Top 20 Best Rural Romance Novels

"The Return of the Heiress" is a highly successful novel by author Thập Tam Xuân, which was even adapted into a popular TV series in China with a massive following. The story follows the journey of 'Cinderella' Thẩm Trường Thanh, who seeks revenge after being cruelly betrayed by her stepmother and stepsister, resulting in her untimely death. Fate gives her a second chance at life, but instead of returning to her previous life as a puppet princess, she decides to take control of her own destiny. She will seek justice with her own hands against those who wronged her. In her past life, her mother died under false accusations, and she fell into traps set by her father and stepmother. Her childhood sweetheart was seduced by her stepsister. Now, in this new life, she is determined to reclaim everything. But the man she once ignored in her previous life…

The protagonist, a wise, strong, and determined woman who continuously strives to improve herself, is brilliantly crafted by Thập Tam Xuân with sharp and captivating writing. The plot is exciting, unique, and incredibly gripping, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

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'Red Silk' is a beautiful work by author Trầm Nhược Thư, perfect for readers who enjoy rural-themed stories but prefer a shorter length, as it only contains 17 chapters. The writing style is simple yet deeply reflective, offering a soothing, almost ethereal experience. It's a gentle and unpretentious story, like breathing in the fresh air of a quiet, pristine world. The female protagonist is an ordinary young woman, who is heartbroken after her childhood love abandons her for a wealthy noblewoman. She holds no anger or resentment; she only wishes to ask him one question: 'Why?' Fate then leads her to become the second wife of her former lover's brother, the young master of the Vân family.

At first, there is no love between them. The young master gives her a title but remains distant. Over time, however, they begin to develop feelings for each other, and their relationship turns into genuine love. The story ends on a happy note, leaving readers with a feeling of contentment. After finishing the novel, you'll feel as if you're standing amidst vast autumn forests, breathing in the fresh air, smelling the scent of chrysanthemums in the wind, and watching vibrant red maple leaves fall around you. It's a truly wonderful story.

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'The Tea Fragrance of Prosperity' is another captivating work by Thập Tam Xuân. The author’s smooth and immersive writing style enhances this rural fiction, filled with family drama, noble feuds, and the transformation of an ordinary girl into someone remarkable. The story follows the female protagonist who travels back in time and becomes a maidservant in a family of merchants renowned for their tea business. The male protagonist is born deaf and mute. To preserve the family legacy, his mother arranges a marriage between him and the maid, who becomes his wife.

The female lead is intelligent, cheerful, and optimistic. Even when faced with difficulties, she never loses hope and continuously strives for happiness, not just for herself, but for those she cares about. While the novel is lengthy and can feel somewhat drawn out, the author’s elegant writing ensures that it never becomes tiresome. This work is considered one of Thập Tam Xuân's most notable creations.

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'The Wealthy Daughter-in-Law' is another famous work by author Thập Tam Xuân. The story spans a long 252 chapters, plus two side stories, and has a style similar to 'The Tea Fragrance of Prosperity.' It's hard to classify this as a rural romance, but the plot revolves around a girl who dies and reincarnates into the body of a wealthy family's daughter-in-law. She falls in love with the husband of the woman whose body she inhabits. From overcoming emotional struggles, personality clashes, and the presence of his child from a previous marriage, they gradually come to accept and love one another. Midway through the story, just when it seems a happy ending is in sight, the female protagonist dies again. Normally, such a death would mark the end of the story, but here, the protagonist reincarnates once more into a different body, returning to find her husband and child, this time in a poor, struggling condition. The novel is full of unexpected twists and turns, and while it may feel long, it's not boring—this one is definitely for readers with patience.

What makes the story stand out is the author's skillful blending of intertwined scenarios and the spiritual connections between characters. Several emotional moments will touch the reader's heart, especially with the male lead's unwavering loyalty. In the third life of the female protagonist, her stubbornness causes pain for the male lead, who, despite loving the same person across different lives, struggles with the guilt of thinking he’s betraying his deceased wife.

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'The Rural Life of Tình Nhi' is a quintessential rural romance, written by the author Ngàn Năm Thư Nhất Đồng. While the story is compelling, one drawback is its length—spanning over 530 chapters. The pacing is slow and gentle, filled with warmth and tranquility, like the steady breath of life. There is no intense drama or conflict. In many genres, the story might have concluded with the couple's happy life together, but in this case, the author continues the tale, exploring the female protagonist's life as she has her fifth child, the growth of her children, and even the eventual marriage of her youngest daughter.

Despite its length, this novel is much shorter than 'Rebirth of the Young Landlord,' which exceeds 1000 chapters. The female lead in this story is intelligent, always cheerful and optimistic, and relentlessly pursues happiness for herself and her family. The novel highlights the warmth of family love—between parents and children, siblings, and husband and wife.

