Any Palace Intrigue Dramas With Smart Characters? 有没有纯宫斗的剧带脑子的那种

1. 51 鬓 Hairpins and Beauty 鬓花颜 Peach Who Doesn't Slack Off桃子不摸鱼Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Main story complete] [Maid + sisters in the inner palace + ensemble-focused story] [The heroine is a native of this world, with no transmigration, rebirth, or hidden identity] After her mother dies of illness, Meng Shu’s father takes a new wife almost at once. She endures years under her stepmother’s hand, but in the end, she cannot escape being sold. A trafficker’s rope drags her away from her homeland and casts her into the fabulously wealthy Tang household. Her exceptiona 34.9kReads9.2Score4.5kShelves

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   The best palace intrigue drama I've ever seen.

2. 52 婉 Peaceful Years 婉岁安宁 Ruo Yi若遗Ancient Romance99k WordsOngoing Not Lingfei, not Rongfei. Her: Noble Consort Wan, a woman who could outlast even the most tenacious workplace boss. Was it her favor with the emperor? Her palace intrigue? Her children? What let her turn the Forbidden City into a retirement home? At fifteen, she married the Prince Bao Hongli, who was her age and would later become the Qianlong Emperor. Think it was a passionate first love? No. She was merely a concubine. As the sole survivor of the grand finale of the palace's longest-running dr 2Reads—Score119Shelves

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   Some sisters might want to take a look at this book.

3. 53 我 My White-Eyed-Wolf Sister and I Were Reborn and Swapped Souls 我和白眼狼妹妹重生后灵魂互换了 Luo Zhi落之Ancient Romance178k WordsOngoing A cunning, ruthless heroine versus a twisted, obsessive hero In her previous life, Su Yu'er enjoyed the emperor's favor without end, until Shen Ningyue and the empress conspired to frame her. Reborn, she and Shen Ningyue switch souls. Now in Shen Ningyue's body, she initially plans to pretend they've made peace and team up with Su Yu'er to get revenge. But that plan falls through, so she lies low at Lady Zhaohua's side and stokes conflict in the harem, sowing suspicion between the empress and L 8Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The battle was very exciting.

4. 54 风 Willows in the Wind 风中柳 Yu Ling雨泠Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Ruthless heroine➕female-lead power fantasy➕light ensemble-style palace intrigue➕face-slapping and scum-bashing➕primarily focused on building her career] (Female lead is a virgin; male lead is not) Jiang Fu, the Jiang family’s fifteen-year-old illegitimate daughter, was lovely and graceful. Unfortunately, her stepmother was cruel and her father was heartless. As an illegitimate daughter, she had no say even in the marriage that mattered most to a woman. Her family could manipulate her as they p 2.1kReads8.8Score293Shelves

   Reader note

   For a while, I was obsessed with palace intrigue novels. Starting two years ago with "The Wise Don't Fall in Love, the Empress Dismantles the Bridge to Cross the River," I read a lot of them. Some of them feature female characters, while others are intellectually stimulating palace intrigue stories. I've already finished a few, and I'm hoarding a few (like "Ascending to the Clouds" and "The Beauty of the Hair") to finish them all at once when I've accumulated enough. [Laughing emoji]

5. 55 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1kShelves

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   This is absolutely pure fantasy, with absolutely no romance whatsoever!

6. 56 行 Late in the Day 行止晚 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + emperor and empress + tragic palace romance] 145,000 readers gave it top ratings, and countless readers cried their way through it! The year’s breakout historical romance, a heartache readers can’t forget. A clear-eyed, sweet empress VS a proud emperor whose love never wavers. Born into the imperial family, how can everything ever go as you wish? May we remain together forever, and may I keep you safe and at peace. A gentleman’s word is his bond. In a daze, I saw the moon rise. 25.7kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
7. 57 宜 Yixiu Is Reborn: Tearing Apart the White Lotus Consort Chun Yuan 宜修重生：手撕纯元白莲花 Serein01Female-Channel Fanfiction427k WordsCompleted [The rating is low because voting just opened~] “When the heart is kind, the face is beautiful. Surely, even when Pure Yuan grows old, she will still outshine you by a thousand miles.” I should have known better than to poison my elder sister so soon. Then you could have seen for yourself how your moonlight turns rotten, and the white lotus who seduced her sister's husband could have tasted the torment of life deep within the palace! Yixiu thought this as she lay dying. When she opened her ey 13kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves

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   I recommend reading it. The author's writing is excellent, and it's not out of character at all. It's a very enjoyable read, and the palace intrigue is also engaging. [Laughs]

8. 58 非 An Unconventional Palace Intrigue 非传统宫斗 Known in the Jianghu as the Thorny Rose江湖人称带刺玫瑰Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted Imperial selection from the start / Pure palace intrigue with a touch of household intrigue / Ensemble cast / Realistic style [Pure palace intrigue begins after chapter 20] Not the emperor’s sole favorite / Not a virgin couple / No romance pairing [The emperor is a scumbag with the power of life and death. The first few chapters establish his character and contain potentially uncomfortable scenes. If that bothers you, skip to chapter 20.] Everyone is caught up in palace intrigue. The consorts an 2kReads8.3Score227Shelves
9. 59 做 She Was Given as a Gift 做为礼物的她 Mei Li's Pen Name Is Mei Li梅莉的笔名是梅莉Ancient Romance3.3M WordsOngoing She was nothing more than a gift from the empress to the emperor, yet she became the last woman standing in the imperial harem. A sweet romance! (A short biography of Imperial Noble Consort Lingyi, amid the harem battles of the Qianlong reign. An attempt to unravel the mystery behind the Empress’s hair-cutting.) For readers who have experienced being loved. Not for those who cannot accept that other people have love in their lives, or for those expecting to see a lovesick doormat and believing i 450Reads8.1Score—Shelves

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   Extremely intelligent. A brief biography of Consort Ling, a story of palace intrigue during the Qianlong era. She was a gift from the Empress to the Emperor, and ultimately the victor in the harem.

10. 60 如 The Story of Ruyi: Reborn as Qing Ying, I’ll Take Down Da Ru 如懿传重生之青樱打倒大如 Fine Wine Pleases the Senses佳酿宜人Female-Channel Fanfiction779k WordsOngoing [Book version: Qing Ying; drama version: Da Ru. Characters, plot, and other details are based primarily on the drama version.] Fair warning: Qing Ying starts out as a palace maid, and at first she helps Da Ru, Hailan, and her family. No one is made into a villain unnecessarily. The story follows each character's nature, and Qing Ying repays both wrongs and kindnesses. After taking her own life at Yikun Palace, Qing Ying opens her eyes to find herself back at the time the late emperor had just di 90Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Although it's a fanfiction of Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, it's not a mindless wish-fulfillment story. The female lead is Qingying from the book version, who transmigrates into a serious palace intrigue story, and every step she takes is the result of meticulous planning. It doesn't portray anyone negatively; the plot develops based on the characters' personalities, and the logic is rigorous.

11. 61 宠EN Favoring a Concubine and Disgracing Your Wife? I Quit as the Marquisate's Matriarch! 宠妾灭妻？这侯门主母我不当了！ Li Wu礼午Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking] Voting has begun! Search for “Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking” to vote for this book, A Return to the Boudoir. Thank you! [Traditional historical romance + inner-courtyard drama + reborn revenge and face-slapping + a prince pursues his wife] Lin Yunwan was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Lin clan. When her Marquis household was on the verge of losing its title, she married Lu Zhengliu, the heir to the marquisate. On their wedding day, her husband coldly 54.8kReads9.3Score7.5kShelves

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    The first book is the kind that definitely requires some brainpower to read [thinking]. The female lead rises from a lowly concubine to Empress, and then to Empress. Every step is fraught with danger and hardship. Those who like strong female leads shouldn't miss the second book. The female lead is very strategic, intelligent, visionary, and decisive, and her family is also very supportive [thumbs up]. The third book is very popular. The female lead is reborn, experiences palace intrigue, fakes her death to abandon her scumbag boyfriend, and finds true love [eating melon emoji]. The female lead is very strong, a true daughter of a noble family, gentle and dignified! She is very intelligent and resourceful in both palace and family intrigue.

