Looking for Historical Romance Political Intrigue Where the Male and Female Leads Are Highly Intelligent and Join Forces 有没有那种古言权谋的那种男女主是高智商强强联合

1. 101 长 The Chang'an Palace Coup: The Prince She Saved Went Mad 长安宫变，她救的王爷疯了 Tuoba Hong of the Eastern Palace东殿的拓跋宏Ancient Romance174k WordsOngoing As a female official, she plots her every move at the court of the Great Yin. Empress Dowager Fu lays a deadly trap, the princes watch like hawks, and Emperor Rui seems gentle but is actually suspicious of everyone. With undercurrents surging through the palace and court, Xiao Xuan is trapped in a dead end, yet plays the pig to eat the tiger and turns the tables against the odds. Chao Shutong enters the dangerous game alone, determined to protect the one she loves. 618Reads6.5Score628Shelves

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   A bloodbath erupted in Chang'an Palace, staining the imperial city with blood overnight, and emperors and princes perished one after another. A prince who escaped death was rescued by her and fled from the relentless pursuit, but he fell victim to the faint fragrance of winter plum blossoms on her shoulder. From that moment on, a mad obsession took root, creating a powerful and suspenseful historical drama.

2. 102 雪 Spring Burns Through the Ashes of Snow 雪烬春灼 The Remarkable Wang Shiyi了不起的王十一Ancient Romance189k WordsOngoing A historical tale of destruction and renewal, hatred and redemption, political intrigue and true devotion. Watch as yesterday's blazing sun is tempered in the deepest darkness, and at last becomes a bright moon shining over the land. Wang Chunxue went from being the prized jewel of the Langya Wang clan to the daughter of a condemned traitor. The imperial decree accusing her family of treason crushed everything she had: her father and brothers, her glory, and her betrothal to the Crown Prince. Af 64Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The jewel of the Langya Wang clan, Wang Chunxue, was reduced to the daughter of a disgraced official. A treasonous imperial edict crushed her father, brothers, glory, and marriage agreement. She was even used as a pawn by the Empress to marry her former adversary, Prince Jing, Xiao Tingsheng. Her younger brother, who miraculously survived, disguised himself and studied diligently. She, too, abandoned her naivety and learned cunning. The siblings, fallen from grace, resolved to rise above adversity. In Prince Jing's mansion, former enemies became each other's only light. From mutual loathing to mutual understanding, they held hands tightly amidst the vortex of power struggles. After joining forces to overthrow the treacherous officials and avenge their great wrongs, they tasted the bitterness of high office. Ultimately, they understood that after traversing mountains of corpses and seas of blood, only their tightly clasped hands and genuine hearts were the most precious things in the world.

3. 103 读 After Reading His Mind, the Mad Tyrant Decides to Turn Over a New Leaf 读心后，疯批暴君决定洗白 Picking Flowers in the Wind风中折花Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration into a book + woman disguised as a man + mind reading + wish fulfillment + two powerful leads + both leads are devoted to each other] Song Yunchu transmigrates into the tragic villainous chancellor from a melodramatic novel, who dies horribly. According to the original story, she will first be dismissed from office and imprisoned by the villainous emperor, then shot through the heart with a rain of arrows by the male lead, Prince Yi, whom she loves. After weighing her options, So 29.6kReads9.3Score4.2kShelves

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   The first book features a female prime minister disguised as a man, but she possesses unparalleled martial arts skills and is both gentle and principled, while also being ruthless towards her political enemies. The second book revolves entirely around her political rival, Guo Zixian, and the entire book is a battle of wits and courage. The third book focuses on the Grand Tutor descending the mountain to become a powerful aide to the eldest prince and eventually the crown prince. The author's writing is excellent, but I feel that many characters' reasons for liking the female lead (including the male lead) are rather far-fetched. All three books involve time travel or reincarnation.

4. 104 嫁 Marrying the Imperial Tutor 嫁帝师 Changshanli长山里Ancient Romance560k WordsCompleted [When a Scheming Black-Bellied Type Meets a Sweet-on-the-Outside, Dark-on-the-Inside Type + Love and Hate + Soul Swap + Revenge, Traditional Historical Romance in an Imaginary Setting] Jiang Wanzhi first met Song Qingshi when she was fourteen. At sixteen, she became Mrs. Song. Everyone said she was lucky: a merchant’s daughter had married a top-scoring scholar. That is, until she died under mysterious circumstances on the very night Song Qingshi asked her for a divorce. When she awoke again, she 27.6kReads9.3Score4.3kShelves
5. 105 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 6.8kReads9.1Score718Shelves
6. 106 寒 The Cold Crow Returns 寒鸦归 Ru Le如勒Ancient Romance181k WordsOngoing [Strong female lead and ensemble cast + ancient political intrigue + soul-transmigration mystery + slow-burn, evenly matched leads] Gu Zhaoning, a famed general of the Dayin Empire, died in Cold Crow Valley. The reinforcements never arrived. The military orders had been altered. Her trusted subordinates turned against her. The blade that finally pierced her body was not a Beishuo saber, but a Dayin military sword. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Gu Qingheng, the daughter who had 7Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The story begins with a funeral procession in the southern region, gradually leading to turmoil in the capital and long-standing cases on the border. The overall pace is slow and steady, and the reading experience is better if you read it at your own pace. Those who enjoy long-running historical political intrigue stories should check out this book.

