A Consort and Emperor Who Truly Love Each Other, with Palace Intrigue 古代妃子与皇帝真心相爱，宫斗

1. 1 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1kShelves

   Reader note

   All three of these books are exceptionally well-written.

2. 2 行 Late in the Day 行止晚 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + emperor and empress + tragic palace romance] 145,000 readers gave it top ratings, and countless readers cried their way through it! The year’s breakout historical romance, a heartache readers can’t forget. A clear-eyed, sweet empress VS a proud emperor whose love never wavers. Born into the imperial family, how can everything ever go as you wish? May we remain together forever, and may I keep you safe and at peace. A gentleman’s word is his bond. In a daze, I saw the moon rise. 25.7kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
3. 3 最 The Royal Family Is Truly Heartless 最是皇室无情人 Xia Xiaoli夏小礼Ancient Romance50k WordsCompleted For generations, the Mu family had loyally served the country. In the end, their entire clan was sentenced to execution. The official presiding over the execution was her husband, the most brilliant and extraordinary of the Great Jing Kingdom's Third Princes. Then she awoke to the truth: The man she loved was a member of the royal family, the most heartless people in the world... 613Reads7.0Score119Shelves
4. 4 撩 Flirting with the Crown Prince: His Long-Overdue Passion Is Irresistibly Sweet 撩诱太子：迟来的深情嘎嘎甜 Just a Tiny Bit More就吃亿点点Ancient Romance455k WordsCompleted [The short drama Jasmine in Your Arms is now streaming on Tomato. Thank you all for your support!] [Wily, resilient beauty VS gentle Crown Prince who turns into a brooding new emperor] [Traditional historical romance + doting love + no transmigration or rebirth + devoted couple + one-on-one romance] To save her mother, she must become the Crown Princess, bear a legitimate heir, and ensure the Chancellor's household has nothing to fear. She calculates his every move, tempts him, and seduces him. 9.3kReads9.2Score831Shelves

   Reader note

   The first book starts with the female lead's scheming, but the male lead is genuinely captivated. It's a great read. In the second book, the female lead doesn't even need to engage in palace intrigue; the male lead is head over heels in love. 🍉🍉🥰

5. 5 原 I Thought the Imperial Palace Was a Prison, but the Emperor Held Me by the Waist and Spoiled Me 原以深宫似海，却被帝王锁腰娇宠 Ningning Zi柠柠梓Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + Empress + Devoted couple and sweet romance + Male lead has planned this for a long time + Not a serious palace-intrigue story] Lu Zhiyuan is the cherished youngest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo’s household. She is exquisitely beautiful, with an accomplished elder brother who supports the family’s prestige and a second elder sister skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting who brings the family honor. She has no need to contribute anything to the family, and 12.7kReads8.9Score1.2kShelves
6. 6 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

   The first book features many time travelers, including one reborn individual. The first time traveler is avenged by the reborn one. The second time traveler survives until the end, winning the emperor's heart and the love of his beloved. They then spend their days showering each other with affection. The second book features a female protagonist who believes the male protagonist is dead. Her soul travels to the modern world for a trip before returning to her original world to raise a child. The male protagonist dotes on his wife, even after suffering amnesia due to his wicked father, he still instinctively sits on the female protagonist's roof every day to silently protect her until she discovers his presence. He then cooks for her every morning, and from there, the sweet moments begin. (Please click to read the recommended version if the synopsis is lacking.)

7. 7 穿 I Became the Lucky Charm Mother of Three Villainous Sons 穿成三个反派儿子的锦鲤娘 Passion Fruit百香果果Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Lucky charm + brings prosperity to her sons + goofy comedy] Ning Wan, from the 21st century, transmigrated and became the mother of three big shots. All three sons had it rough, each unluckier than the last! The eldest was a gifted scholar, but always chose the wrong teacher and backed the wrong side. The second was a crack shot, but could never find any game when he went hunting. The youngest was sweet and innocent, yet people were always falsely accusing him of stealing. Ning Wan: “Don't pani 6.9kReads9.3Score813Shelves
8. 8 穿 I Became the Deposed Empress in the Cold Palace, So I Raised a Baby 穿成冷宫废后去养娃 Moonlit Journey月途Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted Leng Luoyue, a web novelist who regularly stayed up late writing until she was half-dead, suddenly dropped dead. Not only did she die suddenly, she also transmigrated. She woke up in the body of a disgraced empress confined to the cold palace, who had died in childbirth, and was bound to some inexplicable child-rearing System. To complete her mission, she had to raise the little kitten into the crown prince. Since she’d already transmigrated, what else could she do? Raise him, of course! 5.3kReads9.0Score863Shelves
9. 9 快 Quick Transmigration: The Blessed Empress Who Bears Children for the Heirless Emperor 快穿好孕娘娘：绝嗣帝王替我生娃 Sweet 8糖糖8甜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Quick Transmigration + Pregnancy Story + Blessed with Fertility + System + Swapped Identities + Palace Intrigue + No Fixed Couple + Clearheaded Heroine Who Isn't Love-Brained] Bei Lingyao was born into the world of cultivation and became a lightning-type Foundation Establishment genius, only to have her spiritual root stolen and her dantian crippled. To reclaim her spiritual root and restore her dantian, she binds herself to a Childbearing System and transmigrates to different worlds to bear ch 5.8kReads9.1Score583Shelves
10. 10 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

