Political Scheming, Mutual Mind Games, Everyone Is Sharp, With No Absolute Good or Evil, Only Different Loyalties 权谋，相互算计智商在线，无好坏之分只有立场不同

1. 51 烟EN Misty Rain Tower 烟雨楼 A Night of Misty Rain一夕烟雨Eastern Fantasy9.5M WordsOngoing [The print edition is now available nationwide at all major retailers] "Traditional xuanhuan" "No harem" In the land of Jiuzhou stands a tower called the Misty Rain Tower. Its master, Li Qingzhi, is hailed as a peerless prodigy, holding life and death in his hands beneath the cover of night. Yet what the world doesn’t know is that someone else stands behind the Misty Rain Tower, its true founder. Using the guise of a spoiled young master as cover, he manipulates the winds and clouds and plots ac 868.6kReads9.6Score70.4kShelves

   Reader note

   Playing the game of chess with the world as your pieces, and all living beings as your chess pieces.

2. 52 长EN After the Grand Princess Is Reborn, the Chief Grand Secretary Can No Longer Sit Still 长公主重生后，首辅大人坐不住了 Dong Chichi董迟迟Ancient Romance476k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Political Intrigue + Powerful Hero and Heroine + Plenty of Foreshadowing + Serious Ensemble Cast] [Charming, Alluring, Sweet-Natured Yet Cunning Eldest Princess + Autocratic, Possessive Chief Grand Secretary] [Important: This is NOT a wish-fulfillment novel!!!] As a princess, Zhao Huiluan lived in luxury and honor, yet died in the prime of her life. Reborn, she finally realized that all the countless honors and favors she had once been proud of were nothing but illusions. Power is saf 5.5kReads9.2Score752Shelves

   Reader note

   Everyone has their principles! Everyone's got brains; it's all about court intrigue! The female lead is patient and calculating, a master of manipulating people's hearts, gradually rising from the inner court to the imperial court. The male lead comes from humble beginnings; at seven, he signed a contract of servitude, becoming a wealthy young master. He achieves top honors in the imperial examinations, entering officialdom and rising from the Hanlin Academy to the Grand Secretariat, becoming a powerful minister wielding immense influence. The early stages involve fighting rebellious officials and seizing power; the later stages involve implementing new policies, breaking through obstacles, and saving himself!

3. 53 算 The Art of Strategy 算谋局 Ordinary Old Yang平凡老杨Eastern Fantasy317k WordsOngoing What? The Heavenly Dao is actually my master's clone! My sword spirit can chop the Heavenly Dao down like a chicken. No, no, no, I can do more than that: I can calculate the fate of people, demons, and all living beings. I have another scheme, too: plotting against heaven, earth, and the world. And I have a game to play: the chessboard of heaven and earth, the game of life. Once the piece is down, there's no taking it back. Come play with Daji? Fellow cultivators, please add this to your booksh 1Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Not mindless

4. 54 天 Heavenly Abyss 天渊 Mu Xiao Sansheng沐潇三生Eastern Fantasy6.4M WordsOngoing (The print edition has been published and is available to buy online) A hundred years ago, Chen Qingyuan entered a forbidden zone called the Heavenly Abyss. His soul lamp went out, and everyone believed he was dead. Today, Chen Qingyuan has emerged from the forbidden zone alive, but his cultivation has been destroyed and his spiritual roots severed. With his beloved breaking off their engagement and the various sects bullying him, what is Chen Qingyuan supposed to do? “Chen Qingyuan, you have tw 981.4kReads9.4Score102.3kShelves
5. 55 山 A Journey Through Mountains and Rivers 山水行记 Moli Baji莫里吧唧Historical1.4M WordsCompleted "Not a wish-fulfillment novel, not stupid, and not something to eat with your rice. It’s best enjoyed with a drink. This book is for readers with a long-term mindset. Take your time and savor it, and you’ll find that this novel is as tender as water, like the girl you love, intoxicating you." What seems like an ordinary opening is actually a grand scheme plotted long ago… Guangxi, a rainy night, a dilapidated Taoist temple, and a mystery upon mystery. A helpless young woman encounters a handsome 1.4kReads8.2Score189Shelves

   Reader note

   Every book contains some degree of intrigue and power struggles. Otherwise, it would lack narrative appeal.

