Palace Intrigue With a Capable, Clear-Headed Female Lead, Set Entirely in Ancient Times 宫斗文 女主有实力且清醒，纯古文

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 10.7kReads8.9Score1.4kShelves
2. 52 贵 The Imperial Consort Is Ravishingly Beautiful, but All She Wants Is Power and Wealth 贵妃千娇百媚，只求权势富贵 Fujiwara Tofu藤原豆腐Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A mad, obsessive emperor with jealousy to spare x a consort who has renounced love and walled off her heart] [One-on-one romance + both reborn + devoted to each other in body and heart, in both lives] One-line summary: A story about an emperor who lost the love of his life, and how he slowly teaches the woman he loves to understand love, jealousy, anger, and longing. As the eldest son born to the empress, Qi Junyi was born to privilege. He seized power in his youth, was named crown princ 10.6kReads8.1Score644Shelves
3. 53 丈 Five Years After My Husband Died, I’m Pregnant with the Emperor’s Child 丈夫去世五年，守寡怀了皇帝的崽 Salty Fish Boss咸鱼头子Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Stunning widow vs. domineering emperor] [Not both virgins + forbidden tension + raising a child + old flames reignited] Everyone in the capital knows that the legitimate daughter of the Yun family and Third Young Master Lu are a loving couple, devoted to each other. But fate was cruel. Third Young Master Lu was cursed with a short life and died of a serious illness before reaching twenty, leaving behind a beautiful young widow and an unborn child. - Yun Wan has a secret she’s kept buried fo 28.1kReads9.1Score3.4kShelves
4. 54 吾 While My Son Fights for the Throne, His Majesty Lures Me Into Bearing Him a Second Child 吾儿夺储时，陛下榻边诱我生二胎 Wilderness Siren荒野塞壬Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted (Sweet romance + 11-year age gap + the powerful one bows his head + not both virgins) Pei Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Guo's household, had enjoyed a charmed life since childhood. Blessed with a breathtakingly beautiful face, she married Xie Shaoyan, the Crown Prince of the realm, and after their wedding, she became the sole recipient of his favor. But only Pei Yunshu knew that Xie Shaoyan had not touched her once in their three years of marriage. Three years later, Pei Yunshu 5.6kReads8.7Score542Shelves
5. 55 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 16.6kReads9.1Score1.8kShelves
6. 56 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 56.6kReads9.5Score7kShelves
7. 57 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 26.8kReads9.1Score2.5kShelves
8. 58 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Alluring, Winning Favor and Rising to Power 娘娘娇软妩媚，一路争宠上位 Bell Meow铃铛喵Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (A pure palace-intrigue story, not a one-on-one romance, and not a mutually faithful pairing. Proceed with caution!) Bai Ruotang is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Right Chancellor’s household. At fifteen, just after coming of age, she is sent into the palace to bear a child for her legitimate elder sister and help her secure the emperor’s favor. Unwilling to be reduced to someone else’s pawn, from the moment she steps through the palace gates, she decides she will carve out 10.5kReads8.9Score1kShelves
9. 59 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 69kReads9.4Score8.7kShelves

   Reader note

   This is a good book, worth reading.

10. 60 重 Reborn: The Noble Consort Is Getting More and More Unrestrained 重生后，贵妃娘娘她越来越放肆了 Little Wang Loves Spare Ribs小王爱吃排骨Ancient Romance290k WordsCompleted Dotingly favored at first, the only one later. Readers who insist on spotless heroines, beware. The heroine is spoiled and selfish, and isn't a good person in every sense of the word. Shen Sisi has come back to life, in the second year of Xiao Zhuo's reign. Didn't he use her as a shield against her cousin, who thought of her as nothing more than a cousin? This time, she plans to live well. Just as she's getting ready to show what she can do, she wonders: Wait, where's my rival? You useless empe 2.4kReads7.7Score117Shelves
11. 61 贵 The Merciless Imperial Consort, the Tyrant Who Hands Her the Knife 贵妃娘娘心狠手辣，暴君他递刀 Late Summer, Not Yet Over夏末未余Ancient Romance333k WordsCompleted [Both leads faithful and powerful + one true pairing + male lead has concubines + dotes on her exclusively from the start + a little palace intrigue and political scheming + System plays a minor role + fast-paced + no brainless tropes + no over-the-top drama + happy ending] [Brutal, calculating tyrant + absolutely rational, breathtakingly beautiful consort] Ye Xiyin has traveled through three thousand worlds and finally reaches the world of her last mission. Then the System tells her to sell her 2.3kReads9.1Score272Shelves

    Reader note

    Both female leads are very capable, know how to love themselves before loving others, and don't tolerate things that annoy them—very satisfying.

