Ancient Romance Novels That Leave You Stunned to the Core 惊艳到骨子里的古言

1. 951 花 The Courtesan Is Reborn! The Bad Girl Takes Control of the Whole Game 花魁重生！坏女人掌控全场 Poker Wanderer扑克散人Ancient Romance475k WordsCompleted [This book has too few views and too few reviews, which is why its rating is so low! But if you give it a read, you’ll definitely say, “Now this is the good stuff!”] Rebirth + revenge on scumbags + one woman, multiple men + sweet-and-seductive contrast + no brainless decisions + an extremely satisfying ending In her previous life, she sold herself to a brothel for a scumbag, paving his way to success. In return, he strangled her with his own hands and desecrated her corpse with a bloody poem. S 911Reads8.2Score110Shelves

   Reader note

   This is amazing! Some of the poems are fantastic. The author's writing is excellent, and the plot is great too. Well, I'm not very good at describing it. If you like historical romance, just go check it out; it's really good.

2. 952 九 The Eunuch of a Thousand Years Is Bewitchingly Beautiful 九千岁他百媚千娇 Beautiful Lady美人娘Ancient Romance265k WordsCompleted (A deranged villain who is a real eunuch × a cat-demon empress, both inexperienced, happy ending) (A redemption story focused mainly on the romance. The male lead is a villain through and through, with no redemption. The female lead is carefree and oblivious. No pointless side characters. The storybook world isn't the real mortal realm. Some scenes are quite bloody, so read with care.) He had once been a demon living in hell, a maggot in filthy mud, a loathsome walking corpse, a killing machine 10.6kReads9.4Score1.2kShelves
3. 953 红 Red and White Wedding 红白囍 AyeAyeCaptainTwo Male Leads186k WordsCompleted [Republican-era nostalgia + supernatural + two male leads + equally matched powerhouses + pure-hearted madmen] [Brilliant and passionate young diviner Tian Suanzi, Mu Geshen X cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside heir to a family of physicians, the saintly doctor Chai Shuxin] A funeral is mournful, a wedding joyful, I travel from the world of the living to the Yellow Springs, Prepare incense, candles, paper horses, and a bridal sedan, Lady Meng offers us the nuptial wine. White paper, red rob 50kReads9.7Score11.9kShelves

   Reader note

   "The Chai family of the Medicine Clan, Chai Shuxin." "Cold on the outside, but not cold on the inside; as beautiful as a red plum blossom, hence the name Sanjiutian (Three-Nine Heavens)." "I am Mu Gesheng, a disciple of the Heavenly Calculation School of General Mu's Mansion." A pure-hearted Mu Gesheng.

4. 954 穿 After I Transmigrate into a Book, the Crazy Puppy-Like Hunk Won’t Stop Clinging to Me 穿书后，疯批小狼狗缠着我要贴贴 Frost Falls on the Long Night长夜成霜Ancient Romance387k WordsCompleted [A love-starved, crazy, sickly, and two-faced puppy of a man VS a death-fearing, drama-loving princess who is surrounded by love] After waking up, Sang Feiyu found herself as the villainous princess in a book, destined for a gruesome end. To avoid suffering the same fate as the original character, who died in the Sword Pool, Sang Feiyu had no choice but to cling to her crazy fiancé's leg while secretly working out an escape plan. With the script in hand, keeping herself alive wasn't hard. Nor 269Reads8.9Score—Shelves
5. 955 美 A Beauty Like Wine, Sweet Yet Poisonous 美人似酒亦似毒 Yu Jiudeng虞九灯Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted Everyone knows that Prince Ding of Beiming, a man who avoids women, fell for a delicate beauty and spoiled her beyond measure, granting her every wish. The beauty was like both wine and poison. On the eve of their wedding, she dropped her disguise, stole the battle formation plans of the Xiao family army, and made a clean getaway. All of Xiao Ciyuan’s heartfelt devotion became a joke. . Wen Yuyan, daughter of the great general who protects Xichu, burst onto the scene. Brilliant and gifted, with 1.4kReads9.3Score156Shelves

   Reader note

   Both are by Juejuezi, yyds

6. 956 怜 Cherished Beauty [One Woman, Many Men] 怜娇【一女多男】 Mr. Wuyin五音先生Ancient Romance427k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s Darling Heroine / No Fixed Couple / Rivalry for Her Affections / Men Get Their Hearts Broken] Yan Zhen, a sickly, scheming beauty, is adored by a crowd of men. A distant, solitary Daoist is ordered by his master to look after her, but she awakens desire in him, and he can no longer commune with Heaven and Earth. “Yan Zhen, you’ve ruined my Daoist heart.” The man she once thought was her enemy in a past life sacrifices half his flesh and blood for her, just for the chance to see her o 8.3kReads8.9Score589Shelves

   Reader note

   Highly recommend it, it's so good! [Admiring][Admiring][Admiring]

