Palace Intrigue with Real Scheming and Cunning Moves at Every Turn 宫斗文，真宫斗，步步为营，勾心斗角

1. 51 侧 The Side Consort Is Sweet and Gentle, and the Coldhearted Crown Prince Can't Get Enough 侧妃娇软，薄情太子轻点宠 Just Like This就酱籽Ancient Romance559k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a Book + Palace Intrigue + Plot Buff + HE + Both Leads Are Sexually Inexperienced + Male Lead Is Coldhearted and Applies Double Standards] [Content warnings: The heroine is no saint + she forces the male lead to remain sexually inexperienced + the male lead is utterly lovestruck] The second after Yu Li received the Best Newcomer Award, she transmigrated into a palace-intrigue novel. She became Shen Lichu, a disposable supporting female character with nothing but beauty and fam 301Reads9.0Score—14d adds
2. 52 娇 A Dazzling Beauty, the Spy Princess Can’t Escape the Emperor’s Embrace 娇丽动人，细作公主难逃帝王怀 Jing Tan瀞檀Ancient Romance417k WordsCompleted When the emperor of Dayan first ascended the throne, Ning Shuang was bundled off by Beiqiang and sent straight to Xiao Shiyan’s bed. The stunning beauty earned his favor as soon as she entered the palace, bewitching the emperor until he lost his senses. But rumors in the harem claimed Ning Shuang was merely Consort Qin’s double, destined to be cast aside once the consort and Xiao Shiyan made up. Ning Shuang was clear-eyed about her position: she was a spy planted in the harem by Beiqiang, and sh 1.3kReads8.8Score15514d adds
3. 53 退 After Breaking Off My Engagement, Kangxi Made Me His Favorite Consort 退婚后，我被康熙独宠后宫 Midnight Stars深夜星辰Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [A flirtatious beauty who loves to play games versus a seemingly proper, devoted emperor who falls into her trap] He YinYin, a star who rose from humble beginnings, died and transmigrated into the body of Hesheli, the Qing Dynasty wife of Longkodo, who was turned into a human pincushion. Fortunately, she had only just gotten engaged. To escape her tragic fate, she calmly thought things through and laid out the following plan. Step one: take Longkodo’s credit for saving the emperor... Step two: g 10.5kReads9.3Score1k14d adds

   Reader note

   These are some of my favorite palace intrigue novels.

4. 54 清 Qing Transmigration: Oh No, Consort Yi Is Beating People Again 清穿：不好了，宜妃又动手打人了 Xiao Shiyiniang萧十一娘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Qing Transmigration: A pampered young lady in her previous life + a haughty, proud, fussy little diva + quick to throw punches at the slightest provocation Not a clean romance. Reader discretion advised. Plot 1: Nalan Zhu is dazzlingly beautiful, with a graceful figure. As soon as she enters the imperial harem, Emperor Kangxi takes notice of her. She wins his favor at once and is immediately made a Noble Lady, granted the title Yi. At the morning audience in Changchun Palace, the beauty of Noble 4.5kReads9.0Score42614d adds
5. 55 娘 The Empress Is So Charming, the Emperor Holds Her in the Palm of His Hand 娘娘多娇，帝王捧在掌心宠 Fox's Dream狐狸梦Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [The leads are not faithful to each other at the beginning, so read with caution] [Palace intrigue at first, favoritism in the middle, exclusive devotion in the later part] [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + a stunningly beautiful, charming consort x a workaholic, devoted emperor] Qu Wanning was a die-hard fan of palace-intrigue novels. Just because she left the author a comment asking them to continue the story, she transmigrated into a new book whose blurb she had just finished reading! She ge 2.7kReads8.8Score31614d adds
6. 56 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 56.6kReads9.3Score6.9k14d adds
7. 57 美 The Bewitching Consort's Soft Allure Wins the Favor of the Entire Harem 美人酥软，贵妃她宠冠六宫 Li Chengyi李橙意Ancient Romance895k WordsCompleted After the pitiful Jiang Suiwan transmigrated as Imperial Consort Tong, she landed straight at the pinnacle of life. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to work hard, only to discover: 1. She was Kangxi's first cousin. 2. Her family had power over everything. 3. She could freely rub the little bald head of baby Yinzhen. 4. ...She was destined to die young. It seemed she didn't need to work hard at all. As long as she ate, drank, enjoyed herself, and managed to stay alive, she'd have everything she c 11kReads9.0Score1.1k14d adds
8. 58 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
9. 59 娇 The Emperor’s Favorite: His Beloved Consort 娇妃娘娘盛宠六宫 Blue Snow Pear Blossom蓝雪梨花Ancient Romance501k WordsCompleted (Transmigration + System + palace intrigue + happily ever after with the heroine as the emperor’s sole favorite) Xu Lanshan transmigrates into the body of a palace maid who was tortured to death by her own mistress. She has no choice but to plot her escape. The only way to stay alive is to win the emperor’s favor. She sees the bright side: he’s the most powerful man in the world, and he’s young and handsome, too. Sleeping with him would be a win. But what’s with this palace-intrigue System? If s 1.2kReads8.9Score10614d adds
10. 60 清 A Brilliant Scheme for the Noble Daughter of Qingchen 清辰似锦嫡女谋 July Light L七月光LAncient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted As the youngest legitimate daughter of a duke's household, she should have had a peaceful, uneventful life. But after entering the palace one day, she found herself caught in its treacherous intrigues… 8.4kReads8.2Score69014d adds

