Underrated Historical Romance with Excellent Writing: No Transmigration, No Cheats, No Brain-Dead Characters 冷门且文笔巨好的古言，不穿越，不外挂，不无脑

1. 101 妹 My Sister Stole My Identity, Not Knowing She Was Marrying the General Who Died in Battle in My Place 妹妹抢我身份，却不知是替我嫁给战死的将军 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance12k WordsCompleted My younger sister stole my identity, never knowing she was taking my place in marrying a general who would die in battle. 1.1kReads—Score—Shelves
2. 102 高 Cool Immortal Lord, Stop Touching My Dragon Tail 高冷仙君，不要随便摸我的龙尾巴 Ninefold Thousand Towers九方千阙Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted [Pretty, timid little sweetheart who tempts without realizing it x Dark, controlling man who loves without realizing it; win-her-back groveling; 1v1; both are each other's one and only] There's a legend in the Scarlet Demon Abyss: if a little girl doesn't study hard, she'll be thrown out and made to marry the terrifying Mu Yunji. Dao Lord Mu Yunji is the ruler of the world. He's sharp-tongued, cold-hearted, and ruthless, but as handsome as a jade tree, and clearly built for fathering lots of chi 3.5kReads9.1Score367Shelves
3. 103 杏 Apricot Blossoms Fill the Air, I'll Snap That Scumbag's Neck 杏花吹满头，扭断渣男头 The Round-Headed, Round-Brained, Round-Bellied Tangerine圆头圆脑圆肚皮的橘子Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [There is a male lead!!!] [Currently being published. Mild horror and suspense. I didn’t add those tags because I don’t think the story is scary or suspenseful enough, but readers say it’s pretty frightening. Consider this a heads-up.] Ren Xin has been married into the General’s residence for two years. She manages the household, respects her in-laws, and treats the servants with consideration. No one can find fault with her. Guan Shanyue returns from the battlefield one day with a pregnant wom 23.3kReads9.2Score3.4kShelves

   Reader note

   A well-written book with smooth and concise prose; I recommend it to you, fellow book lovers.

4. 104 惑 Ensnaring the Eastern Palace: Tying the Mad Crown Prince to My Skirts 惑东宫，把疯批太子拴在裙带上 Ninefold Thousand Towers九方千阙Ancient Romance476k WordsCompleted Originally titled Eastern Palace Erotic Picture. A madman and a madwoman, both clear-eyed about the world. [A delicate beauty with a ruthless streak × a deranged crown prince who takes what he wants, 1v1, both leads pure and Alpha] From the age of fourteen, when Ruan Qing arrived in the capital, she was hailed as the most beautiful woman in the city. Three years later, the unruly Sixth Prince had become the Crown Prince, while Ruan Qing had become a widow burdened with a monument to her chastity 33kReads9.3Score4.8kShelves
5. 105 替 A Substitute Bride to the Eastern Palace: The Husband I Picked Up Is the Crown Prince 替嫁东宫：捡来的夫郎是太子 Guan Guan's Short Stories关关的短篇Ancient Romance203k WordsOngoing In the second year of Taiqing, Shen Qingci, the legitimate daughter of a marquis's household, takes her younger sister's place in marriage. Her husband is a wounded soldier of unknown origin. She has no idea that the man she took in is the last surviving heir of Crown Prince Zhaoming, hunted for years. Marquis Jing's forces lay siege to Taicheng. She grabs a chest and rushes to save people; he takes up his blade to defend the city. In troubled times, no one can survive alone. She keeps him alive 10Reads—Score—Shelves
6. 106 朝 Day After Day, Endless and Long 朝朝漫漫 Young Master Little White Rabbit小白兔公子Ancient Romance335k WordsCompleted Moonlight spilled across the ground, cool and pale. Lotus flowers stood tall in a tranquil pond. A gauzy veil concealed her face as she danced with graceful poise, every smile and frown captivating. People said Gu Yanchu, the powerful grand secretary, was the emperor’s illegitimate son, abandoned among the common people. Otherwise, how could he have joined the Grand Secretariat at such a young age? It was a pity that such an elegant, handsome gentleman had married a fierce and domineering young 5.2kReads9.1Score440Shelves

   Reader note

   Her face was veiled by a light veil, her dance was graceful and charming, every smile and frown was captivating. [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration] People say that Gu Yanchu, the powerful Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, is the emperor's illegitimate son who was raised among the common people, otherwise how could he have entered the cabinet at such a young age?