7. 957 生 Share a Bed in Life! Share a Grave in Death! She Can't Escape After Being Forced to Become His Wife 生同衾！死同穴！强夺为妻逃不掉 Round Little Egg圆滚滚蛋Ancient Romance373k WordsCompleted [Possessive love + classic melodrama + love that never comes with time] [A frail, beautiful woman who gives in after marriage VS a deeply devoted man with an overwhelming need for control] Everyone envies Lou Wantang. She’s only the daughter of a county magistrate, yet she gets to marry Prince Chen, a man of great power, and receive his undivided favor. But only she knows she was forced into it. In other people’s eyes, Pei Sijin is a man of noble status, handsome and strong, and a devoted, fa 27.3kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves
8. 958 虎 A Soft Persimmon with Tiger Stripes 虎皮软柿子 Dou Gu Buliang豆姑不梁Eastern Fantasy142k WordsCompleted After An Shili, Minister of Rites, accidentally crushed the shell of a golden field snail, things around his home started breaking every day. At first, he thought mice were causing trouble. Then he suspected the household had been visited by a New Year's Eve demon, then a flower spirit. Only in the end did he discover that a snail spirit was behind it all. She had come to take revenge because he had crushed her shell. An Shili had obsessive-compulsive disorder and liked things in pairs. Even the 820Reads9.3Score116Shelves

   Reader note

   "Tiger-Skinned Soft Persimmon" - An Illiterate Snail Spirit vs. A Patient with Severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. PS: This ancient story is cute and humorous, guaranteed to make you smile like a proud aunt! After Minister of Rites An Shili accidentally stepped on a golden snail and burst its shell, things in his house were broken every day. At first, he thought it was rats causing trouble, then he thought it was a New Year's Eve ghost, then a flower demon, and finally he realized it was a snail spirit causing the trouble. Because he had broken the snail's shell, it came to take revenge. An Shili has obsessive-compulsive disorder; he likes things in pairs and insists on speaking in even numbers. The snail spirit, Golden Rat Girl, knows this and every time An Shili speaks, she counts on her fingers: "Ah! Grand Minister! You just said eleven words, eleven, not an even number!" Golden Rat Girl dislikes reading and is completely illiterate. As Minister of Rites, one of An Shili's responsibilities is to oversee the nation's education. He can't bear to see those around him lacking knowledge, so he forces Golden Rat Girl to learn to read and write. Jin Shugu was displeased: "What business is it of yours whether I can read or not?" "Unfortunately, that's my business," An Shili replied. "Books, governing education." "Well, I'm from Suzhou. Have you ever heard of the saying 'Su Kongtou' (Suzhou empty head)? Empty heads can't learn that." Jin Shugu switched to Suzhou dialect to reply. "The Vice Minister of Rites is also from Suzhou. How come an empty head can become a Vice Minister?" "Maybe, probably because I'm a Suzhou snail? Not from Suzhou." An Shili softened his attitude and coaxed Jin Shugu: "How about this, if you read a book, I'll make you a shell." An Shili was knowledgeable and skilled in calligraphy and painting, and his craftsmanship was also exquisite. Jin Shugu, whose shell was no longer on her back, was itching to ask: "Can I draw things on the shell?" "Yes." "Can I draw a 'Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains'?" "Turn right when you go out, don't bother seeing me out." "Then I'll draw it for you, 'Grand Minister, turn right when you go out,' okay?"

9. 959 泄 After My Thoughts Were Exposed, Everyone Came to Win Me Over 泄露心声后，所有人都来攻略我 Like Brocade似锦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted 1V6, everyone is pure, the heroine is doted on by all, everyone can hear her thoughts, a light and fluffy read Fang Ruotang is an unremarkable, sickly girl from the prime minister's household. One day, a cute little thing called the Rewind Mirror clings to her and reveals a lot of secrets no one knows. But it says Prince An loves her so much he'll willingly become her secret lover, the crown prince will force her to be his, the young prince will rebel for her, and the former top scholar will eve 78.9kReads8.1Score19.4kShelves
10. 960 纵 Spoiled: Scheming to Marry My Cousin 纵宠：谋娶表妹 Xuanxuan Like Water萱萱若水Ancient Romance305k WordsCompleted [Mutual devotion + doting romance + not a strong female lead] Shen Wu is descended from a daughter of the Xie family who married out. Her family was once distinguished but has since fallen into decline, and her mother, born into a noble family, worked herself to death at an early age. As he lay gravely ill and near death, her father entrusted her marriage to relatives in the clan. They coveted her beauty and planned to marry her off to one of their own sons’ superiors as a pawn to curry favor. U 2.8kReads8.8Score385Shelves

    Reader note

    Check out these ancient romance novels! They're pure ancient romance. In the first one, the male lead dreams about his experiences with the female lead. In the second one, you might dislike the male lead at first, but then he falls madly in love with him!

11. 961 我 My Sweet, Obedient Wife Can Knock Out Everyone in the City with One Palm 我家娘子乖巧，一掌呼飞全城老少 A Fish Born in the Faraway Northern Sea迢迢北冥有鱼生Ancient Romance533k WordsCompleted [A sweet campus romance set at the Imperial College + family and country + youthful spirit + secret identity + mutual healing] [Reader’s note: This is not a traditional ancient romance with strict gender divisions. The male lead has a sharp tongue and a cheeky mouth. If that bothers you, this may not be for you.] On the war-torn Western Regions frontier, young Marquis Feng returned from the front covered in blood and battered with wounds. The petite, delicate-looking girl said nothing. She simpl 837Reads9.3Score113Shelves

    Reader note

    Young Master Feng and Hua tide [drooling][drooling]

