Seeking High-Quality Historical Romance, No Transmigration, Rebirth, or System 求：高质量古风文（不喜欢穿越，重生，系统）

1. 51 伊 Snow of the Yi 伊雪 Long-Haired Girl长发姑娘Ancient Romance345k WordsOngoing As the Protector Princess of the Xuanyuan Kingdom, Xuanyuan Yixue has only two wishes in life: first, peace for the nation; second, safety for her family. Only then would she deserve the title “Protector.” Xuanyuan Yixue devotes her entire life to making those wishes come true. There are always obstacles along the way, and Jun Beichen is the biggest one. They frequently disagree and clash at every turn. Everyone at court knows they're utterly at odds. Later, during a palace banquet, a maid accid 76Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Pure ancient romance, historical political intrigue novel, both male and female leads are strong, cunning, and their relationship is a love-hate one. Perfect for those who admire strength. It gets really good after the first few chapters, go for it! ❤️❤️

2. 52 替 A Substitute Bride to the Eastern Palace: The Husband I Picked Up Is the Crown Prince 替嫁东宫：捡来的夫郎是太子 Guan Guan's Short Stories关关的短篇Ancient Romance221k WordsOngoing In the second year of the Taiqing era, Shen Qingci, the Marquis's legitimate daughter, took her younger sister's place in an arranged marriage to a wounded soldier of unknown origins. She had no idea that the husband she had taken in was the orphaned heir of Crown Prince Zhaoming, who had been hunted for years. What seemed like a marriage she was forced into was a fate written in the stars. There was understanding and misunderstanding, happiness and sorrow. Amid the tide of history, the two grad 16Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Two strong individuals embark on a journey together, an arranged marriage blossoms into love, and true affection blossoms amidst chaos. The story is filled with patriotism and unwavering devotion. A compelling plot!

3. 53 妄 Daring to Break Off a Charming Branch 妄折一枝妩 Ashes Mixed with Toilet Paper烟灰拌卷筒纸Ancient Romance513k WordsCompleted [Strong heroine] [No making the hero even stronger than the heroine] [Heroine serves as the hero's bodyguard] [Historical setting] [Female physician] [A top-tier powerhouse from her very first appearance] [The heroine has unmatched combat skills] [Both leads are faithful in body and heart; the author knows exactly what that means, so keep reading.] [Older woman-younger man romance] She was imprisoned in the Earth Store Palace for ten years. It was hell. To survive, she killed without mercy. At t 14.7kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves

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   This is exactly the book I'm talking about! 🧚🏻‍♀️ The female lead is at the pinnacle of martial arts prowess, and the male lead wants to keep her as a pet—it's hilarious! [Laughing] He's no match for her! The premise is fresh, no time travel, no system, no cheat codes. [Smirking] This is the only novel I've ever read where the male lead can't beat the female lead; it's no longer about the female being stronger than the male. ✨Although the male lead has immense power and martial arts skills, he's nothing compared to the female lead. The female lead has a super-hot personality, it's hard not to love her, her thinking is unique and unpredictable, hahaha. ✨The author's writing is witty and humorous, the characters are vivid, and there are tons of laughs!

4. 54 挽 Mending the Silver River 挽银河 Shaved Ice绵绵冰Ancient Romance197k WordsCompleted [Warm on the outside, reserved on the inside, crafty old fox x pure-hearted, steadfast swordswoman] When Xie Xingyao lost all her martial arts skills, a trafficker picked her up and sold her to Qin Chuo. His opening line, “Share my room for six months and I’ll let you go,” made her curse him as a beast in her heart. When they met again later, Qin Chuo watched her approach with several long swords in her arms and smiled. “The little elder of the Xunjian Sect has come to settle a score with me?” S 1.8kReads9.3Score209Shelves

   Reader note

   These two books are really good. In the first one, the author writes about national righteousness and personal love very well. The male lead suffers a bit in the beginning, and the female lead is also delayed for a long time because of her marriage to the Marquis's family (people thought the Marquis's husband was dead). Later, she brings a woman back. The second book is a martial arts novel. The male lead is seriously injured and can never practice martial arts again (he used to be the best in the world).

