Political Intrigue, Historical Setting 权谋，古风

1. 501 周 One and Only [TV Series] 周生如故【电视剧】 Yi Li A以里阿Female-Channel Fanfiction179k WordsCompleted Adapted from the TV series One and Only, starring Ren Jialun and Bai Lu. The young Prince of Nanchen, Zhou Shengchen, made a name for himself early and won countless battles without a single defeat. Though he commanded an army, he never abused his power. Forced to swear that he would never marry or have children, he was compelled to accept Cui Shiyi, who had been promised as the crown prince’s future consort since infancy, as his disciple. He later fell in love with Cui Shiyi, but kept his feel 1.8kReads8.7Score166Shelves
2. 502 绑 Bound to a System, I Become the Invincible Adviser to My County Magistrate Father 绑定系统，做县令爹的无敌女师爷 Chouchou畴畴Ancient Romance763k WordsCompleted [A novice female player who pays to transmigrate + an honest, bookish father + a talkative male lead] The heroine is one of the least capable players to transmigrate. She lands in a fictional dynasty with strict rules of etiquette, a typical feudal society that devours its people. The System forcibly comes online and tells her the game is difficult, but there’s no need to worry: someone is paying to give her an advantage. But the heroine has no grand ambitions. She just wants to help her father 192Reads8.7Score—Shelves

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   Restore the daily life of officialdom, what should you do if you encounter unruly people? What should you do if someone accuses you anonymously? What should you do if you encounter a difficult case? What should I do if I encounter taxes? ... The mysterious and faceless master is an underage girl, and he can support eight people by himself!

3. 503 江 Thieves and Seduction in the Realm 江山贼色 Jia Zhuang Has No Money贾装没有钱Historical881k WordsOngoing The late Tang is in chaos, with warlords running rampant. Never underestimate a young man. Give me three thousand troops at my side, and I dare seize any of the empire's four hundred prefectures. Though the city may be filled with the bones of nobles, I can bring prosperity to every corner of the realm. The land is a painting, and armies thunder across it. Armored cavalry rides forth, while lovely women lend their charm. 1kReads7.1Score—Shelves

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   But with three thousand soldiers in front of the horse, I dare to capture the four hundred states in the world.

4. 504 定 The Heroes Who Tamed the Realm 定乾英雄传 Pei Ming沛溟Historical163k WordsCompleted Here, the currents run treacherously deep, and schemes abound, yet there is also chivalrous tenderness and boundless valor! The 286-year-old Qianyuan Empire is destined to fall. Who will perish in the struggle for power, and who will rise above the rest in the fires of war? Heroes mount their steeds to quell the turmoil, yet how can they endure the tyrannical traitors who plague the nation? May one man reach out and hold back the collapsing sky, so sun and moon may once again shine upon our old 9Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Dangdangdang, let me recommend your favorite strategy novel - "The Legend of Dingqian Heroes". The fall of each dynasty will always lead to great chaos. In the process of competing for power, one person will always emerge to rule the country. This book tells how the heroes competed for hegemony in this process. After reading the current chapter, my biggest thought is that this group of people is too narrow-minded, more so than the group in the girls' dormitory. I can only admire them and dare not participate!

5. 505 宫 A Rhapsody of Palace Flowers 宫花赋 Six-Eared Yuanyuan六耳圆圆Ancient Romance681k WordsCompleted [A no-nonsense, trope-defying palace-intrigue drama + no love for the emperor + ensemble of women] Everyone has their own ambitions. I have no interest in fighting other women over a man. She was little Qing Luo, a girl who valued her life above all else. Abandoned by her parents as a child, she had wandered through hardship until she entered the Forbidden City, where she met the beautiful, gracious Yue Ren and the clever, perceptive Lü Zhu. At last, her wandering heart found a home. The three s 31.3kReads9.6Score4.1kShelves
6. 506 凤 Phoenix Feather Flame 凤羽焰 Leisurely Grapes悠闲葡萄Ancient Romance293k WordsCompleted In the Great Yue Kingdom, the imperial harem is filled with beautiful women. Xiao Yin, a palace maid, is appointed a Lady of the Imperial Bedchamber, but before she can be summoned to the emperor, the jealous empress has her banished to the Cold Palace. From then on, she goes hungry and teeters on the brink of death. By chance, she obtains a multicolored phoenix feather, which grants her incredible fortune and lets her defy fate. Trapped in the brutal struggles of the palace, she has no choice b 3Reads—Score—Shelves

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   It tells the story of women who lived in high-walled courtyards in ancient times. Mentality, kindness, wisdom and courage, or the only way she can win every step of the way.

