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. 151 折 Snap Off a Crabapple Branch! 折棠枝！ Consort Xi熙贵妃Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sisters switch marriages+the chase-back-to-win-her-heart trope+romantic rivalry+putting scumbags in their place; clear-eyed, scheming beauty X mad tyrant X aloof, powerful minister...] Short drama now available Jiang Wantang is the second legitimate daughter least favored by the current prime minister. With incomparable beauty and bewitching charm, she was abandoned in the wilderness and remained unknown to the world. Her elder legitimate sister was the moon in the sky; she was the mud beneath 9.4kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves

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   I love all five of these books, especially the last one. I've been following them for months, and they get better and better with each reading! Trust me, ladies!!!

2. 152 在 100 Techniques to Conquer the Emperor in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.2kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves
3. 153 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 21.1kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves

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   Every single one of them is wonderful!

4. 154 想 I Just Want to Lie Flat, but the Emperor Pushes Me into the Harem Battles 想躺平，皇上却push我宫斗 Wooden Raisin木提子Ancient Romance328k WordsCompleted [An unconventional palace-intrigue story + 1v1 later on + a love-triangle free-for-all] The emperor falls first, then turns dark later [A beautiful, easygoing sloth consort who just wants to lie flat x a hard-working emperor who is secretly scheming and potentially unhinged] “Me, Just Looking for a Basic Salary and Slacking Off, Got Promoted Thanks to the Emperor’s Help” / “The Emperor Fights Palace Battles for Me Behind My Back” / “Consort Yao Doesn’t Want His Favor or Love, She Just Wants to R 9.4kReads9.3Score797Shelves

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   I've read them all, and they're all great. My favorite is the second book; the female lead always remembers her original intentions, and the author writes so well. I've already read it twice and am about to read it a third time. "Gong Shu" is the first palace intrigue novel on Tomato Books, and it's absolutely top-tier. I just finished the first one recently. There were times I almost gave up, but it just kept getting better and better, especially the epilogues. The other books are also incredibly good!!

5. 155 皇 Imperial Noble Consort 皇贵妃 Liang Zhihe梁之鹤Ancient Romance190k WordsCompleted Forced possession / the pursuit of a wife after losing her / angst (avoid if you dislike these) / avoid if you're a heroine stan / weak heroine / both leads are virgins According to the official history of Tianzhao, Noble Consort Chen, of the Jiang clan, shared a deep bond with Emperor Tianzhao and had once saved his life. She enjoyed his favor for many years without losing it. In the first year of Tianzhao, she was made Noble Consort Chen. The following year, she gave birth to the Crown Prince 18.7kReads8.9Score982Shelves
6. 156 妖 After Being Reborn, the Bewitching Consort Only Wants to Push the Tyrant to Improve Himself 妖妃重生后，只想督促暴君上进 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance420k WordsCompleted [Publication rights acquired] [Capricious, wicked, silly beauty vs. dark, obsessive-love maniac tyrant] [Palace intrigue, not a pure romance + doted on from the start + not a strong female lead + a lovesick, unstable woman and a deranged man drawn to each other] Yueli was the top courtesan at Chunfeng Pavilion. She didn't want to be sold to the demon-like general, so on the day she was to leave the brothel, she timidly tugged on the emperor's sleeve... She spent three years throwing her weight a 26.2kReads9.2Score3.1kShelves
7. 157 东 The Eastern Palace's Beauty: This Favorite Consort Is Mine! 东宫姝色：这宠妃我当定了！ Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted [The heroine is doted on from the very beginning. The story focuses on sweet romance, not scheming palace intrigue. The hero adores the heroine and is even a little lovesick. If that's not your thing, please move along, and don't leave a bad review over it. The heroine rises from a junior consort to a favored consort, Crown Princess, and Empress. The hero is a crown prince at first and becomes emperor later.] Su Niannian has landed in a male-lead-centric novel! Her new identity is Su Ling, the 30.1kReads9.4Score2.9kShelves
8. 158 宫 A Rhapsody of Palace Flowers 宫花赋 Six-Eared Yuanyuan六耳圆圆Ancient Romance681k WordsCompleted [A no-nonsense, trope-defying palace-intrigue drama + no love for the emperor + ensemble of women] Everyone has their own ambitions. I have no interest in fighting other women over a man. She was little Qing Luo, a girl who valued her life above all else. Abandoned by her parents as a child, she had wandered through hardship until she entered the Forbidden City, where she met the beautiful, gracious Yue Ren and the clever, perceptive Lü Zhu. At last, her wandering heart found a home. The three s 30.1kReads9.6Score4kShelves

