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. 51 我 My Years as a Benevolent Mother in the Qing Palace 我在清宫做圣母的那些年 Tsukimino E月见里绘Female-Channel Fanfiction2.5M WordsOngoing [A vengeful ghost from a mass grave × a scheming palace-conquering beauty × a golden finger bigger than the sky] Shanyue, a ghost from a mass grave, is reborn in the worlds of Empresses in the Palace and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace as a “living bodhisattva,” carrying a body full of resentment. Save the consorts? Soothe the children? She turns the consorts against one another and uses others to assassinate royal heirs. Beneath the compassionate guise of Guanyin lurks a demon from the depths o 32.2kReads8.7Score1.4kShelves
2. 52 跪 Better to Ascend the Throne Than Kneel, Cold-Faced, as the Mistress of the House 跪着冷脸做主母不如登基当皇帝 Three Whimpers嘤三声Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue in the first half + sharing power in government in the second half + female heir to the throne + a cast of lunatics + no romance + System clashes + ruthless heroine + heroine enters the palace with her child and marries again + a grab bag of elements] On the day she entered the palace, a voice appeared in Xie Xuzhen’s mind. It called itself the Comeback Palace Intrigue System, and said it had come to help Xie Xuzhen, who was about to enter the palace, reach the pinnacle of life. 1.9kReads9.1Score267Shelves
3. 53 后 A Cheat-Code Life in the Imperial Harem 后宫开挂人生 The Silent Instant Noodles沉默的方便面Ancient Romance584k WordsCompleted In the novel, she is the Empress Dowager’s niece and the emperor’s highest-ranking Consort Shu, with a noble status and boundless favor. Yet in the end, she cannot escape the fate of a minor cannon-fodder character, and dies with hatred in her heart! Qian Qing from another world takes her place and carefully plots every step, winning the emperor’s love and matching wits with the novel’s heroine. She wants to see whether a mere illegitimate daughter of a marquis’s household can still rise to the 1.8kReads7.6Score118Shelves
4. 54 安 An Lingrong Transmigrates Into Qingying: Me? Her White Moonlight? 安陵容穿越成青樱：我？白月光？ Lin Youuu林佑uuFemale-Channel Fanfiction147k WordsOngoing [Harem] [White Moonlight] [A Touch of Strategy] [Affection-Building System] [Black Lotus Heroine] [Multiple Love Interests] [Includes Empresses in the Palace Content] The rating just came out, so it's a little low! Also, this book doesn't ship Zhen Huan with anyone, but it won't vilify her either. Feel free to skip it if that bothers you~ The main framework is Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, with content from Empresses in the Palace woven in. The characters' intelligence will gradually rise to 66Reads6.9Score—Shelves
5. 55 综 Film and TV Crossover: The Ultimate Winner 综影视：最终赢家 YoubiLee悠比LeeFemale-Channel Fanfiction1.9M WordsOngoing It's all right. I'll be the final winner. Main fandoms: Empresses in the Palace and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. First world: Ulanara Yixiu (complete) Second world: Fucha Langhua (complete) 22.6kReads9.3Score727Shelves
6. 56 培 Raising a Powerful Ally for Myself 培养大佬为我所用 Suibingxi碎冰兮Ancient Romance637k WordsOngoing [Women Rule|Court Intrigue|Multiple Husbands|Raising the Powerful] Everyone at court laughs at Crown Princess Linghu Muxue of the Eastern Palace for losing herself in the company of handsome men, spending every night in the harem and neglecting her new policies. The Fourth Princess is waiting for her chance to strike. The great clans are secretly joining forces, all waiting for Linghu Muxue to ruin her own foundations so they can take her place. But no one knows that the men in the Eastern Pala 63Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Crown Princess Linghu Muxue bears the heavy responsibility of ruling the country. The court is rife with powerful families and various factions, all eyeing her with predatory intent and constantly seeking her weaknesses. Everyone believes that instigating discord and creating vulnerabilities can be achieved by targeting her inner court. However, no one knows that her inner court is free of internal strife. Her husbands are of one mind, respecting and supporting each other. Each of the twelve men contributes their strengths, standing united by her side. Outside, turmoil arises, with conspiracies, betrayals, and framing striking relentlessly. She strategizes and navigates the court with meticulous care. She defends against countless schemes in the court while maintaining peace within her inner court. Watch as she, with her loyal followers, breaks through the encirclement, seizes the throne, and takes control of the vast land.

