Looking for Historical Household-Intrigue Novels, No Palace Drama 求古文宅斗，不要宫斗的

1. 351 开 From the Start, in the First Three Chapters: The Heir’s Wife-Chasing Road to Ruin 开局前三章：世子爷追妻火葬场 Nan Xuanjin楠璇矜Ancient Romance186k WordsCompleted A tough, scheming little white rabbit VS a big bad wolf who’s lost his IQ Palace and household intrigue, an imaginative power fantasy, a strong female lead and strong male lead later on, and a medical space Su Jiaojiao never imagined the man she loved would deceive her so thoroughly. She fed him, clothed him, and paid for his education… only to discover by chance that he was Gu Heng, heir to the Duke of Zhenguo, and one of the most powerful men in the capital. Gu Heng got together with her just 3Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   A classic Chinese romance novel featuring power struggles within a wealthy family. The male lead forcefully takes the female lead, while she schemes and plots her way in. It's quite enjoyable.

2. 352 连 A Profusion of Intertwined Blossoms 连枝花浓 Muye Qingxi牧野清溪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted They say Jiang Qingli, the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, is an empty-headed fool with not a shred of learning. Yet thanks to her maternal grandmother, a Grand Princess, she was betrothed to Gu Anlan, the elegant and distinguished heir of the Gu family. Meanwhile, the Jiang family’s concubine-born daughter, Jiang Qingrou, is renowned for both her beauty and her talent, yet she was promised to Gu Anyu, Gu Anlan’s infamous wastrel of a half-brother. The gossips of the capital have sighed 4.2kReads8.9Score41214d adds

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   Nice!!!!!!

3. 353 折 Breaking Your Heart 折君 Li Er'er李尔尔Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Serious drama + healing one another + marriage before love + one partner for life + revenge) After transmigrating fifteen years ago, Yan Hui thought she could live as a contented layabout in a world especially harsh toward women, then marry a good man, support him, and raise their children. But when her parents suddenly died, she and her younger brother became dependent on relatives. For her brother’s future, she had no choice but to make plans for herself while living under someone else’s ro 12.1kReads9.1Score1.6k14d adds
4. 354 韶 My Youthful Years Are for You 韶华为君嫁 Cheng Yu乘玉Ancient Romance386k WordsCompleted Princess Yongning Qi Zhuo was born into privilege and was Emperor Jianning's most beloved daughter. In her eyes, a consort's only purpose was to give her a child. She had originally planned to choose a powerless top-ranked scholar, but in the end, she chose the heir to the Duke of Weiguo, who came from a powerful clan. Qi Zhuo thought they would be like any ordinary aristocratic couple, treating each other with polite respect. She never expected him to use every means at his disposal to grow cl 2.9kReads8.5Score23314d adds
5. 355 逞 Indulging 逞娇 Yuan Yuan原瑗Ancient Romance683k WordsCompleted [Rugged Hero and Sweetheart, A Princess's Devoted Suitor] [Marriage First, Love Later, One True Pairing, Sweet Romance] As the most honored princess of the Great Yi Dynasty, Pei Heyu was raised from birth in a world of wealth and luxury. When she grew up, she associated only with princes, nobles, and members of eminent families. Those young ladies and gentlemen all came from households of immense wealth, dressed in bejeweled finery. They drank Mingqian Longjing tea worth a fortune, ate tribute p 11.7kReads8.9Score1.1k14d adds
6. 356 青 My Childhood Sweetheart Is Hard to Win Over 青梅难哄 Let Me Sleep a Little Longer再让我睡一会Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted The Third Prince and Pei, the young lady of the Zhen’an Marquis’s household, had been childhood friends since they were little, always open and honest with each other. That is, until one day... The Third Prince, who used to take injuries and hardships in stride, insisted on being carried into the Zhen’an Marquis’s household, where he called out to Second Miss Pei, looking half-dead: “Wanw an, I feel awful...” Bodyguard: Who are you? Where’s our cold, distant, icy Third Prince? The Empress wanted 15.2kReads9.4Score1.4k14d adds
7. 357 山 The Moon Shines on the Mountain 山有明月 Kui Ziqi夔子期Ancient Romance272k WordsCompleted [Sweet and versatile merchant heroine vs. sickly, scheming Prince Beijing] No transmigration or rebirth, a pure historical romance + marriage before love + both leads are faithful + two powerful leads + sweet romance + fictional setting Bound by a marriage contract, their lives entwined for good. He is ruthless, and so is she. From plotting against each other to understanding one another, they unravel layers of mystery and carefully plan every move, solving an old case and seizing the throne. 234Reads8.5Score—14d adds
8. 358 庶 The Concubine’s Rise to Power 庶女升职记 Three Liang of Steamed Buns三两馒头Ancient Romance270k WordsCompleted A guide for readers: A daily tale of schemes in an ancient household. No golden finger, no lovesick heroine. A sweet, devoted romance in which the man falls for the woman first, one man and one woman, both faithful. For the first few years after transmigrating here, Mu Qing Le often asked Heaven: Was I some unforgivable sinner? Dying a horrible death was bad enough, but then I had to end up in this wretched dynasty, surrounded by a venomous mistress of the household, a ruthless yet delicate conc 1Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Ancient Chinese romance novels featuring power struggles within a family, where the female lead is always the one who doesn't suffer losses. She's intelligent, eloquent, and not blinded by love.

