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. 401 华 Consort Hua Transmigrates into Dream of the Red Chamber as Jia Yuanchun 华妃穿越红楼之贾元春 A Fairy Tale in the Tune of Qing Ping清平调的童话Ancient Romance287k WordsOngoing In her previous life, she was Consort Hua, who took her own life in the cold palace. In this life, from the start, she is an unloved concubine, cautious and careful, climbing the ranks one step at a time. But the truth is that everything began with a dispute over a single stone. 42Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   There was no open life-or-death struggle; it was all done covertly.

2. 402 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 87.6kReads9.5Score12k14d adds
3. 403 欲 A Stunning Figure in the Sea of Desire 欲海惊鸿 Su Hehuan苏荷欢Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Serious drama: A powerful male and female lead, an ensemble-driven plot, palace intrigue and political schemes, and mutual redemption] Su Wan is an exceptionally beautiful woman, born with an alluring charm rarely seen in this world. So even as a married woman, she was chosen to bring a kingdom to ruin. The moment she entered the palace, she bewitched the emperor. To win her favor, Zhao Junlin launched lavish construction projects, killed high-ranking ministers, indulged in wine and women, and 850Reads6.5Score10314d adds

   Reader note

   This book is written in a very sophisticated style. It explores themes of national duty, love, and tragedy, making it captivating. It's definitely a gem among gems.

4. 404 让 They Wanted Me to Be a Sacrificial Stepmother, but I Chose to Make My Own Way 让我当炮灰主母，我偏另谋高枝 Ji Yun霁妘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Historical Romance / Household Intrigue / Sweet Romance / The Male Lead Is Head Over Heels] In Ruyi's Beloved Concubine, the heir apparent Xie Yunzhix is a brave and formidable warrior, always dashing across the battlefield in fine clothes, with no one able to stand against him. Sadly, he is only a supporting character. The story opens with him in a vegetative state, leaving behind three adopted sons. Xu Qingyi discovers that she has become the foil to the beloved heroine of a sweet romance. On 143.6kReads9.4Score20.6k14d adds

   Reader note

   Palace intrigue enthusiasts, look at me! I've been putting this off for ages, but recently I was taking a break and started watching. The female lead's awakening in the human world is amazing! I absolutely love the male lead; his long tongue is so sharp, he's incredibly good at witty comebacks, and he's handsome too, plus his fighting skills are off the charts! The female lead in the early episodes reminds me a lot of Minglan from "The Story of Minglan"—she's very good at using others' strengths against them. The author's logic is really strong, and the scene descriptions are incredibly detailed. The noble ladies all have their own elegance and pride! It's so good! Highly recommended!!! [Shy][shy][shy]

5. 405 娘 Her Majesty's Slender Waist and Snow-White Skin Have the Emperor Obsessed Every Day 娘娘细腰雪肤，皇上日日痴缠 Picking Green for the Consort取青妃白Ancient Romance392k WordsCompleted Before Shen Nian could enter the palace after being named Noble Consort, her younger sister had her killed. To stop her father from rebelling, she refused reincarnation and returned in the body of the empress to exact her revenge. She won the emperor's favor and secured her place at the head of the harem. At first, she planned to humor the emperor, but then she noticed the scheming ruler's gaze growing stranger and stranger. He even clung to her, pursuing her day and night. Li Xu had accounted f 177Reads6.5Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The male and female protagonists are cunning and scheming; a classic palace intrigue novel.

6. 406 娘 An Empress’s Daily Harem Battles 娘娘日常宫斗忙 Big Blade and Er Lu大刀和二噜Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted Not a one-man-one-woman romance, and he won't be devoted to just one woman. Read with caution. (Satisfying revenge + steady rise through the ranks + settling every score) From Concubine Xu to High Consort Xu, Xu Chenbi takes every step with care: becoming pregnant, giving birth, and rising in rank. After ascending to the empress's throne, will she become a shield for the emperor's beloved? Sorry, you two enjoy your romance. My goal is to become the empress dowager! 180Reads6.4Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   This book is purely a palace intrigue novel. The female lead isn't love-struck; she rises through the ranks to the Empress's throne. [Top post][Top post][Top post]

7. 407 魔 I'm Addicted! Cultivating Demonic Arts Is Too Much Fun to Stop 魔怔了！修魔爽到停不下来 Watching the Girls from the Wall坐在壁上观姑娘Fantastical Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Yun Xiyue, the eldest young lady of the Celestial Palace, was struck dead by lightning while undergoing her tribulation. Her body lay shattered, while her soul drifted through the sky. Shen Xingyao knelt in a pool of blood, crying until she had no strength left. Si Xiangyi spat blood and passed out, while the Heavenly Emperor scolded her as a little vixen, his hands shaking uncontrollably. Then someone told her: The man who cursed you is your biological father. She was tired. She didn’t want to 4Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Suspended deep within the firelight, it waits quietly, waiting for her to break off the hands hidden behind the chessboard of the Three Realms, one by one. 😊😇

8. 408 渣 My Scumbag Husband Dumped Me on Beggars? Reborn, I Went on a Killing Spree 渣夫君把我丢给乞丐？我重生杀疯 Nan Qiongqiong南琼琼Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short Dramas Now Streaming: The First Version, He Yi After Our Divorce, I Became the Crown Prince's Favorite, starring Zhang Chi and Yao Yuchen. The Second Version, Scheming for Her a Lifetime of Honor, starring Yang Luoqian and Feng Yiyang] Her husband was born impotent and unable to consummate their marriage, yet he and his vicious mother plotted to throw her to beggars! She suffered endless humiliation, while her husband passed the imperial exams, became a top scholar, and got his illness cu 2.5kReads9.1Score48114d adds