12. 962 成 On Our Wedding Night, the Obsessive Crown Prince Took Me to the Eastern Palace 成亲当晚，偏执太子夺我入东宫 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted The aloof, possessive Crown Prince × the dazzling beauty who loves money Everyone in the Eastern Palace knows that the Crown Princess was snatched away from someone else by the Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince, as elegant as jade and as clear as moonlight, fell into the sea of love, there was no climbing back out. He Yue transmigrated to ancient times and became the owner of a rouge shop. She wasn’t rich or powerful, but her life was peaceful and carefree. Then one day, the woman she liv 35.3kReads9.0Score2.7kShelves
13. 963 寡 After the Widow Runs Away, the Mad Power Minister Takes Her by Force 寡嫂出逃后，疯批权臣强娶豪夺 Wan Xiang绾湘Ancient Romance236k WordsCompleted [Marriage by Force + Forced Love + Mutual Firsts + A Completely Unhinged Hero] [A widowed sister-in-law desperate to escape vs. an uncle who takes what he can't keep] Zhu Miaoqing was originally supposed to marry Xie Hanzhao, the legitimate son of the Marquis's household. Unfortunately, the Zhu family fell into decline. Though she still married into the household, her groom was the eldest son born to a concubine. On their wedding night, the groom donned his armor and set off with the army. She w 142Reads8.9Score—Shelves
14. 964 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

    1. From Wang Fu to Meng Wu, she remained the same intelligent, resourceful, and kind-hearted girl. 2. A retired, elderly female official and a reclusive, widowed prefect—love was fleeting, but commitment was for a lifetime. 3. A cold-faced, sharp-tongued prince and a young lady with black sesame dumplings swapped bodies, helping each other and their feelings for each other deepened.

15. 965 惹 Tempting Beauty 惹姝色 Yi Yuchen奕语晨Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [1v1: Sweet, gentle, kind little princess × scheming, patient male consort and hostage prince] [Lighthearted and sugary sweet + romantic tension + everyone’s favorite] Xia Liqian was a miserable college student. Then, one day, she transmigrated into a book. She had become a debauched, tyrannical little princess, with countless male consorts in her residence. Her favorite was the hostage prince she had just asked her father for the day before. Now he was kneeling before her bed, watching her with 2.6kReads9.0Score392Shelves
16. 966 身 Body Swap: The God of War Prince Takes Over My Household Battles 身体互换：战神王爷替我宅斗 Clear Breeze Begonia清风海棠Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [1v1, Fun Romantic Comedy, HE, Wise and Cool-Headed Young Lady vs. Adorable God of War Prince, Both Chaste, Happy Ending] The people of the Jiang household notice that their young lady has been acting strangely lately. The young lady used to be quiet and gentle. Now she’s still quiet, but there’s a murderous aura about her. In the garden, her sweet-talking younger sister affectionately reaches to link arms with her. Ye Zhan dodges at once, her voice full of disdain. “If you want to talk, then ta 11.5kReads9.1Score1.7kShelves
17. 967 嫡 The Legitimate Elder Brother (The Original Novel Behind the Screen Adaptation Hidden Pearl, Starring Zhao Xixi and Zhang Chi) 嫡兄（赵夕汐、张翅主演影视《藏珠》原著） Green Lamp青灯Ancient Romance148k WordsCompleted The original novel of The Hidden Pearl, starring Zhao Xixi and Zhang Chi, with a special appearance by Zhang Hongming. Li Chuchu is the illegitimate daughter of a duke’s household. Under the harsh suppression of the principal wife, she keeps her head down, conceals her talents, and lives quietly in a corner of the estate, hoping only for a suitable marriage. Little does she know that a devil has been lurking by her side, cutting off every chance of marriage and e 2.1kReads9.0Score156Shelves
18. 968 利 After Using the Mad Prince, His Little Slave Girl Ran for the Hills 利用完疯批王爷小女奴撒丫子跑了 Drifting Light浮光游Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted The difference between Shu Yao and Ji Yue is like the difference between heaven and earth. Shu Yao is a lowly female slave in a military camp, insignificant, humble, and beneath notice. Ji Yue, by contrast, is a lofty prince, handsome, noble, and proud. Yet even so, he insists on keeping her by his side, serving him at close quarters by day and warming his bed at night. But his damned possessiveness nearly breaks her completely. She thinks that if she can endure it long enough, she’ll eventually 174Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure ancient Chinese romance novel with a significant gap in social status! The female lead is a humble lowly slave girl, but she's not naive or innocent; she's intelligent throughout, possesses medical knowledge, and has an extraordinary sense of smell, detecting the male lead's perfume poisoning. She treats him during the day and warms his bed at night (not voluntarily). The male lead is proud and obsessive. Initially, due to the vast difference in their social status, he only sees her as a bed warmer. Because of the poison, he's sensitive to cold, and even though he likes her, he stubbornly refuses to admit it. However, he gets extremely jealous whenever he sees her getting close to any man and punishes her for no reason. But after being abused several times, the female lead comes to her senses, feigning weakness to manipulate the male lead. She uses his power to eliminate those who bullied her and then uses him to shed her slave status. She then teams up with the male lead's nemesis, sets a trap for him, and runs away pregnant. The male lead humbly pursues his wife, and later, the story includes scenes of male angst and revenge. A satisfying read!

