Strong Female Lead and Political Scheming! No One Acts Like an Idiot! 大女主权谋文！全员不降智！

1. 51 郡 The Commandery Princess Returns to the Capital, So Why Is the Entire Marquis’s Household Dead? 郡主一回京，侯府怎么死光了？ Dancing Sunflower跳舞的向日葵Ancient Romance607k WordsCompleted [Satisfying family-intrigue story + ruthless heroine + face-slapping the villains] Qu Ling was framed by her stepmother and left the Marquis's residence for six years. When she returned to the capital, happiness wasn't waiting for her. Instead, she was driven step by step to the brink of madness. In the end, she went mad and killed everyone in the marquis's household, paying for it with her own life. After coming back to life, Qu Ling took up her knife. She no longer needed to go mad to slaughte 33.5kReads9.2Score4.4k14d adds
2. 52 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 265.2kReads9.6Score31k14d adds

   Reader note

   I initially thought it would be a typical story about a scumbag boyfriend's downfall, but it turned out to be a political intrigue novel with very detailed character portrayals. I think Tomato's writing style is at its best [heart emoji]. It's rare to find one with so few flaws.

3. 53 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 122.5kReads9.7Score13.8k14d adds

   Reader note

   The first two books were by the same author. I personally think that Xiao Pangxie (Little Crab) has a knack for writing political intrigue. I especially love the characters she creates; they're not flat or one-dimensional. The first book started slowly but improved dramatically. It felt like the author originally intended to write a simple sweet romance, but once she got going, she couldn't stop. It started slow but quickly got going. I recommended it to my roommate, and she was initially dismissive, only reading two chapters before giving up. A few days later, at my insistence, she started reading again and couldn't stop after a few more chapters. She even praised me ravely after finishing it. The second book was also by the same author and was very good. I've forgotten a bit of the details, but I finished it in two days, and the character development was excellent. I finished the third book a long time ago. I vaguely remember that the female lead's entire family was involved (except for one love-obsessed character, who also died quickly). It must have been very good, considering it has a 9.6 Rating, and I actually finished it.

4. 54 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score112k14d adds

   Reader note

   These two books are very good. The female protagonists have growth arcs; women can also fight on the battlefield. The male protagonists' love is also about protection and trust.

5. 55 逢 The Lantern-Bearing Chronicles 逢灯纪 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance982k WordsCompleted (Signed for publication, with screen adaptation rights sold) You're the daughter of a marquis. You want to take your mother's dowry and remains with you? Done. I'll take the dowry and remains, and bring you your mother's divorce papers as well as your own severance papers cutting ties with your family. You were declared dead and became an invisible person behind your brothers. You want to live like a normal person again? Done. I'll restore your name and identity, and make sure you receive the en 86.7kReads9.3Score12.7k14d adds

   Reader note

   The fact that the author is a master is a guarantee of quality. What's most amazing about this book so far is that, apart from the female lead, the other women may be limited by resources, perspectives, and even trapped, but none of them are just smooth talkers or two-faced. When they compete with other women for chicken skin, they are all intelligent, patient, able to recognize their enemies, and willing to give up their blood ties.

6. 56 谈 Explosives Under the Negotiation Table: The Young Lady Storms the Imperial Court 谈判桌下埋火药，大小姐入朝杀疯 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The heroine’s creed: Power and money are what let a woman live freely and boldly!] [Strong heroine + satisfying story + vying for the finest men in the realm] Jiang Yu thought she’d be content with a modestly comfortable life. But when she turned eighteen, one ridiculous twist after another came her way. First, the husband she had supported with her own money for years passed the imperial exams at the top of his class, then demanded a divorce so he could marry a noblewoman. Then the Duke’s mans 36.1kReads9.2Score5.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   This was the first serialized novel, but the political intrigue was written seriously, even better than some male-oriented political intrigue novels. The second one is more of an ensemble piece, with the female lead focusing more on the intrigue, while the other group members utilize their individual strengths to support the core members. Each person is impressive on their own, and together they are even more formidable. However, the political intrigue isn't so complex as to be completely devoid of ideas, nor is it overly fluffy. The writing is decent, and at least it's finished—I could just kill it! [Full of joy]

