High-IQ Novels About Scheming and Conquering the World, with No Forcefully Idiotic Side Characters #高智商，谋略天下的小说，不要强行智障的配角

1. 1 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

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   Highly recommend the first book! A female protagonist, the legitimate daughter of a powerful minister! She's incredibly intelligent! She ultimately usurps the throne, allowing her father to ascend to power! The second book is a grand-scale political intrigue novel! Everyone has their own mission to fulfill! Everyone is incredibly intelligent!!

2. 2 驸 My Consort Took a Concubine, So I Cast Him Off; He Rebelled, So I Became Emperor 驸马纳妾我休弃，驸马造反我称帝 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication] [A noblewoman and a transmigrated woman join forces to contend for the throne. Strong female lead, ensemble cast, political intrigue, no romance] Yuan Xuan was born to be a pawn. For the sake of the realm, she lived as a man and served as crown prince for over a decade. When her younger brother was born, Yuan Xuan returned to living as a woman and became a discarded pawn. Abandoned by everyone, she had no one left who didn’t want her dead. Less than a year into her marri 15.7kReads9.5Score3kShelves

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   1. A true political intrigue novel. From the Empress Dowager to the three princesses, all are outstanding politicians. The last seven are by the same author. 2. The female lead is a true powerhouse, manipulating events from behind the scenes. The theme, characters, and story setting are all novel. 3. A female emperor novel. A true story of heroes in a chaotic world. Those who can be rivals are all talented, resourceful, and benevolent. 4. The story begins in school and later focuses on conquering the world. 5. The early stages are cautious and deliberate, but I personally feel that the later stages are a bit too smooth and feel like a wish-fulfillment novel, but it is still very exciting. 6. The female lead transmigrates into the body of Cao Cao's eldest daughter, reforms agriculture to increase grain production, and ultimately assists her father in unifying the world and happily becomes the heir. 7. The female lead is aloof yet gentle, defying fate with unparalleled wisdom and strategy. As pure as ice and as flawless as jade, she uses reincarnation to orchestrate a scheme that allows her to gain a decisive advantage over fate, securing a glimmer of hope for herself, her companions, and the world.

3. 3 她 After She Ascends the Throne, She Takes a New Husband, Leaving Her Ex to Weep 她登基后换了夫，新夫不见旧夫哭 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (Power! It's a woman's second face! She loves it!) (1V2 + advancing the nation through technology + two men competing for her, only to end up regretting it) Lu Jichen: He is an ill-omened man. On the day his elder brother got married, they smeared dog blood all over his face and locked him in a cellar. Later, she brought him out, washed his hands, let him sit at the table, fed him, and paid for his education. Wei Chiyuan: He is the young lord of an aristocratic clan; she is a young widow. One sc 17.2kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves
4. 4 乱 After Fleeing the Chaotic Era, I Became the Founding Empress 乱世逃亡后，我成了开国女帝 Nan Wanxu南婉徐Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted [Publication rights signed] [Strong heroine + political intrigue + turbulent times + power struggles + ensemble cast] She’s fleeing from the start, a female warlord in a chaotic age. Lin Zhihuang, originally named Lin Zhihuan, transmigrates as a county magistrate’s daughter, only to find tens of thousands of refugees attacking the city from the start! While others transmigrate into palace or household intrigue, she transmigrates straight into a chaotic age and a desperate flight from famine. The 95.8kReads9.4Score13.2kShelves
5. 5 惊 Shock! Reborn on the Eve of My Family's Execution, I Say Let's Rebel 惊！重生回满门抄斩前夜，造反吧 Yi Yangcheng衣漾澄Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + feel-good story with a powerful heroine + family and country + political intrigue] A cool-headed, cunning heroine who plans several moves ahead + a brilliant, devoted yet restrained male lead who serves as a high-ranking official at the Court of Judicial Review In her previous life, the entire Ning family, loyal to the throne for generations, was slaughtered. To avenge them, Ning Zhiwei led an army of a hundred thousand to marry Su Mingjin, helping him with all her might as he rebelle 27.3kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

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   It's seriously, seriously amazing! The female lead was raised by her grandfather to be intelligent, courageous, and resourceful. From a county princess to a general, and finally to a queen, she's ruthless and forgiving. Plus, it's already finished, so I binged it all in one go.