5. 55 高 High-born Matriarch’s Husband-Taming Manual 高门主母的驯夫手册 Chu Diandian初点点Ancient Romance547k WordsCompleted Cheng Zhao was granted in marriage to Zhou Yuanshen, the youngest duke in the realm. Zhou Yuanshen had a favored concubine with a powerful family backing her, and he was also entangled in an ambiguous relationship with his widowed sister-in-law. He despised the stiff, dull manner of noble-born ladies. And Cheng Zhao had received the most orthodox upbringing of all. Faced with the endless infighting in the Duke’s household, the concubine’s provocations, and her sister-in-law’s covert meddling, Ch 167.2kReads9.0Score25.4kShelves
6. 56 掌 Hairpin in His Palm 掌中簪 Guest in the Barren Cold寒芜客Ancient Romance235k WordsCompleted The Capital's Most Dramatic Heiress × A Pure-Hearted, Devoted General Wen Zhixu, eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke of Anguo's household, the emperor's niece, and the most treasured jewel in the capital. She appears dignified and elegant, but in truth she's a quirky little troublemaker with a mind of her own She names her koi and calls roll every day, climbs over walls in the middle of the night just to get a sweet drink, fakes an illness to escape a matchmaking meeting, and loves teasing th 166Reads5.4Score—Shelves
7. 57 重 Reborn! A Son Makes the Father Noble, and Fourth Master Lifts Her to the Empress's Seat 重生！父凭子贵，四爷巴巴捧后位 Happy StellaLou快乐星黛露Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Cunning Little One] (Not a chaste romance. The heroine is the sole favorite from the middle onward. Read with care if this bothers you.) Heaven took pity on her. Reborn, Yijun returned to the day she gave birth to Honghui and swore she would protect the child who had died young. But who could have guessed that the icy Fourth Prince from her previous life would become captivated by the tenderness and liveliness in Yiju 6.4kReads9.4Score492Shelves
8. 58 呆 The Adorable Princess Consort: Her Husband's Mind Is Impossible to Read 呆萌王妃：夫君心思太难猜 Golden Hairpin, Ah金步摇啊Ancient Romance157k WordsCompleted A sweet but slow-witted little princess consort VS a cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside, jealous prince Chu Guier hit her head as a child and was left with an intellectual disability. Naive and slow to catch on, she unexpectedly married a prince who wielded great power at court! Guier was insecure and afraid, but her princely husband not only accepted her despite her foolishness and dazed manner, he treated her with tenderness and affection. Little by little, she opened her heart and emerge 446Reads8.8Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   My favorite pure ancient romance novel is the fourth one. [Laughing][smirking][shy]

9. 59 可 The Adorable Princess Consort and Her Devoted Prince 可爱王妃的宠妻王爷 Lan Yiyi蓝一一Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance] [Beloved by everyone] By imperial decree, Princess Rouyan was married to Prince Yu, a man she had never met. She expected Prince Yu to marry her only because he had no choice, but he doted on her in every way. A sweet romance, with the princess as the heart and soul of her rakish prince. Once Prince Yu got a taste, he was practically unstoppable. “Pervert!” “What’s wrong with me kissing my own princess consort?” “I don't just want to kiss you, I also want to...” “Mmm...” Years la 532Reads8.8Score103Shelves
10. 60 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 70.3kReads9.7Score9.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These three are all high-quality historical fiction novels, with no time travel, no rebirth, and no system! [Learned it][Learned it][Learned it]

11. 61 表 My Cousin Can Only Be Mine 表妹只能是朕的 Puff Pastry Little Nurse泡芙小奶妈Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The ratings have only just opened, so they’re sure to shoot up later, my dears.) A formidable emperor × his breathtakingly beautiful, sweet and gentle cousin. A teasing beauty, doted on exclusively. Both leads are sexually inexperienced. The court officials all believed the Empress Dowager had raised her niece, Shen Wan, in the palace so she could send her into Xiao Che’s harem. But only Xiao Che knew that the aunt and niece guarded against him as if he were a wolf. The Empress Dowager searched 29.4kReads8.2Score2.7kShelves
12. 62 入 Into the Azure Clouds 入青云 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance498k WordsCompleted Ji Bozai thought Ming Yi was an exceptional blade. She was breathtaking and sharp, yet utterly devoted to him. He would use her to wipe out every traitor, then make her the brightest medal on his crown. A playboy king vs. a woman with a checkered past 4.9kReads8.9Score692Shelves

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    Here it comes! The first one isn't a clean romance, it's about a sea king and a sea queen, it's alright. The second one is "Absolutely Perfect Child," forgive me for being speechless, but it's really good. No rebirth, no time travel, no cheat codes, go for it, sisters!

