I've Been Into Palace Intrigue Lately 😍 Hand Over Your Top Palace Intrigue Picks! 最近迷上了宫斗😍快快交出你的宫斗top

1. 151 娇 The Clever Palace Maid and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Who Can't Resist Her 娇娇宫女手段高，冷戾帝王不经撩 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Reborn / palace intrigue, not both virgins / delicate heroine / hero is a bit of a jerk early on, loses his mind midway, and dotes on her alone in the end] Yuan Qing was just a low-ranking palace maid. But she was born alluring and beautiful. In her previous life, the Empress Dowager gave her to Prince Jing as a concubine. Who could have guessed she would become the princess consort's thorn in the side, and that a bowl of poisoned soup would end her life? Reborn, Yuan Qing set her sights on the 5.8kReads9.2Score57014d adds

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   It's a great read! There's exclusive love in the beginning and later parts, and most characters don't touch anyone else after meeting the female lead, so it's generally acceptable. If you're looking for a clean break, be careful! Both the male and female leads are intelligent and strategic; there's not much angst. I'd give it five stars!

2. 152 娇 The Pampered Little Noble Consort 娇养小贵妃 I Am Lingjun余曰灵均Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted Shen Si was only the daughter of a fourth-rank prefect. The only reason Prince Kang took an interest in her was her beauty. When she refused to submit to him, he framed her father and brother. Just as she was about to take her own life, unable to bear the humiliation any longer, the emperor swept her into his arms. To avenge her father and brother, she joined the imperial harem and tried every means at her disposal, yet still met her end there. Reborn, she gained the ability to enter other peopl 1.5kReads8.9Score12214d adds
3. 153 宫 A Palace Maid's Daily Life: My Parents Want Me to Be a Couch Potato 宫女日常：爹娘让我当咸鱼 Yu Tangluo玉糖萝Ancient Romance699k WordsCompleted Hang Jiayanxin was a bondservant of the Plain White Banner and a court-appointed royal service worker. She entered the palace at thirteen and would leave at twenty-five. For twelve years in the palace, she kept her parents' advice in mind: be a good-for-nothing fish, and hang on until it's time to leave. But the towering palace before her was like a massive vessel, bearing endless power and desire. Once she pushed open those heavy doors, she stepped onto a path from which there was no turning ba 5.2kReads9.1Score57514d adds

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   I'm a bit picky about books, but these few are ones I spent a long time choosing and are definitely worth reading.

4. 154 穿 Transmigrated as Hoifa-Nara: I Slack Off and Still Get Promoted at Every Turn 穿成辉发那拉，摆烂升职一路开挂 Qi Shaojun柒少君Ancient Romance372k WordsOngoing Transmigrate + intelligent inner-court and palace intrigue + carefree farming and dog-raising + face-slapping and crushing scum + no romance-brained heroine + carefully plotting her way to cheat-level success and rise to empress (The early plot is a little slow to warm up, but it gets exciting later, so feel free to skip ahead. Palace intrigue is the main focus, with a romantic storyline involving Emperor Qianlong woven in. The heroine isn't blinded by love and has a clear goal: climbing the ran 7Reads—Score—14d adds

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   A Qing Dynasty time-travel story about palace intrigue and power struggles. Watch as Consort Hui-fa-na-la uncovers the mastermind behind everything in the inner palace, and see Consort Xian rise from humble beginnings to become Empress. The story is a bit slow-paced at the beginning, but the later plot is exciting. You can also skip around. The female lead is not love-struck; she is clear-headed, intelligent, and not a saint.

5. 155 借 Surrogate Motherhood? The Second-Time Bride and Beloved Consort Insists on Rising to the Top 借腹生子？二嫁宠妃偏要步步高升 Silver Terrace and Golden Palace银台金阙Ancient Romance626k WordsCompleted [A gentle, kind widow and an arrogant, biased emperor. Sweet, doting everyday romance, with little palace intrigue (the emphasis is on little).] The Yu family had three daughters, all beautiful. The eldest became a countess, the youngest became a consort in the palace, and only the second daughter returned home a widow less than five years after her marriage, with a little girl in tow. One day, the palace consort suffered a miscarriage and was told she would have difficulty bearing children in t 21.5kReads9.3Score3.2k14d adds
6. 156 穿 A Laid-Back Life as a Concubine After Transmigrating Into a Book 穿书成为妾室后的咸鱼日常 Rose and Begonia蔷薇海棠Ancient Romance645k WordsCompleted [Transmigrates into a book] [Everyday child-rearing] [No golden finger] [Not a clean romance, proceed with caution] Lin Siyao never expected that reading a novel would send her straight into the story, as the concubine of Prince Qin, Zhao Hanqian, who died in her bridal sedan before she could even enter his household. In this feudal dynasty, where social ranks are rigidly enforced, Lin Siyao has heard that another transmigrator was branded a demon and burned to death. She doesn't dare entertain 4.2kReads8.7Score27514d adds