7. 107 西 A Carp in the West Hills 西山有鲤 Shanyue Xia山岳夏Ancient Romance186k WordsOngoing At Xishan there is a pool with twenty-four carp in it, all fed on the flesh and blood of Youyao. The kingdom fell, the imperial family was destroyed, and the young emperor died far from home. In distant Chang'an, the imperial consort sank into a pool, feeding the fish with her own flesh until she became a specter. Like a wandering soul, she waited in the mortal world for three hundred years, all to be reunited with him for one lifetime. 19Reads6.5Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   "Carp in the Western Hills" is a real gem! The ancient fantasy setting combined with a three-hundred-year-long entanglement of fate is incredibly addictive. The plot is a sweet and heart-wrenching mix, full of twists and turns without being padded. The female lead, Lingyao, is aloof yet resilient, feeding carp with her own flesh and blood, and enduring three hundred years of suffering as a demon in a pond—her brokenness masks her unwavering sincerity. The male lead is a reserved and stoic emperor, seemingly possessing great ambition, yet clumsily deep in love. He can't hide his care for the female lead, and despite the constraints of his imperial position, he always secretly protects her. The characters are realistic and grounded. [Admiration][Admiration]

8. 108 细EN A Slender Waist, a Hidden Beauty 细腰藏娇 Pikachu Out of Power没电皮卡丘Ancient Romance472k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + marriage before love + devoted couple HE + sweet romance + children later on + both leads speak their minds] Su Luoqian was the daughter of the richest family in the Great Jin Dynasty, cherished by her parents from the day she was born. She was lively and clever, bright and openhearted. But after a natural disaster exposed the Su family’s wealth, their prominence attracted envy and greed. Surrounded by wolves, Su Luoqian gritted her teeth and accepted the emperor’s arranged 27.2kReads9.3Score3.1kShelves

   Reader note

   You could try this one. It's not a reincarnation or time-travel story, there are no cheat codes, and the male and female leads are both from ancient times. They're intelligent but not overly sentimental.

9. 109 白 Young Riders Beneath the White Horse and Western Wind 白马西风少年行 Cold Moon Shining on a Lotus Pod冷月照莲蓬Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted On a moonlit night by the river, she saves an exceptionally beautiful “girl,” unaware that she has uncovered the most sordid secret of the powerful. At fifteen, he is a peerless beauty kept as a forbidden possession, and a vengeful soul burdened with a blood feud. At twenty, she is pure and noble, with the heart of a chivalrous heroine and a tender soul, yet she is forced into this twisted storm of power and desire. As the marquis’s cavalry closes in, she protects the broken boy, fleeing for 1.7kReads8.9Score189Shelves

   Reader note

   This is an extremely niche female-centric martial arts novel. The female lead is a chivalrous heroine, and the male lead is her male concubine. The female lead is the brightest light in the male lead's dark life. There is no time travel, no rebirth, no system, no space, and no cheat codes. The logic is sound, the details are top-notch, and both the male lead and the main antagonist have exceptionally high IQs.

10. 110 公 The Young Master Moves to the Countryside 公子落乡间 Chang'an Is in the North长安在北Ancient Romance647k WordsCompleted A pure-love, 1v1 sweet romance | Cold-faced imperial censor x orphaned herb-gatherer While investigating a case away from home, Imperial Censor Lu Heng accidentally falls in a remote countryside area. He’s lucky to be rescued by Shen Suxin, an orphan who gathers medicinal herbs. To rest and recover in peace, he simply pretends to have lost his memory and stays in her little farmhouse. Once a stern, imposing official at court, he now has to rely on someone else’s hospitality. The heroine even lay 413Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

11. 111 笨 The Silly Beauty Is Sweet and Soft, and the Regent Is Smitten 笨蛋美人乖又软摄政王他沦陷了 Drunken Sugar醉糖Ancient Romance558k WordsCompleted Su Ningning is simple-minded and innocent. On her wedding day, she stumbles upon rebels slaughtering her family and crashes straight into the arms of Lou Shengxue, the regent who holds power over the entire court. Cold and bloodthirsty, he was about to take her life when he unexpectedly discovered that she carried a secret remedy for breaking curses. He had no choice but to keep her by his side. Everyone laughs at her as a useless, foolish princess consort, but only Lou Shengxue knows that this 503Reads—Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    She was the miracle he most wanted to create, to spoil a silly girl into a queen.

