Delicious Historical Romance 美味古言

1. 1 公 The Duke House’s Ideal Daughter-in-law 公府佳媳 Plum Blossom Calyx of Jiangnan江南梅萼Romance623k WordsCompleted Coming next: Red Beans Grow in the Southland. Zhao Huanxi, the eldest grandson of the Duke of Jing's household, is noble and beautiful. Confined to the inner quarters and lacking ambition, he's good for nothing but his looks. At sixteen, he married Xu Nian'an, the daughter of a late Doctor of the Five Classics. Xu Nian'an is capable and sharp-minded. After marrying into a distinguished family, she falls out with her wicked aunt by marriag 178.6kFavorites268.8kClicks/ch145.5kGifts

   Curator note

   I recently rewatched it. The early romantic development between the male and female leads was quite well-written. However, the middle section gradually focused on various secondary couples, and the later additions, including battlefield scenes, felt very strange. There was also a particularly annoying plot point where the villain suddenly becomes innocent and redeemed. I can only say that you might watch the early parts if you're into the female lead, but if you feel something's off, just leave. It's definitely a bit of a letdown. [Shut up]

2. 2 娇21+ Pampering a Clumsy Beauty 娇养笨蛋美人 The Evening Approaches将欲晚Romance473k WordsCompleted 28.8kFavorites45.2kClicks/ch5.5kGifts

   Curator note

   The couple is so cute, there's basically no frustrating or angsty moments, and the adorable, goofy female lead is really likable.

3. 3 女 The Female Lead's Daughter-in-Law 女主她儿媳 Patchouli Mushroom藿香菇Romance451k WordsCompleted In her past life, Qin Lanyue gave her heart to the wrong man. With nothing but reckless courage, she endured endless condemnation and resorted to every means to chase after a man who did not love her, wasting the best years of her life. Even on her deathbed, she could not win so much as a hint of pity from him. Blessed by heaven, she was reborn. Having finally seen the truth, she resolutely married the heartless scumbag’s own father and became his stepmother, vowing to make him kneel and call h 38.4kFavorites120.7kClicks/ch21.2kGifts

   Curator note

   It's a pretty interesting gossip story, a bit different from the synopsis. The gossip parts aren't too cloying 🐶 The female lead is kind of adorably clueless, and I really liked the romance between the male and female leads. I didn't finish it because some parts were locked and I was too lazy to find them.

4. 4 盛 Cherished 盛宠 Sunflower向阳葵Romance376k WordsCompleted [Update notices are for revisions to locked chapters!] Before Wei Yaoyao's father died, he bought her a child bridegroom. Song Heyuan was a good student, handsome, and good to Wei Yaoyao. Deeply moved, Wei Yaoyao gave him most of her savings to pay for his journey to the capital to take the imperial exams. She happily waited for hi 112.3kFavorites171.8kClicks/ch23.3kGifts

   Curator note

   A very sweet and delicious young couple [hugging thigh] The male lead is a cold and aloof powerful official who bows down for love, and his character is portrayed exceptionally well.

5. 5 染 After I Laid Hands on the Cold, Aloof Young Master 染指清冷公子后 A Tender Willow Branch一枝嫩柳Romance742k WordsCompleted [A coquettish, silly beauty vs. a cool, chaste gentleman] Ji Wanyuan was the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister, the apple of his eye. With a face as beautiful as a flower, she had been doted on since childhood, leading a life of extravagant luxury and growing into a haughty, willful young lady. She fell for Wen Qiyan, the capital's foremost gentleman, as aloof and cool as the moon, elegant as an orchid and a jade tree. She chased after him relentlessly for years, even lowering herself to 108kFavorites124.8kClicks/ch38.3kGifts

   Curator note

   It's a bit of a tragic love story, and the female lead is a bit dim-witted, but that's typical of a dummy character. Worth reading if you're looking for something to read.

