Looking for Palace-Intrigue Stories Without Romance, With a Normal Emperor-Consort Relationship and Smart Characters 求不谈恋爱的宫斗文，正常皇帝妃子关系，智商在线

1. 1 快 Quick Transmigration: Starting with Empresses in the Palace 快穿：从甄嬛传开始 Sanshui Muzi三水目子Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted Each world will probably run for over a hundred chapters. The stories are all slow-paced and detailed, not the fast kind of quick transmigration. Note: Each story includes my own headcanons. The female lead will never fall in love with the Emperor in any world, and there won't be any mutual romance or sweet moments! Every world has a golden finger! The first story features an original palace maid. The second features An Lingrong. The third features Huanbi. The fourth features Chun'er. Warning: T 1.2kReads7.9Score107Shelves

   Reader note

   Fans of "Empresses in the Palace" should definitely not miss this novel. The female lead is cunning but not a saint.

2. 2 非 An Unconventional Palace Intrigue 非传统宫斗 Known in the Jianghu as the Thorny Rose江湖人称带刺玫瑰Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted Imperial selection from the start / Pure palace intrigue with a touch of household intrigue / Ensemble cast / Realistic style [Pure palace intrigue begins after chapter 20] Not the emperor’s sole favorite / Not a virgin couple / No romance pairing [The emperor is a scumbag with the power of life and death. The first few chapters establish his character and contain potentially uncomfortable scenes. If that bothers you, skip to chapter 20.] Everyone is caught up in palace intrigue. The consorts an 2kReads8.3Score227Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a ensemble piece about palace intrigue, where both the emperor and his concubines are intelligent! They engage in clear-headed, rational power struggles, weighing various pros and cons! There's no romance or exclusive favoritism.

3. 3 清 Qing-Dynasty Time Travel: The Drama Queen Consort’s Epic Blunder 清穿雍正：戏精娘娘翻车实录 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted [Qing Dynasty Setting + System + Childbearing + Mind-Reading] Cui Xueman, a top finance student in the 21st century, transmigrates one day and opens her eyes to a huge character for “funeral offerings” in the mourning hall. Fainting from shock… That's perfectly normal, isn't it? When she wakes up again, she receives the good-or-bad news: she's transmigrated, and to the Kangxi era, no less. But the long-awaited standard issue for transmigrators, a golden finger or System, is nowhere to be seen! F 1.5kReads9.1Score117Shelves

   Reader note

   One is a time-travel story set in the Qing Dynasty, the other is set in an alternate universe. Both female protagonists are clear-headed and rational, not intellectually impaired or love-struck, and both have perfect endings.

4. 4 人 In the Imperial Harem, My Goal Is to Become the Empress Dowager 人在后宫，目标太后 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance358k WordsCompleted # Palace intrigue is out of the question. I'll eat snacks, watch the drama, and have children, that's the plan # Cui Xuejian transmigrated into the past and became a low-ranking palace consort. Powerful figures towered over her, while a few insignificant nobodies clawed at her feet. With things like this, why bother with palace intrigue? Better to just give up and coast! Cui Xuejian believed that as long as she kept out of trouble, no monsters, demons, or other ghoulish creatures would come afte 1.7kReads9.2Score138Shelves
5. 5 冷 A Guide to Raising a Harem Favorite from an Abandoned Consort 冷宫废妃万人迷养成指南 A Villain一个反派Ancient Romance139k WordsOngoing [Unconventional, trope-subverting palace intrigue + no romance + saving the world] On the very first day after Jiang Lan transmigrated, someone falsely accused her and had her banished to the Cold Palace. Even a lowly woman of the Jiang family, exiled to the Cold Palace, could bully her without fear. Fortunately, she was bound to a System. Using her golden finger, she earned the Empress Dowager's trust and brought down the Noble Consort. But only after the Shen family fell did she learn that thi —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A new book; the female lead is a concubine, but there's very little palace intrigue. It's more of an ensemble piece about saving the world and building careers.

