Does Anyone Else Love Literary Classics? 有人和我一样喜欢文学名著吗？

1. 51 封 Investiture of the Gods in Plain Language 封神演义白话文 Xiao Wei De小卫的816k WordsCompleted Investiture of the Gods, commonly known as The Investiture List and also published under titles such as The Complete Tale of the Kingdoms of Shang and Zhou, The Unofficial History of King Wu's Campaign Against Zhou, and The Tale of the Investiture of the Gods, is a fictional long novel written during the Ming dynasty by Xu Zhonglin, though his authorship is disputed. It was likely completed during the Longqing and Wanli eras. The novel has one hundred chapters and tells the story of King Wu's c 229Reads6.7Score—Shelves
2. 52 不 Don’t Fall in Love with the Teacher 不要爱上老师 A Grain in the Mortal World红尘一粒17k WordsCompleted Don't Fall in Love with Your Teacher —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Let me recommend my novel.

3. 53 售 The Showdown at the Real Estate Sales Office 售楼处的纷争 A Grain in the Mortal World红尘一粒20k WordsCompleted A Dispute at the Sales Office —Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 54 汽 Soda, a Cat, and a Ten-Million-Euro White Whale 汽水，猫与一千万欧元的白鲸 Jichao Mao机超猫Sci-Fi & Apocalypse740k WordsCompleted He takes pleasure in torturing goldfish, then searches for the ultimate answer by trying to control everything. The AI beluga whale he built for ten million euros is his “perfect creation” for the world, and a mirror reflecting the darkness of human nature. While countless elites go wild over his tech empire, only I know that the “soda experiment” that began in childhood has never ended... This is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the soul, making you confront an all-pervasive desir 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The father, a data freak quantified by reason, uses a micro-light system and AI pets to strike at the human soul. They all thought he was an emotionless monster, unaware that his soft heart had always been hidden in the bubbles of the broken goldfish bowl from his childhood, and the tears from the second cat that froze to death at night.

5. 55 长 Immortality Begins with Burning Through Your Lifespan 长生从燃烧寿元开始 Little Zen小小禅Eastern Fantasy344k WordsOngoing [Dark cultivation + aesthetics of pain + not a wish-fulfillment story] Also known as The Frosted String. That winter solstice, beads of blood hardened like sugar, so sweet they turned bitter. Seven-year-old Lu Guichen curled up in a rice jar, watching his mother's severed finger caught in the crack. Blood dripped onto malt sugar, becoming the only sweetness he dared to taste in six thousand years. ▌“My dantian holds no spiritual energy, only, ” His mother's needle and thread weave through the a —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Star trails etched into bones, the night as deep as an abyss; the Yellow Springs, solidified, devoured the fleeting years. — She forged her own ribs into a protective array for the city, yet history records her as a tyrant. Inferior spirit stones devoured the protective array, while she devoured herself. — When the cultivators on the top floor of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion raised their cups, they would not know that the nectar they drank was mixed with the ashes of the spiritual roots of cultivators from the slums of the southern city. The tax reduction edict was written with blood essence, yet the instruments of torture for extracting souls were polished to a gleaming shine. — She allowed the nine major merchant guilds to monopolize the market, but the next day, the guild headquarters' plaque was burned to the words "Loyalty and Righteousness" by blood flames. The Yellow Springs tears in the city lord's earring were deeper than all the spirit wells in Jieshi City combined. — When the rioting cultivators stormed the main hall, she crushed a teacup, the shards transforming into three hundred blood-red command arrows: "For every person killed, their family will be exempt from three years of service." Six thousand years ago, she built the city with the blood of thirty million rebels; six thousand years later, she forged herself into the final brick of the city. —The secret archives of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion state: "So-called tyranny is in fact the act of cutting out one's own heart to feed a tiger."

6. 56 中 A Complete Guide to Chinese and World History: A Must-Have for Every Chinese Household 中国历史世界历史一本通 (中国家庭必备书) Editorial Board of Chinese and World History in One Volume《中国历史・世界历史一本通》编委会Historical808k WordsCompleted The renowned British historian Arnold Toynbee once said, “If a person can immerse themselves in an understanding of history, they will surely gain true knowledge, because the lessons of history are the richest treasury of wisdom.” Learning about Chinese and world history in a short time and gaining an understanding of the world as a whole has been the dream and pursuit of many people throughout the ages. If you want to understand history, you must first acquire the necessary historical knowledge 399Reads9.2Score127Shelves

   Reader note

   There are quite a lot, but unfortunately I can only choose 20.

