The Heroine Is a Palace Maid Who Grew Up Serving the Crown Prince. When She Wants to Leave the Palace, He Won’t Let Her Go 女主是宫女幼时在太子旁伺候长大要出宫太子却不让

1. 1 东 The Eastern Palace’s Hidden Darling 东宫藏娇 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance222k WordsCompleted [Sweet, imaginative historical romance + Pursuing his wife through live comments + A forced romance that turns mutual + A beautiful airhead + A sinister crown prince + The real and fake heiress] To earn money for her seriously ill mother and her injured brother, desperate Pei Jiaojiao sold herself into slavery at the Eastern Palace. Her pretty face and timid, trouble-avoiding nature earned her a place serving in the Crown Prince's study, assigned by the steward. Her daily chores were simple: gri 4.2kReads9.1Score317Shelves

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   🌈❶ The female lead's mother is seriously ill, and her brother's arm was broken, requiring money for medical treatment. Being young, she sells herself into the Eastern Palace to serve in the study. Her only thought is to save enough money to redeem herself when she reaches marriageable age, unaware that the Crown Prince is determined to take her as his concubine. 🌈❷ The female lead is a concubine, while the male lead is initially a prince, later becoming the Crown Prince.

2. 2 谁 What Kind of Concubine Bears Four Sons and a Daughter, Then Becomes a Noble Consort? 谁家通房生四儿一女，还当贵妃啊 Autumn Is Long秋很长Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted only to each other + One-on-one romance + Many children + Sweet romance + Inner- and imperial-palace intrigue] In the fortieth year of the Xihe era, Lüqing became a concubine-in-waiting to Prince Jin. She knew full well that she had to earn Prince Jin's favor and give birth to a child as soon as possible if she wanted to secure her place in the prince's household. For eight years, she contended with the other women in the inner court, using every means at her disposal to 26.8kReads9.1Score2.5kShelves
3. 3 细 After Being Reborn, the Slender-Waisted Beauty Is Lavished with the Chaste Crown Prince's Affection 细腰美人重生后，被禁欲太子狂宠 Que Yin雀隐Ancient Romance651k WordsCompleted [Completed] [Cool, celibate Crown Prince x Sweet, slim, easygoing concubine] Lin Jinxu is as lovely as a hibiscus, her beauty impossible to hide. Her slender waist, delicate enough to fit in one hand, is famed throughout the capital. Sadly, in her previous life, she trusted the wrong person and married her hypocritical cousin. She died before turning twenty, and took the entire Lin family down with her. Reborn, Lin Jinxu wants nothing more than to coast through life, eat well, and grow old in pe 4.8kReads8.5Score436Shelves
4. 4 哑 The Mute Palace Maid’s Daily Life 哑巴宫女日常 Pearl Pu'er Tea珍珠普洱茶Ancient Romance524k WordsCompleted Maids! Maids! No Romance Bai Zhi was sold into the palace by her family when she was five. At ten, she was assigned to serve the Fifth Prince, who was the same age as her. At fifteen, she saved his life during the spring hunt. The Fifth Prince eventually ascended the throne and became Emperor Zhaoxuan, while Bai Zhi became the head auntie of the Imperial Tea Room in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Because Bai Zhi was quiet and had once saved Emperor Zhaoxuan's life, she became a famous mute m 8.3kReads8.9Score461Shelves

   Reader note

   🌸Perfect match!🌼 Bai Zhi is a head maidservant in the Emperor's court. She's been with the Fifth Prince since childhood, and her good life is a result of saving his life at the age of 15. She's also very cautious in the palace, never uttering a word [awkward laugh][awkward laugh], leading the concubines to believe she's a mute maid. Every day she researches what the Emperor likes to eat, only thinking about his age before leaving the palace [smirk][smirk][smirk][smirk][smirk]

5. 5 皇 The Emperor’s Favorite Lady-in-Waiting 皇上独宠御前掌事宫女 Cheng Nuo橙诺Ancient Romance337k WordsCompleted Shen Ru was sold into the palace as a child. Later, thanks to Consort Shu's great kindness, she lived a fairly comfortable life. But Consort Shu was eventually framed for practicing witchcraft. The emperor was furious and ordered her death. Shen Ru followed the young Second Prince, Situ Yi, to the Cold Palace, where the two depended on each other from then on. A few years later, fortune finally turned in their favor: the emperor and the crown prince died one after another. To preserve her positi 1.9kReads8.4Score136Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead has been with the male lead since childhood, sharing both joy and sorrow; it's a sibling romance novel.

6. 6 退 The Leisurely Life of a Retired Palace Maid 退休宫女的悠闲生活 The Wang Family's Fifth Young Master王家五公子Ancient Romance421k WordsCompleted Ever since the retired palace maid Zhilan returned to her hometown, she had been going on one matchmaking date after another, and every one of them fell through. Still unwilling to give up, she went on her Nth date, and the man finally couldn't hold back from asking, “Sister, do you have any particular requirements for a husband?” He just couldn't believe it. Every time she went on a matchmaking date, he sabotaged it. Surely, sooner or later, she'd finally notice him. 2.4kReads9.1Score272Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead is a retired palace maid who relied on the male lead, who was then a prince, when they were in the cold palace. After retiring, the male lead chased her to her hometown and persistently pursued her love. It's a very good story, without any ridiculous or melodramatic harem tropes! The male lead only ever loved the female lead.

