There Are Hardly Any Good Historical Novels! Come Debate Me 历史就没有几本好看的！不服来辩

1. 101 东 Eastern Jin: Heir to the Gongsun Line, Seizing Murong’s Liaodong 东晋：公孙遗脉，截胡慕容辽东 Handing Things Out at Meetings开会发东西Historical683k WordsOngoing In 370 AD, Wang Meng led the Great Qin iron cavalry to destroy Former Yan, leaving Liaodong ripe for the taking. After transmigrating as a descendant of Gongsun Du, he finds that his ancestors’ legacy has been occupied by the Sima and Murong clans for a century. Armed with knowledge from a later age, he secretly builds up his strength and seizes Wang Meng’s victory at the height of the Qin-Yan war! Murong Chui is left fuming, Wang Meng regrets his loss, and Liaodong, wrested away so long ago, re 4.2kReads—Score269Shelves

   Reader note

   If you like stories with a grand scale, go for it! The protagonist wields an ancestral ink jade, helping Qin Shi Huang pacify the six kingdoms, tearing away the veil of false ascension, reversing the Investiture of the Gods, and upholding the bottom line that humanity should not rely on the charity of gods.

2. 102 开 From the Start, I Review National Heroes, Sending Emperors of Every Dynasty into a Frenzy 开局盘点民族英雄，历朝帝王暴走 Eat the Rainbow in One Bite一口吃掉彩虹Historical2.4M WordsOngoing Zhang Heng, a modern man, made videos rebutting people and presenting himself as a national hero. He never expected them to become a sky screen visible throughout history. Emperors across the ages were all driven into a rage, some even fainting from anger. Fortunately, the sky screen's miraculous power gave many tragic heroes from history a new ending. 28kReads8.0Score2kShelves

   Reader note

   These are quite good.

3. 103 北 Looking North to Yan and Yun 北望燕云 Bai Yulong, Who Loves Tuancha Tea爱吃团茶的白玉龙Historical393k WordsOngoing He transmigrates to the Five Dynasties with nothing but a rusty blade from the start. No System, no old master in his head, just a thousand years of historical knowledge added to his mind. Shi Jingtang betrays his people and becomes the Khitan’s lackey, the Khitan eye the land hungrily, and the Later Jin court is utterly corrupt. He fights bandits, seizes territory, opens border markets, and trains elite troops. From squad leader to military commissioner, from military commissioner to... emperor 203Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 104 安 The Chronicles of Anton 安东志 Minor Official of the Border City边城小吏Historical697k WordsOngoing When Fang Muchuan was thirteen, he stood on the walls of Lin'an and asked Zhao Wenxiu, “Grandfather, what's beyond the mountains?” “Annan. And beyond that, the sea.” He had no idea that one day he would lead the elite soldiers of the garrison across those mountains. In the tenth year of Chongzhen's reign, the Ming dynasty was battered by storms. Garrison officers embezzled soldiers' pay and seized military farmland, driving soldiers and their families to flee in droves. To the north, the Jurchen 75Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The most enjoyable thing about following this book is its excellent pacing. There's no padding or filler. Marches are glossed over, transitional paragraphs are concise, simply stating "traveled for several days." But when it comes to battle scenes, killings, and sacrifices, the details are vividly and meticulously described, down to every single cut and every detail. This is especially evident in the recent chapters. All the humor built up in the previous dozens of chapters—Zhong Kui's broken gong, Tian Si's pipe, Feng Laohan's old walnut tree—all become knives in the face of death, stabbing back again and again. The gong still rings, but the person who struck it, who stood guard all night, only saw one person return. This foreshadowing, planted for dozens of chapters, is resolved without hesitation.

5. 105 大 The Rise and Fall of the Tang Dynasty: Three Hundred Years (7-Book Set) 大唐兴亡三百年（全七册） Wang Jueren王觉仁Historical1.5M WordsCompleted More entertaining than The Book of Tang, more accessible than Zizhi Tongjian, and more reliable than Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties: an addictive, complete history of the Tang dynasty's 300 years. If you want to learn about Tang history, this is all you need! Recommended by the popular book program Luo Ji Thinking! The Tang dynasty was a great era that people have long admired, but its nearly 300 years of tangled history can be daunting. The official histories, The Book of Tang and Zizhi 5.1kReads9.6Score1kShelves
6. 106 天 Heavenly Chess: The Path to Chess Sagehood 天弈：棋圣之路 Xuan Chen玄尘Urban4.0M WordsCompleted [A brand-new setting] [Heroes at the Chessboard] What happens when chess meets heroic battles? When civilizations collide, would you dare to play against Heaven? After transmigrating, Zhuge Yi discovers that although modern Huaxia is prosperous and powerful, its people know almost nothing about their own history. The game Tian Yi, a chess game built around the heroes of the people, has become the world's mainstream pastime. At that time, the Huaxia chess world is weak, while Western chess dom 43kReads9.6Score4.3kShelves

   Reader note

   Both books are good; the author has a deep understanding of history.

