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. 551 后 The Later Qian Dynasty 后乾 Eight-Treasure Congee and the Genius Donkey八宝粥与天才驴Historical176k WordsOngoing [Entirely fictional setting, no golden finger, no System, warfare + military reform] This is a story about Han people invading from beyond the passes. A newly risen nomadic empire has pushed as far as the Huai River, poised to unify the realm. The Han Empire, driven south in retreat, is reorganizing its forces and trying to reclaim the Mandate of Heaven. At just this moment, in the northeast of China, a state founded by Han slaves rises from the small region of Pingzhou, wearing the skin of the 10Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The writing is excellent, and the logic is sound! The male lead and many supporting characters are vividly portrayed! It doesn't feel intellectually inferior! During the chaotic period of the Five Barbarian Invasions, the male lead established a small regime in Pingzhou, which later overthrew the entire country.

2. 552 云 A Thousand Layers of Clouds and Water 云水千重 Jin Shan靳山Ancient Romance101k WordsCompleted Everyone says you’re ruthless and cruel. Good, because I’m no pushover either. A femme fatale? Fine, I’ll give you a peaceful world for the rest of your life! Abandoned by her family at birth, she disguised herself as a man, swept through a thousand armies with cavalry and spear, and became the most ruthless prime minister in the eyes of the world. This is Lou Yu, the powerful chancellor of the Southern Zhan Kingdom. She once held a young girl’s dreams in her heart, wanting only to grow old hand 142Reads9.3Score—Shelves
3. 553 异 Different Paths, Equal Brilliance: Ruan Yi 异路齐光：阮宜 Ling Yi翎一Ancient Romance181k WordsCompleted Ruan Yi was given a name by the late emperor, and because of that name, she was betrothed twice. Her first fiancé’s family rebelled, and her second fiancé wasn’t quite straight. In the end, amid the turbulent change of dynasties, she rose to become empress. First-person narration, female lead’s story, with no male CP. The heroine is resourceful and grows over the course of the story. The plot focuses on political intrigue and various schemes. Romance mostly appears in the side plot, and there is 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Step by step:

4. 554 前 I Died Tragically in My Past Life, Then Was Jilted Again After Being Reborn 前世惨死，重生后又被退婚 Ye Chenhuo叶尘火Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Complete] 1. This story focuses mainly on palace and household intrigue, with very little romance and not much screen time for the male lead. The leads support each other and join forces against their enemies, with no misunderstandings or love rivals. One man and one woman, both pure; a strong heroine and an even stronger hero. The male lead spoils the heroine. 2. This is a fictional setting with no connection to real history. Synopsis: Everyone in the capital knows that the eldest daughter of 9.3kReads9.3Score1.3kShelves

   Reader note

   Both are worth watching

5. 555 三 Three Kingdoms: My Brother Is Dian Wei, and I Take on Lü Bu from the Start 三国：家兄典韦，开局硬刚吕布 Young Eunuch年轻宦官Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Dian Mo transmigrates to the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and becomes Dian Wei's younger brother. To join Cao Cao's camp, Dian Mo sends a letter that leaves Cao Cao stunned. Cao Cao: “Find the person who wrote this letter, no matter what. This must be the peerless genius I've been looking for!” While the whole camp launches a search, Dian Mo comes to Cao Cao of his own accord and begins his career as a strategist. Yuan Shao: “The Dian brothers are one a civil genius, the other a military geniu 45.9kReads9.6Score4.6kShelves

   Reader note

   Wuxia (martial arts) hehe

6. 556 诱 A Storm of Seduction, Clear Breezes and Deergrass 诱嫁风云起，清风挽鹿棠 Yunyun Fuxi云云伏皙Ancient Romance347k WordsCompleted "Thinking the Pavilion Master Wasn't My Husband" Because of a royal conspiracy eighteen years ago, Li Qingfeng’s father was brutally killed, while her mother and second uncle were sentenced to death. Hunted from childhood, she was secretly trained by her mother and learned both martial arts and poisoncraft. On the day she came down from the mountain, her second uncle paid a fortune to have the Tang Pavilion protect her. The one who came to escort her was Kui Tian, master of the Tang Pavilion, th 1Reads—Score—Shelves
7. 557 权 The Power of Power 权力的强大 Short Story Writer短文小说创作家Male-Channel Fanfiction85k WordsCompleted A story of love, heroism, and power! Adapted from In the Name of the People, it stars Xiao Yibai, with Bai Xiaoxiao as the female lead. Xiao Yibai was once an anti-drug hero, but he later crossed the interests of powerful villains and discovered that heroism could not overcome power. Then he met the beautiful Bai Xiaoxiao, and the two fell in love at first sight. Before they married, Xiao Yibai discovered that Bai Xiaoxiao was wealthy and influential. With her help, he became a department chief —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A novel about the power of authority.

