Palace-Intrigue Dramas, Whether the Protagonist Transmigrates or Not 宫斗剧，穿越或不穿越

1. 1 宜 Yixiu Reborn: Battling Her Legitimate Sister and Becoming Empress Dowager 宜修重生，斗嫡姐，当太后 Xiang Liu Yi湘柳依Female-Channel Fanfiction757k WordsCompleted [Empresses in the Palace fan fiction + wish-fulfillment + palace intrigue + villainous female lead] Yixiu is reborn on the day before her elder sister Chun Yuan enters the manor. Since her stepmother wants Chun Yuan to marry into the family so badly, Yixiu will gladly make it happen. But she will make sure the entire capital hears about it. She wants to see whether, once all of the capital finds out that a woman seduced her pregnant younger sister's husband, Chun Yuan can still become Fourth Pri 7.9kReads8.2Score63014d adds

   Reader note

   Those who have watched "Empresses in the Palace" can check this out. It's alright, although some plot points are a bit off, but overall it's acceptable.

2. 2 重 The Reborn Empress Looks Up, and the Entire Court Falls to Its Knees 重生女帝一抬眼，满朝大臣全跪了 Nanhuang南凰Ancient Romance441k WordsCompleted [Reborn + Strong heroine + Yandere + Both are virgins + Satisfying read + Obsessive to the core] Yan Qing was supposed to be a princess of the imperial clan, but she was born cursed as an ill-fated loner. Her father kept his distance, her mother loathed her, and her family and subjects all saw her as a venomous snake, avoiding her at all costs. In the prime of her life, she died because of her family’s schemes. Even the powerful young nobleman she had personally trained and nurtured betrayed her 2.7kReads9.2Score27614d adds

   Reader note

   These two books are more like court intrigues than palace dramas, and the female leads are extremely powerful, while the male leads are just wingmen.

3. 3 天 The Heaven’s Chosen Decree: The General’s Daughter Rules the World 天骄令：将门娇娥独步天下 Fruit Is Scarce in the Northwest西北水果少Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Political intrigue]+ [Strong female lead]+ [Sweet romance]+ [Mutual devotion] The heroine’s story: In her previous life, Pei Zhao trusted the wrong person and died a miserable death. Reborn, she finds that even Heaven is playing a joke on her. Her father is killed in battle, her elder brother is gravely wounded, and the Duke of Dingguo’s residence, a family of loyal heroes who have served Northern Liang for a hundred years, is plunged into turmoil overnight. Pei Zhao braves the storm and fights 2.4kReads9.2Score37714d adds
4. 4 重 Reborn in the Dragon Bed, the Beloved Consort Cries in the Emperor's Arms 重生在龙塌，宠妃抱着陛下哭 Staggering Along蹒跚行Ancient Romance461k WordsCompleted [A spoiled, sweetly obedient favorite consort VS a gentle, jade-like emperor who's sweet on the outside and ruthless within (they are not each other's first, but he dotes on her exclusively from the beginning to the end)] Jiang Shuyi's life as a favorite consort went smoothly for fifteen years. The emperor was gentle and benevolent, doting on her without restraint, and not a single woman in the harem dared challenge her. But she was blind to her own sister's treachery. In the end, her closest 101.2kReads9.2Score11.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   The emperor doted on her blindly, personally teaching her and showering her with love. Before her rebirth, the female lead was murdered by her son and sister, so she sought revenge. However, because her son carried her blood, she wouldn't do it herself, instead ordering the eldest prince to kill him. But the emperor only had two sons, and knowing the female lead wouldn't want the eldest prince to inherit the throne, he plotted to frame the eldest prince for a coup, cruelly harming his siblings, killing him, and then bequeathing the throne to a virtuous and talented orphan. He then drank poison and was buried with the orphan.

