I’ve Been Obsessed with Palace-Intrigue Stories Lately. Ladies, Hand Over Your Books! 本宫最近迷上宫斗文 各位娘娘把书都交出来吧

1. 601 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 604Reads9.0Score101Shelves
2. 602 裙 The Minister Beneath Her Skirt 裙上臣 Gong Xi, May I Strike It Rich龚喜我发财Two Female Leads1.6M WordsCompleted [Two female leads + reborn + one-on-one romance + no male lead + sweet romance + both heroines speak their minds and have their wits about them] (This story is set in a fictional world. If you insist on asking what era it’s based on, let’s say a little further on from the Jin dynasties. This Liang is not the historical Liang.) In her previous life, while serving as empress, Xie Fengyi repressed and restrained her deep love for Xiao Changning, the Grand Princess who safeguarded the nation. Years 4.8kReads9.5Score661Shelves
3. 603 震 Shocking! The Empress Wins the Favor of the Six Palaces by Doing Nothing 震惊！皇后娘娘靠摆烂冠宠六宫 Han Jin含锦Ancient Romance542k WordsCompleted As mistress of the Six Palaces, Han Qingtang’s greatest passion was doing nothing. She spent her days idling around the imperial palace. Sometimes she’d go play cards with Consort Shu, other times she’d admire flowers with Consort Xian. She didn’t act like the mistress of the Six Palaces at all. The other concubines grew so unhappy that they all complained to the emperor, saying Han Qingtang was unfit to be empress and asking him to depose her. When Han Qingtang heard the news, she said aloud, “ 145Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 604 娘 The Empress Is Exquisitely Charming: Winning the Palace Battles and Raising a Child to Become Empress 娘娘千娇百媚，宫斗养崽坐后位 Take Your Pikachu Away抱走你的皮卡丘Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Pure Palace Intrigue + Raising a Child + Clear-Headed Heroine + Focused on Her Career + Light Ensemble Cast] Xie Zhao transmigrates to the state of Beiqi, a country that has never existed in recorded history. When she learns she is to take part in the selection two years later, she begins diligently practicing all kinds of skills. After successfully being selected, her goal is to safely give birth to a prince, raise him into an outstanding crown prince, put him on the throne, a 377Reads7.3Score—Shelves
5. 605 侧 The Side Consort Is Sweet and Gentle, and the Coldhearted Crown Prince Can't Get Enough 侧妃娇软，薄情太子轻点宠 Just Like This就酱籽Ancient Romance559k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a Book + Palace Intrigue + Plot Buff + HE + Both Leads Are Sexually Inexperienced + Male Lead Is Coldhearted and Applies Double Standards] [Content warnings: The heroine is no saint + she forces the male lead to remain sexually inexperienced + the male lead is utterly lovestruck] The second after Yu Li received the Best Newcomer Award, she transmigrated into a palace-intrigue novel. She became Shen Lichu, a disposable supporting female character with nothing but beauty and fam 298Reads9.0Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   You're reading palace intrigue novels, just look at them, everyone's silent once they start! [Learned something new][Already hooked][Laughing]

6. 606 重 Reborn Empress Opens Her Eyes, Torments Her Scum Husband and Seizes the Empire 重生皇后一睁眼，虐死渣夫夺江山 Phoenix Rules the Land凤点江山Ancient Romance523k WordsCompleted A power-hungry, unhinged empress takes on the world vs. her fiercely loyal shadow guard / strong heroine + unhinged female lead + satisfying read + villains get humiliated throughout + devoted guard In her previous life, she died pregnant, full of hatred. In this life, she has sworn off love and wants only power. The puppet emperor is nothing but a stepping stone. Her maternal grandfather is the chancellor, her uncle is a general, and her brother commands the Imperial Guard. With such powerful c 5.8kReads9.1Score564Shelves

   Reader note

   There are also a few palace intrigue novels that are among my favorites, but I'm too lazy to write long descriptions right now. However, I have extremely high standards for palace intrigue novels, and these few are all very good. Trust me, if I get inspired, I'll write longer descriptions. Ladies, if you're looking for something to read, check these out!

