A Powerful Female Lead Playing the World as Her Game Board and Its People as Her Pieces, or an Assassin With a Secret Identity 大女主权谋，天下为局，苍生为棋，或者马甲杀手

1. 1 邪 The Evil Emperor's Devoted Love: His Lovesick, Poisonous Consort Slaughters Her Way Through the World 邪帝绝宠：病娇毒妃杀疯了 Wine Frost酒霜Ancient Romance597k WordsCompleted [Strong Male Lead and Strong Female Lead] [Secret Identity] [Everyone’s Favorite] [Sweet Romance] In her previous life, Su Jingning was the only legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, and a peerless beauty. But she was blind to people’s true natures and trusted the wrong man. For the sake of a hypocrite with the heart of a beast, she defied her parents and spent five years scheming for the man she loved, helping him rise to power. She never expected that all her painstaking plan 9.3kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   I just finished reading these two books, they're super good! The first one is about rebirth; the male lead knows martial arts, and he's been plotting for a long time. The second one isn't about rebirth, but rather about a character who pretends to be weak while actually being strong; he has a hidden identity, knows martial arts and medicine, it's an arranged marriage that blossoms into love, both are powerful, and they're evenly matched. Super good, super good, super good, super good! 👀 Go read them, sisters!

2. 2 醉 Drunk on the Begonia Blossoms of Beijing 醉京棠 Heart Yearning for Gardenias心向往栀Ancient Romance351k WordsCompleted "A carefree black-lotus beauty and the jealous, unhinged Prince Ning" "Both devoted only to each other + married first, fell in love later + play the pig to eat the tiger + a little pursuit-after-the-breakup drama" Yun Jingtang, the legitimate daughter of a Duke's household, has skin as fair as snow and beauty beyond compare. She is famous for being gentle and delicate, but in truth, she runs the Gold-Gathering Pavilion single-handedly, is shrewd in her dealings, and knows everything happening a 6.2kReads9.0Score703Shelves
3. 3 真 The Real Heiress Returns Home, and the Whole Family Kneels and Trembles 真千金回府，全家都跪下颤抖 Blue Sky, White Clouds蓝天云白Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted After Shen Yingxing died, she was born into the Ping'an Marquis household as its second daughter. Before she could begin her new life, her birth mother abandoned her for being a girl and replaced her with a son who would carry on the family line. Shen Yingxing survived on her own merits and became a formidable power in her own right. Then the Ping'an Marquis household came calling, forcing her to return and reclaim her place in the family. Her birth mother despised and rejected her, but Shen 11kReads8.5Score1kShelves

   Reader note

   Both of these books feature a female protagonist who is decisive and ruthless, gradually plotting her way to becoming an empress. However, the first book is still being serialized.

4. 4 天 The Heaven-Chosen Evil Phoenix Is Reborn: Ruthless Tactics, Secure Throne! 天命恶凰重生，手段狠，帝位稳！ Listening to the Wind in the Wilderness旷野听风Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted "A murderous, yandere heroine who cuts down everyone in her path vs. a mad loyal dog of a hero who bows his head to his superior + empress + the heroine puts her own interests above all else" In her previous life, Feng Zhizhuo mastered the art of political scheming. She crushed and killed every rival who stood in her way, becoming a vicious empress dowager whose countless murders and tyrannical rule cowed the realm. Yet the adopted son she had personally raised to the throne rewarded her with a 8.4kReads8.7Score1.1kShelves
5. 5 惊 Shocking! The Legitimate Princess Defies Fate Every Day! 惊！嫡公主她每天都在逆天改命！ Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Female-led power fantasy + ruthless, unhinged heroine + an extreme “I’d rather betray others than let them betray me” mentality] Xuan Mingyao was reborn at the age of seven, back before anything had happened. Though she was the empress’s legitimate daughter, a princess treated like royalty, her younger brother, the crown prince, was about to die of illness. Her mother would soon be consumed by worry, grow estranged from the emperor, and eventually be deposed in the witchcraft scandal. Overnight 28kReads9.4Score3.8kShelves

   Reader note

   It's been a very, very long time since I've read a novel with such a completely strong female lead. From her rebirth to the present, every move the princess makes, every scheme she sets up, is intricately linked. Every character has a distinct personality, especially the female characters, who are multifaceted and memorable. The princess is calm and composed yet possesses strong empathy; she has a broad vision yet is attentive to the common people; she has clear goals and a sharp mind; she is talented and adept at recognizing and utilizing talent—truly a born ruler. I love this novel so much; its writing style, plot, and themes all deserve to be seen by more people.