5. 5 哑 The Mute Palace Maid’s Daily Life 哑巴宫女日常 Pearl Pu'er Tea珍珠普洱茶Ancient Romance524k WordsCompleted Maids! Maids! No Romance Bai Zhi was sold into the palace by her family when she was five. At ten, she was assigned to serve the Fifth Prince, who was the same age as her. At fifteen, she saved his life during the spring hunt. The Fifth Prince eventually ascended the throne and became Emperor Zhaoxuan, while Bai Zhi became the head auntie of the Imperial Tea Room in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Because Bai Zhi was quiet and had once saved Emperor Zhaoxuan's life, she became a famous mute m 8.3kReads8.9Score47414d adds

   Reader note

   No romantic pairing, not a sweet romance novel 😘😘🥰 [Bump]

6. 6 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 21.5kReads9.3Score2k14d adds

   Reader note

   The female lead remained clear-headed throughout.

7. 7 贵 The Imperial Consort Trades on the Emperor’s Favor, Seeking Revenge and Rising to Power 贵妃恃宠而骄，一路复仇上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue revenge power fantasy, with sweet romance, scumbags getting what they deserve, and an adorable child later on. The leads are not each other's firsts, so read with caution if that bothers you!!! Not fantasy!!!) She is Yu Zhiyi, daughter of Jiangnan's richest man, and Yu Zhiyan, daughter of the Minister of Rites. On her fifth birthday, because of a Frost Soul Pearl, all 100-odd members of Yu Zhiyi's family were slaughtered. The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley had once 2.6kReads9.1Score27514d adds

   Reader note

   A pure palace intrigue and revenge story, not mindless at all. The female lead is brave and intelligent, outwitting the concubines and winning the emperor's heart. The male lead isn't just a tool either; he's both brave and resourceful! Chinese people don't lie to Chinese people, it's really good! 🤤🤤🤤

8. 8 余 Yu Ying'er Reborn: The Emperor Is Acting Strange 余莺儿重生：皇上不对劲了 Mu Mu Mu穆沐暮Female-Channel Fanfiction519k WordsCompleted Yu Ying'er is reborn at the moment she answers the poem at Yimei Garden. Having already died once, she is now even more fearless. She knows that the reason she was favored back then was simply because she was a pawn. She isn't afraid. Instead, she grows even more arrogant. After all, until the day she dies, the emperor will dote on her to make full use of this pawn. This time, she intends to enjoy her life as a favored consort. She won't even bother currying favor with Consort Hua. She'll be as 3.1kReads8.8Score32714d adds

   Reader note

   This is really good; everyone should check it out—it's a different kind of palace drama like *Empresses in the Palace*.

9. 9 小 The Little Palace Maid's Thoughts Were Read 小宫女被读心了 Jiang Xiaoshi江小十Ancient Romance254k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the palace as a maid, Qin Jianjian works diligently, flatters those above her, and deceives those below her. In the end, she becomes the top-ranked maid serving the Empress Dowager. She has undoubtedly reached the pinnacle of her profession. Money she’s openly entitled to, along with money she shouldn’t have, keeps flowing into Qin Jianjian’s pockets. Delighted, she just has to wait until she’s old enough to leave the palace and retire early. Who could have guessed the 14.7kReads9.4Score1.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   Both of these are incredibly good books!!! Both feature female protagonists who time-travel, but neither has any special advantages. They are both fully aware of the difficulties they face in ancient times. In the first book, the male lead is an emperor who can read the female lead's mind, and she is ruthless; anyone who dares to mess with her will be slapped. The second male lead in the second book is amazing; he's also a time traveler, and it was so touching. He considered so many things for the female lead and paved the way for her.

10. 10 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 34.7kReads9.0Score2.7k14d adds
11. 11 这 This Time, I'll Teach You How to Be a Person 这一世，我教你做人 Going It Alone in Life独闯生活Modern Romance126k WordsOngoing To bring good luck to her gravely ill father, Sun Yao had no choice but to bow her head and marry her first love, whom she had broken up with years ago. She never expected that turning back would cost her life. Just as... “Driver, please, go faster. If you don’t, I’m going to die.” Sun Yao pleaded helplessly with the driver. “Skreeee!” The long, piercing screech of brakes rang out. Sun Yao wasn’t paying attention and slammed her face into the seat in front. “Get out! If I keep driving you, I’m g —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A good book, you could watch a palace intrigue drama or time travel story and get revenge on those who bullied you.

