Palace Intrigue Where a Low-Ranking Concubine Rises Through the Ranks with Her Wits 选秀入宫，低位份靠头脑升级的宫斗文

1. 151 娘 Will Her Majesty Become the Empress Dowager Today? 娘娘今天当上太后了嘛 Seasonal Persimmon时令柿子Ancient Romance519k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + heroine born into the womb + transmigrated supporting actress + reborn supporting actress + black lotus + everyone is smart] Shen Guiyi had planned to lie flat and enjoy a comfortable life, but every eligible young nobleman in the capital had a house full of wives and concubines. Since she couldn't escape the struggle, she decided to enter the palace as a candidate for the imperial harem. She would climb the ranks step by step. If she had to fight, she'd fight for the very bes 1.7kReads8.4Score221Shelves

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   💐💐 [Palace Intrigue Novel + Transmigrated Female Supporting Character + Step-by-Step Progression + All Characters with High Intelligence]🌩️Highly recommend this high-quality masterpiece. The story progresses logically, with constant plot twists and well-developed characters. You won't be able to put it down once you start reading.

2. 152 谍 The Spy Phoenix: Always One Step Ahead 谍凰，防不胜防 Old Qinggan老青柑Ancient Romance378k WordsOngoing She was once the most dangerous intelligence chief in the modern world. In a single moment, she transmigrates and becomes the daughter of a tenant farmer, invisible to everyone in an ancient dynasty. An adult’s wisdom is trapped in a frail young body. The chaotic world is a web, yet she quietly becomes the one weaving it. From rural fields to the turbulent imperial court, no one knows that behind those clear eyes she is spinning an intelligence network vast enough to overturn the world. In a wor 9Reads—Score—Shelves

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   It's really good, highly recommended.

3. 153 大 The Imperial Consort of the Great Sheng Dynasty 大盛皇妃 Shu Yiyu书亦娱Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing Ensemble cast + revenge + black lotus heroine + not both virgins + high-IQ palace intrigue rising to political power struggles + tragic romance + alternate history + love rivals The palace is the main battleground: beneath its dazzling, extravagant facade are witty, charming daily moments and a brutal core of deadly conflict. Palace secrets are portrayed in meticulous detail. Some content may be upsetting. A bad ending. If you enjoy it, please leave a five-star review. Ling Longxiu was born to a 684Reads—Score102Shelves

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   The female protagonist enters the palace as a maid. This is a subversive palace intrigue and power struggle story, with fresh content, steady writing, and detailed descriptions of palace secrets. The plot is original and logically clear. It features lighthearted daily life and intense power struggles. The female protagonist is ridiculed upon entering the palace and must rely entirely on herself. There are no cheat codes, no time travel, and no reincarnation. She navigates the treacherous and dark harem. The content may be disturbing. This is the kind of story that will drive readers away with its emotional intensity. It's a complex and emotionally charged palace romance with high intelligence and angst. The female protagonist, a discarded wife, cleverly uses schemes to achieve multiple goals while entering the palace for revenge. Have you ever seen a palace intrigue story where both men and women fight? This story depicts the tragedy of ancient feudalism, showcasing the brutality of court struggles and the complexities of human nature.

4. 154 开 A Low-Ranking Palace Lady from the Start, with Maxed-Out Harem Warfare Skills 开局小秀女，娘娘宫斗技能满点 Lucky Fish招财鱼Ancient Romance601k WordsCompleted [No CP, devoted to palace intrigue for a hundred years!] Ning Yuzhen was sixteen the year she entered the palace, and twenty-eight the year she became Empress Dowager. Framing, miscarriage, poisoning, betrayal... After twelve years of ups and downs in the inner palace, the principles she once hoped to uphold had long since vanished. The people who had once stood by her had long since turned to dust. Ning Yuzhen walked the paths she'd taken in the past, leaving behind only a sigh. When she turned 310Reads5.9Score—Shelves

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   These are a few books you can check out; I think they're all pretty good. [Kissing emojis]

5. 155 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? 9.2kReads8.9Score1kShelves

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   🌹🌹🌹Mu Li thought that if she were to become a concubine, she would be the concubine of the most noble person in the world. Entering the palace was like entering a deep sea; she didn't care for the emperor's heart. She only wanted power. She would rise step by step from a lowly noblewoman to become the most noble woman in the harem. At first, "A-Ji liked A-Li." Later, "A-Ji only loved A-Li..." From then on, the emperor completely lost his heart.

