Political Intrigue, Historical Setting 权谋，古风

1. 201 云 The Cloud Tower Rankings 云楼榜 Cai Yuanwai蔡员外Historical724k WordsCompleted A child abandoned during a time of war was reunited with his parents at the age of fourteen. Only then did he discover that his parents were the Great Yue Empire's Grand Generals Who Guard the Nation. But his true identity was even more astonishing: he was the leader of the world's most mysterious sect, as well as one of the few martial artists to have reached the Grandmaster realm... 805Reads5.2Score—Shelves
2. 202 世 The Heir Apparent Hides a Blade in His Palm 世子掌心藏刃 Yuanmo Laozu Who Likes the Nameless Sunflower喜欢无名葵的渊魔老祖Historical159k WordsCompleted Lu Ming, heir to the Northern Pacification Prince's residence, is as gentle as jade on the surface, but dark and calculating beneath. Su Qing, the orphaned survivor of the previous dynasty, is a black-hearted beauty. They carefully navigate the whirlpool of political intrigue, testing each other as undercurrents surge between them. A mysterious force lurks in the court, while old retainers scheme against one another within the residence. The path to revenge is fraught with danger, and one carele —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Ancient court intrigue and romance, no harem, sweet and indulgent, with non-stop moments of kissing and consummation, no dragging or tedious scenes.

3. 203 不 Never Yield the Land 不让江山 Know White知白Historical5.3M WordsCompleted At first, I looked upon the world and saw nothing but heroes and great men. Then I looked again, and saw nothing but a rabble. Rather than entrust this realm and its people to you, I might as well take it for myself! 506Reads9.4Score—Shelves
4. 204 我 I Debate the Classics with Great Scholars in the Embroidered Uniform Guard 我在锦衣卫跟大儒辩经 A Grain of Rice in the Vast Blue Sea沧海茫茫粒米身Historical1.2M WordsOngoing Yang Zhi, a top salesman and philosophy graduate student in his previous life, transmigrates to the end of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty. Through a twist of fate, he joins the Embroidered Uniform Guard, passes the imperial examination, enters the Hanlin Academy, and debates the classics with the great scholars at court! 5kReads8.8Score354Shelves

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   I'm self-recommending myself, and I'm showcasing the most realistic historical intrigue novels set in the Ming Dynasty! My novels feature vivid plots and lifelike character descriptions, unfolding gradually like a gentle stream flowing into the sea. The plot development is entirely driven by real historical events, making it impossible to put down once you start reading!

5. 205 晚 Late Chen 晚辰 Sweet Rice Wine Egg甜酒酿蛋Ancient Romance256k WordsCompleted [Soul transmigration into an ancient setting + medicine + sweet romance] She is a modern wandering soul who transmigrated into the body of a six-year-old girl in ancient times. She is Ming Qi, who tagged along with her childhood friend in the assassin organization of the Valley of the Afterlife. She is the elusive, eccentric Ghost Doctor who competes with the King of Hell for patients. She is the hidden young heiress behind a renowned chain of pleasure houses. She is Young Master Wuyou, the peer 2Reads—Score—Shelves

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   This is a sweet and romantic historical romance novel featuring political intrigue. All characters are intelligent, with no melodramatic or brainless tropes. The female lead is strong yet sweet, and the male leads are a group of 188cm tall men. Aside from the somewhat questionable title, the story, writing style, pacing, and length are all flawless and worth your time. It has battlefields, conspiracies, deep affection, a pursuit of the female lead, and friendship—it's either thrilling or touching, but it only has 100 chapters! The pace is incredibly fast.

6. 206 大 The Republic of Great Song 大宋共和国 Little Fei Zen Tea小飞禅茶Historical1.3M WordsOngoing Zeng Shouyi, a modern materials engineer, is transported back to the Northern Song dynasty after a laboratory accident. He becomes the unknown illegitimate son of Zeng Gongliang, the famed chancellor of Quanzhou. With his ability to improve technologies already available in the Song dynasty, his foresight into the course of history, and the introduction of modern management ideas, he rises from a son marginalized by his family. He develops overseas trade in Quanzhou and builds a commercial empir 171Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Good book, you're welcome.

7. 207 神 The Mighty Little Constable 神通小捕快 Seven Stars in Hand手握七星Martial Arts2.0M WordsOngoing “One leaf riding the wind, roaming ten thousand miles; a dashing constable, famous throughout the land.” The most righteous men are often those society looks down on, and heroes rise from the streets. The spring breeze and I are both passing travelers, but your name alone belongs to the martial world. Ye Fei, a lowly errand boy at an inn, is rejected by the Su family because he's nothing but a nobody who runs errands! Who could have guessed that after getting drunk, saving a beauty, and catching 14.6kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves

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   With a sleeve, I embrace the wind and moon; with a sword, I suppress the ups and downs of life.

