Looking for a Female Lead with a Smiling-Tiger Facade, a Cunning Mind, and Exceptional Strategic Skills 求女主笑面虎，有城府，高谋略，高算计

1. 201 诸EN The Gods' Foolish Game 诸神愚戏 Ninety Autumns in January一月九十秋Urban3.7M WordsCompleted I have two principles in life: 1. I never lie. 2. I never believe anything anyone says, including myself. “Sir, I would like to point out that your second statement conflicts with the first.” “How so?” “If you never lie, why don’t you believe what you say?” “Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention that I don’t consider myself human.” “?” Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cheng Shi, Cheng Shi who never lies. What, you’ve never heard of me? That’s all right. You simply haven’t been deceived by m 519.6kReads9.7Score67.5kShelves
2. 202 奸 The Treacherous Minister 奸臣 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Zhao Wuyou was the son of a treacherous minister, and everyone at court had to respectfully call him “Little Chancellor.” Father and son controlled the court and toyed with political power, so plenty of people wanted him dead. Mu Baili was the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the governor of the Eastern Depot. He seemed respectful, mild-mannered, and kind to everyone, but in truth he was a wolf who devoured people without leaving a bone. What a shame that such a ruthless ma 4.4kReads9.1Score523Shelves
3. 203 末 Apocalypse: The Whole Company Denies the Existence of the 18th Floor 末世：全公司否认18楼存在 On Jiufeng Mountain九峰山上Sci-Fi & Apocalypse783k WordsCompleted [Apocalypse + No System + Reborn + Mystery + One Female Lead + Zombies + Hard Sci-Fi + No Mindless Decisions + Revenge] Reborn six hours before the apocalypse, Chu Yan has not only retained his memories of the future, but also mastered the ultimate secret of genetic evolution! He can become the most powerful god in the apocalypse! He frantically stockpiles supplies, builds weapons, modifies vehicles, and saves his parents, racing against time! He will kill his enemies with his own hands and turn 3.6kReads8.7Score314Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead is a master strategist with unparalleled intelligence and resourcefulness. The science fiction setting is hardcore, the portrayal of humanity in the post-apocalyptic world is realistic, and the plot is intricately woven with twists and turns, keeping the audience fully engaged.

4. 204 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 265.2kReads9.6Score31kShelves

   Reader note

   These four books are amazing; the female protagonists are absolutely strong.

5. 205 人 I'm Losing It: After I Transmigrated, My Identities Were All Over the Place 人麻了，穿越后我的身份千奇百怪 Tea Wooden Sign茶木牌牌Ancient Romance211k WordsCompleted [Strong male lead, even stronger female lead] [Role-playing] [Delicate white lotus] [Ruthless] [The Fourth Calamity] [Building a behind-the-scenes power] After Zhuang Yiyi binds herself to a career role-playing System, she gains countless identities. It's just that her jobs are getting stranger and stranger. She can accept being a jianbing stall owner. She understands taking the place of the dead to fulfill their wishes and gather energy. She's even happy to be a behind-the-scenes golden finger 4Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This is the story of a female protagonist bound to a role-playing system, a complete black-hearted schemer. She appears gentle and obedient on the surface, but kills without blinking an eye. The plot is incredibly imaginative, and the female protagonist prioritizes her own interests above all else. Highly recommended! 🌸🌸🌸

6. 206 癫EN Unhinged? We're All Unhinged—and That's a Good Thing! 癫，都癫，癫点好啊 Little Salt小盐子Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Super-Sweet 1v1]+ [Silly Humor and Memes]+ [Showbiz]+ [Dating Variety Show]+ [Face-Slapping] [Unhinged Actress vs. CEO with a Mind of His Own] Betrayed by her scumbag boyfriend, she transmigrated into a book and was immediately stabbed and sent to the hospital by an extremist shipper. Xie Mi went berserk on the spot, spouting wild claims in the livestream. “Come on! Stab me! All of you, stab me! I'll blow up the Earth!” A passerby who had wandered into the livestream nearly fainted. Okay, okay. 335.5kReads9.8Score46.5kShelves
7. 207 山 Beauty and Strategy in a Land of Rivers and Mountains 山河美人谋 Moonset月落Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Proud young lady who always gets even vs. frail, scheming Ninth Prince] Her fiancé was a total jerk, and he was planning to kill her to keep her quiet. Ye Jiao decided to strike first and find a scapegoat while she was at it. She thought the scapegoat would be a transparent, sickly “living corpse,” but rumors were misleading. He was clearly a two-faced, deeply cunning Ninth Prince. After Ye Jiao used the Ninth Prince’s name to punish her scumbag fiancé, Li Ce, the real Ninth Prince: “Miss, I be 18.3kReads9.5Score2.6kShelves

   Reader note

   "I don't recommend letting someone else sit on this throne." The female lead is incredibly assertive and has an exceptionally high IQ. Highly recommended.

