Historical Romance with Two Strong Leads: Both Are Cunning and High-Born, with Palace and Household Intrigue, and No Goody-Two-Shoes Heroines 古言双强男女主谋略强，身份高，宫斗宅斗，不圣母

1. 51 献 Offering to the Abyss 献京渊 Qi Yi Zi七一子Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Print edition releasing October 25] “He taught me to kill, seize power, and look after myself. I taught him what it means to have a weakness.” [Serious drama + political intrigue + the fate of the nation and its people + I’m terrible at writing blurbs] Jiang Qingyu was born into wealth, and her family’s love had made her naive and pampered. It wasn’t until the day the entire Jiang family was executed that she realized how foolish she had been! When she opened her eyes again, she was determined 24.7kReads9.5Score4kShelves

   Reader note

   I'll teach you how to scheme for power, I'll teach you what it means to have a weakness and two strengths!!! It's a female-centric novel, but also incredibly sweet. The seemingly cold Xie Chenyuan will actually be a good Samaritan for our little fish without expecting anything in return. [Almost crying][Almost crying]

2. 52 公 The Beautiful, Beguiling Princess Has the Eunuch of Nine Thousand Years Longing to Overstep His Place 公主人美又娇，九千岁日日想以下犯上 Clouds Don't Speak云不语Ancient Romance883k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Feng Zhaoyue, the esteemed Protector Princess of the Beiliang Kingdom, trusted the wrong man. She squandered a winning hand and died in bitterness. When she opens her eyes again, she beats the scumbag, tramples the scheming homewrecker, and when the prime minister files a complaint? She has his household seized! She strengthens imperial power and purges the court. Who says women are inferior to men? Reborn, Feng Zhaoyue pays back every slight in full. Everyone says the prin 909Reads8.8Score106Shelves

   Reader note

   These two books are really good! [Admiration][Admiration] You'll see for yourselves when you see them!

3. 53 疯 The Mad Princess Marries a Powerful Eunuch 疯批公主她嫁了个高权宦官 Yin Yu尹玉Ancient Romance499k WordsCompleted {Devoted couple, two strong leads, historical setting, political intrigue, revenge, switched marriages, marriage before love} One is a spoiled and willful princess; the other, a ruthless and bloodthirsty minister. An unexpected marriage swap brings Feng Yuan and Jiang Yu together. Just as everyone waits to laugh at them after the wedding, they realize things are taking a strange turn. Feng Yuan knows full well that she must wear the false mask the world expects of her to hide herself even deeper 7.1kReads9.3Score974Shelves
4. 54 帝 The Divine Emperor's Abandoned Consort: The Godly Doctor 帝凰之神医弃妃 A Cai阿彩Ancient Romance5.1M WordsCompleted [New Book Recommendation: The Imperial Physician's Consort] On her wedding day, she awakens in the countryside, dressed in rags. Amid the scorn of the crowd, she steps into the imperial capital, leaving bloody footprints behind... She is an orphan with neither father nor mother, bullied by everyone. He is The Outcast, a ruthless prince second only to the emperor and superior to all others. She is covered in wounds and utterly disheveled. He stands apart from the world, peerless in grace and bear 5.9kReads9.0Score696Shelves

   Reader note

   Both are strong, and their ratings are quite high.

5. 55 不 No Match for the Imperial Uncle’s Beauty 不及皇叔貌美 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance491k WordsCompleted The man she had loved for ten years was going to burn her alive so he could marry someone else! Just before she died, someone appeared from the sky and rescued her from the flames. “I’ll help you with anything you want,” Shen Guyuan said. “As long as you find true love in the end.” “I want revenge!” Chi Yu gritted her teeth. “I’ll make that pair of cheating bastards pay in blood!” But revenge was one thing. A woman this fierce still had no prospects for marriage. Shen Guyuan was worried, so he t 428Reads8.7Score102Shelves
6. 56 冷 The Cold King's Stolen Consort: His Side Consort Is No One's Plaything 冷王盗妃，侧妃不承欢 Moonrise in the Clouds月出云Ancient Romance544k WordsCompleted They were betrothed for eight years, and she waited in vain for four. When he finally came, he was holding another peerlessly beautiful woman in his arms. In a single night, she went from principal consort to secondary consort. Deep within the marquis's estate, she endured the loneliness in silence. She neither fought for his favor nor accepted his affection. She had thought that if she helped him and stood by him through every hardship, they would soar together as a pair, and in the end she wou 232Reads8.9Score156Shelves
7. 57 穿 The Book Transmigrator Tears into the Reborn Woman, Even Ripping Out Her Hair Ornaments 穿书女手撕重生女，头花都扯掉了 Camellias and Wine茶花与酒Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted (Don’t worry about the rating. New books have few readers at first, but it will rise.) [A transmigrated woman takes on a reborn woman] [Fictional ancient setting, no need to nitpick] Gu Qingli transmigrated into a satisfying revenge novel about a woman reborn. She wasn’t the heroine, but the wicked supporting character who had killed her, and the first person the heroine would take revenge on after being reborn. Gu Qingli herself had been born into a political family. She was gentle, quiet, an 12.9kReads8.9Score996Shelves

