Historical Romance with a Strong Female Lead 古言，女主很厉害

1. 151 云 The Path of Yun Zhao 【云昭之路】 Autumn Hill Cat秋丘猫Ancient Romance349k WordsCompleted Two Powerful Leads, and the Male Lead Devotes Himself to Her! A Strong Female Lead! A woman stands firm in this world not through anyone else's favor or affection, but through her own strength and wisdom. I want this realm to heed my words and follow my rules. —Reads—Score—Shelves
2. 152 女 Empress's Phoenix Bones: The Spy Prince Weds Me in Splendor 女帝凤骨：细作王爷十里红妆嫁我 A Floating Life Is Like a Dream浮一生如一梦Ancient Romance363k WordsCompleted She is an empress ruling in her own right, with all the world in her grasp. Yet amid the treacherous currents of the inner palace, she falls in love at first sight with an enemy prince living under an assumed name. He is a spy entrusted with a secret mission, carefully plotting every move to bring down her empire. But as they spend their days together, he develops feelings he never should have. Their first meeting is a game of political intrigue; falling in love is beyond their control. The day 5Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Two powerful female protagonists written by the same author, each with their own unique strengths 👍 A grand, sweeping martial arts epic—The Empress. A beautifully romantic story—The Eldest Princess.

3. 153 嫡 The Imperial Princess Lost Her Memory and Married into Goryeo as a Princess Consort 嫡公主失忆后，嫁去高丽当王妃 A Floating Life Is Like a Dream浮一生如一梦Ancient Romance348k WordsCompleted The legitimate princess of the Great Yin dynasty loses her memory overnight, falls into the mortal world, and, in a daze, marries off to Goryeo. Amid the warmth of daily life, sweet rice wine, and moonlit nights spent side by side, two hearts quietly pledge themselves to each other. Her past is sealed away, her identity a mystery, and both family and country shrouded in fog. The first part tells of love taking root, with clues hidden deep. A bloodline passed down for a thousand years awaits the 5Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 154 冷 The Abandoned Consort Uses Modern Technology to Dominate the Cold Palace 冷宫通现代弃妃靠降维打击杀疯了 Stock Trading Shopkeeper股玩店主Ancient Romance961k WordsCompleted [Two-way transmigration] [Building-infrastructure fanatic] [Strong female ensemble] [A technological leap that overwhelms the past] [Political schemes and strategy] Lin Wei, a modern materials science PhD, transmigrates into the body of an abandoned imperial concubine. From the start, she and four other women of the ancient court face the prospect of freezing or starving to death. Then a mysterious altar deep in the cold palace unexpectedly activates, allowing all five of them to travel back to 69Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Break free from dependence on men and build your own social status and personal charisma through teamwork and modern technology.