8. 208 不 We Who Don't Know How to Love 不会爱的我们 Sea of Flowers Behind the House屋后花海Modern Romance188k WordsCompleted [A brave heroine who grows on her own] [A realistic story, not a wish-fulfillment fantasy] [First-person perspective] [A broken family of origin] [The heroine has sound values (she is 16 when the story begins, and still immature enough to have the occasional bad thought)] [Clear-eyed about life] If your very birth was a mistake, how would you make the most of the life ahead of you? Shui Qingqing: Live for yourself and on your own terms. Wield a gentle blade and carve out a kingdom of happiness 2.4kReads9.3Score290Shelves

   Reader note

   🌼The female lead is incredibly cunning and scheming; she's so calculating she could snatch even a passing dog [smirk]. A super clear-headed and strong-willed woman, she primarily dates wealthy and powerful second-generation heirs, knowing how to use human nature and beauty to pave the way for her own economic and social advancement. She's clear-headed, resilient, and meticulously plans her way up, believing that "no one loves me more than myself." [Note]

9. 209 小 With My Hands Behind My Back, I Transmigrated to the 1970s, Where I Can Make Trouble and Money with Ease 小手一背穿七零，搞事赚钱样样行 Heavy Clouds云沉沉Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Also known as "Transmigrating into a Book Set in the Seventies: I Collect Eighty-Eight Paychecks Every Month" Su He woke up one day and transmigrated into a period novel, becoming a fake heiress who had been sent back to her village. In the book, the ungrateful real heiress was practically blessed by cheat codes, with schemes and tricks appearing one after another. The Su family ended up destroyed, while the original owner wished she were dead. Looking at her impoverished home and family members 101.8kReads9.6Score10.1kShelves

   Reader note

   This one, this one, look at this one, look at this one, the female lead is really great.

10. 210 小 Little Menace! She Makes the Cold and Aloof Young Heir Climb Her Wall Every Day 小祖宗好疯！惹清冷世子日日爬墙 Holding a Brush to Tie Up My Hair执笔绾青丝Ancient Romance523k WordsCompleted (Completed. Transmigrate into a book + win over the husband + face-slapping and punishing scumbags + sweet romance + doted on by everyone + an austere, upright heir to the throne and a righteous-yet-evil, unhinged young lady) Everyone knew that Fu Wenyan, daughter of the Grand General’s household, was hopelessly in love with the Second Prince and would do anything for him without complaint. But after she fell off a cliff, someone else took over Miss Fu’s body. To the Second Prince, whom she h 13.9kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves
11. 211 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 20.6kReads9.2Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is a reincarnation, and she marries the fourth prince of the new dynasty in her second marriage. Without relying on having children, she gradually forges her own path, stabilizes her position, and becomes the only one by the male protagonist's side. In the end, the male protagonist dies, and the female protagonist becomes the empress dowager and regent.

12. 212 九 The 1990s: They Look Down on Me? I’m a Reborn Workaholic 九零：被瞧不起？呵呵我卷王重生 You Were Born Nameless卿本无名Modern Romance1.7M WordsCompleted Tags: Clear-headed, independent heroine! After a difficult life, Li Xiaonan got to wipe the slate clean and start over. Back on the day she was tricked into buying a job, Li Xiaonan firmly said no! She resolutely decided to return to school and take the exams, and unexpectedly crossed paths with the big shot Zhou Qingbai from her previous life. Li Xiaonan: Big brother, how about being a useful connection for me? 45.6kReads9.1Score5.6kShelves

    Reader note

    If we're talking about smiling tigers, these few definitely deserve a mention. First, there's the provincial selection graduate who went into politics—no need to elaborate, right? Second, my Sister Tang is simply amazing; she's in business and has connections in the underworld. The third and fourth are period dramas, the fifth also features cunning individuals, and the last one is a personal favorite—the plot twists and the main theme are absolutely brilliant!

