Show Off Your Best Palace-Intrigue Novels 晒晒大家压箱底的宫斗文吧

1. 1 贵 The Imperial Consort Is Ravishingly Beautiful, but All She Wants Is Power and Wealth 贵妃千娇百媚，只求权势富贵 Fujiwara Tofu藤原豆腐Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A mad, obsessive emperor with jealousy to spare x a consort who has renounced love and walled off her heart] [One-on-one romance + both reborn + devoted to each other in body and heart, in both lives] One-line summary: A story about an emperor who lost the love of his life, and how he slowly teaches the woman he loves to understand love, jealousy, anger, and longing. As the eldest son born to the empress, Qi Junyi was born to privilege. He seized power in his youth, was named crown princ 10.9kReads8.1Score673Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is amazing! It features two rebirths and mutual unrequited love in their past lives.

2. 2 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, the Foolish Princess Marries the Ninth Lord with Her Four Maids 退婚后，傻妃携四大丫鬟嫁九千岁 Clingy Little Tomato粘人小番茄Ancient Romance1.8M WordsOngoing [Palace Intrigue + Household Intrigue + Historical Romance + Princess Consort + Legitimate Daughter + Medical Skills + Two Powerful Leads + Cunning + Playing the Fool + Reborn + Fiercely Protective + Political Scheming] 99% of the comments are positive! Read with confidence! Su Qian, once the leader of a special forces unit in the apocalypse, died unexpectedly while carrying out a mission. With her portable medical space, she transmigrated to ancient times and into the residence of a great gener 22.8kReads8.1Score3.8kShelves

   Reader note

   The male and female leads team up: a pure battle of wits where misunderstandings are avoided, only tacit understandings of mutual exploitation prevail. The female lead's cheat ability is captivating: her medical space grants her modern-day superpowers, allowing her to heal and save lives while simultaneously committing murder and robbery. 🤭

3. 3 前 My Ex-Husband Gets to Be a Dad? I'll Marry a Rugged Man Who Can't Have Children and Carry Twins 前夫喜当爹？我嫁绝嗣糙汉怀双宝 Ke Xin柯新Modern Romance216k WordsOngoing [Period] [Second Marriage] [Rugged Husband Dotes on His Wife] [Twins] [Brutal Revenge on the Scumbags] [Size Difference] Zhao Qingqing had been married for seven years without a child. Her mother-in-law beat her and drove her out, while her ex-husband rushed to marry a widow carrying another man's baby. Qingqing immediately turned around and married Han Tie Zhu, the ferocious butcher rumored to be unable to have children, whom no one in the commune dared to cross. Han Tie Zhu seemed cold and sho 518Reads—Score106Shelves

   Reader note

   No more feeling lost in a reading slump! This book is definitely worth following. The plot is engaging, the characters are compelling, and there's no disappointing ending. You won't regret reading it; you'll want more after you finish! A highly recommended gem! The plot is tight and fast-paced, with plenty of exciting moments that don't feel frustrating. The writing is smooth and immersive. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down! I've discovered a treasure of a novel, with likable characters, an explosive plot, and not a single dull moment. If you like this genre, don't miss it! [Heart][laugh]

4. 4 重 Reborn: I Flirted the Gloomy Regent into a Daze 重生后，阴鸷摄政王被我撩晕了 Heart Yearning for Gardenias心向往栀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted "Print edition available for preorder October 24 at 7 p.m.!" "Black Lotus Beauty of a Princess & the Grim, Ruthless Regent" [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Devoted Couple + Putting Scumbags in Their Place] Zhixian was the sharpest blade at the side of the Third Prince of Nanzhao, eliminating every obstacle in his bid for the throne. But on the day he was named crown prince, she met her end. "Zhixian, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for knowing too much." Xuan Yuan Heng wiped t 32.9kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

   Reader note

   Both books feature highly intelligent female protagonists. In the first book, the protagonist feigns weakness to outsmart others, but is actually very strong. In the second book, the protagonist is meticulous and calculating, with her ultimate goal always being the highest position!

