Looking for a Smart Historical Fantasy with a Male Lead Who’s a Powerful Court Official 跪求男主是权臣的带脑子古风文

1. 1 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

   In this book, the male lead is intelligent and serves as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

2. 2 女 After Faking Her Death in Disguise as a Man, She Starts Playing the Frail, Scheming Green Tea 女扮男装死后，她开始演柔弱绿茶 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of [Playing Coy] is available on all platforms. [The heroine is everyone’s beloved, with maximum “moonlight in the heart” appeal + doted on by all + universally adored + strong female lead] Qin Buwen disguised herself as a man and played the part of a treacherous official for sixteen years. At the height of her infamy, everyone in Chang’an, even the dogs, would go out of their way to avoid her. Then she was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. She leapt from a tall building, onl 36.5kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves

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   I can read all of Ah Hong's books. If I don't like them, I'll hit you.

3. 3 摄 The Regent's Uncle's Little One Is Begging for Affection Again 摄政王皇叔家的崽崽又撒娇了 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Complete] In her previous life, Murujin devoted herself to the crown prince, only to have her position as empress taken away, her military seal confiscated, and a cup of poisoned wine sent to kill her in the Cold Palace. Three years later, Murujin is reborn. She swears to overthrow the emperor and plunge the kingdom into chaos! Word has it that the usually aloof Prince Regent Qi Junxian now has a willful little girl by his side, one who sweetly calls him "Uncle Emperor." "Your Highness! The you 17.7kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves
4. 4 恶 The Wicked Supporting Lady Is Doomed to Live as a Widow? Brother-in-Law, I’m Scared 恶毒女配守活寡？夫兄，人家好怕 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance558k WordsCompleted [Elder Brother Steals Younger Brother’s Wife + Deliberate Seduction] (Black-hearted scheming villainess ✖️ abstinent, cold-hearted junior tutor) In her previous life, Pei Jingxu remained a widow for three years for her husband, Rong Xuanzhou, who had died in battle. But then he returned to the capital with Bai Shutong, the widow of his comrade-in-arms, and her two children. The Rong family elders said nothing, only urging Pei to be virtuous and magnanimous. The widow was peerlessly beautiful. No 110.5kReads9.3Score19kShelves
5. 5 寡 The Widow's Sister-in-Law Has Nowhere to Run, and the Mad Chancellor Vomits Blood Again 寡嫂无处逃，疯批丞相又吐血了 Folded in the Mist折雾里Ancient Romance634k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, decisive young widow vs. refined, deranged villainous minister] [System + fleeing while pregnant + transmigrate into a book + male lead reborn] Song Yao transmigrated into a book as the villainous minister’s widowed sister-in-law. She was caught red-handed while eloping with another man. The villainous minister, who would one day hold power over the entire court, was currently nothing but a sickly young man. Remembering the tragic fate of the original owner, Song Yao immediately deci 9.4kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves

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   A yandere powerful minister, a fake eunuch powerful minister, a restrained and ascetic powerful minister, and an arrogant and domineering powerful minister (all stories with plots and logic, not mindless wish fulfillment).

