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

1. 151 恶 The Villainess Becomes the Legitimate Daughter: I'm Just Pretending, Don't Get Too Attached 恶女成嫡：我装的，你们别太爱了 Peach Blossoms Reflected in Wine桃花映酒Ancient Romance617k WordsCompleted (Print edition goes on sale at 7 p.m. on September 19 / Several short animated adaptations are now streaming) [Wicked Villainess Transmigrates into a Book + Total Control + “Training Dogs” Romance + Male Rivals in a Shura Field + Exes Begging for Her Back + Face-Slapping and Scumbag Punishment] [The heroine is a true villainess: a stunning, calculating temptress who never hesitates to manipulate others] Jiang Chuji, the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, was an ill-fated girl sent to a t 58.7kReads9.4Score7.8k14d adds
2. 152 恶 Reborn After My Own Son, the Cruel Empress Dowager, Stabbed Me to Death 恶毒太后被亲儿子捅死之后重生了 Ink墨色Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted The vicious Empress Dowager Jiang Mingzhu was reborn. In her previous life, to put her son on the throne, she poisoned and tried to assassinate the emperor, colluded with court officials, drugged a pregnant consort to make her miscarry, and plotted against the young crown prince. Every time she schemed, she put her own life on the line to grind her stepson's face into the dirt. But when the plot to put the son she'd worked so hard to support on the throne was exposed, he stabbed her in the back 19.6kReads8.9Score2.1k14d adds
3. 153 爱 Love and Hate, All for Nothing 爱恨莫须有 End of the Ninth Month玖月尾Ancient Romance126k WordsOngoing [Love and Hate Intertwined] [Plot Twists] [Power Games Without a Golden Finger] [A Fresh Take on Transmigration] [Ensemble of Female Characters] [Male Lead Falls for Her on His Own] [Sweet and Satisfying] Jiang Ci'en wakes up to find herself reborn as the third daughter of the Minister of Rites, bound by a power-struggle System to an outrageous mission. But she soon realizes: Everyone in the imperial palace is treating her like a pawn. She won't sit around and wait for her fate! After rejecting —Reads—Score—14d adds

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   The Empress Dowager suddenly summoned her to arrange a marriage? She appears kind and benevolent, but is actually scheming at every turn! What exactly is this old lady plotting? The female lead has to deal with the Empress Dowager while also keeping an eye on the Emperor; this palace intrigue drama is giving me a blood pressure spike!

4. 154 长 The Eldest Princess Is No Brother-Obsessed Sister 长公主她真不是扶弟魔 Pijiu屁啾Ancient Romance134k WordsOngoing Wen Yue Zhao was the eldest legitimate princess of the empire, yet she had been neglected in a remote palace for years. When her twin brother, the crown prince, was ambushed and left unconscious, she had no choice but to disguise herself as a man and return to court in his place, eliminating corrupt officials and protecting the realm. She never expected that the political enemies in plain sight would be just the appetizers, or that the mastermind behind everything would keep surprising her. With 12Reads—Score11414d adds

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   Look at this, absolutely no one's intelligence will drop.

5. 155 公 On the First Day Reborn, the Princess Slaughtered the Prince Consort's Household 公主重生第一日，血洗了驸马府 A Blossom of Time一朵时光Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted [Alternate setting + dark rebirth + ruthless revenge + vengeful princess + decisive and merciless + no romance, strong female lead + empress] Baili Jun, the most revered Zhaohua Princess of Great Zhao, died on her wedding night. In her previous life, she was the noble Zhaohua Princess, yet her own kin carved out her heart and killed her. Her beloved consort personally cut open her chest. Her imperial father watched with cold indifference, while her dear younger sister smiled as she offered the 8kReads8.2Score97314d adds

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   Highly recommend this book, it's absolutely amazing! [Already hooked][Already hooked][Sending hearts][Sending hearts][Drooling] The female lead rises to the throne step by step, a truly satisfying female-centric novel! [Already hooked][Already hooked][Already hooked][Admiring][Admiring]

6. 156 卑 The Lowly Concubine-Born Daughter Turns a Losing Hand into a Winning Finale 卑微庶女一手烂牌打出王炸结局 Yi Mian Chun一眠春Ancient Romance815k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + growing heroine + marriage before love + palace and household intrigue + both leads grow powerful later + transmigrate into a book] Zhao Fangyu transmigrates into a book and lands in a deadly situation from the start: in a wealthy household, she has a fever of 104 degrees, but her mother refuses to let her see a doctor! She thought she’d landed in a living hell where neither parent cared for her, but the great household turns out to be full of hidden talent: T 6.3kReads8.7Score66214d adds

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   The third book, in particular, is amazing!