5. 155 穿 Into the Story: The Prime Minister’s Transmigrated Wife 穿书嫁首辅，锦鲤甜妻旺全家 May You Never Waste Your Youth卿不负韶华Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A gentle, slow-paced farming story, lucky charm, sweet romance, no golden finger, male lead is reborn, with a natural-disaster escape along the way.] Jiang Sui transmigrated into an ancient romance novel as a background character who didn’t even get a name. But the moment she heard the name Xiao Hechuan, she didn’t hesitate to take her sister’s place and marry him, even though Xiao Hechuan was still a fool at the time. She knew that before long, the fool would recover and go on to pass the impe 20.3kReads9.0Score2.6kShelves
6. 156 穿 I Transmigrated into an Old-School Tragic Romance, and I'm Giving Everyone a Happy Ending 穿进古早虐文，本红娘要全员HE Clear Pines, Falling Colors清松落色Ancient Romance784k WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted to each other + comedy + transmigrate into a book + female supporting character + sweet romance + System] (A silly transmigrated heroine × a crafty, clever hero) (This story doesn't vilify the original leads, break up the original couple, or steal the original protagonists' opportunities. Everyone gets along.) After spending eighteen years bedridden, she suddenly dies. When she wakes up, she has become Hua Qingsu, the third daughter of the Minister of Revenue's household 10.5kReads9.3Score1.8kShelves
7. 157 卿 My Beloved, Through Every Dawn and Dusk 卿是朝朝暮暮 Sugar-Roasted Little Deer糖炒小鹿Ancient Romance332k WordsCompleted Shen Yunshu studied archaeology and had been working for just two years. She loved history, and her favorite dynasty was the Rong Dynasty. A few days ago, she had read an unofficial history of the Rong Dynasty's royal family. Little did she expect that after falling asleep, she would wake up in the Rong Dynasty, sent there by the heavens, as Shen Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family of Prince Zhenbei's residence. She had transmigrated to her favorite dynasty and become a descendant 24.4kReads9.4Score3kShelves
8. 158 娘 My Alluring Wife, the Young Lord Willingly Traps Himself 娘子诱人，小公爷甘心画地为牢 A Hibiscus Plant一株木槿Ancient Romance444k WordsCompleted Chu Mingxi, the only son of the Grand Princess and Duke of Rong, is strikingly handsome and adored by countless women in the capital. But the Grand Princess is beside herself with worry over her son's marriage. At the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, when Chu Mingxi is pressed to marry, he points at He Qinyao, who's quietly eating in the back, and declares, “I want her!” The Grand Princess takes one look and immediately decides, “Fine, I approve!” He Qinyao, singled out of nowhere, is baffled and s 17.2kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves
9. 159 母 Becoming Empress of the Realm by Pretending to Be the Chancellor's Widowed Sister-in-Law 母仪天下，从冒充丞相寡嫂开始 Luo Chunshui洛春水Ancient Romance630k WordsCompleted [Revenge + Face-Slapping the Scum + Lighthearted + Sweet Romance] When you’re out in the world, you can choose your own identity. To infiltrate high society and avenge the massacre of her sister’s family, Feng Qingsui decides to pose as the distant cousin of a prestigious household. But just as she’s about to seek their help, the household she picked is raided by the Imperial Guards. She tries another family. Raided. Then another. Raided again. At her wit’s end, she knocks on the door of the “Pr 24kReads9.4Score4kShelves

   Reader note

   So far, I've never seen a female protagonist who can take revenge faster than our Little Fox (affectionate nickname). She basically doesn't hold grudges overnight, her mind is incredibly sharp, and she can unravel a long chain of events from the smallest detail. Her methods are endless and her intelligence is almost supernatural; she's simply amazing! No one can outsmart her. Little Fox is the smartest character in the entire book. She noticed that the guy who liked her was a professional at covering for her, and even cooked delicious meals for her every day to feed the confiscating prime minister. She took the initiative, flirting relentlessly, deliberately teasing and playing hard to get—it was fantastic! We also witnessed the incredibly innocent Prime Minister Ji, who even had a crush on the male lead midway through the story—wow! The two worked together perfectly, confiscating one villain after another. And then there's Little Fox's maid, Wu Hua. After finishing this novel, she's the one I can't forget—she's practically omnipotent!! She cosplayed countless roles, and her fighting skills were unmatched! In addition, the author's writing is superb; the plot doesn't treat the reader like an idiot. After finishing the novel, I understood many of the words and phrases. My favorite part was when the male and female leads confessed their feelings to each other—it was subtle, restrained, and full of affection. It was fantastic! Initially, I was drawn to the romance between the male and female leads, but as I read on, I preferred the plot. It was so much fun and had so many entertaining moments! 😄

10. 160 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.6kReads9.6Score31.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I listened to each one repeatedly; they were all excellent.

