Looking for Ancient-Style Political Intrigue with a Smart Protagonist Who Plots on a Grand Scale 求古风权谋文，主角智商在线，布局天下

1. 201 夫 My Wife Is a Fairy, and Everything She Says Is Right 夫人是仙女她说的都对 Sweet Potato's薯地瓜的Ancient Romance486k WordsOngoing (The dazzling, carefree, flirtatious eldest daughter of a Duke's household ✖️ a humble, restrained, handsome young man who refuses to take the bait and has a remarkable background) He had been surrounded by bloodshed since childhood, a man who had clawed his way out of the mud. Covered in filth, how could he ever presume to dream of the bright moon hanging high in the sky? Even reaching out to touch its reflection in the water felt like sacrilege. She had always been a free-spirited breeze, soar 12Reads8.9Score—Shelves

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   This book features no rebirth, no time travel, no system, and no cheat codes. The writing is sophisticated, not simplistic, and the word choice is refined. The political intrigue isn't overly complex, and the logic is clear and logical. Both the story and the setting are constructed with just a few strokes, creating a complete narrative. It's like a vivid ancient costume drama, with well-developed characters and intelligent main characters, especially the female lead. She's thoughtful, shrewd, and has a free-spirited personality—both strong and gentle. I absolutely love it!

2. 202 穿 I Transmigrated into a Hapless Palace Maid, and the Young Tutor Asked, “Why Not Share a Bed?” 穿成悲催宫女，少师：何不同榻眠 Drunk Wenqing醉文卿Ancient Romance173k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance + unhinged leads + sweet romance + palace and household intrigue + power struggles + charged flirtation] Jiu Ning offended a god she couldn't afford to provoke. To stay alive, she has to change bodies and identities every year. Naturally, every one of those identities is a cannon-fodder role... - At the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, she transmigrated into the body of a palace maid with the same name. She thought she was in for another miserable year, but to her surprise, she mar —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A historical romance with a twist: political intrigue and romance. The male lead is a cold and aloof high-ranking official, while the female lead is a palace maid. She's a manipulative and seemingly indifferent woman who starts seducing the male lead to save her own life. Later, she becomes incredibly ruthless, assaulting a princess, setting fire to a mountain, and drugging the male lead – it seems like there's nothing she wouldn't do. The second male lead is also quite compelling; he feigns ignorance at first but later becomes emperor and forcefully takes what he wants. If you don't like it, come back and tell me!

3. 203 双 A Blood-Soaked Reckoning: Twin Sisters Return for Vengeance 【血色满门】双生姐妹踏血归来 Xiao Xiao Ran Zi萧萧然子Ancient Romance606k WordsOngoing An entire family of loyal officials is framed, and a century-old marquis’s estate is turned into a living hell. Twin sisters plunge from a cliff into the water, surviving against all odds. Once cherished young ladies who lived behind closed doors, they now tread a thorny path through the world. One struggles to survive on a sheer cliff, honing her edge; the other wanders in a foreign land, maneuvering at every turn. The court is rife with deceit and schemes, while the martial world flashes with 1.8kReads6.6Score189Shelves

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   🔥Attention all readers looking for historical political intrigue novels! This one perfectly fits the bill of "intelligent, no system, but powerful"! 📖 "[Bloodstained Mansion] The Twin Sisters Return Amidst Bloodshed". A century-old loyal noble family is framed and turned into a living hell. Twin sisters fall off a cliff and drown, barely escaping death. No cheat codes, just eight years of patient forbearance and scheming by the two female protagonists! The elder sister hone her skills to survive on the cliff, building her power to guard the nation's borders; the younger sister wanders far from home, navigating the complexities of the world while observing coldly from the palace. Amidst the treacherous power struggles of the court and the bloodshed of the martial world, the two scheme for their own destiny, and when they meet again, they stir up a storm to settle old scores. Packed with satisfying moments and a madcap tale of female revenge, this is a must-read!

4. 204 凤 Gambit at the Phoenix Palace: The Emperor’s Heart, My Prison and My Plot 凤阙弈：帝心囚我谋 The Improper World人间不正经Ancient Romance294k WordsOngoing Also known as "Enter My Game: Those Who Enter, Ask Not the Way Home" [Antique Restorer x PhD in History x True Political Intrigue x No Foolish Villains x Equally Matched Leads] A thousand years later, she sees a pair of dragon-and-phoenix jade pendants at an auction. Engraved on them are the words: “We played this game in this life. Let’s continue in the next.” A low male voice comes from behind her. “Researcher Shen, we meet again.” This is her third life. In this life, she transmigrates as —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   If you enjoy stories where everyone is intelligent, seemingly about palace intrigue but actually about political maneuvering, where the male and female leads have no protagonist halo or cheat codes, and which offer a realistic portrayal of power struggles in ancient times; and if you like stories similar to Nirvana in Fire but with a touch more humanity, then you should check this out. Every character the author creates is fleshed out, with a clear background and destiny.

