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. 151 就 Even as a Fake Heiress, I’ll Still Daringly Embrace Doing Nothing 就算是假千金也要勇敢摆烂 Ji Furan纪扶染Modern Romance659k WordsCompleted [Print edition launching across all platforms on August 9, 2025] When Shen Yue was twelve, she accidentally fell into a pond while feeding the fish. That was when she learned the truth: her parents weren’t her real parents, and her five older brothers weren’t really her brothers. She was the Mu family’s fake heiress! Faced with a future where she was destined to lose everything, Shen Yue decided to get ahead… by lying down. If she was going to lose it all anyway, she might as well lie back and 117.8kReads9.6Score13.7kShelves
2. 152 傻 The Foolish Prince and the Enchanting Courtesan 傻子王爷和花魁妖妃的故事 Listening to the Rain on a Windless Night今夜无风听雨Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted Her family was wiped out in a bloody vendetta. She endured for ten years, navigating imperial struggles and pretending to be a fool out of necessity. A foolish prince. A famed courtesan of the capital. They entered into a partnership with ulterior motives on both sides, and even as husband and wife, they schemed against each other. The foolish prince wants the throne. The capital's famed courtesan wants revenge for her family's blood debt. Watch this couple stir up the winds and clouds of the re 6Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book features a strong female protagonist scheming and plotting to avenge a blood feud. Everyone is a pawn in her game. However, it doesn't rely heavily on the male lead. If you prefer stories about vying for favor and the male lead leading the charge, you might want to skip this one.

3. 153 千 The Heiress Returns: My Vision Is as Grand as My Motherland 千金归来：我的格局是祖国 Lu Zhaoran路昭然Modern Romance212k WordsCompleted [Completed, Cool-Tempered Heroine + True Heiress of a Wealthy Family (The Family’s Real Darling) + The Main Story Is About Soldiers and Family Bonds + No Male Lead] Liao Xu, the long-lost heiress of the Su Group, one of the capital’s top wealthy families, returns after fourteen years. The upper crust is thrown into an uproar. Everyone assumes a prestigious family must care about appearances. This true heiress, they think, has nothing going for her but her stunning looks. How could she compare to 12kReads9.4Score1.3kShelves
4. 154 逆 The Heaven-Defying Poison Master: The Mad Demon Lord's Beloved 逆天毒妃，疯批魔尊心尖宠 Little Canary金丝雀儿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Secret Identity + Medicine and Poison + Sweet Romance + Genius + Spatial Dimension] After transmigrating into a good-for-nothing fool overnight, her life as the leading lady began. She refined pills, controlled beasts, and mastered both medicine and poison. She became the Ghost King, commanding countless demon clans. Her secret identities were exposed, one after another. With a body of gods and demons, she became the daughter of the Heavenly Dao. “I don’t really understand love 13.5kReads9.4Score1.7kShelves
5. 155 真 The Real Heiress May Be a Terrible Actress, but She Sure Is Beautiful 真千金她的演技虽差却实在美丽 Grape Milk Tea with Pearls芝芝葡萄加珍珠Modern Romance276k WordsCompleted [Everyone's favorite + real heiress + satisfying read + showbiz + heartwarming + a cast of angels] [The heroine had a tragic childhood; later, she dominates the competition and focuses on her career. There's little romance and plenty of family affection.] By a twist of fate, Ali enters showbiz and plays an unattainable dream girl. Her acting isn't up to par, but her stunning looks quickly make her famous. Netizens: It's me! I was the one who insisted on liking her. What did she do wrong? Beauty 1.4kReads8.9Score122Shelves
6. 156 真 The Real Heiress Takes on the World and Shines on Her Own 真千金怼天怼地，要独自美丽 Moonlight Fades as Crows Cry月晞乌啼Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Original title: Don’t Mess with Jiujiu, She’s the Beloved of Eight Psychos] [Secret identity + real and fake heiresses + everyone’s favorite + comedy + if you don’t like it, fight + wealthy-family power fantasy] The national weapon of mass violence known to her enemies as “Number Nine” is home. Her superiors told her to reconnect with her family and rediscover her humanity, so on her very first day, Jiujiu beat up her stepsister and lashed into her father. Her family stared at the violent littl 1.5kReads9.1Score247Shelves
7. 157 将 After I Was Given to the Prince, the Mad Emperor Regretted It Too Late 将我送给王爷后疯批皇帝追悔莫及 Wenxin Ruoshui文心若水Ancient Romance471k WordsCompleted With beauty enough to topple cities, she was cursed by the world as a demoness who would bring ruin to the nation. The emperor's favor turned out to be nothing but a means of revenge. Behind the glittering splendor, the truth slowly emerges. The one responsible for the hatred between their country and their families is none other than him... A peerless beauty made heroes across the land fall at her feet, yet he wanted nothing more than to see her dead. After going to great lengths to trick the i 470Reads8.6Score—Shelves
8. 158 太 The Crown Princess Is Reborn: She Transmigrates a Century into the Future to Ruin His Empire 太子妃重生，穿越百年毁他江山 Soaring Over the Southern Mountain跃南山Ancient Romance273k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance and Political Intrigue + Frail Female Strategist + Playing the Fool to Catch the Wise + Multiple Male Leads + Overpowered Cast + Everyone Is Evil] Mu Ziyao, princess of Beiqi, marries far away in Yu'an with a lavish bridal procession and becomes the crown princess everyone envies. She thinks she has secured a lifetime of happiness, never realizing she is merely a pawn in her husband's scheme to seize the realm. In a single night, her entire Beiqi clan is wiped out. She dies i 24Reads8.5Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Reborn a century later, into the body of a delicate legitimate daughter, she carries a deep-seated blood feud and a prince's ambition. Her goal is to overthrow him; he is both her enemy and her ally. A thrilling and satisfying story, fraught with intrigue, featuring a powerful cast, humor, and ensemble cast.

