Ancient Romance: The Male Lead Has Planned This for a Long Time, and the Relationship Between the Daughter-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Is Harmonious 男主蓄谋已久，婆媳关系和谐，古言

1. 1 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 31kReads8.9Score2.9k14d adds

   Reader note

   So sweet! The male lead had been planning this all along! The female lead, thinking it was all a fluke, found herself embracing Shen Yanqing with a smirk. "Didn't you just say your husband has a sweet tongue?" A warm breath brushed against Qin Nuan's delicate earlobe. "Why don't you try it, my lady?" Before Qin Nuan could react, her lips were sealed with a kiss. "Mmm..."

2. 2 傲 The Proud Imperial Uncle's Everyday Quest to Win His Bride 傲娇国舅的夺妻日常 Yi Lan苡澜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The whole family’s redemption arc + taking down scumbags + devoted husband, well-behaved and timid fake heiress vs. reborn young uncle who steals her away, a heroine who grows over time + a hero who guides her] The day she was to be married off to a lame, dissolute man, Jiang Ying curled up in the bridal sedan and smiled bitterly. The Yong’an Marquis Household had raised her for ten years only so she could die in place of their real daughter. In that moment, her heart nearly died. Then a sword 12.2kReads8.0Score1.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   The first book features a male protagonist who has been plotting for a long time, falling in love with the female protagonist at first sight and harboring a secret crush on her for two lifetimes. They missed each other in their previous lives, but he's reborn to pursue and pamper his wife. He even staged a public wedding in the street and then went to the palace to beg for a marriage decree. He's incredibly possessive and insists on having her as his wife. Their relationship with her mother-in-law is harmonious, and everyone in the family loves her. Highly recommended! [Sending heart]

3. 3 纨 The Spoiled Heir’s Devoted Pushover 纨绔世子的舔狗日常 Yi Lan苡澜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Qin Qing falls into the water and loses consciousness. Xie Ce, the capital's number-one wastrel and heir to Prince Kang, rescues her. All the noble young ladies of the capital sit back, waiting for the drama to begin, only to get a reformed playboy who turns into a devoted husband, the best in the capital. Qin Qing has been frail since childhood, and the imperial physician predicts she'll live only until the age of twenty. All the noble young ladies of the capital wait for her to die young, only 17.3kReads8.3Score1.5k14d adds
4. 4 表 The Cousin Is Going on a Matchmaking Date, and the Heir Is Panicking 表姑娘要去相看，世子他慌了 Yu Yu禹予Ancient Romance492k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance] [Both Leads Are Each Other’s First] [Happy Ending] [Both Leads Are Natives of the Era] [Gentle, Refined Heir Apparent × Cool, Elegant Cousin] Orphaned and without anyone to rely on, with wolves circling all around her, young Shi Jianli had no choice but to travel to the capital and seek refuge with her aunt. She became the second branch’s cousin, staying as a guest at the Duke of Anguo’s residence. When she came of age, her aunt found her a match. But the second branch’s concubin 33.8kReads9.3Score4.4k14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is the cousin of the male lead's cousin. The male lead's family dotes on the female lead, and the two of them are mutually attracted to each other.

5. 5 凭 The Lady I Won Fair and Square: The Marquis Loves Her to Bits! 凭本事抢来的夫人，侯爷他超爱！ Xi Han习含Ancient Romance454k WordsCompleted “A guaranteed sweet romance + delicate noblewoman vs. rough marquis + marriage first, love later + secret crush becomes mutual + the hero fights to win her back + the second male lead chases his wife to the crematorium.” Her first marriage ended in tragedy. When Lin Yueming married into the marquis’s household, she had little hope for married life. But once she entered the Marquis of Wu’an’s residence, she found a kind mother-in-law, a loving husband, and an affectionate sister-in-law. Her days 18.5kReads8.9Score2k14d adds

   Reader note

   Both were premeditated. I was reading one and thought the male lead had a sweet tongue, but as I kept reading, I felt sorry for both the female and male leads. It was a really good read. The other one was my own, about childhood sweethearts. It was definitely premeditated, with the plot going on from childhood to adulthood. The male lead wasn't particularly charming, but he was fiercely protective and wouldn't give an inch. The female lead was straightforward and doting, and there was no angst.

