Palace Intrigue Stories Where the Heroine Starts as a Low-Ranking Consort and Fights Her Way Up 宫斗文，女主从低位嫔妃开始奋斗

1. 1 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

   These three books all involve palace intrigue from a low rank to a high rank 😎

2. 2 贵 The Imperial Consort Reigns Supreme in the Harem 贵妃娘娘宠冠后宫 Pine Ink and Smoky Elegance松墨韵烟Ancient Romance676k WordsCompleted [First novel, read at your own risk] The three armies welcome the imperial carriage! General Yun personally leads the way! The Emperor himself comes out to greet it! Who on earth is sitting inside that carriage? How can they deserve such a grand reception? “What village did you crawl out of? Who else could be treated like this by those two?” The younger sister of General Yun, the Yun family’s legitimate daughter, Yun Qing: the imperial consort personally appointed by the Emperor, and the apple o 884Reads7.8Score103Shelves
3. 3 作 Has the Spoiled Consort Lost the Emperor's Favor Today? 作精贵妃今天失宠了吗 Like Every Morning似朝朝Ancient Romance977k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Lin Yan entered the palace by imperial decree and was immediately made Noble Consort, ranking just below the empress. She happily believed the emperor truly loved and cherished her. In the end, she was nothing but a pawn in that man's hand, used to keep the empress's maternal family in check! Reborn, Lin Yan decides she will no longer play the obedient noble consort. The Lin family raised her to be a spoiled little troublemaker, so why should she hold back for the sake of 954Reads5.5Score—Shelves
4. 4 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 45.4kReads9.5Score5.7kShelves

   Reader note

   1. Shen Qing was the lowest-ranking concubine in the male lead's palace. She lacked the resources and power to vie for favor, and was destined to be bullied if she didn't. She planned to remain a nobody and wait for the female lead to enter the palace two years later. However, unexpectedly, before the female lead even entered the palace, she became the most favored concubine. 2. The female lead was a palace maid who originally hoped to be granted a chance to leave the palace or remain a female official for life. Instead, she became a concubine, entangled with the emperor for life.

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
6. 6 夏 Xia Dongchun: A Hundred-Foot Crimson, No Thanks 夏冬春：一丈红，婉拒了哈 Cat Eating Mangoes猫猫吃芒果Female-Channel Fanfiction448k WordsCompleted Xia Dongchun transmigrated into Empresses in the Palace and became the unlucky Fourth Sister, who gets sentenced to the infamous One Foot of Red. To make matters worse, she arrived on the day of the imperial selection... Since she was already there, she decided to make the best of it. Her goal was to survive by keeping her head down, though a better life would be nice too. (This is simply a story about an ordinary girl who transmigrates into Empresses in the Palace. The heroine doesn't have the 577Reads8.4Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Both of these books feature female protagonists who rise from low-ranking concubines to high positions through palace intrigue. I personally prefer the second and third books. The second book is finished, while the third is still being updated.

7. 7 娘 A Consort's Easy Life in Empresses in the Palace 娘娘在甄嬛里混吃等死 I Don't Like Soy Milk不爱喝豆奶Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Oh no, I messed up! I was just nursing a broken heart, ordering a ton of takeout, and watching Empresses in the Palace with a little wine to help me get tipsy. How did I suddenly transmigrate into Empresses in the Palace? This is ridiculous! When other people transmigrate into Empresses in the Palace, they at least get a name and some standing. I start out as a palace maid, the unlucky scapegoat whom the Empress takes her anger out on over a peony pastry that Songzhi deliberately knocked over! I 3.8kReads8.9Score195Shelves
8. 8 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Lingrong Is Reborn and Becomes the Empress Dowager 甄嬛传之陵容重生做太后 Su Xue粟雪Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted Her dream of becoming a beloved imperial consort shattered, An Lingrong returned to the age of sixteen, before the selection of palace women. No longer weighed down by an illusory father-daughter bond. No longer blinded by the false favor of the imperial harem. In the end, she would forge her own path to becoming Empress Dowager. 6.4kReads9.0Score564Shelves
9. 9 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.7kReads9.0Score763Shelves

   Reader note

   You absolutely have to read this! This book about climbing the ladder to the throne of empress is incredibly captivating!