   Reader note

   [Transmigrated Female Lead Tears Apart Reborn Female Lead] A captivating read! A career-driven, resourceful, and meticulous female lead, Gu Qingli, transmigrates into a revenge-driven novel. She's not the female lead, but the vicious supporting character who killed her, and the first target of the reborn female lead's revenge. Originally born into a political family, she's quiet, gentle, dignified, and capable of… ruthless killing. Upon waking, the reborn female lead is determined to make the villains who killed her in her past life pay with their blood! But why is everyone around her siding with the vicious eldest daughter? Yes, the vicious eldest daughter is adept at disguise; let her expose her hypocritical mask! Gu Qingli smiles gently: "My father said that sometimes it's better to completely defeat the enemy than to seek peace with them, so that the initiative is in your own hands…" And what Gu Qingli wants is more than just survival. She also desires immense wealth and power. 🍭🍭

8. 58 被 Forced into Marriage by a Scheme, the Seventh Prince Spoils Her Rotten 被算计强娶，七王爷他超宠的 Fang Qingqing方卿卿Ancient Romance349k WordsCompleted [Historical revenge] [Flirtatious, bewitching prince + ruthless, clever beauty + no rebirth + play the pig to eat the tiger + multiple secret identities] Song Yunshu was the eldest daughter of the valiant General’s household. Clever from childhood, she had a photographic memory. But when she was seven, a power struggle at court saw her entire family accused of treason and executed. During her escape, she was unexpectedly rescued by a merchant family from Jiangnan who had come north seeking medic 4.8kReads8.8Score495Shelves

   Reader note

   It's really good! I've been reading novels for so many years, and I'm basically always in a reading slump until I found this book. It's really good, especially when the female lead completes her revenge and fakes her death to escape. I genuinely thought she was dead and cried for a long time [crying][crying][crying][crying]. I thought it was a bad ending, thank goodness... Highly recommended!

9. 59 穿 Reborn as the Cannon-Fodder Original Wife of a Mad Power-Hungry Minister 穿成疯批权臣的炮灰原配 Bright Lantern灯旺旺Ancient Romance707k WordsCompleted [Farming + Transmigrate into a Book + Sweet Romance] Witty, scheming girl vs. lovesick, obsessive powerbroker Xin Yueying transmigrates into a book, landing in an old-fashioned, preachy novel as the wicked wife of the deranged, obsessive second male lead. Shen Qingqi is the novel’s deranged, villainous male character. Born into a family of famed generals, he was imprisoned alongside the Shen family after his father offended powerful nobles. He suffered terribly in prison and was left with crippl 30.1kReads9.3Score10.6kShelves

   Reader note

   An ensemble cast, all villains, gets better as it goes on, well-developed male and female leads, mutual redemption, a story of a little madman and a little fairy, guaranteed to be a good read.

10. 60 天 Damn It! You Call This Frail Young Lady a Sickly Heiress? 天杀的！你管这叫病弱大小姐？ I Really Want to See the Southern Cross想看南极星呀Ancient Romance562k WordsCompleted Transmigration + face-slapping + feel-good power fantasy + decisive and ruthless Shang Yuanjian transmigrated into the body of the fake heiress of the Prime Minister’s household. The original owner was sickly, ill-tempered, and convinced her status gave her the right to run rampant in the capital. She had bullied countless young masters and young ladies from powerful families, and they had all swallowed their anger in silence. But her good days didn’t last. The year she turned fifteen, the Prime 5.1kReads8.8Score594Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a wise and decisive female protagonist with formidable martial arts skills. She's the adopted daughter of a seemingly useless prime minister, but her biological daughter returns and severs ties with her. The female protagonist is hiding her true identity as the late emperor's daughter, presumably destined to become empress. The only downside is the slow update speed. The third book is also highly recommended: a modern female military instructor transmigrates to the prime minister's beloved daughter, becoming an instructor at the Imperial Academy and constantly slapping down a group of (wán kù, spoiled and dissolute) court officials.