13. 213 成 Why Help Others Get What They Want? I’ll Choose Myself 成全别人？不如成全自己 Yue Cangyun Nali月藏云那里Modern Romance235k WordsCompleted In the book, Xu Jing'an spent her whole life helping others and putting them first, yet in the end, no one even said a kind word about her. This time, she's going to look after herself first and do what's best for her. 137.1kReads9.5Score11.2kShelves
14. 214 回 Back in the Capital, the Brilliant Miss Is Famous Across the Land 回京后，神算大小姐名满天下 Bright Blue灿蓝Ancient Romance741k WordsCompleted [No romance + metaphysics + fortune-telling + satisfying read + secret identity + ghost-catching + lighthearted, no angst~] Yun Zhuo of the Xiao family was abandoned as a child. When her relatives come looking for her, she decisively returns to the capital to become a thorn in their side. Her birth mother says she’s uncouth and illiterate? But in the blink of an eye, she’s welcomed into the capital’s circle of master scholars, discussing poetry and prose and interpreting the fate of the world. T 151.8kReads9.6Score19.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Xiao Yunzhuo glanced back at Jiang Wan, who was standing there bewildered, his gaze turning cold. It wasn't that he hadn't given her chances, but she hadn't cherished them. "Send someone to the Jiang family and explain today's events to them," Xiao Yunzhuo said to Song Cui. "Also, ask Jiang's uncle. Back when his official career was stalled and he needed to smooth things over, my family provided him with a considerable amount of money. Shouldn't he repay that now? His official position may not be high, but he's made a lot of money off the merchants. Should I have someone investigate how much tax he's embezzled from the court over the years?" Jiang's uncle was currently a minor official in charge of wine tax. While the position seemed insignificant, it wasn't difficult for him to extract benefits from the merchants.

15. 215 穿EN The Bystander's Self-Cultivation in a 1970s Transmigration Novel 穿书七十年代吃瓜群众的自我修养 Jiong Jiong You Pi囧囧有皮Modern Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Have you ever transmigrated to a different scene just by blinking? Lin Yuzhu has. She transmigrated in a daze to the 1970s. No, she transmigrated into a book. She has a System, and the female lead is there too. There are also supporting female characters, but she isn't one of them. She's just an onlooker who wandered into the story by mistake. As an onlooker, she gets to watch the drama unfold every day. She doesn't want other people's dogs, and she doesn't get involved in other people's busines 94.5kReads9.6Score8.6kShelves
16. 216 今 Today, My Fiancée Is Still Trying to Set Up My True Love With My Love Rival 今天未婚妻也在撮合我真爱和情敌 Today's Wish Is to Get Rich今天的愿望是暴富Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted This time it’s purely about completing missions, unlike before, when things eventually turned into a romance. If you insist on pairing someone with someone, the System is the one true love. Synopsis: A supporting female character changes her original fate through her own intelligence. Then she gets bound to a System. Her mission is to help her childhood friend, who is a supporting male character, defy fate and find happiness. She thinks it over and decides it shouldn’t be too hard. Then she ente 555Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I've loved this author since "Quick Transmigration: The Green Tea Bitch's Guide"! Her guides are super interesting, and the female lead is incredibly intelligent—she doesn't succeed easily. This one is great too; she breaks up the original couple but makes them happier. The female lead is cunning but has strong morals and never causes trouble! Those maliciously giving low ratings, please leave; don't bury this amazing author! ✨

17. 217 快 Quick Transmigration: I Became the Moonlight Who Made Powerful Men Weep 快穿：成了虐哭大佬的白月光 Jingchuan Yingnai井川樱奈Modern Romance676k WordsCompleted One-on-one ‖ Not a strong female lead ‖ Tragic ending (read with caution) The King of the Underworld had placed a restriction on Yunchu's body. Her daily entertainment was teasing the little ghosts on the River of Forgetfulness and collecting tolls from passersby. Then a System calling itself 007 found her. It promised to give her a body if she completed missions in various small worlds. In each small world, there's always a character who suffers early on but grows powerful later. Yunchu's missi 2.6kReads8.9Score188Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is amazing! Don't be fooled by the author's novice writing style at the beginning; the immersion becomes incredible later on, and every chapter made me cry 😭 Especially the chapters with the NPCs, Lu Huixuan, and Xiaobao—the character development is superb, so touching and addictive! It's a great read from the very end, like a nurturing story. Keep up the good work, author, it will only get better and better!

18. 218 天 A Catastrophic Start: I’m Forced to Marry a Lame, Mad King 天崩开局，我被迫嫁给瘸腿癫王 Who Says Immortality Must Be Lonely?谁说长生需寂寞Ancient Romance806k WordsOngoing [One-on-one, both with no past relationships: the woman transmigrates into a book, pretending to be a vixen but really just a laid-back slacker; the man is reborn, pretending to be a madman but secretly a true romantic. They spar and fall in love, flirt to the extreme, enjoy endless sweet indulgence, and clash over court politics.] No bitter drama, just sweet, over-the-top romance. Their clashes are mostly battles of wits. Su Xu accidentally transmigrates into a book and becomes a cannon-fodder —Reads—Score131Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥The female lead is shrewd and calculating, delivering a stellar performance throughout. She knows what she wants and knows she has to fight for it, grab it, and stop at nothing to achieve it.🍒She reaches an agreement with the male lead, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

19. 219 曹 Cao Qinmo Reborn: Slaughtering Her Way Through the Harem 曹琴默重生后杀穿后宫 Fat Cat Eats Three Bowls at a Sitting肥猫一顿吃三碗Female-Channel Fanfiction296k WordsCompleted [A Catmao Production]: Two wicked women team up + renounce love + high-IQ palace intrigue Cao Qinmo, a concubine who died in the struggle for power in the imperial harem, opened her eyes and found herself reborn. This time, she would find a good ally and protect her daughter! 81Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Enough said, let's go! These two books are absolutely fantastic, by the same author. The first one, by Sister Cao, is absolutely insane; it's incredibly addictive and already finished. I'm currently reading the second one; both are Qing Dynasty rebirth novels.