6. 6 我 I’m Fighting for Favor in the Palace, and You’re Watching the Show??? 我在宫斗，你在看戏？？？ Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance492k WordsCompleted A no-holds-barred harem showdown. Got the guts to join? ^_^ [Pure palace intrigue + characters who aren't dumbed down + clear-headed heroine + no pointless self-torment + cheerful and lighthearted] After Qiu Ju dies, she transmigrates to the Qianyuan Dynasty and becomes a low-ranking palace maid. Because she doesn't want to get up at three in the morning to work, she decides to seduce the emperor... Her modest goal: become a consort who has to get up no earlier than five in the morning... 5.5kReads9.0Score533Shelves

   Reader note

   A very novel story, the first time I've read something like this, and I think it's pretty good. (VIP book selection for those experiencing a reading slump)

7. 7 穿 After Becoming the Crown Princess, I Do Nothing but Slack Off 穿成太子妃后，我每天都在摆烂 Beef Flatbread牛肉大饼Ancient Romance2.4M WordsOngoing [Not a Devoted Couple, Palace and Household Intrigue, Marriage Before Love] With a single imperial decree, Cui Ying and the crown prince inexplicably become husband and wife. Neither of them knows the other. Cui Ying never expected that, as a modern woman transported to ancient times, she would become a crown princess. What a headache. But rumor has it the crown prince has a much-favored concubine by his side. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, she's also gentle and sweet, a true beauty. Cui 22.5kReads6.4Score866Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is super good! The female lead doesn't have genuine feelings, and it's a very clear-headed palace intrigue story 👍. In the beginning, the male and female leads don't have much of a relationship; they're betrothed since childhood, and the female lead is the empress, holding power [salute]. The male lead is gradually attracted to her, then showers her with affection. Afterwards, they have three princes together, solidifying his position. The female lead never actively harms the other concubines or their children; she's not afraid of trouble but also doesn't actively seek it out. Don't be fooled by the low rating; once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down! 💕

8. 8 清 Consort De in the Qing Dynasty: One Small Goal, Become Empress Dowager 清穿德妃：定个小目标，先当太后 The White Coat Has Given Up白大褂它摆烂了Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Not a devoted-couple story, not exclusive pampering, not a childbearing plot, no golden finger, not a wish-fulfillment story. Don’t read if you dislike that. There are no golden fingers whatsoever. The heroine transmigrates, she is not reborn! The story breaks up historical Emperor Yongzheng’s official pairing, but Empress Xiaojingxian will get a happy ending. The author is still growing, so if you don’t like the early chapters, you can skip ahead. Readers say the later writing is better.] (The 2.1kReads9.2Score203Shelves

   Reader note

   I'm recommending this myself, but the current rating isn't high. It's not a system/space cheat/golden finger story, not a double-clean romance with exclusive love and childbirth trope, and it's not a wish-fulfillment story. If you don't like that, you can avoid it. It's a slow-burn type of story; the protagonist doesn't fall in love with the emperor yet, but there might be more focus on the struggle for the throne later on.

9. 9 清 Qing Transmigration: The Side Consort Has an Assist System 清穿：侧福晋有助攻系统 Waiting for the Night in the Snow雪上等夜人Ancient Romance494k WordsCompleted A word of caution: This is a novel, not history, so don't scrutinize it. The names and anything else that differs from history are all invented for the story. If that's not your thing, read at your own risk. [Alternate Qing Dynasty + Assist System + Everyday Leveling Up + Raising Children] Song Shurou transmigrates and becomes a Song Concubine in the early years of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign. Song Concubine has a breakout? System: Don't worry, Shurou. Just say one sentence to Yongzheng, and w 14.5kReads9.3Score974Shelves

   Reader note

   This is acceptable.

