Palace Intrigue with Open, Unabashed Favoritism and Exclusive Devotion 宫斗文，正大光明的宠爱偏宠专宠

1. 1 梦 Dreamed I Was Poisoned to Death? The Wicked Consort Goes on a Rampage 梦到自己被毒死？恶毒贵妃杀疯了 Pour Me a Glass of Green Plum Wine来一杯青梅酒Ancient Romance555k WordsCompleted [Not a pure romance + an all-villain cast + a heroine who kills + an indulgent hero + exclusive devotion from the start] [An aloof, ruthless, pleasure-seeking autocratic emperor vs. an arrogant, domineering, viciously cunning consort] Emperor Long'an had ruled for seven years. What people talked about most was his unusual hobby: keeping all kinds of fierce beasts and wild birds. Little did they know that the creatures who caught Emperor Long'an's interest were all in the harem's fighting ring. E 20.1kReads9.2Score2.2kShelves

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   🥳🥳🥳 Both of these books feature male protagonists who openly and unabashedly favor and pamper the female protagonists. ① After learning that the female protagonist had committed murder, the male protagonist's first reaction was that someone had provoked her again, followed by having people clean up her tracks so that no one could use it against her. 💥② This is a story about a love-obsessed male protagonist who is reborn and continues to be love-obsessed. The male protagonist knows that the female protagonist is selfish, cold-blooded, and wicked, but he still loves her. He favored her in the previous life, and he favors her even more in this life.

2. 2 父 A Son Brings Honor! The Reborn Tyrant Dotes on His Villainous Concubine 父凭子贵！暴君重生娇宠反派姨娘 Snow and Wind Keep Us Apart风雪不相依Ancient Romance2.4M WordsOngoing [Complete story + her son brings her status + male lead is a reborn hopeless romantic + obsessive and controlling + sweet romance + not a strong female lead, nor a good person + wins without lifting a finger + timid, but good at pushing her luck with the male lead] (The male lead isn't chaste, but he dotes on her alone from the very beginning.) (The male lead is extremely biased and holds her to a different standard. He thinks she can do no wrong.) Overnight, Song Yao goes from a lowly maid boug 44.8kReads8.5Score4.1kShelves
3. 3 娘 Demoted Consort, Bound to the Dragon Bed Night After Night 娘娘被贬，龙榻日日缠 Lu Yan Qiqi鹿言七七Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted Content warnings [There is a System, but it’s useless and mostly causes trouble. The heroine transmigrates, and the hero is a primitive man.] This story features a henpecked husband dynamic. The heroine isn’t a strong, independent female lead; she grows step by step. The hero is an emperor with a dose of chauvinism. He expects obedience and insists on having the final say. The hero has feelings for the original heroine, but the woman he loves most is always the heroine, who has been loyal to hi 1.7kReads—Score101Shelves

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   This one looks quite similar in its later stages.

4. 4 庶 The Concubine-Born Daughter Becomes Empress 庶女封后 Loves Dried Fruit爱吃果干Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Long-planned pursuit + keeping a low profile early on + exclusive devotion later] Ming Heng was merely the illegitimate daughter of a minor seventh-rank official. During the selection of consorts in the thirty-fifth year of Yongchang, the empress took a liking to her and bestowed her upon the imperial grandson, Prince Jin, Gu Yao, as a concubine. She had learned from her mother how to keep a low profile and stay alive. A year after entering the prince’s residence, she still had not been summone 26.7kReads8.4Score3.6kShelves

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   The male lead protects the female lead as she grows, and the female lead is also very smart and intelligent, eventually becoming capable of handling things on her own. It's practically a one-sided love story, I love it so much! 😍

5. 5 谁 Who Says His Majesty Has No Heart for the Harem? The Empress Is His Only Favorite Every Night 谁说陛下无心后宫娘娘她夜夜独宠 Zhang Yueliang张月亮Ancient Romance210k WordsCompleted [Spoiled Empress × Emperor Who Favors Her] [Exclusive Devotion from the Start + Heroine Is a Master Manipulator + Hero Favors and Protects Her Without Reason] Chu Qingyan was a celestial being reborn into the mortal world. In this life, he was supposed to have a harem of wives and concubines, a house full of children and grandchildren, and a perfect life. But he never expected Jiang Wanning to come along and change everything. The empress? Gone. The concubines? He wanted none of them. Even fate 497Reads—Score103Shelves

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   True, unconditional, and exclusive affection; the male lead's love is absolutely top-notch. [Learned something new]

6. 6 勾 Flirting with the Grand Tutor: Strangers in Public, Like Spouses in Private 勾太傅，人前不熟人后如做了夫妻 I Am No Good Person吾非良人Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Main story complete (award-winning entry in the Fifth Online Literature Contest) While the top-ranking scholar husband slept soundly, Song Lian clung to the immaculate and upright Grand Tutor of the court, sobbing, "Please, save me..." What had she done wrong? She just didn't want to die. The family rules were merciless, the Grand Princess would suffer no rivals, and her husband wanted to become the princess's consort. Song Lian had only one way out: hang herself. So she summoned her courage and 140.3kReads9.2Score20.3kShelves

