Looking for Real Palace-Intrigue Dramas, No Need for Mutual First-Timers 求真正的宫斗剧，不需要双洁

1. 451 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Charming, and Covets the Empress Dowager's Seat 娘娘娇娆柔媚，觊觎太后宝位 Buddhist-Style Little Salty Fish佛系小咸鱼Ancient Romance570k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + palace intrigue + medical skills + no pairing + doesn't love the emperor] At the age of seven, she was kidnapped in her previous life and became the disciple of a genius physician. But her master coveted the peerless beauty she gradually grew into. After three years of planning, she struck a fatal blow, thinking she was finally free. Then she found the letter her master had left behind... Reborn in a single moment, she changed her fate of being kidnapped and entered the palace. She tr 1.3kReads9.1Score152Shelves
2. 452 墙 Spring Comes Late Within These Walls 墙内春迟 Late Branches at Dawn杳杳枝晚Ancient Romance356k WordsOngoing [Three thousand beauties in the harem, every one a pawn, but even pawns want to live.] Beauty Ling thought that as long as she climbed into the emperor's bed, she would survive. The Noble Consort thought that as long as she was ruthless enough, she could secure her position. Consort Shu thought that being true to herself would win her genuine affection. The newly arrived county princess thought she could turn from a pawn into a player. They were all wrong. In this cannibalistic inner palace, sis 4Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A palace intrigue novel with a large cast of characters; highly recommended.

3. 453 娘 The Empress Is So Charming, the Emperor Holds Her in the Palm of His Hand 娘娘多娇，帝王捧在掌心宠 Fox's Dream狐狸梦Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [The leads are not faithful to each other at the beginning, so read with caution] [Palace intrigue at first, favoritism in the middle, exclusive devotion in the later part] [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + a stunningly beautiful, charming consort x a workaholic, devoted emperor] Qu Wanning was a die-hard fan of palace-intrigue novels. Just because she left the author a comment asking them to continue the story, she transmigrated into a new book whose blurb she had just finished reading! She ge 2.6kReads8.8Score306Shelves

   Reader note

   Holy crap! I don't need to say more, it's really amazing! (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

4. 454 娘 The Empress Is Sweet-Tongued but Hard-Hearted, Winning the Emperor’s Favor with Her Acting 娘娘嘴甜心硬，靠演技独揽圣心 Ma Yining马苡柠Ancient Romance308k WordsCompleted [The rating just came in, so it'll be a little low at first. It'll go up later!] Ye Nuo has barely had time to enjoy her three Best Actress trophies when she transmigrates into a book. Worse, she becomes the stuffy empress she and her best friend once complained about, a woman with no tact who doesn't know how to use her own strengths. The emperor, meanwhile, is cold-hearted and ruthless, and cares more than anything about rules and decorum. Ye Nuo thinks that if she wants to thrive in the harem 26Reads5.9Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The emperor initially showered his favor on all his subjects, but later exclusively favored the empress. Although it's not finished yet, it's quite good.

5. 455 进 I Entered the Palace as the New Empress, and the Emperor Hopes I Won’t Die 进宫当继后，皇上盼着本宫别死 The Crescent Moon Bay月亮湾弯Ancient Romance459k WordsCompleted Guan Shanyue, the only daughter of Marquis Wuding, is already twenty-five for various reasons. On the day of her wedding, the groom falls from his horse and lies unconscious. Rumor has it she brings death to her husbands. Fu Yanci, the current emperor, has seen every empress he appointed die since he ascended the throne. Until he met her at Qing’an Temple. One brings death to her husbands, the other to his wives. A perfect match. After entering the palace, she discovers that Emperor Fu Yanci is 98Reads7.0Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Let me recommend something different. It's a palace intrigue story where neither character is pure. I'm currently reading the first one. It has a lot of setup in the beginning, but it gets really good after the characters enter the palace. The second one is about a palace maid who rises through the ranks.

6. 456 你 You Like Your Sister-in-Law, So I’ll Marry the Emperor. What Are You Losing It For? 你喜欢嫂嫂我嫁给皇帝，你疯什么 Chacha Is So Cute茶茶好萌呀Ancient Romance496k WordsCompleted [An ambitious power-hungry minister who pursues his wife after losing her, and a mad emperor who steals her away. Not mutually faithful, and the heroine is no powerhouse. Palace intrigue and political scheming.] In the history books, Luo Tingzhao was a criminal who usurped the throne and ushered in an era of northern barbarians ravaging the Central Plains. Yet he was also a ruthless hero with grand ambitions who brought an end to years of chaos! People have always disagreed over whether to prai 1.6kReads8.8Score172Shelves

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   This is a [heart emoji], but the emperor is the second male lead. He initially uses the female lead but gradually falls in love with her, giving off a similar vibe to Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian. The emperor is impure, a sickly and insane male ghost, but dies young due to his poor health. The synopsis says the female lead will later support the young emperor to ascend the throne and become the Empress Dowager.

