing style. It's free of system-based plots, time-travel elements, and mindless humor. A worthwhile new book to read.

27. 77 梦 Tales of Ten Dream Kingdoms 梦十国记 Lost in the Green Wilderness碧野迷生Ancient Romance721k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + Powerful Female Lead + Six Male Leads + Alternate-History Political Intrigue + Conquest + Love-Triangle Drama + Spy Warfare + Forced Love + Imprisonment + Everyone Is Scheming] No System, no golden finger, and the heroine has no memories of the original host. She’ll have to rely on her own wits to get out of every predicament. . The first man to imprison her: “Let’s see whether I’m more impressive, or your romantic fantasies are.” The second man to imprison her: “Normal sex is 354Reads8.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is captivating with its political intrigue; it's absolutely brilliant.

28. 78 慈 Empress Dowager Cixi and Her Three Favored Eunuchs 慈禧皇后与她的三个宠爱太监 Farmer Third Young Master农家三少Historical3.7M WordsCompleted [Eunuchs + Palace Secrets + Empress Dowager Cixi + Court Intrigue] From the time Empress Dowager Cixi entered the palace to the day she ruled from behind the curtain, she shared an unusual relationship with three eunuchs: An Dehai, Li Lianying, and Xiao Dezhang. They were like master and servants, like friends, and more than anything, like old companions. She doted on the three eunuchs, who relied on her favor to do as they pleased, throw their weight around, and take part in court affairs. This 50.2kReads9.0Score3.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    A historical novel full of court intrigue and palace drama—it's incredibly exciting!

29. 79 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 5.8kReads9.3Score43414d adds

    Reader note

    Must-read ancient Chinese novels about power and intrigue

30. 80 成 What on Earth Is This? Complete in Two Volumes (The Original Novel Behind the Hit Drama Starring Wang Churan and Cheng Lei) 成何体统：全二册（王楚然、丞磊主演热播影视剧原著） Qi Yingjun七英俊Anime Fanfiction314k WordsCompleted What is it like to transmigrate into a web novel and become the tyrant's bedmate? After a few simple calculations, Yu Wanyin reached a conclusion: she would have to find another way. In this story full of villains, if she wanted to carve out a path to survival, she had to become the biggest villain of all. First, help the tyrant take down Prince Duan, then take down the tyrant and become empress herself. But when she met the tyrant and carefully considered the strange sense of familiarity in his 40kReads9.7Score6.1k14d adds
31. 81 小 Listening to Spring Rain All Night in a Small Tower 小楼一夜听春雨 Bright Moon Tilts明月倾Ancient Romance876k WordsCompleted A critically acclaimed historical romance ensemble that topped the annual charts! A calculating, lovesick beauty versus a dark, scheming top scholar! A historical take on Pride and Prejudice: life in the inner household isn't all scheming and rivalry, but also deep sisterly affection. The clever and capable Second Madam Lou takes the greatest pride in her life in having three beautiful daughters. To marry her three marriageable girls into “good” families, she travels a great distance to the capi 35.4kReads9.6Score5.8k14d adds
32. 82 桃 Ride Out to Battle, Peach Blossoms in My Wake 桃花马上请长缨 June六月Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of June's novel, Power and Favor 3: Power and Favor in the Capital, is now available on Hongguo App. She cared for her in-laws and used her dowry to support the General's household, only for him to use his hard-won military achievements to ask for the female general's hand as his equal wife. Zhan Beiwang mocked her. “Song Xixie, do you know that your fine clothes, rich food, and glittering jewels all come from General Yi Fang and me fighting bloody battles to hold back 15kReads9.5Score5.5k14d adds
33. 83 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 87.1kReads9.6Score9.9k14d adds
34. 84 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 70.3kReads9.7Score9.3k14d adds
35. 85 闻 The Sound of Spring 闻春声 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance161k WordsCompleted [Taciturn, stammering country hunk VS vivacious, fiery widow. Farming romance, one-on-one, both leads’ first relationship] [She makes the first move, and the unyielding tree finally blossoms. A period farming romance] At the matchmaker's urging, young Yao Chunniang took her dowry and married into the Zhang family in Lishui Village. Who could have guessed that on their wedding night, her sickly husband would close his eyes and die? Before Yao Chunniang could even process what had happened, she ha 28.9kReads9.6Score3.4k14d adds
36. 86 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    20 ancient romance novels, all kinds of genres, really good, you won't regret reading them.

