Looking for Palace Intrigue Novels, No Mary Sue Heroines, Please, With Great Plot and Writing 求宫斗文，不要女主万人迷，希望剧情文笔在线的

1. 1 急 Urgent! The Regent Needs a Good-Luck Wedding! 急急急！要给摄政王冲喜啦！ Yan Yuanyuan言圆圆Ancient Romance327k WordsCompleted [Animated comic adaptation now available] [Sweet romance + devoted husband + no angst + faithful couple + honest communication, no misunderstandings] Sweet and gentle princess consort vs. a regent who falls for her on his own Yan Mu was married off to the unconscious Regent in a marriage meant to bring him good luck. From then on, she gained a powerful weapon at her side. For the legitimate older sister who envied her: she flaunted her success and slapped her down at every turn! For the stepmoth 12kReads9.2Score869Shelves
2. 2 快 Quick Transmigration: The Beauty Side Character Gets Pregnant and Bears the Villain's Child 快穿炮灰美人有好孕，给反派生娃 Suddenly Rich as a Rabbit兔然暴富Ancient Romance721k WordsCompleted [Quick transmigration + System + stunning female lead + pregnancy-focused + underdog comeback + no fixed male lead] After Bai Yuzhi died of illness, she was bound to a System and gained a golden finger that let her conceive easily. If she could bear children for the childless, twisted villains bent on destroying the world in each of the different worlds, she would have a chance to return to reality and regain a healthy body. In each world, she transmigrated into the role of a beautiful but low-s 671Reads9.3Score117Shelves
3. 3 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Dotes on Consort Yuan 入宫后，偏执皇上盛宠元妃娘娘 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [A violent emperor + a feigning-fool, ruthless concubine-born daughter + not mutually exclusive in the early stages + favored above the entire harem later] An Qingyu was the fourth daughter of the prime minister. Her mother, Concubine Lan Yue, had been brought into the household as the prime minister’s wife’s dowry maid. As a concubine-born daughter, An Qingyu had grown up at the First Madam’s side, keeping her head down and ingratiating herself, just like Concubine Lan. Then a twist of fate rui 1.7kReads9.0Score180Shelves
4. 4 娘 The Empress Doesn't Fight for Favor, the Emperor Crowns Her Empress 娘娘不宫斗，帝王捧上后位 Breezy Giggles凉风嘻嘻Ancient Romance293k WordsCompleted [A Dark, Unhinged Emperor vs. A Wild and Alluring Consort: Not a Pure Romance, but Full of Devotion, Thrills, and Sweetness!] Jiang Shu transmigrates into the harem of a tyrant, becoming an obscure Noble Lady. She thinks she’ll just keep her head down in the palace until old age. But then, to survive, she throws herself into the tyrant’s arms. The emperor adores her beyond measure! He clears out his entire harem for her and puts her on the throne as empress. From then on, their life as emperor a 1.2kReads9.1Score134Shelves
5. 5 贵 The Noble Consort's Thousand Charms 贵妃千娇百媚 Ji Nanzhi寄南枝Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Palace-intrigue novel + reborn black lotus heroine + exceptionally talented actress, rising through the ranks] [The male lead has consorts at first. After falling for the heroine, he favors her, makes her his sole favorite, and eventually dismisses his harem. One-on-one romance.] In her previous life, Shen Fu was a substitute for her elder sister. Her sister was the beloved Noble Consort, the most favored woman in the imperial harem, and lived in unmatched splendor. Shen Fu, timid and frail, ha 3kReads8.5Score345Shelves
6. 6 在 A Hundred Ways to Win the Emperor's Heart in the Harem 在后宫征服皇帝的一百个技巧 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ever since entering the palace, Yun Li has become a shameless schemer. Two-faced and insincere, she puts on an act every day. When dealing with the emperor’s favorite consort, she tears into her until she’s furious, then clutches her chest with a wounded look and says, “I’m so envious that His Majesty dotes on you.” When someone tries to frame her, she casually slaps them, then bursts into tears. “Why would you treat a kind person like me this way?” When speaking with the empress, she nods absen 12.2kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves
7. 7 娇 The Pretty Palace Maid's Step-by-Step Rise to Empress 娇娇宫女，步步为后 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance574k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue / not both partners’ first time / devoted love in the later story / not a strong heroine; the female lead cries easily and isn’t particularly clever, so don’t expect too much!] After three years in the palace, Yue Li has worked carefully and waited for a chance at promotion. Just before she is promoted, a palace maid sharing her room is sentenced to death for offending a consort. Thunder crashes and rain pours that night as blood spatters everywhere. Terrified, Yue Li cannot sle 24.5kReads9.3Score11.5kShelves
8. 8 宫 Palace Intrigue: Starting with Pretending to Be Innocent 宫斗，从装纯开始 Round Round Pig圆圆猪Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted To give her sister a peaceful life, Xiao Wu, who lived under other people's roof, entered the palace selection. The palace gates opened onto a world of intrigue, but Xiao Wu had a clear goal. She would climb, one step at a time, all the way to the top. She would climb until no one could bully her and her sister! When Bei Chen Yue first met Xiao Wu, he thought she was delicate and soft, someone who looked easy to bully... He figured he might as well give her a title and keep her by his side. Who 686Reads8.6Score107Shelves
9. 9 重 Reborn Palace Maid: She Only Wants to Fight for the Emperor's Favor 重生宫女之她只想宫斗 Lady Yejiu夜九娘Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Jiaoyun spent years confined in the Cold Palace before finally being released. What she got in return was a useless husband and a wicked mother-in-law. This time, she decisively betrayed her mistress and climbed into someone else’s bed, successfully rising in status. And then she became the lowest-ranking palace maid… When Emperor Jingheng first saw Jiaoyun, he was merely captivated by her looks. “How can this palace maid have fairer skin than the Noble Consort?” Jiaoy 745Reads9.1Score101Shelves
10. 10 累 I'm Exhausted! To Fool Him, I Pretend to Be Sweet and Innocent Every Day 累死！为了骗他，本宫日日装娇纯 Deer in the Deep Forest深林的鹿Ancient Romance455k WordsCompleted “If you want to win, you have to learn how to lose first.” Meng Xianxiang lost a life, and learned to struggle, to seize what she wanted, to scheme and plan, and to claw her way up. Looking back on her previous life, she had lived in a stable, eaten pig slop, served tea and emptied chamber pots, enduring abuse and humiliation at every turn. Each memory was a stab to the heart. Given another chance, she wants status and power, and a world where no one dares bully her again. Behind the palace’s re 3.5kReads9.2Score302Shelves
11. 11 人 Life Is a Play, and the Empress Is All About Her Acting Skills 人生如戏，娘娘她纯拼演技 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + witty banter + sweet, delicate beauty + calculated mind games] The leads are not each other’s only partners. If that bothers you, don’t read. Be prepared for suspicion in the early chapters, followed by affection later. The pacing is slow, so proceed with caution if you prefer fast-paced wish-fulfillment stories. As a double award-winning actress and a seasoned star of palace intrigue dramas, how could Shi Yan possibly lose her nerve after transmigrating into the imperial hare 5kReads9.3Score532Shelves
12. 12 都 Now That I’m Reborn, Who’d Raise the Scumbag Husband’s Illegitimate Child? 都重生了，谁还替渣夫外室养孩子 Morning Clouds Purple朝云紫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Film and television rights sold] In her previous life, Yun Chu supported her husband, raised his son by a concubine, and helped the Xie family rise to greatness. In the end, she caused all one hundred members of the Yun family to be beheaded, then was forced to drink poison by the child she had raised with her own hands! As the poison burned through her entrails, she opened her eyes and found herself back at twenty. A line of Xie family children stood before her, each calling her “Mother” with 27.6kReads9.2Score4.1kShelves