7. 57 长 The Battle of Lake Changjin: The Turning Point of the Korean War 长津湖战役：朝鲜战争的拐点 Li Ran李然Historical52k WordsCompleted Discover the true story of the Battle of Lake Changjin, a desperate clash of wills and faith. We salute the great soldiers. Those faces hidden beneath the ice, those who died under the bombs: they deserve to be remembered! More than seventy years ago, the Langlin Mountains were rugged and buried beneath heavy snow. The wind howled into people's ears, as loud as an exploding shell. Many lay in the snow. The charge sounded, but they could no longer move. Snowflakes settled on their eyelashes, and 737Reads9.4Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   True history, though less legendary, is far more vivid and real. [Heavy punch][Heavy punch][Heavy punch]

8. 58 中 A History of Chinese Warfare: Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods 中国战争史之春秋战国 Historical and Military Archives历史军事档案室Historical63k WordsCompleted [History + Military + Warfare + Strategy] On the battlefield, split-second decisions to kill or spare can determine a nation's fate. From Duke Huan of Qi's hegemony under the banner of “revering the king and repelling the barbarians,” to the rise of Qin's fierce army after Shang Yang's reforms; from the gleam of blades in the Wu-Yue conflict to the strategists' cunning schemes and verbal battles with scholars, every detail is steeped in the turmoil and bloodshed unique to the Spring and Autumn a 149Reads9.4Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This is something passed down from our ancestors; it truly is a classic. I often refer to it for comparison 🤔 It's really accurate.

9. 59 四 The Secret Histories of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人秘史 Master Su Jiu素阄主人Historical103k WordsCompleted The Secret History of the Four Great Beauties is a vivid, legendary novel about four famous beauties of ancient China: Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diao Chan, and Yang Guifei. Skillfully blending history and legend, fact and fiction, this work uses delicate prose and rich storytelling to reveal the important roles these four beauties played in their respective eras and the influence they had. During the Spring and Autumn period, Xi Shi used her beauty to beguile King Fuchai of Wu under a plan devised b 135Reads9.2Score—Shelves
10. 60 中 One Book Is All You Need to Read Chinese History 中国历史读这本就够了 Lü Simei吕思勉Historical357k WordsCompleted Discover the truth of history through clear, accessible writing. A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese History is the magnum opus of the renowned historian Lü Simian. Organized chronologically, it covers politics, economics, culture, society, and much more. In this sweeping historical work, Lü Simian brings a series of vivid scenes to life with engaging prose and a rigorous historical perspective: from ancient legends of the world's creation to the gradual formation of ritual and musical civilization 52Reads8.4Score—Shelves
11. 61 战 King of the Battlefield: The Decisive Edge in the Age of Cold Weapons 战场之王 冷兵器时代的决胜关键 Bai Ze白泽16k WordsCompleted Although guns and cannons rule the modern battlefield, cold weapons are once again catching people's attention thanks to their irreplaceable advantages. They are the true veterans, embodying humanity's deep-seated yearning for iron and blood! The appeal of weapons goes beyond killing. It lies in the stories of blood and tears hidden behind the killing, and in every warrior who stands on the battlefield with a sword or knife in hand! History is no fairy tale. Where will the stories of cold weapon 20Reads8.1Score—Shelves
12. 62 中 1,000 Questions on Ancient Chinese Culture 中国古代常识1000问 Ya Se雅瑟Historical368k WordsCompleted Drawing from the vast ocean of Chinese culture, 1,000 Questions About Ancient Chinese Customs carefully selects a thousand fascinating gems to explain basic knowledge of ancient China in a question-and-answer format. Its wealth of information and beautiful illustrations will make learning a delight as readers enter a world of knowledge. 1.3kReads9.0Score441Shelves
13. 63 被 The Truth the Japanese Army Tried to Hide: The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru 被日军掩盖的真相：里斯本丸沉没事件 Xing Jian行简Historical10k WordsCompleted [Lisbon Maru, Japan, World War II, prisoners of war, shipwreck, war] The Truth Hidden by the Japanese Military: The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru centers on a humanitarian disaster during World War II, bringing to light a chapter of history long buried. In October 1942, the Japanese cargo ship Lisbon Maru was carrying around 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan when it was torpedoed by an American submarine near the Zhoushan Islands. As the ship slowly sank, the Japanese military 71Reads9.2Score—Shelves
14. 64 低 The Slump 低潮 Fu Weixin from Tangzhou汤州的傅唯心Urban144k WordsCompleted A New Day, a New Beginning Before you’ve figured out your own story, why not come take a look at mine? There are twists and turns, and plenty of substance. Don’t miss it... Editor Fanfan says: “Grab them from the very first page, the very first page! Yes, you! Get in here. The dog at this place is yours to pet.” …Bring on the roasting, bring on the remedies, bring on the tough love… 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Sharing a first-person perspective with you, your opinion is welcome.