6. 6 穿 After I Transmigrated into a Book, I Became the Stepmother of Six Villains 穿书后，成了六个反派的后娘 Jiang Suisui姜岁岁Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Over-the-top pampering + yandere + adorable kids + farming + lighthearted] Gu Banxia transmigrates into a book. But what is this? Why has she inexplicably been married off to a dead man and become the stepmother of six little burdens? And all six of them are eyeing her like they want to kill her! At first The little burdens: “Every day, I ask myself three questions: Is my stepmother hurt? Is she crippled? Is she dead?” Later The little burdens: “My mom is the best! Anyone who bullies her is dea 2.4kReads9.3Score307Shelves
7. 7 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 266.6kReads9.6Score31.2kShelves
8. 8 哄 You Want Me to Be Your Concubine? After I Faked My Death, the Playboy Marquis Went Mad 哄我做妾？死遁后纨绔侯爷发大疯 Heart's Water Turns to Sweet Dew心水成沁Ancient Romance580k WordsCompleted The short-drama rights have been sold. Now just waiting for it to premiere~ "A taste of ancient China · devoted lovers · clear-headed heroine" "Romance and intrigue · household and palace rivalries · the fate of the nation" Su Tan is the top courtesan at the Fragrant Pavilion in the capital of Great Wei, blessed with otherworldly beauty, porcelain skin, and a flawless complexion. After transmigrating here eight years ago, she has endured humiliation and bided her time, hoping to auction off her 8.8kReads9.2Score1kShelves
9. 9 翡 Lotus in an Emerald Cage 翡翠笼中莲 Jiang Chengyu C江承钰CAncient Romance49k WordsCompleted The Lotus in the Jade Cage 722Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The female author's most prized pure ancient romance novel!! Top-tier, already completed, so enjoy! A blend of domestic and palace intrigue 🩷 A bit tear-jerking, reminiscent of the bittersweet feeling of a love that ends without a trace 😭 My beloved, unforgettable female supporting character! A jade merchant's daughter meets a fallen prince living among commoners, but there's no spark between them until they fight assassins in a dilapidated temple. She falls in love with him, but he falls for another extremely delicate woman. By chance, he's placed on the throne by a powerful minister. 👑🍅 The supporting character, the powerful minister, has quite a bit of screen time, from initially having everything under control to the helplessness of losing control at the end of his life—very poignant. He doesn't love her, but respects her, needing her wisdom to help him navigate between the powerful minister and the imperial court. She also lives peacefully with his lover. She loves him, and therefore loves him in a way that the male lead prefers. 😍🍅 In the end, it was that seemingly frail woman who protected the female lead with her own life until the very end. 😊 After reading it, you'll feel a sense of loss. It's a rare story where the male and female leads don't fall in love, but rather need to use each other without competing with one another. It has a powerful aftertaste.

10. 10 念 Spring Tide of Longing 念念春潮 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance754k WordsCompleted [Print edition under contract] [Sweet romance and comeuppance, a seemingly gentle but calculating male lead, a fierce and adorable heroine, and intense push-and-pull between the leads] The Marquis of Wuning's daughter is to be married, but the bride hangs herself. The groom is Prince Danshuo, a handsome man who enjoys the emperor's deep trust, and the emperor himself personally arranged the marriage. In their panic, the marquis's household can only find someone to take the bride's place. Cheng 74.1kReads9.4Score10.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The powerful male lead and the intelligent and decisive female lead are a perfect match.

11. 11 人 In Ancient Times, the Powerful Keep Taking What They Want 人在古代，权贵步步强夺 Xi Han习含Ancient Romance476k WordsCompleted In her third year in the ancient world, the person who had sheltered Zhu Qingyu became embroiled in a legal case. Gu Zhao, heir to the Duke of Dingguo, offered his help. “Just this once,” he said. A fleeting night of passion was an ending for her, but only the beginning for him. Gu Zhao lived by the principles of self-restraint and keeping his heart in check. He was upright and proper in all things, except that he couldn’t suppress his endless greed, anger, and desire for a married woman. He 62.4kReads9.0Score9.6kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good, but it's still ongoing!

12. 12 公 The Princess Is Spoiled and Willful, and the Cold-Faced General Defies His Station 公主娇纵，冷面将军以下犯上 Jiang Baofu江宝芙Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other's first and only love + intense push and pull + over-the-top pampering + fiercely possessive] [Willful, scheming little princess X cold, ruthless, calculating young general] Shen Ran didn't want to be sent off in a political marriage. On the journey back to the capital under Xie Yanli's escort, she thought up a hundred ways to make him let her go. Play the victim: No. Pretend to be sick: No. Act obedient: No. Seduce him: Yes. She realized Xie Yanli wasn't impossi 12.3kReads9.0Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is full of wicked schemes, constantly plotting against others. The male lead is a cunning and abstinent general, brave and resourceful, who later falls for him, becoming a sinister and eccentric madman, and even rebelling. Both leads are intelligent, and their mutual scheming eventually leads to genuine affection; the characters are incredibly compelling.

13. 13 重 Reborn: I Flirted the Gloomy Regent into a Daze 重生后，阴鸷摄政王被我撩晕了 Heart Yearning for Gardenias心向往栀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted "Print edition available for preorder October 24 at 7 p.m.!" "Black Lotus Beauty of a Princess & the Grim, Ruthless Regent" [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Devoted Couple + Putting Scumbags in Their Place] Zhixian was the sharpest blade at the side of the Third Prince of Nanzhao, eliminating every obstacle in his bid for the throne. But on the day he was named crown prince, she met her end. "Zhixian, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for knowing too much." Xuan Yuan Heng wiped t 32.9kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Absolutely amazing!!! Highly recommended!!! A captivating beauty and a ruthless regent—a double whammy of sweet romance with no angst throughout. The side couple is also incredibly sweet 🤤🤤🤤🤤. Everyone should watch it!!! Those interested can read the synopsis first

