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. 251 东 The Eastern Palace's Beauty: This Favorite Consort Is Mine! 东宫姝色：这宠妃我当定了！ Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted [The heroine is doted on from the very beginning. The story focuses on sweet romance, not scheming palace intrigue. The hero adores the heroine and is even a little lovesick. If that's not your thing, please move along, and don't leave a bad review over it. The heroine rises from a junior consort to a favored consort, Crown Princess, and Empress. The hero is a crown prince at first and becomes emperor later.] Su Niannian has landed in a male-lead-centric novel! Her new identity is Su Ling, the 30.3kReads9.4Score2.9k14d adds

   Reader note

   They're all great!! Especially the third one, it was the door that opened my eyes to palace intrigue novels 🤤🤤🤤

2. 252 宫 A Palace Maid Rises to Power! She Becomes a Thorn in the Side of the Harem's Vicious Woman 宫女上位！成了后宫毒妇的眼中钉 Cloud Brocade Magpie云锦鹊Ancient Romance286k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate Into a Book + Palace Intrigue + One-and-Only Devotion Later On + Happy Ending] After transmigrating into a book, Lu Mingyao finds herself a low-ranking palace maid who has risen to become a concubine. The System offers her a tempting deal: become empress, and she can return to the real world. Determined to go home, Lu Mingyao throws herself into palace intrigue and climbs steadily toward the top. The wicked women of the harem call her ruthless, but so what? With her heart set on go 998Reads8.7Score10114d adds
3. 253 娘 The Consort Plays Sweet and Innocent, and the Emperor Spoils Her Every Day 娘娘清醒装茶，皇上心软日日甜宠 Deep Sleep浓眠Ancient Romance286k WordsCompleted [Classic historical romance + empowering heroine + satisfying revenge + palace intrigue + ambitious heroine + utterly doted on + rises to become empress] Her mother died in childbirth, and as the legitimate daughter, Song Mian lived worse than the servants. A new emperor takes the throne, and even a county magistrate’s family from a small town is eligible to enter the triennial selection of imperial consorts. Song Mian won’t let this chance to escape her family slip away. So her only rival, her 16Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   I randomly clicked on it and got hooked!! It's so good!! The plot was completely unexpected, full of twists and turns, logical, well-written, and I think the foreshadowing was there from the first few chapters. The female lead is seemingly innocent but actually cunning, gentle in public but crazy in private, while the male lead is both simple-minded and affectionate, but no matter how affectionate he is, he dotes on the female lead. It's not angsty at all!!

4. 254 皇 The Emperor Fell for Her at First Sight: The Bewitching Consort Becomes Empress After Bearing Many Heirs 皇上一见钟情，尤物娘娘多胎封后 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance251k WordsCompleted [The emperor falls in love at first sight + the emperor begs the heroine to manage the harem + heroine with stellar acting skills + strong, intelligent heroine + lots of children] Whoever harms me, I’ll make them pay! Hua Yunchu loves only herself. The right way to deal with a man is to use up every last bit of his value. But the emperor wants to make Hua Yunchu a Noble Lady, while the empress’s throne sits empty. And he wants me to manage the harem, too? What is going on? I’d planned to coast o 2.7kReads9.1Score30314d adds
5. 255 穿 I Became the Emperor’s Farmgirl Wife, and Now I’m the Favorite of the Six Palaces! 穿成皇帝农家发妻，我宠冠六宫！ The Lady Returns伊人归Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted She transmigrates into a peasant woman and discovers she is Wang Baozan. After five years of waiting in a humble cave, she becomes empress overnight! The underage consorts are far too competitive, while her newly successful emperor husband says one thing and does another. The ministers bow in reverence, the four seas sing her praises, and a peasant-woman craze sweeps through the capital… 769Reads9.0Score10114d adds

   Reader note

   These are books that I've reread several times; they're really good.

6. 256 穿 Transmigrated as a Bedclimbing Palace Maid in a Palace-Intrigue Novel 穿成宫斗文里的爬床宫女 Red Wolf Doesn't Eat Meat红太狼不吃肉Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted No prestigious family background, no peerless beauty. After transmigrating, film queen Li Songyue finds herself cast as the most expendable bed-climbing maid in a palace intrigue novel. The transmigrated heroine is ahead of her, the reborn supporting female lead is behind her, and there’s also a demanding emperor to contend with. From bed-climbing maid to empress dowager of the realm. She won’t know how cold it is at the top until she climbs there. 228Reads—Score—14d adds
7. 257 将 Liu Qianqian, the Legitimate Daughter of a Military Family 将门嫡女柳浅浅 Late Autumn on South Mountain南山暮秋Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Historical romance, palace intrigue, sweet and angsty, strong male and female leads, mutual devotion] The Liu family had earned great military honors. To avoid provoking the emperor’s suspicions, they had their legitimate daughter, Liu Qianqian, obey the imperial decree and enter the palace for selection, thus securing the family’s prosperity. Liu Qianqian’s beauty and gentleness won the emperor’s favor, and within three months she was elevated to Noble Consort. But the path to advancement in 559Reads8.9Score10114d adds

   Reader note

   Personally, I prefer them; they're all pure palace intrigue.

