Historical Palace Intrigue 🎁 古言宫斗🎁

1. 1 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

   Reader note

   These are all pretty good palace intrigue novels! The first one is excellent! It's a slow-burn romance with no melodramatic plot twists, and the male lead only loves the female lead. It's a great read when you're looking for historical romance but don't know what to watch. The writing is excellent and easy to follow. The others are also quite good. The first few chapters of the second book, focusing on the struggles before the female lead becomes a concubine, are worth rereading. The third book is about a palace maid and an emperor, and the fourth is a common palace selection + revenge story. The last one is very good! The female lead is a charming beauty, very clear-headed and insightful—the kind you'd reread. This one leans more towards palace intrigue, and the writing is better. It seems only the first one has a clean slate. My only requirement for historical palace intrigue novels is that the male lead (emperor or prince type) should ideally be clean, or at least only love the female lead after falling in love with her!

2. 2 入 After Entering the Palace, the Obsessive Emperor Wouldn’t Let Me Leave 入宫后，偏执帝王不许我出宫 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance509k WordsCompleted [Not both virgins, not a strong heroine, a little angst early on, devoted love later] In the fourth year of the new emperor’s reign, Consort Duan died suddenly of an illness in the palace. At the time, Shen Jiafu was not yet fifteen. The Empress Dowager was from the Shen family. Half a year later, she summoned a Shen daughter to the palace to attend to her, claiming to be ill. Shen Jiafu traveled from Quzhou to the imperial capital. In public, she was gentle and well-behaved, like a charming flo 14.1kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
3. 3 小 The Palace Maid Is Soft and Sweet, and the Emperor Cherishes Her 小宫女又软又娇，皇上宠她入骨 Silver Charm银娇Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted [HE; a cold, powerful emperor VS a carefree little palace maid, not both virgins] A Zhi grew up in the palace and knew all its twists and turns. Her goal was clear: eat well and wait to die! Who could have guessed that one day, while delivering a meal, she would catch the emperor’s eye? Terrified, A Zhi packed her little bundle that very night, determined to make a run for it at dawn! But before she could get away, she and her pitifully small bundle were sent straight to Taihe Palace. Only after 20.9kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves
4. 4 娘 The Empress Is Alluring and Delicate, and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Falls for Her at First Sight 娘娘娇娇媚，冷戾帝王一见倾心 The Star Among the Stars in the Sky天上星星的星星Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue and revenge, a slow-burn, slow-payoff story + stunning heroine + exceptionally clearheaded heroine with an unwavering goal] [The hero always favors the heroine + dotes on her exclusively in the middle + disbands his harem later] After Shen Qingtang’s aunt is schemed against and killed by Madam Shen, her goal becomes perfectly clear: she will enter the palace, become the most honored woman in the land, and make everyone who plotted against her aunt pay. She is also perfectly clea 4.9kReads9.1Score544Shelves
5. 5 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 56.9kReads9.5Score7.1kShelves
6. 6 有 With the Tyrant’s Mind-Reading System, the Lazy Imperial Consort Goes on a Rampage 有了暴君读心术，咸鱼皇妃杀疯了 Since You’re Here, Don’t Leave来了就别走啊Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a Book + Slacker + Tyrant + Mind-Reading + Comeback] “Stuck in the cold palace, I just bound the tyrant’s stomach with a bowl of fermented-rice dumplings.” At the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, the socially anxious slacker Jiang Huan was pushed forward to perform for the tyrant. The emperor before her had a sinister look in his eyes and was burning with rage. Jiang Huan realized she was in danger of losing her life! But a voice thundered in her ears: [More toasts, more toasts. I h 7.7kReads8.2Score1.1kShelves

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   I highly recommend this book; it's a palace intrigue novel about transmigrating into a book and learning mind-reading. The beginning might be a little frustrating, but it doesn't detract from the overall experience. The author's writing is excellent, especially the way the romance between the male and female leads develops—it's a slow and steady process, handled very well. It's not the kind of story where they suddenly get together.

7. 7 拒 She Refused to Be the Crown Prince's Concubine and Married into the Prince's Manor. Now He Regrets It 拒为东宫妾，嫁王府，太子悔晕 Le Zhizhi乐吱吱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Face-slapping * Punishing Scumbags * No Forgiveness * No Suffering in Silence * Two Strong Leads * Mutual Purity * Sweet Devotion Gu Xiyuan, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Pingyang, had loved the Crown Prince for two years. To support his disaster-relief efforts, she donated two hundred thousand taels of silver. Yet the Crown Prince wanted her younger female cousin to become the future Crown Princess and, as though bestowing a favor, would only make her a side consort. Simply because 61kReads8.5Score30.7kShelves

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   I recommend some historical romance novels I've been reading lately. The female lead is incredibly satisfying – beautiful, rich, capable, clear-headed, and never goes back to her ex.