7. 157 穿 The Cannon-Fodder's Schemes After Transmigrating Into a Book 穿书之病弱炮灰谋略 Clear Song on a Moonlit Night月夜清歌Ancient Romance508k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + power struggles + a touch of ensemble cast] Shen Ruo'an transmigrates into a book, becoming a sickly cannon-fodder character who's about to die. Her only purpose is to make room for the heroine and provide her with family support. Shen Ruo'an refuses to do that. She wants to live and enjoy a happy life lying flat. Unfortunately, the Marquis's household is rife with infighting, the heroine is cunning, and a struggle for power is unavoidable... Disguised by her frail appearan 2.6kReads8.7Score22314d adds

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   These three are all high-quality female-centric power struggle novels, all featuring a developing female protagonist. All characters are intelligent, including supporting characters, and there are subtle ensemble scenes.

8. 158 春 Spring Boudoir and Medicinal Fragrance 春闺药香 Mangosteen Kitty Paws山竹喵爪Ancient Romance271k WordsOngoing [Traditional Chinese medicine + household intrigue + imperial examinations and court power struggles] - Traditional historical romance, with a slightly slow start - Jiang Yue was a graduate student in traditional Chinese medicine, and her family owned a Chinese medicine clinic. She had a bright future ahead of her. But one careless moment led to her sudden death, and she transmigrated to the unfamiliar Great Liang Dynasty. She became Jiang Yue, the second legitimate daughter of the third branch 62Reads8.7Score—14d adds
9. 159 陪 On the Night of My Burial, I Brought the God of War Prince Back from the Dead 陪葬夜，我让战神王爷起死回生 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors" Animated adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors: The Prince’s Beloved" [Hilarious + Transmigration + Sweet romance + Obsessive love + Devoted pairing + Imperial physician heroine + Palace and household intrigue + Inspirational] I was a military doctor with a PhD when I transmigrated, only to find myself about to be buried alive as a sacrifice for the dead God of War, the Prince? I grabbed the burial offerings and ran, planning to live in luxu 21.1kReads9.3Score2.4k14d adds

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   But the female strategist's intelligence remains undiminished.

10. 160 嫁 I Married a Duke, Had Twins, and Left My Jerk Ex Regretting Everything 嫁国公，一胎双子，渣男悔断肠 Who Gave Me the Courage谁给我的勇气Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Female-oriented novel + both leads are devoted to each other + sweet romance + political intrigue + happy ending] Shen Qinghao thought she would treat her fiancé with mutual respect, grow old with him, and live happily ever after. But after waiting two years, all she got was: “You’re dull and boring, and you’re merely a merchant’s daughter. How could you ever marry into the Xiao family?” Yet when he saw Shen Qinghao, he was stunned by her beauty. “Of course, since you’re so pitiful, I could let 13.9kReads8.5Score1.8k14d adds

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    The female lead isn't a typical "big heroine," but she's definitely not competitive. She's very clear-headed and not love-struck. Everyone in the cast is intelligent and engaging. Highly recommended! 🥰🥰

11. 161 全 The Grand Justice of the Court of Justice, Courted by Every Brothel, Is a Woman 全青楼都在攻略的大理寺卿是女的 An'an Tianya鞍安天涯Ancient Romance489k WordsCompleted [Female-led + no romance + strong heroine + political intrigue + mystery solving] After the emperor decreed that their children were to be betrothed from birth, the Duchess of Zhenguo disguised her daughter as a boy. She kept up the act for over twenty years. As the Duke's “second son,” she could not inherit the title, so she took the imperial examinations and entered the court. Everyone said Lord Gu, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was a heaven-sent genius. No one knew that beneat 557Reads8.1Score10414d adds

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    This political drama is really good! The female lead is disguised as a man. She almost suffered setbacks a few times, but thankfully, she won. She doesn't rely on the stupidity of supporting characters to achieve victory, which is a great strength of the show. Every character is likable.

12. 162 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 Romance850k WordsOngoing [Pure Historical Romance] [Plot-Driven] [Court Intrigue] [Two Strong Leads] [One-on-One Romance] [Everyone Is Clever] [Powerful Prince Who Holds the Court in His Hand vs. Brilliant Commoner Daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen, the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's household, was born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble home in the countryside. Then, one day, she was forced to enter the treacherous world of the capital's noble houses. Her relatives put on a false show of welcome, 8.7kReads8.7Score85714d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is a master strategist with high intelligence, and the male lead is also very strong; it's exceptionally well-written.

13. 163 缚 Soulbinding Order 缚魂令 Jin Shaoren今绍人Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted Also known as: Soulbinding Order The first time Fang Zhixia met the young lord Lin, every move was a killing blow, and she cut off his breath. The next time she saw him, she had prepared a golden-thread nanmu coffin for him, made of premium wood and carved with dragons and phoenixes. And now this man has arrived with sixty-six ships of betrothal gifts, banging gongs and beating drums, saying he wants to marry her? Fang Zhixia: “Are you insane?” Lin Buzhou: “A little. It’s been three years, and 4.1kReads9.2Score56614d adds

    Reader note

    There were many parts that I forgot to understand when I first read them, and I had to go back and read them several times to get them right. Jiu Fang Lin Zhi (alias Fang Zhi Xia) is a story about a strong female protagonist who possesses both martial arts skills and intelligence. The female lead is always on a high level, with plot twists and turns.

