Looking for Historical Novels with a Highly Intelligent Female Lead: Palace Schemes, Household Intrigue, and Power Struggles 求高智商女主古言（宫斗，宅斗，谋权）

1. 1 宠 Spoiling His Wife Without Limit: The Reborn, Scheming Regent Is Clingy 宠妻无度：腹黑摄政王重生太粘人 Su Hanzhou苏寒舟Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Hero is reborn and speaks his mind + devoted husband + putting villains in their place + one-on-one, both leads have only ever been with each other + power couple + three-year age gap] On her wedding day, Shen Yangui waited in the snow for a full half hour, only for the Regent to arrive at the residence holding another woman’s hand and marry her. Shen, the rightful Princess Consort, was brought in through a side gate and settled in the remote Snow Lodge, becoming the laughingstock of the entire 3.1kReads8.5Score426Shelves

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   On her wedding day, Shen Yangui waited in the snow for a full half hour, only to see the Regent enter the mansion hand-in-hand with another man to perform the wedding ceremony. She, the dignified Princess, entered through a side gate and was relegated to a remote snow-covered hut, becoming the laughingstock of the entire capital. She thought she would spend the rest of her life in this secluded courtyard, but that very night, the Regent suddenly rushed over, not only punishing those who had wronged her but also kneeling at her feet… He had always remembered the lack of a wedding ceremony and felt guilty, promising to make amends. Shen Yangui assumed his compensation would be to seize the throne and make her Empress, but she never expected him to pave the way for her to become Empress. He taught her to read and write, to govern the country, and entrusted her with the royal family's wealth, the tiger tally's power, trusted ministers, and even his own life. Together they fought enemies, controlled floods, eradicated plagues, and led armies to expand their territory. He helped her stabilize the court, win the hearts of the people, and ultimately make her the Emperor. "This time, I'll wait for you in the snow to welcome me home." The powerful regent, now relegated to a secondary role, devoted himself to his wife and daughters.

2. 2 我 My White-Eyed-Wolf Sister and I Were Reborn and Swapped Souls 我和白眼狼妹妹重生后灵魂互换了 Luo Zhi落之Ancient Romance178k WordsOngoing A cunning, ruthless heroine versus a twisted, obsessive hero In her previous life, Su Yu'er enjoyed the emperor's favor without end, until Shen Ningyue and the empress conspired to frame her. Reborn, she and Shen Ningyue switch souls. Now in Shen Ningyue's body, she initially plans to pretend they've made peace and team up with Su Yu'er to get revenge. But that plan falls through, so she lies low at Lady Zhaohua's side and stokes conflict in the harem, sowing suspicion between the empress and L 8Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The female lead can single-handedly conquer the harem

3. 3 错 After a Mistaken Marriage to the Heir, She Spends Every Day Showering Him with Sweets 错嫁世子后，她每天都在撒糖 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Reborn + mutually devoted sweet romance + revenge and household intrigue] Jiang Rong was deceived her entire life, and only learned the truth when she was on the verge of death. Returned to ten years earlier, she found herself fleeing an arranged marriage to elope. Jiang Rong gave the scoundrel a thorough beating, then turned around and went back to the prince’s manor to marry. The husband she had run from was Xie Lingxi, heir to the Northern Prince. In her previous life, he had protected he 34.9kReads9.5Score4.5kShelves

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   Rebirth, sweet romance, domestic power struggles – highly recommended!

4. 4 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.6kReads9.6Score31.2kShelves

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   I'm currently following a completed novel with a 9.6 rating. The female protagonist uses her memories from her past life to overcome numerous dangers. I haven't figured out who the male protagonist is yet, but the story is very captivating. The female protagonist is bold and passionate. I'll continue to share my thoughts as I read more.

5. 5 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 13.1kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

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   The female lead is the emperor's childhood sweetheart and also a palace maid serving the Empress Dowager. She is intelligent, patient, and resourceful, not a naive or innocent character. Forced into becoming a concubine and engaging in palace intrigue, the story is well-written and considered quite good among palace dramas.

