Pure Historical Romance, Chief Councillor Stories, Powerful Minister Stories 纯古言，首辅文，权臣文

1. 1 重 Reborn as the Chief Minister's White Moonlight 重生首辅大人白月光 Zhi Xia织夏Ancient Romance309k WordsCompleted [Complete] Happy ending, sweet overall, with a little angst [A reserved, dignified scholar-statesman and chief minister vs. a resilient, untamed little flirt] (#Both reborn, “daddy” type boyfriend) On a snowy day in Shengjing, the celebrated chief minister Shen Qian was beheaded at Wumen Gate, his blood spraying three feet. Before he died, he gripped a red cord tightly. “Qingqing, your big brother is coming to join you.” Ji Yaoqing’s family died in a political struggle. At six, she was taken in 5.4kReads9.3Score939Shelves

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   These historical romance novels are absolutely fantastic! Two feature prime ministers, and the other three are all powerful ministers. They're incredibly good, with fresh, unconventional plots that don't drag, and they're so sweet! [Admiring][Admiring][Admiring][Admiring]

2. 2 上 Spring Poems from the Capital 上京春赋 Shi Munan十木南Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Signed for print publication under the title Spring Rhapsody in the Capital] [Pure historical romance, not reborn + a long-planned scheme + a touch of coercive seduction + devoted pampering and flirting + emotional push and pull] [Completed; the original title was Spring Rhapsody in the Capital] [Sweet romance, both mutually inexperienced: brave and gentle young princess x sinister, fanatical powerful minister] A conspiracy landed Mo Yuan’s father and brother in prison, their lives at the mercy 71.5kReads9.3Score5.7kShelves

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   These historical romance novels are absolutely amazing! Two feature prime ministers, and the other three are about powerful ministers. They're all incredibly captivating, with fresh, original, and fast-paced plots that are incredibly sweet! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

3. 3 都 Everyone Says She's Not Good Enough, but the Cool and Powerful Minister Is Head Over Heels for Her 都说她不配，偏偏清冷权臣他超爱 Flowers and Fruit有花有果Ancient Romance480k WordsCompleted [Marriage First, Love Later + Historical Romance + The Heroine Only Wants the Physical Side at First and Often Takes Advantage of the Hero + Growing Together] Jiang Zhaoyue transmigrated into a book. She became the foolish, vicious ex-wife of a supporting male character. The original owner's list of “accomplishments” was impressive: Abusing the servants. Disrespecting her parents-in-law. Eloping with a poor scholar after taking a sum of money. Being sold into a brothel. Contracting a vene 17kReads8.9Score1.9kShelves
4. 4 蓄 Long-Planned: The Chief Councilor’s Daily Devotion to His Wife 蓄谋已久：首辅大人的宠妻日常 I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance566k WordsCompleted “The rating just came out, so it’ll go up later.” Sweet, delicate beauty × scheming powerful official. A marriage that turns into tooth-achingly sweet love! “The aloof beauty comes down from her pedestal of her own accord.” A spring palace painting leads to “bedroom lessons,” and the heart-fluttering moments just won’t stop! Reading guide: Both leads are virgins, happy ending, sweet romance with no angst, sugar from beginning to end! Qin Nuan married Shen Yanqing, the Chief Minister who was the 30.9kReads8.9Score2.9kShelves
5. 5 恶 The Wicked Supporting Lady Is Doomed to Live as a Widow? Brother-in-Law, I’m Scared 恶毒女配守活寡？夫兄，人家好怕 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance558k WordsCompleted [Elder Brother Steals Younger Brother’s Wife + Deliberate Seduction] (Black-hearted scheming villainess ✖️ abstinent, cold-hearted junior tutor) In her previous life, Pei Jingxu remained a widow for three years for her husband, Rong Xuanzhou, who had died in battle. But then he returned to the capital with Bai Shutong, the widow of his comrade-in-arms, and her two children. The Rong family elders said nothing, only urging Pei to be virtuous and magnanimous. The widow was peerlessly beautiful. No 110.5kReads9.3Score19kShelves
6. 6 权 The Powerful Minister Pursues His Wife: He Says He'd Even Accept Being Her Lover! 权臣追妻，他说外室他也愿意！ I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance339k WordsCompleted The rating has just come in, so it’ll go up later~ The male lead starts out on top, then turns into a devoted lapdog later. There’s a little political scheming and domestic drama. The satisfying face-slapping comes later. This isn’t a strong-female-lead story either, so don’t read it if that’s not your thing. "Beautiful, fair-skinned, voluptuous, innocent heroine vs. a man who doesn’t realize he’s in love until he’s on his knees pursuing his wife" "Powerful minister pursues his wife ➕ both leads 2.3kReads8.1Score217Shelves

   Reader note

   Read the first book, "The Prime Minister Has No Substitute Meals Every Day," then read the second book, "Gu Ci Is a Dog to Win Back His Wife."

