Political Intrigue, Historical Setting 权谋，古风

1. 51 被 The Little Emperor Imprisoned by the Left and Right Chancellors 被左相右相囚禁的小皇帝 Liang Wang两汪Two Male Leads523k WordsCompleted After the Beijing Rebellion, the imperial family of the Yu Dynasty was handed over to the Northern Barbarians, who subjected them to every kind of humiliation. The only survivor was a ten-year-old prince. The capital was moved to Nanjing, and the boy ascended the throne at ten, with the two chief ministers doing their utmost to support him. But the young emperor was unable to have children. Little by little, he fell into another abyss. He said he loved him deeply, yet their struggle was a fight 9.5kReads6.4Score624Shelves

   Reader note

   If the young emperor hadn't ascended the throne at the age of ten...

2. 52 后 The Harem Has Limited Places, Earn Your Spot with Achievements 后宫席位有限，要拿政绩来换 Li Qingzhaoming李清照明Ancient Romance137k WordsOngoing [Harem Rivalry + Strong Female Lead Fighting for the Throne + Political Intrigue] [An Account of the Chaos on Princess Ning'an Xiao Qinglan's Wedding Night: Where Will the Princess Sleep Tonight?] [The Devoted Romantic] General Shen Ce of the Northern Frontier (grinning foolishly): "I'm getting married today! Hehe, my wife is so pretty. I like her, I like her! To avoid offending her, I'll sleep in the side hall tonight!" The other three: Are you really this dumb, or are you pretending?! Xiao Qin 3Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A battleground of heroes + a powerful female strategist – this combination is hard not to love! The four male leads have completely different personalities, and their bickering and banter are hilarious, while the female lead remains clear-headed and single-mindedly focused on her grand ambitions.

3. 53 说 I Said I'd Be a Treacherous Official, So How Did I Become a Legend? 说好当奸臣，怎么名垂青史了 Plankton the Lab Rat做实验的痞老板Ancient Romance12k WordsCompleted I said I wanted to be a treacherous minister, so how did I end up immortalized in history? 15.1kReads—Score574Shelves

   Reader note

   Recommended short stories about ancient Chinese society

4. 54 盛 Beloved Above All in a Golden Age, With the Land as Dowry 盛世独宠，山河为聘 Wilderness Siren荒野塞壬Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Male emperor and female monarch, political intrigue, devoted to each other, sweet romance, both leads are natives of a traditional historical setting] One was an emperor’s chosen star who brimmed with murderous rage; the other was a brilliant woman destined for a tragic fate. Yun Zhenzhen chose Chu Yu to protect her family and save her own life. To her, it was nothing more than a mutually willing bargain. But the bold, unrestrained man held her close and shielded her from every open attack and 1.1kReads9.1Score118Shelves
5. 55 山 Spring Comes to the Mountain Woods 山木逢春 The Fly Doesn't Fly乌蝇不飞Ancient Romance263k WordsOngoing [Two formidable leads + court intrigue + kindred spirits + growing together + long live idealism] Censor Zhou Huaiyue is ordered to investigate a fire at the salt warehouse. A token belonging to the Fang family is found in the ashes. Armed with an imperial edict, he turns the Fang family’s estate upside down, determined to find the statue of an evil god rumored to be enshrined in their inner residence. He doesn’t find the statue. Instead, he brings out a young woman who seems detached in both 39Reads—Score135Shelves

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   A classic ancient Chinese romance novel featuring two strong protagonists. The male lead is a voracious reader, and the female lead is a seasoned traveler. Their meeting is a match made in heaven, surpassing countless romances. No melodramatic plot twists, no overpowered plot devices, no time travel or reincarnation cheat codes. They focus on building their careers steadily and living a prosperous life.

6. 56 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

   Intrigue and power struggles, ancient Chinese stories

7. 57 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

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   "High IQ" and "Top-Tier Political Intrigue": In a chaotic world, only the strong prevail! The female lead, burdened with a blood feud, has bided her time for years, meticulously planning her moves to stir up the winds of change. The male lead, self-disciplined and principled, is a man of noble character, willing to offer her all his tenderness. They are evenly matched, each other's weakness and strength, upholding their true feelings amidst deceit and protecting each other in the face of danger. The plot is high-octane from start to finish—a must-watch!

