Inner-Household Scheming Stories with a Male Lead Who Has a Past 想要男主不洁的宅斗文

1. 51 为 The Concubine's Guide to Self-Cultivation 为妾的自我修养 Yu Jian郁见Ancient Romance429k WordsOngoing Zhu Yan transmigrates as a merchant's daughter and becomes a pawn her family uses to avoid disaster. Her father sends her to Changning Marquis Xie An as a concubine. As a concubine, Zhu Yan stays true to herself. She doesn't compete, make a fuss, or draw attention. Who could have guessed that the Marquis of Changning would be so fortunate? When something happens to the royal family's only two heirs, the emperor chooses Xie An, a member of the imperial clan, to inherit the throne. If a concubine 6.3kReads9.2Score450Shelves
2. 52 主 The Mistress's Daily Life 主母日常 Zhou Dabai周大白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [An Aristocratic Lady Tears Apart a Transmigrator + Reborn + An Idyllic, Leisurely Life as the Mistress of an Ancient Estate] Lu Lingjun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, were both reborn. In their previous lives, Lu Lingjun married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her younger sister married the heir to a marquis’s estate. Everyone said her sister had made the better match. But who could have guessed that Lu Lingjun’s husband would become the prime minister and sec 23.5kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

   Reader note

   The male lead is impure, while the female lead is the matriarch, in charge of the family, managing her parents-in-law, children, grandchildren, and even concubines. Like a red plum blossom, she stands tall no matter the wind and snow.

3. 53 茶 She Exudes Tea, and He Spoils His Wife Without Limits 茶香四溢，爷他宠妻无度 Xi Zhinan希知南Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Qing Dynasty transmigration + Fourth Prince faction + Household and Palace Intrigue + Empress + Yinzhen + Sole Favorite + Multiple Births + Childbirth] Ultimate goal: Work to ensure English classes are never introduced in future generations. Lin Mingyan: “Wow, my lord, you’re amazing. I could never hit something that hard~~~” Inwardly: Amazing, my ass! This is the only decent outfit I own, and now you’ve splattered it with something unmentionable! Lin Mingyan: “As long as you visit me from tim 15.6kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves

   Reader note

   Look, they're all silent. 🤔

4. 54 卖 Sold as a Concubine to the Prince's Estate, I Secretly Take It Easy in the Inner Courtyard 卖到王府做小妾后在后院偷偷咸鱼 Mung Bean Who Loves Chicken Legs吃鸡腿的绿豆Ancient Romance803k WordsCompleted After transmigrating to ancient times, An Zhenzhen found herself a low-status merchant’s daughter. Her father had just died, her mother had passed away years ago, and her only younger brother was an orphan her kindhearted predecessor had taken in. Her second uncle’s family had joined forces with the clan to seize all her family’s property, and now they even wanted her to become a concubine to her second aunt’s dimwitted nephew. What could she do? At the crucial moment, a trusted retainer of her 1.3kReads9.0Score104Shelves
5. 55 古 The Female Side Character in an Old-School Romance Wakes Up 古早言情文女配觉醒了 Zhu You1竹由1Ancient Romance412k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + villainess + no golden finger] Rumors in the capital said that the Heqin Prince's heir had gone south to Jiangnan and been bewitched by a village girl. He was so besotted that he wanted to marry her as his legal wife, despite the rules and their difference in status. Even the emperor indulged his recklessness instead of stopping him, issuing an imperial decree to help him get his way. Everyone couldn't help wondering what kind of breathtaking beauty the girl must be to have the heir s 453Reads9.0Score102Shelves

   Reader note

   The male lead is impure; his initial relationship with the female lead was a calculated scheme between them, lacking genuine affection until they developed feelings for each other later.

6. 56 金 The Golden Palace Locks Away the Spring Breeze 金阙锁春风 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance757k WordsCompleted Her entire family perished, she was left dependent on others, the dynasty fell, and she married and divorced. In just eighteen years, Yu Zheng has endured things most people never face in a lifetime. A noblewoman of the former dynasty, all she wants now is to stay alive. She plans to enter the palace as a maid, then use her literacy to earn a post as a court official and support herself. She never imagined that the new emperor would send her to the Fourth Prince’s residence as a gesture of goodw 21.1kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves

   Reader note

   🥳🥳🥳The male lead is impure, and the story revolves around palace intrigue and domestic power struggles. Some female leads lead a lazy, unambitious life, while others engage in wits and battles with the male lead.