12. 12 嫁 After Marrying a Disabled Man, I Became the Chief Minister's Wife 嫁给残废后我成了首辅夫人 Tomato-Stewed Chestnuts番茄炖栗子Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Chu Ruoyan, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Chu’s household, is engaged to a man whose entire family has fallen in battle. Her fiancé survived, but was left disabled. Everyone assumes the engagement is doomed, but the Chu family’s daughter marries as planned, saying only two words: “I’ll marry him.” * No one knows that Chu Ruoyan had a nightmare. In the dream, she breaks off her engagement to Yan Zheng. Three years later, she meets the heir of the Marquis of Pingjing, only for rebels to l 21.5kReads9.1Score3.1k14d adds
13. 13 隔 The Buddhist Monk Next Door Is Here to Woo His Wife! 隔壁那佛子，是来钓妻的！ Too Big忒大Ancient Romance654k WordsCompleted [Just started getting ratings, and the score is rising. Go ahead and give it a try.] ✓ Long-planned pursuit ✓ Buddhist monk × young nun Feng Xuanchen became a monk! Even two years later, the noble young ladies still couldn’t believe it. Their dream man, the God of War Prince of the Chaofeng Kingdom, had renounced the world! Yet there was never a shortage of fearless women throwing themselves at him, hoping to drag the peerless Buddhist monk back into worldly life. It was all in vain. - The empe 11.7kReads9.0Score1.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is so beautiful!

14. 14 退 After Breaking Off the Engagement, This Princess Stops Pretending 退婚后，本公主不装了 Gardenia Milk Foam栀栀奶芙Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted [Household intrigue + secret identity + everyone’s darling + true and false heirs + mutual devotion + scumbag chases his wife to the crematorium, but never wins her back] A wealthy merchant’s only daughter arrives in Rongcheng. She’s young, beautiful, and rich. Madam Xi of the Xi family has her eye on the girl’s dowry. But the eldest Xi son looks down on her, even as he plans to take her for everything she’s worth. The second Xi son looks down on her too. To avoid the marriage, he drugs her and 5.7kReads9.1Score1.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is seriously amazing! The female lead was captured from modern times by the Grand Preceptor of the Liang Dynasty to save the dynasty. She transmigrates into the body of the dynasty's only princess, surrounded by six older brothers and one younger brother, all of whom dote on her. It's not a mindless story; the emperor is grooming her to ascend the throne. It's genuinely sweet and doting, and the female lead truly deserves to be loved. ❤️❤️❤️

15. 15 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 162.8kReads9.6Score22.7k14d adds

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    The first book I ever read, I can't forget it! 🥰

16. 16 让 They Wanted Me to Be a Sacrificial Stepmother, but I Chose to Make My Own Way 让我当炮灰主母，我偏另谋高枝 Ji Yun霁妘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Historical Romance / Household Intrigue / Sweet Romance / The Male Lead Is Head Over Heels] In Ruyi's Beloved Concubine, the heir apparent Xie Yunzhix is a brave and formidable warrior, always dashing across the battlefield in fine clothes, with no one able to stand against him. Sadly, he is only a supporting character. The story opens with him in a vegetative state, leaving behind three adopted sons. Xu Qingyi discovers that she has become the foil to the beloved heroine of a sweet romance. On 143.6kReads9.4Score20.6k14d adds
17. 17 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

    Reader note

    The first book features a female protagonist who transmigrates. She diligently works to gain the favor of a tyrant in order to return home. Just when she's almost at the maximum favor, he decides not to let her go—a classic case of "chasing after a wife" scenario! The second book features a female protagonist who has someone she likes, but his family has committed a crime. To save his life, she enters the palace and gradually gains the emperor's favor, becoming the most favored concubine. The third book is told from the female protagonist's first-person perspective. She's an innocent young girl, but can one truly escape disaster in the harem without cunning? She lives with an innocent facade, but she's actually quite shrewd. Entering the palace at six, the simple girl grows up step by step. The language is both heavy and insightful. "Empty Wall Willow" is also told from the female protagonist's first-person perspective. She enters the palace because she resembles the Empress, who has lost faith in the emperor and can only find satisfaction in a woman who resembles her. This book is more like a harem ensemble piece, focusing less on palace intrigue and more on the women within the palace walls who help and befriend each other, using light language to depict the underlying sorrow.