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'The Ancient Marriage Trial' is an intriguing tale by author Tử Y 281. The story starts as a classic rural drama, transitions into family conflicts, and later touches on the affairs of the imperial court. Although the ending is positive and fulfilling, it lacks the charm of the earlier chapters. This novel can be categorized as a blend of rural drama, family disputes, and political intrigue.

The story follows the heroine, who is reborn as the daughter of a poor farming family. Her family is so impoverished that their house consists of only four walls. Her sister-in-law is greedy and cruel, while her brother is weak and indecisive. Forced into becoming a concubine in a wealthy household, she decides to take matters into her own hands by seeking a responsible man who might either join her in a partnership or prove to be unworthy. Should she marry into wealth as a concubine, or stay with the poor as a wife? The protagonist is clever, strong-willed, and adept at standing up for herself, living by the motto 'live and let live,' but when someone wrongs her, she ensures they face consequences.

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This story is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of landscapes that allow readers to almost visualize the scenes themselves. Initially, the narrative is captivating, but as the story progresses, it becomes somewhat drawn-out and begins to lose some of its earlier charm.

The plot follows a girl who travels back in time and becomes Cúc Hoa, the 'ugly' daughter of a farming family. Unconcerned by the disdain or pity from those around her, she flourishes like a wild chrysanthemum, quietly blooming in an isolated corner. The heroine lives a simple, humble life, slowly proving her worth and waiting for love to come in its own time. Her journey is one of self-growth, as she rises above her circumstances on her own terms, silently growing and patiently awaiting her future.

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This is one of the popular works by the author Quan Tâm Tắc Loạn. The story follows the journey of the heroine, Diêu Y Y, who travels back in time and becomes Thịnh Minh Lan, the Sixth Young Lady of the Thịnh family. Upon her arrival in this new life, her biological mother is tragically murdered. Initially, she lacks the will to live, feeling completely defeated, but as she is embraced by the warm affection of her grandmother and elder sister, she slowly regains her strength and zest for life.

The heroine is not an extraordinary genius or a woman with supernatural powers. She is fully aware of her limitations and humble origins, always cautious and taking careful steps in life. It is only when she becomes the wife of the male lead that she truly begins to live authentically. The atmosphere of the story is not heavy or filled with intense rivalry like in other novels. Instead, it is light, serene, and beautifully depicted from the heroine’s unique perspective. The plot focuses not on violent struggles but on the warmth of family bonds, including those between grandmother and granddaughter, siblings, and husband and wife.

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"Life in the Northern Song Dynasty" by author A Muội spans 265 chapters and 3 side stories, which is relatively short compared to other works in the rural genre. The story follows the protagonist, Lâm Y, who is reborn into the life of a rural girl promised to marry the second son of the Zhang family. However, after the death of her parents, she must seek refuge at the home of the male lead, where his mother wants to break off the engagement and treats her like a maid. Gradually, she accumulates the resources to build her own future, taking careful steps towards a life she desires, finding love and happiness along the way.

The heroine is intelligent, capable, and quick-witted, able to seize opportunities and has a somewhat strong, independent spirit. She believes her fate lies in her own hands. The male lead is gentle, adores his wife, and may be the ultimate 'husband servant', but he also brings much charm to the story. The plot follows the couple from their childhood to marriage, childbirth, and their children growing up. The story is slow-paced, warm, and full of humor.

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"Back to 1981" by author Tú Cẩm blends several genres, including time travel, rebirth, fantasy, rural life, and detective fiction. Although it is a mix of genres, the story is structured clearly, so it doesn't confuse the reader. The rural life elements are prominent in the first half, where the author takes great care in detailing them, but as the plot progresses, the story shifts to a different genre, losing its pure rural life focus. This shift, along with a faster-paced narrative in the latter parts, is a bit of a drawback.

If you're tired of the usual historical time-travel stories filled with noble ladies, royal intrigue, and endless power struggles, then you should give "Back to 1981" a try. The story follows Kim Minh Viễn, a cold-blooded criminal who committed a series of murders, but whose tragic past holds deep secrets. His life on Earth is merely a trial for a god from the heavens. The Heavenly Court decides to send Chung Tuệ Tuệ back to 1981 to alter his fate, preventing a bloodbath and ultimately saving Minh Viễn's soul. Tuệ Tuệ, a modern-day woman, is chosen as a collaborator by the heavens, tasked with fixing the chaos in the mortal realm where the gods cannot directly intervene. Curious to see how this unfolds? It's an unusual and fresh story that's worth reading.

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"Ancient Healing" by Thanh Ca Nhất Phiến consists of 64 chapters. If you enjoyed "Beast" by Ngô Niệm, this novel will likely captivate you as well. While many heroines in time-travel novels find themselves in ancient times, often landing in the Warring States period like the character Ngọc Thị Xuân Thu, or in fantastical worlds like in "Beast", the heroine in this story finds herself thrown into the prehistoric era. The story earns extra points for how it vividly portrays the struggle and disorientation of a modern woman adapting to the primitive, survivalist life of early humans.