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   In these books, the female protagonists are all quite clear-headed. The first one is career-driven; she transmigrates into a concubine's body and lives a peaceful life, managing to appease the man and avoid trouble. The second one involves the female protagonist navigating the complexities of the inner court, vying for the male protagonist's affections and winning his heart. The third one, which I've forgotten, is about a woman reborn to live for herself; the male protagonist has feelings for her, but not much, so she died in her previous life. The fourth one is a classic, focusing on her struggles against the emperor, cleverly countering his schemes. The fifth one involves strategizing to win over the emperor, without the protagonist being the main character. The sixth book, "Striving for a High Position," features a female lead who establishes her character upon entering the palace. She loves eating, drinking, and having fun, which piques the male lead's interest. A good read if you're looking for something to read. The seventh book, which I just finished, features a female lead who is cunning but won't harm anyone. This book doesn't focus much on how sensible her son is; he's just a cute, mischievous little boy. The male lead is the most suspicious and emperor-like character, indifferent to romance, spoiling those he finds pleasing and keeping those who are useful, all for the sake of maintaining stability in the harem. He even demands that the person in charge of the harem not have any malicious intentions (a scoundrel, wanting both). The eighth book, the only non-fictional one I've read, features a female lead who transmigrates into the body of a concubine. Her main job is raising children and managing the harem, inadvertently attracting the attention of the Fourth Prince. In this book, the Fourth Prince is loyal and devoted, and after falling in love, he dotes on the female lead exclusively.

7. 157 西 Song of Xizhou: Remembrance 西洲曲：忆 Iris in the South南有鸢尾Ancient Romance35k WordsCompleted I had a very long dream. In the dream, I had a father who loved me more than anything and a mother who was incredibly gentle. But I didn't know who I was. When I woke up, I still didn't know. 52Reads—Score—14d adds
8. 158 主 The Mistress's Daily Life 主母日常 Zhou Dabai周大白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [An Aristocratic Lady Tears Apart a Transmigrator + Reborn + An Idyllic, Leisurely Life as the Mistress of an Ancient Estate] Lu Lingjun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, were both reborn. In their previous lives, Lu Lingjun married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her younger sister married the heir to a marquis’s estate. Everyone said her sister had made the better match. But who could have guessed that Lu Lingjun’s husband would become the prime minister and sec 23.3kReads9.0Score3.2k14d adds
9. 159 技 The Concubine with Maxed-Out Skills Is Turning Herself into an Empress? 技能拉满的侍妾，卷成皇后了？ White Peppercorn白藤椒Ancient Romance620k WordsCompleted Empress Wenzhao was a famously bewitching consort and the most talented empress. The way she has been judged and defined throughout her life has changed many times, but that has never diminished her status or the value of studying her. [System + Raising Kids + Relentless Competition] Thanks to being well fed at home, Qi Jiao was plump and rosy-cheeked. After a flood, she was sold into the palace as a maid, and when she got a little older, she was assigned to the empress’s palace. A few years lat 12.5kReads9.1Score1.2k14d adds
10. 160 贵 The Art of the Noble Lady 贵女手段 Today and Tomorrow今生明日Ancient Romance20k WordsCompleted I am the Grand Tutor's daughter, and from childhood I was promised to the heir of the Marquis of Pingnan. The heir had a pampered lover on the side, and I knew about her even before I married into the family. On my wedding day, she made a scene, claiming she felt dizzy and was coughing up blood, and summoned my husband away. Then she kissed the heir right in front of me. But what she could never understand was this: though she was the person the heir of the Marquis of Pingnan loved most, after s 2.5kReads—Score—14d adds
11. 161 大 The Imperial Consort of the Great Sheng Dynasty 大盛皇妃 Shu Yiyu书亦娱Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing Ensemble cast + revenge + black lotus + multiple couples + intense push and pull + fated connections + not a pure romance + high-IQ palace intrigue that grows into political machinations + tragic romance + alternate history + a battleground of tangled relationships The main stage is the imperial court: behind its dazzling, ornate facade are witty, charming daily moments, and a brutal, bloody core. The palace secrets are described in detail, and the content may be upsetting. This is a bad ending. 835Reads—Score10214d adds