8. 208 衡 Wild Geese over Hengyang: How a Female Chancellor Loved a Powerful Eunuch 衡阳雁：女相如何爱权宦 Cold Moon in My Heart明月怀寒Ancient Romance450k WordsCompleted [A Revered Female Chancellor of the Ages VS A Beautiful, Powerful, Wretched Eunuch Who Turns His Life Around and Becomes a General] [Traditional Historical Drama + Court Intrigue + Mutual Devotion, 1v1 + Childhood Friends + Healing] The Great Kun Chronicle of Revival records the following about Jing Mingyue: “After Jing Mingyue emerged from the mountains, for nearly forty years the fate of the realm rested upon her... Her magnificent achievements are beyond words. Only the shining heavens and ea 342Reads8.6Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a female-centric political novel. The male lead is the female lead's childhood sweetheart and sworn brother. He later becomes a eunuch due to a national upheaval. The female lead loves him deeply, but for the sake of her country, she resolutely opposes the eunuch's interference in politics, initially leading to many conflicts with him. Later, she gradually helps him overcome the shadow of his eunuch identity, guiding him on how to become an upright gentleman, dedicating himself to the country and its people.

9. 209 刘 Liu Ling Turns No Guest Away 刘伶不留客 Lin Jiuchong林九重Historical557k WordsOngoing No transmigration. This is the story of a young man in the final years of the Eastern Jin dynasty. His entire family is massacred. His father dies after laying a plan in motion, leaving behind a fragment of a map. The young man begins by investigating an old case involving the Zhenbei Army, founded by his father, bent on revenge. Then Former Qin invades, and Xie An prepares to take the field. Should he investigate the old case, or save the world? After the war, a powerful minister usurps the thr 7Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The opening is set in a martial arts world, a traditional wuxia novel, set in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. There's no time travel or fan fiction; it's about passionate young people. See if you can keep reading.

10. 210 腹 I Pounced on the Scheming Prime Minister 腹黑相爷被我扑倒了 A Broad Mind Adds Years to Life心宽可增寿Ancient Romance113k WordsOngoing [No-Brain Fun] + [Historical Political Intrigue] ≈ [Sweet Romance] Slow burn! Lighthearted sweet romance. The heroine is a lovable goofball, always positive and optimistic. The hero is a scheming powerful official who plots to rule the world, but the heroine is the one person who leaves him helpless. #Historical Sweet Romance #Scheming Powerful Official #A Blackhearted Hero Beneath a Gentle Facade #Mutual Healing #Feel-Good Power Fantasy #One-on-One, Both Pure #Historical Political Intrigue #Liv 22Reads—Score—Shelves
11. 211 殿 Your Highness, Please Stay Calm. We Are Sick, After All 殿下您要冷静，毕竟咱还有病 Zhi Lu织露Ancient Romance200k WordsCompleted [Historical Transmigration + Man in a Woman's Body + Revenge and Political Intrigue + Alternate-History Group Transmigration + BE] Everyone knows the Chief Inspector is not up to the task. Yet the ministers at court all pretend they don't know, desperately sending concubines to his residence. The Chief Inspector never refuses. He locks every one of them away in the rear courtyard. But ever since Li Shiyi came to live there, the residence has been thrown into chaos, with some new fiasco erupting —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    With a muffled thud, the traitor Wu Ren had accused was thrown into the hall like a tightly bound dumpling. His mouth was stuffed with a foul-smelling rag, and although his face was bruised and purple from the fall, he still glared angrily at the emperor. But after only one glare, he immediately struggled and knelt before the emperor. "Remove the gag from his mouth," the emperor said. "Your Majesty! I'm innocent!" The man cried out in anguish as soon as his mouth was released. The emperor frowned, waving his hands repeatedly, "Keep your voice down, I'm not deaf."

12. 212 锦 Beauty in Brocade 锦衣艳骨 The Years Slip By斯年如逝Ancient Romance250k WordsCompleted The night is so dark. When can we claw our way back from being hounds of the powerful and become human again, dispel the fog, and reclaim our dignity and worth? She fights through this desolate night, blood splattered across her face, a sight so terrifying even demons and monsters fear her. No one dares touch her. Everyone she has touched has rotted in the mire and become a pile of bones. Ever since she put on this flying-fish uniform, it has been like wearing shackles she can never remove. She 2Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A political drama set in ancient times, with a strong sense of national responsibility, meticulous logic, and a fast-paced plot.

