Pure Palace Intrigue, Either Chaste or Not Is Fine, with a Clearheaded Female Lead Helping Her Son Take the Throne 纯宫斗文，双不双洁都ok，女主清醒，扶儿子上位

1. 1 贵 The Noble Consort Is Cool and Aloof, and the Emperor Yearns for Her Night After Night 贵妃清冷，圣上夜夜相思 Que Ling Yan Zi雀翎宴子Ancient Romance448k WordsCompleted Shen Qinghe was in the bloom of youth when she entered the palace, where she weathered its intrigues for more than a decade. She had hoped to leave with a reward one day, or perhaps spend her whole life peacefully as a palace official. But then an order came down, and one day she unexpectedly became an imperial consort. She watched these women fight day after day, never expecting to become entangled in their schemes herself. Shen Qinghe could only sigh. He was the emperor, and she was a palac 12.8kReads9.2Score1.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   This is a different kind of palace intrigue novel, a story about a palace maid and an emperor. The male lead is impure in body but pure in heart (after all, he's the emperor). In the early stages, he's the one fighting for the female lead in the palace. The female lead was the one who couldn't have the male lead when he was still a prince (she rejected him), and later became a lady-in-waiting to the male lead's nominal mother. After becoming emperor, the male lead schemes step by step to make the female lead go from lady-in-waiting to a palace concubine, subtly diverting the conflicts in the harem for her, secretly protecting her and their child while teaching her to grow up and eventually walk side by side with her (I guess it's still updating). The descriptions are very delicate. If you want to read a sweet ancient romance novel where one side gradually schemes and the other falls in love, hurry up and read it!!!

2. 2 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

   The female lead is quite clear-headed. Besides, judging from the synopsis (it's been a while since I read it, so I don't remember much 😂), it's really not appealing.

3. 3 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

   Reader note

   This is the book where the female protagonist doesn't love the emperor; she only wants to build power for her son.

4. 4 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

   [Already recommended!] It tells the story of a woman obsessed with palace intrigue who transmigrates to ancient times, embarks on a series of palace battles, supports her son, and eventually becomes Empress Dowager 🥰, interspersed with stories of raising children. The female lead is very clear-headed, there's no romantic pairing, it's a fictional world, but there are still some angst-filled moments 😢 A very good palace intrigue novel, highly recommended! [Added to bookshelf]

5. 5 深 A Palace Peril: The Consort Wants Power 深宫劫：娘娘要上位 Fan Kui璠葵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue ensemble + alternate setting + no transmigration or rebirth] The imperial palace is a stage, and everyone is putting on a show. Perform well, and you earn favor. Mess up, and anyone can walk all over you. Now that she has stepped onto the stage, she intends to become the star everyone applauds! (Reader beware: the pacing is slow, so don't start if that bothers you. The male lead is a scummy emperor, while the female lead only cares about her career. She will make a move against 120Reads5.3Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   This book perfectly fits the requirements. The female lead's initial vying for favor is solely for advancement in rank, and after giving birth, she begins plotting to seize the throne. The male lead is a scumbag dragon, while the female lead is focused solely on her career. Their seemingly deep affection is also tainted by their own ulterior motives and calculations. There's only strategy, no love.

6. 6 综 The Life of a Film and TV Crossover Cannon Fodder 综影视炮灰的人生 Yanyan Qingxi妍妍青希Female-Channel Fanfiction858k WordsCompleted Completed Crossover Empresses in the Palace: Fucha Langhua Empresses in the Palace: Sun Miaoqing Empresses in the Palace: Wei Yanwan Empresses in the Palace: Fucha Zhuying Empresses in the Palace: An Lingrong Empresses in the Palace: Tong Jia Lanxi 6.5kReads8.8Score22514d adds

   Reader note

   So clear-headed, he later sent the emperor to his death.

