If We're Comparing Palace Intrigue, I Can't Beat You. I'll Go Back, and You Can Keep Being a Man's Accessory. 要论宫斗我比不过你，我回去你继续当男人附属品吧

1. 51 甄 Empresses in the Palace: Fuzi Is Reborn 甄嬛传之福子重生了 Plucking Stars from the Sky满天摘星辰Ancient Romance321k WordsOngoing [Palace intrigue/face-slapping/twists/favored consort/scheming and strategy/not blinded by love] [A story about a little palace maid who unexpectedly climbs her way up] The Forbidden City's feng shui nurtures its inhabitants. It surely won't let you waste away and fade. Only after Fuzi died did she realize that not everyone in the palace could live to see another day. Given another chance, where will Fuzi go from here? (Note: This is a partly fictional setting and won't follow history or Empress 676Reads—Score—Shelves
2. 52 镇 The Retired Life of the Nation-Guarding General: Farming, Raising Chickens, and Her 镇国将军的退休生活！种田、养鸡，还有她 Plucking Stars from the Sky满天摘星辰Ancient Romance6k WordsCompleted The retired life of a great general who defended the nation! Farming, raising chickens, and her 1Reads—Score—Shelves
3. 53 难 Hard to Handle: The Wild Crown Prince Is About to Cry 难哄，野痞太子爷要哭了 Donghua's Seven Disciples, Who Love Stewed Meat爱吃炖肉的东华七子Modern Romance613k WordsCompleted [Wealthy families x forced possession x groveling pursuit x happy ending] [Sweet girl x wild, unruly heir x one-on-one romance] The first time Xu Zhiqiao saw Zhou Cong was in the courtyard of her new home. The man lounged in a rattan chair with his legs crossed and drawled, “Such a cute little sweetheart. How about calling me big brother?” The bone cuff on his ear glinted coldly. Xu Zhiqiao kept her distance, terrified of this devil who could turn the world upside down and control everything. On 54kReads9.2Score5.4kShelves

   Reader note

   [Wealthy family x Robbery x Chasing wife and crematorium xhe] [Soft girl x Wild ruffian prince x1V1] The first time I met Zhou Cong was in the courtyard of his new home. The man sat crookedly on the wicker chair, crossed his legs, and said lazily: "Such a cute little girl, please call me brother." Looking at the bone clips on his ears that radiated cold light, Xu Zhiqiao shrank away, terrified of this devil who was chaotic and could control everything. On a warm winter day, Xu Zhiqiao opened the door. The man was handsome and rogue: "I threw away my ID card. Keep him for one night." After taking him in, Xu Zhiqiao got a boyfriend. Until that day, when she was behind the green plants, she heard Zhou Cong playing with her: "It's just for fun, I'd rather not know her." - Everyone knew that the crown prince of the Zhou family raised a delicate flower, and he raised it with money, power and time. He was noble and careful, and no outsiders were allowed to take a second look at it. Suddenly one day, this delicate flower disappeared. The prince of the Zhou family also went crazy. Later, at a cocktail party, in full view of everyone, Zhou Cong knelt on one knee, carefully wiped off the stains on the girl's crystal shoes with his sleeve, and humbly begged: "Come back." The girl shook her face in front of everyone, and kicked his hand away with the tip of her shoe. Zhou Cong held her wrist, pressed it against his chest, and said in a hoarse voice: "If you want to settle the score, shoot me in the heart, don't ignore me." Years later, their children and their friends proudly showed off: "My father was hunted by my mother!" Zhou Cong said with a disgusted face: "Nonsense, it was obviously my father who chased my mother after stalking him."

