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. 301 娘 The Imperial Consort Exudes an Enchanting Fragrance, and the Emperor Spoils Her Every Day 娘娘自带暖情香，皇上日日娇宠 Zhi Xiaoyuan知小元Ancient Romance391k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue only, not a faithful couple + favored exclusively in the later chapters + clearheaded heroine] Yun Shu, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue, is beautiful, but unfortunately falls for a kept man. She helps him climb the ranks, only for him to have an affair with her cousin Yun Rou'er and get her pregnant! Reborn, Yun Shu resolutely enters the palace. She will rise to the highest throne! Win favor! Bear children! Seize the throne! Take revenge! She wants 158Reads8.4Score—Shelves
2. 302 综 Film and TV Crossover: Empresses in the Palace: The Gentle Poisonous Woman 综影视甄嬛传：温柔毒妇 Sweet Candy卿卿奶糖Female-Channel Fanfiction598k WordsOngoing Transmigration + System golden finger + palace and household intrigue + childbirth A fanfiction based on the TV drama Empresses in the Palace. 1. Zhen’s Mother (transmigrates to before she was married) (Completed) 2. An Lingrong (A Poisonous Woman Never Walks Alone) (Completed) 3. Nian Shilan (Kangxi’s Beloved Empress of a Hundred Years) (Completed) 4. Shen Meizhuang (No One Makes It Out Alive) 5. Ying Noble Lady (A Game That Could Get Your Entire Clan Executed) 6. Huanbi (Endless Green Lotus Le 2.7kReads8.6Score117Shelves
3. 303 帝 The Emperor’s Sole Favorite: The Empress Falls for Him 帝王独宠：皇后娘娘沦陷了 Mu Yunyi慕韫意Ancient Romance535k WordsCompleted [Imperial Couple + The Empress Is the Emperor’s Sole Favorite from the Moment She Enters the Palace] Xie Zhaoyan was born into the distinguished Chenjun Xie clan. Her grandfather, Xie Jie, was a Left General, while her maternal grandfather, Wang Guang, came from the Langya Wang clan, held the title of Grand Marshal and General-in-Chief, and commanded the army. Xie Zhaoyan should have been the most exalted young woman in the capital. But when the late emperor was choosing an heir, Xie Jie and Wan 2.9kReads8.4Score315Shelves
4. 304 疯 She’s Gone Mad! The Deposed Empress Raises a Child in the Cold Palace and Plots a Rebellion 疯了！废后她冷宫养崽要造反 When Clouds Warm, Flowers Bloom云暖花开Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted Blurb: [A devoted one-to-one romance] + [raising children] + [medical skills] + [powerful leads] In her previous life, she loved too deeply and died in the Cold Palace. After transmigrating through several lifetimes, she is reborn. The moment she wakes... “Your Highness, it's a pair of twins, a boy and a girl! At last, you have a chance to rise above your station. This old servant will go tell His Majesty right away!” Leave the Cold Palace? Ning Yizhen's eyes turn icy. She's a brilliant all-roun 6.4kReads9.3Score1.1kShelves

   Reader note

   I'm currently reading a rebirth novel. The protagonist gives birth in the cold palace and starts cultivating a child. The emperor's pursuit of his wife is a dramatic and heart-wrenching ordeal. The writing is quite good.

5. 305 撩 After Flirting with the Emperor, the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 撩拨皇帝后，贵妃她不想负责 Butterflies Dance into Tragedy蝶舞成殇Ancient Romance607k WordsCompleted Household intrigue in the beginning, palace intrigue later. Bai Zhi was the legitimate daughter of the prime minister. Though born to the prime minister's household, her mother died young and her father remarried. He doted on her younger sister, while Bai Zhi spent sixteen years unloved by her father and mother. Then an imperial decree came: the emperor had chosen her to be Prince Ying's concubine. Later, Prince Ying ascended the throne. "Your Majesty, this is terrible! Consort Xian slapped Lady 1.1kReads7.4Score120Shelves
6. 306 皇 Your Majesty, I Think Your Palace Maid Is Cursing You Again 皇上，你家宫女好像又在骂你 Six Yuan六元钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The irresistible appeal of what you once rejected + powerful men bowing their heads + a double-standard male lead + raising her before a story of power and statecraft + romantic push and pull + he truly doesn’t love her at first, but gives his all once he does] Su Nanchu is unruly. Shen Jingzhi has always known that. But life in the palace is dull, and he doesn’t mind having a little plaything who can kick and scream. She becomes his daily amusement: reading memorials, practicing calligraphy, a 11kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   The female protagonist transmigrates into a book as a palace maid, and the male protagonist gradually elevates her to the position of Empress. She is mentored by the male protagonist and bears his shadow in her. This is not a virgin story; please do not read if you mind this. The male protagonist becomes a virgin after falling in love with the female protagonist. It's really good, everyone! I used to only read virgin stories, but this one is truly excellent.

