Historical Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Romance: Pure Historical Fiction, No Rebirth, No Transmigration 古言，古言，古言，纯古言，没有重生，没有穿越。

1. 201 夫 Madam, the Heir Has Been Plotting This for a Long Time 夫人，世子他蓄谋已久 Susu Qian Ci酥酥芊瓷Ancient Romance471k WordsCompleted [A devoted couple, sweet romance, childhood friends] (Complete! Originally titled The Lady, the Heir Apparent Has Been Plotting This for a Long Time) [Scheming, doting heir apparent VS beautiful, high-maintenance heir apparent’s wife] Lu Zhaozhao, the youngest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yunyang’s household, is adored by her parents and protected by her older siblings. She has grown up in comfort, with everything going her way. At sixteen, Lu Zhaozhao is a peerless beauty, and the thre 27.7kReads9.2Score3kShelves
2. 202 回 After Returning to the Capital, the Young General Who Guards the Nation Fell for Me at First Sight 回京后，镇国少将军对我一见钟情 Kun Yi坤仪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Historical romance, one-on-one, sweet and doting with no angst, both leads are natives of this world] General Chu was handsome and stern, from a good family, and excelled in both letters and martial arts. He was nearly twenty and still unmarried. After returning to the capital victorious, his marriage was promptly put on the agenda. Just then, a young woman appeared by his side. Once he realized how he felt, the decisive General Chu immediately made up his mind: It had to be her. The third youn 2.3kReads8.6Score230Shelves

   Reader note

   A pure ancient romance novel. A young general falls in love with the female lead at first sight, takes the initiative, and proposes to her. It depicts the authentic life of a noble family in ancient times. After marriage, the female lead gradually falls in love. It's very heartwarming, both characters are virgins, and it's a sweet story! It's a rare gem that I'd want to read again!

3. 203 嫡 Married into the Eastern Palace 嫡嫁东宫 Mei Yi Si瑂忆覗Ancient Romance510k WordsCompleted Ever since she was little, Zhou Zhou knew she was different from her sisters. That difference meant she was lucky enough to be taught by her grandfather and cherished by her grandmother. At eight, the emperor personally selected her to be the princess’s companion. She entered the palace, grew up alongside the princess, and became the childhood sweetheart of the Fifth Prince. Before the Peach Blossom Banquet held when she was fifteen, everyone said she was destined to become the Fifth Prince’s co 5.4kReads8.9Score454Shelves
4. 204 将 The General's Adorable Forensic Doctor 将军家的仵作娇娘 Wen Ting温听Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted Sickly beauty Su Yihan vs. unruly General Shen Su Yihan, daughter of the Commander of the Imperial Guard, was born with an illness and was a delicate beauty. Lord Su cherished her as if she were the apple of his eye. Once, when a mischievous young man made suggestive remarks to her, Lord Su chased him for two whole streets and beat the brat until he screamed. Her several older male cousins treated her like fragile porcelain, protecting her with the utmost care. They always saved the best food an 750Reads9.3Score116Shelves

   Reader note

   Having read books for over a decade, these are all pure ancient romance novels that I find appealing. They're very good; the plots, characters, and writing style are all worth reading. [Thumbs up]

5. 205 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 21.6kReads8.8Score1.6kShelves
6. 206 反 The Villainess Kills with Her Beauty 反派她以美貌杀人 Shattered Starlight夜空碎光Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted (The heroine is a true villain. If you prefer morally upright characters, read with caution.) She was the villain of a book, but she never knew it. But what did that matter? Her beloved was dead. How could those responsible for his death be allowed to live? She toyed with the world in the palm of her hand, laying schemes within schemes and concealing deadly intent at every turn. Her gentle nature and ethereal beauty were both weapons, and no one could stand in the way of her revenge. The person 4.2kReads9.4Score493Shelves

   Reader note

   This is the first one I highly recommend! It's seriously amazing, every single one of them is my top 1! Please, please read it, you'll regret it if you don't! [Heart emojis]

