Any Proper Palace-Intrigue Historical Stories? 😭 The Kind Where Everyone's Scheming Eight Steps Ahead 纯正的宫斗的古文有没有😭就是那种八百个心眼的

1. 201 大 The Imperial Consort of the Great Sheng Dynasty 大盛皇妃 Shu Yiyu书亦娱Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing Ensemble cast + revenge + black lotus + multiple couples + intense push and pull + fated connections + not a pure romance + high-IQ palace intrigue that grows into political machinations + tragic romance + alternate history + a battleground of tangled relationships The main stage is the imperial court: behind its dazzling, ornate facade are witty, charming daily moments, and a brutal, bloody core. The palace secrets are described in detail, and the content may be upsetting. This is a bad ending. 835Reads—Score10214d adds

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   Completed, angst warning⚠️ Rating not yet available. Content depends on your tolerance level; if you like angst, I'm waiting for a five-star review. A masterpiece of unconventional palace intrigue and power struggles. Detailed descriptions of palace secrets, plot twists that avoid clichés. Clear logic, humorous daily life, intense power struggles, the female lead is ridiculed upon entering the palace, and she seeks revenge through her own efforts. No cheat codes, no time travel, no rebirth; she navigates the treacherous and dark harem. Content may be disturbing; some readers may be driven away by the emotional intensity. Have you ever seen a palace intrigue novel where both men and women fight? A tragic portrayal of the ancient feudal system, showcasing the brutality of court struggles and the complexities of human nature.

2. 202 王 A Concubine’s Daily Struggle to Stay Alive in the Prince’s Manor 王府侍妾的苟命日常 Panda Little Moneybags熊猫小财迷Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Intense Household Intrigue + A Touch of Ensemble Cast + Plot-Driven + Everyone Has Eight Hundred Schemes] After transmigrating into the body of a concubine in the Prince of Jing's residence, Xie Run only wants to live in peace and, ideally, reach a hundred years old. At first, everything in the prince's residence is orderly. The prince shares his favor equally, the princess consort's position is secure, and the secondary consorts and concubines know their place. Who could have guessed that ever 22.7kReads9.1Score2.2k14d adds

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   I just watched it today, and it really fits the description. Everyone in it is very smart, and there's no question of love or hate; only those with the ability can survive.

3. 203 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.3kReads9.2Score95314d adds

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   The female lead is a master of palace intrigue, a shrewd and intelligent woman who isn't naive or overly simplistic.

4. 204 外 The Illegitimate Daughter 外室女 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance808k WordsCompleted Before she transmigrated, Shen Yi had lived through one hardship after another. Then she was reborn as a baby into a happy family. What could be more carefree? She never imagined it was all a lie. Her father’s love for her mother was fake, and so was the marriage contract he gave her. He had merely come to the Duke’s household to experience life, while Shen Yi, her brother, and her mother were just byproducts of that experience. That would have been bad enough, but her scumbag father also had a 7.8kReads9.3Score89314d adds

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   I haven't read the first book yet, but the last three are all very good. Cai Wangwang really has some talent.

5. 205 亡 The Fallen Princess: A Sea of Love and Hatred 亡国公主：情天恨海 Mu Yan Bingxin木焱冰欣Ancient Romance1.2M WordsOngoing A kingdom falls, a family is destroyed, and a treasured pearl is cast into the dust. Years in the imperial palace, a lifetime tangled in love and hate. A fleeting moment of tenderness and the bonds of their child cannot erase a blood feud. She is a princess of a fallen kingdom, biding her time as she struggles between revenge, the people, and the fate of her former dynasty. He is an emperor who rules the land, with the realm always taking precedence over love. Imprisoned in the palace and subjec 2.4kReads8.4Score14114d adds

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   Rumors about the princess and the hostage prince spread like wildfire in the palace. Instead of avoiding suspicion and quelling the gossip, the princess insisted on marrying the helpless hostage prince. She was convinced that she could use her status and power to firmly control him and turn him into a powerful bargaining chip in the court. However, she failed to see through the hostage prince's true ambition and ultimately pushed herself into a game from which she could not escape. The plot twists were reasonable and there were no abrupt or forced settings.

