Preferably Historical Romance with Political Intrigue and Two Strong Leads, Modern Romance Is Fine Too 最好是古代 权谋 双强 言情（现言也可以 ）

1. 51 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.6kReads9.2Score19814d adds

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   I highly recommend this book!! It's a niche but excellent read!!! The female lead is incredibly resourceful and strategic, practically a genius! The writing is superb, with a particularly solid foundation in ancient Chinese romance novels!

2. 52 世 Never More Than Three Times 世不过三 Yu Duoyou余多柚Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + reborn + three lifetimes + little poison doctor + no golden finger + political intrigue + satisfying read + sweet romance + reverse raising + romance + ensemble cast + scheming + a little angst] Xia Shi has been reborn three times, and each life has been more exciting than the last! Now in her third life, she’s an invincible little poison master. Who would dare let her suffer even the slightest grievance? In her first life, she lived for herself and married a foolish empero 2.3kReads9.5Score43714d adds

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   These two books are good.

3. 53 我 Why Would a Bandit Chief Like Me Need a Romance System? 我一个土匪头子要恋爱系统有何用 Yu Duoyou余多柚Ancient Romance567k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + feel-good story + Romance System + cross-dressing as a man + nationwide idol + empress + ensemble cast + scheming + goofy antics + pretending to be weak to catch the strong off guard + comedy] After transmigrating, Song Jin finds herself in the body of a female bandit chief disguised as a man. She flees down the mountain in the middle of the night, only to be caught by the wicked Buddhist second-in-command and inexplicably activate a Romance System. But what use does a Romance 547Reads8.5Score14314d adds
4. 54 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance859k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 2kReads9.3Score26914d adds

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   Ancient Chinese political intrigue, two powerful figures, micro-group portrait

5. 55 朗 Walking Beneath the Bright Moon: Cold-Faced General, I’m No Climbing Vine 朗月行：冷面将军，我不是菟丝花 Grass Stalk草梗Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted [The aloof beauty brought down from her pedestal + two formidable leads + political intrigue + rebirth] In my previous life, I was a princess of Beiyan and a pawn discarded by the Empress. In the end, I died at the hands of Fu Muxing, the young general whose fame shook the land. Only as my soul drifted away did I discover that my origins were shrouded in mystery, and that I had been afflicted with a snake curse. Reborn on the day I was sent away in a bridal sedan, I vowed to shatter the game —Reads—Score—14d adds

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   Reborn and returning, he proceeds cautiously, uncovering the truth and taking control of his own destiny.

6. 56 本 I May Be Sickly, but I Command a Mighty Army 本宫多病，但手握重兵 Great Sage Duo Duo大圣铎铎Ancient Romance193k WordsCompleted Genre: Historical romance / two formidable leads / political intrigue / nation and family I am the Grand Princess of Da Ye, frail and sickly since childhood, and the laughingstock of the noblewomen in the capital. They don't know that I cough up blood because every year I sneak out of the palace for three months to train troops on the frontier. They know even less that my late fiancé, the Regent of the realm, is actually locked in a secret room at a separate residence by me. He has been there fo 10Reads—Score—14d adds