7. 57 在 A Ghost Working in Empresses in the Palace 在甄嬛传里打工的鬼 Zhouzhou Loves Congee舟舟爱喝粥Female-Channel Fanfiction2.6M WordsCompleted After wandering the world for many years, a young ghost bride dodges the ghost-catching business one day and enters the underworld, only to find herself in another workplace. The story revolves around Empresses in the Palace, with An Lingrong as the starting point as she tries to get by in the imperial harem. There’s just the right amount of a golden finger, and just the right amount of brains. A heads-up for friends who love Huanhuan. 30.5kReads9.2Score1.6kShelves
8. 58 重 Reborn Palace Maid: She Only Wants to Fight for the Emperor's Favor 重生宫女之她只想宫斗 Lady Yejiu夜九娘Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Jiaoyun spent years confined in the Cold Palace before finally being released. What she got in return was a useless husband and a wicked mother-in-law. This time, she decisively betrayed her mistress and climbed into someone else’s bed, successfully rising in status. And then she became the lowest-ranking palace maid… When Emperor Jingheng first saw Jiaoyun, he was merely captivated by her looks. “How can this palace maid have fairer skin than the Noble Consort?” Jiaoy 777Reads9.1Score104Shelves

   Reader note

   At first, I wasn't very excited because of his rating, but after watching it, I was totally hooked! [Laughs][shy][shy]

9. 59 一 A Concubine Slips Over the Wall 一只外室出墙头 Little Taoist Friend 66小道友66Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted "My advantage is that I'm old and nobody wants me." Guo Lu transmigrated and became an old concubine kept by a prince. A twenty-eight-year-old old woman! Good heavens, she was even forcibly bound to a System. Become the emperor's favorite and ascend to the throne of empress. A concubine in ancient times dreaming of becoming empress? She must be crazy. And not just any concubine: she's the old favorite of Prince Yu, the emperor's own younger brother. "Fail the mission, and you're dead." The Syste 7Reads—Score130Shelves

   Reader note

   The new book seems alright.

10. 60 前 My Ex-Husband Gets to Be a Dad? I'll Marry a Rugged Man Who Can't Have Children and Carry Twins 前夫喜当爹？我嫁绝嗣糙汉怀双宝 Ke Xin柯新Modern Romance211k WordsOngoing [Period] [Second Marriage] [Rugged Husband Dotes on His Wife] [Twins] [Brutal Revenge on the Scumbags] [Size Difference] Zhao Qingqing had been married for seven years without a child. Her mother-in-law beat her and drove her out, while her ex-husband rushed to marry a widow carrying another man's baby. Qingqing immediately turned around and married Han Tie Zhu, the ferocious butcher rumored to be unable to have children, whom no one in the commune dared to cross. Han Tie Zhu seemed cold and sho 576Reads—Score106Shelves

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    No more feeling lost in a reading slump! This book is definitely worth following. The plot is engaging, the characters are compelling, and there's no disappointing ending. You won't regret reading it; you'll want more after you finish! A highly recommended gem! The plot is tight and fast-paced, packed with exciting moments, and the writing is smooth and immersive. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down! A hidden gem of a novel, with likable characters, an explosive plot, and no dull moments—don't miss it if you like this genre!

11. 61 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, the Foolish Princess Marries the Ninth Lord with Her Four Maids 退婚后，傻妃携四大丫鬟嫁九千岁 Clingy Little Tomato粘人小番茄Ancient Romance1.8M WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Household Intrigue + Historical Romance + Princess Consort + Legitimate Daughter + Medical Skills + Two Powerful Leads + Cunning + Playing the Fool + Reborn + Fiercely Protective + Political Scheming] 99% of the comments are positive! Read with confidence! Su Qian, once the leader of a special forces unit in the apocalypse, died unexpectedly while carrying out a mission. With her portable medical space, she transmigrated to ancient times and into the residence of a great gener 22.8kReads8.1Score3.8kShelves
12. 62 重 Reborn! A Son Makes the Father Noble, and Fourth Master Lifts Her to the Empress's Seat 重生！父凭子贵，四爷巴巴捧后位 Happy StellaLou快乐星黛露Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Cunning Little One] (Not a chaste romance. The heroine is the sole favorite from the middle onward. Read with care if this bothers you.) Heaven took pity on her. Reborn, Yijun returned to the day she gave birth to Honghui and swore she would protect the child who had died young. But who could have guessed that the icy Fourth Prince from her previous life would become captivated by the tenderness and liveliness in Yiju 6.4kReads9.4Score475Shelves

    Reader note

    This book! When I read it, it was being serialized, and I kept waiting for it to finish. It's super good (not a double clean, but the female lead is the only one who loves the male lead in the later stages). There were too many misunderstandings in her previous life. After being reborn, the female lead originally wanted to live with her child. But as the misunderstandings were resolved one by one, and Emperor Yongzheng realized that he was taking a concubine, he kept them apart and decided to be the only one for the male lead in his life. After that, it was a sweet and loving story!

13. 63 傲 The Haughty Empress's Concubine Conquest 傲娇娘娘的宠妃攻略 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance437k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + historical romance + not mutually chaste + marriage first, love later She is the general’s younger sister, with an excellent family background and beauty to match. After she transmigrates, she wakes up caught in the schemes and betrayals of the imperial palace. To protect herself, she resolves to become the emperor’s favorite consort. When they first meet, he tells her, “I will never like a woman like you in this life.” Gu Qingyan successfully presents herself as somewhat 1.7kReads8.9Score137Shelves

    Reader note

    Nice!!!!

