In a Reading Slump. Looking for a Palace Intrigue Novel 书荒了，想求一本宫斗文

1. 151 朕 I’ll Spoil You and You Alone, My Little Darling 朕就宠你一个小娇娇 This Sauce这酱Ancient Romance253k WordsCompleted [Devoted from the start + both leads are faithful + no misunderstandings] Li Jiao is the most inconspicuous palace maid, timid and delicate. Her only wish is to save enough money to leave the palace and marry an honest man. Then one day, she accidentally breaks a priceless white jade brush washer in the Imperial Study and comes face-to-face with Mo Xuanheng, the emperor rumored to be cold and bloodthirsty. Terrified out of her wits, she kneels on the ground, trembling like a leaf in the wind, h 3.2kReads6.8Score294Shelves

   Reader note

   The opening chapter is super sweet and doting.

2. 152 听 I Took Your Advice and Didn't Fall for the Emperor, Until I Saw the Comments and the Harem Exploded 听劝不对皇上用情，直到我瞧见弹幕，后宫炸锅 Peanut Brittle08花生糖0826k WordsCompleted I Took the Advice Not to Fall for the Emperor, Until I Saw the Bullet Comments and the Harem Went into an Uproar 432Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

3. 153 娘 I Used the Dirty Tricks My Mother Taught Me to Become Empress 娘教我的下作手段，我用来当了皇后 I Don't Lose Weight Even If I Eat Air吃空气也不瘦12k WordsCompleted The Dirty Tricks My Mother Taught Me Made Me Empress 569Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 154 爹 Dad! Please Stop Rising in Rank. Our Family Really Are Treacherous Officials! 爹！求你别升了，咱家真是奸臣！ Yang Xueling杨雪凌Ancient Romance1.9M WordsOngoing Xu Qinghuan transmigrates into a book and becomes the only daughter of Xu Youde, the most corrupt official in all of Great Qian. Looking at the room full of gold and jewels, she doesn’t smile. She knows the entire Xu family will be executed in three years, and she’ll be hung on the city wall as a public warning. Luckily, she binds herself to the “Heartless Riches System.” If she can amass a hundred billion through ruthless profiteering and ruin her reputation, she can take ten billion in retirem 31.4kReads9.0Score6.6kShelves
5. 155 将 The Six Daughters of the General’s House 将门六姝 If You Won't Climb the Mountain, Save the Mountain不就山救山Ancient Romance922k WordsOngoing Great Zhou has its own Dugu Xin: Shen Jinghai [Ensemble Cast + Court Intrigue + Multiple Couples] Six daughters in one family, all married on the same day, each to the man of her dreams. Deep winter descends, and an imperial decree shatters the last of the peace in the General’s manor. Shen Jinghai, the General Who Guards the Nation, dies by suicide under a false accusation. His wife dies of exhaustion and grief, leaving behind only six helpless daughters. The emperor, remorseful on his deathbe 132kReads8.9Score18.2kShelves
6. 156 嫡 The Delicate Legitimate Daughter Has the Villain's Script Down Pat 嫡女柔弱，稳拿反派剧本 Yue Shi月式Ancient Romance445k WordsOngoing (Just received its rating) [Transmigrate into a book + beautiful, delicate Black Lotus + political scheming + palace intrigue] When young, we knew no sorrow. Three thousand lines of embroidered verse, devotion worth its weight in gold. How could one not miss those old-fashioned romances? One day, after transmigrating into a book, Jiang Wan becomes the frail, wicked fiancée of the cold-hearted heir in an old-fashioned novel. Wait, she killed the heroine? She’s about to be written out of the story 6.5kReads8.4Score553Shelves
7. 157 恶 Vicious? After Being Reborn, the Cousin Just Wants to Do Nothing 恶毒？表妹重生后只想摆烂怎么办 Shu Yi纾夷Ancient Romance450k WordsOngoing [Book Transmigration]+ [Mind Reading]+ [Lie Flat]+ [Harem Intrigue]+ [Ensemble Cast] The male lead is not a virgin, while the female lead is. Don't read if you dislike that. He becomes devoted to her later. Song Shiwei transmigrates into a book as the villainess, a love-addled fool. The original owner is obsessed with Prince Rui, who would be a perfect match for her half-sister. She creates one scene after another until everyone despises her. Then an imperial edict from the Emperor makes the ori 65Reads8.0Score104Shelves
8. 158 谈 What's Love Got to Do with It? The Villainess Just Wants to Survive 谈什么恋爱？反派大姐只想苟命 Luo Hua Wuchen洛花无尘Ancient Romance231k WordsOngoing [Transmigration to Another World + Ruthless and Decisive + Family at the Heart + A Strong Female Lead Building Her Career] When Han Qiyue opened her eyes, she had transmigrated into the body of a female cannon-fodder character who died young. Her vicious father was a wife-beater who sold his sons and daughters to support the widow he kept on the side, all while abusing his wife. Han Qiyue glared at him murderously. Old Han, you're dead meat! So she joined forces with her two younger brothers and —Reads—Score—Shelves