7. 7 甄 Empresses in the Palace: I Became Consort Hua's Cherished Pearl 甄嬛传之我成了华妃的掌上明珠 Yueyue Sodium Benzoate悦悦苯甲酸钠Female-Channel Fanfiction262k WordsCompleted [The heroine is Consort Hua’s daughter + reverse mind reading + no romance] Shun Hua is reborn in ancient times, in the Qing Dynasty, no less, and even in Empresses in the Palace! She’s also become Consort Hua’s child! But isn’t Consort Hua unable to have children? Then what is she?! But since Consort Hua gave birth to her, she’s naturally her mother. Remembering what happened to Consort Hua in Empresses in the Palace, Shun Hua immediately turns her sights on her scumbag emperor father, and star 2.1kReads8.7Score21414d adds

   Reader note

   The first book is about a woman who transmigrates into the body of Consort Hua's daughter. A chubby orange cat can hear her thoughts, and she uses this ability to her advantage. The second book is highly recommended; it's incredibly good, and the female lead is very clear-headed—it's a transmigration story. The third book also fits the description; it's pure palace intrigue.

8. 8 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
9. 9 娘 A Consort's Easy Life in Empresses in the Palace 娘娘在甄嬛里混吃等死 I Don't Like Soy Milk不爱喝豆奶Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Oh no, I messed up! I was just nursing a broken heart, ordering a ton of takeout, and watching Empresses in the Palace with a little wine to help me get tipsy. How did I suddenly transmigrate into Empresses in the Palace? This is ridiculous! When other people transmigrate into Empresses in the Palace, they at least get a name and some standing. I start out as a palace maid, the unlucky scapegoat whom the Empress takes her anger out on over a peony pastry that Songzhi deliberately knocked over! I 3.9kReads8.9Score19314d adds
10. 10 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 25.1kReads9.3Score2k14d adds
11. 11 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

    Reader note

    It's alright. The female lead remains very clear-headed throughout, and she becomes the sole focus of the protagonist's affections later on.

