Looking for Political Scheming with a Female Lead Who Controls the Board: Highly Intelligent, Cold, and Powerful 想看权谋文，女主是执棋人，高智商，冷漠，女强

1. 1 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

   Reader note

   The female lead has a comprehensive view of the situation, planning every step carefully, even hundreds or thousands of steps ahead.

2. 2 假 The Fake Princess Stumbles into the Imperial Family, Leaving the Entire Dynasty Enchanted 假皇女误闯天家，全皇朝惊艳沦陷 Three Lives, Three Three叁生三三Ancient Romance991k WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue and a Powerful Heroine]+ [The Perfect Imposture]+ [An Ensemble of Young Characters]+ [A Sage’s Selfish Desires] Ten years ago, foreign rebels stormed into Sheng’an. The empress sacrificed herself for her country and named Princess Wei Baoning crown princess, heir to the throne. That same year, lightning struck the imperial mausoleum, and the young princess was buried in a sea of flames. No body was ever found. The following month, a new emperor ascended the throne. Over the n 48kReads9.4Score5.3kShelves

   Reader note

   The first one is really worth recommending, it's just not finished yet.

3. 3 天 The Sky Screen Reveals My Loyal Bones, and the Court Begs Me to Return to Life 天幕揭我忠烈骨，满朝跪求我复活 YingYing YingYingYing滢Ancient Romance513k WordsOngoing I, Qin Yun, have been dead for ten years. The grass on my grave is already three meters tall. Who would have thought a sky screen would suddenly appear and expose everything about me? The whole country watched me disguise myself as a man and enlist in my brother's place. The emperor and every official at court were left speechless. The old ministers who once cursed me as a "demon empress who brought ruin to the country" now cling to my memorial tablet and sob like two-hundred-pound children. And 308Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is completely in line with

4. 4 庶 A Lowborn Daughter Gives Up? I’ll Seize the Crown and Rule the Court Instead 庶女摆烂？反手夺嫡掌朝堂 Megni梅格尼Ancient Romance152k WordsOngoing [Soul transmigration + political intrigue + comeback + household infighting + face-slapping] [Warning: The heroine is calculating and scheming, not a saintly, self-sacrificing white lotus at all. She endures hardship early on, then gets her revenge in spectacular fashion. Romance is just a bonus; this is a career-focused story, not a love story. Not recommended for readers who want a romance-obsessed heroine.] A carefully planned car accident and an inexplicable journey through time and space br —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A political intrigue novel with a high IQ and non-stop action, highly recommended!

5. 5 睁 I Opened My Eyes in a 1960s Military District and Was Kissed to Tears After Mistaking Someone for My Partner 睁眼六零军区，弄错对象被亲哭了 Yi Yi咿伊Modern Romance1.5M WordsOngoing She opened her eyes in the 1960s and woke up in a man's bed. After a night of rough lovemaking, she kissed him until she fainted, and got pregnant with twins in a single night. Only then did she realize she had transmigrated into a book. She had become a beautiful, wicked childhood sweetheart with fair skin, a slender figure, and a pretty face. She had gone to the military district to marry the male lead, but accidentally picked the wrong man and climbed into the wrong bed, leaving her forced to 77.4kReads8.3Score7kShelves

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   Are there any ancient Chinese romance novels that make you hold your breath after reading just the first chapter? *Bloodstained Mansion: The Twin Sisters Return Amidst Bloodshed* achieves that. On the night the century-old noble family was framed, flames soared into the sky. Twin sisters were forced to fall off a cliff and into the water, escaping death—and were separated for years. One survived on the precipice, honing her skills on the precipitous cliffs; the other wandered far from home, navigating the complexities of the martial world and the imperial court. When they meet again, they will settle more than just their family feud. 💔 This is a high-stakes gamble about a tragic love story filled with life and death.

6. 6 死 The Dead Concubine Becomes the Duke’s Mansion’s Cousin Miss 死去的外室她成了国公府的表小姐 Heavy Snow in May五月下大雪Ancient Romance1.6M WordsOngoing Original title: Passing as a Noblewoman [Historical ensemble cast] [Power struggles] [Not reborn] [Plot-driven] [Romance] [Male lead is sexually inexperienced] [Ensemble cast, multiple protagonists, multiple perspectives] [Pei Yuehuan and Chen Man are both heroines. The protagonist field cannot be changed after the contract is signed, so it lists the main pairing of this story.] The imperial capital holds many secrets, and much resentment. There are merchants falsely accused and thrown into pris 42.4kReads9.4Score4.6kShelves

   Reader note

   These are all good books, everyone should check them out, they have a classic Chinese style.

