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. 251 宠 The Consort's Business Venture Succeeded, Then She Suddenly Died 宠妃创业已成，却猝然崩殂 Messy 87糟87乱Ancient Romance471k WordsCompleted [The Two Worlds' Beloved Consort] Liu Yao worked her way up from beauty to imperial consort, becoming the apple of the emperor's eye. One day, the emperor peacefully passed away in her arms, bound for the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. At last, all her hardships had paid off. On his deathbed, the emperor issued an imperial decree allowing her to live at Qionghua Mountain Villa, a palace retreat, instead of remaining in the palace. She now had wealth, status, and freedom. She had it all. A winner a 49Reads6.1Score—Shelves
2. 252 桃 Ride Out to Battle, Peach Blossoms in My Wake 桃花马上请长缨 June六月Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of June's novel, Power and Favor 3: Power and Favor in the Capital, is now available on Hongguo App. She cared for her in-laws and used her dowry to support the General's household, only for him to use his hard-won military achievements to ask for the female general's hand as his equal wife. Zhan Beiwang mocked her. “Song Xixie, do you know that your fine clothes, rich food, and glittering jewels all come from General Yi Fang and me fighting bloody battles to hold back 15kReads9.5Score5.5kShelves

   Reader note

   A story featuring a highly intelligent female lead and a pure-hearted male lead, set in a palace intrigue romance genre, written entirely in ancient Chinese style. Every female lead is remarkably clear-headed, every character feels real, and the plot is top-notch, constantly unfolding with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. [Please follow][Upvote][Upvote][Upvote]

3. 253 霍 The Huo Family's Eldest Daughter, Little A Ying 霍家长女小阿盈 Miss Qingqing青青小姐Ancient Romance10k WordsCompleted Huo Ying, the Huo Family's Eldest Daughter 817Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is great; the female protagonist gradually rises to the top.

4. 254 长 Snow in Chang’an: The Heart of an Old Friend 长安雪：故人心 Love Among the Green Roses绿蔷薇之恋Historical369k WordsCompleted Not a feel-good novel, and not a formulaic one. This is a historical fantasy and martial arts novel set in an alternate past, featuring political intrigue, a male and female lead, and plenty of dialogue. In the twenty-third year of the Kaiyuan era, Tang, spring was warm and the scenery bright. The banks of Qujiang Pond were already bustling with carriages and crowds of beautiful women. It had been only three days since the new jinshi results were posted, and the excitement of having their names 1Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   (Chang'an Snow. Old Friends' Hearts) — A story set during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty… Purely written in ancient vernacular Chinese, a grand drama of power struggles and palace intrigue, with few female leads, no time travel, and no system. Highly recommended! (Shen Wansan, the Wealthy Merchant of the Ming Dynasty) — The story of Shen Wansan, a wealthy merchant from the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, and his tumultuous journey through the business world with the emperor and officials… The entire text is written in ancient vernacular Chinese, without clichés, time travel, or a system, and with few female leads. (Narrative of Spring's Green Surge) — Stories related to the Yongle era and earlier periods of the Ming Dynasty. The book is divided into four volumes, written in ancient vernacular Chinese, without clichés, a system, time travel, or many female leads. The story is rich in classical allusions and contains a wealth of knowledge.

5. 255 大 Shen Wansan, the Ming Dynasty Tycoon 大明富贾沈万三 Love Among the Green Roses绿蔷薇之恋Historical206k WordsCompleted Book Description: This book has no System, no transmigration, and no multiple heroines. It follows the male protagonist from farming to the ups and downs of the business world, charting his extraordinary life in a brisk, no-frills style. At the end of the Yuan dynasty and the beginning of the Ming, Shen Fu, a farmer from Zhouzhuang, was styled Zhongrong and ranked third among his brothers. People called him Shen Wansan. He rose from humble beginnings, earned his first fortune transporting goods 25Reads—Score—Shelves
6. 256 世 I Have the Scion of a Prestigious Family Wrapped Around My Finger 世家公子被我耍的团团转 Lychee-Braised Pork荔枝烧肉Ancient Romance289k WordsCompleted Tan Xin, an elite IT professional in the 21st century, dated network engineer Lan Tingyue for three years. When his family pressured him to marry, Lan Tingyue proposed to her. After she didn't respond, he quickly married his high school classmate instead. When Tan Xin found out, she was utterly devastated and rushed to the wedding... 4Reads8.2Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This was originally a clear-headed approach, but it was too rigid.

