Classical Chinese Romance!!!! Your Number One Pick! Send It My Way! 古文！！！！！你的top1！砸过来！

1. 151 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
2. 152 修 The Sword Sovereign Who Cultivates the Heartless Path Has My Name Engraved on His Life-Bound Sword 修无情道的剑尊，本命剑上刻着我的名字 Three Claws三只爪12k WordsCompleted The Sword Venerable who cultivates the Heartless Dao has my name engraved on his life-bound sword 157Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   After my natal spirit beast was struck by lightning during its tribulation, it insisted that it had glimpsed the secrets of the future a thousand years in the future. In front of the entire sect, it shouted at the ruthless and merciless Sword Master, "Son-in-law!" I was so frightened that I immediately knelt down, after all, I had just ruined the Sword Master's Nine-Turn Golden Core and was about to be punished and die. But then this stupid beast pounced on the Sword Master's robes: "Son-in-law, stop pretending to be aloof! You've secretly engraved my master's name on your natal sword, what are you hiding?!" "You even have my master's companion spirit herb planted in your sea of ​​consciousness, when are you going to share a room and cultivate together?!" The entire place fell silent, and the Sword Master's usually cold and handsome face instantly turned as black as the bottom of a pot. That night, I packed my bags to defect from the sect, but the communication jade talisman in my arms started vibrating wildly. A trembling, clenched voice came from the other end: "How many times did we cultivate together in the future?" "How many Heavenly Spiritual Roots did we produce? Does she look more like her or me?" "Has our relationship developed cracks? Which sect's bastard dared to seduce her?!"

3. 153 纵 So What If You’re Reborn? 纵你重生又如何 Yao Yaoya妖幺芽Ancient Romance169k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete] [Two powerful leads + no point in being reborn as a concubine’s daughter + face-slapping and punishing scoundrels + the male lead has a secret crush] [A cool, composed beauty with overwhelming combat prowess vs. a mysterious, bewitching prince] [One-on-one romance + happy ending + single and chaste] Her mother was the most favored legitimate princess, her uncle was the reigning emperor, her maternal grandmother was empress dowager of the realm, and her older brother 2.4kReads8.9Score316Shelves
4. 154 满 Spring Over the City 满城春 A Copper Coin一枚铜钱Ancient Romance560k WordsCompleted [New Bonus Chapters] The Liu family of the capital is an illustrious noble house, so powerful that even the imperial clan treats them with deference. Liu Yan, the youngest legitimate daughter of the Liu family's second branch, is gifted and blessed with both wisdom and good fortune. When her stepmother joins the family as she turns five, Liu Yan expects a fierce battle. But her stepmother turns out to be quite unlike anyone expected. With her older brother looking out for her and her childhood s 15.5kReads9.4Score1.7kShelves
5. 155 献 Offering to the Abyss 献京渊 Qi Yi Zi七一子Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Print edition releasing October 25] “He taught me to kill, seize power, and look after myself. I taught him what it means to have a weakness.” [Serious drama + political intrigue + the fate of the nation and its people + I’m terrible at writing blurbs] Jiang Qingyu was born into wealth, and her family’s love had made her naive and pampered. It wasn’t until the day the entire Jiang family was executed that she realized how foolish she had been! When she opened her eyes again, she was determined 25.2kReads9.5Score4kShelves
6. 156 重 Reborn: Grand Tutor, Wake Up! The Princess Is Really Dead 重生之太傅醒醒吧，公主真的死了 Nine Snowy Branches九枝雪Ancient Romance302k WordsCompleted [Both reborn, pampered legitimate princess × obsessive Grand Tutor × groveling pursuit of his wife × the chaste man falls] Qin Shu could never come to terms with the fact that the person who killed her in her previous life was Song Xun. Back then, she was Princess Jingyuan, and she called him Grand Tutor. She died on a snowy day during the Jing era. She said, “If there is another life, then I hope never to meet you again, Grand Tutor...” But she didn’t know that from then on, Song Xun came to ha 4.5kReads8.9Score410Shelves

