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. 201 女 The Lady of the House 女家主 Nine Rivers Above the Clouds云上九川Ancient Romance500k WordsOngoing (No romance, not a wish-fulfillment story) Lin Zhiyi was born into this life thirteen years ago and spent all thirteen years in a foolish stupor. (Note: She was reborn with her memories, became foolish after birth, and has been the same person all along.) Then one day, she comes to her senses, facing the deaths of her father and uncle in battle, the emergence of hidden enemies, and an emperor who dislikes her from the start. Lin Zhiyi thinks it over and decides: retreat. So, after making thoroug 789Reads9.1Score134Shelves
2. 202 重 Reborn as the Beloved of Everyone: The Movie Emperor's Wife Is Poor and Fierce Again 重生团宠：影帝夫人又穷又凶 Not Dim-Witted After Waking Up睡醒不呆Modern Romance2.6M WordsCompleted [Print edition signed for publication] [Insanely outrageous wish-fulfillment + a few secret identities + savage online roasts + devoted romance with both leads’ first love + dazzling the world] In her previous life, she died with regrets. Now she has been reborn in the middle of a massive online hate campaign! If they’re going to hate on her anyway, she might as well stop pretending! Her scumbag fiancé gets shoved into a cold pool, then coughs and blames her? Sheng Wenyin: “What, caught a cold? 137.3kReads9.6Score14.4kShelves

   Reader note

   I dreamt of you, just last night. You descended from the sky on auspicious clouds of five colors to find me. You were majestic and spirited, and even playfully stuck your tongue out at me. At that time, you were squatting at Erlang Shen's feet, and I thought, "This celestial dog is so handsome, white, black, and yellow."

3. 203 恶 The Villainess Runs Wild in a Misogynistic Kingdom 恶女在厌女国杀疯了 This Mountain Is No Mountain此山非山Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted [Rise to power + revenge + political intrigue + rival suitors + ancient fantasy + awakening to her gender] A mind-bending transmigration story that starts with a bang and only gets wilder. The heroine is the strongest, bar none, and gives as good as she gets! An elite lawyer transmigrates to a woman-hating kingdom. This is the story of her journey from a desperate fugitive to a noble, a chancellor, and finally an emperor! “What? My own brother insulted my wet nurse?” Xu Shisan retaliates with a 155Reads8.3Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The female protagonist is the most powerful and cunning, bar none.

4. 204 公 The Princess Returns to Rule the Realm with a Treacherous Minister 公主归来，和奸臣共掌江山 Thirteen Orphans Maiden十三幺娘Ancient Romance145k WordsOngoing “A clever, valiant princess scheming for the throne × a ruthless commander of the Imperial Guards” [Villainous couple + rekindled love + mutual salvation + palace intrigue + political machinations + happy ending] Though Gongyi Xiao was a woman, she was far more capable than her idle elder brother, the emperor. Sadly, her elder sister framed her, accusing her of an affair with the heir to the Prince of Zhennan. She was hurriedly sent out of the palace, cut off from political affairs from then on. 2Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Here it is, a female-centric novel, not pretentious or sentimental, the male lead is very strong but they complement each other, a pure and straightforward romance!

5. 205 纨 The Playboy Husband Is Actually the Young Master of the Shadow Pavilion 纨绔夫君竟是暗阁少主 Heavy Snow That Never Melts大雪不化Ancient Romance262k WordsCompleted Emperor Yuan grows older by the day, and his three sons are fighting over the throne, secretly recruiting ministers to serve them in the future. Fortunately, the various factions keep one another in check, and there are no signs of a breakdown. News arrives from the White Tiger Army: General Yan, who has guarded the frontier for decades, has reclaimed lost territory from years past and is returning to the capital today with a million elite troops. The news sends the court into an uproar and leav 213Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The latter part is quite grand.

6. 206 宿 Host, Collect Emotions, Rise to Power, and Win Handsome Men 宿主收集情绪值，登高位，迎美男 Mu Rong木蓉Ancient Romance227k WordsCompleted [Transmigrating into a book set in a chaotic age | Clear-headed, self-serving heroine | Emotion Shop + a cannon-fodder nobody's rise to empress | Takes control of the protagonist favored by fate] Li Huanyao transmigrates into a novel about refugees fleeing through a chaotic age, becoming a bit-part cannon fodder who dies early in the original story. Li Huanyao: What? I die early? What does the plot have to do with me? To hell with it! At her lowest point, she unlocks the Emotion Shop and uses 6Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Sober and self-serving + female protagonist wields power, wealth, and wisdom + possesses a cheat code + transmigration into a book + control over fate + power struggle + female protagonist achieves alternative immortality + counterattack

7. 207 重 Reborn as a Spy, I’ll Make You Fall at My Feet 重生谍，请你拜倒在裙下 Ordinary Oats寻常燕麦Ancient Romance208k WordsCompleted [Transmigration, Palace and Household Intrigue, Changing One’s Fate, Bewitching Beauty] Bilian transmigrates as the eldest princess of the Yelu clan, only to meet a young general who loves to kiss her. With the story’s future plot in her hands, she decides he must be the faithless man he’ll become, so she might as well make him suffer. Little does she know that her arrival is already quietly changing the story... Is it true love or a scheme? Bilian curtsies and says, “General Yang, your fame 9Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Beautiful!! In the beginning, I was your maid, but I was more than just your maid. After I returned to the country to rule as regent, you were my male concubine, but only my male concubine?