9. 159 团 The Pampered Princess Is a God of War 团宠娇妃是战神 The Great Bunny Queen大兔子女王Ancient Romance686k WordsCompleted After transmigrating, Qin Jiao, the tyrant of her compound, became the Qin family’s youngest daughter. But in the blink of an eye, her father and brothers were defeated in battle, her family nearly stood accused of treason, and she was about to be discarded by her fiancé after he’d gotten what he wanted. The delicate young lady, handed a melodramatic old-fashioned script, smashed a table with one palm and kicked the scumbag. “You used my influence and resources to climb to the top, and now you t 96Reads8.9Score—Shelves
10. 160 女 The Female Bandit Goes to the Capital to Become an Official and Wins Over the Aloof Emperor 女土匪进京为官，诱拐了清冷陛下 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet historical romance + two powerful leads + devoted to each other + sweet and satisfying + fun and lively + no annoying supporting characters + sensible leads] A super-ferocious, super-rich bandit queen VS a cool, otherworldly beauty of an emperor Jin Sanglu owns thirty mountains of gold and is every inch a bandit queen. After earning military merit, she arrogantly calls out to the court: “If you won’t give me an official post, then make me empress.” The ministers are furious, but they fear 12.4kReads9.4Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    This book feels more like a court intrigue story. The main characters are all adorable court officials, and the female supporting character is a sophisticated woman from a prominent family. Every character has a distinct stance. My favorite is definitely Jin; I love Sister Jin so much! Our heroine is the best kind of strong female lead.

11. 161 摄 The Regent's Uncle's Little One Is Begging for Affection Again 摄政王皇叔家的崽崽又撒娇了 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Complete] In her previous life, Murujin devoted herself to the crown prince, only to have her position as empress taken away, her military seal confiscated, and a cup of poisoned wine sent to kill her in the Cold Palace. Three years later, Murujin is reborn. She swears to overthrow the emperor and plunge the kingdom into chaos! Word has it that the usually aloof Prince Regent Qi Junxian now has a willful little girl by his side, one who sweetly calls him "Uncle Emperor." "Your Highness! The you 17.7kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves
12. 162 女 The Empress Transmigrates: Conquering the World in a Chaotic Age 女帝穿越，她在乱世逐鹿天下 Autumn Farewell and the Lantern's Song秋辞与灯鸣Ancient Romance645k WordsCompleted No romance + strong female lead + powerful heroine + light ensemble cast + infrastructure building + satisfying read + transmigration Yun Zhi was a princess who grew up in the Cold Palace. In the Cold Palace, you either erupt out of silence or perish in it. To survive, she used every means at her disposal, killed her father and brother, and took the throne everyone wanted. But after only a few years on the throne, she died of illness. When she opened her eyes again, she was Yun Zhi, the newborn 1.8kReads8.9Score183Shelves

    Reader note

    Both are unfinished. The first book features a female protagonist who is an indigenous person, but due to a Gu curse, she gains the memories of a modern person and is incredibly cunning! The second book features a female protagonist who transmigrates, but only from the ancient times of another world to the ancient times of this world.

