Looking for Palace Intrigue with a Cast of Geniuses and a Clear-Headed, Powerful Female Lead 想看全员都高智商的宫斗，女主清醒又强大的

1. 1 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3k14d adds

   Reader note

   The first book is excellent; everyone in it is incredibly intelligent and logical. It's really great, the female lead is exceptionally resourceful and smart. I highly recommend it! 😜😜 The second book is also excellent; both the male and female leads, as well as the supporting characters, are all intelligent. However, the male and female leads are even more so. 💕💕 The third book is my absolute favorite of this genre. Although the plot armor is a bit overpowered, the Empress Dowager's unparalleled wit is the biggest highlight. 😂😂 Follow Feifei so you won't get lost when you're looking for something to read! 😘😘

2. 2 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 82.1kReads9.5Score9.3k14d adds
3. 3 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.3kReads9.2Score1.6k14d adds
4. 4 祸 Turmoil in the Six Palaces: The Mad Demon Consort's Daily Meltdowns 祸乱六宫：疯批妖妃发癫日常 Bing Xiayun冰夏云Ancient Romance677k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + male lead has had other women, heroine is chaste + doted on exclusively later + heroine is sweet on the outside but dark within, wicked and a good actress, occasionally goes off the rails, happy ending] With skin as pure as ice and bones as fine as jade, her beauty could topple a city, stunning all who saw her… That year, she entered the palace by imperial decree to keep her pregnant elder sister company. She never expected to be trapped there for good, reduced to a fish on he 8.2kReads9.0Score85814d adds

   Reader note

   Everyone in the cast is incredibly intelligent, every conspiracy is worth reading carefully, and the male lead unconditionally trusts the female lead and dotes on her exclusively after she enters the palace. Highly recommended!

5. 5 海 Fragrance in the Begonia-Draped Bed, the Moon in My Arms 海棠帐中香，明月入怀 Fish Ball o鱼丸oAncient Romance455k WordsCompleted Rebirth + palace intrigue + fake eunuch vs. bewitching consort + feel-good, sweet romance + devoted one-on-one couple + female-lead-focused Also titled: The Bewitching Consort Reborn: The Cold Ninth-Thousand-Year Lord Can't Keep His Hands Off Her / The Emperor Is Just a Pawn in My Hand Zhaoyue lived a truly foolish life in her previous one. Blinded by luxury and indulgence, she took the wrong path through the treacherous inner palace and became a bedchamber temptress whose death seemed well de 1.7kReads9.1Score15214d adds

   Reader note

   1. The female lead is reborn, and the male lead is a high-ranking official (a fake eunuch), both are virgins. 2. The male lead is extremely adoring! 3. The female lead is lucid, and the more you read, the more addictive it becomes.

6. 6 娇 The Pretty Palace Maid's Step-by-Step Rise to Empress 娇娇宫女，步步为后 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance574k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue / not both partners’ first time / devoted love in the later story / not a strong heroine; the female lead cries easily and isn’t particularly clever, so don’t expect too much!] After three years in the palace, Yue Li has worked carefully and waited for a chance at promotion. Just before she is promoted, a palace maid sharing her room is sentenced to death for offending a consort. Thunder crashes and rain pours that night as blood spatters everywhere. Terrified, Yue Li cannot sle 25.1kReads9.3Score12.4k14d adds
7. 7 惊 Shocking! The Noble Consort Wins the Favor of All Six Palaces by Gossiping 惊！贵妃娘娘靠吃瓜宠冠六宫 Day Mountain Moon昼山月Ancient Romance620k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + substitute + fleeing while pregnant + secret identity] [The leads are not each other’s first; she becomes his sole favorite later. The heroine stays clearheaded and never falls for him. A silly, fluffy story; the heroine is no saint.] Jing Shumei was born with stunning beauty. She used her looks to seduce the Emperor, never giving him her heart, only scheming for her own gain. Using her mind-reading ability to listen in on palace gossip and navigate the harem, she climbed step 4kReads9.3Score55614d adds
8. 8 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.1kReads9.5Score9.7k14d adds

   Reader note

   This book is absolutely amazing, a truly exceptional read. After finishing it, I even created a group specifically for it. The group's name is "Peerless Masterpiece: Chaos of the Dynasty." It only contains this one book, so you can imagine how good it is. Everyone in it, from the main characters to the supporting roles, is incredibly intelligent, trust me. Buying this book is definitely worth it. If you think it's bad, feel free to criticize me; I won't retaliate.

9. 9 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Reincarnated as Gua'erjia Wenyuan 甄嬛传之：魂穿瓜尔佳文鸳 Clear Skies and Ten Thousand Plums晴空万李Female-Channel Fanfiction526k WordsCompleted “The rating is low because this just came out. Don't miss it! Please rate it!” The bright and bold Consort Hua vs. the sweet and charming “crybaby” Guarjia Wenyuan. (Consort Hua is a supporting character, the second female lead, so she won't get as much detailed description or as much of the story as the heroine!) Guan Xin wakes up to discover she has become Guarjia Wenyuan, the legitimate daughter of Guarjia E Min. The very Guarjia Wenyuan whom the Empress called “the foolish yet truly beautifu 599Reads8.1Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The second book is highly recommended, except for the one with the many children, which felt a bit out of place; otherwise, it's really good.

10. 10 清 The Qing Transmigration Crown Princess: I Have a Lucky Envelope Group 清穿太子妃：我有一个红包群 SnowballS雪球SAncient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Not a historically accurate Qing dynasty transmigration story; includes original settings and will change the ending.] [Male lead is not a virgin; he has concubines. Clear-eyed, theatrical heroine + arrogant male lead. He loves her, but she doesn’t love him.] [Wish fulfillment, no angst for the heroine, novice writing style. Read with caution if that bothers you.] Shi Shuyao was framed by her reborn cousin and became the Crown Prince’s consort. As someone who had transmigrated, she knew the Cr 12kReads9.0Score91814d adds
11. 11 新 My Fair Princess: Princess Hejing 新还珠之和敬公主 Yezi耶子Female-Channel Fanfiction301k WordsCompleted Woxi Hun is the only legitimate princess in the Forbidden City. Just three days after her birth, she was bestowed the title of Princess Gulun Hejing. Her birth mother was Qianlong's lifelong cherished love, the beloved Empress Xiaoxianchun of his reign. From the moment she was born, she was showered with affection, and no one could rival her. But in this world of My Fair Princess, who could surpass her in Qianlong's heart? Whom will she meet in this world: the historical son-in-law from the Khor 1.8kReads8.7Score12614d adds
12. 12 杏 Apricot Blossoms Fill the Air, I'll Snap That Scumbag's Neck 杏花吹满头，扭断渣男头 The Round-Headed, Round-Brained, Round-Bellied Tangerine圆头圆脑圆肚皮的橘子Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [There is a male lead!!!] [Currently being published. Mild horror and suspense. I didn’t add those tags because I don’t think the story is scary or suspenseful enough, but readers say it’s pretty frightening. Consider this a heads-up.] Ren Xin has been married into the General’s residence for two years. She manages the household, respects her in-laws, and treats the servants with consideration. No one can find fault with her. Guan Shanyue returns from the battlefield one day with a pregnant wom 23.4kReads9.2Score3.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    Come to this industry.

13. 13 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 47.7kReads9.5Score6.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    The group members are all highly intelligent [I understand], the logic is smooth 😄 the plot is fast-paced [Salute], the female lead is clear-headed, strong, and has a positive outlook + the male lead is not arrogant and is intelligent 😂😂😂 If you were transported to ancient times, would you choose to change your environment or adapt to it? [Attention] See how the female lead stays true to herself while adapting to her new environment! 🍉

14. 14 非 An Unconventional Palace Intrigue 非传统宫斗 Known in the Jianghu as the Thorny Rose江湖人称带刺玫瑰Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted Imperial selection from the start / Pure palace intrigue with a touch of household intrigue / Ensemble cast / Realistic style [Pure palace intrigue begins after chapter 20] Not the emperor’s sole favorite / Not a virgin couple / No romance pairing [The emperor is a scumbag with the power of life and death. The first few chapters establish his character and contain potentially uncomfortable scenes. If that bothers you, skip to chapter 20.] Everyone is caught up in palace intrigue. The consorts an 2kReads8.3Score22314d adds

    Reader note

    This is a pure palace intrigue story featuring a cast of highly intelligent individuals!

15. 15 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 37.3kReads9.4Score4.3k14d adds
16. 16 明 Marry Me Beneath the Bright Moon 明月嫁卿卿 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Song Chuyu thought she and Kang Rui were deeply in love, and that no one could ever come between them. Yet that person had been living by their side all along, pampered under the title of “sister-in-law.” After being reborn, Song Chuyu didn’t spare Kang Rui a glance as he rode through the streets in triumph, and she certainly wouldn’t marry him again. * When Kang Rui woke up to find himself back in the impoverished days of his youth, he struggled to get used to the drafty windows after having li 82.6kReads9.3Score10.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    Just finished reading it. The mission was accomplished, the plot unfolded grandly, the author is a master at filling in plot holes, both characters are strong, and there are no fools among the readers.

17. 17 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

    Reader note

    Her mother was a favored princess, her uncle was the reigning emperor, her maternal grandmother was the empress dowager, and her brother was a young general. Bai Hui's birth was destined to be extraordinary. From a young age, she received training from her maternal grandmother. Bai Hui appeared gentle and generous, a model of a wealthy heiress, but in reality, she was ruthless. Despite her low-key demeanor, she still aroused the jealousy of her half-sister. In their battle of wits, she discovered a shocking secret: her half-sister was a reincarnated person! Before she could even panic, she discovered that her half-sister was still incredibly stupid. Relieved, she calmly set up her scheme, waiting to watch the show. Stealing my music? Stealing my destiny? Still eyeing my husband? Spill all of that out one by one! So what if you're reincarnated? You still lost to me! Busy acting with her half-sister, she didn't realize she had incurred a debt of romantic entanglements. Someone smiled radiantly: "Jiang Jiang?" Bai Hui was shocked: "How do you know my nickname?!"

18. 18 清 A Qing Dynasty Transmigration: I Rose to Noble Consort Through My Persona 清穿之靠着人设我爬上了贵妃 Falling in Egypt跌落埃及Ancient Romance302k WordsCompleted Lihua is a “good person” who loves helping others solve their problems, yet she keeps climbing the career ladder, rising effortlessly through the ranks. Until one day, the CEO’s mistress discovers Lihua’s true nature… After Lihua kicks the bucket, she is chosen by the Saintly Mother System and transmigrates to the Qing dynasty, where she is tasked with spreading truth, goodness, and beauty. Empress Xiaochengren: Wang Jia is a good person. Empress Xiaozhaoren: Consort Jing is a good person. Empre 1.1kReads9.1Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    This is pretty good.

19. 19 五 Five Loves Entwined: A Stunning Beauty’s Quick Transmigration and Quest to Bear Children and Rekindle Love 五爱交织：绝美快穿生子续情缘 Holy Moon and Stars圣月星辰Ancient Romance512k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Quick Transmigration + Childbirth + Powerful System + Beautiful, Clever Heroine + Sound Values + Devoted Love + A Complete Lifetime in Each Small World] The heroine binds herself to a Quick Transmigration System and travels through five worlds, living through a thousand years of rebirth, romance filled with the sweetest devotion, and a wait that spans time and space. ① [Flirtatious Emperor vs. Grateful Farmer’s Daughter] (The man is not a virgin; the woman is) ② [Debauched Top Scholar 4.1kReads9.2Score39514d adds

