Female-Led Career Story: Political Scheming, Nation-Building, and Fighting for the Realm in a Time of Chaos 大女主事业文 权谋 基建 乱世争天下

1. 201 截 I Hijack the Male Lead's Path to the Throne, Kick Fate Aside, and Become Empress 截胡男主登基路，踹翻天命当女帝 Jiang Yao江药Ancient Romance733k WordsCompleted [An unapologetic female-led power fantasy. The heroine is a ruthless, ambition-driven fanatic who says little and will do anything for power. She loves no one but the throne. No equally matched power couple, and no stronger male lead: the woman is strong, and the man is weak!] Li Yuanzhao is the most revered Grand Princess of Great Qi, charged with protecting the nation. Born of imperial blood and devoted to political power, she is so formidable that no court official dares meet her gaze. But on 7.9kReads9.3Score1.4k14d adds

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   I love reading this! Looking for similar books too! 📖 5 Just started reading and it seems pretty good. 6 Haven't read it yet, but I've already added it. 7 I've already praised it and added it to my favorites.

2. 202 科 Imperial Examinations: Reborn, She Took Her Ex-Husband's Steady Job 科举：重生后她抢了前夫的铁饭碗 Rabbit Lord's Chitchat兔君闲谈Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Heroine Does Not Disguise Herself as a Man | Civil Service Exams and Government Career | A Name in the History Books | A Strong Heroine Who Grows] In her previous life, Jiang Ruchu was a fallen noblewoman. Her father was faithless, her mother weak. Carrying a keepsake, she married into the prominent local Huo family to repay a debt of gratitude. When her husband entered school, Jiang Ruchu quietly supported him through his studies... She kept a low profile and fulfilled her duties, hoping only 7kReads9.1Score99014d adds
3. 203 穿 After Becoming a Female Chieftain, I Led the Frontier Out of Poverty 穿成女土司后，我带边疆脱贫致富 Likes the Trombone喜欢乐器长号Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted Lu Mingyu, an agricultural science student, transmigrates into the legitimate daughter of a chieftain's estate in Dayan. Her father died young, and her mother took over his duties and holds all the power. But the next day, she discovers that the estate lies in a remote border region, cut off from news, impoverished, and underdeveloped. So she gets to work, visiting the locals and conducting surveys herself, determined to help everyone escape poverty and prosper. But just as this young chieftain' 49Reads—Score714d adds
4. 204 大 The Women’s Realm of Great Jin 大晋女权 Wei Yu Qiwei为鱼其威Ancient Romance420k WordsCompleted [Historical Political Intrigue + Transmigration to Another World + Everyone Gets a Bad Ending] They say that when someone is on the brink of death, their brain spends thirty seconds replaying their life like a lantern show, laying every regret and missed opportunity bare. Luo Zhaoran’s life was particularly short, yet full of color, making its end all the more heartbreaking. In her previous life, she suffered through every kind of hardship. Given another chance in a different world, all she want 17Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   A pure historical romance novel about political intrigue, where everyone is cunning and ambitious, and the story takes off dramatically after the first thirty-odd chapters! The early chapters are mostly setup, so the pacing might be a bit slow, but the author's writing style is quite good.

5. 205 我 I Build Infrastructure in Ancient Times 我在古代搞基建 Chi Mitang池米唐Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Woman Disguised as a Man + Infrastructure Building + Career-Focused + Fiercely Protective + Clear-Eyed Heroine] Original title: Building Infrastructure in Ancient Times Tang Yixuan, a brilliant engineer, transmigrates into the body of a woman who has taken her brother’s place as the new magistrate of Qingchuan County. To stay alive, she racks her brains and exhausts every resource at her disposal. She builds waterworks, raises tall buildings, paves roads with concrete, and constructs a city. Be 4.4kReads9.1Score57114d adds

   Reader note

   I've been really into watching this type of thing lately.

6. 206 末 Apocalypse Rebirth: The Big Shot Starts by Stockpiling a Million Supplies 末世重生：大佬从百万囤货开始 Zhou Dabai周大白Sci-Fi & Apocalypse1.0M WordsCompleted [Apocalypse + ruthless heroine + System storage space + stockpiling supplies + infrastructure building + strong female lead + an outrageously powerful golden finger!] Han Qingxia, a hardened survivor who struggled through ten years of the apocalypse, is betrayed by her base while it’s under siege by zombies. She opens her eyes and finds herself back half a month before the apocalypse! Her deadbeat father, awful grandmother, and stepmother are still trying to force her out of her home so her brot 97.4kReads9.4Score8.6k14d adds

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   I recommend these two books; they're both intellectually stimulating.

