Pure Palace Intrigue: The Emperor Is Suspicious and Distrustful Early On, and the Clear-Headed Female Lead Never Loved Him 纯宫斗 前期皇上有猜忌疑心 女主清醒从未爱过皇帝

1. 1 东 The Eastern Palace's Pampered Concubine: The Crown Prince Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife, and She Sets Her Sights on the Empress's Throne 东宫娇妾：太子宠妾灭妻目标后位 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance229k WordsCompleted Not a pure pairing, not a pure pairing [The prince’s concubine is not a pure pairing at first + she enters the palace soon after, and becomes his sole favorite after the palace struggles] [The heroine is clear-headed and career-minded, working her way up to the empress’s position] Since I’ve been granted the title of Worthy Lady, my goal should be the empress’s throne. The Crown Prince has been married for two years, but the Crown Princess has yet to bear him a child. The Empress personally choo 2.2kReads8.9Score18314d adds
2. 2 重 Reborn: The Perils of a Concubine’s Daughter 重生之庶女危险 Sang Qing桑晴Ancient Romance205k WordsCompleted The Ghost-Faced Yama, ruthless and cold to the world but endlessly doting and tender toward his wife, VS a peerless beauty who plays the pig to eat the tiger, appearing sweet and sensible while rebellious at heart. Su Mo was humiliated to death by her elder sister's husband, but when she opened her eyes, she had returned to the age of fourteen. Watch as she sends her enemies to eternal ruin. When they first met, one was under the influence of an aphrodisiac, and the other was brimming with vigor 34Reads8.2Score—14d adds
3. 3 盛 The Beloved Cousin 盛宠表姑娘 Lazy Breeze Returning Late懒风晚归Ancient Romance582k WordsCompleted When Jiang Yunting first arrived in Bianjing, all she wanted was to be a well-behaved young cousin at the Duke of Dingguo's residence, enhance her standing, then marry her childhood sweetheart and live a smooth, happy life. But later, her fiancé turned his back on her for wealth and status, while the refined, aloof second cousin in the household began looking at her strangely, as if he wanted to devour her. When Shen Yu first met Jiang Yunting, he had one erotic dream after another. In his d 16.9kReads9.0Score2.1k14d adds
4. 4 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 21.5kReads9.3Score2k14d adds

   Reader note

   This is seriously amazing! The female lead never loved the male lead; all she wanted was to go home. She's also incredibly smart and doesn't have any special advantages.

5. 5 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 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9k14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is a very clear-headed and resourceful person, and she enters the scene in a high position.

6. 6 演 I Played the Emperor My Whole Life, and After Being Reborn, He Still Wants the Crown Prince 演了皇上一辈子，重生他还要太子 One Little Sweet Fish一口小甜鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Original title: Only After His Death Did He Learn That the Empress Did Not Want to Be Buried With Him [The heroine transmigrates, the hero is reborn] As he lay dying, Emperor Tianhe looked back on his eventful life. He had risen from humble beginnings to become the founding emperor, and the world praised his achievements. In his fading consciousness, he saw his virtuous empress, his beautiful consorts, and his weeping children. He felt that his life had been complete. But after he died, his soul 31.7kReads8.9Score2.3k14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead remains rational throughout; the main focus is on how she manipulates the male lead. The only downside is that it's not yet finished.

7. 7 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

   Reader note

   Hello~😜 Book Flying is here! 💐Even though the female lead comes from a privileged background and is extremely beautiful🌠, she is forced into a concubine due to an arranged marriage😳. From then on, she realizes that the male lead is no longer the person who used to make her happy😔. She also knows that there will be no genuine feelings here, only deceit, testing, and suspicion✨! Okay! Book recommendation complete! Xiaoyue will be going now😘!

