Scheming Powerful Minister, Historical Romance 腹黑权臣，古言

1. 201 重 The Reborn Empress Looks Up, and the Entire Court Falls to Its Knees 重生女帝一抬眼，满朝大臣全跪了 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance441k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Strong heroine + Yandere + Both are virgins + Satisfying read + Obsessive to the core] Yan Qing was supposed to be a princess of the imperial clan, but she was born cursed as an ill-fated loner. Her father kept his distance, her mother loathed her, and her family and subjects all saw her as a venomous snake, avoiding her at all costs. In the prime of her life, she died because of her family’s schemes. Even the powerful young nobleman she had personally trained and nurtured betrayed her 2.7kReads9.2Score283Shelves

   Reader note

   The male lead is a powerful minister raised by the female lead. On the surface, he is gentle, polite, and a refined gentleman, but in reality, he is powerful, cunning, and manipulative in court politics. The female lead is a powerful and aloof princess. They are the most special people to each other, and in the end, the female lead becomes the empress.

2. 202 首 The Chief Minister's Beloved Concubine 首辅大人的宠妾 August Snow八月雪Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted Siyue, a servant in the Gu household, has raven-black hair and snow-white skin. She is as enchanting as a lotus fairy, and her only wish is to save enough money to leave the estate. What she doesn’t know is that Gu Rongheng, the eldest son of the Gu family, has long had his eye on her and already considers her his own. Gu Rongheng, the Grand Secretary, lays trap after trap, leaving her no chance to escape. A lowly maid can never escape a nobleman’s grasp. When Gu Heng becomes engaged, she is for 7kReads8.3Score505Shelves
3. 203 重 Reborn to Divorce Her Husband: A Farmhouse Wife Makes Money While Raising Her Kids 重生休夫：农门夫人带崽跑赚银两 Yan Qingzhao颜轻昭Ancient Romance807k WordsCompleted When Rong Qingyin was nine, her father brought home a boy, saying that when they grew up, he would marry into the Rong family and become her husband. The day he passed the provincial examinations, everyone in the village said Rong Qingyin would become the wife of an official, ride in a bridal sedan chair, have maids and servants at her beck and call, and live a comfortable life. Only later did they learn... That Rong Qingyin, whom everyone thought was blessed, had died of depression. Pei Lingjun 1.6kReads7.8Score122Shelves
4. 204 柳 Liu Jingyue 柳惊月 Nine Snowy Branches九枝雪Ancient Romance108k WordsCompleted [Ending] At first, he thought he had merely fallen in love with an assassin, and waited for the day they would meet again. Little did he know that the girl he was waiting for had already been sent by his own hand to marry for peace. He had taught her the difference between good and evil, and shown her compassion. Looking back, he could only think how hypocritical he had been. “I was a fool to think I could save you.” Now she had become a princess revered by all, while he was left consumed with r 87Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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   These two are a must-have in the "wife-chasing-after-the-cremation" scenario!

5. 205 新 Newlywed Unmasked: The Top Tycoon Disguised as a Crown Princess 新婚掉马：顶级大佬伪装太子妃 Three Claws三只爪Ancient Romance393k WordsCompleted [Marriage first, love later + equally matched powerhouses + disguises + slow burn + wits and courage + mutual healing + palace intrigue] Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind, his internal organs are failing, and he will not live to see winter. The princess sent to marry him is said to be a weakling who does nothing but cry. On their wedding night, assassins sneak in. The princess is so frightened that she drops her teacup, but a shard happens to slice an assassin’s throat. The Crow 2.1kReads—Score312Shelves

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   A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love, featuring two strong, slow-burning protagonists, a battle of wits and courage, and mutual redemption. Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind and his internal organs are failing, not surviving past winter; while the princess sent for a political marriage is a weak and useless woman who only knows how to cry. On their wedding night, an assassin sneaks in. The princess, terrified, smashes a teacup, a shard of which accidentally cuts the assassin's throat; the Crown Prince weakly shrinks into the bed, but a silver needle on his fingertip accidentally pierces the assassin's vital point. The entire court awaits the spectacle of this short-lived couple's downfall. Until one dark and stormy night, the world's greatest poison doctor, Yaksha, and the leader of the Assassin's Guild, Yama, fight fiercely for the divine elixir. As they tear off each other's masks, both fall silent. Chu Mochen approached, his voice low and deep: "My beloved consort, your night attire is far more beautiful than your phoenix coronet and wedding robes during the day." Yan Yunqi sneered, brandishing her poisoned needle: "Your Highness, even with your eyes still open and your temper flaring, you're still much more pleasing to the eye than during the day!" When a dramatic princess with a built-in armor that reflects physical attacks tenfold meets a powerful, sickly tycoon, the entire capital is left in tears!