    Reader note

    These books meet the requirements 😏😏😏😏 1. *Reborn, Who Will Still Raise the Child of a Scumbag Husband and Mistress? (Yun Chuling)*: The female protagonist is reborn and no longer foolish 😤, bravely dumping the scumbag 💪, and using her wisdom to turn the tables. The plot is intricately woven and incredibly satisfying! 🎉 2. *The Return of the Phoenix*: The reborn female protagonist embarks on a path of revenge 😡, no longer weak and easily bullied. She skillfully navigates the power struggles of the palace 🧠, and remains true to her original aspirations amidst family conflicts. The story is full of twists and turns, making it impossible to put down. 😫 3. *Divorced, Who Will Still Pamper You? (Chang Junqing)*: Not a rebirth novel, but a female protagonist focused on her career after her divorce 🤝, tearing apart the scumbag husband and the wicked woman 👏. The writing is delicate, weaving together emotions and career storylines, witnessing her rise from adversity and her incredibly exciting comeback! 👍

13. 13 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 88.8kReads9.5Score12.2kShelves
14. 14 另 Seeking a Better Match: I Won’t Be the Madam of This Marquis’s Manor! 另谋高嫁：这侯府夫人我不做了！ Egret Under Clear Skies晴天白鹭Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Original title: Finding a Better Match: I’m Done Being the Marquess’s Wife! Regarding plagiarism, don’t make baseless accusations. The publication dates are there for all to see. [Traditional historical romance and household intrigue + strong heroine and hero + mutual devotion + a prince who cherishes his wife] A merchant’s daughter marries into a marquess’s household, becoming the laughingstock of the capital. For six years, Jiang Shu lives alone and supports the entire household without compla 23.9kReads9.2Score4.8kShelves
15. 15 原 I Thought the Imperial Palace Was a Prison, but the Emperor Held Me by the Waist and Spoiled Me 原以深宫似海，却被帝王锁腰娇宠 Ningning Zi柠柠梓Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + Empress + Devoted couple and sweet romance + Male lead has planned this for a long time + Not a serious palace-intrigue story] Lu Zhiyuan is the cherished youngest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo’s household. She is exquisitely beautiful, with an accomplished elder brother who supports the family’s prestige and a second elder sister skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting who brings the family honor. She has no need to contribute anything to the family, and 12.7kReads8.9Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all palace intrigue novels that I've recommended countless times. I've read them all; I'll just pick the ones with the highest ratings when the time comes.

16. 16 母 Don't Be Afraid, Mother. I'll Make You Empress Dowager 母后别怕，孩儿送你上太后之位 Kaka Ya咔咔丫Ancient Romance576k WordsCompleted Three years ago, Qin Shuran, the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor’s family, was granted an imperial marriage and named Crown Princess. Little did she expect to skip right past being Crown Princess and become empress instead. Qin Shuran smiled faintly. “Just what I wanted.” Now that she had taken the empress’s throne, how could she let anyone else sit on the empress dowager’s? The emperor said, “Shuran is gentle and kind to everyone. She is truly a virtuous empress, fit to rule the inner 560Reads7.0Score103Shelves
17. 17 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
18. 18 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 21.8kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves
19. 19 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
20. 20 无 The Saltless Empress 无盐为后 Don't Ask莫问Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted She was the only empress personally appointed by the Wanli Emperor. History describes her as gentle, virtuous, and dignified, with the bearing of an empress. She passed away in attendance in the forty-eighth year of Wanli. Five days later, the emperor fell ill and died in July of the same year. At last, the couple were reunited. According to rumor, the household of Wang, a thousand-household commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, had a daughter as beautiful as a celestial maiden, with deli 486Reads8.8Score130Shelves
21. 21 贵 Is the Noble Consort the Most Favored in the Harem Today? 贵妃今天宠冠后宫了嘛 Yu Liang鱼梁Ancient Romance629k WordsCompleted [The Noble Consort is the reborn empress. Liang Jiayi = Zhou Jinghe. A clever, brave, strong-willed little troublemaker × a diligent, virtuous, wise, and benevolent ruler] Rumor had it that the newly arrived Noble Consort was the empress’s double. The Noble Consort had never put up with such an insult in her life, so she turned around and raised hell in the entire harem. The concubines competed for the emperor’s favor? She drove them out of the palace. The Empress Dowager made things difficult f 432Reads9.2Score102Shelves
22. 22 深 Palace Intrigue: The Story of Qing Zhi 深宫策·青栀传 Qing Zhi Wei Bai青栀未白Ancient Romance882k WordsCompleted Her eyes can see through sinister tricks and schemes, but she cannot fully see the changes in people's hearts. His hands hold the fate of all under heaven, yet all he wants is to hold on to the few who truly care for him. How far is it from being the daughter of a powerful official distrusted by the emperor to becoming a virtuous empress remembered throughout history? Once she enters the imperial palace, her past ties are severed. Half a lifetime of ups and downs conceals the green of the garden 1.9kReads9.2Score298Shelves
23. 23 守 Widowhood Is Surprisingly Damn Sweet! 守寡的滋味竟该死的甜美！ Rice Candy米糖糖Ancient Romance433k WordsCompleted [Empress Dowager + enemy emperor turns into a cat] On the first day after Feng Zhao transmigrates, she’s told her husband is dead, and they’ve even given her a child. Feng Zhao thinks she’s managed to skip the man and get herself a child anyway. She thought she’d landed in a widow’s story, where she could become empress dowager and coast to victory. Instead, the System wants her to reclaim wasteland, raise a child, and rule from behind the curtain. Being a villainous empress dowager is hard, rai 11.8kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These books, while not all perfectly meeting my requirements, are still superb ancient novels 🥰🥰

