Pure Palace Intrigue, with Cutthroat Scheming. The Female Lead Must Be Clever 纯纯宫斗文，斗得死去活来的那种。女主一定要聪明

1. 151 绝 A Stunning Film Queen Possesses Someone in Another World, Masters Palace Intrigue, and Becomes Empress 绝美影后搞魂穿，玩转宫斗成皇后 Ink Phoenix Cloud Letter墨凰云笺Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Powerful female lead transmigrates into another person's body + high-IQ palace intrigue + one woman takes on the entire harem + not both leads' first time] A stunning award-winning actress transmigrates into the body of a concubine-born girl who has been drugged with an aphrodisiac and is still expected to enter the palace. Entering the palace would be one thing, but her rank is low. Her rank being low would be one thing, but she has no money either. No matter. Sister Shen knows exactly what sh 227Reads6.4Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   A palace intrigue story that requires intelligence; not featuring a clean-cut, romance-obsessed female lead.

2. 152 穿 I Transmigrated Into My Fair Princess as the Empress's Daughter 穿越还珠我是皇后的女儿 Radiant Glow霞光四溢Female-Channel Fanfiction334k WordsCompleted Eighteen-year-old modern girl He Jing was a die-hard fan of My Fair Princess. She transmigrated into the series and became the empress’s daughter, Princess Gurun Heping, a character who never existed in the show. What new twists and turns will unfold? 216Reads8.1Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is exceptionally intelligent and adept at manipulating people's hearts!

3. 153 清 Qing Transmigration: The Side Consort Has an Assist System 清穿：侧福晋有助攻系统 Waiting for the Night in the Snow雪上等夜人Ancient Romance494k WordsCompleted A word of caution: This is a novel, not history, so don't scrutinize it. The names and anything else that differs from history are all invented for the story. If that's not your thing, read at your own risk. [Alternate Qing Dynasty + Assist System + Everyday Leveling Up + Raising Children] Song Shurou transmigrates and becomes a Song Concubine in the early years of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign. Song Concubine has a breakout? System: Don't worry, Shurou. Just say one sentence to Yongzheng, and w 14.3kReads9.3Score96414d adds
4. 154 清 A Qing Dynasty Story: The Struggles of Noble Consort Nian 清穿之年贵妃的奋斗史 A Dream DoraA梦哆啦Ancient Romance658k WordsCompleted Everyone knew the young lady of the Nian family was lively and reckless. She followed Nian Gengyao around in men’s clothes to the Zuixin House every day, where she watched the girls, played cards, and drank. Yet she couldn’t stand seeing the weak bullied, women abducted, or anyone racing horses through the streets. If something caught her attention, she was sure to corner you and argue it out. Nian Qingfeng was notorious, but everyone praised her all the same: the Nian family’s young lady hated 172Reads8.4Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   666, Go check it out yourself, these books all fit the criteria, they're not all virgins.

5. 155 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 265.2kReads9.6Score31k14d adds

   Reader note

   The female protagonist in this book is very clever; it's a story of palace intrigue and domestic power struggles.

6. 156 盛 The Fourth Prince's Consort's Favor: Raising Children in the Inner Court 盛宠四福晋：后院养崽记 Wu Wu乌邬Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Shu Wen transmigrates into the Fourth Prince's household in the Qing dynasty and becomes obsessed with raising children, while the Fourth Prince falls deeply in love with her. Shu Wen, a "seedling gardener," was on her way to Beijing to receive an award when a plane crash sent her transmigrating to the Qing dynasty. She wakes up as the Fourth Prince's principal wife, Lady Ulanara, the poor woman who spent the first half of her life trying to have children and the second half mourning Honghui. Sh 3.1kReads9.0Score25714d adds