12. 112 重 Reborn Once More, I Won’t Let You Slip Away Again 重活一世，我不会再错过你了 Pure Heart, Clear Melody素心清韵Ancient Romance321k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + revenge + short story + sweet romance + devoted couple + no angst + no misunderstandings + clear plot + intelligent leads] In her previous life, Su Nuanxi was the unloved legitimate eldest daughter of the Minister of Justice’s household. Blinded for a moment, she trusted the duplicitous Third Prince, advising him and helping him ascend the throne. But the day he achieved his ambition was the day he cast her aside without mercy! In the end, she was used as a bargaining chip to secure b 127Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This short historical romance novel features intelligent characters with clear logic. The romance between the male and female leads is natural and unforced, free of misunderstandings, and flows smoothly and easily. Highly recommended!

13. 113 春 A Long Spring Night 春夜阑珊 Fluffy Winter Hibernation绒绒冬眠期Ancient Romance654k WordsCompleted They had been classmates since childhood, sharing poetry and wine while they were young. The four families joined forces and eventually put the Fourth Prince, a gentle and long-suffering man hidden away in the academy, on the throne. The new emperor ascended, and power was divided among the four families. Those who once traveled arm in arm became adversaries facing off before the throne. There were no old friends left on the chessboard, only a fierce struggle of interests and ambition. Chen Yuan 161.3kReads9.3Score28.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Take a look at these two books; I really admire the author.

14. 114 入 A Guest in His Embrace 入慕之宾 Sea Green Takes the Swan海青拿天鹅Ancient Romance722k WordsCompleted A period of upheaval brought a new emperor and a reshuffling of the court. A Dai, a female mystic at the Yuqing Temple in the palace, was the emperor’s childhood friend in his eyes, but a scheming green tea in the harem’s. A Dai’s daily routine: Snack on melon seeds while listening to palace gossip, tell the consorts’ fortunes, hear the emperor complain about them, then take a hefty fee to play matchmaker between him and the consorts. And finally, join everyone in cursing the root of all evil, t 2kReads9.1Score292Shelves

    Reader note

    The ancient saying about Haiqing taking the swan is absolutely auspicious. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

15. 115 长 The Princess Royal’s Live-in Son-in-Law 长公主的赘婿 Zhongqing525钟情525Ancient Romance1.2M WordsOngoing Zhou Qingxiao was taken into Prince Xian’s residence at the age of ten. An illegitimate daughter kept hidden from the world, she endured endless bullying. Gu Zhaoyun became the regent at eighteen, wielding power over the court. A prodigy from a young age, he was decisive and ruthless. She played the coward and pitied herself, biding her time in silence. Everyone thought she was a pushover anyone could manipulate. Until one night, she saved the regent, who had been poisoned. She laid down her ter 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance about political intrigue that might be overshadowed by its title, but it's definitely worth watching! The late emperor's heir endures eight years of hardship before turning the tables, while the former regent, ruthless and decisive, willingly enters the game. The story begins with them choking each other, and later, the protagonist, with tears in his eyes, pleads, "Don't you want me anymore?" The plot twists are so numerous they'll make your hair stand on end, and the tension between the two powerful figures is palpable!

