The First-Rank Power Minister

Looking for a Smart, Rational Political Intrigue Novel

No dumbed-down characters, and no using political scheming as a cover for romance. I want a broader scope.

Looking for Great Alternate-History Novels with a Vast World and an Ensemble Cast

Hurry up and post some, so I can see how many ensemble-cast books Tomato has.

Looking for Ancient-Era Political Scheming With a Male Lead and No Romance, Preferably With a Logical Plot

I want books like "". This no-romance setup is so satisfying. One-sided crushes are fine, since I can ship whoever I want. It could be a court-politics story where a strategist puts himself into the game, or a prince's coming-of-age story with family affection woven into all the power plays. Ah, perfect! Please recommend some.

Transmigrating as a Scholar and Working His Way Through the Imperial Exams

Looking for a story where the protagonist studies, draws on poetry and literature from past lives, passes the imperial examinations, and rises through the ranks. Some fantasy elements are fine too. Thanks!

Looking for Completed Historical Novels

Looking for books like My Grandfather Is Zhu Yuanzhang. I have pretty high standards: I won't read anything with a System, or stories where the transmigrated character is in a hopeless situation later on, like transmigrating as Chongzhen in the sixteenth year of his reign, or Dong Zhuo moving the capital to Chang'an. It's not that I don't believe the protagonist can turn things around, but I just feel...

Alternate-History Stories About Political Scheming and Conquest

Please, Political Intrigue

Any good political intrigue stories? I want excellent writing and that tense, ambiguous push and pull as the protagonist works their way up step by step.