Looking for Palace-Intrigue Novels Focused Entirely on Palace Intrigue: No Transmigration, No Rebirth, and the Leads Don’t Have to Be Each Other’s Only Ones 求宫斗文纯宫斗不穿越不重生不双洁

1. 1 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 87.6kReads9.5Score12kShelves

   Reader note

   The story unfolds like a magnificent scroll painting, with captivating plot points. The heroine's resilience and wisdom, and the hero's deep affection and unwavering devotion, make it utterly irresistible.

2. 2 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 12.8kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   A palace intrigue story without time travel or reincarnation; the female lead isn't obsessed with romance. [Learned it][Learned it]

3. 3 公 The Princess Sneaks Out on the Eve of Her Wedding, and the Crown Prince Comes to Catch Her Himself 公主婚前趁夜出逃，储君亲自抓人 Wuxi巫溪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Forceful Possession + Wife-Chasing Crematorium + Devoted Couple + Male Lead with a Black Heart Beneath His Gentle Exterior] Prince Xie Linheng was famous for having no interest in women. For years, he had never been close to a single woman. In the second year of Jian’an, the emperor fell gravely ill, and the crown prince took power. Desperate to see her mother, Yu Tingwan had no choice but to seek Xie Linheng’s help. Everyone said the crown prince was as noble and graceful as a pine tree, peerl 28.1kReads9.2Score2.6kShelves

   Reader note

   Xie Linheng's fingertips traced the tear, mercilessly crushing it. His words, though gentle, carried an undisguised, sinister rage. Each syllable seemed designed to be branded into her heart. "Born in the palace, you should stay in the palace." "Ning Shu, do you think you can escape?"

4. 4 替 I Took My Sister's Place and Married the Eunuch Lord 替姐姐嫁给九千岁 Oil-Run Salted Egg咸蛋流油Ancient Romance330k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other’s first and only + exclusive devotion + sisters swap marriages + ruthless Chief Eunuch vs. easygoing beauty] Jiang Yunshu transmigrates into the illegitimate daughter of the Marquis of Xiping’s household. She has food and shelter and can laze around to her heart’s content. All she wants is to remain an invisible nobody in the marquis’s household forever. Her legitimate older sister, Jiang Zhaohua, is famous throughout the capital. A decree from the palace summons her 27.9kReads9.2Score3kShelves
5. 5 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves

   Reader note

   This is absolutely fantastic!

6. 6 夺 Stealing My Sister-in-Law as His Bride, the Ruthless Marquis Closes In at Every Turn 夺娶长嫂，疯批军侯步步紧逼 Bright, Gentle Laughter笑语晏晏Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted Ling Xiao returned home covered in military glory, only to hear that his wanton sister-in-law had conspired with another man to kill his sickly elder brother. He looked at her in her plain white mourning clothes, slender as a willow, her brows dark as ink, kneeling before the coffin and weeping so pitifully that anyone would feel for her. He raised her gaunt chin with the tip of his sword, his killing intent suddenly flaring. “You seductive vixen, you deserve to die!” - Later, she proved her inn 67.9kReads9.1Score13kShelves
7. 7 出 Pay to Break Off the Engagement? The Abacus Beads Hit the Chief Minister in the Face 出钱退亲？算盘珠子崩首辅脸上了 Tianshan Snow Lotus Tea天山雪莲茶Ancient Romance428k WordsCompleted [Traditional Historical Romance + Political Intrigue + Household Battles + Devoted Couple + No Love Rivals or Misunderstandings] A clever woman who plays the pig to eat the tiger × a calculating, scheming man The number-one enemy of every unmarried noblewoman in the capital is Jiang Wanhe, the Jiang family's beautiful but empty-headed legitimate daughter. It all began when the Jiang family struck incredible luck: after saving the city's most eligible bachelor, Xie Yao, from bandits, they called 1.8kReads8.6Score235Shelves

   Reader note

   A female lead who loves money more than anything! A male lead who is incredibly cunning! It's a really good show!

