An Empress Who Seems Gentle, Virtuous, and Uninterested in Power, but Is Actually Clear-Eyed About Everything 皇后与世无争温婉贤惠实际上人间清醒

1. 1 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 4.8kReads8.0Score106Shelves

   Reader note

   1. The female lead is sober but doesn't love [sad]. 2. The female lead is a princess who becomes empress as a princess sent for a political marriage. 3. The female lead is gentle, generous, and very obedient. He gives her a tonic, and she drinks it knowing it's a contraceptive. In the end, the female lead jumps to her death, and he cries uncontrollably, filled with regret.

2. 2 此 This Love Has Become a Memory, Like a Pair of Mandarins Left Behind 此情已自成追忆，零落鸳鸯 Shi Xiaohan时潇晗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Not a mutually devoted couple, read with caution) BE aesthetics [Princess of Great Yan + Emperor of Great Chu] [Cool beauty + mad emperor] She was Mu Ziwan, the noble legitimate princess of Great Yan. He was Chu Junqian, the young emperor of Great Chu. That year, Chu Junqian was only thirteen. Great Chu and Great Yan went to war, and Great Chu was defeated. His own sister was sent to Great Yan to marry for peace, and it was through this that Chu Junqian first met Mu Ziwan. She was seven years o 673Reads8.9Score101Shelves
3. 3 皇 The Empress Leaped to Her Death, and the Mad Tyrant Wept Until His Eyes Were Red 皇后纵身一跃，疯批暴君哭红了眼 Huang Dandan黄蛋蛋Ancient Romance635k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, devoted couple + palace intrigue + regretful pursuit, clear-headed heroine, everyone's unattainable ideal] Meng Tang is a gracious, gentle empress who never competes for favor. Everyone thinks she is a true white lotus standing tall in the harem, and even the tyrant believes it. He takes a new concubine, and she smiles, congratulates him, and arranges for the newcomer to spend the night with him. He sends her restorative medicine, and she obediently takes it, knowing full we 21.8kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves
4. 4 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

   Reader note

   This is truly a must-read! Having read so many palace intrigue novels on Tomato Books, this one is top-tier! ✨ The female lead's character remains consistently strong. As the "white moonlight" (idealized love interest), she clearly understands what the male lead needs and what she wants. Plus, she enters the palace in a high position right away, which is incredibly satisfying. She quickly becomes Empress, controlling everything, and the feeling of watching the drama unfold from a high vantage point is fantastic! ✨ As for the male lead, I think his character is also quite good. He's not a scumbag; he's a wise ruler for the country, not promiscuous, and very clear-headed. Therefore, the author makes the scheming between the female and male leads particularly engaging! The female lead is always in control of her relationships with everyone. And this isn't just mindless wish-fulfillment; the author portrays the female lead's intelligence through various events, making it palpable to the reader. The harem is full of cunning and scheming, so read with confidence—you won't regret it! ❤️❤️

5. 5 穿 I Became the Second Empress, and Suddenly the Empress Is Cold and Heartless Toward Me 穿成继后，皇后突然对朕薄情寡义 Star River Moon星江月Ancient Romance922k WordsCompleted She transmigrates into the emperor's second wife. Isn't that the empress? The highest starting point a woman could hope for in ancient times. Sounds great, perfect for lying flat, since she's already at the top. The emperor says she should be magnanimous. Sure, I'll let you take two beauties as concubines at once. No singles, absolutely. The empress dowager says the imperial family needs more heirs. So we'll encourage childbirth in the harem and introduce incentives: anyone who has a child gets 4.7kReads8.6Score412Shelves

   Reader note

   I highly recommend the first book, which portrays the Empress as a work KPI; the second, "The Favored Concubine," is also very insightful.

6. 6 做 To Be a Favorite Consort, You Have to Be Arrogant and Overbearing 做宠妃，就是要嚣张跋扈 Idle Talk浮言Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A supremely self-serving, spoiled princess + a calculating, proud, even-tempered emperor + neither lead is chaste + he dotes on her exclusively later on] Chu Feiyu, a princess of the Great Chu, is struck by unforeseen misfortune and sent to Great Ye in a bride exchange. As a foreign princess, she can neither become empress nor empress dowager. There is no room left for her to climb in the imperial harem. All her boundless energy has nowhere to go. What can she do? Make trouble, of course. 9.7kReads8.8Score951Shelves
7. 7 守 On the Day of the Wake, My Sisters-in-Law Put Me on the Throne 守灵当天，我被众嫂嫂推上皇位 Kitchen God of the Wood Stove柴火灶王爷Historical724k WordsOngoing [Alternate Dynasty + Transmigration + War + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + The Golden Finger Has Been Cut in Half] A high school boy named Tian Shu wakes up one morning in an ancient funeral hall. His widowed sisters-in-law swarm around him, showering him with care. In a feudal age of chaos, the powerful clans hold sway. The System is practically useless, and each sister-in-law has her own agenda. Born into a poor family, can he defy fate, change his destiny, command a vast empire, and mak 4.6kReads8.8Score183Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead in this book is

