I've Been Really Into Palace Intrigue Lately. Any Recommendations? 最近特别喜欢宫斗，有什么推荐的吗

1. 1 甄 Reborn in Empresses in the Palace: I Outshine Zhen Huan and Become Empress Dowager 甄嬛传重生：力压甄嬛做太后 Christmas Eve safe平安夜safeFemale-Channel Fanfiction488k WordsOngoing The heroine is a true villain, with tons of original plotlines and characters. No frustrating nonsense, no out-of-character writing. You won't regret picking this up. P.S. The early chapters have a lot of plot beats, so the story focuses on the ensemble. The heroine gets more and more screen time starting in Chapter 39, and a flood of original characters arrives from Chapter 80 onward. The proper synopsis: Consort Hua's temperament, Pure Yuan's looks, a wealthy family, and a background that pose 434Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Although they are fanfiction, these four books are really good.

2. 2 安 An Lingrong Reborn: The Zhen Huan Faction Is Mine Now 安陵容重生：甄嬛战队归我了 So Easily好容易Female-Channel Fanfiction302k WordsCompleted [An Lingrong is reborn + original appearance + rivals Zhen Huan + stays in character + bears a child + becomes empress and empress dowager + doesn’t love the emperor and isn’t his sole favorite + dragon-slaying] An Lingrong is reborn, still the same timid, insecure, sensitive young concubine, given to overthinking. But this time, she has abandoned the empty promise of love. All she wants in life is power, status, wealth, and glory. “However cold you may be, you shouldn’t use someone else’s bloo 2.8kReads8.9Score225Shelves
3. 3 陵 Lingrong Returns Before the Selection and Chooses Consort Hua as Her Ally 陵容重返大选前，先选华妃当盟友 Xi Yi西忆Female-Channel Fanfiction1.5M WordsCompleted Life is like a game of chess. Once you make a move, there’s no turning back! As An Lingrong swallowed a bitter almond, she thought this as she lay dying. But when she woke again, she found herself back in Songyang County, bound to a more-children-more-blessings System (or so it seemed). Back in the imperial harem, she remained firm in her belief: If you don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke you! 4.6kReads8.7Score443Shelves
4. 4 李 Li Jingui Reborn: Starting with Nothing, I Fight My Way to Empress Dowager 李金桂重生：一无所有，斗到太后 Drizzle 0919绵绵毛毛雨0919Female-Channel Fanfiction210k WordsCompleted [Scheming villainess revenge fantasy + ugly commoner’s rise + subtle golden finger, no harem rivalry + palace intrigue through wit + raising a child to slay the dragon and become Empress Dowager] I am a palace maid who sweeps the Rehe Imperial Lodge, and also Li Jingui, the birth mother of the Qianlong Emperor. In my past life, I died tragically in childbirth just after giving birth to Hongli. Heaven must have taken pity on me, because I was given the chance to live again! I am ugly, lowborn, an 317Reads8.9Score107Shelves
5. 5 清 Qing Transmigration: Stay Calm, Princess Consort! The Fourth Prince Will Win You the Empress's Throne 清穿：福晋稳住！四爷给你挣后位 Willow Bank杨柳岸Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [An alternate Qing dynasty, unlike the historical one.] After transmigrating, Yun Qu swallowed nervously as she faced her complicated new circumstances. She had become the Fourth Prince's primary consort. What was she supposed to do? Could she ever go back? Once she learned that returning was impossible, Yun Qu accepted her fate. She decided to raise her son well and treat the Fourth Prince like her boss, serving him diligently. If he pointed east, she wouldn't go west. If he wanted to take a co 17.7kReads9.1Score1.5kShelves

   Reader note

   If you like palace intrigue novels, check out these three! They're seriously super, super good!! [Crying] I'm not kidding, I just finished reading them recently, and now I don't have any more to read, sob sob.