8. 8 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

   Reader note

   This is really good. Although the beginning is a bit like "Empresses in the Palace," the later parts are truly touching and exciting. I think I read this book about a year ago, but I still can't forget it. It's definitely a pure palace intrigue story, the kind where girls help each other. And I didn't expect the ending either.

9. 9 你 You Lost Your Memory and Broke Off Our Engagement. Why Are You Losing It Now That I'm Remarrying? 你失忆与我退婚，我改嫁你疯什么 Little White Pile白色小乌堆Ancient Romance266k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other’s first and only + A chaotic rivalry among the men + Regret and face-slapping] ① Everyone in Jiuzhou knows that Shen Sining and the Ninth Prince grew up together. They’re the perfect couple, envied by all. But on the eve of their wedding, the Ninth Prince loses his memory. He remembers everyone except Shen Sining, the woman he once treasured above all else. “This prince would never fall for a useless beauty like her.” “Lulu is the woman I love, the one I’ll cherish for 2.3kReads8.3Score160Shelves
10. 10 元 The Trueborn Daughter 元嫡 Flowers, Trees, and Bodhi花木菩提Ancient Romance582k WordsCompleted Li Qingluan, the only daughter of a mighty general, was at the age when girls first blossomed, gentle and lovely. On a warm afternoon, her radiant smile shone like a ray of sunlight into Emperor Liu Heng's heart, making this middle-aged man, cold and distant since childhood, realize for the first time that a woman could be so charming and adorable. But the girl before him was clearly still so young. The shy, tender way she said, “Your Majesty,” made his heart flutter despite himself... Many year 3.7kReads8.7Score291Shelves

    Reader note

    This palace intrigue novel is good.

11. 11 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 79.6kReads9.5Score8.9kShelves
12. 12 凤 Phoenix and Luan in the Palace of Tranquility 凤鸾坤宁 Fu Xiangjun傅香君Ancient Romance886k WordsCompleted [Empress + not a mutually exclusive romance + pure palace intrigue + intelligent characters + bearing a son to seize the throne] Zhao Zhenshu, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Wei’s household, married the legitimate second son of the Prince of Jin’s household. She had only wanted to be the principal wife in the inner quarters. But when the Crown Prince rebelled, the emperor simply replaced him. The legitimate second son of the Prince of Jin’s household was suddenly transformed into the lof 2.1kReads6.9Score179Shelves
13. 13 枕 On the Jade Couch: The Sickly, Tyrannical Emperor Only Dotes on His Enchanting Queen 枕玉榻：病娇暴君他独宠妖后 Yu Duo屿朵Ancient Romance422k WordsCompleted (The rating just opened and will rise later.) Devoted romance, sweet pampering, multiple births, and a clear-headed palace intrigue. A naturally fertile, wicked, unhinged beauty and a lovesick male lead who overthinks everything. Jiang Wenyu was merely a lowly concubine-born daughter. Because of her beauty, her legitimate elder sister forced her to enter the Third Prince's household and win his favor, intending to kill the mother after taking the child. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince saw her k 1.3kReads7.2Score121Shelves

    Reader note

    Look at it, look at it, take it!

