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. 201 妃 A Consort's Scheme for the Emperor's Heart 妃谋帝心 Falling Ashes坠落的灰Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted With her father turning a blind eye and her stepmother throwing her weight around, Mu Li is ordered to marry an old prince as a concubine. They tell her this is her fate. Mu Li refuses to believe it. She has never believed in fate… Just then, the imperial household holds its selection of consorts. Daughters of officials of rank eight or above who are of suitable age may participate. Mu Li thinks: Since I’m to be a concubine, why not become the concubine of the most powerful person in the realm? 9.4kReads8.9Score1.1kShelves

   Reader note

   These books don't have any "romance-obsessed" elements that drag them down; they're all about "palace intrigue" that will drive the whole thing crazy! If you love "real political intrigue + suffocating palace drama," just bookmark this list and binge-read until you're satisfied!

2. 202 太 The Empress Dowager's Retirement Life 太后的退休生活 Zhou Xinhan周信含Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + female lead is the mastermind behind the scenes + no romance + plot-driven + ensemble cast] After transmigrating to the Great Jing dynasty, Su Minqing entered the palace as the empress. She worked tirelessly at palace intrigue for over a decade and finally fought her way to becoming the Empress Dowager. The only catch was that there was another Empress Dowager in the palace besides her. As the emperor’s adoptive mother, she was named the Empress Dowager of the Two Palaces. The 6.1kReads8.4Score352Shelves

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   Top 1: After more than a decade of palace intrigue, the time-traveling woman Su Minqing finally secured her position as Empress Dowager. Just then, the Emperor's mourning period ended, and a talent selection ceremony was held…

3. 203 大 A Lone Pearl in the Desert, Locked Away in the Palace 大漠独珠锁深宫 Detective Conan Little Nan名柯小nanAncient Romance310k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Household Intrigue + Female-Oriented + Ensemble Cast] Once you enter the palace gates, you're as good as lost. Your fate is no longer your own! A chieftain's only daughter, from a tribe far beyond the horizon, is sent away from home and into the imperial harem to meet the needs of the political situation. A woman raised in a military camp, born into a family of generals, willingly makes herself small for love; a supporting character finds true love; a woman who bears children 5Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a palace intrigue and domestic power struggle novel featuring an ensemble cast. The main female and male leads are a princess and an emperor, respectively. This is my first attempt at writing a palace drama; feel free to offer your feedback!

4. 204 为 To Keep the Kingdom from Falling, the Royal Family Gets Along Like the Best of Brothers 为了不亡国，皇家集体兄友弟恭 Aged Meatballs陈酿丸子Ancient Romance1.7M WordsOngoing Li Changyuan, a member of an elite special forces unit in the apocalypse, blows herself up to take down a thirteenth-level mutant wolf and preserve the last hope of humanity. She is then born into the Great Xuan Empire as the first child of the emperor and empress, Princess Changyuan. She thinks she can just lie flat and enjoy life. But at three, she awakens an ability, and at five she learns in a dream that a treacherous minister will seize control of the court and frame loyal officials, whil 3.4kReads9.2Score228Shelves
5. 205 娇 The Crown Prince's Beloved Consort: His Darling Is Sweet and Adorable 娇宠贵妃：太子的心尖宠又娇又媚 Watermelon Tangyuan西瓜汤圆Ancient Romance783k WordsOngoing (Palace intrigue. Heads-up: The heroine isn’t the emperor’s sole favorite early on, but becomes his only favorite later.) Su Yu never imagined she’d transmigrate into a book and become one of the Crown Prince’s concubines. And not just any concubine: she has the lowest rank of all. In front, favored higher-ranking consorts are constantly causing trouble. Behind her, the seemingly kind but secretly ruthless Crown Princess plots against her. The conditions for survival are truly brutal. Su Yu thin 79Reads8.6Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The first book is my absolute favorite palace intrigue novel! "The Delicate One" is a timeless masterpiece!! Even a sister who doesn't read BL (Boys' Love) followed it to the end. The only downside is that it's still being serialized! The second book is also amazing; see if it suits your taste. The third book, I think it's quite good, but some readers might feel it lacks exclusive love or isn't a double virgin story. Anyway, let's see how it goes. The fourth book, I finished it, it was so good! The fifth book, I cried after finishing it TT. When the male lead died (at the end, when he died of old age), I was truly heartbroken!!

6. 206 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 90.8kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves

   Reader note

   Palace intrigue and family feuds!!! I've already finished watching it!!! It's great, highly recommended!!!