7. 7 疯 The Mad Prince Is a Hopeless Romantic, and the Cold Palace Maid Has Nowhere to Run 疯批太子恋爱脑，冷情宫女没路跑 Bury Books, Cut Inkstones葬书斩砚Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (The new novel, The Spoiled Little Sister Beckons, and the Cold-Faced Powerful Official Follows, is super sweet!) [Dark, obsessive crown prince + powerful man lowering his head + possessive love + sweet romance with just a tiny bit of angst] Shen Zhao served as a palace attendant to the empress for eight years. Just when she finally managed to leave the palace, she was reassigned to the Eastern Palace to become the crown prince's first palace maid. Outsiders all said the crown prince was gentl 7kReads8.5Score888Shelves

   Reader note

   This matches the [flying kiss] rule.

8. 8 成 On Our Wedding Night, the Obsessive Crown Prince Took Me to the Eastern Palace 成亲当晚，偏执太子夺我入东宫 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted The aloof, possessive Crown Prince × the dazzling beauty who loves money Everyone in the Eastern Palace knows that the Crown Princess was snatched away from someone else by the Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince, as elegant as jade and as clear as moonlight, fell into the sea of love, there was no climbing back out. He Yue transmigrated to ancient times and became the owner of a rouge shop. She wasn’t rich or powerful, but her life was peaceful and carefree. Then one day, the woman she liv 35kReads9.0Score2.7kShelves
9. 9 小 The Little Palace Maid's Thoughts Were Read 小宫女被读心了 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance254k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the palace as a maid, Qin Jianjian works diligently, flatters those above her, and deceives those below her. In the end, she becomes the top-ranked maid serving the Empress Dowager. She has undoubtedly reached the pinnacle of her profession. Money she’s openly entitled to, along with money she shouldn’t have, keeps flowing into Qin Jianjian’s pockets. Delighted, she just has to wait until she’s old enough to leave the palace and retire early. Who could have guessed the 15kReads9.4Score1.1kShelves
10. 10 太 The Crown Prince Is Exiled, and His Lucky Maid Goes Along to Bring Him Endless Fortune 太子流放，锦鲤婢女随行超旺他 Xiao Junzi萧君子Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Farming, food, political intrigue, a pure historical romance A clever, quick-witted palace maid X a scheming, domineering, deposed crown prince Adapted under the title Rebel Li Yue is a palace maid who carries dishes in the Eastern Palace. She rarely gets to see the crown prince, the crown princess, or the noble consorts. She thinks she's the luckiest person in the palace: her master's anger never falls on her, and the head cook looks after her. She's grown plump from eating well, and feels trul 12.2kReads8.9Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist was a lowly palace maid who was forced into exile with the deposed crown prince. After the crown prince became emperor, the female protagonist did not want to return to the palace, but the emperor refused to let her go.

11. 11 不 No Eavesdropping on the Emperor 不许偷听朕说话 Yin Zaishui尹在水Ancient Romance925k WordsCompleted An Jiu transmigrated into the body of a young palace maid who wanted to climb into the emperor’s bed. The moment she opened her eyes, the tyrant ran his sword straight through the maid who had tried to seduce him. The next day, the tyrant killed a senior maid who served one of the consorts. On the third day, a maid who tasted the emperor’s food died from poison. Being a palace maid was a high-risk job. An Jiu decided to work hard, save up, cherish her life, and stay away from the tyrant. But the 78.3kReads9.4Score12.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Both of these books feature palace maids as the female protagonists, and the second one is hilarious! [Smirking emoji][smirking emoji][smirking emoji][smirking emoji]

12. 12 偷 Steal from the Imperial Palace to Raise the Prince: Anyone in My Way Dies 偷皇宫养皇子，谁挡路谁就死 Yang Xiuxiu扬岫岫Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [Thieving Maid ✖️ Prince of the Cold Palace] Two equally formidable leads, fiercely protective, raising him first, then fighting for power After dying, Shan Zhi transmigrates and is reborn in the Cold Palace. The moment she opens her eyes, Si Huaizheng is hoping she’ll die. Not the best start. … She hadn’t really planned on looking after him. But he calls her big sister… What can she do? Since she’s here, she might as well make a go of it. She can only take him along for the ride~ ❗Before she 55.2kReads9.4Score8.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is a prince in the cold palace who has relied on the female lead since childhood. It's a really good story. I've read it twice. The female lead is a master thief who transmigrates; if her belongings are stolen, she doesn't mind taking them herself.