7. 207 没 I Didn't Seduce Him, My Love-Struck Husband Came to Me Himself 没勾引，恋爱脑夫君自己贴上来 Qilin Treading on the Moon麒麟踏月Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mind Reading + Adorable Kids + Imperial Exams + Comedy] After transmigrating into a book, she gets two stepkids and a husband destined to become the heroine's devoted “simp,” while she herself is the most notorious shrew in the area. Zhong Ning: “Damn it!” To fill their bellies, she shows off her amazing archery skills, hunting rabbits, pheasants, and wild boars without breaking a sweat. To make money, she writes one “timeless masterpiece” after another: Reborn: I Became the Strongest Sword Sai 9.7kReads8.8Score1.2kShelves
8. 208 娘 My Alluring Wife, the Young Lord Willingly Traps Himself 娘子诱人，小公爷甘心画地为牢 A Hibiscus Plant一株木槿Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted Chu Mingxi, the only son of the Grand Princess and Duke of Rong, is strikingly handsome and adored by countless women in the capital. But the Grand Princess is beside herself with worry over her son's marriage. At the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, when Chu Mingxi is pressed to marry, he points at He Qinyao, who's quietly eating in the back, and declares, “I want her!” The Grand Princess takes one look and immediately decides, “Fine, I approve!” He Qinyao, singled out of nowhere, is baffled and s 16.9kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves
9. 209 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.4kReads9.4Score2.9kShelves
10. 210 娇 The Sweet Concubine Never Fights for Favor, Yet the Marquis Can't Help Loving Her 娇妾不争不抢，侯爷偏要爱 Half-Broken Gardenia半折栀Ancient Romance331k WordsCompleted In this world, women are at a disadvantage and struggle to survive. Bai Sang is a lone orphan of the lowest rank, with no one to depend on. She’s at the very bottom of the social ladder. Fate is fickle, and she becomes a concubine in a wealthy, powerful household. She knows being a concubine in such a family is no easy thing. But after becoming one, Bai Sang’s life improves considerably: she has food, clothes, and money to spare. She thinks to herself, “Apart from having to deal with that man, i 6.8kReads8.9Score754Shelves
11. 211 掌 The Delicate Beauty in His Palm 掌心娇她娇美且柔弱 Plum Blossom Wine梅花酿酒Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Sweet Romance + Beloved by Everyone + Male Lead Reborn) Ruan Qin had been frail since childhood and was disliked by her family, spending her days shut away in a cramped courtyard. An imperial edict brought her out of that courtyard and bound her closely to the most honored young heir in all of Great Yin, Prince Yu'an. After that, she was cherished for the rest of her life. Rong Zhuo was reborn. After losing his Qin Qin so tragically in his previous life, he had given everything to earn the cha 4.6kReads9.1Score397Shelves
12. 212 小 The Sweet and Sly Maid Wins Her Way Up Through Household Scheming 小通房乖又茶，靠宅斗步步上位 Jiu Xi玖熹Ancient Romance354k WordsCompleted [Both leads are virgins, mutual salvation, a maid focused on building her career, a fiercely protective heir] [The heroine seems sweet and delicate but is actually a master manipulator X The hero seems aloof and ascetic but is actually an obsessive yandere with overwhelming possessiveness] Qing Zhi was a low-ranking, low-born servant maid. One day, she dreamed that her mistress would force her to become a plaything for the master's illegitimate son, leaving her wishing she were dead. When she wo 6.1kReads8.9Score849Shelves
13. 213 皇 The Royal Family’s Cherished Daughter-in-Law: The Emperor and Empress Are Shipping Themselves 皇家宠媳：帝后嗑CP啦 Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance296k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + palace and household intrigue + no transmigration or rebirth + alternate history + one-on-one romance + sweet and doting + childhood sweethearts] [Gentle, resilient beauty VS cool, composed Crown Prince] Just three months after Mu Shuangyin's birth mother passed away, Chancellor Mu took a second wife. The new madam brought a son and a daughter into the household. They were said to be the Chancellor's children, and even more remarkably, the twins had been born ab 18.2kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves
14. 214 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Becomes Empress, and I Rule the Harem 嫡女为后，后宫我说了算 Pikachu Loves Apples皮卡丘爱吃苹果Ancient Romance461k WordsCompleted [Young married couple, perfect teamwork, both incredibly capable] (Not an exclusive pairing, includes a harem, so proceed with caution if that bothers you. Alternate-history setting.) One is the niece of the emperor’s favorite consort; the other is the legitimate son of the empress, who has fallen out of favor. An imperial decree of marriage binds Lin Tingwan, the legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor’s household, to the Crown Prince, Li Yanlian. From then on, they share one fate, for better 5.7kReads8.8Score682Shelves