8. 58 开 One Brain to Scheme for the World from the Start 开局一个脑子谋划天下 Mature Feiyangyang成熟的沸羊羊Historical219k WordsCompleted [I’m terrible at coming up with titles (இдஇ; )] [Studying the Thirty-Six Stratagems as I write] [Schemes] Wang was sentenced to five years in prison for phone scams. He was caught after escaping prison and committing murder and robbery. But after being executed, he transmigrated. Even during his transmigration, he was struck by five bolts of thunder. After transmigrating, the protagonist reflects on his mistakes, repents, and vows to become a good person. As he stabs the person beside him, he sa 124Reads—Score—Shelves
9. 59 陛 Your Majesty, I’ll Conquer the World to Take Care of You 陛下，我打个天下养你啊 Bi Mai避麦Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted An alternate-world setting inspired by the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern dynasties. A serious period romance, with two formidable leads, political intrigue, and love. [A sickly marquis plots to conquer the realm, while a ruthless emperor bows to love] The story of a demon who kills people in the human world to atone for his sins. Driven by selfish desire and consumed by inner demons, her father kills his wife and daughter. Shen Yanqi is raised as a boy from childhood. An edict seeking tale 366Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Set against the backdrop of the chaotic Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, the story follows the female protagonist, who enters officialdom as the daughter of a merchant. Initially, she acts as the emperor's henchman, eliminating powerful clans and secretly cultivating influence within the court for the male protagonist. Later, she and the male protagonist work together to quell the chaos, reminiscent of many historical tales of close relationships between rulers and ministers, supporting each other and creating a prosperous era.

10. 60 盟 The Mengjin Crossing 盟津渡 Facing South from the Mountain朝山南Historical267k WordsCompleted Also known as The Awakening of the Ferry Boy. Wu Heyuan, a young man from a Yellow River ferry crossing, suffers the massacre of his entire family, and his younger sister goes missing. After delivering a letter to the Weishui Alliance for a mysterious stranger, he becomes Jiang Shang’s disciple and embarks on a path of political intrigue. When his sister is trained to become an enemy nation’s assassin, when his beloved tastes poison to save him from the brink of death, and when his master gives —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this book; the plot is full of twists and turns and very engaging.

11. 61 秋 Short-Handed for the Autumn Harvest, I Tricked Half the Imperial Court into Farming 秋收缺人，我把半个朝廷骗来种地 Plankton the Lab Rat做实验的痞老板Ancient Romance14k WordsCompleted We Were Short-Handed for the Autumn Harvest, So I Tricked Half the Imperial Court into Farming 9.5kReads—Score428Shelves

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    A very interesting short essay on social customs and human relationships in ancient style.

12. 62 绝 The Peerless Sword God 绝色剑神 Zhi Ge Wen Mo止戈问墨Eastern Fantasy1.3M WordsCompleted That winter, the martial world died. Tianwaitian slaughtered the entire martial world, staining rivers and mountains with blood. Beauty meant death. Zhao Qinghe was the most remarkable princess in the world, and the most beautiful woman in the world. When she smiled, the mountains and rivers paled. When she drew her sword, even immortals bowed their heads. Her Flowing Cloud Soft Sword made her invincible in three moves. Two even more dangerous women were always at her side: Luo Qinghan, “De 464Reads8.1Score191Shelves
13. 63 步 Splendor at Every Turn, Spring at Every Step 步步惊华步步春 Twenty-Four Flower Mornings廿四花朝Ancient Romance847k WordsOngoing The rating has just come out, so don't pay it any mind... [Pure historical romance] [Plot-driven] [Political intrigue] [Two equally matched leads] [One-on-one romance] [Everyone is clever] [Powerful prince who dominates the court vs. exceptionally intelligent illegitimate daughter] Ruan Zhenzhen is the illegitimate daughter of the Pingyang Marquis's residence. Born of a courtesan's bloodline and raised in a humble country home, she is suddenly forced into the treacherous world of the capital's n 8.4kReads8.7Score838Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical drama about political intrigue, written with delicate prose and a plot that unfolds layer by layer.

14. 64 绥 Suiyang 绥阳 Mo Yuheng墨煜衡Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [Ensemble Cast + Political Intrigue + Multiple Viewpoints + Long-form] An alternate-history ensemble inspired by the histories of the Tang and Song dynasties. The title means “to pacify and settle” and “vitality and prosperity.” Twelve years ago, Wang Zhizhou, the Grand Pillar State, died in Chang'an. The Fourth Prince was crippled overnight and sent to the frontier. This sudden turn of events shocked the court and triggered a series of earth-shattering upheavals that left officials throughout t 267Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Want to give it a try?

