Not Both Virgins, Happy Ending, Palace and Household Intrigue 非双洁，he，宫斗宅斗文

1. 1 呜 Wah! The Mad Tyrant Dragged Me Back Nine Times, and I’m Pregnant Again 呜！被疯批暴君抓回来九次还揣崽 Fireflies Across the Sky漫天的萤火Ancient Romance727k WordsCompleted “Be good. Give birth to the crown prince, and I’ll make you empress,” the ascetic tyrant coaxes in a low voice. “I don’t want that!” The little woman tugs at his belt. “I don’t want the throne. Just lift the ban for me.” After transmigrating into a book, Qin Ling only wants to escape the palace and live a carefree life, far away from the cold, bloodthirsty, vicious, and heartless emperor. Competing for his favor? Not a chance. Not in this lifetime. She just wants to eat and wait for death, livin 1.1kReads8.3Score14214d adds

   Reader note

   Story Synopsis: The beginning is a little angsty, and the middle part is also a little angsty, but the male lead eventually realizes his mistakes and falls for the female lead, who in turn develops feelings for the second male lead. Character Traits: The male lead is a bit of a jerk; the female lead is gentle, a time traveler, and deeply in love with a thousand-year-old fox spirit. Recommendation Rating: 4 stars

2. 2 谋 Scheming for the Heir 谋嫡 Master Hua花爷Ancient Romance403k WordsCompleted From being a pawn sent by her elder half-sister to the Third Prince's residence to climbing over a mountain of blood and claiming the empress's throne, Lin Wanying did just one thing: she kept Zhao Xuan firmly by her side. 3.1kReads9.1Score58214d adds

   Reader note

   None of these are virginity-themed novels; the female leads are intelligent, none of them are mentally challenged, so you can enjoy them without worry. [Kissing emojis]

3. 3 在 A Hundred Ways to Win the Emperor's Heart in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.3kReads9.5Score1.4k14d adds
4. 4 无 The Saltless Empress 无盐为后 Don't Ask莫问Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted She was the only empress personally appointed by the Wanli Emperor. History describes her as gentle, virtuous, and dignified, with the bearing of an empress. She passed away in attendance in the forty-eighth year of Wanli. Five days later, the emperor fell ill and died in July of the same year. At last, the couple were reunited. According to rumor, the household of Wang, a thousand-household commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, had a daughter as beautiful as a celestial maiden, with deli 481Reads8.8Score14614d adds
5. 5 入 I Enter the Palace and Rise to High Rank: As His Majesty's Cousin, What Have I to Fear? 入宫即高位，我是陛下表妹我怕谁 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + faux cousins + push-and-pull romance + winning hearts + taming a man Spring, Year Ten of the Zhaoqi reign. Shen Jiayu was summoned to the palace and became one of the emperor’s consorts. On the surface, the imperial harem seemed calm and peaceful, but beneath it lay tangled interests and hidden currents. The consorts schemed and fought among themselves, while the newcomers trembled with fear, terrified that one careless mistake would cost them their lives. Only Shen Jiayu s 229.6kReads8.9Score38.6k14d adds

   Reader note

   It meets the requirements and looks great.

6. 6 做 To Be a Favorite Consort, You Have to Be Arrogant and Overbearing 做宠妃，就是要嚣张跋扈 Idle Talk浮言Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A supremely self-serving, spoiled princess + a calculating, proud, even-tempered emperor + neither lead is chaste + he dotes on her exclusively later on] Chu Feiyu, a princess of the Great Chu, is struck by unforeseen misfortune and sent to Great Ye in a bride exchange. As a foreign princess, she can neither become empress nor empress dowager. There is no room left for her to climb in the imperial harem. All her boundless energy has nowhere to go. What can she do? Make trouble, of course. 9.7kReads8.8Score93914d adds
7. 7 娘 The Consort Is All Charm and Cunning, Scheming Her Way to the Top 娘娘又茶又媚，一路宫斗上位 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance835k WordsCompleted Signed for print publication In the third year of the Yifeng era, a concubine-born daughter of the Ningyang Marquis’s household enters the palace. The palace is a vast, treacherous place, where the one thing you must never do is give your heart away. Ning Shuyan is clear-eyed: she wants wealth and prestige, along with the emperor’s favor. For three years, she carefully plots each step, wins the emperor’s attention, and rises from Talented Lady to Noble Consort. Rumor has it that the emperor only 56.6kReads9.5Score7k14d adds

   Reader note

   You absolutely have to watch this!!! I'll cry if you don't! [Crying] This is my favorite palace intrigue novel! The female lead is incredibly shrewd!

