Household-Intrigue Stories with Proper Manners and Etiquette, Like Real Life in Ancient Times 宅斗文，高门礼仪周全，好像真实生活在古代！

1. 151 大 The Splendor of the Ming: Defeating the Demon Empress Sun and Kicking Out the Gate-Crashing Emperor 大明凤华：除孙妖后，踹叫门天子 Lucky Little Sweet Wine幸运小甜酒Ancient Romance601k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + fictional Ming dynasty + no pocket dimension or System + a prince’s favorite concubine + harem and household intrigue + male lead has had previous partners + clear-headed heroine, no angst + he only dotes on her in the middle and later parts] Content warning: Zhu Zhanji is reborn as the heroine’s son; Wang, the Noble Consort, is villainized; Zhu Qizhen is abused; Empress Dowager Sun and others get taken down. Don’t read if that’s not your thing. Li Changxi came across a video a 1.9kReads9.0Score130Shelves
2. 152 大 A Blessed Heir for the Ming Dynasty: The Empress Begs Every Day to Be Deposed 大明好孕：皇后娘娘她日日求被废 Qing Suisui卿岁岁Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted They are not mutually exclusive, and this book covers quite a lot of Ming dynasty history. Some details may not be accurate, so please bear with me. Thank you. Jing Shu transmigrated as Hu Shanxiang, the most useless empress in the Great Ming dynasty, and nearly fell apart. Sun was Zhu Zhanji’s childhood sweetheart. Jing Shu was at best a lucky charm her family had offered to the imperial household. How could she possibly compete with Sun? So, knowing how history would unfold, Jing Shu simply g 4.6kReads9.1Score299Shelves
3. 153 破 Cloud-Breaking Branch 破云枝 Pine Soot on the Inkstone松烟落砚Ancient Romance315k WordsCompleted [Legitimate Daughter Reborn] [Black Lotus] [Household Rivalry and Revenge] [爽爽 Story] A decisive heroine × A spirited young general Jiang Zhaohua, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Anguo's household, was born breathtakingly beautiful and of noble birth, yet was nothing more than a pawn the Jiang family could discard at will. In her previous life, she believed her half-sister Jiang Xi's provocations and fell hopelessly in love with Prince Qi. She married into his household full of joy, only 76Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Sisters who love historical romance and family intrigue are in for a treat! This is incredibly good!! Especially the first one!

4. 154 穿 The Daily Life of a Laid-Back Concubine After Transmigrating 穿越之闲鱼妾室的日常 Tian Nanxing Nan天南星南Ancient Romance480k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + household and palace intrigue + no golden finger + devoted love later on] Zhang Xinian transmigrated into the body of a concubine in Prince Jing’s household. Above her was the princess consort, backed by powerful connections and ruthless in her methods. Beside her was a brainless side consort with overwhelming fighting prowess. Below her, a reborn woman and a transmigrated woman were locked in fierce competition. Zhang Xinian trembled with fear. She had no golden finger and did 104.7kReads9.4Score12.2kShelves
5. 155 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 119.8kReads9.6Score11.5kShelves
6. 156 锁 Locked in the Spring Night 锁春宵 Banana Pizza香蕉披萨Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + reborn + revenge on scum + sweet romance + mutually faithful] In her previous life, Su Qingyu had been married for three years without ever consummating the marriage. Then her cousin suddenly appeared before her with a child, and Su Qingyu finally learned that the man wasn't impotent. He just couldn't perform with her. Her cousin stripped off Su Qingyu's face, took her place as the legitimate daughter of the marquis's household, and became the matriarch of the S 32.8kReads9.3Score5.5kShelves

   Reader note

   Palace intrigue, domestic power struggles, historical romance, time travel ① The female lead, though a time traveler, doesn't have any special abilities and honestly lives the life of a well-bred young lady in that era [shy][shy]. However, her family falls into misfortune, and all the men are exiled, leaving only her to hold the household together.