7. 7 听 After Hearing Their Thoughts, I Refused the Marriage and Became My Own Moonlight 听心声后，我拒嫁自成明月 Sha Yisi莎懿丝Ancient Romance152k WordsOngoing In her previous life, Shen Qingzhi was the true daughter of the Dingyuan Marquis's household, but Shen Lingyue, who had the ability to hear people's innermost thoughts, framed her. In public, her younger sister was gentle and magnanimous, while the vicious thoughts in her heart were broadcast for everyone to hear. Shen Qingzhi was accused of adultery, abandoned by her family, and publicly jilted by the Wen family. She died by suicide in despair, and her coffin was discarded in a mass grave. Only —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The female protagonist is reborn with a cheat ability that allows her to block the thoughts of the female supporting character, who then uses these thoughts to interfere with those around her. The male protagonist is someone who silently supports the female protagonist from behind, and is later attracted to her intelligence. It's a fast-paced, enjoyable read with no dull moments.

8. 8 宁 Ning Yan: When Women Rule the Roost 宁兖，牝鸡司晨 Books Bring True Wealth有书真富贵Historical168k WordsOngoing [Ensemble political intrigue + entrusted heir + factional strife + expansion of the realm + redressing an old injustice] [Wronged powerful minister male lead x emperor female lead disguised as a man] Also known as "After I Blundered into the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Was the Imperial Family" On a winter night in the seventh year of Chengxu, Emperor Zhao Ning Fu suddenly went mad. Wearing the robes of his favorite consort, Yan, he climbed the bell tower and rang the funeral bell before fall 189Reads—Score104Shelves

   Reader note

   A ensemble drama of power struggles, including the entrustment of a young heir, factional infighting, territorial expansion, the redress of old grievances, and counter-espionage. No time travel, no idiotic supporting characters. Also known as "After Accidentally Entering the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Am the Imperial Family."

9. 9 奸 The Treacherous Minister 奸臣 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Zhao Wuyou was the son of a treacherous minister, and everyone at court had to respectfully call him “Little Chancellor.” Father and son controlled the court and toyed with political power, so plenty of people wanted him dead. Mu Baili was the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the governor of the Eastern Depot. He seemed respectful, mild-mannered, and kind to everyone, but in truth he was a wolf who devoured people without leaving a bone. What a shame that such a ruthless ma 4.4kReads9.1Score522Shelves

   Reader note

   I highly recommend these books. They're all completed, the authors have excellent writing styles, and the writing is quite profound—not the kind of mindless, straightforward narratives. The protagonists are intelligent and quick-witted, and the plots are very tight. As a bookworm with over a decade of reading experience, I haven't finished many books these days, but I've read all of these. If you haven't read them yet, you should check them out!

10. 10 民 The Folk Fortune-Telling Master 民间算命大师 Mercy, Fellow Daoist道爷慈悲Urban1.7M WordsOngoing [There's a saying in the jianghu: If your tip is sharp but not pungent, you'll be useless in old age; if it's pungent but not sharp, you'll never get anywhere. Use both pungency and sharpness, and even the gods will be driven mad. This book features some jianghu tricks and schemes, so take them as a warning. It also offers a few clever tips for those who can figure them out.] After getting into college, I thought the world was finally mine to explore. I never expected graduation to mean unemploy 381.8kReads9.0Score23.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommend *Bloodstained Family: The Twin Sisters Return Amidst Bloodshed*! A historical romance novel featuring two female protagonists, packed with elements of court politics, martial arts, battlefields, the imperial palace, and tragic love. Currently serialized on Tomato, it's incredibly addictive! 🎭 The premise is immediately captivating: a loyal family is framed, turning a centuries-old noble household into a living hell. Twin sisters fall off a cliff and drown, escaping death. One hone her skills on the precipice, while the other struggles in exile. When these two solitary figures meet again, it will be time to stir up a storm and settle old scores. 👑 The court intrigue storyline involves Zheng Mingxuan feigning illness and using Qin Lie to raise a private army, while the emperor is torn between the greater good of the empire and guilt towards his sister. The power struggle between the two heroes unfolds layer by layer, with logical and realistic calculations. The restrained and subtle writing style perfectly suits the tastes of readers of political intrigue novels. 🌑 The palace intrigue and power struggles unfold from the tragic death of Consort Wu, the Empress severing ties with her niece, to Xue'er's cold observation and gradual scheming. The deaths of ordinary people highlight the coldness of the palace, creating a powerful atmosphere and a strong sense of realism. The poignant moments and subtle emotions are perfectly balanced. ⚔️ The battlefield heroine storyline features Lin Tianci, who ambushes veterans in the recruit camp, rises through the ranks based on his achievements, and leads his men to defend the nation's borders. It's thrilling and exciting without being mindless, with clear character development, breaking down gender barriers, and solidly building up to satisfying moments. 🗡️ The martial arts world and the court are intertwined with intrigue and power struggles. The protagonist, exiled to a foreign land, navigates the treacherous waters between the martial arts world and the court, each move a gamble with life and death.