   Reader note

   ①Double Rebirth: In her past life, she was Princess Jingyuan, who died by poison, and he was the cold-hearted Grand Tutor who personally handed her the poisoned wine. Reborn, she desperately tries to escape, but he, with bloodshot eyes, pulls her into his arms: "Qin Shu, do you know that repeatedly dwelling on memories... Will drive you mad?" The fake death potion turns into poison, mutual torment, tragedy for everyone. He avenges her before committing suicide in the snow. ②Arranged Marriage to Love × Tsundere × Sweet Daily Life: "The ladies of Bianjing are the most boring." Marquis Dingbei, Shen Huaijin, scoffs, but then marries the scholarly noblewoman Xiao Qinghuan. 🌸She thought they would be respectful to each other, but he steals a kiss on her fingertip: "The Book of Rites says, 'It is impolite not to reciprocate.'" 🍬A battlefield killing machine becomes a clingy puppy; the female lead is a gentle cook × the male lead is a proud and jealous man—a story to keep you smiling like a proud aunt! ③ The female lead and the scumbag husband are both reborn + the male lead transmigrates + mutual redemption + pretending to be weak while actually being strong. Shen Jiasui is reborn on the day her scumbag husband proposes to her adopted sister! Her family was burdened with blood debts in her past life; in this life, she coldly enters the game, only to see Jiang Xun, dressed in official robes, arrive amidst bloodshed: "May my beloved be safe and sound every year." ⚡️ The second male lead, a transmigrator, provides divine assistance, tearing off the hypocrite's mask, resulting in a high-energy reversal! ④ A refreshing story of slapping faces and chasing after a husband's crematorium. The prime minister's eldest daughter was blind in her past life, causing the death of the loyal regent. After rebirth, she directly pounces on him: "Your Highness, will you submit to me?" Tearing apart the scheming woman and kicking the scumbag husband, he pulls out his military seal: "Of all the things in this world, I have three wishes: first, that my beloved be safe and sound every year; second, that my beloved be by my side for life; third, that I share the mountains and rivers with you, a wish I will never change in this life."

7. 157 重 Reborn, I Become the Regent Prince’s Cherished Darling 重生归来，我成了摄政王的掌心娇 It's A Yuyu是阿榆榆Ancient Romance352k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance + devoted to each other + reborn + revenge on scoundrels + sweet romance + equally powerful leads + satisfying read] She: the treasured daughter of the Chancellor's household. He: the Prince Regent, second only to the emperor and above all others. The Outcast In her previous life, she trusted the wrong people. A scoundrel and a scheming woman conspired against her, and she poured the entire power of the Chancellor's household into helping the scoundrel ascend the throne. In t 7.3kReads9.1Score865Shelves
8. 158 病 The Frail Beauty Stays Alive by Kissing the Regent 病弱美人靠着与摄政王亲嘴续命 Distant Moon Shadow月影遥遥Ancient Romance522k WordsCompleted [Completed, both leads are inexperienced, sweet flirtation and romance, devoted husband, sickly and delicate heroine, hero seems cool and noble but is secretly an obsessed romantic] Mu Shengsheng has a beautiful, captivating face, but she is a sickly girl with little time left to live. She is expected to die by the age of sixteen at the latest. Then, one day, her life hangs by a thread. Her stepmother sends her off for a ghost marriage, and while trying to escape, she accidentally falls into a m 3.4kReads9.0Score416Shelves