6. 156 娘 The Beautiful, Delicate Consort Wins the Empress's Throne with the Emperor's Support 娘娘美艳娇软，陛下捧上凤位 Fu Yuan福媛Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted (Thanks, everyone! The ratings are slowly going up.) [Palace intrigue + rising to power and crushing the villains + clear-headed heroine + hero falls first] (Not pure; the heroine won't put up with being mistreated, the hero knows he loves her, and he devotes himself to her alone in the middle and later parts.) Song Lingyue was outstanding in every way, from her family background to her looks. She entered the palace with one goal: to become the most exalted woman in the land. She would win Qin Y 7.1kReads6.9Score710Shelves

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   Jiaojiao

7. 157 浣 Huan Bi Becomes a Consort 浣碧为妃 Ye Yongsi夜永思Female-Channel Fanfiction250k WordsCompleted When Huanbi was reborn, she no longer lost herself in the lonely waiting of her previous life. What would her future hold? Would she leave the palace with her elder sister, as she had in her previous life? Her greatest wish was to become a daughter of the Zhen family openly and honorably, and to have her mother’s memorial tablet placed in the ancestral hall. After careful thought, Huanbi decided to stay in the palace and find a chance to get close to the emperor. She would use his power to prote 2.4kReads9.1Score204Shelves

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   Favor alone is not enough; if one's scheming is lacking, it's still not enough. With three thousand beauties, not one can be trusted or relied upon.

8. 158 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. 2.3kReads9.0Score229Shelves
9. 159 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 20.9kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves
10. 160 娇 The Sweet Little Palace Maid and the Mad Emperor's Wanton Affection 娇软小宫女，疯批帝王肆意宠 Snowy Dudu雪之嘟嘟Ancient Romance321k WordsCompleted Yao Qing's goal in life: save enough silver to leave the palace. Then she met Xiao Linyuan, the emperor who spoiled her without limit. After that, her whole outlook changed. 130Reads7.1Score—Shelves
11. 161 原 I Thought the Imperial Palace Was a Prison, but the Emperor Held Me by the Waist and Spoiled Me 原以深宫似海，却被帝王锁腰娇宠 Ningning Zi柠柠梓Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + Empress + Devoted couple and sweet romance + Male lead has planned this for a long time + Not a serious palace-intrigue story] Lu Zhiyuan is the cherished youngest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo’s household. She is exquisitely beautiful, with an accomplished elder brother who supports the family’s prestige and a second elder sister skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting who brings the family honor. She has no need to contribute anything to the family, and 12.7kReads8.9Score1.2kShelves
12. 162 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 14.6kReads9.4Score1.2kShelves

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    "To win, you must first learn how to lose." Meng Xianxiang lost her life, but learned to fight, to seize, to scheme, to plot, and to climb the social ladder. Recalling her previous life, living in a stable, eating pig feed, serving tea and emptying manure, enduring all kinds of bullying and humiliation, she knew the harsh realities of human nature. Given a second chance, she wanted nobility, power, and for no one in the world to dare bully her again. In the palace with its red walls and yellow tiles, to reach the highest position, the first thing was to win the emperor's heart. She orchestrated a first encounter. When Zhao Junheng first saw her, she knelt in the pouring rain, shivering from the cold, like a flower withered by the rain, as if she would die in the downpour if he didn't lift her up.

