Political Intrigue, Political Intrigue! Any Stories That Test Your Wits? Come and Put Me Through the Wringer ･᷄Ὢ･᷅ 权谋权谋，拼智商的有木有，快来虐我･᷄ὢ･᷅

1. 1 开 From the Start, I Revealed the Achievements of Ancient Emperors and Stunned the Emperors 开局曝光古人皇功业，惊呆皇帝们 Trainee001练习生001Historical4.3M WordsOngoing [Historical retrospectives] + [a commoner's view of history] + [spoilers in the comments] + [emperors goofing around] + [A complete run-through of Chinese history from the Yan and Huang emperors, starting with the Shang] Chen Yong was hired to make a series of historical retrospectives. He planned to start with the Shang dynasty. To set his videos apart from the many others, he decided to follow standard historical methodology. Source priority: archaeological artifacts > official histories > 76kReads9.0Score5.3kShelves

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   The book analyzes the power struggles and intrigues of the imperial court, especially the first one, which will overturn your view of history. Even the author's analysis may be incomprehensible to you. Of course, the author's statements are not necessarily entirely accurate; it offers a unique perspective on history. In terms of power struggles alone, it's arguably the pinnacle of historical understanding.

2. 2 大 Great Ming: I Told You to Hang Yourself, Not Rebuild the Ming Dynasty 大明：让你上吊，没让你重建大明 Tiger of Fire vvvv火之虎vvvvHistorical3.0M WordsCompleted He opens his eyes on the eve of the Jiashen upheaval. Li Zicheng has already breached Beijing, the Manchus beyond the passes are eyeing the capital, and court officials are closing in to force the issue. Faced with a nightmare from the start, what should the Chongzhen Emperor do… This work’s style: history as its bones, art as its wings. It respects real history and does not rewrite established events, using artistic storytelling to fill the regrets history left behind. A note for readers: This 5.7kReads8.9Score478Shelves
3. 3 被 After Being Kidnapped, I Kidnap the Western Regions' Young Lord and Bring Him Back to the Central Plains 被拐后，我反拐西域少主回中原 Thousand Threads of Intrigue千丝戏Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Young lord of the Western Regions × Princess of Sheng'an] Ye Zhaoyu was born into the imperial family. She figured she'd surely been dealt the pampered darling's script in life, so she wisely decided to coast. But she never expected to take a wrong turn and be kidnapped to the Western Regions. By a stroke of bad luck, she was sent to the bed of a deranged young lord known as a demon's lair and a living Shura. She immediately switched into survival-and-escape mode, determined to flee back to the 8.4kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves

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   The noble Princess Sheng'an, after being abducted to the Western Regions, eventually abducts the ruler of the Western Regions and brings him back to the Central Plains. This book is excellent; the writing is superb, the logic is clear, and from the very first chapter, a grand chess game unfolds (the young princess is the biggest piece in this game from the very beginning). Later, Sheng'an realizes everything and decides not to be content with being second best, becoming empress and establishing a three-way balance of power, bringing peace and prosperity to the nation. Of course, there are many unresolved issues, but the author thoughtfully provides epilogues that give happy endings to each one. However, by the end, you might feel a little sorry for the heroine. She was initially pampered by her uncle, but also manipulated by him throughout her life. She was like the moon in the sky, yet in the end, she had to grow up. She is resolute, brave, and possesses a delicate heart. Of course, this is just my opinion; this book is truly excellent and worth reading for many.

4. 4 升 Climbing the Ranks and Proving the Way 升官证道 Bao Erri鲍尔日Urban2.1M WordsCompleted Synopsis: Lu Haoming's son-in-law said, “At government offices in the city, reaching director-general level is already the ceiling for people from farming families like us.” Lu Haoming refuses to believe it. The road to office is beset by countless obstacles. He's too handsome, attracting one beauty after another, and his outspoken nature brings him repeated setbacks. Watch how he breaks through and rises straight to the top. 89.6kReads9.5Score10.1kShelves

   Reader note

   Let's look at these two books first. After reading them, don't say your IQ and EQ haven't improved! 😀

5. 5 我 The Villain in My Story Is Carrying Out a Forced Happy Ending 我笔下的反派正在执行强制HE The Snail Is Very Lazy蜗牛很懒Modern Romance450k WordsCompleted [Dark healing + mild horror and thrills + suspenseful romance that's easy to follow + chaste male lead] Lu Zhaozhao, a suspense novelist, created an extraordinarily cruel villain with her own hands. He's handsome and elegant, exceptionally intelligent, and obsessed with cruelly hunting his victims and turning them into specimens that will last forever. She used to complain that the scenes she wrote weren't bloody or terrifying enough. Until... The dark, damp basement, hundreds of jars filled wit 6kReads9.1Score855Shelves