8. 8 朕 The Emperor Finds His Consort Alluring; I Find His Majesty a Jerk 朕见贵妃多妩媚，妾见皇上甚是渣 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance458k WordsCompleted [No transmigration or rebirth] [Pure palace intrigue] [The heroine never falls in love] Jinyue, the legitimate eldest daughter of a general's household, is chosen in a selection for the imperial harem. The Empress appoints her as a spy and marries her off to the Crown Prince as a secondary consort. The moment she enters the Eastern Palace, she understands that she and Zhongli Jin are bound only by mutual interest. There can never be the slightest affection between them. After sixteen years in th 2.5kReads9.0Score24214d adds

   Reader note

   In the first book, the female lead was originally the male lead's savior, only realizing the cruel twist of fate after his death. In the second book, Han Yan enters the palace and rises from a lowly concubine to a high-ranking imperial consort; the female lead's efforts to win over the male lead also lead to falling in love.

9. 9 岁 Years in the Palace 岁岁宫阙 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance706k WordsCompleted Liu Yuetang was sent to a country estate by her legitimate mother the day she was born. When she came of age, her older half-sister gave up her chance to enter the palace because of a dream, stole her match, and spent the night with her betrothed. Liu Yuetang went along with it and decided to enter the palace to carve out a bright future for herself. Once inside, she kept a low profile, learned the arts of the bedchamber, and mastered the art of playing hard to get, pouting coquettishly, and put 10.7kReads8.9Score1.4k14d adds

   Reader note

   These are all amazing books!! They're all by Mo Mo!!! Especially the last one, which I'd call my absolute favorite 😘

10. 10 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
11. 11 清 Qing Transmigration: The Frail Noble Consort’s Road to Favor 清穿：病弱贵妃的荣宠路 Peach Blossom Eyes桃花眼Ancient Romance573k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the Qing dynasty, Tong Ruoxue, a woman from the apocalypse, takes the place of the original Empress Xiaoyiren and becomes Kangxi’s Imperial Noble Consort. To ensure she’ll have enough to eat and drink, she plays sweet and naive, pretending to be weak and innocent to win the emperor’s sympathy. In the end, she triumphs in the harem’s battles and enjoys a life of honor and privilege. 1.9kReads8.5Score12114d adds

    Reader note

    This Qing Dynasty time-travel novel doesn't have any cheat codes; the female protagonist is lucid throughout the entire book, though she convinces herself that she loves him. After all, only if she believes him will others not doubt her. Even when Kangxi died, she remained silent when asked about it. 😶 It's alright.

12. 12 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

    I highly recommend this book. It's a female-centric novel where the female lead is intelligent and clear-headed throughout. She never loved the emperor, and she skillfully resolved all his suspicions. The author perfectly resolved every plot point that hinted at palace intrigue. It's definitely worth reading! The supporting characters' storylines are also excellent!

13. 13 贵 The Bewitching, Passionate Consort Only Wants to Be the Emperor's Favorite 贵妃妩媚多情，一心只想当宠妃 Ah Ying阿盈Ancient Romance610k WordsCompleted Lu Hanyan had a grand ambition and had always worked hard toward it: to become the emperor’s most favored Noble Consort! What could be better than being a Noble Consort? She could seduce the emperor, act up whenever she pleased, and occasionally whisper in his ear or toy with his feelings. Just thinking about it was thrilling! From an invisible nobody in the harem to the most celebrated Noble Consort of her time, Lu Hanyan gradually won Xiao Qi’s heart. Drawing on the little she knew about roman 663Reads8.4Score10614d adds
14. 14 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

    The first book, a pinnacle, I would call divine.