11. 61 真 The Real Heiress Is Disowned and Has Her Engagement Broken, Then Tops the Imperial Exams 真千金被退婚断亲，科举六元及第 Everflowing River Lord长流水君Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Real heiress + family regrets favoring the impostor + civil-service-exam journey + top honors in all six exams + System + pocket dimension + spirit spring] Lu Zhao, the real heiress of the Marquis’s household, was switched at birth. She spent thirteen years as a beggar without ever eating her fill, and disfigured herself to avoid being violated by hooligans. Lowborn and ugly, she was hated by everyone. The fake heiress, Lu Wanwan, spent thirteen years in luxury. She was the capital’s most celeb 2.9kReads7.4Score316Shelves
12. 62 国 A Female Yama Arrives at the Imperial College: The Spoiled Young Masters Are in Tears 国子监来了个女阎王：纨绔们哭了 Shi Wanwan诗婉婉Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Tough, invincible, totally no-nonsense female drill instructor ✖️ the strongest spoiled young masters of every dynasty] [Strong heroine ✖️ chaotic mix of couples (ship whoever you like, no fixed pairings)] After Yu Sangluo awakened her System: Oh no! My whole family are villains! The country is about to fall because of those spoiled young masters! To protect her retirement plans, Yu Sangluo had no choice but to come out of retirement and train the unruly young masters, though it broke her heart 6.9kReads9.1Score1.1kShelves
13. 63 女 She Disguised Herself as a Man to Attend School and Nearly Turned the Crown Prince Gay 女扮男装入学堂，差点掰弯太子 A Mushroom, My Lord一朵蘑菇君Ancient Romance578k WordsCompleted The book has only just started getting ratings, so the score is low for now. It’ll go up later. Come on in, everyone! [Woman Disguised as a Man] [A lively, slow-witted general’s daughter disguised as a man × a proud, worrywart crown prince] They first met at the Misty Rain Pavilion, where the crown prince looked down on this spoiled young wastrel. On Lu Yu’s second day at the Imperial Academy, she beat the crown prince until he looked like a panda. His fists clenched. Seeing Lu Yu’s lazy demeano 298Reads8.2Score101Shelves
14. 64 双 Bound Together Across Two Lifetimes, We’ll Grow Old Together 双世缱绻，与君共白头 Dreamer Dadao爱做梦的大道Ancient Romance727k WordsCompleted [Two powerful leads who rise to greatness | Complete souls | Extreme contrast | Love across two lifetimes | Sweet romance and court intrigue] A modern married couple are reborn as babies in the Tianqi Dynasty. He becomes an iron-fisted Crown Prince, commands the Xuanhuo Army, and plots to industrialize the realm. She becomes a queen of commerce, controls trade routes along three borders, and holds the lifeblood of the people in her hands! Toward their enemies, he presides over the execution of t 5.5kReads8.1Score646Shelves

    Reader note

    This story features a smart, romantic couple who were childhood sweethearts in their past lives and have been happily married for 55 years. Both protagonists are reborn. The male lead is a UI designer with a meticulously crafted political intrigue plot (implementing new policies and navigating court politics), a delicate emotional arc (daily interactions and tender care), and practical application of modern skills (double-entry bookkeeping and design applications). It offers a well-rounded blend of sweet romance, political intrigue, strong-willed co-governance, past-life bonds, a deeply affectionate time-travel story, and a profound fusion of romance and political politics.

15. 65 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Claims the Pearl 嫡女夺珠 Song Qiansheng宋浅声Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted Lu Yangyang dreams that she is the real daughter of a duke's family, her face disfigured and her life stolen by someone else. In the future, her jealousy of the fake heiress will earn her the family's rejection. She will be married off in haste, then abused to death by her husband. The carriage sent to bring her back to the capital is already waiting at the gate. Lu Yangyang was born with superhuman strength. She refuses to believe in that fate, rolls up her sleeves, and heads back to the capita 20.5kReads9.1Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    • The female lead's character is amazing: She has precognitive abilities and superhuman strength; she refuses to accept her fate and just goes for it! • The male lead's plot twist is captivating: The disabled, deposed crown prince goes from saying "Kill me" to pinning her to the imperial bed with bloodshot eyes—"I gave you a chance, but you wouldn't leave." • A powerful alliance: It's not that she redeems him, but that the two of them fight their way back to the pinnacle of power!

16. 66 侯 The Marquis's Estate Forgot Its Gratitude? The Regent Backs Me, and I Won't Forgive Them 侯府忘恩义？摄政王撑腰，不原谅 Chu Diandian初点点Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Luo Ning took a blade meant for the Empress Dowager and suffered severe injuries, trading her life for her family's noble title. She went south to recuperate for three years, but when she returned, she discovered that her maternal cousin had taken over her courtyard. Her cousin had even replaced her in every aspect. Luo Ning's parents and elder brother adored her, her grandmother favored her, and even Luo Ning's childhood sweetheart secretly admired her, saying that she surpassed Luo Ning in eve 180.6kReads9.4Score27kShelves

    Reader note

    These two books are incredibly good! 1️⃣ The male lead is an emperor, and the female lead is an orphan. They swap souls for one day each month. Both are highly intelligent and have great chemistry even though they've never met. The male lead is involved in palace intrigue with the Empress Dowager, while the female lead is involved in domestic power struggles. It's not a comedy. 2️⃣ The female lead is reborn to seek revenge. The male lead, a prince, becomes her protector. The female lead marries the male lead to use him as a shield and advisor.

17. 67 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.6kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Perfectly fitting! [Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Individuals Pampering Each Other + Everyone's Clever and cunning + Palace Intrigue] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence; everyone's cunning and cunning, peak intellectual battle! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, went blind and used forbidden techniques to drain her life force to save her scumbag husband. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her and cut her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled healing and poisoning skills, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and influential ruler, suffers greatly from a strange poison. Shen Nanzhi tossed down the antidote, her voice cold and arrogant: "I will extend Your Highness's life. Lend me your blade to slaughter all the demons and monsters, how about it?" The world believed the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the palm of a living Yama. Only when powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, did everyone realize with horror—the seemingly fragile Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a female Zhuge Liang who held the reins of power and calculated every move! She and he entrusted their lives to each other, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

18. 68 折 Winning Over Jiao Ran 折服娇染 Xu Sui绪岁Ancient Romance295k WordsCompleted [Ruthless prince VS princess of a fallen kingdom] [Both chaste + Both strong + Love of country and family + Political intrigue] She is a princess of a fallen kingdom, enduring humiliation in the enemy nation. She masters military strategy and tactics, manipulates the enemy with ease, throws its court into chaos, and brings it down. At first, the two of them put self-interest above all else, trying to kill and outmaneuver each other. He lures her into his trap, but gradually falls for her delicat 769Reads9.1Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    Both are strong, with high status, and they have a happy ending.

