Novels like The Shen Family’s Fifth Young Lady
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as The Shen Family’s Fifth Young Lady, best match first.
- 1 Dream of the Red Chamber: Peichun Marries a Rising Star, and the Four Springs Are Blessed! 红楼：沛春勇嫁新贵，五春有福！ [A full ensemble cast from Dream of the Red Chamber · Multiple sweet couples · Multiple protagonists · Light domestic intrigue · Household drama · Warmth · Sweet romance · Women in the spotlight · Deep affection · Heartfelt · Immersive · Happy families · Everyone gets their moment · Growth · Family · Expansive worldbuilding · Rich emotions] [Pei Chun is a woman blessed with good fortune!] Jia Peichun, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Jia family and the full elder sister of the four Jia sist 50Reads—Score—Shelves
- 2 The Feng Family’s Cousin 冯家表姑娘 “Fifth Cousin…” “Don’t call me Cousin. We’re not close.” … “Cousin Ying…” “Don’t call me Cousin. We’re not close.” What’s it like for Feng Ying to date a high school student? “Mm, not bad.” 2.4kReads8.8Score291Shelves
- 3 The Matriarch's Conquest 主母攻略 [Transmigration to an alternate world + marriage first, love later + second wife + adorable children + age gap + pocket dimension] After a nobody from the apocalypse, Ning Yimeng, perished alongside the Zombie King, she woke up to find she had transmigrated to a place called the Great Qing Dynasty. The woman whose body she had taken was also named Ning Yimeng. She was a country girl who had married the heir of the Duke of Dingguo as his second wife. On the surface, the heir had married her to re 1kReads6.8Score105Shelves
- 4 Reborn as a Cannon-Fodder Concubine, the Max-Level Expert Just Wants to Watch the Show 穿成炮灰小娘，满级大佬只想吃瓜 In her previous life, she was the matriarch of a marquis's household, a master of inner-court scheming. In the end, a great fire burned everything away, leaving nothing behind. When she opened her eyes again, she had become the most useless concubine in the Sheng household, Lady Wei. Sickly, lowly, and easy for anyone to bully. A bowl of "tonic" was already being held to her lips. She looked at it and nearly laughed aloud. Even the lowliest maids in the marquis's household wouldn't have used suc 22Reads—Score—Shelves
- 5 The Concubine’s Daughter 庶女 Though she is a daughter born outside her father’s primary marriage, unloved by her father and hated by her stepmother, she still does her best to make herself happy. But then the infuriating, ill-starred prince appears. Not only does he ruin her long-planned scheme to “steal a bowl and marry off a friend,” he also frames her for theft! She thinks she can’t escape prison, but he steps in to save her and takes her to the capital. His thoughtfulness makes her fall for him, but she accidentally dis 50Reads—Score—Shelves
- 6 My Cousin Has Ambitions 表妹野心有点大 Pure historical romance + scheming, calculating legitimate daughter + winning her back + forced marriage + political intrigue The hero is the emperor, ten years older than the heroine. Jiang Shi should have been a noble young lady of the capital, but her grandaunt came to seek refuge with the Jiang family and ended up in her father's bed. Afterward, her father favored his concubine over his wife, and the Jiang family tried to seize everything from Jiang Shi's mother. After her mother divorced an 1Reads—Score—Shelves
- 7 After Becoming a Substitute Bride, I’m Forced into Household Schemes 替嫁后，我被迫宅斗 Q: What does it feel like to be sold by your own mother? A: No big deal, since I came here from another world. Q: What does it feel like to become a servant girl and wait on people? A: No big deal. Having enough to eat is great. Q: What does it feel like to have your identity changed? A: No big deal. At least I can eat and sleep well. Q: What does it feel like to marry in someone else’s place? A: That feels like something! Maybe I’ll learn the art of fighting for power in the household too! 1.2kReads8.5Score128Shelves