13. 213 穿 I Transmigrated into a Women's-Fiction Novel, So I Cling to the Heroine to Survive 穿书女频，为了活命紧抱女主大腿 One Who Leaves No Name人不留名Historical707k WordsOngoing [Single Heroine + Imperial Court + Ensemble Cast + Succession Struggle + Transmigrate into a Book + Soul Transmigration + Rise from the Bottom] Chen Yunhao, a modern-day corporate drone, unexpectedly transmigrates into a book and becomes the doomed seventh prince in a historical romance novel, destined to die from excessive sexual indulgence in a brothel. Hoping to change his fate, he tries to lie flat and stay alive. But after saving Luo Qianqian, the reborn heroine seeking revenge, he is dragg 2.8kReads8.5Score179Shelves

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    You can give it a try...

14. 214 逐 Pursuing the King 逐王 Shui Qiancheng水千丞Two Male Leads1.0M WordsCompleted A power struggle paved with blades, fought by an ambitious man A path of revenge, carved through every obstacle by an ordinary man A journey to restore order, with a statesman ready for war at dawn A mission to save the world, pursued by an idealist who will never break, no matter how many times he dies 6.6kReads9.1Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    "Loyal or treacherous? The fate of the nation is in danger!" (Water University)

15. 215 镇 Pacifying the Sea as Betrothal: The Grand Princess's Defeated General 镇海为聘：长公主的降将 An Muxue安姆斯雪Ancient Romance443k WordsOngoing For a hundred years, Great Jin has favored land over sea. Noble clans control the shipping routes, imperial authority has waned, and the treasury is empty. Princess Li Mingyi makes a forceful start: she builds a navy, commissions giant ships, and points her sword toward the South Seas! From the start, she captures Lu Zhengpai, a wild sea lord, and gains a bonus to his top-tier sailing talent! He has every reef and current at his fingertips, making voyages a hundred times safer! The combat streng —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is calm and decisive, managing the navy like an ironclad fortress. She remained unfazed during the 31-day siege of the island. The male lead is clear-headed and insightful; knowing it's a trap, he still braves the danger alone. Protecting his clan is his obsession, and his hatred for her is his true feeling. Yet, a quiet curiosity has already begun to blossom between them.

16. 216 下 Below, the Clear Waters Run Cold 下有清水清且寒 Humble Old Dog卑微老狗Ancient Romance152k WordsCompleted Steal the dragon and replace it with the phoenix, move flowers and graft trees, all to make a wedding gown for someone else. You could also call it The Eldest Princess's Escape Plan. Even a daughter of the royal family has to deal with the troubles of her family of origin. Qinghe, the only legitimate eldest princess of Dashang, was at the very top from the start. Though, as a woman, she could not ascend the throne, she still earned merit through her support of the ruler, with the talent to serve 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone's IQ is online

17. 217 吾 My Three Wishes 吾有三愿 Mechanical Wang机械汪Ancient Romance778k WordsOngoing [Mad Queen x Reclusive Power Behind the Throne] [Past and Present Lives] [Sweetness and Angst] [Fated Redemption] [Alternate World] (This story focuses on [Two Powerful Leads Growing Together] and [Profound Devotion]. Sweetness and angst intertwine. This is not a mindless power fantasy, so read with care if that's not your thing!) In their previous life, in the modern world, the two parted forever on a snowy night! He sat in a wheelchair dusted with snow, and his three wishes ended in regret as 55Reads7.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Intrigue and love intertwine, a blend of ancient Chinese style and worldly affairs.

18. 218 春 A Fine Spring Day 春日晴好 The Sheep from Lazy Sheep懒羊羊的羊Ancient Romance82k WordsOngoing [Reborn heroine + aloof male lead + devoted second female lead] [A journey of growth and hope + descent into darkness + political intrigue + putting scumbags in their place + a long road to redemption + no strings attached] What happens when a coldhearted prince meets a swindler from the martial world? You can pursue power while I play my own games. Regrets? Sincere love? Not a chance. You’re the only one being played for a fool! The longer version: Shen Chunnuan is a merchant’s daughter. Odd-t —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    To put it simply, the political intrigue in this story mainly revolves around the male protagonist. He starts as a fallen prince, not a powerful minister. Due to the complex power struggles within and outside the court, he consistently misunderstands things. His personality is the cold, heartless type (a result of various circumstances), often hurting those who love him. Later, the princess he dislikes dies, and a con artist from a different era is reborn in her body. This girl shares some similarities with the male protagonist, leading to a story where she manages to manipulate him completely. However, I haven't written much yet; overall, it's quite angsty.

