Scraping by in the Great Tang
在大唐苟活
- Status
- Ongoing
- Length
- 2.2M Words
- Genre
- Historical
- Subgenre
- Historical & Ancient
- Updated
- 13h ago
- English
- Request a translation
Synopsis
Stats
More by this author
In booklists 108
See all
Looking for High-Quality Alternate-History Novels
For example, the Qin and Tang dynasties.
My Favorite Historical Novel on Tomato Novel
I'm looking for books like Taking Another Name in Langya. Transmigration isn't a dinner party; it's a deadly game at every turn. The plot should be vivid and interesting, with side characters who are smart. The protagonist should slaughter their way through life-or-death situations. It should be historically accurate, with a natural romance.
High-Quality Alternate-History Fiction
Wuxia, not xianxia. The protagonist should be a skilled fighter, and it shouldn't be some brainless power fantasy.
Historical Fiction That Feels Realistic
No System, and nothing about The Legend of Qin. Just straight historical fiction.
I Can't Get Through Anything on the Book Charts. Please Recommend Some Good Reads
Dali, stop pushing those urea bags. I've read too much vulgar stuff lately and want something more refined.
I Just Can't Get Through the Books on the Charts!
Come on, share your hidden gems! I can't take it anymore, there's nothing to read. I'm currently following nine ongoing books at once!
Looking for Good Historical Fiction Recommendations!
Anything set in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the Qin and Han dynasties, the Three Kingdoms and Wei-Jin eras, the Tang or Song dynasties, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, or the Ming and Qing dynasties. I'll take anything!
Meticulously Researched Historical Fiction
A twisting, suspenseful plot, a protagonist who's not an idiot, and something I can learn from while reading. Ideally, it should be close to real history.
I Absolutely Love Funny Historical Transmigration Stories! Y∩__∩y
Any Historical or Ancient-Setting Novels Rated 9.5 or Higher?
Looking for books similar to "I Am the Tyrant of the Ming Dynasty". A modern person transmigrates into the Chongzhen Emperor's body, building a powerful nation through technology and political maneuvering. A rousing, wish-fulfillment story.
Looking for Superbly Written Historical Novels!
I've read The Chief Ministers, A Scholar of Superior Character, A First-Rank Official, A Generation's Military Advisor, The Son-in-Law, The Beauty of the Rivers and Mountains, The Unification of the Mountains and Rivers, I Picked Up Qin Shi Huang, The End of Song, New Song, and Joy of Life. Are there any similar novels with a highly intelligent protagonist who plans everything in advance?
Looking for Historical Novels About Someone Who Transmigrates, No System
No System, please. Ideally, the protagonist keeps a low profile and builds up their strength early on.
Transmigrate With Modern Technology to Develop the Ancient World
Any stories where the protagonist transmigrates to ancient times and uses modern technology to develop agriculture, reform commerce, and build industry?
Honestly, Li Qiu Is Absolutely Unmatched in Tang Dynasty Stories
The way he portrays Changsun Wuji is so true to life. He's an uncle who serves his country, its people, his family, and his clan. This is the most realistic portrayal of Chancellor Changsun I've ever seen.
The Best Historical Novels From Every Dynasty
Preferably a book rated above 9.
I'm a Veteran Reader, and My Reading List Is Running Dry
I don't want stories with cringeworthy plots. I like urban stories, transmigration, System, quick transmigration, male protagonists, villains, behind-the-scenes masterminds, lords, showbiz, rebirth, urban fantasy, history, games and anime, protagonists transmigrating into animals and getting livestreamed, and livestreaming.
Brilliant Historical Fiction, Rated 9 or Higher, Meticulously Researched, with a Down-to-Earth Protagonist
I've read a lot of stories like this, even some highly rated ones, but their protagonists all seem to have an arrogant, godlike perspective. Since they know how things unfold and how they end, they spoil everything for the locals and act smug about it. It's really uncomfortable, and they show no respect for history.
What’s the Most Popular Historical Novel on Tomato Novel?
I want something like Claiming the Surname Zhuge: Vast Heavens, Rebuild the Han Dynasty!
Classic, Engaging, No Idiotic Characters, No System, No Showing Off. Anything Else Goes
I don't want that kind of simplistic, amateurish novel.
Seasoned Readers, Come On In and Swap Book Recommendations
For the most demanding readers suffering from a book drought. Beginners, stay away.
Historical Novels Set in the Early Tang or Early Ming, or in an Alternate World. No Bureaucrats
Looking for books like "The Poor Scholar’s Family Ruined by His Profligacy". I want someone who uses all kinds of modern knowledge to live well, but doesn’t become an official. Ideally, he’s skilled in both civil and martial arts, defeats the enemy, then retires to a secluded life. No System stories, no cultivation stories!!!!