9. 159 要 The Husband Who Wanted to Kill Me Is Reborn 要杀我的相公，重生了 Moon Half, Three Ponds' Master月半三塘主Ancient Romance214k WordsOngoing [Gorgeous heroine skilled in ancient martial arts transmigrates] + [handsome, cuckolded hero is reborn] + [ancient romance] + [unconventional household intrigue] Zhang Zhuo has transmigrated! A modern woman skilled in ancient martial arts who once traveled the world has spent the past nine years in the body of a discarded wife cast out by her husband’s family. She was getting by as an unofficial assassin, barely scraping together a life. Who knew that ten years later, her husband’s family woul 2.2kReads8.2Score212Shelves
10. 160 穿 Transmigrated as the Male Lead’s Cannon-Fodder Ex-Wife 穿成男配的炮灰前妻 Taro Ball Bun芋圆包Ancient Romance599k WordsOngoing [A slightly neurotic, gloomy heroine with a touch of emotional fastidiousness 🆚 a gentle, refined hero] Xu Chunming transmigrated into a book. She became Xu Chunming, the cannon-fodder ex-wife of Yang Jinghe, the gentle second male lead in a matriarchal romance novel. Spring in harmony, a bright and beautiful scene: their names sound like a blissfully happy couple, but unfortunately, they were a pair of bitter enemies. Yang Jinghe had loved his childhood sweetheart, the heroine, since they were 6.2kReads8.5Score455Shelves
11. 161 完 Disaster! The Poor Scholar She Broke Off Her Engagement With Became a General 完蛋！她退婚的穷书生成了将军 Mango Eats Potatoes芒果吃土豆Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted only to each other and equally strong; they're both utterly unhinged. The heroine loves power, and the hero loves her.] The first time they meet, a poor scholar takes a fancy to a young lady. He stares at her and gets thrown out of the flower-viewing banquet. The second time, he causes a scene at her family's apothecary, and gets thrown out again. The third time, they meet in a brothel. She despises him completely, and every filthy insult she hurls lands right in his hea 2.1kReads9.0Score248Shelves
12. 162 急 Help! The Poor Guy I Bullied and Toyed With Became the Crown Prince 急！我欺凌玩弄过的穷鬼变太子了 Taishi Ying太史婴Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted Su Niao was beautiful and spoiled, and her antics finally got her force-fed poisoned wine. Only then did she realize she was a disposable supporting character. Reborn, she opened her eyes and immediately kicked her two-timing fiancé to the curb, then set off to take revenge on the dog emperor who had given her poisoned wine in her previous life! Xie Chenyuan had yet to become emperor. He had lost his memory and ended up living with a poor family: a frail younger brother, little sister, and blind 23.8kReads9.1Score3.3kShelves
13. 163 全 All of the Capital Hopes the Princess Consort of Prince Chu Will Fall from Favor 全京城都在盼着楚王妃失宠 Young Master Jin锦公子Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted After Lu Yao was reborn, she married the foolish tyrant who had ruled in her previous life. She thought she was doomed, but instead he spoiled her rotten. A minister troubled by his marriage asked Prince Chu for advice. “Your Highness, do you and the princess consort ever argue at home?” Prince Chu puffed out his chest. “Argue? We get into fights all the time.” “Then... doesn’t the princess consort cry?” She didn’t look like she could take much of a beating. “She’s the one who hits me. What woul 3.3kReads9.0Score461Shelves
14. 164 重 With My Reborn Son's High-Stakes Schemes, Becoming Empress Dowager Is No Dream 重生儿子手段高，晋升太后不是梦 Chiyo千代Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Fictional Imperial Harem Drama + No Romance + Giving Birth and Raising Kids + My Son Must Be Crown Prince + Ambitious + Clear-Eyed] Content warning: The romance isn’t mutually exclusive, she doesn’t love the male lead, and there are painful, heartbreaking parts. The male lead is a scumbag emperor. Song Yuyan was hooked on a palace-harem management game. She never expected to open her eyes and find she had transmigrated to ancient times. After keeping a low profile for three years, she entered t 3.6kReads9.3Score427Shelves

    Reader note

    It's good, I recommend it.