- 8 The Crown Prince Is Alluring, the Powerful Minister Is Wild! The Ruthless Regent Keeps Stealing Him Away 权臣浪太子香！疯批摄政王又爱抢 [Mansion intrigue + rival suitors to groveling repentance + heroine loves no one + scheming, theatrically innocent heroine] Reborn, Qiao Shiyuan has only one goal: use men as stepping stones to get revenge and take control of the marquis's manor. In her previous life, her half-sister slashed her face and beat her to death, while her mother and younger sister met tragic ends. This time, she refuses to bow and scrape. She'll win over her powerful brother-in-law's wandering heart and wield him like —Reads—Score—Shelves
- 9 Bound by a Letter, Reborn into a Web of Mysteries 锦书缚，重生仍困谜局中 [Tomato Original] [Reborn] [Revenge] [Face-slapping] [Feel-good read] [Mystery] Xiao Jinshu is the eldest daughter of the Duke of Xiao’s household. Personally taught by the Duke of Xiao, she excels at music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and is considered the model of a noble young lady in the capital. She has been betrothed to the heir of Prince Jing since childhood, but her own relatives frame her and marry her off to an uneducated wastrel. Her parents, younger siblings, and uncle’s family 664Reads8.0Score105Shelves
- 10 The Legitimate Eldest Daughter Is Reborn: Watching My Enemies Tear Each Other Apart 嫡长女重生：笑看仇敌窝里斗 The “headstrong” legitimate daughter is reborn, takes down her stepmother and concubine aunt, and marries into a powerful family! [Historical domestic intrigue + reborn legitimate daughter + satisfying revenge + heartwarming daily life + heroine’s growth] (She won’t let any of the bad guys get away, including her own father! The heroine isn’t the only one who has been reborn, either. Guess who else!) “Qing’er is a good child, filial and clever.” “Mother said I should be obedient and grow up to 10Reads—Score—Shelves
- 11 The Reborn Legitimate Daughter Goes on a Rampage, While the Heir Who Can Have No Children Begs for a Baby 嫡女重生杀疯了，绝嗣世子求生崽 Wei Yutang is reborn seven years before the scumbag and his mistress killed her. This time, she's busy fighting household intrigues and taking revenge, tearing apart her biased mother and half-sister and beating down the scumbag. But then an imperial edict arrives, and the scumbag has gone to ask for an imperial marriage grant! With no choice but to seek protection, she sets her sights on Jiang Yuntao, the scumbag's own uncle. Everyone in the capital is betting on how long she'll be a widow. On —Reads6.2Score—Shelves
- 12 The Return of the Legitimate Daughter: A Stunning Rebirth 嫡女归：惊风华 [Household intrigue + revenge + two equally formidable leads + no mindless wish fulfillment] At the age of eight, Su Wanxi, the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, was framed and sent to the countryside, where she was forgotten by everyone. Ten years later, to secure a legitimate return to the prime minister’s residence, she had someone break the leg of her younger half-sister’s fiancé, Xie Yunqi. With careful planning and martial skills, she methodically brings down everyone who framed h 473Reads—Score109Shelves
- 13 Ingenious Plans for the Brocade Hall: Scheming to Rule the Household 锦堂妙计：宅谋天下 Lu Heng is the posthumous son of the late emperor. Feared by his father, he was adopted into Prince An’s household. He appears to wield great power, but is surrounded by danger at every turn. Yan Qingci is an only daughter in ancient times. Her father was a brilliant scholar and the first top scorer of the imperial examinations, while her mother was descended from a wealthy merchant family in Jiangnan. Yet she carries the burden of her parents’ blood feud. The two come to understand each other a 6Reads—Score—Shelves
- 14 Reborn: The Serene Life of a Concubine's Daughter 重生之庶女悠然 In the fifteenth year of the Yan Feng era, Qiu Yiming, prefect of Lingnan, died in office. After the funeral, Lady Qiu, née Su, set out for the capital with her three daughters, one born to his principal wife and two to concubines, to seek refuge with her maternal family, the Earl of Zhongyi. As their carriage passed the Peony Tower, Qiu Fu leaned against the window, resting her chin in her hand, and smiled sweetly. Zheng Xiu, Duke of Rong, caught a fleeting glimpse of her in the crowd and nearl 2.6kReads9.0Score290Shelves