6. 6 冒EN Impostor of the Langya Clan 冒姓琅琊 Eastern Zhou Young Master Nan东周公子南Historical1.6M WordsOngoing (Also known as “The Matter of Me Pretending to Be a Nobleman of the Southern Dynasties”) To transmigrate isn’t a dinner party. It’s a deadly game at every turn. The south is beautiful, yet lofty ambitions often fade away. Since ancient times, the Southern Dynasties have been weak, their heroes short-lived. No golden finger, no System, and no second chance at life. Everything starts from zero! Original owner’s memories: none! Identity: none! Supplies: none! When transmigration becomes reality, ho 493.7kReads9.7Score71.7kShelves

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   This novel is absolutely amazing! It's definitely the most captivating one I've ever read! The first three chapters will keep you hooked, you simply can't put it down! The plot is incredibly engaging, the protagonist has principles, strong morals, and is quite intelligent—truly likable! It gets even more exciting as you read on, it's so addictive, you'll want to finish it in one go! I absolutely love this novel and highly recommend it to everyone.

7. 7 穿 Transmigrated into an Otome Game Villainess, the Unwanted King Wrecks the Plot 穿越乙游恶女，寡王杀崩剧情 Water-Dipped Rice水点饭Modern Romance692k WordsCompleted Strong heroine + scheming + System + villainous female warlord + chaotic times + conquest + otome game A villainess transmigrates into another villainess. The heroine is a true antagonist. Qi Yi accidentally transmigrates into the villainous supporting character of an otome game, a character who keeps dying. The original’s enemies are too numerous for her to know who’s trying to kill her. The land is in chaos, with warlords carving up the territory and heroes vying for supremacy. Qi Yi had plann 1.5kReads9.0Score228Shelves
8. 8 她 She Played at Being a Divine Being in the Late Eastern Han Dynasty 她在东汉末年装神弄鬼 First-Rate Red Chamber一品红楼Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Career-minded heroine + domineering, dashing hero] [Please note: This is a novel, not an academic paper. It has flaws and mistakes. If that bothers you, don't read it.] [The heroine is fifteen when she first transmigrates.] She thought transmigrating would let her live an easy, wonderful life. Instead, Heaven hit her with a harsh reality: she had landed in the late Eastern Han dynasty, with chaos about to engulf the land. To stay alive and protect her family, she has no choice but to embark on 9.8kReads9.4Score1.4kShelves
9. 9 穿 Transmigrated as Cao Cao's Daughter: From Farming to Empress 穿成曹操女儿，从种地到女帝 The Classic of Mountain Journeys山游经Female-Channel Fanfiction1.0M WordsCompleted Cao Sui, a graduate student in agricultural science, has just finished slogging through her thesis when she jolts awake and opens her eyes to a woman gazing at her with tender affection. After spending over half a year recovering in bed, she finally gets up and learns that her father has gone off to fight the Yellow Turbans. The Yellow Turbans? What a historically specific term. Cao Sui is devastated. Why on earth did she have to end up in the Three Kingdoms? With disasters and war stacked aga 12kReads9.0Score1.9kShelves
10. 10 全 Everyone in the Sect Is Love-Brained, Except Me, a True Lunatic 全宗门都是恋爱脑，唯我是真疯批 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The complete print edition of A Double Crossing is now available on all platforms. Relationship blogger Lin Du died of a broken heart after being driven crazy by hopeless romantics. After death, she transmigrated into a tragic romance cultivation novel, becoming the beautiful, powerful, yet doomed junior uncle who paved the way for the protagonists' great love with her own ashes. After reading the script, she slowly typed a question mark. “Have they dug up every wild vegetable on this sect's mou 234.9kReads9.7Score27.6kShelves
11. 11 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 118.2kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves
12. 12 开 My Ancestors’ Graves Started Smoking from the Start: Disguised as a Man, I Take the Imperial Exams 开局祖坟冒青烟，女扮男装科举忙 Jiang Suiwan江岁晚Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Xie Yuheng transmigrates from the Apocalypse to a farming household, where a tyrant rules the land. With no other choice, she disguises herself as a boy. As she grows older, everyone in the surrounding villages comes to know that the Xie family's prodigy has an exceptionally clever mind. Too bad he's a sickly weakling who can't lift a finger or carry a load. Bystander: “You're so noble, so impressive! Your sickly family member just kicked someone through a wall!” The Xie family: “Does the head o 12.1kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves
13. 13 被 Driven Away by the King of Zhao, I Was Made Chancellor by Qin Shi Huang 被赵王赶走，始皇拜我为丞相 Watermelon in the Misty Rain烟雨西瓜Historical2.4M WordsOngoing [Farming + No Romance + United Rulers and Ministers + Passionate Conquest + Unifying the World] Gongsun Jie transmigrates to the Warring States period overnight and becomes a noble of Zhao. He befriends Ying Zheng, who is still being held hostage in Handan and suffering constant humiliation. He knows how history is supposed to unfold, but out of gratitude for a life-saving favor, he helps Zhao defeat Qin's army time and again. He never expected the foolish King of Zhao to believe Guo Kai's sland 41.5kReads8.3Score4.5kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all stories that get better as they go on, and the main characters' charm also increases as the story progresses.