15. 15 贵 The Noble Consort Rejects Romance: While Others Fight for Favor, I Seize Power 贵妃不入爱河，别人争宠我夺权 Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Female-Lead Wish Fulfillment + Unfeeling Persona + Ruthless Revenge and Face-Slapping] Years later, the history books would describe Ming Tang as a master strategist with an iron fist, the ultimate winner of the harem struggles and the vast empire. Only Ming Tang knew she had never wanted to be that winner in the first place. From a young girl to the ruler of the realm, all she had wanted at first was to avenge her elder sister. The harem was full of danger. On one side was Consort Jin, who had 7.3kReads9.4Score86914d adds

    Reader note

    In the first book, Hui'er never truly loved the emperor; she was the male lead's unrequited love. When that unrequited love became the female lead, she truly became the bright moon high in the sky. If the emperor loved the female lead, he loved himself even more. Three tests were conducted, and in the end, neither of them offered their true feelings. They remained together until old age, treating each other with respect, nothing more. It's still a pity about Chen Xianyu, but the author doesn't seem to intend that. The female lead never truly loved him either; the way she looked at him and the male lead was essentially the same. She also truly loved herself. Words may not fully express the meaning, but it's truly a good book. As for the second book, I've recommended it many times. The male lead is also the one who leaves me with a sense of regret.

16. 16 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 90.9kReads9.6Score12.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Nice!!!!!!

17. 17 小 The Little Palace Maid's Thoughts Were Read 小宫女被读心了 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance254k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the palace as a maid, Qin Jianjian works diligently, flatters those above her, and deceives those below her. In the end, she becomes the top-ranked maid serving the Empress Dowager. She has undoubtedly reached the pinnacle of her profession. Money she’s openly entitled to, along with money she shouldn’t have, keeps flowing into Qin Jianjian’s pockets. Delighted, she just has to wait until she’s old enough to leave the palace and retire early. Who could have guessed the 14.7kReads9.4Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book features a male lead with mind-reading abilities who is always suspicious and distrustful of the female lead. It also involves past and present lives, and the female lead is very clear-headed. In his past life, the male lead loved the female lead but couldn't have her. Even if he had her body, he couldn't have her heart because he was too domineering. The male lead is impure. I don't remember the second book very well, but it won't disappoint you. The female lead is very clear-headed. If the male lead doesn't threaten her later, she'll probably live with the second male lead forever. The female lead is impure.

18. 18 执 Relentless Entanglement 执缠 Five-Thousand-Year-Old Salted Fish五千年咸鱼Ancient Romance328k WordsCompleted [Modern Woman in Ancient Times + Not Both Pure + Take by Force + Possessive Obsession + Farming in the Beginning + Many Male Side Characters Like the Heroine, Enter with Caution if That Bothers You…] Before setting out on his campaign, Xiao Gongtai repeatedly made Ji Yin promise she would wait for him to return, and wait for him to come back to Qingshi County and marry her. Ji Yin agreed to everything. Half a year later, Xiao Gongtai returned victorious. Instead of going to the capital to rep 5.1kReads8.8Score32514d adds
19. 19 此 This Love Has Become a Memory, Like a Pair of Mandarins Left Behind 此情已自成追忆，零落鸳鸯 Shi Xiaohan时潇晗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Not a mutually devoted couple, read with caution) BE aesthetics [Princess of Great Yan + Emperor of Great Chu] [Cool beauty + mad emperor] She was Mu Ziwan, the noble legitimate princess of Great Yan. He was Chu Junqian, the young emperor of Great Chu. That year, Chu Junqian was only thirteen. Great Chu and Great Yan went to war, and Great Chu was defeated. His own sister was sent to Great Yan to marry for peace, and it was through this that Chu Junqian first met Mu Ziwan. She was seven years o 656Reads8.9Score10114d adds
20. 20 娘 The Empress Is Otherworldly and Alluring: The Emperor's Exclusive Favorite 娘娘又仙又撩：陛下椒房独宠 Clouds Rise to the Ninth Heaven云出九霄Ancient Romance519k WordsCompleted [Not a first-love-only pairing; the heroine is no saint; the emperor favors her exclusively in the middle and later stages; fluffy, brainless sweet romance; silly and lighthearted, read with caution] Everyone says that a highborn legitimate daughter who enters the palace is doomed to a bad end, but Pei Jinyan refuses to believe it. Besides, she was once the emperor’s favorite consort in her previous life. She simply ruined a winning hand through her own arrogance and capriciousness. She gave bir 7.5kReads9.2Score86714d adds

    Reader note

    This is a rebirth novel. The protagonist, a noblewoman from a prominent family, rises from a mere beauty entering the palace to become Empress. She gives birth to a prince in her first pregnancy, followed by triplets. The Emperor showers her with unparalleled affection and dotes on her exclusively. I found it very enjoyable and interesting, so I recommend it to everyone.