5. 205 野 The Wild Dog Immortal 野狗真人 Yun Canghai云沧海Eastern Fantasy1.6M WordsOngoing [Mortal’s Journey] [No System] Young Yang Fan is poor and has no choice but to sell himself to a landlord just to scrape by. Then he receives help from an immortal cauldron and thinks he can finally live in peace for the rest of his life. But a demonic cultivator plants a parasite in him and forces him to join an immortal sect, where he becomes a menial servant in the alchemy hall. The sect follows the law of the jungle, treating its servants like blades of grass. Fortunately, the immortal cauld 83.1kReads8.2Score1.9kShelves
6. 206 不 Aren't We Mortal Enemies? Why Does Lord Ji Love Me So Much? 不是死敌吗？季大人怎么这么爱 Yi Er一尔Ancient Romance791k WordsCompleted [Mad, power-hungry minister X black-lotus noblewoman, two powerful and equally unhinged leads] Jiang Zhimiao was born with a rebellious streak. Clever and perceptive, she never let an offense go unanswered and cut off every way back, all so she could leave home and toy with the emperor, until she ran into one particularly troublesome bastard. Ji Suian was born to wealth and privilege. Brilliant to the point of seeming demonic, he had a prominent family and a smooth career in government, as if he 7.8kReads8.8Score1.1kShelves

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   The female lead is incredibly intelligent.

7. 207 反 Villain, Stop Making Trouble: The Royal Family Is on My Side 反派别折腾了，皇家都是我的人 Orange First Rises橘初上Ancient Romance357k WordsOngoing [Reincarnated in the womb + adored by everyone + decisive female lead + affectionate, obedient puppy-like male lead + two powerful leads + court intrigue + mutual devotion + loyal love + happy ending] After living out her natural lifespan, modern woman Zhao Rui never expected to be blessed with good fortune and reborn in the womb as Shangguan Zhaorui, Princess of Yun'an in the Great Jing Empire. The young princess was exceptionally clever from childhood, far surpassing children her age. So her m 5Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Historical romance, political intrigue, a strong female lead with a loyal and devoted male protagonist, and detective work—these types really appeal to me. But after flipping through countless titles, there are so few truly strong female lead stories!

8. 208 念 Peerless Mind Spirits 念灵无双 Yi Ben Shu熠坌叔Eastern Fantasy372k WordsCompleted High-Martial Arts Fantasy, Transmigration, Mystery Solving, Word-Spirit Arts, Strategy, Multiple Heroines As a successful demolition-compensation beneficiary and homebody, he could have spent his whole life lounging at home in a spacious apartment, living off his compensation! But he died at just thirty, struck down by his own keyboard-warrior sense of justice. Before closing his eyes, he made a wish to the heavens: to become a man no one could refute... When he opened his eyes again, he had tra 14Reads—Score—Shelves

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   No system, no family background, and a mentally unstable, sickly child—he still got kicked into the water and drowned. At least give him a cheat code, otherwise he really can't survive… Fantasy, political intrigue, cheat code, humor, historical romance.

9. 209 日 Drunk on the Road Home at Dusk 日暮醉归途 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted The cool, intelligent beauty Shui Qiaoyou, a general of the former dynasty, and the pure-hearted, reserved prince Chu Moli, a prince of the current dynasty Historical romance, no transmigration, no palace intrigue, no household drama, one-on-one romance, strong female lead. Shui Qiaoyou felt as though she’d merely fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes again, a hundred years had passed. Her homeland, family, and friends were like smoke, long since vanished into the river of time. Fate had left 13.4kReads9.1Score1.6kShelves

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   The writing is superb, the details are meticulous, but it's a bit long; it took me 60 hours to read.

10. 210 绿 Green Tea Homewrecker Crown Princess, You Dig the Pits and I'll Fill Them 绿茶海后太子妃，你挖的坑我来平 Get-Rich Ball暴富球球Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Empress's Rise + Irresistible Charm + Multiple Male Leads Competing in a Love Battlefield + Court Intrigue + Mind-Reading Fantasy] One heroine with multiple love interests, a main male lead, a slow-burn romance, everyone's favorite, and a heroine with a powerful, winding career arc. After transmigrating into a book, Chen Jixiang tried to make up for her mistake by helping her husband, the crown prince, fight for power and win over the hidden Prince An, Hua Jue. But he pinned her to the bed. “Hu 252Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Ancient Chinese romance novel with transmigration, 1vN, all-powerful female lead, independent, clear-headed, and girlish heart, multiple male leads and supporting characters, otome game, all intelligent characters, a fierce competition and power struggle, political intrigue and mind reading, a chaotic world, emotional turmoil, passionate moments, excellent writing, even better chapters later!!!

11. 211 簪 The Record of Hairpins (Complete in 4 Volumes) 簪中录（全4册） A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Mystery992k WordsCompleted The little red fish Agashnie, which feeds on human blood; the mysterious talisman that had followed Li Shubai for years; Empress Wang, the peerless beauty of the Daming Palace; three clusters of doodles written by the late emperor himself before his death; a marriage contract made with Wang Yun in their youth... Every mystery returns to its point of origin. Every choice remains beyond anyone’s control, as impossible to resist or escape as fate itself. Yang Chonggu has returned to the palace and 17.3kReads9.7Score2.8kShelves
12. 212 战 The God of War’s Beloved Is a Special Forces Soldier from Another World 战神的掌心娇竟是异世特种兵 Big Sister Ali阿狸姐姐Ancient Romance961k WordsCompleted The modern era’s top special forces soldier, “Night Phoenix,” dies on a mission. Her soul travels through time and she is reborn as Wei Shi, the infamous “spoiled and unruly princess” of Prince Jing’s manor in the Tianqi Kingdom. The moment she opens her eyes, she inherits the original owner’s painful memories of her past life: her father, Prince Jing, has rendered such great service that the emperor sees him as a threat. The incompetent and suspicious Emperor Jianwu joins forces with corrupt of 10.4kReads8.5Score1.4kShelves

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    When an imperial edict for a flower-viewing banquet arrived from the palace, she keenly sensed that the edict contained a hidden secret. After careful examination, she discovered that the edict had been smeared with a slow-acting drug, clearly a trap set by her enemies in the court to frame the entire Jing Prince's mansion.