15. 165 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

    Reader note

    Yes, that's right...

16. 166 绿 The Green Tea Extra's Palace of Peril Diary 绿茶龙套的祸宫日记 Third Lady三娘子Ancient Romance213k WordsCompleted [A bewitching, scheming, drama-loving actress and a restrained emperor whose old flame reignites] [No System, no pocket dimension. She rises to power solely through beauty and cunning.] [The emperor is far from chaste, but he absolutely dotes on her alone.] A B-list actress known for playing bit parts gets exposed as a fake sweetheart and is struck by lightning. When she opens her eyes, she has somehow become an all-powerful female lead. The problem is, she's a conniving fake sweetheart who can' 15.5kReads9.1Score2.4kShelves
17. 167 我 The Crown Prince I Toyed with Has Fallen Head Over Heels in Love 我狠狠玩弄过的太子长出恋爱脑了 Ana Bao阿娜宝Ancient Romance695k WordsCompleted Several short dramas are now streaming (country widow VS abstinent crown prince) The entire village of Fangniu was massacred. Jiang Buxi lay on the ground, covered in blood and at death’s door. Hearing the black-clad men’s words, her dying eyes flew open. What? The young master she had saved was actually the crown prince, and he was the one who had ordered the massacre of the village!!! What happened to the fifty head of cattle he promised as thanks? Damn it! What a terrible deal! She had fed hi 10kReads8.8Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Later palace intrigue 🤭🤭

18. 168 锦 Spring Hidden in Brocade Ink 锦墨藏春 Pear Blossom, Rain-Scented Foam梨花薰雨沫Ancient Romance744k WordsOngoing Everyone in the capital knows that Bai Zhouzhou, the Bai family's eldest legitimate daughter, was born with a body as fragile as glass. In spring, while everyone else goes flower-viewing and takes country walks, she can only sit by the window wrapped in a fur cloak, watching the petals fall. On summer nights, she cannot even bear the slightest breeze, and the smallest oversight leaves her coughing for ages. A few steps leave her leaning against a pillar, gasping for breath; a few words make her 3Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 169 掌 Palm Bait: A Record of Taming the Pampered One 掌心饵，驯娇记 Seventeen Sounds of Life十七声生Ancient Romance998k WordsCompleted [Gloomy eunuch ✖️ a palace maid who grows over time] Behind the deep palace walls, two broken souls become entangled and find a way to keep living amid the gray shadows of imperial power struggles. "Though the moss flower is tiny as a grain of rice, it still blooms like a peony." We may live humbly, hidden from the light, but we still live. A somewhat realistic story, not a wish-fulfillment novel. If you enjoy its subtle, tense atmosphere, step inside. 212.6kReads9.5Score38.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, but that's a bit later. Yami.

20. 170 娇 The Sweetheart Deliberately Seduces the Cold Emperor, and He Falls for Her 娇娇蓄意勾引，清冷帝王沦陷了 Mu Niannian慕年年Ancient Romance651k WordsCompleted Palace intrigue + push and pull + seduction and rising to power + falling deeper at every step + devotion to one woman in the later story Loving her and knowing it + a man in power bowing his head for love * The short drama is out now. Search for “The Sweetheart Deliberately Seduces Him, and the Cold Emperor Falls” on Fanqie or Hongguo to watch the full series. * Pei Tingyue transmigrated into a book. She became a disposable consort in The Palace in Power. In the original story, she was simple-m 37.7kReads9.3Score4.4kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book!