11. 161 卿 You and the Sun and Moon 卿与日月 Mo Huan陌缓Ancient Romance654k WordsCompleted [Originally titled My Love, the Sun and Moon. Everyday life in an ancient setting + mutual salvation + seemingly delicate but inwardly strong heroine who grows over time + hero who still holds on to kindness and honor after falling from his position as a favored son of heaven] Wen Shining, the legitimate daughter of the Wen family, was confined to her home for sixteen years because of a curse claiming she would bring death to her parents and disaster upon her family. Fu Wenzhou, the second son o 56.2kReads9.2Score6.8kShelves
12. 162 奸 The Treacherous Minister Can't Resist Her Allure 奸臣不经撩 Fruit Jelly水果冻冻Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Later, when Shen Gongchen pressed her too hard, Liu Suisui covered her face and wept. She was terribly aggrieved. “My father died, my mother remarried, and I have no one to rely on. I came all the way to the capital just to marry a rich husband. What’s wrong with that?” Shen Gongchen pressed her at every turn. “He has to be rich? Why not rich and powerful?” Liu Suisui raised her eyes ever so slightly and gave him a shy, coquettish glance. After a long pause, she asked softly, “Uncle… do you like 11.6kReads8.8Score1.3kShelves
13. 163 禁 Has Lord Xu Broken His Vow of Abstinence Today? 禁欲的徐大人今天破戒了吗 Fruit Jelly水果冻冻Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted A new restaurant has opened in Huayang City. Its proprietor is a pretty young widow, with a slender willow waist you could barely encircle with one hand and a gaze that seems to hook you in... People have taken to calling her the “Beguiling Blossom Proprietress.” The stern prefect, who has always kept his desires in check, darkened at the sight and scolded her coldly: “Shameless and depraved!” Later, the aloof Lord Xu, who never paid attention to women, met the beguiling and enchanting proprie 4.1kReads9.3Score570Shelves
14. 164 从 From Convict Maid to Grand Empress Dowager: I Survived Three Reigns 从罪婢到太皇太后，我熬了三朝 Shangguan Yun33上官允33Ancient Romance599k WordsCompleted [A careful plan at every turn] [Deep devotion] [Power over the court] She was the orphaned daughter of a disgraced official, the lowliest palace maid in the palace laundry. To find her younger brother, who had been missing for eight years, she saved up her meager earnings for half a year and begged the eunuch in charge to assign her to the State of Zhao. He took her money, got drunk, and casually entered her name on the roster for the frigid, desolate State of Xing instead. One wrong step, and s 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Lan Qingyuan, the legitimate daughter of a military family, lost her home and became a convicted slave. She infiltrated the palace, using her wisdom to help the emperor ascend to the throne, but was caught between love and power struggles. After the emperor's death, she, as the Empress Dowager, turned the tide, supported the young emperor, and ultimately witnessed the rise and fall of three dynasties from the pinnacle of power.

15. 165 我 I Spent Ten Yuan on a Secondhand Marketplace and Bought a Fiancé 我在二手平台花十块钱，买了个未婚夫 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚12k WordsCompleted I Spent Ten Yuan on a Secondhand Marketplace and Bought Myself a Fiancé 11.5kReads—Score108Shelves

    Reader note

    The plot is fast-paced, the jokes are frequent, and it's addictive.