7. 207 流 Exiled? I'll Kick You Out and Claim the Throne Myself! 流放？姑奶奶踹了你自己坐江山！ Huihui Cat茴茴猫Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + playful comedy + wish fulfillment + sweet romance] Xiao Qingcheng, a powerhouse from the apocalypse, returns to life in another body and transmigrates to ancient times, becoming the second young madam of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household. She thinks she can coast through life, but before she’s had her fill of living off her husband, an imperial decree orders the entire household executed. Fortunately, the sentence is changed to exile. Her mother-in-law is cruel, the guards abuse 24.7kReads8.9Score2.4kShelves

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   ① A must-watch for palace intrigue dramas! The delicate and humorous writing style, coupled with a funny art style, adds a touch of sunshine to the dull and gloomy palace dramas. ② A lovestruck woman who, after giving birth, is transmigrated. She regains her senses, becomes confident, brave, and proud, naturally attracting the male lead's attention. ③ Want to be a lazy bum after transmigrating? Sorry, she directly issues an edict to be executed [facepalm]. Then she'll pay taxes and expand her army. Her husband is the former crown prince? She's always had a rebellious streak, but can't keep up with her wife's rebellious pace? Well, she'll just have to rely on her wife then! [Facepalm]

8. 208 萧 Empress Xiao: Win the Emperor and Bear Him a Son 萧氏皇后：拿下皇上生皇子 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted More children, more blessings. [The fiercest rise to power through palace intrigue + Winning the emperor's heart + Having all the children in the imperial palace + Having children nonstop] Every child who survives in the end is the heroine's. After breaking all ties with Prince Ling, she enters the palace. Two years go by, and she avoids the emperor's favor, wanting only to live out her life in peace. She never expected the empress's banner to sway in her direction and choose her. Xiao Wan'er kn 302Reads8.9Score—Shelves
9. 209 王 A Concubine’s Daily Struggle to Stay Alive in the Prince’s Manor 王府侍妾的苟命日常 Panda Little Moneybags熊猫小财迷Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Intense Household Intrigue + A Touch of Ensemble Cast + Plot-Driven + Everyone Has Eight Hundred Schemes] After transmigrating into the body of a concubine in the Prince of Jing's residence, Xie Run only wants to live in peace and, ideally, reach a hundred years old. At first, everything in the prince's residence is orderly. The prince shares his favor equally, the princess consort's position is secure, and the secondary consorts and concubines know their place. Who could have guessed that ever 23.3kReads9.1Score2.3kShelves

   Reader note

   Both are palace intrigue novels. The female lead is intelligent. The first one starts as a prince's concubine and rises to become a secondary consort. It's still being updated. It features time travel and rebirth, but the author's plot is clear and not a hodgepodge of writing styles. The female lead doesn't love the male lead; it's all about self-interest with no genuine feelings. The male lead is also rational and not brainless, making it worth reading. The second one features time travel and rebirth. The female lead starts with amnesia and becomes Empress Yixiu. While collecting fragmented memories, she fights Zhen Huan, raises a concubine, and eventually becomes the Empress Dowager.

10. 210 妖 After Being Reborn, the Bewitching Consort Only Wants to Push the Tyrant to Improve Himself 妖妃重生后，只想督促暴君上进 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance420k WordsCompleted [Publication rights acquired] [Capricious, wicked, silly beauty vs. dark, obsessive-love maniac tyrant] [Palace intrigue, not a pure romance + doted on from the start + not a strong female lead + a lovesick, unstable woman and a deranged man drawn to each other] Yueli was the top courtesan at Chunfeng Pavilion. She didn't want to be sold to the demon-like general, so on the day she was to leave the brothel, she timidly tugged on the emperor's sleeve... She spent three years throwing her weight a 26.2kReads9.2Score3.1kShelves
11. 211 成 After Becoming Yixiu, I Lost My Memory 成了宜修后，我失忆了 The Waves Must Be Urged On浪必催之Female-Channel Fanfiction483k WordsCompleted She transmigrated into Empresses in the Palace and became Ula-Nara Yixiu, but within moments, she lost all of her own memories. Before they disappeared completely, she did her best to write down as much as she could. Even so, all she left behind for her amnesiac self, who believed with all her heart that she was Yixiu, was a thin little booklet with only a few lines on each page. Whenever the plot changed, she would dream about events connected to that part of the story. As the plot diverged mor 1.2kReads8.9Score101Shelves
12. 212 曹 Cao Qinmo Reborn: Slaughtering Her Way Through the Harem 曹琴默重生后杀穿后宫 Fat Cat Eats Three Bowls at a Sitting肥猫一顿吃三碗Female-Channel Fanfiction296k WordsCompleted [A Catmao Production]: Two wicked women team up + renounce love + high-IQ palace intrigue Cao Qinmo, a concubine who died in the struggle for power in the imperial harem, opened her eyes and found herself reborn. This time, she would find a good ally and protect her daughter! 75Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is the only book I've read that I found intellectually stimulating and logical. It doesn't lower your intelligence! After reading it, my head felt itchy, like I was starting to develop a brain! Especially the first book!