4. 54 重 Reborn, I Outwit a Scumbag and Find Love 重生后，智斗渣男遇到爱 Round Little Doll娃娃圆滚滚Ancient Romance313k WordsCompleted Classic historical romance + reborn, revenge, and face-slapping + toxic scumbags stuck together + woman disguised as a man + a prince pursues his wife Li Qingyue is the only daughter of the wealthiest family in Xuanzhou Prefecture. Before her parents died in an accident, they arranged for her to marry Lin Mengzhou, a poor scholar. In her previous life, she spared no effort or expense to help her fiancé rise to the top and become the third-place scholar. She thought her patience had finally pai 4Reads—Score—Shelves
5. 55 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Returns, Hiding Her Blade Behind a Delicate Façade 嫡女归来，她藏起屠刀扮娇弱 The Stars Never Close, Yeah星星不打烊耶Ancient Romance86k WordsCompleted The story centers on the third daughter of the Li family. At birth, a fortune-teller branded her an ill omen, and rumors that she would bring misfortune to her relatives led her father, Li Yanzhi, to abandon her in the countryside. After seventeen years of abuse at the hands of her adoptive parents, she returns to the family estate to seek revenge. On her first return to the Zhuang household, she disguises herself as a frail and helpless girl, uses her keen intelligence to plan each move, and ev —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   These two are definitely the best harem books I have read, bar none.

6. 56 竹 Childhood Sweethearts Can’t Compare to an Adoptive Brother! She Knocks on His Door in the Middle of the Night and Falls into His Arms 竹马哪有养兄香！半夜敲门扑入怀 Little Fish Learns to Swim小鱼学游泳Ancient Romance500k WordsCompleted [Sweet and Gentle Girl VS Steady, Restrained Powerful Official] [Mutually devoted, childhood sweethearts, years of secret love finally returned] Shen Mingshu grew up cherished by Jiang Xun, but his stern, cold nature made her fear him more than anything. After someone drugged her, her childhood friend, a young general, took her away. When they were discovered, she had no choice but to marry him. But the young general loved someone else and took a concubine on their wedding day. He doted on his c 75.3kReads8.8Score11.4kShelves

   Reader note

   I love these so much, they're so pretty 😍

7. 57 恶 The Wicked Supporting Lady Is Doomed to Live as a Widow? Brother-in-Law, I’m Scared 恶毒女配守活寡？夫兄，人家好怕 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance558k WordsCompleted [Elder Brother Steals Younger Brother’s Wife + Deliberate Seduction] (Black-hearted scheming villainess ✖️ abstinent, cold-hearted junior tutor) In her previous life, Pei Jingxu remained a widow for three years for her husband, Rong Xuanzhou, who had died in battle. But then he returned to the capital with Bai Shutong, the widow of his comrade-in-arms, and her two children. The Rong family elders said nothing, only urging Pei to be virtuous and magnanimous. The widow was peerlessly beautiful. No 134.8kReads9.3Score23.5kShelves
8. 58 性 The Sassy Childhood Friend Kicks the Crown Prince to the Curb and Flirts with Her General Sweetheart 性感青梅踹飞太子，狂撩竹马将军 Purple Haze Bubbles紫雾泡泡Ancient Romance227k WordsCompleted [New novel, so the initial rating is low | Sweet romance, no past relationships, happy ending | Love-struck male lead | Slightly possessive romance | Childhood friends | Unrequited love becomes mutual] Shen Zhi Yi, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister, did everything she could and finally became the crown princess of Zhao Yan, just as she'd always wished. But on the long-awaited night she was supposed to share his bed, the one who stormed into the Eastern Palace to rebel was her child 5.1kReads8.7Score1.3kShelves
9. 59 公 The Princess Is Precious, and Her Consort Spoils Her Rotten 公主娇贵，驸马爷他宠妻无度 Shi Yiyuan十一源Ancient Romance245k WordsCompleted [1v1, sweet romance, both leads’ first love, devoted husband] She was the little princess adored by everyone. He was the heir to a noble title, abandoned by his father. As a child, he was quiet and withdrawn, living in endless darkness. The little princess was the one who slowly pulled him out of that abyss! As the days went by, he became a refined and elegant young gentleman, the heir to the Prince of Zhenbei, admired by every noble girl but out of reach. But no one knew that he had changed onl 2.8kReads9.0Score291Shelves
10. 60 妩 The Alluring Imperial Consort Is So Fertile, Even the Stoic Monk Can’t Resist 妩媚贵妃太好孕，清冷佛子顶不住 Xiao Shijiu萧十九Ancient Romance360k WordsCompleted [Completed!!!! Pure love + sweet romance + palace intrigue + The story of a crown prince who has shaved his head to cultivate in seclusion, only for his unrequited love to stir his heart and make him kneel to kiss the mortal world] In her previous life, Wen Daidai was the youngest legitimate daughter of a marquis's family. When four princes fought over the throne, she defied her family's objections and married Xiao Linzhang, the lowborn Prince Heng. After Xiao Linzhang ascended the throne, one s 658Reads8.8Score103Shelves
11. 61 疯 The Mad Emperor Steals Her: You Were the One Who Seduced Me First! 疯批帝王夺她，是你先勾朕的！ Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 29.1kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The heroine looks okay, she's smart enough to know what she wants, and she's not that uncomfortable.