12. 62 种 Farming: My Rugged Husband Is Rather Sweet 种田：糙汉夫君有点甜 He Mu Shenshen禾木深深Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted Mu Chunniang had lived with the Mu family for fourteen years, rising earlier than the chickens and going to bed later than the dogs. Both her older sisters were engaged, but she wasn't in a hurry. She figured she'd marry someone suitable when the time came. Who knew she'd first be threatened by someone invoking her father's life debt, then become the target of relatives who wanted to sell her for the money? With nowhere else to turn, Chunniang decided to take a gamble. She brought the money she' 2.9kReads8.3Score304Shelves

    Reader note

    The male and female leads have strong moral values, it's a very good watch, and the theme is novel.

13. 63 开 From the Start, I Tore Up the Women's Virtues Manual and Took on My Wicked Mother-in-Law's Family 开局手撕女德，狂怼恶婆婆一家 Qian Mu芊木Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine, sweet romance, entrepreneurship, household intrigue] Qian Duoduo was orphaned at six. By the time she turned 30, she was the owner of a publicly listed company with her own premium liquor brand. After a bizarre car accident, she transmigrated to a dynasty that never existed in history, into the body of Qian Duoduo, the fourth daughter-in-law of the Shen family. The original owner hadn’t enjoyed a single good day since marrying into the family. Being beaten and starved was common 7.1kReads8.8Score900Shelves

    Reader note

    Easy and not grueling.

14. 64 穿 I Killed the Heroine on My First Day in a Short Drama 穿进短剧第一天就刺死女主 Silver Abacus银算盘Ancient Romance235k WordsCompleted [Mildly Satisfying Revenge, Mind Reading, Supporting Character Cannon Fodder in a Drama vs. Reborn Heroine, Short-Lived Lady x Dark Prince] Song Huannian mocked a mindless wish-fulfillment drama, then opened her eyes to find herself transmigrated into the short-lived cannon-fodder supporting female character. She was the stepping stone for the second female lead to rise to prominence, and the heroine's appetizer as she sought revenge after being reborn. She had barely arrived when the heroine ki 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Transmigrated Cannon Fodder vs. Reborn Heroine, Short-Lived Ghost x Dark Prince, Battle of Wits, Ancient Blind Date] Song Huan Nian transmigrated into a brainless, satisfying drama as a short-lived cannon fodder supporting character, serving as a stepping stone for the second female lead to rise to power. The heroine, reborn for revenge, was just the appetizer when she transmigrated and was immediately killed by the heroine. Holding a dagger in her hand, she explained guiltily: "Heroine, I'm giving you CPR, do you believe me?" - [If I were Song Huan Nian, I would never enter the palace again in this life.] [Song Huan Nian, you want to climb the social ladder, you deserve it!] Wait! Being able to hear the supporting characters' inner thoughts is too friendly for her, who loves watching bullet comments and listening to gossip, isn't it? - The gloomy man returned to the city and directly asked her to be his main wife. This guy was someone she had never seen before in the drama. - She put her hands on her waist, and he turned around. His bulging pectoral muscles almost bumped into her nose, and he grabbed her hand! So bouncy! So hard! So nice to touch! Song Huannian: Your Highness, your clothes are dirty, let me help you dust them off. Someone raises both hands: I see Miss Song's clothes are dirty too, shall I dust them off for you? - The male lead, as per the plot, ignored me, but now why is he chasing after me? - And the usually kind female lead suddenly starts using ruthless methods.

15. 65 我 I’m a Princess, So What If I Go a Little Crazy! 我都是公主了，我癫一点怎么了！ Xiao Ying in a Dream小影在梦里Ancient Romance124k WordsCompleted Tang Yuwan was a modern-day wage slave who worked herself to death staying up late. Then she transmigrated into the body of a Tang-dynasty woman with the same name. Tang-dynasty Tang Yuwan was a much-loved princess, but she was hopelessly love-struck and devoted herself to currying favor with Liang Xian of the Liang family, the Duke of Liang, who looked down on her. In the end, she died for love, and the modern Tang Yuwan took over her body. After arriving, Tang Yuwan gave up the lovesick act an 25Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Come check out these two books! The female lead is incredibly clear-headed!!

