Palace and Household Intrigue with the Female Lead as the Legal Wife 女主是原配正室的宫斗宅斗文

1. 51 穿 After Becoming the Crown Princess, I Do Nothing but Slack Off 穿成太子妃后，我每天都在摆烂 Beef Flatbread牛肉大饼Ancient Romance2.4M WordsOngoing [Not a Devoted Couple, Palace and Household Intrigue, Marriage Before Love] With a single imperial decree, Cui Ying and the crown prince inexplicably become husband and wife. Neither of them knows the other. Cui Ying never expected that, as a modern woman transported to ancient times, she would become a crown princess. What a headache. But rumor has it the crown prince has a much-favored concubine by his side. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, she's also gentle and sweet, a true beauty. Cui 22.1kReads6.4Score83814d adds

   Reader note

   Transmigrated into the Crown Princess

2. 52 太 Crown Princess, You’ve Been Faking Your Love for Two Lifetimes! 太子妃，她骗宠了两辈子！ Encounter遇见Ancient Romance360k WordsCompleted [A villainess takes the legal wife's place + faithful to each other + stopping at nothing to achieve her goals + ensemble cast of powerful women + both reborn] Merchants prize profit and are skilled at scheming. As for me, Qian Yueshu, I'm among the very best at it all. In my previous life, I was a concubine, yet I schemed to make the Crown Prince lose his virginity to me. I entered his household five years before the Crown Princess. After that, I fought and clawed my way forward, bearing his 4.7kReads7.2Score23914d adds
3. 53 趁 While Her Husband Is Still Green, the Young Wife Turns on the Charm 趁夫君青涩，娘子她花式开撩 Encounter遇见Ancient Romance662k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other’s first and only love + married first, fall in love later + all kinds of flirting + knows how to keep her husband in line + says the sweetest things while striking with the sharpest knife] In her previous life, after marrying into the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, she was exhausted every day. She had to get up at three in the morning to serve her mother-in-law, constantly find ways to please her sister-in-law, and put up with her several sisters-in-law hitting her up fo 9.5kReads8.5Score83314d adds
4. 54 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 18.9kReads8.9Score1.9k14d adds
5. 55 醋 The Jealous Empress's Bitter Tears 醋精皇后的心酸泪 Southeast Scenery东南形胜Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted No transmigration, no rebirth, no System. The heroine is beautiful and knows how to flirt, while the hero never goes mad or sees red! This novel is extremely devoted to its heroine. [One-on-one romance, sweet, angsty, and satisfying; a jealous queen and a beleaguered emperor] Ji Yun was spotted in the mountains by the Prince of Yan. He mistook her for a dignified, magnanimous woman and asked for her hand in marriage. Before long, the Prince of Yan became emperor and married her as his empress. F 1.2kReads8.6Score10014d adds
6. 56 先 Love After Marriage: The Crown Princess Keeps Pretending to Be Good Again and Again 先婚后爱，太子妃又又又又在装乖 I Want to Be a Rich Lady我想当富婆Ancient Romance278k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance] Song Yao, who was born into this world, got married to Nangong Yi, the notoriously violent crown prince. After their wedding, they acted like a proper couple, treating each other with courtesy and respect. Gradually, Song Yao discovered that the crown prince was nothing like the violent man of the rumors. He was gentle, considerate, and easy to get along with. So she let her true nature out and started doing as she pleased. - At first, when facing the crown prince: Song Yao: gent 21.7kReads9.2Score2.3k14d adds
7. 57 我 I Became a Mediator in the Marquis's Manor and the Whole Family Dotes on Me 我在侯府当调解员，被全家宠了 Year After Year, Harvest After Harvest年年穗岁Ancient Romance540k WordsCompleted Brutal, ruthless Imperial Guard X sweet, gentle ray of sunshine Just as her name suggests, Jiang Mi has a sweet little mouth and knows exactly how to charm people, leaving them dazed and warm-hearted. But an imperial decree sends this honey-sweet girl to the most difficult household to serve: the Ning'an Marquis's residence. The Old Madam is stern and old-fashioned: “You wretches! The whole lot of you are hopeless!” The Ning'an Marquis is aloof and icy: “You unfilial son, do you know what you've 20.4kReads9.4Score2.7k14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is forced into a marriage of convenience by imperial decree. She's very sweet-talking and charms the head of the Imperial Guard, leaving him completely bewildered. The male lead appears arrogant, but he's actually the softest-hearted man.