14. 14 蓄 Long-Planned: The Chief Councilor’s Daily Devotion to His Wife 蓄谋已久：首辅大人的宠妻日常 I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance566k WordsCompleted “The rating just came out, so it’ll go up later.” Sweet, delicate beauty × scheming powerful official. A marriage that turns into tooth-achingly sweet love! “The aloof beauty comes down from her pedestal of her own accord.” A spring palace painting leads to “bedroom lessons,” and the heart-fluttering moments just won’t stop! Reading guide: Both leads are virgins, happy ending, sweet romance with no angst, sugar from beginning to end! Qin Nuan married Shen Yanqing, the Chief Minister who was the 30.9kReads8.9Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    He's always making a fuss, but he stops when he sees his wife.

15. 15 姐 My Sister and I Are to Marry the Same Man? I Won't Marry the Crown Prince, I Want the Regent 姐妹同嫁？我不嫁太子我要摄政王 I Am the Blooming Prosperity花开富贵本花Ancient Romance717k WordsCompleted The possessive, jealous regent x the sweet, silly Princess Mingyue The heroine is the kind of person who doesn’t have to lift a finger for someone to fall in love with her! "Historical romance + reborn + in their previous life, the hero secretly loved her and died with her + in this life, he competes for her and refuses to let her go + both are devoted to each other + happy ending + sweet romance + no angst for the heroine" In both their past and present lives, Wen Ruan is Shen Ye’s wife. In t 36.1kReads8.7Score6.3kShelves
16. 16 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 163.8kReads9.6Score22.8kShelves

    Reader note

    🌻I've liked this author for a long time. I've read several of her books, including "Spring Banquet" and "Unrelated to Romance," and I really enjoyed them all. This book really suits my taste. When I first started reading, my initial impression of the female lead was that she was quite naive and didn't seem like a typical female lead. But as I read on, I realized she wasn't naive at all; she had her own goals and was very knowledgeable. I was just used to judging people from a fixed perspective. Later on, she gradually revealed her intentions and showcased her abilities. Although she wasn't good at academics, she had a talent for martial arts, and she had her own shining qualities. ✨I hope everyone can check out this book! 😊

17. 17 都 Everyone Says She's Not Good Enough, but the Cool and Powerful Minister Is Head Over Heels for Her 都说她不配，偏偏清冷权臣他超爱 Flowers and Fruit有花有果Ancient Romance480k WordsCompleted [Marriage First, Love Later + Historical Romance + The Heroine Only Wants the Physical Side at First and Often Takes Advantage of the Hero + Growing Together] Jiang Zhaoyue transmigrated into a book. She became the foolish, vicious ex-wife of a supporting male character. The original owner's list of “accomplishments” was impressive: Abusing the servants. Disrespecting her parents-in-law. Eloping with a poor scholar after taking a sum of money. Being sold into a brothel. Contracting a vene 17kReads8.9Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    These two books are amazing! Not only are the male and female leads intelligent, but they're both brilliant too. They're truly super good! Both leads are incredibly smart, it's amazing! [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

18. 18 太 Lord Tutor, Stop Pretending. Everyone Knows You’re Head Over Heels 太傅大人别装了，都知道你爱惨了 Wuyou Li乌有理Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted [Reborn] [One-on-one romance, devoted couple, happy ending] Original title: The Zither and Flute Went Astray [Devoted, restrained aloof beauty of a powerful minister ✖️ resilient, brave heiress known as the Phoenix] The Zhu family has lost all its sons, but still has more money than it could ever spend. Their prominence makes them a target, and with no allies to turn to, the entire family was executed by the crown prince in her previous life. Reborn, Zhu Zheng agrees to her grandmother's 6.7kReads9.1Score700Shelves

    Reader note

    Ahhhhhh, does anyone understand?! Does anyone understand?!