13. 13 云 Chaos Between Heaven and Earth 云泥乱 Feast of a Thousand Lanterns千灯宴Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted The comic adaptation is out. [Substitute Bride, Ugly Maid × Exiled, Disgraced Crown Prince × Win Her Back at Any Cost × Marriage Before Love × Pregnant and on the Run × Mutual Healing × Ugly Duckling Comeback] She was the ugliest maid in the marquis's household. A birthmark covered her face, her hands were calloused, and everyone had called her Ugly Ah for six years. Her daily job was scrubbing chamber pots. He was the most exalted crown prince in the imperial family. Overnight, he was deposed. 44.5kReads9.1Score4.8kShelves

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    [A Pure and Virtuous Woman Runs Away with a Pregnant Child] Deposed and exiled, the betrothed daughter of a marquis refused to marry the crippled crown prince, so the maid A Chou, with a birthmark, was forced into the bridal sedan chair. Desperate to escape, she was told, "I, Xiao Yi, have always been upright and honorable, except in keeping you here, I used some less-than-honorable means. Today, I give you the copper seal, and you are free." Later, he returned to the capital, ascended the throne, and she ran away pregnant… This story features a pure and virtuous relationship with a slow-burning romance. Sisters who like this kind of story should check it out.

14. 14 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

    Reader note

    The novel doesn't focus much on the male and female leads' childhood; it mainly depicts them in their twenties. They are childhood sweethearts. The female lead rises through the ranks of the Empress Dowager's palace to become a senior palace maid/official, but she longs to leave (a palace maid can request permission to leave after fifteen years, or some other time). When the male lead was a teenager (he was apparently the Crown Prince at the time), he asked her if she wanted to join his household. She refused. For many years afterward, they barely spoke, though the male lead would secretly observe her when he visited the Empress Dowager. The turning point comes with the scarcity of heirs in the harem. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor are not biologically related, and the Empress Dowager wants to place someone close to the Emperor (the male lead), hoping to get the female lead. Initially, she resists, but under imperial power, she has no choice but to agree. The male lead has secretly calculated every step of the way. It's essentially a story of the male lead's long-cherished love finally being won over, and the female lead gradually being moved by his love.

15. 15 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 Imperial Concubine and the Emperor are childhood sweethearts, a sweet and virtuous story! Although the female lead was born a servant, she grew up by the Empress Dowager's side and is the male lead's only woman. She suffers from amnesia at the beginning, but the male lead loves her even more [admiration].

16. 16 一 One Life a Prisoner, Two Lives a Caged Bird 一世囚：两世雀 Cooked Sugar Is Caramel煮熟的糖是焦糖Ancient Romance415k WordsCompleted “If there's another life, I hope we'll remain strangers forever.” Those were her last words before she died, the final light in her eyes going out completely. He ordered them to cut open her still-warm body and take out the crying baby girl. “You don't get to choose. If you leave, she has to live... and stay with me.” Her soul lingered, watching as he froze her body in ice and forced their young daughter to pay her respects to her mother's remains every day, preventing her from passing on and 99Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    From crown prince to emperor, she stayed by his side all along, only wanting to leave the palace, but ended up dying trapped inside. She thought being reborn was God's mercy, but little did she know it was because he had begged for it. A bittersweet story.

17. 17 听 Rumor Has It the Noble Consort Alone Enjoys the Emperor's Favor in the Deep Palace 听说贵妃在深宫独得圣上恩宠 Que Ling Yan Zi雀翎宴子Ancient Romance568k WordsCompleted When they were young and love stirred in his heart, he took her in. Once he held power, he had no choice but to hide her away. In the lonely inner palace, she waited quietly, day after day and year after year. For power and status, he feared nothing. He overcame every obstacle and held her close. Behind layer upon layer of palace gates and red walls, a dream within a dream awakened the lovers from their reverie. 8.9kReads9.0Score573Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book features a female lead who has served the male lead since childhood. She becomes his concubine when he leaves the palace to establish his own household, and he adores her, supporting her step by step. The second book features a female lead who is a lowly palace maid forced into exile with the deposed crown prince. After the crown prince becomes emperor, she doesn't want to return to the palace, but the emperor won't let her go. The third book features a female lead whose mother is seriously ill and whose brother has had his arm broken, requiring money for medical treatment. Being young, she sells herself into the Eastern Palace to serve in the study. She only wants to save enough money to redeem herself when she reaches a certain age, unaware that the crown prince is determined to take her as his concubine. The fourth book features a female lead who is a concubine in a palace, while the male lead is initially a prince but is later made crown prince.

18. 18 盛 Dotingly Cherished Concubine: A Handbook for Raising a Beloved Concubine 盛宠娇妾：宠妾养成手册 Sweet Rice Wine糯糯酒Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance, No Angst + One-on-One + Everyday Life] Qing Li spent years pretending to be a mute little eunuch in the palace. After arriving at the Prince Qing's residence, all she wanted was to keep her hands tucked into her sleeves, carry on acting dimwitted, and live peacefully as a little eunuch. But one day, she grabbed a scholar in blue robes at the library and made him help her carry something. After that, everything began to change. When she pretended to be stupid, people poked her. Wh 137Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist disguises herself as a eunuch and serves a prince. In the second book, she wants to leave the palace, but even after leaving, she doesn't remain idle; a prince who has been granted the title of king schemes to keep her by his side.