13. 213 锦 Jade Glaze, Dazzling the World: Splendor of the Marquis’s House 锦璃倾世：侯门风华录 Yan Yan Jieran炎炎孑然Ancient Romance165k WordsCompleted Su Jinli, the daughter of a modest family in Jiangnan, is brought to the capital and taken in by a marquis's household because of her father's good deed. As she enters the unfamiliar world of a noble family, she feels both hopeful and uneasy. —Reads8.7Score—Shelves

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    After the female protagonist becomes engaged to the fifth prince, she returns to Jiangnan to embark on a path of intrigue. Ten maids, each possessing unique skills, make for a thrilling storyline.

14. 214 太 The Empress Dowager Reborn: A Phoenix’s Plot for the Empire 太后重生：凤谋天下 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + ensemble cast + political intrigue] Reborn, she turns the world into a board and all living beings into pieces. She is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Slender, pale hands, an icy gaze She moves her pieces, a faint smile on her lips Why should beauty worry? Reborn, risen from the ashes A phoenix’s schemes hide in her lotus-bloom bones Her name will live on in the annals of history Willow branches in her hometown, the moon a hook She watches generals and princes 1.3kReads9.0Score185Shelves

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    This one! You absolutely must read this one! Just look at the synopsis! Ancient Chinese romance with political intrigue—it's the pinnacle of my reading list! The female protagonist is reborn back to her childhood, relying entirely on her intelligence and cunning to navigate the complexities of the world and turn the tide of events! A behind-the-scenes power broker! Leading her entire family in a business empire, she rewrites the fate of the world! The dashing young men in their finery are also fantastic! A captivating ensemble piece in ancient Chinese style! You won't regret reading it!

15. 215 综 Film and TV Crossover: Jinyu 综影视，瑾钰 Yunini芋泥泥昵Female-Channel Fanfiction582k WordsOngoing Xiao Yu’s uncle Gu Yiran’s older brother Li Lianhua’s father 1.5kReads6.0Score—Shelves

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    ⚔️A Trio of Yandere and Power Intrigue: 𓆦Appearance: A noble young master wielding a brush to paint landscapes 𓆦Bone Structure: A hellish demon devouring the heavens with ants 𓆦Heart: Forging blood and tears into a god-slaying blade; watching the poisonous mist from a medicine pot spread over the palace walls; witnessing how the blackened white moonlight tramples on ethics and morality, turning the entire dynasty into a chessboard of revenge ♟️

16. 216 发 After I Went Mad, the Whole Capital Begged Me to Fix Their Houses 发疯后，全京城求我修房 Blue Waters Reflecting青水相映Ancient Romance554k WordsOngoing She is the most skilled female builder in the capital, and also the craziest troublemaker. She lets her madness run wild and overwhelms everyone with her expertise, tearing the original story to shreds as she goes. Regent Xiao Heng says, “This woman is harder to handle than the imperial court.” Imperial Preceptor Pei Qingxuan says, “She is the one variable I never saw coming.” 4Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 217 朝 Toward the Jade Steps: I, the Emperor, Gorge on Palace Gossip 朝玉阶：朕在后宫狂吃瓜 A Green Orange一颗青橙Ancient Romance794k WordsCompleted [Female emperor + multiple male leads + power politics + nation and people + strong heroine] [Power is what Zhou Yao loves most. As for men, if she likes one, she takes him.] The sole female emperor of the Great Sheng dynasty has but one wish: peace throughout the realm and a comfortable, prosperous life for the people. In public: Zhou Yao: “I can accomplish what none of my ancestors managed. The Imperial Ancestral Temple has never enshrined a woman's memorial tablet, so I'll be the first!” In p 337Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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    Think ten steps ahead before taking one. A true female lead.

18. 218 凤 Phoenix Perches in the Wutong Tree: The Legitimate Daughter Returns to Turn the World Upside Down 凤栖梧桐：嫡女归来覆乾坤 Blue Waters Reflecting青水相映Ancient Romance372k WordsCompleted The legitimate daughter of the General’s household is reborn and returns! She launches a sweeping campaign to clean house, averts an arson crisis, roots out the family’s inside informant, and investigates the truth behind her clan’s destruction. At a flower-viewing banquet, she turns the tables on her enemies; in the battle of public opinion, she rises to fame. After arriving in the capital, she allies with the Crown Prince, and together they make an unstoppable team. He is gentle yet ruthless, —Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 219 大 The Great Qi Marquis of One Step 大齐一步侯 A Single Thought of Nothingness一念无Historical846k WordsCompleted [Alternate history, airtight logic, a treat to listen to, multiple heroines, lighthearted daily life, the jianghu and court politics, love and hate, national and family vendettas...] A modern-day criminal investigator transmigrates into the body of a minor official in the State of Qi. At first, his only dream is to stay alive. But when foreign barbarians invade the Central Plains, slaughtering and pillaging until the kingdom falls and families are torn apart, he has no choice but to enter the fr 16.3kReads8.2Score984Shelves

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    This is a historical fiction novel of exceptionally high quality, perfect for both listening and reading. It boasts clear logic, well-developed characters, a rich plot, and a tightly woven narrative. A non-clichéd, fast-paced read—please enjoy!