   Reader note

   Key points: All are very sweet. Highly recommended. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. 157 赐 After the Imperial Betrothal, the Princess Consort Just Wants the Prince to Keep Her Alive 赐婚后，王妃只想靠王爷续命 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance411k WordsCompleted A historical romance: marriage first, love later. Both leads are intelligent, articulate, and quick-witted. No angst, no silly characters, and sweet moments throughout. Originally titled Who Dares to Define Romance. Everyone in the capital regards Prince Yong as untouchable. Gu Qing is the only exception. Desperate for a life-saving medicine, she takes advantage of the emperor’s arranged marriage and weds Prince Yong, unaware that he is also gravely ill with a deadly poison. She is calm and rati 5.9kReads9.4Score73514d adds
8. 158 寒 The Humble Origins Chef 寒门厨娘 Everyday A Bu市井阿布Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the body of the lowest-ranking palace maid in the Imperial Kitchen, A He only wants to slack off, lie flat, and survive to a ripe old age. But the head steward skimps on the palace rations with moldy rice, then serves spoiled food to the elderly maids. She quietly brings out the culinary skills she won in her previous life as “Little Master of Chinese Cuisine”: A dish of cabbage boiled in clear broth shocks the Imperial Food Bureau, while three spoonfuls of crab-stuf 52Reads6.1Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   A great palace intrigue novel! The author is a newbie, so please follow and give feedback! [Heart emojis]

9. 159 从 From Palace Maiden to Empress Dowager: The Beloved Consort Rules the Realm 从秀女到太后：娇娇娘娘母仪天下 Holding the Wedding Candle秉花烛Ancient Romance693k WordsOngoing Jiang Wanzhen was merely the daughter of a minor sixth-rank official, forced by circumstance to enter the imperial harem. Luckily, the emperor was young and handsome, so he wasn't too hard to stomach. The women in the harem were all cunning schemers, but Jiang Wanzhen fought her way through every obstacle, tore down paper tigers, and took on the fake sweethearts. She nursed her best friend, had children, and before she knew it, she had risen from an insignificant low-ranking consort to the most 101Reads8.5Score—14d adds
10. 160 我 My Husband Holds Power over the Entire Court 我的夫君权倾朝野 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted Jiang Yi is reborn, and in this life, all she wants is revenge. She saves Su Bo on a whim, only to repay the kindness he showed her in her previous life; But as she keeps repaying him, Jiang Yi starts to feel that something is off. How did she end up in his bed? She is gentle, kind, and harmless; he holds power over the entire court and keeps everyone at a distance. But everyone in the household knows that their general secretly spoils his wife. “General, Madam seems to have... rubbed the Chance 833Reads8.8Score10014d adds
11. 161 大 The Qing Dynasty Imperial Weaving Bureau: A Nimble Hand Embroiders the World 大清织造：锦心绣手绘乾坤 Everyday A Bu市井阿布Ancient Romance307k WordsCompleted Beneath the Hall of Golden Chimes in the Forbidden City lies another empire: the Imperial Weaving Bureau. It forges no weapons, yet oversees the royal family’s prestige and the economic lifeblood of the empire. Su Jinshu, daughter of the Suzhou textile commissioner, is forced to enter this splendid battlefield. Amid the stormy struggle among nine princes for the throne, armed with a ledger no one else can decipher and a flower-embroidered needle, she seeks a way to survive in the narrow space be 1Reads—Score—14d adds
12. 162 娘 The Empress Is Determined to Rise to the Top 娘娘她立志登高位 The Moon Has Set in the West月已西Ancient Romance679k WordsCompleted Scheming beauty x stern, cold emperor (soul transmigration + palace intrigue + not mutually devoted + eventually his one and only) In the third year of Zhaowu, Wen Zhuohua abandoned the path laid out for her and entered the palace as a palace-selection candidate. She loves wealth, splendor, power, and status. All under heaven belongs to the sovereign, and nothing in this world is more exalted than imperial authority. Once in the palace, she treads carefully in the harem and puts on an act for th 15.3kReads9.0Score2.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    A cunning and charming female lead versus a deep and suspicious male lead! The female lead transmigrates! She enters the palace through a talent show! Later, she becomes the emperor's sole favorite! Both the female and male leads are cunning, sensitive, cautious, and incredibly intelligent—a battle of wits! The female lead is a master of disguise, lying without batting an eye, subtly flirting, and maintaining a natural balance in their interactions. She gradually tests his limits, slowly increasing her importance until she firmly takes control. The male lead gradually falls for her, becoming possessive, jealous, conflicted, and trying to appease her. Even though he knows she might not be entirely innocent, he still falls for her, creating a captivating and suspenseful story! The writing is also superb, with exceptionally delicate descriptions!

13. 163 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.6kReads9.2Score19814d adds

    Reader note

    The unparalleled plot of "The Ceiling of Romance" and the unique description of "love" are truly exceptional. This novel is sure to become famous. During the reading process, one's emotions fluctuate constantly, and these emotions resonate even from the depths of the soul, lingering for a long time. Upon finishing the book, one is left with only a sense of awe.

