Proper Historical Romance: No Golden Fingers, Just High-Quality Stories with Sound Values 正经的古代言情，不要金手指，期待高质量三观正

1. 301 深 Late Nights in the Deep Estate 深宅晚 Ning Qingxuan, Who Likes Geng Sai Niu喜欢更赛牛的宁清璇Ancient Romance742k WordsCompleted Her husband, Song Hemian, died young, leaving Jiang Wanyin alone in a desolate mansion, surrounded by endless gossip. Her late husband's younger brother, Song Heran, returns from afar. He is refined and handsome, yet reserved and inscrutable, treating her with a tenderness that constantly oversteps the bounds of propriety. As they spend their days together, Jiang Wanyin gradually realizes that this “younger brother-in-law” is nothing like the Song Heran her husband described, in either his habit 2.4kReads7.3Score220Shelves

   Reader note

   It's really good, a proper ancient Chinese romance novel, without any unnecessary fluff. It's incredibly popular!

2. 302 奸 The Treacherous Official's Wife: A Book-Transmigrated Heroine's Farming Life 奸臣之妻：书穿女配好种田 Youyou Doesn't Eat Spicy Food柚柚不吃辣Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Farming + sweet romance + family bonds + political intrigue + healing + comedy] Cui Wantang had lived with her old charlatan of a master, dependent on each other. After he died, she was left all alone. Then one day, she transmigrated into a book she hadn't finished reading, becoming the wife of the villainous minister. [The book said Song Yu was a smiling tiger, ruthless and cruel, a lackey and a weapon for the antagonist.] But at this point, Song Yu was only a poor young man who hadn't turned 24.5kReads9.4Score3.5kShelves

   Reader note

   No cheat codes, a female protagonist novel ☁️ 1. The female protagonist is intelligent, courageous, and strategic, forging her own path step by step; the plot is exciting ⭐ 2. The plot unfolds seamlessly, avoiding the typical farming novel formula; the writing is refreshing and highly immersive.

3. 303 兄 Elder Brother, You Mustn't 兄长不可 Ning Qingxuan, Who Likes Geng Sai Niu喜欢更赛牛的宁清璇Ancient Romance406k WordsCompleted Shen Yanci is the envy of everyone in the capital: the refined and upright heir of the Shen family, with a bright future ahead. Yet his family also takes in Su Wanqing, an orphan girl with no one to rely on. An elder's words, "Raise her by your side and treat her as your own younger sister," become an invisible shackle between them. He watches her grow from a timid little girl into a graceful young woman, cherishing and protecting her at every turn. But as they spend day after day together, he d 4.5kReads8.1Score500Shelves
4. 304 女 Matriarchy: The Phoenix's Arrival Before the Four Lords 女尊：凤临四君 Ning Qingxuan, Who Likes Geng Sai Niu喜欢更赛牛的宁清璇Ancient Romance433k WordsCompleted Heroine: Xiao Zhiyue, beautiful, powerful, and tragic to the core The seventh princess of the Fenglin Dynasty. Her birth father died young, and her imperial mother despises her. She spent eighteen years in the Cold Palace with a face said to be a calamity to men. Everyone in the capital knows she's breathtakingly beautiful, yet so powerless that anyone can bully her. [Four Princes Consort Candidates Who Keep Trying to Outdo Each Other] 1. Shen Qingmo, the aloof Chief Councilor. Outwardly: "I obe 1.2kReads—Score111Shelves
5. 305 重 Reborn to Be a Tyrant, Yet Everyone Thinks I'm a Living Bodhisattva 重生回来做恶霸可人人当我活菩萨 A Winter Without Snow不飘雪的冬天Ancient Romance408k WordsOngoing [Reborn + No System + Lighthearted + Sweet and Angsty + Mystery Solving] [Self-reliant, funny heroine vs. domineering, calculating general] A villainess who spent her life surrounded by lies, deceived by evil people, is reborn after dying alongside her enemies. In her new life, she only wants to turn the tables on those who once toyed with her. But through a series of strange twists, she not only runs into her old nemesis, she also gets dragged into one bizarre cold case after another. Under pre 2Reads8.7Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book, although about rebirth, is more than just rebirth. The female protagonist relies on her own abilities to rise through the ranks and take revenge, respecting the background and logic and never mindlessly rebelling against her superiors!

6. 306 王 The Prince’s Adored Little Palace Maid 王爷的团宠小宫婢甜软撩人 Shanzhi Shanzhi山栀山栀Ancient Romance470k WordsCompleted My new story is out! You can read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Your support inspires me to write, and I’ll do my best to tell every story well! 57Reads8.3Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The first book features a female protagonist who transmigrates, and the second is purely historical romance—both are truly excellent! Please, please check them out! Neither has any overpowered advantages. The second book's portrayal of the female protagonist's growth is particularly well-done!