8. 258 裙 A Servant Beneath Her Skirts 裙下臣 Rice Ball米团子Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Someone tells Li Yi, “The Lu family's daughter your imperial brother is going to marry is beautiful, sure, but she's as dull as a block of wood.” Li Yi scoffs. “What, did that block of wood come to life?” 1.9kReads8.9Score52014d adds

   Reader note

   This book is totally my cup of tea! I love stories about power struggles within the imperial court and palace intrigue—the fiercer the struggle, the better, and the more sophisticated the methods, the better. The author's approach to this book is excellent; the plot is vast, and there are many unanswered questions. I don't like stories with overly powerful, overpowered female leads; I prefer realistic, dramatic plots. So what if the female lead is a bit dramatic? She's beautiful, alluring, and has the looks to back it up. The male lead is a bit of a jerk, but he's got personality and character. Not every character can appeal to everyone, but despite the dramatic moments, the romance between the leads is truly passionate. I'm looking forward to a happy ending!

9. 259 盛 Spoiled in a Golden Age 盛世娇宠 Feng Qingling风轻灵Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Her promising fiancé is set up by her cousin, so she casts him aside. The heir of a marquis's family wants to take her as a concubine, but she refuses! To protect the people she cares about and trample those who wronged her underfoot, she becomes the emperor's woman. See how she wins the emperor's heart, protects her children, battles the Empress Dowager above and the imperial consorts below, and rises higher with every step. 2.5kReads9.0Score25414d adds

   Reader note

   These are all pure palace intrigue novels, following the protagonist's journey from a palace maid to a favored concubine and empress, ultimately becoming a winner in life. Watch how the female lead becomes clear-headed and pursues her career. These are all books I've read, and they are very well-written, full of details, plot, and emotion. They are all worth reading, recommended by a ten-year veteran reader.

10. 260 明 A Heart as Clear as the Lan River 明似澜心 Zhou Who Loves Congee爱粥的周Ancient Romance255k WordsCompleted When Feng Lanxi came of age, her father, the chancellor, casually remarked, “I don’t have anything much to give you this year, so I’ll give you the position of Crown Princess.” Feng Lanxi: Thanks a lot. Rumor had it that Xie Jingming was both scholarly and skilled in combat, brilliant at strategy, and devastatingly handsome. If so, then quietly playing the part of a pretty ornament in the inner court didn’t sound so bad. “Your Highness, the Crown Prince is injured.” “Your Highness, the Crown Pri 527Reads8.7Score12514d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue novels, check them out if you're interested.

11. 261 如 Palace Intrigue and Beauty: The Makeup System Helps Me Outshine Them All 如此宫斗之美妆系统助我艳压群芳 Moon So Cool, So Cool, So Cool月凉凉凉凉Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted [Scheming Green-Tea Girl + No Romance + Palace-Intrigue Wish-Fulfillment + Slow Pace + Light System] Liu Yaoyao transmigrates. A beauty influencer, she falls asleep and wakes up in a feudal dynasty, where she has become an overlooked concubine-in-waiting. She also gets the makeup counter every girl dreams of, fully stocked with top-brand cosmetics and skincare products! Later, it can even be upgraded into a palace-intrigue System! This is the story of a woman who combines makeup skills with cunn 206Reads8.6Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Yao Yao and A Yan are definitely what you need.

