Palace Intrigue Novels with a Powerful Heroine Who Enters the Palace as Empress and Is the Emperor's Only Love 女主背景很硬进宫就是皇后，皇帝独宠，宫斗文

1. 1 原 I Thought the Imperial Palace Was a Prison, but the Emperor Held Me by the Waist and Spoiled Me 原以深宫似海，却被帝王锁腰娇宠 Ningning Zi柠柠梓Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + Empress + Devoted couple and sweet romance + Male lead has planned this for a long time + Not a serious palace-intrigue story] Lu Zhiyuan is the cherished youngest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo’s household. She is exquisitely beautiful, with an accomplished elder brother who supports the family’s prestige and a second elder sister skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting who brings the family honor. She has no need to contribute anything to the family, and 12.7kReads8.9Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   The female protagonist is stunningly beautiful, pampered by her family since childhood, and comes from a powerful family background. Forced to become empress, what should have been the beginning of a nightmare unexpectedly turns into being showered with affection. The emperor even dismisses his harem for her sake, and from then on, they are devoted to each other for life.

2. 2 皇 The Empress Is Peerlessly Beautiful 皇后绝世倾城 Zhong Zhizhong钟之中Ancient Romance563k WordsCompleted [Empress + sweet romance + redemption + healing smiles + devoted, fatherly hero + skip if you mind these tropes] She is the Duke's legitimate daughter, breathtakingly beautiful and yearning for freedom. All she wants is to find one person to share her whole life with. He is the emperor of Dongsheng, renowned since his youth and ruthless in his methods. Wherever he goes, bones are left strewn across the land. To him, women are nothing but pieces on a chessboard. He ascended the throne at 5.9kReads8.9Score502Shelves
3. 3 皇 The Empress Leaped to Her Death, and the Mad Tyrant Wept Until His Eyes Were Red 皇后纵身一跃，疯批暴君哭红了眼 Huang Dandan黄蛋蛋Ancient Romance635k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, devoted couple + palace intrigue + regretful pursuit, clear-headed heroine, everyone's unattainable ideal] Meng Tang is a gracious, gentle empress who never competes for favor. Everyone thinks she is a true white lotus standing tall in the harem, and even the tyrant believes it. He takes a new concubine, and she smiles, congratulates him, and arranges for the newcomer to spend the night with him. He sends her restorative medicine, and she obediently takes it, knowing full we 21.8kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves

   Reader note

   1V1, both protagonists are virgins + palace intrigue + a wife-chasing-after-the-wives-crash-drama scenario, the female lead finally comes to her senses [eating melon emoji][ ...]

4. 4 帝 The Emperor and Empress Joined Forces and Purged the Court 帝后联手后，肃清了朝纲 Piggy Piggy Piggy Yao猪猪猪猪瑶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Empress from the start! They love each other for a lifetime, and when the empress passes away, the emperor dies for love! They don't ask to be born together, only to die together! Marriage first, love later + not both virgins + not exclusively doting + completely fictional setting What? The emperor has made a concubine's daughter empress? The powerful ministers are so furious their beards are practically standing on end. Su He, the woman struck by this incredible stroke of fortune, is relieved i 1.9kReads9.0Score187Shelves
5. 5 拽 The Feisty Consort Climbs to Power Through Palace Intrigue, Everyone Else Back Off 拽妃宫斗上位，闲杂人等退退退 Pine Blossom Candy松花糖Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama is out now. Search for it on Fanqie to watch. [Palace Intrigue Power Fantasy + Not a Clean Romance + Being the Emperor’s Mother Is Better Than Being His Consort] Every woman in the harem hopes to win Emperor Jingrong’s favor, but Yuan Yuntang sees the emperor only as a tool for having children. Women in ancient times had to marry sooner or later anyway, so she might as well marry the most powerful man of all. After all, Emperor Jingrong has a great figure, a handsome face, and a 16.6kReads9.1Score1.8kShelves

   Reader note

   This is so annoying! [Top post][Top post][Top post] The female lead's father is a top military general, so she enters the palace with a high position. She's quick to slap people at the slightest provocation, and her goal is clear: to seduce the emperor and brainwash him. A red flag is that the male lead is impure, but those who watch palace intrigue might... Probably... Not care too much about that. [Sad face][Sad face]

6. 6 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

   Reader note

   This book, about the daughter of the eldest princess and the emperor's unrequited love, features a mother who grew up in the palace—a super powerful princess, and the well-mannered protagonist is equally remarkable. It's a must-read! The female lead is a force to be reckoned with.