6. 206 通 The Maid Ran Off with the Money, and the Cold-Blooded Powerful Minister Broke Off the Engagement and Came After Her 通房卷款跑路，冷戾权臣悔婚拿人 Mu Yihua Ting木易华庭Ancient Romance865k WordsCompleted [Cold and Devoted Hero + Clear-Headed, Independent Heroine] [Let the Story Set the Mood] [Sweet Romance] Su Qingqing transmigrates as a bedchamber maid, but when the eldest young master returns after four years away, her plan to keep out of each other’s way falls apart. The young master has become the chancellor, and she sees his ruthless, vicious, and merciless side. To save her own life, she fawns over him, hoping to survive until her one-year contract expires and she can leave the Pei residen 4.5kReads8.9Score657Shelves

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   😎This book is absolutely amazing! The aloof, cunning, and powerful male lead exudes an aura of absolute authority and possesses unparalleled strategic brilliance. 👑 The female lead is quirky and mischievous, yearning to escape and find freedom. The two engage in a battle of wits, a tumultuous and flirtatious relationship, and sparks fly between them. 🔥 A fusion of political intrigue and romance, the plot is full of twists and turns—once you're hooked, you won't be able to put it down!

7. 207 大 Great Ming: I Told You to Hang Yourself, Not Become a Tyrant 大明：让你上吊，没让你当暴君 Red Leaves Cover the Mountains漫山红遍Historical2.1M WordsCompleted [Political intrigue + scheming protagonist + satisfying read + no System + one heroine] Transmigrated into the body of the Chongzhen Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, with less than half a year until the Jiashen Incident. Huang Taiji is about to take a detour through Mongolia, breach the Great Wall, and threaten the capital! What? You say the treasury is empty and we can't fight back? Don't panic. Let me kill a few ministers first and scrape together some money! What? You say Li Zicheng has rebelled 650Reads7.0Score100Shelves

   Reader note

   You definitely won't regret reading this novel! It's full of plot points and exciting moments, and the protagonist is intelligent. It's my favorite, absolutely amazing!!

8. 208 入 I Entered the Palace to Help My Sister Keep the Emperor’s Favor, but Became His Cherished Favorite 入宫替嫡姐固宠，却成皇上掌心宠 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she entered the palace and devoted herself to helping her legitimate elder sister keep the emperor’s favor. In the end, she died without a body to bury, abandoned by her family. Returning to the year of the imperial selection, Luo Shuran calculates her every move. Her breathtaking beauty is her only weapon. She sheds her youthful timidity and blossoms into a woman of captivating charm. One fleeting glimpse, like a fairy fallen from the heavens, catches the emperor’s eye. 6.1kReads9.3Score859Shelves

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   I think the content is quite rich, and the female lead is capable of self-protection; she's not the naive, innocent type who relies on the male lead for everything. She has her own opinions and abilities. She uses her own skills and methods to get what she wants, and she's ruthless towards her enemies.

9. 209 重 Reborn as a Substitute Bride, the Prince Dotes on Me Without Restraint 重生替嫁，王爷他娇宠无度 A Lampwick Wrapped in Fog雾裹灯芯Ancient Romance148k WordsCompleted She was sent as a substitute bride to a man rumored to bring death to his wives and leave no heirs. The entire capital wagered she wouldn’t survive her wedding night. But with memories of her past life, Su Wanning helped Gu Yanci avoid traps, root out spies, and defeat political rivals, transforming from a discarded daughter forced into marriage into the sole mistress of the Prince Regent’s household. He held power over the court, never took another concubine, and devoted himself to her alone. O —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Highly recommended! A historical romance about a cunning and powerful prince. The woman, rumored to be a cursed bride who brings misfortune to her husband and children, is wagered by the entire capital that she won't survive her wedding night. However, Su Wanning, relying on her memories from her past life, helps Gu Yanci avoid traps, eliminate traitors, and fight political enemies, transforming from a substitute bride into the sole mistress of the Regent's mansion. He wields immense power, never taking a concubine, and dotes solely on her. Only on the day of the palace coup does she realize that he has waited a lifetime for this reunion.

10. 210 怯 Fearing Spring's Return: Half Longing for Parting, Half Longing for You 怯春归：半缘离思，半缘君 A Dream Drunk on This Fleeting Life一梦醉浮生Ancient Romance219k WordsCompleted [Wild, Carefree Fake Playboy VS Clear-Headed Heiress] After dying, modern-day surgeon Su Qiao transmigrated and was accidentally caught up in an assassination plot targeting the Crown Prince. Thus began her arduous escape and fight for survival as a bride forced into an arranged marriage. Ji Minghan retrieved the fake bride from prison after her escape attempt failed and she nearly fell into the hands of human traffickers. She was supposed to be a pawn kept by his side, but somehow she became hi 35Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Ancient Chinese Romance: Power Struggles and Pampered Wife (Add to Bookshelf)

11. 211 开 From the Start, It's a Crematorium! The Divine Doctor Princess Flees in a Hurry 开局火葬场！神医王妃跑路忙 Chubby Little Flower胖小花Ancient Romance867k WordsCompleted A dramatic psychiatrist princess’s survival guide: the wicked prince’s desperate pursuit as he tries to win her back at all costs Transmigration is a skill, and Jing Zhiyue’s is as bad as it gets. She transmigrates into the body of a good-for-nothing who can’t lift a finger, then is forced to marry the infamous Prince of Huainan, who may be a lunatic. From then on, she has just one goal: survive, then get out as fast as she can! On her first escape attempt, the firewood cart she hides in is chop 768Reads9.2Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this historical romance novel! The male lead is a cunning prince who hides his true abilities, while the female lead transmigrates with a spatial ability. It's a story of power struggles, palace intrigue, and domestic drama, where the characters support each other. Besides the sweet romance, it also features a strong sense of national pride and love for family and country. The author's skill is truly remarkable!