7. 607 娇 The Emperor’s Favorite: His Beloved Consort 娇妃娘娘盛宠六宫 Blue Snow Pear Blossom蓝雪梨花Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted (Transmigration + System + palace intrigue + happily ever after with the heroine as the emperor’s sole favorite) Xu Lanshan transmigrates into the body of a palace maid who was tortured to death by her own mistress. She has no choice but to plot her escape. The only way to stay alive is to win the emperor’s favor. She sees the bright side: he’s the most powerful man in the world, and he’s young and handsome, too. Sleeping with him would be a win. But what’s with this palace-intrigue System? If s 1.1kReads8.9Score105Shelves
8. 608 宫 The Palace Consort Is Reborn 宫妃重生 Brown Sugar Rice Balls红糖圆子Ancient Romance364k WordsCompleted The male lead has no romantic history, while the female lead is inexperienced. In her previous life, Qu Yuntang was envied for the emperor’s favor. The Noble Consort used another woman’s child to frame her, and she was eventually banished to the Cold Palace. She thought she would spend the rest of her life there, but the Noble Consort still wouldn’t let her go. She had the Cold Palace set ablaze, burning it to the ground. When Qu Yuntang woke again, she was back before her marriage, looking as s 905Reads7.3Score104Shelves
9. 609 贵 The Consort Is So Alluring, the Emperor Bends Over Backward for Her 贵妃如此多娇，引得帝王竞折腰 The Wanderer Returns游子归Ancient Romance381k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + reborn + devoted love later on] In her past life, Xi Rong had devoted herself to supporting her elder half-sister and obeyed her every word, only to be plotted against and framed by her. She died of illness in the depths of the imperial palace. Heaven had eyes and gave her another chance. Looking at herself in the mirror, she wondered: why should she let someone else have the favored consort’s place instead of claiming it herself? Returning to the imperial harem, she used he 84Reads6.4Score—Shelves
10. 610 汉 A Slow Spring in the Han Palace 汉宫春慢 All Forms Are Formless一相无相Ancient Romance521k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Palace Intrigue + Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law + Winning His Wife Back at Any Cost] In her previous life, Shen Rong left a remote mountain town and was betrothed to the crown prince at the emperor's behest, becoming the exalted crown princess. She thought her fortunes would rise from then on and that a sweet, happy marriage lay ahead. Instead, it was the beginning of a tragic life. Her husband loved someone else; her mother-in-law despised her for being ignorant; the palace servan 1.7kReads9.0Score218Shelves

    Reader note

    The post is asking for more novels! [Heart emoji] 1 completed + 1 ongoing. ① "The Wise Empress" is well-written. It's a story of a reborn heroine chasing after her lover. She's already married to the Crown Prince, but her past life memories change the situation, leading her into his heart. However, she doesn't actually love him! The most compelling part is the male lead's suspicion of the heroine and the second male lead, which is quite satisfying to watch secretly. I'm really looking forward to the "what if" scenario. Set in the Western Han Dynasty, the writing style is quite serious, which I really like. ② "Ongoing" is about the Emperor's exclusive favor. The writing is okay. In her past life, the heroine schemed to elevate her son, but was killed by her family. The male lead, however, loved her deeply in both her past and present lives. In this life, she realizes her mistakes, abandons her son and sister, and sees the truth about those around her. She and the male lead have a sweet and loving relationship. Not angsty at all! This is the perfect sweet story!

11. 611 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 79Reads8.8Score—Shelves
12. 612 团 The Beloved Little Childhood Friend, The Bandit Bosses Can't Hide Anymore 团宠小青梅，山匪大佬们藏不住了 Fragrant Wood Terrace木香台Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Reclusive experts + an ensemble cast's comeback] Everyone on Black Bandit Mountain has a special skill, but they've retired from the martial world to raise children. Who knew life after retirement would be anything but peaceful! Zhizhi goes fishing, and the fish leap right into her net? Zhizhi goes down the mountain and catches a notorious bandit? Zhizhi goes to the academy and makes a name for herself in a fight! Zhizhi goes to the capital, and, well... The realm falls into chaos, and the dyna 30.8kReads9.5Score5.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Please give it a try, I beg you, it doesn't cost anything to try.