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    Completed, angst warning⚠️ Rating not yet available. Content depends on your tolerance level; if you like angst, I'm waiting for a five-star review. A masterpiece of unconventional palace intrigue and power struggles. Detailed descriptions of palace secrets, plot twists that avoid clichés. Clear logic, humorous daily life. Intense power struggles; the female lead is ridiculed upon entering the palace, seeking revenge through her own efforts. No cheat codes, no time travel, no rebirth; she navigates the treacherous and dark harem. Content may be disturbing; some readers may be driven away by the emotional intensity. Have you ever seen a palace intrigue novel where both men and women fight? A tragic portrayal of the ancient feudal system, showcasing the brutality of court struggles and the complexities of human nature.

12. 162 娘 The Empress Is Charming and Lively, and Wins the Emperor's Heart 娘娘娇媚灵动，惹得皇上心动 Zhuxi Pavilion竹西处Ancient Romance798k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads’ first time + clear-headed heroine focused on living well + doesn’t love the emperor] Xiao Zhaoyuan asked with interest, “What do you usually like to do, my consort?” Cui Qingwan beamed. “I like eating, drinking, and having fun!” Sincerity really is a lethal weapon! Xiao Zhaoyuan couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing. He had never met anyone so genuine. And yet this very genuine woman gradually claimed his heart. But then he realized that she 1.3kReads8.7Score10014d adds
13. 163 金 The Golden Palace Locks Away the Spring Breeze 金阙锁春风 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance757k WordsCompleted Her entire family perished, she was left dependent on others, the dynasty fell, and she married and divorced. In just eighteen years, Yu Zheng has endured things most people never face in a lifetime. A noblewoman of the former dynasty, all she wants now is to stay alive. She plans to enter the palace as a maid, then use her literacy to earn a post as a court official and support herself. She never imagined that the new emperor would send her to the Fourth Prince’s residence as a gesture of goodw 20.6kReads9.2Score2.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    These books are all great, especially the second one, which is truly my favorite! 💕💕

14. 164 锦 The Lucky Little Star: Her Prince Father Is Strong, Handsome, and Tragic 锦鲤小福星，王爷爹爹美强惨 Laimi Is a Kitty来米是只喵Ancient Romance675k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s favorite] [Blessed child] [Feel-good power fantasy] [Comeback] No one knew just how far the Prince of Yue’s household had fallen! Nothing went right wherever they went, they failed at everything they tried, and their bad luck clung to them like a curse. Then they picked up a three-year-old beggar, and it was as if they’d suddenly unlocked cheat mode. The economy boomed, and one stroke of good luck followed another. “Your Highness! His Majesty says your governance has been excellent a 26Reads—Score—14d adds

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    A mansion plagued by bad luck + a group of adored beauties = a meteoric rise to the top. Just press your forehead with Red Bean, and good fortune will come; the best part is, it's incredibly protective of its own.

15. 165 高 The Road to Glory for a Noble Lady 高门贵女的荣华之路 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance324k WordsCompleted As the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Xuanping's household, Lin Chuyue married the Fourth Imperial Grandson, Zhou Xiao, as his principal wife at sixteen. At nineteen, she became a princess consort, and at twenty-six, she rose to become the most powerful woman in the Great An Dynasty: the empress. Who hasn't exclaimed that Lin Chuyue was born under a lucky star? Yet the hardships she endured are too painful to speak of. Zhou Xiao's childhood sweetheart of a cousin, a concubine reborn, and a ma 4.8kReads8.8Score31314d adds
16. 166 陛 Your Majesty, That's Enough! 陛下请适可而止吧！ Ya Fei Li Ou亚菲莉欧Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted A birthday banquet for the Empress Dowager. A cup of wine meant for lovers, drunk by mistake. When the emperor dragged Lu Zhixue into a private room, she thought it was a disaster that had come out of nowhere. Beneath his dragon robes, his fingertips burned. His kiss was poison, and he branded her neck with a mark of humiliation. “Since you’re my concubine, helping me sober up is your duty.” She hurt so badly that she clawed his back raw, her tears soaking the brocade quilt. Little did she kn 1.5kReads8.6Score11414d adds
17. 167 王 Sweet Everyday Life in the Prince’s Mansion 王府甜宠日常 Xu Lian序连Ancient Romance443k WordsCompleted [Past and Present Lives 1v1 + Marriage Before Love + Mutual Devotion] Wen Sisi was crown princess for five years. The crown prince appeared to be a loving husband, but in truth he loathed her. From their wedding night onward, he sought out his concubines, and in the end he personally caused her death before elevating the concubine he loved to the position of his principal wife. Reborn, Wen Sisi ignored the crown prince's flirtatious hints and chose to marry Liu Xuan, Prince of Jingjiang, a man o 12.1kReads9.1Score1.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    These books are all great, especially the second one, which is truly my favorite! [Heart emoji]