6. 6 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

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   [Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Individuals Pampered by Each Other + Everyone's Clever and cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence; everyone is incredibly cunning, a battle of wits at its peak! 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, leading to the tragic deaths of her entire loyal family! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing his expectant gaze 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 rare 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 give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; a powerful alliance, slaughtering all demons and monsters!

7. 7 重 Reborn as Princess Pingyang of the Tang Dynasty 重生大唐平阳公主 Long Zhaoyue龙昭玥Ancient Romance212k WordsOngoing [Tang Dynasty + two powerful leads with secret identities + ruthless action + iron-blooded female commander + ultimate face-slapping] In her previous life, she died in battle at Weize Pass, and her many years of merit became a political rival's stepping stone. Reborn, Li Zhaoning gripped a three-foot sword, rebuilt an army of seventy thousand women, and vowed to grind those who had betrayed her to dust. A handsome, poor accountant appeared by her side, raising tens of thousands of sacks of grain 182Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Princess Pingyang of the Tang Dynasty: A Battle of the World, a captivating tale!

8. 8 独 Unrivaled Splendor: The Scheming Legitimate Daughter Rules the World 独步惊华，腹黑嫡女御天下 Gentleman of Fading Warmth薄凉君子Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Unrivaled beneath the heavens, she rises with every step. A master of a thousand faces, she commands the realm through strategy. She learned to read at one, wrote poetry at three, devoured every book under heaven by ten, and at fifteen placed first in the imperial examinations, becoming a revered imperial tutor! Brilliant and politically astute, she held the fate of the realm in her hands. But after trusting a treacherous wolf, she met her end in the cold palace. Fate gives her another chance at 635Reads8.6Score103Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is truly excellent. The female protagonist is powerful yet humble, beautiful yet unpretentious. I've read it five or six times already. The female and male protagonists single-handedly created a peaceful and prosperous era, bringing peace to the world, to the common people, and to the people themselves. In short, words cannot fully capture the essence of this book; it's truly wonderful.

9. 9 恶 The Villainess Has Too Many Secret Identities, and the Cold-Faced Regent Has Fallen for Her 恶女她马甲太多，冷面摄政王栽了 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance160k WordsOngoing [Female-led power fantasy + high-IQ political scheming + multiple secret identities + everyone is a schemer + powerful leads flirting with each other + a battle of wits at the highest level] Everyone lamented that Ruan Zhaowei, the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's household, was a sickly young woman who had to catch her breath after every three steps. Her fiance thought her life was too fragile and she was useless, so he teamed up with her transmigrated half-sister to call off the engagem 1.9kReads—Score378Shelves

   Reader note

   Highly recommended! ...

10. 10 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 88.8kReads9.5Score12.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is incredibly intelligent, and the male lead is equally skilled in both literature and martial arts. Against the backdrop of a turbulent era, they join forces to create a prosperous world. It's a very good watch.

11. 11 开 My Ancestors’ Graves Started Smoking from the Start: Disguised as a Man, I Take the Imperial Exams 开局祖坟冒青烟，女扮男装科举忙 Jiang Suiwan江岁晚Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Xie Yuheng transmigrates from the Apocalypse to a farming household, where a tyrant rules the land. With no other choice, she disguises herself as a boy. As she grows older, everyone in the surrounding villages comes to know that the Xie family's prodigy has an exceptionally clever mind. Too bad he's a sickly weakling who can't lift a finger or carry a load. Bystander: “You're so noble, so impressive! Your sickly family member just kicked someone through a wall!” The Xie family: “Does the head o 12.1kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves

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    1. Xie Yuheng; 2. Lü Songli; 3. Lin Zhihuang, a female feudal lord, vying for power in a chaotic era, possessing some luck; 4. Tang Yixuan; 5. Xu Yue, a top scholar in the imperial examinations, as ethereal as the moon in the sky, with a gentle and peaceful demeanor. She has a loving grandfather, is mentored by Master Feng, and receives instruction from Master Feng, but sometimes feels a bit lonely, as if no one truly holds her heart.

12. 12 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 107.4kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves

    Reader note

    1 And 2 are not matriarchal worlds, 3 is too long ago I forgot, 4 and 5 are matriarchal worlds, 1 has no romantic pairing, the rest 2, 3, 4, and 5 are 1v1. 1. The author transmigrates into a book as the female lead, rejects the male lead, and joins forces with the female supporting character to rise to power. 2. Transmigrates into a book but only knows the general plot, leads two families in rebellion and becomes empress. 3. Transmigrates into the body of the eldest princess's leaky little cotton-padded jacket, and unites with her mother. 4. Originally a native of the world, preparing to become a local tyrant, forced to enter the court. 5. Transmigrates into a useless person with a system, becomes the master of the system, and the master of the world.

