Looking for Good Classical Chinese Romance Novels Set Among Aristocratic Families, with Household Intrigue and No Idiotic Characters 求好看的纯古言小说，世家大族，宅斗文，不脑残。

1. 401 加 You Cast Me Aside for a Title? Who Do You Think You Are, Empress of All? 加官晋爵你休妻?母仪天下你是谁 Soaring Ten Thousand Miles扶摇万里Ancient Romance209k WordsCompleted [Family intrigue + high-IQ revenge + devoted husband + clear-eyed heroine vs. resilient, tragic hero] A marriage contract, seven years of waiting. Tang Wan kept the empty house and served as its mistress for years, helping the once-fallen Marquis household rise to prominence. Little did she know that when her husband returned, he would bring his beloved with him... “I never had any feelings for Tang Wan. I only hope we can annul the marriage contract and each marry someone else.” A delicate woma 12Reads6.2Score—Shelves

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   The female lead is highly intelligent and has high emotional intelligence. That unfaithful man wants to divorce her, but she won't let him succeed. He even wants to sit in a high position with his mistress. The female lead directly confronts him with both honesty and sarcasm, making sure he suffers. Hahaha, it's really good!

2. 402 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.7kReads9.0Score763Shelves
3. 403 谢 No One Knows the Xie Family Has a Talented Daughter 谢家有个才女都不知 Xiao Junzi萧君子Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Mutual exclusivity, equally matched leads, playing the pig to eat the tiger, a scheming heroine, pure historical romance. The cold, calculating Third Master VS the scheming, talented beauty The Xie family had many sons but few daughters, so they were willing to take in and adopt children from distant relatives. Feng Zhuohua was one of them, raised in a courtyard alongside several other adopted daughters. The Xie family of Qinghe was a prosperous clan with a history spanning centuries. For genera 7.1kReads9.0Score951Shelves

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   ① Purely ancient setting, no cheat codes, the female lead grows from an orphan to the matriarch of the family, independent of the male lead, with a fast-paced plot. 🍃🍃 ② The female lead is clear-headed and escapes her confinement through scheming, a powerful alliance. 🍃🍃 ③ The female lead is a master incense maker. She investigates cases using incense as the main thread, leading to a gradual development of feelings. 🍃🍃 ④ A villainous character with awakening.

4. 404 远 Distant Mountains Like a Painting 远山如画 Summer on the Run出走的夏天Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted She is a wild girl from a mountain village, and he is an imperial bodyguard. She is the daughter of a military household, and he is the grandson of the old Marquis Dingguo. She dreams of becoming a woman general, while his family motto is to secure the country and bring peace to the people. She saves his three siblings during a landslide, but because of the incident, her fiancé’s family breaks off their engagement, citing her chastity and reputation. To repay her kindness, he puts pressure on he 106Reads8.9Score—Shelves

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   Ancient romance, palace intrigue, no time travel, no system, multiple couples, and every couple is incredibly engaging! This book is very interesting to read, with delicate writing—absolutely fantastic!! Highly recommended!!