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   Check this out! An unexpected twist! Guess who the final boss is! [Smirk]

6. 6 官 Officialdom Is Like a Chess Game 官场如棋 Bao Erri鲍尔日Urban2.5M WordsCompleted There is no straight road through life, especially when it comes to being an official. Hao Xiaodong spent many years navigating the political arena before gradually understanding its many hidden rules. Now, following his novel The Way to Promotion, a new story is here for readers. Join us as we witness another kind of life in the world of officialdom. 34kReads9.2Score4.4kShelves
7. 7 官 The Road to Officialdom: One Text Message Changes My Fate 官途：一条短信改变命运 The Mortal World Is Too Weary红尘太累Urban1.7M WordsOngoing A breakup text quietly rewrites the career trajectory of a young official. In the world of politics, every step forward or back involves both calculations of the human heart and contests of power. Standing at a crossroads in his life, Li Anping takes his first steady step... 270.5kReads8.8Score26.9kShelves

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   I strongly suspect the author himself works within the system, and is at least a section chief or higher. The system's structure is complete and realistic. The logic is clear, unpretentious, and free of superstition. A highly recommended book.

8. 8 南 South Branches Toward Dusk, The Regent Has Been Plotting This for Ages 南枝向晚，摄政王他蓄谋已久 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance726k WordsCompleted [Just received a rating] Complete ◎ [Revenge after being reborn + mastery of medicine and poison + powerful leads who cherish each other + everyone’s a schemer + palace intrigue and political machinations] Important: No stupid villains. Everyone has eight hundred tricks up their sleeve, and the battle of wits is at its peak! In her previous life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s family, was blind to the truth. She used a forbidden technique to save a scumbag man, dr 22.4kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

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   A female-centric power struggle novel, everyone is cunning and scheming, a top-tier battle of wits ◔.̮◔✧. Completed, Rebirth and Revenge + Healing and Poisoning Mastery + Two Strong Couples Mutual Pampering + Everyone is Cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence, everyone is cunning and scheming, a peak battle of wits! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, was blinded and used forbidden techniques to save her scumbag husband, exhausting her life force. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled healing and poisoning skills, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and invincible ruler, was suffering from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi threw down the antidote, her voice cold and arrogant: "I will extend Your Highness's life. Lend me your blade to slaughter all the demons and monsters, how about it?" The world believed that the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the palm of the living devil. Only when powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, did everyone realize with horror—the seemingly weak Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a female Zhuge Liang who controlled the world with flawless tactics! She and he entrusted their lives to each other, slaying gods and demons alike, manipulating the entire court with ease! When the bloody path was cleaved through, the world was at peace. The ruthless regent, who struck fear into the hearts of all under heaven, shed his menacing aura and held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and hoarse with madness: "Zhizhi, the realm is settled. This vast and beautiful land is my dowry; when will you finally give me a title?!" —A ruthless and decisive medical and poison queen × A crazed regent who bows down to her; together, they join forces to slaughter all demons and monsters!

9. 9 死 The Dead: Samsara Sacrifice Game 死者：轮回祭杀游戏 Listening to the Wind by the Water水边听风Mystery207k WordsCompleted [Twists and Deception + Squid Game + Class Division] (Short title: Dead Man's Game. A first full-length novel packed with thrilling battles of wits. Watch the protagonist turn the tables.) “How can there be fairness in the six paths of reincarnation? Ordinary people are nothing but playthings of the Grim Reaper. The end of life is set from birth, and death is already decided.” 8Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This is insane, everyone's gone mad, hahaha... It's hilarious! [Eating melon seeds][eating melon seeds]

10. 10 十EN Ten Days to the End 十日终焉 Pest Control Team Member杀虫队队员Mystery3.2M WordsCompleted 2024 Tomato Novel Annual Peak Rankings TOP 1 | 2024 China Online Literature Influence List | 2024 China Good Novel Award | Over 2 million copies sold (No harem, no formulaic tropes, no invincibility, no System, no mindless antics, no wish fulfillment. Read with caution if these bother you.) Just when I thought it was an ordinary day, I discovered I had been captured and taken to the End. Just when I thought I could escape by continually taking part in death games, people began awakening supernat 1.7MReads9.9Score209.2kShelves
11. 11 太 The Crown Prince Is a Treasure Trove, but She Flirts and Runs 太子浑身是宝，但她撩完就跑 Nine Strokes, Then a Horizontal Line九笔横才Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Clever revenge + ensemble court drama + male lead fakes his death and reveals his identity, then goes mad + heroine is his one true love] [Power couple comedy | Strategic mind games | All the right ingredients | Fictional setting] Axiang, a huntress, bought herself a live-in husband. He was handsome, with a fine figure and a noble, radiant air, like an immortal crane descended from the heavens, or a jade-faced gentleman from a storybook. But he had no idea how to show affection. When she offer 1.5kReads9.2Score178Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is amazing!! A historical romance with political intrigue! The plot unfolds layer by layer, each twist and turn perfectly linked! The convergence of the main and supporting storylines is truly breathtaking! The female lead is a master strategist with unparalleled wisdom. The villains are not unintelligent, and the female supporting characters don't engage in cutthroat competition. A must-read!!