19. 69 剑 Sword God, Please Accept My Gift 剑神大人请笑纳 Su Moran苏默然Ancient Romance363k WordsCompleted The strongest wage slave of the 21st century, Yun Zi, woke up one day to find she had transmigrated into a book! Unfortunately, she wasn't the noble, sweet heroine or the proud, arrogant second female lead. Instead, she had transmigrated as a pitiful, beautiful, frail side character, number who-knows-what, in The Martial World! The Martial World is a sweet romance about the hero and heroine. While everyone else is busy doting on them, a lone orphan like her can only build a career on her own! Sh 1.6kReads8.7Score168Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! A well-written, niche martial arts ensemble piece! Both the male and female leads are highly intelligent and emotionally intelligent; the male lead is a master of martial arts and holds a high social status! The female lead's background is shrouded in mystery, yet she possesses extensive knowledge of all the major sects! The female lead, hiding her identity and seeking revenge, meets the male lead. They become each other's salvation!

20. 70 癫 Let’s Go Crazy Together: The Unhinged Couple Turns the World Upside Down 癫，一起癫，疯批夫妇闹翻天 May Jasmine五月茉莉Ancient Romance733k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance + comedy + transmigrate into a book + sweet romance] The moment Liu Rumei opens her eyes, she finds herself in the book as a disposable female side character, the crown prince's concubine who brought a dowry worth two hundred thousand taels. The freeloading crown prince ascends the throne, then finds her vulgar and shameful because she reeks of money. He has her beaten to death with a staff?! Liu Rumei gives a faint smile. Where's her knife? She's going to kill off all the ma 4.7kReads8.6Score558Shelves

    Reader note

    [Don't worry about finding books, find a complete and exciting book that meets your requirements] Highly recommended! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up] Both the domestic intrigue and palace intrigue are exciting and engaging. Even the minor characters are vividly portrayed. The female lead is a transmigrator; she has both overt and covert strategies, her mind is full of cunning and unexpected moves, and she possesses both martial prowess and a space-time arsenal of firearms. Beauty and wealth are merely icing on the cake. In the early stages, the male lead treats the female lead as if she is the rightful wife, and all the other women are ultimately just fleeting clouds, while he actively eliminates the women around her. In the early stages, the female lead is more interested in the male lead because of his power and status, which is comparable to that of the villainous crown prince. Moreover, the male lead's face completely captures the female lead's heart (I feel that the female lead clearly fell in love with the male lead at first sight, but she is very calm and knows that survival is more important than love).

21. 71 花 The Courtesan's Blade, the Prince's Waist 花魁的刀，王爷的腰 Totally Bewitched可迷可迷了Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted [A short drama and comic adaptation with the same title are now available] [Secret Identities / Devoted to Each Other / Happy Ending / Scheming Prince x Cold, Elegant Pavilion Master] Sworn enemies become spouses, uncovering each other's secret identities and flirting their way into a sweet romance! The Prince of Lingyuan x the Azure Bone Sect: a carefully orchestrated descent into madness. She is the mysterious master of the Pig Bone Pavilion, as well as the most famous courtesan in the capita 9.5kReads9.0Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this! I personally think it's really beautiful!

22. 72 一 I Transmigrated and Became the Beloved Bride of a Crippled Marquis 一朝穿越，替嫁残侯成团宠 Chen Jiu辰九Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted [Historical transmigration + medical skills + marriage before love + two strong leads who dote on each other + suspense and court intrigue] Shen Qingci, a top surgeon, transmigrates into the body of a bride forced into a marriage swap. She becomes the new bride meant to bring good fortune to Xiao Yan, the blind and crippled Marquis of Dingbei. On their wedding night, she takes his pulse and immediately sees through it: “My lord, you’ve been poisoned. Someone wants to keep you in darkness forever 116Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Beautiful ancient Chinese romance novels featuring two strong characters who mutually dote on each other.

23. 73 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 34.9kReads9.5Score4.5kShelves

    Reader note

    🔥These novels feature cunning and high-status male and female leads who aren't overly naive or saintly. 1️⃣ The female lead is involved in political intrigue, while the male lead is involved in domestic power struggles. ❤️‍🔥 So harmonious! 😂 2️⃣ The male lead appears to be a playboy, but is actually a hidden tycoon. ❤️‍🔥 🍀The female lead appears to be a delicate and helpless young lady from a wealthy family, but is actually ruthless and cunning, a top-ranking teacher admired by countless students. 3️⃣ The female lead pretends to be weak but is actually very strong, with a major plot twist.