9. 359 柳 Spring Comes to Liumoon 柳月春临 Li Jinman李金满Ancient Romance244k WordsCompleted Qin Meiyue is an heiress from a prominent family who is out of favor and constantly bullied by her stepmother. After scheming to marry off in her younger sister's place, she thinks she is finally starting a new life. But then she learns that her mother's death was no accident, and swears to take revenge. Before she has the strength to stand on her own, she has no choice but to lower herself and please her husband, using his power to get revenge. As they go through it all, the two come to underst 3Reads6.4Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The female protagonist strives to win in the power struggles within the household.

10. 360 侄 The Tender Nephew's Wife 侄媳娇软 Three Thousand Drunken三千醉Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Reborn for revenge + feel-good story + inner-courtyard intrigue + political machinations + legitimate daughter] In her previous life, Gu Yunmian’s entire family was murdered, her reputation was ruined, and the in-laws she thought truly cared for her accused her of adultery on her wedding night. Would the man who slaughtered her family really take her as a concubine while pretending to be her benefactor? Gu Yunmian fought until she was battered and broken, but in the end, she avenged her fami 986Reads8.9Score12814d adds

    Reader note

    This is a good book. It's about rebirth and revenge, with no mercy for the villains. It's fast-paced and I love the decisive and ruthless female lead.

11. 361 穿 Transmigrated as a Farmer's Daughter with Many Babies, She Is Spoiled by the Crown Prince 穿成农女多胎了，她被太子追着宠 Serene Heart, Inked Words清心墨言Ancient Romance407k WordsCompleted [Hopelessly lovestruck Crown Prince VS clearheaded woman who transmigrated] After receiving her university acceptance letter, Wen Wanyan went on a graduation trip to the south with her best friend. But while burning incense at a famous temple, she suddenly fainted. When she woke up, she discovered that she had transmigrated into a body before birth! An eighteen-year-old soul in a newborn's body: unable to walk or speak, and forced to drink breast milk! Wen Wanyan nearly passed out on the spot!!! 1.3kReads8.6Score13614d adds

    Reader note

    A historical romance novel about palace intrigue, super good-looking, the female lead is smart.

12. 362 玉 The Jade Abyss Misstep: The Eldest Daughter’s Joyful Life 玉渊错:嫡女的快意人生 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Screen Adaptation Rights Sold] Xie Yuyuan had suffered a life so wretched it could move heaven and earth and make the gods weep. After she died, even the underworld refused to take her in. Now she was back. Those who had bullied her before would be repaid in kind, whether with gratitude or vengeance. No one was getting away. She never expected to lose her heart to a blind man. Blind or not, she accepted him! But who could have guessed that the blind man would suddenly transform into a handsome, 2.3kReads9.0Score72114d adds

    Reader note

    These novels are excellent, with gripping plots and a tight, fast-paced narrative. The female protagonist is strong-willed, with sound values, not overly idealistic, possessing high emotional and intellectual intelligence, and acting decisively and efficiently. She achieves the life she desires.

13. 363 重 Reborn: The Serene Life of a Concubine's Daughter 重生之庶女悠然 Rui Zhe瑞者Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In the fifteenth year of the Yan Feng era, Qiu Yiming, prefect of Lingnan, died in office. After the funeral, Lady Qiu, née Su, set out for the capital with her three daughters, one born to his principal wife and two to concubines, to seek refuge with her maternal family, the Earl of Zhongyi. As their carriage passed the Peony Tower, Qiu Fu leaned against the window, resting her chin in her hand, and smiled sweetly. Zheng Xiu, Duke of Rong, caught a fleeting glimpse of her in the crowd and nearl 2.6kReads9.0Score28114d adds
14. 364 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter's Allure 嫡女媚 Restless Slumber怅眠Ancient Romance986k WordsCompleted Her birth mother was murdered, and her younger brother died a tragic death. She had swallowed her pride and become another’s plaything, only to be tortured and abused to death in the end. Her heart had screamed in anguish, but she’d been powerless to fight back. Now reborn, Wu Yue swore she would carve out a bright future for herself. Those who had bullied and humiliated her would pay back every last debt, with interest. There was a beauty whose face I’ll never forget; a single day apart, and I 1.7kReads9.0Score21514d adds
15. 365 一 The Poisonous Consort 一品毒妃 Mo Qianchang墨千裳Ancient Romance2.7M WordsCompleted Su Ziyu is a poison-medicine doctoral expert from the twenty-second century, undefeated in the art of poison and unmatched among poison doctors. But fate had other plans. In an instant, she transmigrated thousands of years into the past, to the Eastern Zhou dynasty, becoming Su Ziyu, the cowardly, weak-willed, foolish concubine-born daughter of the prime minister’s household. Imprisoned, with her birth mother dead, her stepmother persecuting her, and her sisters poisoning her, she faces a brutal 4.8kReads9.3Score1.7k14d adds
16. 366 别 Don't Mess With Her! The Fortune-Telling Heiress Is a Fearsome Ghost Hunter! 别惹她！神算大小姐捉鬼超凶哒！ September Eve九月夕Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Legitimate daughter + occult arts + feng shui + fortune-telling + satisfying read + ancient setting + a little family drama + strong heroine] Jiang Jiaoyue returned to the capital to reunite with her family and set up a fortune-telling stall to earn merit. “Master, someone chased me in my dream and demanded I give his head back. What’s going on?” “That wine bowl of yours is made from a dead person’s skull. Just give it back to him.” “Master, I dreamed my grandfather pushed open his coffin lid a 4.7kReads8.9Score62614d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is realistic, not arrogant or conceited, and doesn't follow clichés. She catches ghosts without harming anyone, and her fortune-telling and explanations are unexaggerated and unpretentious. It's a very authentic and worthwhile read.