7. 457 开 From the Start, I Smacked Fourth Master on the Forehead, and the Noble Consort Rose to Glory 开局狂拍四爷脑门，娘娘一路荣华 Fang Xiaoshu方晓书Ancient Romance4.6M WordsCompleted Completed [Old-fashioned, secretly passionate eighteen-year-old Fourth Master Yinzhen X bold, experienced, fake Li Gege] [Not a power fantasy!] The handsome young man she met during the day becomes the leading man in her dreams that very night. Weizhen is so delighted she’s practically bubbling over, and she enthusiastically gets down to business. Only, the handsome young man goes from flowing long hair to a bald head. What a startling transformation, though somehow it makes things even more exc 5.6kReads8.8Score588Shelves

   Reader note

   The last four books are by the same author, and all are of high quality. Therefore, I highly recommend the first two. The first book is by Fang Xiaoshu, with over 1300 chapters, a slice-of-life story, featuring the Fourth Prince and Princess Li as the main characters. Highly recommended for those who enjoy long novels. The second book is by Qingshan Youci, with over 400 chapters, featuring a female supporting character who is reborn to seek revenge and slay a dragon, and a male protagonist who is a grotesque, cyborg, male ghost, and a true eunuch. It's extremely captivating; after chapter 130, you'll be completely engrossed.

8. 458 穿 Transmigrated to Ancient Times to Get By in the Imperial Harem 穿到古代混后宫 The Pen Name That Doesn’t Need Zhouzhou不用周周的笔名Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Modern-day Huang Ye transmigrates into the ancient Great Xia Dynasty as the pampered darling of the Minister's household, where a daughter is born only once every ten generations. To repay her loving family, she starts learning martial arts at a nunnery while still a little girl. She wants to master everything: inner strength, hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, medicine, and poisons. Only by learning real skills can she better protect her family. At last, she grows up, only to be told she must 1.9kReads7.6Score178Shelves

   Reader note

   Betrayal by sisters, a treacherous empress, a cruel empress dowager, and scheming concubines—it's said the palace intrigue here is as dramatic as a TV series. You should check it out; isn't that true?

9. 459 娘 The Empress Is Charming and Lively, and Wins the Emperor's Heart 娘娘娇媚灵动，惹得皇上心动 Zhuxi Pavilion竹西处Ancient Romance798k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads’ first time + clear-headed heroine focused on living well + doesn’t love the emperor] Xiao Zhaoyuan asked with interest, “What do you usually like to do, my consort?” Cui Qingwan beamed. “I like eating, drinking, and having fun!” Sincerity really is a lethal weapon! Xiao Zhaoyuan couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing. He had never met anyone so genuine. And yet this very genuine woman gradually claimed his heart. But then he realized that she 1.3kReads8.7Score100Shelves

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   Super good! The female lead is truly brave and resourceful, not a naive and innocent girl, nor does she rush in blindly. She gradually rises through the ranks, starting from her role as a concubine. The supporting characters are also well-developed and compelling, and even the emperor is no simple man. It's realistic and engaging; investing in it is definitely worthwhile.

10. 460 她 She Just Wants to Take It Easy, So Why Does Everyone Keep Pushing Her to Work Harder? 她想当咸鱼，怎么总有人逼她卷啊 Schrodinger's Cat Food Can桑代克的猫咪罐头Ancient Romance255k WordsCompleted Obsessive love + sweet romance + healing + happy ending Huo Miantang only knew that she had transmigrated into a book. She planned to keep her head down, do nothing, and lie low until the story ended. Then her father gave her a mission: return to the capital and ask the Crown Prince for military funds. The Crown Prince? He was the gloomy powerhouse in the original story. Who was she to dare question His Highness? Still, for the soldiers stationed in Xirong to get their pay and return home, she h 38Reads7.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The premise of transmigrating into a book and a lazy person's comeback is novel, and the author writes it in a very original way. The contrast between the female lead's attitude of giving up and being forced to get involved is very interesting.