21. 171 皇 Spare Me, Imperial Uncle! The Delicate Little Darling Can't Take Care of Herself 皇叔饶命，小娇娇她柔弱不能自理 One Bite, Five Pigs一口五头猪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Woman Disguised as a Man + Domineering Possessiveness + Regent Prince + Imperial Uncle + Scheming Hero + Mutual Devotion + Loyal Puppy] Chu Li was an abandoned baby who had been adopted. Consort Wen made her pose as the ninth prince, a boy, to win the emperor’s favor. But Chu Li was determined to be a lazybones, eating her fill and waiting for death. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. The Regent Prince was supposed to win first place in the autumn hunt, but she accidentally saved the empero 10.2kReads8.5Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I don't have any palace intrigue novels, but these few are all set in ancient times.

22. 172 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 25.3kReads8.7Score2kShelves
23. 173 女 I Disguised Myself as a Man, but the Powerful Lord Chose Me as His Male Consort 女扮男装被千岁爷相中了，要立我为男妃 Er Qian二浅Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The first time Yun Mo saw Jin Cang, he was killing someone! The second time she saw him, he was still killing someone! The third time she saw him, he... wanted to kill her! Yun Mo: “Prince Regent, don't be difficult. You can offer yourself to me, and I'll accept, all right?” The Thousand-Year Lord, his robes half undone, reclined against the couch and looked at Yun Mo. “Curious?” Yun Mo: “Yes, my lord!” 7.6kReads8.9Score321Shelves
24. 174 哦 Oh! The Emperor Flirts With the Regent Every Day 哦豁！皇帝每天都在勾搭摄政王 Tall and Slender细高挑儿Ancient Romance745k WordsCompleted [Main story complete] [Pure, fluffy romance + fictional world + everyday life + strong female lead + slow burn + woman disguised as a man + secret crush + silly political intrigue] Murong Jin looks at the man who has appeared on her bed, unsure what expression to make. As Regent of the Great Lan, she devotes herself to governing the country. She never expected the emperor to set his sights on her... Di Junlan has loved a woman ever since he was young. When he was helpless and bullied, she saved 539Reads8.4Score100Shelves
25. 175 皇 The Emperor's Precious Little Darling Will Make You Weep for Your Empire 皇上家的小娇娇，哭崩你江山 Rice Candy米糖糖Ancient Romance677k WordsCompleted Bai Xi is the dragon vein of the Great Xia Kingdom, a true dragon who has lived for nine hundred years. One day, a handsome man takes her in. He provides her with food and lodging, and all she has to do is keep his bed warm. She thinks it's a great deal. The only downside is that the man refuses to acknowledge her as his ancestor. How rebellious! * Yu Cang is the emperor of the Great Xia Kingdom. Just after he takes the throne, a dragon latches onto him. She's spoiled and has a huge appetite, ea 4.7kReads9.2Score852Shelves
26. 176 人 Mermaid Comes Ashore: Conquering the Tyrant with Bubbles 人鱼上岸：靠吐泡泡征服暴君 Rice Candy米糖糖Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Merman King vs. Beautiful, Powerful, and Tragic Emperor + Sweet Romance + Healing] Gu Jinyu is a mermaid. After dying, she arrives in another world and is told that the only way to stay alive is to win over the emperor. The emperor has a terrible temper, and the comments in the livestream say no one has ever succeeded. Desperate to survive, Gu Jinyu bravely approaches him: “I like you. Could you like me too, and not kill me?” She survives. “If I give you a kiss, could you stop 8.7kReads9.1Score1.5kShelves
27. 177 十 When an Eighteen-Year-Old Grandmother Joined the Household, the Capital Was Turned Upside Down 十八岁祖母入府后，京都翻了天 Robes White as Snow麻衣如雪Ancient Romance2.4M WordsOngoing At eighteen, palace master of ceremonies Ye Nanshu was sent out of the palace because of her stepmother’s schemes. She was about to be married off to a fifty-year-old man to bring him good luck. On the empress’s advice, she took the initiative to ask to marry the benefactor who had saved her life eight years ago, becoming the stepmother of the capital’s most notorious playboy. Her stepson had angered his childhood sweetheart into divorcing him, and now he was stuck in a story where he had to b 27.4kReads8.8Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Eighteen-year-old Ye Nanmei, a court lady-in-waiting, is banished from the palace due to her stepmother's schemes and is about to marry a fifty-year-old man to bring him good fortune. Under the Empress's guidance, she actively seeks to marry the man who saved her life eight years ago, becoming the most notorious playboy stepmother in the capital. Her stepson, angered by his childhood sweetheart, has divorced his first wife and is now facing a dramatic reversal of fortune. Facing a husband two years younger than her father, a stepson a year younger than herself, and even a newborn stepson, Ye Nanmei handles everything with composure. She not only cultivates good relations with her stepson's first wife, supporting his current wife's position, but also takes good care of her stepson, preventing any opportunity for her scheming childhood sweetheart, and even manages to get along well with her husband's first wife's family.