7. 107 慈EN Cihang City 慈航市 Mountain-Patrolling Lord God巡山主神Mystery1.3M WordsOngoing At Cihang's grand arena, don't show up without a cheat. Chen Feng transmigrated to another world and discovered that the bosses here were unbelievably sneaky. “Let's go level up in the newbie village first.” “Ha! Got you, transmigrator.” “I'll be reborn and buy a lottery ticket.” “Ha! Got you, regressor.” “Fine, if you're going to play dirty, I don't need to pretend to be a gentleman either.” Chen Feng discovered that every time he died, he could refresh and get a new System. A System's power ha 1.1MReads9.2Score130.5kShelves
8. 108 在 Even Being a Scrap Dealer in Azeroth Makes Perfect Sense 在艾泽拉斯当个收废品的也很合理 Dungeon Guardian守护地下城Anime Fanfiction713k WordsOngoing My name is Chen Mo. I transmigrated to Azeroth. In my previous life, I was a PhD in materials science. In this life, I’m a half-breed raised on trash by goblins. Other transmigrators become heroes. I just want to quietly collect scrap metal. 42Reads—Score106Shelves
9. 109 开 From the Start with Just a Bowl, Old Zhu Forces Me to Join the Embroidered Guard 开局一个碗，老朱逼我当锦衣卫 Chang'an Street Loafer长安街溜子Historical496k WordsOngoing [Hongwu-era Ming Dynasty × transmigration × nonstop comedy × golden finger broken from the start] Autumn of the fifteenth year of Hongwu, outside Chaoyang Gate in Yingtian Prefecture. A beggar with no household registration, no travel permit, and no record in the census kneels in front of the crown prince's carriage, holding a chipped, broken bowl above his head with both hands. "Your Majesty, I can save the Crown Prince's grandson!" Swords flash from their sheaths, and blades press against his 71.5kReads8.0Score7.4kShelves

   Reader note

   Who has ever seen a time-traveling male protagonist who gets promoted the more he slacks off? He starts out with nothing in the Ming Dynasty, but after saving the crown prince, he is forced to join the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He keeps saying he wants to resign, but the more he says it, the faster he gets promoted!

10. 110 天 Archaeology Livestream on the Sky Screen: The Tyrant Turns Out to Be an Emperor for the Ages 天幕直播考古：昏君竟是千古一帝 Pork and Green Pepper Over Rice青椒肉丝盖米饭Historical1.3M WordsCompleted A sky screen appears over the Wei dynasty, showing people from later generations livestreaming their excavation of the Wei Emperor's tomb. Wei Emperor: “What is wrong with you people from the future? Why are you so obsessed with other people's tombs?” Then they discover that the Second Emperor is also buried in the Wei Emperor's tomb. Wei Emperor: “What's the matter with you? Why are you still bothering me even after you're dead?” The Second Emperor, who only wants to slack off: “No, I really do 63kReads9.2Score3.8kShelves

    Reader note

    I think it's worth it.

11. 111 明 A Professional Rebel at the End of the Ming Dynasty 明末造反专业户 Golden Chicken Wings金黄的鸡翅膀Historical2.5M WordsCompleted [No System + No Cheat Powers + Late Ming Dynasty + Rebellion] Wu Cheng, a newly graduated college student working as a village official, transmigrates to the second year of the Chongzhen reign in the late Ming Dynasty and becomes a military household member of the Great Ming. A corrupt court, an incompetent emperor, greedy officials and gentry, and commoners treated as less than human push Wu Cheng step by step toward rebellion. Watch as he takes on the local tyrants, fights the Great Ming, dest 14.5kReads8.8Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    How about giving this new book a try? It's not mindless, not a wish-fulfillment story, no system, no cheat codes; it strives to present a realistic portrayal of the late Ming Dynasty.

12. 112 大 The Han Dynasty's Turbulent Times: Liu Bang's Venture into the Seas 大汉风云之刘邦下海创业录 Han Yun Feiyang汉云飞扬Historical207k WordsCompleted War engulfed the vast lands of the Qin Empire. Tyranny crushed the people, and the chaos at the end of the Qin dynasty began in earnest. The First Emperor's lingering influence remained. Chen Sheng and Wu Guang raised the banner of rebellion, the Western Chu Hegemon was unmatched in battle, and Zhang Han's iron cavalry swept across the rebel forces. Heroes and ambitious warlords such as Xiang Liang, Ying Bu, Peng Yue, and Han Xin each wielded their own strengths. The remnants of the Six Kingdoms 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Amway recommends "Liu Bang's Rise to Power": The flames of war swept across the vast territory of the Qin Dynasty, tyranny crushed the people, and the chaotic end of the Qin Dynasty began. Witness how a lowly official, who spent his days lying low and doing nothing, rose to power and wrote his own legendary dynasty…

13. 113 大 Great Tang: If You Won’t Rebel, Father, Then I Will! 大唐：父亲您不造反，我造反！ Darn Spider扑街蜘蛛呀Historical2.5M WordsOngoing [Ruthless and decisive]+ [Golden finger]+ [Conquest and expansion]+ [Industrial Revolution]+ [Age of Discovery] Also known as The Crown Prince Should Stop Competing, the Tang Dynasty Already Has Nine Dragons in One Court, Tang Dynasty: Father, You’re This Old, How Can You Still Sleep?, and I, Li Chengqian, the Steadiest Crown Prince in History. He transmigrates to a parallel Tang Dynasty and becomes Li Chengqian, still the heir of the Prince of Qin’s household. Faced with Li Shimin’s indecision, 13kReads8.6Score785Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a book about deities, a historical novel set in the Tang Dynasty. If you don't like it, come find me!