    🌷First book: Ning Shuyan is very clear-headed; what she wants is wealth, honor, and the Emperor's favor. Over three years, she carefully plotted her way to winning over the Emperor, climbing from the rank of a lowly concubine to a Noble Consort.

11. 11 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
12. 12 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
13. 13 好 Good Pregnancy System! The Noble Consort Is Sweet and Soft 好孕系统！贵妃她又娇又软 Zhao Qingyue赵清樾Ancient Romance368k WordsCompleted [A soft, sweet, calculating little bunny heroine X a domineering, cold-blooded emperor with a love obsession] Shen Cihuan is the youngest daughter of Chancellor Shen. Innocent, lively, sweet, and adorable, she enters the palace to compete for the emperor’s favor in her older sister’s place. What if she doesn’t know how to compete for his favor? No problem. She has a palace intrigue and fertility System. An intoxicating natural scent Love at first sight from the emperor Fertility pills, dragon-an 22.1kReads9.2Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead appears innocent and naive on the surface, but is secretly a cunning and ruthless woman. She's a native but possesses an unusual system. The male lead falls in love with her at first sight—or rather, lust at first sight. They have children one after another. It's ridiculous.

14. 14 千 Eunuch Qiansui, the Princess Consort Is Expecting Again 千岁，王妃又有喜了 Demon Bones妖骨头Ancient Romance425k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance + obsessive love + political intrigue + a touch of ensemble cast, not a traditional strong-female-lead story] The beloved little princess of the Duke Who Protects the Nation's family is asked by a scumbag to become his concubine. In a fit of anger, Xie Yunning breaks off the engagement and sets her sights on the scumbag's nemesis, the immensely powerful Ninth Eunuch. Her new husband is rich, handsome, and all-powerful. He's also a eunuch. She thinks that from now on, she'll have w 2.6kReads9.1Score323Shelves

    Reader note

    I think these two books are pretty good.

15. 15 穿 After She Transmigrates into a Book, the Noble Consort Is Forced to Raise the Villainous Tyrant 穿书后，贵妃被迫娇养反派暴君 A Little Meatball一个肉团Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Completed] Su Yijin, a veteran supporting actress, has transmigrated into a book once again. When she opens her eyes, she is breathtakingly beautiful and on the pampered darling route, backed by powerful connections. Her father is a general who guards the nation, her mother is the Junyang Commandery Princess, and her maternal grandfather is a prince of a different surname... With the heroine's script in hand, Su Yijin takes down the green tea and kicks the fake innocent aside, then throws herse 1.4kReads9.0Score287Shelves
16. 16 重 Reborn, I Wish to Part from You 重生愿与君别离 Chu Ran初冉Ancient Romance554k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she was showered with favor in the imperial harem, rising swiftly until she took the throne as empress. But in the end, she could not escape the cruel twists of fate. She could not protect her family, the emperor and empress grew apart, and the person she loved most no longer trusted her. She died with regrets. Heaven took pity on her, and she was given the chance to live again. This time, she did not want to enter the palace. She would rather follow her father and brothers 481Reads8.3Score109Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist's family was destroyed, and the emperor told her to wait. After repeated disappointments, she chose to take matters into her own hands and avenge herself. She was given a second chance, forced back into the palace, and once again accumulated disappointment before finally leaving. But for her daughter's sake, she returned to the palace.