13. 63 废 A Good-for-Nothing Beauty of a Wife 废柴美娇妻 Weilan Tian蔚兰天Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted Everyone thought the Chancellor’s legitimate daughter was a useless, obnoxious failure. Her disappearance tore apart the false calm. There were bitter power struggles in the inner household, political scheming at court, and the unfathomable Prince of Jin drawing closer with every step. Once a noblewoman at everyone’s mercy, she would eventually turn the tables against all odds and take control of her own fate... 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    No time travel, no rebirth, no system—just a proper ancient Chinese romance! It tells the story of a noble young lady from a prominent family's growth! It includes love, friendship, family, and the patriotism and national responsibility of someone living in the Warring States period. The beginning is weak, but the future looks promising. Please stay tuned…

14. 64 丞 The Chancellor Returns 丞相归来 Crispy Braised Pork Rolls滚刀小酥肉Ancient Romance122k WordsOngoing “What can a flower thief do besides stealing flowers?” “Of course there are plenty of other things!” “Such as?” “For instance... retrieving precious things for clients.” “What else?” “...And, well... taking things.” “Oh. What should you watch out for when taking things?” “You need to make sure your martial arts are up to scratch! Otherwise, you might get killed in the very first episode!” “Oh, oh. If your martial arts are only so-so, is there still a chance of getting into this line of w 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a mediocre womanizer, while the male lead is a very competent prime minister. In this chaotic era, what kind of emotional entanglement will these two seemingly unrelated people develop?

15. 65 夫 The Third Year After His Wife Left 夫人走的第三年 White Dog白白的狗Ancient Romance195k WordsCompleted Widower romance / bitter-sweet second chances / a touch of angst / bickering couple The heir to the Duke of Liang's household has been a widower for three years. Everyone in the capital says he has mourned his wife for three years, proof of how deeply he loved her. Only he knows the truth: he got promoted, got rich, and his wife died. What a wonderful life! From then on, he could indulge in cockfighting and dog racing, with no one to hold him back. But... the nights were cold, and strange things 13.5kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This is quite unique. The male protagonist plans to commit suicide by swallowing gold on the anniversary of the female protagonist's death. To save him, the female protagonist returns to the human world. The male protagonist, believing she has unfinished business, resigns from his official post to help her resolve her inner conflicts. It's a novel that will make you both laugh and cry. (Happy Ending)

16. 66 上 A Romance in the Capital 上京缘 Between, Li Ke之间礼可Ancient Romance557k WordsCompleted [Not a transmigration or rebirth story. An old-fashioned setting, a stunning, delicate newly titled noblewoman VS the Seventh Prince, a cold and abstinent man who seems like a spoiled playboy. Scheming within the marriage, intense push-and-pull, devoted one-on-one romance, sweet and indulgent.] When Jiang Jiuchu was little, bandits took her hostage to threaten her father, who was leading a campaign to suppress them. A young man appeared and rescued her, but she missed her chance to repay him. Ye 4.4kReads8.8Score538Shelves

    Reader note

    The author's writing is excellent; highly recommended!

17. 67 临 Ruling from the Court: Your Majesty, Let Me Hold Power Over the Realm 临朝听政：陛下许我权倾朝野 Only I Come to Pluck the Stars独独来摘星星Ancient Romance639k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead and equally matched leads, political intrigue, duty to country and people, fictional historical drama, ensemble cast in troubled times, devoted to each other, with a focus on the career plot] [Decisive female general × restoration emperor who obeys only the heroine] Song Wanyue was born into a military family. When she returned victorious to the capital, she was met not with honors, but with an imperial decree ordering her entire family executed. She had trusted the wrong fam 11Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A pure ancient Chinese setting, with no time travel, rebirth, systems, or cheat codes. Both the male and female leads are generals, embodying political intrigue, conquering the world, founding dynasties, and ultimately becoming emperors and empresses. The female lead is the legitimate daughter of a general, who suffers the annihilation of her clan and then rises again.

18. 68 雪 Snow Falls on Youyan 雪落幽燕 Helian Chengcheng赫连澄澄Ancient Romance176k WordsCompleted Li Mei, courtesy name Shuyuan, is the legitimate daughter of Prince Yongping’s household. At seven, she was granted the title of County Lady Jing’an. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she nevertheless had an unreliable mother. Her mother was a fiery-tempered daughter of a military family, fiercely jealous by nature. In a fit of rage, she killed Su Su, Prince Yongping’s favorite concubine, and was stripped of her title, expelled from the household, and sent to live in seclusion on Mount Nan, 1.1kReads—Score102Shelves

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    This is a fictional historical novel set in the Tang Dynasty, incorporating historical events such as the Tang Dynasty's royal family's use of witchcraft, the Zhang Guang murder case, and the Jingyuan Mutiny as its backdrop. It's a "warm-hearted" story. The female lead is a county princess, and the male lead is a young general. The female lead's family suffers misfortune, and she and her mother flee to Youzhou. In Youzhou, the female lead and the male lead meet by chance, surviving together in the wilderness and falling into an ancient cave together. The male lead takes great care of the female lead. The female lead's father is exonerated and his title is restored, and the female lead returns to the royal palace. Just as the two are preparing to marry, someone interferes, ruining their marriage. The female lead is forced to become a nun, living a very difficult life, and the male lead cooks for them.