14. 164 女 The Female Power Minister 女权臣 Year After Year, Into My Dreams岁岁入梦来Ancient Romance398k WordsCompleted Startled awake from her dream, Chen Huiyu trudged along the road to work. Her mind was still on last night's dream. For a moment, she couldn't tell whether it was real or not, as if a true story had reached her across the pages of a history book. As dusk fell, all sorts of people lurked in the brightly lit city. The footsteps behind her drew closer and closer... Chen Huiyu's eyes were bloodshot as she looked up at the skyscrapers ahead. In the end, she closed her eyes, unwilling to accept her fa 7Reads—Score—14d adds

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    Absolutely no romantic pairings, officially certified by Tomato! No one is stupid!

15. 165 这 This World Is on the Brink of Ruin 这个天下，危在旦夕 Iced Sweet Tea冰甜茶Ancient Romance275k WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue + No Romance + Strong Female Lead + Disguised as a Man, Later Reclaims Her Identity] Original title: This Realm Is on the Brink of Ruin One-line summary: Transmigrate, become emperor, and figure out how to be a useful emperor. Full summary: “The deer has fled Yan, and all the realm pursues it.”, The Hunt for the Deer She transmigrated into a book and became emperor overnight. It should have been a joyous occasion. But this Great Yan dynasty was beset by natural disasters. The 541Reads9.3Score10414d adds

    Reader note

    True female protagonists generally don't have romantic storylines; they're all vying for the throne from the very beginning as women. (The first three books) The first one has a romantic subplot, but that's because the female lead uses them as pawns, it's all just playing along. The last one doesn't result in her becoming empress, but it's still a political intrigue story, and it's pretty good.

16. 166 摄 Your Highness the Regent, Is Your Assassin Missing a Few Marbles? 摄政王殿下，你家杀手缺根筋！ Little Iron Leftover小铁剩Ancient Romance559k WordsCompleted After Jiu Yue died, the System told her that once she completed her mission, she could return to the real world with a reward of ten billion. Jiu Yue, who had been grumbling about her identity as an assassin, smiled sweetly. “Who says transmigrating is a bad thing? This is amazing!” However, a time-space delay kept the System from transmigrating with her, and it hadn't had time to explain the mission in full. But Jiu Yue didn't think that mattered. She was an assassin, after all. How hard could 38.6kReads9.4Score4.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is stronger than the male lead; the story begins with the female lead stabbing the male lead in the back.

17. 167 被 Forced Into Rebellion, the Young Lady Goes on a Killing Spree 被逼造反后，大小姐她杀疯了 Miss Ran Hua染婳姑娘Ancient Romance708k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Feel-Good Power Fantasy + Political Intrigue + Pure Romance + Strong Female Lead + Reborn Female Supporting Character + One-on-One Romance] [Cool-Headed, Scheming Heroine vs. Noble, Cold-Hearted and Ruthless Heir] A powerful figure from the apocalypse transmigrates and becomes Shen Chaorong, the legitimate daughter of a treacherous chancellor in the Great Zhao court. She is hopelessly infatuated with the young master of the fallen Li family. When her fiancé, the young master 1.1kReads8.1Score13614d adds
18. 168 穿 Transmigrating into a Chaotic Age, the Mad Princess Builds a Nation Through Robbery 穿乱世，疯癫公主她靠抢劫建国了 Turning Ink into Ink点墨成墨Ancient Romance2.7M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate + Struggle for Supremacy + Chaotic Era + Powerful Female Lead + Fleeing Famine + Infrastructure Building + No Romantic Pairing + Portable Space] Original title: Transmigrating Through Chaotic Times, the Mad Princess Builds a Nation by Robbing Others When Jiang Jin awoke, she discovered that she had become a princess of a fallen kingdom and was being sent to Liang City to become a plaything for the barbarian Jiao Liang. She thought about it and decided it would be better for others 147.3kReads9.5Score18.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    Everyone in the cast is incredibly intelligent, and the female lead is a master strategist who can plan a hundred steps ahead. It's truly a fantastic show.