7. 7 继 The Wise Empress Who Never Tries to Improve 继后贤后娘娘她总是不上进 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance133k WordsOngoing [Lazy-Fish Empress + Wife-Doting Emperor + Sweet, Exclusively Doted-On Romance] Yan Zhaoyuan was born into the Chu dukes' family as their beloved youngest daughter. She never knew hardship growing up, and by the time she was fifteen, she had never had to suffer through life's difficulties. When she was granted a marriage and made empress, she planned to take things easy, lie flat, and slack off until retirement. Before she had even done anything, the young emperor was already clinging to her lik 221Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The first novel features a beautiful and delicate empress, the pampered eldest daughter and wife of a duke's family, who is a laid-back, easygoing woman. The male lead dotes on her exclusively, and it's a 1-on-1, virgin story. The second novel features a stunningly beautiful and slightly eccentric imperial concubine, the emperor's favorite. She's wealthy, has plenty of free time, is intelligent and clear-headed, doesn't love the male lead, and has an incredibly cute and adorable child. It's a slow-burning, enjoyable read.

8. 8 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 1.5kReads—Score—Shelves
9. 9 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 11.9kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   [Laughing][Laughing][Laughing] The female lead is the Empress, a character who isn't at all repressed; she's intelligent and resourceful. The male lead is also very good to her, tolerant and generous, giving her ample respect. Later on, he gradually falls for her too, and their interactions are quite sweet. Their little baby is also incredibly cute and adorable. [Sending hearts]

10. 10 母 Don't Be Afraid, Mother. I'll Make You Empress Dowager 母后别怕，孩儿送你上太后之位 Kaka Ya咔咔丫Ancient Romance576k WordsCompleted Three years ago, Qin Shuran, the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor’s family, was granted an imperial marriage and named Crown Princess. Little did she expect to skip right past being Crown Princess and become empress instead. Qin Shuran smiled faintly. “Just what I wanted.” Now that she had taken the empress’s throne, how could she let anyone else sit on the empress dowager’s? The emperor said, “Shuran is gentle and kind to everyone. She is truly a virtuous empress, fit to rule the inner 560Reads7.0Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    Well, the first one seemed a bit too focused on palace intrigue, and the second one, whose family background I don't remember, seemed rather ordinary. There are just too many books I can't recall.

11. 11 皇 The Empress Is Dignified Yet Alluring: Once She Seduces the Emperor, He Won't Let Her Escape 皇后端庄又妖娆，撩下皇上逃不掉 Xu Xiao Yuan许小圆Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + empress from the start + exclusive devotion in the middle and later stages + winning back his wife] Helian Jin came from the most fallen branch of a prestigious clan, yet the emperor overcame fierce opposition and made her his new empress. She went from cautiously finding her footing in the palace to wielding thunderous methods, taking down scheming rivals and false innocents as she fought her way through the palace intrigue and secured her position. As mistress of the impe 1.2kReads8.8Score127Shelves
12. 12 娇 Spoiled by the Forbidden-Love Tyrant: He Craves Her Kisses Day and Night 娇宠！禁欲暴君炙野情深日日索吻 Huang Tang Mu Qing荒糖木晴Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted One true pairing, both devoted only to each other, everyone’s darling, a gradual coming-of-age romance, an age gap, and a fatherly male lead A mischievous young princess VS a cold-blooded emperor Sheng Nuonuo was raised and pampered by the emperor. One day, while sitting on the dragon throne and writing a letter home to her father, she suddenly got a stomachache and collapsed right onto the throne. “Brother Emperor, is Nu’er going to die?” Nangong Jue looked at the red stain, his eyes darkening. 14.8kReads7.5Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Super sweet! [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