12. 12 做 Be a Concubine? You're Not Worthy! I'll Find a Better Match, and You'll Beg Me to Stay 做妾？你也配？另谋高嫁你下跪 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted This book is now available as a full-cast audio drama, and it’s hilarious! Give it a listen! [Hilarious Transmigration + Medical Space + Sweet, Satisfying Romance + Power Struggles + Palace and Household Intrigue + Mutual Devotion and Strength] A genius in medicine and poison transmigrates to ancient times with a medical space. She wakes up in a coffin, only to have a bewitching man try to steal it? Her ex-husband favors his concubine, abuses his wife, and shamelessly claims her dowry? Her fathe 5.6kReads8.9Score556Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of political intrigue, sharp wit, and sweet, humorous romance.

13. 13 岁 Spring's Joy, Year After Year 岁岁春欢 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance669k WordsCompleted [The print edition of Years of Spring Joy is now available on all platforms] [Heroine and scumbag reborn + male lead transmigrates + mutual salvation + play the pig to eat the tiger] At seventeen, Shen Jiasui married Lu Yunzheng. The Shen and Lu families were both military dynasties, making them a formidable match. Two years into their marriage, Lu Yunzheng defeated the enemy kingdom and won renown across the land. But the Shen family was condemned for treason and executed to the last member. On 266.5kReads9.6Score31.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Come on, this political intrigue novel features two intelligent protagonists, a plot with numerous interconnected events and foreshadowing, and the author's writing is superb, with a very delicate touch.

14. 14 陪 On the Night of My Burial, I Brought the God of War Prince Back from the Dead 陪葬夜，我让战神王爷起死回生 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors" Animated adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors: The Prince’s Beloved" [Hilarious + Transmigration + Sweet romance + Obsessive love + Devoted pairing + Imperial physician heroine + Palace and household intrigue + Inspirational] I was a military doctor with a PhD when I transmigrated, only to find myself about to be buried alive as a sacrifice for the dead God of War, the Prince? I grabbed the burial offerings and ran, planning to live in luxu 20.6kReads9.3Score2.4kShelves
15. 15 爆 Hilarious Mind Reading: The Prince Eats Gossip Until He Throws Up 爆笑读心术，王爷吃瓜吃到吐 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance452k WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: The Hilarious Mind-Reading Art: The Prince Laughs at Gossip Until He Chokes Manhua adaptation: The Princess's Inner Thoughts Are Full of Gossip, and the Prince Is Hooked; The Princess's Inner Thoughts Can't Be Hidden [Historical fantasy + mind-reading + gossip System + silly comedy + System space + sweet romance + feel-good revenge + transmigration to an alternate world + palace and household intrigue + devoted and powerful couple + marriage before love + healing a posses 23.7kReads9.1Score2kShelves
16. 16 恶 The Villainess Has Too Many Secret Identities, and the Cold-Faced Regent Has Fallen for Her 恶女她马甲太多，冷面摄政王栽了 Doudou from Zhongyue Province中月省的逗逗Ancient Romance140k WordsOngoing [Female-led power fantasy + high-IQ political scheming + multiple secret identities + everyone is a schemer + powerful leads flirting with each other + a battle of wits at the highest level] Everyone lamented that Ruan Zhaowei, the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's household, was a sickly young woman who had to catch her breath after every three steps. Her fiance thought her life was too fragile and she was useless, so he teamed up with her transmigrated half-sister to call off the engagem 1.8kReads—Score367Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended!

17. 17 复 Revenge Rises Again 复仇卷土重来 Rousseau's Forest Cabin卢梭的森林小屋Mystery213k WordsCompleted [Plot-driven + no System + brain-teasing + suspense + two equally formidable leads + immersive atmosphere + ruthless and decisive] Lawyer Caitlin discovers that she has become a pawn in someone else’s game and is now being hunted. Thinking that all she needs to do to escape is uncover the truth, she soon realizes she has stepped into an even deeper trap. A sharp blade points at her throat: Who are you? Who am I? And who is he? Just when she thinks true love has finally arrived, everything begins 1Reads6.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book tests your intelligence; if you're not quick-witted, you won't be able to keep up with the author's pace. The second book tests your thinking skills; if your human nature is unstable, you won't be able to keep up with the pursuit of profit.