15. 65 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

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    The scope is truly grand, everyone is cunning, a peak battle of wits concludes, a story of rebirth and revenge + unparalleled medical and poison skills + two strong, mutually loving partners + everyone is cunning + palace intrigue and power struggles. Highlight: No villains who are easily defeated; everyone is cunning and 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 save her scumbag husband, exhausting her life force. In return, she found him secretly having an affair with her scheming cousin, causing her entire Shen family to perish tragically! Reborn, she holds silver needles, returning to the day she used poison to prolong her husband's life. Facing her husband's expectation and her cousin's feigned tears, Shen Nanzhi coldly withdrew her needles: "I won't cure the poison. Since my cousin is so deeply in love, why don't you bleed her flesh?" In this life, she tears off the disguise, possessing unparalleled medical and poison skills, 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 strange 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!

16. 66 帝 The Imperial Throne 帝业 Watching Three Thousand Worlds of Vanity from Afar淡看浮华三千Ancient Romance2.4M WordsCompleted Fish leap from the depths, and phoenixes sing on Mount Qi. The wager is not for fame in a golden age, but for the chance to stay alive. Grudges fade and hatred dissolves, yet this life still holds one regret: I never got to walk hand in hand with him in the best years of my youth. 147Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These are two very nice books, but because many people don't understand them or can't remember the names of the many characters, they give them low ratings... 🌝🌝 Let me recommend this app again, it's really good! There's basically no overly romantic scenes between the male and female leads (but there are still some sweet moments). Fighting for the world together or ruling independently There will be conflicts caused by conflicting interests or national sentiments, and there will be some heart-wrenching moments (but definitely not the kind of heart-wrenching moments caused by gouging out eyes or kidneys, or by one side being unreasonable).

17. 67 江 The Martial World Has No Crown to Claim 江湖不问鼎 The Sunset Homestead斜阳人家Eastern Fantasy106k WordsOngoing [Court Intrigue] + [Bloody Battles] + [Mysterious Arts] + [Martial World] + [Princes' Fight for the Throne] War fires flare along Dai Commandery's frontier, as Hulan cavalry surges through blizzards and smashes the Central Plains' defenses. On the eve of a change in power, imperial rivalries, blood-soaked battlefields, and sinister occult arts intertwine in a blood-red epic. The martial world is a stage of flashing blades, tangled grudges and passions, and the home of countless people's dreams a 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Political intrigue, ancient Chinese setting, intelligent protagonist and villain, protagonist's martial arts skills develop gradually.

18. 68 穿 After I Transmigrated, My Whole Family Turned Out to Be Villains 穿越之我全家都是反派 Song Xiangbai宋象白Ancient Romance832k WordsCompleted Content warning: Lots of crude bathroom humor. Don't read while eating. Version One: Jiang Mianmian transmigrates. Her father is a scheming scholar with the face of a kindly man. Her mother has the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a ruthless killer. Her eldest brother looks simple-minded but is cunning at heart. Her second sister is selfish and sharp-tongued. They were born destined to be villains. To highlight the protagonist's justice, kindness, and greatness, they work hard to do all so 137.8kReads9.6Score16.6kShelves
19. 69 神 Divine Oracle 神谕 Watching Three Thousand Worlds of Vanity from Afar淡看浮华三千Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted She said, “My heart is impure, and I can’t see things clearly. What’s mine is mine. I’d rather let it rot than give it to anyone else.” He said, “Our paths are different. I was wrong to lead you into this worldly life, but I’ve decided I won’t change my ways, even knowing I’m wrong.” This is an age of raw and rampant desire and ambition. Priests chanting sacrificial prayers dance like demons in a frenzy. Kings who wield power are brutal killers. Humble slaves, offer up your lowly heads. Elegant 52Reads—Score—Shelves
20. 70 反 The Reverse Transmigration Trope: A White Moonlight Arrives at the Prince's Manor 反反穿越套路：王府来了个白月光 Mo Yun Yao莫云谣Two Female Leads251k WordsCompleted Are people from ancient times always bound to lose to someone who transmigrates from the future? Not necessarily. And does that mean someone from the future is always as stupid as a pig, easily crushed by people from the past? Also not necessarily. Shen Yunxuan is the legitimate granddaughter of Grand Tutor Shen, a high-ranking official of the first rank. She grew up cherished and indulged, and was betrothed at a young age by imperial decree to Jing Chenming, the Prince of the Western Expedition 198Reads9.0Score—Shelves
21. 71 诸EN The Gods' Foolish Game 诸神愚戏 Ninety Autumns in January一月九十秋Urban3.7M WordsCompleted I have two principles in life: 1. I never lie. 2. I never believe anything anyone says, including myself. “Sir, I would like to point out that your second statement conflicts with the first.” “How so?” “If you never lie, why don’t you believe what you say?” “Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention that I don’t consider myself human.” “?” Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cheng Shi, Cheng Shi who never lies. What, you’ve never heard of me? That’s all right. You simply haven’t been deceived by m 518.8kReads9.7Score68.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I've unearthed a fantastic ancient romance novel, *Bloodstained Family*, brimming with ensemble cast elements! Twin sisters, burdened by the blood feud of their entire family, embark on a path of revenge, gathering a group of confidants along the way to form a unique team. Each member has their own past and hidden agendas, yet they are bound together by a common goal. On one side, there's the clash of swords in the martial world; on the other, the intrigue and treachery of the imperial palace. Multiple forces intertwine, and conspiracies unfold one after another, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the book, always wondering who's behind it all. The team evolves and strengthens through repeated crises, experiencing both the thrill of fighting side-by-side and the heart-wrenching pain of separation and death. The characters are vividly portrayed, each supporting character having their own storyline. The suspense and mind-bending plot make it increasingly addictive.