   Reader note

   Ancient Chinese romance novels are all so good! 👀

9. 159 重 Reborn as the Regent's Treasured Darling 重生后，成了摄政王的掌中宝 Wang Shier王拾二Ancient Romance152k WordsCompleted [Alternate world + both leads reborn + sweet romance + mutual salvation + regent prince + household and palace intrigue] She is the cherished legitimate daughter of the Xuan family, raised with every luxury. With skin like ice and jade, breathtaking beauty, and a bright, clever mind, she seems to have it all. A marriage becomes a conspiracy, bringing about the destruction of her entire family! Her closest friend and her cruel husband ultimately take her life. On the third day after her death, th 1.1kReads8.9Score139Shelves
10. 160 退 After Our Engagement Was Broken, He Pinned the Poor Little Thing Against the Wall and Coaxed Her to Call Him Husband 退婚后，小可怜被他抵墙诱叫夫君 Lemon and Pine Nuts柠檬松子Ancient Romance187k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance with the younger uncle, title changed under pressure. Original title: After Breaking Off the Engagement, My Younger Uncle Pinched My Waist, Pressed Me Against the Wall, and Tempted Me to Call Him Husband] [Both virgins + younger uncle takes the lead + nephew pursues his wife into the crematorium, reduced to ashes + eight-year age gap + 100% sweet romance + all-consuming passion + long-laid plans] On the eve of her wedding, Song Yimian overhears her fiancé, Jiang Bozhou, say with d 8.5kReads8.7Score1.4kShelves
11. 161 不 Isn’t He a Mad, Ruthless Minister? How Did Love Make Him Bow? 不是疯批权臣吗？怎么为爱折了腰 Chi Moyan池沫颜Ancient Romance112k WordsOngoing The restrained, obsessive Regent × the soft, timid little coward who just wants to survive Time-slip into a drama + exclusive 1v1 sweet romance + a restrained, obsessive madman who falls hard + overwhelming possessiveness + a powerful official who bends for love Xiao Hunhun (Nianchu) × Xie Wujin Nianchu transmigrates into a historical political drama as Xiao Hunhun, a foolish, vicious supporting character destined to be killed off by episode three. The original Xiao Hunhun is tricked by the Crow 4Reads—Score—Shelves
12. 162 藏 She Hid Her Pregnancy and Left the Child Behind; Reborn, I Won't Chase Him Again 藏起孕肚去父留子，重生我不追了 Wu Li Chouchou乌里丑丑Ancient Romance456k WordsCompleted (Publication deal signed) Reborn, one-on-one, both pure, aloof beauty goes mad for love, husband-chasing crematorium (A heartbroken heroine x a hero who wants to be her dog) A Shang stole the position of Xie Hengyu's wife. Everyone knows Xie Hengyu is a sword cultivator prodigy with a brilliant future in the cultivation world, while A Shang is merely a lowly half-demon who became his wife through underhanded means. In the end, she was falsely accused of colluding with the demon clan and died a t 37.3kReads9.1Score3.1kShelves
13. 163 掌 Palm Bait: A Record of Taming the Pampered One 掌心饵，驯娇记 Seventeen Sounds of Life十七声生Ancient Romance998k WordsCompleted [Gloomy eunuch ✖️ a palace maid who grows over time] Behind the deep palace walls, two broken souls become entangled and find a way to keep living amid the gray shadows of imperial power struggles. "Though the moss flower is tiny as a grain of rice, it still blooms like a peony." We may live humbly, hidden from the light, but we still live. A somewhat realistic story, not a wish-fulfillment novel. If you enjoy its subtle, tense atmosphere, step inside. 209.4kReads9.5Score38.4kShelves

    Reader note

    These are some of the gems on the bookshelf; they're quite good.

14. 164 惹 Tempting Beauty 惹姝色 Yi Yuchen奕语晨Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [1v1: Sweet, gentle, kind little princess × scheming, patient male consort and hostage prince] [Lighthearted and sugary sweet + romantic tension + everyone’s favorite] Xia Liqian was a miserable college student. Then, one day, she transmigrated into a book. She had become a debauched, tyrannical little princess, with countless male consorts in her residence. Her favorite was the hostage prince she had just asked her father for the day before. Now he was kneeling before her bed, watching her with 2.6kReads9.0Score392Shelves
15. 165 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 23.9kReads9.3Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These ancient romance novels are a must-read. You can't go wrong with them. The plots are tight, and there aren't many of the internet slang terms that modern people often use. You won't be distracted from the story. They're super good!

16. 166 明 Moonlight on Ice and Snow 明月照冰雪 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted A crazy, formidable woman. General Shen Guizhou VS a prince who only wants romance. Prince Chen Muyi Shen Guizhou was once the young general of the Shen Army, which commanded 300,000 troops in the northern frontier. As her reputation grew, her family feared the emperor would discover that she was a woman disguised as a man and bring disaster upon her. After weighing their options, they sacrificed her. For the sake of peace in the north and the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Shen Army, 5kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This is the best female general series I've ever seen.

17. 167 望 Longing for the Remaining Snow 望余雪 Ji Xin稷馨Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted Cui Jinzhi was a member of the Time Administration, and she had one final mission. She had to uncover why a small world had fallen into chaos and why its plot had collapsed. After observing it for a long time, she discovered only that the people were suffering because of their ruler's incompetence. So she disguised herself as a man and worked her way up to become the world's prime minister. Using her own efforts, she stabilized the chaot 1.2kReads9.3Score127Shelves
18. 168 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

    Reader note

    Go go go, it's super sweet! 🌸The first book features a more mature and composed female lead, with less competition among women. She's also a native of that era, and she and the male lead have both a son and a daughter. 🌸The second book features a concubine who is very favored, so her arrogance and pride are on full display, which is quite interesting. The male lead is also very capable in the grand scheme of things, with a thriving career.