7. 257 宫 Spring in the Imperial Palace 宫闱春 Dare to Draw a Mulberry Bow敢挽桑弓Ancient Romance246k WordsCompleted [Female Lead in Palace Intrigue + Male Lead in Political Schemes + High-IQ Cast + Beautiful, Unhinged Characters + Ensemble Cast] An alternate-world story. The female lead is highly intelligent, clear-headed, and no lovesick fool. From the moment she enters the palace, Jiang Wanqing knows she will spend her whole life within these walls. She never forgets one thing: she wants to become empress. She also knows that the current emperor, Zhou Qijing, cares only about royal power and dominion. So sh 636Reads8.7Score112Shelves

   Reader note

   Highly recommend this historical romance novel! I personally think it's good, hope you like it.

8. 258 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 17kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves

   Reader note

   Check out these books: clear-headed, strong, and not love-struck, with a touch of angst for the male lead—they're really captivating.

9. 259 不 You Don't Like a Slender Waist and a Soft, Delicate Beauty? My Words Say No, but My Heart Says Yes! 不喜细腰娇软？是朕口是心非！ You Gongyu尤宫羽Ancient Romance406k WordsCompleted [Unhinged emperor × clear-eyed beauty | powerful man, gentle woman | forced love | white moonlight | imprisonment | amnesia | chasing his wife] In a dream, Mu Zhuohua glimpsed her own life. Her childhood sweetheart, Crown Prince Xiao Junyi, who had promised to marry her, would send her away to marry another kingdom. Helian Xiao, the emperor of Ziyuan whom she would marry, would go on to unite the realm. After waking, she resolved to stop being the girl who waited in vain for her childhood sweeth 7.2kReads8.9Score843Shelves
10. 260 反 The Villainess Kills with Her Beauty 反派她以美貌杀人 Shattered Starlight夜空碎光Ancient Romance355k WordsCompleted (The heroine is a true villain. If you prefer morally upright characters, read with caution.) She was the villain of a book, but she never knew it. But what did that matter? Her beloved was dead. How could those responsible for his death be allowed to live? She toyed with the world in the palm of her hand, laying schemes within schemes and concealing deadly intent at every turn. Her gentle nature and ethereal beauty were both weapons, and no one could stand in the way of her revenge. The person 4kReads9.4Score480Shelves

    Reader note

    Excellent!

