Looking for Ancient-era Romance with a Clever, Morally Ambiguous Male Lead Like Su Huai, Not Overly Sugary 想看类似苏槐腹黑亦正亦邪男主不甜腻的古代言情

1. 1 奸 The Treacherous Minister Wants to Kill Me Every Day 奸臣每天都想弄死我 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.6M WordsCompleted Su Huai is a powerful court official, and everyone fears him. He only likes playing power games and scheming against others. He has no interest in women. Then one day, a young woman shows up at his door, claiming to be his fiancée. Su Huai: Want to date me? Lu Yao: What kind of date? Su Huai: The kind that could cost you your life. Lu Yao: ... Later, Lu Yao bitterly regrets her impulsive decision to show up and claim him as her fiancé. When she tries to call it quits, everyone urges her to recon 13.5kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves

   Reader note

   It's really good. The relationship between Su Huai and Lu Yao is so sweet. The plot develops smoothly. It's especially good in the beginning and good in the end. Of course, I like the character of Gou Xiang and I like the super amazing Yao'er.

2. 2 让 You Were Supposed to Win Over the Yandere, Not Go Crazy Alongside Him 让你攻略病娇，不是让你跟他发癫 Zisang Fei子桑翡Ancient Romance477k WordsCompleted Ning Xi transmigrated into a cultivation novel aimed at male readers, where she became the cannon-fodder wife of the great villain, Xie Congwei. When Xie Congwei was born, strange signs appeared in the heavens. Rainbow clouds circled the Eastern Wilderness for an entire month before disappearing. The Xie family believed he was destined for greatness, a man no ordinary pool could contain. But who could have guessed that just a few short years later, the once highly anticipated Xie Congwei would 9.3kReads9.1Score1.3kShelves

   Reader note

   The male lead in this book is somewhat similar, though the content and characters are a bit weaker, but it's still quite good. Of all the novels I've read, Su Huai is definitely the most memorable male lead. Bad, crazy, and with a sharp tongue, he's definitely not a good person, a true villain. But his love for the female lead, Lu Yao, is truly unwavering and deep. From initial indifference to genuine attention, attraction, and finally, his inability to live without her. Two people who don't understand love cautiously test each other's paths. Su Huai is truly a wicked man; he's willing to sacrifice everyone but himself, but his devotion to the female lead is always exceptional and steadfast. Very exciting!

3. 3 小 The Little Taoist Nun Has a Rebellious Streak 小道姑一身反骨 20/100 Vision视力零点二一Ancient Romance747k WordsCompleted “As a hired assassin, killing is my specialty. I make sure my clients go peacefully.” “Be good. You don't need to cover your head. I'd never ruin that pretty face of yours. That would make it harder to carry your head to the Judicial Office and collect the reward.” The moon slanted over the river as night settled in. Mist hung thick in the air, dreamlike and hazy. Only the dim oil lamp hanging from a covered boat on the Qiantang River cast a faint, wavering glow. A small gray-robed Taoist, impos 24.6kReads9.5Score3.8kShelves

   Reader note

   Absolutely fantastic

4. 4 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 novel featuring political intrigue, two strong and two virtuous characters.

5. 5 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Is Reborn Just Before Her Death 嫡女重生回送死前 Winter Warmth冬日暖Ancient Romance789k WordsCompleted [Reborn × punishing scumbags × sweet romance × devoted to each other] * [A heroine who learns and grows] Li Qingtang was the legitimate daughter of the marquis’s household, but she was switched at birth and raised as a concubine-born daughter. Her concubine stepmother and the illegitimate elder sister who had usurped her place plotted against her. Not only did Li Qingtang die horribly, her birth mother and maternal family also met tragic ends. Reborn, Li Qingtang swore to take revenge. Her first 1.6kReads9.1Score229Shelves

   Reader note

   Nice!!!!!

6. 6 陪 The Lady’s Maid 陪房丫鬟 March Chirp三月啾Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted [A Tale of Taking by Force] Unluckily transmigrated into the body of a maid who serves as a dowry, Yun Xiang knows she will eventually be chosen to become Second Master Lu’s bedchamber maid. Second Master Lu is refined and gentle, the man of many maids’ dreams. But she doesn’t want that. She struggles and resists, openly and in secret, doing everything she can to avoid it. Yet, by a twist of fate, she unexpectedly catches Second Master Lu’s eye. She has no right to refuse. Just as it seems the m 69kReads9.1Score11.1kShelves

   Reader note

   It's a good read, very interesting, and the beginning and ending echo each other, leaving you wanting more.