12. 62 开 A Rough Start: The Imperial Consort Rises Through the Ranks and Has a Baby with Her Red Packet Group 开局不利，娘娘靠红包群升职生包子 Treading the Stars in the Void虚空踏星Ancient Romance818k WordsCompleted Modern office drone Yue Lingyue inexplicably transmigrates into the body of an unfavored palace lady. She wishes she could immediately hang herself from a branch in the southeast and transmigrate back. With Consort Ying making things difficult for her and the Empress, the ultimate boss, secretly plotting against her, how can she survive to the end? Yue Lingyue: With the Red Packet Group at my fingertips, I can lie around and still get promoted, make a fortune, and have babies. And that’s not eve 1.1kReads8.6Score130Shelves

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    It's great! Many palace intrigue novels have similar plots, but the inclusion of red envelope groups and poisoning/drunkenness scenes makes it different. Are there any side stories featuring the nine-tailed fox? A cultivation novel with her as the protagonist would be interesting, with a celestial realm and a divine realm, and a plot about protecting the celestial realm… Maybe the author could write a cultivation novel featuring a nine-tailed fox?

13. 63 连 Executed for Killing Four Consorts, the Empress Is Reborn 连杀四妃被赐死，皇后娘娘重生了 Shi Xiaohan时潇晗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Not a story where both leads are romantically inexperienced] + [Palace and household intrigue] + [Reborn] + [Empress] + [Feel-good wish fulfillment] + [Past and present lives] + [Villain] + [Face-slapping] In her previous life, Zheng Xiyan was a wicked empress hated by everyone. She killed four consorts and ruled the harem, never realizing it was all part of Emperor Xiao Xuanchen's scheme. He used her to keep the court in balance while consolidating power in his own hands. Reborn, Zheng Xiyan d 274Reads6.7Score105Shelves

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    Those two are a must. They're pure palace intrigue, featuring villains who will stop at nothing. The first one is about seizing the throne; despite being the empress, every step she takes is incredibly cunning. The second is about revenge; the protagonist wants the highest position and manipulates everyone to climb the ladder.

14. 64 蛇 The Viperous Favorite Consort: Scheming Her Way to Rule as Empress Dowager 蛇蝎宠妃心机深，垂帘听政做太后 It's Xinxin是欣欣呦Ancient Romance497k WordsCompleted [Content warning! The female lead is a wholly evil villain, cruel and scheming, and will stop at nothing to climb to the top.] “[Don't randomly bring up women competing against women. This is a palace-intrigue story!! The harem is a workplace, and the imperial consorts are all rivals!]” Bu Xingruo was the most favored consort in the palace. In her previous life, she let the Emperor's favor go to her head, throwing her weight around and acting arrogantly in the harem. Lost in the Emperor's fleeti 690Reads8.6Score100Shelves
15. 65 甄 Empresses in the Palace: The Beloved Jewel of Chengqian Palace 甄嬛传之承乾宫娇宠 Jina, Who Loves Crucian Carp and Swimming in the Yellow River爱吃鲫鱼游黄河的姬那Female-Channel Fanfiction966k WordsOngoing Across three thousand Qing palace worlds, she is always the girl named Wanxi. Her identity may change, but her fate does not: she is destined to be favored, destined to be the most beloved woman in the six palaces. From the prince's residence to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, she fights her way forward and wins hearts along the way. The harem is a battlefield, and she is always the winner with the trump card in her hand, cherished above all. World [1]: Empresses in the Palace (Yongzheng) √ Worl 742Reads8.0Score—Shelves
16. 66 嫡 The Reborn Legitimate Daughter: After the Broken Engagement, the Heir Begs Me to Return 嫡女重生，退婚后世子求我回头 A Half-Knowing Sea Cockroach似懂非懂的海蟑螂Ancient Romance757k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Su Jinyue was the most honored legitimate daughter in the capital, yet her fiancé, Lu Yan, publicly broke off their engagement. That day, her grand wedding procession became a laughingstock, while her half-sister stood at his side, exchanging flirtatious glances with him. Her family confined her to a separate estate, where a bowl of poisoned porridge ended her life. She died one month pregnant, never knowing who the child’s father was. When she opened her eyes again, sh 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    In her previous life, Shen Qingyi died in the very year she loved the emperor most. Only before her death did she realize that the emperor had never loved her. Reborn, her first act was—to stop loving. Because she stopped loving, she was calm; because she was calm, every step she took was precisely to exploit her enemies' weaknesses. She used her spice shops to cultivate an intelligence network, her embroidery workshops to support her assassins, and the Jiangnan trade routes to build her influence in the court. Consort Ning wanted to touch her? She'd have to ask herself how many days her supplies would last. The Empress wanted to depose her? She'd have to check if her father and brothers were still in power. But the emperor, ironically, began to fall for her. He watched her strategize, watched her manipulate events, watched her control the entire court. He asked her, "Do you even have a heart?" Shen Qingyi smiled: "Your Majesty, my heart died in my previous life."