12. 262 宫 Pick Me for the Palace Intrigue, and I'll Keep the Baby Safe 宫斗选我，我保胎贼六 Late-Stage Chronic Laziness懒癌中晚期Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted Zhou Yining, an outstanding graduate of a combined master’s and PhD program, unexpectedly transmigrated to ancient times and became a low-ranking concubine. She gained access to a pharmaceutical laboratory space. In this man-eating imperial harem, she kept her distance from the emperor. Who needs love? Isn’t it better to shine on your own? She specializes in protecting pregnancies and cherishes those who deserve it. What’s harem intrigue? Isn’t focusing on her career much better? In the end, all 9Reads—Score—14d adds
13. 263 蠢 The Adorably Clumsy Imperial Consort Is the Emperor's Sole Favorite 蠢萌帝妃，陛下独宠 Fish in the Sea海里鱼Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing Not faithful to each other! Sweet and angsty! No rebirth, transmigration, golden finger, or wish fulfillment! [Palace Intrigue + Political Scheming + Age Gap + Ensemble Cast + Healing + Family and Country + Slow-Burning Romance + A seemingly silly, adorable, pitiful heroine who's actually wise and perceptive vs. a clear-headed, rational emperor who dotes on her] Su Chao is sent into the palace as the family's “little pebble,” and things go disastrously from the start. Her paternal aunt is the em 4.5kReads8.7Score22914d adds
14. 264 从 From Talented Lady to Empress: Your Consort Knows Court Intrigue Best 从才人到皇后，爱妃最懂宫斗 Lu Wen路文Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted The author's first book, so please don't mind the low rating. Zhao Xiyao is a fashion designer. Maybe she'd watched too many palace-intrigue dramas, because she actually transmigrated to an ancient imperial harem and became a low-ranking concubine. The palace intrigue she faced was far crueler than anything she'd ever seen on television. A death sentence from the start, all kinds of plots against her, and endless scheming... As someone from the modern world, Zhao Xiyao could write poetry and mak 33Reads6.6Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A well-finished novel that has been completed; the female lead is intelligent and the emperor dotes on her.

15. 265 冰 Frost-Kissed Beauty: A Journey Through the Palace to Win the Emperor’s Heart 冰霜绝艳：辗转宫闱征服帝王心 Zhou Dudu舟渡渡Ancient Romance406k WordsCompleted [A note up front: This isn’t good, this isn’t good, this isn’t good. It’s brainless, brainless. Don’t click! Don’t click! Don’t click! Don’t click] The emperor, Li Yi, has just one standard for choosing his concubines: they must be beautiful. Song Yunchu, a concubine-born daughter who has suffered abuse since childhood, is chosen by Emperor Li Yi to enter the palace because of her stunning looks. Before entering the palace, her mother is looked down on by the servants, and her younger sister bu 633Reads9.0Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    Everyone who's seen it says it's great! 👌🏻 Let the ratings speak for themselves.

16. 266 小 Little Temptress, You Can't Escape! The Tyrant Is Obsessed with Me 小妖精逃不掉！暴君对我痴缠入骨 Round Little Egg圆滚滚蛋Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Shen Suisui was an innocent, naive little fox. After the tyrant Xiao Chen brought her back to the palace, he would go mad if anyone so much as looked at her for a moment too long. When she came back to life, she found herself back at the time she first met Xiao Chen! She failed to escape and was brought back to the palace again. To break free from Xiao Chen’s control, Shen Suisui could only save herself by acting cute and sweet-talking him from time to time. “Xiao Chen, I l 15.8kReads9.2Score1.7k14d adds
17. 267 穿 After She Transmigrates into a Book, the Noble Consort Is Forced to Raise the Villainous Tyrant 穿书后，贵妃被迫娇养反派暴君 A Little Meatball一个肉团Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Completed] Su Yijin, a veteran supporting actress, has transmigrated into a book once again. When she opens her eyes, she is breathtakingly beautiful and on the pampered darling route, backed by powerful connections. Her father is a general who guards the nation, her mother is the Junyang Commandery Princess, and her maternal grandfather is a prince of a different surname... With the heroine's script in hand, Su Yijin takes down the green tea and kicks the fake innocent aside, then throws herse 1.4kReads9.0Score28914d adds

    Reader note

    I've read so many palace intrigue novels, and these are seriously, seriously, seriously good!

18. 268 庶 The Reborn Concubine Wants to Enter the Palace! 庶女重生我要进宫！ The Universe's Most Solitary and Rare Star宇宙最孤独且稀有的星Ancient Romance856k WordsCompleted [Concubine-born Daughter + Reborn + Palace Intrigue + Strong Female Lead] In her past life, she endured endless humiliation. She could only watch helplessly as her birth mother died before her eyes. Her stepmother was domineering and cruel, while her half-sister was arrogant and repeatedly drove her into dire straits. Her father did not care in the slightest whether they lived or died. Schemed against and married off to a dissolute playboy, she suffered every indignity and met a tragic end. She 90Reads—Score—14d adds
19. 269 穿 Transmigrate as An Lingrong and Become the Emperor's One and Only Cinnabar Mole 穿越安陵容成皇帝唯一朱砂痣 Canghai Nanshan沧海楠杉Female-Channel Fanfiction667k WordsCompleted [The Script in Hand + Memories of the Female Lead + Slack-Off Mode Early On + The Emperor’s Favor Later + Clear-Eyed and Smart + Lots of First-Person Inner Monologue + For Instant Gratification, Start at Chapter 70!] A new palace-intrigue story from An Lingrong’s perspective. She and Zhen Huan get along well at first, but later she becomes the emperor’s sole favorite, taking over Zhen Huan’s story. Cautious and calculating, she refuses to let romance cloud her judgment. She is born to a humble f 487Reads8.7Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    Transmigrating into the body of An Lingrong, starting from the imperial concubine selection, palace intrigue!