13. 613 娘 The Empress Doesn't Want Palace Intrigue, but the Emperor Keeps Stirring Things Up 娘娘不想宫斗，奈何皇上带节奏 Geng Jiujiu耿啾啾Ancient Romance652k WordsCompleted [Transmigration, Palace Intrigue, Political Scheming, Not Both Pure, Absurd Comedy, Devoted Love Later On] Shen Jinruo transmigrated into the body of a low-ranking concubine who had no favor from the emperor. Having lost her freedom, she’d planned to keep her head down and quietly build up her strength. But she soon discovered that in this harem, even if you don’t go looking for trouble, trouble will find you. To survive, Shen Jinruo worked hard to adapt and officially joined the harem’s struggl 2.2kReads8.9Score210Shelves
14. 614 宴 A Banquet of Clear Delight 宴清欢 Xuxu Is Very Busy栩栩很忙Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Traditional Palace Intrigue + No Transmigration, Rebirth, or Golden Finger + Not a Pure Romance + A Scumbag Emperor + Clear-Eyed Heroine + Lightly Female Ensemble] Shen Qingyan never imagined that Li Yunqi had been plotting against her since she was very young. She couldn’t escape or hide from him. From the very beginning, she was nothing but Li Yunqi’s prey. Winning favor, losing favor, entering and leaving the Cold Palace, seeking revenge, bearing a child… She will climb step by step to the h 268Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's purely about palace intrigue, with no romance. The emperor is a scumbag, but that doesn't matter; he's just a tool for the female lead and all the women in the harem. While it focuses on the female lead, it's not just about her. Each concubine in the harem has a complete backstory, making it more like an ensemble piece about the female lead.

15. 615 娇 A Dazzling Beauty, the Spy Princess Can’t Escape the Emperor’s Embrace 娇丽动人，细作公主难逃帝王怀 Jing Tan瀞檀Ancient Romance417k WordsCompleted When the emperor of Dayan first ascended the throne, Ning Shuang was bundled off by Beiqiang and sent straight to Xiao Shiyan’s bed. The stunning beauty earned his favor as soon as she entered the palace, bewitching the emperor until he lost his senses. But rumors in the harem claimed Ning Shuang was merely Consort Qin’s double, destined to be cast aside once the consort and Xiao Shiyan made up. Ning Shuang was clear-eyed about her position: she was a spy planted in the harem by Beiqiang, and sh 1.3kReads8.8Score156Shelves
16. 616 与 Together with Hua Yan'er 与婳燕尔 Shi Munan十木南Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted (The print edition is now available. Search the platform for A Pair of Swallows to purchase.) [Pure historical romance, not reborn + Marriage Before Love + One-Sided Salvation + Cherishing and Doting + Emotional Push and Pull] (Completed. Original title: A Pair of Swallows) [Sweet Romance, Both Leads Untainted: Gentle, Clever Noblewoman VS Dark, Ill-Tempered Prince] A marriage decree forced Yun Hua, the fourth daughter of the Yun family, to marry the Seventh Prince, Si Heng. The imperial edict c 25.9kReads9.3Score3.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended, all types are available, pick the tenth one.

17. 617 甄 Empresses in the Palace: An Lingrong's Quest to Survive Until She Can Live in Wealth and Ease 甄嬛传之安陵容苟到富贵闲人时 ls99Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Content warning: The heroine, An Lingrong, does not hate Zhen Huan. She only sees through Zhen Huan’s little schemes, and the two have a few back-and-forth plots of their own before ultimately joining forces to take down the emperor. After ending her absurd life with a handful of bitter apricot kernels, An Lingrong expected death to bring release, and a chance to atone for her sins in the underworld. But when she opened her eyes again, she didn’t find herself in the underworld. Instead, she ha 896Reads8.2Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    The writing is logical and not simplistic; it's all fanfiction, and the world-building won't get out of control or go astray.

