Looking for Political Intrigue with a Ruthless, Cunning Heroine Who Focuses on Her Career 求权谋，女主心狠手辣算无遗策，主要搞事业那种

1. 101 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

   High IQ! High strategist!!! Reading this story, you'll feel like every male supporting character is a perfect match for the female lead. Why? Why? Why? Of course, it's because women who are career-oriented are incredibly charming! You might think it's okay without a romantic pairing. Haha... But having a male lead makes it both sweet and satisfying! It's so good! (After reading the later chapters, I finally understood what the author meant by "all the essential elements are there"). There are so many memorable scenes after arriving in Yuancheng. The female lead is indeed intelligent, wise, and strategic. I've been following this story in one go, highly recommended!!!

2. 102 重 Reborn in the 1980s: From the Start, I Took a Factory Job 重生八零，开局进厂打工 Jiang Twenty蒋二十Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Ji Yunxi transmigrates into the role of a universally loathed supporting character, the female foil to the heroine. The heroine endures endless hardships without giving in, while Ji Yunxi lives in comfort, spoiled and cruel. During the 1987 wave of migrant labor, the heroine gets into college and finally holds her head high, while Ji Yunxi uses connections to land a job on an assembly line. The heroine lives out a romantic drama straight from real life every day, while Ji Yunxi seethes with jeal 47kReads8.4Score5.2kShelves

   Reader note

   The first book's female protagonist only wanted to make money; the second book's female protagonist had no interest in love, only in climbing to a high position; the third book's female protagonist was ruthless and scheming, plotting everything to take revenge.

3. 103 娇 A Darling’s Deadly Charm 娇杀白月光 The Little Pig Who Can't Fly不会飞的小小猪Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted [A clear-headed heroine who can bend and bounce back, play sweet and innocent, and use expert tactics. Ordinary at first, but adored by everyone later.] Guan Shiyue transmigrates into the scapegoat for the family of a disgraced official sentenced to military service. The good news: the scapegoat she has become is short, dark, burly, and plain, so the army probably won't want her... "She's a bit ugly, sure, but at least she's a woman! Women are exactly what we're short on! Fine, then..." Guan Shi 282Reads7.0Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This is definitely not another saccharine, "transmigration-based, cheat-like" novel. While other female protagonists dominate the world with their system cheat codes, every mouthful of stale food Guan Shiyue swallows in the military prostitute camp tastes of blood—the author uses surgical strokes to vividly depict the struggles of women in the feudal meat grinder.

4. 104 傻 The Foolish Prince and the Enchanting Courtesan 傻子王爷和花魁妖妃的故事 Listening to the Rain on a Windless Night今夜无风听雨Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted Her family was wiped out in a bloody vendetta. She endured for ten years, navigating imperial struggles and pretending to be a fool out of necessity. A foolish prince. A famed courtesan of the capital. They entered into a partnership with ulterior motives on both sides, and even as husband and wife, they schemed against each other. The foolish prince wants the throne. The capital's famed courtesan wants revenge for her family's blood debt. Watch this couple stir up the winds and clouds of the re 6Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead appears neurotic but is actually cold-blooded, while the male lead seems foolish but is actually insane. One is the head of the Wanbao Pavilion, and the other is the head of the Tiansha Palace. When these two marry and begin plotting to seize the throne, anyone who stands in their way will die.

5. 105 皇 The Empress Dies a Horrible Death: The Mad Princess Plots to Claim the Empire 皇后惨死：疯批公主谋江山夺天下 Mint-Flavored Lemon Candy薄荷味的柠檬糖Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Political intrigue + strong female lead + no romance Born into privilege, Mo Xiuqi was the emperor’s legitimate daughter by the empress, and the sunniest, most carefree girl in the capital. She began her studies at three, wrote poetry at five, and excelled at both scholarship and martial arts, never losing to the men around her. The heir she was betrothed to had been her childhood sweetheart. She thought she would be happy forever. On her wedding day, she drank the nuptial wine and lost consciou 25.3kReads8.0Score1.1kShelves

   Reader note

   Mo Qixiu is Mo Qixiu. She doesn't listen to him because he's a princess; she listens to him simply because he is Mo Qixiu.