7. 7 翡 Lotus in an Emerald Cage 翡翠笼中莲 Jiang Chengyu C江承钰CAncient Romance49k WordsCompleted The Lotus in the Jade Cage 722Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The female author's most prized pure ancient romance novel‼️ Completed, please enjoy! A blend of domestic and palace intrigue🩷 A bit tear-jerking, reminiscent of the poignant feeling of a love that ends without a trace😭 My beloved, unforgettable female supporting character! A jade merchant's daughter meets a fallen prince living among commoners, but there's no spark between them until they fight assassins in a dilapidated temple. She falls in love with him, but he falls for another extremely delicate woman. By chance, he's placed on the throne by a powerful minister.👑🍅 The supporting character, the powerful minister, has quite a bit of screen time, from initially having everything under control to the helplessness of losing control at the end of his life—very bittersweet. He doesn't love her, but respects her, needing her wisdom to help him navigate between the powerful minister and the imperial power. She also lives peacefully with his lover. She loves him, and therefore loves him in a way that the male lead prefers. 😍🍅 In the end, it was that seemingly frail woman who protected the female lead with her own life until the very end. 😊 After reading it, you'll feel a sense of loss. It's a rare story where the male and female leads don't fall in love, but rather need to use each other without competing with one another. It has a powerful aftertaste.

8. 8 为 For the Sake of Marrying My Cousin 为了和表妹成亲 Recognizing Flowers at Dawn朝花夕识Ancient Romance416k WordsCompleted Ye Wanning was reborn as an orphan forced to live under someone else's roof, with only her unparalleled beauty to her name. In her previous life, she had been born into a noble family. Her childhood friend was a talented scholar from Sanjiang who silently protected her; her fiancé was a junior minister at the Court of Judicial Review who landed in prison for her sake; and the crown prince had fallen in love with her at first sight. Then all three stood by and let her father and brothers die. Reb 14.1kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves

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   After her rebirth, Ye Wanning, looking at her current weak and vulnerable self, turned her gaze to Lu Jiuzhang, the powerful minister who would later slaughter the world. At this time, Lu Jiuzhang was not the ruthless, cold-blooded, and unpredictable minister with absolute power, but a gloomy young man whom everyone could kick. As the saying goes, "Don't underestimate a young man," so the girl stepped forward and called out: "Brother Jiuzhang." Don't be misled by the name; it truly is a very good novel.

9. 9 盛 Dotingly Cherished Concubine: A Handbook for Raising a Beloved Concubine 盛宠娇妾：宠妾养成手册 Sweet Rice Wine糯糯酒Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance, No Angst + One-on-One + Everyday Life] Qing Li spent years pretending to be a mute little eunuch in the palace. After arriving at the Prince Qing's residence, all she wanted was to keep her hands tucked into her sleeves, carry on acting dimwitted, and live peacefully as a little eunuch. But one day, she grabbed a scholar in blue robes at the library and made him help her carry something. After that, everything began to change. When she pretended to be stupid, people poked her. Wh 125Reads8.6Score—Shelves

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   I recommend this historical romance novel. The male lead is aloof and cold in public, but a total rascal when he's with the female lead, always trying to take advantage of her by touching her hands and buttocks. Both leads are clear about their feelings for each other, and they're mutually attracted. They quickly have a baby. The female lead is a bit of a coward at home, but her tough-guy behavior towards the male lead is hilarious. 🌟

10. 10 世 The Heir's Everyday Life of Spoiling His Wife 世子爷养妻日常 The Mountains Are Nowhere to Be Seen山山不见Ancient Romance818k WordsCompleted (Marriage first, love later, sweet romance, feel-good power fantasy, both leads have been faithful) Song Qianlan is the eldest legitimate daughter of the prime minister’s household. Ordered by imperial decree to marry the heir of the Duke of Dingguo, all she wants is a respectful marriage and a peaceful life. Xie Yan is the heir of the Duke of Dingguo. Married by imperial decree, he has just one request of his wife: behave herself and keep out of trouble. With their mutual understanding that the 21.7kReads8.8Score1.6kShelves

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    A pure historical romance novel, a sweet and delightful story. I love all the couples in it; each one could be the subject of a book. The author is incredibly talented! Highly recommended! [Sparrow's Masterpiece][Sparrow's Masterpiece][Sparrow's Masterpiece][Sparrow's Masterpiece]

11. 11 不 Wasn't This Just a Deal? So Why Is the Prince So Smitten? 不是交易吗，王爷怎么被迷死了 Seven Teas七个茶Ancient Romance276k WordsOngoing [Scheming, Delicate Fake Heiress x Dominant, Possessive Prince] Shen Yiyue had enjoyed sixteen smooth years as a noble young lady. But when her fake-heiress status came to light, the Shen family couldn't bear to throw away all the years they'd spent raising her. Instead, they decided to marry her off to an old prince notorious for abusing women. To survive, she had no choice but to seek help from Prince Jingsi, a man she had a grudge against. Yiyue clung to his waist and sobbed. "My lord, save 253Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The first book features a female lead who is the male lead's mistress. She's a fake heiress who only gets involved with him for survival; initially, it's just a transaction, but later the male lead falls for her. The female lead is spoiled, capricious, and domineering in public, yet subservient to the male lead, making him her lackey. Later, as the male lead becomes infatuated, she takes it for granted and makes him her lackey. The second book features childhood sweethearts. The female lead becomes a convict and then the male lead's mistress. The male lead is both charming and scummy; the female lead tries to escape, but he forcibly takes her. I feel so sorry for my daughter! [Crying emoji]