11. 461 宫 A Palace Maid's Daily Life: My Parents Want Me to Be a Couch Potato 宫女日常：爹娘让我当咸鱼 Yu Tangluo玉糖萝Ancient Romance699k WordsCompleted Hang Jiayanxin was a bondservant of the Plain White Banner and a court-appointed royal service worker. She entered the palace at thirteen and would leave at twenty-five. For twelve years in the palace, she kept her parents' advice in mind: be a good-for-nothing fish, and hang on until it's time to leave. But the towering palace before her was like a massive vessel, bearing endless power and desire. Once she pushed open those heavy doors, she stepped onto a path from which there was no turning ba 5.4kReads9.1Score561Shelves

    Reader note

    A palace maid's perspective on palace intrigue—a unique experience, highly recommended.

12. 462 娘 Her Grace Is Cool and Gentle, and Everyone Loves Her 娘娘她清冷温柔惹人爱 Yue Xiao悦肖Ancient Romance404k WordsCompleted A pure palace-intrigue story, in classical style. No transmigration, no rebirth. The fate of a noblewoman has never been hers to decide. She is Yun Wan, the Chancellor's only legitimate daughter. Her destiny was set from birth: everything she learned was solely to prepare her to enter the palace. Would she willingly enter the palace and fade into obscurity, becoming a pawn the emperor could use to keep the Yun family in check? Or would she carefully maneuver her way into becoming the favorite co 1.4kReads8.4Score118Shelves

    Reader note

    Sending my heart to the book I wrote myself.

13. 463 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 262.1kReads9.7Score30.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This is the best palace intrigue novel I've ever read besides *Empresses in the Palace*. It's truly remarkable how well-written a novel can be. I highly recommend it; you absolutely must read it! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

14. 464 浣 Huan Bi Becomes a Consort 浣碧为妃 Ye Yongsi夜永思Female-Channel Fanfiction250k WordsCompleted When Huanbi was reborn, she no longer lost herself in the lonely waiting of her previous life. What would her future hold? Would she leave the palace with her elder sister, as she had in her previous life? Her greatest wish was to become a daughter of the Zhen family openly and honorably, and to have her mother’s memorial tablet placed in the ancestral hall. After careful thought, Huanbi decided to stay in the palace and find a chance to get close to the emperor. She would use his power to prote 2.6kReads9.1Score227Shelves

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue; the female lead is clear-headed and doesn't love the emperor, while the emperor does love her, but not much.

15. 465 与 Joy with You 与君欢 Moonset月落Ancient Romance657k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Marriage Before Love + Mutual Devotion] A young king and queen join hands to bring peace to the realm, brimming with ambition! A sinister, calculating ruler versus a clever, decisive queen: evenly matched, they win the world together! Jiang He, daughter of an envoy from Qi, was forced to enter the palace as a servant after her mother died and her father disappeared. Then, just before the marriage alliance, the princess of Qi died a tragic death, leaving 27kReads9.5Score3.5kShelves
16. 466 宠EN Favoring a Concubine and Disgracing Your Wife? I Quit as the Marquisate's Matriarch! 宠妾灭妻？这侯门主母我不当了！ Li Wu礼午Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking] Voting has begun! Search for “Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking” to vote for this book, A Return to the Boudoir. Thank you! [Traditional historical romance + inner-courtyard drama + reborn revenge and face-slapping + a prince pursues his wife] Lin Yunwan was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Lin clan. When her Marquis household was on the verge of losing its title, she married Lu Zhengliu, the heir to the marquisate. On their wedding day, her husband coldly 56.5kReads9.3Score7.7kShelves

    Reader note

    This book features a female protagonist who is reborn, but without any special abilities; she simply lives a few more days. She carves out her own path entirely through her intelligence and resourcefulness. The female protagonist is truly remarkable, and many of the other characters are also very well-developed.

17. 467 我 I Became a Mediator in the Marquis's Manor and the Whole Family Dotes on Me 我在侯府当调解员，被全家宠了 Year After Year, Harvest After Harvest年年穗岁Ancient Romance540k WordsCompleted Brutal, ruthless Imperial Guard X sweet, gentle ray of sunshine Just as her name suggests, Jiang Mi has a sweet little mouth and knows exactly how to charm people, leaving them dazed and warm-hearted. But an imperial decree sends this honey-sweet girl to the most difficult household to serve: the Ning'an Marquis's residence. The Old Madam is stern and old-fashioned: “You wretches! The whole lot of you are hopeless!” The Ning'an Marquis is aloof and icy: “You unfilial son, do you know what you've 18.6kReads9.4Score2.4kShelves
18. 468 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 15.2kReads9.2Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book tells the story of a transmigrated empress dowager with a system; the second book tells the story of someone who wants to be an empress dowager and is currently trying to have a child, not loving the emperor but wanting the dragon throne on his desk.

