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. 51 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 1.6kReads9.2Score128Shelves
2. 52 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 5.3kReads8.6Score500Shelves
3. 53 娘 Her Majesty Reigns Supreme in the Harem 娘娘她宠冠后宫 Feng Lin作者风林Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted Liu Qingtong, granddaughter of the Grand Tutor, was born into a distinguished family. Noble and refined, she possessed the beauty of an immortal and was betrothed to the legitimate son of the Duke Rong household. Before the wedding, however, the young master of the Duke Rong household became embroiled in a scandal, and the Liu family resolutely broke off the engagement. With the imperial selection of consorts approaching, all unmarried respectable young women had to enter the palace to be consid 1.4kReads6.8Score124Shelves

   Reader note

   Palace intrigue novels

4. 54 君 The Emperor Steals His Minister’s Wife, Then Claims Her by Force 君夺臣妻，被恋爱脑帝王强取豪夺 Time Is Gentle and Clear时光清浅Ancient Romance508k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + the emperor steals his minister’s wife + love-driven madness + emotional push and pull + exclusive 1v1 romance + love-struck hero + heroine who grows] [Fate means nothing to Yuchi Jing. He only believes in following his heart.] At their first meeting, Yuchi Jing stole another glance at the woman beneath a centuries-old tree. She wore a bright red fox-fur cloak over her brocade robe, concealing the hairstyle that marked her as a married woman. At their next meeti 4.8kReads9.0Score400Shelves
5. 55 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 1.5kReads9.1Score108Shelves
6. 56 全 All of the Capital Knows That Father and Daughter Have a Few Screws Loose 全京城都知道，那对父女脑子有坑 Little Wine Riddle小酒谜Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Lighthearted and witty + no romance + daily life + everyone’s favorite + satisfying read + ridiculous fun + strong female lead + ensemble cast + political intrigue + absurd plot] (I’m no good at writing introductions, so just jump straight into the story!) Ever since Ye Qiong, the only child of Prince Duan’s household, was kicked in the head by a donkey and lost her memory, The old libertine Prince Duan’s good days came to an end. Other families enjoy loving fathers and filial children. The Pri 399.8kReads9.3Score56.1kShelves

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   "I refuse to accept this!" "Why can Father drink and romp around, but I can't!" Ye Qiong knelt stubbornly in the Cining Palace, her entire body, down to the last strand of hair, screaming her defiance. "You scoundrel! You still think you're right?!" The Empress Dowager slammed her hand on the armrest, her anger reaching its peak. "I... I am right..." Ye Qiong looked aggrieved, deeply convinced she was in the right.

7. 57 寡 A Widow, Alluring and Charming, Takes the Eastern Palace and Claims the Empress's Throne! 寡妇娇又魅，入主东宫，摘后位！ Lu Shili鹭十里Ancient Romance620k WordsCompleted [A devoted couple + marriage before love + raising a child + healing + happy ending] After two years of marriage, Jiang Nong finally gave birth to a son. Unfortunately, the child wasn't her husband's. Jiang Nong had no idea who the child's father was. After all, her husband was impotent, so they could only use another man's seed... A husband like that was no good. So Jiang Nong gathered her belongings, wrote a divorce letter, exposed the secret her hypocritical husband had hidden for half his l 6.4kReads9.2Score738Shelves

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   Both are highly recommended. [Laughing][Laughing][Laughing] They're both about exclusive love. The first one is about a woman who, in her previous life, mistakenly trusted her sister and son, leading to her tragic death. Reborn, she only wants to focus on the emperor who doted on her in her previous life. [Heart][Heart][Heart] The second one is about a man who falls in love with the woman at first sight. He's a germaphobe but doesn't mind her at all; she's the exception. [Drooling][Drooling][Drooling]

8. 58 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 42.4kReads9.5Score5.1kShelves

   Reader note

   It's really good, worth watching repeatedly. I highly recommend "Hidden Beauty in the Palace," and I haven't found a substitute yet.

9. 59 凤 The Phoenix Perches in the Parasol Tree: The Year the Wind and Snow Cut Off My Hair 凤栖梧桐：那年风雪断发时 Luo Anni's Story罗安妮平话Ancient Romance308k WordsOngoing I transmigrated into a novel I'd once cursed, becoming the least noticeable palace maid by the empress's side. I knew how her story ended: her hair was cut, she was sent to the Cold Palace, and she died on a snowy night. But I couldn't change anything. All I could do was stand behind her and watch her take one step after another toward that night. After the empress was gone, I climbed from the Laundry Bureau to the kitchens, from the stove to the imperial desk. I didn't compete for favor, take 10Reads—Score119Shelves

   Reader note

   The female official, observing the Empress's life from the sidelines, clearly foresaw all the suffering and desperately tried to maneuver, yet still couldn't stop the tragedy from slowly unfolding; the sense of destiny was too strong.