11. 261 爆 Spoiled Rotten: The Green Tea Chancellor's Beloved Comes Back to Life 爆宠，绿茶丞相的心上人复活后 Kelisiting克莉斯汀Ancient Romance151k WordsCompleted [Clever, kind, and resilient heroine VS proud, refined hero who's a humble, fake-sweet puppy] [One-on-one sweet romance, the hero suffers, time gap, raising a child] Xu Zhaozhao once transmigrated three thousand years into the past, to the Jin Dynasty, to complete a mission. But the mission failed, and she was forced to marry Xie Zhen, the eldest son of the Xie family. They had a daughter, Xie Yunlu. At last, her organization came to retrieve her and send her back to the modern world. Then she r 3.1kReads7.6Score209Shelves
12. 262 生 Share a Bed in Life! Share a Grave in Death! She Can't Escape After Being Forced to Become His Wife 生同衾！死同穴！强夺为妻逃不掉 Round Little Egg圆滚滚蛋Ancient Romance373k WordsCompleted [Possessive love + classic melodrama + love that never comes with time] [A frail, beautiful woman who gives in after marriage VS a deeply devoted man with an overwhelming need for control] Everyone envies Lou Wantang. She’s only the daughter of a county magistrate, yet she gets to marry Prince Chen, a man of great power, and receive his undivided favor. But only she knows she was forced into it. In other people’s eyes, Pei Sijin is a man of noble status, handsome and strong, and a devoted, fa 26.5kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves
13. 263 长 After the Princess Consort Used Him and Cast Him Aside, He Turned Dark 长公主始乱终弃后，他黑化了 Nanfei Beidiao南妃北调Ancient Romance517k WordsCompleted A short drama of the same name is now streaming. Warning ⚠️⚠️⚠️ The female lead is promiscuous and not chaste; she’s a reformed player. Don’t read if that bothers you. Reborn, she personally raises her enemy’s son to be her dog! The male lead starts off submissive and gloomy, then turns into a crazed, coercive yandere after being used and discarded. Burned alive in her previous life, Xiao Jinning is reborn ten years in the past. Looking at the young regent, his fangs not yet grown in, she curves 442Reads7.2Score101Shelves
14. 264 重 Reborn, I Chose a Playboy to Be My Father! Somehow, I Raised an Emperor 重生选纨绔当爹！结果养成皇帝了 Happy StellaLou快乐星黛露Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Satisfying revenge + a touch of ensemble cast + regret and redemption + turning a wastrel dad into a lovestruck fool] Song Shihuan was reborn. In her previous life, she was the Crown Prince’s legitimate daughter, but spent ten years living away from home. After being brought back, she tried to please everyone, groveling for the tiniest scraps of family affection. But what did she get in return? The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were ashamed of her, her three legitimate brothers treated her wi 21.8kReads9.3Score2.4kShelves
15. 265 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 26.1kReads9.3Score2.4kShelves
16. 266 嫡 The Splendor of a Legitimate Daughter: The Prince’s Exclusive Devotion 嫡色惊华：君心独宠 A Grain of Life一粒生Ancient Romance174k WordsOngoing [Historical Romance + Palace Intrigue + Legitimate Daughter + Cherished Exclusively in the Later Story; the Male Lead Knows He Is in Love] [The heroine comes from a powerful family and is both talented and beautiful. The hero is the first to fall into love’s whirlpool, and once he does, there is no turning back] [Ruthless, heartless emperor vs. charming, radiant consort] When the selection of palace consorts is held, Bo Chuji, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue, enters the palace 30Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In palace intrigue novels, the female lead is exceptionally clear-headed, only caring about power and status; in the end, it's the male lead who falls for her.

17. 267 娇 The Delicate Beauty Plays Her Cards Right, but They Want to Win Her Heart 娇弱美人耍心机，他们却想勾她心 Little Peach Doesn't Eat Cilantro小桃不吃香菜Ancient Romance215k WordsCompleted [Supporting character awakens + romantic battlefield + adored by everyone + face-slapping and scum-bashing + revenge + scumbag pursues his wife to the crematorium but gets no forgiveness + romantic tension + fictional dynasty] [Our heroine starts out as a timid little bunny and later becomes a big bad wolf: a scheming beauty who loves to act and puts her own interests first, always in control.] Gu Ningchu, the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s estate, is delicate and charming, but unfortunat 67Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is very capable and incredibly clear-headed!!!

18. 268 重 Reborn as an Abandoned Child, She Runs Wild in Lanling 重生成为弃子后她在兰陵杀疯了 Mo Xiaoju莫小鞠Ancient Romance267k WordsCompleted [Reborn + devoted couple + princess consort + princess sent away for a political marriage finds redemption + sweet romance] From the start, she is reborn at the age of fifteen. Just as in her previous life, she chooses without hesitation to become the Great Xia court’s abandoned pawn, a princess sent away for a political marriage. But this time, how could she let others walk all over her? After being reborn, she gives the haughty princess a brutal beating. She agrees to the political marriage on 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead isn't love-struck; she's intelligent and the show is very good, definitely worth recommending.

