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. 251 侯 The Marquis's Widow Raised a Household of Geniuses 侯夫人守寡，却养出满门天骄 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Tang Shuyi transmigrated into the Great Qian dynasty, becoming the wife of the Marquis of Yongning. She was rich, powerful, and high-status, with no parents-in-law and a dead husband: she had it better than almost anyone else who had transmigrated. Just as she was about to enjoy a comfortable life as a wealthy noblewoman, she discovered that she had transmigrated into a book, and was its biggest villain. She wasn’t just rich, powerful, and high-status. She also had three unruly children. The eld 71.3kReads9.4Score10.4k14d adds

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   🎋🎋Palace Intrigue Novel ㊙️㊙️ First Book: Tang Shuyi transmigrated into the body of the Lady of Yongning Marquis in the Great Qian Dynasty. Rich, powerful, and with a high social standing, she had no in-laws, her husband was dead—the epitome of a transmigrator. 🌷🌷Just when she was about to settle into a comfortable life as a wealthy lady, she suddenly discovered she had transmigrated into a book, and was the biggest villain in it. Not only was she rich, powerful, and with a high social standing, she also had three unruly children. The eldest was love-struck, the second a notorious playboy from the capital, and the youngest was arrogant and domineering. She herself was also destined to die of illness soon, and then her marquisate would be stripped. Each of her children's fates was more tragic than the last. Tang Shuyi took a deep breath and rolled up her sleeves to get to work! Let's see how she disciplines her unruly children and how she lives the wealthy and leisurely life of a noblewoman in ancient times.

2. 252 绿 The Green Tea Legitimate Daughter Takes the Harem by Storm 绿茶嫡女卷翻后宫 A Speck of Dust某颗尘土Ancient Romance386k WordsCompleted Su Yunqing was once the neglected legitimate eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household. But she came out on top in the imperial selection and became the only woman bestowed with a title: Lady Rong. There is no true love in the imperial family. A woman is favored in the harem for profit or beauty, nothing more. Su Yunqing intends to use the emperor and become the most powerful woman in the Great Xi Dynasty. The harem has women who think they can share a hundred years of true love with th 74Reads8.8Score—14d adds

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   From a die-hard fan of ancient Chinese romance novels featuring palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, every single one of them is fantastic.

3. 253 重 Reborn to Scheme for a Flourishing Era 重生之盛世妃谋 Clouds Gather, Thirsting for Rain积云渴雨Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted To preserve her family's honor, she is sent into the palace to help her aunt, the favored consort, win the emperor's favor and seize power, and to put her own cousin on the throne. Who could have guessed that he would turn around and marry her cousin as his empress? After exhausting every scheme, she ends up losing her closest kin to a tragic death. Then, amid a great fire, she returns to the days before she entered the palace. Lou Huayu gazes at the enemies from her past life, lowers her head, 320Reads8.3Score10914d adds
4. 254 宫 Blood on the Palace Walls: I Toppled an Empire with My Medical Skills 宫墙血：我靠医术覆了江山 The Hidden Guest of Kazama风间匿客Ancient Romance291k WordsOngoing I was born among the clouds, until one sudden upheaval changed everything. My family was slaughtered, and I entered the palace as a replacement bride to seek revenge. I conceal my medical skills, wield my needle case, stir up the inner palace, and tear the vicious empress to shreds. People say my beauty brings ruin to the nation, but I’ll use my medical skills to overthrow the realm, kill my enemies with my own hands, and rule the world! 1Reads—Score—14d adds

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   This book is great; the female lead is very intelligent and focused on palace intrigue. Highly recommended.

5. 255 傲 The Haughty Empress's Concubine Conquest 傲娇娘娘的宠妃攻略 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance437k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + historical romance + not mutually chaste + marriage first, love later She is the general’s younger sister, with an excellent family background and beauty to match. After she transmigrates, she wakes up caught in the schemes and betrayals of the imperial palace. To protect herself, she resolves to become the emperor’s favorite consort. When they first meet, he tells her, “I will never like a woman like you in this life.” Gu Qingyan successfully presents herself as somewhat 1.6kReads8.9Score14114d adds

   Reader note

   Absolutely great, especially the first one.