13. 13 奸 The Treacherous Minister 奸臣 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Zhao Wuyou was the son of a treacherous minister, and everyone at court had to respectfully call him “Little Chancellor.” Father and son controlled the court and toyed with political power, so plenty of people wanted him dead. Mu Baili was the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the governor of the Eastern Depot. He seemed respectful, mild-mannered, and kind to everyone, but in truth he was a wolf who devoured people without leaving a bone. What a shame that such a ruthless ma 4.4kReads9.1Score522Shelves

    Reader note

    I have to say I've recommended these two books countless times. The female lead is powerful, beautiful, and intelligent, manipulating power in the court and fiercely battling the male lead to the death. Amidst the political turmoil of the court, each serves their own master; let's see who emerges victorious in this power struggle.

14. 14 乱 After Fleeing the Chaotic Era, I Became the Founding Empress 乱世逃亡后，我成了开国女帝 Nan Wanxu南婉徐Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted [Publication rights signed] [Strong heroine + political intrigue + turbulent times + power struggles + ensemble cast] She’s fleeing from the start, a female warlord in a chaotic age. Lin Zhihuang, originally named Lin Zhihuan, transmigrates as a county magistrate’s daughter, only to find tens of thousands of refugees attacking the city from the start! While others transmigrate into palace or household intrigue, she transmigrates straight into a chaotic age and a desperate flight from famine. The 95.8kReads9.4Score13.2kShelves
15. 15 我 I Build Infrastructure in Ancient Times 我在古代搞基建 Chi Mitang池米唐Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Woman Disguised as a Man + Infrastructure Building + Career-Focused + Fiercely Protective + Clear-Eyed Heroine] Original title: Building Infrastructure in Ancient Times Tang Yixuan, a brilliant engineer, transmigrates into the body of a woman who has taken her brother’s place as the new magistrate of Qingchuan County. To stay alive, she racks her brains and exhausts every resource at her disposal. She builds waterworks, raises tall buildings, paves roads with concrete, and constructs a city. Be 4.3kReads9.1Score575Shelves
16. 16 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 118.2kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves
17. 17 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 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These three books all feature female protagonists with exceptionally high intelligence; investing in them is definitely worthwhile.

18. 18 被 Driven to Death by Her Cultivator Mistress? I Take Up My Sword and Storm the Ninth Heaven 被修仙外室逼死？我提剑杀上九霄 Bian Lu边鹿Ancient Romance710k WordsCompleted [Power fantasy, a female lead who begins as a villain and turns righteous, no transmigration, no rebirth] Only when she was dying did Li Fu learn why she could never defeat her husband's mistress, Huayue. It turned out that beyond this world lay a realm of cultivation. Huayue had come from that realm. With Taoist magic at her command, there was no way Li Fu could ever beat her. Tortured, skinned, and dismembered, Li Fu was abandoned by everyone and died after enduring every kind of suffering. Ho 78.6kReads9.6Score10.3kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good it's unbelievable! [Crying emoji] Even though I don't like fantasy novels, I finished it. The plot is fast-paced, the female lead is super smart, and many of the endings are unexpected.

19. 19 快 Quick Transmigration: A Journey Along the Chang'an Road 快穿之长安一路行 A Boatful of Clear Dreams Waiting for the River of Stars一船清梦等星河Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Strong heroine + System + pocket dimension + personal growth + self-reliant struggle There is a System, but it’s a good-for-nothing. Its golden finger isn’t much, and the heroine may occasionally have a love interest, but that will never get in the way of her growing stronger. When the System first found Chang’an, all it wanted was a longer life. It was just a good-for-nothing and couldn’t find a chosen one, either. Chang’an said that wa 24.4kReads9.2Score2.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Although it's a quick transmigration novel, the female protagonist's mission in one world is to be a prime minister, and in another world she's to be an empress. It's set in the Song and Liao dynasties and includes many elements not found in other novels. Despite its short length, it's truly excellent.

20. 20 大 Great Yong: One Investigation a Day, and I Become the First Woman Chief Councilor 大雍：每日一查，我成初代女首辅 A Chrysanthemum一粒菊Ancient Romance119k WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue] [Career-Focused] [Romance] [No Imperial Exams] Lin Zhiyin transmigrates to the Great Yong dynasty, a dynasty that never existed in history. Luckily, as soon as she arrives, she gets a golden finger: Baidu. Unfortunately, she can only search once a day. Unfortunately, she ends up in the old Lin family. Her grandmother favors boys over girls, her grandfather cares about appearances, her parents are honest and easygoing, her second uncle is calculating, her third uncle has fail 61Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended!