18. 18 明 A History of the Ming Palace 明代宫闱史 Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical734k WordsCompleted Venture deep into the palace to explore the love and hatred between emperors and their consorts; delve into history and discover the twists and turns of feudal dynasties. Understand this series, and you understand the palace. Understand the palace, and you understand history. Understand history, and the realities of the world become clear. Palace romances are an important branch of traditional historical fiction. 40.9kReads9.6Score710Shelves

    Reader note

    Top-tier historical writers with high IQs

19. 19 神 The Master Thief Detective Files 神偷探案录 Wei Yu卫雨Martial Arts316k WordsCompleted [Adorable Thief VS Scheming Detective] Qingbao, a young thief who roams the martial world with carefree joy, accidentally crosses paths with Lin Zhao, the handsome, sharp-eyed chief of the Chaqiu Bureau, a sly and sinister man. She is forced to put her peerless lightness skills, pickpocketing, and lockpicking to work for him. The two become partners and join forces to solve cases. Qingbao discovers that Lin Zhao has been struck by a strange poison and that his past is shrouded in mystery. Meanwh 794Reads9.4Score155Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm always amazed by the female lead's intelligence. These female leads are so smart and capable, not saintly, and they don't rely on the male lead. They achieve success step by step through their own hard work!

20. 20 重 Reborn: I Flirted the Gloomy Regent into a Daze 重生后，阴鸷摄政王被我撩晕了 Heart Yearning for Gardenias心向往栀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted "Print edition available for preorder October 24 at 7 p.m.!" "Black Lotus Beauty of a Princess & the Grim, Ruthless Regent" [Two Powerful Leads + Sweet Romance + Devoted Couple + Putting Scumbags in Their Place] Zhixian was the sharpest blade at the side of the Third Prince of Nanzhao, eliminating every obstacle in his bid for the throne. But on the day he was named crown prince, she met her end. "Zhixian, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for knowing too much." Xuan Yuan Heng wiped t 33.7kReads9.3Score3.4kShelves
21. 21 红 Secret Records Behind the Red Walls: A Complete History of China's Unofficial Past, Unabridged 红墙秘录：中国野史大全（无删节完整版） Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical2.7M WordsCompleted This complete collection is like a secret key unlocking the hidden chambers of China's imperial past, guiding readers into shadowy corners that official histories leave shrouded in secrecy. From the ancient legends of Unofficial History of the Xia and Shang to the imperial passions and court intrigues of The History of the Imperial Harem in the Song Dynasty, The History of the Imperial Harem in the Ming Dynasty, and Unofficial History of the Yuan Dynasty; from the extravagant excesses of The Ero 1.6kReads9.3Score256Shelves
22. 22 穿 The Book Transmigrator Tears into the Reborn Woman, Even Ripping Out Her Hair Ornaments 穿书女手撕重生女，头花都扯掉了 Camellias and Wine茶花与酒Ancient Romance507k WordsCompleted (Don’t worry about the rating. New books have few readers at first, but it will rise.) [A transmigrated woman takes on a reborn woman] [Fictional ancient setting, no need to nitpick] Gu Qingli transmigrated into a satisfying revenge novel about a woman reborn. She wasn’t the heroine, but the wicked supporting character who had killed her, and the first person the heroine would take revenge on after being reborn. Gu Qingli herself had been born into a political family. She was gentle, quiet, an 12.7kReads8.9Score965Shelves
23. 23 穿 Reborn as the Empress Dowager, I Just Want to Take It Easy 穿成太后只想咸鱼 Fei Xi妃玺Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted “Pay attention: this is a story with a strong female lead, no male lead, and no romance.” After transmigrating, she became the most exalted woman in Yun Zhao. She thought she could live a carefree life of wealth and luxury, but danger closed in from every side, with pitfalls everywhere. It was not just her reputation at stake, but her life. The emperor dreams of ruling in his own right? Here, take the imperial seal. Go play by yourself, kid! The consorts are fighting for power in the palace? Tos 15.2kReads9.2Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    This is absolutely brilliant; you never know when he's set a trap.

24. 24 宋 The History of the Song Dynasty’s Imperial Court 宋代宫闱史 Xu Muxi许慕羲Historical607k WordsCompleted Drawing on official histories, unofficial accounts, and folk legends, this work offers a profound portrayal of the emperor's emotional world alongside a detailed depiction of life in the palace. It vividly recreates the lives of emperors and empresses in the secluded inner palace, while also offering readers interested in history clues to follow. 2.5kReads9.4Score321Shelves

    Reader note

    For political intrigue, one should look to Chinese history and literature.