5. 5 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
6. 6 安 An Lingrong Is Reborn into a Disastrous Start 安陵容重生到天崩开局 Rose Leaning on Snowy Fragrance蔷薇倚香雪Female-Channel Fanfiction520k WordsCompleted Reborn into the disastrous opening scene of a blood test to determine parentage, An Lingrong works to unite everyone she can. First, she gets the useless An Bihuai out of the way, then gradually takes revenge on each person who humiliated her in her previous life, ultimately finding happiness. 1. An Lingrong is still An Lingrong, and she is not a good person. 2. An Lingrong’s appearance draws on the original work’s descriptions. She has a very bewitching face. 3. Zhen Huan’s intelligence is not 8.3kReads9.3Score714Shelves

   Reader note

   The first book is about turning the tide against all odds; if you like An Xiaoniao, you can check it out. The second book is loading 😢😢 It's so frustrating following the updates!

7. 7 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 306Reads9.1Score—Shelves
8. 8 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

   All palace intrigue novels, very good. Highly recommend 2 out of 8.

9. 9 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.4kReads9.4Score3kShelves
10. 10 团 The Adored Princess Is Beautiful and Sweet 团宠郡主美又娇 Wan YanS琬琰sAncient Romance451k WordsCompleted Sheng Wange was an astonishingly beautiful girl! She could compose poetry at three and speak in elegant phrases at five. By eight, she was the most beautiful and talented girl in the capital! Born to a noble family, her father was the prime minister, second only to The Outcast and above everyone else. Her mother was the second daughter of the Prince-Guarding General and the empress's younger sister. There were no princesses in the imperial family, nor any girls among the younger generation of th 1.2kReads8.7Score132Shelves
11. 11 错 After a Mistaken Marriage to the Heir, She Spends Every Day Showering Him with Sweets 错嫁世子后，她每天都在撒糖 Strawberry Xi草莓汐Ancient Romance370k WordsCompleted [Reborn + mutually devoted sweet romance + revenge and household intrigue] Jiang Rong was deceived her entire life, and only learned the truth when she was on the verge of death. Returned to ten years earlier, she found herself fleeing an arranged marriage to elope. Jiang Rong gave the scoundrel a thorough beating, then turned around and went back to the prince’s manor to marry. The husband she had run from was Xie Lingxi, heir to the Northern Prince. In her previous life, he had protected he 34.9kReads9.5Score4.5kShelves
12. 12 纵 So What If You’re Reborn? 纵你重生又如何 Yao Yaoya妖幺芽Ancient Romance169k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete] [Two powerful leads + no point in being reborn as a concubine’s daughter + face-slapping and punishing scoundrels + the male lead has a secret crush] [A cool, composed beauty with overwhelming combat prowess vs. a mysterious, bewitching prince] [One-on-one romance + happy ending + single and chaste] Her mother was the most favored legitimate princess, her uncle was the reigning emperor, her maternal grandmother was empress dowager of the realm, and her older brother 2.4kReads8.9Score309Shelves
13. 13 穿 The Transmigration of Su Su 穿越之苏酥传 Ke Hehe可呵呵Ancient Romance284k WordsCompleted [Faithful to each other + sweet romance]+ [The male lead is a deranged, extremely twisted, utterly awful man]+ [The female lead was born into this life with a natural fragrance]+ [An unconventional form of forced possession]+ [The male lead cares for and loves her more and more as the story goes on]+ [Later on, the male lead becomes utterly devoted to his wife] Su Su became Jiangnan's foremost talented young woman thanks to the extensive knowledge she had acquired in her previous life. When she 4.3kReads9.0Score308Shelves
14. 14 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I've discovered some incredibly captivating palace intrigue novels! The first one focuses heavily on the plot and the female lead—the legitimate daughter of a prime minister, secretly harboring hidden talents, ready to ascend the throne at any moment and wreak havoc in the court. The second one features a remarkably clear-headed female lead who isn't swayed by love, using the emperor as a performance indicator. She's a strong, clear-headed heroine who doesn't actively harm others but will never allow anyone to harm her either, and she's vengeful—super satisfying!

15. 15 都 Since I've Transmigrated into the Qing Dynasty, Why Not Boldly Choose Kangxi? 都清穿了，不妨大胆点选康熙啊！ Midnight Stars深夜星辰Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted On the first day Shi Nanxi transmigrates into the Qing Dynasty, she learns that her elder legitimate sister, Shi Rongyue, is also a transmigrator. Shi Rongyue wants to escape her future as the Crown Princess, so she approaches Nanxi and offers to let her marry the Crown Prince while she marries the Fourth Prince. Anyone who transmigrates into the Qing Dynasty knows the history. The Crown Prince’s later years are miserable. Though the Fourth Prince eventually wins, he is only thirteen now and wil 18.3kReads9.2Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I've read quite a few palace intrigue novels, but I only remember these few; I can't find the others even after searching.