17. 17 清 A Qing Dynasty Transmigration: Making a Fortune Treating Infertility 清穿，靠治不孕不育发财了 Xue Da雪大Ancient Romance356k WordsCompleted [Flirtatious heroine + reserved Kangxi + devoted, sweet romance] When Shu He suddenly acquired a pocket dimension, she thought the apocalypse was coming, or that she was about to transmigrate. She sold off her property and stocked up on supplies, only to transmigrate to the Qing dynasty and become a palace maid sent by the Heseri clan to care for Crown Prince Yinreng. Since she was already here, Shu He decided to change Yinreng’s fate of being appointed crown prince twice and deposed twice. Beco 1.5kReads8.6Score118Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a case of the emperor and his concubine truly loving each other.

18. 18 太 The Crown Prince Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife: The Empress's Daily Life After Bearing Twins 太子宠妾灭妻，娘娘双胎上位日常 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance554k WordsCompleted [There are a few typos, so please skip this if that bothers you.] A deranged, ruthless heroine and an obsessive Crown Prince, with exclusive devotion later on, clear-headed palace intrigue, and multiple births. Jiang Shiruo is stunningly beautiful, but only a concubine’s daughter. Still, even a concubine’s daughter deserves to live. Jiang Shiruo has no interest in the other princes. She only wants to enter the Eastern Palace, because that’s the only way she can reach the highest position. After 7.7kReads8.9Score676Shelves

    Reader note

    I think all the books that make it onto my bookshelf are pretty good. If you like any of them, please give them a thumbs up.

19. 19 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
20. 20 尤 The Alluring Consort Climbs to the Phoenix Throne and Captures the Emperor's Heart at First Sight 尤物娘娘爬凤位，让皇上一见钟情 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance228k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + the emperor falls at first sight + palace intrigue and rising to power through favoritism + heroine’s acting skills + strong, clever heroine] Wen Shuyao loved only herself. Only losers loved men. Now that she had been granted the title of Attendant and ordered into the palace, she would make use of the emperor’s love at first sight. The emperor was merely a stepping stone for Wen Shuyao. It wouldn’t be hard to act like someone deeply in love with him. Wen Shuyao was the legitimat 5.1kReads9.0Score609Shelves
21. 21 娘 The Empress Is So Charming, the Emperor Holds Her in the Palm of His Hand 娘娘多娇，帝王捧在掌心宠 Fox's Dream狐狸梦Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [The leads are not faithful to each other at the beginning, so read with caution] [Palace intrigue at first, favoritism in the middle, exclusive devotion in the later part] [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + a stunningly beautiful, charming consort x a workaholic, devoted emperor] Qu Wanning was a die-hard fan of palace-intrigue novels. Just because she left the author a comment asking them to continue the story, she transmigrated into a new book whose blurb she had just finished reading! She ge 2.7kReads8.8Score311Shelves
22. 22 快 Quick Transmigration: She Wins the Hearts of Powerful Men by Bearing Their Children! 快穿：她靠生子成为大佬心尖宠！ A Big Old Monster一个大妖怪Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Quick transmigration + multiple pregnancies + punishing scumbags + palace and household intrigue + no fixed couple + satisfying revenge] She is a rabbit spirit who has cultivated for a thousand years. With too little fortune, she nearly loses her soul while ascending. Fortunately, an ancestral reincarnation artifact lets her complete missions in different worlds and gather fortune. World One: [Crown Prince with no heir for years x palace maid who hides her looks and only wants to leave the pala 15kReads9.3Score1.4kShelves
23. 23 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
24. 24 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 36.9kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves
25. 25 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
26. 26 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
27. 27 满 The Whole Family Heard My Thoughts, and the Female Lead Went on a Killing Spree 满门炮灰读我心后，女主被杀疯了 Love Without Worry此情无忧Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted One true love, both pure; doting romance, the whole family’s favorite, mind-reading, palace and household intrigue. Ye Xiaoxiao unexpectedly transmigrates into a book, only to open her eyes and find herself being bullied by a strange man. Later, she discovers that she is the eldest daughter of the General’s residence, switched at birth. But after returning to her family, she is horrified to learn that every one of them is destined to be cannon fodder. [Mother, you dote on your adopted daught 1.9kReads9.0Score256Shelves

    Reader note

    He was able to turn the tables entirely thanks to his beloved concubine.