13. 163 贵 The Noble Consort Is Stunning, and Both Emperor and Empress Fight to Spoil Her 贵妃娘娘真绝色，惹得帝后争相宠 Returning South南归Ancient Romance600k WordsCompleted Yao Ying saves a stranger, never expecting him to be Ying Heng, the emperor’s eldest son. After waking, Ying Heng falls for Yao Ying at first sight. He showers her with concern day after day, and eventually wins her heart. Then he comes to the Yao residence to ask for her hand as his principal consort. Her mother tells her he is no good for her, but she ignores the objections and insists on marrying him. Yet just before he is due to marry her, he takes Su Wanrou, the eldest daughter of Chancello 5kReads9.2Score603Shelves
14. 164 岁 Years in the Palace 岁岁宫阙 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance706k WordsCompleted Liu Yuetang was sent to a country estate by her legitimate mother the day she was born. When she came of age, her older half-sister gave up her chance to enter the palace because of a dream, stole her match, and spent the night with her betrothed. Liu Yuetang went along with it and decided to enter the palace to carve out a bright future for herself. Once inside, she kept a low profile, learned the arts of the bedchamber, and mastered the art of playing hard to get, pouting coquettishly, and put 10.9kReads8.9Score1.4kShelves
15. 165 贵 The Imperial Consort Trades on the Emperor’s Favor, Seeking Revenge and Rising to Power 贵妃恃宠而骄，一路复仇上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue revenge power fantasy, with sweet romance, scumbags getting what they deserve, and an adorable child later on. The leads are not each other's firsts, so read with caution if that bothers you!!! Not fantasy!!!) She is Yu Zhiyi, daughter of Jiangnan's richest man, and Yu Zhiyan, daughter of the Minister of Rites. On her fifth birthday, because of a Frost Soul Pearl, all 100-odd members of Yu Zhiyi's family were slaughtered. The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley had once 2.5kReads9.1Score263Shelves
16. 166 织 Weaving Dust in the Phoenix Palace: Lady Pan of Eastern Wu 织尘凤阙：东吴潘后 Little Lotus Among the Stars繁星小荷Female-Channel Fanfiction46k WordsCompleted Weaving Dust into the Phoenix Palace: Pan, Empress of Eastern Wu 31Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Restrained by palace rules and power, he dared not rashly offer assistance and could only silently watch the Pan sisters sink deeper into the mire. "Shu'er," Chen Weng said in a low voice, quickly entering the room. His steps abruptly halted when he saw the young woman sitting before the lamp. Shedding the hurried weariness of the day's labor, Pan Shu'er loosely wore her long hair, dressed only in a simple cloth undergarment, without makeup or adornment. The dim lamplight illuminated her snow-white skin, her brows and eyes filled with melancholy. Though she was in a filthy prison, she possessed an air of "the world laughs at me for my unparalleled beauty, trapped in the mire, a cursed fate."

17. 167 帝 The Emperor Is Aloof and Hard to Approach? He Lures Me to Share His Bed Night After Night! 帝王清冷难近？夜夜诱我共枕眠！ Thousand-Pool Moon千池月Ancient Romance549k WordsCompleted [Live-action audio adaptation available] [Reborn + Palace Intrigue, Not Both Virgins + Favored by the Hero Early On, His Only Love Later + Clear-Headed Beauty Rises to Power + Emperor Becomes Love-Struck Later] [Cool, Distant, Hard-to-Approach Emperor vs. Delicate, Soft, Clear-Headed Heroine] In her previous life, Lin Wanqing was kept outside the palace as the mistress of the younger brother of the reigning emperor. She thought they were in love and that she would become his princess consort. S 3kReads8.8Score339Shelves
18. 168 宫 Palace Intrigue Reversal System: Schemes 宫闱逆袭系统之谋 Heng Ha Gaga哼哈嘎嘎Ancient Romance107k WordsCompleted Gao Sheng has just entered the palace when she gets caught up in fierce court intrigue. The villainous Noble Consort will stop at nothing to protect her position and keep the protagonist from rising in rank. With the help of the Palace Intrigue System, Gao Sheng must complete difficult tasks within a set time, such as winning the emperor's favor and bringing down the Noble Consort. Along the way, she faces impossible choices: betray her principles for personal gain, or remain true to her convict —Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 169 君 The Emperor Claims His Minister's Wife? After Our Divorce, I Take the Empress's Seat 君夺臣妻？和离后我入主中宫 Huang Dandan黄蛋蛋Ancient Romance503k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, devoted couple, palace and household intrigue, reborn male lead, heroine who grows stronger over time, gentle heroine in the early stages who rises to power later, male rival gets the girl] In accordance with her father's dying wish, Yi Huan married the young general Lin Qingpei. She was cautious at every turn, but her husband doted on his concubines and neglected his wife, making her the laughingstock of the capital. Yi Huan thought this was how her life would go, until she 4.8kReads9.2Score590Shelves
20. 170 校 Campus: Breaking Free and Becoming a Butterfly 校园：破茧成蝶 Heng Ha Gaga哼哈嘎嘎12k WordsCompleted Campus: Breaking Free —Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 171 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 163.8kReads9.6Score22.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The first two books had quite novel content.