16. 116 醉 Drunk on Jade, Fragrant in Bloom 醉玉翻香 Sea Green Takes the Swan海青拿天鹅Ancient Romance728k WordsCompleted Yan Yiru was betrothed to the Crown Prince as a child. She lived a pampered life, with the power to make anything happen. Then her family fell from grace, her life came crashing down, and all the riches and glory she had enjoyed became someone else’s wedding finery. Given another life, she does everything the opposite way, keeping away from court and preventing her politically inept father from dragging the whole family into the abyss again. But by chance, she saves the heir of the Prince of Cha 729Reads9.1Score154Shelves
17. 117 云 Clouds and Moonlight: The Golden Branches' Plot to Bury the Traitors 云月简：金枝组团埋奸录 Lan Langzhu兰朗竹Ancient Romance353k WordsCompleted Also known as The Cloud and Moon Scroll: The Clear Jade Token: historical political intrigue | Female ensemble | Multiple couples | Powerful partners | The greater good of the nation There are many fine steeds, but few who can recognize them. Yet in this world, there is someone willing to break through the cages of convention and let you, a woman, rise to high office. Someone willing to entrust you with mountains of confidence and oceans of power. Would you then devote yourself to him without re 185Reads8.1Score—Shelves
18. 118 纨 The Spoiled Heir’s Devoted Pushover 纨绔世子的舔狗日常 Yi Lan苡澜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Qin Qing falls into the water and loses consciousness. Xie Ce, the capital's number-one wastrel and heir to Prince Kang, rescues her. All the noble young ladies of the capital sit back, waiting for the drama to begin, only to get a reformed playboy who turns into a devoted husband, the best in the capital. Qin Qing has been frail since childhood, and the imperial physician predicts she'll live only until the age of twenty. All the noble young ladies of the capital wait for her to die young, only 17.4kReads8.3Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Perfectly meets all the requirements! A less popular but well-written story, no time travel or cheat codes, a classic ancient romance: a spoiled, arrogant prince x a cold, sickly princess – the epitome of love! He traded one life for another, cherishing the heroine for two lifetimes, a story of rebirth, pursuing and doting on his wife. Highly recommended! [Sending heart]

19. 119 花 Flower Morning, Moon Evening 花朝月夕 Sea Green Takes the Swan海青拿天鹅Two Female Leads908k WordsCompleted At dusk during the Flower Festival, the stars suddenly blazed bright. A fortune-teller declared that anyone born at that moment would be blessed with good luck all their life. Dou Lingxiao and Yan Yuexi both spat at the same time. Princess Haiyang, Dou Lingxiao, had lofty ambitions and had trained in martial arts since childhood. Sadly, her palace-intrigue skills were below zero, and she was about to be sent away for a political marriage. Yan Yuexi, the second-generation leader of a martial arts 403Reads8.6Score100Shelves
20. 120 救 Help, the Most Beautiful Woman Doesn't Want to Do This Anymore 救命，第一美人不想干了 Plankton the Lab Rat做实验的痞老板Ancient Romance20k WordsCompleted Help, the Number One Beauty Doesn't Want to Do This Anymore 85Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is quite well-written, and rather novel.

21. 121 逢 The Lantern-Bearing Chronicles 逢灯纪 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance982k WordsCompleted (Signed for publication, with screen adaptation rights sold) You're the daughter of a marquis. You want to take your mother's dowry and remains with you? Done. I'll take the dowry and remains, and bring you your mother's divorce papers as well as your own severance papers cutting ties with your family. You were declared dead and became an invisible person behind your brothers. You want to live like a normal person again? Done. I'll restore your name and identity, and make sure you receive the en 87.8kReads9.3Score12.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Must-have, first choice, absolutely

22. 122 傲 The Proud Imperial Uncle's Everyday Quest to Win His Bride 傲娇国舅的夺妻日常 Yi Lan苡澜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The whole family’s redemption arc + taking down scumbags + devoted husband, well-behaved and timid fake heiress vs. reborn young uncle who steals her away, a heroine who grows over time + a hero who guides her] The day she was to be married off to a lame, dissolute man, Jiang Ying curled up in the bridal sedan and smiled bitterly. The Yong’an Marquis Household had raised her for ten years only so she could die in place of their real daughter. In that moment, her heart nearly died. Then a sword 11.2kReads8.0Score1.1kShelves
23. 123 芙 Lotus Ashes: Frost and Snow over Bianjing 芙蓉烬之汴京霜雪 Light Rain on a Sunny Day, Weiwei晴天微雨薇薇Ancient Romance82k WordsCompleted The capital of Shu falls, and the whole kingdom is forced to relocate. Fei Rui'er follows Meng Chang to Bianjing, thinking that as a surrendered captive, all she can do is cling to life. But soon after they arrive in Bianjing, Meng Chang dies suddenly, and Zhao Guangyi begins persecuting the Meng family one blow after another. With memories of a later age, she witnesses this succession of calamities with her own eyes. Outside the palace walls, there is no way out. 176Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    There's probably no one more obscure than this. But the writing is truly excellent. [Laughs]