7. 7 求 Begging for Love 求娇 Three Lives, Three Three叁生三三Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Strong Heroine and Hero] [Love-Hate Relationship] [Defying Fate] [Print edition signed with a publisher] Gu Miaoyin always thought she was the pampered darling her emperor treasured most, until the Great Jin fell and the Northern Hu cavalry smashed through the palace gates. Only then did she realize how tragic her life was. Ten years of the emperor's favor could not withstand a sudden change of heart. In the end, she and her mother were trapped in the imperial city and burned alive. Reborn into 36.3kReads9.5Score4.9kShelves

   Reader note

   These two books are also fantastic. They get even better as you read on.

8. 8 帝 The Emperor and Empress Fight Every Day to See Who Dies First 帝后每天互殴，看谁先死 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing Feng Xing is the daughter of Chu Xi’s Grand Marshal, who commands an army of four hundred thousand. Shen Feng has been emperor for just two years. Shen Feng is utterly depraved, ruthless, and cruel. To secure his throne, he decides to marry Feng Xing and make her empress. First, he will fake her death to lure her father to the capital for the funeral. Then he will wipe out her entire family and take control of the Chu Xi army. Feng Xing is a fierce, accomplished warrior who takes whatever she wa 35.3kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves
9. 9 做 Be a Concubine? You're Not Worthy! I'll Find a Better Match, and You'll Beg Me to Stay 做妾？你也配？另谋高嫁你下跪 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted This book is now available as a full-cast audio drama, and it’s hilarious! Give it a listen! [Hilarious Transmigration + Medical Space + Sweet, Satisfying Romance + Power Struggles + Palace and Household Intrigue + Mutual Devotion and Strength] A genius in medicine and poison transmigrates to ancient times with a medical space. She wakes up in a coffin, only to have a bewitching man try to steal it? Her ex-husband favors his concubine, abuses his wife, and shamelessly claims her dowry? Her fathe 5.6kReads8.9Score554Shelves

   Reader note

   The male lead is cunning and wicked, and the story is lighthearted, funny, and without any angst.

10. 10 双 Bound Together Across Two Lifetimes, We’ll Grow Old Together 双世缱绻，与君共白头 Dreamer Dadao爱做梦的大道Ancient Romance727k WordsCompleted [Two powerful leads who rise to greatness | Complete souls | Extreme contrast | Love across two lifetimes | Sweet romance and court intrigue] A modern married couple are reborn as babies in the Tianqi Dynasty. He becomes an iron-fisted Crown Prince, commands the Xuanhuo Army, and plots to industrialize the realm. She becomes a queen of commerce, controls trade routes along three borders, and holds the lifeblood of the people in her hands! Toward their enemies, he presides over the execution of t 5.5kReads8.1Score646Shelves

    Reader note

    This story features a 55-year-long childhood romance, two protagonists reborn, a UI designer male lead with a meticulously crafted political intrigue plot (implementing new policies and navigating court politics), a delicate emotional arc (daily interactions and tender care), and practical application of modern skills (double-entry bookkeeping and design applications). It offers a well-rounded blend of sweet romance, political intrigue, powerful duo governance, past-life bonds, a deeply affectionate time-travel story, and a profound entanglement of romance and court politics.

