Historical Court-Intrigue Stories Are So Addictive! Any Recommendations? 古装权谋爽文真的很上头？求推！

1. 1 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 254.1kReads9.7Score29.8kShelves

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   This is a female strategist novel; she's a master of political intrigue, and the author's writing and logic are superb. You can just jump right in!

2. 2 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

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   I absolutely adore the female protagonist of this book! She's a master of political intrigue! 😁 She believes in taking control of her own destiny, and with the economy as her lifeline, she's determined to build her own business empire in the capital!

3. 3 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 265.2kReads9.6Score31kShelves

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   The plot is unique, unlike many other books that are repetitive!! Both the male and female leads are brave and resourceful, highly recommended!!

4. 4 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, the Foolish Princess Marries the Ninth Lord with Her Four Maids 退婚后，傻妃携四大丫鬟嫁九千岁 Clingy Little Tomato粘人小番茄Ancient Romance1.8M WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Household Intrigue + Historical Romance + Princess Consort + Legitimate Daughter + Medical Skills + Two Powerful Leads + Cunning + Playing the Fool + Reborn + Fiercely Protective + Political Scheming] 99% of the comments are positive! Read with confidence! Su Qian, once the leader of a special forces unit in the apocalypse, died unexpectedly while carrying out a mission. With her portable medical space, she transmigrated to ancient times and into the residence of a great gener 22.8kReads8.1Score3.8kShelves

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   No more feeling lost in a reading slump! This book is definitely worth following. The plot is engaging, the characters are compelling, and there's no disappointing ending. You won't regret reading it; you'll want more after you finish! A highly recommended gem! The plot is tight and fast-paced, with plenty of exciting moments that don't feel frustrating. The writing is smooth and immersive. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down! I've discovered a treasure of a fantasy novel with likable characters, an explosive plot, and no dull moments. If you like this genre, don't miss it! 😎😎

5. 5 救 Help! The Horror NPCs Are Lining Up for Me to Do Their Makeup 救命！惊悚NPC都排队找我化妆 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Mystery519k WordsCompleted [Horror game + NPCs + horror survival + no System] Su Qing, a workaholic makeup artist, was just working overtime. When she opened her eyes again, she had been sucked into a horror game with a 99% death rate! As she watched her teammates panic and wet themselves, the bottom-performing Slit-Mouthed Woman approached her with a pair of scissors. Su Qing despaired. But wait... This woman’s makeup is way too crude! Her professional instincts kicked in, and she blurted out, “Your makeup isn’t working. 880Reads—Score177Shelves
6. 6 七 Her Seven Brothers Died in Battle, and the Legitimate Daughter Returned Darkened 七个哥哥战死沙场，嫡女黑化归来 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [Historical romance, court intrigue, palace and household scheming, reborn, joining forces, legitimate daughter, revenge, two formidable leads, transmigrate into a book, seven older brothers, no saintly heroine, miracle doctor, adored by all, comeback, punishing scoundrels, imperial uncle, devoted husband, devoted couple] The comment section is 99% positive! Read with confidence! “Shen Nanqiao, being chosen to marry into the Eastern Palace is a blessing for your Duke of Zhenguo household!” Rebor 4.1kReads7.2Score804Shelves
7. 7 毒 The Poison Queen Gives Up, but the Mad Dog Emperor Insists on Spoiling Her 毒后摆烂，疯狗暴君偏要宠 Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance371k WordsCompleted [Court Intrigue] [Mutual Exploitation] [Psycho Push and Pull] [Fall from Grace] [Psycho] [Powerful Figures] [Tyrant] [Imperial Court] [High-Level Hunt] [Schemes] [Power Couple] [Wits and Will] Meng Zhiyuan was a notorious poison empress. After Emperor Xiao Qi personally destroyed her family, she was banished to the cold palace, left to await her death. Xiao Qi brought his new favorite before her and flaunted his favor, hoping to see jealousy and pain in her eyes. But Meng Zhiyuan didn't even loo 180Reads—Score112Shelves
8. 8 宠EN Favoring a Concubine and Disgracing Your Wife? I Quit as the Marquisate's Matriarch! 宠妾灭妻？这侯门主母我不当了！ Li Wu礼午Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking] Voting has begun! Search for “Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking” to vote for this book, A Return to the Boudoir. Thank you! [Traditional historical romance + inner-courtyard drama + reborn revenge and face-slapping + a prince pursues his wife] Lin Yunwan was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Lin clan. When her Marquis household was on the verge of losing its title, she married Lu Zhengliu, the heir to the marquisate. On their wedding day, her husband coldly 53.2kReads9.3Score7.3kShelves