14. 164 后 A True Account of Surviving the Harem 后宫生存实录 Old Spring Breeze旧春风Ancient Romance386k WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Ensemble Cast] [The heroine transmigrates, with no golden finger; neither lead is inexperienced] The author isn’t good at writing blurbs, so please head straight to the story. Shen Zhiyi, a psychological counselor, transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking concubine. From the start, she sees Su, the “deceased empress’s replacement,” win the emperor’s favor only to fall under suspicion. She also watches the “adorably foolish” Xu Yanran get used as a pawn and demoted to the 22Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A clear-headed female protagonist, a harem setting where everyone loves power more than the emperor.

15. 165 与 Parting with Dreams 与梦离 An Acorn一粒橡果子Ancient Romance204k WordsCompleted [Harem Intrigue + Reborn + Political Scheming + Plot-Driven + Ensemble Cast + Serious Drama + Historical Romance] Prologue: Late at night, a sudden downpour began. The jade orchid by the bed gave off a captivating fragrance, as bewitching and hard to resist as the lovely woman in his arms. Urgent knocking sounded outside the bedchamber, accompanied by Eunuch Li's voice. “Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened! Consort Yao jumped into a well and took her own life!” “What!” The emperor's he 13Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    In her previous life, she was blinded by love and framed, dying tragically in the palace. Reborn on the day of the imperial concubine selection, she resolutely chooses to re-enter the palace for revenge… Because of her constant interference, everything changes. And just then, she discovers the harem is full of villains, while her cheat-like abilities are crippled… A slightly serious palace intrigue novel. [Sending hearts][Added to bookshelf]

16. 166 长 The Princess’s Tactics Are Impeccable, but Her Little Slave Can’t Handle Her Flirting 长公主手段高，小奴隶他不经撩 Wei Xun唯寻Ancient Romance322k WordsCompleted [Master-servant romance + slight yandere elements + reborn revenge against scumbags + sweet romance + heroine spoils hero. A story about a princess who builds her power and takes revenge while doting on her little slave, then goes on to become emperor.] [Unhinged, dark princess vs. sweet, loyal puppy-like little slave] In her previous life, Gu Xun trusted the wrong people and watched her country fall and her family perish. Reborn, Gu Xun vows to protect her homeland and make the so-called destin 4kReads9.4Score46914d adds

    Reader note

    Female-dominated palace intrigue is awesome, especially the first book, I was so moved by the evil older sister! (￣▽￣~)~

17. 167 一 Two Souls in One Body: The Tyrant Teaches Me Court Intrigue 一体双魂：暴君教我宫斗上位 Taotao Calls Laifu淘淘打来福Ancient Romance325k WordsCompleted (Completed) How dare she, Bai Xi? How dare she die together with the emperor! Xiao Junlin, who was stabbed to death, transmigrates back ten years and ends up sharing one body with the woman who killed him! You say all the women in my harem are either hypocritical white lotuses or vicious shrews? I don’t believe it! By the Mandate of Heaven, the emperor decrees... Bai Xi is confined to the palace for one month. Xiao Junlin feels an inexplicable surge of anger. “That damn emperor, are you blind? I 89Reads8.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Completed, rating just released. No exclusive favoritism in palace intrigue, check it out if you don't mind.

18. 168 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 254.1kReads9.7Score29.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    Come on, pure palace intrigue, the kind that will boost your IQ by two ounces after watching!

19. 169 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 18.3kReads9.5Score2.6k14d adds
20. 170 后 The Harem: The Rise and Fall of Hailan 后宫之海兰沉浮录 Pang Yuqiqi胖鱼柒柒Female-Channel Fanfiction508k WordsOngoing After Keli Yete Hailan passes away peacefully, she unexpectedly devours Zhazhalong's soul. Only then does she learn that she was originally a silk tree blossom outside the Protector of the Nation Temple, and that, through a twist of fate, she lived two lives in the mortal realm as Ye Lanyi and Hailan. She also discovers that one of her former sisters was a hypocritical, sanctimonious white lotus. When she opens her eyes again, she is in Yanxi Palace in a parallel world. The people are the sam 9Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A treasure trove of a book, pure palace intrigue! After Hailan's rebirth, she befriends Gao Xiyue, and together they take revenge on Daru and the scumbag boyfriend!