7. 107 吾 My Three Wishes 吾有三愿 Mechanical Wang机械汪Ancient Romance778k WordsOngoing [Mad Queen x Reclusive Power Behind the Throne] [Past and Present Lives] [Sweetness and Angst] [Fated Redemption] [Alternate World] (This story focuses on [Two Powerful Leads Growing Together] and [Profound Devotion]. Sweetness and angst intertwine. This is not a mindless power fantasy, so read with care if that's not your thing!) In their previous life, in the modern world, the two parted forever on a snowy night! He sat in a wheelchair dusted with snow, and his three wishes ended in regret as 55Reads7.7Score—Shelves

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   I recommend two historical romance novels about political intrigue, both featuring princesses as the main characters. Each has its own appeal, and both feature career-oriented female protagonists.

8. 108 金 The Golden Cage Sings 金笼啼 Ah Qi Eh阿七欸Ancient Romance276k WordsCompleted A modern, powerful businesswoman transmigrates into the body of a minor official’s daughter and is forced into a twisted prince’s imprisonment and coercive love. Yet amid the bloody turmoil of revenge and the fight for the throne, they become each other’s only salvation. 2Reads—Score—Shelves

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   This is a historical romance novel I've been rewatching recently. Its highlight is the female lead's mature and rational approach. Betrayed and killed by her confidant in her past life, she faces intrigue and machinations in the inner court after transmigrating. Instead of resorting to tears and tantrums to gain sympathy, she speaks only with evidence. The journey after leaving the capital is realistically portrayed, filled with dangers like bandits, abandoned temples, and ambushes. Her interactions with the mysterious young man are tense and engaging. There's no forced sweetness; it's all about the struggle for interests and human nature. The plot is logically sound and worth watching at a leisurely pace.

9. 109 重 Reborn: The Phoenix Sings Its Way Home 重生之凤鸣归巢 Ni Weizhen妮薇甄Ancient Romance427k WordsCompleted [Reborn, Revenge on the Wicked] + [Two Powerful Leads] + [Political Intrigue] + [Happy Ending] She died once. This time, she will overturn a world that devours its own. Su Jianwei, orphaned daughter of a loyal martyr and Princess of Anping, was abandoned in a woodshed on her wedding night and left to die. For seven days, her spirit drifted, and she witnessed it all: her hypocritical husband stealing power while carrying on with her cousin, her heartless relatives dividing up her family’s estate. —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A powerful tale of political intrigue, written with increasingly mature prose, nuanced and insightful observations, and a tightly woven, vividly plotted story that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended.

10. 110 流 Exiled: The Phoenix Returns to the Capital 流放之：凤归京华 Dolphins Can't Swim海豚不会水Ancient Romance634k WordsCompleted [Strong Leads] [Exile] [Infrastructure Building] [Ensemble Cast] [Golden Finger] Shen Ruoqing, the "Noble Benefactor Who Will Stabilize the Nation," as foretold by the Imperial Preceptor After sleeping for ten years, she awakens on her wedding day and is exiled to the northwest alongside Xiao Qinghe, the wrongfully accused Prince Ding. She thought she was facing certain death, but she has supplies from across time and space. She melts gold to forge a message and uses thunder and fire to break th 10.5kReads8.7Score1.5kShelves

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    The best new ancient-style novel I've come across recently! The protagonist transmigrates into the body of the Prime Minister's legitimate daughter and marries Prince Ding in accordance with the late Emperor's decree. He promises to protect her at her bedside. The plot and atmosphere are absolutely amazing. Highly recommended.

11. 111 闻 Recognizing Jade by Its Fragrance 闻香识玉 Rui Ting芮葶Ancient Romance210k WordsCompleted She had only just graduated and wanted to earn a little extra money and enjoy her own quiet life. But she never expected the Jade Dragon Pearl she found for her senior to hold a secret: a foul-mouthed dragon inside that could “command the wind and rain.” It sent her to ancient times. Though she was the legitimate daughter of a Minister of Rites, she had been raised by her grandfather, the Marquis of Yong'an, and became part of the faction protecting the crown prince. She was neither quite a secr 5Reads—Score—Shelves

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    I recommend this book, you can take a look.

12. 112 摄 After the Regent Denied Me, I Turned the Court's Chessboard Upside Down 摄政王拒认后我掀翻朝堂棋局 Jiujiu Yue久久月Ancient Romance119k WordsCompleted Six years ago, the entire household of the Marquis of Zhenbei was wiped out. Xie Zhiyi survived by sheer luck and wandered the spring mountains, waiting bitterly for the man she loved, Pei Wugou. Now she stands before the Prince Regent's manor. He holds immense power over the court, yet pretends not to know her, coldly turning her away. Everyone says the Prince Regent is heartless and unfaithful, but as Xie Zhiyi investigates, step by step, she discovers that the massacre of her family concealed 13Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Ancient female protagonists with political intrigue

13. 113 裙 He Has Someone Else Kneeling at His Feet 裙下之臣他另有其人 Miss Lin Watches Movies观影林姑娘Ancient Romance231k WordsOngoing To uncover the truth behind her father and brother’s deaths in battle, she abandoned her life of finery and fine horses and spent five years plotting. She pointed her sword at his throat. “You were the only one I never doubted.” He smiled, running his fingers along the blade. “The road to kingship is paved with bones.” In that moment, she finally saw clearly: beyond the mist lay no truth, only the torture he had prepared for her with his own hands. The vast realm ran red as blood, but it could n 46Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A conspiracy shattered her splendid life; her father and brothers died tragically, and her fiancé vanished without a trace. Su Qingyan abandoned her archery career for business, secretly amassing power. Decisive and ruthless, she clashed with a cunning and ruthless individual; amidst a web of villains fighting amongst themselves, the grudges of fate must be settled with a slow, agonizing death!