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   Highly recommend palace intrigue novels! They're seriously, seriously, seriously amazing! Click to read! The seasoned bookworm Chuntao has listed them all below, all reviewed and approved, so please enjoy! Tomato Novel Reviewer, 4000+ reads, Chuntao's recommendation is guaranteed to be a gem! ① First book: 🔥 A frugal palace maid clings to the emperor's leg, showcasing her acting skills—is her position as Imperial Noble Consort secure? True sisterhood is real! When the emperor forces her to choose between two options, she retorts with "You're not worth it"—her affection is an act, her sister's life is! Hardcore palace intrigue, focusing on the power of sisterhood! ② Second book: 🔥 A reborn cannon fodder woman determined to slay the dragon! Died resentfully after being disemboweled in her past life, this time she teams up with a cold and aloof eunuch to build her career. A wicked concubine paired with a treacherous minister? Together they overturn the chessboard of the noble masters! A love-struck eunuch X a career-driven villainous woman, their goal clear: the dog emperor must die! Dark revenge, just pure enjoyment! ③ Third Book: 🔥 Transmigrated as a bumbling princess, embroiled in jealousy and rivalry? A whole new world unfolds! Handsome men line up to "model" in her boudoir, their clothes disheveled yet their hearts devoted? The princess: Pure art! Until she tries to recruit the top courtesan, a bloodbath erupts in the backyard—stop fighting! Don't you understand, a harmonious family needs to be formed? The joy of a silly collector is unimaginable!

9. 159 贵 The Merciless Imperial Consort, the Tyrant Who Hands Her the Knife 贵妃娘娘心狠手辣，暴君他递刀 Late Summer, Not Yet Over夏末未余Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted [Both leads faithful and powerful + one true pairing + male lead has concubines + dotes on her exclusively from the start + a little palace intrigue and political scheming + System plays a minor role + fast-paced + no brainless tropes + no over-the-top drama + happy ending] [Brutal, calculating tyrant + absolutely rational, breathtakingly beautiful consort] Ye Xiyin has traveled through three thousand worlds and finally reaches the world of her last mission. Then the System tells her to sell her 2.3kReads9.1Score265Shelves

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   These harem novels are really good.

10. 160 毒 The Poison Queen Gives Up, but the Mad Dog Emperor Insists on Spoiling Her 毒后摆烂，疯狗暴君偏要宠 Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance371k WordsCompleted [Court Intrigue] [Mutual Exploitation] [Psycho Push and Pull] [Fall from Grace] [Psycho] [Powerful Figures] [Tyrant] [Imperial Court] [High-Level Hunt] [Schemes] [Power Couple] [Wits and Will] Meng Zhiyuan was a notorious poison empress. After Emperor Xiao Qi personally destroyed her family, she was banished to the cold palace, left to await her death. Xiao Qi brought his new favorite before her and flaunted his favor, hoping to see jealousy and pain in her eyes. But Meng Zhiyuan didn't even loo 171Reads—Score112Shelves

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    The female lead was a notorious poison queen, whose family was wiped out by the male lead, leaving her imprisoned in the cold palace, awaiting her death. No matter how the male lead tortured her, she only uttered a cold, "Kill me." Finally, the once-powerful tyrant knelt, his eyes red with tears, and took her hand in his: "If you just look at me one more time, I'll give you my life, okay?" [Flying kiss]

11. 161 宫 The Maid Is Sweet and Scheming, Climbing Her Way to the Top 宫女又茶又媚，一路内卷做娘娘 11 Means 1111就是11Ancient Romance356k WordsCompleted [They scheme against each other + the male lead has been with other women, while the female lead is chaste + palace intrigue + exclusive devotion later on + marriage before love] The rating just came in. It’ll go up later. The heroine grows over time! She suffers a little at first, but later fights back and gets a major power-up! She was once the cherished jewel of the Jinzhong prefect, raised like nobility. But when her father was exposed for corruption and thrown into prison, she was implicate 266Reads6.9Score—Shelves
12. 162 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 108.1kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves
13. 163 穿 Transmigrated as Shen Meizhuang: What Sisters? We Barely Know Each Other 穿成沈眉庄，什么姐妹？不熟 Wandering Guest of the Azure Clouds青云逸客Female-Channel Fanfiction1.3M WordsCompleted Overnight, she transmigrated into Shen Meizhuang from Empresses in the Palace, the woman who would “rather die clutching her fragrance on the branch.” The original Shen Meizhuang's fate from her previous life, dying in childbirth, was looming close. She sneered: “Only an idiot could play such a strong hand so badly.” In this life, she planned ahead and proceeded one careful step at a time: She acted like a dutiful daughter before the Empress Dowager, offered tenderness in the emperor's bedchamb 7.2kReads8.1Score657Shelves