28. 178 神 The Reborn Fortune-Telling Princess Saves Her Whole Family 神算王妃重生后，救全家 Qing Xueyang卿雪阳Ancient Romance530k WordsCompleted (Devoted couple, 1v1 + palace and household intrigue + rebirth and revenge + golden finger) Song Ziqing is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Zhongyong’s household. Because of her unusual constitution, she was sent to cultivate in the mountains. In her previous life, Song Ziqing fell in love with the Fifth Prince, Li Che. She used her cultivation to help him seize the throne, but ended up causing the deaths of her father and brothers, as well as Crown Prince Li Feng, who loved her. She herse 18Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    So beautiful! You won't regret getting into this fandom!

29. 179 重 Reborn as the Duke's Nephew, I Storm In to Steal My Wife 重生之国舅爷上门抢妻 Qing Xueyang卿雪阳Ancient Romance380k WordsOngoing (A devoted, exclusive one-on-one romance + palace and household intrigue + reborn revenge + medicine) Liu Ruxue was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's household, but because she was unloved, she was framed and made a concubine to a disgraced prince. In the end, her sister had their father killed, and Liu Ruxue died as well. Reborn, she vows to make everyone who killed her and her father pay in blood. The scoundrel who ruined her will be left without heirs; her ruthless, ambitious s —Reads6.9Score—Shelves
30. 180 传 The Legendary Merchant Lü Buwei 传奇商人一一吕不韦 Bi Cheng笔承Historical362k WordsCompleted My new work is out! Come read it on Tomato Novel. (Political intrigue, business warfare, struggles for supremacy, historical what-ifs, ancient setting.) Synopsis: When Lü Buwei meets Prince Yiren of Qin, he sees a rare opportunity. He spends his entire fortune helping Yiren return to Qin and ascend the throne, becoming chancellor himself. He assists the young Ying Zheng, wields power over the realm, and compiles Lüshi Chunqiu. In the end, his immense power sparks conflict with the King of Qin. H 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is worth reading. It details Lü Buwei's experiences of success and lessons learned from his failures. During this Spring Festival, a time for seeking blessings and family reunions, it serves as a topic of conversation among friends and relatives, a source of inspiration for career advancement, and a mirror for self-reflection.

31. 181 大 A Tang Dynasty Physician's Consort: The Plump Doctor's Transmigration to the Tang Dynasty 大唐医妃，大夫胖姐唐朝穿越记 Beneath the Orange Lamp橘灯下Ancient Romance600k WordsCompleted Su Wanwan, a modern doctor known as “Fat Sis,” accidentally transmigrates to the Tang dynasty, then returns three months later with treasures from the Great Tang. Dressed in Tang brocade and carrying a sandalwood box filled with gold, silver, and the deep affection of Emperor Li Chen, she stops at a convenience store to charge her phone. The moment it powers on, her parents’ worry over the past three months crashes over her: hundreds of missed calls, a screen full of anxious messages, her mother 39Reads7.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Fatty is too outstanding, and the Empress is jealous and spreads rumors, which are hard to guard against. How will Fatty deal with this?