14. 114 烬 Ashen Jade 烬玉 South Mountain南山Ancient Romance286k WordsCompleted [Historical romance, court intrigue, wuxia, tragic love and redemption; strong female lead, pure-hearted male lead] [Beautiful, strong, and tragic career woman · revenge-driven beauty vs. angelic sweetheart · lovestruck, hapless richest man] She is a former princess of the previous dynasty, carrying a blood feud. Wearing a human-skin mask and disguised as a wandering Taoist, she gathers an army of volunteers amid the chaos. He is a wealthy merchant from Yangzhou, silly and rich but utterly since 33Reads6.7Score—Shelves

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    Nanshan's "Jinyu" tells the story of shattered jade rekindled, a poignant and deeply moving love story where a single thought can turn to ashes or to jade. A life of ups and downs, love and hate intertwined, a tale of sacrificing life for ashes and heart for jade—heartbreaking and tear-jerking. From dust to splendor, love and hate burn to ashes, ultimately yielding a piece of warm jade.

15. 115 帝 The Imperial Princess's Stratagem: Within and Beyond the Mountains and Rivers 帝姬策之山河表里 Cao Mengyun曹孟云Ancient Romance160k WordsOngoing Su Huanhuan transmigrated. The moment she opened her eyes, the air was thick with danger and crisis lurked everywhere. Thankfully... She wasn't going solo. First things first, she'd find the other five transmigrated companions just like her. In Su Huanhuan's eyes ✪ω✪, the script Lingjing had given her was... From princess to empress: I sweep across the eight corners of the world with modern knowledge. But in her five companions' eyes ಥ_ಥ, the script was cl 20Reads—Score123Shelves

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    The emotions depicted are not limited to romantic love, but also include the friendship between companions and confidants, and the bond of entrusting each other with life and death. It is written very movingly, and it is not just about romance.

16. 116 江 The Jianghu’s Ultimate Nepotism Hire: I Rule with My Senior Brothers at My Side 江湖最强关系户，我靠师兄横着走 Longing for Osmanthus Wine欲饮桂花酿Ancient Romance380k WordsCompleted (Ladies, this one ends abruptly! Don’t read it, don’t read it, don’t read it! Please!) [Childhood Sweethearts + Growing Up Together + Sweet on the Outside, Dark Within + Ensemble Cast] Corrupt officials hold sway, and both the jianghu and the imperial court are caught in a crisis. A band of young warriors, each driven by their own convictions, come together for the greater good of their country and people. Some seek the Way through the sword, cutting down every villain; some use their wits to se 223Reads8.3Score—Shelves

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    This is a novel you can read many times. The plot has a strong pace, and the story doesn't drag at all. I highly recommend it.

17. 117 锦 A Heart Like Heng 锦心似蘅 Luling Lu Wenyu庐陵禄温瑜Ancient Romance752k WordsOngoing Just started ranking, so the numbers will rise later! [Intrigue, historical setting, romance, court politics, strategy, intelligent cast (not a mindless wish-fulfillment story)] He thought she was just a pawn. She thought he was a caged bird trapped in an abyss. In this game that began with lies, whoever fell in love first was destined to lose everything. “I got close to you to use you.” “I know. I got close to you to turn your scheme against you.” It turned out that all their deep affection 301Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend three ancient Chinese romance novels with intrigue and power struggles. They are full of plot twists, details, foreshadowing, and unexpected turns, making them well worth reading!

18. 118 芙 Lotus Ashes: Frost and Snow over Bianjing 芙蓉烬之汴京霜雪 Light Rain on a Sunny Day, Weiwei晴天微雨薇薇Ancient Romance82k WordsCompleted The capital of Shu falls, and the whole kingdom is forced to relocate. Fei Rui'er follows Meng Chang to Bianjing, thinking that as a surrendered captive, all she can do is cling to life. But soon after they arrive in Bianjing, Meng Chang dies suddenly, and Zhao Guangyi begins persecuting the Meng family one blow after another. With memories of a later age, she witnesses this succession of calamities with her own eyes. Outside the palace walls, there is no way out. 176Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    For those seeking a historical romance filled with intrigue and suspense, check out this one! The female protagonist possesses unparalleled beauty and transmigrates into the inner palace of an enemy state, offering a unique perspective on the political landscape. Zhao Kuangyin harbors long-term schemes, and the female protagonist uses her sharp mind to outmaneuver him, while also constantly guarding against Zhao Guangyi's hidden ambitions. The characters are logically sound. A new work in the same series, "Lady Huarui's Bianjing Moon," is also worth checking out.

19. 119 一 A History of the Song Dynasty You Won't Be Able to Put Down 一读就上瘾的宋朝史 Chen Wangbei陈望北Historical141k WordsCompleted A History of the Song Dynasty You'll Get Hooked on from the First Page is a popular history book about the Song Dynasty. It covers the period from Emperor Taizu Zhao Kuangyin's accession to the throne after the Chenqiao Mutiny to the failure of Emperor Renzong's Qingli Reforms. The book selects famous figures and events from this period, drawing on a wealth of historical sources, with official histories as its foundation and unofficial accounts as a supplement. It vividly and engagingly recreate 1.1kReads9.3Score197Shelves
20. 120 青 A Promise in Blue Robes 青裳一诺 The King Is Thirteen大王十三岁Ancient Romance398k WordsCompleted In their previous life, Qingshang (Heguan) and Duruo (Houpu) died together in a car accident, bound by death as they had been in life. In this life, Qingshang carries her memories of their past and journeys across mountains and rivers to reunite with him... But he no longer recognizes her, and love and resentment pull them in opposite directions... She practices medicine to save lives, solves one strange case after another, and uses her wisdom to stop a war between two nations and protect the pe 43Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    📜The ancient-style writing is of high quality, making for a delightful reading experience. "Elegant Writing" + "Torn Sweetness in a Chaotic World" + "Strong Couple's Tug-of-War". In a world of turmoil and upheaval, a female doctor relies on her skills to survive, becoming entangled in a lifelong romance with an amnesiac male lead. #HighQualityWriting #AncientStyleTornSweetness

