Looking for Palace Intrigue with a Clear-Headed Female Lead and No Golden Finger 求宫斗文+人间清醒女主+没有金手指的文

1. 51 入 After Entering the Palace, She Becomes His Majesty’s One True Love 入宫后她是陛下的白月光 Yu Jiuzhao御九昭Ancient Romance463k WordsCompleted [Pure Palace Intrigue] [No Saintly Heroine] [The Heroine Schemes Against the Entire Harem] [Political Machinations] [Clear-Headed Careerist] Originally titled "The Empress's Daily Life of Palace Intrigue," retitled "A Consort's Guide to Palace Intrigue" * Shen Yiwan, the illegitimate daughter of the Shen family, became pregnant after entering the palace and was made Virtuous Consort. Somehow, she let her good sense fly out the window and made the decision she would regret most in her life. She s 748Reads8.6Score10014d adds

   Reader note

   They are all clear-headed female protagonists from palace intrigue novels, and they both aspire to become empress dowagers.

2. 52 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 20.2kReads9.4Score2k14d adds
3. 53 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 106.8kReads9.5Score12.4k14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead is intelligent, a natural-born politician, thinking three steps ahead for every one she takes. It's very enjoyable and satisfying to read. I rarely read political intrigue novels, but I highly recommend this one; it's really good.

4. 54 庶 The Daily Madness of a Lowborn Daughter 庶女发癫日常 Chu Shimei楚诗魅Ancient Romance888k WordsCompleted [Transmigrated into a book heroine vs. reborn heroine, one-on-one romance] Shi Yao transmigrated into a reborn, pampered heroine’s revenge novel and became an ignored, expendable illegitimate daughter. The one doted on by everyone was Shi Mingzhu, the original heroine. In her previous life, the moment Shi Mingzhu was born, the old master declared, “Dote on her! I want the whole family to spoil her rotten!” So all eight brothers became hopelessly devoted to their little sister. To help the heroi 34.6kReads9.2Score4.6k14d adds

   Reader note

   A book that will captivate you at first glance

5. 55 妖 The Enchantress Is So Alluring, I'd Break My Vows for Her 妖女太欲，我愿为她破戒律 You Han由涵Ancient Romance151k WordsCompleted [Alternate Universe] He was an ascetic monk with a stern face, abstaining from worldly pleasures and reciting scriptures, living a calm, plain life day after day. Many people thought he was free of worldly desires, a rare gentleman in this world. That was, until a famous courtesan from the capital, He Meitian, arrived at the temple. The prince who adored her had a wife, and that wife had sent He Meitian to the temple. Some called her a lowly prostitute, some said she was a demon, and others call 3Reads—Score—14d adds
6. 56 清 Qing Transmigration: Consort De Devotes Herself to Raising Her Son to Become Empress Dowager 清穿：德妃她一心养崽做太后 I'm the Cutest我最可爱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Complete, come on in!] System + transmigrate + comedy Overnight, she transmigrates to the Qing Dynasty and becomes Uya Jinxin. That’s right, she’s the historical Consort De who took a terrible hand and turned it into a royal flush, only to turn that royal flush right back into a terrible hand. Jinxin wonders what she did to deserve transmigrating as Consort De. But since she’s Consort De now, she might as well change history! Who says I play favorites? Little Fourth, come here, let Mother pinch 1.8kReads8.6Score17514d adds
7. 57 边 Su Jixiang, the Frontier Cook 边疆厨娘苏吉祥 Qin Qian Ruyi秦钱如意Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing Food blogger Su Jixiang transmigrates into the body of a palace maid in the Cold Palace. What does palace intrigue have to do with a mere maid like her? She thought she could keep her head down and quietly survive until she turned twenty-five, when she'd be released from the palace to live like a wealthy woman. Little did she know the emperor would flee! As a remnant of the fallen emperor's court, Su Jixiang was bestowed upon a general guarding the border. The palace had one fewer Aunt Jixiang, 121Reads6.6Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Looks great! 👍👍👍👍👍

8. 58 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 12.3kReads9.5Score1.4k14d adds

   Reader note

   It's really super super beautiful!