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    This is an underrated fanfiction about Zhen Huan, you won't regret reading it! [Heart emoji] It will present a Mei Zhuang who is independent, clear-headed, and no longer bound by sisterly affection. Holding the cards of a powerful family background, Mei Zhuang dominates the battlefield. After reading it, you'll realize how heartless the chubby orange cat really is, recreating the famous "dragon-slaying" scene! [Smirk emoji]

14. 164 做 To Be a Favorite Consort, You Have to Be Arrogant and Overbearing 做宠妃，就是要嚣张跋扈 Idle Talk浮言Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A supremely self-serving, spoiled princess + a calculating, proud, even-tempered emperor + neither lead is chaste + he dotes on her exclusively later on] Chu Feiyu, a princess of the Great Chu, is struck by unforeseen misfortune and sent to Great Ye in a bride exchange. As a foreign princess, she can neither become empress nor empress dowager. There is no room left for her to climb in the imperial harem. All her boundless energy has nowhere to go. What can she do? Make trouble, of course. 9.7kReads8.8Score961Shelves

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    [Already recommended][Already recommended] The female protagonist is reborn as the little princess of Da Chu. After growing up, she becomes a princess sent to Da Ye as part of a political marriage. The female protagonist is very clear about her position and is not the type to suffer losses. If anyone offends her, she will directly scold them. She is very insightful and has a unique way of thinking when she confronts people. The dialogue between the male and female protagonists is also very quirky and funny, often leaving the male protagonist speechless with anger. At the beginning, the two of them are using each other. They can see through each other's intentions and use the art of balance very well. The female protagonist is very clear-headed and does not lose herself in the male protagonist's so-called favor. She is confident, strategic, and intelligent. Both of them are also ruthless and domineering. When they scheme against each other, they are ruthless. The female protagonist advances by retreating, and she takes control of every step. She hits the nail on the head in the middle of the truth and lies. The male protagonist goes from favoring her to loving her exclusively. He gradually sees through his own heart. The novel is humorous and funny, and the palace intrigue plot is full of ups and downs. It is exceptionally exciting.

15. 165 系 The Claiming the Throne Series: Historical Romance Collection 《夺嫡》系列古言套装 Moonset月落Ancient Romance2.8M WordsCompleted [Sweet Historical Romance + Mutual Devotion + Palace Intrigue] Popular author Yueluo's trilogy of sweet romances: lighthearted and hilarious, with sweetness turned up to the max! "The Fight for the Throne": A feisty young lady who always gets even × the scheming, lovesick Ninth Prince. A laugh-out-loud, sugar-sweet battle for the throne! "Joy with You": A venomous, calculating king × a clever and decisive queen. A perfect match who will conquer the world together! "A Fine Day Bestowed upon You": 60.6kReads9.6Score6.1kShelves
16. 166 人 A Harem Palace Survivor's Guide to Living to 120 人在后宫，只想活到120岁 Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance419k WordsCompleted The rating just came out, and it's really low ꈍ◡ꈍ #Quick transmigration heroine + multiple male leads + ends 1v1# Yun Jianxue died. Thanks to her accumulated good karma, she chose to become a civil servant in the Underworld. Calling it civil service is a bit of a stretch. In reality, she travels through various small worlds to complete missions. Along the way, it's inevitable that she attracts a few souls. Yun Jianxue swears: she really isn't doing it on purpose. 1.1kReads8.4Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue novel, female protagonist is clear-headed, plot is not simplistic and fast-paced.