14. 64 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    A collection of palace intrigue and domestic power struggle novels: Rated and reviewed very well... 1. [Signed for publication] [Rebirth + Strong Female Leads + Family and Country + Political Intrigue] The descriptions of war and palace intrigue are vivid and logically clear, with literary flair and a grand scope. The romance between the male and female leads develops gradually and naturally, and both are intelligent and emotionally intelligent. 2. Also known as: Tasting the Emperor's Love [Traditional ancient romance + domestic power struggle + strong female and male leads + mutual pursuit + prince's doting wife], the first half is good. 3. The female lead has high emotional intelligence, a clear mind, and a sharp tongue; she is wise beyond her years. The male lead is well-developed, and the author's writing is good, with minor flaws, but these do not detract from the overall quality. 4. The matriarch of a noble family died from overwork and is reborn into a life of leisure. The beginning is not a typical "feel-good" story, which might feel a bit rushed and drawn-out. The writing is good. 5. A female-centric novel where one person shoulders everything. The descriptions of family and country's conflicts and personal loves and hates are magnificent. The story structure is grand, and the emotional descriptions are delicate and natural. 6. The plot is full of twists and turns, the romance is full of ups and downs, the pacing is excellent, the characters are vividly portrayed and not just plot devices, the logic is sound, and the male and female leads don't become less intelligent when they're together. A masterpiece... 7. A top-tier historical romance novel. The female lead is a well-bred lady, brave and resourceful, intelligent, decisive, and doesn't give scumbags a chance. She is a truly talented woman with rich knowledge and cultivation. The male lead, despite experiencing hardships, still cares for the world and has great love. The details of each character are well-developed, and the logic is clear. 8. The female lead is clear-headed and insightful. The romance between the male and female leads develops gradually and naturally, and the process of winning over the male lead is interesting. 9. The author has strong narrative skills, well-developed characters, a humorous writing style, and very positive values. A female-centric novel, highly recommended! 10. Loyalty and treachery, truth and falsehood, are blurred in the face of imperial power. It's more about sacrifice under the guise of power. There is no absolute good or bad. The female lead has great love and loyalty, a straightforward personality, and a likable character. The romance between the male and female leads is well-written.

15. 65 娇 With the Adorable Beauty at His Side, Even the Cold-Blooded Powerful Official Is Stirred by Mortal Desires 娇娇在侧，冷戾权臣也被撩动凡心 Floating Snow Returning飘飘回雪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mutual devotion, sweet romance] Su Jiaojiao transmigrates with no grand ambitions. She only wants to make money, enjoy life, and be free. But her stunning looks catch the eye of Song Chi, the Prince of Jiangnan. He falls for her at first sight, and has only one thought when he sees her: I want her! “You're a merchant's daughter. It's your honor to be my concubine.” “I want to be your girlfriend.” “Your girlfriend? What's that?” “We can kiss, cuddle, and sleep together. No titles, no strings att 56.6kReads9.0Score7.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I've recently become obsessed with palace intrigue novels, and these are some I've treasured for a long time—all highly rated. If you want something ruthless, check out book number 2; it features a high-IQ female lead and a somewhat insane villain who ultimately kills the emperor in the finale. For something sweeter, read books 1, 3, and 4, where the emperor's initial indifference transforms into exclusive favor. If you're looking for a story of forceful acquisition, try book number 6, where the male lead falls in love at first sight and uses his power to directly possess the female lead. Books 8 and 9 are fanfiction of *Empresses in the Palace*, and the writing is decent. I'm currently reading the last book, which isn't finished yet, but the writing is truly excellent. The female lead is absolutely brilliant; the royal household is full of idle characters, the princess is as serene as a chrysanthemum; the concubines yearn for a lifelong monogamous relationship; the reborn woman is utterly disappointed in the prince and lives a life of complacency; and there's a group of timid concubines who dare not stand out. The male lead's feelings develop gradually.