7. 207 九 The Ninefold Palace: The Phoenix Reigns Over All 九重孤阙：凰临天下 Deeply Painted Brows画眉深Ancient Romance296k WordsOngoing [Female-led + political intrigue + empress + ensemble cast + women's rise + feel-good power fantasy] [No transmigration, no rebirth, no System] [Clear-headed, independent empress] From condemned daughter in the Cold Palace to founding empress, the first taste of sweetness Chu Yi swallowed was deadly poison. The taro candy given to her when she was seven concealed a scheme designed to kill with a single drop of blood. She smiled as she swallowed it, and from then on learned to wrap her sincerity —Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The female protagonist has no cheat codes or system; she is single-mindedly focused on climbing the social ladder and will stop at nothing to achieve it.

8. 208 快 Quick Transmigration: The Grudge Eradicator 快穿之灭怨师 Free Proof自由心证Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Clear-headed heroine + no cheap thrills + useless System + no fixed couple] ✓ (School arc) Has a couple (romance with a top student) ✓ (Wartime arc) No couple (empress reborn) ✓ (Apocalypse arc) No couple (unhinged siblings) ✓ (Period arc) Has a couple (the teacher is awesome) ✓ (Cultivation arc) No couple (the light of Sunset Valley) ✓ (Imperial court arc) Has a couple (the fated empress) ✓ (Showbiz arc) No couple (born to turn heads) ✓ (Republican era arc) No couple (fiery female general) ✓ ( 8kReads9.3Score91114d adds

   Reader note

   The first one is one of the best female empress novels I've read in the past two years. The female protagonist gains modern memories after being maliciously fed a pill made by a supernatural being by her step-grandmother, which is quite novel. However, given the current development, I wonder how many chapters the author will write [facepalm]. I also hope it doesn't fall apart later. The second one has a female protagonist who transmigrates with a system, born into a wealthy family, and disguises herself as a man from a young age, aiming to become a famous minister. It feels a bit Mary Sue-ish, but it's well-written and makes you want to keep reading. The third one is an ancient version of post-apocalyptic survival. The female protagonist transmigrates to ancient times and becomes a noblewoman, leading her entire family to survive in the face of sudden zombie outbreaks and abnormal weather. It also has some Mary Sue elements, since there are no cheat codes or anything like that; the female protagonist even has skills like steelmaking [facepalm]. Because there are currently no superpowers and ancient productivity was low, the author limited the zombies' abilities, such as slow movement during the day, which I think is a good design. The last one is a quick transmigration novel; some worlds have couples, some don't. Overall, the smaller worlds are all well-written, and I recommend reading it. P. S.: The Great Princess on a Certain Point (completed), Chang'an is Good (ongoing), Step Aside and Let Me Do It (ongoing), She is a Sword Cultivator (ongoing) are also very well written, you can check them out.

9. 209 复 Reviving Qin: My Motherland Helps Me Become Empress 复秦：祖国助我成女帝 A Bowl of Spicy Wontons, Please来碗红油抄手Ancient Romance465k WordsCompleted [No romance! No babies! Passing the throne to an empress!] Qin Yijun had just become a public servant. She went home to attend a funeral, and transmigrated… Luckily, her phone and her farm stay came with her! In a chaotic era, Qin Yijun, a descendant of Qin Shi Huang, worked hard and, with the help of her great motherland, ascended the throne! Qin Yijun: “Leader, our industry is too backward to make machine guns. Could I have a few for self-defense?” Leader: “Sure, sure, sure! Will a few Gatling 569Reads9.1Score10114d adds
10. 210 丫 After Her Maidservants Revolt, the Empress Goes on a Killing Spree 丫鬟造反后，女帝她杀疯了 A Flute Melody to Meet with Joy长笛一曲相见欢Ancient Romance128k WordsCompleted In this age of chaos, the lowest and ugliest servant girl, A Chou, loses her whole family unjustly. She wants revenge, relying on no man and no golden finger, only the fury in her heart and her bloodthirsty ambition. She swears to overthrow this world, slaughter the powerful nobles and royals who treat human lives like grass, and make sure the starving have enough to eat! The man who would later lead a rebel army was then nothing more than a fugitive bandit, hated by all. Yet when she was at her —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    After the maidservants rebelled, the Empress went on a killing spree!! (Highly recommended!)

11. 211 女 The Female Taizu 女太祖 Brown Sugar Zongzi红糖粽子Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other's only partners + Character growth + Political scheming + Not conventional household infighting] A short excerpt: Zhao Qingnuo ran out of patience. She raised a hand and dislocated the other person’s arm. Then, annoyed by the racket, she grabbed their chin and yanked it down. Their jaw popped out of place, and the whole main room fell silent at once. Zhao Qingnuo had a mother who was so delicate she couldn’t take care of herself. After going out on an escort job, Zhao 2.3kReads8.9Score31114d adds
12. 212 男 A Woman-Supreme Village in a Man-Supreme World: I’ll Conquer the Land and Reign as Queen 男尊世界女尊村，逐鹿天下我称王 Bai Bai, Take Your Medicine白白吃药啦Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + younger men desperately trying to win her back + a touch of power struggle + daughter inherits the throne] Li Yuman is the notorious hell-raiser of Lijia Village. One day, following her family's tradition, she picks up a man by the roadside to be her husband. Her husband is like the pure white snow on a mountain peak, noble and unstained, exactly Li Yuman's favorite type. Having seen her mother's attempt to pick up a man end badly, Li Yuman keeps this snow-like beauty under 604Reads8.7Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    ##Powerful Female Forces and Intrigue in a Chaotic World! The story begins with a female protagonist fleeing famine, gradually rising to power and vying for supremacy with various warlords.