12. 12 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Lingrong Is Reborn and Becomes the Empress Dowager 甄嬛传之陵容重生做太后 Su Xue粟雪Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted Her dream of becoming a beloved imperial consort shattered, An Lingrong returned to the age of sixteen, before the selection of palace women. No longer weighed down by an illusory father-daughter bond. No longer blinded by the false favor of the imperial harem. In the end, she would forge her own path to becoming Empress Dowager. 6.3kReads9.0Score54314d adds
13. 13 女 The Supporting Heroine’s Guide to Changing Her Fate 女配改命录 Yanyan Qingxi妍妍青希Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted The heroine has an outrageously powerful golden finger. Pure, indulgent wish fulfillment. A Ruo Yi Xiu Li Jingyan Guaerjia Wenyuan Guo Luoluo Minghui Xia Dongchun Fucha Yixin An Lingrong Meng Jingxian Fucha Langhua Nian Shilan Shen Meizhuang Jia Yuanchun Gao Xiyue Yiergenjueluo Yaqing Fei Yanyan Zhou Ziran Jiang Caiping Wanyan Jingyi E Yinzhu Cao Qinmo Guo Luoluo Yingyun Rong Feishuang Wei Yanwan Zhao Huirou Xitana Minyun Lianxin Yehenala Yihuan Jingse Bai Jingya Hang Shurou Lü Yingfeng Meng Qi 5.2kReads8.5Score21514d adds
14. 14 安 An Lingrong Reborn: The Black Lotus Sets Deadly Traps at Every Turn 安陵容重生之黑莲花她步步杀局 Yi Qinghe一清和Female-Channel Fanfiction1.9M WordsCompleted Even after being reborn, An Lingrong is still a “villain.” She is sensitive, insecure, scheming, and ruthless in her methods. She longs for respect and recognition. Her family is low-ranking, and her looks are nothing special, so she has to use every scheme and trick at her disposal to climb higher. In this life, she still won’t become a good person. Her only golden finger is being reborn. But because of the choices she makes, Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang won’t become her friends either. Events 294Reads6.6Score—14d adds
15. 15 甄 Empresses in the Palace: The Daily Climb Up the Ranks 甄嬛传升职日常 Admiring the Moon on Sunny Mountain晴山品月Female-Channel Fanfiction365k WordsCompleted What should you do if you transmigrate into Empresses in the Palace? An Lingrong has this to say: The food is bad? Unacceptable! Can't sleep well? Unacceptable! As a low-ranking concubine, I have to greet everyone I meet? Unacceptable! Anyone can bully me? Unacceptable! Then I'll work hard to climb the ranks in the imperial harem! Luckily, An Lingrong has a pocket dimension stocked with survival supplies. They're not much use, but at least she feels prepared. But An Lingrong discovers that she's 577Reads8.9Score—14d adds
16. 16 曹 Cao Qinmo Reborn: Slaughtering Her Way Through the Harem 曹琴默重生后杀穿后宫 Fat Cat Eats Three Bowls at a Sitting肥猫一顿吃三碗Female-Channel Fanfiction296k WordsCompleted [A Catmao Production]: Two wicked women team up + renounce love + high-IQ palace intrigue Cao Qinmo, a concubine who died in the struggle for power in the imperial harem, opened her eyes and found herself reborn. This time, she would find a good ally and protect her daughter! 81Reads9.4Score—14d adds
17. 17 变 Transformation Guide: Laying Low as a Cannon Fodder Character in Empresses in the Palace 变身攻略：苟在甄嬛传里当炮灰 Li Runshi李润石Female-Channel Fanfiction394k WordsOngoing Transformation story: Before transmigrating, Chen Wangfu was a boy. One morning, he woke up transmigrated into the body of a palace maid, and not just any maid, but a disposable character who dies from the start in Empresses in the Palace. He was on the verge of tears, crying out inside, “I just want to lie flat!” He wanted to live and take it easy, but reality forced her to fight back. In the end, she realized she was already caught up in the game. PS: This story takes place in a parallel world 39Reads8.4Score—14d adds
18. 18 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Who Has the Best Cannon Fodder? 甄嬛传之炮灰哪家强 Mighty General威武大将军Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted The further you get into this book, the better it gets! This silly author guarantees it! Empresses in the Palace: Lü Yingfeng Empresses in the Palace: Huanbi If Heaven Has Feelings: Zhanyan/Huanbi Empresses in the Palace: Xia Dongchun The Story of Minglan: Sheng Changfeng/Xia Dongchun (Recommended), Chapters 89–144 Blue Love: Cui Yingxiong The Story of Minglan: Mingzhu/Hanxiang/Gua Liu Eternal Love: Jiang Caiping Foolish Spring: Zhao Suchun The Mystic Nine: Nian Shilan The Return of the Condor H 606Reads6.7Score—14d adds
19. 19 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Transmigrate as Shen Meizhuang 甄嬛传：穿越沈眉庄 Fei Nian扉念Female-Channel Fanfiction184k WordsCompleted [Fans of the Empress] [Fans of Zhen Huan] Read with caution After an accident, a modern girl transmigrates into Shen Meizhuang and uses her knowledge of the plot to make it safely to the end. Shen Meizhuang has no love interest. Wen Shichu is paired with Mo Qianqian, an original character. Some characters may be out of character. 91Reads6.0Score—14d adds
20. 20 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
21. 21 炮 Book Transmigration: The Delicate Cannon-Fodder Supporting Character Is Too Pitiful 炮灰女配她娇软堪怜【穿书】 Spring Waters Stretch a Thousand Miles春水千里Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, delicate little star, adored by everyone, men competing in a battlefield of love] Hua Wu transmigrates! The good news: she’s transmigrated into a historical romance about a Mary Sue heroine adored by everyone. The heroine is born with an irresistible allure, and any man who sleeps with her becomes unable to leave her. She gathers a scheming prince, a bold general, an obsessive imperial tutor, a cold, aloof miracle doctor, a mysterious state preceptor, and many more 5.8kReads8.8Score63314d adds

