Looking for Palace-Intrigue Stories with Smart Leads, Preferably Transmigration or Transmigration into a Book 求宫斗文 有脑子最好是穿书或者穿越的

1. 51 岁 Years in the Palace 岁岁宫阙 Tea Little Ink茶小墨Ancient Romance706k WordsCompleted Liu Yuetang was sent to a country estate by her legitimate mother the day she was born. When she came of age, her older half-sister gave up her chance to enter the palace because of a dream, stole her match, and spent the night with her betrothed. Liu Yuetang went along with it and decided to enter the palace to carve out a bright future for herself. Once inside, she kept a low profile, learned the arts of the bedchamber, and mastered the art of playing hard to get, pouting coquettishly, and put 10.7kReads8.9Score1.4k14d adds
2. 52 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

   Reader note

   These are my four absolute favorites. All the characters are intelligent and don't become stupid. The female lead doesn't fall in love with the male lead, and he dotes on her exclusively later on!

3. 53 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
4. 54 重 Reborn, I’m Spoiled Rotten by the Possessive Prince 重生后我被偏执王爷宠坏了 A Handful of Snow一捧雪Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted In her previous life, Ninth Young Lady Shen hated Dingbei Prince Rong Zhan more than anyone. But only as she lay dying did she learn that Rong Zhan was also the one who avenged her and gave his life for her. Fortunately, she has been reborn with the leading-lady script in hand, eight doting older brothers above her and a band of followers at her side. Only that man remains cool and distant as the moon, unmoved by her. Ninth Young Lady Shen gallops over to him and clings to him, refusing to let g 492Reads9.0Score10814d adds
5. 55 重 Reborn as the Legitimate Daughter, I Become the Phoenix 重生之嫡女为凰 No Turning into a Spirit不许成精Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Before she was reborn, she gave her heart to the wrong man and was killed in the Cold Palace by the emperor and her half-sister working together. After being reborn, she keeps her distance from the scumbag, puts her half-sister in her place, and stands up to the powerful. She no longer cares about playing the villain. Who could have imagined that she would chance upon a refined-looking scholar and fall for him at first sight? If you ask what she likes about him in this new life, it’s that he act 53Reads7.3Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Quick transmigration includes palace intrigue and modern fiction.

6. 56 我 Bearing Heirs for the Male Lead Who Can't Have Children 我为绝嗣男主绵延子嗣 Ye Xiu's Wife叶修老婆Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Quick transmigration + easy conception and many pregnancies + multiple children + the most beautiful heroine + stunning beauty + palace and household intrigue + childbirth stories] Wushuang was a pomegranate tree that had lived for a thousand years. One day, she suddenly gained sentience and learned to cultivate. After two hundred years of cultivation, she had only just taken human form when she was bound to a childbearing System. It told her that each child she bore would add ten years to her 6.6kReads8.7Score54514d adds
7. 57 惊 Shocking! The Emperor Has No Heirs, and the Quick-Transmigration Villainess Is Having More Babies 惊！帝王绝嗣，快穿女配又多胎了 Lin Bo琳波Ancient Romance2.2M WordsOngoing [Quick Transmigration + Childbearing + System + Superpowers + Palace Intrigue + Strong Female Lead + Sweet Romance + Feel-Good Read] This is a brainless story, so readers are advised to put their brains away. She has supernatural powers. She is stunningly beautiful. And then her sister plots against her... At the brink of despair, she accepts a mission to bear children for powerful men who cannot have heirs in various worlds, all so she can be reborn and take revenge. World One: [The Delicate Co 2.4kReads9.1Score23214d adds
8. 58 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