32. 182 公 The Princess Holds Sway Over the Court, and Her Harem Is Full 公主权倾朝野，鱼塘挤不下了 Old Yellow Rabbit老黄兔Ancient Romance3.4M WordsCompleted Original title: The Princess Holds Sway Over the Court, and Her Fish Pond Is Full [Historical Romance + Scheming + Everyone’s Darling + Reincarnation Before Birth + Favorite Concubine + Harem Intrigue + Wish Fulfillment + Alluring Heroine + System + Rise to Power] One day, after transmigrating, Liang Yue became the apple of her favorite concubine mother’s eye. The three thousand imperial consorts could not match her mother’s radiance, and the entire Great Xia treasury could not rival her uncle’s 22.1kReads7.4Score6kShelves
33. 183 重 Reborn and Married Off: I Become the Mistress of the Prince's Manor 重生换亲：我在王府当主母 Xia Tian夏甜Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted Shen Wantang's reborn elder sister stole her engagement and pushed the Prince of Ning's heir, who had become a monk, on her. “The prince's residence is grand and splendid. Little sister, go enjoy your good fortune!” Shen Wantang laughed. “Then thank you, Sister.” Was she not reborn too? In her previous life, her elder sister married the Prince of Ning's heir and drove the woman he loved to her death. He would rather die for love than live as her husband. After he died, her sister was imprisoned. 21kReads7.7Score1.9kShelves
34. 184 陛 Your Majesty, Don't Love Me So Much! I Win the Harem's Favor Through Good Fortune in Childbearing 陛下别太爱！我靠好孕独宠后宫 Hua Xiaoci花小辞Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted [The short drama adapted from this novel, Your Majesty, Don't Love Me Too Much! I'll Win the Harem's Favor with My Fertility, is now available.] [The animated drama adapted from this novel, Darling, Enter My Heart, is now available.] [The leads are not faithful to each other. He becomes devoted to her later + The heroine is stunningly beautiful and clear-eyed, and aims to become an empress + Fertility and childbirth + Multiple babies in one pregnancy + Intelligent palace intrigue + Political man 8.3kReads8.8Score745Shelves
35. 185 嫡 Reborn: The Legitimate Daughter Topples Her Hypocritical Family and Rules the World 嫡女重生：掀翻伪善家族权倾天下 Qingqing Murong Xuan青青慕容璇Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing In her previous life, she was the stupidest legitimate daughter in the Marquis of Zhenguo’s household. She believed in her father’s “kindness,” her elder brother’s “protection,” and her stepmother’s “virtue.” She even mistook a promise from her fiancé for salvation. Only when her dowry was stripped away and her identity stolen, when she was tossed aside like a useless chess piece and given to a brutal general, did she finally understand, on the day she died in a bloody battlefield: Her younger h 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Palace intrigue, strong female lead, political maneuvering, fast-paced and exciting.

36. 186 将 The General’s Tower 将阙 Qingqing Murong Xuan青青慕容璇Ancient Romance873k WordsOngoing Reborn with a white silk cord around my neck, I returned to the night before the imperial decree arranging my marriage was issued. In my previous life, I gave everything for Prince Ding, Xiao Yan, but he joined forces with his favored concubine to wipe out my entire family. This time, I gracefully thanked the emperor for his favor, then turned around and “happened” to meet the capital’s most notorious wastrel: Xie Xingzhi, heir to the Marquis of Jing’an. Everyone laughed at the daughter of a mi 1Reads—Score—Shelves
37. 187 你 You Transmigrate, I’m Reborn! I’ll Hang a Lantern for You at Your Graves 你穿越，我重生！坟前给你们挂盏 Si Xiaohua姒小花Ancient Romance711k WordsCompleted Original title: Reborn Princess Opens Her Eyes and Brings People to Catch Them in the Act! Full title: You Transmigrated, I Was Reborn, and I'll Hang a Lantern at Your Graves [Rebirth + palace intrigue + feel-good revenge + a heroine who's crazy and a great actress + throne struggle + one-on-one romance (little romance)] In her past life, Li Ningle, a princess, married into a down-and-out marquis's household and gave everything she had to pave the way for her husband to become an official. In th 2.3kReads9.1Score282Shelves

    Reader note

    This one is worth checking out.