6. 206 章 Empress Zhangde: From Minister's Daughter to Regent Dowager 章德皇后：从罪臣之女到临朝太后 Where Have We Ever Seen Him Beneath the Trees林下何曾见Ancient Romance724k WordsOngoing She once believed that by restraining herself and observing propriety, she could find peace in the deep palace. Dou Shu, daughter of a convicted minister, enters the palace and takes Empress Dowager Ma, famed for her virtue, as her example. She studies, learns etiquette, and exercises caution and self-discipline. Then she discovers that even Empress Dowager Ma's selflessness has an edge: she endures when there is no opportunity, but seizes one when it comes. At last, Dou Shu understands that vi 95Reads—Score—14d adds

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   In a proper palace intrigue, eunuchs, powerful ministers, imperial relatives, and even the emperor all engage in palace struggles. Everyone has their own compelling reasons and their own selfish motives. However, the struggles are not for the emperor's favor, but for power, posthumous fame, and the future of their families. The Eastern Han Dynasty was founded by the empress dowagers who ruled as regents, and the historical origin of the Three Kingdoms period.

7. 207 九 Ninefold Spring: The Empress Consort’s Exclusive Favor 九重春：娘娘她独得恩宠 Songyu Fish淞雨鱼Ancient Romance286k WordsCompleted Song Peiqing is the second daughter of the Grand Tutor's household, kept deep within its inner quarters, and the eldest daughter who was mistakenly switched at birth years ago. After more than a decade confined to the estate, one imperial decree sends her by mistake into a gilded cage. Her legitimate elder sister resents her, the women of the imperial harem watch her with wary eyes, and the emperor's heart is as cold as a deep pool. Better to savor a lotus-seed pastry, enjoy the clear rain in th 388Reads6.0Score—14d adds

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   I highly recommend this book. It's about being favored from the moment you enter the palace. The female protagonist enters the palace using the identity of a real noblewoman. There's no plot about constantly having children. It includes both palace and court storylines. The author loves female characters. It's already completed.

8. 208 元 The Tale of Consort Yuan, Part One 元妃传 壹 Wen Wen Wen Xiaozhao温温温小兆Ancient Romance494k WordsCompleted Where do the clouds return after traveling ten thousand miles? Only to a place where the winds rise and clouds surge, where there is nowhere left to hide. In Liu Antan's eyes, the imperial harem is just like that: at times she stands apart from it, at times she is trapped in its depths. She secures her place in the harem with the emperor's favor, and assumes she understands his heart. The nine-tiered palace of colored glass is both where her story begins and where it will end. She leaves even 49Reads8.0Score—14d adds

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   This is my collection, all pure palace intrigue and scheming, every single one of them is amazing!!!

9. 209 三 Three Feet of Spring 三尺春【王嘉懋、李十七主演 短剧同名原著小说热播中！！！】 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance371k WordsCompleted The captivating beauty Li Shuwan, whose background is shrouded in mystery × the aloof, proud General Li Fengyuan, hard-mouthed but soft-hearted Ancient romance + premium novel + one-on-one romance + both leads' first love + sweet romance + mutual devotion + palace intrigue + simmering tension + secret crush + age gap + reunion after years apart When she was seven, Li Shuwan was brought back from the countryside to the General's Mansion, becoming Li Fengyuan's relative in name only. Knowing her 21.4kReads9.4Score2.5k14d adds

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   A collection of gems from a decade of collecting female-oriented content [sending hearts]

10. 210 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 142kReads9.7Score112k14d adds

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    A collection of gems from ten years of collecting female-oriented content 💕

11. 211 凤 The Six Palaces of the Phoenix Court 凤阙六宫 Phoenix of the Northern Sea北溟有凰Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Even to the very end, no one knew how Consort Hua managed to rise from the depths and win the emperor's favor once again. Likewise, no one knew why an emperor who had seen every kind of beauty over fifteen years would fall for such a young girl. But everyone knew one thing: in the third year after Consort Hua entered the palace, that exalted emperor swore before all the people at the Temple of Heaven that he would never appoint an empress or take another concubine for the rest of his life. 17Reads6.2Score—14d adds
12. 212 强 A Forced Love Match? I'll Make You Regret It 强取豪夺？本宫让你悔不当初 Ding Ding Dang Dang叮叮铛铛呀Ancient Romance151k WordsOngoing [A heroine who grows] [No transmigration or rebirth] [The heroine decides who the male lead is] Zhu Shu was beautiful, the youngest daughter in a modest family in the capital. Her loving parents doted on her, her older siblings looked after her, and she had been engaged since childhood. She should have enjoyed a peaceful life, but the Prince of Jing noticed her while she was watching the Lantern Festival lights by the river. * The Prince of Jing was the emperor's most cherished and trusted son, —Reads—Score—14d adds