19. 19 乖 A Sweet, Obedient Woman Gets the Best of Life, and the Crown Prince Can't Get Enough 乖巧的女人最好命，太子欲罢不能 Mi Yiner弥音儿Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (P.S. Strong male lead, weaker female lead, pure historical romance, no transmigration, no rebirth, no golden finger, sweet romance.) Wen Li'er is gentle and mild-mannered, the cherished darling of her parents. She thought she'd marry a man she loved and spend her life raising children and managing the household. But an imperial decree from the Empress made her the lowest-ranking consort in the Eastern Palace. Unable to bear the blow, Wen Li'er fell seriously ill and spent half a year bedridden. 46.3kReads8.8Score8kShelves

    Reader note

    Both female leads are super good

20. 20 宫 Being a Palace Maid Is Hard, I’d Rather Lie Flat 宫女难为，不如躺平 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance131k WordsCompleted [Deposed Crown Prince vs. Little Palace Maid; reborn; mutual salvation] Mu Jin died in the imperial palace in her previous life. This time, all she wants is to stay alive and get out of this man-eating place as soon as possible. So she volunteers to leave the palace and care for the deposed crown prince. Every day, she counts down the days until he dies, so she can escape amid the chaos and leave for good. But after three days, he is still alive and well. A year later, not only is he still alive 53Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 21 通 Her Slender Waist and Jade-Like Beauty Drive the Reserved Crown Prince Out of Control 通房细腰玉颜，引清冷太子失控了 Xiao Lizhi小荔稚Ancient Romance262k WordsCompleted [Complete] [Both leads devoted to each other + sweet romance + male lead is hopelessly in love!] [Delicate, soft-waisted chamber maid × noble, aloof crown prince] Nian Yao was the lowliest maid in the inner palace, yet she had a face as beautiful as a hibiscus. Unfortunately, she was frail and the daughter of a criminal, someone everyone could bully. But nobody knew that whenever Nian Yao was moved by desire, a begonia flower bloomed on her right shoulder, alluring and radiant. Except the noble, 2.1kReads8.9Score209Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a palace maid, but she dreams of leaving the palace every day [laughing][laughing]. It's a heartwarming story with a touch of arrogance! A palace maid who doesn't want to rise in rank, yet she manages to become deeply connected with the emperor, haha!

22. 22 东 Beauty of the Eastern Palace: The Crown Prince Bows to Pamper Her 东宫美人！太子殿下折腰宠！ Step by Step, No, No步步要不不Ancient Romance209k WordsCompleted [The rating just came out and isn't very high yet, but do come take a look, darlings! It's unbelievably sweet.] He is Xiao Jingzhan, Crown Prince of the realm, wielding immense power and unmatched in wisdom. He commands the court with ease, yet remains cool and restrained, with no interest in women. Everyone praises him as the perfect heir to the throne. That is, until he meets her! From then on, he calls her “Good Girl.” She becomes the one dearest to his heart, his only weakness! She is Su Jin 496Reads8.1Score—Shelves

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    ① Bai Zhi was sold into the palace by her family at the age of five. At ten, she began serving the Fifth Prince. At fifteen, she saved the future Emperor Zhaoxuan during a spring hunt, and based on this act of kindness, she became the head maid of the Imperial Tea Room in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Because of her taciturn nature, she was also known as the "mute palace maid." Despite being a favorite of the Emperor, she had no desire to compete for his favor, and only had one thought in her mind—to leave the palace!

23. 23 娇 The Pretty Palace Maid's Step-by-Step Rise to Empress 娇娇宫女，步步为后 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance574k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue / not both partners’ first time / devoted love in the later story / not a strong heroine; the female lead cries easily and isn’t particularly clever, so don’t expect too much!] After three years in the palace, Yue Li has worked carefully and waited for a chance at promotion. Just before she is promoted, a palace maid sharing her room is sentenced to death for offending a consort. Thunder crashes and rain pours that night as blood spatters everywhere. Terrified, Yue Li cannot sle 24.5kReads9.3Score11.5kShelves

    Reader note

    🍂① The female lead, a lowly palace maid, desperately wants to leave the palace. The Crown Prince, who has been childless for many years, suddenly takes a liking to her and showers her with affection. He asks her, "Haven't I treated you well? Why do you want to leave the palace?" 🍂② The female lead only wants to endure until she leaves the palace to live a good life. One day, she is tricked into bumping into the Emperor's arms, and the Emperor grabs her...