6. 6 有 Wealthy Enough to Rule the Capital 有钱冠盖满京华 Mushan Creek慕山溪Ancient Romance181k WordsCompleted [Reborn + marriage first, love later + doted on by the whole family + satisfying revenge] In her previous life, Bai Jinzhou was framed and pushed into the water, ruining her reputation. She would rather marry her father's sworn enemy than the merchant who had rescued her. Later, she spent five years serving as a shield for her husband. Her father lost the emperor's trust and was dismissed from office, her elder sister was murdered, and her mother went gray overnight... Living her life over ag 604Reads8.9Score110Shelves

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   🀄🀄🀄🀄 Check out these! I've been having a reading slump lately, unable to find any good novels, and I've been rereading old ones. These are really good. The first one isn't purely palace intrigue, but the writing and plot are great, and the female lead is clear-headed and not a saint. The second one, you absolutely have to read it! It's super sweet, not angsty at all, perfect for reading after get off work with some snacks in bed. It's incredibly relaxing, comfortable, and makes you feel so happy. You absolutely have to read it, I highly recommend it, sisters 👭, trust me! The third one has a very novel plot; it's the only one I've read where the female lead is more skilled in martial arts than the male lead, and she constantly teases him—you know, teases him, hehe 😏. Go read it 👀, you won't be able to put it down! Woohoo~

7. 7 心 His Beloved Frowns, and the Heir Apparent Rushes to Comfort Her 心尖宠她一皱眉，世子夫君追着哄 Shi Yiyuan十一源Ancient Romance321k WordsCompleted [One-on-One Romance, Both Pure, Sweet Romance, Childhood Sweethearts] Print edition of Jin Shi Jin Yu signed, and the comic adaptation is now online. Yuan Rongjin was the daughter of a general, but when she was young, her stepmother framed her and sent her away from the capital! Everyone thought she would suffer terribly out in the world and live a miserable life. But no one expected that during the ten years she spent away from the capital, Yuan Rongjin never looked the least bit down and out. 30.1kReads9.1Score2.2kShelves
8. 8 妄 Daring to Break Off a Charming Branch 妄折一枝妩 Ashes Mixed with Toilet Paper烟灰拌卷筒纸Ancient Romance513k WordsCompleted [Strong heroine] [No making the hero even stronger than the heroine] [Heroine serves as the hero's bodyguard] [Historical setting] [Female physician] [A top-tier powerhouse from her very first appearance] [The heroine has unmatched combat skills] [Both leads are faithful in body and heart; the author knows exactly what that means, so keep reading.] [Older woman-younger man romance] She was imprisoned in the Earth Store Palace for ten years. It was hell. To survive, she killed without mercy. At t 14.7kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves
9. 9 皇 The Empress Leaped to Her Death, and the Mad Tyrant Wept Until His Eyes Were Red 皇后纵身一跃，疯批暴君哭红了眼 Huang Dandan黄蛋蛋Ancient Romance635k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, devoted couple + palace intrigue + regretful pursuit, clear-headed heroine, everyone's unattainable ideal] Meng Tang is a gracious, gentle empress who never competes for favor. Everyone thinks she is a true white lotus standing tall in the harem, and even the tyrant believes it. He takes a new concubine, and she smiles, congratulates him, and arranges for the newcomer to spend the night with him. He sends her restorative medicine, and she obediently takes it, knowing full we 21.8kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves

   Reader note

   It's a bit angsty.

10. 10 闺 My Best Friend Has the Ice-Cold Emperor Wrapped Around Her Finger, So I’ll Marry the Mad Prince 闺蜜拿捏高冷皇帝，我嫁疯批王爷 Orange Won't Back Down橙子不服Ancient Romance303k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Sweet Romance and Laughs + Mind Reading Later On + Palace Intrigue + If You Can Fight, Don't Waste Your Breath] Watching the aloof, abstinent young emperor on the dragon throne, Li Qinghuan swallowed and wondered, “I wonder what it feels like to date the emperor?” After making tireless efforts, Li Qinghuan finally won the emperor's heart. He doted on her beyond measure and gave her everything she wanted, driving the women of the realm mad with envy and jealousy. On her birthday 178Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first one could be considered a palace intrigue novel, a fairly standard one. The second one, well, judging from the title, is indeed quite lighthearted. In terms of domestic power struggles, the female lead won't intervene unless absolutely necessary. And, well, the male lead... If you don't mind, don't read it.