- 15 Tell Me, Tell Me, Will History Remember Her Beauty? 知否，知否，青史载红妆 In The Story of Minglan, how did the concubine-born girl who lost her mother at five learn to hide her talents and survive amid bloodshed? No transmigration, no golden finger, no cheat codes. With nothing but patience and restraint, she navigates the rivalry between the legitimate and concubine-born children, plotting her mother's revenge without getting blood on her hands; With nothing but her keen eye, she rises from a back courtyard in the Sheng household to become the matriarch of a marquis' 974Reads—Score—Shelves
- 16 Reborn as a Prince's Concubine 重生，庶女王妃 She had been infatuated with Prince Rui since childhood. Though born to a concubine, her intelligence and talent still won her the position of his rightful princess consort. Knowing his ambition, she devoted herself to helping him for five years, until he finally achieved his goal. Yet on the very day he ascended the throne, he made her legitimate younger sister empress, then forced her younger brother and mother to their deaths. She, too, was made to swallow poison. Reborn into a new life, she 5.1kReads9.1Score485Shelves
- 17 An Orphaned Girl Takes the Family Reins: Ruling the Realm from the Inner Chambers 孤女承家：从后宅定天下 [A score of 6.9 on May 25, 2026. A special milestone, and here's hoping it rises! A strong female lead, a cast where everyone shines, no one is reborn, and there is no System] Who says women are inferior to men? Why be confined to the inner courtyards and their rivalries? Women have a world of their own to conquer. Her father and brother returned victorious, only for their deaths to be announced. When their coffins came home, she became an orphan overnight. Everyone laughed at her for having no 18Reads6.9Score—Shelves
- 18 Sixth Miss of the Wen Family 温府六姑娘 [Reborn + bold, direct pursuit of husband + sickly powerful official falls for her + household intrigue] Before she was reborn, Wen Jiu failed to see people's true nature and ended up dying a tragic death after jumping from a building, while her entire family was destroyed. Reborn, she lay low for years, then tore off her gentle facade. Her enemies? She smiled as she sent them to hell. To repay a debt of gratitude, she began all sorts of flirtatious campaigns to win her husband over. But the man 3.8kReads7.1Score343Shelves
- 19 The Concubine-Born Daughter Keeps the Family Afloat 庶女养家 After transmigrating as a humble concubine-born daughter, Ning Jiayin plans to adapt to local customs and live a quiet, stable life in the inner household. But a spy stirs up trouble, her father is swept off to the front lines, and the Ning family is arrested and has its property confiscated. To keep her family afloat, Ning Jiayin has no choice but to step up. She goes into business and shows off her medical skills. Though the Ning family faces enormous upheaval, they still manage to live in pea 4.6kReads9.0Score526Shelves
- 20 With the Crown Prince’s Backing, the Duke’s Reborn Legitimate Daughter Goes on a Rampage 太子撑腰，重生后公府嫡女杀疯了 (A satisfying household-intrigue story + face-slapping and taking down scumbags + no forgiveness + no suffering in silence) Lu Xi brought a million taels in dowry when she married Prince An, and helped him become Prince An of Qin. She went to his fief to recuperate for two years. When she returned to the capital, her adopted younger sister had taken her place. Lu Xi's husband and mother-in-law relied on her adopted sister. Even Lu Xi's grandmother and father favored her. They locked Lu Xi aw 2.9kReads8.1Score322Shelves
- 21 The Hilarious Daily Life of a Scatterbrained County Magistrate's Family 糊涂县令家鸡飞狗跳的日常生活 A moonlight-white stepmother + a love-struck father + a high-level concubine Ensemble cast, not a feel-good power fantasy!!! Not a comedy!!! There are painful moments early on!!!! The legitimate children struggle to survive, while the vulnerable band together to keep each other warm. When Tong Hui, a county magistrate, loses his first wife to illness, he has no choice but to entrust their two children to a concubine in the household. On his way back to his hometown, Tong Hui meets the woman he l 67kReads9.2Score6.4kShelves