13. 13 我 I Work for the Emperor, but He Wants Me to Be His Empress 我给皇帝打工，他却想让我当皇后 zjyyyyAncient Romance228k WordsCompleted (Sweet romance, both pure, not a strong female lead, Crown Prince/Emperor x pampered young lady) The only precious young lady of the Duke of Dingguo’s household went missing and was accidentally rescued by a cold, dignified young man. Only later did the little girl learn that he was the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was so handsome~ Shen Shaohua loved playing with handsome older boys, and clung to the Crown Prince every day. How could the icy Crown Prince possibly resist? Little by little, thei 1.1kReads—Score132Shelves

    Reader note

    He had no harem; from a young age, he was convinced that only one person could be his empress.

14. 14 贵 After the Noble Consort Checked Out, the Coldhearted Emperor Begged Her to Come Back 贵妃娘娘摆烂后，冷厉君王低头哄 Returning South南归Ancient Romance272k WordsCompleted [Both leads are virgins + sweet, doting romance] Jing Zhao transmigrated into a book as the villainous cannon-fodder supporting character, Consort Zhao. In the book, Consort Zhao was arrogant, overbearing, and jealous, yet supposedly adored by the emperor. [Not really.] She knew she was nothing more than a shield. Once the emperor's beloved, the heroine, entered the palace, he would kick Jing Zhao aside. In the end, she'd die horribly after being driven by jealousy to frame the heroine! To save 4.1kReads8.8Score330Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist was initially a concubine, but after her body was taken over by someone else, she returned to her own body and was recognized by the emperor, her father, brothers, and friends, and their relationships warmed up. In the end, the female protagonist became the empress.

15. 15 入 I Enter the Palace and Rise to High Rank: As His Majesty's Cousin, What Have I to Fear? 入宫即高位，我是陛下表妹我怕谁 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + faux cousins + push-and-pull romance + winning hearts + taming a man Spring, Year Ten of the Zhaoqi reign. Shen Jiayu was summoned to the palace and became one of the emperor’s consorts. On the surface, the imperial harem seemed calm and peaceful, but beneath it lay tangled interests and hidden currents. The consorts schemed and fought among themselves, while the newcomers trembled with fear, terrified that one careless mistake would cost them their lives. Only Shen Jiayu s 234.5kReads8.9Score40.1kShelves
16. 16 甜 A Sweet Romance, but with Two Male Leads 甜文，但有两个男主 Pure-Hearted Puppy 9527纯情小狗9527Ancient Romance214k WordsCompleted [Male lead appears in snippets, sweet romance + melodrama + satisfying revenge + redemption + both leads' first love + mind-reading] [Rivalry between men, brainless Mary Sue romance] [Delicate, soft-spoken beauty vs. ruthless, powerful crown prince (mad dog) vs. sly, tea-sipping playboy (loyal puppy)] A young woman of marriageable age has been plagued by nightmares for days, leaving her deeply embarrassed and troubled. Then one day, a strikingly handsome young man in strange clothes appears befo 3.5kReads9.3Score465Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book is amazing! The author is really good at writing 1V2 stories [admiration][admiration], hehehe, it's definitely worth reading, everything is in the book [heart][heart][heart] check it out! The second book is super heartwarming, the male lead is very doting, the female lead is gentle, delicate and cute, the story is fresh, you won't want to skip a single page. The third book has a super powerful female lead background, the male lead is also very doting, and the plot is hilarious.