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   The first book is the one you mentioned. I felt it became rather dull after the female lead moved to someone else's house. The second book has a reborn female supporting character who continues to fight the female lead but is still crushed by her. The third book has a female lead who, after being wronged in her previous life, is reborn and exposes the hypocrisy and shamelessness of her husband's family, revealing the tragic truth that they are just an empty shell of a wealthy family. The fourth book has a female lead who is intelligent and strong throughout. Her father is a powerful minister who eventually overthrows the emperor and makes his son emperor. The fifth book is also particularly good. In her previous life, the female lead only saw the true evil of her husband's family and stepchildren before she died. After being reborn, she gradually leads them into the abyss.

9. 9 纵 So What If You’re Reborn? 纵你重生又如何 Yao Yaoya妖幺芽Ancient Romance169k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete] [Two powerful leads + no point in being reborn as a concubine’s daughter + face-slapping and punishing scoundrels + the male lead has a secret crush] [A cool, composed beauty with overwhelming combat prowess vs. a mysterious, bewitching prince] [One-on-one romance + happy ending + single and chaste] Her mother was the most favored legitimate princess, her uncle was the reigning emperor, her maternal grandmother was empress dowager of the realm, and her older brother 2.3kReads8.9Score296Shelves
10. 10 主 The Matriarch Is Reborn and Wipes Out the Scoundrel and His Entire Family 主母重生，灭了渣男一家老小 Garlic Sprout and Cured Pork蒜苗小腊肉Ancient Romance373k WordsOngoing [Reborn, face-slapping revenge, and pure satisfaction + historical household drama + two equally strong leads + husband pursues his wife] After a lifetime as a sacrificial pawn of a wife, Lu Yunyan was buried alive by the Ling family in a mass grave. Reborn, she faces the husband who despises her low birth, the concubine who enjoys the wealth and glory she worked for, the ruthless mother-in-law plotting to seize her dowry, and the sister-in-law who only wants to use her for personal gain. One 52Reads9.0Score—Shelves
11. 11 都 Now That I’m Reborn, Who’d Raise the Scumbag Husband’s Illegitimate Child? 都重生了，谁还替渣夫外室养孩子 Morning Clouds Purple朝云紫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Film and television rights sold] In her previous life, Yun Chu supported her husband, raised his son by a concubine, and helped the Xie family rise to greatness. In the end, she caused all one hundred members of the Yun family to be beheaded, then was forced to drink poison by the child she had raised with her own hands! As the poison burned through her entrails, she opened her eyes and found herself back at twenty. A line of Xie family children stood before her, each calling her “Mother” with 27.5kReads9.2Score4kShelves
12. 12 长EN After the Grand Princess Is Reborn, the Chief Grand Secretary Can No Longer Sit Still 长公主重生后，首辅大人坐不住了 Dong Chichi董迟迟Ancient Romance476k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Political Intrigue + Powerful Hero and Heroine + Plenty of Foreshadowing + Serious Ensemble Cast] [Charming, Alluring, Sweet-Natured Yet Cunning Eldest Princess + Autocratic, Possessive Chief Grand Secretary] [Important: This is NOT a wish-fulfillment novel!!!] As a princess, Zhao Huiluan lived in luxury and honor, yet died in the prime of her life. Reborn, she finally realized that all the countless honors and favors she had once been proud of were nothing but illusions. Power is saf 5.5kReads9.2Score756Shelves

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    Everyone's got brains; it's all about court intrigue! The female lead is patient and calculating, a master of manipulation, gradually rising from the inner court to the imperial court. The male lead comes from humble beginnings; at seven, he signed a contract selling himself into servitude, becoming a wealthy young master. He achieves top honors in the imperial examinations, entering officialdom and rising from the Hanlin Academy to the Grand Secretariat, becoming a powerful minister wielding immense influence. The early stages involve fighting rebellious officials and seizing power; the later stages involve implementing new policies, breaking through obstacles, and saving himself!