14. 14 大 Building Infrastructure in the Great Qin! Ying Zheng Discovers I’m a Woman 大秦搞基建！我女儿身被嬴政发现 Chu Jian Ci楚见辞Ancient Romance663k WordsCompleted The second part of this book is complete, so you can read with confidence!٩(๑ᵒ̴̶̷͈᷄ᗨᵒ̴̶̷͈᷅)و Transmigrates into a younger body + adored by everyone + no CP + career-focused + System + infrastructure building + cute pets + unifies the Six Kingdoms + changes the fate of dying in the second generation After attending a friend's Hanfu gathering, Zhao Jiuyuan was urged by his father back home in Hanzhong. As he drove through a tunnel, he somehow entered a time tunnel and transmigrated to the Qin Empi 15.7kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves
15. 15 大 Great Qin: My Frail and Delicate Worthy Minister 大秦：我那身娇体弱的贤臣 White Clouds, White Clouds白云朵朵白Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted Female transmigrates as a man + no romance + focused on building a career Zhang Yuanqing transmigrates into the body of a down-on-his-luck noble from the State of Chu during the Warring States period. “System for Great Ministers of the Ages activated. Host, work hard to become one of history's greatest ministers!” Wait, wait, wait. Having a System is a good thing, but what does it mean to become one of history's greatest ministers? It's a given that King Zheng of Qin will unite the six states. A 14.3kReads9.5Score1.6kShelves
16. 16 我 I Fought the Enemy, Was Sentenced to Death, and a Million Players Stormed the Capital 我抗敌被赐死，百万玩家破京城 Naming Is So Hard 6起名真难6Historical1.8M WordsOngoing Luo Chen transmigrates to the Great Xia Dynasty as the son of a noble family in Jiangnan. He thinks he can spend his life in ease and luxury. But then the Jurchen invade, and the land is torn apart. His father and elder brother are killed on the battlefield, and because Luo Chen insists on fighting back, the emperor sends him to the occupied territories to die. Fortunately, Luo Chen binds himself to a Player Summoning System. He can disguise this world as a game and draw players from Earth into 34.9kReads8.3Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    A rare high-IQ game in post-apocalyptic fiction, the protagonist maintains his intelligence throughout, and the plot twists and turns constantly. There's no system or cheat code; the portrayal of human nature is realistic and profound, becoming increasingly exciting as it progresses.

17. 17 我EN I'm Not a God of Theater 我不是戏神 Three Nine Sound Domain三九音域Urban4.0M WordsCompleted The brand-new masterpiece by San Jiu Yin Yu, author of Slay the Gods | Winner of the Best Science-Fiction Web Novel Award at the Macau International Science Fiction Awards | A Chinese grotesque epic that turns the tide of an era After a scarlet meteor streaked across the sky, human civilization ground to a halt. From that day onward, humanity could no longer build a rocket, a nuclear bomb, an airplane, a car... The pyramid of civilization built upon modern science collapsed with a thunderous roa 1.7MReads9.9Score181.2kShelves
18. 18 末 Apocalypse Cockroach 末日蟑螂 Mighty Cockroach伟岸蟑螂Sci-Fi & Apocalypse6.3M WordsCompleted Zhang Xiaoqiang is an insignificant nobody, a lazy loser who had been content to lounge around and wait to die. Staying at home lets him avoid the first outbreak of the zombie virus. When he sees his neighbors in the same apartment complex turn into zombies, he is overcome with boundless terror. He struggles to survive alone in an Apocalypse where people prey on each other. At last, worn down by loneliness, he picks up his gear and heads out into a world shrouded in smoke and fire. He takes the 27kReads8.9Score2.3kShelves
19. 19 伏 Ambush 伏杀 Mo Bai1莫白1Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Original title: Ambush] Beneath the awe-inspiring might of Heaven, all living beings are mere ants. And yet he dares, with the strength of an insect, to turn the world upside down. For family, for friends, for the burning hatred in his heart, for the nightmares that haunt him year after year, for justice, and for fairness. This story is set in an imaginary world and has no connection to actual history. Everything in it is fictional. Any similarities are purely coincidental. 14.8kReads8.3Score931Shelves

    Reader note

    The revenge storyline is incredibly satisfying! Every victory in revenge is imbued with the protagonist's blood, sweat, and wisdom!