8. 8 丈 Five Years After My Husband Died, I’m Pregnant with the Emperor’s Child 丈夫去世五年，守寡怀了皇帝的崽 Salty Fish Boss咸鱼头子Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Stunning widow vs. domineering emperor] [Not both virgins + forbidden tension + raising a child + old flames reignited] Everyone in the capital knows that the legitimate daughter of the Yun family and Third Young Master Lu are a loving couple, devoted to each other. But fate was cruel. Third Young Master Lu was cursed with a short life and died of a serious illness before reaching twenty, leaving behind a beautiful young widow and an unborn child. - Yun Wan has a secret she’s kept buried fo 28kReads9.1Score3.4k14d adds

   Reader note

   Ongoing series, both characters are impure, palace intrigue, not bad.

9. 9 我 My White-Eyed-Wolf Sister and I Were Reborn and Swapped Souls 我和白眼狼妹妹重生后灵魂互换了 Luo Zhi落之Ancient Romance178k WordsOngoing A cunning, ruthless heroine versus a twisted, obsessive hero In her previous life, Su Yu'er enjoyed the emperor's favor without end, until Shen Ningyue and the empress conspired to frame her. Reborn, she and Shen Ningyue switch souls. Now in Shen Ningyue's body, she initially plans to pretend they've made peace and team up with Su Yu'er to get revenge. But that plan falls through, so she lies low at Lady Zhaohua's side and stokes conflict in the harem, sowing suspicion between the empress and L 8Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Yes, it has palace intrigue at the beginning, and the male lead forcibly takes what he wants in the middle.

10. 10 销 Steamy Kisses Made Me a Tycoon, and I Have Too Many Lovers 销魂亲亲当首富，入幕之宾有点多 Big-Headed Prawn龙头大虾Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete. Multiple male leads. A growing heroine who loves only herself, heartless, shameless, and immoral, versus domineering men who take what they want; face-slapping; sweet romance; a comeback; escape] The outrageous Great General: “Let go! Yin Shu is my personal maid!” The possessive General Wei: “Why should I? She’s now the top courtesan in the brothel, and I’m her only patron!” The hypocritical Prince Rui: “She’s just a slave girl. You two generals shouldn’t let this 2.8kReads8.7Score10914d adds

    Reader note

    There are five male leads, and each of them has something going on with the female lead. The female lead is clear-headed and only cares about money, not people.

11. 11 姝 Phoenix of Beauty 姝凰 Oolong Tea with Gummy Candy软糖乌龙茶Ancient Romance368k WordsCompleted [Traditional Historical Romance] [Palace and Household Intrigue] [Not a Pure Couple] [Clear-Headed, Strong-Willed Heroine] Orphaned Chu Yishu was forced to live under her uncle's roof with her younger siblings, where his family bullied and mistreated them. Then fate took a turn. Beautiful and gentle Chu Yishu was sent to the bed of the Prince of Shangqin. For the sake of her siblings and herself, Chu Yishu used every means at her disposal, seized every opportunity, and firmly captured the Prince 501Reads7.4Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    They all look good; loving yourself is the key to a lasting relationship...

12. 12 太 The Crown Prince’s White Moonlight Can’t Compare: The Soft, Sweet Girl Is His True Love 太子白月光不香，软娇娇才是真爱 October Brocade Deer十月锦鹿Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted Sweet romance! Palace and household intrigue + reborn heroine + transmigrated rival + face-slapping the beloved white moonlight The Crown Prince has a beloved woman. She's beautiful and talented, forthright by nature, and the orphaned daughter of a loyal martyr. She and the Crown Prince grew up together, yet she claims to see him as an older brother and refuses to enter the Eastern Palace and share a husband with the other women. The Crown Prince is utterly devoted to her and has turned down th 5.7kReads8.5Score54214d adds
13. 13 不 No More Slacking: The Prince’s Favorite Concubine’s Daily Grind 不当咸鱼，王府宠妾的内卷日常 Four Crescent Moons四弯月Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + cutthroat household competition + no slacking off + ambitious heroine] Shen Wei, a die-hard rat-race fanatic, transmigrated into the lowest-ranking maid in a prince’s manor. Prince Yan held a position of great prestige, but all his wives and concubines had given up trying. The princess consort, born to a prestigious family, was as aloof as a chrysanthemum. The secondary consort wanted lifelong monogamy. The reborn woman had lost all hope in Prince Yan and was content to lie fla 69kReads9.4Score8.7k14d adds
14. 14 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 21.2kReads8.8Score2.1k14d adds
15. 15 那 So What? His Majesty Dotes on Me Alone 那又怎样，奈何陛下独宠我 Moon Over the High Terrace月上高台Ancient Romance569k WordsCompleted The rating will rise once it’s posted + [A cold, devoted emperor and a dazzling beauty, an alternate dynasty, doted on from the start, both wholeheartedly in love and choosing each other] Jiang Yuexin is reborn. In her previous life, she and her best friend had both transmigrated. Jiang Yuexin became a consort in the palace who had beauty but no brains, while her best friend became the eldest daughter of a general’s household. She was breathtakingly beautiful, while her friend had only the rep 39.8kReads9.0Score6.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue, not a story of two virgins, but a sweet romance.