28. 28 女 The Female Emperor Has Three Thousand Beauties in Her Harem, Yet Only Dotes on Me, Her Lowly Flower Slave 女帝后宫佳丽三千，却独宠我小小花奴 First-Rank Vermilion and Purple朱紫一品Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Alternate History + Romantic Tension + Harem + Farming] Su Mo transmigrates as a lowly flower servant, only to accidentally catch the Empress bathing! From then on, Su Mo dares to kill those the civil officials wouldn’t dare kill, and investigate matters the generals wouldn’t dare investigate! He gets to sleep in the imperial bedchamber under the Empress’s special permission! Strike first, then beat them up. If they don’t like it, they can fight him! If anyone dares show disres 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    My darlings! These books are exquisitely written, with a classic, elegant style, perfectly blending palace intrigue, power struggles, and tender romance. The sweet and heart-wrenching interactions between the male and female leads, their shared hardships and joys, and the bittersweet moments will truly touch your heart. Opening these books is like stepping into the magnificent palace, immersing yourself in the legendary tales of emperors and concubines—don't miss them! 😎😎😎

29. 29 爽 What a Thrill! I Transmigrated to Ancient Times and Won the Emperor’s Heart 爽翻天！穿到古代把皇帝拿下 Another Sheep又一只羊Ancient Romance268k WordsCompleted One is a modern-day miracle doctor, the other an ancient emperor. One loves to tease, while the other blushes even as he looks forward to it. She says, “Your Majesty, why are you so handsome? Are you an immortal who descended from heaven to undergo a trial?” ...When she is falsely accused of poisoning someone, she asks, “Your Majesty, do you believe me?” He replies, “I do.” From then on, one keeps teasing while the other keeps holding back, until at last she asks, “Your Majesty, could you stay a 87Reads8.1Score—Shelves
30. 30 报 Report, Your Majesty: His Majesty Insists on Dismissing the Entire Harem for You 报告娘娘：陛下非要为您遣散后宫 Little Wine小酒Ancient Romance299k WordsCompleted After transmigrating, Luo Qingge goes from being a villainous beauty who brings a kingdom to ruin to a low-ranking palace maid who's killed as soon as she enters the palace. She's also stuck with a loud, bossy older sister who insists on teaching her palace intrigue and how to win the emperor's favor. Thanks, but no thanks. All she wants is to eat, drink, and have fun every day, pull up a stool and watch the drama, and occasionally stand up for her older sister. Her only requirement for palace l 1Reads—Score—Shelves
31. 31 穿 I Transmigrated Into the Cold Palace, and the Empress Is Filing for Divorce 穿越冷宫皇后闹离婚 Cat Who Eats Fish食鱼的猫Ancient Romance180k WordsCompleted A modern medical PhD quick-transmigrates into ancient times and somehow becomes a vicious empress. She plans to save up enough silver to divorce the male lead, but after one misunderstanding and clash after another, Helian Ye starts to fall for her. She builds new sources of income in the imperial harem and matches wits with the consorts. Before long, she discovers that her younger cousin, who had been in a coma for three years in the modern world, has transmigrated too. The three of them work t 18Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 32 皇 The Empress Has Won Over My Entire Harem 皇后把朕的后宫都攻略了 Stone and Water石头与水Ancient Romance758k WordsCompleted Renowned woman scientist Zheng Jia transmigrates and becomes Shen Qinghe, an empress who has fallen out of favor. Out of favor? She doesn’t care. The harem is where she rules! Who knew that after she completed the System’s tasks, she would win over the entire imperial palace... Your Majesty, wasn’t I supposed to be out of favor? Consort, weren’t we supposed to be sworn enemies? Empress Dowager, weren’t you supposed to dislike me? 230Reads—Score—Shelves
33. 33 重 Reborn in Love: Tales from the Emperor's Harem 重生之恋，皇帝后宫里的那些事 Xiao Baiyang晓白杨Ancient Romance80k WordsCompleted My name is Xiaomei, Zhang Xiaomei by birth. I’ve loved watching transmigration dramas since I was little. The first one I remember watching was Love Through Different Times, followed by Palace, Scarlet Heart, Jade Palace Lock Heart, The Eternal Love, and other palace dramas about transmigration. Then, one day in the 21st century, I got into a car accident. To my surprise, I discovered I had been reborn and had arrived in the palace. And so a series of events began... —Reads—Score—Shelves
34. 34 宫 Palace Intrigue System: I Become the Emperor’s Favorite 宫斗系统：我成了陛下心尖宠 Long Moon Crossing the Bright长月渡明Ancient Romance306k WordsCompleted [Both Pure + Sweet Romance + System + Devoted Love + Transmigration] Easygoing Qin Zhaozhao transmigrates into the body of a newly arrived imperial consort. She plans to lie flat, but then a palace-intrigue System activates, and somehow she catches the new emperor’s attention. The System says that completing missions earns her rewards, including the chance to become empress. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly difficult. A noble consort has her eye on the throne, while the emperor’s former fla 335Reads8.2Score—Shelves
35. 35 穿 Transmigrated as a Bedclimbing Palace Maid in a Palace-Intrigue Novel 穿成宫斗文里的爬床宫女 Red Wolf Doesn't Eat Meat红太狼不吃肉Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted No prestigious family background, no peerless beauty. After transmigrating, film queen Li Songyue finds herself cast as the most expendable bed-climbing maid in a palace intrigue novel. The transmigrated heroine is ahead of her, the reborn supporting female lead is behind her, and there’s also a demanding emperor to contend with. From bed-climbing maid to empress dowager of the realm. She won’t know how cold it is at the top until she climbs there. 228Reads—Score—Shelves
36. 36 贵 After the Noble Consort Checked Out, the Coldhearted Emperor Begged Her to Come Back 贵妃娘娘摆烂后，冷厉君王低头哄 Returning South南归Ancient Romance272k WordsCompleted [Both leads are virgins + sweet, doting romance] Jing Zhao transmigrated into a book as the villainous cannon-fodder supporting character, Consort Zhao. In the book, Consort Zhao was arrogant, overbearing, and jealous, yet supposedly adored by the emperor. [Not really.] She knew she was nothing more than a shield. Once the emperor's beloved, the heroine, entered the palace, he would kick Jing Zhao aside. In the end, she'd die horribly after being driven by jealousy to frame the heroine! To save 4.1kReads8.8Score330Shelves
37. 37 失 The Cast-Off Consort Turns Up the Heat, and the Coldhearted Emperor Dotes on Her Like Never Before 失宠娘娘撩爆了，冷情帝王极致宠 fuanAncient Romance462k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance and satisfying revenge + a hero who knows his own heart: He favors her early on, then gives her his undivided love!] Su Yue is a thousand-year-old fox spirit who transmigrates into a book. Thanks to the System, she can maintain her human form. Her motto? Be a spoiled, willful favorite consort! Bold and alluring, she knows exactly how to turn up the heat. Dancing, role-play skits, couples’ games... you name it! Emperor Chengjing, Long Muyao, is cold-hearted with a 94Reads6.7Score—Shelves
38. 38 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