12. 12 外 His Mistress Fled While Pregnant, and the Powerful Minister Regretted It Too Late 外室揣崽跑路，权臣他追悔莫及 I'm A Zhuo我是阿灼啊Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted Zhou Chuling was a disgraced woman from the capital. Her family was confiscated, and she was taken into the palace as a slave. Her childhood sweetheart, a young general, used his military achievements to buy her freedom. From then on, he kept her outside his household as his mistress. Everyone said the Meng family's mistress lived in greater comfort than even the principal wife. That was until Meng Duo sent word that he was betrothed. Her friends urged her to be content. Things were different no 509Reads5.3Score—Shelves
13. 13 首 Is the Grand Secretary Working Inside the Villainess Today? 首辅今天在恶女体内打工了吗 Handsome Bubble泡泡的帅帅Ancient Romance101k WordsOngoing [Feel-Good Read] [Plot Twists] [Lighthearted and Hilarious] [Reborn] [Subverts the Usual Tropes] [Ancient Setting] [Female-Oriented] [Imaginative Historical Romance] [Two Souls, One Body] [Bickering Couple] [The Ice-Cold High Official Falls from His Pedestal] [Subverts the Usual Tropes] [Feel-Good Read] Su Tao, a scheming woman from the streets, is set on climbing the social ladder and living off a rich man. On the very night she drugs and schemes against the young heir, the cool, aloof chief co 14Reads—Score—Shelves

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    📖The comedic female protagonist, Su Tao, is obsessed with currying favor with the powerful and living off them, only to have her aloof and cold-blooded Prime Minister Xie Wuwang unexpectedly possess her body! By day, the Prime Minister acts as her bodyguard, using his superior political skills to easily defeat the vicious inner court; by night, the wicked woman takes over, using her shrewish methods to amass wealth. The two share a body, locked in a frenzied struggle for power and mutual strife. The entire capital wonders if this woman has gone mad: by day, she's aloof and arrogant, debating with scholars; by night, she's a money-grubbing rioter on the streets! Until the Prime Minister's true self returns, he's red-eyed and corners the wicked woman on the bed: "We've already shared a body, where do you think you're going, Madam?"

14. 14 赐 After the Imperial Betrothal, the Grand Secretary Finally Got a Clue 赐婚后，首辅大人开窍了 Wangwang Milk Beans汪汪奶豆Ancient Romance575k WordsCompleted Everyone in the capital knew that the legitimate daughter of Imperial Censor Qiao was frail and could be knocked over by a breeze. Yet the emperor betrothed her to Mu Shijing, the Chief Grand Secretary, who stood second only to the emperor and above everyone else. Mu Shijing was the man who had shattered the dreams of countless young ladies in the capital, and on top of that, he had paid a fine for staying unmarried for two years in a row, making him the capital's most eligible bachelor. When th 5.6kReads8.8Score723Shelves

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    This is a historical romance novel. The female protagonist is reborn. It's a sweet story. The male protagonist is a successful candidate in the imperial examinations from the beginning. He later becomes the top scholar in the imperial examinations. He plots with his "brother-in-law" (his sister is the concubine of the fifth prince) and gradually becomes a powerful figure in the court.

15. 15 小 A Small-Town Family Dares to Marry Up? Her Father Deserves a Place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple! 小门小户高攀？她父亲配享太庙！ Fragrant Bubbles沫香香Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Transmigration + Devoted Couple + Everyday Life + Protective Husband + Powerful Male Lead] Jiang Mingyue got married. Her husband was talented, exceptionally handsome, able to farm and cook, and possessed every virtue imaginable. He also attracted women wherever he went. At the palace banquet, noblewomen glared at her coldly from one side, while a princess on the other side hoped she would die soon. Jiang Mingyue could barely sit still. “I don’t think I can handle this.” Xie Yu 29.2kReads9.2Score3.3kShelves
16. 16 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves

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    In the realm of political intrigue, He Tong is unmatched. [Shy]

17. 17 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 18.2kReads9.1Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a purely historical romance novel; the male protagonist is the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

18. 18 囚 Imprisoned in Spring: The Cold, Aloof Powerful Official Breaks His Vows 囚春情：清冷权臣破戒后 Longevity Bell长生铃Ancient Romance399k WordsCompleted [Age gap + both are inexperienced + pregnant and on the run + an icy, powerful official brought low + she flees, he pursues] In the eighth year of Chengping, amid bitter cold and heavy snow, the entire Xie household was seized. Xie Jinhuai, the governor of Yangzhou, was sentenced to a brutal execution, and the rest of his family suffered as well. In the blink of an eye, Xie Zhi went from a governor’s daughter to a convicted slave. Just as she was about to be sold to a brothel, she summoned her c 7kReads9.1Score845Shelves

    Reader note

    It's always been on my top bookshelf. The aloof and powerful minister falls from grace, and she runs while he chases! It's so good, I love reading every chapter without skipping.