16. 66 科 Imperial Exam Triumph: The Strongest Female Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：最强女首辅 Dressed in Splendor宝妆成Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted After finally becoming the first female heir in her family, she opens her eyes and finds herself back before the revolution. Her father is dead from the start, leaving her with a frail mother and three beautiful older sisters. She is the only son who can carry on the Cheng family line... Cheng Qing looks down at her slightly developed chest, wondering what on earth went wrong. Surrounded by scheming wolves, Cheng Qing, now with a new soul in her body, sets herself two small goals: First, keep pr 8.5kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves
17. 67 甄 Empresses in the Palace: I Became Consort Hua's Cherished Pearl 甄嬛传之我成了华妃的掌上明珠 Yueyue Sodium Benzoate悦悦苯甲酸钠Female-Channel Fanfiction262k WordsCompleted [The heroine is Consort Hua’s daughter + reverse mind reading + no romance] Shun Hua is reborn in ancient times, in the Qing Dynasty, no less, and even in Empresses in the Palace! She’s also become Consort Hua’s child! But isn’t Consort Hua unable to have children? Then what is she?! But since Consort Hua gave birth to her, she’s naturally her mother. Remembering what happened to Consort Hua in Empresses in the Palace, Shun Hua immediately turns her sights on her scumbag emperor father, and star 2.2kReads8.7Score225Shelves
18. 68 黑 The Black Lotus Is Reborn, and She Slaughters Her Way Through with the Ailing Young Lord 黑莲花重生，和病弱小公爷杀疯了 A Drunken Glance at the Glazed Moon一醉琉月Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted Shen Wan is the model of an aristocratic young lady: equally skilled in the literary and martial arts, and a peerless physician. Her parents and five older brothers adore her and treat her like the apple of their eye. Before these very relatives hunt her down and kill her, she too believes she is the beloved young lady everyone dotes on, and the Crown Prince’s sweetheart. Only as she lies dying does she learn the truth: she is not the legitimate daughter of the Shen family at all. The true daugh 28.9kReads8.7Score2.1kShelves
19. 69 我 My White-Eyed-Wolf Sister and I Were Reborn and Swapped Souls 我和白眼狼妹妹重生后灵魂互换了 Luo Zhi落之Ancient Romance178k WordsOngoing A cunning, ruthless heroine versus a twisted, obsessive hero In her previous life, Su Yu'er enjoyed the emperor's favor without end, until Shen Ningyue and the empress conspired to frame her. Reborn, she and Shen Ningyue switch souls. Now in Shen Ningyue's body, she initially plans to pretend they've made peace and team up with Su Yu'er to get revenge. But that plan falls through, so she lies low at Lady Zhaohua's side and stokes conflict in the harem, sowing suspicion between the empress and L 8Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Controlling the overall situation single-handedly

20. 70 不 No More Slacking: The Prince’s Favorite Concubine’s Daily Grind 不当咸鱼，王府宠妾的内卷日常 Four Crescent Moons四弯月Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + cutthroat household competition + no slacking off + ambitious heroine] Shen Wei, a die-hard rat-race fanatic, transmigrated into the lowest-ranking maid in a prince’s manor. Prince Yan held a position of great prestige, but all his wives and concubines had given up trying. The princess consort, born to a prestigious family, was as aloof as a chrysanthemum. The secondary consort wanted lifelong monogamy. The reborn woman had lost all hope in Prince Yan and was content to lie fla 67.4kReads9.4Score8.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The progenitor of palace intrigue novels, a palace intrigue story with brains, flawless, and incredibly entertaining!!!

21. 71 作 The Spoiled Consort Holds the Emperor’s Heart All to Herself 作精娘娘她独揽圣心 Yi Jiu Lu宜久录Ancient Romance167k WordsCompleted (Don't click in if you want to avoid this: the heroine is a silly, naive sweetheart, she's stupid, and this is a practice piece. It's not good.) Nalan Cairen, spurned by the emperor for two years, has won his favor again! The news sent porcelain crashing in the harem for an entire day! (Any similarities are purely coincidental.) Nalan Huiyin accepts her transmigration without a fuss. The original owner was abused, left hungry and poorly clothed. But now that she's transmigrated here, she's liv 245Reads9.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I've read many palace intrigue novels, but this one is a masterpiece in my heart. 😘 The female lead is incredibly smart and resourceful. In the early stages, she wasn't the emperor's sole favorite, and he wasn't particularly interested in her. But later, he was completely swayed by her daily declarations of "I love you so much, my heart belongs only to you." 😏 In the later stages, he almost exclusively doted on her, but not blindly. The female lead was very clear-headed and never fell in love with the emperor, but he did. This is a true palace intrigue novel; everyone has their own schemes and methods, and there's no "female lead halo." The female lead also climbed to the empress's position step by step through her own efforts. This book really makes us think, unlike some books that just present a series of mindless actions without treating the reader like a human being. 😥 I haven't read many of the others, but they're all palace intrigue novels. (I still recommend the first one more, depending on your own preferences.) The last one isn't entirely a palace intrigue novel; the female lead enters the palace as the empress, the emperor also likes her, and she even gives birth to twins, but there are still some scheming elements in the story.

22. 72 去 Last Year's Springtime Heartache Returns 去年春恨却来时 Lu Yin庐隐Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Clearheaded, self-possessed noblewoman × scheming, cold-blooded emperor] [Love and hate in equal measure + clear-eyed heroine + the leads use each other + ensemble court intrigue + everyone gets a bad ending + fictional setting] [Content warnings: ① Neither lead is sexually inexperienced; ② Not a wish-fulfillment novel. The heroine grows over time. ③ Both leads are deeply complicated and far from kind. Don't read if that's not for you!] Yan Qinghe was born a concubine-born daughter of a noble f 1.9kReads8.2Score133Shelves

    Reader note

    I've read dozens of palace intrigue novels on Tomato, including those about an unambitious empress and other famous ones. I strongly recommend this one to all my fellow readers! It's not a mindless, wish-fulfillment story; the female protagonist gradually grows stronger in the palace, and the author's writing is excellent. It's truly a great book that's been overlooked due to its low rating.