11. 11 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 105.4kReads9.4Score12.3kShelves
12. 12 逃 On the Day She Tried to Flee, the Mad Prince Imprisoned Her in the Eastern Palace 逃跑当日，疯批太子囚她入东宫 Let Me Have a Bottle of Ice-Cold Cola让我喝瓶冰阔乐Ancient Romance404k WordsCompleted [Step-by-step scheming + possessive pursuit + both leads are chaste + calculating heroine + she runs, he chases.] The low rating is only because the book has just started getting rated! Xuan Shu disguises herself as an ugly woman and designs gardens for a living. When she goes to deliver a set of designs to the Duke’s manor, she unexpectedly encounters the Crown Prince. Xuan Shu has heard that Crown Prince Pei Heng spent eight years as a hostage in his youth, yet remains gentle, modest, courteo 1.6kReads8.8Score147Shelves

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    The male and female leads are both intelligent. The female lead pretends to be ugly, but the crown prince sees through her disguise at a glance and falls in love with her at first sight. He then schemes to bring her into his mansion. The female lead feigns obedience but later finds an opportunity to escape. 💕💕💕

13. 13 成 What on Earth Is This? Complete in Two Volumes (The Original Novel Behind the Hit Drama Starring Wang Churan and Cheng Lei) 成何体统：全二册（王楚然、丞磊主演热播影视剧原著） Qi Yingjun七英俊Anime Fanfiction314k WordsCompleted What is it like to transmigrate into a web novel and become the tyrant's bedmate? After a few simple calculations, Yu Wanyin reached a conclusion: she would have to find another way. In this story full of villains, if she wanted to carve out a path to survival, she had to become the biggest villain of all. First, help the tyrant take down Prince Duan, then take down the tyrant and become empress herself. But when she met the tyrant and carefully considered the strange sense of familiarity in his 40.3kReads9.7Score6.3kShelves

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    This novel features a cast of intelligent characters. The female lead transmigrates into a book, while the male lead transmigrates more than ten years earlier. In the end, they finally find their true love. They're such a great couple! 💕💕💕

14. 14 东 The Eastern Palace Bedchamber Maid 东宫通房 Yu Nanting玉南廷Ancient Romance519k WordsCompleted Yu Niang had once been sold as a courtesan and was left with a strange illness. By chance, she became the Crown Prince’s personal medicine woman, then his bedchamber attendant. But because of her low birth, she was never given a title. The Crown Prince was handsome and noble, but cold and unfeeling. He often warned his lowly bedchamber attendant not to covet what she could never have. Yu Niang could only meekly agree. One day, a fire broke out in the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince’s leg was pi 35.3kReads9.2Score4.6kShelves

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    It's good, you'll love watching it, and you'll want to watch it again and again. It's not finished yet, but don't miss it just because it's incomplete. The love and hate between the male and female leads will keep you hooked and wanting you to read on for what happens next.

15. 15 庶 The Daily Madness of a Lowborn Daughter 庶女发癫日常 Chu Shimei楚诗魅Ancient Romance888k WordsCompleted [Transmigrated into a book heroine vs. reborn heroine, one-on-one romance] Shi Yao transmigrated into a reborn, pampered heroine’s revenge novel and became an ignored, expendable illegitimate daughter. The one doted on by everyone was Shi Mingzhu, the original heroine. In her previous life, the moment Shi Mingzhu was born, the old master declared, “Dote on her! I want the whole family to spoil her rotten!” So all eight brothers became hopelessly devoted to their little sister. To help the heroi 34.6kReads9.2Score4.6kShelves

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    I recently started reading this, and finished it in an afternoon. It has a relatively novel theme, and the characters are well-developed. The main point is about why women have to make things difficult for each other. Currently, the main storyline is about the wives uniting to fight against their powerful husband's family. It seems to be nearing its end. If you're interested and don't want to wait for updates, you can add it to your favorites and save it for when you're bored and looking for something to read.

