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)
7 18312 84
61 Followers
Sherlocked
Created: Jan 31st, 2025, Updated: May 29th, 2025
Created Jan 31st, 2025
Updated May 29th, 2025
CN (3.6)
103 Chapters Every 7.3 Day(s) 1160 Readers 20 Reviews 03-07-2025
Underrated. (like I honestly don’t understand why the rating is so low)... more>>
CN (4.5)
189 Chapters Every 9.3 Day(s) 1877 Readers 18 Reviews 03-12-2025
“Life is like navigating a boat—unpredictable, uncertain. What we can control is not the course of the waters but who we choose to share the journey with.”... more>>
CN (3.9)
76 Chapters Every 1.8 Day(s) 293 Readers 1 Reviews 06-12-2025
Ongoing raws. C102 on Asianovel. Don't bother with the tl links provided on NU.... more>>
CN (4.7)
113 Chapters Every 3.1 Day(s) 979 Readers 11 Reviews 05-27-2025
This novel isn’t doing anything totally new with its plot, but the way it’s written really makes it stand out. The romance is slow and tender, but that’s exactly what kept me hooked—it’s gripping without being rushed. While the brand of seduction presented isn’t new, the way it’s portrayed really worked for me—well balanced, especially how it weaves light smut in a way that artfully avoids censorship. It’s just the right amount of subtly explicit to be artful. ... more>>
CN (3.7)
173 Chapters Every 2.8 Day(s) 687 Readers 6 Reviews 05-17-2025
Underrated. ... more>>
CN (4.3)
85 Chapters Every 20.8 Day(s) 2185 Readers 22 Reviews 08-28-2024
"He was a very honest butterfly who hardly dared to flap his wings, so where did all these changes come from?!" ~ The Seventh Prince... more>>
CN (3.5)
8 Chapters Every 13 Day(s) 141 Readers 1 Reviews 06-01-2025
Definitely a hidden gem (or should I say pearl?)... more>>
CN (4.4)
122 Chapters Every 1.3 Day(s) 411 Readers 7 Reviews 06-09-2025
The author said that every time she finishes a book, it feels like she’s lived another life—and honestly, I feel the same way. This book was such a journey. It reminded me a little of The Job of an Imperial Concubine (though this time, it’s the Empress), but the tone and approach are actually quite different. ... more>>
CN (4.2)
85 Chapters Every 12.9 Day(s) 480 Readers 5 Reviews 12-15-2024
The bickering rapport between the main leads is absolute gold—witty, charming, and endlessly entertaining. I loved their dynamic; it’s rare to see such natural chemistry written so well. This novel is a true gem that keeps you smiling from beginning to end. The humor is sharp without ever being crass, striking just the right balance. The ML is downright lovable, and I adored the FL’s temperament. Honestly, the entire story is masterfully crafted. The plot may be simple at its core but the execution just drips finesse. It doesn’t just exceed expectations but goes above and beyond them.... more>>
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Comments (7)
Post Reply Cancel
  1. Sherlocked
    Sherlocked· Author · Apr 25, 2025 09:50 AM

    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. 

    Reply · 1 Like · ·
  2. Sherlocked
    Sherlocked· Author · Apr 22, 2025 12:53 PM

    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. 

    Reply · 1 Like · ·
  3. Sherlocked
    Sherlocked· Author · Apr 17, 2025 11:31 AM

    Translated Novel Not on NU

    Daily life of the Main Lady / Daily Life of the Mistress

    C499 completed on Asianovel (fully translated)

    Not your standard historical ancient China novel. Doesn’t follow conventional tropes. No romance. Fun at beginning but draggy af after the middle. Would recommend just for the concept alone though. This novel is truly realistic in its expectations (or lack of them) of ancient men.


    Reply · 1 Like · ·
  4. Sherlocked
    Sherlocked· Author · Apr 28, 2025 03:02 PM

    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.

    Reply · ·
  5. Sherlocked
    Sherlocked· Author · Apr 21, 2025 11:26 AM

    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. 

    Reply · ·
  6. Sherlocked
    Sherlocked· Author · Apr 17, 2025 11:37 AM

    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. 

    Reply · ·
  7. Sherlocked
    Sherlocked· Author · Apr 17, 2025 11:34 AM

    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. 

    Reply · ·