8. 208 至 Supreme Phoenix Maiden: The Demon Venerable's Beloved 至尊凤女：魔尊的心尖宠 Ju Duo橘朵Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Strong male lead, even stronger female lead, devoted couple, female lead is no do-gooder, multiple identities, no amnesia plot, no mistaken-identity antics, a thoroughly satisfying story with a female lead who hides nothing (if you don't like that, read at your own risk)] She was an elite agent in the twenty-first century. Then, in a single moment, she transmigrated, only to become the useless eldest daughter of the Feng family, someone anyone could bully? But she actually has an even more myst 3.9kReads9.1Score529Shelves

   Reader note

   These are all really good books, so check them out if you're looking for something to read.

9. 209 寒 The Day the Frozen Coffin Knocks on the Capital’s Gates, the Reborn Female General Slaughters the Phoenix Clan and Her Kin 寒棺叩京日，重生女将屠凤灭族亲 Hua Yue Ming花月冥Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Historical intrigue + strong female lead + dark, unhinged characters + handsome men + reborn revenge + redemption] When the new emperor ascended the throne, my mother beat the grievance drum and accused me of murdering my siblings, stealing their achievements, and basking in imperial favor. The new emperor, who had once called me his brother, sentenced me to be sliced to death. My younger sister tore out my tongue, and my stepson severed the tendons in my hands and feet. But even those 3,312 cu 18.9kReads7.9Score3kShelves

   Reader note

   Be sure to bookmark this novel and urge me to update it soon!

10. 210 神 The Divine Doctor's Wild Consort: Winning the Evil Prince's Kingdom as Her Betrothal Gift 神医狂妃，拿下邪王山河作聘 Qing Ge Xiao清歌笑Ancient Romance190k WordsCompleted [Reborn + palace and household intrigue + medicine] Song Lan was a wicked girl raised to be useless, yet she managed to marry into a powerful family, becoming the wife of the Third Prince, who had no interest in the throne. A stand-in for her older sister, she married a prince who seemed destined never to become emperor. Yet the Third Prince rose to the throne as if blessed by fortune, and then came after Song Lan for her disgraceful origins and the reputation of being a “harbinger of bad luck.” 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Rebirth + Strong Female Leads + Divine Doctor + Political Intrigue] The female protagonist was raised as a substitute for her older sister. After finally becoming an imperial concubine, she was falsely accused of being a "jinx," resulting in the tragic death of her child and enduring endless humiliation. Reborn, she is calm and decisive, refusing to be morally blackmailed. Instead, she meticulously plans her revenge against her adoptive parents, who are actually her enemies. She defeats her scheming sister and brother who tried to frame her. She returns the "jinx" label to their rightful owners and wipes out their entire families! The scumbag prince still tries to manipulate her; she saved him in her previous life, but in this life, she becomes his nemesis, sending him to meet the King of Hell! While the female protagonist is focused on revenge and her career, an evil king sets his sights on her, offering her two lifetimes of sweetness and using the promise of peace and prosperity to lure her away.

11. 211 恶 The Devil Reversed 恶魔逆位 20/100 Vision视力零点二一Mystery737k WordsCompleted “If I wanted to kill him, I wouldn’t use a method this laughably clumsy.” After the black-haired girl in black finished speaking in the interrogation room, she didn’t say another word. The way she calmly studied the photograph made it seem more like she was admiring the victim’s gruesome death. In the photo was a cold, white bathtub filled with shocking amounts of blood. A man lay slumped inside, his deathly pale body visible only from the shoulders up. The deceased was Zhou Haixiong. He had 39kReads9.5Score6kShelves
12. 212 林 The Sickly Heir of the Lin Family Goes on a Rampage After Enlisting 林家病秧子从军后杀疯了 The Mushroom Hasn't Taken Its Medicine蘑菇没呀没吃药Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Lin Changning, the eldest female disciple of a martial arts school, wakes up to find she has become the wicked cousin in a novel, the foil to a girl blessed with boundless good fortune. In the novel, her younger cousin Lin Fubao is born lucky. She can find pheasants in the mountains and gold and silver right outside the door. Even when she trips, she discovers a thousand-year-old ginseng root. Under Fubao’s good fortune, the whole family prospers. The eldest brother passes the imperial exams and 3.1kReads9.0Score476Shelves
13. 213 无 I Never Meant to Rule the World 无意谋天下 Yu Feimo玉飞墨Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted Two close sisters from the Marquis's household become victims of power. After they are both reborn, they choose opposite paths, one righteous and one wicked, until they meet again at the summit. A spinning fan sends blossoms flying, stirring up a thousand waves; a fading shadow cuts through the wind and vanishes without a trace. Chasing clouds and pursuing the moon, following the heart's desire, treading the waves for thousands of miles. 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A female-centric political intrigue and martial arts story, featuring resistance against a corrupt regime, and an ensemble cast.