11. 11 科 Imperial Exam Triumph: The Strongest Female Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：最强女首辅 Dressed in Splendor宝妆成Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted After finally becoming the first female heir in her family, she opens her eyes and finds herself back before the revolution. Her father is dead from the start, leaving her with a frail mother and three beautiful older sisters. She is the only son who can carry on the Cheng family line... Cheng Qing looks down at her slightly developed chest, wondering what on earth went wrong. Surrounded by scheming wolves, Cheng Qing, now with a new soul in her body, sets herself two small goals: First, keep pr 8.5kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves
12. 12 首 The Lucky Wife of the Grand Secretary 首辅家的锦鲤妻 Cong Yue丛月Ancient Romance3.2M WordsCompleted Only after Su Jiuyue married into the Wu family did she discover that her husband was a fool. She thought she'd been swindled. But as soon as she entered the family, it was as if Heaven itself had blessed the Wus. One happy occasion followed another, and their lives kept getting better. She went up the mountain to gather wild greens and found a lingzhi mushroom; she went down to the river to fish and found a rare, ancient fungus. Even her foolish husband turned out not to be a fool, and he came 17.1kReads9.3Score2.7kShelves
13. 13 权 The Alluring Powerful Minister 权臣妖娆 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance960k WordsCompleted Also known as The Female Top Scorer and The Female Imperial Tutor. He was a celebrated, charmingly elegant top scorer, showered with every favor under the heavens. Only after the Du family was destroyed and he hanged himself in prison did the world learn that “he” was a woman! After her father's death, the family's good name was ruined. Dozens of loyal servants starved to death. The beautiful women of the household were either made into servants or reduced to playthings for officials. Reborn, Du 3.3kReads9.1Score435Shelves
14. 14 权 The Power of the Imperial Favorite 权宠天下 June六月Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted Live-action short-form drama: The Power and Privilege 4: Ruling the World is now streaming on Hongguo. A brilliant medical PhD transmigrates into the body of the Chu Prince’s discarded consort. As soon as she arrives, she encounters a critically injured patient. Guided by her medical ethics, she treats him, only to nearly be thrown into prison on false charges. When the Retired Emperor falls gravely ill, she finds a way to treat him, but that hateful Poison King misunderstands and berates her. I 10.3kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves
15. 15 最 The Best Lyricist 最佳词作 Kong Liu空留Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] One is a heroine, the other a pampered youngest son who’s always smiling. They work together seamlessly to resolve an unexpected crisis the first time they meet. The second time, she warns her younger cousin not to fall for someone like him. Then comes the Nth meeting, and with it, a lifetime together. 24.4kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
16. 16 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
17. 17 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
18. 18 父 If Father Doesn't Die, How Can His Daughter Ascend the Throne? 父皇不死女儿怎么登基 Xuxu Jiaqi栩栩佳期Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Court Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + Villainous Heroine + Dark Younger Brother, a Powerful Team] A scorpion and a venomous snake carve out a path through the treacherous imperial harem. When Li Ruyue was seven, she watched helplessly as the people from the Court of Judicial Review fabricated evidence to frame her mother. Her mother was sent to the Cold Palace, the Qin clan was charged with treason, and all 142 people in Zhaoyang Hall were slaughtered before her eyes. She sat in the blood, watching 3.4kReads9.1Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The first book features a female protagonist who ascends to the throne, and the second is a sequel.