14. 114 五 Five Dynasties: He Who Commands the Strongest Army Rules 五代：兵强马壮者为之尔 Dancing Cats乱舞的猫猫Historical401k WordsCompleted During the reign of Shi Jingtang of the Later Jin, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun had already been ceded to the Khitans. After transmigrating into the body of An Chongrong, military governor of Chengde in Zhenzhou, he has a famous line: “The strongest warrior should be emperor.” Sound familiar? The story begins just after he takes office as military governor: he resists foreign invasion, activates the System, is forced into rebellion, recovers Yanyun, and restores China. 2.3kReads—Score117Shelves

    Reader note

    An Chongrong, who travels back to the time of Shi Jingtang, is the one who shouted that the emperor's army is strong and powerful, and starts as a military governor, immediately going to war.

15. 115 三 Three Kingdoms: Zhang Shao, Zhang Fei's Second Son, Restores the Han Three Times 三国：从张飞次子张绍，三造大汉 Sweet Words吃糖赋语Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [Shaohan] The heavens stretch on forever. Why are they so cruel to me... Have you ever wondered what history would look like if Liu Bei rebuilt the Han dynasty three times? In the twelfth year of Jian'an, a reader and writer of historical fiction transmigrated to the Three Kingdoms era and became Zhang Fei's son, Zhang Shao! Here, warlords carve up the land, and human lives are worth less than grass; Here, powerful clans monopolize everything, leaving no hope for people of humble birth; Here 1kReads6.9Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    It's not a super satisfying read, but you can check it out if you're looking for something to read.

16. 116 百 Tempering My Edge in Secret 百炼藏锋 Gu Shuwan顾疏晚Urban251k WordsCompleted Jinan has fallen, and the blacksmith’s shop has become a “designated repair station” for the Japanese army. No one knows that every saber he works on conceals a crack, and every rifle he repairs is waiting to turn on its owner. It’s only when a mute girl brings him symbols and a doctor delivers blueprints that he realizes this silent war between fire and steel is far larger than he imagined. Copper melts in the flames, as they wait for the dragon to roar. 11Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a great historical novel about the War of Resistance against Japan!

17. 117 驯 Taming Qin 驯秦记 Min Xi忞兮Historical508k WordsCompleted What he intends to tame is not the Six States, but the all-consuming war machine itself. The iron cavalry of Great Qin tramples mountains and rivers, its fearsome army sweeping all before it. In this vast war machine, where heads taken earn merit and destruction fuels its advance, Bai Yan, a young Qin general who crawled out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, gives rise to an almost arrogant idea: to tame Qin. Not to rebel, but to bring it to heel. To place the reins of reason on this sa 23Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This selection features high-quality alternate history novels, written in a steady and rigorous style, vividly depicting political intrigue and power struggles. "The Taming of Qin" and "The Great Ming: My Son Yuanzhang Wants to Kill Me" are both considered masterpieces, with rich plots and no filler. Perfect for those looking for a good historical novel. #AlternateHistoryNovels #HighQualityHistoricalNovels #PoliticalIntrigueBooks #BookRecommendations

18. 118 大 Great Ming: Is My Son Yuanzhang Trying to Kill Me? 大明：吾儿元璋要杀我？ Min Xi忞兮Historical706k WordsCompleted Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang always calls himself “your humble son” in my presence. The officials of the court all urge him, “Your Majesty, how can you remain beneath another for so long?” But he only looks at me and says respectfully, “Without my righteous adoptive father, how could I, Chongba, be where I am today?” What they don’t know is that beneath my pillow, I’ve kept the three cups of poisoned wine he gave me… 506Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 119 来 Arriving in Southern Ming, an Engineering Student Crushes the Qing and Restores China 来到南明，工科生横扫满清复华夏 Ripples in the River of History历史长河的浪花Historical531k WordsOngoing In the first year of the Hongguang reign, Jiangnan is on the verge of falling. The realm is shattered, and the people are displaced. A modern engineering expert unexpectedly arrives in the storm-tossed chaos of the Southern Ming. The land is divided among warlords, powerful enemies press at its borders, and the old and new dynasties take turns on the stage. He has no peerless martial arts, but he possesses engineering, manufacturing, and scientific knowledge far ahead of his time. He gathers dis 1.1kReads—Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    Birds have vanished from a thousand mountains, and human tracks have disappeared from ten thousand paths. An old man in a straw hat and raincoat sits alone in a small boat, fishing in the cold river snow.

20. 120 浮 A Life Adrift, Yet Ever Faithful to You 浮生不负卿 Min Xi忞兮37k WordsCompleted A Floating Life, True to You —Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 121 工 An Engineering Student Ventures into the Late Ming 工科小伙闯明末 Ripples in the River of History历史长河的浪花Historical1.0M WordsCompleted A middle-aged bachelor, beaten down by society and thwarted at every turn in the modern world, with no connections to his name but plenty of knowledge and ability, is accidentally transported to the Chongzhen era at the end of the Ming dynasty. Relying on his modern knowledge while adapting to the era’s actual technological and industrial capabilities, he works hard to quietly change history and prevent China’s decline. 2.8kReads7.8Score196Shelves
22. 122 晋 The Han Cauldron at the End of Jin: From Rescuing the Crown Princess to Reviving the Han Three Times 晋末汉鼎：从救太子妃到三兴大汉 dtt855Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [Romance-of-the-Three-Kingdoms-style political intrigue] + [Ensemble cast] + [Historical power struggle] + [Slow-paced] + [Righting past regrets] + [Defying fate] + [Multiple heroines] After transmigrating as a descendant of Shu Han, he faces a hellish start amid the War of the Eight Princes. Yet a crisis is also an opportunity. Watch me maneuver through the political landscape, save talented women, seek out wise mentors, drive out the Xiongnu, contend for the Han throne, and seize Hanzhong. T 1.2kReads7.0Score108Shelves

    Reader note

    Historical texts, Western Jin Dynasty texts

23. 123 世 The Wei and Jin Dynasties Behind A New Account of the Tales of the World 世说新语背后的魏晋 Original Works by the Senior Brother大师兄原创Historical323k WordsCompleted Discover the Records of the Grand Historian through the most entertaining and engaging stories. We’ll lay out seemingly complicated relationships and historical contexts with clarity, and together we’ll revisit the world of the Wei and Jin dynasties. 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Through "A New Account of Tales of the World," we gain a deeper understanding of the true historical background of the Wei and Jin dynasties, offering the most detailed interpretation through captivating stories.