13. 13 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 87.6kReads9.5Score12kShelves

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    A story of two powerful figures, family and country, and political intrigue. A once-valiant daughter of a military family returns to the year her father and brother died in battle, to uncover old cases, slay treacherous officials, and avenge her sworn enemies... Xie Tingzhou: "Go do what you want to do. Don't be afraid; I'll be with you to overturn this world."

14. 14 侯 After the Marquis's Wife Gave Up, Her Three Rebellious Children Begged for Forgiveness 侯府主母摆烂后，三个逆子求原谅 Soft Soft Soft Little Corn糯糯糯小玉米Ancient Romance309k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + a cast of villains + unconventional + strong female lead + satisfying read + political intrigue] The moment Lin Shuangqing opens her eyes, she finds herself a widowed, wicked matriarch in an ancient marquis's household. She has three children, and every one of them is hoping she'll die so they can divide up her meager dowry. It's a battlefield from the start: her lovestruck daughter kneels and begs to marry a murderer's son, her eldest son takes advantage of her gener 709Reads6.3Score109Shelves

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    🍎Who understands?! Transmigrated into the body of a wicked widowed matriarch of a noble family, the story begins in a chaotic battlefield! 👀 The protagonist, Lin Shuangqing, opens her eyes to find herself the stepmother of three ungrateful stepchildren. In the original story, she would be betrayed by her three children and die a tragic death in the wilderness. But she sneers: "A doting mother spoils her children? Then I'll cripple them all and create alternate versions!" ❌ Her love-struck daughter insists on marrying a murderer? "Want to marry him? Fine! You'll leave with nothing and have to dig for wild vegetables!" ❌ Her eldest son, who favors his concubine over his wife, wants to live off her? "Want to be a useless piece of trash? Spit out your secret stash of money, and I'll send you to jail to sober up!" ❌ Her ruthless second son wants to kill her and seize power? "Tear up the ancestral rules and support my illegitimate son from the mire to rise to power! From now on, whoever is capable will rise!"

15. 15 步 Splendor at Every Turn, Spring at Every Step 步步惊华步步春 Twenty-Four Flower Mornings廿四花朝Ancient Romance847k WordsOngoing The rating has just come out, so don't pay it any mind... [Pure historical romance] [Plot-driven] [Political intrigue] [Two equally matched leads] [One-on-one romance] [Everyone is clever] [Powerful prince who dominates the court vs. exceptionally intelligent illegitimate daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen is the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's residence. Born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble country home, she is suddenly forced into the treacherous world of the capital's n 8.4kReads8.7Score838Shelves

    Reader note

    Historical romance, political intrigue, and a satisfying read; the female protagonist constantly slaps people in the face, it's incredibly addictive, and the plot is super exciting.

16. 16 汴 Spring Deepens in Bianjing 汴京春深 Wheat小麦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Audio version now available, welcome to listen] Madam Rongguo, Wang Fu, devoted herself to her family until she fell gravely ill and died. She was reborn in the body of Meng Jiuniang, a foolish illegitimate daughter who was only seven years old. In her previous life, her husband became her uncle in this life, and her son became her cousin. In this life, Meng Wan had a simple wish: to live peacefully and watch her son, her cousin Su Fang in this life, grow up safe and sound. But as she and a gro 18.9kReads9.5Score2.4kShelves

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    A high-quality historical romance novel. The female protagonist is reborn in another body, hoping for a peaceful life. However, her son from her past life becomes her cousin, and her husband from her past life becomes her uncle. She discovers that the cause of her death in her past life involves royal intrigue. The story flows smoothly, is logically sound, and the writing is excellent. It's a captivating and engaging read. [Sparrow's Masterpiece]

17. 17 皇 The Empress Is Fierce: She Loves the Empire, Not Palace Scheming 皇后很野，只爱江山不宫斗 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance451k WordsCompleted Political intrigue, historical romance, two strong leads, one-on-one romance, happy ending Both leads are highly skilled in combat and brilliant. They speak their minds, with no angst or melodrama. [Straight-laced, scheming emperor who can be either fierce or sweet x resilient and clever female general who never gives up] Ye Fubo is exceptionally gifted. Before turning eighteen, she is already a leading commander in the navy. But people are treacherous and the court is full of intrigue. A precio 942Reads9.1Score125Shelves