17. 167 长 Changye Wuyue 长烨无月 Awakening at Ten夢醒十分Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted [A princess sent away for a political marriage × an obsessive crown prince and emperor] [Tragic romance] (The comic adaptation is now available.) A general dies in battle, and a princess is sent far away to marry for peace. The young man who had been her childhood sweetheart remained forever on the battlefield in the desert. As a princess of her nation, she was sent far away to Great Jin for a political marriage. The desert battlefield claimed the young General Zhou, while the bright and spiri 30.6kReads9.1Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a princess from one country and a prince from another, who later becomes emperor. Their country experiences a turmoil of three kings, leading to its decline and subsequent war with the prince's neighboring country. The prince, the princess's beloved, dies in the second war, and the princess is forced into a political marriage. The story unfolds from there—a tale of mutual love, but ultimately ends tragically. The second book features a princess who enters the palace to avenge her sister. During their time together, the prince gradually falls in love with her, while the princess remains clear-headed throughout, remembering her initial motivation for entering the palace. She ultimately kills those responsible for her sister's death, successfully avenging her sister. The female lead in this book is truly remarkable, rising from general to favored concubine, and finally ascending the throne. The male lead is a complex character; he is a good emperor, but not a perfect husband. Of course, being emperor doesn't allow him to be a perfect husband, but his love for the princess is genuine. In the end, he sacrifices his life to ensure the princess's legitimacy and right to inherit the throne. The third book also features a princess sent for a political marriage, and the male lead starts as the crown prince and later becomes the emperor. The female lead in this book has the kind of personality that believes in not being taken advantage of. Since she's a princess sent for a political marriage, as long as she doesn't make any major mistakes, the male lead won't do anything to her. In short, it's incredibly satisfying! The ending is a happy one, with the female lead's son becoming emperor. I won't say much more about the rest, but it's just as good as any other book. [Heart emojis]

18. 168 大 The Ming Emperor's Beloved Consort, Wan Zhen'er 大明宠妃万贞儿 Mad Twenty-Four Snake疯廿四蛇Ancient Romance745k WordsCompleted 7.7kReads9.4Score700Shelves
19. 169 贵 The Noble Consort Rejects Romance: While Others Fight for Favor, I Seize Power 贵妃不入爱河，别人争宠我夺权 Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Female-Lead Wish Fulfillment + Unfeeling Persona + Ruthless Revenge and Face-Slapping] Years later, the history books would describe Ming Tang as a master strategist with an iron fist, the ultimate winner of the harem struggles and the vast empire. Only Ming Tang knew she had never wanted to be that winner in the first place. From a young girl to the ruler of the realm, all she had wanted at first was to avenge her elder sister. The harem was full of danger. On one side was Consort Jin, who had 7.8kReads9.4Score923Shelves
20. 170 与 Joy with You 与君欢 Moonset月落Ancient Romance657k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Marriage Before Love + Mutual Devotion] A young king and queen join hands to bring peace to the realm, brimming with ambition! A sinister, calculating ruler versus a clever, decisive queen: evenly matched, they win the world together! Jiang He, daughter of an envoy from Qi, was forced to enter the palace as a servant after her mother died and her father disappeared. Then, just before the marriage alliance, the princess of Qi died a tragic death, leaving 27kReads9.5Score3.5kShelves
21. 171 怎 How Can Anyone Resist the Noble Consort's Alluring Charm? 怎敌贵妃百媚千娇 Fish Carrying the Moon鱼衔月Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + heroine transmigrates] In the fifth year of Yongyan, the emperor ordered a selection of consorts. Wen Wanyu was the most beautiful among the candidates. With her charming looks and soft, lilting voice, she was as delicate as a flower and soon won the emperor’s favor. She had once been the apple of her father’s eye, but when he was framed and her elder brother humiliated, she defied her whole family and asked to enter the palace to protect them. From the darling 2.2kReads8.9Score190Shelves
22. 172 千 Record of a Thousand Lanterns 千灯录 A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mystery solving + palace intrigue and household scheming + face-slapping and revenge + powerful families + court and kingdom] Fifteen prospective husbands are locked in a fight to the death in my family’s back courtyard, while all I want is to become a nun. Schemes and deceit, suspicion at every turn, bloodshed and tragedy piling up, a deadly battle in the back courtyard with no survivors allowed. [The high-born judge of the Court of Judicial Review, who loves wiping out entire households] x [T 22.7kReads9.6Score4.3kShelves
23. 173 继 Successor Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 82.7kReads9.5Score9.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This palace intrigue series is so satisfying! Every book gets a high score, above 9.5, and the fourth one is absolutely amazing.

24. 174 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves
25. 175 穿 The Daily Life of a Laid-Back Concubine After Transmigrating 穿越之闲鱼妾室的日常 Tian Nanxing Nan天南星南Ancient Romance480k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + household and palace intrigue + no golden finger + devoted love later on] Zhang Xinian transmigrated into the body of a concubine in Prince Jing’s household. Above her was the princess consort, backed by powerful connections and ruthless in her methods. Beside her was a brainless side consort with overwhelming fighting prowess. Below her, a reborn woman and a transmigrated woman were locked in fierce competition. Zhang Xinian trembled with fear. She had no golden finger and did 105.8kReads9.4Score12.3kShelves

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue novel; the writing is okay. I've been a bookworm for ten years. [Thinking]