8. 8 贵 The Imperial Noble Consort Is Arrogant, and the Emperor Spoils Her Without Restraint 贵妃她嚣张跋扈，皇帝宠到没边 Yun Liu Yue云鎏月Ancient Romance411k WordsCompleted [Flirtatious Consort vs. Love-Struck Emperor + Both Leads Are Chaste + Face-Slapping and Punishing Scum + No Suffering in Silence] Su Heyao, daughter of the prime minister, has enjoyed the emperor's favor exclusively ever since entering the palace. In just six months, she rose from an obscure concubine to the rank of Noble Consort, living in splendor and throwing her weight around in the imperial harem. That is, until the Noble Consort, beloved above all others, personally killed the emperor's w 10.4kReads7.9Score992Shelves

   Reader note

   This story originally featured a devoted male lead who was only involved with other women to maintain relations with the court. They would kiss at the slightest disagreement, and the female lead would even kill someone while the male lead forgave her. The opening scene revealed that the female lead had requested to be in the Cold Palace, and the male lead had been secretly climbing over the walls to see her, even using methods to get her attention. They were each other's first love, and the male lead was extremely doting on her.

9. 9 娇 The Pretty Palace Maid's Step-by-Step Rise to Empress 娇娇宫女，步步为后 Three Days in the Capital三日京Ancient Romance574k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue / not both partners’ first time / devoted love in the later story / not a strong heroine; the female lead cries easily and isn’t particularly clever, so don’t expect too much!] After three years in the palace, Yue Li has worked carefully and waited for a chance at promotion. Just before she is promoted, a palace maid sharing her room is sentenced to death for offending a consort. Thunder crashes and rain pours that night as blood spatters everywhere. Terrified, Yue Li cannot sle 24.5kReads9.3Score11.5kShelves

   Reader note

   Ancient romance + not a clean romance + strong male lead and weak female lead + exclusive love in the later stages

10. 10 白 The White Moonlight Noble Consort’s Daily Life in the Harem 白月光贵妃的后宫日常 Yuanzi Eats Mulberries元子吃桑葚Ancient Romance434k WordsCompleted (Cover used with permission) With an illustrious family background, breathtaking beauty, and the distinction of being the emperor’s moonlight, Jiang Hui should have found life as a Noble Consort effortlessly easy. Unfortunately, the sisters in all but name in the Eastern Palace, wave after wave of beautiful candidates from the provinces, and the supposed substitutes who resemble her in looks and bearing all tell her the same thing: no one can walk unscathed through the imperial harem. [Alternate 24.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    "The Empress is Both Charming and Seductive, Rising Through Palace Intrigue" features a female protagonist who is both charming and cunning, navigating the deep palace with shrewd tactics and a knack for palace intrigue, ultimately winning the emperor's favor. The plot is high-energy and captivating – a must-read for palace drama enthusiasts! "The Daily Life of the White Moonlight Consort in the Harem" tells the story of the White Moonlight Consort, who doesn't engage in palace intrigue but lives a leisurely and wise life, turning palace politics into a form of health and wellness. The classically styled writing makes for a light and enjoyable read – a refreshing change from other palace dramas!

11. 11 陵 Lingrong Reborn: The Rules of Surviving in the Harem 陵容重生之：后宫生存法则 Big Mai Mai大麦麦呢Female-Channel Fanfiction688k WordsCompleted [Palace Intrigue + Rebirth + Golden Finger + Mostly an Ensemble Harem Cast + TV Adaptation Fanfiction] After An Lingrong died, her spirit wandered for three years. When the emperor died, she was reborn at the moment of her birth. Little An Lingrong uses her golden finger to save her grandfather and change the fate of the entire An family. But as the wheels of fate turn, she still cannot escape her destiny of entering the palace. So be it. Let us see what happens in this life. How Noble Lady An t 7.9kReads8.9Score981Shelves

    Reader note

    A different An Lingrong, absolutely gorgeous!