10. 10 清 The Tale of Empress Tong Jia of the Qing Palace 清宫之佟佳皇后传 Yan Xiwan言西晚Ancient Romance278k WordsOngoing Also known as The Empress’s Professionalism: A Half-Day “Elder Sister, are you getting married?” “No, that’s called entering the palace.” Tongjia Qingyue was a woman who served as empress for just one day. She was known as the shortest-lived empress in Qing history: Empress Xiaoyiren. She was the niece of Empress Dowager Cihe, mother of Emperor Kangxi, the daughter of Imperial Uncle Tong Guowei, and Kangxi’s own cousin. She was Kangxi’s third empress, as well as his last. He never appointed anot 500Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's a normal palace intrigue story, without time travel, no system, no rebirth, no cheat codes.

11. 11 人 A Harem Palace Survivor's Guide to Living to 120 人在后宫，只想活到120岁 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance419k WordsCompleted The rating just came out, and it's really low ꈍ◡ꈍ #Quick transmigration heroine + multiple male leads + ends 1v1# Yun Jianxue died. Thanks to her accumulated good karma, she chose to become a civil servant in the Underworld. Calling it civil service is a bit of a stretch. In reality, she travels through various small worlds to complete missions. Along the way, it's inevitable that she attracts a few souls. Yun Jianxue swears: she really isn't doing it on purpose. 1.1kReads8.4Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue, the female protagonist is clear-headed, not love-struck or a saint, and the plot doesn't make you stupid.

12. 12 都 I'm Already a Concubine, So How Could I Not Go Mad? 都做妾了，哪有不疯的？ Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance762k WordsCompleted #She miscarries from the start. What's wrong with going a little crazy?# #The heroine isn't a good person, the hero isn't a good person, and nobody's a good person# Yuan Xiangxue transmigrates. Other heroines either become mothers without the pain or get an overpowered golden finger. She's the unlucky one who miscarries from the start... Then she takes a look at her new identity: she's become the concubine of Liang Yujing, the ninth prince of the Great Liang Dynasty. She was a perfectly good per 5.3kReads8.6Score499Shelves
13. 13 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Bewitching, and the Emperor Gives In to Pleasure 娘娘撩人魅惑，帝王纵情堕落 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The Tomato short drama Kun Yi is now streaming~ [Transmigrate into a book, male lead is not a virgin but female lead is, palace intrigue, psychological games, happy ending] The Crown Prince, Jun Zechen, has seen his fair share of calculating women, and loves only those who are pure and kind. While campaigning beyond the frontier, he meets Ling Yue and is captivated by her free-spirited kindness. He promises to spend his life with her alone. But two years pass, and the Crown Princess has yet to c 118kReads9.5Score11.2kShelves
14. 14 穿 I Transmigrated into the Harem, and the Fourth Calamity Is on a Killing Spree 穿进后宫，第四天灾已杀疯 Tomatoes Dipped in Sugar Are So Delicious番茄蘸糖超好吃Ancient Romance93k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + System + scheming black lotus + face-slapping] After restarting for the third time, Li Huyi’s heart is already harder than the stones of the Cold Palace. Men are nothing but stepping-stones on her climb to the top. Especially the lofty emperor: he is both her ultimate conquest target and the perfect tool. [Ding! Special romance mission triggered: The Emperor’s Test!] [Mission description: Faced with his love and suspicion, make the perfect choice 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this one! The female lead is intelligent and emotionally intelligent, there's no romance, and the emperor is extremely suspicious. Whether she's climbing the ranks or vying for the emperor's favor, it's all about gaining leverage in the palace intrigue. She comes with a palace intrigue simulator and immediately slaps the emperor in the face, because in her eyes, the emperor is just a gigolo for the country, so she absolutely doesn't love him—who loves a gigolo? The book is written by a new author and is only updated to chapter 14, which is far from enough, but thankfully it updates daily without fail. Sisters, come and check it out!