18. 618 蒹 The Reed Chronicles 蒹葭纪 Peach Milk Cap桃子奶盖Ancient Romance131k WordsCompleted [Childhood Friends + Love and Hate + Rekindled Romance + Sweet Romance + Happy Ending] Gu Jiaqi is decisive, while Pei Lang is ruthless. Despite their very different natures, the two once shared a sweet romance. But to save her family, Gu Jiaqi resolutely entered the palace and became an imperial consort. Pei Lang hated her for betraying him and using him as a stepping stone to power. He used his influence to make Gu Jiaqi Empress Dowager, then controlled her and the young emperor as regent. The 455Reads9.2Score113Shelves
19. 619 青 The Childhood Sweetheart Consort Rises to Power, Her Goal Is to Become Empress Dowager! 青梅侧妃上位，目标是太后位！ Xiao Yan Wants to Get Rich小闫要暴富Ancient Romance593k WordsCompleted [Domestic scheming in the early stages, palace intrigue later; the leads are not both faithful~] [The heroine loves the hero but keeps her feelings in check, staying clear-headed and never obsessed. The hero cares for her, but as emperor he has to balance the court, and there will be no shortage of women around him. The heroine is special to him!] An unexpected imperial decree changed Jiang Qingyue from the Princess Consort of Prince Qing to his secondary consort overnight. The emperor’s favor a 4.6kReads8.3Score385Shelves
20. 620 宜 Yixiu Reborn: Disbanding the Abortion Squad 宜修重生，解散打胎小队 Su Xue粟雪Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Honghui’s death... Yinzhen’s cold heart... My own cruelty... Now that I’ve been given another life, maybe everything will turn out better. (I personally think Yixiu suffered so much. I want to give her a happy ending.) 5.9kReads9.0Score445Shelves

    Reader note

    All of these are high-scoring articles (9 points or above), investing in them is a sure win.