11. 11 冷 The Cold-Hearted Big Shot's Darling Wife from the Underworld 冷面大佬的地府小娇妻 Yueyue Is Not Xiaoming月月不是小明Modern Romance100k WordsCompleted The male lead, Wujiu, appears to be the owner of the “Human Affairs Society” in Jingcheng. Sharp-tongued, cold-faced, and indifferent to worldly affairs, he is actually a cultivator who has lived for a thousand years. His extraordinary powers let him communicate with the yin and yang realms, subdue evil spirits, and even glimpse the threads of karma. Gentle and languid on the outside, he is calculating and deep within. A thousand years of experience have made him a keen judge of human nature, an 2Reads—Score—Shelves
12. 12 这 This Holy Son Is Way Too Cautious 这个圣子太稳健啦 Fat Cat in the Deep Alley深巷肥猫Eastern Fantasy1.7M WordsOngoing [Reborn + Satisfying power fantasy + Daily life + Cunning protagonist + Lighthearted + Subverts expectations] “This is paradise for the strong and a graveyard for the weak.” Su Huai, a burned-out office worker, wakes up to discover he has transmigrated to the Immortal Domain, a place where the strong prey on the weak and danger lurks everywhere. After seven chaotic lives ending in tragic deaths and fresh starts, with no favor from the System, he finally uses the experience of his previous lives 17kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    🎉Highly recommended! 🌿The first and second books both feature the male lead, Su Huai, who is both righteous and wicked! 🎉: "Prime Minister, a young lady has arrived outside the mansion, claiming to be your fiancée." ✨Su Huai flicked the blood off his finger, his eyelids not even twitching, his voice slightly raised: "Fiancée?"

13. 13 嫁 After Marrying the Mad Crown Prince to Bring Him Good Fortune 嫁给疯批太子冲喜后 You Shi尤时Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The unfavored legitimate daughter of the Mu family is ordered by imperial decree to marry the crown prince, Zhou Jing, who is at death's door, to bring him good luck. Plenty of people wait to laugh at her, saying she might just end up bringing him luck by killing him in bed. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. The young woman is clearly terrified of him, but still can't help swearing her loyalty. “Your Highness, I'll treat you very well.” “Your Highness, after you pas 33.4kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves

    Reader note

    [Arranged Marriage + Political Intrigue + Suspense] [A woman's rise to power + A dying prince + A bizarre marriage contract] The unloved daughter of the Mu family is unexpectedly betrothed by imperial decree to the dying prince Zhou Jing. Many see this marriage as a joke, fearing she will bring him bad luck and lead to his death. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. This young woman, though clearly afraid of him, still can't help but pledge her loyalty: "Your Highness, I will treat you very well." She also says, "Your Highness, after you pass away, I will burn plenty of paper money and several paper figures of beautiful women for you." She further promises, "I will uphold the virtues of a wife and remember my deceased husband every day!" However, Zhou Jing is a dark, twisted, and feigning madness prince.

14. 14 穿 I Became the Tycoon's Dark Moonlight 穿成大佬的黑月光 Three Demons三妖Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted What do you do when your husband commits murder right in front of you? Asking for advice online. It’s pretty urgent! Xu Ning wakes up in the body of a poor girl whose father doesn’t care about her, whose mother doesn’t love her, and who has been abandoned by a scoundrel. To get revenge on him, she uses a trick to marry a lame scholar from Qingshui Village. The moment she opens her eyes, she sees her husband, the one she married by mistake, smashing someone’s head with a rock, blow after blow. Re 69.2kReads9.2Score9.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This book absolutely meets your requirements. The female protagonist transmigrates to this world while the male protagonist is committing a crime. [Shocked][Shocked][Shocked][Shocked]

15. 15 讹 After I Swindled the Crown Prince Out of Five Thousand Taels, He Refused to Take It Lying Down! 讹了太子五千两后，他不干了！ Fish Who Loves Eggplant Casserole爱吃茄子煲的鱼Ancient Romance233k WordsCompleted Crown Prince Xiao Chen was furious the moment he met Shen Yunxiu: How dare she step on his face? How dare she swindle him out of five thousand taels of silver? She thought that fatso was cuter than him! She loved gold ingots most of all! She was blind! And then, he went blind too! All he could see was Shen Yunxiu! 362Reads6.9Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    A beautifully written novel, light and enjoyable, perfect for stress relief. A short story I read in one sitting. Full of youthful energy.