22. 172 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 88.8kReads9.5Score12.2kShelves
23. 173 山 Ashes of the Realm: The Phoenix Rises in the Southern Sea 山河烬：凤起南溟 Autumn Hues, Remembered Traces秋色忆痕Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Protection, political intrigue, betrayal, and renewal. From palace lady-in-waiting to founding empress, she heeds Heaven's mandate, ushers in a new era, and brings peace to the land. The story of an extraordinary empress's rise!] The Yan clan of Nanming has, for generations, guarded the hidden spiritual leyline that sustains the dynasty's fortunes. As dynasties rise and fall, the new emperor, Xie Lanzhou, sweeps across the realm with an iron fist, yet remains conspicuously silent about the Yan —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A well-finished novel.

24. 174 江 The Realm as My Betrothal Gift: The Cold Emperor's Beloved 江山为聘：冷面帝王的心尖娇 Autumn Hues, Remembered Traces秋色忆痕Ancient Romance286k WordsCompleted The year Shen Zhiwei entered the palace, all she wanted was to be invisible. Her father said that since the Shen family came from a merchant background, being chosen as a palace consort was already a tremendous imperial favor. She hid her wealth of literary knowledge and put on an act of meekness and dullness, only to stumble upon Consort Chen's earth-shattering secret. "Sister, have you heard where the former dynasty's imperial seal is hidden?" Consort Chen's prayer beads brushed against her fi —Reads—Score—Shelves
25. 175 朱 Cinnabar Calamity: The Bone-Chess Chronicles of Yujing 朱砂劫：玉京弈骨录 Autumn Hues, Remembered Traces秋色忆痕Ancient Romance261k WordsCompleted When modern-day forensic doctor Shen Yi dies, her soul transmigrates into Wei Zhao, the daughter of a convicted official in the Great Yin dynasty. To protect herself, she must rely on her astonishing autopsy skills, carefully navigating the bloody chess game unfolding in the treacherous city of Yujing. With a scalpel in her left hand, she cuts open corpses to uncover the truths the dead have to tell. With a cinnabar brush in her right, she pens deadly footnotes into secret records of political i 1Reads—Score—Shelves
26. 176 宫 The White Jade Bell Within the Palace Walls 宫墙内的白玉铃铛 Kun Shuo Zhi坤铄之Ancient Romance126k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Revenge Payoff + Strong Female Lead] On a palace avenue in late spring, Consort Luan walks in plain robes, each step like a lotus blooming. The jade bells around her ankles chime softly, their chill seeping into the bone. No one knows that inside the lambskin-white jade bell bestowed upon her by the emperor lie the ashes of Consort Chen, who died unjustly three years ago. Once, her elder sister Mu Yunzhuo was framed for practicing witchcraft. Her limbs were severed and her e 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    [Full of energy] [Who understands the true value of this new work! A political intrigue and palace drama!] 🌸🌸 High IQ throughout! The plot is truly captivating, full of subtle details, fast-paced, and not at all clichéd. You can watch it with confidence.