21. 621 如 The Story of Ruyi: Wanwan's Miraculous Rise to Power 如懿传之奇迹婉婉上位记 Fine Rain Raises the Rose细雨扬薇Female-Channel Fanfiction1.7M WordsCompleted Wanwan’s miraculous rise to power | Everyone in the Palace of Eternal Longevity is a formidable fighter | Pairing: Jinzong | Main story complete | Bonus chapters ongoing In the thirteenth year of the Yongzheng reign, Wei Yanwan, a young palace maid in the Fourth Laundry, dreamed of the life of Consort Ling from the series Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace. At first, all she wanted was to work hard and save money, but Hailan falsely accused her of seducing the emperor, and she was demoted to the 10.2kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves
22. 622 媚 Bones of Bewitching Beauty 媚青骨 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance828k WordsCompleted [Baili Xiao x Yan Anning] A roguish, wild, wolfish hero vs. a calm, clever heroine Historical romance, happy ending, devoted love, mutual pampering, ensemble cast, court intrigue, and the fate of the nation. Simple Synopsis: In a chaotic dynasty, the emperor is incompetent, and Yan Anning, daughter of a military family, is forced into the palace. Yan Anning: “Who says you can’t leave the palace once you’ve entered it?” As she plots her escape, Baili Xiao, commander of the southwestern army, char 1.2kReads8.6Score193Shelves
23. 623 大 A Blessed Heir for the Ming Dynasty: The Empress Begs Every Day to Be Deposed 大明好孕：皇后娘娘她日日求被废 Qing Suisui卿岁岁Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted They are not mutually exclusive, and this book covers quite a lot of Ming dynasty history. Some details may not be accurate, so please bear with me. Thank you. Jing Shu transmigrated as Hu Shanxiang, the most useless empress in the Great Ming dynasty, and nearly fell apart. Sun was Zhu Zhanji’s childhood sweetheart. Jing Shu was at best a lucky charm her family had offered to the imperial household. How could she possibly compete with Sun? So, knowing how history would unfold, Jing Shu simply g 4.6kReads9.1Score300Shelves
24. 624 清 Qing Transmigration: Oh No, Consort Yi Is Beating People Again 清穿：不好了，宜妃又动手打人了 Xiao Shiyiniang萧十一娘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Qing Transmigration: A pampered young lady in her previous life + a haughty, proud, fussy little diva + quick to throw punches at the slightest provocation Not a clean romance. Reader discretion advised. Plot 1: Nalan Zhu is dazzlingly beautiful, with a graceful figure. As soon as she enters the imperial harem, Emperor Kangxi takes notice of her. She wins his favor at once and is immediately made a Noble Lady, granted the title Yi. At the morning audience in Changchun Palace, the beauty of Noble 4.3kReads9.0Score398Shelves
25. 625 折 Plucking the Eunuch’s Branch 折宦枝 Beautiful Lady美人娘Ancient Romance205k WordsCompleted (Princess x real eunuch, both virgins, happy ending) _ In the twenty-eighth year of Tianrui under the Wan Jin dynasty, corrupt eunuchs hold power. With a marriage decree, the puppet ruler marries his most beloved daughter, Sheng Xitang, to Xiao Qingye, the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial. On their wedding day, the princess kicks over the chair in front of Director Xiao. “Xiao Qingye, you should know your family’s ancestors must be rolling in their graves with joy that I agreed to marry 18.8kReads9.0Score2.4kShelves
26. 626 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: They Told Me to Accept My Fate, but I’m Climbing to the Top 红楼：叫我认命，我偏攀高枝 Regis of the Ancient City of Loulan楼兰古城的瑞吉斯Female-Channel Fanfiction564k WordsCompleted Furun, who grew up in an orphanage, arrives in the world of Dream of the Red Chamber by a twist of fate. With a modest golden finger and a life full of ups and downs, watch as an ordinary person struggling to get by finds a way to survive... 1.3kReads7.0Score100Shelves
27. 627 献 Offering to the Abyss 献京渊 Qi Yi Zi七一子Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Print edition releasing October 25] “He taught me to kill, seize power, and look after myself. I taught him what it means to have a weakness.” [Serious drama + political intrigue + the fate of the nation and its people + I’m terrible at writing blurbs] Jiang Qingyu was born into wealth, and her family’s love had made her naive and pampered. It wasn’t until the day the entire Jiang family was executed that she realized how foolish she had been! When she opened her eyes again, she was determined 25.2kReads9.5Score4kShelves
28. 628 王 The Prince’s Cherished Treasure 王府心尖宠 Tea Scatters荼散Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted Sixteen years ago, because of a remark by an old Daoist, Su Niannian and her twin sister were raised apart. For sixteen years, her sister grew up with their parents and siblings, while Su Niannian was raised by their grandmother. Sixteen years later, her sister returned to the capital with their parents, only to discover that Su Niannian, left behind in the capital, had become the apple of Prince Su's household's eye. "We don't care about them! Our prince's estate is bigger and prettier than the 24.9kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves
29. 629 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Innocent, and the Emperor Raises Her to the Top 娘娘单纯娇媚，陛下捧她上位 Sleepy Snail爱睡觉的蜗蜗Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted [A native heroine who's been good at acting since childhood] As the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's household, Bai Ruoli had always gotten everything she wanted. But when the palace selection came, she was destined to enter the palace as a concubine. The palace had not only the Empress Dowager and the emperor, but also the empress, and then the emperor's favored consorts below her. Bai Ruoli wasn't intimidated. Her family background was excellent. As long as the emperor wasn't a devoted 5.6kReads8.4Score719Shelves
30. 630 娇 The Delicate Beauty Steals Spring 娇娇夺春 Hai Ying海盈Ancient Romance283k WordsCompleted Yu Luo transmigrated into a book as a female supporting character in a novel aimed at male readers. The male lead, Prince Qin Li Xiao, was a celebrated general whose military exploits shook the realm. Yet the emperor framed him and ordered his entire family executed. After turning to the dark side, Prince Qin concealed his identity and took shelter in the Yu household, becoming a guard by the side of Yu Luo, the eldest daughter of the family. Miss Yu was arrogant and domineering, spending her da 9.3kReads8.9Score887Shelves
31. 631 嫁 After Marrying the Mad Crown Prince to Bring Him Good Fortune 嫁给疯批太子冲喜后 You Shi尤时Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The unfavored legitimate daughter of the Mu family is ordered by imperial decree to marry the crown prince, Zhou Jing, who is at death's door, to bring him good luck. Plenty of people wait to laugh at her, saying she might just end up bringing him luck by killing him in bed. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. The young woman is clearly terrified of him, but still can't help swearing her loyalty. “Your Highness, I'll treat you very well.” “Your Highness, after you pas 33.4kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Holy crap, this male lead is such a yandere and crazy character! He's such a good actor, the plot is hilarious and engaging, and I really, really, really love the male and female leads, as well as the male lead's sister and the female lead's brother. All four of them are such incredibly good people, and they're all mutually attracted to each other! [Crying][crying]