23. 73 开 The Emperor Forced Me to Marry from the Start, So His Lazy Palace Maid Lies Flat 开局被皇帝强娶咸鱼宫女躺平了 Jiu Bie九别Ancient Romance238k WordsOngoing [An ordinary-looking girl in the palace intrigue + scheming + favor + love triangle] On the fifth day after transmigrating into the palace maid Chun Zhan, Shen Que figured out three things: First, she was too ordinary-looking. Becoming a favored consort was basically out of the question. Second, the Empress was love-brained and wanted to kill anyone she laid eyes on. Third, the Emperor was using her as a pawn to spite the Empress Dowager. Once he was done with her, he could toss her aside. She o 6.3kReads—Score814Shelves

    Reader note

    The story features both palace intrigue and power struggles, as well as the ambiguous relationships between the emperor and his concubines, a mix of sweet and bittersweet moments. It includes both fraught palace battles and lighthearted banter between the two.

24. 74 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 12.1kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves
25. 75 剑 Scheming with the Sword: The Alluring Emperor Both Dotes on and Torments Me 剑谋天下，邪魅帝君又宠又虐 Cheap Little Enchantress妖姬贱贱Eastern Fantasy1.1M WordsCompleted The Heaven-Splitting Sword weeps, and heaven and earth lose their color. When the Blood Talisman appears, the martial world is stained red. This story overturns the traditional tale of an orphan's rise in Wuxia, revealing the path of a young master from a martial arts clan through the martial world. From an innocent youth to a leader who commands the tides of the martial world, worries over the nation's fate, plots for power, and steers the course of events with a laugh... He was the son of the 339Reads8.9Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    There's political intrigue and palace strife involved, and it's not exactly clean, but I guarantee you'll love it! Bai Zhanmeng looked at the person in his arms, his heart filled with mixed feelings. He didn't know if what he was doing counted as using his looks to seduce her, or using her feelings for him to get her to do things for him.

26. 76 快 Quick Transmigration: I Was Reborn as a Villain and Somehow Bound to a Childbearing System 快穿：穿成反派后竟绑定生子系统 Cat's Eye Stone猫睛石Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Quick transmigration + breathtaking beauty + no fixed CP + multiple worlds + childbirth System + semi-immersive master of deception + wish fulfillment] After being bedridden for eight years, Zhu Baishao still died one autumn. But the instant she died, she transmigrated. Not only did she become a villainous cannon-fodder character, she also got bound to a childbirth System. By completing missions in each world, she can earn points and use the System’s shop to buy anything she can imagine, whethe 26.2kReads9.3Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended!!! This is an incredibly captivating palace intrigue novel. As the saying goes, to survive in the palace, you need to be cunning. Please check out the female protagonists' survival guide! 🧭

27. 77 胎 Born into a Woman-Supreme World, I Embrace a Carefree Life 胎穿女尊世界，享受摆烂人生 Shu Shu Shu舒舒疏Ancient Romance236k WordsCompleted System + born transmigrated + matriarchal world + multiple male leads Too many people transmigrated due to various accidents, causing the world to collapse. To maintain order, the world's consciousness found the “me” from my previous life and struck a deal: in exchange for a miserable next life, I would be reborn with my memories and a System, free to live a life of doing nothing. When I grew up, people were always trying to get me to stop lazing around. Little did they know that even if a sal 1.9kReads8.8Score127Shelves
28. 78 小 My Short-Tempered Childhood Sweetheart Relies on His Majesty to Win the Palace Battles 小青梅脾气炸，宫斗全靠陛下撑腰 Yu Zheye虞折夜Ancient Romance509k WordsOngoing The fallen Marquis's daughter Lingyi was summoned to the palace. Everyone thought Lingyi was a frail beauty who received little attention and would simply wither away in the deep palace. Who knew that just three days after entering the palace, this beauty would show her true colors? When she got angry, she wouldn't spare anyone. Her catchphrase was: “If you have the nerve, Your Majesty, just have me executed!” Looking at the wreckage covering the floor, Zhong Jing was both exasperated and indulg 3.3kReads—Score275Shelves

    Reader note

    Childhood sweethearts, the male lead fights in the palace on behalf of the female lead, elevating her to the position of Empress. Later, they switch places, and the female lead rules the world while the male lead stabilizes the harem. Pure palace intrigue, the male lead has physical intimacy with the female lead.

29. 79 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score435Shelves

    Reader note

    It's mind-bending yet logically sound, not mindless at all, and the female lead is incredibly clear-headed! The system appears only a few times and isn't particularly useful, so those who dislike systems should definitely check it out! The writing is also excellent, portraying the complexities of human relationships within the palace. I even felt a lump in my throat when the scenes were heart-wrenching. Every character is unique, and the villains are both pitiful and hateful in a way. The scumbag emperor is like a durian, with a vengeful spirit at every point. The characters with ailments are really endearing, and the other couples are also very likable. The entire plot is logical, well-developed, and flows smoothly. These days, it's hard to find novels like this, and I've only recently read a few that I've been searching for a long time, so this book is truly exceptional.