8. 558 荆 The Wind Rises in Jingdu, Awaiting the Coming Rain 荆都风来待雨临 Rain Falls on Jingdu雨落荆都Historical1.9M WordsOngoing Overnight, a young blacksmith from a shop in Shengang becomes the last surviving grandson of a powerful family of scholars, whose influence once reached the highest halls of government. A pigeon’s whistle marks the way home, and old books conceal a conspiracy. With a nameless sword in hand, carrying his grandfather’s hopes and his adoptive father’s instructions, he steps into the turbulent world of Jingdu. The Shanfu Academy, deep within the Imperial College, is no ordinary place of learning. It 105Reads8.7Score125Shelves

   Reader note

   Ancient Chinese political intrigue stories that are enjoyable to watch without using your brain, but even more enjoyable if you do.

9. 559 与 With Jin Chang’an (Based on the Screen Adaptation Starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei) 与晋长安（宋轶、丞磊主演影视原著） Jiu Lu Feixiang九鹭非香Ancient Romance155k WordsCompleted The hit drama starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei is now airing! A beloved historical romance by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang! Female general vs. puppy-like boy. The child she casually picked up turns out to have two sides? A cold little gentleman by day, a loyal black knight by night. Is he a puppy turning into a wolf, and which side is the real him? A tale of love and hate between a female general and the heir of an enemy state! Li Shuang, the adopted daughter of a great general, guards the borders of the Grea 5.9kReads9.6Score957Shelves
10. 560 拜 From Chancellor to Empress 拜相为后 Yi Dujunhua一度君华Ancient Romance197k WordsCompleted When Yin Zhuli was six, she saw her father strangle her mother with her own eyes. She endured it for twelve years, unable to find a chance for revenge because her father commanded a mighty army and had earned outstanding military honors. Twelve years later, she went to live with her aunt, inherited the Yin family's business, and became one of the richest merchants in the land. Meanwhile, the Great Xing Dynasty had been reduced to poverty by years of war. To raise funds for provisions, its ruler —Reads8.5Score—Shelves
11. 561 离 The Phoenix's Departure 离凰 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted She stayed by his side without a name or status, becoming the shameless woman everyone talked about. In return, a fire burned all the love and hatred they had once shared to ashes. When they first met, he was a prince high above the world, hiding his true intentions to survive the struggle for the throne. That night's fire would strip away his weakness, flesh and bone alike. Buddhists say that life turns full circle every seven years. When they met again seven years later, his eyes were red. Th 5.4kReads9.0Score682Shelves
12. 562 折 Breaking Your Heart 折君 Li Er'er李尔尔Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Serious drama + healing one another + marriage before love + one partner for life + revenge) After transmigrating fifteen years ago, Yan Hui thought she could live as a contented layabout in a world especially harsh toward women, then marry a good man, support him, and raise their children. But when her parents suddenly died, she and her younger brother became dependent on relatives. For her brother’s future, she had no choice but to make plans for herself while living under someone else’s ro 10.9kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves
13. 563 贵 The Noble Consort Is Sweet and Soft, and the Theatrical Emperor Dotes on Her 贵妃娇又软，戏精皇帝宠入骨 Pickled Cabbage Noodles酸菜卤面Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Transmigrate into a book + villainess + palace intrigue early on + political machinations later + marriage before love + the husband chases his wife to win her back + HE ending) [A clever, money-loving substitute consort × a cold, suspicious, melodramatic emperor] After transmigrating into a book as a substitute villainess, Su Zhenzhen got a winning hand from the start and became the emperor's favorite. But having read the original novel, she knew she was merely a pawn Chen Qi used to bring dow 9Reads5.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead in this book is a master of acting, scheming and maneuvering to amass wealth and power, and all the main and supporting characters are intelligent.