38. 188 恋 A Hopeless Romantic? No, I'm a Career-Minded Empress 恋爱脑？不，我是事业型皇后 Yue Xuhuan悦许欢Ancient Romance322k WordsOngoing [The rating just came out, and I’ve put all the content warnings after Chapter One. If it’s not for you, please swipe left and leave. Thanks, everyone. (orz)] Cui Zhiyu was born into the prestigious Qinghe Cui clan, one of the three pillars and five great families, and was undeniably a noblewoman of the Great Zhao. Her mother often said, “The only hardship our Ah Yu will ever have to endure in this life is the pain of love.” Years later, her mother’s words came true. Pei Zhuo, Prince Jingyi, was 679Reads8.5Score124Shelves
39. 189 财 The Money-Grubbing Princess Consort’s Romantic Adventures in the Song Dynasty 财迷王妃大宋闯情关 The Red-Crowned Phoenix Always Turns Toward the Sun丹凤总向阳Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted A sweet historical romance blending transmigration, food, business warfare, political intrigue, and love. Ouyang Wanyuan, a modern bank account manager, unexpectedly transmigrates and becomes the daughter of the wealthiest family in Jiangnan during the Great Song. She has no interest in embroidery, loves her abacus, is obsessed with fine food and elegant clothes, and possesses an uncanny talent for turning a profit. She should have been free to enjoy life, but a batch of “problematic peony pastr 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    "If you enjoyed 'The Story of Minglan' and 'My Heroic Husband,' don't miss this one!" 🔥"The Money-Grubbing Princess's Romantic Adventures in the Song Dynasty"🔥 The female lead isn't naive or saccharine, and the male lead isn't greasy; both are intelligent throughout! 🍜 The food descriptions are tempting, the business battles are realistic, and the political intrigue is intricately woven. 💘 The romance develops naturally, from mutual antagonism to love, full of details and overflowing with sweetness! 🎉 There's also a clash between modern management and ancient society, with plenty of laughs and satisfying moments! 🏷️ #HighQualityAncientRomance #IntelligentReading #Food #PoliticalIntrigue

40. 190 穿 Reborn as the Cannon-Fodder Original Wife of a Mad Power-Hungry Minister 穿成疯批权臣的炮灰原配 Bright Lantern灯旺旺Ancient Romance707k WordsCompleted [Farming + Transmigrate into a Book + Sweet Romance] Witty, scheming girl vs. lovesick, obsessive powerbroker Xin Yueying transmigrates into a book, landing in an old-fashioned, preachy novel as the wicked wife of the deranged, obsessive second male lead. Shen Qingqi is the novel’s deranged, villainous male character. Born into a family of famed generals, he was imprisoned alongside the Shen family after his father offended powerful nobles. He suffered terribly in prison and was left with crippl 30.1kReads9.3Score10.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Well, both books fall into the category of palace intrigue, domestic power struggles, and political maneuvering, but they're not entirely that kind of story. To be precise, they're comedic. The first one is really good; although it features a cast of villains, the characters are vividly portrayed and very likable.

41. 191 咸 A Laid-Back Soul Transmigrates and Marries a Eunuch, Loving Every Minute 咸鱼穿越，嫁给太监爽翻了 Sui Sui Is a Bad Cat岁岁是只坏猫Ancient Romance686k WordsCompleted A strong heroine and an equally capable hero + a ruthless, insecure yet arrogant male lead + a greedy, flirtatious female lead + a real eunuch + mutual devotion Jiang Xinyu had only just graduated as a forensic doctor when she was unlucky enough to get caught in the apocalypse. After struggling to survive for three years, she died when the zombie king blew himself up. When she opened her eyes again, she had transmigrated into a book as the heroine's legitimate older sister, destined to be abused 8kReads9.1Score1.1kShelves
42. 192 暴 The Tyrant’s White Moonlight Is a Black-Hearted Lotus 暴君的白月光是朵黑心莲 Li Qingzhao李青照Ancient Romance653k WordsOngoing The ratings have only just come in, and they’ll go up! The original title was Snow Seeping into the Bones of a Beauty. Updates are very slow. [A young emperor who is cruel, suspicious, and full of schemes × a bewitching, calculating villainess who ensnares his heart and plots to seize the throne | He has other women; she is faithful] “I am a demon who devours flesh and bone; you are a prisoner who drinks poison to quench your thirst.” The daughter of a powerful minister wears a beauty’s face as 18Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The author is working hard to write.

43. 193 吾 My Three Wishes 吾有三愿 Mechanical Wang机械汪Ancient Romance787k WordsOngoing [Mad Queen x Reclusive Power Behind the Throne] [Past and Present Lives] [Sweetness and Angst] [Fated Redemption] [Alternate World] (This story focuses on [Two Powerful Leads Growing Together] and [Profound Devotion]. Sweetness and angst intertwine. This is not a mindless power fantasy, so read with care if that's not your thing!) In their previous life, in the modern world, the two parted forever on a snowy night! He sat in a wheelchair dusted with snow, and his three wishes ended in regret as 59Reads7.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book isn't purely about palace intrigue; it also includes political maneuvering, martial arts, and spans two lifetimes, all for the sake of meeting you ❤️