   🖤💛Rebirth Palace Intrigue

9. 59 和 After Our Divorce, I Pursued the Nine-Thousand-Year-Old 100 Times 和离后，我追了九千岁100次 Flowers Don't Speak花不说Ancient Romance598k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Revenge + Sweet Romance + Female Pursues Male + Fake Eunuch] Gongs and drums blare as ten miles of red wedding finery fill the streets. Shen Nanxing enters the Prince of Jing's residence, overjoyed to marry the young man she has loved and longed for over so many years. But the morning after the wedding, she wakes in tears. Wearing only her undergarments and barefoot, she rushes out of the residence and corners the cold-faced man in black, with black hair, outside the wall of her bri 3kReads8.9Score42414d adds
10. 60 通 The Maid Ran Off with the Money, and the Cold-Blooded Powerful Minister Broke Off the Engagement and Came After Her 通房卷款跑路，冷戾权臣悔婚拿人 Mu Yihua Ting木易华庭Ancient Romance865k WordsCompleted [Cold and Devoted Hero + Clear-Headed, Independent Heroine] [Let the Story Set the Mood] [Sweet Romance] Su Qingqing transmigrates as a bedchamber maid, but when the eldest young master returns after four years away, her plan to keep out of each other’s way falls apart. The young master has become the chancellor, and she sees his ruthless, vicious, and merciless side. To save her own life, she fawns over him, hoping to survive until her one-year contract expires and she can leave the Pei residen 4.8kReads9.0Score69214d adds

    Reader note

    She transmigrated and became a concubine, forced to stay home and be pampered, forbidden from leaving the house, devoid of dignity and self-respect, and constantly on guard against being schemed against. Unable to bear it any longer, she abandoned her child and died. Outside, she met a capable and handsome man, and their business flourished, living a carefree and happy life. She even created a bomb to help the male lead, but he didn't even recognize her face-to-face! 😄

11. 61 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

    Three of these books aren't time-travel stories, but they're exceptionally good. Book lovers should check them out.

12. 62 穿 Transmigrating into a Refugee Exodus: I Use the System to Raise an Emperor 穿越逃荒：我靠系统扶持一代帝王 Xiao Se小色Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Gu Jiu unexpectedly transmigrated to ancient times, where everything was already inconvenient. Then disaster struck. With no other way to survive, she clung desperately to the person who had saved her. With her benefactor by her side, she had nothing to fear on the road to refuge. What could she do when disease, hunger, wild beasts, and villains all came at once? Bring it on! She was a jack of all trades with a System pocket dimension, capable of taking down anything. (Xie Zhan: You can't put o 35.5kReads9.5Score4.7k14d adds
13. 63 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 106.8kReads9.5Score12.4k14d adds
14. 64 重 After Being Reborn, My Five Brothers Beg Me in Tears to Return Home 重生后，五个哥哥哭着求我回府 Mu Mianmian慕绵绵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Currently being published] [She chases him after the breakup + sweet romance + satisfying read] In her previous life, Jiang You'an was a cannon-fodder side character in a novel where the whole family doted on the heroine. Her entire family favored her younger sister, and she was beaten to death with clubs. After being reborn, she refuses to repeat her past mistakes, only to discover that her family regrets everything and begs for her forgiveness. Everyone wants to make amends? Hah, I’m not int 7.7kReads9.4Score1.2k14d adds
15. 65 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 90.9kReads9.6Score12.1k14d adds
16. 66 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.3kReads9.2Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    I'm watching it now. The female lead has no romantic partner. Aside from one unlikable character in the early episodes, the female lead's confrontations with the courtiers and her attempts to create trouble are quite entertaining.

17. 67 谁 What Kind of Concubine Bears Four Sons and a Daughter, Then Becomes a Noble Consort? 谁家通房生四儿一女，还当贵妃啊 Autumn Is Long秋很长Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted only to each other + One-on-one romance + Many children + Sweet romance + Inner- and imperial-palace intrigue] In the fortieth year of the Xihe era, Lüqing became a concubine-in-waiting to Prince Jin. She knew full well that she had to earn Prince Jin's favor and give birth to a child as soon as possible if she wanted to secure her place in the prince's household. For eight years, she contended with the other women in the inner court, using every means at her disposal to 26.8kReads9.1Score2.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is really good, you should give it a try.

18. 68 媚 The Bewitching Concubine Teases Him Until the Cold, Powerful Minister Is Starving for Her 媚妾撩人，清冷权臣饿疯了 Lin Bujing林不惊Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + not a strong, dominant heroine + both are each other's first + sweet and seductive] Ling Xi transmigrates into the role of a cannon-fodder supporting character and, from the start, spends the night with the person the princess loves. The original owner was stunningly beautiful, but her scumbag fiancé manipulated her into sleeping with another man and becoming his concubine. She acted as a spy to steal intelligence for him, only to meet a tragic end, decapitated. Meanw 184.1kReads8.2Score26.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a transmigration novel, it's very good. The female lead is very resourceful, and there are no unnecessary system or spatial elements. It's a great read.