19. 469 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 86.5kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves
20. 470 全 Our Whole Class Transmigrated as Imperial Consorts! The Harem Is Going Wild 全班穿妃成！后宫杀疯了 Laser Whipped Cream激光淡奶油Ancient Romance242k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue] + [Group transmigration] + [Playing the pig to eat the tiger] + [Mystery] [Hell from the start! The whole group transmigrates as imperial consorts, hiding their identities from one another, with suspicions running high. It's the ultimate game of Werewolf!] [A mind-blowing opening! Twenty young women transmigrate as palace consorts, with everyone's public humiliation countdown underway!] The class photo is taken at graduation, and the whole class wakes up in a scene of collec 19Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If you and 19 classmates were all transported into the bodies of imperial concubines, each concealing your true identity from the other, how would you survive? What if your emperor husband treated you like a specimen from another world, and the empress and imperial concubines were all cunning werewolves in disguise? What would you do? If the price of survival was slowly forgetting your modern memories and family, what would you choose? This book is not just about palace intrigue, but a grand game of strategy between a time traveler and the entire ancient world! From the harem to the imperial court, numerous players, schemes within schemes, the intellectual battles are truly masterful! The author's imagination is boundless, the plot is so tight you can't skip chapters, and there's not a single dull moment. A must-read for fans of political intrigue like *Empresses in the Palace* and psychological warfare like *Werewolf*!

21. 471 盼 Longing to Be a Widow 盼寡 Juicy Lychees荔好多汁Ancient Romance123k WordsCompleted [A top-tier lovesick prince who wins himself over vs. a talented noblewoman who longs to be widowed] [Marriage first, love later + sweet ancient romance + transmigrate] Prince Xie Huaijin of Jing is renowned throughout the capital for his looks, and equally renowned for his frail health. With his legs crippled as well, he has reached twenty-three without a wife. After all, no one wants to become a widow in the flower of their youth, especially when they might end up an actual widow at any moment 7.8kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves
22. 472 重 Reborn, I Promise You a Lifetime of Joy 重生，许你一世倾欢 Wu Yuetang伍月棠Ancient Romance616k WordsCompleted (Both leads reborn + scheming prince + palace and household intrigue + punishing scumbags + physician heroine) In her previous life, Ye Ruan was hopelessly devoted to Prince Xuan, Jun Li. But at the Mid-Autumn banquet, the drunken Prince Jing, Jun Zhan, took her innocence. To avenge herself, she pretended to marry into Prince Jing’s household. While he was away on campaign, she forged the late emperor’s edict and elevated the scumbag to the highest position. But once everything had settled, the 11.2kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves
23. 473 贵 Long Live the Noble Consort 贵妃娘娘千岁千千岁 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance164k WordsCompleted The Nan family had offered one of their daughters to the royal family, only for her to be killed by the scheming women within the palace. To keep the emperor's favor, Nan Shiyun begins her journey into the palace to compete for his affection. [This story is set in a fictional world. Please don't take it too seriously.] 94Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue novel is here! It's not a story about two virgins; the female lead won't fall completely in love.

24. 474 笨 The Silly Beauty Is Sweet and Soft, and the Regent Is Smitten 笨蛋美人乖又软摄政王他沦陷了 Drunken Sugar醉糖Ancient Romance558k WordsCompleted Su Ningning is simple-minded and innocent. On her wedding day, she stumbles upon rebels slaughtering her family and crashes straight into the arms of Lou Shengxue, the regent who holds power over the entire court. Cold and bloodthirsty, he was about to take her life when he unexpectedly discovered that she carried a secret remedy for breaking curses. He had no choice but to keep her by his side. Everyone laughs at her as a useless, foolish princess consort, but only Lou Shengxue knows that this 503Reads—Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    She was the person he most wanted to bring home to meet his ancestors. He knelt in the ancestral hall and said to the ancestral tablets, "Your grandson is unfilial for marrying a foolish wife. But your grandson likes her, and you are not allowed to object."

25. 475 后 Tales of a Harem Struggle 后宫奋斗记 Spring Has Filled the Blossoming Branches华枝春已满Ancient Romance674k WordsCompleted Sweet romance + palace intrigue + a slow, steady love story + adorable children + devoted love later on In the sixth year of Zhengli, Qu Su, daughter of the Imperial Medical Academy's director, was ordered to enter the palace. Many years later, Qu Su had risen from Junior Lady to Noble Consort. Her children surrounded her, and her Yuyan cosmetics shops had spread throughout the land. Looking back, she saw that the man had always been protecting her from behind. Qu Su: I love you, and I love myse 17.7kReads9.1Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Although the female lead's family isn't powerful, everyone in her family is nice and there aren't any awful characters. Because it's a time-travel story, her values ​​are quite positive. In the beginning, the male lead treats everyone equally, but later he dotes on her exclusively.