6. 106 综 A Multiverse Journey Through Empresses in the Palace 综穿甄嬛传之高高在上 Fang Xian芳晛Female-Channel Fanfiction329k WordsCompleted A crossover transmigration into the TV series Empresses in the Palace! The main characters may be original, characters from the show whose stories felt unfinished, or even minor background characters. Different transmigrators take the lead in living different lives. There’s a golden finger, but it won’t be too powerful. The focus is on building a career, with only one goal: reach the highest position! The first story features an original character. The next will probably be the tall third-ranked 2.8kReads8.7Score104Shelves
7. 107 谁 Can You Believe It? The Empress Wrote a Hundred Palace Rules 谁懂啊，娘娘写了一百条宫规 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Ancient-Era Heroine + Reborn Supporting Female Character + Transmigrated Supporting Female Character + Everyone Is Clever + Clear-Eyed Heroine] From ordinary palace candidate to empress. Everyone believes the emperor is devoted to Ning Wanyin. Only Ning Wanyin knows how treacherous and perilous the journey has been. She has survived every step through sheer caution. Lady Tang, reborn: “She killed me in my last life. This time, of course I’ll… make her my friend! Do I really th 41.5kReads9.6Score5.9kShelves

   Reader note

   The female protagonist is career-driven. The first female protagonist is arguably the most meticulous in all ancient romance novels. She can anticipate at least twenty different scenarios before each encounter with the concubines. You could call her paranoid or ruthless, but her adherence to palace rules undeniably plays a crucial role.

8. 108 笑 Unbelievable! My Fortune-Telling Is So Accurate, Even the Protagonists Avoid Me 笑死！算命太准，主角躲着我走 Big-Faced Monster's Big Pocket大脸怪的大口袋Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Synopsis: Fang Zhongmiao, the Daoist sect’s greatest prodigy, transmigrates into a world made up of four melodramatic novels and becomes a wicked supporting character who spends over a hundred chapters courting death. Book One: The Amnesiac Marquis and His Lovely Princess Book Two: The True and False Commandery Princesses Book Three: Reborn, I Watch the Chaos with a Smile Book Four: The Divine Physiognomist’s Reversal of Fate The bad news is that she has never read any of the four original novel 9.3kReads8.8Score1kShelves
9. 109 踹 After Kicking Over the Dragon Throne, the Entire Court Begged Her to Take the Crown 踹翻龙椅后，满朝文武跪求她登基 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted (The heroine focuses on her career, with no romantic pairing. She becomes somewhat cold-hearted and ruthless later on.) Born into the world as a princess, Yu Hui thinks that at last, an incredible fortune has fallen into her lap. She has a palace to live in, money to spend, and status to protect her, so she can enjoy a peaceful, happy life. But peace is out of the question. Calamities keep dropping out of the sky, and they’re heavy ones. Happiness? Not really. Someone is always ending up dead, s 8.6kReads8.8Score728Shelves

   Reader note

   ✅Political intrigue✅Female lead✅But not particularly intense🔥 The female lead is relatively inconspicuous in the early stages of the succession struggle, but she controls a powerful intelligence agency and possesses a spatial ability, giving her complete control over the court. 🔥 The female lead is more like a game player and a spectator; in the early stages, she usually only needs to take the first step, and then others will intervene and cause trouble. Detail-oriented viewers will love it. For example, she makes the Second Prince believe that she was the one who caused the falling out between the Third Princess and the Sixth Prince.

10. 110 幺 The Youngest Daughter, Changle 幺女长乐 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Miss Zhu Si’s rough fighting skills have always made her the laughingstock of the capital’s noble families. In everyone else’s eyes, that’s the sort of work meant for household guards. Zhu Changle, who considers herself invincible, isn’t ashamed of it. She’s proud. Not everyone can protect their own home, but she can! And then some! She’d even turn the whole capital upside down to protect it! Don’t believe her? Try her! 18.7kReads9.5Score3.1kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are undoubtedly well-written and morally sound, with meticulous character portrayals, and all feature strong female protagonists.