19. 269 宠 My Wife Gets Whatever She Wants, and the Road to Winning Her Heart Is Long 宠妻无下限，追夫路漫漫 Mo Xiaoju莫小鞠Ancient Romance133k WordsCompleted At their first meeting, the ancient hero saved the beauty, stirring the heart she had kept hidden. On her first transmigration, a hapless teammate tricked her into the starter village, where she made friends. By chance, the four teamed up and defeated the final boss. During their days roaming the martial world, their hearts quietly drew closer. She thought their love and careers had both found success, and that they were headed for a happy ending. On their wedding night, their love was steadfast 1Reads—Score—Shelves
20. 270 绝 The Peerless Doctor Consort Can't Escape the Regent's Clutches 绝世医妃难逃摄政王的手心 Mo Xiaoju莫小鞠Ancient Romance265k WordsCompleted Xu Sangqi has a pair of delicate hands that can heal even the dead, and her medical skills are exceptional. One day, she transmigrates into the daughter of a wealthy merchant family, doted on by her six older brothers. Her predecessor had been dealt a winning hand but played it terribly. On her wedding day, the original owner was manipulated by the man she loved and turned into a medicinal ingredient. The modern-day Xu Sangqi takes over successfully and promptly divorces her husband on their wed 12Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 271 重 After I Was Reborn, the Scumbag Crown Prince Had to Kneel and Call Me Aunt 重生后渣男太子请绕道跪下叫皇婶 Mo Xiaoju莫小鞠Ancient Romance156k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + household and palace intrigue + punishing scumbags + revenge + powerful allies + seizing the throne] In her previous life, all she wanted was to marry the Crown Prince, Fu Jiyang. Desperate to spend her life with him, she threatened her father with her own life. General Li, who doted on his daughter, finally married her off and threw his full support behind the Crown Prince. On her wedding day, her father left to lead troops in defense of the southern frontier. She was ten months preg 5Reads—Score—Shelves
22. 272 受 Sick of the Madwoman, the Wicked Maid Decides to Find a New Boss 受够癫婆，恶婢决定换个老板 Emerald Mountain Sparrow翡山雀Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A vicious supporting character’s maid awakens + face-slapping + playing the pig to eat the tiger + super sweet romance] [Career-minded maid × delusion-prone emperor, both virgins in both their lives] In her previous life, the maid Dan Feng saved the emperor when he was in trouble, but handed him over to her mistress, Wei Xixue. She watched as the whole Wei family rode on the emperor’s gratitude to rise to prominence; She watched as her mistress used that favor to become the emperor’s beloved co 12.3kReads8.6Score2kShelves
23. 273 糊 After the Scatterbrained Mother Was Reborn, Her Hard-Luck Life Turned to Wealth and Glory 糊涂娘重生后，命苦的她富贵荣华 You Lu由鹿Ancient Romance645k WordsCompleted [The heroine’s mother is reborn; devoted to one another in both her past and present lives; one-on-one romance; happy ending] Qi Manyue was so foolish that she didn’t realize until she was on the verge of death that she had raised her enemy’s son, while her own daughter had been abandoned far from home. She clung to life to search for her daughter, and at last found her: nothing but bones in a mass grave. When she saw the remains, she finally breathed her last. But when she opened her eyes again 5.6kReads8.9Score645Shelves
