Looking for Historical Romance with Expert-Level Push and Pull and Leads Who Are Both Scheming 求古言，满级拉扯，男女主八百个心眼子

1. 1 重 Reborn: I Flirted the Gloomy Regent into a Daze 重生后，阴鸷摄政王被我撩晕了 Heart Yearning for Gardenias心向往栀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted "Print edition available for preorder October 24 at 7 p.m.!" "Black Lotus Beauty of a Princess & the Grim, Ruthless Regent" [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Devoted Couple + Putting Scumbags in Their Place] Zhixian was the sharpest blade at the side of the Third Prince of Nanzhao, eliminating every obstacle in his bid for the throne. But on the day he was named crown prince, she met her end. "Zhixian, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for knowing too much." Xuan Yuan Heng wiped t 32.9kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

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   This is incredibly good. The female lead always remembers her purpose. A beautiful, cunning princess and a ruthless, scheming regent—they both play dumb to outsmart each other, constantly testing the waters, but the thrill of watching the male lead slowly fall for her is incredibly satisfying.

2. 2 嫁 After Marrying the Mad Crown Prince to Bring Him Good Fortune 嫁给疯批太子冲喜后 You Shi尤时Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The unfavored legitimate daughter of the Mu family is ordered by imperial decree to marry the crown prince, Zhou Jing, who is at death's door, to bring him good luck. Plenty of people wait to laugh at her, saying she might just end up bringing him luck by killing him in bed. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. The young woman is clearly terrified of him, but still can't help swearing her loyalty. “Your Highness, I'll treat you very well.” “Your Highness, after you pas 33.4kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves

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   ✨✨✨The first book features a male protagonist with 801 schemes and a mind of his own, constantly plotting against others. He feigns weakness every day and possesses a self-made Book of Life and Death 📖. He spends his days in his study scheming against people, crossing off each one without success. Yet, he is seen as a wise ruler, the kindest crown prince, and the eldest brother by his brothers, but he's also constantly setting traps for others. 🌱🌱

3. 3 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 88.8kReads9.5Score12.2kShelves
4. 4 姝 Her Beauty Is Hard to Resist! The Dali Temple Chief Is as Fierce as a Wolf 姝色难逃！大理寺卿他如狼似虎 Pikachu Out of Power没电皮卡丘Ancient Romance611k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, Resilient Fallen Noblewoman × Stern, Devoted Minister of the Court of Judicial Review] [Historical Romance + Devoted Couple + Sweet Romance + Long-Laid Plans + Mutual Pining] [Male Lead’s Perspective: Long-Laid Plans; Female Lead’s Perspective: Each Gets What They Need] Meng Yunzhi, daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, was famous in Luojing for her graceful beauty, with glossy dark hair and a slender, delicate figure. She was engaged to a young master of the Qi family. Once he 18.2kReads9.1Score2.3kShelves

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   This is amazing! The initial back-and-forth is brilliant! It's a mutually beneficial relationship from the female lead's perspective, while the male lead's perspective reveals a long-planned scheme.

5. 5 入 Entering the Imperial Court 入皇庭 Little Fruit Pear小果梨Ancient Romance686k WordsCompleted [Forced Marriage and Possession, Obsessive Pursuit, Compulsive Love] [The Scheming, Stunning Farm Girl Is Forced into Marriage by the Crown Prince and Made Empress] In her previous life, Lu Xiaotao was an orphan who couldn't read, couldn't tell right from wrong, and spent her days groveling and throwing her weight around. After seducing one of the Crown Prince's subordinates and being abandoned, she became the Crown Prince's woman by a twist of fate. From then on, she served as his consort, reli 10.4kReads6.9Score813Shelves

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   I found this book particularly convoluted. Both the male and female leads were excellent actors. Since the female lead was forcibly taken by the male lead, she acted as if she liked him after her failed escape attempt. Even when seducing other women, she had to act as if she loved him and couldn't live without him. The male lead was also a skilled actor. When faced with a choice between his ideal woman and the female lead, he cleverly arranged for someone else to impersonate her, ensuring she wasn't harmed. Overall, it was a very good read.

6. 6 乖 Be Good, or This General Won't Hold Back! 乖一点，要不本将军不忍了！ Don't Ask About the Money Ahead莫问钱程Ancient Romance176k WordsCompleted Military camp + condemned slave + rivalry between men + forbidden romance On her very first day in the military camp, Shen Xiwu was forced into sex, three times. Afterward, the man returned her to her fiancé and taunted him: “Your fiancée was quite a treat!” Shen Xiwu should have hated him, but she couldn't. Because she discovered… 7.5kReads8.4Score747Shelves

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   Who understands the ambiguous, tug-of-war, and sticky feeling between the male and female leads!