10. 10 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

    Reader note

    The female protagonist rises through the ranks from a lowly maidservant to a concubine, then a secondary consort of the crown prince, a noble consort, and finally the empress! At the beginning, she's already a noble consort, but wakes up with amnesia, only remembering her time as a maid. The domineering noble consort transforms into an adorable simpleton, and the emperor is completely captivated.

11. 11 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

    I highly recommend this book! The female protagonist rises slowly from a low-ranking concubine, possessing a resilient character and always clearly defining her goals. The palace intrigue scenes are truly thought-provoking. The author's writing is superb!! A genuine recommendation!

12. 12 穿 A Laid-Back Life as a Concubine After Transmigrating Into a Book 穿书成为妾室后的咸鱼日常 Rose and Begonia蔷薇海棠Ancient Romance645k WordsCompleted [Transmigrates into a book] [Everyday child-rearing] [No golden finger] [Not a clean romance, proceed with caution] Lin Siyao never expected that reading a novel would send her straight into the story, as the concubine of Prince Qin, Zhao Hanqian, who died in her bridal sedan before she could even enter his household. In this feudal dynasty, where social ranks are rigidly enforced, Lin Siyao has heard that another transmigrator was branded a demon and burned to death. She doesn't dare entertain 4.2kReads8.7Score275Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a transmigration novel where the original female lead and the current female lead don't clash or engage in a revenge plot. The female lead is completely passive and doesn't get involved in anything. Her only struggle is to support herself in her old age and have a son. The story begins with her becoming a concubine and gradually rises in rank. She doesn't crave a man's love and prefers to live a quiet and peaceful life in her own little world, watching the ups and downs of the palace unfold without any dramatic ups and downs.

13. 13 如 Story of Yanxi Palace: Yanwan Gets the Heroine’s Script 如懿传：当嬿婉拿了女主剧本 Wu Wu Wu Mei巫巫巫梅Female-Channel Fanfiction698k WordsCompleted [Main story and bonus chapters complete] After Yanwan dies, she is reborn on the day she is made a Minor Attendant. This time, she'll kindle the flames of revenge and make everyone who bullied her pay dearly. Jinzhong is reborn at the same time after his death. He hates her with all his heart, yet can't help falling in love with the utterly wicked Wei Yanwan. Both have hearts steeped in malice. Yanwan and Jinzhong are two of a kind, a wicked consort and a treacherous courtier bringing a lurid bl 1.7kReads9.3Score170Shelves

    Reader note

    ❤️1. The protagonist starts as a palace maid, and with the help of Jinzhong, becomes a concubine and climbs the ranks step by step. In her previous life, she was an Imperial Noble Consort. This is a rebirth story. ❤️2. The protagonist comes from an ordinary family but is extremely cautious. She carefully climbs up from the bottom, seeking neither true love nor wealth and status. ❤️3. In her previous life, the protagonist was implicated by her half-sister in the palace and became a member of the Qingzhong faction. In this second life, she wants to change her destiny.

14. 14 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 41.5kReads9.6Score5.9kShelves
15. 15 九 The Nine-Phoenix Hairpin 九凤钗 Apples Don't Like Meatballs苹果不爱吃丸子Ancient Romance778k WordsCompleted Song Zhu was once a lost royal treasure hidden in the forest, but fate sent her by a twist of circumstance into the palace of her enemies. On one side were the hatred and grievances between their countries; on the other, she found herself slowly sinking deeper and deeper into Mo Jingyuan’s love. Mo Jingyuan drank the plum blossom wine Song Zhu had brewed with her own hands. Dark red blood welled from the corner of his lips. “Azhu, let the grudges of the previous generation end with us. Give bir 52Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Song Zhu was originally a royal jewel lost in the forest, but fate led her by chance into the palace of her enemy. Torn between national and personal hatred, and the gradual descent into love with Mo Jingyuan, she found herself sinking deeper and deeper. Mo Jingyuan drank the plum blossom wine brewed by Song Zhu herself, dark red blood welling from his lips. "Ah Zhu, let the grudges of the previous generation be settled between us. Give birth to the child, and I will hand over my empire to him." A must-see! Highly recommended!