32. 632 拿 Using Me as a Scapegoat? The Fake Legitimate Daughter Is Reborn and Won’t Take It Anymore 拿我挡灾？假嫡女重生后不干了 Northern Star, No Wounds in the Snow北辰无殇雪Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [One-on-One Romance + Political Scheming + Reborn for Revenge + True and Fake Heiresses] A ridiculous tale about destiny, a sinister game that brought about her downfall and the Xiao family's ruin: she and the Xiao family were all made sacrifices. She had been promised that once she brought down the Xiao family, she could return to the family who loved her. She never realized it was all a lie. As she lay dying, the family she once knew mocked her without mercy. Her father, once so kind: “You're 335Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These three books are absolutely amazing, especially the second one. The female lead is never a saint; she gives birth to four children, all twins, and the male lead dotes on her. In the first book, the male lead was still the crown prince when the female lead abandoned him, but later she entered the palace for the imperial concubine selection, and the male lead still hadn't forgotten her. They're all incredibly good!

33. 633 清 A Qing Dynasty Transmigration: I Became Fourth Prince's Wet Nurse, Lady Tongjia 清穿之我成了四阿哥养母佟佳氏 Web Novel Vagabond网文流浪汉Ancient Romance649k WordsOngoing Tong Yuying, who grew up in an orphanage, had no childhood full of endless affection. The only thing she had for company was an old television. Many children competed to watch their favorite shows, but there was never enough to go around. Over time, she gradually became engrossed in novels, especially the sweeping, romantic time-travel tales set in the Qing dynasty. As an adult, she entered the workforce and toiled to make a living. Her greatest comfort amid the busy days was curling up beneath 1.5kReads8.1Score167Shelves

    Reader note

    These two are worth checking out, but...

34. 634 青 Azure Glaze, Mysterious Mark 青釉玄痕 Ming Yue Xi明曰兮Eastern Fantasy294k WordsOngoing Lu Qingci, a young man from the northern deserts, is born with a Porcelain Spirit Body and can hear the whispers of shattered porcelain. A fragment of celadon leads him into an ancient kiln sealed away for ages, where he becomes the last guardian of the kiln. From then on, he mends not only broken objects, but also fractured memories and hearts. Yet the Great Abyss, imprisoned beneath Celadon Town for countless ages, is about to awaken, and whispers of a shattered fate echo once more. With a p —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Have you recently become obsessed with palace intrigue novels? Then try this apocalyptic story, it'll definitely be refreshing! Reborn for revenge, the protagonist's intelligence is always on point, the plot twists and turns, the writing is solid and the foreshadowing is deep, it's more and more addictive the more you read.