20. 270 春 Spring Robes in Disarray: Only to Unravel the Chancellor's Desires 春衫乱：只为奸臣解风情 Fish in the South City南城有鱼Ancient Romance463k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + reborn to change fate + devoted husband + political intrigue and revenge. The heroine is gentle yet resilient, kind and perceptive. The hero is a noble, powerful minister, beautiful and tragic. Many foreshadowed clues and twists.] Lin Shu was a noble young lady from the capital, raised without ever having to lift a finger. When disaster struck the Lin family, Lin Shu became a government slave. She was put to washing and dyeing cloth in the Imperial Household Dep 12kReads9.4Score1.4k14d adds
21. 271 太 The Empress Dowager's Retirement Life 太后的退休生活 Zhou Xinhan周信含Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + female lead is the mastermind behind the scenes + no romance + plot-driven + ensemble cast] After transmigrating to the Great Jing dynasty, Su Minqing entered the palace as the empress. She worked tirelessly at palace intrigue for over a decade and finally fought her way to becoming the Empress Dowager. The only catch was that there was another Empress Dowager in the palace besides her. As the emperor’s adoptive mother, she was named the Empress Dowager of the Two Palaces. The 6.1kReads8.4Score35014d adds
22. 272 娘 Her Majesty Is Bewitchingly Beautiful, Reigns over the Six Palaces, and Takes the Empress's Throne! 娘娘千娇百媚，宠冠六宫坐后位！ It's Bing'er是冰儿啊Ancient Romance632k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + clear-headed heroine + not the emperor’s sole favorite at first, but his only favorite later] Su Mei never imagined she would transmigrate into a harem-intrigue novel, let alone as the lowest-ranking palace concubine. If she wants a better life, she has to cling tightly to the emperor’s coattails. At first, the emperor is interested in her only because of her alluring face. Later, he summons her more often because she is delicate and soft, and somehow he develops feelings for t 391Reads7.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a palace intrigue and domestic power struggle series. The protagonist is reborn or transmigrates into the palace as a concubine. She enters the palace through a selection process, initially with a low rank, but through her own efforts, she continuously improves her rank and eventually becomes a favored concubine, empress, or empress dowager. It's quite long and the content is engaging. You won't regret reading it! (*´I`*)

23. 273 娘 A Consort's Easy Life in Empresses in the Palace 娘娘在甄嬛里混吃等死 I Don't Like Soy Milk不爱喝豆奶Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Oh no, I messed up! I was just nursing a broken heart, ordering a ton of takeout, and watching Empresses in the Palace with a little wine to help me get tipsy. How did I suddenly transmigrate into Empresses in the Palace? This is ridiculous! When other people transmigrate into Empresses in the Palace, they at least get a name and some standing. I start out as a palace maid, the unlucky scapegoat whom the Empress takes her anger out on over a peony pastry that Songzhi deliberately knocked over! I 3.9kReads8.9Score19314d adds
24. 274 快 Quick Transmigration: The Alluring Concubine Captivates Hearts and Rises to Principal Wife 快穿：妾室妖媚，撩欲惑心晋主母 Song Shilu宋时鹿Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Quick transmigration through palace and household intrigue, a wholly ancient-world heroine, a villainess focused solely on her mission, the Matriarch System, breathtaking beauty, a naturally seductive allure, a scheming green-tea vixen, not a sweet romance] Everyone says, “Beauty is a sin.” Liu Fuyin, daughter of a wealthy merchant, is stunningly beautiful and enchantingly seductive. Before she even comes of age, she’s a beauty capable of bringing kingdoms to their knees, and everyone wants to 12kReads8.8Score73514d adds

    Reader note

    🌟Liu Fuyin was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She was beautiful, charming, and alluring, possessing a beauty that could topple kingdoms. As a result, she was coveted by many. Due to the jealousy and hatred she attracted, she died tragically, her family was destroyed, and she was left with the infamous reputation of being a "femme fatale." After her death, she was bound to the Mistress System and sent to countless worlds to change the fate of innocent, beautiful, and ill-fated women.