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   [The "Wife-Chasing Hell" Scene] "I imprisoned him for three years. He didn't know that every time I turned around during those three thousand nights, I was enduring it." I'm devastated!!! "This Empress is Sickly, But Holds Heavy Armor"—a top-tier "dual-power intrigue" novel that kept me up for five sleepless nights! 📖 The story begins with a bloody wedding: At the end of the long street, three thousand Xuanjia soldiers trampled the phoenix crown. Yan Zhuohua tore open the red silk beneath her wedding dress, revealing a black outfit—only then did the noble ladies of the capital realize that the sickly princess who had been coughing up blood for five years was the mastermind behind the 100,000 Xuanjia soldiers on the border. And on her horse sat a man. The former regent, Xiao Zhi, whom she had dragged from a pile of corpses three years ago and imprisoned in a secret room for three years. The whole city was in an uproar. The Empress Dowager's people knelt on the ground. He didn't know that she imprisoned him for three years because every time she looked at him, she remembered the look in his eyes the night he shielded her from a knife. 🔥 Why did this book make me binge-watch it? ❶ A groundbreaking "female prisoner, male protagonist + two strong, mutually flirting" trope! Not the cliché of a domineering CEO keeping him, but rather the female lead locks him in a secret room, visiting him four times a month for half an hour each time—to discuss military power and deals, nothing else. Until one late night, she pushes open the door: "Lend me the complete military tally." He pulls out the half from under his pillow and places it in her palm: "Come back alive." ❷ A bombshell from the start, every chapter is a hook! Chapter 1: Confrontation in the secret room; Chapter 2: The Empress Dowager's visit; Chapter 3: Iron cavalry sweeping the streets; Chapter 4: Declaration of war at the border; Chapter 5: A kiss in the shadows of the grain pile; Chapter 6: He shields her from a knife; Chapter 7: Burning the enemy camp; Chapter 8: His former subordinates surrender; Chapter 9: A wall covered in names; Chapter 10: Holding hands in the snow… Every chapter ends right where your heart skips a beat! ❸ The male and female leads are absolutely brilliant! The female lead appears sickly, but is actually ruthless and decisive—"The year I coughed up blood, I killed seven thousand people at the border." The male lead appears compliant, but secretly plotted for three years, carving her name all over a secret room. A powerful duo + cunning + a powerful figure—every scene between them is electrifying! ❹ Not mindless sweetness, but something that makes you laugh and then cry. You think it's just about two strong characters building their careers? Wrong! When he warmed that key for three years, when she knelt down and grasped the chain around his ankle, when he said, "Give me over," she replied, "You are mine"—you'll discover that beneath the power struggles lie two hearts that have endured three years of hardship. 📚 If you're tired of artificial sweetness and the same old saccharine romance, come to this! A historical romance with political intrigue at its core, interwoven with flirtatious banter between two strong characters, ending with a heart-wrenching chase after the female lead. Historical accuracy is assured (the border battles and court intrigues are all based on historical sources), and romance lovers will be even more satisfied (every chapter has tear-jerking/sweet/heartbreaking moments). 👉 Bookshelf added! No more talk, let's jump in! Witness how the Eldest Princess leads three thousand Xuanjia soldiers back south, making the former Regent kneel in the snow, shield her from swords, and carve an entire wall in her honor! [Sparrow's Masterpiece][Sparrow's Masterpiece]

7. 57 锦 The Brocade Guard 锦卫 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Ancient Romance539k WordsCompleted He is the princess’s shadow guard, concealing his sharpness beneath his sleeve and protecting her for a lifetime. She is the reborn legitimate daughter of the Great Jing, holding the pieces in her hands as she seeks vengeance and retribution. From palace scheming to the smoke and fire of the battlefield, he clears the thorns from her path, while she clears his family’s name and avenges their wrongful conviction. Two formidable leads stand side by side, where political intrigue intertwines with d —Reads—Score—14d adds
8. 58 鉴 The Truth Seeker: Cold Cases Reopened 鉴心者：冷案重启 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Mystery173k WordsCompleted The heroine reopens the case of her best friend’s drowning death to clear her name. As she takes on several other long-buried cold cases, she uses her professional skills to uncover the truth and make a triumphant return to the top of her field. 1Reads—Score—14d adds
9. 59 首 The Chief Minister's Poisonous Favorite 首辅的掌心毒妃 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Ancient Romance552k WordsCompleted A Modern Master of Medicine and Poison Reborn as a Good-for-Nothing in a Marquis’s Household? The Powerful, Scheming Chief Cabinet Secretary Insists on Spoiling Her! Shen Qingci uses her silver needles to break deadly schemes and her miraculous healing skills to save the people. Sharp-tongued and steely, she takes down her rotten relatives. Xie Jingyuan governs the court and brings order to the realm, protecting his beloved’s vulnerable side with deep devotion. His ruthlessness is reserved for e —Reads—Score—14d adds
10. 60 暗 The Dark Night Shines as One 暗夜同辉 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Two Male Leads351k WordsCompleted Corruption at court intertwines with the forces of the martial world, while foreign enemies watch hungrily from beyond the borders. The commander of the Imperial City Bureau appears to be a cold and ruthless attack dog of the court, but in truth he bears the burden of a family injustice and secretly investigates the truth. The young master of the martial world’s intelligence organization, Wind Listening Tower, seems like a carefree wanderer, but uses his network of informants to protect the peop 2Reads—Score—14d adds
11. 61 病 The Frail Prince's Goofy Shadow Guard 病弱王爷的沙雕影卫 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Two Male Leads184k WordsCompleted The renowned Prince Jing of the Dayong Dynasty appears to be a sickly man confined to his bed, coughing up blood without end. In reality, he is a ruthless, calculating mastermind who always stays several moves ahead. His true strength lies in his intellect: using his frail health as a disguise, he stirs up storms at court. The top assassin sent by the greatest killer organization in the martial world is disguised as a naive new shadow guard. He is exceptionally good at his job but has an unusual 6Reads—Score—14d adds
12. 62 废 The Deposed Crown Prince Is Wooed by a Eunuch 废太子他被小太监攻略了 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Two Male Leads255k WordsCompleted Dual male leads: reborn for revenge * transmigrate into a book to survive * spoiler-savvy player VS reborn powerhouse Revenge and the struggle for the throne. Every step is carefully planned as they eliminate their rivals. The gap in information, the building of trust, and defying fate. 3Reads—Score—14d adds
13. 63 锦 The Brocade Blade Cuts Through Dawn 锦刃裁明 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Female-Channel Fanfiction13k WordsCompleted A Brocade Blade Cuts Through the Light 1Reads—Score—14d adds
14. 64 废 The Good-for-Nothing Daughter: The God of War’s Princess Consort Shakes the Whole Court 废柴嫡女：战神王妃飒爆全朝 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云27k WordsCompleted The Good-for-Nothing Legitimate Daughter: The God of War's Princess Consort Stuns the Entire Court —Reads—Score—14d adds
15. 65 晚 A Deep Love, Spoken Too Late 晚言深爱 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云14k WordsCompleted Wan Yan's Deep Love —Reads—Score—14d adds
16. 66 烬 Blossoms Dyed in Ashes: After I Was Reborn, I Married My Protector 烬染繁花:重生后我嫁给了守护者 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Ancient Romance27k WordsCompleted Flowers Dyed in Ash: After Being Reborn, I Married My Protector —Reads—Score—14d adds
17. 67 锦 Spring Deep Behind Brocade Curtains: The World as Matchmaker 锦幕春深之天下为媒 A Cloud That Goes Its Own Way一颗特立独行的云Ancient Romance45k WordsCompleted A new work is here! You’re welcome to read my stories on Tomato Novel. I hope you’ll enjoy them. Your support is what keeps me writing, and I’ll do my best to tell every story well! 3Reads—Score—14d adds
18. 68 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.9kReads8.8Score2.6k14d adds