19. 19 不 I Won’t Be a Powerful Official’s Concubine, I Just Want to Farm 不做权臣外室，我只想种田 Fruit Jelly水果冻冻Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted As the head of the Court of Judicial Review, Huo Yanzheng is known among the people of the capital as an upright official who solves cases with uncanny skill. But to Su Lingwan, he is cold and heartless, standing by with folded arms. He hardly seems like a good person. So whenever Huo Yanzheng comes to eat at her noodle shop, she secretly gives him two extra side dishes or adds another braised egg to his order. She is timid by nature and has no one to rely on. She can only hope that, in return f 7kReads8.9Score650Shelves
20. 20 首 The Chief Minister's Beloved Concubine 首辅大人的宠妾 August Snow八月雪Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted Siyue, a servant in the Gu household, has raven-black hair and snow-white skin. She is as enchanting as a lotus fairy, and her only wish is to save enough money to leave the estate. What she doesn’t know is that Gu Rongheng, the eldest son of the Gu family, has long had his eye on her and already considers her his own. Gu Rongheng, the Grand Secretary, lays trap after trap, leaving her no chance to escape. A lowly maid can never escape a nobleman’s grasp. When Gu Heng becomes engaged, she is for 7kReads8.3Score505Shelves
21. 21 禁 Has Lord Xu Broken His Vow of Abstinence Today? 禁欲的徐大人今天破戒了吗 Fruit Jelly水果冻冻Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted A new restaurant has opened in Huayang City. Its proprietor is a pretty young widow, with a slender willow waist you could barely encircle with one hand and a gaze that seems to hook you in... People have taken to calling her the “Beguiling Blossom Proprietress.” The stern prefect, who has always kept his desires in check, darkened at the sight and scolded her coldly: “Shameless and depraved!” Later, the aloof Lord Xu, who never paid attention to women, met the beguiling and enchanting proprie 4.1kReads9.3Score570Shelves
22. 22 太 Lord Tutor, Stop Pretending. Everyone Knows You’re Head Over Heels 太傅大人别装了，都知道你爱惨了 Wuyou Li乌有理Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted [Reborn] [One-on-one romance, devoted couple, happy ending] Original title: The Zither and Flute Went Astray [Devoted, restrained aloof beauty of a powerful minister ✖️ resilient, brave heiress known as the Phoenix] The Zhu family has lost all its sons, but still has more money than it could ever spend. Their prominence makes them a target, and with no allies to turn to, the entire family was executed by the crown prince in her previous life. Reborn, Zhu Zheng agrees to her grandmother's 6.7kReads9.1Score700Shelves

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    Grand Tutor!!! The best Grand Tutor in the world!

23. 23 嫁 Even Marriage Can't Help You Escape Your Brother's Clutches 嫁人也别想逃出哥哥的手掌心 In Spring Zen春禅里Ancient Romance365k WordsOngoing [The rating is low because it just came out, but it’ll rise later] [Possessive love + Running away while pregnant + Wolf-and-rabbit romance] [Proper, sheltered young lady VS unruly, rough “fake cousin”] “Lu A-Jiao, you can’t escape me.” Just seven days before her wedding to the crown prince, she dreams that the Sixth Prince, Beiming Yuan, once bullied and at everyone’s mercy, stages a coup, deposes the crown prince, and, defying all convention, imprisons her in the palace to torment her day afte 1.2kReads7.6Score107Shelves
24. 24 惟 May My Dear Brother Be with You Year After Year 惟愿兄长岁岁与卿 Listening to Snow in the Mountain Breeze岚风听雪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Quirky, delicate younger stepsister × powerful, imposing older stepbrother] [One-on-one romance + no misunderstandings + simmering tension + age gap + height difference] Liu Jintang followed her mother into a second marriage and entered the Shen family, one of the most illustrious families in Shengjing. She hadn’t even enjoyed two days of the good life before she drowned in the lake behind the Shen residence. When she opened her eyes after being reborn, it was the very day her mother married i 5kReads8.8Score769Shelves
25. 25 农 The Tough Farmer's Wife: The Chief Minister Is Wooed Again 农门悍妻：首辅大人苏又撩 Lychee Snow Foam荔枝雪泡Ancient Romance508k WordsCompleted Song Zhaoxi transmigrates into a book and becomes the male lead’s foolish ex-wife, married off to bring him good fortune. Despicable relatives, a bare-walled home, and a miserable life. Song Zhaoxi wipes away a bitter tear, rolls up her sleeves, and gets rich. The despicable ones line up to kneel and sing her praises! The only person she fears is the male lead, known as the Living King of Hell. Luckily, she got the supporting female character’s script, so she can run away whenever she wants! - E 8.3kReads9.2Score858Shelves

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    A story of a prime minister + transmigration + rebirth [thumbs up][thumbs up]. The female lead comes to the male lead's side through various coincidences. As they spend time together, they gradually develop feelings for each other, and eventually, the two love each other for life and grow old together. The male lead eventually becomes the most powerful prime minister in the country [heart][heart].