15. 15 华 Consort Hua Reincarnates as Gua Liu 华妃娘娘她魂穿瓜六了 The Master and the Master's Husband夫子和夫子夫Female-Channel Fanfiction606k WordsCompleted Consort Hua, Nian Shilan, was a woman loved by Emperor Yongzheng. The daughter of a powerful official, she lost her child while still young because the emperor feared her family's influence. For decades, the man she loved most had her drink the incense-scented medicine known as Joyful Harmony, damaging her health and leaving her barren for life. Even so, in the end, she was condemned as having grown too powerful, and in a single night, every member of the Nian family was killed. Her soul is rebo 61Reads5.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue novel that doesn't involve romance, where all characters are intelligent and capable of handling everything from "Empresses in the Palace" to "Consort Hua's Rebirth".

16. 16 在 A Hundred Ways to Win the Emperor's Heart in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.2kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    You absolutely must read this book!

17. 17 明 She Could Easily Get By on Her Looks, but She'd Rather Be the Invincible Hero 明明可以靠脸，但她偏做龙傲天 Glorious Plum Blossoms梅子辉煌Female-Channel Fanfiction422k WordsCompleted [Everyone's favorite + love rivals everywhere + indulgent wish fulfillment + putting scumbags in their place + feel-good story] People love her, but she has her heart set on that lofty throne. Xiao Yuer Consort Yi Zheng'er, Princess of Lanling Xuan Nu from Three Lives, Three Worlds Meng Yiran from Love O2O Nian Gengyao's younger sister Sui He from Ashes of Love Li Changle from The Princess Weiyoung Princess Daizhan from The Legend of Xue Pinggui and Wang Baochuan Chen Ajiao from The Golden House 1kReads8.9Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Lobelia, a lotus on one side, grows by a mountain stream. Half-sky passed by the stream and discovered this patch of lobelia. Half-sky took a sickle and cut half a basket of lobelia. The half basket of lobelia was given to the border defense company.

18. 18 清 My Unlucky Sons in the Qing Dynasty 清穿之我的倒霉儿子们 Sunny Peach桃子晴朗Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Qing dynasty transmigration + happy-go-lucky heroine + sweet and naive + feel-good story + scheming + yandere + Qing dynasty + System + quick transmigration + the Myriad Worlds] No moral compass or bottom line. I write for fun, so don't leave a rating unless it's five stars. Let's show each other some respect. [The first volume is set in the Qing dynasty. After that come the immortal realms of the Myriad Worlds, the Qin dynasty, the Tang and Han dynasties, the Ming dynasty, modern entertainmen 4.5kReads9.1Score264Shelves
19. 19 权 Power and Favor for the World: This Marquis Is Taking a Husband! 权宠天下：本候要纳夫！ Cold Shadow Reappears冷影在现Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted The Zhongyuan Marquis household welcomed twin daughters, but had no sons. To preserve the family’s century-old glory, Mu Qianyi, the younger twin, became the household’s only “legitimate son.” After transmigrating, she finds that she was once the top assassin in a killers’ organization. Passing herself off as a man is no challenge at all. But how can she be content with meekly playing the part of a marquis? She has never hidden her ambition. But what is she to do after accidentally provoking Pri 1.6kReads8.9Score186Shelves
20. 20 清 A Qing Dynasty Crown Princess: Here I Come, Thesis! 清穿太子妃：论文，我来了！ Huan Ziyuan幻紫菀Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The full novel is complete. For what happens next, see the short story on the author’s profile. It has chapter numbers you can pick up from~ [Alternate Qing Setting + Spirit Spring Pocket Dimension + Devoted Couple] P.S. Don’t compare this to real history! The novel differs from history in many ways! Don’t overanalyze it! The heroine gradually adjusts to life in the Qing dynasty rather than accepting it all at once. She’ll have some rough patches along the way, and some parts may be uncomfortabl 2.1kReads8.6Score159Shelves
21. 21 清 Qing Transmigration: The Empress Dowager’s Daily Child-Rearing and Gossip 清穿：太后的养崽吃瓜日常 Can't Think of a Name, So不会起名只好Ancient Romance522k WordsOngoing I woke up one day to discover that I had transmigrated to the Qing dynasty. And become the emperor's second empress?! And we'd been married for years without ever sharing a bed?! And the emperor had a beloved concubine?! This is bad. I have a feeling my future is going to be miserable. Wait, did you say this emperor is Shunzhi? Then it's fine! (No CP + raising children + watching the drama unfold) 2Reads5.9Score—Shelves
22. 22 穿 Transmigrated as a Miserable Old Woman, I Get Forced to Bind Myself to a Nation-Building System 穿成极品老妇后，被迫绑定强国系统 Dong Bao咚宝Ancient Romance625k WordsCompleted [Fleeing famine, farming, strengthening the nation, System, old woman, wish-fulfillment] Qiao Lan, a successful woman in her prime, opens her eyes to find herself an evil old woman nearing fifty who sells her children and grandchildren. She also has a 1980s nation-strengthening System bound to her. This is clearly a desperate flight through a time of chaos, and you’re talking to me about strengthening the nation?! With no other choice, Qiao Lan sets out to strengthen the nation: She sets her chi 44Reads8.9Score106Shelves
23. 23 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 45.4kReads9.5Score5.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is very intelligent and won't be swayed by the emperor's words. She remains calm throughout.