7. 307 清 Qing Dynasty Crown Princess: I Swapped Bodies with the Deposed Crown Prince 清穿太子妃：和废太子互换身体 Endless Journey迢迢不休Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The male and female leads swap souls + Alternate Qing Dynasty] Reader’s guide: If you like a mature heroine, start from the chapters charting her growth! A heroine who grows over time! She’s not a strong heroine at the start, but she’ll grow! Please be patient with her! Shi Jingxian transmigrates to the Qing dynasty. She isn’t Fourth Brother’s beloved from a romance novel, nor Kangxi’s cherished darling, nor a spoiled, pampered wife of an idle prince. She is the Crown Princess of the Crown Prin 4.1kReads9.3Score498Shelves

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   A time-traveling palace intrigue and domestic power struggle + soul swap + political intrigue and the struggle for the throne + the Nine Princes' Succession + Qing Dynasty. According to history, the Fourth Prince Yinzhen successfully ascended the throne, but Shi Jingxian time-traveled and kicked the Crown Prince Yinreng unconscious on their wedding night, resulting in a soul swap. Shi Jingxian went to court under pressure, accompanied the emperor, experienced the emperor's doubts, and a series of assassination attempts. In order to gain the emperor's trust, she first acted coquettishly and pitifully, and then she was cunning. Originally, Shi Jingxian only wanted to be a leisurely prince, but she could not resist the cruelty of the times and was swept forward.

8. 308 摄 Regent, Even a Secret Identity Can't Save You from My Clutches 摄政王，换马甲也难逃哀家手掌心 Werewolf Game Bad Pen狼人杀烂笔头Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted Also known as: “Empress Dowager, Your Ex-Husband-Wins-You-Back Arc Has Arrived” “Behind the Mask: Prince Regent, I Was Wrong” “After I Let Go, the Prince Regent Became the One I Could Never Hope to Reach” [Political Intrigue + A Blend of Sweetness and Angst + Power Couple Clash + Faking His Death to Escape + Wife Wins Her Husband Back + Devoted Couple, Devoted Couple, Devoted Couple!] Xue Wenlin, Prince Regent of Xijing, is dead. He was struck in the heart by a hidden arrow while saving that wom 365Reads8.2Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The male and female protagonists, who had both retired from public life, reunite in a small town. Their struggle against the villains is also their path to reconciliation. The entire cast is intelligent, the logic is consistent, and it's definitely worth watching.

9. 309 惊 Shock! Reborn on the Eve of My Family's Execution, I Say Let's Rebel 惊！重生回满门抄斩前夜，造反吧 Yi Yangcheng衣漾澄Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + feel-good story with a powerful heroine + family and country + political intrigue] A cool-headed, cunning heroine who plans several moves ahead + a brilliant, devoted yet restrained male lead who serves as a high-ranking official at the Court of Judicial Review In her previous life, the entire Ning family, loyal to the throne for generations, was slaughtered. To avenge them, Ning Zhiwei led an army of a hundred thousand to marry Su Mingjin, helping him with all her might as he rebelle 27.5kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

   Reader note

   The female lead defeats the male lead; the reborn female lead is resourceful.

10. 310 忠 The Tale of Zhonghu: Mortals Do Not Cultivate Immortality 忠虎传：凡人不修仙 Fine Trees in the South南方有佳木Historical729k WordsOngoing [Yang Zhong]: An orphan, the founding ancestor of the Sui dynasty [Li Hu]: A hooligan, the founding ancestor of the Tang dynasty These two men defied fate and rose from humble beginnings! They ended the 200-year standoff between the Northern and Southern Dynasties and ushered in the golden age of the Sui and Tang! Political schemes! Harem intrigue! Four emperors, eight pillars of state, and twelve great generals take turns appearing on the stage! Buddhism came from the west and flourished in Luo —Reads7.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book, combining political intrigue, history, fantasy, and multiple protagonists, helped me understand history and showed me that so many historical figures existed. It's truly amazing, and you definitely won't regret reading it; you'll want to read it again and again.