26. 26 穿 Into the Story: The Prime Minister’s Transmigrated Wife 穿书嫁首辅，锦鲤甜妻旺全家 May You Never Waste Your Youth卿不负韶华Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A gentle, slow-paced farming story, lucky charm, sweet romance, no golden finger, male lead is reborn, with a natural-disaster escape along the way.] Jiang Sui transmigrated into an ancient romance novel as a background character who didn’t even get a name. But the moment she heard the name Xiao Hechuan, she didn’t hesitate to take her sister’s place and marry him, even though Xiao Hechuan was still a fool at the time. She knew that before long, the fool would recover and go on to pass the impe 20.3kReads9.0Score2.6kShelves
27. 27 穿 Transmigrated as a Villainess: The Grand Secretary Offers Himself to Her 穿成恶女：首辅大人他以身相许 Red-Eared Cat赤耳猫Ancient Romance549k WordsCompleted [Devoted couple + adorable child + pocket dimension + sweet romance + farming] Medical prodigy Su Yunsheng transmigrates into a book as the wife of the future Grand Secretary, a woman who doesn't survive past the third chapter. To stay alive, she has to rely on her greatest skill, medicine. To her surprise, the spatial ability she awakened in her previous life is still with her. The original owner's helpless twin babies? Su Yunsheng says, “I'll raise them.” Her pockets are so empty they practica 952Reads8.8Score105Shelves
28. 28 夫 The Reborn Madam Has the Chief Minister Anxious Every Day, Fearing She’ll Divorce Him 夫人重生首辅日日焦虑被和离 Ling Fei Yan凌菲烟Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Song Qinglan is reborn on the very day her mother-in-law forces her to find a concubine for her husband. It seems that every misfortune in her past life began that day. Because of this, she and her husband grew further and further apart, until he neglected her, her children felt no closeness to her, and she was almost abandoned by everyone. She stood by Xie Yunge as he rose from a down-and-out scholar to the most powerful grand secretary in the court. She spent her whole life enduring and holdin 3.2kReads8.7Score268Shelves
29. 29 穿 Transmigrated as a Merchant’s Daughter, I Fled the Famine, Opened a Shop, and Supported the Future Prime Minister 穿成商户女，逃难开店养首辅 Mu Zhi Yu木知聿Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted By a twist of fate, Du Lanyue ends up in another world and, through another stroke of chance, marries a hardworking, ambitious farmer’s son. Her in-laws are diligent, practical, and kindhearted, and her husband’s studies are going wonderfully. But they live in a time of chaos, and who knows when danger might strike? With no other choice, the family packs up and flees. They cross mountains and rivers, climbing over mountains and fighting wolves along the way. The husband and wife work together, l 1.2kReads8.6Score126Shelves
30. 30 重 Reborn to Divorce Her Husband: A Farmhouse Wife Makes Money While Raising Her Kids 重生休夫：农门夫人带崽跑赚银两 Yan Qingzhao颜轻昭Ancient Romance807k WordsCompleted When Rong Qingyin was nine, her father brought home a boy, saying that when they grew up, he would marry into the Rong family and become her husband. The day he passed the provincial examinations, everyone in the village said Rong Qingyin would become the wife of an official, ride in a bridal sedan chair, have maids and servants at her beck and call, and live a comfortable life. Only later did they learn... That Rong Qingyin, whom everyone thought was blessed, had died of depression. Pei Lingjun 1.6kReads7.8Score122Shelves
31. 31 夭 Good Grief! I Woke Up as the Traitorous Official's Wife, Destined to Die Young 夭寿啦！一睁眼穿成奸臣早死原配 Every Inch Is Gold寸寸金Ancient Romance679k WordsCompleted Shen Heng transmigrates into an alternate history as the secret first wife of Xie Jian, the most notorious corrupt chancellor of all time, and finds herself on the way to elope with someone. She doesn't even know where to begin complaining. This is what the Record of True Chancellors says about Xie Jian: Xie Jian, courtesy name Zixuan, was the last chancellor of the Great Cong Dynasty. Through his own efforts, he brought down the dynasty, which had stood for over six hundred years. His life: He 16.9kReads9.0Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Ancient saying, with a touch of time travel, a treacherous minister becomes a famous official.

32. 32 明 A Ravishing Beauty Plays Innocent, and the Heir Willingly Falls for It 明艳美人装无辜，世子他甘愿受骗 Little Lotus Bud小荷才露角Ancient Romance414k WordsCompleted Pure historical romance + everyday life among the elite + devoted couple and sweet romance + intelligent, growth-oriented heroine + light comedy + love at first sight Yan Zhenzhen, the legitimate daughter of a century-old scholarly family, has a strikingly beautiful face. But her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, the top-ranked scholar, betrays her for power, turning her into a laughingstock. Everyone is waiting to see her meet a miserable end. But who could have guessed that Xiao Ningzhou, heir 3.7kReads—Score407Shelves

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    A pure historical romance + slice-of-life life in a high-class family + sweet and virginal romance + light comedy + love at first sight. Yan Zhenzhen, the eldest daughter of a century-old scholarly family, possesses a bright and beautiful face, but is betrayed by her childhood sweetheart, the top scholar fiancé, for power, becoming a laughingstock. Everyone waits to see her tragic end, but unexpectedly, Xiao Ningzhou, the rumored unruly and cold-faced heir of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, protects her in front of everyone. "Marry me, and I promise you a lifetime of peace and security, and no one will dare to bully you in the slightest." ... After the marriage, Prince Xiao realizes that he has been "deceived" by his wife's bright and innocent face.

33. 33 锁 Locked in the Spring Night 锁春宵 Banana Pizza香蕉披萨Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + reborn + revenge on scum + sweet romance + mutually faithful] In her previous life, Su Qingyu had been married for three years without ever consummating the marriage. Then her cousin suddenly appeared before her with a child, and Su Qingyu finally learned that the man wasn't impotent. He just couldn't perform with her. Her cousin stripped off Su Qingyu's face, took her place as the legitimate daughter of the marquis's household, and became the matriarch of the S 33.3kReads9.3Score5.6kShelves

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    [Traditional Chinese Romance + Rebirth + Revenge + Sweet Romance + Both Characters are Clean] In her past life, Su Qingyu had been married for three years without consummating the marriage. But then her cousin suddenly appeared before her with a child, and she realized that the man wasn't impotent, just impotent when with her. Her cousin stripped her of her face and took her place as the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's mansion, the matriarch of the Shen family. Reborn, she returned to the day of their arranged marriage, at the funeral of the Third Master Shen. Su Qingyu caught them in the act and immediately called off the engagement. The Old Madam Shen said: "Qingyu, Master Ci'en said that if you marry into the Shen family, you can avert disaster for both our families." Su Qingyu replied: "Marrying into the Shen family is enough? Then I'll marry the Third Master Shen, remain chaste in life, and be buried with him in death." The entire capital was waiting to see Su Qingyu's downfall, to see what would happen to her marrying a dead man. Only Su Qingyu secretly smiled. It wasn't until Shen Sanye suddenly returned to the capital and pinned Su Qingyu in a corner, saying, "I heard you've admired me for a long time?" Su Qingyu shrank back, "Is it too late to annul the engagement?" Shen Sanye: "Too late." Those waiting to see Shen Sanye annul the engagement and remarry were suddenly surprised to discover that this youngest Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Shen Ge Lao, was actually afraid of his wife. After the marriage, Su Qingyu only wanted to treat her husband with respect and be a dutiful third wife of the Shen family. But she never expected that Shen Sanye was outwardly cold but inwardly passionate. Respect and courtesy? Impossible; they could only spend their days in intimate companionship.