24. 124 要 Good Grief! The Fox Cub I Picked Up Is the Enemy Nation's Empress 要命！捡的狐狸崽子竟是敌国皇后 Calm, Calm, Calm冷静静静Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The rights to an animated comic have been sold. Stay tuned!) Strong male and female leads Palace intrigue Lovers turned enemies The male lead’s arduous pursuit of his wife The second male lead takes the spotlight He Ruo Xingyao, the Northern Wei saintess and youngest daughter of Imperial Preceptor He Ruo Fu, can read the stars, command beasts, and practice Gu sorcery. Beautiful as a flower, she is Northern Wei’s most esteemed woman, and was chosen from childhood to become its future empress. 12.6kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves
25. 125 雪 Snow Falls on Youyan 雪落幽燕 Helian Chengcheng赫连澄澄Ancient Romance176k WordsCompleted Li Mei, courtesy name Shuyuan, is the legitimate daughter of Prince Yongping’s household. At seven, she was granted the title of County Lady Jing’an. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she nevertheless had an unreliable mother. Her mother was a fiery-tempered daughter of a military family, fiercely jealous by nature. In a fit of rage, she killed Su Su, Prince Yongping’s favorite concubine, and was stripped of her title, expelled from the household, and sent to live in seclusion on Mount Nan, 1.1kReads—Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is the legitimate daughter, but due to her mother's influence, she is disliked in the royal household. The illegitimate daughter, though married, remains favored. The illegitimate daughter causes trouble, leading to her entire family's exile and her being divorced by her husband's family. The female protagonist is also jilted by her fiancé. She escapes in time, fleeing to Youzhou with her mother, where she settles and finds love with the male lead, a kind and gentle general. During her exile, the illegitimate daughter is robbed and sold to Youzhou; the female protagonist's former fiancé is also robbed on his way back to his ancestral home and sold to Youzhou as well. Coincidentally, the female protagonist's family needs servants, so her former fiancé and the illegitimate daughter become a servant and a maid in her household.

26. 126 未 Late in the Hour of the Goat 未时晚 Qi Yingjia齐楹嘉Ancient Romance147k WordsCompleted “Both leads are pure” / “Tender and heartwarming” / “Rebirth” / “Heartbreaking romance” / “Palace intrigue” / “He chases her” / “Happy ending” This story has two pure leads! “Remember, no daughter of the Cui clan of Qinghe or the Lu clan of Fanyang can become empress!” But Brother Che, if that’s true, why did you marry me? And if you married me, why did you treat me that way? The Cui clan has always been loyal and righteous. Heaven and earth can bear witness. Shall I prove it with my life? If I 314Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These three books are excellent! The second one is particularly heart-wrenching, highly recommended! They have strong moral values.

27. 127 荨 The Road Ahead Is Hard 荨路难 Qi Yingjia齐楹嘉Ancient Romance132k WordsCompleted “Emperor and consort” “Angst” “Daughter of a great clan” “Young emperor” “Childhood sweethearts” “Both pure” In all my life, the most naive thing I ever did was believe that there could be a way for both sides to win on the chessboard. 3.5kReads8.1Score218Shelves
28. 128 平 The Phoenix's Call 平凰引 Qi Yingjia齐楹嘉Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted [Empress]+[Female-Centered]+[Both Die, but a Happy Ending!]+[Feel-Good and Angst]+[Devoted Male Love Interest]+[Pure Romance] Heartbreaking angst, the kind that leaves you sobbing and torn to pieces! Good news! There’s a little sweetness among the shards of glass. Bad news! Once you understand that sweetness, it hurts even more. Packed with foreshadowing and hints, this may be a romance, but it has real depth. Since she’s an empress, expect a woman tormenting a man! Female awakening, an all-fema 34Reads—Score—Shelves
29. 129 瑾 Is Prince Jin's Melon Not Sweet? Take a Bite, and Love Will Follow 瑾王这瓜不甜？啃了就是情意绵绵 A Hibiscus Plant一株木槿Ancient Romance387k WordsCompleted Love at first sight + both leads are inexperienced + protective + happy ending Her own success was certainly gratifying, but seeing her rival gain the upper hand was even harder to stomach! Qin Yi had been at odds with her nemesis for over a decade, and now that nemesis was getting married, to one of the emperor's sons, no less. Determined not to let her rival walk all over her, Qin Yi vowed to marry into the imperial family too, and to someone with a higher rank than her rival's husband! Qin Yi 9.4kReads8.7Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    A very good historical romance novel. No time travel, no palace intrigue, just sweet and heartwarming daily life.