30. 80 娘 The Empress Doesn't Want Palace Intrigue, but the Emperor Keeps Stirring Things Up 娘娘不想宫斗，奈何皇上带节奏 Geng Jiujiu耿啾啾Ancient Romance652k WordsCompleted [Transmigration, Palace Intrigue, Political Scheming, Not Both Pure, Absurd Comedy, Devoted Love Later On] Shen Jinruo transmigrated into the body of a low-ranking concubine who had no favor from the emperor. Having lost her freedom, she’d planned to keep her head down and quietly build up her strength. But she soon discovered that in this harem, even if you don’t go looking for trouble, trouble will find you. To survive, Shen Jinruo worked hard to adapt and officially joined the harem’s struggl 2.2kReads8.9Score210Shelves
31. 81 宫 Palace Intrigue: Starting with Pretending to Be Innocent 宫斗，从装纯开始 Round Round Pig圆圆猪Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted To give her sister a peaceful life, Xiao Wu, who lived under other people's roof, entered the palace selection. The palace gates opened onto a world of intrigue, but Xiao Wu had a clear goal. She would climb, one step at a time, all the way to the top. She would climb until no one could bully her and her sister! When Bei Chen Yue first met Xiao Wu, he thought she was delicate and soft, someone who looked easy to bully... He figured he might as well give her a title and keep her by his side. Who 759Reads8.6Score107Shelves
32. 82 咳 After Coughing Up Blood 99 Times, I Became the Prince's Darling 咳血99次后，我成了王爷掌心娇 Cherry Blossom Clouds樱云漫Ancient Romance411k WordsCompleted (Sweet romance + comedy + everyone's darling + System + plot-driven) At first: The icy prince asks his sickly, tearful consort, “You... desire me?” “Am I... not supposed to?” “I can give you mountains of gold and silver and a lifetime of glory. Don't entertain thoughts of winning my heart. It won't end well.” “I suppose I must be ill. Sigh...” Later: The icy prince clutches his chest and tearfully pleads with his sickly consort, “Darling, if you love me, don't leave!” His sickly consort waves he 299Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book is about a pure career-driven female protagonist; it's not finished yet, but it's very good. Could you please recommend a similar book to me?

33. 83 宫 A Heart Caged Behind Palace Walls: Consort Yuan Is Promoted Again 宫墙锁心宠，元妃娘娘又晋位了 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance320k WordsCompleted No one is completely devoted to one person in the early part of the story, so don’t read if that’s a dealbreaker. The emperor is a scoundrel at first, but utterly doting later. More sweet than angsty. [Palace intrigue and rising to power + many children + absolute favor + climbing to the top one step at a time] Su Zhitang, the daughter of a general, enters the palace as a beauty after the selection. Her father is already a second-rank official, so she only wants to heed her mother’s advice, keep 604Reads9.0Score101Shelves
34. 84 二 A Second Marriage to the Eastern Palace 二嫁东宫 Spring Light Sways春光摇Ancient Romance850k WordsCompleted Shen Yuran was born into humble circumstances and was given to the Crown Prince as a gift. She adored him and looked up to him. Even when he was demoted to a commoner, she willingly stayed by his side through hardship. But after he returned to the Eastern Palace, things did not end well for her. After being reborn, Shen Yuran came to her senses. Rather than foolishly giving everything she had, she would be better off finding a dependable man and building a good life together. When the Crown Prin 4kReads8.9Score900Shelves

    Reader note

    These are some of the best books I've ever read, no joke. I couldn't put them down, even reading them late at night! The female lead is genuinely involved in palace intrigue, climbing the ranks step by step. No one is artificially made less intelligent; it's a battle of wits between everyone. Every action and line of dialogue is a subtle detail that could be deadly!

35. 85 朕 The Emperor Finds His Consort Alluring; I Find His Majesty a Jerk 朕见贵妃多妩媚，妾见皇上甚是渣 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance458k WordsCompleted [No transmigration or rebirth] [Pure palace intrigue] [The heroine never falls in love] Jinyue, the legitimate eldest daughter of a general's household, is chosen in a selection for the imperial harem. The Empress appoints her as a spy and marries her off to the Crown Prince as a secondary consort. The moment she enters the Eastern Palace, she understands that she and Zhongli Jin are bound only by mutual interest. There can never be the slightest affection between them. After sixteen years in th 2.5kReads9.0Score243Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead in this book truly became empress through her own efforts, and the male lead is truly a scumbag.

36. 86 说 I Was Supposed to Be a Doormat, So Why Does the Emperor Remember Everything? 说好当受气包，怎么皇帝有记忆？ Late Branches at Dawn杳杳枝晚Ancient Romance256k WordsOngoing [Looks delicate and plays the victim, but is a fearsome flower × scheming emperor who retains his memories after reloading] (An antagonistic imperial couple, a reloading power fantasy, father-daughter affection, and a romance that grows sweeter by the day) Chu Mingzhao is the capital's most fearsome beauty. She can shatter a stone lion with one punch. But her unscrupulous father tricked her into entering the palace, where she was bound to a [System for Playing the Victim]. Little Four: Host, yo 29Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is genuinely hilarious, and the palace intrigue is truly convincing.

37. 87 在 100 Techniques to Conquer the Emperor in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.2kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book was amazing; I read some parts multiple times. I've only read a tiny bit of the second book so far.