19. 169 权 The Power-Playing Empress: First, She’ll Bring Men to Heel 权谋女帝，先从收服男人开始 Wang Family's Handsome Lad王家小帅Ancient Romance696k WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue + Household Battles + Palace Intrigue + Female Emperor + Multiple Male Leads + Male Leads Are Chaste, Heroine Is Not + Black-Hearted Heroine] (Content warning: If you don't like female-dominated worlds with a woman surrounded by men, this probably isn't for you. The heroine really is scheming and black-hearted. She's genuinely bad.) Zhao Dan transmigrated into a book, landing in the matriarchal novel she'd written herself as the biggest villain, the sixth imperial daughter of 7Reads8.5Score—14d adds
20. 170 惨 Reborn After a Horrific Death, I Drove Every Villain Crazy 惨死重生后，我把反派都逼疯啦 Yan Fei颜翡Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted Reborn + household and palace intrigue + strong heroine and hero + revenge and taking down scumbags + satisfying read In her previous life, Shen Shuyi schemed and plotted at every turn to secure the crown prince's position for Xiao Tingshan. But he repaid her by turning his back on her, despising her for being calculating and deep-minded, and not gentle and demure enough. He not only took her life, but also caused countless friends and family members to die unjustly. Fine. Given another life, 15kReads8.9Score1.9k14d adds
21. 171 我 I Only Want to Be a Military Doctor, So Why Are You Making Me Empress? 我只想当军医，你们让我当女皇？ I'm Starving我超饿Ancient Romance965k WordsCompleted [Feel-good revenge + transmigration + System + medicine + nation-building + conquering a chaotic age + empress + cheat powers] Medical student Liu Yi transmigrates into a war-torn age. The world is in chaos, the imperial court has fallen, and ordinary people can barely survive. But she brought along her all-purpose doctor System. System: “I can give you medical equipment.” System: “I can give you medical books.” System: “I can give you an entire modern hospital.” System: “Your goal is to becom 10kReads9.5Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    (Long review preview!) A female empress novel without a romantic pairing, featuring a group portrait and highlighting the strengths of the female characters. The only drawback is that it's being serialized. It's really! Very! Good! (To nitpick, some details shouldn't be scrutinized too closely, such as whether the female lead can truly balance her finances with such large expenditures in the military and infrastructure.) The writing is excellent, the transitions are smooth, and the descriptions are well-balanced. What I like most is that the novel doesn't describe the female lead's appearance; we don't know what she looks like, but we know she's tall, strong, and spirited. Also, while the novel depicts hardship, it focuses more on the prosperous scenes the female lead brings, somewhat reminiscent of the 1990s—poor and backward, but hopeful. (Personally, I dislike historical fiction because most of it has many awful characters, but this novel clearly depicts the scene of women gaining power—satisfying! And not mindless!) Furthermore, this book avoids what I consider the major pitfalls of most female empress novels: the female lead often being underestimated, then using cunning to outwit the powerful and ultimately getting her revenge. How many fools could actually get to a person in a high position? Those who are blind and can't distinguish between big and small kings are long dead. How could they possibly get to a person in a high position and act like fleas?

22. 172 灰 The Gray Lotus 灰莲花 Clouds of Rough Noodles Again又见糙面云Modern Romance819k WordsCompleted [A textbook case of realist business warfare + a deeply romantic, top-tier intellectual romance] The world has gone mad. A top-tier rich, handsome young heir is forced to compete with his wealthy wife for a lover... “If she likes me and I like her too, then we’ll each have to prove ourselves.” The male lead is loaded with resources and comes with every advantage, while the female lead has brains and beauty and rises from humble beginnings. A textbook case of realist business warfare, arranged fa 37.7kReads9.4Score4.5k14d adds

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    This contemporary romance novel has a powerful and lasting impact; it's completely unparalleled. The male and female leads are both incredibly sophisticated, and I absolutely adore their high-level, intelligent love. They are a perfect match, and the career development storyline is also worth studying. Reading it will broaden your perspective; it's simply brilliant!

23. 173 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 15.2kReads9.5Score1.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommend this female-centric political intrigue novel! Everyone's involved, right? The female lead is incredibly cunning, and Jin Wuyi is a slightly villainous character. Honestly, without Sister Xin, how could such a grand scheme possibly fail? The various power struggles and business battles between them are truly amazing. The eldest princess is also excellent. Every character is wonderfully portrayed. Author Garlic Bamboo Shoots, I will always support you! [Added to bookshelf][Added to bookshelf]

24. 174 宠EN Favoring a Concubine and Disgracing Your Wife? I Quit as the Marquisate's Matriarch! 宠妾灭妻？这侯门主母我不当了！ Li Wu礼午Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking] Voting has begun! Search for “Annual Top-Rated Novel Ranking” to vote for this book, A Return to the Boudoir. Thank you! [Traditional historical romance + inner-courtyard drama + reborn revenge and face-slapping + a prince pursues his wife] Lin Yunwan was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Lin clan. When her Marquis household was on the verge of losing its title, she married Lu Zhengliu, the heir to the marquisate. On their wedding day, her husband coldly 53.2kReads9.3Score7.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    If you're tired of slow-paced, romance-obsessed web novels, these books are definitely worth reading. Whether it's a story of a woman's rise to power after time travel, revenge after rebirth, or growth through sheer willpower, you'll feel the clash of wisdom and strength within the text, experiencing a non-stop reading pleasure—after all, watching a smart female protagonist build her career, take revenge on scumbags, and become her own light is just so satisfying!

25. 175 重 After Being Reborn, My Five Brothers Beg Me in Tears to Return Home 重生后，五个哥哥哭着求我回府 Mu Mianmian慕绵绵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Currently being published] [She chases him after the breakup + sweet romance + satisfying read] In her previous life, Jiang You'an was a cannon-fodder side character in a novel where the whole family doted on the heroine. Her entire family favored her younger sister, and she was beaten to death with clubs. After being reborn, she refuses to repeat her past mistakes, only to discover that her family regrets everything and begs for her forgiveness. Everyone wants to make amends? Hah, I’m not int 7.7kReads9.4Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all novels featuring strong female protagonists; the characters are all intelligent and the plots are tightly woven.