26. 476 侧 The Side Consort’s Memoir of Becoming Empress 侧妃为后记 Spring Has Filled the Blossoming Branches华枝春已满Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Household Intrigue + Palace Intrigue] Not a one-on-one romance. The male lead has a wife and concubines early on, but later dotes on the heroine alone. No suspicion or misunderstandings. A little angst, but mostly sweet. The heroine falls for him first, but she isn't completely ruled by love. Her experiences have shaped her, and she's usually quite level-headed. (Though perhaps she is a little taken by his looks.) The male lead doesn't realize his own feelings, but he's been good to the heroine 3.5kReads9.0Score276Shelves

    Reader note

    Family members, does anyone know this?! This palace intrigue and domestic power struggle novel is amazing! The female lead is framed right from the start, there are tons of plot twists, the writing is exquisite, and you can find the flaws yourself.

27. 477 从 From Cast-Off Consort in the Cold Palace to Ruler of the Realm 从冷宫弃妃到摄政天下 Master Hua Is No Flower花爷不花Ancient Romance354k WordsCompleted She crawled back from hell, wielding a divine artifact, and vowed to burn this man-eating palace and empire to the ground! Lin Wan’s story begins in hell. She enters the palace through the imperial selection, only to be framed and sent to the Cold Palace to await death. At death’s door, she awakens a strange ability: [Sense Malice]. No scheme or conspiracy aimed at her can escape her notice. After securing a foothold in the Cold Palace, she makes her first move, turning the tables by using the 1Reads6.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue? It's all about survival. I not only want to survive, I want to control my destiny. Not driven by romance, the female lead is calm and rational. Every step is calculated, every step fraught with danger.

28. 478 恶 The Villainess Becomes the Legitimate Daughter: I'm Just Pretending, Don't Get Too Attached 恶女成嫡：我装的，你们别太爱了 Peach Blossoms Reflected in Wine桃花映酒Ancient Romance617k WordsCompleted (Print edition goes on sale at 7 p.m. on September 19 / Several short animated adaptations are now streaming) [Wicked Villainess Transmigrates into a Book + Total Control + “Training Dogs” Romance + Male Rivals in a Shura Field + Exes Begging for Her Back + Face-Slapping and Scumbag Punishment] [The heroine is a true villainess: a stunning, calculating temptress who never hesitates to manipulate others] Jiang Chuji, the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, was an ill-fated girl sent to a t 61.9kReads9.4Score8.4kShelves
29. 479 妾 The Concubine’s Code of Conduct 妾室职业守则 Su Yun苏芸Ancient Romance638k WordsCompleted Ke Rong is a dedicated, third-rate actress who transmigrates and becomes a concubine in a prince’s household. The handsome, dashing prince provides her with food and lodging, occasionally shares her bed, and even pays her a monthly salary for doing nothing. She cannot quit this job and leave, and it would be hard to find another one if she did... Ke Rong decides that she must do her job as a “concubine” conscientiously and diligently, lest she get fired and lose the chance to live a leisurely, 676Reads8.3Score105Shelves
30. 480 将 A General's Daughter's Comeback: No More Coddling, It's Time to Rise 将门逆袭：不要娇宠要上位 Sweet Potato with Plum Powder甘梅地瓜Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted When her aunt was on her deathbed, she entrusted her child to Wanqing. Out of gratitude, Wanqing became the concubine of the general’s eldest son. The rules for concubines in the general’s household: be dutiful and proper, and have no children. The household had no need for children born to concubines. Yet Wanqing bore four sons and a daughter, then took her place as the eldest son’s principal wife. The Empress Dowager personally bestowed on her the title of First-Rank Lady of Virtue. Someone sc 41.3kReads9.5Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The last one is a true palace intrigue novel, with a female lead who is virgin. After reading it, I actually felt quite sorry for the female lead [crying]. There are some potentially problematic parts, so please read the synopsis carefully! The first one is a double virgin story; the female lead isn't the emperor's woman, but it involves a lot of palace intrigue. Personally, I feel the current emperor is quite indecisive when it comes to matters of the heart [facepalm].