8. 58 娇 The Reborn Beloved Consort and the Cold Crown Prince Who’s Impossible to Coax 娇妃重生，清冷太子超难哄 Black Crow Jili黑鸦几里Ancient Romance378k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete] [Reborn + sweet romance + winning back her husband + childbirth] [Versatile and sweet Crown Princess vs. aloof, hard-to-please Crown Prince] A little angst adds spice, but this is an irresistibly sweet story full of affection. No heavy angst, one-on-one romance, both leads have eyes only for each other! P.S. Next stop: all sorts of sweet bonus stories are on the way~ In her previous life, Wen Wuyue was a complete joke, blinded by love and too foolish to see the truth 7.1kReads9.1Score55114d adds

   Reader note

   1- Reminiscent of "The Story of Minglan," she transmigrates into the body of a still-charming lady of a noble family. All she wants to do is relax, open the dowry list, and indulge in eating, drinking, and having fun. The writing is humorous, the voice acting is witty, and the narration is fitting; listening is better than reading.

9. 59 错 After a Mistaken Marriage to the Heir, She Spends Every Day Showering Him with Sweets 错嫁世子后，她每天都在撒糖 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Reborn + mutually devoted sweet romance + revenge and household intrigue] Jiang Rong was deceived her entire life, and only learned the truth when she was on the verge of death. Returned to ten years earlier, she found herself fleeing an arranged marriage to elope. Jiang Rong gave the scoundrel a thorough beating, then turned around and went back to the prince’s manor to marry. The husband she had run from was Xie Lingxi, heir to the Northern Prince. In her previous life, he had protected he 34.7kReads9.5Score4.4k14d adds

   Reader note

   Highly recommend this book by the same author; it's incredibly good!

10. 60 美 The Beautiful Mistress Runs Wild, Slaughtering Everyone in the Inner Quarters 美人主母在后宅娇滴滴的杀疯了 A Tumbler That Won't Fall一颗不倒翁Ancient Romance222k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + household intrigue + fictional history] The moment Jiang Yunfu opens her eyes, she becomes the heroine's mother in a household-intrigue novel, a woman destined to die young. She has only six months left to live, and Jiang Yunfu doesn't want to die. But the heroine's father is notorious in the capital for favoring his concubines and neglecting his wife. He's just waiting for his legal wife to die so he can make room for his beloved mistress. He certainly won't let her 332Reads8.0Score10514d adds

    Reader note

    Come see this beautiful and cool young lady! (￣▽￣~)~ A story of beating up a mistress! [Heavy punch][Heavy punch][Heavy punch]

11. 61 原 The Original Wife Returns to Become the Mad Chancellor’s Beloved 原配复活后成为疯批丞相的心尖宠 Sweet Orange香香的橙子Ancient Romance316k WordsCompleted Hey, everyone! The score is low because the book was just released, not because of its quality! [Transmigrate into a book + Reborn + Lighthearted + Political Intrigue + Devoted Husband + Male lead appears refined and proper, but is actually an obsessive, ruthless man who always repays his enemies] Li Yueyao transmigrates into a book on the very day the villainess kills the male lead’s mother and runs away with another man. When she remembers the male lead’s identity and the villainess’s eventual 131Reads8.9Score—14d adds
12. 62 主 If the Mistress of the House Doesn't Go Wild, the Household Battle Can't Be Won 主母不发疯，宅斗不成功 Lan Zhi澜止Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted Lin Wanrou is the most talented woman in the Sheng Dynasty and the Empress Dowager's adopted daughter. Noble in status, she marries Qiang Lin, the dynasty's God of War, and expects to live in harmonious wedded bliss. But he already has someone in his heart: a mistress he keeps outside the household. For ten years of marriage, unaware of the truth, she bears him children, manages the household, and navigates the many political struggles at court. Only on her deathbed does she learn that she has b 1Reads—Score—14d adds
13. 63 恶EN The Villainous First Wife's Daily Redemption 恶毒主母洗白日常 Gathering Vetch, Gathering Vetch采薇采薇Ancient Romance625k WordsCompleted [Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy + Fake and Real Heiresses + Rejecting Women’s Rivalry] Gu Wanning transmigrates into the role of a vicious matriarch. The moment she opens her eyes, she sees four concubines of every shape and size, trembling with fear. The First Concubine is skilled at needlework, the Second at bookkeeping, the Third at medicine, and the Fourth is a formidable martial artist. Gu Wanning: Why should that good-for-nothing man get to enjoy the blessings of a household full of wives? Let me h 2.6kReads8.6Score27714d adds