26. 176 夫 The Madam Takes Charge: No More Lounging, Get Up and Get to Work! 夫人当家：都别躺，给我起来卷！ Give It a Persimmon Try柿柿就试试Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration to an alternate world + wish fulfillment + sweet romance + one-on-one + two strong leads] Xia Shuyan is a noblewoman of the capital, blessed with beauty, intelligence, and an illustrious family. To protect her family from the impending struggle for the throne, she arranges to marry General Xiao Yunchi, a man rumored to bring death to his wives. Xiao Yunchi is the second legitimate son of the Grand Princess and the old Marquis of Zhenbei, as well as the emperor’s nephew. He has sp 14.8kReads9.2Score1.9k14d adds
27. 177 重 Reborn as a Physician Consort, I Opened My Eyes to the Whole Capital Lining Up to Fight for My Hand 重生医妃一睁眼，全京城排队抢亲 Honeysuckle Vine忍冬藤Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Revenge Against Scumbags + Sweet Romance] In her previous life, she was blind and foolish, helping her husband rise to power. But once he had achieved success, he discarded her like a used tool. Her grandfather’s entire family and her upright father, the Minister of Rites, were branded with infamy and executed. She herself died with child, unable to rest in peace. At last, Heaven takes pity on her, and she is reborn. In this life, she will protect her family and crush the scumbag man 26.7kReads9.4Score4.4k14d adds
28. 178 女 After Faking Her Death in Disguise as a Man, She Starts Playing the Frail, Scheming Green Tea 女扮男装死后，她开始演柔弱绿茶 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of [Playing Coy] is available on all platforms. [The heroine is everyone’s beloved, with maximum “moonlight in the heart” appeal + doted on by all + universally adored + strong female lead] Qin Buwen disguised herself as a man and played the part of a treacherous official for sixteen years. At the height of her infamy, everyone in Chang’an, even the dogs, would go out of their way to avoid her. Then she was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. She leapt from a tall building, onl 36.7kReads9.4Score5.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    I absolutely loved "The Prince of Chang'an," so meticulously crafted! I was deeply moved by the friendship, love, and patriotism within. She was the Prince of Chang'an disguised as a man, a dashing young man in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse. She became a notorious villain for a childhood debt of gratitude, sacrificing herself for the country. She was also a princess and a symbol of faith for millions. One day, she returned five years later in a different identity. There, she met the wise and virtuous Prime Minister. She entered into a scheme, seducing him and bringing him down to earth. She didn't want him anymore, but he said he only wished for: "May Prince Qin Buwen of Chang'an be safe, happy, and free from illness and disaster..."

29. 179 帝 The Emperor and Empress Fight Every Day to See Who Dies First 帝后每天互殴，看谁先死 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing Feng Xing is the daughter of Chu Xi’s Grand Marshal, who commands an army of four hundred thousand. Shen Feng has been emperor for just two years. Shen Feng is utterly depraved, ruthless, and cruel. To secure his throne, he decides to marry Feng Xing and make her empress. First, he will fake her death to lure her father to the capital for the funeral. Then he will wipe out her entire family and take control of the Chu Xi army. Feng Xing is a fierce, accomplished warrior who takes whatever she wa 34.9kReads9.2Score2.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    💥💥This book is super interesting and hilarious! The female lead comes from a wealthy family, and her intelligence and strategy are on par with, or even surpass, the male lead's! She's incredibly strong; she almost castrated the only man in the harem on their first meeting with the emperor—who would have thought? The scene was described so realistically. If the emperor hadn't woken up in time, she wouldn't be the male lead. There are many more memorable scenes between them later on. The male lead is particularly unruly and always gets beaten up by the female lead, but he can't beat her.

30. 180 春 Spring Overlooks the Mountain Pavilion 春望山楹 Zhuang the Great Blade庄大刀Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Yun Jian had spent ten years slaughtering pigs in the countryside. One day, a carriage painted with ornate lacquer and jade stopped outside Tonghua Lane. They had come to take the Zhen family’s daughter, who had been living away from home, back to the capital. Yun Jian thought it over, tucked her butcher’s knife into her clothes, and climbed into the carriage. The country butcher’s daughter transformed overnight. She became a noble lady, married into a marquis’s household, and rose to the top in 325Reads8.5Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist, Yun Guan, honed her ruthlessness and composure through ten years of butchering. Mistaken for the daughter of the Zhen family, she enters the capital without pretense or fear, wielding her butcher's knife to storm the noble mansion and enter the palace. Domestic intrigue? She breaks through with a single strike. Palace intrigue? She's ruthless and decisive. Power struggles? She plans every step carefully. From a rural butcher to an empress ruling the world, her path is entirely paved by her own efforts. The male protagonist, Xie Sui, rose from a duke to an emperor. Their relationship evolves from mutual exploitation to a bond of life and death, a powerful alliance and mutual redemption.