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   It's a tale of palace intrigue and domestic power struggles! This book is incredibly popular, and so is the drama. Even without my recommendation, many people are watching it because of the manga. Unfortunately, I only follow the original novel. I support Que Ge! The story of Xiao Lian and Jiu Lang feels like listening to a friend tell a story. The main plot is captivating; the female lead seduces a powerful minister to save herself, only to have the minister later become the down-on-his-luck Jiu Lang. Those two are so pitiful! But don't go, it's still sweet. Jiu Lang's rebirth arc is even better! It's also very moving! Xiao Lian's desire to "benefit all under heaven" was achieved with great difficulty in her previous life, and in Jiu Lang's rebirth arc, Jiu Lang fulfills it for her. Who says it's not a call-back?

7. 7 国 The Imperial Academy’s Fallen Woman 国子监破鞋 Flying King1996飞大王1996Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing 136,543 people have already missed this book because of its title... One-of-a-kind pure heroine + nobody is innocent + romance and desire + the fate of the nation. Beauty fades, and with it, love. Golden fingers are just something people say to fool the gullible. She is a soul from another world, sharp-eyed and streetwise. In this decaying dynasty, she aims to amass a fortune beyond imagination and avoid the humiliation China suffered over the past century. 20Reads9.2Score168Shelves

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   The supporting characters are a mix of good and evil, struggling and compromising, revealing the complex and multifaceted nature of humanity, and rejecting stereotypical good-versus-bad portrayals.

8. 8 夺 Stealing the Emperor's Favor 夺帝宠 Sweet Grass甜草儿Ancient Romance135k WordsOngoing "Jiang He is Miss's servant, and always will be." [Strong Female Lead] [Palace Intrigue and Revenge] [Mutual Exploitation] [The Powerful One Falls] Sui Bihua, daughter of the county magistrate of Qiyang County, was famed for her beauty. One day, she caught the emperor's eye, and he ordered her to enter the palace. Within the imperial palace, Sui Bihua plans every step, determined to climb higher by any means necessary. She seems gentle and innocent on the surface, but deep down, she is more ruth 24Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Revenge and palace intrigue, the female lead is clever and decisive.

9. 9 贵 The Imperial Consort Is Ravishingly Beautiful, but All She Wants Is Power and Wealth 贵妃千娇百媚，只求权势富贵 Fujiwara Tofu藤原豆腐Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A mad, obsessive emperor with jealousy to spare x a consort who has renounced love and walled off her heart] [One-on-one romance + both reborn + devoted to each other in body and heart, in both lives] One-line summary: A story about an emperor who lost the love of his life, and how he slowly teaches the woman he loves to understand love, jealousy, anger, and longing. As the eldest son born to the empress, Qi Junyi was born to privilege. He seized power in his youth, was named crown princ 10.9kReads8.1Score673Shelves

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   🔥It's a story of exclusive love, both lovers pure in this life and the next. 🌸A cold-hearted, loveless concubine sealed in cement VS a mad, obsessive, and jealous emperor. 🔥From Chapter Two onwards, the heroine is exclusively loved; she doesn't need palace intrigue, and the hero protects her fiercely. This is the story of an emperor who lost his beloved in his past life, gradually teaching his sweetheart about love, jealousy, anger, and infatuation. That gentle, kind, and benevolent emperor disappeared into the boundless despair after losing his lover in his previous life. Reborn, Qi Junyi is determined to protect her, to slowly win her over, and to move her heart little by little. He wants her to forget everyone else, to have only him in her heart and eyes.

10. 10 大 The Imperial Consort of the Great Sheng Dynasty 大盛皇妃 Shu Yiyu书亦娱Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing Ensemble cast + revenge + black lotus heroine + not both virgins + high-IQ palace intrigue rising to political power struggles + tragic romance + alternate history + love rivals The palace is the main battleground: beneath its dazzling, extravagant facade are witty, charming daily moments and a brutal core of deadly conflict. Palace secrets are portrayed in meticulous detail. Some content may be upsetting. A bad ending. If you enjoy it, please leave a five-star review. Ling Longxiu was born to a 684Reads—Score102Shelves

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    Completed, angst warning⚠️ Rating not yet available. Content depends on your tolerance; if you like angst, I'm waiting for a five-star review. A masterpiece of unconventional palace intrigue and power struggles. Detailed descriptions of palace secrets, unpredictable plot twists, clear logic, humorous daily life, intense power struggles, the female lead is ridiculed upon entering the palace, and she relies on herself for revenge—no cheat codes, no time travel, no rebirth. Navigating the treacherous and dark harem, the content may be disturbing; some readers may be driven away by the emotional intensity. Have you ever seen a palace intrigue novel where both men and women fight? It depicts the tragedy of ancient feudalism, showcasing the brutality of court struggles and the complexities of human nature.