21. 21 倒 The Unlucky Little Empress Is Reborn Again 倒霉小皇后她又重生了 Shuo Shuo Shuo Shu硕硕硕黍Ancient Romance732k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Yu Yuan entered the palace at thirteen and became empress. At sixteen, she consummated her marriage with the emperor, and at seventeen, she gave birth to the crown prince. Her position was secure, and she alone held the emperor’s heart. Her life seemed perfect, yet it was filled with regrets. At thirty, she died mysteriously while carrying twins. After her death, the emperor, still short of forty, held her cold body and went white-haired overnight. The crown prince, who had 1.4kReads8.6Score12514d adds

    Reader note

    Believe me, you definitely won't get out.

22. 22 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 79.6kReads9.5Score8.9k14d adds
23. 23 贵 The Noble Consort's Thousand Charms 贵妃千娇百媚 Ji Nanzhi寄南枝Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Palace-intrigue novel + reborn black lotus heroine + exceptionally talented actress, rising through the ranks] [The male lead has consorts at first. After falling for the heroine, he favors her, makes her his sole favorite, and eventually dismisses his harem. One-on-one romance.] In her previous life, Shen Fu was a substitute for her elder sister. Her sister was the beloved Noble Consort, the most favored woman in the imperial harem, and lived in unmatched splendor. Shen Fu, timid and frail, ha 3.1kReads8.5Score36014d adds

    Reader note

    It's not finished yet, but it certainly meets the requirements: the female lead is reborn, clear-headed and aware, the writing is excellent, and it's worth reading.

24. 24 青 The Childhood Sweetheart Consort Rises to Power, Her Goal Is to Become Empress Dowager! 青梅侧妃上位，目标是太后位！ Xiao Yan Wants to Get Rich小闫要暴富Ancient Romance593k WordsCompleted [Domestic scheming in the early stages, palace intrigue later; the leads are not both faithful~] [The heroine loves the hero but keeps her feelings in check, staying clear-headed and never obsessed. The hero cares for her, but as emperor he has to balance the court, and there will be no shortage of women around him. The heroine is special to him!] An unexpected imperial decree changed Jiang Qingyue from the Princess Consort of Prince Qing to his secondary consort overnight. The emperor’s favor a 4.5kReads8.3Score37414d adds

    Reader note

    The late emperor suspected her family's high moral standing, so she was demoted from empress to concubine, and eventually rose from empress to imperial consort. Qingmei saw through the royal family's ways, her indifference turning into complete distrust. Fortunately, the emperor loved and favored her, and she eventually became empress.

25. 25 贵 The Noble Consort Gains Mind-Reading Powers and Uncovers a Shocking Secret 贵妃有了读心术后吃出惊天大瓜 Flowing Clouds in Flight流云飞度Ancient Romance638k WordsCompleted [Historical romance. Mind-reading. Face-slapping. The heroine awakens. She shines on her own. The hero is barely involved. Later, the consort will leave the palace and take her child to make her way in the world. Please don’t complain if it’s not your thing.] After taking a tumble in the imperial gardens, the arrogant and overbearing Noble Consort Yu, who reigns supreme over the harem, wakes up to discover that she can hear other people’s thoughts. It turns out the emperor’s affection is an illu 5.3kReads9.2Score72214d adds

    Reader note

    Consort Yu did some mental preparation. She decided to continue her work; she couldn't let go of her guise as a favored concubine, and she couldn't abandon her arrogant and domineering persona. Only by being by that scoundrel's side could she know his true thoughts. Only by understanding his schemes could she counter his moves.