    Reader note

    I've read them all myself, they're all super, super good, native palace intrigue novels, wish fulfillment.

15. 215 东 The Eastern Palace's Beauty: This Favorite Consort Is Mine! 东宫姝色：这宠妃我当定了！ Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted [The heroine is doted on from the very beginning. The story focuses on sweet romance, not scheming palace intrigue. The hero adores the heroine and is even a little lovesick. If that's not your thing, please move along, and don't leave a bad review over it. The heroine rises from a junior consort to a favored consort, Crown Princess, and Empress. The hero is a crown prince at first and becomes emperor later.] Su Niannian has landed in a male-lead-centric novel! Her new identity is Su Ling, the 30.1kReads9.4Score2.9kShelves
16. 216 宠 The Imperial Favorite 宠监 Pu Sansi蒲三思Two Male Leads349k WordsCompleted Xiao Lianzi is a eunuch, a low-ranking servant who quietly minds his own business and sweeps the palace. Then one day, for no apparent reason, he becomes the emperor's personal eunuch. He entered the palace late and has no idea how serving the emperor differs from serving anyone else. He only remembers one rule for surviving in the harem: “The master is heaven, the master is earth. If the master tells you to go east, you must never go west!” The little eunuch knows his place: he's just a servant 6.8kReads9.2Score902Shelves
17. 217 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 12.1kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves
18. 218 先 Marriage Before Love: The Young Master’s Wife Is Not to Be Provoked 先婚后爱：大少奶奶不能惹 Chong Xiaobian虫小扁Historical151k WordsCompleted Yan Ning, a woman as mild as a wisp of smoke, actually showed up at the door demanding they marry!? They were betrothed as babies, how novel. Young Master Liu, Yun Tao, agreed. After the wedding, news that the young master planned to take a concubine spread through the entire Liu household in no time. Everyone knew, from Liu Yi right down to every goldfish in the manor, that the young master had flown into a rage at Qingxin Courtyard because Yan Ning couldn't bear him a child, and had threatened 4.6kReads9.4Score309Shelves
19. 219 小 The Sweet and Obedient Maid Has the Chaste Heir's Heart Racing 小通房又乖又软，禁欲世子心狂跳 Water, Clouds, and Mist水云雾Ancient Romance580k WordsCompleted [Both leads sexually inexperienced, household and palace intrigue, growing-up romance, arrogant young heir × clever maid who plays the pig to eat the tiger] In her fifth year at the marquis’s residence, Youli has risen from the lowest-ranked maid responsible for sweeping and cleaning to the most favored senior maid at the side of the heir of the Marquis of Yong’an. She has reached a small peak in her career as a servant. She is quite content with her life and dares not ask for much more. She pl 4.1kReads8.8Score361Shelves
20. 220 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 21.1kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves
21. 221 太 The Crown Prince Is Ruthless Out There, but Kneels to Placate Me Back at the Palace 太子在外杀伐果断，回宫跪地哄我 Sugar-Free Pineapple Milk Pudding菠萝奶冻不加糖Ancient Romance373k WordsCompleted [Devoted couple, sweet romance + top-tier green-tea teaches the dog to heel + wolfhound submits + only after his body, not his heart + keep the child, discard the father + domineering abduction] Black-hearted, silver-tongued little seductress VS cold, sinister Crown Prince In her previous life, Chu Yunxi was left with nothing when her husband’s family took all her property. In this life, she’s paying handsomely for a child. She doesn't care about honors or silver notes. He just has to look good, 1.3kReads8.7Score174Shelves

    Reader note

    It's so beautiful!!!