16. 16 废 What Evil Could a Deposed Empress Have in Mind? She Just Wants to Rebel 废后能有什么坏心眼，想造反罢了 Apricot Wind, Peach Fish杏风桃鱼Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Dual rebirth + political intrigue + ensemble cast + powerful leads + character growth] In her previous life, Yun Tong died in the snow. Beside her lay the rival she had fought her whole life, and standing before her was the emperor she had protected all her life. The victor becomes king, the loser a criminal. Since she had chosen this path, she accepted its end. But natural disasters and calamities struck, the emperor was incompetent, corrupt officials held power, and the people could barely su 698Reads8.1Score102Shelves

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    I'm recommending a less popular book. Although the rating is low, it's quite well-written so far. You might have some questions in the early chapters, but you'll understand them as you read on.

17. 17 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 7.8kReads9.3Score869Shelves

    Reader note

    Don't be put off by the title of this novel! The female lead is a master strategist, and her relationship with the male lead initially stems from cooperation, but it gets sweet later on. However, it's definitely not a romance novel. Both the male and female leads are ruthless and skilled in combat—a perfect match. (Not a virgin story; the male lead had a concubine before marriage.)

18. 18 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. 6kReads9.2Score853Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is someone who, after being reborn, unexpectedly becomes pregnant with a prince 🍉. She then gains the emperor's trust through various means, eventually usurping the throne and becoming the Empress Dowager 🤔. Her intentions are good 👍, all for her son. However, this isn't a virgin story 💕. If you're bothered by this, please don't read it ❤️

19. 19 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 92kReads9.6Score12.3kShelves

    Reader note

    There are female protagonists with high IQs and intelligent time-traveling women, each with their own cunning and schemes; palace intrigue and domestic power struggles abound.

20. 20 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 28.9kReads9.2Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Long-planned... My wish has finally come true.

21. 21 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Bewitching, and the Emperor Gives In to Pleasure 娘娘撩人魅惑，帝王纵情堕落 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The Tomato short drama Kun Yi is now streaming~ [Transmigrate into a book, male lead is not a virgin but female lead is, palace intrigue, psychological games, happy ending] The Crown Prince, Jun Zechen, has seen his fair share of calculating women, and loves only those who are pure and kind. While campaigning beyond the frontier, he meets Ling Yue and is captivated by her free-spirited kindness. He promises to spend his life with her alone. But two years pass, and the Crown Princess has yet to c 118kReads9.5Score11.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead in this is amazing.

22. 22 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

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    ❗️Xiao Wangshu, whose name means "supporting the sun and replacing the moon," is a figure of immense ambition and cunning. The entire Xiao family is filled with treacherous officials. Their wolfish ambitions are blatantly obvious. The female protagonist is a cunning and ruthless woman, ambitious, capable, domineering, and decisive: "If I push someone into the water, they'll be half-dead, if not drowned! If I poison someone, it'll be at least poisonous wine, poisonous herbs, and arsenic! If I truly want to harm you, you won't have a chance to stand still and shout!" The children of the Xiao family will live and die for them. ❗️Love is a fleeting illusion, justice is a dream woven by the weak. The victors don't care about the means, only the results. Everyone needs a goal in life. A peaceful and happy life may be many people's dream, but it's not what Su Jingyao aspires to. She is ambitious, wanting only to reach for the moon and grasp the stars. He would not give up until he achieved his goal. Emperor Jun Zechen ruled the country, while she, controlling the emperor's heart, wielding imperial power, and holding the reins of power, ascended to the pinnacle of power.

23. 23 公 The Duke's Adopted Daughter 公府义女 Third Princess of the Chen Family陈家三公主Ancient Romance261k WordsCompleted After witnessing her mother’s brutal death with her own eyes, she was reborn as the adopted daughter of the Duke’s household instead of its legitimate daughter. On the road to revenge, she would wear down her enemies bit by bit, destroying everything they treasured most. Death would be too easy. She wanted them to live, but to wish they were dead. 87Reads7.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Having witnessed her mother's tragic death, she is reborn as an adopted daughter of a noble family, and from then on, she embarks on a rampage of destruction. The female lead is intelligent and worth watching!