26. 26 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

    Reader note

    Very y yds

27. 27 暴 Pear Blossoms in a Storm 暴雨梨花压海棠 First Snow 1978初雪1978Ancient Romance160k WordsCompleted A socially anxious young woman transmigrates into the body of a disgraced imperial consort. Amid the deceit and scheming of the imperial palace, she treads carefully, as if walking on thin ice. She has just begun to feel relieved that, as a disgraced consort, she can hide away in the Cold Palace and live out her days in peace. But her old enemies have no intention of letting her go. How can she survive in a world completely foreign to her? 6Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This one! It's exactly what you expected!

28. 28 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 lead, a favored concubine in a high-ranking position, only wants to live a carefree life, remaining clear-headed and not blinded by love, gradually winning the heart of the emperor. Her family also dotes on her. Both the male and female leads are intelligent, avoiding misunderstandings, and the plot is fast-paced. The male lead dotes on the female lead, showing her favoritism from the very first chapter and continuing to shower her with affection later. The female lead is never wronged.

29. 29 安 An Lingrong Reborn: Cherishing the Innocent Blossom, Year After Year 安陵容重生：娇宠白花岁岁相护 Light Rain and Faint Mist疏雨淡烟Female-Channel Fanfiction414k WordsOngoing [Rebirth × Palace intrigue × Cherished heroine × Sisterly devotion × Happy ending!!] |Not a power fantasy!! Not a villainess!! No golden finger!!| If you don’t like sisterly devotion, please steer clear |･ω･`) In her past life Fat Orange: “The Forbidden City’s feng shui is nourishing. It surely won’t let you waste away~” Zhen Huan: “All the love and time I gave you over the years! It was all in vain!” Meizhuang: “My heart is already dead. Why say such heartfelt things now…” Hua Fei: “Your Majest 9Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The novel "Empresses in the Palace: Rebirth of An Lingrong" feels like, at this pace, none of the women in it love the emperor.

30. 30 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 36.9kReads9.4Score4.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Well, the female lead has always been very clear-headed. Although the emperor pretends not to know about her private affairs, they are actually both aware of them. Every time the female lead tries to fall in love, she is stopped by the emperor's selfish behavior, but everyone thinks that the female lead loves the emperor.

31. 31 钟 Conquest of Zhongcui Palace: Yu Ying'er's Road to Reversal 钟粹宫攻略，余莺儿逆袭之路 Pure Period纯纯的大姨妈Female-Channel Fanfiction593k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + no love-brain heroine + no saintly do-gooder] After an accident, the straight-laced Yu Ying transmigrated into the small world of Empresses in the Palace and became Yu Ying’er, a villain from the show. She activated Palace Intrigue System No. 007! It was even a System currently taking an exam for a government job! To return to the real world, she had no choice but to complete the System’s ultimate mission: kill Zhen Huan and become the ruler of the imperial harem! As the story 93Reads6.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This looks pretty good.

32. 32 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

    The ensemble cast is purely a palace intrigue drama. The emperor and his concubines are always clearly aware of their mutual exploitation, with only a sliver of genuine affection amidst the pretense.

33. 33 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

    Perfectly matched! Go for it! The male lead falls in love with the female lead through his own efforts; the female lead just wants to survive. There's palace intrigue, but it's not melodramatic.

34. 34 皇 The Empress Is Fierce, While the Emperor Is Both Mean and Adorable 皇后很飒，皇上是又凶又萌 One-Pound Chubby一斤小胖墩Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [One true pairing + comedy + transmigration + mind-reading + pampered by everyone + regret and redemption + feel-good power fantasy + fictional setting] A ruthless, volatile, merciless, decisive tyrant who dotes on his wife vs. a hilarious, money-loving, sharp-tongued empress who takes no prisoners. Wen Musheng transmigrates into a book... She becomes the doomed empress in the story, and from the start she wakes up in a coffin. At first, she thinks she has transmigrated onto a film set. When she 149Reads8.8Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I absolutely loved the first book! The female lead, Meng Tang, appears generous and kind on the surface, but she's actually a complete cunning wolf in sheep's clothing. The mad emperor also pretends to be kind to her, but he's secretly suspicious of her, until she jumps off the city wall. Hmph, that tyrant is even more mad than before! It's so good! 💕💕💕