19. 219 废 The Good-for-Nothing Princess Awakens: Her Time-Traveling Best Friend Helps Her Become Empress 废柴公主觉醒：跨时空闺蜜带称帝 Who Wants Peanuts谁要吃花生Ancient Romance793k WordsOngoing [Multiple Male Leads / Romantic Tension / Love Rivals / Political Intrigue / Growth] The princess incurs numerous romantic debts while pursuing her ambitions. The imperial physician, her secret guard, a mysterious merchant, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review... one after another, they all fall for her. [The Male Leads' Lines] Wen Yu (the aloof imperial physician): "It's not that I don't want to. I think of you every moment, cherish you every instant, savor the memories every day, and 22kReads8.2Score1.2kShelves
20. 220 江 The Jianghu’s Ultimate Nepotism Hire: I Rule with My Senior Brothers at My Side 江湖最强关系户，我靠师兄横着走 Longing for Osmanthus Wine欲饮桂花酿Ancient Romance380k WordsCompleted (Ladies, this one ends abruptly! Don’t read it, don’t read it, don’t read it! Please!) [Childhood Sweethearts + Growing Up Together + Sweet on the Outside, Dark Within + Ensemble Cast] Corrupt officials hold sway, and both the jianghu and the imperial court are caught in a crisis. A band of young warriors, each driven by their own convictions, come together for the greater good of their country and people. Some seek the Way through the sword, cutting down every villain; some use their wits to se 228Reads8.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this historical romance novel about political intrigue to my friends. The author's writing is exquisite, and the plot is logically sound. You'll want to read it in one go!

21. 221 权 The Alluring Powerful Minister 权臣妖娆 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance960k WordsCompleted Also known as The Female Top Scorer and The Female Imperial Tutor. He was a celebrated, charmingly elegant top scorer, showered with every favor under the heavens. Only after the Du family was destroyed and he hanged himself in prison did the world learn that “he” was a woman! After her father's death, the family's good name was ruined. Dozens of loyal servants starved to death. The beautiful women of the household were either made into servants or reduced to playthings for officials. Reborn, Du 3.3kReads9.1Score435Shelves

    Reader note

    Political intrigue, ancient Chinese style, very exciting.

22. 222 虐 Tortured into a Locked Love 虐锁清欢 Already Exists 11已存在的11Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Leng Qinghuan was forced to marry the notorious Prince Yan. But she wasn't some naive, helpless girl. Crying and accepting her fate just wasn't in Leng Qinghuan's nature. She seized every opportunity, with the courage to burn her bridges, fought scheming women, fought the empress, opened shops, learned to solve cases, and more... Through her words and deeds, she proved herself. The woman Prince Yan had once sneered at ultimately became someone far beyond his reach! 293Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    An unintentional misunderstanding leads Ning Zechen to despise the woman before him, while Qinghuan, who clearly believes the Crown Prince is her true match, reluctantly accepts the marriage. Humiliation on their wedding night, the machinations of a scheming concubine, and the Empress's suppression—all these setbacks befall Qinghuan. For herself and her family, Qinghuan refuses to accept her fate. Her composure, her strategy, her courage, and her kindness reveal a different side of her to the murderous Ning Zechen. The two navigate a series of injustices, unraveling the mysteries and seemingly seeing a different side of each other. They face life-or-death situations together, as if destiny has bound them together... But reality is always full of surprises. If they can't be husband and wife, then they'll be allies! Without love, is there no harm?

23. 223 复 Restoring the Kingdom 复国 Little Bridge, Old Tree小桥老树Historical1.7M WordsCompleted After the Great Marquis Dynasty falls, the story follows the Third Prince, Hou Yunce, as he fights his way through bloodshed to restore it. 271Reads7.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend some unique characters, each one possessing unparalleled political acumen, the cream of the crop.

24. 224 摄 Regent Grand Princess: She Executes the Regent King from the Start, Leaving the Entire Court Stunned 摄政长公主：开局斩摄政王，全朝吓傻 Linli Y Leng Xiaoge临黎y冷小哥Ancient Romance6k WordsCompleted The Regent Princess: From the Start, She Beheads the Prince Regent and Leaves the Entire Court Stunned —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Nice!!!