20. 220 洛 Three Days in Luoyang 洛阳三日簿 Great Sage Duo Duo大圣铎铎Historical511k WordsCompleted If you open the account book titled The Luoyang Three-Day Ledger, every line of numbers represents a life. Three days before the Lantern Festival in the first year of the Zhengsheng era, Li Suan, a low-ranking clerk in the Ministry of Revenue, discovers a ledger that could turn the entire court of the Wu Zhou dynasty into a river of blood. The charcoal and ice gratuities are bribes; the sunken grain ships are murder. And the bloody fingerprints of twenty-seven ministers on the final page point t 630Reads—Score143Shelves

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    Key Tags: Historical Suspense, Tang Dynasty Detective, Wu Zhou Power Struggle, Underdog's Rise to Power "The Three-Day Account Book of Luoyang": With a click of the abacus, the dynasty alters its accounts! How can a lowly finance official, relying on a book of death, extend the life of the Tang Dynasty for seventy-two hours amidst the Empress and cruel officials? --- [Thumbs Up] [Deadly Account Book: Silent Thunder] In the capital city of Luoyang, the Lantern Festival is approaching, and the city is ablaze with lights, yet the light cannot penetrate the dusty corners of the Ministry of Revenue. [Top Post] An old account book titled "The Three-Day Account Book of Luoyang" is tremblingly opened by Li Suan, a low-ranking official. As his fingertips trace the disguised entries of "charcoal tribute" and "ice tribute," his pupils shrink—this is not an account book, but a death list written in numbers, a blueprint for a coup that outlines the dynasty's downfall. [Top Post] Every "deficit" in the account book corresponds to a murder disguised as an accident; every "tribute" is a blood-stained bond connecting twenty-seven high-ranking officials. When his gaze fell on the last page, upon the row of glaring, scarlet finger marks, Li Suan understood: seventy-two hours later, Empress Wu Zetian would face her darkest end at the most dazzling lantern festival. [Top Post] The abacus beads clicked softly, and a life-or-death game, with numbers as knives and accounts as the game board, began. This insignificant figure, who only knew how to do accounting, unintentionally became the most humble yet crucial weight on the scales of history. --- [Thumbs Up] [Exclusive Highlights - Fourfold Critical Hit] [Top Post] 1. A unique "financial crime-solving" genre, pioneering a new track in historical suspense. While all the protagonists were cultivating immortality, practicing martial arts, and engaging in palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, Li Suan's only weapons were an abacus and a pair of eyes. He could smell bloodshed, track down power and money, and unravel conspiracies from the dry numbers on the books. This wasn't a time-traveler's dimensional reduction attack, but rather an ancient "auditor" maximizing his professional abilities in a desperate situation to survive. The clatter of abacus beads was more chilling than swords; the audit report became a deadly summons, more deadly than an imperial edict. [Top Post] 2. A 72-hour countdown, the heartbeat resonates with the second hand. The entire book uses "three days before the Lantern Festival" as the deadline, compressing the tension to the extreme. From the discovery of the account books to being hunted down by cruel officials, and then to navigating the power struggles between Wu Zetian, Princess Taiping, and Lai Junchen, every hour is a walk on a knife's edge. The pace is as fast as a drumbeat, the suspense builds layer by layer, leaving the reader breathless, yet unable to resist staying up all night to read more. [Top Post] 3. Full of historical details, a feast for the brains of research enthusiasts. The story is deeply rooted in the real historical gaps of the first year of Wu Zetian's reign. The unspoken rules of officialdom, such as the "charcoal and ice tributes," and the shocking corruption case of the "sunken canal ship," are all historically verifiable. With meticulous detail, the author revives the turbulent undercurrents beneath the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, immersing readers in a rich and authentic historical tapestry while they enjoy the thrill of solving a mystery. [Top Post] 4. The Ultimate Resonance of Ordinary People: The Heroic Dream of Every Commoner Li Suan, powerless, without connections or authority, experiences fear and struggle that resonate with every ordinary person struggling in reality. Witness how he uses his unique skill—accounting—to manipulate the entire dynasty's chessboard. This kind of triumphant comeback based on expertise and courage is far more inspiring than divine intervention, igniting the heroic spark of "I can do it too" in the reader's heart. --- [Thumbs Up] [Exclusive for Historical Suspense Lovers: More Than Just Reading] Following "The Three Days in Luoyang" is an immersive "crime-solving" experience: · High-Energy Commentary Section: Every numerical foreshadowing is a battlefield for readers to decipher. Collide with thousands of fellow "detectives" in the comments section; your reasoning may become the key to enlighten others. • Co-creation of iconic scenes: The vivid imagery and densely packed climactic plots easily inspire readers to spontaneously share screenshots, create derivative works, and generate buzz. You are a co-creator of viral content. • IP potential outlook: Its novel "financial intrigue" setting, strong plot conflicts, and cinematic quality give it immense potential for short drama and film/television adaptations. Every read and interaction you make is a vote for the future of this promising work. --- [Thumbs up] [The ultimate hook awaits your participation] If numbers can lie, then the truth lies hidden in the bloody fingerprints on the last page. If the golden age is an illusion, then destruction is destined in the lamplight seventy-two hours later. Wu Zetian, in the Mingtang Hall, awaits an "audit report" that will allow her to see everyone clearly; Princess Taiping, behind the curtain, treats everyone as a disposable pawn; Lai Junchen's henchmen are already sharpening their knives outside the door. And Li Suan, this small figure standing at the center of the storm, has only an abacus and a heart unwilling to let the capital be consumed by fire. Unequal accounts lead to unrest; numbers, like a knife, hang over the dynasty's throat. Open the "Three-Day Record of Luoyang," and this time, you will witness the end of history.