16. 16 司 The Retired Life of a Female Court Archivist 司籍女官的退休日常 Jing Ban静半Ancient Romance561k WordsCompleted [Fictional setting, not a transmigration or rebirth story + household intrigue + lady of the house] [Early story: self-reliant junior female official x by-the-book prefect] [Later story: perceptive and sensible lady of the house x scheming grand secretary] Wu Xi has spent thirteen years in the palace, struggling her way up, cautious and restrained, dodging countless hidden attacks. At last, she earns the position of sixth-rank female official in charge of the palace library. But then the former 1.1kReads8.6Score10514d adds

    Reader note

    This one! A female official leaves the palace, marries, and engages in palace intrigue. The male lead is a prefect, and the female lead is very clear-headed. It's really good! Don't be misled by the ratings, click and check it out for yourself! [Kissing emojis]

17. 17 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 79.6kReads9.5Score8.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    Since this is a fictional ancient setting, don't expect any virginity-themed stories. The female lead is a time traveler who becomes an empress immediately. She's not love-struck, she's strategic, intelligent, beautiful, and young. It's incredibly good!!!

18. 18 我 After I Died, the Beautiful Hostage Jumped from the City Tower 我死后，美人质子他跳了城楼 Jiujiu Qi久久萋Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted [The writing falls apart, don't read...] [Reborn + doted on by everyone + sweet romance] [Relationship-focused / devoted couple / not much revenge or face-slapping] [Warning: Aside from his good looks and his love for the female lead, the male lead is good for nothing] Only after Jiang Yichi died did she learn that what she'd once believed was fate had been a lie. Everything the scumbag enjoyed had been stolen from that man. She watched that man take revenge for her by personally killing her ene 5.6kReads9.2Score41114d adds

    Reader note

    This book is really good, it's absolutely fantastic!

19. 19 新 On Our Wedding Night, the Sickly Prince and I Fled Together 新婚夜：我和病娇王爷一起逃婚 Deng Feng灯枫Ancient Romance234k WordsCompleted Yu Jiao transmigrated. That night, dressed in her wedding gown, she hid in an alley and ran into a man in red. “Hey, what a coincidence! Are you running away from your wedding too?” “Yeah.” “I’m marrying Chu Yin. What about you?” “Hah. My name is Chu Yin.” After becoming the wife of a bewitching, sickly prince, Yu Jiao lived in constant fear. Rumor had it the Princess Consort of Yan wouldn’t survive three days. Yu Jiao turned to ask, “How long have we been married?” Chu Yin replied, “Be good, sw 12.9kReads9.3Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    They're all good, the last one is very interesting.

20. 20 穿 After I Transmigrated into a Book, I Became the Big Shot’s Lazy Pillow 穿书后成了大佬的咸鱼抱枕 Xi Yin奚音Ancient Romance306k WordsCompleted Outside, a raging storm howled and battle cries filled the air. Inside, Ning Xihua suddenly jolted awake on the bed. Propping herself up halfway, she looked confused. “What’s going on?” The man held a book in one hand and pulled her into his arms with the other. “Nothing. Go back to sleep.” “Oh.” Ning Xihua lay back down and promptly fell asleep. If the big shot was this calm, then even if knives were raining down outside, it had nothing to do with her. After transmigrating into a book, Ning Xi 50.9kReads9.4Score5.8k14d adds
21. 21 嘘 Shh! The Tyrant Is Secretly Spoiling His Little Sweetheart Again 嘘！暴君又在偷偷宠他的小娇娇 A Little Milk Kitty一只小奶喵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Yun Jiaojiao, a genius alchemist with an overprotective older brother, was cherished and spoiled from childhood. But after failing to survive her tribulation, she transmigrated into a despised imperial consort, entrusted to the emperor by her dying brother after he saved the emperor’s life. The emperor gave her a cold look. “I can only be your brother. Don’t even think of me as anything else!” Yun Jiaojiao blinked, looking pitiful on the outside but secretly thrilled. She cautiously tested him 7.5kReads8.9Score79214d adds
22. 22 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.3kReads9.2Score95314d adds

    Reader note

    Not a clean romance novel, happy ending, super good palace intrigue and domestic power struggle novel.