16. 16 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

    This one is definitely a must-read! The first one is fantastic; the female lead is incredibly clear-headed. She transmigrates and becomes Empress, instantly reaching the top tier of status—the ultimate palace intrigue story! The second one is also about palace intrigue; the female lead is smart, beautiful, and cunning, with a good family background. She gradually wins over the Emperor, and she's also incredibly clear-headed. Highly recommended! The third one isn't on Tomato, but it's absolutely amazing. The Empress is always unambitious, but the female lead is incredibly sharp, rising step by step from Consort Bao to Imperial Concubine, gradually winning over the Emperor. Absolutely fantastic!

17. 17 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 81.1kReads9.5Score9.1kShelves
18. 18 弃 The Reckless Abandoned Daughter: The Poisonous Consort Strikes Hard 弃女轻狂：毒妃狠嚣张 Seven Sunflowers七葵Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted A 21st-century all-around agent transmigrates and nearly falls victim to her own mother’s murderous hand. They call her a good-for-nothing who can’t cultivate, worse than a beggar? Bai Huang gives a cold laugh. With a rare treasure in hand, all five of her elemental talents are unleashed. Even the War God has to step aside if he wants to take her as a disciple. She adopts adorable spirit pets, and all beasts bow to her as a crowd of underlings eagerly awaits her favor. A master of both medicine 18.6kReads9.5Score3.6kShelves
19. 19 暖 Fragrant Bedchamber: The Eastern Palace Concubine's Lie-Flat Life 暖帐香：东宫侍妾的躺平日常 Jin Yu锦喻Ancient Romance390k WordsCompleted [Raising a child + palace intrigue + ordinary transmigrator + not both leads’ first love, but doting romance] Xu Qinglu was transmigrated into the Xu family as their legitimate daughter. In the tenth year of Chengde, she was sent to the Eastern Palace as a concubine. After a year of cautiously serving the Crown Prince, walking on eggshells, she finally became pregnant. Having a daughter was all she needed. She would have been happy to live out her days peacefully in the palace. But when her daug 3.1kReads9.0Score238Shelves

    Reader note

    1. Xu Qinglu was reborn as the legitimate daughter of the Xu family and sent to the Eastern Palace as a concubine. A year later, she became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. She then discovered she possessed mind-reading abilities, able to hear the thoughts of her daughter, who was also a transmigrator. Through these thoughts, she learned they lived in a book: the Crown Prince was the male lead, the female lead was unknown, Consort Xiao was reborn, Consort Yu was a transmigrator, a concubine was a spy, and a concubine was trying to steal the Crown Prince's daughter. She, an ordinary transmigrator, could only survive in this world. 2. Xia Luzhu transmigrated into a lowly concubine. After three years in the palace, she hadn't seen the Emperor's face. Palace intrigues and betrayals were irrelevant to her; she secretly observed the drama unfolding before discovering there were reborn individuals and other transmigrators besides herself.