8. 8 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 81.1kReads9.5Score9.1kShelves

   Reader note

   The Empress is clear-headed; I'm just an employee! I'll do my job as Empress well. The former Emperor: The Empress is always watching me, it's annoying! I wanted to depose her! Now the Empress agrees to everything, she doesn't care where I go or who gives birth, but why is her belly still flat after all this time? When are you going to give me a Crown Prince?!

9. 9 乱 In a Chaotic Age, I Married a Monk, Never Expecting We Were Both Full of Potential 乱世嫁个和尚，谁料我俩都是潜力 He Zizi禾子子Ancient Romance233k WordsOngoing This is an ancient-style, female-oriented political intrigue novel set in a turbulent era. An Ancient Letter mainly tells the turbulent story of Ma Wan’er’s life and her journey of growth, beginning with her encounter with him seven years ago. —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This one, written entirely by native Chinese authors, features the female lead Ma Xiuying and the male lead Zhu Yuanzhang. I don't know if you'll like it.

10. 10 娘 The Empress Has Locked Away Her Heart, and the Crown Prince Has Gone Mad 娘娘封心锁爱，太子他疯魔了 Xinyu歆羽Ancient Romance456k WordsCompleted [Not a Chaste Couple] In her previous life, Shen Rong believed that true love could overcome anything in the world. So she stayed unwaveringly by Gu Chen's side, offering advice and shielding him from every attack, both open and covert. In return, all she got was mutual suspicion and scheming. Everyone in the land knew her as jealous and domineering, while he became the new emperor, admired for his loyalty and wise rule. His expression was gentle, but his eyes were cold and impatient as he sai 2.2kReads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In her past life, the female protagonist wholeheartedly helped the male protagonist ascend the throne. However, after becoming emperor, they became suspicious of each other and drifted apart. Reborn, she finds herself with three children. Unable to divorce him for the sake of her children, she is gentle and virtuous in this life, wary of the male protagonist, and single-mindedly focused on paving the way for her children. Men can go to hell!

11. 11 演 I Played the Emperor My Whole Life, and After Being Reborn, He Still Wants the Crown Prince 演了皇上一辈子，重生他还要太子 One Little Sweet Fish一口小甜鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Original title: Only After His Death Did He Learn That the Empress Did Not Want to Be Buried With Him [The heroine transmigrates, the hero is reborn] As he lay dying, Emperor Tianhe looked back on his eventful life. He had risen from humble beginnings to become the founding emperor, and the world praised his achievements. In his fading consciousness, he saw his virtuous empress, his beautiful consorts, and his weeping children. He felt that his life had been complete. But after he died, his soul 31.7kReads8.9Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The emperor only realized on his deathbed that his seemingly indifferent and virtuous empress had never truly loved him. She was never jealous of the women in his harem and never made a mistake; he assumed this was because she deeply loved him, but in reality, she had been acting all along. (The female protagonist is very clear-headed; living in a chaotic world, she doesn't seek love, but only wants a way to survive for herself and her child.)

12. 12 朕 My Empress Weighs Ninety Jin, and Eighty-Five Jin of That Is Rebellion 朕的皇后九十斤，有八十五斤反骨 Li Xiaoju鲤小橘Ancient Romance552k WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted to each other + contrasting personalities + self-serving heroine + satisfying and sweet + mutual pampering] Lin Xiaoxiao, an overworked corporate drone, transmigrates into the body of a wicked empress. The emperor has ignored her for four years, despises her, and sees her as the greatest shame of his life! The crown prince hates her as his mother and plans to whip her corpse once he grows up and turns evil! The empress dowager is deeply calculating, treating her like a lo 786Reads8.9Score112Shelves
13. 13 皇 The Empress Is Reborn 皇后娘娘重生了 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊Ancient Romance33k WordsCompleted The Empress Has Been Reborn 317Reads—Score—Shelves

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    #Rebirth #PalaceIntrigue #SatisfyingNovel #Revenge #Empress #FakeEunuch The imperial concubine pointed at the handsome eunuch beside my bed, weeping uncontrollably: "The Empress has committed adultery! The evidence is irrefutable!" In my previous life, I was unable to defend myself and was banished to the Cold Palace, where a cup of poison ended my life. Reborn, I didn't cry or make a scene, but simply smiled at the fake eunuch: "I know your name is Pei Yan, and I know who sent you." His expression changed drastically, but I whispered in his ear— "Don't panic, I'll protect your life. From today onward, you are mine. Together, we'll collect the debts you owe me, one by one."