16. 16 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
17. 17 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 36.9kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves
18. 18 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
19. 19 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

    🔆These two books are so good! (♥∀♥) The female lead is clear-headed and loveless, watching the male lead sink deeper into despair. Even after knowing that the female lead doesn't love him that much, he still loves her terribly.😆

20. 20 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
21. 21 窃 Stealing Jade, Stealing Hearts 窃玉偷娇 Fresh Radish Skin新鲜萝卜皮Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted Xue Ling and Cui Yu had been betrothed since childhood and grew up together. She was peerlessly beautiful, and he was a refined gentleman. They were a perfect match. After their wedding, her in-laws were kind and generous, and her sister-in-law was good-hearted. Everyone envied Xue Ling. But only Xue Ling knew that in their three years of marriage, Cui Yu treated her lovingly in public but coldly in private, and had never touched her. Xue Ling couldn’t understand why, until the day Cui Yu brough 4.1kReads7.9Score429Shelves

    Reader note

    Super good, highly recommended. None of the four female protagonists are naive and innocent; they are all cunning and intelligent, and they don't just rely on the emperor's favor (except for the second book, where her sole goal is to become empress).

22. 22 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Wouldn’t Let Me Leave 入宫后，偏执帝王不许我出宫 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance509k WordsCompleted [Not both virgins, not a strong heroine, a little angst early on, devoted love later] In the fourth year of the new emperor’s reign, Consort Duan died suddenly of an illness in the palace. At the time, Shen Jiafu was not yet fifteen. The Empress Dowager was from the Shen family. Half a year later, she summoned a Shen daughter to the palace to attend to her, claiming to be ill. Shen Jiafu traveled from Quzhou to the imperial capital. In public, she was gentle and well-behaved, like a charming flo 14.1kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
23. 23 娇 The Seductive Concubine Is a Master Flirt, and the Coldhearted Crown Prince Can't Keep His Hands Off Her 娇媚侍妾太会钓，薄情太子揽腰宠 Day Mountain Moon昼山月Ancient Romance273k WordsCompleted The villainess Ning Ning transmigrates into a book. She becomes the heroine of a sweet historical romance, where the aloof crown prince loves her alone for the rest of her life. But a cannon-fodder supporting character is unexpectedly reborn and steals everything that was supposed to be Ning Ning’s, taking her place as the heroine. Ning Ning falls from the original heroine to a notorious villainess destined for a tragic end. Because the reborn woman has altered the plot, the crown prince, once a 1.8kReads8.4Score166Shelves
24. 24 平 The Pingzhao Record 平昭录 The Seabed Is a Forest海底是森林Two Male Leads480k WordsCompleted Rebirth story (the shou is reborn), two male leads, both chaste!!! An old-school novel, with somewhat immature prose and plotting, so don’t overanalyze it!!! A bewitching, alluring empress shou × a devoted, clingy emperor gong In the winter of the fifteenth year of Pingzhao, Empress Xu passed away. The entire palace mourned and remembered her. The funeral bells rang again and again from the city tower, announcing the end of a virtuous empress’s reign. Rain and snow fell in torrents, washing away 2.5kReads9.1Score359Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a pretty good book, by Shuang Nan. Please ignore it if you don't like it.

25. 25 宜 Yixiu Reborn: Cutting Off Love and Becoming a Virtuous Wife! 宜修重生之断情绝爱成贤妻了！ Yan Zhuo Shaomi燕啄绍米Female-Channel Fanfiction2.0M WordsOngoing Empresses in the Palace: Ula-Nara Yixiu After Yixiu died, her spirit drifted for many years. The moment Qingying cut off her hair, Yixiu let go of her obsession amid resentment and bitterness, and had a sudden realization: she was reborn! Stroking the child in her belly, the reborn Yixiu laughed coldly and put love behind her for good. She plotted and schemed her way to power, turning others’ strength to her advantage. First, she cut off her birth mother’s last hope of survival. Then she made Ro 137Reads9.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    They're all great! Trust my taste! 😳😳