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    A female-centric power struggle novel, everyone is cunning and scheming, a top-tier battle of wits ◔.̮◔✧. Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Couples Mutual Pampering + Everyone is Cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence, everyone is cunning and scheming, a peak battle of wits! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, was blinded and used forbidden techniques to save her scumbag husband, exhausting her life force. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled healing and poisoning skills, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and invincible ruler, was suffering from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi threw down the antidote, her voice cold and arrogant: "I will save Your Highness's life. Lend me your blade to slaughter all the demons and monsters, how about it?" The world believed that the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the palm of the Regent's hand. Only when powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, did everyone realize with horror—the seemingly fragile Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a woman of unparalleled wisdom and skill! She entrusted her life to him back-to-back, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

19. 69 小 The Little Ancestor Is Reborn and Starts a Rebellion Every Day! 小祖宗重生，天天在造反！ Seeking a Pure Land寻净土Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The comic adaptation is now available) [Strong Female Lead + Feel-Good Revenge + Invincible + Funny + Sharp-Tongued + Not a Saint] The greedy, stingy, grudge-holding ancient god Qing Huan died, then was reborn in the body of an eight-year-old young lady from a general's household. Her cousin dares to provoke her? She'll make her mute on the spot! Her grandmother dares to scheme against her? She'll make sure the old woman gets divorced in her old age! Her second uncle wants her dead? She'll expe 8.5kReads8.6Score1.1k14d adds
20. 70 重 Reborn, the Frail Orphaness Goes on a Killing Spree! 重生后，病弱孤女杀疯了！ Seeking a Pure Land寻净土Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The comic adaptation is now available) [Strong Female Lead + Feel-Good Power Fantasy + Main-Female-Character Focus + Invincible + Political Intrigue + Revenge] In her previous life, her entire marquis household was wiped out. She was sent to marry into an enemy kingdom, only to be killed on the way there. In this life, she will be nothing but a reaper of souls. You dare break off the engagement? The Shen family will pay for it! You dare make things difficult for me? I'll cut ties and kill every 47.3kReads8.8Score4.8k14d adds
21. 71 卿 Born a Beauty, I Draw Generals and Lords Into My Game 卿本红颜，将军侯爷皆入局 Hopeful Future期可期Ancient Romance249k WordsOngoing [Both leads reborn + female lead disguised as a man + clever and beautiful heroine + romantic rivalry] Jiang Ziwan and Xie Jingheng grew up together and were promised to each other long ago. Not long after her coming-of-age ceremony, her father and elder brother die in battle. After three years of mourning, the day after her wedding, the entire family of the General’s Manor’s main branch is sentenced to death for treason. The official overseeing the executions is none other than her new husband, 17Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Two powerful figures, ancient political intrigue

22. 72 西 A Carp in the West Hills 西山有鲤 Shanyue Xia山岳夏Ancient Romance186k WordsOngoing At Xishan there is a pool with twenty-four carp in it, all fed on the flesh and blood of Youyao. The kingdom fell, the imperial family was destroyed, and the young emperor died far from home. In distant Chang'an, the imperial consort sank into a pool, feeding the fish with her own flesh until she became a specter. Like a wandering soul, she waited in the mortal world for three hundred years, all to be reunited with him for one lifetime. 20Reads6.5Score—14d adds