7. 57 她 She Held a Reunion Feast, and the Entire Court Showed Up? 她办个同窗宴，满朝文武都来了？ Little Su Mehmeh小素咩咩Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Group transmigration + ensemble cast + no System + imperial examinations + everyday academy life in the early story + political intrigue in the middle and later story] (Everyone is highly intelligent and career-driven; the heroine has no romance) An earthquake sent Zhu Lan and her entire class of top students into a book, where they became a notorious group of failures! How could they turn things around? Oh, apparently all they had to do was pass the highest-level imperial exam. What a relief! 10.4kReads9.1Score1.9k14d adds
8. 58 天 The Heaven-Chosen Evil Phoenix Is Reborn: Ruthless Tactics, Secure Throne! 天命恶凰重生，手段狠，帝位稳！ Listening to the Wind in the Wilderness旷野听风Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted "A murderous, yandere heroine who cuts down everyone in her path vs. a mad loyal dog of a hero who bows his head to his superior + empress + the heroine puts her own interests above all else" In her previous life, Feng Zhizhuo mastered the art of political scheming. She crushed and killed every rival who stood in her way, becoming a vicious empress dowager whose countless murders and tyrannical rule cowed the realm. Yet the adopted son she had personally raised to the throne rewarded her with a 8kReads8.7Score98714d adds

   Reader note

   🌈This book tells the story of a female protagonist who is reborn and ruthlessly conquers all before ultimately becoming the emperor, a ruler above millions. 🌈It's a tale of imperial intrigue, ruthless and merciless, where she kills without hesitation. If you enjoy this genre, you might want to check it out.

9. 59 被 Driven to Death by Her Cultivator Mistress? I Take Up My Sword and Storm the Ninth Heaven 被修仙外室逼死？我提剑杀上九霄 Bian Lu边鹿Ancient Romance710k WordsCompleted [Power fantasy, a female lead who begins as a villain and turns righteous, no transmigration, no rebirth] Only when she was dying did Li Fu learn why she could never defeat her husband's mistress, Huayue. It turned out that beyond this world lay a realm of cultivation. Huayue had come from that realm. With Taoist magic at her command, there was no way Li Fu could ever beat her. Tortured, skinned, and dismembered, Li Fu was abandoned by everyone and died after enduring every kind of suffering. Ho 78.3kReads9.6Score10.3k14d adds

   Reader note

   This is amazing! The female lead is so smart, I even had to read the comments for explanations [facepalm][facepalm]. Plus, it's an ensemble piece, a fantasy/infinite flow story with a personal twist, it's incredibly good!

10. 60 驸 My Consort Took a Concubine, So I Cast Him Off; He Rebelled, So I Became Emperor 驸马纳妾我休弃，驸马造反我称帝 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication] [A noblewoman and a transmigrated woman join forces to contend for the throne. Strong female lead, ensemble cast, political intrigue, no romance] Yuan Xuan was born to be a pawn. For the sake of the realm, she lived as a man and served as crown prince for over a decade. When her younger brother was born, Yuan Xuan returned to living as a woman and became a discarded pawn. Abandoned by everyone, she had no one left who didn’t want her dead. Less than a year into her marri 15.7kReads9.5Score3k14d adds

    Reader note

    I was absolutely blown away by this book! The author's writing is superb. The female protagonist is incredibly talented, with a heart full of love for her country and its people. Can't women be rulers? But why can't women? I will ensure that women rise again in the world, creating a world for them. Yuan Yansheng was born to be the ruler of the Great Zhou Dynasty, to continue its prosperity.

11. 61 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 106.8kReads9.5Score12.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    Books 1 through 3 are all excellent! Especially the second one, a super long novel with the most characters, perfectly matching my view of power struggles in chaotic times: in such times, ambitious individuals can't be the only ones; the different factions and their conflicts in this novel are incredibly captivating, making it my most enjoyable read. Book 4 demonstrates how to thrive within the rules. Books 5, 6, and 7 are my personal recommendations; they don't have as much political intrigue, the pacing is slower but not dragging, and the female protagonists are all independent and quite charming.

12. 62 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 254.1kReads9.7Score29.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    Female-oriented political intrigue novels? How could this genre be complete without Empress Lü Songli, strategist Shi Buyu, and chief minister Cheng Qing?