7. 307 牡 Farewell to the Phoenix Throne on a Peony Couch 牡丹榻上辞凤阙 Ning Qingxuan, Who Likes Geng Sai Niu喜欢更赛牛的宁清璇Ancient Romance211k WordsCompleted Shen Wanning had lived in the secluded depths of the Shen residence for as long as she could remember, growing up alongside her half-brother, Shen Huaijin, the chief grand secretary. He always treated her with the distance and severity of an elder brother, convinced she was the daughter of his father's mistress, hidden away in the household, a stain on the family's honor. It was only when the decree accusing the loyal of treason arrived that the truth behind the massacre of her military family w 22Reads—Score—Shelves
8. 308 病 The Yandere Prince Is Actually a Cat Lover 病娇王爷竟是猫控 Yan Zhi Mo He焉知墨阖Ancient Romance136k WordsOngoing [Female assassin + devoted prince + reunion after a long separation + revenge + one-on-one romance + heroine’s growth] She’s the top catlike female assassin in the Great Liang, yet she keeps falling into the hands of her first love. Her assassination attempt fails. Instead, he erases her memories and forces her into a relationship with him, and she suddenly finds herself the Princess Consort of Prince Jing’an. But life as a princess consort isn’t easy either. The prince has a twisted older broth —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A traditional Chinese romance novel, depicting the love and hate between a female assassin from the martial arts world and a deeply affectionate prince.

9. 309 我 I Became a Mediator in the Marquis's Manor and the Whole Family Dotes on Me 我在侯府当调解员，被全家宠了 Year After Year, Harvest After Harvest年年穗岁Ancient Romance540k WordsCompleted Brutal, ruthless Imperial Guard X sweet, gentle ray of sunshine Just as her name suggests, Jiang Mi has a sweet little mouth and knows exactly how to charm people, leaving them dazed and warm-hearted. But an imperial decree sends this honey-sweet girl to the most difficult household to serve: the Ning'an Marquis's residence. The Old Madam is stern and old-fashioned: “You wretches! The whole lot of you are hopeless!” The Ning'an Marquis is aloof and icy: “You unfilial son, do you know what you've 18.6kReads9.4Score2.4kShelves

   Reader note

   Ancient Chinese romance novels, very high quality, with positive values, and exceptionally good!

10. 310 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

    Reader note

    🔥 [Family Rise and Fall: The Rise of a Strong Female Protagonist] Without relying on rebirth or precognition, or becoming rich overnight through a system, they rely on their own strength to uphold their family's glory amidst the torrent of history. "Cherishing Flowers and Orchids" tells the story of a noblewoman who takes on a critical mission to revive her declining family, showcasing both family warmth and a sense of national responsibility; "Wealthy and Flourishing" witnesses a down-on-her-luck orphan girl rise from humble beginnings to the top through her business acumen, writing a legendary tale of female independence; "The First Wife's Daughter's Daily Life of Marrying High" breaks the curse of the involution of marriage, demonstrating high emotional intelligence in managing her marriage and revealing the integrity of a true wife in the long run.

11. 311 雪 The Snowbound Blade 雪藏刃 Xie Xue Hanyan邪雪寒嫣Ancient Romance894k WordsCompleted One is a cold-faced constable who disguises herself as a man. The other is the Prince of Xichuan, a foreign nobleman said to have brought about his wife's death. When these two meet, an extraordinary story is bound to unfold. Passing herself off as a man to serve as a constable in the Six Fan Gate is no easy task. Dao Xueshan even changed her name to Dao Sanxue. To make it in a crowd of men, she has only one choice: be crueler, fiercer, more ruthless, and better at killing than they are. But she 353Reads—Score152Shelves

    Reader note

    Completed, entirely handwritten novel. The female protagonist disguises herself as a man, working in the government and navigating the political arena. It features martial arts detective work, suspense, political intrigue, and female solidarity. The female protagonist possesses exceptional martial arts skills and is not romantically inclined. The writing style is old-fashioned.

12. 312 尽 A Bond That Cannot Be Tied 尽晏难绾 Rabbit Who Loves Pickled Radish Skin爱吃腌萝卜皮的兔子Ancient Romance137k WordsOngoing [Imperial power struggles + a cast of scheming players + countless twists + love and hate + put your thinking cap on!] Warning: Bring your brain! Open this book and you’ll never guess what comes next! The author’s brain is about to short-circuit writing this. Once the move is made, there’s no taking it back. Let’s watch the drama unfold… He is a calculating prince who buries his true feelings deep beneath a façade. She is the carefree daughter of the Chancellor’s household, or so she should hav 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Their values ​​are incredibly positive; everyone displays the complexities of human nature. No one is born absolutely good or bad; it's just that they weigh the pros and cons and make different choices in different situations.