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    "There Are Carp in the Western Hills" is a real gem! The ancient fantasy setting combined with a three-hundred-year-long entanglement of fate is incredibly addictive. The plot is a mix of sweet and heart-wrenching moments, full of twists and turns without being padded. The female lead, Lingyao, is aloof yet resilient. She feeds carp with her own flesh and blood, and endures three hundred years of suffering as a demon in a pond, her brokenness concealing her unwavering sincerity. The male lead is a reserved and stoic emperor who seems to possess great ambition and strategy, yet he is clumsy and deeply affectionate in matters of the heart. He can't hide his care for the female lead, and despite his powerlessness as an emperor, he always secretly protects her. The characters are realistic and grounded in reality.

23. 73 时 Time Flows Gently, and I Wish You Peace 时光清浅，予你安然 Caicai's Huhu菜菜的胡胡Ancient Romance291k WordsCompleted Everyone knows her as Qu Qingqian, the divine physician. No one knows she is also Chu Anran, a princess fallen on hard times. He is Xie Wuyang, courtesy name Yuan. He was the light of her youth, and the person she fought with all her might to save. Her identity is her thunderbolt, but he tells her, “It’s our thunderbolt.” With no overpowered golden finger, only love and perseverance, she transforms from glazed glass into a brilliant pearl, and at last receives the peaceful life he promised her 26Reads8.3Score—14d adds

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    An old saying goes, they grew up together, and both of them were intelligent. You can click to read if you're interested.

24. 74 糟 Oh No, I Bought a Crown Prince to Have My Baby 糟糕，买了个太子来生娃 Luo Chunshui洛春水Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted [Lighthearted Comedy + Wits and Willpower + Theatrical Couple] [Candid, capable big-sister merchant heroine x Pure-hearted, passionate wolf-dog Crown Prince] Meng Weiyu wanted a child. As soon as her mourning period ended, she went to her live-in son-in-law’s room to consummate their marriage, only to find him fooling around with a maid. Sure enough, taking in a son-in-law was worse than having a child and keeping the father out of the picture. She divorced him on the spot and went straight to t 66.7kReads8.8Score14.4k14d adds

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    Highly recommended! It's currently only short on text, but the quality is very high and the plot doesn't drag!

25. 75 新 Newlywed Unmasked: The Top Tycoon Disguised as a Crown Princess 新婚掉马：顶级大佬伪装太子妃 Three Claws三只爪Ancient Romance393k WordsCompleted [Marriage first, love later + equally matched powerhouses + disguises + slow burn + wits and courage + mutual healing + palace intrigue] Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind, his internal organs are failing, and he will not live to see winter. The princess sent to marry him is said to be a weakling who does nothing but cry. On their wedding night, assassins sneak in. The princess is so frightened that she drops her teacup, but a shard happens to slice an assassin’s throat. The Crow 2.2kReads—Score32814d adds

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    A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love, featuring two strong, slow-burning protagonists, a battle of wits and courage, and mutual redemption. Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind and his internal organs are failing, not surviving past winter; while the princess sent for a political marriage is a weak and useless woman who only knows how to cry. On their wedding night, an assassin sneaks in. The princess, terrified, smashes a teacup, a shard of which accidentally cuts the assassin's throat; the Crown Prince weakly shrinks into the bed, but a silver needle on his fingertip accidentally pierces the assassin's vital point. The entire court awaits the spectacle of this short-lived couple's downfall. Until one dark and stormy night, the world's greatest poison doctor, Yaksha, and the leader of the Assassin's Guild, Yama, fight fiercely for the divine elixir. As they tear off each other's masks, both fall silent. Chu Mochen approached, his voice low and deep: "My beloved consort, your night attire is far more beautiful than your phoenix coronet and wedding robes during the day." Yan Yunqi sneered, brandishing her poisoned needle: "Your Highness, even with your eyes still open and your temper flaring, you're still much more pleasing to the eye than during the day!" When a dramatic princess with a built-in armor that reflects physical attacks tenfold meets a powerful, sickly tycoon, the entire capital is left in tears!

26. 76 幼 The Young Emperor Hid an Edict: He Imprisoned the Empress Dowager in Marriage with an Empire 幼帝藏诏：他以万里江山囚娶皇姐 Mo Jianwei墨见微40k WordsCompleted The Young Emperor Hides an Edict: He Imprisons the Imperial Princess in Marriage with His Vast Empire 94Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A blend of contemporary and historical romance with powerful political intrigue.