   Reader note

   1️⃣ The female lead's motto, "I may not be empress, but my son must be emperor," is my top 10 palace intrigue novel! 💯 The characters are incredibly well-developed. 2️⃣ She's exceptionally intelligent!!! It truly is a palace intrigue novel; the female lead is very rational, clear-headed, and intelligent. 🕊️ 3️⃣ It's a rebirth novel. Her ex-husband was impotent and schemed against her. After being reborn, the princess tries to steal her scumbag husband back, saying, "Give him to her, I'll be her mother!" The male lead is a regent, and the princess is adopted. He's fiercely protective of his wife!! 4️⃣ The author is a boy!! The writing is excellent! The female protagonist is ruthless in achieving her goals, clear-headed, rational, and highly intelligent in palace intrigue, scheming against the entire harem. She has a madwoman personality; this is not a reincarnation/transmigration story. 🌈5️⃣ On her first day after transmigrating, she discovers she's a disgraced concubine. A psychology PhD, she regains favor the next day. A clever woman solves men's problems; she treats the emperor as the ultimate boss, slowly chipping away at his health. The male protagonist falls for her. 6️⃣ This book tells two storylines: the female protagonist's and her mother's. The mother is incredibly beautiful; even after their divorce, many suitors come to propose marriage. The emperor, relying on his son, gains power (the emperor meticulously plans to legitimize his marriage to the mother). The mother's true identity is the long-lost, most beloved princess of a neighboring country. 👸🏻 Very good! 💥

9. 409 公 The Beautiful, Arrogant Princess and Her Sly, Flirtatious Consort 公主美又骄，钓系驸马茶艺高 Fragrant Wood Terrace木香台Ancient Romance353k WordsCompleted [Flirting with each other + Sweet romance, both are virgins + Taking down scumbags] [Arrogant princess + Scheming, sickly, beautiful prince consort] Yun Chaorong’s transmigration into a book went wrong, and she became the heroine of a tragic romance. She learned she was destined to be disfigured and humiliated, lose her entire family, then be imprisoned and tortured to death by the male lead, Xie Nanzhu. What the hell! Yun Chaorong wasn’t having it. She kicked the original male lead and the supp 12.1kReads9.4Score1.9k14d adds
10. 410 皇 The Emperor Regrets It? The Original Owner Is Dead, and I’m Finally Awake 皇上后悔了？原主已死，本宫清醒 Flowers After the Rain雨后繁花Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted [Raising children + palace intrigue + transmigration + everyday life + clear-eyed heroine + a transmigrated woman takes on a woman who transmigrated into a book, a reborn woman, a woman who was reincarnated before birth, and a native woman] Lin Anran, a government employee, transmigrates. She ends up in the body of a despised, wicked empress with a powerful family behind her. The empress was notorious for causing miscarriages, leaving the imperial harem short of heirs. The empress dowager dislik 2kReads8.4Score20714d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is very clear-headed; the emperor's love is unreliable, and climbing the ranks in the palace is the only real business!

11. 411 寒 A Cold Crow Nests in Your Heart 寒鸦栖君心 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone envies the Prince of Beian for loving his wife beyond all measure, with a love as deep as the sea. No one knows he won this perfect life by risking everything. Yan Junjue clawed his way out of a mountain of corpses in the Cold Palace. He was bloodthirsty and ruthless, a possessive, obsessive madman whose jealousy was carved into his bones. Everyone in the world feared him. Only Cui Yunqi was a little warmth in his endless darkness. She was the proud and steadfast lord of Hanya City, dev 8.4kReads8.8Score81814d adds

    Reader note

    The first book is a tragic romance. The male lead is insanely possessive and jealous, while the female lead isn't love-struck and has her own integrity. I cried a ton of tissues reading it. Highly recommended! [Sending heart] The second book is an ancient political intrigue novel—palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, all intricately linked. Childhood sweethearts vs. Loyal bodyguard. The female lead isn't love-struck—a clear-headed and rational legitimate daughter. Highly recommended! [Admiration]

12. 412 绾 Winding the Wind into Splendor 绾风华 Light Ink Wash水墨浅浅Ancient Romance344k WordsCompleted Cui Wanwan died, killed by a woman from another world. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at twelve years old, three years before the transmigrated woman arrived. Cui Wanwan, the second young lady of the Cui family, had been born a favorite of heaven, the apple of her family’s eye. With her family’s favor and prestige, she was destined to become a prince’s consort and enjoy a life of wealth and glory. She had thought her life would be carefree, but an odd woman who claimed to 3.1kReads8.9Score34014d adds

    Reader note

    Based on personal preference, the first book, "Victory is Prevailing," has a novel ending where the transmigrated woman fails, and the female lead is reborn in her native land. The second book features two sisters who are both reborn; the younger sister feels she chose the wrong person in her previous life and swaps husbands, while the older sister sees through it all but doesn't say anything. She doesn't really care who she marries; her past life's glory was earned through her own efforts. She's ruthless and loveless, and would be happy no matter who she marries—a typical matriarch. The third book has more political intrigue, but also some cheat-like advantages.