18. 168 团 After Becoming the Family’s Darling, I Exposed the Villain’s Secret Identity! 团宠后我把反派大佬的马甲扒了！ Wan Duoduo万朵朵Ancient Romance949k WordsOngoing Transmigration + two formidable leads + secret identities exposed + everyone’s favorite + romantic push and pull Ruthless hostage prince x princess skilled in medicine and poison (Three Kingdoms intrigue, battles of wits, sweetness intertwined with heartbreak) Mo Qingqing: Transmigrated as the most doted-on seventh princess of Beilin, she breaks off her engagement from the start and is coveted by various factions for her status and beauty. Dugu Yunche / Xiao Yun: A hostage prince from Xiqi, cold 21kReads8.9Score6.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    I thought it was just a typical sweet ancient romance novel, but the political intrigue was surprisingly captivating.

19. 169 冉 The Empress Ran 冉后 Nai Nai J奈奈JAncient Romance376k WordsCompleted Ran Hu was made a Jieyu concubine as soon as she entered the palace. On her very first day, she was summoned to the emperor’s bedchamber and granted the title of Chen, cherished like a rare treasure. Her peerless beauty and her younger brother’s illustrious military achievements as Marquis of Chang’an gave her the confidence to act as she pleased in the harem. The two souls who had come from a later age ultimately left a lasting mark on this strange world. 4.6kReads9.0Score47914d adds
20. 170 王 A Concubine’s Daily Struggle to Stay Alive in the Prince’s Manor 王府侍妾的苟命日常 Panda Little Moneybags熊猫小财迷Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Intense Household Intrigue + A Touch of Ensemble Cast + Plot-Driven + Everyone Has Eight Hundred Schemes] After transmigrating into the body of a concubine in the Prince of Jing's residence, Xie Run only wants to live in peace and, ideally, reach a hundred years old. At first, everything in the prince's residence is orderly. The prince shares his favor equally, the princess consort's position is secure, and the secondary consorts and concubines know their place. Who could have guessed that ever 22.7kReads9.1Score2.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    1. The female lead is a time traveler, and the female supporting characters are reborn or transmigrated into a book. They all have scripts, and the female lead can see the plot. 3. The female lead is the legal wife; they were childhood sweethearts, and the male and female leads like and support each other.

21. 171 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Becomes Empress, and I Rule the Harem 嫡女为后，后宫我说了算 Pikachu Loves Apples皮卡丘爱吃苹果Ancient Romance461k WordsCompleted [Young married couple, perfect teamwork, both incredibly capable] (Not an exclusive pairing, includes a harem, so proceed with caution if that bothers you. Alternate-history setting.) One is the niece of the emperor’s favorite consort; the other is the legitimate son of the empress, who has fallen out of favor. An imperial decree of marriage binds Lin Tingwan, the legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor’s household, to the Crown Prince, Li Yanlian. From then on, they share one fate, for better 5.9kReads8.8Score73014d adds
22. 172 妾 The Concubine’s Allure 妾娇娆 The Little Pig Who Can't Fly不会飞的小小猪Ancient Romance352k WordsCompleted The Prince of Qi, who has always avoided women like the plague, suddenly changes completely and brings a woman home by force! He treasures her like a precious jewel and names her Baozhu. The young ladies of the capital are so furious they fall ill. A lowborn woman, just a little pretty, and she thinks she's worthy?! Once the novelty wears off, the wise and mighty Prince of Qi is sure to cast her aside. But they wait, year after year, and the lowborn beauty isn't thrown out of the Prince of Qi's 52Reads6.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Every single one of them is amazing, and they're all finished. They're the kind of novels I could finish even when I was feeling bored.