11. 11 宫 Palace Intrigue Livestream: Is the Hostess Out of the Cold Palace Today? 宫斗直播：主播今天出冷宫了吗？ Pear Big Sheet Music梨大谱子Ancient Romance123k WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue] [Livestream] [No Fighting for Favor] [Lighthearted Sweet Romance] What a wild start: a modern office worker transmigrates into the body of an abandoned consort confined to the cold palace. Fortunately, Jiang Xiaoyu gets a livestream System that can only connect to modern-day viewers. She promptly starts streaming from the cold palace. The stream is titled: "An Immersive Palace Intrigue Experience! Live Lessons on How to Take Down a Green Tea!" The Noble Consort frames her? Jian 55Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A palace intrigue/livestream comedy. The male lead administers an infertility drug to everyone, and the female lead fakes a pregnancy to escape the cold palace. The male lead openly and blatantly favors the female lead.

12. 12 快 The Quick Transmigration Cannon Fodder Won't Play by the Rules 快穿炮灰她不走寻常路 Traveler in Misty Rain一蓑烟雨客Ancient Romance1.7M WordsOngoing No fixed pairing, Qing-dynasty setting + historical eras + other worlds, with a pocket dimension Note: The heroine is a hedonist and a self-serving perfectionist. Her motto is that she can eat anything but hardship and endure anything but suffering. She tries to live comfortably in every world. After more than twenty years of bad luck, college student Shen Anning finally catches a break, only to die the day before her fortune is due to arrive. Perhaps her resentment is too great: just before sh 65.4kReads9.4Score2.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The section about the arrogant concubine who failed in her bid for the throne perfectly fits the theme and is really great! The emperor was so angry at his "true love" that he almost came back to life – it cracked me up! [Laughs] The other sections are also quite good. Highly recommended! [Learned something new]

13. 13 重 Reborn in the Dragon Bed, the Beloved Consort Cries in the Emperor's Arms 重生在龙塌，宠妃抱着陛下哭 Staggering Along蹒跚行Ancient Romance461k WordsCompleted [A spoiled, sweetly obedient favorite consort VS a gentle, jade-like emperor who's sweet on the outside and ruthless within (they are not each other's first, but he dotes on her exclusively from the beginning to the end)] Jiang Shuyi's life as a favorite consort went smoothly for fifteen years. The emperor was gentle and benevolent, doting on her without restraint, and not a single woman in the harem dared challenge her. But she was blind to her own sister's treachery. In the end, her closest 100.7kReads9.2Score11.2kShelves

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    These three perfectly meet the requirements, especially the second one, which is truly exceptional; the female lead is incredibly arrogant. The third one, in particular, is so good that I'd be heartbroken if anyone hadn't read it—a blatant and unequivocal favorite.

14. 14 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 77.9kReads9.5Score8kShelves
15. 15 世 The Heir Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife, but the Second Male Lead Comes Out on Top 世子宠妾灭妻，男二成功上位 Yeye Drinks Coconut Juice耶耶喝椰汁Ancient Romance263k WordsCompleted [A cool, aloof beauty of a heroine x a domestic-intrigue drama, melodrama, childbirth, and a second male lead who’s no good either] Xie Jingheng, heir to Prince Jing’s manor, had long been secretly involved with his cousin, Shen Zhiwan, and she was already pregnant with his child. Afraid the scandal of an unmarried woman’s pregnancy would get out and invite gossip, the prince’s household ordered the heir to hastily marry Yun Qinghe as his primary wife, to cover it up. As soon as Yun Qinghe ma 30Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    He truly favored his concubine over his wife, but he didn't favor the female lead.

16. 16 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, the Foolish Princess Marries the Ninth Lord with Her Four Maids 退婚后，傻妃携四大丫鬟嫁九千岁 Clingy Little Tomato粘人小番茄Ancient Romance1.8M WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Household Intrigue + Historical Romance + Princess Consort + Legitimate Daughter + Medical Skills + Two Powerful Leads + Cunning + Playing the Fool + Reborn + Fiercely Protective + Political Scheming] 99% of the comments are positive! Read with confidence! Su Qian, once the leader of a special forces unit in the apocalypse, died unexpectedly while carrying out a mission. With her portable medical space, she transmigrated to ancient times and into the residence of a great gener 22.8kReads8.1Score3.8kShelves

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    No more feeling lost in a reading slump! This book is definitely worth following. The plot is engaging, the characters are compelling, and there's no disappointing ending. You won't regret reading it; you'll want more after you finish! A highly recommended gem! The plot is tight and fast-paced, packed with exciting moments, and the writing is smooth and immersive. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down! A hidden gem of a novel, with likable characters, an explosive plot, and no dull moments—don't miss it if you like this genre!