11. 311 贵 The Imperial Consort Is Ravishingly Beautiful, but All She Wants Is Power and Wealth 贵妃千娇百媚，只求权势富贵 Fujiwara Tofu藤原豆腐Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A mad, obsessive emperor with jealousy to spare x a consort who has renounced love and walled off her heart] [One-on-one romance + both reborn + devoted to each other in body and heart, in both lives] One-line summary: A story about an emperor who lost the love of his life, and how he slowly teaches the woman he loves to understand love, jealousy, anger, and longing. As the eldest son born to the empress, Qi Junyi was born to privilege. He seized power in his youth, was named crown princ 11.1kReads8.1Score683Shelves
12. 312 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Zhen Huan Reborn, Returning to the Harem 甄嬛传甄嬛重生之再入后宫 The Gu Family's Eldest Miss顾家大小姐Female-Channel Fanfiction1.3M WordsCompleted [Reborn + palace intrigue + Empresses in the Palace + no lovestruck heroine + no scheming against An Lingrong + changing Consort Hua's fate + perfect ending] In her later years, Zhen Huan would often look back on the past and feel endless regret. In the middle of the night, whenever she dreamed, the emperor's face and voice would appear before her. Only then did she realize that the person she loved had never changed. The deaths of Shen Meizhuang, Liuzhu, and Huanbi were wounds she could never c 3.1kReads8.8Score226Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book tells the story of the female protagonist, Fu Qingzhi, who is forced to separate from her lover and enters the palace, getting caught up in palace intrigue. The second book tells the story of Zhen Huan's rebirth and rekindling her romance with the emperor. Both are very good, especially the first book.

13. 313 仪 Splendid Ceremony: The Su Family Heiress Rises Step by Step in the Imperial Palace 仪华万千：苏氏千金深宫步步高升 May No One in This World Grow Gray不许人间尽白头Ancient Romance268k WordsCompleted [Dual happy and bad endings] [Palace intrigue] [Not a pure romance] [Clear-headed heroine] Also known as: Beneath the Inner Palace: A Favored Consort's Step-by-Step Plot to Win the Emperor's Heart According to popular gossip, the Su family's daughter had bright eyes and pearly teeth, a face like a peach blossom, and was known as the most talented woman in the capital. She entered the palace in the first year of the selection. From the moment she arrived, Mingyi understood that she would spend th 119Reads7.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book was really good, but it's not finished. Synopsis: The male lead falls in love with the female lead at first sight. Later, the female lead enters the palace for her family, using her wits and courage to fight against the women and resolve crises. Note: (The female lead is clear-headed, has clear goals, and isn't a saint; the male lead isn't virgin; the female lead is reborn and has good sisters.) The second book's synopsis: It's a female-centric novel where the female lead is reborn, kicks out scumbags, tears apart scheming women, and even gets together with a double-agent bodyguard. It's not finished, but the writing is good, the logic is clear, and there are no ambiguities. The third book's synopsis: It's about a modern woman who unfortunately transmigrates to that dynasty and must bear a certain number of children for the emperor to return home. The emperor goes from being interested in the female lead to using her as a substitute, and eventually falls in love with her. Note: The female lead has a cheat system and a shopping mall.

14. 314 重 Reborn Empress Opens Her Eyes, Torments Her Scum Husband and Seizes the Empire 重生皇后一睁眼，虐死渣夫夺江山 Phoenix Rules the Land凤点江山Ancient Romance523k WordsCompleted A power-hungry, unhinged empress takes on the world vs. her fiercely loyal shadow guard / strong heroine + unhinged female lead + satisfying read + villains get humiliated throughout + devoted guard In her previous life, she died pregnant, full of hatred. In this life, she has sworn off love and wants only power. The puppet emperor is nothing but a stepping stone. Her maternal grandfather is the chancellor, her uncle is a general, and her brother commands the Imperial Guard. With such powerful c 5.8kReads9.1Score564Shelves
15. 315 笑 Laugh at Her Divorce? After She Marries the Emperor, You'll All Kneel Before Her 笑她和离？改嫁帝王后都给她跪下 Guest from the Immortal Realm仙中客Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The heir of the Duke of Qingguo doted on his concubine and neglected his wife. The emperor felt sorry for the man’s wife and brought her into the palace to look after her. The result was the birth of several little princes and princesses. Full synopsis: Yun Qing’s father commanded a powerful army. Several princes wanted to marry her to gain control of his troops, which aroused the emperor’s suspicions. To protect both her and the Yun family army, her father had no choice but to petition the empe 13.8kReads9.0Score2.1kShelves
16. 316 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 165.6kReads9.6Score23.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These ancient Chinese poems are all wonderful; they're all gems on my bookshelf. [Sending heart emoji]

17. 317 你 Didn't You Say She Was Old and Out of Favor? 你不是说她年纪大，不得宠吗？ I'm Xingxing Da我是星星大Ancient Romance590k WordsCompleted [Palace and household intrigue + raising children + food + everyday life + not chaste, but doted on] Su Tang transmigrated into the body of a concubine of Xiao Jingrong, Heir of the Prince of Zhaonan, with a two-year-old toddler in tow. The original owner had let herself go, behaved crudely, and was even older than the heir. He had long since forgotten her, leaving her to languish in a corner. Su Tang figured that was just fine. She wouldn’t compete for his favor or make the first move. But then 19.7kReads8.8Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    I love palace intrigue! They're all super good, and the ratings are high. Trust my judgment, sisters! [Kiss][Kiss][Attention]