24. 274 不 Wasn’t This an Arranged Marriage? Why Is Lord Pei So in Love with Me? 不是联姻吗？裴大人怎么这么爱 Deep-Fried Ice Cream油炸冰激凌Ancient Romance275k WordsCompleted Jiang Shiyuan spent ten years pursuing Shen Lüchu, only to receive four words on her eighteenth birthday: “You make me sick.” So Jiang Shiyuan, the girl who made Shen Lüchu sick, turned around and agreed to her family’s arranged marriage, preparing to marry into the Pei family. The Pei family was the most powerful clan in the capital, with influence that reached the heavens, far beyond what Jiang Shiyuan could aspire to. Fortunately, the family was full of talented men, but one grandson, Pei 50.3kReads9.1Score6.5kShelves
25. 275 进 I Came to the Capital to Find My Family, and My Brother’s Archrival Spoiled Me Rotten 进京寻亲，被哥哥死对头宠翻天 A Magnolia Blossom一朵辛夷花Ancient Romance380k WordsCompleted [Pure historical setting + one-on-one romance, both leads are each other’s only partners + lighthearted and sweet + direct communication, no misunderstandings + no transmigration or rebirth] [Airheaded, gentle heroine versus arrogant, ruthless minister] Jiang Yihuan’s older brother was an official in the capital, while she dug wild greens in the countryside and often went hungry. One day, her brother’s sworn enemy, Wei Zhao, captured her. “Your brother has been exiled. From now on, you’re coming 12.4kReads9.0Score2.2kShelves
26. 276 炮 Book Transmigration: The Delicate Cannon-Fodder Supporting Character Is Too Pitiful 炮灰女配她娇软堪怜【穿书】 Spring Waters Stretch a Thousand Miles春水千里Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, delicate little star, adored by everyone, men competing in a battlefield of love] Hua Wu transmigrates! The good news: she’s transmigrated into a historical romance about a Mary Sue heroine adored by everyone. The heroine is born with an irresistible allure, and any man who sleeps with her becomes unable to leave her. She gathers a scheming prince, a bold general, an obsessive imperial tutor, a cold, aloof miracle doctor, a mysterious state preceptor, and many more 5.8kReads8.8Score633Shelves
27. 277 逼 You Forced Me to Marry the Regent, So Why Are You Crying Now That I'm Pregnant? 逼我嫁摄政王，我有孕你哭什么 Four Crescent Moons四弯月Ancient Romance384k WordsCompleted The short drama “Where the Mountain Has Trees, the Trees Have Branches” is now available. [Publication deal signed + male lead fights to claim her + second male lead begs for her back + marriage before love] Jiang Chuyue has been in love with Xiao Ji for ten years. As his nominal “younger sister,” all she can do is watch him take one concubine after another. At a palace banquet, Xiao Ji protects his beloved concubine by forcing Jiang Chuyue to marry the regent. Xiao Ji tells her, “The regent is 24.6kReads8.7Score1.9kShelves
28. 278 青 The Scent of Childhood Sweethearts: The Heir Has Been Plotting This for Ages 青梅嗅：世子他蓄谋已久 Jie Ximo杰西莫Ancient Romance372k WordsCompleted [Childhood sweethearts + young married couple + long-planned pursuit + mutual devotion and favoritism] [Brash, straightforward commandery princess × scheming, jealous heir to a noble title] The Princess Royal’s residence and the Prince of Zhenbei’s estate are separated by just one wall. From the moment Jiang Changning was born, Xie Yan gained a nemesis in this world. Whenever the two met, they could argue so loudly they’d bring down the rafters. Then one day, Jiang Changning was betrothed b 20.9kReads9.1Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Purely classical Chinese, palace intrigue, lighthearted and funny, with frequent interactions between the male and female leads. The female lead isn't love-struck and is career-oriented; I really love it! 😳