16. 16 陪 On the Night of My Burial, I Brought the God of War Prince Back from the Dead 陪葬夜，我让战神王爷起死回生 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors" Animated adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors: The Prince’s Beloved" [Hilarious + Transmigration + Sweet romance + Obsessive love + Devoted pairing + Imperial physician heroine + Palace and household intrigue + Inspirational] I was a military doctor with a PhD when I transmigrated, only to find myself about to be buried alive as a sacrifice for the dead God of War, the Prince? I grabbed the burial offerings and ran, planning to live in luxu 20.9kReads9.3Score2.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Ancient romance, humorous and witty: ① Strong female lead with a space to ruthlessly defeat scumbags and build her career. ② Hilarious time-traveling goddess doctor who is buried in a coffin and awakens a war god prince. ③ Hilarious mind-reading + gossip-eating prince who gets so angry he chokes up while eating gossip. ④ Hilarious cultivation heroine who swaps bodies with the demon lord, laughing hysterically until your stomach hurts. ⑤ Hilarious mind-reading tyrant with two personalities, jealous of each other, sweet and funny.

17. 17 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
18. 18 救 Help! The Demon Lord and I Switched Bodies, and Now He's Carrying My Baby 救命！与魔尊互换后他怀了我的崽 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance525k WordsCompleted [Hilarious transmigration + System space + body swap + sweet romance + yandere + two powerful, devoted leads + everyone’s favorite + ensemble cast + multiple couples] Ye Pianpian accidentally transmigrates into a cultivation world and becomes the most miserable villainess in the Longevity Sect. The System tells her she has to win over the Demon Lord to survive, but she swaps bodies with him the moment she transmigrates. She breezes through the entrance test, becoming a genius girl who draws ever 836Reads7.4Score110Shelves
19. 19 有 With the Tyrant’s Mind-Reading Ability, I’m Slaying My Way Through the Imperial Palace 有了暴君读心术，我在皇宫杀疯了 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance384k WordsCompleted [Hilarious Transmigration + Historical Romance + Mind Reading + Pocket Space with a Spirit Spring + Healing a Yandere + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggles + Sweet, Devoted Romance + Medical Skills] Modern miracle doctor Ye Li dies suddenly and transmigrates, becoming the neglected consort of a deranged tyrant. The tyrant is a madman, a complete lunatic, and every night he goes on a killing spree. The original heroine is blinded by love and gullibly trusts Prince Jin's vows. She helps him kill t 276Reads6.5Score—Shelves
20. 20 玉 Starting with a Jade Thumb Ring: I Make Her a Princess, and She Becomes a Demon Empress 玉扳指开局：我封郡主她成妖后 The Sly Cat厚黑的猫猫Ancient Romance194k WordsCompleted Two leading actresses from an acting school refused a director’s advances, so he set a fire to kill them. As they lay near death in the blaze, a rare alignment of seven stars streaked across the night sky, and the ancient jade thumb ring borrowed by the film crew suddenly burst into a dazzling white light! When they opened their eyes again, the two best friends had been transported to the past. One landed on an ancient battlefield dressed in men’s clothes for a martial arts role. She saved the y 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Two drama school beauties refused to accept the unspoken rules of the industry, only to be set on fire by the director to silence them. As they teetered on the brink of death in the flames, a once-in-a-millennium alignment of the seven stars pierced the night sky, and the ancient jade ring borrowed from the film crew suddenly burst forth with a blinding white light! When they opened their eyes again, the two best friends, dressed in male martial arts costumes, were lying on an ancient battlefield, saving the young emperor who was leading a campaign. With their exceptional martial arts skills, they repeatedly distinguished themselves in battle, rising from sworn brothers to become a princess protecting the nation! Another woman was sold into a brothel by a heartless peasant woman. In desperation, she killed someone with her hairpin and escaped, only to stumble upon the sinister and sickly Prince Liang, Xiao Qinglan. He imprisoned her in his palace, showering her with unparalleled favor, but also binding her with the shackles of hell. But she refused to be a caged bird. She climbed the ladder of power by stepping on men's sincerity, from a runaway concubine in the palace to the emperor's favorite concubine, and then to a cunning empress, manipulating the political landscape step by step. When Shen Nanqiao stood in the imperial court, clad in armor, and saw her former best friend in her phoenix coronet and wedding robes, her eyes filled with ruthlessness, she realized with a start that this time travel had already torn their fates apart. The seven stars aligned again, the jade ring's brilliance rekindled; on one side was the gentle protection of her beloved and the glory of the court, on the other, the obsession with returning to the modern world and unfinished dreams. What will she do? [Dual female leads + time travel and political intrigue + cross-dressing + a mad prince] Highlights: A martial arts queen dominates the battlefield, a beautiful, strong, and tragic best friend turns to the dark side and seizes power, a fateful duel between two beauties—high-energy and non-stop action! 6