19. 969 大 The Chief Justice’s Daily Life of Pampering His Wife 大理寺卿的宠妻日常 Lu Nanlou陆南楼Mystery401k WordsCompleted Massacred families? Human pig? A corpse kept warm? This is the Song Dynasty’s very own Bones. Just how many ways are there to die? A doomed noblewoman, a princess who sets fires: just how terrifying is the truth? Watch as a couple who know how to make money join forces to right the wrongs of the world! A few days after country girl Sang Yun gets married, her husband dies unexpectedly. When Sang Yun, the prime suspect, is brought up from the dungeon, the first person she sees is Xu Zun, the other 740Reads9.0Score100Shelves
20. 970 冲 I Married to Bring Good Luck, Then My Husband Returned from the Dead 冲喜嫁人后，战死的亡夫回来了 Little Hétang小禾棠Ancient Romance479k WordsCompleted Jin Ning transmigrated to ancient times and charmed a general into becoming her boyfriend. Later, she discovered that he was far too possessive and thought about bedroom antics every day. Luckily, he was devoted and faithful, so she put up with it! Unfortunately, her general boyfriend died on the frontier, and she was forced to marry his late friend to bring him good fortune. Her sickly husband was gentle and considerate, and she gradually fell for him. At the Qingming Festival the following y 105.2kReads8.9Score12.6kShelves
21. 971 又 Alluring and Adorable: She Ran Off Pregnant After Flirting with Commander Pei 又娇又媚，撩完裴指挥使带球跑 Sweet Weiwei甜薇薇Ancient Romance204k WordsCompleted (A sweet and scheming daughter of a noble family vs. the cold-faced, ruthless commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Forced possession, running away while pregnant, a hard-won chase to win her back, one-on-one, both virgins, alternate setting, happy ending.) Su Yan transmigrates as the illegitimate daughter of a powerful family. Her father ignores her, her stepmother mistreats her, and her elder half-sister bullies her relentlessly. To make life easier for herself and her mother, she pulls 458Reads6.9Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Don't let the low rating deter you from reading it, the article is really great!

22. 972 重 The Reborn Legitimate Daughter Marries Her Former Husband Again 重生嫡女再嫁前世夫君 Ranxi Youzi染兮柚子Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Reborn, cool and proactive legitimate daughter × devoted, restrained, principled general] In her previous life, Su Fu married Xiao Junhe by imperial decree. The young Marquis Xiao was a renowned general, brave and decisive on the battlefield. He won glorious victories for the Nansang Kingdom. The day after Su Fu married Xiao Junhe, he received an imperial decree ordering him to lead his troops into battle. Six months later, news of victory came from the frontier. Young General Xiao had fought b 1.7kReads8.7Score196Shelves
23. 973 假 I Pretended to Seduce a Possessive Mogul, but He Took the Bait 假装勾引病娇大佬，谁知他上钩了 Sweet Xiaobei甜小贝Modern Romance299k WordsCompleted [Lovesick Obsession, Sweet Romance, Transmigrate into a Book, One-on-One and Faithful Couple] Xia Yuan transmigrates into a twisted novel and becomes the wicked supporting female character who meets a tragic end. Her only chance of survival is to cling to the deranged male lead. System: “Win over the deranged male lead, and you can go home!” Xia Yuan smiles sweetly. “I’ll make the deranged male lead the happiest person in the world!” - The deranged male lead builds a gold-wire cage with his own 25.3kReads9.3Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    😘😎🥳When this book becomes a hit, we'll be the first pioneers (we'll be the first pioneers, I guarantee this novel will be a huge hit, it's so damn good, it's already incredibly popular on Douyin, you can easily find it while scrolling through your feed? Super good, so good).

24. 974 陛 Your Majesty, the Princess Emerged from the Painting 陛下，帝姬从画中走出来了 Heng Jiujiu恒久九Ancient Romance410k WordsCompleted A portrait and a jade pendant awakened Yue Wuyan, the imperial princess who had been sleeping within the painting. The moment the Immortal Music Princess, famed for her beauty across the land five hundred years ago, appeared, she became the prize coveted by every faction. But to Chu Jinyuan, Yue Wuyan was his light. He first met her at eleven, fell in love with her as a boy of fifteen, and ascended the throne at twenty, all so he could make that light part of his very being. She disliked killing 8.5kReads8.5Score1.1kShelves
25. 975 怯 A Shy Game in the Fragrant Boudoir 怯弄香闺 Half-Old Mrs. Li半老李娘Ancient Romance996k WordsCompleted Su Rongyun struck a deal with her legitimate younger sister. By day, she was a penniless guest staying with the Pei family. At night, she concealed her face and disguised her voice, taking her sister’s place in bed with Pei Zhuoxie, the Pei family’s prized heir. She kept her day and night lives strictly separate, never crossing the line. At first, Pei Zhuoxie thought her shameless and scheming. Even as a guest in their home, she brought shame upon the Pei family. But at some point, the way he lo 76Reads9.0Score—Shelves
26. 976 诱 Luring the Sweetheart: The Wild Captain Takes Her by Storm 诱捕小乖宝，野痞队长强势攻陷 Zong Xi宗汐Modern Romance319k WordsCompleted A heads-up: the adapted short drama “Waiting for You When the Roses Bloom” is now available~ [Marriage Before Love + Mutual Pining + Long-Running Scheme + Healing + Six-Year Age Gap + Sweet Romance] [Beautiful, sweet-voiced intern reporter x Wild, wolfish captain of the criminal police] Chen Mo married his brother’s younger sister, but no one knew she was the moonlight in his heart, the little moon he had wanted all to himself for so many sleepless nights. The year Song Zhiyi turned twenty-one, 19kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    😎"Come here, let's make a statement." Chen Mo said to Song Zhiyi. "Okay." Song Zhiyi obediently followed Chen Mo into the interrogation room. Wow, just the two of them, what's going on? 😜Chen Mo poured Song Zhiyi a glass of water, sat opposite her, and opened his notebook. "Name." "Song Zhiyi." "Marital status." "Married." "Spouse's name." Song Zhiyi's hand holding the water glass paused slightly. She looked up, her big eyes full of doubt, her tone soft, "Is this something I can say? 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹" Chen Mo tapped the notebook with his pen, "Why not?" Song Zhiyi bit her lip lightly, "Chen Mo." Turns out, this guy didn't write anything at all, he was just playing with her. 😒"Home address." "Your home!" Song Zhiyi said irritably. "If you don't cooperate with the police, I won't let you go home." "…" You're still the same dog. 😏Song Zhiyi checked the time; it was 10 o'clock. Okay, she gave in. 💖