14. 214 新 New Year Begins 新正引 Lu Yanyan露颜颜Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + black lotus + political intrigue + tragic love] One night, Shen Ciqiu and Du Jinheng went together to the military camp where the Marquis of Zhenbei had been stationed for years and stole the Tiger Wing Token, the military tally that could command 100,000 Northwestern troops. As a result, the entire Xie clan was sentenced to death. Out of consideration for past ties, the emperor spared the heir's life. At the same time, Shen Ciqiu discovered that the Tiger Wing Token wa 24Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese tales often feature powerful female protagonists who, despite their perceived saintly nature, strategists risk their lives for the cause, while those with unwavering resolve pledge their lives in blood.

15. 215 凤 The Phoenix Returns: A Conspiracy 凤归谋 Tao Zhijiuying桃栀久耀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy with a powerful heroine, political intrigue, and satisfying revenge] [No transmigration + no rebirth + no System] Peach blossoms bloom in their splendor, their fiery beauty never fading. The phoenix returns to its home, then takes to the skies once more. Feng Xihe said: From childhood, I studied military texts and histories and trained in horsemanship, archery, and the art of war. Of the four arts, I devoted myself only to calligraphy, because Father said an emperor’s handwr 1.2kReads9.1Score128Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist was personally appointed Crown Princess by the late emperor, and she wields power and intrigue throughout the land!

16. 216 掀 Flip the Table! The Legitimate Daughter Returns to Make Her Mark! 掀桌子！归来嫡女要立威！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Story + Sharp Tongues + Ensemble Cast + Nation and Family + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Couple] The legitimate daughter of a general's household, who had been left to fend for herself in the countryside, was maliciously attacked. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Liu Qingyue, China's top special agent. Determined to repay her master's kindness in recognizing her abilities, Liu Qingyue accepted his dying wish, left the Taoist temple, and returned home t 8.8kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are full of strategy, originality, and great reads!

17. 217 逃 After Her Escape Fails, My Lady Turns into a Powerful Court Official 逃跑失败后，我家娘娘改做权臣 Watermelon Pith西瓜壤Ancient Romance163k WordsOngoing [A goofy, unconventional, big-imagination heroine vs. a frail, scheming, dark and unhinged hero] [1v1 push-and-pull romance + power struggles + hero with multiple identities + transmigrating into a book with an ex-boyfriend + reborn supporting heroine + 21st-century transmigrated supporting character + heroine’s golden finger + lighthearted comedy + character growth] I’d heard of people transmigrating into a book, but never of someone doing it alongside an ex. Looking at the precarious state of —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead transmigrates into a book, rising from a concubine to a powerful minister. The early episodes are humorous, and you can predict the plot. She has a cheat-like advantage, and the story leans towards a growth arc. Not only is she intelligent, but everyone else is equally clever. It's a political intrigue novel. The male lead is a possessive and dramatic character with multiple identities, constantly teetering on the edge of revealing his true nature!

18. 218 双 A Blood-Soaked Reckoning: Twin Sisters Return for Vengeance 【血色满门】双生姐妹踏血归来 Xiao Xiao Ran Zi萧萧然子Ancient Romance606k WordsOngoing An entire family of loyal officials is framed, and a century-old marquis’s estate is turned into a living hell. Twin sisters plunge from a cliff into the water, surviving against all odds. Once cherished young ladies who lived behind closed doors, they now tread a thorny path through the world. One struggles to survive on a sheer cliff, honing her edge; the other wanders in a foreign land, maneuvering at every turn. The court is rife with deceit and schemes, while the martial world flashes with 1.8kReads6.6Score189Shelves

    Reader note

    Fans of female-centric power struggles shouldn't miss "[Bloodstained Family] The Twin Sisters Return Amidst Bloodshed!" After their family's downfall and the execution ground stained with blood, the once-golden twin sisters escaped death and went into hiding. Armed with blood and wielding their wits as weapons, they return to exact revenge. There are no mindless supporting characters, nor the cliché of romance overshadowing national duty. The court is rife with intrigue, the emperor's mind unpredictable, and various factions vying for power, each move concealing a complex web of events. The female protagonist, disguised as a man, navigates the vortex of imperial power, maneuvering between the emperor and his ministers, stirring up the court, and uncovering the layers of truth behind the massacre of her family. Love is merely an unexpected element in the game; revenge and self-preservation are her true motivations. Love and hate intertwine, power struggles clash, romance and intrigue intertwine, creating a gripping and suspenseful experience. The plot is fast-paced and atmospheric, becoming increasingly captivating as you read on. It's perfect for those who enjoy immersive reading and stories of power struggles and intrigue. Don't miss it!