14. 14 摄 The Regent’s Beloved White Moonlight Took a Fall 摄政王白月光翻车了 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊12k WordsCompleted The Regent's White Moonlight Has Fallen from Grace 980Reads—Score—Shelves
15. 15 温 The Docile Side Consort Goes on a Rampage 温顺小侧妃杀疯了 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊32k WordsCompleted The Docile Concubine Went on a Rampage 52Reads—Score—Shelves
16. 16 首 The Chief Minister’s Awkward Little Doctor Wife 首辅大人的社死小医妻 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊23k WordsCompleted The Chief Minister’s Doctor Wife Who Made Him Die of Embarrassment 58Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 17 爬 After I Climbed into the Wrong Childhood Friend’s Bed 爬错竹马床后 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊16k WordsCompleted After I Climbed into the Wrong Childhood Friend's Bed 318Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 18 侯 My Lord, You Have the Wrong Person 侯爷，您认错人了 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊11k WordsCompleted My Lord, you've mistaken me for someone else. 123Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 19 和 After the Mad Crown Prince Discovers the Divorce Agreement 和离书被疯批太子发现后 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊25k WordsCompleted After the Crazed Crown Prince Found the Divorce Agreement 444Reads—Score—Shelves
20. 20 和 He Tucked the Divorce Agreement Into His Sleeve 和离书被他收进袖中 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊14k WordsCompleted He Tucked the Divorce Agreement into His Sleeve 116Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 21 逃 The Runaway Princess with Unmatched Strength 逃婚郡主，武力爆表 Ten Thousand Gu万蛊Marriage & Romance36k WordsCompleted The Runaway Princess Consort, Unmatched in Combat 84Reads—Score—Shelves
22. 22 皇 The Empress Is Dignified Yet Alluring: Once She Seduces the Emperor, He Won't Let Her Escape 皇后端庄又妖娆，撩下皇上逃不掉 Xu Xiao Yuan许小圆Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + empress from the start + exclusive devotion in the middle and later stages + winning back his wife] Helian Jin came from the most fallen branch of a prestigious clan, yet the emperor overcame fierce opposition and made her his new empress. She went from cautiously finding her footing in the palace to wielding thunderous methods, taking down scheming rivals and false innocents as she fought her way through the palace intrigue and secured her position. As mistress of the impe 1.2kReads8.8Score127Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is an empress from the very beginning, seemingly detached from worldly affairs and perfectly content with her lot. She's worldly-wise and knows exactly what she wants. In the last two or three books, the female lead falls in love with the emperor male lead, while in the first book, she doesn't love him at all!