7. 57 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 41.5kReads9.6Score5.9kShelves
8. 58 姨 Don't Panic When the Concubine Enters the Household, We Have the Prince on Our Side 姨娘进府不慌，我们有王爷撑腰 Envy Not the Cool Evening Breeze不羡郁郁晚风凉Ancient Romance339k WordsCompleted [Not both leads are chaste + No transmigration or rebirth + A fussy heroine + Fictional dynasty + Devoted love later on + Don’t overthink the historical details] On Ruan Yu’s first day at work, all it takes is one glance over her shoulder to capture the heart of a cold-faced tyrant. Overnight, she goes from a lowly leading courtesan to a concubine in the prince’s household. Once she enters the household, everyone says she’s just a plaything, a woman whose arms have rested on a thousand pillows 100Reads6.6Score—Shelves
9. 59 貌 The Beautiful Chambermaid Rises Through Childbearing [Transmigrated and Reborn] 貌美通房靠生子上位【穿越重生】 Years White, Years White岁白岁白Ancient Romance278k WordsCompleted [Completed] [Not a strong heroine: sweet and delicate heroine + childbearing System] Qiao Zhiyi transmigrates into ancient times, then gets reborn. In her previous life, the Princess Consort took a liking to her and wanted her to compete with the prince's favored concubine. But Qiao Zhiyi didn't want to become a concubine, so she refused. To her surprise, this enraged the Princess Consort, who tormented her to death. After being reborn, Qiao Zhiyi comes to her senses. Since she can't escape her 1.9kReads8.0Score149Shelves

   Reader note

   The male lead is a prince, and the female lead is a concubine who is not only beautiful but also cunning.

10. 60 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

    The male lead is impure, the female lead is focused on her career, highly recommended.

11. 61 外 The Soft-Waisted Beauty Who Won Over Her Lover's Heart 外室她腰软撩人 Qiaomier荞米儿Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted [Pure Historical Romance + Mutual Firsts + The Long Road to Winning Her Back] Su Ying was a country girl who, from the start, was drugged and accidentally slept with Prince Yi, Chi Zhaoyan. She was then forced to become his concubine. Chi Zhaoyan warned her, “First, you can't bear my child. Second, the moment I marry, you leave of your own accord.” Su Ying didn't care in the slightest. She did her best to play the role of his concubine, making Chi Zhaoyan think she was deeply in love with him, w 234Reads8.7Score—Shelves
12. 62 娇 After Entering the Palace, the Emperor Spoils His Sweet, Delicate Beauty Like Crazy 娇软美人入宫后，帝王掐腰宠疯了 Tang Ling sally棠泠sallyAncient Romance379k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Exclusive Devotion + Possessive Pursuit + Nontraditional Palace Intrigue + Stunning Heroine] A deranged, possessive hero x a pitiful, delicate heroine Not a first-time couple; the hero is strong and the heroine is weak. The heroine is beautiful and high-maintenance. Read with caution if that bothers you! On the night Lan Xi was to be married, Yan Cong led his cavalry in a devastating attack on the Songutu tribe. Sand filled the sky, horns sounded in the wind, and warhorses and 1.1kReads8.7Score105Shelves
13. 63 强 Taken by Force: The Beauty Is Untamable, the Tyrant's Captive 强娶豪夺：美人难驯，暴君的囚宠 Aili Who Loves the Double-Row Keyboard喜欢双排键的爱梨Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted A BE ending: the male lead dies at the end. (Why is it always the heroine who dies in tragic romances, while the male lead gets to rule the land? He’s dying. He absolutely has to die.) Against tyranny and Stockholm syndrome. Full of melodrama. If you don’t like it, move along and click the exit button in the upper left. Writing takes hard work, so please respect the author’s work and don’t leave bad reviews. Thank you. The male lead falls for her at first sight, becomes possessive, and takes her 788Reads8.9Score—Shelves
14. 64 炮 Book Transmigration: The Delicate Cannon-Fodder Supporting Character Is Too Pitiful 炮灰女配她娇软堪怜【穿书】 Spring Waters Stretch a Thousand Miles春水千里Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, delicate little star, adored by everyone, men competing in a battlefield of love] Hua Wu transmigrates! The good news: she’s transmigrated into a historical romance about a Mary Sue heroine adored by everyone. The heroine is born with an irresistible allure, and any man who sleeps with her becomes unable to leave her. She gathers a scheming prince, a bold general, an obsessive imperial tutor, a cold, aloof miracle doctor, a mysterious state preceptor, and many more 5.9kReads8.8Score641Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue and domestic power struggles; it's unclear whether the male lead is impure.