30. 130 娇 Jiaoniang Married Three Times 娇娘三嫁 Dudu读读Ancient Romance779k WordsCompleted After nine grueling years of war, farm girl Qian Jiaoniang learned that her husband, Xing Muzheng, had won one victory after another, laid down his armor, and returned home in glory as a marquis. She was already rubbing her hands together at the thought of becoming a marquis’s wife when, to her surprise, her husband brought home a talented young lady and announced he would marry her as his secondary wife. Qian Jiaoniang thought, Fine by me! What could she expect when she couldn’t even read and h 3.2kReads8.8Score259Shelves

    Reader note

    A purely historical romance novel. The female lead is a peasant girl, and the male lead wants to marry a concubine. The story involves a dramatic pursuit of his wife. [Added to bookshelf]

31. 131 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance857k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 1.9kReads9.3Score271Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance, political intrigue, two strong characters, no time travel or rebirth.

32. 132 特 Special Forces in Ancient Times: General, Why Are You Blushing? 特种兵在古代：将军，你脸红什么 Mousse Facial Cleanser慕斯洗面奶Ancient Romance263k WordsCompleted [No System, transported in body, battlefield, political intrigue, war, comeback] The heroine, Su Tang, is a modern special forces soldier who transmigrates to ancient times. Just after arriving, she is surrounded by bandits and nearly killed, but a young boy saves her. To help him find his older brother, she sets off alone for Liangzhou, and the story begins. In the early part, watch the heroine take on villains all by herself. Later, she joins forces with the hero to defeat foreign enemies and 2.3kReads8.4Score245Shelves
33. 133 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 87kReads9.5Score9.8kShelves
34. 134 救 Help! I Married My Brother's Archenemy 救命！和哥哥的死对头成亲了 Ruitong芮潼Ancient Romance302k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance, no rebirth or transmigration; adorable and clever / charming without knowing it / a little brave, but not much / young lady experiencing love for the first time VS gentle, cunning and dark / flirtatious without knowing it / 188 cm with a perfect nine-head-tall figure / second young master with troubles he cannot speak of] Age gap: The male lead is eight years older than the female lead. The Empress Dowager has decreed that Mu Yaoxi, the daughter of the Earl of Pi 3.1kReads—Score416Shelves

    Reader note

    The author's writing is exquisite, it's absolutely beautiful!!

35. 135 长 Lost You Forever: The Reborn Yiying Travels the Great Wilderness 长相思重生之意映大荒游 Bald Dog秃毛狗Female-Channel Fanfiction340k WordsCompleted A Lost You Forever fanfic, but you can enjoy it on its own~ The winds rise across the Great Wilderness, and Fangfeng Yiying is reborn. She still loves the world’s splendor and still adores bold, unruly men. She’s still determined to stand at the very top and bask in the attention of the masses, and to become the most dazzling woman in the Great Wilderness. But in this life, she has completely cast aside the idea of depending on others. From now on, Fangfeng Yiying will steer her own life. She de 210Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this book; the story and pacing are excellent, it's just too cold.

36. 136 姝 Her Beauty Is Hard to Resist! The Dali Temple Chief Is as Fierce as a Wolf 姝色难逃！大理寺卿他如狼似虎 Pikachu Out of Power没电皮卡丘Ancient Romance611k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, Resilient Fallen Noblewoman × Stern, Devoted Minister of the Court of Judicial Review] [Historical Romance + Devoted Couple + Sweet Romance + Long-Laid Plans + Mutual Pining] [Male Lead’s Perspective: Long-Laid Plans; Female Lead’s Perspective: Each Gets What They Need] Meng Yunzhi, daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, was famous in Luojing for her graceful beauty, with glossy dark hair and a slender, delicate figure. She was engaged to a young master of the Qi family. Once he 18.2kReads9.1Score2.2kShelves
37. 137 战 The God of War Prince's Sweet Young Wife 战神王爷的小娇妻 Shi Shuyi诗书一Ancient Romance638k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance, no rebirth or transmigration] [One couple, both devoted only to each other + marriage before love + mutual trust + doting husband + children later on] A royal decree turns the mute Zhou Qinxue from the future crown princess into the Princess Consort of Prince Ning. On their wedding night, Prince Ning leads his troops into battle, and Dowager Consort Qin sends her straight to a remote corner of the estate. When Prince Ning returns from war, the first thing he does is 360Reads7.5Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    Purely historical romance, no time travel, no reincarnation. A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love, sweet and pampering with no angst. Three years after their initial marriage, the male lead returns from battle and begins to dote on his wife. The female lead is mute in the early stages, but the male lead treats her very well and doesn't reject her because of her disability.