22. 72 缚 Bound by Spring 缚春情 Ren Huanyou任欢游Ancient Romance603k WordsCompleted [The print edition is available on the homepage; film and television rights have been sold] The Jiang and Song families have been close for generations, and Song Wan was betrothed to Jiang Xingjian before she was even born. They grew up together, but she was confined to the inner quarters, where everything she learned was meant to prepare her to become a Jiang family wife. The young man was dashing and ambitious. Before he had even turned twenty, he went off to the frontier to make his name. Bef 92kReads9.6Score12.3kShelves
23. 73 刚 I Was Barely Born When the Empress Dowager Used Me to Fight for the Throne! 刚出生，母后就拿我争皇位！ Riding a Wild Boar骑着野猪Historical2.3M WordsCompleted Alternate history, no System, strategy and warfare He was once a prince, but fate left him stranded beyond the frontier. Now the land is shattered and warlords vie for supremacy. How could he, a prince by birth, stay out of it? 1.4kReads7.1Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend the third book! [Eating melon seeds][Eating melon seeds][Eating melon seeds][Eating melon seeds][Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up] Victory makes one the king of the world! Defeat makes one a true hero! You use your cunning to control the lives of others, then I will use my cunning to seize the world, stepping out of the chessboard, using the world as the board and people as the pieces to become the true player!

24. 74 明 Marry Me Beneath the Bright Moon 明月嫁卿卿 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Song Chuyu thought she and Kang Rui were deeply in love, and that no one could ever come between them. Yet that person had been living by their side all along, pampered under the title of “sister-in-law.” After being reborn, Song Chuyu didn’t spare Kang Rui a glance as he rode through the streets in triumph, and she certainly wouldn’t marry him again. * When Kang Rui woke up to find himself back in the impoverished days of his youth, he struggled to get used to the drafty windows after having li 85.4kReads9.3Score10.9kShelves
25. 75 皇 The Emperor’s Favorite Minister? No, I’m Rebellious to the Bone! 皇帝宠臣？不，我一身反骨！ Lun Dong伦东Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [Power Struggles] + [Political Scheming] + [High-Stakes Play] + [Not Mindless] The great clans grew powerful and took control of the imperial court. The emperor wanted to use me as a weapon to reclaim imperial authority, but he devised countless ways for me to die. Once he realized how useful I was, he even wanted to castrate me and turn me into a eunuch, so I could continue serving as his blade. The Left Chancellor, head of the great clans and a man of unfathomable depths, pointed to the fish 7.5kReads9.0Score714Shelves
26. 76 连 A Profusion of Intertwined Blossoms 连枝花浓 Muye Qingxi牧野清溪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted They say Jiang Qingli, the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, is an empty-headed fool with not a shred of learning. Yet thanks to her maternal grandmother, a Grand Princess, she was betrothed to Gu Anlan, the elegant and distinguished heir of the Gu family. Meanwhile, the Jiang family’s concubine-born daughter, Jiang Qingrou, is renowned for both her beauty and her talent, yet she was promised to Gu Anyu, Gu Anlan’s infamous wastrel of a half-brother. The gossips of the capital have sighed 4.2kReads8.9Score412Shelves
27. 77 谋 The Struggle for Power Across the Realm 谋权之天下 Mutang Haitang木棠海糖Historical415k WordsCompleted What was destined from the very beginning This is a place where prosperity and conspiracy intertwine. Everyone yearns for power, and I am no exception. A conspiracy left me with no home. So I’ll plunge this world into chaos to get my revenge. Perhaps, after so much time, I seem to have forgotten my hatred. But have I really forgotten? No one knows, not even me. I don’t understand what I’m thinking, either. Then let things take their course. (The beginning may be a little boring. This is my first —Reads—Score—Shelves
28. 78 谢 The Xie Family's Short-Lived Son Has Lived to a Hundred 谢家的短命鬼长命百岁了 Yi Ran怡然Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] The lid of a dead person's coffin won't lie flat because they had an unresolved longing in life. Given time, that longing turns into a demonic obsession, and unless it is resolved, their descendants will suffer. Yan Sanhe's job is to release the dead from their obsessions. One day, she gets hounded by Third Master Xie, who claims to have one. Yan Sanhe says she doesn't deal with the living. Third Master Xie replies, “Everyone says I won't live long. Just think of 125.4kReads9.6Score17kShelves
29. 79 第 The Number One Son-in-Law: I Really Don't Want to Rebel! 第一赘婿，我真不想造反啊！ Tangyuan2023丸子2023Historical4.5M WordsCompleted Historical fiction, a touch of ensemble cast, not mindless wish fulfillment, everyday interactions with the heroines, and family life. Also known as: My Wife Is a Grandmaster. Who Wouldn't Lie Flat? No one helps me reach for the clouds, so I tread through snow to the mountaintop alone. If fortune was never meant for me, I'll climb Kunlun by myself! The strategist risks everything by entering the game, all to bring Dongling back into the light! One vow: “I hunger to feast on the flesh of the nort 18.7kReads7.8Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Intrigue, court politics, and the martial arts world – the number one author @2023 highly recommends these two books! The only downsides are that the beginning is slow-paced, but the foreshadowing is dense. After a million words, looking back, you realize everything the author has planted is a setup, making it surprisingly addictive. ① The protagonist, Ling Bufan, unexpectedly travels back to the Great Qian Dynasty. While it seems unrelated at first glance, it's actually a preordained arrangement. High intelligence, multiple female leads, business battles, court intrigue – a rich combination of elements. Highly recommended!