44. 194 不 I Won't Be a Superstar 不做大明星 Mechanical Wang机械汪Modern Romance651k WordsCompleted [New King of the Dark Web vs. Powerful CEO] [Both Leads Are Inexperienced] [Showbiz] [Elite Families] The dark web’s new king goes undercover as “QQ,” a little-known performer, and joins Fanxing Entertainment. Beneath his delicate, stunning looks is a hacker’s mind with an IQ of 162. His direct superior turns out to be Shen Linxing, the iron-fisted CEO who controls half the entertainment industry and the close friend who “disappeared” from his life when they were young! He joins the company to h 186Reads8.2Score—Shelves
45. 195 霓 The Rainbow Robe: Yang Guifei 霓裳羽衣之杨贵妃 Mechanical Wang机械汪Ancient Romance8k WordsCompleted The Rainbow Dress and Feathered Robe: Yang Guifei 4Reads—Score—Shelves
46. 196 不 No Eavesdropping on the Emperor 不许偷听朕说话 Yin Zaishui尹在水Ancient Romance925k WordsCompleted An Jiu transmigrated into the body of a young palace maid who wanted to climb into the emperor’s bed. The moment she opened her eyes, the tyrant ran his sword straight through the maid who had tried to seduce him. The next day, the tyrant killed a senior maid who served one of the consorts. On the third day, a maid who tasted the emperor’s food died from poison. Being a palace maid was a high-risk job. An Jiu decided to work hard, save up, cherish her life, and stay away from the tyrant. But the 78.3kReads9.4Score12.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is also on the bestseller list, so its quality goes without saying. It's completed, and the author is still updating with extra chapters, which is fantastic. This author also has other great novels; if you're looking for something to read, check them out!

47. 197 谁 Whose Favored Concubine Doesn't Get Herself Killed? 谁家宠妾不作死啊 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Pei Shiyuan had always thought that, as a concubine-born daughter, she thrived at her family home because she knew a little tea ceremony and all she had to do was flatter her father, the head of the household. She had been quite pleased with herself about it, right up until she entered the Eighth Prince’s household. The Eighth Prince’s mother, the Noble Consort, was so favored that the Empress had no room to stand. His maternal family wielded so much power that the court officials could barely b 77.9kReads9.5Score8kShelves

    Reader note

    Beautiful! 💕💕💕

48. 198 娘 The Empress Is Sweet and Wicked, and the Cold Emperor Loves Her to the Extreme 娘娘娇又坏，冷情帝王狠狠爱 I Want to Be a Rich Lady我想当富婆Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted [Newly completed novel, new release, low rating.] [Sweet romance] The great beauty Xiao Ronghua was married off. When the new emperor ascended the throne, Xiao Ronghua entered the palace as empress and became the wife of the young, handsome emperor, a man cold in both appearance and heart. Everyone knew the new emperor had little interest in women and was abstemious, surely a wise ruler devoted to the nation and its people who would never be swayed by beauty. So no one worried about it. Xiao Ro 6.7kReads9.0Score802Shelves

    Reader note

    I've read quite a few palace intrigue novels, but these are the ones that left the deepest impression on me.

49. 199 还 I Have Three Months Left to Live, So Let Me Die in Peace 还剩三个月命，请让我从容赴死 Reclining in the North高卧北Urban169k WordsCompleted From childhood onward, Zhuang Zi'ang was the kind of kid everyone called “the child other parents wish they had”: a model student every year and always first in his class. But after his parents divorced and his father started a new family, he became a child neither parent loved. At just eighteen, Zhuang Zi'ang is diagnosed with a terminal illness and given only three months to live. With his final three months, he decides to let out his rebellious, wild side and be truly himself for once. While 166.5kReads9.8Score19.1kShelves
50. 200 谈 Explosives Under the Negotiation Table: The Young Lady Storms the Imperial Court 谈判桌下埋火药，大小姐入朝杀疯 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [The heroine’s creed: Power and money are what let a woman live freely and boldly!] [Strong heroine + satisfying story + vying for the finest men in the realm] Jiang Yu thought she’d be content with a modestly comfortable life. But when she turned eighteen, one ridiculous twist after another came her way. First, the husband she had supported with her own money for years passed the imperial exams at the top of his class, then demanded a divorce so he could marry a noblewoman. Then the Duke’s mans 37kReads9.2Score5.4kShelves

    Reader note

    I've read a lot of good books, but I can't remember some of them 😳

Other lists with I’ll Spoil You and You Alone, My Little Darling