13. 413 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Alluring, Winning Favor and Rising to Power 娘娘娇软妩媚，一路争宠上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue story, not a one-on-one romance, and not a mutually faithful pairing. Proceed with caution!) Bai Ruotang is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Right Chancellor’s household. At fifteen, just after coming of age, she is sent into the palace to bear a child for her legitimate elder sister and help her secure the emperor’s favor. Unwilling to be reduced to someone else’s pawn, from the moment she steps through the palace gates, she decides she will carve out 10.5kReads8.9Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Listen to me. Look.

14. 414 替 I Took My Sister's Place and Married the Eunuch Lord 替姐姐嫁给九千岁 Oil-Run Salted Egg咸蛋流油Ancient Romance330k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other’s first and only + exclusive devotion + sisters swap marriages + ruthless Chief Eunuch vs. easygoing beauty] Jiang Yunshu transmigrates into the illegitimate daughter of the Marquis of Xiping’s household. She has food and shelter and can laze around to her heart’s content. All she wants is to remain an invisible nobody in the marquis’s household forever. Her legitimate older sister, Jiang Zhaohua, is famous throughout the capital. A decree from the palace summons her 27.9kReads9.2Score3k14d adds
15. 415 我 My Mother Became the Emperor's White Moonlight, and I Rule the Capital 我娘成为皇上白月光，我横走京城 Xiao Shijiu萧十九Ancient Romance432k WordsCompleted [Completed!!! Sweet romance + devoted to one another + the leads grow up together + the heroine’s mother is married to another man, while her emperor father has long schemed to make her mother his own. After stealing his minister’s wife, he raises the heroine as a beloved princess in this satisfying story!] Shen Qitang’s mother was once the most celebrated courtesan in Jiangnan. She spent all her savings supporting her father’s Marquis of Lecheng household, helping him rise to success. But after 103Reads7.2Score—14d adds
16. 416 权 A Woman in Power 权姝 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance628k WordsCompleted Legitimate daughter | Devoted hidden guard × Long-suffering childhood friend, the prince | Pure romance | Court intrigue | Strong female lead | Nation and family The court of the Great Qi dynasty is in turmoil, with the struggle for the throne brewing beneath the surface. The Molong cavalry bears down on Zhenmen Pass, where starving, freezing soldiers hold the border with their flesh and blood. On the battlefields of a troubled age, it is not only men who march to their deaths. Fu Ziyou brav 602Reads—Score—14d adds
17. 417 陈 Aunt Chen Is Back from the Cultivation World 陈姨娘从修真界回来了 Yaya Learns to Fly芽芽学羽Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Female Lead + No Romance + Satisfying Revenge] Chen Qingzhu, a prodigy of the Yuqing Sect, is struck back into her previous life by a lightning tribulation during her Golden Core breakthrough. She is now a long-neglected concubine in the Jingnan Marquis's household. The mistress she loyally serves wants to make her the scapegoat, while the husband who once swore eternal love makes no effort to learn the truth before ordering her beaten to death. Even her own son looks down on her servant 14.6kReads9.2Score1.9k14d adds
18. 418 太 The Crown Prince’s White Moonlight Can’t Compare: The Soft, Sweet Girl Is His True Love 太子白月光不香，软娇娇才是真爱 October Brocade Deer十月锦鹿Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted Sweet romance! Palace and household intrigue + reborn heroine + transmigrated rival + face-slapping the beloved white moonlight The Crown Prince has a beloved woman. She's beautiful and talented, forthright by nature, and the orphaned daughter of a loyal martyr. She and the Crown Prince grew up together, yet she claims to see him as an older brother and refuses to enter the Eastern Palace and share a husband with the other women. The Crown Prince is utterly devoted to her and has turned down th 5.7kReads8.5Score54214d adds

    Reader note

    Every single one of these is a female-centric story, full of palace intrigue, basically a classic tale of a seemingly weak and innocent girl secretly plotting to win the emperor's heart. 🤤🤤🤤❤️❤️ In "The Chaos of Zhaohua," the female lead ascends the throne. 🤭🤭 In "The Evil Woman Transmigrates into a Book…," the male lead discovers the female lead is the scheming woman he despises, but he's already hopelessly infatuated with her. 🍉🍉 Only when they are both Grand Empress Dowagers (as the female lead perceives them as equals) does she confess her feelings, saying she also loves the male lead.

19. 419 深 A Palace Peril: The Consort Wants Power 深宫劫：娘娘要上位 Fan Kui璠葵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue ensemble + alternate setting + no transmigration or rebirth] The imperial palace is a stage, and everyone is putting on a show. Perform well, and you earn favor. Mess up, and anyone can walk all over you. Now that she has stepped onto the stage, she intends to become the star everyone applauds! (Reader beware: the pacing is slow, so don't start if that bothers you. The male lead is a scummy emperor, while the female lead only cares about her career. She will make a move against 120Reads5.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    In palace intrigue novels, the female protagonists are all very cunning and know how to hide their true selves.

20. 420 她 She Just Wants to Take It Easy, So Why Does Everyone Keep Pushing Her to Work Harder? 她想当咸鱼，怎么总有人逼她卷啊 Schrodinger's Cat Food Can桑代克的猫咪罐头Ancient Romance255k WordsCompleted Obsessive love + sweet romance + healing + happy ending Huo Miantang only knew that she had transmigrated into a book. She planned to keep her head down, do nothing, and lie low until the story ended. Then her father gave her a mission: return to the capital and ask the Crown Prince for military funds. The Crown Prince? He was the gloomy powerhouse in the original story. Who was she to dare question His Highness? Still, for the soldiers stationed in Xirong to get their pay and return home, she h 49Reads7.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead's medical skills are incredibly useful; she not only saves lives and advances the plot, but also interacts with the crown prince in various ways, with foreshadowing subtly planted throughout.