The female lead and male lead meet under the most unusual of circumstances: the female lead is treated as prey by the male lead, creating a huge divide between their cultures, lifestyles, and even language. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the female protagonist is resilient, adapting and fighting for survival in a harsh environment. The male lead is strong, loyal, and deeply in love with her. He even risks being cast out from his tribe — one of the most severe punishments in those times — for her sake. Together, they face the cruelty of nature, battle evil forces, and work to build a warm and prosperous family.

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"The Life of a Farmer After Time Travel" by Chu Tứ Tứ is a pure example of rural life in time-travel fiction. The protagonist, Đường Hà, is a second-born daughter in a family of three siblings. As a child, she narrowly avoided being sold as a servant, which made her determined to work hard, fearing that she could be sold again one day. She is dearly loved by her parents and brothers, and her character is gentle, cheerful, and pleasant to everyone around her, though she is also firm and decisive when needed.

Unlike other heroines in time-travel stories who become brilliant or heroic figures, Đường Hà is perfectly ordinary. She doesn’t use her modern knowledge to enrich herself or save kingdoms, nor does she become a fierce woman or a saintly figure. She does everything from farming, gathering tubers, washing clothes, to disposing of chamber pots. She truly lives the life of a humble farmer's wife. The male lead, also a farmer, lives a similarly simple life. Their daily existence revolves around household chores, with the man plowing the fields and the woman weaving fabric. Their lives are peaceful, sometimes happy, sometimes troubled. The story moves slowly, focusing on the difference in mindset between modern and ancient people. Although it doesn’t have many thrilling moments, it’s still captivating. The depiction of their love is sweet and tender. However, some parts of the story delve too much into character introspection, which can make it feel long-winded and repetitive, tempting readers to skim through.

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This charming and sweet story by the author Duyệt Vi is a delightful mix of emotions. At first glance, it seems like it would be full of angst, but it’s actually filled with sweetness. What seems humorous at times carries an underlying seriousness, and though it might appear boring, it’s unexpectedly captivating.

The plot follows the female lead, the eldest daughter of the Yến family, who is neglected by both her stepmother and biological father. Eventually, she is married off to the Third Young Master of the Trấn Quốc family, a man born with a mental disability. Her husband, Đông Phương Manh, is outwardly perfect—rich, with loving and protective parents and siblings who treat him like a treasure—but his one flaw is his mental incapacity. Despite this, he is incredibly endearing and listens only to his wife. She, instead of feeling burdened by his condition, cherishes and loves him deeply, patiently teaching him little by little, helping him grow and mature over time.

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"The Beautiful Farmer Girl" by author Quả Vô is a pure rural story, centered on farming, weaving, and the everyday life of villagers. The writing is smooth and genuine, vividly depicting the picturesque rural landscapes and the hardships of rural living. The female protagonist, in her past life, was neglected by her parents. After traveling through time, she finds herself in a similarly unfortunate situation, married to a poor farmer, whom the entire village looks down upon. Her parents, indifferent and greedy, sell her off to her husband.

Village life is not only about poverty and hard labor, but it is also full of rumors and gossip. Despite this, the couple's life slowly improves, and they become happier together. The female protagonist isn't exceptionally gifted but is strong-willed and persistent, gradually helping her husband fit into the village life. The male lead loves and cherishes her deeply. The story spans 259 chapters and 7 side stories, so if you have the time, give it a try.

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"The Struggles of a Widow" by Thanh Phong Noãn is a short yet impactful novel, with only 35 chapters and one side story. The protagonist, Quế Thanh Thanh, is an 18-year-old girl who has already experienced the loss of a husband. In her past life, after the death of her husband and son, her family sold her as a concubine to a wealthy household.

Her ten years as a concubine were filled with misery. In the end, she was falsely accused by the first wife, and her second husband’s men beat her to death after she called her son “mother.” Wracked with anger and regret, Quế Thanh Thanh is reborn with a chance to rewrite her fate. Armed with knowledge of the future, she makes a bold decision at a crossroads in her life: she agrees to marry Lý Tùng, the elder brother of her second husband, who is the male lead of this story.

Lý Tùng is far from the usual male leads in stories. He is a fierce man with a deep scar on his face, and his past is anything but glamorous. He left home at 15, surviving the harsh realities of the world, and returned to his village as a composed and shrewd man. Quế Thanh Thanh, having lived through her own hardships, is no longer the naive village girl. She has become clever and mature. With Lý Tùng's help, she uncovers the secrets of her mother’s past and begins to reunite with her long-lost family. Fueled by the injustice of her former life, Quế Thanh Thanh takes calculated steps to destroy Tống Tử Kiều’s life and family. While "The Struggles of a Widow" has a lighter tone, it still offers plenty of suspenseful and exciting moments.