23. 23 皇 The Empress Is a Max-Level Palace Intriguer, Crushing Everyone 皇后满级宫斗，嘎嘎乱杀 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + infidelity + fictional setting + a resourceful, money-loving, beauty-loving, life-loving empress ✖️ emperor] In her previous life, Hua Shu was a lowly palace maid. She schemed her way to the top of the political ladder, only to be condemned by everyone and branded a wicked woman who brought ruin to the nation. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in the unfamiliar state of Chu, as an unloved empress who’s also being made a scapegoat. As if she’d put up with that! S 14.2kReads9.4Score1.9kShelves
24. 24 谁 What Kind of Concubine Bears Four Sons and a Daughter, Then Becomes a Noble Consort? 谁家通房生四儿一女，还当贵妃啊 Autumn Is Long秋很长Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted only to each other + One-on-one romance + Many children + Sweet romance + Inner- and imperial-palace intrigue] In the fortieth year of the Xihe era, Lüqing became a concubine-in-waiting to Prince Jin. She knew full well that she had to earn Prince Jin's favor and give birth to a child as soon as possible if she wanted to secure her place in the prince's household. For eight years, she contended with the other women in the inner court, using every means at her disposal to 26.8kReads9.1Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    💗💗💗First Book!!! In the fortieth year of the Xihe era, Lüqing became a maidservant to the Prince of Jin. She knew very well that she needed to use the Prince's favor to give birth to a child as soon as possible, so as to secure her position in the Prince's residence. For eight years, she not only outwitted and outmaneuvered other women in the inner court, but also used every trick in the book to climb to the position of concubine, bearing the Prince four sons and one daughter. After the Prince ascended the throne, Lüqing rose from concubine to Imperial Noble Consort Ming, enjoying the Emperor's exclusive favor. In the spring of the twentieth year of the Zhenghe era, the Emperor abdicated in favor of the Crown Prince and left the capital for Baihe City with the Imperial Noble Consort. Three years later, Imperial Noble Consort Ming, née Wei, passed away. The Emperor was deeply grieved and posthumously conferred upon her the title of Empress, with the posthumous name of Empress Yuanyi. A year later, the Emperor, overwhelmed by grief, fell seriously ill and, despite medical treatment, passed away on a drizzly night. The Emperor and Empress were buried together in Baihe City. 💗💗💗Second Book!!! The Imperial Concubine is favored, the Virtuous Concubine gives birth, the Imperial Noble Consort is the unattainable ideal, and the Beautiful Consort suffers from cinnabar illness. The other concubines each have their own skills and characteristics, a veritable garden of blooming flowers. So who is our protagonist? She is the unfavored, childless, and without family background Empress. Wow, this plot feels a little familiar! Never mind, Zhao Wumian is already settling down on her first day after transmigrating. Competing for favor? What a load of rubbish! The Empress can't be deposed without cause; the Emperor is meant to be a wise ruler. Status is secured, salary is plentiful, let's make the most of this life! As for family honor, do you think a weak woman like me can rely on her husband's incompetence? Whatever. As for no offspring, we'll focus on having children and grandchildren; those are our own blessings. Even without children and grandchildren, I'm happy. Things the ancients couldn't understand, we can understand. 💕💕💕 Third book!!! On his deathbed, Emperor Tianhe recalled his glorious life, from a commoner to the founding emperor, his illustrious achievements celebrated by the world. In his dazed state, he looked at his virtuous empress, beautiful concubines, and his kneeling, weeping children, and sighed, feeling that his life had been fulfilling. But after death, his soul was not taken to the underworld; instead, it lingered in the palace. He saw himself given a grand funeral, saw the new emperor ascend the throne, and also saw… his empress. He saw his empress in the palace, saying to the new emperor, "Jin'er, I only wish that after my death, you scatter my ashes into the sea. I have never been free in my life; I only ask for a peaceful death." The new emperor's expression was troubled: "Mother, you do not wish to be buried with Father?" 💗💗💗 Fourth book!! Meng Tang is a gentle and generous empress, unassuming and unassuming, a true white lotus standing tall in the harem—everyone thought so, even the tyrant thought so. He took a concubine, and she congratulated him with a smile, arranging for the new concubine to serve him in bed. He sent her tonics, and she obediently took them despite knowing they were contraceptives. When his old ailment flared up and he suffered unbearable headaches, she used her own heart's blood as a catalyst to relieve his pain. He asked her, "How can you be so kind?" She replied gently, "It is my honor to share Your Majesty's burdens." Until the rebel army attacked the city, she leaped from the city wall, sacrificing herself to quell the rebellion. Having won the tyrant's favor, Meng Tang successfully feigned death and withdrew from public life.

25. 25 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 33.5kReads9.3Score5.8kShelves
26. 26 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book is my absolute favorite; I loved it. The second book features a princess who becomes empress after a political marriage, but she's very clear-headed. The third book features a gentle and virtuous empress who becomes empress later in the story, and there aren't many palace intrigue plots.

27. 27 宜 Yixiu Is Reborn: Tearing Apart the White Lotus Consort Chun Yuan 宜修重生：手撕纯元白莲花 Serein01Female-Channel Fanfiction427k WordsCompleted [The rating is low because voting just opened~] “When the heart is kind, the face is beautiful. Surely, even when Pure Yuan grows old, she will still outshine you by a thousand miles.” I should have known better than to poison my elder sister so soon. Then you could have seen for yourself how your moonlight turns rotten, and the white lotus who seduced her sister's husband could have tasted the torment of life deep within the palace! Yixiu thought this as she lay dying. When she opened her ey 13kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    These two books... When Yixiu doesn't love me, I can do anything, hehehe 😈

28. 28 宜 Yixiu Reborn: I Send My White Lotus Half-Sister Off as a Concubine 宜修重生：送白莲花嫡姐做小妾 Jing Xiaoheng璟小珩Female-Channel Fanfiction1.8M WordsCompleted Villainous heroine ♥️ High-stakes palace intrigue and a groveling redemption arc No out-of-character behavior! The male lead is not chaste! Yixiu, a concubine-born daughter, is reborn on the very day her elder sister Chun Yuan enters Prince Fourth's manor. When she wakes, her sister is wearing her ceremonial wedding robes and speaking to her gently: “I'm here to take care of you, little sister.” Yixiu sneers. “All dressed up to take care of a pregnant woman? Do you really think I've never had a 2.8kReads7.4Score281Shelves
29. 29 荨 The Road Ahead Is Hard 荨路难 Qi Yingjia齐楹嘉Ancient Romance132k WordsCompleted “Emperor and consort” “Angst” “Daughter of a great clan” “Young emperor” “Childhood sweethearts” “Both pure” In all my life, the most naive thing I ever did was believe that there could be a way for both sides to win on the chessboard. 3.5kReads8.1Score219Shelves