26. 176 乱 After Fleeing the Chaotic Era, I Became the Founding Empress 乱世逃亡后，我成了开国女帝 Nan Wanxu南婉徐Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted [Publication rights signed] [Strong heroine + political intrigue + turbulent times + power struggles + ensemble cast] She’s fleeing from the start, a female warlord in a chaotic age. Lin Zhihuang, originally named Lin Zhihuan, transmigrates as a county magistrate’s daughter, only to find tens of thousands of refugees attacking the city from the start! While others transmigrate into palace or household intrigue, she transmigrates straight into a chaotic age and a desperate flight from famine. The 98.2kReads9.4Score13.6kShelves
27. 177 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 1.7kReads8.9Score137Shelves

    Reader note

    All are written by the same author, and the first book is newly released, but it's really worth following! [Shy] The author has improved a lot since before, and so far, it hasn't started strong but ended weakly; they're all very captivating! [Shy][shy][shy] The female lead in the newly released book is very clear-headed and may not fall in love with the male lead later (or truly entrust her whole heart to him). The male lead is set up so that the fate of the nation is his top priority. [This means that even in the later stages, his exclusive affection might not be 100%]. The other books are all in the type where the male and female leads will eventually become exclusive lovers, and they will both fall in love with each other. [Heart][heart][heart]

28. 178 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Charming, and Covets the Empress Dowager's Seat 娘娘娇娆柔媚，觊觎太后宝位 Buddhist-Style Little Salty Fish佛系小咸鱼Ancient Romance570k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + palace intrigue + medical skills + no pairing + doesn't love the emperor] At the age of seven, she was kidnapped in her previous life and became the disciple of a genius physician. But her master coveted the peerless beauty she gradually grew into. After three years of planning, she struck a fatal blow, thinking she was finally free. Then she found the letter her master had left behind... Reborn in a single moment, she changed her fate of being kidnapped and entered the palace. She tr 1.3kReads9.1Score152Shelves
29. 179 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.5kReads9.6Score31.1kShelves

    Reader note

    I was deeply moved after reading this book. The author wrote so well, not only bringing the male and female leads to life, but also giving the supporting characters flesh and blood. Beyond the main characters' romantic and political intrigue storylines, the familial bonds, growth, and personal journeys of the other supporting characters are all exceptionally well-developed. It's a truly superb ensemble piece. Everyone is caught up in the power struggles, making decisions against their will—for themselves, for their families, or for those they want to protect.

30. 180 良 The Lady Consort Has a Rebellious Streak, and the Ascetic Crown Prince Falls for Her Step by Step 良娣一身反骨，禁欲太子步步沦陷 Why Does My Heart Yearn for Mingyue12奈何我心向明悦12Ancient Romance509k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other's only partner + Devoted romance + Comedy + Light, fluffy sweetness] Liu Qingqing, a rookie police officer from the 21st century, opens her eyes and nearly cracks the Crown Prince's skull. To stay alive, she plays dumb while secretly being clever, seduces him in the Eastern Palace, and gradually turns the cold, abstinent Crown Prince into a soft-hearted lover. Excerpt 1: The Crown Prince glares at the sulking woman. He can hardly eat or sleep, while this heartless litt 242Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Especially the third book!!!

31. 181 死 Five Years After My Death, I Became the Tyrant's White Moonlight 死后第五年，我成了暴君白月光 Tang Ling sally棠泠sallyAncient Romance382k WordsCompleted [Resurrected first love VS ruthless emperor left a widower to raise a child alone | Devoted romance + Possessive love + Chasing his wife to the crematorium] Lan Shu was an orphan, living under someone else's roof. Just because Prince Yong looked at her twice, her uncle sent her to his bed, and she became a bird in his cage. After five years together, she heard him say, “She's only a kept woman. She's not worth the trouble.” Lan Shu's heart turned completely cold. When Prince Yong ascended the th 16.3kReads8.5Score1kShelves
32. 182 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—Shelves
33. 183 恶 The Wicked Supporting Actress Is Reborn and Wins at Life 恶毒女配重生后躺赢了 Bei Xin贝芯Ancient Romance622k WordsCompleted The emperor has never touched anyone but the heroine! One beloved consort in the harem + 1v1 romance + fictional setting. Meng Yan only learns on the brink of death that she's a supporting character in a sweet palace-intrigue novel. In the story, she loves the emperor, Lu Haozhi, devotedly until the very end. She diligently competes for his favor and tirelessly fights the innocent white-lotus heroine, only to land herself in the cold palace and die miserably in the snow. After being reborn, she 20.9kReads9.1Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    I've already finished watching it, it's great!

