Real Political Intrigue Fiction: Nothing Shallow or Brain-Burning, That’s My Taste 真正的权谋小说（不尽兴，不烧脑，我吃食）

1. 601 武 Martial World, Don't Bully Me: I Have a Demon Blade 武侠，休要欺负我，我有一把魔刀 Huang Xiaozhao0黄小招0Martial Arts203k WordsOngoing The martial world was never a place for settling scores with satisfying vengeance. It was a place filled with deceit, coldness, and hurt... Yan Xiaoxiang watched his family home destroyed and his loved ones die with his own eyes. His young heart was burdened with the pain of the world. A demonic blade fell into his hands. It could kill, and it could ensnare the mind... In the end, he chose to kill! 1.6kReads—Score—Shelves

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   Take a look at this novel

2. 602 逆 Against the Meridians: Liar, Stop! 逆经：骗子住手 Ren Fanwuyin任梵无音Eastern Fantasy1.3M WordsCompleted [Original novel for the animated series This Taoist Is Not Quite Right] Life is unpredictable. The fit thrive under Heaven's law, Those skilled in force become generals, those skilled in strategy become kings. Born into the lowest of professions, he refuses to live like a nobody, He waves the yin-yang banner and sees through the Six Lines of Divination. Watch him play at being a spirit medium, watch him swindle and deceive, Watch him make ruthless decisions, watch him rise like a hidden dragon f 44kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves

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   Don't miss this book if you're experiencing a reading slump! A masterpiece of political intrigue, packed with thrilling and exciting plot twists, offering a light and enjoyable reading experience – you won't regret reading it! 🔥🔥

3. 603 火 Rising Through the Ranks 火线提拔 A Thousand Miles Away万路之遥Urban5.5M WordsCompleted Qiao Yan witnessed someone jump to their death and was urgently promoted to investigate the real culprit behind it. But the case led him to a vast network of vested interests and a fierce battle. Relying on his own strength, he brought down the powerful forces and rose steadily through the ranks... 56.9kReads9.3Score6.2kShelves
4. 604 世 A Scion's Path to Power 世家子之官道 Feng Bai封白Urban1.1M WordsCompleted He single-handedly helps his father's, uncles', and brothers' generations rise to prominence. He isn't the legitimate crown prince, yet he can toy with all sorts of princelings at will. The companies he controls never last more than a year, yet he possesses astonishing wealth. Why be reborn? To take a different path from his previous life and reach the very pinnacle of power. 606Reads6.8Score—Shelves

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   These two books are great, especially the second one; I highly recommend them.

5. 605 绝 Absolute Power: I Am the Backer 绝对权力：我就是靠山 Happy Little Beans快乐小豆豆Urban3.5M WordsOngoing Ye Minghao, a secretary to a senior official, is sent back to the countryside. His girlfriend breaks up with him, and his parents' job transfers are put on hold. Starting at the grassroots level, he climbs step by step to the top. 69.1kReads9.2Score4.3kShelves
6. 606 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 14.2kReads8.8Score1.4kShelves

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   With vivid and unpretentious characters and a captivating yet fast-paced plot, this is undoubtedly a masterpiece of ancient Chinese martial arts fiction.

7. 607 官 The Political Storm in Central Eastwind 官道之中东风云 Shahé Courier Station Clerk沙河驿丞Urban634k WordsOngoing The second installment of The Official’s Path, Middle East Turmoil, is officially underway. A fictional kingdom in the Middle East, set against a realistic geopolitical backdrop. Political intrigue, military conflict, and romance advance on three fronts. Chen Feng, a grassroots official from Huaxia, transforms into a Middle Eastern prince. With an iron fist, he stirs up turmoil among the nations; with political acumen, he reshapes the kingdom’s fate. A new era of chaos in the Middle East and a 2kReads7.2Score301Shelves
8. 608 重 Reborn in Officialdom: Governing the County, Ruling the World 重生官场之县治天下 Old General of Guanzhong关西老将Urban1.3M WordsCompleted This book connects seamlessly with Rebirth on the Official and Business Paths. The county is the foundation of a peaceful nation. Being a county magistrate is hard, and being one in a poor county is even harder. Li Yuanfang is reborn in 1990 and steps onto the official and business paths, achieving both wealth and power. In governing the county, he dares to face challenges head-on and strikes decisively. With exceptional courage and strategy, he defeats his opponents time and again, winning one 20Reads8.1Score101Shelves

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   I've read this book; it's a pretty good official article. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