20. 20 误 Accidentally Capturing the Emperor’s Heart: The Lucky Little Consort Lies Low Her Way to Empress 误入帝心，福运小答应靠摆烂封后 Gray and Black灰啊黑Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue / born into a new life in the womb / not an exclusive relationship / lighthearted daily life / doted on by the emperor after the heroine arrives / alternate world] Xia Luzhu is the lowest-ranking consort in the imperial harem. In her three years in the palace, she has never once seen the emperor. Apart from mandatory greetings, she hardly ever leaves her quarters. Palace intrigue? Assassination plots? Miscarriages? None of it has anything to do with her. Xia Luzhu's greatest dai 1.5kReads8.9Score152Shelves
21. 21 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
22. 22 清 A Qing Concubine Who Doesn’t Compete for Favor 清穿之不争宠的小答应 Zhao Qingxian赵清娴Ancient Romance201k WordsCompleted (This is the author's embarrassing early work. Signed works cannot be deleted or hidden. If it poisons you, don't blame the author!!!) (This is not a traditional Qing-dynasty transmigration story. It reflects only the author's own imagined version of palace intrigue in the Qing dynasty, written before I'd read countless such stories on this platform. The heroine starts at the lowest rank, is framed after entering the palace, and can't get back on her feet. She can't even lie flat, doomed to a mi 122Reads—Score—Shelves
23. 23 清 Rising to Power as a Palace Attendant in the Qing Dynasty 清穿之答应成功上位 Nan Xueyuan南雪鸢Ancient Romance269k WordsCompleted [Alternate history + Qing dynasty setting + sweet romance] What is going on? Wasn't she supposed to be celebrating becoming a rich woman at a bar? How did she suddenly become an invisible, sickly concubine in the Fourth Prince's harem? Watch how a palace-intrigue idiot becomes the Fourth Prince's favorite consort!!! 33Reads5.5Score—Shelves
24. 24 清 A Qing Dynasty Rebirth: The Big Shot Helps Me Win Over Zhen 清穿复仇，大佬助我谋禛心 Jia Xiaoqi嘉小麒Ancient Romance672k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + historical setting + sweet romance + court intrigue + a little household and harem drama + brotherhood] (Completed) I crossed three hundred years of time just to meet you, while you endured three hundred lonely years, waiting in vain for my return... Jianing wakes up one morning to find that she has transmigrated, and is forced to inherit the tragic memories of the original owner's final moments. Bullied and abused! Her belly cut open to save someone else's unborn child! The or 701Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is great. It features a story from princess to empress dowager, with both romance and family ties. It depends on which one you're into.

25. 25 重 Reborn Palace Maid: She Only Wants to Fight for the Emperor's Favor 重生宫女之她只想宫斗 Lady Yejiu夜九娘Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Jiaoyun spent years confined in the Cold Palace before finally being released. What she got in return was a useless husband and a wicked mother-in-law. This time, she decisively betrayed her mistress and climbed into someone else’s bed, successfully rising in status. And then she became the lowest-ranking palace maid… When Emperor Jingheng first saw Jiaoyun, he was merely captivated by her looks. “How can this palace maid have fairer skin than the Noble Consort?” Jiaoy 745Reads9.1Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    💕The first book's female lead truly started from humble beginnings. She was wronged in her past life, but she immediately latched onto the emperor's coattails. Her initial status was very low, and the palace intrigue wasn't fast-paced. She clearly and consciously climbed her way up, eventually winning over the arrogant male lead. [Full of joy][Full of joy][Full of joy] 💕The second book's female lead has strong morals, is clear-headed, and not a saint. She's a time-traveling woman and a movie queen. Of course, playing a movie queen is effortless for her. The male lead is completely fooled by her, practically being manipulated by a woman, hahaha! [OK][OK][OK]

26. 26 宫 Memoirs of Palace Intrigue 宫斗回忆录 Song Jin宋衿Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted The leads are not each other’s firsts. Later, after the heroine wins the emperor’s favor, he will not dismiss his harem for her. If that bothers you, don’t read! The heroine enters the palace at a very low rank and rises through palace intrigue and childbirth. In this story, low-ranking consorts are promoted one rank when they become pregnant and another after giving birth; high-ranking consorts are promoted after giving birth. Consorts of the Pin rank and above can raise their own children. Tho 25Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel features a female protagonist who enters the palace with a very low rank through the imperial concubine selection process, rises through the ranks, and has a son who becomes the emperor. In the end, she becomes the Empress Dowager. There's no rebirth, no cheat codes, no system; it's simply a palace intrigue novel about rising to power.

27. 27 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.4kReads9.2Score950Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a very good book.