23. 23 贵 The Delicate Noble Consort, the Cold Emperor Can't Get Enough 贵妃娇软，薄情帝王轻点宠 When Fuyao Rises当扶摇上Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A widowed woman who remarries and becomes a pampered consort VS a dignified emperor (harem intrigue + romantic push and pull + devoted love + slow-blooming romance + raising a child)] At her infant's one-month celebration, news arrived that her husband had died in battle. Sheng Xiyan was plunged into despair. The Prince's manor bullied a helpless widow and orphan, assuming she'd simply accept her fate. But was she supposed to give up? Only the Son of Heaven could help her protect her son. So sh 1.1kReads7.2Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue story, a second marriage to the emperor. Emperor Xuanwu, upon seeing a woman in Zhongcui Palace performing acupuncture with her jade-like hands, her slender waist and alluring figure captivated him. His heart pounded; he, usually cold and aloof, was moved by her. Overcoming numerous obstacles, he brought her into the palace, and the heroine rose through the ranks to become empress. The second male lead, not dead, returned to create a chaotic scene [admiration].

24. 24 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Bewitching, and the Emperor Gives In to Pleasure 娘娘撩人魅惑，帝王纵情堕落 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The Tomato short drama Kun Yi is now streaming~ [Transmigrate into a book, male lead is not a virgin but female lead is, palace intrigue, psychological games, happy ending] The Crown Prince, Jun Zechen, has seen his fair share of calculating women, and loves only those who are pure and kind. While campaigning beyond the frontier, he meets Ling Yue and is captivated by her free-spirited kindness. He promises to spend his life with her alone. But two years pass, and the Crown Princess has yet to c 120.1kReads9.5Score11.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is intelligent and cunning, employing a series of interconnected schemes, prioritizing psychological manipulation while using wits as a secondary tactic, and proceeding step by step with meticulous planning.

25. 25 通 The Seductive Maid's Soft Allure Is More Than the Marquis Can Handle 通房香软媚骨，侯爷招架不住 Nan Yue Zi楠月子Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted [Native-born heroine vs. transmigrated heroine + reborn heroine] Chuying was born the daughter of an official. After her father was convicted and exiled, she was demoted to a low-ranking servant in the marquis's household. She planned to save up enough money, earn the old madam's favor, reclaim her contract of indenture, and leave the marquis's household to live a carefree life. But by an unfortunate twist of fate, the marquis forced himself on her. She meant to play dumb and pretend nothing had 992Reads6.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead was originally a housekeeper's daughter, but was demoted to a maid in the Marquis's mansion. She is a native girl, not a virgin, and has no special abilities. She is determined to redeem herself and leave the mansion. Later, she was chosen by the male lead, the Marquis, and became his concubine. The female lead fought for his favor and rose to become the mistress of the Marquis's mansion. Sweet romance is coming, and the writing and plot are excellent!

26. 26 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 47.7kReads9.5Score6.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    It perfectly fits the description; it's not a story of two virgins/clean girls. The female lead gradually wins the male lead's heart, and the emperor slowly falls for her, eventually becoming completely in love with her.

27. 27 心 Cherished Darling 心肝宠 Jiu Ling九棂Modern Romance2.0M WordsCompleted (Top-tier wealthy family, a modern Jiangnan beauty as the heroine, an obsessive male lead, the heroine pursues him at first, then he spoils her relentlessly, devoted to each other, happy ending) For the sake of the child in her belly, Lu Zhiling was forced to marry an obsessive tycoon. Everyone thought she wouldn’t live long enough to give birth. To stay alive, she began winning him over. Before she knew it, she had become the apple of his eye. Later, she prepared to run away. His car was perche 79.5kReads9.5Score8.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book is seriously super, super, super good! It's logical and not a silly, saccharine story. The second edition is a book I believe everyone has read—100% recommended. As for palace intrigue, I have one that was the first book I ever read on Tomato's blog. [Eating melon emoji] Highly recommended!