18. 18 行 Late in the Day 行止晚 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + emperor and empress + tragic palace romance] 145,000 readers gave it top ratings, and countless readers cried their way through it! The year’s breakout historical romance, a heartache readers can’t forget. A clear-eyed, sweet empress VS a proud emperor whose love never wavers. Born into the imperial family, how can everything ever go as you wish? May we remain together forever, and may I keep you safe and at peace. A gentleman’s word is his bond. In a daze, I saw the moon rise. 25.7kReads9.6Score3.3k14d adds
19. 19 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 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1k14d adds
20. 20 乖 A Sweet, Obedient Woman Gets the Best of Life, and the Crown Prince Can't Get Enough 乖巧的女人最好命，太子欲罢不能 Mi Yiner弥音儿Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (P.S. Strong male lead, weaker female lead, pure historical romance, no transmigration, no rebirth, no golden finger, sweet romance.) Wen Li'er is gentle and mild-mannered, the cherished darling of her parents. She thought she'd marry a man she loved and spend her life raising children and managing the household. But an imperial decree from the Empress made her the lowest-ranking consort in the Eastern Palace. Unable to bear the blow, Wen Li'er fell seriously ill and spent half a year bedridden. 46.3kReads8.8Score8k14d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue, fantasy cultivation

21. 21 古 Ancient-Era Romance: This Time, I'm Going to Enjoy Life 古言，这辈子我要享受人生 Nini Yuan妮妮圆Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [More men than women + Sweet romance + Pocket dimension + Painless childbirth + Multiple Male Leads] A mishap while refining pills made Yue Li transmigrate once again. Looking at this new world before her, Yue Li decided to just give up and coast through life. 188Reads8.6Score—14d adds
22. 22 咸 The Lazy Princess Returns to the Capital, and the Whole Dynasty Follows Her for the Gossip 咸鱼郡主回京，全皇朝追着吃瓜 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s Favorite + Sweet Historical Romance + Fun and Lighthearted + Palace Politics with a Light Touch + Both Leads Are Each Other’s Only One + Equally Matched Leads + No Transmigration, Rebirth, System, or Inner Thoughts + Everyone Is Native to This World] A seemingly sweet and gentle daughter of a vassal king vs. a truly delicate and frail eldest imperial grandson For the old emperor’s birthday, vassal kings from across the land are ordered to come to the imperial capital and celebrate 41kReads9.1Score4k14d adds
23. 23 清 Qing Transmigration: Stay Calm, Princess Consort! The Fourth Prince Will Win You the Empress's Throne 清穿：福晋稳住！四爷给你挣后位 Willow Bank杨柳岸Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [An alternate Qing dynasty, unlike the historical one.] After transmigrating, Yun Qu swallowed nervously as she faced her complicated new circumstances. She had become the Fourth Prince's primary consort. What was she supposed to do? Could she ever go back? Once she learned that returning was impossible, Yun Qu accepted her fate. She decided to raise her son well and treat the Fourth Prince like her boss, serving him diligently. If he pointed east, she wouldn't go west. If he wanted to take a co 19.1kReads9.1Score1.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is so well-written! The male lead is impure, but later his heart belongs only to the female lead. There are no cheat codes, only the protagonist's halo!

24. 24 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 33.2kReads9.4Score4.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The sickly yet loving crown prince, and the sweet and adorable crown princess—they're always putting on an act, haha!

25. 25 踹 After Kicking Over the Dragon Throne, the Entire Court Begged Her to Take the Crown 踹翻龙椅后，满朝文武跪求她登基 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted (The heroine focuses on her career, with no romantic pairing. She becomes somewhat cold-hearted and ruthless later on.) Born into the world as a princess, Yu Hui thinks that at last, an incredible fortune has fallen into her lap. She has a palace to live in, money to spend, and status to protect her, so she can enjoy a peaceful, happy life. But peace is out of the question. Calamities keep dropping out of the sky, and they’re heavy ones. Happiness? Not really. Someone is always ending up dead, s 8.4kReads8.8Score71814d adds

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is reborn as a child, always managing to survive her unlucky childhood. She's skilled in both literature and martial arts, with elements of fantasy. From an unknown little princess to a centuries-old empress, she has a spatial ability and no male lead. (Completed novel)

26. 26 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 120.1kReads9.5Score11.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    I think the first world is somewhat fitting! It's good, let's finish at chapter 184!