19. 19 启 The First Year of Qifeng 启凤元年 Xuxu Jiaqi栩栩佳期Ancient Romance55k WordsOngoing [Ensemble Cast + Political Intrigue + The Martial World] [This book is a sequel to the author’s other novel, My Father Must Not Die, or How Can His Daughter Ascend the Throne? It is complete. You can read the previous book first to follow the history of the empress’s ascension.] At some point, the utterly corrupt Great Lin quietly began to change. The shift in its gears delayed its inevitable end, and some people never even learned the name of the person who had set those gears in motion. But a 299Reads—Score110Shelves
20. 20 穿 After Becoming a Female Chieftain, I Led the Frontier Out of Poverty 穿成女土司后，我带边疆脱贫致富 Likes the Trombone喜欢乐器长号Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted Lu Mingyu, an agricultural science student, transmigrates into the legitimate daughter of a chieftain's estate in Dayan. Her father died young, and her mother took over his duties and holds all the power. But the next day, she discovers that the estate lies in a remote border region, cut off from news, impoverished, and underdeveloped. So she gets to work, visiting the locals and conducting surveys herself, determined to help everyone escape poverty and prosper. But just as this young chieftain' 51Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 21 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
22. 22 谈 Explosives Under the Negotiation Table: The Young Lady Storms the Imperial Court 谈判桌下埋火药，大小姐入朝杀疯 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The heroine’s creed: Power and money are what let a woman live freely and boldly!] [Strong heroine + satisfying story + vying for the finest men in the realm] Jiang Yu thought she’d be content with a modestly comfortable life. But when she turned eighteen, one ridiculous twist after another came her way. First, the husband she had supported with her own money for years passed the imperial exams at the top of his class, then demanded a divorce so he could marry a noblewoman. Then the Duke’s mans 37kReads9.2Score5.4kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a political intrigue novel, and the female lead is truly the one playing the game. [Salute]

23. 23 女 The Tyrannical Empress and the Chaste Heir Whose Beauty Bewitches All 女帝暴虐，禁欲世子他美色撩人 Yu of the Three-Tiered Tower三重楼喻Ancient Romance396k WordsCompleted [Completed ❤️] Transmigration + 1v1 + strong female lead and weaker male lead + coercion + woman disguised as a man + decisive and ruthless heroine vs. restrained, reserved, beautiful but tragic hero [Warning: strong female lead and weaker male lead!!!] Feng Jin, an executive at a publicly listed corporation, suddenly died and transmigrated into the body of a tyrannical, cruel, mentally unstable crown prince who was a woman disguised as a man. From the start, a beautiful man offered himself to h 6.3kReads9.3Score691Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a female protagonist at the center of power!!! Super strong and cool! The second book has a female protagonist with many disguises, a seemingly refined villain! Her two older sisters are also hilarious! The third book features a female protagonist with extremely high intelligence, controlling and manipulating the court! The fourth book, although with a low rating, has fantastic character development! The female protagonist turns the world into her own chessboard, strategizing and manipulating everything!!!

24. 24 开 From the Start, I Snatched the Embroidered Ball: Will Becoming a Live-in Son-in-Law Stop Her From Taking Power? 开局抢绣球，入赘影响她当权臣吗 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted [Female-Supremacist World + Court Intrigue + Women Stronger Than Men + One-on-One Romance + Sweet Doting] [Refined Scoundrel, Scholarly Imperial Tutor × Lively, Proud Heiress to a Wealthy Merchant House] Before Lou Yushen became a live-in son-in-law, the standard for a good one was simple: don't covet the family's wealth, and don't take anyone's life. Lou Yushen thought, The people who came before me sure made the path easy! One day, while coaxing someone, she said, “Since the world is so lenien 16.8kReads9.4Score2.1kShelves
25. 25 可 But Pei Xiang Is into Men! 可是裴相她好男风啊 Cat in the Mooring泊里猫Ancient Romance376k WordsCompleted [The Prime Minister Pei likes men, and his favorite is Si Jingzhou] [Female protagonist disguised as a man] [1v1] [Girls help girls] Everyone knows the renowned Prime Minister Pei is attracted to both men and women, but the person he likes best is the newly appointed Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Si Jingzhou. Si Jingzhou impeaches her before the emperor for carousing. Pei Ji: “Oh, Assistant Minister, you’re so upright and incorruptible. I like you so much.” Si Jingzhou brin 876Reads8.9Score111Shelves
26. 26 疯 Are You Crazy? She’s a Max-Level Expert, and You Had to Provoke Her? 疯了吧？她满级大佬，你非惹她？ Granny Qian钱婆婆Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Short drama now streaming; satisfying revenge and face-slapping + ultra-confident heroine + secret identities + everyone’s darling + sickly Buddhist male lead + adorable child] “One hundred million. Stay.” After being reborn, Shang Wanxing unexpectedly saves a little boy, only to be taken to a private island by his deranged and violent uncle. Just as everyone laughs and waits to watch the unloved, uncared-for her get tossed aside once they’re tired of playing with her… Top-tier star: “She’s my 58.9kReads9.5Score6.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These are two modern versions of The Chess Player.