14. 564 天 Turbulent Waves Rise at the Heavenly Gate 天阙起惊澜 Dreaming of the Divine Stream梦入神溪Eastern Fantasy573k WordsCompleted Fate surges like a river of stars. Some drift with the current and become dust; others fight against it and turn into blades. The rise and fall of a dynasty over eight hundred years was already ordained when the first drop of blood seeped into the earth’s veins. When court intrigue rips the sky apart, the bones of heroes and tyrants alike will become the foundation of a new world. 18Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Power struggles, intelligence, and palace intrigue

15. 565 别 Stop Pretending, I Know You Want to Rebel! 别装了，朕知道你想造反！ Night Lodging in the Morning Breeze夜宿晨风Two Male Leads500k WordsOngoing [Dual Male Leads + Two Powerful Leads + Love Grows Over Time + Beautiful, Strong, Tragic, Hopeless Romantic × Cool, Compassionate Emperor + Emotional Push and Pull] After Pei Hengyu was reborn, he died again! And this time, he died alongside his nemesis! Pei Hengyu was reborn again! Now he has to take his nemesis in and keep him well fed and comfortable. While Pei Hengyu does his utmost to demonstrate how to be a wise ruler, Yuwen Jun’an, whom he keeps by his side, is secretly demonstrating how 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Shuangnan, political intrigue

16. 566 废 The Deposed Prince Takes the Throne 废子临朝 Night Lodging in the Morning Breeze夜宿晨风Two Male Leads273k WordsCompleted Male-male romance. [Cunning, bewitching fox bottom x ferocious Tibetan Mastiff top] After his father and brothers are brutally killed and the nation faces disaster, Jing Yu, burdened with a blood feud, discovers that unlike him, the exceptionally talented Qing Hezhu was deliberately raised as a good-for-nothing under the late emperor's scheme. Jing Yu, whose family had someone in power, had chosen to live as a pleasure-loving playboy because of his frail health. Qing Hezhu, however, had no such 3Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 567 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 70.3kReads9.7Score9.3kShelves
18. 568 漫 The Long Road to the Azure Clouds 漫漫青云路 Andersen Lives Next Door隔壁住着安徒生Ancient Romance218k WordsCompleted The legitimate daughter of a family of generals becomes a discarded wife, while a cold-hearted prince is cast out of the palace. A match made in heaven, brought together by marriage. Shen Yunqing: I’ll disguise myself as a man and take my younger brother’s place as an official. Fifth Prince: I’ll be your constable. Shen Yunqing: I’ll defend our homeland and fight on the battlefield. Fifth Prince: I’ll be your strategist. Shen Yunqing: I’ll rise to the top and become a minister, then a chancellor 234Reads9.2Score—Shelves
19. 569 孙 The Thirty-Six Stratagems in The Art of War 孙子兵法中的三十六计 An Utterly Ordinary Person普普通通普通人180k WordsCompleted The Art of War and The Thirty-Six Stratagems are outstanding examples of ancient Chinese military strategy and wisdom, and have had a profound influence on later generations. The Art of War, written by Sun Wu, is one of the world's earliest military works. It covers every aspect of warfare, including strategy, tactics, military management, and intelligence gathering. Sun Tzu stresses that "know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated," emphasizing the importance of accuratel 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended and worth watching.

20. 570 谋 Scheming in the Three Kingdoms 谋算三国 Arrow Rain, Plum Fragrance箭雨梅香Historical358k WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue] + [Passionate Action] + [No System] In a chaotic age, the world is a game of chess, and every move hides a blade! The battlefield runs red with blood while schemes churn behind the scenes. From within the command tent, strategies unfold, and with a laugh, enemy ships are reduced to ashes. The highest form of warfare is to defeat an enemy through strategy, without spilling blood. But if anyone dares defy me, I’ll leave them strewn across the land, with rivers of blood flowing 1.1kReads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical novel about political intrigue and the Three Kingdoms that I'd stay up all night to finish—I give it a 9.9 Out of 10.