6. 6 竹 My Childhood Friend Is Ruthless and Savage to Everyone Else, but a Sweet Puppy to Me 竹马对外杀伐狠戾，对我软萌奶狗 Only Loves Coffee芷爱咖啡Ancient Romance311k WordsOngoing [Pure Historical Romance] [Slow-Burn Romance] [Childhood Sweethearts] [Long-Standing Scheme] [Two-Faced Male Lead] [Sweet Romance with a Hint of Bittersweetness, No Angst] [Light Family Intrigue] [Dear readers: This is a sweet, slow-burn romance. The leads dote on each other from childhood to adulthood. At first, they're all children, so the pace is slower, with nothing but innocent sweetness and no flirting. Once they grow up, multiple couples' stories unfold in parallel. Please choose for your 46Reads—Score—14d adds
7. 7 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 21.8kReads8.8Score1.7k14d adds

   Reader note

   Both of these books focus on family matters and everyday life.

8. 8 表 The Young Lady Is Being Matched for Marriage, and the Heir Drops His Act 表姑娘议亲，世子不装了 I Don't Use an Umbrella in the Rain雨天不打伞呀Ancient Romance356k WordsCompleted [Marriage before love + secretly planned for a long time + mostly domestic life + no rebirth or transmigration + the second male lead grows as a person, with no groveling redemption arc] Wen Shiyuan lost both her parents at a young age and had no choice but to go to the capital to seek refuge with 18.9kReads8.5Score2.5k14d adds
9. 9 换 After Our Marriage Swap, the Mad Crown Prince Became Obsessed With Spoiling Me Night After Night 换嫁后，被疯批太子夜夜强宠上瘾 Fourteen of Eleven十一的十四Ancient Romance706k WordsOngoing [Both leads are each other's one and only + long-planned schemes + playing the fool to outwit the enemy + fighting tooth and nail over each other + a seductive, calculating heroine + a refined yet unhinged crown prince] Crown Prince Qi Heng was noble and virtuous, gentle as jade, and had been betrothed to the Shen family's legitimate daughter since childhood. On the Lantern Festival, the Shen family's eldest daughter was kidnapped. The family substituted their second daughter in her place. Every 41.9kReads8.4Score4.1k14d adds

   Reader note

   After the female lead is found, the male lead begins planning their marriage. His mother, a princess, is incredibly kind to the female lead; their relationship is much stronger than familial affection.

10. 10 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 71.6kReads9.3Score5.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    Super good! [Admiring][Admiring] I really love the story between Yangyang and the Prime Minister, Ye Jin is so cute, and every side couple is so adorable! [Kissing][Kissing]

11. 11 姐 My Sister and I Are to Marry the Same Man? I Won't Marry the Crown Prince, I Want the Regent 姐妹同嫁？我不嫁太子我要摄政王 I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance717k WordsCompleted The possessive, jealous regent x the sweet, silly Princess Mingyue The heroine is the kind of person who doesn’t have to lift a finger for someone to fall in love with her! "Historical romance + reborn + in their previous life, the hero secretly loved her and died with her + in this life, he competes for her and refuses to let her go + both are devoted to each other + happy ending + sweet romance + no angst for the heroine" In both their past and present lives, Wen Ruan is Shen Ye’s wife. In t 35.4kReads8.8Score6.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    The regent's secret crush came true; he had no mother-in-law, only a wonderful emperor brother!

12. 12 逼 You Force Me to Marry the Regent? I'm Pregnant, and the Crown Prince Has Gone Mad 逼我嫁摄政王？我有孕太子疯了 A Merfolk in the Northern Sea北冥有鲛Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted Marriage first, love later (sweet romance) + long-planned pursuit + domineering CEO + he pursues her + second male lead pursues his wife + elder brother steals younger brother’s wife + intense push and pull + wins her heart and her body + both virgins + happy ending + legitimate daughter + prince and princess consort + crown prince + struggle for the throne When the plum blossoms were in bloom, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyuan promised Shen Jinghong that once her father and brothers returned victorio 2.1kReads8.2Score18514d adds

    Reader note

    The male lead had planned this marriage for a long time, but the female lead didn't have feelings for him at first. He then fought for her, pampered her, and coaxed her like a prince. The second male lead went through a nightmare of chasing after his wife, and the mother-in-law was incredibly kind! It's a sweet and doting story with no angst and plenty of witty dialogue.