12. 12 穿 Transmigrating to a Matriarchal World: The Brave Claim the Throne First 穿越女尊：勇敢的人先享受皇位 Her Name Is Wild Greens她叫野菜Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate to an alternate world] [Matriarchy] [Strong heroine] [Pure wish fulfillment] [All male leads are chaste] Xue Ji, the number one assassin on the underground rankings, transmigrates into a matriarchal world. The dangers around her only make her more excited. As long as she strikes fast enough, no one can take her life. Following this principle, Xue Ji uses her status as a princess abandoned by the royal family to rise higher and higher, defying everyone’s expectations. To Xue Ji, 2.4kReads8.9Score347Shelves

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    Palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, a great read! [Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf][Add to bookshelf]

13. 13 贤 The Worthy Consort Is Still Taking It Easy Today 贤妃今天也在咸鱼 Misty Clear Melody渺渺清音Ancient Romance625k WordsCompleted In the harem of Emperor Chenyuan of the Great Jin, there is a dignified and gentle empress, a charming and lovely Noble Consort, a peerlessly beautiful Consort Li, and a clever, kindhearted Consort Hui. Talented women abound, and the competition is fierce. Han Shuyi looks left and right, but can't find a niche for herself as Worthy Consort. Oh, well. Competing for favor now and then while choosing to lie flat the rest of the time: that's the real truth of life in the harem. * As emperor, Meng Ti 21.7kReads8.2Score2kShelves
14. 14 立 Establishing a Women's Household: Taking a Son-in-Law and Having Three Boys and a Girl 立女户：招个赘婿生三儿一女 Sweet Potato with Plum Powder甘梅地瓜Ancient Romance377k WordsCompleted [Traditional historical romance, no golden finger + revenge on scumbags + mutual devotion after marriage] After her cousin stole her betrothed, Jingshu fought back with all her might and established an independent household. She divided the family property, bought a house and farmland, then took in a handsome young husband with clear, bright eyes. After marriage, all three sons and their daughter took her surname. No worries about a mother-in-law, and her own mother lived right by her side. Her 4.2kReads9.1Score529Shelves
15. 15 胎 Born into a Woman-Supreme World, I Embrace a Carefree Life 胎穿女尊世界，享受摆烂人生 Shu Shu Shu舒舒疏Ancient Romance236k WordsCompleted System + born transmigrated + matriarchal world + multiple male leads Too many people transmigrated due to various accidents, causing the world to collapse. To maintain order, the world's consciousness found the “me” from my previous life and struck a deal: in exchange for a miserable next life, I would be reborn with my memories and a System, free to live a life of doing nothing. When I grew up, people were always trying to get me to stop lazing around. Little did they know that even if a sal 1.9kReads8.8Score126Shelves
16. 16 女 Matriarchy: Seven Handsome Husbands for the Stunning Top Scholar 女尊：科举之绝色夫君有七个 There Are Long Years in the Swallow's Nest燕里有长年Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted [Not One-on-One + Multiple Male Leads + Imperial Exams + Some Original Worldbuilding] (The early chapters focus mainly on the imperial exams and move along quickly. The pocket dimension is secondary and rarely used.) The Sang family had a daughter named Wu. A Daoist priest declared that she would struggle to live past sixteen. If she did survive, she should take the imperial exams, and she would surely rise to great heights. But fate had other plans. On her sixteenth birthday, the youngest daugh 11.6kReads9.2Score1.4kShelves
17. 17 长 The Grand Princess Is Obsessed with Rebellion, but There Are Six Male Leads 长公主沉迷造反，但有六个男主 Xi Han习含Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + political intrigue + strong female lead + otome + adored by all + romantic rivalry + multiple male leads + all male leads are chaste] Su Fengyi transmigrates into a villainous princess in a male-oriented rebellion novel. She has only a year before the male lead succeeds in his rebellion and has her killed. After looking over the entire novel, Su Fengyi realizes the male lead succeeds thanks to two things: protagonist plot armor and the help of talented supporters. To 10.6kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves
18. 18 可 Damn! Why Is the Crown Princess Surrounded by Suitors Everywhere? 可恶！怎么到处都是长公主的鱼！ What Did I Do Today今天我干嘛了Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Short drama of the same name] [The Princess's World of Flowers] Now streaming [Content warning: The female lead is not exclusive, but all the men are, so read with caution] [Schrodinger's playgirl × a whole lot of men] [Lighthearted, not a serious historical drama] [Original title]: Too Many Men Are Such a Hassle. Who Should I Spoil? Wen Yu transmigrates into the Great Sheng Dynasty as its beautiful, useless, brainless eldest princess. After learning that the original owner drowned by accident 48.2kReads9.5Score6.5kShelves
19. 19 快 Quick Transmigration: The Blessed Empress Who Bears Children for the Heirless Emperor 快穿好孕娘娘：绝嗣帝王替我生娃 Sweet 8糖糖8甜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Quick Transmigration + Pregnancy Story + Blessed with Fertility + System + Swapped Identities + Palace Intrigue + No Fixed Couple + Clearheaded Heroine Who Isn't Love-Brained] Bei Lingyao was born into the world of cultivation and became a lightning-type Foundation Establishment genius, only to have her spiritual root stolen and her dantian crippled. To reclaim her spiritual root and restore her dantian, she binds herself to a Childbearing System and transmigrates to different worlds to bear ch 5.8kReads9.1Score583Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all great, highly recommended!

