Looking for Pure Palace-Intrigue Novels, No Idiotic Characters, and a Calm, Composed Female Lead! 有没有纯纯宫斗文 不降智 女主冷静大气的！

1. 1 好 The Fertile Imperial Consort: The Emperor’s One and Only Favorite 好孕贵妃：独得圣宠 The Fish Who Loves Tea爱喝茶的鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Noble Consort Jingmin: the highest rank many women in the imperial harem could dream of attaining. But what if it was a posthumous title? Who would want that? Given another chance, Wanran had no desire to become empress. She only wanted everyone who had harmed her in her previous life to receive their due punishment, and for her children to live in peace, never again to suffer through those dark days. As for the emperor, she would never again give him her whole heart. 2.4kReads9.2Score221Shelves

   Reader note

   These are all pure palace intrigue novels, very good, especially the first, third, and fifth books.

2. 2 清 A Qing Dynasty Noble Consort's Glorious Reign 清穿贵妃荣宠记 Yu Zhiwei予之微Ancient Romance766k WordsCompleted A favored consort from the start? And the younger sister of Empress Xiaozhao, no less? Wasn’t she supposed to die young, with her daughter passing away in childhood? This time, she has both sons and daughters, and the emperor cherishes her like a treasure. Not only is he clingy, he has an overactive imagination, and Niu Hulu Baozhu is exhausted. After outliving Imperial Noble Consort Tong and Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in the imperial harem. All she wants i 3.8kReads8.8Score263Shelves
3. 3 将 The General's Legitimate Daughter: The Hot-Tempered Consort Is Not to Be Trifled With 将门嫡女：暴脾气贵妃不好惹 Lu Yueerwu陆月二五Ancient Romance936k WordsCompleted [Devoted Love in the Later Story + Adorable Baby + Powerful Hero and Heroine + Beloved Legitimate Daughter] [Hopelessly Devoted Foolish Emperor + Clear-Headed, Self-Controlled, Clever Noble Consort] Once you enter the palace, it’s as deep as the sea. Yu Jinghe is the most clear-eyed woman in the world. Noble Consort Yue, the most stylish woman in the harem, wins the emperor’s favor all to herself with her fiery temper. Sharp-tongued and quick to throw a punch, she’s practically the harem’s gangs 3.3kReads9.2Score300Shelves
4. 4 清 Qing Transmigration: The Frail Noble Consort’s Road to Favor 清穿：病弱贵妃的荣宠路 Peach Blossom Eyes桃花眼Ancient Romance573k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the Qing dynasty, Tong Ruoxue, a woman from the apocalypse, takes the place of the original Empress Xiaoyiren and becomes Kangxi’s Imperial Noble Consort. To ensure she’ll have enough to eat and drink, she plays sweet and naive, pretending to be weak and innocent to win the emperor’s sympathy. In the end, she triumphs in the harem’s battles and enjoys a life of honor and privilege. 1.9kReads8.5Score121Shelves
5. 5 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
6. 6 母 Mother of the Nation? No, I Want to Rule the World! 母仪天下？不，我要权倾天下！ Dreams, How Many?梦几何Ancient Romance986k WordsOngoing [Alternate-World Palace Intrigue + No Romance + Raising Children + Never Falls for the Emperor] Content warning: The male lead is not chaste. Palace intrigue runs throughout, and the emperor never favors just one consort. After a car accident, Chu Ningzhi was pulled into the alternate world of Great Zhou. She had to become Empress Dowager to survive. To stay alive, she entered the palace through the selection and gave birth to a child. She planned every move carefully and defeated all her enemie 182Reads8.8Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Then I absolutely have to recommend my hidden gem! It's this one! Pure palace intrigue, absolutely nothing superfluous! The female lead is incredibly clever, and everyone has their own little schemes! It's so good, I'll be heartbroken if I don't read it!

7. 7 反 The Villainess Kills with Her Beauty 反派她以美貌杀人 Shattered Starlight夜空碎光Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted (The heroine is a true villain. If you prefer morally upright characters, read with caution.) She was the villain of a book, but she never knew it. But what did that matter? Her beloved was dead. How could those responsible for his death be allowed to live? She toyed with the world in the palm of her hand, laying schemes within schemes and concealing deadly intent at every turn. Her gentle nature and ethereal beauty were both weapons, and no one could stand in the way of her revenge. The person 4.1kReads9.4Score479Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is amazing, no melodramatic plot twists. Trust me, bro!