10. 60 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 78.9kReads9.5Score8kShelves
11. 61 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Charming, and the Emperor Sees Her as His Weakness 娘娘千娇百媚，皇上视为软肋 R Takes a BeatR慢半拍Ancient Romance206k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + palace intrigue + no exclusive favor + fake stand-in + clear-eyed heroine] Content warnings: The heroine is not a virgin. No System and no golden finger. Note: Set in a fictional dynasty. Jiang Qingchi wakes up one day and discovers she has become the heroine of a novel she only read one page of. After living cautiously for eight years, she finally gets her life in the palace on track. In the palace, she is the perfect stand-in for the late empress. As the late 9Reads—Score—Shelves
12. 62 绿 Green Shoots on the Branch 绿上枝头 Light Peach Blossoms轻薄桃花Ancient Romance221k WordsCompleted [Signed for print] [Brave, steadfast transmigrated heroine VS cool, clearheaded young noble] [Transmigration + rebirth + prominent family + household intrigue + feel-good + career building + strong heroine + light comedy] Jiang Lübao, daughter of a censor, was unexpectedly kidnapped and had her reputation ruined. The marriage that had already been arranged for her was called off, too. For a young woman from a prominent family, this was a devastating blow. But she burst out laughing. No one knew 86.2kReads9.6Score9.6kShelves
13. 63 人 Life Is a Play, and the Empress Is All About Her Acting Skills 人生如戏，娘娘她纯拼演技 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + witty banter + sweet, delicate beauty + calculated mind games] The leads are not each other’s only partners. If that bothers you, don’t read. Be prepared for suspicion in the early chapters, followed by affection later. The pacing is slow, so proceed with caution if you prefer fast-paced wish-fulfillment stories. As a double award-winning actress and a seasoned star of palace intrigue dramas, how could Shi Yan possibly lose her nerve after transmigrating into the imperial hare 4.9kReads9.3Score518Shelves
14. 64 侯 The Marquis's Estate Forgot Its Gratitude? The Regent Backs Me, and I Won't Forgive Them 侯府忘恩义？摄政王撑腰，不原谅 Chu Diandian初点点Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Luo Ning took a blade meant for the Empress Dowager and suffered severe injuries, trading her life for her family's noble title. She went south to recuperate for three years, but when she returned, she discovered that her maternal cousin had taken over her courtyard. Her cousin had even replaced her in every aspect. Luo Ning's parents and elder brother adored her, her grandmother favored her, and even Luo Ning's childhood sweetheart secretly admired her, saying that she surpassed Luo Ning in eve 185.1kReads9.4Score27.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Slow and steady wins the race; eventually, all your wishes will be fulfilled.

15. 65 贵 The Imperial Consort Trades on the Emperor’s Favor, Seeking Revenge and Rising to Power 贵妃恃宠而骄，一路复仇上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue revenge power fantasy, with sweet romance, scumbags getting what they deserve, and an adorable child later on. The leads are not each other's firsts, so read with caution if that bothers you!!! Not fantasy!!!) She is Yu Zhiyi, daughter of Jiangnan's richest man, and Yu Zhiyan, daughter of the Minister of Rites. On her fifth birthday, because of a Frost Soul Pearl, all 100-odd members of Yu Zhiyi's family were slaughtered. The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley had once 2.5kReads9.1Score259Shelves
16. 66 太 The Crown Prince’s One and Only: The Bewitching Consort Captures His Heart and Claims Her Place 太子独宠，尤物娘娘缚心上位 YQ Lazy Little CatYQ小懒猫Ancient Romance725k WordsOngoing [Unhinged, Ruthless Heroine + Cold, Scheming, Obsessive Crown Prince + Palace Intrigue] [Before the heroine entered the palace, the hero already had wives and concubines, but the emperor had forced them on him for political reasons. He only went through the motions with them, and their relationships were in name only.] [Readers who mind this should proceed with caution] She was the legitimate daughter of the Luo family, breathtakingly beautiful. But when her father demoted her mother to a concub 2.4kReads—Score182Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a pure palace intrigue novel. The female protagonist enters the Eastern Palace through the imperial concubine selection. She is unassuming and good at pretending to be weak, but in reality, she is very skilled. She tests the Crown Prince and wins his exclusive favor. She is cautious and scheming at every step. The plot is tight and very enjoyable to read.