34. 34 惊 When the Sparrow Takes Flight 惊雀起 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance841k WordsCompleted [Clear-Eyed, Scheming Physician × Distinguished, Cunning Powerbroker] The Relentless Pursuit of a Wife + Romantic Tension + Political Intrigue Without Mindless Wish Fulfillment On a rainy night, she kneels outside the Lu residence. “Please... save my younger sister.” “Song Yuanzhi, you're the daughter of a disgraced official. You have nothing. Why should I help you?” Lu Shiyan asks coldly. She looks up, determination flashing in her eyes. “If you save my sister... I'll give you my virtue, Brothe 1.5kReads8.2Score163Shelves

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    A shrewd and calculating beauty versus a cold and ruthless powerful minister. An extreme power struggle, a tale of relentless pursuit and betrayal. From prey to hunter, she orchestrates a meticulously planned game, ultimately leading the cold-faced, all-powerful prime minister to kneel in the snow, begging for her return. Key Highlights (You won't regret reading!): ✅ Engaging Characters: A shrewd and calculating beauty versus a cold and ruthless powerful minister; both possess sharp intellects, creating intense and suspenseful power struggles. ✅ High-Energy Plot: From domestic intrigue to court politics, from sacrificing oneself to save one's sister to the destruction of one's family, each event is intricately linked, with constant plot twists. ✅ Intense Emotions: From intense emotional turmoil in the early stages to forceful acquisition in the middle, culminating in a heart-wrenching pursuit and betrayal in the later stages—a truly satisfying and poignant experience. ✅ Excellent Writing: Full of classical Chinese charm, with logically sound political intrigue. This is a story about power struggles and redemption. The female lead, Song Yuanzhi, is not a "strong female lead" in the traditional sense. She compromises, schemes, and even uses herself as bait in desperate situations, but at her core, she always makes clear and independent choices—whether it's sacrificing herself to save her sister, plotting revenge, or ultimately leaving Lu Shiyan, every step she takes is the greatest chance of survival she can secure within limited space. The male lead, Lu Shiyan, is also not a perfect domineering CEO. He possesses the cold shrewdness of a scion of a powerful family, the controlling desires of someone in a position of authority, and he too hesitates, misunderstands, and ultimately regrets his actions in matters of the heart. Their relationship begins as a mutually beneficial transaction, but it gradually deepens through a game of strategy and compromise.

35. 35 重 After Being Reborn in the Bed of a Ruthless Power Minister 重生在疯批权臣榻上后 Pre-Qingming Rain明前雨Ancient Romance395k WordsCompleted [Forced Pursuit] [Mutual Firsts] [The Relentless Pursuit of His Wife] Jiang Yili’s previous life ended in a rather shabby fashion. After dying, she spent four years as a ghost. When she opened her eyes again, she had been reborn in Xie Jinchen’s bed. He was destined to rebel. The daughter of a treacherous minister, she tried every scheme she could to stay alive, only to end up in Xie Jinchen’s hands. By day, he was aloof as an immortal, the most unattainable prize in the capital. By night, desir 27.3kReads8.8Score3.4kShelves

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    Super good, highly recommended

36. 36 这 This Top Scholar Plays by His Own Rules 这个状元路子有点野 The Foundation of One's Life立身之本Historical2.3M WordsCompleted [Farming + imperial examinations + alternate history + lighthearted] My Parents Flipped the Table and Quit, So I Want to Take the Imperial Exams Too Just as Wang Xuezhou was about to reach the peak of his life, he transmigrated. The good news: in this life, his parents were loving, and his siblings got along. The bad news: the whole family was pinching pennies to fund his eldest uncle's studies. They had next to nothing and were living on coarse grain and wild greens. But before he could flip t 51.6kReads8.9Score6.4kShelves

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    [Farming, Imperial Examinations, and Lighthearted Fantasy Setting] He takes the imperial examinations, becomes the top scholar, earns a separate page in the family genealogy, and writes the "Family Record of Merit." He eliminates treacherous officials, develops technology, and several ministers vie for his attention. The Minister of Revenue: "With your money-making abilities, you're rightfully mine." Wang Xuezhou nods: "Okay." What? The national treasury is short of money? Making money is nothing compared to robbing! Confiscate property, confiscate property, confiscate property! What? Both ministers are asking me who to choose? I won't choose either, can I go it alone? But as I'm working, how come I'm walking sideways? The new emperor, teary-eyed: "My teacher treats me better than my own father..." The prince: "My teacher is mine, you all have to step aside!" The general's son: "I'll protect my rice bowl!"