13. 213 三 Three Kingdoms: The Unhinged Princess Topples Dong Zhuo's Stronghold 三国：疯批公主她掀了董卓老巢 Rain over the Winding Lane繁陌临雨Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Liu Ying, a military academy student from the twenty-first century, opened her eyes in the body of a princess who had hanged herself and died. The marks on her neck had barely faded when the door burst open under the kick of a rebel soldier, sword in hand. She grabbed a gold hairpin, knocked over a folding screen, and stabbed the soldier in the thigh, leaving a bloody hole. Then she casually swiped some saltpeter and sulfur from an alchemist and gave Dong Zhuo a “welcome gift.” The three-hundred 1.7kReads6.8Score20814d adds

    Reader note

    Check out this book: The Rise of an Empress in a Chaotic World. No romance-obsessed protagonists, just high-energy action, military intrigue, and power struggles.

14. 214 成 After Becoming a Princess, I Lived on Radishes and Cabbage 成为公主后，闲吃萝卜淡吃白菜 Willow Moon Shadow柳月暗影Ancient Romance202k WordsCompleted [Powerful female lead + a prosperous nation and thriving people + no System + pocket dimension] Song Ning was a top student in the modern world, but accidentally transmigrates into a princess of the Great Jiang Dynasty. The country is poor and backward, and the people are suffering. Who would have thought that even radishes would be rare delicacies, and yellowish vegetables would be considered treasures? Song Ning is determined to change all that. Using her intelligence and knowledge, she launch 1Reads—Score—14d adds
15. 215 清 I Transmigrated into Jiang Yuyan in the Qing Dynasty and Smashed Qianlong's Head 清穿融合江玉燕，锤爆乾隆狗头 Chilled Honeydew冰镇蜜瓜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Female-oriented Qing dynasty time travel + rebellion and kingship + beating up Qianlong + no romance, feel-good story with a powerful female lead!] After transmigrating to the Qianlong era, Jinfeng became the Fifth Princess, the short-lived daughter of Empress Consort Nara. From the start, she was stranded outside the palace and sold into a brothel? Jinfeng sneered, activated the System, inherited Jiang Yuyan’s peerless martial arts, and slaughtered her way through her enemies. Her birth mother 3.7kReads8.8Score33114d adds

    Reader note

    Here are 4 recommended novels featuring strong female protagonists!! The heroines conquer the world!! And ultimately ascend to the throne as Empress!! 👏👏💖

16. 216 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 22.9kReads8.8Score2.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a perfect fit! A female-centric power struggle story, everyone is cunning, top-tier strategic battles! Completed, featuring rebirth and revenge + medical and poison expertise + strong, mutually loving partners + everyone is cunning + palace intrigue. Highlight: No villains with low intelligence, everyone is incredibly cunning, peak strategic battles! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, went blind 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 both medical and poison expertise, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and influential ruler, suffers greatly from a strange poison. Shen Nanzhi tossed 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 a living Yama. 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 female Zhuge Liang who held the reins of power and calculated every move! She and he entrusted their lives to each other, 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!

17. 217 逃 Fleeing Famine: My Whole Family Is Reborn 逃荒，我全家都是重生的 Mo Mo Is Master Mo墨墨是墨爷Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Dreams of the Future + Whole Family Reborn + No Romance] In her previous life, Su Yin, her mother, and her aunt were brutally killed by rioters. In the blink of an eye, the three of them were reborn together. Before the rioters stormed their village, they took refuge in Xinghua Village, where their uncle lived, and fled in advance. On the road as refugees, they ran into Su Yin’s abandoned, blindly filial father. They thought he’d be dead weight, but it turned out he could see the future, and hi 68.5kReads9.4Score8.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Of these three books, I remember one where the female lead was particularly exhausted, constantly escaping one calamity after another without a break in between. It was tiring to read.

18. 218 穿 I Transmigrated, So I Might as Well Become an Empress 穿越了，搞个女帝当当 Shu Bao殊宝Ancient Romance457k WordsCompleted (The rating was just released, and it will rise later) [No romance. The heroine has every admirable quality, including a fiery temper, a long memory for grudges, exceptional intelligence, and a photographic memory.] Song Qiao thought she had died, but she came back to life, and in a very fantastical turn of events, transmigrated. Transmigration, huh? Song Qiao had never transmigrated before, but for an ordinary genius like Dr. Song, this was small potatoes. So why not start with a modest goal: b 2.1kReads8.6Score27814d adds

    Reader note

    I watched the whole series in one go! [Shy][shy]

19. 219 开 I Became A Dou from the Start, and a Girl at That 开局成了阿斗，还是个女阿斗 Little Umbrella Monk of Spirit Grass Valley灵草谷的唐伞小僧Historical1.5M WordsCompleted A modern college student transmigrates into the body of A Dou, only to become a girl as well. A little girl hides her gender and steadily seizes power. In the end, she inherits her father's legacy, takes his place, and becomes the Han dynasty's last hope. She revives the Han and unites the realm, ascending to the throne above all. 210Reads8.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is the best book I've ever read; it has to be this one. The protagonist uses his abilities to outwit and outmaneuver his father. While outwardly inheriting Liu Bei's benevolence and love for the people, he also possesses a touch of self-interest, striving for his own success and refusing to be subservient to others, endeavoring to be himself and love himself.