6. 256 你 You Act, I Act, and the Empress Leads the Grand Performance 你演我，我演你，皇后带头唱大戏 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance253k WordsCompleted #Clear-eyed heroine + realistic palace intrigue# In the third year of Kangning, a palace candidate named Jiang Lingyao is pushed into Yingyue Lake and drowns. By a twist of fate, Jiang Lingyao gets a second life in the dead woman's body. The good news: Jiang Lingyao has ghosts all over the palace acting as her spies, so none of the harem's schemes can escape her notice. The bad news: Though she manages to claim the empress's throne in one fell swoop, her paternal aunt, the empress dowager, loath 55Reads8.1Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Pure palace intrigue, featuring a clear-headed and rational female protagonist, interesting character design, reasonable plot, and a fantastic ending.

7. 257 清 Qing-Dynasty Time Travel: The Drama Queen Consort’s Epic Blunder 清穿雍正：戏精娘娘翻车实录 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted [Qing Dynasty Setting + System + Childbearing + Mind-Reading] Cui Xueman, a top finance student in the 21st century, transmigrates one day and opens her eyes to a huge character for “funeral offerings” in the mourning hall. Fainting from shock… That's perfectly normal, isn't it? When she wakes up again, she receives the good-or-bad news: she's transmigrated, and to the Kangxi era, no less. But the long-awaited standard issue for transmigrators, a golden finger or System, is nowhere to be seen! F 1.5kReads9.1Score11714d adds
8. 258 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 87.6kReads9.5Score12k14d adds
9. 259 人 In the Imperial Harem, My Goal Is to Become the Empress Dowager 人在后宫，目标太后 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance358k WordsCompleted # Palace intrigue is out of the question. I'll eat snacks, watch the drama, and have children, that's the plan # Cui Xuejian transmigrated into the past and became a low-ranking palace consort. Powerful figures towered over her, while a few insignificant nobodies clawed at her feet. With things like this, why bother with palace intrigue? Better to just give up and coast! Cui Xuejian believed that as long as she kept out of trouble, no monsters, demons, or other ghoulish creatures would come afte 1.7kReads9.2Score13814d adds
10. 260 都 I'm Already a Concubine, So How Could I Not Go Mad? 都做妾了，哪有不疯的？ Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance762k WordsCompleted #She miscarries from the start. What's wrong with going a little crazy?# #The heroine isn't a good person, the hero isn't a good person, and nobody's a good person# Yuan Xiangxue transmigrates. Other heroines either become mothers without the pain or get an overpowered golden finger. She's the unlucky one who miscarries from the start... Then she takes a look at her new identity: she's become the concubine of Liang Yujing, the ninth prince of the Great Liang Dynasty. She was a perfectly good per 5.2kReads8.6Score50014d adds
11. 261 宫 A Heart Caged Behind Palace Walls: Consort Yuan Is Promoted Again 宫墙锁心宠，元妃娘娘又晋位了 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance320k WordsCompleted No one is completely devoted to one person in the early part of the story, so don’t read if that’s a dealbreaker. The emperor is a scoundrel at first, but utterly doting later. More sweet than angsty. [Palace intrigue and rising to power + many children + absolute favor + climbing to the top one step at a time] Su Zhitang, the daughter of a general, enters the palace as a beauty after the selection. Her father is already a second-rank official, so she only wants to heed her mother’s advice, keep 607Reads9.0Score10114d adds

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    Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing! Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing! Highly recommended! Absolutely amazing!

12. 262 萧 Empress Xiao: Win the Emperor and Bear Him a Son 萧氏皇后：拿下皇上生皇子 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted More children, more blessings. [The fiercest rise to power through palace intrigue + Winning the emperor's heart + Having all the children in the imperial palace + Having children nonstop] Every child who survives in the end is the heroine's. After breaking all ties with Prince Ling, she enters the palace. Two years go by, and she avoids the emperor's favor, wanting only to live out her life in peace. She never expected the empress's banner to sway in her direction and choose her. Xiao Wan'er kn 286Reads8.9Score—14d adds
13. 263 后 Schemes of the Inner Palace 后宫深谋 Mu Bai Xu Xu Tu木白徐徐图Ancient Romance921k WordsCompleted The Earl's household has fallen into decline, and the Jiang family believes that if you can't afford to offend someone, you should keep out of their way. Jiang Shuyao and her two siblings were drilled from childhood to endure whatever they could when they were out and about. But kindness invites bullying, and some people just insist on walking all over you. Her younger brother had his hand broken, and every avenue her father pursued for help was blocked. Their opponent was a rising star at court 6kReads7.5Score35314d adds