21. 571 入 Love In The Clouds 入青云 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance498k WordsCompleted Ji Bozai thought Ming Yi was an exceptional blade. She was breathtaking and sharp, yet utterly devoted to him. He would use her to wipe out every traitor, then make her the brightest medal on his crown. A playboy king vs. a woman with a checkered past 5kReads8.9Score719Shelves
22. 572 天 The Dragon and Phoenix of Destiny 天命龙凤 Let's Eat Hot Pot吃火锅呀Ancient Romance475k WordsCompleted [Serious drama + ensemble cast + court and martial world + love of country and family + female lead with a golden finger] The author is terrible at writing blurbs, sorry! If you enjoy this kind of story, feel free to give it a try. To save her life, Lu Wan does everything she can to send Yao Qian to the northern frontier. Sixteen years later, Emperor Li Yunshan summons the Third Prince, Li Tian, who has lived in the northern frontier, back to the capital. Rumors spread throughout the city that H 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm recommending myself; the protagonist is a character who grows and develops, not someone who's all-powerful from the start.

23. 573 系 System: The Savage Lands Crown Princess Just Wants to Herd Sheep 系统：蛮荒太子妃只想放羊 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Also known as The Ambition Isn't Great: Just You and the World A Qi is clever and innocent. Her eldest brother is honest and just wants enough to eat; her second brother is sharp and wants to see the world. Their aunt is always fierce when chopping wood, their father is a wonderful cook, and their grandfather can recognize twenty characters, though he gets thirteen of them wrong. Their ambitions weren't great, but somehow they ended up winning the world. Content warnings: ... 30.3kReads9.6Score3.8kShelves
24. 574 郭 Guo Jingyuan's Notes on Officialdom 郭敬远官场笔记 Mountains, Rivers, Wind, and Rain山水风雨Urban595k WordsOngoing Set firmly against the backdrop of its era, this novel brings political realism and commercial idealism together seamlessly. The protagonist, Guo Jingyuan, has an exceptionally accurate grasp of economic trends and a remarkably keen business instinct. While still at university, he earns his first fortune at colleges across the capital. But determined to fulfill his ambitions, he resolutely enters politics, starting at the grassroots level while building his business career in parallel. In busine 133Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel doesn't deliberately pursue suspense; the political scenes are very realistic, while the business battles are full of imagination. It's definitely worth reading!

25. 575 公 The Princess Has a Soft Waist and a Ruthless Heart, and She Tames the Tyrannical Minister 公主腰软心狠，暴戾权臣被驯服了 The Great Bunny Queen大兔子女王Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Reborn Strong Female Lead + Political Scheming That Defies Convention + Everyone’s Darling + Beautiful, Ruthless Ambitious Woman + Satisfying, Sweet Romance] Ming Huang had deposed and installed five emperors, governed two kingdoms as regent, and wielded power over the court for eleven years. The moment she died, the Great Qi empire she had devoted her life to supporting actually fell! Reborn in a new life, she acquired a strange book and finally learned the truth. She had been married off at f 47Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Don't be fooled by the low rating; the author's skill is profound, the characters are vividly portrayed, and the female lead is intelligent. [Kissing emoji]

26. 576 孤 Lone Phoenix 孤凰 A Cai阿彩Ancient Romance3.0M WordsCompleted The genius Yue Ning’an dominates the business world, amassing a fortune and never suffering a defeat. That is, until she takes a major fall because of Lu Zangfeng. She has been married to him for three years, spending all three alone in the bridal chamber. At last, General Lu returns victorious, but instead of sharing in her husband’s glory, she gets handed a divorce decree. Having lost both her money and her heart, Yue Ning’an takes the decree, cuts her losses, and leaves with a carefree stride 1.7kReads9.0Score236Shelves
27. 577 川 The River Never Stops: Water Conservancy in Ancient Times 川流不逝：我在古代修水利 Surging Numbers, Flowing Intelligence数涌智流Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Political Scheming and Strategy + No System + Plausibly Filling in the Gaps in History] From a Qin prisoner to the heights of the Chu-Han Contention, with historical figures growing and changing over a long, immersive story. Zhang Liang’s close friend, Zhao Gao’s benefactor, Li Mu’s kindred spirit, the sworn brother who shared life and death with Prince Ying Jia of Zhao, the unattainable beloved of Crown Prince Dan of Yan... An immortal sect’s leader, the Mohist giant, the hun 33Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A battle of wits and intrigue in the Warring States period, amidst the mysteries of real history!