7. 507 醉 Drunk at the Beacon Tower, I Wake to Spring in Jiangnan 醉卧烽火台晓看江南春 A Nobody from Guizhou妫州一小卒Historical231k WordsOngoing A poor, friendless boy of mysterious origins joins the army and heads north alone so he can afford medicine for his sick mother. He rises from a lowly frontier soldier to a general who protects the nation, then navigates the intrigues of the court to become an emperor. This is the legendary tale of his ascent. In a world controlled by powerful clans, simply staying alive is hard enough. How could anyone find the time to study the classics, let alone pass the imperial examinations? Being allowed —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Two very interesting books. The more I read, the more addictive I become.

8. 508 罪 Sin Cannot Stay in This World 罪是人间留不住 Humble Old Dog卑微老狗Ancient Romance126k WordsOngoing (Crown prince succession struggle + ensemble cast and political intrigue + vendettas + classical setting + coercive love + country and family + strong female lead + powerful heroine) (No rebirth, no transmigration) From a loyal, clear-eyed female assassin VS a calculating prince hungry for power to an empress who wants to rule the world VS an emperor who loves her but holds himself back (not both sexually inexperienced) I plan to write a slow-burning story, laying the groundwork in the first hal —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Antique and majestic group portraits

9. 509 那 That Year, That Cicada, That Sword 那年那蝉那把剑 Mo Yu默煜Eastern Fantasy3.1M WordsCompleted Holding a cicada from summer doesn’t necessarily mean holding the whole summer in your hand. But grasp that sword, and you hold an entire world of martial arts. Wield a three-foot blade of gleaming steel. Dream of becoming a revered Sword God, if only for a day. Be an invincible Sword Immortal, if only for a moment. Sever the headmaster’s treasured pagoda and knock the emperor’s crown from his head. He laughs aloud: “Eight kings with zithers, lutes, harps, and pipes; four imps with grotesque fac 98.5kReads9.3Score10.3kShelves
10. 510 闻 The Sound of Spring 闻春声 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance161k WordsCompleted [Taciturn, stammering country hunk VS vivacious, fiery widow. Farming romance, one-on-one, both leads’ first relationship] [She makes the first move, and the unyielding tree finally blossoms. A period farming romance] At the matchmaker's urging, young Yao Chunniang took her dowry and married into the Zhang family in Lishui Village. Who could have guessed that on their wedding night, her sickly husband would close his eyes and die? Before Yao Chunniang could even process what had happened, she ha 29.5kReads9.6Score3.6kShelves
11. 511 秦 Qin Yang, Tomb Keeper 秦阳守墓人 Unfamiliar with the Passing Years不识锦年Historical198k WordsOngoing Countless demons and ghosts roam the world, All born from hearts devoid of truth! If you like political intrigue, come and read slowly. You’ll find that even a casual joke has something behind it, and every planted clue gets resolved! If you enjoy classical romances and poetry, come and savor it. You’ll find all kinds of carefully crafted verses and lyrics. Forgive my humble efforts! If you love traditional wuxia, take your time. You’ll discover both Guo Jing, the great hero who embodies chivalr —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Strongly recommended, highly recommended, the logic is rigorous and the rhythm is compact. The author's poems are really good. Written about the male protagonist: General Bai Hong is three feet tall, and he kills all the Shuras guarding Xiongguan. Who knows there are many evil spirits and charms, but now he can conquer the rivers and mountains with one sword! Written about the heroine: the clever smile makes the spring peach drunken the new swallow, the pure nine chrysanthemums dew the face, the lotus empties like shyness, the icy posture and jade bones are crispy and cold! Not to mention the contrast between poems and lyrics, the thought alone is very good, and you can see that the small details are very attentive. I recommend it [Thinking][Thinking][Thinking]