5. 405 盛 The Beloved Cousin 盛宠表姑娘 Lazy Breeze Returning Late懒风晚归Ancient Romance582k WordsCompleted When Jiang Yunting first arrived in Bianjing, all she wanted was to be a well-behaved young cousin at the Duke of Dingguo's residence, enhance her standing, then marry her childhood sweetheart and live a smooth, happy life. But later, her fiancé turned his back on her for wealth and status, while the refined, aloof second cousin in the household began looking at her strangely, as if he wanted to devour her. When Shen Yu first met Jiang Yunting, he had one erotic dream after another. In his d 17.1kReads9.0Score2.1kShelves
6. 406 出 Born Humble? Made Noble Consort Three Months After Entering the Palace 出身低微？入宫三月封贵妃 Immortal Osmanthus Pudding人仙桂花酪Ancient Romance209k WordsCompleted [A stunningly beautiful heroine + ruthless revenge + palace intrigue + both leads' first love, don't ask me how it works, the emperor has his ways] Ten years ago, the Tang clan was framed by villains and sentenced to execution, their blood flowing for miles. No one knew that beneath the mountain of corpses, the youngest daughter of the Tang family was still alive. Ten years later, Tang Wanhua changed her name to Ning Sitang and entered the imperial harem on the strength of her unparalleled beaut 638Reads8.9Score104Shelves
7. 407 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves
8. 408 女 After the Villainess Got Pregnant and Married, the Male Lead Turned Dark Overnight 女配怀崽嫁人后，男主一夜黑化了 Spicy Strips That Aren't Spicy辣条不辣Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted Completed, with extra chapters! [Not a transmigration or rebirth story; multiple characters awaken to the truth] [The male lead is scheming and dark; the heroine is a spoiled, timid beauty; one-on-one romance; both leads are inexperienced] When Xiao Yining had a fever, she dreamed that she was the wicked supporting lady in a story. Her fiancé was the second male lead, secretly in love with the heroine. He would rebel for her, only to be killed by the male lead in the end, while the Xiao family w 6.3kReads9.0Score805Shelves
9. 409 娘 The Empress’s Peerless Beauty: The Cold Emperor’s Beloved Wife 娘娘绝色：冷情帝王的娇娇皇后 Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + palace and household intrigue + alternate history + exclusive devotion + childhood sweethearts + long-planned love + secret admiration] As the legitimate daughter of a duke’s mansion and the future crown princess, Li Yunshu has been doted on by everyone since birth. Everyone in the capital knows that no one can match Li Yunshu’s radiant beauty, and that her spoiled temperament is just as singular. Then, one day, the Crown Prince dies. The duke’s mansion, whi 12.5kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
10. 410 系 System: The Savage Lands Crown Princess Just Wants to Herd Sheep 系统：蛮荒太子妃只想放羊 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Also known as The Ambition Isn't Great: Just You and the World A Qi is clever and innocent. Her eldest brother is honest and just wants enough to eat; her second brother is sharp and wants to see the world. Their aunt is always fierce when chopping wood, their father is a wonderful cook, and their grandfather can recognize twenty characters, though he gets thirteen of them wrong. Their ambitions weren't great, but somehow they ended up winning the world. Content warnings: ... 30.2kReads9.6Score3.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are quite good. I personally especially like the first one; it's about responsibility and compassion without using those abusive words. [Kissing emoji]

11. 411 一 A String of Suicidal Stunts, and the Reborn Heroine Doesn't Want to Live 一路作死，重生女主不想活 Watching the Falling Flowers with a Smile笑看落花Ancient Romance972k WordsOngoing Open your eyes, close them, and a day has passed! Close your eyes and never open them again, and a lifetime has passed! Close your eyes, open them again... and you're reborn! After a lifetime of deceit and rivalry, having repaid her debts, avenged her wrongs, and settled her affairs, Wang Yun happily went to her death... But when she opened her eyes, she was reborn! Wang Yingzhang came back to life furious. So you won't let me live in peace? Fine. Then don't blame me for being ruthless. In her p 2.3kReads9.1Score240Shelves

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    The female lead was a troublemaker in her past life, and she's even more formidable in this one, possessing both political acumen and sharp intelligence. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

12. 412 我 After I Was Reborn, the Heir Apparent Pursued Me to the Bitter End 我重生后，世子追妻火葬场了 Ten Thousand Measures of Moonlight in the Mortal World万斛人间月Ancient Romance485k WordsCompleted [Win Her Back at All Costs + Rebirth + Raising a Child] Shen Shuyi and Song Hengyue had been married for five years. They were not exactly a loving couple, but they did treat each other with respect. But when his childhood friend, the woman he cherished most, was surrounded by enemy troops, he abandoned Shuyi, who was carrying their second child. In her fury, she went into premature labor and suffered a difficult delivery. After being reborn, Shen Shuyi looked at her eldest son, who could alread 16.2kReads8.5Score873Shelves

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    This book is quite good.