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    The following books are ones I personally found enjoyable. Character traits: * **After Transmigrating into a Female-Dominated World, I Forced My Way into Marrying My White Moonlight:** A beautiful woman with a tough exterior but a soft heart VS a cunning and aloof white moonlight, Xu Yi VS Ling Zhao. * **The Empress is Wild, She Only Loves the Country, Not Palace Intrigue:** An upright, cunning, and both wolfish and gentle emperor VS a resilient and intelligent female general who never gives up, Feng Tianlei VS Ye Fubo.

18. 18 赐 After the Imperial Betrothal, the Princess Consort Just Wants the Prince to Keep Her Alive 赐婚后，王妃只想靠王爷续命 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance411k WordsCompleted A historical romance: marriage first, love later. Both leads are intelligent, articulate, and quick-witted. No angst, no silly characters, and sweet moments throughout. Originally titled Who Dares to Define Romance. Everyone in the capital regards Prince Yong as untouchable. Gu Qing is the only exception. Desperate for a life-saving medicine, she takes advantage of the emperor’s arranged marriage and weds Prince Yong, unaware that he is also gravely ill with a deadly poison. She is calm and rati 6kReads9.4Score746Shelves
19. 19 穿 After Entering a Matriarchal World, I Took the Man of My Dreams by Force 穿进女尊世界后我强娶了白月光 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance532k WordsCompleted [Early work] After getting drunk one night, Ling Zhao transmigrates into a world where women hold power. She becomes a spoiled, useless imperial princess who is doted on by everyone, and opens her eyes in the middle of a husband-selection ceremony. The person who transmigrated alongside her is Xu Yi, the man she has secretly loved for ten years. Ling Zhao has a selfish motive. She points at him, and Xu Yi is chosen to be the future primary husband of the Seventh Princess. After they reunite, she 6.4kReads9.3Score794Shelves
20. 20 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves
21. 21 重 Reborn and Married to My Ex-Husband’s Older Brother, I’ll Send Him to the Crematorium 重生嫁给前夫他兄长，让他火葬场 Xiao's Baby魈的宝宝Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Ex-Husband Begs for Her Back and Gets Crushed + Substitute Bride + Sweet Romance + Marriage First, Love Later + Feel-Good + Strong Heroine] The moment Shen Qingtan opens her eyes, she is reborn on her wedding day. In her previous life, her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, Zhao Jue, burned her alive so she would give up her place as his wife for her half-sister. She swore that if she ever got another life, she would make them pay in blood! This time, when her bridal sedan arrives, she takes the 24.9kReads9.3Score5.6kShelves
22. 22 折 Snap Off a Crabapple Branch! 折棠枝！ Consort Xi熙贵妃Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sisters switch marriages+the chase-back-to-win-her-heart trope+romantic rivalry+putting scumbags in their place; clear-eyed, scheming beauty X mad tyrant X aloof, powerful minister...] Short drama now available Jiang Wantang is the second legitimate daughter least favored by the current prime minister. With incomparable beauty and bewitching charm, she was abandoned in the wilderness and remained unknown to the world. Her elder legitimate sister was the moon in the sky; she was the mud beneath 9.1kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves

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    This is so beautiful, I highly recommend it!

23. 23 与 Playing Chess with You: The Phoenix's Power 与君奕：凰权 Jiang Tanluoyue江潭落月Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted (The rating has only just opened and will rise later) “Political intrigue + evenly matched leads + marriage before love + traditional war for supremacy in a chaotic age + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + nation and family” In these chaotic times, even a monarch can hardly hope for a lifetime of peace. Crowned heir to the throne at six, named crown prince at eight, and enthroned at twelve, Yan Xi was the “future savior of the Yan Kingdom” foretold by an astrologer, blessed with the Purple 211Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A political intrigue story featuring two powerful protagonists vying for supremacy in a chaotic world, with all characters possessing exceptional intelligence. The romance and political intrigue run parallel, but aside from the initial encounter between the male and female leads, the romance is relatively limited. The plot is tightly woven, with excellent depictions of court intrigue, the struggle for power, and the war scenes. The themes of slaughter and redemption, the conquest of weaker nations by powerful ones, betrayal and trust, and the cyclical nature of cause and effect are all compelling.

