Palace and Household Intrigue: A Gentle, Delicate, but Clever and Resourceful Female Lead 宫斗宅斗，女主温柔娇弱，但聪慧有手段

1. 1 美 The Bewitching Consort's Soft Allure Wins the Favor of the Entire Harem 美人酥软，贵妃她宠冠六宫 Li Chengyi李橙意Ancient Romance895k WordsCompleted After the pitiful Jiang Suiwan transmigrated as Imperial Consort Tong, she landed straight at the pinnacle of life. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to work hard, only to discover: 1. She was Kangxi's first cousin. 2. Her family had power over everything. 3. She could freely rub the little bald head of baby Yinzhen. 4. ...She was destined to die young. It seemed she didn't need to work hard at all. As long as she ate, drank, enjoyed herself, and managed to stay alive, she'd have everything she c 11kReads9.0Score1.1kShelves

   Reader note

   It might not be entirely accurate, but it looks great!

2. 2 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 82.1kReads9.5Score9.3kShelves
3. 3 穿 Transmigrated into a Book, I Dare to Ask the Prince for a Baby! 穿书后，敢向王爷要个娃！ Ke Jia Loves to Eat爱吃的可嘉Ancient Romance165k WordsOngoing [Transmigrate into a book + household and palace intrigue + revenge-driven heroine] Ning Yan was a minor actress who had just finished playing a small role in a historical drama. To her surprise, she transmigrated into the very character she had played. Ning Yan was the legitimate daughter of a marquis's household, but her birth mother had died young, and she was raised by her stepmother, who treated her cruelly. In the original story, her younger sister Ning Rong was a scheming villainess. The —Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 4 楮 A Book by Chu Mo Hua He 楮墨画鹤的一本书 Paper and Ink Paint Cranes楮墨画鹤Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted [Both leads are inexperienced + sweet romance + household intrigue + historical setting + mutual secret crush + rekindled love + groveling to win her back] When Shen Yunwan first arrives in the capital, all she wants is to live quietly as a cousin in the Marquis of Zhenbei’s household. Through a twist of fate, she spends a passionate night with her older male cousin, Wei Hanzhou, even though they’ve barely exchanged a few words. If this scandal gets out, her reputation will be ruined and she’ll 46Reads6.9Score—Shelves
5. 5 错 Mistaking My Cousin for Someone Else Brings Me Endless Adoration 错认表兄，万千娇宠来 A Few Extra Meals Won't Hurt多吃几顿没事哒Ancient Romance513k WordsCompleted Tao Jiuxi has only just transmigrated and hasn't even had a few days to enjoy a peaceful life when her family suffers a sudden upheaval. With no other choice, she takes her frail elder sister on a long journey to the capital, hoping to seek shelter from their aunt. But when they arrive, they discover that their aunt isn't home. Luckily, her cold-faced fake cousin steps in and takes them in. She only flirted with him a few times, so how did he end up falling for her? What is going on... 2.7kReads8.7Score316Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead is super likable!! She's not at all a saint, pretentious, or weakling!!

6. 6 咸 The Laid-Back Consort: Rising Step by Step 咸鱼娘娘：步步高升 Melancholy Cantaloupe忧伤的哈密瓜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + childbirth + doted on exclusively later] Jiang Wan transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace consort of an emperor with no children. To protect the people around her, she has no choice but to compete for a little favor. Who knew she’d end up giving the emperor a chubby baby boy! Emperor: “She’s the birth mother of my only son. Of course I have to protect her.” Who knew that all that protection would turn into affection? As Jiang Wan ris 19.1kReads8.9Score1.7kShelves

   Reader note

   High-scoring time-travel palace intrigue and pregnancy novels

7. 7 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 254.1kReads9.7Score29.8kShelves