- 22 The Easygoing Wife 小闲妻 [Historical court intrigue, richly traditional atmosphere, no transmigration or rebirth, household-intrigue ensemble, clever and capable heroine, devoted and protective hero] Cen Ruxi spent two years caring for Jiang Huai, the blind and deaf heir of the Duke’s household, in place of her legitimate younger sister. After the heir regained his sight, her sister Cen Ruyi took credit for her work and married him. Cen Ruxi, meanwhile, was ordered by her family to marry the Third Prince, Zhao Yao, a no 453Reads8.1Score103Shelves
- 23 The Duke's Bastard Daughter 国公府的庶女 A concubine-born daughter of a powerful family, she lived cautiously under the thumb of her ruthless stepmother, concealing both her talents and her stunning beauty. After her birth mother was murdered and her younger sister turned against her, she resolved to take revenge and make her stepmother experience the pain of losing a loved one. The aging general's low-born son, born to a concubine, was framed by his stepmother and plunged into an abyss of misery. He forged himself into a man of steel, 553Reads8.2Score102Shelves
- 24 On the Upbringing of Noble Daughters 论贵女的养成 [No rebirth or transmigration, a light ensemble cast] [The first part focuses on the everyday family life at the heroine’s maternal home, the Marquisate of Wuyang. The second volume focuses on everyday family life at her husband’s home, the Prince of Xinning’s residence.] Shen Lening is very happy with her life. She never has to worry about anything. Her only daily concerns are what to wear, what to eat, and what to accessorize with. (I’ve written several stories where the heroine’s mother is a 8.2kReads6.3Score751Shelves
- 25 Jade Belt Hook 玉带钩 [Palace intrigue in an ancient setting, childhood friends + coming of age + mutual redemption + one-on-one, both leads devoted only to each other] [Proud, cunning, ruthless beauty of a crown prince X gentle-looking, resilient noblewoman in disguise] In the tenth year of the Tianqi era of the Ying Dynasty, Prince Qi rebelled and was defeated. The Ning family of the Duke of Li’s household was implicated and convicted, and the entire family was massacred. Only their young daughter, Ning Yue, was re 7Reads—Score—Shelves
- 26 After the Concubine’s Daughter Is Reborn, She Marries the Scheming Crown Prince Instead 庶女重生后，改嫁腹黑太子爷 A concubine-born daughter of the Ye family, she was infatuated with Prince Yu. She even took an arrow for the emperor, all for the chance to marry him. But in the end, all her devotion was misplaced. After he conquered the realm, his first act was to slaughter the entire Ye family. Ye Gujin never imagined that beneath his gentle, refined facade lurked such a vicious monster! Reborn at the age of thirteen, with her family still alive, she still had time to change everything. In this life, she wou 735Reads9.0Score100Shelves
- 27 Scheming for the Phoenix: The Empire as a Game, You as My Pawn 谋凰：江山为局，卿为子 [Reborn + political intrigue + palace and household drama + the hero's desperate pursuit of his ex + strong female lead] In her previous life, Shen Yu, an illegitimate daughter in the household of the Vice Minister of Personnel, suffered a cruel fate and watched her closest family die. She helped the Third Prince, Xiao Jue, ascend the throne, only for him to end her life with a bowl of lethal poison. Reborn with all her bitterness intact, she returns to three years earlier, when her adoptive mot 3Reads6.6Score—Shelves
- 28 A Moment of Joy 寸欢愉 (A cool-headed, rational noblewoman x a ruthless, scheming crown prince; classic historical household intrigue + two reborn leads taking revenge on scum + sweet romance) Jiang Yue Le died at the hands of her husband's favored concubine. She thought she would be reduced to nothing, but instead she was reborn with hatred still in her heart. Eighteen years into the past, and from the start she was expected to marry that scumbag all over again! How could she agree? She lifted her veil and stepped d 2Reads—Score—Shelves