27. 27 就 Even as a Fake Heiress, I’ll Still Daringly Embrace Doing Nothing 就算是假千金也要勇敢摆烂 Ji Furan纪扶染Modern Romance659k WordsCompleted [Print edition launching across all platforms on August 9, 2025] When Shen Yue was twelve, she accidentally fell into a pond while feeding the fish. That was when she learned the truth: her parents weren’t her real parents, and her five older brothers weren’t really her brothers. She was the Mu family’s fake heiress! Faced with a future where she was destined to lose everything, Shen Yue decided to get ahead… by lying down. If she was going to lose it all anyway, she might as well lie back and 117.8kReads9.6Score13.7kShelves
28. 28 被 Demoted Back to the Capital, My Whole Family Finally Turns Its Luck Around 被贬回京后，我全家都咸鱼翻身了 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance741k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + Cherished by her whole family + Lighthearted and fun + Humorous court drama + Childhood sweethearts + Both are each other's first] A truly ambitious, talented, and wealthy young lady from a great family vs. a seemingly reserved young gentleman from a great family who pretends not to care To help the late emperor’s young son ascend the throne, the Gan family went on a rampage, dragging the imperial relatives into the fight. They would sooner have their entire clan dem 4.5kReads8.9Score612Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a young lady from a prestigious family; her grandfather was a prime minister who even helped the young emperor ascend the throne. She's incredibly intelligent, and everyone in the cast is clever—many outstanding young men from prominent families. It's a really good read!

29. 29 将 The General's Legitimate Daughter Returns: Toppling the Throne and Bathing the Capital in Blood 将门嫡女归来：覆灭皇权血洗京城 The Stars Tell Dreams星辰说梦Ancient Romance580k WordsCompleted The new book's rating has just been posted and will rise later #Ancient-Era Revenge #General's-Daughter #Superpowered Heroine #Political Intrigue #Taking Down Scumbags #Strong Female Lead The Su family was famed for generations of loyal service, but one day they were wiped out to the last. Her father and brothers died on the battlefield, their loyalty turned into a blade that pierced their hearts with their own hands. Her fiancé betrayed her, trusted allies turned against her, the emperor framed 5.8kReads8.2Score543Shelves

    Reader note

    This political intrigue novel features a female protagonist with high combat skills. She dislikes verbal battles, maintains a clear head at all times, isn't a saint, seizes opportunities for revenge, and dislikes procrastination or playing games.

30. 30 惊 Shock! Reborn on the Eve of My Family's Execution, I Say Let's Rebel 惊！重生回满门抄斩前夜，造反吧 Yi Yangcheng衣漾澄Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + feel-good story with a powerful heroine + family and country + political intrigue] A cool-headed, cunning heroine who plans several moves ahead + a brilliant, devoted yet restrained male lead who serves as a high-ranking official at the Court of Judicial Review In her previous life, the entire Ning family, loyal to the throne for generations, was slaughtered. To avenge them, Ning Zhiwei led an army of a hundred thousand to marry Su Mingjin, helping him with all her might as he rebelle 27.3kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    ✨Strategic Heroine VS High-IQ Minister of the Court of Judicial Review✨ 🍒For the sake of the loyal Ning family and the 100,000-strong Ning family army, Ning Zhiwei is decisive and ruthless, proceeding cautiously at every step, knowing that the slightest mistake could lead to her annihilation. "If there is no judge in the mortal world, then I will become a demon myself." The legend of this iron-blooded empress begins... ✨Exceptionally Intelligent Heroine VS Pure-Hearted General Male Lead✨ 🍒Lu Songliyun is the strategist and intellectual powerhouse, meticulously planning business battles, social welfare intrigue, and power struggles with villains, finding her match in every encounter. The male lead is a charming and capable young man with high combat skills. The heroine's father is a major highlight and a source of joy in this story. 😄

31. 31 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 107.4kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves
32. 32 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel is arguably the pinnacle of the "Double Strong Historical Romance" genre! The female protagonist, with meticulous planning and strategic brilliance, uses her intelligence as a weapon and the hearts of men as a chess piece, stirring up a storm amidst treacherous waters; the male protagonist, deep and calculating, is the only one who lets his guard down around her. They are evenly matched, not only formidable rivals but also kindred spirits, each clash fraught with hidden cunning, each alliance awe-inspiring to the court and the world!