    Reader note

    I felt so depressed and sad watching it. I could only watch the female lead walk down a tragic path. He was her childhood sweetheart, but he couldn't make her his empress. Even in death, she believed she was just a pawn in his game, when in reality, she was his everything. He spent his entire life hoping she would become his empress. I can't take it anymore, I'm crying so hard. The female lead's life was so tragic.

30. 30 咸 The Laid-Back Consort: Rising Step by Step 咸鱼娘娘：步步高升 Melancholy Cantaloupe忧伤的哈密瓜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + childbirth + doted on exclusively later] Jiang Wan transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace consort of an emperor with no children. To protect the people around her, she has no choice but to compete for a little favor. Who knew she’d end up giving the emperor a chubby baby boy! Emperor: “She’s the birth mother of my only son. Of course I have to protect her.” Who knew that all that protection would turn into affection? As Jiang Wan ris 19.1kReads8.9Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The empress wasn't indifferent to worldly affairs; she simply didn't vie for the emperor's favor. Only when love ceases can other things come into play. The honors and power befitting an empress, the privileges her family and her son could enjoy—the emperor's love was the least valuable thing.

31. 31 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
32. 32 暖 Fragrant Bedchamber: The Eastern Palace Concubine's Lie-Flat Life 暖帐香：东宫侍妾的躺平日常 Jin Yu锦喻Ancient Romance390k WordsCompleted [Raising a child + palace intrigue + ordinary transmigrator + not both leads’ first love, but doting romance] Xu Qinglu was transmigrated into the Xu family as their legitimate daughter. In the tenth year of Chengde, she was sent to the Eastern Palace as a concubine. After a year of cautiously serving the Crown Prince, walking on eggshells, she finally became pregnant. Having a daughter was all she needed. She would have been happy to live out her days peacefully in the palace. But when her daug 3.1kReads9.0Score238Shelves
33. 33 皇 The Empress Has Had Enough of Being Virtuous: There Are Too Many Children in the Harem! 皇后别贤了，后宫的孩子超标啦 Xi Yu犀渔Ancient Romance951k WordsCompleted The heroine is a senior executive from the 21st century who worked herself to death, single all her life. At the same time, in another world, twelve-year-old Fan Shuiwei drowned at a flower-viewing banquet. She died with regrets, unable to stop worrying about her mother and younger sister. The heroine’s soul accidentally transmigrates to that other world and takes over Fan Shuiwei’s body, inheriting all her memories and emotions. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Fan Shuiwei devotes herself to 24.3kReads8.5Score3.1kShelves

    Reader note

    From the very beginning, I was captivated by the premise: a 21st-century, sophisticated female executive transmigrates into the body of Fan Shuiwei, a twelve-year-old girl in ancient times. The opening was fast-paced and satisfying. What truly struck me was the novelty of the story: after transmigrating, the protagonist immediately confessed her transmigration to her mother, who gently accepted her, telling her she was still her daughter, just with different memories. This mutual understanding and support between mother and daughter was incredibly touching, warm and moving, completely transcending the clichés of typical transmigration novels and instantly capturing my heart. I initially thought the family would live peacefully together, but then the protagonist's mother tragically died from postpartum hemorrhage while giving birth to her fourth sister. Reading this part was incredibly heartbreaking and filled me with regret; I cried for a long time, feeling deeply saddened. But the protagonist is truly so kind and gentle. After her mother's passing, she wholeheartedly shouldered the responsibility of protecting her family, not only doing everything in her power to ensure her younger sisters' safe upbringing but also treating the concubines in the household with kindness and sincerity. This really surprised me. Without the cutthroat competition and intrigue of the inner palace, the overall scope immediately expands, and the heroine's clarity and kindness are a huge plus. Her later entry into the palace and her ascension to the empress is the most brilliant and unconventional highlight of the entire book! She makes a three-point agreement with the emperor, resolutely refusing to have children, seeking only family stability, and holding power within the harem. She remains clear-headed and independent throughout, determined never to fall in love with the emperor, focusing solely on her career and wielding power. This kind of strong female lead, who isn't driven by love or dependent on imperial power, is so rare and refreshing in harem novels, making it incredibly satisfying to read! The scene where Zhu Jieyu is framed, suffers a miscarriage, and is on the verge of death is also written with immense tension. While others remain cautious, the heroine bravely steps in to help, doing everything in her power to save Zhu Jieyu's life. Even though she couldn't keep her child, this rare compassion and courage within the palace perfectly portrays the heroine's decisive yet warm personality. The pacing is excellent, the ensemble cast is vibrant, and there are no deliberately malicious or idiotic scenes. The heroine is intelligent, acts with integrity, possesses a modern independent spirit, and upholds the warmth of human relationships in ancient times. Compared to many harem novels that portray the heroine as a high-class nanny or a tool, this heroine firmly grasps the initiative in her own life, living with clarity and freedom. The overall reading experience is smooth and heartwarming, with the warmth of family, the stability of palace intrigue, the dangers of the palace, and the heroine's unique integrity and charm. It's completely captivating and a genuine five-star recommendation! If you enjoy clear-headed, strong heroines and unconventional palace intrigue/time-travel novels, this is a must-read!