14. 14 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
15. 15 皇 The Empress Is Fierce: She Loves the Empire, Not Palace Scheming 皇后很野，只爱江山不宫斗 Zha Xiaogua扎小瓜Ancient Romance451k WordsCompleted Political intrigue, historical romance, two strong leads, one-on-one romance, happy ending Both leads are highly skilled in combat and brilliant. They speak their minds, with no angst or melodrama. [Straight-laced, scheming emperor who can be either fierce or sweet x resilient and clever female general who never gives up] Ye Fubo is exceptionally gifted. Before turning eighteen, she is already a leading commander in the navy. But people are treacherous and the court is full of intrigue. A precio 942Reads9.1Score125Shelves
16. 16 纵 So What If You’re Reborn? 纵你重生又如何 Yao Yaoya妖幺芽Ancient Romance169k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete] [Two powerful leads + no point in being reborn as a concubine’s daughter + face-slapping and punishing scoundrels + the male lead has a secret crush] [A cool, composed beauty with overwhelming combat prowess vs. a mysterious, bewitching prince] [One-on-one romance + happy ending + single and chaste] Her mother was the most favored legitimate princess, her uncle was the reigning emperor, her maternal grandmother was empress dowager of the realm, and her older brother 2.3kReads8.9Score296Shelves
17. 17 太 The Crown Prince Dotes on His Concubine and Neglects His Wife: The Empress's Daily Life After Bearing Twins 太子宠妾灭妻，娘娘双胎上位日常 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance554k WordsCompleted [There are a few typos, so please skip this if that bothers you.] A deranged, ruthless heroine and an obsessive Crown Prince, with exclusive devotion later on, clear-headed palace intrigue, and multiple births. Jiang Shiruo is stunningly beautiful, but only a concubine’s daughter. Still, even a concubine’s daughter deserves to live. Jiang Shiruo has no interest in the other princes. She only wants to enter the Eastern Palace, because that’s the only way she can reach the highest position. After 7.7kReads8.9Score676Shelves

    Reader note

    Both the male and female leads are intelligent. The female lead is ruthless, not a saint, and always seeks revenge. She knows exactly what she wants from beginning to end. At first, the male lead is just a tool, but as they get to know each other, they develop mutual trust and there are no misunderstandings.

18. 18 世 Heir, Your Wife Says It’s Time to Come Home 世子，夫人喊你回家了 Susu Qian Ci酥酥芊瓷Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted [Marriage First, Love Later; Devoted Couple; Sweet Romance] [Proud, Sharp-Tongued Heir vs. Beautiful, Cunning Young Madam] For generations, the Duke of Dingguo’s family has loyally guarded the frontier, keeping the realm at peace for decades. If you asked the women of the capital whom they most wanted to marry, the answer would be Ning Ye, the Duke of Dingguo’s heir. Noble by birth, handsome, and skilled in both letters and arms, he makes the hearts of young ladies from every family flutter. But 13.1kReads9.2Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This looks good (personal opinion, please don't criticize if you disagree).

19. 19 逃 I Was Caught Running Away from My Wedding, and Now the Mad Chancellor Won't Let Me Go 逃婚被抓，疯批权臣不要软禁我 The Taro Balls and Grapes Are Ripe芋圆葡萄熟了Ancient Romance146k WordsOngoing [Forced Marriage + A Little Political Intrigue + A Little Palace Intrigue + Bewitching Beauty + Cold-Blooded, Ruthless Young General + Devoted to Each Other] PS: The male lead is a bad boy who deliberately teases and seduces the female lead, luring the lovely beauty into his trap~ She is Su Xinghe, the eldest daughter of the Minister of War and the precious young lady of the Su family. The apple of the Su family’s eye, her adoptive brother Su Huai is the seventh prince of the current dynasty. He 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure palace intrigue novel! The male lead is a madman! The female lead helps the male lead rise through the ranks! The male lead schemes to seduce the female lead step by step~ Young general VS daughter of the Vice Minister of War

20. 20 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 77.1kReads9.5Score7.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The second book is also about time travel, but it's a reincarnation story. The female lead lives as an ancient person, but not entirely in an ancient way. It finds the perfect balance, and it's just great! 😳

21. 21 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.3kReads9.2Score953Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is pampered, but the one she schemes against the most is the male lead.