18. 318 重 Reborn: The Nobody's Rise 重生之小透明逆袭 Lemon Yi Ning柠檬一柠Ancient Romance204k WordsOngoing “Ugh, what a bad omen. Hurry up and carry this corpse away and dump it! It’s filthy.” That was the last thing Chi Qiyue heard before she breathed her last. She had no idea who said it. She had been drifting in and out of consciousness, barely alive, for nearly half a month. She was still in the bloom of youth and had gained nothing from life. She had failed as a maid and failed as a concubine. If she could start over, maybe she wouldn’t be so unlucky. Perhaps in her next life she could be born i —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This is a super engaging palace intrigue and domestic power struggle novel. The female protagonist is reborn; in her previous life, she rose to power through seduction, but her life was far more tragic than before. Reborn, she plans to live a quiet, unremarkable life. However, things don't always go as planned, so she decides to rise up and fight back.

19. 319 冉 The Empress Ran 冉后 Nai Nai J奈奈JAncient Romance376k WordsCompleted Ran Hu was made a Jieyu concubine as soon as she entered the palace. On her very first day, she was summoned to the emperor’s bedchamber and granted the title of Chen, cherished like a rare treasure. Her peerless beauty and her younger brother’s illustrious military achievements as Marquis of Chang’an gave her the confidence to act as she pleased in the harem. The two souls who had come from a later age ultimately left a lasting mark on this strange world. 4.6kReads9.0Score473Shelves

    Reader note

    Amazing! The siblings are a former court official and the emperor's confidant, and a concubine in the harem, the emperor's sole favorite. Moreover, both the male and female leads are intelligent, outspoken, and don't hide anything. Highly recommended!

20. 320 另 Seeking a Better Match: I Won’t Be the Madam of This Marquis’s Manor! 另谋高嫁：这侯府夫人我不做了！ Egret Under Clear Skies晴天白鹭Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Original title: Finding a Better Match: I’m Done Being the Marquess’s Wife! Regarding plagiarism, don’t make baseless accusations. The publication dates are there for all to see. [Traditional historical romance and household intrigue + strong heroine and hero + mutual devotion + a prince who cherishes his wife] A merchant’s daughter marries into a marquess’s household, becoming the laughingstock of the capital. For six years, Jiang Shu lives alone and supports the entire household without compla 23.3kReads9.2Score4.6kShelves

    Reader note

    A highly-rated palace intrigue novel where the female lead is clear-headed and none of the characters are unintelligent!

21. 321 楚 The Beauty of the Chu Palace 楚宫之美人天下 A Single Milkberry一颗奶莓Ancient Romance123k WordsOngoing [Reborn + alternate history + everyone is smart + pure palace intrigue + a touch of ensemble cast] In her previous life, Jiang Mi entered the Eastern Palace as a secondary consort for the sake of her family. Her peerless beauty won the Crown Prince’s favor, and she fell for his tender words. After he ascended the throne, she steadily rose in rank, eventually becoming a consort. In the end, she had simply given her heart to the wrong man, and died in bitterness. Reborn into a new life, Jiang Mi n 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a pure palace intrigue novel, devoid of romance or overpowered abilities. The plot is realistic and reasonable, and everyone is a protagonist. Everyone should read it!

22. 322 后 The Tale of Ruo Li in the Harem 后宫若璃传 Li Mo璃陌Ancient Romance801k WordsCompleted They were confidants who met as children. When they grew up, he mistook another woman for her and showered the substitute with affection. After the substitute died, he took great care of her relatives, too, while never forgetting the woman he had always longed for. After entering the palace, she carefully worked her way into his heart and took revenge step by step, winning his love along the way. But when they finally recognized each other, they discovered that everything had been destined. 29Reads6.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first and second books were both quite excellent; I just finished reading them. The first book is still being updated, and the others are also very good.

23. 323 失 A Lost-Memory Noble Consort’s Story of Winning the Emperor’s Favor 失忆贵妃承宠记 Xi Die汐蝶Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Harem romance + aloof beauty + historical coming-of-age + worlds apart in status + devoted in body and heart, one-on-one] Kang Yuyi was born a hereditary servant of the Prince of Qin’s household. Because of her extraordinary beauty, the princess consort took a liking to her and sent her to serve as a bedchamber maid to the heir, Li Yuanheng. But the heir turned out to be cold and distant, with no interest in women. After Kang Yuyi’s attempts to flirt with Li Yuanheng repeatedly failed, his cous 18kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    🌟Highly recommend this palace intrigue novel! I personally found it to be very enjoyable.