19. 169 与 After Breaking Off My Engagement to a Scumbag, I Married the Marquis's Heir 与渣男退婚后，我嫁侯府世子 Zhang Jibei张冀北Ancient Romance312k WordsCompleted [Clear-headed, clever heroine who won't reunite with her ex + scheming, devoted hero who's been planning this for a long time] Before their wedding, Shen Qingyun tells Lin Yao that his cousin is carrying his child. He urges Lin Yao to be magnanimous. “I was drunk when it happened. My cousin is gentle and obedient, and only asks to be taken as a concubine. The child can be registered under your name. She won't compete with you for anything.” Shen Qingyun assumes Lin Yao will make a scene and get 3.6kReads8.9Score399Shelves

    Reader note

    I recently read two historical romance novels, both very enjoyable. The first one, "Love at First Sight," has a fresh premise—the male lead wins over the female lead, who is very clear-headed. The second one, "My Ex-Husband Suddenly Becomes a Father," features a male lead whose unrequited love blossoms into a real-life relationship, leading to a struggle and fight for the female lead. The male lead is truly wonderful, and the writing style is unique and charming. I really loved it.

20. 170 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
21. 171 东 The Eastern Palace Bedchamber Maid 东宫通房 Yu Nanting玉南廷Ancient Romance519k WordsCompleted Yu Niang had once been sold as a courtesan and was left with a strange illness. By chance, she became the Crown Prince’s personal medicine woman, then his bedchamber attendant. But because of her low birth, she was never given a title. The Crown Prince was handsome and noble, but cold and unfeeling. He often warned his lowly bedchamber attendant not to covet what she could never have. Yu Niang could only meekly agree. One day, a fire broke out in the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince’s leg was pi 37.2kReads9.2Score4.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book has some explicit content, and I really like both the male and female leads. The second book features a very strong female lead; as the old emperor said, she has a bit of luck on her side. Their family's conquest and consolidation of the empire both relied on her, but she stubbornly refused to admit it. When she was about to die, she gave him quite a fright.

22. 172 虎 The Tiger Wife 虎妻 Lotus Flower藕花Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted The Great Qi Dynasty’s foremost God of War, the ruthless, hideous common-born general Yuchi Gui, was granted a marriage by the emperor to the capital’s greatest beauty, Princess Xu Xiyan. Then his high-born fiancée looked down on him, and the wedding was called off. Three years later, after suppressing a rebellion, the handsome and dashing general returned to the capital, becoming the hero every noblewoman in Great Qi wanted to marry. Then his former fiancée clung to him and forced him into marr 8.4kReads9.3Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    I love every single one of Kong Liu's ancient romance novels. The male and female protagonists are intelligent and emotionally intelligent, their love is mutual, and there are no melodramatic clichés or angst. The other few are some of my favorites from the past year; they are distinctive, have good plots, are emotionally resonant, and have unique personalities.

23. 173 崽 My Child! Come to the Palace With Me: You’ll Be Crown Prince, and I’ll Be Empress 崽啊！跟娘进宫，你为太子我为后 Snow on the Fifth Day of the New Year雪至初五Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Synopsis: [Palace intrigue + household drama + feisty adorable kid + gleeful mayhem + absurd comedy with no logic + punishing scumbags and face-slapping + devoted couple] Qin Wan transmigrates into the body of a bride in a marquis's household, where nobody likes her. Her husband doesn't love her? Her mother-in-law mistreats her? Her cousin tries to provoke her? No problem. As long as they don't stop her from lazing around, she's fine! But just as she tries to live a quiet life, certain people in 9.5kReads9.0Score1.2kShelves
24. 174 求 Begging for Love 求娇 Three Lives, Three Three叁生三三Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Strong Heroine and Hero] [Love-Hate Relationship] [Defying Fate] [Print edition signed with a publisher] Gu Miaoyin always thought she was the pampered darling her emperor treasured most, until the Great Jin fell and the Northern Hu cavalry smashed through the palace gates. Only then did she realize how tragic her life was. Ten years of the emperor's favor could not withstand a sudden change of heart. In the end, she and her mother were trapped in the imperial city and burned alive. Reborn into 36.7kReads9.5Score5kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is really good! The title and plot don't seem to match up (don't judge by the title, just read the synopsis). It's the best ancient romance novel I've read on Tomato Bookstore. The female lead's character is very well-developed, the logic is tight, and I love Gu Miaoyin so much! I also love Xie Axiu and Fozi. Xie Axiu is the most suitable character for Xianxian. I've been reading it for almost a month, and recently I stayed up several nights to finish season 3. [Learned][Learned]

25. 175 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.4kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! ...