    Reader note

    The palace intrigue is there, but it's not too bloody or violent. The emperor's affection for Consort Rong feels natural. It's a good watch!

11. 61 陛 The Emperor’s Caged Bird Has Run Away 陛下的笼中雀跑路了 Cui Cuo璀错Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Possessive pursuit + groveling redemption arc: a sweet and gentle but headstrong favorite consort x a ruthless, scheming emperor] In her previous life, You Tingrong was a pampered songbird kept in the imperial harem. Though she had fine clothes, delicious food, and all the emperor’s affection, her story ended in tragedy. Given another life, she wants nothing to do with the cold-hearted emperor. Whoever wants to be his caged bird can take the job! After secretly arranging for her half-sister to 1.1kReads8.3Score11514d adds

    Reader note

    Both are good. The first one features a female protagonist who is reborn, while the second features a female protagonist who rises from a palace maid to become an empress.

12. 62 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
13. 63 主 The Mistress's Daily Life 主母日常 Zhou Dabai周大白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [An Aristocratic Lady Tears Apart a Transmigrator + Reborn + An Idyllic, Leisurely Life as the Mistress of an Ancient Estate] Lu Lingjun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, were both reborn. In their previous lives, Lu Lingjun married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her younger sister married the heir to a marquis’s estate. Everyone said her sister had made the better match. But who could have guessed that Lu Lingjun’s husband would become the prime minister and sec 23.3kReads9.0Score3.2k14d adds

    Reader note

    A palace intrigue and domestic power struggle, every step is carefully planned, the female lead is not a naive and innocent character, a very satisfying read. Lu Lingyun is focused on her career and cleans up the male lead's harem.

14. 64 侯 The Matriarch of the Marquis's Household 侯门主母 Fish Stewed in a Big Pot大锅炖鱼鱼Ancient Romance167k WordsCompleted In her past life, An Yan raised her stepson to secure the title of marquis for the Qin family and devoted herself to serving her mother-in-law. In the end, the ungrateful boy she raised caused the An family to be destroyed. Reborn in this life, An Yan swears to protect the An family's reputation and exact her revenge. She gives the little ingrate an enemy, makes the scheming white lotus kneel and serve tea, takes away his siblings, and torments his birth mother! 2Reads—Score—14d adds
15. 65 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 14.1kReads9.0Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Attention all fans of sweet palace intrigue and romance! "After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Forbids Me from Leaving" features slight angst in the beginning but complete doting on the heroine later. The heroine transforms from a confidante to someone who seduces the emperor, who then spoils her rotten. A 9.1 rating, incredibly captivating! ✨