20. 220 重 So Passionate! After Remarrying, She Was Kissed to Tears by a Chaste Old Widower 重欲！改嫁后，被寡旱老男人亲哭 Yu Wanwan余晚晚Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Military marriage in the 1980s + old flame rekindled + age gap + face-slapping + both are each other's first and only + love grows with time] In her previous life, she took the childhood betrothal papers that had been arranged for her and went to the city to seek out her fiancé's family. Her fiancé had climbed the social ladder after moving to the city, and looked down on her as a country girl. To marry a rich, beautiful city girl, he even framed her as having been unchaste before marriage. Hum 9.4kReads8.2Score1.1kShelves
21. 221 上 Spring Affairs in the Capital 上京春事 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Ning Chaoyang rises to become a fourth-rank female official, yet still can’t escape the fate of being traded into a political marriage. She decides to take in a lover to fight back. He must be lowborn, handsome, and preferably too frail to look after himself. She glances to the side and spots a charming young doctor in white. 5.5kReads9.3Score855Shelves

    Reader note

    The storylines of the female civil official Ning Chaoyang versus the military general Li Jingqian (Jiang Yichuan, the young doctor), the Right Chancellor Ye Jianqing versus Cheng Youxue, and the storylines of the princess, the general, and other female subordinates are all very popular, with some happy endings and some regrets. Coupled with various memorable quotes, it's worth reading. "I used to think that all the wealth and glory were earned through my own abilities, so once I gained power, I only wanted to enjoy the scenery myself." Ning Chaoyang rode her horse, tilting her head slightly to him, and said, "But now, no matter what the scenery is, I want to see it with you." "I might really like you." "It's not shameful to ask for my help; it's a choice you can make." His gaze was calm and serious. "When you're alone, you rely on yourself. Now that we're together, you can choose to rely on yourself or ask me for help." "The former is impressive, but the latter might not be." "Being loved unconditionally is also a skill of yours, sir." "You have hands, feet, and a brain." He placed his hand in her palm, "But don't forget, you also have me."

22. 222 宜 Yi Xiu Is Reborn: Driving Her White Lotus Half-Sister Mad Ninety-Nine Times 宜修重生：逼疯白莲嫡姐九十九次 Fat Cat Eats Three Bowls at a Sitting肥猫一顿吃三碗Female-Channel Fanfiction626k WordsCompleted Villainous heroine ⭐ Cunning palace intrigue ⭐ No pampered romance! Empress Yixiu was reborn a year before her elder sister entered the household. The first thing she saw when she woke was Fourth Master tenderly holding her hand. He said, “Xiao Yi, once you give birth to a boy, the position of principal wife will be yours!” Yixiu sneered. Did he think she didn't know what would happen next? Now that she had a second chance at life, she would never hand over her position as principal wife or her 1.6kReads9.1Score132Shelves
23. 223 重 Only After Being Reborn Did I Learn I Was the Cool and Aloof Minister's White Moonlight 重生才知，我竟是清冷权臣白月光 October Orange十月橙Ancient Romance661k WordsCompleted [Revenge on scumbags + sweet romance + switched marriages + reborn heroine vs. transmigrated heroine + a seemingly aloof, secretly twisted beauty] In her previous life, Chu Mingyuan learned only as she lay dying that the younger sister who had secretly been sleeping with her husband was not born to her late mother. She was actually a concubine-born daughter who had been switched at birth by a concubine. Chu Mingyuan died with regrets. Thankfully, Heaven took pity on her, and after her death she 8.7kReads8.9Score901Shelves

    Reader note

    Don't let the seemingly ordinary title fool you, the plot is amazing! The aloof and ascetic male lead is so incredibly pathetic, like a dog drenched in rain, yearning for something he could never have in his past life. Ahhhh, it's so good, I love it, I read it every day, it's absolutely addictive!