22. 22 劫 The Stolen Bride: The Obsessive Emperor’s Darling 劫娶：偏执帝王的掌中娇 Zhi Xiaoyuan知小元Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, both leads pure; The Emperor Steals His Minister's Wife; childhood sweethearts; second chance romance; palace intrigue early on; romance-focused] Lu Wan and Xie Zhan grew up together. Just as Lu Wan happily prepared for her wedding, Xie Zhan became the Crown Prince overnight. The very next day, he came to break off their engagement and marry someone else. After Xie Zhan ascended the throne, the noblewomen all lamented that Lu Wan had been unlucky and missed her chance to bec 1.4kReads8.4Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all palace intrigue stories.

23. 23 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
24. 24 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves
25. 25 暖 Fragrant Bedchamber: The Eastern Palace Concubine's Lie-Flat Life 暖帐香：东宫侍妾的躺平日常 Jin Yu锦喻Ancient Romance390k WordsCompleted [Raising a child + palace intrigue + ordinary transmigrator + not both leads’ first love, but doting romance] Xu Qinglu was transmigrated into the Xu family as their legitimate daughter. In the tenth year of Chengde, she was sent to the Eastern Palace as a concubine. After a year of cautiously serving the Crown Prince, walking on eggshells, she finally became pregnant. Having a daughter was all she needed. She would have been happy to live out her days peacefully in the palace. But when her daug 3.1kReads9.0Score238Shelves

    Reader note

    Reincarnated as the legitimate daughter, she becomes a maid in the Eastern Palace, gives birth to a daughter within a year, and can hear the inner voices of transmigrated daughters. While eating melons and lying around, she eventually rises to the position of Empress Dowager.

26. 26 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 70.3kReads9.7Score9.3kShelves
27. 27 蠢 The Adorably Clumsy Imperial Consort Is the Emperor's Sole Favorite 蠢萌帝妃，陛下独宠 Fish in the Sea海里鱼Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing Not faithful to each other! Sweet and angsty! No rebirth, transmigration, golden finger, or wish fulfillment! [Palace Intrigue + Political Scheming + Age Gap + Ensemble Cast + Healing + Family and Country + Slow-Burning Romance + A seemingly silly, adorable, pitiful heroine who's actually wise and perceptive vs. a clear-headed, rational emperor who dotes on her] Su Chao is sent into the palace as the family's “little pebble,” and things go disastrously from the start. Her paternal aunt is the em 4.3kReads8.7Score219Shelves

    Reader note

    ₍˄·͈༝·͈˄*₎◞ ̑̑

28. 28 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 best palace intrigue novel I've ever read

29. 29 重 Reborn: I Flirted the Gloomy Regent into a Daze 重生后，阴鸷摄政王被我撩晕了 Heart Yearning for Gardenias心向往栀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted "Print edition available for preorder October 24 at 7 p.m.!" "Black Lotus Beauty of a Princess & the Grim, Ruthless Regent" [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Devoted Couple + Putting Scumbags in Their Place] Zhixian was the sharpest blade at the side of the Third Prince of Nanzhao, eliminating every obstacle in his bid for the throne. But on the day he was named crown prince, she met her end. "Zhixian, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for knowing too much." Xuan Yuan Heng wiped t 32.9kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    It's super good-looking and meets all your requirements (it might not be perfect for time travel, but don't worry, it's absolutely gorgeous).