24. 24 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance859k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 1.9kReads9.3Score270Shelves

    Reader note

    This ancient Chinese political intrigue story is written with delicate and mature prose, creating well-rounded characters. Both protagonists are strong, thoughtful, strategic, and profound, carefully navigating the complexities of the game, manipulating the opponent's own path to defeat before turning the tables. The male and female leads share a tacit understanding and strategic thinking, mutually redeeming each other without dependence. Their strategies reflect their humanity, not their morality; they know each other's true selves and love each other's complete souls.

25. 25 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a master strategist with exceptional strategic acumen. Her ability to set up and break schemes is truly captivating. The plot unfolds in a tightly woven, progressively deeper manner.

26. 26 错 A Mistake, A Meeting 错，相逢 Big and Little Orange Cats大小橘猫Ancient Romance573k WordsCompleted That year, I first came into the world, and the balance of power across the realm was suddenly overturned in silence. The new emperor of Xilu ascended the throne, determined to bring about reforms. In Xidan, the young Emperor Yuan Xi also inherited the throne that same year. They all said I smiled at everyone from the time I was little. Yet at the grandest of enthronement banquets, I looked up and saw a handsome young man in imperial robes, with clear, bright features, and burst into tears. He p 35Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The writing is delicate, the plot is tight, the political intrigue is captivating, the emotional portrayal is sincere and moving, and the core is warm and touching. The emotions are truly genuine. It's a childhood sweetheart story that transcends eras. The heroine, who always smiled at everyone since childhood, cried for Yuan Xi, the young emperor of Xidan Kingdom, at his coronation banquet, and received a peace buckle symbolizing a promise. Years later, she returns this token, and the unspoken feelings between them intertwine with the complexities of family and country, weaving a profound and poignant tale. I gently placed the peace buckle, now polished smooth by countless touches, back into his palm. In that instant, his eyes clearly reddened, a thousand words choked in his throat, unspoken. It's truly moving to read.

27. 27 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves

    Reader note

    After reading this, I don't want to read any other political intrigue novels anymore. I always feel that others aren't as good as this one. Is this the pinnacle of writing? A must-read! The author's main job is screenwriting! This book is of such high quality that it doesn't seem like it's written by Tomato!

28. 28 野 The Untamed Power Broker 野生权臣 Mr. Meow Meow Cat米斯特里喵喵猫Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted [New book, the score is just starting out and will go up!! Don't leave!!] [Two powerful leads + sweet romance + queen trains her dog + ambitious cast + historical court intrigue] [One-on-one + characters who speak their minds + alternate world + mutual flirting between two powerful leads + intense push and pull] [Rational, scheming female minister × rebellious, unrestrained hound] A modern office worker with brain cancer transmigrates into a frail orphan in Nanli. Her father is dead, s 13Reads6.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A thrilling career-driven story! Featuring female imperial examinations, medical and agricultural reforms, and court infighting—a very satisfying female protagonist novel! The romance is a complex web of two strong characters testing and pulling each other through!

29. 29 乱 After Fleeing the Chaotic Era, I Became the Founding Empress 乱世逃亡后，我成了开国女帝 Nan Wanxu南婉徐Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted [Publication rights signed] [Strong heroine + political intrigue + turbulent times + power struggles + ensemble cast] She’s fleeing from the start, a female warlord in a chaotic age. Lin Zhihuang, originally named Lin Zhihuan, transmigrates as a county magistrate’s daughter, only to find tens of thousands of refugees attacking the city from the start! While others transmigrate into palace or household intrigue, she transmigrates straight into a chaotic age and a desperate flight from famine. The 93.2kReads9.4Score12.8kShelves

    Reader note

    I haven't read the one you mentioned, but I do know some historical political intrigue novels. The first one is truly amazing; the female lead is consistently intelligent throughout the first thousand chapters, and the supporting characters are also quite clever. The female lead is an indigenous person with modern memories, but she wasn't aware of it at first for some reason. The second one... Readers say this book is overshadowed by its title. Many people recommend it, but I haven't read it, mainly because I can't stand the dark side of the male and female leads.