   Reader note

   The female lead is very smart

8. 8 快 Quick Transmigration: The Charming Schemer Is Allure, Flirtation, and Sweetness 快穿万人迷，心机尤物又撩又娇 Farming Books种田书Ancient Romance636k WordsCompleted [Quick Transmigration + Some Pregnancy and Childbirth + Stunning Female Lead + No Fixed Couple + Villainess + Ruthless by Any Means + Drama Queen] A dodder vine spirit fails her tribulation and must gather destiny energy to nourish her soul. To achieve her goal, she transmigrates into the cannon fodder characters of storybooks. She will stop at nothing to achieve her aims, and while gathering destiny energy, she also resolves the cannon fodder characters’ lingering obsessions. Story 1: She trans 879Reads8.2Score103Shelves
9. 9 公 The Princess Is Stunning and Clear-Headed, but the King Pursues Her Day and Night 公主绝美清醒，大王日夜纠缠 Yao Yang遥飏Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted Neither the hero nor the heroine is a good person. Marriage first, love later; she tempts him; both are chaste; size difference; the hero is a hopeless romantic; romantic tension early on; a powerful heroine and political intrigue in the middle and later parts. More serious than a mindless feel-good story. Purely fictional ancient setting. Please don’t overanalyze. Liu Chuying is the ninth princess of Beixiang. While the other princesses study the Four Books and Five Classics, her mother teache 2kReads8.9Score194Shelves
10. 10 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
11. 11 娘 The Palace Consort Is Held Down and Kissed by the Powerful Eunuch Until She Sobs 娘娘被权宦摁在怀里吻得哭唧唧 Golden Pea金豌豆Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other’s only love + powerful eunuch + sweet romance + soft and delicate heroine] Jiang Mian made three wishes to Heaven. In her previous life, she was born with a heart condition. Her parents, whom she had never even met, abandoned her in the wilderness. Someone later took her in and used her as a human guinea pig for testing medicine, and she died young. So her first wish was for a healthy body. And then she was reborn. Jiang Mian made her second wish on the Spring Society 5.8kReads9.0Score594Shelves

    Reader note

    1. A fake eunuch and a young empress: They destroyed and shattered this rotten dynasty, giving you a prosperous era and fulfilling your desire for peace and prosperity. 2. Two male leads: A patient emperor (top) and a cold, aloof scholar (bottom). Who dares to say a word against the emperor's beloved? 3. A Qing Dynasty time-travel heroine and Emperor Kangxi: The heroine's path to a powerful nation. The male lead's old house catches fire; true love from the Aisin Gioro family arrives late but surely. 4. A childhood sweetheart emperor and a princess: How can he entrust the life of the girl he raised to someone else? 5. A ruthless tyrant and a wicked palace maid: She yearns for freedom, and he gives her freedom. 6. A Dream of Red Mansions story: Daiyu's stepmother and Lin Ruhai: The new bride longs for widowhood every day.