13. 213 说 Wasn’t He Supposed to Be Infertile? How Did the Palace Maid Have Three Babies? 说好的绝嗣呢？小宫女咋三胎了 One Little Sweet Fish一口小甜鱼Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [The heroine transmigrates, then is reborn + fertility + sign-in beauty System + palace intrigue] [The heroine is ambitious, and the male lead is a scumbag] Beauty is a kind of resource. Yun Wanning, a top makeup artist devoted to helping ordinary people look beautiful, understands this all too well. One day, she transmigrates into the body of a plain-looking palace maid. After clawing her way up, she becomes a favorite of the Emperor's beloved consort. But the consort is dull-witted and makes o 17.8kReads7.9Score1.9kShelves

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    I really love these two books! The male and female leads have such a strong sense of tension, and neither of them are virgins. There's so much sexual tension between them, I absolutely adore it! Why do you need virgins to read palace intrigue? I really don't understand!

14. 214 拒 I Refuse to Join the Rat Race. This Laid-Back Empress Just Wants to Lie Flat 拒绝内卷，咸鱼皇后她只想躺平 Moonrise月出Ancient Romance570k WordsOngoing In her previous life, Shen Chuchu fought her way through every obstacle and finally became empress dowager. But the night before she could happily settle in and enjoy her retirement in the harem, she choked to death while sneaking a bite of food at the dog emperor’s funeral. “…” Shen Chuchu opened her eyes and found herself back at the starting point. To hell with this! Emperor Xiao Ci looked back on his life and realized he had mistaken a scheming woman for his unattainable ideal, ruining hims 28Reads6.5Score—Shelves

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    The author's writing is truly superb, combining palace intrigue, sweet romance, an empress, and humor. Many characters are seamlessly integrated into the plot, and none are overlooked. I've seen many novels that draw too far ahead, forgetting many characters mid-story, resulting in a messy and dragging narrative that discourages readers. This author's writing is so engaging; once you start reading, you're eagerly anticipating the next chapter. I love it! I can't wait for the final chapter!

15. 215 娘 One Tear from the Empress, and She Acts Her Way to the Emperor's Throne 娘娘一滴泪，演到帝王送凤位 Little Peeled Egg剥壳的小蛋蛋Ancient Romance589k WordsCompleted [Story complete; easy to get around] Shen Qingfu transmigrated into a rebirth novel. The reborn heroine, Chu Can, had grown up with the crown prince, Ning Xuanli, as his childhood sweetheart. Given a second chance at life, she wanted no love, only power and riches. To become the most special person in the crown prince’s heart, she played hard to get. She had schemes, but no feelings. Shen Qingfu was nothing more than the most insignificant cannon fodder in the rebirth novel. Shen Qingfu gave a s 306Reads9.1Score—Shelves
16. 216 贵 The Alluring Imperial Consort Climbs to the Top by Winning the Emperor’s Favor 贵妃娘娘妩媚诱人，一路争宠上位 Cheng Shuang乘霜Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted [A drama-loving, cunning heroine who puts on a beautiful act × a hero who falls for all her tricks] The heroine is spoiled by his affection, and the hero keeps lowering his standards for her Shen Yue knew from childhood that she had to fight for whatever she wanted. Having watched her concubine mother bow and scrape around the household, she wanted to win a respectable place in the world for them both. As a concubine-born daughter, no high-ranking family would take her as a principal wife. If sh 2.8kReads8.8Score244Shelves
17. 217 穿 After I Transmigrated, I Became the Frail Moonlight of the Entire Imperial Harem 穿越后我成了全后宫的病弱白月光 Si Qian and Porridge司千和粥Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted Rising star Wan Lai'er transmigrates overnight and becomes Wan Jiaojiao, a palace lady who died just after entering the imperial palace of the Great Jin dynasty. With her “bounce back from the brink, refill the mana bar” skill, Wan Jiaojiao isn't afraid of a thing. As long as she's still breathing, she can't die. What?! The horse beside the Empress Dowager has bolted? Wan Jiaojiao says, “Leave it to me!” The Empress Dowager declares, “Jiaojiao saved my life. I want to see who in the harem dares 2.9kReads9.3Score421Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books are absolutely amazing!!! (They're so good you'll cry!) I absolutely love the female lead's character in the first book (she's so delicate and graceful!), And most importantly, she's incredibly smart and quick-witted—it's so good you'll scream!!! This is my top recommendation for palace intrigue novels. The second book is also great; if the female lead successfully wins over the emperor, she can return to the modern world. The best part is that she doesn't have feelings for the emperor; she only sees him as someone who lets her return home. She doesn't have any real feelings for him; it's all an act! Here's the important part: both books are still being updated. The first book's chapters are a bit short, so I suggest waiting a bit before reading the second one.