15. 65 折 Snap Off a Crabapple Branch! 折棠枝！ Consort Xi熙贵妃Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sisters switch marriages+the chase-back-to-win-her-heart trope+romantic rivalry+putting scumbags in their place; clear-eyed, scheming beauty X mad tyrant X aloof, powerful minister...] Short drama now available Jiang Wantang is the second legitimate daughter least favored by the current prime minister. With incomparable beauty and bewitching charm, she was abandoned in the wilderness and remained unknown to the world. Her elder legitimate sister was the moon in the sky; she was the mud beneath 9.1kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves
16. 66 不 I Won’t Be a Noble Consort! I’m Set on Finding a Husband, and Now the Emperor Is Jealous 不做贵妃！一心招婿后皇帝红了眼 Yun Wan Cai Cai云挽财财Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Devoted 1v1 romance + his pursuit of her + childhood sweethearts + pampered by all + noblewoman vs. transmigrator] (Awakening, not reborn, no palace harem, no previous life) Lin Zhuyun was born into a distinguished family of meritorious officials. Raised in comfort, she is radiant and refined, frail yet carefree and composed. She was granted the title of commandery princess at a young age, cherished by the Empress Dowager, and grew up with the emperor like a childhood sweetheart. Later, the emp 17.4kReads7.4Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    All of these are completed. 1 and 3 are palace intrigue stories, while 2 and 4 are domestic intrigue stories.

17. 67 穿 After Transmigrating into a Book as the Wicked Princess, the Prince Falls for Me Night After Night 穿书成恶毒王妃后，王爷夜夜沉沦 Yi Er Liu宜贰六Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyday life + light ensemble cast + slow and steady romance + a powerful man gradually lowering his guard + two transmigrated supporting characters) In the prince's household, his secondary consort is the unattainable woman he seized by force, his concubine is the childhood friend who has always been by his side, and there's also a beautiful, understanding concubine of humble birth. The prince loathes the princess consort most of all. In the end, she's demoted to commoner and forced to hang he 197.5kReads8.1Score20kShelves
18. 68 咸 The Lazy Concubine Just Wants to Cling to a Powerful Patron, but the Aloof Prince Is Hooked 咸鱼侍妾只想抱大腿，高冷王爷却被钓疯了 Seven An Coins七桉钱Ancient Romance589k WordsOngoing (Transmigration / palace and household intrigue / raising a child / doted on exclusively in the later stages / love grows over time / everyday life) Ye Qing, a notorious actress, transmigrates one day into the body of a concubine of Prince Jing, the fourth son of the Great Yue emperor. As a concubine, without the prince's favor, her status is even lower than a maid's. To live comfortably, she decides to cling tightly to the biggest pillar in the prince's manor: the aloof Prince Jing. Ye Qing pre 405Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Very interesting. My favorite is the third book. Although the rating isn't high, it's quite good.