7. 7 授 Hand Him the Reins 授他以柄 Zhou Fuyao周扶妖Ancient Romance96k WordsCompleted With the city about to fall and the kingdom on the brink of ruin, Pei Qing wrote a letter asking that man for help. For seven whole days, there was no reply. But just when all hope seemed lost, he arrived. His peerlessly handsome face was full of disdain and contempt. Xiao Yuan walked into the imperial bedchamber with blood dripping from his blade and lazily called out, “Elder Brother.” Having earned merit by rushing to the emperor’s defense, he naturally expected a reward. “I have plenty of gol 24.9kReads9.5Score2.8kShelves
8. 8 念 Spring Tide of Longing 念念春潮 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance754k WordsCompleted [Print edition under contract] [Sweet romance and comeuppance, a seemingly gentle but calculating male lead, a fierce and adorable heroine, and intense push-and-pull between the leads] The Marquis of Wuning's daughter is to be married, but the bride hangs herself. The groom is Prince Danshuo, a handsome man who enjoys the emperor's deep trust, and the emperor himself personally arranged the marriage. In their panic, the marquis's household can only find someone to take the bride's place. Cheng 74.1kReads9.4Score10.8kShelves

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   Look at this! Don't let the title put you off! It's a sweet and fluffy romance novel with clean-cut, virgin characters, plenty of witty battles and political intrigue, lots of foreshadowing and details, well-developed characters, and a lighthearted writing style! I really love that the male and female leads are both talkative; it's so satisfying to read!

9. 9 弑 After Killing the Emperor, My Archenemy and I Are Bound Together for Good 弑君后，我和死对头锁死了 Two Times Four Means Prosperity二四得发Ancient Romance438k WordsCompleted [Mutual Purity] [Uncle and Sister-in-Law] [Emotional Push and Pull] [Mind Games and Steamy Romance] [Bickering Couple] [Two Strong Leads] [Happy Ending] The comic is now available. Search Tomato Novel for "After Killing the Emperor, My Archenemy and I Were Bound Together" to read it. -- Empress Su Li had a dream. In it, Emperor Jingchang took her on a trip south of the Yangtze, then poisoned her at an inn and made it look like suicide. After her death, Emperor Jingchang also schemed to have her 20.6kReads9.2Score3kShelves

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   If you enjoy stories of (masters versus masters), this book is worth checking out. It avoids the scheming and backstabbing of female supporting characters, focusing instead on the power struggles and initial mutual exploitation between the male and female leads. Even when facing life-or-death situations, they remain calm and resourceful, deftly countering each move. The female lead understands the hidden meanings in seemingly simple words spoken by the male lead. The book doesn't artificially exaggerate the protagonists' abilities; rather, it makes you wonder if the author has actually experienced time travel. Many characters are vividly portrayed and intelligent. The female lead strives for self-preservation, the male lead investigates the truth, the Empress Dowager seeks power, and the second male lead vies for the throne.

10. 10 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

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    The male and female leads in this are really smart. 🧠

11. 11 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 13.5kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves

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    Su Huai said, "If you're lying to me, may you be struck by lightning." Lu Yao paused for a moment, then said, "Fine." At worst, she'd just stay indoors on thundery days. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Su Huai said, "Next time it thunders, you'd better go up to the roof and see if you get struck dead by lightning."

12. 12 换 After Our Marriage Swap, the Mad Crown Prince Became Obsessed With Spoiling Me Night After Night 换嫁后，被疯批太子夜夜强宠上瘾 Fourteen of Eleven十一的十四Ancient Romance706k WordsOngoing [Both leads are each other's one and only + long-planned schemes + playing the fool to outwit the enemy + fighting tooth and nail over each other + a seductive, calculating heroine + a refined yet unhinged crown prince] Crown Prince Qi Heng was noble and virtuous, gentle as jade, and had been betrothed to the Shen family's legitimate daughter since childhood. On the Lantern Festival, the Shen family's eldest daughter was kidnapped. The family substituted their second daughter in her place. Every 41.3kReads8.4Score4kShelves

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    You absolutely have to read this one! The male lead is a prince with eyes everywhere, and the female lead is a great actress with an alias. It's a love story between the rivals!