18. 218 病 The Sickly-Obsessive Noble Consort Is Sweet and Alluring, and Mercilessly Torments the Cold-Faced Emperor 病娇贵妃又娇又媚，狂虐冷面君王 Manman Out for a Stroll曼曼在漫步Ancient Romance174k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance and household intrigue]+ [Brutal revenge on scumbags]+ [Noble Consort]+ [A convincing actress]+ [Two male leads]+ [A long road to winning her back] She was born into a lowly family. Her methods of climbing the ranks were nothing special, and she had no talent for music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. All she had was a face of incomparable beauty. She thought she would spend the rest of her life quietly growing old in the palace. Unfortunately, treacherous minist 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a concubine of the lowest rank, and the male lead is the emperor. She's a skilled actress and very clear-headed; she doesn't fall in love easily and pretends to be deeply in love with the emperor. However, the emperor gradually becomes infatuated with her and eventually dotes on her exclusively. Personally, I think it's quite good and worth a try. I highly recommend it! [Note][Note]

19. 219 卿 Qing Chen's Scheme 卿宸谋 Southward, Where the Shepherd's Flute Plays南有牧笛笙Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted [Not a virginal romance, not a wish-fulfillment story. Read with caution! A story that could loosely be called an ancient Cinderella tale] [Traditional Historical Palace Intrigue]+ [Rich Plot]+ [A Mix of Sweetness and Heartbreak]+ [Slow-Burning Happy Ending] Autumn, Year Seventeen of the Nanyan era. The late emperor passed away, and his eleventh son, Xiao Yuning, ascended the throne, ushering in the Minghe era. In the third year of Minghe, the court decreed that officials of the fourth rank and 1.1kReads8.9Score120Shelves

    Reader note

    These books are all so good, I've read them three times!!!

20. 220 绝 The Peerless Princesses: Past and Present 绝代双妃之前世今生 Jiuyou Xiandi九瑶仙蒂Ancient Romance579k WordsOngoing [Two transmigrated souls + two strong heroines + satisfying revenge + ensemble cast + face-slapping + sweet romance] After transmigrating into another body, Situ Yue becomes the ugly, foolish legitimate daughter of a general's household. There she meets Murong Xin, another transmigrator, and the two become sworn sisters. The sickly Second Prince, the rakish and carefree Third Prince, and the Supreme Martial Emperor Yan... All kinds of characters make their entrances, while the threads of fate qu 49Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    You've definitely never read this time-travel, palace intrigue, or ancient Chinese romance novel before! The female protagonist transmigrates into the body of an ugly and foolish legitimate daughter, and simultaneously discovers another transmigrator. Why did she transmigrate to this world? What is the connection between this world and Earth? Everything is a mystery… The female protagonist isn't a saint, the plot is fast-paced, and despite the author being a newcomer, the story is excellent, the writing is delicate, and you'll regret it for a lifetime if you don't read it!!

21. 221 锦 The Tale of Consort Jin: Put Down Your Blade, Your Majesty, I Can Still Kill 锦妃传：皇上刀放下，本宫还能杀 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she trusted the empress and helped her eliminate her enemies, only to be cast aside once she was no longer useful. In this life, she’ll hold on to the emperor and topple the empress. Consort? Noble Consort? If she’s going to be anything, she’ll be empress. Your Majesty, here I come! 141Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These books are all really good. The last one features a palace maid who is truly remarkable, climbing step by step to a high position.

22. 222 宠 The Beloved Consort’s Guide to Turning Her Life Around 宠妃翻身宝典 Fine Dust Beneath the Moon月下微尘Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted In her previous life, Wu Anning was respectful and obedient toward the primary consort, and treated Niohuru like a sister, trusting her with everything. She believed she had a clear conscience and had wronged no one, yet she ended up childless for life, losing all affection and spending her days in misery. As she lay dying, Wu Anning summed up the cause of her tragedy: she had trusted others too easily and failed to guard against them, losing everything as a result. Reborn, Wu Anning told hersel 228Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The later parts feature the male lead's exclusive affection; in the fifth book, the female lead is very clear-headed and doesn't fall in love with the male lead.

23. 223 陛 Your Majesty, That's Enough! 陛下请适可而止吧！ Ya Fei Li Ou亚菲莉欧Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted A birthday banquet for the Empress Dowager. A cup of wine meant for lovers, drunk by mistake. When the emperor dragged Lu Zhixue into a private room, she thought it was a disaster that had come out of nowhere. Beneath his dragon robes, his fingertips burned. His kiss was poison, and he branded her neck with a mark of humiliation. “Since you’re my concubine, helping me sober up is your duty.” She hurt so badly that she clawed his back raw, her tears soaking the brocade quilt. Little did she kn 1.7kReads8.6Score124Shelves
24. 224 出 The Night I Left the Palace, the Mad Emperor Took Me by Force 出宫当晚，被疯批帝王强取豪夺 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 26kReads9.2Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Super captivating palace intrigue novels! Not featuring a clean break! ① Spoiled yet charming concubine x Gentle yet cunning emperor! Exclusive favor from the start! ② Scheming and ruthless beauty x Emperor who gradually falls for her! Forced possession! Exclusive favor from the start! ③ Weak and helpless palace maid x Cold and obsessive emperor! Forced possession!