19. 69 娇 The Soft-Spoken Maid's Rise to Power 娇软通房升位记 Steamed Cake蒸蛋糕Ancient Romance420k WordsOngoing [A black-hearted heroine focused on her career + palace intrigue][A stunning, alluring heroine with brains to match] Reborn as a low-ranking concubine destined to be cannon fodder, with no golden finger, she must win over a suspicious emperor? To get back home, Jiang Nian acts for him, deceives him, and carefully plots her every move. While lying low in the prince's manor, she takes a blade meant for him, staining her robes with blood. "If I can protect Your Highness, then dying is worth it." T 6Reads8.4Score—Shelves
20. 70 被 After the Female Lead Was Stolen, I Set Out to Save the Obsessive Villain 被抢女主后，拯救偏执反派大佬 Xu Lian序连Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [One-on-one sweet romance, marriage first and love later, the leads dote on each other, everyday romance, gentle and delicate beauty vs. a ruthless, possessive villainous tycoon] The Duke of Zhenguo’s entire household was fiercely loyal to the crown. With them gone, only Yan Yu, their sole daughter, remained. Raised by her maternal grandmother, she was betrothed to the Fifth Prince. After Yan Yu came of age, she was about to travel to the capital for her wedding. At that point, the eldest dau 18.8kReads8.9Score1.9kShelves
21. 71 夫 Is My Husband Hard to Soothe? Mine Can Comfort Himself! 夫君难哄？我家的自己哄自己啊！ Mo Xunzhou茉寻舟Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted [A traditional historical romance in an imagined world + an utterly devoted husband + raising a little girl + light household intrigue + reborn + a touch of fantasy + a gentle heroine] Lu Ming was exhausted from putting on an act all day. Having lived through betrayal in her previous life, Lu Ming had long since given up on love. She shouldn’t expect anything from anyone. Keeping her feelings at a distance was best. But to hide the fact that she had been reborn, she had no choice but to pretend 240Reads8.7Score106Shelves
22. 72 嫁 After Marrying the Gloomy Powerful Minister's Younger Brother 嫁给阴郁权臣弟弟后 Startled Magpie惊鹊儿Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [The print edition is now available under the title Why Not Ride the Wind Together] Xu Yunjia and Pei Youqing grew up together. After they married, she managed the household and cared for his parents, doing everything a wife could be expected to do. She never imagined that one day a woman would arrive at her door with Pei Youqing’s child. Only then did Yunjia realize that she had been living a joke all these years. She returned to the time before she married Pei Youqing. Xu Yunjia no longer want 13kReads9.0Score1.8kShelves
23. 73 我 The Little Brother-in-Law I Raised Became a Powerful Official 我养大的小叔子，竟成了一代权臣 Zi Qing Bo子青伯Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted Cheng Li opened her eyes and found herself transported to an unfamiliar dynasty, where she had become a young widow. She couldn't do a day's work and knew nothing about farming. Her survival skills were practically nonexistent. She'd planned to lie flat and rely on her younger brother-in-law, but she was so beautiful that men of all kinds kept coveting her... 2.9kReads8.9Score248Shelves
24. 74 公 The Princess Reigns: Handsome Men Beg Humblely for Her Favor 公主在上：美男卑微求恩宠 Fireflies and the Waning Moon流萤残月Ancient Romance581k WordsCompleted [One heroine + several men] [Not all characters are sexually inexperienced] This gets explicit! Don't read if that bothers you! [Growing heroine] [Not a strong, independent heroine. If that's what you want, turn left and go elsewhere.] The Kingdom of Wei was conquered by the Kingdom of Wu. The King and Queen of Wei were killed, and their only surviving daughter, a beautiful princess, was taken to Wu to satisfy the desires of its generals and soldiers. Shen Jianing accidentally transmigrated into 929Reads8.1Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    ① The skin of her limbs and navel was thus openly exposed to the air. ② Dozens of guards with spears stood around the house, and they all looked at the woman's painful moans with strange expressions.

25. 75 到 This Is Where It Ends 到此为止 Xu Zhimeng许织梦Modern Romance123k WordsCompleted [Angst-heavy story. Read with caution. The male lead is not chaste.] “Ru Yi, when you act like this, it makes me think you still can’t let go of me.” All the pain and torment must have begun with those words. Or perhaps it was “You haven’t been able to forget me, Ru Yi.” Much later, when Ru Yi thought back on her tangled history with Pei Shiyu, that was what she believed. He would remember the scent from deep in his memories, carried on a gentle breeze, but he wouldn’t remember how much he h 4kReads8.5Score189Shelves
26. 76 娇 The Sweet, Beloved Consort Who Bewitches Hearts 娇娇宠妃惑人心 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance425k WordsCompleted [Not a pure couple; he dotes on her exclusively later on; a little palace intrigue; the heroine is a master flirt; story complete] She transmigrated from the modern world. Quirky and clever, she was also a brilliant actress. Emperor Shengwu could govern with effortless command, bring peace and stability to the realm, and win battles from a thousand miles away, striking fear across the four seas. He was an emperor who held all power in his hands and ruled over all beneath the heavens. Yun Mengq 54.3kReads9.3Score6.6kShelves
27. 77 娘 The Consort’s Laid-Back Daily Life 娘娘的佛系日常 Springtime Sweet Orange春日甜橙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [A lazy, carefree little schemer who just wants to lie flat + historical fantasy + palace intrigue + heroine devoted to one man, hero not devoted to one woman] The charming and clever favorite consort Lin Jingran refuses to work herself to the bone. She’s got the Noble Imperial Consort position lined up, and plans to enjoy the drama and lie flat her way to becoming Empress. Family? She’s a treasured darling of her family, too. The emperor? He openly favors her and helps her navigate palace intr 1.5kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is clear-headed and shrewd, while the male lead is not pure. She starts as a favored concubine, and the emperor dotes on her, favoring her initially but becoming her sole focus later on. The female lead is somewhat laid-back but worldly-wise, intelligent, not love-struck, and not naive. She's not a saint, capable, resourceful, and doesn't suffer losses or be mistreated; her family spoils her. Her child is also adorable and cute.