12. 12 江 Lord Jiang Is Spoiled and Arrogant 江大人恃宠而骄 A Stray Dog and Me流浪的狗狗和我Two Male Leads408k WordsCompleted Zhao Feng, courtesy name Junjing (gong) x Jiang Huaiyun, courtesy name Chengjin (shou) The emperor's personally appointed top scholar impeaches Lord Jiang, the magistrate of Ziyang County, for abandoning his post. The officials in the court exchange glances, all silently mourning the young, brash top scholar. Who would dare criticize someone so dear to the emperor? Jiang Huaiyun has only just entered government service when he learns that the newly enthroned emperor has secretly fallen for him. 4.1kReads9.0Score449Shelves
13. 13 坦 After Coming Clean, I Take the Nine Princes on a Mission to Strengthen the Nation 坦白后，我带着九龙学习强国 Painting Clouds with Wind风画云Ancient Romance594k WordsCompleted [A word of warning: This is not a story focused on making the country powerful. That’s just a side plot. The main story is a brainless Mary Sue-style sweet romance, with no palace intrigue. The love interest is Kangxi, and there’s a 25-year age gap. The male lead is not a virgin, so don’t read if that bothers you. The author is a beginner, so please don’t nitpick. Be forgiving about anything that doesn’t make sense.] Sui Ying slept through the night and woke up in the Qing dynasty. On 3.2kReads9.0Score265Shelves
14. 14 千 Cherished and Adored: The Emperor's Sweet, Adorable Little Wife 千娇百宠：皇上的娇软小萌妻 Shi Yiyuan十一源Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted 1v1, sweet romance, growing-up romance (Comic adaptation signed) Everyone knows that Little Commandery Princess Shen Ruyue is the beloved treasure of the Yuan palace, pampered beyond measure. Her father is the Prince Regent, feared throughout the land. But most importantly, Emperor Yuan, Pei Jingxuan, has kept the soft-spoken little girl in his heart for years. Since childhood, the little princess has climbed onto the dragon throne and slept in the dragon bed. Every time she calls him "Imperial 5.5kReads9.2Score655Shelves
15. 15 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 14.7kReads9.4Score1.2kShelves
16. 16 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: Waiting to Become a Widow and Raising Daiyu 红楼：坐等守寡，抚养黛玉 Grape Sangshen葡萄桑甚Female-Channel Fanfiction553k WordsCompleted “The Jia family are no good, sister. You shouldn’t get into that sedan chair!” And so a fine private sedan chair appeared before Daiyu. “They’re just a bunch of spoiled brats, and they still have the nerve to brag? How shameless!” Baoyu, who was about to take her hand, was kicked away out of nowhere. “That old lady is so hypocritical. If you care about Daiyu, why didn’t you even bring her a welcoming gift?” Jia Mu winced and dug into her private savings to give Daiyu a gift. Daiyu likes her 5.3kReads9.1Score702Shelves
17. 17 卿 Qing Chen's Scheme 卿宸谋 Southward, Where the Shepherd's Flute Plays南有牧笛笙Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted [Not a virginal romance, not a wish-fulfillment story. Read with caution! A story that could loosely be called an ancient Cinderella tale] [Traditional Historical Palace Intrigue]+ [Rich Plot]+ [A Mix of Sweetness and Heartbreak]+ [Slow-Burning Happy Ending] Autumn, Year Seventeen of the Nanyan era. The late emperor passed away, and his eleventh son, Xiao Yuning, ascended the throne, ushering in the Minghe era. In the third year of Minghe, the court decreed that officials of the fourth rank and 1.1kReads8.9Score132Shelves
18. 18 入 I Entered the Palace to Help My Sister Keep the Emperor’s Favor, but Became His Cherished Favorite 入宫替嫡姐固宠，却成皇上掌心宠 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she entered the palace and devoted herself to helping her legitimate elder sister keep the emperor’s favor. In the end, she died without a body to bury, abandoned by her family. Returning to the year of the imperial selection, Luo Shuran calculates her every move. Her breathtaking beauty is her only weapon. She sheds her youthful timidity and blossoms into a woman of captivating charm. One fleeting glimpse, like a fairy fallen from the heavens, catches the emperor’s eye. 6.1kReads9.3Score878Shelves
19. 19 帝 The Emperor Has No Heart, Yet His Cool and Elegant Noble Consort Has Her Ways 帝本无心，怎奈清冷贵妃手段高 My Cat Is Called Huabei我的猫叫花呗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Cool, seductive fox beauty vs. a carefree, womanizing emperor] [The heroine is the true daughter, driven by revenge and ambition: a scheming beauty, sweet on the outside but ruthless within, and far from virtuous. This is an unconventional palace-intrigue story focused on winning hearts. The hero is not chaste. Later, he desperately tries to win her back. The overall tone is sweet, and the romance becomes one-on-one in the latter half.] Until the age of five, Changyu Jiao was the legitimate da 8.8kReads9.4Score1kShelves
20. 20 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 35.1kReads9.3Score5.9kShelves
21. 21 冰 Frost-Kissed Beauty: A Journey Through the Palace to Win the Emperor’s Heart 冰霜绝艳：辗转宫闱征服帝王心 Zhou Dudu舟渡渡Ancient Romance406k WordsCompleted [A note up front: This isn’t good, this isn’t good, this isn’t good. It’s brainless, brainless. Don’t click! Don’t click! Don’t click! Don’t click] The emperor, Li Yi, has just one standard for choosing his concubines: they must be beautiful. Song Yunchu, a concubine-born daughter who has suffered abuse since childhood, is chosen by Emperor Li Yi to enter the palace because of her stunning looks. Before entering the palace, her mother is looked down on by the servants, and her younger sister bu 633Reads9.0Score100Shelves
22. 22 帝 The Imperial Terrace's Charm: The Noble Consort Is Beautiful and Well-Behaved 帝台娇：贵妃娘娘她又美又乖 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + climbing the ranks and crushing the villains + doting romance. The male lead knows his own heart. He'll devote himself to her alone later on.] [The heroine rises through the ranks quickly at first, then more slowly later on.] [The heroine comes from a noble family, is the most beautiful woman in the harem, and already has two adorable children. The Emperor falls for her first and favors her from early on, before devoting himself to her alone in the middle and later parts.] By a 20.2kReads9.4Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    It absolutely has to be given a separate layer—it looks amazing! A clever, step-by-step approach to take it down.