7. 157 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
8. 158 汴 Spring Deepens in Bianjing 汴京春深 Wheat小麦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Audio version now available, welcome to listen] Madam Rongguo, Wang Fu, devoted herself to her family until she fell gravely ill and died. She was reborn in the body of Meng Jiuniang, a foolish illegitimate daughter who was only seven years old. In her previous life, her husband became her uncle in this life, and her son became her cousin. In this life, Meng Wan had a simple wish: to live peacefully and watch her son, her cousin Su Fang in this life, grow up safe and sound. But as she and a gro 18.9kReads9.5Score2.4kShelves

   Reader note

   Please refer to my homepage for the book review section of "Bianjing Spring Deep" [heart][heart]

9. 159 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 41.2kReads9.6Score5.9kShelves

   Reader note

   Both of these articles are written by people with perfectly normal minds! People who aren't love-struck, who don't live off love! They're rational people!

10. 160 司 The Retired Life of a Female Court Archivist 司籍女官的退休日常 Jing Ban静半Ancient Romance561k WordsCompleted [Fictional setting, not a transmigration or rebirth story + household intrigue + lady of the house] [Early story: self-reliant junior female official x by-the-book prefect] [Later story: perceptive and sensible lady of the house x scheming grand secretary] Wu Xi has spent thirteen years in the palace, struggling her way up, cautious and restrained, dodging countless hidden attacks. At last, she earns the position of sixth-rank female official in charge of the palace library. But then the former 1.1kReads8.6Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    A retired female official who sets up her own household, and a senior official who is also a local magistrate.

11. 161 洞 On Our Wedding Night, the Brutal Regent Was Kicked Out of Bed 洞房新婚，暴戾摄政王被踢下床榻 Watermelon-Flavored Sparkling Water西瓜味的气泡水Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Everyone in the capital knew that the prime minister’s legitimate daughter, Gu Qingcheng, was the greatest beauty in the city. What they didn’t know was that Gu Jinge was actually the prime minister’s eldest legitimate daughter. Prime Minister Gu Cheng’en came from a poor family. After placing first in the imperial examinations, he married Lu Junqing, the younger sister of a first-rank cavalry general. Everyone said they were a match made in heaven, a perfect couple. After their marriage, they h 3.5kReads9.2Score689Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book in this forum features a father who becomes the top scholar in the imperial examination, abandoning his wife and daughter to marry the sister of a great general. His mother and maternal grandfather die of grief in quick succession! The female protagonist doesn't reincarnate or have any special abilities, but she deals with them swiftly and efficiently, maintaining high energy throughout without any plot holes.

12. 162 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

    The author's portrayal of the characters in this domestic drama novel is incredibly realistic and vivid. From the initial power struggles within the household to the protagonists' later struggles for their country, it was exhilarating. The male and female leads are childhood sweethearts, and the writing style has a touch of *Dream of the Red Chamber*. 👍 The female and male leads are childhood sweethearts, and she was protected from a young age. She initially thought the arrival of her stepmother would change everything, but all her worries turned out to be unnecessary. 👏

13. 163 公 The Princess Sneaks Out on the Eve of Her Wedding, and the Crown Prince Comes to Catch Her Himself 公主婚前趁夜出逃，储君亲自抓人 Wuxi巫溪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Forceful Possession + Wife-Chasing Crematorium + Devoted Couple + Male Lead with a Black Heart Beneath His Gentle Exterior] Prince Xie Linheng was famous for having no interest in women. For years, he had never been close to a single woman. In the second year of Jian’an, the emperor fell gravely ill, and the crown prince took power. Desperate to see her mother, Yu Tingwan had no choice but to seek Xie Linheng’s help. Everyone said the crown prince was as noble and graceful as a pine tree, peerl 28.1kReads9.2Score2.6kShelves
14. 164 上 Spring Affairs in the Capital 上京春事 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Ning Chaoyang rises to become a fourth-rank female official, yet still can’t escape the fate of being traded into a political marriage. She decides to take in a lover to fight back. He must be lowborn, handsome, and preferably too frail to look after himself. She glances to the side and spots a charming young doctor in white. 5.7kReads9.3Score884Shelves

    Reader note

    Needless to say, these are all highly rated books on the Tomato Book list; you won't regret reading them.