17. 17 七 Her Seven Brothers Died in Battle, and the Legitimate Daughter Returned Darkened 七个哥哥战死沙场，嫡女黑化归来 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [Historical romance, court intrigue, palace and household scheming, reborn, joining forces, legitimate daughter, revenge, two formidable leads, transmigrate into a book, seven older brothers, no saintly heroine, miracle doctor, adored by all, comeback, punishing scoundrels, imperial uncle, devoted husband, devoted couple] The comment section is 99% positive! Read with confidence! “Shen Nanqiao, being chosen to marry into the Eastern Palace is a blessing for your Duke of Zhenguo household!” Rebor 4.1kReads7.2Score804Shelves
18. 18 救 Help! The Horror NPCs Are Lining Up for Me to Do Their Makeup 救命！惊悚NPC都排队找我化妆 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Mystery519k WordsCompleted [Horror game + NPCs + horror survival + no System] Su Qing, a workaholic makeup artist, was just working overtime. When she opened her eyes again, she had been sucked into a horror game with a 99% death rate! As she watched her teammates panic and wet themselves, the bottom-performing Slit-Mouthed Woman approached her with a pair of scissors. Su Qing despaired. But wait... This woman’s makeup is way too crude! Her professional instincts kicked in, and she blurted out, “Your makeup isn’t working. 871Reads—Score183Shelves
19. 19 废 On the Day the Empress Was Deposed, Eighty Thousand Secret Guards Knelt and Begged Her to Return 废后当天，八万暗卫跪请归位 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + household scheming + deposed empress + satisfying revenge + corruption + madman + power plays + intense push and pull] In her previous life, Li Qingcheng gave up everything for love. She disbanded the world's greatest intelligence network, the Tianji Pavilion, which she had built herself and which was powerful enough to topple the imperial throne. Then, as the Chancellor's legitimate daughter, she married Xiao Yexuan, an overlooked prince. For ten years, she schemed on his beh 2.1kReads6.6Score460Shelves
20. 20 重 Reborn: Will the Four Maids Help Their Mistress Divorce and Remarry? 重生，四大丫鬟带主母和离改嫁？ Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance467k WordsCompleted [Maid-assistance story + a heroine who wins by lying flat + a low-status marriage turned into a counterattack] Shen Yue, the prime minister’s legitimate daughter, was easygoing and plump, and had no love for using her brain. Back then, she had married down into the declining Marquis Gu household, bringing a lavish dowry. She had only wanted to take it easy and live out her days in peace. But after her husband, Gu Yanzhou, attached himself to the daughter of a powerful family, Su Wanrou, the two 480Reads6.9Score108Shelves
21. 21 神 My Divine Bones Were Stolen? I Emptied the Imperial Treasury for My Dowry 神骨被夺？我搬空国库当嫁妆 Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance875k WordsCompleted [Legitimate Daughter + Household and Palace Intrigue + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Love + Political Scheming + Divine Physician + Taking Down Villains + Satisfying Revenge] To save the Crown Prince, the genius physician Shen Jingwan is sacrificed by her family, who cut out her once-in-a-century “Exquisite Bone.” Her family is ennobled in return, while she is abandoned in the countryside to fend for herself. Three years later, she returns with unparalleled medical skills, only to discover that her 303Reads7.4Score—Shelves
22. 22 前 My Ex-Husband Gets to Be a Dad? I'll Marry a Rugged Man Who Can't Have Children and Carry Twins 前夫喜当爹？我嫁绝嗣糙汉怀双宝 Ke Xin柯新Modern Romance216k WordsOngoing [Period] [Second Marriage] [Rugged Husband Dotes on His Wife] [Twins] [Brutal Revenge on the Scumbags] [Size Difference] Zhao Qingqing had been married for seven years without a child. Her mother-in-law beat her and drove her out, while her ex-husband rushed to marry a widow carrying another man's baby. Qingqing immediately turned around and married Han Tie Zhu, the ferocious butcher rumored to be unable to have children, whom no one in the commune dared to cross. Han Tie Zhu seemed cold and sho 518Reads—Score106Shelves
23. 23 毒 The Poison Queen Gives Up, but the Mad Dog Emperor Insists on Spoiling Her 毒后摆烂，疯狗暴君偏要宠 Ke Xin柯新Ancient Romance371k WordsCompleted [Court Intrigue] [Mutual Exploitation] [Psycho Push and Pull] [Fall from Grace] [Psycho] [Powerful Figures] [Tyrant] [Imperial Court] [High-Level Hunt] [Schemes] [Power Couple] [Wits and Will] Meng Zhiyuan was a notorious poison empress. After Emperor Xiao Qi personally destroyed her family, she was banished to the cold palace, left to await her death. Xiao Qi brought his new favorite before her and flaunted his favor, hoping to see jealousy and pain in her eyes. But Meng Zhiyuan didn't even loo 180Reads—Score112Shelves
24. 24 锦 The Lucky Carp Maid Is No Easy Mark, and the Mad Crown Prince Begs for a Hug with Red-Rimmed Eyes! 锦鲤丫鬟难惹，疯太子红眼求抱！ Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Ancient Romance325k WordsCompleted [Palace and Household Intrigue + Sweet Romance + Mutual Healing + Historical Romance + Face-Slapping Wish Fulfillment + Protective Hero + Lucky Charm + Both Pure + One-on-One Romance + Intense Push and Pull + Strong Female Lead] Rumor has it that Crown Prince Xiao Hanjin of the Great Yuan Dynasty is a bloodthirsty madman who recognizes no family. Anyone who comes within three feet of him is as good as dead. Until one day, the palace attendants nervously open the study door and catch the notoriou 50Reads—Score107Shelves
25. 25 入 I Enter the Palace and Rise to High Rank: As His Majesty's Cousin, What Have I to Fear? 入宫即高位，我是陛下表妹我怕谁 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + faux cousins + push-and-pull romance + winning hearts + taming a man Spring, Year Ten of the Zhaoqi reign. Shen Jiayu was summoned to the palace and became one of the emperor’s consorts. On the surface, the imperial harem seemed calm and peaceful, but beneath it lay tangled interests and hidden currents. The consorts schemed and fought among themselves, while the newcomers trembled with fear, terrified that one careless mistake would cost them their lives. Only Shen Jiayu s 234.5kReads8.9Score40.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Book 1: Although it's a serialized story, the female lead is never bullied, and the male lead is very biased towards her in the early stages. Book 2: The harem is always dominated by the female lead. Book 3: The male lead gradually falls for her, and later, other women enter the palace. He only wants to make money off the concubines, which is a bit funny.