27. 177 傲 The Tsundere Empress Falls for the Leader of the Red Flower Society 傲娇娘娘，爱上红花会头目 A Thought Sparks a Surge of Inspiration一念灵涌Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted The heroine of this story is the daughter of Chen Yanzhang, and also Xia Ziwei’s mother, Xia Yuhe. Chen Mingyu is initially overlooked, but later fights to win favor. She allies with Consort Xian and joins the palace power struggle. Later, there is also a story involving Qianlong and Han Xiangjian. In the imperial harem, she never backs down, whether facing the schemes and rivalries between consorts or the fallout from struggles for power at court. She remains steadfast in this complex world. Sh 12Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace: This is a Qing Dynasty time-travel novel. The protagonist possesses a slight superpower—the ability to revive the dying and restore all things. She transmigrates into the body of Consort Wan, a concubine of Emperor Qianlong. Initially neglected, she later rises to power. She allies with Qingying to form a palace intrigue alliance. It's a captivating story combining supernatural elements, palace intrigue, and romance, intended to make up for the regrets of Consort Gao. Chen Mingyu, as Consort Wan, finds herself in the treacherous and turbulent imperial palace. In this "battlefield" of power struggles and calculations, she uses her wisdom and courage to repeatedly face open and hidden attacks from all sides. Whether it's the rivalry and betrayal among concubines or the impact of palace power struggles, she never backs down, always maintaining her integrity in this complex environment. Ultimately, she resolutely makes a choice, relinquishing her noble status in the palace and bravely leaving the palace that has long confined her, heading towards freedom and the love in her heart. But fate played a cruel trick on them; their relationship did not have a happy ending. Yang Xiao died at the hands of Consort Shu's brother, and the true culprit behind the deaths of Consort Gao and the sowing discord between Qingying and Hongli was also Consort Shu. Even more ironically, Consort Shu's motive for killing Yang Xiao was to obtain Chen Mingyu, hoping to use her immortality to restore her fertility, delay aging and illness, and even bear another child for Hongli. After returning to Tongshunzhai, Chen Mingyu sought revenge for Consort Gao and Yang Xiao, and also exposed a shocking conspiracy by the Yehenara clan. From Consort Wan to Consort Wan, she experienced countless hardships and growth, assisting the emperor in quelling the palace turmoil.

28. 178 疯 Are You Crazy? You'd Throw Away a Lucky Kid Who Can Play the Suona? 疯了吧？会吹唢呐的福宝都敢扔？ Meow Again Wang Fugui喵又王富贵Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted (The rating just came out and will keep rising) [Lighthearted and Funny + Power Fantasy + Everyone's Favorite + Hapless Dad + Ridiculous] After being struck by lightning, the wicked little demon lost some of her memories and became the real daughter reclaimed by the Marquis's household. Her fake father and mother disliked her and drove her out. The Marquis's household would rather raise a fake daughter than keep her, and even her biological brother sees her as a harbinger of disaster. With a lit 1.1kReads8.5Score102Shelves

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    Abandoned by his family, the three-and-a-half-year-old turns out to be a hidden master of "sound control." With a song called "Little Cabbage," he acknowledges his father and criticizes the prince. From then on, father and son join forces, one using their hands and the other using their voices, sweeping across the capital without equal.

29. 179 痴 A Devoted Emperor Chases Love from Ancient Times to the Modern Day 痴情帝王，从古代追爱到现代 Yu Xixi羽希熙Ancient Romance210k WordsCompleted "The ancient-era portion of this book is not a clean romance and takes a realistic approach, with an emphasis on plausibility. Readers who insist on both leads being untouched should read with caution. Once they reach the modern era, both leads are untouched. The story is a slow burn, but the later chapters are exciting, so be sure to read to the end." The heroine, Lin Wan, is a woman of unparalleled beauty and a celebrated history professor at a modern university. Not only is she exceptionally 2Reads9.1Score—Shelves

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    She was so beautiful that she was forced to become a concubine while unconscious. Tired of the same old formulaic novels? Check this one out. It's different, unconventional, and of high quality, very readable. A Qing Dynasty time-travel story, a modern history professor accidentally transmigrates into the ancient palace and becomes the emperor's favored concubine. She initially avoids his favor, but later becomes his sole favorite. Both the male and female leads are stunningly beautiful. The female lead is gentle, aloof, and indifferent to worldly affairs. The male lead is a peerless gentleman, a gentleman of jade-like elegance. Her exclusive favor attracts the jealousy of the entire harem, leading to fierce palace intrigue and immense suffering for her. She seeks revenge, tearing apart the vicious female supporting characters without mercy. She successfully transmigrates back to the modern era, where the emperor pursues her. Extreme tension, high-energy, hormone-fueled, lots of intimate moments, haha!