28. 78 司 The Retired Life of a Female Court Archivist 司籍女官的退休日常 Jing Ban静半Ancient Romance561k WordsCompleted [Fictional setting, not a transmigration or rebirth story + household intrigue + lady of the house] [Early story: self-reliant junior female official x by-the-book prefect] [Later story: perceptive and sensible lady of the house x scheming grand secretary] Wu Xi has spent thirteen years in the palace, struggling her way up, cautious and restrained, dodging countless hidden attacks. At last, she earns the position of sixth-rank female official in charge of the palace library. But then the former 1.1kReads8.6Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is impure, and it's a kind of palace intrigue story, so it's not bad.

29. 79 娇 The Clever Palace Maid and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Who Can't Resist Her 娇娇宫女手段高，冷戾帝王不经撩 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Reborn / palace intrigue, not both virgins / delicate heroine / hero is a bit of a jerk early on, loses his mind midway, and dotes on her alone in the end] Yuan Qing was just a low-ranking palace maid. But she was born alluring and beautiful. In her previous life, the Empress Dowager gave her to Prince Jing as a concubine. Who could have guessed she would become the princess consort's thorn in the side, and that a bowl of poisoned soup would end her life? Reborn, Yuan Qing set her sights on the 5.8kReads9.2Score569Shelves

    Reader note

    The first few books are palace intrigue novels, but the last one isn't a palace intrigue novel either, and they're all very good!

30. 80 外 The Beloved Concubine 外室娇宠 Tan Yi檀意Ancient Romance494k WordsCompleted [Both leads are inexperienced in love + sweet romance + devoted affection + household and palace intrigue + the hero talks himself into falling in love] Everyone knew Cheng Yinyu was a peony fallen into a den of filth, dazzlingly beautiful and graceful, with nobles and aristocrats all vying for her attention. Who would have thought that on the day she came of age, Prince Qin, Gu Xingzhou, would beat everyone to her and make her his kept woman? To stay alive, she tread carefully, putting on a sho 3.6kReads8.9Score323Shelves
31. 81 继 After My Stepsister Was Reborn, She Insisted We Swap Betrothals 继妹重生后非要跟我换亲 Ning Nanyi宁南衣Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Mystic spring space + marriage first, love later + sweet romance + the hero rises steadily through the ranks + the heroine makes money to become the richest woman] Gu Yao transmigrated. In a daze, she learned about her new identity: her mother had died young, her father had remarried, and she was the least favored child in the family. Recently, an old woman had been using an old letter and a jade pendant to force the Gu family to marry their daughter to her grandson. Her stepmother didn't want 10.7kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
32. 82 冉 The Empress Ran 冉后 Nai Nai J奈奈JAncient Romance376k WordsCompleted Ran Hu was made a Jieyu concubine as soon as she entered the palace. On her very first day, she was summoned to the emperor’s bedchamber and granted the title of Chen, cherished like a rare treasure. Her peerless beauty and her younger brother’s illustrious military achievements as Marquis of Chang’an gave her the confidence to act as she pleased in the harem. The two souls who had come from a later age ultimately left a lasting mark on this strange world. 4.6kReads9.0Score473Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is impure; who in the deep palace would naively yearn for true love? It's all about self-interest.

