Historical Romance 古言

1. 1 昨 Yesterday’s Book 昨日书 Gu Lezhi顾了之Romance370k WordsCompleted ★Complete. Every chapter includes revisions and added details. Pirated copies are incomplete and riddled with errors. Please read the authorized version on Jinjiang. Shen Shuyue never imagined that the next time she heard news of Pei Guangji, years later, it would be news of his death. Even more unexpected was the news that came with it: he had been planning to visit her the following day to ask for her hand. Was fate really playing such a cruel joke on them? If she had known he had secretly 39.1kFavorites27.2kClicks/ch31.7kGifts

   Curator note

   This is an excellent book. The plot is tight and engaging, the male and female leads are wonderfully portrayed, and all the characters are well-developed and relatable – the ensemble cast is superb! The beginning is sweet and comfortable, while the later parts are suspenseful and gripping. Overall, I'm very satisfied with this book, and since it has a happy ending (HE), which is my favorite, I have to give it five stars!

2. 2 我 My Husband Is the Sweetest Man Under Heaven 我夫君天下第一甜 Gardenia山栀子Romance467k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication. Follow the author's Weibo, @JinjiangShanzhizi, for the release date.] Qi Cunxin is a kitchen maid in the household of the magistrate of Dongling Prefecture. Every day, she squats in front of the stove and gets herself covered in soot. Her days are dull, and money is tight. She has no choice but to find another job. Whenever she leaves the residence, she goes to wash clothes for the girls at the pleasure house to earn extra money. One day, in the back courtyard of the ple 190.8kFavorites304.1kClicks/ch73.4kGifts

   Curator note

   As for Shan Zhizi's writing, perhaps my expectations were too high, as I was somewhat disappointed. The overall tone was sweet, but the political intrigue felt lacking. The male lead's true identity was revealed too quickly, and his impact was weak. The female lead's presence was too weak; she didn't know martial arts, yet there were numerous fight scenes, making her feel constantly in a protective role, even somewhat of a hindrance at times. She had to be with the male lead all the time, ostensibly out of concern, but sometimes quite useless. I really disliked this plot arrangement; there were clearly many more ways to develop the female lead's character. The male lead was a seemingly innocent but actually cunning character, rather unremarkable. I generally prefer stories where a male lead with a tragic past is redeemed by a cheerful, sunny female lead, but this one didn't quite live up to my expectations. However, the romance was sweet, so this is the best I can give it.

3. 3 长 Long Wind Crossing 长风渡 Mo Shubai墨书白Romance978k WordsCompleted [P.S. The editor asked me to tell you that both volumes of the print edition are out. Remember to buy them.] (Former title: Marrying the Playboy) For fifteen years, Liu Yuru was the model young lady, all so she could marry a good husband. But on the eve of her engagement, she was forced to marry Gu Jiu Si, the most notorious playboy in Yangzhou. Marrying a man like that would ruin her life. And after she married him, she learned that he had been forced to marry her, too. Liu Yuru was utterly 672.2kFavorites1.3MClicks/ch502.6kGifts

   Curator note

   I didn't order the whole book because it's available in physical form, but I really like it, so I'm including it in my reading list. The resilient yet gentle Liu Yuru and the youthful-looking Gu Jiusi are a match made in heaven!

4. 4 拯 After Saving My Doomed Husband, I Won at Life 拯救炮灰夫君后我躺赢了 Qu Zhonghuan曲中欢Romance218k WordsOngoing [This story hasn't been going smoothly, and every time I get stuck, I feel so sorry to everyone following along. I really want to tell you to wait until it's complete before reading, but that also feels irresponsible. I'll do my best to keep updating, but I still recommend that new readers wait until it's finished. For now, I can only promise not to abandon it or end it badly. (A useless sigh.)] [Blurb] After being reborn, Wen Niansheng gave up on her transmigrate-into-a-book mission completely 1.4kFavorites2.3kClicks/ch381Gifts

   Curator note

   The author's updates are so unreliable; I've already forgotten when I first read this book. I quite liked the premise, but waiting for updates is driving me crazy.

