Pure Palace Intrigue, From Palace Maiden to Favorite Consort and Empress: A Highly Intelligent, Ruthless Female Lead Who Isn't a Doormat 纯宫斗，从秀女到宠妃皇后，有高智商不圣母，心狠

1. 201 甄 Empresses in the Palace: An Lingrong 甄嬛传：安陵容 Moruo Fu Loves Tangerine Jam爱吃桔酱的莫若父Female-Channel Fanfiction650k WordsCompleted The rating has only just appeared, so it’s low for now. Thanks for reading (❁´ω`❁) Note: If you’re a Zhen Huan fan, please don’t read. An Lingrong was reborn on her way to the selection ceremony. In this life, I won’t be anyone’s pawn, and I won’t let those who hurt me get away with it. Sister, in the world I hate most, you are the person I love most. 1.4kReads8.4Score10314d adds
2. 202 元 The Tale of Consort Yuan, Part One 元妃传 壹 Wen Wen Wen Xiaozhao温温温小兆Ancient Romance494k WordsCompleted Where do the clouds return after traveling ten thousand miles? Only to a place where the winds rise and clouds surge, where there is nowhere left to hide. In Liu Antan's eyes, the imperial harem is just like that: at times she stands apart from it, at times she is trapped in its depths. She secures her place in the harem with the emperor's favor, and assumes she understands his heart. The nine-tiered palace of colored glass is both where her story begins and where it will end. She leaves even 49Reads8.0Score—14d adds
3. 203 庶 The Enchanting Concubine: The System Insists I Become Beautiful and Win the Emperor’s Favor 庶女娇妩：系统非要我变美当皇后 Anna lloollaa安娜lloollaaAncient Romance312k WordsCompleted [System + Harem Intrigue + Beauty Makeover + The Powerful Man Bows His Head + HE + Male Lead Goes Mad with Love] [Not a pure relationship on both sides; favored early on, exclusively doted on later, 1v1] On the eve of the imperial selection, Shen Niaoniao, a concubine-born daughter, was threatened by her stepmother into entering the palace to help her legitimate sister secure the emperor’s favor. For her mother’s sake, she was willing to be a pawn, but she accidentally uncovered her sister’s pl 8.8kReads8.4Score1.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   The author himself is recommending this book! It's a palace intrigue story with a system that makes you beautiful, a powerful figure falling from grace, and the protagonist being pampered from the very beginning. Those interested can check it out, and reviews are welcome!

4. 204 综 Film and TV Crossover: The Mother of the Realm 综影视之母仪天下 Sugar Chocolate Bean糖巧克力豆儿Female-Channel Fanfiction1.3M WordsCompleted Pure palace intrigue, just like in period dramas. This is a slow transmigration story! Slow transmigration! There will be new characters as well as characters from the original stories. New work: First world: Empresses in the Palace, Jin Yuyan ✓ Second world: Empresses in the Palace, Wanyan Shuyao (new character) ✓ Third world: Scarlet Heart, Ninth Prince’s Consort Dong’e Yanqing ✔ Fourth world: Empresses in the Palace, Keliyehai Hailan ✓ Fifth world: Empresses in the Palace, Miao Zhiruo ✓ 4.1kReads7.1Score17014d adds

   Reader note

   Look, they're all quick transmigration stories.

5. 205 穿 The Daily Life of a Laid-Back Concubine After Transmigrating 穿越之闲鱼妾室的日常 Tian Nanxing Nan天南星南Ancient Romance480k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + household and palace intrigue + no golden finger + devoted love later on] Zhang Xinian transmigrated into the body of a concubine in Prince Jing’s household. Above her was the princess consort, backed by powerful connections and ruthless in her methods. Beside her was a brainless side consort with overwhelming fighting prowess. Below her, a reborn woman and a transmigrated woman were locked in fierce competition. Zhang Xinian trembled with fear. She had no golden finger and did 104.7kReads9.4Score12.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   Look at how long I've been reading 👀

6. 206 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 90.9kReads9.6Score12.1k14d adds

   Reader note

   A pure palace intrigue novel; the female lead is very intelligent and cunning.