26. 26 娇 After Entering the Palace, the Emperor Spoils His Sweet, Delicate Beauty Like Crazy 娇软美人入宫后，帝王掐腰宠疯了 Tang Ling sally棠泠sallyAncient Romance379k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Exclusive Devotion + Possessive Pursuit + Nontraditional Palace Intrigue + Stunning Heroine] A deranged, possessive hero x a pitiful, delicate heroine Not a first-time couple; the hero is strong and the heroine is weak. The heroine is beautiful and high-maintenance. Read with caution if that bothers you! On the night Lan Xi was to be married, Yan Cong led his cavalry in a devastating attack on the Songutu tribe. Sand filled the sky, horns sounded in the wind, and warhorses and 1.1kReads8.7Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    Of these three books, the first one features a female protagonist who is reborn, and the male protagonist suffers in the early stages, but he dotes on her exclusively. [Note] In the second book, the male protagonist forcibly takes her as his wife, then dotes on her exclusively, and even after being schemed against, he goes to explain to her. [Note][Note] The third book features an emperor who is the most love-obsessed emperor I've ever seen.

27. 27 失 A Lost-Memory Noble Consort’s Story of Winning the Emperor’s Favor 失忆贵妃承宠记 Xi Die汐蝶Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Harem romance + aloof beauty + historical coming-of-age + worlds apart in status + devoted in body and heart, one-on-one] Kang Yuyi was born a hereditary servant of the Prince of Qin’s household. Because of her extraordinary beauty, the princess consort took a liking to her and sent her to serve as a bedchamber maid to the heir, Li Yuanheng. But the heir turned out to be cold and distant, with no interest in women. After Kang Yuyi’s attempts to flirt with Li Yuanheng repeatedly failed, his cous 18kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves
28. 28 表 My Cousin Can Only Be Mine 表妹只能是朕的 Puff Pastry Little Nurse泡芙小奶妈Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The ratings have only just opened, so they’re sure to shoot up later, my dears.) A formidable emperor × his breathtakingly beautiful, sweet and gentle cousin. A teasing beauty, doted on exclusively. Both leads are sexually inexperienced. The court officials all believed the Empress Dowager had raised her niece, Shen Wan, in the palace so she could send her into Xiao Che’s harem. But only Xiao Che knew that the aunt and niece guarded against him as if he were a wolf. The Empress Dowager searched 29.4kReads8.2Score2.7kShelves
29. 29 贵 The Delicate, Soft-Bodied Imperial Consort Turns Her Obsessive Emperor into a Devoted Puppy 贵妃身娇体软，偏执帝王变身忠犬 Tang Ling sally棠泠sallyAncient Romance385k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Unreasonable, Exclusive Devotion + Scheming Green-Tea Heroine + Obsessive, Love-Struck Hero] In the first year of Yongzhao, the new emperor ascended the throne and issued an edict summoning the former crown prince's betrothed concubine to serve in the palace. The world could not understand it, and the court historian condemned him, but Xiao Yu remained determined. * Yun Miao had seen the harshness of the world from a young age. All she wanted was wealth, status, and supreme po 2kReads8.8Score208Shelves
30. 30 妖 After Being Reborn, the Bewitching Consort Only Wants to Push the Tyrant to Improve Himself 妖妃重生后，只想督促暴君上进 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance420k WordsCompleted [Publication rights acquired] [Capricious, wicked, silly beauty vs. dark, obsessive-love maniac tyrant] [Palace intrigue, not a pure romance + doted on from the start + not a strong female lead + a lovesick, unstable woman and a deranged man drawn to each other] Yueli was the top courtesan at Chunfeng Pavilion. She didn't want to be sold to the demon-like general, so on the day she was to leave the brothel, she timidly tugged on the emperor's sleeve... She spent three years throwing her weight a 26.4kReads9.2Score3.1kShelves