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    With the decline of the Marquis's mansion, the Jiang family believed in avoiding conflict if they couldn't afford to offend anyone. Jiang Shuyao and her two siblings were constantly taught from a young age to be tolerant and forbearing when out in public. However, kindness is often taken advantage of, and some people were determined to trample on them. Her younger brother had his hand broken, and her father's pleas for help were blocked. The perpetrator was a rising star in the court, whose family had produced the favored Consort Rong, who disregarded the Jiang family. "So what if she's a favored consort? Who says someone else can't take her place?" Jiang Shuyao, selected for the palace, was clear-headed, seeking favor but not love, playing the fool to outmaneuver her opponent. From a seventh-rank imperial concubine to Empress and then Empress Dowager, she fulfilled her promise to her family. Decades of ups and downs in the harem brought both gains and losses. Amidst the countless beauties of the harem, Xiao Rui harbored a secret love for someone unattainable; others were merely pawns in his schemes, fleeting affairs. Looking back, the woman who had stood by his side smiled sweetly.

14. 264 离 Li Huang (Complete in Three Volumes) 离凰（全三册） Yi Lan Ni Chang猗兰霓裳Ancient Romance777k WordsCompleted The pinnacle of harem fiction by the beautiful author Yi Lan Nishang! A match for Empresses in the Palace and Scarlet Heart A tale of tumultuous love and hatred within the palace walls Liu Lianzi, author of Empresses in the Palace, has written a heartfelt foreword He is a young emperor who ascended the throne as a child, a master of both letters and arms, revered by all beneath heaven. Caught in court intrigues, he is forced into marriage. She is the daughter of a powerful prime minister, blesse 6.2kReads9.3Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    This drama is excellent, comparable to "Empresses in the Palace" and "Scarlet Heart." Plus, Liu Lianzi wrote the preface, guaranteeing its quality.

15. 265 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. 3.3kReads9.1Score62614d adds

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue, the female lead is intelligent and cunning.

16. 266 锦 The Tale of Consort Jin: Put Down Your Blade, Your Majesty, I Can Still Kill 锦妃传：皇上刀放下，本宫还能杀 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she trusted the empress and helped her eliminate her enemies, only to be cast aside once she was no longer useful. In this life, she’ll hold on to the emperor and topple the empress. Consort? Noble Consort? If she’s going to be anything, she’ll be empress. Your Majesty, here I come! 139Reads8.4Score—14d adds
17. 267 棠 Tangli Kisses the Snow 棠梨吻雪 Junshan Is Unwell君山有恙Two Female Leads298k WordsCompleted Dual female leads The modern version is out: A Story Written in Her Features What do you do when you steal your childhood sweetheart’s beloved? [A sickly, cross-dressing heir who coughs every few steps & the gentle, virtuous eldest daughter of the Chancellor] Synopsis: One snowfall and one chance encounter brought four people together in love and hate. “I heard that Young General Huo returned from the frontier a few days ago.” “Then the marriage between the Huo family and the Jiang household 5.9kReads9.4Score58314d adds

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    🔥1️⃣ This completed novel, *Tangli Kissing Snow*, with 296,000 words, captivates readers with its unique dual-female protagonist setup. The frail prince Xiao Shi, disguised as a man, creates dramatic tension, contrasting sharply with Jiang Zhijun's bold pursuit of love. 2️⃣ The story unfolds from a chance encounter in the snow, tightly intertwining the fates of four individuals. Against a backdrop of political intrigue, the author portrays nuanced emotional changes. Although the pacing is slow, the characters are well-developed. Details such as the tragic ending and the heroine's self-designation as "An" showcase the author's ingenuity and make this a novel worth savoring.