    Reader note

    Quick transmigration + double clean romance novel, golden finger

20. 20 恶 The Wicked Woman of the 1970s and Her Unhinged Antics 恶女七零，发疯文学 Honey Bun Dipped in Mustard蜂蜜小面包蘸芥末吃哦Modern Romance523k WordsCompleted In 1970, in Daba Village, the second daughter of the Feng family went to the hills behind the village to gather pig fodder, but tumbled down the mountainside and injured her brain. Then again, she had always been a simpleton, so no one cared whether the fall had made her any worse. The second child has always been the one most likely to be overlooked in a family, and the Fengs were no exception. The eldest, Feng Chun, was the family’s first daughter, ambitious and fiercely competitive. The third 6.5kReads9.2Score65514d adds
21. 21 闺 Best Friends Transmigrate Into a Book! They Divorce and Run, Leaving Their Men in a Panic 闺蜜齐穿书！休夫跑路，他们慌了 Getting Rich Every Month月月暴富Ancient Romance571k WordsCompleted [Feel-good story + never forgiving + both leads are pure + true best friends never betray each other + father and son desperately chasing their wives] Jiang Zhilan and her best friend transmigrate into a book together. When they wake up, they’re mothers, just like that. She has become the male lead’s empress, while her best friend has become the second male lead’s princess consort. They share the same beloved woman, the heroine. They fight over her, both wanting her for themselves, and the princ 723Reads7.9Score35814d adds

    Reader note

    Jiang Zhilan and Xiao Yiman, best friends, transmigrated into a book; one became an empress, and the other a princess. Oddly enough, their husbands both shared a common unrequited love, Liu Jiaojiao…

22. 22 娘 The Consort Is All Charm and Cunning, Scheming Her Way to the Top 娘娘又茶又媚，一路宫斗上位 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance835k WordsCompleted Signed for print publication In the third year of the Yifeng era, a concubine-born daughter of the Ningyang Marquis’s household enters the palace. The palace is a vast, treacherous place, where the one thing you must never do is give your heart away. Ning Shuyan is clear-eyed: she wants wealth and prestige, along with the emperor’s favor. For three years, she carefully plots each step, wins the emperor’s attention, and rises from Talented Lady to Noble Consort. Rumor has it that the emperor only 56.6kReads9.5Score7k14d adds

    Reader note

    All I can say about this book is that the female lead is incredibly clear-headed throughout, and later on she becomes the sole focus of his affections. Everyone in the cast is quite intelligent.

23. 23 谁 Can You Believe It? The Empress Wrote a Hundred Palace Rules 谁懂啊，娘娘写了一百条宫规 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Ancient-Era Heroine + Reborn Supporting Female Character + Transmigrated Supporting Female Character + Everyone Is Clever + Clear-Eyed Heroine] From ordinary palace candidate to empress. Everyone believes the emperor is devoted to Ning Wanyin. Only Ning Wanyin knows how treacherous and perilous the journey has been. She has survived every step through sheer caution. Lady Tang, reborn: “She killed me in my last life. This time, of course I’ll… make her my friend! Do I really th 41.2kReads9.6Score5.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    The protagonist is clear-headed and cautious, avoiding clichéd schemes and taking every step with extreme care. "Everyone was shocked: Is she sick? She never leaves the palace; isn't she afraid of suffocating?"