35. 35 病 The Possessive Tyrant Is Cold by Day but Wants Kisses at Night 病娇暴君他白天冷冰冰晚上要亲亲 Song of the Ages千秋岁引Ancient Romance562k WordsCompleted [Possessive love + strong heroine + everyone's darling + devoted couple + secret identities + reborn + a mutually devoted, powerful couple in a satisfying 1v1 romance] In her previous life, she was deceived and manipulated into calling off her wedding, then died in a terrible fire. Only the violent emperor rushed into the flames to protect her, his eyes bloodshot. He avenged her, held her old clothes, and followed her in death. After being reborn, she kicks aside the scumbag man and the vile wom 1.9kReads9.1Score26114d adds
36. 36 病 Sick Possession: The Mad Tyrant's Dark Moonlight 病态占有：疯批暴君的黑月光 Plum Juice李子汁Ancient Romance181k WordsCompleted A domineering, obsessive, devoted male lead versus a clever, gentle, beautiful female lead One-line summary: The tyrant emperor is reborn as a devoted husband! He wants both his wife and his empire! In his previous life, Jun Yaojing was a master of both letters and warfare, the obvious choice for the throne. But after being framed, he ended up abandoned by everyone when his fortunes fell, estranged from all those around him. The only person who stayed by his side through it all was his wife... G 15Reads8.6Score—14d adds
37. 37 皇 The Empress Is Too Beautiful, the Emperor Is Not Worthy 皇后太美，皇上不配 A Midsummer Day Springs from My Fingertips指尖弹出盛夏Ancient Romance562k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + sweet romance + both pure] After transmigrating into a book, Jian Xin saved the tyrant and happily volunteered to live in the cold palace. But after only a few lazy days, the tyrant hauled her up and put her to work “Go back to Fengyang Palace and be my empress!” Then she realized something was off. When Consort Bai pulled her close The tyrant wanted to chop off Consort Bai’s hand. When Consort Bai rubbed her face against hers The tyrant wanted to scrub Consort Bai’ 409Reads9.2Score—14d adds
38. 38 凤 Phoenix and Luan in the Palace of Tranquility 凤鸾坤宁 Fu Xiangjun傅香君Ancient Romance886k WordsCompleted [Empress + not a mutually exclusive romance + pure palace intrigue + intelligent characters + bearing a son to seize the throne] Zhao Zhenshu, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Wei’s household, married the legitimate second son of the Prince of Jin’s household. She had only wanted to be the principal wife in the inner quarters. But when the Crown Prince rebelled, the emperor simply replaced him. The legitimate second son of the Prince of Jin’s household was suddenly transformed into the lof 2kReads6.9Score16414d adds

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue novel that doesn't make you stupid; the female lead doesn't love the emperor and is very intelligent.

39. 39 虐 Tortured into a Locked Love 虐锁清欢 Already Exists 11已存在的11Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Leng Qinghuan was forced to marry the notorious Prince Yan. But she wasn't some naive, helpless girl. Crying and accepting her fate just wasn't in Leng Qinghuan's nature. She seized every opportunity, with the courage to burn her bridges, fought scheming women, fought the empress, opened shops, learned to solve cases, and more... Through her words and deeds, she proved herself. The woman Prince Yan had once sneered at ultimately became someone far beyond his reach! 274Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Leng Qinghuan and the Crown Prince were childhood sweethearts, believing they would be a couple for life. However, the Empress's decree forced her into marriage with He Yanwang, a humiliation on their wedding night that would haunt her for a lifetime. But accepting fate was never Qinghuan's nature; her stubbornness ignited her fighting spirit. To escape, she would earn money and open a shop; to save her life, she would confront scheming women and fight the Empress; for her own interest, she would even join in solving cases, broadening her horizons and expanding her perspective. A woman is an unfathomable book, and Qinghuan is a wordless encyclopedia. Will Ning Zechen fall in love with this woman he despises? Let's find out.