16. 166 躺 Lie Flat Immortal Venerable 躺平仙尊 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚Eastern Fantasy146k WordsCompleted [Rapid-fire laughs + lighthearted + no romance] Lin Xian transmigrates to a cultivation world gripped by cutthroat competition. His previous incarnation was the ultimate grind king, who worked himself to death from cultivating nonstop. Lin Xian binds himself to a System that rewards him with cultivation whenever he rests, lies flat, or slacks off, but punishes him if he cultivates seriously... 1.2kReads—Score103Shelves
17. 167 朕 I’m Dead, But Not Entirely 朕死了，但没完全死 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚11k WordsCompleted I Am Dead, But Not Entirely 2.1kReads—Score—Shelves
18. 168 老 The Day My Husband Turned Gentle, My Best Friend’s Marriage Died 老公变温柔那天，闺蜜的婚姻死了 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚6k WordsCompleted The Day My Husband Turned Gentle, My Best Friend's Marriage Died 6.1kReads—Score—Shelves
19. 169 我 Something’s Off About My Consort: Why Is He Prettier Than I Am? 我的驸马不对劲：他怎么长得比我还娇艳 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚Marriage & Romance9k WordsCompleted My Prince Consort Is Acting Strange: Why Is He Prettier Than Me? 519Reads—Score—Shelves
20. 170 我 The Buddha Pinned Me Down for Five Hundred Years, but the Monk Who Rescued Me Was Even Fiercer 我被如来压五百年，救我的和尚比他还凶 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚Male-Channel Fanfiction6k WordsCompleted After the Tathagata Imprisoned Me for Five Hundred Years, the Monk Who Saved Me Was Even Fiercer 102Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 171 我 I Saved an Immortal's Life, and He Turned Around and Had My Whole Family Executed 我救了神仙一命，他反手把我全家抄了 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚Marriage & Romance6k WordsCompleted I Saved an Immortal's Life, and He Turned Around and Had My Entire Family Arrested 30Reads—Score—Shelves
22. 172 从 From Abandoned Disciple to Demon Venerable: My Master Kneels Before Me 从弃徒到魔尊，师尊向我下跪 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚6k WordsCompleted From Abandoned Disciple to Demon Lord: My Master Kneels Before Me 167Reads—Score—Shelves
23. 173 垃 The Snake-Man I Found in the Trash Pretends to Have Amnesia Every Day, but the Comments Say He Wants to Marry Me 垃圾堆捡来的蛇人天天装失忆，弹幕说他想娶我 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚16k WordsCompleted The Snake Man I Found in a Garbage Dump Pretends to Have Amnesia Every Day, and the On-Screen Comments Say He Wants to Marry Me 111Reads—Score—Shelves
24. 174 我 I’m Sneaking Glances at Her, and She’s Sneaking Glances at Me 我在偷看她，她也在偷看我 Singing at Dusk Among the Pines松间唱晚7k WordsCompleted I was sneaking a look at her, and she was sneaking a look at me too 1.5kReads—Score—Shelves
25. 175 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
26. 176 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 162.8kReads9.6Score22.7kShelves

    Reader note

    This, this, this

27. 177 渣 Her Scumbag Husband Tricked Her into Marriage and Handed Her to a Powerful Official; Reborn, She Goes on a Rampage 渣夫骗婚将她送权臣，重生杀疯 Purple Dumpling紫红团子Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted On the first day Mu Lianzhi transmigrated, she was already married, on her period, and being forced to serve a powerful minister. In her previous life, her scumbag husband’s family schemed against her, tricked her into marriage, used her as a medicinal ingredient, and sold her off for profit. After she endured endless humiliation, her husband came back from the dead with a wife and child in tow. In the end, she worked like an ox and a horse, watching her husband and his mistress dote on each 20Reads6.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is intelligent and has some hidden skills; it's a very good read.

28. 178 宫 The Palace Locks Away the Cranes’ Song 宫锁鹤鸣 Ancient Style Moonlight Pavilion古风明月阁Ancient Romance9k WordsCompleted The Palace Locked in Cranesong —Reads—Score—Shelves
29. 179 开 From the Start, I Snatched the Embroidered Ball: Will Becoming a Live-in Son-in-Law Stop Her From Taking Power? 开局抢绣球，入赘影响她当权臣吗 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance749k WordsCompleted [Female-Supremacist World + Court Intrigue + Women Stronger Than Men + One-on-One Romance + Sweet Doting] [Refined Scoundrel, Scholarly Imperial Tutor × Lively, Proud Heiress to a Wealthy Merchant House] Before Lou Yushen became a live-in son-in-law, the standard for a good one was simple: don't covet the family's wealth, and don't take anyone's life. Lou Yushen thought, The people who came before me sure made the path easy! One day, while coaxing someone, she said, “Since the world is so lenien 16.8kReads9.4Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Super good! Every book by this author is great, but these three are my favorites. I've read them countless times.

