the characters work to take down the old regime

MC or ML (or both) are nobility or people in power. They scheme and plot together. Heavy in politics and history.

No description.

these are the lists of BL novels that I find interesting and satisfying to read. ... more>>

where to read and buy: Ridibooks <<less

Historical Genre. The FLs in this list are all smart, some are kind, most are ruthless. ... more>>

The novels of this list are the typical Transmigration, Reincarnation, and Romance. All novels here are BxG. The top novels in this list are THE BEST OF THE BEST, and I personally have read them more than 3x.

Do not confuse this with my other Rec List “Harem Intrigue / Empresses in the Palace vibes” since that focuses less on true love and more on ruthless, manipulative, intelligent FLs with the ongoing themes: “traditional palace struggle novel” and “The emperor will fall in love with the female lead, but she will not love him” <<less

No description.

There are interesting and confusing theories in these futuristic plots, though not all of them.

These are some of my all-time favorite historical gems—no xianxia, superpowers, or system stuff here! Some are packed with political drama, others just a fun... more>> dive into the past. You’ll find witty, sharp-minded characters who can talk their way out of anything, alongside clever schemers who are always three steps ahead. But some also contain a witty salted fish MC. Whether it’s fierce power struggles or lighter tales, these books have all sorts of vibes. Please do not hesitate to recommend me other novel that have similar vibes. <<less

A compilation of novels translated by "Shanghai Fantasy" that I am currently reading, planning to read, and have read.

Empresses in the Palace vibes + strong female lead who is either a concubine, noble consort, or empress... more>>

There are NO idiot/dumb/naive/innocent FLs in this list. Some FLs are kind, but most are ruthless. Emperor ML is not her prince charming & I prefer it that way. 

Palace intrigue & harem struggle between the concubines is the spotlight of most of these novels. However, the true hidden gem is the complex female relationships among the concubines/consorts, especially those who are deeply aware that the harem is their gilded cage ^^

Note: This is MY list. This means that just because a certain novel fits this niche, it won’t automatically be here. I don’t like wasting my time and other people’s. The novels here are my personal favorites and trusted recommendations. 

TBR means I can’t vouch for the novel yet. It’s labeled and found at the bottom of this list, which means that the synopsis was either really interesting or simply caught my eye . Since it’s a TBR, I don’t have an opinion on it yet and depending on the my reading experience, I may or may not remove it from this list. <<less

List of novels I'm fond of

Listing my favorite ancient romance reads (ˊ˘ˋ*)... more>>

B×G ~ <<less

Прекрасный и удивительный мир Цзянху 

My fave Ancient Chinese Harem Novel. The MCs are very aware of their position in the harem, so they never fully fell in love with the "ML"; some didn't even let their true self/personality be seen by the "ML".... more>>

* I'M DOING AN INTERNSHIP RIGHT NOW (YES AGAIN), SO IF THERE'S ANY NEW NOVEL THAT SHOULD BE ADDED, TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS *

I'M RE-READING EVERYTHING SO THAT I CAN HAVE A NEW PERSPECTIVE OF THE QUALITY OF THE NOVEL

Didn't find in novelupdates, but have a translation
1. The noble consort is the most favored in the harem (3.7/5) (I haven't finished this so idk about the love part) <<less

Danmei or BL novels where either one or both the main leads are smart, cunning and definitely not an pushover. They standup for themselves. They... more>> did not look back at their tragic past but make an bright future for themselves and their partner and /or family.  <<less

No description.

Ones that I have completed reading without skipping any chapter. I Loved them. All completed novels that I have re-read over and over again. Some... more>> are on-going. Only CN and bg. <<less

A compilation of novels translated by Foxaholic that I am currently reading, planning to read, or have read.... more>>

A mix of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese webnovels and/or lightnovels. 

*Why do most Japanese Light Novels have long-ass titles? It's so tiring (っ◞‸◟c). Some LNs here are even suspicious (ಠ⌣ಠ). I still added them anyway.* <<less

All completed, romance and 1v1... and I'd read them all.... more>>

It all takes place in a historical setting, which are mostly related to military or monarchy or cultivation. 
Some novels in the end are cultivation worlds, which are kind of historical.

Hope you'll like it <3 <<less

These novels that is tolerable with male protagonist in it. A good world-building without harem; it abides reasons with deep world setting.

Wuxia, xianhuan, xianxia has some of the best danmei. While it may be hard to grasp at first if you’re not familiar with the setting, I highly recommend you try it out! (This was me when i read victorian steampunk for the first time)... more>>

I’ve tried to include everything: Healthy, power couple; character development; intriguing plots.

Would appreciate recs as well!

—will update—

Visit my page for danmei fanart!- https://www.instagram.com/23333wuu/  <<less

WIP list

MLs and Mcs are green flags. Neither will be abusive, manipulative, or overly controlling and misunderstandings will be toned down to comedic ones. I often... more>> see BLs where the MC doesn't treat the ML as well as the ML treats them, creating a hierarchy in the relationship that you can sense. If you are someone who likes to read plot-heavy stories that only show small snippets of BL, I don't think this list is for you. However, I will put in a few plot-heavy ones that has equally heavy BL.  All recommendations made here will be a HE (Happy Ending), angst will be close to zero, if not none. MCs will have character, i respect that some readers might like glass vase MCs that are there to highlight the male lead, but the list here will be mostly made of MCs who have a goal, character, and moral compass that they will stay true to throughout the story. Stories will be compiled from different eras, from ancient Chinese to medieval, to relatable modern, to interstellar. MCs will be pretty because I'm a face-con, following up on this, I might have one or two recommendations where the ML falls in love at first sight with MC. But you can rest assured that MC will not drag his ML around and lead him on endlessly. Translation standards are guaranteed.  <<less

One of my favorite novel is "The Rise of Xueyue" ( not included in the list below)❤️❤️❤️

danmei novels in ancient settings with historical elements, some with themes of empire building and/or political schemes, conspiracies, palace intrigues, war strategies, etc.