6. 56 帝 The Emperor and Empress Fight Every Day to See Who Dies First 帝后每天互殴，看谁先死 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing Feng Xing is the daughter of Chu Xi’s Grand Marshal, who commands an army of four hundred thousand. Shen Feng has been emperor for just two years. Shen Feng is utterly depraved, ruthless, and cruel. To secure his throne, he decides to marry Feng Xing and make her empress. First, he will fake her death to lure her father to the capital for the funeral. Then he will wipe out her entire family and take control of the Chu Xi army. Feng Xing is a fierce, accomplished warrior who takes whatever she wa 35.8kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

   Reader note

   🥳🥳🥳 A tale of two powerful protagonists, a love-hate relationship, and mutual scheming—these books are truly exceptional! [Thumbs up]

7. 57 奸 The Treacherous Minister Wants to Kill Me Every Day 奸臣每天都想弄死我 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.6M WordsCompleted Su Huai is a powerful court official, and everyone fears him. He only likes playing power games and scheming against others. He has no interest in women. Then one day, a young woman shows up at his door, claiming to be his fiancée. Su Huai: Want to date me? Lu Yao: What kind of date? Su Huai: The kind that could cost you your life. Lu Yao: ... Later, Lu Yao bitterly regrets her impulsive decision to show up and claim him as her fiancé. When she tries to call it quits, everyone urges her to recon 13.6kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves
8. 58 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 143kReads9.7Score106.8kShelves

   Reader note

   A spy thriller set in ancient China! The patriotism and family ties really got my blood pumping!! The male lead is an undercover agent! The female lead gets caught up in the scheme and grows step by step! Who understands this?! Everyone has their own shining moment!!!

9. 59 双 Bound Together Across Two Lifetimes, We’ll Grow Old Together 双世缱绻，与君共白头 Dreamer Dadao爱做梦的大道Ancient Romance727k WordsCompleted [Two powerful leads who rise to greatness | Complete souls | Extreme contrast | Love across two lifetimes | Sweet romance and court intrigue] A modern married couple are reborn as babies in the Tianqi Dynasty. He becomes an iron-fisted Crown Prince, commands the Xuanhuo Army, and plots to industrialize the realm. She becomes a queen of commerce, controls trade routes along three borders, and holds the lifeblood of the people in her hands! Toward their enemies, he presides over the execution of t 5.4kReads8.1Score637Shelves

   Reader note

   This story features a smart, romantic couple who were childhood sweethearts in their past lives and have been happily married for 55 years. Both protagonists are reborn. The male lead is a UI designer with a meticulously crafted political intrigue plot (implementing new policies and navigating court politics), a delicate emotional arc (daily interactions and tender care), and practical application of modern skills (double-entry bookkeeping and design applications). It offers a well-rounded blend of sweet romance, political intrigue, strong-willed co-governance, past-life bonds, a deeply affectionate time-travel story, and a profound fusion of romance and political politics.

10. 60 请 Your Highness, Go to Your Death! 请皇兄，赴死！ Brew Little Wine煮小酒Historical1.1M WordsOngoing Zhou Che is reborn as the sixth prince of Great Xia, but his five elder brothers keep closing in on him. They want to strip me of my claim to the throne! They want to confiscate what little my family has left! They want to take the woman I love and kill me! If that’s how it is “If you, my brothers, can kill your own kin, why can’t I?” “If you can fight for the realm, why can’t I?” “You all think yourselves capable. What makes me any less so?!” Zhou Che rises with his sword drawn. “Your sixth bro 31.3kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    💥 Highly recommend the first book! The original owner of this story is the Sixth Prince Che, the sixth prince of the Great Xia Dynasty. As the imperial edict states: uneducated in both literature and martial arts, inherently cowardly, possessing no redeeming qualities other than good looks and a large stature, plagued by various vices. The original owner was invited to a banquet at the Fifth Prince's house and got extremely drunk. But the claim that he disrespected his elder brother's fiancée, Zhen Shi, is absolutely untrue! The original owner was both cowardly and weak; even drunk, he would never dare to disrespect Zhen Shi. Clearly, this was a trap, a trap intended to kill the original owner! However, the mastermind overestimated the original owner's weakness… After drinking too much, he simply died, allowing the transmigrated Zhou Che to take over his body.

11. 61 疯 She's Gone Mad! The Day She Transmigrated, the Sickly Young Lord Vowed to Give Himself to Her! 疯了!穿越当天，病娇世子爷他要以身相许! Han Mianmian韩绵绵Ancient Romance868k WordsCompleted Original title: After the Heir’s Consort Turns Dark, All the Gods Fall at Her Feet [Transmigration + two scheming minds locked in a battle of wits + obsession + political intrigue + bickering couple] Yun Jincheng transmigrates and, the moment she opens her eyes, strips the sickly heir of his clothes and stumbles upon a secret he has kept hidden for years. Rumor has it that the heir of the Prince of Zhennan, who has been frail for years and gasps for breath after just a few steps, isn’t sick at a 2kReads9.3Score529Shelves

    Reader note

    This book perfectly fits the bill!! Both leads are strong! The female lead is capable in both combat and strategy, remaining calm and clear-headed in the face of adversity; the male lead is a wolf in sheep's clothing, possessive and cunning, ruthless to outsiders, but obsessively devoted to the female lead. Their cunning and manipulative interactions create a compelling and suspenseful dynamic.