24. 224 宁 Ningbo Tangyuan King: The Socially Anxious Heiress Takes on Japanese Capital 宁波汤圆王：社恐千金爆锤日资 Zhang Wantang张挽棠Modern Romance409k WordsOngoing [A strong female lead’s journey of growth] [Not an effortless power fantasy] [No romance] [Some relationship drama] [Multiple arcs featuring realistic business rivalries] When the fourth-generation head of Zhang’s Tangyuan suddenly dies, his socially anxious daughter Zhang Muke, still a junior in college, is forced to take over the company. The company’s senior executives and outside organizations alike doubt her abilities. They challenge her again and again, hoping to seize the family business 4Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Not a mindless wish-fulfillment novel + career growth [thumbs up] This book is great [heart emoji] A socially awkward heiress inherits her family's glutinous rice ball business, facing a hellish start: internal power struggles among senior executives and external attacks from Japanese-owned companies. But Zhang Muke is no naive fool; she fights her way through the business world, going from being looked down upon to securing her position, making all her enemies taste "retribution," and ultimately becoming a legendary queen in the glutinous rice ball industry! No romance, a strong female lead focused on her career—it's so good!

25. 225 女 A Woman Transmigrates as a Man: A Farmer’s Road to the Imperial Exams 女穿男：农家子的科举青云路 Shang Xinghe裳星河Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Female-to-male transmigration + imperial examinations + romance later on + remembered in history + founding the family tree] In her previous life, Qin Huan grew up in an orphanage and worked her way into a university degree. She landed a job at a major company and was on the verge of reaching the pinnacle of success. Her only regret was never having much family to speak of. When she opened her eyes again, she had traveled from modern times to the past, and from a woman to a man. She had become 9.4kReads9.0Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    High intelligence and political intrigue without a couple

26. 226 快 Quick Transmigration: She Is the Great Villain 快穿：她是大反派 A Cat in September九月一只猫Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted (A true villain who will never be redeemed. If that's not for you, don't read.) Luo Xi is the only god in the Nine Heavens. Though a god, she is consumed by bloodlust and has slain countless immortals and demons. The Immortal Realm and Demon Realm appeal to the Heavenly Dao to decide her fate, but even the Heavenly Dao is powerless against her. Yet for the sake of stability among the Three Realms, the Heavenly Dao has no choice but to use all its strength to seize a fragment of Luo Xi's soul and 4.9kReads8.9Score272Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is super smart, not a saint, and the plot is great too 👀

27. 227 来 The Bad Woman from Prison 来自监狱的坏女人 Who Could Be My Match谁与为偶Mystery1.0M WordsCompleted Original title: The Chaste Police Commissioner: I've Locked Away Your Heart Workplace romance + suspenseful romance + soul swapping + unhinged villainess forces her love + forbidden cop-and-criminal romance + the queen returns I'm Su Yu. The “Goddess of Finance” admired by everyone in the business world. A meticulously planned car accident sent me tumbling from the clouds into the mud. I became the “suspect” everyone cursed and was personally delivered to a detention center. My best friend betra 830Reads9.2Score114Shelves

    Reader note

    My name is Su Yu: the female CEO of a listed company. The police say I'm mentally ill, a suspect in economic crimes, and they even say I stole 130 million from the company! Ha, if it really is me, why not pull off a big heist? Make a billion, and be set for life. And prison is my training ground for my glamorous transformation into the chairman of a trillion-dollar real estate company—a revolving door.

28. 228 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.3kReads9.2Score1.6kShelves
29. 229 太 The Empress Dowager Reborn: A Phoenix’s Plot for the Empire 太后重生：凤谋天下 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + ensemble cast + political intrigue] Reborn, she turns the world into a board and all living beings into pieces. She is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Slender, pale hands, an icy gaze She moves her pieces, a faint smile on her lips Why should beauty worry? Reborn, risen from the ashes A phoenix’s schemes hide in her lotus-bloom bones Her name will live on in the annals of history Willow branches in her hometown, the moon a hook She watches generals and princes 1.3kReads9.0Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist, reborn, uses the world as her chessboard and all living beings as her pieces; she is the one who sets the game. The male protagonist is a war god prince with a heart for his country and its people, who later reveals his true colors, strategizing and plotting with meticulous care. The male and female protagonists are both powerful, intelligent, and supportive of each other, making for a very engaging read! This book is not just about palace intrigue and domestic drama; it also incorporates crime-solving suspense, the struggle for the throne, national sentiment, brotherhood, political intrigue, and conspiracies—a grand and complex novel.

30. 230 谁 Can You Believe It? The Empress Wrote a Hundred Palace Rules 谁懂啊，娘娘写了一百条宫规 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Ancient-Era Heroine + Reborn Supporting Female Character + Transmigrated Supporting Female Character + Everyone Is Clever + Clear-Eyed Heroine] From ordinary palace candidate to empress. Everyone believes the emperor is devoted to Ning Wanyin. Only Ning Wanyin knows how treacherous and perilous the journey has been. She has survived every step through sheer caution. Lady Tang, reborn: “She killed me in my last life. This time, of course I’ll… make her my friend! Do I really th 41.2kReads9.6Score5.9kShelves

    Reader note

    These two palace intrigue novels I've read recently feature female protagonists who are incredibly shrewd and calculating, adept at winning over emperors and manipulating people's hearts with absolute precision. Both are also of very high quality.