20. 220 十 Ignored for Eighteen Years, the Legitimate Daughter Returns to Deliver a Face-Slapping 十八年不闻不问，嫡女打脸回归！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Satisfying read + political intrigue + the fate of the nation + a pocket dimension + the martial world + medicine and poison + suspense] After accidentally transmigrating from a world polluted by nuclear fallout to an alternate realm, the heroine becomes an unwanted daughter of an official’s family. One day after transmigrating, she beats up a wicked servant and sells him off. From then on, the estate is her turf! Seven days after transmigrating, she becomes the leader of the martial world’s mo 4.3kReads9.1Score57814d adds

    Reader note

    These are all political intrigue novels! A quest to unify the world! They're great!

21. 221 大 Has the Eldest Prince Been Slacking Off Today? [Infrastructure] 大皇子今天咸鱼了吗【基建】 The Cat King Is Here猫猫大王在此Ancient Romance719k WordsOngoing The main story is complete; bonus chapters are being updated! [Political intrigue] + [Court politics] + [Woman disguised as a man] + [Empress takes the throne] The whole story is lighthearted and funny, with solid logic! What’s it like to have an emperor father who is determined to raise you to the throne? If An Hongcha ever gets the chance to post on Zhihu, she could probably write a ten-thousand-word essay about it. Thanks for asking. When your own father has your back, it’s absolutely fantast 80Reads8.7Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The first one is really good; all schemes and tricks are utterly ineffective in the face of absolute power. The later reflections are particularly engaging. The beginning is a typical "power fantasy," but the female lead's opponents aren't from any particular world, so she's constantly laying the groundwork. Despite having a system, she still builds a complete system and perfects regulations, allowing them to operate independently. The second book is about a life of quiet survival in a remote corner, and it's still being updated. The third book's main highlights are the female lead's use of external forces, political maneuvering, and the well-written father-daughter relationship. However, I think the first book is better. It evolves into an interstellar civilization, and with a complete system, there won't be any gaps or regressions due to the protagonist or system leaving. I don't know about the second book yet, and the third book is currently set in a feudal society, but it might shift to a modern society later.

22. 222 和 After Transmigrating with Her Best Friend, She Wields Power over the Court 和闺蜜一起穿越后，权倾朝野 Moon on the Western Mountain西山上的月Two Female Leads746k WordsCompleted Set in an imagined ancient world, with no real dynasty as reference. History buffs, let's meet another time. Good news: I transmigrated with my best friend. Bad news: We both became maids in a wealthy household. On our first day on duty, we just looked at each other and couldn't stop grinning. We were rewarded with a beating, and both our backsides were left blooming with bruises. To avoid getting killed off in the very first episode of our transmigration, we seized the chance to fake our deaths 299Reads8.7Score—14d adds
23. 223 羞 Humiliation? The Face-Slapping Began with the Imperial Betrothal! 羞辱？从赐婚开始便是打脸！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Feel-good, two powerful leads, devoted couple, space, medicine, martial arts prowess, face-slapping) A top mercenary in the twenty-first century suddenly transmigrates to an alternate ancient world while on a mission, becoming an unloved illegitimate daughter of a general's household. A marriage contract and a deal transform the heroine into the wife of the “crippled prince”... With the two “princes” joining forces, the world is theirs! The Crown Prince stands in their way? Bring him down! Prin 4.8kReads9.3Score71414d adds
24. 224 恶 The Villainess Runs Wild in a Misogynistic Kingdom 恶女在厌女国杀疯了 This Mountain Is No Mountain此山非山Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted [Rise to power + revenge + political intrigue + rival suitors + ancient fantasy + awakening to her gender] A mind-bending transmigration story that starts with a bang and only gets wilder. The heroine is the strongest, bar none, and gives as good as she gets! An elite lawyer transmigrates to a woman-hating kingdom. This is the story of her journey from a desperate fugitive to a noble, a chancellor, and finally an emperor! “What? My own brother insulted my wet nurse?” Xu Shisan retaliates with a 166Reads8.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The strong female lead is cunning, possesses exceptional martial arts skills, and is adept at manipulating people's hearts.