5. 5 缔 Bound in Marriage 缔婚 Fa Cai法采Romance531k WordsCompleted [The simplified Chinese edition under the same title is now available from major platforms.] The Xiang family falls from grace. The head of the family goes from being a respected, upright official to a corrupt one whom everyone condemns. Xiang Yi is left helpless, struggling to get by with her young siblings. She digs up an old engagement agreement with Tan Ting, the eldest son of the influential Tan family, and personally goes to their door. As soon as word gets out, everyone mocks the Xiang f 170.3kFavorites271.4kClicks/ch45.7kGifts

   Curator note

   It's a sweet and sour ancient romance novel, but actually it's not that sour [panda head emoji] it quickly turns sweet, so it's fine to read as a sweet story. The male lead could be portrayed as a bit too cute; he's incredibly adorable while reading. The female lead's character development is just passable; she doesn't seem to play a significant role in the political intrigue, but her romance with the male lead is quite enjoyable. The political intrigue is written a bit too simplistically; everything seems too easy for them. Although the main plot is resolving conflicts between the common people and the powerful, the conflicts arise and are resolved too easily. It's still worth reading if you don't think too much about it [panda head emoji]. One point is deducted for the political intrigue, and another for the female lead's role.

6. 6 白 Song of White Snow 白雪歌 Wuyuan雾圆Romance531k WordsCompleted [Simplified Chinese edition published. For details, see Weibo @Wu Yuan Er. Thank you all so much for your love!] Qu You dreamed that Zhou Tan, the infamous treacherous official of history, draped a warm winter coat over her in the bitter cold of a winter night. When she woke, she had become Zhou Tan’s wife, married to bring him good fortune. Qu You had heard countless stories about Zhou Tan: h 109.9kFavorites127.2kClicks/ch40.5kGifts

   Curator note

   This book is almost certainly my number one ancient Chinese romance novel of the past 25 years. I finished it in three days, which is incredibly fast for me. I'm very picky about books; if the plot is even slightly bland, I can't continue reading. But I read this one almost in one go. It's a rare gem of a novel. You can see the author's cultural depth. The whole story has a strong scholarly feel. As for the plot, the opening is captivating, and the story is full of twists and turns. Although it feels a bit rushed later on, the flaws don't detract from its overall excellence. It also makes you deeply aware of the inevitability of history. Even if you know the general course of history, you are still caught in the torrent and can hardly change the tragedy that will happen. This type of story easily feels like it could easily become a "camera-wielding heroine," but this one doesn't give that impression. The heroine doesn't exist solely for the male lead. Although they have a fated past and present life connection, she initially only sought truth. Youyou's character is vibrant, lively, righteous, and brave; her love is as compassionate as a goddess. The male lead disregards his reputation and actions, only pursuing the righteous path in his heart, earning admiration and respect. He deserves to be remembered for his name and deeds, and his name will be remembered for generations. In short, it's unbelievable that this is the author's first book; it's incredibly moving and exceptionally well-written.

7. 7 招 Summoning the Soul 招魂 Gardenia山栀子Romance580k WordsCompleted [The entire novel has been carefully revised. The revised version differs greatly from pirated copies. I’m not responsible for any pirated version.] -The fallen young lady of a noble family x the dead young general- From a carefree young noble to a traitorous court villain, Xu Hexue’s crimes were too numerous to recount. Even fifteen years after he had been sentenced and put to death, people in the streets and markets of Great Qi still spoke of his past and spat on his wicked deeds. Ni Su neve 412kFavorites448.7kClicks/ch293.6kGifts

   Curator note

   This is an exceptionally good book, full of patriotism and grand themes. There are so many wonderful people in it, I can't list them all. I cried so much reading it last night! Anyway, I hope the young scholar-general and Ni Axi stay together forever! Waaaaaah!

8. 8 穿 Transmigrated as the Crown Princess of a Fallen Kingdom 穿成亡国太子妃 Rice Ball Invasion团子来袭Romance696k WordsCompleted [The simplified Chinese edition has been retitled "The Phoenix Sets Sail"] One day, Qin Zheng, an engineer who worked on aid projects in Africa, transmigrated as the Crown Princess. She didn’t get a palace-intrigue script or even a chance to enjoy the Crown Princess’s luxurious life. Because the country had fallen. A eunuch held out a three-foot strip of white silk. “Your Highness, the city has fallen. Please die with dignity.” Qin Zheng: “...” What kind of opening was this? To avoid being force 375.7kFavorites657.7kClicks/ch282.1kGifts

   Curator note

   The romance scenes were a little stiff but acceptable. The battle scenes were a bit overwhelming. All the characters were well-developed and had their own perspectives, even the villains. The second male lead had a lot of screen time, but I really felt sorry for the brother and sister. I hope they can have a happy ending in another world.