27. 977 小 A Small-Town Family Dares to Marry Up? Her Father Deserves a Place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple! 小门小户高攀？她父亲配享太庙！ Fragrant Bubbles沫香香Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Transmigration + Devoted Couple + Everyday Life + Protective Husband + Powerful Male Lead] Jiang Mingyue got married. Her husband was talented, exceptionally handsome, able to farm and cook, and possessed every virtue imaginable. He also attracted women wherever he went. At the palace banquet, noblewomen glared at her coldly from one side, while a princess on the other side hoped she would die soon. Jiang Mingyue could barely sit still. “I don’t think I can handle this.” Xie Yu 29.9kReads9.2Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is so good! It's captivating from the very first chapter, and I'm confident I can keep reading. [Already addicted!][Already addicted!][Already addicted!]

28. 978 公 The Princess Reigns, and Her Dandy Young Lord Husband Fears Her 公主在上，纨绔世子他惧内 A Little More多点儿Ancient Romance354k WordsCompleted The fifth princess of the Great Sheng Dynasty, Sheng Yue, was stunningly beautiful, exceptionally talented, and equal to any prince in intelligence, courage, and strategy. She was supposed to marry a prince from a neighboring kingdom, but the notorious playboy heir of Shengjing ruined her reputation in an unexpected incident, leaving her no choice but to marry him. Everyone lamented: What a waste to see such a lovely flower stuck in a pile of manure. This was more than a bright pearl hidden in t 949Reads8.0Score101Shelves
29. 979 贵 The Noble Consort Is Cool and Aloof, and the Emperor Yearns for Her Night After Night 贵妃清冷，圣上夜夜相思 Que Ling Yan Zi雀翎宴子Ancient Romance448k WordsCompleted Shen Qinghe was in the bloom of youth when she entered the palace, where she weathered its intrigues for more than a decade. She had hoped to leave with a reward one day, or perhaps spend her whole life peacefully as a palace official. But then an order came down, and one day she unexpectedly became an imperial consort. She watched these women fight day after day, never expecting to become entangled in their schemes herself. Shen Qinghe could only sigh. He was the emperor, and she was a palac 13.3kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The writing is fluent and the emotions are delicate; each book is a classic and worth reading.

30. 980 醉 A Drunken Nighttime Kiss! One Flirt from Her, and the Arrogant Big Shot’s Heart Races 醉吻夜！她一撩，桀骜大佬心狂跳 A Crescent Moon一剪月Modern Romance539k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Climbing the Capital’s Family Tree is now available on all platforms.] [Top Capital City Tycoon · Rebellious, Devoted Suit-Wearing Bad Boy vs. Ballet Princess · Radiant, Proud Little Swan] Li Zhi and Fu Yanze grew up together, but Li Zhi turned out to be the fake heiress. For the sake of his own interests, Fu Yanze chose to get engaged to the real heiress, a leading actress in the entertainment industry. He hoped Li Zhi would understand and said he would come back to marr 59.4kReads9.5Score7.3kShelves
31. 981 庶 The Concubine's Daughter Rises to Power: The Blackhearted, Crippled Prince's Beloved 庶女上位，腹黑残王的心尖宠 Hua Nian Xun花念荨Ancient Romance446k WordsCompleted [A devoted couple with no other partners + two powerful leads building their careers + feel-good wish fulfillment with no holier-than-thou heroine + court intrigue] She is the unloved illegitimate daughter of the prime minister. When an imperial decree arrives, her father orders her to take the place of his legitimate daughter and marry Prince Jing, who is frail and near death. Orphaned as a child, he is gifted but has had to pretend to be ill to survive. Born into the imperial family, he long a 98Reads6.8Score—Shelves
32. 982 戏 The Drama Queen Arrives and Makes the Tyrant Blush and His Heart Race 戏精美人驾到，撩的暴君脸红心跳 Gu Liaoliao顾了了Ancient Romance425k WordsCompleted ❤️ Complete [Sweet Romance + Goofy Comedy + Both Leads Are Chaste] A frail, dramatic beauty x a cold, ruthless tyrant (cold on the outside but warm inside at first, all bark and no bite, then a completely devoted husband) Excerpt 1: Gu Qingxi had barely transmigrated into a book when she slapped the cold, ruthless tyrant across the face. Given Pei Yanci's vicious nature, she thought she was doomed and wouldn't live to see another day. But the tyrant didn't play by the rules. He simply kept Gu Qi 801Reads9.1Score120Shelves
33. 983 欲 Trying to Tempt the Crown Prince, This Little Cat Is So Sweet and Soft 欲撩太子，猫猫她又软又娇 Listening to Snow in the Mountain Breeze岚风听雪Ancient Romance605k WordsCompleted Sweet Romance + Raising the Heroine + No Misunderstandings + A Whiny Heroine + Powerful Hero Who Dotes Only on Her [Cool, chaste, and calculating Crown Prince × Flirtatious woman who transmigrates as a soft and delicate cat] The heroine's job is to eat, drink, sleep, and flirt with the male lead. She's not a strong, independent heroine, so readers who mind should give this a pass. The moment Mei Susu opens her eyes, she sees a handsome man fresh from his bath. Just as she's letting her imaginati 5.8kReads9.0Score531Shelves