31. 231 妖 A Bewitching Beauty Who Captivates the World 妖颜倾世 Gu Yue Qimo古月七陌Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Her name is Xin Cangqu. Born with a bewitching beauty and destined to be the star who brings down a nation, she has been raised as a boy since childhood. At ten, she is blamed for her mother's death, forsaken by heaven and earth. At fourteen, she is granted a royal title and a name by the ruler of Tianxin. She takes her brother's place as a hostage and is sent to a foreign land. Accept my fate? Fine, I'll accept it! Why shouldn't I? Since you all see me as the star destined to bring down a natio 487Reads9.0Score109Shelves

    Reader note

    1. The female lead, disguised as a man, is a powerful and scheming heroine. She's truly exceptionally talented; I wouldn't have survived three days if I transmigrated into her body. It's probably a no-romance story. The author has written a sister story, which is also very good. 2. Strong female lead. The heroine is my idol; she's incredibly powerful. Initially, she only cares about the power she desires, only falling for the male lead later. And that's amazing! 3. I've already read this four times. It's my top-ranked fantasy novel featuring a female lead disguised as a man. The author's writing is exceptional, with many incredibly beautiful lines of poetry, all written by the author herself. There's absolutely no issue of poor writing affecting the reader's experience.

32. 232 人 In Dream of the Red Chamber, I Become Wang Xifeng's Maid 人在红楼，成了凤辣子的丫鬟 Storyteller from Shu蜀中说书人Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Synopsis: Xu Le died young and was reincarnated in the world of Dream of the Red Chamber as a bondservant of the Jinling Wang family. At eight by Chinese reckoning, she was selected to serve the Wang family and became one of the dowry maids of the famous, fearsome Phoenix, Wang Xifeng. Faced with the decline of the Four Great Families, Xu Le can only struggle to survive in the cracks and find a way out for herself... (Content warning: The female lead isn't purely good. She'll hurt people for her 10.4kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves
33. 233 姝 Her Beauty Is Hard to Resist! The Dali Temple Chief Is as Fierce as a Wolf 姝色难逃！大理寺卿他如狼似虎 Pikachu Out of Power没电皮卡丘Ancient Romance611k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, Resilient Fallen Noblewoman × Stern, Devoted Minister of the Court of Judicial Review] [Historical Romance + Devoted Couple + Sweet Romance + Long-Laid Plans + Mutual Pining] [Male Lead’s Perspective: Long-Laid Plans; Female Lead’s Perspective: Each Gets What They Need] Meng Yunzhi, daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, was famous in Luojing for her graceful beauty, with glossy dark hair and a slender, delicate figure. She was engaged to a young master of the Qi family. Once he 18.2kReads9.1Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    [Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss][Flying kiss]

34. 234 撩 A Stolen Kiss 撩私吻 Ming Bei冥北Modern Romance303k WordsCompleted [Hong Kong City's top tycoon Pei Qihan × the neglected fake heiress of the Wen family] [One-on-one, both virgins. The male lead becomes domineering later and gets insanely jealous.] The male lead is possessive, scheming, and obsessively jealous. The female lead seems elegant on the outside but is crazy underneath, and loves to flirt with male models. Five years ago, Pei Qihan was drugged and found out that he was ill. For five years, he searched for Wen Peining, who had run away that night. 34Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is very intelligent and strategic; you should definitely give it a try! [Sends heart]

35. 235 醉 Drunken Blossom Shade 醉花阴 Nowhere to Be Found不知去向Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted She was the legitimate daughter of a marquis's household, but her devotion was misplaced, and she was made a fool of. Reborn, she changes her appearance and vows to take back everything that was taken from her! Facing her indecisive father, her scheming half-sister, and the concubine who is always trying to kill her... In the end, she schemes to make him marry into the marquis's household. But once her revenge is complete... “My hatred has been laid to rest. From now on, my lord, we can each go 147Reads8.6Score—Shelves
36. 236 为 Ten Years as a Consort 为妃十载 A Little Plum一枚小李子Ancient Romance224k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + ruthless, formidable female lead and unhinged villainess + no golden finger, no System] Dongfang Li has always been a femme fatale. “If someone hurts me once, I’ll make them pay a hundred or a thousand times over.” “If I were plain-looking, that would be one thing. But Heaven gave me a beauty unlike any other. Why shouldn’t I fight and seize what I want?” Dongfang Li is an unfavored daughter born to a concubine, so from the moment she enters the palace, she treads carefully, r 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's so pretty!