12. 62 繁 When the Flowers Fade, Serenity Remains 繁花落尽是清欢 Yang Xiaoqi's Peanuts杨小柒的地豆Ancient Romance630k WordsCompleted [The second male lead wins her heart + happy ending + punishing the scumbags + the male lead loves her but cannot have her, and dies alone] When she was five, she met the clear-eyed young Ye Lanqing. Plum blossoms covered the branches, and he came through the flying snow. With just one glance, he transformed Leng Yihuan's world. From then on, she had her beloved Qing-gege to think about. When he was twelve, his parents died in battle. He grew up overnight, turning cold and single-mindedly bent o 16.7kReads8.5Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    I really like watching it, haha

13. 63 什 What Immortal Path? What Heavenly Dao? Hah! I Cultivate the Path of Slaughter 什么仙道天道？呵！我修的是杀道 Jiang Xiaoyan姜小言Ancient Romance3.3M WordsOngoing [Print edition out September 12 + refuses to look back + satisfying growth story + ensemble cast] In her past life, Wanwan died at the hands of her master and six senior brothers, pierced through the heart by seven swords and left without a whole body. Her master only loved her little junior sister, and her senior brothers only doted on her. When the little junior sister lost her Golden Core, they dug out Wanwan's to replace it. When the little junior sister was wronged, Ye Wanwan was made to su 193.2kReads9.4Score18.7kShelves
14. 64 引 Bringing the Phoenix Home 引凤归 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 117kReads9.5Score16.3kShelves
15. 65 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 16.1kReads9.4Score2.7kShelves
16. 66 三 Three Souls as the Betrothal Gift, Seven Spirits as the Wedding Present 三魂为聘，七魄为礼 All Out肆意满Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone has three hun and seven po souls. Yin Wenjiu has only one hun and one po: an unidentified resentful soul and an unidentified life soul. Both exist to keep her body alive. But she only cares about enjoying the moment. She tells fortunes with perfect accuracy and charges the highest price! She won’t go out of her way to stay alive, nor will she actively seek death. She waited at Yunmeng Marsh for five years. If someone came to save her, she would go with them; if no one did, she would dig 33.7kReads9.3Score5.3kShelves
17. 67 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 105.2kReads9.6Score13.1kShelves
18. 68 步 Step by Step, Building a Home 步步为楹 Fish, Calm as Clouds and Breeze鱼儿云淡风轻Ancient Romance188k WordsOngoing Born into a troubled family, Mo Lan follows her master from childhood, practicing medicine and traveling the martial world. By chance, she enters the Western Chu imperial palace as the emperor's female physician and gets caught up in the tangled affairs of the stunning Princess Ziying of Western Chu, the unruly emperor of Western Chu, and the dashing Seventh Prince of the Northern Commandery. Relying on her intelligence and wit, Mo Lan carefully navigates one palace intrigue and assassination at —Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 69 嬿 Yanwan and Jinzong Are Both Reborn: Setting the Mad Palace Straight and Curing Yiyi's Madness 嬿婉进忠双重生，整顿癫宫破懿症 Jing Ning婧柠Female-Channel Fanfiction707k WordsCompleted [Story of Yanxi Palace fanfiction + lots of Ying Zhong pairing + sweet, satisfying happy ending + angst for Ruyi] Formerly titled: Empress Lingyi Yanwan: Give Me Back the Fortune You Stole No rivalry between women. No Ruyi-syndrome, and there are also warm sisterly moments, but revenge will be served without mercy. Reborn, Wei Yanwan thrived, avoiding every mistake that had once given her away. Together with Jinzong, who had also been reborn, she tore away Ruyi's hypocritical mask and reclaimed 10.6kReads9.6Score1.5kShelves
20. 70 咸 The Lazy Princess Returns to the Capital, and the Whole Dynasty Follows Her for the Gossip 咸鱼郡主回京，全皇朝追着吃瓜 Evening Ripples晚漾Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted [Everyone’s Favorite + Sweet Historical Romance + Fun and Lighthearted + Palace Politics with a Light Touch + Both Leads Are Each Other’s Only One + Equally Matched Leads + No Transmigration, Rebirth, System, or Inner Thoughts + Everyone Is Native to This World] A seemingly sweet and gentle daughter of a vassal king vs. a truly delicate and frail eldest imperial grandson For the old emperor’s birthday, vassal kings from across the land are ordered to come to the imperial capital and celebrate 31.8kReads9.1Score4.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The pretending to be well-behaved and gentle, the daughter of the feudal lord VS the real arrogant and frail eldest grandson of the emperor