    Reader note

    These two books are great! The first one features a female protagonist who transmigrates and is fully conscious, while the second one is a story of exclusive love and is very enjoyable. 👍

22. 22 美 The Bewitching, Scheming Consort Has the Tyrant Emperor Hooked 美艳妖妃茶又欲，暴戾君王上了瘾 Americano Coffee Jelly美式咖啡冻Ancient Romance301k WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Scheming Green-Tea Heroine + Sweet Romance] [Both leads are sexually inexperienced, he dotes on her alone, and she stays clearheaded and never falls for him. A silly, light read; the heroine is no saint] The eldest legitimate daughter of the Shi family was a delicate beauty, born with an alluring charm. A fortune-teller even delivered this prophecy: “This woman is a demoness who will bring disaster upon the empire and its people. She is destined to bring great calamity.” She w 414Reads9.3Score—14d adds
23. 23 重 Reborn Three Times, the Poor Little One Is Everyone’s Darling 重生三次后，可怜崽被团宠啦 Nan Nan Doesn't Speak Softly南南不细语Two Male Leads555k WordsCompleted [Everyone's Beloved Little Boy + Two Male Leads + Reborn + Depression + Multiple Side Couples] The Feng family, one of Weicheng's most prominent families, became a laughingstock. They'd eagerly awaited the birth of their little son, who should have been the envy of everyone, only for him to be born “stupid” and mocked by the other prominent families. Fortunately, the Feng family was powerful, and they all doted on their little son. No one dared mock him to their faces, and the family protected h 3.8kReads8.9Score35514d adds
24. 24 裴 Pei, Your Little Demon King Qi Is Causing Trouble Again 裴跟班，你的祁小魔王他又惹祸啦 Fish Three Loves to Eat鱼三爱吃饭Two Male Leads556k WordsCompleted [Two Male Leads + 1v1 + Childhood Friends + Rekindled Romance + Showbiz + Sweet Romance + Both Pure] [Once a top-tier star, cool and distant to outsiders but quick-tempered in private, the bottom x a gaming company boss, sharp-tongued to outsiders but shameless in private, the top] Qi Huaishu and Pei Su grew up together. Since they shared the same birthday, they were always arguing over which one was the older brother and which was the younger. Though they bickered over little things like that, 4.1kReads9.1Score54514d adds
25. 25 重 Reborn as a Shy Little Introvert with a Lovable Romantic Streak 重生小自闭，呆萌恋爱脑 Eating Beans Makes You Chubby吃豆豆长肉肉Two Male Leads559k WordsCompleted [Romance between two men] [Sweet romance] [Devoted to each other] [Reborn] [A reclusive genius, emotionally clueless bottom] VS [A gentle, doting, fiercely protective top] Yu Duo is a beautiful boy who has put every skill point he has into intelligence ever since birth. His mathematical talent is astonishing, but when it comes to emotional intelligence, he is a complete idiot. Yes, our Yu Duo is a little autistic. But even our little autistic boy has someone he likes. Though he cannot express it 14.7kReads9.5Score2k14d adds
26. 26 重 Reborn! A Son Makes the Father Noble, and Fourth Master Lifts Her to the Empress's Seat 重生！父凭子贵，四爷巴巴捧后位 Happy StellaLou快乐星黛露Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Cunning Little One] (Not a chaste romance. The heroine is the sole favorite from the middle onward. Read with care if this bothers you.) Heaven took pity on her. Reborn, Yijun returned to the day she gave birth to Honghui and swore she would protect the child who had died young. But who could have guessed that the icy Fourth Prince from her previous life would become captivated by the tenderness and liveliness in Yiju 6.4kReads9.4Score49014d adds
27. 27 清 After Entering the Qing Court, I Became a Villainess and Find New Ways to Climb the Ranks Every Day 清穿后成恶女，每天变着法子上位 Qian Changzhou千长洲Ancient Romance468k WordsCompleted (All fictional! All fictional! All fictional!) [(The heroine will not fall in love with Emperor Kangxi! She's not a saint, and she's a bit wicked!) The heroine pretends to be an innocent white lotus, but she's no naive sweetheart! Palace intrigue included.] Wu Yaya transmigrates after keeping fish, and overnight becomes a pitiful palace maid who has climbed into someone's bed. The emperor, Kangxi, wants to use her to make the Imperial Noble Consort uncomfortable, while the Imperial Noble Consort 1.5kReads9.0Score10514d adds
28. 28 如 The Legend of Ruyi: Tales of the Supporting Characters 如懿传之配角列传 Listening to Rain on Banana Leaves听雨打芭蕉Female-Channel Fanfiction1.7M WordsCompleted Deep within the palace, she continues to change her fate. 1. A Ruo 2. Fucha Langhua 3. Jin Yuyan 4. Gao Xiyue 5. Chen Wanyin 6. Wei Yanwan 7. Bai Ruiji 901Reads7.1Score10614d adds
29. 29 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