24. 24 穿 Book Transmigration: I'm Thriving in the Harem by Doing Nothing 穿书：我在后宫躺赢了 A Little Wen Sauce一只文酱Ancient Romance318k WordsCompleted Shen Bairong is an overworked modern office drone who transmigrates into a novel she's read, only to become its villainess! Fight back and turn her life around? No thanks, she's not cut out for that. But why isn't the male lead following the script?! Gong Yuxuan pins her beneath him and whispers in her ear, “My beloved consort seems to be enjoying the show~” Shen Bairong: Trapped in the corner of the bed, trembling! Wait, what's going on? Did the male lead pick up the wrong script? Shen Bairong 197Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is actually quite normal. At least it's not the kind of situation where the emperor blindly spoils his children from the start.

25. 25 恶 Reborn After My Own Son, the Cruel Empress Dowager, Stabbed Me to Death 恶毒太后被亲儿子捅死之后重生了 Ink墨色Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted The vicious Empress Dowager Jiang Mingzhu was reborn. In her previous life, to put her son on the throne, she poisoned and tried to assassinate the emperor, colluded with court officials, drugged a pregnant consort to make her miscarry, and plotted against the young crown prince. Every time she schemed, she put her own life on the line to grind her stepson's face into the dirt. But when the plot to put the son she'd worked so hard to support on the throne was exposed, he stabbed her in the back 19.6kReads8.8Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Rebirth, System, Counterattack, Political Intrigue, High Intelligence, Interlocking Mechanisms

26. 26 综 A Qing Dynasty Crossover: The System Helps Me Become a God 综清穿之系统带我成神 Deep in the Secluded Bamboo Grove幽篁深深里Ancient Romance2.4M WordsOngoing [Alternate Qing Dynasty setting + quick transmigration + System + no fixed CP + golden finger + palace intrigue + childbirth + pocket dimension] Yue Heng, a beautiful, kindhearted, wealthy freshman, takes some new classmates on a tour of the Forbidden City before the semester begins. But the crowd is too dense, and she is accidentally shoved into a fall, hitting her head on a bronze dragon at the Chuxiu Palace. She dies on the spot! When she regains consciousness, she has already been reborn as 6.7kReads7.6Score289Shelves

    Reader note

    This is the book, highly recommended.