20. 20 我 My Proud and Talented Lady of the Marquis’s Manor 我的侯府傲娇才娘子 When Bai Ze Arrives白泽来时Historical1.8M WordsCompleted Also known as: “I Just Transmigrated and Picked Up a Proud Marquis Household Heiress” and “One Female Lead” Food gives life continuity. Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song give it charm. A little wealth, fame, and success give it grandeur. Gu Zhengyan transmigrated and unexpectedly won first place in a poetry competition. He even married a young lady from a marquis’s household, only for the furious marquis to throw them both out. Gu Zhengyan took his wife back to his impoverish 31.7kReads9.0Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Having read many historical fiction novels, this one felt particularly smooth to read. The author's writing is strong, featuring a male protagonist, a female protagonist, and a family. It's a book worth savoring and left a deep impression on readers.

21. 21 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 22.6kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    [Perfectly fitting for a completed story: Rebirth and Revenge + Master of Medicine and Poison + Two Strong Individuals Pampered by Each Other + Everyone's Clever and cunning + Palace Intrigue and Power Struggle] Highlight: No villains with low intelligence; everyone is incredibly cunning, a peak battle of wits! In her past life, Shen Nanzhi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, went blind and used forbidden techniques to drain her life force to save her scumbag husband. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, leading to the tragic deaths of her entire loyal family! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing his expectant gaze 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 mastery of both medicine and poison, able to bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded! Xiao Duo, the Regent of Dayuan, a powerful and influential ruler, suffers greatly from a rare poison. Shen Nanzhi tossed 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 the Duke's daughter was merely a delicate canary in the palm of a living Yama. Only when powerful officials took center stage, and deadly schemes unfolded one after another, did everyone realize with horror—the seemingly fragile Shen Nanzhi was actually a master strategist, a female Zhuge Liang who held the reins of power and calculated every move! 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!

22. 22 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 83.9kReads9.3Score8.4kShelves

    Reader note

    A completed and excellent book that you shouldn't miss!

23. 23 壶 Hu Xiaotian 壶笑天 Mutual Love郎情妾意Historical489k WordsCompleted Yang Yu dies alongside drug lords at the border and transmigrates to the Sui dynasty, into the body of the useless heir of the Prince of Zhenbei! He wants to be an idle young lord, but there are always petty troublemakers pushing him to grow stronger! Breaking off an engagement? Fine, but I’m the one breaking off my engagement to you, Liu Wanqing! From a useless young lord to taking command of 200,000 Zhenbei troops, inventing all sorts of things from the twenty-first century, and opening a brot 105Reads—Score—Shelves
24. 24 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 113.8kReads9.1Score10.7kShelves
25. 25 烟EN Misty Rain Tower 烟雨楼 A Night of Misty Rain一夕烟雨Eastern Fantasy9.5M WordsOngoing [The print edition is now available nationwide at all major retailers] "Traditional xuanhuan" "No harem" In the land of Jiuzhou stands a tower called the Misty Rain Tower. Its master, Li Qingzhi, is hailed as a peerless prodigy, holding life and death in his hands beneath the cover of night. Yet what the world doesn’t know is that someone else stands behind the Misty Rain Tower, its true founder. Using the guise of a spoiled young master as cover, he manipulates the winds and clouds and plots ac 868.2kReads9.6Score68.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Both novels feature protagonists with unparalleled intelligence, scheming flawlessly to conquer the world. In the first book, the male lead feigns weakness to outwardly appear weak, but is actually the true ruler of the Li family, the rule-maker of the Misty Rain Pavilion, and the controller of this colossal entity. In the second book, the protagonist enters the game world ahead of time, possessing a powerful background and being seen as the new successor of the Xia family. He wields real power, gathers talents from all over the world, and schemes to conquer the world. He achieves victory in a war thousands of miles away.

26. 26 游 Game Invasion: I Became Emperor Before the Players Transmigrated 游戏入侵：我称帝了玩家才穿越 Xiao Chu Still Hasn't Slept潇楚还没睡Eastern Fantasy3.9M WordsOngoing [Transmigrating ahead of time + political scheming + dynastic power struggles + succubus + worlds merging] This book is also known as [I, the Empress's Fiancé, the Strongest Villain Behind the Scenes]. After waking up, Xia Chen finds himself logged into the mysterious game from his previous life ahead of schedule, starting out as the legitimate son of the Marquis of Zhendong. What? I have a younger brother named Xia Hao, who seems to have a mysterious bone inside him? It looks just like the lege 459.8kReads9.1Score46.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Both novels feature protagonists with unparalleled intelligence, scheming to conquer the world with meticulous planning. In the first book, the male lead feigns weakness to outwardly appear weak, but is actually the true controller of the Li family, the rule-maker of the Misty Rain Pavilion, and the mastermind behind this colossal entity. In the second book, the protagonist enters the game world ahead of time, possessing a powerful background and being seen as the new successor to the Xia family. He wields real power, gathers the world's talents, and schemes to conquer the world, ultimately achieving victory in a war thousands of miles away.