    Pure palace intrigue novel, no time travel, no system.

30. 30 外 The Illegitimate Daughter 外室女 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance808k WordsCompleted Before she transmigrated, Shen Yi had lived through one hardship after another. Then she was reborn as a baby into a happy family. What could be more carefree? She never imagined it was all a lie. Her father’s love for her mother was fake, and so was the marriage contract he gave her. He had merely come to the Duke’s household to experience life, while Shen Yi, her brother, and her mother were just byproducts of that experience. That would have been bad enough, but her scumbag father also had a 7.8kReads9.3Score89314d adds

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue, the female lead is very clear-headed❤, not the kind of mindless chaotic battle, it's quite logical, the author's writing is good, and the characters are not brainless. His other book, "The Outsider's Daughter," is also good.

31. 31 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 an absolutely pure palace intrigue ensemble piece; every character's storyline is captivating. Highly recommended!

32. 32 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

    A clear-headed female protagonist who doesn't love the emperor.

33. 33 满 Every Concubine in the Palace Is Scheming, Except the Mad Empress 满宫嫔妃心机，唯有娘娘疯批 Maple Candy Blossom朵枫糖Ancient Romance415k WordsCompleted [Empowered heroine + reborn to crush her enemies + heroine takes on the entire harem alone + heroine starts out as a scheming innocent and turns unhinged later + unpredictable + not a pure romance] In her previous life, Cheng Wan entered the palace to help her elder sister win the emperor’s favor. After giving birth to a prince, she was thrown into the Cold Palace, disfigured and maimed. Her sister, meanwhile, used the child to rise to power and become the revered Empress Dowager. She died full 22Reads5.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue, no saintly heroines. The female lead is cunning and scheming.

34. 34 清 A Qing Dynasty Transmigration: The Life Player 清穿之生活玩家 Cat Butterfly猫蝶Ancient Romance465k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + lots of childbirth + clear-headed, decisive black-lotus heroine + managing the harem + slow transmigration] World One: Kangxi, complete. World Two: Yongzheng, complete. She transmigrates into the Qing palace. Starting out in modern times as a hairpin maker, Jiang Mengyu puts every skill at her disposal to work. She's already started hustling, thanks! No feelings, just technique. Her intelligence stays sharp, and she's a born workaholic. Content warning: When faced with life-or 4.1kReads9.2Score29514d adds

    Reader note

    The first book starts with a lowly palace maid who has an exceptionally strong physique and raises four children. Despite her humble status, she roams freely. The second book's female lead begins as a noble consort, the epitome of a virtuous and ideal woman, secretly challenging the emperor's authority—a born politician.