34. 184 小 The Flirtatious Consort's Guide to Rising to Power 小撩精贵妃的上位攻略 Yi Lan宜懒Ancient Romance144k WordsOngoing [Imagined palace intrigue + raising children + heroine has no love for the emperor] Not a completely pure romance In the sixth year of Yuan Yi, the Song family’s overlooked legitimate daughter entered the palace as a Concubine Attendant. Bearing a child, winning favor, rising to power: she wanted it all! Song Wanyin was clear-headed. She knew she couldn’t rely on love; only by continually climbing higher and gaining status could she find something she could count on. Gao Che asked, “May I call y —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    As a seasoned bookworm who loves palace intrigue novels, I can only say that these are all my beloved concubines, hahaha!

35. 185 贵 The Imperial Consort Is Ravishingly Beautiful, but All She Wants Is Power and Wealth 贵妃千娇百媚，只求权势富贵 Fujiwara Tofu藤原豆腐Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A mad, obsessive emperor with jealousy to spare x a consort who has renounced love and walled off her heart] [One-on-one romance + both reborn + devoted to each other in body and heart, in both lives] One-line summary: A story about an emperor who lost the love of his life, and how he slowly teaches the woman he loves to understand love, jealousy, anger, and longing. As the eldest son born to the empress, Qi Junyi was born to privilege. He seized power in his youth, was named crown princ 11.1kReads8.1Score683Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is great; the female lead is reborn, and the male lead adores her. Highly recommended.

36. 186 后 Palace Schemes: The Concubine's Road to Power 后宫谋：步步贵妃路 Leng Chu冷初Ancient Romance213k WordsOngoing Yun Lan only wants to be a good palace maid, so that when she turns twenty-five, she can leave the palace and marry the man she loves. But in the end, it all comes to nothing. After an accident makes her the emperor’s consort, Yun Lan finds herself surrounded by the palace harem’s schemes and treachery. Again and again, she falls into danger, and again and again, the emperor saves her. Everyone thinks the emperor’s interest in her is only a passing fancy, but once he begins to cherish her, he do 3Reads6.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    All three books are good, especially the second one, which is really excellent.

37. 187 后 The Legend of Jiayu in the Harem 后宫嘉瑜传 Paper's Paper小纸的纸Ancient Romance208k WordsOngoing [Slaying the Dragon] [No transmigration or rebirth] [Light ensemble cast] [Tragic romance] From a palace maiden to a favored consort, then empress, and finally empress dowager. Jiang Jiayu’s journey looked glorious on the surface, but no one knew the bitterness hidden underneath. The harem seemed harmonious, but it was a place that devoured people whole. Losing a child, poisoning, falling out of favor... The love she felt at the beginning was eventually washed away by the river of time, and the —Reads—Score—Shelves
38. 188 穿 After Reborn as a Duke's Old Lady, I Became More Brazen and Much Happier 穿成国公老夫人没素质后开心多了 I Love Cheese我爱芝士Ancient Romance732k WordsCompleted No CP + a heroine who’s done with love, romance, and even menstruation!!! Song Qiyao, a single woman who died from overwork in the modern era, woke up as the old madam of the Duke of Guo’s household in the Great Rui Dynasty. She had no parents, no husband, and no children. Her only adopted son was the current emperor, Emperor Xuanzhi. In the Great Rui Dynasty, she was practically the Empress Dowager. In her previous life, Song Qiyao had spent her whole life striving for financial freedom. At las 5.3kReads8.8Score592Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all perfectly fine, trust me.

39. 189 甄 Empresses in the Palace: An Lingrong Reborn 甄嬛传：安陵容重生 Koi Dumpling锦鲤团子Female-Channel Fanfiction256k WordsCompleted An Shishi is beautiful, graceful, and gentle, but her humble background means she enters the palace only as a Promise. Though merely a Promise, she gets along well with the Noble Ladies and the First-Class Attendants. The Noble Ladies and First-Class Attendants are her childhood friends. Though they are not as close to An Shishi as they are to each other, they still treat her with great care. The palace pays no heed to their deep sisterly affection. Everyone thinks: How could there be sisterly a 3.3kReads9.2Score303Shelves
40. 190 贵 After the Noble Consort Checked Out, the Coldhearted Emperor Begged Her to Come Back 贵妃娘娘摆烂后，冷厉君王低头哄 Returning South南归Ancient Romance272k WordsCompleted [Both leads are virgins + sweet, doting romance] Jing Zhao transmigrated into a book as the villainous cannon-fodder supporting character, Consort Zhao. In the book, Consort Zhao was arrogant, overbearing, and jealous, yet supposedly adored by the emperor. [Not really.] She knew she was nothing more than a shield. Once the emperor's beloved, the heroine, entered the palace, he would kick Jing Zhao aside. In the end, she'd die horribly after being driven by jealousy to frame the heroine! To save 4.1kReads8.8Score329Shelves