12. 62 废 The Useless Prince: Why Are You Forcing Me to Become Emperor? 废物皇子：为何要逼我做皇帝？ The Wind of the 80s80年代的风Historical4.0M WordsCompleted He is the empire’s useless prince! But his own father, the emperor, wants him dead. The crown prince wants him dead. His brothers all want him dead. Even the most beautiful woman under heaven wants him dead! To survive, he trains an invincible army and builds a hidden paradise. He brings the Hundred Schools of Thought to heel, drawing capable ministers, mighty generals, and reclusive masters from every corner of the land to his side. All the beauties under heaven dream of becoming his bride. Ami 84.3kReads9.3Score8.5kShelves
13. 63 风 The Blade's Shadow in Love and War: A Choice Between Power and Loyalty 风月刀影：权谋与情义的抉择 Pine Sounds Beneath the Inkstone砚底松声Historical500k WordsCompleted When a great fire devours the red gates of the Jun family estate, the young man who emerges through the smoke is no longer the dashing, carefree playboy who once spent his days cockfighting and chasing dogs. His eyes hold fire and blood, and in his hand he clutches half of a broken jade pendant, the last keepsake his father gave him before the family fell. Fate sweeps him like a tide into one abyss after another. From a life of luxury to utter poverty, from the son of the powerful to an outcast 88Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Intrigue and scheming: the protagonist believes he is plotting revenge against his enemies, but in reality, third and fourth forces are also scheming against him.

14. 64 这 This Prince Has Gone Mad. Why Would You Provoke Him? 这皇子都疯了，你惹他干嘛？ Before the Wind Rises风未起Historical4.0M WordsCompleted [No System + High-Stakes Scheming + Laying Low to Build Strength + Logical Plot + Brains and Brawn + Suspense + Ancient Espionage] His mother consort dies suddenly of an illness. His older brother dies mysteriously in battle. All his backers are gone!! His father distrusts him, and his other brothers all want him dead! Not a single court official is on his side? In that case, he has no choice but to carve out a path to survival from between the cracks! After transmigrating to another world, he b 62.3kReads8.8Score5.1kShelves
15. 65 步 Splendor at Every Turn, Spring at Every Step 步步惊华步步春 Twenty-Four Flower Mornings廿四花朝Ancient Romance838k WordsOngoing The rating has just come out, so don't pay it any mind... [Pure historical romance] [Plot-driven] [Political intrigue] [Two equally matched leads] [One-on-one romance] [Everyone is clever] [Powerful prince who dominates the court vs. exceptionally intelligent illegitimate daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen is the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's residence. Born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble country home, she is suddenly forced into the treacherous world of the capital's n 8.3kReads8.6Score828Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance with political intrigue, where the villains aren't purely evil; their differing stances contribute to a very engaging plot and excellent writing.

16. 66 贫 Just a Poor Rogue Cultivator. Why Are You Kneeling, Fellow Daoist? 贫穷散修一枚，道友何故下跪？ Knife, Medicine, Pen刀药笔Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [No romance, ensemble cast] [A goofy trio of wandering cultivators] [Female-led cultivation progression, few scenes involving children, skip if that bothers you] Song Li transmigrates into a cultivation novel as the evil female supporting character. After bullying the heroine, she is thrown by her own brother into the Abandoned Infant Pagoda, where she dies at the hands of countless vengeful infant spirits. Waking inside the pagoda, she looks at the crying spirits and says, “I can be your mother 32.3kReads9.4Score4.4kShelves

    Reader note

    This is about cultivating immortality, but it's still good-looking [shy]

17. 67 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.5kReads9.0Score742Shelves

    Reader note

    A very good political intrigue novel

18. 68 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 2kReads9.1Score244Shelves
19. 69 锦 The Rebellious Consort of the Brocade Palace 锦阙叛妃 Soaring Over the Southern Mountain跃南山Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Historical Romance, Court Politics + Amnesia + Faked Death + Tortured Romance + Palace and Household Intrigue + Powerful Cast + Ensemble Story + Second Male Lead Takes the Lead + First Love + Wife-Chasing Crematorium] [Heroine: Legitimate Daughter of the Minister of Rites - Princess Consort - Empress - Queen of a Vassal State - Protector of the Nation] ◆Reading Guide◆ ◇ Sickly, brilliant strategist heroine + domineering prince of a vassal state as Male Lead One + mysterious, devoted Male Lead T 572Reads9.4Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    It's a good read, keep reading patiently, the later parts are really exciting. It features palace intrigue, domestic power struggles, political maneuvering, occasional sweet moments amidst the angst, and the heroine conquers the world.

20. 70 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score178Shelves

    Reader note

    Give this book a try! The female protagonist is a master strategist with unparalleled wisdom and resourcefulness. It's full of cunning plot twists, the power struggles are incredibly detailed and engaging, and the logic is impeccable.