17. 67 宜 Yi Xiu Has Arrived! Zhen Huan and Fat Ju, Get Out of My Way! 宜修驾到甄嬛胖橘通通闪开 The Other Shore's Red Spider Lily站在彼岸的彼岸花Female-Channel Fanfiction342k WordsCompleted Yixiu is reborn and determined to take revenge! She’ll protect Honghui and make Yinzhen, Rouze, and Zhen Huan pay! She’ll tear away their masks of false virtue! In her past life, everyone called Yixiu cruel. But do they know how she was driven to this point, step by step? If you haven’t suffered as another has, don’t tell them to be kind. If you knew my suffering, you might not be as kind as I am! 2.6kReads8.2Score198Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! It's intelligent, the plot is logical, and it's both satisfying and hilarious. 🥸

18. 68 重 Reborn, I Tore the Entire Harem Apart 重生后我手撕了整个后宫 A Half-Knowing Sea Cockroach似懂非懂的海蟑螂Ancient Romance493k WordsCompleted In my previous life, I was a ninth-rank consort, sent to my death by a cup of poisoned wine from Noble Consort Ning. Only as I was dying did I learn that all my concessions had merely paved the way for someone else. Reborn, I’m done pretending. During the selection, I deliberately chose the most remote palace residence, because it concealed an intelligence network tracking the treasures of the previous dynasty. At my first audience, I publicly acted weak, because I wanted to lure the snake fro 4Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 69 重 Reborn as the Emperor’s Favorite Concubine 重生之宠妃当道 A Little Longevity Peach一只小寿桃Ancient Romance498k WordsOngoing [Childhood sweethearts + Chen Jiao reborn + Wei Zifu transmigrates + political intrigue] [Yes, the Chen Jiao you've been waiting for: the Han dynasty's ultimate rich beauty. Faithful to historical sources, no frustrating misunderstandings, satisfying and sweet.] In the first year of Houyuan, amid the shifting political currents at court, Chen Jiao is reborn with the help of a mysterious old Taoist! Her peerless beauty is unchanged in the bronze mirror, and her past life flashes through her mind 18.2kReads9.2Score25.1kShelves
20. 70 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Hua Fei’s Soul Takes Over, and Ruyi Takes Over Yixiu 甄嬛传之魂穿华妃VS如懿穿宜修 The Other Shore's Red Spider Lily站在彼岸的彼岸花Female-Channel Fanfiction293k WordsCompleted Nian Mo wakes up to find herself transformed into the breathtakingly beautiful, haughty, and overbearing Consort Hua, with a mission to bear a son of the Nian family and become Empress Dowager. She thinks she’s about to embark on a proper palace power struggle, but right from the start she runs into Ruyi, who has transmigrated into Yixiu’s body. Ruyi is completely ridiculous, doing nothing but pouting with her nail guards on. Can they even have a proper palace power struggle like this? Will Ruyi 229Reads—Score169Shelves
21. 71 神 My Divine Bones Were Stolen? I Emptied the Imperial Treasury for My Dowry 神骨被夺？我搬空国库当嫁妆 Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance875k WordsCompleted [Legitimate Daughter + Household and Palace Intrigue + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Love + Political Scheming + Divine Physician + Taking Down Villains + Satisfying Revenge] To save the Crown Prince, the genius physician Shen Jingwan is sacrificed by her family, who cut out her once-in-a-century “Exquisite Bone.” Her family is ennobled in return, while she is abandoned in the countryside to fend for herself. Three years later, she returns with unparalleled medical skills, only to discover that her 303Reads7.4Score—Shelves

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    No more feeling lost in a reading slump! This book is definitely worth following. The plot is engaging, the characters are compelling, and there's no disappointing ending. You won't regret reading it; you'll want more after you finish! A highly recommended gem! The plot is tight and fast-paced, with plenty of exciting moments that don't feel frustrating. The writing is smooth and immersive. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down! I've discovered a treasure of a novel, with likable characters, an explosive plot, and not a single dull moment. If you like this genre, don't miss it! [Admiration]