    Reader note

    This palace intrigue novel is absolutely amazing! The extreme tension between the male and female leads is incredibly captivating. She died in a car accident in modern times and transmigrated to this world, becoming a lowly concubine chosen through a selection process. To return home, she must successfully win over this aloof and powerful emperor. The female lead is quirky, beautiful, and possesses exceptional acting skills. She meticulously plots her way to power, ultimately winning the male lead's heart with boundless devotion. From his concubine to empress, it's proof of his love. In the end, he discovers that the deeper his love for her, the stronger her power to return home becomes… Heartbroken, she sacrifices herself for love. There's a twist!

41. 191 重 Reborn, the Noble Consort Only Wants to Be the Villain 重生后贵妃她只想当反派 Love Sleeping In爱睡懒觉Ancient Romance351k WordsCompleted [Mutual devotion + sweet romance + no angst] After being reborn, Ye Jiujiu takes her brash, don’t-mess-with-me attitude to the extreme: She kicks the meticulously dressed Consort Li into the water; She slips laxatives into the tea of the coquettish Consort Yun; She wreaks havoc at the flower-viewing banquet the Empress painstakingly prepared; The consorts all rush to the emperor to complain: The cool, dignified emperor says, “I established this harem solely to give the Noble Consort something to 3.6kReads9.1Score352Shelves

    Reader note

    Super exciting palace intrigue novel!!! The female lead is intelligent, and the other characters are equally clever. The plot is engaging and captivating. Chapters 1-5 are traditional ancient romance novels, chapters 6 and 8 are time-travel novels, and chapter 7 is a rebirth novel (a mindless, enjoyable read).

42. 192 主 A Matriarch's Daily Life: The Self-Cultivation of a Wife 主母日常：为妻的自我修养 A Tomato, a Tomato一枚番茄西红柿Ancient Romance538k WordsCompleted {An elegant historical tale + punishing scumbags + career-minded heroine} Gu Beichu was born into a merchant family. To escape the label fate had saddled her with, she married into the Marquis of Wuyang's household with a dowry worth a million. She helped the household out of its financial difficulties. Everyone worried that with her lowly background, life in the marquis's household would be hard for her. But she really wanted to tell them that she was doing just fine: she managed the entire hou 772Reads8.3Score105Shelves
43. 193 后 The Tale of Yunxi in the Imperial Harem 后宫云曦传 Yan Rumeng闫如梦Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Once you enter the palace gates, the halls stretch deep, and you are powerless to decide your own fate. In the harem of Chu, open and covert attacks, flashing blades, honeyed words concealing daggers: its rivalries are no less fierce than the struggles among emperors and ministers at court. Countless schemes unfold in endless cycles, every moment of every day. To win favor, seize power, claim the throne, or become empress, women once as lovely as flowers spend all their finest years in the harem 6Reads—Score—Shelves
44. 194 父 A Son Brings Honor! The Reborn Tyrant Dotes on His Villainous Concubine 父凭子贵！暴君重生娇宠反派姨娘 Snow and Wind Keep Us Apart风雪不相依Ancient Romance2.4M WordsOngoing [Complete story + her son brings her status + male lead is a reborn hopeless romantic + obsessive and controlling + sweet romance + not a strong female lead, nor a good person + wins without lifting a finger + timid, but good at pushing her luck with the male lead] (The male lead isn't chaste, but he dotes on her alone from the very beginning.) (The male lead is extremely biased and holds her to a different standard. He thinks she can do no wrong.) Overnight, Song Yao goes from a lowly maid boug 44.9kReads8.5Score4.1kShelves
45. 195 冤 The Doomed Empress's Guide to Self-Improvement 冤种皇后的自我修养 Crane Snow Sells Wine鹤雪沽酒Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Gu Yunxiao, a trendsetter in the 21st-century investment world, slipped and woke up in the body of the demon empress of the Yinsheng Dynasty. Then she learned that the demon empress had done every evil imaginable, was cruel and violent, had tried to usurp the throne, and wanted to cuckold the emperor... Gu Yunxiao: “???” What is all this? I don’t know, and I don’t dare ask! Help me up. I can still clear my name! As Gu Yunxiao desperately tried to redeem herself, she noticed that her cheap husban 435Reads8.6Score105Shelves
46. 196 娘 After the Empress Consort Closed Her Heart to Love, the Emperor Became Addicted to Begging for Her Affection 娘娘断心绝爱后，陛下跪舔上瘾了 Jie Chong解虫Ancient Romance435k WordsCompleted [Both leads are reborn] [Alternate history] [He pursues his wife after losing her; the hero is humble and devoted] [In her previous life, she was a love-struck fool; reborn, she is a clear-eyed and captivating consort × In his previous life, he loved her without realizing it; reborn, the powerful emperor eagerly becomes her devoted admirer] In her previous life, Su Yunning was infatuated with her cousin, the emperor, for over twenty years. She had no children of her own, willingly became his con 23kReads8.6Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a concubine in the beginning and becomes the Empress later. The male lead humbly pursues her love, while the Empress remains aloof and clear-headed. It's super, super, super good! 👀