11. 111 疯 Are You Crazy? You Call a Tech Mogul a Discarded Consort? 疯了吧！你管科技大佬叫弃妃？ Qi Fa Cai Wo Le气發財我了Ancient Romance143k WordsOngoing [Strong female lead + political scheming and domination + deeply satisfying + intellectual battles early on, technological superiority later + no romance + multiple male characters with one-sided crushes] The youngest member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering dies in a plane crash and wakes up as the Princess Consort of Prince Duan in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Prince Duan despises her, his secondary consort frames her, and her father has been thrown in prison. Her whole family faces exile... —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Look at her, baby, she's so beautiful! The female lead, expressionless, tells those who defy her: "Commit suicide." Holy crap, she's really, incredibly awesome. Building power bit by bit, wow, she just can't stop.

12. 112 疯 The Mad Demoness Returns: Everyone Faces Their Reckoning 疯批女魔头归来，全员火葬场 Spring Peach春日桃Ancient Romance515k WordsCompleted [Max-Level Protagonist + Satisfying Revenge + Political Scheming + Fantasy + Everyone Is Drawn to Her] After the number-one great demon of Jiuzhou was hunted down, he was reborn in the body of Yan Huang, the useless eldest legitimate daughter of the Yan family in Langdu. The Yan family's eldest daughter had a noble status, but was born useless. On her coming-of-age day, her fiancé broke off their engagement. Her mother, unable to bear the humiliation, died from a strange poison. Her rebellious y 2.2kReads9.3Score245Shelves
13. 113 快 Quick Transmigration: Conquest of the Villain, the Wicked Woman Uses Her Beauty to Get Her Way 快穿：攻略反派，恶女恃美行凶 Shang Buyu商不予卿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [No CP, powerful and wickedly charming schemer, male characters suffer, attracts both men and women] Sheng Wu, the Ghost King imprisoned in the Abyss of Ten Thousand Ghosts, was vicious and cruel. She wielded a fan made from a beauty’s bones and played a game of wits with the Heavenly Dao. She’d been content to lie flat, bullying evil spirits and enjoying an easy life, when an Evil Woman Redemption System suddenly showed up, offering to help her complete missions and then reincarnate as a human. 1.6kReads8.9Score162Shelves
14. 114 我 Opening a Little Restaurant in Shengjing 我在盛京开小馆 Four Bayberries四颗杨梅Ancient Romance381k WordsCompleted [Alternate world, slow burn, not a wish-fulfillment novel, food + court intrigue + transmigration. Read with caution if that’s not your thing.] Miss Li’s Changhuan Eatery, tucked away on Qingxing Alley, serves delicious food at affordable prices. The officials who get up early for roll call tug at their increasingly tight uniforms, but still can’t help ordering another bowl of fresh pork wontons. Pei Hongzhi happened to eat there once and discovered that Miss Li didn’t just make excellent breakf 27.9kReads9.4Score3.7kShelves
15. 115 缚 Soulbinding Order 缚魂令 Jin Shaoren今绍人Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted Also known as: Soulbinding Order The first time Fang Zhixia met the young lord Lin, every move was a killing blow, and she cut off his breath. The next time she saw him, she had prepared a golden-thread nanmu coffin for him, made of premium wood and carved with dragons and phoenixes. And now this man has arrived with sixty-six ships of betrothal gifts, banging gongs and beating drums, saying he wants to marry her? Fang Zhixia: “Are you insane?” Lin Buzhou: “A little. It’s been three years, and 4kReads9.1Score544Shelves
16. 116 女 The Empress Transmigrates: Conquering the World in a Chaotic Age 女帝穿越，她在乱世逐鹿天下 Autumn Farewell and the Lantern's Song秋辞与灯鸣Ancient Romance645k WordsCompleted No romance + strong female lead + powerful heroine + light ensemble cast + infrastructure building + satisfying read + transmigration Yun Zhi was a princess who grew up in the Cold Palace. In the Cold Palace, you either erupt out of silence or perish in it. To survive, she used every means at her disposal, killed her father and brother, and took the throne everyone wanted. But after only a few years on the throne, she died of illness. When she opened her eyes again, she was Yun Zhi, the newborn 1.8kReads8.9Score183Shelves

    Reader note

    This book features a protagonist who ascends to the throne amidst chaos, with no romantic subplots or pairings, and its ratings have only just been released.