19. 69 摄 Your Highness the Regent, Is Your Assassin Missing a Few Marbles? 摄政王殿下，你家杀手缺根筋！ Little Iron Leftover小铁剩Ancient Romance559k WordsCompleted After Jiu Yue died, the System told her that once she completed her mission, she could return to the real world with a reward of ten billion. Jiu Yue, who had been grumbling about her identity as an assassin, smiled sweetly. “Who says transmigrating is a bad thing? This is amazing!” However, a time-space delay kept the System from transmigrating with her, and it hadn't had time to explain the mission in full. But Jiu Yue didn't think that mattered. She was an assassin, after all. How hard could 38.6kReads9.4Score4.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's super good! The beginning might not be the most engaging, but don't give up, it gets better and better as it goes on. The female lead is a real assassin, ridiculously strong, she almost kills the male lead with her brute force, but fails. The reason is explained later. From initial mutual suspicion to everyone planning revenge together, their relationship is only confirmed at the very end. The plot is constantly unfolding, and as a plot-driven story, I absolutely love it! Highly recommended!

20. 70 她 Her Schemes Run Deep 她心计实在深沉 Mei Zhu怽竹Ancient Romance174k WordsOngoing [Reborn + political scheming + strong female lead] When Jiang Zhao was young, her parents and elder brother were all killed in a bloody tragedy blamed on “the remnants’ revenge.” Years later, she accidentally uncovers a shocking secret hidden behind the massacre. But just as she is about to reveal the truth, she is hunted down on a rainy night and dies with hatred in her heart. Yet fate takes pity on her, and she gets to live again You set your plans in motion and made me a pawn? Then I’ll flip —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Check out my book, "The Growth of a Strong Female Character" 😘

21. 71 锦 Prince Jin Has Trouble Fathering Heirs? His Delicate Beauty Bears Two Babies in One Night 锦王子嗣艰难？娇柔美人一夜两崽 Today Is Another Day I Want to Get Rich今天也是想发财的一天Ancient Romance772k WordsCompleted [Household and palace intrigue + devoted love later on + the most beautiful heroine + a scheming flirt] Sheng Wendi is a delicate beauty with a face like a celestial maiden. Though she has transmigrated, she can’t remember a single poem or song. Her legitimate elder sister, who transmigrated into a book and knows the plot inside out, steals everything from her. The sister marries the son of a civil official, while Sheng Wendi is sent to marry Prince Jin as a concubine. The prince’s manor is full 6.2kReads8.5Score54214d adds

    Reader note

    [Domestic and Palace Intrigue + Later Exclusive Favor + Most Beautiful Female Lead + Scheming and Seductive] The transmigrated elder sister, familiar with the plot, stole everything from her. The elder sister married the son of a civil official, while she became a concubine to Prince Jin. The Prince's mansion was full of hidden talents; the Princess Consort was ruthless; the concubine was a reborn woman returning for revenge; and the woman who became a concubine alongside her was a transmigrated woman. Even a random woman who entered the mansion possessed a system. The four of them fought a life-or-death struggle. Sheng Wendi trembled in the middle.

22. 72 读 Mind Reading? The Consort Reborn, and His Majesty Loves Her Even More 读心？贵妃重生，陛下更爱了 Heng Jiujiu恒久九Ancient Romance289k WordsCompleted [Bewitchingly beautiful consort x mind-reading emperor, devoted couple, female supporting character transmigrates into a book, mind-reading] In her previous life, Yun Tingruan was called a bewitching consort, but in truth she was a complete pushover. When the empress dowager accused her of monopolizing the emperor’s attention, she immediately arranged for other consorts to attend him. When the court ministers accused her of meddling in government affairs, she didn’t even dare glance at a memoria 3.6kReads8.7Score49814d adds

    Reader note

    You can check these two out. The first one isn't a transmigration story, but it's still very funny and entertaining.