13. 413 禁 Has Lord Xu Broken His Vow of Abstinence Today? 禁欲的徐大人今天破戒了吗 Fruit Jelly水果冻冻Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted A new restaurant has opened in Huayang City. Its proprietor is a pretty young widow, with a slender willow waist you could barely encircle with one hand and a gaze that seems to hook you in... People have taken to calling her the “Beguiling Blossom Proprietress.” The stern prefect, who has always kept his desires in check, darkened at the sight and scolded her coldly: “Shameless and depraved!” Later, the aloof Lord Xu, who never paid attention to women, met the beguiling and enchanting proprie 4.1kReads9.3Score570Shelves
14. 414 替 After Entering the Palace in Her Sister's Place, the Young Mistress Rises Through the Ranks 替姐入宫后，小主她一路高升 Zhizhi Rice Loves Zhizhi吱吱米喜欢吱吱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Male Lead and Strong Female Lead + Favored Consort + Palace Intrigue + Adorable Baby + Sole Devotion + Childbirth] (The early story leans toward palace intrigue, with the heroine putting on an act and scheming against the hero. Later, their feelings erupt, and he devotes himself to her alone.) After transmigrating, she becomes an illegitimate daughter of the Su family. Her birth mother died young, her father shows her no affection, and her stepmother is cruel. A complete nobody at home, 2.9kReads9.0Score332Shelves
15. 415 我 I Set My Trap with Fortune-Telling, and He Offered Me His Empire 我以相术做局，他以江山为聘 I Met My Beloved我遇良人Ancient Romance676k WordsCompleted [Reborn + clear-eyed heroine + love and hate + wielding him as a weapon] Nan Zhi is the emperor's legitimate daughter, a princess adored by all. She can stir up trouble right under the emperor's nose and pull hair right off the crown prince's head. A year after their wedding, she uses her status as a princess to help her husband rise to the top. But when the kingdom falls apart, he pushes her off the city wall just to appease his sworn enemy, whose troops are at the gates. When she opens her eye 4.3kReads9.0Score463Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of palace intrigue, family feuds, and rebirth. The female lead and the transmigrated woman are good friends. The female lead is a princess of the current dynasty, and the male lead is a hostage from an enemy country. They have a love-hate relationship, and the female lead uses the male lead as a tool, treating him as an antidote. Her kindness towards him seems to be purely for personal gain. I don't know if this counts as a simplistic story, but it was alright to read.

16. 416 傲 The Haughty Empress's Concubine Conquest 傲娇娘娘的宠妃攻略 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance437k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + historical romance + not mutually chaste + marriage first, love later She is the general’s younger sister, with an excellent family background and beauty to match. After she transmigrates, she wakes up caught in the schemes and betrayals of the imperial palace. To protect herself, she resolves to become the emperor’s favorite consort. When they first meet, he tells her, “I will never like a woman like you in this life.” Gu Qingyan successfully presents herself as somewhat 1.6kReads8.9Score138Shelves
17. 417 玉 The Jade Abyss Misstep: The Eldest Daughter’s Joyful Life 玉渊错:嫡女的快意人生 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Screen Adaptation Rights Sold] Xie Yuyuan had suffered a life so wretched it could move heaven and earth and make the gods weep. After she died, even the underworld refused to take her in. Now she was back. Those who had bullied her before would be repaid in kind, whether with gratitude or vengeance. No one was getting away. She never expected to lose her heart to a blind man. Blind or not, she accepted him! But who could have guessed that the blind man would suddenly transform into a handsome, 2.3kReads9.0Score721Shelves
18. 418 咸 The Laid-Back Consort: Rising Step by Step 咸鱼娘娘：步步高升 Melancholy Cantaloupe忧伤的哈密瓜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + childbirth + doted on exclusively later] Jiang Wan transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace consort of an emperor with no children. To protect the people around her, she has no choice but to compete for a little favor. Who knew she’d end up giving the emperor a chubby baby boy! Emperor: “She’s the birth mother of my only son. Of course I have to protect her.” Who knew that all that protection would turn into affection? As Jiang Wan ris 19.1kReads8.9Score1.7kShelves
19. 419 小 A Minor Official's Daughter's Guide to Wealth 小官之女的富贵手札 What to Eat in Summer夏天吃啥Ancient Romance4.3M WordsOngoing [Born into the Story as a Baby + Daughter of a Minor Official + Retired Court Lady + Mistress of the Household][No System, No Golden Finger, Not a Wish-Fulfillment Story (If you like a fast pace and nonstop thrills, read with caution)] [A daughter of a minor official’s coming-of-age story. The heroine isn’t perfect, and she gradually changes. Early on, the focus is on her family and life as a court lady; later, she leaves the palace.] (If you’re looking for a heroine who enters the story already 2.3kReads8.6Score193Shelves

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    [Reincarnation + Minor Official Family + Retired Female Official + Head Mistress] Li Shu, an ordinary college student in modern times, wakes up to find herself transmigrated. Fortunately, the Wen family is an official family, so she doesn't have to farm or do farm work; she can comfortably live the life of an official's daughter. A selfish and heartless father, a mother who only wants a son. Wen Yiti, the unloved second daughter of the legitimate wife, has an increasingly miserable life. Luckily, she has a gentle and beautiful elder sister who loves her from the bottom of her heart. But life is too difficult for women in ancient times, especially for a daughter like her from an official family but a minor household. Arranged marriages are the most basic requirement, and for the benefit of the family, it's even more essential. Can't she survive without a man? Wen Yiti realizes she can no longer lie low; she must have the ability to survive in this era.