31. 481 被 After My Engagement Was Broken Off, I Became the Emperor's Beloved 被退婚后，我成了帝王的心尖宠 Yu and Xian虞与仙Ancient Romance111k WordsOngoing [Harem Intrigue + A Twist on the White Moonlight Trope + An Emperor's Wife-Chasing Regret + Purely Satisfying, No Angst] A feel-good story. The heroine stays clearheaded from beginning to end, and in the end the emperor is left desperately trying to win her back. Also known as: The Empress Slays Her Way Through the Harem: The Tyrant Begs on His Knees to Win Her Back – When her family falls into ruin and her engagement is broken off, Fu Yunyao is forced into the palace and made a shield for the —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is seriously amazing!! The female lead is clear-headed and intelligent, only seeking wealth and status, not a shred of true love. The male lead's later humble pursuit of love is so satisfying to watch.

32. 482 福 The Sweet and Beautiful Imperial Concubine: The Abstinent Fourth Prince Dotes on Her 福晋娇又美：禁欲四爷宠上瘾 Wan Bao妧宝Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted [One devoted couple + sweet romance] Tong Jia Ning Chuge, the legitimate daughter of Longkodo, was getting married. But on her wedding day, a princess snatched her groom right off the street. The poor girl fell out of her bridal sedan and died on the spot! The woman protested, “I just got here, and a bunch of people are already laughing at me for being a discarded wife. I can’t stand for this!” Just as she was racking her brains for a way to put them in their place, an imperial edict from Empero 24.2kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves
33. 483 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 1.3kReads9.0Score188Shelves
34. 484 宋 Empress of the Song Family: The Legend of Yuyao 宋家皇后——钰瑶传 Ling Songs by the River江上菱歌Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted The leads are not each other’s first partners!!! The heroine is neither a naive innocent nor a particularly kind person!!! The emperor hero is a jerk!! Set in an alternate history!! This is not a feel-good story!!! She transmigrates straight into the role of empress. If she rises in rank, she becomes the empress dowager; if she fails, she is deposed and banished to the cold palace. That is the reality of the inner palace: failure leaves almost no chance to recover. A twenty-first-century fashion 597Reads9.0Score103Shelves
35. 485 成 On Our Wedding Night, the Obsessive Crown Prince Took Me to the Eastern Palace 成亲当晚，偏执太子夺我入东宫 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted The aloof, possessive Crown Prince × the dazzling beauty who loves money Everyone in the Eastern Palace knows that the Crown Princess was snatched away from someone else by the Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince, as elegant as jade and as clear as moonlight, fell into the sea of love, there was no climbing back out. He Yue transmigrated to ancient times and became the owner of a rouge shop. She wasn’t rich or powerful, but her life was peaceful and carefree. Then one day, the woman she liv 35.3kReads9.0Score2.7kShelves
36. 486 撕 Tear Apart the Harem! Win Favor! She's a Lunatic, Who Dares Cross Her? 撕后宫！得恩宠！她是疯批谁敢惹 Cats Are Extra Sweet猫猫特别甜Ancient Romance683k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue Only + Concubine-born Daughter + Reborn + Revenge + Everyone Is Evil + Wish-Fulfillment] [The story begins before the heroine enters the palace] [The emperor favors no one at first, and the heroine doesn’t fall in love] Jiang Shiying had died once. She died in childbirth, after her own elder sister had her killed to keep the baby. Reborn, she had made up her mind: she would enter the palace and get revenge, but she wouldn’t suffer! Not her stepmother or her elder sister, not eve 7.3kReads9.3Score958Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is purely about palace intrigue. The female lead is an illegitimate daughter who is reborn and enters the palace to seek revenge. She slaps the Empress and the Imperial Concubine, but the Emperor not only doesn't punish her, he also hugs her and comforts her. In the end, she becomes the Empress.

37. 487 星 Interstellar Mecha: The Frail Commander Takes on Seven Alone 星际机甲：病弱指挥官单挑一穿七 Taking Gold from the Luan Terrace鸾台取金Modern Romance615k WordsCompleted (Please read the first page of the main text for content warnings.) [Apocalypse, Interstellar, Strong Female Lead, Face-Slapping, Everyone Loves Her] Apocalypse enforcer Xu Lingqu transmigrates and becomes an unpopular, sickly adopted daughter of a general. Despite a constitution that leaves her fainting every three steps and coughing up blood every five, she's sent to the command program at the Imperial Military Academy. Command is great, command is wonderful. Commanders can sit safely behind 54.8kReads9.4Score7.9kShelves

    Reader note

    A sci-fi epic, I stayed up all night to finish it! Respected Commander Xu, please let me fight for you!