6. 6 皇 Your Majesty, I Think Your Palace Maid Is Cursing You Again 皇上，你家宫女好像又在骂你 Six Yuan六元钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The irresistible appeal of what you once rejected + powerful men bowing their heads + a double-standard male lead + raising her before a story of power and statecraft + romantic push and pull + he truly doesn’t love her at first, but gives his all once he does] Su Nanchu is unruly. Shen Jingzhi has always known that. But life in the palace is dull, and he doesn’t mind having a little plaything who can kick and scream. She becomes his daily amusement: reading memorials, practicing calligraphy, a 10.1kReads9.2Score1kShelves
7. 7 娇 The Delicate Beauty Steals Spring 娇娇夺春 Hai Ying海盈Ancient Romance283k WordsCompleted Yu Luo transmigrated into a book as a female supporting character in a novel aimed at male readers. The male lead, Prince Qin Li Xiao, was a celebrated general whose military exploits shook the realm. Yet the emperor framed him and ordered his entire family executed. After turning to the dark side, Prince Qin concealed his identity and took shelter in the Yu household, becoming a guard by the side of Yu Luo, the eldest daughter of the family. Miss Yu was arrogant and domineering, spending her da 10.6kReads8.9Score935Shelves
8. 8 皇 The Empress Is a Max-Level Palace Intriguer, Crushing Everyone 皇后满级宫斗，嘎嘎乱杀 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + infidelity + fictional setting + a resourceful, money-loving, beauty-loving, life-loving empress ✖️ emperor] In her previous life, Hua Shu was a lowly palace maid. She schemed her way to the top of the political ladder, only to be condemned by everyone and branded a wicked woman who brought ruin to the nation. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in the unfamiliar state of Chu, as an unloved empress who’s also being made a scapegoat. As if she’d put up with that! S 14.4kReads9.4Score2kShelves

   Reader note

   The selected books all have ratings around 9.5. Some are palace intrigue stories, while others involve domestic power struggles, including palace intrigue and court politics due to the presence of powerful officials. Every single one is excellent and definitely worth reading. Because these are palace and domestic intrigue novels, the female leads I chose are generally intelligent, and the plots are excellent with tight logic. I especially want to praise books 3️⃣, 5️⃣, and 8️⃣, where the female leads meticulously plan and orchestrate intricate schemes. 1️⃣ Has a relatively novel premise: the female lead, a palace maid in her previous life, rises to become Empress Dowager and transmigrates to another dynasty, giving it a slightly "superpower" feel. 2️⃣ Is primarily a domestic power struggle; the palace intrigue here isn't really palace intrigue but rather court politics, a power struggle between powerful officials. However, the endings are all very good, with everyone finding their place. It's quite a large-scale story, except for one minor tragedy: the death of the female lead's personal maid, which is somewhat heartbreaking, but her death was necessary for her to find a better ending. It's a happy ending for everyone.