16. 66 说 Weren't You Supposed to Be the Hated Villainess? 说好的恶毒女配万人嫌呢？ Little Sister Fuyue扶月妹妹Ancient Romance534k WordsOngoing Sang Xiaohua, 22, a fresh graduate with all the clear-eyed foolishness of a college student, steps on a banana peel and performs a 720-degree midair spin. When she opens her eyes again, she's transmigrated into a melodramatic historical romance as the villainess Sang Yining! The original owner comes from a prominent family, yet insists on throwing her life away for the Crown Prince and male lead, Shan Junlin, while relentlessly plotting against the heroine, Xu Changxin. In the end, her entire fa 6Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 67 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 142kReads9.7Score112kShelves

    Reader note

    Purely ancient Chinese romance, no system, no cheat codes, no time travel, no rebirth.

18. 68 栖 Bough of the Phoenix Perch 栖凰枝 Lu Shiqi鹿时七Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Short drama now available. Search "A Sigh for Youth". Starring Mi Qi and Wang Kang] Also known as "I'm a Psychology PhD, and I'll Slaughter My Way Through the Palace" Palace intrigue + sweet romance + not both leads' first relationship + heroine focused on her career On her first day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue fell out of favor. Everyone said she was nothing but a pretty face, a vase. On her second day after transmigrating into the harem, Jiang Xinyue regained the emperor 36.9kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves
19. 69 侯 The Marquis's Estate Forgot Its Gratitude? The Regent Backs Me, and I Won't Forgive Them 侯府忘恩义？摄政王撑腰，不原谅 Chu Diandian初点点Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Luo Ning took a blade meant for the Empress Dowager and suffered severe injuries, trading her life for her family's noble title. She went south to recuperate for three years, but when she returned, she discovered that her maternal cousin had taken over her courtyard. Her cousin had even replaced her in every aspect. Luo Ning's parents and elder brother adored her, her grandmother favored her, and even Luo Ning's childhood sweetheart secretly admired her, saying that she surpassed Luo Ning in eve 177.6kReads9.4Score27kShelves
20. 70 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 82.1kReads9.5Score9.3kShelves
21. 71 敢 You Dare Ask Me to Marry for Peace? I’ll Topple Your Throne, So What? 敢求本宫和亲？掀你皇位怕不怕 Yun Xi Wei Xi云溪未晞Ancient Romance384k WordsOngoing [A scheming fake princess VS a lovestruck marquis who willingly lets himself be used] Xie Shuhe is a fake princess. The real princess refuses to marry into a foreign royal family, so she drugs Xie Shuhe and threatens her into taking her place. Little does she know, this has all gone according to Xie Shuhe’s plan. She intends to use the real princess’s power to get revenge. Among the candidates for her marriage, she chooses a dissolute marquis as her consort. But on the eve of the wedding, she di 36Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book for anything related to historical romance; it's incredibly good, but unfortunately, not many people have read it. The premise is very novel: the female lead is a fake princess, and the male lead is a fake playboy. The plot is fast-paced and doesn't drag. The content is humorous and interesting. Everyone is welcome to read it.

22. 72 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 8.8kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The palace intrigue and domestic power struggles lean towards the female protagonist's daily life: "Empress Xie" tells the story of Xie Ning, the daughter of a minor official, who enters the palace. A momentous kneeling gesture in the imperial garden wins her the emperor's favor, setting her on a path of advancement. Through childbirth, betrayal, and other trials, she ultimately becomes empress. The characters are vividly portrayed: Xie Ning is calm, open-minded, enjoys fine food, and is skilled in handicrafts, setting her apart from typical women in the inner palace. The emperor, with a troubled past, initially bides his time before seizing power and later taking control of the court. He dotes on Xie Ning, making him a well-rounded character. The romance is delicately crafted: the relationship between the male and female leads doesn't begin with love at first sight, but rather blossoms gradually through their interactions, a slow and steady development. This mutual support and affection feels real and touching, evoking a sense of peaceful beauty.

23. 73 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 2.6kReads9.1Score275Shelves

    Reader note

    I really love this.