15. 165 女 The Female Taizu 女太祖 Brown Sugar Zongzi红糖粽子Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other's only partners + Character growth + Political scheming + Not conventional household infighting] A short excerpt: Zhao Qingnuo ran out of patience. She raised a hand and dislocated the other person’s arm. Then, annoyed by the racket, she grabbed their chin and yanked it down. Their jaw popped out of place, and the whole main room fell silent at once. Zhao Qingnuo had a mother who was so delicate she couldn’t take care of herself. After going out on an escort job, Zhao 2.2kReads8.9Score295Shelves

    Reader note

    In this book, the female protagonist, although a time traveler, learns etiquette and household management skills from the matriarch of the family in ancient times, and also studies law.

16. 166 首 The Lucky Wife of the Grand Secretary 首辅家的锦鲤妻 Cong Yue丛月Ancient Romance3.2M WordsCompleted Only after Su Jiuyue married into the Wu family did she discover that her husband was a fool. She thought she'd been swindled. But as soon as she entered the family, it was as if Heaven itself had blessed the Wus. One happy occasion followed another, and their lives kept getting better. She went up the mountain to gather wild greens and found a lingzhi mushroom; she went down to the river to fish and found a rare, ancient fungus. Even her foolish husband turned out not to be a fool, and he came 17.1kReads9.3Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    These palace intrigue novels are really good, you won't regret reading them! ✌︎' ֊'

17. 167 谢 The Xie Family's Short-Lived Son Has Lived to a Hundred 谢家的短命鬼长命百岁了 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] The lid of a dead person's coffin won't lie flat because they had an unresolved longing in life. Given time, that longing turns into a demonic obsession, and unless it is resolved, their descendants will suffer. Yan Sanhe's job is to release the dead from their obsessions. One day, she gets hounded by Third Master Xie, who claims to have one. Yan Sanhe says she doesn't deal with the living. Third Master Xie replies, “Everyone says I won't live long. Just think of 125.4kReads9.6Score17kShelves
18. 168 我 I Find the Top Scholar So Charming 我见探花多娇媚 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Jing Bao has three wishes: First, protect the family estate of the main branch; second, enter the Imperial College, place third in the palace examinations, and bring honor to the family; third, keep living as a man in disguise until the end. Lord Gu has three wishes too: First, help someone protect their family estate; second, help that someone place third in the palace examinations; third, bring the disguised top scorer home and make her the mistress of the household. 4.1kReads9.4Score756Shelves
19. 169 十EN Ten Days to the End 十日终焉 Pest Control Team Member杀虫队队员Mystery3.2M WordsCompleted 2024 Tomato Novel Annual Peak Rankings TOP 1 | 2024 China Online Literature Influence List | 2024 China Good Novel Award | Over 2 million copies sold (No harem, no formulaic tropes, no invincibility, no System, no mindless antics, no wish fulfillment. Read with caution if these bother you.) Just when I thought it was an ordinary day, I discovered I had been captured and taken to the End. Just when I thought I could escape by continually taking part in death games, people began awakening supernat 1.7MReads9.9Score206.4kShelves
20. 170 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves
21. 171 最 The Best Lyricist 最佳词作 Kong Liu空留Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] One is a heroine, the other a pampered youngest son who’s always smiling. They work together seamlessly to resolve an unexpected crisis the first time they meet. The second time, she warns her younger cousin not to fall for someone like him. Then comes the Nth meeting, and with it, a lifetime together. 24.4kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
22. 172 疯 Are You Crazy? Who Wants to Be a Virtuous Wife? 疯了吧！谁要当贤妻啊 Lionheart狮子心Ancient Romance302k WordsCompleted [Scheming, villainous-lotus heroine + love after marriage + household intrigue + both leads are each other's first and only] Lin Rongwan was a lowly concubine-born daughter. Her stepmother treated her poorly, and despite her beauty and excellent character, her low status kept her from finding a good match. Just before she was to be married off to a violent widower, the heir to the Duke of Cheng's title came to ask for her hand, even though she was only a concubine-born daughter. Cheng Wangzhi wa 1.5kReads8.2Score140Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is capable; she has her own abilities to attract the crown prince. She's also clear-headed and knows that if the crown prince doesn't love her, she can decisively give up on love. [Kissing emoji]

23. 173 嫁 Marry a Powerful Official and Become a Widow? The Transmigrate-Into-a-Book Side Character Won’t Stand for It! 嫁权臣守活寡？穿书女配不干了！ Lucky Blossoms福朵朵Ancient Romance788k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + everyone’s favorite + devoted couple + putting scumbags in their place + no mistresses or misunderstandings + everyone speaks their mind] Jiang Yuzhu transmigrated into a book, becoming the ill-fated first wife of Xie Zhao, the male lead of A Great Chancellor. From the start, she was handed a disaster: the original Jiang Yuzhu was on her way to have an affair, set up by her own eldest brother. According to the original story, after sleeping with a scumbag, Jiang Yuzhu 7.8kReads8.9Score928Shelves

    Reader note

    Of these domestic power struggle novels, the third one is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It has a logical outline, but also a lighthearted and humorous feel, making it not mindless at all.