28. 28 绑 Bound to the System, the Empress Keeps Conceiving 绑定系统后，娘娘她好孕连连 Mu Ningxuan沐凝萱Ancient Romance621k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Yun Zhining was forced to enter the palace to save her legitimate elder sister from the Cold Palace. Her sister regained the emperor's favor and stepped over Yun Zhining's corpse to become empress. Unwilling to accept her fate, Yun Zhining bound herself to a System and was reborn anew. Ding! Congratulations, you've bound yourself to the System and gained exceptional talents. Ding! Congratulations, you've won the emperor's favor and received one fertility pill. Ding! Congrat 470Reads7.3Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist starts as a lowly concubine, but through continuous hard work, she eventually becomes the Empress Dowager and reaches the pinnacle of her life.

29. 29 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

    Reader note

    For those of you experiencing a reading slump, check out this book! It just finished reading on January 14, 2025, and you definitely won't regret buying it. The female lead has a distinct personality, unlike typical palace dramas, and the side stories are high quality too! Go for it, everyone! [Learned][Learned][Learned]

30. 30 重 Reborn: The Sweet, Black-Hearted Princess Dotes Exclusively on Her Sickly Eunuch 重生：白切黑公主独宠病娇九千岁 Sleepy Cat猫沉沉Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The print comic is now available: The Princess Has Nothing to Fear] [100% sweetness + two lovesick leads + fake eunuch + strong heroine] [Unhinged princess vs. stone-faced, straight-laced eunuch] Before she was reborn, she chose the most dazzling top scholar in the Northern Kingdom as her consort. Her whole family was slaughtered, her country fell, and she was forced to marry a eunuch! After being reborn, the first thing she did was deal with that two-faced scumbag. She refused to take even the 6.7kReads9.3Score990Shelves

    Reader note

    They're all very beautiful.

31. 31 穿 After I Transmigrated, I Became the Frail Moonlight of the Entire Imperial Harem 穿越后我成了全后宫的病弱白月光 Si Qian and Porridge司千和粥Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted Rising star Wan Lai'er transmigrates overnight and becomes Wan Jiaojiao, a palace lady who died just after entering the imperial palace of the Great Jin dynasty. With her “bounce back from the brink, refill the mana bar” skill, Wan Jiaojiao isn't afraid of a thing. As long as she's still breathing, she can't die. What?! The horse beside the Empress Dowager has bolted? Wan Jiaojiao says, “Leave it to me!” The Empress Dowager declares, “Jiaojiao saved my life. I want to see who in the harem dares 2.8kReads9.3Score415Shelves

    Reader note

    All of these stories feature characters who rose from lowly concubines to high positions; all are completed; and none of them feature a clean relationship between the male and female leads. However, once the male lead falls in love with the female lead, he dotes on her exclusively, without considering anyone else. Those who prefer stories with clean relationships should proceed with caution!

32. 32 清 Consort Hui of the Qing Dynasty: After Bearing the Fourth Prince, I Became the Emperor's Favorite 清穿惠妃：生下四阿哥后独宠了 Hui Ning橞宁Ancient Romance464k WordsCompleted Wu Jingwan has been dreaming about Yinzhi every day lately. One day, after dreaming that Yinzhi was imprisoned, she transmigrates into the body of Consort Hui, one of Emperor Kangxi’s consorts. Well, she isn’t Consort Hui yet. She’s only Noble Consort Hui. Whenever Wu Jingwan wakes in the middle of the night and thinks of Yinzhi’s fate, her heart aches. How could the dashing, beloved eldest prince have ended up like that? Now that she’s here, she won’t let that tragedy happen again. She thought 9.2kReads9.2Score883Shelves
33. 33 糟 Oh No, Kangxi Can Hear My Thoughts! 糟糕，康熙偷听我心声！ Song Song宋讼Ancient Romance344k WordsCompleted [Note: Since this is a romance novel, the male lead, Aisin Gioro Xuanye, is very handsome, and his country is just a little bit stronger, too. It wouldn’t do to have no romance and be miserable all the time. The historical setting has been altered, so please bear with me.] At an awards ceremony, Su Li is killed when the ceiling collapses on her. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in a parallel world much like the Qing dynasty. She has become an invented younger sister of the histor 14Reads8.9Score—Shelves
34. 34 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