37. 37 权 The Powerful Minister’s Daily Question: Is Sister-in-Law Dead Yet? 权臣每日一问：嫂嫂死了吗 Mo Ning漠宁Ancient Romance616k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Younger Brother Steals His Elder Brother’s Wife + The Powerful Bow Their Heads + Later They Fight Over Her + Mutual First Love] A royal decree arranging her marriage forces Ning Yu, who has transmigrated into this world, to wed the heir of the Xie family, whose fate on the battlefield is unknown. The marriage is meant to bring him good luck. When word arrives that the heir has died in battle, she goes to a temple to pray for her late husband and enjoy some peace and quiet, only 13.7kReads8.0Score1.6kShelves
38. 38 错 Wrongfully Married to a Deranged Powerbroker 错嫁疯批权臣 One and Two-Thirds1又三分之二Ancient Romance454k WordsCompleted On the eve of her wedding night, Lu Yuan learns that the man she's supposed to marry isn't her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, but Pei Yinian, a ruthless, all-powerful court official who has made countless enemies. Her birth parents: “Pei Yinian won't live much longer anyway. If you marry him and bear his posthumous child, all the Pei family's immense wealth will belong to you.” Her fiancé: “I can't give you a title, but I can give you a child, so you can secure your position as the Pei famil 7.7kReads8.4Score930Shelves
39. 39 世 The Heir Is Hard to Tame, and the Commandery Princess Is Hard to Placate 世子难驯，郡主难哄 Rainbow Lili彩虹里里Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Complete] [Money-loving, pleasure-seeking commandery princess VS patient, scheming heir] [Mutual salvation] Synopsis One: The most pampered noblewoman in the capital is none other than Zhao Qihuang, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yong'an. The most distinguished young man in the capital is none other than Wei Lanzhou, heir to the Duke of Zhenguo. Their personalities are worlds apart, and they can't stand each other. She thinks he's a hypocritical, deep-in-thought, smiling tiger. He mo 3.3kReads8.6Score371Shelves
40. 40 盲 The Blind Physician in the Capital: Schemes of the Imperial Court 盲医踏京：帝阙权谋录 Dong Wang Jinglan东往景澜Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted She is a blind physician with clear-sighted purpose, lying low for thirty years, waiting to stir up the treacherous imperial court. He is the supreme ruler, commanding all beneath heaven and mastering every scheme, yet somehow failing to account for his own heart. One fateful red thread binds her bloody vendetta at one end and his vast empire at the other. When her celestial eye sees through his game, it also reveals her own fate. A tragic romance that begins in manipulation and ends in deep 100Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one is the one! I wholeheartedly recommend "The Blind Doctor's Journey to the Capital: A Chronicle of Imperial Intrigue"! It's a story of powerful officials! High intelligence! The female lead isn't a naive blind girl; she endures and bides her time for revenge, possessing a meticulous mind and superb medical skills, and her intelligence is consistently high throughout. The emperor isn't love-struck either; he prioritizes the country, yet he develops genuine feelings for her amidst their daily confrontations. Initially, they each have their own agendas and scheme against each other, engaging in courtly power struggles while simultaneously experiencing emotional turmoil. Only the other can empathize with and heal their loneliness and wounds. The political intrigue is well-written, and the emotional drama is perfectly balanced. After reading the entire book, the emotions linger for a long time. If you're looking for a good read, just give it a try!

41. 41 撩 Enticing Spring 撩春 Bai Su Yue白苏月Ancient Romance999k WordsCompleted Shen Lingyi, the daughter of a convicted minister, used a bowl of aphrodisiac wine to climb into the bed of Lord Lu, the Grand Secretary, and became his most favored mistress. Lu Yanting defied an imperial decree and refused to marry anyone else. He showered her with riches, all for the sake of seeing her smile… Sweet trap after sweet trap made Shen Lingyi fall completely in love with Lu Yanting, only for her to discover he had married her because she bore a resemblance to a princess who was al 2.4kReads8.9Score288Shelves

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    🤡The male lead is the Grand Secretary, wielding immense power and possessing striking good looks. The female lead is the daughter of a disgraced official, reduced to slavery. She climbs into his bed to use him, and he, in turn, tries to win her favor… 🤡The male lead is the Grand Secretary, second only to the Emperor, a fearsome figure among young women. The female lead is the delicate daughter of a Censor, betrothed to the male lead.

42. 42 我 My Husband Holds Power over the Court, and My Mother Rules the Inner Palace 我夫权倾朝野，我娘宠冠后宫 Xiao Wan萧绾Ancient Romance272k WordsCompleted [Pure Historical Romance + Sweet Romance + Court Intrigue] Everyone says Princess Jin Jia was pampered from childhood, treasured like royalty, yet she's just a pretty but useless ornament? Zhao Yining doesn't care. She wraps herself in sheepskin, plays the pig to eat the tiger, and just keeps grinding! Her fiancé wants to run away? Don't let the door hit you on the way out. A sleazy man wants to get close? Get lost as far away as possible. She can dodge open attacks and fend off hidden arrows. A 2.4kReads8.9Score231Shelves
43. 43 嫁 Why Marry a Heartless Man? I'll Conspire with the Chief Minister to Rule the World 嫁什么负心汉？我和首辅共谋天下 Mo Ran Qing Mo墨染青陌Ancient Romance387k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + building a career + family intrigue + equally matched leads] Tang Youyou is the legitimate daughter of the Tang family of Jiangnan. In her previous life, she followed her family's wishes and married Cui Wenlin, the legitimate son of the Cui family of Qinghe. But Cui Wenlin treated her only as a tool for a marriage alliance. She tried to make their marriage work, believing she could win her husband's love, only to be met with his betrayal. It was only when she was dying that she dis 1Reads—Score—Shelves
44. 44 绝 The Heirless Young Marquis Finally Has an Heir 绝嗣小侯爷有后了 Nian Mi惗靡Ancient Romance293k WordsOngoing [Please don't be misled by the title: the protagonist is not the young marquis! A little political intrigue + humor and comedy + clever characters] Shen Shuyu of the Grand Tutor's residence is notorious in the capital as a wicked woman. She can put on an act and play a part, is masterful in her schemes, fights for what she wants, and never lets herself suffer. She spends her days at the Xueyue Brothel, using her infamous reputation as a cover while investigating the truth behind her mother's mur 21Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a great book. It's a pure historical romance, the male and female leads are both intelligent, it's light on political intrigue, and the writing style is humorous and funny. It doesn't have too many clichéd plot devices or cheat codes. It's a good novel that's been overshadowed by its title. Everyone should check it out; if no one is reading it, it's definitely the title's fault!