19. 19 玩 Playing the On-Screen Comments, the Villainess Becomes the Powerful Minister’s One and Only 玩转弹幕，恶毒女配成了权臣专宠 Jin Xiaoyao金小垚Ancient Romance709k WordsCompleted Wen Xiyue was pushed off a rockery, but survived and unexpectedly awakened a System that showed her on-screen comments. [Only an evil supporting female lead would pull a stunt like this, jumping straight into the arms of the story’s biggest villain.] Wen Xiyue: “???” One day, she went to pray for blessings and stared at a statue, lost in thought. [Wait, she knows the token for the alliance marriage between the two kingdoms is hidden inside the statue?] Wen Xiyue: “...” Later, she went to a banqu 118Reads8.7Score—Shelves
20. 20 横 Seized by Force 横夺 Chen Bushu陈不淑Ancient Romance281k WordsCompleted No one could have imagined that the most powerful minister in the Great Zhou dynasty would fall for a woman. And Zhang Zhiman could never have guessed that woman would be herself. The first twenty years of her life had been peaceful and fortunate, free of worry. Then, in a single day, the tides turned, and she was crushed into the dirt. The name Lai Xunyu made anyone who heard it shudder with fear. With a beautiful, smiling woman by his side, precious as a jewel, he thought that spending the res 3.5kReads—Score266Shelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist climbed his way up step by step and eventually became the regent.

21. 21 替 I Took My Brother’s Place at Court, I’m Really Not Into Men! 替兄入朝，我真不是断袖！ Just Want to Eat Tomatoes就想吃番茄Ancient Romance533k WordsCompleted One devoted couple | Forced marriage | Power struggles | Unhinged characters | A man in power bows to love | Secret identity To uncover the truth behind her father's death, Liu Lingxi disguises herself as a man and takes her brother's place at court. She treads carefully and tries to avoid trouble at every turn, but still draws the attention of Pei Yan of the Hedong Pei clan, the youngest powerful minister in the Great Zhao dynasty. He is shrewd and ruthless, and everyone fears him. But the way 143Reads—Score107Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book. The female lead is intelligent, but the male lead is even more so—his political maneuvering is superb, and he's incredibly cunning. He's not just all talk; he's truly formidable.

22. 22 权 The Fragrance of Power in the Minister's Tent 权臣帐中香 A Handful of Millet一把粟米Ancient Romance367k WordsCompleted The older, scheming minister VS the coolheaded, cunning official’s daughter Liao Xuanze was twelve years older than Ji Yang. At seventeen, Ji Yang married Second Master Liao as his second wife. Their status and standing were worlds apart, so she tread carefully in the sprawling estate, afraid of making even the smallest misstep. They first met when Ji Yang was traveling north with her young brother. Bandits attacked them, and Liao Xuanze rescued her. They met again at Ji Yang’s coming-of-age cer 972Reads7.1Score112Shelves

    Reader note

    A cunning nobleman versus a scheming noblewoman—they marry after only three meetings, forging a beautiful bond amidst the turbulent capital. She can make even the most ruthless and decisive male protagonist willingly offer her the most beautiful things in the world. [Sending Heart][Masterpiece by Sparrow Eater]

23. 23 弹 The On-Screen Comments Teach Her to Act Cute as She Wins Over a Powerful Official 弹幕教她嘤嘤嘤，疯狂攻略权臣心 AAA Pillow BookAAA枕上书Ancient Romance1.5M WordsOngoing [Sweet, soft, ditzy beauty x cold-faced minister who's secretly ruthless] In a dream, Jiang Qingning is taken by a man. When she opens her eyes, she sees golden words called “comments” floating before her, and a man pinning her down. Pei Ji was her substitute teacher three years ago. Three years later, he's the powerful Left Chancellor who commands the court. She is the fake heiress of the Jiang family, cast out of her home, with fair skin, stunning looks, and a gentle disposition. To change her 5.6kReads8.5Score518Shelves
24. 24 勾 Flirting with the Grand Tutor: Strangers in Public, Like Spouses in Private 勾太傅，人前不熟人后如做了夫妻 I Am No Good Person吾非良人Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Main story complete (award-winning entry in the Fifth Online Literature Contest) While the top-ranking scholar husband slept soundly, Song Lian clung to the immaculate and upright Grand Tutor of the court, sobbing, "Please, save me..." What had she done wrong? She just didn't want to die. The family rules were merciless, the Grand Princess would suffer no rivals, and her husband wanted to become the princess's consort. Song Lian had only one way out: hang herself. So she summoned her courage and 140.3kReads9.2Score20.3kShelves
25. 25 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel departs from the traditional "naive and sweet" trope of ancient romance novels. The female protagonist is cunning and ruthless yet principled, while the male protagonist is strategic, deeply devoted, and loyal. In the dual struggles of court politics and domestic life, they are not only evenly matched rivals but also each other's only support. The plot is tightly woven with constant twists and turns, seamlessly intertwining political intrigue with romance. It showcases the wisdom and resilience of ancient women in dire straits while also depicting a love story between two equally matched individuals, making for a thrilling and satisfying read. It is a masterpiece of ancient romance novels featuring powerful protagonists and political intrigue.