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    A palace intrigue novel without rebirth or time travel, starting from the Prince's mansion and moving to the Imperial Palace.

13. 213 惊 Shocking! The Noble Consort Wins the Favor of All Six Palaces by Gossiping 惊！贵妃娘娘靠吃瓜宠冠六宫 Day Mountain Moon昼山月Ancient Romance620k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + substitute + fleeing while pregnant + secret identity] [The leads are not each other’s first; she becomes his sole favorite later. The heroine stays clearheaded and never falls for him. A silly, fluffy story; the heroine is no saint.] Jing Shumei was born with stunning beauty. She used her looks to seduce the Emperor, never giving him her heart, only scheming for her own gain. Using her mind-reading ability to listen in on palace gossip and navigate the harem, she climbed step 4kReads9.3Score55614d adds
14. 214 穿EN After Becoming the Villainess, I Clear My Name Every Day 穿成恶女后每天都在洗白 Gathering Vetch, Gathering Vetch采薇采薇Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Everyone’s Darling + Adorable Kids + Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy]: Transmigrating into a lovesick woman, Tang Zhuyun wakes up in the middle of a scene where she’s climbing into a man’s bed. She turns around and runs. Forget this bed, she’s not getting in! Who needs a man when her father is the top scholar, her brother is the top scholar, and even her son will be the top scholar? They’ll protect her, so she can do whatever she wants! As a master physician, she’ll focus on her career, save lives, and k 33.5kReads9.3Score4.7k14d adds
15. 215 宫 Schemes of the Palace: The Concubine's Daughter Becomes Empress 宫心谋之庶女皇妃 Little Sakura Who Loves Cats爱猫咪的小樱Ancient Romance627k WordsCompleted The heroine’s story: As a concubine-born daughter, Jin Yu’s greatest wish in life is simply to survive. To stay alive, she schemes her way into the palace through the imperial selection. To stay alive, she struggles and sinks deeper into the palace’s intrigues. To stay alive, she fights the emperor’s consorts, his mother, and even the emperor himself! The hero’s story: As an emperor, Xiahou Ming’s greatest misfortune in the first half of his life was being falsely branded a foolish ruler. In the 53Reads6.6Score—14d adds
16. 216 阎 The King of Hell's Agent Takes It Easy in the Cold Palace 阎王特工在冷宫摆烂 Offline Romance离线风月Ancient Romance273k WordsOngoing Palace intrigue + transmigration + lighthearted + strong heroine + secret identity + satisfying read + sweet romance Shen Yuan transmigrated into the body of a disgraced consort banished to the Cold Palace and thought: Could there be any better luck? A top agent in her previous life and an abandoned consort in the Cold Palace in this one, Shen Yuan thought this was the most comfortable assignment she'd had in either life. A private room with meals and lodging included, zero socializing, zero dut 818Reads—Score10614d adds

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    A political intrigue and palace drama novel. (Intelligent content)

17. 217 伪 Impostors, Keep Out: I Guard Humanity's Last Pure Land 伪人止步，我守着人间最后净土 Twilight Among the Flowers花间迟暮Urban100k WordsOngoing After transmigrating into a world overrun by impostors, Shen Zhi becomes a security guard at Wanling Mansion, a residential complex. Bound to the Wanling Mansion Security System, he is just an ordinary man who hasn't even begun tempering his body through martial arts. A single finger from an impostor could crush him to death. Worse still, every time he takes action, his safety score goes down! If it drops below 70%, the System will unbind, and he'll die on the spot! In this world, impostors can —Reads—Score—14d adds