21. 71 我 My Sweet, Scheming Husband Keeps Losing His Mind 我那又娇又茶的夫君稳定发疯 You Shi尤时Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The unfavored legitimate daughter of the Mu family is ordered by imperial decree to marry the crown prince, Zhou Jing, who is at death's door, to bring him good luck. Plenty of people wait to laugh at her, saying she might just end up bringing him luck by killing him in bed. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. The young woman is clearly terrified of him, but still can't help swearing her loyalty. “Your Highness, I'll treat you very well.” “Your Highness, after you pas 37.1kReads9.4Score4.4kShelves
22. 72 公 The Princess Wears the Imperial Robe! The Court and All the Realm Bow Down 公主黄袍上身！满朝文武九州全跪 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted (The heroine focuses on her career, with no romantic pairing. She becomes somewhat cold-hearted and ruthless later on.) Born into the world as a princess, Yu Hui thinks that at last, an incredible fortune has fallen into her lap. She has a palace to live in, money to spend, and status to protect her, so she can enjoy a peaceful, happy life. But peace is out of the question. Calamities keep dropping out of the sky, and they’re heavy ones. Happiness? Not really. Someone is always ending up dead, s 10.8kReads8.8Score1kShelves
23. 73 科 Imperial Exam Triumph: The Strongest Female Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：最强女首辅 Dressed in Splendor宝妆成Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted After finally becoming the first female heir in her family, she opens her eyes and finds herself back before the revolution. Her father is dead from the start, leaving her with a frail mother and three beautiful older sisters. She is the only son who can carry on the Cheng family line... Cheng Qing looks down at her slightly developed chest, wondering what on earth went wrong. Surrounded by scheming wolves, Cheng Qing, now with a new soul in her body, sets herself two small goals: First, keep pr 12kReads9.4Score1.4kShelves
24. 74 嫡 The Emperor Dotes on the Noble Daughter After She Enters the Palace 嫡女入宫后，皇上宠的无法无天 Falling Ashes坠落的灰Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted With her father turning a blind eye and her stepmother throwing her weight around, Mu Li is ordered to marry an old prince as a concubine. They tell her this is her fate. Mu Li refuses to believe it. She has never believed in fate… Just then, the imperial household holds its selection of consorts. Daughters of officials of rank eight or above who are of suitable age may participate. Mu Li thinks: Since I’m to be a concubine, why not become the concubine of the most powerful person in the realm? 12.9kReads8.9Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The legitimate daughter was forced to enter the palace. She wanted to avoid being favored and survive, but unexpectedly she was spotted by the emperor and became the favorite of the Sixth Palace from then on! He disobeyed the courtiers for her, subverted the rules for her, and allowed her to walk around the harem. Beware of the scheming concubine and the forces of the former dynasty who are making things difficult for her. Let's see how she takes advantage of the emperor's exclusive favor and works her way up from a humble noble to a high position, and lives up to the most wanton palace legend!