30. 80 一 I Woke Up to Find Myself a Son-in-Law 一觉醒来变赘婿 Tangyuan2023丸子2023Historical2.1M WordsCompleted Lan Yuheng dies suddenly from overwork at school and is ultimately dragged back to the underworld by Ox-Head and Horse-Face. The Judge discovers that he's a virgin for the ninth lifetime and takes pity on him, sending him to an ancient parallel world. Here, those so-called poets don't exist, and the Tang dynasty is not the prosperous era it once was. In the end, his fate is changed, granting him endless romantic encounters. But because something goes wrong with Granny Meng's soup, his soul trans 8kReads8.2Score698Shelves
31. 81 雪 Intrepid Blade’s Path in the Snow 雪中悍刀行 The Warlord Who Played with Princes烽火戏诸侯Eastern Fantasy4.5M WordsCompleted The jianghu is a beaded curtain. Great and small figures are its beads; great and small stories, the strings that bind them. And loyalty and affection are the spirit that gives those beads their luster. The story is drawing to a close. The final chapter will end with those words: “Waiter, bring us some wine.” 11.5kReads9.7Score603Shelves

    Reader note

    Come on, come on! The first book is "Eternal God," and the second one is a new book I stumbled upon, which is also amazing, with superb writing.

32. 82 江 The Empire as My Canvas 江山为卷 Morning Farewell to Old Friends朝辞故旧Eastern Fantasy1.2M WordsCompleted [A completely fictional xianxia history: political intrigue + xianxia + no System.] “Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince has broken through all four passes. He has led his army across the Yinma River and is closing in on Tianmen Pass.” The ministers were speechless. How could that dissolute heir, who spent every day drinking and womanizing and even brought dancers on military campaigns, have broken through all four passes? From the looks of it, he was going to attack the strongest pass in Western Shu 12.3kReads9.1Score969Shelves
33. 83 蜀 Zhuge Liang Calls the Rebellious Son of Shu Han a Total Monster 蜀汉逆子诸葛亮直呼太妖孽 Lan Bingche岚冰澈Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Autumn winds sweep across Wuzhang Plains, and a star of the Han falls. For so many later romantics who love Shu Han and dream of its restoration, this became an unshakable regret in their hearts. Yet in the final moments of Zhuge Liang's life, he met a kindred spirit from a younger generation, long overdue. A mere brat, yet born with a rebellious streak. His words made even Zhuge Liang question his own life, leaving him feeling diminished. And yet, a deathless light flared in his aging eyes. "Th 767Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The pinnacle of political intrigue, unsystematic and with a hellish start—come and debate if you disagree.