13. 163 破 The Healer Assassin Who Shatters the Realm 破山河之杀手神医 Mo Xian7墨弦7Ancient Romance681k WordsOngoing She was an assassin, but once she took pity on her target and saved their life, the target gave her a life-changing opportunity... The abandoned legitimate daughter of the Xie family, an unknown enemy, a poisoned mother, a brother with an intellectual disability, and a Pingliang in constant turmoil... Even with everything stacked against her from the start, she carefully plots her way forward, winning her family a chance to survive and return to the capital, only to uncover the secrets of her ow 87Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend a book based on a good article.

14. 164 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.4kReads9.4Score3kShelves
15. 165 庶 The Astonishing Concubine: A Poisonous Plot to Rule the World 庶女惊华：毒妃谋天下 Vast Abyss浩瀚之渊Ancient Romance3.2M WordsCompleted She was empress of a kingdom, only to have her twin sister skin her face alive and harm the child in her womb. Her husband betrayed her, her own sister plotted against her, and she died consumed by hatred. When she opened her eyes again, she was a lowborn daughter of a marquis’s household, struggling to survive. Bearing a blood feud, she moved carefully at every step, determined to reclaim everything that was hers! On the road to revenge, she would kill gods and Buddhas alike! But then a man cam 311Reads7.8Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    They're all so beautiful, I love them!

16. 166 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Is Reborn: Uncle, You Spoil Me to Death! 嫡女重生：皇叔，你宠死我算了！ Yuan Ai Sheng袁爱生Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Reborn + Strong heroine and hero + Satisfying romance with lots of sweetness] In her previous life, Gu Yuechao was framed by her scumbag husband and his mistress. She watched her son torn apart by chariots, her family executed, and her personal maid mutilated into a human stump. She was reduced to living like an animal, eating alongside pigs and dogs, and wishing she were dead. But her scumbag husband’s uncle defied public condemnation and an imperial edict to take her in, a woman whose reputat 3.4kReads9.0Score664Shelves
17. 167 农 The Tough Farm Wife: The Playboy Heir Is Sweet and Flirtatious 农门悍妻：纨绔世子甜又撩 Salt Pork盐巴猪Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The short drama The Tough Farmhouse Wife: The Heir Apparent Is Sweet and Flirtatious is now streaming on Hongguo and Tomato!] [Secret identity + taking down villains + sweet romance + comedy] Su Tong transmigrates into a book as a military prostitute who has been sold for ten years and has a tarnished reputation. A fake heir apparent personally proposes to her, figuring that her bad reputation means no one will stand up for her if she dies. Su Tong also thinks that an idle, useless male support 5.6kReads9.3Score722Shelves

    Reader note

    The whole family uses pseudonyms, and through a series of unexpected events, they warmed each other's hearts throughout their lives. The entire story is fresh and engaging.

18. 168 一 The Poisonous Consort 一品毒妃 Mo Qianchang墨千裳Ancient Romance2.7M WordsCompleted Su Ziyu is a poison-medicine doctoral expert from the twenty-second century, undefeated in the art of poison and unmatched among poison doctors. But fate had other plans. In an instant, she transmigrated thousands of years into the past, to the Eastern Zhou dynasty, becoming Su Ziyu, the cowardly, weak-willed, foolish concubine-born daughter of the prime minister’s household. Imprisoned, with her birth mother dead, her stepmother persecuting her, and her sisters poisoning her, she faces a brutal 4.8kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves
19. 169 重 Reborn in My Archrival's Home, I Go on a Rampage 重生在死对头家，她嘎嘎乱杀 Shuang Zhiyin双枝银Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted [Reborn + revenge + political intrigue + two equally powerful leads + one-on-one romance + older woman/younger man] In her previous life, Yao Sinan was sent by her own parents into the cage of power. After she devoted herself to supporting her husband, the Third Prince, he wiped out her and her entire family the moment he achieved his goals... Reborn into a new life, she awakens as He Junyao, the second legitimate daughter of her sworn enemy’s family. Muscle memory nearly makes her kill them on 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist who's good at political intrigue is amazing; she's clear-headed and decisive in her actions.