13. 13 王 Princess Consort, Stop Acting. The Prince Can Hear Your Thoughts 王妃别演了，王爷能听见你的心声 Sugar White as Snow白糖如雪Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted [The male lead can hear the female lead's thoughts + the female lead can understand animal speech] [Goofy and lighthearted + absurd comedy + feel-good romance, sickeningly sweet] After transmigrating into a book as a disposable side character, she manages to annoy the villainous Big Boss into fainting from the start. She plans to take advantage of his weakness and finish him off, but the villain hears every one of her thoughts. Later, the villain finally loses patience and demands, “I hear you c 8.9kReads9.2Score965Shelves

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    🌈Super sweet and satisfying! No angst throughout! The male lead can hear the female lead's thoughts. The female lead goes from being unable to eat because the male lead is alive, to being unable to eat even when he's gone—it's hilarious!

14. 14 细 A Spy’s Survival Guide: Groveling at the Heir’s Feet Every Day 细作求生指南，每天都在跪舔世子 Clear Moonlight月影清辉Ancient Romance740k WordsCompleted [Possessive love | She runs, he chases; she can’t escape | Clear-headed maid × obsessive young master | Both are virgins] Lin Huaiyin transmigrated into the body of a maid in a marquis’s household. After suffering one humiliation after another, all she wanted was to stay alive. Cunning and smooth-tongued, she did her best to charm the young master, hoping to earn her freedom and avoid disaster. She thought she could finish what she came for and escape, but he held her tightly in his arms. “Y 579Reads8.1Score—Shelves

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    This book is excellent, with a fresh and original theme. The female protagonist transmigrates into the body of a lowly maid, struggling to survive. To stay afloat, she feigns infatuation with a young prince, who becomes increasingly infatuated, showering her with unconditional affection. However, how could this highly educated girl be content to be confined to this grand mansion? The maid's only thought is how to escape, leading to a thrilling chase. The initial pace is a bit slow, but it gets increasingly exciting as it progresses.

15. 15 杏 Apricot Blossoms Fill the Air, I'll Snap That Scumbag's Neck 杏花吹满头，扭断渣男头 The Round-Headed, Round-Brained, Round-Bellied Tangerine圆头圆脑圆肚皮的橘子Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [There is a male lead!!!] [Currently being published. Mild horror and suspense. I didn’t add those tags because I don’t think the story is scary or suspenseful enough, but readers say it’s pretty frightening. Consider this a heads-up.] Ren Xin has been married into the General’s residence for two years. She manages the household, respects her in-laws, and treats the servants with consideration. No one can find fault with her. Guan Shanyue returns from the battlefield one day with a pregnant wom 23.2kReads9.2Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    If you're looking for someone with a lot of cunning, read this book; it definitely won't lower your intelligence.

16. 16 重 Reborn, the Ice-Cold Minister Holds Me Close and Coaxes Me Gently 重生后冷冰冰奸臣搂腰轻哄 Unknown to the World人间不识Ancient Romance473k WordsCompleted [Reborn + both untouched + his desperate attempts to win her back, while the heroine focuses on her career] Xiao Lingyue, the Grand Princess who protects the nation, married the treacherous chancellor Xie Xuanzhi three times. In her first life, she was spoiled and domineering. Xie Xuanzhi raised a rebellion, and the ministers killed her at once as a grand gift for him. In her second life, she tried to please him at every turn. Xie Xuanzhi raised another rebellion, and the ministers, afraid he wo 10Reads—Score—Shelves

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    ① A story of extreme tension: the female lead is a princess, and the male lead is both a prince consort and a prime minister [admiration]. Neither of them is willing to give in. The female lead is reborn (in her third life) [caution]. Tired of pursuing him, she initially intended to let someone else be with the male lead, but he didn't reciprocate [facepalm]. They have a love-hate relationship, a battle of wits and courage [bump]. Everyone is intelligent; the female lead is clear-headed, and the male lead is a sophisticated rogue [shy]. ② The female lead is from a military family and possesses excellent martial arts skills. The male lead is sickly. Both intend to live a peaceful life, but they both mistakenly believe the other doesn't want to [facepalm]. Completed, so feel free to follow! [Licking screen]

17. 17 公 The Princess Is Spoiled and Willful, and the Cold-Faced General Defies His Station 公主娇纵，冷面将军以下犯上 Jiang Baofu江宝芙Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other's first and only love + intense push and pull + over-the-top pampering + fiercely possessive] [Willful, scheming little princess X cold, ruthless, calculating young general] Shen Ran didn't want to be sent off in a political marriage. On the journey back to the capital under Xie Yanli's escort, she thought up a hundred ways to make him let her go. Play the victim: No. Pretend to be sick: No. Act obedient: No. Seduce him: Yes. She realized Xie Yanli wasn't impossi 12.3kReads9.0Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This story has an incredibly compelling premise, a real rollercoaster of emotions. The male lead, a seemingly abstinent general, transforms into a lewd and eccentric maniac, while the female lead is full of mischief. Check out the synopsis!