6. 6 侧 The Concubine Rises to Power 侧妃上位记 Stars In The House屋里的星星Romance425k WordsCompleted [The main story is complete. You can save the author's next book, The Noble Consort Rises Through the Ranks, to your library.] In the thirtieth year of Yuanfeng, the imperial consort selection ended. Zhou Yun, daughter of a third-rank vice minister, entered Prince Xian's household as a secondary consort. With her captivating beauty, soft, sweet voice, and winsome nature, she won Prince Xian's exclusive favor. After entering the household, she earned a far-reaching reputation as a beauty who bro 71.9kFavorites203kClicks/ch36.6kGifts

   Curator note

   Hmm, it's alright. The plot design in the author's earlier works is a bit strange.

7. 7 娇 The Delicate Noble Consort Is Mentally Stable 娇弱贵妃精神稳定 Xu Hua叙华Romance370k WordsCompleted [The Year of Heartbeats: A second-chance romance, sweet and indulgent, currently serializing. See below for the blurb.] Everyone knew that Gao Longqi, ruler of the Northern Zhao Kingdom, was a madman, sinister and bloodthirsty. Yu Chudai was born with the ability to read minds, along with a heart condition. Doctors predicted she wouldn't live past eighteen. Her family treasured and raised her with great care. She was lucky enough to escape the imperial selection, but couldn't avoid being sent no 68.1kFavorites109.2kClicks/ch23.9kGifts

   Curator note

   A tyrant and a mind-reading, lazy concubine—it's quite funny, not bad.

8. 8 国 The Duke's Wife Is Spoiled Every Day 国公夫人娇宠日常 Tangerine Treasure桔宝Romance500k WordsCompleted A Xiu, a pretty, delicate young woman from a modest family, marries Wei Lan and becomes the heir's wife. Wei Lan is cold and distant. A Xiu thinks she'll spend her whole life as little more than a decoration, but the young lord keeps visiting her room more and more often. He even takes her along to the imperial retreat to bathe in the hot springs. With delicious food and every comfort at the Duke's residence, and the young lord doting on her in every way, A Xiu lives like she's in paradise. Ever 43.3kFavorites172kClicks/ch28.2kGifts

   Curator note

   It's alright. The male lead... Well, there's a rather weird aspect to his character [laughing and crying emoji]. Putting aside that slightly awkward point, it's actually quite good.

9. 9 沈 Consort Shen 沈贵妃 Leisurely Little Drops悠悠点点Romance582k WordsCompleted In the third year of Chengping, by the Empress Dowager's gracious decree, a selection was held throughout the empire. Shen Rongyi, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, had eyes like autumn waters, brows like distant hills, and a lovely face that was the most beautiful in the capital. At the final selection, the emperor personally praised her. In just two short 37kFavorites31.6kClicks/ch15.2kGifts

   Curator note

   A story about an arrogant emperor and a clear-headed heroine; it's a rather naive palace intrigue novel. The palace intrigue is rather simple, and perhaps the male lead's arrogance makes his "dog" (a term for a seemingly innocent but actually manipulative character) traits too prominent. Even the later tragic ending feels a bit unsatisfying. Aside from the romance, it's worth reading.

10. 10 妾 The Art of Concubinage 妾术 Pear Drum Shengsheng梨鼓笙笙Romance875k WordsCompleted The story is complete. The upcoming novel "After Winning Back His Favor, the Scheming Concubine" is open for collection. Welcome to add it to your reading list! Blurb: Before she turned sixteen, Zhuang Qingrao's wish was to marry the cultured young shopkeeper and escape the fate of serving as a slave for generations. After she turned sixteen, her masters graciously allowed the young shopkeeper to marry another senior maid. Fourth Miss Chen, whom Qingrao had served loyally, looked at her with gen 36.3kFavorites35.7kClicks/ch35kGifts

    Curator note

    It's a domestic power struggle story, I forgot the specifics, but the female lead is quite clear-headed throughout. She doesn't love the male lead, and he doesn't seem to love her much either, haha. If you're looking for domestic power struggles, you can check it out.

11. 11 庶 The Concubine's Daughter-in-Law 庶媳 Spring Is Not Green Yet春未绿Romance700k WordsCompleted Xia Yunniang, the daughter of the prefect, was betrothed by a twist of fate at the age of fifteen to Mu Shi, the third son of the Marquis's household born to a concubine. Mu Shi was extraordinarily handsome, as elegant as an orchid tree, dressed in fine furs and jeweled belts, and crowned with splendid finery. He was every inch the dashing young gentleman, and everyone said she was lucky to have married into such a family. But Yunniang wasn't as overjoyed as one might expect. After all, she'd he 32.3kFavorites91.3kClicks/ch27.6kGifts

    Curator note

    As the description says, there are quite a few excellent characters, but some of them are a bit embarrassing to read, haha. It's worth checking out if you're looking for something to read.