24. 74 王 The Princess Consort Wants to Run Away Again Today 王妃今天也想跑路 A Stunning Reflection on a Still Shadow惊鸿照静影Ancient Romance227k WordsCompleted [Both leads reborn + devoted only to each other + remorseful pursuit of his wife + faking her death and fleeing] [Unhinged, scheming male lead x clear-headed, resilient female lead] As empress, Yu Wanqiao thought she was the happiest woman in the world. Who could have known that after her beloved husband became emperor, he would gradually grow cold toward her, then imprison her father and brothers and have them publicly executed? Her heart died. She hanged herself. When she awoke, she had been 813Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Double Rebirth! A clear-headed and intelligent woman x a cunning and scheming man. The emperor and empress are reborn, returning to their time as princes and princesses. The female lead is resourceful but not a saint. It's super good!

25. 75 重 Only After Being Reborn Did I Learn I Was the Cool and Aloof Minister's White Moonlight 重生才知，我竟是清冷权臣白月光 October Orange十月橙Ancient Romance661k WordsCompleted [Revenge on scumbags + sweet romance + switched marriages + reborn heroine vs. transmigrated heroine + a seemingly aloof, secretly twisted beauty] In her previous life, Chu Mingyuan learned only as she lay dying that the younger sister who had secretly been sleeping with her husband was not born to her late mother. She was actually a concubine-born daughter who had been switched at birth by a concubine. Chu Mingyuan died with regrets. Thankfully, Heaven took pity on her, and after her death she 8.7kReads8.9Score901Shelves

    Reader note

    Third viewing! A strong pairing, with both the male and female leads pursuing their goals, and the pacing is fast and engaging. 💥💥💥

26. 76 盛 Beloved Above All in a Golden Age, With the Land as Dowry 盛世独宠，山河为聘 Wilderness Siren荒野塞壬Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Male emperor and female monarch, political intrigue, devoted to each other, sweet romance, both leads are natives of a traditional historical setting] One was an emperor’s chosen star who brimmed with murderous rage; the other was a brilliant woman destined for a tragic fate. Yun Zhenzhen chose Chu Yu to protect her family and save her own life. To her, it was nothing more than a mutually willing bargain. But the bold, unrestrained man held her close and shielded her from every open attack and 1.1kReads9.1Score118Shelves

    Reader note

    Strong male and female protagonists

27. 77 嫁 I Married My Enemy’s Doomed Son, and the Marquis’s Household Dotes on Me 嫁给仇家短命鬼，我被宠冠侯府 Bookish Cat Under the Lamp灯下文猫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Reborn Twice + Swapped Marriages + Fake and Real Heiresses + Marriage Before Love + Saving Each Other] In her previous life, her entire family schemed to make Jiang Tang marry the poor scholar Ji Chongli in her elder sister's place, while her legitimate elder sister married into the Marquis's household in grand style. Who could have guessed that the scholar would rise to become the chief minister, while her elder sister would suffer a fate worse than death in the marquis's household? Jiang Tang 8.1kReads8.8Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    You won't lose money investing in this!

28. 78 嫡 The Principal Daughter Becomes Queen 嫡女为凰 Chasing the Night逐夜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Tags: Rebirth, revenge, strong female and male leads The powerful Princess Changle of Wuyang died the day before she was to give up her authority and head to her fiefdom for a carefree life. Her trusted consort, her teacher, and her closest friend conspired to kill her. Even as she died, she never heard a confession from the one she loved. Reborn, she decides to live for herself. She stirs up trouble in both the inner court and the royal court, seeking revenge on those who harmed her in her prev 245Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist, in her past life, was a cunning and ruthless princess, skilled in strategy and cold indifference. Poisoned and reborn, she assumes the identity of a cunning and ruthless heiress, stirring up trouble in the inner court and the imperial court, all for revenge. The female protagonist is aloof and career-driven, with intricately interwoven career storylines and a powerful, collaborative romance.

29. 79 千 Qian Jinhuan 千锦欢 Yun Lingge云翎歌Ancient Romance229k WordsCompleted Completed · [A highly intelligent amnesiac fake princess x a cold, scheming prince] [Not a mindless power fantasy] [Both devoted to each other + classic historical romance + no transmigration, rebirth, or System + political intrigue + doting romance + reunion after a long separation + devotion to country and family + exclusive devotion + the one who got away + happy ending] For twenty years, the second prince of Nantang, Chu Jinyuan, has kept his guard up and trusted no one, until Hua Qianmei ar 501Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Low rating but incredibly good! Pure ancient Chinese romance with political intrigue, strong male and female leads, and every plot twist is unconventional!

30. 80 长 The Eldest Princess Is Stunning and Dashing at Court Again 长公主她在朝堂上又美又飒 My Heart Delights in You吾心悦之Ancient Romance323k WordsCompleted Lou Xinyue, the beautiful and brilliant Princess of the Li Dynasty, was as cunning as she was sharp-witted. She could take on the entire court in debate, leaving those self-righteous men utterly exasperated. Even the emperor, her own father, was not spared her attacks. Desperate, he needed a talented young man who could finally shut his daughter's mouth. The emperor thought about it day and night, turning over the names of every eligible young man in the capital hundreds of times. In a panic, he 567Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Lou Xinyue and Sheng Huaijin: Aloof and stunningly beautiful versus noble and self-possessed, they are evenly matched and evenly matched [sending hearts][sending hearts], testing each other yet relying on each other. Three years ago, the female lead helped the male lead out of a predicament, and he fell in love with her, planning to win her over over three years. Three years later, the court officials, unable to persuade the princess, tried to control her through marriage. At first, the princess thought it was a scheme by the emperor and the court officials, unwilling to talk about love, and unaware of the male lead's persistence, but her heart still raced. The cunning male fox was good at sweet talk and took advantage of the female lead, saying, "Sheng Huaijin plotted for three years and finally plucked the moon from the sky." [Full][full] The female lead is the regent princess, favored by her father and mother, and the officials dared not easily offend her. She arrested traitors, broke with convention, and helped women enter the court as officials.