23. 23 嫡 Married into the Eastern Palace 嫡嫁东宫 Mei Yi Si瑂忆覗Ancient Romance510k WordsCompleted Ever since she was little, Zhou Zhou knew she was different from her sisters. That difference meant she was lucky enough to be taught by her grandfather and cherished by her grandmother. At eight, the emperor personally selected her to be the princess’s companion. She entered the palace, grew up alongside the princess, and became the childhood sweetheart of the Fifth Prince. Before the Peach Blossom Banquet held when she was fifteen, everyone said she was destined to become the Fifth Prince’s co 5.1kReads8.9Score422Shelves

    Reader note

    Calm and composed, with flawless strategies and complete control.

24. 24 娇 The Pretty Maid Has Her Ways, and the Cool-Headed Chief Minister Can’t Resist Her 娇美通房手段高，清冷首辅不经撩 Hua Yao花杳Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted (Both devoted only to each other + sweet romance + doting husband + no nasty characters + everyone’s favorite + shopping-space dimension + secret identity + adorable baby + runaway pregnant heroine) [Clear-eyed, stunning, flirtatious heroine vs. reserved, sultry powerful official who can be both wolfish and cuddly, a fatherly male lead] After getting drunk, Yu Zhi opened her eyes to find herself transformed into a stunning little concubine who had been sent to the Chief Minister’s bed! Rumor had 692Reads9.0Score114Shelves

    Reader note

    I really liked this book. I gradually grew to like the female lead, and then some misunderstandings happened, leading to a "wife-chasing-after-the-cremation" scene, followed by a sweet plot.

25. 25 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score418Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is cunning and climbs to a high position step by step.

26. 26 并 Twin Black Lotus Sisters Run Riot in Empresses in the Palace 并蒂黑莲花杀疯甄嬛传 A Crispy Little Fish一条酥小鱼Female-Channel Fanfiction720k WordsOngoing Jiang Shu's soul transmigrates into Empresses in the Palace, where she joins forces with An Lingrong to carve out a path to survival in the cannibalistic imperial harem. A pair of sisters who rule the palace through intrigue: concubines become empress dowagers! By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Jiang Shu, daughter of Jiang Tingxi, Vice Minister of Rites, is hereby conferred the rank of Fifth-Rank Noble Lady. So ordered! Jiang Shu: Everyone says Lingrong is sensitive, insecure, suspi 1.2kReads8.7Score125Shelves

    Reader note

    I think fanfiction of "Empresses in the Palace" fits the questioner's requirements quite well.

27. 27 谁 Can You Believe It? The Empress Wrote a Hundred Palace Rules 谁懂啊，娘娘写了一百条宫规 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Ancient-Era Heroine + Reborn Supporting Female Character + Transmigrated Supporting Female Character + Everyone Is Clever + Clear-Eyed Heroine] From ordinary palace candidate to empress. Everyone believes the emperor is devoted to Ning Wanyin. Only Ning Wanyin knows how treacherous and perilous the journey has been. She has survived every step through sheer caution. Lady Tang, reborn: “She killed me in my last life. This time, of course I’ll… make her my friend! Do I really th 41.2kReads9.6Score5.9kShelves

    Reader note

    These palace intrigue novels feature heroines who appear gentle and delicate, but are actually incredibly cunning and manipulative. 😏

28. 28 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Bewitching, and the Emperor Gives In to Pleasure 娘娘撩人魅惑，帝王纵情堕落 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The Tomato short drama Kun Yi is now streaming~ [Transmigrate into a book, male lead is not a virgin but female lead is, palace intrigue, psychological games, happy ending] The Crown Prince, Jun Zechen, has seen his fair share of calculating women, and loves only those who are pure and kind. While campaigning beyond the frontier, he meets Ling Yue and is captivated by her free-spirited kindness. He promises to spend his life with her alone. But two years pass, and the Crown Princess has yet to c 120.1kReads9.5Score11.3kShelves
29. 29 小 The Happy Life of a Sweet Young Husband 小娇夫的幸福生活 A Hibiscus Plant一株木槿Ancient Romance458k WordsCompleted Imperial Censor Lin was famous for his integrity and unyielding sense of justice, and he had made plenty of enemies. As a result, his daughter Lin Zhiyao was unwelcome among the capital’s noblewomen. Who could have guessed that the emperor and empress would take a liking to her and arrange for her to marry Gu Yuncheng, the heir to the Prince Ding’s household? The young lord declared that he didn’t want to marry, while Lin Zhiyao didn’t mind either way. All she asked was that he remember he belon 6.6kReads9.0Score587Shelves

    Reader note

    The male and female leads in this book both have great personalities.