26. 26 重 Reborn to Marry the Villain, Backed by the Regent, I Went on a Killing Spree 重生嫁反派，摄政王撑腰，杀疯了 Shi Su Su Ya是酥酥吖Ancient Romance256k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Sweet Romance + Past and Present Lives + Medicine] Jiang Shining and Nangong Yu were betrothed as children. They grew up together, a perfect match in looks and talent. At her birthday banquet, she was overjoyed, thinking it would be the formal betrothal ceremony for the two of them. Instead, she learned that her father and brother had died in battle, and Nangong Yu stormed in with troops, accusing the Jiang family of treason. Tortured until she wished she were dead, Jiang Shining watc 380Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Sweet and fluffy, one-on-one romance, no angst, super good!

27. 27 怯 Fearing Spring's Return: Half Longing for Parting, Half Longing for You 怯春归：半缘离思，半缘君 A Dream Drunk on This Fleeting Life一梦醉浮生Ancient Romance219k WordsCompleted [Wild, Carefree Fake Playboy VS Clear-Headed Heiress] After dying, modern-day surgeon Su Qiao transmigrated and was accidentally caught up in an assassination plot targeting the Crown Prince. Thus began her arduous escape and fight for survival as a bride forced into an arranged marriage. Ji Minghan retrieved the fake bride from prison after her escape attempt failed and she nearly fell into the hands of human traffickers. She was supposed to be a pawn kept by his side, but somehow she became hi 35Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A short, sweet historical romance novel about power struggles and a doting husband. It has a happy ending and is now complete. [Added to bookshelf]

28. 28 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves

    Reader note

    The whole article is brilliant, it's so good!

29. 29 佞 The Treacherous Minister 佞臣 Read a Little, Xu Bai读点叙白Mystery549k WordsCompleted [Amnesiac, Highly Skilled Detective X Cold-on-the-Outside, Warm-Hearted Eunuch in Power] [Historical fantasy + Mystery-solving + Two Beautiful, Powerful, Tragic Leads + Taking Another's Place + Marriage Before Love + Amnesia] After Zhao Yuqing is gravely wounded and loses her memory, she wanders to Jianzhou, where she is rescued by the kindhearted young lady of the Jia family. To repay her, Zhao Yuqing, gifted with both martial prowess and intelligence, solves the Jia family's murder case, only 808Reads9.1Score125Shelves

    Reader note

    It's fantastic! Both political intrigue and romance are on full display! A guaranteed hit!

30. 30 奸 The Treacherous Official's Wife: A Book-Transmigrated Heroine's Farming Life 奸臣之妻：书穿女配好种田 Youyou Doesn't Eat Spicy Food柚柚不吃辣Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Farming + sweet romance + family bonds + political intrigue + healing + comedy] Cui Wantang had lived with her old charlatan of a master, dependent on each other. After he died, she was left all alone. Then one day, she transmigrated into a book she hadn't finished reading, becoming the wife of the villainous minister. [The book said Song Yu was a smiling tiger, ruthless and cruel, a lackey and a weapon for the antagonist.] But at this point, Song Yu was only a poor young man who hadn't turned 25.1kReads9.4Score3.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Don't miss it! A complete plot twist! Worth savoring and pondering.

31. 31 伏 Ambush 伏杀 Mo Bai1莫白1Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Original title: Ambush] Beneath the awe-inspiring might of Heaven, all living beings are mere ants. And yet he dares, with the strength of an insect, to turn the world upside down. For family, for friends, for the burning hatred in his heart, for the nightmares that haunt him year after year, for justice, and for fairness. This story is set in an imaginary world and has no connection to actual history. Everything in it is fictional. Any similarities are purely coincidental. 14.8kReads8.3Score931Shelves

    Reader note

    The political intrigue is absolutely captivating! The battles of wits and plot twists are non-stop, making for an incredibly thrilling storyline!

32. 32 重 Reborn, I Become My Arch-Enemy's Living Widow Sister-in-Law 重生后，我成了死敌的活寡嫂子 Two Times Four Means Prosperity二四得发Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted [Both leads are reborn + sister-in-law and brother-in-law + an aloof beauty brought down from her pedestal + emotional push and pull + winning her heart and her body + devoted couple] The Eastern Palace has no crown prince, and the princes are locked in a fierce struggle for the throne. Ning Miao and Yan Mobai are the top strategists of their generation, each serving a different master. They cross paths over a map of iron mines and kill each other. Only after her death does Ning Miao learn tha 39.2kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves

    Reader note

    For the sake of the medicinal ingredient, she became the sister-in-law of her mortal enemy.