21. 171 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

    Reader note

    For those who haven't seen these, check them out! You'll feel your IQ will rise after watching them. 1. *Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection*: Transmigrated into a concubine awaiting the imperial selection and bound to a [Palace Intrigue Simulator], she precisely avoids death options, unaware that the tyrant is a reincarnated individual. During their mutual probing, she discovers—the so-called deep affection of the emperor is merely a move in her game. [Full-time career-oriented, tyrant's self-conquest] [Double reincarnation + black lotus flower showcasing acting skills] 2. *Bound by Spring*: Song Wan, a substitute bride entering the palace, navigates the harem with her medical skills. When she discovers the emperor knew the truth about the substitute marriage but coldly watched, she burns her phoenix robe and sneers: "I've had enough of this charade." [Early infatuation, later heartbreak] [Substitute marriage trope + medical revenge] 3. *Provoking the Golden Branch*: The legitimate daughter of a military family is reborn as a discarded concubine in the cold palace, wielding a [Revenge System] to retaliate against scumbags and turn the tables. When the emperor knelt and begged for forgiveness, she crushed the phoenix seal and sneered: "Your Majesty, your heart's blood is merely the last ingredient in my medicine." [Completely ruthless and pure revenge] [Black lotus + system-driven satisfying story] 4. *Nine Layers of Brocade* A merchant's daughter is forced into the palace as a concubine, rising step by step with her exquisite weaving and embroidery skills and political maneuvering. When the emperor tries to seduce her with sincerity, she counters with a poisoned embroidered handkerchief: "Your Majesty, this beautiful empire, I will embroider it myself." [A career-oriented black lotus] [A satisfying story of palace intrigue and business warfare] 5. *Willow by the Palace Wall* Little Willow is forced into the palace to become a puppet substitute, pretending to be stupid for many years. When the emperor confesses his feelings, she chuckles: "Your Majesty, do you truly love Willow, or is it the person you see through Willow?" [Appears docile but is actually ruthless] [Substitute literature + anti-cliché palace intrigue]

22. 172 她 Four Years After Her Death, the Crown Prince Brought Back a Substitute 她死后第四年，太子带回一个替身 Morning Clouds Purple朝云紫Ancient Romance296k WordsCompleted [The short drama is now available] [Palace intrigue, rebirth, adorable child] [The heroine has renounced love / the crown prince pursues her after losing her] When the crown prince falls from power and is imprisoned in You Tai, he contracts a plague and teeters on the brink of death. She stays by his side without ever abandoning him. After returning to the Eastern Palace, the crown prince marries her half-sister as his crown princess. As for her, he orders that the mother be killed and the child 1.2kReads8.7Score10814d adds

    Reader note

    A very good book. The female lead is smart, quick-witted, and a killing machine; she's his own double. The male lead dotes on her, but she doesn't love him.

23. 173 娇 A Scheming Childhood Friend Charms the Coldhearted Emperor into Surrender 娇媚心机青梅诱，薄情帝王沦陷深 Fu Yuan福媛Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Pure palace intrigue + the leads are not each other’s first + no saintly heroine] P.S. The heroine is a villainess who takes the initiative. A bewitching, scheming beauty × a cool, heartless emperor An imperial decree made Chu Miaowei the crown prince’s secondary consort. With the little affection her childhood friend, Crown Prince Xiao Jinghuai, had for her, she could have lived a smooth and happy life. But she had no interest in love. She only wanted power. How could the position of secondary 642Reads5.5Score10114d adds
24. 174 清 The Qing Palace: A Tumultuous Springtime 清宫之芳华乱 Heng Yirh衡忆rhAncient Romance409k WordsCompleted Set in an alternate version of the Qing dynasty, where the emperor is Yongqi and the empress dowager is Nala, Qianlong's second empress. Xilin Jueluo Youyi. Her name comes from a line in the Book of Songs: “Great and numerous are the lords; they stand on either side, bearing jade tablets. The bearers of jade tablets are stately, and their excellence is fitting.” Others hope their daughters will be beautiful and clever, able to win their husbands' hearts. But before her wedding, Youyi's father t 44Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue, three female protagonists, let's see who has the last laugh.