17. 67 嫁 After Marrying the Sickly, Powerful Minister, the Sweetheart Cries Every Day 嫁给病娇权臣后，娇娇每天哭唧唧 Eight-Treasure Cake八宝糕Ancient Romance543k WordsCompleted [Black-hearted Miao beauty vs. ruthless, lovesick power minister] On her first night after transmigrating into a book, Wen Ranyan was sent to the great villain’s couch. Rumor had it that Feng Qiw Wu, the great villain, was ruthless and bloodthirsty. Anyone who crossed him either died or wished they had. He was a certifiable lunatic. But Wen Ranyan wasn’t afraid. Instead, she set her sights on the villain’s good looks. In public, she was the villain’s only wife: gentle, graceful, and delicate. In 3.1kReads9.2Score391Shelves
18. 68 白 After My White Moonlight Entered the Palace, the Emperor Doted on Me Alone and Made Me Empress 白月光入宫后，帝王独宠我封后 Nan Has Tall Trees, the North Has the Sea楠有乔木北有海Ancient Romance355k WordsOngoing [Mutual Firsts] [Devoted Love] [Love at First Sight] [A Young Emperor with Absolute Power vs. A Beloved White Moonlight Who Plays the Pig to Eat the Tiger] The young emperor had been on the throne for years, holding the realm's power in his hands. His harem was filled with noble daughters from powerful clans, yet he had never favored a single consort, let alone appointed an empress. Everyone in the palace thought the emperor was indifferent to desire. Only he knew the truth: in his heart, he had 58.9kReads8.4Score9.5kShelves

    Reader note

    It's a newly released book, but it's really good.

19. 69 恶 The Villainess Becomes the Legitimate Daughter: I'm Just Pretending, Don't Get Too Attached 恶女成嫡：我装的，你们别太爱了 Peach Blossoms Reflected in Wine桃花映酒Ancient Romance617k WordsCompleted (Print edition goes on sale at 7 p.m. on September 19 / Several short animated adaptations are now streaming) [Wicked Villainess Transmigrates into a Book + Total Control + “Training Dogs” Romance + Male Rivals in a Shura Field + Exes Begging for Her Back + Face-Slapping and Scumbag Punishment] [The heroine is a true villainess: a stunning, calculating temptress who never hesitates to manipulate others] Jiang Chuji, the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, was an ill-fated girl sent to a t 61.9kReads9.4Score8.4kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are truly exceptional! Their ratings speak for themselves.

20. 70 狐 Fox! Vixen! 狐！媚！ Envying Fish by the Water临水羡鱼Ancient Romance510k WordsCompleted She was a fox demon who had cultivated for ten thousand years, born with an alluring charm unmatched by anyone. He was the Emperor of Tianquan, ruthless in action and cold-hearted. To break through the limits of heaven and earth and become a ten-tailed celestial fox, she faced eighty-one bolts of divine lightning sent down by the Heavenly Dao. She survived the tribulation, but was knocked back into her original form. And fell right into his bath... Then one day, the world discovered that a stunn 2.9kReads8.6Score271Shelves
21. 71 踹 Dump the Romance Hero, Seduce the Emperor from a Male-Oriented Novel 踹掉言情男主，勾搭男频帝王 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, revenge, scheming, stunning heroine, seductive mastermind] The short drama His Heart on a String is now streaming! Shen Yuling transmigrated into a romance novel as its heroine. Unfortunately, she was a heroine whose luck had been stolen by a woman who transmigrated into the story. She would die in a fire, taking her unborn child with her, while her entire family would be wiped out. It was a fate the original heroine had failed to change, even after being reborn twice 17.2kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves
22. 72 和 After the Divorce, the Villainous Stepmother Brings Blessings to the World! 和离后，反派后娘福载天下！ Mo Yi Mo Jia莫乙莫甲Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted Su Xin peered into the secrets of fate and discovered that her terrible luck in this life was because someone had stolen her fortune and the merit she'd accumulated over a hundred lifetimes in her previous one! As she was pondering how to fix it, a bolt of lightning sent her back to her previous life. From the start, her stepfather had already packed her off to become someone else's stepmother. A wild System suddenly bound itself to her, too. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven troublesome k 36.3kReads9.6Score5.7kShelves