18. 268 开 Thrown Into the River From the Start? The Foxlike Consort Takes the Palace by Storm 开局投河？贵妃狐媚子大杀四方了 Qiao Yan乔焱Ancient Romance462k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Not Both Leads’ First Love + Transmigration + Beloved Consort + Devoted Love Later] Yun Tang, a top-tier star and award-winning actress, wakes up one day to find she has transmigrated into the fictional Chengyu Kingdom, where she is the lowest-ranking palace attendant. From the start, things go badly: a hidden enemy pushes her into the water. The three most powerful women in the harem all want her gone, but thanks to her peerless acting skills and alluring charm, she manages t 171Reads7.8Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is really good.

19. 269 只 As Long as I Act Well, the Empress's Throne Is Mine 只要演技好，娘娘的凤位跑不了 A Bird's Wing一只鸟的翅膀Ancient Romance260k WordsCompleted Red bricks and green tiles, beauty all around. One shower of imperial favor, and from then on she advances step by step, finally ascending the throne to stand alongside the emperor. Her family is in decline? Her brother's career prospects are uncertain? Her sister's marriage prospects have come to nothing? See how Wen Ruo keeps true to herself in the harem, rises step by step, leads her family back to the top, helps her brother advance his career, and finds her sister a fine marriage! “This hare 2.4kReads9.0Score26414d adds

    Reader note

    All of them have high scores; trust me, you won't regret getting into this game.

20. 270 满 Spring Over the City: A Collection of Historical Romances by Yiyimaiqian 满城春（一枚铜钱古言精选） A Copper Coin一枚铜钱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted A collection of classic historical romances by popular Jinjiang author Yi Mei Tong Qian. These three works are all timeless favorites, perfect for staying up all night to read: Spring Over the City, Poisoned Wine, and Strange Tales of the Eighth Day of the Twelfth Month. The Liu family of the capital is an eminent clan so powerful that even the imperial family treats them with respect. Liu Yan, the legitimate youngest daughter of the second branch, is brilliant and blessed with both wisdom and g 23.2kReads9.4Score2.9k14d adds
21. 271 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 14.6kReads9.4Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue novel! Pure palace intrigue! [Drooling] High IQ, tight plot [sending hearts]

22. 272 穿 Transmigrating into Dream of the Red Chamber: I'm Daiyu's Sister and the Empress! 穿越红楼：我！黛玉她姐！皇后！ Zheng Li筝黎Female-Channel Fanfiction805k WordsCompleted [Not a mutually devoted couple + a tool character + read the content warnings first] Lin Wen, the eldest daughter of the Lin family, was born amid the auspicious sign of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix. By imperial decree, she is to become the Crown Prince's consort once she comes of age. When Shushu woke, she found herself adrift in a vast ocean. Now and then, she could faintly hear people talking outside. It made her feel so peaceful that she drifted back to sleep. When she woke a 1.5kReads7.2Score17614d adds

    Reader note

    [Smirking][Smirking]

23. 273 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

    The palace intrigue is captivating, and the emotional entanglements are equally compelling. [Admiration]

24. 274 后 The Harem: Consort Hua Reborn 后宫之华妃重生 Shi Liu Sparkling Water石刘气泡水Female-Channel Fanfiction887k WordsCompleted Consort Hua, Nian Shilan, died with a heart full of resentment in her previous life. Unexpectedly, she was reborn. When she woke again, she knew that Consort Duan had not harmed her child. She still both hated and loved the emperor. She hated him for using her feelings and devotion to bring down the entire Nian family, but loved the man she had sincerely given her heart to when they were young. But if she hadn’t been so foolish in her previous life, how would she have made so many enemies? When 12kReads9.4Score1.6k14d adds
25. 275 骗 A Marriage Scam? The Consort’s Alluring Beauty Steals the Emperor’s Heart and the Empress’s Throne 骗婚？云鬓酥腰娘娘诱帝夺后位 When Fuyao Rises当扶摇上Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted Mutual firsts, a tightly woven palace power struggle, and a sweet, delicate beauty who is doted on The young woman I’ve secretly loved for years is about to enter the palace as a selected consort. I’m so excited I downed three bowls of sweet rice wine dumplings. She’s a delicate beauty who needs protecting. After she’s made a consort, she starts acting up! Make her a Noble Consort and she lets her true nature loose; make her Empress... In her past life, Jiang Sheng was locked in a woodshed by he 746Reads7.4Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    The palace intrigue is intricately woven and captivating, with each step bringing down a wicked concubine. The female lead enters the palace through the imperial concubine selection, navigating each step with meticulous planning to eventually seize the throne of Empress. The romance between the Emperor and the female lead is also sweet and delicate.