28. 578 王 After the Prince Was Poisoned, He Clung to Me, a Forensic Doctor 王爷中毒后，赖上我这小法医 He Sheng鹤笙Ancient Romance2.2M WordsCompleted [Published novel + forensic pathologist + revenge + two strong, devoted leads + satisfying revenge + powerful characters + redemption] She is Qu Zhen, the top female forensic pathologist at the National Security Bureau in the 21st century. Her jade-like hands have dissected the dead and saved the living. With a simple flip of her hand, she can turn the clouds and bring on the rain. But after a mission goes wrong, her soul transmigrates to another world. When she opens her eyes again, she is the 6.8kReads9.1Score960Shelves
29. 579 影 Shadow Agent 影子特工 The Great Way Is Natural大道自然Urban3.3M WordsCompleted Born into an age of chaos, with the nation in peril, a man must serve his country! A young man burdened by vengeance for his family and hatred for his country assumes a false identity as he flees and joins the Special Services, beginning a dangerous and thrilling career as a spy. He crosses paths with forces from every side, matching wits and battling for survival. In this game within a game, who will be the last one standing? 14.6kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Born in a chaotic world, with the nation in peril, men should serve their country! A thrilling and exciting life as a secret agent, encountering various forces head-on, engaging in a battle of wits and courage, in a game within a game, who will be the last one standing?

30. 580 玄 The Mystic Maiden Begins Her World-Hopping Journey at Lotus Tower 玄女从莲花楼开启综穿 Little Snowgrass雪草儿Ancient Romance588k WordsCompleted The Celestial Maiden Xuannü had her opportunity stolen by Chang’e. To protect its own reputation, the Heavenly Dao initially planned to let things stand and simply banish Xuannü to the mortal realm. But a trace of Nuwa’s soul power was hidden within Xuannü’s spirit, and Nuwa sensed it. Naturally, she demanded an explanation. The heavenly realm dared not neglect her, so after conferring among themselves, they decided to make Xuannü a woman undergoing trials to appease Nuwa. They said that once sh 150Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Mystic Maiden defied fate and altered the destinies of Hong Qigong and Ouyang Feng, resulting in her being punished by having her soul split and reincarnated in two lifetimes. In her tenth life, she was reborn as the Condor Heroes, and in her eleventh life, she was reborn as the legitimate princess with three older brothers. However, these brothers were all vying for the throne. If the princess was too weak, she would only be a pawn used for political marriages to win over powerful ministers; if she was too strong, even if she supported the emperor, she would eventually be feared and purged. Therefore, it was better for her to become emperor herself… She failed to avenge herself in either of her two lifetimes, and due to the deep-seated resentment, she did not reincarnate for a thousand years, finally waiting for the arrival of the Mystic Maiden. Without a system or any magical cheat codes, she fought her way through palace intrigue, empress dowager intrigue, and court politics, using the world as a chessboard to scheme for power.

31. 581 宴 The Banquet Pavilion Records 宴亭录 Leisurely Rain闲雨Mystery308k WordsCompleted [Ensemble romance x immortal-demon love x god-demon love x quirky and lighthearted] Episodic stories, one-on-one pairings, mutual devotion, happy endings Laid-back, hard-drinking female puppet maker VS refined, gentle male painter Naive girl with unparalleled skill in mechanisms VS obsessive, twisted young lord of the demon realm Food-loving girl with mediocre bewitching arts VS fox-clan boy with exceptional bewitching arts Proud, battle-obsessed girl VS aloof genius boy with superb sword skills 742Reads9.4Score155Shelves
32. 582 我 I'm Gu Zhao, Beyond All Price 我是顾昭，贵不可言 Bao Chengcheng保成成Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Mind Reading + Two Powerful Leads + Satisfying Revenge] The true heiress has turned dark after being reborn! She toys with the enemies from her past life and marries her scumbag ex’s uncle, turning the court upside down! Everyone is evil! The family who caused me and my daughter to die horribly in my past life now kneels and begs me through tears not to kill them. The true heiress has shut her heart to love and lives only for revenge. She never expected the mute boy she picked up on a whim to b 3Reads6.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is incredibly strong. Welcome to the story!