    Reader note

    It's obviously a palace intrigue novel. I highly recommend the last one, even though it's a side story, because you can learn a lot from it. [Shy][shy]

23. 73 入 I Entered the Palace to Help My Sister Keep the Emperor’s Favor, but Became His Cherished Favorite 入宫替嫡姐固宠，却成皇上掌心宠 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she entered the palace and devoted herself to helping her legitimate elder sister keep the emperor’s favor. In the end, she died without a body to bury, abandoned by her family. Returning to the year of the imperial selection, Luo Shuran calculates her every move. Her breathtaking beauty is her only weapon. She sheds her youthful timidity and blossoms into a woman of captivating charm. One fleeting glimpse, like a fairy fallen from the heavens, catches the emperor’s eye. 6.1kReads9.3Score839Shelves

    Reader note

    🍯🍯🍯I love palace intrigue novels with brains. Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she's also more shrewd than anyone else. From the moment she learned she had been chosen by Xiao Jingheng to enter the palace as a concubine, her goal was clear: "I'm going to the palace to be the empress, otherwise what am I supposed to do? Cook for others?" So, upon entering the palace, she used her beauty and intelligence to carefully plot her way to the emperor's heart and manipulate the six palaces at will. After all, no woman in the harem is immune to competition for the sake of her family and her own favor, so her strategy was to strike first.

24. 74 穿 Transmigrated as a Brothel's Top Courtesan, I Drive Noble Young Men Wild with Love 穿成青楼头牌，迷的贵子为爱疯狂 A Pear a Day Keeps Us Together吃了梨子不分离Ancient Romance998k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + adored by everyone + the whole family’s favorite + romantic rivalry + men competing for her + all male leads are pure + every man goes crazy for her! Spoil her, spoil her, spoil her!!] Jiang Nanyin transmigrates into a novel where everyone adores the heroine, only to find herself in the body of a famous courtesan. She wakes up in the bed of a sixty-year-old man, and to make matters worse, she’s been drugged. Her vision goes black. No one could ask for a worse start. D 2kReads8.9Score261Shelves
25. 75 宋 Empress of the Song Family: The Legend of Yuyao 宋家皇后——钰瑶传 Ling Songs by the River江上菱歌Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted The leads are not each other’s first partners!!! The heroine is neither a naive innocent nor a particularly kind person!!! The emperor hero is a jerk!! Set in an alternate history!! This is not a feel-good story!!! She transmigrates straight into the role of empress. If she rises in rank, she becomes the empress dowager; if she fails, she is deposed and banished to the cold palace. That is the reality of the inner palace: failure leaves almost no chance to recover. A twenty-first-century fashion 597Reads9.0Score103Shelves
26. 76 梦 Dreamed I Was Poisoned to Death? The Wicked Consort Goes on a Rampage 梦到自己被毒死？恶毒贵妃杀疯了 Pour Me a Glass of Green Plum Wine来一杯青梅酒Ancient Romance555k WordsCompleted [Not a pure romance + an all-villain cast + a heroine who kills + an indulgent hero + exclusive devotion from the start] [An aloof, ruthless, pleasure-seeking autocratic emperor vs. an arrogant, domineering, viciously cunning consort] Emperor Long'an had ruled for seven years. What people talked about most was his unusual hobby: keeping all kinds of fierce beasts and wild birds. Little did they know that the creatures who caught Emperor Long'an's interest were all in the harem's fighting ring. E 20.2kReads9.2Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This book has incredibly satisfying character settings for the male and female leads [drooling][drooling]. It's a palace intrigue story with no clean couples, everyone is a villain, the female lead is ruthless, the male lead is indulgent, and she's doting on the female lead from the start [a cold and aloof dictator who manipulates everyone vs. An arrogant and ruthless concubine]. Emperor Long'an has reigned for seven years, and what's most talked about is his hobby of keeping all sorts of wild beasts and birds. Little do people know that the things Emperor Long'an is interested in are all in the arena of the harem. Among them are the hypocritical Empress Feng, the ruthless and cunning Consort Xiao, the cowardly Consort Wang, and the seemingly aloof Consort Ye. But the one Emperor Long'an truly loves is the dazzlingly beautiful, fiercely protective Consort Jiang. Even though she bullies everyone, in his eyes she's just a lovable, troublesome cat. However, after his cat falls seriously ill, she seems to have changed...