13. 313 富 Riches and Splendor 富贵芳华 Lotus Flower藕花Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted When it came to Ning Fang’s idol, there was only one: Xia Zhenzhen, the Xia family’s legendary great-aunt, whose glory peaked more than a century ago! Renowned for her “exceptional intelligence,” she was chosen at just fifteen by a family of scholars and married into a prestigious household as the legitimate wife, despite being a merchant’s daughter. After the wedding, she and her husband were “deeply devoted to each other,” and even her mother-in-law praised her: “She is as good as my own daugh 4.8kReads9.3Score563Shelves
14. 314 我 Farming in Ancient Times, I Married the Village Fool 我在古代种田，嫁给村里那个憨夫 Milky White Isn't White奶白不白Ancient Romance490k WordsCompleted Synopsis: [Transmigration + ancient romance + farming + sweet romance + raising children + a simple life + not a power-fantasy comeback story + no bizarre relatives] Chen Jiaojiao's soul transmigrated after a car accident. Her parents were dead, her family was dirt poor, and she had no golden finger, let alone riches and honor. All she had was endless work and a stomach that was never full... Life was simple: growing crops and raising children. But there was something odd about that man from t 821Reads8.5Score100Shelves
15. 315 妹 Little Sister, Stop Competing. Your Elder Sister Has Married into a Powerful Family 妹妹别斗了，嫡姐已嫁高门 Li Wu礼午Ancient Romance611k WordsCompleted Household intrigue + marriage first, love later + warrior x young woman Synopsis: Xie Yuxi had an excellent marriage prospect. Her unremarkable, illegitimate fiancé was far more impressive than anyone realized: without making a fuss, he had passed the imperial exam and become its top scorer. In the prime of her youth, she would marry a promising man who was everything she could wish for. How enviable. But after he failed to show up for their arranged meeting at a temple, the top scholar sent som 14.2kReads8.9Score1.8kShelves
16. 316 换 After the Marriage Swap, the Young General Can't Resist Flirting 换亲后，少年将军不禁撩 I'm Not the Fairest of Them All 2021非我倾城2021Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [The animated comic is now available. If you're interested, go check it out!] [Married first, fall in love later ✘ aloof, youthful male lead ✘ gentle, clear-eyed female lead ✘ mutually exclusive partners (explained later)] Wen Ning was reborn. In her previous life, she dutifully cared for her parents-in-law and treated her husband with consideration. After finally enduring long enough to see Song Yan pass the highest imperial examination, everyone said she was lucky. But Song Yan never loved her 3.4kReads8.9Score384Shelves

    Reader note

    This is more than just a heart-fluttering story; it's my eternal white moonlight, a sweet romance ❤️ The writing style is humorous, the plot is fast-paced, the male lead has a cool and aloof vibe, and the female lead is endearing. Super sweet! You can finish it in half an hour ❤️

17. 317 花 A Song of Flowers by Night 花夜吟 Heart's Words, Flower's Language心言花语Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Synopsis: [A cruel, possessive male lead + a beautiful, strong, tragic, and icy female lead + fantasy setting + manipulation + control + revenge + marriage before love + love that grows over time + mutual salvation] The Phantom Night Witch, Hua Li, bears the demonic breath of Taotie. After the ruler of Chiyu seals it, she is married off to Ling Ye, Prince of the Southern Commandery. Ling Ye drains her blood to cure his poison, turning her into his “medicinal catalyst.” She also swallowed Qiongqi 780Reads9.4Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    [A yandere and ruthless male lead + a beautiful, strong, tragic, and cold female lead + manipulation + control + revenge + arranged marriage to love + love that grows over time + mutual redemption] The Phantom Night Witch Hua Li is betrothed to Prince Ling Ye of Nan County. She suffers a bloody treatment to become his "medicinal ingredient." Amidst the bloodshed and turmoil along the way, their fates gradually become intertwined. Let's see how they are pulled together and develop a unique affection!

18. 318 禾 Autumn Passes Over Jing Mountain 禾过璟山秋 Apricot At Ease杏闲闲Ancient Romance242k WordsOngoing [Modern siblings transmigrate together + two equally matched political players + nation-building + imaginative historical romance + devoted couples with happy endings] After a car accident, modern siblings Rui He and Rui Zheng both transmigrate into a political intrigue novel, only to find themselves bound to a doomed, unfinished story set in a chaotic age. In the original, Emperor Murong Jing is isolated and outmatched, hemmed in by powerful aristocratic families and ministers, as well as the a 92Reads—Score538Shelves

    Reader note

    I think this book is amazing! The female lead is incredibly beautiful! It's an infrastructure-building type story, set in a time-travel world, without any special abilities, just a very down-to-earth feel.

19. 319 贵 The Noble Consort Is Cool and Aloof, and the Emperor Yearns for Her Night After Night 贵妃清冷，圣上夜夜相思 Que Ling Yan Zi雀翎宴子Ancient Romance448k WordsCompleted Shen Qinghe was in the bloom of youth when she entered the palace, where she weathered its intrigues for more than a decade. She had hoped to leave with a reward one day, or perhaps spend her whole life peacefully as a palace official. But then an order came down, and one day she unexpectedly became an imperial consort. She watched these women fight day after day, never expecting to become entangled in their schemes herself. Shen Qinghe could only sigh. He was the emperor, and she was a palac 13.3kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Six highly-rated ancient Chinese romance novels, very serious and worth reading.