24. 174 通 The Bedchamber Maid 通房丫鬟 Snow on the Cold River寒江雪Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted As a bedchamber maid, Hua Rong has always remembered her place. She mustn't fall in love with her master, let him become addicted to women, or compete with his future young madam for his affections. After finally enduring until age and fading looks let her buy back her freedom, Hua Rong sets her sights on an honest, decent widower and plans to share a simple life with him. But her highborn master pins her to the wall, eyes red, and asks, “You'd rather have that old man than me?” Hua Rong: “...” 2.6kReads9.2Score674Shelves

    Reader note

    There are quite a few books, these are all about family feuds, with a classic style, and they all have high ratings and good writing.

25. 175 栩 Vivid as Life 栩栩若生 Xiao Xu小叙Mystery2.3M WordsCompleted A fortune-teller said I was born destined for greatness, the reincarnation of the Flower Goddess, with the power to turn stones into gold and command flower spirits and tree sprites. Once I came of age, my family was sure to prosper. But when I was twelve, I came down with a strange illness. My fever wouldn’t break, and I kept seeing terrifying visions... In a dream, I met an old woman who told me to find an expert with supernatural powers to save my life. Millet to summon souls, altars and form 19.7kReads9.5Score3.4kShelves
26. 176 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 87.6kReads9.5Score12kShelves
27. 177 重 The Reborn Matriarch Goes on a Rampage, Filling Her In-Laws' Ancestral Graves 重生主母杀疯了，婆家祖坟埋满了 One Thirteenth十三分之一Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted Also known as The Ex-Husband Is Obsessed with His Widowed Sister-in-Law? Divorce Him and Marry a Powerful Official [Reborn to Take Down Every Backstabbing Wolf] [Love-Chasing Redemption + Never Looking Back] In her previous life, Mu Yunshu poured every ounce of herself into the Lou family. But as she lay dying, she saw her aloof, taciturn husband making solemn vows to her elder sister-in-law in his arms. Their adopted daughter, whom she had cherished for years, was there too, clinging to the old 28.9kReads9.0Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The most abundant and satisfying domestic drama novels are all reasonably well-written.

28. 178 簪 Cold Hairpin Blossoms 簪花冷 Beaver Orange海狸橙Ancient Romance242k WordsOngoing [Clear-headed Noblewoman from a Prestigious Family x Scheming Scholar from a Humble Background] [Love After Marriage + Ensemble of Maidservants + Realistic Domestic Strife in an Ancient Setting] The marriage between a noblewoman from a prestigious family and a top-ranked scholar from a humble background was originally a political union in which each side got what they wanted. Only after they weathered one incident after another did they gradually move from mutual suspicion to mutual appreciation 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This ancient Chinese romance novel, with its realistic focus on domestic power struggles, features intelligent male and female leads who aren't driven by romance alone, and they team up to build a career!

29. 179 夫 My Husband Dotes on His Mistress? I Leave the Manor and Marry the Villain 夫君独宠外室？我转身出府嫁反派 Jin Shu金姝Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Short Drama: The Mistake of Yun Ge] In her previous life, Xie Jinyun married into the Yongning Marquis household holding a memorial tablet, becoming a bride to a dead man. She honored her mother-in-law, managed the household, respected her elders, cared for the young, and kept the crumbling estate afloat. Then, at her mother-in-law’s behest, she adopted an heir, poured the Xie family’s power and wealth into him, and helped him rise to become a powerful court official. Little did she know it was 4.2kReads9.1Score831Shelves
30. 180 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Looking for a well-written, realistic story about family intrigue and power struggles in ancient China? These 10 books are a must-read! They don't have any unrealistic or mind-numbing plots; instead, they are filled with meticulous details about the rules of high society, the daily life of aristocratic families, the affairs of the household, and the ways of human relationships. From morning and evening greetings to weddings, funerals, and the etiquette of clothing, everything is carefully researched. Reading them will make you feel like you've traveled back in time.