27. 77 重 Reborn Palace Maid: She Only Wants to Fight for the Emperor's Favor 重生宫女之她只想宫斗 Lady Yejiu夜九娘Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Jiaoyun spent years confined in the Cold Palace before finally being released. What she got in return was a useless husband and a wicked mother-in-law. This time, she decisively betrayed her mistress and climbed into someone else’s bed, successfully rising in status. And then she became the lowest-ranking palace maid… When Emperor Jingheng first saw Jiaoyun, he was merely captivated by her looks. “How can this palace maid have fairer skin than the Noble Consort?” Jiaoy 777Reads9.1Score104Shelves
28. 78 帝 The Imperial Terrace's Charm: The Noble Consort Is Beautiful and Well-Behaved 帝台娇：贵妃娘娘她又美又乖 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + climbing the ranks and crushing the villains + doting romance. The male lead knows his own heart. He'll devote himself to her alone later on.] [The heroine rises through the ranks quickly at first, then more slowly later on.] [The heroine comes from a noble family, is the most beautiful woman in the harem, and already has two adorable children. The Emperor falls for her first and favors her from early on, before devoting himself to her alone in the middle and later parts.] By a 20.9kReads9.4Score2.1kShelves
29. 79 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. 3.8kReads9.1Score745Shelves
30. 80 勾 Flirt with the Crown Prince, Become His Favorite Consort? A Piece of Cake 勾太子，宠妃？顺手的事儿 Snowy Dudu雪之嘟嘟Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance, sweet romance, sweet romance! We’ll say it three times because it’s important] She transmigrated? And became a favored concubine to the Crown Prince of the Jun Kingdom? After waking up one day, Mu Wantang finds herself inside a wish-fulfillment novel she had read recently, as the Crown Prince’s beloved concubine. Jun Chengyan, the Crown Prince of the Jun Kingdom and The Outcast, is breathtakingly handsome, elegant, and incomparably noble. The original owner was beautiful, but not 24.8kReads9.1Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    ① The female lead falls in love with the male lead at first sight and enters the palace regardless of everything, until the male lead no longer loves her. She is willing to be the empress's shadow, a pawn in his hands, breaking the traditional path to win the emperor's heart. It's a very good story. [Admiration] ② The male lead dotes on the female lead from the beginning, and he won't tolerate her suffering. The crown prince is a bit love-struck. ③

31. 81 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Lingrong Is Reborn and Becomes the Empress Dowager 甄嬛传之陵容重生做太后 Su Xue粟雪Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted Her dream of becoming a beloved imperial consort shattered, An Lingrong returned to the age of sixteen, before the selection of palace women. No longer weighed down by an illusory father-daughter bond. No longer blinded by the false favor of the imperial harem. In the end, she would forge her own path to becoming Empress Dowager. 6.4kReads9.0Score567Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm a huge fan of palace intrigue and domestic drama novels. I've watched *Empresses in the Palace* at least ten times, and I also frequently watch the commentary videos on *Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace*. Here are a few recommendations I'm currently reading and those I've already read that I really love: First, I'm staying up all night reading this one. The female lead is gentle, intelligent, and capable—it's so satisfying! Second, I absolutely loved this one after finishing it. The female lead is so rational, and many of the palace intrigue events in the book are meticulously planned and logical—it's so satisfying! Third, the third one isn't finished yet, but the female lead is already incredibly charming—I love her! It's so satisfying! Fourth, the female lead is purely focused on her career and completely unconcerned about romance—it's so satisfying! Fifth and sixth are spin-offs of *Empresses in the Palace* and *Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace*, but both involve An Lingrong's rebirth. I really hope Lingrong gets a happy ending—it's so satisfying! Palace intrigue and domestic drama novels are just so incredibly satisfying!!! I love them all!