12. 12 穿 I Was Reborn as the Cold Eunuch's Own Daughter 穿为阴冷掌印的亲闺女 Painted Three Springs画三春Romance636k WordsCompleted [Revised several times. The complete version is on Jinjiang] [Child-rearing + beloved by all + family bonds + rural getaway + childhood friends, but he's a background character] Shi Gui transmigrates into a book as an unnamed passerby who dies young. Her mother entrusts her to her uncle, who takes her to the capital to seek out relatives. But on the way, she is abducted and taken to the Xingchun Brothel, where she becomes a wealthy merchant's mistress at thirteen. By the time her father, an Impe 26kFavorites79.1kClicks/ch9.5kGifts

    Curator note

    Raising a Daughter is quite good, but the female lead's romantic storyline is so-so.

13. 13 北 The Northern Song County Magistrate's Concubine-Born Daughter 北宋县令庶女 Su Xipo Meow苏西坡喵Romance962k WordsCompleted Please add my upcoming novel of the same type, The Female Scholar's Wife. Its blurb is at the very bottom. [Blurb] Xu Zhihe transmigrates into the Northern Song Dynasty, becoming the illegitimate daughter of the county magistrate of Eqiao County. Her birth mother died young, leaving her with a violent, cowardly father. Her legal wife ignores her, while her father's concubines eye her with ill intent. Xu Zhihe carefully scrapes by in the household. One day, Magistrate Xu comes home drunk and d 23.8kFavorites33.5kClicks/ch9.5kGifts

    Curator note

    It's alright. It leans towards a business theme, with the female lead using various methods to make money. The male lead's scientific expeditions aren't very extensive; most of the content focuses on the daily romance between the two leads, which is a bit bland.

14. 14 宠 The Imperial Consort's Strike-Day Routine [Qing Dynasty] 宠妃罢工日常[清] Chen Wu沉坞Romance600k WordsCompleted Consort Yi, renowned for her breathtaking beauty and the Emperor's favor, has a nightmare foretelling the future. The Crown Prince is deposed, the Fourth Prince ascends the throne, and her nemesis, Consort De, becomes Empress Dowager. Her fifth son is not given an important post, her ninth son dies under house arrest, and her eleventh son dies young. Even Kangxi, who showers her with sweet words and affection, takes one Han woman after another in his later years, leaving her forgotten. Before 74.1kFavorites248.7kClicks/ch89.5kGifts

    Curator note

    The love-struck Kangxi Emperor—maybe it's just me, but after watching so many stories of Kangxi's princes walking on thin ice, this carefree one feels a bit out of place.

15. 15 娘 [Qing Dynasty] The Empress Just Lies Back and Wins [清]娘娘负责躺赢 The Scent of Flowers Stirs the Heart to Break Its Zen花气薰人欲破禅Romance718k WordsCompleted Also known as "The Noble Consort Xi’s Daily Dose of Gossip" Song Jiashu wakes up to discover that she has become Niu Hulu, a concubine in Prince Yong’s household, and starts seriously considering her future. In five years, her husband will become emperor. In eighteen years, her son will become emperor. I’ll live to eighty-five and become the longest-lived empress dowager. Song Jiashu: So all I have to do is lie flat and win. Advance reservation: "The Prince Heqin’s Consort" Gu Chengcheng 52.9kFavorites162.9kClicks/ch103.6kGifts

    Curator note

    Those who enjoy reading history books/official histories and those who like shipping Emperor Yongzheng and Lady Nian are in luck! The female lead in this book is completely passive and speaks very little. You could say that whether she's a time traveler or not makes no difference. Personally, I'm not a fan of this genre.