12. 512 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 198.7kReads9.6Score30.7kShelves
13. 513 女 Empress: Father, It's Time to Abdicate 女帝：父皇，你该退位了 The Mountains Are High, the Waters Long山高水长长Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted {Strong male and female leads + alternate setting + power struggles + revenge + palace and household intrigue + the aloof one brought down from his pedestal + princess + empress + satisfying wish fulfillment + teacher-student romance + divorce and remarriage + chief minister + 1v1} She is the most honored eldest princess, who played a key role when her father ascended the throne. Her mother is the empress, her brother is the crown prince, and all her uncles are great generals. With a family back 19Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Ancient style of strategy, treasure female channel female emperor text, with cp, strategy, double strength. The heroine was originally a princess. She was supposed to live a happy life, but she suffered a disaster and lost her relatives. The heroine simply rebelled and became the emperor herself

14. 514 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 73.5kReads9.7Score9.5kShelves
15. 515 九 Nine Princes Vie for the Throne: Your Highness, Prepare to Die 九龙夺嫡，请皇兄赴死 Seventh Uncle of Nanming南溟七叔Historical613k WordsCompleted In the eleventh year of the Tianqing era, Zhao Yin Qian, the ninth prince of Zhao, returned home after spending ten years as a hostage in Wei. All he wanted was to live carefree as a prince. But several of his elder brothers had murder on their minds and kept pressing him at every turn. He would endure it no longer. If they could fight for the position of Crown Prince, so could he. Zhao Yin Qian raised his sword to the heavens and roared, “By imperial decree, I come to suppress the traitors. Eld 201Reads5.9Score—Shelves

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    Ancient style of Machiavellianism and a grand world view

16. 516 小 Listening to Spring Rain All Night in a Small Tower 小楼一夜听春雨 Bright Moon Tilts明月倾Ancient Romance876k WordsCompleted A critically acclaimed historical romance ensemble that topped the annual charts! A calculating, lovesick beauty versus a dark, scheming top scholar! A historical take on Pride and Prejudice: life in the inner household isn't all scheming and rivalry, but also deep sisterly affection. The clever and capable Second Madam Lou takes the greatest pride in her life in having three beautiful daughters. To marry her three marriageable girls into “good” families, she travels a great distance to the capi 38.8kReads9.6Score6.4kShelves
17. 517 夺 The Struggle for the Crown: You Can Have the Crown Prince's Seat, but I Want the Empire 夺嫡：太子给你当，天下我要了 The Empress's Husband女帝的老公Historical394k WordsOngoing [Power Fantasy + Decisive and Ruthless + Play the Pig to Eat the Tiger + Political Scheming + Beauties + No System] Chu Ming transmigrates to ancient times, only to become a disgraced crown prince who is about to be executed. Unwilling to suffer an unjust accusation, he turns around and forces the poison wine down the throat of the eunuch delivering the imperial decree. After proving his innocence, Chu Ming chooses to bide his time, voluntarily gives up the crown prince’s position, and heads to 18Reads8.7Score—Shelves

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    For traitors, kill them if you ask them to, and for envoys from the enemy country, kill them if you ask them to! The male protagonist has the image of a tough guy, capable of both literary and military skills, while the single female protagonist is a person who never misses important things.

18. 518 伊 Snow of the Yi 伊雪 Long-Haired Girl长发姑娘Ancient Romance342k WordsOngoing As the Protector Princess of the Xuanyuan Kingdom, Xuanyuan Yixue has only two wishes in life: first, peace for the nation; second, safety for her family. Only then would she deserve the title “Protector.” Xuanyuan Yixue devotes her entire life to making those wishes come true. There are always obstacles along the way, and Jun Beichen is the biggest one. They frequently disagree and clash at every turn. Everyone at court knows they're utterly at odds. Later, during a palace banquet, a maid accid 101Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Machiavellian novel, fall in love and kill each other

19. 519 极 The Ultimate Young Lord 极品世子爷 Slippery Udon乌冬滑溜溜Historical669k WordsCompleted [Alternate history + scheming protagonist + feel-good read + political intrigue + no System + making money. Your humble author never lies: the further you read, the more satisfying it gets!] Li Ci unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of the heir to the Chu throne, only to find himself in a dilapidated manor. His father is an idiot, he himself is mad, and even his mother, the princess consort, is being persecuted by her own family. Powerful enemies surround them from without, while treacherou 32Reads7.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is amazing! This is the correct way to open a historical article!