37. 237 道 Fellow Daoist! That Thief Has Written Another Book 道友！那贼子她又写新书了 Three or Four Times三四番Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Cultivation + ensemble cast + no romance + divination cultivator + light literary borrowing] What do you do when you transmigrate to the cultivation world and are about to starve to death?! I’ve just arrived in the cultivation world, fresh off a mule. Thanks for asking: of course I’ll write stories to make money! . Her quest for immortality could wait. One book, After My Spiritual Root Was Destroyed, I Became the Immortal Venerable’s First Disciple, made her famous. Zhu Wuyou thought she could 8.7kReads9.0Score1.5kShelves
38. 238 夫 My Wife Is a Fairy, and Everything She Says Is Right 夫人是仙女她说的都对 Sweet Potato's薯地瓜的Ancient Romance486k WordsOngoing (The dazzling, carefree, flirtatious eldest daughter of a Duke's household ✖️ a humble, restrained, handsome young man who refuses to take the bait and has a remarkable background) He had been surrounded by bloodshed since childhood, a man who had clawed his way out of the mud. Covered in filth, how could he ever presume to dream of the bright moon hanging high in the sky? Even reaching out to touch its reflection in the water felt like sacrilege. She had always been a free-spirited breeze, soar 12Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This ancient romance novel features a female protagonist who plans three steps ahead for every step she takes, speaks succinctly, and has a free and easy personality. She is both strong and gentle, which I love!

39. 239 白 A Rich Heiress Transmigrates into a Spoiled Youth Educated Woman and Makes It Big with Her Space 白富美穿成作精知青，带空间拽爆 Lu Shiqi陆时柒Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [New book: Sixties: The Little Educated Youth Reclaims Her Body, Then Goes Completely Off the Rails. No Angst, Just Pure Satisfaction. Come on in if you like that!] [Space + Sweet Romance + Farming + Strong Female Lead + Feel-Good Revenge + Scum-Taming] Lin Jingyue was a rich beauty who loved slacking off and taking life as it came. She spent all day living off her family and waiting to die, and had little conscience to speak of. Who could have guessed that life would take a sudden turn? One day 49.2kReads9.1Score5.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is intelligent, capable, and strong—that's no exaggeration.

40. 240 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 28kReads9.4Score3.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The only regret about the first book was that he gave up his empire for a man. The flaw in the second book was that he didn't imprison or kill his brother. If his brother didn't want to be emperor, there were plenty of people to do it for him; who cares about a puppet's thoughts?

41. 241 病 Spring Returns to the Branches of a Sick Tree 病树枝头又逢春 Sweet Melon甜甜的瓜Ancient Romance476k WordsCompleted [Print edition now available] Sang Nian accidentally climbs into the world of cultivation and becomes the vicious supporting female character who meets a tragic end in the book. System: Your mission is to marry the male supporting character, Xie Chenzhou, abuse him, humiliate him, and then get killed by him. Sang Nian: OK (brandishes little whip) (hits herself) (collapses with a thud) System: (silence) (stares at the sky) System: Mission changed. Win him over, or go mine coal. Sang Nian: (smiles 183.4kReads9.5Score25.3kShelves
42. 242 当 When an Evil Cultivator Becomes a Cannon-Fodder Fake Heiress 当邪修穿成炮灰假千金 Gu Jiuru故久如Mystery500k WordsCompleted [Female-led story, with a male lead. If that's not your thing, don't read. Half supernatural, half cultivation, with little romance.] A genius heretic cultivator failed to overcome her tribulation and transmigrated to the modern world, where spiritual energy was scarce, charlatans ran rampant, and sinister forces were everywhere. Rong Yi: “Isn't this the perfect place for me to practice cultivation?” To absorb baleful energy and restore her cultivation, she casually took care of one supernatural 15.2kReads9.5Score1.9kShelves
43. 243 女 The Disguised Dragon's Scheme: My Rogue Disciple Courts Me in His Dreams 女扮男装潜龙计，逆徒梦里泡为师 Mu Yanfeifei沐妍菲菲Ancient Romance607k WordsOngoing [Historical Intrigue + Female Spy in Disguise + Ensemble Mind Games + Martial Arts Mystery] [Female Martial Arts Master Disguised as a Man × Rebellious Disciple Who Defies His Teacher] The world is the board, and all living things are its pieces. Thirty years ago, a copy of A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains turned the tide during a palace coup. From then on, victory made kings and defeat made corpses, and the throne changed hands. Thirty years later, talents emerge across the nine regions, a 294Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    That's exactly it. The female lead is not only exceptionally capable and cunning, but also incredibly strong and cool. She's a master of acting, completely fooling the male lead. He suffers countless times throughout the book, yet he still relentlessly pursues her. If you don't like it, feel free to criticize me.