8. 8 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 one! A realistic palace intrigue story where everyone is clear-headed, highly intelligent, and cunning.

9. 9 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.6kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves

   Reader note

   In this book, the female protagonist is very clear-headed; her infatuation with the emperor is all an act. She never succumbs to his charms and even kills him in the end. I love the friendship between the girls! (●♡∀♡)

10. 10 宫 A Palace Maid’s Daily Struggles 宫女奋斗日常 Phantom Beneath the Moon月下幻影Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ling Huan has skin as smooth as ice and looks like a goddess, yet she has no interest in power and thinks only of leaving the palace. In the end, neither she nor her child meets a good end. Given another chance, her goal is to raise her child well and become Empress Dowager herself. A palace-intrigue story with a strong female lead. The heroine is ruthless and clever. A thoroughly satisfying read. 6kReads9.2Score853Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist of a palace intrigue novel is reborn and rises from a palace maid to a higher rank.

11. 11 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

    These palace intrigue novels are all excellent, with gripping plots and a tight, fast-paced narrative. The female protagonist is clear-headed and not blinded by love; she is intelligent, wise, and decisive, rising step by step to a high position and winning the harem life she desires.

12. 12 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score427Shelves
13. 13 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
14. 14 娘 The Consort Is All Charm and Cunning, Scheming Her Way to the Top 娘娘又茶又媚，一路宫斗上位 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance835k WordsCompleted Signed for print publication In the third year of the Yifeng era, a concubine-born daughter of the Ningyang Marquis’s household enters the palace. The palace is a vast, treacherous place, where the one thing you must never do is give your heart away. Ning Shuyan is clear-eyed: she wants wealth and prestige, along with the emperor’s favor. For three years, she carefully plots each step, wins the emperor’s attention, and rises from Talented Lady to Noble Consort. Rumor has it that the emperor only 56.9kReads9.5Score7.1kShelves
15. 15 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 92kReads9.6Score12.3kShelves
16. 16 庶 The Fortunate Concubine 庶女有福 Leng Chu冷初Ancient Romance474k WordsCompleted The third daughter of the Chu family, Chu Lingran, is breathtakingly beautiful, with peerless looks. In truth, she is merely a concubine-born daughter of the Chengbo Marquis household, always cautious and modest, playing the pig to eat the tiger. Her stepmother took a fortune-teller’s words, “This girl will have many descendants,” and sent her to the Crown Prince’s residence to serve as a childbearing tool. But the full prediction was: “This girl will have many descendants, for she is destined t 1.3kReads9.0Score138Shelves
17. 17 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

    These are all books that I think are absolutely fantastic, really, I'm not lying to other Chinese people, and they also have pretty high ratings. But sisters looking for stories with virgin characters should think twice, since very few palace intrigue novels feature virgins. 🍉🍉

18. 18 人 Life Is a Play, and the Empress Is All About Her Acting Skills 人生如戏，娘娘她纯拼演技 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + witty banter + sweet, delicate beauty + calculated mind games] The leads are not each other’s only partners. If that bothers you, don’t read. Be prepared for suspicion in the early chapters, followed by affection later. The pacing is slow, so proceed with caution if you prefer fast-paced wish-fulfillment stories. As a double award-winning actress and a seasoned star of palace intrigue dramas, how could Shi Yan possibly lose her nerve after transmigrating into the imperial hare 5kReads9.3Score532Shelves
19. 19 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
20. 20 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves
21. 21 重 The Reborn Empress Looks Up, and the Entire Court Falls to Its Knees 重生女帝一抬眼，满朝大臣全跪了 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance441k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Strong heroine + Yandere + Both are virgins + Satisfying read + Obsessive to the core] Yan Qing was supposed to be a princess of the imperial clan, but she was born cursed as an ill-fated loner. Her father kept his distance, her mother loathed her, and her family and subjects all saw her as a venomous snake, avoiding her at all costs. In the prime of her life, she died because of her family’s schemes. Even the powerful young nobleman she had personally trained and nurtured betrayed her 2.7kReads9.2Score283Shelves