25. 175 娘 The Empress Is on a Rampage: 15 Top-Tier Palace Intrigue Stories 娘娘她杀疯了：15个顶级宫斗故事 Read a Little Editorial Team读点编辑部Ancient Romance294k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + strong female lead + reborn + palace intrigue + court politics + tragic romance] She was Consort Hua, who lost the palace struggle and died by banging her head against a wall in the Cold Palace. After dying with regrets, she was reborn before her clan's downfall. Now that she knows how all the palace intrigues will end, can she defeat Zhen Huan and have the last laugh…? She was Yang Guifei, the woman blamed for bringing ruin to the country. Everyone knows she lived in luxur 3.1kReads9.1Score10514d adds

    Reader note

    When the strong female lead takes action, no one can escape! The female lead is intelligent throughout, neither naive nor seductive, and she's thoroughly controlled! I highly recommend these two books, you really should read them! 🌈💨

26. 176 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.6kReads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    🤭👍This is a great book! The female lead is incredibly clear-headed, and the male lead is rich and handsome. Both leads are in beautiful, witty states. They're quick to mock anyone they don't like, which is so satisfying to read. The relationship between them is also very sweet; the male lead treats the female lead like a pet cat – a beautiful cat that scratches, bares its teeth, and acts cute. Who wouldn't love that? Plus, the female lead is lazy, capricious, and adorably dramatic.

27. 177 清 Qing Dynasty Cannon Fodder: To Live Well, I Need a Son 清穿炮灰：想活好还得有个儿子 Huachao Baiyu花朝白榆Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted (Qing dynasty setting + strong heroine + supernatural powers + System + adorable kids + palace intrigue + household intrigue + raising children + childbirth + slow transmigration) In the apocalypse, Yi Manrong sacrifices herself in an explosion to protect the children, taking the Zombie King down with her. She transmigrates to ancient times as an unnamed, early-dead cannon-fodder character who does not appear in the history books. To survive, Yi Manrong works hard at life and at palace intrigue. 3.5kReads7.4Score12614d adds

    Reader note

    Unlike other Qing Dynasty period dramas I've read, this one is quite good.

28. 178 恶 The Wicked Woman Crushes Scumbags, While the Brooding Eunuch Seethes with Jealousy Every Day 恶女虐渣，阴湿九千岁日日醋 Huo Guan霍官Ancient Romance384k WordsCompleted [Completed, devoted couple, happy ending] The Nine-Thousand-Year-Old is luring a female official into his trap. She plots to kill her superior and even dares to outsmart the Nine-Thousand-Year-Old. In the end, he ensnares her step by step and lures her into his bed. The Nine-Thousand-Year-Old holds power over the entire court and is ruthless in his methods. Everyone says she won't survive three days. But she can outfight her enemies and has no qualms about striking hard. Revenge is all she cares 121Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is very clever; anyone who opposes her ends up in a bad situation, and she manipulates the entire situation.

29. 179 中 The Empress of the Central Palace 中宫元后 King Smile笑笑大王Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + marriage before love + palace intrigue] (This is a fictional setting, written as I please. Please don't hold it against me if it doesn't fit history.) Qiao Shanshan, who lived to thirty on Blue Star, died while saving a child. Only after reaching the underworld did she learn that it wasn't her time to die. The soul reaper had taken the wrong person. To make it up to her, the King of Hell promi 15.4kReads8.2Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    Sometimes watching this gives me a heart attack, hahaha.

30. 180 匠 Crafting a Phoenix: From Consort Jin to Empress Dowager 匠心谋凰：从瑾嫔到太后 Round and Round转转转圈圈Ancient Romance915k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue, alternate setting, a vast harem with many ranks, not a one-on-one favorite, most characters are clever and ruthless, a few are reckless fools, and the heroine stays clear-headed from beginning to end. A satisfying story with a touch of ensemble cast.] Tang Yuan is the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Works, sent into the palace by her father as a lucky charm to prove his loyalty. But that’s fine by her: Her ambitious and capable father earns her steady promotions in the e 1.2kReads8.0Score13514d adds

    Reader note

    This story is all about fighting; the female lead is sharp-witted and levels up by defeating monsters, hahaha.