25. 225 公 The Princess Is Actually an Obsessed Prince: General Sister, Don't Run 公主竟是阴湿皇子，将军姐姐别逃 Song Jiujiu宋玖玖Ancient Romance362k WordsCompleted [Female General vs. Fake Princess, Real Prince] [A man disguised as a woman] Shen Qiyue is the only female general in the Qianzhao Kingdom. The Crown Prince, Zhao Yuheng, grew up with her as a childhood sweetheart. He once said he would marry her when she grew up, but then complained that she wielded swords and spears. To force her into becoming a docile little songbird, he ordered her to escort the Fifth Princess to Beirong for a political marriage. When the Fifth Princess, Zhao Ci, was born, h 11.9kReads8.7Score2.3k14d adds
26. 226 开 From the Start in a Bandit Stronghold, I Cheat My Way to Empress 开局土匪寨，一路开挂成女帝 Cute Little Ji萌萌的小吉啊447k WordsOngoing [Strong female lead transmigrates + no romance + empress + female lead has maxed-out combat power] She had just been fighting a boss with her team in the apocalypse when she suddenly transmigrated, only to be picked up by bandits. But who was she? She was a force to be reckoned with in the apocalypse. Did the bandits really think they could control her? In no time at all, a pile of bandits lay sprawled around her. She glanced at the little girl trembling nearby, then planted a foot on a bandit a 41Reads—Score—14d adds
27. 227 穿 Transmigrated into an Ancient Apocalypse, I Use My Family Fortune to Build Infrastructure 穿进古代末世，靠着家底搞基建 Jiucai Huaye玖菜花叶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Heroine + Natural Disasters + Zombies + Infrastructure Building + No Superpowers + No CP] Wei Xiyin transmigrates, born into a noble family as its legitimate daughter. She thought she'd been handed the script for a family power struggle, but who could have expected a zombie outbreak on the way back to her hometown? Then plants and animals begin to mutate, and extreme weather sets in. Her entire worldview collapses in an instant. There are no cars, no canned food, no high-tech weapons, an 11.1kReads9.2Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a female-centric story about building a strong clan, leading them in infrastructure development, fighting zombies, and getting involved in power struggles and conflicts between various factions, as well as vying for population and resources.

28. 228 魂 After My Soul Transmigrated to a Chaotic Age, I Slaughtered Every Noble in My Path 魂穿乱世后，杀神屠尽诸卿公 Xun Ye璕也Ancient Romance170k WordsOngoing [Epic historical ensemble + transmigration + court intrigue + powerful heroine + no romance + ruthless] In her previous life, Shen Xu was a butcher of the battlefield, leaving rivers and mountains soaked in blood. She flooded cities and left a million corpses in her wake. Though she spent her life fighting and killing, her achievements eventually made the emperor fear her power. In the end, he granted her a sword, and she took her own life. When she opened her eyes again, her soul had fallen int 38Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Amidst warlordism and widespread chaos, she rises from the ashes, paving her way with her sharp blade and strategic brilliance. She subdues mountain strongholds, navigates the complexities of officialdom and military camps, facing a constant stream of adversaries, engaging in both direct combat and strategic maneuvering, creating a thrilling and unpredictable storyline.

29. 229 女 The Supporting Female Lead Rejects Love-Brain Syndrome and Just Wants to Outwork the Chosen One 女配拒绝恋爱脑，只想卷死龙傲天 Shallow and Deep浅予深深Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [A fiercely competitive go-getter and her eccentric companions, ready to take on anyone] [Ensemble cast] Bai Youyou transmigrates into a book she once criticized, landing in a novel she had hated. The moment she opens her eyes, the original host’s mother is right in the original male lead’s face, going on the attack: “A pheasant thinks it can dream of becoming a phoenix?” Bai Youyou: ... Mom, do you realize that one line has just doomed our entire clan? But when she thinks of the original st 19.6kReads9.2Score2.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    🌕①No romantic pairing; the female lead plans meticulously, ultimately aiming to control her own destiny and reach the highest position. 🌕②Overpowered female lead; the male lead appears very late in the story. 🌕③Villainous female lead; appears gentle and weak, but is ruthless and cold-blooded. 🌕④As the title suggests, a popular, career-oriented female lead in an infrastructure-building genre.

30. 230 杀 Kill! Kill! Kill! I’m Reforming the Court! 杀！杀！杀！朕就要整顿朝纲！ Getting Rich Means Striking It Rich富贵要暴富Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Completed. [Unhinged villainess empress × scheming, devoted general] [Empress + sweet on the outside, ruthless within + powerful female lead + court intrigue + satisfying revenge] A thrill ride from start to finish! The empress is outrageously overpowered in both martial arts and intelligence, rising from wiping out entire clans to uniting the Three Kingdoms! A court-intrigue novel whose blurb alone will make you want to dive in. She acts better than Zhen Huan, puts on a better front than Wei Yi 1.6kReads8.9Score16914d adds

    Reader note

    Both of these books feature very capable women who use their intelligence, the plots are engaging, and the characters are well-developed.