20. 320 嫡 Married into the Eastern Palace 嫡嫁东宫 Mei Yi Si瑂忆覗Ancient Romance510k WordsCompleted Ever since she was little, Zhou Zhou knew she was different from her sisters. That difference meant she was lucky enough to be taught by her grandfather and cherished by her grandmother. At eight, the emperor personally selected her to be the princess’s companion. She entered the palace, grew up alongside the princess, and became the childhood sweetheart of the Fifth Prince. Before the Peach Blossom Banquet held when she was fifteen, everyone said she was destined to become the Fifth Prince’s co 5.4kReads8.9Score454Shelves

    Reader note

    It's a very ancient, indigenous story. The female protagonist is intelligent from a young age, the sisters live in harmony, there's no competition between them, and each character has a distinct personality. The male protagonist has been in love with the female protagonist since childhood, but she doesn't know it, and later she's taken back to his den. All the characters are both capable and intelligent.

21. 321 夫 The General's Sweet Wife Has Won His Heart 夫人娇软，糙汉将军心尖宠 Lu Wanwan路弯弯Ancient Romance376k WordsCompleted [Wild and seductive rugged general VS sweet yet spirited beauty of a physician] Jiang Wanyu, the only daughter of Imperial Physician Jiang, divorced after two years of marriage, becoming a favorite topic of gossip among the people of the capital. Qin Zhao, the God of War of Nanxiao, is ambushed on his way home after a victorious campaign in the west. He is gravely wounded while saving the Third Prince, and his life hangs by a thread. In the court and the harem, undercurrents swirl as factions jo 706Reads8.4Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    [Rough-around-the-edges General VS Delicate Healer | The Ultimate Sweet Pampering Through Force]—— "The Delicate Wife, the Rough-around-the-edges General's Beloved"🔥 A 25-year-old abstinent war god roars in refusal to marry a divorced woman, only to be captivated by a portrait! "I'll marry anyone, but not a second-hand woman!" The next second, he opens the scroll— "... This woman, I want her!" 💥 A forced marriage under the guise of court intrigue turns into a two-way battleground. She is an abandoned healer, only seeking a peaceful life; he is a tough, rugged man, yet he relentlessly flirts with her: "Why are you blushing, my lady? I'm just warming your hands." ✨ A sweet and romantic ancient romance with palace intrigue. From a divorced woman forced into marriage to the darling of the war god's heart, see how she uses gentleness to overcome strength, joining hands with the rough-around-the-edges general to stir up a storm! 📚 6.9 Rating | 376,000-word completed novel, "The Rough Man's Ultimate Tenderness is All Reserved for the One He Loves" ➡️ Click to read: How the War God General Spoils His Divorced Wife to the Heavens! #AncientRomance #RoughManGeneral #ArrangedMarriage #PalaceIntrigue

22. 322 南 The South Wind Knows My Heart (The Classic Seven Wei South Wind Collection) 南风知我意（七微南风系列经典合集） Qi Wei七微Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted A bestselling collection of works from Qi Wei’s South Wind series, featuring six books in total, including South Wind Crossing, South Wind Knows My Heart, volumes 1 and 2, and South Wind Whispers. At a dinner party, Fu Xijing runs into Ji Nanfeng, his girlfriend who left without a word five years ago. He insists that Nanfeng is his former lover, Zhao Xibei. Nanfeng vehemently denies it, but that does nothing to dispel his doubts. As Fu Xijing presses her relentlessly, Nanfeng’s defenses crumble, 3kReads9.3Score156Shelves
23. 323 娇 The Sweet and Gentle Crown Princess Is Adored Throughout the Eastern Palace 娇软太子妃宠冠东宫 Autumn Smoke, Falling Rain烟秋落雨Ancient Romance647k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + sweet romance + love at first sight + love that deepens over time + one-on-one + both leads are each other’s first and only + fictional history + lighthearted + a sweet, pure love story] The gentle, kind, and lovely Crown Princess, Shen Muyao, x the refined and elegant Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, Ji Siming Shen Muyao was raised in her family’s hometown in Jiangnan, where the entire Shen clan doted on their little darling. On her sixteenth birthday, she left Jiangnan 3.9kReads8.8Score409Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist grew up with her grandparents in her ancestral home in Jiangnan. She was the most pampered young lady of her generation. When she was sixteen, her mother said she would choose a good husband for her and bring her back to the capital. However, before a husband could be chosen, she was appointed Crown Princess by imperial decree.