16. 66 娘 The Empress Is Determined to Rise to the Top 娘娘她立志登高位 The Moon Has Set in the West月已西Ancient Romance679k WordsCompleted Scheming beauty x stern, cold emperor (soul transmigration + palace intrigue + not mutually devoted + eventually his one and only) In the third year of Zhaowu, Wen Zhuohua abandoned the path laid out for her and entered the palace as a palace-selection candidate. She loves wealth, splendor, power, and status. All under heaven belongs to the sovereign, and nothing in this world is more exalted than imperial authority. Once in the palace, she treads carefully in the harem and puts on an act for th 15.3kReads9.0Score2.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book [Transmigration, Male Not Female, Palace Intrigue, Mutual Attacks, HE] tells the story of Crown Prince Jun Zechen, who, having seen countless scheming women, only loves those with pure and kind hearts. During a campaign in the borderlands, he encounters Ling Yue, captivated by her carefree and kind nature, and promises her a lifetime of devotion. However, two years pass, and the Crown Princess remains unconceived. By imperial decree, Su Jingyao, the daughter of the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, is made the Crown Prince's concubine, burdened with the responsibility of ensuring the continuation of the imperial line. She is fifteen years old, having already lived fifteen years in ancient times, growing from an infant into a stunning beauty. At the age of ten, she accidentally discovers that the world she lives in is the same one she read in modern times. In the book, the male protagonist Jun Zechen and the female protagonist Ling Yue's youthful affection eventually turns to mutual loathing. Su Jingyao, however, was bestowed upon the Crown Prince by the Emperor at the height of their love, ultimately dying in the Eastern Palace due to her inability to win the Crown Prince's favor. The modern-day Su Jingyao doesn't believe in love, only in herself. Whether in modern or ancient times, she always aspired to great heights, wanting to soar to the highest peaks. Men belonged to her; power was also something she sought. Volume 1: Main Text - A female protagonist with great ambitions overcomes obstacles to rise to the top in palace intrigue. Volume 2: Jun Yao's Double Rebirth - A Sweet and Pampered Life for Two! Volume 3: Original Book - Jun Rebirth - An Arrogant and Willful Concubine vs. A Cold and Indifferent Old Man (A Wife-Chasing Hell). Volume 4: Modern - Yao Yao's Love History: If You Bloom, Butterflies Will Come. Four lifetimes of love are preordained, and the cycle of cause and effect will eventually close. [Note: The male and female protagonists in all four volumes are Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen.] The second book is "Charming and Scheming Concubine * Deep and Cold Emperor" (Soul Transmigration + Palace Intrigue + Not Both Clean + Later Exclusive Pampering). In the third year of Zhaowu, Wen Zhuohua abandoned her original path and entered the palace through the imperial concubine selection. She loved wealth, power, and status. Under heaven, all land belongs to the emperor, and nothing in the world is more revered than imperial power. After entering the palace, she navigated the harem with meticulous care; she played along with the Emperor. Wen Zhuohua rose from a lowly concubine to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort in the shortest time, a position equivalent to that of a Vice Empress. Not only that, she also wanted the future heir to the Great Chong Kingdom to bear her blood! When people spoke of the current Emperor Xiao Huanyuan, they all praised him as a wise ruler, possessing the decisiveness and ruthlessness of an emperor. Even Xiao Huanyuan himself thought so. But there are always exceptions, and his exception was her. At first, he thought she was delicate and naive, but later he glimpsed a hint of ambition in her subtle details. Even knowing her sincerity towards him was mixed with self-interest, thankfully, he could afford what she wanted! Wen Zhuohua: Can you really afford it? Xiao Huanyuan: A king's word is law. Wen Zhuohua: But what about the chair she wants? Xiao Huanyuan (early): Don't worry about it, I know how much I love her. (Later): Give it to her, give it to her. PS: The female lead is ambitious, striving for the highest goals, and is definitely not a kind person!! The male lead's fortunes change, he'll have his share of troubles. A story of an emperor who possesses the world gradually being hollowed out. Some values are present, but not many. If you mind, please don't read!!