31. 231 全 My Whole Family Transmigrated: My System Can Only Buy Things from Home 全家穿越：我的系统只能买家里货 Listening to the Rain on the Bank伏岸听雨Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + System + Sweet Romance + Multiple Couples + Ensemble Cast + Lighthearted Fun] Both plot and everyday life are going strong. Light, funny, and heartwarming. There are couples! There will be a little rivalry for the heroine, but it ultimately ends in one-on-one romance. Expect an ancient-style domineering CEO, a refined villain, a yandere, unrequited love... but the final partner may not be the heroine. Cui Mingzhi transmigrates with her whole family to the Great Jing Dynasty, r 1.4kReads9.3Score16014d adds

    Reader note

    The sense of redemption I felt while reading something new during a reading slump is something only a book can understand! The premise is amazing! I'm hooked!

32. 232 别 Don't Be Weak, Don't Provoke Her: An Angry Palace Maid Can Restore a Fallen Kingdom 别太弱，别招惹，宫女发怒能复国 Ethereal Fairy霓裳妖妖Ancient Romance748k WordsCompleted [Unusual premise + assassin’s rise + strong heroine + political intrigue + cold and heartless + mildly yandere + cool-headed lunatic + male lead rises from the nth place] * Su Mian was just a palace maid serving a princess. On the day the Southern Yan Kingdom fell, she watched everyone die before her without a flicker of emotion. The princess gave her an even more perilous mission. Until it was done, she had to stay alive. But in a world thrown into chaos, she was sold as a slave and forced to e 25.6kReads9.5Score4.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    This one! The female lead is super strong, not a Mary Sue, she has political acumen and is focused on her career, but there's no infrastructure-building plot. [Kissing emojis]

33. 233 魂 I Took Over Princess Shanyin's Body: Outwit the Plot and Stay Alive 魂穿山阴公主，破局保命 Frost-Mirror Wanderer霜鉴客Ancient Romance362k WordsCompleted Betrayed and ambushed by her business partner, she died in an explosion, her soul extinguished. When she opened her eyes again, she had transmigrated to the most chaotic period in Chinese history, the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and become Liu Chuyu, the Princess Shanyin infamous in history and destined for a tragic death. As a modern woman with no survival skills suited to ancient times, all she wanted was to keep her head down, stay alive, and seize a chance to escape. But on the road to 73Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I stayed up all night watching it, it's so good!

34. 234 她 She Only Wants to Get Stronger 她只想变强 Liu Qingyu刘清妤Urban615k WordsCompleted [A true villain + ruthless and decisive + mastermind behind the scenes] Su Yu only wants to grow stronger, then stand above the heavens and look down on all living things. Anything that gets in the way of her becoming stronger must die! ※The protagonist loves disguising herself, enjoys manipulating people, is a gleeful troublemaker and an agent of chaos, pretends to be a white lotus, always keeps her cool, and calculates everything. Everyone thinks she is a kind and gentle angel. In reality, she 184Reads9.0Score—14d adds
35. 235 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 254.1kReads9.7Score29.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    A historical romance novel featuring a strong female lead, focusing on political intrigue, infrastructure development, and achieving high office. [Thinking][Thinking] ① The female lead's family is loyal but framed, so she decides to reshape the court and the world. [Thinking] She begins her strategy, and with the support of her reclusive teacher and over a dozen senior brothers, her chances of success are even higher. [Learned] ② The female lead starts as a village girl, leading her hometown to grow high-yield crops, defeating enemies to become a princess, and eventually a queen. ③ The female lead lives in an era where power is paramount, and she declares, "That person is me!" [Cool]

36. 236 去 To Hell with You! This Princess Is Taking the Throne 去你的吧，这龙椅该本公主坐了 The Overbearing Beast Who Likes Book Drums喜欢书鼓的霸玄兽Ancient Romance774k WordsOngoing [Reincarnated Before Birth + Empress + Childhood Sweethearts + Mutual Firsts + Height Difference + Nation-Building and Farming + Epic War] Reborn in the womb as a princess, all I wanted was to keep my head down. The noble clans bully my childhood sweetheart? Then I'll send their whole families to the grave. My dog of an emperor father wants to marry me off to secure his throne? I'll defy the decree and head north, then raze the Turkic royal court that meant to marry me as a wedding gift! With my 164Reads8.6Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend it; I think it looks pretty good.

37. 237 双 The Twin Phoenix Tribulation 双凤劫 A Straw-Cloaked Figure in the Rain一蓑烟雨Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted [Two Strong Leads + Palace Intrigue + Revenge + Substitute Marriage + Love After Marriage + Woman Disguised as a Man + The Regretful Husband's Pursuit] On the eve of her twin sister's marriage into the imperial palace, she was murdered, violated, and left to die. Returning drenched in blood, Feng Jiuyan shed her armor and took her sister's place, becoming the empress of the nation. Then she went on a killing spree! The emperor had a beloved woman, so everyone assumed Feng Jiuyan would receive no 86.9kReads9.3Score9.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend these four books. They're incredibly satisfying stories of powerful female protagonists navigating careers and political intrigue. The characters are distinct, not overly compassionate or saintly, and there's no sense of being stifled. The main focus is on providing a thrilling experience, and the writing is excellent. I suggest adding them to your bookshelf and reading them at your leisure.