31. 81 帝 The Emperor and Empress Fight Every Day to See Who Dies First 帝后每天互殴，看谁先死 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing Feng Xing is the daughter of Chu Xi’s Grand Marshal, who commands an army of four hundred thousand. Shen Feng has been emperor for just two years. Shen Feng is utterly depraved, ruthless, and cruel. To secure his throne, he decides to marry Feng Xing and make her empress. First, he will fake her death to lure her father to the capital for the funeral. Then he will wipe out her entire family and take control of the Chu Xi army. Feng Xing is a fierce, accomplished warrior who takes whatever she wa 35.3kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    🥳🥳🥳These two ancient romance novels are absolutely amazing! [Masterpiece by Que Shi][Masterpiece by Que Shi][Masterpiece by Que Shi]

32. 82 蓄 Deliberate Seduction: The Lovesick Emperor Is a Master Flirt 蓄意引诱，病娇陛下超会撩 Kumquat金橘子Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted [Short dramas “Has the Chancellor Been Flirted With Today?” and “Has the Chancellor Broken His Vows Today?” are now available. Search Tomato to watch.] [One-on-one romance + both leads are each other’s first + heroine disguised as a man + adored by everyone + love rivals everywhere + male rivals competing for her + regretful pursuit + second male lead wins] Perpetually slacking off, with occasional bursts of ambition: Chancellor Jiang Qingci & dark, clingy, lovesick beauty of a young emperor: Sh 5.4kReads9.2Score661Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue and family feuds, a woman disguised as a man, and constant entanglement between them [drooling emojis]

33. 83 望 Longing for the Remaining Snow 望余雪 Ji Xin稷馨Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted Cui Jinzhi was a member of the Time Administration, and she had one final mission. She had to uncover why a small world had fallen into chaos and why its plot had collapsed. After observing it for a long time, she discovered only that the people were suffering because of their ruler's incompetence. So she disguised herself as a man and worked her way up to become the world's prime minister. Using her own efforts, she stabilized the chaot 1.2kReads9.3Score127Shelves
34. 84 名 Famed Throughout the Capital 名满京华 Mu Mu Mu Zhi木木木枳Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Revenge + Taking Down the Trash] Chu Muqing, the eldest daughter of the Yongning Marquis Household, was raised from childhood by her second uncle’s family in Hezhou. After returning to the capital, she believed her stepmother was kind, her younger half-sister was good-hearted, and all her relatives in the marquis household loved her. Who would have thought that one day she’d wake up and realize the loving mother and daughter, the harmonious family, were all an illusion? Meanwhile, tho 5.5kReads8.9Score609Shelves

    Reader note

    This is really beautiful.

35. 85 新 Newlywed Unmasked: The Top Tycoon Disguised as a Crown Princess 新婚掉马：顶级大佬伪装太子妃 Three Claws三只爪Ancient Romance393k WordsCompleted [Marriage first, love later + equally matched powerhouses + disguises + slow burn + wits and courage + mutual healing + palace intrigue] Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind, his internal organs are failing, and he will not live to see winter. The princess sent to marry him is said to be a weakling who does nothing but cry. On their wedding night, assassins sneak in. The princess is so frightened that she drops her teacup, but a shard happens to slice an assassin’s throat. The Crow 2.1kReads—Score312Shelves

    Reader note

    A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love, featuring two strong, slow-burning protagonists, a battle of wits and courage, and mutual redemption. Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind and his internal organs are failing, not surviving past winter; while the princess sent for a political marriage is a weak and useless woman who only knows how to cry. On their wedding night, an assassin sneaks in. The princess, terrified, smashes a teacup, a shard of which accidentally cuts the assassin's throat; the Crown Prince weakly shrinks into the bed, but a silver needle on his fingertip accidentally pierces the assassin's vital point. The entire court awaits the spectacle of this short-lived couple's downfall. Until one dark and stormy night, the world's greatest poison doctor, Yaksha, and the leader of the Assassin's Guild, Yama, fight fiercely for the divine elixir. As they tear off each other's masks, both fall silent. Chu Mochen approached, his voice low and deep: "My beloved consort, your night attire is far more beautiful than your phoenix coronet and wedding robes during the day." Yan Yunqi sneered, brandishing her poisoned needle: "Your Highness, even with your eyes still open and your temper flaring, you're still much more pleasing to the eye than during the day!" When a dramatic princess with a built-in tenfold physical attack reflection armor meets a powerful, sickly tycoon who holds sway over the night, the entire capital is left in tears!