28. 28 逆 Defying Heaven's Cute Beast: The Peerless Demoness Rules the World 逆天萌兽：绝世妖女倾天下 First Day, Seeing the Moon初一见月Ancient Romance6.2M WordsCompleted [Print Edition of One Thought, Ashes Return to the Mountain: Preorders Open September 27 at 7 p.m.] Her own sister ripped out her phoenix bone, stole her talent, and tossed her into the Demon Rift like a dog! But against all odds, she survived and became the little demon girl cherished in the palms of the monsters living in the Demon Rift! The monsters of the Demon Rift: “Anyone who lays a hand on Niannian declares war on our entire demon clan!” She returns to the Five Continents, cuts down her 146.8kReads9.6Score18.9k14d adds
29. 29 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1k14d adds
30. 30 重 After Offering a Huge Reward for a Baby, I Rose to Power Through My Child 重金求子后，我靠崽上位了 Flying Orange Is Rich飞奔的橘有钱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Shu Yan, a retired employee of the quick transmigration department, accidentally transmigrates to the Song Dynasty and becomes the only daughter of a wealthy merchant. To protect her family fortune, Shu Yan decides to pay a hefty sum to have a child. She spends ages peeking over the wall at the handsome young gentleman next door, then seduces him by every means and sleeps with him. After successfully getting pregnant, she leaves behind a large sum of money and runs off with the baby, leaving the 5.8kReads8.7Score47014d adds

    Reader note

    Even if it's not a clean break story, it's still incredibly beautiful!

31. 31 进 I Entered the Palace as a Maid, but Bore the Crown Prince Twins 进宫当宫女，却给太子生下龙凤胎 Everything Goes Well万事皆宜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ji Nianzhen entered the palace as a maid and was always perfectly obedient. She planned to keep her head down until she was allowed to leave the palace, but then she unexpectedly became the Crown Prince's concubine. To her surprise, luck kept coming her way, and she rose in rank while raising a child! But is being obedient really enough to survive in the palace? Even in this deep palace, she never forgot who she was. She kept her hands clean as she protected herself and her child. A kind heart a 1.6kReads8.6Score18614d adds
32. 32 坏 Oh No! The Beggar Bride Is a Black-Hearted Schemer 坏了！替嫁小乞丐是朵黑心莲 Dragonfly Mehmeh蜻蜓咩咩Ancient Romance425k WordsCompleted [Pure historical domestic intrigue + black lotus heroine + play the pig to eat the tiger + both leads have past relationships (skip if that bothers you)] ♥ Eloping? Perfect. All this wealth falls right into my lap! Shen Chaoyun, the marquis’s legitimate daughter, elopes for love, and the little beggar Shu Wan is pushed into the bridal sedan instead. Her husband, the heir to the marquisate: a womanizer who thinks he’s devoted, a complete oddball who falls in love with every woman he meets. Her 55Reads8.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Both are impure; the male lead falls in love with every woman he meets, while the female lead only desires wealth and status.

33. 33 重 Reborn: The Scumbag Turns into a Devoted Lover 重生之渣男变忠犬 Witch Xiaoxiao巫女晓晓Two Male Leads202k WordsCompleted The last phone call She Xin made before he died was to Wei Qingchen. At the time, Wei was busy getting hot and heavy with his new lover and didn’t answer. Later, when unease finally drove him to call back, a police officer picked up. She Xin was dead. A nine-meter-long truck broke down in the rain, smashed through the guardrail, and plunged off a cliff. By the time the police found She Xin, he had stopped breathing. He was clutching a phone with a shattered screen. After the accident, he had onl 452Reads8.6Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    My only non-pure (clean/virtual) novel, it's really good, but it's not a palace intrigue story. It's really good! [Shy]

34. 34 入 She Entered the Palace as a Zhaoyi, Bewitching the Emperor with Her Obsession and Allure 入宫即是昭仪，又痴又媚紧握帝王 Quietly Draw Near悄悄靠近Ancient Romance465k WordsCompleted That year, she fell for him at first sight. She threw caution to the wind and insisted on entering the palace as his concubine, even knowing she was nothing more than a pawn he used to keep the harem in check. She was willing. Even knowing his heart held only the empire and Empress Chu, she was willing to be a reflection beneath Empress Chu’s feet. As Su Qingluan pursued the emperor’s love, schemes and intrigues unfolded in the harem, one step at a time. He once said, “You shouldn’t expect an em 1.6kReads8.4Score13314d adds