27. 27 疯 Mad Empress: I’ll Be the Harem’s Number One White Lotus 疯批皇后，争做后宫第一白莲花 Luo Zhi洛枝Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Transmigration into a fictional setting + highly intelligent heroine in palace intrigue + face-slapping + a volatile, multifaceted personality + not a clean romance] Lin Junxue transmigrated to the Xie Dynasty, an era that had never existed in history, and ended up as an unloved empress who had no idea how she died. She’d thought she was a powerless, unloved empress, but it turned out the original owner’s father was a first-rank military marquis, a loyal servant of the court for three generatio 24.4kReads9.1Score2.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    These two palace intrigue novels are good.

28. 28 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 15.4kReads8.2Score1.4k14d adds
29. 29 嫁 Marrying into a Wealthy Family 嫁大户 Ji Qiushan积丘山Ancient Romance350k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + merchant couple + married life + sweet everyday romance + family and village life] The heroine is gentle, clear-headed, and never lets anyone push her around. The hero is considerate, witty, and resourceful. The younger daughter of the Shen family in Baihe Town marries the second son of the Xie family, who runs a medicinal herb shop in Ping County. She hears he spends most of his time away from home and that his family has fallen on hard times. She never expec 28.5kReads9.3Score3.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    Beautiful! [A masterpiece by Sparrow Eater]

30. 30 替 The Runaway Stand-In Was Caught, and the Mad Emperor Coaxes Her Every Night 替身逃跑被抓回，疯批帝王夜夜哄 Yun Chuchuchu云初初初Ancient Romance373k WordsCompleted [The score is low because ratings have just opened. It will rise later.] [Both leads are faithful + clear-headed transmigrated heroine + sharp-tongued, scheming, lovesick hero + the hero grovels for love + a man in power bows his head for love] [Heroine's point of view]: When do I finally believe in an emperor's love? When I stabbed him, ran away twice, and was caught in the act the last time, just as I was preparing to marry someone else. When I thought I was done for, but he forgave me after s 4.2kReads9.2Score41014d adds

    Reader note

    This time-travel novel is quite good. The substitutes are fake; they're all just targets for the male lead to consolidate his power in the court. The female lead is very intelligent, calm, and insightful, which the male lead particularly appreciates. He gradually falls in love with her, but the female lead doesn't want to become the fulfillment of the male lead's past regrets and keeps looking for opportunities to escape, which is really captivating. The ending has a bit of an infinite flow feel to it, which is quite amazing.

31. 31 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 25.5kReads9.2Score1.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    I don't want to say much more, it's just very beautiful.

32. 32 笑 Laugh at Her Divorce? After She Marries the Emperor, You'll All Kneel Before Her 笑她和离？改嫁帝王后都给她跪下 Guest from the Immortal Realm仙中客Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The heir of the Duke of Qingguo doted on his concubine and neglected his wife. The emperor felt sorry for the man’s wife and brought her into the palace to look after her. The result was the birth of several little princes and princesses. Full synopsis: Yun Qing’s father commanded a powerful army. Several princes wanted to marry her to gain control of his troops, which aroused the emperor’s suspicions. To protect both her and the Yun family army, her father had no choice but to petition the empe 14.8kReads9.0Score2.1k14d adds
33. 33 穿 I Became the Crown Prince’s Grandmother, and I’m Helping My Whole Family Build Their Reputations 穿成太子外祖母，我带全家立人设 Fu Tang'er福棠儿Ancient Romance872k WordsCompleted No romance, feel-good story, raising children, transforming the whole family After an accident, Shi Ying transmigrated to the Great Yong Dynasty and became the Old Madam of the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence. Her daughter was the empress, and her grandson was the crown prince. Her late husband had been the emperor’s teacher. It all sounded incredibly grand. But what happened? The crown prince died young, and the empress was deposed. Her younger son was defeated in battle and taken prisoner. Her eld 10.9kReads8.6Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    A woman transmigrates into the body of an old lady who was a talent agent in her previous life. After transmigrating, she reforms her entire family. The author writes quite well; you might want to check it out. [Please follow][Please follow][Please follow]