19. 219 邪 The Evil King’s Obsession: The Genius Madwoman Slays Her Way Through the Three Realms 邪王嗜宠：天才狂妃杀遍三界 Thousand Fans千扇Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Spirit spring space + all attributes + unmatched healer and poison master + no saintly heroine + two powerful leads + sweet, satisfying romance] She was an heir to an ancient martial arts family, a woman who once commanded the world. One transmigration later, she becomes an ugly good-for-nothing. After repairing her dantian, she awakens a five-element spiritual root, breaks through to the innate sacred body, bonds with divine beasts, concocts divine pills, forges divine artifacts, and builds he 24.1kReads9.3Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The Phoenix Clan's Lord, his sword points towards the Heavenly Dao. [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

20. 220 十 Ignored for Eighteen Years, the Legitimate Daughter Returns to Deliver a Face-Slapping 十八年不闻不问，嫡女打脸回归！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Satisfying read + political intrigue + the fate of the nation + a pocket dimension + the martial world + medicine and poison + suspense] After accidentally transmigrating from a world polluted by nuclear fallout to an alternate realm, the heroine becomes an unwanted daughter of an official’s family. One day after transmigrating, she beats up a wicked servant and sells him off. From then on, the estate is her turf! Seven days after transmigrating, she becomes the leader of the martial world’s mo 4.3kReads9.1Score568Shelves
21. 221 权 Power's Bones Are Hard to Tame 权骨难驯 Crane-Cursing Immortal鹤辞仙Ancient Romance331k WordsOngoing A brooding young tyrant versus a cold, beautiful female stateswoman and imperial tutor [Possessive love | Male lead suffers | Irresistible heartthrob | Male lead has no past, female lead does] Ling Ge is a treacherous chancellor. The world condemns her as greedy for wealth and power, a flatterer who meddles in state affairs, yet no one can shake her hold over half the court or her dazzling authority. The first emperor’s death brought the storms of her life to an end. He once stood beside her and 106Reads—Score108Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead isn't a good person 😏 A cold and beautiful female imperial tutor with a villainous character VS a dark and tyrannical young emperor [Forced love | Abuse of the male lead | Power struggles | Male is chaste, female is not] Ling Ge is a treacherous minister. The world criticizes her for being greedy for money and power, flattering the emperor and dominating the government, but no one can shake her power over half the court, her sharp edge shining brightly. Half of her life's storms have ended with the fall of the previous emperor. That man once stood shoulder to shoulder with her to establish the world, loved her for her forbearance and restraint, and finally died on the battlefield, entrusting his life to her orphan, becoming the only irreplaceable white moonlight in her life. The previous emperor died, and a child ascended the throne. The new emperor is young, seemingly soft and talkative, proud and innocent, always sticking to her side and nagging, obedient and harmless. Only Ling Ge knows that beneath this young man's skin lies the bone of an extremely sinister and obsessive emperor. He stubbornly compared himself to the late emperor, his eyes burning with fervor: "Whatever he could give you, I can give you too." Her expression was indifferent, her words like knives: "You will never compare to him." That single comparison became an obsession that bound the young man for life. From that moment on, the facade of meekness shattered completely. He grew increasingly violent for her, driven mad by love, willing to become a tyrant for all time, bearing eternal infamy, just to keep this unruly, powerful figure firmly by his side. The minister's power was overwhelming, the emperor's heart mad with obsession. She remained calm and composed, coldly observing his gradual descent into darkness. His love was deeply morbid, willing to overthrow the world for her. The world knows that a treacherous minister is difficult to tame. Only the tyrant, with his undying love and unyielding obsession, remained steadfast.

22. 222 羞 Humiliation? The Face-Slapping Began with the Imperial Betrothal! 羞辱？从赐婚开始便是打脸！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Feel-good, two powerful leads, devoted couple, space, medicine, martial arts prowess, face-slapping) A top mercenary in the twenty-first century suddenly transmigrates to an alternate ancient world while on a mission, becoming an unloved illegitimate daughter of a general's household. A marriage contract and a deal transform the heroine into the wife of the “crippled prince”... With the two “princes” joining forces, the world is theirs! The Crown Prince stands in their way? Bring him down! Prin 4.8kReads9.3Score720Shelves
23. 223 女 Disguised as a Man in Court, I Became the Tyrant's Beloved 女扮男装上朝堂，成了暴君白月光 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted [Hilarious transmigration into a book] [Historical romance] [Woman disguised as a man] [Palace and household intrigue] [Imperial examinations and political strategy] [Sweet, doting, and satisfying] [A devoted, powerful couple] Modern-day genius physician Ye Wan transmigrates into a book, becoming the useless eldest legitimate son of the Ye family, a powerful minister. The original owner was raised as a boy, and the whole family are villains. In three months, the entire family will be executed. A 1.2kReads6.7Score151Shelves

    Reader note

    A hilarious female protagonist power struggle story, full of laughs: ① A hilarious time-travel story with a space and modern weapons, where the female lead disguises herself as a man, takes the imperial examination, and defeats a tyrant—it's so funny you'll laugh like a pig! ② A hilarious time-travel story where a goddess-like doctor is buried in a coffin and is awakened by a passionate kiss, while the war god prince is sweet and funny. ③ A hilarious time-travel story with mind-reading and a gossip-eating system, where the prince is so happy he'll laugh from beginning to end while enjoying the gossip. ④ A strong female protagonist story with a space, where she takes revenge on scumbags and builds her career—it's incredibly satisfying. ⑤ A hilarious time-travel story where the female lead swaps bodies with a demon lord—it's so silly and crazy. ⑥ A hilarious story with mind-reading, a tyrant, two personalities, mutual jealousy, sweet and funny.