    Reader note

    It looks really good 😊

22. 22 毒 The Poisonous Consort Goes on a Killing Spree: The Tyrant Begs Her to Go Easy 毒妃杀疯了：暴君求轻虐 Qin Qin Can't Write秦秦不会写Ancient Romance112k WordsOngoing [Strong heroine + revenge + palace intrigue + satisfying read] Six years ago, Qin Qingqian's father stumbled upon a scandal in the imperial palace, and the Empress ordered his entire family wiped out. That night, flames soared into the sky, and blood stained the place where she had grown up. She narrowly escaped, but from then on carried an overwhelming grudge of blood and vengeance. She concealed her identity and lay low in the darkness. Six years later, the Emperor fell gravely ill and took to —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books are great! The female lead in the first one is a bit of a scheming woman, not a naive and innocent one; the female lead in the second one is quite ruthless.

23. 23 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    "Love?" Has shattered all other romance novels! [Court politics + two strong protagonists + high intelligence + humor] Top-notch writing and a tightly woven plot! The only word to describe my impression is "stunning." The intelligent protagonist and the unexpected plot twists are truly amazing, leaving readers amazed and deeply moved. It's reminiscent of watching "A Chinese Odyssey," leaving a lasting impression!

24. 24 娘 The Imperial Consort Exudes an Enchanting Fragrance, and the Emperor Spoils Her Every Day 娘娘自带暖情香，皇上日日娇宠 Zhi Xiaoyuan知小元Ancient Romance391k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue only, not a faithful couple + favored exclusively in the later chapters + clearheaded heroine] Yun Shu, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue, is beautiful, but unfortunately falls for a kept man. She helps him climb the ranks, only for him to have an affair with her cousin Yun Rou'er and get her pregnant! Reborn, Yun Shu resolutely enters the palace. She will rise to the highest throne! Win favor! Bear children! Seize the throne! Take revenge! She wants 159Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one is purely about palace intrigue, not about two virgins. The female lead is clear-headed and rational, and it gets more and more exciting as you read on.

25. 25 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 story, but the current rating isn't high. It's not a system-based, space-based, or cheat-like story; it's not a clean-cut, exclusive-love, or child-rearing story; it's not a wish-fulfillment story. If you don't like that, you can avoid it. It's a slow-paced, gradual story; the protagonist doesn't fall in love with the emperor, but there might be more of a power struggle later on.

26. 26 世 The Crown Prince's Consort Turns Dark After Being Reborn 世子妃重生后黑化了 A Drunken Glance at the Glazed Moon一醉琉月Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Fake and real heiresses] Chu Miao was born the eldest legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's residence, but her life was switched at birth with a village woman's daughter. When her family finds her, she becomes a pawn of her parents and the imperial family. She is deceived into marrying Xiao Rongjin, the legitimate son of the Prince of Pingnan. Her father-in-law is a war god who has never known 7.4kReads9.1Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    It's really beautiful.

27. 27 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

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing! Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing!

28. 28 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 absolutely have to recommend this one! The female lead's rise to power and her quest for the emperor's favor are all about gaining leverage in the palace intrigue. She comes with a palace intrigue simulator and immediately starts slapping 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 anyway? It's written by a new author, so ladies, come check it out!

29. 29 妾 The Concubine’s Code of Conduct 妾室职业守则 Su Yun苏芸Ancient Romance638k WordsCompleted Ke Rong is a dedicated, third-rate actress who transmigrates and becomes a concubine in a prince’s household. The handsome, dashing prince provides her with food and lodging, occasionally shares her bed, and even pays her a monthly salary for doing nothing. She cannot quit this job and leave, and it would be hard to find another one if she did... Ke Rong decides that she must do her job as a “concubine” conscientiously and diligently, lest she get fired and lose the chance to live a leisurely, 716Reads8.3Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    Just finished watching it, highly recommended.

30. 30 小 The Concubine-Born Daughter of a Minor Official's Family 小官家的庶女 Wind-Blown Rabbit风吹兔子Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted After dying in battle at the end of the world, she was reborn as a concubine-born daughter in an ancient official's household. The household intrigues and fights for favor were someone else's concern. Li Xia spent her days getting her monthly allowance from her stepmother, eating and drinking, and catching a show. Life was carefree. After unexpectedly saving someone at the Lantern Festival, Li Xia's carefree days came to an end. By day, she was a sheltered young lady who never left the inner qua 4.4kReads9.0Score342Shelves

    Reader note

    It's a really good book, I recommend it to everyone.