23. 173 丈 Five Years After My Husband Died, I’m Pregnant with the Emperor’s Child 丈夫去世五年，守寡怀了皇帝的崽 Salty Fish Boss咸鱼头子Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Stunning widow vs. domineering emperor] [Not both virgins + forbidden tension + raising a child + old flames reignited] Everyone in the capital knows that the legitimate daughter of the Yun family and Third Young Master Lu are a loving couple, devoted to each other. But fate was cruel. Third Young Master Lu was cursed with a short life and died of a serious illness before reaching twenty, leaving behind a beautiful young widow and an unborn child. - Yun Wan has a secret she’s kept buried fo 28.1kReads9.1Score3.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    A great palace intrigue novel (25.9 Rating, I finished reading it and it's super good!). The female leads are all very smart.

24. 174 跑 Run! The Deranged Villainous Tyrant Got the Wrong Script! 跑啊！反派疯批暴君拿错剧本啦！ Wei Xiaoxi未小兮Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Transmigrate into a Book + Goofy Comedy + Unhinged Villain + Pure Love] Yun Ruan, a minor actress, transmigrates into the script she once performed in and becomes Yun Ruanruan, a cannon-fodder supporting female character. When she opens her eyes, the male lead is about to kill her with one sword strike. To save her own skin, Yun Ruanruan follows the plot and powers up, helping the male lead eliminate the main villain and claim the crown prince's position. She makes sure to cling 3.2kReads9.0Score36314d adds
25. 175 宠 Being a Favorite Consort Means You Have to Hustle! 宠妃这职业，得卷！ Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance897k WordsCompleted Consort Zhen has fallen out of favor in the palace. In the depths of the imperial palace, an emperor's favor is as fleeting as flowing water. Since the current emperor ascended the throne more than a decade ago, beautiful women have come and gone from his harem. Consort Zhen, Ming Wu, seemed to be no more than another fleeting shadow among them. Perhaps the only thing that set her apart was her elder sister, who held a high position. That connection had once been her greatest support, but in her 1.1kReads7.3Score10714d adds

    Reader note

    The heroines in Ran Qiqi's novels—"Always beautiful and sassy heroines to captivate your heart!" Common traits: Reborn heroines, masters of power struggles and manipulating hearts; not only high in love, but also in social standing, and they don't rely on wishful thinking; all heroines from the same author, a worthwhile investment! 1. Ming Wu: From a favored concubine who gained favor through her beauty to the rightful emperor, her path was both winding and smooth. (Supporting the author's new book!!!!) 2. Ming Tang: From a brilliant young general to a favored concubine, she never forgot her origins, avenging her elder sister and paving the way for women everywhere. 3. Xuan Mingyao: From a princess sent for a political marriage to a great emperor, the excessive favor hidden under patriarchal power ruined her life. Since that's the case, she will overthrow patriarchy and seize imperial power! (Just between you and me, the author really loves the surname "Ming"! And her writing of strong female protagonist transmigration novels is absolutely superb!! Primarily set in ancient worlds, that's her specialty!!!)

26. 176 惊 Shocking! The Legitimate Princess Defies Fate Every Day! 惊！嫡公主她每天都在逆天改命！ Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Female-led power fantasy + ruthless, unhinged heroine + an extreme “I’d rather betray others than let them betray me” mentality] Xuan Mingyao was reborn at the age of seven, back before anything had happened. Though she was the empress’s legitimate daughter, a princess treated like royalty, her younger brother, the crown prince, was about to die of illness. Her mother would soon be consumed by worry, grow estranged from the emperor, and eventually be deposed in the witchcraft scandal. Overnight 27.9kReads9.4Score3.8k14d adds
27. 177 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 30.3kReads9.4Score2.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    They're all very beautiful.

28. 178 和 The Princess Sent to Marry: The Cunning Prince’s One and Only Consort 和亲公主：腹黑王爷的独宠王妃 Half a Windblown Lotus半风荷Ancient Romance207k WordsCompleted The emperor said, “All our princes of Fengxi are here. Take your pick!” Yun Jiyou glanced at all the handsome men and pointed to the most composed one. “I’ll take him.” 31Reads8.0Score—14d adds
29. 179 攀 Ascending to the Dragon's Heights 攀龍 Kaji Yellow Peach咔叽黄桃Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted A flirtatious widow with a child ✖️ a reserved warlord who becomes the founding emperor [Complete] Lou Mizhi was born a woman who never learned to accept her lot in life. If she wanted something, she took it by her own merit, even if she had to snatch it away. Her first husband was short-lived and ill-fated, and his family wanted to burn her and her child to ashes? Bah! As if I’d let you! She hid her savings and took her child away from her late husband’s family. With no one to protect them in t 40.6kReads9.4Score5.8k14d adds
30. 180 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 29.9kReads9.1Score1.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is the only one favored in the harem, yet she is clear-headed, cunning, and skillful. The male lead actually knows all this but is willing to indulge her [admiration].