21. 71 雀 A Sparrow Startles Spring 雀惊春 Little Grain of Sand小沙子Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted She is the third young lady of the ill-fated Xie family of Yunzhou. With a hard fate, a line across her palm said to bring misfortune to her family, she is despised by her father and shunned by her sisters. But fate has other plans. Reborn, she vows to secure a brilliant future and find herself an ideal husband. Her elder sister sneers. “You’re destined to bring your husband misfortune. Who would ever want you?” Xie Wan only smiles. In this life, she will bring good fortune to her husband, chang 2.1kReads8.9Score281Shelves
22. 72 宠EN Favoring a Concubine and Disgracing Your Wife? I Quit as the Marquisate's Matriarch! 宠妾灭妻？这侯门主母我不当了！ Li Wu礼午Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking] Voting has begun! Search for “Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking” to vote for this book, A Return to the Boudoir. Thank you! [Traditional historical romance + inner-courtyard drama + reborn revenge and face-slapping + a prince pursues his wife] Lin Yunwan was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Lin clan. When her Marquis household was on the verge of losing its title, she married Lu Zhengliu, the heir to the marquisate. On their wedding day, her husband coldly 56.5kReads9.3Score7.7kShelves
23. 73 野 Savage Domination 野蛮压制 Yun Zijin妘子衿Modern Romance202k WordsCompleted [Cool, aloof designer x gloomy, sensitive financier] [Flirtatious pursuit + forced romance + sexual tension + both leads’ firsts + obsessive love] Wen Huan has set her sights on a prey everyone in the capital looks up to. Lou Jingyan, head of a top luxury family empire, is breathtakingly handsome, cold, and abstinent. He has relied on a wheelchair and cane for years. She assumed he’d be a difficult man to win over, and had braced herself for the challenge. Then, amid the chaos, the dignified man 11.9kReads9.2Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Both the male and female leads are intelligent; they address problems directly and ultimately overcome difficulties.

24. 74 昭 Zhaodeng 昭灯 Mountain Rain and Cloud Letter山雨云笺Ancient Romance79k WordsOngoing A sudden twist derails an assassination mission. Amid the flash of blades, the Dark Soul assassin Jiang Yaoyao unexpectedly collides with Lin Yixiao, the newly appointed young master of Xuanjiu Hall, returning victorious from the frontier. Suspicion defined their first encounter, deliberately placed between them. Doubt raised high walls, and their contest never ceased, as bizarre intrigues and strange forces lurked deep within the treacherous court. The two went from guarding against each other 40Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    They scheme against each other yet are forced to join forces, and their combat prowess is off the charts!

25. 75 皇 Ming Dynasty Natives Versus Transmigrators 皇明土著大战穿越众 Would You Dare Say Yes?叫你敢答应吗Historical3.7M WordsOngoing Current plot: A newcomer to officialdom enters the inner circle as a pawn, but refuses to settle for mediocrity and wants to break free of his constraints. By chance, he gets caught up in turmoil on the frontier, where three hundred battered soldiers rout thirty thousand northern invaders. Zheng Zhi, a household retainer of the Zhen Ding Guard under the Ming rear army's Governor's Office, dreams of himself sixty years in the future. From then on, the Ming Dynasty gains a peerless talent in both 128Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Political intrigue, farming

26. 76 官 The Road to Power: The Pinnacle of Officialdom 官道：权力巅峰 The God of Heaven Fell in Love with You天神爱上你Urban219k WordsCompleted Peng Zijuan’s Notes on Climbing the Career Ladder Peng Zijuan was an ordinary female official who had hoped to lead a quiet life. But her husband, Wu Dashan, chose a rich woman over her and divorced her. Wu Dashan said, “You’re a woman. Why are you always thinking about becoming an official?” Peng Zijuan replied, “That’s right. I want to become an official!” Wu Dashan said, “You’re a woman. You should stay home and take care of the kids. Stop thinking about becoming an official all the time!” Pe 1.4kReads6.7Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    It's so beautiful, an absolute classic. Very beautiful.

27. 77 宁 Ning Yan: When Women Rule the Roost 宁兖，牝鸡司晨 Books Bring True Wealth有书真富贵Historical167k WordsOngoing [Ensemble political intrigue + entrusted heir + factional strife + expansion of the realm + redressing an old injustice] [Wronged powerful minister male lead x emperor female lead disguised as a man] Also known as "After I Blundered into the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Was the Imperial Family" On a winter night in the seventh year of Chengxu, Emperor Zhao Ning Fu suddenly went mad. Wearing the robes of his favorite consort, Yan, he climbed the bell tower and rang the funeral bell before fall 173Reads—Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    A ensemble drama of power struggles, including the entrustment of a young heir, factional infighting, territorial expansion, the redress of old grievances, and counter-espionage. No time travel, no idiotic supporting characters. Also known as "After Accidentally Entering the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Am the Imperial Family."