24. 24 嚣 The Arrogant Ghost Doctor Opens Her Eyes to Find the Emperor's Uncle Scheming to Spoil Her Rotten 嚣张鬼医一睁眼，被皇叔套路猛宠 Mo Yanxi莫颜兮Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Ruan Ling was once the mighty young mistress of the Ghost Physician Palace, wielding peerless medical skills. Her beloved and a close family member drove a Soul-Sealing Spike into her head, killing her in agony. Reborn as a frail young hostage princess, she is picked up by the cunning and vicious Prince An Yangxiao, the Lord of Nightfall, and forced to become his “pet concubine.” Thus begins her sparks-flying “married life” under the same roof as An Yangxiao. One day, she wakes up and sees An Ya 4.2kReads9.3Score68714d adds
25. 25 凤 The Phoenix Sings to the Ninth Heaven: Two Dragons Vie for the Phoenix 凤鸣九天：双龙争凰 Dai Yu代煜Ancient Romance267k WordsCompleted I am Shen Qinghuan, the youngest daughter of Shen Mingyuan, the prime minister of the dynasty. As for my family background, we’re among the most illustrious families in the capital. My father is the prime minister, an incorruptible official who grew up alongside His Majesty. My mother comes from a prominent family in Jiangnan and has a gentle disposition. She was also a gifted young woman in her day. My maternal grandfather was the former crown prince’s tutor, and his students are now found thr 10Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Show me this: It's not a time-travel or reincarnation story, just a pure historical romance. The male and female leads are both intelligent, and everyone is involved in scheming and backstabbing. The female lead isn't just blinded by love.

26. 26 六 The Harem Has All Turned Dark 六宫集体黑化中 Loves Imperial Mandarins爱吃皇帝柑Ancient Romance234k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Pure Palace Intrigue, No Romance + Feel-Good Story + Strong Female Lead] Cui Linghui died young in a car accident, but it turned out fate was kind to her: she transmigrated into the body of a noblewoman with the same name. A white-collar worker becoming Consort De is just a change of workplace, boss, and coworkers. She can keep working hard to survive all the same. She thought it would be a struggle between coworkers, but who knew the boss would be such a bastard? Well, then, d 212Reads—Score10714d adds

    Reader note

    This side is correct.

27. 27 娘 The Bewitching Consort Goes Mad, Scheming Ruthlessly to Seize the Empress’s Throne 娘娘疯诱娇媚，狠毒宫斗疯夺后位 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance202k WordsCompleted [Doesn't love the emperor + single-mindedly plays palace politics + not mutually chaste + favored exclusively in the later stages + no idiotic palace scheming + the empress's throne! The empress's throne!] Lin Zhi Ruan concealed her looks until she entered the palace, only then revealing her true appearance. Before she died, Concubine Meng clutched her hand tightly and warned her never to show her real face before leaving the estate. Given the chance to enter the palace, Lin Zhi Ruan understood 298Reads7.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue + empress + sweet romance + both characters are virgins, a really good read!

28. 28 在 A Hundred Ways to Win the Emperor's Heart in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.3kReads9.5Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    My Tomato White Moonlight

29. 29 宫 Spring in the Imperial Palace 宫闱春 Dare to Draw a Mulberry Bow敢挽桑弓Ancient Romance246k WordsCompleted [Female Lead in Palace Intrigue + Male Lead in Political Schemes + High-IQ Cast + Beautiful, Unhinged Characters + Ensemble Cast] An alternate-world story. The female lead is highly intelligent, clear-headed, and no lovesick fool. From the moment she enters the palace, Jiang Wanqing knows she will spend her whole life within these walls. She never forgets one thing: she wants to become empress. She also knows that the current emperor, Zhou Qijing, cares only about royal power and dominion. So sh 636Reads8.7Score11214d adds

    Reader note

    Both of these are great!

30. 30 主 The Mistress's Daily Life 主母日常 Zhou Dabai周大白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [An Aristocratic Lady Tears Apart a Transmigrator + Reborn + An Idyllic, Leisurely Life as the Mistress of an Ancient Estate] Lu Lingjun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, were both reborn. In their previous lives, Lu Lingjun married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her younger sister married the heir to a marquis’s estate. Everyone said her sister had made the better match. But who could have guessed that Lu Lingjun’s husband would become the prime minister and sec 23.3kReads9.0Score3.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    That's it, the female lead regains her senses on her own.