36. 86 锦 The Rebellious Consort of the Brocade Palace 锦阙叛妃 Soaring Over the Southern Mountain跃南山Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Historical Romance, Court Politics + Amnesia + Faked Death + Tortured Romance + Palace and Household Intrigue + Powerful Cast + Ensemble Story + Second Male Lead Takes the Lead + First Love + Wife-Chasing Crematorium] [Heroine: Legitimate Daughter of the Minister of Rites - Princess Consort - Empress - Queen of a Vassal State - Protector of the Nation] ◆Reading Guide◆ ◇ Sickly, brilliant strategist heroine + domineering prince of a vassal state as Male Lead One + mysterious, devoted Male Lead T 562Reads9.4Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Your Highness and Your Highness, read the synopsis before you buy!

37. 87 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Returns, and the Prince Dotes on Her 嫡女归来，王爷乖乖宠 Little Classmate Liu小柳同学呀Ancient Romance168k WordsCompleted [A devoted couple + mutual salvation + a clever young lady skilled in both martial arts and strategy + a ruthless prince who says little] When they first met, she was exhausted and had been ambushed. He dealt with all the trouble behind her and gave her a few pieces of hibiscus pastry. From then on, she seemed to have fallen in love with hibiscus pastries. Or perhaps she was longing for the man who had saved her when she was at her lowest. When they met again, she asked tentatively, “Do you reco 140Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I really love this one; the female lead has a higher status in the martial arts world than the male lead, and it's a mutual redemption story.

38. 88 被 After Being Kidnapped, I Kidnap the Western Regions' Young Lord and Bring Him Back to the Central Plains 被拐后，我反拐西域少主回中原 Thousand Threads of Intrigue千丝戏Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Young lord of the Western Regions × Princess of Sheng'an] Ye Zhaoyu was born into the imperial family. She figured she'd surely been dealt the pampered darling's script in life, so she wisely decided to coast. But she never expected to take a wrong turn and be kidnapped to the Western Regions. By a stroke of bad luck, she was sent to the bed of a deranged young lord known as a demon's lair and a living Shura. She immediately switched into survival-and-escape mode, determined to flee back to the 8.8kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    1: Both the male and female leads are strong, with limited intelligence, and the subsequent developments are even more unexpected.

39. 89 女 After Faking Her Death in Disguise as a Man, She Starts Playing the Frail, Scheming Green Tea 女扮男装死后，她开始演柔弱绿茶 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of [Playing Coy] is available on all platforms. [The heroine is everyone’s beloved, with maximum “moonlight in the heart” appeal + doted on by all + universally adored + strong female lead] Qin Buwen disguised herself as a man and played the part of a treacherous official for sixteen years. At the height of her infamy, everyone in Chang’an, even the dogs, would go out of their way to avoid her. Then she was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. She leapt from a tall building, onl 36.5kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves
40. 90 皇 After Being Reborn, the Crown Princess Never Falls for Love Again 皇太女重生后，再不当恋爱脑 Yue Feifei月非绯Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted [A crown princess who only cares about her ambitions + a cold, devoted prince of another surname, a peaceful and prosperous couple] [This is not a matriarchal setting or a matriarchal novel. Women can simply rule, serve as officials, and lead armies too.] Li Yan is reborn ten years in the past, back to the first time she met her consort. In her previous life: On the day the empress died of illness, her consort, Shen Ji, led a rebel army into the palace and stabbed Crown Princess Li Yan through t 79Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance novel featuring two powerful political strategists, both male and female leads of high status, with a well-developed plot, logical storyline, and compelling emotions.

41. 91 与 Playing Chess with You: The Phoenix's Power 与君奕：凰权 Jiang Tanluoyue江潭落月Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted (The rating has only just opened and will rise later) “Political intrigue + evenly matched leads + marriage before love + traditional war for supremacy in a chaotic age + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + nation and family” In these chaotic times, even a monarch can hardly hope for a lifetime of peace. Crowned heir to the throne at six, named crown prince at eight, and enthroned at twelve, Yan Xi was the “future savior of the Yan Kingdom” foretold by an astrologer, blessed with the Purple 211Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of power struggles and intrigue between two strong characters, vying for supremacy in a chaotic world. Everyone's intelligence is on point. The dazzling splendor and fragrant palaces are ultimately just a layer of gold dust, embellishing the cold, sharp edges. Beneath the glittering surface of human life lies the deepest intrigue and scheming, the bloodshed and redemption, the struggle for survival and conquest, a cycle of cause and effect—truly captivating.

42. 92 摄 The Regent's Divine Doctor 摄政王的神医狂妃 Han Mianmian韩绵绵Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Yun Suyin, once a special forces medical officer from Zone 09, transmigrates into the body of a pitiful young woman from a marquis's household who has been bullied and abused. She takes on the wicked, tears into her scumbag father, and lives the good life with her medical skills. She never expected that seeing blood would turn her into a rabbit, or that she'd catch the eye of the cold, devious regent. “Run off again, and I'll skin you.” “Don't listen, and I'll skin you.” “Be good, or I'll skin y 6.8kReads9.0Score610Shelves

    Reader note

    Superb! Especially the political intrigue parts, which I found incredibly captivating and didn't feel forced or illogical. The author's writing is also excellent, making for a very enjoyable read. It's the most politically-driven book I've read so far. The romance between the male and female leads isn't some perfunctory "love at first sight" or "love at first sight" story; their relationship develops naturally, from initial conflict to mutual respect and support. No overly sentimental or illogical elements, great writing, and a fantastic plot! Enough said, it's simply excellent and highly recommended (although the ending felt a little rushed, it's still quite good and not a bad ending; those worried about a bad ending can give it a try).