31. 181 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. 9.7kReads8.8Score93914d adds

    Reader note

    ①💥 As a princess from a foreign land, she could neither be empress nor empress dowager. There was no room for advancement in the harem. Her boundless energy had nowhere to go. What to do? Act up! After all, as a mascot, as long as she didn't die from her antics, the Great Ye wouldn't mistreat her. However, as she acted up, she discovered that life hadn't lost its purpose; she could create her own world. She bravely and relentlessly acted along her predetermined path, until her cheap man, Jing Huaiyuan, was even more of an actor than her. ②💥 Both the male and female leads are in beautiful spirits. They directly confront and mock those they don't like, which is so satisfying to watch. The relationship between the male and female leads is also very sweet. I watched the whole thing with a grin. It felt like the male lead treated the female lead like his own pet cat—a beautiful cat that scratches, bares its teeth, and acts cute. Who wouldn't like that? In addition, the female lead has a black cat named Snowball, which she claims is their son. The male lead reluctantly accepts this. Actually, the male lead's personality is also like a cat's—lazy and capricious. It's truly a family of three cats. The female lead is both capricious and adorable, and the male lead always scolds her for being unruly while simultaneously spoiling her. Although she likes pets, the female lead also sees the male lead as a handsome, rich, and powerful casual sex partner. The key point is that he's handsome, hahaha. ③💥 The female lead is ambitious, capable, arrogant, ruthless, clear-headed, and rational. She gradually erodes power and climbs to a high position. The male lead is indifferent and aloof, treating everyone as a pawn. ◇ He favors the female lead from the beginning. ◇ He indulges her little by little, lowering his standards little by little, doting on her exclusively! The story begins with her doting on him, and the details are well-written. Some parts are particularly sweet, giving the feeling that she's being unreasonable while he's laughing—it's so sweet! ◇🌺

32. 182 报 Report to the Tyrant: Your Moonlight Consort Is Reborn 报告暴君，白月光娘娘她重生了 A Windowful of Moonlight一窗月Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted Yan Qi, the only daughter of the Marquis of Dingyuan, was supposed to enter the palace as a consort. Framed by her enemies, her entire family was executed, and she died in anguish, pregnant with twins. Reborn, she finds that no one takes her seriously, yet the emperor, Li Chengjing, personally selects her to enter the palace by imperial decree. The palace concubines all assume this young lady is a delicate, gentle girl. Little do they know she has a sharp tongue and is a wild kitten who can only 3Reads6.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all from my treasured collection [drooling emoji]

33. 183 帝 The Emperor Has No Heart, Yet His Cool and Elegant Noble Consort Has Her Ways 帝本无心，怎奈清冷贵妃手段高 My Cat Is Called Huabei我的猫叫花呗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Cool, seductive fox beauty vs. a carefree, womanizing emperor] [The heroine is the true daughter, driven by revenge and ambition: a scheming beauty, sweet on the outside but ruthless within, and far from virtuous. This is an unconventional palace-intrigue story focused on winning hearts. The hero is not chaste. Later, he desperately tries to win her back. The overall tone is sweet, and the romance becomes one-on-one in the latter half.] Until the age of five, Changyu Jiao was the legitimate da 8.8kReads9.4Score1k14d adds
34. 184 开 Thrown Into the River From the Start? The Foxlike Consort Takes the Palace by Storm 开局投河？贵妃狐媚子大杀四方了 Qiao Yan乔焱Ancient Romance462k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Not Both Leads’ First Love + Transmigration + Beloved Consort + Devoted Love Later] Yun Tang, a top-tier star and award-winning actress, wakes up one day to find she has transmigrated into the fictional Chengyu Kingdom, where she is the lowest-ranking palace attendant. From the start, things go badly: a hidden enemy pushes her into the water. The three most powerful women in the harem all want her gone, but thanks to her peerless acting skills and alluring charm, she manages t 171Reads7.8Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The first two were so captivating, with each plot twist in turn; they were truly mind-blowing, leaving you wondering who harmed whom. They were incredibly good. As for the others, I only read palace intrigue novels, and I'm very picky about books, so finding the right ones is quite difficult! But maybe they're just good; everyone has different tastes.