23. 73 糟 Oh No, the Princess Has Too Many Identities, and She’s Gone on a Rampage 糟糕，王妃身份太多，直接杀疯了 Twisting the Moon Like the Wind拧月如风Ancient Romance410k WordsCompleted Top military doctor Shen Zheng transmigrates, her soul entering the body of Yuan, the leader of the imperial bodyguards. The body is skilled in martial arts, but covered in scars. While recovering from her injuries, she unexpectedly learns that she is the long-lost daughter of the prime minister. Willing to bend for the sake of a few bushels of rice, Shen Zheng returns to the prime minister's residence. But she never expected that as soon as she got back, the emperor would arrange her marriage. 2.1kReads8.9Score27314d adds
24. 74 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 265.2kReads9.6Score31k14d adds

    Reader note

    Please save these to your bookshelf and read them at your leisure 😳 I've personally read every single one of them, and the content is all super nice; at least you won't find them boring 🤔

25. 75 暴 The Tyrant Tormented Me? I'll Turn Around, Seduce the Powerful Eunuch, and Seize His Empire 暴君虐我？转身勾搭权宦夺他江山 Green Mountain Has Its Say青山有辞Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted For eight years in the palace, Xiangjun fought to get ahead and tried to please everyone, yet the palace’s noble masters still ground her down, used her, humiliated her, and cast her aside... Those nobles basked in all the wealth of the realm atop heaps of corpses and bones, yet mocked her for trying her hardest and not knowing her place. In the end, the child Xiangjun risked her life to bear called her enemy “Mother,” while Xiangjun was cut open alive so the baby could be taken from her. She di 115.1kReads9.6Score16.6k14d adds
26. 76 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2k14d adds
27. 77 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 79.6kReads9.5Score8.9k14d adds
28. 78 念 Fragrant Thoughts Beneath the Silk Quilt 念香衾 Companion in the Mist烟霞侣Ancient Romance963k WordsCompleted 5.5kReads8.9Score50914d adds
29. 79 清 Qing Transmigration: Consort De Chooses the Easy Life 清穿：德妃选择咸鱼 Stillness止息Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted Yuan Yuan, a lifelong single woman who firmly believes that staying unmarried and child-free is the key to a peaceful life, transmigrates into the mother of one of the most famous emperors in history: the Yongzheng Emperor. Yuan Yuan thinks, isn’t this the perfect setup for an easy win? Note: Kangxi will not love only the heroine, and the heroine will not fall in love with Kangxi. 13.5kReads9.2Score1.3k14d adds
30. 80 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 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3k14d adds
31. 81 女 The Vicious Villainess in a Matriarchal World Raises Her Fish Online 女尊恶獠在线养鱼 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Matriarchal society + sweet romance + one-on-one + devoted to each other] [Calculating and ruthless princess × obedient, loyal guard] The capital's good-for-nothing Second Princess is beaten in the street by another woman for pursuing a man, then crashes into a stone lion. After recovering from her serious injuries, the Second Princess seems like a completely different person: kind to others, uninterested in competing, and always helping her sisters. It isn't until the day this powerful princes 15.2kReads9.5Score1.7k14d adds

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    I recently read some articles that I thought were good.

32. 82 疯 The Mad Fake Princess Measures Her Kingdom with Cannons 疯批假公主用大炮丈量国土面积 Mo Zi Mo墨子墨Ancient Romance487k WordsCompleted [Female-led revenge + strong female lead + satisfying payback + rivalry among men + armory + empress in troubled times + palace and household intrigue + duty to country and people + decisive and ruthless] In an imperial family blessed with twins, one child leaves and one returns. The elder sister grew up in Phoenix Valley. When she was ten, Japanese pirates invaded and wiped out the valley, killing her in the massacre. A wandering soul from another world, Xie Jiuli transmigrated into her body. S 229Reads8.4Score—14d adds
33. 83 一 Before I Knew It, His Majesty Was Helping Me Fight My Household Battles 一不小心，陛下他下场帮我宅斗了 A Touch Of Green On Junshan君山一点青Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted An accident causes Cui Lingyao and the reigning emperor, Pei Jie, to swap souls. On the fifteenth of every month, each must spend a day in the other's body. One side is the chaotic Earl's residence, with a reborn younger cousin, an aunt harboring dark intentions, an uncle shrouded in secrets, and a grandmother who loves to smooth things over. The other is the imperial court, where the empress dowager holds power, Prince Xin is ambitious, the emperor's personal attendant has already defected, an 10.5kReads8.9Score1.5k14d adds
34. 84 踹 Dump the Romance Hero, Seduce the Emperor from a Male-Oriented Novel 踹掉言情男主，勾搭男频帝王 You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, revenge, scheming, stunning heroine, seductive mastermind] The short drama His Heart on a String is now streaming! Shen Yuling transmigrated into a romance novel as its heroine. Unfortunately, she was a heroine whose luck had been stolen by a woman who transmigrated into the story. She would die in a fire, taking her unborn child with her, while her entire family would be wiped out. It was a fate the original heroine had failed to change, even after being reborn twice 17kReads9.2Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this one. It's a time-travel, palace intrigue story with brains and a very fresh plot.