24. 124 唐 A Soldier's Journey at the End of the Tang Dynasty 唐末从军行 The Casual-Notes Daoist随笔道人Historical3.0M WordsCompleted The Tang dynasty was at the height of its glory, yet its political failings could only be reversed by a hero of the ages. As the saying goes, rise and fall are governed by fate, and after reaching its peak, prosperity must decline. After three hundred years of glory and turmoil, the magnificent Tang dynasty finally crumbled. That year, Chen Congjin arrived in this world. He would bring this chaotic era to an end. 129.8kReads9.0Score13.7kShelves
25. 125 重 Reborn as the Ming Emperor, but the Ming Dynasty Is Already Gone 重生明帝，但大明已经没了 Li Zhen理振Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Li Yan is reborn. The good news: he’s the emperor of the Great Ming. The bad news: the Great Ming is already gone. The Southern Ming court is on the verge of collapse, the Qing troops are pursuing them south, and the court keeps fleeing south… Li Yan: “I’m done running! I’ll fight the northern barbarians to the death!” Factional infighting? Kill them! We’ll fight our way from Guangdong back to Beijing! Li Dingguo, Zheng Chenggong, Gu Yanwu, Huang Zongxi. This time, they won’t be disappointed! 32.9kReads9.3Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Both are good, you can give them a try.

26. 126 哈 Hahaha, Great Ming 哈哈哈，大明 Weiwei's Wei微微的薇Historical3.2M WordsCompleted In an age when everyone is rebelling, to survive, you have to be more ruthless than every rebel king. You have to become the greatest rebel king of all. Take down Gao Yingxiang first, then Zhang Xianzhong, then Li Zicheng, and after that, go straight for the Eight Banners. You Manchus, your emperor is back. 461.1kReads9.4Score69.4kShelves
27. 127 我 My Father Is the Emperor Who Begs at the Gate 我老爹是叫门皇帝 Bald Li San光头李三Historical2.2M WordsCompleted In the fourteenth year of the Zhengtong reign, my father, Zhu Qizhen, personally led an expedition beyond the borders, hoping to spread the might of the Great Ming far and wide. He never expected it to be like sending meat buns to a dog: he went out and never came back, becoming the Emperor Who Knocked at the Gates. Once he was no longer useful, they sent him back to the capital and confined him in the Southern Palace. Now Father is knocking at the gates again. Zhu Jianshen, who had been countin 55.7kReads8.8Score4kShelves
28. 128 喜 Joy in the Tang Dynasty 喜唐 Weiwei's Wei微微的薇Historical3.6M WordsCompleted Bright and glorious is the Tang, favored by Heaven to rule the myriad lands. Our founding ancestors answered Heaven’s call, and the four imperial clans followed its ways. Heaven granted us boundless blessings, and our clans share a common virtue. Our descendants carry on the legacy, offering sacrifices to the gods and matching the Pole Star. What did it really mean for all nations to pay tribute? Was it about uncritically worshipping foreign languages, or going abroad and being treated as honore 123.6kReads9.4Score12.8kShelves
29. 129 快 Run! Wei Zheng Is Bringing His Son to Court! 快跑，魏征扛着他儿子上朝了！ My Bumpy Journey磕磕绊绊的我Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Year Seven of the Zhenguan era. A thunderous boom sounded in the sky, and I transmigrated into Wei Shuyu. As Wei Zheng's beloved son, shouldn't I help my father with his troubles? Li Shimin secretly hiding spending money? Take a break, Dad. I'll chew him out. Li Shimin wanting to take a concubine? Take a break, Dad. I'll chew him out. Li Shimin wanting to lead a personal campaign? Take a break, Dad. I'll chew him out... In short, whatever Li Shimin does, we oppose it. That's how you earn a reput 22.7kReads9.0Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    This is the one! Even the most trollish fans should check it out!

30. 130 明 Late Ming: The King of Shu Rebuilds the Realm 明末：蜀王继明复山河 Still a Little Pig依然小小猪Historical2.1M WordsCompleted The Prince of Shu in Chengdu had a new soul, and from the start found himself trapped in a desperate siege by Zhang Xianzhong and his hundreds of thousands of troops. The heavens had given the Han people a chance to prosper forever and revive the Ming dynasty! The new Prince of Shu would put an end to a century of humiliation and make the Chinese people stand forever at the pinnacle of the world! Rifles, machine guns, cannons, trains, warships, schools, commercial taxes, land… One reform af 9.6kReads8.7Score833Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is really good! The protagonist transmigrates into the body of the Prince of Shu during the late Ming Dynasty. It's a chaotic era, [stunned][stunned][feeling wronged] with the Manchus annexing most of the country and eyeing it covetously, and Zhang Xianzhong and Li Zicheng conquering cities and territories [what][what][awkward laugh][awkward laugh], while Qin Liangyu holds considerable military power. At this critical moment in history, the protagonist's life hangs in the balance. How will he save himself [stunned][stunned][cool][cool], and what will he do? [Fear][fear][rolling eyes][rolling eyes] This novel is based on a true historical background. [Almost crying][almost crying][covering face][covering face] This work presents us with an epic and magnificent history. It's an excellent work with a strong sense of immersion and is very interesting to read [smirking][smirking][shy][shy] captivating. The current rating is clearly too low and doesn't reflect its true quality. [Thumbs up][thumbs up][thumbs up]