9. 59 外 The Illegitimate Daughter 外室女 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance808k WordsCompleted Before she transmigrated, Shen Yi had lived through one hardship after another. Then she was reborn as a baby into a happy family. What could be more carefree? She never imagined it was all a lie. Her father’s love for her mother was fake, and so was the marriage contract he gave her. He had merely come to the Duke’s household to experience life, while Shen Yi, her brother, and her mother were just byproducts of that experience. That would have been bad enough, but her scumbag father also had a 7.8kReads9.3Score89314d adds
10. 60 谁 Whoever Comes to Provoke Her Gets a Slap from the Princess 谁上门挑衅，公主反手一个大比兜 Jun Mumu Jun君木木君Ancient Romance610k WordsCompleted [Multiple Murders + Political Intrigue + Strong Female Lead] Yao Fuguang spent her whole life avoiding conflict, only to end up dismembered and made into a human pig. Reborn, she found herself in the Golden Hall, being impeached by officials from the Censorate for extravagance and debauchery. Right there and then, she gave her father, the emperor, and every civil and military official a piece of her mind, then went to the harem and beat up the Imperial Noble Consort. From that day on, Yao Fuguan 3.7kReads8.5Score32814d adds

    Reader note

    It was so satisfying! At first, I thought it would end with her getting married and having children, but it didn't mention marriage or kids at all. The political intrigue from beginning to end was fantastic; I really liked the decisiveness, the avoidance of internal strife, and the principle of seeking revenge.

11. 61 重 Reborn to Marry My Creditor 重生之嫁给债主 Shrimp Noodles虾米线Ancient Romance13k WordsCompleted Reborn to Marry Her Creditor —Reads—Score—14d adds
12. 62 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 31.5kReads9.4Score3.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    Treat palace intrigue and domestic power struggles as a job to climb the ranks

13. 63 惊 What?! Whose Princess Consort Just Kissed Her Mad Uncle After Being Reborn? 惊！谁家王妃刚重生亲懵疯批皇叔 Clouds Flying Through the Sky云天飞雾Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Devoted couple, 1v1 + palace and household intrigue + rebirth and revenge] [In her past life, a tragic romance with her mad, possessive imperial uncle ended in a forced marriage and a bad ending. Reborn, the outspoken heroine takes charge of her devoted-husband story, with sweet revenge against the scum.] An Yunxi has been reborn. Before she was reborn, the man who loved her most died in her arms to protect her and help her survive... In her previous life, she was the general's legitimate daugh 16.4kReads9.1Score1.9k14d adds
14. 64 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.3kReads9.2Score95314d adds
15. 65 殿 Your Highness, Just Crook a Finger and Men Come Running Like Dogs 殿下勾勾手，男人像条狗 Many Waters Weep繁水呜呜Ancient Romance420k WordsOngoing (I'm already a princess, so what's wrong with having several men?) [Everyone's Favorite + Love at First Sight + Men Competing for Her + Male Leads Are Virgins + Strong Heroine + Otome] (Warning: This is a silly, fun read. Having a good time is what matters most. The political intrigue is very light, central authority is weak, and there are some brainless villains.) After falling into the water, Jiang Chuyi had a very long dream. Though she was the eldest princess of Great Chu, she was hopelessly 12Reads8.0Score—14d adds
16. 66 娘 The Empress Has Had Enough and Flips the Table: Why Are You Crying, Tyrant? 娘娘掀桌不干了，暴君你哭什么 Mo Ning漠宁Ancient Romance583k WordsCompleted [Both leads are pure + Later forced possession and obsessive pursuit + Love and hate + Transmigration + The powerful one bows down] Resilient beauty vs. brooding crown prince The Crown Prince, Dongling Jing, is of noble birth and the highest-ranking commander of the Su Bei Army. But fate is cruel: after he is left with a leg injury in the war against Nan Yue, his position as crown prince hangs by a thread. An imperial decree arranges a marriage, and Su Jin, who has transmigrated here, is chosen 4.4kReads8.7Score42814d adds
17. 67 夫 My Husband Gives Me Two Hundred Thousand Taels a Month 夫君每月给我二十万两 Having Met the Young Master既见公子Ancient Romance768k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Transmigrate Into a Book + Goofy Comedy + Redemption + Marriage Before Love] Gan Qiongying transmigrated into the body of a princess! Before she could even celebrate, she realized this world was the setting of a book she had read. And she was the wicked supporting character who committed countless evils and met a tragic end... The plot had reached the point where a princess of her stature was being forced to marry a merchant. Merchants ranked below scholars, farmers, and arti 29.1kReads9.4Score3.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    Xi Kang's writing is delicate, and the characters are highly malleable. The first forty chapters are mostly setup and can be skipped, provided you understand the outline and overall framework (this is suitable for readers who can grasp the framework after reading one or two chapters).