13. 63 科 Imperial Exam Triumph: The Strongest Female Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：最强女首辅 Dressed in Splendor宝妆成Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted After finally becoming the first female heir in her family, she opens her eyes and finds herself back before the revolution. Her father is dead from the start, leaving her with a frail mother and three beautiful older sisters. She is the only son who can carry on the Cheng family line... Cheng Qing looks down at her slightly developed chest, wondering what on earth went wrong. Surrounded by scheming wolves, Cheng Qing, now with a new soul in her body, sets herself two small goals: First, keep pr 8.5kReads9.5Score1.3k14d adds
14. 64 权 Power and Favor in the Capital 权宠京华 June六月Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of the novel of the same name, The Glory of Power in the Capital: The Glory of Power 3: The Glory of Power in the Capital, is now open for reservations on the Hongguo app. It premieres on April 30. Everyone says Yuwen Xiao, heir to Prince Su, is a cold-faced military commander with ruthless methods, and that he was born under a lonely star, destined never to find love. Everyone in the prince's residence was left dumbfounded. Wasn't he supposed to have no romantic ent 9.4kReads9.3Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    🌿First book: The female lead is the male lead's strategist, plotting his ascension to the throne. The male lead himself is also very hardworking; as a subject, his conduct is praised by all the people of the capital, and he even achieves the highest honors in the imperial examinations. Everyone in the group is incredibly intelligent. 🌿Second book: The female lead is reborn before her father's death in battle. She seeks revenge for her past life, investigating old cases and slaying treacherous officials. The male lead always silently protects and helps her from behind. 🌿Third book: The original book features a spoiled female supporting character, unloved by her father and brother, ultimately forced to marry the philandering Prince Wei and dying a tragic death. The female lead transmigrates and takes a gamble, marrying Prince Xuan, a character who died early in the original book. She becomes a beautiful and wealthy widow, but over time, they fall in love, finding each other's only light. 🌿Fourth book: A cold-faced general doesn't hit women, but his wife, the Crown Prince's consort, is. He has people lining up to register, trying to avoid any bloodshed. [Laughing and crying emoji]

15. 65 男 Keep All That Male Beauty Away! I Only Want the Throne! 男色通通闪开，本宫只想要登基！ Nan Wanxu南婉徐Ancient Romance436k WordsCompleted [Reborn + strong female lead + true and false princesses + woman ascends the throne + political intrigue] Would being the founding emperor’s only daughter, surrounded by handsome men, be amazing? Lan Zhaoyu says it’s not amazing at all! All she wants is to be a sovereign with no spouse, in the literal sense: an unmarried empress! Her father handpicked legitimate sons from distinguished noble families, all accomplished in both civil and military arts, and adopted them as his sons. They all fawned 2.3kReads9.1Score35014d adds

    Reader note

    A female-centric political intrigue novel. The female lead is capable, resourceful, intelligent, and cunning—it's incredibly captivating.

16. 66 快 Quick Transmigration: The Max-Level Big Shot Gets the Cannon Fodder Script 快穿当满级大佬拿到炮灰剧本 Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted When the Cannon Fodder System has no other choice, it grabs a random lackey, never expecting to latch onto a max-level expert! From then on, it gets to coast to victory. In the heroine's story, the lives of cannon fodder characters are always turned upside down by her. No matter how innocent they are, cannon fodder can only ever be cannon fodder, a stepping stone on the heroine's road to happiness. Then Guihua transmigrates into the cannon fodder characters of various little worlds. Guihua says: 27.5kReads9.4Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Although it's a quick transmigration story, I forgot a bit about the beginning, but it got really engaging from the third volume onwards. In the fifth volume, the female lead even became an empress! The emotional narratives in each of the smaller worlds were excellent. The story features a system, but it rarely appears, except for teleporting the female lead at the beginning of each story. I don't remember the first two worlds, but the later ones were really well-written.

17. 67 抢 You Stole My Trash Ex? Taste the Massacre First 抢我渣前夫？6，灭门惨剧你先尝 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance278k WordsCompleted [Rebirth, revenge, family intrigue, sweet romance, satisfying read, one-on-one romance] Also known as "My Reborn Half-Sister Wanted to Switch Marriages, So I Let Her. Now She’s the One Crying" Lu Jintang and Lu Zhaoyue were both reborn. As soon as she returned, Lu Zhaoyue eagerly declared, “I’ll give you the Xie family match. I’ll marry into the Xiao family in your place!” Lu Jintang happily agreed and married without hesitation into the seemingly doomed Xie family. Lu Zhaoyue was overjoyed. At 4.8kReads—Score47814d adds

    Reader note

    Strong female lead, sweet romance, satisfying read, already completed.