18. 18 夫 My Husband Died Saving Me, So After I'm Reborn, I Spoil Him Rotten 夫君救我而死，重生后将他宠上天 Clear Night Moon清夜月Ancient Romance427k WordsCompleted Traditional historical rebirth + court and national intrigue + marriage before love + one-sided love Chi Wu is the daughter of a high-ranking general. She grew up alongside Shen Huai, the second young master of the Duke of Shen's household, and the two were inseparable childhood friends. An imperial decree arranges her marriage, forcing Chi Wu to wed Zhao Xijin, the heir apparent. Zhao Xijin is frail. The imperial physician once declared that he would not live to adulthood, calling him a shor 1.7kReads8.3Score105Shelves
19. 19 与 With Jin Chang’an (Based on the Screen Adaptation Starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei) 与晋长安（宋轶、丞磊主演影视原著） Jiu Lu Feixiang九鹭非香Ancient Romance155k WordsCompleted The hit drama starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei is now airing! A beloved historical romance by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang! Female general vs. puppy-like boy. The child she casually picked up turns out to have two sides? A cold little gentleman by day, a loyal black knight by night. Is he a puppy turning into a wolf, and which side is the real him? A tale of love and hate between a female general and the heir of an enemy state! Li Shuang, the adopted daughter of a great general, guards the borders of the Grea 5.9kReads9.6Score957Shelves

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    These are all quite good, but "Why Not Cross the River Together" is absolutely amazing! The story opens with the devastation of a chaotic world: the Qi people's iron hooves trample Bianjing, the new emperor flees south, his life hanging by a thread, and Lidu Prefecture becomes the final battlefield for the struggle between the two sides. The female lead, Nan Yi, was originally a beggar girl who was hunted down for theft, but was drawn into the vortex of national turmoil by a jade bracelet token; the male lead, Xie Queshan, appears to be a cold-blooded traitor, but is actually a spy infiltrating the enemy camp, shouldering the heavy responsibility of protecting the country. The two go from being enemies to cooperating, from distrust to entrusting each other with their lives, with reversals of identities and clashes of positions running throughout the story.

20. 20 嫁 After Marrying the Sickly, Powerful Minister, the Sweetheart Cries Every Day 嫁给病娇权臣后，娇娇每天哭唧唧 Eight-Treasure Cake八宝糕Ancient Romance543k WordsCompleted [Black-hearted Miao beauty vs. ruthless, lovesick power minister] On her first night after transmigrating into a book, Wen Ranyan was sent to the great villain’s couch. Rumor had it that Feng Qiw Wu, the great villain, was ruthless and bloodthirsty. Anyone who crossed him either died or wished they had. He was a certifiable lunatic. But Wen Ranyan wasn’t afraid. Instead, she set her sights on the villain’s good looks. In public, she was the villain’s only wife: gentle, graceful, and delicate. In 3.1kReads9.2Score391Shelves

    Reader note

    Extreme stretching [heart][heart][heart]

21. 21 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves
22. 22 青 After Losing Her Memory, the Childhood Sweetheart Became the Young General's Cherished Love 青梅失忆后成了少年将军掌中娇 Kelisiting克莉斯汀Ancient Romance223k WordsCompleted [Clever, Cunning Foxlike Heroine VS Steady, Stern, Humble Hero] [One-on-One Romance, Sweet Pampering, Adorable Child, Childhood Sweethearts] [The Hero Suffers] The night before, Shen Zuihuan was still preparing for her engagement ceremony. The next morning, she woke up in shock to discover she had been married for five years already! Her fiancé was nowhere to be found, and her current husband was the childhood friend she had hated most of all. He was even holding a child who looked exactly like 25.9kReads9.3Score2.3kShelves
23. 23 惹 Tempting Beauty 惹姝色 Yi Yuchen奕语晨Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [1v1: Sweet, gentle, kind little princess × scheming, patient male consort and hostage prince] [Lighthearted and sugary sweet + romantic tension + everyone’s favorite] Xia Liqian was a miserable college student. Then, one day, she transmigrated into a book. She had become a debauched, tyrannical little princess, with countless male consorts in her residence. Her favorite was the hostage prince she had just asked her father for the day before. Now he was kneeling before her bed, watching her with 2.6kReads9.0Score387Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead, fearing she would be killed by the male lead, tries every means to please him. The male lead, a hostage from an enemy country, secretly handles his own affairs in the princess's residence and is constantly wary of the female lead, yet he is also the princess's lover.