31. 31 女 The Vicious Villainess in a Matriarchal World Raises Her Fish Online 女尊恶獠在线养鱼 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Matriarchal society + sweet romance + one-on-one + devoted to each other] [Calculating and ruthless princess × obedient, loyal guard] The capital's good-for-nothing Second Princess is beaten in the street by another woman for pursuing a man, then crashes into a stone lion. After recovering from her serious injuries, the Second Princess seems like a completely different person: kind to others, uninterested in competing, and always helping her sisters. It isn't until the day this powerful princes 15.1kReads9.5Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    These two books are great! The female leads are both highly intelligent. As the female lead in the first book said, "Even if someone with a low IQ is reborn, their IQ won't increase." In short, both books are excellent. The female leads aren't intellectually disabled, brainless, or love-struck. They're strong female leads, and both are virgins. Let's read them together! 😘

32. 32 守 Widowhood Is Surprisingly Damn Sweet! 守寡的滋味竟该死的甜美！ Rice Candy米糖糖Ancient Romance433k WordsCompleted [Empress Dowager + enemy emperor turns into a cat] On the first day after Feng Zhao transmigrates, she’s told her husband is dead, and they’ve even given her a child. Feng Zhao thinks she’s managed to skip the man and get herself a child anyway. She thought she’d landed in a widow’s story, where she could become empress dowager and coast to victory. Instead, the System wants her to reclaim wasteland, raise a child, and rule from behind the curtain. Being a villainous empress dowager is hard, rai 11.8kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves
33. 33 帝 The Imperial Terrace's Charm: The Noble Consort Is Beautiful and Well-Behaved 帝台娇：贵妃娘娘她又美又乖 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + climbing the ranks and crushing the villains + doting romance. The male lead knows his own heart. He'll devote himself to her alone later on.] [The heroine rises through the ranks quickly at first, then more slowly later on.] [The heroine comes from a noble family, is the most beautiful woman in the harem, and already has two adorable children. The Emperor falls for her first and favors her from early on, before devoting himself to her alone in the middle and later parts.] By a 20.5kReads9.4Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    Synopsis: The first book where everyone's IQ is online; skipping even one page will leave you wondering what happens next.

34. 34 穿 After She Transmigrates into a Book, the Noble Consort Is Forced to Raise the Villainous Tyrant 穿书后，贵妃被迫娇养反派暴君 A Little Meatball一个肉团Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Completed] Su Yijin, a veteran supporting actress, has transmigrated into a book once again. When she opens her eyes, she is breathtakingly beautiful and on the pampered darling route, backed by powerful connections. Her father is a general who guards the nation, her mother is the Junyang Commandery Princess, and her maternal grandfather is a prince of a different surname... With the heroine's script in hand, Su Yijin takes down the green tea and kicks the fake innocent aside, then throws herse 1.4kReads9.0Score287Shelves

    Reader note

    It's incredibly sweet!!! Highly recommended!

35. 35 新 Wedding Night: I’m Pregnant with the Chief Eunuch’s Child 新婚夜：我怀了督主的崽 Qing Yi清宜Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Overbearing palace eunuch vs. scheming beauty: be the wickedest beauty and flirt with the most powerful man] Rumors have been swirling around the capital lately, and everyone says the Zhao family’s most noble young lady has gone mad. Instead of becoming an imperial consort, she went and confessed her feelings to a eunuch. One of his subordinates asked Zhuang Li, “My lord, this young lady seems pretty good. Why not marry her?” Zhuang Li replied coldly, “What the hell does that have to do with me 718Reads9.2Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    The name somewhat diminishes the article's prestige.

36. 36 孤 An Orphaned Girl Takes the Family Reins: Ruling the Realm from the Inner Chambers 孤女承家：从后宅定天下 Li Mingjiu李明玖Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted [A score of 6.9 on May 25, 2026. A special milestone, and here's hoping it rises! A strong female lead, a cast where everyone shines, no one is reborn, and there is no System] Who says women are inferior to men? Why be confined to the inner courtyards and their rivalries? Women have a world of their own to conquer. Her father and brother returned victorious, only for their deaths to be announced. When their coffins came home, she became an orphan overnight. Everyone laughed at her for having no 18Reads6.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This doesn't make you stupid; the later chapters get better and better. If you like it, please support it.