33. 583 谢 Empress of the Xie Family 谢家皇后 Song of the Yue People越人歌Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted In her first year in the palace, she is a Talented Lady. In her fifth, she is a Jieyu. In her tenth, she wants to become empress. As empress, she can hold on to everything she treasures and keep it from being taken away. She can protect herself and her child, and she can... stay by his side. This is a road with only one direction: take a single step back, and all will be lost. The bright yellow ceremonial parasol moves forward, and the emperor's procession slowly enters the city gate. A yellow p 9.1kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves
34. 584 大 The Great Zhou Order: I Became Famous Across the Land by Copying Poems from the Start 大周令：开局抄诗就名扬天下 A Peerless Beauty from the South南方有佳人绝世Eastern Fantasy1.1M WordsCompleted After his soul transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking county magistrate in the Great Zhou, he copies a poem famous throughout the ages from the start, triggering a celestial phenomenon and slaying the invading enemies. The ancient greats of Earth are terrifyingly powerful. The Great Zhou Dynasty spans a vast territory, and its foreign tribes are powerful. This world is home to Confucianism, Buddhism, martial arts, Daoism, immortal sects, demons, and the supernatural. Confucian cultivators 18kReads8.8Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    🌸A great new book! The protagonist transmigrates into the body of a county magistrate, starting by copying ancient poems, which triggers strange phenomena in the heavens and earth. It incorporates elements of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, martial arts, Taoist schools, immortal sects, and demons. The plot is excellent. [Thinking][Feeling wronged][Thinking][Sending a heart]

35. 585 开 A Convict from the Start? He Coughs, and the Entire Court Trembles 开局罪奴？他一咳嗽，朝堂抖三抖 Lord Cai the Sixth, Who Loves Longjiang Pig Trotters爱吃隆江猪脚的蔡六爷Historical320k WordsOngoing [Transmigration into a Modern Criminal Investigation Story + Political Scheming and Detective Work + Comeback and Face-Slapping + Overwhelming Intelligence + Play the Pig to Eat the Tiger + Strong Allies Joining Forces + Author with Years of Experience Completing Long Novels] I transmigrated into the body of a prince's grandson. The good news: I’m the eldest legitimate grandson, born to a noble station! The bad news: My father was wrongfully executed, I’m trapped in a camp for criminal slaves, a —Reads8.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The restraint of a slave's identity combined with the domineering presence of a cough to control the situation—the clash of these two extremes is incredibly captivating! The court intrigue is written with exceptional flair; those experiencing a reading slump will truly regret missing it.

36. 586 疯 After Being Reborn, the Mad Beauty Crushes the Powerful and Claims the Throne 疯批美人重生后，脚踩资本成王 Rainbow Bunny Paper彩兔纸Modern Romance500k WordsCompleted [A subtle entertainment-industry backdrop + spy games and mind games] [Reborn | Unhinged beauty | Strong heroine | Love triangle | Revenge | Extreme push and pull | Polite scoundrel | Top-tier star actor | Love triangle | Possessive] In her previous life, the polished scoundrel of an actor treated her like a doll, personally raising her to the heights of fame before brutally casting her down. He used her, drained her dry, and finally sent her to her death with his own hands. Reborn, she return 15Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a book that requires critical thinking; it's full of foreshadowing and meticulous detail. As you read on, you'll find that all the seemingly insignificant dialogues and plot points at the beginning tighten like a rope, converging into a huge twist that will give you goosebumps.

37. 587 捻 Snow Flecked with Gold 捻金雪 Ming Yu明与Ancient Romance628k WordsCompleted [Sly scheming minister + clever beauty + unhinged characters + devoted couple + happy ending + sweet romance] Tea comes in red and green; people come in decent and fake. Be sly but not cruel, ruthless enough to hold your ground. Dote on your wife without limits, and know how to love your partner. Sweet, but never cloying. Want to learn? Pay your tuition and come on over... [laughs][laughs][laughs] 239Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone has an IQ, it's just a matter of degree.