33. 33 重 After Being Reborn, I Proposed to the Sickly Grand Secretary 重生后，我向病娇首辅提亲了 The Fragrance Is Gone Before We Know It香知恨晚Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted In her previous life, Zhao Youning defied her parents, ignored their advice, and vowed to marry the man she loved, Jiang Li. Her parents were disappointed, her brother's marriage prospects suffered, and the Zhao family became the laughingstock of the entire capital. When she woke again, snow was falling heavily. She was kneeling outside the Zhao family home, just about to make a vow to her parents. “Father, Mother, your daughter has feelings for...” The Zhao parents frowned at their daughter 4.5kReads8.8Score740Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance novel with elements of domestic power struggles and a prime minister theme, but not a typical female-centric story. The female lead is intelligent, principled, and morally upright, with no special advantages. Overall, it's quite good. However, those who prefer strong female-centric stories might not recommend it. The male lead and supporting characters are also excellent. The power struggles in the officialdom and the emotional entanglements between them are very engaging!

34. 34 大 The First Powerful Minister of Great You, Starting with Solving Cases 大幽第一权臣，从断案开始 Modern Tang Bohu现世唐伯虎Historical630k WordsCompleted Shen Ci transmigrated and became the only son of Shen the Butcher, the most ruthless torturer in the Court of Judicial Review of the Great You Dynasty. Born frail and sickly, he was a walking medicine jar whom everyone considered a disgrace to the Shen family. From the start, his father had tortured a loyal official’s descendant until he confessed, framing him as the culprit in a “family massacre” case. The man was about to be executed. Everyone believed the case was closed, but after glancing a 88Reads5.8Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    A modern psychologist transmigrates into a game of life, starting with a dead end. He wields words as blades and hearts as chess pieces, meticulously planning each move to kill silently. Use your brain, or just enjoy the show.

35. 35 读 It's Perfectly Reasonable for a Scholar to Solve a Case 读书人断个案很合理吧 Canada Goose加拿大鹅Historical297k WordsCompleted [Crime Solving] [Alternate History] [Wild Imagination] [Wits and Strategy] [Cool-Headed] [A Keen Mind] My name is Ning Fan, a top scorer in the college entrance exams who dropped out of school. After dying in an accident, I transmigrated to an alternate historical dynasty called the Great Rong. Given a second life, I planned to take it easy in ancient times: pass the imperial exams for fun, go into business and become the richest man around, and follow in the footsteps of the greats by inventing 262Reads6.7Score—Shelves
36. 36 穿 After I Transmigrated into a Book, the Powerful Minister Begged for My Affection Every Day 穿书后，权臣大人日日求宠 Su Yuan苏源Ancient Romance222k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a Book + Alternate World + Sweet Romance + Yandere + Both Leads Are Each Other’s Only One] [A sweet little romance with little political intrigue. The heroine isn’t a powerful, assertive type. Neither lead has been with anyone else in either their past or present lives, and the hero only loves the heroine.] A lively, spirited little drama queen with catlike charm × a clingy, green-tea husband who pretends to be sweet and obedient, with foxlike charm At first, Luo Qingqing only 2.9kReads9.2Score370Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is a powerful minister who turns out to be a manipulative and clingy woman after falling for the female lead.

37. 37 寒 A Cold Crow Nests in Your Heart 寒鸦栖君心 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone envies the Prince of Beian for loving his wife beyond all measure, with a love as deep as the sea. No one knows he won this perfect life by risking everything. Yan Junjue clawed his way out of a mountain of corpses in the Cold Palace. He was bloodthirsty and ruthless, a possessive, obsessive madman whose jealousy was carved into his bones. Everyone in the world feared him. Only Cui Yunqi was a little warmth in his endless darkness. She was the proud and steadfast lord of Hanya City, dev 9.1kReads8.8Score907Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The male lead is intelligent and resourceful, and the female lead is clear-headed and rational.