30. 30 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 106.8kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves
31. 31 倾 The Alluring Empress Opens Her Eyes, and Every King in the Realm Kneels 倾城女帝一睁眼，天下诸王皆跪了 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance784k WordsCompleted She was the Empress of Canglan, unmatched in both martial and scholarly arts, unrivaled in strategy, and a master of both medicine and poison. After being set up, she was reborn in the body of Yan Li, daughter of the Grand Tutor of the Mu Kingdom. The moment she wakes, her uncle and aunt beat her? Just watch her make them beg for mercy on their knees. The crown prince smears her name to break off their engagement? The emperor strips him of his position as heir to protect her! The empress of a ne 6.4kReads9.1Score894Shelves
32. 32 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Returns, the Concubine's Daughter Knows Her Place 嫡女归来庶女靠边 Drizzling Rain at Dusk潇潇暮雨Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted After transmigrating, Dong Shuwan became the unfavored legitimate daughter of a marquis’s household, banished from home. With a dimension-hopping Taobao System at her side, she returned to the capital and set out to take on the concubines and other troublesome relatives, make her fortune, and strengthen her country and its people... What stories will unfold? Let’s wait and see as they slowly come to light... 205Reads7.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A phoenix is reborn. After rebirth, what's the point of talking about love? Power is more important. With power comes the ultimate path. Let's see how the female protagonist turns the tables; wisdom is the most crucial element.

33. 33 皇 The Prince's Dearest: The Eldest Daughter Has Been Reborn 皇叔的心肝：嫡长女她重生了 A Wedding Dress Like Snow嫁衣如雪Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted In her previous life, Meng Qingyao was betrayed by her scumbag father, who caused the deaths of her loved ones. Her stepsister took advantage of her, and she died full of resentment. In her final moments, he helped her take revenge. He was the one who cut off her enemies' heads... Reborn, she's no longer the legitimate daughter of a military family who lets others bully her. She'll make everyone repay her twice over for what they took from her in her previous life, and repay what she owes in thi 2.4kReads9.2Score414Shelves
34. 34 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 87.1kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves
35. 35 裙 He Has Someone Else Kneeling at His Feet 裙下之臣他另有其人 Miss Lin Watches Movies观影林姑娘Ancient Romance231k WordsOngoing To uncover the truth behind her father and brother’s deaths in battle, she abandoned her life of finery and fine horses and spent five years plotting. She pointed her sword at his throat. “You were the only one I never doubted.” He smiled, running his fingers along the blade. “The road to kingship is paved with bones.” In that moment, she finally saw clearly: beyond the mist lay no truth, only the torture he had prepared for her with his own hands. The vast realm ran red as blood, but it could n 48Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Her father and brother perished, her fiancé disappeared, and only he risked his life to protect her. She had just fallen for him when he married another for power. On their wedding night, she wished him a bright future, her back turned resolutely, and from that moment on, she was plunged into an abyss of intrigue and power struggles, their broken relationship irreparable.

36. 36 轻 Where Does the Light Boat Go? 轻舟何岸 Plain Colors, Chilly素彩寒Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted Are the four princes of Rui Kingdom really going to marry four common women from Chan Kingdom? Could it be because every woman in Chan Kingdom is beautiful and fertile? She has the talent to be a chancellor in a matriarchal kingdom, yet marries the “intellectually disabled” prince of a patriarchal kingdom, entering the marriage as a spy under the pretense of a political union. He is a prince with exceptional intelligence who hides his true self. But even after he regains his true self, is that r 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A ensemble drama of power struggles and intrigue: She, a woman with the talent of a prime minister, marries a "mentally challenged" prince of a male kingdom, ostensibly for a political marriage but in reality a spy; He, a prince of exceptional intelligence, hides his true form as a mentally challenged individual. But even if he regains his true self, is he truly himself? Espionage, political intrigue, palace intrigue, business strategies, and battlefield tactics unfold in the back-and-forth between these two powerful figures who admire each other…