40. 40 皇 The Empress Doesn't Love the Emperor, and Now He Regrets It Too Late 皇后娘娘不爱陛下，陛下追悔莫及 Mr. Fanyang范阳先生Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted [Transmigration, emperor and empress couple, not a mutually devoted romance] The young emperor Xiao Chenyuan had just ascended the throne when he met Luo Qingning, the daughter of a military family, at a palace banquet. He fell in love at first sight and, despite her existing engagement, appointed her empress on the spot. Luo Qingning was a clear-headed university student born in the 2000s. After unexpectedly transmigrating to an unfamiliar world, she remained a committed opponent of marriage an 4.7kReads8.0Score10614d adds

    Reader note

    This book is recommended.

41. 41 黑 The Black Lotus Is Reborn and Goes on a Killing Spree with the Mad Regent 黑莲花重生，和疯批摄政王杀疯了 Xiao Anning小桉宁Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Reborn + sweet romance + punishing scumbags + lighthearted comedy + powerful male and female leads + physician heroine] The moment Shen Yuewei opens her eyes, she's back on the night before her engagement. In her previous life, her husband Su Jinyu schemed against her at every turn. After rising to the position of chief councilor, he personally plunged a dagger into her heart and caused her entire Shen family to die one by one. She regretted everything and wished she could become a vengeful gho 5.4kReads9.2Score76314d adds

    Reader note

    The plot moves quickly, the characters are all quite vivid, and the female lead's father is a bit funny.

42. 42 穿 Reborn as the Cannon-Fodder Original Wife of a Mad Power-Hungry Minister 穿成疯批权臣的炮灰原配 Bright Lantern灯旺旺Ancient Romance707k WordsCompleted [Farming + Transmigrate into a Book + Sweet Romance] Witty, scheming girl vs. lovesick, obsessive powerbroker Xin Yueying transmigrates into a book, landing in an old-fashioned, preachy novel as the wicked wife of the deranged, obsessive second male lead. Shen Qingqi is the novel’s deranged, villainous male character. Born into a family of famed generals, he was imprisoned alongside the Shen family after his father offended powerful nobles. He suffered terribly in prison and was left with crippl 29.7kReads9.3Score10.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Unusual stories heal abnormal people; stories of mutual redemption and warmth.

43. 43 穿 After Becoming the Duke's Dowager, I Kicked Out Every Ungrateful Child and Grandchild 穿成国公老夫人后我把不孝儿孙全踢了 Li Sanye李三爷Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Qin Yun transmigrates into a book, and from the start, her whole family is being stripped of their possessions and exiled? Looking at this roomful of unfilial descendants, Qin Yun thinks the whole family has brought this on themselves. The eldest son's family is corrupt and lawless, and their servants commit acts of violence, bringing disaster upon the household. The second son's family is weak and hidebound, yet they pride themselves on being upright scholars. They presume to criticize the crow 1.7kReads9.1Score36114d adds

    Reader note

    Trust me! There's nothing an author can't write, only things you can't imagine. I almost laughed myself to death.