21. 21 三 The Three-Year-Old Empress Unites the World Amid Chaos 三岁小女帝，她乱世一统天下 Boba Milk Cap波波奶盖Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Animal Communication + Nation-Building + Rebel Empress + Powerful Couple Who Dote on Each Other + Building a Nation in Chaotic Times] The moment Ye Lingxi opens her eyes, she finds herself being sent into exile. She has transmigrated to a dynasty plagued by bandits, ruled by a tyrant, and filled with starving people. Her family is so poor that their pots clang empty. No matter. Master math, physics, and chemistry, and there’s nothing to fear when you transmigrate. She improves looms, fires bric 1.9kReads9.3Score303Shelves

    Reader note

    [Sending heart][Smiling face] The female lead is the savior she was promised, and she truly deserves the title. She takes the well-being of all people as her responsibility, views the world as her chessboard, and ends the chaos to create a peaceful and prosperous era. [Flying kiss]

22. 22 长 The Grand Princess Was Banished to Her Fief, So I Became Empress 长公主被贬封地，我转身成女帝 Happy Little Crawler幸福的爬爬虫Ancient Romance279k WordsCompleted [Strong Female Lead + Revenge and Regret + Empress + No Romance + War for Supremacy in a Chaotic Era] Chu Ning transmigrates into the Great Chu Dynasty as a princess who has been confined to her fief. Carrying the grudge of her mother’s murder, Chu Ning unexpectedly awakens the strongest Empress System, and begins a fiery journey to become an empress who conquers the realm. With a decisive hand, she takes control of Changle Commandery, her fief, and builds a solid power base. Declaring herself Q 672Reads—Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    This one is more in line with Ha

23. 23 大 Building Infrastructure in the Great Qin! Ying Zheng Discovers I’m a Woman 大秦搞基建！我女儿身被嬴政发现 Chu Jian Ci楚见辞Ancient Romance663k WordsCompleted The second part of this book is complete, so you can read with confidence!٩(๑ᵒ̴̶̷͈᷄ᗨᵒ̴̶̷͈᷅)و Transmigrates into a younger body + adored by everyone + no CP + career-focused + System + infrastructure building + cute pets + unifies the Six Kingdoms + changes the fate of dying in the second generation After attending a friend's Hanfu gathering, Zhao Jiuyuan was urged by his father back home in Hanzhong. As he drove through a tunnel, he somehow entered a time tunnel and transmigrated to the Qin Empi 15.7kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Traveling through the Qin Dynasty, I must change its fate, prioritizing agriculture, reforming its laws, and overturning the feudal system… Those who defy destiny possess the youthful spirit despite their white hair. -﹣I've long admired your talent, sir, and have come to pay my respects. [Almost crying][Almost crying][Almost crying] "Muddy roads can be paved with stones, low thatched huts can be replaced with tall buildings, numerous rules can be broken down and new ones established—these are not difficult tasks. The difficulty lies in whether those in power dare to tolerate someone who can turn the tide." "Please teach me, sir!" [Crying]

24. 24 七 From Seventh-Rank Official to the Top: The Strongest Female Chief Minister 七品逆袭：最强女首辅 Fine Night良宵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (A woman disguised as a man in an ancient political intrigue story) Qin Yuan first met He Lin in the summer of Jingli Year 29. The cicadas shrilled in the trees, and the heat was suffocating. In a dark, filthy prison cell, she sat in a corner, her face smeared with blood. Without a word, he left her a handkerchief to wipe the blood from her forehead. When they met again outside the prison, she was no longer in such a wretched state. Dressed in a vivid red official robe, her bright eyes blazing, 3.6kReads9.1Score480Shelves

    Reader note

    First of all, I read this book myself! It's really good! I won't give up halfway through! Secondly, it's a strong female lead story, focusing on her career, clear-headed and independent, with many shining moments of national righteousness! Thirdly, the ensemble cast is also very well-developed; each character has their own shining points and independent thought paths, not just there to highlight the female lead! Having such a group of friends is truly a treasure in life! Finally, go read it! It's not melodramatic, it's not just a wish-fulfillment story, and the romance between the female lead and the male lead is very heartwarming!

25. 25 权 The Alluring Powerful Minister 权臣妖娆 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance960k WordsCompleted Also known as The Female Top Scorer and The Female Imperial Tutor. He was a celebrated, charmingly elegant top scorer, showered with every favor under the heavens. Only after the Du family was destroyed and he hanged himself in prison did the world learn that “he” was a woman! After her father's death, the family's good name was ruined. Dozens of loyal servants starved to death. The beautiful women of the household were either made into servants or reduced to playthings for officials. Reborn, Du 3.3kReads9.1Score435Shelves
26. 26 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.3kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is focused on her career.