7. 207 甄 Empresses in the Palace: The System for Reincarnating into a Supporting Character 甄嬛传之魂穿女配系统 GracefullFemale-Channel Fanfiction292k WordsCompleted 1. This was the first book I wrote, so the prose is amateurish. It gets a little better later. 2. The female leads are all different modern people. Some are smart, some aren't, and some are aloof and selfish. Nobody's perfect, so please don't bash the female leads. \(`Δ’)/ 3. The story is unfriendly to Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang. Fans of the Huan-Mei pairing, beware. 4. Volumes two and five have cheating. If that bothers you, beware. 5. Volumes three and four are a little rushed and not very w 540Reads8.1Score—14d adds
8. 208 综 Film and TV Crossover: Ruyi and Zhen Huan 综影视之如懿甄嬛 Bei Yirou北以柔Female-Channel Fanfiction229k WordsOngoing The female leads may have been given rather overpowered halos and golden fingers. No romance, just completing missions. Su Luyun (Complete) Feng Ruozhao (Complete) Jin Yuyan (Ongoing) An Lingrong (Ongoing) 123Reads—Score—14d adds
9. 209 就 Now This Is Palace Intrigue! Thirty Heroines Topple the Harem 就这个宫斗爽！30个大女主掀翻后宫 Read a Little Editorial Team读点编辑部Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted [Palace and Household Intrigue + Anthology Stories + Strong Female Leads + Feel-Good Revenge + Face-Slapping] She waited three years for the general to return from war, only for her husband to come home with a pregnant woman and announce he was taking her as a second wife?! Dream on! I’m the daughter of the richest man in the land. From now on, I’m getting a divorce and building my own career! She was the exalted crown princess, yet on the very day she gave birth, the crown prince and her mother 318Reads8.5Score3314d adds

   Reader note

   This is an absolutely amazing palace intrigue story; I've already topped the charts in the very first chapter! 🐂🍺

10. 210 妖 Fairy-Like Heroines! She Wields Her Beauty in TV Dramas 妖精女主！她在影视剧恃美而娇 Shanshan Loves Tangerines杉杉爱橘Female-Channel Fanfiction3.8M WordsOngoing Beauty that captivates all, wealth and glory: the carefree life of a beautiful fox spirit heroine. Linlang was a lily of the valley growing in a secluded valley. After a century of cultivation, she became a spirit, but while undergoing a trial, she was struck by heavenly lightning and sent to another world. Thus began a marvelous journey through time, in which she became the most adored woman in television dramas, relying on her beauty to live as she pleased and dazzling everyone she met. World 46.8kReads8.7Score1.3k14d adds
11. 211 娘 The Empress Is on a Rampage: 15 Top-Tier Palace Intrigue Stories 娘娘她杀疯了：15个顶级宫斗故事 Read a Little Editorial Team读点编辑部Ancient Romance294k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + strong female lead + reborn + palace intrigue + court politics + tragic romance] She was Consort Hua, who lost the palace struggle and died by banging her head against a wall in the Cold Palace. After dying with regrets, she was reborn before her clan's downfall. Now that she knows how all the palace intrigues will end, can she defeat Zhen Huan and have the last laugh…? She was Yang Guifei, the woman blamed for bringing ruin to the country. Everyone knows she lived in luxur 3.1kReads9.1Score10514d adds
12. 212 都 Since I've Transmigrated into the Qing Dynasty, Why Not Boldly Choose Kangxi? 都清穿了，不妨大胆点选康熙啊！ Midnight Stars深夜星辰Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted On the first day Shi Nanxi transmigrates into the Qing Dynasty, she learns that her elder legitimate sister, Shi Rongyue, is also a transmigrator. Shi Rongyue wants to escape her future as the Crown Princess, so she approaches Nanxi and offers to let her marry the Crown Prince while she marries the Fourth Prince. Anyone who transmigrates into the Qing Dynasty knows the history. The Crown Prince’s later years are miserable. Though the Fourth Prince eventually wins, he is only thirteen now and wil 18.3kReads9.2Score2.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    So pretty! (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

13. 213 宫 Memoirs of Palace Intrigue 宫斗回忆录 Song Jin宋衿Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted The leads are not each other’s firsts. Later, after the heroine wins the emperor’s favor, he will not dismiss his harem for her. If that bothers you, don’t read! The heroine enters the palace at a very low rank and rises through palace intrigue and childbirth. In this story, low-ranking consorts are promoted one rank when they become pregnant and another after giving birth; high-ranking consorts are promoted after giving birth. Consorts of the Pin rank and above can raise their own children. Tho 25Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a pure palace intrigue novel with no cheat codes, no time travel, and no rebirth.