24. 324 嫡 Married into the Eastern Palace 嫡嫁东宫 Mei Yi Si瑂忆覗Ancient Romance510k WordsCompleted Ever since she was little, Zhou Zhou knew she was different from her sisters. That difference meant she was lucky enough to be taught by her grandfather and cherished by her grandmother. At eight, the emperor personally selected her to be the princess’s companion. She entered the palace, grew up alongside the princess, and became the childhood sweetheart of the Fifth Prince. Before the Peach Blossom Banquet held when she was fifteen, everyone said she was destined to become the Fifth Prince’s co 5.4kReads8.9Score454Shelves
25. 325 东 The Eastern Palace's Pampered Concubine: The Crown Prince Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife, and She Sets Her Sights on the Empress's Throne 东宫娇妾：太子宠妾灭妻目标后位 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance229k WordsCompleted Not a pure pairing, not a pure pairing [The prince’s concubine is not a pure pairing at first + she enters the palace soon after, and becomes his sole favorite after the palace struggles] [The heroine is clear-headed and career-minded, working her way up to the empress’s position] Since I’ve been granted the title of Worthy Lady, my goal should be the empress’s throne. The Crown Prince has been married for two years, but the Crown Princess has yet to bear him a child. The Empress personally choo 2.4kReads8.9Score202Shelves
26. 326 后 The Legend of Ruyi: Qingying Reborn 后宫如懿传之青樱重生 Eating Fish Makes Me Miss My Roots吃鱼思故源Female-Channel Fanfiction474k WordsOngoing Qingying only remembers having a very, very long dream. She dreamed of her aunt, her father Nalu'erbu, and so many other people... In the twelfth year of Yongzheng's reign, the fourth prince held a selection of consorts. She knew there was no escaping it. As a descendant of the Ula-Nara clan, she had to enter the palace for her family's sake. The night before she entered the palace, she had the recurring dream again. Her aunt said, “Qingying, the Ula-Nara clan already has one abandoned wife. It 23Reads8.7Score—Shelves
27. 327 借 Surrogate Motherhood? The Second-Time Bride and Beloved Consort Insists on Rising to the Top 借腹生子？二嫁宠妃偏要步步高升 Silver Terrace and Golden Palace银台金阙Ancient Romance626k WordsCompleted [A gentle, kind widow and an arrogant, biased emperor. Sweet, doting everyday romance, with little palace intrigue (the emphasis is on little).] The Yu family had three daughters, all beautiful. The eldest became a countess, the youngest became a consort in the palace, and only the second daughter returned home a widow less than five years after her marriage, with a little girl in tow. One day, the palace consort suffered a miscarriage and was told she would have difficulty bearing children in t 22.8kReads9.3Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    This is such a good book! [Almost crying] It has a very slow and steady feel to it. Actually, I'm an impatient person, but this book really kept me from rushing to finish it; it was very comfortable to read. The writing style is great. The female lead is very "gentle" at the beginning, but later, because of her daughter, she rises through the ranks and eventually becomes Empress. She and the male lead are a very ordinary couple, not like an Empress and Emperor. Compared to the male and female leads, I think the Empress Dowager is a very interesting character. She's like a real mother who lost her child in an accident. Even though she's already Empress Dowager, she still genuinely loves the female lead's daughter because she resembles her own. The Empress Dowager isn't a bad person at heart; she's a very good mother-in-law. ☺️ I really like this kind of theme. Those who like this kind of story should also check it out.

28. 328 公 The Princess Sneaks Out on the Eve of Her Wedding, and the Crown Prince Comes to Catch Her Himself 公主婚前趁夜出逃，储君亲自抓人 Wuxi巫溪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Forceful Possession + Wife-Chasing Crematorium + Devoted Couple + Male Lead with a Black Heart Beneath His Gentle Exterior] Prince Xie Linheng was famous for having no interest in women. For years, he had never been close to a single woman. In the second year of Jian’an, the emperor fell gravely ill, and the crown prince took power. Desperate to see her mother, Yu Tingwan had no choice but to seek Xie Linheng’s help. Everyone said the crown prince was as noble and graceful as a pine tree, peerl 29.6kReads9.2Score2.8kShelves
29. 329 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Beauty That Captivates the Capital 甄嬛传之容色满京城 Little Moon Island月亮小岛Female-Channel Fanfiction196k WordsCompleted After becoming An Lingrong, I do my best to change everything. My life was never worth much to begin with. No one exists without a purpose. Treasure everything around you, and live the life that belongs to you. 1.3kReads8.5Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    In this book, even the emperor in a palace intrigue novel can't be bothered with whether the author is clean or not.

30. 330 深 The Phoenix's Sin, Locked Deep in the Palace 深宫锁凰孽 White Egret, Never Paired白鹭未双Ancient Romance799k WordsCompleted She is the most renowned assassin in the martial world. After he saves her one day, she takes another woman's place as his princess consort and willingly becomes embroiled in the struggle for the throne. Anyone who stands in his way, she will eliminate before he can act. He is a cold-blooded prince who has witnessed every kind of scheming in the harem. At last, he ascends the throne, only to face even more treacherous bloodshed behind the scenes. His first imperial decree after donning the drago 20Reads8.7Score—Shelves
31. 331 有 There’s a Kind of Harem Called Consort De 有种后宫叫德妃 A Suo阿琐Ancient Romance3.1M WordsCompleted All Wu Yalanqi wants in this life is to be a good palace maid. To become one, she's even willing to risk her life and trick the emperor. Certain she's doomed, she opens her eyes and finds herself lying on the imperial bed... Everyone thinks she's nothing but a pawn the emperor is using to spite his new empress and the court officials after the death of his beloved first wife. But Xuanye cherishes this pawn in the palm of his hand, and keeps her there for a lifetime. 2.4kReads9.0Score230Shelves

    Reader note

    Genre: Palace intrigue; I think it could be made into a TV series.