21. 221 综 Rewriting the World with the Emperor's System 综影视朕手握帝王系统重写世界 The Guanghanzi of Anyun Province安云省的广寒子Ancient Romance100k WordsOngoing System + reborn + dual protagonists (the male lead is Liu Che; the heroine is Ning Yun, who transmigrates, and Lin Wan’er, who is reborn) + political intrigue + feel-good power fantasy + infrastructure building + chaotic pairings + both protagonists are beloved by all + crossover of film and television worlds + Joy of Life + no CP The greatest emperor of all time is reborn in the Kingdom of Qing as a wrinkly baby. His biological father holds him upside down to inspect him, while his aunt pinches —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was reborn with an emperor system and transmigrated into the novel "Joy of Life" as the son of a crazy princess. No romantic relationship + career storyline.

22. 222 权 Scheming for the Throne: Zhen Huan Transmigrates into Lady Qi 权谋天下之甄嬛穿越戚夫人 A Painting in a Glass Frame玻璃框里的画Female-Channel Fanfiction897k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + history + political intrigue + palace battles + strong female lead] P.S.: The story respects the course of history. There is no System, and this is not a wish-fulfillment novel. Strategy takes center stage, with palace intrigue in a supporting role. Readers should set aside their usual Qing palace-drama perspective and look at the political intrigue of the Han palace on its own terms. . Synopsis: She escaped the maelstrom of the Qing imperial harem, only to unexpectedly transm 80Reads8.3Score—Shelves

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    Look at this book 👀, Zhen Huan transmigrates into the body of Consort Qi.

23. 223 穿 I Transmigrated to the Great Ming: Commanding Troops from a Humble Background, I Shape the Realm with Schemes 穿越大明：寒门掌兵，权谋定江山 Dark Sect Who Loves Seafood Shrimp Porridge爱吃海鲜虾粥的暗宗Historical819k WordsOngoing A modern history and military enthusiast unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of a poor family’s son, whose father is a disgraced official in the final years of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty. His family has fallen into ruin, he is bullied, powerful local clans surround him, bandits lay siege to the city, and the officials abandon it and flee. The people within are on the brink of disaster. In this desperate moment, he is called upon to take command of the troops. Though the son of a co 133Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, read this book! It's absolutely amazing, incredibly good! I've been reading it since last night, staying up all night!

24. 224 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 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves
25. 225 穿 Transmigrated to Ancient Times to Get By in the Imperial Harem 穿到古代混后宫 The Pen Name That Doesn’t Need Zhouzhou不用周周的笔名Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Modern-day Huang Ye transmigrates into the ancient Great Xia Dynasty as the pampered darling of the Minister's household, where a daughter is born only once every ten generations. To repay her loving family, she starts learning martial arts at a nunnery while still a little girl. She wants to master everything: inner strength, hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, medicine, and poisons. Only by learning real skills can she better protect her family. At last, she grows up, only to be told she must 1.9kReads7.6Score179Shelves

    Reader note

    It's not one of those mindless palace intrigue novels. The female lead is intelligent and rises from a palace maid to become empress. Not only is the palace intrigue thrilling, but the descriptions of food are also a major highlight.

26. 226 予 Waiting for You to Return 予卿归 Flying a Plane on a One-Plank Bridge独木桥上开飞机Ancient Romance243k WordsCompleted The Prince of the Manor x The Minister's Legitimate Daughter The two meet for the first time and get into a fierce fight over a misunderstanding. By chance, they meet again, and the young lord Shen is determined to win Miss Lu's heart. When Miss Lu encounters bandits while out, young lord Shen risks his life to save her, and the two fall for each other. But when sudden upheaval strikes the capital, young lord Shen must take up arms for his country and family. After the rebels are defeated, the t 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The God of War of Pure Love collapsed to the ground! A prince's son x a minister's legitimate daughter! The male and female leads are a bickering couple. The emperor wants to bestow a marriage upon them, but the male lead refuses and asks for her hand in marriage himself. The female lead is so gentle, and the male lead is incredibly doting. They're so sweet together! Amidst the upheaval in the capital, the male and female leads join hands with various ministers to protect their country.

27. 227 科 Imperial Exam Triumph: The Strongest Female Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：最强女首辅 Dressed in Splendor宝妆成Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted After finally becoming the first female heir in her family, she opens her eyes and finds herself back before the revolution. Her father is dead from the start, leaving her with a frail mother and three beautiful older sisters. She is the only son who can carry on the Cheng family line... Cheng Qing looks down at her slightly developed chest, wondering what on earth went wrong. Surrounded by scheming wolves, Cheng Qing, now with a new soul in her body, sets herself two small goals: First, keep pr 8.5kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend these books. They're all completed, the authors have excellent writing styles, and the writing is quite profound—not the kind of mindless, straightforward narratives. The protagonists are intelligent and quick-witted, and the plots are very engaging. As a bookworm with over a decade of reading experience, I haven't finished many books these days, but I've read them all. If you haven't read them yet, you should check them out.

28. 228 云 The Moon in Yun Ting's Heart 云廷心上月 Sugar Beans Aren't Bitter糖豆不苦Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + palace and household intrigue early on + sweet romance + devoted one-on-one love + happy ending] [Sickly beauty x obsessive male lead] After transmigrating into a book, Qin Yannian finds herself as a minor character in a political scheming novel aimed at male readers. The book is three million words long, and she appears in only three hundred of them. The original owner of her body relentlessly pursued her second cousin, insisting she would marry no one else. In the p 14.8kReads8.9Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book is amazing! It's a shame it's still being serialized. The second book is also pretty good; both are ongoing novels.