12. 212 小 The Young Lady Has Too Many Admirers, and Her Imperial Tutor Turns Dark 小姑娘桃花太多，帝师大人黑化了 Zhou Guihua周桂花Ancient Romance449k WordsCompleted [Master and disciple + princess x half-raising x doting, fatherly boyfriend x scheming x age gap x mutually devoted] [One-line synopsis: The aloof beauty atop the peak is brought down from her pedestal by a clever, beautiful princess] One day, after learning the secret of the White Crane Gu, Ling Xiao worked up the courage to ask Li Changfeng, “What if none of my three royal consorts are willing to divorce me?” Li Changfeng lowered his eyes and smiled faintly, though his gaze was filled with a c 487Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is a Grand Tutor, initially just seen as a learned man, but the female lead gradually discovers he's more than that. Watching the later episodes... Hahaha! Master-disciple + age gap + cunning + both are virgins! [Admiration]

13. 213 被 Forced to Become a Lucky Bride, I Became the Tyrannical Prince’s Darling 被迫冲喜后，成了暴戾王爷掌中娇 The Moon Behind Spring Mountains春山负月Ancient Romance803k WordsCompleted [Mad Dog Prince x Sweet Beauty, married first and fell in love later + doting husband + both are pure + face-slapping power fantasy] Shen Youying's father and brothers are falsely accused of treason. The Shen family falls into ruin overnight, and everyone keeps their distance. Even the Lu family, who had arranged a marriage with her long ago, can't wait to break off the engagement. On the day the betrothal gifts are to be exchanged, her fiance doesn't show up. Instead, a eunuch from the palace a 4.7kReads9.0Score656Shelves

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    The male lead is incredibly cunning, and the female lead is also very intelligent. They're a perfect match—married first, then fall in love! But the male lead has a tough time [crying]. He only brightened up a bit after the female lead came into his life, and later they even had a child.

14. 214 权 The Powerful Minister Pursues His Wife: He Says He'd Even Accept Being Her Lover! 权臣追妻，他说外室他也愿意！ I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance339k WordsCompleted The rating has just come in, so it’ll go up later~ The male lead starts out on top, then turns into a devoted lapdog later. There’s a little political scheming and domestic drama. The satisfying face-slapping comes later. This isn’t a strong-female-lead story either, so don’t read it if that’s not your thing. "Beautiful, fair-skinned, voluptuous, innocent heroine vs. a man who doesn’t realize he’s in love until he’s on his knees pursuing his wife" "Powerful minister pursues his wife ➕ both leads 2.3kReads8.1Score217Shelves

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    On her wedding day, she was left alone in her room. Two years later, they were like strangers. Her mother-in-law even tried to replace her with her cousin. She had enough of the loveless marriage in the general's mansion and was determined to return to Jiangnan to find her family. However, her usually indifferent and powerful husband suddenly started a crazy pursuit of her. He not only publicly rejected his mother-in-law's unreasonable demands, but also personally escorted her back to her hometown. He protected her all the way and showered her with sweetness and affection. It was so satisfying!

15. 215 逃 Flowers Bloom in Taoli 逃里花开 Bamboo Window, Falling Lantern Blossoms竹窗落灯花Ancient Romance215k WordsOngoing A young woman ventures out into the world, with sunshine all the way and flowers blooming in her wake. She meets Jiangnan’s top gang and gets caught up in their schemes. Staying alive is what matters most. She crosses paths with a high-ranking court official again and again, only to discover that even a forced match can turn out sweet~~ 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Come on, don't let the title fool you! The female lead is incredibly intelligent. From a country girl to the leader of an assassin camp, she encounters some great men along the way. One is a celibate, married, virgin leader, while the other is a crazy, unhappy-childish vice minister. Various female supporting characters are also scheming and have their own agendas.

16. 216 报 Report to the Prince Regent: The Boss Specializes in Treating Infertility 报告摄政王：大佬她专治不孕不育 Cloud Brocade Magpie云锦鹊Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The heir to the Xuanling family unexpectedly becomes the most beloved legitimate daughter of the Chancellor’s household from a thousand years ago. Mu Youyue has mastered the art of Xuanling to perfection. She can command ghosts, revive the dead, and restore flesh to bones. She clearly has the pampered, laid-back life of a beloved darling all laid out, yet people keep showing up to get themselves killed. Very well, with time on her hands, she might as well... Sharpen her blade with one hand and c 6.3kReads9.4Score917Shelves

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    The first book is super good, the interactions between the male and female leads are sweet and funny, you punish the scumbags while I sharpen my blade, and the world will be in my hands. The second book is highly recommended. At first glance, the male and female leads are both thinking about how to kill each other. At second glance, they are struggling to keep up with each other. At third glance, something seems off, and they both have feelings for each other. They are still sharp-tongued. The third book is about how the past life was like a prison, a hellish cage. In this life, you extended my life and I was reborn to accompany you and witness the vicissitudes of life.