30. 180 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 4.9kReads9.1Score544Shelves
31. 181 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 2.5kReads9.0Score239Shelves
32. 182 替 After Entering the Palace in Her Sister's Place, the Young Mistress Rises Through the Ranks 替姐入宫后，小主她一路高升 Zhizhi Rice Loves Zhizhi吱吱米喜欢吱吱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Male Lead and Strong Female Lead + Favored Consort + Palace Intrigue + Adorable Baby + Sole Devotion + Childbirth] (The early story leans toward palace intrigue, with the heroine putting on an act and scheming against the hero. Later, their feelings erupt, and he devotes himself to her alone.) After transmigrating, she becomes an illegitimate daughter of the Su family. Her birth mother died young, her father shows her no affection, and her stepmother is cruel. A complete nobody at home, 2.9kReads9.0Score332Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm really tired of recommending this book, and Tomato isn't giving it any traffic, but I absolutely can't let a good book be buried. This one perfectly meets the requirements; the second one is the latest addition. That means, don't be put off by the title; once you start reading the first chapter, you won't be able to stop. It was worth the effort of finding this kind of post for sisters with similar tastes.

33. 183 怎 How Can Anyone Resist the Noble Consort's Alluring Charm? 怎敌贵妃百媚千娇 Fish Carrying the Moon鱼衔月Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + heroine transmigrates] In the fifth year of Yongyan, the emperor ordered a selection of consorts. Wen Wanyu was the most beautiful among the candidates. With her charming looks and soft, lilting voice, she was as delicate as a flower and soon won the emperor’s favor. She had once been the apple of her father’s eye, but when he was framed and her elder brother humiliated, she defied her whole family and asked to enter the palace to protect them. From the darling 2.2kReads8.9Score194Shelves
34. 184 好 Good Pregnancy System! The Noble Consort Is Sweet and Soft 好孕系统！贵妃她又娇又软 Zhao Qingyue赵清樾Ancient Romance368k WordsCompleted [A soft, sweet, calculating little bunny heroine X a domineering, cold-blooded emperor with a love obsession] Shen Cihuan is the youngest daughter of Chancellor Shen. Innocent, lively, sweet, and adorable, she enters the palace to compete for the emperor’s favor in her older sister’s place. What if she doesn’t know how to compete for his favor? No problem. She has a palace intrigue and fertility System. An intoxicating natural scent Love at first sight from the emperor Fertility pills, dragon-an 22.1kReads9.2Score2.9kShelves
35. 185 帝 The Emperor and Empress Joined Forces and Purged the Court 帝后联手后，肃清了朝纲 Piggy Piggy Piggy Yao猪猪猪猪瑶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Empress from the start! They love each other for a lifetime, and when the empress passes away, the emperor dies for love! They don't ask to be born together, only to die together! Marriage first, love later + not both virgins + not exclusively doting + completely fictional setting What? The emperor has made a concubine's daughter empress? The powerful ministers are so furious their beards are practically standing on end. Su He, the woman struck by this incredible stroke of fortune, is relieved i 1.9kReads9.0Score187Shelves
36. 186 君 You Must Not Be Mistaken 君不容错 Lanterns Fall on the Star Bridge灯火落星桥Ancient Romance579k WordsCompleted New book! The low rating will go up! Qi Huan is the decisive, ruthless emperor of Great Jin. He has seen more than enough faces eager to curry favor, yet he has fallen for the cool and aloof wife of the Heir of Anping Marquis. It isn't a passing impulse, nor shallow desire for her beauty. The way he treats her is with respect held close to his heart, tenderness hidden in his eyes, and a devotion that runs deep in his bones. If he takes one step closer, he fears he will offend her and scare away 10Reads6.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The relationship between the emperor and empress is complex and unpredictable. From testing each other to joining forces to break the deadlock, the emperor's balancing act and the empress's patient counterattack are full of hidden scheming in every interaction.

37. 187 探 So What If He's the Top Scholar? She Turns Around and Marries the Number One Scholar 探花了不起？她转身高嫁状元郎 The Flying Old Cabbage会飞的老帮菜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [One-on-One Romance + Reborn in the Womb + Face-Slapping + Everyone's Favorite + Female General + Light Political Intrigue] She paid for her husband to sit the imperial exams, cared for his gravely ill mother, and supported his entire family. After two years of hard work, she was rewarded with his triumphant return as the third-place palace graduate, along with his new wife: supposedly the most talented woman and the highest-ranking female official in the dynasty, with a slight swell to her bell 1.3kReads9.2Score132Shelves

    Reader note

    Ye Xiaoyu's act of divorcing her husband challenges the bottom line of feudal tradition. Her story in the novel will inspire you to overcome the many obstacles in life.