25. 225 贵 Is the Noble Consort the Most Favored in the Harem Today? 贵妃今天宠冠后宫了嘛 Yu Liang鱼梁Ancient Romance629k WordsCompleted [The Noble Consort is the reborn empress. Liang Jiayi = Zhou Jinghe. A clever, brave, strong-willed little troublemaker × a diligent, virtuous, wise, and benevolent ruler] Rumor had it that the newly arrived Noble Consort was the empress’s double. The Noble Consort had never put up with such an insult in her life, so she turned around and raised hell in the entire harem. The concubines competed for the emperor’s favor? She drove them out of the palace. The Empress Dowager made things difficult f 442Reads9.2Score102Shelves
26. 226 徽 A Star Stirs in Huiran 徽然星动 Rolling Kitty猫咪滚滚Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Sweet Romance + Beloved by All + Multiple Couples + Completed] Yu Youran transmigrates by accident into the legitimate daughter of a general’s household, and from the start, she marries the Southern Pacification General to whom she was betrothed as a child. Armed with a chip as her cheat, along with high emotional and intellectual intelligence, she begins her journey in another world, making all kinds of discoveries and inventions! She does business, fights wars, establishes sc 13Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist transmigrates to ancient times, and the story is a sweet romance between her and a general. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the female protagonist has a knowledge chip in her brain. This sweet and romantic ancient romance novel is incredibly good and highly recommended!

27. 227 我 I’m Sweet and Well-Behaved, So Why Am I the Harem’s Only Favorite? 我又乖又美，独宠后宫怎么了？ Yi Jiu Lu宜久录Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Harem + No Angst] A lively, stunning beauty + a devastatingly handsome, love-struck good emperor. (He’s love-struck but knows right from wrong) (No cutthroat palace intrigue) (Not a devoted couple) (Fast-paced) (Heroine’s halo) Ji Wanqing transmigrates into the harem of the Emperor of Yan and becomes a low-ranking concubine. The moment she arrives, the arrogant Consort slaps her. The Consort is bad enough, and the Empress is no better, using her to stoke the Consort’s anger. Wit 4.1kReads9.2Score450Shelves
28. 228 本 I'm Not to Be Trifled With 本宫不好惹 Pear Blossoms in Misty Rain梨花烟雨Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Ning Xiyue’s guide to surviving in the imperial harem: First, don’t fear shame. Second, don’t fear death. Have thick skin and a ruthless streak. Be magnanimous, but always repay a grudge... Of course, is this a survival guide or a guide to getting yourself killed? That depends on whether you can win over His Majesty the Emperor. 609Reads8.8Score—Shelves
29. 229 娘 The Consort Leaps Up to Become a Powerbroker 娘娘翻身一跃成为上位者 AI Good-for-Nothing in LoveAI爱情废柴Ancient Romance64k WordsOngoing Su Ning Er, a modern professor of politics, picked up a novel to read in her spare time. Who could have guessed that she would transmigrate one day? “It’s finally my turn to transmigrate! I’m going to make the most of it!” If the emperor was incompetent and kept killing loyal ministers, then why not become emperor herself and save the common people? For fun and wild imagination, so don’t take it seriously. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Do you believe in reincarnation? Watch how the female protagonist transmigrates to ancient times and thrives. This is a transmigration novel about ascending to the throne; it's incredibly captivating. The female protagonist is intelligent, ruthlessly conquering enemies, and not obsessed with romance.

30. 230 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Delicate, and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Falls for Her at First Sight 娘娘娇娇媚，冷戾帝王一见倾心 The Star Among the Stars in the Sky天上星星的星星Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue and revenge, a slow-burn, slow-payoff story + stunning heroine + exceptionally clearheaded heroine with an unwavering goal] [The hero always favors the heroine + dotes on her exclusively in the middle + disbands his harem later] After Shen Qingtang’s aunt is schemed against and killed by Madam Shen, her goal becomes perfectly clear: she will enter the palace, become the most honored woman in the land, and make everyone who plotted against her aunt pay. She is also perfectly clea 4.9kReads9.1Score533Shelves
31. 231 皇 Your Majesty, Behave. You Can't Escape My Grasp 皇后，乖，你逃不出朕的五指山 Crystalline Salt结晶盐Ancient Romance212k WordsCompleted One is an emperor who climbed to the throne over mountains of corpses, the other the legitimate daughter of a powerful military governor. After their wedding, they treat each other with courtesy and join forces to command the court and the harem. Xiao Cen thought he'd married an empress as lovely as a flower and shrewd beneath her beauty. Then he discovered that, while she was gentle and obedient in public, behind closed doors she dared to use forbidden drugs. He let his guard down for just a mo 2.5kReads9.0Score209Shelves
32. 232 毒 A Sharp-Tongued Heir and His Timid Canary 毒舌太子爷配软弱可欺金丝雀 Zhi Mule知慕乐Ancient Romance357k WordsOngoing Just after transmigrating, she was spotted by human traffickers, who threw a sack over her and carried her off. By the time she came to her senses, she had already been sold as a maid for two taels of silver. In this unfamiliar place, she was constantly given a hard time, and an unexpected turn of events forced her to become a kept woman. There was no way to run, so she could only pretend to please him. On the surface, she cooed, “My lord~ I’m all out of spending money.” In secret, she stayed up —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    She pretends to be weak and incompetent in front of others, but in reality, she is a shrewd and meticulous woman. This duality in her personality not only adds to the story's intrigue but also makes readers resonate more deeply with Su Yinyin.