    Reader note

    Feudal ideology stifled the social order of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

14. 64 重 Only After Being Reborn Did I Learn I Was the Cool and Aloof Minister's White Moonlight 重生才知，我竟是清冷权臣白月光 October Orange十月橙Ancient Romance661k WordsCompleted [Revenge on scumbags + sweet romance + switched marriages + reborn heroine vs. transmigrated heroine + a seemingly aloof, secretly twisted beauty] In her previous life, Chu Mingyuan learned only as she lay dying that the younger sister who had secretly been sleeping with her husband was not born to her late mother. She was actually a concubine-born daughter who had been switched at birth by a concubine. Chu Mingyuan died with regrets. Thankfully, Heaven took pity on her, and after her death she 8.4kReads8.9Score85714d adds

    Reader note

    Go check this out! I've stayed up all night and I have panda eyes! It's so good! The author is a logical genius; it's so captivating that I couldn't put it down until 3:30 in the morning!

15. 65 深 Jade Hidden in the Inner Chambers, Shining with Pearlescent Light 深闺藏玉映珠光 First-Rate Red Chamber一品红楼Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted [The animated drama adaptation is now available under the title "Jade in the Deep Boudoir, Pearls in the Light". Go check it out if you're interested!] [Marriage Before Love + female lead is neither reborn nor transmigrated + supporting female character transmigrates] [Female lead seems sweet and naive but is actually cool and aloof + male lead seems indifferent but is actually cunning] Xiao Yunzhu was born into a marquis's household, where she should have been cherished and pampered, living a l 27.2kReads9.1Score3.4k14d adds
16. 66 汉 A Slow Spring in the Han Palace 汉宫春慢 All Forms Are Formless一相无相Ancient Romance521k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Palace Intrigue + Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law + Winning His Wife Back at Any Cost] In her previous life, Shen Rong left a remote mountain town and was betrothed to the crown prince at the emperor's behest, becoming the exalted crown princess. She thought her fortunes would rise from then on and that a sweet, happy marriage lay ahead. Instead, it was the beginning of a tragic life. Her husband loved someone else; her mother-in-law despised her for being ignorant; the palace servan 1.6kReads9.0Score23214d adds

    Reader note

    This book is really good.

17. 67 侯 The Marquis's Heart's Delight, a Lady Who Conquers All 侯爷心尖宠，姑娘大杀四方 Qian Shan Yu千山余Ancient Romance353k WordsOngoing (Transmigration + household intrigue + schemes and manipulation + never loved him + devoted to each other) In her previous life, Lu Zhishu was an orphan. By chance, she transmigrated into the body of the Lu family's third daughter just after she was born. She thought she would have a happy life, but her mother died in childbirth from a severe hemorrhage. Lu Zhishu lived cautiously, with the sole aim of avenging her mother. To do so, she drew everyone into her schemes, never realizing that someon 6Reads—Score—14d adds
18. 68 做 Be a Concubine? You're Not Worthy! I'll Find a Better Match, and You'll Beg Me to Stay 做妾？你也配？另谋高嫁你下跪 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted This book is now available as a full-cast audio drama, and it’s hilarious! Give it a listen! [Hilarious Transmigration + Medical Space + Sweet, Satisfying Romance + Power Struggles + Palace and Household Intrigue + Mutual Devotion and Strength] A genius in medicine and poison transmigrates to ancient times with a medical space. She wakes up in a coffin, only to have a bewitching man try to steal it? Her ex-husband favors his concubine, abuses his wife, and shamelessly claims her dowry? Her fathe 5.5kReads8.9Score54714d adds

    Reader note

    A hilarious and sweet transmigration romance novel where the female protagonist transmigrates into the body of a mistress who was poisoned to death by a scumbag man. Upon waking, she is doted on by a cunning and ruthless prince, and embarks on a thrilling journey of revenge and career advancement. No saintly heroines, no sullen moments—sweet from beginning to end.