25. 225 讹 After I Swindled the Crown Prince Out of Five Thousand Taels, He Refused to Take It Lying Down! 讹了太子五千两后，他不干了！ Fish Who Loves Eggplant Casserole爱吃茄子煲的鱼Ancient Romance233k WordsCompleted Crown Prince Xiao Chen was furious the moment he met Shen Yunxiu: How dare she step on his face? How dare she swindle him out of five thousand taels of silver? She thought that fatso was cuter than him! She loved gold ingots most of all! She was blind! And then, he went blind too! All he could see was Shen Yunxiu! 362Reads6.9Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a super good novel. The female lead is proud and strong, the male lead is arrogant and aloof, the writing is beautiful, it's lighthearted and funny, and it's incredibly stress-relieving!!

26. 226 苍 The Book of Cangbi (3-Book Series) 苍壁书（共3册） Qinglin Zhichu青林之初Historical725k WordsCompleted The northern counterpart to Nirvana in Fire, Langya Bang, is The Azure Wall Chronicles, Cangbi Shu. This is the pinnacle court-intrigue novel by Qing Lin Zhichu, a bestselling author on Jinjiang, and an essential work of alternate-history fiction! Nine years ago, the Eastern and Northern Dynasties went to war. Their greatest generals fell at the same time, and the Xi and Dugu clans were wiped out in the aftermath. Nine years later, Emperor Xiao Zhen of the Eastern Dynasty suddenly falls into a c 355Reads9.2Score100Shelves
27. 227 南 The Art of Facing South 南面术 A Mu Chuan Yu阿沐传语Historical950k WordsOngoing “Power is solely controlled by the ruler.” Imperial authority is supreme, and anyone who wants to become emperor must be prepared to turn against their own family. Fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, brothers: all slaughter one another without mercy. Everyone knows how Qin Er Shi killed his brothers, how Yang Guang of Sui killed his father, and how Zhu Di, Emperor Chengzu of Ming, killed his nephew. Didn’t even the supposedly “wise beyond compare” Li Shimin unleash a bloodbath at Xuanwu Gate? 9Reads—Score—Shelves
28. 228 错 Mistakenly Bound to the Eunuch, He Helps Me Ascend the Throne 错绑九千岁，他助我登临帝位 Two or Three Sounds Beneath the Moon月下两三声Ancient Romance156k WordsOngoing [War-God Grand Princess × Lord Eunuch: Fierce and ruthless to outsiders, proud and devoted to her] “Women rule” + “Court intrigue” + “Both pure” + “Power couple” Ye Shumei returns from battle to find that her fiancé, Wen Zhijin, is going to marry her imperial younger sister. How could she possibly put up with that? If you’re going to be so unreasonable, then I’ll just... On a dark, windy night, she climbed over the wall into the Grand Tutor’s residence and hauled someone back to her villa in a s 41Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one's good, strong leads, political intrigue + sweet romance.

29. 229 谋 A Plot Against the Lord 谋君之事 Murphy Has Fish墨菲有鱼Two Male Leads54k WordsOngoing Gu Congxi, a Vice Minister of the Secretariat, has his wife poisoned to death. Song Sizhi, an impoverished scholar working at Zhong'an Hall, becomes the prime suspect. After his arrest, Song Sizhi joins forces with Ye Yuanqi, a junior official at the Court of Judicial Review, to prove his innocence and solve the case, uncovering a series of conspiracies in the process. Song Sizhi and Gu Congxi are brought together by these events, and join hands to defeat their enemies. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The wife of Gu Congxi, a Vice Minister of the Chancellery, was poisoned. Song Sizhi, a poor scholar working at Zhong'an Hall, became the prime suspect. After being arrested and imprisoned, Song Sizhi, in order to prove his innocence, joined forces with Ye Yuanqi, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, to investigate the case, thus uncovering a series of conspiracies. Song Sizhi and Gu Congxi also formed a bond from then on, working together to overcome enemies and rise through the ranks.

30. 230 掌 A Wish in the Palm of Your Hand 掌中如意 Wind Crosses Nine Rivers风越九川Ancient Romance322k WordsOngoing [Cutting-edge AI technology x a martial world in another time and space x intricate conspiracies between the martial world and the imperial court x chivalrous heroes and tender-hearted beauties] A wildly imaginative tale of technology and transmigration into a martial world. Join the protagonist for an immersive murder-mystery role-playing adventure in the jianghu! Thrilling gameplay and an AI golden finger, with only 456 days on the clock! At the brink of life and death after being kidnapped, 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A master leads a young girl on a journey through the martial world, with AI Ruyi providing protection and helping them overcome dangers along the way!