17. 17 大 The Tyrant Has Arrived, Carrying His Adorable Little Wife 大暴君拎着他的小娇妻走来啦 I Want to Be a Rich Lady我想当富婆Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted Song Qingqing transmigrates into a book, becoming a minor cannon-fodder character in a novel she wrote herself. - She goes out to admire the lotus flowers and gets shoved in front of an arrow meant for the tyrant by a scheming white lotus. She attends a palace banquet, gets tempted by the wine, and ends up testing whether it’s poisoned for the tyrant! At first, The tyrant: “My queen really is a jinx.” Later, The tyrant: “The queen must be in love with me.” Song Qingqing: “No, I’m just a jinx. Ma 2.1kReads9.2Score194Shelves
18. 18 爆 The Hilarious Empress: I'm Getting Remarried 爆笑皇后：本宫要改嫁 Mu Mulan木木兰Ancient Romance526k WordsCompleted “You beast, stay back!” His beloved consort had cowered in the corner of the bed again, looking utterly aggrieved. The emperor silently rubbed his forehead. He was a mighty ruler, wise and valiant, handsome and charming, yet he had married an empress who did nothing but get into trouble every day. Not only did he have to clean up her messes and take his mother’s scoldings on her behalf, but she also went around accusing him of being a beast who forced himself on her. If she still wouldn’t let hi 2.3kReads8.5Score342Shelves
19. 19 两 Two Lives of Joy: The Duke's Legitimate Daughter Is Truly Unrestrained 两世欢：公府嫡女她是真的狂 Dancing Sunflower跳舞的向日葵Ancient Romance667k WordsCompleted (Rebirth power fantasy + married across two lifetimes + palace and household intrigue + political machinations) Ye Liujin once thought she was the happiest young lady in Shengjing. Her aunt was just one step away from becoming empress. Her elder brother was the illustrious Duke of Shanguo, commanding an army of two hundred thousand, while her elder sister was a brave and battle-hardened warrior admired by all, both in court and beyond. She herself had been betrothed in infancy to the Third Princ 18kReads9.0Score4.7kShelves

    Reader note

    1. "My heart has always belonged only to Chan'er. If you know what's good for you, go and break off the engagement with my mother yourself." 2. What?! The Emperor has actually made a concubine's daughter his Empress?

20. 20 谁 What Kind of Concubine Bears Four Sons and a Daughter, Then Becomes a Noble Consort? 谁家通房生四儿一女，还当贵妃啊 Autumn Is Long秋很长Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted only to each other + One-on-one romance + Many children + Sweet romance + Inner- and imperial-palace intrigue] In the fortieth year of the Xihe era, Lüqing became a concubine-in-waiting to Prince Jin. She knew full well that she had to earn Prince Jin's favor and give birth to a child as soon as possible if she wanted to secure her place in the prince's household. For eight years, she contended with the other women in the inner court, using every means at her disposal to 26.8kReads9.1Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    They're all beautiful, especially the second and fourth ones!