22. 222 全 The Entire Harem Is Shipping Me with the Regent 全后宫都在磕我和摄政王的CP Leaning on My Sword, Listening to Wind and Rain倚剑听风雨Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted Before entering the palace, Ye Shurong already knew the emperor was a woman. After years of being childhood sweethearts, they had suddenly become childhood girlfriends. After much thought, Ye Shurong decided she couldn’t stand by and watch her dear friend’s identity be exposed. She volunteered to become empress and help cover for her. But why did it seem like there wasn’t a single normal person in this harem? Consort Shu: “Good thing the emperor isn’t coming. We need one more player! Your Majest 36Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's purely a historical romance novel, and it seems there's no time travel or rebirth involved.

23. 223 宠 A Favorite Consort's Rules for Lying Flat 宠妃躺平守则 A Riverside Orchid一汀兰Ancient Romance317k WordsCompleted [The new novel's rating is climbing slowly, but you won't regret investing in it!] [Golden finger + transmigration + exclusive devotion later on, slow pace, not a conventional satisfying revenge story, a sweet little treat.] A clear-headed, laid-back camellia consort who takes her time x a proud emperor who is a big cat and falls for his own schemes. Either lie flat, get eaten up, or lie flat while getting eaten up~ Shen Ying transmigrated to an imaginary dynasty in history, becoming an obscure 1.4kReads8.7Score172Shelves
24. 224 玉 Jade Adornment Stratagem 玉妆谋 Little Qi10小柒10Ancient Romance203k WordsOngoing [One-on-one romance, devoted couple, sweet romance, marriage before love, play the pig to eat the tiger] Jiang Wan, the daughter of a minister, was targeted by her jealous family as a child and sent to the countryside to be raised. When she finally returns to the capital, she hopes to keep her head down and live in peace, but instead gets caught up in a struggle for the throne. In this turbulent age, a young woman is like duckweed on the water, a sacrifice to the struggle for power and politics. 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely historical romance, no time travel or reincarnation. The male lead is youthful and not greasy, the female lead is intelligent and capable, not naive or simplistic. The relationship is sweet with no angst, the plot flows smoothly, and the dialogue is humorous.

25. 225 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
26. 226 女 After Faking Her Death in Disguise as a Man, She Starts Playing the Frail, Scheming Green Tea 女扮男装死后，她开始演柔弱绿茶 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of [Playing Coy] is available on all platforms. [The heroine is everyone’s beloved, with maximum “moonlight in the heart” appeal + doted on by all + universally adored + strong female lead] Qin Buwen disguised herself as a man and played the part of a treacherous official for sixteen years. At the height of her infamy, everyone in Chang’an, even the dogs, would go out of their way to avoid her. Then she was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. She leapt from a tall building, onl 37kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves

    Reader note

    It's super beautiful.

27. 227 如 Like Fish, Like Dragons 如鱼如龙 Jiu Shao久韶Ancient Romance96k WordsOngoing One is Song Zhi, a down-and-out prince born to a Hu concubine, peerlessly handsome. The other is Li Qian, the chancellor's beloved son and the empress's younger brother, unmatched in his noble bearing. In an instant, the winds shift, the sun and moon seem to turn upside down, and the realm falls into ruin. The truth behind the national vendetta and their family feuds remains shrouded in mystery. Watch as the two solve strange cases together, hoping only that the realm may know peace and that tho —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of two strong male leads, one innocent and the other cunning. One is Song Zhijun, a handsome and down-on-his-luck prince born to a Hu woman; the other is Li Qianqing, the beloved son of the prime minister and the younger brother of the empress, of unparalleled nobility. A sudden upheaval turns the world upside down, and the truth behind national and personal vendettas becomes increasingly elusive. Watch as the two solve a series of mysterious cases, hoping for peace and prosperity for their country, and for lovers to journey together to the ends of the earth!