34. 84 龙 The Dragon Rises in Jinling: Reviving the Tang Dynasty for Five Hundred Years 龙起金陵，再续大唐五百年 Guest at the Deer’s Call鹿鸣客Historical163k WordsOngoing “The emperor in Chang’an, the army of the Wei residence.” The Wei residence’s household troops had become a thing of the past beneath the executioner’s blade, while the emperor in Chang’an lived in constant fear amid troubles both within and without. Does an emperor have some special birthright? Whoever commands the strongest troops and finest horses becomes emperor! Flames raged everywhere. Looking across the land, the Tang was now divided among rival regional warlords: Zhu Wen, Li Keyong, Yang 50Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommending a new book. Set in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, it's a first-person narrative, slow-burn (the protagonist is an observer in the early stages), with no system, no cheat codes, no modern technology, no pretentiousness, no mindless plots, no melodramatic clichés, and features history, characters, war, intrigue, and strategy. It follows an adopted son who seizes power, controls regional warlords, and ultimately unifies the country, continuing the five-hundred-year-long golden age of the Tang Dynasty!

35. 85 她 She Just Wants to Lie Low, but They Keep Forcing Her to Rebel 她想咸鱼躺，非逼她造反 Warfires Stain All烽火尽染Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Screen adaptation rights sold] Lu Songli transmigrated into a book and became the cannon-fodder first wife of Xie Zhan, the male lead of The Powerful Minister's Beautiful Young Second Wife. In the book, her friend Zhao Yutan, who returned in glory from a place of exile, would steal her husband. The two of them carried on behind her back while she was gravely ill, and their affair literally angered her to death. Lu Songli was about to roll up her sleeves and tear into the cheating scumbag and 107.4kReads9.5Score12.4kShelves

    Reader note

    I recommend these books

36. 86 七 From Seventh-Rank Official to the Top: The Strongest Female Chief Minister 七品逆袭：最强女首辅 Fine Night良宵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (A woman disguised as a man in an ancient political intrigue story) Qin Yuan first met He Lin in the summer of Jingli Year 29. The cicadas shrilled in the trees, and the heat was suffocating. In a dark, filthy prison cell, she sat in a corner, her face smeared with blood. Without a word, he left her a handkerchief to wipe the blood from her forehead. When they met again outside the prison, she was no longer in such a wretched state. Dressed in a vivid red official robe, her bright eyes blazing, 3.6kReads9.1Score480Shelves
37. 87 追 Chasing Wind Tower 追风楼 Illiterate Sun文盲孙Eastern Fantasy1.1M WordsCompleted [Wuxia + Passion + Assassins + Comedy + Multiple Protagonists] There are no sword strikes that split the heavens here, only bodies that achieve sainthood! They are the shadows of the Heavenly Dao Sect, and a band of grim reapers wandering the mortal world! Everyone who makes it out of here alive has a story to tell. 1.6kReads8.8Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    [Crying][crying][crying]

38. 88 望 Longing for the Remaining Snow 望余雪 Ji Xin稷馨Ancient Romance338k WordsCompleted Cui Jinzhi was a member of the Time Administration, and she had one final mission. She had to uncover why a small world had fallen into chaos and why its plot had collapsed. After observing it for a long time, she discovered only that the people were suffering because of their ruler's incompetence. So she disguised herself as a man and worked her way up to become the world's prime minister. Using her own efforts, she stabilized the chaot 1.2kReads9.3Score127Shelves
39. 89 说 I Was Supposed to Be a Laid-Back Prince Consort, but You Became a Land Immortal 说好当闲散驸马你竟成了陆地神仙 Jasmine in Winter冬日里的茉莉Historical503k WordsCompleted Li Guanqi, a top big shot of the twenty-first century, transmigrates to ancient times after an accident and becomes the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, a family with immense power at court. He is known as the greatest wastrel under heaven. Everyone mocks him as useless and uneducated, never realizing that he possesses an incredible golden finger. He originally planned to lie flat, spend his days cockfighting and walking dogs, and enjoy music and theater, living the good life he never had in his pre 117.7kReads7.6Score5.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Great video! So satisfying! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