24. 24 高 The Untouchable Beauty? He Still Bows and Obeys Me 高岭之花？还不是对我俯首称臣 Cold Blows of Cinnamon Fragrance Under the Lemon Moon柠月桂冷吹香雪Ancient Romance372k WordsCompleted [Scheming, Alluring Beauty + Rivals Fighting for Her + Irresistible Heroine + The Hero’s Long Road to Winning Her Back] After being reborn, Cui Wu learns that she is the disposable supporting female character in a story, destined to be pushed into ruin by her aunt and die horribly in a mass grave. When she opens her eyes again, she sets her sights on the most unattainable moon in all of Shengjing: Chu Guanzhi, heir to the Duke of Dingguo. He is the lofty beauty praised as snow among the cloud 383Reads6.1Score106Shelves

    Reader note

    Both are good, the one with the most tension is the most interesting!

25. 25 夺 Stealing My Brother's Wife 夺兄妻 Cold Blows of Cinnamon Fragrance Under the Lemon Moon柠月桂冷吹香雪Ancient Romance388k WordsCompleted A gentle, refined young lady of a distinguished family × a powerful official who seems noble and impeccable but is actually a deranged schemer Cui Fu was born into the prestigious Qinghe Cui clan. A refined and gentle noblewoman, she had been childhood friends with the eldest son of the Xie family since they were young. But fate had other plans. In the second year of their marriage, the eldest son of the Xie family was ambushed by bandits in the mountains and killed by their blades. Having lo 4.7kReads8.2Score524Shelves
26. 26 误 Lost in the Exquisite Bedchamber 误入玲珑帐 A Cat, A Dog, and a Glass of Wine一猫一狗一杯酒Ancient Romance678k WordsCompleted The print edition is available on major platforms. [Pure historical romance + devoted couple + strong female lead + marriage before love + political intrigue + household rivalry] [Long-suffering princess of a fallen kingdom] X [scheming, rough-hewn prince] [Original title: The Enigma of Linglong] “A historical-romance version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith: outwardly united, secretly plotting against each other.” To seize power, Linglong spent sixteen years disguised as a young master named Ling, studyin 8.7kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The man is strong and the woman is not weak either. They pull each other to the limit, test each other, and finally fall in love.

27. 27 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves
28. 28 惊 When the Sparrow Takes Flight 惊雀起 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance841k WordsCompleted [Clear-Eyed, Scheming Physician × Distinguished, Cunning Powerbroker] The Relentless Pursuit of a Wife + Romantic Tension + Political Intrigue Without Mindless Wish Fulfillment On a rainy night, she kneels outside the Lu residence. “Please... save my younger sister.” “Song Yuanzhi, you're the daughter of a disgraced official. You have nothing. Why should I help you?” Lu Shiyan asks coldly. She looks up, determination flashing in her eyes. “If you save my sister... I'll give you my virtue, Brothe 1.5kReads8.2Score163Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a story of power struggles and redemption, featuring numerous intimate scenes between the male and female leads! The female lead, Song Yuanzhi, is not a traditional "strong female lead." She compromises, schemes, and even uses herself as bait in desperate situations, but at her core, she always makes clear and autonomous choices—whether it's sacrificing herself to save her sister, plotting revenge, or ultimately leaving Lu Shiyan, every step she takes is the greatest chance of survival she can secure within limited space. The male lead, Lu Shiyan, is also not a perfect domineering CEO. He possesses the cold shrewdness of a scion of a powerful family, the controlling desires of someone in a position of authority, and he too hesitates, misunderstands, and ultimately regrets his actions in matters of the heart. Their relationship begins as a mutually beneficial transaction, but gradually deepens through a complex power struggle.

29. 29 重 Reborn, I Become My Arch-Enemy's Living Widow Sister-in-Law 重生后，我成了死敌的活寡嫂子 Two Times Four Means Prosperity二四得发Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted [Both leads are reborn + sister-in-law and brother-in-law + an aloof beauty brought down from her pedestal + emotional push and pull + winning her heart and her body + devoted couple] The Eastern Palace has no crown prince, and the princes are locked in a fierce struggle for the throne. Ning Miao and Yan Mobai are the top strategists of their generation, each serving a different master. They cross paths over a map of iron mines and kill each other. Only after her death does Ning Miao learn tha 39.2kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This book features dual rebirths and political intrigue. The two protagonists were mortal enemies in their past lives, both possessing sharp intellects. The female lead is reborn first, using various methods to seduce the male lead. The male lead falls for her and is reborn later, leading to numerous dramatic developments.