18. 68 我 After I Was Ordered to Divorce, My Ex-Husband Regretted It 我奉旨和离后，前夫悔不当初 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance36k WordsCompleted After I received the imperial decree to divorce, my ex-husband regretted it too late. 11.2kReads—Score22914d adds
19. 69 侯 The Marquis's Widow Raised a Household of Geniuses 侯夫人守寡，却养出满门天骄 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Tang Shuyi transmigrated into the Great Qian dynasty, becoming the wife of the Marquis of Yongning. She was rich, powerful, and high-status, with no parents-in-law and a dead husband: she had it better than almost anyone else who had transmigrated. Just as she was about to enjoy a comfortable life as a wealthy noblewoman, she discovered that she had transmigrated into a book, and was its biggest villain. She wasn’t just rich, powerful, and high-status. She also had three unruly children. The eld 71.3kReads9.4Score10.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    Let's look at the top intellectual talents: Juejuezi, Lin Zhihuang, Tang Shuyi, and Lü Songli.

20. 70 妹 My Sister Stole My Identity, Not Knowing She Was Marrying the General Who Died in Battle in My Place 妹妹抢我身份，却不知是替我嫁给战死的将军 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance12k WordsCompleted My younger sister stole my identity, never knowing she was taking my place in marrying a general who would die in battle. 1.2kReads—Score—14d adds
21. 71 重 Reborn, I Took All of the Zhao Family’s Fortune 重生后，我夺了赵家全部家产 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月Ancient Romance8k WordsCompleted Reborn, I Took All of the Zhao Family's Property 1.1kReads—Score—14d adds
22. 72 竹 My Childhood Friend and Bestie Turned Down a Top Firm’s Offer for Me, So I Got Them Both Fired 竹马和闺蜜替我拒了巨头offer，我反手让他们被开除 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月10k WordsCompleted My Childhood Friend and Bestie Turned Down a Top Company’s Offer for Me, So I Got Them Fired Instead 1.4kReads—Score—14d adds
23. 73 她 She Finds It Tiresome 她对此感到厌烦 Feihe妚鹤Anime Fanfiction315k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + No Romance + Western Fantasy + Female Awakening + Strong Female Lead] At a friend’s recommendation, player 6237486 bought a dating sim called The Goddess Chronicle. But she never expected to transmigrate into the game and become its heroine, Lilith. Even after successfully winning over the male lead, Lilith didn’t return to reality. To escape the game, she had no choice but to complete every route. Round after round, she replayed the game, winning over all the male leads and re 46.8kReads9.7Score7.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book is absolutely Tomato's number one; in my mind, its level has transcended that of online novels.

24. 74 错 I Mistook My Husband for an AI 错把夫君当AI Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月13k WordsCompleted I Mistook My Husband for an AI 1.2kReads—Score—14d adds
25. 75 古 Past and Present, Swapping Lives: She Takes Down Scumbags in My Rich Family, While I Farm in Exile for Her 古今互穿：她替我豪门虐渣，我替她流放种田 Gazing at the Wind and Moon览风月25k WordsCompleted She travels between ancient and modern times: she helps me take down scum in a wealthy family, while I help her farm in exile. 12.6kReads—Score21414d adds
26. 76 谢 The Xie Family's Short-Lived Son Has Lived to a Hundred 谢家的短命鬼长命百岁了 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] The lid of a dead person's coffin won't lie flat because they had an unresolved longing in life. Given time, that longing turns into a demonic obsession, and unless it is resolved, their descendants will suffer. Yan Sanhe's job is to release the dead from their obsessions. One day, she gets hounded by Third Master Xie, who claims to have one. Yan Sanhe says she doesn't deal with the living. Third Master Xie replies, “Everyone says I won't live long. Just think of 125.4kReads9.6Score17k14d adds

    Reader note

    I have to say, the female lead of this book, Yan Sanhe, is amazing! [Licking screen][licking screen] Her intelligence is consistently high throughout the entire story. She earns everyone's respect through her own abilities, solving case after case. She's truly incredible; even the male lead has to take a backseat! [Learned something][learned something]