14. 214 抢 Stealing Another Man's Wife Is Wrong, But It Sure Feels Right 抢别人媳妇不礼貌，但是，真香 The Phone's Owner是机主本人Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted Ju Yue was so beautiful that her fiancé worried people would say he was marrying her for her looks. So, on their wedding day, he deliberately left her waiting outside the marquis’s residence to show that he didn’t care about beauty. Even worse, he led his virtuous and demure cousin inside first to perform the wedding rites. Could Ju Yue put up with that? Absolutely not! She made a scene on the spot and demanded to break off the engagement. The young tyrant Lou Buqi happened to be passing by. He 5.5kReads8.5Score46914d adds

    Reader note

    The male lead (a powerful prince) snatches the female lead who happens to be passing by, marries her, and dotes on her immensely. [Note][Note][Note]

15. 215 如 Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace: Graceful as the Moon 如懿传：亭亭似月 Ye Shiwei叶诗薇Female-Channel Fanfiction658k WordsCompleted [Completed] In the palace, the consorts’ foremost task is to win the emperor’s favor. No matter their rank or how low their methods, all that matters is achieving their goal. Yanwan was once a maid in the Fourth Imperial Storehouse. Innocent and lively, with captivating beauty, all she wanted was to marry her childhood sweetheart, Ling Yunche. But her flower-like face made others wary of her, and she suffered three years of humiliation without anyone offering a helping hand. So she took matters 1.9kReads9.4Score17914d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue novels also feature palace maids who rise to power, feigning love for the emperor while secretly pursuing their own ambitions.

16. 216 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Reincarnated as Gua'erjia Wenyuan 甄嬛传之：魂穿瓜尔佳文鸳 Clear Skies and Ten Thousand Plums晴空万李Female-Channel Fanfiction526k WordsCompleted “The rating is low because this just came out. Don't miss it! Please rate it!” The bright and bold Consort Hua vs. the sweet and charming “crybaby” Guarjia Wenyuan. (Consort Hua is a supporting character, the second female lead, so she won't get as much detailed description or as much of the story as the heroine!) Guan Xin wakes up to discover she has become Guarjia Wenyuan, the legitimate daughter of Guarjia E Min. The very Guarjia Wenyuan whom the Empress called “the foolish yet truly beautifu 599Reads8.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    She's not exactly ruthless, just selfish, but not exactly a villainous woman.

17. 217 蓄 Deliberate Seduction: The Lovesick Emperor Is a Master Flirt 蓄意引诱，病娇陛下超会撩 Kumquat金橘子Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted [Short dramas “Has the Chancellor Been Flirted With Today?” and “Has the Chancellor Broken His Vows Today?” are now available. Search Tomato to watch.] [One-on-one romance + both leads are each other’s first + heroine disguised as a man + adored by everyone + love rivals everywhere + male rivals competing for her + regretful pursuit + second male lead wins] Perpetually slacking off, with occasional bursts of ambition: Chancellor Jiang Qingci & dark, clingy, lovesick beauty of a young emperor: Sh 5.2kReads9.2Score64214d adds

    Reader note

    [Bump][Shy][Shy]

18. 218 怎 How Can Anyone Resist the Noble Consort's Alluring Charm? 怎敌贵妃百媚千娇 Fish Carrying the Moon鱼衔月Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + heroine transmigrates] In the fifth year of Yongyan, the emperor ordered a selection of consorts. Wen Wanyu was the most beautiful among the candidates. With her charming looks and soft, lilting voice, she was as delicate as a flower and soon won the emperor’s favor. She had once been the apple of her father’s eye, but when he was framed and her elder brother humiliated, she defied her whole family and asked to enter the palace to protect them. From the darling 2.2kReads8.9Score19414d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue and domestic power struggles + time travel + sweet and heartwarming romance + becoming a concubine