20. 520 嫡 The Phoenix Brocade of the Legitimate Daughter 嫡女凰锦 Nine Phoenixes Purple九凰紫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Strong female lead + reborn + household intrigue + mystery + satisfying read In her previous life, Qin Jinxuan was forced to marry Shen Muchen, heir to the Marquis of Yongding, to protect her mother. Over the seven years of their marriage, she devoted herself heart and soul to the marquis's household, only to end up disgraced, cast aside, and murdered. She never imagined that it had all been part of a scheme by him and the woman he loved. Reborn, Qin Jinxuan returns to seven years earlier, befor 94Reads7.1Score—Shelves
21. 521 永 The Eternal Night’s Long Song 永夜长歌 Committed to the Long Night执于长夜Eastern Fantasy2.2M WordsCompleted A demon crawling out of the depths of hell lets out a furious roar at the gods enthroned above. People piled high like livestock twist, collapse, go mad, and vanish in the darkness... Someone opens their eyes in the eternal night, kindling a lamp with their life and writing an epic in blood. 4.4kReads9.1Score348Shelves

    Reader note

    The first one is really good

22. 522 大 Great Solitary Peak 大孤峰 Little Ba's Kelp小八的海带Eastern Fantasy5.0M WordsCompleted In court or in the jianghu, every injustice in this world can be settled with a single sword. If one strike isn't enough, then a hundred more, until nothing remains before me. Three million sword immortals fill the heavens, yet even they must bow their heads before me! 1.8kReads6.7Score128Shelves

    Reader note

    Looks familiar. .

23. 523 小 The Bittersweet Rise of a Little Beggar to Her Royal Highness 小乞丐升职公主殿下的一路心酸史 Wuting Mountain雾亭山Ancient Romance243k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance, no golden finger, no transmigration] [Strong female lead and strong male lead] [A princess from the dying dynasty, skilled in both medicine and poison, plus a cool yet gentle male lead] There is both sweetness and angst, with a serious, political-intrigue-focused plot. The story is about building a career, with plenty of detail and loose ends that will be tied up. One-on-one romance, both leads are devoted to each other, and there are no third parties. Read without worr 2Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The story is eloquent, there is no golden finger, but the male and female protagonists have full skill points. The female protagonist is a princess of the last dynasty who is good at medicine and poisoning, and the male protagonist is a gentle and stable rich man.

24. 524 长 The Ning Empire's Army 长宁帝军 Know White知白Historical5.3M WordsCompleted This world is divided among hundreds of countries, large and small. When it comes to warfare on land, the Ning Kingdom is virtually invincible. Its fierce armies, drawn from the four frontiers and four arsenals, sweep across the realm. Wherever the land stretches, Ning's banners can be planted. But beyond the sea, where its armies cannot reach, there are always those who refuse to submit. And so a young man took up his blade and halberd, and crossed the sea on a single reed. 488Reads9.4Score—Shelves

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    The intrigues of the court are turbulent, interlocking, and the layout is grand.

25. 525 内 The First Lady of the Cabinet 内阁第一夫人 Mo Tangtang墨汤汤Ancient Romance618k WordsCompleted In her previous life, she married into the imperial family in a high-status match, only to meet a tragic end. Her family was destroyed, and she lost everyone. In this life, all she wants is revenge, yet she becomes the wife of a Grand Secretary, the spouse of a powerful chancellor... 1.9kReads8.7Score153Shelves

    Reader note

    These four books are a must!!! 1There are too many secrets between husband and wife, and they are suspicious of each other and test each other. 2Righteous humor and a joke from time to time 3Boos finally appeared 4I really like the narrative text interspersed with dreams.

26. 526 青 Green Duckweed 青萍 Yue Guan月关Eastern Fantasy4.0M WordsCompleted In one life, the Celestial River overflowed, and all nine provinces became a vast marsh. In another, ten suns appeared at once, turning the earth into a living hell. In yet another, the gates of the underworld swung wide, and the mortal world became a realm of ghosts... Heaven and Earth are cruel, treating all living things as straw dogs! Through countless ages of reincarnation, who is really in control? In this life, a lone youth, with only a sword at his side, sets the wind in motion here, ris 17.9kReads8.6Score2.4kShelves
27. 527 快 Quick, Let Duke Zhou Eat Some Meat 快让周公吃肉 Back to Yunnan归云南Historical1.3M WordsOngoing I transmigrated one day and became the famous Duke of Zhou, Ji Dan. Everyone praises me, saying, “The Duke of Zhou spits out his food to welcome worthy men, and all under Heaven turn to him.” But who knew I wasn’t practicing humility, I really just can’t stomach meat! The shadows of the blood sacrifices at Zhaoge haunt me. Just one bite of meat and I’m back in that slaughterhouse in my dreams. Within, scheming ministers watch like tigers; without, the rebellion of the Three Guards bears down. Th 91Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Take a look at this and try it