24. 24 却 Yet You Betrayed the Spring's Grace 却负春恩 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Print edition now available. Search for Ascending to the Clouds on any platform to buy] [Original titles: Ascending to the Clouds / Loathing the Vermilion Walls] [High-IQ Palace Intrigue + Pure-Hatred Heroine + No Disposable Characters] [No transmigration, no rebirth, no golden finger] [The blurb doesn’t do it justice. Please go read the story] How do you become an emperor’s favorite concubine? A prestigious family? A good education? A gentle, respectful, modest, and accommodating nature? Unfor 25.3kReads9.2Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    🌾①The female protagonist accidentally transmigrates into a novel she once read, and even becomes a lowly palace maid. Knowing the plot's direction, she silently complains to herself, unaware that everyone else can hear her complaints.

25. 25 小 The Little Palace Maid Who Ruled the Harem 小宫女宠冠后宫 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance329k WordsCompleted [A pampered little palace maid × a possessive, scheming emperor; pseudo-childhood sweethearts; doted on from the start; happy ending] When A Ruo was seven, the Grand Empress Dowager found her and brought her into the palace. She had been raised by her ever since. Though she was a maid, everyone in the palace addressed her as Miss A Ruo. Life couldn’t have been sweeter. But her carefree days didn’t last long. After four years away from the capital, she returned to hear something unbelievable. The 4.9kReads7.5Score533Shelves
26. 26 娇 The Sweet Little Palace Maid and the Mad Emperor's Wanton Affection 娇软小宫女，疯批帝王肆意宠 Snowy Dudu雪之嘟嘟Ancient Romance321k WordsCompleted Yao Qing's goal in life: save enough silver to leave the palace. Then she met Xiao Linyuan, the emperor who spoiled her without limit. After that, her whole outlook changed. 130Reads7.1Score—Shelves
27. 27 清 Qing Transmigration: A Little Peach Blossom Spirit Becomes Prince Yinreng’s Crown Princess 清穿：小桃花精成了胤礽太子妃 Year After Year年年予Ancient Romance611k WordsOngoing A delicate, radiant little peach-blossom sprite and a ruthless, cold-hearted reborn crown prince (age gap, both virgins, raising a child, a story of saving and being saved, guaranteed sweetness) This story has plenty of invented details, so feel free to read it as an alternate-universe setting. When the imperial decree arrives, Fu Cha Shuyi, who had been trying to blend into the background during the selection, is suddenly betrothed to Crown Prince Yinreng and becomes the crown princess of the E 2.6kReads8.4Score178Shelves

    Reader note

    You'll regret not reading this!! The delicate peach blossom spirit, Shuyi, is forced to marry the ruthless, reborn crown prince. She thought she'd have to be cautious, but instead, she wreaks havoc in the Eastern Palace and even raises a wicked little boy! When she finally decides to leave the palace, the crown prince's face darkens: "Little sister, want to leave? Did you ask me first?" The reborn crown prince's obsessive doting clashes with the little peach blossom spirit's unbridled behavior—this daily life in the Eastern Palace is both sweet and hilarious!

28. 28 小 Little Palace Maid Fails to Leave the Palace, Cries in the Emperor's Arms 小宫女出宫失败，扑进陛下怀里哭 Crossing the Autumn Mist渡秋雾Ancient Romance116k WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue: Male Lead Is Not Chaste + Favored Exclusively from the Start + Not a Strong Female Lead] [A Maid with a Little Cunning ✖️ An Emperor Who Gently Leads Her On] When the new emperor ascended the throne, he issued an edict allowing palace maids to leave the palace. Wanying was among them. She looked forward to seeing her family and the childhood sweetheart she had grown up with. As her departure drew near, she dreamed that because the emperor had looked at her one time too many, Ji 22Reads—Score—Shelves
29. 29 皇 Your Majesty, I Think Your Palace Maid Is Cursing You Again 皇上，你家宫女好像又在骂你 Six Yuan六元钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The irresistible appeal of what you once rejected + powerful men bowing their heads + a double-standard male lead + raising her before a story of power and statecraft + romantic push and pull + he truly doesn’t love her at first, but gives his all once he does] Su Nanchu is unruly. Shen Jingzhi has always known that. But life in the palace is dull, and he doesn’t mind having a little plaything who can kick and scream. She becomes his daily amusement: reading memorials, practicing calligraphy, a 11.3kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Although she wasn't the one who initially served the male lead, he absolutely adored her.

30. 30 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
31. 31 宫 A Palace Maid’s Life as the Emperor’s Favorite 宫女承宠日常 Kun Bai坤白Ancient Romance206k WordsCompleted Wei Rongxiang was a palace maid who served tea before the emperor. One day, she was abducted and dragged onto the imperial bed, where the emperor forced himself on her. Everyone called her Aunt Rongxiang, yet treated her like a mistress of the palace. Wei Rongxiang entered the imperial harem, where the emperor favored her every night, but she always kept a clear head. She watched him favor his concubines, watched him surround himself with wives and concubines, watched his children dote on him, w 8.6kReads7.8Score525Shelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist forcibly marries and takes away

32. 32 陛 His Majesty Says He Dislikes Seductive Women 陛下说他不喜媚色 Purple-Robed Evil Emperor紫裳邪皇Ancient Romance611k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other's one and only + deliberate seduction] [Beautiful, clear-headed heroine + proud, abstinent emperor] The new emperor liked refined, elegant ladies and despised anything bewitching and shallow. Unfortunately, the Jiang family's Fifth Young Lady was alluringly beautiful. The Empress Dowager actually wanted a woman like her to seduce the emperor and secure advantages for the Jiang family. The new emperor despised the Jiang family most of all and had no wish to let a Jiang 33.5kReads8.6Score96.2kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good! The emperor only has one concubine, and the early stages are incredibly challenging.