34. 34 妖 The Demon Empress Is Pregnant, Shocking the Whole Court: What? It’s Not the Emperor’s Child? 妖后有孕满堂惊：啥？不是皇上崽 Cat Qian Qiu猫千秋Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted (Not a serious palace-intrigue novel; absurd comedy; the heroine is a little crazy) In her previous life, Nan Mingzhu was caught in bed with another man by the emperor. Overcome with shame, she took poison and killed herself. When she woke again, she had returned to the very day she was caught. In a fit of rage, the emperor chopped off the other man's head, then took her hand and gazed at her with deep affection. “Empress, you and I have known each other since childhood. We grew up together, and 80Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel features an empress as the female lead and an emperor who trust her implicitly. When the empress punishes a favored concubine, the emperor unconditionally believes it's the concubine's fault. Even when the empress is caught cheating at the beginning, the emperor refuses to believe she has a child and is convinced it's his.

35. 35 娇 A Scheming Childhood Friend Charms the Coldhearted Emperor into Surrender 娇媚心机青梅诱，薄情帝王沦陷深 Fu Yuan福媛Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Pure palace intrigue + the leads are not each other’s first + no saintly heroine] P.S. The heroine is a villainess who takes the initiative. A bewitching, scheming beauty × a cool, heartless emperor An imperial decree made Chu Miaowei the crown prince’s secondary consort. With the little affection her childhood friend, Crown Prince Xiao Jinghuai, had for her, she could have lived a smooth and happy life. But she had no interest in love. She only wanted power. How could the position of secondary 648Reads5.5Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead rises to become empress step by step, maintaining a clear-headed character throughout, and is particularly adept at using others to do her dirty work; she's a bit wicked.

36. 36 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.6kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Family, does anyone know these two books?! They're absolutely amazing!!! The first book's female lead is clear-headed and ambitious; her goal in entering the palace is to become empress. The second book's female lead transmigrates at 18. Because the emperor has an undeniable favorability rating, she wonders if she can go back once she maxes it out? But when she does, she's instantly killed, and then the tyrant goes through a mad dash for his wife! Trust me, just go for it!!!

37. 37 帝 The Emperor and Empress Joined Forces and Purged the Court 帝后联手后，肃清了朝纲 Piggy Piggy Piggy Yao猪猪猪猪瑶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Empress from the start! They love each other for a lifetime, and when the empress passes away, the emperor dies for love! They don't ask to be born together, only to die together! Marriage first, love later + not both virgins + not exclusively doting + completely fictional setting What? The emperor has made a concubine's daughter empress? The powerful ministers are so furious their beards are practically standing on end. Su He, the woman struck by this incredible stroke of fortune, is relieved i 1.9kReads9.0Score187Shelves

    Reader note

    She was a truly exemplary empress; there are very few empresses like her.

38. 38 满 The Entire Court Longs for the Empress to Attend Court and Rule 满朝文武盼着皇后娘娘上朝理政 Lantern Festival Dumplings元夕圆宵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (The live-action series is out!) After her elder sister dies in palace infighting, Shen Shixi enters the palace by imperial decree to be selected as a consort. Within the palace are the powerful and virtuous Empress, born to the imperial in-laws; Consort De, born to an aristocratic family and exceptionally prolific; Consort Rong, the Emperor's favorite, with a strong artistic streak; Consort Qiong, whose superb cooking has won the Emperor's heart; and Consort Xiurong, known as a learned woman an 50.9kReads9.1Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This favored concubine is truly insightful and capable; the male lead dotes on her, making it a very enjoyable read.