21. 21 扮 The Little Princess Who Plays the Pig to Eat the Tiger 扮猪吃虎小王妃 Little One Who Loves Sweet Potatoes爱吃香薯的小娃娃Ancient Romance255k WordsCompleted After the shock of that intense visual impact wore off, Ye Yiyi finally came to her senses and immediately turned around. “Beiming Yu! Are you crazy? Why did you let me in while you were changing?” “I didn't let you in! I only told you I was in the bedroom.” Beiming Yu stifled a laugh inside, but put on an utterly innocent face as he spoke. “Ye Yiyi, you've seen my body twice. You have to take responsibility for me!” “Hmph, I've seen plenty of people. Do I have to take responsibility for all of 2.4kReads6.7Score247Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is so addictive, it's making me laugh so hard, hahaha!

22. 22 天 Supreme Destiny 天命最高 Sweet Dream Feather甜梦羽Historical180k WordsCompleted He was the “Qin dog” everyone in Handan hated, a hostage who trembled in his mother’s arms. Before the age of nine, he lived for one reason alone: to avoid being beaten to death by the people of Zhao. Then one day, his father died, and he became the King of Qin. The road back to Xianyang was strewn with thorns: his grandmother wanted to depose him, his younger brother wanted him dead, powerful ministers treated him like a puppet, and the queen dowager and her lover controlled the inner palace. H 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone knows that Qin Shi Huang was ruthless and cunning in his conquest of the world, but few know that he suffered countless humiliations in Handan from a young age. After returning to Qin, he was caught in the machinations of his grandmother, brother, and powerful ministers, ultimately seizing the Qin throne through sheer cruelty and bloodshed. His heart had long been frozen, but he was moved by the tenderness of A Fang, promising her the land as his dowry. However, with the empire newly established, cruel fate cruelly shattered the only tenderness in his life…

23. 23 癫 The Wacky Daily Life of a Mad Doctor and Bandit 癫癫医匪的沙雕日常 Little One Who Loves Sweet Potatoes爱吃香薯的小娃娃Ancient Romance189k WordsOngoing Feng Yuchen took one look at Mu Niannian's masterpiece, went pale, then paler still, and began rubbing his temples. Feng Yu Jue saw Mu Niannian's masterpiece and froze on the spot. On the paper was a burly man with a wild red afro, a full beard, and eyes wide open. He wore red and struck a fearsome pose, holding a treasured sword aloft in his right hand while his left held the leash of a black dog with equally wild fur. After a long pause, Feng Yu Jue finally got his wits back. Pointing at the d 973Reads—Score110Shelves

    Reader note

    These two thieves are hilarious.

24. 24 重 Reborn, I Drove the God of War Marquis Wild with Desire 重生后，我撩疯了战神侯爷 Shi Gu式谷Ancient Romance437k WordsCompleted [The new book has only just received its initial rating, so the sample size is small. The score will gradually rise over time.] In her previous life, Shen Li was blind to the truth and foolishly devoted, mistaking her benefactor for someone else and marrying Pei Zhaoyan. After five years of giving him her whole heart, she was left with a child dead, her own life lost, and her family destroyed. Only as she lay dying did she finally realize that the person who had silently protected her and risk 6.8kReads6.7Score582Shelves

    Reader note

    First, the female protagonist is reborn as the scumbag stepmother, a revenge story with a satisfying twist! Second, a modern-day fake playboy transmigrates and is forced into love by a cold and aloof crown prince! Third, two gods descend to the mortal realm to undergo tribulations, three lifetimes in total, a happy ending!