28. 528 人 The Human Emperor's Chronicle 人皇纪 Huangfu Qi皇甫奇Historical7.8M WordsCompleted “I will not hand this world over to people I despise!” And so Wang Chong trampled across a sea of blood and bones to claim the throne of the Human Emperor. He turned the tide when all seemed lost, shored up the collapsing empire, and forged an unparalleled legend! 2.9kReads8.6Score277Shelves
29. 529 外 The Outer Wife 外室之妻 Every Inch Is Gold寸寸金Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted Gu Zheng was at her wit’s end with the way her stepmother kept causing trouble. Even though the man looked down on her, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and marry him. She thought she was destined to be a supporting female character in this world, so she lived by the rules and knew her place. Then, in the blink of an eye, her husband turned out to be the Duke’s illegitimate son! He was about to be acknowledged by the family and become the young duke, but the ducal household looked down on 1.4kReads9.0Score359Shelves
30. 530 长 Chang'an Golden Peach 长安金桃 A Gust of Wind, a Night of Heartache人间惆怅风一更Historical314k WordsCompleted “Just be patient. By this time next year, golden peaches will cover the grasslands of Kang.” A glimmer returned to Du Ruhui's gloomy face. It was a coded message. Du Ruhui still needed time for these hidden agents to sow discord, win people over, drive wedges between them, and buy them off amid these tangled relationships… 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Can you read some brainy books, where you cheat every day, and what's the point of the protagonist's halo? Ma Boyongliu is about ordinary people cheating with their brains. The historical background is real. If the protagonist can break the game, you can too.

31. 531 金 A Fart at the Golden Palace: The Deposed Crown Prince Topples the Throne 金銮屁祸，废太子掀翻龙椅 Qing Kuang Yu He清狂禹贺Ancient Romance160k WordsOngoing [Historical romance] + [fictional political intrigue] + [imperial court] + [satisfying comeback] Xiao Jingyuan was the crown prince of the Great Sheng Dynasty. At ten, he went to war alongside his father. When he was thirteen, his father, Xiao Cheng, ascended the throne and became emperor, and Xiao Jingyuan was named crown prince. He had everything going for him. To keep the court stable, Xiao Cheng allowed officials from the previous dynasty and military officers of the new regime to serve toge —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The game starts with a fart in the court, and the prince is forced to run away. No time travel, no golden fingers, pure fictitious tactics + sand sculpture contrast

32. 532 九 The Phoenix Map of the Nine Palaces 九阙凰图 Nine-Story Pagoda九重塔Ancient Romance951k WordsCompleted She is a brave and battle-hardened princess who protects her country. Once, she gave up everything for love, only to have her devotion thrown to the dogs. Reborn, she tramples that dog beneath her feet and grinds him into the dirt. From then on, she renounces love, but a formidable shadow guard protects her with his life and serves her with unwavering loyalty, guarding her all the way to a position where thousands look up to her. 167Reads9.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    At the beginning of the story, she is the princess and he is the secret guard: At the end of the story, she is his queen and he is her royal husband.

33. 533 重 Reborn, the Ruthless Prince Begs Me to Torture Him 重生后，狠辣王爷求我虐他 Village Flower村花花Ancient Romance402k WordsCompleted [No Palace or Household Intrigue]+ [Only Each Other]+ [Both Powerful]+ [Love and Hate]+ [Both Reborn] A Mao / Yun Rong: A beautiful, powerful yet tragic heroine. At first, she is timid and afraid of dying, but later becomes clear-headed and rational. Her identity is shrouded in mystery. Gu Qingyuan: A seemingly ruthless, brooding powerful official at court, but in truth a man devoted to love. If she could live her life over again, A Mao would never steal Gu Qingyuan's jade pendant outside th —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male and female protagonists pull each other's back and plot against each other, each with their own ulterior motives. It's really amazing!