24. 324 青 Childhood Sweethearts to Lovers: Returning with a Jade in His Arms 青梅变竹马，朝阳抱玉归 Widowed, But Not Lonely鳏寡非孤独Ancient Romance390k WordsOngoing [Female Disguise, Iron-Blooded Heir × Male Disguise, Downtrodden Sixth Prince] [Historical Romance, Alternate Setting | Pure Historical Romance, no transmigration, no System | Both are chaste in body and heart, each other's first and only love | Includes war and court intrigue. The plot is fictional, so please don't nitpick the details.] Xie Yu is the "only son" of the Marquis of Dingyuan's household. She has disguised herself as a boy since childhood and is destined to defend the northwest in 784Reads—Score109Shelves

    Reader note

    I wonder if you'd like a woman dressed as a man? You could give it a try! [Heart emoji] [heart emoji]

25. 325 清 Schemes of the Qing Palace: Complete in Three Volumes 清宫谋（全3册） Lotus Stillness, Bamboo Garments莲静竹衣Ancient Romance677k WordsCompleted Bestselling author Lian Jing Zhuyi, whose works have garnered over ten million clicks, follows The Chronicles of the Six Dynasties with a decade in the making, bringing to life the love and hate of three emperors across the Shunzhi, Kangxi, and Yongzheng reigns! She is the daughter of a bewitching consort from the previous dynasty, breathtakingly beautiful yet condemned to a lifetime of servitude. She is the brightest “pearl” in the Qing imperial harem, who ends up in the Cold Palace by a twist 613Reads9.3Score100Shelves
26. 326 想 I Just Wanted to Quietly Enjoy the Gossip, but After Losing My Memory, I Became a Walking Disaster 想安静吃瓜奈何失忆后我太能搞事 Kick the Tangerine Peel Away一脚踢飞橘子皮Fantastical Romance179k WordsOngoing She had barely set out before everything went wrong. Yue Bai never imagined that the biggest obstacle on her journey through the martial world, where she hoped to recover her memories, would be having no money in her pocket. To keep from starving on the streets, Yue Bai took on a boss, only to be led straight into a bandit hideout. Faced with a group of suspicious, strange people, Yue Bai smiled. “I’m here to join you!” P.S. Strong female lead | No mindless rivalry between women Content warning: —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead has high combat skills, is not abused, and the story is good.

27. 327 芜 The Phoenix of Wu 芜凰 Chen Xiaochen晨晓晨Ancient Romance711k WordsCompleted "If this girl is born in the north, the Phoenix will dance across the heavens, and her status will be beyond measure. If she is born in the south, the Phoenix will break a wing, bringing ruin upon her clan from below and chaos to the imperial court from above." Grandmaster Tian Yi's words came true. The "Song of Great Song," the most exalted young lady in Jiankang, never did manage to "spread her golden wings and bring peace to the world..." A Che said, "You may not be fit to be empress, but you 7.5kReads9.1Score703Shelves
28. 328 凤 The Phoenix Returns: A Conspiracy 凤归谋 Tao Zhijiuying桃栀久耀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy with a powerful heroine, political intrigue, and satisfying revenge] [No transmigration + no rebirth + no System] Peach blossoms bloom in their splendor, their fiery beauty never fading. The phoenix returns to its home, then takes to the skies once more. Feng Xihe said: From childhood, I studied military texts and histories and trained in horsemanship, archery, and the art of war. Of the four arts, I devoted myself only to calligraphy, because Father said an emperor’s handwr 1.2kReads9.1Score130Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure ancient romance novel, featuring a strong female protagonist and strategic planning. The writing is excellent, the scope is grand, it's not about palace intrigue, but about family, country, and the world, and everyone is intelligent!

29. 329 明 Mingyi Takes Flight 明夷于飞 Li Xieyi李写意Ancient Romance3.3M WordsCompleted A young master as beautiful as jade, yet destined for tragedy. Immortals fall, and demons run rampant. A tale set in a world of immortals and martial arts. The heroine is a mortal with good-for-nothing talent who stumbles by chance into the world of immortals. A country girl blunders into a journey to seek the Dao and question her heart... While other girls compete over family background and beauty, or swoon over the four great young masters of the cultivation world, she is busy earning spirit s 669Reads8.2Score142Shelves
30. 330 背 The Follower Who Betrayed the Snake God 背叛蛇神的信徒 Peanut Lamb花生小羊Ancient Romance196k WordsCompleted The Wen clan of Huazhou excelled at chess and had worshipped the Snake God for generations. But the emperor's wife and daughter were mysteriously killed by a snake demon. The emperor decreed that all demons be exterminated. The Wen clan defied the decree and was wiped out. The clan's legitimate daughter escaped and swore revenge. With nowhere else to turn, she returned to Huazhou to beg the Snake God for help. The god was powerless to undo what had happened to the Wen clan. Devastated beyond mea 18Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The female protagonist is the legitimate daughter of a once-powerful family, burdened with the blood feud of her entire clan. She will stop at nothing to achieve her revenge, even resorting to killing a god. The writing is delicate and the logic is complete.