20. 170 全 My Whole Clan Is Exiled? I'll Get Rich Through Farming 全族流放？我靠种植发家致富了 Orange Orange Orange Orange橘橘橘橘子Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Male lead, golden finger, lighthearted, exile and farming] Ji Changying was a walking encyclopedia of plants. Her remarkable abilities caught the attention of an experimental research base. They spent two years and sent ten skilled fighters to capture her. In the end, she blew up their base, but something went wrong, and she died too. When Ji Changying opened her eyes again, she had become the little fool of the Ji family in Lianhua Village. Her parents were loving, and her family was harmoniou 26kReads9.2Score3.5kShelves

    Reader note

    A good-looking, down-to-earth, and satisfying read.

21. 171 长 The Eldest Daughter’s Dazzling Rise 长女惊华 Get Rich Overnight一夜暴富Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Satisfying revenge + political intrigue + mutual salvation + miracle doctor + two powerful leads] The Ji family was a century-old military clan, revered by everyone in the imperial capital of Yulin. And yet the eldest Ji daughter was known throughout Yulin as a useless coward. Then, in a single night, the Ji family fell, and every man in the family died on the battlefield. It was the supposedly useless eldest daughter who held the entire family together. She divorced a prince! She made an enemy 3.1kReads8.8Score507Shelves

    Reader note

    A strong female protagonist, navigating power struggles with court officials and the emperor. [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

22. 172 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

    A pure historical romance with political intrigue; both the male and female leads are intelligent, and the story revolves around themes of family, country, and romance.

23. 173 公 A Princess's Promotion Diary 公主升职记 Liu Yi鎏伊Ancient Romance971k WordsOngoing Yao Chuguang's biggest dream is to get rich overnight. The good news? She transmigrates and is reborn as a princess, making her dream come true. The bad news? Her life is in danger! The greatest pain in life is dying before you get to spend all your money. From then on, Yao Chuguang takes out anyone who wants her dead, no matter who they are. When it comes to palace intrigue Others: A war of words, every sentence hiding a deeper meaning, killing without a trace. Yao Chug 52Reads8.7Score—Shelves
24. 174 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 power struggle story featuring two strong protagonists vying for supremacy in a chaotic world, where everyone is incredibly intelligent. Yan Xi, the former last ruler of the Yan Kingdom and the founding queen of the Zhao Kingdom, spends her life playing a game of chess with fate. Cursed by a blood curse and burdened by a prophecy of national ruin, she treads upon the bones of her relatives and the blood of the Northern Di, using her iron fist and wisdom to build her own dynasty in a male-dominated world, and together with the male protagonist, she conquers the world.

25. 175 女 The Female General in Armor Steals the Enemy Kingdom’s Young General 女将戎装，拐走敌国小将军 Dongyue Muchao冬月慕朝Ancient Romance170k WordsOngoing She is the daughter of the Great Qin Empire’s only king from a different surname, and her family has guarded the empire’s borders for generations. He is the young general feared throughout the capital of Great Yue, having made enormous contributions to its rise. Everyone envies their status and prestige in their respective countries, yet nobody knows that behind all the glory and favor lie the emperors’ endless suspicion and schemes... 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is really cool! She navigates political intrigue and scheming, establishing herself, stabilizing her family, protecting her country, and ultimately winning the world amidst chaos, all while unexpectedly meeting him!

26. 176 穿 Transmigrated to a World in Chaos, She Refuses to Be a Beauty 穿越乱世，她才不要做佳人 Xiaoxiao Fish Resting潇潇鱼歇Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted [Plot-driven + political intrigue + light ensemble cast + female protagonist + light romance] Xu Wan transmigrates into a book set in a chaotic era, only to become an anonymous passerby. The System hunts her down because she carries software that has nothing to do with the book. She thinks that escaping the original plot will let her lie flat for good, but after witnessing the bloodshed and chaos of the era with her own eyes, she steps back into the world. • This time, her forceful interventi 15Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In chaotic times, a single misstep can lead to death.