19. 69 杏 Apricot Blossoms Fill the Air, I'll Snap That Scumbag's Neck 杏花吹满头，扭断渣男头 The Round-Headed, Round-Brained, Round-Bellied Tangerine圆头圆脑圆肚皮的橘子Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [There is a male lead!!!] [Currently being published. Mild horror and suspense. I didn’t add those tags because I don’t think the story is scary or suspenseful enough, but readers say it’s pretty frightening. Consider this a heads-up.] Ren Xin has been married into the General’s residence for two years. She manages the household, respects her in-laws, and treats the servants with consideration. No one can find fault with her. Guan Shanyue returns from the battlefield one day with a pregnant wom 23.2kReads9.2Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    No time travel, no spatial abilities, the female lead is intelligent, definitely a good watch.

20. 70 祝 Madam Zhu, Your Dead Husband Is Back 祝娘子，你死掉的夫君回来了 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance482k WordsCompleted Original title: Lady Zhu, Your Powerful Official Husband Has Come to Collect [Clear-headed, rational heroine × a powerful official who turns dark] (Political intrigue and an ensemble cast + rekindled love + mutual healing + happy ending) Zhu Hange is a pretty young widow who makes a living running a bookshop in Taohua Town. One day, a handsome man appears in her bedroom, pressing a dagger to her neck. Blood stains the blade. Instead of retreating, she steps closer and rises on her toes to kiss h 3kReads8.9Score344Shelves

    Reader note

    Absolutely high quality, pure historical romance, political intrigue, the female lead is not a clinging vine, the male lead also respects the female lead, both are strong characters.

21. 71 皇 The Empress Is Fierce: She Loves the Empire, Not Palace Scheming 皇后很野，只爱江山不宫斗 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance451k WordsCompleted Political intrigue, historical romance, two strong leads, one-on-one romance, happy ending Both leads are highly skilled in combat and brilliant. They speak their minds, with no angst or melodrama. [Straight-laced, scheming emperor who can be either fierce or sweet x resilient and clever female general who never gives up] Ye Fubo is exceptionally gifted. Before turning eighteen, she is already a leading commander in the navy. But people are treacherous and the court is full of intrigue. A precio 942Reads9.1Score125Shelves
22. 72 云 Chaos Between Heaven and Earth 云泥乱 Feast of a Thousand Lanterns千灯宴Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted The comic adaptation is out. [Substitute Bride, Ugly Maid × Exiled, Disgraced Crown Prince × Win Her Back at Any Cost × Marriage Before Love × Pregnant and on the Run × Mutual Healing × Ugly Duckling Comeback] She was the ugliest maid in the marquis's household. A birthmark covered her face, her hands were calloused, and everyone had called her Ugly Ah for six years. Her daily job was scrubbing chamber pots. He was the most exalted crown prince in the imperial family. Overnight, he was deposed. 44.5kReads9.1Score4.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This book definitely deserves a spot on the list. No time travel, no rebirth, no cheat codes; it's set in ancient times, and the male and female leads are very well-developed.

23. 73 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

    Reader note

    A historical fiction novel of exceptionally high quality, perfect for both listening and reading. Clear logic, well-developed characters, rich plot, and tight writing. Not a formulaic, fast-paced read. Please enjoy! 😘

24. 74 三 Three Feet of Spring 三尺春【王嘉懋、李十七主演 短剧同名原著小说热播中！！！】 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance371k WordsCompleted The captivating beauty Li Shuwan, whose background is shrouded in mystery × the aloof, proud General Li Fengyuan, hard-mouthed but soft-hearted Ancient romance + premium novel + one-on-one romance + both leads' first love + sweet romance + mutual devotion + palace intrigue + simmering tension + secret crush + age gap + reunion after years apart When she was seven, Li Shuwan was brought back from the countryside to the General's Mansion, becoming Li Fengyuan's relative in name only. Knowing her 21.4kReads9.4Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Everyone, go read these, my darlings! They're really good! I stayed up all night reading the first one; the author's writing is excellent, it's a slow and gentle story, but it's truly captivating. The second one is simply divine—a masterpiece among palace intrigue novels!!! And the third one, oh my god, a rough-around-the-edges man and his delicate wife—it's insanely good!