30. 30 她 She Swapped Bodies with the Tyrant and Went on a Rampage! 她，与暴君互换后，杀疯啦！ Little Chubby, Run!小胖子快跑Ancient Romance371k WordsCompleted [Soul swap + transmigrate into a book + sweet, funny romance + going off the rails + tyrant + wish fulfillment + both leads are each other's first and only] Yun Yaoyao transmigrated into a book, becoming a foolish, timid cannon-fodder character who doesn't even survive the first chapter. No problem. If my family plots against me, I'll assassinate the emperor and wipe out my own clan! But after killing the emperor, Yun Yaoyao was horrified to discover that she and the tyrant had swapped bodies! T 26.7kReads9.5Score4.4kShelves
31. 31 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.1kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves
32. 32 病 The Possessive Power Minister’s Guide to Spoiling His Wife 病娇权臣宠妻手册 Late Day晚昼Ancient Romance209k WordsCompleted [Transmigrated into a book + super-sweet one-on-one romance + secret identity revealed + supernatural ability + forced to become the villain’s beloved] A straightforward beauty who never stops flirting vs. a charming, laid-back fox of a man Shen Zhixia transmigrated into the body of a doomed cannon-fodder character with a high chance of dying. But she could see whether the threads around people’s wrists were red or black: red meant affection, black meant dislike. And she even had a handsome man 1.7kReads9.2Score195Shelves
33. 33 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 90.9kReads9.6Score12.1kShelves

    Reader note

    I've recommended "Bound Spring Love" countless times; it's truly amazing. The female protagonist breaks free from constraints, displaying unwavering determination and intelligence. Every other character is exceptionally well-written, especially the supporting roles, which are vividly portrayed and fleshed out later on. It's incredibly captivating. "Nine Layers of Brocade" is purely about domestic and palace intrigue, with no time travel, no system, and no cheat codes. The female protagonist rises from a lowly maidservant whom everyone bullies to become Empress. Many of the plot points are also very engaging. Highly recommended!

34. 34 智 Wise Men Avoid Love, and the Noble Consort Wants No Responsibility 智者不入爱河，贵妃不想负责 Uncle Luo洛叔叔Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Being a beggar would be better than being in the harem. Shen Qing is despairing over her current identity. The female lead won't appear for another two years, and Shen Qing is the lowest-ranking consort in the male lead's harem. Her father is useless, and she has neither money nor power. It seems her only option is to wait for the emperor's favor. To make matters worse, she has a face that attracts trouble. If she fights for influence, she has no leverage; if she doesn't, she'll just get bullied 47.7kReads9.5Score6.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Watching now 💕💕

35. 35 小 Listening to Spring Rain All Night in a Small Tower 小楼一夜听春雨 Bright Moon Tilts明月倾Ancient Romance876k WordsCompleted A critically acclaimed historical romance ensemble that topped the annual charts! A calculating, lovesick beauty versus a dark, scheming top scholar! A historical take on Pride and Prejudice: life in the inner household isn't all scheming and rivalry, but also deep sisterly affection. The clever and capable Second Madam Lou takes the greatest pride in her life in having three beautiful daughters. To marry her three marriageable girls into “good” families, she travels a great distance to the capi 35.4kReads9.6Score5.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The family has four daughters with distinct personalities who travel to Beijing for a matchmaking event. The eldest daughter is elegant and dignified, a model of a noblewoman; the second daughter is beautiful but delicate, frail, and disliked; the third daughter is independent-minded and rebels against injustices for women; and the youngest daughter is still young and not featured much. The story mainly revolves around the marriage prospects of these three daughters. I personally like the beautiful but delicate one the most; I often feel sorry for her because her parents are biased and she isn't valued at home. Fortunately, she meets someone who truly loves and cares for her. Worth reading, recommended.