20. 20 娇 The Adorable Actress Is So Fertile, the Childless Male Lead Can’t Get Enough of Her 娇宠影后太好孕，绝嗣男主很缠人 Dust in the Universe宇宙里的尘埃Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Alternate world + quick transmigration + stunning heroine + pregnancy and childbirth + sweet romance and satisfying revenge + the hero is split into fragments] What?! The award-winning actress dies in an accident on the very day she wins her grand slam of awards? Qiao Jinjin was furious. Her savings, her house, her glory: all gone before she could enjoy any of them. What? Bind herself to a childbirth System and complete missions to gain eternal life? What was she waiting for? She was in! Wo 5kReads8.9Score495Shelves
21. 21 皇 The Empress Leaped to Her Death, and the Mad Tyrant Wept Until His Eyes Were Red 皇后纵身一跃，疯批暴君哭红了眼 Huang Dandan黄蛋蛋Ancient Romance635k WordsCompleted [One-on-one romance, devoted couple + palace intrigue + regretful pursuit, clear-headed heroine, everyone's unattainable ideal] Meng Tang is a gracious, gentle empress who never competes for favor. Everyone thinks she is a true white lotus standing tall in the harem, and even the tyrant believes it. He takes a new concubine, and she smiles, congratulates him, and arranges for the newcomer to spend the night with him. He sends her restorative medicine, and she obediently takes it, knowing full we 21.8kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves
22. 22 重 Reborn in the Dragon Bed, the Beloved Consort Cries in the Emperor's Arms 重生在龙塌，宠妃抱着陛下哭 Staggering Along蹒跚行Ancient Romance461k WordsCompleted [A spoiled, sweetly obedient favorite consort VS a gentle, jade-like emperor who's sweet on the outside and ruthless within (they are not each other's first, but he dotes on her exclusively from the beginning to the end)] Jiang Shuyi's life as a favorite consort went smoothly for fifteen years. The emperor was gentle and benevolent, doting on her without restraint, and not a single woman in the harem dared challenge her. But she was blind to her own sister's treachery. In the end, her closest 100.7kReads9.2Score11.2kShelves

    Reader note

    ✨I highly recommend this book! I've already read it twice and I still want to read it again. Whether before or after her rebirth, the male lead dotes on the female lead. Before her rebirth, the female lead listened to her own sister and eliminated anyone who was detrimental to her and her son in order to pave the way for her son. In the end, she was killed by her own sister. After her rebirth, she took revenge fiercely. Her eyes and heart are only for the male lead, and she can't wait to stick to him every day!

23. 23 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 257.8kReads9.7Score30.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These two books are amazing! Super good, the female leads aren't overly sentimental, and they're incredibly intelligent. You definitely won't regret reading them! Go for it!

24. 24 金 The Golden Palace Locks Away the Spring Breeze 金阙锁春风 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance757k WordsCompleted Her entire family perished, she was left dependent on others, the dynasty fell, and she married and divorced. In just eighteen years, Yu Zheng has endured things most people never face in a lifetime. A noblewoman of the former dynasty, all she wants now is to stay alive. She plans to enter the palace as a maid, then use her literacy to earn a post as a court official and support herself. She never imagined that the new emperor would send her to the Fourth Prince’s residence as a gesture of goodw 21.1kReads9.2Score2.3kShelves
25. 25 继 The Second Empress 继后 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The Noble Consort was favored, the Worthy Consort bore a son, the Bright Etiquette was the emperor’s white moonlight, and the Beautiful Consort was his cinnabar mole. Every other concubine had her own talents and charms. It was a whole garden in full bloom. So who was our protagonist? The unfavored empress, with no children and no powerful family backing. Great. Why did this plot feel so familiar? Never mind. On the first day Zhao Wumian transmigrated here, she decided to lie flat. Compete for t 81.1kReads9.5Score9.1kShelves