9. 9 锁 Locked in the Spring Night 锁春宵 Banana Pizza香蕉披萨Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + reborn + revenge on scum + sweet romance + mutually faithful] In her previous life, Su Qingyu had been married for three years without ever consummating the marriage. Then her cousin suddenly appeared before her with a child, and Su Qingyu finally learned that the man wasn't impotent. He just couldn't perform with her. Her cousin stripped off Su Qingyu's face, took her place as the legitimate daughter of the marquis's household, and became the matriarch of the S 34.8kReads9.3Score5.7kShelves
10. 10 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 39.1kReads9.5Score4.7kShelves
11. 11 入 I Entered the Palace to Help My Sister Keep the Emperor’s Favor, but Became His Cherished Favorite 入宫替嫡姐固宠，却成皇上掌心宠 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she entered the palace and devoted herself to helping her legitimate elder sister keep the emperor’s favor. In the end, she died without a body to bury, abandoned by her family. Returning to the year of the imperial selection, Luo Shuran calculates her every move. Her breathtaking beauty is her only weapon. She sheds her youthful timidity and blossoms into a woman of captivating charm. One fleeting glimpse, like a fairy fallen from the heavens, catches the emperor’s eye. 6.1kReads9.3Score843Shelves
12. 12 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 36.6kReads9.4Score4.1kShelves
13. 13 夫 The Madam Takes Charge: No More Lounging, Get Up and Get to Work! 夫人当家：都别躺，给我起来卷！ Give It a Persimmon Try柿柿就试试Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration to an alternate world + wish fulfillment + sweet romance + one-on-one + two strong leads] Xia Shuyan is a noblewoman of the capital, blessed with beauty, intelligence, and an illustrious family. To protect her family from the impending struggle for the throne, she arranges to marry General Xiao Yunchi, a man rumored to bring death to his wives. Xiao Yunchi is the second legitimate son of the Grand Princess and the old Marquis of Zhenbei, as well as the emperor’s nephew. He has sp 16kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves
14. 14 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 29kReads9.3Score5.3kShelves
15. 15 寡 The Widow's Sister-in-Law Has Nowhere to Run, and the Mad Chancellor Vomits Blood Again 寡嫂无处逃，疯批丞相又吐血了 Folded in the Mist折雾里Ancient Romance634k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, decisive young widow vs. refined, deranged villainous minister] [System + fleeing while pregnant + transmigrate into a book + male lead reborn] Song Yao transmigrated into a book as the villainous minister’s widowed sister-in-law. She was caught red-handed while eloping with another man. The villainous minister, who would one day hold power over the entire court, was currently nothing but a sickly young man. Remembering the tragic fate of the original owner, Song Yao immediately deci 9.8kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves
16. 16 错 After a Mistaken Marriage to the Heir, She Spends Every Day Showering Him with Sweets 错嫁世子后，她每天都在撒糖 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Reborn + mutually devoted sweet romance + revenge and household intrigue] Jiang Rong was deceived her entire life, and only learned the truth when she was on the verge of death. Returned to ten years earlier, she found herself fleeing an arranged marriage to elope. Jiang Rong gave the scoundrel a thorough beating, then turned around and went back to the prince’s manor to marry. The husband she had run from was Xie Lingxi, heir to the Northern Prince. In her previous life, he had protected he 37.3kReads9.5Score4.9kShelves
17. 17 宠EN Favoring a Concubine and Disgracing Your Wife? I Quit as the Marquisate's Matriarch! 宠妾灭妻？这侯门主母我不当了！ Li Wu礼午Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking] Voting has begun! Search for “Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking” to vote for this book, A Return to the Boudoir. Thank you! [Traditional historical romance + inner-courtyard drama + reborn revenge and face-slapping + a prince pursues his wife] Lin Yunwan was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Lin clan. When her Marquis household was on the verge of losing its title, she married Lu Zhengliu, the heir to the marquisate. On their wedding day, her husband coldly 59.8kReads9.3Score8kShelves
18. 18 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 93.3kReads9.5Score10.5kShelves
19. 19 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.8kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves
20. 20 穿 After I Transmigrated into a Book, I Became the Big Shot’s Lazy Pillow 穿书后成了大佬的咸鱼抱枕 Xi Yin奚音Ancient Romance306k WordsCompleted Outside, a raging storm howled and battle cries filled the air. Inside, Ning Xihua suddenly jolted awake on the bed. Propping herself up halfway, she looked confused. “What’s going on?” The man held a book in one hand and pulled her into his arms with the other. “Nothing. Go back to sleep.” “Oh.” Ning Xihua lay back down and promptly fell asleep. If the big shot was this calm, then even if knives were raining down outside, it had nothing to do with her. After transmigrating into a book, Ning Xi 45.3kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves
21. 21 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 115kReads9.5Score11kShelves
22. 22 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 2.1kReads8.3Score229Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a pure palace intrigue ensemble novel, highly recommended!

23. 23 在 100 Techniques to Conquer the Emperor 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 12.1kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    My requirements for palace intrigue novels: The female lead must be clear-headed, have the last laugh, can feign love but won't truly love, and always put herself first. No substitutes or angst-filled plots. The female leads in the following books are all incredibly intelligent, clear-headed, and self-respecting. The main and supporting characters are well-developed, and the palace intrigue plots are not childish. Especially noteworthy is that the supporting characters aren't artificially made less intelligent, making for a very enjoyable read. (PS: Cai Wangwang's books are all really good!!!)