25. 75 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 11.7kReads8.9Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Everyone, go read these, darlings! They're really good! I stayed up all night reading the first one; the author's writing is excellent, it's a slow and gentle style, but it's truly captivating. The second one is simply divine—a masterpiece among palace intrigue novels!!! And the third one, oh my god, a rough-around-the-edges man and his delicate wife—it's insanely good!

26. 76 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 34.7kReads9.6Score5kShelves

    Reader note

    Taking this book with you wherever you go, its appearance on the Tomato website has truly elevated the Tomato brand.

27. 77 缠 Entwined Pearl 缠明珠 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [A seemingly sweet-faced, emotionally detached woman vs. a gloomy, love-starved, clingy human flytrap] Shen Yuanzhu, who loves money more than life itself, gives the only bit of sincerity she has to Xie Xuchuan, only for him to turn around and have a child with someone else. He says, “Yuanzhu, you can raise the child. He can have the family fortune. I’ll make it up to you in other ways.” Shen Yuanzhu thinks he’s lost his mind. Their marriage contract, bound by mutual interests, can’t be dissolve 41.9kReads8.5Score5.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These bags are nice.

28. 78 与 Joy with You 与君欢 Moonset月落Ancient Romance657k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Marriage Before Love + Mutual Devotion] A young king and queen join hands to bring peace to the realm, brimming with ambition! A sinister, calculating ruler versus a clever, decisive queen: evenly matched, they win the world together! Jiang He, daughter of an envoy from Qi, was forced to enter the palace as a servant after her mother died and her father disappeared. Then, just before the marriage alliance, the princess of Qi died a tragic death, leaving 27kReads9.5Score3.5kShelves
29. 79 再 Love Rekindled: The General's Wife Taken Captive in Enemy Territory 再尝情：将军夫人在敌国做俘虏 A Cat, A Dog, and a Glass of Wine一猫一狗一杯酒Ancient Romance737k WordsCompleted “No rebirth or transmigration” “Both leads are virgins” “Happy ending” “Family and country” “Love amid chaos” Full-cast audio narration is now available [A note before you read: This is not a wish-fulfillment story. It takes place in a fictional feudal society modeled on the Southern Song dynasty, where the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues and the belief that a wife should regard her husband as heaven were the accepted moral standards. In powerful families, everyone prospered together and e 4.2kReads9.1Score535Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm quite picky and prefer pure historical romance novels. These are some that I think are pretty good; I've already finished some and am still reading others. You might want to check them out.

30. 80 小 Listening to Spring Rain All Night in a Small Tower 小楼一夜听春雨 Bright Moon Tilts明月倾Ancient Romance876k WordsCompleted A critically acclaimed historical romance ensemble that topped the annual charts! A calculating, lovesick beauty versus a dark, scheming top scholar! A historical take on Pride and Prejudice: life in the inner household isn't all scheming and rivalry, but also deep sisterly affection. The clever and capable Second Madam Lou takes the greatest pride in her life in having three beautiful daughters. To marry her three marriageable girls into “good” families, she travels a great distance to the capi 35.1kReads9.6Score5.7kShelves
31. 81 赠 A Book of Spring Gifts 赠春书 San An三安Ancient Romance595k WordsCompleted [High sweetness, noble young lady x unhinged crown prince] Song Wanyu refused to believe people when they said her father, Song Manfu, had sided with the deposed crown prince. She thought her father didn’t have the nerve to do such a thing. Besides, was the deposed crown prince even normal? He was a lunatic. A few days later, her father cheerfully told her, “My precious daughter, you’re going to the palace to become an imperial consort. Are you happy?” Thinking of the emperor, who was sixty and 4kReads8.9Score464Shelves

    Reader note

    These books don't feature rebirth, time travel, or a system.