19. 69 岳 Young Marshal Yue's Beloved Miss 岳少帅的卿卿小姐 Three Spring Peaches三春桃Modern Romance1.5M WordsCompleted (The animated series is now available) A love story between a military governor's son and a general's daughter~ He dotes on his wife without restraint in this sweet romance. In the turbulent Republican era, when warlords battled for power, Qin Qing only wanted a peaceful life: to protect her family and hold on to the family fortune. Young Marshal Yue lived for pleasure. He was a notorious playboy who treated women like clothes, always seeking someone new and never returning to an old flame. At t 12.4kReads9.3Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Red beans grow in the south; how many branches will sprout in spring? Let's go! [Already interested][Already interested][Bump][Please follow][Please follow]

20. 70 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 13.8kReads9.4Score1.8k14d adds
21. 71 贵 The Imperial Consort Trades on the Emperor’s Favor, Seeking Revenge and Rising to Power 贵妃恃宠而骄，一路复仇上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue revenge power fantasy, with sweet romance, scumbags getting what they deserve, and an adorable child later on. The leads are not each other's firsts, so read with caution if that bothers you!!! Not fantasy!!!) She is Yu Zhiyi, daughter of Jiangnan's richest man, and Yu Zhiyan, daughter of the Minister of Rites. On her fifth birthday, because of a Frost Soul Pearl, all 100-odd members of Yu Zhiyi's family were slaughtered. The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley had once 2.6kReads9.1Score27514d adds
22. 72 换 The Husband Swap: I Turned Around and Married the Crown Prince, Winning at Every Step 换夫记：转身嫁太子步步为赢 Bishan Jihe碧山芰荷Ancient Romance443k WordsCompleted The Lin family, headed by the Minister of Revenue, had two daughters. The elder, Lin Duanyue, was the Princess Consort of Prince Yong, while the younger, Lin Zhaoyun, was the Crown Princess. Countless people were green with envy. During the two years Lin Duanyue was Prince Yong's consort, she and Li Xun managed, at least, to treat each other with courtesy and sit down together for tea and conversation. That is, until the Crown Prince died. Li Xun held Lin Zhaoyun in his arms and forced Lin Duany 701Reads8.8Score10414d adds
23. 73 十 Sixteen Years of Spring, Circling Back to You 十六春秋绕落回 Qing Rong Qian Zhi青容浅止Ancient Romance403k WordsCompleted Both leads are pure. There aren't many dramatic ups and downs, mostly just everyday matters and small details. The heroine, Su Xining, transmigrates into the body of the Second Madam of the Pingyang Marquis household, where she settles down for good. This story is mainly about the everyday things the heroine sees. There are few moments of great joy or sorrow, and no earth-shattering romance, just an ordinary, quiet life. 763Reads6.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is normal and not obsessed with romance; she handles household chores with the demeanor of a proper wife!

24. 74 清 The Clear-Eyed Stepmother Takes Charge 清醒继母掌家记 Xi Ya息芽Ancient Romance304k WordsCompleted [Rebirth, marriage swapping, and a husband who brings good fortune; marrying into a duke's household as its mistress; concubine-born daughter vs. legitimate daughter; noblewoman vs. transmigrator] Her fake best friend is reborn and snatches up the poor martial man first, then sends her a wedding invitation. Her legitimate elder sister is reborn and steals her childhood sweetheart, a young heir to a noble title. She sneers at Liu Yulan, who is about to marry the eldest legitimate son of a fallen 251Reads6.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The original wife of the mistress, a domestic power struggle story, featuring a clear-headed female protagonist!

25. 75 王 The Prince's House Has Had Only One Heir for Ten Generations? She Breaks the Curse with Quadruplets 王府十代单传？她四胞胎打破魔咒 Ye Yiyi叶亿亿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Her identity as a fake heiress is exposed, and she is thrown out of the general's residence. Her eldest brother, a formidable fighter; her second brother, a master of mechanical devices; and her third brother, a breathtaking beauty, arrive in a grand procession to bring her home. She gives her whole heart to her family, but their favoritism makes her take her younger sister's place and marry the seriously ill prince to bring him good luck. When her memories from before she transmigrated retur 6.8kReads9.3Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue and domestic power struggles abound, with countless tactics employed. The mistress remains clear-headed, observing her superiors.