9. 9 重 Reborn as a Noblewoman 重生之贵妇 Laughing Beauty笑佳人Romance757k WordsCompleted [The print edition, The Luan and the Phoenix in Harmony, is available in three volumes.] Everyone said Yin Hui was destined for a life as a noblewoman, and she did indeed marry into the Prince of Yan’s household, becoming the wife of a royal grandson. But her husband came and went at all hours and rarely said anything affectionate to her. Yin Hui tried every way she could to warm his heart, only for him to bring home a widowed cousin he wanted to look after. Yin Hui: No way! Her husband: Go to s 384.3kFavorites791.9kClicks/ch563.5kGifts

   Curator note

   It's a slice-of-life story, full of everyday life and amazing ensemble cast. Ice Block and Huihui are destined to be best friends forever, waaaaaah! The characters are all well-developed, and it's a good read as a slice-of-life story. However, I personally don't particularly like the cold-faced, mute male lead, so I'm deducting one point.

10. 10 怎 How Can She Compare to Such a Beauty? 怎敌她如花美眷 Yet We Speak of the Cool Night却话夜凉Romance398k WordsCompleted [The neighboring novel, Marry Your Younger Brother's Wife, is now out. Shen Dai was the most beautiful woman in the capital, betrothed to the Crown Prince from an early age. But the one-eyed Qi Zhanbai set her up, stripping her family of its title and confiscating their home, leaving her no choice but to marry him. After the wedding, she and Qi Zhanbai were at odds. She wore makeup over half her face every day and mocked him for 19.8kFavorites52.8kClicks/ch1.5kGifts

    Curator note

    I don't remember this book very well, but subscribing to the whole thing should be good.

11. 11 满 The Max-Level Green Tea Becomes a Pitiful Little One 满级绿茶穿成小可怜 Spring Knife Cold春刀寒Romance425k WordsCompleted Lin Feilu was nicknamed the Green Tea Princess. The scheming queen of green tea, an Oscar-winning actress in the eyes of the public. She could act cute, throw punches, feign innocence, and play the pure, white lotus. In short, she was not a good person. Eventually, she paid for her actions: she died on her twenty-seventh birthday. As she lay dying, Lin Feilu reflected on her two decades of playing the green tea, and felt deep remorse and regret. She swore that if she got another life, she would 802kFavorites1.4MClicks/ch861.6kGifts

    Curator note

    Although this book is very popular, I wouldn't give it a perfect score. There was a bit too little interaction between the male and female leads. I read it a long time ago, and thinking about it carefully, there aren't many memorable moments.

12. 12 妖 The Demon King's Repayment 妖王的报恩 Gong Xinwen龚心文Romance556k WordsCompleted [Print Edition] The print edition, retitled "Wolf Encounter", is now available on major platforms. See Weibo for details. [Blurb] The demon king, abandoned by everyone, was brought to a human’s lair, his heart full of humiliation and resentment. “Wretched humans! I am a great demon. How could I ever serve a human?” “Shameless human! How dare you touch my tail? Once I regain my demon powers, I’ll tear you to shreds.” But the woman took him in for several days, fed him delicious food, smoothed 290.2kFavorites574kClicks/ch276.8kGifts

    Curator note

    This is also one of my favorite books. The romance is very delicate, and the ensemble cast is very well-developed. This is one of the few books by the author whose ending wasn't too rushed. The male and female leads have great personalities. Highly recommended!