21. 421 清 Qing Transmigration: Stay Calm, Princess Consort! The Fourth Prince Will Win You the Empress's Throne 清穿：福晋稳住！四爷给你挣后位 Willow Bank杨柳岸Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [An alternate Qing dynasty, unlike the historical one.] After transmigrating, Yun Qu swallowed nervously as she faced her complicated new circumstances. She had become the Fourth Prince's primary consort. What was she supposed to do? Could she ever go back? Once she learned that returning was impossible, Yun Qu accepted her fate. She decided to raise her son well and treat the Fourth Prince like her boss, serving him diligently. If he pointed east, she wouldn't go west. If he wanted to take a co 19.1kReads9.1Score1.5k14d adds
22. 422 嫁 Marrying the Tyrant Male Lead to Become a Laid-Back Empress 嫁给暴君男主当咸鱼皇后 Dudu读读Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Dongli Hua has a little mishap and ends up in a novel for male readers, as an ugly woman with a birthmark on her face. But because of her good deeds, an imperial decree names her empress. The emperor ascended the throne at twenty, and is now thirty-two. He once had a beloved first empress who has since died; now he has two favored consorts, Shu and Li, as well as several powerful consorts with large families who have borne him princes and princesses. And soon, another large group of beauties wil 6.2kReads9.0Score52714d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book. The female protagonist transmigrates into a novel as a nobody, but ends up becoming the empress.

23. 423 娘 The Empress Doesn't Want Palace Intrigue, but the Emperor Keeps Stirring Things Up 娘娘不想宫斗，奈何皇上带节奏 Geng Jiujiu耿啾啾Ancient Romance652k WordsCompleted [Transmigration, Palace Intrigue, Political Scheming, Not Both Pure, Absurd Comedy, Devoted Love Later On] Shen Jinruo transmigrated into the body of a low-ranking concubine who had no favor from the emperor. Having lost her freedom, she’d planned to keep her head down and quietly build up her strength. But she soon discovered that in this harem, even if you don’t go looking for trouble, trouble will find you. To survive, Shen Jinruo worked hard to adapt and officially joined the harem’s struggl 2.2kReads8.9Score22014d adds
24. 424 阶 The Imprisoned Minister 阶下囚臣 Shi Yi's Kitty拾一的喵Two Male Leads804k WordsOngoing [Alluring, Cool, Beloved Bottom × Powerful Minister and Imperial Kinsman Top] [Sweet on the Outside, Dark Within + High-Tension Push and Pull + Identity-Reveal Showdown + Coercion + A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing] Zhou Huaijin knew this was a road to the top. He could not afford a single misstep. One wrong move and he would be doomed beyond redemption. He maneuvered among the powerful ministers and imperial kinsmen of the Great Yin, where the great clans held sway, smiling and ingratiating himself 24.5kReads9.3Score1.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    They're all palace intrigue novels, and I think they're all quite good. The third one, however, is a dual-male protagonist novel, though that's not entirely accurate. I think it's also somewhat like a palace intrigue/political drama, just a male version.

25. 425 心 The Cunning Beauty Flirts and Teases, and All the Powerful Men Fall for Her 心机美人撩且钓，各路权贵皆沦陷 So Many W's好多哒不溜Ancient Romance307k WordsOngoing [Reborn + captivating heroine + male rivals in a battlefield of love + groveling after losing her] Xie Xitang spent her whole life being proper and reserved, only to have her reputation ruined by a false accusation. Only after her death did she learn that the world was a storybook. She was the original heroine, while her stepsister had transmigrated into the book with foreknowledge of the plot, using Xie Xitang as a stepping stone to rise to prominence and enjoy all the glory. Given another li 465Reads9.2Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    These books are all super good! [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration] The female lead is a good actress with clear goals; a shrewd woman who skillfully manipulates men's hearts.