19. 219 储 Storing Charm 储媚色 Cloud Rabbit云兔子Ancient Romance512k WordsCompleted Li You transmigrated into a book, becoming the delicate, flowerlike heroine of a historical romance about political intrigue and tragic love, a heroine the male lead would torment in body, heart, and soul from beginning to end. But the moment she arrived, Li You discovered that her cousin, the story's wicked second female lead, had been reborn. So she was about to be demoted to a mere cannon-fodder character? Li You: "..." Fine, let me lie down for a while. On her wedding day, her cousin didn't 8.5kReads9.1Score93214d adds
20. 220 暖 Fragrant Bedchamber: The Eastern Palace Concubine's Lie-Flat Life 暖帐香：东宫侍妾的躺平日常 Jin Yu锦喻Ancient Romance390k WordsCompleted [Raising a child + palace intrigue + ordinary transmigrator + not both leads’ first love, but doting romance] Xu Qinglu was transmigrated into the Xu family as their legitimate daughter. In the tenth year of Chengde, she was sent to the Eastern Palace as a concubine. After a year of cautiously serving the Crown Prince, walking on eggshells, she finally became pregnant. Having a daughter was all she needed. She would have been happy to live out her days peacefully in the palace. But when her daug 3kReads9.0Score23414d adds

    Reader note

    These are all worth checking out; they're all pretty good. Some may not be widely read, but the details of palace intrigue are well-written, and the plots are decent.

21. 221 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Charming, and the Emperor Sees Her as His Weakness 娘娘千娇百媚，皇上视为软肋 R Takes a BeatR慢半拍Ancient Romance206k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + palace intrigue + no exclusive favor + fake stand-in + clear-eyed heroine] Content warnings: The heroine is not a virgin. No System and no golden finger. Note: Set in a fictional dynasty. Jiang Qingchi wakes up one day and discovers she has become the heroine of a novel she only read one page of. After living cautiously for eight years, she finally gets her life in the palace on track. In the palace, she is the perfect stand-in for the late empress. As the late 7Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    In this book, the female protagonist is the late empress's younger sister, but her family background is so powerful that the emperor is wary of her. She climbs the ranks step by step through her own efforts!

22. 222 帝 The Emperor and Empress Joined Forces and Purged the Court 帝后联手后，肃清了朝纲 Piggy Piggy Piggy Yao猪猪猪猪瑶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Empress from the start! They love each other for a lifetime, and when the empress passes away, the emperor dies for love! They don't ask to be born together, only to die together! Marriage first, love later + not both virgins + not exclusively doting + completely fictional setting What? The emperor has made a concubine's daughter empress? The powerful ministers are so furious their beards are practically standing on end. Su He, the woman struck by this incredible stroke of fortune, is relieved i 1.8kReads9.0Score18814d adds

    Reader note

    The palace intrigue novel series is here! The first two books are new recommendations, and the rest are mostly high-quality, highly rated titles. They're packed with palace intrigue plots, and the quality is guaranteed. If you're looking for something to read, check them out! Highly recommended! 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

23. 223 皇 Your Majesty, My Fate Is Mine to Decide 皇上，妾身命由己 Xiangxiang Loves Fish湘湘爱吃鱼Ancient Romance362k WordsOngoing Not a devoted couple + palace intrigue + scheming, mad protagonist Alone in the world, she has chosen the hardest path and will climb it over a mountain of corpses. "I came to the palace to become the Empress Dowager," she thinks. The dog emperor has someone he adores? Not a chance. Why not become a young Empress Dowager and have some fun? Song Yuncheng thought she was just a little woman who could be won over with a few favors. He never expected that the more he gave, the more she wanted. Firs —Reads—Score—14d adds
24. 224 穿 Book Transmigration: I'm Thriving in the Harem by Doing Nothing 穿书：我在后宫躺赢了 A Little Wen Sauce一只文酱Ancient Romance318k WordsCompleted Shen Bairong is an overworked modern office drone who transmigrates into a novel she's read, only to become its villainess! Fight back and turn her life around? No thanks, she's not cut out for that. But why isn't the male lead following the script?! Gong Yuxuan pins her beneath him and whispers in her ear, “My beloved consort seems to be enjoying the show~” Shen Bairong: Trapped in the corner of the bed, trembling! Wait, what's going on? Did the male lead pick up the wrong script? Shen Bairong 196Reads8.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I saw these last year, and they were all very nice.