38. 588 娇 The Delicate Princess Is Adored by All, but the Prince Favors Her Alone 娇弱郡主万人宠，皇子殿下独偏爱 Hui Jiu蕙汣Ancient Romance349k WordsCompleted [A pure historical romance, with no rebirth, transmigration, or System] “Big brother!” Little Li Qingling followed behind Fu Junyan. The boy ahead of her walked too fast, so Li Qingling had to trot to keep up. After that, Fu Junyan hardly ever saw the little girl. He only heard about her now and then from her elder brother. Apparently, she was in poor health and spent most of her time recuperating at home. Three years later, Fu Junyan returned from the border. The Noble Consort asked him, “ 362Reads6.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one, this one, everyone's intelligence won't drop!

39. 589 娘 Your Highness Is Addictive: Your Highness, Hurry Up and Marry Her 娘娘好上头：王爷快把人娶走吧 Niu Mudan牛牡丹Ancient Romance416k WordsCompleted The strongest mercenary transmigrates into the body of a good-for-nothing legitimate daughter? She transforms into a slick little troublemaker, takes on her vicious stepmother, and tears into her scummy brother and sister! Dare to scheme against her? She’ll send the lot of them to a male escort club! Who could have imagined that the once-useless legitimate daughter would now secretly be on the imperial payroll, serving as a mighty commander? She strikes with her blade and lays waste to her foes, 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one has a female lead who is ostensibly the legitimate daughter of a prime minister, but secretly a member of the Imperial Guard; the male lead is a charmingly roguish prince. It's so addictive! [Facepalm][facepalm][facepalm]

40. 590 跟 Learn the Art of War with Sun Wu 跟着孙武学打仗 By the Old Road古道边Historical127k WordsCompleted After being persecuted by political enemies, Sun Wu left Qi for Wu and lived in seclusion on Mount Luofu. Wu Zixu recognized him and visited Mount Luofu seven times before persuading him to join King Helü of Wu. As Chu repeatedly harassed the border and fighting continued, Sun Wu instituted the Zhao land-tax system to strengthen the state. He and Wu Zixu divided their forces to wear down the Chu army, and, with the help of Cai and Tang, finally set the conflict between Wu and Chu in motion. The 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A contest of supreme political acumen and wisdom.

41. 591 归 Return of the Phoenix 归凰 Sweet Tangerine Feifei蜜橘飞飞Ancient Romance720k WordsOngoing [Mad Beauty's Rebellion, an Empress's Rise, One Woman and Many Men] If you fall, get back up where you fell. Her parents were murdered? Avenge them! The throne was taken? Seize it back! Her consort causes trouble? Tear out his tendons and skin him alive! Li Hua never believed in fate. She would rather be the one moving the pieces than a pawn in someone else's hands. So what if she lost for a time? As long as she was alive, she had the means to fight heaven and humanity. She was determined to bec 1Reads6.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A hidden gem of a new book discovered by a seasoned bookworm – worth checking out. The female protagonist is sharp-witted and powerful; outwardly a madwoman, she's actually an ambitious schemer and avenger, skilled in planning and strategy. However, her enemies don't lose their minds, and there will be times when she can't outwit them and suffers setbacks, but she only grows stronger with each defeat. This story is all about who's smarter and who can outmaneuver whom.

42. 592 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The Art of Soaring High, Tiger Wife, Cherishing Flowers and Angelica, and these two other books

43. 593 奇 The Hideous Assassin Begs You to Wait Until She Draws Her Sword Before You Die of Shock 奇丑女刺客，求等拔剑再被吓死 Drunk Without the Moon醉是无月Ancient Romance679k WordsCompleted People cannot choose their own appearance, but they can choose the face they show the world. People cannot choose the status they are born into, but they can choose the path they take from here. The ugliest woman in Later Jin never let her wretched looks or lowly status shake her resolve. Her ugliness was earth-shattering: one look at her was enough to scare the wits out of anyone and leave them trembling in terror. They called her the Red-Clad Ghost. They said she was uglier than any man, with 30Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is ugly, the male lead is a scumbag, one is weak and the other blind; it's not easy for the two of them to get together; they'll crawl into any hole they can find. Digging up graves and pretending to be a ghost is no easy task; shoveling latrines, eating insects, and getting assassinated. He's bisexual and gets slapped in the face repeatedly; the female lead is so ugly she'll cry for her mother; just waiting for a proper look, and you'll see how she blossoms into a beautiful flower. [Laughs][laughs]

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