27. 77 穿 Transmigrated into an Otome Game Villainess, the Unwanted King Wrecks the Plot 穿越乙游恶女，寡王杀崩剧情 Water-Dipped Rice水点饭Modern Romance692k WordsCompleted Strong heroine + scheming + System + villainous female warlord + chaotic times + conquest + otome game A villainess transmigrates into another villainess. The heroine is a true antagonist. Qi Yi accidentally transmigrates into the villainous supporting character of an otome game, a character who keeps dying. The original’s enemies are too numerous for her to know who’s trying to kill her. The land is in chaos, with warlords carving up the territory and heroes vying for supremacy. Qi Yi had plann 1.4kReads9.0Score21314d adds
28. 78 重 Reborn: Stopping the Mad Top Scholar's Wife 重生之拦下疯批榜眼妻 He Ya Gui禾牙鬼Ancient Romance52k WordsOngoing [Female Disguise as a Man] [Two Strong Leads] [One-on-One Romance] [Love Grows Over Time] [Revenge] [Reborn] [Both Pure, Keep Them Pure in Both Their Past and Present Lives] In the twenty-third year of Yong'an, the spring imperial examination results are announced. Wei Shuo, the new second-place graduate, is from a poor family in Shu and has lost both parents. The world praises the poor for producing an outstanding child, unaware that from Wei Shutong to Wei Shuo, from a young lady confined 3Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These two are both female-centric novels, but they are different types. The first one features a female protagonist who disguises herself as a man to enter the imperial court for revenge. She is highly skilled in martial arts, bold, courageous, and resourceful, constantly solving cases in the early stages. The male lead is a reincarnated character. None of the characters are intellectually challenged; the female lead relies solely on herself. The second novel features a female protagonist who initially serves as a concubine but plots to kill the emperor, eventually becoming empress. The emperor in this novel is very intelligent, but the female lead is even more so. I can only say that the male lead is a eunuch. Both are very good.

29. 79 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 93.2kReads9.4Score12.8k14d adds
30. 80 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 119.8kReads9.6Score11.5k14d adds
31. 81 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 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2k14d adds
32. 82 簪 The Flower-Pinned Young Man 簪花少年郎 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted When they first met, Qiao Yanan mistook the young man's sex, taking the breathtakingly beautiful youth for a girl. Thinking they were both fellow sufferers in this world, she treated “her” with great warmth, stirring the young man's heart. Once his identity was revealed, Qiao Yanan asked him to pose as her fake fiancé for her own safety. Having fallen for a beautiful young woman, the boy's heart beat faster and faster. He gladly accepted his new fiancée and did everything he could to turn their 10.4kReads9.6Score1.6k14d adds
33. 83 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 162.8kReads9.6Score22.7k14d adds
34. 84 幺 The Youngest Daughter, Changle 幺女长乐 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Miss Zhu Si’s rough fighting skills have always made her the laughingstock of the capital’s noble families. In everyone else’s eyes, that’s the sort of work meant for household guards. Zhu Changle, who considers herself invincible, isn’t ashamed of it. She’s proud. Not everyone can protect their own home, but she can! And then some! She’d even turn the whole capital upside down to protect it! Don’t believe her? Try her! 18.8kReads9.5Score3.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    Here are a few books featuring strong female protagonists. I'm not smart enough to keep up with the reading, so I'm reading the comments while following the stories. [Facepalm]

35. 85 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 90.9kReads9.6Score12.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    1. Every book features a strong female protagonist. In the first book, the female protagonist uncovers the truth behind her family's false accusations of treason. 2. The ensemble cast is vividly portrayed. [Add to bookshelf]

36. 86 窃 The Book of Stolen Lives 窃命书 Heavy Snow in May五月下大雪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of this book, A Book of Ashes and Joy, premieres at 12:15 a.m. on February 13. If you're interested, keep an eye out! [Regains control after being possessed | Not a wish-fulfillment story | Plot-driven | Light ensemble cast] Lin Ruochu, the legitimate daughter of a general's family, was possessed during her coming-of-age ceremony at fifteen. The transmigrated woman, sold off by a System, used every means to “win over” the young heir of a marquis's estate. She turned e 37.3kReads9.4Score5.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book must be the one where everyone is smart enough to understand. Every time the female lead coughs up blood, it's because of a supposed system. The female lead is possessed, and everyone around her notices. She's also very intelligent, gradually deducing the truth and searching for Tao Yuan.