    Reader note

    I've been waiting for it to finish, and now it's finally over! The theme is very fresh, and the details are well-written 😊. Getting into it was definitely worth it; I love this kind of unabashed flirting!

34. 984 解 The Spirit Medium Who Eases Worries 解忧通灵师 Gu Xiaoshi顾小施Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted [Metaphysics · reborn · sweet romance · mutual salvation] When people die, they leave behind thoughts and resentment. If fate grants them the chance, they can become ghosts and monsters. Ghosts and monsters cannot enter the underworld or be reincarnated. Gu Yousheng inherited a bloodline legacy and was born a spirit medium. Before she turned six, she cried and tried every way she could to get rid of her gift. After she turned six, she worked diligently to resolve grievances and troubles, becomin 25.6kReads9.5Score5.9kShelves

    Reader note

    After reading books for over a decade, these are worth a look.

35. 985 照 Dressed in Red: The Maid's Rise to Power 照红妆：通房丫鬟上位记 Sweet, Sweet Milk Candy奶糖甜甜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Extra chapters being updated] Haitang, a maid who shares her master's bed, follows these rules for surviving household rivalries: First, be flexible. Second, don't let love cloud your judgment. Third, if a woman isn't ruthless, she won't keep her place. Haitang is breathtakingly beautiful, but she comes from humble beginnings. In her previous life, she was proud and refused to become a bedchamber maid, so her mistress tortured her to death. Reborn, she decides to live differently. Everyone thin 13.9kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    🔥🔥These four books are all excellent, a must-read historical romance! Super good!! ①Read twice ②Currently reading ③Read before ④A more novel one

36. 986 远 Distant Mountains Like a Painting 远山如画 Summer on the Run出走的夏天Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted She is a wild girl from a mountain village, and he is an imperial bodyguard. She is the daughter of a military household, and he is the grandson of the old Marquis Dingguo. She dreams of becoming a woman general, while his family motto is to secure the country and bring peace to the people. She saves his three siblings during a landslide, but because of the incident, her fiancé’s family breaks off their engagement, citing her chastity and reputation. To repay her kindness, he puts pressure on he 104Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    They're all so good! [Laughing][laughing]

37. 987 明 Schemes in the Ming Palace: A World Without Beauty 明宫谋：无颜天下 Don't Ask莫问Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In the unforgiving world of imperial power, Wang Rongyu has no choice but to enter the palace. She keeps her head down, hoping only to leave, not to rise through the ranks. But she has two mothers-in-law to contend with, the emperor’s favored concubine ahead of her, and a palace full of women selected and enfeoffed six months ago, yet still no children have been born. Knowing that emperors are heartless, Wang Rongyu has already made up her mind to simply do her job as empress. She won’t compete 2.9kReads9.0Score314Shelves
38. 988 京 The Capital's Most Notorious Beauty 京城第一祸水 Stars Fill My Eyes满眼星宸Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Currently being published [rival suitors in a dramatic love triangle + top-tier schemer + supporting villainess fights back + everyone comes around] [Historical romance + told entirely from the wicked supporting female character’s perspective] ❣️Blurb One Qiao Wanyan learned from a storybook that she was nothing but a wicked supporting character who abandoned her childhood sweetheart and chased after wealth and status. She sowed discord, poisoned her elder sister, and committed every imaginable 58.9kReads9.3Score7.7kShelves