44. 244 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance859k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 1.9kReads9.3Score270Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance, political intrigue, both leads are strong, the female lead is shrewd and intelligent.

45. 245 宜 Yixiu Reborn as the Fourth Princess Consort of the Great Qing 宜修重生之大清四福晋 Yan Zhuo Shaomi燕啄绍米Female-Channel Fanfiction2.4M WordsCompleted Before Yixiu died, her resentment and obsession summoned rolling thunder from the heavens. Just as her soul was about to be scattered, a golden dragon of fortune, claiming to be the last of its kind, rose from the imperial mausoleum and took the punishment in her place. It then proposed a bargain: “Bring forth the Son of Heaven.” For Honghui's sake, Yixiu agreed at once. After spending thirty years as a spirit, she returned to the Prince's Mansion. Resting a hand on her swollen belly, she resolv 3.4kReads8.7Score383Shelves

    Reader note

    There's absolutely no doubt about Yixiu's cunning and scheming!

46. 246 驸 My Consort Took a Concubine, So I Cast Him Off; He Rebelled, So I Became Emperor 驸马纳妾我休弃，驸马造反我称帝 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication] [A noblewoman and a transmigrated woman join forces to contend for the throne. Strong female lead, ensemble cast, political intrigue, no romance] Yuan Xuan was born to be a pawn. For the sake of the realm, she lived as a man and served as crown prince for over a decade. When her younger brother was born, Yuan Xuan returned to living as a woman and became a discarded pawn. Abandoned by everyone, she had no one left who didn’t want her dead. Less than a year into her marri 15.7kReads9.5Score3kShelves
47. 247 嫡 My Reborn Younger Sister Stole My Husband? The Marquess’s Wife Laughed Herself Silly 嫡妹重生抢夫君？侯门主母笑疯了 Liu Yueshao柳月韶Ancient Romance362k WordsCompleted Yun Qingyao and her legitimate younger sister were both reborn. Her sister snatched the scumbag husband Yun Qingyao had married in her previous life and entered the Su family, where danger lurked on all sides. Yun Qingyao watched coldly as her sister basked in success, boasting about her unwavering love for Mr. Su. As for Yun Qingyao, she wielded power and focused on making money, fulfilling the wish she had left unfinished in her previous life. Clear-headed Yun Qingyao knew that nothing was mor 42Reads8.0Score—Shelves
48. 248 郡 The Commandery Princess Is Beautiful and Fearless 郡主她又美又飒 Lucky Cat Never Slacks Off招财不偷懒Ancient Romance408k WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + overwhelmingly powerful + no saint + no misunderstandings + powerful hero + mercilessly punishes scumbags] Lin Yaoguang wandered as a lonely ghost for a hundred years. Just as she was about to vanish completely, she unexpectedly came back to life in someone else’s body. Wei Heng was the eldest legitimate son of the late Crown Prince. He missed out on the throne because he wouldn’t live past the age of twenty-two, and was also the sickly young man everyone in the capital hoped w 45Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is carefree and unrestrained, loves to drink, and seems very easygoing, but everyone she interacts with is just using her relationships; no one can truly get close to her heart.

49. 249 穿 Transmigrating to Republican-Era China: The Spy Enters the Game 穿越民国：谍影入局 One Little Orange一只橙橙橙子Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Transmigration to the Republic of China era + resistance-war espionage + multiple identities + spies within spies + mutual devotion (Main story complete, bonus chapters in progress) One day, Lin Ruotang suddenly transmigrated to the Republic of China era. She wasn’t a young lady from a wealthy family, a concubine, or a schoolgirl. She was a refugee who had nearly starved to death. She had barely transmigrated before she was on the brink of starvation. Luckily, a kind stranger gave her a sesame f 23.5kReads9.2Score2.6kShelves
50. 250 大 The Ming Dynasty's Princess Who Guarded the Nation 大明镇国公主 Li Hou黎侯Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [No Word Changes + Not a Power Fantasy + Slow-Burn + Aiming to Stay Close to History + Empress + Single Female Lead] [The above is a warning. As of October 30, 2026, the author earns 25 yuan per thousand characters from this book and has barely made any money. There is no reason to put up with unsolicited nitpicking from people who haven't paid for it. The author isn't your mother, after all.] [The person on the cover is Huanhuan, from artwork generously commissioned by a reader. Artist ID: Xi S 10.8kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The female lead is resourceful and courageous from a young age, even her father is wary of her. However, she gradually wins people's hearts and becomes the best in everyone's eyes. (This is an ongoing series.) [Sending hearts]

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