31. 131 从 Starting in the Shang Dynasty, I Build a Clan That Lasts a Thousand Years 从商朝开始，建立千年世家 When Plums Turn Yellow梅黄时Historical2.0M WordsOngoing Li Zhen, a history PhD, goes home to raise pigs and activates the Millennia-Old Clan System. Starting in the Shang Dynasty, he establishes a family that will last for a thousand years. During the Spring and Autumn period, King Goujian of Yue offers Xishi to secure my help in restoring his kingdom. During the Warring States period, Shang Yang pushes through reforms, and so do I. In the Qin Dynasty, at a merchant's family banquet held to ask me for a loan, one of the dancing girls who fell 68.8kReads8.0Score6.9kShelves

    Reader note

    It's good, I love watching it.

32. 132 大 Great Qin: The Long-Life Calamity 大秦：长生劫 Wild Peach野桃儿Ancient Romance261k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate to the Qin dynasty + court intrigue + coming of age] After Ji Yaoye transmigrated to the Qin dynasty, all she could think about was getting home. She advised Ying Zheng, “The idea of immortality is just a scam used to fool old men and women. You mustn’t believe it.” Ying Zheng: “All right!” Later... Ying Zheng: “Are you sure this outfit of mine is fashionable?” Ji Yaoye: “You’d better put on a hat.” 597Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is great, I recommend it!

33. 133 开 From the Start, I Live-Stream the Great Ming, and Huaxia Civilization Leads by Ages 开局直播大明，华夏文明断层领先 Making a Living Is Hard养家糊口不容易Historical1.4M WordsOngoing (This book is not intended to disparage the present or glorify the past. The world I've created is fictional, so please don't conflate it with reality. My goal is to work toward China's rise! Nothing else is intended!) My name is Han Bixing, and I transmigrated into the Ming Dynasty as a fool. Everyone calls me crazy and pelts me with stones because I hold up a battered bronze mirror and talk to the air. They don't know that the other side of the mirror is connected to more than six hundred year 6.7kReads9.3Score633Shelves

    Reader note

    Be careful! I'm just writing a novel about the Ming Dynasty. Some people say I'm a Ming Dynasty fan, but I'm just writing what I believe the Ming Dynasty is based on some materials. Chinese civilization has a long and rich history. Fine, you can all travel back in time to make salt and sell glass marbles, but I can't write a novel! Besides, I wrote earlier that this is purely fictional, and any resemblance to actual events is purely coincidental! If you think the West is great, then it's great! There's no need to slander me! I'm just a novelist!

34. 134 北 A Million Soldiers on the Northern Frontier, and the Empress Begs Me Not to Rebel 北境拥兵一千万，女帝跪求别造反 Cute Little White Rabbit萌白小兔Historical1.7M WordsCompleted This novel has been adapted into the short drama Spear of Winter Shatters the Firmament. [First Emperor + insanely satisfying troop recruitment + Great Qin Empire] Qin Yuan transmigrated to ancient times and became the empress’s childhood friend. He poured his heart and soul into helping the empress, raising her to the pinnacle as ruler of all under heaven and making the Great Qian Dynasty the center of a thousand nations! The Embroidered Uniform Guard above surveyed the realm, while the Unnatur 11.3kReads8.6Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    It's a great read! The author writes very well and with great care. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the writing is delicate and smooth! Highly recommended!

35. 135 我 I, the Ultimate Schemer: The Empress Calls Me a Living Yama 我，最强毒士，女帝直呼活阎王 Xing Xing Zi星星子Historical4.3M WordsOngoing [Search Tomato to watch the short drama: The Third Greatest Stratagem of All Time] Gao Yang transmigrated to the Great Qian Dynasty just as the Empress ascended the throne and began recruiting talent from across the land. So he volunteered himself as a poison strategist! The Empress: “Suppose you personally wiped out your enemy's entire family. As you looked at the bodies scattered everywhere, you suddenly realized there was still a child in the house. What would you do?” Gao Yang: “I'd say, ‘Re 386.2kReads9.2Score32.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist transmigrates to the Great Qian Dynasty, becoming the son of the Vice Minister of Revenue. Just as the Empress ascends the throne, the country is plagued by treacherous officials, regional warlords, and the ever-present threat of the Xiongnu! To revitalize the Great Qian, the Empress is recruiting talented individuals. The protagonist, in his previous life, accepts the recruitment notice—a piece of cake! As a capitalist in his past life, watch me scheme against seven kingdoms and become the foremost cunning strategist. 👹👹

36. 136 一 One Essay on Young China, and I’m Forced to Rebel 一篇少年华夏说，我被迫造反 Xinghan Xuanyu星汉玄羽Historical2.4M WordsCompleted Liu Wu shouted from the podium: “Great Qian is weak and declining. Today, things have reached the point of no return.” “The imperial clan and the nobles and officials cling to outdated ways, covering up the truth with empty appearances.” “Proud Huaxia is scorned by the nations and looked down upon by foreign peoples.” “We scholars have studied the books of the sages so hard. How can we not do everything in our power to turn the tide and restore the Han?” One scholar said, “Liu Wu, are you trying 3.7kReads8.6Score254Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books are really good!