22. 72 重 Reborn, the Marquis’s Legitimate Daughter Gives Up the Struggle 重生后，侯府嫡女放弃挣扎了 A Half-Knowing Sea Cockroach似懂非懂的海蟑螂Ancient Romance309k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she was poisoned by the very people closest to her. In this one, she tears off her docile disguise, only to unexpectedly hear everyone’s vile inner thoughts. If you all want me dead, then I’ll damn well live just to spite you. 2Reads—Score—Shelves
23. 73 七 Her Seven Brothers Died in Battle, and the Legitimate Daughter Returned Darkened 七个哥哥战死沙场，嫡女黑化归来 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [Historical romance, court intrigue, palace and household scheming, reborn, joining forces, legitimate daughter, revenge, two formidable leads, transmigrate into a book, seven older brothers, no saintly heroine, miracle doctor, adored by all, comeback, punishing scoundrels, imperial uncle, devoted husband, devoted couple] The comment section is 99% positive! Read with confidence! “Shen Nanqiao, being chosen to marry into the Eastern Palace is a blessing for your Duke of Zhenguo household!” Rebor 4.1kReads7.2Score804Shelves
24. 74 本 After Faking My Death, My Princess Consort Married My Royal Uncle 本王死遁后，王妃她改嫁皇叔了 A Half-Knowing Sea Cockroach似懂非懂的海蟑螂Ancient Romance299k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she was tortured to death in the Cold Palace by the prince and his wife. He was falsely accused of treason and executed in a pool of blood while trying to save her. Reborn together, she immediately married the biggest enemy of her previous life: the regent of the dynasty. Her ex knelt in the snow, eyes red, begging her to take him back. She wrapped an arm around her new love’s waist and smiled. “My lord, you planted the grass on my grave with your own hands.” 1Reads—Score—Shelves
25. 75 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, the Foolish Princess Marries the Ninth Lord with Her Four Maids 退婚后，傻妃携四大丫鬟嫁九千岁 Clingy Little Tomato粘人小番茄Ancient Romance1.8M WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Household Intrigue + Historical Romance + Princess Consort + Legitimate Daughter + Medical Skills + Two Powerful Leads + Cunning + Playing the Fool + Reborn + Fiercely Protective + Political Scheming] 99% of the comments are positive! Read with confidence! Su Qian, once the leader of a special forces unit in the apocalypse, died unexpectedly while carrying out a mission. With her portable medical space, she transmigrated to ancient times and into the residence of a great gener 22.8kReads8.1Score3.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The male and female leads team up: a pure battle of wits where misunderstandings are avoided, only tacit understandings of mutual exploitation prevail. The female lead's cheat ability is captivating: her medical space grants her modern-day superpowers, allowing her to heal and save lives while simultaneously committing murder and robbery. [Send a heart]

26. 76 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 81.1kReads9.5Score9.1kShelves

    Reader note

    I blindly follow Cai Wangwang's books! I got hooked on "The Beloved Concubine" and then read "The Empress Dowager." The author's writing is getting better and better. In her new book, "Golden Palace," the female protagonist chases power, aiming her sword at the Empress—it's incredibly exciting! Since it's a harem novel, I don't expect too much explicit content. Plus, the other characters all have their own souls and personalities; the author doesn't deliberately make them seem stupid just to highlight the female protagonist's intelligence. She gets manipulated, but she's not a saint; she doesn't hesitate to act when necessary—it's a fight to the death! Ahhhhhh, highly recommended!!!

27. 77 重 Reborn: Will the Four Maids Help Their Mistress Divorce and Remarry? 重生，四大丫鬟带主母和离改嫁？ Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance467k WordsCompleted [Maid-assistance story + a heroine who wins by lying flat + a low-status marriage turned into a counterattack] Shen Yue, the prime minister’s legitimate daughter, was easygoing and plump, and had no love for using her brain. Back then, she had married down into the declining Marquis Gu household, bringing a lavish dowry. She had only wanted to take it easy and live out her days in peace. But after her husband, Gu Yanzhou, attached himself to the daughter of a powerful family, Su Wanrou, the two 480Reads6.9Score108Shelves
28. 78 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 77.9kReads9.5Score8kShelves
29. 79 后 The Legend of Ruyi 后宫·如懿传 Liu Lianzi流潋紫Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV drama Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace] Emperors have always been fickle, and no family is more heartless than the imperial family. Hongli’s side consort, Qingying, was born into the prominent Ula-Nara clan. But after Hongli ascended the throne, the court and the imperial harem were thrown into turmoil. Her former status and privilege became a thing of the past, and Qingying found herself in an awkward position, burdened by a shocking secret. To protect herself, 2.8kReads8.3Score340Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books are necessary.