26. 276 重 Reborn as a Concubine: I Want to Leave the Palace 重生之宠妃要出宫 The Shrimp Flew Away虾仁飞了Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted The heroine's family depends on an ambitious prince who plots to usurp the throne, yet she falls in love with the emperor. In her previous life, her family was destroyed, and she died in despair in the Cold Palace. After being reborn, she decides to steer clear of trouble and live peacefully with her family. But as an ordinary person, she is merely a pawn in the hands of those in power. When she chooses love once more, how will she fight against fate? 21Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue novel, female lead is intelligent, recommended.

27. 277 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 32kReads9.6Score4.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! A series of palace intrigue novels are here, each one 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! 👍👍👍

28. 278 望 The Moon-Gazing Imperial Palace 望月廷宫御 An Ordinary Dream平凡一梦Ancient Romance235k WordsOngoing Wang Yueting was an unloved concubine-born daughter in a wealthy family. With no power or influence, making a name for herself seemed impossible. When she happened to hear that the Nanyang Prince’s heir was gravely ill and selecting a bride to accompany him in death, she planned to end her own life and become his sacrificial bride, hoping to secure a way out for her mother. Along the way, she came across the body of Shen Hui, a government official’s daughter. Penniless, Wang Yueting took off her —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Wang Yueting, also known as Nangong Yu, was a woman who schemed to become the Crown Prince's wife, even willing to die for him. However, before the selection of the new wife, she met the Crown Prince's elder brother, Nangong Yu, ruining her chance to become the Crown Prince's wife. To rise above her station, Wang Yueting was forced to become a female official.

29. 279 为 The Professional Ethics of a Concubine 为妾的职业操守 Lin Wanzi林丸子Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Main Story Complete] Ye Qingzhi, an overworked office drone, transmigrates into the body of a concubine in the Jiangyang Marquis’s household. Since she’s here, she might as well go crazy. Being a concubine is just changing workplaces. She doesn’t need to get emotionally involved. She can simply treat herself like a tool. Ye Qingzhi’s career goal: convince both the marquis and the principal wife to take responsibility for her and protect her. Ye Qingzhi’s workplace motto: Life is short. We’re al 31.5kReads9.4Score3.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    A highly-rated palace intrigue novel that doesn't lower your intelligence! [Laughs]

30. 280 太 The Crown Prince Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife: The Empress's Daily Life After Bearing Twins 太子宠妾灭妻，娘娘双胎上位日常 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance554k WordsCompleted [There are a few typos, so please skip this if that bothers you.] A deranged, ruthless heroine and an obsessive Crown Prince, with exclusive devotion later on, clear-headed palace intrigue, and multiple births. Jiang Shiruo is stunningly beautiful, but only a concubine’s daughter. Still, even a concubine’s daughter deserves to live. Jiang Shiruo has no interest in the other princes. She only wants to enter the Eastern Palace, because that’s the only way she can reach the highest position. After 7.7kReads8.9Score66314d adds
31. 281 娘 The Bewitching Consort Goes Mad, Scheming Ruthlessly to Seize the Empress’s Throne 娘娘疯诱娇媚，狠毒宫斗疯夺后位 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance202k WordsCompleted [Doesn't love the emperor + single-mindedly plays palace politics + not mutually chaste + favored exclusively in the later stages + no idiotic palace scheming + the empress's throne! The empress's throne!] Lin Zhi Ruan concealed her looks until she entered the palace, only then revealing her true appearance. Before she died, Concubine Meng clutched her hand tightly and warned her never to show her real face before leaving the estate. Given the chance to enter the palace, Lin Zhi Ruan understood 298Reads7.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's all about palace intrigue and domestic power struggles. I can't even remember which ones are palace intrigue, they're all here [shy].