33. 233 娇 The Sweetheart Deliberately Seduces the Cold Emperor, and He Falls for Her 娇娇蓄意勾引，清冷帝王沦陷了 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance651k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + push and pull + seduction and rising to power + falling deeper at every step + devotion to one woman in the later story Loving her and knowing it + a man in power bowing his head for love * The short drama is out now. Search for “The Sweetheart Deliberately Seduces Him, and the Cold Emperor Falls” on Fanqie or Hongguo to watch the full series. * Pei Tingyue transmigrated into a book. She became a disposable consort in The Palace in Power. In the original story, she was simple-m 38.3kReads9.3Score4.4kShelves
34. 234 穿 After Transmigrating Into a Book, the Frail Empress Became the Emperor's Cherished One 穿书后，娇弱皇后成了皇帝心尖宠 Zhu Qing渚清Ancient Romance299k WordsCompleted Tags: domineering, devoted simp emperor × sweet, gentle empress [Double purity + fictional setting + forced marriage + not a strong heroine + pure sweetness] Ling Jiayi was an obedient college student in the modern world, with a loving, caring family. She'd never weathered any great storms. Gentle and soft-spoken, with a sweet face, she liked reading novels and daydreaming in her spare time. One day, while lying in bed and engrossed in a novel called The Emperor Is a Simp, a flash of light from 1.1kReads8.4Score101Shelves
35. 235 琬 The Tale of Wanyan 琬琰传 A Beloved Like Dusk良人如晦Ancient Romance109k WordsOngoing During the Qing dynasty, in the reign of the Qianlong Emperor, Yehenara Wanyan was already the wife of Fucha Fuheng when, through a twist of fate, Qianlong forcibly brought her into the palace. She was first made Lady Qiongyan, then exchanged identities with her own younger sister, Yehenara Wanxuan, and became Consort Shu. She held her own alongside the Wei woman, an old acquaintance who had been close to Wanxuan, sharing the palace’s favor with her without ever turning against her. The other co —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Slow-paced yet intriguing, the female protagonist's self-awareness and resistance to feudalism gradually rise and mature after entering the palace. Although there are many palace intrigue scenes, there is no female rivalry, and there is a humanistic aesthetic and satisfying moments.

36. 236 金 The Golden Palace Locks Away the Spring Breeze 金阙锁春风 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance757k WordsCompleted Her entire family perished, she was left dependent on others, the dynasty fell, and she married and divorced. In just eighteen years, Yu Zheng has endured things most people never face in a lifetime. A noblewoman of the former dynasty, all she wants now is to stay alive. She plans to enter the palace as a maid, then use her literacy to earn a post as a court official and support herself. She never imagined that the new emperor would send her to the Fourth Prince’s residence as a gesture of goodw 21.6kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The clear-headed female protagonist rises from a concubine in a prince's palace to Empress, and then to Regent Empress Dowager, single-mindedly pursuing her political ambitions and prioritizing her career.

37. 237 重 Reborn, the Noble Consort Only Wants to Be the Villain 重生后贵妃她只想当反派 Love Sleeping In爱睡懒觉Ancient Romance351k WordsCompleted [Mutual devotion + sweet romance + no angst] After being reborn, Ye Jiujiu takes her brash, don’t-mess-with-me attitude to the extreme: She kicks the meticulously dressed Consort Li into the water; She slips laxatives into the tea of the coquettish Consort Yun; She wreaks havoc at the flower-viewing banquet the Empress painstakingly prepared; The consorts all rush to the emperor to complain: The cool, dignified emperor says, “I established this harem solely to give the Noble Consort something to 3.6kReads9.1Score352Shelves
38. 238 穿 Transmigrating into Empresses in the Palace: The Darkened Consort Hua Is Wild and Daring 穿越甄嬛传：黑化华妃又野又飒 Su Hanzhou苏寒舟Female-Channel Fanfiction775k WordsCompleted [Multiple characters know the plot + schemes to control the whole game + the emperor favors her alone in the later stages + clear-headed heroine with her wits about her] Consort Hua, Nian Shilan, had her powerful family backing her and was the emperor’s favorite among the six palaces. She could have dominated the harem and won it all, but her foolish obsession with love drove her to fight for favor and make enemies at every turn, ultimately costing her life. Her final words, “Your Majesty, you m 1.1kReads8.9Score116Shelves

    Reader note

    You MUST read the first two books! You MUST read the first two books!!! You MUST read the first two books!!!