39. 39 穿 After Becoming the Crown Princess, I Do Nothing but Slack Off 穿成太子妃后，我每天都在摆烂 Beef Flatbread牛肉大饼Ancient Romance2.4M WordsOngoing [Not a Devoted Couple, Palace and Household Intrigue, Marriage Before Love] With a single imperial decree, Cui Ying and the crown prince inexplicably become husband and wife. Neither of them knows the other. Cui Ying never expected that, as a modern woman transported to ancient times, she would become a crown princess. What a headache. But rumor has it the crown prince has a much-favored concubine by his side. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, she's also gentle and sweet, a true beauty. Cui 22.5kReads6.4Score866Shelves

    Reader note

    ① Although not the Empress, she is still a clear-headed Crown Princess who cares who the Crown Prince loves and is content to live her own life. ② The story begins with a disastrous start: she is seriously ill, the Noble Consort holds power, Consort Li is her beloved, Consort Xian has a son, and Consort Shu is eyeing her covetously.

40. 40 枕 Pillowed in Spring's Embrace 枕春色 Sweet and Sour World糖醋人间Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Signed for publication; print edition on sale July 31] [Hero fights to win her back + Second male lead faces a long road to reconciliation + Powerful man bends for love] Clear-headed, resilient tofu-seller heroine vs. devoted prince with a secret sorrow When Chun Zhi was nine, Lu Jingyun took her in after she was left homeless, and she became his child bride. Lu Jingyun promised, “If I pass the imperial exams one day, I'll make you my wife.” For ten years, she supported him with all her strengt 53.1kReads8.8Score4kShelves

    Reader note

    Book 1! The palace has been quite lively lately! The Imperial Concubine is the most favored, the Virtuous Concubine has just given birth to the Emperor's heir, the Consort Zhao is the Emperor's white moonlight, and the Beautiful Concubine is that unforgettable cinnabar mole. The other concubines are also quite remarkable, a veritable garden of beauties. But our protagonist... Is an unfavored, childless, and ordinary-born Empress. Hmm, this setup sounds so familiar, doesn't it? But our Zhao Wumian, after transmigrating, sees things clearly—since she won't be deposed without cause, and the Emperor still wants to be a wise ruler, then her position as Empress is secure! She'll still receive her salary, and life will go on as usual, why bother fighting for those empty things? Family glory? If the men are useless, what can a weak woman like me do? As for offspring? Children and grandchildren have their own blessings; I can still enjoy a peaceful life without children. Interestingly, the Emperor suddenly notices that this young Empress has changed—she no longer offers advice, no longer argues, even her temper has disappeared, her whole demeanor is chillingly Buddhist.

41. 41 甄 Empresses in the Palace: The Splendor of the Empress Dowager 甄嬛传之元后风华 Duhu Leng Nan都护冷难Female-Channel Fanfiction473k WordsCompleted Completed. [The heroine is a villainess, not a good person. There are some deliberate deviations from history, a touch of Mary Sue, and everyone, men and women alike, falls for the heroine. If that's not your thing, don't read. Consider yourself warned!] Looking back on her life, Ulanara Yixiu had three great regrets. First, her father feared the power of the Jueluo clan and callously gave the position of principal wife, which he had promised to her mother, to Jueluo. As a child, Yixiu suffered 2.2kReads8.8Score170Shelves

    Reader note

    Reborn, watch how a career-driven mind navigates the world of Zhen Huan.

42. 42 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 11.9kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is not a time traveler or reincarnated character; she is gentle yet resourceful, clear-headed, and not blinded by love.

43. 43 呔 Hey! Demons and Ghosts, Be Gone! 呔！妖魔鬼怪快离 Reckless Life妄生Ancient Romance238k WordsCompleted Attend court, review memorials, see his sons and daughters, and dote on his consorts. This was Xie Jin's ordinary, peaceful life as emperor. He was quite content, and thought it would go on like this until he died. Then Heaven decided this easygoing man had been living too comfortably. So it added just a little excitement to his harem. Xie Jin wasn't sure when it started, but all his consorts seemed to have become different people. One said she saw him only as her husband, not as the emperor. An 114Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🍑①Yyds, the female lead is the empress, and the concubines in the harem have already established their power. 🉐She favors the white moonlight and the cinnabar mole, and the main theme is a flourishing of a hundred flowers💐. In order to consolidate her position, the female lead, who has few children, tries to protect the pregnant concubines. In the end, almost half of the concubines have children to rely on. The power in the palace is divided, and then…