40. 90 系 System Sign-In: Transmigrate to Ancient Times and Become a Princess's Husband 系统签到，穿越古代当驸马 The Orange That Can Swim会游泳的橙子Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Li Zhenbang, an instructor at a police academy, accidentally transmigrates to ancient times. Through a series of mishaps, he becomes the princess's consort. He had planned to spend his days cockfighting, bird-walking, flirting with fairies, beating up spoiled brats, and kicking the arrogant prodigies around. Who could have guessed he'd awaken a sign-in System? As he looks at his stunning princess wife, he sees the disdain in her eyes. “My husband is a peerless gentleman, both a scholar and a war 13.8kReads8.7Score887Shelves
41. 91 本 The Dynasty’s Number One Drama Queen Couple 本朝第一戏精夫妻 A Lei Le啊蕾嘞Ancient Romance161k WordsOngoing In the eighteenth year of peace under the Great Zhou, Lin Yanqing, heir to the Marquis of Yong’an in the capital, hides his brilliance behind a sickly façade, putting on an act to protect himself and avoid trouble. At Qingquan Convent, Su Jingshu uses her devotions as a pretext to practice her acting, outwit the inner household, and find a way to escape. A marriage contract binds these two drama queens together as husband and wife. They begin by pretending to be courteous. As they spend time tog —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Already hooked][Already hooked][Already hooked][Already hooked][Already hooked] A marriage contract binds these two drama queens together. Their first meeting is one of feigned intimacy, their interactions a constant battle of acting skills, a daily mix of playful bickering and pranks, yet genuine feelings gradually blossom amidst their witty maneuvers. Amidst the undercurrents of court intrigue and the crisis in the noble household, they use their acting as shields and their love as weapons, joining hands to transform this grand political game into a sweet and romantic tale unique to each other.

42. 92 汴 Spring Deepens in Bianjing 汴京春深 Wheat小麦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted [Audio version now available, welcome to listen] Madam Rongguo, Wang Fu, devoted herself to her family until she fell gravely ill and died. She was reborn in the body of Meng Jiuniang, a foolish illegitimate daughter who was only seven years old. In her previous life, her husband became her uncle in this life, and her son became her cousin. In this life, Meng Wan had a simple wish: to live peacefully and watch her son, her cousin Su Fang in this life, grow up safe and sound. But as she and a gro 18.9kReads9.5Score2.4kShelves

    Reader note

    A story combining political intrigue and historical romance, with excellent writing, scoring 9.6 Points – highly recommended!

43. 93 墨 Ink-Stained White Lapels 墨染素襟 Daoist Yifeng一风道长Historical305k WordsOngoing [Alternate Ancient Setting] [Forced into Government Service] [Political Intrigue and Revenge] [Corrupted by the Desire for Power] [Multiple Supporting Character Subplots] [Traditional Slow Burn] One night, disaster strikes. Blood stains the gates of a noble household, and the entire Yang family is brought down. The only son, Yang Su, narrowly escapes death. The pampered young man he once was sheds his innocence overnight, burying an ocean of hatred deep in his heart. He has no interest in fame o 12Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended! A historical fantasy story about political intrigue where the male protagonist is forced into officialdom and must carefully navigate every step of the way!

44. 94 临 Lin'an, Gaze North 临安北顾 Lu Qiao芦樵Ancient Romance864k WordsOngoing (All chapters are complete. The novel is currently being revised, so it may appear to have stopped updating.) (Feedback and suggestions are welcome.) [Set in the mid-to-late Southern Song dynasty + ensemble cast of young characters + central couple’s push and pull + a touch of wuxia + long timeline] The emperor’s adopted son x daughter of a military family // Some background and plot elements are based on historical figures (no transmigration + no rebirth + no golden finger + plenty of heartbrea 4Reads6.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese customs and human relationships, a world of hatred and love, 🍬 eaten with shards of glass.

45. 95 丑 Ugly Duckling's Comeback: The Divine Doctor and Poisonous Consort Is Bold and Badass 丑女逆袭，神医毒妃拽又飒 Little Ruler小祖宗Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted She was a renowned modern doctor, admired by thousands, but an accident caused her to transmigrate into the body of an unwanted divorced princess consort. The cold, ruthless prince wants to take a courtesan as his consort just to spite her. Everyone assumes she'll cry, make a scene, and threaten to hang herself. Instead, she settles into a chaise longue, toys with a silver needle, and smiles: "Your Highness, can you perform? Need me to help?" Soon, rumors that Prince Han is impotent sweep the ca 12.3kReads8.0Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    🔥High-energy warning! The ancient-style political intrigue novel "[Bloodstained Family] Twin Sisters Return Amidst Bloodshed" is absolutely amazing! 🔥A loyal and virtuous family is framed, and a century-old noble mansion is transformed into hell overnight! Twin sisters fall off a cliff and into the water, escaping death by a hair's breadth. Once pampered young ladies, they embark on a thorny path of revenge! 💥One survives on the precipice, honing her skills; the other wanders in a foreign land, navigating every step with cunning. The court is rife with intrigue, and the martial world is fraught with danger. When these two solitary figures meet again, it will be time to stir up the winds of change and settle old scores! "What the world owes the Lin family, we will repay a hundredfold!" With the added element of a substitute marriage and the powerful alliance of two female leads, this novel is high-energy and captivating from beginning to end. Readers, jump right in!