35. 635 末 Apocalypse Cockroach 末日蟑螂 Mighty Cockroach伟岸蟑螂Sci-Fi & Apocalypse6.3M WordsCompleted Zhang Xiaoqiang is an insignificant nobody, a lazy loser who had been content to lounge around and wait to die. Staying at home lets him avoid the first outbreak of the zombie virus. When he sees his neighbors in the same apartment complex turn into zombies, he is overcome with boundless terror. He struggles to survive alone in an Apocalypse where people prey on each other. At last, worn down by loneliness, he picks up his gear and heads out into a world shrouded in smoke and fire. He takes the 27.3kReads8.9Score2.4kShelves
36. 636 康 Turbulence in the Kangxi Emperor's Harem 康熙后宫风云 Web Novel Vagabond网文流浪汉Ancient Romance718k WordsCompleted This story is entirely fictional, entirely fictional... A different kind of novel. Modern-day Lin Xiaoxiao transmigrates. It happens on the day her parents each start a new family. Maybe they’re trying to spite each other: they choose to get married on the same day, at the same hotel. At least that saves Lin Xiaoxiao from having to run between the two weddings. Living on her own, Lin Xiaoxiao takes the day off and heads to the hotel the next day. Then her bad luck strikes: the car she’s ri 3.5kReads8.7Score276Shelves
37. 637 娇 After the Charming Consort Entered the Palace, the Cold-Faced Emperor Became Her Devoted Puppy 娇媚娘娘进宫后，冷面帝王变忠犬 Staggering Along蹒跚行Ancient Romance340k WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Sole Favorite + Emperor With His Head in the Clouds Over Love (Not a Virgin, But Devoted Exclusively to Her After She Enters the Palace) + Ensemble Cast] When Su Yuewu was nearing her coming-of-age ceremony, her distant aunt, the empress, selected her to enter the palace as a potential consort to Crown Prince Shen Heng. As the two spent more time together in the Eastern Palace, their feelings deepened. Just when they had become utterly inseparable, Su Yuewu suddenly came to 54Reads6.5Score—Shelves
38. 638 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 1.5kReads9.2Score178Shelves

    Reader note

    Readers looking for something to read? This novel, featuring court intrigue, two strong protagonists, high intelligence, and humor, can be summed up in one word: "shocking." It's a must-read for those struggling with heartbreak. The characters are perfectly developed, a fusion of ice and fire, a clash of souls, and the emotions are handled flawlessly. The plot is incredibly exciting. He arrives riding on auspicious clouds; I guessed the beginning, but not the ending. The journey itself is absolutely brilliant and perfect!

39. 639 宫 A Step-by-Step Ascent Through the Palace: I Ascend the High Seat with Your Heart in Hand 宫阙步步，我以君心临高台 Yu He Nanling屿鹤南陵Ancient Romance160k WordsOngoing [Emotional mind games + prominent families + a touch of forbidden romance + winning hearts and minds + both leads are romantically inexperienced] [Clear-headed, calculating beauty X gentle, sinister emperor] Xue Yunshu, eldest legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor’s household, entered the palace and died in childbirth three years later. Everyone said she was fated to die young, that her baby was too large and the delivery took both their lives. But Xue Yunheng remembered clearly: her elder sist 94Reads—Score114Shelves

    Reader note

    This book seems to have great potential and is very well written.

40. 640 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 3.6kReads9.1Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    These two!!!

41. 641 暖 Fragrant Bedchamber: The Eastern Palace Concubine's Lie-Flat Life 暖帐香：东宫侍妾的躺平日常 Jin Yu锦喻Ancient Romance390k WordsCompleted [Raising a child + palace intrigue + ordinary transmigrator + not both leads’ first love, but doting romance] Xu Qinglu was transmigrated into the Xu family as their legitimate daughter. In the tenth year of Chengde, she was sent to the Eastern Palace as a concubine. After a year of cautiously serving the Crown Prince, walking on eggshells, she finally became pregnant. Having a daughter was all she needed. She would have been happy to live out her days peacefully in the palace. But when her daug 3.1kReads9.0Score242Shelves

    Reader note

    Xu Qinglu's little Zhizhi. Only a month old, she already laughs a lot and clings to Shen Chengyan's hand, babbling and talking to him. The little girl follows her big, clingy daddy everywhere she goes. She won't let Shen Chengyan leave even during bath time. Shen Chengyan really spoils this little girl. Xu Qinglu pouted, "Your Highness, please don't spoil her too much, or she'll become a spoiled brat." Shen Chengyan, however, didn't seem to care.

42. 642 借 A Surrogate Pregnancy? The Emperor Dotes on Me, and I Keep Having Lucky Pregnancies 借腹生子？被帝王娇宠到福孕连连 Yi Jiu Lu宜久录Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Feel-good revenge + palace intrigue + fertility + System + multiple births + sole favorite later on + not a story where the leads have only ever been with each other + an emperor who talks himself into loving her at first, then begs humbly for her affection × a clear-eyed, beautiful consort] Yan Qingshu has a nightmare. In it, she takes her infertile elder sister’s place in the emperor’s bed and becomes pregnant with his child. But the moment the baby is born, her sister snatches it away. Yan Q 5.6kReads8.7Score731Shelves

    Reader note

    It's so good! The male lead spoils the female lead rotten, he dotes on her exclusively.