20. 420 破 Cloud-Breaking Branch 破云枝 Pine Soot on the Inkstone松烟落砚Ancient Romance315k WordsCompleted [Legitimate Daughter Reborn] [Black Lotus] [Household Rivalry and Revenge] [爽爽 Story] A decisive heroine × A spirited young general Jiang Zhaohua, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Anguo's household, was born breathtakingly beautiful and of noble birth, yet was nothing more than a pawn the Jiang family could discard at will. In her previous life, she believed her half-sister Jiang Xi's provocations and fell hopelessly in love with Prince Qi. She married into his household full of joy, only 76Reads—Score—Shelves

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    So beautiful!

21. 421 皇 The Empress Is a Max-Level Palace Intriguer, Crushing Everyone 皇后满级宫斗，嘎嘎乱杀 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + infidelity + fictional setting + a resourceful, money-loving, beauty-loving, life-loving empress ✖️ emperor] In her previous life, Hua Shu was a lowly palace maid. She schemed her way to the top of the political ladder, only to be condemned by everyone and branded a wicked woman who brought ruin to the nation. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in the unfamiliar state of Chu, as an unloved empress who’s also being made a scapegoat. As if she’d put up with that! S 14.2kReads9.4Score1.9kShelves
22. 422 小 A Humble Household 小门小户 Tofu Flower Fish豆花儿鱼Ancient Romance657k WordsCompleted The story begins when the three-room branch of the Cheng family, born outside the main line, is forced to split from the family and driven out of the main residence. They end up in a border town, where they buy a house and land and establish themselves. Their daughter finds a happy marriage, while their son excels in the imperial examinations and enters government service. Cheng Weiniang, the Cheng family's daughter, is stunningly beautiful. The moment she appears in the border town, Wu Moya 5.6kReads8.4Score702Shelves

    Reader note

    Here comes a pure ancient romance novel, thank you for reading.

23. 423 贵 The Noblewoman with No Scruples 贵女无良 Slender Pear Blossom梨花瘦Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Li Jingyi has never believed in waiting ten years to get revenge. To her, a gentleman takes revenge from morning to night. You tricked me, bullied me, and killed me. I’ll take you hostage, escape, and divorce you! And in another place, there was someone else whose plans matched hers perfectly! 2kReads8.8Score235Shelves

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    Highly recommended!

24. 424 女 The Female Bandit Goes to the Capital to Become an Official and Wins Over the Aloof Emperor 女土匪进京为官，诱拐了清冷陛下 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet historical romance + two powerful leads + devoted to each other + sweet and satisfying + fun and lively + no annoying supporting characters + sensible leads] A super-ferocious, super-rich bandit queen VS a cool, otherworldly beauty of an emperor Jin Sanglu owns thirty mountains of gold and is every inch a bandit queen. After earning military merit, she arrogantly calls out to the court: “If you won’t give me an official post, then make me empress.” The ministers are furious, but they fear 12.4kReads9.4Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Sweet palace intrigue novel featuring two strong protagonists

25. 425 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Delicate, and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Falls for Her at First Sight 娘娘娇娇媚，冷戾帝王一见倾心 The Star Among the Stars in the Sky天上星星的星星Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue and revenge, a slow-burn, slow-payoff story + stunning heroine + exceptionally clearheaded heroine with an unwavering goal] [The hero always favors the heroine + dotes on her exclusively in the middle + disbands his harem later] After Shen Qingtang’s aunt is schemed against and killed by Madam Shen, her goal becomes perfectly clear: she will enter the palace, become the most honored woman in the land, and make everyone who plotted against her aunt pay. She is also perfectly clea 4.9kReads9.1Score544Shelves
26. 426 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

    Reader note

    After her rebirth, the female protagonist uses the world as a chessboard and all living beings as pieces. She is the one who sets up the game, and the plot is intricately woven together, far from being a mindless wish-fulfillment story. This book is not just about palace intrigue and domestic drama; it also incorporates crime-solving suspense, the struggle for the throne, national sentiment, brotherhood, political intrigue, and conspiracies. It is a long and complex novel with a grand scope, unfolding gradually.