32. 82 郡 Princess Changle 郡主长乐 Jiu Jinmu九巾木Ancient Romance233k WordsCompleted Zhao Ying, the Chang Le Commandery Princess of the Dasheng dynasty, loves making money more than dressing up. Partly, it’s because she doesn’t want to follow her cousin’s path and be sent away in a political marriage. Since she was born a woman and can’t take the battlefield to defend the nation’s borders, she’ll make more money to support the frontier instead. The other reason is the man in her heart. Even if she can’t marry him, she’ll still protect him. 37Reads6.6Score—Shelves
33. 83 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 88.8kReads9.5Score12.2kShelves
34. 84 皇 Long Live the Empress 皇姐在上 Murong Xiao慕容晓Ancient Romance188k WordsCompleted [Gentle princess VS sweet-faced, black-hearted wolfdog imperial younger brother + younger man + light sweetness and angst] “Everything under heaven, as far as the eye can see, is within my power to give you.” A tale of how a wolfdog pretends to be innocent to win his royal elder sister’s heart: every seemingly unintentional move of his has been planned for a long time. Li Wujing had hoped to find herself a husband and live a peaceful, uneventful life. So why weren’t things going the way she had 794Reads8.7Score106Shelves
35. 85 我 I Long to Break a Branch 我欲折枝 Feifei Is a Little Useless废废有点废Ancient Romance607k WordsCompleted The God of War, famed throughout the Kingdom of Zhou, had asked for a bride, and his intended was a girl who hadn't even come of age. Everyone thought a beautiful flower had been stuck in a pile of cow dung, and Wen You was the cow dung they meant. Wen You patted her chest. “At least I only have to be this cow dung for six months.” Wen You knew very well that this six-month marriage pact was her only chance to seek justice for her mother. It was payment for saving the woman he loved. But when th 93Reads8.8Score—Shelves
36. 86 山 Beauty and Strategy in a Land of Rivers and Mountains 山河美人谋 Moonset月落Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Proud young lady who always gets even vs. frail, scheming Ninth Prince] Her fiancé was a total jerk, and he was planning to kill her to keep her quiet. Ye Jiao decided to strike first and find a scapegoat while she was at it. She thought the scapegoat would be a transparent, sickly “living corpse,” but rumors were misleading. He was clearly a two-faced, deeply cunning Ninth Prince. After Ye Jiao used the Ninth Prince’s name to punish her scumbag fiancé, Li Ce, the real Ninth Prince: “Miss, I be 18.3kReads9.5Score2.5kShelves
37. 87 殿 Your Highness, the Crown Princess Doesn't Deserve to Die 殿下，太子妃罪不至死 An Zhiyi安知意Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted [Make the scumbag suffer + never look back] The Crown Prince's first love dies, and his Crown Princess is accused of murder. He personally shoves her into the depths of despair, where she endures humiliation and torment. Three years later, the truth is bitterly ironic: his first love never died. Not only has she become the old emperor's favorite concubine, she's even given the scumbag Crown Prince a younger brother? The Crown Prince has been cuckolded, and now he regrets everything! Holding the 468Reads8.3Score—Shelves
38. 88 恨 Hatred Locks the Azure Sparrow 恨锁青雀 Buckwheat荞麦Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted Ji Yun was forced to marry Huo Yan, the eldest son of the Huo family, the only family in Qingzhou entrusted with supplying goods to the imperial court. The two treated each other with courtesy and respect. Huo Yan before marriage: I don't like Ji Yun, that's that. I won't marry her. Stop trying to force me! Huo Yan after marriage: How can my A Yun be so kind and wonderful? Ji Yun couldn't bear to watch him make such a spectacular face-slapping spectacle of himself. Madam Huo, who had successfull 127Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book was really good; I've already read it twice. I don't know why the second book's rating isn't higher, but I still quite like it; the details are handled very well.