33. 83 贵 The Alluring Imperial Consort Climbs to the Top by Winning the Emperor’s Favor 贵妃娘娘妩媚诱人，一路争宠上位 Cheng Shuang乘霜Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted [A drama-loving, cunning heroine who puts on a beautiful act × a hero who falls for all her tricks] The heroine is spoiled by his affection, and the hero keeps lowering his standards for her Shen Yue knew from childhood that she had to fight for whatever she wanted. Having watched her concubine mother bow and scrape around the household, she wanted to win a respectable place in the world for them both. As a concubine-born daughter, no high-ranking family would take her as a principal wife. If sh 2.8kReads8.8Score251Shelves
34. 84 姝 Phoenix of Beauty 姝凰 Oolong Tea with Gummy Candy软糖乌龙茶Ancient Romance368k WordsCompleted [Traditional Historical Romance] [Palace and Household Intrigue] [Not a Pure Couple] [Clear-Headed, Strong-Willed Heroine] Orphaned Chu Yishu was forced to live under her uncle's roof with her younger siblings, where his family bullied and mistreated them. Then fate took a turn. Beautiful and gentle Chu Yishu was sent to the bed of the Prince of Shangqin. For the sake of her siblings and herself, Chu Yishu used every means at her disposal, seized every opportunity, and firmly captured the Prince 516Reads7.4Score101Shelves
35. 85 娇 The Pampered Madam 娇宠夫人 A Journey Through Mountains and Seas山海一程Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted Su Yuan was born into the Great Sheng Dynasty, where people prized slender figures. But when she grew up, she was a voluptuous beauty, which made it difficult for her to find a husband. Then, after being selected as a concubine, she was assigned to Prince Qin, Pei Jingheng. Since she was here, she decided to make the best of it. Su Yuan planned to shut the door and live a quiet life of her own. She hadn't expected Pei Jingheng to be handsome and perceptive, with no prejudice against her, even th 27.7kReads9.1Score2.4kShelves
36. 86 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 87.6kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is impure; not only is he impure, but he also doesn't love. He only loves himself, and so does the female lead. It's purely a palace intrigue story. In the end, the female lead gets rid of the male lead and installs her own son as emperor.

37. 87 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 45.4kReads9.5Score5.7kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a palace intrigue novel; neither character is virgin. It focuses on a clever woman who manages to win over a man.

38. 88 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Wow, I had no idea I'd read so many palace intrigue and domestic drama novels! ✪ω✪ I haven't finished listing them all, but here are 20 recommendations for you to check out! Judging by my reading time and reviews, you can really trust this veteran bookworm! (^-^)📚