26. 76 女 After I Transmigrated into a Book, I Took the Heroine Home as My Sister-in-Law 女配穿书后把女主拐来做嫂子 Iron Empress Dowager铁太后Modern Romance1.1M WordsCompleted After Tang Tian is hit on the head with a brick, she transmigrates into a period novel, as a nobody not even important enough to be cannon fodder. She's the lovesick girl the male lead meets in the countryside, and a stumbling block on his way back to the city. With a new soul inside her, Tang Tian kicks the male lead to the curb without hesitation. She tells everyone he's hideous, with enormous nostrils that give her nightmares every night. A certain soldier quietly picks up a little mirror. Ye 15.2kReads9.4Score1.7k14d adds
27. 77 和 After the Divorce, the Medical Daughter of a Military Family Is Spoiled Night After Night by the Ascetic Chief Minister 和离后将门医女被禁欲首辅夜夜宠 Mang Zhi氓之Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Reborn + Sweet Romance + Revenge Against Scumbags + Mastery of Both Medicine and Poison] Her resentment won’t fade, and the King of Hell won’t accept her. She thought she had been reborn through Heaven’s mercy, never knowing that he had gone to extraordinary lengths to defy fate and change her destiny. In her previous life, she gave her heart to the wrong man and met a tragic end. In this life, she turns back before it’s too late. After a bold divorce, she marries the Grand Secretary, infuriati 1.2kReads9.3Score26614d adds
28. 78 念 Fragrant Thoughts Beneath the Silk Quilt 念香衾 Companion in the Mist烟霞侣Ancient Romance963k WordsCompleted 5.5kReads8.9Score50914d adds

    Reader note

    Within the gates of a noble household, where brocade robes cannot conceal the treacherous intrigues and power struggles, wives and concubines vie for favor, and legitimate and illegitimate children vie for power—every step is fraught with hidden schemes. In the imperial court, three thousand beauties openly and secretly fight for the emperor's favor; one wrong move, and all is lost, power and love vanish like bubbles. Intrigue, schemes, love, and hate intertwine—witness how this captivating drama of palace intrigue and family feud unfolds.

29. 79 重 Reborn: I Flirted the Gloomy Regent into a Daze 重生后，阴鸷摄政王被我撩晕了 Heart Yearning for Gardenias心向往栀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted "Print edition available for preorder October 24 at 7 p.m.!" "Black Lotus Beauty of a Princess & the Grim, Ruthless Regent" [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Devoted Couple + Putting Scumbags in Their Place] Zhixian was the sharpest blade at the side of the Third Prince of Nanzhao, eliminating every obstacle in his bid for the throne. But on the day he was named crown prince, she met her end. "Zhixian, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for knowing too much." Xuan Yuan Heng wiped t 32.5kReads9.3Score3.3k14d adds
30. 80 京 The Capital's Number One Femme Fatale 京都第一女煞神 Yu Shiqi妤十七Ancient Romance615k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Strong Female Lead Power Fantasy + Punishing Scumbags + No CP + Nation and Family + Political Scheming + No Pocket Dimension or Superpowers] Mu Ci, the most renowned marshal of the apocalypse, died a miserable death in an explosion. When she woke up, she had become the legitimate daughter of a marquis, fallen into a bandits' den. She wasn't afraid of zombies, so why would she fear river bandits? With a swift swing of her blade, she cut down the bandits like vegetables, wiped o 814Reads8.6Score10314d adds
31. 81 朝 A Farmer's Son at Dawn, an Emperor's Courtier by Dusk 朝为农家郎，暮登天子堂 Lantern Festival Revelry闹花灯Historical2.6M WordsOngoing (There's family drama, petty squabbles, rural life, outrageous oddballs, life in government, and much more.) After spending nearly ten years in a daze as an idiot, Tang Wenfeng fell into the water one day and finally came to his senses, now with a modern mind inside him. To avoid taxes, make a fortune, lie flat and enjoy himself, and secure a carefree life for the future, Tang Wenfeng decided to sit the imperial examinations. Who knew that an unexpected turn of events would put him on the 6.2kReads8.4Score41514d adds
32. 82 黑 The Black Phoenix Queen 黑凰后 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted She is a goddess sent from heaven, the eldest princess of the Shen Kingdom. But someone stole her divine fortune, and she was abandoned in the Sacred River. They say she won't live to see her fifteenth birthday. She says, “My fate is mine to decide, not Heaven's. Give me back the fortune you stole, and repay the life you owe me.” She has been a bandit and an empress, and in the end, she ascends to the throne. He says, “In my heart, you matter more than Buddha. All the gods and Buddhas in heaven 3.9kReads8.7Score63414d adds