30. 80 废 On the Day the Empress Was Deposed, Eighty Thousand Secret Guards Knelt and Begged Her to Return 废后当天，八万暗卫跪请归位 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + household scheming + deposed empress + satisfying revenge + corruption + madman + power plays + intense push and pull] In her previous life, Li Qingcheng gave up everything for love. She disbanded the world's greatest intelligence network, the Tianji Pavilion, which she had built herself and which was powerful enough to topple the imperial throne. Then, as the Chancellor's legitimate daughter, she married Xiao Yexuan, an overlooked prince. For ten years, she schemed on his beh 2.1kReads6.6Score460Shelves
31. 81 在 A Hundred Ways to Win the Emperor's Heart in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.2kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves
32. 82 救 Help! The Horror NPCs Are Lining Up for Me to Do Their Makeup 救命！惊悚NPC都排队找我化妆 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Mystery519k WordsCompleted [Horror game + NPCs + horror survival + no System] Su Qing, a workaholic makeup artist, was just working overtime. When she opened her eyes again, she had been sucked into a horror game with a 99% death rate! As she watched her teammates panic and wet themselves, the bottom-performing Slit-Mouthed Woman approached her with a pair of scissors. Su Qing despaired. But wait... This woman’s makeup is way too crude! Her professional instincts kicked in, and she blurted out, “Your makeup isn’t working. 871Reads—Score183Shelves
33. 83 金 The Golden Palace Locks Away the Spring Breeze 金阙锁春风 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance757k WordsCompleted Her entire family perished, she was left dependent on others, the dynasty fell, and she married and divorced. In just eighteen years, Yu Zheng has endured things most people never face in a lifetime. A noblewoman of the former dynasty, all she wants now is to stay alive. She plans to enter the palace as a maid, then use her literacy to earn a post as a court official and support herself. She never imagined that the new emperor would send her to the Fourth Prince’s residence as a gesture of goodw 21.1kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves
34. 84 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.6kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

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    A female-centric power struggle novel, everyone is cunning and scheming, a top-tier battle of wits ◔.̮◔✧. Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Couples Mutual Pampering + Everyone is Cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence, everyone is cunning and scheming, a peak battle of wits! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, was blinded and used forbidden techniques to save her scumbag husband, exhausting her life force. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled healing and poisoning skills, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and invincible ruler, was suffering from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi threw down the antidote, her voice cold and arrogant: "I will extend Your Highness's life. Lend me your blade to slaughter all the demons and monsters, how about it?" The world believed the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the palm of the Regent's hand. Only when powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, did everyone realize with horror—the seemingly fragile Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a woman of unparalleled wisdom and skill! She entrusted her life to him back-to-back, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

35. 85 呵 Hah, You Want to Steal My Husband? I’m Determined to Claim the Empress’s Throne 呵，抢我夫婿？后位我势在必得 Mu Mu Yaozi木木瑶子Ancient Romance92k WordsOngoing In her previous life, Bai Yueyao, her legitimate elder sister who entered the palace and became a consort, strangled her half-sister Bai Yuezhen to death. In this life, haunted by the tragic fate she suffered before, Bai Yueyao grew jealous of Bai Yuezhen’s bright future. So she schemed to consummate her marriage with the man who had been Bai Yuezhen’s husband in her previous life. What she didn’t know was that Bai Yuezhen had arranged this for her... Bai Yuezhen even entered the palace in h —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A palace intrigue novel where the female lead is clear-headed, intelligent, and skilled at acting.

36. 86 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

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    The scenes after the male lead faked his death were absolutely divine! He acted all gentle and refined in the beginning, but after finding out the female lead was "gone," he went completely insane, displaying an overwhelming possessiveness and obsessiveness. Combined with the female lead's "white moonlight" persona, I couldn't stop watching!