- 29 Crossing the Chang'an River 长安渡 Since heaven has given me a chance to start over, why should I put up with being wronged? Eat when I’m hungry, drink when I’m thirsty, and speak up when I’m angry. No need to hold back! If my father won’t love me, someone else will! If my senior brother doesn’t love me, the one who does is right there! My new book, “You Say I Set Fires and Murdered People? Then I’ll Set Fires and Murder People!” is now out. Hope you’ll enjoy it. 891Reads—Score106Shelves
- 30 Dream of the Red Chamber: Miss Lin Takes Them Down with One Arrow! 红楼：林姑娘她一箭制敌！红箭袖 [Alternate Red Chamber setting · Daiyu’s comeback · Sweet romance and destiny · Mutual salvation · Across lifetimes · Healing · Divine and mortal realms · Mythology · Lighthearted scheming · A love that sweeps you off your feet] The year Lin Ruhai took his wife and daughter into seclusion in the mountains, no one could have imagined that the delicate Crimson Pearl Grass would roll up her red archer’s sleeves and devote all her immortal power to practicing archery. She was no longer the sickly 16Reads6.6Score—Shelves
- 31 Four Years Without Sharing a Bed with His Second Wife, Then His Late Wife Returns and He Loves Her Again? 续弦四年不同房，亡妻复活你又爱了？ [Clear-eyed heroine + second male lead takes the win] Shen Yan had been her husband’s second wife for four years when her late elder sister, the principal wife, came back from the dead. Her husband said, “You only married into this family in your sister’s place. You should know your place and ask to become a concubine!” Her mother-in-law said, “You’re just a daughter born to a concubine. You should be grateful you can be my son’s concubine.” The child she had cared for over the past four years s 14.7kReads8.2Score957Shelves
- 32 A Commoner's Warmth Beneath the Heavens 布衣暖天下 [In the war-torn years at the end of the Song and the beginning of the Yuan, discover how a former child bride used nimble hands as blades and cotton as her cutting edge to weave an immortal legend as the “Cotton Goddess,” who “clothed the world”!] At twelve, her family sold her for half a sack of millet. Her husband's family treated her like livestock, and when they tried to sell her again, she escaped. She hid in a Taoist temple and nearly got caught, then drifted to Yazhou, where she narrowly 19Reads—Score—Shelves
- 33 Cloud-Swept Hair and Flowerlike Beauty: Reborn as a Force to Be Reckoned With 云鬓花颜，重生一世狠角色 [Rebirth + household intrigue + strong heroine + one-on-one romance + all-out action + female-led growth] Warning: This is a story focused purely on household intrigue, with little romance. It is a coming-of-age story centered on household battles, and it starts slowly. This is not a fast-paced novel. If you prefer fast-paced stories, feel free to move on. Thank you. Born into wealth, she was nevertheless surrounded by people plotting against her. Qin YunyI never imagined that her devoted husban 596Reads8.5Score110Shelves
- 34 A Love Written on Paper 一纸情缘呐 [Historical romance + powerful leads + revenge + love that grows over time + happy ending] After being sold by human traffickers to a remote, impoverished village and enduring two years of hardship, Liu Wushuang finally made it home, only to find there was no place for her in the household anymore. The parents she had once been proud of now avoided her like the plague. The elder brother who had once doted on her now looked at her coldly. The foster sister who had once followed her every lead no 22Reads6.6Score—Shelves
- 35 The Leisurely Life of a Noblewoman in Ancient Times 古代闺秀的悠闲生活 Savor the unhurried passing of time and enjoy a carefree life. I envy your graceful beauty, reflected in the blue heavens and the jade moon. Su Huayue learned everything from her mother from a young age, treating being a daughter of the Su family as a job. As the legitimate daughter of her father's second wife, all she had to do was live freely under the protection of her mother and elder brother. Her only pleasure was watching her two elder half-sisters compete for their father's and grandmothe 11.5kReads8.4Score1.1kShelves