24. 24 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 123.7kReads9.7Score14kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist has the body of a child but the soul of an adult. She travels back to ancient times, initially relying on the script, but later, as the plot deviates from the original story, she begins to rely on her intelligence—she's incredibly intelligent—and the author's writing is excellent.

25. 25 黑 The Black Lotus Is Reborn, and She Slaughters Her Way Through with the Ailing Young Lord 黑莲花重生，和病弱小公爷杀疯了 A Drunken Glance at the Glazed Moon一醉琉月Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted Shen Wan is the model of an aristocratic young lady: equally skilled in the literary and martial arts, and a peerless physician. Her parents and five older brothers adore her and treat her like the apple of their eye. Before these very relatives hunt her down and kill her, she too believes she is the beloved young lady everyone dotes on, and the Crown Prince’s sweetheart. Only as she lies dying does she learn the truth: she is not the legitimate daughter of the Shen family at all. The true daugh 28.7kReads8.7Score2.1kShelves

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    [Female Lead + Political Intrigue] The female lead is a fake heiress who is reborn into a family where she is skilled in medicine, both literature and martial arts, and well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics. She thought she was preparing to enter the Eastern Palace and become the Crown Princess, but it turns out that everything was a conspiracy...

26. 26 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 257.8kReads9.7Score30.2kShelves
27. 27 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
28. 28 簪 The Flower-Pinned Young Man 簪花少年郎 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted When they first met, Qiao Yanan mistook the young man's sex, taking the breathtakingly beautiful youth for a girl. Thinking they were both fellow sufferers in this world, she treated “her” with great warmth, stirring the young man's heart. Once his identity was revealed, Qiao Yanan asked him to pose as her fake fiancé for her own safety. Having fallen for a beautiful young woman, the boy's heart beat faster and faster. He gladly accepted his new fiancée and did everything he could to turn their 10.4kReads9.6Score1.6kShelves
29. 29 缘 So It Was You: The Transmigrated Princess Stirs Up a Storm 缘来是你：穿越王妃搅风云 March Woodheart三月木心Ancient Romance274k WordsCompleted They crossed a thousand years and met when they were at their lowest. After betrayal struck, she risked her life to save him, as if fate itself had destined it. They thought they would never see each other again, but after many twists and turns, they met once more. But times had changed, and each had something they could not let go of. Between country life and political intrigue, where would their paths lead...? —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This should meet your requirements. Mu Xin's books have well-developed plots and meticulous character portrayals, making them rare and excellent books worth reading.

30. 30 公 After the Princess Refused a Political Marriage, She Conquered the Empire 公主拒绝和亲后，称霸了江山 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance395k WordsCompleted [No rebirth or transmigration + powerful female lead + nation and family + court politics and ambition + light, stress-relieving power fantasy] Princess Chaohuang, daughter of the late crown prince, is deeply beloved by the emperor and the most exalted princess in the Kingdom of Xining. But the great clans consider her a thorn in their side and are constantly trying to drive her out. The daily question: Has Princess Chaohuang been kicked out of the Eastern Palace yet? Envoys from enemy states: W 315Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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    🐸The female protagonist is the daughter of a deceased crown prince, deeply favored by the emperor and granted the title of princess, residing in the Eastern Palace. With a single word, she can persuade an envoy from an enemy state to send away half of Jiangshan, leaving all officials trembling in fear.😂 🐸She is a reborn princess, the legitimate wife of the empress, determined to change her destiny and take control of her life (Who says women can't wield power? I'll be the first!). 🐸In her previous life, she believed herself to be the center of attention, but it was all an illusion. This time, she schemes tirelessly, seeking the truth, determined to live for herself.