27. 77 深 Partners in the Abyss: The Blade in Mr. Shang's Hand 深渊共犯：商总的掌中刃 Mo Jianwei墨见微24k WordsCompleted Partners in the Abyss: Mr. Shang's Blade in His Hand 2Reads—Score—14d adds
28. 78 男 The Powerful Man in Men's Clothes Is Actually the Prince's Beloved Wife 男装权臣竟是王爷娇妻 Lotus Monkey's Internet Speed Takes Off藕猴网速起飞Ancient Romance475k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy romance & equally powerful leads & woman disguised as a man & revenge] Su Mingyu was the only daughter of a general, raised in luxury. But when disaster struck her family in childhood, she lost her memory and ended up living as a beggar. Adopted by a eunuch, she wore men's clothes every day. After her adoptive father's brutal death, she disguised herself as a man and vowed to make the powerful person responsible pay. After ten years of careful planning, just as she thought sh 15Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    In this book, the female protagonist is still a powerful minister disguised as a man.

29. 79 与 Playing Chess with You: The Phoenix's Power 与君奕：凰权 Jiang Tanluoyue江潭落月Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted (The rating has only just opened and will rise later) “Political intrigue + evenly matched leads + marriage before love + traditional war for supremacy in a chaotic age + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + nation and family” In these chaotic times, even a monarch can hardly hope for a lifetime of peace. Crowned heir to the throne at six, named crown prince at eight, and enthroned at twelve, Yan Xi was the “future savior of the Yan Kingdom” foretold by an astrologer, blessed with the Purple 211Reads8.0Score—14d adds

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    A story of power struggles and intrigue, set against a backdrop of chaos and fierce competition. All characters are highly intelligent. Yan Xi, prophesied to be the "prosperous ruler of Yan" with the auspicious stars of the Purple Star, was made crown prince at six, crowned heir apparent at eight, and ascended the throne at twelve. Yet, she is also a puppet queen bound by a blood oath. When the royal family's blade is pressed against her throat, and her father's dying words become shackles, she is forced to swear before the emperor's bed: "I will never shed the blood of any member of the royal family, or I will die young." At fifteen, facing national crisis, she travels north alone to seek an alliance, only to encounter her most dangerous adversary—the overlord, Prince Jin Mian. "The marriage is not yet finalized, the engagement can be dissolved," he casually declares, severing her childhood sweetheart's marriage and forcing her to become his bride as the queen. Intrigues rage in the court; beneath the alliance, hidden arrows lurk. The two kings, under the guise of a marriage alliance, engage in a game of chess, and ultimately, a bond of mutual dependence. Until the internal strife in Yan reignited and the Northern Di ravaged three cities, she finally realized: "Wolves will always feed on meat; pursuing evil is their nature. Only slaughter can stop them!" She slaughtered the royal family, destroyed the Northern Di, and overthrew the dynasty! When the blood oath was broken and the Phoenix Power was reborn, she thought she had finally broken free of her constraints, only to find herself trapped in a game disguised as love and responsibility! And the game of chess with Jin Mian, from the Yan-Jin marriage alliance to the end of the chaotic era! It turns out the sharpest sword is never the only one sharpened! Watch how the two saints join hands, on the ruins, to play a game of chess for the world, ushering in an unprecedented golden age!

30. 80 半 A Half-Summer Romance with Medicine 半夏医缘 Walnut Mochi核桃麻薯Ancient Romance200k WordsOngoing [Historical Romance] [Northern Guardian General x Daughter of a Physician] [Two Strong Leads] [Mutual Secret Crush] [They Choose Each Other] [Court Intrigue] - Lin Banxia, a graduate student of traditional Chinese medicine, pushes herself too hard studying late night after late night and collapses from exhaustion at her desk. When she opens her eyes again, her soul has crossed a thousand years and entered the body of Chen Qingdai, the daughter of the Chen family’s medical clinic, who had collaps 1Reads—Score—14d adds
31. 81 抄 Exiled After the Family Home Is Seized? She Empties the Imperial Relatives' Treasuries and Flees 抄家流放？疯批搬空皇亲库房去逃 Clear Radiance Gathers at Night清輝夜凝Ancient Romance539k WordsCompleted While everyone else transmigrated into books to scheme for favor in the inner residence, Shen Qinghe opened her eyes to find her entire family condemned and exiled! Her scumbag father, desperate to save himself, planned to hand her over to a perverted old eunuch. He even wanted to sell her two adorable children for cash. No worries! She forced a bowl of aphrodisiac down her scumbag father's throat and physically castrated him, then stepped on her awful relatives' faces and signed a declaration s 3.7kReads—Score44014d adds