37. 137 功 My Merits Made the Emperor Fear Me and Want Me Dead, So I Left. Why Does the Empress Regret It? 功高震主要我死，我走女帝后悔啥 Green Lime Doesn't Want to Cry青柠不想哭Historical438k WordsCompleted [First Emperor + Never Looking Back + The Thrill of Raising a Massive Army + Qin Empire] Qin Zheng transmigrates to an ancient world in chaos! Over the course of ten years, he not only helps the empress ascend the throne, but also builds a golden age for Great Qi, with nations from all over paying tribute! But before he can unify the realm, the empress grows suspicious of him, fearing that his achievements have made him too powerful. Demote him? Just then, Qin Zheng awakens an Emperor’s Choice S 4.9kReads7.6Score241Shelves
38. 138 汉 Han Lands 汉土 Qingqing Wumin卿卿吾岷Historical124k WordsOngoing We are the Han people, inheritors of this name from our ancestors. The Han people arose in that era and have continued to this day, constantly embracing, absorbing, and assimilating others through the river of time. This story shows how our forebears carved out a land of plenty from a world of slash-and-burn farming, creating a place where future generations could live and thrive. 2Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 139 废 A Useless Emperor? I Became a Tyrant, and the Empress Wept 废物皇帝？我成暴君，女帝哭麻了 Cute Little White Rabbit萌白小兔Eastern Fantasy262k WordsCompleted 233Reads5.9Score—Shelves
40. 140 举 I'm the Only Normal Person in the Whole Nation, and I've Gone on a Killing Spree! 举国只有朕是正常人，朕杀疯了！ Cute Little White Rabbit萌白小兔Historical285k WordsCompleted [The rating will rise once it comes out + outrageously satisfying + all kinds of crushing the female-oriented genre + decisive and ruthless] Qin Xiao transmigrated to the Great Qin dynasty. He was peerless in both civil and military affairs, and commanded an army of a million! Yet the emperor wanted to depose him for the sake of a fake prince? Wait, bro, did you drag me into a female-oriented novel? How could he put up with that? With a wave of his hand, he unleashed the Nine Clans Severance Tec 743Reads5.5Score108Shelves
41. 141 这 This Top Scholar Plays by His Own Rules 这个状元路子有点野 The Foundation of One's Life立身之本Historical2.3M WordsCompleted [Farming + imperial examinations + alternate history + lighthearted] My Parents Flipped the Table and Quit, So I Want to Take the Imperial Exams Too Just as Wang Xuezhou was about to reach the peak of his life, he transmigrated. The good news: in this life, his parents were loving, and his siblings got along. The bad news: the whole family was pinching pennies to fund his eldest uncle's studies. They had next to nothing and were living on coarse grain and wild greens. But before he could flip t 52.4kReads8.9Score6.5kShelves
42. 142 快 Quick Transmigration: Beating Up Old Zhu from the Start and Reviving Empress Ma 快穿：开局暴揍老朱，复活马皇后 Cute Little White Rabbit萌白小兔Historical225k WordsCompleted [Quick Transmigration + Making Up for Historical Regrets + Not a Babysitter + Rebellious Protagonist + No Female Lead] Qin Shi, a history graduate struggling to find a job, got bound to a System because of a resume and embarked on a journey through history via quick transmigration. Other people work for money, but Qin Shi receives all kinds of bizarre rewards for his work. The Ming Dynasty He is the retired emperor who rewrites Zhu Yuanzhang’s fate as a tyrant. He is also the mischief-maker who 72Reads—Score—Shelves
43. 143 明 Growing Powerful from the Rank of a Battalion Commander in the Late Ming 明末从千户开始做大做强 Look Ahead Quickly看快前面Historical974k WordsCompleted Han Xi transmigrated to the end of the Ming dynasty. Thanks to his father's efforts, he managed to become a battalion commander in the garrison. But the garrison was only a few dozen miles from where Huang Taiji would first enter the Pass, making the area extremely dangerous. Fortunately, Han Xi had the [Salary System], and the timeline was still early. The Wanli Emperor had only recently died. Han Xi still had plenty of time to quietly build up his strength. 9.9kReads7.8Score616Shelves
44. 144 我 I'm a Villainous Cannon Fodder, but the Editor Made Me an Invincible Great Emperor! 我反派炮灰，编辑大帝身份无敌！ Sichuan Tyrannosaurus巴蜀暴暴龙Eastern Fantasy457k WordsCompleted [Rating Boost]+ [Invincible]+ [Starts as a Great Emperor]+ [Pure Wish Fulfillment]+ [Decisive and Ruthless] Qin Feng transmigrates into a fantasy novel as the villainous cannon fodder who grovels at the female lead’s feet! From the start, the fake lofty female lead comes to break off their engagement, refuses to return a single betrothal gift, and even has the nerve to demand a breakup fee? As a prince of the Great Qin Imperial Dynasty, he can’t cultivate, and now he’s been dumped. What a disgra 7.8kReads6.9Score725Shelves
45. 145 大 Ming Dynasty Imperial Guards: From the Start, I Take Down the Eunuch in Charge 大明锦衣卫，开局扳倒守备太监 Gentle Breeze, Rolling Waves清风徐浪Historical617k WordsOngoing [No System + Scientific Development + Financial Takeover] After a frigate’s deputy captain transmigrates into the body of Xu Da’s descendant, he falls on hard times and scrapes by writing cargo receipts at the docks. Then, thanks to his wealth of knowledge, he spots at a glance that the tribute ship inspected by the eunuch in charge of coastal defense is riding suspiciously low in the water. He seizes the opportunity to bring down the corrupt official. Starting with river defenses, he ventures i 6kReads8.2Score545Shelves