44. 44 沙 After the Wacky Old Ancestor Emerged from Seclusion, She Discovered She Was Invincible 沙雕老祖出关后，发现自己无敌了 My Name Is Huang Yougeng我叫黄有梗Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Invincible heroine + no romance + hilarious chaos + revenge against scumbags + team leveling] The heroine is greedy, lecherous, morally questionable, biased toward her own people, and utterly shameless. If that bothers you, don't read! Yao Hua was a well-known slacker at Floating Cloud Pavilion. She earned her sect contributions by having children and raised her cultivation by sheer luck. After being gravely injured and going into seclusion, she emerged one day to find that everyone stronger t 3.8kReads8.9Score44014d adds
45. 45 你 Why Are You Messing with Her? The Little Junior Sister Has the Heavenly Dao’s Favor 你们惹她干嘛，小师妹有天道宠着 Saving Up for Stickers努力攒钱买贴纸Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing [Print Edition: I Hope You’ll Come in Person] [No Romance, Strong Female Lead] Tian Ning was the long-lost blood descendant of the Wenren family, a prominent clan in the cultivation world. When she was fifteen, they brought her back home. Everyone thought she was just a country bumpkin from the mortal world, nowhere near as good as the fake heiress, Wenren Xue, who had been raised in luxury and treated like royalty. Wenren Xue was exceptionally talented. At a young age, she had successfully form 41kReads9.4Score4.9k14d adds
46. 46 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Bewitching, and the Emperor Gives In to Pleasure 娘娘撩人魅惑，帝王纵情堕落 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The Tomato short drama Kun Yi is now streaming~ [Transmigrate into a book, male lead is not a virgin but female lead is, palace intrigue, psychological games, happy ending] The Crown Prince, Jun Zechen, has seen his fair share of calculating women, and loves only those who are pure and kind. While campaigning beyond the frontier, he meets Ling Yue and is captivated by her free-spirited kindness. He promises to spend his life with her alone. But two years pass, and the Crown Princess has yet to c 120.1kReads9.5Score11.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is fully conscious and gradually woos the male lead! The epilogue is also quite good.

47. 47 和 On the Day of Her Divorce, the Tragic Heroine Turned Around and Married the Tyrant 和离当天，虐文女主转身嫁暴君 Mu Xiaoyue木小玥Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama is now online: [A laid-back, lie-flat, black-hearted legitimate daughter X a crazed, gloomy, pure-hearted tyrant] [The other man wins her over] [Original title: The Day We Divorced, the Tragic Novel's Heroine Turned Around and Married the Tyrant] At the royal autumn hunt, Song Yaozhi argues with the woman her husband brought back from the borderlands. Song Yaozhi scolds her, saying she's nothing but a concubine. Just then, her husband, Xiao Ziqian, kicks the door open and points 40.6kReads9.1Score4.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's family, deeply loved, but she has a scumbag husband. By a twist of fate, her life becomes intertwined with the Emperor's. Initially, they use each other, but later the Emperor falls in love with her. However, she remains clear-headed until the Emperor proves his love for her with his life, at which point she is finally moved and they have a happy ending.

48. 48 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 female protagonist is cautious and meticulous, always preparing for everything she does, while the emperor is focused on his career, politics, and not romantically driven.

49. 49 康 Consort Ping of Kangxi’s Reign: Back for Another Round in This Losing Game! 康熙平妃，再战这把逆风局！ Lord Yanshan晏山君Ancient Romance583k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Hesheli Baozhu was confined at Jingshan by Kangxi and met a tragic end. Fortunately, Heaven took pity on her and sent her back to the end of the twenty-eighth year of Kangxi’s reign. After reflecting on her bitter fate, she quickly figured out why she had died so miserably. First, she hadn’t clung tightly enough to Kangxi. Second, she’d been far too laid-back about palace intrigue. Determined to live to a ripe old age this time, Baozhu swiftly put together a few plans to 629Reads8.5Score—14d adds
50. 50 绿 The Green Tea Legitimate Daughter Takes the Harem by Storm 绿茶嫡女卷翻后宫 A Speck of Dust某颗尘土Ancient Romance386k WordsCompleted Su Yunqing was once the neglected legitimate eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household. But she came out on top in the imperial selection and became the only woman bestowed with a title: Lady Rong. There is no true love in the imperial family. A woman is favored in the harem for profit or beauty, nothing more. Su Yunqing intends to use the emperor and become the most powerful woman in the Great Xi Dynasty. The harem has women who think they can share a hundred years of true love with th 74Reads8.8Score—14d adds

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    These are a few books you can take a look at.

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