- 36 My Husband Wants to Raise His Concubine to Wife? I'll Divorce Him in the Street and Marry a Powerful Prince 相公扶妾上位？我当街休夫嫁权王 [Rebirth and punishing the scum + traditional household intrigue + true princess + devoted regent + family and country] Qu Wanmei was the only daughter of the wealthy merchant Qu family. She had a vast fortune and had been married into the Duke’s household for three years. Her husband, Ning Yan, brought his pregnant mistress into the household and made her his secondary wife. “Qu Wanmei, you’re the daughter of a merchant, lowborn and unworthy of marrying into the Duke’s household. Only Yingying 1kReads8.9Score158Shelves
- 37 The Cousin's Daily Struggle to Survive in the Marquis's Estate 侯府表姑娘生存日常 Psychologist Su Jinyi transmigrates to the ancient Liang Dynasty, only to become an orphan who has lost both parents and is left to care for her little brother. At least her family is fabulously wealthy... but someone is actually trying to steal it? As if! To make a good life for herself in ancient times, Su Jinyi reluctantly embarks on a battle of wits within the household! 7.5kReads9.2Score997Shelves
- 38 Moonlight Falls on Blossoms in the Spring Courtyard 春庭月照落花 The safe and smooth life of a noble young lady. Seen through Luo Yunchu's eyes, the colorful lives of those around her unfold. Everyone has their disappointments, and beneath every seemingly foolish decision lies the best choice they could make at the time. 3.3kReads8.0Score233Shelves
- 39 Phoenix Beauty 凤娇 Su Feng, the eldest daughter of the second branch of the Su family, is betrothed by the Empress Dowager to Yuan Chenghao, the third young master of Prince Rui’s household. She has no choice but to bid farewell to her beloved grandmother and marry into the prince’s household with her family’s blessings. Yuan Chenghao is a notorious playboy in the capital. Though handsome and charming, he spends his nights carousing among women. Unhappy with the arranged marriage, he argues with Su Feng on their w 4.8kReads8.5Score434Shelves
- 40 Wasn't I Supposed to Come Here to Enjoy Life? Second Miss, I'm Busy 不是穿来享福吗？二小姐我很忙 A chapter-based historical romance modeled on Dream of the Red Chamber. It has a certain learning curve and is set in an alternate Song dynasty. Every detail can withstand scholarly scrutiny. Li Yi transmigrated here to enjoy a life of comfort. By a twist of fate, she won the favor of the Dowager Consort of Prince Heng's residence, and with her father, the prefect of Qingzhou, protecting her, she lived freely and boldly. (No romantic scenes in the first 200 chapters. If that's not your thing, yo 169Reads—Score140Shelves
- 41 Reborn as a Female General: The Weakest Legitimate Daughter Strikes Back! 女将军重生：战五渣嫡长女逆袭！ Completed: reborn, revenge and household intrigue. The heroine was the legitimate daughter of a general's family in her previous life. After dying in a conspiracy, she is reborn in the body of the good-for-nothing eldest legitimate daughter of a powerful family. In her previous life, Bai Ruofu, the legitimate daughter of a general's family, gave her heart to the wrong person. After six years of hardship on the frontier, she did not die on the battlefield, but fell victim to a conspiracy. When 192Reads8.7Score—Shelves
- 42 A Replacement Bride to Bring Good Fortune? The General Who Died in Battle Is Back 替嫁冲喜？战死的将军回来了 [Reborn + substitute bride + marriage first, love later + household intrigue + traditional historical romance] [Clever, calm, and capable heroine + general hero] The rating is low because the book has only just received one. It'll gradually go up~ Ji Shaojiu & Zhong Jingyi Rumor has it that her cousin's fiancé, Young General Zhong, died on the battlefield? Ji Shaojiu: It's no rumor. He really died in my previous life. Her cousin throws a fit, makes a scene, and threatens to hang herself rather t 1.5kReads8.9Score202Shelves
- 43 Reborn, the Real Heiress Slaps Down the Scumbag and His Evil Mistress 重生后真千金打脸渣男恶女 Rebirth + Revenge + Face-slapping + Playing the Pig to Eat the Tiger + Puppy Turns into a Wolf In her previous life, her identity had been switched at birth. She thought her biological parents would cherish her once she returned to them, but she never stood a chance against the person who had taken everything from her. Desperate to win back her parents’ attention and reclaim her rightful status, she became unrecognizable, only to meet a tragic end… Given another chance at life, she’ll be herself 6Reads7.1Score—Shelves