38. 138 破 The Broken Palace Walls 破宫墙 Xiaoman's Bowl小满的碗Ancient Romance515k WordsCompleted [Alternate setting + both leads have no past romantic relationships] The capital had its “Five Tyrants,” with Princess Anle, Li Qingyao, at the top. Rumor had it that the princess was spoiled and arrogant, always carrying a long whip at her side. She was also doted on by the emperor and favored by the Noble Consort, making her the most cherished person in the Great Yan Dynasty. Yet this high-and-mighty princess died a tragic death in a conspiracy. What was most despairing was that the mastermind 1.6kReads8.9Score232Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is absolutely amazing, I've read it countless times, it's just so good!

39. 139 金 The Golden Hairpin 金爵钗 A Chang阿長Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted In the spring of the sixth year of Qinglong, the Qingtan Spring in Yicheng inexplicably began flowing with fine wine. The strange phenomenon shocked the entire court and even drew the regent himself to the city. Xiao Fu, a young woman who sold wine, was as lovely as her name, with a beautiful hibiscus-like face. She was rightly known as the Wine Beauty of East Street in Yicheng. One day, while delivering wine to the Ji family, the richest family in Yicheng, she accidentally met Ji Boyang, the el 263Reads8.4Score—Shelves
40. 140 依 Drunk on Your Clothes 依衿醉 Qiqi, Who Loves Humpback Whales喜欢驼背鲸的七七Ancient Romance293k WordsCompleted Lu Huai had imagined his future wife many times: gentle and charming, educated and reasonable, beautiful as a flower, and mild-tempered. But the woman before him was beautiful, at least. As for the rest... She was nowhere near educated and reasonable. She was fussy, quirky, and petty, and she even had a highly skilled maidservant at her side. After her parents died in battle, Zijin was determined to find a live-in son-in-law to carry on the Zhao family line. What? The emperor had arranged for 6kReads9.1Score698Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all pure classical Chinese texts, each one more absolutely captivating than the last, with exceptionally high ratings. Everyone who's read them has said they're excellent; they're my prized possessions on Tomato Novels, and I'm confident they'll be enjoyable.

41. 141 韶 Radiant Springtime 韶光艳 Taking Life Easy清浅度日Ancient Romance236k WordsOngoing [Historical Ensemble Cast] [Political Intrigue] In a secluded palace annex, a princess had a fish bone stuck in her throat. The imperial physicians rigidly clung to convention, and none dared treat her. In her desperation, Qishu Xuan, the princess of Prince Duan’s household, stepped in and resolved the crisis with a single needle. She seized the opportunity to influence the court and help the emperor establish the Institute of Practical Medicine, breaking with the old ways in which physicians d 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Shamelessly recommend your own.

42. 142 继 Successor Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 82.7kReads9.5Score9.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This list largely overlaps with recommendations from many other people, and is not ranked in any particular order.