35. 185 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 2.2kReads8.9Score19414d adds

    Reader note

    All of them are quite good. The first one is definitely a high-IQ palace intrigue novel with a strong female lead. The second one has palace intrigue in the early stages, and the romance develops slowly. The third one is highly recommended, it's super good!!! Five Lifetimes of Love. The fourth one has a female lead who transmigrates and spends five years in love with the female lead, but later becomes the sole focus of her affections.

36. 186 椒 The Pepper Palace Receives the Emperor's Favor 椒殿承宠 Not Two Picture 2不二图2Ancient Romance335k WordsCompleted The rating is low because it was just released. [Mad Emperor & adorable darling] Devoted to each other, with nothing but indulgent sweetness After being born into this world, Shen Tinghe opens her eyes to find herself amid the most dazzling splendor in the Great Zhao Dynasty. Her grandfather is the only prince of a different surname. Her maternal grandmother is a Grand Princess, a heroine who is every bit as formidable as a man and helped the late emperor conquer the realm. Her maternal grandfat 81.3kReads9.0Score9.3k14d adds
37. 187 入 After Entering the Palace, She Becomes His Majesty’s One True Love 入宫后她是陛下的白月光 Yu Jiuzhao御九昭Ancient Romance463k WordsCompleted [Pure Palace Intrigue] [No Saintly Heroine] [The Heroine Schemes Against the Entire Harem] [Political Machinations] [Clear-Headed Careerist] Originally titled "The Empress's Daily Life of Palace Intrigue," retitled "A Consort's Guide to Palace Intrigue" * Shen Yiwan, the illegitimate daughter of the Shen family, became pregnant after entering the palace and was made Virtuous Consort. Somehow, she let her good sense fly out the window and made the decision she would regret most in her life. She s 748Reads8.6Score10014d adds
38. 188 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.8kReads9.0Score78414d adds
39. 189 后 The Women of the Imperial Harem 后宫里的女人 Pikachu Loves Apples皮卡丘爱吃苹果Ancient Romance331k WordsCompleted Lin Lishang starts out as a First-Rank Consort, with wealth and an illustrious family background. The ridiculously handsome scumbag emperor dotes on her, so it’s hard not to slack off, sir. But the others don’t see it that way. The palace-intrigue version: The empress, born to a noble family and firmly established in her position; the Noble Consort, backed by a father with an army of two hundred thousand; the Virtuous Consort, the empress dowager’s beloved niece; the tragic beauty Yue Consort; 1.2kReads8.2Score11714d adds