24. 24 继 Successor Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 82.6kReads9.5Score9.1kShelves
25. 25 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 90.1kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves
26. 26 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 79.1kReads9.5Score8.1kShelves
27. 27 谋 Scheming for the Heir 谋嫡 Master Hua花爷Ancient Romance403k WordsCompleted From being a pawn sent by her elder half-sister to the Third Prince's residence to climbing over a mountain of blood and claiming the empress's throne, Lin Wanying did just one thing: she kept Zhao Xuan firmly by her side. 3.8kReads9.1Score745Shelves
28. 28 太 The Empress Dowager Has Lost None of Her Charm 太后她魅力不减 Meow Little Princess喵小公主Ancient Romance128k WordsOngoing [Historical Romance] [Multiple Male Leads] [Irresistible Female Lead] [Love Rival Showdowns Throughout] [Everyone Dotes on Her] [Palace Intrigue] [Ensemble Cast] “Consort Xi, His Majesty has passed away!” The late emperor died unexpectedly, leaving behind an edict. Zhu Yili, just twenty-six and the adoptive mother of the late empress's son, was thrust into the position of Empress Dowager. She thought life as the Empress Dowager would be leisurely and dull. But before boredom could set in, trou 2.1kReads—Score235Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a very novel kind of harem intrigue novel told from a God's-eye view! It's so satisfying no matter who wins or loses!

29. 29 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 21.3kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    🍀🍀🍀Azhi was originally a little palace maid. Because of the hardships she suffered when she was a child, she raised herself to be fat and white. Once, she caught the emperor's eye by delivering a meal to the emperor, and she started to pamper her [heart-giving] from then on.

30. 30 娇 The Spoiled Consort's Road to Glory 娇气包娘娘的荣华路 Qingxi Hexi清兮禾兮Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted Sweet romance! Undivided love! She’s doted on to the max! [The heroine is cunning, a little black lotus hidden beneath a rabbit’s skin] [The hero has a harem and isn’t chaste, but once he meets the heroine, he devotes himself to her alone in a one-on-one romance] The third young lady of the Sheng’an Marquis’s household, born to his secondary wife, was as beautiful as a celestial maiden. Sweet and clever, she knew how to win favor. Her grandmother and father favored her, and even her legitimate 13.6kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a seemingly innocent but actually cunning female lead. She appears naive but meticulously schemes to win the male lead's heart, who is also adept at winning her over. The romance is very engaging. The second book is a transmigration novel. The female lead is very clever and resourceful, always finding a way to retaliate. No matter how the male lead changes, she manages to make him fall for her, scheming against him and others to achieve her goals step by step.

31. 31 金 The Golden Palace Locks Away the Spring Breeze 金阙锁春风 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance757k WordsCompleted Her entire family perished, she was left dependent on others, the dynasty fell, and she married and divorced. In just eighteen years, Yu Zheng has endured things most people never face in a lifetime. A noblewoman of the former dynasty, all she wants now is to stay alive. She plans to enter the palace as a maid, then use her literacy to earn a post as a court official and support herself. She never imagined that the new emperor would send her to the Fourth Prince’s residence as a gesture of goodw 22.5kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Super captivating palace intrigue novel! The first one features a male lead with a low-key, imaginative personality versus a clear-headed, ambitious female lead. [Learned something new][Learned something new] Absolutely amazing!!

32. 32 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 12.1kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves
33. 33 我 My Emperor Father Can Read Minds 我的皇帝父亲会读心 Bone-Leak Gua Wen骨漏呱闻Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [Infrastructure Building Focus ✚ Mostly Comedy ✚ Not Historically Accurate ✚ No Romance] Emperor Wei prided himself on being a wise ruler. His ministers served him well, his harem was harmonious, and his children were clever and filial. That is, until he was struck by lightning. Afterward, he gained the ability to read minds, and finally learned that everyone around him was two-faced, saying one thing while thinking another! Emperor Wei was devastated. So he had been such a failure as an emperor 57.9kReads9.3Score5.3kShelves

    Reader note

    What else is there to say? What else is there to hesitate about? Just go for it! If this is a 10, I'd give it a 12! It's amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! I can't stress this enough!!! The plot and character development are both vivid and engaging, with a captivating and dramatic storyline!!! [Learned it][Learned it][Learned it]

34. 34 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 65.8kReads9.7Score8.6kShelves
35. 35 玉 Yu Wujiao 玉无娇 Cherry Red樱桃红Ancient Romance443k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + clear-headed heroine + high intelligence and emotional intelligence + not an only-one relationship + no System or portable space + a heroine who grows over time (not a wish-fulfillment story), not blinded by love. After her parents and younger sister are brutally killed, Jiang Yuxin, daughter of a convicted minister, realizes that becoming a favored consort is the only way to change things. At nineteen, the emperor is at an age when he falls easily. He falls for one woman afte 302Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is truly a great read. The female lead is sharp-witted, and the palace intrigue doesn't diminish her intelligence. It's a pure ancient-style palace intrigue novel with meticulous details and sound logic. The female lead is there to rise through the ranks, not for romance. The emperor is a real jerk; he dotes on the female lead, but not exclusively. With three thousand concubines, he favors one today and another tomorrow!