17. 117 重 Reborn: The Legend of the Female Emperor 重生之女帝传奇 Kindhearted Little Rabbit仁者小兔Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she was a princess who loved armor more than finery and made a name for herself in battle. For her lover, she left the battlefield and donned fine clothes, only to be confined to the inner quarters and conspired against and killed by her lover and her younger brother, who had become emperor. He was a brave and battle-hardened young general, unmatched in courage. After returning victorious, he should have been rewarded with promotion, but a treacherous minister falsely accus 23Reads6.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I've been following this new book every day lately, and finally found one that isn't just about romance. The female protagonist is reborn, intelligent, and highly skilled in martial arts. The opening scene shows her leading five hundred guards, crossing mountains, storming the enemy camp, and assassinating the Tuhun King…

18. 118 摄 Your Highness the Regent, Is Your Assassin Missing a Few Marbles? 摄政王殿下，你家杀手缺根筋！ Little Iron Leftover小铁剩Ancient Romance559k WordsCompleted After Jiu Yue died, the System told her that once she completed her mission, she could return to the real world with a reward of ten billion. Jiu Yue, who had been grumbling about her identity as an assassin, smiled sweetly. “Who says transmigrating is a bad thing? This is amazing!” However, a time-space delay kept the System from transmigrating with her, and it hadn't had time to explain the mission in full. But Jiu Yue didn't think that mattered. She was an assassin, after all. How hard could 38.2kReads9.4Score4.9kShelves
19. 119 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 5.6kReads8.9Score554Shelves

    Reader note

    Strong female lead, satisfying read, intelligent characters: ① Strong female lead, sweet and fluffy transmigration novel, with a space to punish scum and build a career ② Mind-reading ability + gossip system, laugh from beginning to end ③ Goddess doctor transmigrates into a silly concubine to be buried alive, revives a poisoned prince, sweet and funny.

20. 120 只 All I Ask Is That the Prince Live to a Hundred 只求王爷长命百岁 Sixteen Notes十六音Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted (This is a lighthearted straight romance. If you’re looking for a story without a male lead, check out the author’s other book.) (The secondary couple is same-sex, but doesn’t get much page time. Skip it if that’s not your thing.) (The author’s writing isn’t the best, and writes purely for fun. If it’s not to your taste, feel free to move on, but please be kind in the comments.) Shen Lingshu was forcibly “changed” to male at birth. She inherited a marquisate at eight, and spent decades disguised 470Reads8.7Score101Shelves
21. 121 穿 The Ultimate Showdown Between a Transmigrator and a Reborn Woman 穿越女与重生女的巅峰对决 Madam Annie安妮夫人Ancient Romance115k WordsOngoing [Woman disguised as a man + face-slapping the scum + a touch of reverse harem + wartime turmoil + imperial examinations + real and fake heirs and daughters] After years of grueling effort, Shen Yutang, the head of a C City conglomerate, finally fought her way through a crowd of prospective heirs, only to die of a heart attack. Her soul should have moved on to reincarnation, but by an incredible twist of fate, it transmigrated into a political intrigue novel called The Reborn Princess Doted on b 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead disguises herself as a man to become empress; she's a wicked woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. There's a male lead, and it involves the imperial examination system.

22. 122 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 24kReads9.1Score2kShelves
23. 123 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 20.9kReads9.3Score2.4kShelves
24. 124 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.4kReads9.4Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    These books are really good. The first one features a female protagonist whose entire family are corrupt officials. The second one has a female protagonist who transmigrates and wants to save the Shen family, who were falsely accused in history. The third one features a female protagonist who, as a woman, strives to conquer the world.

25. 125 和 On the Day We Divorced, a Mad Beauty Snatched Me Away 和离当天，我被疯批美人抢走了 Little White Pile白色小乌堆Ancient Romance311k WordsCompleted Mutual devotion + a rival who gets his comeuppance + happy ending Synopsis One: Jiang Xueci transmigrated into a book, becoming the brainless heroine who still loved the male lead even after he slaughtered her entire family. Jiang Xueci: “Ha...” How is that any different from falling in love with the prime minister of Japan in the real world? Suffer for the male lead and then get back together with him? No way. I'll cling to the antagonist's leg instead. With the story in my hands, either I live 1.4kReads9.2Score159Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is brave and resourceful, and the plot is fast-paced and doesn't drag.