24. 74 大 The Ming Emperor's Beloved Consort, Wan Zhen'er 大明宠妃万贞儿 Mad Twenty-Four Snake疯廿四蛇Ancient Romance745k WordsCompleted 7.7kReads9.4Score700Shelves

    Reader note

    Super good! I stayed up all night to finish it. The female lead is incredibly wise, scheming and calculating, very exciting, logically sound, and highly intelligent! You can tell it's a good read just by looking at the rating.

25. 75 大 The Last Dream of Daming Palace 大明宫残梦 Green Wood, Autumn Mulberry青木秋桑Ancient Romance968k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she was the pride of a distinguished family and an empress who ruled the realm. Her aloof arrogance invited a wolf into her home, until she was mutilated and left to die, and her entire family was wiped out with her. Given another life, she won't waste this rare chance. Watch her tear through her enemies... 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue novels, with poignant romance intertwined with hatred for family and country.

26. 76 我 My Years as a Benevolent Mother in the Qing Palace 我在清宫做圣母的那些年 Tsukimino E月见里绘Female-Channel Fanfiction2.5M WordsOngoing [A vengeful ghost from a mass grave × a scheming palace-conquering beauty × a golden finger bigger than the sky] Shanyue, a ghost from a mass grave, is reborn in the worlds of Empresses in the Palace and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace as a “living bodhisattva,” carrying a body full of resentment. Save the consorts? Soothe the children? She turns the consorts against one another and uses others to assassinate royal heirs. Beneath the compassionate guise of Guanyin lurks a demon from the depths o 31.3kReads8.7Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a really clever palace intrigue novel; it's the kind of revenge and power struggle that destroys both the person and their spirit.

27. 77 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 78.3kReads9.4Score13kShelves

    Reader note

    The first palace intrigue novel, the male protagonist has a dual personality.

28. 78 衔 Jade Between the Lips 衔玉 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance179k WordsCompleted [Delicate, Sickly Aristocratic Lady Lin Yu VS Cold, Tsundere Embroidered Uniform Guard Li Heming] [Historical Romance + One-on-One Romance + Household Intrigue + Secret Crush + Sweet Romance + Marriage Before Love + Devoted Hero + Happy Ending] The year Lin Yu broke off her engagement to Li Heming, rumors spread that she had done so because Li Heming had risen to become the Northern Commandant of the Embroidered Uniform Guard by stepping over the corpses of court officials. Lin Yu was frail, and 31.6kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves
29. 79 陛 Your Majesty, Jiang Family’s Sickly Young Master Is Your Achilles’ Heel 陛下，江家病秧子是你的死穴 Fang Feiwo方飞卧Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted Reunion after a long separation + regretful pursuit of the wife + both inexperienced + angsty romance + duel between two powerful leads + emperor × daughter of a disgraced official When she returned from exile coughing blood, everyone thought the Jiang family’s once peerless beauty, the moonlight of the capital, had long since been worn down by the northern frontier’s snow and wind into a candle flickering in the breeze. The silver needles at her fingertips could bring the dead back to life, ye 1.7kReads—Score116Shelves

    Reader note

    🌸This one! Pure classical Chinese! The female lead is unleashed, willing to enter the game herself! She vows to uncover the truth of what happened five years ago! 🍃The male lead is a stoic emperor, the scent of ambergris mixed with blood on his wrist. As she coughs up blood that splatters onto the blue bricks, his eyes are as deep as night—"Jiang Kening, do you know that in this game of the world, you are my Achilles' heel?"

30. 80 挺 She Enters the Palace Pregnant, and the Minister's Wife Cries in the Emperor's Arms 挺孕肚进宫，臣妻钻陛下怀里哭 Picking Green for the Consort取青妃白Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Alluring and Seductive Minister's Wife VS Lovesick, Possessive Emperor Who Falls for Her Step by Step (The Emperor Steals His Minister's Wife, Palace Intrigue, Not Devoted to Each Other, He Dotes on Her from Start to Finish)] The emperor thinks Jiang Yirou is hopelessly in love with him. Little does he know, she is only playing him with her clever schemes. - In her previous life, she was forced to drink an abortifacient. Her husband's principal wife sneered, “A lowly concubine carrying twins d 7.5kReads8.7Score836Shelves

    Reader note

    She's so good at seducing the male lead that he's completely smitten.