    Reader note

    My current favorite crazy female lead novel, highly recommended! The heroine is decisive and ruthless, not at all a saint. She never tolerates a biased father, a vicious stepmother, or a fake heiress who stole her identity. Her adorable little boy is a godsend, revealing shocking secrets at a young age, and the three of them team up to take down the villains. She also has the cheat code to instantly collect all sorts of things, turning raids into massive "zero-dollar shopping sprees," taking everything from gold and jewelry to building materials—it's incredibly satisfying, I'll stay up all night to read it! ✨

32. 82 帮 I Sometimes Help the Host, but I’m Number One at Sabotaging Them 帮宿主偶尔行，坑宿主第一名 Gua the Little Frog呱小蛙Ancient Romance217k WordsOngoing [Tomorrow will definitely be sunny], the System declared with absolute confidence. Then she and a radish spirit watched sunshowers in a cave. [This herb is absolutely a peerless spirit medicine], the System enthusiastically recommended. After she chewed it, she tap-danced for the rest of the afternoon. A typical day dealing with the useless System: The System supervises her studies, and she accidentally becomes a renowned doctor. She takes shelter from the rain in a cave and happens to pick up a 1Reads—Score—14d adds

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    (Slams table!) Sisters! Listen to me! If you could only read one ancient romance novel this year, it would be this one! I'm raving about it, you'll regret it if you don't read it!! An absolutely divine combination? A lousy system × a sarcastic doctor × a seductive beauty—each of these elements is powerful enough on its own, but combined, they're god-tier! Especially the system, it's incredibly unreliable, hahaha. Forecasts sunny weather? Turns out the heroine is watching a sun shower in a cave! Recommends a elixir? After taking it, the heroine starts tap dancing! It cracked me up, hahaha, but it's definitely a satisfying read! Every unexpected event is a gain! And the system uses a completely internet-based voice actor!! Plus, the male lead's romantic evolution is a constant source of amusement. You'll be smiling from ear to ear! Sisters, you'll witness a perfect reversal from bronze to king. First stage: a pure-hearted boy who runs away at the slightest touch. Second stage: a suddenly enlightened seductive player. "I got some crumbs on me." (Suddenly leans closer), and I want to ask, have you thought of me since then? (Voice lowered) Stage Three: Outstanding Graduate of the Male Virtue Class "This is too plain!" "This is too flashy!" "This looks like you're going to a funeral!" (Friend's hilarious comment: Someone said they weren't going, but their wardrobe is almost empty.) Ultimate Form: Straightforward Domineering CEO Patient "Shishi, my patience is limited. Come with me to eat lotus root dumplings, and—for the next hour, you can only think about me." Has this man taken some kind of romance crash course?! Every stage hits my sweet spot perfectly!! Hahaha, sisters, you definitely won't regret investing in this, it's super good.

33. 83 重 Reborn as a Concubine in the Su Household 重生之我在苏府当小妾 Shangguan Loves to Drink Water上官爱喝水Ancient Romance377k WordsCompleted Nontraditional rebirth + women's self-rescue + psychological healing + original poetry + metafiction Don't let the title fool you. The original title was Dawn's Clear Light. Rebirth is the ultimate act of self-rescue. A profound story that is both heartbreaking and healing. Zheng Ming awoke after transmigrating, only to become the concubine of a powerful minister. She navigated the storms of political rivalries and stirred the winds of change across the realm, believing she was carefully plan 261Reads8.8Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Don't be fooled by the title "Reborn Concubine"—it's not the kind of lighthearted, feel-good novel you might expect. This relatively new book is designed to be calming and unwinding. The author's writing is truly excellent; the original poetry is woven into the very fabric of "Dream of the Red Chamber," creating a deeply nuanced and engaging reading experience. The female protagonist rarely engages in romance, spending most of her time fighting feudalism, establishing girls' schools, and navigating political intrigue. The plot is intricately woven and requires careful reading. Emotions are portrayed with extreme restraint; there are hardly any romantic lines, yet the word "love" is explored with profound depth, subtly yet weightlessly compelling the reader. The political intrigue is solid, and the theme of female empowerment is profound. It's a bittersweet story, both depressing and healing, with a powerful aftertaste, making many parts worth rereading. The ending, "Human love's infatuation returns to a dream, holding hands and letting go, the heart unmoved," leaves a lingering sense of unease, yet possesses its own vastness. Readers who appreciate high-quality, niche literature will regret missing this one.

34. 84 赐 After the Imperial Betrothal, the Princess Consort Just Wants the Prince to Keep Her Alive 赐婚后，王妃只想靠王爷续命 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance411k WordsCompleted A historical romance: marriage first, love later. Both leads are intelligent, articulate, and quick-witted. No angst, no silly characters, and sweet moments throughout. Originally titled Who Dares to Define Romance. Everyone in the capital regards Prince Yong as untouchable. Gu Qing is the only exception. Desperate for a life-saving medicine, she takes advantage of the emperor’s arranged marriage and weds Prince Yong, unaware that he is also gravely ill with a deadly poison. She is calm and rati 5.9kReads9.4Score73514d adds

    Reader note

    While marriage before love may be a slow process, the gradual development of a lasting relationship is more worthy of consideration.