27. 27 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 123.7kReads9.7Score14kShelves

    Reader note

    [Starting slow but finishing strong] [Power struggles and palace intrigue] This drama made me laugh and cry at the same time. It's truly the best power struggle and palace intrigue drama I've ever seen. The plot is tight, intricately linked, and the details are meticulous. It's layered and suspenseful, leaving you speechless at every turn. The author's logic and thinking are simply amazing! The characters are vividly portrayed; everyone is fleshed out, there are no extras, and everyone is a living, breathing being! It earned my tears and filled my heart!

28. 28 全 My Clan Raised Me to Greatness, So I Gifted Them Purple Robes 全族扶我青云志，我赠族人朱紫袍 Uncle Jianghe江河大爷Historical2.2M WordsOngoing After dying suddenly from overwork, workaholic Chen Yan is reborn as the only son of a newly born provincial graduate in the Great Liang Dynasty. His father is successful, so Chen Yan promptly decides to lie flat and enjoy the good life, with food brought to him and clothes laid out for him. But when he learns at the age of six that he was switched at birth with a farmer's child, his life takes a turn. The day the fake young master returns to the Chen family, he goes out to work in the fields an 214.1kReads9.3Score21.3kShelves

    Reader note

    That has to be this one. No cheat codes, no special abilities, just pure intelligence from the protagonist.

29. 29 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 1.7MReads9.9Score207.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The first two are completed works by the same author. The author focuses on logic, the male lead is incredibly intelligent, and the supporting characters aren't unintelligent either. The author's "Legend" was a phenomenal success, and "Ten Days" not only continues the mind-bending style but also reaches new heights: "I am Qi Xia, and I'm about to start lying!" 😁😁😁 The third book is a post-apocalyptic story. The female lead is a citizen of the country, a great perspective, and she's also highly intelligent—not a zombie. Highly recommended! 😍😍😍 The fourth book is by Zi Jinchen; his name is his trademark! 🥰🥰🥰 The last book is a personal addition—a cultivation novel. If you're bothered by the female lead's personality, please ignore this. 😊😊😊

30. 30 狩EN Demon Hunter 狩魔手记 Misty Rain Jiangnan烟雨江南Sci-Fi & Apocalypse2.2M WordsCompleted After the nuclear war, slaughter began to spread across the entire world. The order of human society completely collapsed, and the law of the jungle became the foremost rule. Once desire was freed from its restraints, there was no road forward, only a choice to turn left or right. Hell lay to the left, and hell lay to the right. 3.3kReads9.2Score625Shelves

    Reader note

    #HighIQStrategy# This post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel is a breath of fresh air. The protagonist maintains high intelligence throughout, and the plot twists are constant. The world-building is novel and rigorous, the foreshadowing is cleverly placed, and it gets more and more addictive as you read on. Veteran readers are overjoyed; finally, a hardcore sci-fi novel that doesn't follow the clichés has been found!

31. 31 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

    High-energy historical intrigue

32. 32 凶 The Ferocious Young Taoist Nun Tears Through the Capital, While Disabled Princes Come Bearing Blades 凶狠小道姑手撕全京城残王来递刀 Sugar Warmth糖暖Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue, household intrigue, medicine, feel-good revenge, and a strong female lead] Two lotus blossoms grow from one stem, one yin and one yang, never meeting. Tang Zhaozhao grew up in a Taoist temple on Mount Yunwu. When she was sixteen, she received a letter from home: her twin sister, whom she had never met, was dead. Without hesitation, Tang Zhaozhao came down from the mountain. She not only opened the coffin to examine the body, but also turned the whole capital upside down. “My fa 22.4kReads9.2Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    High IQ, cunning and resourceful

33. 33 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

    Reader note

    The World of High IQ Intrigue Novels

34. 34 岳 The Legend of Yue Fei 岳飞传 Lord of the Pearl-Returning Tower还珠楼主Historical161k WordsCompleted A historical epic novel by Huan Zhu Lou Zhu. Based on the life of Yue Fei, the famous Southern Song general who fought against the Jin, it begins with Yue Fei learning martial arts as a boy and vowing to serve his country. It vividly depicts how he formed the Yue Family Army, fought the Jin forces, and won one victory after another, until he was framed by treacherous officials and met a tragic end. The novel celebrates his unwavering loyalty and devotion to his country. 884Reads9.6Score—Shelves
35. 35 禀EN Reporting to Your Highness, Your Consort Only Wants to Farm and Raise Her Little Ones 禀告王爷，王妃只想种田养崽崽 Dai Ruge黛如歌Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Farming] [Spatial Storage] [Sweet Romance] [Super Satisfying] [Two Strong Leads] [Devoted Couple] [Adorable Kids] [Secret Identity] Yun Manman, head of an ancient martial arts clan, transmigrates into another world and ends up sleeping with Mo Beiyuan, the Prince of Zhenbei. (Four years later) Mo Beiyuan gazes at Yun Manman with a wounded look. "You have to take responsibility for me." A child's voice rings out: "Mother, doesn't this man look just like the two of us?" Yun Manman jolts awake 29.4kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good! The plot is really exciting. The female lead transmigrates and meets the male lead. She becomes pregnant with twins, one son is calm and the other is lively. She teaches them martial arts and continuously builds up their power, eventually unifying the world.