    Reader note

    👀Palace intrigue, choose a new emperor📖, grab a front-row seat🍻, ❌no time travel, ❌no rebirth, ❌no system, pure romance🦴, you won't regret investing👇🏻! 🎋First book, a sweet and doting palace intrigue novel. She enters the palace by imperial decree, balancing the harem. While pursuing the emperor's love, the intrigues of the harem are gradually unraveled. 🎋Second book, already completed✍️! The heroine rises from a lowly concubine to the throne, gradually winning the emperor's heart. She understands the emperor's love and the responsibilities of an empress, eventually becoming the empress dowager, continuing the responsibilities of the empress. 🎋Third book, a tragic novel🤧. Over ten years, she and he meet, their mutual love cannot be reconciled, ending with "You are the emperor, I am a commoner, emperor and commoner are different, how can we embrace?"

35. 35 后 Legend of the Harem: Yun 后宫之云传奇 Quietly Draw Near悄悄靠近Ancient Romance265k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + Palace intrigue] In the fifth month of Yongxu, at the imperial selection, Yiyun, the daughter of a county magistrate, entered the palace as a Nineteenth-Rank Lady. See how she first won the emperor’s heart. See how she survived the perilous inner palace. And what will her ending be? 9Reads—Score—14d adds
36. 36 深 The Poison of the Imperial Palace Left Me Unwell for Years 深宫荼毒，令我久久不愈 Quietly Draw Near悄悄靠近Ancient Romance285k WordsCompleted She entered the palace as a criminal slave at the age of eleven, but was fortunate enough to earn the Noble Consort's favor and was assigned to serve the princess. Do you think her life began there? No~ Over the next ten years, she met him. They fell in love, but could never be together. That was only the prelude to her story. When he first became emperor, do you think she reached the pinnacle of her life? Not a chance~ Given her status as a criminal slave and her time spent in the music bureau, 160Reads—Score—14d adds
37. 37 攻 Conquering Empresses in the Palace: Why Are the Empresses Fighting? 攻略甄嬛传：娘娘们怎么打起来了 Pure and Clear清明净Two Female Leads309k WordsOngoing A heartless yet affectionate, universally adored Yixiu × a dark, timid, unscrupulous An Lingrong No synopsis. [Not related by blood: they are only called aunt and sister-in-law as a figure of speech] [Friendship and romance collide. Ship whoever you want. Happy ending. Pure author indulgence] 474Reads9.5Score13614d adds

    Reader note

    The first book was a serialized novel, but it was very good, with a great plot. There was no romantic pairing; the protagonist, a princess, strategized and conquered the world, making it incredibly enjoyable to read (Recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐). The second book featured a female sword spirit, also without a romantic pairing, and it was very well-written (Recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐).

38. 38 穿 I Became the Female Lead's Sword Spirit, Only to Be Doted on by Four Powerhouses 穿成女主剑灵，反被四个大佬团宠 Green Tangerine Mint青桔薄荷Two Male Leads629k WordsCompleted [Two Male Leads, No CP + Beloved by All + Powerful Cultivators + Face-Slapping Scum + Everyone's Favorite + Love Triangle Showdowns] After He Cen died, he transmigrated into the sword spirit of the heroine of an old-school cultivation romance. The sword spirit had once followed the heroine through countless battles and was one of her most devoted admirers. But after transmigrating, He Cen discovered that the heroine, once overwhelmingly powerful and devoted to the world, had long ago been taken 6.8kReads9.1Score92214d adds
39. 39 靠EN Dominating the Harem by Bearing Children 靠生子称霸后宫 Wang Ziyun王梓芸Ancient Romance782k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Huameng's childhood sweetheart, the boy next door, betrayed her before their wedding. After watching him marry the daughter of a princess, she put on the bright red wedding dress she had spent two years embroidering and hanged herself. But her soul drifted through the world for twenty years after her death before she learned the truth: her childhood sweetheart had broken off their engagement after accidentally hearing that the childless emperor intended to adopt the princes 3.8kReads9.0Score49114d adds

    Reader note

    Not a clean romance, sweet and fluffy.

40. 40 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 2kReads8.3Score22314d adds

    Reader note

    This one! A pure palace intrigue story with an ensemble cast! It's really good.