27. 27 太 The Empress Dowager Reborn: A Phoenix’s Plot for the Empire 太后重生：凤谋天下 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + ensemble cast + political intrigue] Reborn, she turns the world into a board and all living beings into pieces. She is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Slender, pale hands, an icy gaze She moves her pieces, a faint smile on her lips Why should beauty worry? Reborn, risen from the ashes A phoenix’s schemes hide in her lotus-bloom bones Her name will live on in the annals of history Willow branches in her hometown, the moon a hook She watches generals and princes 1.3kReads9.0Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    A must-read historical romance novel about political intrigue! The female protagonist is reborn and uses the world as her chessboard, with all living beings as pawns; she is the one who plays the game and sets the stage. The male protagonist is a war god prince with a heart for his country and its people, who later reveals his true colors, becoming cunning and ruthless, strategizing and plotting step by step. The male and female protagonists are both strong and intelligent, supporting each other in a very engaging way! This book is more than just palace intrigue and domestic drama; it also incorporates crime-solving suspense, the struggle for the throne, national sentiment, brotherhood, the battlefield of officialdom, and conspiracies—a grand and complex epic.

28. 28 让 She Tortures the Madman, Slays Her Way Through the Story, and Becomes Empress 让疯批受虐，她杀穿全文当女帝 Mirror Beyond the Clouds云外镜Ancient Romance676k WordsCompleted [No romance + strong female lead + career-focused story + frail, villainous woman + cold-blooded lunatic + woman disguises herself as a man + a touch of political intrigue + not a brainless power fantasy] After going on a killing spree in the cultivation world in her previous life, Xie Nanzui is sentenced by the Heavenly Dao to become the heroine of an ancient-style novel full of physical and emotional torment. In the original story, the heroine is used by the male lead's first love. The other w 347Reads8.6Score—Shelves
29. 29 女 Disguised as a Man: The Tyrant Charms with Her Beauty 女扮男装：暴君她美色撩人 Flower Roll Rice花卷饭Ancient Romance750k WordsCompleted [Woman disguised as a man + no romance + strong heroine + gradually becomes everyone’s favorite] Jun Lin was born into the modern world and then reborn in another era. After disguising herself as a man, she finally managed to ascend the throne, only to be poisoned by her childhood friend and turned into a puppet under his control. Her memories became jumbled and her personality changed drastically. After five years of tyranny, she died in court. Jun Lin: “Thanks for asking. I woke up in a mass g 2.8kReads9.5Score464Shelves
30. 30 一 A Game for All Under Heaven 一局苍生 Crab by the Sea海边的螃蟹Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Pure historical romance + powerful heroine + equally matched leads + political intrigue) Let me make this clear: this is a political intrigue novel with a strong female lead, not a harem-intrigue story. Everyone in this novel is intelligent. Even the few fools are pretty entertaining. Heroine Mo Xishui: stunningly beautiful, at the peak of martial prowess, and unrivaled in intelligence. For the sake of the family her mother was meant to protect, she has always been an invincible force. In her e 182Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This female protagonist is absolutely the one who best embodies the logic of the strong. She is powerful, ruthless, and ruthless. She wields power in four kingdoms, possesses immense wealth, and has overwhelming influence. Yet, she is also gentle and forgiving towards the weak. She cares for the common people, which is why she patiently guides the honest and bright Chu Jun.

31. 31 天 The Sky Screen Reveals My Loyal Bones, and the Court Begs Me to Return to Life 天幕揭我忠烈骨，满朝跪求我复活 YingYing YingYingYing滢Ancient Romance513k WordsOngoing I, Qin Yun, have been dead for ten years. The grass on my grave is already three meters tall. Who would have thought a sky screen would suddenly appear and expose everything about me? The whole country watched me disguise myself as a man and enlist in my brother's place. The emperor and every official at court were left speechless. The old ministers who once cursed me as a "demon empress who brought ruin to the country" now cling to my memorial tablet and sob like two-hundred-pound children. And 308Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 32 将 The General’s Princess 将军公主 Xiao Shihuo潇十火Ancient Romance472k WordsCompleted An ensemble cast in a classical fantasy setting + court intrigue + war + adventure + two equally strong leads + both heartbreaking and sweet A tragedy seventeen years ago implicated countless people. General Ji Bei was killed in battle, and neither the former crown prince, Chu Mo, nor anyone in the Ji family survived! Years later, the late emperor Chu Junlin passed away, and Crown Prince Chu Yi ascended the throne. He renamed the kingdom Yong'an and granted a general amnesty. Peace reigned throu 162Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    You absolutely MUST check out this book! It's a female-centric political intrigue novel with the world as its backdrop, grand and spectacular, perfectly meeting all the requirements. The female lead is stunningly beautiful and highly skilled in martial arts, while the male lead is aloof, cunning, and domineering. Their romance is captivating, with the plot taking precedence over the romance. It's a classic ensemble piece where everyone has their own value. You absolutely must read it!