9. 609 绝 Peerless Evil Doctor 绝世邪医 How Many Crossings in a Lifetime人生几渡Urban10.2M WordsOngoing He rescued a beautiful woman, only to suffer retaliation from a rich second-generation heir and be forced to flee to another land for refuge. Five years later, he returned to find that his family had been ruined by the rich heir's revenge, leaving them bankrupt and his father unable to care for himself. Lin Fan was furious… 51.4kReads9.2Score3.1kShelves
10. 610 爷 A Real Man 爷们 Fang Huo方火Urban2.1M WordsCompleted A beautiful woman wants to kill me. First she tried a knife, then she tried to run me over. When she realized she couldn't kill me, she actually begged me to kill myself. 10.5kReads8.9Score1.1kShelves
11. 611 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 10.7kReads8.5Score1.5kShelves

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    In the imperial court, the incompetent emperor remained suspicious of Prince Jing, while treacherous officials secretly colluded, constantly creating trouble for the border troops, attempting to use the war to eliminate Prince Jing. While stabilizing the situation at the front lines, she secretly exchanged messages with her inside contacts in the capital, defusing the conspiracies in the court one by one.

12. 612 官 The Official's Ladder: A Grassroots Civil Servant 官梯之【基层公务员】 Brother Lu Fan, Who Loves Snail Noodles with Chicken爱吃螺蛳鸡的陆凡兄Urban3.7M WordsCompleted There are ten rungs on the official career ladder. Wang Hongtao has the gift of foresight, starting from the very bottom and seizing every opportunity. Beginning at the section-chief level, he climbs one rung at a time, destined to forge his own glory! As he rises, he does all he can to benefit the people and improve the lives of those around him, while also settling an old score! See how an ordinary man makes waves in the world of officialdom! This is my first time writing, so please be underst —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    That power...

13. 613 阿 Anita’s First Book 阿尼妲的第1本书 Anida阿尼妲Ancient Romance233k WordsCompleted This novel is absolutely unhinged! A modern history dunce transmigrates into the Han dynasty as Lady Qi, and from the start she’s in hell mode: she knows Empress Lü is about to have her turned into a human swine. What can she do? Who could be more miserable than her? Who could be braver? Reborn twice, she outwits Empress Lü, repeatedly takes on Liu Bang, and wins over the ministers... with one high-stakes twist after another! This time, the positions of butcher and meat are about to switch! This 40Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A novel set against a true historical backdrop, filled with high intelligence, strategy, cunning, and treachery; a true political intrigue novel with a gripping and suspenseful plot.

14. 614 权 Power and Favor Across the Nine Heavens 权宠九天 June六月Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted The short drama from the same series, The Beloved Physician, is now streaming on Hongguo. Long Qingruo, a genius of the Red Dragon Clan, was renowned in the twenty-second century as a brilliant doctor and a master surgeon. Yet as soon as she arrived, she was shot full of holes by a hail of arrows, while a whole host of women were lining up to covet her position as princess consort. Ridiculous. She acted decisively, asserting her authority as a wife, taking in underlings, bringing villains to hee 6.2kReads9.4Score848Shelves
15. 615 不 Don't Like the Straight-Ace Campus Heartthrob? Try Being Stubborn Again! 不喜欢直男校草，再嘴硬试试？ Ascending to the Azure Clouds青云高至Two Male Leads1.2M WordsCompleted [A cool, straight-acting guy who pretends not to care, paired with four male leads from a noble academy; a group of villains bound by pure hatred; a battlefield of rivals competing for one man] Shen Qingci is the campus heartthrob at a noble academy. In everyone’s eyes, he is aloof and proud, his family background shrouded in mystery. He disdains keeping company with anyone and is hailed alongside the campus F4 as a “flower on a high peak.” But the truth is… Shen Qingci is all pretence: vain, ar 33.6kReads9.2Score6.6kShelves

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    Look, the bag is nice.

16. 616 家 My Father Is Emperor Yang of Sui! From the Start, I Slay Yuwen Huaji 家父隋炀帝！开局斩杀宇文化及 Loves Fish2021爱吃鱼2021Historical299k WordsCompleted Tags: Transmigration and comeback | Power struggle at the end of the Sui dynasty | Political intrigue and survival | Passionate growth | Building in troubled times | A young ruler and his ministers Synopsis: Yang Gao, a 996 office worker, dies suddenly from overwork and transmigrates into the body of Yang Gao, the twelve-year-old Prince of Zhao and youngest son of Emperor Yang of Sui. With Yuwen Huaji's murderous blade poised to take the emperor's life in a month, he refuses to be slaughtered wi 26Reads—Score—Shelves