32. 282 冉 The Empress Ran 冉后 Nai Nai J奈奈JAncient Romance376k WordsCompleted Ran Hu was made a Jieyu concubine as soon as she entered the palace. On her very first day, she was summoned to the emperor’s bedchamber and granted the title of Chen, cherished like a rare treasure. Her peerless beauty and her younger brother’s illustrious military achievements as Marquis of Chang’an gave her the confidence to act as she pleased in the harem. The two souls who had come from a later age ultimately left a lasting mark on this strange world. 4.6kReads9.0Score47914d adds
33. 283 疯 She's Gone Mad! The Day She Transmigrated, the Sickly Young Lord Vowed to Give Himself to Her! 疯了!穿越当天，病娇世子爷他要以身相许! Han Mianmian韩绵绵Ancient Romance868k WordsCompleted Original title: After the Heir’s Consort Turns Dark, All the Gods Fall at Her Feet [Transmigration + two scheming minds locked in a battle of wits + obsession + political intrigue + bickering couple] Yun Jincheng transmigrates and, the moment she opens her eyes, strips the sickly heir of his clothes and stumbles upon a secret he has kept hidden for years. Rumor has it that the heir of the Prince of Zhennan, who has been frail for years and gasps for breath after just a few steps, isn’t sick at a 2kReads9.3Score52914d adds
34. 284 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 4.5kReads8.3Score37414d adds
35. 285 为 The Concubine's Guide to Self-Cultivation 为妾的自我修养 Yu Jian郁见Ancient Romance429k WordsOngoing Zhu Yan transmigrates as a merchant's daughter and becomes a pawn her family uses to avoid disaster. Her father sends her to Changning Marquis Xie An as a concubine. As a concubine, Zhu Yan stays true to herself. She doesn't compete, make a fuss, or draw attention. Who could have guessed that the Marquis of Changning would be so fortunate? When something happens to the royal family's only two heirs, the emperor chooses Xie An, a member of the imperial clan, to inherit the throne. If a concubine 6.3kReads9.2Score45014d adds
36. 286 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 2.8kReads8.8Score24514d adds
37. 287 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 26.5kReads9.1Score2.3k14d adds
38. 288 贬 Demote the Wife to a Concubine? The Reborn Legitimate Daughter Wipes Out His Entire Family 贬妻为妾？重生嫡女嘎了他全家 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance308k WordsCompleted [Strong female and male leads + both leads' first and only love + satisfying reborn story + nation and family] She was a renowned female war god, formidable in battle and unmatched in strategy. After being reborn in the body of the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's household in the Great Yong, whose honor had been besmirched, her supposedly gentle and refined fiancé came to break off their engagement and demote her to a concubine. Every one of her relatives regarded her as a disgrace 27.8kReads9.3Score3.2k14d adds
39. 289 穿 I Transmigrated into the Harem, and the Fourth Calamity Is on a Killing Spree 穿进后宫，第四天灾已杀疯 Tomatoes Dipped in Sugar Are So Delicious番茄蘸糖超好吃Ancient Romance93k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + System + scheming black lotus + face-slapping] After restarting for the third time, Li Huyi’s heart is already harder than the stones of the Cold Palace. Men are nothing but stepping-stones on her climb to the top. Especially the lofty emperor: he is both her ultimate conquest target and the perfect tool. [Ding! Special romance mission triggered: The Emperor’s Test!] [Mission description: Faced with his love and suspicion, make the perfect choice 14Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I absolutely have to recommend this one! It's a true palace intrigue story, complete with a palace intrigue simulator where the protagonist slaps faces in the face. Even a dog would get kicked if it walked by. The female lead, a palace maid, rises to power with a clear goal and no ulterior motives. She's quick, accurate, and ruthless in her actions. I personally think it's worth a read.