28. 228 庶 The Concubine’s Daughter Won’t Be Buried Alive: My Fate Is Mine to Decide 庶女不陪葬：我命由我不由天 Geed Cat捷德猫Ancient Romance374k WordsCompleted [Forced to be a concubine + medical skills + unconventional doting ensemble + careful scheming] Forced by her legitimate elder sister to accompany her as a dowry attendant, she becomes Prince Xuan of the Great Liang's concubine. But Prince Xuan is gravely ill and close to death. Her sister forces her to sleep with the prince, whose body is covered in foul-smelling sores, and bear his child, then take the child and escape. After the prince dies, she plans to have her buried with him. To save 23Reads6.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a pure ancient Chinese romance novel, without time travel, reincarnation, or a system. The female protagonist is a lowly concubine's daughter, bullied by her elder sister who tries to force her to be buried alive with the dying prince. The elder sister, disgusted by the prince's filthy bedsores, forces her to have a child in his place, intending to steal the child and make her die alongside the prince. Starting with death, she relies on her strong will to survive, meticulous planning, and cunning to gradually crush those who bullied and humiliated her, becoming the most honored woman in the Liang Dynasty! The female protagonist is not love-struck; she is clear-headed and rational, unswayed by the emperor's false affections, and remains true to herself.

29. 229 行 Late in the Day 行止晚 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + emperor and empress + tragic palace romance] 145,000 readers gave it top ratings, and countless readers cried their way through it! The year’s breakout historical romance, a heartache readers can’t forget. A clear-eyed, sweet empress VS a proud emperor whose love never wavers. Born into the imperial family, how can everything ever go as you wish? May we remain together forever, and may I keep you safe and at peace. A gentleman’s word is his bond. In a daze, I saw the moon rise. 25.2kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
30. 230 长 A Long Farewell 长辞 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance102k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + tragic romance + both leads reborn] Another heartbreaking historical romance from Zhihu’s popular author Zhier, following An Ending at Dusk! Through a haze of consciousness, she relived her entire life, finally pausing on that sunny afternoon. He stood beneath a tree, his eyes covered with white cloth, smiling as he asked what she wanted. A young gentleman, handsome and refined as jade. One glance was enough to stay in her memory for years. If only she had known that meeting h 1.7kReads8.4Score213Shelves
31. 231 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 50.6kReads9.7Score7.4kShelves
32. 232 不 Don't Be Afraid, She's Here 不要怕有她在 Ten-Mile Islet Creek十里洲溪Ancient Romance152k WordsOngoing [Career-Driven, Wolfish, Stoic Girl vs. Love-Struck, Foxlike Boy] [Mutual Firsts + Equally Matched + Childhood Friends + Young Love] Yu Ling didn't know what it was. It had wandered the world for a thousand years, driven by a single obsession: It had to find someone, the “Sage Destined by Heaven.” According to the course of time, that person had not yet been born. I had been by her side since childhood, guiding her as she turned the wheels of fate, watching her go from helping people with smal 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm recommending my own book. The male lead appears gentle on the surface but has a hidden obsessive side. This is hinted at in some of the interactions throughout the story, and he's constantly testing the waters in the early stages. The premise is that both characters are virgins and strong childhood sweethearts, a coming-of-age story centered on a strong female lead. The female lead is portrayed as a cold, unfeeling, and somewhat wooden character, while the male lead is portrayed as a youthful and energetic character. The female lead gets excited and acts crazy when fighting; she's intelligent, and there are many foreshadowing elements throughout the story. Later on, she'll use seduction and manipulation. [Sending hearts]