44. 44 清 Qing Transmigration: The Noble Consort Takes Down Consort De and Becomes Empress Dowager 清穿：贵妃娘娘她灭了德妃成太后 My Feelings for You卿我意Ancient Romance873k WordsCompleted [Child-rearing (not self-sacrificing; willing to go after her mother, but never schemes against children) + Harem intrigue] After transmigrating into the Qing Dynasty as Noble Consort Tongjia during the reign of Kangxi, Ruirui's first thought was to go find that poor child... Ruirui didn't like the Qing Dynasty. But if she had to choose one person in all of Great Qing, it would be the Fourth Prince, later the Yongzheng Emperor. Not because she liked him, but because she felt for him. She felt fo 14.6kReads9.4Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    In the first book, the female protagonist transmigrates into the body of an empress. At first, it might feel a bit frustrating, but it gets better as you read on. In the second book, she transmigrates into the body of the adoptive mother of the young prince, Yinzhen, and wins the hearts of everyone in the harem without vying for power or influence.

45. 45 中 The Empress of the Central Palace 中宫元后 King Smile笑笑大王Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + marriage before love + palace intrigue] (This is a fictional setting, written as I please. Please don't hold it against me if it doesn't fit history.) Qiao Shanshan, who lived to thirty on Blue Star, died while saving a child. Only after reaching the underworld did she learn that it wasn't her time to die. The soul reaper had taken the wrong person. To make it up to her, the King of Hell promi 15.4kReads8.2Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The empress is unambitious, but she is undeniably captivating.

46. 46 重 Reborn: I Became Crown Princess by Stepping on His Moonlight 重生后，踩着白月光成了太子妃 Tian Nanxing Nan天南星南Ancient Romance239k WordsCompleted In her previous life, the empress harmed the entire Xie family for her own selfish desires, sentencing them all to execution. Only Xie Shuhua managed to escape by sheer luck. To get revenge, Xie Shuhua entered the palace as a maid. She spent fifteen years navigating its treacherous waters before finally killing the empress herself and avenging her family. She, too, was pierced by a thousand arrows. When she opened her eyes again, Xie Shuhua discovered that she had returned to the age of sixteen, 2.8kReads8.6Score269Shelves

    Reader note

    A super satisfying read! The empress is incredibly clear-headed; she doesn't love the emperor, and in the end, she doesn't let go of the emperor she hated in her past life because of her soft heart. It's super good, and I hope it gets a high rating.

47. 47 诈 After Faking His Death, He Went Mad 诈死后，他疯了 Her Mountain她山Ancient Romance352k WordsCompleted The heroine was transmigrated into a book before birth + the hero is a native of the world + young love and marriage + rekindled romance + two hopeless romantics + always choosing each other To put her gravely ill father at ease, Jiang Wan married the man he had taken in. After her father passed away, the man said he would take her home. She never imagined he would take her straight to Prince Duan's residence in the capital. Only then did she learn he was Zhao Zhixing, the emperor's fifth son a 140.6kReads8.6Score12.9kShelves

    Reader note

    ☘️☘️When Prince Duan returned from his three-year campaign, he brought back a woman who had lived there for over twenty years. She still retained the memories of equality and freedom, and couldn't bear to share her husband with other women.🌱The female protagonist meticulously planned for three years, leaving herself a way out, and escaped by taking a potion to revive herself from the dead.

48. 48 综 A Film and TV Crossover: Grant Me Three Thousand Wishes 综影视之许我三千心愿 Pipi Q皮皮QFemale-Channel Fanfiction984k WordsOngoing A different possibility for various film and television worlds, making up for all the regrets of the original stories. No lovesick protagonists, no golden finger, logical storytelling, not canon, parallel worlds based on film and television dramas, intelligent protagonists, political scheming, palace intrigue, strong female leads, the Republic of China era, equally matched couples... 1. Aisin-Gioro Yongqi and Xilin-Jueluo Linlang 2. Lu Mengping and Qin Shuo 3. Xiao Zhenying and Lin Xie 1.7kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first world, the female lead is from the Xilin Gioro clan, not from official history, the male lead is Yongqi. (Chapters 1-98)

49. 49 快 Quick Transmigration: The Emperor's Cousin Doesn't Want to Be a Disposable Character 快穿之皇帝的表妹不想做炮灰 Leaning on the Rail凭阑人Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted World One: During the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, cousin of Liu Che, the future Emperor Wu of Han World Two: At the end of the Sui dynasty and beginning of the Tang, cousin of Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of Tang World Three: During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Song, cousin of Zhao Heng, Emperor Zhenzong of Song World Four: During the Chenghua era, cousin of Zhu Youcheng, Emperor Xiaozong of Ming World Five: During the Kangxi era, cousin of Yinzhen, the Yongzheng Emperor Since ancient times, 1.3kReads5.5Score115Shelves
50. 50 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

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