18. 68 暴 The Tyrant Tormented Me? I'll Turn Around, Seduce the Powerful Eunuch, and Seize His Empire 暴君虐我？转身勾搭权宦夺他江山 Green Mountain Has Its Say青山有辞Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted For eight years in the palace, Xiangjun fought to get ahead and tried to please everyone, yet the palace’s noble masters still ground her down, used her, humiliated her, and cast her aside... Those nobles basked in all the wealth of the realm atop heaps of corpses and bones, yet mocked her for trying her hardest and not knowing her place. In the end, the child Xiangjun risked her life to bear called her enemy “Mother,” while Xiangjun was cut open alive so the baby could be taken from her. She di 115.1kReads9.6Score16.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    I don't read palace intrigue novels often, but this is one I recently started reading. The female lead is impure, and the male lead is a real eunuch. Avoid this story!

19. 69 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Alluring, Winning Favor and Rising to Power 娘娘娇软妩媚，一路争宠上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue story, not a one-on-one romance, and not a mutually faithful pairing. Proceed with caution!) Bai Ruotang is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Right Chancellor’s household. At fifteen, just after coming of age, she is sent into the palace to bear a child for her legitimate elder sister and help her secure the emperor’s favor. Unwilling to be reduced to someone else’s pawn, from the moment she steps through the palace gates, she decides she will carve out 10.5kReads8.9Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    These two books should be considered: the first one not only has palace intrigue but also romance, and if the female lead is capable and the male lead is also strong, you'll love it; the second one is about rebirth, where the protagonist is reborn and can't escape the dregs. Check them out!

20. 70 宫 A Palace Maid’s Daily Struggles 宫女奋斗日常 Phantom Beneath the Moon月下幻影Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Ling Huan has skin as smooth as ice and looks like a goddess, yet she has no interest in power and thinks only of leaving the palace. In the end, neither she nor her child meets a good end. Given another chance, her goal is to raise her child well and become Empress Dowager herself. A palace-intrigue story with a strong female lead. The heroine is ruthless and clever. A thoroughly satisfying read. 5.9kReads9.2Score84614d adds
21. 71 女 Matriarchy: Resigning from the Golden Palace 女尊：辞金阙 Xie Yang谢央Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted He asked, “Does the Imperial Princess only make use of me? Is there not a trace of genuine feeling in her heart?” He said, “Your Highness, rest easy. Even if it costs me my life, I will bring Youzhou City back for you!” He said, “My wife, don’t frown. It’s only money. The He family will pay for it and help you unify the Nine Provinces.” He said, “Jiang Li, I already lost you once. This time, even if I die, I won’t let go of your hand.” They all asked her the same question: “Does Your Highness ha 8.5kReads9.1Score1.1k14d adds
22. 72 演 I Played the Emperor My Whole Life, and After Being Reborn, He Still Wants the Crown Prince 演了皇上一辈子，重生他还要太子 One Little Sweet Fish一口小甜鱼Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Original title: Only After His Death Did He Learn That the Empress Did Not Want to Be Buried With Him [The heroine transmigrates, the hero is reborn] As he lay dying, Emperor Tianhe looked back on his eventful life. He had risen from humble beginnings to become the founding emperor, and the world praised his achievements. In his fading consciousness, he saw his virtuous empress, his beautiful consorts, and his weeping children. He felt that his life had been complete. But after he died, his soul 31.7kReads8.9Score2.3k14d adds
23. 73 世 The Heir Would Rather Break Than Bend, While I Know When to Yield 世子爷宁折不弯，小女子能屈能伸 Good Luck Is with Me好运伴我Ancient Romance265k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + household drama + runaway bride + bickering couple + playing dumb while hiding one's true abilities + a long road to winning back his wife] Cheng Zhu, the second daughter of the richest family in the capital and younger sister of the crown princess, has only just come of age when her world falls apart: the emperor is about to betroth her to Qin Xu, heir to the Duke of Pillar of State. Though her elder sister married into the imperial family, she hasn't smiled since the wedding 4Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist did not wake up all at once, but gradually.