38. 488 福 The Fourth Master's Beloved Consort Is Pregnant: He Spoils Her Rotten 福晋有喜：四爷，太会宠 Ye Xiaotian叶小甜Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “The guilty always make the first accusation. Watch your tongue, or you'll bite it.” Biu~ The drama queen gets what's coming to her. “Clingy and shameless? Watch your step, or you'll trip on flat ground.” Biu~ The green tea girl gets unlucky. “With such awful character, watch out or you won't have any sons.” Biu~ A certain prince has six daughters in a row. Fourth Prince always thought his little sweetheart Yun Shu was a jinx. He was afraid someone would seize her and burn her as a witch. He gua 1.2kReads7.2Score106Shelves
39. 489 露 A Book by Lu Jiangxi 露将熹的一本书 Dawn Is Breaking露将熹Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted It was the fifth year since Jin Mingyuan had been thrown into the Cold Palace for cuckolding the emperor when she fell into a dry well and lost her memory. When she opened her eyes again, she saw a shabby room, a maid who bullied her and lied to cover it up, and her frail, emaciated son. She was furious. Things could hardly get worse, so she might as well stop putting up with it! She beat the maid, talked back to the consorts, and whoever dared to mess with her got the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing P 11Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist, Jin Mingyuan, awakens from amnesia in the Cold Palace and embarks on a "mad" path of revenge. Facing the palace maids and concubines who bully her, she violently suppresses them with her "Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms" (a powerful martial arts technique). To protect her frail son, she grows vegetables and raises pigs in the Cold Palace, becoming self-sufficient. She even uses gold and silver given to her by the Imperial Concubine to exchange for live chickens and pigs, transforming the desolate courtyard into a survival base. The plot blends unconventional palace intrigue, everyday child-rearing, and comedic madness. The contrast between the heroine's rebellious and eccentric personality and her absurd life of farming in the Cold Palace is highly compelling, making it suitable for readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed stories and unconventional palace intrigue.

40. 490 熙 The Daily Records of Consort Xi 熙贵妃起居注 Mo Mo Bu Ting莫莫不停Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Shen Tingnian has nothing going for her except a pretty face. As the Grandson's Concubine, she always wore a cold, world-weary expression around everyone, saying only that the days and nights in the Palace of Guanghan were endless, and that the human world would remain the same with or without her. As the Crown Prince's Concubine, she brazenly did as she pleased with the Crown Prince during the late emperor's mourning period, causing endless strife and bloodshed. As Noble Consort Xi, she set her 71Reads8.6Score—Shelves
41. 491 为 To Fool Him, the Bad Girl Acts Like She's in a Pure Romance Every Day 为了骗他，渣女每天都要演纯爱 Lazy And Can't Be Bothered To Move懒懒不想动Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu transmigrated into the body of a captive. Someone had arranged a decent path for her: becoming the seventh prince’s concubine. Shen Yunshu immediately began plotting her escape. She managed to get away, but little did she know that the man she had rescued out of a moment of compassion was none other than the seventh prince, Li Yu’an. Fortunately, the prince kept his promise and gave her money so she could leave. After parting ways with the seventh prince, Shen Yunshu thought the worl 772Reads8.7Score102Shelves
42. 492 与 Parting with Dreams 与梦离 An Acorn一粒橡果子Ancient Romance204k WordsCompleted [Harem Intrigue + Reborn + Political Scheming + Plot-Driven + Ensemble Cast + Serious Drama + Historical Romance] Prologue: Late at night, a sudden downpour began. The jade orchid by the bed gave off a captivating fragrance, as bewitching and hard to resist as the lovely woman in his arms. Urgent knocking sounded outside the bedchamber, accompanied by Eunuch Li's voice. “Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened! Consort Yao jumped into a well and took her own life!” “What!” The emperor's he 13Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Reborn into a palace intrigue story, she was love-struck in her previous life, but in this one, she's clear-headed and fights only for revenge. [OK]

43. 493 穿 I Transmigrated into the Harem, and the Fourth Calamity Is on a Killing Spree 穿进后宫，第四天灾已杀疯 Tomatoes Dipped in Sugar Are So Delicious番茄蘸糖超好吃Ancient Romance93k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + System + scheming black lotus + face-slapping] After restarting for the third time, Li Huyi’s heart is already harder than the stones of the Cold Palace. Men are nothing but stepping-stones on her climb to the top. Especially the lofty emperor: he is both her ultimate conquest target and the perfect tool. [Ding! Special romance mission triggered: The Emperor’s Test!] [Mission description: Faced with his love and suspicion, make the perfect choice 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a true palace intrigue novel with a rather novel theme. It's like starting a new game, where you use a palace intrigue simulator to slap the faces of concubines, the emperor, and the empress dowager. The female lead is clear-headed throughout and acts swiftly and ruthlessly. I personally think it's worth reading.