    Reader note

    I can only pull out my most treasured romance novels! The first one, though I read it a long time ago and have almost forgotten the plot, was still really good. The second one was great—love-obsessed characters meeting love-obsessed characters, so sweet! The third one had the female lead who wasn't favored at home, but that didn't matter; the emperor would dote on her. The female lead's name was something her family disliked, so they gave her a very bad name. The male lead specially gave her a courtesy name 😭 The last one was so sweet! The female lead was the male lead's first wife, guiding him on his lover's path—amazing! Men who read this get their periods—it's so good! Even long after finishing it, I still find it unforgettable.

31. 31 宠 The Bewitching Consort Won't Back Down, Yet the Emperor Favors Her Above All 宠妃娇媚不饶人，奈何陛下偏宠她 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance421k WordsCompleted [Not a pure-love romance; he dotes on her exclusively later; cold emperor × alluring consort; the heroine isn't clever and isn't a strong female lead] In her previous life, Lan Wu dazzled everyone with a dance at the Longevity Festival. Consort Li sent her to the emperor, and she became Lady Lan in the palace. She had studied dance since childhood. Everyone at the palace music bureau said she was beautiful, graceful, and talented at music and dance. It was a pity for someone like her to remain a 6.8kReads8.9Score694Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue stories, those where the male lead is the sole favorite from the beginning or later on, all featuring intelligent, not foolish, male leads who don't mistreat the female lead, and those with political acumen.

32. 32 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 24.5kReads9.3Score11.5kShelves
33. 33 妃 A Consort's Scheme for the Emperor's Heart 妃谋帝心 Falling Ashes坠落的灰Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted With her father turning a blind eye and her stepmother throwing her weight around, Mu Li is ordered to marry an old prince as a concubine. They tell her this is her fate. Mu Li refuses to believe it. She has never believed in fate… Just then, the imperial household holds its selection of consorts. Daughters of officials of rank eight or above who are of suitable age may participate. Mu Li thinks: Since I’m to be a concubine, why not become the concubine of the most powerful person in the realm? 9.2kReads8.9Score1kShelves
34. 34 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Delicate, and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Falls for Her at First Sight 娘娘娇娇媚，冷戾帝王一见倾心 The Star Among the Stars in the Sky天上星星的星星Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue and revenge, a slow-burn, slow-payoff story + stunning heroine + exceptionally clearheaded heroine with an unwavering goal] [The hero always favors the heroine + dotes on her exclusively in the middle + disbands his harem later] After Shen Qingtang’s aunt is schemed against and killed by Madam Shen, her goal becomes perfectly clear: she will enter the palace, become the most honored woman in the land, and make everyone who plotted against her aunt pay. She is also perfectly clea 4.9kReads9.1Score544Shelves
35. 35 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 7.6kReads9.2Score871Shelves
36. 36 东 The Eastern Palace's Beauty: This Favorite Consort Is Mine! 东宫姝色：这宠妃我当定了！ Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted [The heroine is doted on from the very beginning. The story focuses on sweet romance, not scheming palace intrigue. The hero adores the heroine and is even a little lovesick. If that's not your thing, please move along, and don't leave a bad review over it. The heroine rises from a junior consort to a favored consort, Crown Princess, and Empress. The hero is a crown prince at first and becomes emperor later.] Su Niannian has landed in a male-lead-centric novel! Her new identity is Su Ling, the 30.2kReads9.4Score2.9kShelves
37. 37 娘 Her Majesty Is Bewitchingly Beautiful, Reigns over the Six Palaces, and Takes the Empress's Throne! 娘娘千娇百媚，宠冠六宫坐后位！ It's Bing'er是冰儿啊Ancient Romance632k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + clear-headed heroine + not the emperor’s sole favorite at first, but his only favorite later] Su Mei never imagined she would transmigrate into a harem-intrigue novel, let alone as the lowest-ranking palace concubine. If she wants a better life, she has to cling tightly to the emperor’s coattails. At first, the emperor is interested in her only because of her alluring face. Later, he summons her more often because she is delicate and soft, and somehow he develops feelings for t 397Reads7.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥🔥In palace intrigue novels, the female protagonist is clear-headed and initially not the sole favorite, but later enjoys exclusive favor. The empress, charming and alluring, reigns supreme in the palace, her position unchallenged. 🔥🔥A pregnant imperial concubine, exclusively favored by the emperor: Reborn from past lives, she severs ties of love and affection, yet lives a different life than her previous one.