33. 33 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 20.9kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    When she was fifteen, as the personal maid of the Fifth Prince, she bravely shielded him from a fatal arrow during a spring hunt, successfully saving his life and instantly becoming a favorite of the Fifth Prince.

34. 34 粗 A Lowly Palace Maid's Rise to Power 粗使宫女升职记 Coconut Seal Candy椰子海豹糖Ancient Romance982k WordsOngoing [A new writer and a new novel. The rating has just appeared, so it’s quite low. My family is struggling, and writing isn’t easy. I hope you’ll be patient with me. I’m deeply grateful to you all.] [This story features a large ensemble] [No rivalry between women, no love-brained heroines, and no adoration of men] [Women supporting women] [An unconventional palace drama] [A heroine who grows] Please note! The emperor in this story is extremely [human] (bolded for emphasis!), and lacks basic moral 585Reads8.8Score112Shelves

    Reader note

    Although it's not about the Crown Prince's maid, this book is still very good! Life is tough, writing is hard, and without a debut or much traffic, I can only promote it myself. Please give it a try, thank you! The female lead is intelligent, doesn't compete for male attention, isn't love-struck, and has logic without being idiotic. The low rating is because there aren't many reviews. It's a good book that doesn't glorify feudal society! A female lead who doesn't fall in love, a humanoid emperor [facepalm], a character who grows, female mutual support, a slice-of-life palace intrigue, an ensemble piece, and the writing is quite good. The title of my humble work is rather cliché, but it's definitely not a melodramatic story. I'll be updating twice a day, please give it a try, thank you!

35. 35 重 Reborn, I Married a Convict, and the Crown Prince Went Mad with Jealousy 重生嫁罪臣，太子急眼成疯批 Wen Qi闻栖Ancient Romance350k WordsCompleted [Not a feel-good story, no household infighting, second male lead takes the lead, heroine is not chaste. Don’t click if you dislike that.] In her previous life, Shen He was chosen as the crown prince’s bedchamber maid because of her beauty, becoming the first woman of Crown Prince Xiao Chen. After three years at his side, Shen He fell for his tender affection. The day he chose his crown princess, Shen He was suddenly betrothed to the son of a convicted official. She begged to stay. Instead, 8.7kReads8.4Score947Shelves

    Reader note

    The second male lead isn't a good person, but he's a good emperor. The female and male leads are such a great couple! The second male lead is really wicked in the beginning, a bit of a bully. But the male lead is truly the male lead; his gentleness is extraordinary, genuinely loving the female lead and never looking down on her. He says, "It's unfair that men have multiple wives and concubines while women are expected to remain chaste!" What a good person, a normal person! [Licking screen][licking screen][licking screen][licking screen]

36. 36 诡EN The House of Dread 诡舍 The Sound of Wind and Rain at Night,夜来风雨声丶Mystery2.1M WordsCompleted [Infinite-flow + Mild Horror + Survival + One Female Lead] A driverless bus carried a group of cursed people to a strange black lodge… Inside the lodge stood a door stained red with blood. At regular intervals, the cursed were forcibly dragged through the blood-red door and into terrifying worlds, where they had to complete horrifying events… After Ning Qiushui survived one bizarre and terrifying story after another inside the lodge, narrowly escaping death each time, he discovered that none of 707.4kReads9.6Score103.9kShelves

    Reader note

    These are some of the better reads I found on Tomato Bookstore. Those interested can check them out. The second book is a sad ending (BE) novel; you can skip it if you don't like that.