35. 85 女 The Female General Treads the Starry River 女将踏星河 Cold Night, Long Light寒夜长照Ancient Romance103k WordsOngoing [A passionate, loyal puppy of a man VS a cold-faced, iron-blooded woman general] [He pursues, she flees, but she can't escape] [Female disguise + undercover intrigue + he's utterly devoted] Qi Zhuyin is the youngest silver-spear general in Da'an. In three years, she has reclaimed thirteen cities, decisive and merciless, cold-faced and iron-blooded. To bring down an enemy kingdom, she fakes her death, changes her face, disguises herself as a man, and infiltrates Dajin, becoming the mysterious lea 2Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is practically tailor-made for people who love this title.

36. 86 一 I Transmigrated and Became the Beloved Bride of a Crippled Marquis 一朝穿越，替嫁残侯成团宠 Chen Jiu辰九Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted [Historical transmigration + medical skills + marriage before love + two strong leads who dote on each other + suspense and court intrigue] Shen Qingci, a top surgeon, transmigrates into the body of a bride forced into a marriage swap. She becomes the new bride meant to bring good fortune to Xiao Yan, the blind and crippled Marquis of Dingbei. On their wedding night, she takes his pulse and immediately sees through it: “My lord, you’ve been poisoned. Someone wants to keep you in darkness forever 123Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue, domestic power struggles, and political maneuvering

37. 87 闺 My Best Friend and I Transmigrated Together to Marry Princes: If You Run, I’ll Run Too 闺蜜齐穿嫁王爷，你跑我也跑 Cold July冰冷的七月Ancient Romance273k WordsCompleted “What nonsense! If Su Wanwan doesn’t want him, then neither do I, Mu Qingge!” The moment she said this, everyone gathered outside the prime minister’s residence turned to stone. At the gates stood Mu Qingge in red. She was bright and beautiful, her brows radiating an unrestrained boldness. She looked proudly at Su Wanwan, who stood opposite her in white, elegant and ethereal. Su Wanwan furrowed her brows slightly and pressed a hand to her forehead, silently lamenting: Mu Qingge really was i 31Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Both the female and male leads are strong; it's the kind of story where one is strong, but the other isn't weak either!

38. 88 共 Together, We Pledge Our Names on Mount Yan 共许燕山铭 Angelica Sent to Faraway远志寄当归Ancient Romance440k WordsOngoing [Strong heroine + Political intrigue + Nation and family + Ancient war + Powerful couple + Happy ending] A top assassin and a battle-hardened general make a vow to reclaim their homeland. Childhood sweethearts reunited after years apart, they are each other’s sharpest blade and strongest shield. “I am the blade that will reclaim our mountains and rivers. I’ll cut down every enemy, even if I’m left with nothing but bones!” “I am the net that catches you over the abyss. I’ll keep you safe and give 8Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is practically a political intrigue novel tailor-made for you. The female lead is an assassin sent to kill the male lead, and she uses him throughout to advance her career. I wonder if she'll fall in love with him later on. I'm still following the story.

39. 89 雪 Spring Burns Through the Ashes of Snow 雪烬春灼 The Remarkable Wang Shiyi了不起的王十一Ancient Romance189k WordsOngoing A historical tale of destruction and renewal, hatred and redemption, political intrigue and true devotion. Watch as yesterday's blazing sun is tempered in the deepest darkness, and at last becomes a bright moon shining over the land. Wang Chunxue went from being the prized jewel of the Langya Wang clan to the daughter of a condemned traitor. The imperial decree accusing her family of treason crushed everything she had: her father and brothers, her glory, and her betrothal to the Crown Prince. Af 85Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A power struggle between two strong forces, from weak to strong.