    A female-centric, palace intrigue novel where the female lead is intelligent and ruthless.

39. 39 替 After Entering the Palace in Her Sister's Place, the Young Mistress Rises Through the Ranks 替姐入宫后，小主她一路高升 Zhizhi Rice Loves Zhizhi吱吱米喜欢吱吱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Strong Male Lead and Strong Female Lead + Favored Consort + Palace Intrigue + Adorable Baby + Sole Devotion + Childbirth] (The early story leans toward palace intrigue, with the heroine putting on an act and scheming against the hero. Later, their feelings erupt, and he devotes himself to her alone.) After transmigrating, she becomes an illegitimate daughter of the Su family. Her birth mother died young, her father shows her no affection, and her stepmother is cruel. A complete nobody at home, 2.9kReads9.0Score332Shelves
40. 40 谢 Empress of the Xie Family 谢家皇后 Song of the Yue People越人歌Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted In her first year in the palace, she is a Talented Lady. In her fifth, she is a Jieyu. In her tenth, she wants to become empress. As empress, she can hold on to everything she treasures and keep it from being taken away. She can protect herself and her child, and she can... stay by his side. This is a road with only one direction: take a single step back, and all will be lost. The bright yellow ceremonial parasol moves forward, and the emperor's procession slowly enters the city gate. A yellow p 8.9kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The story is heartwarming, giving a sense of peaceful tranquility. Although there are palace intrigues and conspiracies, the author describes them subtly and indirectly, without any graphic violence. Those who enjoy slow-paced, narrative stories should definitely give it a try.

41. 41 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

    Reader note

    The male lead, Zhang San, is a mad tyrant who transmigrated to ancient times as a puppet prince during his middle school years. If it weren't for the female lead, he might have thought his past ten-odd years were just a dream. His simple question, "How are you?" Is incredibly relatable. He's already assimilated into ancient society; otherwise, he couldn't survive. The scene where the prince cries for help is absolutely brilliant. The female lead, Wang Cuihua, chooses the male lead as an ally for survival. They fall in love, and the female lead redeems the male lead. Let me clarify beforehand: I personally feel this story doesn't lean towards palace intrigue or domestic power struggles. It focuses more on the humorous clash between modern and ancient ideologies, and the protagonists' wit and courage in the palace as they fight for survival against the prince and empress dowager. It's truly captivating.