24. 74 踹 Dump the Romance Hero, Seduce the Emperor from a Male-Oriented Novel 踹掉言情男主，勾搭男频帝王 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, revenge, scheming, stunning heroine, seductive mastermind] The short drama His Heart on a String is now streaming! Shen Yuling transmigrated into a romance novel as its heroine. Unfortunately, she was a heroine whose luck had been stolen by a woman who transmigrated into the story. She would die in a fire, taking her unborn child with her, while her entire family would be wiped out. It was a fate the original heroine had failed to change, even after being reborn twice 17kReads9.2Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's so incredibly good, but it's not finished yet.

25. 75 重 Reborn in Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace: Big Ru's Breaking Down Again 重生如懿传，大如又破防 A Peony That Calls Itself the Boss一朵霸王花啦Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted This story contains original elements and out-of-character portrayals! (Zhen Huan is reborn + Shen Meizhuang transmigrates into Fuca Langhua + Jin Yuyan and Wei Yanwan are both reborn) Zhen Huan awakens from a dream to find that the world she lives in has merged with the world of Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. She thought everyone had left her behind, but never imagined she would get to reunite with Sister Mei and support each other once more. Zhen Huan easily breaks through Ruyi’s protagon 2.2kReads8.6Score22614d adds
26. 76 恶 The Wicked Empress Is Done 恶毒皇后不干了 Xian Shier羡十二Ancient Romance413k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Food + Lighthearted + Sweet Romance] Yan Suining transmigrates, and from the start she's a vicious empress, notorious and guilty of every crime imaginable. Her first thought is: I can't be this empress! But as the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's household and mistress of the imperial palace, she gets hairpins and fine clothes for free, and exquisite delicacies cost her nothing. Yan Suining: On second thought, maybe being empress isn't so bad. People always c 484Reads8.7Score10014d adds
27. 77 皇 The Empress Is Peerlessly Beautiful 皇后绝世倾城 Zhong Zhizhong钟之中Ancient Romance563k WordsCompleted [Empress + sweet romance + redemption + healing smiles + devoted, fatherly hero + skip if you mind these tropes] She is the Duke's legitimate daughter, breathtakingly beautiful and yearning for freedom. All she wants is to find one person to share her whole life with. He is the emperor of Dongsheng, renowned since his youth and ruthless in his methods. Wherever he goes, bones are left strewn across the land. To him, women are nothing but pieces on a chessboard. He ascended the throne at 5.8kReads8.9Score49014d adds
28. 78 皇 The Empress Is a Max-Level Palace Intriguer, Crushing Everyone 皇后满级宫斗，嘎嘎乱杀 Hot Hot烫烫Ancient Romance602k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + infidelity + fictional setting + a resourceful, money-loving, beauty-loving, life-loving empress ✖️ emperor] In her previous life, Hua Shu was a lowly palace maid. She schemed her way to the top of the political ladder, only to be condemned by everyone and branded a wicked woman who brought ruin to the nation. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself in the unfamiliar state of Chu, as an unloved empress who’s also being made a scapegoat. As if she’d put up with that! S 13.8kReads9.4Score1.8k14d adds
29. 79 恶 Reborn After My Own Son, the Cruel Empress Dowager, Stabbed Me to Death 恶毒太后被亲儿子捅死之后重生了 Ink墨色Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted The vicious Empress Dowager Jiang Mingzhu was reborn. In her previous life, to put her son on the throne, she poisoned and tried to assassinate the emperor, colluded with court officials, drugged a pregnant consort to make her miscarry, and plotted against the young crown prince. Every time she schemed, she put her own life on the line to grind her stepson's face into the dirt. But when the plot to put the son she'd worked so hard to support on the throne was exposed, he stabbed her in the back 19.6kReads8.9Score2.1k14d adds
30. 80 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score41814d adds
31. 81 恶 Wicked Springtime 恶春娇 Homebody Crab宅蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted In her previous life, her mother died, and her father revealed his cruel nature. She was sold, and her brother died trying to save her. From then on, she wandered through a life of hardship. She had always thought this was simply her fate. Then she saw another woman wearing a jade pendant, the last thing her mother had left her before she died, which her father had taken away. She had only just begun to grow suspicious when she died. Reborn, she breaks out of the trap and fights to survive, prot 866Reads8.7Score11514d adds

    Reader note

    I've recently been watching the first part and highly recommend it.