38. 238 直 Livestreaming My Flee from Famine: I Disguised Myself as a Man and Ascended the Throne 直播逃荒：女扮男装的我登基了 Wei Wei Ya微微丫Ancient Romance811k WordsCompleted Xu Yungui transmigrates into the body of a scholar who disguises herself as a man, then leads the entire village on a refugee journey, feeling utterly panicked. Luckily, she has a livestream System, and the viewers in her room always come through in the clutch, helping them make it safely along the way. But the group keeps growing, and Xu Yungui is at a loss. She can count the capable managers around her on one hand. How is she supposed to lead everyone from now on? Just then, the livestream vie 4.1kReads8.6Score63214d adds
39. 239 天 Damn It! Who Sent Jiang Yuyan Into Empresses in the Palace? 天杀的！谁把江玉燕送来甄嬛传了 There’s a Good Young Man Here这里有个好青年Female-Channel Fanfiction416k WordsCompleted Strong female lead + career-focused + no romance Martial arts master Jiang Yuyan stumbles into a palace-intrigue story with a good-for-nothing System in tow. Looking at the madwomen about to fight each other to the death over some old man, she thinks: Good, good. They can all keep building their strength in secret. They'll be stepping stones for her later. And with just one glance, she picks out the emperor The dragon throne he's sitting on. In this life, she's not interested in love. She's afte 133Reads8.0Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    The first two books are definitely strong female protagonists.

40. 240 再 She Returns with Prayer Beads on Her Wrist 再归来，表小姐手戴佛珠 All of You, Get Out of My Sight都给朕退下Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Four years ago, she was framed and sent away to a nunnery. Four years later, she returns a far cry from the frail, easily bullied girl she once was. She plans her every move and has none of her former girlish romantic notions left... 1. The male and female leads are both each other's first and only. 2. I aim to update with 4,000 words a day. If you don't like reading an ongoing story, feel free to save it for later. Please don't drop it, really, don't drop it! Otherwise, I won't be able to 1.4kReads6.9Score20514d adds

    Reader note

    This new book! The female protagonist is initially framed and sent to a nunnery. She returns four years later, completely transformed from her former weak and easily bullied self. She's now cunning and calculating, devoid of any of the girlish emotions she once possessed… The female protagonist is truly focused on her career throughout the entire book!

41. 241 要 You Want Me to Be a Tribute Maiden? I Choose to Rule as Empress 要我当贡女？我选女帝当政 Opaque Glaze琉璃不透明Ancient Romance293k WordsCompleted [Power! It's the best tonic for women! She can't do without it!] [A native heroine + a transmigrated woman who willingly submits to her + a rivalry between men + no romance] Three years ago, Emperor Zhaoping of the Great Yong personally bestowed the title of Commandery Princess upon Wu Zhao. She was forced to lead twenty thousand respectable women north as tribute to Beihuang, to relieve the siege at the gates of Bianjing. After leaving the capital, Wu Zhao led her private army of women in a fie 3Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    No romance, this is a career-focused story. Love and romance are just for fun; focusing on our careers is the priority. Technology will revitalize the nation, and our national fortunes will soar! [Sending hearts][Sending hearts][Sending hearts]

42. 242 孤 An Orphan Reborn as a Princess, Gorging on Gossip Every Day 孤女胎穿长公主，每天都在吃瓜 Opaque Glaze琉璃不透明Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted The only Grand Princess of Great Xia awakens a System for overhearing gossip. From then on, the three-month-old baby has her hands full. What? The Fifth Prince's biological father is a “woman”? Consort Wu likes picking her feet, then doesn't wash her hands before making food for the emperor? Emperor Mingde... The empress watched as the ridiculously handsome emperor was betrayed by his own mother, younger brother, and trusted aides. She realized that not only did he love being cheated on, he also 293Reads6.6Score11314d adds
43. 243 当 When a Bandit Starts Fighting in the Inner Quarters 当山贼开始宅斗 There’s a Good Young Man Here这里有个好青年Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted She treated him as a pawn; he treated her as a stepping stone. She thought he was a frail maid, never knowing he was skilled in combat and meticulous by nature. He thought she was a cold, aloof young master, never knowing that beneath her icy exterior she was warm-hearted and had already fallen for him. One pretended to be distant, the other pretended to be weak. Though their love was mutual, their disguises left one agonizing over what he thought was forbidden love between men, while the other 1Reads—Score—14d adds
44. 244 吾 My Phoenix Returns 吾凰归来 Li Er'er李尔尔Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A classic rebirth story, political intrigue and revenge, with a heroine focused on building her own career] The empress of the Kingdom of Nanyue, a legitimate daughter of a military family. She was the Prince of Yu's consort for two years and a benevolent empress for four, yet when she went into labor one day, the man she loved cut open her belly and killed their child. His reason was that she was a demon empress who would bring ruin to the nation, and that the child she bore would surely kill 1.9kReads9.1Score23914d adds