32. 82 小 The Little Palace Maid Who Ruled the Harem 小宫女宠冠后宫 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance329k WordsCompleted [A pampered little palace maid × a possessive, scheming emperor; pseudo-childhood sweethearts; doted on from the start; happy ending] When A Ruo was seven, the Grand Empress Dowager found her and brought her into the palace. She had been raised by her ever since. Though she was a maid, everyone in the palace addressed her as Miss A Ruo. Life couldn’t have been sweeter. But her carefree days didn’t last long. After four years away from the capital, she returned to hear something unbelievable. The 5kReads7.5Score545Shelves
33. 83 他 His Little Yue Is Like the Moon 他的小玥亮 Ya Fei Li Ou亚菲莉欧Ancient Romance411k WordsCompleted The animated series is now available. Everyone said the Yan girl sent to the palace by the General's Mansion was an idiot. Premature, slow-witted, always a beat behind when she spoke, and smiling whenever she saw someone. On the day of the selection, everyone laughed at her. "Is the General's Mansion so short on people that they had to send an idiot to fill a spot?" Yan Yue didn't understand, so she laughed along with them. Later, she became the only woman in the harem allowed to stay overni 31kReads8.8Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The young girl entered the palace passively, accepting her family's arrangement, without ever trying to please anyone. The emperor, however, took the initiative to approach her, transforming from someone passively chosen to actively pursuing her. The process of the man falling in love unfolds gradually, without any abrupt plot twists; the emotional development is natural and smooth. Go read it now!

34. 84 入 I Enter the Palace and Rise to High Rank: As His Majesty's Cousin, What Have I to Fear? 入宫即高位，我是陛下表妹我怕谁 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + faux cousins + push-and-pull romance + winning hearts + taming a man Spring, Year Ten of the Zhaoqi reign. Shen Jiayu was summoned to the palace and became one of the emperor’s consorts. On the surface, the imperial harem seemed calm and peaceful, but beneath it lay tangled interests and hidden currents. The consorts schemed and fought among themselves, while the newcomers trembled with fear, terrified that one careless mistake would cost them their lives. Only Shen Jiayu s 240kReads8.9Score41.6kShelves

    Reader note

    All of this author's works are so good.

35. 85 这 This Palace Maid Doesn't Want to Be Famous 这个宫女不想红 Boiling a Frog in Hot Water热水泡青蛙Ancient Romance153k WordsOngoing A modern fitness trainer transmigrates into the body of a palace laundry maid about to leave the palace. With her knack for postpartum recovery, she fights her way to the top, rising from an ant trampled underfoot to a woman feared even by the empress and desired even by the emperor. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A different kind of palace intrigue novel!

36. 86 快 Quick Transmigration: My Scumbag Ex Cries as He Eats My Ashes 快穿修罗场：渣男哭着吃我骨灰 Meat Sauce Eater吃肉酱Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The comic adaptation is out! [Conquest + Shura Fields + No CP + Abusing Scum + Everyone's Favorite] Yu Ai is the best task-taker across all of time and space, a beauty blessed with both talent and looks. Hearing that men are always looking for trouble, she teams up with System 001 to teach them a lesson. She's the original green tea, a master of acting, and she's ready to fight back online. * The scheming CEO pins a woman beneath him. "Woman, behave. You're only allowed to be my caged bird." The 10.3kReads9.4Score1kShelves
37. 87 步 Scheming for the Emperor's Heart at Every Turn! Her Majesty Climbs to the Top 步步谋帝王心！娘娘一路扶摇直上 Ming Family Charcoal Fire明家炭火Ancient Romance315k WordsCompleted (Not a pure romance with only one partner, palace intrigue, favored from the middle onward, and doted on exclusively in the ending) Wen Jing Tan went from a heaven-blessed darling to a confiscated palace slave, and had long since had enough of being beaten and cursed at. One day, she was framed and, by a twist of fate, sent to the emperor's side. From then on, she swore to become The Outcast, second only to one and above all others. She wanted His Majesty's favor, and her family to flourish! The 689Reads8.2Score107Shelves
38. 88 帝 The Emperor Is Aloof and Hard to Approach? He Lures Me to Share His Bed Night After Night! 帝王清冷难近？夜夜诱我共枕眠！ Thousand-Pool Moon千池月Ancient Romance549k WordsCompleted [Live-action audio adaptation available] [Reborn + Palace Intrigue, Not Both Virgins + Favored by the Hero Early On, His Only Love Later + Clear-Headed Beauty Rises to Power + Emperor Becomes Love-Struck Later] [Cool, Distant, Hard-to-Approach Emperor vs. Delicate, Soft, Clear-Headed Heroine] In her previous life, Lin Wanqing was kept outside the palace as the mistress of the younger brother of the reigning emperor. She thought they were in love and that she would become his princess consort. S 3kReads8.8Score343Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all incredibly good palace maid x emperor romance novels! Super sweet! My favorite is "The Empress's Scheming Step by Step"! The side stories are also amazing. "Don't Eavesdrop on My Speech" is a bit comedic, which is my type, and the male lead's character is very interesting! Highly recommended!!! [Kissing eavesdropping][Kissing eavesdropping][Kissing eavesdropping]