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    🌹🌹🌹Fellow readers, does anyone understand "My Father is Emperor Yang of Sui"?! I've transmigrated into the body of twelve-year-old Prince Zhao, Yang Gao, with only a month left before being beheaded by Yuwen Huaji! A hellish start, unarmed, and my father, Yang Guang, still indulging in a life of debauchery. Don't panic! My genius for devising solutions, born from my past life as a 996 workaholic, has possessed me! I'll use trickery to fool my father, bribe eunuchs to become my intelligence chief, and even persuade a general to betray his father to protect his son… using a fake family letter to tear away the veil of pretense of a prosperous era! This series of actions not only extends my life but also elevates me from the ashes! Watch as the protagonist carves a bloody path to defy fate in the seemingly hopeless situation of the fourteenth year of the Daye era! ✊✊✊✊

17. 617 九 Ninefold Brocade 九重锦 Evening Breeze Under the Moon月下晚风Ancient Romance715k WordsCompleted Household and palace intrigue, with the leads not both being each other's first. A fictional setting, with all ranks and titles made up. A heroine who grows over time and isn't blinded by love. After being suppressed for more than a decade, a concubine-born daughter has her fate rearranged overnight. Entering the prince's manor only fuels her ambition. Her birth father ignores her, allowing her stepmother to torment her and her mother for half their lives without ever offering them the slightest 31.7kReads9.3Score5.7kShelves
18. 618 卧 Crouching Tiger 卧虎 Xun Fei寻飞Urban2.1M WordsOngoing A hidden dragon rises from the depths and devours all things; a crouching tiger commands the mountains and guards a thousand frontiers! When I was little, the strange older girl next door always asked me to help wash her. When I got a little older, she taught me how to be a real man! Twenty years of flashing blades, eighteen years of changing seasons. The black throne may change hands, but true kingship belongs only to madmen who dare to dance with the devil! 14.8kReads7.7Score3kShelves

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    If you don't like this, just go ahead and cyberbully me. I'm a guy with nine accounts across all apps, and I've watched it for over 10,000 hours, from when Tomato was still just a game to now. Trust me, it's incredibly satisfying.

19. 619 龙 Dragon Head 龙头 Xun Fei寻飞Urban3.1M WordsCompleted For the sake of the goddess, I crossed the big shot in the county. To stay alive, I fought my way up, one step at a time, until I became the boss... One day, the hidden dragon will find the rain it needs. With a single roar, it will shift the mountains and rivers and move the Big Dipper. Stories of the underdog rising to the top will always set the blood racing. 27.9kReads9.0Score2.8kShelves
20. 620 重 Reborn as the Beloved of Everyone: The Movie Emperor's Wife Is Poor and Fierce Again 重生团宠：影帝夫人又穷又凶 Not Dim-Witted After Waking Up睡醒不呆Modern Romance2.6M WordsCompleted [Print edition signed for publication] [Insanely outrageous wish-fulfillment + a few secret identities + savage online roasts + devoted romance with both leads’ first love + dazzling the world] In her previous life, she died with regrets. Now she has been reborn in the middle of a massive online hate campaign! If they’re going to hate on her anyway, she might as well stop pretending! Her scumbag fiancé gets shoved into a cold pool, then coughs and blames her? Sheng Wenyin: “What, caught a cold? 137.5kReads9.6Score14.4kShelves
21. 621 综 A Film and TV Crossover: Grant Me Three Thousand Wishes 综影视之许我三千心愿 Pipi Q皮皮QFemale-Channel Fanfiction983k WordsOngoing A different possibility for various film and television worlds, making up for all the regrets of the original stories. No lovesick protagonists, no golden finger, logical storytelling, not canon, parallel worlds based on film and television dramas, intelligent protagonists, political scheming, palace intrigue, strong female leads, the Republic of China era, equally matched couples... 1. Aisin-Gioro Yongqi and Xilin-Jueluo Linlang 2. Lu Mengping and Qin Shuo 3. Xiao Zhenying and Lin Xie 1.7kReads—Score—Shelves

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    World One (Chapters 1-98) World Three (Chapters 145-198) World Four (Chapters 199-274) World Nine (Chapters 424-464) World Ten (Chapters 465-520) World Eleven (Chapters 521-538) World Twelve (Chapters 539-574) World Sixteen (Chapters 712-Latest Update)

22. 622 官 Temptation in the Political Arena 官场诱惑 China QQ中国扣扣Urban783k WordsCompleted From the grassroots to the top, from integrity to losing one's way: the ultimate struggle over desire, conscience, and career advancement. This is a realistic, documentary-style literary work. 37Reads6.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    True political intrigue novels

23. 623 惊 Shock! Reborn on the Eve of My Family's Execution, I Say Let's Rebel 惊！重生回满门抄斩前夜，造反吧 Yi Yangcheng衣漾澄Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + feel-good story with a powerful heroine + family and country + political intrigue] A cool-headed, cunning heroine who plans several moves ahead + a brilliant, devoted yet restrained male lead who serves as a high-ranking official at the Court of Judicial Review In her previous life, the entire Ning family, loyal to the throne for generations, was slaughtered. To avenge them, Ning Zhiwei led an army of a hundred thousand to marry Su Mingjin, helping him with all her might as he rebelle 27.5kReads9.3Score3.3kShelves