40. 290 今 Drink Today, Be Drunk Today: The Empress Dowager Wants to Sleep, but Can't 今朝有酒今朝醉，太后想睡不能睡 No Fooling Around不能胡闹Ancient Romance317k WordsCompleted Not a chaste heroine, slow burn, a touch of an ensemble cast, a light and satisfying read A slight lift of the wineglass, and no one can match her wealth. Her heart belongs to the red-clad guest beneath the flowers, her hand to the horseman roaming the grasslands, and one cast of her fishing rod reels in the ultimate catch. Xiao Baiyang transmigrates into a script and becomes the "wicked woman Bai Xiu." But the original owner was fated to die young. So she makes survival her priority and 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Note] This is an ancient Chinese romance novel, not a story about purity. The protagonist is a "wicked woman" who transmigrates into a script. She'll never stoop to a lower position if she can rise, and she'll find a way to achieve greatness. From the daughter of a disgraced official to Empress Dowager, she supports others in their journey. Slow-burn, slightly melodramatic, 1v1 ending.

41. 291 穿 Transmigrated to Ancient Times to Get By in the Imperial Harem 穿到古代混后宫 The Pen Name That Doesn’t Need Zhouzhou不用周周的笔名Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Modern-day Huang Ye transmigrates into the ancient Great Xia Dynasty as the pampered darling of the Minister's household, where a daughter is born only once every ten generations. To repay her loving family, she starts learning martial arts at a nunnery while still a little girl. She wants to master everything: inner strength, hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, medicine, and poisons. Only by learning real skills can she better protect her family. At last, she grows up, only to be told she must 1.9kReads7.6Score17514d adds

    Reader note

    If the female lead weren't smart, she wouldn't have risen from a lowly nun to become an empress. It's a palace intrigue and food-themed novel that's already finished and has a very heartwarming feel.

42. 292 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Dotes on Consort Yuan 入宫后，偏执皇上盛宠元妃娘娘 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [A violent emperor + a feigning-fool, ruthless concubine-born daughter + not mutually exclusive in the early stages + favored above the entire harem later] An Qingyu was the fourth daughter of the prime minister. Her mother, Concubine Lan Yue, had been brought into the household as the prime minister’s wife’s dowry maid. As a concubine-born daughter, An Qingyu had grown up at the First Madam’s side, keeping her head down and ingratiating herself, just like Concubine Lan. Then a twist of fate rui 1.8kReads9.0Score19414d adds
43. 293 深 The Deep Palace: Locked in Autumn's Clear Embrace 深宫，锁清秋 Mian Qin娩衾Ancient Romance162k WordsCompleted Jiang Yingxue is the most beautiful princess of the Li tribe. She grows up leading a carefree life and is in love with her childhood friend, Wen Zhuqing, the young master of the Wen family. But when the new emperor ascends the throne, Jiang Yingxue is forced to marry the current sovereign, Dugu Jionghua, and even the person dearest to her is killed as a result. No matter how unconditionally Dugu Jionghua dotes on her, Jiang Yingxue still hates him and resents him, refusing to grow close to him. 18Reads—Score11314d adds
44. 294 洛 The Legend of Luo Yunyu 洛云妤传 Yu Tingzi妤桯子Ancient Romance683k WordsOngoing Originally titled The Tale of Luo Yunyu [No transmigration, no rebirth] [Palace intrigue only] [Not a pure romance] Spring, third year of the Zhenyou era To expand the imperial harem, the court began accepting candidates, including all young women aged thirteen to under twenty. Luo Yunyu, daughter of a third-rank Court Attendant of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, was naturally among them. She had hoped to live a quiet life in the harem, minding her own business and staying out of trouble. But 5Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue novel, no rebirth or time travel, both characters are natives, the male lead is a young emperor in his twenties.