17. 217 一 Only You, This Lifetime 一世唯尔 The Thick-Skinned Cat厚黑的猫Ancient Romance183k WordsCompleted Everyone in the capital knew that the Fang family had a son named Fang Younian. He was rich and handsome, and the young ladies of the capital were practically breaking down the Fang family’s door to marry him. But him? He loved only a little swindler from Hat Alley. “Diao Yiyi, you’re the only one for me, Fang Younian. I’ll marry no one but you.” He was the emperor’s eldest son, born to a lowly palace maid who used to wash feet. As a result, he could only watch helplessly as his younger brother 1Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 218 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 19.5kReads9.4Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    A cunning and powerful minister [Attention][Attention][Attention][Attention]

19. 219 佞 The Treacherous Minister’s Cherished Wife, Chosen by Fate 佞臣权宠天命贵妻 Meow-Flavored Toffee喵味太妃糖Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Cang Xuan, Grand Secretary of the Great Chu, is an unquestionable villain in the eyes of the world. Rumor has it that he has slaughtered countless people and used divination to beguile the sage ruler. Everyone wishes they could get rid of him as soon as possible. But one day, people discover a little shadow that follows him everywhere. Su Yuanyuan, the dimwitted young lady of the Duke of Yong's household, has actually latched onto him! She follows him out drinking, follows him to court, and even 1kReads9.0Score130Shelves
20. 220 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 21.7kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves
21. 221 司 The Retired Life of a Female Court Archivist 司籍女官的退休日常 Jing Ban静半Ancient Romance561k WordsCompleted [Fictional setting, not a transmigration or rebirth story + household intrigue + lady of the house] [Early story: self-reliant junior female official x by-the-book prefect] [Later story: perceptive and sensible lady of the house x scheming grand secretary] Wu Xi has spent thirteen years in the palace, struggling her way up, cautious and restrained, dodging countless hidden attacks. At last, she earns the position of sixth-rank female official in charge of the palace library. But then the former 1.1kReads8.6Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel features a cunning and powerful male protagonist, and a female protagonist who is an older palace official who leaves the palace to marry. I especially loved the part where the male and female protagonists led their people to escape famine; it was very well written, vividly portraying the desolation and despair of the lower classes. Then, the male and female protagonists painstakingly helped the new emperor ascend the throne. Does anyone understand? It's really good!!! [Sending hearts][Sending hearts][Sending hearts]

22. 222 赐 After the Imperial Betrothal, the Princess Consort Just Wants the Prince to Keep Her Alive 赐婚后，王妃只想靠王爷续命 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance411k WordsCompleted A historical romance: marriage first, love later. Both leads are intelligent, articulate, and quick-witted. No angst, no silly characters, and sweet moments throughout. Originally titled Who Dares to Define Romance. Everyone in the capital regards Prince Yong as untouchable. Gu Qing is the only exception. Desperate for a life-saving medicine, she takes advantage of the emperor’s arranged marriage and weds Prince Yong, unaware that he is also gravely ill with a deadly poison. She is calm and rati 6kReads9.4Score746Shelves
23. 223 承 Chengning 承宁 A Little Stick Named Yi一支木小易Ancient Romance445k WordsCompleted [Historical romance / Love at first sight / Mutual devotion / Healing each other / A touch of court intrigue] Ning Chuchu: They all say I look like my elder sister, the Empress, but I have no desire to enter the palace. Above the clouds, untouched by the mundane world, with spirit in his eyes and beyond anyone’s reach: that is the kind of young man I like. One glance was all it took for me to fall. I’m rebellious to the core. I only pretend to be a delicate young lady so I can get close to him w 45Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is the Crown Prince's tutor, and he goes to great lengths to get close to the female lead.

24. 224 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 257.8kReads9.7Score30.2kShelves
25. 225 穿 I Became a Widow's Sister-in-Law, and My Doting Chancellor Has Two Faces 穿成寡嫂，娇养的丞相有两副面孔 You Haha'er游哈哈儿Ancient Romance534k WordsCompleted Shu Wei, a food blogger, falls asleep in the bath and somehow transmigrates to an unknown dynasty. Her original body’s husband died just after they married, leaving her with three little burdens to raise. She is now a widowed sister-in-law. Shu Wei arrives just as her original body, unable to bear the burden of caring for the three children, is preparing to run away with her husband’s family fortune. Raised with good values, Shu Wei knows she could never do such a thing. Looking at the children, 1.1kReads8.8Score117Shelves

    Reader note

    Always cunning

26. 226 重 Reborn, I Left the Heartless Emperor Behind 重生后我甩开无情帝王 Two, Three, Not Seven二三不得七Ancient Romance102k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + face-slapping + punishing scoundrels + revenge + happy ending] Yun Wanyan is a noble consort, but to the foolish Emperor Song, she is merely a pawn to be given away at will for the sake of power. After being hurt time and again, Yun Wanyan finally dies after being humiliated and toyed with by a group of people. Reborn, Yun Wanyan decides to live differently. The emperor once again orders her to seduce Pei Linyuan, the man who truly holds power. Yun Wanyan readily agrees, becau 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The story revolves around a man wielding imperial power to restrain a corrupt emperor, posing as the "Nine Thousand Years Old" (whose true identity is a prince who died young). The female lead intends to use the male lead to help her deal with the emperor, and so the story unfolds, with temptations, interests, conspiracies, and schemes all intertwined. I recommend it.