25. 25 长 The Grand Princess Knocked the Transmigrator's Head Clean Off 长公主把穿越女头都打飞了 Camellias and Wine茶花与酒Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted Her younger brother brought home a woman who had transmigrated, and from then on he became a lovesick fool... The transmigrator could recite poetry, knew military strategy, and could make explosives. Her brother loved her to the point of obsession. The younger brother who had always respected her poisoned himself, surrendered his power, and even gave up the throne for that woman. Reborn, she thought, a lovesick fool? No problem. I'll make sure you two are stuck together forever. An ungrateful, i 1.8kReads8.5Score230Shelves
26. 26 中 Party Struggles Throughout Chinese History 中国历代党争 Wang Tongling王桐龄Historical151k WordsCompleted Chinese Factional Struggles Through the Ages is a history of power struggles between factions, between factions and imperial authority, and between individuals. Using strategy as its thread and history as its fabric, it recounts a host of tangled stories. Covering three thousand years of factional strife, from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods through the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the book details major events, rises and falls, triumphs and humiliations, and 302Reads7.7Score100Shelves
27. 27 生 No Hope of Survival 生还无期 Young Master Changle长乐公子Mystery1.3M WordsCompleted [No CP, No Female Lead] + [Infinite Deaths and Resurrections] + [Superpower Awakening] + [Mind Games and Strategy] + [Ensemble Cast] + [Life in Review] The keywords of this book are “human nature,” “death games,” and “setting traps.” The thirteen characters who appear from the start all play important roles! Each has a distinct personality, and every one of them will have a major part to play later in the story. This book also features endless deaths, so if that’s not your thing, please read wit 8kReads9.3Score813Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm speechless. Zuo Tang lured his teammates into the dark room right at the start and killed them twice! Zuo Tang: When I get ruthless, I even fool myself! [Facepalm] 🔥🔥🔥

28. 28 隋 The Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties: Complete, Edited Edition 隋唐演义-精编完整版 Chu Renhuo褚人获Historical617k WordsCompleted An epic tale of heroes rising amid chaos. Qin Qiong sells his horse, revealing a hero at the end of his rope; Cheng Yaojin robs the imperial tribute convoy, showing off his street smarts; and Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate Incident reshapes the course of history. Blending the official historical record with folk storytelling, it weaves a legendary tale steeped in history and the spirit of the jianghu. 757Reads9.6Score—Shelves
29. 29 说 I Was Supposed to Be Reborn, But Is This a Mission Anyone Can Accept? 说好的重生，这任务是人能接的？ Cabbage Needs Boiling白菜要开水煮Mystery141k WordsOngoing (No System, not invincible, no mindless power fantasy. Read with caution if that bothers you.) I died for no apparent reason, only to discover I still had a chance to be reborn. When I embarked on a series of challenges, hoping to make my way back by overcoming them one by one, I realized this path was doomed to fail. I have no interest in becoming a lofty god. All I want is to return to the world I came from… 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I absolutely have to recommend this book; the protagonist's intelligence is truly impressive! I was stumped by the very first challenge in the first few chapters. I thought I had guessed correctly, but it turned out I was on the third level while the protagonist was in the atmosphere!

30. 30 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 108.1kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Truly amazing! This is the most intellectually stimulating and enjoyable novel I've read on Tomato. Both the protagonist and the antagonist are incredibly intelligent. Watching the brilliant and intense strategic battles between Lü and Xie was a real brain-teasing experience, and the witty language keeps the reader hooked. In short, "Awesome!!!"

31. 31 官 Officialdom: Starting by Slapping My Boss Twice 官锋：从打领导两巴掌开始 Little Lotus Breeze小荷风Urban1.4M WordsOngoing Made the scapegoat from the start? Pushed to the margins, with my future and my life ruined? Fine, I’ll remember this. There’s plenty of time to settle the score. My girlfriend breaks up with me, and my love life falls apart. What was I even here for? Fine, I’ll set you free. Don’t regret it. I turn around with power in my hands and return. Li Rui laughs aloud. Those who hurt and slandered me will all pay the price. 31.2kReads8.3Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend reading these two novels about officialdom; they're incredibly immersive, especially the first one, where the author's live-action narration is fantastic.

32. 32 主 The Mistress's Daily Life 主母日常 Zhou Dabai周大白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [An Aristocratic Lady Tears Apart a Transmigrator + Reborn + An Idyllic, Leisurely Life as the Mistress of an Ancient Estate] Lu Lingjun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, were both reborn. In their previous lives, Lu Lingjun married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her younger sister married the heir to a marquis’s estate. Everyone said her sister had made the better match. But who could have guessed that Lu Lingjun’s husband would become the prime minister and sec 23.8kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Lü Songli: Transmigrated into the body of the male protagonist's cannon fodder first wife in a novel, a calm and clear-headed "black lotus." In the original story, her husband Xie Zhan was stolen by her best friend Zhao Yutan, causing her to die of anger. After transmigrating, she decisively abandoned the scumbag and chose to marry the villainous general Qin Sheng, using a strategy of retreat to advance, step by step, ultimately defying fate.