37. 37 我 I Transmigrated 999 Times and Drove the Mad Tyrant Insane 我穿越999次，逼疯了疯批暴君 Mo Mo Is Master Mo墨墨是墨爷Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted With only six months left to live, Tang Wan masters a skill called “Transmigration,” allowing her to travel back and forth between the modern and ancient worlds. On her first transmigration, people mistake her for a ghost… On her ninety-ninth, she nearly dies at the hands of the dog emperor. On her 108th, she “defiles” the emperor’s innocence. After transmigrating time and again, she discovers to her delight that a little dragon energy can extend her life. Tang Wan: “Mooch, mooch, keep mooching 16.2kReads9.5Score2.1kShelves
38. 38 被 Driven to Death by Her Cultivator Mistress? I Take Up My Sword and Storm the Ninth Heaven 被修仙外室逼死？我提剑杀上九霄 Bian Lu边鹿Ancient Romance710k WordsCompleted [Power fantasy, a female lead who begins as a villain and turns righteous, no transmigration, no rebirth] Only when she was dying did Li Fu learn why she could never defeat her husband's mistress, Huayue. It turned out that beyond this world lay a realm of cultivation. Huayue had come from that realm. With Taoist magic at her command, there was no way Li Fu could ever beat her. Tortured, skinned, and dismembered, Li Fu was abandoned by everyone and died after enduring every kind of suffering. Ho 78.6kReads9.6Score10.3kShelves
39. 39 影 The Movie Emperor Keeps Trying to Make a Move on Me 影帝他总想对我图谋不轨 An Suiyu安随遇Modern Romance321k WordsCompleted Shen Yi, stage name Wei Long, was an actor of superstar caliber who took the world by storm in the 1970s. But after he disappeared one day, he vanished from history without a trace, as if he had never existed. One day, Rong Qian spotted a photo of herself with Shen Yi, taken more than thirty years ago... This incredible discovery sent her on journey after journey through time, transmigrating into the past to save him! For Rong Qian, only a few days passed between each trip to the past. But for S 35.6kReads9.7Score5.6kShelves
40. 40 回 Back in the Capital, the Brilliant Miss Is Famous Across the Land 回京后，神算大小姐名满天下 Bright Blue灿蓝Ancient Romance741k WordsCompleted [No romance + metaphysics + fortune-telling + satisfying read + secret identity + ghost-catching + lighthearted, no angst~] Yun Zhuo of the Xiao family was abandoned as a child. When her relatives come looking for her, she decisively returns to the capital to become a thorn in their side. Her birth mother says she’s uncouth and illiterate? But in the blink of an eye, she’s welcomed into the capital’s circle of master scholars, discussing poetry and prose and interpreting the fate of the world. T 154kReads9.6Score20.1kShelves
41. 41 穿 After Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 137.8kReads9.6Score16.6kShelves
42. 42 甜 Sweet Spoiling: The Empress Is Adorable and Soft 甜宠：皇后娘娘又娇又软 Yang Congxin杨从心Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Historical romance + household intrigue + sweet romance The emperor of the Great Liang has only one woman in his harem: the empress. This leaves the court officials deeply dissatisfied. What displeases them even more is that His Majesty the Emperor actually carries the empress into court! 7.1kReads7.6Score360Shelves

    Reader note

    💥💥💥On her first visit to the palace, the baby girl in swaddling clothes opened her big eyes and flashed a wide smile at the young crown prince. The prince happily placed his hand on the little girl's fair face, gently stroking it. "Niannian, how about I give you Brother Mobai as your husband?" "Ee-ya!" The little girl danced excitedly before the Empress, thus selling herself into marriage. From then on, their childhood betrothal was arranged… The young crown prince showered her with kisses and hugs, vowing to make her his empress when she grew up.

43. 43 欲 Trying to Tempt the Crown Prince, This Little Cat Is So Sweet and Soft 欲撩太子，猫猫她又软又娇 Listening to Snow in the Mountain Breeze岚风听雪Ancient Romance605k WordsCompleted Sweet Romance + Raising the Heroine + No Misunderstandings + A Whiny Heroine + Powerful Hero Who Dotes Only on Her [Cool, chaste, and calculating Crown Prince × Flirtatious woman who transmigrates as a soft and delicate cat] The heroine's job is to eat, drink, sleep, and flirt with the male lead. She's not a strong, independent heroine, so readers who mind should give this a pass. The moment Mei Susu opens her eyes, she sees a handsome man fresh from his bath. Just as she's letting her imaginati 5.9kReads9.0Score538Shelves
44. 44 出 The Night I Left the Palace, the Mad Emperor Took Me by Force 出宫当晚，被疯批帝王强取豪夺 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 25.8kReads9.2Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    My favorite is here!

45. 45 娇 Delicate and Frail, She Is Imprisoned and Doted on by the Ascetic Emperor 娇娇柔弱，被禁欲帝王强制囚宠 Fluffy Furball毛团团Ancient Romance323k WordsCompleted [Both leads are sexually inexperienced + powerful hero and weak heroine + transmigration] After transmigrating into the body of a palace maid, Mu Qingci acted with the utmost caution, taking calculated steps and employing every trick in the book. After helping the Empress Dowager seize power, she finally became the illustrious Head Palace Matron. She had not only risen to the top of her career as a palace maid, but was also beautiful, with flawless skin and a graceful, alluring figure. Everyone 4kReads8.5Score303Shelves
46. 46 逼 You Force Me to Marry the Regent? I'm Pregnant, and the Crown Prince Has Gone Mad 逼我嫁摄政王？我有孕太子疯了 A Merfolk in the Northern Sea北冥有鲛Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted Marriage first, love later (sweet romance) + long-planned pursuit + domineering CEO + he pursues her + second male lead pursues his wife + elder brother steals younger brother’s wife + intense push and pull + wins her heart and her body + both virgins + happy ending + legitimate daughter + prince and princess consort + crown prince + struggle for the throne When the plum blossoms were in bloom, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyuan promised Shen Jinghong that once her father and brothers returned victorio 2.1kReads8.2Score190Shelves

    Reader note

    The Crown Prince's childhood sweetheart and his beloved, his younger sister's study companion, was ultimately married off to the eldest prince.