21. 21 皇 The Emperor's Precious Little Darling Will Make You Weep for Your Empire 皇上家的小娇娇，哭崩你江山 Rice Candy米糖糖Ancient Romance677k WordsCompleted Bai Xi is the dragon vein of the Great Xia Kingdom, a true dragon who has lived for nine hundred years. One day, a handsome man takes her in. He provides her with food and lodging, and all she has to do is keep his bed warm. She thinks it's a great deal. The only downside is that the man refuses to acknowledge her as his ancestor. How rebellious! * Yu Cang is the emperor of the Great Xia Kingdom. Just after he takes the throne, a dragon latches onto him. She's spoiled and has a huge appetite, ea 4.7kReads9.2Score852Shelves
22. 22 替 After Entering the Palace in Her Sister's Place, the Young Mistress Rises Through the Ranks 替姐入宫后，小主她一路高升 Zhizhi Rice Loves Zhizhi吱吱米喜欢吱吱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Male Lead and Strong Female Lead + Favored Consort + Palace Intrigue + Adorable Baby + Sole Devotion + Childbirth] (The early story leans toward palace intrigue, with the heroine putting on an act and scheming against the hero. Later, their feelings erupt, and he devotes himself to her alone.) After transmigrating, she becomes an illegitimate daughter of the Su family. Her birth mother died young, her father shows her no affection, and her stepmother is cruel. A complete nobody at home, 2.9kReads9.0Score332Shelves
23. 23 借 Surrogate Motherhood? The Second-Time Bride and Beloved Consort Insists on Rising to the Top 借腹生子？二嫁宠妃偏要步步高升 Silver Terrace and Golden Palace银台金阙Ancient Romance626k WordsCompleted [A gentle, kind widow and an arrogant, biased emperor. Sweet, doting everyday romance, with little palace intrigue (the emphasis is on little).] The Yu family had three daughters, all beautiful. The eldest became a countess, the youngest became a consort in the palace, and only the second daughter returned home a widow less than five years after her marriage, with a little girl in tow. One day, the palace consort suffered a miscarriage and was told she would have difficulty bearing children in t 22.2kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves
24. 24 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Wouldn’t Let Me Leave 入宫后，偏执帝王不许我出宫 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance509k WordsCompleted [Not both virgins, not a strong heroine, a little angst early on, devoted love later] In the fourth year of the new emperor’s reign, Consort Duan died suddenly of an illness in the palace. At the time, Shen Jiafu was not yet fifteen. The Empress Dowager was from the Shen family. Half a year later, she summoned a Shen daughter to the palace to attend to her, claiming to be ill. Shen Jiafu traveled from Quzhou to the imperial capital. In public, she was gentle and well-behaved, like a charming flo 14.1kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
25. 25 出 The Night I Left the Palace, the Mad Emperor Took Me by Force 出宫当晚，被疯批帝王强取豪夺 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 25.8kReads9.2Score1.9kShelves
26. 26 贵 The Merciless Imperial Consort, the Tyrant Who Hands Her the Knife 贵妃娘娘心狠手辣，暴君他递刀 Late Summer, Not Yet Over夏末未余Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted [Both leads faithful and powerful + one true pairing + male lead has concubines + dotes on her exclusively from the start + a little palace intrigue and political scheming + System plays a minor role + fast-paced + no brainless tropes + no over-the-top drama + happy ending] [Brutal, calculating tyrant + absolutely rational, breathtakingly beautiful consort] Ye Xiyin has traveled through three thousand worlds and finally reaches the world of her last mission. Then the System tells her to sell her 2.3kReads9.1Score262Shelves
27. 27 满 The Entire Court Longs for the Empress to Attend Court and Rule 满朝文武盼着皇后娘娘上朝理政 Lantern Festival Dumplings元夕圆宵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (The live-action series is out!) After her elder sister dies in palace infighting, Shen Shixi enters the palace by imperial decree to be selected as a consort. Within the palace are the powerful and virtuous Empress, born to the imperial in-laws; Consort De, born to an aristocratic family and exceptionally prolific; Consort Rong, the Emperor's favorite, with a strong artistic streak; Consort Qiong, whose superb cooking has won the Emperor's heart; and Consort Xiurong, known as a learned woman an 50.9kReads9.1Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead has a strong background and impressive personal abilities; she's spoiled and domineering but doesn't suffer any losses. She's initially favored but later becomes the sole focus of his affections. It's a lighthearted, funny, and addictive story.

28. 28 清 Qing Transmigration: After Raising Yongzheng, She Became the Winner of the Harem 清穿：抚养雍正后她成了后宫赢家 Yu Zhiwei予之微Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted When she opened her eyes, she had become an utterly ordinary concubine in the Kangxi Emperor’s court. The one unusual thing was that she had a prince as soon as she transmigrated. With no status, no favor, and only a child to rely on, how could she survive in the murderous imperial harem? There is no decisive heroine obsessed with power, nor any sweet romance. This is simply a story about surviving and raising a child, with the goal of becoming a dowager consort and enjoying retirement. But 13.5kReads8.9Score1kShelves
29. 29 清 A Qing Dynasty Noble Consort's Glorious Reign 清穿贵妃荣宠记 Yu Zhiwei予之微Ancient Romance766k WordsCompleted A favored consort from the start? And the younger sister of Empress Xiaozhao, no less? Wasn’t she supposed to die young, with her daughter passing away in childhood? This time, she has both sons and daughters, and the emperor cherishes her like a treasure. Not only is he clingy, he has an overactive imagination, and Niu Hulu Baozhu is exhausted. After outliving Imperial Noble Consort Tong and Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in the imperial harem. All she wants i 3.8kReads8.8Score263Shelves
30. 30 失 A Lost-Memory Noble Consort’s Story of Winning the Emperor’s Favor 失忆贵妃承宠记 Xi Die汐蝶Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Harem romance + aloof beauty + historical coming-of-age + worlds apart in status + devoted in body and heart, one-on-one] Kang Yuyi was born a hereditary servant of the Prince of Qin’s household. Because of her extraordinary beauty, the princess consort took a liking to her and sent her to serve as a bedchamber maid to the heir, Li Yuanheng. But the heir turned out to be cold and distant, with no interest in women. After Kang Yuyi’s attempts to flirt with Li Yuanheng repeatedly failed, his cous 18kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Amnesiac, delicate, and soft-hearted imperial concubine x fastidious, aloof emperor – both are pure and devoted to each other! The domineering concubine wakes up with amnesia, only remembering her days as a maid. Super cute and adorable, she completely captivates the emperor [admiration].