    Reader note

    ✌First Book🍀The eldest princess of Shen Kingdom, a goddess descended from heaven, had her divine destiny stolen and was abandoned in the sacred river, rumored to be unlikely to live past her coming-of-age ceremony. But she defied fate, rising from a mountain bandit to an empress and finally ascending to the throne.

33. 83 佛 The Good-for-Nothing Goes with the Flow: My Lord, Stop Pretending 佛系废柴：王爷别装了 Cozy Little Home馨馨小屋Ancient Romance427k WordsCompleted #Historical Romance #Alternate History #Two Strong Leads #Marriage Before Love #Playing the Fool to Outsmart the Tiger #Satisfying and Sweet #Smart Leads Shen Zhaoning has pretended to be a fool at the marquis's manor for thirteen years. Everyone thinks she's useless. When her half-sister smashes their mother's keepsake in front of everyone, she smiles and says, “It's broken, so it's broken.” When her stepmother arranges for her to be burned to death at a birthday banquet, she cries as she switc 8Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Cool] 1. The Buddhist-like Useless Girl: Your Highness, Stop Pretending! Shen Zhaoning, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Dingyuan, is a notorious "useless girl" in the capital. She spends her days eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist scriptures, taking everything in stride, and doesn't even bother to retaliate when her half-sister publicly ridicules her. No one knows that she has feigned stupidity for thirteen years, just to survive to adulthood in the cannibalistic Marquis's mansion. Wu Yu, the sixth son of the emperor, is a notorious "sickly idle prince." He spends his days in the brothels, indulging in cockfighting and dog racing; court officials say he is a disgrace to the royal family. No one knows that he secretly controls the Tianji Pavilion, and every fallen leaf in Tianqu City cannot escape his eyes. A royal decree binds the two "useless girls" together. The whole capital waits to see them make a fool of themselves. On their wedding night, the Crown Prince sends a "gift"—a cup of poisoned wine. The half-sister plants a spy in the mansion. The stepmother waits for her to run back to her parents' home crying. Shen Zhaoning picked up her wine cup and smiled, "Let it be." The next day, the Crown Prince's favorite concubine died suddenly, and the scandal of her half-sister's affair spread throughout the land. Her stepmother's secret agents were all eradicated. The sickly prince embraced her, "My lady, shall I also let it be?" The useless eldest daughter smiled slightly, "Your Highness, you're quite convincingly feigning illness." Later, a purge took place in the court, the Crown Prince was deposed, and Prince Yu ascended the throne. On the day of the coronation ceremony, officials knelt to welcome him, and the people cheered. The new Empress, however, ate grapes in the back of the palace, "It has nothing to do with me; I'm just a useless person." The Emperor sighed, "Empress, it's time for court." "Let it be."

34. 84 纨 The Playboy Won Me a Noble Title, and the Reborn Matriarch Went on a Killing Spree 纨绔为我夺诰命，重生主母杀疯了 Folded in the Mist折雾里Ancient Romance905k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication] [Clear-headed, independent true heiress x play-the-pig-to-eat-the-tiger fake wastrel] [Female-oriented fiction + heroine reborn + hero transmigrates + political intrigue] After more than ten years as the wife of the Ningyuan Marquis's heir, managing the household and dutifully serving her parents-in-law, Shen Tangning believed she had done nothing wrong. Not until the usually distant heir began an affair with her half sister, now married to his younger brother, and they 57.6kReads9.2Score7.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    These books are all pretty good, not too simplistic, and worth reading.