45. 45 女 After Faking Her Death in Disguise as a Man, She Starts Playing the Frail, Scheming Green Tea 女扮男装死后，她开始演柔弱绿茶 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of [Playing Coy] is available on all platforms. [The heroine is everyone’s beloved, with maximum “moonlight in the heart” appeal + doted on by all + universally adored + strong female lead] Qin Buwen disguised herself as a man and played the part of a treacherous official for sixteen years. At the height of her infamy, everyone in Chang’an, even the dogs, would go out of their way to avoid her. Then she was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. She leapt from a tall building, onl 36.5kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is really good!!! The male lead is the Grand Secretary of the court, and the female lead is the Prince of Chang'an disguised as a man. There are all sorts of plot twists, but the male lead only loves the female lead. Even with various misunderstandings, he still loves her very much. His love is truly admirable!!!

46. 46 说 We Agreed to Be Couch Potatoes Together, So How Did You Become a Powerful Minister? 说好一起当咸鱼，你却成了权臣？ A Smile Erases Old Grudges 11展颜消宿怨11Historical774k WordsCompleted After transmigrating to the Great Wu Dynasty, Chu Xiu has just one dream: find a rich woman and become a happy, carefree live-in son-in-law. He tells his wife that “hard work means getting things for free,” convinces his father-in-law that “lying flat is the righteous way,” and even secretly teaches the emperor how to “slack off responsibly.” He thinks he’ll soon be kicked out and can enjoy life with his severance pay. But somehow, his wife becomes the richest woman in the land, his father-in-la 223Reads—Score—Shelves

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    I wanted to find a rich woman to be a lazy bum, but she ended up becoming the richest woman in the world. I taught her "effort leads to wealth," and she made me incredibly rich; I taught her "lying down is justice," and she elevated me to the position of divine tutor. Chu Xiu realized: In single-female-lead novels, the fate of a lazy bum is to be transformed into a legend by the heroine. [Please follow]

47. 47 嫁 Marrying the Imperial Tutor 嫁帝师 Changshanli长山里Ancient Romance560k WordsCompleted [When a Scheming Black-Bellied Type Meets a Sweet-on-the-Outside, Dark-on-the-Inside Type + Love and Hate + Soul Swap + Revenge, Traditional Historical Romance in an Imaginary Setting] Jiang Wanzhi first met Song Qingshi when she was fourteen. At sixteen, she became Mrs. Song. Everyone said she was lucky: a merchant’s daughter had married a top-scoring scholar. That is, until she died under mysterious circumstances on the very night Song Qingshi asked her for a divorce. When she awoke again, she 27.8kReads9.3Score4.3kShelves

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    I'm looking for recommendations for books similar to this.

48. 48 望 Longing for the Remaining Snow 望余雪 Ji Xin稷馨Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted Cui Jinzhi was a member of the Time Administration, and she had one final mission. She had to uncover why a small world had fallen into chaos and why its plot had collapsed. After observing it for a long time, she discovered only that the people were suffering because of their ruler's incompetence. So she disguised herself as a man and worked her way up to become the world's prime minister. Using her own efforts, she stabilized the chaot 1.2kReads9.3Score127Shelves
49. 49 太 The Empress Dowager Offers Herself to the Wolf 太后以身伺狼 Hun Yi Ya昏一鸦Ancient Romance332k WordsOngoing Content warning: slow pace. Enter at your own risk!!! [Empress Dowager ✘ Eunuch], Historical Romance, Palace Intrigue, Female Audience Everyone says Song Wanqing has raised a rabid wolf that bites whoever it pleases, and when it goes mad, it leaves not even scraps of bone behind. Jun Yanchen in public: “The Punishment Bureau is at work. Get lost.” Jun Yanchen in private: “Let them talk. What matters is that this servant takes good care of Her Majesty.” But when Jun Yanchen meets Song Wanqing’s o 6Reads—Score—Shelves
50. 50 我 My Brother and I Both Transmigrated 我和哥哥都穿越了 Xu Tinglan叙亭兰Ancient Romance503k WordsCompleted [Powerful hero humbles himself + Both leads are each other’s only one] You returned from a faraway place, your smile unchanged, as though it still carried the sweet fragrance of plum blossoms. I asked you, “The climate and customs there can’t have been very pleasant, can they?” But you answered calmly, “Wherever my heart finds peace is my home.” Zhang Heng looked at her intently and said, “Yuer, your tears are more precious to me than anything.” “Every drop feels like blood from my own heart.” 923Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A shrewd and powerful minister versus a delicate and beautiful woman; the one in power bows his head.

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