32. 82 昭 My Heart Shines Bright 昭昭我心 Big Brother Meng猛哥哥Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted [Sweet, gentle young lady vs. cold-faced, sharp-tongued Marquis] [Historical romance + substitute marriage + marriage before love + sweet romance + political intrigue + secret love] After Qin Zhaoyu’s elder sister died, she took her place as the bride of Li Jing, her sister’s fiancé. Before the wedding, her mother comforted her: “Li Jing is a fine man. He’ll treat you just as well as he treated your sister.” She had grown up by their side, witnessing Li Jing’s deep love for her sister. All she h 914Reads9.0Score5914d adds
33. 83 疯 She's Gone Mad! The Day She Transmigrated, the Sickly Young Lord Vowed to Give Himself to Her! 疯了!穿越当天，病娇世子爷他要以身相许! Han Mianmian韩绵绵Ancient Romance868k WordsCompleted Original title: After the Heir’s Consort Turns Dark, All the Gods Fall at Her Feet [Transmigration + two scheming minds locked in a battle of wits + obsession + political intrigue + bickering couple] Yun Jincheng transmigrates and, the moment she opens her eyes, strips the sickly heir of his clothes and stumbles upon a secret he has kept hidden for years. Rumor has it that the heir of the Prince of Zhennan, who has been frail for years and gasps for breath after just a few steps, isn’t sick at a 2kReads9.3Score52914d adds
34. 84 刚 Exiled Right After Our Wedding, the Chaste War King Starts a Rebellion for Me 刚成亲就流放，禁欲战王为我造反 The Queen Is Live and Loving It女王在线浪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance + transmigration + finding warmth together + mutual devotion + adorable baby arrives] Lin Yuan, a modern woman who enjoys the finer things in life, met with an accident while traveling and transmigrated to an alternate dynasty. To make matters worse, she became the despised Princess of War, and was sent into exile in the northern wastelands. Along the way, she found the husband she'd married but never met. Survival expert Lin Yuan used every trick she'd learned across two lif 3.2kReads9.0Score30914d adds
35. 85 嫁 Marrying the Tyrant Male Lead to Become a Laid-Back Empress 嫁给暴君男主当咸鱼皇后 Dudu读读Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Dongli Hua has a little mishap and ends up in a novel for male readers, as an ugly woman with a birthmark on her face. But because of her good deeds, an imperial decree names her empress. The emperor ascended the throne at twenty, and is now thirty-two. He once had a beloved first empress who has since died; now he has two favored consorts, Shu and Li, as well as several powerful consorts with large families who have borne him princes and princesses. And soon, another large group of beauties wil 6.2kReads9.0Score52714d adds

    Reader note

    This book is absolutely amazing!

36. 86 锁 Locked in the Spring Night 锁春宵 Banana Pizza香蕉披萨Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + reborn + revenge on scum + sweet romance + mutually faithful] In her previous life, Su Qingyu had been married for three years without ever consummating the marriage. Then her cousin suddenly appeared before her with a child, and Su Qingyu finally learned that the man wasn't impotent. He just couldn't perform with her. Her cousin stripped off Su Qingyu's face, took her place as the legitimate daughter of the marquis's household, and became the matriarch of the S 32.8kReads9.3Score5.5k14d adds
37. 87 听 They Say Everyone Rumored to Be Involved with This Maid Gets Promoted 听说和这丫鬟有绯闻的都升官了 Tears in the Heart of the Tree树心有泪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigrated Maid + Ensemble Cast + Political Schemes and Twists + Hilarious Chaos] One-sentence summary: A maid and two minor officials are brought together by a wastrel marquis to resolve crises and crack bizarre cases. Zhuxin transmigrated into the body of a maid in a Duke's manor. She thought her future would involve either household intrigue or farming, but then the manor was confiscated and she landed in the Imperial Prison. Zhuxin felt like she was doomed. They were all picking on her j 16.5kReads9.3Score2.3k14d adds
38. 88 技 The Concubine with Maxed-Out Skills Is Turning Herself into an Empress? 技能拉满的侍妾，卷成皇后了？ White Peppercorn白藤椒Ancient Romance620k WordsCompleted Empress Wenzhao was a famously bewitching consort and the most talented empress. The way she has been judged and defined throughout her life has changed many times, but that has never diminished her status or the value of studying her. [System + Raising Kids + Relentless Competition] Thanks to being well fed at home, Qi Jiao was plump and rosy-cheeked. After a flood, she was sold into the palace as a maid, and when she got a little older, she was assigned to the empress’s palace. A few years lat 12.5kReads9.1Score1.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    The favored concubine, with a peaceful heart, lives her daily life.