37. 37 江 Jiang Yan’s Dream: Flowers Bloom from His Brush 江淹一梦笔生花 Gurgling Spring泉之淙淙Historical505k WordsCompleted In the winter of the seventh year of the Daming era (463 AD), Jiang Yan was gathering firewood in the biting wind by the Qingxi River. Suddenly, he spotted a young woman stumbling along the main road, clutching her wounded left arm, with three constables from the Court of Justice in hot pursuit. Jiang Yan pulled her into a reed bed, helping her evade the officials’ deadly grasp. It turned out she was Xie Wei’s daughter. Xie Wei had been implicated in the Fan Ye case because of his poetry and pro 126Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient political intrigue and court struggles

38. 38 和 The Political Bride Slaughters Her Way Through the Realm 和亲公主嘎嘎乱杀 Mist and Camellias雾与山茶Ancient Romance324k WordsCompleted [Fictional setting + System + Revenge to the extreme + Asura Princess + Decisive and ruthless + Strong female lead + Female emperor] Chu Nian'an was a low-ranking princess. When the imperial decree ordering her to marry into Beishuo arrived, everyone in the palace waited to see her make a fool of herself. Beishuo was her birth mother's homeland, the place that dazzling woman had spent half her life trying and failing to return to. At a banquet in Beishuo's royal court, a powerful minister's daug 75Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    From abandoned daughter to empress, this revenge-driven novel is a must-read! Full of political intrigue, incredibly satisfying, and featuring a strong female lead – read it now!

39. 39 谋 Scheming for a Beauty 谋红颜 Big and Little Orange Cats大小橘猫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted A flood swept away Ru Yu's mother. Everyone said it was a natural disaster, but she alone knew for certain that someone had lowered the iron floodgate with a sneer as the waters surged in. To uncover the mystery behind it, she resolutely descended from Mount Kuocang. Making herself a pawn, she stepped into the treacherous game of power unfolding across the land. 37Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    All I can say is that you have great taste.

40. 40 五 Five Years of Waiting Came to Nothing: My Husband Brings His New Love to Demand a Divorce 五年痴等成空，夫君带女逼我和离 Cang Yuesheng仓月生Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Both Chaste] [Romance with His Older Brother's Wife] [Male-Male Story] [The Male Lead is repeatedly seen completely naked but stays faithful. Later, what looks like infidelity is actually a guard in disguise; the male lead remains devoted to the female lead throughout.] [Dear readers, we're very sorry! When you reach Chapter 139, please skip straight to Chapter 146. Chapters 140 to 145 are inconsistent and can be ignored.] On their wedding night, unrest broke out at the border, and her husband 5.8kReads9.3Score434Shelves

    Reader note

    A classic tale of palace intrigue and family feuds! The heroine should have dumped the scumbag early on! But life wasn't so easy for women in ancient times. 🙂

41. 41 女 The Vicious Villainess in a Matriarchal World Raises Her Fish Online 女尊恶獠在线养鱼 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Matriarchal society + sweet romance + one-on-one + devoted to each other] [Calculating and ruthless princess × obedient, loyal guard] The capital's good-for-nothing Second Princess is beaten in the street by another woman for pursuing a man, then crashes into a stone lion. After recovering from her serious injuries, the Second Princess seems like a completely different person: kind to others, uninterested in competing, and always helping her sisters. It isn't until the day this powerful princes 15.1kReads9.5Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Political intrigue + sweet romance + virginity: The seemingly incompetent second princess of the capital undergoes a dramatic personality change after recovering from serious injuries. She transforms from a kind and unassuming girl into a powerful and cunning ruler, scheming and maneuvering step by step. She presents herself as a ruthless princess, but secretly dotes on her loyal bodyguard.

42. 42 报 Report to the Prince Regent: The Boss Specializes in Treating Infertility 报告摄政王：大佬她专治不孕不育 Cloud Brocade Magpie云锦鹊Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The heir to the Xuanling family unexpectedly becomes the most beloved legitimate daughter of the Chancellor’s household from a thousand years ago. Mu Youyue has mastered the art of Xuanling to perfection. She can command ghosts, revive the dead, and restore flesh to bones. She clearly has the pampered, laid-back life of a beloved darling all laid out, yet people keep showing up to get themselves killed. Very well, with time on her hands, she might as well... Sharpen her blade with one hand and c 6.2kReads9.4Score898Shelves

    Reader note

    Here are a few books that fit the theme, all of which I've read and found highly rated, with excellent writing that I plan to reread. The following recommendations each have their own unique characteristics, including both long and short stories; hopefully, one will suit your taste.