29. 279 帝 The Emperor and Empress Fight Every Day to See Who Dies First 帝后每天互殴，看谁先死 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing Feng Xing is the daughter of Chu Xi’s Grand Marshal, who commands an army of four hundred thousand. Shen Feng has been emperor for just two years. Shen Feng is utterly depraved, ruthless, and cruel. To secure his throne, he decides to marry Feng Xing and make her empress. First, he will fake her death to lure her father to the capital for the funeral. Then he will wipe out her entire family and take control of the Chu Xi army. Feng Xing is a fierce, accomplished warrior who takes whatever she wa 34.9kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves
30. 280 娘 The Empress Faked Her Death, and the Emperor Went on a Rampage 娘娘假死后，陛下杀疯了 Consort's Lucky Draw妃上签Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted What should you do after transmigrating into a book as a cannon-fodder heroine? Run! Jiang Qing fakes her death and escapes the palace, leaving the emperor heartbroken. When he discovers she faked her death, the emperor swears he'll catch her and make her suffer! But when he finally catches her, he shamelessly holds her in his arms and coaxes her gently. 851Reads8.9Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    So pretty! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

31. 281 想 I Just Want to Lie Flat, but the Emperor Pushes Me into the Harem Battles 想躺平，皇上却push我宫斗 Wooden Raisin木提子Ancient Romance328k WordsCompleted [An unconventional palace-intrigue story + 1v1 later on + a love-triangle free-for-all] The emperor falls first, then turns dark later [A beautiful, easygoing sloth consort who just wants to lie flat x a hard-working emperor who is secretly scheming and potentially unhinged] “Me, Just Looking for a Basic Salary and Slacking Off, Got Promoted Thanks to the Emperor’s Help” / “The Emperor Fights Palace Battles for Me Behind My Back” / “Consort Yao Doesn’t Want His Favor or Love, She Just Wants to R 8.4kReads9.3Score734Shelves
32. 282 皇 The Emperor: My Consort Is Always Trying to Get Sent to the Cold Palace 皇上：朕的爱妃总想去冷宫 Li Zifeng黎紫枫Ancient Romance946k WordsCompleted Yan Yuxi transmigrated into the eldest legitimate daughter of the Cheng'en Earl’s household. Her father was the Cheng'en Earl, her mother was Commandery Princess Qingyang, her maternal grandfather was the Duke Who Guards the State, and her maternal grandmother was a Grand Princess. Her family background could hardly have been more illustrious. But her father doted on his concubines and neglected his wife. The inner residence was like the emperor’s harem, filled with concubines and children, and 3.3kReads9.1Score348Shelves
33. 283 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 12.3kReads9.5Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Trust me, I recommend these two books. The female protagonists always manage to turn the tables and win from disadvantages; they're very intelligent. They're pure palace intrigue novels, very interesting. The female protagonists are resourceful and clever, and the plots are also very engaging.

34. 284 陪 The Prince's Consort Who Was Buried Alive Is a Miracle Doctor 陪葬王妃是神医 Ruo Tan箬覃Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted During a palace coup, Physician Xiao is wrongly implicated, and his sixteen-year-old daughter, Xiao Luofei, is made a slave. Just as Xiao Luofei is about to be sold to a brothel at the slave market, the Prince Xuan’s household buys her. She thinks she has escaped her fate, only to discover that Prince Xuan is on his deathbed and she was bought to be buried with him… 754Reads9.2Score451Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a palace intrigue novel. The female lead is capable and clear-headed. It's written entirely in ancient Chinese and has a great plot!

35. 285 王 The Prince Tormented Me for His Beloved, Only to Be Killed by Her 王爷为白月光虐我，被白月光反杀 Mad Twenty-Four Snake疯廿四蛇Ancient Romance648k WordsCompleted My younger sister set me up and sent me to the old prince’s bed. By a twist of fate, I spent one passionate night with the young prince. The old prince: “Why did you seduce my son?” My younger sister: “My sister will stop at nothing to marry into wealth and power.” The young prince: “You’ve got plenty of blood. Give some to my one true love.” His one true love hit him over the head with a brick, knocking him out cold. Now the young prince couldn’t remember a thing. All he remembered was that he 597Reads9.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Wan Zhen'er is a fan! This author's writing is superb, it's a female-centric story, and there's even some smut! Hehe.