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    Recommended: 1. Wumian smiled and sat up straight: "We are husband and wife. I just touch it because I think it looks nice. Your Majesty shouldn't mind, right?" "Of course, it's my blessing if the Empress likes it." Ying Qionglou reached out and took Wumian's hand. Wumian let him hold her hand: "The pomegranates are about to bloom. The color of the flowers is just right, very beautiful. The flowers are small, but in my opinion, they are no less beautiful than peonies." "If you like them, I'll have the flower room send a few pots to you later. Pomegranates have a good meaning." Ying Qionglou squeezed Wumian's hand. "If you send them, why not just plant them? After all, trees need to be close to the ground to thrive. The palace is my home, the place I'll live in for the rest of my life." Wumian said casually. "That would be even better." This was the first time Ying Qionglou had heard such a thing. He had never heard any concubine dare to say that the palace was their home. But indeed, for them, the palace was their home. After sitting for a while, the two got up and returned to Fengyi Palace. The news that the Emperor and Empress strolled in the garden together and returned to the Central Palace together spread quickly. Everyone had their own thoughts, wondering if this meant the Empress was about to regain favor. Many concubines in the harem fell out of favor, but only a select few ever did. This was because once the Emperor disliked you, he wouldn't stoop to accept you again. You might not even have the chance to see His Majesty. No matter how good, beautiful, or capable you were, it was all for naught if you couldn't see the Emperor. Therefore, the probability of regaining favor was extremely low.

26. 26 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
27. 27 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    "Comparable to a 9.9-Rated romance masterpiece," this novel boasts a tight plot, a fast pace, and is packed with exciting moments without any unnecessary dialogue. Featuring a blend of court intrigue, two strong protagonists, high intelligence, and humor, each dramatic turnaround in dire situations is sure to leave readers breathless. The descriptions of the theme of "love" are exceptional; the reading experience resonates deeply with the reader, leaving a lasting impression. After finishing the book, the only feeling that lingers is one of profound awe. Highly recommended.

28. 28 娇 When the Delicate Consort’s Eyes Turn Red, the Cold Emperor Pulls Her Close and Spoils Her 娇娇娘娘眼一红，冷戾帝王揽腰宠 Fish Carrying the Moon鱼衔月Ancient Romance343k WordsCompleted [Just started posting, the score will rise over time] [Complete] [Palace intrigue and putting scoundrels in their place + Devotion in the later stages + A clearheaded heroine gradually winning over a distant, aloof hero] To protect the Dingyuan Marquis household, An Qingyao resolutely entered the palace. Her goal was clear: to become the most exalted woman in the land. With bright eyes and pearly teeth, she was dazzling beyond compare and earned the emperor’s particular favor. In just three year 4.4kReads7.7Score501Shelves

    Reader note

    It's really good (*´ω`*), I love it, I'd definitely rewatch it. But why did they have to write a tragic side story? And the later parts were clearly rushed, so I'm deducting one star.

29. 29 出 The Night I Left the Palace, the Mad Emperor Took Me by Force 出宫当晚，被疯批帝王强取豪夺 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted [Beautiful, delicate palace maid vs. cold, ruthless, obsessive emperor] [Palace intrigue, neither lead is chaste + powerful male lead, weak female lead, and he’s completely unhinged + possessive love + a long road to winning her back] Yue Ling was a vain little palace maid. Hoping to enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, she seduced the emperor and worked tirelessly to win his favor, but still met a tragic end. After being reborn, Yue Ling saw things clearly. Rather than tread on thin ice in the de 25.8kReads9.2Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The following is a synopsis of the novel *Zhaohua's Chaos* (also known as *The Wise Don't Fall in Love, the Empress Destroys the Bridge to Cross the River*) by Tomato Novel: The core premise is that the female protagonist, Song Zhao, enters the palace with a clear goal—"to become Empress." Using her beauty and wisdom, she manipulates the six palaces, portraying herself as a "villain" and defeating all her competitors. Emperor Xiao Jingheng initially favors her for her beauty, but later develops a desire to conquer her due to her perfunctory attitude of "advising the emperor to distribute his favors equally," ultimately falling completely in love and willing to dedicate his life to her. Highlights: Strong plot-driven palace intrigue: The female protagonist is clear-headed, decisive, and ruthless, engaging in complex power struggles with rivals such as Consort Chen, Ning Wanshuang. Emotional tension: The emperor's transformation from suspicion to infatuation creates a contrasting image of "taming a loyal dog." Controversy: The adapted short drama *The Black Lotus's Guide to Rise to Power* was removed from streaming platforms due to its portrayal of extreme revenge, but the novel remains available (Tomato Novel rating 9.6). This version is highly consistent with the "strong female lead" and "cunning" style that users previously preferred. Additional information can be provided if you need to know more about specific chapters or character relationships.