26. 176 错 The Wrong Golden Flower Pendant: The Cold, Powerful Minister's Soft and Useless Darling 错金花坠：清冷权臣的娇软废物 Shu Guimei舒归妹Ancient Romance266k WordsCompleted [She Makes the First Move] [The Aloof Detective Falls from His Pedestal] [Taking by Force] [The Long Road to Winning Her Back] [Sweet Romance and Redemption] [One-on-One] [Happy Ending] Sun Bingzhen’s greatest hobby in life was playing dumb. The dumber she acted, the longer she lived. To protect the Sun family’s immense fortune in a chaotic age, she set her sights on the Lanling Bai clan. The Lanling Bai clan had plenty of young men. She could latch onto any one of them and live without a care i 13Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Female seduction of male + aloof beauty under the detective's thumb + forceful acquisition + wife-chasing drama + sweet romance and redemption + 1v1 + HE] [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration] Sun Bingzhen's greatest hobby in life is playing dumb. The dumber she plays, the longer she lives. In order to protect the Sun family's vast wealth in the chaotic world, she set her sights on the Lanling Bai clan. The Lanling Bai clan has many sons, and she can easily marry one and live a worry-free life. After much deliberation, she finally set her sights on the famously aloof and arrogant eldest grandson of the Lanling Bai clan. At the spring gathering in Tingsongwu, Bai You, the eldest grandson of the Lanling Bai clan, was entangled by a greedy, cowardly, and foolish merchant girl. Everyone sighed, the aloof beauty had finally fallen for money. She thought this was a sure-fire investment, and as long as she obediently played the role of a "beautiful but useless" woman, she could live a peaceful life. But despite all her calculations, she hadn't anticipated that the seemingly untouched man was actually a madman even more insane than herself. Bai You coldly watched this little fox in sheep's clothing clumsily perform her act of feigning weakness to deceive him. He calmly handed her a scabbard, letting her bare her fangs and claws, even indulging her step by step in trampling on his heart. Only when she shattered his ruthless decisiveness and fled in panic did he finally tear off his cold mask, pulling her tightly into his arms, his voice hoarse: "Anu, you schemed against me, and you think you can just walk away like this?"

27. 177 美 Beautiful Empress Dowager, Don't Be So Cold: The Powerful Minister Is Both Sweet and Proud 美艳太后别太冷，权臣他又娇又傲 Xun Ye璕也Ancient Romance190k WordsCompleted A sharp-tongued but soft-hearted powerful minister × a play the pig to eat the tiger empress dowager [The Pursuit After the Breakup | Reincarnation in Another's Body | Pregnant and on the Run | Male Consort] Cui Zhi thought he was raising a puppy, only to discover that it was a wolf. Not only did it cross the river and demolish the bridge, it also took his life. After returning to life in another body, Cui Zhi vowed to make Lin Jinhe wish she were dead, yet unable to die. But when he saw her lyi 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥🔥This one is perfect! A classic Chinese romance with a wildly imaginative plot ◔.̮◔✧ No bad parts at all! 🌹The plot was so engaging, it didn't make me stupid, the political intrigue was intricate and didn't feel jarring, and my mind was filled with vivid images. 🌹You'll be satisfied.

28. 178 恶 The Villainess Has Too Many Secret Identities, and the Cold-Faced Regent Has Fallen for Her 恶女她马甲太多，冷面摄政王栽了 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance140k WordsOngoing [Female-led power fantasy + high-IQ political scheming + multiple secret identities + everyone is a schemer + powerful leads flirting with each other + a battle of wits at the highest level] Everyone lamented that Ruan Zhaowei, the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's household, was a sickly young woman who had to catch her breath after every three steps. Her fiance thought her life was too fragile and she was useless, so he teamed up with her transmigrated half-sister to call off the engagem 1.8kReads—Score367Shelves
29. 179 穿 I Transmigrated into an Old-School Tragic Romance, and I'm Giving Everyone a Happy Ending 穿进古早虐文，本红娘要全员HE Clear Pines, Falling Colors清松落色Ancient Romance784k WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted to each other + comedy + transmigrate into a book + female supporting character + sweet romance + System] (A silly transmigrated heroine × a crafty, clever hero) (This story doesn't vilify the original leads, break up the original couple, or steal the original protagonists' opportunities. Everyone gets along.) After spending eighteen years bedridden, she suddenly dies. When she wakes up, she has become Hua Qingsu, the third daughter of the Minister of Revenue's household 10.4kReads9.3Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so hard to choose! I've already finished reading some high-quality works on my bookshelf (I read the physical book of "Goodbye My Princess" and watched the TV series, it was so heartbreaking [crying]).