26. 426 泣 Tears of Dew: Tang Branch Takes Revenge and Schemes for Power Behind Silk Curtains 泣露策：棠枝雪恨，锦帐谋权 Sparse Shadows 1717疏影1717Ancient Romance229k WordsOngoing [Ratings just released and still climbing | legitimate daughter + household intrigue + palace intrigue + political scheming] How deep the palace walls, where camellias weep cold dew; brocade curtains veil layers of screens, concealing plots and schemes. Yun Qingyuan, the general’s legitimate daughter, spent half her life plotting to protect her family. With deft hands, she set chaos right and watched the rise and fall of fortunes with a cool gaze. At the time, her birth mother had died suddenly 2Reads6.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The pinnacle of domestic power struggles and palace intrigue for a legitimate daughter! [Rating just released, steadily rising | Legitimate Daughter + Domestic Power Struggle + Palace Intrigue + Political Schemes] How deep are the palace walls? The crabapple blossoms weep in the cold dew; brocade curtains conceal heavy veils, hidden schemes and intrigues lurk. Yun Qingyuan, the legitimate daughter of a military family, has spent half her life scheming to protect her family; she skillfully navigates the chaos, her cold eyes piercing through the vicissitudes of life. At that time, her birth mother suddenly passed away in the mansion, and her elder sister died violently in the palace; within the deep mansion, undercurrents surged, and murderous intent lurked everywhere. Her elder sister was naive and ignorant, her younger brother was still a child; the family's fate hung by a thread, like a candle in the wind. The world said this orphaned girl was like a fish on a chopping block, at the mercy of others. Little did they know, she had already shed her naivety and was capable of manipulating events. With her skillful hands, she tore off the hypocritical mask of the concubines, crushed the ambitions of the collateral branches to seize power, and firmly grasped the vast general's mansion in her palm. However, a sudden imperial edict arrived, stirring up her fate once more. She entered the palace with her mentally challenged sister, and from then on, within the palace walls, she navigated every step with treacherous caution. Imperial power was like an abyss, powerful families like pythons; the harem was rife with intrigue, the court with its power struggles—everyone wanted to devour her. She remained calm and collected, using military power as a pawn and undercurrents as her weapon. She investigated old cases, cleared the names of wronged officials, and exposed the secrets of collusion among civil servants; she supported the young prince, established the crown prince, and laid the foundation for the dynasty. The seventh prince, Jing Che, with eyes like stars and a mind of profound wisdom, joined her in their grand scheme. The struggle for the crown prince was turbulent; she forged alliances, eliminated treacherous officials, and ultimately helped him ascend the throne. With the new dynasty established, she became Empress Dowager, no longer concerning herself with palace affairs, only ensuring the safety of her family. The pear blossoms no longer wept dew, the brocade curtains were no longer shrouded in intrigue; the Yun family's glory remained undiminished, and generations lived in peace. She, standing at the pinnacle of power, with a clear mind, only sought to protect her loved ones and ensure the eternal peace and tranquility of the land.

27. 427 恶 The Villainess Becomes the Legitimate Daughter: I'm Just Pretending, Don't Get Too Attached 恶女成嫡：我装的，你们别太爱了 Peach Blossoms Reflected in Wine桃花映酒Ancient Romance617k WordsCompleted (Print edition goes on sale at 7 p.m. on September 19 / Several short animated adaptations are now streaming) [Wicked Villainess Transmigrates into a Book + Total Control + “Training Dogs” Romance + Male Rivals in a Shura Field + Exes Begging for Her Back + Face-Slapping and Scumbag Punishment] [The heroine is a true villainess: a stunning, calculating temptress who never hesitates to manipulate others] Jiang Chuji, the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, was an ill-fated girl sent to a t 58.7kReads9.4Score7.8k14d adds
28. 428 斗 Battling the Vermilion Gates 斗朱门 Unexpectedly, Thoughts on a Quiet Night偏偏静夜思Ancient Romance719k WordsCompleted Yin Xuesu never imagined that one day she would become a surrogate, carrying a child for someone else. * “Just give my husband and me an heir. Don't entertain any improper thoughts. Remember, my husband isn't yours, and neither is the child...” But, Madam, you never told me you'd take my life from me, too. Heaven has given me another chance to live. The child was mine all along. Now your husband, your place as mistress of the household, and everything you have will soon be mine. * Primar 58.6kReads9.0Score8.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    These are purely palace intrigue

29. 429 继 The Empress Dowager Starts Taking Them Out 继后开始刀人 Meng Ri Wan梦日万Ancient Romance491k WordsCompleted The empress consort wants no part in the fight for favor. She just wants to kill people. Wei Xiangwan entered the palace with three things to do. First, uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious disappearance. Second, avenge her best friend, who died unjustly. Third, give birth to the crown prince. As for the emperor's affection, it was the least important thing of all. In the resplendent harem, where false affection bloomed everywhere, some people still yearned for true love. Qi Zhao fel 6.3kReads8.8Score65914d adds

    Reader note

    Both are pure palace intrigue novels. In the first one, the female lead is the young apprentice of the imperial advisor, and the male lead is the posthumous son of the previous emperor. The female lead follows her master's arrangements to hide her identity in the capital and secretly plot revenge for her family (although she doesn't have much affection for her family, she still cares about them). She also wants to assist the male lead in ascending the throne. (Personally, I feel that the male lead is a bit selfish, wanting to keep the talented female lead in the harem, but the female lead loves the wider world and hopes that she can go out and see it. This is her dream, and her talents are not limited to politics and palace intrigue.) The second book features a female protagonist who becomes Empress upon entering the palace. Her relationship with the Emperor is more of an obligation than a genuine affection. She doesn't let her heart dictate her feelings for him, taking his words with a grain of salt. She prioritizes her family and children, knowing that "as long as I am Empress and my child is the Crown Prince, then my child will be the future Emperor." The protagonist remains remarkably clear-headed. Although her brother is incompetent, he truly loves and dotes on her, always considering her feelings in his words and actions, afraid of influencing her.