26. 126 纵 So What If You’re Reborn? 纵你重生又如何 Yao Yaoya妖幺芽Ancient Romance169k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete] [Two powerful leads + no point in being reborn as a concubine’s daughter + face-slapping and punishing scoundrels + the male lead has a secret crush] [A cool, composed beauty with overwhelming combat prowess vs. a mysterious, bewitching prince] [One-on-one romance + happy ending + single and chaste] Her mother was the most favored legitimate princess, her uncle was the reigning emperor, her maternal grandmother was empress dowager of the realm, and her older brother 2.4kReads8.9Score309Shelves
27. 127 长 The Eldest Princess Is Fierce and Stunning, While Her Scheming Hostage Prince Grows Arrogant on Her Favor 长公主暴戾绝色，绿茶质子恃宠而骄 Seven Parts Wine七分酿酒Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted In her previous life, Yan Shu was blinded by love and wasted a winning hand! Not only did her kingdom fall, she was also poisoned to death by a scumbag full of schemes! Reborn, she swept her hand through the air! She had the scumbag beaten with a rod, wiped out his entire household, brought down the Noble Consort... She would slay any god or Buddha who stood in her way! The richest man in the world was her disciple, the strongest shadow guard was her senior brother, the fearsome Iron Cavalry gen 1.6kReads9.1Score228Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is incredibly powerful and decisive, and the theme is fantastic!

28. 128 反 The Villainess Kills with Her Beauty 反派她以美貌杀人 Shattered Starlight夜空碎光Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted (The heroine is a true villain. If you prefer morally upright characters, read with caution.) She was the villain of a book, but she never knew it. But what did that matter? Her beloved was dead. How could those responsible for his death be allowed to live? She toyed with the world in the palm of her hand, laying schemes within schemes and concealing deadly intent at every turn. Her gentle nature and ethereal beauty were both weapons, and no one could stand in the way of her revenge. The person 4.1kReads9.4Score479Shelves
29. 129 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
30. 130 女EN Empress: Enough Fooling Around! Who Put the Imperial Robe on Me? 女帝：胡闹！谁把龙袍给朕穿上了 Shang Buyu商不予卿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted No CP + powerful heroine becomes emperor + satisfying throne-grabbing story + ruthless and self-serving Di Qingyu is a woman whose only wish is to become emperor and seize power, standing above all others. The history books describe this disastrous princess as “cunning to the point of being demonic, debauched and lawless, a scourge to the imperial court, and scheming to become emperor. She is a disgrace and an aberration among the women of the world.” At eighteen, she was made Grand Princess of 232Reads8.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books are unbeatable in the political intrigue genre. Both are about becoming emperor, guaranteed to be good.

31. 131 错 Mistakenly Bound to the Eunuch, He Helps Me Ascend the Throne 错绑九千岁，他助我登临帝位 Two or Three Sounds Beneath the Moon月下两三声Ancient Romance156k WordsOngoing [War-God Grand Princess × Lord Eunuch: Fierce and ruthless to outsiders, proud and devoted to her] “Women rule” + “Court intrigue” + “Both pure” + “Power couple” Ye Shumei returns from battle to find that her fiancé, Wen Zhijin, is going to marry her imperial younger sister. How could she possibly put up with that? If you’re going to be so unreasonable, then I’ll just... On a dark, windy night, she climbed over the wall into the Grand Tutor’s residence and hauled someone back to her villa in a s 41Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a political intrigue novel with two strong protagonists and a dominant female lead.

32. 132 重 Reborn, the Brutal Princess Goes on a Killing Spree 重生后暴虐公主杀疯了 A Hint of Cool in South City南城微凉吖Ancient Romance163k WordsOngoing [Strong female lead + feel-good power fantasy + an incredibly cool heroine + fictional dynasty + sweet romance + female-centered story] (A ruthless, unhinged princess versus a battle prince with power over the entire court) Mu Xiyan is the most favored princess of the Linyue Kingdom. In her previous life, she was infatuated with the eldest son of the Chancellor’s family. After marrying him, she used her family’s favor to help the Chancellor’s household at every turn. In the end, the Chancellor r 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is so satisfying! I haven't read a story this enjoyable in ages. I absolutely adore the female lead! This is what a true female-dominated novel should be like. In other strong female lead stories, the female lead is strong, but the male lead is stronger. This one is different. The female lead is stronger than the male lead. I love this kind of thing—she takes down whoever she doesn't like without a second thought, completely disregarding the consequences and unafraid to face them. Unlike other novels with conspiracy theories. I love it!