32. 332 步 Step by Step to Glory 步步荣宠 Mu Ziyang木子阳Ancient Romance202k WordsCompleted Mingyue was sold as a child and became a maid in a marquis’s household. After the young master took an interest in her, she was sent to the palace and became a low-ranking palace maid. Step by step, she rose from palace maid to empress. 10kReads9.0Score884Shelves
33. 333 贵 The Noble Consort's Hundred Charms 贵妃百媚 A Dream Reveals the Years一梦知年Ancient Romance540k WordsCompleted [Local villainess versus heroine who transmigrated into a book + villainess awakens + refined self-interest] The Yongchang Earl's household has two daughters. The legitimate daughter, Song Shiyi, is gentle and charming, a talented woman renowned throughout the capital. The concubine-born daughter, Song Fuxi, is jealous and foolish, someone everyone avoids. Everyone in the streets and alleys knows that Song Shiyi will marry into the Eastern Palace as the Crown Princess, while Song Fuxi, jealous t 1.8kReads8.8Score182Shelves
34. 334 绑 Bound to the System, the Empress Keeps Conceiving 绑定系统后，娘娘她好孕连连 Mu Ningxuan沐凝萱Ancient Romance621k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Yun Zhining was forced to enter the palace to save her legitimate elder sister from the Cold Palace. Her sister regained the emperor's favor and stepped over Yun Zhining's corpse to become empress. Unwilling to accept her fate, Yun Zhining bound herself to a System and was reborn anew. Ding! Congratulations, you've bound yourself to the System and gained exceptional talents. Ding! Congratulations, you've won the emperor's favor and received one fertility pill. Ding! Congrat 515Reads7.3Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    A proper palace intrigue story, not a story about two virgins, the female lead is not a saint and will not sacrifice herself for others.

35. 335 深 The Inner Palace 深宫 Chu Yicheng楚以诚Ancient Romance933k WordsCompleted My country fell, my family was destroyed, and the man I loved killed me with his own hands. In a single lifetime, I was reborn as a lowly maid in his palace. Carrying a blood feud, I carefully plotted my every move. Just as I was about to kill him with my own hands, he told me he still loved me... 11Reads—Score—Shelves
36. 336 金 The Golden Sparrow Hairpin 金雀钗 Thirteen'er十三儿Ancient Romance153k WordsCompleted Rong Lan entered the palace as a maid at thirteen and worked diligently for ten years. She thought she would be able to leave the palace and marry once she turned twenty-five. Little did she know that she would accidentally serve the Empress Dowager to death, and from then on, one unexpected incident followed another. The young tutor Feng Qiw u took a liking to her despite being blind, so Rong Lan hurriedly latched onto a powerful patron and privately pledged herself to him for life. Who knew th 1.1kReads9.4Score139Shelves
37. 337 情 Love Bound in the Deep Palace 情锁深宫 Jin Yan Wonderful Fish锦言妙鱼Ancient Romance684k WordsCompleted [The Harem: The Tale of Guan Yu and The Harem: The Tale of Jing Yuan are both this same book. This is the original! The official version! The polished, definitive edition!] To be a woman who can stand by an emperor’s side, and love him as one loves an emperor: I spent two periods of four years affirming this conviction. No matter how hard or painful it gets, I must endure it, because I fear that if I leave, there will never be another woman like me by his side. “Maybe it’s possible, maybe it isn 122Reads8.4Score—Shelves
38. 338 非 An Unconventional Palace Intrigue 非传统宫斗 Known in the Jianghu as the Thorny Rose江湖人称带刺玫瑰Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted Imperial selection from the start / Pure palace intrigue with a touch of household intrigue / Ensemble cast / Realistic style [Pure palace intrigue begins after chapter 20] Not the emperor’s sole favorite / Not a virgin couple / No romance pairing [The emperor is a scumbag with the power of life and death. The first few chapters establish his character and contain potentially uncomfortable scenes. If that bothers you, skip to chapter 20.] Everyone is caught up in palace intrigue. The consorts an 2.1kReads8.3Score233Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a purely palace intrigue-themed novel with a realistic style! It's very authentic and insightful, without any modern perspectives or overpowered characters, and it doesn't include romance.