25. 75 赤 Red Fox, Red Pear 赤狐，红梨 Transparent Sea of Knowledge知进透明海Ancient Romance151k WordsCompleted A little fox possesses Shen Hongli and uses the emperor to take revenge. She never expected the emperor to fall genuinely in love with her: she is his life. For Shen Hongli, the emperor unleashes a bloody slaughter and risks his own life to protect her. He forcibly confines her, refusing to let her leave the palace. After seeing two Shen Honglis in his dreams, one dressed in a red gauze robe and the other in white brocade, the emperor decides to let Shen Hongli leave the palace. But in the end, 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Look, revenge, control dreams. The ending is intriguing!

26. 76 徐 The Prestigious Xu Family 徐氏名门 Xyd521zbsdAncient Romance183k WordsCompleted My new work is out! Welcome to read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy it. Your support motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! —Reads—Score—Shelves
27. 77 太 The Crown Prince Broke Off the Engagement, and the Grand Tutor Went Wild Claiming Her 太子悔婚，太傅大人抢疯了 Stay for Summer, Sanqi留夏三七Ancient Romance593k WordsCompleted [A clever, perceptive heroine who knows right from wrong * A scheming hero who has loved her deeply for years] Ning Sisi waited fifteen years for her wedding day, only for Crown Prince Jiang Yanqing to return with a beautiful young woman. Jiang Yanqing urged Ning Sisi to put the greater good first and allow him to take a secondary consort. Instead, Ning Sisi exposed their affair to the public, broke off the engagement, and gave up her position as Crown Princess. She thought that with her destiny 3kReads7.5Score327Shelves
28. 78 双 Two Sisters Cross the Desert and Return to the Noble Household 双蕊越漠归朱门 Gong Cheng Jiayu宫丞嘉昱Ancient Romance204k WordsCompleted A sister raised on the grasslands vs. a younger sister born in the capital. They go from fighting each other to teaming up to take down their own mother and wipe out every villain! One becomes the Crown Princess in the imperial palace, playing the game of power, while the other marries a chieftain in the south of the desert and builds her own career. Their wild comebacks and countless twists will leave you cheering. Is the path from noble mansions and palace intrigue to the grasslands a doomed j —Reads—Score—Shelves
29. 79 晨 The Morning Light Shines Into My Heart 晨光熹微入我心 Early Warbler早莺儿Ancient Romance79k WordsOngoing He Chenxi was once a carefree country girl, but one midsummer day she was kidnapped and taken to Qingluo Island to learn dance. Strange things happened on the island, and she tried everything she could to escape. By chance, she met him, Ji Zixin, a handsome and elegant young nobleman. With his help, will she be able to escape Qingluo Island and regain her freedom...? 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Please enjoy the work and give us your valuable comments [Like]

30. 80 锦 The Art of Splendor: The Prince's Beloved 锦绣天工：王爷的心尖宠 Let Me Give You a Grape请你吃个葡萄Ancient Romance318k WordsOngoing Modern engineer Lu Qingci transmigrates into the past and becomes an ancient-era concubine-born daughter, forced to marry Xie Wuwang, the infamous Prince Ding. She plans to stick to their marriage contract and enjoy a life of luxury and leisure, but her knowledge and skills far ahead of their time repeatedly draw her into court intrigue and border wars. From spouses bound by a contract and wary of each other, they become partners who admire one another, and ultimately soulmates willing to face l —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Blow a kiss] Comments welcome