37. 87 国 The Imperial Academy’s Fallen Woman 国子监破鞋 Flying King1996飞大王1996Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing 136,543 people have already missed this book because of its title... One-of-a-kind pure heroine + nobody is innocent + romance and desire + the fate of the nation. Beauty fades, and with it, love. Golden fingers are just something people say to fool the gullible. She is a soul from another world, sharp-eyed and streetwise. In this decaying dynasty, she aims to amass a fortune beyond imagination and avoid the humiliation China suffered over the past century. 20Reads9.2Score168Shelves

    Reader note

    Many ideas were difficult to realize due to the limitations of the times, and the female protagonist learned to compromise and adapt instead of blindly confronting challenges.

38. 88 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—Shelves

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    A bookworm of ten years says you absolutely have to check this out! It's incredibly good! A concubine's daughter rises to power through sheer grit and determination! The female lead is intelligent, a superb actress, and incredibly charming! The aloof emperor gradually falls for her, transforming into a love-struck fool! [Face-slapping and revenge against scumbags + scheming emperor + palace intrigue and rise to power + exclusive favor in the later stages]

39. 89 后 Harem: The Pear Blossoms Fall, and Spring Returns 后宫：落尽梨花春又了 Shui Ningyan水凝烟Ancient Romance459k WordsCompleted She only wants to live in peace. She has never cared much for the palace intrigues and rivalries for the emperor's favor, but the trees may wish for stillness while the wind keeps blowing. After the other consorts make things difficult for her again and again, she finally understands that once you enter the palace, your life is no longer your own. Fueled by hatred, she discovers that she can be just as ruthless as they are. For years, the emperor's affection has made her the most favored woman i —Reads8.4Score—Shelves

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    1️⃣ The most scheming female lead in palace intrigue novels. If I were in that situation, I wouldn't last a minute [facepalm]. 2️⃣ Definitely worth reading. Both the male and female leads are intelligent, and there's exciting palace intrigue as well as glimpses of everyday life. If you enjoyed *Empresses in the Palace*, you should check this out. 3️⃣ A rare gem among palace intrigue novels. The writing style is elegant and understated, without excessive embellishment, simply depicting the life of a pitiful woman.

40. 90 朕 I, Empress Hexi, Reborn and Done Saving the Ungrateful 朕，和熹女君，重生不扶白眼狼 Miss Xingci星辞小姐Ancient Romance329k WordsOngoing At fifteen, Deng Sui entered the palace. At twenty-two, she was made empress, and at twenty-five, she ruled as regent. For sixteen years, Deng Sui safeguarded the Han empire, only to be sent to her death by the young emperor she had personally supported. Her entire family was purged, and her loyal confidants died tragic deaths, full of resentment. Reborn, she returned to the year of the selection. In this life, Deng Sui seeks only to defy fate and change her destiny: Protect the emperor, who is 976Reads—Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    This book features palace intrigue in the early stages, requiring some brainpower, and later turns into political maneuvering.

41. 91 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 92kReads9.6Score12.3kShelves

    Reader note

    A super realistic palace intrigue novel, the only book that made me realize history can be even more cruel. Every character, good or bad, has their reasons. There's a particularly wicked character who deceived everyone just to help her child ascend the throne, but after the child's death, she seemed to finally come alive, letting go of all her burdens and being able to be her true self.

42. 92 中 The Empress's Palace 中宫 Tomato Lychee Rice番茄荔枝饭Ancient Romance904k WordsCompleted At eighteen, Yu Lanqing was shrewd, clever, and breathtakingly beautiful, yet stubborn enough to keep going until she hit a wall. Wei Li went to every length to marry Su Yaoyao, and Yu Lanqing used every means at her disposal to become Wei Li's empress. A daughter of the Yu family couldn't stand the sight of anything dirty. She acted decisively and turned his harem upside down. Wei Li did not love Yu Lanqing. That was why everything she did and said annoyed him so much. Wei Li said Yu Lanqing wa 669Reads8.6Score102Shelves
43. 93 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.7kReads9.0Score763Shelves

    Reader note

    I found the first three books incredibly good. In the first one, the female lead knew what she wanted, didn't love the male lead, was intelligent, and eventually became empress herself. In the second book, the female lead had a high social status, was childhood sweethearts with the male lead, and was also very clear-headed. She prioritized her own interests. In the third book, the female lead transmigrated and was bound to a life simulator; she had to become a concubine before the age of 30, or she would die suddenly at 30.