27. 177 被 Wrongfully Married, I Stabbed My Husband to Death and Became Famous 被错嫁后，我捅死夫君名扬天下了 Bright Blue灿蓝Ancient Romance646k WordsCompleted [No Romance] + [Pocket Dimension] + [Taking Down Scumbags] + [Villainess] After transmigrating, Li Shu became a pitiful woman who had been married off to the wrong man. Her deranged husband had just beaten her to death. Her mother-in-law said, “My son has no flaws except that he hits people. Can’t you just put up with it?!” The man said, “I wanted to marry A Ning, but I’m not good enough for her, so let’s just settle down and live our lives together!” Even her own father kept his head down and i 16.2kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The latest books on power struggles are quite different; they're written by renowned authors and are very engaging.

28. 178 穿 After Becoming a Female Chieftain, I Led the Frontier Out of Poverty 穿成女土司后，我带边疆脱贫致富 Likes the Trombone喜欢乐器长号Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted Lu Mingyu, an agricultural science student, transmigrates into the legitimate daughter of a chieftain's estate in Dayan. Her father died young, and her mother took over his duties and holds all the power. But the next day, she discovers that the estate lies in a remote border region, cut off from news, impoverished, and underdeveloped. So she gets to work, visiting the locals and conducting surveys herself, determined to help everyone escape poverty and prosper. But just as this young chieftain' 51Reads—Score—Shelves
29. 179 锦 Return of the Swallow 锦堂归燕 Breezy and Bright风光霁月Ancient Romance3.2M WordsCompleted As the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, she was switched at birth and forced to struggle for survival among the common folk. At long last, she was reunited with her family, only to be caught up in endless domestic power struggles. She wanted to get along with her sisters, honor her elders, and live a peaceful life of her own, but every one of those awful people was determined to thwart her! So she faced reality: if she wanted a good life, she would have to scheme and fight within the h 2.3kReads8.4Score306Shelves
30. 180 小 The Young Marquis Disguises Herself as a Man, and Four Kingdoms' Tycoons Fall for Her 小侯爷女扮男装，四国大佬都沦陷了 A Potato一只土豆Ancient Romance959k WordsCompleted For everyone else, transmigrating means a fresh start. For her, it means starting out as a spoiled rich brat. The only son of the Marquis of Zhenbei’s household is a graceful, peerlessly handsome young gentleman, charming and flirtatious, forever attracting admirers. He’s the spoiled brat among spoiled brats, the rascal among rascals. But who would have guessed that this spoiled young man had been playing the pig to eat the tiger all along? With one display of his true brilliance, he stuns the w 360Reads8.6Score103Shelves
31. 181 养 My Adoptive Father Gave Me to My Birth Father as His Bride 养父将我送给亲爹做新娘 A Jug of Wine in the Woods林间一壶酒Two Female Leads1.4M WordsOngoing My new story is here! You can read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy it. Your support motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one, I highly recommend!

32. 182 前 I Died Tragically in My Past Life, Then Was Jilted Again After Being Reborn 前世惨死，重生后又被退婚 Ye Chenhuo叶尘火Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Complete] 1. This story focuses mainly on palace and household intrigue, with very little romance and not much screen time for the male lead. The leads support each other and join forces against their enemies, with no misunderstandings or love rivals. One man and one woman, both pure; a strong heroine and an even stronger hero. The male lead spoils the heroine. 2. This is a fictional setting with no connection to real history. Synopsis: Everyone in the capital knows that the eldest daughter of 9.2kReads9.3Score1.3kShelves
33. 183 女 The Tyrant of an Enemy Kingdom Fell for Me After I Went to War Disguised as a Man 女扮男装出征后被敌国暴君看上了 Boisterous Beauty嚣嚣美人Ancient Romance617k WordsCompleted Completed [Transmigration + woman disguising herself as a man + doting romance + lighthearted, imaginative comedy + one-on-one romance] Chu Xiaoqi was born into a wealthy family in the 21st century. Her parents were both leading astronomers. Though they spent all day engrossed in their work, they doted on their precious daughter. Curious about her parents' research project, Chu Xiaoqi sneaked into their laboratory one day... There she discovered a huge, bizarre object. Unable to resist touching 1.1kReads9.1Score136Shelves
34. 184 将 The General’s Family Has No Honor. I’m Back, So What Are You Panicking About? 将门无义，我踏马归来，你们慌啥 Writing the World提笔天下Ancient Romance235k WordsCompleted [No System + No transmigration] [Strong heroine + Revenge + Political intrigue + National and familial enmity] She was born into a princely mansion in Jiangnan. Her father was the dynasty's only prince with a different surname, ruling over half the realm. She grew up surrounded by wealth and privilege, but often accompanied her father among the troops, where she mastered extraordinary martial arts. Then her father died in battle, only to be framed as a traitor to the court. Everyone in the princ 669Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Of the new books, I only recommend this one: a female protagonist, the daughter of a king of a different surname. It features domestic intrigue, political maneuvering, revenge, the struggle for the crown prince's throne, and the complexities of family, country, and the world. The writing is excellent, the author's intelligence is on point, and you should give it a try.