34. 34 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

    Reader note

    A little palace intrigue won't hurt you 🤭

35. 35 咸 The Laid-Back Consort: Rising Step by Step 咸鱼娘娘：步步高升 Melancholy Cantaloupe忧伤的哈密瓜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + childbirth + doted on exclusively later] Jiang Wan transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace consort of an emperor with no children. To protect the people around her, she has no choice but to compete for a little favor. Who knew she’d end up giving the emperor a chubby baby boy! Emperor: “She’s the birth mother of my only son. Of course I have to protect her.” Who knew that all that protection would turn into affection? As Jiang Wan ris 18.8kReads8.9Score1.7k14d adds
36. 36 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 69kReads9.4Score8.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    [Book Title Pre-order] *Has the King of Intrigue Retired Today?* Shen Wei, a workaholic obsessed with competition, transmigrates into the body of a lowly maid in a royal palace, only to discover that the top-tier inner court is full of lazy bums: a Buddhist-like princess, a devoted concubine, a reborn woman who's just giving up... The King of Intrigue pulls out a PowerPoint presentation and overnight creates a "KPI Assessment Table for Competing for Favor." Through various forms of competition—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—she transforms the Buddhist-like prince into a love-struck fool, rising from maid to Imperial Noble Consort. On her retirement day, just as she's starting to eat melon seeds, the retired emperor angrily pins her against the wall: "You compete for favor just to lie down?" Shen Wei retorts with her "Twenty-Year Retirement Plan": "What else?" #ModernWorkingWomanTransmigratesToTheInnerCourtRetirementPancake# #InitiallyI'mCompetingInMyCareer, LaterMyHusbandCompetesInLove# A subversive, face-slapping, and satisfying novel, a cure for all kinds of lazy bums!

37. 37 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 87.1kReads9.5Score9.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese characters, no cheat codes, relying solely on intelligence and strategy. My top pick for palace intrigue novels. After reading this one, I couldn't get into any other palace intrigue novels, so I'm now reading the author's new book.

38. 38 嫡 Married into the Eastern Palace 嫡嫁东宫 Mei Yi Si瑂忆覗Ancient Romance510k WordsCompleted Ever since she was little, Zhou Zhou knew she was different from her sisters. That difference meant she was lucky enough to be taught by her grandfather and cherished by her grandmother. At eight, the emperor personally selected her to be the princess’s companion. She entered the palace, grew up alongside the princess, and became the childhood sweetheart of the Fifth Prince. Before the Peach Blossom Banquet held when she was fifteen, everyone said she was destined to become the Fifth Prince’s co 5.1kReads8.9Score42214d adds

    Reader note

    Both of these are pretty good.