25. 275 娘 The Empress Is Exquisitely Charming: Winning the Palace Battles and Raising a Child to Become Empress 娘娘千娇百媚，宫斗养崽坐后位 Take Your Pikachu Away抱走你的皮卡丘Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Pure Palace Intrigue + Raising a Child + Clear-Headed Heroine + Focused on Her Career + Light Ensemble Cast] Xie Zhao transmigrates to the state of Beiqi, a country that has never existed in recorded history. When she learns she is to take part in the selection two years later, she begins diligently practicing all kinds of skills. After successfully being selected, her goal is to safely give birth to a prince, raise him into an outstanding crown prince, put him on the throne, a 360Reads7.3Score—14d adds
26. 276 开 A Low-Ranking Palace Lady from the Start, with Maxed-Out Harem Warfare Skills 开局小秀女，娘娘宫斗技能满点 Lucky Fish招财鱼Ancient Romance601k WordsCompleted [No CP, devoted to palace intrigue for a hundred years!] Ning Yuzhen was sixteen the year she entered the palace, and twenty-eight the year she became Empress Dowager. Framing, miscarriage, poisoning, betrayal... After twelve years of ups and downs in the inner palace, the principles she once hoped to uphold had long since vanished. The people who had once stood by her had long since turned to dust. Ning Yuzhen walked the paths she'd taken in the past, leaving behind only a sigh. When she turned 312Reads5.9Score—14d adds
27. 277 一 A First-Rank Palace Consort 一品宫妃 Illuminating the Flowing Light照流光Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted After dying a miserable death in a car accident in her previous life, she is reborn as a low-ranking palace maid in the cold palace who could starve to death at any moment. Song Qingqiao only wants a peaceful life as an ordinary palace maid who gets to eat her fill every day. But she accidentally heals the cold and unfeeling emperor, and somehow ends up as a favored concubine deep in the palace, despised by the officials and envied by the other consorts... 209Reads7.7Score—14d adds
28. 278 都 I'm Already a Concubine, So What's Wrong with a Little Cunning? 都做妾了，有点小心机怎么了？ A Qing Who Loves to Eat爱吃的小晴Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Scheming in the household early on, palace intrigue later + System + Gorgeous heroine + A little childbirth + Sweet romance] [Stunning heroine who is sweet yet ruthless and a brilliant actress × Cold-faced prince who dotes on his wife and lets his imagination run wild] The male lead in this palace-intrigue novel is not sexually inexperienced. He favors the heroine early on and devotes himself solely to her later. Readers who mind should proceed with caution. In her previous life, Su Yujiao was 2.3kReads7.3Score15114d adds

    Reader note

    The first palace intrigue novel is absolutely top-notch! [Admiration][Admiration] Everyone's got 800 cunning schemes! The female lead rises from a maid to a concubine, and gives birth to five children! The palace intrigue plot is intellectually stimulating, not at all simplistic.

29. 279 好 The Fertile Imperial Consort: The Emperor’s One and Only Favorite 好孕贵妃：独得圣宠 The Fish Who Loves Tea爱喝茶的鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Noble Consort Jingmin: the highest rank many women in the imperial harem could dream of attaining. But what if it was a posthumous title? Who would want that? Given another chance, Wanran had no desire to become empress. She only wanted everyone who had harmed her in her previous life to receive their due punishment, and for her children to live in peace, never again to suffer through those dark days. As for the emperor, she would never again give him her whole heart. 2.4kReads9.2Score21914d adds
30. 280 娘 The Empress Is Far Too Ambitious 娘娘她太有事业心了 11 Means 1111就是11Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue! Palace intrigue! Scheming + palace intrigue + sweet romance + slight ensemble cast] [You won’t regret getting invested!!] Watch a sweet, ambitious girl work her way up, one step at a time! From an Attendant to an empress who rules the realm! A sweet girl who plays dumb but is really a wolf in sheep’s clothing × a cold, cunning emperor! His sole favorite? Can you really believe the emperor has just one? True love? The palace is a deep sea. All Lin Yueqing can do is seize the emp 12Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The best palace intrigue novel I've read recently