27. 27 入 After Entering the Palace, She Becomes His Majesty’s One True Love 入宫后她是陛下的白月光 Yu Jiuzhao御九昭Ancient Romance463k WordsCompleted [Pure Palace Intrigue] [No Saintly Heroine] [The Heroine Schemes Against the Entire Harem] [Political Machinations] [Clear-Headed Careerist] Originally titled "The Empress's Daily Life of Palace Intrigue," retitled "A Consort's Guide to Palace Intrigue" * Shen Yiwan, the illegitimate daughter of the Shen family, became pregnant after entering the palace and was made Virtuous Consort. Somehow, she let her good sense fly out the window and made the decision she would regret most in her life. She s 754Reads8.6Score100Shelves
28. 28 人 Life Simulator: I'm a Pro at Rising Through Palace Schemes 人生模拟器：宫斗升职我专业 I Eat Tomatoes Without Spitting Out the Skins吃西红柿不吐番茄皮Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Palace Intrigue + System + Golden Finger + A Story That's 30% Indulgence and 70% Playing It Safe] (Important, important, important!!! Content warning: The heroine is an ordinary person who grows over time. At first, she has some girlish romantic notions; she isn't highly intelligent from the start. Not a mutually exclusive first-love story, and the male lead doesn't dote on her alone. Don't read if these bother you.) From the start, she's in the hardest difficulty mode. After s 6.9kReads9.1Score666Shelves

    Reader note

    Very good, in line with

29. 29 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 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1kShelves

    Reader note

    A palace drama without any palace intrigue.

30. 30 宫 A Heart Caged Behind Palace Walls: Consort Yuan Is Promoted Again 宫墙锁心宠，元妃娘娘又晋位了 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance320k WordsCompleted No one is completely devoted to one person in the early part of the story, so don’t read if that’s a dealbreaker. The emperor is a scoundrel at first, but utterly doting later. More sweet than angsty. [Palace intrigue and rising to power + many children + absolute favor + climbing to the top one step at a time] Su Zhitang, the daughter of a general, enters the palace as a beauty after the selection. Her father is already a second-rank official, so she only wants to heed her mother’s advice, keep 607Reads9.0Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing!

31. 31 萧 Empress Xiao: Win the Emperor and Bear Him a Son 萧氏皇后：拿下皇上生皇子 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted More children, more blessings. [The fiercest rise to power through palace intrigue + Winning the emperor's heart + Having all the children in the imperial palace + Having children nonstop] Every child who survives in the end is the heroine's. After breaking all ties with Prince Ling, she enters the palace. Two years go by, and she avoids the emperor's favor, wanting only to live out her life in peace. She never expected the empress's banner to sway in her direction and choose her. Xiao Wan'er kn 291Reads8.9Score—Shelves
32. 32 粗 A Lowly Palace Maid's Rise to Power 粗使宫女升职记 Coconut Seal Candy椰子海豹糖Ancient Romance982k WordsOngoing [A new writer and a new novel. The rating has just appeared, so it’s quite low. My family is struggling, and writing isn’t easy. I hope you’ll be patient with me. I’m deeply grateful to you all.] [This story features a large ensemble] [No rivalry between women, no love-brained heroines, and no adoration of men] [Women supporting women] [An unconventional palace drama] [A heroine who grows] Please note! The emperor in this story is extremely [human] (bolded for emphasis!), and lacks basic moral 585Reads8.8Score112Shelves

    Reader note

    This book doesn't focus on romance, and it's logical and doesn't make you stupid! Life is tough, writing is hard, and without a debut or any traffic, I have to promote it myself. The female lead is intelligent, doesn't compete for male attention, isn't love-struck, and has logical thinking without being idiotic. The low rating is due to fewer reviews. It's a good book that doesn't glorify feudal society! It features a female lead who doesn't fall in love, a humanoid emperor 🤦, a character who grows and develops, female mutual support, a slice-of-life palace intrigue, and an ensemble cast. The writing is also quite good. The title of my humble work is rather cliché, but it's definitely not a melodramatic story. I'll be updating twice a day, so please give it a try! Thank you!

33. 33 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.3kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    It's a series of interconnected plots, one after another, absolutely brilliant!