39. 39 都 I'm Already a Concubine, So How Could I Not Go Mad? 都做妾了，哪有不疯的？ Dreams on the Mountain山上有梦Ancient Romance762k WordsCompleted #She miscarries from the start. What's wrong with going a little crazy?# #The heroine isn't a good person, the hero isn't a good person, and nobody's a good person# Yuan Xiangxue transmigrates. Other heroines either become mothers without the pain or get an overpowered golden finger. She's the unlucky one who miscarries from the start... Then she takes a look at her new identity: she's become the concubine of Liang Yujing, the ninth prince of the Great Liang Dynasty. She was a perfectly good per 5.2kReads8.6Score50014d adds
40. 40 炮 The Cannon Fodder Is Forced into a Romance by the Hero and Heroine 炮灰被男女主强制爱了 Blueberry Sang蓝莓桑Modern Romance245k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s favorite + playboy cannon-fodder + madman + imprisonment + multiple love interests + a major harem showdown, yandere characters included] [Imperfect, short-tempered female lead vs. all kinds of lunatics] An Xing transmigrated into a supernatural novel called Spirit Book, taking the role of a playboy male cannon-fodder who appeared in no more than three chapters. In the story, he played a cross-dressing character in a game to seduce the male lead, while posing as an artsy young man in 317Reads8.3Score10914d adds
41. 41 快 Quick Transmigration: The Host Is Starting Another Cycle! 快穿：宿主又开始轮回了！ Cold Light Rises L寒光生LModern Romance403k WordsOngoing [Both Leads Are Inexperienced + One-on-One Romance] Changyuan is a wandering, restless spirit who cannot enter the cycle of reincarnation. After roaming through different worlds and witnessing the myriad faces of humanity, she fell into a deep sleep. Then an accident involving the System identified her as a potential Host, and at last she began her journey through reincarnation… Current ideas: Proud Heiress & Impoverished School Heartthrob Gold-Digging Older Sister & Well-Behaved Younger Brother 7Reads6.1Score—14d adds
42. 42 快 Quick Transmigration: The Villainess Strikes, and Every Scumbag Turns Into a Good Dog 快穿：恶女出手，渣男都被训成狗 Chen Shiyi辰时弋Modern Romance201k WordsOngoing [Quick Transmigration + Crematorium Arc + Theatrical Villainess Tames Men and Punishes Scum + No Fixed Couple + Fake Death Elements + No Reconciliation After the Breakup + Soul Transmigration Roleplay] There are always scumbags who use “love” as an excuse to torment girls, body and soul, until they spend their days in tears and eventually die of heartbreak. The girls: “Please let me live again. This time, I’ll have absolutely nothing to do with scumbags!” Si Mimeng: “Certainly. In exchange, give —Reads—Score—14d adds
43. 43 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 9.6kReads8.6Score59614d adds

    Reader note

    The ultimate palace intrigue drama

44. 44 强 Claiming His Elder Brother's Widow, the Ruthless Power Broker Plots Every Move 强娶长嫂，疯批权臣步步为营 Nan Youyu南又予Ancient Romance315k WordsCompleted My new work is out! Come read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy it. Your support inspires me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 1kReads7.7Score10614d adds
45. 45 禁 Her Captor 禁锢她 Yi Yi苡議Ancient Romance331k WordsCompleted She is Le An, the beloved youngest daughter of the Great Yu emperor. Before she turned sixteen, she could have anything she wanted. After she turned sixteen, the father who loved her most passed away. Once her older brother ascended the throne, the first thing he did was send her to Northern Di as a hostage. Even the young general of Great Yu, the man her father had chosen as her betrothed, approved of this decision. All because the one who was supposed to be sent as a hostage was her brother's 7.4kReads8.1Score30414d adds
46. 46 青 After My Childhood Sweetheart Marries, the New Emperor Becomes Obsessed with Possessing Me 青梅嫁人后，新帝占有上瘾 Ice-Hearted Begonia冰心海棠Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Devoted couple + the hero chases his wife after losing her + possessive pursuit + simmering tension + power struggles + play the pig to eat the tiger] Everyone said Crown Prince Lu Xingjian was the very picture of grace and nobility: aloof, distinguished, elegant, and composed. Su Wanwan, who had grown up in the palace, knew how wild and heartless he was behind closed doors. She had been his secret lover for two whole years, yet never once received a promise from him. At last, she gave up hope 8.7kReads8.0Score1.7k14d adds
47. 47 二 A Second Marriage to the Eastern Palace 二嫁东宫 Spring Light Sways春光摇Ancient Romance850k WordsCompleted Shen Yuran was born into humble circumstances and was given to the Crown Prince as a gift. She adored him and looked up to him. Even when he was demoted to a commoner, she willingly stayed by his side through hardship. But after he returned to the Eastern Palace, things did not end well for her. After being reborn, Shen Yuran came to her senses. Rather than foolishly giving everything she had, she would be better off finding a dependable man and building a good life together. When the Crown Prin 3.8kReads8.9Score90214d adds
48. 48 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 32.5kReads9.3Score3.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all palace intrigue novels that I absolutely love, and the female leads are all quite cunning, not naive and innocent. The fourth one, in particular, is incredibly, incredibly, incredibly good—my absolute favorite!

49. 49 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 13.1kReads8.9Score1k14d adds
50. 50 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

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