38. 88 病 After Her Sickly Husband Died, the Crown Prince Took Her into the Eastern Palace 病弱夫君去世后，太子夺我入东宫 Fei Nongmo妃弄墨Ancient Romance581k WordsCompleted [The short drama of the same name, Marry into the Eastern Palace, is now available] Three years ago, at the Eastern Palace’s consort selection banquet, the Crown Prince scolded her: “The Shen girl is coquettish and ingratiating, and her conduct is outrageous.” His words made Shen Lizhu the laughingstock of the capital’s noblewomen, forcing her to retreat to her maternal grandparents’ home in Jiangnan. Three years later, the Crown Prince is ordered to leave the capital and tour Jiangnan. Shen Liz 24.9kReads8.4Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead's aunt, who is not considered virgin, remarried the emperor, causing the crown prince to dislike her and send her to her maternal grandparents' home. Later, the crown prince was attracted to the female lead again, but his attempt to force love failed... He then married the second male lead and is currently trying to conceive. The crown prince is currently filled with regret. It is known that four men who have appeared in the story are in love with the female lead.

39. 89 靠EN Dominating the Harem by Bearing Children 靠生子称霸后宫 Wang Ziyun王梓芸Ancient Romance782k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Huameng's childhood sweetheart, the boy next door, betrayed her before their wedding. After watching him marry the daughter of a princess, she put on the bright red wedding dress she had spent two years embroidering and hanged herself. But her soul drifted through the world for twenty years after her death before she learned the truth: her childhood sweetheart had broken off their engagement after accidentally hearing that the childless emperor intended to adopt the princes 3.6kReads9.0Score455Shelves

    Reader note

    💘Palace intrigue novel! Fans of *Story of Yanxi Palace*, come check this out! This is my first book, and I'd call it a substitute!! It's super good!! It has a bit of a feel-good vibe!! It's incredible; she's acting for the emperor every day, saying things like, "Your Majesty, I love you so much! I'm the only one who loves you!" The emperor believes her without a doubt, and she's practically drooling over her acting!!

40. 90 美 The Bewitching Consort's Soft Allure Wins the Favor of the Entire Harem 美人酥软，贵妃她宠冠六宫 Li Chengyi李橙意Ancient Romance895k WordsCompleted After the pitiful Jiang Suiwan transmigrated as Imperial Consort Tong, she landed straight at the pinnacle of life. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to work hard, only to discover: 1. She was Kangxi's first cousin. 2. Her family had power over everything. 3. She could freely rub the little bald head of baby Yinzhen. 4. ...She was destined to die young. It seemed she didn't need to work hard at all. As long as she ate, drank, enjoyed herself, and managed to stay alive, she'd have everything she c 10.2kReads9.0Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are all complete, so you can read them with peace of mind without worrying about the authors stopping updating.

41. 91 综 A Comprehensive Qing Dynasty Journey: Splendid Elegance 综清穿：锦绣风华 Drunk in the Flower Fields花田醉Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted (Alternate Qing Dynasty setting + Space + System + Slow Travel Through Worlds + Strong Female Lead + Feel-Good Story) Her golden finger is seriously overpowered. She can torment anyone she likes, but never the heroine. There may not be a love interest in every world. (A quick heads-up: this is a Qing Dynasty crossover story. The heroine will transmigrate into all kinds of roles. If that's not your thing, feel free to leave. There's no need to tell the author you're dropping the story, or to stic 13.1kReads9.2Score749Shelves
42. 92 妾 The Concubine’s Allure 妾娇娆 The Little Pig Who Can't Fly不会飞的小小猪Ancient Romance352k WordsCompleted The Prince of Qi, who has always avoided women like the plague, suddenly changes completely and brings a woman home by force! He treasures her like a precious jewel and names her Baozhu. The young ladies of the capital are so furious they fall ill. A lowborn woman, just a little pretty, and she thinks she's worthy?! Once the novelty wears off, the wise and mighty Prince of Qi is sure to cast her aside. But they wait, year after year, and the lowborn beauty isn't thrown out of the Prince of Qi's 43Reads6.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Lulululululululu~ See for yourself

43. 93 清 Qing Transmigration: The Fourth Prince’s Cherished Young Concubine Rises Through the Ranks 清穿：四爷宠着的小格格一路高升 Salty Fish Qi咸鱼柒Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Complete] [Alternate Qing Dynasty + mutual devotion + heroine has a halo + lavish, exclusive pampering] The heroine’s story: After the college entrance exams, Song Xirou, who loved reading time-travel stories set in the Qing dynasty, went to sleep and transmigrated. She became a concubine of Kangxi’s fourth son, the historical Consort Mao, whose two daughters died young and who was never favored. At first, Song Xirou figured that as Aisin-Gioro Yinzhen’s first woman, she might not be loved, but 4.5kReads8.9Score342Shelves
44. 94 综 Film and TV Crossover: Starting Out as An Lingrong and Becoming a Top Grinder 综影视之从安陵容开始当卷王 Chubby White Cat白猫胖墩Female-Channel Fanfiction2.5M WordsOngoing Su Wanwan was a consummate workaholic. Just as she had achieved success, she unexpectedly died from overwork and gained a System that let her survive in TV dramas. What? She could go home once she completed her missions? Then she'd better get right to work! Mission worlds: An Lingrong in Empresses in the Palace, Wei Yanwan in Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, with the next world yet to be decided. This is a slow transmigration story, slow transmigration, slow transmigration! I'll say it three tim 28.8kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This is my new favorite book. I've only finished reading the first two worlds. In the first world, the protagonist transmigrates into An Lingrong's body. Although she has a system, she doesn't use any cheat codes; she relies entirely on her own efforts. In the second world, she transmigrates into Wei Yanwan from Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. The Qianlong Emperor is the historical Qianlong, not the scumbag emperor from Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. Moreover, neither emperor in either world has become less intelligent just because they are the male lead, and there are no idiotic plots like him disbanding his harem for the sake of the female lead.