43. 43 奸 The Treacherous Minister Is Expecting 奸臣有喜 Gu Xige顾夕歌Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted She is the short-tempered, shameless Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, skilled at embezzlement, bribery, and abusing her power for personal gain. Her hobbies include attacking people from the shadows and sowing discord. She is the dynasty's infamous number-one villain. Then one day, the officials were relieved to discover that she had finally set her sights on someone else: the renowned Imperial Preceptor. To arrange a chance encounter, she starts lurking outside his residence every 2.8kReads9.2Score391Shelves
44. 44 权 The Alluring Powerful Minister 权臣妖娆 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance960k WordsCompleted Also known as The Female Top Scorer and The Female Imperial Tutor. He was a celebrated, charmingly elegant top scorer, showered with every favor under the heavens. Only after the Du family was destroyed and he hanged himself in prison did the world learn that “he” was a woman! After her father's death, the family's good name was ruined. Dozens of loyal servants starved to death. The beautiful women of the household were either made into servants or reduced to playthings for officials. Reborn, Du 3.3kReads9.1Score435Shelves
45. 45 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.8kReads9.0Score784Shelves
46. 46 穿 The Transmigrated City Lord 穿越女城主 Tianheng Palace天珩宫Ancient Romance647k WordsOngoing [Love triangle, slow burn, taking things one step at a time! The emotional entanglements of adults: the first male lead is passionate and fixated, while the second is clever and in control. The second male lead wins her heart.] [A beauty skilled in political intrigue! She pursues an official career, rises to a high position, and remains calm and self-possessed, leaving a prince heartbroken.] She has always believed that staying independent and relying on no one is the safest way to survive. But 27Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is a shrewd and calculating woman who steadily advances her career. She possesses a broad vision and rises through the ranks of the court. Her calm and self-possessed demeanor leaves the princes bewildered.

47. 47 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 558Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure historical romance novel with political intrigue; the plot is addictive.

48. 48 安 Peaceful and Unending 安乐永逸 A Tree Makes Shade一木成荫Ancient Romance531k WordsOngoing She had been given a rare second chance at life and planned to spend it carefree, like a wandering cloud or wild crane among the mountains and rivers. But fate had other plans: her adoptive father was imprisoned while seeking vengeance for her family's murder and his own country's humiliation. To save him, she had to disguise herself as a man and enter the imperial court, where she was forced to work for the cold-faced royal prince, Luo Yunyi. She never expected to find herself working for a hea 138Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A descendant of the previous dynasty versus a cunning prince; one is exceptionally handsome and elegant, the other ruthless and decisive. Court intrigue, chivalry, romance, warfare, unparalleled wisdom—a highly engaging historical romance novel of political intrigue.

49. 49 心 My Inner Thoughts Were Overheard, So I Helped Father Topple the Emperor 心声被偷听，带爹爹把皇帝拉下马 Cat in the Warm Breeze暖风中的猫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Inner thoughts + power struggles and satisfying revenge + beloved by the whole family + female lead is a reincarnated immortal + no saintly characters or spineless suffering] Ye Chuyao, the carefree Immortal Venerable of the cultivation world, gets sealed away by the joint effort of the ancestors of the Ten Ancient Sects after taking her wild ways too far. At the crucial moment, she uses a forbidden art to reincarnate. Who could have guessed she’d transmigrate into a book, becoming the legitima 6.4kReads9.2Score607Shelves
50. 50 重 Reborn: I Was Righteous and Unyielding, but Slowly Turned Dark 重生后：刚正不阿的我，逐渐黑化 Wine-Flavored Jelly酒味果冻Historical89k WordsOngoing Fast-paced, satisfying political intrigue, with a tightly woven plot and a relatively short word count. Simple justice is powerless in the face of authority! A belief only proves its worth when it can defeat the enemy! Given a second chance, Xu Qingzhou fights his way through every obstacle, eventually reaching the pinnacle of power and putting his convictions into practice! A voice sounded in Xu Qingzhou's ear: [If I gave you another chance, would you still hold on to your so-called —Reads—Score—Shelves

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