45. 295 异 The Gifted Empress Reigns Above, Her Ministers Kneel Below 异能女皇在上，众臣在下 Good Days, Safe Home良辰安宅Ancient Romance806k WordsCompleted The State of Mu enjoys favorable weather and bountiful harvests, while its old emperor indulges in wine and women, lives a life of excess, and has few heirs. The court is controlled by powerful factions. By the 327th year of Mu, the kingdom has been divided among four of them. The foolish Princess Mu Nanzhi is pushed onto the throne as an easily controlled pawn. But on the first morning court, the one who opens her eyes is an empress from another world. 1.9kReads8.9Score16914d adds

    Reader note

    Ahhh, I really love the female lead! She's brave, resourceful, intelligent, not a saint, and not love-struck. The storyline is so captivating! 🤤🤤🤤

46. 296 娇 The Crown Prince's Beloved Consort: His Darling Is Sweet and Adorable 娇宠贵妃：太子的心尖宠又娇又媚 Watermelon Tangyuan西瓜汤圆Ancient Romance783k WordsOngoing (Palace intrigue. Heads-up: The heroine isn’t the emperor’s sole favorite early on, but becomes his only favorite later.) Su Yu never imagined she’d transmigrate into a book and become one of the Crown Prince’s concubines. And not just any concubine: she has the lowest rank of all. In front, favored higher-ranking consorts are constantly causing trouble. Behind her, the seemingly kind but secretly ruthless Crown Princess plots against her. The conditions for survival are truly brutal. Su Yu thin 78Reads8.6Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Character traits: The female lead is very clear-headed.

47. 297 贵 The Noble Consort's Daily Sabotage: This Palace Drama Is Quite a Treat 贵妃拆台日常：这届宫斗太下饭 Yi Zhizhi亿枝只Ancient Romance68k WordsOngoing In the shifting light of dawn and dusk, battles of intrigue unfold without a single shot fired. The candles of Weiyang Palace have witnessed her struggles in the Game of Thrones. Imperial favor? True love? Family? Sisterhood? Power... When the bells announcing the new emperor’s ascension ring out, she sits upon the phoenix throne, clad in the robes of the Empress Dowager. The incense in the censer has burned away, leaving only ashes, just like the grudges and passions that have vanished with the —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Please take a look! Please give me your suggestions!

48. 298 重 Reborn as the Fourth Imperial Princess: Ready to Play Dirty 重生之四福晋准备玩阴的 User10377626用户10377626Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted (Not a wish-fulfillment novel + household intrigue + palace intrigue + adorable children + political schemes + succession struggle + wiping out Japanese pirates + wiping out Koreans) Also: This book takes history as its foundation and revolves around the Nine Princes’ Succession Struggle. It deals with the empire and its people, and with wiping out Japanese pirates and Koreans. It has absolutely nothing to do with Empresses in the Palace or any of those other novels. Empress Xiaojingxian, Ulan 1.6kReads9.0Score12814d adds

    Reader note

    The first book, where both the Fourth Prince and his consort are reborn, is quite good. I personally really liked the second one, as it features the prince's exclusive affection for his wife in the later stages.

49. 299 罪 A Sinner's Hard Road to Favor 罪后难宠 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Two identical faces: one breathtakingly beautiful, the other rebellious and untamed. One is the dignified, noble Fourth Prince’s consort; the other is a defiant concubine-born daughter banished from the capital. At a grand wedding witnessed by the whole world, she could only watch as the man who had promised to protect her for life mistakenly married her twin elder sister... Six years of youth passed, and she returned through wind and rain. Those who owed her would repay their debts. Those who h 213Reads8.4Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The last two can be considered the lowest, but the whole story has many plot twists. There's no unnecessary fluff or drivel. How does one survive in ancient times? Both the male and female leads are highly intelligent, the male lead even more so. The author's writing is top-notch, something most people can't imitate. It's the lowest rank; the first half is not good, the second half is about revenge and palace intrigue. Fortunately, the female lead ends up with the second and third male leads?? I don't know which male lead they are. I was very moved when I read about the prince giving up the throne and sacrificing everything for the female lead.

50. 300 重 Reborn! A Son Makes the Father Noble, and Fourth Master Lifts Her to the Empress's Seat 重生！父凭子贵，四爷巴巴捧后位 Happy StellaLou快乐星黛露Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Cunning Little One] (Not a chaste romance. The heroine is the sole favorite from the middle onward. Read with care if this bothers you.) Heaven took pity on her. Reborn, Yijun returned to the day she gave birth to Honghui and swore she would protect the child who had died young. But who could have guessed that the icy Fourth Prince from her previous life would become captivated by the tenderness and liveliness in Yiju 6.4kReads9.4Score49014d adds

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