33. 33 三 Three Kingdoms: The Female Warlord of a Chaotic Age 三国：乱世女枭雄 Handsome Er You帅气的二油Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing (Also known as: The Female Overlord of a Chaotic Age) [Strong female lead + Three Kingdoms + no System + traditional empire-building + ensemble cast] Liu Yi, a female engineering PhD, transmigrates into the late Han dynasty during the Three Kingdoms era and grows up as a boy. She develops water conservancy, conducts research, and improves life for the people of her region. Just as the various factions are trying to win her over, she reveals herself as a woman and establishes her own power base, 57.6kReads9.3Score8.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book is very good; it features female empowerment and strong female characters, with a very small amount of one-sided romance. The latest chapter doesn't have a romantic pairing. The second book has a strong female lead but no romantic pairing, and it does feature female empowerment.

34. 34 重 Reborn, the Frail Orphaness Goes on a Killing Spree! 重生后，病弱孤女杀疯了！ Seeking a Pure Land寻净土Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The comic adaptation is now available) [Strong Female Lead + Feel-Good Power Fantasy + Main-Female-Character Focus + Invincible + Political Intrigue + Revenge] In her previous life, her entire marquis household was wiped out. She was sent to marry into an enemy kingdom, only to be killed on the way there. In this life, she will be nothing but a reaper of souls. You dare break off the engagement? The Shen family will pay for it! You dare make things difficult for me? I'll cut ties and kill every 50.1kReads8.8Score5.1kShelves

    Reader note

    An absolutely thrilling read, a super satisfying read, the female lead is resourceful and cunning.

35. 35 明 Marry Me Beneath the Bright Moon 明月嫁卿卿 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Song Chuyu thought she and Kang Rui were deeply in love, and that no one could ever come between them. Yet that person had been living by their side all along, pampered under the title of “sister-in-law.” After being reborn, Song Chuyu didn’t spare Kang Rui a glance as he rode through the streets in triumph, and she certainly wouldn’t marry him again. * When Kang Rui woke up to find himself back in the impoverished days of his youth, he struggled to get used to the drafty windows after having li 85.4kReads9.3Score10.9kShelves

    Reader note

    While some vied for power in the imperial court and others sought personal gain in the inner quarters, the princess had already quietly expanded her territory and territory by utilizing all available resources to build her power, achieving unification from the outside in.

36. 36 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 257.8kReads9.7Score30.2kShelves

    Reader note

    [My Two Favorite Political Intrigue Novels] 9.7 High-Scoring Ancient Romance Novels (Completed)! Mind-Blowing! High-IQ Novels! ① The female lead is intelligent and resourceful, possessing strategic vision, assisting the male lead in conquering the world. ② A novel where everyone's intelligence is on point! Their IQs will leave you speechless! It starts slowly but builds to a bang; initially, the protagonist follows a scripted path to change her fate, but later it becomes a pure battle of wits! You might think you're the one holding the pieces, but in the end, you're just a pawn yourself. Who is truly orchestrating this vast chessboard of the world…?

37. 37 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 123.7kReads9.7Score14kShelves
38. 38 穿 Transmigrating into a Chaotic Age, the Mad Princess Builds a Nation Through Robbery 穿乱世，疯癫公主她靠抢劫建国了 Turning Ink into Ink点墨成墨Ancient Romance2.7M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate + Struggle for Supremacy + Chaotic Era + Powerful Female Lead + Fleeing Famine + Infrastructure Building + No Romantic Pairing + Portable Space] Original title: Transmigrating Through Chaotic Times, the Mad Princess Builds a Nation by Robbing Others When Jiang Jin awoke, she discovered that she had become a princess of a fallen kingdom and was being sent to Liang City to become a plaything for the barbarian Jiao Liang. She thought about it and decided it would be better for others 148.2kReads9.5Score18.4kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend the first book, and the second one is also fantastic. The female lead never lets her revenge linger; it's a really satisfying read.