34. 34 重 Reborn in The Story of Ruyi: Life Is Better Without Being a Saint 重生如懿传不做圣母的日子好极了 The Master and the Master's Husband夫子和夫子夫Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted 1. Palace-intrigue novel, palace-intrigue novel, palace-intrigue novel. No romance. 2. No lovestruck fools, no lovestruck fools, no lovestruck fools. This applies only to certain characters. No saintly do-gooders, no saintly do-gooders. 3. A Ruyi reborn story. No plagiarism, no padding, quality comes first. There will be changes. It may not fully follow history, or it may not follow it at all. The reason: no plagiarism. Synopsis The Ruyi from "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace", who always conside 218Reads7.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ruyi's Rebirth

35. 35 有 There’s a Kind of Harem Called Consort De 有种后宫叫德妃 A Suo阿琐Ancient Romance3.1M WordsCompleted All Wu Yalanqi wants in this life is to be a good palace maid. To become one, she's even willing to risk her life and trick the emperor. Certain she's doomed, she opens her eyes and finds herself lying on the imperial bed... Everyone thinks she's nothing but a pawn the emperor is using to spite his new empress and the court officials after the death of his beloved first wife. But Xuanye cherishes this pawn in the palm of his hand, and keeps her there for a lifetime. 2.3kReads9.0Score229Shelves

    Reader note

    If there is a good feeling, that's liking; if that good feeling can withstand the test of time, then it's love. —Li Gongjun, "Li Gongjun's Poems"

36. 36 宫 Palace Schemes: Every Step Carefully Planned 宫心计：步步为营 Ye Wushuang夜无双Ancient Romance349k WordsOngoing An offhand joke and an unintentional act drew her into the depths of the palace. She had hoped to live a carefree life, but every step turned into a minefield. If they kept closing in on her, then she would play along to the very end! As her hidden wisdom awakened and her innocence gave way to ruthlessness, his step-by-step manipulation ultimately dragged her into the abyss... 1Reads—Score—Shelves
37. 37 乾 The Legend of Consort Ling in Qianlong's Harem 乾隆后宫之令妃传 A Suo阿琐Female-Channel Fanfiction1.9M WordsCompleted He inherits a splendid empire and commands a harem of countless beauties, yet he knows that every smiling face is only there to keep up appearances. “Your Highness, His Majesty's shoes don't seem to fit.” One honest remark no one else dared to make changes the course of a beauty's life. Her father says no one in the palace can be trusted, yet Empress Fucha treats her with complete sincerity. In the eyes of the world, she betrays her mistress and seduces the emperor. But they don't know that pity 651Reads8.9Score102Shelves
38. 38 娇 The Delicate Flower’s Decree 娇花令 Qieqie Rong'an惬惬容安Ancient Romance933k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Fang Qingjiu challenged the emperor, killed her mentor, and brought down the former dynasty. During her reign, she united the Six Kingdoms by force, then abdicated. When she opened her eyes again, she was still Fang Qingjiu. But though she had the same name, this life was different: her parents were dead, and she was a little orphan everyone could bully. In this life, she decided to let go of the past, keep a low profile, and find herself a handsome young man to live happil 199Reads8.6Score104Shelves
39. 39 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.5kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue novel featuring a normal emperor and his concubines, with intelligent male and female leads and no melodramatic plot twists.

40. 40 谢 Empress of the Xie Family 谢家皇后 Song of the Yue People越人歌Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted In her first year in the palace, she is a Talented Lady. In her fifth, she is a Jieyu. In her tenth, she wants to become empress. As empress, she can hold on to everything she treasures and keep it from being taken away. She can protect herself and her child, and she can... stay by his side. This is a road with only one direction: take a single step back, and all will be lost. The bright yellow ceremonial parasol moves forward, and the emperor's procession slowly enters the city gate. A yellow p 8.9kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The first two books are absolutely fantastic, and they don't just jump straight into mindless romance. The third one is the same; it's really good too. The fourth one is also incredibly good. All of them are fantastic, and the female lead in the fourth one is particularly adept at winning over men. So, none of these four books jump straight into romance or are mindless, pampering stories; they all develop the relationship gradually.

41. 41 宠 Beloved Across the Realm 宠倾江山 Sugar Heart with No Heart糖心没有心Ancient Romance667k WordsCompleted Chu Ran was a triple-threat star in film, television, and music in the twenty-first century. While filming on a city street, she was hit by a car after saving a little girl. When she woke, she had fallen into a dynasty she’d never even heard of in her history books. Well, when in Rome. Fortunately, she had transmigrated into the imperial family as a beloved young princess. Her royal grandfather treated her like a treasure, but her father cared only for romance and poetry, so having a father was 1.2kReads9.0Score124Shelves
42. 42 带 Using a Phone in the Palace Intrigue 带着手机去宫斗 Mo Guiyiyi墨归一一Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted “Your Majesty, Consort Liu says she’ll trade ten bolts of silk for two hours playing Honor of Kings.” “Noble Lady Zhang wants to borrow your device to watch Korean dramas, offering a hundred taels of gold.” “Consort Ling has refused to attend the emperor for days. She insists on falling in love with a fictional character...” With a mobile phone, do harem women still need to compete for the emperor’s favor? Take a phone into the harem battles, and you’ll win all the ladies over in no time. 79Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Having a mobile phone means starting the game in the cold palace.

43. 43 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.4kReads9.2Score950Shelves

    Reader note

    I finished watching it a long time ago. The female lead is very smart, the plot is very delicate, and it is inexplicably attractive, making you want to keep reading.

44. 44 暴 My Brutal Husband: The Fire Phoenix Has Arrived 暴虐夫君，火凤凰驾到 Gentle Evening Breeze和煦的晚风Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted A brutally violent dragon and a proud, haughty fire phoenix fell into the mortal world. The male lead was cold and merciless: “I kill gods and ghosts alike! Anyone who stands in my way is doomed! Say one more word, and I’ll wipe you out this instant!” The female lead said, “Heaven has a virtue of sparing life, and I am merciful. I’ll spare you for now, but if you keep causing trouble, I’ll send you to the eighteenth level of hell, where you’ll never be reborn!” The male lead: “Womanly compassion 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Let's take a look at this.

45. 45 番 Notes from the Tomato Novel Team 番茄小说团队随笔 Tomato Novel Team番茄小说团队297k WordsOngoing Hello, dear readers! This book is an original work by the Tomato Novel team. The first volume will introduce you to Tomato Novel in the form of essays. The second will take the form of a novel and reveal the people behind this app and their stories. We hope this helps you get to know us better! 22.5kReads8.4Score27.6kShelves
46. 46 嘬 Here, Boy, Boy, Boy! Come Here, You Dog Emperor! 嘬嘬嘬，狗皇帝！快过来！ Lie Flat Xiao Bai躺平的小白Ancient Romance285k WordsOngoing Refreshing, straightforward, and funny, with no melodrama, no self-righteous do-gooders, and no romance-addled heroines. Emperor: “My beloved consort, you worked hard last night. How about I excuse you from paying your respects today?” Noble Consort: “I didn’t work hard, Your Majesty. Are you testing me? I’m not very bright and don’t understand all these roundabout hints. Am I supposed to go or not? Just give me a straight answer!” Consort A: “The Noble Consort is young and lovely, so of course —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Not a 1v1 romance, but a lighthearted slice-of-life story, refreshing and not cheesy, straightforward and unpretentious, rejecting overly idealistic, love-obsessed characters. The female lead doesn't dwell on love or expect forever; she believes in enjoying life to the fullest and living for the moment!

47. 47 全 The Whole Family Are Villains? Hah! The Scheming Concubine Seizes Power and Slaughters Her Way to the Top 全家反派？呵，奸妃夺权杀翻天 Salt Pork盐巴猪Ancient Romance409k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance + Two strong leads + Hilarious + One-on-one romance + Both leads devoted to each other + System] There is no male lead in this novel!!! Yun Ning transmigrates to an unfamiliar dynasty and becomes a favored consort who has just entered the palace. Her father is a high-ranking official, infamous throughout the land as a treacherous villain. Her mother is a wealthy lady, notorious as a shrew. Her dear older brother cheated his way into the imperial examinations, and his only ambition 32Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A light novel about building a career.

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