38. 38 皇 The Royal Family’s Cherished Daughter-in-Law: The Emperor and Empress Are Shipping Themselves 皇家宠媳：帝后嗑CP啦 Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance296k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + palace and household intrigue + no transmigration or rebirth + alternate history + one-on-one romance + sweet and doting + childhood sweethearts] [Gentle, resilient beauty VS cool, composed Crown Prince] Just three months after Mu Shuangyin's birth mother passed away, Chancellor Mu took a second wife. The new madam brought a son and a daughter into the household. They were said to be the Chancellor's children, and even more remarkably, the twins had been born ab 18.1kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves
39. 39 娘 The Delicate, Alluring Empress Rises to Power Through Palace Intrigue 娘娘又娇又媚一路宫斗上位 Beihou's Kato Gu北侯的加藤故Ancient Romance133k WordsCompleted Meng Qingyuan was a diligent, respectable rich woman who simply liked handsome men with abs and had looked at them a few times too many. After waking from a nap, she found herself back in ancient times, under a cramped little sky and in a palace tucked away in a remote corner, just as a palace intrigue plot was about to begin. Deciding she might as well go all in, she put on a sweet, flattering act and got the emperor completely hooked. For two years, every word and action followed a careful pla 55Reads—Score—Shelves
40. 40 帝 The Imperial Terrace's Charm: The Noble Consort Is Beautiful and Well-Behaved 帝台娇：贵妃娘娘她又美又乖 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + climbing the ranks and crushing the villains + doting romance. The male lead knows his own heart. He'll devote himself to her alone later on.] [The heroine rises through the ranks quickly at first, then more slowly later on.] [The heroine comes from a noble family, is the most beautiful woman in the harem, and already has two adorable children. The Emperor falls for her first and favors her from early on, before devoting himself to her alone in the middle and later parts.] By a 20.5kReads9.4Score2kShelves
41. 41 勾 Flirt with the Crown Prince, Become His Favorite Consort? A Piece of Cake 勾太子，宠妃？顺手的事儿 Snowy Dudu雪之嘟嘟Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance, sweet romance, sweet romance! We’ll say it three times because it’s important] She transmigrated? And became a favored concubine to the Crown Prince of the Jun Kingdom? After waking up one day, Mu Wantang finds herself inside a wish-fulfillment novel she had read recently, as the Crown Prince’s beloved concubine. Jun Chengyan, the Crown Prince of the Jun Kingdom and The Outcast, is breathtakingly handsome, elegant, and incomparably noble. The original owner was beautiful, but not 24.6kReads9.1Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    She was the only one favored in the beginning, and by the end, she was the only one in the harem. The emperor, empress, and empress dowager all loved her.

42. 42 娘 The Empress Doesn't Fight for Favor, the Emperor Crowns Her Empress 娘娘不宫斗，帝王捧上后位 Breezy Giggles凉风嘻嘻Ancient Romance293k WordsCompleted [A Dark, Unhinged Emperor vs. A Wild and Alluring Consort: Not a Pure Romance, but Full of Devotion, Thrills, and Sweetness!] Jiang Shu transmigrates into the harem of a tyrant, becoming an obscure Noble Lady. She thinks she’ll just keep her head down in the palace until old age. But then, to survive, she throws herself into the tyrant’s arms. The emperor adores her beyond measure! He clears out his entire harem for her and puts her on the throne as empress. From then on, their life as emperor a 1.2kReads9.1Score134Shelves
43. 43 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Wouldn’t Let Me Leave 入宫后，偏执帝王不许我出宫 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance509k WordsCompleted [Not both virgins, not a strong heroine, a little angst early on, devoted love later] In the fourth year of the new emperor’s reign, Consort Duan died suddenly of an illness in the palace. At the time, Shen Jiafu was not yet fifteen. The Empress Dowager was from the Shen family. Half a year later, she summoned a Shen daughter to the palace to attend to her, claiming to be ill. Shen Jiafu traveled from Quzhou to the imperial capital. In public, she was gentle and well-behaved, like a charming flo 14.1kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
44. 44 惹 Why Mess With Her? She's His Majesty's Beloved and His First Wife 惹她干嘛，她是陛下白月光兼发妻 Amidst Misty Rain on the Terrace楼台烟雨中Ancient Romance452k WordsCompleted [A calculating, possessive emperor × a sweet, gentle beauty | devoted to one another | mutual healing | growing-up romance | two hopeless romantics falling for each other~] Jiang Yingli has spent four years as Prince Su’s concubine. Xiao Chenglan, Prince Su, has little interest in women, and she is the only concubine in his household, so her life is peaceful and carefree. She thinks things will stay that way, but then Prince Su ascends the throne. Overnight, she rises from a lowly concubine of P 56.1kReads8.9Score6.5kShelves
45. 45 穿 After Becoming the Female Side Character, I Reached the Pinnacle of Life 穿成女配后走上人生巅峰 A Faint, Serene Smile一抹浅笑安然Ancient Romance443k WordsCompleted Chu Mianmian transmigrated into a book and became an unfavored concubine-born daughter who shared her name. The Marquis's heir, Mu Tingfeng, was the love at first sight she adored, but he was in love with her legitimate older sister. For the sake of love, she went from an unfavored concubine-born daughter to a vicious supporting villain, helping the male and female leads get together until their love was unbreakable, while she herself met a tragic end. Fortunately, when she first arrived, the su 1.1kReads8.5Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a male protagonist who is favored from the very beginning, showering the female lead with affection. From the moment they arrive at the palace, he dotes on her exclusively, without any shields, in a straightforward and open display of affection. The male lead handles the palace intrigue himself, and even the Empress Dowager...

