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Top Tier
Top Tier
Curated list by yours truly. All genres, something for everyone. (A lot of Ancient China BG included).
Recommended novels not on NU- see comments.
I’ll add comments/reviews for every one of them, but it’ll take me quite a while to get to all of them.
NOTE: Moving all short stories/oneshots to Rec List “Small Stories, Big Feels” (like check it out, so many gems are like 30-40 chapters only, and their chapters are mostly long)
Recommended novels not on NU- see comments.
I’ll add comments/reviews for every one of them, but it’ll take me quite a while to get to all of them.
NOTE: Moving all short stories/oneshots to Rec List “Small Stories, Big Feels” (like check it out, so many gems are like 30-40 chapters only, and their chapters are mostly long)
74 Followers

Created: Jan 31st, 2025, Updated: Jul 20th, 2025
Created Jan 31st, 2025
Updated Jul 20th, 2025

29 Chapters Every 83.3 Day(s) 28063 Readers 567 Reviews 07-06-2025
I am obsessed with this novel and everything about it. I would call it a MASTERPIECE. I love it so much that I’ve read the manhua, watched both the Donghua and the live action (my favourite adaptation would be the Donghua though nothing beats the novel itself). ... more>>

259 Chapters Every 1.5 Day(s) 3201 Readers 40 Reviews 07-20-2025
This one is very different from the usual historical CNs. It's a bit bittersweet, and has lots of angst. The redemption is slow and true to character. I love that the novel doesn’t shy away from the flaws of the ML or the FL, and does not stoop to paint an idealistic picture. The character motives are more realistic, rather than idealistic and therein lies the charm of the novel. ... more>>

111 Chapters Every 98.9 Day(s) 2005 Readers 11 Reviews 10-25-2021
Probably the best characterisation of an ancient FL who is intelligent, and acts according to her times. It’s heavy on worldbuilding and plot intrigue. The... more>>

149 Chapters Every 54.3 Day(s) 2156 Readers 19 Reviews 03-09-2025
Ying Chong is a quiet, hauntingly beautiful novel that stands apart for its emotional subtlety and grounded historical realism. It forgoes grand drama for something slower and more intimate—a story about second chances, quiet devotion, and the quiet ache of lives constrained by duty.... more>>

239 Chapters Every 87.9 Day(s) 5918 Readers 44 Reviews 01-14-2022
The novel is a clever blend of historical mystery and slow-burn romance (emphasis on slow burn) with surprisingly heartfelt moments tucked between political intrigue and... more>>

182 Chapters Every 100.7 Day(s) 3718 Readers 63 Reviews 06-24-2021
This novel totally caught me off guard in the best way. The FL is fiery, smart, and never lets anyone walk over her—I loved watching her go toe-to-toe with her awful relatives and come out on top. Her temper is everything. The ML is pure chaos—in the best way. Shameless, flirty, and that fat little menace somehow stole my heart. There’s a perfect mix of court politics, face-slapping revenge, and genuinely funny moments. I came for the drama and ended up staying for the characters.... more>>

135 Chapters Every 11.8 Day(s) 2089 Readers 11 Reviews 02-11-2025
Today, the Villain Couple is Setting Scores Again flips the xianxia script in the best way—no running, just two cunning misfits slowly falling in love while plotting revenge and pinching pennies. Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi’s bond is sharp-edged, layered, and oddly tender—an addictive, character-driven ride.... more>>

228 Chapters Every 22.8 Day(s) 4250 Readers 40 Reviews 07-28-2025
This novel is such a gem, mostly because the characters are completely unhinged in the best way. ... more>>


369 Chapters Every 15.9 Day(s) 1455 Readers 26 Reviews 12-09-2024
The content might not be peaceful but the novel itself feels like it. It is a very easy novel to read, very peaceful. Good characters,... more>>

116 Chapters Every 32.9 Day(s) 1862 Readers 35 Reviews 04-07-2024
Completed novel (c438) available on Asianovel. Seems they did (partially) manage to upload page links on NU for this one (since most of their novels aren’t listed here).... more>>

240 Chapters Every 15.1 Day(s) 2824 Readers 35 Reviews 12-28-2024
The novel description is a bit misleading. This is more of a comedy with unexpected plot twists. Instead of chasing power, the MC brings modern... more>>

40 Chapters Every 80.8 Day(s) 2230 Readers 18 Reviews 06-13-2022
Very aptly named. Well written smut that works for me. Might not work for everyone.