47. 47 媚 Seductive Escape: The Palace Maid Rejects His Advances, but the Emperor Pursues Her Night After Night 媚逃：宫女拒承欢，圣上夜夜缠 Cream Puff Skewers泡芙串串Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted [Reborn + both leads are pure + possessive pursuit + wife-winning redemption + happy ending] [Charming, clear-headed palace maid who only wants to escape VS devoted, obsessive emperor who convinces himself she loves him] Shen Qingli, a palace maid serving before the emperor, observed three years of mourning for her mother. Emperor Helian Cheng of Jian’an waited for her all three years. In her previous life, Shen Qingli was moved by him and became his concubine. A year later, she died a horrible 331Reads6.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    💥Shen Qingli is reborn from the ashes, seeing through the deadly trap beneath the emperor's deep affection. When contraceptive soup meets fertility-inducing drugs, feigned affection turns into a passionate encounter. You run, I chase; there's no escaping it.

48. 48 人 A Palace Maid in the Cold Palace, Drowning in Packages 人在冷宫当宫女，快递收到手软 Pumpkin Zhou南瓜周Ancient Romance443k WordsCompleted After his soul transmigrates, an overworked office drone becomes Hua Qing, the former favored consort's personal head maid in the Great Sheng Dynasty. What! She's a wage slave both before and after transmigrating! Hua Qing was about to quit, but then she realizes she's already trapped in the Cold Palace, with no way out. Worse still, her golden finger for survival is tied to her superior, the former favored consort. So, to stay alive, Hua Qing switches into top-tier wage-slave mode. … The Cold 603Reads8.4Score107Shelves

    Reader note

    ✨The female lead is clear-headed and rational; neither the male nor female lead are good people. Wow~ their characters are so interesting! They're ruthless and ruthless. The male lead's love is particularly admirable. The female lead was a palace maid who rose to the rank of first-class maid through her own efforts and wanted to leave the palace, but the male lead refused.

49. 49 长 The Eldest Brother Is in Charge 长兄在上 The Ancient Dragon Clan in Shades of Green and Purple青青紫紫的荒古龙族Ancient Romance629k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + rebirth + sweet romance + one-on-one] Yuzhu was an orphan who had always lived cautiously, putting everyone else first for fear of upsetting them. After she married, this only earned her husband's disdain and her mother-in-law's abuse. In her previous life, her husband's concubine pushed her into a river. Freezing water surged at her from every direction, but what drove her to despair most was her husband. He stood expressionless on a high platform, watching her 3.8kReads8.8Score388Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended novels featuring palace maids as the female lead: Here are three recommended novels: The first one features a female lead who is a lowly palace maid serving the emperor, a cannon fodder character struggling to survive. The female lead is inwardly ranting and raving, while the male lead, knowing the plot in advance through her, thinks she'll still be useful. [Shy] The second one features a female lead who is a wealthy cousin, dependent on the male lead and the second male lead (her brother). The second male lead (her cousin, the future emperor) is deeply in love with her, initially arrogant, but later becomes somewhat crazy and stubborn. The female lead provokes the second male lead, getting him to help her meet the male lead, leading to a slightly bittersweet relationship. [Shy] [Add to bookshelf] The third one features a female lead who was Danfeng, a maidservant to a vicious second female lead in her past life. Now reborn as Xiaohe, a lowly flower maid in the Wei family. Xiaohe only hopes to help the sixth prince regain his memories, escape the rebels, find the male lead's grandfather in Qingzhou, and reclaim his rightful throne. Xiaohe only wants to be the emperor's first palace maid, quietly and cautiously developing her power. The male lead is deeply in love with the female lead (who is initially illiterate), a woman of unwavering passion and strong emotions, whose eyes are always on him. Xiao He mistakenly believes the male lead loves the original female lead, since in their past life she (Dan Feng) followed Consort Wei's orders to frame the original female lead and was killed. Xiao He never expected love again. Reborn, she sees things clearly and chooses a different path, cherishing those around her. [Kiss][Upvote][Add to bookshelf]

50. 50 受 Sick of the Madwoman, the Wicked Maid Decides to Find a New Boss 受够癫婆，恶婢决定换个老板 Emerald Mountain Sparrow翡山雀Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A vicious supporting character’s maid awakens + face-slapping + playing the pig to eat the tiger + super sweet romance] [Career-minded maid × delusion-prone emperor, both virgins in both their lives] In her previous life, the maid Dan Feng saved the emperor when he was in trouble, but handed him over to her mistress, Wei Xixue. She watched as the whole Wei family rode on the emperor’s gratitude to rise to prominence; She watched as her mistress used that favor to become the emperor’s beloved co 12.4kReads8.6Score2kShelves

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