31. 181 莫 Don't Wait Until the Flowers Fade to Pluck a Branch 莫待无花须折枝 Old Rogue Cao Cao曹操老贼Ancient Romance265k WordsCompleted [Revenge | Shocking Twists | Multiple Male Leads | Alternate History] Everyone in the capital knew that Chen Yunshu, the mad princess, would never find a husband. Until an imperial edict of marriage arrived at the Wei residence. It forced Chen Yunshu, the most notorious mad princess in all of Great Chen, into Wei Yu’s bed. The whole city sighed. The young master of the Wei family was done for! Ever since Chen Yunshu entered the general’s residence, there had not been a single day of peace. 150Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist gradually approaches the palace, kills the emperor to avenge herself, becomes the empress dowager, and takes control of the court.

32. 182 欲 Tempting the Emperor to Build a Golden House 欲诱帝王筑金屋 My Cat Is Called Huabei我的猫叫花呗Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [A Delicate Darling Reborn from the Ashes x A Vengeful, Obsessive Emperor] [Age Gap] [Pseudo-Forbidden Romance] [Abduction and Possessive Love] [One-on-One] [Both Leads Untouched] [Sweet Romance] (The author was young and terrible at naming things. Don't judge Ah Jiu by his name, he's really a good person!!!) After being kept under lock and key for twelve years, the sheltered, uneducated illegitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yong'an is bold enough to seek out the Idle Prince, who is infatuated 904Reads9.0Score10414d adds
33. 183 娘 An Empress’s Daily Harem Battles 娘娘日常宫斗忙 Big Blade and Er Lu大刀和二噜Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted Not a one-man-one-woman romance, and he won't be devoted to just one woman. Read with caution. (Satisfying revenge + steady rise through the ranks + settling every score) From Concubine Xu to High Consort Xu, Xu Chenbi takes every step with care: becoming pregnant, giving birth, and rising in rank. After ascending to the empress's throne, will she become a shield for the emperor's beloved? Sorry, you two enjoy your romance. My goal is to become the empress dowager! 180Reads6.4Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These three books are absolutely amazing! The female lead is a cunning palace intrigue character who gets pregnant, rises to power, and there's no romance involved—they're absolutely fantastic!!!

34. 184 孕 My Husband Wants a Divorce While I'm Pregnant? Fine, Whatever You Want! 孕期夫君要和离？随你都随你！ Fu Bao芙宝Ancient Romance331k WordsCompleted Shu Yuwan is the youngest legitimate daughter in her family. Her parents and elder brothers have cherished her since childhood, and her mother carefully chose a distinguished young gentleman from the capital to be her husband. After their wedding, the couple may not have been inseparable, but they treated each other with mutual respect. But while she was pregnant, her husband claimed he had met an extraordinary woman who had left him awestruck. He wanted a divorce so he could marry her. Shu Yuwa 11.1kReads8.9Score1.5k14d adds
35. 185 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 5.5kReads8.5Score59614d adds

    Reader note

    All four books are palace intrigue novels. The female protagonists are rational and clear-headed, absolutely refusing to believe that a man can love only one person. They would rather believe in ghosts than trust a man's words, especially those of the emperor.

36. 186 穿 Transmigrated as the White Moonlight: The Mad Prince Begs Me to Take the Throne 穿成白月光，疯批太子跪求我上位 Miss Li Tells Stories黎姑娘说故事Ancient Romance472k WordsCompleted [Substitute Bride + Married First, Love Later + Devoted Couple + Sweet Romance + A Little Palace Intrigue] (Dump the original male lead. The male and female supporting characters are meant for each other!) After transmigrating into a melodramatic, tragic historical romance, Wen Luoli faces a disastrous situation from the start: she has to die to make the male and female leads’ love come true. To stay alive, she decides to win over the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace and make him her backer… 86Reads8.4Score—14d adds
37. 187 云 Cloud-Swept Hair and Flowerlike Beauty: Reborn as a Force to Be Reckoned With 云鬓花颜，重生一世狠角色 Fu Ya付雅Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + household intrigue + strong heroine + one-on-one romance + all-out action + female-led growth] Warning: This is a story focused purely on household intrigue, with little romance. It is a coming-of-age story centered on household battles, and it starts slowly. This is not a fast-paced novel. If you prefer fast-paced stories, feel free to move on. Thank you. Born into wealth, she was nevertheless surrounded by people plotting against her. Qin YunyI never imagined that her devoted husban 602Reads8.5Score11014d adds

    Reader note

    The ultimate in domestic power struggles! The female lead is clear-headed, not a saint or a hypocrite, and her vengeful nature is absolutely adorable (⑉°з°)-♡ Everyone's got 800 schemes in their heads, so if you don't like it, come back and hit me! ✌(̿▀̿ ̿Ĺ̯̿̿▀̿ ̿)✌