21. 121 万 Reborn as a Phoenix for Ten Thousand Lifetimes 万世为凰 Full Flush, Self-Draw混一色自摸Ancient Romance293k WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + No Fixed Couple + Satisfying Read + Court Intrigue] [No Rebirth, No Transmigration, No System] “Why is a woman called wicked just for wanting status, power, and wealth?” Xiao Qi remains silent. Song Shixu doesn't need his answer. She turns and walks away, and the two part ways. The palace, a symbol of supreme power, gleams in dazzling splendor. Song Shixu walks toward it up the jade steps, without a moment's hesitation. 5Reads—Score—Shelves

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    I'm recommending a historical romance novel that avoids a formulaic plot, featuring a clear and complete female protagonist's growth. As a child, she establishes herself in the inner courtyard, protecting her orphaned half-sister. As she grows older, she navigates the social landscape of the capital, intervenes in court affairs, and gradually uncovers her rivals' weaknesses. The supporting characters are all well-developed and distinct; no one is merely a plot device. Whether they are servants, noble ladies, or royal princesses, their motivations and actions are all self-evident.

22. 122 卿 My Beloved, You Bewitch My Heart 卿卿惑君心 Bei Xingyi北行易Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A bewitching fox-like beauty schemes to make the hero fall deeper at every turn + palace intrigue + transmigrated heroine VS reborn heroine] A Wall Street queen of finance dies in a plane crash and becomes Mu Qingli, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister of Dongli, who died unjustly. She inherits all of the original owner’s memories and bloody grievances: the humiliation of spending her wedding night alone, the despair of being framed for adultery, and the tragic leap from the Star-Gaz 858Reads8.9Score112Shelves

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    This is a rare gem from Tomato, a masterpiece combining historical romance, court intrigue, revenge, and high intelligence. The only word to describe it is "shocking." The intelligent protagonist and the unexpected plot twists are truly amazing and leave you speechless with admiration. It's reminiscent of watching "A Chinese Odyssey," and leaves you wanting more!

23. 123 岁 A Little Fullness Every Year 岁岁有小满 Picking Up Rats, Piggy拾鼠猪猪Ancient Romance116k WordsOngoing Also known as "Leaving the Vermilion Gate to Keep Xiaoman" Everyone seeks security in the imperial court and covets the splendor of the powerful. Lin Duotang is unexpectedly swept into a game of power. After repeatedly coming close to death and seeing through people's schemes, she finally grows tired of the grandeur of the great houses. She leaves the vermilion gates behind and chooses to spend the rest of her life keeping Xiaoman by her side. 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance with political intrigue, featuring a plot twist at the beginning, multifaceted characters, and a fast-paced storyline, where the male and female protagonists grow rapidly amidst power struggles and scheming.

24. 124 美 The Beauty Wields Her Brush, and the Powerful Minister Bows 美人执笔，权臣折腰 Shang Tang商唐Ancient Romance658k WordsCompleted [Forced Love + Heartbreaking Captivity + Intense Push and Pull + A Groveling Pursuit] The new dynasty has just been founded, and the old court's officials are being purged in a bloodbath. A painting that mocked the new emperor has led to Jiang Zhi's father being sentenced to execution after the New Year. With nowhere else to turn that night, Jiang Zhi knocked on the door of Song Chengchuan, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. “Give me what I want, and I’ll give you what you ask for 29.2kReads9.0Score3.4kShelves

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    This really touched me! 😳 The male lead, a man of strict morals, lost control for the first time because of the female lead. She was the only color in his black and white world, and her disappearance caused him immense heartbreak. The story of him chasing after his wife is so incredibly moving! 😢

25. 125 永 Ballad of Yong'an 永安谣 Lin Buling林布凌Ancient Romance308k WordsOngoing Court intrigue and political machinations | A powerful heroine’s rise | A cast of clever characters | A torturous romance After thirteen years under house arrest, my gravely ill grandfather, the emperor, suddenly dumped a dilapidated Imperial Clan Court on me. He wanted me to be the scapegoat for the chaos at court? Sorry, but this dust-covered royal archive is the most formidable weapon in all of Daye: a treasure trove of leverage! The moment I open these classified records, I’ll have the fatal 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The royal family, aristocratic families, and imperial clans each harbor their own ambitions, all plotting to push out the long-suffering orphan of the former dynasty as a sacrifice in the power struggle. The heroine, who sees through everyone's schemes, simply goes along with it and uses the vast amount of secrets of the Imperial Clan Court to pull those with ulterior motives into the power game she has set up.