38. 188 嫡 The Empress of the Principal Consort’s Line: A Guide to the Palace Struggle 嫡女元后，娘娘的宫斗指南 Yu Jiuzhao御九昭Ancient Romance180k WordsCompleted Pure palace intrigue + male substitute + villainous bad-girl persona + career-driven heroine + power struggles + drama queen + subverting the usual tropes Theme: True love lasts a moment, but power lasts a lifetime ※ Gu Yaojun is spoiled, arrogant, and loves luxury. She is also stunningly beautiful, and even her wicked side has its own peculiar charm. As for entering the palace to compete in the selection, Gu Yaojun says: A calm, ordinary life is far too dull. Scheming and intrigue are what make 25Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 189 轻 The Legend of Qingning 轻凝传 Departing Guest辞客Ancient Romance148k WordsOngoing When Jiang Qingning entered the palace, she schemed against everyone and was afraid of them all. She had thought that everyone in the imperial palace was cold and heartless. But she never imagined that some people had hearts as warm as fire. Follow a young lady chosen for the imperial selection as she rises to become the Empress Dowager of the realm. 1Reads—Score—Shelves
40. 190 侧 The Side Consort Takes Charge of the Household, Then Rises to the Throne as Empress 侧妃潜邸掌中馈，一朝成凰登后位 Xiao Yan Wants to Get Rich小闫要暴富Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Not a Pure Couple, Not a Transmigration Story, Not Reborn, No Golden Finger] [Content warning: The heroine is caught in a whirlpool of conflict and is far from a good person. She knows how to read the situation and may even take the initiative to hurt others.] Given a choice, who would want to become a woman willing to do anything to achieve her goals? At a plum-blossom-viewing banquet in the snow, Hua Songyi tried to keep a low profile, but the host family chose her anyway and forced her to 5.7kReads8.5Score631Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The palace intrigue novel series is here! Each book is a high-quality, highly-rated masterpiece. The protagonists are intelligent and rational, not love-struck, and the supporting characters are all well-developed and vivid. The palace intrigue is described with exquisite detail. These are all top-tier works among Tomato Web Novels. Highly recommended! A must-read for anyone looking for something to read!

41. 191 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.6kReads9.6Score31.2kShelves
42. 192 山 Beauty and Strategy in a Land of Rivers and Mountains 山河美人谋 Moonset月落Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Proud young lady who always gets even vs. frail, scheming Ninth Prince] Her fiancé was a total jerk, and he was planning to kill her to keep her quiet. Ye Jiao decided to strike first and find a scapegoat while she was at it. She thought the scapegoat would be a transparent, sickly “living corpse,” but rumors were misleading. He was clearly a two-faced, deeply cunning Ninth Prince. After Ye Jiao used the Ninth Prince’s name to punish her scumbag fiancé, Li Ce, the real Ninth Prince: “Miss, I be 18.3kReads9.5Score2.5kShelves
43. 193 绝 The Unparalleled Little Scapegoat 绝世小冤种 I Took Great Pains我煞费苦心Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Also known as: I Pay, You Risk Your Life, and We Both Go Crazy; The Ultimate Scapegoat; Power Over All, Sword to the Heavens Someone has set a trap to make everyone turn against me. "It's fine. I have a System..." Luo Yinyou comforted herself. "Even if the System is a total troll!" The world order had changed drastically, and the flow of destiny had been redistributed. Countless geniuses emerged, but the most dazzling of them all was the young lord Ye Ci of Dragon Island, hailed as the greatest 32kReads9.6Score4.4kShelves
44. 194 青 The Childhood Sweetheart Consort Rises to Power, Her Goal Is to Become Empress Dowager! 青梅侧妃上位，目标是太后位！ Xiao Yan Wants to Get Rich小闫要暴富Ancient Romance593k WordsCompleted [Domestic scheming in the early stages, palace intrigue later; the leads are not both faithful~] [The heroine loves the hero but keeps her feelings in check, staying clear-headed and never obsessed. The hero cares for her, but as emperor he has to balance the court, and there will be no shortage of women around him. The heroine is special to him!] An unexpected imperial decree changed Jiang Qingyue from the Princess Consort of Prince Qing to his secondary consort overnight. The emperor’s favor a 4.6kReads8.3Score383Shelves
45. 195 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 2.8kReads8.8Score251Shelves
46. 196 娇 The Pampered Madam 娇宠夫人 A Journey Through Mountains and Seas山海一程Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted Su Yuan was born into the Great Sheng Dynasty, where people prized slender figures. But when she grew up, she was a voluptuous beauty, which made it difficult for her to find a husband. Then, after being selected as a concubine, she was assigned to Prince Qin, Pei Jingheng. Since she was here, she decided to make the best of it. Su Yuan planned to shut the door and live a quiet life of her own. She hadn't expected Pei Jingheng to be handsome and perceptive, with no prejudice against her, even th 27.7kReads9.1Score2.4kShelves
47. 197 娇 The Delicate Palace Maid Teases, and the Mad Emperor Skips Court 娇软宫女轻轻撩，疯批帝王不早朝 11 Means 1111就是11Ancient Romance222k WordsOngoing [Mind Games on Both Sides + Everyone Is Clever + Sweet on the Outside, Cunning Within + Political Intrigue + Eventually His One and Only] A dark, deranged emperor × a resilient, ambitious white lotus Her father was executed, her mother died a cruel death, her younger sister was forced into the world of brothels, and she herself became a government slave. In her first fifteen years, Xu Songyi had never faced such a devastating blow. For the sake of her two young sisters and her own future, she ha 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥Highly recommend this high-IQ palace intrigue novel! The female lead is cunning and scheming, rising from a low position to dominate the harem. The political intrigue is incredibly satisfying, and the emperor's romantic storyline is captivating. A must-read for those who want to stay up all night!