40. 90 死 My Archrival Treats Me Like His One True Love 死对头拿我当心头肉 BB Is ThreeBB三岁了Ancient Romance267k WordsCompleted [A formidable female spy VS a refined, depraved grand minister] [Ancient romance + pseudo-taboo + espionage + spies + political intrigue and martial world, the heroine plays the pig to eat the tiger] Shen Ji is a powerful minister at court. Though he seems as pure as moonlight and a gentle breeze, he is ruthless, willing to trample even his own kin's lives to climb higher. Ning Xun is a spy who will stop at nothing to obtain intelligence, and her actions make Shen Ji pursue her relentlessly. Dur 120Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    In Shen Ji's eyes, Ning Xun was cunning, hypocritical, shameless, and despicable; not a single good word could be used to describe her. Shen Ji was the magistrate of Qingzhan County, and every day he plotted how to bring her to justice. But later, she was indeed arrested. He panicked. In Ning Xun's eyes, Shen Ji was ruthless, heartless, and willing to trample the lives of his fellow countrymen to achieve his goals. Ning Xun was a spy for their country; she nearly lost her life on a mission and was given a new identity to evade capture. But just as she was settling into a peaceful life, Shen Ji came knocking, this time as her new identity's brother-in-law. Ning Xun was forced to play the loyalist: "Whatever you want, sir, I'll grant it." Shen Ji remained silent, staring at her like a wolf eyeing a sheep. Someone betrayed them, and Ning Xun was imprisoned again. Shen Ji searched the entire city, pulling her from a pile of corpses. So what if they were adversaries? He wanted power, and he wanted her too.

41. 91 刚 After Winning the War, the Emperor Orders Me to Enter the Palace as His Empress 刚打完胜仗，皇上竟让我入宫为后 Zi Shan Mu Yu子山木雨Ancient Romance706k WordsOngoing Both are each other’s one and only + marriage before love + love and rivalry: a spirited female general versus a scheming younger emperor. Their married life is like a battlefield, with both of them putting the Art of War to the test. Shen Qinglan had just led the Shen Army to a great victory over the enemy. Before the soldiers could even drink their celebratory wine, an imperial edict dropped on them like a bomb: “By the Mandate of Heaven, the emperor decrees: Shen Qinglan of the Shen family is 505Reads—Score11014d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The couple initially clash, but later they work together seamlessly. It's definitely worth watching.

42. 92 两 Breaking the Deadlock Across Two Lifetimes: I Storm the Imperial Stronghold in Ancient Times 两世破局：我在古代捅皇家老巢 Unconcerned with Mountains and Rivers不争山水Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Comedic transmigration, smart protagonists, equally matched and devoted leads, political intrigue and murder investigations] Forensic pathologist Xia Nanfeng opens her eyes to find a corpse lying beside her! Wait! Why am I poor and crippled? Did I transmigrate? In the blink of an eye, she gets herself into serious trouble and nearly kills the head of the Seventh Palace Bureau. He is cold and suspicious, closing in on her step by step. “Tell me! Who are you really?” “...” She’s just as baffled 335Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    An ancient saying goes, "Two strong forces, two powerful forces."

43. 93 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

    Reader note

    The explosion was amazing! It was so cool, so novel and beautiful!

44. 94 本 This King's Sleeve Is Thoroughly Severed 本王这袖，断的彻底 Born Under a Lucky Star八字过硬Two Male Leads562k WordsCompleted [Preorders for The World Cannot Keep What It Loves Most open at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. For the first 15 minutes, signed copies are available with no quantity limit; from 16 to 30 minutes, copies personally signed by the author are available with no quantity limit!] [Two male leads + The prince has a bit of a sense of humor] Everyone knew Prince Pu was gay. Even the man on the imperial throne turned a blind eye. Prince Pu had loved many people in his life. A horseman from the frontier 34.7kReads9.6Score5k14d adds
45. 95 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 40.3kReads9.7Score6.3k14d adds
46. 96 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 82.1kReads9.5Score9.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The bag is so cute!!!

47. 97 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    A love story between equals, where the male and female protagonists are evenly matched. When the Hua family is suddenly struck down with the loss of their property and exile, she, with her seemingly frail shoulders, bears the heavy burden, engaging in business, protecting her family, and saving her country, demonstrating wisdom and courage ahead of her time. The book contains both the thrilling drama of her family's survival and a love story between equals. Hua Zhi transforms from a low-key young lady into a female official and tutor, breaking gender barriers and rewriting her destiny with intelligence and courage.

48. 98 我 My Scumbag Emperor Was Reborn 我的渣皇帝重生了 Pear Blossom White zz梨花白zzTwo Male Leads642k WordsCompleted Prince Ning Yin Luanting, whose power dominates the court, falls under the emperor's suspicion. Sick in body and weary in heart, he resigns and leaves the capital, his illness weighing him down. Three years later, the sole guard he took with him gallops into the imperial city bearing Yin Luanting's ashes and keepsake, announcing his death and delivering his final words: Yin Luanting is dead. He has no intention of rebellion. Your Majesty can rest easy. The emperor is overcome with grief. His old 16.2kReads9.5Score1.9k14d adds
49. 99 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 28kReads9.3Score4.4k14d adds
50. 100 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Most of them are ancient Chinese political intrigue stories, featuring intelligent and strong male and female leads who complement each other perfectly, where neither is lacking in either aspect.

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