27. 427 浮 The Tale of Floating and Sinking 浮沉传 Miss Liangzi凉子姑娘Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Household and palace intrigue + play the pig to eat the tiger + revenge and a comeback] A heroine in the vein of The Story of Minglan, this acclaimed historical domestic-intrigue novel has racked up over ten million plays as an audio drama. For a story that understands reason and human nature, read The Tale of Fushen! Her father shows her no affection, her mother dies a tragic death, her stepmother spoils her rotten, and her half-sister schemes against her. In this treacherous household, watch 6.9kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves
28. 428 将 Cast-Off Daughter of a Military Family? I'm the Moon in His Heart 将门弃妇？她是本王的心上月 Song Jiujiu宋玖玖Ancient Romance683k WordsCompleted [Dual Rebirth] [The Ex-Wife Wants Him Back] The short drama adaptation is now online: The General’s Abandoned Consort Qu Jinshu married the great general He Xiujun at eighteen. To protect him, she became a prisoner of an enemy nation, her face disfigured and her martial arts skills destroyed. On the day the city fell, what awaited her was his arrow through her heart. He said “I married you only to take revenge.” “If you hadn’t refused to marry the foolish Prince Jing, your elder sister wouldn’t 11.6kReads9.1Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is pretending to be weak to outsmart the enemy? She's sharp-witted, calculating every step, and makes one's breasts feel clear; one's eyes are glued to the viewer. 👀

29. 429 听 Rumor Has It the Noble Consort Alone Enjoys the Emperor's Favor in the Deep Palace 听说贵妃在深宫独得圣上恩宠 Que Ling Yan Zi雀翎宴子Ancient Romance568k WordsCompleted When they were young and love stirred in his heart, he took her in. Once he held power, he had no choice but to hide her away. In the lonely inner palace, she waited quietly, day after day and year after year. For power and status, he feared nothing. He overcame every obstacle and held her close. Behind layer upon layer of palace gates and red walls, a dream within a dream awakened the lovers from their reverie. 8.9kReads9.0Score573Shelves
30. 430 最 The Waning Glow 最阑珊 Fu Erqi傅二七Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted [Not a wish-fulfillment novel + neither lead is perfect + real people with real feelings] (Heir × Commandery Princess, a political marriage between two kingdoms, marriage before love, both devoted to each other, happy ending) The hero becomes a loyal puppy later on, with a world that consists only of the heroine and everyone else. The heroine is wise, noble-born, and deeply unfortunate. * She still remembered that Qixi Festival, when colorful lanterns hung high and candlelight filled the sky. Su 12Reads6.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a pure ancient Chinese romance novel with excellent writing; it's truly amazing. The plot is tight and concise, without any unnecessary details, and the story is original and avoids clichés. Highly recommended!

31. 431 江 The Realm as My Betrothal Gift, a Golden Age as Our Matchmaker 江山为聘，盛世为媒 Long Jiu龙玖Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [No transmigration or rebirth + pure historical romance, slow pace, gently unfolding] [The heroine is forced to become a concubine early on, so proceed with caution if that bothers you! After marrying, she is the sole favorite, and eventually ascends the throne to rule from behind the curtain!] She is the princess of a fallen kingdom in Nanjiang, born with a pair of gray-blue glassy eyes. She is both righteous and wicked, seeming at once like an immortal and a demon! While still an infant, she w 7.4kReads9.3Score866Shelves

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    She is a princess of a fallen kingdom, with heterochromia. As an infant, she was adopted by a general ordered to destroy the country. When the truth is revealed, what choice will she make? This story unfolds gently, full of positive energy, and is quite good.

32. 432 大 The Great Yu's Master Strategist 大渝筹算师 Little Darling Lost in the Way迷途的小心肝Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + revenge on scumbags + lighthearted + pure romance + playing the fool to catch the tiger + happy ending] Good news: Her betrothed came first in the provincial exams and earned the title of Jieyuan. Bad news: Her betrothed, now a Jieyuan, wanted to break off the engagement without losing face, so he schemed against his fiancée, who came from a merchant family. Fine. If you want to break things off with dignity by scheming against someone, then neither of us is going to have a 19kReads9.3Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a large, wealthy merchant family. Each sister has her own biological mother, and the family is harmonious. Kudos to the matriarch!

33. 433 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

    The second book is satisfying, featuring palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, purely historical romance.