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The story of "The Engagement" is written in a beautifully smooth, classic Vietnamese style. The protagonist, in her past life, faced countless hardships. Her life was filled with sorrow: the death of her child, the abandonment by her husband, deceit from her in-laws, and a tragic end when she was driven to suicide by the chaos of war. However, fate was not done with her. She is reborn ten years earlier, with the opportunity to rewrite her future. Determined to change her destiny, she rises from the ashes of her old life, facing her family, her in-laws, and a tumultuous future.

The story contains many family conflicts and schemes. The heroine finds herself once again entangled in the same fate she faced in her past life, but this time, there is a much happier ending. As the story progresses, the heroine begins to unravel the mysteries that troubled her in her previous life, realizing that the so-called truth is only a partial truth—what she believed to be the truth may not be the whole story. Although there are 476 chapters, each is relatively short, making this an engaging read. Give it a try; it’s definitely worth it!

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If you're tired of the same old palace dramas about the Qing Dynasty, especially the ones centered around Emperor Yongzheng like "Scarlet Heart" and "The Legend of Zhen Huan," then "The Deepest Heart" is the refreshing change you need. This light-hearted, humorous story from start to finish brings a breath of fresh air with its unique, rural charm.

The story follows a young concubine who is abandoned in the secluded estate of Prince Yongzheng, who was then only the Fourth Prince. The twist comes when she is transported back in time to the very moment when she is about to give birth. Realizing her situation, she calmly decides to go ahead and give birth. Nhan Tzu La, the main character, may seem simple and naïve at first glance, but she is optimistic and possesses an uncanny ability to understand human nature. She believes that love is like a poison: once consumed, there's no turning back. Her mantra is: "Why be sad? It’s poison! If he poisons someone else, I should be glad, right?" The supporting characters are equally charming and endearing.

While the novel does include some sorrowful moments, the story never reaches the intense drama and bloodshed of other historical fiction. In fact, the story ends just before the brutal betrayals between the Aisin Gioro brothers occur. This abrupt ending might leave readers feeling a little empty, and in the latter part of the book, it feels as though the author tried to stretch the plot, which remains funny but doesn’t hold the same charm as earlier chapters.

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"Rebirth of the Little Landlord" by Nhuoc Nhan is a story set in a pure rural ancient world, depicting the simple life of farming. The novel paints a vivid picture of the hardworking life on the fields, tending to crops and livestock, and the humble but heartwarming family meals. It feels so real, as though you are witnessing it firsthand rather than just reading. However, this book requires patience as it spans over 1,000 chapters, with many sections dedicated to small, everyday details. Despite this, the author’s smooth and captivating writing makes it a rewarding read for those willing to invest time.

The female protagonist is intelligent, mature, and composed. She isn't exceptionally beautiful or talented; she’s a simple village girl who strives to improve her family’s life. The male protagonist watches her grow and gradually, step by step, falls in love with her. Overall, "Rebirth of the Little Landlord" is a refreshing and worthwhile read, perfect for those who want a new experience in romance novels.

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If "Rebirth of the Little Landlord" isn’t to your taste, you might find yourself captivated by "The Clan’s Teachings" by Vu Cuu Hoa. This is a prime example of rural fiction mixed with family drama and strong female protagonists. The story follows an unfortunate female physician who, after transmigrating, becomes the second daughter of the Li family. She only desires a peaceful and happy life, but fate leads her to an unfortunate marriage – becoming the substitute bride to ward off evil spirits in place of the legitimate daughter. From there, she embarks on her medical career, seeking happiness for herself.

The plot revolves around the wealthy and powerful Xiao family, spanning several generations living together. Within the family, countless conflicts arise daily – between wives and concubines, between legitimate and illegitimate children, and between first and second daughters. It’s like a long-running drama series, full of gossip, outrageous antics, and the greedy nature of the wealthy. The female protagonist is clever, strong-willed, and constantly striving to improve her situation for the sake of her own happiness. Despite being nearly 300 chapters long, the story remains engaging and intense without feeling draggy or tiresome.

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"The Second Daughter" by author Bat Du Vinh Tieu Ngu is a captivating rural drama story with elements of family rivalry. The protagonist comes from a humble background and is constantly bullied by her stepmother and older sister. Despite these hardships, she is clever, resourceful, and rises above her circumstances. The male lead is a strikingly handsome and impressive figure, though he is physically disabled due to a childhood injury. However, he is highly intelligent, skilled in martial arts, and only pretends to be naive.

The couple’s relationship is remarkably harmonious. They marry at 15 and 17, respectively, and quickly fall in love. Together, they face and fight against the challenges life throws at them. This is a must-read rural fiction that you won’t want to miss.

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