30. 180 师 Senior Sister, Drop the Act. You're the Tight-Lipped One in the Whole Sect 师姐别装了，整个宗门数你嘴严 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance717k WordsCompleted [Cultivation + ensemble cast + stronger woman/ weaker man + 1v1 + sweet romance] [Max-level reborn Nether Ancestor Soul Master × arrogant, cheeky young master of the Fox Clan] Everyone knows that the eldest direct disciple accepted by the master of Dragon Transformation Peak in the Lingxiao Sect is a peerless genius of this age, with terrifying talent. She is also respectful toward her master and devoted to her fellow disciples. Every disciple in the Lingxiao Sect admires her wholeheartedly and 33.9kReads9.5Score4.3kShelves
31. 181 嫡 Reborn as the Legitimate Daughter: Revenge 嫡女重生：复仇 Stars 8888星星8888Ancient Romance210k WordsCompleted In the Great Jing Dynasty, powerful clans abound, the political landscape is treacherous, and the princes’ struggle for the throne grows ever fiercer. The Duke of Zhenguo’s household commands the military and holds immense influence at court, making it a thorn in the side of many factions. In her previous life, the heroine Shen Mingxi was the legitimate daughter of her family. She loved the Third Prince, Xiao Jingyu, only to be schemed against by her half-sister and stepmother. Not only was her 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A novel about a legitimate daughter's rebirth, revenge, and palace intrigue.

32. 182 侠 A Hero's Heart, a Healer's Hands 侠骨医风 Fei Xiushi非休事Ancient Romance230k WordsCompleted Qing Yue had always lived carefree, with superb medical skills and what seemed like extraordinary natural talent. But after one house call, it was as if unseen hands had drawn her into the bloody turmoil of the capital. All she did was follow her heart and heal the sick, saving lives. 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A super-powered female lead, a true female protagonist.

33. 183 额 Good Heavens! Did I Transmigrate into an Upgraded Marquis of Haihun? 额滴神呐！我穿成海昏侯升级版？ Buying Watermelons Always Means No Seeds买西瓜一定会没有籽Ancient Romance283k WordsCompleted Already adapted into a comic drama! Let's celebrate! A ridiculous comedy, perfect for killing time! Never in a million years did I think I'd end up doing a soul transmigration like everyone else! After dying of overwork, I, a woman who'd been single since birth, transmigrated into the body of an emperor who was suffering from diarrhea and on the verge of death. Imperial Physician: "I'm afraid His Majesty won't make it through the night..." Me: "Oh my god! Have I become Marquis of Haihun?!" To av 75Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is absolutely absurd! I've never read a story where a woman transmigrates into a man and becomes the emperor, and then still has to favor her concubines. This premise is brilliant! And the author is starting to resemble Lu Xun more and more, using satire to reflect contemporary social issues—it's truly amazing! It's not just funny, it's also very insightful! Please, please read it! I'm so afraid you won't know how good this book is, and then nobody will read it, causing the author to stop updating! Then my joy will be gone!

34. 184 重 Reborn Before the Transmigrator: I Won Back My Ex-Husband 重生在穿越女之前抢回前夫 Golden Toad Lord金蟾君Ancient Romance402k WordsCompleted [Farming + food + historical romance + rebirth + transmigration + mind reading] Lin Yuhe was reborn on the day her ex-husband married the woman he had always loved. She deeply regretted being so short-sighted in her previous life. She had divorced Xie Shuhuai and aborted his child, then agreed to marry a wicked man without seeing what he was really like. That scoundrel had already taken a mistress and had a child with her. He only married Lin Yuhe so she could take the blame and play the role of 12.2kReads9.0Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all very good, especially the first one, the kind you can't put down. Satisfaction guaranteed.

35. 185 余 A Life Wasted, a Lucky Turn: The Movie Star Wife Chases Her Husband 余生白活渡幸运：影后老婆来追夫 Little Bear Went Bear小熊熊熊了Modern Romance133k WordsOngoing [Both Pure, One-on-One Romance + Secret Campus Crush + Graduation Confession + Devoted Protection + The Husband Chases His Wife to the Crematorium + Comeback in the Entertainment Industry + Mutual Love + Sweet and Angsty Redemption] [Inspired by the Author’s Real Experiences + First Full-Length Web Novel] —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead in this modern romance novel is very capable.

36. 186 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

    A perfect blend of ancient Chinese political intrigue and sweet, destined romance! From regrets in a past life to companionship in this one, the heroine is dashing and the hero is deeply devoted. The happy ending, where all three wishes come true, is incredibly heartwarming.