15. 65 天 The Celestial Master Is Here: Qimen Feng Shui Shakes the World 天师在此，奇门风水震天下 Big Eggplant大茄子Mystery6.3M WordsCompleted [Several short dramas have been adapted from this novel: Feng Shui Heavenly Master, The Grand Master of Qimen Feng Shui, The Heavenly Master Is Here, Qimen Feng Shui Shakes the World, Notes of a Folk Feng Shui Master, and others] Everything in this book is fictional. Just enjoy the story, don’t take it seriously, and don’t get too caught up in it... 248.3kReads9.1Score59.8kShelves

    Reader note

    After reading too many fluffy novels, I need a wave of atmospheric books to cleanse my soul.

16. 66 一 Chinese History That Gets You Hooked from the First Page 一读就上瘾的中国史 July Yan'an七月延安Historical892k WordsCompleted A sweeping series on the historical patterns of five thousand years of Chinese history, helping you build a rational, objective, and pattern-seeking framework for a new way of thinking! This series is, in fact, a history book even more captivating than a novel. Starting with the Qin and Han dynasties, it covers the Jin dynasties, the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Song, Liao, Jin, and Xia dynasties, the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and the Taiping Heavenly Ki 36.1kReads9.5Score5kShelves
17. 67 大 The Ming Dynasty (2 Volumes) 大明王朝（共2册） Liu Heping刘和平Historical653k WordsCompleted The novel of the hit drama Ming Dynasty 1566, rated 9.5 on Douban, is essential reading for Taiwan’s political circles and a political reference book for Singapore’s cabinet. It is the celebrated work of Liu Heping, screenwriter of Yongzheng Dynasty and author of No War in Peking. Centered on the downfall of the powerful official Yan Song, the book tells the gripping story of a complex anti-corruption campaign in the Ming Dynasty. It uncovers the mystery behind Jiajing, one of the most unconvent 43.8kReads9.6Score8kShelves

    Reader note

    Well, there are some literary novels in this collection.

18. 68 曾 Zeng Guofan's Methods of Scholarship 曾国藩治学方法 Hu Zhefu胡哲敷Historical77k WordsCompleted This book explores three dimensions: self-cultivation, managing affairs, and reading. Its discussion of self-cultivation advocates integrating “resolve, insight, and perseverance,” building a foundation for body and mind through meditation and a regular routine. Its approach to managing affairs reveals, through practical examples such as running a household and leading an army, the unity of hands-on action and institutional innovation. Its discussion of reading emphasizes “mastering one field” a 356Reads9.0Score156Shelves

    Reader note

    Twenty books is the maximum I can recommend, but it's definitely not the maximum I can read. You can tell by the reading time; these are the best of the best.

19. 69 丰 Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Six-Book Set 丰臣秀吉（套装共6册） Eiji Yoshikawa吉川英治Historical1.5M WordsCompleted The Toyotomi Hideyoshi series is a collection for history and literature enthusiasts. Toyotomi Hideyoshi recounts the legendary life of the most famous daimyo of Japan's Sengoku period, the first commoner in Japanese history to unite the country. Born into poverty with no one to rely on, Toyotomi Hideyoshi rose from an ordinary commoner to become a powerful statesman through his own efforts. Policies enacted during his rule, such as the sword hunt and the Taiko land survey, were groundbreaking a 328Reads9.5Score124Shelves
20. 70 花 The Flowers Fall, Yet Bloom Again; Spring Goes, Never to Return 花落花还在，春去春不来 The New Poet Immortal新诗仙Eastern Fantasy150k WordsCompleted With the world in his heart and poetry as his sword, he bears a great cause, his verse a blade. May all I hold dear come to pass; may all you wish for come in waves., A Good Fate, Part One A transmigrator from another world, he claims to be the ultimate poet-sage. He firmly believes that what is truly invincible in this world is a brave, kind, and upright heart, not something that belongs to any one person., The Ultimate Poet-Sage 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Flowers fall, yet they remain; spring departs, never to return.