36. 36 废 Deposed Crown Prince: Guarding the Border for Three Years, the Court Kneels and Begs Me to Ascend the Throne 废太子：戍边三年，满朝文武跪求登基 Summer Clear SkySummer晴空Historical5.2M WordsCompleted [History + Alternate World + Deposed Crown Prince + Border Defense + Development] Xiao Ce woke up and found that he had transmigrated! The good news: He had become the Crown Prince! The bad news: This Crown Prince was pretty useless. The emperor wanted to depose him! The other princes wanted him dead! From the start, he was framed and surrounded by wolves. How could he turn things around? Xiao Ce decided to play along, resigning his position as Crown Prince and withdrawing from court. He volunte 2.4kReads8.2Score279Shelves

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    💥, High IQ, Ancient Historical Intrigue Novel, 🌈 First Book "Your Highness... Let me go... Help... No..." "Rip..." Xiao Ce slowly opened his eyes, hearing a seductive sound beside him. His body felt like lead, utterly limp. Following the sound, he saw a slender woman beside him. Her clothes were disheveled, revealing only a few pieces of fabric. However, these pieces were just right, covering the parts that needed to be covered. "A beauty!" He thought, swallowing hard, his hands trembling as he involuntarily cried out, "Ah!" The woman rocking the bed screamed, as if struck by lightning, and abruptly turned her head. Seeing Xiao Ce awake, the woman's face darkened with surprise: "You good-for-nothing, how did you wake up? What do you want!" A slap landed on Xiao Ce's face. That slap completely woke Xiao Ce up; this wasn't a dream! A flood of memories rushed into his mind. He realized he had transmigrated! The good news was that he had transmigrated into the body of a crown prince. The bad news was that the original crown prince was somewhat useless. 🌈The second book's original owner was the sixth prince of the Great Xia Dynasty. As the imperial edict stated: untrained in both literature and martial arts, inherently cowardly, possessing no redeeming qualities other than good looks and a large stature, plagued by various vices. The original owner was invited to a banquet at the fifth prince's house and got extremely drunk. But to say he had disrespected his elder brother's fiancée, Zhen Shi, was absolutely untrue! The original owner was both cowardly and weak; even drunk, he would never dare to disrespect Zhen Shi. Clearly, this was a trap, a trap intended to kill the original owner! However, the trap setter overestimated the original owner's weakness… After drinking too much, he simply died, allowing the transmigrated Zhou Che to take over his body.

37. 37 磨 Grinding Stone: The Hundred-Grind Stone 磨石之百磨之石 Bone Wants to Chew on a Dog骨头想啃狗Urban979k WordsCompleted The protagonist is human, and every human has flaws. He's an unconventional commander with enormous shortcomings. Yet he has always held fast to the beautiful ideal that others see as his greatest flaw. So he'll never become a blade; he can only be the whetstone that forges one. A special forces unit built almost from nothing: there is training and there is combat. There is passion, and there is cold indifference. His indecision isn't his fault. He just doesn't want to see any more of his comrad 1.8kReads8.7Score113Shelves

    Reader note

    An old bookworm couldn't stand reading this and wrote it himself! (This story is purely fictional and has absolutely no resemblance to actual events.) [Thinking][Thinking][Thinking] Surprisingly, a middle-aged man received a recall order. Bearing the burdens of two lifetimes, the former king of soldiers is once again gearing up. He embarks on a familiar yet unfamiliar path, beginning a new military career. Competitions, counter-terrorism, battlefield peacekeeping, infiltrating enemy lines to rescue hostages… Watch as this sleazy uncle leads a powerful, sleazy elite force! Ultimately, they become the most resilient whetstone for sharpening the blade to go abroad…

38. 38 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 62kReads8.8Score4.9kShelves
39. 39 乱 A Lone Woman in Troubled Times, Plotting an Age of Prosperity 乱世孤女，谋千古盛世 Lingering Fragrance and Faded Powder旧香残粉Ancient Romance2.2M WordsOngoing [Strong Female Lead + No CP + Empress + Ensemble Cast + Political Scheming + War + Power Struggles in a Chaotic Era + Nation-Building and Farming + No Spatial Storage or System + Slow-Burn Growth + Epic Length] Yun Huaijin suddenly became a "corpse" in a world torn apart by chaos. She crawled out of a pile of bodies, with only a child on the verge of starving to death beside her. In this world, nobles lived in drunken indulgence, powerful clans monopolized knowledge, bandits slaughtered withou 24.2kReads8.9Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book. The female lead is very intelligent; not only intelligent, but also capable of leading armies on horseback and governing a country on foot. She's a very charismatic character.