31. 231 重 Reborn as a Demon Emperor: The Road to the Pinnacle of Power 重生妖帝权力巅峰之路 Twilight Sky Pool暮空潭Historical301k WordsOngoing After his uncle usurps his throne, the male lead, Lou Yufeng, is poisoned and killed. By a strange twist of fate, he is reborn in the body of the emperor of an enemy nation. Using the enemy emperor’s body, he begins plotting to reclaim imperial power, then conquers his homeland and takes back the throne that belongs to him. The male lead borrows strength and influence, making use of every person and resource at his disposal. Through careful planning at every turn, he ultimately becomes the true 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    An alternate history story with political intrigue and career intrigue. The male lead is cunning and loves to scheme; he's intelligent and quick-witted. The plot is fast-paced and doesn't drag, defying typical tropes! No cheat codes or systems, just pure brain teasers!

32. 232 女 The Disguised Dragon's Scheme: My Rogue Disciple Courts Me in His Dreams 女扮男装潜龙计，逆徒梦里泡为师 Mu Yanfeifei沐妍菲菲Ancient Romance607k WordsOngoing [Historical Intrigue + Female Spy in Disguise + Ensemble Mind Games + Martial Arts Mystery] [Female Martial Arts Master Disguised as a Man × Rebellious Disciple Who Defies His Teacher] The world is the board, and all living things are its pieces. Thirty years ago, a copy of A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains turned the tide during a palace coup. From then on, victory made kings and defeat made corpses, and the throne changed hands. Thirty years later, talents emerge across the nine regions, a 294Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical romance with elements of political intrigue, a strong female undercover agent, and an ensemble cast of martial arts characters. The female protagonist goes undercover in the male protagonist's home, engaging in a battle of wits and courage against powerful figures in the martial arts world and the imperial court. The writing, logic, and intelligence are all excellent, and the various characters are all vividly portrayed. The story is intricately woven together, making it increasingly captivating.

33. 233 寻 Searching for a Branch 寻枝 Eight Not Fish八不鱼Ancient Romance242k WordsCompleted [Coolheaded, brilliant, tragic heroine X scheming prince pretending to be a spoiled playboy] [Marriage before love + bickering couple + political intrigue + redemption + revenge + secret identities] Liu Xunyi is the Empress Dowager’s most trusted enforcer, beautiful and cold, with a knack for killing corrupt officials. During a mission, she accidentally crossed the notorious spoiled prince, Ye Simang. As it happened, the Empress Dowager granted them a marriage, bringing them together. This newly 1.4kReads9.2Score149Shelves

    Reader note

    The path of power and intrigue leads to the pinnacle; wisdom shines like light.

34. 234 我 My Grandfather Is Zhu Yuanzhang 我祖父是朱元璋 Time Thief岁月神偷Historical6.5M WordsCompleted I have the most illustrious name: Zhu Yuntong. I am the legitimate grandson of the founding emperor of Great Ming, and the legitimate son of Crown Prince Zhu Biao. My mother is the daughter of Chang Yuchun, and my maternal granduncle is Lan Yu. I am the most illustrious imperial grandson in Great Ming, and the most influential and legitimate heir to the throne. I will usher in a different Great Ming, magnificent beyond compare, its sun and moon shining bright. It will embrace all rivers and welc 236.3kReads9.4Score27.6kShelves
35. 235 刘 Liu Bowen: Tides of Fortune in the Imperial Court 刘伯温之宦海沉浮 Gurgling Spring泉之淙淙Historical565k WordsCompleted Liu Bowen: Rising and Falling in the Sea of Officialdom abandons the magical realism commonly used in earlier works about Liu Bowen. Its main approach is realism, with touches of romanticism. Following the ups and downs of Liu Bowen’s official career, and set against the peasant uprisings led by Fang Guozhen, Xu Shouhui, Wu Chengqi, and others, it offers a many-sided portrait of the vibrant world of the late Yuan dynasty. It depicts both the contests of wits and political maneuvering among strat 158Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Strategic planning and tactics to conquer the world

36. 236 赤 Red Sky: The Dynasty Cycle 赤霄：王朝周期律 It's Really a Dog真的是狗Historical342k WordsOngoing Note: This is an epic war story. Don’t see that the protagonists are two men and assume it’s the sort of “two male leads” story some female readers enjoy. It isn’t! There are two male protagonists named here only because there isn’t room to list more than a dozen. Each subsequent volume will have its own protagonist, and the complete story will feature more than a dozen protagonists. Each protagonist belongs to a different historical period. Faced with the crises of their time, whether struggles 127Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books excel in depicting warfare, but they also feature significant elements of political intrigue and economic system design, bordering on political economy.