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    This story features a woman who ultimately becomes an empress. [Rebirth + Strong Female Lead + Family, Country, and Power Strategies] A cunning, calm, and ruthless female lead with exceptional intelligence and deep affection. The male lead, a high-ranking official in the Court of Judicial Review, was betrayed in her past life by the massacre of her entire loyal Ning family. Ning Zhiwei, seeking revenge, led an army of 100,000 to marry Su Mingjin and wholeheartedly supported his rebellion. However, she was betrayed by her half-sister and Su Mingjin, sent to the enemy camp for torture, and even publicly shot dead by Su Mingjin. Reborn on the eve of the Ning family's downfall, she tears up the script, defies fate, protects her family, punishes the scumbag, kills the treacherous minister, and brings peace and prosperity to the people. She will personally avenge her family! She will sit on the throne herself! Men… no need to fight for them, they come to her door? Her half-sister cries out: "Sister, it was that scoundrel who seduced me!" Su Mingjin groveled at his feet: "I approached you not for the sake of the 100,000 Ning family soldiers, but because I love you so much. Please, give me another chance." The man raised a brow with his captivating eyes: "Get lost! Love is about fighting for her, cutting through all obstacles, and helping her ascend the throne."

24. 624 重 Reborn as a Concubine in the Su Household 重生之我在苏府当小妾 Shangguan Loves to Drink Water上官爱喝水Ancient Romance377k WordsCompleted Nontraditional rebirth + women's self-rescue + psychological healing + original poetry + metafiction Don't let the title fool you. The original title was Dawn's Clear Light. Rebirth is the ultimate act of self-rescue. A profound story that is both heartbreaking and healing. Zheng Ming awoke after transmigrating, only to become the concubine of a powerful minister. She navigated the storms of political rivalries and stirred the winds of change across the realm, believing she was carefully plan 228Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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    Don't be put off by the title; this book is different from what you expect. The writing style has a touch of Dream of the Red Chamber, and the original poems are a brilliant touch—not just embellishments, but keys to understanding the characters. Set in the Northern Song Dynasty, the story is intricately plotted with power struggles and meticulous attention to detail. The female characters are particularly well-developed, each with their own distinct character. The plot requires careful reading, with many twists and metaphors, leaving a lasting impression. It's not a typical "feel-good" novel, but it will leave you wanting more. Oh, and the ending is tragic, so have your tissues ready.

25. 625 黑 The Black Heiress 黑千金 Song Xiangbai宋象白Modern Romance682k WordsCompleted Zhou Zhizhi was born a wealthy heiress, but she was abandoned in a remote county and taken in by a man who had just been released from prison after serving time for a serious crime. At just five years old, she was already able to save her father. Later, she also brought home an old scholar and former examination candidate, and the three of them began building a life together. The hardened criminal turned into a coal magnate, while the abandoned girl became a true heiress of the underworld. How w 32.6kReads9.3Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Good fortune and misfortune are intertwined. Although the protagonist's fate was full of twists and turns, she was fortunate enough to meet someone who loved her with all his heart.

26. 626 君 The Emperor Steals His Minister’s Wife: The Cold Beauty Falls Night After Night 君夺臣妻！清冷美人夜夜沦陷 Drinking With the Wind与风酌Ancient Romance386k WordsCompleted [Audiobook narration now available] [Young, unhinged emperor × aloof, beautiful statesman] [Mutual Devotion] [Coercive Love + Regret and Redemption] [Political Schemes] [Multiple Male Supporting Characters] It all began with a spiteful case of love at first sight. Young Emperor Xiao Che reunited with Shen Wanyi at a palace banquet. She had once nearly married his older brother and become Crown Princess. Now, after her family was destroyed, she had been forced to marry beneath her station. On 14.2kReads8.9Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    After a brief setup, the female lead begins to shine. Is the younger emperor strong? Yes, but our heroine is even stronger. She's sensible, knows when to advance and retreat, saves the crumbling empire, and breaks the deadlock set by the empress's relatives. The current stalemate between them is said to be foreshadowing later events. The male lead also subverts expectations; the teacher is now a virgin, but his cleverness lies in his ability to exploit loopholes even when controlled by the empress's relatives, ultimately launching a counterattack. He respects women, employing many female officials. He's a bit eccentric, but I love reading him. This teacher also has a remarkable achievement: writing over 10,000 words in 12 hours—his skill speaks for itself. The book has only just begun; everyone should check it out.