33. 33 她 She Played at Being a Divine Being in the Late Eastern Han Dynasty 她在东汉末年装神弄鬼 First-Rate Red Chamber一品红楼Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Career-minded heroine + domineering, dashing hero] [Please note: This is a novel, not an academic paper. It has flaws and mistakes. If that bothers you, don't read it.] [The heroine is fifteen when she first transmigrates.] She thought transmigrating would let her live an easy, wonderful life. Instead, Heaven hit her with a harsh reality: she had landed in the late Eastern Han dynasty, with chaos about to engulf the land. To stay alive and protect her family, she has no choice but to embark on 9.8kReads9.4Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Here's the book list! [Sending hearts] ① The female protagonist transmigrates to the Three Kingdoms period, becoming another force with Lü Bu. She wields power and schemes to rule the world. ❤️ ② A super political intrigue novel where the female protagonist transmigrates into a book and starts with a marriage exchange. She leads her husband's family in a rebellion. Her strategies are incredibly strong. 🌸 ③ The female protagonist transmigrates into Cao Cao's daughter and helps him conquer the world. ✨

34. 34 穿 Transmigrated as Cao Cao's Daughter: From Farming to Empress 穿成曹操女儿，从种地到女帝 The Classic of Mountain Journeys山游经Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Cao Sui, a graduate student in agricultural science, has just finished slogging through her thesis when she jolts awake and opens her eyes to a woman gazing at her with tender affection. After spending over half a year recovering in bed, she finally gets up and learns that her father has gone off to fight the Yellow Turbans. The Yellow Turbans? What a historically specific term. Cao Sui is devastated. Why on earth did she have to end up in the Three Kingdoms? With disasters and war stacked aga 12kReads9.0Score1.9kShelves
35. 35 她 After She Ascends the Throne, She Takes a New Husband, Leaving Her Ex to Weep 她登基后换了夫，新夫不见旧夫哭 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (Power! It's a woman's second face! She loves it!) (1V2 + advancing the nation through technology + two men competing for her, only to end up regretting it) Lu Jichen: He is an ill-omened man. On the day his elder brother got married, they smeared dog blood all over his face and locked him in a cellar. Later, she brought him out, washed his hands, let him sit at the table, fed him, and paid for his education. Wei Chiyuan: He is the young lord of an aristocratic clan; she is a young widow. One sc 17.2kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    In this book, the female protagonist is reborn into ancient times, and she's incredibly clear-headed. She understands why there's such a strong preference for sons over daughters in ancient times and knows how to fundamentally change this situation. She truly is working to change things. And she's highly intelligent; she doesn't try to lower the intelligence of the ancients. [Cool] Definitely a political intrigue novel.

36. 36 步 Splendor at Every Turn, Spring at Every Step 步步惊华步步春 Twenty-Four Flower Mornings廿四花朝Ancient Romance847k WordsOngoing The rating has just come out, so don't pay it any mind... [Pure historical romance] [Plot-driven] [Political intrigue] [Two equally matched leads] [One-on-one romance] [Everyone is clever] [Powerful prince who dominates the court vs. exceptionally intelligent illegitimate daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen is the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's residence. Born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble country home, she is suddenly forced into the treacherous world of the capital's n 8.4kReads8.7Score838Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical political intrigue story featuring a highly intelligent female lead and a powerful male lead who wields immense influence over the court. Both are strong characters, and there are no naive or innocent characters around them. The writing is excellent and it's a great read.

37. 37 杀 Kill Every Conqueror 杀死每一个攻略者 yyy Longan and Lotus Seed Soupyyy桂圆莲子羹Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted “If the chosen woman cannot be killed, then kill every otherworldly soul that takes over her body.” On the night Wei Shulan died, she saw the truth of the world. She had lived for twenty-eight years, from being the apple of the Prince of Jing’an’s eye to becoming the only female prince of the Mingyao Dynasty. She held power over the court, yet it turned out she was merely a villain in a storybook who should have been written out long ago. The story’s heroine was called Luo Daien, an seem 258Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The villainous female character awakens, wielding immense power and becoming ruthless and decisive.

38. 38 掀 Flip the Table! The Legitimate Daughter Returns to Make Her Mark! 掀桌子！归来嫡女要立威！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Story + Sharp Tongues + Ensemble Cast + Nation and Family + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Couple] The legitimate daughter of a general's household, who had been left to fend for herself in the countryside, was maliciously attacked. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Liu Qingyue, China's top special agent. Determined to repay her master's kindness in recognizing her abilities, Liu Qingyue accepted his dying wish, left the Taoist temple, and returned home t 8.8kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Political intrigue, the female protagonist rises through the ranks and amasses wealth in the imperial court, establishing an era ruled by female emperors and prime ministers. (I like this story.)