31. 81 穿 Transmigrated as a Farm Girl! Everyone Insists I Become an Arms Dealer 穿成农女！众人非逼我成军火贩子 An Mo Chu Yu安墨初予Ancient Romance584k WordsCompleted The animated series is now live! [Mean-Looking, Kind-Hearted Heroine vs. Kind-Looking, Scheming Hero] [Transmigration + Spatial Storage + Everyone's Favorite + Feel-Good Revenge + Firearms + Putting Scumbags in Their Place] Cang Shu: "Xu Qiyue! Why have you killed someone again?!" Xu Qiyue: "It was an accident! An accident! What do we do now?" Cang Shu: "What can we do? Bury them!" Cang Shu never imagined that, after finally escaping a life of bloodshed, things would suddenly take a bizarre turn 66kReads8.5Score10.5kShelves
32. 82 毒 The Poison Doctor Shocks the World: One Dose, and You’re Hellbound 毒医惊世：毒术一出，地府见 An Mo Chu Yu安墨初予Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Punishing scumbags + palace and household intrigue + satisfying story + medicine + poison + martial arts + two powerful leads] “Your Highness! This is bad! Third Miss Cheng beat up the young marquis!” “Your Highness! This is bad! Third Miss Cheng beat up the Fourth Prince too!” “Your Highness! Something else has gone wrong!” Ji Yanchen rubbed his forehead. “How does this girl manage to cause trouble every single day?” Cheng Yuan, the ace of a 23rd-century special forces team, was betrayed 709Reads8.1Score103Shelves
33. 83 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 106.8kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is incredibly intelligent, and the story is incredibly immersive. It's a time-travel story, but the author is exceptionally skilled at writing. For several nights while reading this novel, I felt like someone was about to assassinate me; it truly created a very real sense of being there.

34. 84 宫 Palace and Household Intrigue? I'll Slap Them All 宫斗宅斗？我掌掴所有人 Song Song宋讼Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Look closely: there's a Prince of Yan in a wheelchair right in front of you. Go kick him, and you'll be rewarded with a year of life.] Qin Chuchu listened to the System's mission in her ear and looked at the handsome, distinguished Prince of Yan in the distance, notorious for his violent, wanton cruelty. “Isn't that a bit much? He's in a wheelchair already. Wouldn't that be too cruel?” That was what she thought, but she strode right over and launched a front kick! Bull's-eye. [You've retur 12kReads8.7Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Come check out these two books! The female leads are absolutely amazing!!!

35. 85 郡 The Princess Returns to the Capital to Kill One for Every One 郡主回京打死一个是一个 Puffy Eyes肿眼泡Ancient Romance261k WordsOngoing Jiang Ximo: “Nobody get in my way! I’ll kill whoever I can!” Ning Chenyuan: “Who do you want dead? Just write up a list for the secret guards. Don’t tire your hand.” Ning Yan: “Fine, fine, you two are a loving couple, and I’m just an outsider!” Jiang Lin: “You rascal! I took you in and raised you, and now you’ve got your eye on my daughter!” —Reads—Score—Shelves
36. 86 开 From the Start, They Sacrificed Me to Heaven. In the End, I Took Power 开局被祭天，结局我掌权 Big Shuttle大梭子Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted (The first fifteen chapters mostly recount memories from her past life.) Wei Yingshan was born a princess of the imperial family, but an accident left her stranded in the wilderness. She was brought back to the palace when she was thirteen. When she was seventeen, rebel troops laid siege to the city and demanded that a princess of the Wei clan surrender with her hands bound and a jade disc in her mouth. Her birth mother couldn't bear to subject the elder sister and younger brother she'd raised f 74.8kReads9.3Score10.7kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is really super good.

37. 87 重 Reborn and Married Off: I Become the Mistress of the Prince's Manor 重生换亲：我在王府当主母 Xia Tian夏甜Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted Shen Wantang's reborn elder sister stole her engagement and pushed the Prince of Ning's heir, who had become a monk, on her. “The prince's residence is grand and splendid. Little sister, go enjoy your good fortune!” Shen Wantang laughed. “Then thank you, Sister.” Was she not reborn too? In her previous life, her elder sister married the Prince of Ning's heir and drove the woman he loved to her death. He would rather die for love than live as her husband. After he died, her sister was imprisoned. 20.4kReads7.7Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Reading a hundred or two chapters should be enough; Shizi is too brainless.