27. 227 家 The Lucky Little Wife Who Brings Prosperity to Her Husband 家有旺夫小福妻 Aow Big Meow嗷大喵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted On the day Cheng Wulang of the Cheng family in Jiqing Village, Bali Town, married a bride to bring him good luck, the bride was switched for a little girl who hadn’t even grown up yet. The entire village waited to laugh at them. But after the little girl joined the family, the Chengs’ lives changed beyond recognition. The sickly husband she married later became the chief minister. The close friends she picked up along the way turned out to be princesses and commandery princesses. Even the nephew 10.1kReads9.4Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The "Less is More" series: 1️⃣, 2️⃣ (slightly angsty parts), 3️⃣, 4️⃣ (novel themes, different styles, but all enjoyable; definitely adding to your bookshelf!)

28. 228 相 Husband, Spare Me Your Blade 相公，刀下留我 Many Blessings福多多Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Ye Qingcheng transmigrated, and couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Later, she realized that someone had been setting her up all along. Qin Shao was reborn, with every detail of his past life still vivid in his mind. If he let a woman set him up again in this life, he might as well give up on life. “My lord, what will it take for you to let me go?” the alluring woman asked with a charming smile. “If you die, I'll be done for.” “Come on, you've loved me so much you want to kill me. 10Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Take a look at these... ① Novels that are strategic, tactful, and don't treat others like fools. ❷ Reading this book made me feel very at ease.

29. 229 黑 After the Black-Hearted Empress Dies, the Mad Powerful Minister Goes on a Rampage 黑心肝女帝死后，疯批权臣杀疯了 An Muxi安穆希Ancient Romance384k WordsCompleted [A frail, beautiful, tragic princess who loves putting on an act x a seemingly cold, actually ruthless and unhinged powerful official] [Both are reborn; mutual salvation; the aloof, untouchable beauty descends from the altar and goes mad with love] Chu Yan was once the Fifth Princess, abused and tormented in the Cold Palace. To get what she wanted, she could bend or stretch, and would resort to any means necessary. At first, just to stay alive, she risked everything to seduce a powerful official 46Reads8.4Score—Shelves
30. 230 母 Becoming Empress of the Realm by Pretending to Be the Chancellor's Widowed Sister-in-Law 母仪天下，从冒充丞相寡嫂开始 Luo Chunshui洛春水Ancient Romance630k WordsCompleted [Revenge + Face-Slapping the Scum + Lighthearted + Sweet Romance] When you’re out in the world, you can choose your own identity. To infiltrate high society and avenge the massacre of her sister’s family, Feng Qingsui decides to pose as the distant cousin of a prestigious household. But just as she’s about to seek their help, the household she picked is raided by the Imperial Guards. She tries another family. Raided. Then another. Raided again. At her wit’s end, she knocks on the door of the “Pr 24kReads9.4Score4kShelves

    Reader note

    9.4 Points ✨ Revenge + Scumbag Slapping. To get revenge, the female lead impersonates the Prime Minister's widowed sister-in-law, saying, "I am General Ji's widow." The male lead, who has played two roles since childhood, being both the Prime Minister's younger brother and the General's older brother: Huh? I have a wife, how come I didn't know? The plot is very concise, without any filler, and the killings are super fast.

31. 231 病 The Sickly Crown Prince's Darling 病娇太子的掌中欢 Commander Fu傅司令Ancient Romance681k WordsCompleted Shen Qinghuan is a famously delicate beauty. She can't stand the cold or heat, wind or rain. She gasps for breath every few steps and coughs every few more. Her mother died young, her father disdains her, and after her fiancé breaks off their engagement, no one is willing to marry her. Then The Crown Prince, Fu Yunzhou, takes this fragile flower into the Eastern Palace. * Rumor has it that Crown Prince Fu Yunzhou is violent, avoids women, and loves nothing more than killing. When Shen Qinghuan m 9.5kReads9.0Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is a notorious traitor in an alternate history, while the female lead is merely a whetstone on his path to success. She's obsessed with escaping and cuckolding him, and nearly dies as soon as she arrives in this world. She struggles to survive while also trying to avoid being implicated in the male lead's rebellion. Being an official's wife isn't easy!