25. 225 我 I’m Sweet and Well-Behaved, So Why Am I the Harem’s Only Favorite? 我又乖又美，独宠后宫怎么了？ Yi Jiu Lu宜久录Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Harem + No Angst] A lively, stunning beauty + a devastatingly handsome, love-struck good emperor. (He’s love-struck but knows right from wrong) (No cutthroat palace intrigue) (Not a devoted couple) (Fast-paced) (Heroine’s halo) Ji Wanqing transmigrates into the harem of the Emperor of Yan and becomes a low-ranking concubine. The moment she arrives, the arrogant Consort slaps her. The Consort is bad enough, and the Empress is no better, using her to stoke the Consort’s anger. Wit 4.1kReads9.2Score46714d adds
26. 226 皇 The Empress Is Dignified Yet Alluring: Once She Seduces the Emperor, He Won't Let Her Escape 皇后端庄又妖娆，撩下皇上逃不掉 Xu Xiao Yuan许小圆Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + empress from the start + exclusive devotion in the middle and later stages + winning back his wife] Helian Jin came from the most fallen branch of a prestigious clan, yet the emperor overcame fierce opposition and made her his new empress. She went from cautiously finding her footing in the palace to wielding thunderous methods, taking down scheming rivals and false innocents as she fought her way through the palace intrigue and secured her position. As mistress of the impe 1.2kReads8.8Score11914d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue included, packed with useful information.

27. 227 清 Qing Dynasty Noble Consort: All Nine Sons of Kangxi Vie for My Favor 清穿贵妃多娇，引康熙九龙竞折腰 Ni Bo倪博Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Overnight, she transmigrates and becomes the younger sister of Yi Fei, who will one day be greatly favored in the Qing palace. Luo Shuyao, a recent college graduate who has never had to endure hardship, is baffled: just because her surname is Luo, does that make her a Guoluoluo? Living in the Qing dynasty is now a fact, so Shuyao can only adapt. After all, she has a childbearing System, which is at least a golden finger of sorts. It is better than having nothing. Only when a deep-seated convicti 4.1kReads8.6Score31514d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist in this book is ruthless, cold-blooded, and has a grand vision.

28. 228 青 The Childhood Sweetheart Consort Rises to Power, Her Goal Is to Become Empress Dowager! 青梅侧妃上位，目标是太后位！ Xiao Yan Wants to Get Rich小闫要暴富Ancient Romance593k WordsCompleted [Domestic scheming in the early stages, palace intrigue later; the leads are not both faithful~] [The heroine loves the hero but keeps her feelings in check, staying clear-headed and never obsessed. The hero cares for her, but as emperor he has to balance the court, and there will be no shortage of women around him. The heroine is special to him!] An unexpected imperial decree changed Jiang Qingyue from the Princess Consort of Prince Qing to his secondary consort overnight. The emperor’s favor a 4.5kReads8.3Score37414d adds
29. 229 快 Quick Transmigration: The Protagonist's Protection Plan 快穿：女主守护计划 Mou Chu某楚Ancient Romance35k WordsOngoing Female lead: Lin Yao Master: Feng Yuan Junior brothers and sister: Jun Shu, Meng Ran The main storyline focuses on the female lead’s experiences. In short, wherever the female lead goes, that’s where we look. Please view everything from the female lead’s perspective. There will be lots of extra stories from the perspectives of characters other than the female lead. I hope everyone will finish reading and leave an n-star review. 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Beep beep beep, let's pick one!

30. 230 反 The Villainess Is Reborn: The Supporting Female Lead Refuses to Play Along 反派重生 : 女配她不干了 Pipi Loves Tangerines爱吃橘子的皮皮Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Yin Susu opened her eyes and, wow, she had been reborn for the second time. The plot was exactly the same, and so were all the awful problems. She had planned to spend this life eating her fill and waiting to die, just coasting along until the supporting female character reached the end of her life and this whole existence was over. But she still wasn’t willing to accept her fate! If the heroine had a golden finger, then she’d just have to break it. 12.3kReads9.1Score1.1k14d adds
31. 231 藏 Hidden in Midsummer 藏于盛夏 Autumn Chill秋日凉Modern Romance308k WordsCompleted A heads-up before you start ❗️: One of the side couples is a gay couple, so please skip this if that bothers you. [The print edition under the same title is now available] [Healing × Love that grows over time × Angsty school romance] Sweet, gentle, well-behaved student × rebellious, handsome bad boy That midsummer seemed hotter than any before. The girl in the graduation photo smiled sweetly, with a boy in a white shirt grinning boldly behind her. They met in midsummer, and parted in midsummer t 84.2kReads9.6Score14.8k14d adds
32. 232 后 The Harem: Empresses in the Palace 后宫·甄嬛传 Liu Lianzi流潋紫Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Exclusive Consort Hua bonus chapter now available!] The original novel of the TV series Empresses in the Palace She enters the palace and wins the emperor’s favor, but every step is fraught with danger. The palace is deep as an ocean, and though Zhen Huan has no wish to enter and become the emperor’s consort, fate pushes her into the cruelest of harems. The women in the palace are as radiant as flowers, with lovely brows and eyes, yet every one of them conceals her own schemes and plots agains 12kReads8.9Score1.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    Nobody objects to "Empresses in the Palace" right?