13. 13 我 I Raised A Sick And Weak Prince 我养成了一个病弱皇子[治愈] Bright Osmanthus, Carrying Wine明桂载酒Romance419k WordsCompleted [The print edition of this book, Summoning the Creek, will go on presale on Weibo at 7 p.m. on March 12, 2022. Follow @MingguiZaijiu] [The comic is now available on the Bilibili Comics app] Su Xi has had everything she could want since childhood and excels at school. She's the well-liked, model student everyone admires. Lu Huan has been adrift and barely surviving since childhood. Before he became emperor, he endured endless humiliation. One day, Su Xi downloads a romance-raising game app. The 226.3kFavorites640.5kClicks/ch140.4kGifts

    Curator note

    It's also a story about a loyal male protagonist and a cheerful and lively female protagonist who heals a pitiful character; it's a redemption novel that I quite like.

14. 14 送 Follow Behind Silk Curtains 送君入罗帷 Gong Xinwen龚心文Romance414k WordsCompleted [Print edition] The print edition of Lu Shang is available for preorder on major platforms. See Weibo for details. [Blurb] Mu Xue, a powerful figure in the demonic path, dies after failing her tribulation and being struck down by heavenly lightning. When she wakes up, she has been reborn as a disciple of the righteous path. The senior brothers of the righteous path don’t beat children, the senior sisters don’t poison the food, and the master really does teach his disciples. With tears streaming 201.4kFavorites386.8kClicks/ch249.6kGifts

    Curator note

    Still by Gong Xinwen, although it's a cultivation novel, I personally feel it feels similar to other ancient romance novels. The gender roles (boy/girl) are not clearly defined; the male lead's love for the female lead is undeniable, she is his last ray of light in this world.

15. 15 将 The General Is Always Bullied to Tears 将军总被欺负哭 Gong Xinwen龚心文Romance380k WordsCompleted [Currently serializing] "The Lizard Man Outside the Window": Unable to bear seeing him covered in scars, she fled far from the mortal world. [Blurb] Male lead: “My lord has been kind to me beyond measure. Whether she wants my heart, my life, or any part of me, I’ll give it without hesitation. But deep down, I still like women.” My lord: “What a coincidence. I’m a woman.” Enemy troops: “Mo Qiaosheng is here again! He’s a ruthless god of death. Run!” Officials: “The great general is truly a wea 193.2kFavorites436.1kClicks/ch164.4kGifts

    Curator note

    This is my absolute favorite novel; I've read it at least five times. It's definitely my top historical romance novel. It's a GB-style story, with a female lead disguised as a man. The female lead has a special ability (not much, just for recognizing people). It features a loyal general as the male lead and a nurturing, lord-like female lead. It's a wonderful story of mutual redemption; loving you is simply because you are not your gender.

16. 16 保 Protect Our Male Lead 保护我方男主 Gong Xinwen龚心文Romance164k WordsCompleted This is my first novel. Please bear with it. [Story Blurb] The male lead was born into a noble family, and is refined and handsome. Unfortunately, he was framed by villains and imprisoned in a snow-covered mountain. Just as he was being tortured to the brink of death, he was lucky enough to meet the female lead. The female lead is a transmigrator, born with extraordinary strength. After a chance meeting with the beautiful, ill-fated male lead, she is captivated by his looks. From then on, she l 79kFavorites257.6kClicks/ch39.6kGifts

    Curator note

    Waaaaa, Yu Xingzhi is so gentle! I can't resist gentle characters. The little sun heroine, the two of them are mutually devoted to each other—it's so sweet!

17. 17 云 Golden Boughs Above the Clouds 云上金枝 West of Magpie Bridge鹊桥西Romance404k WordsCompleted (“Dog” refers to his personality, not a scumbag.) Blurb: Tang Xian was crowned empress at fifteen. She was widowed as soon as she married, then deposed and locked away in a dark imperial mausoleum for five whole years. At long last, she escaped, only to fall into the hands of rebels. To conceal her identity, Tang Xian nervously played along with them. Who could have guessed that the rebel would be so audacious as to develop improper feelings for her? On a midsummer night, they gazed out fro 76.8kFavorites95.5kClicks/ch37.3kGifts

    Curator note

    It's super sweet! A lighthearted story that rarely focuses on career advancement. Perfect for when you're feeling down. The female lead is kind, only showing her proud side to the male lead. Their interactions are incredibly sweet. The male lead is like a puppy—all bark and no bite, as the synopsis suggests. It's a classic case of "golden branch beating a dog" (a Chinese idiom meaning to punish someone who is overly aggressive). Overall, a very enjoyable read!

Other lists with Yesterday’s Book