good protagonists, development and expansion of the plot well executed, the romance in many cases is in the background, but it is of quality

Novels that (imo) were/are binge worthy and worthy of re-reading cause they're just THAT good! 

These ancient Chinese historical stories not only have a satisfying romance (thus far), but they also include plots of politics and other deep topics (such as social commentary). Most* of these also have good/excellent translations and writing! Notes are included to highlight what I like (and don't exactly like) about each title. All of these have female protagonists. Most stories are either completely translated or have regular updates. List is more or less in order of what I like the most and find most fun to read, all the way down to ones that don't entice strong reactions for me but I like them enough to list them.... more>>

*There is at least one title on this list that I have dropped. I have noted it, but still left it as is I liked the first part of the novel well-enough to warrant a place on this list. There are at least two MTL'ed stories on this list as well. <<less

United we stand, divided we fall. Power duos that change the fate of the nation... and even the heavens. 

https://forum.novelupdates.com/blogs/ancient-times.4152/... more>>

I advise all those who like Chinese history to read these articles

https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/culture/article/3016607/history-of-the-forbidden-city/index.html?src=arcade
#Ancient China

Imperial court/Imperial harem/Wuxia-Jianghu/Murim/daily life in ancient timesFengshui

The four arts (四藝, siyi), or the four arts of the Chinese scholar, were the four main academic and artistic accomplishments required of the aristocratic ancient Chinese scholar-gentleman. They are qin (the guqin, a stringed instrument, 琴), qi (the strategy game of Go, 棋), shu (Chinese calligraphy, 書) and hua (Chinese painting, 畫), and are also referred to by listing all four: 琴棋書畫; qínqíshūhuà.

“ 男子有德便是才，女子無才便是德 ”    “Men’s talent lies in his virtue, women’s virtue lies in her not showing off her talent”
#Ancient Japan
manga de yomu genji monogatari -> Manga "Tale of Genji"

Another favorite manga ->   fushigi no kuni no bird   or  Isabella Bird in Wonderland

Introduction to yokai -> http://yokai.com/introduction/ <<less

Novels which are an AMAZING read. May involve a lot of face slapping , scheming and manipulative characters

List of good books with independent, badass females or female in male body. A protagonist that needs no man but can have one if they... more>> want to lol. Dm me if you know any books I can add to the list (so I can read those too hehe) <<less

Hi! These are some of my favorite transmigration/rebirth/romance novels which all I had finished reading. My favorite novels are To Be A Virtuous Wife, Eight... more>> Treasures Trousseau and Rebirth of the Malicious Empress. Enjoy!<3 (*3*) <<less

Some BL novels, which I think are worth reading.... more>>

Some I've read but it's mostly To Read. <<less

MCs who found they have reincarnated as emperors or rulers of kingdoms. ... more>>

This does not include reincarnating as princes, princesses, or officials <<less

Just a bunch of random stuff I read when I'm not busy. They are rank the same way like resent read or history but not... more>> precise as I've been using Novelupdates for many years without an acc.  <<less

Fighting against their families, society, and rulers. Uncovering massive conspiracies and decades old schemes. Changing the fates of dynasties, countries, and worlds. ... more>>

These protagonists, whether of their own volition or through the will of others, are caught up in plots both petty and paramount, and use their wits to turn tables, take revenge, and survive. 

Any kind of world, and any gender and sexuality, as long as it involves scheming. Updated as I read, and please feel free to recommend additions in the comments.  <<less

novels that I really like. reason: interesting plot, lovable character, or fluffy and funny scenes.

[For untranslated CN novel suggestions, please refer to the Comment Section of this list]... more>>

Romance novels that will make you reconsider the pre-established order of things, that shine by their realism, that demand that you acknowledge cannon fodders, that hinder you in condemning villains. <<less

Historical novels that would maybe...
...make your blood boil;
...make you vomit blood.... more>>

These novels BLAZE... they are good.

*Sorted by completion/translations "from newest to oldest" <<less

Typically includes:... more>>

- Political Plotting

- Schemes 

- Strong Female Lead

-Overly Perfect Male lead  <<less

These are straight novels in which the male lead experiences at least half of the story as weak strategist (smart enough to conquer an army,... more>> but doesn't have enough muscle to win in a brawl). Please advise if there are any misses. <<less

Bah, is the title something long? Does it sound like cheap advertising? Don't be fooled, this is not a trap!  You will find on this... more>> list several Male Gods preaching their goodwill and their righteousness in their breadth of interpretations of different characters! Ditch that cheap male ...!Ah ..... does this include .... reincarnation? Transmigration? Time and space travel? Cultivation? Magic? Fantasy? Politics? Different times? Supernatural? Culture? Food? 'Breeding'? System? Romance? 'entertainment'? ¿Entrepreneurial business?  Counter attack? OCC?Yup, and not only that. The 'performer' starts with a blank character or rebuilds either villain, minor character, extra cannon character and even a f*cking male character to confront and combat fate and be ...A good ... father ... husband ... brother ... grandson .... filial son ... friend ... and maybe more ...?! in short a Male God loved by the Heavens!Although there is someone who appears to be a bad man but is a bread of God!Warning: The list is in 'process'. It should be remembered that some are abandoned or slow... Although please respect the rhythm of translations and be grateful to the respective translator. Also not all of us have the same tastes when it comes to good reading, don't blame the translator or the same author! But I assure you that it will be a good read even for lovers of anguish and drama (or who like the world on fire)! <<less

Political intrigue with romance on sidelines but no Harem. Check comments section for untranslated suggestions. You can read the raws for them. All are HE. 

No description.

Just to keep track of what I’ve already read

These are the bl novels that i'm excited to read or currently reading. The one i definetly recommend is 2ha and Qiang Jin Jiu! Beware... more>> that 2ha is more angsty than HOB and Qiang Jin Jiu is Enemies to Lovers with a political plot but protagonists do share the same loneliness. <<less

No description.

A few ancient Chinese novels whose heroines I am quite fond of. Mostly calm, smart, and reasonable women who are not overpowered. Most of these webnovels... more>> also have minimal angst. I also have untranslated suggestions in the comments. <<less

Whether I actually rec these or not will be in the list comments. Most of these are reads to pass the time (but do I read em anyway? of course!)... more>>

5/5 - Faves, actually enjoy, transcend the genre, would reread.

4/5 - Enjoyable enough, fun ride, fluff, hidden gem.

3/5 - Not astounding, but some moments of joy.

2/5 - I'm still reading this for whatever reason??

1/5 - Gave up, just not my thing, get outta here.  <<less