38. 38 权 A Woman in Power 权姝 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance628k WordsCompleted Legitimate daughter | Devoted hidden guard × Long-suffering childhood friend, the prince | Pure romance | Court intrigue | Strong female lead | Nation and family The court of the Great Qi dynasty is in turmoil, with the struggle for the throne brewing beneath the surface. The Molong cavalry bears down on Zhenmen Pass, where starving, freezing soldiers hold the border with their flesh and blood. On the battlefields of a troubled age, it is not only men who march to their deaths. Fu Ziyou brav 558Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 39 重 Reborn, She Goes All Out 重生后她直接开大 Moon Bell, Clear Dream月铃清梦Ancient Romance106k WordsCompleted My new work is here! You're welcome to read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy it. Your support inspires me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist is initially the emperor's tutor, wielding immense power, but later becomes a tyrant.

40. 40 穿 After I Transmigrated, I Fell in Love with a Male Favorite 穿越后我竟爱上了男宠 The Hungry Mouse Circling the Jar绕缸饥鼠Ancient Romance768k WordsCompleted Gorgeous but tragic male lead + Political intrigue and revenge + Unhinged villainous male lead ♡ Kind-hearted heroine + A touch of clueless innocence early on + Survival in ancient times + Growth-oriented heroine Family vendettas and national hatred, mutual salvation, angst followed by sweetness and then more angst, happy ending. ~ Lin Shixi, a recent college graduate, transmigrates into the body of the Lin family's good-for-nothing Fourth Miss, abandoned in a mountain village to die. She bar 228Reads8.3Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a laid-back but independent person vs. The male lead is a villainous, powerful minister. It's a traditional ancient romance novel, without melodrama or idiocy.

41. 41 新 Newlywed Unmasked: The Top Tycoon Disguised as a Crown Princess 新婚掉马：顶级大佬伪装太子妃 Three Claws三只爪Ancient Romance393k WordsCompleted [Marriage first, love later + equally matched powerhouses + disguises + slow burn + wits and courage + mutual healing + palace intrigue] Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind, his internal organs are failing, and he will not live to see winter. The princess sent to marry him is said to be a weakling who does nothing but cry. On their wedding night, assassins sneak in. The princess is so frightened that she drops her teacup, but a shard happens to slice an assassin’s throat. The Crow 2.1kReads—Score312Shelves

    Reader note

    A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love, featuring two strong, slow-burning protagonists, a battle of wits and courage, and mutual redemption. Rumor has it that the Crown Prince of Chu is blind and his internal organs are failing, not surviving past winter; while the princess sent for a political marriage is a weak and useless woman who only knows how to cry. On their wedding night, an assassin sneaks in. The princess, terrified, smashes a teacup, a shard of which accidentally cuts the assassin's throat; the Crown Prince weakly shrinks into the bed, but a silver needle on his fingertip accidentally pierces the assassin's vital point. The entire court awaits the spectacle of this short-lived couple's downfall. Until one dark and stormy night, the world's greatest poison doctor, Yaksha, and the leader of the Assassin's Guild, Yama, fight fiercely for the divine elixir. As they tear off each other's masks, both fall silent. Chu Mochen approached, his voice low and deep: "My beloved consort, your night attire is far more beautiful than your phoenix coronet and wedding robes during the day." Yan Yunqi sneered, brandishing her poisoned needle: "Your Highness, even with your eyes still open and your temper flaring, you're still much more pleasing to the eye than during the day!" When a dramatic princess with a built-in armor that reflects physical attacks tenfold meets a powerful, sickly tycoon, the entire capital is left in tears!

42. 42 权 The Powerbroker Lures Me Into His Trap 权臣诱我入局 Bamboo Window, Falling Lantern Blossoms竹窗落灯花Ancient Romance157k WordsCompleted #TwoStrongLeads #HistoricalIntrigue #PushAndPull #FakePregnancy #PlayingWeakToOutsmartOthers #SheThinksHeIsTheHunterButSheIsTheOneInControl In the back courtyard of the Qingyi Tower, the masked Jiang Li pretends to be pregnant to protect herself, treading carefully at every turn. A disfigurement case, forbidden drugs, secrets of the Hundred Herbs Hall... One conspiracy after another closes in around her. Lu Yan, Vice Minister of Revenue, heads south under imperial orders. He claims he is visitin 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    "This dog belongs to a relative of Gu Hanlin's nephew, and I find it interesting." —Translation: It doesn't matter whose dog it is. What matters is that I've taken a liking to it, so it's mine. The audience: ... He never finds dogs interesting.