34. 534 悔 I Broke Off Our Engagement When He Was Poor, but Now He's a Powerful Official Who Keeps Me as His Darling 悔婚穷书生他成权臣囚我做掌中娇 Yan Jingzhen盐景珍Ancient Romance800k WordsOngoing Historical fiction History seen through a young couple’s love and heartbreak The Xining and Yuanfeng Reforms of the Northern Song Dynasty, the fall of the Northern Song + the history of Zhejiang celadon (Yue kiln to Longquan kiln) 1. The New Policies among the people (the Song-Jiao war) 2. The Yun case in Dengzhou 3. Infighting among supporters of the New Policies (the Zhang Ruoji case in Xiuzhou) 4. The Chen Shiru case (the Yuanfeng reforms) 5. Su Shi’s poetry case at the Crow Terrace 6. Longqu 36Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If a counselor gets involved personally, the outcome will not be good.

35. 535 盛 A Record of Glorious Days: Mingyue Ruoli 盛世芳华录：明月若离 Years Make Feathers岁羽为翙Ancient Romance50k WordsOngoing If you haven’t forgotten, why worry? Since you’re here, make yourself at home. The past is smoke, but remember this life. In her previous life, she was a princess of Qi. In this life, she is a refined young lady from a distinguished family. She has been reincarnated for decades, yet the bond from her previous life remains. Like Zhuang Zhou dreaming he was a butterfly, she returns to her previous life. What is the truth behind her past and present lives? Watch as she unravels it, one detail at a —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's embarrassing, ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ*)

36. 536 宣 Chronicles of the Xuanhe Era 宣和风云录 Resting Cloud休息的云Historical518k WordsOngoing Turmoil in the imperial palace, factional struggles among the officials. The Tanguts are divided, while the Jurchens watch like prowling tigers. A true man’s heart remains steel to the very end. Let me test my hand and mend the rift in the heavens. I’ll summon the Milky Way’s celestial waves and scour the northwest clean of the barbarians’ sands! The storm is raging. 109Reads—Score107Shelves

    Reader note

    Unsystematic, not brainless, slow-paced, not cool writing, respecting historical facts

37. 537 书 The Tale of Scholar Ji 书生纪 Ink-Stained Orchid墨染幽兰Historical364k WordsCompleted [History + alternate world + fantasy + wuxia + court politics + the martial world + poetry + clever characters] [No transmigration] [No System] [No harem] What is the martial world? Some say it is the life of wine and women, wild and unrestrained, enjoyed by spoiled young masters; Some say it is gallant heroes roaming the land with swords, savoring every triumph and settling every score; Some say it is rival sects and a contest for supremacy among the martial world’s leaders; Some say it is acto 25Reads8.9Score—Shelves

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    There is a person sitting in front of the table in Wanhua Tower, and there is a book boy standing behind him. This person is wearing a purple gold crown with hair tied on his head, a plain brocade robe from Xishu, a jade-inlaid belt around his waist, and silk shoes on his feet. The face is like the jade on the crown, the color is like spring peach blossoms, the eyebrows are like swimming dragons, the eyes are like red phoenixes, the nose is like hanging gallbladder, and the lips are like painted vermilion. Born to be handsome and unrestrained, with a beautiful tree facing the wind. Looks like Song Yu, looks better than Pan An. This person is none other than Li Jun, the eldest son of King Qin Li Geng who owns the entire Wanhua Tower. .

38. 538 唤 Calling the Mountain 唤山 Haha Congee哈哈粥Ancient Romance97k WordsOngoing A cool-headed, quick-witted female assassin × a sweet young gentleman with the world at heart 1. In times of chaos, Yi Zhu was abducted and turned into a puppet used by others to make money. In times of peace, the Pavilion Master returned, and the rules changed. Yi Zhu worked hard and finally won her freedom. Now Yi Zhu is free, but the age of peace is gone. Eunuchs manipulate the emperor, the realm is in decline, and the people are full of resentment. A chance encounter in the prosperous age ga 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is the world's number one killer, the male protagonist is the son of the prime minister, plots revenge, and is both powerful.