38. 188 知 Tell Me, Tell Me, Will History Remember Her Beauty? 知否，知否，青史载红妆 Xiao Hu Qingya小虎青崖Female-Channel Fanfiction1.2M WordsCompleted In The Story of Minglan, how did the concubine-born girl who lost her mother at five learn to hide her talents and survive amid bloodshed? No transmigration, no golden finger, no cheat codes. With nothing but patience and restraint, she navigates the rivalry between the legitimate and concubine-born children, plotting her mother's revenge without getting blood on her hands; With nothing but her keen eye, she rises from a back courtyard in the Sheng household to become the matriarch of a marquis' 1kReads—Score—14d adds
39. 189 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.3kReads9.2Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is really good. The female lead is incredibly intelligent, and there's practically no male lead. She's a bit weak at the beginning, but she gets better gradually. It's very enjoyable and highly recommended.

40. 190 清 Raising Children as Consort Xi in the Qing Dynasty 清穿之熹贵妃养崽日常 April New Year's Eve四月除夕Ancient Romance862k WordsCompleted [A max-level green tea who treats men like bosses and sweet-talks them while focusing on raising her child, the Imperial Noble Consort VS Yongzheng, a cold-faced prince to outsiders but a cute, proud tsundere at home; Qing Dynasty setting, palace intrigue, Consort Xi, adorable child, feel-good story] After raising a baby for two months, Qian Shengyan found out he was actually Qianlong. She immediately decided to lie back and let things work out in her favor. ...Then the baby nearly died. Terrifi 479Reads8.7Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is incredibly smart, quick-witted, and absolutely clear-headed. She won't be swayed by the male lead's sweet words and knows exactly what she wants and how to achieve it. I absolutely adore her! [Heart][heart][heart][heart] [thumbs up][thumbs up] She's also incredibly good at resolving plot holes, truly amazing! [Admiration][admiration][admiration]

41. 191 庶 A Concubine's Plot for the Palace: I Will Repay This Grudge in Blood 庶女谋宫：这仇，我必血偿 Xiao Hu Qingya小虎青崖Ancient Romance382k WordsOngoing A difficult labor in the Cold Palace, blood soaking the ground. Her elder sister poisoned her, and the matrons watched with cold indifference. Shen Weiwan, a concubine-born daughter, narrowly escaped death. Clutching a silver hairpin, she tore away their masks with her own hands, gave birth amid a sea of blood, and made an example of them on the spot! Those who caused her difficult labor were beaten to death! Those who looked down on her lowly birth were sentenced to death! Those who harmed her —Reads—Score—14d adds
42. 192 知 Do You Know? Do You Know? The Green Should Be Plump and the Red Lean 知否！知否！应是绿肥红瘦 Little Cat Qingya小猫青崖Female-Channel Fanfiction1.4M WordsCompleted The Story of Minglan: Her birth mother was murdered, her legal mother suppressed her, and her half-sister framed her! As Sheng Minglan, a concubine-born daughter trapped in a deep inner household, she had no golden finger or miraculous opportunity. She survived in the narrow cracks of a cruel family through her keen intelligence and unyielding spirit! While keeping a low profile and biding her time, she exposed embezzlement in the accounts and foiled a poison plot at a banquet, crushing those w 5.7kReads7.7Score77814d adds
43. 193 宠 The Spoiled Concubine's Daily Death Wish 宠妾作死日常 Fine Dust Beneath the Moon月下微尘Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted You have to die once to realize what you’ve missed, especially in a back courtyard full of endless intrigue! Before the selection, Wanyan Wanxi was the apple of her family’s eye. After she was chosen and entered the imperial household, she remembered her mother’s teachings: respect the principal consort and tread carefully in everything. She never sought the limelight. But who could have guessed that this very respect and sense of propriety would lead to her downfall? Returning to the beginnin 3.6kReads8.8Score26714d adds
44. 194 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.9kReads8.8Score2.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    A female-centric power struggle novel, everyone is cunning and scheming, a top-tier battle of wits ◔.̮◔✧. Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Couples Mutual Pampering + Everyone is Cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence, everyone is cunning and scheming, a peak battle of wits! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, was blinded and used forbidden techniques to save her scumbag husband, exhausting her life force. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled healing and poisoning skills, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and invincible ruler, was suffering from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi threw down the antidote, her voice cold and arrogant: "I will extend Your Highness's life. Lend me your blade to slaughter all the demons and monsters, how about it?" The world believed the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the Regent's palm. Until powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, everyone was horrified to discover—the seemingly fragile Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a woman of unparalleled wisdom and skill! She and he entrusted their lives to each other, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

45. 195 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 122.5kReads9.7Score13.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    So good! I love them all!!! No unnecessary scenes!! All these female leads are incredibly intelligent!! Anyway, it's so enjoyable!!!