43. 43 重 I Returned to the Cold, Powerful Minister's Youth, and He Kissed Me Until I Cried! 重回清冷权臣年少时，被亲哭！ The Rose Does Not Give Itself to You玫瑰不予你Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted (Completed. Enjoy without worry!) Bright and charming heiress x a paranoid, scheming power minister Only after dying did Wen Yunwan learn that she had been living in a story, as the male lead's deceased wife, the moonlight in his heart. After her death, the male lead lived alone until one woman after another appeared, each resembling her. They all shared one name: transmigrators on a mission to win his heart. He would be moved by one of them, and after playing out a scene where he chased and she 124.2kReads9.1Score22.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist climbs to a high position step by step; he is extremely intelligent.

44. 44 种 Farming and Raising Kids: My Heaven-Sent Husband Has 108 Schemes 种田养崽：天降相公108个心眼 Little M Fool小m愚Ancient Romance346k WordsOngoing After transmigrating to ancient times, Zhu Zhizhi discovered that she had no memories, but did have a son. She rolled up her sleeves, built a prosperous life from scratch, and enjoyed every day. One day, a man suddenly appeared and claimed to be her husband. Tall and handsome, skilled in both letters and arms, and a loyal puppy of a husband who knew how to care for her: who could resist? She was keeping him. But later, Zhu Zhizhi discovered that her husband had a distinguished identity and more 28Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🍃((🌳⥎🌳))🍃The male lead is a powerful minister, the city lord's son. To obtain the female lead's "treasure map," he lies and claims to be her husband, displaying a cunning and resourceful nature. The female lead's life is initially quite tragic; she suffers from amnesia and is surrounded by enemies. A son, a husband, and a daughter keep popping up, and no one around her tells the truth. Funny, full of jokes, highly recommended! [Please follow]

45. 45 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

    A cold and aloof scholar harbors a secret love for two lifetimes! A story of unrequited love between a high-and-mighty young man and a beautiful but unattainable lover—warm, touching, and delicately written. A must-read for fans of clean romance—absolutely amazing!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

46. 46 这 This Princess Consort Is a Force to Be Reckoned With, and She Deserves to Be Spoiled! 这个王妃路子野，得宠！ Noble Title for a Meal封侯拜饭Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted The Prince Regent says, “My princess consort is of royal blood, a delicate flower who can't lift a finger.” Meanwhile, the Prince Regent's consort, a whip in her left hand and a blade in her right, beats a gang of rebels until they flee in terror. The Prince Regent says again, “My consort only knows how to sew. How would she know anything about the occult?” A century-old ghost, sewn up like a kite by the Prince Regent's consort, weeps as it flies through the sky. The Prince Regent sighs again. “ 7.8kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good! Everyone should go see it! [Kissing emoji]

47. 47 献 Offering to the Abyss 献京渊 Qi Yi Zi七一子Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Print edition releasing October 25] “He taught me to kill, seize power, and look after myself. I taught him what it means to have a weakness.” [Serious drama + political intrigue + the fate of the nation and its people + I’m terrible at writing blurbs] Jiang Qingyu was born into wealth, and her family’s love had made her naive and pampered. It wasn’t until the day the entire Jiang family was executed that she realized how foolish she had been! When she opened her eyes again, she was determined 24.7kReads9.5Score4kShelves
48. 48 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good, everyone go watch it! 😘

49. 49 堕 Fallen Orchid 堕汀兰 The Radiance of the New and Full Moon朔望之辉Ancient Romance276k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, both leads devoted only to each other + transmigrated as herself + each other’s long-held love + lovestruck male lead + direct communication, no misunderstandings + fictional setting + happy ending] A gentle, moon-bright Crown Prince ✖️ a cheerful, sweet-on-the-outside, cunning-within young woman Xia Zhiting transmigrates as herself to the Great Yi Dynasty a thousand years in the past. Someone takes her in and trains her to be a spy, then sends her to the Eastern Palace as t 4.4kReads9.4Score744Shelves
50. 50 错 Mistakenly Bound to the Eunuch, He Helps Me Ascend the Throne 错绑九千岁，他助我登临帝位 Two or Three Sounds Beneath the Moon月下两三声Ancient Romance156k WordsOngoing [War-God Grand Princess × Lord Eunuch: Fierce and ruthless to outsiders, proud and devoted to her] “Women rule” + “Court intrigue” + “Both pure” + “Power couple” Ye Shumei returns from battle to find that her fiancé, Wen Zhijin, is going to marry her imperial younger sister. How could she possibly put up with that? If you’re going to be so unreasonable, then I’ll just... On a dark, windy night, she climbed over the wall into the Grand Tutor’s residence and hauled someone back to her villa in a s 41Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    He's a powerful minister outside the home, but a doting husband in front of the female lead. How cool!

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