31. 181 主 Being the Mistress of the House Is Hard: Reborn, I Bring Ruin to the Marquis’s Entire Family 主母难当，重生让侯府全家遭殃 Yi Fan Shunshun伊帆顺顺Ancient Romance619k WordsCompleted Traditional historical romance + scheming household intrigue + reborn revenge against scum + powerful heroine and hero + secret identities In her previous life, Mu Ziyue was blind and loved the wrong man. Her in-laws deliberately plotted against her: Her husband pretended every day to suffer from an ailment that made him incapable of sharing her bed, yet secretly had two sons with the Marquis’s adopted daughter. Her mother-in-law always spoke kindly, but secretly ordered the servants to strip th 1.3kReads9.1Score180Shelves
32. 182 影 The Movie Emperor Keeps Trying to Make a Move on Me 影帝他总想对我图谋不轨 An Suiyu安随遇Modern Romance321k WordsCompleted Shen Yi, stage name Wei Long, was an actor of superstar caliber who took the world by storm in the 1970s. But after he disappeared one day, he vanished from history without a trace, as if he had never existed. One day, Rong Qian spotted a photo of herself with Shen Yi, taken more than thirty years ago... This incredible discovery sent her on journey after journey through time, transmigrating into the past to save him! For Rong Qian, only a few days passed between each trip to the past. But for S 35.6kReads9.7Score5.6kShelves
33. 183 穿 The Book Transmigrator Tears into the Reborn Woman, Even Ripping Out Her Hair Ornaments 穿书女手撕重生女，头花都扯掉了 Camellias and Wine茶花与酒Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted (Don’t worry about the rating. New books have few readers at first, but it will rise.) [A transmigrated woman takes on a reborn woman] [Fictional ancient setting, no need to nitpick] Gu Qingli transmigrated into a satisfying revenge novel about a woman reborn. She wasn’t the heroine, but the wicked supporting character who had killed her, and the first person the heroine would take revenge on after being reborn. Gu Qingli herself had been born into a political family. She was gentle, quiet, an 13.1kReads8.9Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is incredibly good! It's a powerful female protagonist story with intrigue and cunning; it's definitely worth reading.

34. 184 侯 The Marquis's Widow 侯府寡妇 Red Tomato Stewed with Yellow Potatoes红番茄炖黄土豆Ancient Romance341k WordsCompleted [1v1 Power Fantasy + Strong Male and Female Leads + Reborn + Adoration + Revenge on Scumbags] In her previous life, Jiang Nianwei had loved Shen Chenyi with all her heart. She had spent eighteen years as a widow for him, only for him to return to the capital with the woman he loved, enjoying a happy life with his beloved wife and children. Jiang Nianwei watched helplessly as he shared tender embraces and whispers with another woman. What she had thought was a childhood friendship between two inn 457Reads8.9Score104Shelves
35. 185 海 The Begonias Bloom for You Again 海棠今又为君开 Yi Shuang宜霜Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance + Sweet Romance + National and Family Feuds] In her previous life, Xiuyi trusted a scumbag and agreed to marry him, only to be pushed into a pond by a scheming white lotus and drown! Reborn, she opened a clinic, saved her father and brothers, kicked the scumbag to the curb, and schemed to have the white lotus die a gruesome death in prison. The cold-faced marquis, whose power held sway over the realm, drew her into his arms: “Don't worry! With me here, everything will be your 41.3kReads9.3Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I really like this book; it's great.