39. 39 母 Becoming Empress of the Realm by Pretending to Be the Chancellor's Widowed Sister-in-Law 母仪天下，从冒充丞相寡嫂开始 Luo Chunshui洛春水Ancient Romance630k WordsCompleted [Revenge + Face-Slapping the Scum + Lighthearted + Sweet Romance] When you’re out in the world, you can choose your own identity. To infiltrate high society and avenge the massacre of her sister’s family, Feng Qingsui decides to pose as the distant cousin of a prestigious household. But just as she’s about to seek their help, the household she picked is raided by the Imperial Guards. She tries another family. Raided. Then another. Raided again. At her wit’s end, she knocks on the door of the “Pr 24kReads9.4Score4kShelves
40. 40 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, She Became an Investor Everyone Wanted to Win Over 退婚后，她成了万人追捧的投资人 Ten Thousand Blades千万刃Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Medical skills + transmigrated supporting villainess + political intrigue + strong heroine + secret identities + satisfying read] Bai Jiu'er, a doctor, transmigrates into the body of a vicious supporting character with a truly tragic ending. In her previous life, she was the male lead's wife, only to end up as a miserable prostitute. After transmigrating, she has nothing but money. At least she isn't married yet. First step, obviously, is to break off the engagement! What? The male lead went cr 51.1kReads9.2Score7.6kShelves

    Reader note

    They were all female feudal lords from various regions, the kind who wanted to declare themselves empresses.

41. 41 纨 The Pampered Life of a Spoiled Commandery Princess 纨绔郡主得宠日常 Zhao Pian赵骗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Signed for publication. The print edition is expected to be available by the end of the year. No! This! Is! Not! A! Romance! No CP! No rebirth, no transmigration, a thoroughly evil heroine, a power-struggle story A truly wicked heroine, vying for power over the realm, genuinely unhinged, ruthless, and rotten to the core Questions that come up while reading can only be answered by reading on. The willful, overbearing young princess of the Prince of Zhenbei’s household takes a fancy to Pei Jinnian 49.7kReads9.4Score6.3kShelves

    Reader note

    No romance, political intrigue novel with a strong female lead who orchestrated a grand scheme – absolutely amazing! I was so engrossed in it for a long time after finishing it; I feel like nothing can replace it. Now I don't even know what to read anymore.

42. 42 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves

    Reader note

    Not quite a leading lady, but definitely top 1.

43. 43 金 A Noble Daughter? She'd Rather Seize the Desert with Her Blade 金枝玉叶？她偏要刀定龙沙 Chi Wu持吾Ancient Romance243k WordsCompleted Slow-burn, old-school romance · The imperial princess Shen Mianmian She was the most honored princess of the Great Sheng and the fiercest blade on the western frontier. Her father said she belonged among silks and brocades, counting stars, but she insisted on riding out with a blade in hand, scattering blossoms into the yellow sands. He was gentle as a teacher! A secret romance that grew into love? He was a scheming fox of a man! A love he would seize by force? He was determined to marry a princ 86Reads7.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    How can this world tolerate the sharp edge of a woman? She is the most precious princess of the dynasty, and also the loneliest traveler in the desert and frontier. Watch as Shen Mianmian, after her fate has been overturned, takes control of herself. "I am a border general, not anyone's wife." Watch as Shen Qiao, after a lifetime of military service, finally stands shoulder to shoulder with the one who has protected her for many years and with whom she has been pulled apart by fate.

44. 44 梅 Plum Blossoms Fade, Yet Their Secret Fragrance Returns 梅烬又有暗香来 Chi Wu持吾Ancient Romance312k WordsCompleted [Old-school flavor + slow-burn, richly layered romance] I said, “This is for the best. This way, you’ll remember how good I was to you forever...” He said, “This is not for the best. Just when you loved me most, I chose to let you go...” The bright moon over Shengjing shines upon my borderland armor... In the storybooks, she is the woman general who has renounced love and shed blood on the frontier; In the powerful chancellor’s eyes, she is a red plum that does not vie with peach or plum blossom 165Reads8.8Score—Shelves
45. 45 日 Drunk on the Road Home at Dusk 日暮醉归途 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted The cool, intelligent beauty Shui Qiaoyou, a general of the former dynasty, and the pure-hearted, reserved prince Chu Moli, a prince of the current dynasty Historical romance, no transmigration, no palace intrigue, no household drama, one-on-one romance, strong female lead. Shui Qiaoyou felt as though she’d merely fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes again, a hundred years had passed. Her homeland, family, and friends were like smoke, long since vanished into the river of time. Fate had left 13.4kReads9.1Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The first two books are absolutely unique ancient-style novels among Tomato's works, with no similarities whatsoever. I won't introduce the content; you can read them yourself.