26. 126 霸 Taking Her by Force! The Flirtatious Princess Is Out of Control 霸王硬上弓！钓系长公主撩疯了 Spring and Summer Together春夏两相Ancient Romance549k WordsOngoing [Flirtatious, alluring older woman VS calculating young wolf] [Married first, fall in love later + devoted love + one-on-one, both untouched + older woman/younger man romance] Nangong Qing, the eldest legitimate princess of Great Qi, was entrusted with the young emperor and the regency by the dying former emperor. All of the capital laughed at her for being twenty and still unmarried, calling her an old maid left on the shelf. When the young emperor took the reins of power, the ministers pressur 1.2kReads—Score122Shelves

    Reader note

    I couldn't stop reading; the awkwardness of the villainous father and son was hilarious. A few days ago, the arrogant Wen Qingxuan, with a bandaged finger, was forced by his own father to kneel and beg for forgiveness. The father and son took turns putting on a pitiful act, trying their best to humble themselves, but the female lead ignored them, leisurely playing with her teacup. Their carefully prepared sob story went unappreciated; they couldn't even get a glance from the female lead. They were so pathetic they could practically dig their toes out of the entire governor's mansion. The villains thought they had mastered their acting skills, but little did they know they were just clowns. If you're looking for something to read, you absolutely must check this out.

27. 127 G GB: Is the Shadow Guard Too Submissive? The Lady Takes the Lead GB：暗卫太卑微？小姐亲自折腰 It's Xiao Shang是肖尚Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing [Female Top, Male Bottom, No Switching or Reversal, Plot-Driven Angst, Growing Female Lead] [Scheming, Dominant Young Lady x Humble Puppy-Like Shadow Guard] [Not Just a Two-Person Story, Slightly Female-Centric] [Bittersweet Romance, Childbirth, The Author Has Decided Who Gives Birth] The state of Qiao is bound by rigid Confucian morals, with civil officials holding the reins of power. Beneath the surface, turmoil has long been brewing. Zhi He’s original wish was simple: for the Zhi family to li 2.1kReads8.1Score285Shelves

    Reader note

    The overall story leans towards a realistic historical romance. There are no overpowered, superhuman feats; court intrigues rely on scheming, leveraging power, and seizing opportunities to exploit opponents' weaknesses, while rumors and gossip are dealt with calmly. Between the male and female leads, one cautiously extends goodwill while the other, hampered by past experiences, hesitates to reciprocate. There's no quick declaration of love; they protect each other amidst a perilous environment, successfully balancing suspense and character development.

28. 128 替 The Foolish Prince's Stand-In Bride: His Princess Is an Empress 替嫁傻王：王妃她是女帝 Rebellious Auntie叛逆小阿姨Ancient Romance183k WordsOngoing To investigate her parents’ old case and uncover the mystery of her birth, she volunteers to become a substitute bride and marry into the most disreputable, foolish prince’s household in the capital. Everyone laughs at her for courting death, convinced that marrying a mad, crippled prince will doom her to a miserable life. Only Lu Qingyan knows the truth: Prince Huai is pretending to be a fool, while she conceals her identity; He bides his time, while she carefully advances her plans. On their w 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🌟Highly recommend "The Substitute Bride of the Foolish King"! Both leads are strong and intelligent, and it's not just mindless sweetness! The female lead discovers the foolish king is faking it after being forced into marriage. The two engage in a complex web of testing and manipulation, while the male lead feigns folly for three years for revenge. The female lead's identity holds a hidden secret. It has both political intrigue and romance; I stayed up all night to finish it! 🔥🔥

29. 129 重 Reborn as a Ruthless Official of the Dali Temple! 重生，化身大理寺酷吏！ Cheng Fengchang承枫常Ancient Romance245k WordsOngoing [Rebirth + ensemble cast + no System + revenge + empress + female-led political intrigue] “The Court of Judicial Review is on the case. Kill anyone who resists on the spot!” In her previous life, her ex-boyfriend severed her tendons, leaving her to die on a snowy night, while her family was falsely accused and exterminated down to the ninth degree. When she opens her eyes again, she has been reborn with evidence of corrupt officials’ crimes from the next ten years! Dressed in crimson official ro —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance, self-proclaimed, no male lead.

30. 130 顶 After Taking the Heiress's Place, the Capital's Most Eligible Bachelor Sets His Sights on Me 顶替千金后，京城第一公子盯上我 Sleepless Whale不失眠鲸鱼Ancient Romance211k WordsCompleted [The Ice-Cold Beauty Goes Wild for Love | Push and Pull to the Limit | Combative Couple | Restraint | Unaware of Their Own Love | One-on-One] A Ling assumes another person’s identity to infiltrate the Duke’s manor. The task assigned to him is to use his prestigious status to marry Shen Heng. At first, the mission goes smoothly. But his cousin at the manor, the capital’s most celebrated young gentleman, may seem charming and carefree, yet he has already uncovered A Ling’s true origins in secret. 18Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If you're looking for something to read, check this out; it's a historical romance with a hidden undercurrent. A robbery on a mountain path completely alters the female protagonist's life, forcing her to live the life of another person and step into the prosperous yet treacherous Duke's mansion. She learns proper etiquette, handles difficult situations at banquets, and navigates the complex relationships with relatives who have ulterior motives. The male protagonist, a highly regarded young master in the capital, is the first to notice her unusual behavior. The overall plot is logically sound, the conflicts are natural, and the suspense is well-developed, making it suitable for a leisurely read-along.

31. 131 勿 Forget Me Not: Reborn to Command the Board and Overturn the Realm 勿相忘：重生之执棋覆江山 Fate Was Shallow, Peach Blossoms Forsaken缘浅负桃花Ancient Romance325k WordsCompleted [Reborn + revenge + ambitious female lead in a game of power + a cast of clever characters + patience + play the pig to eat the tiger] She was gentle, patient, quiet, and dutiful, yet she bet ten years of her life on him and loved him with unwavering devotion. The crown prince oppressed him. She braved clashes of blades and Wang Empress’s poisoned wine and assassination plots, putting herself in harm’s way time and again and surviving by the skin of her teeth. She stayed by the fallen prince Qi 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend reading this; stick with it until chapter 14, where the plot twists begin.