35. 185 女 Disguised as a Man: My Years as the Imperial Astrologer 女扮男装：我做国师那些年 Carefree Thoughts逍遥念之Ancient Romance344k WordsCompleted [No romance, one-sided crush, heroine has a special advantage, woman disguised as a man] A legend surrounds Tianyou: the State Preceptor of Tianyou knows the heavens above and the earth below, and can do anything. What's more, he is breathtakingly beautiful, with a grace and elegance no one could forget. But no one knows that he is actually a she, and no one knows what she truly looks like. Born different, unlike ordinary people, she has a pair of eyes that can see through the world, making it i 244Reads8.7Score100Shelves
36. 186 无 The Path of the King of the Infernal Realm 无间王途 Mi Li Ka Mang米理卡忙Ancient Romance214k WordsOngoing [Transmigrated into a Book + Everyone Is Clever + Devoted to Each Other + Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Power Fantasy] Song Li transmigrates into a book as a cannon-fodder spy. She only wants to survive, and thinks she accidentally changed the plot, but discovers that other transmigrators are behind the changes. The gears of fate push her forward, one step at a time. She wins people over, makes a fortune, and develops explosives... In the end, unable to win love, she has no choice but to sei —Reads—Score—Shelves
37. 187 穿 Transmigrating to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms as an Empress 穿越到五代十国当女帝 Zhu Sui, Who Likes Little Ginkgo Trees喜欢小银杏的朱隧Ancient Romance1.6M WordsOngoing I'm an ordinary female liberal arts student. After an accident, I transmigrated to the Later Jin and became Shi Jingtang's youngest daughter. I put my knowledge of history to use, sweeping across the land with a million troops, conquering the eight corners of the world, uniting the four seas, and winning the hearts of all under heaven. I gathered the finest weapons, recruited elite troops, armed myself to the teeth, and joined the heroes of the land in vying for supremacy over the Central Plains 687Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend three must-read novels about female power struggles and intrigue; they're by established authors and their books are of very high quality.