31. 81 涅 Phoenix Reborn: Ruling the World 涅槃凰图：权倾天下 Let Me Give You a Grape请你吃个葡萄Ancient Romance285k WordsOngoing My new work is here! Welcome to read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Your support is what motivates me to write, and I’ll do my best to tell every story well! —Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 82 医 The Physician Consort Qing Dai 医妃青黛 Ty Loves Jumping and Eating WatermelonTy跳跳吃西瓜Ancient Romance358k WordsCompleted Strong Female Lead... Poison Doctor... Wuxia... The hellfire of karma scorched her soul, and venom that ate to the bone gnawed at her organs... She remembered the icy lake water rushing into her lungs, remembered the face of her legitimate older sister, Shen Yurou, on the shore, twisted with jealousy yet streaked with hypocritical tears, remembered the frost-cold indifference in the eyes of her stepmother, Madam Xu. Most of all, she remembered the unbearable resentment and boundless hatred that 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Try this one!

33. 83 惊 A Shadow in Passing: The Crown Princess Is a Secret Agent 惊鸿掠影：特工太子妃 Ni Weizhen妮薇甄Ancient Romance708k WordsCompleted [The rating is low because it just opened!!! You won't regret starting this one, and the comments are genuine!!!] Ling Wei, the modern world's top agent known as “Nightingale,” fell in a bloody heap at the end of a mission. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Shen Qingyue, a thirteen-year-old concubine-born daughter in the Ministry of War Chancellor's household of the Great Sheng Dynasty, bullied by everyone. She uses martial arts to deal with cruel servants and psychology to outwit h 123Reads7.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Strong woman, enjoyable and smart

34. 84 首 The Chief's Storm 首席风暴 Ni Weizhen妮薇甄Modern Romance647k WordsCompleted He pushed her away with his own hands, then lit a firestorm that swept across the entire city for her. Only too late did he realize that the woman who had long since become part of his life's course was the one variable he could not control in his carefully laid plans. Once, she was the capable subordinate who brought him documents; now, she was an investment banking star facing him as an equal across the negotiating table. This is a contest of power and capital, and the ultimate clash between r 9Reads—Score—Shelves
35. 85 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [This novel has been contracted for publication] [Strong female lead + high-IQ palace intrigue + heroine schemes against the entire harem + psychotic villain personality] Song Zhao has always been a woman who stops at nothing to achieve her goals, and she is also more clear-headed than anyone. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was perfectly clear: “I’m entering the palace to become Empress. Otherwise, what would I go there fo 104.9kReads9.5Score12.6kShelves

    Reader note

    I read Gong Dou Zhai Du Wen too early, and it's been so long that I can't remember a few of them, but these three are really, really good, especially Zhao Hua Ran, which has my heart set on Gong Dou. There's also one that's not in Yang Persimmon and hasn't been finished yet, but it's really good. It's the only series of Gong Dou Wen that I haven't given up on.

36. 86 却 Yet You Betrayed the Spring's Grace 却负春恩 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Print edition now available. Search for Ascending to the Clouds on any platform to buy] [Original titles: Ascending to the Clouds / Loathing the Vermilion Walls] [High-IQ Palace Intrigue + Pure-Hatred Heroine + No Disposable Characters] [No transmigration, no rebirth, no golden finger] [The blurb doesn’t do it justice. Please go read the story] How do you become an emperor’s favorite concubine? A prestigious family? A good education? A gentle, respectful, modest, and accommodating nature? Unfor 25.9kReads9.2Score3.4kShelves
37. 87 废 The Good-for-Nothing Empress Dowager Coasts to Victory on Her Harem of Male Favorites 废柴太后靠她的面首们躺赢了 Searching for Li Qing寻找李青Ancient Romance512k WordsCompleted (Strong heroine who grows over time + emotionally steady + no rivalry between women) A wicked empress dowager is reborn to take revenge and ascend the throne. In her previous life, her three children died horribly while trying to help her escape. In the end, she died on the same day as they did, branded with countless crimes. When she was reborn, it was the very first day she became empress dowager. Everything began again. Then she discovered that this life was even worse: her beloved children w 184Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's just that the heroine was in power during her time as the Queen Mother, and then became the empress. Face-to-face is a way to recruit talents.