    Reader note

    Xu Zhendong takes over the troubled Xu Family Mortuary, sees through the scheming of the clan elders, and also takes over the dire state of the naval camp. He also manages to balance business and deal with various parties. Those who enjoy historical stories with a focus on career can check out this book.

46. 146 开 From the Start, I'm in a Wheelchair! In the End, I Become Emperor 开局坐轮椅！最后当皇上 Nine-Star Magician九星魔术师Historical337k WordsCompleted "No System"➕ "No saintly protagonist"➕ "No harem"➕ "Decisive and ruthless" “Don’t, Imperial Brother, I was wrong!” “Waaah, don’t break my legs!” His legs are broken from the start, leaving him with no choice but to use a wheelchair. A hidden dragon lies in the depths, biding its time for eight years. Eighteen iron cavalrymen, appearing without a trace and vanishing without a sound. Eighteen steeds of blood and sweat, clad in black armor and carrying bows. Eighteen curved blades, iron masks, and 706Reads7.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Starting with a broken leg and confined to a wheelchair, he spends eight years cultivating his power and vying for supremacy. This book has no system, no Mary Sue characters, and the protagonist is intelligent and ruthless. If you're easily scared, don't read it. The ratings have just come out, and it's exceptionally good.

47. 147 老 My Dad Is Su Dongpo, My Wife Is Li Qingzhao, and My Bro Is Emperor Huizong 老爹苏东坡老婆李清照老铁宋徽宗 Wen Qingru文卿如Historical1.3M WordsOngoing Tags: No System, not a mindless power fantasy, meticulous historical research, slow burn, personal growth, one heroine An utterly ordinary art student transmigrates as Su Dun, the prematurely deceased youngest son of the legendary Su Dongpo. A quick calculation tells him When his father goes to Huizhou to eat lychees, he’ll be eleven. When his father goes to Hainan Island to eat clams, he’ll be fourteen. When his father is pardoned and dies in Changzhou, he’ll be seventeen. When Cai Jing erects 12kReads8.5Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Not mindless fun, the ancients weren't idiots. Su Dun took out several sheets of paper from his sleeve, which were covered with dense writing. "I was in Hangzhou before, and I went through hundreds of books and found a few pieces of evidence. Not many, just nine." He spread the paper out on the old table next to him. "But I think the direction is right." Su Dun pointed to the first one, trying to keep his tone calm: "Look at the sentence in the *Great Yu's Counsel*: 'The human heart is perilous, the Dao heart is subtle; only by being refined and unified, can one truly hold to the mean.' The phrase 'The human heart is perilous, the Dao heart is subtle' was quoted in Xunzi's *Dispelling Obscurity*, but Xunzi said it was quoted from the *Daoist Canon*, not the *Book of Documents*." "And 'holding to the mean' should come from the *Analects*, Yao said: 'The mandate of Heaven is in your own body; hold to the mean. When the four seas are in distress, Heaven's blessing will be forever ended.'" "The *Analects* says, 'Shun also gave the mandate to Yu,' but what Shun said to Yu in the *Great Yu's Counsel* is completely different from what Yao said to Shun, except for 'holding to the mean.'" "The so-called sixteen characters of the Yu court are simply pieced together." He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, waiting for their shock, excitement, or, as in later novels, a sudden realization. However— Fan Yi raised his head, saying dismissively, "Perhaps Xunzi misremembered?" Su Dun was stunned. Zhao Mingcheng nodded in agreement, his face serious: "I previously saw Xunzi's 'Junzi Chapter' quote 'When one person is blessed, the millions of people rely on him,' saying it was from the 'Commentary'." "Actually, this sentence comes from the 'Shangshu Chapter Lü Xing'." "The source of this quote is definitely also a mistake by Xunzi." Su Xingchong added, "Pre-Qin books were all on bamboo slips, not easy to consult. The philosophers' quotations were likely written from memory without verification, so not every word is accurate." Su Dun's lips twitched. Hey? Your reactions are a bit off, aren't they? Too calm? Too rational? Shouldn't you be exclaiming, "My God, this is fake!" And then filled with indignation and shared hatred? Why are you all so... Calm? But what you said makes so much sense, I'm speechless! Li Qingzhao didn't say anything, she just looked down and carefully read the original text copied by Su Dun. She stared at those lines for a long time, then suddenly looked up, a strange look in her eyes: "The original text of Xunzi's 'Jiebi' is: 'In the past, when Shun ruled the world, he did not issue orders, yet all things were accomplished. He dwelled in a precarious situation, and glory surrounded him; he nurtured the subtlety of the one thing, and glory was attained without his knowledge.' Only then did he quote the Daoist classic: 'The precariousness of the human heart, the subtlety of the Dao heart, the subtlety of the danger, only a wise and virtuous person can know them.'" She looked at Su Dun, her eyes carrying a strange light—a look of doubt about his intelligence: "You don't think that 'the precariousness of the human heart, the subtlety of the Dao heart' and 'the human heart is precarious, the Dao heart is subtle' are the same sentence just because they sound similar, do you?" Su Dun was annoyed by her gaze and retorted stubbornly: "These two sentences are exactly the same, how can it not be plagiarism?" "But these two sentences have completely different meanings!" Li Qingzhao spoke eloquently: "Xunzi first mentioned Shun 'dwelling in a precarious situation' and 'nurturing the subtlety of the one thing'—this means that Shun advocated using a focused mind to explore the subtle principles of things." "Then he quoted the Daoist classic, 'The human heart is perilous, the Dao heart is subtle.' He quoted that line from the Daoist classic to explain the 'perilous' and 'subtle' mentioned by Shun earlier." "The key point of that line is the latter part— 'The signs of peril and subtlety can only be known by a wise and virtuous person.' It's about the 'sign' (obstacles) between 'peril' and 'subtlety,' which only a wise and virtuous person can perceive." She paused, her voice clear: "But the sixteen characters in the 'Great Yu's Counsel's' also emphasize the latter part, 'Be refined and single-minded, hold fast to the mean.' It's about using the effort of 'refinement and single-mindedness' to 'hold fast to the mean.'" "The main idea and philosophy of the two sentences are completely different. One is about perceiving signs, and the other is about upholding the mean." "Just because these eight characters are somewhat similar, you call it plagiarism?" Fan Yi continued: "Even if it is plagiarism, it's possible that the Daoist classic copied the 'Great Yu's Counsel's' and was then remembered as the Daoist classic. There are too many cases like this." He thought for a moment and gave an example: "For example, the saying 'Without tranquility, one cannot achieve far-reaching goals; without detachment, one cannot clarify one's ambitions' comes from the *Huainanzi* (淮南子), specifically the chapter 'Mastering the Art of Governing' (主术训). More than three hundred years later, Zhuge Liang quoted it in his *Letter to His Son* (诫子书), and now everyone thinks it was said by Zhuge Liang." "Another saying, 'Be bold but humble; be wise but principled,' also comes from the *Huainanzi*, specifically the chapter 'Mastering the Art of Governing'. Sun Simiao quoted it, and now everyone thinks it was said by Sun Simiao." Zhao Mingcheng added, "The *Xunzi* itself also has this situation. In the *Xunzi*, in the chapter 'On Rites' (礼论篇), the section on the three-year mourning period, from 'Why is there a three-year mourning period?' To 'It is the same throughout history,' the entire section was included in the *Book of Rites* (礼记), becoming the 'Questions on the Three-Year Mourning Period' (三三年问). Now, when people quote these sentences, they definitely think they come from the *Book of Rites*, not from the *Xunzi*." Su Xingchong also nodded, "As for the difference between what Yao said when he abdicated to Shun and what Shun said when he abdicated to Yu, that's not surprising, is it?" "Two generations of sage kings, facing different circumstances, naturally had different explanations to give." Su Dun was bewildered by everyone's comments. Didn't those books from later generations say that the "Sixteen-Character Heart Transmission" was Yan Ruoqu's core evidence to disprove the "Ancient Text of the Book of Documents"? Wasn't it said that once this evidence appeared, the Neo-Confucian scholars would be speechless? How come he couldn't even convince a few seven or eight-year-old children?