39. 89 娘 The Consort Schemes Her Way to Power, and the Emperor Dotes on Her Daily 娘娘心机上位，皇帝日日宠 Ling Ling Yuan泠泠沅Ancient Romance328k WordsCompleted Song Shiwei, a concubine-born daughter of the Dali family, enters the palace in place of her elder sister, posing as the legitimate daughter. She becomes a low-ranking Seventh-Rank Baolin in the harem of Qi Jing, the fifth emperor of the Great Deng Dynasty. With no influential connections or status, Song Shiwei initially just wants to coast through each day, checking in for the daily greetings. At least life in the palace has to be better than it was at home. But in the imperial harem, getting f 320Reads7.4Score—Shelves
40. 90 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Alluring, Winning Favor and Rising to Power 娘娘娇软妩媚，一路争宠上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue story, not a one-on-one romance, and not a mutually faithful pairing. Proceed with caution!) Bai Ruotang is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Right Chancellor’s household. At fifteen, just after coming of age, she is sent into the palace to bear a child for her legitimate elder sister and help her secure the emperor’s favor. Unwilling to be reduced to someone else’s pawn, from the moment she steps through the palace gates, she decides she will carve out 10.4kReads8.9Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    A super captivating palace intrigue novel, highly recommended!

41. 91 宫 Beneath the Palace Walls, I Seduce Him to Steal Her Favor 宫墙之下，勾他夺宠 Strawberry Fondant草莓糖心Ancient Romance462k WordsCompleted Original Title: The Princess Becomes a Favored Consort, Bears a Little Crown Prince, and Seizes Her Sister’s Throne. [Reborn + System + palace intrigue + aloof beauty + stunning beauty + sweet romance] An aloof, noble, one-of-a-kind ruler x a delicate, alluring beauty with an innocent sensuality … Once, she was his nominally illegitimate princess (a lie), and the only stain on his life. He sent her to a foreign land to marry for peace. From atop the palace walls, she leapt, thinking she would b 22.4kReads9.1Score2.1kShelves
42. 92 那 So What? His Majesty Dotes on Me Alone 那又怎样，奈何陛下独宠我 Moon Over the High Terrace月上高台Ancient Romance569k WordsCompleted The rating will rise once it’s posted + [A cold, devoted emperor and a dazzling beauty, an alternate dynasty, doted on from the start, both wholeheartedly in love and choosing each other] Jiang Yuexin is reborn. In her previous life, she and her best friend had both transmigrated. Jiang Yuexin became a consort in the palace who had beauty but no brains, while her best friend became the eldest daughter of a general’s household. She was breathtakingly beautiful, while her friend had only the rep 39.3kReads9.0Score6.5kShelves
43. 93 美 A Bewitching Beauty, an Emperor’s Devotion, and a Throne to Share 美人娇，帝皇宠，携手共掌天下权 Envying Fish by the Water临水羡鱼Ancient Romance499k WordsCompleted Qin Shu, a top agent for a mysterious organization in the 21st century, was in a plane crash and came within a breath of death. When she opened her eyes again, her soul had crossed into another world, where she had been reborn as the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's household in the Tianyang Kingdom. As the duke's only daughter, she was doted on by her parents and older brothers, and grew up pampered, living exactly as she pleased, carefree and at ease. That was until a new emperor a 2.6kReads8.6Score273Shelves

    Reader note

    💐💐💐These are all good [heart] ① The female lead's brother is a great general who entrusted His Majesty to take care of his sister before going to war. Later, the female lead enters the palace, and the male lead falls in love at first sight, and then his feelings become uncontrollable. In the middle and later stages, he dotes on her exclusively and expresses his love. ② Both are virgins. The female lead is the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's family. The male lead has secretly loved the female lead for ten years and can't wait for her to enter the palace. Their relationship progresses quickly.