38. 88 献 Offering to the Abyss 献京渊 Qi Yi Zi七一子Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Print edition releasing October 25] “He taught me to kill, seize power, and look after myself. I taught him what it means to have a weakness.” [Serious drama + political intrigue + the fate of the nation and its people + I’m terrible at writing blurbs] Jiang Qingyu was born into wealth, and her family’s love had made her naive and pampered. It wasn’t until the day the entire Jiang family was executed that she realized how foolish she had been! When she opened her eyes again, she was determined 24.3kReads9.5Score3.9kShelves
39. 89 开 I Ran Away from My Wedding from the Start, and the Unhinged Crown Prince Pursued Me Relentlessly 开局逃婚，疯批太子穷追不舍 Qian Mu芊木Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted "Transmigration, lighthearted with no angst, an innocent poison expert, clever characters, and love going both ways" Shen Yiyi, young master of the Divine Healer Sect in the Tianling Kingdom, unexpectedly transmigrates to the Great Shang Kingdom and finds herself in the body of another Shen Yiyi, the unloved eldest legitimate daughter of the Left Chancellor’s residence. She had planned to find the Nine-Leaf Hollow Lotus and then return to her own Tianling Kingdom. But before she can find any new 2.6kReads8.7Score339Shelves

    Reader note

    Lighthearted and funny, not angsty.

40. 90 重 Reborn as the Villainess 重生之恶女回归 Nanling Halashao南岭哈拉少Ancient Romance107k WordsOngoing [Rebirth + revenge on scumbags + two powerful leads + wild imagination] In his previous life, Xu Huaian had been a virtuous governor all his life. When he saw Xiao Zhijie, weakened by illness, take the short dagger he had once given her and kill herself before him, her bright red blood spilling across the ground, he knew he had been wrong. Completely wrong! What did it matter that she had vowed to repay her lord's favor and die for him with her jade dragon blade? After she was gone, none of it m —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Yes, you can. [KISS]

41. 91 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter's Poisonous Schemes 嫡女毒妃 Robes White as Snow麻衣如雪Ancient Romance5.1M WordsCompleted The genius of both Chinese and Western medicine, Yin Suhua, transmigrates into the body of an unloved legitimate daughter. On her wedding day, she is even deliberately stopped and humiliated outside the prince's residence. “If you want to enter the residence, cut ties with the Chancellor's household.” “Gladly. But if the heir wants to marry me, he must never take a concubine.” She enters alone, marries alone, and enters the bridal chamber alone. Yin Suhua thinks: What kind of wonderful deal is t 14.3kReads9.1Score1.5kShelves
42. 92 折 Snap Off a Crabapple Branch! 折棠枝！ Consort Xi熙贵妃Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Sisters switch marriages+the chase-back-to-win-her-heart trope+romantic rivalry+putting scumbags in their place; clear-eyed, scheming beauty X mad tyrant X aloof, powerful minister...] Short drama now available Jiang Wantang is the second legitimate daughter least favored by the current prime minister. With incomparable beauty and bewitching charm, she was abandoned in the wilderness and remained unknown to the world. Her elder legitimate sister was the moon in the sky; she was the mud beneath 9kReads8.9Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist with a unique mind

43. 93 弑 After Failing to Assassinate the Emperor, I Return to Power Seven Years Later 弑君失败，七年后本宫卷土重来 Yijun翊君Ancient Romance770k WordsCompleted [An emperor who seems gentle and refined but is actually an obsessive tyrant VS an empress who seems detached from worldly desires but is actually ruthless] Year Five of Jiayou. A political upheaval brought down the Jiang family, the imperial family’s staunchest supporters, overnight. That same year, Empress Jiang He’s plan to poison Emperor Jiayou in Fengqi Palace failed, and she was confined to Qianyuan Temple to pray for the realm. The realm remained unharmed, but the imperial harem became a 1.9kReads8.4Score156Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is really good! [Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf]

44. 94 听 They Say Everyone Rumored to Be Involved with This Maid Gets Promoted 听说和这丫鬟有绯闻的都升官了 Tears in the Heart of the Tree树心有泪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigrated Maid + Ensemble Cast + Political Schemes and Twists + Hilarious Chaos] One-sentence summary: A maid and two minor officials are brought together by a wastrel marquis to resolve crises and crack bizarre cases. Zhuxin transmigrated into the body of a maid in a Duke's manor. She thought her future would involve either household intrigue or farming, but then the manor was confiscated and she landed in the Imperial Prison. Zhuxin felt like she was doomed. They were all picking on her j 16.5kReads9.3Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    You'll see when you watch it; highly recommended.