33. 233 娘 The Empress Is Charming and Lively, and Wins the Emperor's Heart 娘娘娇媚灵动，惹得皇上心动 Zhuxi Pavilion竹西处Ancient Romance798k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads’ first time + clear-headed heroine focused on living well + doesn’t love the emperor] Xiao Zhaoyuan asked with interest, “What do you usually like to do, my consort?” Cui Qingwan beamed. “I like eating, drinking, and having fun!” Sincerity really is a lethal weapon! Xiao Zhaoyuan couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing. He had never met anyone so genuine. And yet this very genuine woman gradually claimed his heart. But then he realized that she 1.3kReads8.7Score10014d adds
34. 234 综 Qing Dynasty Crossover: When a Femme Fatale Becomes a Cannon Fodder 综清穿：当祸水穿成炮灰后 Biology Nerds Never Give Up生物狗永不认输Ancient Romance536k WordsCompleted [This story is complete. The new story, The Frail, Bewitching Favorite with the Cannon-Fodder Heroine’s Script, is now underway.] [Everyone’s darling + alternate history + System + wish fulfillment + romantic rival showdown. This is not a pure Qing Dynasty story, and history will change!!!] After dying as Zhao Hede, beloved consort of Emperor Cheng of Han, she entered the Quick Transmigration Bureau and made deals with figures from history in hopes of bringing her elder sister back to life. Worl 16.4kReads9.3Score99714d adds
35. 235 宋 Empress of the Song Family: The Legend of Yuyao 宋家皇后——钰瑶传 Ling Songs by the River江上菱歌Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted The leads are not each other’s first partners!!! The heroine is neither a naive innocent nor a particularly kind person!!! The emperor hero is a jerk!! Set in an alternate history!! This is not a feel-good story!!! She transmigrates straight into the role of empress. If she rises in rank, she becomes the empress dowager; if she fails, she is deposed and banished to the cold palace. That is the reality of the inner palace: failure leaves almost no chance to recover. A twenty-first-century fashion 585Reads9.0Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    All of them are included, but neither is a clean romance novel. The last one begins with the Empress.

36. 236 娘 The Imperial Consort Exudes an Enchanting Fragrance, and the Emperor Spoils Her Every Day 娘娘自带暖情香，皇上日日娇宠 Zhi Xiaoyuan知小元Ancient Romance391k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue only, not a faithful couple + favored exclusively in the later chapters + clearheaded heroine] Yun Shu, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue, is beautiful, but unfortunately falls for a kept man. She helps him climb the ranks, only for him to have an affair with her cousin Yun Rou'er and get her pregnant! Reborn, Yun Shu resolutely enters the palace. She will rise to the highest throne! Win favor! Bear children! Seize the throne! Take revenge! She wants 153Reads8.4Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These books are all very good.

37. 237 借 You Want Me to Bear an Heir? I'll Send My Wretched Sister Straight to the Cold Palace 借腹生子？本宫直接送渣姐进冷宫 Lu Yueerwu陆月二五Ancient Romance266k WordsCompleted [Having children + palace intrigue + reborn] A clear-headed, decisive, scheming heroine + an emperor who knows his own heart, but keeps his feelings restrained The kids are incredibly capable and fiercely protective of their mother! - In her previous life, Lin Chuyi was framed by her elder sister, who killed her mother and stole her child. She died a miserable death in the cold palace. Given another chance at life, Lin Chuyi enters the palace once more. This time, she depends on no one and clin 1.1kReads9.0Score11914d adds
38. 238 废 The Deposed Empress Returns 废后归来 User44534505用户44534505Ancient Romance243k WordsCompleted A new work is here! Come read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your support motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 44Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The book begins with the deposed empress in the cold palace, who later fakes her death to escape the palace, is recruited as a palace maid, and rises again to become empress through palace intrigue.

39. 239 王 My Lord, the Princess Consort Says She’ll Never See You Again 王爷，王妃说此生不复相见 Jing Mo旌墨Ancient Romance421k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance Tragedy + No Getting Back Together + Second Male Lead Takes the Lead] A tragic romance! A tragic romance! A tragic romance! Ye Chuyan loved Pei Xiuyan for twelve years, but never moved him in the slightest. All she got in return was Pei Xiuyan wiping out the Ye family and having her father and brothers tortured to death over three days in the snow. At last, she understood: for the rest of her life, there would be no love between her and Pei Xiuyan, only hatred, until one o 26.7kReads9.3Score1.7k14d adds
40. 240 嘘 Shh! The Tyrant Is Secretly Spoiling His Little Sweetheart Again 嘘！暴君又在偷偷宠他的小娇娇 A Little Milk Kitty一只小奶喵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Yun Jiaojiao, a genius alchemist with an overprotective older brother, was cherished and spoiled from childhood. But after failing to survive her tribulation, she transmigrated into a despised imperial consort, entrusted to the emperor by her dying brother after he saved the emperor’s life. The emperor gave her a cold look. “I can only be your brother. Don’t even think of me as anything else!” Yun Jiaojiao blinked, looking pitiful on the outside but secretly thrilled. She cautiously tested him 7.5kReads8.9Score79214d adds
41. 241 二 Marrying into the Palace Again, the Consort Rises Step by Step 二嫁进宫，娘娘她步步高升 Lord Yuheng玉衡君Ancient Romance512k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue] + [Strong heroine] + [Transmigration] + [Clear-headed heroine] Su Heguang transmigrates into the body of a princess sent away to marry the Crown Prince of An Kingdom. She enjoys only a few days of peace before the Crown Prince is deposed. She takes the initiative to divorce him, then schemes her way into the new emperor’s harem. The new emperor wants her, while she wants power. How is that not a case of mutual devotion and helping each other get what they want? … The Empress h 47Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Haven't you read this book? I just bought it, and it's super good and very original (a refreshing female protagonist story + a group of characters with distinct personalities + time travel and palace intrigue + marrying her ex-husband's nemesis, the emperor). Anyway, I really enjoyed reading it. The author's writing is good, not like a novice. The female protagonist travels to another world dynasty, starting as a princess consort of the imperial family, then actively causing the Crown Prince to be deposed, and finally being brought into the palace by the new emperor. She schemes and plots step by step, never expecting to find true love in this feudal society. She coldly observes the people in the palace sinking into depravity and fighting to the death, and finally becomes the ultimate winner through her own ruthless methods.

42. 242 王 The King's Woman 王的女人 The Walking Lychee行走的荔枝Ancient Romance646k WordsCompleted A consort who doesn't want to monopolize the emperor's favor is no good consort at all! My goal is to charge down the path to winning all his affection and ruling the Six Palaces! At least three chapters a day. A jade pendant donation earns one extra chapter; a crown earns ten! 172Reads8.7Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I really like these four books. The first three are already finished and are all excellent. I especially recommend numbers 1, 2, and 3; they're all buried at the bottom of my bookshelf and are incredibly good. The fourth book is new, and while the palace intrigue isn't very exciting—it's rather bland—the palace intrigue in the first three books is so cunning that you can't survive without shrewdness!

43. 243 撩 After Flirting with the Emperor, the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 撩拨皇帝后，贵妃她不想负责 Butterflies Dance into Tragedy蝶舞成殇Ancient Romance607k WordsCompleted Household intrigue in the beginning, palace intrigue later. Bai Zhi was the legitimate daughter of the prime minister. Though born to the prime minister's household, her mother died young and her father remarried. He doted on her younger sister, while Bai Zhi spent sixteen years unloved by her father and mother. Then an imperial decree came: the emperor had chosen her to be Prince Ying's concubine. Later, Prince Ying ascended the throne. "Your Majesty, this is terrible! Consort Xian slapped Lady 1.1kReads7.4Score11214d adds
44. 244 孕 My Husband Wants a Divorce While I'm Pregnant? Fine, Whatever You Want! 孕期夫君要和离？随你都随你！ Fu Bao芙宝Ancient Romance331k WordsCompleted Shu Yuwan is the youngest legitimate daughter in her family. Her parents and elder brothers have cherished her since childhood, and her mother carefully chose a distinguished young gentleman from the capital to be her husband. After their wedding, the couple may not have been inseparable, but they treated each other with mutual respect. But while she was pregnant, her husband claimed he had met an extraordinary woman who had left him awestruck. He wanted a divorce so he could marry her. Shu Yuwa 11.1kReads8.9Score1.5k14d adds
45. 245 我 My Days Watching the Drama Unfold in the Imperial Harem 我在后宫看戏的日子 Rain Falls, Willow Still Awake雨下柳未眠Ancient Romance415k WordsOngoing Chi Youning transmigrates to another world and never once thinks of entering the palace, but things don’t go as planned. After the selection of consorts, she is assigned to the Crown Prince. She has no feelings for him, but the palace is full of delicious food and all kinds of beautiful women. Well, since she’s here, she might as well make the best of it. But how did watching the drama unfold end with her becoming Empress Dowager? 72Reads6.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I'd like to recommend a novel that begins with the story of the Eastern Palace. It's not a story of exclusive love; the female lead doesn't love the emperor. The emperor also doesn't love anyone else, only himself and his empire.