30. 430 穿 Transmigrated into a Sweet Qing-Dynasty Romance as a Maid Destined to Be a Throwaway 穿成清穿甜宠文里的爬床炮灰丫鬟 Midnight Stars深夜星辰Ancient Romance846k WordsOngoing Xia Yunyao transmigrates straight into the middle of a bed-climbing scandal and becomes a cannon-fodder maid in a sweet Qing Dynasty romance. In the original story, the woman whose body she now occupies uses her beauty to sneak into the male lead's bed behind the heroine's back. She even lies and says the heroine ordered her to do it, sowing a misunderstanding between the leads and putting them through a cruel ordeal. But cannon fodder is cannon fodder. The original owner's lie is soon exposed, 35.4kReads8.5Score4.1k14d adds
31. 431 穿 Transmigrated as a Seductive Green Tea, I Make the Dragonkin Bow to Love 穿成娇媚绿茶勾得天龙人为爱低头 Little Fawn, Little Lost Fawn小丫么小迷鹿Fantastical Romance254k WordsOngoing [The rating just came out, and it will rise later] Chen Sushang is a scheming woman, honey-tongued but sharp-hearted, and best at playing the helpless green tea. To bring her sister back to life, she agrees to bind herself to the System. Her job is to play a tragic, disposable supporting female character and follow the plot through to the end. 1. The emperor's half-sister, unrelated by blood After transmigrating into the former love of the emperor, who betrayed her and sent her abroad to marry f 8.7kReads7.3Score69814d adds
32. 432 咏 The Edict of Yongxu 咏絮令 Fresh Master鲜大人Ancient Romance240k WordsOngoing During the Yonghe era of the Eastern Jin dynasty, Xie Daoyun, a legitimate daughter of the Chen Commandery Xie clan, was born on a snowy night. Born into a distinguished family, she nevertheless set out to break free of the constraint that “a woman's lack of talent is a virtue.” Her line, “It is like willow catkins dancing on the wind,” made her famous south of the Yangtze, and her talent for poetry became a legend through the ages. Yet beneath her renown lay the heavy shackles of the great aris 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    "Not as light as willow catkins rising in the wind"—light as willow catkins, yet shining brightest in chaotic times. 🥳😊

33. 433 娘 Will Her Majesty Become the Empress Dowager Today? 娘娘今天当上太后了嘛 Seasonal Persimmon时令柿子Ancient Romance519k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + heroine born into the womb + transmigrated supporting actress + reborn supporting actress + black lotus + everyone is smart] Shen Guiyi had planned to lie flat and enjoy a comfortable life, but every eligible young nobleman in the capital had a house full of wives and concubines. Since she couldn't escape the struggle, she decided to enter the palace as a candidate for the imperial harem. She would climb the ranks step by step. If she had to fight, she'd fight for the very bes 1.6kReads8.4Score20414d adds

    Reader note

    💐💐 (Authentic Palace Intrigue Romance - Read with Confidence) If you haven't found a book you want to read recently, you definitely need to try this one! [Got it!] The plot is truly amazing, both the writing style and the foreshadowing are fantastic. It's a very enjoyable read and definitely a perfect bedtime story.

34. 434 宫 The Palace Maid Schemed to Seduce Him, and the Mad Emperor Fell for Her and Seized Her by Force 宫女蓄意勾引，疯批帝王沦陷强夺 Orange-Brilliant Starlight橘灿星光Ancient Romance210k WordsOngoing [Palace intrigue, not a virginal couple / villainess / femme fatale / forced possession / doted on exclusively after the opening] [Scheming, theatrical maid vs. deranged emperor who falls deeper with every step] Yao Shu was born beautiful, and the empress chose her as a pawn to send to the emperor. The first time she met Xiao Xulan, she was too frightened to look him in the eye. But when he began to consider taking her to his bed, she broke free of his grasp and knelt down, declaring, “This serv 260Reads9.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These books are all super good! 🥰🥰🥰 The female lead is a good actress with clear goals; a shrewd woman who skillfully manipulates men's hearts.

35. 435 妃 A Consort's Scheme for the Emperor's Heart 妃谋帝心 Falling Ashes坠落的灰Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted With her father turning a blind eye and her stepmother throwing her weight around, Mu Li is ordered to marry an old prince as a concubine. They tell her this is her fate. Mu Li refuses to believe it. She has never believed in fate… Just then, the imperial household holds its selection of consorts. Daughters of officials of rank eight or above who are of suitable age may participate. Mu Li thinks: Since I’m to be a concubine, why not become the concubine of the most powerful person in the realm? 9.1kReads8.9Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Show me, these are all my most treasured possessions; investing in them won't be a loss.

36. 436 陛 After the Emperor Is Reborn, the Empress Becomes the Apple of His Eye 陛下重生后，娘娘成了掌中娇 Muzi Yingbao木子颖宝Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted “Your Majesty, if there is another life, I hope never to have known you, and never to meet you again in any lifetime.” Yujing Chen detested her. Yet the last thing she did before dying was take the fatal sword strike for him. She said, “Your Majesty, could my life leave a vivid mark in your heart?” Perhaps Heaven believed his task was unfinished and granted him a new life. After being reborn... he discovered that she had once been bright and beautiful, too... [No System + No transmigration + Mal 6.3kReads8.4Score39814d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead finally accepted that the male lead didn't love her, that it was all wishful thinking on her part. So in Chapter Four, she sacrificed her life for her family's honor, hoping to elicit a little guilt from the male lead. Unfortunately… "Your Majesty… will this concubine's life leave a lasting impression on you?" Nan Zhiyun asked. Yu Jingchen didn't answer. [Shocked][Shocked][Shocked] Nan Zhiyun felt a pang of bitterness, but she didn't show it. "It seems not, but it doesn't matter, this concubine no longer cares."

37. 437 娇 The Sweet Little Nanny, Kissed Until She Begs for Mercy by a Mad Tycoon 娇软小奶娘，疯批权贵吻到求饶 The Villain Who Raises Cats养猫的反派Ancient Romance988k WordsCompleted A gentle, sweet little bunny vs. a domineering, unhinged man. Forced possession + a battlefield of rival suitors + both leads are sexually inexperienced. He Niang never dreamed of climbing the social ladder. She only wanted to be a proper wet nurse, but her body was strange: she could nurse children despite being unmarried and unable to conceive! Then, one rainy night, he cornered her in a dark room, his burning fingertips gripping her chin as he asked in a hoarse voice, “Just how many secrets i 2.5kReads7.8Score22214d adds

    Reader note

    This book fiercely criticizes a powerful minister for forcibly taking a wet nurse, unaware that she is the future monarch. The tension arising from this identity reversal is palpable. A good read if you're looking for something to read.