    Reader note

    🌸The female lead in this palace intrigue novel has an even lower rank! She starts her struggle as a concubine in a prince's mansion! Driven by the desire to secure a place for her mother and younger brother, and to escape the torment of the noblewoman, she grits her teeth and fights her way to the finals! 🌟On this path of struggle and survival, 🍃there are emperors who are attracted to her, ☘️and young generals with armies at their command, but she…

35. 35 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.5kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is initially a favored concubine, and the emperor dotes on her greatly, favoring her initially but becoming his sole favorite later on. The female lead is seemingly lazy but intelligent, clear-headed, and sharp-witted. She's not love-struck or naive; she's not a saint, capable, resourceful, and doesn't suffer setbacks or be mistreated. Her family dotes on her. The emperor is a wise and powerful ruler, a true master of his craft.

36. 36 贵 Long Live the Noble Consort 贵妃娘娘千岁千千岁 A Cat on the Moon月亮一只喵Ancient Romance164k WordsCompleted The Nan family had offered one of their daughters to the royal family, only for her to be killed by the scheming women within the palace. To keep the emperor's favor, Nan Shiyun begins her journey into the palace to compete for his affection. [This story is set in a fictional world. Please don't take it too seriously.] 105Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If you like palace intrigue novels, check this one out!

37. 37 步 Scheming for the Emperor's Heart at Every Turn! Her Majesty Climbs to the Top 步步谋帝王心！娘娘一路扶摇直上 Ming Family Charcoal Fire明家炭火Ancient Romance315k WordsCompleted (Not a pure romance with only one partner, palace intrigue, favored from the middle onward, and doted on exclusively in the ending) Wen Jing Tan went from a heaven-blessed darling to a confiscated palace slave, and had long since had enough of being beaten and cursed at. One day, she was framed and, by a twist of fate, sent to the emperor's side. From then on, she swore to become The Outcast, second only to one and above all others. She wanted His Majesty's favor, and her family to flourish! The 673Reads8.2Score107Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a female protagonist who rises from a palace maid to a high-ranking official, navigating the complexities of court life with meticulous planning. The plot is fast-paced, and the female lead is known for her vengeful nature. The second book features two virgins, the male and female leads who have known each other since childhood. The female lead comes from a wealthy family and rises through the ranks from a concubine of the Crown Prince. The male lead assists her in palace intrigues.

38. 38 芙 The Hibiscus Canopy: The Crown Prince’s Childhood Sweetheart Wins Big 芙蓉帐：东宫青梅赢麻了 Ming Family Charcoal Fire明家炭火Ancient Romance448k WordsCompleted [Both Leads Are Inexperienced + Sweet Romance + Palace Intrigue + He Eventually Dotes on Her Alone] Xiao Wanyu had spent more than a decade living with carefree arrogance. Then she refused a marriage proposal and injured the young lord of the Duke of Wei’s household, who had coveted her family’s wealth. She was thrown into prison. To protect her maternal family’s immense fortune and save her own life, she agreed to become a concubine in the Eastern Palace, seeking the Crown Prince’s protection 2.1kReads7.6Score172Shelves
39. 39 谁 Who Says the Empress Is a White Lotus? She’s Clearly a Green Tea 谁说娘娘是白莲花？明明是绿茶 Xiu Zhengchun修正纯Ancient Romance138k WordsOngoing [All-around strong female lead, fiercely ambitious, no rebirth or transmigration, play the pig to eat the tiger, concubine-born daughter rises against the odds] Shen Yurong is the eldest daughter of the Shen family, and she has been beautiful since childhood. Her parents therefore had her study music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, as well as singing and dancing, hoping she would be chosen in the imperial consort selection and become a favored consort, bringing glory to the Shen family. Her p —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No rebirth, no time travel. The female lead is intelligent and, with the Empress Dowager's help in the early stages, effectively seduces the Emperor. The imperial concubine selection process is omitted; the first chapter depicts the fifth day after she enters the palace. Upon entering, the female lead is appointed as an eighth-rank imperial concubine. The concubine ranking system is aesthetically pleasing and easy to remember, inspired by the Tang Dynasty.