39. 539 改 Changing the Old Ways of the Realm (Two-Volume Set) 改尽江山旧（全二册） Qing Yao青垚Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted He is an invincible god of war who steers the realm from the imperial court. She is a puppet trapped in a cage, struggling through an ocean of misery, weeping blood. Though they made a pact long ago, mountains and seas are destined to keep them apart. Back then, she had never given love a thought. She assumed life would simply go on like this. He meant nothing to her. He was merely a bargaining chip on her scales. Should she kill him or spare him? She would choose whichever served her best. When 462Reads9.3Score169Shelves

    Reader note

    The Puppet of the Subjugated Country✖️The Enemy General. The author's writing style is very clear and interlocking. I highly recommend it.

40. 540 苍 The Book of All Life, the Sword of Noble Spirit 苍生书，风骨剑 The Ultimate Chen Xiaozhu至臻陈小逐Eastern Fantasy1.1M WordsCompleted What makes a Confucian sage? He does not recite the classics of the sages; he reads the books of the common people. What makes a Martial God? He does not uphold the emperor’s crown; he wields a sword of integrity! What does “putting one’s family in order” mean? If your father is steeped in sin and helps a tyrant commit evil, then even your father can be killed! What does “governing the state” mean? If the ruler is unjust, cruel, and tyrannical, then even the ruler can be killed! What does “bring 21.2kReads8.4Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    It is a fictional story about rebirth, with plot twists and interlocking links. The author is thoughtful and worth reading if you like Machiavellian reasoning.

41. 541 王 The Princess Looks Up, and the Prince Bows His Head 王妃抬眸王爷低头 Yang Yunni扬云霓Ancient Romance566k WordsCompleted Zhou Yuening and Zhao Ke are childhood sweethearts (or so it seems). Whenever Zhou Yuening runs into him, she is almost always at her most wretched. Zhao Ke: She caused my mother to be confined in the Cold Palace for ten years. Why should she get to grow up safe and sound, dressed in fine clothes and eating well, smiling warmly at other young men? Why should someone come to propose to her with a bright future in hand when she comes of age? He refuses to let her have her way. The Crown Prince 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist is a prince, the second male protagonist is the number one military advisor, the second male protagonist has a Machiavellian background, the CP is super easy to beat, and both male and female protagonists have strong IQs online

42. 542 白 Liu Sanbian, the White-Robed Scholar 白衣卿相柳三变 Have a Cup来一杯Eastern Fantasy197k WordsOngoing In the Great Song, there was Liu Sanbian. From the pleasure houses to the battlefield, from the martial world to the imperial court. Countless tales of romance, more honors and riches than one could count. All have passed into the past. A gifted poet and lyricist, he was a nobleman in white! 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Song Dynasty, Liu Sanbian

43. 543 穿 Transmigrating to Steal Heaven and Change the Sun 穿越之偷天换日 A Dream in a Trance一梦恍惚Historical1.0M WordsOngoing [War] + [Power Struggles] + [Alternate History] + [Passion] + [A Clever Protagonist] + [Unofficial Histories and Rumors] + [Treasure Hunts and Mysteries] No golden finger, no System. The protagonist relies mainly on his wits to solve problems. Yang Yun, an overworked office drone, is caught in a freak traffic accident and transmigrates into the body of a frail scholar in the countryside, on the eve of the Jingkang Disaster. Heaven gives Yang Yun a beautiful, gentle wife who can also endure har 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Machiavellian tactics, court battles, slow start in the early stage, starting from a scholar

44. 544 锦 Splendid Garb Under Heaven: No Hiding, You Useless Consort 锦衣天下：菜鸡驸马不要苟 Octopus888八爪鱼888Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted Her prince's household has fallen into decline, and the imperial family is bearing down on them. She is the third commandery princess: “Just charge in!” He is a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard: “Keep your head down if you want to live!” Though they stand on opposite sides, the two develop an unexpected romance. In public and in private, she is a feisty firecracker: arrogant, overbearing, and charging headlong into everything. He has two faces: a capable court official, but hopeless when 70Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended by Wall Crack, there is a treasure heroine here. Before her rebirth, she was a blind love brain, and her stupidity harmed her whole family. After rebirth, the girl lived her life as if she was systematically completing tasks, inheriting the title, eldest sister breaking off the engagement, Tianshan Snow Lotus... Step by step, startling every step, just to let herself and her family live longer and go further... There's also a surprise! "So, Mr. Qi will protect our young lady like a jade..." "What are you going to do? You want to be a candle, can you light it?" This is a quip from the cute little maid next to the heroine. It's unexpected, curious, and cruel! To be so tortured, so many tears were shed in vain, it breaks my heart, friends, come and see!