17. 367 知 The Story of Minglan 知否知否应是绿肥红瘦 Half-Moon Glasses月半的眼镜Ancient Romance6k WordsCompleted The Story of Minglan 1.1kReads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Sheng Minglan, an unfavored illegitimate daughter of a noble family, navigates the treacherous waters of this grand mansion with unwavering resolve. Her mother's early death forces her to conceal her talents and struggle for survival amidst hardship. Fortunately, she is protected by her grandmother, who meticulously teaches her interpersonal skills and household management. The power struggles among her sisters and the complex relationships between her and her mother-in-law serve as tests for her. From a young lady in her boudoir to the matriarch of a noble household, Minglan, with her intelligence, resilience, and magnanimity, writes her own legendary tale. The writing is delicate, the characters vividly portrayed, and the book vividly depicts the various aspects of life, etiquette, and complex interpersonal relationships within an ancient aristocratic family. It transports the reader to that era of strict feudal ethics, allowing them to experience the bittersweet journey of the protagonist's growth.

18. 368 9 After a 996 Workaholic Transmigrates, She's Forced into Family Feuds 996社畜穿越后被迫宅斗 Rise with the Wind乘风而起Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted Shen Huining, an unlucky modern office drone, dies suddenly, but is lucky enough to transmigrate and be reborn. She thinks that becoming the daughter of an official means she can coast through life, eating and drinking to her heart’s content. In reality, her stepmother dislikes her, and her sisters scheme against her. Fortunately, her concubine mother knows how to keep the master’s favor and protect her, so life is still manageable. She had hoped to be an unambitious woman who could live quietly 4Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A good time-travel romance novel with a protagonist who is clear-headed, intelligent, and not brainless.

19. 369 大 The Tyrant Has Arrived, Carrying His Adorable Little Wife 大暴君拎着他的小娇妻走来啦 I Want to Be a Rich Lady我想当富婆Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted Song Qingqing transmigrates into a book, becoming a minor cannon-fodder character in a novel she wrote herself. - She goes out to admire the lotus flowers and gets shoved in front of an arrow meant for the tyrant by a scheming white lotus. She attends a palace banquet, gets tempted by the wine, and ends up testing whether it’s poisoned for the tyrant! At first, The tyrant: “My queen really is a jinx.” Later, The tyrant: “The queen must be in love with me.” Song Qingqing: “No, I’m just a jinx. Ma 2.1kReads9.2Score20014d adds

    Reader note

    I think it's good (personal recommendation rating: four and a half stars)

20. 370 纵 So What If You’re Reborn? 纵你重生又如何 Yao Yaoya妖幺芽Ancient Romance169k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete] [Two powerful leads + no point in being reborn as a concubine’s daughter + face-slapping and punishing scoundrels + the male lead has a secret crush] [A cool, composed beauty with overwhelming combat prowess vs. a mysterious, bewitching prince] [One-on-one romance + happy ending + single and chaste] Her mother was the most favored legitimate princess, her uncle was the reigning emperor, her maternal grandmother was empress dowager of the realm, and her older brother 2.3kReads8.9Score29614d adds

    Reader note

    They're all super good-looking family dramas.

21. 371 一 The Prime Minister's Pampered Lady: He Begs Her to Divorce Him 一品娇宠，丞相大人求休妻 Half a Branch of Red Apricot半枝红杏Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Gu Qingzhi is only eighteen, beautiful, born into a powerful family, and free to spend as much money as she likes. So how did she end up marrying a man who’d already been married once, and who even has a six-year-old child? Is there something wrong with her eyes? Now that she’s come to her senses, she knows being a stepmother is no easy task. Husband, please grant her a divorce and let her return to her family home in peace! “Prime Minister, this is bad! Madam has gone to the Old Madam again, s 1.1kReads8.8Score47414d adds

    Reader note

    Time travel. A satisfying read. Not angsty, but you'll feel a bit stifled. The male lead is smart and handsome, the female lead is beautiful, smart, and loves to eat. I've simplified it a bit, but it's really not to my liking.

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