24. 224 偏 Possessive Seduction: The Mad Prince Bows to the Disowned Girl 偏执撩惹，疯批王爷甘为弃女折腰 Holding a Brush to Tie Up My Hair执笔绾青丝Ancient Romance432k WordsCompleted [Completed, both pure, scheming heroine, madman hero, equally matched, secret identities, political intrigue] After transmigrating, Chu Qieran, still an infant in her swaddling clothes, witnessed her birth mother's brutal death and her maternal family’s destruction. Cast aside as a pawn, she was confined at the border by her scummy father for seventeen years. Everyone regarded her as lowly, filthy, and despicable. But no one knew that during those seventeen years, she had lain low, hidden hersel 179Reads8.9Score—Shelves
25. 225 夺 Seizing Shenghua 夺盛华 Fragrant Pear香梨Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Jiang Qingyi spent her whole life as a discarded pawn, trampled on and bullied, until her own mother was defiled and driven to suicide because of her! Reborn, Jiang Qingyi flipped the table. To hell with being anyone’s pawn! Her medical skills could bring the dead back to life. With her extraordinary eyes, she could read the flames of a person’s fate, divine their future, determine fortune or misfortune, and calculate everything without fail. Powerful people came to her door just to ask for a re 430Reads8.8Score109Shelves
26. 226 救 Help! The Demon Lord and I Switched Bodies, and Now He's Carrying My Baby 救命！与魔尊互换后他怀了我的崽 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance525k WordsCompleted [Hilarious transmigration + System space + body swap + sweet romance + yandere + two powerful, devoted leads + everyone’s favorite + ensemble cast + multiple couples] Ye Pianpian accidentally transmigrates into a cultivation world and becomes the most miserable villainess in the Longevity Sect. The System tells her she has to win over the Demon Lord to survive, but she swaps bodies with him the moment she transmigrates. She breezes through the entrance test, becoming a genius girl who draws ever 836Reads7.4Score110Shelves
27. 227 有 With the Tyrant’s Mind-Reading Ability, I’m Slaying My Way Through the Imperial Palace 有了暴君读心术，我在皇宫杀疯了 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance384k WordsCompleted [Hilarious Transmigration + Historical Romance + Mind Reading + Pocket Space with a Spirit Spring + Healing a Yandere + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggles + Sweet, Devoted Romance + Medical Skills] Modern miracle doctor Ye Li dies suddenly and transmigrates, becoming the neglected consort of a deranged tyrant. The tyrant is a madman, a complete lunatic, and every night he goes on a killing spree. The original heroine is blinded by love and gullibly trusts Prince Jin's vows. She helps him kill t 276Reads6.5Score—Shelves
28. 228 穿 Transmigrated to a Year of Famine, I Accidentally Became Empress 穿越荒年，一不小心我成了女帝 Confused Jingjing迷糊的静静Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted Transmigration + fleeing famine + infrastructure building + war + contest for the throne + no storage space, just pure wish fulfillment Transmigrated? Of all places, why did she have to land in the middle of a famine migration, with corpses everywhere and war raging on all sides? She, Shen Xi, woke up in a chaotic age as a beauty. She had only wanted to live comfortably and keep her family safe. Who could have guessed that, somewhere along the way, she would become an empress? 211Reads6.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A female protagonist rule the world; political intrigue and careful planning are key elements.

29. 229 天 A Catastrophic Start: I’m Forced to Marry a Lame, Mad King 天崩开局，我被迫嫁给瘸腿癫王 Who Says Immortality Must Be Lonely?谁说长生需寂寞Ancient Romance806k WordsOngoing [One-on-one, both with no past relationships: the woman transmigrates into a book, pretending to be a vixen but really just a laid-back slacker; the man is reborn, pretending to be a madman but secretly a true romantic. They spar and fall in love, flirt to the extreme, enjoy endless sweet indulgence, and clash over court politics.] No bitter drama, just sweet, over-the-top romance. Their clashes are mostly battles of wits. Su Xu accidentally transmigrates into a book and becomes a cannon-fodder 863Reads9.3Score131Shelves

    Reader note

    The best book of the year, ruined by its title! The political intrigue is so hard-hitting it'll give you goosebumps, and the jokes are so dense they'll suffocate you.