36. 36 良 The Stunningly Beautiful Lady-in-Waiting: The Frail Crown Prince Is Addicted to Spoiling Her 良娣美艳无双，病弱太子娇宠上瘾 Xia Jiuge夏玖歌Ancient Romance376k WordsCompleted [Palace and household intrigue + reborn and transmigrate into a book + male lead with a past, pure heroine + wicked heroine + he falls for her and later dotes on her alone + satisfying read] Ye Ningshuang, the Duke's legitimate daughter, is famed as the most beautiful woman in the land. Every frown and smile of hers captivates men. On the eve of her wedding, she has a strange dream. In the dream, she is a hated villainess whose three marriages all end in tragedy. She and Prince Xuan are childhoo 189Reads8.0Score—Shelves
37. 37 主 The Matriarch Worked Herself to Death, Then Was Reborn to Raise the Kids and Take It Easy 主母操劳而死，重生后养崽摆烂了 Watermelon Juice西瓜汁汁Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Both reborn + swapped lives + household matriarch + stepmother raising children + physician consort + powerful heroine and satisfying revenge + inner-family strife + adorable children] Shen Qinglan discovered that she and Shen Qingli had both been reborn! In her previous life, Shen Qinglan married into the Li family of Longxi and helped the second branch's eldest son rise to success, until he became a high-ranking official and she lived in splendor! Shen Qingli had only recently married into th 4.4kReads8.9Score658Shelves
38. 38 穿 The Daily Life of a Laid-Back Concubine After Transmigrating 穿越之闲鱼妾室的日常 Tian Nanxing Nan天南星南Ancient Romance480k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + household and palace intrigue + no golden finger + devoted love later on] Zhang Xinian transmigrated into the body of a concubine in Prince Jing’s household. Above her was the princess consort, backed by powerful connections and ruthless in her methods. Beside her was a brainless side consort with overwhelming fighting prowess. Below her, a reborn woman and a transmigrated woman were locked in fierce competition. Zhang Xinian trembled with fear. She had no golden finger and did 104.7kReads9.4Score12.2kShelves
39. 39 贵 The Noble Consort's Hundred Charms 贵妃百媚 A Dream Reveals the Years一梦知年Ancient Romance540k WordsCompleted [Local villainess versus heroine who transmigrated into a book + villainess awakens + refined self-interest] The Yongchang Earl's household has two daughters. The legitimate daughter, Song Shiyi, is gentle and charming, a talented woman renowned throughout the capital. The concubine-born daughter, Song Fuxi, is jealous and foolish, someone everyone avoids. Everyone in the streets and alleys knows that Song Shiyi will marry into the Eastern Palace as the Crown Princess, while Song Fuxi, jealous t 1.7kReads8.8Score160Shelves
40. 40 皇 The Imperial Noble Consort Just Wants to Lie Flat 皇贵妃只想躺平 Cai Hehe菜和和Ancient Romance531k WordsCompleted A modern girl named Li Xue transmigrates into the imperial harem of the Great Xia dynasty, where she lies flat and slacks off. Over time, she and Emperor Qin Zheng fall in love~ Qin Zheng: “My beloved consort, would you be willing to become my empress?” Li Xue: “Brother Zheng, I couldn't handle all that hardship!” A feel-good story with no angst~ Everyone is welcome to read~~ 34Reads8.9Score—Shelves
41. 41 娇 The Sweet Maid Wants No Romance, but the Domineering Heir Insists on Marrying Her 娇娇丫鬟不求爱，霸道世子偏强娶 Careful with Every Word句酌Ancient Romance159k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, clear-headed heroine, both virgins, exclusive devotion] Bian Jun was just an ordinary maid in the Marquis of Huaiyin’s household, known for being steady and capable. When the old madam happened to be choosing a concubine for the heir, Bian Jun’s temperament got her sent to the bed of the heir, Sikong Ling. While everyone in the marquis’s household envied her, Bian Jun resolutely refused, enraging the heir. Born into privilege, Sikong Ling was proud and haughty. He had never 746Reads6.5Score108Shelves
42. 42 娘 The Empress Is So Charming, the Emperor Holds Her in the Palm of His Hand 娘娘多娇，帝王捧在掌心宠 Fox's Dream狐狸梦Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [The leads are not faithful to each other at the beginning, so read with caution] [Palace intrigue at first, favoritism in the middle, exclusive devotion in the later part] [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + a stunningly beautiful, charming consort x a workaholic, devoted emperor] Qu Wanning was a die-hard fan of palace-intrigue novels. Just because she left the author a comment asking them to continue the story, she transmigrated into a new book whose blurb she had just finished reading! She ge 2.7kReads8.8Score316Shelves
43. 43 妾 The Stunning and Clear-Headed Concubine, and the Crown Prince Slowly Falls for Her 妾室绝美又清醒，太子逐步沦陷 A Little Comet一只小彗星Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Main story complete] (The rating just came out, so it’s a little low. New readers, don’t let that scare you off. Feel free to check out the reviews or give the book a try. Thanks!) Transmigrate into a book + reborn in another world + palace intrigue first, harem intrigue later + stunning, clear-headed heroine + not a pure couple This is Shen Yan’s second time transmigrating into a book. The first time, she became a palace maid who was destined to end up as a disposable character according to th 629Reads7.5Score105Shelves
44. 44 穿 After I Transmigrated Into a Book, I Took the White Lotus's Place as the Heir's Wife 穿书后，我顶替白莲花成了世子妃 Lush Bamboo Swaying绿竹依依Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Synopsis: [Heads-up: angst at first, then satisfying revenge + heroine has a past, male lead is chaste + second male lead takes the top spot + groveling chase + abused concubine grows into a powerful heroine] In the novel My Lord, Your Favorite Concubine Has Run Away Again, the heroine escapes again and again, only for the male lead to catch her and drag her back to the Marquis’s residence every time. Wu Weiwei transmigrates into a book and becomes a low-ranking servant girl sold into slavery at 91Reads7.0Score—Shelves
45. 45 太 The Crown Prince’s White Moonlight Can’t Compare: The Soft, Sweet Girl Is His True Love 太子白月光不香，软娇娇才是真爱 October Brocade Deer十月锦鹿Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted Sweet romance! Palace and household intrigue + reborn heroine + transmigrated rival + face-slapping the beloved white moonlight The Crown Prince has a beloved woman. She's beautiful and talented, forthright by nature, and the orphaned daughter of a loyal martyr. She and the Crown Prince grew up together, yet she claims to see him as an older brother and refuses to enter the Eastern Palace and share a husband with the other women. The Crown Prince is utterly devoted to her and has turned down th 5.7kReads8.5Score542Shelves
46. 46 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 36.9kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I recommend the first and third books; they're really good. The female lead is shrewd, brave, and resourceful 😏 She doesn't form factions and defeats the harem to become the number one.