40. 40 穿 After I Transmigrated into a Book, I Became the Big Shot’s Lazy Pillow 穿书后成了大佬的咸鱼抱枕 Xi Yin奚音Ancient Romance306k WordsCompleted Outside, a raging storm howled and battle cries filled the air. Inside, Ning Xihua suddenly jolted awake on the bed. Propping herself up halfway, she looked confused. “What’s going on?” The man held a book in one hand and pulled her into his arms with the other. “Nothing. Go back to sleep.” “Oh.” Ning Xihua lay back down and promptly fell asleep. If the big shot was this calm, then even if knives were raining down outside, it had nothing to do with her. After transmigrating into a book, Ning Xi 49.3kReads9.4Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Ning Xihua turned her head and looked. There were several protruding wooden stakes in the lake, tied with many hemp ropes, as if they were holding something to the bottom of the lake. She looked horrified. No… could it be a corpse? The big boss dumped another body in the lake?! Su Bi could tell from her expression that she had misunderstood, and pinched her cheek in annoyance. "What's going on in your head?" Ning Xihua covered her face with her hands, muttering and quickly begging for forgiveness, "Ugh… I'm so confused…" Su Bi released her cheek, glanced at her, and then ordered the boatman to row the boat over. The hand that had just pinched her cheek unconsciously rubbed its fingers together under the wide sleeve. It felt pretty good… Ning Xihua realized she had misunderstood and immediately sat up straight, looking obedient. After the boat crossed, the boatman skillfully pulled up the hemp ropes and fished out cages from the lake. These were… crab traps? "Didn't you keep saying you wanted to eat crabs? You weren't fully healed then. I asked the imperial physician these past few days, and he said you don't need to avoid any foods anymore." Ning Xihua seemed to realize something. Before, because of her injuries, she had been eating only bland food and taking bitter medicine, and her mouth was practically tasteless. Back then, crabs were at their fattest, and she had been craving them for days. Su Bi and the old man hadn't let her see a single crab, which she had resented for a long time. "The female crabs aren't fat now, but the male crabs are still passable. The crabs in this lake aren't top-quality, but they're freshly caught and cooked, so they're very fresh." As Su Bi spoke, he rolled up his sleeves, took out a tinderbox, and lit a small clay stove. After the boatman took out the crabs, he washed and cleaned them before placing them in a small steamer on the stove.

41. 41 枕 Poison Between the Sheets, Hidden Tides Rising 枕间鸩，暗潮生 Zero Six One零六壹Ancient Romance143k WordsOngoing The courtesan Wan Niang of Qunyu Terrace doesn't sell nights of passion. She sells lives. The most powerful men in the capital kneel beneath Xie Wan's skirts, while she holds the darkest secrets of the entire imperial court in her hands. The world envies the passion she shares at her bedside, and men vie to become her favored guests. Only Prince Duan, Pei Chengyuan, comes to her door seeking the life of the crown prince. "Your Highness drove the former crown prince mad, exiled the fourth prince, 113Reads—Score127Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone's highly intelligent; every word is calculated. The wicked courtesan is the head of the capital's underground network, colluding with the villainous prince to kill the crown prince. It's an all-villain showdown, a true clash of titans! [Thumbs up]

42. 42 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 228.3kReads9.5Score28.1kShelves
43. 43 狗 You Rotten Emperor, You Want Me to Nurse the Baby? 狗皇帝，让我奶孩子 The Grass-Eating Sheep by the Riverbank河畔食草的羊Historical376k WordsOngoing Shen Yan woke up in a country called Daqian. He had returned from fighting alongside the emperor of Daqian in campaigns across the south and north, and he was barely twenty. “Your Majesty, since Shen Yan refuses to become an official, we shouldn't let his talents go to waste.” “Prime Minister, what do you propose?” “Let's arrange for Shen Yan to tutor the Crown Prince. He understands the principles of the world.” What? You're going after the Crown Prince? Don't you know I was the one who changed 77Reads—Score115Shelves

    Reader note

    It fits the topic; don't be put off by the name.

44. 44 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 1.5kReads9.2Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    This is great! It's a historical romance novel about political intrigue. The female lead is incredibly resourceful and cunning, practically a genius. The male lead is gentle, refined, and a true gentleman. It's purely historical fiction. The author's writing is excellent. It's suitable for reading with your brain and attention.