26. 26 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
27. 27 国 The Duchess Is Done: Reborn, She Returns as Empress 国公夫人不干了，重生归来当皇后 Fallen Coral珊瑚坠Ancient Romance1.6M WordsOngoing [Traditional historical romance, household intrigue, rebirth, face-slapping revenge, sweet romance, devoted to each other] In her previous life, Gao Yan was impotent, but Fu Yuzheng never looked down on him throughout their five years of marriage. At home, she poured her heart and soul into managing the Duke’s household. Outside, she used her father’s influence and her enormous dowry to pave his official career, supporting him as he rose to prominence! After giving him everything, the day he inh 1.2kReads8.5Score100Shelves
28. 28 侧 The Side Consort Takes Charge of the Household, Then Rises to the Throne as Empress 侧妃潜邸掌中馈，一朝成凰登后位 Xiao Yan Wants to Get Rich小闫要暴富Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Not a Pure Couple, Not a Transmigration Story, Not Reborn, No Golden Finger] [Content warning: The heroine is caught in a whirlpool of conflict and is far from a good person. She knows how to read the situation and may even take the initiative to hurt others.] Given a choice, who would want to become a woman willing to do anything to achieve her goals? At a plum-blossom-viewing banquet in the snow, Hua Songyi tried to keep a low profile, but the host family chose her anyway and forced her to 5.7kReads8.5Score631Shelves
29. 29 娇 So Pure and Innocent as a White Lotus, How Could She Be Scheming to Seduce Him? 娇娇纯净似白莲，怎会心机引诱？ Melon Egg瓜蛋Ancient Romance536k WordsCompleted [A femme fatale schemes for power, leading the hero step by step into ruin.] Jiang Yueyao is ruthless and destined to become empress. She first meets the emperor at a palace banquet. She is the most favored concubine of a minister, and after a palace consort publicly humiliates her, she drops to her knees and pleads for mercy, looking heartbreakingly beautiful beneath the dazzling palace lanterns. She meets the emperor for the second time in the study at her residence. Frantically fleeing her hu 4kReads9.0Score425Shelves
30. 30 穿 Book Transmigration: Only a Scheming Woman Can Beat a Two-Faced Green Tea 穿书：心机女才斗得过死绿茶 Happy Green Old Man开心绿老头Ancient Romance268k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a Book + Palace Intrigue + Scheming Romance + Satisfying Revenge + Forced Love Later On] Lu Siwan transmigrated into a book, becoming the disposable princess consort who was schemed against by a hypocritical white lotus and died young. In the original story, Prince Rong Qi Yun loved the farmer's daughter Jiang Ning and took her as a secondary consort. Thanks to Jiang Ning's cruel schemes, the original owner was cast aside and died by throwing herself into a well. With a disast 95Reads—Score—Shelves
31. 31 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

    This novel is full of foreshadowing, with a tightly woven plot and a fast pace. The female lead, Song Zhao, is very intelligent and always knows exactly what she wants. She's vengeful and quick to punish her enemies in the early stages, but she shows restraint in her dealings with others. However, after being framed by the scumbag emperor, she rises to prominence later on. All the schemes in this novel are more complex than they appear on the surface; they are all intricately linked. Not only is the female lead intelligent, but everyone in the harem is as clever as she seems. The female lead even experiences being banished to the cold palace at one point. This book isn't just about concubines vying for the emperor's favor; it also explores female empowerment. In short, don't miss it—it's truly excellent!