31. 31 惊 Shocking! The Legitimate Princess Defies Fate Every Day! 惊！嫡公主她每天都在逆天改命！ Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Female-led power fantasy + ruthless, unhinged heroine + an extreme “I’d rather betray others than let them betray me” mentality] Xuan Mingyao was reborn at the age of seven, back before anything had happened. Though she was the empress’s legitimate daughter, a princess treated like royalty, her younger brother, the crown prince, was about to die of illness. Her mother would soon be consumed by worry, grow estranged from the emperor, and eventually be deposed in the witchcraft scandal. Overnight 28kReads9.4Score3.8kShelves
32. 32 被 Reborn After Her Heart Was Stolen, the All-Powerful Beast Tamer Makes All of Jiuzhou Weep 被挖心重生后，全能驭兽师虐哭九州 Wild Sugar荒糖Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted In her previous life, Lu Wan naively thought she was adored by everyone. But on the day she reached the Great Beginning Realm, her husband poisoned her and joined forces with the Lu family to accuse her of being a demonic cultivator. They dug out her heart and lungs, and even the child in her womb died on the spot. The Lu family treated her well only because she was a “medicine Gu.” Her husband cherished her only for the golden core inside her. Lu Wan broke down and detonated her golden core on 1.7kReads9.0Score200Shelves
33. 33 四 Four Sisters Reborn: How Did You All End Up Getting Poorer? 四姐妹一块重生，你们咋越过越穷 Little X from the Mountains山里来的小叉叉Ancient Romance515k WordsCompleted [Household intrigue + both leads are each other’s only partner + ancient-language romance, punishing scumbags] After Shen Yanning was reborn, she discovered that all three of her older sisters had been reborn too. Her eldest sister wept and made a fuss, insisting on a divorce because her husband’s family would kill her. Her second sister abandoned a match between families of equal status, determined to change her fate: “I’m the heroine. What have I got to fear?” Her third sister was the boldest. 4.7kReads9.0Score558Shelves

    Reader note

    Four sisters reborn, four different choices. The story is good, the writing is good, it's quite enjoyable, I recommend it.

34. 34 皇 The Empress Is a Max-Level Palace Intriguer, Crushing Everyone 皇后满级宫斗，嘎嘎乱杀 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + infidelity + fictional setting + a resourceful, money-loving, beauty-loving, life-loving empress ✖️ emperor] In her previous life, Hua Shu was a lowly palace maid. She schemed her way to the top of the political ladder, only to be condemned by everyone and branded a wicked woman who brought ruin to the nation. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in the unfamiliar state of Chu, as an unloved empress who’s also being made a scapegoat. As if she’d put up with that! S 14.2kReads9.4Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Enough said! See for yourself!

35. 35 身 Body Swap: The God of War Prince Takes Over My Household Battles 身体互换：战神王爷替我宅斗 Clear Breeze Begonia清风海棠Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [1v1, Fun Romantic Comedy, HE, Wise and Cool-Headed Young Lady vs. Adorable God of War Prince, Both Chaste, Happy Ending] The people of the Jiang household notice that their young lady has been acting strangely lately. The young lady used to be quiet and gentle. Now she’s still quiet, but there’s a murderous aura about her. In the garden, her sweet-talking younger sister affectionately reaches to link arms with her. Ye Zhan dodges at once, her voice full of disdain. “If you want to talk, then ta 11.1kReads9.1Score1.6kShelves
36. 36 G GB: Is the Shadow Guard Too Submissive? The Lady Takes the Lead GB：暗卫太卑微？小姐亲自折腰 It's Xiao Shang是肖尚Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing [Female Top, Male Bottom, No Switching or Reversal, Plot-Driven Angst, Growing Female Lead] [Scheming, Dominant Young Lady x Humble Puppy-Like Shadow Guard] [Not Just a Two-Person Story, Slightly Female-Centric] [Bittersweet Romance, Childbirth, The Author Has Decided Who Gives Birth] The state of Qiao is bound by rigid Confucian morals, with civil officials holding the reins of power. Beneath the surface, turmoil has long been brewing. Zhi He’s original wish was simple: for the Zhi family to li 2.1kReads8.1Score270Shelves

    Reader note

    The handling of the gossip segment was clever; the villain spread rumors to frame the female lead, who cleverly turned the tables on him, while the male lead quietly cleaned up the mess. The characters remained consistently well-developed throughout.

37. 37 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 27kReads9.5Score3.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Hey there, sister! Look at me!