30. 30 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
31. 31 皇 The Empress Leaped to Her Death, and the Mad Tyrant Wept Until His Eyes Were Red 皇后纵身一跃，疯批暴君哭红了眼 Huang Dandan黄蛋蛋Ancient Romance635k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, devoted couple + palace intrigue + regretful pursuit, clear-headed heroine, everyone's unattainable ideal] Meng Tang is a gracious, gentle empress who never competes for favor. Everyone thinks she is a true white lotus standing tall in the harem, and even the tyrant believes it. He takes a new concubine, and she smiles, congratulates him, and arranges for the newcomer to spend the night with him. He sends her restorative medicine, and she obediently takes it, knowing full we 21.5kReads9.3Score2kShelves
32. 32 入 After Entering the Palace, She Becomes His Majesty’s One True Love 入宫后她是陛下的白月光 Yu Jiuzhao御九昭Ancient Romance463k WordsCompleted [Pure Palace Intrigue] [No Saintly Heroine] [The Heroine Schemes Against the Entire Harem] [Political Machinations] [Clear-Headed Careerist] Originally titled "The Empress's Daily Life of Palace Intrigue," retitled "A Consort's Guide to Palace Intrigue" * Shen Yiwan, the illegitimate daughter of the Shen family, became pregnant after entering the palace and was made Virtuous Consort. Somehow, she let her good sense fly out the window and made the decision she would regret most in her life. She s 748Reads8.6Score100Shelves
33. 33 娇 With the Adorable Beauty at His Side, Even the Cold-Blooded Powerful Official Is Stirred by Mortal Desires 娇娇在侧，冷戾权臣也被撩动凡心 Floating Snow Returning飘飘回雪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mutual devotion, sweet romance] Su Jiaojiao transmigrates with no grand ambitions. She only wants to make money, enjoy life, and be free. But her stunning looks catch the eye of Song Chi, the Prince of Jiangnan. He falls for her at first sight, and has only one thought when he sees her: I want her! “You're a merchant's daughter. It's your honor to be my concubine.” “I want to be your girlfriend.” “Your girlfriend? What's that?” “We can kiss, cuddle, and sleep together. No titles, no strings att 56.3kReads9.0Score6.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is attractive with progressive ideas, and the male lead is extremely possessive.

34. 34 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
35. 35 陛 Your Majesty, That's Enough! 陛下请适可而止吧！ Ya Fei Li Ou亚菲莉欧Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted A birthday banquet for the Empress Dowager. A cup of wine meant for lovers, drunk by mistake. When the emperor dragged Lu Zhixue into a private room, she thought it was a disaster that had come out of nowhere. Beneath his dragon robes, his fingertips burned. His kiss was poison, and he branded her neck with a mark of humiliation. “Since you’re my concubine, helping me sober up is your duty.” She hurt so badly that she clawed his back raw, her tears soaking the brocade quilt. Little did she kn 1.6kReads8.6Score119Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue isn't about two virgins; the protagonist's affections are concentrated on one person in the later stages, which is quite interesting ❤️

36. 36 将 The General's Legitimate Daughter: The Hot-Tempered Consort Is Not to Be Trifled With 将门嫡女：暴脾气贵妃不好惹 Lu Yueerwu陆月二五Ancient Romance936k WordsCompleted [Devoted Love in the Later Story + Adorable Baby + Powerful Hero and Heroine + Beloved Legitimate Daughter] [Hopelessly Devoted Foolish Emperor + Clear-Headed, Self-Controlled, Clever Noble Consort] Once you enter the palace, it’s as deep as the sea. Yu Jinghe is the most clear-eyed woman in the world. Noble Consort Yue, the most stylish woman in the harem, wins the emperor’s favor all to herself with her fiery temper. Sharp-tongued and quick to throw a punch, she’s practically the harem’s gangs 3.4kReads9.2Score320Shelves

    Reader note

    This is so good, I've watched it so many times.

37. 37 世 A Noble Clan's Splendor: The Commandery Princess Is Quite the Charmer 世族惊华：郡主如此多娇 Li Shushu璃书书Ancient Romance286k WordsCompleted The great clans hold sway in the Sui Dynasty. She is the only legitimate daughter of a prince of a different surname who commands a million troops, and the beloved Princess Yichun of Yunzhong. Yet the Empress Dowager summons her to the capital to arrange a marriage, for the whole realm fears her power. A little bird raised in the countryside is brought to a cage meant to keep her captive. He is the eldest legitimate son of the Wang clan of Langya, the foremost of the ten great clans. Though he p 414Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    She is the only legitimate daughter of a powerful vassal king who commands a million-strong army, and the beloved Princess Yichun of Yunzhong. He is the eldest son of the Langya Wang clan, the head of the ten great clans, who prioritizes the interests of his family above all else, yet he falls in love with a royal princess. Their first meeting is one of breathtaking joy, and their love deepens with time.