28. 78 候 Hou Weidong's Notes on Being an Official 候卫东做官笔记 The God of Heaven Fell in Love with You天神爱上你Urban790k WordsCompleted As a graduate of a prestigious university, Hou Weidong encounters one thorny problem after another upon entering government service, yet manages to turn danger into safety every time. Taking different approaches: that is Hou Weidong’s political philosophy. That is how Hou Weidong conducts himself. That is Hou Weidong’s great wisdom. 3.4kReads6.7Score482Shelves
29. 79 重 Reborn, I Make the Mad Prince Weep 重生后虐哭疯批王爷 Ma Nong麻农Ancient Romance417k WordsCompleted [Not a wish-fulfillment novel!! Both reborn + heroine grows over time + second male lead takes the lead + be patient and keep reading, there are surprises ahead.] {Note: The heroine has seen the hero's puppy-dog devotion, so she has to be wary of his status as a prince when going after the second female lead. Her caution doesn't mean she's stupid.} In her previous life, Helan Xuenuo was drugged and set up to marry into the prince's household. From then on, she and Gu Shicheng became pieces in Qi 347Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In this film, both the protagonists and antagonists are intelligent, and everyone has their own schemes.

30. 80 嫡 The Noblewoman's First Taste of Love: A High-Stakes Push and Pull with the Heir 嫡女初碰情，与世子极限拉扯哎！ Er San Yi Yi贰叁伊伊Ancient Romance151k WordsOngoing {Mutual devotion + Political intrigue + Decisive and ruthless + One-on-one romance + Strong heroine and hero + Legitimate daughter + Heir apparent + Cunning + Madly obsessive + Happy ending} She transmigrates into the body of the Prime Minister's legitimate daughter! First, she saves an upright martial arts instructor! “I... will make sure to protect you!” Then she encounters the arrogant, free-spirited leader of the Baili Sect! “Then I shall be the first. I offer the Shadow of Fire as the match —Reads7.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A political intrigue novel! Strong male and female leads! Absolutely amazing!

31. 81 重 Reborn as a Concubine in the Su Household 重生之我在苏府当小妾 Shangguan Loves to Drink Water上官爱喝水Ancient Romance377k WordsCompleted Nontraditional rebirth + women's self-rescue + psychological healing + original poetry + metafiction Don't let the title fool you. The original title was Dawn's Clear Light. Rebirth is the ultimate act of self-rescue. A profound story that is both heartbreaking and healing. Zheng Ming awoke after transmigrating, only to become the concubine of a powerful minister. She navigated the storms of political rivalries and stirred the winds of change across the realm, believing she was carefully plan 228Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If you're tired of formulaic palace intrigue stories, give this a try. Don't be misled by the title; this is actually a well-written and logically rigorous historical drama. The author weaves exquisite original poetry into the plot, unfolding a turbulent panorama of aristocratic families. The female protagonist doesn't start out as a typical wish-fulfillment character; instead, she navigates the harsh rules of etiquette with wisdom and integrity, her path to awakening imbued with profound philosophical insights. This is a work that requires careful reading and critical thinking; it's newly released and worth your discerning eye.

32. 82 红EN Red Finery 红妆 Spare Me the Sugar刀下留糖Martial Arts224k WordsCompleted Red robes, red robes. She was like the blazing sun that never set over the deserts of southern Xinjiang, carrying a fire within her and leaving desolation wherever she went. Her senior sister was her only weakness, and the reason she had come to the Central Plains for revenge. Meeting Ji Hanchu was beyond anything she had expected. That precious, pure-hearted young man was like the moon in the sky, lighting up the wasteland inside her. But they were never meant to be the same. Her vengeance coul 965Reads9.4Score145Shelves
33. 83 爆 Hilarious Mind Reading: The Prince Eats Gossip Until He Throws Up 爆笑读心术，王爷吃瓜吃到吐 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance452k WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: The Hilarious Mind-Reading Art: The Prince Laughs at Gossip Until He Chokes Manhua adaptation: The Princess's Inner Thoughts Are Full of Gossip, and the Prince Is Hooked; The Princess's Inner Thoughts Can't Be Hidden [Historical fantasy + mind-reading + gossip System + silly comedy + System space + sweet romance + feel-good revenge + transmigration to an alternate world + palace and household intrigue + devoted and powerful couple + marriage before love + healing a posses 23.7kReads9.1Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    A story of witty intrigue and strategic maneuvering, written in a humorous and engaging style. ① A goddess-like doctor transmigrates into a coffin, picks up handsome men, and uses her spatial ability to take revenge on scumbags and build her career—a truly exhilarating experience. ② A hilarious mind-reading system plus a gossip-eating system; the prince overhears her thoughts and is furious, laughing from beginning to end. ③ The female lead transmigrates into a coffin to be buried with the heroine, only to discover that the handsome men can still be saved—a story that's sweet, flirtatious, and funny all at once.

34. 84 陪 On the Night of My Burial, I Brought the God of War Prince Back from the Dead 陪葬夜，我让战神王爷起死回生 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors" Animated adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors: The Prince’s Beloved" [Hilarious + Transmigration + Sweet romance + Obsessive love + Devoted pairing + Imperial physician heroine + Palace and household intrigue + Inspirational] I was a military doctor with a PhD when I transmigrated, only to find myself about to be buried alive as a sacrifice for the dead God of War, the Prince? I grabbed the burial offerings and ran, planning to live in luxu 20.6kReads9.3Score2.4kShelves
35. 85 做 Be a Concubine? You're Not Worthy! I'll Find a Better Match, and You'll Beg Me to Stay 做妾？你也配？另谋高嫁你下跪 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted This book is now available as a full-cast audio drama, and it’s hilarious! Give it a listen! [Hilarious Transmigration + Medical Space + Sweet, Satisfying Romance + Power Struggles + Palace and Household Intrigue + Mutual Devotion and Strength] A genius in medicine and poison transmigrates to ancient times with a medical space. She wakes up in a coffin, only to have a bewitching man try to steal it? Her ex-husband favors his concubine, abuses his wife, and shamelessly claims her dowry? Her fathe 5.6kReads8.9Score556Shelves
36. 86 别 Stop Cultivating Spirit Roots! I'll Become a God by Trading Spirit Stocks 别修灵根了！我靠炒灵股封神 Dula Da Chubby嘟啦哒胖胖Eastern Fantasy413k WordsCompleted Eastern Fantasy #Scheming Protagonist #Behind-the-Scenes #Feel-Good Fiction #Subverting Expectations There are no bizarre secret-realm adventures here, only ruthless capital warfare fought with open and hidden blades! This story doesn’t preach about karma and ascending through enlightenment. It believes only in the strong crushing the weak through sect power! Traditional cultivation rules become a laughingstock in the face of capital. Chen Long catches the scent of money filling the air, and the 24Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The plot is cunning and intriguing; you need to know how to trade stocks to fully appreciate its thrills.

37. 87 恰 When Snow Fell on Shengjing 恰逢盛京落雪时 Chunri Qing春日卿Ancient Romance288k WordsOngoing [Political intrigue + chaotic times + two strong leads + struggle for supremacy] A political-intrigue novel with a strong female lead, centered on power struggles, with romance as a secondary storyline. No golden finger, no System, and not a feel-good power fantasy. I’m a new author. Thank you for being patient with me. ---------------- Divider --------------------- The Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun are lost, the Yuma Pass is defeated, and the aristocratic clans’ regimes are thrown into turmo 12Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Want to see intrigue and scheming under the shadow of power? Want to witness the treacherous intrigues of the imperial court? Want to see a vengeful, intelligent, and power-hungry female protagonist? Then look no further than this book!!!

38. 88 虐 Tortured into a Locked Love 虐锁清欢 Already Exists 11已存在的11Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Leng Qinghuan was forced to marry the notorious Prince Yan. But she wasn't some naive, helpless girl. Crying and accepting her fate just wasn't in Leng Qinghuan's nature. She seized every opportunity, with the courage to burn her bridges, fought scheming women, fought the empress, opened shops, learned to solve cases, and more... Through her words and deeds, she proved herself. The woman Prince Yan had once sneered at ultimately became someone far beyond his reach! 305Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended: An imperial decree shattered Qinghuan's childhood romance with the Crown Prince, forcing her to marry the ruthless Prince He, Ning Zechen. The eavesdropping under the pear blossom tree, the maliciously spread rumors, and the dissatisfaction with the arranged marriage all became Qinghuan's sins! The humiliation of her wedding night, the touch of blood, only served to spur her to live! For the sake of the Leng family, she had to survive! A series of bizarre murders drew her new love into the story, and the deaths of bystanders filled Qinghuan with guilt... Through this shared experience, Ning Zechen rediscovered...

39. 89 算 The Abacus-Wielding Court Lady 算盘女官 Dawn Moon, Fan Jin晓月樊烬Ancient Romance117k WordsCompleted In an age that prized farming and looked down on commerce, I studied mental arithmetic and opened banks, raising the Qin family to the status of the Great Yuan’s imperial merchants. I joined my colleagues in reforming taxes and containing epidemics. Little did I expect my sister to scheme against me and give me to the emperor. Over time, I came to believe that he, the emperor himself, and I shared the same ideals and stood shoulder to shoulder, bringing peace to this troubled age and safety to i —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Without any time-travel or rebirth-like "God's-eye view," the female protagonist is proficient in abacus calculation and well-versed in the Ten Classics of Arithmetic. She becomes a court official, handling affairs of imperial merchants. Later, she is tricked into becoming the emperor's concubine. Over time, she falls in love with him and helps him manage the Huangshui River, dig canals, and expand the territory... After three years in the northern frontier, she finally realizes that the male protagonist's love for her is full of calculation and manipulation. When she is surrounded, the male protagonist effortlessly unifies the world. She really likes the second male lead, coldly observing the male protagonist's scheming, and in the end, he steals the female protagonist away to wander the world with her. [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