44. 494 穿 The Daily Life of a Laid-Back Concubine After Transmigrating 穿越之闲鱼妾室的日常 Tian Nanxing Nan天南星南Ancient Romance480k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + household and palace intrigue + no golden finger + devoted love later on] Zhang Xinian transmigrated into the body of a concubine in Prince Jing’s household. Above her was the princess consort, backed by powerful connections and ruthless in her methods. Beside her was a brainless side consort with overwhelming fighting prowess. Below her, a reborn woman and a transmigrated woman were locked in fierce competition. Zhang Xinian trembled with fear. She had no golden finger and did 105.8kReads9.4Score12.3kShelves
45. 495 穿 Reborn as a General's Legitimate Daughter, I Slay with the Voices of Objects 穿成将门嫡女，靠器物心声杀疯了 Qing Jiu x卿九xAncient Romance248k WordsOngoing Su Yanqing can hear objects speak. Not prophecies, but memories: objects remember everything they've witnessed. The jade pendant her mother left behind says that there was more to the incident back then. Beside her brother's letter, there's a wax seal that has been broken and resealed. The capital's noble families are all waiting to see the legitimate daughter of a military house make a fool of herself. Only she knows: Behind every compliment lies a blade, and behind every "coincidence," someone —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Each and every object is an informant for Su Yanqing. Having transmigrated into the book, she can read the memories of objects. Her mother's old case has hidden secrets, the family letters contain traces of tampering, and various forces have meticulously set up schemes, but none of them can escape her eyes.

46. 496 高 The Road to Glory for a Noble Lady 高门贵女的荣华之路 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance324k WordsCompleted As the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Xuanping's household, Lin Chuyue married the Fourth Imperial Grandson, Zhou Xiao, as his principal wife at sixteen. At nineteen, she became a princess consort, and at twenty-six, she rose to become the most powerful woman in the Great An Dynasty: the empress. Who hasn't exclaimed that Lin Chuyue was born under a lucky star? Yet the hardships she endured are too painful to speak of. Zhou Xiao's childhood sweetheart of a cousin, a concubine reborn, and a ma 4.9kReads8.8Score312Shelves
47. 497 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 22.4kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    A female-centric power struggle novel, everyone is cunning and scheming, a top-tier battle of wits ◔.̮◔✧. Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Couples Mutual Pampering + Everyone is Cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence, everyone is cunning and scheming, a peak battle of wits! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, was blinded and used forbidden techniques to save her scumbag husband, exhausting her life force. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her 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 invincible ruler, was suffering from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi threw 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 the Regent's hand. 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 woman of unparalleled wisdom and skill! She entrusted her life to him back-to-back, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

48. 498 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Dotes on Consort Yuan 入宫后，偏执皇上盛宠元妃娘娘 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [A violent emperor + a feigning-fool, ruthless concubine-born daughter + not mutually exclusive in the early stages + favored above the entire harem later] An Qingyu was the fourth daughter of the prime minister. Her mother, Concubine Lan Yue, had been brought into the household as the prime minister’s wife’s dowry maid. As a concubine-born daughter, An Qingyu had grown up at the First Madam’s side, keeping her head down and ingratiating herself, just like Concubine Lan. Then a twist of fate rui 1.6kReads9.0Score170Shelves

    Reader note

    These are the books I absolutely have to recommend! Palace intrigue dramas, a journey of overcoming obstacles and leveling up—super entertaining! 👀

49. 499 和 A Political Marriage? I’m Your Ancestress! 和亲？哀家是你祖宗！ DomomanAncient Romance171k WordsCompleted A new work is here! Welcome to read my story 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! —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A cunning old fox who has ruled from behind the curtain for forty years is suddenly reborn as a princess sent for a political marriage, completely at the mercy of others! Poisoned wine? Schemes? This old woman turns the tables and makes the Di Rong father and son run wild!

50. 500 折 Snap Off a Crabapple Branch! 折棠枝！ Consort Xi熙贵妃Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sisters switch marriages+the chase-back-to-win-her-heart trope+romantic rivalry+putting scumbags in their place; clear-eyed, scheming beauty X mad tyrant X aloof, powerful minister...] Short drama now available Jiang Wantang is the second legitimate daughter least favored by the current prime minister. With incomparable beauty and bewitching charm, she was abandoned in the wilderness and remained unknown to the world. Her elder legitimate sister was the moon in the sky; she was the mud beneath 9.4kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Haha, these are truly excellent palace intrigue novels! They're all classics!

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