33. 33 官 The Road to Power: A Clash of Ambition and Desire 官途从权欲交锋开始 Little Lotus Breeze小荷风Urban1.7M WordsOngoing [Political Revenge] + [Career Advancement] + [Alliances of Mutual Interest] + [Romantic Entanglements] + [Political Scheming and Wits] + [Multiple Heroines] + [Ensemble Cast] [The male lead keeps a low profile without being creepy early on, reveals his sharp edge with a roguish charm in the middle, and takes revenge on all his enemies later.] Wang Maoyuan is a "golden phoenix" who flew out of the countryside. The year he graduated from college, he passed the civil service exam and joined the la 17.1kReads7.7Score1.1kShelves
34. 34 这 This Prince Has Gone Mad. Why Would You Provoke Him? 这皇子都疯了，你惹他干嘛？ Before the Wind Rises风未起Historical4.0M WordsCompleted [No System + High-Stakes Scheming + Laying Low to Build Strength + Logical Plot + Brains and Brawn + Suspense + Ancient Espionage] His mother consort dies suddenly of an illness. His older brother dies mysteriously in battle. All his backers are gone!! His father distrusts him, and his other brothers all want him dead! Not a single court official is on his side? In that case, he has no choice but to carve out a path to survival from between the cracks! After transmigrating to another world, he b 62.3kReads8.8Score5.1kShelves

    Reader note

    💥, This is an incredibly entertaining historical comedy. The first book is about the Eighth Prince of the Great Yan Kingdom, a fool? I transmigrated? Transmigrated into the body of a fool! Damn it. Realizing his precarious situation, Xiao Wanping immediately made a decision: continue to feign madness and develop stealthily, otherwise he would inevitably become the target of everyone's criticism. With military power in hand, I have the world! Yes, I must seize power, military power! Whether it's to the Eastern or Northern border! In short, I must find a way to leave the capital, Xingyang City, without making a sound. 💥, The second book is about the original owner, the Sixth Prince of the Great Xia Dynasty. As the imperial edict stated: uneducated in both literature and martial arts, weak by nature, with no redeeming qualities other than good looks and a large stature, plagued by various vices. Last night, the original owner was invited to a banquet at the Fifth Prince's house and got very drunk. But to say that he disrespected his elder brother's fiancée, Zhen Shi, is absolutely untrue! Even after drinking, he would never dare to disrespect Zhen Shi. Clearly, this was a setup, a scheme designed to kill the original owner! However, the mastermind overestimated the original owner's weakness… After drinking too much, he simply passed out, allowing Zhou Che, who had transmigrated from another world, to take over his body. 💥, The third book, exposing layers of darkness, a desperate counterattack, thrilling, and mind-bending.

35. 35 请 Your Highness, Go to Your Death! 请皇兄，赴死！ Brew Little Wine煮小酒Historical1.1M WordsOngoing Zhou Che is reborn as the sixth prince of Great Xia, but his five elder brothers keep closing in on him. They want to strip me of my claim to the throne! They want to confiscate what little my family has left! They want to take the woman I love and kill me! If that’s how it is “If you, my brothers, can kill your own kin, why can’t I?” “If you can fight for the realm, why can’t I?” “You all think yourselves capable. What makes me any less so?!” Zhou Che rises with his sword drawn. “Your sixth bro 31.3kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves
36. 36 逆 Hilda's Comeback 逆袭的希尔达 Ruthless Slacker无情摸鱼怪Female-Channel Fanfiction329k WordsOngoing [No CP + A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) + Not a wish-fulfillment story] She is a bastard daughter from White Harbor whose surname was erased, but by a twist of fate, she catches a glimpse of the truth about her birth. She enters King's Landing with a dagger forged from steel, only to experience the cruelest betrayal beneath the shadow of the Iron Throne. Follow Hilda as she perseveres through adversity and grows amid the chaos of war, changing the fate laid out for her as a bastard. 2Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The title "Power and Schemes" immediately brought this book to mind. It's a Game of Thrones fanfiction, featuring a female protagonist with no romantic pairing. It's not mindless wish-fulfillment; the female lead's gradual growth and rise to power is very engaging.