37. 187 仙 The Immortal's Appearance 仙人状 Shi Jin是今Martial Arts313k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + mystery solving + male lead with a secret identity + lovers who fight as fiercely as they love] A dazzling, outspoken heroine and a seemingly gentle but secretly ruthless physician, locked in a battle of equals as they fall in love! A celebrated romance author's popular historical mystery! A relationship between equals, full of tension; heart-stopping court intrigue; and the shocking truth behind bizarre murders! A celestial being appears in a dream to help solve a case and 16.2kReads9.6Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is very strong; it's worth watching.

38. 188 全 Everyone in the Sect Is Love-Brained, Except Me, a True Lunatic 全宗门都是恋爱脑，唯我是真疯批 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The complete print edition of A Double Crossing is now available on all platforms. Relationship blogger Lin Du died of a broken heart after being driven crazy by hopeless romantics. After death, she transmigrated into a tragic romance cultivation novel, becoming the beautiful, powerful, yet doomed junior uncle who paved the way for the protagonists' great love with her own ashes. After reading the script, she slowly typed a question mark. “Have they dug up every wild vegetable on this sect's mou 234.9kReads9.7Score27.6kShelves
39. 189 千 Record of a Thousand Lanterns 千灯录 A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mystery solving + palace intrigue and household scheming + face-slapping and revenge + powerful families + court and kingdom] Fifteen prospective husbands are locked in a fight to the death in my family’s back courtyard, while all I want is to become a nun. Schemes and deceit, suspicion at every turn, bloodshed and tragedy piling up, a deadly battle in the back courtyard with no survivors allowed. [The high-born judge of the Court of Judicial Review, who loves wiping out entire households] x [T 22.7kReads9.6Score4.3kShelves
40. 190 大EN The Tang Dynasty's Pearl-Dispelling Record (Original Novel of the TV Adaptation Starring Tian Xiwei and Song Weilong) 大唐辟珠记（田曦薇、宋威龙主演同名影视原著） Meal Card饭卡Martial Arts810k WordsCompleted [All-New Bonus Edition] [A Screen Adaptation with the Same Title Has Been Officially Announced, Starring Tian Xiwei and Song Weilong] [Beloved Princess Reborn: Looks Like a Delicate Crybaby, Actually a Well-Rounded Warrior] ✖ [Defiant, Doomed, Devoted, Pure-Hearted Top Jianghu Big Shot] [Their Romance Is So Sweet It Makes You Cry] Princess Wanshou, blessed with the Tang emperor's favor and love, died of an illness at just seventeen. A thief secretly opened the eerie underground palace, only to d 203.8kReads9.7Score25.2kShelves
41. 191 逢 The Lantern-Bearing Chronicles 逢灯纪 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance982k WordsCompleted (Signed for publication, with screen adaptation rights sold) You're the daughter of a marquis. You want to take your mother's dowry and remains with you? Done. I'll take the dowry and remains, and bring you your mother's divorce papers as well as your own severance papers cutting ties with your family. You were declared dead and became an invisible person behind your brothers. You want to live like a normal person again? Done. I'll restore your name and identity, and make sure you receive the en 87kReads9.3Score12.7kShelves
42. 192 女 The Female Physician Xin Yi: A Case Investigation 女医辛夷【探案】 Shopkeeper Qian钱大掌柜Mystery600k WordsCompleted Completed. A cool-hearted female physician and a male lead from the Court of Judicial Review join forces to track down mysterious cases. Relief silver is stolen, 130 bandits are found dead, corpses litter a small town, blood grapes bewitch the minds of men, a daughter who vanished ten years ago, and a tree that begins singing folk songs at midnight... In the eerie capital, strange cases abound, but no crime can escape the law. 6.3kReads9.3Score1kShelves
43. 193 玫 Roses and Nightfire 玫瑰与夜火 Half a Lifetime of Calm and Composure半生从容淡定Modern Romance2.3M WordsCompleted Shen Qingyan looked at the familiar names on the list and smiled. So this war, fought with emotions as its blade, had always been this way from beginning to end: She was both the hunter wielding the knife and the most beautiful prey in someone else's game. When feigned affection mingles with genuine feelings, and a carefully plotted game turns back on its player, how can she make the winning move on the precipice between love and conspiracy? 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A life of struggle, a relationship of struggle.