16. 16 表 A Cousin's Survival Guide (Qing Dynasty Transmigration) 表妹生存攻略（清穿） Stir-Fried Eggs with Broccoli西兰花炒蛋Romance808k WordsCompleted Le Ying transmigrates into the body of a young lady from the first-rank Duke of Grace's household. Her father is Tong Guowei, her elder sister is an imperial noble consort, and their family is the emperor's maternal clan. They are deeply trusted by the emperor, known as "half the court of the Tong clan," and enjoy wealth and glory throughout the Kangxi reign. Born at the peak of privilege, Le Ying has no room to strive for anything in this life. All she has to do is lie back and win. But when Le 66.2kFavorites182kClicks/ch118.8kGifts

    Curator note

    Well enough

17. 17 皇 The Imperial Noble Consort's Daily Life Raising Kids (Qing Dynasty) 皇贵妃养崽日常（清穿） Midsummer靡夏Romance863k WordsCompleted Tong Lanshu transmigrates to the Qing dynasty and becomes Kangxi's cousin and imperial consort. At the time, Noble Lady De, Kangxi's favorite, has only recently given birth to a prince. Since palace rules forbid women below the rank of consort from raising princes, Kangxi plans to find a noble foster mother for his fourth prince. Tong Lanshu, born to a powerful family, of noble status, young, and unable to bear children, is the perfect choice. As the emperor's maternal family, the Tong clan w 12kFavorites19.2kClicks/ch13kGifts

    Curator note

    This is the book that sparked my interest in time-travel novels set in the Qing Dynasty, but I've never read one better than this one TVT... I initially started reading it just to give it a try, but the result was—

18. 18 重 Reborn as a Beloved Concubine 重生宠妃 Jiu Lan久岚Romance556k WordsCompleted Feng Lianrong always thought her fate with the Crown Prince was too shallow. So in this life, she only wanted to treat herself well: eat well, drink well, sleep well, and give the money she saved to her family. That would be enough. As it turned out, she did all that and also bore the Crown Prince a child. Later, she became the most favored consort in the palace. Now that I've written this much, I can say this really is a sweet romance New book: The Beauty Is Not to Be Trifled With <inpu 11.6kFavorites98.6kClicks/ch2.4kGifts

    Curator note

    It was recommended by someone else, and it's okay. I can understand the old texts and the author's ideas, but some people may not be able to accept it.

19. 19 本 I Alone Enjoy the Emperor's Favor 本宫独得偏宠 Sigh of Green Silks青丝叹Romance399k WordsCompleted 33.5kFavorites112.5kClicks/ch14.3kGifts

    Curator note

    As the author's first book, it's quite good. The female lead isn't a cunning strategist; she's ruthless to herself. However, it seems she didn't become empress in the end, but only a Noble Consort.

20. 20 御21+ The Imperial Attendant's Rise to Power 御前女官上位记 Fuzzy Rabbit茸兔Romance465k WordsCompleted 39.6kFavorites38kClicks/ch28.3kGifts

    Curator note

    A fast-paced book, the kind where one chapter sets up the plot and the next concludes it; a good read if you're looking for something to read.

21. 21 贵21+ Long Live the Noble Consort 贵妃娘娘万福金安 Shang Lian上莲Romance656k WordsCompleted 57.4kFavorites93.2kClicks/ch32kGifts

    Curator note

    It's alright, quite good if you don't think about it too much. It's just that in the early stages, the female lead's attempts to win the emperor's favor relied entirely on self-destructive tactics, which gave me a phantom backache. [Loading]

22. 22 媵 A Concubine's Favor 媵宠 Feast of Masks假面的盛宴Romance812k WordsCompleted [New novel, The Princess and the Mad Dog, is now underway. Come check it out!] Empress Dowager Yi'an, a master of palace intrigue, has finally fulfilled her life's purpose. Her son is emperor. Though her early years were fraught with hardship, the late emperor doted on her for the rest of his life. If there was one thing she could complain about, it was how exhausting it all was. But tell me, who in this deep palace doesn't feel exhausted? She wakes up one day to find herself back at fifteen, 108.8kFavorites349.1kClicks/ch143kGifts