31. 31 成 Why Help Others Get What They Want? I’ll Choose Myself 成全别人？不如成全自己 Yue Cangyun Nali月藏云那里Modern Romance235k WordsCompleted In the book, Xu Jing'an spent her whole life helping others and putting them first, yet in the end, no one even said a kind word about her. This time, she's going to look after herself first and do what's best for her. 137.1kReads9.5Score11.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    Although this isn't a palace intrigue novel, this period drama is comparable to one. The female lead's entire family is incredibly cunning and scheming—it's just as good as a palace drama!

32. 32 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

    The only downside is that it's still being serialized.

33. 33 云 The Legend of Yun Qiao 云翘传 Jade Mat and Dawn Breeze玉簟晓风Ancient Romance423k WordsCompleted [Transmigration]+ [Revenge]+ [Medical Skills] [A guide to what this story does not have: no space, no supernatural abilities, no martial arts, and no golden finger. The heroine has only her superb medical skills to rely on!] Yun Qiao, a genius doctor from the twenty-first century, was transported to a dynasty she had never heard of after a plane crash. For five years, she relived in her dreams the short life of a five-year-old girl named Lin Qiao, who shared her name. In her dreams, she watched 4.3kReads9.0Score56014d adds

    Reader note

    See if you like this one.

34. 34 沉 Sinking into Rouge 沉沦胭脂色 Yue Manman月蔓漫Modern Romance705k WordsCompleted [Ruthless courtship + marriage first, love later + the regretful chase] That stormy night, kidnappers were right behind Gu Ci. She clutched the crisp suit trousers of the man in front of her. “Please, save me...” Jiang Qiyun stood beneath his bodyguard's umbrella and kicked her fingers away with the tip of his shoe. “Why should I save you?” She gritted her teeth. “Save me, and I'll do anything you want.” Jiang Qiyun crouched down with an air of refined aloofness, pinched her chin between his fin 11.5kReads9.4Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    I'd like to recommend a few books whose characters I particularly enjoy reading.

35. 35 少 The Young Marshal Rules His Wife: Even If the Forced-Melon's Not Sweet, It Has to Be 少帅霸妻，强扭的瓜不甜也得甜 Chu Diandian初点点Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Traditional household intrigue + revenge on scoundrels + fictional Republic-era setting + coercive pursuit + reborn heroine] Young Marshal Jing Yuanzhao is captivated by Yan Xin’s striking beauty and wants to keep her in a private residence, even though she is already married. “Stay with me for three months, and I’ll give you all the luxury and wealth you want. Your husband’s career will take off, too.” Yan Xin slapped him across the face. After he went to every length to get her, he asked with 27.3kReads9.5Score3.4k14d adds
36. 36 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 124.8kReads9.6Score17k14d adds
37. 37 宫 Blood on the Palace Walls: I Toppled an Empire with My Medical Skills 宫墙血：我靠医术覆了江山 The Hidden Guest of Kazama风间匿客Ancient Romance291k WordsOngoing I was born among the clouds, until one sudden upheaval changed everything. My family was slaughtered, and I entered the palace as a replacement bride to seek revenge. I conceal my medical skills, wield my needle case, stir up the inner palace, and tear the vicious empress to shreds. People say my beauty brings ruin to the nation, but I’ll use my medical skills to overthrow the realm, kill my enemies with my own hands, and rule the world! 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This palace intrigue novel is excellent. It has a righteous style, all characters are highly intelligent, and the plot is exciting and fast-paced. The clashes between experts are thrilling, with every move captivating. Highly recommended.

38. 38 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Everyone at Gongqiangliu is perfectly sober.