33. 133 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 36.9kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Super good! The author is a former PhD in psychology. The part where the emperor is trained like a dog is incredibly satisfying in the later episodes.

34. 134 另 Seeking a Better Match: I Won’t Be the Madam of This Marquis’s Manor! 另谋高嫁：这侯府夫人我不做了！ Egret Under Clear Skies晴天白鹭Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Original title: Finding a Better Match: I’m Done Being the Marquess’s Wife! Regarding plagiarism, don’t make baseless accusations. The publication dates are there for all to see. [Traditional historical romance and household intrigue + strong heroine and hero + mutual devotion + a prince who cherishes his wife] A merchant’s daughter marries into a marquess’s household, becoming the laughingstock of the capital. For six years, Jiang Shu lives alone and supports the entire household without compla 23.9kReads9.2Score4.8kShelves

    Reader note

    It's not about being obsessed with romance; it features a local female protagonist who seeks revenge in this life, without any reincarnation tropes!

35. 135 盛 Beloved Above All in a Golden Age, With the Land as Dowry 盛世独宠，山河为聘 Wilderness Siren荒野塞壬Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Male emperor and female monarch, political intrigue, devoted to each other, sweet romance, both leads are natives of a traditional historical setting] One was an emperor’s chosen star who brimmed with murderous rage; the other was a brilliant woman destined for a tragic fate. Yun Zhenzhen chose Chu Yu to protect her family and save her own life. To her, it was nothing more than a mutually willing bargain. But the bold, unrestrained man held her close and shielded her from every open attack and 1.1kReads9.1Score118Shelves

    Reader note

    ① Both are highly intelligent and have high IQs throughout. Yun Zhenzhen, the eldest daughter of the Yun family in Shengjing, possesses a brilliant mind, but her fate is weak, and she is unlikely to live long. "Extreme intelligence is bound to bring harm." "He who possesses a brilliant mind will rule the world." "A common man is innocent, but he is guilty of possessing a treasure." The reason why a brilliant mind can stir up trouble in the court is because of a rebellious nature. Yun Zhenzhen was born into the loyal Yun family. Yun Zhenzhen's maternal grandfather said that she was the least ambitious of the brilliant minds, but he did not know that she originally had it. She only confined herself to the Yun family because the Yun family was loyal. Chu Yu, the heir of the Chu Kingdom, is a star destined to become emperor, but he is full of malice. The two join hands to rule the world. Chu Yu is the emperor, and Yun Zhenzhen is the empress. However, Chu Yu did not confine Yun Zhenzhen to the empress. Instead, he paved the way for Yun Zhenzhen to also become an empress. Two emperors in one dynasty. Chu Yu, though reckless and willful, willingly submits; Yun Zhenzhen, strategizing and planning, strives only to protect her beloved, hoping for a peaceful and prosperous life. ② Ancient Chinese romance, strong leads. The female lead is the long-lost eldest daughter of the Grand Tutor. During her years of separation, she has become the mistress of the most powerful force in the martial arts world, the Su Ye Palace, cold, ruthless, and decisive. The male lead is the emperor's younger brother, noble and handsome. A story of a strong female lead, it involves the struggles between the martial arts world and the imperial court. The female lead helps the male lead ascend to the throne and stabilize the world. Afterwards, she leaves the court and returns to the martial arts world to continue being the powerful mistress of the Su Ye Palace. Two years after the female lead leaves, the male lead abandons the throne and wanders the martial arts world with her. ③ Twins, the two sisters are raised separately. The female lead lives in the capital with her grandmother, while the older sister lives in the frontier with her parents, brothers, and younger brother. Later, they return to the capital. It's quite good. The female lead's life is quite tragic, but many people love and protect her. The female lead's father is a general. Apart from the grandmother, everyone else in the general's mansion is speechless. The female lead's father becomes alright later on. I really like some of the atmosphere in the story. However, the female lead's mother and older sister are particularly mean to her. It's suitable for mindless watching.