36. 186 世 The Clan Heiress 世族嫡媳 Mao Xiaosu猫小酥Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Fourth Master Lu of the Duke of Yu's household is an extraordinary man, yet he married an unknown country girl. Everyone in the capital says the match is terribly unsuitable, and they're waiting to laugh at the girl! Faced with all the gossip, Jiang Lingyuan remains cool as a cucumber. She has a fleet, a trading caravan, mines, countless acres of land, and confidence to spare. Lu Yun thought that marrying a country girl meant he could forget all about having a harmonious marriage, but he never e 16.8kReads8.5Score1.7kShelves
37. 187 和 A Political Marriage? I’m Your Ancestress! 和亲？哀家是你祖宗！ DomomanAncient Romance171k WordsCompleted A new work is here! Welcome to read my story on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy it. Your support motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Empress Dowager disguised herself as a princess sent for a political marriage. At a banquet in the Di Rong royal court, she could tell from her sense of smell that the wine was laced with anesthetic. The old Chanyu's face froze instantly. This princess was no ordinary person!

38. 188 宠 Doting on a Concubine and Neglecting His Wife: Scumbag Husband and Vile Concubine, Get Lost 宠妾灭妻，渣夫贵妾速速退散 Happy Little Cookie快乐小饼干Ancient Romance291k WordsCompleted [Rebirth, Revenge, and Face-Slapping + Favoring a Concubine over His Wife + Household Intrigue] After five years of waiting, Jiang Wanting finally welcomed home her husband, Cheng Yueyue, heir to the Loyal and Brave Earl's estate. But Cheng Yueyue brought back the woman he had always loved, and Jiang Wanting became nothing more than a complete sacrificial pawn. Reborn, Jiang Wanting would no longer be a pushover for others to manipulate! Her scumbag husband, the seemingly innocent favored concub 83Reads8.4Score—Shelves
39. 189 玉 The Jade Abyss Misstep: The Eldest Daughter’s Joyful Life 玉渊错:嫡女的快意人生 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Screen Adaptation Rights Sold] Xie Yuyuan had suffered a life so wretched it could move heaven and earth and make the gods weep. After she died, even the underworld refused to take her in. Now she was back. Those who had bullied her before would be repaid in kind, whether with gratitude or vengeance. No one was getting away. She never expected to lose her heart to a blind man. Blind or not, she accepted him! But who could have guessed that the blind man would suddenly transform into a handsome, 2.3kReads9.0Score721Shelves

    Reader note

    These books are all great; each one is a high-quality, excellent read!

40. 190 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 56.6kReads9.5Score7kShelves

    Reader note

    Who says a concubine's daughter is inferior to a legitimate daughter? The female protagonist clearly knows what she wants, and only by climbing step by step to the highest position can she get what she desires and silence some people. Men will only hinder her from drawing her sword. [Thinking]

41. 191 重 Back to the Marquis’s Estate to Marry a Playboy 重回侯府嫁纨绔 Half a Bottle半瓶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xie Nanjia, the heir's wife, was murdered in the delivery room. Reborn in the marquis's residence as a maid, she vows to find the culprit and exact her revenge. To survive amid the open and hidden threats in the marquis's household, she needs to find herself a powerful ally. The second young master of the Dingyuan Marquis's residence, a wastrel, has recently become infatuated with a little maid. She's charming and sweet, but full of schemes. She wants to join forces with him against their enemie 6.1kReads9.2Score657Shelves
42. 192 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 33.5kReads9.3Score5.8kShelves
43. 193 侯 The Marquis’s Eldest Daughter-in-Law 侯府长媳 Huaixi淮西Ancient Romance999k WordsCompleted Xie Jingxi’s second sister died in childbirth, leaving behind a pair of children. In these circumstances, Xie Jingxi married into the Anfeng Marquis’s household as her brother-in-law’s second wife. After losing both twins, being abandoned by her family, and facing her husband’s distrust, Xie Jingxi chose to live alone in a separate manor for over a decade. Yet in the end, she was still murdered. Reborn, Xie Jingxi resolves to live for herself this time and uncover who killed her. But with no one 973Reads8.3Score121Shelves
44. 194 小 A Minor Official's Daughter's Guide to Wealth 小官之女的富贵手札 What to Eat in Summer夏天吃啥Ancient Romance4.3M WordsOngoing [Born into the Story as a Baby + Daughter of a Minor Official + Retired Court Lady + Mistress of the Household][No System, No Golden Finger, Not a Wish-Fulfillment Story (If you like a fast pace and nonstop thrills, read with caution)] [A daughter of a minor official’s coming-of-age story. The heroine isn’t perfect, and she gradually changes. Early on, the focus is on her family and life as a court lady; later, she leaves the palace.] (If you’re looking for a heroine who enters the story already 2.3kReads8.6Score193Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend these books