39. 339 将 Liu Qianqian, the Legitimate Daughter of a Military Family 将门嫡女柳浅浅 Late Autumn on South Mountain南山暮秋Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Historical romance, palace intrigue, sweet and angsty, strong male and female leads, mutual devotion] The Liu family had earned great military honors. To avoid provoking the emperor’s suspicions, they had their legitimate daughter, Liu Qianqian, obey the imperial decree and enter the palace for selection, thus securing the family’s prosperity. Liu Qianqian’s beauty and gentleness won the emperor’s favor, and within three months she was elevated to Noble Consort. But the path to advancement in 559Reads8.9Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book is incredibly sweet and indulgent, it's absolutely heartwarming! Synopsis: The Liu family boasts a distinguished military record. To avoid the emperor's suspicion, the eldest daughter of this powerful family, Liu Qianqian, is ordered to enter the palace for the imperial concubine selection, thus ensuring the family's prosperity. Liu Qianqian is beautiful and charming, instantly gaining the emperor's favor. Within three months, she is promoted to the rank of Imperial Concubine. However, her rapid rise arouses jealousy in the harem. In this deep palace, facing the difficulties from various concubines and the empress, how will she overcome these dangers? The inner palace is as deep as a birdcage, and Liu Qianqian is like a bird locked within it. Though she enjoys the emperor's favor, she is still captivated. [Second book: Super Pampering] [Dual-line ending, happy ending & sad ending] [Palace Intrigue] [Not a clean romance] [Ancient Romance] Synopsis: Popular legend says that the daughter of the Su family has bright eyes and white teeth, a face like a peach blossom, and is known as the most talented woman in the capital. Entering the palace in the first year of the imperial selection, Mingyi knew that her future was confined within these red walls. Whether she fought or not, she would inevitably step into the vortex of power. Rather than living a mundane life, spending her remaining years with only a lamp and a Buddhist temple, she decided to fight. Unexpectedly, she entered the heart of the person at the pinnacle of power…

40. 340 皇 The Empress's Rise to Power 皇后升职记 A Big Starfish一颗大海星Ancient Romance221k WordsCompleted Lan Lan, the Marquis’s legitimate daughter, enters the palace by imperial summons, hoping to become an utterly unremarkable low-ranking consort. But an unexpected pregnancy forces her to compete for the emperor’s favor for her child, setting her on the path to rising through the harem! 10Reads—Score—Shelves
41. 341 皇 The Empress's Last Stand 皇后保卫战 A Thousand Charms百媚千娇Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted Palace intrigue is both a discipline and a tactic. From the day Chu Yuehua rose above the colorful flowers of the Chang household and became the Empress of Mo Guhan, palace intrigue became the means by which she survived. Surrounded by enemies on all sides in the Forbidden City, she walked on thin ice and advanced step by step, determined to become the most beloved empress of the six palaces. After every flower had been struck down, she stood alone in full bloom. The peerless beauty in white, th 14Reads7.1Score—Shelves
42. 342 退 After Breaking Off My Engagement, Kangxi Made Me His Favorite Consort 退婚后，我被康熙独宠后宫 Midnight Stars深夜星辰Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [A flirtatious beauty who loves to play games versus a seemingly proper, devoted emperor who falls into her trap] He YinYin, a star who rose from humble beginnings, died and transmigrated into the body of Hesheli, the Qing Dynasty wife of Longkodo, who was turned into a human pincushion. Fortunately, she had only just gotten engaged. To escape her tragic fate, she calmly thought things through and laid out the following plan. Step one: take Longkodo’s credit for saving the emperor... Step two: g 10.6kReads9.3Score999Shelves

    Reader note

    ✨✨The female lead is a master of palace intrigue, incredibly adept at manipulating people's hearts🧐, and she won't soften her heart for even the slightest bit of so-called love [shy]. The male lead didn't initially dote on her exclusively, only treating her as an interesting concubine. Later, he succumbed to her charms, but the female lead didn't [cool].

43. 343 恶 The Villainess Transmigrates into a Book, Tears Up the Script, and Marries the Yandere Villain 恶女穿书，撕剧本嫁病娇反派 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance275k WordsCompleted [Villainess, tearing up the script, satisfying read, tormenting scumbags, fake and real heiresses] Yun Ziyao transmigrated into the real daughter and heroine of an angst novel. Three years ago, her scumbag father brought Yun Zijun home from who-knows-where, claiming she was his daughter and the two girls had been switched at birth. In the blink of an eye, Yun Ziyao went from the prime minister's legitimate daughter to an adopted one. Her father didn't care for her, her mother didn't love her, an 5.5kReads9.0Score579Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book, with 210,000 online readers, is about Lin Junxue, the only white lotus in the harem. She is reborn and doesn't love anyone. Later, she has a Buddhist disciple who clears away all obstacles. I love this part. The second book is about palace intrigue. It's a refreshing novel. The evil woman has no pity, only a ruthless determination to seek revenge. With a strong will and determination, strength naturally comes.