37. 37 娇 The Crown Prince's Beloved Consort: His Darling Is Sweet and Adorable 娇宠贵妃：太子的心尖宠又娇又媚 Watermelon Tangyuan西瓜汤圆Ancient Romance783k WordsOngoing (Palace intrigue. Heads-up: The heroine isn’t the emperor’s sole favorite early on, but becomes his only favorite later.) Su Yu never imagined she’d transmigrate into a book and become one of the Crown Prince’s concubines. And not just any concubine: she has the lowest rank of all. In front, favored higher-ranking consorts are constantly causing trouble. Behind her, the seemingly kind but secretly ruthless Crown Princess plots against her. The conditions for survival are truly brutal. Su Yu thin 78Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue perfectly fits

38. 38 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
39. 39 快 Quick Transmigration: Raising Children in the Qing Dynasty 快穿之清朝养崽日常 A Thousand-Year-Old Ghost千年阿飘啊Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted Lou Yu can’t remember how long she’s existed or how many changes the world has gone through. She’s forgotten it all, but has nearly mastered every kind of knowledge and skill. By chance, she binds herself to a System and begins a Qing Dynasty quick transmigration journey. World One: Xiaoyu Never Gives In Is Xiaoyu’er just a stand-in for Dayu’er, doomed to a tragic ending? See how Lou Yu turns her fate around and lives up to Xiaoyu’er’s own unique splendor. World Two: Consort Rong Knows How to Ra 5.2kReads9.3Score343Shelves
40. 40 穿 Transmigrated to Become the Most Beautiful Empress 穿越之倾世皇后 Jin Yiyi金依依Ancient Romance308k WordsCompleted [Female Lead: Jin Feiyao, plays the fool while hiding her strength + transmigration + clever and beautiful + fiercely protective] [Male Lead: Jun Yue, scheming + ruthless and decisive + devoted exclusively to the female lead] [Jin Feiyao was a university student in the 21st century. She transmigrated while painting...] She wakes up as the daughter of the prime minister. Well, this is nice: good food and drink. When in Rome, make yourself at home. What? I have to enter the palace? Become the empe 17Reads8.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is intelligent and calm, and she pretends to be weak while actually being strong.

41. 41 穿 Book Transmigration: The Villainous Chancellor Covets My Beauty Every Day 穿书：反派丞相天天觊觎朕的美貌 Little Yi Is a Cat小一是只猫Ancient Romance317k WordsCompleted Chu Ning transmigrates into a book, becoming the tragic emperor who spent over a decade disguised as a man, only to be mercilessly killed by the villainous chancellor. She thinks she has done an exceptionally good job of keeping her secret identity under wraps. A little scene: Shen Shihan reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, then said softly, “Your Majesty wants my protection, so why go all the way to Jiangnan to find a beauty? Isn't there one right here?” Chu Ning didn't 432Reads9.0Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    This shouldn't be considered a palace intrigue story, but it's still a tale of ancient royalty. The female lead is an emperor disguised as a man, and the male lead is the powerful regent. I particularly liked the portrayal of the female lead's mother, who went from disliking the female lead to dying for her in the end.

42. 42 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

    Logical and not mindless! Life is tough, writing is hard, no debut and no traffic, so I have to promote it myself. The female lead is intelligent, doesn't compete for male attention, isn't love-struck, and has logic without being idiotic. The low rating is because there are few comments. It's a good story that doesn't glorify feudal society! A female lead who doesn't fall in love, a humanoid emperor 🤦 A growing female lead, female mutual support, a slice-of-life palace intrigue story, an ensemble piece, and the writing is quite good. The title of my humble work is rather cliché, but it's definitely not a melodramatic story. Two updates a day, please give it a try, thank you!

43. 43 做 She Was Given as a Gift 做为礼物的她 Mei Li's Pen Name Is Mei Li梅莉的笔名是梅莉Ancient Romance3.3M WordsOngoing She was nothing more than a gift from the empress to the emperor, yet she became the last woman standing in the imperial harem. A sweet romance! (A short biography of Imperial Noble Consort Lingyi, amid the harem battles of the Qianlong reign. An attempt to unravel the mystery behind the Empress’s hair-cutting.) For readers who have experienced being loved. Not for those who cannot accept that other people have love in their lives, or for those expecting to see a lovesick doormat and believing i 450Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    High intelligence. A brief biography of Consort Ling, a story of palace intrigue during the Qianlong era. She was a gift from the Empress to the Emperor, and ultimately the winner in the harem.