40. 40 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.6kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves

    Reader note

    It's a very novel palace intrigue novel, featuring high-IQ palace intrigue and a crazy villain. The plot is intricately linked, with no wasted words, and the palace intrigue is particularly outstanding.

41. 41 贵 The Noble Consort Rejects Romance: While Others Fight for Favor, I Seize Power 贵妃不入爱河，别人争宠我夺权 Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Female-Lead Wish Fulfillment + Unfeeling Persona + Ruthless Revenge and Face-Slapping] Years later, the history books would describe Ming Tang as a master strategist with an iron fist, the ultimate winner of the harem struggles and the vast empire. Only Ming Tang knew she had never wanted to be that winner in the first place. From a young girl to the ruler of the realm, all she had wanted at first was to avenge her elder sister. The harem was full of danger. On one side was Consort Jin, who had 7.6kReads9.4Score901Shelves
42. 42 满 The Entire Court Longs for the Empress to Attend Court and Rule 满朝文武盼着皇后娘娘上朝理政 Lantern Festival Dumplings元夕圆宵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (The live-action series is out!) After her elder sister dies in palace infighting, Shen Shixi enters the palace by imperial decree to be selected as a consort. Within the palace are the powerful and virtuous Empress, born to the imperial in-laws; Consort De, born to an aristocratic family and exceptionally prolific; Consort Rong, the Emperor's favorite, with a strong artistic streak; Consort Qiong, whose superb cooking has won the Emperor's heart; and Consort Xiurong, known as a learned woman an 50.9kReads9.1Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This one is super good! The female lead is clear-headed, spoiled yet charming, and the male lead dotes on her. It's sweet and enjoyable.

43. 43 你 Didn't You Say She Was Old and Out of Favor? 你不是说她年纪大，不得宠吗？ I'm Xingxing Da我是星星大Ancient Romance590k WordsCompleted [Palace and household intrigue + raising children + food + everyday life + not chaste, but doted on] Su Tang transmigrated into the body of a concubine of Xiao Jingrong, Heir of the Prince of Zhaonan, with a two-year-old toddler in tow. The original owner had let herself go, behaved crudely, and was even older than the heir. He had long since forgotten her, leaving her to languish in a corner. Su Tang figured that was just fine. She wouldn’t compete for his favor or make the first move. But then 20.4kReads8.8Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is older, but the male lead still loves her.

44. 44 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

    Reader note

    There's no cheat code or lucky charm involved! The interesting male lead is... Well, I think he's the domineering CEO type from modern novels, the kind who likes innocent girls but also has his own opinions. The female lead, on the other hand, was a hopelessly lazy person in modern times, and in ancient times, besides using PUA tactics on the male lead, she's not particularly capable of anything.

45. 45 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 56.9kReads9.5Score7.1kShelves

    Reader note

    I recently finished reading two palace intrigue novels, and they were really good.

46. 46 累 I'm Exhausted! To Fool Him, I Pretend to Be Sweet and Innocent Every Day 累死！为了骗他，本宫日日装娇纯 Deer in the Deep Forest深林的鹿Ancient Romance455k WordsCompleted “If you want to win, you have to learn how to lose first.” Meng Xianxiang lost a life, and learned to struggle, to seize what she wanted, to scheme and plan, and to claw her way up. Looking back on her previous life, she had lived in a stable, eaten pig slop, served tea and emptied chamber pots, enduring abuse and humiliation at every turn. Each memory was a stab to the heart. Given another chance, she wants status and power, and a world where no one dares bully her again. Behind the palace’s re 3.5kReads9.2Score302Shelves
47. 47 庶 The Enchanting Concubine: The System Insists I Become Beautiful and Win the Emperor’s Favor 庶女娇妩：系统非要我变美当皇后 Anna lloollaa安娜lloollaaAncient Romance312k WordsCompleted [System + Harem Intrigue + Beauty Makeover + The Powerful Man Bows His Head + HE + Male Lead Goes Mad with Love] [Not a pure relationship on both sides; favored early on, exclusively doted on later, 1v1] On the eve of the imperial selection, Shen Niaoniao, a concubine-born daughter, was threatened by her stepmother into entering the palace to help her legitimate sister secure the emperor’s favor. For her mother’s sake, she was willing to be a pawn, but she accidentally uncovered her sister’s pl 9kReads8.4Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Hehe, a perfect match!!! And the entanglement between the male and female leads is incredibly satisfying!!!