27. 627 血 Bloodstained Path to the Throne 血染皇途 Typing Machine1码子机1Eastern Fantasy3.7M WordsCompleted Ye Xiao, the third prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, possessed peerless talent in martial arts. He entered the martial world at fourteen and wandered for ten years. After inheriting the legacy of the Human Emperor, he returned to court, intent on claiming imperial power. But what he never expected was that as soon as he returned to the capital, he would be granted a marriage. His bride-to-be was a female general who had committed an unforgivable offense, whose name struck fear into everyone in t 81.3kReads8.8Score7.9kShelves

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    🌟🌟Read with confidence, I've tried it. [Drooling] 🔥This book perfectly fits the traditional fantasy genre, the male lead has no system and doesn't suffer from low intelligence. ✨️An invincible novel, the male lead has an extraordinary background and overwhelming strength. 🌟🌟After wandering for over ten years, the prince of the Great Qian Dynasty returns to the court to find everything changed. 🌿🌿On this path to vying for the throne, he faces treacherous officials, fratricide, and stepping over corpses to claim the throne.✨️The plot is exciting and the action is ruthless.

28. 628 过 Adopted Son, Part Two 过继二 Dreams of Spring and Autumn梦话春秋Urban2.1M WordsCompleted [Wealth + power plays] [Reality + perseverance] [Life + passion] [Love + living] A man must be as tough as iron, but also as resilient as steel. Only then can he face the harshness of reality and the twists of fate, and rise to meet new challenges. I'm Zhao Erhai, and here's my story... 4kReads9.3Score490Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a great book, so feel free to jump in!

29. 629 让 She Wanted Me as Her Lover, but I Had Other Plans 让她当外室，她偏要另谋高枝 Teacher Sweet Tea甜茶老师Ancient Romance344k WordsCompleted [Gentle yet clearheaded young lady + dashing young general] [Long-planned romance + sweet pampering + the hero is head over heels] Jiang Wan was the only daughter of the Jiang family, born into wealth, with money and beauty to spare. As soon as she came of age, she was engaged to the legitimate son of the Lu family. She had thought they were a match made in heaven, but at a spring banquet, she heard Lu Jingyan say with her own ears: “She’s just a merchant’s daughter. Why would I take her serious —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    🌸"With my beloved, day and night, year after year, we'll grow old together." It's quite a story, beginning with "A sword pierces the chest, a hairpin pierces the throat," depicting their double rebirth. 🍉 It's like a romance drama disguised as a political intrigue story. There are no saintly figures, no cheat codes, no forced stupidity, no unspoken words, no inexplicable misunderstandings. The main characters and supporting characters each have their own world and battlefield.

30. 630 暗 Dark City Police: A Mysterious Case 暗城公安：悬疑迷案 Zhang Dali, Bursting with Bullish Energy牛气冲天的张大力Mystery226k WordsOngoing Three days before the wedding, Wang Hao found his fiancée Li Yanchen’s body in a demolition zone. The ring was still there. She was already cold. He refused to look the other way and insisted on investigating the case himself. He was determined to tear the truth wide open, even if it meant turning the whole Dark City upside down. 13Reads—Score195Shelves
31. 631 皇 Spare Me, Imperial Uncle! The Delicate Little Darling Can't Take Care of Herself 皇叔饶命，小娇娇她柔弱不能自理 One Bite, Five Pigs一口五头猪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Woman Disguised as a Man + Domineering Possessiveness + Regent Prince + Imperial Uncle + Scheming Hero + Mutual Devotion + Loyal Puppy] Chu Li was an abandoned baby who had been adopted. Consort Wen made her pose as the ninth prince, a boy, to win the emperor’s favor. But Chu Li was determined to be a lazybones, eating her fill and waiting for death. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. The Regent Prince was supposed to win first place in the autumn hunt, but she accidentally saved the empero 10.2kReads8.5Score1.4kShelves
32. 632 奸 The Treacherous Minister Wants to Kill Me Every Day 奸臣每天都想弄死我 Qian Ran Jun Xiao千苒君笑Ancient Romance2.6M WordsCompleted Su Huai is a powerful court official, and everyone fears him. He only likes playing power games and scheming against others. He has no interest in women. Then one day, a young woman shows up at his door, claiming to be his fiancée. Su Huai: Want to date me? Lu Yao: What kind of date? Su Huai: The kind that could cost you your life. Lu Yao: ... Later, Lu Yao bitterly regrets her impulsive decision to show up and claim him as her fiancé. When she tries to call it quits, everyone urges her to recon 13.6kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    This notebook is okay.