33. 233 抄 After the Confiscation, the Most Beautiful Woman Is Seized by a Powerful Minister 抄家后，第一美人被权臣强取豪夺 Yang Si Si杨姒姒Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Political Intrigue + Romance + Coercive Love + Powerful Male Lead and Vulnerable Female Lead + Obsessively Possessive Hero] A resilient, beautiful heroine versus a calculating, ruthless hero An imperial edict sends Chancellor Qing Heng to prison, where he dies by suicide, supposedly out of guilt. His entire family is executed, and his only daughter, Qing Yan, is forced into servitude and sent to the Entertainment Bureau. Those of servile status are made to serve and entertain others, as prostit 33.6kReads8.8Score4.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Purely historical romance. No time travel or rebirth elements.

34. 234 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
35. 235 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
36. 236 女 My Secret as a Woman Was Exposed, and the Crown Prince Forced His Love on Me 女儿身暴露，我被太子强制爱了 Shui Lingyue水凌月Ancient Romance534k WordsCompleted She had disguised herself as a boy since childhood and had always been careful, never once making a mistake. But after an accident revealed that she was a woman, the Crown Prince went mad with bloodshot eyes, determined to have her! 152Reads6.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No rebirth, no time travel, come and see?

37. 237 以 I Miss You in the Name of the Fading Flowers 以荼靡之名思念你 Dami Baibai大米白白Ancient Romance103k WordsOngoing The scene of their wedding had played out in She Shuyun’s mind more than a hundred times. He had imagined that one day he might marry her. He had imagined giving her a wedding procession stretching ten miles and loving her faithfully for a lifetime. But in the end, the person she loved wasn’t him. He had thought A Yu was still unmarried and had no betrothal, so he still had a chance. But now, even his last shred of hope had vanished. There would never be anything between them again. What he had —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm shamelessly recommending my own story [laughs] (The male and female leads are written from separate perspectives; the male lead focuses on battlefield warfare!). (The female lead focuses on palace intrigue and power struggles; initially, she has expectations of the prince, but later she completely wakes up and fights back, ultimately ending up heartbroken.) The female lead marries a prince, but the prince is not the male lead. The general (the male lead) loves the female lead deeply but never gets to be with her. The general is sent to a post for five years, and upon his return, the female lead dies in his arms. Initially, the female lead believes the prince will fall in love with her, but after discovering his conspiracy, she fully awakens. However, in the end, she dies heartbroken in the general's arms. The later parts are truly angsty.

38. 238 长 My Elder Sister Is Gravely Ill, Yet My Brother-in-Law Wants to Force Me to Marry Him 长姐病重，姐夫竟要强娶我 Shui Lingyue水凌月Ancient Romance579k WordsCompleted [Beauty Series: The Second Wife] Along with the news that my elder sister was gravely ill came my brother-in-law Sui Ningyuan’s demand that I enter the General’s residence. It was called a demand, but it was really an order. I could only enter the General’s residence without a proper title or status, and I had only just come of age... 56Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 239 疯 Mad Beauty: Slay Evil for Divine Gear, and the System Goes Crazy 疯批美人：杀恶换神装，系统疯了 Shui Lingyue水凌月Ancient Romance206k WordsCompleted [The Beauty Series, Book Two] Her own family blamed her bewitching constitution for bringing disaster and threw her into a demon lair to feed the Demon Venerable! At the brink of death, she binds herself to the “Boundless Merit, Supreme Goodness and Beauty” System, which orders her to do good deeds. Yue Qing responds by killing without hesitation. To her surprise, the System reacts: [Ding! Killing evil counts as doing good. The more ruthlessly you kill, the crazier the rewards!] Now that's benev 88Reads—Score—Shelves
40. 240 和 Once a Noble Wife and Now a Rough man’s Beloved 和离再嫁糙汉将，前夫开启火葬场 Yao Yao Xian摇摇闲Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Manhua adaptation and full-cast audiobook now available] [A goofy, devoted, rough-and-tumble hero + male lead is the focus + sweet romance + traditional historical romance + ex-husband regrets everything] After marrying the all-powerful regent, Song Ying felt her life had been worthwhile. After the wedding, she took charge of the inner household and devoted herself to her duties, always thinking of and caring for Yue Shaozhi. She had thought she could warm her cold husband's heart, but in the e 16.3kReads8.9Score938Shelves