31. 331 囚 Imprisoned in Spring: The Cold, Aloof Powerful Official Breaks His Vows 囚春情：清冷权臣破戒后 Longevity Bell长生铃Ancient Romance399k WordsCompleted [Age gap + both are inexperienced + pregnant and on the run + an icy, powerful official brought low + she flees, he pursues] In the eighth year of Chengping, amid bitter cold and heavy snow, the entire Xie household was seized. Xie Jinhuai, the governor of Yangzhou, was sentenced to a brutal execution, and the rest of his family suffered as well. In the blink of an eye, Xie Zhi went from a governor’s daughter to a convicted slave. Just as she was about to be sold to a brothel, she summoned her c 7.1kReads9.1Score884Shelves

    Reader note

    Daughter of a disgraced official VS. A cold and aloof prince - a pure ancient romance novel where both are virgins. She runs away while pregnant, he chases, and she has no way to escape.

32. 332 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 12.1kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    🍀The female lead is intelligent, pure palace intrigue, native characters, completed.

33. 333 女 Reborn as a Female General: The Weakest Legitimate Daughter Strikes Back! 女将军重生：战五渣嫡长女逆袭！ Hitachi's Adventure日立的奇遇Ancient Romance378k WordsCompleted Completed: reborn, revenge and household intrigue. The heroine was the legitimate daughter of a general's family in her previous life. After dying in a conspiracy, she is reborn in the body of the good-for-nothing eldest legitimate daughter of a powerful family. In her previous life, Bai Ruofu, the legitimate daughter of a general's family, gave her heart to the wrong person. After six years of hardship on the frontier, she did not die on the battlefield, but fell victim to a conspiracy. When 192Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A 300,000-500,000 word novella in ancient Chinese romance novels featuring a female general reborn. Embracing the philosophy of "use your brain if you can, and use force if you're too lazy to use your brain," she thrives in the inner court, skillfully slapping faces and punishing scumbags. No filler, no simplistic plots, and no overpowered abilities. The romance is based on intelligence.

34. 334 玉 Jade Belt Hook 玉带钩 The Wild Geese Are Coming闻雁来Ancient Romance258k WordsOngoing [Palace intrigue in an ancient setting, childhood friends + coming of age + mutual redemption + one-on-one, both leads devoted only to each other] [Proud, cunning, ruthless beauty of a crown prince X gentle-looking, resilient noblewoman in disguise] In the tenth year of the Tianqi era of the Ying Dynasty, Prince Qi rebelled and was defeated. The Ning family of the Duke of Li’s household was implicated and convicted, and the entire family was massacred. Only their young daughter, Ning Yue, was re 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is absolutely fantastic! A cunning and arrogant beauty, the crown prince, meets a handsome and reserved woman disguised as a man. [Shy] The female lead is the daughter of a noble family. When she was nine, her family suffered a tragedy, and she was rescued by the thirteen-year-old male lead (a prince), who took her into the palace and raised her personally. She grows up disguised as a man, becoming an exceptional woman skilled in both literature and martial arts. The male lead knows it's impossible, yet he gradually falls for her despite his repressed feelings, becoming increasingly enamored and relentlessly pursuing her. The female lead's journey from naivety to understanding is incredibly captivating, with the suspenseful early stages of their relationship being incredibly engaging. [Crying emoji][licking screen emoji] Their relationship evolves from sibling-like and master-servant to mutual unrequited love, ultimately becoming lovers and staunch political allies, working together to conquer the land. The plot is fast-paced, a mix of sweet and angsty moments—highly recommended! [Laughing emoji]

35. 335 太 With the Crown Prince’s Backing, the Duke’s Reborn Legitimate Daughter Goes on a Rampage 太子撑腰，重生后公府嫡女杀疯了 Huang Chengcheng黄澄澄吖Ancient Romance314k WordsCompleted (A satisfying household-intrigue story + face-slapping and taking down scumbags + no forgiveness + no suffering in silence) Lu Xi brought a million taels in dowry when she married Prince An, and helped him become Prince An of Qin. She went to his fief to recuperate for two years. When she returned to the capital, her adopted younger sister had taken her place. Lu Xi's husband and mother-in-law relied on her adopted sister. Even Lu Xi's grandmother and father favored her. They locked Lu Xi aw 3kReads8.1Score331Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance, completed, well-written, highly recommended.

36. 336 陌 When the Flowers Bloom on the Roadside, Will You Come Home? 陌上花开，可归矣 Mu Ziyang木子阳Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted Jiang Zhaoyu was born into a marquis’s household, but her mother disliked her from the moment she was born and sent her to live with her maternal grandmother. Fortunately, Her Highness the Grand Princess raised her as her own daughter, and she grew up to become the most exalted young lady in the capital. The older brother who grew up alongside her was the one she loved, but he married someone else. Later, Jiang Zhaoyu became engaged to Chu Jinyi, the empress dowager’s grandnephew and the empress 4kReads8.9Score435Shelves

    Reader note

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

37. 337 踹 I Dumped My Poor, Good-for-Nothing Boyfriend for a Powerful Brocade Guard 踹掉穷渣男，我选权势滔天锦衣卫 Gathering Vetch, Gathering Vetch采薇采薇Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Hilarious] + [Lighthearted] + [Good values]: How do you turn an aloof, celibate man into a clingy puppy? Rong Shu raises her hand: I know this one! She transmigrated into an orphan whose parents had died, struggling to survive while caring for her younger brother. To protect herself, she spread the word everywhere that she was involved with Wei Yan, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Before long, the men who had been targeting her ran off with their tails between their legs. Rong S 25.7kReads9.2Score3.6kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are all very good; trust me, I won't be wrong.