    Reader note

    A high-quality ancient Chinese fantasy romance! A scheming and wicked woman in a chaotic world! The female lead is "beautiful on the outside, but a heart of a serpent." She is ambitious, cunning, and single-mindedly climbs the social ladder by attaching herself to power. She tries her best to get close to and win over anyone useful, while ignoring those who are not. She is good at pretending and acting, changing her expression in an instant. She is also prone to slapping people at the slightest provocation. She is extremely clear-headed, doesn't love anyone, and won't give her heart away. Moreover, due to her high status, she has few constraints and is fawned over wherever she goes. She lives a very comfortable life! Each male lead has his own unique charm: the insecure Crown Prince He Zhiyu, attracted to her but unwilling to admit his change of heart; the fearless and resilient wolf cub Lu Jinye; the dull and clueless divine physician Yun Heng; the flamboyant and arrogant young marquis who is unaware of his own love; and the one he loves most is Prince Jing, He Yanli, her childhood sweetheart. His words are like poison, each one sharp and incisive, yet he claims to hate her, but he's the first to rush to her aid when she's in danger, unable to bring himself to be harsh with her, instinctively protecting her, and indiscriminately attacking those who oppose her. He understands what kind of person she is yet still loves her—a perfect match, a heavenly couple! The female lead's maternal grandfather and parents are incredibly kind, knowing her ambition and fully supporting her—full of warmth and affection! The writing is excellent, the plot thrilling—a masterpiece! I especially love the female lead's character: ["Greed for power and vanity—what's wrong with that? It shows she's ambitious."] [If a woman cannot wield power, then let those who wield power be controlled by her.] [Money is a good thing. Power is something she desperately desires.] ["Retribution is nothing but psychological comfort for the weak."] [Whenever something happens, she immediately blames the other person, naturally believing that she is more important than the rest of the world, and that the whole world must be trampled under her feet.] [This apology is completely insincere; it's just a way to muddle through the present and lay the groundwork for future offenses. She never feels she has done anything wrong.] [Tears can solve many unnecessary troubles, as well as necessary ones.] [Qiao Wanyan still doesn't feel she has done anything wrong; she's just become better at disguising herself.] [Those who can be used will be squeezed dry before being discarded.] ['May the Flower Goddess bless this believer, not seeking tender affection, but only power, wealth, and the admiration of all!']

39. 989 高 The Road to Glory for a Noble Lady 高门贵女的荣华之路 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance324k WordsCompleted As the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Xuanping's household, Lin Chuyue married the Fourth Imperial Grandson, Zhou Xiao, as his principal wife at sixteen. At nineteen, she became a princess consort, and at twenty-six, she rose to become the most powerful woman in the Great An Dynasty: the empress. Who hasn't exclaimed that Lin Chuyue was born under a lucky star? Yet the hardships she endured are too painful to speak of. Zhou Xiao's childhood sweetheart of a cousin, a concubine reborn, and a ma 4.9kReads8.8Score312Shelves
40. 990 王 The Prince’s Cherished Treasure 王府心尖宠 Tea Scatters荼散Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted Sixteen years ago, because of a remark by an old Daoist, Su Niannian and her twin sister were raised apart. For sixteen years, her sister grew up with their parents and siblings, while Su Niannian was raised by their grandmother. Sixteen years later, her sister returned to the capital with their parents, only to discover that Su Niannian, left behind in the capital, had become the apple of Prince Su's household's eye. "We don't care about them! Our prince's estate is bigger and prettier than the 24.9kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The beloved daughter of the main characters, Niannian, and the male and female leads like each other.

41. 991 怯 A Timid Spring Night 怯春宵 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance331k WordsOngoing After marrying Xie Wujiu, Su Miao only planned to be a virtuous wife. Having seen too many schemes in the inner quarters of a grand household, she expected no loving marriage. Her goal was to live a quiet, peaceful life and make it safely to old age. But the marquis's manor was no peaceful place, and none of her sisters-in-law were easy to deal with. There was always some family drama or another, and Xie Wujiu was so moody he would even get jealous over a cup. Su Miao was exhausted. Then she bec 32Reads8.8Score—Shelves
42. 992 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 23.9kReads9.3Score1.8kShelves
43. 993 抄 After the Estate Was Confiscated 抄家以后 Snow Tea Woof Woof雪茶汪汪Ancient Romance252k WordsCompleted [A clever, levelheaded noblewoman vs. an honest, straightforward, fiercely loyal guard] [Historical Romance + Revenge + Healing + Political Intrigue + Love That Grows Over Time + Devoted Guard] Cheng Ming'an was the daughter of a general. On the eve of her wedding, the Cheng family was arrested and their assets confiscated for treason. Her father and brothers were executed, her eldest sister took her own life, and her married sisters were put through one hardship after another. Her fiancé change 11.5kReads9.5Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I've been suffering from a reading slump for so long, and these two books really saved me! I'm always powerless against intelligent and rational female protagonists like these. They're both admirable and heartbreaking, and the writing is excellent. Highly recommended!

44. 994 前 The Former Dynasty's Maidservant 前朝女婢 Hou Mochen Yan侯莫陈炎Ancient Romance254k WordsCompleted No saintly heroine, no pointless chatter, no dragging things out. Come feast on the good stuff!!! The cover is based on the heroine's original character design, so feel free to imagine yourself in her role. “As long as we don't have children, there won't be any problems. You needn't worry, Big Sister. I won't marry someone else for the sake of an heir. In this life, I need only you...” 1.4kReads8.4Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of unrequited love in the early stages, a false sense of masculinity in the middle, and a forbidden romance in the later stages. It's both sickeningly sweet and heart-wrenchingly tragic, a plot that delivers both pain and sweetness, making it utterly addictive. No saintly sentimentality, no unnecessary chatter. I kill to save my life, he covets my elder sister. Me: "There are no perfect people in this world. You say I'm disrupting the court? Before you label me a villain, you'd better pay for my blood debt!" Him: "I've already fallen in love with you, how can I change that? What's done is done, I accept it. Even if it's my elder sister, so what? Rebellion against the Heavenly Generals, forceful acquisition or anything, I'll bear the world's infamy. Even mountains and seas, I will level them. My elder sister, she can only be mine…!" No time travel, no reincarnation, pure ancient Chinese setting.