38. 38 都 Since I've Transmigrated into the Qing Dynasty, Why Not Boldly Choose Kangxi? 都清穿了，不妨大胆点选康熙啊！ Midnight Stars深夜星辰Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted On the first day Shi Nanxi transmigrates into the Qing Dynasty, she learns that her elder legitimate sister, Shi Rongyue, is also a transmigrator. Shi Rongyue wants to escape her future as the Crown Princess, so she approaches Nanxi and offers to let her marry the Crown Prince while she marries the Fourth Prince. Anyone who transmigrates into the Qing Dynasty knows the history. The Crown Prince’s later years are miserable. Though the Fourth Prince eventually wins, he is only thirteen now and wil 18.3kReads9.2Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    High-IQ Time-Traveling Heroine ✅ Time-traveling during the Kangxi Era of the Qing Dynasty ✅ Green Tea (Scheming Girl) ✅ The heroine and the supporting heroine are both time-traveling women. The heroine has extremely high emotional and intellectual intelligence! She knows exactly what she wants throughout the entire story and completely outclasses the supporting heroine! Sweet moments with Emperor Kangxi!

39. 39 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
40. 40 明 Marry Me Beneath the Bright Moon 明月嫁卿卿 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Song Chuyu thought she and Kang Rui were deeply in love, and that no one could ever come between them. Yet that person had been living by their side all along, pampered under the title of “sister-in-law.” After being reborn, Song Chuyu didn’t spare Kang Rui a glance as he rode through the streets in triumph, and she certainly wouldn’t marry him again. * When Kang Rui woke up to find himself back in the impoverished days of his youth, he struggled to get used to the drafty windows after having li 85.4kReads9.3Score10.9kShelves

    Reader note

    A minor "wife-chasing-after-the-wives-crash" scenario + a lot of female lead career development + male lead helping female lead career development + a small amount of romance.

41. 41 卿 My Beloved, You Bewitch My Heart 卿卿惑君心 Bei Xingyi北行易Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A bewitching fox-like beauty schemes to make the hero fall deeper at every turn + palace intrigue + transmigrated heroine VS reborn heroine] A Wall Street queen of finance dies in a plane crash and becomes Mu Qingli, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister of Dongli, who died unjustly. She inherits all of the original owner’s memories and bloody grievances: the humiliation of spending her wedding night alone, the despair of being framed for adultery, and the tragic leap from the Star-Gaz 854Reads8.9Score116Shelves

    Reader note

    "A Potential Masterpiece of Ancient Romance" boasts top-notch writing, a tight plot, and a fast-paced narrative. Every dramatic turnaround in dire situations is breathtaking. The combination of revenge, court intrigue, and high intelligence in its depiction of "love" is unparalleled. During the reading process, the emotions resonate deep within the soul, leaving a lasting impression. After finishing the book, the only feeling that can describe it is one of profound awe. Highly recommended.

42. 42 孕 My Husband Wants a Divorce While I'm Pregnant? Fine, Whatever You Want! 孕期夫君要和离？随你都随你！ Fu Bao芙宝Ancient Romance331k WordsCompleted Shu Yuwan is the youngest legitimate daughter in her family. Her parents and elder brothers have cherished her since childhood, and her mother carefully chose a distinguished young gentleman from the capital to be her husband. After their wedding, the couple may not have been inseparable, but they treated each other with mutual respect. But while she was pregnant, her husband claimed he had met an extraordinary woman who had left him awestruck. He wanted a divorce so he could marry her. Shu Yuwa 11kReads8.9Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is reborn, and the whole book has a very fast pace.

43. 43 拽 The Feisty Consort Climbs to Power Through Palace Intrigue, Everyone Else Back Off 拽妃宫斗上位，闲杂人等退退退 Pine Blossom Candy松花糖Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama is out now. Search for it on Fanqie to watch. [Palace Intrigue Power Fantasy + Not a Clean Romance + Being the Emperor’s Mother Is Better Than Being His Consort] Every woman in the harem hopes to win Emperor Jingrong’s favor, but Yuan Yuntang sees the emperor only as a tool for having children. Women in ancient times had to marry sooner or later anyway, so she might as well marry the most powerful man of all. After all, Emperor Jingrong has a great figure, a handsome face, and a 16.6kReads9.1Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This one has to be it! It's high-IQ, the female lead is incredibly arrogant, and even the emperor isn't brainless.