32. 32 出 The Night I Left the Palace, the Mad Emperor Took Me by Force 出宫当晚，被疯批帝王强取豪夺 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 25.8kReads9.2Score1.9kShelves
33. 33 娇 The Spoiled Villainess Made Her Horse Slave Cry, Turning Him into a Mad Young Lord 娇娇恶女气哭脚下马奴变疯批世子 Keyboard on Fire, Zao Zao键盘冒火早早Ancient Romance381k WordsCompleted [Unhinged Young Lord + Rivals Fighting Over Her + Escape and Captivity] Chu Zhaozhao transmigrates into a book. She only remembers that the villain, Yan Wu, was born without a trace of tenderness, and ended up as a horse slave to be sold off at someone else’s whim. No one imagined that the lowly horse slave was more than he seemed. The day he rose to become regent, he burned his enemies to ashes, looking like a vengeful ghost come to claim their lives. When Chu Zhaozhao opens her eyes, she disco 1.2kReads8.8Score116Shelves
34. 34 被 After Being Kidnapped, I Was Doted on by a Tyrant 被拐后，我被暴君娇养了 A Grain of White Sand一粒沙白Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted [Scheming tyrant × sweet, delicate princess] [Sweet historical romance] [Rekindled love] Gu Jinzhi ran away on the day she was supposed to marry an elderly prince. She had intended to seek refuge with her second brother, but in her panic she ran straight into the territory of a tyrant in Yongzhou! Xiao Heng looked at the delicate young woman in the snow and gave a scornful laugh. “She's barely a teenager, and that old prince would still lay his hands on her?!” Gu Jinzhi decided to escape his clu 5.1kReads9.2Score560Shelves
35. 35 嫁 After Marrying the Mad Crown Prince to Bring Him Good Fortune 嫁给疯批太子冲喜后 You Shi尤时Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The unfavored legitimate daughter of the Mu family is ordered by imperial decree to marry the crown prince, Zhou Jing, who is at death's door, to bring him good luck. Plenty of people wait to laugh at her, saying she might just end up bringing him luck by killing him in bed. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. The young woman is clearly terrified of him, but still can't help swearing her loyalty. “Your Highness, I'll treat you very well.” “Your Highness, after you pas 33.4kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves
36. 36 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 31.7kReads8.9Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead doesn't fall in love simply to survive.

37. 37 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

    This novel, rated 9.4 and read by 40,000 people, is so good I've already read it three times. The female lead is very intelligent and knows how to seduce the male lead. Later on, the male lead dotes on her exclusively and decides to marry her. There are a few minor angst-filled moments, but they only strengthen the bond between the leads. The story is engaging and doesn't drag on.

38. 38 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 first book is really good; everyone is intelligent, it's not a mindless, smooth-sailing story. In the end, the harem turns upside down, and the emperor is overthrown. The emperor's deep-seated selfishness and coldness are really captivating. The second book feels quite novel, and the language is more lively. The female lead is a "wildflower," the most vibrant flower in the lifeless harem. The ultimate goal of this infighting is retirement. The ending is that the female lead's true nature is revealed upon retirement, and the emperor is already deeply in love. It's a time-travel novel, and the female lead has a charming, all-powerful presence. Both books have their merits. The first one left me wanting more, while the second was more enjoyable. Neither book features a love interest in the emperor; both are ambitious and worth reading.