39. 89 帝 The Emperor Has No Heart, Yet His Cool and Elegant Noble Consort Has Her Ways 帝本无心，怎奈清冷贵妃手段高 My Cat Is Called Huabei我的猫叫花呗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Cool, seductive fox beauty vs. a carefree, womanizing emperor] [The heroine is the true daughter, driven by revenge and ambition: a scheming beauty, sweet on the outside but ruthless within, and far from virtuous. This is an unconventional palace-intrigue story focused on winning hearts. The hero is not chaste. Later, he desperately tries to win her back. The overall tone is sweet, and the romance becomes one-on-one in the latter half.] Until the age of five, Changyu Jiao was the legitimate da 8.8kReads9.4Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Excellent article, don't miss it!

40. 90 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 25.1kReads9.3Score12.4k14d adds
41. 91 主 The Matriarch Runs Wild Every Day, Flirts with Powerful Ministers, and Offers a Fortune for a Child 主母日常杀疯，撩养权臣重金求子 A Lazy Little One懒懒的一小只Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama is now streaming [A wealthy woman pays handsomely for an heir + Turning the tables and leaving her scumbag husband without an heir + Her male lover takes the throne] Before she was reborn, Xie Miaoyi had poured her heart and soul into making plans for her husband's family, only to be framed by him and his first love. Her family was ruined, and she lost everything. After being reborn, she thought, If men can take mistresses and leave their wives without heirs, why can't women do t 4.4kReads8.7Score57114d adds
42. 92 与 Joy with You 与君欢 Moonset月落Ancient Romance657k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Marriage Before Love + Mutual Devotion] A young king and queen join hands to bring peace to the realm, brimming with ambition! A sinister, calculating ruler versus a clever, decisive queen: evenly matched, they win the world together! Jiang He, daughter of an envoy from Qi, was forced to enter the palace as a servant after her mother died and her father disappeared. Then, just before the marriage alliance, the princess of Qi died a tragic death, leaving 26.3kReads9.5Score3.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all super good ancient Chinese palace intrigue novels.

43. 93 女 The Female Bandit Goes to the Capital to Become an Official and Wins Over the Aloof Emperor 女土匪进京为官，诱拐了清冷陛下 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet historical romance + two powerful leads + devoted to each other + sweet and satisfying + fun and lively + no annoying supporting characters + sensible leads] A super-ferocious, super-rich bandit queen VS a cool, otherworldly beauty of an emperor Jin Sanglu owns thirty mountains of gold and is every inch a bandit queen. After earning military merit, she arrogantly calls out to the court: “If you won’t give me an official post, then make me empress.” The ministers are furious, but they fear 11.9kReads9.4Score1.6k14d adds
44. 94 上 Spring Poems from the Capital 上京春赋 Shi Munan十木南Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Signed for print publication under the title Spring Rhapsody in the Capital] [Pure historical romance, not reborn + a long-planned scheme + a touch of coercive seduction + devoted pampering and flirting + emotional push and pull] [Completed; the original title was Spring Rhapsody in the Capital] [Sweet romance, both mutually inexperienced: brave and gentle young princess x sinister, fanatical powerful minister] A conspiracy landed Mo Yuan’s father and brother in prison, their lives at the mercy 71.6kReads9.3Score5.7k14d adds
45. 95 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 6.1kReads8.4Score35014d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist transmigrates into a book and, through her own efforts and the help of her family, becomes the Empress Dowager. It's a lighthearted, satisfying story; the palace intrigue mainly involves the emperor's concubines, creating an ensemble cast where each character has their own distinct traits. 🥰