29. 229 首 The Lucky Wife of the Grand Secretary 首辅家的锦鲤妻 Cong Yue丛月Ancient Romance3.2M WordsCompleted Only after Su Jiuyue married into the Wu family did she discover that her husband was a fool. She thought she'd been swindled. But as soon as she entered the family, it was as if Heaven itself had blessed the Wus. One happy occasion followed another, and their lives kept getting better. She went up the mountain to gather wild greens and found a lingzhi mushroom; she went down to the river to fish and found a rare, ancient fungus. Even her foolish husband turned out not to be a fool, and he came 17.1kReads9.3Score2.7kShelves
30. 230 死 Five Years After Her Death, the Sickly Heir Still Wants to Marry Her 死后五年！病娇世子仍要以身相许 Cat Bean Rice猫豆米Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + devoted couple + revenge on scoundrels + sweet romance; less romance in the early chapters] She was well-read, strategic, and beautiful. She could ride in white with a red horse, spear in hand, and take on enemy generals. She could also command from behind the scenes and secure victory from a thousand miles away. After being reborn, all she wanted was revenge, then to live a peaceful, prosperous life with her family. But no one had warned her what to do when a talkative man kep 227Reads9.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's a story about political intrigue.

31. 231 上 Last Season's Palace Intrigue Champion Is Now Ruling from Behind the Curtain 上一届宫斗冠军，现在垂帘听政了 The Visitor Sings of Yantai来者歌燕台Ancient Romance322k WordsOngoing [No System] [Political Intrigue with an Ensemble Cast] [Ascends the Throne] [Serious Drama] Xie Jin transmigrates, and before she can even celebrate becoming the champion of palace intrigue, she realizes she's become the previous champion! With his dying breath, the young emperor personally places the Imperial Seal in her arms. Xie Jin looks down at herself. The three-year-old crown prince is hugging her leg, drooling all over her sleeve. Good news: No more serving in the emperor's bed! Bad new 1.8kReads—Score146Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone in the cast is intelligent; the female lead doesn't rely on her modern-minded advantages to easily defeat everyone. She has a significant amount of character development, and it's through her exceptional learning ability that she gradually gains power and saves the dying dynasty.

32. 232 女 The Female Supporting Character Throws Herself Into the Game, and the Mad Heir Slowly Falls 女配以身入局，疯批世子步步沉沦 Banquet on a Spring Day宴春日Ancient Romance546k WordsCompleted [One-on-One Sweet Romance] [Happy Ending] [“Wicked” Supporting Heroine vs. “Amnesiac” Heir] After transmigrating, Jiang Yao became a doomed cannon-fodder character in an angst novel. Near tears, she resolved to cling to the main characters for protection. But the heroine mistakenly thought she had someone she loved. After guessing back and forth, she decided it must be Xie Yunian, the future heir of the Chengbo Marquis's residence. Xie Yunian!? Who was he? The Xie family young master who lost hi 2.7kReads8.8Score354Shelves
33. 233 权 The Power of the Imperial Favorite 权宠天下 June六月Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted Live-action short-form drama: The Power and Privilege 4: Ruling the World is now streaming on Hongguo. A brilliant medical PhD transmigrates into the body of the Chu Prince’s discarded consort. As soon as she arrives, she encounters a critically injured patient. Guided by her medical ethics, she treats him, only to nearly be thrown into prison on false charges. When the Retired Emperor falls gravely ill, she finds a way to treat him, but that hateful Poison King misunderstands and berates her. I 10.3kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves
34. 234 恶 The Vicious Supporting Lady Is Causing Trouble Again? The Powerful Minister Bows and Offers the Phoenix Blade 恶毒女配又作妖？权臣俯首献凤刀 Ye Yi Le叶一乐Ancient Romance211k WordsCompleted (The main story is complete) [Female-led story] [Tearing down scoundrels and face-slapping] [Feel-good read] [Nation and family] [Business] [Political intrigue] [Female-centered] Her battle-hardened fiance returns in triumph, but brings a mistress home with him. At the victory banquet, Zhaoyang awakens to the script of a villainous supporting character and foresees the miserable future awaiting her. Xiao Qi publicly asks to marry his mistress and flaunts himself before her, turning seven years o 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In this book, both the male lead and the second male lead get slapped by the female lead; the main theme is that she doesn't tolerate anyone's slaps.

35. 235 最 The Best Lyricist 最佳词作 Kong Liu空留Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] One is a heroine, the other a pampered youngest son who’s always smiling. They work together seamlessly to resolve an unexpected crisis the first time they meet. The second time, she warns her younger cousin not to fall for someone like him. Then comes the Nth meeting, and with it, a lifetime together. 24.4kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
36. 236 绝 The Unparalleled Little Scapegoat 绝世小冤种 I Took Great Pains我煞费苦心Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Also known as: I Pay, You Risk Your Life, and We Both Go Crazy; The Ultimate Scapegoat; Power Over All, Sword to the Heavens Someone has set a trap to make everyone turn against me. "It's fine. I have a System..." Luo Yinyou comforted herself. "Even if the System is a total troll!" The world order had changed drastically, and the flow of destiny had been redistributed. Countless geniuses emerged, but the most dazzling of them all was the young lord Ye Ci of Dragon Island, hailed as the greatest 32kReads9.6Score4.4kShelves

    Reader note

    It's a bit more imaginative. I really liked the early parts of "Overlord of the World." Both books have romance storylines, but the romance in the second book is more subtle, while it's more obvious in the first. It's also very intellectually stimulating. Anyway, I like stories about scheming and plotting to conquer the world; I enjoy reading stories with brains. I feel like I've become smarter after reading them.