32. 232 嫡 A Stunning Legitimate Daughter! Bewitching the World! Marrying the Ascetic Power Broker 嫡女绝色！魅惑天下！嫁禁欲权臣 Bamboo Breeze, Orchid Dreams竹风兰梦Ancient Romance897k WordsOngoing [Reborn + hidden realm + punishing scoundrels + revenge + both leads are each other’s first and only + devotion] In her previous life, she was the legitimate daughter of a first-rank Grand Secretary in the Inner Cabinet. She gave her heart to the wrong man and was repaid with a disfigured face, endless humiliation, broken legs, and the horrific slaughter of her entire family. Reborn, she now holds the hidden realm in her hands. Those who wronged her will pay their blood debts in full. She’ll fig 3Reads—Score—Shelves
33. 233 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    No filler content at all! Every chapter has a compelling plot, with tightly woven power struggles and emotional storylines that are both engaging and captivating. There's not a single wasted word, making for a truly immersive reading experience!

34. 234 农 The Cool-Hearted Country Girl Marries a Scumbag's Eldest Son and Seizes Imperial Power! 农门冷娇娘，嫁渣男长子夺皇权！ Bamboo Breeze, Orchid Dreams竹风兰梦Ancient Romance370k WordsOngoing [Transmigration and rebirth + farming life + physician heroine + sweet and satisfying + getting rich + punishing villains and taking revenge + medical System] In her first two lives, she was only the illegitimate daughter of a renowned family of traditional Chinese medicine. After being betrayed by her family, she died tragically at the hands of her own relatives. After transmigrating to the Xuan Kong Continent, she once again served her family, throwing her support behind the crown prince and h 1Reads—Score—Shelves
35. 235 演 I Played the Emperor My Whole Life, and After Being Reborn, He Still Wants the Crown Prince 演了皇上一辈子，重生他还要太子 One Little Sweet Fish一口小甜鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Original title: Only After His Death Did He Learn That the Empress Did Not Want to Be Buried With Him [The heroine transmigrates, the hero is reborn] As he lay dying, Emperor Tianhe looked back on his eventful life. He had risen from humble beginnings to become the founding emperor, and the world praised his achievements. In his fading consciousness, he saw his virtuous empress, his beautiful consorts, and his weeping children. He felt that his life had been complete. But after he died, his soul 31.7kReads8.9Score2.3kShelves

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    [Male protagonist reborn, female protagonist transmigrates] After his rebirth, Li Yuan wanted nothing more to do with the hypocritical Shen Zhishuang. Yet, his most successful children were born to her. Helpless, he could only continue his entanglement with this deceitful woman. He never imagined that one day he would be so deeply entangled in her false affections, leading to his utter ruin…

36. 236 别 Don't Provoke the Hot-Tempered Eldest Princess: She's a Walking Disaster from the Mystic Arts World 别惹暴躁长公主，她是玄门泥石流 The First Cup of Tea第一盏茶Ancient Romance253k WordsCompleted [Occult chaos + System + soul transmigration + spirit beasts + adorable child + strong heroine, satisfying wish fulfillment] [Fox-like princess + tiger-like general + wolf-like emperor + two male leads] Jiang Leyou, an eccentric immortal maiden from Jiuding Tiesha Mountain, has finally been kicked off the mountain!! Cursing under her breath, she plans to set up a stall and swindle a little money, but unexpectedly transmigrates into a 9D murder-mystery role-playing game. System: Welcome to “Who —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This one! Seriously! The original Marquis was a cunning and powerful minister! The male lead!! But then, he was ruthlessly slaughtered by the female lead, his status completely ruined. When she loved him, he didn't; when he loved her, she loved someone else. Tsk tsk.

37. 237 穿 After I Transmigrated into a Book, the Powerful Minister Begged for My Affection Every Day 穿书后，权臣大人日日求宠 Su Yuan苏源Ancient Romance222k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a Book + Alternate World + Sweet Romance + Yandere + Both Leads Are Each Other’s Only One] [A sweet little romance with little political intrigue. The heroine isn’t a powerful, assertive type. Neither lead has been with anyone else in either their past or present lives, and the hero only loves the heroine.] A lively, spirited little drama queen with catlike charm × a clingy, green-tea husband who pretends to be sweet and obedient, with foxlike charm At first, Luo Qingqing only 2.9kReads9.2Score370Shelves

    Reader note

    A perfect story! 🌺🌺 The female lead made a few comments while reading a book, and was then bound to a system, becoming an 18th-tier female supporting character. Though only briefly mentioned, she is the person the male lead hates. The female lead felt relieved upon transmigrating, thankfully she hadn't made a terrible mistake yet.

38. 238 女 I Disguised Myself as a Man, but the Powerful Lord Chose Me as His Male Consort 女扮男装被千岁爷相中了，要立我为男妃 Er Qian二浅Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The first time Yun Mo saw Jin Cang, he was killing someone! The second time she saw him, he was still killing someone! The third time she saw him, he... wanted to kill her! Yun Mo: “Prince Regent, don't be difficult. You can offer yourself to me, and I'll accept, all right?” The Thousand-Year Lord, his robes half undone, reclined against the couch and looked at Yun Mo. “Curious?” Yun Mo: “Yes, my lord!” 7.6kReads8.9Score321Shelves

    Reader note

    🪸🪸🪸The male lead is the ruthless and powerful Jin Cang, while the female lead is named Yun Mo, who was raised as a boy from childhood and became a spoiled brat in the capital. When Jin Cang was selecting a consort (a male consort), he chose the fourth young master of the Yun family, but unfortunately, he was rejected. The Yun family then sent Yun Mo to the Jin Cang's residence. From then on, Yun Mo, disguised as a man, and the ruthless Jin Cang crossed paths, and their budding romance began.