42. 42 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Completed, highly-rated, and captivating palace intrigue novel—the kind of story you'll want to read again and again after finishing it.

43. 43 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
44. 44 技 The Concubine with Maxed-Out Skills Is Turning Herself into an Empress? 技能拉满的侍妾，卷成皇后了？ White Peppercorn白藤椒Ancient Romance620k WordsCompleted Empress Wenzhao was a famously bewitching consort and the most talented empress. The way she has been judged and defined throughout her life has changed many times, but that has never diminished her status or the value of studying her. [System + Raising Kids + Relentless Competition] Thanks to being well fed at home, Qi Jiao was plump and rosy-cheeked. After a flood, she was sold into the palace as a maid, and when she got a little older, she was assigned to the empress’s palace. A few years lat 12.6kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a book I've been following closely. It doesn't have too many villains; it's a relatively lighthearted novel. Everyone has their own charm, and the characters are well-developed. The male lead's feelings for the female lead also gradually change without being abrupt.

45. 45 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
46. 46 昭 The Annals of the Zhao-Xuan Era 昭宣史册 Wen Fu温芙Ancient Romance259k WordsCompleted With the realm newly pacified and power changing hands, the wealthy clans pay homage to the Xilin imperial house while undercurrents churn. The crown prince, Helian Qin, ascends the throne. Rebellions break out across the provinces, remnants of the old regime rise again, and reform is urgently needed. The court shifts with every turn of fortune, while the beauties of the inner palace compete for favor and claw at one another, keeping the new emperor looking this way and that, lost in their water 251Reads8.1Score—Shelves
47. 47 女 She Transmigrated as a Man: Now She Must Fight for the Throne as a Prince 女穿男：穿成皇子要夺嫡 Wen Fu温芙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Chen Muqi, a daughter of the Chen family of Huaguo, died in a family power struggle. In a twist of fate, she was reborn as Helian Qin, the Fifth Prince of Xilin. With a mother who was a noble consort, powerful maternal relatives, and brothers eyeing him covetously, Helian Qin had no choice but to set out on the path to claim the throne. He recruited strategists and worthy officials, campaigned north and south, weathered one crisis after another, and escaped repeated assassination attempts, ultim 2.1kReads8.6Score194Shelves
48. 48 重 Reborn, the Noble Consort Only Wants to Be the Villain 重生后贵妃她只想当反派 Love Sleeping In爱睡懒觉Ancient Romance351k WordsCompleted [Mutual devotion + sweet romance + no angst] After being reborn, Ye Jiujiu takes her brash, don’t-mess-with-me attitude to the extreme: She kicks the meticulously dressed Consort Li into the water; She slips laxatives into the tea of the coquettish Consort Yun; She wreaks havoc at the flower-viewing banquet the Empress painstakingly prepared; The consorts all rush to the emperor to complain: The cool, dignified emperor says, “I established this harem solely to give the Noble Consort something to 3.5kReads9.1Score349Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book didn't get a high rating, but it was quite good. The last one was not innocent.

49. 49 暴 The Tyrant Can Read Minds, So Why Does He Insist on Spoiling Me? 暴君会读心术，非要宠我怎么办 Attracting Peach Blossoms招桃花儿Ancient Romance513k WordsCompleted [Family Mind-Reading + Sweet Romance + Blessed with Children] [Scheming Black Lotus Villainess VS The Cunning, Ruthless Emperor] Feng Xiyao transmigrated into a book, and, as luck would have it, ended up in the body of Empress Feng, a character who appeared for less than a minute. Just as she was about to be sentenced to death by hanging, she grumbled: [This tyrant really has no brains. No wonder the woman he loves cheats on him, he gets beheaded, and his whole family’s corpses are hung on the c 613Reads8.4Score104Shelves
50. 50 娘 The Empress Takes the Throne, and the Treasury Is Already Empty 娘娘入主中宫，国库已被搬空 Panda Huapanda骅Ancient Romance665k WordsCompleted [Both pure + sweet pampering + he convinces himself she loves him + tooth-achingly sweet!!!!] After transmigrating, Bai Leqing wanted a life where food and clothes were brought right to her, so she immediately latched onto the tyrant of an emperor and fawned, “Your Majesty, I love you so much I can't help myself, I'm absolutely head over heels for you~” The emperor gave her a disdainful sidelong glance. “Get lost. You're making yourself look cheap and bringing shame on me.” Later... The emperor 481Reads8.8Score110Shelves

Other lists with The Willow by the Palace Wall