30. 180 慌 Panic! After Giving Up, the Little Slacker Is Forced to Take the Throne 慌！摆烂后，小咸鱼她被迫登基了 Sleepy Cat猫沉沉Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted My mother, who always insisted on having her way, and Consort Zhang next door became pregnant at the same time. Consort Zhang gave birth to a big baby boy, so I became a “big baby boy” too. I spent eighteen years as a prince while pretending to be a boy. To keep my secret identity from being exposed, I usually kept a low profile. My brothers put on a “Nine Dragons Contesting for the Throne” to fight over succession, so I gave up and decided to coast through life. Who knew that when my father die 8.8kReads9.2Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    So good! [Admiring]!! A seemingly useless prince disguised as a man unexpectedly becomes the emperor and clings tightly to the powerful regent. Every couple is so sweet! [Learned something new]

31. 181 楮 A Book by Chu Mo Hua He 楮墨画鹤的一本书 Paper and Ink Paint Cranes楮墨画鹤Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted [Both leads are inexperienced + sweet romance + household intrigue + historical setting + mutual secret crush + rekindled love + groveling to win her back] When Shen Yunwan first arrives in the capital, all she wants is to live quietly as a cousin in the Marquis of Zhenbei’s household. Through a twist of fate, she spends a passionate night with her older male cousin, Wei Hanzhou, even though they’ve barely exchanged a few words. If this scandal gets out, her reputation will be ruined and she’ll 42Reads6.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one! My number one book of 2024! Both the male and female leads are virgins. The male lead is the heir of a marquis's family, a cold and aloof powerful minister. He's ambitious, upright, and cunning—a very charming character! The female lead is the male lead's cousin, delicate yet intelligent. Together they engage in palace intrigue, solve cases, and more.

32. 182 全 The Noble Ladies of the Capital Line Up for My Husband to Take Their Pulses 全京城贵妇，排队让我相公摸脉 Bubble Milk Tea Is So Good波霸奶茶真好喝Ancient Romance217k WordsOngoing [A self-disciplined, proper male physician x a cold-faced female vice minister, sweet historical romance, love grows over time, both leads are each other's first, quirky comedy] Shen Guanlan is the very picture of propriety and decorum, yet he is a male physician who specializes in treating difficult ailments that affect women. The noblewomen of the capital curse him for being unvirtuous, but privately, their appointments are booked through next month. "Scandalous!" "Save the scandal for later. 4Reads—Score—Shelves
33. 183 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
34. 184 我 I Turned My Superstitious Father into the Chief Councilor 我把神棍老爹卷成首辅 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical1.7M WordsCompleted [Ensemble cast + imperial examinations + daily life + farming + court politics later on] Father and son join forces to build a Ming dynasty on which the sun never sets. Yan Xun transmigrates to the Ming dynasty and discovers that his father can do everything except study. His dad has so many secret identities, like an onion with layer after layer to peel back. Huh! If I push Dad hard enough to make him Grand Secretary, can I become a Junior Grand Secretary? The filial son Yan Xun sells everythin 22.7kReads9.5Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    [Shy][Shy] Ten years of reading experience, and this is a precise recommendation! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up] There's no single top-ranked classical Chinese text of different types; they're all highly-rated masterpieces, each with its own merits.

35. 185 寒 A Cold Crow Nests in Your Heart 寒鸦栖君心 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone envies the Prince of Beian for loving his wife beyond all measure, with a love as deep as the sea. No one knows he won this perfect life by risking everything. Yan Junjue clawed his way out of a mountain of corpses in the Cold Palace. He was bloodthirsty and ruthless, a possessive, obsessive madman whose jealousy was carved into his bones. Everyone in the world feared him. Only Cui Yunqi was a little warmth in his endless darkness. She was the proud and steadfast lord of Hanya City, dev 9.8kReads8.8Score984Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book is a tragic romance. The male lead is incredibly powerful, possessive, and jealous. The female lead isn't love-struck and has her own integrity. I cried a ton of tissues reading it. Highly recommended! [Sending heart] The second book is an ancient political intrigue novel—palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, all intricately linked. A childhood sweetheart with explosive possessiveness versus a loyal bodyguard who protects her with his life. The female lead isn't love-struck—a clear-headed and rational legitimate daughter. Highly recommended! [Admiration]