38. 338 未 Late in the Hour of the Goat 未时晚 Qi Yingjia齐楹嘉Ancient Romance147k WordsCompleted “Both leads are pure” / “Tender and heartwarming” / “Rebirth” / “Heartbreaking romance” / “Palace intrigue” / “He chases her” / “Happy ending” This story has two pure leads! “Remember, no daughter of the Cui clan of Qinghe or the Lu clan of Fanyang can become empress!” But Brother Che, if that’s true, why did you marry me? And if you married me, why did you treat me that way? The Cui clan has always been loyal and righteous. Heaven and earth can bear witness. Shall I prove it with my life? If I 314Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The trilogy has positive values, is very good, not melodramatic, and has a strong aftertaste. The second book is really heart-wrenching!

39. 339 算 As It Turns Out, Fine Days Are Just Like This 算来好景只如斯 Tao Yaoyao洮幺幺Ancient Romance254k WordsCompleted What? The princess wants to break off the engagement? What? You’re going to wipe out your entire royal clan? What? You’re about to die, and you still want to have a baby? Princess, your secret identity is showing! The legitimate daughter of a general is cold by nature, yet she has a whole crew of fiercely awesome best friends. And she has a husband who dotes on her without question, and has secretly loved her since childhood. 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A completed historical romance novel with a logical plot, featuring a stable, food-loving female protagonist, a group of close female friends, and her childhood sweetheart.

40. 340 拒 I Refused to Be a Marquis's Concubine and Married a Prince Instead. The Heir Apparent Regrets It 拒做侯府妾，转身嫁皇子世子悔晕 Xiaoxiang Lady Traveler潇湘女客Ancient Romance263k WordsCompleted She is the legitimate daughter of the chancellor, famed throughout the capital and betrothed to her childhood sweetheart, the heir to a marquis’s household. She believes they will be together for life, just the two of them. He is the fourth prince, brilliant and gifted, but so reserved by nature that he keeps his love buried deep in his heart, silently protecting her for years. Then the political winds shift. He is framed and demoted, and her family is dragged down with him, falling into ruin. A 573Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    "I, Wang Ruolan, would rather marry a rustic villager than be a concubine." She slapped her fiancé, broke off the engagement, left the capital, and went with her father to Yongzhou.

41. 341 这 This Kept Woman Has a Conscience, Just Not Much of One 这个外室有点良心，但不多 Aow Big Meow嗷大喵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (One-on-one romance + Both leads are each other's first and only + Ridiculous, no-logic comedy + Mind-reading + Adorable child + Hero has no legal wife) After a week of staying up late and working overtime, office drone Song Qingran died suddenly and became the Prince of Nanliang, Ning Zhuo’s mistress, kept at his country estate. At first, Ning Zhuo told her, “I don't expect you to have power, wealth, or a respectable background. You'll get five hundred taels every month, delivered on schedule. 12.4kReads9.4Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book, seriously, I have to recommend it; it's just so good! The author writes in the first person, and the emotional expression is incredibly delicate. It's a book that will make you cry while you're reading. The second book has a female protagonist with a system, but the system is useless. The female protagonist is particularly good at fooling people, which is quite funny. The third book doesn't have any cheat codes or anything like that; the female protagonist is a time traveler.