35. 85 我 I, the Original Heroine, Am Reborn to Crush the Woman Who Transmigrated Into My Book 我，原女主，重生干翻穿书女 Lin Xuchu林序初Ancient Romance287k WordsCompleted The rating has just been posted, and it will rise later. [Reborn heroine + transmigrated-into-a-book supporting character + feel-good household intrigue + face-slapping and taking down scum + plot-driven] In her previous life, Song Zhiyuan was schemed against and married into a marquis’s household, where she became the second wife and a scapegoat. In the end, she fought back and took her enemies down with her. Reborn on her wedding day, she decisively breaks off the engagement and refuses to ma 780Reads8.5Score10514d adds
36. 86 白 My Ungrateful Sister Wants to Be Empress? I'll Rule the World as Queen 白眼狼姐姐想当皇后？我母仪天下 Sui Rong穗容Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Reborn + fake and real heiresses + face-slapping + competing for destiny + golden finger + devoted male lead who loves his wife without limits] The day Si Wan died, the entire capital was celebrating the empress's coronation. Her disemboweled, heartless corpse was tossed into a mass grave. She watched as her elder sister, Si Qingjia, stepped over her phoenix bones to claim the throne. A blood-red cuckoo circled above that woman's head, carrying the ninth golden feather it had stolen from Si Wa 2.5kReads8.4Score34814d adds
37. 87 重 Reborn, I Became the Evil Villain 重生后，我成了恶毒反派 I Only Eat Xiaomila Chilies辣椒只吃小米辣Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Su Yuzhao never imagined that her older cousin would scheme against her and make her marry her own fiancé. She was the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the family, but had been raised at her maternal grandparents’ home since childhood. Just when she was finally brought back to the residence, she was greeted with a plot against her. From then on, her reputation was ruined, and she was forced into marriage with no say in her own fate. Even though she humbled herself and gave way at ever 2.5kReads8.3Score27314d adds
38. 88 侯 The Marquis's Estate Forgot Its Gratitude? The Regent Backs Me, and I Won't Forgive Them 侯府忘恩义？摄政王撑腰，不原谅 Chu Diandian初点点Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Luo Ning took a blade meant for the Empress Dowager and suffered severe injuries, trading her life for her family's noble title. She went south to recuperate for three years, but when she returned, she discovered that her maternal cousin had taken over her courtyard. Her cousin had even replaced her in every aspect. Luo Ning's parents and elder brother adored her, her grandmother favored her, and even Luo Ning's childhood sweetheart secretly admired her, saying that she surpassed Luo Ning in eve 177.6kReads9.4Score27k14d adds
39. 89 一 A Devious Imperial Edict 一旨算计 Chen Kun辰昆Two Male Leads1.2M WordsOngoing The early part gets angsty. Very angsty. Readers who enjoy angst are welcome to give it a try; those who don't can steer clear. Dual male leads + forced marriage + married first, angst later (very angsty early on) + household and palace intrigue + court power struggles + slow, everyday romance (clear-eyed, foolish little physician x brooding, self-destructive Brocade Guard) Content warning: The story's pacing leans toward household intrigue. The protagonists are rather meek and rule-abiding. It' 640Reads7.2Score—14d adds
40. 90 恶 The Vicious Empress Dowager Was Enslaved for Three Years. Reborn, She Goes on a Killing Spree 恶毒太后为奴三年，重生后杀疯了 Ji Anruo季安若Eastern Fantasy571k WordsCompleted The full-cast audio version is now available. In her previous life, Shen Jinshu became a widow at a young age. She raised her young son and helped him ascend the throne. After finally raising her children and educating them into capable adults, her eldest son became a promising young emperor of Rong, beloved by his people. Her third daughter lived a happy life with a general. Her fourth daughter became the honored Crown Princess of a neighboring kingdom. She thought the worst was finally behind 2.1kReads7.3Score18614d adds

    Reader note

    Oh, it's so hard! I work myself to the bone for my child, and in the end, nobody wants him.