38. 88 下 Married into the Netherworld: How Do I Escape the Cold King of the Underworld? 下嫁之清冷冥王那里逃？ Love Rain into Dew恋雨成露Two Male Leads358k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance and healing + mutual devotion + episodic arcs + two powerful leads + slight BL elements] Jun Xuejian x Ye Jin The divine realm is in turmoil, and the three realms are in chaos. The Frostglory Emperor, transformed from male to female, flees with the Jade-Faced Young Master and goes into hiding in the mortal realm. The arrival of an unwelcome guest plunges them into danger. During an expedition in the snowy mountains, Ye Jin falls for Jun Xuejian at first sight, as Jun lies imprison 9Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Machiavellian, dual strength, highly recommended!

39. 89 宠 The Beloved Consort's Rise to Power 宠妃升职记 Qing Ling卿绫Ancient Romance399k WordsCompleted When faced with the selection, An Ruyi is merely a low-ranking daughter of a noble family. To avoid the marriage arranged by her legitimate mother, she has to choose between becoming another man's concubine and becoming the emperor's. Without hesitation, she chooses the latter. Backed by a golden finger in the form of a pocket dimension, she originally only wants to retire in the imperial palace. But even the harem is unsafe, and everyone can bully her. The emperor's favor only puts her in the s 3.8kReads8.9Score265Shelves
40. 90 撷 Gathering Blossoms 撷芳华 Mr. Ruan Loves Loaches爱吃泥鳅的阮先生Ancient Romance131k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance / Domination and forced possession] A decisive, devoted emperor x a well-bred, learned, and courteous empress Su Tang, Grand Secretary of the Great Yan, has two daughters. His eldest, Su Qingjue, is the daughter of his principal wife. She and the emperor have been married since their youth, and she is the sole object of his favor. His youngest, Su Fuying, is the daughter of a concubine. At fifteen, she is already betrothed to Song Xu, the eldest son of the Minister of Ju 306Reads5.2Score—Shelves
41. 91 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 17.5kReads9.3Score1.5kShelves
42. 92 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 16.1kReads9.5Score1.9kShelves
43. 93 重 Reborn as a Princess of Noble Status 重生之公主尊贵 Heartless and Loveless无心无爱Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted She was born into the mansion of a wealthy family, the kind everyone longs to be part of. Clever from a young age, she dazzled everyone with her talents and earned their praise. Yet her parents treated her as if she didn't exist, because she had been conceived by her father as a means of winning her mother. Her existence had forced her mother to marry her father, making her proof of his despicable past. Others saw only her bright and polished exterior, never understanding how cold her heart had 296Reads8.8Score—Shelves
44. 94 嫁 After Marrying the Heir, the Mad Emperor Seized Her as His Wife 嫁给世子后，疯批帝王强夺她为妻 Stars Like Dust星若尘埃Ancient Romance309k WordsCompleted [The rating just came in, so it will go up] [Abduction and domination + the emperor takes his minister's wife + palace intrigue and political scheming + both leads have past relationships + the heroine is doted on after entering the palace + a powerful man humbles himself for love] [Clear-headed heroine who takes life as it comes × ruthless, devoted hero] She was selected as a commoner girl to serve in the palace. Hoping to keep her head down until she could leave, she never expected the Crown 1.4kReads8.1Score102Shelves