35. 35 如 A Story of Ruyi: Transmigrating as Wei Yanwan 如懿传同人之穿越魏嬿婉 Early Hibiscus早早木槿花Female-Channel Fanfiction1.5M WordsCompleted She didn't want to transmigrate, but she did... She didn't want to enter the palace, but she did... She didn't love Qianlong, but she became his favorite consort... And behind her always stood that servant, forever bent at the waist with his head bowed... My lady, in this servant's heart, you'll always be a celestial being, an angel... 833Reads8.5Score—14d adds
36. 36 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

    Completed. The female protagonist rises from a palace attendant to Empress, and has a son. Because she is a transmigrator, she lives a clear-headed and insightful life, and her life is not difficult. Initially, she gains favor because of her beauty, but later she gradually becomes the most favored through scheming. There are no special advantages to transmigration; if you had to say, she is simply born with a beautiful appearance. The author also put a lot of effort into writing the epilogues, making it worth reading.

37. 37 贵 Long Live the Noble Consort 贵妃娘娘千岁千千岁 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance164k WordsCompleted The Nan family had offered one of their daughters to the royal family, only for her to be killed by the scheming women within the palace. To keep the emperor's favor, Nan Shiyun begins her journey into the palace to compete for his affection. [This story is set in a fictional world. Please don't take it too seriously.] 111Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Pure palace intrigue, not a story of two virgins; the female lead will eventually become empress, and her son will become crown prince.

38. 38 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

    This is beautiful.

39. 39 怎 How Can Anyone Resist the Noble Consort's Alluring Charm? 怎敌贵妃百媚千娇 Fish Carrying the Moon鱼衔月Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + heroine transmigrates] In the fifth year of Yongyan, the emperor ordered a selection of consorts. Wen Wanyu was the most beautiful among the candidates. With her charming looks and soft, lilting voice, she was as delicate as a flower and soon won the emperor’s favor. She had once been the apple of her father’s eye, but when he was framed and her elder brother humiliated, she defied her whole family and asked to enter the palace to protect them. From the darling 2.2kReads8.9Score19414d adds

    Reader note

    It's really good, the author writes it very well.

40. 40 楚 The Beauty of the Chu Palace 楚宫之美人天下 A Single Milkberry一颗奶莓Ancient Romance123k WordsOngoing [Reborn + alternate history + everyone is smart + pure palace intrigue + a touch of ensemble cast] In her previous life, Jiang Mi entered the Eastern Palace as a secondary consort for the sake of her family. Her peerless beauty won the Crown Prince’s favor, and she fell for his tender words. After he ascended the throne, she steadily rose in rank, eventually becoming a consort. In the end, she had simply given her heart to the wrong man, and died in bitterness. Reborn into a new life, Jiang Mi n 17Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A gem of a pure palace intrigue novel!!!

41. 41 殿 The Prince Is Mad and Sly, but the Crown Princess Just Wants to Kill Them All 殿下又疯又茶，太子妃她只想乱杀 Geng Jiujiu耿啾啾Ancient Romance469k WordsCompleted Mo Ran was born into a prestigious family and was unmatched in beauty and virtue throughout Tiandu City. After her betrothal was announced, she became so sought-after that suitors lined up from every household. But a beauty's fate is often fraught with misfortune. All three of her marriage arrangements were called off for different reasons, and Mo Ran went from being the city's most sought-after noblewoman to the subject of gossip over tea. Father Xin: "Maybe we should find a fortune-teller." .. 1.1kReads8.6Score14814d adds
42. 42 中 The Empress of the Central Palace 中宫元后 King Smile笑笑大王Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + marriage before love + palace intrigue] (This is a fictional setting, written as I please. Please don't hold it against me if it doesn't fit history.) Qiao Shanshan, who lived to thirty on Blue Star, died while saving a child. Only after reaching the underworld did she learn that it wasn't her time to die. The soul reaper had taken the wrong person. To make it up to her, the King of Hell promi 15.4kReads8.2Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    Recommended, it's good.