17. 67 皇 A Royal Concubine 皇家妾室 A Bottle of Milk with Wangzai一瓶牛奶加旺仔Ancient Romance242k WordsCompleted [The heroine does not transmigrate, has no golden finger, and is not the sole object of the prince’s favor. He may favor her more later on. Read with care if that bothers you.] Qiao Weiyue was born into a merchant family. Because of her beauty, she was presented to Prince Jin as a concubine. She knew her place. The prince would never favor her alone, and she couldn’t compete with noblewomen who had powerful families and plenty of tricks up their sleeves. So she could only cling tightly to Prince 7.1kReads8.4Score82314d adds

    Reader note

    Some of them didn't get high ratings, but they were all quite good-looking. What makes a winner? Beauty? Intelligence? Luck?

18. 68 精 The Refined Self-Serving Life of the Imperial Harem 精致利己的后宫生活 Extra Extra Extra Spicy微微微微辣Ancient Romance906k WordsCompleted Content warning: Good and evil are relative, human nature is complicated, and the heroine is an unapologetic self-interested pragmatist. As a low-ranking palace maid, she has hundreds, even thousands, of mountains bearing down on her. Life is truly miserable... Rather than toil away her whole life, become a eunuch's bedmate, and be cremated after death, with her ashes scattered into the Rebirth Well so that they become one with his... Ji Hansu decides to find herself a better place to end up. As 1.3kReads7.2Score11714d adds
19. 69 你 Didn't You Say She Was Old and Out of Favor? 你不是说她年纪大，不得宠吗？ I'm Xingxing Da我是星星大Ancient Romance590k WordsCompleted [Palace and household intrigue + raising children + food + everyday life + not chaste, but doted on] Su Tang transmigrated into the body of a concubine of Xiao Jingrong, Heir of the Prince of Zhaonan, with a two-year-old toddler in tow. The original owner had let herself go, behaved crudely, and was even older than the heir. He had long since forgotten her, leaving her to languish in a corner. Su Tang figured that was just fine. She wouldn’t compete for his favor or make the first move. But then 21.2kReads8.8Score2.1k14d adds
20. 70 娘 The Empress Is Charming and Lively, and Wins the Emperor's Heart 娘娘娇媚灵动，惹得皇上心动 Zhuxi Pavilion竹西处Ancient Romance798k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads’ first time + clear-headed heroine focused on living well + doesn’t love the emperor] Xiao Zhaoyuan asked with interest, “What do you usually like to do, my consort?” Cui Qingwan beamed. “I like eating, drinking, and having fun!” Sincerity really is a lethal weapon! Xiao Zhaoyuan couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing. He had never met anyone so genuine. And yet this very genuine woman gradually claimed his heart. But then he realized that she 1.3kReads8.7Score10014d adds
21. 71 风 Willows in the Wind 风中柳 Yu Ling雨泠Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Ruthless heroine➕female-lead power fantasy➕light ensemble-style palace intrigue➕face-slapping and scum-bashing➕primarily focused on building her career] (Female lead is a virgin; male lead is not) Jiang Fu, the Jiang family’s fifteen-year-old illegitimate daughter, was lovely and graceful. Unfortunately, her stepmother was cruel and her father was heartless. As an illegitimate daughter, she had no say even in the marriage that mattered most to a woman. Her family could manipulate her as they p 2.1kReads8.8Score29214d adds
22. 72 卿 You and the Sun and Moon 卿与日月 Mo Huan陌缓Ancient Romance654k WordsCompleted [Originally titled My Love, the Sun and Moon. Everyday life in an ancient setting + mutual salvation + seemingly delicate but inwardly strong heroine who grows over time + hero who still holds on to kindness and honor after falling from his position as a favored son of heaven] Wen Shining, the legitimate daughter of the Wen family, was confined to her home for sixteen years because of a curse claiming she would bring death to her parents and disaster upon her family. Fu Wenzhou, the second son o 56.8kReads9.2Score6.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, well-written, and very enjoyable!

23. 73 掌 The Darling in the Palm 掌上娇娇 Zhi Yun支云Ancient Romance907k WordsCompleted [Print edition preorder opens July 17] [Film and TV rights sold] [Reader's guide: sweet romance, devoted couple, feel-good wish fulfillment, with clever schemes and political intrigue, many clues and details, and a large cast of well-developed characters. The heroine never gets the short end of the stick; anything that doesn't make sense will be explained later] Prince Xuan, He Junting. In the novel Devoted to the Imperial Consort, the author wrote of how he slaughtered the entire Northern Di co 82.1kReads9.5Score9.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead is a healer and the male lead is a war god. They are both virgins who pamper each other and slap each other in the face, punishing the scumbags.