38. 38 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

    Reader note

    Both of these are pure palace intrigue novels, without time travel or reincarnation.

39. 39 炮 The Cannon Fodder Awakens, and the Old Foxes Eavesdrop on My Thoughts 炮灰觉醒，老六们偷听我心声 Never Tiring of the Sound声声不倦Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + wacky comedy + the schemers don't admit they can read minds + adored by everyone + shameless + utterly unhinged early on + happy ending + royals who aren't stereotypes] [Complete] Yin Jiao had been in the book for ten years when, one day, she finally awakened. She had transmigrated into a tearjerking romance with more than a thousand chapters about the male and female leads. The entire cast was so bad at communicating that even dogs would shake their heads. Good news: 3.4kReads9.3Score400Shelves

    Reader note

    The plot is hilarious 🤣, I wonder if any sisters like this kind of question 👭

40. 40 惊 Shock! Reborn on the Eve of My Family's Execution, I Say Let's Rebel 惊！重生回满门抄斩前夜，造反吧 Yi Yangcheng衣漾澄Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + feel-good story with a powerful heroine + family and country + political intrigue] A cool-headed, cunning heroine who plans several moves ahead + a brilliant, devoted yet restrained male lead who serves as a high-ranking official at the Court of Judicial Review In her previous life, the entire Ning family, loyal to the throne for generations, was slaughtered. To avenge them, Ning Zhiwei led an army of a hundred thousand to marry Su Mingjin, helping him with all her might as he rebelle 27.4kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Yes, but the female lead is reborn.

41. 41 鲜 Riding Proudly to Defend the Borderlands 鲜衣怒马战边城 August Madness八月疯Ancient Romance540k WordsCompleted Historical romance + farming + palace and household intrigue + strong female lead With a single promise, “After you divorce him, I’ll marry you and make you empress,” a discarded wife rises to become a phoenix. After the divorce, I command 100,000 able-bodied men. After the divorce, every man does as I say. So what if you’re the Prince of Lieshan? I’m divorced. Who am I supposed to be afraid of? I’m the top female military strategist in the Great Feng Kingdom! The Third Prince, Xiao Changye, the 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is worth reading; it's a very insightful piece.

42. 42 反 The Villainess Kills with Her Beauty 反派她以美貌杀人 Shattered Starlight夜空碎光Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted (The heroine is a true villain. If you prefer morally upright characters, read with caution.) She was the villain of a book, but she never knew it. But what did that matter? Her beloved was dead. How could those responsible for his death be allowed to live? She toyed with the world in the palm of her hand, laying schemes within schemes and concealing deadly intent at every turn. Her gentle nature and ethereal beauty were both weapons, and no one could stand in the way of her revenge. The person 4kReads9.4Score480Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead doesn't reincarnate or time-travel, while the female supporting character is both reincarnated and time-traveled. The female lead starts with a white moonlight (her unrequited love), uses the male lead to avenge her white moonlight, and in the end, both the male and female leads die.

43. 43 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 162.8kReads9.6Score22.7kShelves
44. 44 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
45. 45 宫 A Rhapsody of Palace Flowers 宫花赋 Six-Eared Yuanyuan六耳圆圆Ancient Romance681k WordsCompleted [A no-nonsense, trope-defying palace-intrigue drama + no love for the emperor + ensemble of women] Everyone has their own ambitions. I have no interest in fighting other women over a man. She was little Qing Luo, a girl who valued her life above all else. Abandoned by her parents as a child, she had wandered through hardship until she entered the Forbidden City, where she met the beautiful, gracious Yue Ren and the clever, perceptive Lü Zhu. At last, her wandering heart found a home. The three s 30.1kReads9.6Score4kShelves
46. 46 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Alluring, Winning Favor and Rising to Power 娘娘娇软妩媚，一路争宠上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue story, not a one-on-one romance, and not a mutually faithful pairing. Proceed with caution!) Bai Ruotang is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Right Chancellor’s household. At fifteen, just after coming of age, she is sent into the palace to bear a child for her legitimate elder sister and help her secure the emperor’s favor. Unwilling to be reduced to someone else’s pawn, from the moment she steps through the palace gates, she decides she will carve out 10.3kReads8.9Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    I forgot if the one I read before wasn't celibate, but everything else is fine. [Learned something new]