31. 281 娘 The Empress Hunts a Killer: Everyone in the Harem Is Evil 娘娘追凶：这后宫全员恶人 lNamelessll无名lAncient Romance37k WordsCompleted The Imperial Consort Hunts a Killer: Everyone in This Harem Is Evil —Reads—Score—14d adds
32. 282 贵 The Bewitching, Passionate Consort Only Wants to Be the Emperor's Favorite 贵妃妩媚多情，一心只想当宠妃 Ah Ying阿盈Ancient Romance610k WordsCompleted Lu Hanyan had a grand ambition and had always worked hard toward it: to become the emperor’s most favored Noble Consort! What could be better than being a Noble Consort? She could seduce the emperor, act up whenever she pleased, and occasionally whisper in his ear or toy with his feelings. Just thinking about it was thrilling! From an invisible nobody in the harem to the most celebrated Noble Consort of her time, Lu Hanyan gradually won Xiao Qi’s heart. Drawing on the little she knew about roman 663Reads8.4Score10614d adds
33. 283 娇 The Bewitching Consort Rises to Power, Face-Slapping the Scheming, Cold Emperor 娇媚娘娘狂上位，打脸勾心清冷帝 Treading Spring Afar踏春遥Ancient Romance403k WordsOngoing [Palace intrigue, transmigration, a clear-eyed heroine who uses schemes and acting skills to rise to the top, palace intrigue in the early stages, then becoming the emperor's only favorite, happy ending] [A glamorous star with a thousand-layered bag of tricks and countless ways to seduce; a slow-to-warm, aloof emperor gradually gets proven wrong, and an old flame turns him into a lovesick fool] Everyone in the palace knew that Emperor Zhaoming, with his immortal bearing and few desires, treated 3Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A bookworm of ten years says you absolutely have to check this out! It's incredibly good! A concubine's daughter rises to power and a commoner's daughter makes a comeback! The female lead's acting is superb and she's incredibly charming! The aloof emperor gradually falls for her, turning into a love-struck fool! Not angsty at all!

34. 284 皇 Your Majesty, I Think Your Palace Maid Is Cursing You Again 皇上，你家宫女好像又在骂你 Six Yuan六元钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The irresistible appeal of what you once rejected + powerful men bowing their heads + a double-standard male lead + raising her before a story of power and statecraft + romantic push and pull + he truly doesn’t love her at first, but gives his all once he does] Su Nanchu is unruly. Shen Jingzhi has always known that. But life in the palace is dull, and he doesn’t mind having a little plaything who can kick and scream. She becomes his daily amusement: reading memorials, practicing calligraphy, a 11.6kReads9.2Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's great! The male and female leads are both intelligent, and the emperor won't be completely manipulated by the women in his harem.

35. 285 绝 A Stunning Film Queen Possesses Someone in Another World, Masters Palace Intrigue, and Becomes Empress 绝美影后搞魂穿，玩转宫斗成皇后 Ink Phoenix Cloud Letter墨凰云笺Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Powerful female lead transmigrates into another person's body + high-IQ palace intrigue + one woman takes on the entire harem + not both leads' first time] A stunning award-winning actress transmigrates into the body of a concubine-born girl who has been drugged with an aphrodisiac and is still expected to enter the palace. Entering the palace would be one thing, but her rank is low. Her rank being low would be one thing, but she has no money either. No matter. Sister Shen knows exactly what sh 227Reads6.4Score—14d adds
36. 286 穿 After I Transmigrated, I Became the Frail Moonlight of the Entire Imperial Harem 穿越后我成了全后宫的病弱白月光 Si Qian and Porridge司千和粥Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted Rising star Wan Lai'er transmigrates overnight and becomes Wan Jiaojiao, a palace lady who died just after entering the imperial palace of the Great Jin dynasty. With her “bounce back from the brink, refill the mana bar” skill, Wan Jiaojiao isn't afraid of a thing. As long as she's still breathing, she can't die. What?! The horse beside the Empress Dowager has bolted? Wan Jiaojiao says, “Leave it to me!” The Empress Dowager declares, “Jiaojiao saved my life. I want to see who in the harem dares 2.7kReads9.3Score40314d adds

    Reader note

    🍙🍙🍙 She was fifteen years old, having already lived for fifteen years in ancient times, blossoming from an infant into a peerless beauty. At the age of ten, she accidentally learned that the world she was in was the setting of a novel she had read in modern times. In the book, the male protagonist, Jun Zechen, and the female protagonist, Ling Yue, went from childhood affection to mutual loathing. Su Jingyao, at the height of their love, was bestowed upon the Crown Prince by the Emperor as a concubine, but ultimately died in the Eastern Palace, unable to win the Crown Prince's favor. The modern-day Su Jingyao didn't believe in love, only in herself. Whether in modern times or ancient times, she harbored lofty ambitions, desiring to soar to great heights. Men belonged to her; power was also something she coveted.

37. 287 重 Reborn as Consort Hua, the Black-Hearted Lotus 重生之华妃是朵黑心莲 Forgetful River Without Autumn Waters忘川无秋水Female-Channel Fanfiction225k WordsCompleted I am Nian Shilan, and I am also Consort Hua. In my past life, that scumbag emperor killed my child, then used Huanyi Incense to ensure I could never become a mother again. In this life, I will repay him a thousand, ten thousand times over! You killed my child, so I will make sure you have no descendants! And I have no interest in being Consort Hua. If I'm going to rule, I'll be a queen! 31Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    New book launch! After her rebirth, Consort Hua finally sees through the scoundrel and the fat orange cat. In this life, even Empress Zhen Huan and the Empress will kneel before her.

38. 288 簪 The Record of Hairpins (Complete in 4 Volumes) 簪中录（全4册） A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Mystery992k WordsCompleted The little red fish Agashnie, which feeds on human blood; the mysterious talisman that had followed Li Shubai for years; Empress Wang, the peerless beauty of the Daming Palace; three clusters of doodles written by the late emperor himself before his death; a marriage contract made with Wang Yun in their youth... Every mystery returns to its point of origin. Every choice remains beyond anyone’s control, as impossible to resist or escape as fate itself. Yang Chonggu has returned to the palace and 17.6kReads9.7Score2.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    I love Zhao Zhao!!! Zhao Zhao is the most handsome!!! And there's a second book I've never read that's so realistic about palace intrigue!!! Everyone go read it, don't force me to!! [Angry][Angry][Angry]

39. 289 宫 The Palace Maid Schemed to Seduce Him, and the Mad Emperor Fell for Her and Seized Her by Force 宫女蓄意勾引，疯批帝王沦陷强夺 Orange-Brilliant Starlight橘灿星光Ancient Romance210k WordsOngoing [Palace intrigue, not a virginal couple / villainess / femme fatale / forced possession / doted on exclusively after the opening] [Scheming, theatrical maid vs. deranged emperor who falls deeper with every step] Yao Shu was born beautiful, and the empress chose her as a pawn to send to the emperor. The first time she met Xiao Xulan, she was too frightened to look him in the eye. But when he began to consider taking her to his bed, she broke free of his grasp and knelt down, declaring, “This serv 260Reads9.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Superb palace intrigue novels! Not a double virgin story! Sweet and satisfying! She is the ultimate favorite! ① Spoiled yet charming concubine x Gentle yet seemingly innocent but actually cunning emperor! Exclusive favor from the start! ② Scheming and ruthless beauty x Emperor who gradually falls for her! Forced possession! Exclusive favor from the start! ③ Weak and helpless palace maid x Cold and obsessive emperor! Forced possession!

40. 290 出 The Night I Left the Palace, the Mad Emperor Took Me by Force 出宫当晚，被疯批帝王强取豪夺 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 25.5kReads9.2Score1.8k14d adds
41. 291 京 The Capital's Number One Green Tea 京城第一绿茶 There Are Fusu Mountains山有扶苏Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Satisfying court intrigue + woman disguised as a man + scheming ingenue + sweet on the outside, sinister within + indulgent romance + flirtatious + imaginative historical fantasy] Lan Yin, the top courtesan from a brothel, refuses to remain a plaything for others. To change her fate, she impersonates the cousin of the Duke of Wei's family and makes her way into the wealthy heart of the capital. At a birthday banquet, her dance captivates everyone. In the Jade Pool Gardens, she discusses state 781Reads8.4Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    My darlings, I've recommended palace intrigue novels so many times already, please give my book a try! 📖

42. 292 侧 The Side Consort’s Memoir of Becoming Empress 侧妃为后记 Spring Has Filled the Blossoming Branches华枝春已满Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Household Intrigue + Palace Intrigue] Not a one-on-one romance. The male lead has a wife and concubines early on, but later dotes on the heroine alone. No suspicion or misunderstandings. A little angst, but mostly sweet. The heroine falls for him first, but she isn't completely ruled by love. Her experiences have shaped her, and she's usually quite level-headed. (Though perhaps she is a little taken by his looks.) The male lead doesn't realize his own feelings, but he's been good to the heroine 3.3kReads9.0Score26114d adds

    Reader note

    ① The male lead is impure; after they confess their feelings, only the female lead remains. ② The male lead has wives and concubines, but later he dotes on her exclusively; a sweet romance.