34. 434 爹 Dad Wants to Inherit Everything? Too Bad We're All Villains 爹爹要吃绝户？可我家全员恶人呀 Mr. Fish鱼先森Ancient Romance509k WordsCompleted [Mind Reading + Palace and Household Intrigue + Face-Slapping Satisfaction + Many Female Characters + Ensemble Cast] Manman was forced to descend to the mortal realm to undergo a trial. As soon as her heavenly eye opened, she saw that her mother and sisters would all die tragically, and that her father was planning to bleed her mother's family dry! Su Wushuang was the only daughter of the Duke of Xinguo, with a noble status and a lavish dowry. After marrying into the Ye family, she gave birth to 1.6kReads8.4Score226Shelves

    Reader note

    They're all super pretty!

35. 435 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
36. 436 山 Mountains and Rivers Reflect the Full Moon 山川映月圆 Space Donkey太空驴Ancient Romance199k WordsOngoing Empress in two dynasties + struggle for the throne + childhood sweethearts + rekindled love + love of country and family + uncle and sister-in-law A prince who seems as bright and open as the moon, but is deeply calculating × a noblewoman, the jewel of a great clan, who reveres power Content warning: The heroine is no saint! There is no senseless rivalry between women, only brutal struggles for power! No transmigration, rebirth, or golden finger! All she has is the resilience and wisdom of a 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Two empresses, childhood sweethearts, reconciliation after a broken relationship, and a touch of political intrigue—the female lead is a pure, ancient noblewoman with no special abilities; she relies entirely on her wit and intelligence to navigate palace and domestic power struggles (ps: the female lead is very assertive, and men have to take a backseat).

37. 437 踹 After Dumping the Jerk, the Whole Capital Lines Up to Marry Me 踹翻渣男后，全京城排队求娶 Moonlight Falling on Branches明月落枝Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Audio edition available. Search for it to listen] In her previous life, for Jiang Yin's sake, Gu Ying cast aside the dignity of being the legitimate daughter of the Earl of Dongping's household, pursuing him relentlessly until she finally became his wife. Later, Jiang Yin rose to the highest ranks of the court. First he plotted against the country, then he killed her father and wiped out her family. Her scoundrel of a husband and her treacherous sister plotted together to break both her legs an 2.5kReads8.9Score710Shelves

    Reader note

    All three are ancient Chinese romance novels featuring domestic power struggles; all are completed works; both the male and female leads are virgins and strong; and all have perfect endings.

38. 438 绝 The Peerless Little Princess Consort 绝世小俏妃 Dog Thirteen狗十三Ancient Romance575k WordsCompleted [A funny, charming princess consort + a scheming prince who fiercely protects his own + a manipulative woman + a wickedly seductive and mysterious Holy Lord, and more...] [Sweet romance + comedy + from scum to love + perfect ending] What does it feel like to fall in love with your enemy? The day he led his troops to invade her country, the sun shone brightly. The seventh prince of Beijiang, Mu Beiming, cut an imposing figure in his black armor. Even with a fearsome mask hiding his face, his shar 5.6kReads9.5Score668Shelves

    Reader note

    It's good; the female lead is very capable.

39. 439 步 Graceful at Every Step: I Can't Escape After Crossing a Corrupt Official 步步娇：惹上奸臣逃不掉 Wind Rises Over Ink风起墨上Ancient Romance374k WordsCompleted [Black-lotus beauty + ruthless power-wielding official][Rebirth + face-slapping the villains + political intrigue + country and family + doting romance] In her previous life, the merchant's daughter Shen Nanqing married Song Ruzhou and spent her entire fortune on the marquis's household. After a lifetime of toil, she died miserably in the back courtyard, with her whole family wiped out. It turned out he had conspired with the imperial physician, tampering with her medicine until she was paralyze 5Reads7.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A traditional ancient Chinese romance novel featuring rebirth, revenge, and domestic intrigue. (Absolutely no mindless wish-fulfillment; the plot is meticulously crafted, with each event intricately linked.) The female lead is reborn, as is the male lead, who gradually regains his memories. The male lead is a ruthless and cunning official, doting solely on the female lead. He possesses unparalleled intelligence and martial prowess. The male lead has coveted the female lead for two lifetimes, and in his previous life, she had wronged him. After her rebirth, the female lead is decisive and ruthless, cleanly and efficiently punishing her former enemies. When the female lead wants a divorce, the male lead helps her bring down the Marquis's mansion. When the female lead is suppressed by the Eldest Princess, the male lead is always there to her rescue. The female lead has a childhood sweetheart, whom the male lead directly seduces and pins her down on the bed… The early stages are filled with ambiguous and secretive interactions, but the later stages are incredibly sweet. The writing is refined and elegant, with a classic Chinese aesthetic; definitely worth reading.