43. 143 衔 Jade Between the Lips 衔玉 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance179k WordsCompleted [Delicate, Sickly Aristocratic Lady Lin Yu VS Cold, Tsundere Embroidered Uniform Guard Li Heming] [Historical Romance + One-on-One Romance + Household Intrigue + Secret Crush + Sweet Romance + Marriage Before Love + Devoted Hero + Happy Ending] The year Lin Yu broke off her engagement to Li Heming, rumors spread that she had done so because Li Heming had risen to become the Northern Commandant of the Embroidered Uniform Guard by stepping over the corpses of court officials. Lin Yu was frail, and 31.6kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves
44. 144 春 The Spring Breeze Blows Through Yumen Pass! 春风吹度玉门关！ Scallion Pancake with an Extra Egg手抓饼要加鸡蛋Ancient Romance409k WordsCompleted [They marry at the start + married life + sweet romance + native-born leads + mutually devoted] Gentle, tolerant, and magnanimous heroine & jealous, rough-around-the-edges puppy-dog hero The sixth year of the Zhending reign, spring. The old Duchess of Dingguo knelt before the Empress Dowager, asking for a marriage match for her grandson Yun Zheng, who was guarding the northwest. The emperor honored the Yun family’s generations of loyal service. Having also heard that the Cui family’s daughters 23.1kReads9.0Score2.9kShelves
45. 145 病 The Yandere Prince Is Actually a Cat Lover 病娇王爷竟是猫控 Yan Zhi Mo He焉知墨阖Ancient Romance136k WordsOngoing [Female assassin + devoted prince + reunion after a long separation + revenge + one-on-one romance + heroine’s growth] She’s the top catlike female assassin in the Great Liang, yet she keeps falling into the hands of her first love. Her assassination attempt fails. Instead, he erases her memories and forces her into a relationship with him, and she suddenly finds herself the Princess Consort of Prince Jing’an. But life as a princess consort isn’t easy either. The prince has a twisted older broth —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this book. It's a completely handmade ancient romance novel. Although the plot involves family and national hatred and revenge, the relationships between the male and female leads and various supporting characters are really sweet!

46. 146 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 18.5kReads8.9Score1.8kShelves
47. 147 换 After the Marriage Swap, the Young General Can't Resist Flirting 换亲后，少年将军不禁撩 I'm Not the Fairest of Them All 2021非我倾城2021Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [The animated comic is now available. If you're interested, go check it out!] [Married first, fall in love later ✘ aloof, youthful male lead ✘ gentle, clear-eyed female lead ✘ mutually exclusive partners (explained later)] Wen Ning was reborn. In her previous life, she dutifully cared for her parents-in-law and treated her husband with consideration. After finally enduring long enough to see Song Yan pass the highest imperial examination, everyone said she was lucky. But Song Yan never loved her 3.4kReads8.9Score384Shelves

    Reader note

    More than just a heart-fluttering moment, this is my eternal white moonlight! A sweet romance ❤️ The writing style is humorous, the plot is fast-paced, the male lead has a cool and aloof vibe, and the female lead is adorable. Super sweet! You can finish it in half an hour ❤️

48. 148 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
49. 149 桃 Ride Out to Battle, Peach Blossoms in My Wake 桃花马上请长缨 June六月Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of June's novel, Power and Favor 3: Power and Favor in the Capital, is now available on Hongguo App. She cared for her in-laws and used her dowry to support the General's household, only for him to use his hard-won military achievements to ask for the female general's hand as his equal wife. Zhan Beiwang mocked her. “Song Xixie, do you know that your fine clothes, rich food, and glittering jewels all come from General Yi Fang and me fighting bloody battles to hold back 15.4kReads9.5Score5.4kShelves

    Reader note

    It wasn't even available on Tomato TV yet, but many people were already looking for it because you have to pay to watch it elsewhere! On their wedding night, after lifting the veil, she could declare, "I will never take a concubine in this life, I will only love her." She devoted herself to taking care of the Marquis's mansion and her mother-in-law! He returned from his campaign and used all his military achievements to obtain a concubine by imperial decree, and she even wanted to use her dowry to pay his betrothal gifts.

50. 150 我 My Childhood Friend Is a Royal Consort. What Can the Princess Do About Me? 我的竹马是驸马，公主奈我何？ Bridge of the Islet屿之桥Ancient Romance465k WordsOngoing [Pure historical romance | Reunited after years apart | Devoted, sweet romance with mutual fidelity | Ensemble coming-of-age] After their entire village was massacred, six young friends were scattered to the ends of the earth. Years later, Yun Sheng, now going by Qin Sheng, had made a life for herself in the capital. Xiao Hechen, the childhood friend she had never stopped thinking about, returned to the capital too, but fate had other plans. For the sake of his scheme, he had no choice but to m 188Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this book; it's worth reading carefully. The relationships between the main characters and the ensemble cast are realistic and nuanced.

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