30. 30 危 Danger! The Powerful Official I Wronged Has Become My Brother 危！渣过的权臣竟成了兄长 Nan Youyu南又予Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted [Controlled, unhinged Vice Minister of Justice × calculating, flirtatious, sweet-on-the-outside, sinister-within heroine] (Faux siblings + possessive obsession + flirtatious push and pull + secret midnight watching) Six months ago, Xie Wanyu seduced the local prefect, Pei Lin, to save her own life. But once the crisis passed, she decisively abandoned him and headed to the capital to find her father and take revenge. On the way, she met the Pei family's real daughter. Who could have guessed that 30.9kReads9.1Score5.7kShelves

    Reader note

    It's all about various interactive tests.

31. 31 金 A Game in the Golden Boudoir 金闺戏 Jing Mo旌墨Ancient Romance680k WordsCompleted [A snake-hearted heroine who lies through her teeth vs. a beautiful, tragic heir with a scheming heart] [Pure historical romance + love and hate + excruciating tension + an epic showdown between two liars + a couple doomed to clash] Ming Xian forged her identity to marry, then made a living by killing her husbands and taking their money. Beautiful enough to inspire pity, yet ruthless in her methods, she had married and murdered six men without ever slipping up, earning the nickname Crimson Ser 6.5kReads8.8Score918Shelves

    Reader note

    The tension is extreme, and the male and female leads are incredibly cunning.

32. 32 琅 The Ballad of Langhua 琅华引 Xue You雪虠Ancient Romance280k WordsCompleted My new book finally got a rating! New books always start with a low score, so I hope the initial rating won’t put you off reading it! I’d also like to thank everyone who left me a review 🥰 Mad, vicious beauty × Ice-cold, chaste nobleman · Both Reborn, Love and Hate · A Chaotic Romance of Wei-Jin-Era Elegance The heroine is a truly unhinged beauty: vain, lecherous, playful, and utterly unhinged in everything she does. She’s wicked, but dazzlingly open about it. The hero is an untouchable flowe 2.8kReads8.1Score257Shelves

    Reader note

    A crazy beauty, a male lead who is deeply in love with her for two lifetimes, and a female lead who flirts with the male lead. Don't be scared off by the prologue. Both the male and female leads are virgins.

33. 33 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 107.4kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Three completed historical romance novels with a 9.6 Rating, highly recommended by the avid reader Shi Chang (22233). If you're still looking for more, follow me and check out my bookshelf—they're all well-categorized!

34. 34 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 84.3kReads9.5Score9.6kShelves

    Reader note

    [Highly rated ancient romance novel (9.6 Or above, completed)] Highly recommended, it's incredibly good! The first book is hilarious, and the two leads are sweet and loving. They're both incredibly cunning and always trying to trick outsiders. They're so sly, hahaha! Highly recommended!

35. 35 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves
36. 36 桃 Ride Out to Battle, Peach Blossoms in My Wake 桃花马上请长缨 June六月Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of June's novel, Power and Favor 3: Power and Favor in the Capital, is now available on Hongguo App. She cared for her in-laws and used her dowry to support the General's household, only for him to use his hard-won military achievements to ask for the female general's hand as his equal wife. Zhan Beiwang mocked her. “Song Xixie, do you know that your fine clothes, rich food, and glittering jewels all come from General Yi Fang and me fighting bloody battles to hold back 15kReads9.5Score5.5kShelves
37. 37 穿 After Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 137.8kReads9.6Score16.6kShelves
38. 38 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.6kReads9.6Score31.2kShelves
39. 39 定 Still the Frost and Dust 定霜尘 Return Slowly with You与君缓缓归Two Male Leads153k WordsCompleted Shen Shuang, the legitimate daughter of a distinguished family, was granted a marriage by imperial decree, making her the envy of everyone in the capital. But with the wedding fast approaching, her fiancé secretly kept a concubine and sullied her good name. Rumors spread, her family was disgraced, and trouble brewed beneath the surface. Everyone advised her to swallow her anger, accept her fate, and bow her head. But Shen Shuang refused to yield to the storm. She tore the corrupt schemers to pie 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I don't know how cunning the female protagonist in this book is. But she's definitely emotionally stable and has a well-developed personality.