30. 230 书 On the Street Outside the Academy, Ask Around and Find Out Who's Boss 书院门前一条街，打听打听谁是爹 Peacock Great Bright King孔雀大明王Ancient Romance936k WordsCompleted [Powerful woman + aloof beauty + goofy side characters] [Disguised as a man + strong heroine and weak hero + goofy teammates + character-growth plot + a little bit of a stupid golden finger] [A good-for-nothing rises step by step to become the leading lady] Qin Zhen, once a mercenary tycoon rich enough to rival a nation and a weapons fanatic, transmigrates by accident into the body of a penniless heir. She is crazy and foolish, and depends on her widowed mother for survival while enduring consta 797Reads8.9Score106Shelves

    Reader note

    [Cross-dressing female lead + alternate universe female lead + silly + powerful female lead] A powerful female lead + aloof and unattainable character + silly supporting characters + a growth-oriented plot + a slightly dim-witted protagonist with a powerful mercenary boss. She transmigrates into the body of a useless young prince, orphaned by her father and mother, suffering constant bullying and hardship. From this day forward, this seemingly useless girl embarks on a step-by-step reversal of fortune, beating up her trashy relatives and kicking her silly classmates. The male lead is initially aloof and unattainable, but later uses money and all sorts of tricks to seduce her. Today is another day he wants to offer himself to Ah Zhen. The female lead is incredibly cool, the supporting characters are silly, the male lead is cunning, and everyone is morally bankrupt. This is not a traditional ancient romance ensemble piece; it's a growth-oriented story. The beginning won't be incredibly satisfying, there won't be an instant rise to power, and you won't become rich overnight. You won't retaliate after being bullied one second. It's not a particularly satisfying read.

31. 231 绿 Green Tea Homewrecker Crown Princess, You Dig the Pits and I'll Fill Them 绿茶海后太子妃，你挖的坑我来平 Get-Rich Ball暴富球球Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Empress's Rise + Irresistible Charm + Multiple Male Leads Competing in a Love Battlefield + Court Intrigue + Mind-Reading Fantasy] One heroine with multiple love interests, a main male lead, a slow-burn romance, everyone's favorite, and a heroine with a powerful, winding career arc. After transmigrating into a book, Chen Jixiang tried to make up for her mistake by helping her husband, the crown prince, fight for power and win over the hidden Prince An, Hua Jue. But he pinned her to the bed. “Hu 252Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of female empowerment and intrigue, from an innocent girl to a cunning empress, filled with power and desire, multiple male leads, a fierce battleground of rivals, and intense emotional turmoil! The plot is fast-paced, intricate, and captivating!

32. 232 凤 The Phoenix's Gambit: Commanding the World from the Chessboard 凤谋：执棋天下 Qiu Wu'er秋梧儿Ancient Romance105k WordsOngoing She was once the noble daughter of the prime minister's household, raised in luxury. Then, in a single stroke, her family was destroyed, and she fell into the dust. The ninth day of the first month, in the twenty-third year of Jingyuan. The city of Zhongdu was decked out in festive lights, yet the rear courtyard of the prime minister's residence was so quiet you could hear the snow melt. Shen Luan stood before a bronze mirror, looking at her soon-to-be fifteen-year-old self, unaware that this 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A powerful woman rises, defying fate. She is the daughter of a disgraced official, her entire family executed, burdened with a blood feud, yet she never wallows in self-pity. Shen Luan, the second daughter of the Shen family, at only sixteen years old, has already displayed extraordinary wisdom and courage. When her family is unjustly accused and her loved ones are scattered, she does not choose to endure and live a life of quiet desperation, but instead, with her frail body, she holds up the sky. From the three thousand garrison troops of Yunzhong City to the court intrigues of Zhongdu City, she overcomes strength with gentleness and triumphs with wisdom, step by step emerging from the mire, living a life that the world looks up to. This is not the coming-of-age story of a naive and innocent heroine, but the story of how a true strong person is reborn from the ashes in dire straits. She is resourceful and cunning, able to confront the emperor at the negotiating table, and also personally wields a sharp blade on the battlefield to protect the people of the city. She is not a parasitic vine clinging to a man, but a cotton tree standing shoulder to shoulder with the male protagonist. If you enjoy stories where the female protagonist is intelligent and rises step by step to the top, then "Phoenix Scheme: The Chess Master" is definitely not to be missed.

33. 233 误 Lost in the Exquisite Bedchamber 误入玲珑帐 A Cat, A Dog, and a Glass of Wine一猫一狗一杯酒Ancient Romance678k WordsCompleted The print edition is available on major platforms. [Pure historical romance + devoted couple + strong female lead + marriage before love + political intrigue + household rivalry] [Long-suffering princess of a fallen kingdom] X [scheming, rough-hewn prince] [Original title: The Enigma of Linglong] “A historical-romance version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith: outwardly united, secretly plotting against each other.” To seize power, Linglong spent sixteen years disguised as a young master named Ling, studyin 8.7kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I don't know if I'll like this book. It's a pure ancient romance novel with a clear-headed, strong female lead. It features a princess of a fallen kingdom and a cunning prince; it's an arranged marriage that blossoms into love.

34. 234 探 So What If He's the Top Scholar? She Turns Around and Marries the Number One Scholar 探花了不起？她转身高嫁状元郎 The Flying Old Cabbage会飞的老帮菜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [One-on-One Romance + Reborn in the Womb + Face-Slapping + Everyone's Favorite + Female General + Light Political Intrigue] She paid for her husband to sit the imperial exams, cared for his gravely ill mother, and supported his entire family. After two years of hard work, she was rewarded with his triumphant return as the third-place palace graduate, along with his new wife: supposedly the most talented woman and the highest-ranking female official in the dynasty, with a slight swell to her bell 1.3kReads9.2Score132Shelves

    Reader note

    A powerful female protagonist's intrigue! A true childhood sweetheart duo! Both the male and female leads are pure and deeply in love, yet each is sharp-tongued. Very interesting, and the story is excellent.