30. 30 惨 Reborn After a Horrific Death, I Drove Every Villain Crazy 惨死重生后，我把反派都逼疯啦 Yan Fei颜翡Ancient Romance1.9M WordsCompleted Reborn + household and palace intrigue + strong heroine and hero + revenge and taking down scumbags + satisfying read In her previous life, Shen Shuyi schemed and plotted at every turn to secure the crown prince's position for Xiao Tingshan. But he repaid her by turning his back on her, despising her for being calculating and deep-minded, and not gentle and demure enough. He not only took her life, but also caused countless friends and family members to die unjustly. Fine. Given another life, 15kReads8.9Score1.9kShelves
31. 31 昭 The Chaos of Zhaohua 昭华乱 See Fortune at First Sight, Meow一见生财瞄Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Available in print. Search "Zhaohua Rebellion" on any platform to purchase.] [Strong female lead, satisfying revenge, high-IQ palace intrigue, the heroine schemes against the entire harem, a dangerously unhinged antagonist] Song Zhao has always been a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, and she has always seen the world more clearly than anyone else. From the moment she learned that Xiao Jingheng had chosen her to enter the palace as a consort, her goal was crystal clear: "I en 87.6kReads9.5Score9.7kShelves
32. 32 送 You Offered Me Up to Win His Favor? Why Are You Crying Now That I'm Empress? 送我固宠？我当皇后你哭什么？ Moon Gummies月亮软糖Ancient Romance612k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book / palace intrigue / not mutually devoted / face-slapping feel-good story / sweet romance / historical romance] A beauty who keeps a low profile early on, then acts spoiled and arrogant under the emperor's protection / a cold, strict emperor who falls in love at first sight, favors her, and fiercely defends her *A transmigration trope, a chef slicing meat and tossing it in the wok. Come have a bite of this satisfying favoritism story! Chu Qingwan transmigrated into a boo 1.6kReads8.4Score225Shelves
33. 33 娇 The Clever Palace Maid and the Cold, Cruel Emperor Who Can't Resist Her 娇娇宫女手段高，冷戾帝王不经撩 Clashing Gold and Flying Jade铿金霏玉Ancient Romance502k WordsCompleted [Reborn / palace intrigue, not both virgins / delicate heroine / hero is a bit of a jerk early on, loses his mind midway, and dotes on her alone in the end] Yuan Qing was just a low-ranking palace maid. But she was born alluring and beautiful. In her previous life, the Empress Dowager gave her to Prince Jing as a concubine. Who could have guessed she would become the princess consort's thorn in the side, and that a bowl of poisoned soup would end her life? Reborn, Yuan Qing set her sights on the 5.8kReads9.2Score569Shelves

    Reader note

    You can check them out; I personally think they're well-written.

34. 34 夫 My Husband Makes Me Sleep Alone, So I Lure the Imperial Uncle Into the Bridal Chamber 夫君让我守空房，我诱皇叔入洞房 Zhuchuan Xue竹川雪Ancient Romance352k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book, sweet romance and wish-fulfillment, faux uncle and niece, one-on-one and mutually devoted, face-slapping and punishing scum] “Be good. Let me hold you.” After Shen Zhiyu dies from staying up too late, she transmigrates into the little ancestor the regent Xiao Wang has been waiting ten years for. Unfortunately, the moment she arrives, she’s stripped and hauled onto a chopping board. So she goes berserk on the spot and slaps the scumbag and the homewrecker. “If you 10.4kReads8.6Score1.7kShelves
35. 35 仇 Revenge Complete? The Regent King Carries Me Home to Have His Baby! 仇报完了？摄政王扛我回府生崽！ Miao Fufu喵芙芙Ancient Romance752k WordsCompleted [A stunning villainess who can cry and act VS a powerful regent who starts out forcing love and later becomes utterly devoted to his wife] In her previous life, Su Tangyu was poisoned by her scumbag father and stepmother, while her younger sister stole her identity and fiancé. She died in misery and despair! Reborn, she wants nothing to do with her shortsighted former fiancé! Instead, Su Tangyu turns to seduce Xiao Jin, the cold and brutal regent who holds power over the entire court. She cries 26.7kReads8.8Score4.3kShelves
36. 36 重 After Being Reborn, I Threw Myself into the Powerful Minister's Arms and Cried, and He Turned Red with Anger 重生后扑到权臣怀里哭，他红温了 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 63.2kReads8.8Score8.9kShelves
37. 37 怪 My Monster Master Is Sickly and Deranged, and Locks Me Up to Demand Love 怪物师尊病态发疯，锁情求爱 Number One Steamed Bun第一馒头Ancient Romance497k WordsCompleted [A monstrous, obsessive, possessive, and dangerously devoted master × a delicate young lady who knows how to act cute and sweet-talk people] After her family abandons her once again in this life, Mo Tongqing decides she won’t just sit back and wait for her fate. She struggles her way through a marsh and finds herself a super-powerful villainous master to rely on. She wants nothing to do with her identity as the Mo family’s legitimate daughter, a wretched girl who was bullied her whole life and l 9.6kReads8.4Score1.1kShelves
38. 38 妙 The Ingenious Little Princess Consort 妙手小王妃 Ye Yimou叶亦眸Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted “Master, the Princess Consort has... sold you again,” the steward said cautiously. “Doesn’t she have enough money to spend at the manor?” The prince rubbed his forehead. “Looks like I’ll have to open a few more shops.” “Master, the Princess Consort...” “How much did she sell me for this time?” the prince asked without looking up. “The Princess Consort says you’re not worth much anymore, so she’s come up with a new way to make money.” “What way?” “She says that if you want to make money fast, you 1kReads9.1Score172Shelves

    Reader note

    It was great, I finished watching it all.