24. 74 穿 The Day I Transmigrated Into a Book, the Cold Prince Insisted I Take Responsibility 穿书当天，清冷王爷非要她负责 February's Gentle Breeze二月风轻Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Full-cast audio drama now available, come listen! Transmigration + mutual pampering and super-sweet romance + two strong, devoted leads + immensely satisfying revenge + fiercely protective love + face-slapping] It’s satisfying from start to finish, and leaves you feeling great! Su Jinxi has always believed that a woman should take revenge every hour of every day. After transmigrating into a book as a brainless female supporting character, she immediately feeds the scumbag who used her to his li 1.7kReads8.3Score20514d adds
25. 75 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

    Rebirth + Palace Intrigue + Sweet Romance + Revenge

26. 76 我 I’m Sweet and Well-Behaved, So Why Am I the Harem’s Only Favorite? 我又乖又美，独宠后宫怎么了？ Yi Jiu Lu宜久录Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Sweet Romance + Harem + No Angst] A lively, stunning beauty + a devastatingly handsome, love-struck good emperor. (He’s love-struck but knows right from wrong) (No cutthroat palace intrigue) (Not a devoted couple) (Fast-paced) (Heroine’s halo) Ji Wanqing transmigrates into the harem of the Emperor of Yan and becomes a low-ranking concubine. The moment she arrives, the arrogant Consort slaps her. The Consort is bad enough, and the Empress is no better, using her to stoke the Consort’s anger. Wit 4.1kReads9.2Score46714d adds

    Reader note

    This one is okay.

27. 77 换 After the Marriage Swap, I Had Twins with My Playboy Brother-in-Law 换亲后，与纨绔小叔子一胎双宝 Le Zhizhi乐吱吱Ancient Romance441k WordsCompleted Unbelievably handsome + wicked to the core + the original playboy VS reborn + wickedly sharp-tongued + stunningly beautiful princess!! Sweet and steamy!! In the cold palace, Shen Shurong saw her husband’s younger brother, her brother-in-law Xie Yunzhao. He held no official position, so why had he come into the palace so late at night? Wait, why were his clothes and the sword in his hand stained with blood? “You… staged a rebellion?” “Sister-in-law, I… I’m taking you home!” Shen Shurong shook her 18.3kReads9.2Score2.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    This novel is a palace intrigue and domestic power struggle story, which effectively relieved the tension, while also offering a fresh plot. The male and female leads are well-developed characters, though not without flaws. However, it has its merits. The overall pacing is good, and the story is told clearly and concisely.

28. 78 欲 The Emperor Can’t Get Enough of Her, Spoiling Her Every Day 欲弄红颜，陛下日日宠溺无度！ May the Tree Stay Evergreen树要常青Ancient Romance200k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue + historical romance + heroine's coming-of-age + devoted love later on] When Shen Ruoxi first entered the palace, she was still an innocent young girl. She thought she would spend the rest of her life unnoticed in the Moon-Gazing Pavilion. But one night in the emperor's bedchamber bound her to him in countless ways. Her young heart discovered the sweetness of love, but she forgot that emperors had no hearts. Before long, she was forced into the traps of palace intrigue. In the d 329Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The only palace intrigue novel I've ever read; it's pretty well-written, and the cover was especially attractive, which drew me in.

29. 79 拽 The Feisty Consort Climbs to Power Through Palace Intrigue, Everyone Else Back Off 拽妃宫斗上位，闲杂人等退退退 Pine Blossom Candy松花糖Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama is out now. Search for it on Fanqie to watch. [Palace Intrigue Power Fantasy + Not a Clean Romance + Being the Emperor’s Mother Is Better Than Being His Consort] Every woman in the harem hopes to win Emperor Jingrong’s favor, but Yuan Yuntang sees the emperor only as a tool for having children. Women in ancient times had to marry sooner or later anyway, so she might as well marry the most powerful man of all. After all, Emperor Jingrong has a great figure, a handsome face, and a 16.6kReads9.1Score1.8k14d adds
30. 80 京 The Capital's Most Notorious Beauty 京城第一祸水 Stars Fill My Eyes满眼星宸Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Currently being published [rival suitors in a dramatic love triangle + top-tier schemer + supporting villainess fights back + everyone comes around] [Historical romance + told entirely from the wicked supporting female character’s perspective] ❣️Blurb One Qiao Wanyan learned from a storybook that she was nothing but a wicked supporting character who abandoned her childhood sweetheart and chased after wealth and status. She sowed discord, poisoned her elder sister, and committed every imaginable 58.2kReads9.3Score7.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book is really good.