45. 545 大 The Two-Faced Playboy of Great Xu 大顼双面纨绔 Ouyang Yun Feifei欧阳云飞飞Historical251k WordsCompleted [Historical] + [Alternate Universe] + [No System] + [Play the pig to eat the tiger] + [Business Rivalry] + [Political Intrigue] + [Human and Demon Realms] + [Vivid Characters] The people of the capital denounced Heng Jin as its most notorious wastrel, the spoiled heir of a prominent family. Corrupt officials used taxes to squeeze merchant houses, while demons plotted in the shadows. He spent lavishly selling shops and throwing gold into canals, using his outrageous behavior to deceive everyone. 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I'll read one too

46. 546 六 No Consort in the Six Palaces (Complete in Three Volumes) 六宫无妃（全三册） Hua Ying华楹Ancient Romance888k WordsCompleted Amid the turmoil of the north and south, love and hatred intertwine. He is heaven’s favored son, ascending the throne at five over the blood of his parents. She is the grown-up gift personally chosen by the Grand Empress Dowager, carrying a secret she cannot speak of as she marries into the imperial family. Rumor has it he lavishes favor on the Feng clan, promising that Feng women will reign as empresses for generations. But the young emperor’s eyes are full of warning: “I will never allow a 1.8kReads9.1Score236Shelves

    Reader note

    Machiavellian and scheming recommendations

47. 547 姜 Ginger 姜了 Desolate and Uninhabited荒芜人烟Ancient Romance3.0M WordsCompleted My name is Jiang Liao. My mother said it meant “born only to die.” She wasn’t wrong. Though I am a princess of Jiang, I was born in the Cold Palace and destined to suffer cruelty and contempt. Even the heir of Northern Qi, held here as a hostage, mocked me: “Jiang Liao, you’re both princesses, so why are you lying on the ground while Princess Yihe rides on your back? Don’t you hate her?” I knew what he was trying to do by provoking me. He wanted to use me to escape Jiang, and perhaps even bring 317Reads7.6Score101Shelves
48. 548 帝 Emperor’s Conquest 帝王业 The Dream Speaker寐语者Ancient Romance367k WordsCompleted The original novel for the television series The Rebel Princess, starring Zhang Ziyi. A thousand miles of blood mark the road to the throne; holding hands for half a lifetime, a beauty brings ruin. She is the daughter the Langya Wang family is proud of, the deepest love of a great ruler, and the power behind the founding of a dynasty. She is a traitor to the aristocratic clans and the last protector of her family, a sinner who brought down the imperial house and an adviser who helped two emperor 1.3kReads9.5Score249Shelves
49. 549 帝 The Emperor and Empress Reign Supreme for All Time 帝后世无双 Drunken Flowing Crisp醉流酥Ancient Romance4.0M WordsCompleted Legend says the founding emperor was a bloodthirsty tyrant, and the Great Jin Dynasty was built upon mountains of bones. A curse turned the dragon energy of the imperial mausoleum into baleful energy, dooming every emperor to die before the age of forty-five. The Heavenly Master says that offering up a prince born under the Lone Star fate to feed the baleful dragon in the imperial mausoleum can break the curse. He is that unlucky prince, born under the Lone Star. Enfeoffed as a prince at six, he 11.3kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves
50. 550 离 Splendor of the Palace: Long Live the Empress 离宫风华惊天下：娘娘万福 Wenruo in Flight文若纷飞Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted On their wedding night, beneath the warm red bridal curtains, he gazed at her for a long time before saying, with only the faintest flicker in his eyes, “You are the ugliest woman in my palace.” She smiled faintly and replied with resignation, “It is my fault for offending Your Majesty’s eyes…” Two years later, before the imperial concubines, she took off her phoenix robe and bared the red birthmark on her arm before him and the Empress Dowager. “I am unworthy and have occupied the empress’s thr 41Reads8.7Score—Shelves

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