43. 293 踹 Dump the Romance Hero, Seduce the Emperor from a Male-Oriented Novel 踹掉言情男主，勾搭男频帝王 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, revenge, scheming, stunning heroine, seductive mastermind] The short drama His Heart on a String is now streaming! Shen Yuling transmigrated into a romance novel as its heroine. Unfortunately, she was a heroine whose luck had been stolen by a woman who transmigrated into the story. She would die in a fire, taking her unborn child with her, while her entire family would be wiped out. It was a fate the original heroine had failed to change, even after being reborn twice 17kReads9.2Score2.3k14d adds
44. 294 枕 On the Jade Couch: The Sickly, Tyrannical Emperor Only Dotes on His Enchanting Queen 枕玉榻：病娇暴君他独宠妖后 Yu Duo屿朵Ancient Romance422k WordsCompleted (The rating just opened and will rise later.) Devoted romance, sweet pampering, multiple births, and a clear-headed palace intrigue. A naturally fertile, wicked, unhinged beauty and a lovesick male lead who overthinks everything. Jiang Wenyu was merely a lowly concubine-born daughter. Because of her beauty, her legitimate elder sister forced her to enter the Third Prince's household and win his favor, intending to kill the mother after taking the child. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince saw her k 1.2kReads7.2Score11814d adds
45. 295 岁 Years in the Palace 岁岁宫阙 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance706k WordsCompleted Liu Yuetang was sent to a country estate by her legitimate mother the day she was born. When she came of age, her older half-sister gave up her chance to enter the palace because of a dream, stole her match, and spent the night with her betrothed. Liu Yuetang went along with it and decided to enter the palace to carve out a bright future for herself. Once inside, she kept a low profile, learned the arts of the bedchamber, and mastered the art of playing hard to get, pouting coquettishly, and put 10.7kReads8.9Score1.4k14d adds
46. 296 贵 The Imperial Consort Trades on the Emperor’s Favor, Seeking Revenge and Rising to Power 贵妃恃宠而骄，一路复仇上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue revenge power fantasy, with sweet romance, scumbags getting what they deserve, and an adorable child later on. The leads are not each other's firsts, so read with caution if that bothers you!!! Not fantasy!!!) She is Yu Zhiyi, daughter of Jiangnan's richest man, and Yu Zhiyan, daughter of the Minister of Rites. On her fifth birthday, because of a Frost Soul Pearl, all 100-odd members of Yu Zhiyi's family were slaughtered. The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley had once 2.6kReads9.1Score27514d adds
47. 297 娘 One Tear from the Empress, and She Acts Her Way to the Emperor's Throne 娘娘一滴泪，演到帝王送凤位 Little Peeled Egg剥壳的小蛋蛋Ancient Romance589k WordsCompleted [Story complete; easy to get around] Shen Qingfu transmigrated into a rebirth novel. The reborn heroine, Chu Can, had grown up with the crown prince, Ning Xuanli, as his childhood sweetheart. Given a second chance at life, she wanted no love, only power and riches. To become the most special person in the crown prince’s heart, she played hard to get. She had schemes, but no feelings. Shen Qingfu was nothing more than the most insignificant cannon fodder in the rebirth novel. Shen Qingfu gave a s 303Reads9.1Score—14d adds
48. 298 恶 The Villainess Becomes the Legitimate Daughter: I'm Just Pretending, Don't Get Too Attached 恶女成嫡：我装的，你们别太爱了 Peach Blossoms Reflected in Wine桃花映酒Ancient Romance617k WordsCompleted (Print edition goes on sale at 7 p.m. on September 19 / Several short animated adaptations are now streaming) [Wicked Villainess Transmigrates into a Book + Total Control + “Training Dogs” Romance + Male Rivals in a Shura Field + Exes Begging for Her Back + Face-Slapping and Scumbag Punishment] [The heroine is a true villainess: a stunning, calculating temptress who never hesitates to manipulate others] Jiang Chuji, the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, was an ill-fated girl sent to a t 58.7kReads9.4Score7.8k14d adds
49. 299 折 Snap Off a Crabapple Branch! 折棠枝！ Consort Xi熙贵妃Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sisters switch marriages+the chase-back-to-win-her-heart trope+romantic rivalry+putting scumbags in their place; clear-eyed, scheming beauty X mad tyrant X aloof, powerful minister...] Short drama now available Jiang Wantang is the second legitimate daughter least favored by the current prime minister. With incomparable beauty and bewitching charm, she was abandoned in the wilderness and remained unknown to the world. Her elder legitimate sister was the moon in the sky; she was the mud beneath 9kReads8.9Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    These novels are quite similar; those who like them can buy them, those who don't should avoid them.

50. 300 重 The Reborn Legitimate Daughter Returns 重生嫡女归来 Ghost Month Specter鬼月幽灵Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted Banxia, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Medicine, was murdered by her sister and the Crown Prince she loved. When she awakens, she has been reborn a few days before returning to the capital. With the memories of her past life, she tears away her sister’s beautiful facade and exposes her stepmother’s false piety. The capital says she’s a country bumpkin, but she’s more fashionable than anyone. They call her a village girl, but she’s more graceful than them all. They say she’s illiterate 5.6kReads9.1Score1.7k14d adds

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