222 Chapters Every 17.3 Day(s) 1965 Readers 18 Reviews 12-14-2024
The novel veered from angst at beginning to slice of life before ending quite melodramatically. The description is so damn misleading. It’s only conveys the mood for the beginning of the novel. A lot more happens.... more>>

191 Chapters Every 94.1 Day(s) 15323 Readers 280 Reviews 10-21-2021
It's such a refreshing take on fixing a typical “Mary Sue novel”. Well written too and the world building is muaahhh. Qiu Cangxue, she’s an... more>>

369 Chapters Every 15.8 Day(s) 1956 Readers 32 Reviews 12-05-2024
Ye Shuo’s antics are hilarious af. Love love love. The interactions between MC and his dad are gold. The novel is very satisfying upto when... more>>

16 Chapters Every 120.4 Day(s) 1917 Readers 15 Reviews 07-01-2021
Recently, all of the novels I've read have had the romance as the main focus, so this was a nice change of pace. A hilarious... more>>


#19Qizi
225 Chapters Every 38.9 Day(s) 4860 Readers 55 Reviews 01-01-2024
I was obsessed with how this novel made me feel—like I’d stumbled into something quiet and strange, and then couldn’t claw my way back out. There’s been nothing like it since. And I’ve searched everywhere. ... more>>

#20Invasion
170 Chapters Every 11.3 Day(s) 1927 Readers 30 Reviews 02-16-2025
The novel carves out a distinct niche in the post-apocalyptic genre, blending the Guideverse concept with a rare BG pairing and sharp, original storytelling. Its take on spirit animals feels fresh — particularly with the ML’s orca and the FL’s group of tent**les (and their amusing thoughts about coveting the “fish”), which add both humor and texture. The story also handles the dynamic of a strong FL with surprising finesse. ... more>>

762 Chapters Every 0.6 Day(s) 5246 Readers 84 Reviews 07-29-2025
The novel starts off a little slow, but once it settles into the academy arc, it becomes incredibly addictive. The first few rounds of the interstellar competition are especially fun — sharp, fast-paced, and easy to get lost in. Super entertaining, especially the antics of the FL and her team. While the ending drags a bit and the pacing isn't always tight, the journey is more than worth it. What really sets this novel apart is its cast and relationships. The FL, Wei San, is absolutely overpowered, but it's her shameless, money-grubbing antics that steal the show. Teachers, students — everyone wants to beat her up at some point, and honestly, it's half the fun. Despite... more>>

#22Reborn Lady
453 Chapters Every 27.6 Day(s) 2930 Readers 62 Reviews 06-10-2024
The title is generic and the cover is lacklustre, hiding this true gem. Seriously, such a brilliant novel deserves better. ... more>>

203 Chapters Every 25.5 Day(s) 2885 Readers 52 Reviews 08-11-2024
“Reborn After Widowhood” offers a fresh and unexpectedly grounded take on the rebirth trope. Unlike the typical wronged heroine out for revenge, Princess Hua Yang enters her second life not with grievances, but with regrets—many of her own making. What makes this novel stand out is its nuanced portrayal of flawed characters. Both leads are proud, stubborn, and imperfect, yet neither is vilified. Instead, the story examines how ego, miscommunication, and unspoken expectations can quietly erode a marriage. ... more>>