45. 195 反 The Villainess Kills with Her Beauty 反派她以美貌杀人 Shattered Starlight夜空碎光Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted (The heroine is a true villain. If you prefer morally upright characters, read with caution.) She was the villain of a book, but she never knew it. But what did that matter? Her beloved was dead. How could those responsible for his death be allowed to live? She toyed with the world in the palm of her hand, laying schemes within schemes and concealing deadly intent at every turn. Her gentle nature and ethereal beauty were both weapons, and no one could stand in the way of her revenge. The person 4.1kReads9.4Score479Shelves

    Reader note

    Super super good

46. 196 虐 Torture the Concubine! Marry the Treacherous Minister! The Marquis’s Eldest Daughter-in-Law Is Reborn and Wants to Become a Widow 虐宠妾！嫁奸臣！侯府长媳重生要丧偶 Singing Beneath the Moon月下高歌Ancient Romance685k WordsCompleted Gu Nanzhi, the mistress of the marquis’s household, only realized on her deathbed that her entire life had been a lie. Her husband, supposedly injured in battle and unable to consummate their marriage, was secretly entwined night after night with his stepson’s wet nurse. That wet nurse was her sister-in-law, whom she had never met and who was believed to have died long ago. The stepson she had devotedly raised was their child. The boy she raised wanted her dead, and the husband she had loved all 1kReads8.8Score143Shelves
47. 197 侯 The Cousin's Daily Struggle to Survive in the Marquis's Estate 侯府表姑娘生存日常 One Foot of Dye一尺染Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Psychologist Su Jinyi transmigrates to the ancient Liang Dynasty, only to become an orphan who has lost both parents and is left to care for her little brother. At least her family is fabulously wealthy... but someone is actually trying to steal it? As if! To make a good life for herself in ancient times, Su Jinyi reluctantly embarks on a battle of wits within the household! 7.5kReads9.2Score997Shelves

    Reader note

    Novels 1 and 4 are gems; just look at the number of readers of 2 and 3—they're all great!

48. 198 都 Now That I’m Reborn, Who’d Raise the Scumbag Husband’s Illegitimate Child? 都重生了，谁还替渣夫外室养孩子 Morning Clouds Purple朝云紫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Film and television rights sold] In her previous life, Yun Chu supported her husband, raised his son by a concubine, and helped the Xie family rise to greatness. In the end, she caused all one hundred members of the Yun family to be beheaded, then was forced to drink poison by the child she had raised with her own hands! As the poison burned through her entrails, she opened her eyes and found herself back at twenty. A line of Xie family children stood before her, each calling her “Mother” with 27.5kReads9.2Score4kShelves
49. 199 与 Joy with You 与君欢 Moonset月落Ancient Romance657k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Marriage Before Love + Mutual Devotion] A young king and queen join hands to bring peace to the realm, brimming with ambition! A sinister, calculating ruler versus a clever, decisive queen: evenly matched, they win the world together! Jiang He, daughter of an envoy from Qi, was forced to enter the palace as a servant after her mother died and her father disappeared. Then, just before the marriage alliance, the princess of Qi died a tragic death, leaving 26.3kReads9.5Score3.4kShelves
50. 200 暴 The Bratty Young Lady’s Spoiled Child Bridegroom 暴躁小娘子的纨绔童养夫 It's Not Too Late时不晚Ancient Romance605k WordsCompleted Lin Lexin had two dreams from a young age: Her first was to open a branch of her family’s pastry shop in the capital. Her second was for the young husband her mother had bought her for two taels of silver to study hard and make progress every day, ideally passing the imperial exam to become a successful candidate. If he couldn’t pass, he could return to the shop and work as the bookkeeper. But when she was eighteen, her young husband’s biological father showed up and took her second dream away. 1.2kReads8.9Score111Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead remarries the crown prince. She's from a high-ranking family, very particular about etiquette, and quite intelligent. Her divorce was a complicated affair. The male lead suffers greatly; he's made crown prince and sent away as a hostage, a truly pitiful situation. I haven't read the last two books yet.

Other lists with The Splendor of the Ming: Defeating the Demon Empress Sun and Kicking Out the Gate-Crashing Emperor