37. 87 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 265.2kReads9.6Score31k14d adds
38. 88 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 162.8kReads9.6Score22.7k14d adds
39. 89 与 With Jin Chang’an (Based on the Screen Adaptation Starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei) 与晋长安（宋轶、丞磊主演影视原著） Jiu Lu Feixiang九鹭非香Ancient Romance155k WordsCompleted The hit drama starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei is now airing! A beloved historical romance by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang! Female general vs. puppy-like boy. The child she casually picked up turns out to have two sides? A cold little gentleman by day, a loyal black knight by night. Is he a puppy turning into a wolf, and which side is the real him? A tale of love and hate between a female general and the heir of an enemy state! Li Shuang, the adopted daughter of a great general, guards the borders of the Grea 5.8kReads9.6Score92914d adds
40. 90 行 Late in the Day 行止晚 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + emperor and empress + tragic palace romance] 145,000 readers gave it top ratings, and countless readers cried their way through it! The year’s breakout historical romance, a heartache readers can’t forget. A clear-eyed, sweet empress VS a proud emperor whose love never wavers. Born into the imperial family, how can everything ever go as you wish? May we remain together forever, and may I keep you safe and at peace. A gentleman’s word is his bond. In a daze, I saw the moon rise. 25.7kReads9.6Score3.3k14d adds
41. 91 烛 The Candlelight Pavilion 烛幽台 At Ease with the Universe随宇而安Ancient Romance366k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy + parallel worlds + soul swapping + endless loops + Mobius strip. After "A Thousand Peach Blossoms Bloom in One Lifetime", acclaimed author Sui Yu Er An returns with another fantasy hit! Jiang Hui × Qi Huan: three lifetimes of entanglement across parallel worlds, as they seek the essence of love in intersecting timelines.] At nineteen, Jiang Hui set out to avenge her father’s murder. On her wedding night, she and Qi Huan died together. But though she was gravely wounded, she 4.9kReads9.5Score74314d adds
42. 92 授 Hand Him the Reins 授他以柄 Zhou Fuyao周扶妖Ancient Romance96k WordsCompleted With the city about to fall and the kingdom on the brink of ruin, Pei Qing wrote a letter asking that man for help. For seven whole days, there was no reply. But just when all hope seemed lost, he arrived. His peerlessly handsome face was full of disdain and contempt. Xiao Yuan walked into the imperial bedchamber with blood dripping from his blade and lazily called out, “Elder Brother.” Having earned merit by rushing to the emperor’s defense, he naturally expected a reward. “I have plenty of gol 24.5kReads9.5Score2.8k14d adds
43. 93 天 Supreme Destiny 天命最高 Sweet Dream Feather甜梦羽Historical180k WordsCompleted He was the “Qin dog” everyone in Handan hated, a hostage who trembled in his mother’s arms. Before the age of nine, he lived for one reason alone: to avoid being beaten to death by the people of Zhao. Then one day, his father died, and he became the King of Qin. The road back to Xianyang was strewn with thorns: his grandmother wanted to depose him, his younger brother wanted him dead, powerful ministers treated him like a puppet, and the queen dowager and her lover controlled the inner palace. H 10Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Who could have imagined that Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who conquered all before him, spent the first half of his life in misery? Returning to power, he faced enemies on all sides, forging his path to the throne through ruthless means. His heart was as hard as iron, unmoved by emotions, yet he was deeply devoted to Epang, promising her the entire empire as his dowry. Just as he stabilized the court, a sudden crisis struck, forcing him to make a difficult choice between his empire and his lover…

44. 94 从 From Hostage to Emperor for the Ages 从质子到千古一帝 The Silent Writer沉默的作家Historical317k WordsOngoing Wei Huan, the ninth prince of Great Wei, was overlooked by his father. He volunteered to become a hostage in the state of Jin. After surviving countless life-and-death trials and experiencing one romance after another, he ultimately returned to Wei with the support of his many confidantes, brilliant strategists, and valiant generals. He ascended the throne, unified the realm, and became an emperor for the ages. This is not only a deeply moving, earth-shaking tale of love and passion, but also an —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    New book, peer reviews, five-star rating

45. 95 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 106.8kReads9.5Score12.4k14d adds
46. 96 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3k14d adds
47. 97 别 Don't Be Weak, Don't Provoke Her: An Angry Palace Maid Can Restore a Fallen Kingdom 别太弱，别招惹，宫女发怒能复国 Ethereal Fairy霓裳妖妖Ancient Romance748k WordsCompleted [Unusual premise + assassin’s rise + strong heroine + political intrigue + cold and heartless + mildly yandere + cool-headed lunatic + male lead rises from the nth place] * Su Mian was just a palace maid serving a princess. On the day the Southern Yan Kingdom fell, she watched everyone die before her without a flicker of emotion. The princess gave her an even more perilous mission. Until it was done, she had to stay alive. But in a world thrown into chaos, she was sold as a slave and forced to e 25.6kReads9.5Score4.2k14d adds
48. 98 穿 I Reincarnated as the Wicked Eldest Princess, and I'm Not Changing My Ways 穿成恶毒嫡长公主，不洗白 I Want to Be a Rich Lady我想当富婆Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted [Romance + Sweet Love] Shang Changge transmigrated into a book, becoming the notorious eldest legitimate princess in a male-oriented power fantasy. As a villain, Shang Changge wasn't worried at all. Reforming her image was out of the question. She just wanted to keep doing whatever she pleased. Her evil plans came in three parts. 1 Shang Changge: “Take out the old emperor so my beautiful crown prince brother can ascend the throne without a hitch.” Her beautiful crown prince brother: “...” Why co 3.4kReads9.1Score31714d adds
49. 99 可 Damn! Why Is the Crown Princess Surrounded by Suitors Everywhere? 可恶！怎么到处都是长公主的鱼！ What Did I Do Today今天我干嘛了Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Short drama of the same name] [The Princess's World of Flowers] Now streaming [Content warning: The female lead is not exclusive, but all the men are, so read with caution] [Schrodinger's playgirl × a whole lot of men] [Lighthearted, not a serious historical drama] [Original title]: Too Many Men Are Such a Hassle. Who Should I Spoil? Wen Yu transmigrates into the Great Sheng Dynasty as its beautiful, useless, brainless eldest princess. After learning that the original owner drowned by accident 47.6kReads9.5Score6.4k14d adds
50. 100 重 The Reborn Empress Looks Up, and the Entire Court Falls to Its Knees 重生女帝一抬眼，满朝大臣全跪了 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance441k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Strong heroine + Yandere + Both are virgins + Satisfying read + Obsessive to the core] Yan Qing was supposed to be a princess of the imperial clan, but she was born cursed as an ill-fated loner. Her father kept his distance, her mother loathed her, and her family and subjects all saw her as a venomous snake, avoiding her at all costs. In the prime of her life, she died because of her family’s schemes. Even the powerful young nobleman she had personally trained and nurtured betrayed her 2.7kReads9.2Score27614d adds

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