45. 95 侯 The Marquess's Wife Wants to Die of Old Age in Peace 侯府主母要寿终正寝 Winter Melon Eats Pears冬瓜吃梨Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted A history major pulls an all-nighter and dies suddenly, only to become Chen Yuhu, the matriarch of an ancient household, with no golden finger whatsoever. But you have to learn to be content. As a modern, clear-eyed college student, Chen Yuhu wants to tell the original matriarch: don't be such a lovesick fool. Treasure your life of immense wealth and status. She certainly does. She sends her biased mother-in-law away to cultivate in seclusion, keeps the obedient and pretty concubine around to pl 34.8kReads9.2Score3.3kShelves
46. 96 卑 The Lowly Concubine-Born Daughter Turns a Losing Hand into a Winning Finale 卑微庶女一手烂牌打出王炸结局 Yi Mian Chun一眠春Ancient Romance815k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance + growing heroine + marriage before love + palace and household intrigue + both leads grow powerful later + transmigrate into a book] Zhao Fangyu transmigrates into a book and lands in a deadly situation from the start: in a wealthy household, she has a fever of 104 degrees, but her mother refuses to let her see a doctor! She thought she’d landed in a living hell where neither parent cared for her, but the great household turns out to be full of hidden talent: T 6.3kReads8.7Score662Shelves
47. 97 祸 A Nation's Calamity: Yan (Complete in Two Volumes) 祸国·式燕（全二册） Fourteen Towers十四阙Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted The land of Wei is divided among Yan, Bi, Yi, and Cheng. Crown Prince Zhanghua of Yan, fifteen years old, was set to marry the third daughter of the Xie family, Xie Fanyi. But Xie Fanyi tragically died on the way to her wedding. Two years later, the new emperor chose her younger sister, Chang Yan, as his empress. And so, at thirteen, Xie Chang Yan bid farewell to her paternal family, left her hometown, and journeyed to the imperial capital to learn court etiquette as she waited to come of age. S 3kReads9.5Score528Shelves

    Reader note

    Fourteen Que is a well-written and grandly structured book; you should check it out.

48. 98 九 The Two Beauties of Jiujing 九京双姝 Shi Jiu是玖Ancient Romance516k WordsCompleted [Two Female Leads + Princess Younger Sister + Physician Older Sister + Political Intrigue + Revenge] Growing up in the village, Yun Zhu chased chickens and teased dogs, with not a trace of a young lady's refinement. When her mother grabbed her by the ear, she didn't even cry out in pain. Grinning, she said, “Mother, my skin's tough. Don't hurt your hand squeezing it.” By contrast, her elder sister Su Ye was calm and composed, with the scent of medicine about her. People said the Fang couple wer 805Reads8.7Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue novel, so good!

49. 99 赤 Scarlet Farewell 赤别 Shi Qingyao十清杳Modern Romance138k WordsCompleted The signature youth BE romance by popular author Shi Qingyao. Sincere young Bei Jiang × cool, distant dream girl Nan Zhi. From the south to the north, one glance lasts a lifetime. Between her and her boy lie countless mountains they can never cross. When they first met, she smiled brightly. “My name is Nan Zhi. Nan as in south.” The boy looked up and gripped the hem of his shirt. “My name is Bei Jiang. Bei as in north.” They met for the first time in summer. The air was sultry, stirring the brig 2kReads9.4Score584Shelves
50. 100 娇 The Proud Eldest Princess Teases Her Cold-Hearted Secret Guard Night After Night 娇矜长公主夜夜撩宠冷心暗卫 Zhao Yun, Stop Right There赵云你站住Ancient Romance249k WordsCompleted [Devoted Bodyguard + Sisters Swap Marriages + Revenge on Scumbags + Flirting and Spoiling + Mutual Firsts] Princess Yun Lingyu was seventeen when her younger sister schemed to send her far away to marry for peace in Fenglin. She struggled for five years in Fenglin's imperial harem before finally using her own wits to claim the throne as empress. When she learned that, a year after her marriage, her brother and mother consort had both been brutally killed by the new emperor, she personally led an 531Reads8.9Score101Shelves

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