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    To save the crown prince, the genius physician Shen Jingwan was sacrificed by her family, who extracted the once-in-a-century "Exquisite Bone." Her family was thus ennobled, while she was abandoned in the countryside to fend for herself. 🥳❤️👍🥳🥳🎉🤩

18. 218 他 He's a Fool, She's Loaded. What's It to You? 他人傻，她钱多，关你什么事 Mianmian Gao绵绵羔Ancient Romance206k WordsOngoing (A sickly but absurdly powerful heroine x a clingy, loyal, green-tea schemer of a hero who goes insane for her; two strong leads, both devoted only to each other, and plenty of sweet romance) Content warning: The story starts slow, then features a lot of political intrigue later on, so proceed with caution! The hero is genuinely an idiot at first, but he gets better. If that's not your thing, don't read. - She gets caught in a last-minute marriage swap, and the concubine still has her eye on the 113Reads—Score—14d adds

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    The plot is fast-paced with minimal political intrigue, featuring a completely female-dominated world, and both the male and female leads are strong. [Cool]

19. 219 进 I Entered the Palace as a Maid, but Bore the Crown Prince Twins 进宫当宫女，却给太子生下龙凤胎 Everything Goes Well万事皆宜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ji Nianzhen entered the palace as a maid and was always perfectly obedient. She planned to keep her head down until she was allowed to leave the palace, but then she unexpectedly became the Crown Prince's concubine. To her surprise, luck kept coming her way, and she rose in rank while raising a child! But is being obedient really enough to survive in the palace? Even in this deep palace, she never forgot who she was. She kept her hands clean as she protected herself and her child. A kind heart a 1.6kReads8.6Score18614d adds
20. 220 和 After the Divorce, the Villainous Stepmother Brings Blessings to the World! 和离后，反派后娘福载天下！ Mo Yi Mo Jia莫乙莫甲Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted Su Xin peered into the secrets of fate and discovered that her terrible luck in this life was because someone had stolen her fortune and the merit she'd accumulated over a hundred lifetimes in her previous one! As she was pondering how to fix it, a bolt of lightning sent her back to her previous life. From the start, her stepfather had already packed her off to become someone else's stepmother. A wild System suddenly bound itself to her, too. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven troublesome k 37.1kReads9.6Score5.9k14d adds
21. 221 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 139.1kReads9.6Score16.9k14d adds
22. 222 娘 The Empress Doesn't Fight for Favor, the Emperor Crowns Her Empress 娘娘不宫斗，帝王捧上后位 Breezy Giggles凉风嘻嘻Ancient Romance293k WordsCompleted [A Dark, Unhinged Emperor vs. A Wild and Alluring Consort: Not a Pure Romance, but Full of Devotion, Thrills, and Sweetness!] Jiang Shu transmigrates into the harem of a tyrant, becoming an obscure Noble Lady. She thinks she’ll just keep her head down in the palace until old age. But then, to survive, she throws herself into the tyrant’s arms. The emperor adores her beyond measure! He clears out his entire harem for her and puts her on the throne as empress. From then on, their life as emperor a 1.3kReads9.1Score13614d adds
23. 223 和 The Legend of He Xi 和熹传奇 Yi Fei苡菲Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Deng Sui had been certain that missing the selection three years earlier meant she would be free of strife from then on. But shackled by her identity, she was forced to enter the palace a second time and won favor as a low-ranking consort. Neither her graceful figure nor her lovely features could make Emperor Liu Zhao fall for her. She was merely a pawn, caught between a sovereign who placed imperial power above all else and ministers who dared to act with impunity... The moment she entered the 21Reads—Score—14d adds
24. 224 全 The Whole Family Transmigrates: 18 Ways to Survive in Ancient Times 全家穿越：古代生存十八法 The Butterfly Doesn't Want To蝴蝶不愿意Ancient Romance3.1M WordsCompleted The whole family transmigrates to ancient times after an accident. Whether that counts as good luck or bad luck is anyone’s guess. They’ve barely woken up when they find out the family has no money, no land, and a mountain of debt to repay. Not one of them has a golden finger, either. But the dog that came along with them is rather interesting. Could it be some kind of divine hound? This big family has to put food on the table, keep the household harmonious, and make progress in their studies. W 49.5kReads9.5Score5.3k14d adds
25. 225 太 A Concubine’s Guide to Winning the Crown Prince’s Favor 太子宠妾上位攻略 Clouds at the Horizon天边云Ancient Romance599k WordsCompleted How will His Highness the Crown Prince deal with the side consort who fainted during her investiture? Pei Jingyan: “She embarrassed me. The Cold Palace is where she belongs!” How will the precious pearl in his palm take revenge on the Crown Prince who made her a concubine? Yao Baozhu: “A woman’s revenge lasts all day long!” Their meeting was far from beautiful, and their relationship began with schemes. Yet over the long years, they found love and tenderness, and learned to give each other their 1.8kReads8.7Score20514d adds
26. 226 娘 The Consort Is Coy and Alluring, and Has Her Sights Set on the Throne 娘娘又茶又媚，一心只想上位 Take Your Pikachu Away抱走你的皮卡丘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Alternate history + pure palace intrigue + clear-eyed heroine who doesn’t love the emperor] Su Qingyao looks like a delicate beauty, but she is more clear-headed than anyone. In the imperial harem, all she wants is power. Before the emperor, she is the picture of understanding. “Your Majesty is my only support.” “With Your Majesty by my side, I have nothing to fear.” But what she is really thinking is: Thank goodness she made plans long ago. The man before her is the least reliable person of al 164Reads7.2Score—14d adds
27. 227 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 53.2kReads9.3Score7.3k14d adds