24. 24 宠 The Favored Consort Is Barren? I Was Born into My Mother’s Womb as Her Precious Daughter 宠妃绝嗣？我胎穿做娘的宝贝女儿 Braised Beef Brisket Rice牛腩焗饭Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Historical romance + everyone’s favorite + born in the womb + beloved consort + palace intrigue + feel-good + adorable baby] After transmigrating, Gu Xuan becomes the unborn eldest princess of Great Yan. Her mother is Consort Xie Ziyue, the emperor’s favorite, who had believed she would never have children. Her father is the current ruler, Emperor Han Xianzong. Emperor Han Xianzong and Consort Xie share a deep and devoted love. But after the imperial physicians diagnosed her as unlikely to con 12.6kReads7.9Score1.1kShelves
25. 25 反 The Villainess Is Reborn: The Supporting Female Lead Refuses to Play Along 反派重生 : 女配她不干了 Pipi Loves Tangerines爱吃橘子的皮皮Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Yin Susu opened her eyes and, wow, she had been reborn for the second time. The plot was exactly the same, and so were all the awful problems. She had planned to spend this life eating her fill and waiting to die, just coasting along until the supporting female character reached the end of her life and this whole existence was over. But she still wasn’t willing to accept her fate! If the heroine had a golden finger, then she’d just have to break it. 12.6kReads9.1Score1.1kShelves
26. 26 嫡 The Beautiful Legitimate Daughter: The Regent Won't Stop Bullying Me 嫡女倾城：摄政王欺上门 One Zi一个子Ancient Romance890k WordsCompleted After a plane crash, she transmigrates into the body of the legitimate daughter of the General Who Guards the Nation’s household. Her parents dote on her, and her brothers protect her. She is the most beautiful woman in the land, and a single smile from her captivates countless admirers. He is the Regent, known for his cruelty and ruthlessness. He keeps his distance from women, and is cold and domineering. When they meet, their lives become entangled. Wasn’t he supposed to stay away from women? 1.8kReads8.8Score222Shelves
27. 27 团 The Three-Year-Old Princess, Doted on by All 团宠公主三岁半 March Evening Primrose三月夕颜Ancient Romance2.7M WordsCompleted Gu Hui, heir to a family of renowned acupuncturists, accidentally transmigrated as a tiny princess and discovered that she could read people’s minds. Her father was the emperor, and her mother was a scheming imperial consort. Using her superpower, she became the apple of the emperor’s eye, the crown prince’s darling, and a thorn in the side of countless people. Gu Hui: “I want to rule the world, with no one daring to mess with me. I love seeing them hate me but be powerless to do anything about 14.3kReads9.4Score2kShelves
28. 28 九 The Ninth Thousand-Year Lord’s Adopted Daughter Lives on Cute Antics 九千岁养女靠卖萌续命 Fu Yao扶妖Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted A bolt of heavenly lightning turned Yuan Yao into a tiny little girl, and her father was a notorious treacherous minister known as the Nine-Thousand-Year-Old! The Nine-Thousand-Year-Old had a face that could bring ruin to a nation, but he was ruthless, controlled the court and the imperial harem, and wielded power over all under heaven. Since ancient times, eunuchs had never come to a good end... To stay alive a little longer, Yuan Yao stretched out her tiny arms and latched on to powerful allie 1.8kReads9.2Score215Shelves
29. 29 快 Quick Transmigration: Starting with An Lingrong, I Refuse to Be Cannon Fodder 快穿之从安陵容开始不做炮灰 Chu Xiaoqi楚小淇Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted [Completed | An Lingrong | Nian Shilan | The Grave Robbers' Chronicles] World One: Empresses in the Palace, An Lingrong (Completed) An Lingrong was reborn with her memories after death. Now that she knows what kind of woman the emperor truly loves, why shouldn’t she ride the wave and rise to the top? Looking similar might make me nothing more than a substitute. But what if the emperor thinks I’m the reincarnation of his one true love? … World Two: Empresses in the Palace, Nian Shilan (Completed) 12.3kReads8.8Score743Shelves

    Reader note

    Both of these books are very good to read. The first one has already completed two short stories. It's worth reading.

30. 30 京 The Capital's Most Notorious Beauty 京城第一祸水 Stars Fill My Eyes满眼星宸Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Currently being published [rival suitors in a dramatic love triangle + top-tier schemer + supporting villainess fights back + everyone comes around] [Historical romance + told entirely from the wicked supporting female character’s perspective] ❣️Blurb One Qiao Wanyan learned from a storybook that she was nothing but a wicked supporting character who abandoned her childhood sweetheart and chased after wealth and status. She sowed discord, poisoned her elder sister, and committed every imaginable 58.5kReads9.3Score7.7kShelves
31. 31 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 754Reads8.6Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Not a heartthrob, pure palace intrigue, no cheat codes.

32. 32 拽 The Feisty Consort Climbs to Power Through Palace Intrigue, Everyone Else Back Off 拽妃宫斗上位，闲杂人等退退退 Pine Blossom Candy松花糖Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama is out now. Search for it on Fanqie to watch. [Palace Intrigue Power Fantasy + Not a Clean Romance + Being the Emperor’s Mother Is Better Than Being His Consort] Every woman in the harem hopes to win Emperor Jingrong’s favor, but Yuan Yuntang sees the emperor only as a tool for having children. Women in ancient times had to marry sooner or later anyway, so she might as well marry the most powerful man of all. After all, Emperor Jingrong has a great figure, a handsome face, and a 16.6kReads9.1Score1.8kShelves
33. 33 不 No More Slacking: The Prince’s Favorite Concubine’s Daily Grind 不当咸鱼，王府宠妾的内卷日常 Four Crescent Moons四弯月Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + cutthroat household competition + no slacking off + ambitious heroine] Shen Wei, a die-hard rat-race fanatic, transmigrated into the lowest-ranking maid in a prince’s manor. Prince Yan held a position of great prestige, but all his wives and concubines had given up trying. The princess consort, born to a prestigious family, was as aloof as a chrysanthemum. The secondary consort wanted lifelong monogamy. The reborn woman had lost all hope in Prince Yan and was content to lie fla 68.4kReads9.4Score8.7kShelves

    Reader note

    ( ╹▽╹ )

34. 34 为 The Professional Ethics of a Concubine 为妾的职业操守 Lin Wanzi林丸子Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Main Story Complete] Ye Qingzhi, an overworked office drone, transmigrates into the body of a concubine in the Jiangyang Marquis’s household. Since she’s here, she might as well go crazy. Being a concubine is just changing workplaces. She doesn’t need to get emotionally involved. She can simply treat herself like a tool. Ye Qingzhi’s career goal: convince both the marquis and the principal wife to take responsibility for her and protect her. Ye Qingzhi’s workplace motto: Life is short. We’re al 31.6kReads9.4Score3.8kShelves
35. 35 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
36. 36 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
37. 37 穿 The Book Transmigrator Tears into the Reborn Woman, Even Ripping Out Her Hair Ornaments 穿书女手撕重生女，头花都扯掉了 Camellias and Wine茶花与酒Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted (Don’t worry about the rating. New books have few readers at first, but it will rise.) [A transmigrated woman takes on a reborn woman] [Fictional ancient setting, no need to nitpick] Gu Qingli transmigrated into a satisfying revenge novel about a woman reborn. She wasn’t the heroine, but the wicked supporting character who had killed her, and the first person the heroine would take revenge on after being reborn. Gu Qingli herself had been born into a political family. She was gentle, quiet, an 12.9kReads8.9Score996Shelves

    Reader note

    Every single one of these books is absolutely amazing! Don't miss them! I carefully selected each one; they're all incredibly good. The summaries are a bit weak, but the text itself is breathtaking.

38. 38 疯 The Mad Crown Prince’s Cherished Captive 疯批皇兄的掌中娇 Bald Girl Who Loves Peaches秃头少女爱吃桃Ancient Romance38k WordsCompleted [A possessive, obsessive Crown Prince X a beautiful, delicate Princess] [The male lead is unhinged, obsessive, and fiercely controlling + the Princess is as sweet and delicate as her name suggests + she can never escape his grasp + both are virgins] Zhao Jiaojiao’s father was the top candidate in the palace examinations, and her mother was the daughter of a Minister of the Court of Justice. But before Zhao Jiaojiao was born, her father was framed by a villain and died in prison. The entire Zhao 162Reads8.1Score—Shelves
39. 39 替 Reborn After Six Years as a Substitute Favorite: I Make the Tyrant's Heart Ache 替宠六年重生，虐得暴君心肝疼 I'm Drifting Deep in the Sea我在深飘飘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted “You’re so cold and heartless. Do you think one day you might love someone who doesn’t love you back?” “No.” His voice was flat. He didn’t even look at her as he turned and walked away. She froze, her heart shattering. Six years of being cherished, and in the end, it had all been a lie. But so what? At the very depths of despair, she had been born from obsession. One day, she returned to the age of five. Looking at the pitiful child everyone could bully at will, she wanted to throw back her head 1.6kReads8.5Score113Shelves
40. 40 重 Reborn: The Empress Dowager's Many Devoted Admirers 重生之太后的万般独宠 Rou Chuanjiao肉串娇Ancient Romance363k WordsCompleted Wen Xi transmigrated into the body of a young, beautiful, delicate empress dowager. She was only twenty-three years old, making her the youngest empress dowager ever. What kind of crazy good luck had just fallen into her lap? Since she could live a life of wealth and luxury without having to work to pay off her Huabei balance, she was naturally going to enjoy it to the fullest~ And the little emperor was especially devoted to her, though he listened to his Imperial Uncle a little too much. But 54Reads6.0Score—Shelves
41. 41 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 244.1kReads9.2Score32.2kShelves
42. 42 缠 Entangled in Sweetness 缠娇萝 Yan Jiuya颜玖丫Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted [A noblewoman of the capital × a rough bandit | size difference | one-on-one, both sexually inexperienced] As a highborn lady renowned throughout the capital, Jiang Youqing had known from childhood that she would marry her childhood sweetheart, a man of equal status. But during a visit to her hometown to pay respects to her ancestors, she became separated from her guards. Just as the ferocious Di raiders dragged her from her carriage and tried to assault her, a tall, imposing man rode up. After 2.6kReads8.8Score292Shelves
43. 43 娘 The Consort Is All Charm and Cunning, Scheming Her Way to the Top 娘娘又茶又媚，一路宫斗上位 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance835k WordsCompleted Signed for print publication In the third year of the Yifeng era, a concubine-born daughter of the Ningyang Marquis’s household enters the palace. The palace is a vast, treacherous place, where the one thing you must never do is give your heart away. Ning Shuyan is clear-eyed: she wants wealth and prestige, along with the emperor’s favor. For three years, she carefully plots each step, wins the emperor’s attention, and rises from Talented Lady to Noble Consort. Rumor has it that the emperor only 56.9kReads9.5Score7.1kShelves