31. 31 重 Reborn: No Longer a Virtuous Consort, but the Empress 重生之，不为贤妃为皇后 Qing Holds the Brush卿执笔Ancient Romance153k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she guarded the empty title of Worthy Consort, only to see her family destroyed and die with hatred in her heart. Reborn, Su Wanqin’s gaze turned icy. “This time, I won’t settle for being a Worthy Consort. I’ll be Empress!” She would protect her family, make every traitor pay for their betrayal in blood, and make the harem and the court alike bend to her will. 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    She is the daughter of a powerful minister who wields immense influence in the court. Upon entering the palace, she is immediately crowned Empress, seemingly enjoying boundless glory, but in reality, danger lurks everywhere. The Emperor's suspicion, the infighting within the harem, the undercurrents of the court… While everyone believes she is merely a figurehead with a powerful background, she has already laid a trap. This time, she will not only secure her position as Empress, but also make the entire world tremble before her! "Rebirth: Not a Virtuous Concubine, But an Empress," a grand drama of power and revenge, is about to unfold.

32. 32 娘 The Empress’s Peerless Beauty: The Cold Emperor’s Beloved Wife 娘娘绝色：冷情帝王的娇娇皇后 Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + palace and household intrigue + alternate history + exclusive devotion + childhood sweethearts + long-planned love + secret admiration] As the legitimate daughter of a duke’s mansion and the future crown princess, Li Yunshu has been doted on by everyone since birth. Everyone in the capital knows that no one can match Li Yunshu’s radiant beauty, and that her spoiled temperament is just as singular. Then, one day, the Crown Prince dies. The duke’s mansion, whi 12.5kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These all fit the description: sweet and doting romance.