31. 81 恶 Am I the Villainess? But They All Love Me 恶女吗？可是他们都爱我呢 Little Fish Jerky o小鱼冻干oAncient Romance401k WordsCompleted [A Truly Wicked Villainess + Male Rivalry + Green Tea Seduction + A Viciously Beautiful Heroine!] Shen Ruozhu struck a deal with the System and transmigrated into the story as a highborn young lady who died early. In the original story, she was the legitimate daughter of the esteemed Chancellor. But after the heroine, the daughter of a minor fifth-rank official, arrived in the capital, she caught the eye of many men. Who would have thought that the heroine would later set her sights on Shen Ruoz 1.7kReads8.7Score23114d adds
32. 82 咸 The Laid-Back Consort: Rising Step by Step 咸鱼娘娘：步步高升 Melancholy Cantaloupe忧伤的哈密瓜Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + palace and household intrigue + childbirth + doted on exclusively later] Jiang Wan transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking palace consort of an emperor with no children. To protect the people around her, she has no choice but to compete for a little favor. Who knew she’d end up giving the emperor a chubby baby boy! Emperor: “She’s the birth mother of my only son. Of course I have to protect her.” Who knew that all that protection would turn into affection? As Jiang Wan ris 19.1kReads8.9Score1.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    They're all palace intrigue novels, and palace intrigue novels always have a lot of characters. ① I read most of it. Although it's about palace intrigue, the female lead is really a scheming woman. If you like this type, you can check it out. ② I haven't finished it yet, but it seems okay. ③ One of the female lead's winning strategies is that she gave birth to four sons, I think, haha. There's something about the female lead that really attracted me: during the childbirth scene, with only three people present, and the other two basically clueless, she calmly gave birth to the emperor's first son. This part made me think the female lead is very powerful. But the above only represents my personal opinion. Thank you. ④ It's more of a wish-fulfillment novel. The female lead is a master of manipulation, starting with domestic intrigue and moving towards palace intrigue. I also think the female lead has a very strong core.

33. 83 王EN My Prince, Be Gentle: Your Princess Is Delicate and Soft 王爷轻宠，王妃她身娇体软 Blue Iced Coffee蓝色冰咖啡Ancient Romance137k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + marriage first, love later + devoted couple + happy ending + sweet romance] Yan Wanning, the eldest daughter of the Duke's household, had lost both her parents. Beautiful and gentle by nature, she had spent her childhood treading carefully in the household. Later, the emperor arranged her marriage to Prince Anbei, who lived far away on the northern frontier, and made her his principal consort. According to the rumors, Prince Anbei was a battle-hardened giant with the build 6.7kReads9.0Score57714d adds

    Reader note

    Super good-looking, all palace intrigue stories, it's the top ancient romance novel on my bookshelf.

34. 84 病 The Sickly Princess Is Reborn, and the Tyrannical Regent Dotes on Her 病娇摄政王盛宠，娇娇公主重生了 Clouds Flying Through the Sky云天飞雾Ancient Romance557k WordsCompleted [Adapted into the short drama Golden Bell's Mistake: Love's Bonds] [Mutual firsts + doting romance + both reborn + palace and household intrigue] [Stunning, sweet-natured fifth princess × sinister, obsessive regent] In her previous life, her country fell and her family was destroyed. Then the sinister, obsessive regent kept her by his side for two whole years. Reborn ten years in the past, she is once again the fifth princess, born to wealth and honor, while he is merely a lowly hostage, beneath 11kReads9.4Score1.7k14d adds
35. 85 青 After Losing Her Memory, the Childhood Sweetheart Became the Young General's Cherished Love 青梅失忆后成了少年将军掌中娇 Kelisiting克莉斯汀Ancient Romance223k WordsCompleted [Clever, Cunning Foxlike Heroine VS Steady, Stern, Humble Hero] [One-on-One Romance, Sweet Pampering, Adorable Child, Childhood Sweethearts] [The Hero Suffers] The night before, Shen Zuihuan was still preparing for her engagement ceremony. The next morning, she woke up in shock to discover she had been married for five years already! Her fiancé was nowhere to be found, and her current husband was the childhood friend she had hated most of all. He was even holding a child who looked exactly like 26.1kReads9.3Score2.4k14d adds
36. 86 穿 After Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 139.1kReads9.6Score16.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    Overall, it was both hilarious and touching.