40. 440 回 After Returning from the Dead, the Powerful Blocked My Bedside: Your Highness, Don’t Do This 回魂后权贵强堵床角：殿下别这样 Dearest Meow卿卿我喵Ancient Romance144k WordsOngoing [Forced Possession + 1Vn + Unhinged + 1v1 Ending + The Wife-Chasing Crematorium + The Native Fights Back Against Body Snatchers] The female lead is not a virgin! You’ll be well fed! The male leads are devoted to her in body and soul in every sense, but they’re crazy and doglike. You can consider all the men virgins. The heroine is weak, and this isn’t a wish-fulfillment story. If you know, you know. Come on in if you like this kind of story. When Shen Yu woke up, he discovered that his stunning 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a historical romance novel full of foreshadowing. The protagonist lives a peaceful life in a secluded courtyard, yet is burdened with worries. Various bizarre dreams constantly bring him troubles, leaving him unable to see the road ahead and filled with confusion and helplessness. (Shared sincerely)

41. 441 盛 A Conquest in a Golden Age: The Cannon-Fodder Emperor Wants a Restart 盛世攻略：炮灰皇帝要重开 July Season七月时节Ancient Romance107k WordsCompleted [Dark and ruthless heroine + lovestruck hero gets put through the wringer] The heroine has one clear goal: to raise the first woman in history to become empress by right. Her mother couldn't do it, and she couldn't do it, so her daughter absolutely must! So the heroine poisons the hero to death in the very first chapter. Can starting over change the course of the story? In a chaotic age, three people join forces to vie for the realm and create a golden age: Ling Tianxi, with the finest intellige 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Female lead: Ling family, intelligent and possesses precognitive abilities. Second female lead: Cui family, primarily wealthy. Male lead: Zhan family, skilled in warfare. After the war, the female lead and the second female lead poison the male lead, who was essentially just a tool in the story.

42. 442 世 The Heir's Everyday Life of Spoiling His Wife 世子爷养妻日常 The Mountains Are Nowhere to Be Seen山山不见Ancient Romance818k WordsCompleted (Marriage first, love later, sweet romance, feel-good power fantasy, both leads have been faithful) Song Qianlan is the eldest legitimate daughter of the prime minister’s household. Ordered by imperial decree to marry the heir of the Duke of Dingguo, all she wants is a respectful marriage and a peaceful life. Xie Yan is the heir of the Duke of Dingguo. Married by imperial decree, he has just one request of his wife: behave herself and keep out of trouble. With their mutual understanding that the 21.7kReads8.8Score1.6kShelves
43. 443 前 She Was Bled Dry in Her Past Life, but After Being Reborn, She Went on a Rampage 前世被吃绝户，重生后她杀疯了 Liu Yuheng柳昱珩Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Traditional historical household intrigue + reborn revenge power fantasy + tormenting villains and face-slapping + lighthearted humor + family darling + strong heroine] [The heroine is highly intelligent and highly skilled in martial arts. No romance in the middle, with two endings: a happy ending and a no-couple ending] Su Qingwan: “Drop the personal restraint and enjoy tormenting villains. Refuse whatever I don’t want, and if there’s a problem, I’ll confront them head-on!” This book’s motto: 7.1kReads8.9Score898Shelves

    Reader note

    It looks bad, I'll get hit.

44. 444 宝 Baochai Locks Down Dream of the Red Chamber 宝钗锁红楼 Mu Shu沐书Female-Channel Fanfiction203k WordsCompleted With smooth prose, a well-crafted plot, a wildly imaginative premise, and an old-world feel, this story has no simpering white lotus heroine, no self-sacrificing saint, and no romance. After transmigrating as Xue Baochai, she discovers that her original form was a “Snow Spirit.” Starting at Iron Threshold Temple, she does business with the imperial family, buys half the kingdom, and stirs up the waters across the four seas, eight wastelands, and three great rivers... How will this Dream of the R 22Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Today marks the debut of my new book, a classic and elegant fanfiction of Dream of the Red Chamber. The plot is reasonable, the writing is smooth, the story is fast-paced and engaging, and there are no dull moments. It's imaginative, not a typical "white lotus" or "saintly" story, and it's consistently enjoyable!