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    The female lead in the first book is incredibly strong, flawless in every aspect. The entire story is cunning, and there are no truly evil characters. Every character is well-developed and fleshed out, making it a very good ensemble piece. The rest are similar in genre, pure palace intrigue, with none of the female leads being love-struck! Everyone is intelligent, making for a very enjoyable read! The battles between experts are deadly, all carefully selected! All are completed works, very satisfying to read! [Shy]

28. 228 萧 Empress Xiao: Win the Emperor and Bear Him a Son 萧氏皇后：拿下皇上生皇子 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted More children, more blessings. [The fiercest rise to power through palace intrigue + Winning the emperor's heart + Having all the children in the imperial palace + Having children nonstop] Every child who survives in the end is the heroine's. After breaking all ties with Prince Ling, she enters the palace. Two years go by, and she avoids the emperor's favor, wanting only to live out her life in peace. She never expected the empress's banner to sway in her direction and choose her. Xiao Wan'er kn 286Reads8.9Score—14d adds
29. 229 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 70.3kReads9.7Score9.3k14d adds
30. 230 深 Palace Intrigue: The Story of Qing Zhi 深宫策·青栀传 Qing Zhi Wei Bai青栀未白Ancient Romance882k WordsCompleted Her eyes can see through sinister tricks and schemes, but she cannot fully see the changes in people's hearts. His hands hold the fate of all under heaven, yet all he wants is to hold on to the few who truly care for him. How far is it from being the daughter of a powerful official distrusted by the emperor to becoming a virtuous empress remembered throughout history? Once she enters the imperial palace, her past ties are severed. Half a lifetime of ups and downs conceals the green of the garden 1.9kReads9.2Score29514d adds

    Reader note

    The best I've ever seen.

31. 231 神 My Divine Bones Were Stolen? I Emptied the Imperial Treasury for My Dowry 神骨被夺？我搬空国库当嫁妆 Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance875k WordsCompleted [Legitimate Daughter + Household and Palace Intrigue + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Love + Political Scheming + Divine Physician + Taking Down Villains + Satisfying Revenge] To save the Crown Prince, the genius physician Shen Jingwan is sacrificed by her family, who cut out her once-in-a-century “Exquisite Bone.” Her family is ennobled in return, while she is abandoned in the countryside to fend for herself. Three years later, she returns with unparalleled medical skills, only to discover that her 328Reads7.4Score—14d adds
32. 232 碎 Broken Jade, Sunken Palace 碎玉沉宫 Jiang Jiang Jiang Jiang Jiang蒋蒋蒋江江Ancient Romance118k WordsOngoing [Political intrigue + strong female lead + reborn for revenge + childhood friend] The empress who holds power over the court × the childhood friend and powerful minister who lives only for her × the fourth prince whose fortunes have declined, bound to her across two lifetimes In her previous life, blood stained the Phoenix Palace, her young child perished, and her clan was destroyed. After killing the faithless emperor with her own hands, Ren Lingyi accepted her death without regret. After wakin 3Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a strong female lead story. The female lead is very intelligent, a political intrigue and rebirth novel. In her previous life, the second male lead was the empress, but he harmed her. In this life, the female lead seeks revenge on him. First, she helps him become emperor, protecting her child who died in her previous life. Then, she usurps the throne, making her own child emperor. Ultimately, she ends up with the male lead, a powerful minister who is willing to be a sword in the empress's hand. The male lead and female lead are childhood sweethearts, and he grows into a powerful minister for her sake!