33. 33 被 After the Female Lead Was Stolen, I Set Out to Save the Obsessive Villain 被抢女主后，拯救偏执反派大佬 Xu Lian序连Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [One-on-one sweet romance, marriage first and love later, the leads dote on each other, everyday romance, gentle and delicate beauty vs. a ruthless, possessive villainous tycoon] The Duke of Zhenguo’s entire household was fiercely loyal to the crown. With them gone, only Yan Yu, their sole daughter, remained. Raised by her maternal grandmother, she was betrothed to the Fifth Prince. After Yan Yu came of age, she was about to travel to the capital for her wedding. At that point, the eldest dau 18.8kReads8.9Score1.9kShelves
34. 34 醋 The Jealous Empress's Bitter Tears 醋精皇后的心酸泪 Southeast Scenery东南形胜Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted No transmigration, no rebirth, no System. The heroine is beautiful and knows how to flirt, while the hero never goes mad or sees red! This novel is extremely devoted to its heroine. [One-on-one romance, sweet, angsty, and satisfying; a jealous queen and a beleaguered emperor] Ji Yun was spotted in the mountains by the Prince of Yan. He mistook her for a dignified, magnanimous woman and asked for her hand in marriage. Before long, the Prince of Yan became emperor and married her as his empress. F 1.2kReads8.6Score100Shelves
35. 35 宣 Commandery Princess Xuanping 宣平郡主 Cat Who Loves Sweet and Sour Pinecone Fish爱吃糖醋松果鱼的猫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Princess Xuanping and the Crown Prince grew up together. Everyone thought she would become the future Crown Princess. But the Crown Prince fell for the princess's delicate, innocent-looking cousin instead. He forgot his promise that they would spend their lives together, and even risked angering the Emperor so he could marry her cousin. When danger struck, he abandoned the princess without hesitation. After Prince An rescues her, the princess comes to her senses. Some people simply aren't meant 3.8kReads8.8Score364Shelves
36. 36 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 81.1kReads9.5Score9.1kShelves
37. 37 皇 Your Majesty, Behave. You Can't Escape My Grasp 皇后，乖，你逃不出朕的五指山 Crystalline Salt结晶盐Ancient Romance212k WordsCompleted One is an emperor who climbed to the throne over mountains of corpses, the other the legitimate daughter of a powerful military governor. After their wedding, they treat each other with courtesy and join forces to command the court and the harem. Xiao Cen thought he'd married an empress as lovely as a flower and shrewd beneath her beauty. Then he discovered that, while she was gentle and obedient in public, behind closed doors she dared to use forbidden drugs. He let his guard down for just a mo 2.3kReads9.0Score204Shelves
38. 38 入 After Entering the Palace, She Becomes His Majesty’s One True Love 入宫后她是陛下的白月光 Yu Jiuzhao御九昭Ancient Romance463k WordsCompleted [Pure Palace Intrigue] [No Saintly Heroine] [The Heroine Schemes Against the Entire Harem] [Political Machinations] [Clear-Headed Careerist] Originally titled "The Empress's Daily Life of Palace Intrigue," retitled "A Consort's Guide to Palace Intrigue" * Shen Yiwan, the illegitimate daughter of the Shen family, became pregnant after entering the palace and was made Virtuous Consort. Somehow, she let her good sense fly out the window and made the decision she would regret most in her life. She s 754Reads8.6Score100Shelves
39. 39 穿 After She Transmigrates into a Book, the Noble Consort Is Forced to Raise the Villainous Tyrant 穿书后，贵妃被迫娇养反派暴君 A Little Meatball一个肉团Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Completed] Su Yijin, a veteran supporting actress, has transmigrated into a book once again. When she opens her eyes, she is breathtakingly beautiful and on the pampered darling route, backed by powerful connections. Her father is a general who guards the nation, her mother is the Junyang Commandery Princess, and her maternal grandfather is a prince of a different surname... With the heroine's script in hand, Su Yijin takes down the green tea and kicks the fake innocent aside, then throws herse 1.4kReads9.0Score287Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead has an incredibly powerful backing, is the darling of the group, and is also very intelligent. The author's descriptions are also very well done, making it a good read.

40. 40 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 56.9kReads9.5Score7.1kShelves