39. 239 皇 The Heartless Empress 皇后薄情 You Zhi Yu尤知遇Ancient Romance467k WordsCompleted [Ruthless Empress VS Cold-Blooded Prince] [Palace intrigue + power plays] She is the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, skilled at riding and archery, well versed in strategy, and every bit as bold and valiant as any man. Then, in a single night, everything changes. The Duke of Zhenguo’s household falls into decline, and she becomes empress. In public, she is a virtuous empress, renowned for her grace and dignity; in private, she plots every detail of her revenge, rut 959Reads9.1Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all good, very engaging palace intrigue novels. The author's writing is excellent, making them a pleasure to read.

40. 240 上 Spring Affairs in the Capital 上京春事 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Ning Chaoyang rises to become a fourth-rank female official, yet still can’t escape the fate of being traded into a political marriage. She decides to take in a lover to fight back. He must be lowborn, handsome, and preferably too frail to look after himself. She glances to the side and spots a charming young doctor in white. 5.8kReads9.3Score900Shelves

    Reader note

    A true tale of palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, beautifully written. Worth reading carefully.

41. 241 主 The Mistress's Daily Life 主母日常 Zhou Dabai周大白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [An Aristocratic Lady Tears Apart a Transmigrator + Reborn + An Idyllic, Leisurely Life as the Mistress of an Ancient Estate] Lu Lingjun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, were both reborn. In their previous lives, Lu Lingjun married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her younger sister married the heir to a marquis’s estate. Everyone said her sister had made the better match. But who could have guessed that Lu Lingjun’s husband would become the prime minister and sec 23.8kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    [A noblewoman's struggle against a time-traveling woman + Rebirth + A leisurely, antique-style matriarch's daily life] Lu Lingyun, who had enjoyed a life of glory, opened her eyes again to find herself back at sixteen, just as she was about to be engaged. Her younger sister had snatched her potential lover, giving up the position of wife to the Marquis's heir to Lu Lingyun. Lu Lingyun smiled faintly at this.

42. 242 丫 The Maid 丫鬟 The Tiger Is Ready to Roar老虎要发威Ancient Romance181k WordsCompleted !!! The heroine is an ordinary person. Although she transmigrates, she has no special abilities of any kind!!! Please bear in mind the differences between social classes in ancient times. Don't assume that a transmigrated heroine means this is a wish-fulfillment story. This is a tragic romance!!! [Tragedy warning, read with caution. The male lead really is cold and heartless. A warning for a deranged male lead!] He is the master, and you are a servant. Your stations in life are worlds apart. Wha 660Reads6.4Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book fits the requirements perfectly. Synopsis: The female protagonist transmigrates, dislikes the male protagonist, and focuses solely on her career. I personally think it's a bit like *Empresses in the Palace*. Main character relationship: Few people truly love the emperor. Genre: Ancient Chinese.

43. 243 催 Urging the Empress to Have a Baby: The Female Lead Is an AI 催生皇后，当女主是个AI Go Eat a Giant Watermelon去你个大西瓜Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [AI Empress] [Ridiculous palace intrigue] [All about raising kids] “Empress Ai.” “I... am... here...” The woman's voice is stiff, each word spoken separately. An AI from the year 3026, seeking to prevent humanity from dying out, travels through a parallel timeline to... The year 1132, when human reproduction is at its peak, during the Great Ming Dynasty, known as the “Golden Age of the Great Ming.” She becomes Empress Ai of the Great Ming. The little AI's mission is simple: get people to have ch 426Reads9.1Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    Just look at how long I've read these books, and you'll know how good they are.

44. 244 将 The General's Legitimate Daughter: The Hot-Tempered Consort Is Not to Be Trifled With 将门嫡女：暴脾气贵妃不好惹 Lu Yueerwu陆月二五Ancient Romance936k WordsCompleted [Devoted Love in the Later Story + Adorable Baby + Powerful Hero and Heroine + Beloved Legitimate Daughter] [Hopelessly Devoted Foolish Emperor + Clear-Headed, Self-Controlled, Clever Noble Consort] Once you enter the palace, it’s as deep as the sea. Yu Jinghe is the most clear-eyed woman in the world. Noble Consort Yue, the most stylish woman in the harem, wins the emperor’s favor all to herself with her fiery temper. Sharp-tongued and quick to throw a punch, she’s practically the harem’s gangs 3.3kReads9.2Score278Shelves
45. 245 炮 Book Transmigration: The Delicate Cannon-Fodder Supporting Character Is Too Pitiful 炮灰女配她娇软堪怜【穿书】 Spring Waters Stretch a Thousand Miles春水千里Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, delicate little star, adored by everyone, men competing in a battlefield of love] Hua Wu transmigrates! The good news: she’s transmigrated into a historical romance about a Mary Sue heroine adored by everyone. The heroine is born with an irresistible allure, and any man who sleeps with her becomes unable to leave her. She gathers a scheming prince, a bold general, an obsessive imperial tutor, a cold, aloof miracle doctor, a mysterious state preceptor, and many more 5.9kReads8.8Score653Shelves