33. 233 宣 Commandery Princess Xuanping 宣平郡主 Cat Who Loves Sweet and Sour Pinecone Fish爱吃糖醋松果鱼的猫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Princess Xuanping and the Crown Prince grew up together. Everyone thought she would become the future Crown Princess. But the Crown Prince fell for the princess's delicate, innocent-looking cousin instead. He forgot his promise that they would spend their lives together, and even risked angering the Emperor so he could marry her cousin. When danger struck, he abandoned the princess without hesitation. After Prince An rescues her, the princess comes to her senses. Some people simply aren't meant 3.8kReads8.8Score36514d adds
34. 234 废 What Evil Could a Deposed Empress Have in Mind? She Just Wants to Rebel 废后能有什么坏心眼，想造反罢了 Apricot Wind, Peach Fish杏风桃鱼Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Dual rebirth + political intrigue + ensemble cast + powerful leads + character growth] In her previous life, Yun Tong died in the snow. Beside her lay the rival she had fought her whole life, and standing before her was the emperor she had protected all her life. The victor becomes king, the loser a criminal. Since she had chosen this path, she accepted its end. But natural disasters and calamities struck, the emperor was incompetent, corrupt officials held power, and the people could barely su 680Reads8.1Score10214d adds

    Reader note

    I couldn't resist giving it a thumbs up because so few people are reading it, but it's one of the few books on Taobao with strong logic. The plot is anything but clichéd; you can't guess what's going on at all, and the author just keeps you on the edge of your seat, haha. Another great thing is that each character is portrayed in great detail without overshadowing the main character. I really like the way the narrative transitions between scenes; it's very cinematic.

35. 235 重 Reborn: The Treacherous Eunuch Qian Sui Coaxes Me to Call Him Husband 重生后，奸臣九千岁诱我叫他夫君 Dashing Young Master Zhang鲜衣怒马张公子Ancient Romance382k WordsCompleted When the Kingdom of Canglan fell and a new ruler ascended the throne, Song Yuqing’s husband gave her to Wei Jinchen, the wicked chief eunuch serving the new ruler, in exchange for his family’s survival. Every night, a sedan chair carried her to the Eastern Depot’s governor’s residence. From then on, her husband, Lu Huaiyu, rose steadily through the ranks, and the entire Lu family basked in wealth and status. Only she spent every night beneath that treacherous man, submitting to his desires. Late 1.5kReads7.6Score16614d adds

    Reader note

    It's so beautiful, it's absolutely my favorite!

36. 236 庶 The Concubine's Daughter Stuns the Court 庶女惊澜 Pine and Moon, Ever Full松月长盈Ancient Romance493k WordsOngoing A clear-headed, independent modern office worker transmigrates into the body of a marquis’s illegitimate daughter. She thinks modern thinking, flirting tricks, and a golden finger will let her crush the ancient world’s lawful wife. Instead, she runs into a prince’s consort who is brilliant, socially savvy, born into a top aristocratic family, and skilled at reading people and political maneuvering. She’s outmatched at every turn as the two women battle wits. —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    At the start, she thought she could crush the main wife with her flirting skills, but she didn't expect that the main wife was a top player who understood people's hearts and knew how to play the game.