45. 45 惊 The Horror Realm: Entering the Strange World from a Psychiatric Hospital 惊悚领域：从精神病院进入诡世界 Tender Little Puppy香嫩的小狗Mystery1.5M WordsOngoing (The hardcover edition has been published!) [Infinite Flow] [Original Horror Instances] [Mild Horror] “Chen Ji murdered his mother a week ago and spent three days with her corpse before he was arrested.” “You have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and are about to be transferred to a psychiatric hospital for supervision.” “Do you have anything to say?” The black-haired boy before them slowly raised his head, his expression calm. “I’ll say it again.” “The thing I killed wasn’t my mother...” “It w 335.3kReads9.5Score66.6kShelves
46. 46 雪 Spring Burns Through the Ashes of Snow 雪烬春灼 The Remarkable Wang Shiyi了不起的王十一Ancient Romance189k WordsOngoing A historical tale of destruction and renewal, hatred and redemption, political intrigue and true devotion. Watch as yesterday's blazing sun is tempered in the deepest darkness, and at last becomes a bright moon shining over the land. Wang Chunxue went from being the prized jewel of the Langya Wang clan to the daughter of a condemned traitor. The imperial decree accusing her family of treason crushed everything she had: her father and brothers, her glory, and her betrothal to the Crown Prince. Af 70Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone's IQ is online

47. 47 父 Father, I Only Want to Be a Prince 父皇，我只想当个王爷 A Man with a Wu Hook男儿带吴钩Historical5.3M WordsCompleted In the 115th year of the Jingli era, the realm was in turmoil, with three kingdoms standing in opposition. On that day, Ye Zhuo, heir to the Prince of Shou, opened his eyes after being unconscious for three years... Ye Zhuo only wanted to live a quiet, carefree life as a hedonistic playboy. But he was so outstanding that he shone wherever he went. See how Ye Zhuo carves out a path to becoming a wise prince in this chaotic age, one that belongs to him alone! 28.2kReads8.7Score2.4kShelves

    Reader note

    These three books are the absolute must; the protagonists are all incredibly intelligent, and they wield immense power and influence.

48. 48 走 The Horse-Riding Hidden Scheme 走马藏局 Kai Zhong Feng Shui凯中堪舆Urban1.2M WordsOngoing Geomancy and the Yin-Yang arts rule the world, while the Jianghu is full of schemes! At twelve, Shen Qianfan became an orphan and was cast adrift in the Jianghu. He grew up teaching himself from books scavenged from trash heaps, cleared his father's name, and pressed on through one Jianghu con after another, setting schemes and breaking them, navigating schemes within schemes. He cut a path through every obstacle, built a business empire, and leveraged his influence to establish a regional milit 1.6kReads6.3Score186Shelves

    Reader note

    No clichés, and it gets better with every read! Kai Zhongkan's novels, starting with "The Path of Feng Shui Cultivation," followed by "One Man and One Mouse Cultivate Immortality," and then "Mecha Immortal Path: Invincible from Exile to Mars," are all now complete. These three books form a cultivation trilogy. Now, he's back with a new book, but this time he's not writing about cultivation. Instead, he's writing about things closer to home: feng shui, human nature, kung fu, strategy, breaking through barriers, the eight sects of the martial arts world, and his journey of overcoming obstacles to build a business empire and leverage regional military power… This new book is called "The Hidden Game of Horsemanship," where horsemanship represents yin and yang, and the hidden game of human nature represents the world. The book's message: ... You can't be afraid; if you are, you lose!

49. 49 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 257.8kReads9.7Score30.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The writing is excellent, and the whole story is intricately linked. At first, I thought it was just the male and female protagonists using each other to achieve their goals, but later I realized that it was a game that had been going on for twenty years, and everyone was a pawn in the game. The ending was both expected and unexpected. There were quite a few foreshadowing elements, and the male and female protagonists had a strong aura, but it still felt reasonable. The most frequently mentioned point was that the male protagonist had great luck.

50. 50 灯 When the Lanterns Fade, the Calamity Ends 灯明劫尽 Rui Xuan睿暄Ancient Romance859k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads, brilliant strategists, devoted only to each other, revenge, dual identities, dual personalities, an alternate world not based on any historical dynasty, plenty of witty flirting] She is the eldest princess, rumored to be cherished by all, yet she witnessed her mother spend her life being manipulated by the man she loved. Gentle and composed on the surface, she excels at reading people and understands human nature. To stir up the court, she will stop at nothing. She will destro 1.9kReads9.3Score270Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese political intrigue, two strong individuals, high intelligence, and all members are shrewd.

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