35. 85 娘 One Tear from the Empress, and She Acts Her Way to the Emperor's Throne 娘娘一滴泪，演到帝王送凤位 Little Peeled Egg剥壳的小蛋蛋Ancient Romance589k WordsCompleted [Story complete; easy to get around] Shen Qingfu transmigrated into a rebirth novel. The reborn heroine, Chu Can, had grown up with the crown prince, Ning Xuanli, as his childhood sweetheart. Given a second chance at life, she wanted no love, only power and riches. To become the most special person in the crown prince’s heart, she played hard to get. She had schemes, but no feelings. Shen Qingfu was nothing more than the most insignificant cannon fodder in the rebirth novel. Shen Qingfu gave a s 303Reads9.1Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all books I read before and liked, especially 458!

36. 86 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 5.5kReads8.5Score59614d adds
37. 87 皇 Your Majesty, I Think Your Palace Maid Is Cursing You Again 皇上，你家宫女好像又在骂你 Six Yuan六元钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The irresistible appeal of what you once rejected + powerful men bowing their heads + a double-standard male lead + raising her before a story of power and statecraft + romantic push and pull + he truly doesn’t love her at first, but gives his all once he does] Su Nanchu is unruly. Shen Jingzhi has always known that. But life in the palace is dull, and he doesn’t mind having a little plaything who can kick and scream. She becomes his daily amusement: reading memorials, practicing calligraphy, a 11.6kReads9.2Score1.3k14d adds
38. 88 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 56.6kReads9.5Score7k14d adds
39. 89 宫 Palace Intrigue Begins Before the Selection 宫斗从选秀前开始 A Cluster of Flowers一丛花令Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted In her previous life, she endured a life of hardship and instability. From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an to a government courtesan available to any man, she finally escaped a life of being passed from one man to another, only to jump from the tiger’s jaws into the wolf’s den. She walked on eggshells at every step until she finally became the real power behind the prefect’s household. But the misery of her first half of life had already left her body broken beyond repair. Only o 7.8kReads9.0Score78414d adds
40. 90 累 I'm Exhausted! To Fool Him, I Pretend to Be Sweet and Innocent Every Day 累死！为了骗他，本宫日日装娇纯 Deer in the Deep Forest深林的鹿Ancient Romance455k WordsCompleted “If you want to win, you have to learn how to lose first.” Meng Xianxiang lost a life, and learned to struggle, to seize what she wanted, to scheme and plan, and to claw her way up. Looking back on her previous life, she had lived in a stable, eaten pig slop, served tea and emptied chamber pots, enduring abuse and humiliation at every turn. Each memory was a stab to the heart. Given another chance, she wants status and power, and a world where no one dares bully her again. Behind the palace’s re 3.5kReads9.2Score30214d adds
41. 91 身 After Her Death, She Slaughters Her Way Across the Four Quarters; Her Imperial Uncle Cleans Up 身死后，她大杀四方皇叔递刀善后 Half-Moon Cola月半可乐Ancient Romance567k WordsCompleted [Household power struggles + Male lead doesn’t compete, he just takes + Second male lead pursues his wife in the reborn version] In her previous life, she was innocent and naive, only to die without a trace. Only after her death did she learn that her whole life had been a lie. Her half-sister had taken her place in the palace as empress, while her father’s concubine had replaced her mother as the prime minister’s wife! As a ghost, she watched her mother being forcibly violated right in front of 49Reads—Score—14d adds
42. 92 自 The Princess Consort of Prince Li Shows Up on Her Own and Hooks the Proud Prince 自己跑来的离王妃勾住傲娇王爷 Half-Moon Cola月半可乐Ancient Romance635k WordsCompleted (Two powerful leads, both romantically inexperienced + a beloved physician princess + face-slapping + no fake sweetness + the husband chases her after losing her + a sweet romance) No major career plotline. Su Yike, a master of both medicine and poison, opened her eyes to find herself in the fictional Tianqi Kingdom, as the eldest daughter of Duke Su's family, who had been unconscious for six years! The God of War Prince: “She cannot be a concubine. I don't want a concubine! Ke'er, please st 3Reads—Score—14d adds
43. 93 不 No Eavesdropping on the Emperor 不许偷听朕说话 Yin Zaishui尹在水Ancient Romance925k WordsCompleted An Jiu transmigrated into the body of a young palace maid who wanted to climb into the emperor’s bed. The moment she opened her eyes, the tyrant ran his sword straight through the maid who had tried to seduce him. The next day, the tyrant killed a senior maid who served one of the consorts. On the third day, a maid who tasted the emperor’s food died from poison. Being a palace maid was a high-risk job. An Jiu decided to work hard, save up, cherish her life, and stay away from the tyrant. But the 78.3kReads9.4Score13k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first one isn't strictly a palace intrigue novel, but it's very interesting. The second one is also good, but it's not a typical harem palace intrigue novel. The third one is my absolute favorite.