47. 47 别 Don't Be Weak, Don't Provoke Her: An Angry Palace Maid Can Restore a Fallen Kingdom 别太弱，别招惹，宫女发怒能复国 Ethereal Fairy霓裳妖妖Ancient Romance748k WordsCompleted [Unusual premise + assassin’s rise + strong heroine + political intrigue + cold and heartless + mildly yandere + cool-headed lunatic + male lead rises from the nth place] * Su Mian was just a palace maid serving a princess. On the day the Southern Yan Kingdom fell, she watched everyone die before her without a flicker of emotion. The princess gave her an even more perilous mission. Until it was done, she had to stay alive. But in a world thrown into chaos, she was sold as a slave and forced to e 25.6kReads9.5Score4.2kShelves
48. 48 疯 The Mad Tyrant Wants to Steal Her: You’re the One Who Tempted Me First! 疯批权臣夺她，是你先勾我的！ Bright, Gentle Laughter笑语晏晏Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted [Possessive pursuit + Untouchable beauty brought down from her pedestal + Scheming heroine + Both leads are pure] The eldest son of the Xie family was as refined as a gentle breeze beneath a clear sky, as elegant as an orchid or jade tree, and, more unusually, possessed the heart of a bodhisattva. A year ago, he had taken charge of sheltering a destitute cousin who had come to seek refuge. The rescued Wanruo was deeply grateful, and looked up to and adored her cousin. Their story of a loving bro 238.5kReads9.2Score31.1kShelves

    Reader note

    If any friends ask me for recommendations on good historical romance novels with rebirth elements, this is definitely my top recommendation. From the writing style to the emotions, from the characters to the plot, everything is perfectly harmonious—absolutely amazing! The ending is a perfect happy one, a definite sweet romance, and there's even a touch of forced love. The best love is unwavering devotion and lifelong companionship. I truly experienced this in Wanwan and Xiao Xie's story. Even those in positions of power in the world bow down to those in positions of power in love. Xiao Xie and Wanwan's love is a two-way street. Although Xiao Xie was a bit immature and clueless at first, thankfully he managed to stop the damage in time. His later insecurity and jealousy are just so funny! There are also side couples, Xiuzhu and Meng Nizi, and Qingyan, who are also great to watch. There's a bit of political intrigue, but the main focus is on romance. The double rebirth epilogue in the later chapters is so sweet!!! Everyone should read it!!!

49. 49 这 This Chancellor Is a Little Wild 这个丞相有点野 Heng Jiujiu恒久九Ancient Romance352k WordsCompleted Bai Ning is the young master of a renowned healer's estate. Disguised as a man and hiding her identity, she traveled alone to the kingdom of Nan Chu with a letter in hand. Entrusted with a great responsibility by the late emperor, she became the youngest chancellor in Nan Chu's history at the age of thirteen. From then on, she carefully laid her plans, executed corrupt officials, purged the court, and helped the new emperor take the throne. Though they were wary of each other at first, they even 600Reads8.7Score109Shelves
50. 50 将 A General Is No Boy 将军非少年 Jinhu瑾狐Ancient Romance706k WordsCompleted If “I love you” is good fortune, then for her, “You’re free” is salvation. “Si Youjin, you can protect these splendid rivers and mountains, you can protect these beautiful years, but can you protect yourself?” She sat atop the city wall and gave no answer… 3.2kReads9.3Score392Shelves

Other lists with He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince