Strong Heroines, Palace Intrigue, and Political Scheming 女强，宫斗，权谋。

1. 1 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 27.3kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

   Reader note

   Palace intrigue, political maneuvering, rebirth and revenge, and the female empress have minimal romantic subplots; the focus is on the female lead's military prowess and personnel management skills, and the story moves at a fast pace. The female lead is exceptionally capable! 👍

2. 2 别 After Fleeing the Villa, the Mad Power Minister's Eyes Turned Red with Rage 别院私逃后，疯批权臣怒红眼 Jiang Shian江十桉Ancient Romance419k WordsCompleted [Coercive romance + wife-pursuing crematorium + devoted couple] Everyone said the eldest son of the Pei family was noble and virtuous, elegant beyond compare. But Jiang Yingwan felt an inexplicable fear of him. Especially when those dark, cold eyes turned her way, a chill ran down her spine. Years ago, the Jiang and Pei families had made a verbal marriage pact. The Old Madam Pei wanted her to marry Pei Yanchen, but the two families were no longer social equals, and Jiang Yingwan already loved so 40kReads8.9Score2.9kShelves

   Reader note

   This one is about forced love. It's quite angsty and has palace intrigue elements. Anyway, I think it's all really good.

3. 3 伪 Pretending to Read Minds, the Empress Becomes the Tyrant’s Beloved 伪装读心，娘娘成了暴君心尖宠 Chilled Honeydew冰镇蜜瓜Ancient Romance360k WordsCompleted Lang Zhi never imagined she would transmigrate into a book one day. She becomes the beautiful, vicious, arrogant daughter of a powerful minister, destined to lose the struggle for power and die after falling out of favor with the emperor. Luckily, her skill at making up outrageous stories and her unconventional mind-reading ability, which lets her fool people without a second thought, come along with her. The tyrant fears her powerful family and refuses to make her empress. Lang Zhi smiles faint 444Reads8.4Score107Shelves
4. 4 成 On Our Wedding Night, the Obsessive Crown Prince Took Me to the Eastern Palace 成亲当晚，偏执太子夺我入东宫 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted The aloof, possessive Crown Prince × the dazzling beauty who loves money Everyone in the Eastern Palace knows that the Crown Princess was snatched away from someone else by the Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince, as elegant as jade and as clear as moonlight, fell into the sea of love, there was no climbing back out. He Yue transmigrated to ancient times and became the owner of a rouge shop. She wasn’t rich or powerful, but her life was peaceful and carefree. Then one day, the woman she liv 35kReads9.0Score2.7kShelves
5. 5 太 The Empress Dowager's Retirement Life 太后的退休生活 Zhou Xinhan周信含Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + female lead is the mastermind behind the scenes + no romance + plot-driven + ensemble cast] After transmigrating to the Great Jing dynasty, Su Minqing entered the palace as the empress. She worked tirelessly at palace intrigue for over a decade and finally fought her way to becoming the Empress Dowager. The only catch was that there was another Empress Dowager in the palace besides her. As the emperor’s adoptive mother, she was named the Empress Dowager of the Two Palaces. The 6.1kReads8.4Score357Shelves
6. 6 美 Three Escapes by a Beauty 美人三逃 Summer Cicada Song夏日鸣婵Ancient Romance213k WordsCompleted (Possessive love + unhinged male lead + transmigrated female lead) Mad dog male lead × female lead he gradually drives mad Jiang Yuan ran away three times. The first time was when she learned that Pei Jing only intended to take her as a concubine. The second was after she pretended to be docile and obedient, successfully earning Pei Jing’s trust. The third was on the eve of their wedding. Unfortunately, fate played cruel tricks on her. She failed all three times, and Pei Jing grew more and more 9.3kReads8.2Score493Shelves
7. 7 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

   Reader note

   The female lead says: "I entered the palace not to become a favored concubine, but to become the Empress Dowager." The female lead is clear-headed and only cares about power. Love will only prevent her from reaching the top. She takes down the scumbags throughout the entire story, which is incredibly satisfying. It's definitely worth buying.

8. 8 身 As Empress, I Love Both My Realm and My Handsome Consorts 身为女帝，江山和美人郎君孤皆爱 Wan Shanyue挽杉月Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Female-Dominant World] [Not 1v1] [Strong Female Lead] [Political Intrigue] [Feel-Good Power Fantasy] [A Full-Blown Palace Drama] [Main Story Complete] As the ruler, living in an era when women contend for supremacy, naturally she wants to unite the world. Who would have thought that on the road to unification, all the beauties under heaven would end up in her arms? [Note: Although the heroine aims to unite the world, this story is actually more focused on romance. Also, all the male leads are p 3.6kReads8.8Score396Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is super good!

9. 9 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 118kReads9.5Score11.2kShelves

   Reader note

   Volume 1: The main story – A female protagonist with a grand ambition overcomes all obstacles to rise to power in the palace. Volume 2: Jun Yao's double rebirth – A sweet and pampered life for two! Volume 3: The original Jun is reborn – An arrogant and willful concubine vs. A cold and indifferent old man (a wife-chasing saga). Volume 4: Modern times – Yao Yao's love story; if you blossom, butterflies will come. Four lifetimes of love destined by fate, a cycle of cause and effect that will eventually close. The male and female protagonists are the same in all four volumes.

10. 10 长 The Grand Princess Is Obsessed with Rebellion, but There Are Six Male Leads 长公主沉迷造反，但有六个男主 Xi Han习含Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + political intrigue + strong female lead + otome + adored by all + romantic rivalry + multiple male leads + all male leads are chaste] Su Fengyi transmigrates into a villainous princess in a male-oriented rebellion novel. She has only a year before the male lead succeeds in his rebellion and has her killed. After looking over the entire novel, Su Fengyi realizes the male lead succeeds thanks to two things: protagonist plot armor and the help of talented supporters. To 10.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves
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

    Reader note

    You can't lose money investing in it, you just can't stop.

12. 12 青 My Childhood Sweetheart Is Hard to Win Over 青梅难哄 Let Me Sleep a Little Longer再让我睡一会Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted The Third Prince and Pei, the young lady of the Zhen’an Marquis’s household, had been childhood friends since they were little, always open and honest with each other. That is, until one day... The Third Prince, who used to take injuries and hardships in stride, insisted on being carried into the Zhen’an Marquis’s household, where he called out to Second Miss Pei, looking half-dead: “Wanw an, I feel awful...” Bodyguard: Who are you? Where’s our cold, distant, icy Third Prince? The Empress wanted 15.4kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves
13. 13 惊 Shocking! The Legitimate Princess Defies Fate Every Day! 惊！嫡公主她每天都在逆天改命！ Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Female-led power fantasy + ruthless, unhinged heroine + an extreme “I’d rather betray others than let them betray me” mentality] Xuan Mingyao was reborn at the age of seven, back before anything had happened. Though she was the empress’s legitimate daughter, a princess treated like royalty, her younger brother, the crown prince, was about to die of illness. Her mother would soon be consumed by worry, grow estranged from the emperor, and eventually be deposed in the witchcraft scandal. Overnight 28kReads9.4Score3.8kShelves
14. 14 扶 Hold Me by the Waist! 扶细腰！ Fan Sheng梵升Ancient Romance720k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance + Comeback + Devoted Couple] Tao Yao has paid dearly for falling in love and suffered through the pain of deep devotion. She nearly lost all hope and died in prison. Then, for some inexplicable reason, the sect leader of the Qingli Sect saved her, making her his cherished concubine, doted on like a treasure in his palm. Since she can’t die, she’ll expose the man who betrayed her and make him pay. Then she’ll keep a clear head and never settle again. All she wants is to conque 821Reads9.0Score108Shelves
15. 15 如 Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace: Lingfei Reborn 如懿传之炩妃重生 Mindless Fun无脑欢乐Female-Channel Fanfiction183k WordsCompleted Wei Yanwan: Before I was reborn, I worked diligently. After I was reborn, I pretended to be crazy and stupid while working just as diligently. Jin Zhong: Before I was reborn, I was utterly devoted to Mistress Ling. After I was reborn, I gritted my teeth and stayed utterly devoted to Mistress Ling. 3.8kReads9.4Score457Shelves
16. 16 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
17. 17 掀 Flip the Table! The Legitimate Daughter Returns to Make Her Mark! 掀桌子！归来嫡女要立威！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Story + Sharp Tongues + Ensemble Cast + Nation and Family + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Couple] The legitimate daughter of a general's household, who had been left to fend for herself in the countryside, was maliciously attacked. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Liu Qingyue, China's top special agent. Determined to repay her master's kindness in recognizing her abilities, Liu Qingyue accepted his dying wish, left the Taoist temple, and returned home t 8.8kReads9.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    [Top Post] ❤️💕High IQ and political intrigue, the female lead is an official in ancient times. Essay: "Liu Qingyue single-handedly takes on over thirty noble ladies, speaking eloquently and displaying vast knowledge. In court, she debates with a group of scholars, easily handling various provocations from enemy states. As for martial arts: what are death squads and masters compared to her!" Then, she gets promoted a few days later, and then promoted again a few days later. The ministers are numb; they can't beat her in a fight, they can't out-argue her, and they're always ready to confiscate their property with evidence they've somehow found. The confiscated property goes into the national treasury, and the emperor is so happy he listens to his daughter-in-law in everything. The ministers are suffering and exhausted! In the end, she and the male lead fight until all the countries sue for peace. Peace? What peace? The bombs are in her hands! Let's unify the world and create a golden age! [Please follow]

18. 18 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

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    Palace intrigue, a clear-headed heroine—I've already read it twice! The first book: Once you enter the palace, it's like entering a deep sea; you can't fall in love. Ning Shuyan is very clear-headed; what she wants is wealth and the Emperor's favor. For three years, she carefully plots her way into the Emperor's heart, climbing from a lowly concubine to a Noble Consort. Rumors in the harem say the Emperor favors women based solely on whether there's profit or not, and whether he's interested or not. Xiao Yu says: Initially, he was only attracted to her looks, but then he was captivated by her alluring charm. The second book: Volume 1: Main Text—A Maverick Heroine Overcomes Palace Intrigue to Rise to Power; Volume 2: Jun Yao's Double Rebirth—A Sweet and Pure Life for Both! Volume 3: The Original Jun Reborn—A Domineering and Willful Consort vs. A Cold Older Man (A Wife-Chasing Hellish Scene); Volume 4: Modern Times—Yao Yao's Love Story: If You Bloom, Butterflies Will Come. Four lifetimes of love destined by fate, a cycle of cause and effect that will eventually close.

19. 19 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

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue, thrilling!

20. 20 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 33.5kReads9.3Score5.8kShelves
21. 21 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist, Hua Zhi, is a seemingly unassuming heiress from a prestigious family. After her family suffers a devastating blow with the confiscation of their property and exile, she is forced to shoulder the heavy responsibility of her family. With her modern mindset and wisdom, she leads her family to prosperity through business, overcoming countless hardships and obstacles to ultimately revive the family. At the same time, she herself grows from a naive young girl into a legendary woman capable of standing on her own. This growth story, where the fates of the family and the individual are intertwined, is truly moving.

22. 22 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 92kReads9.6Score12.3kShelves
23. 23 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1kShelves
24. 24 重 Reborn to Marry a Treacherous Minister: Turning a Winning Hand into a Royal Flush 重生嫁奸臣：一手好牌打出王炸 The Red Beans Are Ripe红豆熟了Ancient Romance826k WordsOngoing [Two Powerful Leads + Mutual Devotion + Revenge + Political Intrigue] In her previous life, Shen Li died a terrible death. The reason was simple: she had a winning hand and played it disastrously. With an unbeatable start, she somehow managed to get her entire family executed. Shen Li was a noblewoman from a powerful clan and the greatest beauty of her generation. Her calligraphy and painting were peerless, her work worth a fortune, and her grace and intelligence drew countless young noblemen se 363Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The plot is intricately woven; the female lead was not very bright in her past life, but after being reborn, she suddenly realizes her mistakes. Both the male and female leads are intelligent, and the male lead dotes on the female lead.

25. 25 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

    Reader note

    It's not a story about two virgins; although the female lead initially entered the palace for the second male lead, she eventually found the love of her life and had a son and a daughter. ❤️❤️

26. 26 王 The Prince’s Cherished Treasure 王府心尖宠 Tea Scatters荼散Ancient Romance520k WordsCompleted Sixteen years ago, because of a remark by an old Daoist, Su Niannian and her twin sister were raised apart. For sixteen years, her sister grew up with their parents and siblings, while Su Niannian was raised by their grandmother. Sixteen years later, her sister returned to the capital with their parents, only to discover that Su Niannian, left behind in the capital, had become the apple of Prince Su's household's eye. "We don't care about them! Our prince's estate is bigger and prettier than the 24.7kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue and domestic power struggle novels

27. 27 失 A Lost-Memory Noble Consort’s Story of Winning the Emperor’s Favor 失忆贵妃承宠记 Xi Die汐蝶Ancient Romance288k WordsCompleted [Harem romance + aloof beauty + historical coming-of-age + worlds apart in status + devoted in body and heart, one-on-one] Kang Yuyi was born a hereditary servant of the Prince of Qin’s household. Because of her extraordinary beauty, the princess consort took a liking to her and sent her to serve as a bedchamber maid to the heir, Li Yuanheng. But the heir turned out to be cold and distant, with no interest in women. After Kang Yuyi’s attempts to flirt with Li Yuanheng repeatedly failed, his cous 18kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves
28. 28 皇 The Royal Family’s Cherished Daughter-in-Law: The Emperor and Empress Are Shipping Themselves 皇家宠媳：帝后嗑CP啦 Sheng Qian笙浅Ancient Romance296k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + palace and household intrigue + no transmigration or rebirth + alternate history + one-on-one romance + sweet and doting + childhood sweethearts] [Gentle, resilient beauty VS cool, composed Crown Prince] Just three months after Mu Shuangyin's birth mother passed away, Chancellor Mu took a second wife. The new madam brought a son and a daughter into the household. They were said to be the Chancellor's children, and even more remarkably, the twins had been born ab 18.1kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves
29. 29 清 Exclusive Love in the Qing Dynasty: The Ultimate Femme Fatale, Blessed with Fertility and Fortune 清穿独宠：顶级祸水她好孕又多福 Yogurt-Flavored Tangyuan酸奶味的汤圆Ancient Romance378k WordsCompleted [Clear-headed heroine who isn't a do-gooder + stunning beauty + devoted, sweet romance + pocket dimension with a spiritual spring + many talents] [Reader's guide and content warning: The male lead is not a virgin, while the female lead is. There are some minor liberties with the setting, so read with care if that bothers you. The male lead observes a husband's code of conduct: once he has the heroine, he touches no one else. The heroine is calculating, never makes the first move, and knows how 8.5kReads8.6Score670Shelves
30. 30 舔 Three and a Half Years as a Simp, Then the System Told Me I Had the Wrong Target 舔狗三年半，系统说我攻略错对象 Beauty Zhang Sanfeng美女张三疯Ancient Romance386k WordsCompleted [The physical edition of Abandon the Dark and Join Him, Volume One, is now available for purchase online] [The Second Male Lead's Redemption Arc] 1. Qiao Yin spent three years and eleven months fawning over Lu Jinzhi. Everyone in the capital knew she would marry no one but him, yet the System told her: She had pursued the wrong target. Qiao Yin: ... 2 Qiao Yin suddenly vanished from Lu Jinzhi's side. On the first day of her disappearance, Lu Jinzhi sneered: Just a little game of playing hard to 49.1kReads9.4Score6kShelves
31. 31 中 The Empress of the Central Palace 中宫元后 King Smile笑笑大王Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + marriage before love + palace intrigue] (This is a fictional setting, written as I please. Please don't hold it against me if it doesn't fit history.) Qiao Shanshan, who lived to thirty on Blue Star, died while saving a child. Only after reaching the underworld did she learn that it wasn't her time to die. The soul reaper had taken the wrong person. To make it up to her, the King of Hell promi 15.4kReads8.2Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    It's a good show. The female lead is very principled; she won't bother others unless they bother her.

32. 32 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

    Both of them were like this: if you have no man in your heart, you'll draw your sword quickly.

33. 33 尤 The Alluring Consort Climbs to the Phoenix Throne and Captures the Emperor's Heart at First Sight 尤物娘娘爬凤位，让皇上一见钟情 Han Qingxue寒清雪Ancient Romance228k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + the emperor falls at first sight + palace intrigue and rising to power through favoritism + heroine’s acting skills + strong, clever heroine] Wen Shuyao loved only herself. Only losers loved men. Now that she had been granted the title of Attendant and ordered into the palace, she would make use of the emperor’s love at first sight. The emperor was merely a stepping stone for Wen Shuyao. It wouldn’t be hard to act like someone deeply in love with him. Wen Shuyao was the legitimat 5.1kReads9.0Score609Shelves
34. 34 美 The Bewitching Consort's Soft Allure Wins the Favor of the Entire Harem 美人酥软，贵妃她宠冠六宫 Li Chengyi李橙意Ancient Romance895k WordsCompleted After the pitiful Jiang Suiwan transmigrated as Imperial Consort Tong, she landed straight at the pinnacle of life. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to work hard, only to discover: 1. She was Kangxi's first cousin. 2. Her family had power over everything. 3. She could freely rub the little bald head of baby Yinzhen. 4. ...She was destined to die young. It seemed she didn't need to work hard at all. As long as she ate, drank, enjoyed herself, and managed to stay alive, she'd have everything she c 10.5kReads9.0Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    Poor Jiang Suiwan transmigrated into the body of Consort Tong and immediately stood at the pinnacle of life. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to fight, only to discover: she was Emperor Kangxi's cousin. Her family held absolute power. She could freely pet the little bald head of Prince Yinzhen... She died a bit too young. It seemed she didn't need to work hard anymore; as long as she ate, drank, and lived a carefree life, she would have everything. Jiang Suiwan had a small goal: to survive. However—on a snowy winter night, outside the Jiaofang Palace. The emperor's robes were stained with snow, and his deep voice held an uncontrollable grievance: "Wanwan, let me in." The female lead is in the front row, sitting back and enjoying the show. The male lead is Emperor Kangxi, who fell in love first. Poor Wanwan lacks an emotional system; the warm-hearted young emperor is focused on daily life + initially gentle and ruthless, later doting and pampering the emperor.

35. 35 穿 Transmigrating into a Chaotic Age, the Mad Princess Builds a Nation Through Robbery 穿乱世，疯癫公主她靠抢劫建国了 Turning Ink into Ink点墨成墨Ancient Romance2.7M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate + Struggle for Supremacy + Chaotic Era + Powerful Female Lead + Fleeing Famine + Infrastructure Building + No Romantic Pairing + Portable Space] Original title: Transmigrating Through Chaotic Times, the Mad Princess Builds a Nation by Robbing Others When Jiang Jin awoke, she discovered that she had become a princess of a fallen kingdom and was being sent to Liang City to become a plaything for the barbarian Jiao Liang. She thought about it and decided it would be better for others 148.2kReads9.5Score18.4kShelves

    Reader note

    My darlings, you should check this out. Although it's a political intrigue novel, it's not a palace drama, but it's even better than palace dramas. I have to say, those who have read it know how good it is. Anyway, I really don't know what else to say. The author is really (✪▽✪) exceptionally good, and the writing is excellent. I really love it.

36. 36 都 It's All Those Men's Fault: They Tempt Me with Their Abs 都是那些男人的错，用腹肌诱撩我 The Little Girl Who Goes Crunch小女孩咯嘣脆Ancient Romance508k WordsCompleted [Not mutually exclusive, but all the men are chaste] [A sharp-tongued heroine + a battlefield of male rivals + System + everyone's favorite + heroine claims the men + card draws + strong female lead] Su Qiannian transmigrates into the body of the legitimate daughter of a marquis's household. Her half-sister has already had countless men, while Su Qiannian has kept herself pure, waiting for her betrothed to come propose. Who could have guessed that her fiancé would become her brother-in-law? She 5.3kReads9.0Score594Shelves

    Reader note

    [Are you awake?] [If you're awake, start grabbing! [Take back what's yours! Take what doesn't belong to you! Grab everything, whether it belongs to you or not! Grab it all!! [As long as you can afford it, I'll give you a reward!!] Xiang Suqian opened her eyes weakly. As soon as her consciousness returned, she felt a burning pain all over her body.

37. 37 后 A Laid-Back Concubine in the Inner Palace, Calmly Turning Her Life Around and Sunbathing 后宅小咸鱼，淡定翻身晒太阳 Orange Turned Orange橘子橙了Ancient Romance262k WordsOngoing Su Zhiyuan looked up at the person holding her around the belly and lifting her up, then lowered her head and kept nibbling on the pastry in her hand. Her father had said that everyone here was an important person, so she had to behave. Her mother had said that her father was the head of the family, and that if she listened to him, she’d get pastries. She’d been very good today, so she’d get another pastry when she got home. Six-year-old Feng Chen hugged Su Zhiyuan around the belly from behind a 9.9kReads8.6Score610Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommend!!!

38. 38 二 Two Boys and a Girl: The Lucky Maid Has a Feel-Good Novel’s Script 二子一女：好孕丫鬟手拿爽文剧本 Spring in My Sleeve袖里春Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (Extra chapters updating) [Fake sweet-and-innocent, truly villainous heroine + play the pig to eat the tiger + inner-courtyard intrigue first, palace intrigue later + not a perfectly faithful couple + all that matters is having fun + happy ending] Xie Linyuan, the Liang dynasty's nobleman of a different surname, was illustrious and unmatched in the world. While away on campaign, he was ambushed by treacherous men and saved from death by Yan Yiyu, the daughter of an imperial merchant. After retur 2.2kReads8.0Score213Shelves
39. 39 我 After I Died, the Beautiful Hostage Jumped from the City Tower 我死后，美人质子他跳了城楼 Jiujiu Qi久久萋Ancient Romance379k WordsCompleted [The writing falls apart, don't read...] [Reborn + doted on by everyone + sweet romance] [Relationship-focused / devoted couple / not much revenge or face-slapping] [Warning: Aside from his good looks and his love for the female lead, the male lead is good for nothing] Only after Jiang Yichi died did she learn that what she'd once believed was fate had been a lie. Everything the scumbag enjoyed had been stolen from that man. She watched that man take revenge for her by personally killing her ene 5.7kReads9.1Score418Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is great, it's a strong female lead novel, those who like this kind of story should check it out.

40. 40 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

    The story is quite original. The female protagonist, even while serving as a concubine, foresaw the various factors that might arise in reality. To thrive, she knew she had to cling to the master's coattails. So she actively sought to win him over, not by suppressing or framing others, but by figuring out the master's preferences, understanding her own position, and improving her abilities. She gradually won him over, until in the end, he couldn't live without her.

41. 41 乱 After Fleeing the Chaotic Era, I Became the Founding Empress 乱世逃亡后，我成了开国女帝 Nan Wanxu南婉徐Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted [Publication rights signed] [Strong heroine + political intrigue + turbulent times + power struggles + ensemble cast] She’s fleeing from the start, a female warlord in a chaotic age. Lin Zhihuang, originally named Lin Zhihuan, transmigrates as a county magistrate’s daughter, only to find tens of thousands of refugees attacking the city from the start! While others transmigrate into palace or household intrigue, she transmigrates straight into a chaotic age and a desperate flight from famine. The 95.8kReads9.4Score13.2kShelves

    Reader note

    A story featuring a strong female lead, palace intrigue, political maneuvering, and an ensemble cast. The ministers recruited by the female lead are all very distinctive, each feeling like a living, breathing person. The plot is logically sound. Highly recommended!

42. 42 黑 The Black Lotus Is Reborn, and She Slaughters Her Way Through with the Ailing Young Lord 黑莲花重生，和病弱小公爷杀疯了 A Drunken Glance at the Glazed Moon一醉琉月Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted Shen Wan is the model of an aristocratic young lady: equally skilled in the literary and martial arts, and a peerless physician. Her parents and five older brothers adore her and treat her like the apple of their eye. Before these very relatives hunt her down and kill her, she too believes she is the beloved young lady everyone dotes on, and the Crown Prince’s sweetheart. Only as she lies dying does she learn the truth: she is not the legitimate daughter of the Shen family at all. The true daugh 28.7kReads8.7Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is intelligent and manages everything perfectly. Zun Du is a great watch!

43. 43 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
44. 44 绾 Winding the Wind into Splendor 绾风华 Light Ink Wash水墨浅浅Ancient Romance344k WordsCompleted Cui Wanwan died, killed by a woman from another world. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at twelve years old, three years before the transmigrated woman arrived. Cui Wanwan, the second young lady of the Cui family, had been born a favorite of heaven, the apple of her family’s eye. With her family’s favor and prestige, she was destined to become a prince’s consort and enjoy a life of wealth and glory. She had thought her life would be carefree, but an odd woman who claimed to 3.3kReads8.9Score348Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is reborn and engages in palace intrigue; it's amazing and very entertaining! (♥∀♥)👍❤️

45. 45 长 The Grand Princess Knocked the Transmigrator's Head Clean Off 长公主把穿越女头都打飞了 Camellias and Wine茶花与酒Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted Her younger brother brought home a woman who had transmigrated, and from then on he became a lovesick fool... The transmigrator could recite poetry, knew military strategy, and could make explosives. Her brother loved her to the point of obsession. The younger brother who had always respected her poisoned himself, surrendered his power, and even gave up the throne for that woman. Reborn, she thought, a lovesick fool? No problem. I'll make sure you two are stuck together forever. An ungrateful, i 1.7kReads8.5Score228Shelves
46. 46 炮 The Cannon Fodder Female Lead Goes Berserk, Living Her Most Shameless Life 炮灰女配发疯，纵享缺德人生 Patient Number Five五号病患Ancient Romance722k WordsCompleted Su Wenyuan transmigrates and, from the start, is about to marry a blind, frail, deranged prince. According to the rumors, this mad prince has killed more than a dozen concubines and declared long ago that he would never let his new princess leave alive. On their wedding night, flames engulf Prince Chen's residence... Everyone assumes Prince Chen killed his wife and burned the evidence, but it turns out the princess started the fire and nearly burned him to death inside. By the next day, everyone 4.4kReads8.2Score465Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is intelligent, while the male protagonist pretends to be blind.

47. 47 误 Lost in the Exquisite Bedchamber 误入玲珑帐 A Cat, A Dog, and a Glass of Wine一猫一狗一杯酒Ancient Romance678k WordsCompleted The print edition is available on major platforms. [Pure historical romance + devoted couple + strong female lead + marriage before love + political intrigue + household rivalry] [Long-suffering princess of a fallen kingdom] X [scheming, rough-hewn prince] [Original title: The Enigma of Linglong] “A historical-romance version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith: outwardly united, secretly plotting against each other.” To seize power, Linglong spent sixteen years disguised as a young master named Ling, studyin 8.7kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    One life, two genders, two identities, two kingdoms. Linglong, originally a woman disguised as a man, was the daughter of Prince Ling of Yong Kingdom. After the kingdom fell, her loyal servant died in her place, and by a twist of fate, she was chosen to marry into the Marquis's household as a substitute princess, Huo Linglong, who entered the Prince Xiao's mansion. Initially suspicious and wary of each other, Linglong won the Prince Xiao's heart with her wisdom and intelligence. Unexpectedly, their love was short-lived, leading to their separation. Five years later, the Prince Xiao searched for his wife on the battlefield, and in the end, Linglong gained a new life.

48. 48 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

    Reader note

    From concubine, secondary princess, imperial concubine

49. 49 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 118.2kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves

    Reader note

    No romantic pairing, a quintessential strong female lead. The female protagonist is calm and wise, and the author possesses exceptional writing skills. The book is rich in poetry and knowledge about the imperial examinations. She has the air of a loyal minister, deeply trusted by the emperor, and is the kind of ideal woman everyone admires.

50. 50 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

    🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

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