36. 286 魂 Reborn in the Body of Noble Lady Fucha: I'm Going to Become the Empress Dowager 魂穿富察贵人之我要当太后 End of the Month 6月底6Female-Channel Fanfiction358k WordsOngoing When Yixin transmigrated into Empresses in the Palace, she became Fucha Yixin, the Noble Lady Fucha from the series. The Fucha clan? Well, she could lie flat and become an Imperial Noble Consort. What? There's also a Childbearing System? Then surely she has to become Empress Dowager. Accidentally having too many children? Not a chance. Consort Duan has no children, Consort Jing has no children. Come on over, this is the place for you. As for Fat Orange, he reeks of old age. Whoever wants him can 5Reads8.0Score—Shelves
37. 287 在 A Ghost Working in Empresses in the Palace 在甄嬛传里打工的鬼 Zhouzhou Loves Congee舟舟爱喝粥Female-Channel Fanfiction2.6M WordsCompleted After wandering the world for many years, a young ghost bride dodges the ghost-catching business one day and enters the underworld, only to find herself in another workplace. The story revolves around Empresses in the Palace, with An Lingrong as the starting point as she tries to get by in the imperial harem. There’s just the right amount of a golden finger, and just the right amount of brains. A heads-up for friends who love Huanhuan. 30.1kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves
38. 288 娘 Reborn Consort: The Emperor's Favorite in Kangxi's Harem 娘娘重生后，在康熙朝宠冠后宫 Heng Chen姮宸Ancient Romance520k WordsOngoing [Alternate-history Qing Dynasty + palace intrigue and power plays + heroine putting on an act + Kangxi is a bit of a lovesick fool + childbirth + doted on exclusively in the later stages] Li Yun Jiao was An Pin, a consort of Shengzu, the Kangxi Emperor. In her previous life, two years after she became An Pin, Uya framed her and accused her and her younger sister, Jing Pin, of being lovers. In the end, she and Jing Pin died in Qixiang Palace, and their bodies were dumped in a mass grave wrapped i 40Reads6.7Score—Shelves
39. 289 综 Film and TV Crossover: The Ultimate Winner 综影视：最终赢家 YoubiLee悠比LeeFemale-Channel Fanfiction1.9M WordsOngoing It's all right. I'll be the final winner. Main fandoms: Empresses in the Palace and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. First world: Ulanara Yixiu (complete) Second world: Fucha Langhua (complete) 22.3kReads9.3Score726Shelves
40. 290 在 Making Friends in Empresses in the Palace, All to Become the Empress Dowager 在甄嬛传广交友，一切为了当太后 Where the Moon Rests月安在Female-Channel Fanfiction626k WordsCompleted Li Huimin, a level-ten Zhen Huan drama fanatic, transmigrates one day and finds herself reborn as the previously nonexistent eldest daughter of the Xilingjueluo family? My father is E'ertai. This is a sure thing: a trusted confidant of the Yongzheng Emperor and a regent, so I can thrive under his protection. Other women enter the palace on their looks. I have my father to thank. Having a good dad really does let you do as you please. Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang are all in love with the emperor? 2.4kReads9.0Score180Shelves
41. 291 甄 Empresses in the Palace Battle Royale: I'm the Craftiest One in the Harem 甄嬛传大逃杀，后宫我最茶 Lady Historian of Chenzhou陈州女史Female-Channel Fanfiction190k WordsCompleted When Yixiu plots to harm Chun Yuan and drag the heroine into it. The heroine: “Oh, Noble Consort Sister serves Her Majesty the Empress more attentively than even her personal maids do. Unlike me, all I know how to do is pray to the gods. Sisters De Fei, Xian Fei, Duan... None of us get to eat delicacies steamed in banana leaves or drink fresh, delicious almond tea. Only Her Majesty does. The Emperor and Empress are so devoted to each other, and so are the sisters. How enviable.” Noble Consort Xi 94Reads6.3Score—Shelves
42. 292 皇 Has the Noble Consort Left Qirong Palace Today? 皇贵妃今天出栖容宫了吗？ Xiaoman Crisp小满酥Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [☆No transmigration, no rebirth, and no pristine couples] [☆The romance develops gradually] Everyone in the palace knew that the person they must never offend was neither the pampered and fiery Noble Consort Hui nor the peerlessly beautiful Consort Cen, but Noble Consort Zhe of Qirong Palace, Lady Fucha. A consort's guide to survival: If you want to get ahead, never provoke the lady of Qirong Palace. She was the emperor's first woman, his companion and confidante since their youth; the mother 15.3kReads9.3Score1.3kShelves
43. 293 穿 Transmigrating Into Empresses in the Palace: The Glory of Consort Duan 穿越甄嬛传之端妃风华 Mango Without Sauce芒果不加酱Female-Channel Fanfiction256k WordsCompleted What would Empresses in the Palace look like if a modern person transmigrated into Qi Yuebin, Consort Duan stopped loving the Emperor and focused on her career, Consort Duan and Consort Hua remained good friends, and Hongli had an adoptive mother who truly cherished him? 2.4kReads9.1Score210Shelves
44. 294 谁 Who Says I Want to Be Empress? Get Lost! The Throne Is Mine 谁说我要当皇后？滚！帝位是我的 Zhu Yujunzi竺语君子Ancient Romance129k WordsOngoing [Feel-Good Romance + Putting Trash in Their Place + Revenge + Sweet Romance] The heroine ends up thriving on her own! Feng Dianwei is driven out of the marquis's estate with no money to her name. With her younger siblings and her parents' bodies in tow, she has nowhere to go, so she turns to her childhood friend Murong Heng, only to be heartlessly turned away! Later, she is taken in by Prince Su, Murong Che, who is rumored to be a madman. But she refuses to be hidden away like a canary in a gild —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommend it, it's great!