43. 643 就 Now This Is Palace Intrigue! Thirty Heroines Topple the Harem 就这个宫斗爽！30个大女主掀翻后宫 Read a Little Editorial Team读点编辑部Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted [Palace and Household Intrigue + Anthology Stories + Strong Female Leads + Feel-Good Revenge + Face-Slapping] She waited three years for the general to return from war, only for her husband to come home with a pregnant woman and announce he was taking her as a second wife?! Dream on! I’m the daughter of the richest man in the land. From now on, I’m getting a divorce and building my own career! She was the exalted crown princess, yet on the very day she gave birth, the crown prince and her mother 330Reads8.5Score—Shelves
44. 644 外 The Illegitimate Daughter 外室女 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance808k WordsCompleted Before she transmigrated, Shen Yi had lived through one hardship after another. Then she was reborn as a baby into a happy family. What could be more carefree? She never imagined it was all a lie. Her father’s love for her mother was fake, and so was the marriage contract he gave her. He had merely come to the Duke’s household to experience life, while Shen Yi, her brother, and her mother were just byproducts of that experience. That would have been bad enough, but her scumbag father also had a 7.8kReads9.3Score851Shelves

    Reader note

    Half of my favorite palace intrigue novels are by Cai Wangwang! I love Wumian, Yunli, and Shiyuan from her works! [Heart] I've been reading Shiyuan lately, so I'm selfishly giving her my favorite~ [Kiss] But every single one of the books she recommends is really good! Every female lead is so well-developed! None of them are virgins! None of them are virgins! Please be aware if you mind!

45. 645 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.5kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

    Reader note

    They're all palace intrigue/otaku-style stories, all completed, with other genres including time travel and reincarnation, but they're all very good and highly recommended!

46. 646 这 In This Life, I Am Empress and You Are a Slave 这一世本宫为后，你为奴 Leng Jiujiu冷久久Ancient Romance335k WordsCompleted In her previous life, her rightful place as the principal wife was snatched away by her legitimate elder sister. With no other choice, she entered the household as a concubine, only to be burned alive! In this new life, she resolutely enters the palace, climbing step by step toward the throne, vowing to protect her mother and younger brother at all costs. After taking revenge on her enemies with her own hands, she sees the man on the dragon throne smile wickedly beneath the cold moonlight and pu 47Reads7.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The later ones were amazing, but the earlier ones weren't bad either. [Shy][shy][shy]

47. 647 侯 The Marquess's Wife Wants to Die of Old Age in Peace 侯府主母要寿终正寝 Winter Melon Eats Pears冬瓜吃梨Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted A history major pulls an all-nighter and dies suddenly, only to become Chen Yuhu, the matriarch of an ancient household, with no golden finger whatsoever. But you have to learn to be content. As a modern, clear-eyed college student, Chen Yuhu wants to tell the original matriarch: don't be such a lovesick fool. Treasure your life of immense wealth and status. She certainly does. She sends her biased mother-in-law away to cultivate in seclusion, keeps the obedient and pretty concubine around to pl 33.8kReads9.2Score3.3kShelves
48. 648 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! 141Reads8.4Score—Shelves
49. 649 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 54Reads6.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Food-themed palace intrigue novel

50. 650 黑 Reborn as a Black Lotus, Toying with You Is My Gift 黑莲花重生，玩弄你们是我的天赋 The Rose Does Not Give Itself to You玫瑰不予你Ancient Romance403k WordsCompleted (The rating will rise once it’s been out for a while.) [Reborn villainess + everyone gets their comeuppance + villain’s comeback + every main character is a villain + men fighting over the heroine] Yuan Zhao spent two years as a ghost. Then, in a single moment, she was reborn as Lu Zhaoning, the doomed early-death character from a book of destiny she’d read as a ghost: a born villain meant to make the heroine, Xie Shuyu, seem gentle, virtuous, courteous, and humble. Strangely enough, the hopel 2.8kReads8.4Score329Shelves

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