40. 40 小 Little Menace! She Makes the Cold and Aloof Young Heir Climb Her Wall Every Day 小祖宗好疯！惹清冷世子日日爬墙 Holding a Brush to Tie Up My Hair执笔绾青丝Ancient Romance523k WordsCompleted (Completed. Transmigrate into a book + win over the husband + face-slapping and punishing scumbags + sweet romance + doted on by everyone + an austere, upright heir to the throne and a righteous-yet-evil, unhinged young lady) Everyone knew that Fu Wenyan, daughter of the Grand General’s household, was hopelessly in love with the Second Prince and would do anything for him without complaint. But after she fell off a cliff, someone else took over Miss Fu’s body. To the Second Prince, whom she h 13.9kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is like a domineering CEO, a morally ambiguous figure who has already planned a hundred steps ahead for every one she takes. The male lead is a refined gentleman, genuinely gentle and kind to the female lead. The book is very engaging and well-developed; every character is vividly portrayed and three-dimensional.

41. 41 日 Drunk on the Road Home at Dusk 日暮醉归途 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted The cool, intelligent beauty Shui Qiaoyou, a general of the former dynasty, and the pure-hearted, reserved prince Chu Moli, a prince of the current dynasty Historical romance, no transmigration, no palace intrigue, no household drama, one-on-one romance, strong female lead. Shui Qiaoyou felt as though she’d merely fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes again, a hundred years had passed. Her homeland, family, and friends were like smoke, long since vanished into the river of time. Fate had left 13.4kReads9.1Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The story is full of twists and turns, featuring a wise and aloof female lead and a pure and devoted male lead – definitely worth watching.

42. 42 不 No Eavesdropping on the Emperor 不许偷听朕说话 Yin Zaishui尹在水Ancient Romance925k WordsCompleted An Jiu transmigrated into the body of a young palace maid who wanted to climb into the emperor’s bed. The moment she opened her eyes, the tyrant ran his sword straight through the maid who had tried to seduce him. The next day, the tyrant killed a senior maid who served one of the consorts. On the third day, a maid who tasted the emperor’s food died from poison. Being a palace maid was a high-risk job. An Jiu decided to work hard, save up, cherish her life, and stay away from the tyrant. But the 78.3kReads9.4Score12.8kShelves

    Reader note

    I laughed so hard my stomach hurt! The male lead, an emperor, has a split personality, and the female lead is a palace maid who can hear his thoughts. The emperor is super cute and has such a contrasting personality—he's like a screaming chicken, hahaha! He's hypocritical and pretends so much. The previous emperor said that an emperor should not show his emotions, so this emperor keeps everything bottled up inside, secretly cursing everything but himself, believing he's the smartest emperor in the world. His alternate personality is also adorable 🤔

43. 43 贬 Demote the Wife to a Concubine? The Reborn Legitimate Daughter Wipes Out His Entire Family 贬妻为妾？重生嫡女嘎了他全家 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance308k WordsCompleted [Strong female and male leads + both leads' first and only love + satisfying reborn story + nation and family] She was a renowned female war god, formidable in battle and unmatched in strategy. After being reborn in the body of the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's household in the Great Yong, whose honor had been besmirched, her supposedly gentle and refined fiancé came to break off their engagement and demote her to a concubine. Every one of her relatives regarded her as a disgrace 28.4kReads9.3Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    1. The female lead is reborn and transmigrates, all because of the male lead. She's his goddess, and in their past life, they were enemies on the battlefield. In this life, he first bestows upon her the title of Regent's Consort, keeping her by his side. 2. The male lead is cunning and sharp-tongued. The female lead, searching for an antidote, comes to her fiancé's door. They constantly scheme against each other, bickering and hurting one another, but over time, they develop feelings for each other and desperately want to keep each other by their side.

44. 44 家 Homegrown Flowers Can't Match Wild Ones: The Irresistible Duke Keeps Flirting 家花哪有野花香，尤物国舅撩不停 Deer in the Deep Forest深林的鹿Ancient Romance252k WordsCompleted Two years into her marriage, Liu Fuying was still a virgin. Her husband had even suggested that she go keep a handsome young lover, with only one condition: she couldn't make their affair public. He had someone else in his heart, so why should Liu Fuying keep herself chaste for him? One day, after a rainstorm, Liu Fuying fell off a cliff and met Pei Zhou Wu, a handsome nobleman who had been imprisoned on Mount Xiang for treason. He was so good-looking! The moment Liu Fuying saw him, she underst 12.4kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    💥💥This ancient romance novel features a clean-living couple: the wife of a general who leaves her father but keeps her son, and the brother-in-law of the emperor who is imprisoned in Xiangshan. The male lead unknowingly becomes the other man's mistress. In the end, the female lead abandons the male lead, but he finds her years later. He still loves her and can't bear to hurt her. He is quickly coaxed back by her; she's incredibly easy to please!