- 44 Eight Years of Marriage Without a Wedding Night, Then She Bears Three Children After Being Reborn 成亲八年未洞房，重生后她生三宝 [Historical romance + household intrigue + strong heroine and hero + love goes both ways + devoted marquis + reborn] She was born to a noble family, but was switched at birth and raised as the daughter of a minor official. She married up into the marquis's household as the heir's wife, and to outsiders they seemed deeply in love. When rebel forces attacked the city, she was pierced by countless arrows and fell from the walls to her death. Only then did she learn that her loving husband had merel 1.7kReads8.3Score156Shelves
- 45 As Though I Have Powerful Backing 好似有靠山 [One-on-one romance + healing + age gap + coming-of-age + a touch of possessive romance] After both her parents died, Gu Xixi had no choice but to rely on her only remaining relative, her maternal uncle. Though he was ruthless and calculating, he did take reasonably good care of her. But could someone explain why this uncle of hers was getting stranger and stranger? Who was it that tore away the facade of family affection, wanting more? Who fell without realizing it? And who walked into the gate 218Reads—Score107Shelves
- 46 A Guest in His Embrace 入慕之宾 A period of upheaval brought a new emperor and a reshuffling of the court. A Dai, a female mystic at the Yuqing Temple in the palace, was the emperor’s childhood friend in his eyes, but a scheming green tea in the harem’s. A Dai’s daily routine: Snack on melon seeds while listening to palace gossip, tell the consorts’ fortunes, hear the emperor complain about them, then take a hefty fee to play matchmaker between him and the consorts. And finally, join everyone in cursing the root of all evil, t 2kReads9.1Score295Shelves
- 47 The Phoenix Turns Back 蓦回鸾 In her previous life, Sun Wei was determined to marry well so she could escape her predicament and strike back at her clan's humiliation. Through various means, she married Sima Jun, Prince of Yuzhang. When chaos engulfed the realm, Sun Wei didn't realize that Sima Jun had feelings for her until the city fell and she was killed. In this life, a woman suddenly appeared before Sima Jun, Prince of Yuzhang, claiming to be his father's second wife. She could read fortunes and seemed to know everythin 4.9kReads9.0Score643Shelves
- 48 Oh No! The Beggar Bride Is a Black-Hearted Schemer 坏了！替嫁小乞丐是朵黑心莲 [Pure historical domestic intrigue + black lotus heroine + play the pig to eat the tiger + both leads have past relationships (skip if that bothers you)] ♥ Eloping? Perfect. All this wealth falls right into my lap! Shen Chaoyun, the marquis’s legitimate daughter, elopes for love, and the little beggar Shu Wan is pushed into the bridal sedan instead. Her husband, the heir to the marquisate: a womanizer who thinks he’s devoted, a complete oddball who falls in love with every woman he meets. Her 57Reads8.1Score—Shelves
- 49 My Childhood Friend Is a Royal Consort. What Can the Princess Do About Me? 我的竹马是驸马，公主奈我何？ [Pure historical romance | Reunited after years apart | Devoted, sweet romance with mutual fidelity | Ensemble coming-of-age] After their entire village was massacred, six young friends were scattered to the ends of the earth. Years later, Yun Sheng, now going by Qin Sheng, had made a life for herself in the capital. Xiao Hechen, the childhood friend she had never stopped thinking about, returned to the capital too, but fate had other plans. For the sake of his scheme, he had no choice but to m 181Reads—Score—Shelves
- 50 The Beloved Concubine's Daughter: Stay Close, Auntie Will Help You Soar 娇娇庶女：姨娘稳住带你飞 Also known as: Auntie, Hang in There! Your Daughter Will Earn You a Noble Title [Heroine pretends to be weak while hiding her strength / actually a useless little thing + supernatural elements + second male lead’s road to redemption + slow-to-realize male lead] When people in the capital spoke of the third young lady of the Marquis of Huai’an’s household, many couldn’t help remarking on her good fortune. Though born a concubine’s daughter, she had won the Empress’s favor, been given the title of 3.4kReads9.1Score396Shelves