45. 95 渣 The Scumbag Emperor Is Reborn: Curing Ruyi Syndrome in the Harem 渣龙重生，我在后宫治懿症 A Touch of White Space一点留白Female-Channel Fanfiction235k WordsCompleted Hongli reopens the Hall of Crimson Snow, with a palace selection from the start. Whoever wants to be this live-in son-in-law can do it. I'm done. Honor the Empress, dote on the Consort, and this time break free of the plot to work together and cure the Yi syndrome. (A wild idea, just going for laughs, no details.) 2.1kReads9.1Score189Shelves
46. 96 金 Spring Runs Deep in the Golden Palace 金阙春深 Xi Die汐蝶Ancient Romance228k WordsCompleted [Gorgeous, timid crown princess × dark, unhinged emperor × radiant crown prince] On the day of the imperial selection, Emperor Chengming, Xiao Ke, unexpectedly ran into a “young palace maid” in the imperial gardens. The “young palace maid” was drawn into a struggle within the royal family, beginning a life of political maneuvering in which she would turn the tides. Several months later, the Eastern Palace held a grand wedding. The “young palace maid,” dressed in her phoenix coronet and red weddi 19.1kReads9.2Score1.3kShelves
47. 97 嫡 The Legitimate Daughter Becomes Empress, and I Rule the Harem 嫡女为后，后宫我说了算 Pikachu Loves Apples皮卡丘爱吃苹果Ancient Romance461k WordsCompleted [Young married couple, perfect teamwork, both incredibly capable] (Not an exclusive pairing, includes a harem, so proceed with caution if that bothers you. Alternate-history setting.) One is the niece of the emperor’s favorite consort; the other is the legitimate son of the empress, who has fallen out of favor. An imperial decree of marriage binds Lin Tingwan, the legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor’s household, to the Crown Prince, Li Yanlian. From then on, they share one fate, for better 4.7kReads8.8Score580Shelves
48. 98 三 The Empress's Third Marriage 三嫁皇后 Tchaikovsky's Driver柴托夫司机Ancient Romance453k WordsCompleted [The Empress's Third Marriage x A Younger Powerful Official] [Ancient Political Intrigue + Strong Female Lead + Younger Man + Mutual Devotion] Feng Shu's father sent her into the palace to be empress to an old emperor who was already on death's door. At last, the old emperor died, and she resolved to leave the palace behind for good. But who could have guessed that her childhood sweetheart, now her brother-in-law, Prince Gao Rui of Linzi, would ascend the throne? Gao Rui issued an imperial decre 1.3kReads9.2Score104Shelves
49. 99 她 She Wields a Gentle Blade to Slay the Hearts of Emperors 她用温柔刀，斩尽帝王心 Zhongli Wangshu钟离望舒Ancient Romance724k WordsCompleted Chen Yueyi, daughter of a powerful minister, is so beautiful she could topple kingdoms. Yet she enters the most exalted cage in the realm with an air of gentle vulnerability and pure, tender virtue. Once inside the palace, she flawlessly becomes what the emperor longs for most: a pure, flawless flower who depends on him completely and adores him. Before long, she becomes the irreplaceable moonlight in his heart. Emperor Shen Yanzhi believes every word. He draws her into his arms, convinced he ha 1.8kReads8.2Score197Shelves
50. 100 海 Begonia’s Promise, the Sorrow of Changmen 海棠诺，长门怨 Little Green Bamboo-Slip Wanderer小小青简客Ancient Romance1.2M WordsOngoing It was the season when the first snow of Chang'an had yet to melt. At the time, Liu Zhi, Prince of Jiaodong, stood before the steps and said in a clear, childish voice, “If I could take A Jiao as my wife, I would house her in a golden palace.” The words became a prophecy. The golden palace was built, with glazed tiles for its roof and brocade for its curtains. In those early years, there was the warm fragrance of the Empress’s chambers, mornings and evenings spent sharing a volume of the Book of 356Reads6.2Score—Shelves

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