39. 39 爆 Hilarious Mind Reading: The Prince Eats Gossip Until He Throws Up 爆笑读心术，王爷吃瓜吃到吐 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance452k WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: The Hilarious Mind-Reading Art: The Prince Laughs at Gossip Until He Chokes Manhua adaptation: The Princess's Inner Thoughts Are Full of Gossip, and the Prince Is Hooked; The Princess's Inner Thoughts Can't Be Hidden [Historical fantasy + mind-reading + gossip System + silly comedy + System space + sweet romance + feel-good revenge + transmigration to an alternate world + palace and household intrigue + devoted and powerful couple + marriage before love + healing a posses 24kReads9.1Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    A humorous tale of political intrigue, sharp wit, mind-reading abilities, and gossip—it's guaranteed to make you laugh until you drop.

40. 40 别 Don't Be Weak, Don't Provoke Her: An Angry Palace Maid Can Restore a Fallen Kingdom 别太弱，别招惹，宫女发怒能复国 Ethereal Fairy霓裳妖妖Ancient Romance748k WordsCompleted [Unusual premise + assassin’s rise + strong heroine + political intrigue + cold and heartless + mildly yandere + cool-headed lunatic + male lead rises from the nth place] * Su Mian was just a palace maid serving a princess. On the day the Southern Yan Kingdom fell, she watched everyone die before her without a flicker of emotion. The princess gave her an even more perilous mission. Until it was done, she had to stay alive. But in a world thrown into chaos, she was sold as a slave and forced to e 25.6kReads9.5Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I absolutely have to recommend "Silent Power"! It's a high-IQ, politically astute, female-centric novel with a strong female lead. If you don't like transmigration or system novels, you're in luck! It's purely original, but there's a reincarnation story in the side stories (if you don't like that, please avoid it!). The female lead has laid out a huge scheme, using herself as a pawn to plot against the princess of a fallen kingdom. To seek revenge, she imagines herself as someone else, increasing her strength and expanding her influence while uncovering her true identity and ultimately unifying four kingdoms. She's definitely not a saint; she treats the male lead like a puppy! In short, it's an absolutely fantastic novel, highly recommended! [Sparrow's Masterpiece][Sparrow's Masterpiece][Sparrow's Masterpiece] But I couldn't find a replacement. If you've found any similar novels, please recommend them, thank you! [Shy][shy]

41. 41 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

    Reader note

    This princess is reborn and changes her fate. Without any special abilities, she relies entirely on her intelligence, clear-headedness, and meticulous planning.

42. 42 嫡 The Principal Daughter Becomes Queen 嫡女为凰 Chasing the Night逐夜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Tags: Rebirth, revenge, strong female and male leads The powerful Princess Changle of Wuyang died the day before she was to give up her authority and head to her fiefdom for a carefree life. Her trusted consort, her teacher, and her closest friend conspired to kill her. Even as she died, she never heard a confession from the one she loved. Reborn, she decides to live for herself. She stirs up trouble in both the inner court and the royal court, seeking revenge on those who harmed her in her prev 245Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist, in her past life, was a cunning and ruthless princess, skilled in strategy and cold indifference. Poisoned and reborn, she assumes the identity of a cunning and ruthless legitimate daughter, stirring up trouble in the inner court and the imperial court, all for revenge. The female protagonist is aloof and career-driven, with intricately interwoven career storylines and a powerful, collaborative romance.

43. 43 日 Drunk on the Road Home at Dusk 日暮醉归途 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted The cool, intelligent beauty Shui Qiaoyou, a general of the former dynasty, and the pure-hearted, reserved prince Chu Moli, a prince of the current dynasty Historical romance, no transmigration, no palace intrigue, no household drama, one-on-one romance, strong female lead. Shui Qiaoyou felt as though she’d merely fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes again, a hundred years had passed. Her homeland, family, and friends were like smoke, long since vanished into the river of time. Fate had left 13.4kReads9.1Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    In this book, the female protagonist awakens a century later. She only wanted to live a simple life, but things didn't go as planned. Some things started because of her, and they should also end because of her. So, after she reunites with her old friends from a century ago, she becomes the one holding the chess pieces, wanting to use the chaos of the world to unify the country and protect the remnants of the previous dynasty.