32. 132 娇 She's So Alluring, the Iron-Blooded Tough Guy Falls Completely 娇娇太撩，铁血硬汉彻底沦陷了 Shao Hua 17邵华十七Modern Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [A super-sweet romance, everyone's darling, ten-year age gap] The first time Lin Ruochu met her best friend's older brother, who had just left the military, his ironclad righteousness and striking good looks swept her off her feet. Gathering her courage, she confessed her feelings to him. He Yan looked at the well-behaved, pretty girl before him and pressed his tongue against his back teeth, steeling himself to refuse. “I'm not interested in little kids. Focus on your studies.” Then He Yan disap 21.4kReads9.4Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    A story of a bickering couple in ancient times, with an incredibly strong male lead who falls for his equally powerful rival. The premise is that women also need to be strong to attract admirers. The author's writing style is excellent, with delicate emotions and a captivating plot.

33. 133 大 Scandalous Chronicles of the Dali Temple 大理寺绯闻日志 Hai Fuwei海馥薇Mystery430k WordsCompleted [Thai publication rights signed] [Black-on-the-outside, white-on-the-inside, arrogant and fierce commandery princess x white-on-the-outside, black-on-the-inside, scheming minister of the Court of Judicial Review] [Royal shield destined to bear the crown prince's fate vs meticulous avenger] A heaven-blessed daughter, fighting fate itself. She refuses to yield. Ten years of planning, ruined in an instant. He accepts defeat. With a father who is vice president of the Secretariat and imperial tutor, 2.5kReads9.1Score327Shelves

    Reader note

    A domineering princess and a scheming Minister of Justice, their marriage of convenience blossoms into a love-solving tale of romance and mystery, their sweetness off the charts. A murder occurs halfway through their wedding ceremony, and while investigating at the Minister of Justice, they shower each other with affection – the bickering between these two unlikely lovers only makes them sweeter. A seemingly innocent princess with a dark exterior meets a seemingly innocent but actually cunning Minister of Justice, turning the Minister of Justice into a scandal hotspot, where suspense and sweet romance fly side by side.

34. 134 大 Uncle, Your Clingy Little Sweetheart Is Crying and Wants a Cuddle 大叔，你的娇气包哭了要贴贴 Pear Blossoms Fill the Garden梨花满园Modern Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (Both leads are each other's first and only love + sweet romance + healing) Si Boheng, heir to the most powerful family in Kyoto, had never been in a relationship by the age of thirty. Outsiders speculated that either something was wrong with his body or he had the wrong orientation, until a very young Mrs. Si suddenly appeared in the family. Rumor had it that the young Mrs. Si was still in college. It was also said that she'd deliberately played the poor, pitiful victim in a bar to seduce Mr. 14.3kReads9.4Score4.5kShelves
35. 135 折 The Plum Blossom Chronicles: Chief Councillor, Can We Please Take Our Medicine Properly? 折梅记，首辅大人咱能好好吃药吗 Side-Swept Bangs斜刘海啊Ancient Romance277k WordsCompleted (The rating was just released, and it’ll go up later!) He is a frail chief minister with power over the entire court, ruthless in his methods yet afflicted by a strange illness. She is a wandering doctor, forcibly “invited” to treat him. He says, “If you can’t cure me, you’ll be buried with me.” She says, “Someone like you deserves to die.” And yet she saves him, again and again, until she can no longer tell whether it’s a doctor’s duty or the desire of her heart. 652Reads6.5Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is very resilient and always saves herself from difficulties.

36. 136 闺 Murder in the Inner Quarters 闺中煞 Jian Ye简也Ancient Romance843k WordsCompleted The Jiang family's third branch had a daughter, radiant and resplendent. With a single essay on the strategies of statecraft, she stunned the entire land of Qibei. In her early years, she was forced to marry a widower, and her mother wept herself to an early grave. Later, she fell into the hands of a eunuch. Her father went to the capital again and again for her, only to meet a horrific end, torn apart by five horses. What does it mean for a family to be ruined? What does it mean for everyone t 397Reads8.7Score103Shelves
37. 137 守 On the Day of the Wake, My Sisters-in-Law Put Me on the Throne 守灵当天，我被众嫂嫂推上皇位 Kitchen God of the Wood Stove柴火灶王爷Historical716k WordsOngoing [Alternate Dynasty + Transmigration + War + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + The Golden Finger Has Been Cut in Half] A high school boy named Tian Shu wakes up one morning in an ancient funeral hall. His widowed sisters-in-law swarm around him, showering him with care. In a feudal age of chaos, the powerful clans hold sway. The System is practically useless, and each sister-in-law has her own agenda. Born into a poor family, can he defy fate, change his destiny, command a vast empire, and mak 4.5kReads8.8Score165Shelves

    Reader note

    [Alternate Dynasty + Time Travel + War + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + Chopped-Off Cheat] High school student Tian Shu wakes up to find himself transported to an ancient funeral hall. His widowed sisters-in-law swarm around him, showering him with concern. In this chaotic feudal era, powerful families hold sway. The system is practically useless, and his sisters-in-law each harbor their own agendas. Born into poverty, can he defy fate and ascend to a vast empire, leaving his mark on history? [Petrified] Or will he be unable to escape his destiny, becoming a pathetic cannon fodder, a sacrifice for someone else?