37. 37 重 Reborn in 1993: Dark Sea 重生1993，暗海 The Gods Want to Go Wild神想出去浪Urban1.9M WordsCompleted The physical edition of Wrathful Sea, Calm the Abyss is now available. Presales officially begin at 19:00 on October 11. [Reborn] [Mystery] [Undercover Agent] [Revenge] [Anti-Drug Operations] [Counterespionage] The golden finger is extremely weak, and he relies on his own abilities. This is a battle of wits between highly intelligent opponents, so you need to keep your brain switched on. There is no showing off and face-slapping! Ideal for veteran readers. If you understand it, you'll find it ve 258.2kReads9.6Score30.8kShelves
38. 38 癫EN What the Heck! Everyone Around Me Is Completely Nuts! 癫！孤身边全是神经病！ Wen Yuan Party文元党Ancient Romance764k WordsCompleted Born a crown prince, Qi Yuanzuo was convinced that he was the only normal person in the imperial family. Little did he know what the Crown Prince looked like to outsiders: At seven, he shot a tiger and won nine hundred kilometers of territory in the Qilian Mountains. At thirteen, he cut through the great clans of Jiangnan and personally orchestrated the Case of the Ninety-Seven Mourning Robes, stepping over piles of corpses to claim the throne. At fifteen, he gambled on the Qilian Mountains once 54.9kReads9.5Score7.1kShelves

    Reader note

    His Highness the Crown Prince's cunning is beyond our comprehension; he manipulates everyone around him. [Cool]

39. 39 皇 The Emperor's Gold Medal County Magistrate 皇家金牌县令 Noodle King Zai板面王仔Historical2.7M WordsCompleted [Farming + lighthearted fun + transmigration] Fang Zhengyi transmigrates to the Great Jing dynasty and becomes a county magistrate. After seven years of work, he has created his own earthly paradise. He’d planned to live out his days as a carefree little emperor. In the thirteenth year of the Jinghe era, the emperor of Great Jing travels incognito and accidentally wanders into Taoyuan County... The moment the emperor enters the county, he is astonished! The many strange and wondrous things leave 230.3kReads9.5Score28.7kShelves
40. 40 医 The Poisoned Doctor Consort: Crown Prince, Don’t Be Afraid of Me 医妃有毒,禁欲太子别害怕 Mo Qianchang墨千裳Ancient Romance2.3M WordsCompleted Yan Weichi, a forensic doctor who possessed a rare treasure, accidentally transmigrated. With a knife in her left hand, she could speak up for the dead; with a needle in her right, she could treat the living. She could do business with both the living and the dead! Yan Weichi: With my skills, won't I thrive in ancient times? Men? What's a man? Men only slow down how fast I can draw my blade. Oh, handsome men are the exception! Shangguan Xi, the most handsome man in the land and the Crown Prince 30.6kReads9.3Score4.1kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all excellent books featuring mind-bending plots and political intrigue, especially the one about the Xie family.

41. 41 帝 The Empire's First Prince Consort 帝国第一驸马 Heavenly Fragrant Eyes天香瞳Historical4.4M WordsCompleted [New book release: The Rebellious Son Is Invincible, the final installment of the Empire Trilogy] Guan Ning transmigrates, hoping to live a carefree life of wine, women, and luxury as a young prince. Instead, he becomes a prince consort whose engagement has been broken off. Rumor has it that no dynasty can last more than 300 years. The Great Kang Dynasty is at that very threshold: a golden age is in turmoil, loyal ministers are being persecuted, and an age of chaos is about to begin. He will top 113.8kReads9.1Score10.6kShelves
42. 42 赐 A Marriage Decree for the Short-Lived Prince? The Reborn Empress Shows No Mercy Night After Night 赐婚短命皇子？重生娘娘夜夜无情 Phoenix Rules the Land凤点江山Ancient Romance418k WordsCompleted [Strong female lead + decisive and ruthless + secret identities + medical skills + reborn + punishing scoundrels + the fate of the nation] The emperor decrees a marriage: He Yunxi, eldest daughter of the mighty Marquis Wu, is to marry the sickly, short-lived prince Xuanyuan Jin. On their wedding day, a vicious old matron, acting on the empress’s orders, deliberately tries to put her in her place by forcing her to walk across red-hot iron plates. He Yunxi makes the wicked matron demonstrate how t 12.4kReads9.3Score1.4kShelves
43. 43 废 The Useless Prince: Why Are You Forcing Me to Become Emperor? 废物皇子：为何要逼我做皇帝？ The Wind of the 80s80年代的风Historical4.0M WordsCompleted He is the empire’s useless prince! But his own father, the emperor, wants him dead. The crown prince wants him dead. His brothers all want him dead. Even the most beautiful woman under heaven wants him dead! To survive, he trains an invincible army and builds a hidden paradise. He brings the Hundred Schools of Thought to heel, drawing capable ministers, mighty generals, and reclusive masters from every corner of the land to his side. All the beauties under heaven dream of becoming his bride. Ami 84.3kReads9.3Score8.5kShelves
44. 44 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 124.4kReads9.7Score14.2kShelves
45. 45 寒 The Day the Frozen Coffin Knocks on the Capital’s Gates, the Reborn Female General Slaughters the Phoenix Clan and Her Kin 寒棺叩京日，重生女将屠凤灭族亲 Hua Yue Ming花月冥Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Historical intrigue + strong female lead + dark, unhinged characters + handsome men + reborn revenge + redemption] When the new emperor ascended the throne, my mother beat the grievance drum and accused me of murdering my siblings, stealing their achievements, and basking in imperial favor. The new emperor, who had once called me his brother, sentenced me to be sliced to death. My younger sister tore out my tongue, and my stepson severed the tendons in my hands and feet. But even those 3,312 cu 19.9kReads7.9Score3.3kShelves
46. 46 龙 The Dragon Rises in Jinling: Reviving the Tang Dynasty for Five Hundred Years 龙起金陵，再续大唐五百年 Guest at the Deer’s Call鹿鸣客Historical163k WordsOngoing “The emperor in Chang’an, the army of the Wei residence.” The Wei residence’s household troops had become a thing of the past beneath the executioner’s blade, while the emperor in Chang’an lived in constant fear amid troubles both within and without. Does an emperor have some special birthright? Whoever commands the strongest troops and finest horses becomes emperor! Flames raged everywhere. Looking across the land, the Tang was now divided among rival regional warlords: Zhu Wen, Li Keyong, Yang 52Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period is a slow-burn story. It's not pretentious, mindless, or idiotic. There's no system, no cheat codes, and no modern technology. It features history, characters, war, intrigue, and strategy. An adopted son seizes power, controls regional warlords, and ultimately unifies the country, continuing the five-hundred-year golden age of the Tang Dynasty! New book recommendation, please recommend it upon release!