39. 89 与 With Jin Chang’an (Based on the Screen Adaptation Starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei) 与晋长安（宋轶、丞磊主演影视原著） Jiu Lu Feixiang九鹭非香Ancient Romance155k WordsCompleted The hit drama starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei is now airing! A beloved historical romance by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang! Female general vs. puppy-like boy. The child she casually picked up turns out to have two sides? A cold little gentleman by day, a loyal black knight by night. Is he a puppy turning into a wolf, and which side is the real him? A tale of love and hate between a female general and the heir of an enemy state! Li Shuang, the adopted daughter of a great general, guards the borders of the Grea 5.9kReads9.6Score957Shelves
40. 90 才 A Talented Woman's Plight: After Being Forced to Marry a Spoiled Heir 才女难当：被纨绔世子强娶后 Eighteenth Yuanwai十八员外Ancient Romance397k WordsCompleted [Unparalleled sweet romance + scheming male lead + mutual devotion] [Not an over-the-top wish-fulfillment story. Avoid if that's what you like] [Female-oriented romance. Avoid if you prefer male-oriented novels] In the fourteenth year of the Great Zhou, an imperial edict shattered the decades of peaceful life Liu Qingyi had known. With a wave of his hand, the emperor married the capital's foremost beauty to the heir of Prince Huai'an, the notorious playboy who was the talk of the city. Their rep 2.2kReads8.8Score173Shelves
41. 91 斩 Cutting Spring 斩春 Chinese Loropetalum in the South南有檵木Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted ༆ Original title: "Slaying Spring", courtesy title: "Three Thousand Miles of Floating Light", also known as "A Little Bookshop in Chang'an" . "The audiobook is now available. Give it a listen!" . [Historical fantasy, farming, ancient romance, healing, opening a bookshop, romance, with a strong focus on the love story.] · [Heroine: Xu Jiang ★ Hero: Lou Yunchun] · [Other characters: Hu Xu ★ Song Li, Zeng Zhui ★ Lin Hongchu, Lin Qinnian ★ Madam Lin, Lou Jing ★ Madam Lou. Du Hui, Yuan Zuzu, Wu Zhi, 19.8kReads9.5Score3kShelves
42. 92 卿 You and the Sun and Moon 卿与日月 Mo Huan陌缓Ancient Romance654k WordsCompleted [Originally titled My Love, the Sun and Moon. Everyday life in an ancient setting + mutual salvation + seemingly delicate but inwardly strong heroine who grows over time + hero who still holds on to kindness and honor after falling from his position as a favored son of heaven] Wen Shining, the legitimate daughter of the Wen family, was confined to her home for sixteen years because of a curse claiming she would bring death to her parents and disaster upon her family. Fu Wenzhou, the second son o 56.2kReads9.2Score6.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all ancient-themed books, though the basic genres differ, and the authors' writing styles are generally better. If you really want to read something like the Grand View Garden in ancient times, then read the last one; its descriptions are somewhat similar to *Dream of the Red Chamber*. It just requires some patience, as the male lead doesn't appear until around chapter 110. However, the second male lead is truly heartbreaking to read; how I wish he could become the male lead, but that's impossible in this novel. The female lead, at the age of 12, is married off to the second male lead's elder brother, and six years later, he returns with his true love. The second male lead loves the female lead, but she once told him to be a gentleman, so he never revealed his feelings to her until his death. The interactions between the male and female leads are also quite comical; he's what I would call one of the most tragic male leads in history. In other novels, the male lead is pitiful in public but strong in private. This male lead is truly tragic—pitiful in public, and even more so in private.

43. 93 侯 The Marquis's Delicate Jade Beauty 侯爷的碧玉小娇妻 No Sugar in My Cream奶油不用加糖Ancient Romance204k WordsCompleted After a scheme goes awry, Li An'an, a maid, unexpectedly becomes pregnant with the child of the Marquis of Wuxuan. Their vastly different stations bring them together, and thanks to the child, as well as her kind and lovable nature, she gradually wins the heart of the lofty man. Note: This story is set in an alternate world. Please don't take the historical places and names too seriously; they're all made up by the author. 850Reads8.7Score105Shelves
44. 94 赐 After the Imperial Betrothal, the Grand Secretary Finally Got a Clue 赐婚后，首辅大人开窍了 Wangwang Milk Beans汪汪奶豆Ancient Romance575k WordsCompleted Everyone in the capital knew that the legitimate daughter of Imperial Censor Qiao was frail and could be knocked over by a breeze. Yet the emperor betrothed her to Mu Shijing, the Chief Grand Secretary, who stood second only to the emperor and above everyone else. Mu Shijing was the man who had shattered the dreams of countless young ladies in the capital, and on top of that, he had paid a fine for staying unmarried for two years in a row, making him the capital's most eligible bachelor. When th 5.6kReads8.8Score723Shelves
45. 95 护 The Princess Who Protects the Nation Prays with Her Left Hand and Wields a Monk's Staff with Her Right 护国公主左手念佛右手禅杖 Chouchou畴畴Ancient Romance695k WordsOngoing [Not a feel-good power fantasy, but the heroine is a force to be reckoned with. (The title ought to be: Li Yushan, You're One Tough Woman.) The current title is too refined.] A palace-intrigue ensemble novel about the history of Southern Tang, written for an ancient-text contest. Readers interested in lesser-known history are welcome to give it a try. There is one volume for each of the three emperors, Li Bian, Li Jing, and Li Yu. Li Bian's volume is complete. [Pure historical fiction (no transm 11Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No system, no time travel, no rebirth; the female lead is indifferent, world-weary, and Buddhist-like; it's not sweet, heartwarming, inspirational, or a typical female lead story. The main focus is on observing others' power struggles. It's a pure ancient Chinese setting, set in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, specifically the Southern Tang dynasty.