38. 138 权 A Song of Power and Desire 权欲倾歌 Juanbian Qiyun卷边栖云Ancient Romance247k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she was the gentle legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister. She trusted the treacherous Crown Prince and her scheming half-sister, only to see her entire family executed and die miserably in the Cold Palace. Reborn at fifteen, on the eve of her coming-of-age ceremony, Shen Qingci sheds her softness, acts decisively, and refuses to repeat her past mistakes. She rejects the Crown Prince's proposal in front of everyone, tears away her half-sister's false facade, secures cont 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    #Ancient Romance Rebirth Recommendation#No Romance, Brainless Female Lead#Powerful and Intriguing Eldest Daughter A truly grand-scale rebirth novel about a legitimate daughter's power struggles✨ No mindless romance, no groveling and subservient behavior. The female lead is clear-headed and insightful, reborn solely to avenge her clan and protect her destiny. In her past life, a gentle legitimate daughter misplaced her trust, leading to the downfall of her entire family and her death in the cold palace. Reborn at the age of fifteen, she sheds all weakness, sees through hypocrisy at a glance, severs karmic ties from the start, cleanses the inner quarters, establishes her authority, sets up her schemes, and enters the court. Her relationship with Regent Xiao Jue is not a sweet romance at first sight, but a tacit understanding between equals, a mutual trust and support. He respects her choices, neither binding nor possessive; she understands his forbearance and accompanies him to quell the chaos in the world. From the infighting within the inner court to the power struggles of the imperial court, from deep-seated hatred to a peaceful and prosperous era, she ultimately ascends to the throne, ruling the country alongside the emperor, breaking free from the shackles of womanhood, and living a legendary life that will be remembered for eternity. The entire story is logically sound, the characters remain consistent, there are plenty of satisfying moments, and the ending is a perfect, divine conclusion. 🌙

39. 139 掌 Paulownia in the Palm 掌中疏桐 Xin Moran心陌然Ancient Romance900k WordsOngoing The main story is complete. Originally titled A Paulownia in the Palm, the first chapters are free, but the price will go up later! [Mutual Devotion] [Fictional Setting] [Forced Possession] [Beautiful Wife] [Powerful Minister] [Adorable Baby] [Pregnant and on the Run] [Ancient-Era Court Intrigue] [Secret Marriage] Luo Shutong, the most proper young noblewoman in the capital, woke one morning to find Ye Chuan, the all-powerful chief minister, lying beside her. Trembling, she pulled out all the mo 11.1kReads8.0Score519Shelves

    Reader note

    High IQ, the female lead is initially obedient while the male lead is cold, cunning and sharp-tongued. The female lead is engaged to the male lead and becomes pregnant and gives birth to his child.

40. 140 桃 Peaches and Plums 桃李 Li Feidao李飞刀Historical93k WordsCompleted [A cool, aloof, and gifted painter vs. an arrogant, ruthless, and remorseless confidant of the crown prince] [Great-granddaughter of a former crown prince’s tutor vs. the second son of the Duke of Weiguo, General of the Left Golden Guards] [Ancient-style political intrigue + forbidden romance + coercive possession + two formidable leads + court and martial world] During the Awakening of Insects, a painting titled Spring Peach Blossoms brings two ill-fated romances to light. Tao Hua, a celebrated 303Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A cool and aloof female painter versus an arrogant and ruthless general. A peach blossom painting gets her involved in court intrigues. From accusing her of misleading students to forcibly taking her as a disciple and keeping her by his side, the tiger tally is contested, and the peony is the witness. In this forbidden master-disciple relationship, who fell in love first?

41. 141 绾 I'm Wanwan, Not Wanwan: We're All Reborn, So Why Should I Keep Indulging You? 绾绾不是晚晚：都重生了谁还惯你 Zi Wei He子薇河Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [Soul Swap] [Face-Slapping] [Spatial Spirit Spring] [Ensemble Cast] [Fantasy] On her wedding day, Shen Wanwan is brutally murdered, pierced through the heart by a blade. Her soul follows her body downstream along the river. Meanwhile, Pei Wanning, trying to escape a ghost marriage to the Prince of Qin, jumps into the river to fake her death, only to actually drown. A thousand miles away, their souls meet on a riverbank. Shen Wanwan is horrified. “...Are you human or a ghost?” Pei Wanning can't h 32.1kReads8.9Score3.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Wanwan is not Wanwan. A hilarious and engaging soul-swap, rebirth, revenge-driven novel with a fresh and captivating plot, worth staying up all night to read! [I highly recommend it!][Upvote][Upvote]

42. 142 神 The Abandoned Miracle Doctor Returns Reborn 神医弃女重生归来 Zi Wei He子薇河Ancient Romance522k WordsCompleted [Devoted to each other + reborn + pocket dimension + revenge + sweet romance] (A full-cast audiobook adaptation is available. Give it a listen!) In her previous life, she caught a chill after falling into the water and slept for six days, missing her coming-of-age ceremony. When she woke, she was told she would marry the Marquis's heir in a month. To please her family, she agreed. But the heir's heart never belonged to her. At the marquis's residence, she was constantly targeted and mistreated, 16kReads8.8Score1.4kShelves
43. 143 轻 Where Does the Light Boat Go? 轻舟何岸 Plain Colors, Chilly素彩寒Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted Are the four princes of Rui Kingdom really going to marry four common women from Chan Kingdom? Could it be because every woman in Chan Kingdom is beautiful and fertile? She has the talent to be a chancellor in a matriarchal kingdom, yet marries the “intellectually disabled” prince of a patriarchal kingdom, entering the marriage as a spy under the pretense of a political union. He is a prince with exceptional intelligence who hides his true self. But even after he regains his true self, is that r 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    She possessed the talent of a female prime minister but was married to a "mentally challenged" prince of a male kingdom, ostensibly for a political marriage but in reality a spy; he was a prince of exceptional intelligence who concealed his true form, but even if he regained his true self, would he truly be himself? Should she become his imperial tutor, helping him conquer the world and become an empress for all time? Or should she follow her heart and simply live her own life…? Espionage, political intrigue, palace intrigue, and business strategies all unfold in the back-and-forth between these two powerful figures who admire each other…