46. 96 回 Back in the Republic of China as a Socialite 回到民国当名媛 The Jiao-Wei Zither's Song焦尾琴鸣Modern Romance669k WordsCompleted Gu Shuyao, a repatriate translator fluent in several foreign languages, transmigrates to the Republican era after a car accident and becomes Gu Shuyao, the daughter of a local gentry family. Gu Shuyao comes from a good family, has a pretty face, and is engaged to a handsome, ambitious young warlord. At first glance, she really seems to have won at life! But Gu Shuyao was born into a declining old-fashioned family. They are conservative and ignorant, and she narrowly escapes having her feet bound 6.4kReads8.9Score75714d adds

    Reader note

    [Salute][Salute] It's been a long time since I've read such a good novel! It's so good, the whole story is mind-bending. The female lead transmigrates into the body of a young marshal's country fiancée who is disliked. She runs away to the country, and the male lead embarks on a long and arduous journey to win her back. It's a story of a chauvinistic young marshal's transformation. You have to hold back your frustration at the beginning; the more frustrating it is at the beginning, the more satisfying it becomes later, hahaha!

47. 97 承 Beneath the Bed Curtains 承欢帐 Dudu the Little Penguin小企鹅嘟嘟Ancient Romance115k WordsCompleted She was a commoner’s daughter, and he was the exalted emperor. Because she was so beautiful, she was forcibly taken into the Palace of Elegance. After one night of passion, he trapped her for the rest of her life in this bloodsucking imperial harem. [Not a typical plot + the heroine isn’t a helpless flower, and pursues freedom + fictional dynasty + first-person power fantasy] 2.5kReads5.5Score10014d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is very sober.

48. 98 团 The Beloved Princess Has Many Secret Identities 团宠王妃马甲多 Being Cute Saves Money可爱省钱了Ancient Romance240k WordsCompleted One-on-one romance, you love me and I love you, with face-slapping at every turn. Everyone has a whole bunch of secret identities, and we’ll reveal them one by one... Whose child doesn’t take their father’s surname? Xie Jiuyuan took her master’s surname instead~ That sounds like a load of nonsense. It’s not as if she doesn’t have a father? So it turns out their love was all a scheme! We’ve heard of people buying official posts, but never of someone trading his wife for one. Then, after she gave 2Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Meow! A cure for insomnia and love-struck brain.

49. 99 暴 After the Violent Imperial Uncle Lost His Memory, He Became My Little Crybaby 暴戾皇叔失忆后，成了我的小哭包 Yangyang Loves Porridge羊羊爱吃粥Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Synopsis: The short drama [Wife, Don't Run! Your Amnesiac Regent Is Crying Again!] is now available to reserve! Sweet yet badass heroine VS. an abstinent ice-cold prince who turns into a clingy puppy with a split personality After transmigrating into a book, Shen Xiaotang accidentally sleeps with Prince Qi, Jun Mingye, a man with a violent temper. Jun Mingye threatens to wipe out her entire clan. But the shock is so great that he loses his memory. Desperate to survive, Shen Xiaotang blurts out, 2.7kReads9.2Score38714d adds

    Reader note

    If you're looking for something to read, check out these recommendations – they're definitely worth it! If you don't like them, I'll take responsibility.

50. 100 娘 One Tear from the Empress, and She Acts Her Way to the Emperor's Throne 娘娘一滴泪，演到帝王送凤位 Little Peeled Egg剥壳的小蛋蛋Ancient Romance589k WordsCompleted [Story complete; easy to get around] Shen Qingfu transmigrated into a rebirth novel. The reborn heroine, Chu Can, had grown up with the crown prince, Ning Xuanli, as his childhood sweetheart. Given a second chance at life, she wanted no love, only power and riches. To become the most special person in the crown prince’s heart, she played hard to get. She had schemes, but no feelings. Shen Qingfu was nothing more than the most insignificant cannon fodder in the rebirth novel. Shen Qingfu gave a s 303Reads9.1Score—14d adds

Other lists with After Entering the Palace, She Becomes His Majesty’s One True Love