37. 237 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
38. 238 关 The Guanshan Pact 关山契 It's Really a Dog真的是狗Historical488k WordsCompleted On the western frontier, yellow sands bury the dead, and honor is as fragile as paper. The young Zhao Tianhao was merely a merchant’s son from Ping Wharf. With a heart full of sincerity, he kept his contracts, protected his family business, and brought peace to his neighbors. Yet the crushing might of the war-torn age destroyed his household, driving him to abandon trade and take up arms. He entered the death camp, managed military rations, trained a corps of death-defying soldiers, and defended 5.3kReads9.3Score599Shelves
39. 239 栖 Chronicles of Qiwucheng 栖梧城传记 Wuyi Recluse武夷散人Eastern Fantasy306k WordsOngoing A classic martial-arts detective tale, historical mystery, youthful passion, with no System or cheats. During the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, the realm had only just been pacified, and every trade was waiting to be rebuilt. The balance of power in the martial world shifted dramatically. The influence of the four great martial families, who controlled the Seven Gangs (power), Eight Associations (wealth), Nine Mountains (letters), and Ten Strongholds (arms), waned noticeably. The world's Fiv 65Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Jianghu detective novel

40. 240 双 A Game of Two Faces 双面奕局 A Little Cabbage w一颗小白菜wHistorical148k WordsCompleted Seven years ago, Yan Chi, commander of the northern frontier, was betrayed by a close friend, branded a traitor, and saw his family wiped out. He barely escaped with his life. Seven years later, he returns to the imperial capital under the alias “Chen Yu,” a mysterious merchant. On the surface, he is a wealthy imperial merchant offering an auspicious treasure. In truth, he intends to make one grand move on the chessboard of power and bring down the dynasty in a game of revenge. 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Royal intrigue, the return of a long-suffering avenger, and former friends turned enemies.

41. 241 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
42. 242 晋 Late Jin: Sima Yi Is Reborn as a Jiehuo Army Soldier 晋末：司马懿重生为乞活军 Dr. Zhou Tian周天博士Historical839k WordsOngoing A hundred and forty years after his time had passed! Sima Yi studied the young body he now inhabited. The Army of the Refugees was an armed force of displaced people at the end of the Eastern Jin dynasty, struggling to survive between the Hu and Han peoples. The original owner, Ran Cheng, was twenty-four. His father and brothers had all died in battle, and he commanded the three hundred survivors of the refugee army. Why do you fight to survive? To die like a dog by the roadside, or to reclaim t 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Can you believe the villain is even more cunning than the protagonist? [Awkward laugh]

43. 243 这 This Empire Was Won in Battle by My Husband and Me 这江山，是我和夫君杀出来的 A Lampwick Wrapped in Fog雾裹灯芯Ancient Romance170k WordsCompleted A marriage contract turned me, Shen Yuan, into a pawn my family was willing to discard, marrying me off to a sickly prince said to die before turning twenty, to bring him good fortune. On our wedding night, my father handed me a packet of deadly poison. “Make him die of his illness. That is your only duty!” I poisoned him through my tears, thinking I would be a widow from then on. But my frail husband downed it in one gulp and flashed me a wicked smile. “My dear, this poison tastes pretty good.” —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Abandoned by her family, the illegitimate daughter is married off to a sickly prince as a way to bring him good fortune. In reality, she is a poisoned assassin. What she initially believes to be a simple assassination attempt turns into a carefully laid trap. The prince not only sees through the plot but also possesses secret court intelligence. Struggling with fear, she gradually discovers she has a choice.

44. 244 策 Riding Across the World 策骑天下 Venerable Black Snow黑雪居士Historical2.6M WordsCompleted He is tender and gentle with the women he loves, but ruthless and decisive toward his enemies. As the Xi Yan Dynasty teeters on the brink of collapse, he saves the people from a living hell. When petty factions covet the Central Plains, he leads hot-blooded warriors to defend their homeland. He blazes a new trail, drawing merchants from every corner of the world to the Chinese heartland in a race to do business. The finest minds of every people gather in Zhongdu, truly making it the center of th 502Reads6.4Score—Shelves
45. 245 双 Bound Together Across Two Lifetimes, We’ll Grow Old Together 双世缱绻，与君共白头 Dreamer Dadao爱做梦的大道Ancient Romance727k WordsCompleted [Two powerful leads who rise to greatness | Complete souls | Extreme contrast | Love across two lifetimes | Sweet romance and court intrigue] A modern married couple are reborn as babies in the Tianqi Dynasty. He becomes an iron-fisted Crown Prince, commands the Xuanhuo Army, and plots to industrialize the realm. She becomes a queen of commerce, controls trade routes along three borders, and holds the lifeblood of the people in her hands! Toward their enemies, he presides over the execution of t 5.5kReads8.1Score646Shelves