31. 181 娇 The Sweet, Gentle Female General Has the Scheming Minister Wrapped Around Her Finger. She's Wild! 娇软女将军撩翻腹黑权臣，太狂野 Flowers About to Burn花欲燃吖Ancient Romance123k WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + Charming, Scheming Scholar + Regretful Pursuit] Yue Qingdai is a woman, but she insists on stirring up trouble in hell. In this world, is it really true that those who don’t put themselves first deserve to die? Is love between men and women really nothing but adultery and betrayal? She doesn’t understand, yet she understands better than anyone... Sold to a brothel at nine, bought for a high price by the madam at thirteen, From a fierce daughter of a military family to th —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist comes from a military family, but her entire family was executed. She became a courtesan and was embroiled in royal intrigue at the age of nine, managing to carve out a path to survival through her own efforts. She accidentally ends up in a military camp and becomes a formidable female general. She is not love-struck, not a saint, and not a good person in the conventional sense.

32. 182 绝 The Unparalleled Little Scapegoat 绝世小冤种 I Took Great Pains我煞费苦心Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Also known as: I Pay, You Risk Your Life, and We Both Go Crazy; The Ultimate Scapegoat; Power Over All, Sword to the Heavens Someone has set a trap to make everyone turn against me. "It's fine. I have a System..." Luo Yinyou comforted herself. "Even if the System is a total troll!" The world order had changed drastically, and the flow of destiny had been redistributed. Countless geniuses emerged, but the most dazzling of them all was the young lord Ye Ci of Dragon Island, hailed as the greatest 32kReads9.6Score4.4k14d adds

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    Strong female lead, political intrigue, all 9.6 Ratings [Please update more frequently] First book: Absolutely fantastic! The content is incredibly insightful, even including some business acumen. The author is truly talented. The female lead is exceptionally intelligent and resourceful, while the male lead is capable, strategic, and a bit boyishly cute. Everything is exactly to my liking. I hope the author keeps updating! I'm urging for more updates every day. Second book: The female lead is highly intelligent and resourceful! Her father is a treacherous minister, and she's aligned with him. The treacherous minister completely turns the tables, and reading this will definitely give you a brain boost! The characters are also very well-developed. I love it! I want to say it countless times! Ahhhhh! It's so good!

33. 183 我 After Reaching Max Level in the Wasteland, I Transmigrated to a Famine Year and Became Empress 我在废土满级后，穿越荒年当女帝 Zhuye竹野Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted A satisfying infrastructure-building power fantasy, not a matriarchal-world story. Ruan Xiang, ruler of the largest base in the wasteland, transmigrated into one of the refugees fleeing famine in ancient times. Finding water, irrigating fields, building filtration ponds, making bricks and building kilns, teaching people to read, pressing oil… To survive better, Ruan Xiang gathered every worker she could. Until she discovered that the imperial court was growing weak, the ministers were afraid 9.2kReads9.1Score1.1k14d adds

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    The female protagonist, starting as a beggar, uses the three divine books written by a time traveler to unify the country in the Song Dynasty. She establishes a public domain.

34. 184 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 70.3kReads9.7Score9.3k14d adds

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    😆😆😆What more can I say? What is there to hesitate about? Just go for it! If this is a 10, I'd give it a 12! It's amazing! Amazing! Amazing! I can't stress this enough!!! The plot and character development are both vivid and interesting, with a lot of twists and turns!!!

35. 185 我 My Emperor Father Can Read Minds 我的皇帝父亲会读心 Bone-Leak Gua Wen骨漏呱闻Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [Infrastructure Building Focus ✚ Mostly Comedy ✚ Not Historically Accurate ✚ No Romance] Emperor Wei prided himself on being a wise ruler. His ministers served him well, his harem was harmonious, and his children were clever and filial. That is, until he was struck by lightning. Afterward, he gained the ability to read minds, and finally learned that everyone around him was two-faced, saying one thing while thinking another! Emperor Wei was devastated. So he had been such a failure as an emperor 56.5kReads9.3Score5.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    [Laughing][Laughing][Laughing] What else is there to say? What else is there to hesitate about? Just go for it! If this story is a 10, I'd give it a 12! It's amazing! It's amazing! It's amazing! I'll say it three times because it's so important!!! The plot and the characters are both vivid and interesting, with a lot of twists and turns!!!

36. 186 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score41814d adds

    Reader note

    Just look at it, it's so good!

37. 187 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 7.8kReads9.0Score78414d adds
38. 188 宣 The Empress Xu’s Rise to Power 宣后升职记 Shu Yunyao舒云窈Female-Channel Fanfiction229k WordsOngoing [The Starry Sky + Empress Xuan reborn + strong female lead + career-driven] In her previous life, she asked to be deposed and died in sorrow. In this life, Xuan Shengan is reborn with just one goal: to secure her position as empress and protect her children. As for her “husband,” Emperor Wen? She can't even be bothered to give him a glance, but he starts learning how to win her back. She is Xuan Shengan, Empress Xuan, and Empress Dowager. 172Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A novel about a reborn soul amidst a blazing starry sky – the entire story is filled with intelligent characters – the more you read, the more addictive it becomes.

39. 189 主 The Matriarch Worked Herself to Death, Then Was Reborn to Raise the Kids and Take It Easy 主母操劳而死，重生后养崽摆烂了 Watermelon Juice西瓜汁汁Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Both reborn + swapped lives + household matriarch + stepmother raising children + physician consort + powerful heroine and satisfying revenge + inner-family strife + adorable children] Shen Qinglan discovered that she and Shen Qingli had both been reborn! In her previous life, Shen Qinglan married into the Li family of Longxi and helped the second branch's eldest son rise to success, until he became a high-ranking official and she lived in splendor! Shen Qingli had only recently married into th 4.4kReads8.9Score65814d adds

    Reader note

    Lately, I've been really into political intrigue novels. The first one was about raising a child—I don't usually like that genre, but this one was really interesting. The female lead is incredibly wise and uses everyone as pawns. The second one is still updating; the female lead pretends to be weak while secretly plotting against everyone else, purging the court, and becoming an official. I don't remember the specifics of the next three, but they're all very well-written—the kind of novels you can't put down once you start reading.

40. 190 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 2.3kReads8.9Score29614d adds
41. 191 同 Rising with the Wind: Reborn, the Marquis's Legitimate Daughter Goes on a Rampage 同风起：重生后，侯府嫡女杀疯了 Zhao Er昭尔Ancient Romance329k WordsCompleted She is the daughter of a military family, unmatched in martial arts and military strategy. After marrying, she earns military honors for her husband and helps him secure the title of prince. But she never imagined the man beside her was a snake-hearted villain. After falsely tarnishing her father and brothers’ reputations, he had her killed at the Langya Waterside Pavilion. Heaven takes pity on her, granting her a new life in the body of a legitimate daughter of a marquis’s household who shares 60Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This one! This one! This one! The female lead is so smart! The male lead falls for her later and treats her so well!!

42. 192 绾 Winding the Wind into Splendor 绾风华 Light Ink Wash水墨浅浅Ancient Romance344k WordsCompleted Cui Wanwan died, killed by a woman from another world. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at twelve years old, three years before the transmigrated woman arrived. Cui Wanwan, the second young lady of the Cui family, had been born a favorite of heaven, the apple of her family’s eye. With her family’s favor and prestige, she was destined to become a prince’s consort and enjoy a life of wealth and glory. She had thought her life would be carefree, but an odd woman who claimed to 3.1kReads8.9Score34014d adds
43. 193 我 I Dwell in the Spring Mountains [Reborn] 我栖春山【重生】 Moonlight Falling on Branches明月落枝Ancient Romance751k WordsCompleted [A heartless, scheming beauty after being reborn × a cold, powerful minister who has hidden his love for two lifetimes + revenge + the ex-husband's road to redemption + Mary Sue + sweet, satisfying romance + a two-lifetime secret love finally comes true] Ming Hui spent her whole life exhausting herself to become Xie Yunqi's empress. In the end, Xie Yunqi helped her cousin take the throne and stole her position as empress. Her cousin's son was already five, while her own child had been buried ben 1.3kReads8.1Score15414d adds
44. 194 求 Begging for Love 求娇 Three Lives, Three Three叁生三三Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Strong Heroine and Hero] [Love-Hate Relationship] [Defying Fate] [Print edition signed with a publisher] Gu Miaoyin always thought she was the pampered darling her emperor treasured most, until the Great Jin fell and the Northern Hu cavalry smashed through the palace gates. Only then did she realize how tragic her life was. Ten years of the emperor's favor could not withstand a sudden change of heart. In the end, she and her mother were trapped in the imperial city and burned alive. Reborn into 36.4kReads9.5Score4.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    There's not much to say, just highly recommend it. It's all in classical Chinese, with all sorts of settings, so go check it out!

45. 195 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3k14d adds
46. 196 她 After She Ascends the Throne, She Takes a New Husband, Leaving Her Ex to Weep 她登基后换了夫，新夫不见旧夫哭 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (Power! It's a woman's second face! She loves it!) (1V2 + advancing the nation through technology + two men competing for her, only to end up regretting it) Lu Jichen: He is an ill-omened man. On the day his elder brother got married, they smeared dog blood all over his face and locked him in a cellar. Later, she brought him out, washed his hands, let him sit at the table, fed him, and paid for his education. Wei Chiyuan: He is the young lord of an aristocratic clan; she is a young widow. One sc 17.1kReads9.3Score2.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    The most memorable female-centric novels on my bookshelf completely lack any female rivalry. The female leads are all distinct personalities, strategic brilliance, and destined to be empresses. [Admiration][Admiration]