High-Quality Alternate-History Fiction
Court politics, the martial world, wuxia, political intrigue, romance...
Looking for Historical Fiction, Nothing Stupid
High-IQ Alternate History, Complete!!!
In same booklists
I Decide My Own Fate: The Legend of Ge Hong
Great Song: Genghis Khan and I Are Brothers
Tales from the Northern Frontier
Unifying the Six Kingdoms in One Lifetime: A Master Plan for the World
A Twin-Fish Pendant Carries a Soul: I Cultivate Immortality with a Loan Shark System
No Good at Letters or Martial Arts, Yet Princesses Flock to Me
Transmigrated as the Crown Prince at the End of the Ming Dynasty: I’m Starting a Rebellion
Sui-Tang: I’m the Carefree Young Lord, and My Wife’s Death Made Me Invincible
If You Lived in Ancient Times: Experience Life in Every Role
I’m Huang Chao, Li Shimin’s Official Roasted Sweet Potato Manager
Prince of Yan of the Great Tang: I Am Wu Zetian's Most Beloved Son
Great Tang: I Turned into an Egg from the Start
Zhang Jiuling, Chancellor of the Tang Dynasty
Great Ming: The Empire’s Glory Shines Across the Globe
I Am Compiling the Yongle Encyclopedia in the Ming Dynasty
I Transmigrate to the Great Tang as a Young Taoist
Zhang Koukou Transmigrates to the Great Tang
I Became an Emperor for the Ages by Slacking Off
A Happy Little Family in the Zhenguan Era of the Tang Dynasty
A General's Grudge
Reader comments 62
Google Translate
Honestly, the character design and writing style are refreshing. Although the template is somewhat common, it has a unique flavor. The socially awkward character is just my cup of tea. I hope there are many female confidantes for the main character!
A person who is introverted and socially awkward gradually changes themselves and adapts to this era. It's quite a story, progressing step by step. I wonder if there's a romantic pairing? I feel like no pairing is better! [Requesting more updates!]
It's quite good, but I can't handle romance, so I only watched up to the part where Cheng Yaojin and the others are preparing to arrange a marriage for the protagonist. The beginning was alright, although there were a few illogical parts, but nothing too serious. I just loved watching the protagonist show off; since he's time-traveled, of course he has to put on a big show. The author's adaptation of the poems was also quite good, fitting the context well.
The Tang Dynasty novel is quite well-written. While the rhinoceros girl is gone, some characters still need to be addressed—that's unavoidable. The strengths are obvious: the characters are distinct and developing, and the dialogue is well-written. There are some weaknesses; a few errors are indeed lacking, but they are minor. Some details need more time to be refined.
I've read the latest chapter, and I feel the protagonist's change in mindset is quite helpless, yet I can also understand his frustration at not knowing when he'll be able to avenge that bully brother. It infuriates me, but I can also understand; it's unavoidable. I'm looking forward to the future developments. Overall, it's a very good story, and I'm also really eager to see the protagonist get married.
Having read over 100 chapters, let me share my thoughts. The protagonist is an extremely withdrawn person whose goal is simply to survive. However, in my opinion, "surviving" isn't quite accurate. Surviving means living a lowly and oppressed life. The protagonist already holds a noble title and has caught Li Shimin's eye; it seems abnormal for someone like him to still pursue such a life.
"Surviving in the Tang Dynasty: A Strand of Mustard Seeds" isn't one of those formulaic storylines. It has fresh elements, making it watchable. As for the characters, the protagonist is a true example of social anxiety—yes, a somewhat pathological kind. So while the characters are much more vivid, it's hard to empathize with them, and the reading experience feels somewhat uninspired. For me, I'd give it four to four and a half stars. It should be a good story.
This is my first review, so I'm not sure how to put it. I've just read up to chapter ten. In summary, the writing is clear and the characters are vividly portrayed. Most importantly, the details are described very vividly. My current rating is a bit low, but personally, I think it's on par with *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*.
The writing is good, I admit. It's rare to find a novel with such good writing on Tomato's site, but why is the rating so low? Most of Tomato's novels are the same old thing, so finding one with this kind of writing is quite a treat.
Having read up to chapter 255, the characters are well-developed, the plot unfolds logically, and I'm enjoying it. Five stars. I rarely read this far in one go; I usually give up after chapter 100. This book has a unique writing style. I think this is exactly how an ordinary person's transmigration should be. Having read up to chapter 342, the content is getting a bit draggy.