25. 25 女 A Female Player Transmigrates and Catches the Eye of the Cold Crown Prince 女海王穿越，被清冷太子盯上了 Shi Gu式谷Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted [Bold, formidable heroine x clingy, snake-like hero | Secret identities everywhere | Devoted to each other alone] "Do you know A Yu or not?" Yun Zhaohe stared at the little white snake in her arms and finally asked the question she had been holding in for so long. The little white snake shook its head, but its shifty eyes gave away its guilty conscience. Yun Zhaohe, a top modern investigator, died in an explosion and transmigrated as the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister of Great Qin 371Reads—Score—Shelves
26. 26 动 Fall in Love and Die: The Heir and I Defy Heaven 动情即殒命，我与世子逆苍天 Shi Gu式谷Ancient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing Shen Qingyan unexpectedly spends a night entangled with Xiao Jinyuan, a ruthless and cold-blooded heir to a noble title. A high monk tells them, "Only by joining body and soul forty-nine times can you break the heavenly punishment that has haunted you for three lifetimes." But the curse's shackles remain: the moment they fall in love and commit to each other, both will die. She runs, he pursues. There is no escape from fate. She is a goddess undergoing tribulation. Reborn across three lifetimes, 144Reads—Score—Shelves
27. 27 蝶 Butterfly Shadows Return to Dust: Sold into Prostitution by My Mother-in-Law, My Ex-Husband Searched for Me for Ten Years 蝶影归尘：被婆母卖入风尘，前夫寻了我整整十年 Ni Ah Ni Ge Ni氼啊氼个氼55k WordsCompleted The Butterfly’s Shadow Returns to Dust: Sold into a Life of Vice by My Mother-in-Law, My Ex-Husband Searched for Me for Ten Years 319Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Pinnacle of Republican Era Tragic Novels 🦋 The Pinnacle of Republican Era Tragic Novels | *Butterfly Shadow Returns to Dust* --- "She gave birth to his son, but the son wasn't his biological child." At fifteen, she was a scholarly heiress, pampered by her entire family. She wouldn't even glance at her dark-skinned, honest, and clumsy husband. On their wedding night, she tearfully vowed: she would rather die than submit. He silently guarded her for four months, sleeping in the study every night, never crossing the line. Until that slap— Her older brother hit her, and he was the first to rush to her side, crouching down to gently stroke her swollen cheek with trembling fingertips, asking with red eyes: "Does it hurt?" At that moment, she lost her composure. --- "In her life, she changed identities six times and names three times." A noble heiress. A young woman from the Zhang family. A prisoner in a secluded mansion. A courtesan. A Japanese female spy. A soul who took a bullet for someone else. Only one name belonged to her until death—Lin Die'er. --- "Ten years later, they met again on the long street. She said in Japanese: 'You've mistaken me for someone else.'" "Sumimasen, anata wa... You've mistaken me for someone else." He froze. She turned and walked into the crowd, her back straight, without a trace of lingering affection. Turning the corner, she leaned against the cold wall, covered her mouth, and wept silently. He hadn't run away with anyone. She hadn't abandoned him. She simply couldn't acknowledge him. --- "He died without knowing that he had held his own son." The child, named Yi'an, looked exactly like him. He smiled and hugged him, saying, "This child is so beautiful." He didn't know that it was the child Die'er had risked her life to give birth to in the other courtyard. He also didn't know that the "father" the child recognized was the person he hated most. --- A pair of silver butterfly hairpins are separated, half a lifetime of love ended in separation. The butterfly enters the dust of the world, never to return. 📖 "Butterfly Shadow Returns to Dust"—Misaligned time difference, extreme tragic ending, the pinnacle of heart-wrenching romance in the Republican era.

28. 28 新 Taking a Secondary Wife on Her Wedding Night? The Highborn Matriarch Slaughters Her Enemies 新婚夜纳平妻？高门主母杀疯虐渣 Young Master of the Zhang Family张家少年郎Ancient Romance215k WordsOngoing All-original cast + powerful family matriarch + groveling redemption arc + inner-courtyard scheming + a male love rival fighting for her * Jiang Yunzhi, the legitimate daughter of a military family, is ordered by the Empress Dowager to marry Pei Shizi, heir to the Duke of Anguo, who already loves someone else. On their wedding night, she is humiliated. If there is no love, then she’ll fight for power. Jiang Yunzhi takes charge of the household and brings the inner courtyard firmly to heel. When 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's good; the female lead has amazing fighting skills.

Other lists with The Treacherous Minister Wants to Kill Me Every Day