43. 43 真 The Real Heiress Cuts Ties with Her Family by Blood, and They All Regret It Too Late 真千金割血断亲后，全家人火葬场 Yuan Zhi Ting Lan沅芷汀兰Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted In her previous life, An Chuling gave up everything to return to her family, only to die tragically on the day of her hairpin ceremony. Her corpse was nearly eaten by wolves, too. Her birth mother and brothers doted on the fake heiress, even throwing her a lavish hairpin ceremony banquet. Reborn, An Chuling finally sees clearly. What use is blood kinship? She wants none of it! Who could have guessed that the Duke's estate would take her back and cherish her like a treasured jewel! She also has t 1.8kReads9.0Score25714d adds
44. 44 当 When the Little Prince Met His Boyfriend 当小皇子遇到了他的小男友 Qi Qi Qia Qia琪琪恰恰Two Male Leads166k WordsCompleted Born to a palace maid, he is the most overlooked of all the princes in the imperial palace. He is cautious at every turn, waiting only until he comes of age so he can ask for a fief and leave the palace far behind... He is the son of the richest man in Chenzhou. After a sudden disaster leaves both his parents dead and his loyal servants murdered, he is alone overnight. Surrounded by rapacious relatives, he clings to his family fortune and struggles to hold on. When they meet, one is strong while 2Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I just want everyone to see my book and give it a rating, thank you. It's not easy being a newbie 😳

45. 45 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 748Reads8.6Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    This one has a character design similar to the dark version of Chun Yuan. The story is about being tricked into the palace by her half-sister, a concubine, and then rising through the ranks from concubine to empress, with all sorts of palace intrigue. The romance involves the emperor and her ex-husband, a love triangle, which is quite exciting.

46. 46 宫 A Palace Maid’s Daily Struggles 宫女奋斗日常 Phantom Beneath the Moon月下幻影Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ling Huan has skin as smooth as ice and looks like a goddess, yet she has no interest in power and thinks only of leaving the palace. In the end, neither she nor her child meets a good end. Given another chance, her goal is to raise her child well and become Empress Dowager herself. A palace-intrigue story with a strong female lead. The heroine is ruthless and clever. A thoroughly satisfying read. 5.9kReads9.2Score84614d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead has no love, is not a saint, it's purely about palace intrigue, and her goal is to put her son on the throne and become the empress dowager ruling from behind the curtain!

47. 47 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

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    You can take a look at ᥫᩣᥫᩣᥫᩣ

48. 48 皇 Has the Noble Consort Left Qirong Palace Today? 皇贵妃今天出栖容宫了吗？ Xiaoman Crisp小满酥Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [☆No transmigration, no rebirth, and no pristine couples] [☆The romance develops gradually] Everyone in the palace knew that the person they must never offend was neither the pampered and fiery Noble Consort Hui nor the peerlessly beautiful Consort Cen, but Noble Consort Zhe of Qirong Palace, Lady Fucha. A consort's guide to survival: If you want to get ahead, never provoke the lady of Qirong Palace. She was the emperor's first woman, his companion and confidante since their youth; the mother 15kReads9.3Score1.3k14d adds
49. 49 侯 The Marquis Is Hard to Woo 侯爷不好撩 Bai Xiaocheng白小城Ancient Romance1.5M WordsOngoing Ruan Xiaoli had always thought He Jin was simply born cold and indifferent. So even when he treated her with aloofness and harshness, she never took it to heart. But when Bai Yuning appeared, she realized she had been wrong. He Jin wasn’t incapable of tenderness; he just wouldn’t give any to her... 232Reads8.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's a combination of palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, and both the male and female leads are virgins.

50. 50 靠EN Dominating the Harem by Bearing Children 靠生子称霸后宫 Wang Ziyun王梓芸Ancient Romance782k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Huameng's childhood sweetheart, the boy next door, betrayed her before their wedding. After watching him marry the daughter of a princess, she put on the bright red wedding dress she had spent two years embroidering and hanged herself. But her soul drifted through the world for twenty years after her death before she learned the truth: her childhood sweetheart had broken off their engagement after accidentally hearing that the childless emperor intended to adopt the princes 3.8kReads9.0Score49114d adds

    Reader note

    💞A palace intrigue novel, where the protagonist transforms into a scheming woman, acting every day. Her son ascends to the throne, and she becomes the Empress Dowager.

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