39. 39 替 After Our Marriage by Proxy, the Ailing Young Lord Is So Furious He’s Bouncing with Energy 替嫁后病弱世子被气得活蹦乱跳 A Ladleful from the Weakwater River弱水一瓢Ancient Romance2.6M WordsCompleted After transmigrating overnight, she woke up shoved into a bridal sedan, being sent to bring good fortune to a sickly man who had been poisoned with a rare toxin and was not expected to live long. Su Tang just wanted to make the best of her situation, but with so many people looking for trouble, she had no choice but to roll up her sleeves and protect her husband. Cure poison, crush scumbags, and take on the bizarre troublemakers! Her legitimate younger sister wanted to rekindle an old romance an 4.1kReads9.3Score786Shelves
40. 40 重 After Being Reborn, My Five Brothers Beg Me in Tears to Return Home 重生后，五个哥哥哭着求我回府 Mu Mianmian慕绵绵Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Currently being published] [She chases him after the breakup + sweet romance + satisfying read] In her previous life, Jiang You'an was a cannon-fodder side character in a novel where the whole family doted on the heroine. Her entire family favored her younger sister, and she was beaten to death with clubs. After being reborn, she refuses to repeat her past mistakes, only to discover that her family regrets everything and begs for her forgiveness. Everyone wants to make amends? Hah, I’m not int 7.7kReads9.4Score1.3kShelves
41. 41 王 The Princess Consort Is Poor and Miserable, and Loves to Play the Pig to Eat the Tiger 王妃她又穷又苦，还喜欢扮猪吃虎 Knowing My Heart安知我意Ancient Romance553k WordsCompleted Wen Yu, the chancellor's son famous throughout the capital, was a good-for-nothing who spent all day shirking his studies and loafing around. The night before, her father had just dragged her out of a brothel. The next day, she passed the imperial examinations and came first. Not a single person in the capital believed she could place first. They all marveled that she had such a good father! Even Wen Yu herself found it hard to believe. She couldn't help asking her father, “Did you bribe the exa 4.7kReads9.2Score482Shelves
42. 42 夫 My Husband Keeps a Mistress? So What? He Can Keep Me Too 夫君养外室？不怕！他养我也养 Qin Nanshu秦南姝Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [A super-strong, steel-spined woman vs. a sickly, scheming, sweet-faced power broker] [Satisfying read + devoted couple + everyone dotes on the heroine + he coaxes her into a pout] Question: What should a married woman do after sleeping with the most powerful minister in the court? Princess Yong'an Wei Fu's answer: Run! Run for your life! Pull up your pants and run like hell! If it had been any other man, Wei Fu wouldn't be so panicked. But the man she slept with was Cui Heng, heir to the Prince 22kReads8.5Score121.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This was super exciting at the beginning, and sweet at the end! [Shy][shy]

43. 43 裙 The Minister Beneath Her Skirts: She Makes the Prince Regent Bow to Her 裙下权臣：她引摄政王折腰 Zheng Da Qian郑大钱Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Scheming heroine + power struggles + palace and household intrigue + strong female lead + prince + revenge and cathartic payback + mutual healing] In her previous life, Xie Deyin was sent by her husband, the Marquis of Pingyang, to the bed of a powerful regent to curry favor with him. She bore a son, only for her husband and his favored concubine to murder the child. Reborn, Xie Deyin vows to rise to the pinnacle of power, crush the scumbag and expose the fake saintess. She deliberately approac 11.3kReads9.2Score1.5kShelves
44. 44 青 A Promise in Blue Robes 青裳一诺 The King Is Thirteen大王十三岁Ancient Romance398k WordsCompleted In their previous life, Qingshang (Heguan) and Duruo (Houpu) died together in a car accident, bound by death as they had been in life. In this life, Qingshang carries her memories of their past and journeys across mountains and rivers to reunite with him... But he no longer recognizes her, and love and resentment pull them in opposite directions... She practices medicine to save lives, solves one strange case after another, and uses her wisdom to stop a war between two nations and protect the pe 44Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Women can also quell war with their own abilities—the character is absolutely stunning! "Women's Power" + "High EQ Maneuvering" + "Suspenseful Detective" + "Fated and Heartbreaking Romance" A reborn female healer, without relying on the protection of the powerful, uses her medical skills to resolve the conflict between two nations, yet she cannot untangle the knot in her heart from two lifetimes with her former lover. #Women'sPowerAncientRomance #RebirthPoliticalIntrigue #DetectiveRomance #HeartbreakingRomanceInTurbulentTimes