46. 196 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter's Allure 嫡女媚 Restless Slumber怅眠Ancient Romance986k WordsCompleted Her birth mother was murdered, and her younger brother died a tragic death. She had swallowed her pride and become another’s plaything, only to be tortured and abused to death in the end. Her heart had screamed in anguish, but she’d been powerless to fight back. Now reborn, Wu Yue swore she would carve out a bright future for herself. Those who had bullied and humiliated her would pay back every last debt, with interest. There was a beauty whose face I’ll never forget; a single day apart, and I 1.7kReads9.0Score21514d adds

    Reader note

    These are palace intrigue novels that I've read and think I can recommend.

47. 197 富 Riches and Splendor 富贵芳华 Lotus Flower藕花Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted When it came to Ning Fang’s idol, there was only one: Xia Zhenzhen, the Xia family’s legendary great-aunt, whose glory peaked more than a century ago! Renowned for her “exceptional intelligence,” she was chosen at just fifteen by a family of scholars and married into a prestigious household as the legitimate wife, despite being a merchant’s daughter. After the wedding, she and her husband were “deeply devoted to each other,” and even her mother-in-law praised her: “She is as good as my own daugh 4.8kReads9.3Score54514d adds

    Reader note

    The characters are well-defined, the plot is full of twists and turns, and the author's extensive knowledge makes it well worth reading! [Thumbs up]

48. 198 身 Body Swap: The God of War Prince Takes Over My Household Battles 身体互换：战神王爷替我宅斗 Clear Breeze Begonia清风海棠Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [1v1, Fun Romantic Comedy, HE, Wise and Cool-Headed Young Lady vs. Adorable God of War Prince, Both Chaste, Happy Ending] The people of the Jiang household notice that their young lady has been acting strangely lately. The young lady used to be quiet and gentle. Now she’s still quiet, but there’s a murderous aura about her. In the garden, her sweet-talking younger sister affectionately reaches to link arms with her. Ye Zhan dodges at once, her voice full of disdain. “If you want to talk, then ta 10.9kReads9.1Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue story with comedic elements! I think this book is completely ruined by its title!

49. 199 掌 The Beauty in My Palm 掌中姝 A Clear, Lyrical Tune一曲清泠Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted From a princess of a fallen kingdom to a palace maid in a foreign land, Li Yunshu spent years lying low, thinking only of taking revenge on her enemies. Who could have guessed that someone would ruin her revenge plot just as it was about to succeed, and that the culprit would be the illustrious General Xuanwu? Only later did she learn that she was a pearl covered in dust, and he was a lost pearl from the vast sea. Now that two pearls had found each other, why not make a pair? 12Reads—Score—14d adds
50. 200 九 The Nine-Phoenix Hairpin 九凤钗 Apples Don't Like Meatballs苹果不爱吃丸子Ancient Romance778k WordsCompleted Song Zhu was once a lost royal treasure hidden in the forest, but fate sent her by a twist of circumstance into the palace of her enemies. On one side were the hatred and grievances between their countries; on the other, she found herself slowly sinking deeper and deeper into Mo Jingyuan’s love. Mo Jingyuan drank the plum blossom wine Song Zhu had brewed with her own hands. Dark red blood welled from the corner of his lips. “Azhu, let the grudges of the previous generation end with us. Give bir 47Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Song Zhu was originally a royal jewel lost in the forest, but fate led her by a twist of fate into the palace of her enemy. Torn between national and personal hatred, and the gradual descent into love with Mo Jingyuan, she found herself sinking deeper and deeper. Mo Jingyuan drank the plum blossom wine brewed by Song Zhu herself, dark red blood welling from the corner of his lips. "Ah Zhu," he said, "let's settle the grudges of the previous generation here. Give birth to the child, and I will hand over my empire to him." (Super good read)

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