46. 96 笑 Hilarious! I Read the Prince Like a Book 笑疯，算卦拿捏王爷 A Lei Le啊蕾嘞Ancient Romance204k WordsCompleted Gu Xun’s mother hauled him off to have his marriage prospects read. He had meant to expose the tricks of Wen the Half-Immortal, but ended up completely taken in. When Wen Zhi declared, “Your destined match is close at hand,” he rushed straight to the south of the city to check. He promptly ran into Wen Zhi, who was fishing a cat out of the water. He spoke to her first, fell for her trap, and then knocked himself unconscious, fulfilling her prediction of a bloody mishap on the spot. Just as he th 11Reads—Score—Shelves
47. 97 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.6kReads9.6Score4.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Background: All 16 books are historical fiction. Genre: All are political intrigue, mind-bending, and intellectually stimulating. Content: The pacing is tight, the plot twists are as dramatic as watching a TV series, the logic is clear, and there are plenty of exciting moments. Recommendation: These books are better suited for reading than listening. They're not like One Piece or Naruto fanfiction; the plot points and character backgrounds aren't as deeply ingrained in our minds. They're not mindless wish-fulfillment stories either, so listening isn't ideal. Also, these books have a relatively high character count, so those without patience might not be able to read them. Recommendation: I won't go into the recommendation level, but every single one of the 16 books is worth reading. If I had to recommend one, it would be "The First Madman of the Ming Dynasty," "The Prince Consort Who Protects the Nation," "The First Undercover Agent of the Southern Song Dynasty," and "My Grandfather is Zhu Yuanzhang"—these are more nuanced and fill in most of the plot holes. Finally, let's discuss: "Which of these 16 books have you read, and what's your opinion?"

48. 98 西 A Carp in the West Hills 西山有鲤 Shanyue Xia山岳夏Ancient Romance186k WordsOngoing At Xishan there is a pool with twenty-four carp in it, all fed on the flesh and blood of Youyao. The kingdom fell, the imperial family was destroyed, and the young emperor died far from home. In distant Chang'an, the imperial consort sank into a pool, feeding the fish with her own flesh until she became a specter. Like a wandering soul, she waited in the mortal world for three hundred years, all to be reunited with him for one lifetime. 21Reads6.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    "There Are Carp in the Western Hills" is a real gem! The ancient fantasy setting combined with a three-hundred-year-long entanglement of fate is incredibly addictive. The plot is a mix of sweet and heart-wrenching moments, full of twists and turns without being padded. The female lead, Lingyao, is aloof yet resilient. She feeds carp with her own flesh and blood, and endures three hundred years of suffering as a demon in a pond, her brokenness concealing her unwavering sincerity. The male lead is a reserved and stoic emperor who seems to possess great ambition and strategy, yet he is clumsy and deeply affectionate in matters of the heart. He can't hide his care for the female lead, and despite his powerlessness as an emperor, he always secretly protects her. The characters are realistic and grounded in reality.

49. 99 恰 When Snow Fell on Shengjing 恰逢盛京落雪时 Chunri Qing春日卿Ancient Romance288k WordsOngoing [Political intrigue + chaotic times + two strong leads + struggle for supremacy] A political-intrigue novel with a strong female lead, centered on power struggles, with romance as a secondary storyline. No golden finger, no System, and not a feel-good power fantasy. I’m a new author. Thank you for being patient with me. ---------------- Divider --------------------- The Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun are lost, the Yuma Pass is defeated, and the aristocratic clans’ regimes are thrown into turmo 13Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Want to see intrigue and scheming under the shadow of power? Want to witness the treacherous intrigues of the imperial court? Want to see a vengeful, intelligent, and power-hungry female protagonist? Then look no further than her!!!

50. 100 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

    Reader note

    Xiao Wangshu, a modern business tycoon, transmigrates into a novel as the legitimate daughter of a treacherous prime minister, whose original owner was infamous. She decisively abandons the original owner's infatuation, using her business acumen to build a vast empire and secretly provide financial support to her family. Simultaneously, she assists her father in rising from a powerful prime minister to the emperor, while she herself is promoted to the powerful Princess of the Nation, ultimately transforming the "treacherous" reputation into that of a legitimate dynasty. Her romantic storyline involves sweet interactions with the loyal general Chen Chu, who remains a staunch supporter on her path of political maneuvering.

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