    Reader note

    These are basically the palace intrigue novels that my baby wants. The female lead is intelligent and uses strategy to rise step by step to gain the emperor's favor 🤭 There are no overly popular female leads 😏

44. 44 帝 The Imperial Terrace's Charm: The Noble Consort Is Beautiful and Well-Behaved 帝台娇：贵妃娘娘她又美又乖 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted [Harem intrigue + climbing the ranks and crushing the villains + doting romance. The male lead knows his own heart. He'll devote himself to her alone later on.] [The heroine rises through the ranks quickly at first, then more slowly later on.] [The heroine comes from a noble family, is the most beautiful woman in the harem, and already has two adorable children. The Emperor falls for her first and favors her from early on, before devoting himself to her alone in the middle and later parts.] By a 20.5kReads9.4Score2kShelves
45. 45 入 I Entered the Palace to Help My Sister Keep the Emperor’s Favor, but Became His Cherished Favorite 入宫替嫡姐固宠，却成皇上掌心宠 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she entered the palace and devoted herself to helping her legitimate elder sister keep the emperor’s favor. In the end, she died without a body to bury, abandoned by her family. Returning to the year of the imperial selection, Luo Shuran calculates her every move. Her breathtaking beauty is her only weapon. She sheds her youthful timidity and blossoms into a woman of captivating charm. One fleeting glimpse, like a fairy fallen from the heavens, catches the emperor’s eye. 6.1kReads9.3Score859Shelves
46. 46 惊 Shocking! The Noble Consort Wins the Favor of All Six Palaces by Gossiping 惊！贵妃娘娘靠吃瓜宠冠六宫 Day Mountain Moon昼山月Ancient Romance620k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + substitute + fleeing while pregnant + secret identity] [The leads are not each other’s first; she becomes his sole favorite later. The heroine stays clearheaded and never falls for him. A silly, fluffy story; the heroine is no saint.] Jing Shumei was born with stunning beauty. She used her looks to seduce the Emperor, never giving him her heart, only scheming for her own gain. Using her mind-reading ability to listen in on palace gossip and navigate the harem, she climbed step 4.1kReads9.3Score560Shelves
47. 47 咸 The Laid-Back Concubine Won’t Tempt Him? The Crown Prince Has Turned Dark! 咸鱼侍妾不勾他？太子黑化了！ Star Queen星辰QueenAncient Romance340k WordsCompleted [Scheming heroine + both leads are each other’s first and only + the hero chases his wife to the crematorium] To teach the Crown Prince about relations between men and women, the Empress sent Luo Jing to him while he was under the influence of a love poison. But after years of hard work, she finally secured wealth and status. Then she opened her eyes again and found herself back in the Eastern Palace, still a palace maid trying to seduce the Crown Prince. Faced with the Crown Prince’s handsome, 1.3kReads8.6Score125Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead has strong moral principles; she won't harm others unless they harm her, and she has her own bottom line. The male lead's feelings for her don't develop at first sight, but rather grow over time, and he gradually rises to a higher position.

48. 48 咸 The Laid-Back Consort: Rising Step by Step 咸鱼娘娘：步步高升 Melancholy Cantaloupe忧伤的哈密瓜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + childbirth + doted on exclusively later] Jiang Wan transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace consort of an emperor with no children. To protect the people around her, she has no choice but to compete for a little favor. Who knew she’d end up giving the emperor a chubby baby boy! Emperor: “She’s the birth mother of my only son. Of course I have to protect her.” Who knew that all that protection would turn into affection? As Jiang Wan ris 19.1kReads8.9Score1.7kShelves
49. 49 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

    Highly recommended! 👍🏻 A super engaging palace intrigue novel. The female lead is beautiful and intelligent, while the male lead is all talk and no action. The relationship between the leads is a constant game of cat and mouse, with the romance developing gradually and smoothly. The female lead initially shows favoritism, but later becomes exclusively devoted to the male lead. The plot is fresh, not melodramatic or mindless; you won't regret watching! 😆😆😆

50. 50 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

    Reader note

    They're all great, and the female lead is intelligent.

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