44. 344 丑 The Ugly Empress 丑后 Qin Yue27秦越27Ancient Romance612k WordsCompleted [Reborn for revenge + palace intrigue + matriarchal society] She was once the greatest female scholar in the Great Chu Empire, but her beauty was so plain it overshadowed her talent. Her looks made it hard to find a suitable husband, yet they also led the court officials to recommend her as a virtuous empress. In the end, her clan was executed, her mother died, and she herself met a wretched death. After she died, a man covered in wounds held her in his arms as if she were a priceless treasure. 44Reads8.4Score—Shelves
45. 345 踹 Dump the Romance Hero, Seduce the Emperor from a Male-Oriented Novel 踹掉言情男主，勾搭男频帝王 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, revenge, scheming, stunning heroine, seductive mastermind] The short drama His Heart on a String is now streaming! Shen Yuling transmigrated into a romance novel as its heroine. Unfortunately, she was a heroine whose luck had been stolen by a woman who transmigrated into the story. She would die in a fire, taking her unborn child with her, while her entire family would be wiped out. It was a fate the original heroine had failed to change, even after being reborn twice 17.2kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are all great. The first one is unfinished, the last one is really amazing, and the fourth one is pure palace intrigue.

46. 346 翊 A Spring Breeze Drifts Through Yikun Palace 翊坤宫微风沉醉的春天 A Little Qiao一只小乔Ancient Romance600k WordsCompleted A mighty, handsome, scheming emperor VS a sweet, gentle, innocent favorite consort A sweet and satisfying palace harem romance His sweet words: “If that still isn’t enough, I will never appoint another empress. I would rather leave the empress’s seat vacant than give it to anyone but you.” If there’s an extra chapter, it’ll be at 10 p.m. 218Reads8.4Score—Shelves
47. 347 重 Back to Her Audition Year, She Rises Through the Harem 重回选秀当年，她在后宫步步高升 Thousand-Layer Cheese千层奶酪Ancient Romance360k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Su Ningwan, daughter of the chancellor, was far too innocent. Though she was greatly favored after entering the palace, it was all a ploy to lull her into a false sense of security. In her fifth year there, she was framed for poisoning the imperial heir, thrown into the Cold Palace, and left to die a miserable death. Her family suffered because of her, enduring terrible hardships in prison before they died. She never expected to open her eyes and find herself back in the ye 216Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book is purely about palace intrigue; the female protagonist strives to become the Empress Dowager.

48. 348 成 What on Earth Is This? Complete in Two Volumes (The Original Novel Behind the Hit Drama Starring Wang Churan and Cheng Lei) 成何体统：全二册（王楚然、丞磊主演热播影视剧原著） Qi Yingjun七英俊Anime Fanfiction314k WordsCompleted What is it like to transmigrate into a web novel and become the tyrant's bedmate? After a few simple calculations, Yu Wanyin reached a conclusion: she would have to find another way. In this story full of villains, if she wanted to carve out a path to survival, she had to become the biggest villain of all. First, help the tyrant take down Prince Duan, then take down the tyrant and become empress herself. But when she met the tyrant and carefully considered the strange sense of familiarity in his 40.3kReads9.7Score6.3kShelves
49. 349 凤 Phoenix Rules the World 凤掌天下 Iris in the South南有鸢尾Ancient Romance172k WordsOngoing “A phoenix daughter will be born to the Feng family, and she will rule the world.” Because of an absurd prophecy issued by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, her elder sister was brought into the palace at sixteen and became the envied Noble Consort Yun. And because of that same absurd prophecy, Emperor Zhenyuan bestowed poisoned wine upon her, after which she disappeared for many years. When she returned to the prosperous capital of Yandu, transformed beyond recognition, she held fast to only —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    You should check this out; I'm reading it myself. It's a genuine palace intrigue story, no time travel, no cheat codes. The plot is fast-paced and exciting. Most importantly, sometimes the events really do take unexpected turns [laughing emoji].

50. 350 当 When An Lingrong Slays Her Way Through Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace 当安陵容杀穿如懿传 The Mulberry Glow of Old Age Is Never Too Late岁岁桑榆非晚Female-Channel Fanfiction381k WordsCompleted An Lingrong: The meticulous and ruthless Sister An is back! Going from palace maid to empress dowager will be a piece of cake! . After being reborn, An Lingrong never expected to end up in Qianlong's harem. But this place is nothing like she remembers! (The Story of Ruyi and Empresses in the Palace don't share the same continuity, so this is more like a parallel new world.) · The older sister she wronged all her life has been possessed by an old woman who does nothing but stir up trouble. Go en 13kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    An Lingrong? Is she a character from the wildly popular drama "Empresses in the Palace"? Did she ever regret what she did to her sister in the drama? Let's keep watching!

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