44. 194 穿 Reborn as a Cannon-Fodder Woman, I Went on a Rampage 穿成炮灰女后，我杀疯了 Slacking Off at Work to Write上班摸鱼码字Ancient Romance241k WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + Mutual Devotion + Political Schemes + Fighting Enemies + Court Intrigue] A resourceful young lady × a sickly prince who is powerful yet tragic Marry a disabled prince in the Northern Frontier? Fine. I'll pack my bags and set off right away. My scumbag father and his concubines keep trying to poison me? No problem. Anything that doesn't kill me will make me stronger. My childhood sweetheart sent someone to kill me? Sure. I'll just take another route. My fiancé is a sickly we —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Classic and excellent novel, featuring a strong female lead.

45. 195 代 The Substitute Bride with the White Moonlight 代嫁白月光 Peng Zhi Nan Liu鹏芷楠锍Ancient Romance486k WordsCompleted This is the complete story of a woman's journey from “stand-in” to “one true love.” She was once a pawn abandoned by her family, but through clear-eyed resolve and perseverance, she became the true matriarch of the marquis's household. She once fell into the abyss, but rose from the ashes through love and conviction. She once lived in her mother's shadow, but eventually became her own light. And the spoiled young heir who watched from the sidelines at first ultimately won her a noble title, went 1Reads—Score—Shelves
46. 196 今 Where Shall We Gaze at the Stars Tonight? 今夜何处看星辰 Peng Zhi Nan Liu鹏芷楠锍Mystery638k WordsCompleted In the cycles of civilization on a cosmic scale, individual love and choices are the only starlight illuminating the path to survival. The survival of a civilization guided by absolute reason vs. the flawed yet precious feelings of humanity 1Reads—Score—Shelves
47. 197 穿 Transmigrated as the Empress? I Have a Portable Smart Space 穿成皇后？我有随身智能空间 Mu Xi Xiao Yi木兮小枍Ancient Romance153k WordsCompleted Lin Xiyun, a scientist from the future, transmigrates into the body of an ancient empress after a car accident. Fortunately, her portable AI space comes with her! Using it, she devises an elaborate deception, secures her position as empress, and supports a prince. Will she ultimately get what she wants and seize power for herself? 21Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A true female protagonist, a 25th-century scientist with a portable intelligent space travels back in time and becomes the empress of the Daqing Dynasty.

48. 198 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves

    Reader note

    1. There's a growth storyline; 2. It's set in the Republic of China era; 3 and 4 fit this post even better. But they're all strong female leads.

49. 199 春 Blood of the Spring Champion 春魁血 Born Under a Lucky Star八字过硬Modern Romance810k WordsCompleted [Republican-era setting + gloomy warlord male lead + earth-mother-style assassin heroine] [Happy ending + dark humor + ensemble cast + everyone is a little crazy] [Business before romance + no good men or women + high-stakes warning] Long Chun was delighted when she married Han Ziyi. At last, she thought, she was no longer the unlucky assassin who made a living taking lives. With Han Ziyi’s army protecting her, she could pursue lucrative ventures without holding back and become a respectable bus 10.5kReads9.3Score1.5kShelves
50. 200 纨 The Pampered Life of a Spoiled Commandery Princess 纨绔郡主得宠日常 Zhao Pian赵骗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Signed for publication. The print edition is expected to be available by the end of the year. No! This! Is! Not! A! Romance! No CP! No rebirth, no transmigration, a thoroughly evil heroine, a power-struggle story A truly wicked heroine, vying for power over the realm, genuinely unhinged, ruthless, and rotten to the core Questions that come up while reading can only be answered by reading on. The willful, overbearing young princess of the Prince of Zhenbei’s household takes a fancy to Pei Jinnian 49.7kReads9.4Score6.3kShelves

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