41. 41 笼 The Caged Blue Sparrow 笼锁青雀 Today Is a Good Day for an Extra Chapter今日宜加更Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance, scheming maid rises to power, raising children, powerful man bows his head, sweet romance, possessive love, devoted to her later on, groveling after losing his wife] Zhuxin became the heir’s first woman, and the pretty maids who had been fighting tooth and nail for his favor immediately hated her. Anyone with eyes could see that the Grand Madam was using her to put the Madam in her place. Zhuxin had only just been promoted to first-class maid. She would have glad 138Reads7.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Not a story about two virgins; the male lead is a spoiled young master who forcibly takes advantage of his wife before turning over a new leaf, experiencing a "wife-chasing frenzy." The female lead is a maidservant, clear-headed, and only seeks power and wealth. (Happy Ending)

42. 42 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 11.6kReads9.2Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Try this. The male lead is really bad in the beginning, but he becomes genuinely good later on. It's not the kind of good that's just about being obsessed with love and talking about it; it's the kind of good that teaches her how to survive and leaves her with a "memorial to the emperor" even when she's on the verge of death.

43. 43 好 The Fertile Imperial Consort: The Emperor’s One and Only Favorite 好孕贵妃：独得圣宠 The Fish Who Loves Tea爱喝茶的鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Noble Consort Jingmin: the highest rank many women in the imperial harem could dream of attaining. But what if it was a posthumous title? Who would want that? Given another chance, Wanran had no desire to become empress. She only wanted everyone who had harmed her in her previous life to receive their due punishment, and for her children to live in peace, never again to suffer through those dark days. As for the emperor, she would never again give him her whole heart. 2.4kReads9.2Score21914d adds

    Reader note

    This is really good. The female lead is reborn, so the emperor doesn't really matter. You'll love it after watching it.

44. 44 暴 The Tyrant Is a Madman? No, His Sweet Demon Consort Is Crazier 暴君是疯批？不，娇软妖妃她更疯 The Pear Is Very Pear-y梨子很梨Ancient Romance151k WordsOngoing [Alternate setting + transmigration + palace intrigue + the wife-chasing crematorium trope + a clear-eyed heroine + not a pure couple] Li Shuang was born into a family that favored sons over daughters to an extreme. When she was a teenager, her own parents sold her to a man in the mountains. She had only one thought: escape. But she couldn’t get away, no matter how long she tried. If she couldn’t escape, then she’d just have to change her goal. So Li Shuang set fire to the house, killing the ent 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's not a "double virginity" story; the female lead is clear-headed and rational, and the male lead gradually falls in love with her.

45. 45 笼 The Caged Songbird Ensnared the Mad Emperor 笼中雀她渣了疯批皇帝 Lord Number One Scholar探花大人Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Taking Her by Force / The Long Road to Winning Her Back | Sweet, Deceptive Maid × Domineering, Ruthless, Scheming Emperor] Xu Zhixing was emperor twice in his life. The first time he took the throne, he kept Jiang Si imprisoned by his side and personally forced her to drink a pregnancy-preventing potion. But power struggles were rife with hidden murderous intent, and life and death were unpredictable. In just a few short years, the dynasty changed hands several times. After the Qing dynasty was 1kReads8.4Score10214d adds

    Reader note

    So heart-wrenching! It's agonizing! Whether it ends happily or tragically is unknown, but it's in my top five favorite tragic ancient Chinese romance novels.

46. 46 人 Life Is a Play, and the Empress Is All About Her Acting Skills 人生如戏，娘娘她纯拼演技 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + witty banter + sweet, delicate beauty + calculated mind games] The leads are not each other’s only partners. If that bothers you, don’t read. Be prepared for suspicion in the early chapters, followed by affection later. The pacing is slow, so proceed with caution if you prefer fast-paced wish-fulfillment stories. As a double award-winning actress and a seasoned star of palace intrigue dramas, how could Shi Yan possibly lose her nerve after transmigrating into the imperial hare 4.9kReads9.4Score54914d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue, not a story about two virgins, the male lead falls in love with the female lead later on, a highly rated book.