36. 36 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Alluring, Winning Favor and Rising to Power 娘娘娇软妩媚，一路争宠上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue story, not a one-on-one romance, and not a mutually faithful pairing. Proceed with caution!) Bai Ruotang is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Right Chancellor’s household. At fifteen, just after coming of age, she is sent into the palace to bear a child for her legitimate elder sister and help her secure the emperor’s favor. Unwilling to be reduced to someone else’s pawn, from the moment she steps through the palace gates, she decides she will carve out 10.4kReads8.9Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all incredibly good palace intrigue novels, highly recommended! [Heart][heart]

37. 37 替 After Entering the Palace in Her Sister's Place, the Young Mistress Rises Through the Ranks 替姐入宫后，小主她一路高升 Zhizhi Rice Loves Zhizhi吱吱米喜欢吱吱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Male Lead and Strong Female Lead + Favored Consort + Palace Intrigue + Adorable Baby + Sole Devotion + Childbirth] (The early story leans toward palace intrigue, with the heroine putting on an act and scheming against the hero. Later, their feelings erupt, and he devotes himself to her alone.) After transmigrating, she becomes an illegitimate daughter of the Su family. Her birth mother died young, her father shows her no affection, and her stepmother is cruel. A complete nobody at home, 2.8kReads9.0Score296Shelves
38. 38 娇 The Sweet, Beloved Consort Who Bewitches Hearts 娇娇宠妃惑人心 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance425k WordsCompleted [Not a pure couple; he dotes on her exclusively later on; a little palace intrigue; the heroine is a master flirt; story complete] She transmigrated from the modern world. Quirky and clever, she was also a brilliant actress. Emperor Shengwu could govern with effortless command, bring peace and stability to the realm, and win battles from a thousand miles away, striking fear across the four seas. He was an emperor who held all power in his hands and ruled over all beneath the heavens. Yun Mengq 49.5kReads9.3Score6kShelves
39. 39 娇 The Pretty Palace Maid's Step-by-Step Rise to Empress 娇娇宫女，步步为后 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance574k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue / not both partners’ first time / devoted love in the later story / not a strong heroine; the female lead cries easily and isn’t particularly clever, so don’t expect too much!] After three years in the palace, Yue Li has worked carefully and waited for a chance at promotion. Just before she is promoted, a palace maid sharing her room is sentenced to death for offending a consort. Thunder crashes and rain pours that night as blood spatters everywhere. Terrified, Yue Li cannot sle 21.4kReads9.3Score8.2kShelves
40. 40 好 The Road to Good Fortune: A Beauty's Rise to the Top Through Childbearing 好孕之路：美人靠生子走上巅峰 Kui Xi奎希Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Palace Intrigue + System + Multiple Births + Devoted Husband + Adorable Babies] Please note: This is not quick transmigration, and the male and female leads are not each other's one and only. The male lead devotes himself exclusively to the heroine in the middle and later parts of the story. The heroine stays clearheaded from beginning to end: she is neither lovestruck nor saintly. The System is not an overpowered golden finger, and the heroine relies more on her own abilities. 23kReads9.1Score3.4kShelves
41. 41 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

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue. The female lead is clear-headed and cautious, seemingly a gentle and innocent ideal, but ruthless in reality, possessing great personal charm. The story unfolds amidst palace intrigue, with a decent romance as well; the second male lead is utterly smitten.