33. 633 大 Great Ming: You Put Me Under House Arrest, Yet Still Want Me to Come Out of Retirement? 大明，软禁我，还想让我出山？ Little Cloud Sky Wolf小云天狼Historical513k WordsOngoing Zhu Shiyi transmigrates to the end of the Yuan dynasty. In the twelfth year of the Zhizheng era, he joins Zhu Yuanzhang and is made Left Chancellor of the Ming for his achievements. He formulates national policies and uses his modern knowledge to transform the empire. During his eleven years as chancellor, the Ming government is upright and the people enjoy peace and prosperity. But in the eleventh year of the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang dismisses him and places him under house arrest. The old Zhu 39Reads5.4Score—Shelves

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    He transmigrated to find himself as Liu Ju, the crown prince and son of Emperor Wu of Han. However, due to the witchcraft scandal, he raised an army, only to be defeated and commit suicide. But having transmigrated, he was certain he wouldn't repeat the same mistakes. Not only himself, but also those around him, would have a fresh start, and the Han Dynasty would become even stronger.

34. 634 将 The Pride of a Military Family: Reborn with My Wacky Ancestors 将门天骄：带着逗比老祖宗们重生 Spicy Rabbit辣子兔Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [Historical setting + lighthearted comedy + strong heroine + coming-of-age female lead + ensemble cast + political intrigue + defending the homeland] Chu Tianjiao was the eldest legitimate daughter of a military family. In her previous life, she devoted herself to fighting for her country, but after her death, her soul was imprisoned in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, unable to pass on. She spent her days chatting, joking, and shooting the breeze with a group of imperial ancestors, enjoying what 9.2kReads9.4Score1.5kShelves

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    Political intrigue, national defense, and a strong, evolving female protagonist amidst a family of loyal martyrs fighting on the battlefield. Without timely supplies and provisions, how can the country survive? With the emperor ineffective, the great-grandparents step in to salvage the situation.

35. 635 大 Emperor Li Chengqian: I Kill Li Tai in Front of Li Shimin 大帝李承乾：在李世民面前杀李泰 Abundance丰裕Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [PS: Unbelievably satisfying! Making up for the Tang Dynasty's many regrets! No English lessons! An unparalleled emperor!] Li Chengqian, Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, was sabotaged by Li Tai during the autumn hunt and thrown from his horse. His right leg was trampled and broken, and he fell unconscious, unable to bear the blow. While unconscious, he dreamed of a thousand autumns and obtained the Eternal Emperor System. It gave him an army of one hundred thousand bionic soldiers, replenished 17.6kReads7.5Score1.2kShelves
36. 636 京 The Tide Between Beijing and Hong Kong 京港澜渡 A Book Worth a Fortune一本千万利Modern Romance631k WordsOngoing [The rating just opened, slowly climbing] [Hong Kong old-money style vs. Beijing political circles] [Intrigue and covert battles among the wealthy] [High-IQ business and romance] [Slow burn, not a fast-paced power fantasy; feel free to skip chapters] Four pairs of hunters, four hunts. The rain pours over Hong Kong. Come enjoy a TVB-style romance, business-war, and suspense drama! Sweet nothings go beyond “Stay a little longer” and “I adore you” to include “I’m crazy about you.” Duplicity is the 7.8kReads8.9Score712Shelves

    Reader note

    A young man enters the world of martial arts, his gentle heart never growing cold.

37. 637 朕 I Want to Slack Off, but My Ministers Won’t Let Me 朕想摆烂，但大臣不许 Passive Income Keeps Pouring In睡后收入源源不断Historical195k WordsOngoing When Wang Jianguo, a 996 office drone, had his soul transmigrate into the body of the Hongzhi Emperor, Zhu Youtang, he planned to lie flat and do nothing. Instead, he unexpectedly unlocked a golden finger of modern knowledge. He overturned court sessions with PowerPoint, reformed the bureaucracy with KPIs, ended famine with potatoes and sweet potatoes, and blasted open the world’s gates with mighty ships and cannons. He had only wanted to coast along until the end, but under his ministers’ “pres —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A 996 worker transmigrates into the body of an emperor, engaging in a battle of wits with his ministers and gradually uncovering the truth behind the scenes. [Eating melon emoji] [Eating melon emoji] A captivating political intrigue novel!

38. 638 独 The Lone Phoenix 独凰 A Lifetime of Xu Xuyi许栩一生Historical220k WordsOngoing [Sole Protagonist + Political Intrigue] Within the imperial family, there have never been brothers, only prisoners and hunters. Crown Prince Chu Lianguang has only just entered the Eastern Palace. On the surface, the princes serve together and get along like brothers. In secret, the Third Prince schemes with deep cunning, while the Fifth Prince commands troops and acts with impunity. Other princes are watching from the sidelines, closing in step by step, all with their sights set on the Eastern 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Author Xu Xuyi is very good at writing about the feeling of "raising poison"! The Eastern Palace is a big dye vat, and the protagonist struggles to survive in it, which made my palms sweat!