47. 47 纨 The Playboy Won Me a Noble Title, and the Reborn Matriarch Went on a Killing Spree 纨绔为我夺诰命，重生主母杀疯了 Folded in the Mist折雾里Ancient Romance905k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication] [Clear-headed, independent true heiress x play-the-pig-to-eat-the-tiger fake wastrel] [Female-oriented fiction + heroine reborn + hero transmigrates + political intrigue] After more than ten years as the wife of the Ningyuan Marquis's heir, managing the household and dutifully serving her parents-in-law, Shen Tangning believed she had done nothing wrong. Not until the usually distant heir began an affair with her half sister, now married to his younger brother, and they 59.5kReads9.2Score8kShelves
48. 48 退 Engagement Off! The Commandery Princess Goes on a Rampage, Topples the Court, and Becomes Empress 退婚！郡主杀疯，掀翻朝堂做女帝 Yu Fu余弗Ancient Romance111k WordsOngoing [Political intrigue + heroine with divine powers + men competing for her + satisfying power fantasy] Song Heng transmigrates into the daughter of a down-and-out prince. Her father is a wastrel, the family is so poor even the mice won't make holes in their house, and she's rejected by her fiancé from the start. She can't put up with this! They want to break off the engagement? Fine. First, hand over a million taels of silver. Her father is a wastrel? Then she gives him a beating every time he act 577Reads—Score101Shelves
49. 49 逆 Against the Meridians: Liar, Stop! 逆经：骗子住手 Ren Fanwuyin任梵无音Eastern Fantasy1.3M WordsCompleted [Original novel for the animated series This Taoist Is Not Quite Right] Life is unpredictable. The fit thrive under Heaven's law, Those skilled in force become generals, those skilled in strategy become kings. Born into the lowest of professions, he refuses to live like a nobody, He waves the yin-yang banner and sees through the Six Lines of Divination. Watch him play at being a spirit medium, watch him swindle and deceive, Watch him make ruthless decisions, watch him rise like a hidden dragon f 44kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves

    Reader note

    A thrilling tale of political intrigue and power struggles, starting with a battle for supremacy. Humorous, witty, and skillfully written – highly recommended. [Original novel reader][Added to bookshelf]

50. 50 簪 The Record of Hairpins (Complete in 4 Volumes) 簪中录（全4册） A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Mystery992k WordsCompleted The little red fish Agashnie, which feeds on human blood; the mysterious talisman that had followed Li Shubai for years; Empress Wang, the peerless beauty of the Daming Palace; three clusters of doodles written by the late emperor himself before his death; a marriage contract made with Wang Yun in their youth... Every mystery returns to its point of origin. Every choice remains beyond anyone’s control, as impossible to resist or escape as fate itself. Yang Chonggu has returned to the palace and 17.3kReads9.7Score2.8kShelves

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