40. 90 穿 Transmigrating to the Zhengde Era: Restoring the Dynasty, Starting with the Seizing of the Gate 穿越正德：从夺门开始中兴 Playing Chess by the Pine Waves at Night松涛夜弈Historical1.0M WordsOngoing In the sixteenth year of the Zhengde reign, I “died.” When I opened my eyes, I had become Zhu Houzhao, the Zhengde Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The good news: I had transmigrated, and I was an emperor. The bad news: According to my “death edict,” I had been dead for three days. The new emperor, Jiajing, was on his way to the capital to seize the throne. The entire court, including my birth mother, was busy arranging my funeral and welcoming the new ruler. The even worse news: Grand Secretary Yan 301Reads6.8Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    True political maneuvering involves making opponents fight amongst themselves. The time traveler conceals his true abilities, relying solely on his ability to recognize and utilize talent to incite infighting among the cabinet, the inner court, and the nobility. Is Zhengde alive or dead? Nobody knows—only the reader is God, watching this game slowly unfold…

41. 91 将 After I Was Given to the Prince, the Mad Emperor Regretted It Too Late 将我送给王爷后疯批皇帝追悔莫及 Wenxin Ruoshui文心若水Ancient Romance471k WordsCompleted With beauty enough to topple cities, she was cursed by the world as a demoness who would bring ruin to the nation. The emperor's favor turned out to be nothing but a means of revenge. Behind the glittering splendor, the truth slowly emerges. The one responsible for the hatred between their country and their families is none other than him... A peerless beauty made heroes across the land fall at her feet, yet he wanted nothing more than to see her dead. After going to great lengths to trick the i 489Reads8.6Score—Shelves
42. 92 乱 A Lone Woman in Troubled Times, Plotting an Age of Prosperity 乱世孤女，谋千古盛世 Lingering Fragrance and Faded Powder旧香残粉Ancient Romance2.2M WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + No CP + Empress + Ensemble Cast + Political Scheming + War + Power Struggles in a Chaotic Era + Nation-Building and Farming + No Spatial Storage or System + Slow-Burn Growth + Epic Length] Yun Huaijin suddenly became a "corpse" in a world torn apart by chaos. She crawled out of a pile of bodies, with only a child on the verge of starving to death beside her. In this world, nobles lived in drunken indulgence, powerful clans monopolized knowledge, bandits slaughtered withou 25.5kReads8.9Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended, it's great!

43. 93 重 Back on the Day of the Bride Swap, the Marquis’s Fake Daughter Goes on a Killing Spree 重回换嫁当天，侯府假千金杀疯了 World of Dreams世梦Ancient Romance248k WordsCompleted [Switched Marriages + False and True Heiresses + Legitimate Daughter + Revenge + General] In her previous life, the Crown Prince had an affair with her younger brother's wife and plotted to take her life. Mu Jiug e spent three years laying her plans. She brought down the Yan family, left Xiao Changxuan without an heir, and won over Prince Chen, Xiao Changyan, the former husband of Yan Shuyi. She gave birth to the only prince. In the end, she became a wicked consort, reviled by all, and died pier 15Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A female-centric political intrigue story, both the male and female leads are strong, and both are intelligent. It's a great read, highly recommended!

44. 94 怨 The Prison of Grievance 怨狱 Sweet Crabapple Of South Mountain南山甘棠Ancient Romance274k WordsOngoing During the festive seventh month, at a lavish banquet, Shen, the wealthy host who was supposed to be entertaining his guests, was brutally murdered. His body was cooked into fine roast meat and served to the guests... Chunshao, a courtesan who had been taken in, was inexplicably implicated. To prove her innocence, she joined the Court of Judicial Review in investigating the case, only to bring deadly danger upon herself... The Prince of You, the Crown Prince, the Court of Judicial Review... One —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    During the lavish banquet of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the unjustly murdered Master Shen, who should have been entertaining his guests, was served his body as a delicious roast meat... Chun Shao, a courtesan he had taken in, was unwittingly implicated. To prove her innocence, she collaborated with the Dali Temple to solve the case, but this led to her own demise... Prince You, the Crown Prince, the Dali Temple... A series of bizarre cases and power struggles brought a ten-year-old royal case back to the surface... 003

45. 95 女 The Lady of the House 女家主 Nine Rivers Above the Clouds云上九川Ancient Romance500k WordsOngoing (No romance, not a wish-fulfillment story) Lin Zhiyi was born into this life thirteen years ago and spent all thirteen years in a foolish stupor. (Note: She was reborn with her memories, became foolish after birth, and has been the same person all along.) Then one day, she comes to her senses, facing the deaths of her father and uncle in battle, the emergence of hidden enemies, and an emperor who dislikes her from the start. Lin Zhiyi thinks it over and decides: retreat. So, after making thoroug 768Reads9.1Score134Shelves

    Reader note

    They are young now, so why not be brave and carefree? In their youth, they were promising, yet they thought they had long missed each other. Suddenly, a familiar face appears in their hearts; looking back, winter has arrived. If one day they share the snow, they can consider themselves to have grown old together. If snow can replace white hair, what sorrowful people are there in this world? If you are by my side now, why should I need to endure the snow to grow old?