47. 197 成 What on Earth Is This? Complete in Two Volumes (The Original Novel Behind the Hit Drama Starring Wang Churan and Cheng Lei) 成何体统：全二册（王楚然、丞磊主演热播影视剧原著） Qi Yingjun七英俊Anime Fanfiction314k WordsCompleted What is it like to transmigrate into a web novel and become the tyrant's bedmate? After a few simple calculations, Yu Wanyin reached a conclusion: she would have to find another way. In this story full of villains, if she wanted to carve out a path to survival, she had to become the biggest villain of all. First, help the tyrant take down Prince Duan, then take down the tyrant and become empress herself. But when she met the tyrant and carefully considered the strange sense of familiarity in his 40.3kReads9.7Score6.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I've read all of these, and they're all incredibly good!! 1. The female lead is amazing at charming the emperor; she's quirky and clever. 2. The female lead is a seemingly innocent but actually wicked woman, but she puts on a perfect act in front of the emperor; she's a spoiled and charming type. 3. It's a palace intrigue story; the female lead is very clear-headed and doesn't meddle in other people's business. 4. The female lead is also incredibly clear-headed, and her methods are super sophisticated. 5. I won't say much more; it's quite tear-jerking, and the female lead is a charming and alluring type. 6. The female lead's son is reborn, and the rest of the story is all about paving the way for her child. 7. Super tear-jerking!!! Both the male and female leads are transmigrated into books and subvert the usual palace intrigue tropes. 8. The female lead is clear-headed, only seeking revenge for her sister, and she has a firm grip on the emperor's heart.

48. 198 娘 The Empress Is Enchantingly Alluring, and the Cold-Faced Emperor Is Smitten 娘娘娇妩，冷面帝王倾心宠 Qi Muzi栖木子Ancient Romance346k WordsOngoing Shen Yin learned as soon as she entered the palace that she was a stand-in for the emperor’s unattainable beloved, his moonlight. From then on, she stayed clear-eyed and never gave him a shred of genuine affection. His beloved was gentle and considerate, so Shen Yin deliberately acted spoiled and threw tantrums. She had assumed the emperor indulged her wild behavior because she had the same face, but one night on the dragon bed, she heard him murmur in his half-asleep state: “Yinyin, don’t leave —Reads—Score—Shelves
49. 199 后 A Cheat-Code Life in the Imperial Harem 后宫开挂人生 The Silent Instant Noodles沉默的方便面Ancient Romance584k WordsCompleted In the novel, she is the Empress Dowager’s niece and the emperor’s highest-ranking Consort Shu, with a noble status and boundless favor. Yet in the end, she cannot escape the fate of a minor cannon-fodder character, and dies with hatred in her heart! Qian Qing from another world takes her place and carefully plots every step, winning the emperor’s love and matching wits with the novel’s heroine. She wants to see whether a mere illegitimate daughter of a marquis’s household can still rise to the 1.8kReads7.6Score118Shelves

    Reader note

    Trust me, haha, I've read each book at least twice. The second one's plot twists are top-notch. The others are also well-written, with smooth storylines. The last one, a palace intrigue story, is also really good! If you don't like it, hit me, hahaha!

50. 200 倒 The Unlucky Little Empress Is Reborn Again 倒霉小皇后她又重生了 Shuo Shuo Shuo Shu硕硕硕黍Ancient Romance732k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Yu Yuan entered the palace at thirteen and became empress. At sixteen, she consummated her marriage with the emperor, and at seventeen, she gave birth to the crown prince. Her position was secure, and she alone held the emperor’s heart. Her life seemed perfect, yet it was filled with regrets. At thirty, she died mysteriously while carrying twins. After her death, the emperor, still short of forty, held her cold body and went white-haired overnight. The crown prince, who had 1.5kReads8.6Score135Shelves

    Reader note

    These books are all great, you should give them a try! [Smile][smile][smile]

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