35. 235 妖 The Enchanting Demon Minister: Your Majesty, Please Behave 妖臣撩人：皇上请您自重 Fu Yu芙鱼Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Woman disguised as a man] In her previous life, she suffered at the hands of a scumbag, watched her whole family drown in blood, and was literally angered to death. Reborn into this life as the capital's number-one wastrel, she sees all of Chang'an's splendor in a single day. Let the scumbags and shameless women come at her. If she can't make them cry, she loses. Her wicked stepmother and slutty stepsister? They can go find somewhere else to bother people. Fame, fortune, and a crowd of princes 2.5kReads9.0Score312Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all stories about women pursuing power and careers; they don't involve being love-struck or having their IQs lowered. They're all great to watch and get extremely high ratings.

36. 236 梦 Tales of Ten Dream Kingdoms 梦十国记 Lost in the Green Wilderness碧野迷生Ancient Romance721k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + Powerful Female Lead + Six Male Leads + Alternate-History Political Intrigue + Conquest + Love-Triangle Drama + Spy Warfare + Forced Love + Imprisonment + Everyone Is Scheming] No System, no golden finger, and the heroine has no memories of the original host. She’ll have to rely on her own wits to get out of every predicament. . The first man to imprison her: “Let’s see whether I’m more impressive, or your romantic fantasies are.” The second man to imprison her: “Normal sex is 381Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book features a strong female protagonist who rises to power, becomes empress, and unifies the world. It's incredibly captivating, and every male lead wants to destroy her kingdom. Watch how she defeats them!

37. 237 墨 Ink-Dark Skies 墨色倾天 Don't Ask When You Return莫问君归Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted After her family was destroyed ten years ago, she cast off her red wedding robes and disguised herself as a man to defend her home and country. With a white tiger for a companion and a snow eagle as her messenger, she roamed between good and evil in black. Until she met him... He said, “Master of the House, how about we make a bet?” He said, “Master of the House, the moon is lovely tonight. How about a drink?” She rubbed her temples helplessly and sighed at the moon, swirling a jade-green cup in 132Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is truly amazing! The female lead is a princess of a nation, with a heart for the world and a grand vision! [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

38. 238 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves
39. 239 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
40. 240 公 After the Princess Refused a Political Marriage, She Conquered the Empire 公主拒绝和亲后，称霸了江山 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance395k WordsCompleted [No rebirth or transmigration + powerful female lead + nation and family + court politics and ambition + light, stress-relieving power fantasy] Princess Chaohuang, daughter of the late crown prince, is deeply beloved by the emperor and the most exalted princess in the Kingdom of Xining. But the great clans consider her a thorn in their side and are constantly trying to drive her out. The daily question: Has Princess Chaohuang been kicked out of the Eastern Palace yet? Envoys from enemy states: W 315Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I absolutely love this female-centric, empowering novel!

41. 241 大 The Splendor of Great Zhou 大周风华录 Is Wasabi Spicy?芥末辣不辣Ancient Romance4.3M WordsCompleted After three years of drought, the land was strewn with the dead. Her parents sold Qin Fengyao as a “two-legged sheep.” Faced with certain death, she sold herself into servitude and escaped with the human traffickers. Sold to the Chang family, she accompanied their eldest daughter through confiscation of their property and desperate flight, then their restoration to favor. She helped the young lady establish herself in her husband’s household, became embroiled in the struggle for the throne, and, 21.3kReads9.2Score2.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Women's power struggle novels, see if there are any you're looking for.

42. 242 烟 Beauty in the Mist and Rain of the Golden Wind Pavilion 烟雨楼台金风之美人烟雨 Mei Li's Pen Name Is Mei Li梅莉的笔名是梅莉Ancient Romance183k WordsOngoing A powerful female lead and the final victor of the harem: countless lives and countless minds paved her way to the top. The heroine appears late, after readers have called for her time and time again. [Game of Thrones in the Northern and Southern Dynasties! A tale of revenge! Historical political intrigue + ancient workplace drama + historical romance (including an older woman-younger man romance, a white moonlight, and a political marriage) + espionage. Plot-driven, with multiple storylines. No 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A game of power during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, it begins with the former empress orchestrating a long-planned scheme involving her beauty; helping the new emperor overthrow powerful ministers is just the beginning. Several kingdoms are involved. Men and women, various aristocratic families, each with their own calculations. No single person controls the entire situation. The details are meticulous, and the characters are rich. Numerous minor and major figures are included. This is not a children's novel. It is highly suitable for those who enjoy social novels, depicting a comprehensive picture of society.