48. 148 朕 I, the Emperor, Am Immortal! 朕，乃万岁！ Brother Sheng Himself生哥是也Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [Harem novel, sunny and cheerful tone, nothing too dark.] [Tap once for an immersive experience as an ancient emperor] Zheng Yuan transmigrates to the Fengping Realm and devotes himself to good governance, hoping to become a sage ruler remembered throughout history. But Heaven has other plans. A malevolent star devours emperors, and the nation's fortunes are in decline. He must take consorts and establish an empress to stabilize the realm's destiny! “Choose an empress? Who should I make my empre 5.3kReads8.3Score265Shelves
49. 149 管 Guan Xiuying 管琇莹 Li Junde李骏德Historical468k WordsCompleted Hello! This story is based on the Zuo Zhuan. It tells of how, during the Spring and Autumn period, Sheng Bo, a nobleman of the State of Lu, married off his younger sister to Shi Xiaoshu, then forced her to remarry Xi Chou, a nobleman of the State of Jin. Classical Chinese history books rarely record women's feelings in this way, so the story left a deep impression on me. I wanted to use a novel to imagine what things might have been like back then. In the Zuo Zhuan, Sheng Bo's maternal half-sist 26Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I finally found the first book, and I loved it at first sight, so I added it to my bookshelf. The second book is my own, and it presents a different kind of history.

50. 150 穿 A Transmigrator’s Guide to Supporting a Family in Ancient Times 穿越古代养家实录 The Pigeon in the Dove Cote鸽子窝里的鸽子Ancient Romance450k WordsCompleted Transmigration + face-slapping + putting scumbags in their place + making money Ning Fan, a modern IT professional, dies from overwork and transmigrates to ancient times. He becomes the eldest son of the second branch of the Ning family, which has just been split off and thrown out. The moment he wakes, his wicked grandmother shows up to cause trouble. Ning Fan boldly stands up for his family and face-slaps her. Then he turns around and sees a leaky roof, bowls cleaner than their faces, and a wh 1.3kReads8.8Score101Shelves

Other lists with Eastern Jin: Heir to the Gongsun Line, Seizing Murong’s Liaodong