45. 45 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 163.8kReads9.6Score22.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is full of twists and turns.

46. 46 虎 The Tiger Wife 虎妻 Lotus Flower藕花Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted The Great Qi Dynasty’s foremost God of War, the ruthless, hideous common-born general Yuchi Gui, was granted a marriage by the emperor to the capital’s greatest beauty, Princess Xu Xiyan. Then his high-born fiancée looked down on him, and the wedding was called off. Three years later, after suppressing a rebellion, the handsome and dashing general returned to the capital, becoming the hero every noblewoman in Great Qi wanted to marry. Then his former fiancée clung to him and forced him into marr 8.2kReads9.3Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    [Heart] The female lead, Princess Shengping, Xu Xiyan, is the daughter of a princess. Her father is a scholar from a family with a 300-year-old scholarly tradition. The female lead herself is of noble birth, learned, and intelligent. She is betrothed by the emperor to the greatest warrior of the Great Qi Dynasty, a commoner who rose from humble beginnings. Xu Xiyan possesses a strong sense of the big picture; from understanding the emperor's intentions to dealing with her husband's troublesome relatives who try to take advantage of her, she handles everything skillfully. She is courageous, resourceful, and loyal. [Heart] Both the male and female leads are strong and cunning.

47. 47 你 Why Pick a Fight With the Regent's Sharp-Tongued Consort? 你惹摄政王妃那个怼精干嘛 Tang Weien唐唯恩Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The original novel behind the hit short drama The Regent Wants to Assert His Authority, but the Physician Consort Is Too Wild [A cold, domineering male lead who says one thing and means another vs. a shameless female lead with a silver tongue] After transmigrating, modern special agent and military doctor Xi Yang becomes the capital’s most notorious young noblewoman. From the start, she sleeps with the Regent, a man who wields power over the entire court! The Regent is hard-headed from head to t 13.1kReads9.2Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    I don't want to write a recommendation guide. [Smile]

48. 48 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    "Clash of Power" is high-energy from start to finish!! The female lead, with her delicate fingers, stirs up the political intrigue of the court, her strategies rivaling those of men, each step meticulously planned for revenge; the male lead, cunning and deep, holds immense power yet views her with special regard. From initial testing to fighting side-by-side, every calculation is imbued with hidden meaning, and every alliance is invincible. There's no romance holding them back, only a clash of equally matched intellects that will leave you thoroughly entertained!

49. 49 这 This Princess Has Gone on a Rampage! The Scheming Chancellor Bows to Her 这届公主杀疯了！腹黑丞相竟折腰 Heavy Rain and Drizzle Falling on a Jade Plate大雨小雨落玉盘Ancient Romance192k WordsOngoing [Reborn + born into the womb + evenly matched rivals + political intrigue + love of country and family] A brilliant, calculating chancellor × a clear-eyed, resilient princess By chance, Shen Jingxi was born into the body of Princess Anning in a fictional dynasty. But when her kingdom fell and she died, she discovered that the rebel leader was her husband from her previous life. Reborn at seventeen, she tears away the facade of peace and changes her title to Princess Jing'an. With an iron hand, s 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Both are incredibly cunning; their shrewdness combined could feed them. They're constantly on guard, cooperating and exploiting each other while simultaneously being drawn to one another. Both are clear-headed individuals, consciously succumbing to temptation and surrendering. The story gets increasingly captivating as it progresses. There's also the eccentric second male lead, who's equally cunning. [Smirk]

50. 50 这 This Kept Woman Has a Conscience, Just Not Much of One 这个外室有点良心，但不多 Aow Big Meow嗷大喵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (One-on-one romance + Both leads are each other's first and only + Ridiculous, no-logic comedy + Mind-reading + Adorable child + Hero has no legal wife) After a week of staying up late and working overtime, office drone Song Qingran died suddenly and became the Prince of Nanliang, Ning Zhuo’s mistress, kept at his country estate. At first, Ning Zhuo told her, “I don't expect you to have power, wealth, or a respectable background. You'll get five hundred taels every month, delivered on schedule. 12.3kReads9.4Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    [9.5/10 Hilarious Ancient Romance (Completed)] I really think this score is too low. It's genuinely hilarious, and the story is excellent, with strong logic and well-placed foreshadowing and details. Our heroine is incredibly eloquent, painting a picture that's both grand and enticing. The male lead, initially quite aloof, is gradually led astray by her, uttering surprising remarks and even learning the art of tea ceremony—it's absolutely hilarious!

Other lists with Reborn: I Flirted the Gloomy Regent into a Daze