    Reader note

    Pure ancient Chinese romance, pure ancient Chinese romance

41. 241 和 Why Divorce? I’ll Spoil My Scumbag Husband to Death! 和离干啥？看我把渣夫惯到死！ Yao Yao Xian摇摇闲Ancient Romance313k WordsCompleted Original title: The Matriarch Is Teasing and Charming, and Has the Imperial Uncle Blushing [Sweet and obedient on the surface, truly seductive and clear-eyed mature heroine x possessive, scheming, fatherly male lead | Pure historical romance + unconventional marriage-before-love + sweet everyday moments + age gap + male lead transmigrates into another body + lighthearted comedy] Fang Mi always knew her husband, Li Tingxuan, had another woman in his heart. She didn’t make a fuss or get jealous. I 107Reads—Score—Shelves
42. 242 不 Nothing More Than That 不过尔尔 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Er’er is a weak little immortal. She can’t fight monsters, and she can’t meditate either. With barely eight hundred years of cultivation, she loses it all the moment she ascends to the Ninth Heaven. But she has the gift of foresight. She knows that one day, the man before her will destroy heaven and earth and slaughter every living thing. Before he turns demonic, she must bind her little life tightly to his. Li Ye is a powerful High God. He ranks first at fighting monsters, first at meditati 7kReads9.4Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The first two books are incredibly addictive; several have already been adapted into TV series. Highly recommended!! They're all really good. The last book is a bit long, and each lifetime is quite heart-wrenching, but it has a happy ending.

43. 243 侯 A Dream of the Marquis's Household 侯门梦 Nai Nai12138奈奈12138Ancient Romance58k WordsOngoing [Ensemble Cast in a Marquis Household] [Slow-Burn, Dream of the Red Chamber Style] [Everyday Domestic Life] [Ensemble Cast] [The Rise and Fall of a Marquis Household] [Ancient-Style Marquis Manor] [Imagined Song Dynasty] [Everyday Food] Zheng Yonglong, a former courtier from the old prince's residence, is made a marquis overnight, and his grandmother, Old Madam Zheng, receives a second-rank title! The Zheng residence, quiet and neglected for many years, rises to become a prestigious marquis hous 100Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No time travel, antique charm, the rise and fall of a noble family.

44. 244 亡 After My Kingdom Fell: The Tyrant Held Me by the Waist 亡国后：被暴君掐腰宠 A Wisp of Dandelion一缕蒲公英Ancient Romance390k WordsCompleted Main characters: Nangong Yi and Yuchi Jiong [Political intrigue + woman disguised as a man + fake crown prince, real princess + fallen kingdom + the general’s long road to winning her back] Nangong Yi disguises herself as a man and becomes the crown prince of Dongzhou, the late emperor’s only child, entrusted with great responsibilities. But she has no interest in the throne. To escape the imperial palace, she has no choice but to put on the act of a spoiled wastrel. In truth, the crown prince i 22Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely historical romance, completed, and worth reading. The first book features a female-disguised-as-male crown prince and her cunning, powerful rival general. The second book features an unfavored eldest daughter of a prime minister and a decorated general. Both have happy endings. Purely historical romance, no reincarnation, no time travel, no cheat codes. The author's writing is delicate and immersive, with a classic and elegant style. Definitely worth reading.