44. 44 女 Disguised as a Man: I Started My Career as an Advisor 女扮男装：当官从幕僚做起 Zha Wei紮尾Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Soul transmigration, alternate world, woman disguised as a man, rise to power and riches, no romance, political intrigue, no System] Wang Qian transmigrated to the Great Zhao Dynasty. To survive, she assumed the identity of a successful candidate in the imperial examinations named Wang Qingyun and entered a prince's residence as an adviser. Once there, she discovered that the prince was plotting to become heir to the throne. The risk was too great. She had to make a run for it. Wang Qingyun: As 1.5kReads9.0Score269Shelves

    Reader note

    Don't let the low rating fool you; it's mainly because it's a new book and not many people have read it yet, but it's truly excellent. It mainly tells the story of a woman disguised as a man who rises through the ranks of an official in ancient times. The female protagonist is ruthless and cunning, and her answers to questions are very smooth. In my opinion, it rivals Ming Yue Lang's novel. You'll see for yourself once you read it. [Heart emoji]

45. 45 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.6kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    [Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Individuals Pampered by Each Other + Everyone's Clever and cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence; everyone is incredibly cunning, a battle of wits at its peak! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, went blind and used forbidden techniques to drain her life force to save her scumbag husband. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, leading to the tragic deaths of her entire loyal family! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing his expectant gaze and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her and cut her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled healing and poisoning skills, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and influential ruler, suffers greatly from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi tossed down the antidote, her voice cold and arrogant: "I will extend Your Highness's life. Lend me your blade to slaughter all the demons and monsters, how about it?" The world believed the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the palm of a living Yama. Only when powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, did everyone realize with horror—the seemingly fragile Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a female Zhuge Liang who held the reins of power and calculated every move! She and he entrusted their lives to each other, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

46. 46 恶 The Wicked Supporting Lady Is Doomed to Live as a Widow? Brother-in-Law, I’m Scared 恶毒女配守活寡？夫兄，人家好怕 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance558k WordsCompleted [Elder Brother Steals Younger Brother’s Wife + Deliberate Seduction] (Black-hearted scheming villainess ✖️ abstinent, cold-hearted junior tutor) In her previous life, Pei Jingxu remained a widow for three years for her husband, Rong Xuanzhou, who had died in battle. But then he returned to the capital with Bai Shutong, the widow of his comrade-in-arms, and her two children. The Rong family elders said nothing, only urging Pei to be virtuous and magnanimous. The widow was peerlessly beautiful. No 110.5kReads9.3Score19kShelves

    Reader note

    These two books are my top picks; the authors' writing is so good that it's hard to find another novel I like after reading them. Every character has their own unique traits. The first book has a particularly strong sense of tension, and the second one feels like each male lead has a different vibe with the female lead. Every couple has amazing chemistry, and the last one has an open ending—you can buy it without hesitation.

47. 47 折 Snap Off a Crabapple Branch! 折棠枝！ Consort Xi熙贵妃Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sisters switch marriages+the chase-back-to-win-her-heart trope+romantic rivalry+putting scumbags in their place; clear-eyed, scheming beauty X mad tyrant X aloof, powerful minister...] Short drama now available Jiang Wantang is the second legitimate daughter least favored by the current prime minister. With incomparable beauty and bewitching charm, she was abandoned in the wilderness and remained unknown to the world. Her elder legitimate sister was the moon in the sky; she was the mud beneath 9.1kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves
48. 48 乱 A Lone Woman in Troubled Times, Plotting an Age of Prosperity 乱世孤女，谋千古盛世 Lingering Fragrance and Faded Powder旧香残粉Ancient Romance2.2M WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + No CP + Empress + Ensemble Cast + Political Scheming + War + Power Struggles in a Chaotic Era + Nation-Building and Farming + No Spatial Storage or System + Slow-Burn Growth + Epic Length] Yun Huaijin suddenly became a "corpse" in a world torn apart by chaos. She crawled out of a pile of bodies, with only a child on the verge of starving to death beside her. In this world, nobles lived in drunken indulgence, powerful clans monopolized knowledge, bandits slaughtered withou 24.2kReads8.9Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    This book features a female protagonist who is skilled in both literature and martial arts, decisive in battle, and not a saint; she starts as an orphan in a chaotic world.

49. 49 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance859k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 1.9kReads9.3Score270Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance, political intrigue, two strong characters, female lead is clear-headed and highly intelligent

50. 50 灰 The Gray Lotus 灰莲花 Clouds of Rough Noodles Again又见糙面云Modern Romance819k WordsCompleted [A textbook case of realist business warfare + a deeply romantic, top-tier intellectual romance] The world has gone mad. A top-tier rich, handsome young heir is forced to compete with his wealthy wife for a lover... “If she likes me and I like her too, then we’ll each have to prove ourselves.” The male lead is loaded with resources and comes with every advantage, while the female lead has brains and beauty and rises from humble beginnings. A textbook case of realist business warfare, arranged fa 36.4kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    A must-read for contemporary romance novel lovers, this is the ultimate gem, perfect for highly intelligent readers. It's a textbook example of business warfare, with a captivating romance and even compelling supporting characters. Reading it will definitely broaden your horizons; the writing style and logic are superb. Highly recommended.

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