44. 94 绾 Winding the Wind into Splendor 绾风华 Light Ink Wash水墨浅浅Ancient Romance344k WordsCompleted Cui Wanwan died, killed by a woman from another world. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at twelve years old, three years before the transmigrated woman arrived. Cui Wanwan, the second young lady of the Cui family, had been born a favorite of heaven, the apple of her family’s eye. With her family’s favor and prestige, she was destined to become a prince’s consort and enjoy a life of wealth and glory. She had thought her life would be carefree, but an odd woman who claimed to 3.3kReads8.9Score348Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm at a loss for words to describe how wonderful it is; you'll have to experience it for yourself after reading it.

45. 95 中 The Central Palace 中宫 A Suo阿琐Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted “You are a gift from Qiu Zhenyu to the throne, offered in exchange for his head. Did your father not tell you that you must obey me?” With a light flick of the jade-handled fan in his hand, Xiang Ye removed the empress’s phoenix robe. “Grandmother said the daughters of the Qiu family don’t need to obey.” Min’er looked up at the king who had come drenched in blood, not the slightest bit afraid. On their wedding night, the emperor slept in another woman’s arms. Yet his neglect, humiliation, and bu 2.8kReads8.8Score367Shelves
46. 96 嫡 The Discarded Daughter 嫡女弃后 Splendor Fades繁华落尽Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she poured everything her family had into helping her husband seize the throne. Once one of the two most celebrated beauties in the capital, she thought she had defeated her rival. But just as her husband reached the height of power and success, he joined forces with that woman to destroy her family. He even had her bound atop the city wall so she would have to watch her brother arrive to save her, only to be pierced by a rain of arrows. What hurt most was that the man will 471Reads8.6Score100Shelves
47. 97 大 The Imperial Consort of the Great Sheng Dynasty 大盛皇妃 Shu Yiyu书亦娱Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing Ensemble cast + revenge + black lotus heroine + not both virgins + high-IQ palace intrigue rising to political power struggles + tragic romance + alternate history + love rivals The palace is the main battleground: beneath its dazzling, extravagant facade are witty, charming daily moments and a brutal core of deadly conflict. Palace secrets are portrayed in meticulous detail. Some content may be upsetting. A bad ending. If you enjoy it, please leave a five-star review. Ling Longxiu was born to a 684Reads—Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    A subversive masterpiece of palace intrigue and power struggles, meticulously depicting palace secrets with an unconventional plot. The logic is clear, the daily life is lighthearted and humorous, the power struggles are intense, and the female protagonist is ridiculed upon entering the palace. She must rely entirely on herself. There are no cheat codes, no time travel, and no reincarnation; she navigates the treacherous and dark harem. The content may be disturbing, and some readers may find it too emotionally draining. The female protagonist, a discarded wife, cleverly uses schemes to achieve multiple goals while seeking revenge. Have you ever seen a palace intrigue novel where both men and women fight? It portrays the tragedy of ancient feudalism, showcasing the brutality of court struggles and the complexities of human nature.

48. 98 宫 The Heart of the Palace 宫心 Zhang Zhiyan张芷言Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted A sweeping tale of dynastic splendor, a palace crowned with layered eaves. Fame and fortune drift away like clouds and smoke; the world may look the same, but people have changed, and the past can never be relived. She was once lowborn and humble as dust, bowing and scraping, dependent on others for every breath. She was once fair as snow, radiant as brocade, dancing with graceful poise and captivating charm. They called it a gathering of beauties, a day of perfect splendor. But beneath it al 126Reads8.7Score—Shelves
49. 99 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.4kReads9.4Score3kShelves
50. 100 皇 The Empress Is a Max-Level Palace Intriguer, Crushing Everyone 皇后满级宫斗，嘎嘎乱杀 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + infidelity + fictional setting + a resourceful, money-loving, beauty-loving, life-loving empress ✖️ emperor] In her previous life, Hua Shu was a lowly palace maid. She schemed her way to the top of the political ladder, only to be condemned by everyone and branded a wicked woman who brought ruin to the nation. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in the unfamiliar state of Chu, as an unloved empress who’s also being made a scapegoat. As if she’d put up with that! S 14.2kReads9.4Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    So beautiful! So beautiful! So beautiful! [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration] A person with brains!

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