36. 136 逸 The Cold Princess Consort of Prince Yi 逸王的冷妃 Smoky Trees by the Cold River寒江烟树Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The powerful Yulong Kingdom's noble and handsome Prince Yi, Ye Qiansheng, is determined to reclaim the throne that belongs to him. He forms a marriage alliance with Leng Ruohan, the long-lost legitimate daughter of the cold Grand Tutor Leng, to whom he is already betrothed. Leng Ruohan is the aloof leader of Suye Palace, the martial world's foremost criminal organization. As the two spend time together, the haughty prince finds himself indulging her in every way... 779Reads8.5Score100Shelves
37. 137 王 The Prince’s Cherished Treasure 王府心尖宠 Tea Scatters荼散Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted Sixteen years ago, because of a remark by an old Daoist, Su Niannian and her twin sister were raised apart. For sixteen years, her sister grew up with their parents and siblings, while Su Niannian was raised by their grandmother. Sixteen years later, her sister returned to the capital with their parents, only to discover that Su Niannian, left behind in the capital, had become the apple of Prince Su's household's eye. "We don't care about them! Our prince's estate is bigger and prettier than the 24.7kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves
38. 138 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.3kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    A female protagonist embodying political intrigue, with male leads often relegated to supporting roles.

39. 139 宫 Blood on the Palace Walls: I Toppled an Empire with My Medical Skills 宫墙血：我靠医术覆了江山 The Hidden Guest of Kazama风间匿客Ancient Romance291k WordsOngoing I was born among the clouds, until one sudden upheaval changed everything. My family was slaughtered, and I entered the palace as a replacement bride to seek revenge. I conceal my medical skills, wield my needle case, stir up the inner palace, and tear the vicious empress to shreds. People say my beauty brings ruin to the nation, but I’ll use my medical skills to overthrow the realm, kill my enemies with my own hands, and rule the world! 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is excellent. The female lead is intelligent, clear-headed, and decisive; everyone in the cast is highly intelligent; and the plot is engaging and fast-paced. Highly recommended.

40. 140 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 2kReads9.1Score242Shelves

    Reader note

    Political intrigue, a strong female lead, and mind-bending plot twists kept me completely engrossed. The male lead, surnamed Lin, silently accompanies her. Xiao Sheng raised her hands and chuckled, "These hands of mine certainly can't cover the sky." As she spoke, Xiao Sheng removed a silver hairpin from her temple and stared at Yang Yi, "But I can make sure that Lord Yang can't see the sky."

41. 141 感 A Guide to Reforming Villains 感化反派指南 Xiao Shanzhong小山重Ancient Romance253k WordsCompleted [Main Story Complete; Extras Will Be Posted From Time to Time] Jiang Runian was on the verge of successfully ascending when the Heavenly Dao informed her that her fortune was insufficient. The tribulation lightning struck her and sent her to another world, where she was bound to a System that was supposed to reform villains. When she heard that five or six little-sunshine Hosts had already failed to stop the villain from turning evil and destroying the world, Jiang Runian sneered. “Would a villa 3.2kReads9.2Score500Shelves
42. 142 奸 The Treacherous Minister 奸臣 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Zhao Wuyou was the son of a treacherous minister, and everyone at court had to respectfully call him “Little Chancellor.” Father and son controlled the court and toyed with political power, so plenty of people wanted him dead. Mu Baili was the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the governor of the Eastern Depot. He seemed respectful, mild-mannered, and kind to everyone, but in truth he was a wolf who devoured people without leaving a bone. What a shame that such a ruthless ma 4.4kReads9.1Score522Shelves
43. 143 可 But Pei Xiang Is into Men! 可是裴相她好男风啊 Cat in the Mooring泊里猫Ancient Romance376k WordsCompleted [The Prime Minister Pei likes men, and his favorite is Si Jingzhou] [Female protagonist disguised as a man] [1v1] [Girls help girls] Everyone knows the renowned Prime Minister Pei is attracted to both men and women, but the person he likes best is the newly appointed Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Si Jingzhou. Si Jingzhou impeaches her before the emperor for carousing. Pei Ji: “Oh, Assistant Minister, you’re so upright and incorruptible. I like you so much.” Si Jingzhou brin 876Reads8.9Score111Shelves
44. 144 公 The Princess Holds Sway Over the Court, and Her Harem Is Full 公主权倾朝野，鱼塘挤不下了 Old Yellow Rabbit老黄兔Ancient Romance3.4M WordsCompleted Original title: The Princess Holds Sway Over the Court, and Her Fish Pond Is Full [Historical Romance + Scheming + Everyone’s Darling + Reincarnation Before Birth + Favorite Concubine + Harem Intrigue + Wish Fulfillment + Alluring Heroine + System + Rise to Power] One day, after transmigrating, Liang Yue became the apple of her favorite concubine mother’s eye. The three thousand imperial consorts could not match her mother’s radiance, and the entire Great Xia treasury could not rival her uncle’s 22.1kReads7.4Score6kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is a time traveler who aspires to become an empress from a young age. She is the most favored princess in the royal family, wielding military power. Her entire family is cunning and calculating, capable of flawless schemes. Purely focused on her career, she is absolutely clear-headed. Men actively come to her, practically throwing themselves at her, to help her seize power and usurp the throne.