46. 46 歌 Song in the Peach Blossoms 歌尽桃花 Mi Bao靡宝Ancient Romance372k WordsCompleted The gentle, handsome big brother next door, whom Xie Huaimin had secretly loved for years, was about to get married. Heartbroken, she decided to throw caution to the wind and confess while they were riding the elevator together. But life is full of surprises: the very next second, the elevator plunged downward. When Miss Xie opened her eyes again, her world had been turned upside down. The thin, dark-skinned little girl in the mirror was her new identity. The immortal said, “There was a mistake 925Reads9.1Score118Shelves
47. 47 小 The Little Princess Saves Her Imperial Father with Her Inner Voice 小公主心声拯救父皇 Research Arbitration研究仲裁Ancient Romance874k WordsCompleted [Complete] [Mind-Reading + Beloved by All + Alternate History + System + Sweet Romance + Adorable Baby + Underdog's Rise + Transmigrate into a Book] (Mind-reading only works when affection for the heroine reaches the required level. The threshold rises as she grows older, and eventually requires maximum affection.) Bei Jingchu transmigrates into a book and gets bound to a governance System. Before she can even start celebrating, she discovers she's been reborn as the princess switched at birth. 14.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    I recommend a female emperor novel, a dual-female-lead, dual-strong-bodied story, currently being updated: *Wu Tong Mou* (武瞳眸). This novel combines female emperor/strong female lead elements with a child-raising/nurturing theme. Emperor Wu Xin of the Great Zhou Dynasty is over thirty but still childless. His ministers advise him to adopt a son from the imperial clan to stabilize the court. Just as they are pressuring him, good news arrives from the palace: Consort Yang Rong and Consort Yang Rong are both pregnant and nearing their due dates. Emperor Wu Xin is overjoyed and immediately promises: "Which of the two consorts gives birth to the eldest son first will be made empress." However, after ten months of pregnancy, Consort Yang Rong gives birth first, but to a princess. Dissatisfied, she plots to switch the baby. Unexpectedly, a spy has already infiltrated her ranks. Emperor Wu Xin catches her red-handed and banishes her to the Cold Palace. The newborn princess hasn't cried since birth, only breaking into tears when her father holds her in his arms. When Emperor Wuxin was comforting the baby, he was shocked to discover that his daughter had double pupils. The Imperial Advisor Yuxuzi even prophesied, "A female ruler will rule Wuchang," which delighted Emperor Wuxin, who exclaimed, "Heaven blesses the Wu Zhou dynasty!"

48. 48 她 After She Ascends the Throne, She Takes a New Husband, Leaving Her Ex to Weep 她登基后换了夫，新夫不见旧夫哭 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (Power! It's a woman's second face! She loves it!) (1V2 + advancing the nation through technology + two men competing for her, only to end up regretting it) Lu Jichen: He is an ill-omened man. On the day his elder brother got married, they smeared dog blood all over his face and locked him in a cellar. Later, she brought him out, washed his hands, let him sit at the table, fed him, and paid for his education. Wei Chiyuan: He is the young lord of an aristocratic clan; she is a young widow. One sc 17.2kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    I wholeheartedly recommend these two books by a ten-year veteran. The female leads will amaze you! 👀 These two women, who rose from humble beginnings, possess incredible intelligence, leadership, and physical combat skills—my god, they're absolutely stunning! The only flaw is that they're both still ongoing.

49. 49 天 The Heaven’s Chosen Decree: The General’s Daughter Rules the World 天骄令：将门娇娥独步天下 Fruit Is Scarce in the Northwest西北水果少Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Political intrigue]+ [Strong female lead]+ [Sweet romance]+ [Mutual devotion] The heroine’s story: In her previous life, Pei Zhao trusted the wrong person and died a miserable death. Reborn, she finds that even Heaven is playing a joke on her. Her father is killed in battle, her elder brother is gravely wounded, and the Duke of Dingguo’s residence, a family of loyal heroes who have served Northern Liang for a hundred years, is plunged into turmoil overnight. Pei Zhao braves the storm and fights 2.4kReads9.2Score377Shelves

    Reader note

    🌿🌿This book is really good! The heroine's father died in battle, and her brother was seriously injured. Overnight, the family was in turmoil, and the heroine had to hold everything together on her own. It was so heartbreaking to read, but thankfully she has a strong heart. It's really a great book!

50. 50 最 The Mightiest Bandit Queen: She Toppled the Yuan Emperor and Founded a New Dynasty 最强女匪，气死元皇建新朝 Sunny Day晴天Ancient Romance459k WordsCompleted (Stick with the first chapter and you'll love it! Strong heroine + history + no romance or ambiguous relationships + conquest and empire-building, not a brainless protagonist) In the tenth year of the Dade era, the Yellow River changed course, and corpses littered the land. Zhao Yu woke up in a bandit den so poor they couldn't even afford a meal. She had become the frail biological daughter of the late chieftain, and a contest to choose the new leader was underway. As she stood amid the storm, M 322Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A true female protagonist, ruthless, ambitious, and using the world as a chessboard, ultimately ascending to the throne! Seriously, it's incredibly good!

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