36. 186 雀 A Sparrow Startles Spring 雀惊春 Little Grain of Sand小沙子Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted She is the third young lady of the ill-fated Xie family of Yunzhou. With a hard fate, a line across her palm said to bring misfortune to her family, she is despised by her father and shunned by her sisters. But fate has other plans. Reborn, she vows to secure a brilliant future and find herself an ideal husband. Her elder sister sneers. “You’re destined to bring your husband misfortune. Who would ever want you?” Xie Wan only smiles. In this life, she will bring good fortune to her husband, chang 2.1kReads8.9Score281Shelves
37. 187 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
38. 188 权 A Woman in Power 权姝 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance628k WordsCompleted Legitimate daughter | Devoted hidden guard × Long-suffering childhood friend, the prince | Pure romance | Court intrigue | Strong female lead | Nation and family The court of the Great Qi dynasty is in turmoil, with the struggle for the throne brewing beneath the surface. The Molong cavalry bears down on Zhenmen Pass, where starving, freezing soldiers hold the border with their flesh and blood. On the battlefields of a troubled age, it is not only men who march to their deaths. Fu Ziyou brav 534Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 189 重 Reborn, I Turn My Fate Around with the System of Noncontention 重生归来，我凭不争系统扭转死局 Wen Qiheng温栖珩Ancient Romance114k WordsOngoing Reborn on the eve of the palace banquet, Su Wanyuan's fingertips brushed against the secret drug hidden in the lining of her gown. In her previous life, she was tricked into making a scene, lost her reputation, and saw her entire family executed. This time, she stayed calm, waiting to tear away her half-sister's gentle facade in front of everyone at the banquet. Before the trouble had even settled, a wooden token etched with a whirlpool pattern led her to a decades-old secret plot involving a 15Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese political intrigue and domestic drama novel

40. 190 我 I Stole the Tyrant Back to the Cold Palace 我把暴君偷回了冷宫 Er Lulu二鹿鹿13k WordsCompleted I Stole the Tyrant Back to the Cold Palace 5kReads—Score139Shelves

    Reader note

    The pinnacle of sweet romance short stories, the misleading premise makes it increasingly addictive to read.

41. 191 和 After Marrying the Cold-Faced Duke, I Cut My Way Through the Inner Court 和冷面国公联姻后，我杀穿内宅 Tipsily Leaning on the Green Paulownia浅醉依青梧Ancient Romance131k WordsCompleted Xiao Qianqian falls to her death. Reborn, she marries Xie Yue, a ruthless general who shows no mercy. In public, they are a courteous husband and wife, respectful to one another. In private, beneath swaying red candles, he holds her captive in his arms, his eyes burning with an obsession he can no longer hide. It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience that turned into love, but who could have guessed the cold-faced general would fall for her? He cherishes her, helps her take revenge, and j 125Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one, this one,

42. 192 穿 Transmigrating to Ancient Times: Three Women, Countless Dramas 穿越古代：三个女人N台戏 A Lamp in the Twilight一灯阑珊Ancient Romance6.1M WordsOngoing [Ensemble cast + group transmigration + farming and commerce + military service and medicine + self-reliance and perseverance, an uplifting and satisfying story, slow burn, everyday slice of life] A car accident sends three women transmigrating to the unfamiliar Great Wu Dynasty, where they land in a bandit’s den from the start. Zhu Mingyue: “Watch me make a fortune with two deadweights in tow.” Duan Xiaotang: “Watch me bring stability to every corner of the realm with two teammates.” Lin Wanwan 28kReads9.4Score1.9kShelves
43. 193 夫 My Wife Is Sweet and Delicate, and Her Husband Is Reborn 夫人娇软甜糯，夫君他重生了 Blue Iced Coffee蓝色冰咖啡Ancient Romance157k WordsCompleted Originally titled Shen Tang Xiang Yi Mo (A slice-of-life story) [Historical setting + Marriage first, love later + Devoted couple and happy ending + Sweet romance + Reborn male lead] In their previous life, Zhou Chen and Su Tang'er were married by imperial decree. Zhou Chen remained emotionally attached to the person he believed had saved his life, so he resisted Su Tang'er and kept her at a distance after their wedding. Yet as they spent time together, he couldn't help falling for her. Still, u 8.1kReads8.8Score469Shelves

    Reader note

    The first two were by the same author and were incredibly good. The third one was the kind of story that unfolds gradually over time.

44. 194 昭 Zhaozhao Waits for Your Return 昭昭待君归 Su Asu苏阿苏Ancient Romance292k WordsOngoing [Ensemble character growth x historical political intrigue x love of country and family x sibling bonds x childhood friends x steadfast friendship x teacher and student turned enemies x everyone focused on their careers x no rivalry between women] [Reader’s guide] 1. A gentle, slow-brewing story with understated romance: sweet at first, then heartbreaking. 2. A richly drawn ensemble cast, each following their own path and bearing their own burdens. After the Seven Kingdoms War, the State of Zh 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Slow pace x Sweet at first, then bittersweet x Ensemble growth x Historical political intrigue x Everyone focused on their careers x Patriotism x Unexpected twists of fate x Mutual redemption x Sibling affection x Childhood sweethearts x Teacher-student conflict x No female rivalry] Beneath the surface of court intrigue and power struggles, the core of this book remains "love" and "growth." There are no truly evil characters; everyone is pushed forward by fate, and no one's ending is inevitable. It's not a traditional "feel-good" novel, because every "win" comes at the cost of "loss." Those who are lost will not return, but those who remain can still move forward. Dedicated to those of us who are unafraid of loss and bravely forge our own paths. [Progress] Currently in the second volume of the main storyline, with a backlog of chapters and stable updates.