37. 237 吾 My Three Wishes 吾有三愿 Mechanical Wang机械汪Ancient Romance787k WordsOngoing [Mad Queen x Reclusive Power Behind the Throne] [Past and Present Lives] [Sweetness and Angst] [Fated Redemption] [Alternate World] (This story focuses on [Two Powerful Leads Growing Together] and [Profound Devotion]. Sweetness and angst intertwine. This is not a mindless power fantasy, so read with care if that's not your thing!) In their previous life, in the modern world, the two parted forever on a snowy night! He sat in a wheelchair dusted with snow, and his three wishes ended in regret as 59Reads7.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance filled with political intrigue, where everyone is incredibly intelligent! A love story spanning two lifetimes is deeply moving! A fated promise of red makeup and green robes, a tale of mutual protection amidst political intrigue and revenge, the plot is fast-paced, tear-jerking, and thrilling, immersing the viewer completely!

38. 238 夫 The Madam Takes Charge: No More Lounging, Get Up and Get to Work! 夫人当家：都别躺，给我起来卷！ Give It a Persimmon Try柿柿就试试Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration to an alternate world + wish fulfillment + sweet romance + one-on-one + two strong leads] Xia Shuyan is a noblewoman of the capital, blessed with beauty, intelligence, and an illustrious family. To protect her family from the impending struggle for the throne, she arranges to marry General Xiao Yunchi, a man rumored to bring death to his wives. Xiao Yunchi is the second legitimate son of the Grand Princess and the old Marquis of Zhenbei, as well as the emperor’s nephew. He has sp 15.3kReads9.2Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    I travel the world with Lü Songli, and no one can surpass me. The second book is also alright; the female lead is equally intelligent and resourceful. They're somewhat similar.

39. 239 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 92kReads9.6Score12.3kShelves
40. 240 起 I Must Be Seeing Things: My Fiancée Ships Me with Someone Else 起猛了，未婚妻她嗑我CP Mo Junwei墨君唯Ancient Romance247k WordsOngoing [Historical political intrigue] [Scheming for the realm and for love, a powerful couple, an unconventional female supporting character] ◆ General's legitimate daughter × scheming prince × transmigrated matchmaker ◆ ◆ Addictive political intrigue ◆ Hilarious plot ◆ A whole new world ◆ ◆ A seemingly tragic romance × genuine sweet indulgence × a cast full of top-tier actors ◆ ◆ A game of strategy played by many, one person's obsession ◆ ◆ Come discover the source of the world ◆ The Crown Prince die —Reads7.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Don't be fooled by the title! You'll only realize how amazing it is once you read it. It's a political intrigue novel, and both the male and female leads are incredibly intelligent and emotionally intelligent—no, the entire main cast is full of geniuses! Hahaha, political intrigue + comedy, highly recommended! It's both eccentric and cunning!

41. 241 守 On the Day of the Wake, My Sisters-in-Law Put Me on the Throne 守灵当天，我被众嫂嫂推上皇位 Kitchen God of the Wood Stove柴火灶王爷Historical724k WordsOngoing [Alternate Dynasty + Transmigration + War + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + The Golden Finger Has Been Cut in Half] A high school boy named Tian Shu wakes up one morning in an ancient funeral hall. His widowed sisters-in-law swarm around him, showering him with care. In a feudal age of chaos, the powerful clans hold sway. The System is practically useless, and each sister-in-law has her own agenda. Born into a poor family, can he defy fate, change his destiny, command a vast empire, and mak 4.6kReads8.8Score183Shelves

    Reader note

    [Alternate Dynasty + Time Travel + War + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + Chopped-Off Cheat] High school student Tian Shu wakes up to find himself transported to an ancient funeral hall. His widowed sisters-in-law swarm around him, showering him with concern. In this chaotic feudal era, powerful families hold sway. The system is practically useless, and his sisters-in-law each harbor their own agendas. Born into poverty, can he defy fate and ascend to a vast empire, leaving his mark on history? Or will he be unable to escape his destiny, becoming cannon fodder for someone else's benefit?

42. 242 宁 Ning Jinge 宁烬歌 Calm as Ever冷静如斯Ancient Romance697k WordsOngoing [Female commander × top-tier spy and assassin | Two equally matched leads | Court intrigue and the martial world | Standing together in troubled times | Devoted 1v1 romance] The sweeping scale of a male-oriented story, with the emotional depth of a female-oriented one. Fast-paced and tightly plotted, with no filler or dragging. The political intrigue is logical, and long-laid clues are brought back into play. A serious world with lighthearted, hilarious everyday moments, and an incredibly sweet 374Reads8.5Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    Multiple forces converge on the sea, including the Shark King, the Holy Envoy, and the protagonist's faction, creating a rapidly changing and chaotic battle.

43. 243 被 After the Female Lead Was Stolen, I Set Out to Save the Obsessive Villain 被抢女主后，拯救偏执反派大佬 Xu Lian序连Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [One-on-one sweet romance, marriage first and love later, the leads dote on each other, everyday romance, gentle and delicate beauty vs. a ruthless, possessive villainous tycoon] The Duke of Zhenguo’s entire household was fiercely loyal to the crown. With them gone, only Yan Yu, their sole daughter, remained. Raised by her maternal grandmother, she was betrothed to the Fifth Prince. After Yan Yu came of age, she was about to travel to the capital for her wedding. At that point, the eldest dau 18.8kReads8.9Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is the emperor's favorite son and is in charge of the important Ministry of Justice. He gradually plots to seize power, outwits the other princes, and his relationship with the female lead is one of marriage before love blossoms.