    Reader note

    This story features a smart, romantic couple who were childhood sweethearts in their past lives and have been happily married for 55 years. Both protagonists are reborn. The male lead is a UI designer with a meticulously crafted political intrigue plot (implementing new policies and navigating court politics), a delicate emotional arc (daily interactions and tender care), and practical application of modern skills (double-entry bookkeeping and design applications). It offers a well-rounded blend of sweet romance, political intrigue, strong-willed co-governance, past-life bonds, a deeply affectionate time-travel story, and a profound fusion of romance and political politics.

46. 246 与 Playing Chess with You: The Phoenix's Power 与君奕：凰权 Jiang Tanluoyue江潭落月Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted (The rating has only just opened and will rise later) “Political intrigue + evenly matched leads + marriage before love + traditional war for supremacy in a chaotic age + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + nation and family” In these chaotic times, even a monarch can hardly hope for a lifetime of peace. Crowned heir to the throne at six, named crown prince at eight, and enthroned at twelve, Yan Xi was the “future savior of the Yan Kingdom” foretold by an astrologer, blessed with the Purple 211Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A pure ancient romance novel featuring two powerful protagonists vying for power and intrigue in a chaotic world.

47. 247 战 The God of War’s Beloved Is a Special Forces Soldier from Another World 战神的掌心娇竟是异世特种兵 Big Sister Ali阿狸姐姐Ancient Romance961k WordsCompleted The modern era’s top special forces soldier, “Night Phoenix,” dies on a mission. Her soul travels through time and she is reborn as Wei Shi, the infamous “spoiled and unruly princess” of Prince Jing’s manor in the Tianqi Kingdom. The moment she opens her eyes, she inherits the original owner’s painful memories of her past life: her father, Prince Jing, has rendered such great service that the emperor sees him as a threat. The incompetent and suspicious Emperor Jianwu joins forces with corrupt of 10.4kReads8.5Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    As a top female special forces soldier who has fought on the front lines of drug enforcement for many years, she accidentally fell off a cliff during her last mission. When she awoke, her soul was inhabiting the body of a pampered and favored princess of the Jing Prince's Mansion in ancient times. With the original owner's memories flooding in, she learned that the entire mansion would be framed and executed in three years. With the calm and decisiveness honed by battlefield experience, she resolved to use her abilities to completely rewrite the tragic ending of her family's destruction.

48. 248 锦 Wealth and Power: The Concubine's Merchant's Scheme 锦绣钱权：庶女商谋录 Little Hejian小禾尖Ancient Romance721k WordsCompleted From five taels in her private stash to wielding control over the empire’s finances, she relied on the simplest principle: Everything in the world can be calculated. Human greed, tangled interests, the rise and fall of dynasties: it is all just a ledger waiting to be tallied. 69Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is intelligent and decisive, and she is clear-headed in pursuing her career. From a weak woman in a secluded house to someone who holds financial power, the whole story is high-energy and without any frustration.

49. 249 穿 Transmigrating Through the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Sun and Moon Light My Way 穿越之日月照我隋唐路 Xuanwu Ji玄武季Historical4.1M WordsOngoing He was just a 2025 spy operating on the edge of a knife. An accidental explosion sent him transmigrating to the turbulent years of the Sui and Tang dynasties. Reborn in another body, he finds himself the young lord of a frontier people. Should he take up the shepherd's crook and continue living a pastoral life? Or command a hundred thousand mounted archers and challenge the Sui and Tang, the Tujue, and the Gaobaixin Japanese? A cinnabar mole, a moonlight of the heart... His reach extends to ever 16Reads5.9Score—Shelves
50. 250 南 The Southern Song Dynasty’s Top Undercover Agent 南宋第一卧底 Long Yuan龙渊Historical7.4M WordsCompleted In the sixteenth year of the Jiading era of the Southern Song, Shen Mo, a modern-day undercover agent, began manipulating the fate of the empire in the palm of his hand. Countless ingenious schemes, ruthless plots, and brutal tactics poured from him. His modern forensic techniques cracked one bizarre Southern Song case after another, while his espionage skills crushed the secret agents of the Liao and Jin. When the Mongol Yuan cavalry, invincible across the land, came thundering toward them, the 6.1kReads9.1Score846Shelves

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