37. 87 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

    The first two books were both excellent, also political intrigue novels, but I most want to recommend this animated series—it's so good! "But later I couldn't help but think that I brought so many things that didn't belong to this era, adding bricks and tiles to the feudal dynasty… I eased many potentially sharp conflicts, brewing a pot of lukewarm water to wear down people's will, thus making imperial power increasingly solid and harder to break… That day I had a dream, a dream that we had ships, cannons, and an unyielding history, but we also had many masters we couldn't get rid of. I didn't want masters, I didn't want to go home, but I found my homeland had become a country with emperors and nobles… I'm just an ordinary person, I can't bear such guilt." "Your Majesty (Empress), don't cry! You should be happy! Xu Meier is going home today!"

38. 88 贫 Just a Poor Rogue Cultivator. Why Are You Kneeling, Fellow Daoist? 贫穷散修一枚，道友何故下跪？ Knife, Medicine, Pen刀药笔Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [No romance, ensemble cast] [A goofy trio of wandering cultivators] [Female-led cultivation progression, few scenes involving children, skip if that bothers you] Song Li transmigrates into a cultivation novel as the evil female supporting character. After bullying the heroine, she is thrown by her own brother into the Abandoned Infant Pagoda, where she dies at the hands of countless vengeful infant spirits. Waking inside the pagoda, she looks at the crying spirits and says, “I can be your mother 31.3kReads9.4Score4.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    I absolutely adore Song Li! No romantic pairing, but the brainstorming sessions between the female lead and Luo Jing are thrilling! In the end, the female lead, by the mandate of heaven, ascends the throne and becomes empress. I love it so much! [Kissing emojis] [love emojis] [love emojis]

39. 89 上 Spring Affairs in the Capital 上京春事 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Ning Chaoyang rises to become a fourth-rank female official, yet still can’t escape the fate of being traded into a political marriage. She decides to take in a lover to fight back. He must be lowborn, handsome, and preferably too frail to look after himself. She glances to the side and spots a charming young doctor in white. 5.5kReads9.3Score85514d adds

    Reader note

    If you haven't read these two books, you absolutely must give them a try! They're incredibly good, definitely female-centric, the author's writing is superb, and the characters are well-developed. Highly recommended!

40. 90 女 Disguised as a Man: I Started My Career as an Advisor 女扮男装：当官从幕僚做起 Zha Wei紮尾Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Soul transmigration, alternate world, woman disguised as a man, rise to power and riches, no romance, political intrigue, no System] Wang Qian transmigrated to the Great Zhao Dynasty. To survive, she assumed the identity of a successful candidate in the imperial examinations named Wang Qingyun and entered a prince's residence as an adviser. Once there, she discovered that the prince was plotting to become heir to the throne. The risk was too great. She had to make a run for it. Wang Qingyun: As 1.5kReads9.0Score26914d adds

    Reader note

    Don't let the low rating fool you; it's mainly because it's a new book and not many people have read it yet, but it's truly excellent. It mainly tells the story of a female protagonist who disguises herself as a man to rise through the ranks of an official in ancient times. The female lead is ruthless and cunning, and her answers to questions are very smooth. In my opinion, it rivals Ming Yue Lang's novel. You'll see for yourself once you read it.

41. 91 截 I Hijack the Male Lead's Path to the Throne, Kick Fate Aside, and Become Empress 截胡男主登基路，踹翻天命当女帝 Jiang Yao江药Ancient Romance733k WordsCompleted [An unapologetic female-led power fantasy. The heroine is a ruthless, ambition-driven fanatic who says little and will do anything for power. She loves no one but the throne. No equally matched power couple, and no stronger male lead: the woman is strong, and the man is weak!] Li Yuanzhao is the most revered Grand Princess of Great Qi, charged with protecting the nation. Born of imperial blood and devoted to political power, she is so formidable that no court official dares meet her gaze. But on 7.9kReads9.3Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    At first, I felt a little awkward reading it, and I subconsciously softened. Later, I realized this stemmed from long-standing societal norms imposed on women, making us habitually sympathize with and pity men. But the path of political intrigue is inherently difficult to navigate gently. If a male protagonist in a male-oriented novel were to act so ruthlessly, he'd be praised for his strategy, but when it comes to women, he's criticized for being too cruel. It's rare to see a political intrigue novel written entirely from a female perspective. The female lead is a true monarch, single-mindedly focused on her career and ascending to power. The book also features many other compelling female characters, avoiding pointless competition, making it incredibly satisfying to read. I highly recommend it.

42. 92 家 Who Gets It, Guys? The First Emperor Snatched My System 家人们谁懂啊，系统被始皇截胡了 Endless Journey迢迢不休Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Main story has no romance, and is set in an alternate Great Qin. Not everything is historical: a mix of history and comedy] "The final bonus chapter is for readers' satisfaction and has a hint of romance. If that bothers you, feel free to skip it" Good news: Li Jiang transmigrates to the Qin dynasty and gets to see her idol in person. At last, she lays eyes on the legendary ancestor, nearly two meters tall, with thick brows and big eyes. She gets to watch the First Emperor unify the Six Kingdom 27.3kReads9.4Score4k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book has no romantic pairing; the female protagonist travels back to the Qin Dynasty to save her beloved Emperor Zheng (Zheng Wei). History buffs might enjoy this lighthearted and humorous read. The second book features a female special forces soldier—a strong, intelligent woman who prefers to take the initiative, fighting against all odds and refusing to hide behind the male protagonist and let him shield her from harm.

43. 93 万 Reborn as a Phoenix for Ten Thousand Lifetimes 万世为凰 Full Flush, Self-Draw混一色自摸Ancient Romance295k WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + No Fixed Couple + Satisfying Read + Court Intrigue] [No Rebirth, No Transmigration, No System] “Why is a woman called wicked just for wanting status, power, and wealth?” Xiao Qi remains silent. Song Shixu doesn't need his answer. She turns and walks away, and the two part ways. The palace, a symbol of supreme power, gleams in dazzling splendor. Song Shixu walks toward it up the jade steps, without a moment's hesitation. 6Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I'm recommending this after my second read. It avoids the typical cliché plot. The female lead is calm and composed, able to distinguish between family ties, interests, and personal relationships. She's not blindly filial to her father and brothers, and she uses both kindness and strictness to manage her subordinates. She and the princess are close confidantes who support each other. The character is well-developed and suitable for readers who prefer realistic historical romance novels.

44. 94 全 Everyone in the Sect Is Love-Brained, Except Me, a True Lunatic 全宗门都是恋爱脑，唯我是真疯批 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The complete print edition of A Double Crossing is now available on all platforms. Relationship blogger Lin Du died of a broken heart after being driven crazy by hopeless romantics. After death, she transmigrated into a tragic romance cultivation novel, becoming the beautiful, powerful, yet doomed junior uncle who paved the way for the protagonists' great love with her own ashes. After reading the script, she slowly typed a question mark. “Have they dug up every wild vegetable on this sect's mou 234.9kReads9.7Score27.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is incredibly good! Highly recommended! I've read it several times and recommended it to my friends. They all stayed up all night reading it. It's about a highly intelligent junior uncle. This is one of the few truly good novels I've read in my over ten years of reading experience (not counting novels from over ten years ago, which were good, but this is the best I've read on Tomato in recent years). A genuinely high recommendation!

45. 95 她 The Chief Minister Turns Rebel After Her Death, His Hair Turning White Overnight 她的尸体旁，首辅一夜白头造反了 L Qian BaiduL千百度Ancient Romance819k WordsCompleted After Chu Qingying died, she discovered that she was nothing more than a cannon-fodder character in a story. In the book, her entire family was slaughtered. She spent eight years as a widow in all but name, then was reduced to a baby-making tool. Her scumbag husband stole her child, keeping the baby and killing the mother. She died at just twenty-seven. Her scumbag husband's adoptive father, Xie Shuhe, always wore a string of prayer beads. Cold and world-weary, he kept himself hidden away for ye 677Reads8.5Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    An ensemble cast, political intrigue, a female lead with exceptional martial arts skills, each character is unique, a satisfying read, and the romance is also engaging.

46. 96 太 With the Crown Prince’s Backing, the Duke’s Reborn Legitimate Daughter Goes on a Rampage 太子撑腰，重生后公府嫡女杀疯了 Huang Chengcheng黄澄澄吖Ancient Romance314k WordsCompleted (A satisfying household-intrigue story + face-slapping and taking down scumbags + no forgiveness + no suffering in silence) Lu Xi brought a million taels in dowry when she married Prince An, and helped him become Prince An of Qin. She went to his fief to recuperate for two years. When she returned to the capital, her adopted younger sister had taken her place. Lu Xi's husband and mother-in-law relied on her adopted sister. Even Lu Xi's grandmother and father favored her. They locked Lu Xi aw 2.9kReads8.1Score32214d adds

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance, completed. The female protagonist is a strategist and resourceful leader. The writing is good. Recommended.

47. 97 惊 Shock! Reborn on the Eve of My Family's Execution, I Say Let's Rebel 惊！重生回满门抄斩前夜，造反吧 Yi Yangcheng衣漾澄Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + feel-good story with a powerful heroine + family and country + political intrigue] A cool-headed, cunning heroine who plans several moves ahead + a brilliant, devoted yet restrained male lead who serves as a high-ranking official at the Court of Judicial Review In her previous life, the entire Ning family, loyal to the throne for generations, was slaughtered. To avenge them, Ning Zhiwei led an army of a hundred thousand to marry Su Mingjin, helping him with all her might as he rebelle 27.4kReads9.3Score3.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    So crazy, so brave, so daring! The female lead is a master strategist, a crazy yet calm woman—it's so exhilarating! Highly recommended!

48. 98 手 With a Famous Ministers System in Hand, I Become History’s Greatest Empress 手握名臣系统，摆成千古第一女帝 I Want to Be the Boss我要当霸霸Ancient Romance112k WordsOngoing [Female Emperor Disguised as a Man, Exposed Later] + [No CP, No Romance] + [Ensemble Cast] + [Strong Female Lead] Modern woman Jiang Shanchang unexpectedly transmigrates to ancient times and becomes a young emperor disguised as a boy. She thinks she's about to enjoy a life of luxury, but instead enemy troops are at the gates, and her kingdom is on the verge of destruction! She knows all too well what fate awaits a woman in a feudal society torn apart by war. Jiang Shanchang immediately wants to —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These books are all about political intrigue, and there aren't any low-IQ characters, not even the villains.

49. 99 别 Don't Be Weak, Don't Provoke Her: An Angry Palace Maid Can Restore a Fallen Kingdom 别太弱，别招惹，宫女发怒能复国 Ethereal Fairy霓裳妖妖Ancient Romance748k WordsCompleted [Unusual premise + assassin’s rise + strong heroine + political intrigue + cold and heartless + mildly yandere + cool-headed lunatic + male lead rises from the nth place] * Su Mian was just a palace maid serving a princess. On the day the Southern Yan Kingdom fell, she watched everyone die before her without a flicker of emotion. The princess gave her an even more perilous mission. Until it was done, she had to stay alive. But in a world thrown into chaos, she was sold as a slave and forced to e 25.6kReads9.5Score4.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    After finishing this book, I couldn't read anything else. It had a powerful aftertaste. The characters were exceptionally well-developed; not only was the female lead outstanding, but every supporting character was also wonderful. It was a truly ensemble piece. You absolutely must read the epilogue after finishing it; there were no regrets. The only problem is that I can't find anything similar. Has anyone read anything similar and can recommend one?

50. 100 穿 Transmigrated into an Ancient Apocalypse, I Use My Family Fortune to Build Infrastructure 穿进古代末世，靠着家底搞基建 Jiucai Huaye玖菜花叶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Heroine + Natural Disasters + Zombies + Infrastructure Building + No Superpowers + No CP] Wei Xiyin transmigrates, born into a noble family as its legitimate daughter. She thought she'd been handed the script for a family power struggle, but who could have expected a zombie outbreak on the way back to her hometown? Then plants and animals begin to mutate, and extreme weather sets in. Her entire worldview collapses in an instant. There are no cars, no canned food, no high-tech weapons, an 11.1kReads9.2Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    I don't understand what kind of recommendations are on the trending topics list. It's only a couple hundred chapters long, one chapter a day, and the ratings are so low. If I wait, I'll have to wait until next year. These are all about power struggles and grand strategies; the ones with high ratings are...

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