46. 46 好 The Fertile Imperial Consort: The Emperor’s One and Only Favorite 好孕贵妃：独得圣宠 The Fish Who Loves Tea爱喝茶的鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Noble Consort Jingmin: the highest rank many women in the imperial harem could dream of attaining. But what if it was a posthumous title? Who would want that? Given another chance, Wanran had no desire to become empress. She only wanted everyone who had harmed her in her previous life to receive their due punishment, and for her children to live in peace, never again to suffer through those dark days. As for the emperor, she would never again give him her whole heart. 2.4kReads9.2Score221Shelves
47. 47 那 So What? His Majesty Dotes on Me Alone 那又怎样，奈何陛下独宠我 Moon Over the High Terrace月上高台Ancient Romance569k WordsCompleted The rating will rise once it’s posted + [A cold, devoted emperor and a dazzling beauty, an alternate dynasty, doted on from the start, both wholeheartedly in love and choosing each other] Jiang Yuexin is reborn. In her previous life, she and her best friend had both transmigrated. Jiang Yuexin became a consort in the palace who had beauty but no brains, while her best friend became the eldest daughter of a general’s household. She was breathtakingly beautiful, while her friend had only the rep 39.5kReads9.0Score6.5kShelves
48. 48 替 After Taking Her Sister's Place in the Palace to Win Favor, She Turns Out to Be the Emperor's Beloved 替姐入宫争宠后，竟是帝王白月光 Jie Chong解虫Ancient Romance694k WordsCompleted (A short drama adaptation with the same title is now available) [A timid, cowardly little beauty who only wants to keep her head down VS a ruthless, solitary emperor who indulges the heroine without limit] [Palace intrigue, love at first sight, a gradual romance, doted on from the start, the hero is completely devoted to her] Song Wu was the illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue in the Great Yan Dynasty. From birth, she was branded as an ill omen and sent away from the capital. When s 21.4kReads8.5Score2.5kShelves
49. 49 出 The Night I Left the Palace, the Mad Emperor Took Me by Force 出宫当晚，被疯批帝王强取豪夺 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 25.8kReads9.2Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Book 1: After being reborn, the little palace maid no longer seduces the emperor, only wanting to live a peaceful life. When she is released from the palace, the emperor unexpectedly falls for her. During his military campaign, she is granted permission to leave the palace. The solemn palace gates open, and countless fires illuminate the snowy night. The man on horseback, clad in cold armor, exudes a fierce aura, his eyes filled with ruthlessness. His bloodied hand caresses the woman's delicate cheek, his voice laced with anger: "Where is Yao Yao going?" Book 2: Palace maid Qin Jianjian only wants to earn money and live a carefree life after being released from the palace. Unexpectedly, the emperor can read her mind. The emperor tells her, "I find your wickedness particularly amusing." Book 3: The little palace maid Azhi is taken in and raised to be extremely cute. One day, while delivering food, she catches the emperor's eye and becomes his favorite.

50. 50 娇 The Sweet Little Promise Who Rose Through the Ranks by Bearing Children 娇娇小答应靠生子一路晋升 Purple Cat紫色猫Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + System golden finger + multiple births + silly beauty + laid-back palace intrigue + doted on exclusively later + not a pure romance] Guys, how is this fair? Other women fight for favor with their family background, beauty, and talents... Qing Luo does it by getting pregnant. She spends her days having babies, raising them, and doting on them, gradually earning the emperor's exclusive favor. With her children by her side, she climbs to the top of life... 10.1kReads9.1Score951Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all good books. The first two are slightly angsty, but overall they're sweet. The later ones are also generally good; they're all sweet romance novels.

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