44. 244 五 Five Years of Waiting Came to Nothing: My Husband Brings His New Love to Demand a Divorce 五年痴等成空，夫君带女逼我和离 Cang Yuesheng仓月生Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Both Chaste] [Romance with His Older Brother's Wife] [Male-Male Story] [The Male Lead is repeatedly seen completely naked but stays faithful. Later, what looks like infidelity is actually a guard in disguise; the male lead remains devoted to the female lead throughout.] [Dear readers, we're very sorry! When you reach Chapter 139, please skip straight to Chapter 146. Chapters 140 to 145 are inconsistent and can be ignored.] On their wedding night, unrest broke out at the border, and her husband 5.9kReads9.3Score443Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is highly intelligent, and the male lead is amazing! Both are virgins [drooling emoji]

45. 245 你 You and I, Heart to Heart 你侬我侬 Smiling Eyes Amid Peach Blossoms桃花深处眉眼弯弯Ancient Romance322k WordsCompleted A hazy dream left Qiaoqiao unable to see things clearly, but one thing was certain: Mo Henghuan was a massive scumbag! So why wait? She should dump him! But why did trouble follow right on his heels, and why was it so hard to deal with? Well, having an ally was important, and the heir of the Bai family seemed like a good choice. But I’m only joining forces with you, not marrying you. How about we renegotiate the terms? The Bai heir: “Qiaoqiao, whether we’re cooperating or plotting together, you 1.9kReads9.5Score243Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient style, political intrigue, and humor.

46. 246 寒 A Cold Crow Nests in Your Heart 寒鸦栖君心 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone envies the Prince of Beian for loving his wife beyond all measure, with a love as deep as the sea. No one knows he won this perfect life by risking everything. Yan Junjue clawed his way out of a mountain of corpses in the Cold Palace. He was bloodthirsty and ruthless, a possessive, obsessive madman whose jealousy was carved into his bones. Everyone in the world feared him. Only Cui Yunqi was a little warmth in his endless darkness. She was the proud and steadfast lord of Hanya City, dev 9.1kReads8.8Score907Shelves

    Reader note

    Does anyone know? These two are perfectly fine, highly recommended.

47. 247 葵 The Sunflower Princess’s Book of Delights 葵花郡主欢乐宝典 Smiling Eyes Amid Peach Blossoms桃花深处眉眼弯弯Ancient Romance1.5M WordsOngoing Xiao Kuihua has a name as common as they come for a noble young lady, but her parents are both highborn and utterly unreliable. They raised her into a “green melon,” someone who speaks without thinking and invites gossip, and whose hopeless conduct makes marriage difficult. Yet, by a twist of fate, she wins herself a young husband, and so begins her delightful life of stirring up the capital and teasing young dandies before marriage, then making mischief with her in-laws and battling her mother- 1.9kReads9.5Score297Shelves
48. 248 帝 The Emperor's Marriage: I Would Conquer the World for You 帝王嫁：为君倾天下 Cold Heart, Cold Feelings, Pretty Girl凉心凉情好姑凉Two Male Leads943k WordsCompleted [No female lead + Two male leads + Two emperors] Domineering, devoted emperor VS aloof, proud hostage prince “You and I are twins. I'll take your place and go to the Northern Kingdom. But you must help me protect the Southern Kingdom. Remember, protect it.” The realm's supreme authority is divided between the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. The Southern Kingdom favors peace, while the Northern Kingdom favors war. To foster friendly relations, the Southern Kingdom sends a prince to the Northern K 4.9kReads9.3Score537Shelves

    Reader note

    Perfectly meets your requirements [smirking][smirking]

49. 249 薄 The Coldhearted Empress: Her Royal Husbands Marry Her, but Don’t Love Her 薄情女帝，皇夫们只娶不爱 Meng Ai Yuqi梦爱宇琦Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Strong female emperor]+ [Ancient-style political intrigue]+ [Palace intrigue with twists]+ [An entire cast of unhinged beauties]+ [Male leads are virgins] She is Xiao Jingli, the female emperor of Great Zhao, with the realm in her hands and the power of life and death at her command. Her harem is a chessboard. The three thousand beautiful men are not the emperor's prisoners, but living pieces on her political game board. The refined and gentle young nobleman; The proud, untamed son of a militar 1.1kReads9.3Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    The sharpest blade turns out to be the unwavering devotion of a loyal minister. Empress Xiao Jingli uses handsome men as pawns in her power struggles, but in the game of power, she blurs the lines between pawn and true feelings. This male-centric palace intrigue is ruthless, with intrigues and power struggles intertwined in the court and harem, full of twists and turns—a truly thrilling watch.

50. 250 权 A Woman in Power 权姝 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance628k WordsCompleted Legitimate daughter | Devoted hidden guard × Long-suffering childhood friend, the prince | Pure romance | Court intrigue | Strong female lead | Nation and family The court of the Great Qi dynasty is in turmoil, with the struggle for the throne brewing beneath the surface. The Molong cavalry bears down on Zhenmen Pass, where starving, freezing soldiers hold the border with their flesh and blood. On the battlefields of a troubled age, it is not only men who march to their deaths. Fu Ziyou brav 558Reads—Score—Shelves

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