    Curator note

    The ending was unbearable because the princess born to the female lead jumped off the page. The main point of the whole story is a comment I left: "No matter how much you fight, it's not as good as a fool's clever idea." The palace intrigue and family power struggles almost entirely revolve around this. The latter half of the story focuses more on other characters, and the so-called palace intrigue leans towards political maneuvering. Of course, given the male lead has many grown children, the back-and-forth is understandable. What I couldn't stand the most was the princess born to the female lead; she was purely love-struck and only dragged her mother down. It was truly exhausting. She's not even as noble as the princess who went to a political marriage [eek~]. That's about it. The romance between the male and female leads is quite sweet, but there are occasional jarring moments, like when the male and female leads, after confirming their feelings, have to give a child to the concubine who harmed the female lead. However, this only happens once, so if you can accept it, it's still worth reading.

23. 23 笼 The Blue Sparrow in the Cage (Reborn) 笼中青雀（重生） Ming Chun Yuan明春鸢Romance662k WordsCompleted #The End, thank you for supporting the official release~ Qing Que began as the young lady’s companion maid, then became her lady-in-waiting when she married. After the young lady remained childless for years, Qing Que was promoted to her husband’s concubine. The young lady clasped her hand and said, “Qing Que, trust me. One day, your children will be my children, and I will never treat you unfairly.” Qing Que believed her. She gave birth to a daughter and a son, both of whom were raised by th 59.2kFavorites72.1kClicks/ch60.6kGifts

    Curator note

    I liked the plot, so I bought some, but I don't really like the writing style. However, some people might prefer this kind of writing style, yes, this is it.

24. 24 帝21+ By the Emperor's Side 帝王侧 Fuzzy Rabbit茸兔Romance558k WordsCompleted 51.1kFavorites95.3kClicks/ch22.3kGifts

    Curator note

    The palace intrigue is well-written, but the male lead is too indecisive and fickle, which spoils the enjoyment of the story. [Shut up] If you're looking for a story with exclusive favor, think twice.

25. 25 承 Pleasure 承欢 Jian Xiaozhuo简小酌Romance779k WordsCompleted [The companion sweet romance and palace intrigue novel Beloved Consort is now available! If you're interested, come check it out!] A Yuan was a palace maid in Yongshou Palace. When the empress dowager's personal maid married, A Yuan was chosen to take her place. In the spring of the third year of Jiaming, the empress dowager's birthday banquet was still underway when the emperor got drunk. The empress dowager ordered A Yuan to attend to him. A few days later, the empress dowager gave A Yuan to 74.1kFavorites143.1kClicks/ch33.2kGifts

    Curator note

    It has a retro vibe... Well, how to put it? It's mostly crime-solving (?) And romance (?). The plot is more about romance than palace intrigue. You might want to check it out if you're looking for something to read.

26. 26 我 I Find the Noble Consort So Alluring 我见贵妃多妩媚 Magpie in My Heart鹊上心头Romance668k WordsCompleted My Weibo: @Que Shang Xin Tou Ya My new book, The Empress Rises to the Top, is updating now! In her previous life, Su Qingyao was out of favor. Thanks to her robust health, she outlived two emperors and became an Imperial Noble Dowager Consort. Then she closed her eyes and opened them again, only to find herself back in the year she had first entered the palace. Su Qingyao: ??? After getting used to life as an Imperial Noble Dowager Consort, she couldn't adapt to her current life! She wanted to g 137.4kFavorites462kClicks/ch61.8kGifts

    Curator note

    I forgot, it should be quite good.

27. 27 贵 The Noble Consort Is So Charming 贵妃多娇媚 Magpie in My Heart鹊上心头Romance742k WordsCompleted This novel has already been published in Traditional Chinese. For details, see @QueShangXinTouYa. The new novel, The Empress Rises to the Top, is updating now. Don't miss it! In her previous life, she had exhausted herself and maneuvered at every turn, only to end up with nothing. Given another life, Shu Qingwu has let go of all that. She's ready to be a carefree, pampered consort. First, she won't form factions to secure favor. Second, she won't help manage the six palaces. Third, she won't su 70.4kFavorites226.6kClicks/ch42.4kGifts