48. 48 咸 The Laid-Back Consort: Rising Step by Step 咸鱼娘娘：步步高升 Melancholy Cantaloupe忧伤的哈密瓜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + childbirth + doted on exclusively later] Jiang Wan transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace consort of an emperor with no children. To protect the people around her, she has no choice but to compete for a little favor. Who knew she’d end up giving the emperor a chubby baby boy! Emperor: “She’s the birth mother of my only son. Of course I have to protect her.” Who knew that all that protection would turn into affection? As Jiang Wan ris 19.1kReads8.9Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    * **Accidentally Entering the Emperor's Heart: The Lucky Little Concubine Becomes Empress Through Playing Dumb (My Heart Holds Jade)**: A little concubine takes an unconventional path, accidentally winning the emperor's heart through "playing dumb," eventually rising to the position of empress! A lighthearted twist on palace intrigue, featuring a unique and exclusive favor setting. Completed, watch her carve out her own path – super satisfying! * **Easily Fertile: The Little Concubine Transforms into a Favored Concubine**: The heroine possesses an "easy-to-pregnant" buff, rising from a lowly concubine to a favored concubine. A creative ancient romance with exclusive favor, the plot is direct and engaging. If you want to experience a "buff-enhanced" level of advancement, check this out! Completed! * **Jiang Wan's Harem Promotion Diary (Step-by-Step Rise in the Harem)**: Like reading a diary, follow Jiang Wan as she "levels up" in the harem. The details and tension of palace and domestic intrigue are beautifully portrayed. A happy ending. Completed. Don't miss it if you enjoy watching the heroine steadily climb the ranks!

49. 49 蛇 The Viperous Favorite Consort: Scheming Her Way to Rule as Empress Dowager 蛇蝎宠妃心机深，垂帘听政做太后 It's Xinxin是欣欣呦Ancient Romance497k WordsCompleted [Content warning! The female lead is a wholly evil villain, cruel and scheming, and will stop at nothing to climb to the top.] “[Don't randomly bring up women competing against women. This is a palace-intrigue story!! The harem is a workplace, and the imperial consorts are all rivals!]” Bu Xingruo was the most favored consort in the palace. In her previous life, she let the Emperor's favor go to her head, throwing her weight around and acting arrogantly in the harem. Lost in the Emperor's fleeti 690Reads8.6Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    The first two books have incredibly cunning female leads, they're great! The last two are also worth checking out 🥰🥰🥰 Anyone read them? Hehe, let me know! [Staring emoji]

50. 50 哄 You Want Me to Be Your Concubine? After I Faked My Death, the Playboy Marquis Went Mad 哄我做妾？死遁后纨绔侯爷发大疯 Heart's Water Turns to Sweet Dew心水成沁Ancient Romance580k WordsCompleted The short-drama rights have been sold. Now just waiting for it to premiere~ "A taste of ancient China · devoted lovers · clear-headed heroine" "Romance and intrigue · household and palace rivalries · the fate of the nation" Su Tan is the top courtesan at the Fragrant Pavilion in the capital of Great Wei, blessed with otherworldly beauty, porcelain skin, and a flawless complexion. After transmigrating here eight years ago, she has endured humiliation and bided her time, hoping to auction off her 8.8kReads9.2Score1kShelves

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