44. 144 镇 Pacifying the Sea as Betrothal: The Grand Princess's Defeated General 镇海为聘：长公主的降将 An Muxue安姆斯雪Ancient Romance443k WordsOngoing For a hundred years, Great Jin has favored land over sea. Noble clans control the shipping routes, imperial authority has waned, and the treasury is empty. Princess Li Mingyi makes a forceful start: she builds a navy, commissions giant ships, and points her sword toward the South Seas! From the start, she captures Lu Zhengpai, a wild sea lord, and gains a bonus to his top-tier sailing talent! He has every reef and current at his fingertips, making voyages a hundred times safer! The combat streng —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The island lord, bearing the blood of the sea god, the eldest princess who had been plotting for two years, the thirty-one-day siege of the island, burning down the last escape route with a single fire, the lowering of the flag on the canoe, the power struggle on the deck, even the bestowal of names and titles was a calculated move aimed at control.

45. 145 丹 The Crimson Fingertip's Lead 丹蔻引 Meow, Su Su Su Su So Comfortable苏苏苏苏服的喵Ancient Romance266k WordsCompleted Su Nanyi, a 21st-century nail salon owner, is flipping through an ancient text when she unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of Su Sheng’s daughter. Su Sheng is a spice merchant in Linjiang County, in the Great Yan Kingdom. From the start, she is caught up in the massacre that wipes out the Su family. Determined to find the real culprit, Su Nanyi crosses paths by chance with the Third Prince, Han Xizhou, who has come to Linjiang to investigate the case. From the start, she even steals a kiss 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    She transmigrates to ancient times to work as a nail technician, only to have her entire family wiped out right from the start… While searching for the murderer, she unexpectedly gets caught up in the power struggles between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince… The female protagonist is incredibly clever! (Click here if you reject the naive and innocent character trope.)

46. 146 觉 After Awakening: A Villainess's Guide to Survival 觉醒后：恶女求生攻略指南 Jade Pillow Star玉枕星Ancient Romance178k WordsCompleted [Female supporting character's rise + beloved by all + sweet on the outside, dark within + ensemble cast] Bai Yingli, the concubine-born daughter of the Grand Commandant's household, was born with a face capable of captivating an empire, but she was so sickly that she got winded after walking a few steps. Everyone thought she was a pitiful girl in need of protection, including her white-lotus, legitimate older sister. But then she suddenly awakened and discovered she was living inside a melodra 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    "You can eat the roasted sweet potato when you're better"—what an amazing boyfriend!

47. 147 禾 Autumn Passes Over Jing Mountain 禾过璟山秋 Apricot At Ease杏闲闲Ancient Romance242k WordsOngoing [Modern siblings transmigrate together + two equally matched political players + nation-building + imaginative historical romance + devoted couples with happy endings] After a car accident, modern siblings Rui He and Rui Zheng both transmigrate into a political intrigue novel, only to find themselves bound to a doomed, unfinished story set in a chaotic age. In the original, Emperor Murong Jing is isolated and outmatched, hemmed in by powerful aristocratic families and ministers, as well as the a 92Reads—Score538Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this! Both the male and female leads are incredibly smart. I actually think the career storyline is quite compelling, but the author mentioned that they'll add a romance storyline later on, haha.

48. 148 嫡 The Firstborn Daughter's Radiance: The Ailing Empress's Precious Jewel 嫡女风华：病娇皇后掌上珠 Purple Demon Loves Yogurt紫妖爱喝酸奶Ancient Romance205k WordsOngoing Xiang Ruzhi, Meng Shanhe! Meng Shanhe and Xiang Ruzhi were childhood sweethearts. To pursue his dream of joining the military, he embarked on a soldier's path. He seemed born for it, earning top marks in every event. But after a flash flood, Meng Shanhe was lost to the mountains, and Xiang Ruzhi wept until her heart broke. After the grief passed, life had to go on. The light was gone from Xiang Ruzhi's eyes. To keep herself from thinking about him, she worked constantly and saved every penny —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    She was a noble legitimate daughter, the future empress, and also an assassin, a sharp blade, painstakingly cultivated by her family. Her name was Feng Xi—her ancestors were founding fathers; her great-grandfather fought alongside the Emperor of Chu, calling each other brothers; her grandfather was the Grand Secretary, assisting the future monarch; and her father was the regent, wielding immense power! On the surface, she enjoyed boundless glory, but in secret, she struggled, yearning for freedom, for a life free from manipulation. In her darkest times, Sang Yu was like a ray of light, bringing brightness and warmth to her world!

49. 149 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 124.4kReads9.7Score14.2kShelves
50. 150 与 A Song for You: With You by My Side, I Have a Place to Belong 与君歌一曲：君若在侧我在依 Where Can One Find Tao何处可陶Ancient Romance198k WordsCompleted [Pure Love + Historical Romance + Emperor + Maid + Political Intrigue] She is a flower blooming from the dust, and a blade steeped in poison. Yueyao, the lowliest maid in the prince's manor, is chosen for the palace after a dance that leaves everyone spellbound. She has no idea she has long been a pawn in a game beyond her control. The poison “Qianji” eats away at her bones every month, while Prince Qi, the mastermind behind it all, speaks like a curse that clings to her: “Either he dies, or yo —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's alright, but a bit short.

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