42. 42 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.4kReads9.0Score724Shelves
43. 43 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 23.8kReads9.3Score1.8kShelves
44. 44 蛇 The Viperous Favorite Consort: Scheming Her Way to Rule as Empress Dowager 蛇蝎宠妃心机深，垂帘听政做太后 It's Xinxin是欣欣呦Ancient Romance497k WordsCompleted [Content warning! The female lead is a wholly evil villain, cruel and scheming, and will stop at nothing to climb to the top.] “[Don't randomly bring up women competing against women. This is a palace-intrigue story!! The harem is a workplace, and the imperial consorts are all rivals!]” Bu Xingruo was the most favored consort in the palace. In her previous life, she let the Emperor's favor go to her head, throwing her weight around and acting arrogantly in the harem. Lost in the Emperor's fleeti 839Reads8.6Score100Shelves
45. 45 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 57.5kReads9.5Score7.2kShelves
46. 46 王 A Concubine’s Daily Struggle to Stay Alive in the Prince’s Manor 王府侍妾的苟命日常 Panda Little Moneybags熊猫小财迷Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Intense Household Intrigue + A Touch of Ensemble Cast + Plot-Driven + Everyone Has Eight Hundred Schemes] After transmigrating into the body of a concubine in the Prince of Jing's residence, Xie Run only wants to live in peace and, ideally, reach a hundred years old. At first, everything in the prince's residence is orderly. The prince shares his favor equally, the princess consort's position is secure, and the secondary consorts and concubines know their place. Who could have guessed that ever 22.6kReads9.1Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a fantastic novel! If you enjoy palace intrigue and domestic drama, give it a try!

47. 47 满 The Entire Court Longs for the Empress to Attend Court and Rule 满朝文武盼着皇后娘娘上朝理政 Lantern Festival Dumplings元夕圆宵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (The live-action series is out!) After her elder sister dies in palace infighting, Shen Shixi enters the palace by imperial decree to be selected as a consort. Within the palace are the powerful and virtuous Empress, born to the imperial in-laws; Consort De, born to an aristocratic family and exceptionally prolific; Consort Rong, the Emperor's favorite, with a strong artistic streak; Consort Qiong, whose superb cooking has won the Emperor's heart; and Consort Xiurong, known as a learned woman an 46.9kReads9.1Score5kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this one! The female lead is spoiled, dramatic, and charming, while the male lead dotes on her. It's a serious palace intrigue story, definitely worth watching.

48. 48 暴 The Tyrant Tormented Me? I'll Turn Around, Seduce the Powerful Eunuch, and Seize His Empire 暴君虐我？转身勾搭权宦夺他江山 Green Mountain Has Its Say青山有辞Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted For eight years in the palace, Xiangjun fought to get ahead and tried to please everyone, yet the palace’s noble masters still ground her down, used her, humiliated her, and cast her aside... Those nobles basked in all the wealth of the realm atop heaps of corpses and bones, yet mocked her for trying her hardest and not knowing her place. In the end, the child Xiangjun risked her life to bear called her enemy “Mother,” while Xiangjun was cut open alive so the baby could be taken from her. She di 119kReads9.6Score17.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The plot is somewhat similar to Wei Yanwan and the loyal eunuch; it's basically a super engaging palace intrigue novel with that back-and-forth suspense.

49. 49 怎 How Can Anyone Resist the Noble Consort's Alluring Charm? 怎敌贵妃百媚千娇 Fish Carrying the Moon鱼衔月Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + heroine transmigrates] In the fifth year of Yongyan, the emperor ordered a selection of consorts. Wen Wanyu was the most beautiful among the candidates. With her charming looks and soft, lilting voice, she was as delicate as a flower and soon won the emperor’s favor. She had once been the apple of her father’s eye, but when he was framed and her elder brother humiliated, she defied her whole family and asked to enter the palace to protect them. From the darling 2.3kReads8.9Score192Shelves

    Reader note

    These books are all excellent and highly recommended; I've read them all, but some are still being serialized.

50. 50 娘 One Tear from the Empress, and She Acts Her Way to the Emperor's Throne 娘娘一滴泪，演到帝王送凤位 Little Peeled Egg剥壳的小蛋蛋Ancient Romance589k WordsCompleted [Story complete; easy to get around] Shen Qingfu transmigrated into a rebirth novel. The reborn heroine, Chu Can, had grown up with the crown prince, Ning Xuanli, as his childhood sweetheart. Given a second chance at life, she wanted no love, only power and riches. To become the most special person in the crown prince’s heart, she played hard to get. She had schemes, but no feelings. Shen Qingfu was nothing more than the most insignificant cannon fodder in the rebirth novel. Shen Qingfu gave a s 306Reads9.1Score—Shelves

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