45. 195 花 Flower Demon 花妖 Cotton Flower棉花花Ancient Romance337k WordsCompleted [Past and Present Lives + One True Love + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggles] A thousand years of longing will not go unanswered; a lifetime of devotion will never bring regret! A brilliant, resilient surgeon versus a suspicious, ruthless God of War general! Meeting him was the bond of fate from her past life, and the tribulation of this one. A tearjerking tale of a white plum blossom in the immortal realm of Qilian, a true dragon, and a snowflake reincarnated to endure a trial. The white plum 6.5kReads9.5Score1kShelves
46. 196 农 The Tough Farm Wife: The Playboy Heir Is Sweet and Flirtatious 农门悍妻：纨绔世子甜又撩 Salt Pork盐巴猪Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The short drama The Tough Farmhouse Wife: The Heir Apparent Is Sweet and Flirtatious is now streaming on Hongguo and Tomato!] [Secret identity + taking down villains + sweet romance + comedy] Su Tong transmigrates into a book as a military prostitute who has been sold for ten years and has a tarnished reputation. A fake heir apparent personally proposes to her, figuring that her bad reputation means no one will stand up for her if she dies. Su Tong also thinks that an idle, useless male support 5.6kReads9.3Score715Shelves
47. 197 公 The Princess Is Too Alluring, and Her Little Death Soldier Is Spoiled to Tears 公主太撩人，小死士被宠哭了 Clear Night Moon清夜月Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + transmigrating into a book + two formidable leads + obsessive love + sweet romance] Xie Fengyao transmigrated into the body of the fifth princess of the Western Chu Kingdom, a debauched and cruel cannon-fodder character who would soon die suddenly in her princess’s residence. To stay alive, she had no choice but to keep a highly skilled young death warrior by her side as protection. The young death warrior was as cold as ice, merciless, and kept everyone at a distance. Until on 2.1kReads9.2Score315Shelves
48. 198 承 As You Wish, My Love 承卿意 May the Tree Stay Evergreen树要常青Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted Bai Yu: A young general who guarded the border of the Mu Kingdom for years. It is said that his mother died in childbirth after giving birth to him. From then on, General Bai took his newborn son to the frontier, where they spent more than a decade. Now that the border wars have ended, a marriage contract summons Bai Yu back to the capital, where he returns with his father to report for duty. Yu Xuejing: The youngest daughter of Grand Tutor Yu. Her elder brother serves in the Hanlin Academy. All 857Reads8.8Score102Shelves
49. 199 掌 Paulownia in the Palm 掌中疏桐 Xin Moran心陌然Ancient Romance900k WordsOngoing The main story is complete. Originally titled A Paulownia in the Palm, the first chapters are free, but the price will go up later! [Mutual Devotion] [Fictional Setting] [Forced Possession] [Beautiful Wife] [Powerful Minister] [Adorable Baby] [Pregnant and on the Run] [Ancient-Era Court Intrigue] [Secret Marriage] Luo Shutong, the most proper young noblewoman in the capital, woke one morning to find Ye Chuan, the all-powerful chief minister, lying beside her. Trembling, she pulled out all the mo 11.1kReads8.0Score519Shelves

    Reader note

    In the story of a noble family, the female lead is initially obedient while the male lead is cold, cunning, and sharp-tongued. The female lead is engaged to the male lead and becomes pregnant with his child.

50. 200 穿 Reborn as a Wicked Foster Mother: I Raised the Villainous Tyrant All Wrong 穿成恶毒养母：把反派暴君养歪了 Blue Sky over Mountains and Rivers山水蔚蓝天Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [No romance + teaching + adorable kids + farming + building wealth + infrastructure] A warm, slice-of-life story Zhang Ziruo transmigrates into the role of the evil adoptive mother of a tyrannical villain, destined for a tragic end. She plans to win the villain’s favor while he is still young, only to discover that he has been reborn... Taking stock of her new circumstances, she decides to open a school and become a teacher! She’ll raise the villain to be a virtuous, capable, open-minded, and po 15.3kReads9.5Score2.1kShelves

Other lists with The Villainess Becomes the Legitimate Daughter: I'm Just Pretending, Don't Get Too Attached