45. 45 洛 Luo Se Like Brocade 洛色如锦 Sunshine Scent太阳味儿Ancient Romance575k WordsCompleted [A warning for readers who want both leads to be devoted exclusively to each other: Read carefully! Read carefully! Read carefully! They're not a one-on-one couple at first. After the heroine marries the hero, he's devoted only to her!] [My heroine has no golden finger or superpowers. She's just a left-behind child, and transmigrating gives her the love she missed out on.] When Shen Luojin opens her eyes again, she discovers she's been reborn in a baby's body. As a modern college student who has 3.9kReads9.0Score339Shelves

    Reader note

    1. Opening "The Pampered Darling," you don't need to think at all; it's all about the immersive joy of being "pampered." There are no melodramatic misunderstandings or tangled plots; the male lead's favoritism is straightforward and unwavering from beginning to end, embodying the concept of "exclusive pampering" to its very core. 2. For readers who enjoy "strong female lead + palace intrigue," the appeal of this book isn't its "easy-win" nature, but rather how the female lead, through complex situations, gradually establishes herself through her wisdom and ultimately lives the life she desires. 3. It's easy to read and genuinely sweet. This book doesn't rely on convoluted palace intrigue; it mainly focuses on how the female lead becomes the emperor's exclusive favorite in the harem, making it a very light read. 4. The female lead and the emperor aren't immediately deeply in love; their relationship develops gradually through interaction and mutual understanding. There aren't many dramatic events, but rather a sense of slow and steady growth. Overall, it's a brainless read. These are some of my favorite palace intrigue and domestic drama novels. [Admiration]

46. 46 帝 The Emperor's Cherished Favorite 帝王的掌上娇宠 Wasabi Coffee芥末味咖啡Ancient Romance220k WordsCompleted [Love at first sight + Possessive pursuit + Both sweet and angsty (enter with caution if that's not your thing)] [Not a strong female lead] [Age gap + Not both virgins] Although Shen Jin was a concubine-born daughter, her whole family had doted on her since she was little. She thought she would spend her life with her childhood sweetheart, but one banquet completely changed her life. Everyone envied the emperor's boundless favor toward Consort Chen. But only Shen Jin knew that this favor was lik 3.9kReads6.6Score332Shelves
47. 47 宫 Palace Beauty 宫姝 Clear Summer Xixi清夏兮兮Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted She dared not love too deeply, afraid it would all turn out to be nothing but a dream. She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, scheming every day to win the emperor's favor; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts, with invisible blood staining her hands; She thought that once she entered the imperial palace, she would be like the other consorts. In the end, it was only what she had imagined. 8.4kReads9.2Score950Shelves
48. 48 表 You Rejected My Confession, So Why Are You Crying Now That I’m Gone? 表白你不接受，我走你哭啥？ One-of-a-Kind Bee不二蜜蜂Urban1.0M WordsCompleted Bai Mo was reborn on the night after the 2004 college entrance exams. Looking at the campus belle, Jiang Luohan, passed out drunk on the bed, he knew better than to entertain any improper thoughts this time. In his previous life, her father had caught him red-handed while he was trying to steal, ruining his reputation and costing him his chance to go to college. He had no intention of making the same mistake again. This time, he would simply focus on starting a business and making money. When Ji 44.2kReads9.2Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead goes through a tumultuous journey to win back her husband! The male lead is initially a pathetic puppy, but he finally rises to the occasion. Highly recommended!!

49. 49 谢 The Xie Family's Short-Lived Son Has Lived to a Hundred 谢家的短命鬼长命百岁了 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] The lid of a dead person's coffin won't lie flat because they had an unresolved longing in life. Given time, that longing turns into a demonic obsession, and unless it is resolved, their descendants will suffer. Yan Sanhe's job is to release the dead from their obsessions. One day, she gets hounded by Third Master Xie, who claims to have one. Yan Sanhe says she doesn't deal with the living. Third Master Xie replies, “Everyone says I won't live long. Just think of 125.4kReads9.6Score17kShelves

    Reader note

    It's great! I especially recommend the first book; the main characters are all very intelligent.

50. 50 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 25.3kReads9.2Score3.2kShelves

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