45. 295 宫 The Palace Maid Is Alluring and Wily, and Coaxes the Emperor into Making Her Empress 宫女茶又媚，哄着帝王送凤位 Shui Shengyu水生玉Ancient Romance425k WordsCompleted [Just started receiving ratings, so they’ll gradually go up. Your support is welcome!] [Beautiful, calculating palace maid x devoted, possessive emperor] [Reborn + 1v1, both devoted to each other, happy ending + powerful man bows his head, heroine knows how to keep him in line] Lin Chan was the least noticeable concubine-born daughter in the General’s residence. When her legitimate elder sister entered the palace as a consort, Lin Chan could only go with her as a maid. She endured one humiliatio 2.4kReads8.9Score315Shelves

    Reader note

    Needless to say, I've personally tested it and it's amazing, absolutely addictive. You won't regret investing in it!!!

46. 296 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—Shelves
47. 297 娇 So Pure and Innocent as a White Lotus, How Could She Be Scheming to Seduce Him? 娇娇纯净似白莲，怎会心机引诱？ Melon Egg瓜蛋Ancient Romance536k WordsCompleted [A femme fatale schemes for power, leading the hero step by step into ruin.] Jiang Yueyao is ruthless and destined to become empress. She first meets the emperor at a palace banquet. She is the most favored concubine of a minister, and after a palace consort publicly humiliates her, she drops to her knees and pleads for mercy, looking heartbreakingly beautiful beneath the dazzling palace lanterns. She meets the emperor for the second time in the study at her residence. Frantically fleeing her hu 3.9kReads9.0Score425Shelves
48. 298 朕 I Think You’re After Me, Not the Throne! 朕觉得，你就是图朕这个人！ Cat Qian Qiu猫千秋Ancient Romance311k WordsCompleted [Both leads are inexperienced + the heroine can read men's minds + the hero wins himself over + plenty of silly fun] In her previous life, Yu Huan spent three years in the imperial palace fighting to win and keep the emperor's favor. She tried every trick in the book, but still couldn't get the attention of the emperor, who cared only about gold, silver, and jewels and was endlessly greedy. In this life, she just wants to keep her head down in the harem and stay out of trouble. When the empero 3kReads9.0Score427Shelves
49. 299 糟 Oh No! The Forbidden Lord Is Losing His Mind Over His Sweet Little Junior Sister 糟糕！娇软小师妹被禁欲尊上疯撩 Pineapple Prince菠萝王子Ancient Romance314k WordsCompleted [Delicate, Soft-Waisted Heroine + Transmigrates Into a Book + Devoted Couple, Sweet Romance + Cold, Ascetic Yet Irresistible Hero + Harem-Style Love Rivalry] Only after Lu Zhixue transmigrated into a book did she realize she was in a melodramatic, coercive-love cultivation novel. She was the supporting woman who helped advance the romance between the hero and heroine, only to die tragically in the end. At the whole sect's martial arts tournament, everyone was convinced she was hopelessly in love 19.6kReads9.1Score2.1kShelves
50. 300 娇 The Spoiled Consort's Road to Glory 娇气包娘娘的荣华路 Qingxi Hexi清兮禾兮Ancient Romance385k WordsCompleted Sweet romance! Undivided love! She’s doted on to the max! [The heroine is cunning, a little black lotus hidden beneath a rabbit’s skin] [The hero has a harem and isn’t chaste, but once he meets the heroine, he devotes himself to her alone in a one-on-one romance] The third young lady of the Sheng’an Marquis’s household, born to his secondary wife, was as beautiful as a celestial maiden. Sweet and clever, she knew how to win favor. Her grandmother and father favored her, and even her legitimate 13.3kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all palace intrigue dramas, none of them feature rebirth or a system, and all feature the female lead's exclusive favor in the later stages. I highly recommend the fifth and sixth books; they're super good.

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