    Reader note

    20 Ancient romance novels, all kinds of genres, really good, you won't regret reading them.

41. 41 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Alluring, Winning Favor and Rising to Power 娘娘娇软妩媚，一路争宠上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue story, not a one-on-one romance, and not a mutually faithful pairing. Proceed with caution!) Bai Ruotang is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Right Chancellor’s household. At fifteen, just after coming of age, she is sent into the palace to bear a child for her legitimate elder sister and help her secure the emperor’s favor. Unwilling to be reduced to someone else’s pawn, from the moment she steps through the palace gates, she decides she will carve out 10.3kReads8.9Score1kShelves
42. 42 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 45.4kReads9.5Score5.7kShelves
43. 43 贵 The Noble Consort Rejects Love, Yet the Emperor Dotes on Her and Decrees Her Empress 贵妃不入爱河，皇上盛宠下旨封后 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [The leads aren't both chaste at first + he pampers her devotedly later + the emperor secretly helps her navigate palace intrigue + the heroine has no interest in loving the emperor and focuses on climbing the ranks.] Alternate-era setting [The emperor personally raises his future empress, then claims her in the night] The Yun family has a legitimate daughter, a peerless beauty hidden away in the general's manor. The prime minister's son came to propose, but didn't even get to see her. “I don't 1.5kReads9.1Score201Shelves
44. 44 皇 The Emperor's One and Only Favorite Consort 皇上他独宠贵妃娘娘 Pomelo Sugar柚糖子Ancient Romance202k WordsCompleted 1v1, devoted to one another, non-strong female lead: the sweet everyday life of a scheming little consort and her childhood sweetheart, the emperor. She transmigrated, and she was a favored consort from the start? Yun Jingqi was totally fine with that. So what does it take to be the emperor's favorite? Of course, eat well, dress well, drink well, and make sure the emperor treats her well every single day! Yun Jingqi: “Your Majesty, I'm thirsty.” A cup of tea was placed before her. Yun Jingqi: “ 3.8kReads8.4Score328Shelves
45. 45 将 The General's Legitimate Daughter: The Hot-Tempered Consort Is Not to Be Trifled With 将门嫡女：暴脾气贵妃不好惹 Lu Yueerwu陆月二五Ancient Romance936k WordsCompleted [Devoted Love in the Later Story + Adorable Baby + Powerful Hero and Heroine + Beloved Legitimate Daughter] [Hopelessly Devoted Foolish Emperor + Clear-Headed, Self-Controlled, Clever Noble Consort] Once you enter the palace, it’s as deep as the sea. Yu Jinghe is the most clear-eyed woman in the world. Noble Consort Yue, the most stylish woman in the harem, wins the emperor’s favor all to herself with her fiery temper. Sharp-tongued and quick to throw a punch, she’s practically the harem’s gangs 3.3kReads9.2Score300Shelves
46. 46 皇 The Emperor Only Wants to Share a Splendid Realm with His Empress 皇帝只想和皇后娘娘共享锦绣山河 Cheng Nuo橙诺Ancient Romance346k WordsCompleted Qin Weimeng's grandfather was the reigning dynasty's chancellor and the emperor's mentor. Bearing the duty of staying by the emperor's side, she entered the imperial harem, determined to be a capable wife and a good empress. What she didn't know was that Emperor Yuwen Che wanted a wife who would share both hardship and joy with him, and that he had played a part in bringing her into the palace from the very beginning. 3.1kReads9.0Score207Shelves
47. 47 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. 8.4kReads9.2Score950Shelves
48. 48 宠 The Tyrant's Medicine: His Boundlessly Spoiled Consort 宠妃无度：暴君的药引 Drunken Flowing Crisp醉流酥Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted After more than a decade of fighting through a hail of bullets, Lou Qi decided to hang up her weapons and leave the underworld for good. But one day, on a whim, she took a plane out to cross the mysterious Black Triangle. She was swept into a deep-sea whirlpool and then… landed in a man's arms. She was sick of all the bloodshed. Now she wanted to play the frail little flower, but he tore away her disguise piece by piece, forcing her to show her tough, tomboyish nature. Lou Qi said, “Your Majesty 12.4kReads9.1Score1.5kShelves
49. 49 为 To Redeem the Tyrant, the System Struggles to Survive Around the Clock 为救赎暴君，系统她日夜极限求生 Lu Li路鲤Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Hilarious + light fantasy + devoted couple + bickering + enemies turned lovers] Ever since Ouyang Linlang transmigrated into the body of an ancient tyrant, she hadn't enjoyed a single peaceful day! The two bickered all day and traded insults all night, locked in a love-hate relationship At first, when the tyrant wouldn't listen, she coaxed and tricked him, claiming she was a Judge's Brush who could predict the future and defy fate. Later, the tyrant became obsessed with jealousy. She spent ever 13.5kReads9.3Score2.2kShelves
50. 50 她 She Swapped Bodies with the Tyrant and Went on a Rampage! 她，与暴君互换后，杀疯啦！ Little Chubby, Run!小胖子快跑Ancient Romance371k WordsCompleted [Soul swap + transmigrate into a book + sweet, funny romance + going off the rails + tyrant + wish fulfillment + both leads are each other's first and only] Yun Yaoyao transmigrated into a book, becoming a foolish, timid cannon-fodder character who doesn't even survive the first chapter. No problem. If my family plots against me, I'll assassinate the emperor and wipe out my own clan! But after killing the emperor, Yun Yaoyao was horrified to discover that she and the tyrant had swapped bodies! T 27.2kReads9.5Score4.5kShelves

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