45. 445 折 Folding Pearls on Horseback 折珠马上 Wu Kou乌蔻Ancient Romance185k WordsOngoing [The truth is out! I came back for revenge, not to become empress] [Court intrigue + ruthless heroine + revenge and power struggle] (Tang Yuning was abandoned by the marquis’s household for sixteen years. She returned home to seek revenge, only to discover amid the struggle at the heart of power that she was a fake daughter of the Tang family?) When she first arrived in the capital, a good life was the last thing waiting for her. People saw her as a wicked demon in the lovely face of an empress. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Can I take a look at this book? Please give it a chance [crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying][crying] I'm at my wit's end.

46. 446 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: Peichun Marries a Rising Star, and the Four Springs Are Blessed! 红楼：沛春勇嫁新贵，五春有福！ Elegant Breeze优雅微风Female-Channel Fanfiction347k WordsCompleted [A full ensemble cast from Dream of the Red Chamber · Multiple sweet couples · Multiple protagonists · Light domestic intrigue · Household drama · Warmth · Sweet romance · Women in the spotlight · Deep affection · Heartfelt · Immersive · Happy families · Everyone gets their moment · Growth · Family · Expansive worldbuilding · Rich emotions] [Pei Chun is a woman blessed with good fortune!] Jia Peichun, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Jia family and the full elder sister of the four Jia sist 50Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Beautiful! 👀So beautiful👀!

47. 447 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: Miss Lin Takes Them Down with One Arrow! 红楼：林姑娘她一箭制敌！红箭袖 Elegant Breeze优雅微风Ancient Romance458k WordsCompleted [Alternate Red Chamber setting · Daiyu’s comeback · Sweet romance and destiny · Mutual salvation · Across lifetimes · Healing · Divine and mortal realms · Mythology · Lighthearted scheming · A love that sweeps you off your feet] The year Lin Ruhai took his wife and daughter into seclusion in the mountains, no one could have imagined that the delicate Crimson Pearl Grass would roll up her red archer’s sleeves and devote all her immortal power to practicing archery. She was no longer the sickly 16Reads6.6Score—Shelves
48. 448 良 Who Will Share This Lovely Night? 良宵谁与共 Su Jingchu苏静初Ancient Romance496k WordsCompleted Her widowed mother remarries into the Xiao family. After enduring all kinds of ups and downs, she finally raises Xu Lingyun to adulthood. When Xu Lingyun reaches the age to choose a husband, she discovers that the eldest son of the Xiao family has had his eye on her for a long time... They fall in love and live happily ever after. 2.9kReads9.0Score286Shelves

    Reader note

    The first one is very famous, heartwarming yet subtly melancholic. The female protagonist never truly loved anyone, and she knew she was just a substitute for her beloved. I finished reading the others a long time ago and don't remember the plot anymore; you can check the homepage for more details.

49. 449 表 The Cousin Is Hard to Placate, and the Heir Has Other Designs 表姑娘难哄，世子他另有所图 A Glimpse of Beauty惊鸿意Ancient Romance337k WordsOngoing [A cool, seemingly gentle cousin who hides a dark side X a scheming, obsessive heir apparent [Stealing someone’s partner + love at first sight + pure historical setting + the hero has been plotting for a long time + mutually devoted 1v1] Xie Zhao travels to the capital to seek refuge with her aunt, and while she is at it, to meet the fiancé she was promised to as a child but has never seen: the second young master of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household. But before she even catches sight of him, rum 127Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ten years of book selection

50. 450 山 Snow Flying Over Mountains and Rivers 山河飞雪 Little Mian Is Good小面乖Ancient Romance619k WordsCompleted She was the legitimate daughter of a powerful general whose influence reached across the court, and her mother was a renowned martial artist from a prestigious martial arts clan. She grew up carefree and clever, surrounded by her parents’ love and her elder brother’s protection. But her mother’s sudden death thrust her, still innocent and naive, into the treacherous political struggles of the Great Zhao court. From being cherished by everyone to having nothing at all, fate remade her, forcing he 2Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a historical romance novel featuring a strong female lead, palace intrigue, martial arts, and an alternate history. The female lead is the legitimate daughter of a general, possessing exceptional martial arts skills. The story boasts a grand historical backdrop, rich in historical flavor, and seamlessly blends martial arts and romance. It has profound themes, delicately portrays the good, evil, beauty, and ugliness of people, and offers insightful depictions of human nature. It will be very engaging for readers. The writing is exquisite, and it's incredibly enjoyable!! Highly recommended!!

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