39. 639 序EN Sequence: God Eater 序列：吃神者 No Brain, Just Cerebellum不要大脑要小脑Urban4.3M WordsOngoing [Tomato 2026 Male-Focused Fiction Most Popular Author, Ranked Number One] Published in print, quality guaranteed. An alternate high-martial world, ensemble cast and political intrigue, no nested plot twists, a slow-paced story with a grand setting. Readers all say it gets better the further you read. Giant birds swallow the sun, and all things undergo dramatic change. Strange, immortal gods, and humanity's superpowered sequences. Everyone wants to become a god in this world, but they have no ide 972.9kReads9.3Score119.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The game of human nature is rich in detail, not particularly profound, but unpredictable. It's a slow-paced story, not the kind of fast-paced, action-packed novel, and doesn't feature flashy special effects or exciting moments, but it gets very addictive as you read on.

40. 640 十 Ten Realms: I Was Ordinary 十界：我本平庸 Sanqi Confused Fish三七糊涂鱼Eastern Fantasy1.8M WordsOngoing (We are all ordinary people. Some say they don’t understand what I’m writing! The truth is, I simply want to tell the story of an ordinary person who keeps growing, improving, and learning. He feels lost and helpless, never knowing what to do. His life is full of stumbles, but through repeated setbacks and lessons, he slowly grows! Some people are born in Rome, while he is stuck in the mud. In Rome, it’s easy to cross the finish line. But there’s something all the more inspiring about perseverin 6.5kReads9.1Score529Shelves
41. 641 叱 Making Waves 叱咤风云 Bi Longdan笔龙胆Urban8.1M WordsOngoing Amid the great tides of change sweeping in from the southeast, Xiao Zheng, a low-ranking grassroots official, seizes an opportunity by chance and embarks on a journey from hidden potential to dazzling success. 1.9kReads6.8Score187Shelves

    Reader note

    These novels about officialdom are very engaging, showcasing the ultimate use of political maneuvering!

42. 642 救 Saving the Whole Family Is the General's Wife Really Good At? 救回满门，将军夫人很在行？ Zhu Yifei朱毅斐Ancient Romance45k WordsOngoing [Reborn for revenge, two equally powerful leads, explosive political intrigue] You call her timid? Sorry, the General's wife was born defiant! In her previous life, she burned in a raging fire and her entire family was executed. Reborn, she returned from the ashes. Ning Jiaran opened her eyes before her coming-of-age ceremony. Her half-sister poisoned her medicine? She splashed her with madder juice! Her stepmother embezzled her mother's dowry? She slammed the account books in her face and recla —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If it's not mind-bending, I'll eat junk food. It's all pure enjoyment, with daily updates of 4000 words. From the very beginning, the female lead slaps everyone in the face.

43. 643 太 The Empress Dowager Reborn: A Phoenix’s Plot for the Empire 太后重生：凤谋天下 Gu Yu孤妤Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Strong heroine + ensemble cast + political intrigue] Reborn, she turns the world into a board and all living beings into pieces. She is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Slender, pale hands, an icy gaze She moves her pieces, a faint smile on her lips Why should beauty worry? Reborn, risen from the ashes A phoenix’s schemes hide in her lotus-bloom bones Her name will live on in the annals of history Willow branches in her hometown, the moon a hook She watches generals and princes 1.3kReads9.0Score188Shelves

    Reader note

    A must-read ancient Chinese romance novel about power struggles! The female protagonist is powerful and clear-headed, possessing a sharp mind. After her rebirth, she uses the world as a chessboard and all living beings as pawns; she is the one who plays the game and sets the stage. The male protagonist is a gentle and noble prince who dotes on her throughout, silently giving and protecting her. This book is not just about palace intrigue and domestic drama; it also incorporates crime-solving suspense, the struggle for the throne, national sentiment, brotherhood, the battlefield of officialdom, and conspiracies and intrigues. It's a long and unpredictable novel with a grand scope.

44. 644 刚 I Transmigrated and Got Killed by Emperor Zheng Right Away 刚穿越就被政哥噶了 A Branch of Moonmo一支月moHistorical934k WordsCompleted [History + Political intrigue + Ensemble cast + Everyone is a genius + Ying Zheng is invincible + Comedy + No romance + Lighthearted] Su Jinyue has barely opened her eyes when she's about to get killed, by Brother Zheng, no less. What do you mean, someone wanted to become Brother Zheng's mother and got killed? Someone else wanted to give birth to his heir and got killed too? No, no, no! We won't do any of that! We'll get down on our knees right away and beg him to keep our life, saying he can ju 1.6kReads8.7Score156Shelves

    Reader note

    Watch how Ying Zheng strategized and planned to ensure the Qin Dynasty's enduring prosperity.