48. 198 清 In the Kangxi Court of the Qing Dynasty, Her Majesty Made the Empress Cry with Her Scolding 清穿康熙朝，娘娘她把皇后骂哭了 What a Workhorse是牛马啊Ancient Romance523k WordsCompleted [Supreme Power + Beloved by All + Unhinged + Palace Intrigue + Strong Female Lead + Empress Dowager] I am domineering and arrogant, and I make sure the empress knows her place. I make the empress cry, kill Oboi, argue Sony into a faint, slap Songgotu, and seize the phoenix throne to rule the imperial harem. Kangxi: “My beloved consort, is there anything you don't dare to do?” Jiang Nan: “Your Majesty, just tell me who to beat up next.” 1.6kReads8.8Score138Shelves

    Reader note

    Here you go, you're smart, clear-headed, and you bully the Empress all day long.

49. 199 锦 The Lucky Little Star: Her Prince Father Is Strong, Handsome, and Tragic 锦鲤小福星，王爷爹爹美强惨 Laimi Is a Kitty来米是只喵Ancient Romance675k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s favorite] [Blessed child] [Feel-good power fantasy] [Comeback] No one knew just how far the Prince of Yue’s household had fallen! Nothing went right wherever they went, they failed at everything they tried, and their bad luck clung to them like a curse. Then they picked up a three-year-old beggar, and it was as if they’d suddenly unlocked cheat mode. The economy boomed, and one stroke of good luck followed another. “Your Highness! His Majesty says your governance has been excellent a 24Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    How much of a spectacle did this three-year-old receive? The entire household knelt to greet her as she got up; the scene was both magnificent and hilarious.

50. 200 笨 The Silly Beauty Is Sweet and Soft, and the Regent Is Smitten 笨蛋美人乖又软摄政王他沦陷了 Drunken Sugar醉糖Ancient Romance558k WordsCompleted Su Ningning is simple-minded and innocent. On her wedding day, she stumbles upon rebels slaughtering her family and crashes straight into the arms of Lou Shengxue, the regent who holds power over the entire court. Cold and bloodthirsty, he was about to take her life when he unexpectedly discovered that she carried a secret remedy for breaking curses. He had no choice but to keep her by his side. Everyone laughs at her as a useless, foolish princess consort, but only Lou Shengxue knows that this 468Reads—Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    She knew nothing, yet she would clumsily try to make him laugh when he was unhappy. She didn't know that she didn't need to do anything; just her presence was enough to make him happy.

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