41. 91 痛 Beating Some Sense into My Ungrateful Son and Daughter-in-Law: I’m Set on Being the Wicked Mother-in-Law 痛打不孝儿子儿媳，这个恶婆婆我当定了 Chubby Whale胖胖鲸Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted During the famine in her previous life, Qin Rong gave her food to her two sons, never imagining that she would be unable to get even a sip of water and would die of thirst. In this life, Qin Rong has decided she wants nothing to do with either of her unfilial sons. She even plans to divorce the husband who always made her put her sons first. Before long, everyone notices that Qin Rong has changed. Her second son is selfish and wants to use his little sister’s bride price to pay his tuition. She 455Reads6.4Score—14d adds
42. 92 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.6kReads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A witty and sarcastic female protagonist in a palace intrigue novel. She's the male lead's favorite concubine, initially favored but later exclusively doted on. She's sharp-tongued and sarcastic, while the male lead is wealthy, handsome, and protective. They have adorable children and fun pets, and the family enjoys a relaxed and carefree life. [Thinking]

43. 93 侯 The Cousin's Daily Struggle to Survive in the Marquis's Estate 侯府表姑娘生存日常 One Foot of Dye一尺染Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Psychologist Su Jinyi transmigrates to the ancient Liang Dynasty, only to become an orphan who has lost both parents and is left to care for her little brother. At least her family is fabulously wealthy... but someone is actually trying to steal it? As if! To make a good life for herself in ancient times, Su Jinyi reluctantly embarks on a battle of wits within the household! 7.3kReads9.2Score95514d adds

    Reader note

    [Cool] The first book's female lead is always very clear-headed and strives towards her goal of becoming empress. [Eating melon emoji] The second book's female lead travels from the present to the past and becomes the richest woman through her own efforts. [Crying emoji] The third book's female lead is a typical lady from a prominent family; her love story is slow and steady, yet deeply touching. [Shy emoji] The fourth book's female lead is engaged in an arranged marriage that blossoms into love.

44. 94 穿 Transmigrating to Become the First Wife 穿越之我为正室 mockangleAncient Romance883k WordsCompleted Xu Mingwei was the legitimate daughter of a prominent family. Raised according to her family's traditions, she married a man of equal standing and became his principal wife. To Xu Mingwei, who had been raised to be a proper wife, this was all perfectly ordinary. Looking back, she and Fu Heng had been married for five years and had a pair of adorable children. She had never expected to find love from the start. She never imagined that her husband would suddenly ask her for it. How could she give 2kReads7.9Score10414d adds
45. 95 公 The Duke's Household's Second Wife 公府继妻 Bi Xin笔鑫Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + space + marriage first, love later] Who is the most outstanding man in the Great Qing Dynasty? Obviously Lu Rui, heir to the Duke’s mansion. They say the heir’s wife has died of illness, and he’s about to bring her younger sister into the mansion as his second wife. The Marquis of Zhongyong’s family is just a fallen noble house. To marry into the Duke’s mansion is a stroke of incredible luck. But what’s the name of the woman marrying the heir? Xie Wenwan? Isn’t she supposed to 7.6kReads8.8Score82914d adds
46. 96 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 5kReads9.1Score56414d adds

    Reader note

    The palace intrigue is about to begin!

47. 97 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 1.6kReads8.9Score14114d adds
48. 98 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 47.7kReads9.5Score6.1k14d adds
49. 99 夫 Madam’s Lover Knows His Sutras 夫人的情郎会念经 Fish Who Loves Eggplant Casserole爱吃茄子煲的鱼Ancient Romance69k WordsOngoing At the foot of the wall of the borderland Marquis’s estate, Shen Lianzhi heard the whole story of her husband’s affair and his love for his mistress. She didn’t storm in to tear them apart, or shed a tear. Instead, she calmly wrote herself a “Lover Wanted” notice: One: Handsome. Two: Sweet-talking. Three: Ideally, he can chant Buddhist scriptures. Her maid Qing Dai asked, “Madam, what kind of requirement is that?” Shen Lianzhi replied coolly, “To send someone to the next life.” Later, she really 2Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A completed short story in the ancient Chinese style, beautifully written, full of youthful energy, light and enjoyable, perfect for stress relief. The female lead is neither a saint nor a naive character; she has a very strong personality.

50. 100 讹 After I Swindled the Crown Prince Out of Five Thousand Taels, He Refused to Take It Lying Down! 讹了太子五千两后，他不干了！ Fish Who Loves Eggplant Casserole爱吃茄子煲的鱼Ancient Romance233k WordsCompleted Crown Prince Xiao Chen was furious the moment he met Shen Yunxiu: How dare she step on his face? How dare she swindle him out of five thousand taels of silver? She thought that fatso was cuter than him! She loved gold ingots most of all! She was blind! And then, he went blind too! All he could see was Shen Yunxiu! 364Reads6.9Score10414d adds

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