38. 188 女 After Disguising Myself as a Man and Ascending the Throne, I Broke the World 女扮男装登基后，我把世界搞崩了 Xi You晰柚Ancient Romance285k WordsCompleted [Mysterious, laid-back crown prince who disguises herself as a man vs. arrogant, obsessive little princess who disguises himself as a woman] The max-level expert Yun Jing is born into this world as a crown prince who disguises herself as a man. Life is happy and fun, practically the ideal retirement. The only downside is that she’s forced to bind herself to a “everyone’s favorite” System. The System frantically orders Yun Jing to win over every person she meets. Yun Jing has no choice but to put 80Reads8.9Score—Shelves
39. 189 变 Transformed Into a Late Tang Princess, the Empress Commands You to Ascend the Throne 变身唐末公主，女帝请登基 Little Umbrella Monk of Spirit Grass Valley灵草谷的唐伞小僧Historical235k WordsOngoing A historical novel with a powerful female lead. The heroine is invincible, but not because she is the best in the world. Her advantage is on an entirely different level: in the later stages, she and her opponents exist in different dimensions, leaving her with an overwhelming edge. If that's not for you, don't read. The plot turns into a women-loving-women story, so if that's not for you, don't read. 315Reads7.0Score—Shelves
40. 190 邪 Evil Cannot Overcome the Emperor 邪不压朕 Passerby by the Road道旁过者Ancient Romance441k WordsOngoing Many years later, whenever Li Hongjing looked down at the assembled ministers during court, she would remember the afternoon the late emperor summoned her to his bedside to entrust her with his final wishes. She still remembered the last words the late emperor had said to her, looking at her with tears in his eyes and deep emotion in his voice: “Today, I don't care if you're a woman or even a eunuch, you're ascending the throne!” Ah, Li Hongjing was moved to tears. He'd dumped a complete mess in 8Reads8.3Score—Shelves
41. 191 大 The Boss Puts on a Secret Identity and Takes the Court by Storm 大佬她披上马甲A爆朝堂 Sleepy Cat猫沉沉Ancient Romance810k WordsCompleted To avenge her elder brother, she disguises herself as a man and enters the government as an official. The officials soon notice that Lord Yuchi, once as gentle as jade, has become bold and dazzlingly cool. The cute, soft-spoken young woman is sweet on the outside but ruthless within: clever, calculating, wealthy, and armed with plenty of secret identities. She doesn't even blink as she takes down her powerful political rival. As she keeps tormenting him, the feared minister falls for her... Qin, 605Reads9.1Score124Shelves
42. 192 我 I, Daughter of the Deposed Empress, Seized Zhu Qizhen's Throne 我，废后之女，夺了朱祁镇皇位 Chilled Honeydew冰镇蜜瓜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Empress + Sky Screen + Empowering Female-Led Story] After transmigrating to the Ming Dynasty, she became Zhu Xingyi, the daughter of Hu Shanxiang, the deposed empress. She had no special golden finger from transmigrating, but fortunately, in her previous life she had been a top-level special agent, skilled in everything. She kept a low profile while secretly building an army. When the Tumu Crisis erupted, Zhu Xingyi's strength, concealed for years, was finally revealed, stunning the entire worl 20.9kReads8.2Score1.9kShelves
43. 193 风 A Beauty That Outshines the Nation 风华倾国 Young Master Tang唐家小主Ancient Romance134k WordsCompleted Ten years ago, she was the last princess of Mengxia. Ten years later, she is the foremost female grand preceptor of the Liuli Kingdom. In enemy territory, she makes careful moves, stirring up turmoil at court behind the scenes with her own hands, all to avenge a hatred that has cut deep! She had planned for everything, but his arrival was the one thing she never expected! He is the famed God of War, admired by women everywhere, yet he falls for her at first sight. Their encounter seems ordained 210Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is exquisitely written and deeply moving. It tells the story of Princess Mengxia, who transforms into the female advisor of an enemy nation, stirring up trouble in the court out of hatred. A war god, renowned throughout the land, falls in love with her at first sight, and fate bestows upon them a sweet romance. But when a cruel truth is revealed, a deep-seated blood feud looms before them. In this chaotic world, burdened with a mission, what choices will they make?

44. 194 马 Her Secret Identities Make Headlines: The Beloved Fake Heiress Is the Real Deal 马甲炸上天，团宠假千金是真大佬 Ye Xiaoyu叶小语Modern Romance192k WordsOngoing [Secret identities + modern romance + powerful leads + sweet romance + wealthy CEO + face-slapping + putting scumbags in their place] Ren Nanfeng looks exactly like the Shen family's second daughter. She pretends to be Shen Ningyu to infiltrate the Shen family, playing weak and innocent, stirring up trouble, and tearing into scumbags. She's thriving, and only he has figured out who she really is. The powerful Jing says, “Come home with me. I'll help you hide your tracks.” Everyone else: “A delic 2Reads7.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommend the first book

45. 195 汉 Chronicles of the Han Dynasty’s Last Empress 汉末女帝纪事录 A Reed Knows White一苇知白Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Content warning: If you don’t accept a female lead in a one-on-one romance who has children, please don’t click. [Strong female lead + political intrigue + contest for supremacy + nation-building + one-on-one romance] At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the land is in turmoil. A flash flood sends the soul of Liu Zhen, a modern teacher, a thousand years into the past, where she possesses the frail, sickly Liu Zhen, the Han Emperor Ling’s second daughter, who died young. At the brink of death, 1.4kReads8.2Score223Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a very good book. Set in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the female protagonist is decisive yet compassionate, and her ultimate goal is always the well-being of the people. The author's writing is excellent, and the pacing is fast. Definitely worth reading!