39. 89 有 There’s a Kind of Harem Called Consort De 有种后宫叫德妃 A Suo阿琐Ancient Romance3.1M WordsCompleted All Wu Yalanqi wants in this life is to be a good palace maid. To become one, she's even willing to risk her life and trick the emperor. Certain she's doomed, she opens her eyes and finds herself lying on the imperial bed... Everyone thinks she's nothing but a pawn the emperor is using to spite his new empress and the court officials after the death of his beloved first wife. But Xuanye cherishes this pawn in the palm of his hand, and keeps her there for a lifetime. 2.3kReads9.0Score229Shelves
40. 90 穿 After Reincarnating as a Wretched Old Woman, I Just Want to Live a Laid-Back Life 穿成极品老妇之后只想当咸鱼 Every Inch Is Gold寸寸金Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted The old woman was a real piece of work. She drove her eldest daughter-in-law to her death, then doted on her second son, who passed the highest imperial exam and married the daughter of the prime minister. She even encouraged him to favor his concubine and neglect his wife. In the end, the prime minister had the whole family killed. The old woman suddenly came back reborn, only to be scared to death by what she had experienced in her previous life. Manxing, a promising 25-year-old woman, transmi 31.1kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves
41. 91 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.7kReads9.0Score763Shelves
42. 92 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 84.3kReads9.5Score9.6kShelves
43. 93 清 Qing Transmigration: Consort De Chooses the Easy Life 清穿：德妃选择咸鱼 Stillness止息Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted Yuan Yuan, a lifelong single woman who firmly believes that staying unmarried and child-free is the key to a peaceful life, transmigrates into the mother of one of the most famous emperors in history: the Yongzheng Emperor. Yuan Yuan thinks, isn’t this the perfect setup for an easy win? Note: Kangxi will not love only the heroine, and the heroine will not fall in love with Kangxi. 13.6kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves
44. 94 清 A Qing Dynasty Transmigration: The Life Player 清穿之生活玩家 Cat Butterfly猫蝶Ancient Romance465k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + lots of childbirth + clear-headed, decisive black-lotus heroine + managing the harem + slow transmigration] World One: Kangxi, complete. World Two: Yongzheng, complete. She transmigrates into the Qing palace. Starting out in modern times as a hairpin maker, Jiang Mengyu puts every skill at her disposal to work. She's already started hustling, thanks! No feelings, just technique. Her intelligence stays sharp, and she's a born workaholic. Content warning: When faced with life-or 4.3kReads9.2Score317Shelves
45. 95 只 As Long as I Act Well, the Empress's Throne Is Mine 只要演技好，娘娘的凤位跑不了 A Bird's Wing一只鸟的翅膀Ancient Romance260k WordsCompleted Red bricks and green tiles, beauty all around. One shower of imperial favor, and from then on she advances step by step, finally ascending the throne to stand alongside the emperor. Her family is in decline? Her brother's career prospects are uncertain? Her sister's marriage prospects have come to nothing? See how Wen Ruo keeps true to herself in the harem, rises step by step, leads her family back to the top, helps her brother advance his career, and finds her sister a fine marriage! “This hare 2.7kReads9.0Score298Shelves
46. 96 继 The Empress Dowager Starts Taking Them Out 继后开始刀人 Meng Ri Wan梦日万Ancient Romance491k WordsCompleted The empress consort wants no part in the fight for favor. She just wants to kill people. Wei Xiangwan entered the palace with three things to do. First, uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious disappearance. Second, avenge her best friend, who died unjustly. Third, give birth to the crown prince. As for the emperor's affection, it was the least important thing of all. In the resplendent harem, where false affection bloomed everywhere, some people still yearned for true love. Qi Zhao fel 6.7kReads8.8Score696Shelves
47. 97 清 Qing Transmigration: After Raising Yongzheng, She Became the Winner of the Harem 清穿：抚养雍正后她成了后宫赢家 Yu Zhiwei予之微Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted When she opened her eyes, she had become an utterly ordinary concubine in the Kangxi Emperor’s court. The one unusual thing was that she had a prince as soon as she transmigrated. With no status, no favor, and only a child to rely on, how could she survive in the murderous imperial harem? There is no decisive heroine obsessed with power, nor any sweet romance. This is simply a story about surviving and raising a child, with the goal of becoming a dowager consort and enjoying retirement. But 13.5kReads8.9Score1kShelves
48. 98 清 Qing Transmigration: The Side Consort Has an Assist System 清穿：侧福晋有助攻系统 Waiting for the Night in the Snow雪上等夜人Ancient Romance494k WordsCompleted A word of caution: This is a novel, not history, so don't scrutinize it. The names and anything else that differs from history are all invented for the story. If that's not your thing, read at your own risk. [Alternate Qing Dynasty + Assist System + Everyday Leveling Up + Raising Children] Song Shurou transmigrates and becomes a Song Concubine in the early years of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign. Song Concubine has a breakout? System: Don't worry, Shurou. Just say one sentence to Yongzheng, and w 14.5kReads9.3Score974Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book tells the story of a prince, a chosen one who ascended the throne at the age of five, his life built on the blood of his parents; and a woman, personally chosen by the Empress Dowager as her coming-of-age gift, who married into the imperial family carrying an unspeakable secret. …Rumor has it that he showered the Feng family with favor, promising them women a lifetime of empresses; yet the young emperor's eyes held a warning: "I will absolutely not allow any offspring bearing the blood of the Feng family to be born!" 🥰🥰🥰

49. 99 六 No Consort in the Six Palaces (Complete in Three Volumes) 六宫无妃（全三册） Hua Ying华楹Ancient Romance888k WordsCompleted Amid the turmoil of the north and south, love and hatred intertwine. He is heaven’s favored son, ascending the throne at five over the blood of his parents. She is the grown-up gift personally chosen by the Grand Empress Dowager, carrying a secret she cannot speak of as she marries into the imperial family. Rumor has it he lavishes favor on the Feng clan, promising that Feng women will reign as empresses for generations. But the young emperor’s eyes are full of warning: “I will never allow a 1.3kReads9.1Score170Shelves
50. 100 春 The Woman in the Spring Boudoir Dream 春闺梦里人 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance766k WordsCompleted The novel of the same name as the television drama starring Ding Yuxi and Peng Xiaoran. “I won’t accept this! I won’t! Even as a ghost, I’ll curse you for all eternity. May the loving couple be torn apart, may the mirror never be made whole, and may the mandarin ducks fly off separately!” Her obsession would not fade, and her vengeful spirit could not find peace. Ji Man was only reading a novel to pass the time, never imagining she would be pulled into a very strange dream. She became the story’ 1.1kReads8.4Score205Shelves

Other lists with The Concubine's Guide to Self-Cultivation