47. 197 开 My Ancestors’ Graves Started Smoking from the Start: Disguised as a Man, I Take the Imperial Exams 开局祖坟冒青烟，女扮男装科举忙 Jiang Suiwan江岁晚Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Xie Yuheng transmigrates from the Apocalypse to a farming household, where a tyrant rules the land. With no other choice, she disguises herself as a boy. As she grows older, everyone in the surrounding villages comes to know that the Xie family's prodigy has an exceptionally clever mind. Too bad he's a sickly weakling who can't lift a finger or carry a load. Bystander: “You're so noble, so impressive! Your sickly family member just kicked someone through a wall!” The Xie family: “Does the head o 12.2kReads9.2Score1.7k14d adds
48. 198 太 The Empress Dowager Reborn: A Phoenix’s Plot for the Empire 太后重生：凤谋天下 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + ensemble cast + political intrigue] Reborn, she turns the world into a board and all living beings into pieces. She is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Slender, pale hands, an icy gaze She moves her pieces, a faint smile on her lips Why should beauty worry? Reborn, risen from the ashes A phoenix’s schemes hide in her lotus-bloom bones Her name will live on in the annals of history Willow branches in her hometown, the moon a hook She watches generals and princes 1.2kReads9.0Score18514d adds

    Reader note

    It's incredibly good! The female lead, Liu Yuli, is dignified, composed, wise, and beautiful beyond compare. Using the world as a chessboard and all living beings as pieces, the game unfolds with interconnected twists and turns, making for a truly captivating and engaging story.

49. 199 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 1.6kReads9.2Score19814d adds

    Reader note

    High IQ! High cunning!!! Reading this story, you'll feel like every male supporting character is a perfect match for the female lead. Why? Why? Why? Of course, it's because women who are career-driven are incredibly charming! You might think it's okay without a romantic pairing. Haha... But it's only with the male lead that it's both sweet and satisfying! Because of all the scheming and suspense, it's so captivating (after reading the later chapters, I finally understood what the author meant by "all the essential elements are there"). There are so many memorable scenes after they arrive in Yuan City. The female lead is indeed intelligent, wise, and strategic. I've been following this story in one go, highly recommended!!!

50. 200 嫁 Marrying the Imperial Tutor 嫁帝师 Changshanli长山里Ancient Romance560k WordsCompleted [When a Scheming Black-Bellied Type Meets a Sweet-on-the-Outside, Dark-on-the-Inside Type + Love and Hate + Soul Swap + Revenge, Traditional Historical Romance in an Imaginary Setting] Jiang Wanzhi first met Song Qingshi when she was fourteen. At sixteen, she became Mrs. Song. Everyone said she was lucky: a merchant’s daughter had married a top-scoring scholar. That is, until she died under mysterious circumstances on the very night Song Qingshi asked her for a divorce. When she awoke again, she 28kReads9.3Score4.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    ① It's incredibly good! The female lead is exceptionally well-developed within just ten chapters. She's dedicated to fighting injustice and seeking justice for women, intelligent and resourceful, surrounded by many capable people. The book also subtly weaves in many plot threads without weakening the female character or introducing any overly strong female/male rivalry, female-centric narratives, or "white lotus" characters. Feng Deng is a figure who helps women by accepting their requests. Lan Jin, who has crawled back from hell, establishes himself in the world as "Feng Deng," helping women redress their grievances, grow, and live the lives they desire. The price for accepting a request is determined by the client's wealth, not just the highest price. Although it's a revenge story, the protagonist doesn't lose himself; he continues to fight injustice and seek justice for women even while seeking revenge. For the women he helps, Lan Jin is their light. ② This book is a political intrigue genre. From the beginning, it's clear that Shi Buyu is exceptionally intelligent. Although she doesn't know martial arts, she is a wise and decisive person, yet also kind, filial, and morally upright. It's also evident that she's very confident, which is rare; she doesn't feel inferior because of her unlucky fate. She skillfully and strategically guides Yan Shi'an out of the constraints of propriety and towards her light, helping him grow. While resourceful and capable of commanding the world, she also displays the awkwardness of a young girl and the mischievousness of a child. She's a little awkward and distant when meeting long-lost relatives, teases her senior brother, annoys her master, stays up all night reading picture books, and eats food like a satisfied cat. Her character is consistently well-developed. Her unique personal charm influences everyone around her, and she is loved in return, mutually supporting each other towards a new dynasty. ③ Investing in this is definitely worthwhile; I simply love watching these two characters, each with their own hidden agendas, constantly scheming against each other. The male protagonist, though a learned and seemingly perfect genius, is utterly clueless about romance. Despite his life's learning, he can only utter a few words to the one he loves. The female protagonist, though a merchant's daughter, is highly cultured and skilled in all the arts of a noblewoman. She is clear about right and wrong, responsive to gentle persuasion but not force, and is very intelligent and shrewd. The early interactions between the male and female leads are beautifully written, with delicate emotions, a tight plot, and well-placed foreshadowing. Their love doesn't happen suddenly, but rather develops gradually through their interactions. The male protagonist falls in love first and patiently waits for the female protagonist to trust him. Many details about the male protagonist are very endearing; he respects the female protagonist, and his gentlemanly character is evident in many small ways. Although he is well-read, he is not pedantic.

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