Bloodiest, most tragic prelude I've ever read. Be warned, Jiang Ruan is not a good person, she's fueled by hate and she came back for... more>> revenge. But her past is so terrible you can't blame her for being cruel.  I love her schemes because she has to fight her way to the top to really destroy her main enemy, the prince she loved in her previous life. She's initially an unfavored di daughter with no backing or resources so it's amazing to see her grow in power after she took so many risks for it. Luring the prey into a trap is her modus operandi, using people's psyche against them. ML is a cold assassin wanye, he's gentle and respectful when it comes to her so I approve. I like this ending better than Malicious Empress which was written by the same author. <<less

For once, the setting is not the capital. Ren Yaoqi did suffer a lot in the first life but later she found a good master... more>> and was living a quiet life. When she was reborn, her objective wasn't revenge but rather saving her father, mother and stubborn sister from their tragic fates. Her own fate was barely an afterthought. She had a hard time because they didn't have any status in the family and everything was decided by her greedy, utilitarian grandparents. So, she could only manipulate the events from outside. The downfall of the Ren family was bound to happen so she secretly delved into politics and schemed to find a way out for the people she loved. ML is great, he is a gentle scholar type who's secretly the mastermind of the most powerful family in the region (His father is a prince or fief's king, I think), she offers him a mutual benefit deal and he's curious about such a sly boudoir girl so he helps her with some info sometimes. It seems he just likes her company because she's smart and like-minded, he often calls her using his sister as excuse to not harm her reputation, which backfires because his sister and FL become best friends. They are definitely friends to lovers trope, it feels natural and they respect each other. I liked the way the ML made sure she wouldn't suffer from the marriage, even made preparations so they'd be a good match in status and ensured she'd have backing from his mother in backyard matters. <<less

Chen Yujin is an unique protagonist. She said it herself: "I love money and power and cannot see myself struggling with some man in poverty." She's originally proud, selfish, ambitious and duplicitous. Nobody ever loved her or treated her with sincerity so she only loves herself and learned to manipulate others to her benefit. She worked hard for a perfect reputation so she could obtain a rich life. ... more>>

Our story begins with a dream about a future where she married a marquis and had a bad ending thanks to her sister's involvement. Now, she's determined to get the outstanding life she deserved. In her eyes, marriage is an investment and she's looking for the best, most glorious option.  She approaches the ML, her nominal ninth uncle whose secret identity is the crown prince, to use him to approach good husband candidates. It makes for funny scenes when the ML falls for her but she's driving him crazy with her schemes to plot for a marriage with other men. When they get married, they are an united front and have great communication. I really like the slice-of-life vibre the author manages to interwine with all the scheming and politics. My favorite practical, ambitious couple. <<less

Lu Mingyu would have been the greatest female general, daughter of a general family and born with super strength. Sadly, women weren't allowed to go... more>> to the battlefield. In her first life, she married the like-minded, militarly talented third prince. Unlike other previous life ML's here, he did love her. It's just that he didn't love her enough to protect her from his wretched mother, pe*verted little brother and his own ego. The result was tragic. After rebirth, she just wanted to protect her family (great dad, loveable adopted siblings). However, she wasn't the only one reborn. Someone she had harmed for the benefit of the third prince came back to claim debts. So, she felt guilty and married the crown prince, the big debt collector. She's very tough and stubborn so she ends up being a pillar of strength in the palace. Powerful military FL x gentle book-smart ML. FL is the one that saves the day most of the time. <<less

 Xuelu is an unrepentant green tea with her own bottom lines. She's smart enough to calculate benefits and proper connections without abusing the feelings or... more>> trust of others. Heart-warming, realistic family dynamics with her siblings. The romance is not that big but it is okay, sweet enough. Sly green tea x shy blushing scientist. <<less

No revenge. Light scheming. Top "good" people in this list. Dandy boy x miss perfect. Richest merchant's son and unfavored daughter who disliked each other ended... more>> up married because of a joke and misunderstanding. They make do, start as allies supporting each other. Then chaos of the change of dynasty breaks out and they are forced to flee and go through a lot of hardships (persecution, famine, war, floods) as they try to climb high enough in ranks (ML) and money (FL) to be safer and protect the common people. FL is capable of scheming but prefers solving problems with money. Romance is slow burn and subtle but their bond is impressive. For God's sake, ML fed FL his blood to keep her alive when they were starving refugees. <<less