43. 93 魅 The Enchantress Who Bewitched the World 魅姬惑天下 Black-Hearted Cat黑心的猫Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted Chu Xiao, regent of the Yan Dynasty. Yu Ge, a peerless dancer. He used her as a pawn to win over the powerful, climb to the heights of power, and marry the treacherous chancellor's daughter. They took her body, killed her child, and murdered her mother. She swore to make these hypocrites pay for their blood debt. Then, in a single day, her astonishing true identity was revealed. Three thousand bewitching women, five hundred poison masters, and over ten thousand elite soldiers knelt throughout th 843Reads8.8Score177Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of intense power struggles and palace intrigue, where both protagonists are strong and the plot is slightly angsty. You know, for the sake of loving you, I dare not hold a grudge even when the person you love tries to harm me. So what if the female lead is impure? She still has the best love in the world. She just loved the wrong person. They are all capable of standing on their own, but when it comes to love, they are completely clueless.

44. 94 先 Love After Marriage: The Crown Princess Keeps Pretending to Be Good Again and Again 先婚后爱，太子妃又又又又在装乖 I Want to Be a Rich Lady我想当富婆Ancient Romance278k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance] Song Yao, who was born into this world, got married to Nangong Yi, the notoriously violent crown prince. After their wedding, they acted like a proper couple, treating each other with courtesy and respect. Gradually, Song Yao discovered that the crown prince was nothing like the violent man of the rumors. He was gentle, considerate, and easy to get along with. So she let her true nature out and started doing as she pleased. - At first, when facing the crown prince: Song Yao: gent 21.7kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Show me! A curated selection of ancient Chinese romance novels!

45. 95 重 Reborn: Seducing the Crown Prince and Drawing Him Into Power 重生：诱东宫，勾他上位 Snow Blowing Over the Roadside陌上吹雪Ancient Romance219k WordsOngoing [Clear-eyed heroine, 1v1, both leads devoted only to each other, emotional manipulation, palace intrigue, fake substitute, sisters both reborn] [Cold and restrained, seemingly sinister but truly devoted Crown Prince × alluring and bewitching side consort with brains and a talent for acting] (She pursues him at first; later he forces her to love him and dotes on her like crazy) Main characters: Shen Zhiyao (Shen Zhiyin), one and the same person; Xie Jingming (Anything unclear will be explained la 11Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    😉😉😉😉Highly recommend some palace intrigue novels, some completed and some ongoing! The first one features a clear-headed female protagonist who pretends to be a pampered young lady in public but is actually very ambitious! The story begins with the woman seducing the man, and later the man forces his way into her heart! The next two are also palace intrigue novels, both with hundreds of thousands of readers and high ratings—absolutely fantastic!

46. 96 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Bewitching, and the Emperor Gives In to Pleasure 娘娘撩人魅惑，帝王纵情堕落 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The Tomato short drama Kun Yi is now streaming~ [Transmigrate into a book, male lead is not a virgin but female lead is, palace intrigue, psychological games, happy ending] The Crown Prince, Jun Zechen, has seen his fair share of calculating women, and loves only those who are pure and kind. While campaigning beyond the frontier, he meets Ling Yue and is captivated by her free-spirited kindness. He promises to spend his life with her alone. But two years pass, and the Crown Princess has yet to c 118kReads9.5Score11.2kShelves
47. 97 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
48. 98 五 Five Years of Waiting Came to Nothing: My Husband Brings His New Love to Demand a Divorce 五年痴等成空，夫君带女逼我和离 Cang Yuesheng仓月生Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Both Chaste] [Romance with His Older Brother's Wife] [Male-Male Story] [The Male Lead is repeatedly seen completely naked but stays faithful. Later, what looks like infidelity is actually a guard in disguise; the male lead remains devoted to the female lead throughout.] [Dear readers, we're very sorry! When you reach Chapter 139, please skip straight to Chapter 146. Chapters 140 to 145 are inconsistent and can be ignored.] On their wedding night, unrest broke out at the border, and her husband 5.9kReads9.3Score443Shelves

    Reader note

    Number one ancient Chinese romance novel! I love it so much! [Licking screen]

49. 99 桃 Ride Out to Battle, Peach Blossoms in My Wake 桃花马上请长缨 June六月Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of June's novel, Power and Favor 3: Power and Favor in the Capital, is now available on Hongguo App. She cared for her in-laws and used her dowry to support the General's household, only for him to use his hard-won military achievements to ask for the female general's hand as his equal wife. Zhan Beiwang mocked her. “Song Xixie, do you know that your fine clothes, rich food, and glittering jewels all come from General Yi Fang and me fighting bloody battles to hold back 15kReads9.5Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    These bags are beautiful and have ancient Chinese style.

50. 100 穿 After Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 137.8kReads9.6Score16.6kShelves

    Reader note

    These should be the ancient Chinese novels you're looking for.

Other lists with Offering to the Abyss