39. 39 绝 The Royal Family Is Doomed to Die Out, Your Chubby Baby Is Here 绝嗣皇室要灭亡，你们的胖崽来啦 Duo Fu多馥Ancient Romance766k WordsCompleted Three-year-old Tuantuan is a chubby little girl whose mother ran away while pregnant with her. Her beautiful, capable mother built up a great fortune for Tuantuan! But her uncle wanted to take her mother's wealth for himself, so he pushed her mother off a cliff and then tried to kill Tuantuan, too. Just as Tuantuan is near death after enduring so much torment, the most cruel and unpredictable tyrant emperor in Great Yu arrives in person. He gathers her into his arms and comforts her: “Tuantua 11.7kReads9.0Score880Shelves
40. 40 三 The Three-and-a-Half-Year-Old Dragon Cub Becomes a Global Sensation for Her Fortune-Telling 三岁半龙崽崽靠算命火遍全球 Xie Feixian谢非闲Modern Romance973k WordsCompleted [Explosive! Sweet and satisfying from beginning to end! The three-and-a-half-year-old dragon cub is doted on by everyone!] Three-and-a-half-year-old Nuan Bao earns money telling fortunes on an overpass. At home, her heartless uncle and aunt beat and abuse her, and she nearly gets sold to a wicked human trafficker. Fortunately, her maternal uncle arrives just in time. From then on, Nuan Bao becomes the happiest little princess in the world, spoiled by her four impossibly cool and powerful uncles! 2.9kReads9.2Score469Shelves
41. 41 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 20.9kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves
42. 42 妃 A Consort's Scheme for the Emperor's Heart 妃谋帝心 Falling Ashes坠落的灰Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted With her father turning a blind eye and her stepmother throwing her weight around, Mu Li is ordered to marry an old prince as a concubine. They tell her this is her fate. Mu Li refuses to believe it. She has never believed in fate… Just then, the imperial household holds its selection of consorts. Daughters of officials of rank eight or above who are of suitable age may participate. Mu Li thinks: Since I’m to be a concubine, why not become the concubine of the most powerful person in the realm? 9.2kReads8.9Score1kShelves
43. 43 谢 Empress of the Xie Family 谢家皇后 Song of the Yue People越人歌Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted In her first year in the palace, she is a Talented Lady. In her fifth, she is a Jieyu. In her tenth, she wants to become empress. As empress, she can hold on to everything she treasures and keep it from being taken away. She can protect herself and her child, and she can... stay by his side. This is a road with only one direction: take a single step back, and all will be lost. The bright yellow ceremonial parasol moves forward, and the emperor's procession slowly enters the city gate. A yellow p 8.9kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves
44. 44 朕 The Emperor Finds His Consort Alluring; I Find His Majesty a Jerk 朕见贵妃多妩媚，妾见皇上甚是渣 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance458k WordsCompleted [No transmigration or rebirth] [Pure palace intrigue] [The heroine never falls in love] Jinyue, the legitimate eldest daughter of a general's household, is chosen in a selection for the imperial harem. The Empress appoints her as a spy and marries her off to the Crown Prince as a secondary consort. The moment she enters the Eastern Palace, she understands that she and Zhongli Jin are bound only by mutual interest. There can never be the slightest affection between them. After sixteen years in th 2.5kReads9.0Score239Shelves
45. 45 傲 The Haughty Empress's Concubine Conquest 傲娇娘娘的宠妃攻略 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance437k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + historical romance + not mutually chaste + marriage first, love later She is the general’s younger sister, with an excellent family background and beauty to match. After she transmigrates, she wakes up caught in the schemes and betrayals of the imperial palace. To protect herself, she resolves to become the emperor’s favorite consort. When they first meet, he tells her, “I will never like a woman like you in this life.” Gu Qingyan successfully presents herself as somewhat 1.6kReads8.9Score138Shelves
46. 46 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
47. 47 先 Love After Marriage: The Crown Princess Keeps Pretending to Be Good Again and Again 先婚后爱，太子妃又又又又在装乖 I Want to Be a Rich Lady我想当富婆Ancient Romance278k WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance] Song Yao, who was born into this world, got married to Nangong Yi, the notoriously violent crown prince. After their wedding, they acted like a proper couple, treating each other with courtesy and respect. Gradually, Song Yao discovered that the crown prince was nothing like the violent man of the rumors. He was gentle, considerate, and easy to get along with. So she let her true nature out and started doing as she pleased. - At first, when facing the crown prince: Song Yao: gent 21.7kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves
48. 48 祸 Turmoil in the Six Palaces: The Mad Demon Consort's Daily Meltdowns 祸乱六宫：疯批妖妃发癫日常 Bing Xiayun冰夏云Ancient Romance677k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + male lead has had other women, heroine is chaste + doted on exclusively later + heroine is sweet on the outside but dark within, wicked and a good actress, occasionally goes off the rails, happy ending] With skin as pure as ice and bones as fine as jade, her beauty could topple a city, stunning all who saw her… That year, she entered the palace by imperial decree to keep her pregnant elder sister company. She never expected to be trapped there for good, reduced to a fish on he 8.4kReads9.0Score894Shelves
49. 49 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
50. 50 怎 How Can Anyone Resist the Noble Consort's Alluring Charm? 怎敌贵妃百媚千娇 Fish Carrying the Moon鱼衔月Ancient Romance300k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + heroine transmigrates] In the fifth year of Yongyan, the emperor ordered a selection of consorts. Wen Wanyu was the most beautiful among the candidates. With her charming looks and soft, lilting voice, she was as delicate as a flower and soon won the emperor’s favor. She had once been the apple of her father’s eye, but when he was framed and her elder brother humiliated, she defied her whole family and asked to enter the palace to protect them. From the darling 2.2kReads8.9Score194Shelves

Other lists with The Imperial Consort Is Ravishingly Beautiful, but All She Wants Is Power and Wealth