13. 13 与 After Breaking Off My Engagement to a Scumbag, I Married the Marquis's Heir 与渣男退婚后，我嫁侯府世子 Zhang Jibei张冀北Ancient Romance312k WordsCompleted [Clear-headed, clever heroine who won't reunite with her ex + scheming, devoted hero who's been planning this for a long time] Before their wedding, Shen Qingyun tells Lin Yao that his cousin is carrying his child. He urges Lin Yao to be magnanimous. “I was drunk when it happened. My cousin is gentle and obedient, and only asks to be taken as a concubine. The child can be registered under your name. She won't compete with you for anything.” Shen Qingyun assumes Lin Yao will make a scene and get 3.8kReads8.9Score43014d adds

    Reader note

    This is a very good historical romance novel. The male and female leads have great personalities and values. There are also few misunderstandings; if you like someone, just go for it openly.

14. 14 夫 Madam, the Heir Has Been Plotting This for a Long Time 夫人，世子他蓄谋已久 Susu Qian Ci酥酥芊瓷Ancient Romance471k WordsCompleted [A devoted couple, sweet romance, childhood friends] (Complete! Originally titled The Lady, the Heir Apparent Has Been Plotting This for a Long Time) [Scheming, doting heir apparent VS beautiful, high-maintenance heir apparent’s wife] Lu Zhaozhao, the youngest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yunyang’s household, is adored by her parents and protected by her older siblings. She has grown up in comfort, with everything going her way. At sixteen, Lu Zhaozhao is a peerless beauty, and the thre 26.8kReads9.2Score2.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    ① The male lead met the female lead two years ago and has been unable to forget her. When the female lead's father and brother are framed and imprisoned, she begs the male lead to save them. The male lead seizes the opportunity to stay in the mansion. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up] ② The male lead has long harbored a secret love for the female lead. He had hoped to successfully arrange a marriage with his mother, but the female lead suddenly broke off the engagement, making him a laughingstock. During a subsequent meeting after their rescue, the male lead questions the female lead about why she broke off the engagement in the first place. [Heart][Heart]

15. 15 归 Returning Clouds, Chasing Dreams Beneath the Stars 归云逐梦枕星眠 Lush Grass by the Roadside陌上草萋萋Ancient Romance329k WordsOngoing Jiang Xingmian has returned to the Jiang family. Everyone in the household has their own agenda, but she only cares about enjoying herself. She pursues a handsome top scholar, throws punches at spoiled young masters, and has a wealthy older cousin backing her up. Her sisters are jealous, while her father secretly delights in it. Which one should he pick for a son-in-law? Xiao Ji, commander of the Golden Scale Guard, is a cold-faced King of Hell who makes his living raiding households and wiping 25Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The male lead has been plotting for a long time, fighting and snatching everything away!! The mother-in-law is very helpful!

16. 16 原 I Thought the Imperial Palace Was a Prison, but the Emperor Held Me by the Waist and Spoiled Me 原以深宫似海，却被帝王锁腰娇宠 Ningning Zi柠柠梓Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + Empress + Devoted couple and sweet romance + Male lead has planned this for a long time + Not a serious palace-intrigue story] Lu Zhiyuan is the cherished youngest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo’s household. She is exquisitely beautiful, with an accomplished elder brother who supports the family’s prestige and a second elder sister skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting who brings the family honor. She has no need to contribute anything to the family, and 12.6kReads8.9Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    In every book, the male lead has been plotting for a long time; they're incredibly doting and so sweet! [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

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 18.2kReads9.1Score2.3k14d adds
18. 18 疯 The Mad Tyrant Wants to Steal Her: You’re the One Who Tempted Me First! 疯批权臣夺她，是你先勾我的！ Bright, Gentle Laughter笑语晏晏Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted [Possessive pursuit + Untouchable beauty brought down from her pedestal + Scheming heroine + Both leads are pure] The eldest son of the Xie family was as refined as a gentle breeze beneath a clear sky, as elegant as an orchid or jade tree, and, more unusually, possessed the heart of a bodhisattva. A year ago, he had taken charge of sheltering a destitute cousin who had come to seek refuge. The rescued Wanruo was deeply grateful, and looked up to and adored her cousin. Their story of a loving bro 238.5kReads9.2Score31.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a really good read. The mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship wasn't great at first, but it gradually becomes very harmonious. The book initially involves forced marriage, but later it transforms into a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. After their marriage, the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship slowly improves. I personally found it very good. Others might not find it as good, but for me, it's the best historical romance novel I've ever read because the male and female leads live happily ever after. In other books, the male lead likes the female lead, but the female lead doesn't like the male lead. I think it's very good, and the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is also quite good, gradually improving.