168 Chapters Every 53.3 Day(s) 2688 Readers 31 Reviews 06-05-2023
"I work to grow a sugarcane field, you grow a watermelon field, isn't it best that we can grow our fields at the same time and I can have your watermelons and you can have my sugarcanes?" ... more>>

36 Chapters Every 45.8 Day(s) 5308 Readers 171 Reviews 02-16-2025
Novel is completed and available on Perpetual Daydreams (with password). ... more>>
Comments (7)
Translated novel not on NU
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Butcher’s Mighty Wife of the Chief Minister (original title: 首輔的屠戶悍妻) by 风过水无痕
Completed c185 (Asianovel 1-182, rest mtl)
This one is quite entertaining. The FL’s shameless antics are so refreshing. Also the chemistry between the main leads is so good. Execution is exemplary for most of the novel (slows around last 20 or so chapters). Their love life is quite spicy for a CN novel. Definitely worth reading. Exceeds expectations.
Translated Novel not on NU
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Second Wife by 枝呦九
C105 completed on Asianovel
A novel that starts quite typically but soon rears it’s true nature, which is staunchly unconventional, in a good way of course. Most of it is about loving yourself and finding your own path in life. It highlights trivial problems and setbacks quite well. Also women supporting other women. Would recommend.
Translated Novel Not on NU
Daily life of the Main Lady / Daily Life of the Mistress
C499 completed on Asianovel (fully translated)
Original Novel Rec
RUYI by harui30
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Completed c133 on Wattpad
Genre: Historical/Romance/Josei/Mature
A deeply emotional historical romance set in Ancient China that takes you through a slow burn of complex relationships. While it doesn’t offer a picture-perfect romance, the flawed but compelling characters make for an unforgettable read. It’s brilliantly written with a level of depth that draws you in and holds you tight.
Though the relationship isn’t ideal or healthy, the story feels real, raw, and undeniably heartfelt. With over 20 million reads, it’s far from a hidden gem—more like a well-known treasure in the vast sea of Wattpad stories. Wattpad has its more than its fair share of poor stories (an understatement), but RUYI proves there’s still hope for real literary gems on the platform.
Translated Novel not on NU
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Marrying the Eldest Brother of My Deceased Husband After Rebirth by 藤鹿山
重生后嫁给亡夫他大哥 (original title)
Completed c115 (till c107 on Asianovel, rest mtl)
I loved this one. It’s a forbidden romance trope executed impeccably with high emotional stakes grounded in social tension. Not only that, it’s a slow-burn romance that respects the internal logic of the world. It’s a love story that challenges—not ignores—cultural morality. The ML is reserved and his restraint is heartbreakingly honest. The FL has this quiet power, seemingly weak but not meek. The relationship isn’t rushed or justified away with tropes. Every small moment—a glance, a subtle act of care, a boundary pushed—feels like a thread unraveling in a tightly bound life. The romance becomes a slow, smouldering war between desire and duty—intimate, layered, and deeply human.
The novel respects the era’s constraints—rituals, hierarchy, public reputation. Yet the characters feel modern in emotional intelligence: they reflect, hesitate, question themselves, and grow. The author takes a deeply repressive, rule-bound historical world and injects it with high emotional stakes, psychological complexity, and taboo-breaking intimacy. It’s not without flaws, and towards the end it drags a little, but overall it’s quite a treat to read.
Translated Novel Not on NU
# Politeness Like Ice by 宁寗
C86 completed On Asianovel
Angsty, misunderstood trope. Not bad. Probably what they call chasing wife crematorium trope? Flawed but readable and enjoyable enough.
Translated Novel not on NU
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Daily Life of Farming in Time-Travel to Qing Dynasty by 迷途未返
C155 completed on Asianovel
A cute, slice-of-life farming life of the Fifth Prince’s Consort during Kangxi reign. Fun to read. The ML is such a green flag and MC’s personality is lively. Would definitely recommend. I think I have a soft spot for this era.