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    Can…

40. 190 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score41814d adds
41. 191 娘 Her Grace Is Cool and Gentle, and Everyone Loves Her 娘娘她清冷温柔惹人爱 Yue Xiao悦肖Ancient Romance404k WordsCompleted A pure palace-intrigue story, in classical style. No transmigration, no rebirth. The fate of a noblewoman has never been hers to decide. She is Yun Wan, the Chancellor's only legitimate daughter. Her destiny was set from birth: everything she learned was solely to prepare her to enter the palace. Would she willingly enter the palace and fade into obscurity, becoming a pawn the emperor could use to keep the Yun family in check? Or would she carefully maneuver her way into becoming the favorite co 1.4kReads8.4Score11814d adds
42. 192 皇 Has the Noble Consort Left Qirong Palace Today? 皇贵妃今天出栖容宫了吗？ Xiaoman Crisp小满酥Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [☆No transmigration, no rebirth, and no pristine couples] [☆The romance develops gradually] Everyone in the palace knew that the person they must never offend was neither the pampered and fiery Noble Consort Hui nor the peerlessly beautiful Consort Cen, but Noble Consort Zhe of Qirong Palace, Lady Fucha. A consort's guide to survival: If you want to get ahead, never provoke the lady of Qirong Palace. She was the emperor's first woman, his companion and confidante since their youth; the mother 15.3kReads9.3Score1.3k14d adds
43. 193 宫 Spring in the Imperial Palace 宫闱春 Dare to Draw a Mulberry Bow敢挽桑弓Ancient Romance246k WordsCompleted [Female Lead in Palace Intrigue + Male Lead in Political Schemes + High-IQ Cast + Beautiful, Unhinged Characters + Ensemble Cast] An alternate-world story. The female lead is highly intelligent, clear-headed, and no lovesick fool. From the moment she enters the palace, Jiang Wanqing knows she will spend her whole life within these walls. She never forgets one thing: she wants to become empress. She also knows that the current emperor, Zhou Qijing, cares only about royal power and dominion. So sh 636Reads8.7Score11214d adds
44. 194 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 4.7kReads9.0Score40014d adds
45. 195 娘 One Tear from the Empress, and She Acts Her Way to the Emperor's Throne 娘娘一滴泪，演到帝王送凤位 Little Peeled Egg剥壳的小蛋蛋Ancient Romance589k WordsCompleted [Story complete; easy to get around] Shen Qingfu transmigrated into a rebirth novel. The reborn heroine, Chu Can, had grown up with the crown prince, Ning Xuanli, as his childhood sweetheart. Given a second chance at life, she wanted no love, only power and riches. To become the most special person in the crown prince’s heart, she played hard to get. She had schemes, but no feelings. Shen Qingfu was nothing more than the most insignificant cannon fodder in the rebirth novel. Shen Qingfu gave a s 303Reads9.1Score—14d adds
46. 196 被 After the Female Lead Was Stolen, I Set Out to Save the Obsessive Villain 被抢女主后，拯救偏执反派大佬 Xu Lian序连Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [One-on-one sweet romance, marriage first and love later, the leads dote on each other, everyday romance, gentle and delicate beauty vs. a ruthless, possessive villainous tycoon] The Duke of Zhenguo’s entire household was fiercely loyal to the crown. With them gone, only Yan Yu, their sole daughter, remained. Raised by her maternal grandmother, she was betrothed to the Fifth Prince. After Yan Yu came of age, she was about to travel to the capital for her wedding. At that point, the eldest dau 18.9kReads8.9Score1.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book features a villainous woman who breaks off her engagement. The female lead marries the male lead, who comes from a family of loyal martyrs. She grew up with her uncle and is physically weak but extremely intelligent. The male lead, favored by the emperor and hated by his brothers, is exceptionally capable. Together with the female lead, they fight against various villains, and the two develop feelings for each other during their married life, ultimately rising to power hand in hand. The second book features a female lead who is reborn as a concubine and rises to the position of empress. She spends her days idly, only thinking about food, and even after becoming empress, she continues her lazy lifestyle. This is a transmigration/rebirth story, with all the elements of a female protagonist, yet she ultimately becomes a winner in life. The third book features a female lead who schemes from the beginning to enter the palace, pretending not to know the emperor, interacting with him, and making him fall in love with her. As expected, she becomes a concubine, enjoying the emperor's exclusive favor. Despite various schemes by the emperor and his concubines, she cleverly outmaneuvers everyone, successfully defeating all the minor characters and becoming empress. Initially, she doesn't love the male lead, only interested in power, but she develops feelings for him after spending time together.

47. 197 明 Schemes in the Ming Palace: A World Without Beauty 明宫谋：无颜天下 Don't Ask莫问Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In the unforgiving world of imperial power, Wang Rongyu has no choice but to enter the palace. She keeps her head down, hoping only to leave, not to rise through the ranks. But she has two mothers-in-law to contend with, the emperor’s favored concubine ahead of her, and a palace full of women selected and enfeoffed six months ago, yet still no children have been born. Knowing that emperors are heartless, Wang Rongyu has already made up her mind to simply do her job as empress. She won’t compete 2.9kReads9.0Score31414d adds
48. 198 静 The Prince Jing’s Consort: Master, Save Me 静王妃之师傅救我 Murong Yiyu慕容忆鱼Ancient Romance811k WordsOngoing Originally titled The Princess Consort of Prince Jing, this novel was renamed The Princess Consort of Prince Jing: Master, Save Me in memory of a departed friend. It tells the story of Princess Murong Jingwen of Beiping. After descending from Yuntai Mountain, she misses her chance to marry Lin Yutai and is sent far away to the Chen Kingdom to wed Prince Jing as part of a political alliance. She is abducted along the way, and meets Li Chaoyang, a villager of the Chen Kingdom. Thus begins the stor 47Reads—Score—14d adds

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    Go check this out!

49. 199 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 34.8kReads9.2Score3.3k14d adds
50. 200 皇 The Empress Is a Max-Level Palace Intriguer, Crushing Everyone 皇后满级宫斗，嘎嘎乱杀 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + infidelity + fictional setting + a resourceful, money-loving, beauty-loving, life-loving empress ✖️ emperor] In her previous life, Hua Shu was a lowly palace maid. She schemed her way to the top of the political ladder, only to be condemned by everyone and branded a wicked woman who brought ruin to the nation. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in the unfamiliar state of Chu, as an unloved empress who’s also being made a scapegoat. As if she’d put up with that! S 13.8kReads9.4Score1.8k14d adds

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