46. 196 江 Has Miss Jiang’s Secret Identity Been Exposed Today? 江小姐今天掉马了吗 Qing Man清漫Modern Romance344k WordsOngoing She was once the most cherished young lady of the Tang family, but after a sudden turn of events, she was sent to live in the countryside. Later, to fulfill her grandfather's dying wish, she married Xia Zexiu, the eldest son of the Xia family. When Xia Zexiu's first love returned from overseas, he handed her divorce papers, and their marriage of convenience finally came to an end. Once she was single again, her secret identities were exposed one after another. “Queen,” the racing champion who ha 7Reads7.8Score—Shelves
47. 197 病 The Possessive Han Ye, and His All-Round Wife with Many Secret Identities 病娇韩爷，全能夫人马甲多 Vanilla Chocolate香草巧克力Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Badass heroine + stunningly handsome hero + devoted, sugary-sweet romance] When they first met, she stared at the beautiful hands on the screen and said, “Han Beichen, I want him!” From then on, word spread throughout Longcheng that Gu Mo was shamelessly pursuing Han Beichen. How could someone who skipped school and got into fights possibly be worthy of the princely young master Han? Just as everyone was waiting for a good laugh... The world martial arts champion is Gu Mo?! The heir to an ancie 1.1kReads9.0Score147Shelves
48. 198 凤 The Phoenix's Double-City Strategy 凤策双城 San You弎酉Ancient Romance320k WordsOngoing [No transmigration or rebirth · Hard-hitting political intrigue · Ensemble cast] On the night of the stand-in marriage, they switched clothes in the black pine forest. One put on the wedding dress and climbed into the phoenix carriage, going in her place to Mobei. The other changed out of her blue robes and returned to the capital to settle old scores. The Empress Dowager thought she had removed her last thorn. She didn’t know the one returning to the capital had come to claim her life. One 237Reads—Score116Shelves

    Reader note

    "The Phoenix's Strategy in Twin Cities" is highly recommended! It features a strong female protagonist who is scheming and plotting. The princess pretends to be gentle and docile while secretly manipulating the game. It involves a three-way power struggle between the country and the family. The protagonist's emotions are restrained and do not overshadow the main plot. There are hidden identities, and the plot twists at every turn. There is no romance-obsessed protagonist.

49. 199 盲 The Blind Physician in the Capital: Schemes of the Imperial Court 盲医踏京：帝阙权谋录 Dong Wang Jinglan东往景澜Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted She is a blind physician with clear-sighted purpose, lying low for thirty years, waiting to stir up the treacherous imperial court. He is the supreme ruler, commanding all beneath heaven and mastering every scheme, yet somehow failing to account for his own heart. One fateful red thread binds her bloody vendetta at one end and his vast empire at the other. When her celestial eye sees through his game, it also reveals her own fate. A tragic romance that begins in manipulation and ends in deep 100Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Having read too many formulaic historical romance novels, this blind doctor's political intrigue really resonated with me. A blind but insightful female doctor seeking revenge encounters an emperor who, despite his cunning, is ultimately swayed by love. From mutual manipulation and exploitation to a tug-of-war of love and hate, they find solace and redemption in each other's wounds. There's no mindless romance; the court intrigue and palace intrigue unfold layer by layer, creating a palpable sense of destiny.

50. 200 团 The Beloved Darling: The Big Shot Has Revealed Her Secret Identity Again 团宠：大佬她又掉马甲了 Wild Sleeping Sheep野生眠羊Modern Romance229k WordsCompleted Su Kenian, who was raised by another family in a remote mountain village, is finally brought back to the Su family. She expects them to think she's a country bumpkin, but instead, everyone in the family treats her like their precious darling. Her secret identity keeps getting exposed. Her eldest brother, Su Zhu, is a famous star, while her second brother, Su Ziyi, is a brilliant detective. Neither will yield when it comes to doting on their little sister. Li Ye: My wife loves me most. The two br 89Reads7.5Score—Shelves

Other lists with Even as a Fake Heiress, I’ll Still Daringly Embrace Doing Nothing