    Reader note

    🔥She is a powerful princess who holds sway over the court, and a ruthless and decisive ruthless warrior. 🔥He is a hostage prince from an enemy state, patiently waiting for his chance, and a cunning strategist. When she meets him, will it be a battle of equals, or an irresistible attraction? When she wields power and slaughters the unjust, he silently protects her from behind, willing to sacrifice his kingdom for her. 💥Political intrigue and love intertwine, tender affection hidden amidst the clash of swords. 💥She is incredibly cool, and he dotes on her to the bone. 1. The female lead is intelligent, possesses exceptional combat skills, and is definitely not love-struck! 2. The male lead is cunning yet deeply affectionate, spoiling his wife without limits; their powerful duo delivers a thrilling experience! 3. Political intrigue + sweet romance + revenge against villains, high-energy plot twists that will absolutely keep you hooked.

45. 245 与 Playing Chess with You: The Phoenix's Power 与君奕：凰权 Jiang Tanluoyue江潭落月Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted (The rating has only just opened and will rise later) “Political intrigue + evenly matched leads + marriage before love + traditional war for supremacy in a chaotic age + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + nation and family” In these chaotic times, even a monarch can hardly hope for a lifetime of peace. Crowned heir to the throne at six, named crown prince at eight, and enthroned at twelve, Yan Xi was the “future savior of the Yan Kingdom” foretold by an astrologer, blessed with the Purple 227Reads8.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A pure historical romance novel featuring two powerful characters vying for power in a chaotic world. All characters are intelligent and quick-witted, with a captivating plot and excellent writing.

46. 246 暴 A Guide to Raising a Tyrant 暴君自我养成攻略 The Only Qianjue Left in the World世间独剩千珏Modern Romance591k WordsCompleted What does it take to become a tyrant? Killing people? Being moody and unpredictable? Acting with absolute authority? No, no, no. Those are merely the easy requirements for becoming a foolish ruler. A tyrant must wage wars and conquer. Only beneath the iron fist and chaos does the tyrant's true, monstrous face emerge. [Ding! Congratulations, you've received the reward “Cupid's Favor”! Choose any man on the continent of Valoran whom you fancy to be your husband!] Huo En thought for a moment, then 12Reads8.1Score—14d adds
47. 247 重 Reborn, My Legitimate Sister Has Gone Berserk, with a Whimpering Monster Behind Her 重生嫡姐已杀疯，背后有只嘤嘤怪 There’s a Good Young Man Here这里有个好青年Ancient Romance820k WordsCompleted A little nobody transmigrates into a book! Sweet romance + doting older brother + childhood sweethearts + youthful passion! A living-hell start: she transmigrates into the book and is immediately marked for death. Heavens! She just wants to hide behind the original female lead, who's gone on a killing spree, and keep a low profile. She'll follow the plot and then go home. So why do all the villains keep picking on her? And why are they dragging her into all these tangled schemes? She really can 2Reads—Score—14d adds
48. 248 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 87.6kReads9.5Score12k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is highly intelligent and resourceful, not driven by romance.

49. 249 清 Qing Dynasty Crown Princess: I Swapped Bodies with the Deposed Crown Prince 清穿太子妃：和废太子互换身体 Endless Journey迢迢不休Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The male and female leads swap souls + Alternate Qing Dynasty] Reader’s guide: If you like a mature heroine, start from the chapters charting her growth! A heroine who grows over time! She’s not a strong heroine at the start, but she’ll grow! Please be patient with her! Shi Jingxian transmigrates to the Qing dynasty. She isn’t Fourth Brother’s beloved from a romance novel, nor Kangxi’s cherished darling, nor a spoiled, pampered wife of an idle prince. She is the Crown Princess of the Crown Prin 3.9kReads9.3Score48614d adds
50. 250 大EN The Tang Dynasty's Pearl-Dispelling Record (Original Novel of the TV Adaptation Starring Tian Xiwei and Song Weilong) 大唐辟珠记（田曦薇、宋威龙主演同名影视原著） Meal Card饭卡Martial Arts810k WordsCompleted [All-New Bonus Edition] [A Screen Adaptation with the Same Title Has Been Officially Announced, Starring Tian Xiwei and Song Weilong] [Beloved Princess Reborn: Looks Like a Delicate Crybaby, Actually a Well-Rounded Warrior] ✖ [Defiant, Doomed, Devoted, Pure-Hearted Top Jianghu Big Shot] [Their Romance Is So Sweet It Makes You Cry] Princess Wanshou, blessed with the Tang emperor's favor and love, died of an illness at just seventeen. A thief secretly opened the eerie underground palace, only to d 203.8kReads9.7Score25.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is absolutely a perfect story; the characters, scenes, and dialogues are all vividly portrayed, and the details are amazing. I don't know how the author is so talented.

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