39. 239 妻 My Wife’s Crimes Are Heinous, and She Shows No Remorse 妻主罪恶滔天，死不悔改 Lucky Blue-and-White Porcelain幸运的青花瓷Ancient Romance597k WordsCompleted [Female-dominant world / strong heroine / a rotten woman reborn and remorseful / heroine stays wicked from beginning to end / devoted to her husband / not a brainless power fantasy / System / one-on-one romance / after the heroine is reborn, she has no other men; decide for yourselves whether the leads are virgins, I’m done labeling it / the male and female leads’ bodies are not swapped] Jiang Tang admits she has never been a good person. She’ll do anything to get what she wants, and beneath her 8.1kReads9.0Score664Shelves

    Reader note

    💗I was initially put off by the title several times, but after just one chapter, I couldn't stop reading. I was feeling a bit down due to work stress, but this book had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt. 🌸

40. 240 穿 After Transmigrating into a Book, I Became Everyone's Darling: The Obsessive Power Minister Is Too Clingy 穿书后成了团宠：偏执权臣太粘人 Autumn Bamboo Sleeps Soundly秋竹眠眠Ancient Romance310k WordsOngoing [Beloved by Everyone + Transmigrate into a Book + Growth + Redemption + Ensemble Cast + Secretly a Powerful Female Lead] After the despised, troublesome little mute dies a tragic, unexpected death, she is bound to a System and transmigrates into the book as Shen Yanran, the girl everyone dotes on. The little mute had never dared hope that anyone would love her. But in this life, her cold, unfeeling father is willing to slow down his revenge just for her, so he can protect her and give her a peac 1Reads—Score—Shelves
41. 241 我 I Find the Top Scholar So Charming 我见探花多娇媚 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Jing Bao has three wishes: First, protect the family estate of the main branch; second, enter the Imperial College, place third in the palace examinations, and bring honor to the family; third, keep living as a man in disguise until the end. Lord Gu has three wishes too: First, help someone protect their family estate; second, help that someone place third in the palace examinations; third, bring the disguised top scorer home and make her the mistress of the household. 4.1kReads9.4Score756Shelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist is reborn, and the female protagonist disguises herself as a man; then they fall in love. [Making a face][Making a face] I think the author is keen on writing it as a BL (Boys' Love) story. It's a very good book. It's intelligent, strategic, and full of witty moments. [Smirking][Smirking]

42. 242 心 The Cunning Beauty Is Sweet and Charming: One Flirt at the Powerful Minister, and He Melts 心机美人甜且娇，错撩权臣软了腰 Spinning Puppy旋转小狗Ancient Romance296k WordsOngoing Yun Qingwan was forced to become the wife of the second young master of the Yongning Marquis Household. She knew he was short-lived, but she hadn’t expected him to die so soon. He actually died on their wedding night! What’s more, the Yongning Marquis Household discovered that they had switched brides. The marquis’s wife was furious and wanted the heroine buried with her son. But she wasn’t ready to die yet. With no other choice, she secretly set out to seduce the eldest young master of the Yong 1Reads—Score—Shelves
43. 243 桃 Peach Blossoms Topple the River and Mountains 桃花折江山 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance712k WordsCompleted The TV drama Peach Blossoms Reflecting on the Mountains and Rivers, starring Liu Xueyi and Meng Ziyi. Zhao has a beauty named Taohua. Her fate is full of hardship, and she is married off to Wei far away. All she wants is to stay alive and climb her way up. Wei has a handsome chancellor who is ruthless and sharp-tongued, sweet on the surface but treacherous within. He cares nothing for anyone's life, so long as he gets what he wants. Taohua thinks everyone loves beautiful things. Surely he can't 395Reads9.0Score114Shelves

    Reader note

    Shen the Poisonous Snake, the Eternal God

44. 244 不 No More Slacking: The Prince’s Favorite Concubine’s Daily Grind 不当咸鱼，王府宠妾的内卷日常 Four Crescent Moons四弯月Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + cutthroat household competition + no slacking off + ambitious heroine] Shen Wei, a die-hard rat-race fanatic, transmigrated into the lowest-ranking maid in a prince’s manor. Prince Yan held a position of great prestige, but all his wives and concubines had given up trying. The princess consort, born to a prestigious family, was as aloof as a chrysanthemum. The secondary consort wanted lifelong monogamy. The reborn woman had lost all hope in Prince Yan and was content to lie fla 68.4kReads9.4Score8.7kShelves

    Reader note

    [Ancient Romance + Scroll King] 🍉Family, this book is absolutely amazing! 🍉Transmigrating to ancient times, the entire royal palace is full of lazy women. 🌽Watch as a modern-day scroll king becomes a favored concubine in ancient times.