37. 87 综 Qing Dynasty Crossover: The Beauty’s Art of Winning Hearts 综清穿：美人攻心计 Leaning on the Rail凭阑人Ancient Romance325k WordsCompleted (Historical stories, transmigration, everyone’s favorite, love rivalry, emperors and empresses) Chen A’jiao, hidden away in a golden house; Xu Pingjun, the beloved wife; Yin Lihua, the woman one should marry. They all left a lasting mark on the history books, yet their stories ended in regret, leaving readers to lament their fates. She unexpectedly becomes part of these stories. She doesn’t know why, but she knows what she must do to make the most of this life. (This is a collection of historica 596Reads5.1Score—14d adds
38. 88 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 77.1kReads9.5Score7.9k14d adds
39. 89 清 Daily Life of a Qing Dynasty Secondary Consort 清穿侧福晋日常 The Moon Loves Drinking月亮爱喝酒Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [A sweet romance, favored early on and adored exclusively later A cold, rigid, and strangely minded Fourth Prince vs. a little concubine who just wants to eat, drink, and lie flat] Li Shenjiao, the daughter of a prefect, entered the Fourth Prince's household as a concubine after the selection. Her family background wasn't impressive, but she was quite content. Being a concubine was great: low status meant nobody paid attention to her, and she could spend her days eating and drinking. She'd plann 3.2kReads8.2Score26014d adds
40. 90 当 When An Lingrong Slays Her Way Through Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace 当安陵容杀穿如懿传 The Mulberry Glow of Old Age Is Never Too Late岁岁桑榆非晚Female-Channel Fanfiction381k WordsCompleted An Lingrong: The meticulous and ruthless Sister An is back! Going from palace maid to empress dowager will be a piece of cake! . After being reborn, An Lingrong never expected to end up in Qianlong's harem. But this place is nothing like she remembers! (The Story of Ruyi and Empresses in the Palace don't share the same continuity, so this is more like a parallel new world.) · The older sister she wronged all her life has been possessed by an old woman who does nothing but stir up trouble. Go en 12.5kReads9.1Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    Good-looking, logical and thought-provoking

41. 91 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 8.8kReads9.2Score1.1k14d adds
42. 92 清 In the Still Night, Spring Wine Stirs 清夜沉沉动春酌 Little Conch Shell小小螺号Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Marriage Before Love]➕ [Everyday Household Intrigue]➕ [The Hero Falls for Her Looks First, Then Falls in Love]➕ [The Concubine Has a Hidden Story] In her previous life, Shen Sui'an devoted her entire clan's resources to helping Lu Heng rise to power and securing a century of prosperity for the Lu family. In return, the Shen family fell into decline and met a tragic end. Lu Heng watched coldly from the sidelines, keeping a beautiful mistress and her illegitimate child in luxury. Her husband achi 15.5kReads9.0Score2.1k14d adds
43. 93 黛 Daiyu Has a Younger Brother, and the Red Chamber Is in Chaos 黛玉有弟红楼乱 Gu Lala顾拉拉Female-Channel Fanfiction1.2M WordsCompleted Lin Jingyan, the eldest son of the Lin family, returned to the age of three. After lying unconscious in bed for two years, he woke just before his elder sister left for the Rongguo Mansion. In his previous life, after he died, he stayed by his sister’s side and shared her entire life. He saw that even the Lin family’s immense wealth could not keep their only daughter safe. So this time, I’ll do it myself! But don’t cry, Sis. My head hurts. 30.4kReads9.0Score3.5k14d adds
44. 94 谁 Who Says an Emperor and Empress Can’t Truly Love Each Other? 谁说帝后不能有真情 Jingzhou Chronicles景州记Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted Pei Shu seems to have been born under a lucky star. Born into a prominent family, she grew up cherished by loving parents and surrounded by every luxury. Her only setback was when her fiancé fell for someone else and broke off their engagement. Before the people of the capital could even laugh at her, an imperial decree arrived at the Pei residence, and Pei Shu became the empress. From then on, everything went smoothly: her son was named crown prince, later became emperor, and Pei Shu naturally 11.8kReads9.1Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    Is there any peace and quiet in this harem? It's just that some people are so clear-headed that they dare to climb to the heavens even over the thorns beneath the emperor's throne. Without competing for favor or playing the victim, she had long seen through the fleeting nature of imperial love, so she simply turned her idealized image into a knife—slicing through illusory emotions, severing the ties between the court and the harem, and ultimately wielding real power that even the emperor had to be wary of.