45. 245 误 Lost in the Depths of Spring 误入春深 Wen Naixi温乃兮Ancient Romance148k WordsCompleted Prince Yu, Yu Huaiji, believed he had spent his life acting decisively, plotting every move, and leaving himself no weaknesses. He was sure he was invincible. But Heaven was about to show him that there was always someone greater! It sent him a delicate young lady from the Song family: Song Nao. She looked so fragile and soft that anyone could bully her, but in truth she was clever in her own way. After meeting him only twice, she had already found and firmly grasped his one fatal weakness. Yet 5.6kReads9.4Score609Shelves
46. 246 高 The Road to Glory for a Noble Lady 高门贵女的荣华之路 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance324k WordsCompleted As the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Xuanping's household, Lin Chuyue married the Fourth Imperial Grandson, Zhou Xiao, as his principal wife at sixteen. At nineteen, she became a princess consort, and at twenty-six, she rose to become the most powerful woman in the Great An Dynasty: the empress. Who hasn't exclaimed that Lin Chuyue was born under a lucky star? Yet the hardships she endured are too painful to speak of. Zhou Xiao's childhood sweetheart of a cousin, a concubine reborn, and a ma 4.9kReads8.8Score312Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books were discovered during my reading slump, and they're really good!!! The first one isn't a time-travel or reincarnation story; it's pure historical romance. The female lead is very shrewd. In the early stages, she's a female official who established her own household after leaving the palace, while the male lead is a seasoned, old-fashioned prefect. Later, it's a story of a clear-headed and reasonable matriarch and a cunning and powerful minister. The second book features a female lead who marries a grandson of the emperor and rises to become the crown princess.

47. 247 叹 Alas, the Present! 叹今朝！ A Wisp of Dandelion一缕蒲公英Ancient Romance414k WordsCompleted [Historical Fiction Only + No System or Golden Finger + Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Court Conflicts + Inspirational Strong Female Lead’s Growth] Key point: The heroine suffers terribly, and the story is very angsty. Read with caution! Mu Zhaozhao is the eldest daughter of the Chancellor’s household, but no one has cared about her since she was little. Her birth parents consider her a bringer of bad luck and leave her to fend for herself in the most remote courtyard of the residence. 452Reads—Score—Shelves
48. 248 蓄 Long-Planned: The Chief Councilor’s Daily Devotion to His Wife 蓄谋已久：首辅大人的宠妻日常 I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance566k WordsCompleted “The rating just came out, so it’ll go up later.” Sweet, delicate beauty × scheming powerful official. A marriage that turns into tooth-achingly sweet love! “The aloof beauty comes down from her pedestal of her own accord.” A spring palace painting leads to “bedroom lessons,” and the heart-fluttering moments just won’t stop! Reading guide: Both leads are virgins, happy ending, sweet romance with no angst, sugar from beginning to end! Qin Nuan married Shen Yanqing, the Chief Minister who was the 31.3kReads8.9Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    A pure ancient romance novel, sweet from beginning to end!

49. 249 人 When Life Is Going Your Way, Enjoy It to the Fullest 人生得意请尽欢 Loves Good Fortune爱吃福气Ancient Romance148k WordsCompleted This is a sweet romance with just a tiny bit of angst!!! No palace or household intrigue!! Su Jinhuan, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wenxin, excels at music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. As soon as she came of age, people started showing up every day to propose marriage. Then, out of nowhere, the emperor arranged for her to marry her childhood sweetheart! She never imagined that the childhood friend who had always treated her like a little sister had secretly loved her for years 171Reads6.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese romance, no time travel.

50. 250 快 Quick Transmigration: The Crown Prince Torments You Again 快穿之太子再虐你一遍 The Mysterious Me谜一样的我Modern Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Xianxia romance + play the pig to eat the tiger + quick transmigration + one-on-one devotion] The Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm was born a flirt, always chasing after women. In a fit of rage, the Heavenly Emperor banished him to the mortal realm, where he would undergo many lifetimes of reincarnation and suffer the pain of losing love and desire. The Left Star Diviner had this to say: “Writing the Crown Prince’s fate book... is hard!” The poor little Spirit Clerk was pushed forward as a sc 3kReads9.3Score294Shelves

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