37. 237 锁 The Cage of Captive Beauty 锁娇笼 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted [The print edition is out and available across all platforms] In the capital lives a charitable family named Yun. Their youngest daughter is called Yun Xian. The young woman is lovely, with a sweet smile. Matchmakers in the capital were green with envy, but everyone knew she had been betrothed to a young man from the Li family since childhood. Li Jingtang was as refined as bamboo and gifted in serving the people, but he was the only son of a widowed mother, and his family was poor. Fortunately, 2.9kReads9.2Score58914d adds
38. 238 北 The Grave Robbers' Chronicles: Northern School 北派盗墓笔记 Yun Feng云峰Mystery4.5M WordsOngoing [Published in print and available online] [The Beipai Notes horizontal-screen drama is now streaming] [Tomb Raiding + Mystery + Antiques] I'm a poor kid from a mountain village in Northeast China. In the early twenty-first century, hoping to make something of myself, I joined a northern tomb-raiding crew. From south to north, I've seen every side of the underworld and crossed paths with people from all walks of life. Over the years, I went from a young man to a middle-aged one. My drinking got b 948.8kReads9.6Score117.8k14d adds
39. 239 如 The Story of Ruyi: Wanwan's Miraculous Rise to Power 如懿传之奇迹婉婉上位记 Fine Rain Raises the Rose细雨扬薇Female-Channel Fanfiction1.7M WordsCompleted Wanwan’s miraculous rise to power | Everyone in the Palace of Eternal Longevity is a formidable fighter | Pairing: Jinzong | Main story complete | Bonus chapters ongoing In the thirteenth year of the Yongzheng reign, Wei Yanwan, a young palace maid in the Fourth Laundry, dreamed of the life of Consort Ling from the series Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace. At first, all she wanted was to work hard and save money, but Hailan falsely accused her of seducing the emperor, and she was demoted to the 10.1kReads9.5Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist climbs the ranks step by step from a palace maid, engaging in serious palace intrigue with cunning and resourcefulness. She manages to maintain her status and raise her child while ruthlessly punishing the villains. Most importantly, she doesn't lose her intelligence!

40. 240 皇 The Empress Doesn't Love the Emperor, and Now He Regrets It Too Late 皇后娘娘不爱陛下，陛下追悔莫及 Mr. Fanyang范阳先生Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted [Transmigration, emperor and empress couple, not a mutually devoted romance] The young emperor Xiao Chenyuan had just ascended the throne when he met Luo Qingning, the daughter of a military family, at a palace banquet. He fell in love at first sight and, despite her existing engagement, appointed her empress on the spot. Luo Qingning was a clear-headed university student born in the 2000s. After unexpectedly transmigrating to an unfamiliar world, she remained a committed opponent of marriage an 4.7kReads8.0Score10614d adds
41. 241 贵 The Imperial Consort Trades on the Emperor’s Favor, Seeking Revenge and Rising to Power 贵妃恃宠而骄，一路复仇上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue revenge power fantasy, with sweet romance, scumbags getting what they deserve, and an adorable child later on. The leads are not each other's firsts, so read with caution if that bothers you!!! Not fantasy!!!) She is Yu Zhiyi, daughter of Jiangnan's richest man, and Yu Zhiyan, daughter of the Minister of Rites. On her fifth birthday, because of a Frost Soul Pearl, all 100-odd members of Yu Zhiyi's family were slaughtered. The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley had once 2.6kReads9.1Score27514d adds
42. 242 孕 My Husband Wants a Divorce While I'm Pregnant? Fine, Whatever You Want! 孕期夫君要和离？随你都随你！ Fu Bao芙宝Ancient Romance331k WordsCompleted Shu Yuwan is the youngest legitimate daughter in her family. Her parents and elder brothers have cherished her since childhood, and her mother carefully chose a distinguished young gentleman from the capital to be her husband. After their wedding, the couple may not have been inseparable, but they treated each other with mutual respect. But while she was pregnant, her husband claimed he had met an extraordinary woman who had left him awestruck. He wanted a divorce so he could marry her. Shu Yuwa 11.1kReads8.9Score1.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first one, *Empresses in the Palace*, is forever a classic. The following ones are also palace intrigue dramas, super entertaining, and have a strong old-school palace drama vibe.