47. 47 囚 The Tale of Imprisoned Jade 囚玉传 King of Rock Sugar Pork Knuckles冰糖肘子大王Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing 194Reads8.1Score1114d adds

    Reader note

    A scholar, not a virtuous couple, passed the imperial examination, but Zhao Yu'er, for the sake of her family, was chosen to enter the palace. He asked her if she would come with him, and she only said she wanted to gain the emperor's favor. So, as a selection official, he sent her into the capital. In the harem, she schemed and plotted, using both overt and covert methods to help him rise in rank; he worked tirelessly in the court, wielding immense power, solely to protect her. The stunning beauty became the emperor's unforgettable love, while the handsome scholar rose to become a treacherous minister second only to the emperor. Imperial power paved the way to heaven, and broken bones forged the path to success. The two thought their secret love could be hidden forever. But unexpectedly, in a drunken moment of receiving the emperor's favor, she straddled him and passionately called out, "He Lang"... Late at night, he used official business to stay overnight in the guardhouse, but disguised himself and entered the bedchamber of Yi Hua Palace. Lips met, exchanging heart-wrenching longing. "I'm fully recovered," she said. "What, missed me?" He tilted his head closer, chuckled, and pulled her hand down, "Or…missed it?" Just as the emperor and powerful ministers were engaged in a power struggle, vying for the heart of a beautiful woman, the barbarian cavalry trampled through Yanmen Pass. The empress removed her phoenix crown and took up a spear; Zhao Yu'er, bearing the name of a wicked concubine, led the harem to face the national crisis. The golden phoenix hairpin was replaced by a red-tasseled spear, its silver blade reflecting the cold moonlight. That treacherous minister, however, invited her, smiling as he asked, "If I assist Your Majesty, will we both be remembered in history?"

48. 48 妾 The Stunning and Clear-Headed Concubine, and the Crown Prince Slowly Falls for Her 妾室绝美又清醒，太子逐步沦陷 A Little Comet一只小彗星Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Main story complete] (The rating just came out, so it’s a little low. New readers, don’t let that scare you off. Feel free to check out the reviews or give the book a try. Thanks!) Transmigrate into a book + reborn in another world + palace intrigue first, harem intrigue later + stunning, clear-headed heroine + not a pure couple This is Shen Yan’s second time transmigrating into a book. The first time, she became a palace maid who was destined to end up as a disposable character according to th 629Reads7.5Score10514d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is a second-time transmigrator in a book. In her previous life, she went from being a palace maid to the Empress Dowager. In this life, being a concubine is a complete reversal of fortune. She originally wanted to slack off, but the Crown Prince grew to like her more and more. However, she was capable enough to handle any promotion she received. This is my favorite bedtime reading. It's great!

49. 49 啊 Huh? If Dandelions Can Have Babies, Isn’t That Basically Cheating? 啊？让蒲公英生子，不就开挂嘛 Big Wind Wind Wind Wind大风风风风Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Quick Transmigration + Palace Intrigue and Household Feuds + Qing Dynasty Setting + Slightly Alternate History + Pregnancy and Childbirth + Ancient Times + Multiple Births + Interstellar + Cultivation + Modern] Sheng Huan is a dandelion fairy from the spirit world. To bring her dead elder sister back to life, she bound herself to a System and traveled through countless worlds to complete missions. Because of her unusual true form, whenever she is reborn as a human, her body transforms the origi 30.1kReads9.2Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Absolutely perfect!! The writing is superb, the emotional descriptions are delicate, and the male lead is incredibly sweet. I wasn't really interested in the first few worlds, but after randomly reading one, I started getting turned on. Aside from the interstellar world, which I wasn't particularly interested in, I didn't skip a single chapter in the other worlds!!! The female lead is resourceful, intelligent, decisive, and has a fantastic imagination! I love it! (Warning: The male lead in the first few worlds might not be a virgin.)

50. 50 朕 My Empress Is a Face-Obsessed Fangirl 朕的皇后是颜狗 Spring Is Everywhere天下有春Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted After transmigrating, she became a divorced wife cast aside by her husband. By accident, she caught the attention of a certain dangerously obsessive charmer. He could be a pleasure-seeking rake, an elegant gentleman, or a ruthless schemer. No matter, Jiang Dong didn’t mind! Growth was what mattered! She teamed up with Song Xiuchen to take down scumbags, outwit wicked women, and make a fortune through their mutually beneficial partnership! One dark and stormy night, Jiang Dong was about to secret 28Reads8.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's not a clean romance novel; the male lead has had many relationships, and so does the supporting male character. It's angsty and heart-wrenching. I've been dragging my feet on the last 100 chapters for a month and still haven't finished it. I skipped to the ending to check, and I'm glad it's not a tragedy. I'll finish it later. I'm just okay with the male lead; I quite like Pan Jing, though I can't really describe it. I just feel he's not as awful as he seems on the surface.

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