45. 995 团 The Whole Family’s Darling: The Tyrant’s Fierce Little Princess 团宠：暴君的小公主奶凶奶凶的 Taoyao桃幺Ancient Romance252k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s darling baby × sweet, satisfying romance × childhood sweethearts] The tyrant, who couldn’t care less about his own princes and princesses, boasted to the Prince of Ye, “If the Empress and I ever have a daughter, I’ll promise our little princess to your son!” But five years later, the Empress really did give birth to a little princess. The newborn bundle blinked her bright, sparkling eyes as she looked around. When she spotted the tyrant, she gave him a sugary smile. He couldn’t resis 241Reads9.2Score108Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥🔥🔥Highly recommended! 9.9 Rating! 🍁🍁🍁Childhood sweethearts! The princess was betrothed to the Night King's heir by her father, the Emperor, even before she was born! The day after the princess was born, her father carried her to court (not only out of affection but also to show off his little princess). 🍁🍁🍁When the princess was a few years old, the Night King brought his young heir into the palace to be his daughter-in-law~ The princess and her husband are so sweet, childhood sweethearts!

46. 996 名 The Famous Constable's Wife 名捕夫人 Carefree Girl清闲丫头Mystery261k WordsCompleted Jing Yi thinks there can’t be a more miserable groom in the world than him: his wedding date was set in a jail cell, he investigated a murder on his wedding night, and he spent his honeymoon running all over the place after criminals. Even worse, his childhood sweetheart of a wife seems to have “ulterior motives” toward him... That would be bad enough, but his superior is “settling a personal score” by assigning him case files that get thicker and more troublesome every time. He can’t go on livi 34Reads9.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The book by Qingxian Yatou is ingeniously conceived, written in a witty and humorous style, with well-developed characters and a subtle yet intense emotional arc. It's a great way to relieve stress.

47. 997 青 The Childhood Sweetheart Consort Rises to Power, Her Goal Is to Become Empress Dowager! 青梅侧妃上位，目标是太后位！ Xiao Yan Wants to Get Rich小闫要暴富Ancient Romance593k WordsCompleted [Domestic scheming in the early stages, palace intrigue later; the leads are not both faithful~] [The heroine loves the hero but keeps her feelings in check, staying clear-headed and never obsessed. The hero cares for her, but as emperor he has to balance the court, and there will be no shortage of women around him. The heroine is special to him!] An unexpected imperial decree changed Jiang Qingyue from the Princess Consort of Prince Qing to his secondary consort overnight. The emperor’s favor a 4.6kReads8.3Score385Shelves
48. 998 锁 Locked in the Deep of Spring 锁春深 Half-Old Mrs. Li半老李娘Ancient Romance803k WordsCompleted He Wucheng was renowned as a true gentleman. She chose him as her consort, cutting off his path to a brilliant future. She compared him to a mere entertainer and mocked him, making him crawl beneath her skirts. She relished the pleasure of dragging him down from his pedestal. She asked scornfully, “How does it feel to get by on your looks?” She wanted to see humiliation and resentment on his face, along with the look of someone forced to endure it. But he smiled, amusement in his eyes, and repli 73Reads6.7Score—Shelves
49. 999 拨 Seeking Daylight Through the Snow 拨雪寻昼 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance291k WordsCompleted “You and I have loved each other since childhood, childhood sweethearts with nothing to hide from one another.”, Ouyang Yuqian, "The Peacock Flies Southeast" [Childhood sweetheart loses to the newcomer + love grows over time] [This story is entirely fictional. Please do not read too much into it. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.] Because their mothers had been close friends since their girlhood, and the Xie and Shen families were neighbors, Xie Chenxue and Shen Fu 695Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In ancient Chinese family dramas, you must believe that there will always be someone who truly loves you.

50. 1000 病 After Her Sickly Husband Died, the Crown Prince Took Her into the Eastern Palace 病弱夫君去世后，太子夺我入东宫 Fei Nongmo妃弄墨Ancient Romance581k WordsCompleted [The short drama of the same name, Marry into the Eastern Palace, is now available] Three years ago, at the Eastern Palace’s consort selection banquet, the Crown Prince scolded her: “The Shen girl is coquettish and ingratiating, and her conduct is outrageous.” His words made Shen Lizhu the laughingstock of the capital’s noblewomen, forcing her to retreat to her maternal grandparents’ home in Jiangnan. Three years later, the Crown Prince is ordered to leave the capital and tour Jiangnan. Shen Liz 24.9kReads8.4Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    It's absolutely gorgeous! The male lead is the crown prince. Because the female lead's concubine aunt caused his mother's early death from depression, he reprimanded her at the concubine selection banquet for her inappropriate words and actions, leading to her being abandoned by her family and suffering hardships. Three years later, he was unexpectedly rescued by her, fell in love with her, and began his long journey to win her back. The second male lead is truly a white moonlight; he only has eyes for the female lead, puts her first, and thinks only of her. I absolutely adore him.

Other lists with The Courtesan Is Reborn! The Bad Girl Takes Control of the Whole Game