45. 645 并 Twin Blooms Burn the Immortals 并蒂焚仙 Happy Shen Hai快乐的神海Ancient Romance1.5M WordsOngoing [Two Female Leads, No Romance | Traditional Cultivation | Redemption Through Fate | The World Opens Up Later] Fifteen thousand years ago, an ancient bloodbath was deliberately erased from history, burying countless hidden dangers deep in the continent’s ley lines. Fifteen thousand years later, Yun Tingxue and Su Qingyan stumbled into Burning Heaven Valley while fleeing for their lives, and accidentally exposed a shocking conspiracy that had been unfolding for millennia. Rifts in space tore ope 225Reads8.9Score173Shelves
46. 646 科 The Imperial Exams: From a Duke’s Bastard Son to a Powerful Official 科举！从公府庶子到权臣的青云路 Zhou Shusen周树森Historical4.2M WordsOngoing [Not a BL novel! Not a male-male romance! One male lead, little to no romance, and a plot-focused story.] [Transmigration + Illegitimate Son of a Duke’s Estate + No System + Imperial Exams + Political Intrigue] He transmigrates, and the good news is that he’s now an illegitimate son of the Duke of Wei’s household, with food and clothes taken care of and no need to worry about making a living. The bad news is that he’s not only unloved, but also mocked and looked down upon. Heh. Never look down o 49kReads8.9Score4.4kShelves

    Reader note

    [Transmigration + Son of a Concubine in a Duke's Mansion + No System + Imperial Examination + Political Intrigue] The male protagonist transmigrates into the body of a son of a concubine in the Wei State Duke's mansion, where he has no worries about food or clothing and doesn't have to worry about making a living. However, he is not only unfavored but also ridiculed and looked down upon. The interactions between the male protagonist and the Sixth Prince, two chubby little boys, are especially adorable! [Flying kiss]

47. 647 羽 Ascension, Yet No Immortality 羽化非仙 Tangtang Doesn't Sleep糖糖不睡觉Xianxia736k WordsOngoing [No System, no golden finger, no harem, not a transmigration story] [There is no sect competition, and yet it is the truest sect competition of all: the losers will see their lives, sects, traditions, and even their entire races erased.] The righteous path is not as bright and noble as it appears; The demonic path is not as cruel and bloodthirsty as it is portrayed; But evil cultivators are even more wicked than anyone could imagine. Here, there is love that spans ten thousand years, hatred that 5kReads—Score610Shelves

    Reader note

    "If death can elevate one's cultivation level, then for mortals, even death is a luxury." This was true of the Dao Alliance in the past. No wonder people are willing to risk their lives to break through barriers, unleash the swarm of insects, and destroy this hopeless world. [May you be blessed immediately][May you be blessed immediately]

48. 648 岳 The Legend of Yue Fei 岳飞传 Lord of the Pearl-Returning Tower还珠楼主Historical161k WordsCompleted A historical epic novel by Huan Zhu Lou Zhu. Based on the life of Yue Fei, the famous Southern Song general who fought against the Jin, it begins with Yue Fei learning martial arts as a boy and vowing to serve his country. It vividly depicts how he formed the Yue Family Army, fought the Jin forces, and won one victory after another, until he was framed by treacherous officials and met a tragic end. The novel celebrates his unwavering loyalty and devotion to his country. 990Reads9.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Masterpieces of Historical Intrigue Novels

49. 649 寒 The Day the Frozen Coffin Knocks on the Capital’s Gates, the Reborn Female General Slaughters the Phoenix Clan and Her Kin 寒棺叩京日，重生女将屠凤灭族亲 Hua Yue Ming花月冥Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Historical intrigue + strong female lead + dark, unhinged characters + handsome men + reborn revenge + redemption] When the new emperor ascended the throne, my mother beat the grievance drum and accused me of murdering my siblings, stealing their achievements, and basking in imperial favor. The new emperor, who had once called me his brother, sentenced me to be sliced to death. My younger sister tore out my tongue, and my stepson severed the tendons in my hands and feet. But even those 3,312 cu 19.9kReads7.9Score3.3kShelves
50. 650 红 Secret Records Behind the Red Walls: A Complete History of China's Unofficial Past, Unabridged 红墙秘录：中国野史大全（无删节完整版） Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical2.7M WordsCompleted This complete collection is like a secret key unlocking the hidden chambers of China's imperial past, guiding readers into shadowy corners that official histories leave shrouded in secrecy. From the ancient legends of Unofficial History of the Xia and Shang to the imperial passions and court intrigues of The History of the Imperial Harem in the Song Dynasty, The History of the Imperial Harem in the Ming Dynasty, and Unofficial History of the Yuan Dynasty; from the extravagant excesses of The Ero 1.6kReads9.3Score256Shelves

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