46. 96 我 I Made Prince Jing Out to Be Gay, and He Caught Me 我把靖王编成断袖后被他抓了 Chen Xi from Yingwu Hall英武殿的陈锡9k WordsCompleted I Made Prince Jing Out to Be Gay, Then He Caught Me —Reads—Score—Shelves
47. 97 宣 Commandery Princess Xuanping 宣平郡主 Cat Who Loves Sweet and Sour Pinecone Fish爱吃糖醋松果鱼的猫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Princess Xuanping and the Crown Prince grew up together. Everyone thought she would become the future Crown Princess. But the Crown Prince fell for the princess's delicate, innocent-looking cousin instead. He forgot his promise that they would spend their lives together, and even risked angering the Emperor so he could marry her cousin. When danger struck, he abandoned the princess without hesitation. After Prince An rescues her, the princess comes to her senses. Some people simply aren't meant 3.8kReads8.8Score364Shelves
48. 98 说 They Said She Was Only Fit to Be a Concubine? She Married Into a Powerful Family and Became Its Mistress 说她只配当妾？转身嫁高门做主母 Su Youran苏悠然Ancient Romance627k WordsCompleted [Neither the male nor female lead is transmigrated or reborn, and there are no golden fingers. They are natives of the ancient world.] They say the Third Miss Yang Liu of the capital has a willow-thin waist and skin like ice, a rare beauty. But when the family split, she filed a legal complaint against her own uncle, earning him a notorious reputation and leaving everyone shaking their heads. Who would marry such a fierce troublemaker? Even her fiancé called off the engagement... Chu Yan, the el 13.4kReads9.3Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    No time travel, no rebirth, no system—these are all highly rated books, my absolute favorites.

49. 99 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 77.9kReads9.5Score8kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a male protagonist who consistently dotes on the female protagonist, who starts as a concubine. Her attitude towards him remains unchanged throughout, regardless of whether he is a prince or the emperor. She never intentionally harms anyone; on the contrary, she maintains a peaceful relationship with the principal wife. Later, she gives birth to the tenth prince, whom she affectionately calls "Ten Eggs." The children have a warm and loving relationship, and the ending is quite satisfying. The second book features a female protagonist who is the second daughter of the Cui family, and a male protagonist who is the third son of the Ningguo Duke's mansion. They met as children but never saw each other again due to the custom of boys and girls not sitting together after the age of seven. The female protagonist chooses the male protagonist from a portrait as her marriage partner. After marriage, their relationship develops gradually, and they have three intelligent children. The female protagonist enjoys a happy childhood, pampered by her parents. There are many other couples in this book, so you can read it at your own pace. The third book features a female protagonist who is ordered by her family to marry a disabled prince in place of her sister. She is very clear-headed and manages to get along well with the prince from the start. The male and female protagonists have virtually no misunderstandings and quickly realize their feelings for each other. There is a female supporting character causing trouble, but the female protagonist is completely unconcerned. The female and male leads' baby is adorable. The crown prince and crown princess in the novel are also quite pitiful. In the epilogue, they adopt a girl and live a happy life. The fourth book features a weak concubine's daughter who marries a seriously ill prince to bring good fortune. The female lead has medical skills and cures the male lead. Both the male and female leads clearly explain misunderstandings and quickly confirm their feelings for each other. The male lead is protective and even teaches his wife to swear. He's arrogant but talkative, which is a bit funny. The male and female leads' baby is cute and intelligent, and the interactions between them are heartwarming. There are many epilogues, including those depicting the male and female leads meeting, getting to know each other, and falling in love earlier. The fifth book features a prince as the male lead and a prime minister's legitimate daughter as the female lead. They have a grand wedding at the beginning, and after marriage, they treat each other with respect, gradually falling in love. The male lead has a mysterious past, and in the end, they are a couple for life.

50. 100 满 Spring Over the City 满城春 A Copper Coin一枚铜钱Ancient Romance560k WordsCompleted [New Bonus Chapters] The Liu family of the capital is an illustrious noble house, so powerful that even the imperial clan treats them with deference. Liu Yan, the youngest legitimate daughter of the Liu family's second branch, is gifted and blessed with both wisdom and good fortune. When her stepmother joins the family as she turns five, Liu Yan expects a fierce battle. But her stepmother turns out to be quite unlike anyone expected. With her older brother looking out for her and her childhood s 15.5kReads9.4Score1.7kShelves

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