45. 245 腹 The Scheming Powerful Official Is a Jealous Man 腹黑权臣是个醋精 Full of Good Fortune福气满满的Ancient Romance231k WordsCompleted [Not a strong heroine; the heroine is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful] Lu Yiyi was an orphan who died from staying up too late while livestreaming, then transmigrated to the Great Xia Kingdom. She became a stunning young woman who had been sold to a brothel by her uncle’s family. Fortunately, she bonded with an “Emotional System,” stood out at the brothel, and became its star courtesan, who performed but never sold her body. Later, her general older brother returned, and she became the daughter 3Reads—Score—Shelves
46. 246 榜 Catch a Husband at the Results Board, and My Scheming Groom Is Irresistible 榜下捉婿，腹黑夫君太撩人 Optimistic Sunflower乐天派向日葵Ancient Romance347k WordsCompleted [Clear-eyed, wealthy beauty VS scheming, devoted top scholar] [Marriage First, Love Later; Sweet Romance] Zhao Wanqing, the legitimate daughter of Prince An of the Great Yue Dynasty, was frail as a child. At the abbot’s guidance at Xiangguo Temple, she learned that she needed to marry someone whose Four Pillars of Destiny were purely yang. Prince An loved his daughter dearly. He followed every lead until he found her destined match, then shamelessly begged the emperor to arrange the marriage, fi 6.5kReads9.1Score822Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book! The male lead is cunning and has been eyeing the female lead since childhood, proposing marriage at the drop of a hat. The female lead is worldly-wise and their relationship develops from marriage of convenience to love. It's sweet from beginning to end, with no scumbags or angst—a great read.

47. 247 她 After She Ran Away from Her Wedding, the Imperial Preceptor Lost His Way 她逃婚后，国师大人道心乱了 Young Master Yue, That's Me是岳公子呀Ancient Romance203k WordsCompleted The Way of Heaven says: Those consumed by love and desire cannot see the Way. They are like someone carrying a torch against the wind, bound to burn their hand. Legend has it that the Great Yong Dynasty possessed two national treasures. One was the original copy of The Back-Pushing Chart, which everyone had heard of but no one had ever seen. The other was Lord Ruiyun, the Imperial Preceptor, who bore the fate of the entire nation on his own shoulders. By a twist of fate, Ruiyun rescued Su Yunluo 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's great! The male lead is full of scheming, but the female lead is very obedient.

48. 248 长 The Grand Princess Encouraged Her Treacherous Husband to Rebel After Their Marriage 长公主嫁给奸臣后鼓动他造反了 Mo Ning漠宁Ancient Romance597k WordsCompleted (A story about a scheming beauty bringing an aloof, untouchable man down from his pedestal.) Mad dog + marriage first, love later + later, an obsessive abduction and a desperate pursuit of his wife + both leads have only ever been with each other + lovers who are also enemies She transmigrates into a book as the most esteemed Princess Jinling of the Southern Dynasty, only to nearly be killed by her husband with a sword on their wedding night. To stay alive, she pretends to humor him, asks for a 4.3kReads8.9Score302Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books are incredibly good!

49. 249 半 Pine Breeze on the Ridge, Moonlight on the Mountain 半岭松风半山月 Fish Beneath the Ice冰底鱼Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Alternate History + Political Intrigue + Martial Arts + Two Strong Leads + Happy Ending + Mutual Devotion and Healing + No Brain-Dead Plotting + No Rebirth, Transmigration, or System] Lin Kuo, son of Duke Zhongsu of the Southern Zhou, suffers a family catastrophe in his youth and is shunned and isolated by the powerful aristocratic clans. He struggles through a difficult upbringing, carrying on the legacy of his father and elder brother as he carefully advances, bides his time, and plots to ref 73Reads7.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is a cunning and powerful minister, while the female lead is clear-headed, independent, and intelligent. A powerful couple in a historical romance, focusing on growth and development. The plot is full of twists and turns, intricately linked, and fresh and unconventional. Highly recommended!

50. 250 掌 Paulownia in the Palm 掌中疏桐 Xin Moran心陌然Ancient Romance900k WordsOngoing The main story is complete. Originally titled A Paulownia in the Palm, the first chapters are free, but the price will go up later! [Mutual Devotion] [Fictional Setting] [Forced Possession] [Beautiful Wife] [Powerful Minister] [Adorable Baby] [Pregnant and on the Run] [Ancient-Era Court Intrigue] [Secret Marriage] Luo Shutong, the most proper young noblewoman in the capital, woke one morning to find Ye Chuan, the all-powerful chief minister, lying beside her. Trembling, she pulled out all the mo 10.6kReads8.0Score495Shelves

    Reader note

    Initially, the female lead is obedient while the male lead is cold, cunning, sharp-tongued, and a powerful minister. The female lead is engaged to the male lead and becomes pregnant and gives birth to his child.

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