39. 39 娇 The Pampered Little Noble Consort 娇养小贵妃 I Am Lingjun余曰灵均Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted Shen Si was only the daughter of a fourth-rank prefect. The only reason Prince Kang took an interest in her was her beauty. When she refused to submit to him, he framed her father and brother. Just as she was about to take her own life, unable to bear the humiliation any longer, the emperor swept her into his arms. To avenge her father and brother, she joined the imperial harem and tried every means at her disposal, yet still met her end there. Reborn, she gained the ability to enter other peopl 1.5kReads8.9Score12214d adds
40. 40 宠 Beloved Across the Realm 宠倾江山 Sugar Heart with No Heart糖心没有心Ancient Romance667k WordsCompleted Chu Ran was a triple-threat star in film, television, and music in the twenty-first century. While filming on a city street, she was hit by a car after saving a little girl. When she woke, she had fallen into a dynasty she’d never even heard of in her history books. Well, when in Rome. Fortunately, she had transmigrated into the imperial family as a beloved young princess. Her royal grandfather treated her like a treasure, but her father cared only for romance and poetry, so having a father was 1.2kReads9.0Score12214d adds
41. 41 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.3kReads9.2Score95314d adds
42. 42 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.6kReads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is a spoiled and charming concubine, intelligent and with strong moral principles. The story is lighthearted, fun, and has a slow-burning, steady pace. It's a palace intrigue novel, and not a story about two virgins.

43. 43 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

    Pei Yuanzheng spent a hundred taels of silver to "buy" Xue Chengyu to be his son-in-law, but in reality, it was a scheme for revenge. Having avenged her great grudge, she escaped, only to be exposed and reunited with the Crown Prince, who would no longer tolerate her.

44. 44 重 Reborn as a Top-Tier Star Heiress: The Rich Fight Over Me 重生商界顶流千金：豪门疯抢 Light-Sugar Jinjin微糖金金Modern Romance581k WordsCompleted [Revenge against scumbags + forced possession + reborn heroine + romantic rivals competing] [Sweet-faced, scheming seductress × unhinged heir / abstinent CEO / rugged military king / refined but depraved bureau chief / financial predator] [In her past life, she was abandoned by her own family, betrayed by the one she loved, and bullied and framed, until she lost her reputation and died with bitterness in her heart!] [Reborn in the year 2000, Li Muan returns from the ashes with memories steeped i 661Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    For her, revenge was a declaration of completing an "architectural phenomenology." Instead of piling up corpses outside her enemy's castle, she moved directly into the most luxurious room of his consciousness, becoming an eternal tenant that he could not expel.

45. 45 万 The Beloved Nanny Takes on the Rich, but She’s the Real Heiress 万人迷保姆斗豪门，她才是真千金 Mr. Wuyin五音先生Modern Romance513k WordsCompleted [Revenge + fake and real heiresses + a battleground of competing suitors] [The heroine is a seductive black lotus, hard-hearted to the end, with no morals and no limits] After getting her revenge, Jiang Wuxi looked back in surprise. She had thought no one would be left by her side, but somehow all the stepping stones and tools she had used in the past refused to leave her alone. They had once stood at the top of high society and looked down on her. Now they fought over each other for the chanc 22.1kReads9.3Score2.8k14d adds
46. 46 劣 Inferior Seduction 劣等勾引 Shi E 12释厄12Modern Romance1.5M WordsCompleted The Scheming Maid's Road to Revenge The first time Shen Luo met Han Shu, she was his friend's maid and pet, timid and meek. A little over half a month later, when he saw her again, she was his friend's father's companion, dressed to the nines at a gala and dazzling the entire room. By the third time they met, she had become his uncle's fiancée. She had leaped three ranks in status, rising from a live-in maid at the very bottom of society to the wife of a powerful multinational corporation's bos 5.7kReads9.4Score67814d adds
47. 47 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

    Reader note

    These characters are among the better ones in the palace intrigue and domestic drama genres.

48. 48 误 Lost in the Depths of Spring 误入春深 Wen Naixi温乃兮Ancient Romance148k WordsCompleted Prince Yu, Yu Huaiji, believed he had spent his life acting decisively, plotting every move, and leaving himself no weaknesses. He was sure he was invincible. But Heaven was about to show him that there was always someone greater! It sent him a delicate young lady from the Song family: Song Nao. She looked so fragile and soft that anyone could bully her, but in truth she was clever in her own way. After meeting him only twice, she had already found and firmly grasped his one fatal weakness. Yet 5.6kReads9.4Score60914d adds
49. 49 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
50. 50 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

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