42. 342 都 Now That I’m Reborn, Who’d Raise the Scumbag Husband’s Illegitimate Child? 都重生了，谁还替渣夫外室养孩子 Morning Clouds Purple朝云紫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Film and television rights sold] In her previous life, Yun Chu supported her husband, raised his son by a concubine, and helped the Xie family rise to greatness. In the end, she caused all one hundred members of the Yun family to be beheaded, then was forced to drink poison by the child she had raised with her own hands! As the poison burned through her entrails, she opened her eyes and found herself back at twenty. A line of Xie family children stood before her, each calling her “Mother” with 27.7kReads9.2Score4.1kShelves
43. 343 荨 The Road Ahead Is Hard 荨路难 Qi Yingjia齐楹嘉Ancient Romance132k WordsCompleted “Emperor and consort” “Angst” “Daughter of a great clan” “Young emperor” “Childhood sweethearts” “Both pure” In all my life, the most naive thing I ever did was believe that there could be a way for both sides to win on the chessboard. 3.5kReads8.1Score218Shelves
44. 344 淳 Princess Chun'an 淳安郡主 A Mu Mu阿木木Ancient Romance797k WordsCompleted She was born a princess, a jewel of the imperial family, but was mistakenly sent to a marquis's household. Her mother despised her, her older brother hated her, and even her fiancé couldn't stop thinking about his true love. When the truth finally came to light, her birth mother turned out to be a little princess who had been lost and living far from home, and her real older brother became the top scholar chosen by the emperor. Those who bullied and humiliated her would pay for it a hundredfold. 389Reads5.4Score105Shelves
45. 345 半 Half a Lifetime of Enduring, Half a Lifetime Beloved 半生隐忍半生卿 Ling Luyao泠璐瑶Ancient Romance304k WordsCompleted When Gu Yan was nine, his dying father entrusted him to his old classmate, Shen Dean. From then on, he lived under the same roof as the Shen family, growing up alongside their daughter, Shen Wan. She was the cherished daughter of the household, while he was the child of an old friend. An invisible wall separated their stations in life. Yet she had warmed him with porridge on cold nights, and he had shielded her from the rain that poured across the city. Love took root in their everyday closenes 211Reads8.2Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    Worldly etiquette confines people's hearts, restrained love is hidden in the years, life and death cannot separate gentle fulfillment, ordinary people break free from rumors and prejudices, and rush towards the only true love.

46. 346 后 The Imperial Harem: The Story of Consort Qin 后宫：勤妃传 Liang Yebai梁夜白Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Chen Wenxin is lazy and loves good food. After transmigrating into the Qing dynasty as a low-ranking palace maid, all she wants is to live a quiet, comfortable life doing nothing. But after one night serving the emperor, she discovers she is exactly his type! He even uncovers her secret laziness and gives her the title of Consort Qin! QAQ I feel like the emperor just hit me with a massive dose of sarcasm. I’m falling apart inside... Am I really going to have to embark on a life of bearing and ra 2.3kReads9.0Score267Shelves
47. 347 谁 What Kind of Concubine Bears Four Sons and a Daughter, Then Becomes a Noble Consort? 谁家通房生四儿一女，还当贵妃啊 Autumn Is Long秋很长Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted only to each other + One-on-one romance + Many children + Sweet romance + Inner- and imperial-palace intrigue] In the fortieth year of the Xihe era, Lüqing became a concubine-in-waiting to Prince Jin. She knew full well that she had to earn Prince Jin's favor and give birth to a child as soon as possible if she wanted to secure her place in the prince's household. For eight years, she contended with the other women in the inner court, using every means at her disposal to 26.7kReads9.1Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Pure ancient Chinese romance, no time travel or reincarnation, both leads are virgins, multiple children, the male lead is love-struck, the female lead is clear-headed, and the children are well-developed characters.

48. 348 平 The Phoenix's Call 平凰引 Qi Yingjia齐楹嘉Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted [Empress]+[Female-Centered]+[Both Die, but a Happy Ending!]+[Feel-Good and Angst]+[Devoted Male Love Interest]+[Pure Romance] Heartbreaking angst, the kind that leaves you sobbing and torn to pieces! Good news! There’s a little sweetness among the shards of glass. Bad news! Once you understand that sweetness, it hurts even more. Packed with foreshadowing and hints, this may be a romance, but it has real depth. Since she’s an empress, expect a woman tormenting a man! Female awakening, an all-fema 34Reads—Score—Shelves
49. 349 山 How Many Autumns Have Passed Over These Rivers and Mountains 山河几度秋 Jiang Xiaoyu江小雨Ancient Romance572k WordsCompleted In the first half of Zhao Lanxi's life, three men mattered most to her. One was her master, who had raised her; another was Yan Mo, the Vice Minister of Justice, who had recognized her talent; and the third was her full-blooded older brother, Zhao Jin, Duke of Zhenguo. Later, her master died, and Yan Mo died too. Zhao Jin, however, did not die. Not only was he alive, he also brought her a fourth man. One more thing: why does the heroine of a historical romance have to be a girl of fourteen or fi 55Reads6.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance with political intrigue elements. The female lead is intelligent, decisive, calm, and clear-headed. The male lead is steady, gentle, courageous, and resourceful. The female lead's brother is a shrewd strategist who understands people's hearts. The supporting characters are all cunning and resourceful. The story interweaves many scenes of daily life in ancient times, including descriptions of food, giving it a very realistic feel.

50. 350 半 A Pear Blossom Weighs Down the Crabapple 半边梨花压海棠 Chi Yi池疑Ancient Romance323k WordsCompleted [Rugged common-born uncle emperor VS delicate, well-mannered young lady] Both are each other’s first and only partners. Male lead: 30. Female lead: 18. Ru Niang never imagined that, despite being known for her good manners and learning, she would marry a common-born emperor who had little but brute strength. She thought she was destined for a lonely life, but later discovered that their meeting was fate. Meng Shou never imagined he would marry a frail, gentle young woman. From then on, he never 149Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is alright, quite realistic.

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