44. 94 改 Remarrying the Crown Prince’s Father Reborn 改嫁太子他爹【重生】 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance738k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + palace intrigue + marrying the crown prince's father] The incompetent crown prince feared the Shen family's power. He listened to slander, falsely accused her elder brother of treason, and slaughtered her entire family. When she opened her eyes again, she was seventeen, in the year before she was to marry the crown prince. To save the Shen family, she had to bring the crown prince down. But the crown prince was protected on every side, like a man locked inside an iron cage. Shen Hanyu 20.2kReads8.7Score3.1kShelves
45. 95 勾 Seduce My Way to the Top: Your Majesty, I've Been Plotting This for a Long Time 勾引上位：陛下，我对你蓄谋已久 New Little Moon新小月Ancient Romance479k WordsCompleted [Transmigration into a book, villainess, revenge, palace intrigue, seducing her way to power] [They scheme against each other. She runs, he pursues, and she can never escape him] Blurb One Shen Jiaojiao transmigrated into a book and became the heroine of an ancient romance novel. Unfortunately, she was the former heroine. The original heroine, pitifully robbed of the male lead’s life-saving favor by the female supporting character. Heaven knows how miserable Shen Jiaojiao felt, transmigrati 16.8kReads8.5Score1.7kShelves
46. 96 烛 Candlelight and the Blade’s Edge 烛火与刀尖 One Day You'll Remember Me总有一天你会想起我的20k WordsCompleted Candlelight and the Blade’s Edge 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This collection of short palace intrigue stories is concise and captivating; you absolutely must read it! [Sending heart]

47. 97 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Wouldn’t Let Me Leave 入宫后，偏执帝王不许我出宫 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance509k WordsCompleted [Not both virgins, not a strong heroine, a little angst early on, devoted love later] In the fourth year of the new emperor’s reign, Consort Duan died suddenly of an illness in the palace. At the time, Shen Jiafu was not yet fifteen. The Empress Dowager was from the Shen family. Half a year later, she summoned a Shen daughter to the palace to attend to her, claiming to be ill. Shen Jiafu traveled from Quzhou to the imperial capital. In public, she was gentle and well-behaved, like a charming flo 14.1kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is really good! The female lead is a distant niece of the Empress Dowager, who then sends her to the palace as a concubine. Initially, the male lead is resistant because it's the Empress Dowager's arrangement, but the female lead is also eager to return home. Later, seeing that the Emperor is hesitant to take her into the harem, the Empress Dowager announces in front of the Emperor that she will be sent home. The male lead quickly takes her as a concubine, and it's a classic case of "it's actually good," with the female lead becoming the sole favorite later on. [Please follow][Please follow][Please follow]

48. 98 入 After Entering the Palace, the Consort Rises Through the Ranks 入宫后，娘娘一路高升 Weiyang Circles Summer未央绕夏Ancient Romance234k WordsCompleted Three years ago, Mu Jihe used her childhood friend, the emperor. In the end, the entire Mu family was executed, with Mu Jihe as the sole exception. She entered a temple to live in seclusion. Three years later, the emperor chanced upon Mu Jihe while praying for blessings. From then on, the palace had a new Lady Zhaopin. Those in the know were eager to watch her make a fool of herself, but no one expected her to rise steadily through the ranks, earn the emperor’s boundless affection, and set her s 3.8kReads9.0Score394Shelves
49. 99 贵 The Noble Consort Has Negative Affection for Me 贵妃对朕负好感度 Sleepyhead Who Won't Sleep睡睡不睡觉Ancient Romance419k WordsCompleted [System] [A Little Palace Intrigue] [Devoted to Each Other] Su Rongyi is the Imperial Consort in the palace, and her father is the Great Min's top-ranked general, commanding an army of six hundred thousand. Ever since she was little, Su Rongyi has known that her family is a grave concern to the emperor, and that the Su daughters are destined to enter the palace. To put the emperor at ease, Su Rongyi doesn't mind playing the part of a woman deeply in love with him. But lately, the emperor has bee 3kReads8.2Score273Shelves
50. 100 病 The Mad Concubine Is Too Unhinged, and His Majesty Indulges Her Without Restraint 病娇贵妃太疯批，陛下宠溺无度 Guest from the Green Cliff in a Pillow枕中青崖客Ancient Romance681k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue | Scheming | Unhinged and possessive | Older man | Everyone protects her | Healing | Devoted to her in the second half] [Content warning] The male lead has a harem in the first half, but devotes himself to her alone in the second half. Readers who require a male lead with no past relationships should proceed with caution. This isn't a mindless wish-fulfillment story. If you like everything going smoothly, proceed with caution. Ling Qihe's birth mother transmigrated into a chaoti 26kReads9.2Score3.4kShelves

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