46. 246 伴 Accompanied by Smoke 伴烟 Laba Coconut腊八椰子Ancient Romance106k WordsCompleted [Naive, Wild Girl x Gentle Scholar + Happy Ending] She loved him, so she ran to him with all the courage she could muster. Liu Yunzhi treated her wonderfully, caring for her and asking after her, soothing her to sleep at night, reading to her whenever he had time, stroking her slightly rounded belly, and discussing baby names with her. She lost herself in it, deceiving herself as she sank into the gentle web he had woven, dreaming that they would be the only two in each other’s lives forever. Bu 2.4kReads9.3Score20714d adds
47. 247 暴 After the Tyrannical Princess Returned to the Capital, She Shocked the Entire Court 暴戾公主回京后，震惊满朝大臣 Miss Ran Hua染婳姑娘Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Completed ❤️] [Female-dominant romance + face-slapping villains + female supporting character transmigrates into a book + unhinged heroine + power plays and political ambition]+ [Unhinged, overwhelmingly powerful heroine VS beautiful male lead] The Grand Princess Feng Qing of Western Jin is violent and unhinged, with ruthless methods. She commands the army and wields the Dragon-Beating Whip, striking down foolish emperors and corrupt ministers alike. In her previous life, Feng Qing’s destiny 268Reads8.7Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I'm currently following the first book, the second is the ultimate palace intrigue book, but I really feel so sorry for Wan Jie. Seeing the scene where she dies made me cry so much. Such a gentle person, yet she met such a tragic end. The third book is just there to fill in the blanks, but it's quite good too.

48. 248 娇 The Emperor’s Favorite: His Beloved Consort 娇妃娘娘盛宠六宫 Blue Snow Pear Blossom蓝雪梨花Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted (Transmigration + System + palace intrigue + happily ever after with the heroine as the emperor’s sole favorite) Xu Lanshan transmigrates into the body of a palace maid who was tortured to death by her own mistress. She has no choice but to plot her escape. The only way to stay alive is to win the emperor’s favor. She sees the bright side: he’s the most powerful man in the world, and he’s young and handsome, too. Sleeping with him would be a win. But what’s with this palace-intrigue System? If s 1.2kReads8.9Score10614d adds
49. 249 入 A Stand-In in the Palace? The Noble Consort Goes on a Killing Spree 入宫当替身？贵妃娘娘她杀疯了 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance221k WordsCompleted [Alternate-History Palace Intrigue + Fertility and Many Children + Scheming, Unhinged Villainess + Ensemble Cast in the Harem] Wan Yunsi had had enough of being a lowly concubine-born daughter whom anyone could bully and who never had enough to eat. So she took the initiative to scheme against the Wan family and her father, becoming the twin sister of her infertile legitimate-born elder sister and entering the palace as a consort. From the moment she stepped through the palace gates, Wan Yunsi k 48Reads8.4Score—14d adds
50. 250 仪 Splendid Ceremony: The Su Family Heiress Rises Step by Step in the Imperial Palace 仪华万千：苏氏千金深宫步步高升 May No One in This World Grow Gray不许人间尽白头Ancient Romance268k WordsCompleted [Dual happy and bad endings] [Palace intrigue] [Not a pure romance] [Clear-headed heroine] Also known as: Beneath the Inner Palace: A Favored Consort's Step-by-Step Plot to Win the Emperor's Heart According to popular gossip, the Su family's daughter had bright eyes and pearly teeth, a face like a peach blossom, and was known as the most talented woman in the capital. She entered the palace in the first year of the selection. From the moment she arrived, Mingyi understood that she would spend th 140Reads7.1Score—14d adds

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