45. 95 入 Love In The Clouds 入青云 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance498k WordsCompleted Ji Bozai thought Ming Yi was an exceptional blade. She was breathtaking and sharp, yet utterly devoted to him. He would use her to wipe out every traitor, then make her the brightest medal on his crown. A playboy king vs. a woman with a checkered past 5kReads8.9Score719Shelves
46. 96 安 An Lingrong Goes on a Rampage in Hongli's Harem 安陵容在弘历后宫杀疯了 Dizzy Circle蒙圈圈Female-Channel Fanfiction812k WordsCompleted [Fan Fiction, Palace Intrigue, Feel-Good Story with a Strong Female Lead] When she first entered the palace, she was insecure, sensitive, timid, and submissive. Anyone could trample her underfoot. Later, desperate to prove herself and stop others from looking down on her, she did whatever it took to rise to the top, winning glory for herself and her family. By then, she had become ruthless, suspicious, and numb. Her heart was exhausted, but she had no choice but to keep fighting. She, too, had c 1.4kReads9.1Score143Shelves

    Reader note

    Book 1: An Xiaoniao is reborn into Wei Yanwan's body. A max-level palace intrigue expert, she's downgraded to a beginner's village and wreaks havoc. She's got brains and avenges Yanwan. Book 2: The reborn An Lingrong has a cheat ability, but it's not significant. The logic is sound, the plot is complete, and it's a good read. [Thumbs up]

47. 97 清 Qing Transmigration: The Frail Noble Consort’s Road to Favor 清穿：病弱贵妃的荣宠路 Peach Blossom Eyes桃花眼Ancient Romance573k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the Qing dynasty, Tong Ruoxue, a woman from the apocalypse, takes the place of the original Empress Xiaoyiren and becomes Kangxi’s Imperial Noble Consort. To ensure she’ll have enough to eat and drink, she plays sweet and naive, pretending to be weak and innocent to win the emperor’s sympathy. In the end, she triumphs in the harem’s battles and enjoys a life of honor and privilege. 1.8kReads8.5Score112Shelves
48. 98 团 After Becoming the Family’s Darling, I Exposed the Villain’s Secret Identity! 团宠后我把反派大佬的马甲扒了！ Wan Duoduo万朵朵Ancient Romance944k WordsOngoing Transmigration + two formidable leads + secret identities exposed + everyone’s favorite + romantic push and pull Ruthless hostage prince x princess skilled in medicine and poison (Three Kingdoms intrigue, battles of wits, sweetness intertwined with heartbreak) Mo Qingqing: Transmigrated as the most doted-on seventh princess of Beilin, she breaks off her engagement from the start and is coveted by various factions for her status and beauty. Dugu Yunche / Xiao Yun: A hostage prince from Xiqi, cold 19.5kReads8.9Score5.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The story has a bittersweet tone, with the female lead experiencing both sweetness and heartbreak along the way. She suffers hurt but doesn't give up.

49. 99 清 Qing Transmigration: The Noble Consort Takes Down Consort De and Becomes Empress Dowager 清穿：贵妃娘娘她灭了德妃成太后 My Feelings for You卿我意Ancient Romance873k WordsCompleted [Child-rearing (not self-sacrificing; willing to go after her mother, but never schemes against children) + Harem intrigue] After transmigrating into the Qing Dynasty as Noble Consort Tongjia during the reign of Kangxi, Ruirui's first thought was to go find that poor child... Ruirui didn't like the Qing Dynasty. But if she had to choose one person in all of Great Qing, it would be the Fourth Prince, later the Yongzheng Emperor. Not because she liked him, but because she felt for him. She felt fo 14.8kReads9.4Score1.3kShelves
50. 100 陵 Lingrong Returns Before the Selection and Chooses Consort Hua as Her Ally 陵容重返大选前，先选华妃当盟友 Xi Yi西忆Female-Channel Fanfiction1.5M WordsCompleted Life is like a game of chess. Once you make a move, there’s no turning back! As An Lingrong swallowed a bitter almond, she thought this as she lay dying. But when she woke again, she found herself back in Songyang County, bound to a more-children-more-blessings System (or so it seemed). Back in the imperial harem, she remained firm in her belief: If you don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke you! 4.4kReads8.7Score427Shelves

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