45. 95 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
46. 96 惊 Shocking! The Legitimate Princess Defies Fate Every Day! 惊！嫡公主她每天都在逆天改命！ Ran Qiqi冉七柒Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Female-led power fantasy + ruthless, unhinged heroine + an extreme “I’d rather betray others than let them betray me” mentality] Xuan Mingyao was reborn at the age of seven, back before anything had happened. Though she was the empress’s legitimate daughter, a princess treated like royalty, her younger brother, the crown prince, was about to die of illness. Her mother would soon be consumed by worry, grow estranged from the emperor, and eventually be deposed in the witchcraft scandal. Overnight 27.9kReads9.4Score3.8k14d adds
47. 97 他 He Covets Her Beauty 他窥姝色 Shen Jiayu沈嘉鱼Ancient Romance506k WordsCompleted [Feel-good revenge + mutual salvation + everyone grovels] Gu Tangning is a princess, the brightest jewel in Shengjing. The emperor she personally supported wants to kill her and seize her power. The Prince of Yun'an, whom she raised herself, wants to take her by force. The powerful minister Shen Qinghan, who shares her love, wants to imprison her. They all say they love her, but they only want her to be a caged songbird. They want her beautiful and fragile, kept under lock and key, obedient and 2.1kReads8.9Score21414d adds

    Reader note

    Rebirth + Palace Intrigue + Strong Female Lead: A powerful female protagonist reigns supreme; definitely worth watching! 🙂

48. 98 宠 He Spoiled His Concubine and Neglected His Wife. Reborn, I Broke Off My Engagement to the Scumbag and Married the Prince 宠妾灭妻，重生我退婚渣男嫁王爷 Zhi Zhi之知Ancient Romance640k WordsCompleted The physical book is available on all major platforms. Formerly titled Riding the Phoenix. [Reborn + Powerful Female Lead and Male Lead + Nation and World + Political Schemes] Before the age of seventeen, Shen Yu was the legitimate daughter of a military family who could wield a blade and charge into battle. After seventeen, she became the frail wife of Jiang Manor's Vice Minister Jiang. Her father and brothers died in battle, and the entire Shen family was honored for their loyalty. Bearing 87.6kReads9.5Score12k14d adds

    Reader note

    Every single one is great! 2, 3, 5 are the most recommended.

49. 99 成 What on Earth Is This? Complete in Two Volumes (The Original Novel Behind the Hit Drama Starring Wang Churan and Cheng Lei) 成何体统：全二册（王楚然、丞磊主演热播影视剧原著） Qi Yingjun七英俊Anime Fanfiction314k WordsCompleted What is it like to transmigrate into a web novel and become the tyrant's bedmate? After a few simple calculations, Yu Wanyin reached a conclusion: she would have to find another way. In this story full of villains, if she wanted to carve out a path to survival, she had to become the biggest villain of all. First, help the tyrant take down Prince Duan, then take down the tyrant and become empress herself. But when she met the tyrant and carefully considered the strange sense of familiarity in his 40.3kReads9.7Score6.3k14d adds
50. 100 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score112k14d adds

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