43. 243 侯 The Marquis's Estate Forgot Its Gratitude? The Regent Backs Me, and I Won't Forgive Them 侯府忘恩义？摄政王撑腰，不原谅 Chu Diandian初点点Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Luo Ning took a blade meant for the Empress Dowager and suffered severe injuries, trading her life for her family's noble title. She went south to recuperate for three years, but when she returned, she discovered that her maternal cousin had taken over her courtyard. Her cousin had even replaced her in every aspect. Luo Ning's parents and elder brother adored her, her grandmother favored her, and even Luo Ning's childhood sweetheart secretly admired her, saying that she surpassed Luo Ning in eve 177.6kReads9.4Score27k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonists in these books are all very intelligent and have great personal charm!

44. 244 原 I Thought the Imperial Palace Was a Prison, but the Emperor Held Me by the Waist and Spoiled Me 原以深宫似海，却被帝王锁腰娇宠 Ningning Zi柠柠梓Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + Empress + Devoted couple and sweet romance + Male lead has planned this for a long time + Not a serious palace-intrigue story] Lu Zhiyuan is the cherished youngest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo’s household. She is exquisitely beautiful, with an accomplished elder brother who supports the family’s prestige and a second elder sister skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting who brings the family honor. She has no need to contribute anything to the family, and 12.6kReads8.9Score1.2k14d adds
45. 245 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 20.8kReads9.2Score2.1k14d adds
46. 246 惬 A Carefree Qing Dynasty Transmigration, All Thanks to a Well-Crafted Persona 惬意清穿之全靠人设立得住 Nalan Yunqing纳兰云卿Female-Channel Fanfiction421k WordsCompleted See how a modern soul turns the Qing dynasty’s imperial harem upside down! Li Jingyan is quick to throw punches whenever anyone crosses her, and her tongue is as venomous as poison. Even Fourth Master has to avoid her sharp edge. She just has too many twisted arguments: no one can win against her, absolutely no one... 3kReads—Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    If you enjoy high-IQ palace intrigue, powerful female protagonists, and stories of striving to change feudal society, don't miss this! [Send a heart]

47. 247 忠 A Lifetime of Loyalty and Grace: Rising to the Top Together 忠婉一世：携手登高位 Ailusa from Shannan山南的艾露撒Female-Channel Fanfiction413k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Wei Yanwan schemed her way up to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, only to make one wrong move and fall into hell. She was tormented in the palace for ten years. What a joke. Did she really think a mere prayer banner could frighten her? She had killed them already. Was she supposed to fear them crawling out of hell for revenge? She hated it. She hated that fate never seemed to be on her side, and that this ending was so unfair to her. “Heavens! You favor Yikun Palace this 1.2kReads9.2Score13714d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommend them all! The second book is a spin-off, which makes up for the regrets, and it has a very satisfying ending!

48. 248 卿 My Beloved, You Bewitch My Heart 卿卿惑君心 Bei Xingyi北行易Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A bewitching fox-like beauty schemes to make the hero fall deeper at every turn + palace intrigue + transmigrated heroine VS reborn heroine] A Wall Street queen of finance dies in a plane crash and becomes Mu Qingli, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister of Dongli, who died unjustly. She inherits all of the original owner’s memories and bloody grievances: the humiliation of spending her wedding night alone, the despair of being framed for adultery, and the tragic leap from the Star-Gaz 862Reads8.9Score11714d adds

    Reader note

    A fox-like beauty, seducing to rise to power, yet clear-headed and not love-struck; easy to seduce in the beginning, but incredibly doting on later; a great watch, I stayed up all night to finish it.

49. 249 恶 Reborn After My Own Son, the Cruel Empress Dowager, Stabbed Me to Death 恶毒太后被亲儿子捅死之后重生了 Ink墨色Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted The vicious Empress Dowager Jiang Mingzhu was reborn. In her previous life, to put her son on the throne, she poisoned and tried to assassinate the emperor, colluded with court officials, drugged a pregnant consort to make her miscarry, and plotted against the young crown prince. Every time she schemed, she put her own life on the line to grind her stepson's face into the dirt. But when the plot to put the son she'd worked so hard to support on the throne was exposed, he stabbed her in the back 19.6kReads8.9Score2.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is full of battles between masters, full of twists and turns, and impossible to fathom.

50. 250 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 35.1kReads9.3Score5.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a really good show. The female lead starts from the bottom and focuses solely on her career, ignoring romance. Everything she does is for survival and a better life. It's very good. [Already added to my wishlist]

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