44. 44 家 My Immortal Wife at Home: I'll Beat You to Death, You Old Witch! 家有仙妻之打死你个老巫婆 Na Lan Na Duo那兰那朵Ancient Romance901k WordsOngoing No cultivation, no monster-fighting! No energy refining, no alchemy! Young married couple Yu Xiaoxian and Yue Tianyou possess a treasure and are hunted by all the realms. Before the spirit pills are destroyed, they pass ten thousand years of cultivation to their son, Yue Buyu. Six couples, upheaval across the Three Realms, love and hatred, and devotion to family and country. 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No time travel or reincarnation! No gouging out eyes or hearts! No mindless wish fulfillment! Every plot twist is both logical and unexpected! The coincidences are just right! The killings are incredibly satisfying! Six couples' love stories—which one will leave you heartbroken?

45. 45 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 118.2kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book, as the title suggests, has no romantic pairing. The second is a "raising a child" type of story; it ends when the female lead's father becomes emperor. The third is undoubtedly good. The fourth is a matter of the author's discretion; the recent chapters have become more ambiguous. If you don't mind harem elements, it's still a good book.

46. 46 穿 After Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 137.8kReads9.6Score16.6kShelves
47. 47 惊 What?! The Villainous Tycoon Is My Older Brother. Stay Calm! 惊！反派大佬是我兄长，稳住！ Ruthless Flower Chaser辣手追花Ancient Romance626k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate + woman disguises herself as a man + pocket dimension + sibling affection + romance interest unknown + lighthearted wish-fulfillment story] [Warning: The protagonist likes handsome men, so this may feel a little like a harem story. If that bothers you, don’t read!] A modern landlady transmigrates into a book as a dissolute young villainess who disguises herself as a man. When she learns that the tragic, powerful villain is her own older brother, she immediately grabs hold of his co 9.9kReads9.0Score1kShelves
48. 48 人 Life Is a Play, and the Empress Is All About Her Acting Skills 人生如戏，娘娘她纯拼演技 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + witty banter + sweet, delicate beauty + calculated mind games] The leads are not each other’s only partners. If that bothers you, don’t read. Be prepared for suspicion in the early chapters, followed by affection later. The pacing is slow, so proceed with caution if you prefer fast-paced wish-fulfillment stories. As a double award-winning actress and a seasoned star of palace intrigue dramas, how could Shi Yan possibly lose her nerve after transmigrating into the imperial hare 5kReads9.3Score532Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese palace intrigue 🍉 👉 The female protagonist transmigrates into the body of a concubine in a royal palace. She's terrified from the start, as the harem is filled with ruthless and powerful princesses, formidable concubines, and constantly scheming women—reborn and transmigrated women alike. The lowly concubine can only try to survive, raising her own child and settling down in peace... 🤭🤭

49. 49 娘 The Empress’s Peerless Beauty: The Cold Emperor’s Beloved Wife 娘娘绝色：冷情帝王的娇娇皇后 Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + palace and household intrigue + alternate history + exclusive devotion + childhood sweethearts + long-planned love + secret admiration] As the legitimate daughter of a duke’s mansion and the future crown princess, Li Yunshu has been doted on by everyone since birth. Everyone in the capital knows that no one can match Li Yunshu’s radiant beauty, and that her spoiled temperament is just as singular. Then, one day, the Crown Prince dies. The duke’s mansion, whi 12.5kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
50. 50 出 On the Day of My Funeral, I Smashed the Coffin and Married the Regent 出殡日！砸棺椁！转身嫁摄政王 Three Days of Cold寒三日Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Beloved by everyone + powerful heroine] In her previous life, she trusted the wrong people. A conspiracy turned her from the pampered eldest daughter of the Bai family, envied by all, into someone everyone despised as disloyal and unfilial. Her six brothers, who loved her dearly, lost their heads because of her. Her maternal grandfather, who cherished her like a precious jewel, was framed because of her, and his lifelong reputation was ruined! She seethed with hatred! Reborn on the day of her g 3.4kReads9.2Score541Shelves

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