    Curator note

    Tasty

28. 28 娘 The Empress Is Always Sickly 娘娘总是体弱多病 Stars In The House屋里的星星Romance586k WordsCompleted [The Palace Lady Has Won the Emperor's Favor has started updating next door!] [Anti-piracy ratio: 70%. Extra anti-piracy chapters may be added if needed. They will be available after 72 hours.] The Tai family had two daughters. The elder was peerlessly beautiful and entered the palace as a consort when she came of age. But the younger daughter was never seen in public. When Tai Anyou was young, she fell gravely ill. Her parents sent her to recover at her maternal grandparents' home, where she l 110.2kFavorites194kClicks/ch167kGifts

    Curator note

    Nice

29. 29 宫 The Palace Maid's Rise to Power 宫女上位记 Stars In The House屋里的星星Romance573k WordsCompleted [Next palace-intrigue novel: Her Highness Is Always Frail and Sickly. Save it to your favorites!] The year A Yu entered the palace, the new emperor had just ascended the throne. When the palace maids were assigned, she was sent to Yujing Palace to serve Consort Rong, who enjoyed a measure of imperial favor. She had just turned twelve that year. Three years later, a new selection brought fresh faces into the palace, and Consort Rong gradually fell out of favor. People climb toward higher places, 107.5kFavorites287.5kClicks/ch100.3kGifts

    Curator note

    It is still possible

30. 30 小 The Little Palace Maid Wants to Rise to the Top 小宫女想上位 Stars In The House屋里的星星Romance612k WordsCompleted [The neighboring story, Reborn Before She Bought Her Freedom, is now available!] Yun Si was just a palace maid. She wasn't a good person, but she was beautiful. She knew her status was lowly. Even if she left the palace one day, becoming a concubine to a powerful family would be reaching above her station. She was used to the palace's fine clothes and sumptuous food, and could never go back to the life she'd once had. So she set her sights on the man seated on the Dragon Throne. Everyone said 92.8kFavorites163.2kClicks/ch174.4kGifts

    Curator note

    I've finished reading all of the author's palace intrigue novels, and this one was the best! The main reason is that the male lead isn't such a sycophant, it's really good!!

31. 31 娘 The Empress Enjoys the Emperor's Favor 娘娘颇得圣眷 Stars In The House屋里的星星Romance565k WordsCompleted [Complete. Coming soon: The Noble Consort Rules the Harem, another palace intrigue novel. Please add it to your reading list.] Chu Qingwan was born into a distinguished family. Beautiful and radiant, she had a childhood sweetheart she’d grown up alongside. The two families had long tacitly agreed to a marriage between them. But before the Xie family could send a matchmaker, news came from the palace: The Empress Dowager intended to select consorts for His Majesty, and every unmarried woman of go 86.1kFavorites94.5kClicks/ch176.4kGifts

    Curator note

    Nice

32. 32 贵 The Noble Consort's Glory and Wealth 贵妃娘娘荣华富贵 Magpie in My Heart鹊上心头Romance831k WordsCompleted My Weibo: @Que Shang Xintou Ya My new book, "The Empress Rises to Greatness," is updating now! Shen Chuyi is the lowliest palace maid in Yongfu Palace, yet she is exceptionally graceful and beautiful. That is precisely why the noble Consort Li chose her to bear a prince in her stead. On a snowy night, her coldhearted aunt washed her clean and sent her to the incense-filled eastern warm chamber. The bewitching incense was thick, the candlelight dim, and a scene of passion filled the bedchamber, 70.8kFavorites84.4kClicks/ch50.7kGifts

    Curator note

    Looks good~

33. 33 后 Rise to Power in the Harem 后宫上位记 Chilly in October十月微微凉Romance736k WordsCompleted Synopsis: Given a second life, she has to put away her affectations and try living differently. Shen Layue knows all too well that in the deep palace, being dignified doesn't win you any favors. With a little scheming, a little charm, and a touch of arrogance, she successfully plays the part of a beautiful woman who wins the emperor's favor by acting as if she has more beauty than brains. Of course, how else could she claw her way up? #This story is published exclusively on Jinjiang. Reposting 19.4kFavorites170.4kClicks/ch16.6kGifts

    Curator note

    I watched it a long time ago.

Other lists with The Duke House’s Ideal Daughter-in-law