    Reader note

    A seemingly delicate but actually scheming and manipulative female celebrity transmigrates into a novel with the power of a "Begonia Flower Fairy." She can return to the modern world by absorbing dragon energy, starting with a palace intrigue during a talent show, a path fraught with danger at every turn! She faces a series of rivals: a usurping heiress, a seductive and alluring concubine, an arrogant and jealous imperial concubine, and the cunning Yao Shuyi…

46. 246 吃 The Foodie Empress: The Imperial Kitchen Never Closes 吃货皇后：御膳不打烊 Traces of the Past旧时微末Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she was appointed a princess, married into the royal family, entered the imperial court, and reached the pinnacle of success, only to starve to death in the end. Reborn, she resolves to keep a low profile and live for food, but fate has other plans. There are schemes in the inner palace, and an emperor with an unusual appetite. At least the Imperial Kitchen’s delicacies can comfort her fragile heart. “Your Majesty, Her Highness has been poisoned again.” “…” He originally m 71Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    All are completed, not all are virgins, and both the male and female leads are intelligent. I especially recommend the third book, it's incredibly good. I'm currently reading the first one, it's a bit different from the others, don't be fooled by the titles, you might not understand it without a bit of intelligence (like me). The others are also good... (Too lazy to type more). Enjoy them for yourself!

47. 247 风 The Mirror of Splendor 风华鉴 Xiao Yun晓云Ancient Romance4.4M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the short drama of the same name] In her previous life, Wen Wan was too muddleheaded to understand much. Xiao Chen stood by her for half his life, yet all she knew was that the man was called Xiao Chen. This time around, she wanted to live with her eyes open, but Xiao Chen was the one who had become muddleheaded. Wen Wan: “It’s all right, Xiao Chen. I’m here.” Xiao Chen: “Please step aside, miss.” The person Xiao Chen least wants to see in this life is Wen Wan. He coul 2.1kReads8.8Score271Shelves
48. 248 丫 Maidens as Numerous as Clouds 丫鬟如云 Eight Plus Nine八加九Ancient Romance70k WordsCompleted [A doting husband + a light, sweet romance] Ruyun was Qi Wenyuan's personal maid. She never expected the young master to fall for her. Ruyun became his bedchamber maid, then his concubine. He doted on her through it all! On his wedding night, Qi Wenyuan left his new bride alone so he could be with Ruyun, which made the young madam hate her... 136Reads8.1Score—Shelves
49. 249 疯 Mad Empress: I’ll Be the Harem’s Number One White Lotus 疯批皇后，争做后宫第一白莲花 Luo Zhi洛枝Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Transmigration into a fictional setting + highly intelligent heroine in palace intrigue + face-slapping + a volatile, multifaceted personality + not a clean romance] Lin Junxue transmigrated to the Xie Dynasty, an era that had never existed in history, and ended up as an unloved empress who had no idea how she died. She’d thought she was a powerless, unloved empress, but it turned out the original owner’s father was a first-rank military marquis, a loyal servant of the court for three generatio 23.3kReads9.1Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist transmigrates into the body of an unfavored empress. The original owner's father was a first-rank military marquis, her brother a young general, and she had a sister-in-law with unimaginable wealth. The female protagonist doesn't understand why the original owner could squander such a favorable situation—it turns out it was all because of her damned love-struck brain! Watch how the female protagonist, like a cunning green tea, secures her position as empress! In this book, the emperor is genuinely suspicious and not easy to win over. The female protagonist faces the emperor's tests at every step, which is truly impressive! She won't fall in love with that scoundrel emperor!

50. 250 王 The King's Woman 王的女人 The Walking Lychee行走的荔枝Ancient Romance646k WordsCompleted A consort who doesn't want to monopolize the emperor's favor is no good consort at all! My goal is to charge down the path to winning all his affection and ruling the Six Palaces! At least three chapters a day. A jade pendant donation earns one extra chapter; a crown earns ten! 175Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Well, I've recommended these a few times before, but I haven't seen any better palace intrigue novels lately. These are all about clear-headedness, deep scheming, and elaborate plots. Most importantly, they're all finished! Finished! Finished! I'm so envious of you guys. I followed them when they were still being serialized, and now you can binge-read them all at once [crying][crying]. Some of them have female leads who kill the emperor and become empress dowagers. You can look them up.

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