46. 96 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance857k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 1.9kReads9.3Score271Shelves

    Reader note

    This ancient Chinese political intrigue story is written with delicate and mature prose, creating well-rounded, strong, and insightful characters. The protagonists are deeply strategic, calculating, and possess both intelligence and vision. They enter the game with deliberate intent, maneuvering carefully to lure the other player into self-destruction before striking back to achieve victory. The male and female leads share a deep understanding and strategic brilliance, mutually redeeming each other without dependence. Their strategies are rooted in human nature, not in good or bad; they know each other's true selves and love each other's complete souls.

47. 97 穿 I Transmigrated to the Great Ming: Commanding Troops from a Humble Background, I Shape the Realm with Schemes 穿越大明：寒门掌兵，权谋定江山 Dark Sect Who Loves Seafood Shrimp Porridge爱吃海鲜虾粥的暗宗Historical819k WordsOngoing A modern history and military enthusiast unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of a poor family’s son, whose father is a disgraced official in the final years of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty. His family has fallen into ruin, he is bullied, powerful local clans surround him, bandits lay siege to the city, and the officials abandon it and flee. The people within are on the brink of disaster. In this desperate moment, he is called upon to take command of the troops. Though the son of a co 125Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is the absolute must! It's incredibly good, you can't put it down once you start reading.

48. 98 太 The Empress Dowager Reborn: A Phoenix’s Plot for the Empire 太后重生：凤谋天下 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + ensemble cast + political intrigue] Reborn, she turns the world into a board and all living beings into pieces. She is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Slender, pale hands, an icy gaze She moves her pieces, a faint smile on her lips Why should beauty worry? Reborn, risen from the ashes A phoenix’s schemes hide in her lotus-bloom bones Her name will live on in the annals of history Willow branches in her hometown, the moon a hook She watches generals and princes 1.3kReads9.0Score188Shelves

    Reader note

    A must-read historical romance novel focusing on power struggles! The female protagonist is incredibly cunning; after her rebirth, she uses the world as her chessboard and all living beings as her pieces—she is the mastermind behind the game. The male protagonist is a gentle and refined prince who dotes on her throughout, offering silent support and protection. This book is more than just palace intrigue and domestic drama; it weaves together crime-solving suspense, the struggle for the throne, national sentiment, brotherhood, political intrigue, and conspiracies—a grand and unpredictable epic.

49. 99 双 A Blood-Soaked Reckoning: Twin Sisters Return for Vengeance 【血色满门】双生姐妹踏血归来 Xiao Xiao Ran Zi萧萧然子Ancient Romance601k WordsOngoing An entire family of loyal officials is framed, and a century-old marquis’s estate is turned into a living hell. Twin sisters plunge from a cliff into the water, surviving against all odds. Once cherished young ladies who lived behind closed doors, they now tread a thorny path through the world. One struggles to survive on a sheer cliff, honing her edge; the other wanders in a foreign land, maneuvering at every turn. The court is rife with deceit and schemes, while the martial world flashes with 1.9kReads6.6Score209Shelves

    Reader note

    ✨I've unearthed a gem of a historical romance novel, "[Bloodstained Gate] Twin Sisters Return Amidst Bloodshed!" I absolutely love the twin sister trope; their complementary personalities, sharp intellect, and seamless teamwork in their revenge are simply amazing! The "substitute bride" plot is ingeniously designed, creating suspense and making the sisters' mutual support incredibly compelling. Following the protagonists step by step in their planning and counterattack, their triumphant return after bloodshed is absolutely captivating. Highly recommended for fans of strong female protagonists seeking revenge and nuanced emotions! 👭

50. 100 重 Reborn: The Legitimate Daughter Helps You Scatter Your Ashes 重生之嫡女帮你扬骨灰 Guobaorou Bro锅包肉broAncient Romance249k WordsOngoing [Reborn Scheming Legitimate Daughter × Pretend-Rake Prince Plotting for the Throne + Break Their Hearts Before Taking Their Lives + Household and Court Intrigue + Astonishing Behind-the-Scenes Twist] In her past life, Shen Fuming was killed by a scumbag and a wicked woman. Her loved ones died tragic deaths, and she died with her eyes open. Reborn, she became the least remarkable legitimate daughter in the Prime Minister’s household. Her stepmother was a hypocrite, her siblings were vicious, and 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is reborn to seek revenge, first destroying the spirit and then taking lives. Everyone in the group is intelligent. The pacing is a bit slow at the beginning, but it gets better and better later on.

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