19. 19 重 Reborn: I Dumped the Scumbag and Won Over the Cold, Cunning Prince 重生后踹渣男，撩翻冷面腹黑王爷 My Heart Soars On and On悠悠我心飞扬Ancient Romance975k WordsOngoing This novel has been adapted into a manhua-drama and is now streaming on Hongguo, where it's a hit! Reborn to pursue her true love + revenge on the scum + ascetic minister + two cunning, powerful leads + devoted, doting husband In her previous life, she trusted Shen Mubai and died with her unborn child, taking her regrets to the grave. Reborn, Su Jin tears up her betrothal contract to become the heir apparent's wife and vows never to go near that faithless man again. Everyone says she's gone mad, 5.4kReads8.9Score57914d adds

    Reader note

    Reborn to seduce the aloof and cold-hearted king, reborn to seek revenge without being a saint, vengeful and vindictive, palace intrigue and power struggles, the heroine's counterattack, tearing apart scumbags and bitches, the hero's wife-protecting maniac, clearing obstacles along the way, a two-way journey, all premeditated!

20. 20 先 Marriage Before Love: The Heir Apparent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 先婚后爱：世子他蓄谋已久 Lin Mumucc林木木ccAncient Romance134k WordsOngoing [Heroine: Shen Zhaoning] [Hero: Pei Changyuan] [Slow-paced, pure historical romance, strong hero and heroine, marriage before love] · An imperial decree arranging her marriage sent Shen Zhaoning, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Jing’an, through the gates of the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence. · Pei Changyuan, heir to the Duke of Zhenguo, was known throughout the capital as the “Living Yama.” He had outlived three fiancées and was ruthless, decisive, and cold-hearted. Everyone in the city 5Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Pure Ancient Romance, Long-Planned, Arranged Marriage, Love Later] By imperial decree, Shen Zhaoning married the "Living Yama," feared by everyone in the capital. Rumors circulated that he had caused the deaths of three fiancées, was ruthless, and averse to women. On their wedding night, she calmly negotiated a deal with him: to be a loving couple in public, and to remain estranged in private. He looked at her, a slight smile playing on his lips: "My lady, you have a good plan. However—" He leaned forward, his voice low and deep, "I never said this marriage was not my wish." At first, she thought it was just a test, but later she gradually discovered that he remembered all the things she had casually said, smoothed over all the difficult people and situations for her, and always stood in front of her when she was in danger. Until that day, under the moonlight, he confessed—it turned out that the boy she had saved years ago had always held her in his heart. This marriage, from the very beginning, was something he had begged for.

21. 21 安 Peaceful and Unending 安乐永逸 A Tree Makes Shade一木成荫Ancient Romance531k WordsOngoing She had been given a rare second chance at life and planned to spend it carefree, like a wandering cloud or wild crane among the mountains and rivers. But fate had other plans: her adoptive father was imprisoned while seeking vengeance for her family's murder and his own country's humiliation. To save him, she had to disguise herself as a man and enter the imperial court, where she was forced to work for the cold-faced royal prince, Luo Yunyi. She never expected to find herself working for a hea 130Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Holding you in my arms, cherishing you to the bone. A cunning prince relentlessly pursues his wife, seeking neither power nor wealth, only to possess her alone. Limitless sweetness and endless displays of affection—a truly captivating historical romance novel.

22. 22 手 After Tearing Up the Script, I Became My Ex's Aunt 手撕剧本后，我成了前任婶婶 Dream's Lament夢之殇Modern Romance409k WordsCompleted After learning that my husband had gotten his first love pregnant, I did three things: I gathered evidence that he was hiding assets, found proof of his business misconduct, and then sent a marriage agreement to his uncle, the man who calls all the shots in Beijing’s elite circles. Later, my name appeared on the Forbes list. My ex-husband sent a remorseful text in the middle of the night. I replied with just one line: “Mr. Gu, please call me Auntie.” I update with one or two chapters at irregul —Reads—Score—14d adds

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