38. 438 华 Hua Fei Reborn: The Emperor's Line Ends With Him 华妃重生：皇上断子绝孙 Rampaging Salted Fish暴走咸鱼Two Female Leads223k WordsOngoing [Not mutually chaste] [Darkened Nian Shilan × yandere Yu Ying'er] Nian Shilan was reborn and saw the Emperor for who he truly was. From then on, she gave up on love, protected the Nian family, and took revenge on anyone who had wronged her. A tiger may not eat its cubs, but the Emperor had killed his own child. In that case, she'd kill them all. Her first act after being reborn was to kill Consort Duan, then take out Zhen Huan's right-hand women. The only mystery was why Yu Ying'er and the other 13Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Consort Hua is reborn and uses everything at her disposal to climb the social ladder.

39. 439 有 The Phoenix Returns 有凤归仪 Chuan Chuan Is Busy川川很忙Ancient Romance203k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue / Ancient-Era Heroine / Transmigrated Into a Supporting Female Character / Political Scheming / Willful Princess × Arrogant Prince] Everyone knows that the Fourth Princess is hot-tempered and ill-mannered. Yue Shaoshang: The maid who talked back to me? Chop off her head. The court historian who impeached me? Chop off his head. The scheming, fake-sweet commandery princess? Drag them all out and chop off their heads. Her maid is close to tears. “Your Highness, if you keep having p —Reads—Score—14d adds
40. 440 重 Reborn, the Scumbag Emperor Loves Me Like His Life 重生后，渣皇爱我如命 Mo Ru莫洳Ancient Romance410k WordsCompleted [Past and Present Lives + Male Lead Reborn + Sweet Historical Romance] In her previous life, Ning Zhi had no choice but to enter the palace as a consort. She never expected to become the emperor’s sole favorite. Whether they were boating on the lake during the Flower Festival or pledging their love on the Qixi Festival, she found herself unable to resist the gentle, refined emperor. On the eve of her appointment as empress, a carefully plotted assassination revealed the truth behind his favor. H 1.5kReads6.6Score10014d adds
41. 441 翎 Where the Feathers Return: Transmigrated, Yet Still a Wage Slave 翎羽归处：穿越还是打工人 Four Joyful Little Dumplings四喜团团团Ancient Romance346k WordsOngoing Fresh out of college, Shu Ling [no System, no pocket dimension] has only a “brain” and a heart full of “enthusiasm.” [Transmigration + ensemble cast + career + unconventional plot + romance] She transmigrates into the “Miss Shu Ling,” who shares her name and appearance and lives in a general's household! Before she can catch her breath, she's summoned to the palace to “work.” From the start, the princess appoints her CEO, and she gets two handsome “nepotism hires.” One is as gentle as water, wil 3Reads9.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Before time travel, I was preparing to start my job; after time travel, I was already on duty! 🤔🧓😂🧓🧓🧓

42. 442 贵 The Merciless Imperial Consort, the Tyrant Who Hands Her the Knife 贵妃娘娘心狠手辣，暴君他递刀 Late Summer, Not Yet Over夏末未余Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted [Both leads faithful and powerful + one true pairing + male lead has concubines + dotes on her exclusively from the start + a little palace intrigue and political scheming + System plays a minor role + fast-paced + no brainless tropes + no over-the-top drama + happy ending] [Brutal, calculating tyrant + absolutely rational, breathtakingly beautiful consort] Ye Xiyin has traveled through three thousand worlds and finally reaches the world of her last mission. Then the System tells her to sell her 2.3kReads9.1Score27214d adds
43. 443 病 The Frail Beauty Survives the Battlefield of Love with Her Tea-Drinking Skills 病弱美人靠茶艺在修罗场续命 Mimi Huhu米米糊糊Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [All male leads are devoted + Male rivals competing for her + Teasing femme fatale adored by everyone + Coercive pursuit + Yandere + Dark obsession + Twin brothers] After transmigrating into the body of a sickly illegitimate daughter of a marquis, Lu Zhiwei bound herself to a tea-art life-preservation System. She had to win over the top-tier targets to extend her life. She carefully plotted to marry Gu Yanci, the cold-faced top scholar, so she could escape the original owner’s tragic fate. To st 6.8kReads8.8Score1.1k14d adds
44. 444 宫 Palace Intrigue Gone Wild 宫斗也疯狂 Capricorn Big Fish摩羯大鱼Ancient Romance253k WordsCompleted [Sunshine Empress with a Sly Streak vs. Proud, Innocent Emperor] [Historical Setting + Light Comedy + Palace Intrigue + Subverting Expectations + Laugh-Out-Loud + Sweet Romance] “In broad daylight, beneath a clear sky, out in the open wilderness, the young lady of Chancellor Wen's family has knocked His Majesty flat!!!” Wen Zhishan is the daughter of the current chancellor. But she inherited none of her father's refinement or good manners. Instead, she's rough and impulsive, a notorious street t 894Reads9.2Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    Haha, this book focuses all its cunning on how to languish in the harem 💟