45. 145 女 Disguised as a Man, I Let the Prince Teach Me How to Seduce Him 女扮男装后，王爷手把手教我如何撩他 Lemon Qingqing柠青青Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Cang Yu concealed that she was a girl for eighteen years to escape the rotten cage of the Cang family. She certainly didn’t do it just to become a princess’s consort overnight and trade one cage for another! Besides, the noble Princess Shengning was as beautiful as a celestial maiden, but she was born with a husband-dooming fate. Countless men who were to become her consorts had died, and anyone who dared marry the princess had no idea how they’d die the next day! Yet her own family forced Cang 268Reads8.9Score100Shelves
46. 146 蓄 Deliberate Seduction: The Lovesick Emperor Is a Master Flirt 蓄意引诱，病娇陛下超会撩 Kumquat金橘子Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted [Short dramas “Has the Chancellor Been Flirted With Today?” and “Has the Chancellor Broken His Vows Today?” are now available. Search Tomato to watch.] [One-on-one romance + both leads are each other’s first + heroine disguised as a man + adored by everyone + love rivals everywhere + male rivals competing for her + regretful pursuit + second male lead wins] Perpetually slacking off, with occasional bursts of ambition: Chancellor Jiang Qingci & dark, clingy, lovesick beauty of a young emperor: Sh 5.4kReads9.2Score661Shelves
47. 147 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Having read novels for twenty years, these two are simply perfect. [Thumbs up]

48. 148 穿 I Transmigrated to the Zhou Dynasty, Helped Wu Zetian Summon Great Figures, and Built a Golden Age 穿越到武周朝代，我帮武则天召唤大佬们创盛世 Bring Me a Vat of Luosifen来一缸螺蛳粉8k WordsCompleted I transmigrated to the Wu Zhou dynasty and helped Wu Zetian summon great talents to create a golden age. 517Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Looks good, looks good 19

49. 149 我 I Saved the Grand Princess, and Now She Wants to Marry Me [Dual Female Leads] 我救了长公主，她要和我成亲【双女主】 Bring Me a Vat of Luosifen来一缸螺蛳粉8k WordsCompleted I saved the Grand Princess, and now she wants to marry me [Two female leads] 309Reads—Score—Shelves
50. 150 香 Soft as Fragrant Jade 香温玉软 Mulberry Leaves Forever桑叶久久Ancient Romance161k WordsCompleted Chu Yuan unexpectedly transmigrates after a car accident into an era where women’s dignity is trampled on. Kept like a captive, she refuses to accept her fate. She works hard in business and gathers power to undermine the wealthy merchant Liu Sanquan, but how could the person behind him let her off so easily? She helps him seize the throne, then claims half his empire for herself. She is not the one he loves, yet their fates remain entangled for a lifetime. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    One sentence made me want to write a female protagonist who isn't blinded by love. Many stories feature strong female leads who don't quite live up to their potential; their intelligence and abilities don't surpass those of men, and their ultimate achievements often involve staying home and having children. I'm trying to break this mold. A woman can temporarily lend her heart to a man and use him to achieve her own success.

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