47. 47 谋 Scheming for the Heir 谋嫡 Master Hua花爷Ancient Romance403k WordsCompleted From being a pawn sent by her elder half-sister to the Third Prince's residence to climbing over a mountain of blood and claiming the empress's throne, Lin Wanying did just one thing: she kept Zhao Xuan firmly by her side. 3.3kReads9.1Score626Shelves
48. 48 贵 The Noble Consort Rejects Love, Yet the Emperor Dotes on Her and Decrees Her Empress 贵妃不入爱河，皇上盛宠下旨封后 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [The leads aren't both chaste at first + he pampers her devotedly later + the emperor secretly helps her navigate palace intrigue + the heroine has no interest in loving the emperor and focuses on climbing the ranks.] Alternate-era setting [The emperor personally raises his future empress, then claims her in the night] The Yun family has a legitimate daughter, a peerless beauty hidden away in the general's manor. The prime minister's son came to propose, but didn't even get to see her. “I don't 1.5kReads9.1Score209Shelves
49. 49 娘 The Consort Is All Charm and Cunning, Scheming Her Way to the Top 娘娘又茶又媚，一路宫斗上位 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance835k WordsCompleted Signed for print publication In the third year of the Yifeng era, a concubine-born daughter of the Ningyang Marquis’s household enters the palace. The palace is a vast, treacherous place, where the one thing you must never do is give your heart away. Ning Shuyan is clear-eyed: she wants wealth and prestige, along with the emperor’s favor. For three years, she carefully plots each step, wins the emperor’s attention, and rises from Talented Lady to Noble Consort. Rumor has it that the emperor only 56.6kReads9.5Score7kShelves
50. 50 娇 The Spoiled Consort's Road to Glory 娇气包娘娘的荣华路 Qingxi Hexi清兮禾兮Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted Sweet romance! Undivided love! She’s doted on to the max! [The heroine is cunning, a little black lotus hidden beneath a rabbit’s skin] [The hero has a harem and isn’t chaste, but once he meets the heroine, he devotes himself to her alone in a one-on-one romance] The third young lady of the Sheng’an Marquis’s household, born to his secondary wife, was as beautiful as a celestial maiden. Sweet and clever, she knew how to win favor. Her grandmother and father favored her, and even her legitimate 13.3kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I've seen them all, they're very sweet and good.

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