45. 445 送 You Offered Me Up to Win His Favor? Why Are You Crying Now That I'm Empress? 送我固宠？我当皇后你哭什么？ Moon Gummies月亮软糖Ancient Romance612k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book / palace intrigue / not mutually devoted / face-slapping feel-good story / sweet romance / historical romance] A beauty who keeps a low profile early on, then acts spoiled and arrogant under the emperor's protection / a cold, strict emperor who falls in love at first sight, favors her, and fiercely defends her *A transmigration trope, a chef slicing meat and tossing it in the wok. Come have a bite of this satisfying favoritism story! Chu Qingwan transmigrated into a boo 1.6kReads8.4Score22514d adds
46. 446 王 My Lord! That Mute Girl Can Talk Now!!! 王爷！那哑女会说话了！！！ The Enlightened Fool痴人释禅Ancient Romance589k WordsCompleted [Sweet, Soft-Spoken Soul-Transmigrated Heroine VS Suspicious, Scheming Regent] [Love Grows Over Time / Devoted Couples / Ensemble Cast / Hopeless Romantics / Forced Proximity] Two modern people transmigrate into ancient times, become close friends, and stir up the imperial court. Overworked office drone Bai Bingbing faints from exhaustion and wakes up in ancient times as a mute commoner?! By chance, she’s sold into the Regent’s palace! The mute girl has a peculiar way of doing things, prompting 19Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's good! I heard that all three couples in the middle are great [facepalm][facepalm][facepalm] [thinking][thinking][thinking]

47. 447 湘 Imprisoned Marriage in Western Hunan 湘西囚婚 Feng Qinzi风沁子Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted At nineteen, Aqiao was sent against her will by her family to an ancient, isolated courtyard in the name of bringing good fortune to a sick man. Beneath her red bridal veil, she couldn't see her groom's face. She only heard the heavy bolt slide shut. From then on, freedom became a distant dream. In this eerie courtyard, she must face not only a cold-hearted husband and a strange mother-in-law, but also the ever-present rules and rumors. Late at night, the sound of footsteps and faint sobbing fro 190Reads6.7Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    [Laughing][Laughing] You can check this out.

48. 448 惊 Shocking! The Legitimate Princess Defies Fate Every Day! 惊！嫡公主她每天都在逆天改命！ Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Female-led power fantasy + ruthless, unhinged heroine + an extreme “I’d rather betray others than let them betray me” mentality] Xuan Mingyao was reborn at the age of seven, back before anything had happened. Though she was the empress’s legitimate daughter, a princess treated like royalty, her younger brother, the crown prince, was about to die of illness. Her mother would soon be consumed by worry, grow estranged from the emperor, and eventually be deposed in the witchcraft scandal. Overnight 27.9kReads9.4Score3.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    Emperor: The day I personally sent A-Luan to the Cold Palace, I carved the third scratch on the window frame. For three years, I switched the cup of poison she gave her governess, and I tacitly approved her secret letter to the commander of the Imperial Guards. All the officials thought she was a spoiled, mad princess, but they didn't know that the sound of her sharpening her knife every night was the war drum I had my guards record outside the palace. Princess: I knew all along that Father had planted spies outside the window. So when I sharpened my knife, I deliberately used the blunt back of the blade to scrape the stone slab, so that the sound would reach his ears. He thought that the Cold Palace would wear down my edges, and that my indulgence would nurture my ambition—but he didn't know that I had already smeared poison on his favorite oranges, waiting for him to peel away the last layer of disguise on that dragon throne. Emperor: When she led her troops into the Golden Palace, I looked at the mountain of surveillance reports piled up under the dragon desk and suddenly understood—the player holding the pieces in this game had already changed hands. Princess: Father, you taught me my first lesson: a true hunter always pretends to be the prey.

49. 449 冷 Cold Palace HR: My Empress Will Conquer the World 冷宫HR：朕的皇后要征服世界 I Was Born a King我本君王Ancient Romance358k WordsCompleted Transmigrated into the disgraced empress’s role, banished to the cold palace? Modern top HR director Lin Wan says: “No problem. This batch of ‘employees’ (eunuchs and palace maids), ‘management’ (the emperor and his ministers), and even ‘competitors’ (powerful officials and enemy states) can all be turned around with HR principles!” The cold palace lacks food and clothing? She starts with “team building,” hands the eunuchs and maids “job descriptions,” ties their rations to performance, and uses 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The deposed empress, armed with HR secrets, went on a killing spree! She built a talent pool to select pillars of society, established a merit-based incentive system, and conquered the world with unstoppable momentum!

50. 450 宠 The Empress Is Shameless 宠后之本宫无耻 This Palace Has No Shame本宫无耻Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted Yun Jiu is the ninth legitimate daughter of the Duke of Yun, a princess of the Yun Kingdom, and holds the title of Changle. She is stunningly beautiful, born to wealth and privilege, exceptionally clever, and nobility itself. Rumor has it that one word from her carries more weight than an imperial decree from the Yun Emperor. The princess is breathtakingly beautiful, highborn, and the apple of the emperor’s eye. But her temperament… Yun Jiu: What’s wrong with my temperament? Her cousin Yun Luo: 500Reads8.8Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    These are all really good, pure palace intrigue novels, some even have systems involved 🎉. 1: The female lead is very ambitious and incredibly skilled at palace intrigue, making it quite enjoyable to read; she's intelligent. 🎉2: I can't quite remember the second one, but the female lead is also intelligent and succeeds in palace intrigue. The others are all quite good, and the female leads are all intelligent. 🎉🎉🎀

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