43. 243 绿 Green Shoots on the Branch 绿上枝头 Light Peach Blossoms轻薄桃花Ancient Romance221k WordsCompleted [Signed for print] [Brave, steadfast transmigrated heroine VS cool, clearheaded young noble] [Transmigration + rebirth + prominent family + household intrigue + feel-good + career building + strong heroine + light comedy] Jiang Lübao, daughter of a censor, was unexpectedly kidnapped and had her reputation ruined. The marriage that had already been arranged for her was called off, too. For a young woman from a prominent family, this was a devastating blow. But she burst out laughing. No one knew 86.2kReads9.6Score9.6kShelves
44. 244 女 Empress: Father, It's Time to Abdicate 女帝：父皇，你该退位了 The Mountains Are High, the Waters Long山高水长长Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted {Strong male and female leads + alternate setting + power struggles + revenge + palace and household intrigue + the aloof one brought down from his pedestal + princess + empress + satisfying wish fulfillment + teacher-student romance + divorce and remarriage + chief minister + 1v1} She is the most honored eldest princess, who played a key role when her father ascended the throne. Her mother is the empress, her brother is the crown prince, and all her uncles are great generals. With a family back 15Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Wow! A super-enjoyable female-oriented novel with strong main characters and a romantic pairing. The female lead is a princess, extremely pampered, and lived a peaceful life until tragedy struck. Her family died, and she was trampled underfoot. Since she couldn't hold onto her peak, she decided to start afresh. She began participating in the struggle for the throne and eventually became empress.

45. 245 汴 Spring Deepens in Bianjing 汴京春深 Wheat小麦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Audio version now available, welcome to listen] Madam Rongguo, Wang Fu, devoted herself to her family until she fell gravely ill and died. She was reborn in the body of Meng Jiuniang, a foolish illegitimate daughter who was only seven years old. In her previous life, her husband became her uncle in this life, and her son became her cousin. In this life, Meng Wan had a simple wish: to live peacefully and watch her son, her cousin Su Fang in this life, grow up safe and sound. But as she and a gro 18.9kReads9.5Score2.4kShelves
46. 246 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 84.3kReads9.5Score9.6kShelves
47. 247 都 Now That I'm Empress, Who Says I Can't Have a Sweetheart? 都做女帝了，谁还没个小娇夫 Salted Egg Yolk Shrimp咸蛋黄虾仁Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted [Two powerful leads + strong, strategic heroine + handsome and capable hero who doesn't suffer + women's rise as a group + marriage before love + devoted one-on-one romance, a sweet little story] Heroine: Is he trying to seduce me with his looks? Hero: I just love how fierce Your Majesty is. Note: The heroine has an intense sense of mission and is determined to overthrow feudal patriarchy. The hero admires and loves her, and is willing to grow and compromise for her sake. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Strong Couple + Strong and Strategic Female Lead + Handsome and Powerful Male Lead (Not Tragic) + Rise of the Female Community + Arranged Marriage to Love + Sweet 1V1 Romance] Note: The female lead has a strong sense of mission to overthrow feudal patriarchy; the male lead admires and loves her, and is willing to compromise for her growth.

48. 248 系 The Claiming the Throne Series: Historical Romance Collection 《夺嫡》系列古言套装 Moonset月落Ancient Romance2.8M WordsCompleted [Sweet Historical Romance + Mutual Devotion + Palace Intrigue] Popular author Yueluo's trilogy of sweet romances: lighthearted and hilarious, with sweetness turned up to the max! "The Fight for the Throne": A feisty young lady who always gets even × the scheming, lovesick Ninth Prince. A laugh-out-loud, sugar-sweet battle for the throne! "Joy with You": A venomous, calculating king × a clever and decisive queen. A perfect match who will conquer the world together! "A Fine Day Bestowed upon You": 60.6kReads9.6Score6.1kShelves
49. 249 战 The God of War Returns, and the Big Shot’s Secret Identity Is Stunning 战神归来，大佬马甲飒爆了 Xia Xiaoxi夏小惜Modern Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [The heroine is decisive and ruthless. The male lead is cold and domineering toward everyone else, but an arrogant little white lotus around her] She joined the War Department at fourteen and became Xia Kingdom’s God of War at nineteen. Today, she returned in glory! But the moment she got off the plane, she learned that a domineering CEO had been manipulated by a white lotus and planned to kill her six-year-old brother? Fine! She’d make that CEO learn what happened when he crossed her! What?! Th 7.7kReads8.8Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Sister is so cool, sister, let's get closer!

50. 250 好 The Blessed Pregnancy Doctor: One Birth, Three Babies, and a Terrified Villain 好孕医妃一胎三宝吓坏大反派 Orange-Flavored Iced Tea橘子味的冰红茶Ancient Romance284k WordsCompleted [A clear-headed heroine + both pure + multiple children + medicine and poison] After transmigrating, Feng Huaixi became a hostage of the forces controlled by the Poison King of Xiling in the Great Kang Dynasty. Her younger sister envied her status as the legitimate daughter and ruined her beauty? She crushed her right hand and carved words into her face to warn everyone! People called her an ugly monster? Once her looks were restored, everyone who saw her would have to call her a beautiful fairy 115Reads9.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A novel about a powerful female protagonist who can bring flesh back to life and even change the world's ruler.

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