44. 44 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 spoiled and charming female lead who is intelligent and capable. The story is lighthearted, funny, and sweet, with a gradual, enduring romance.

45. 45 她 She’s Soft-Waisted and Playful, and the Chaste Imperial Uncle Bewitches Her Every Day 她腰软灵趣，禁欲皇叔日日勾心魂 Cloud Brocade Magpie云锦鹊Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Word has it that Prince Rong has specifically asked to marry the Taifu’s infatuated legitimate daughter. The whole city says it’s downright shocking! Just a few months ago, hadn’t Prince Rong threatened to kill that lovesick fool? At the Taifu’s residence, a certain lovestruck young woman looks at a room full of betrothal gifts and pulls a long face. “Someone, please! Can you send all this back?” The noble young ladies of the capital burst out swearing. “Have some shame, will you?” 19.2kReads9.4Score3.1kShelves

    Reader note

    A light and enjoyable novel.

46. 46 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

    A clear-headed and rational female lead; the plot doesn't feel simplistic; and the ending is perfect. Highly recommended!

47. 47 你 You Act, I Act, and the Empress Leads the Grand Performance 你演我，我演你，皇后带头唱大戏 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance253k WordsCompleted #Clear-eyed heroine + realistic palace intrigue# In the third year of Kangning, a palace candidate named Jiang Lingyao is pushed into Yingyue Lake and drowns. By a twist of fate, Jiang Lingyao gets a second life in the dead woman's body. The good news: Jiang Lingyao has ghosts all over the palace acting as her spies, so none of the harem's schemes can escape her notice. The bad news: Though she manages to claim the empress's throne in one fell swoop, her paternal aunt, the empress dowager, loath 56Reads8.1Score—Shelves
48. 48 九 The Nine-Phoenix Hairpin 九凤钗 Apples Don't Like Meatballs苹果不爱吃丸子Ancient Romance778k WordsCompleted Song Zhu was once a lost royal treasure hidden in the forest, but fate sent her by a twist of circumstance into the palace of her enemies. On one side were the hatred and grievances between their countries; on the other, she found herself slowly sinking deeper and deeper into Mo Jingyuan’s love. Mo Jingyuan drank the plum blossom wine Song Zhu had brewed with her own hands. Dark red blood welled from the corner of his lips. “Azhu, let the grudges of the previous generation end with us. Give bir 52Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Song Zhu was originally a royal jewel lost in the forest, but fate led her by a twist of fate into the palace of her enemy. Torn between national and personal hatred, and the slow, agonizing descent into Mo Jingyuan's love, she was caught in a dilemma. Mo Jingyuan drank the plum blossom wine brewed by Song Zhu herself, dark red blood welling from his lips. "Ah Zhu, let the grudges of the previous generation be settled between us. Give birth to the child, and hand over my empire to him." Charge!

49. 49 王 My Lord, the Princess Consort Says She’ll Never See You Again 王爷，王妃说此生不复相见 Jing Mo旌墨Ancient Romance421k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance Tragedy + No Getting Back Together + Second Male Lead Takes the Lead] A tragic romance! A tragic romance! A tragic romance! Ye Chuyan loved Pei Xiuyan for twelve years, but never moved him in the slightest. All she got in return was Pei Xiuyan wiping out the Ye family and having her father and brothers tortured to death over three days in the snow. At last, she understood: for the rest of her life, there would be no love between her and Pei Xiuyan, only hatred, until one o 27.1kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    These are some of my personal favorite ancient romance novels.

50. 50 穿EN After Becoming the Villainess, I Clear My Name Every Day 穿成恶女后每天都在洗白 Gathering Vetch, Gathering Vetch采薇采薇Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Everyone’s Darling + Adorable Kids + Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy]: Transmigrating into a lovesick woman, Tang Zhuyun wakes up in the middle of a scene where she’s climbing into a man’s bed. She turns around and runs. Forget this bed, she’s not getting in! Who needs a man when her father is the top scholar, her brother is the top scholar, and even her son will be the top scholar? They’ll protect her, so she can do whatever she wants! As a master physician, she’ll focus on her career, save lives, and k 33.8kReads9.3Score4.7kShelves

Other lists with The Fertile Imperial Consort: The Emperor’s One and Only Favorite