44. 94 美 Starting Out with Good Looks, I Became an Emperor for the Ages 美貌开局，达成千古一帝 Fox Talk, Fish Nonsense狐言乱鱼Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Beloved by Everyone heroine + multiple men competing for her + all the men are chaste + not a cold, romance-free heroine!! Lots of romance!!] [From country girl to princess to empress] Shen Lianqi transmigrated into a novel. In this novel, the country had no princes, only one precious princess. So the emperor chose four young noblemen from the descendants of the four kings with different surnames to raise as heirs. Anyone who wanted to inherit the throne had to marry the princess. The good news 935Reads8.4Score15314d adds
45. 95 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

    Reader note

    These two are so beautiful

46. 96 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.3kReads9.2Score95314d adds
47. 97 姜 Ginger 姜了 Desolate and Uninhabited荒芜人烟Ancient Romance3.0M WordsCompleted My name is Jiang Liao. My mother said it meant “born only to die.” She wasn’t wrong. Though I am a princess of Jiang, I was born in the Cold Palace and destined to suffer cruelty and contempt. Even the heir of Northern Qi, held here as a hostage, mocked me: “Jiang Liao, you’re both princesses, so why are you lying on the ground while Princess Yihe rides on your back? Don’t you hate her?” I knew what he was trying to do by provoking me. He wanted to use me to escape Jiang, and perhaps even bring 285Reads7.6Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue, though not a time-travel story, is definitely worth watching 👀

48. 98 不 No Meeting in Chang’an 不遇长安 Xiao Zhao'er小照儿Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted [Multiple Male Leads x Male Leads Are Chaste, Female Lead Is Not x Taking by Force x Marriage Before Love] Three years ago, he was an obscure young general, while she was the daughter of a high-ranking official. They pledged themselves to each other in secret. She knelt before countless Buddhas and gods, asking not for the young man to make a name for himself, but only for him to return safely from the battlefield. Three years later, he swept through the court with the force of a thunderbolt, be 176Reads7.0Score—14d adds
49. 99 日 Drunk on the Road Home at Dusk 日暮醉归途 Mu Qiqi暮萋萋Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted The cool, intelligent beauty Shui Qiaoyou, a general of the former dynasty, and the pure-hearted, reserved prince Chu Moli, a prince of the current dynasty Historical romance, no transmigration, no palace intrigue, no household drama, one-on-one romance, strong female lead. Shui Qiaoyou felt as though she’d merely fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes again, a hundred years had passed. Her homeland, family, and friends were like smoke, long since vanished into the river of time. Fate had left 13.2kReads9.2Score1.6k14d adds
50. 100 快 Quick Transmigration: Seducing My Way to the Top 快穿之勾引上位 Fatty Loves Lamb肥肥爱吃羊Ancient Romance451k WordsCompleted [Delicate beauty + calculated seduction + scheming green tea + stealing someone’s love + interconnected stories] There are always delicate, innocent beauties in this world. They are the incarnations of spirits, naive and ignorant when they first enter the mortal realm, yet irresistibly captivating. Every glance and smile can ensnare the heart and soul. To survive in this world, they act helpless and cling to the most powerful men like parasitic vines. Even if those men already belong to someone 14.2kReads8.9Score69614d adds

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