21. 71 食 The Southern Gourmet 食南之徒 Ma Boyong马伯庸Historical173k WordsCompleted Tang Meng, a gluttonous envoy of the Han Empire, arrives in Nanyue, a land renowned for its cuisine. With ingredients in abundance, it seems like a food lover’s dream. Yet behind the feasts simmer tensions between north and south, divisions between peoples, struggles for power, and battles over the rise and fall of national policies. The twists and turns are even more complex than the flavors of Lingnan’s ingredients. This laid-back Han envoy finds himself caught in the whirlpool of political st 5.6kReads9.6Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I think Ma Boyong's books are really good. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

22. 72 宋 History of the Song: Annals of Emperor Taizu 宋史·太祖本纪 Tuo Tuo脱脱Historical21k WordsCompleted He may have been the best “actor” among the founding emperors in Chinese history. In 960 CE, a carefully orchestrated “forced enthronement” at Chenqiao Station propelled Zhao Kuangyin from a general of the Later Zhou into the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty. Over drinks, he stripped the founding generals of their military power; amid the shadows of an axe and candlelight, the mystery surrounding his bizarre death remains unsolved to this day. Some call him a wise ruler who ended the chaos o 142Reads8.4Score—Shelves
23. 73 藏 The Forest That Hid the Starlight (2-Book Set) 藏住星光的森林(全2册) Fragrance Flows All Night彻夜流香Modern Romance302k WordsCompleted Blue Haixing, a female psychologist adored by her patients but widely reviled by the public, helps her police-officer friend Chu Qiao solve a case. In a moment of crisis, she uses unconventional methods to hypnotize a wealthy young suspect and obtain crucial evidence, only to become entangled in a baffling series of murders... One unsolved case after another bears the hidden traces of psychological crimes. As a psychologist with an exceptional talent for hypnosis, Blue Haixing has no choice but 99Reads9.3Score—Shelves
24. 74 影 100 Women Who Shaped Chinese History 影响中国历史的100个女人 Ink Fragrance Fills the House墨香满楼Historical180k WordsCompleted Traditional history has given men more attention, while overlooking women and their achievements. Women remain one of the great unresolved questions in Chinese history. From a different perspective, this book explores their beauty, desires, talents, and wisdom, and offers an objective assessment. The hundred women presented here, their hundred captivating images and hundred distinct styles, each had extraordinary lives and utterly singular fates that offer a vivid glimpse into their era and hist 168Reads9.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🌸These few are pretty good

25. 75 蒙 Meng Man's Poetry Lessons for Women: The Virtuous Woman 蒙曼女性诗词课.哲妇 Meng Man蒙曼Historical135k WordsCompleted This is Meng Man's new book, following her previous work, Meng Man on the Finest Tang Poems. She is best known for her talks on poetry, but her professional field and research focus are history, especially women's history. In this book, she brings poetry and women's history together. Using poems as her guide, she follows the succession of historical dynasties to tell the remarkable lives of twenty-eight women behind the poems, along with the history of China behind their stories. Here you will f 154Reads9.5Score—Shelves
26. 76 簪 The Record of Hairpins (Complete in 4 Volumes) 簪中录（全4册） A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Mystery992k WordsCompleted The little red fish Agashnie, which feeds on human blood; the mysterious talisman that had followed Li Shubai for years; Empress Wang, the peerless beauty of the Daming Palace; three clusters of doodles written by the late emperor himself before his death; a marriage contract made with Wang Yun in their youth... Every mystery returns to its point of origin. Every choice remains beyond anyone’s control, as impossible to resist or escape as fate itself. Yang Chonggu has returned to the palace and 17.3kReads9.7Score2.8kShelves
27. 77 说 The Complete Story of the Tang Dynasty: A Definitive Edition 说唐全传-精编完整版 Long-form Qing Dynasty Legends清代长篇传奇小说Historical360k WordsCompleted The definitive account of the heroes of the Sui and Tang dynasties. From Qin Qiong rescuing the emperor at Lintong to Li Shimin’s Xuanwu Gate Incident, it establishes Li Yuanba’s legend as the mightiest hero of the Sui and Tang. Classic episodes such as the oath of brotherhood at Wagang Stronghold and Cheng Yaojin proclaiming himself emperor fuse historical fiction with the traditions of folk storytelling, laying the framework for later narratives about the Sui and Tang. 65Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Top-tier classics are extremely enjoyable.

28. 78 封 The Feng Clan's Record of Things Seen and Heard 封氏闻见记 Feng Yan封演Historical30k WordsCompleted Records of What Feng Yan Heard and Saw is a ten-volume collection of informal writings by the Tang dynasty scholar Feng Yan. Its broad-ranging contents cover many aspects of the Tang dynasty, including politics, institutions, culture, customs, geography, and anecdotes about notable figures. Written as a record of personal observations and accounts, it carefully documents little-known details of Tang social life, providing valuable firsthand material for the study of Tang history and culture. Unl 17Reads7.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Knowledge entered my brain in an incredible way! [I'm so full!][I'm so full!][I'm so full!]

29. 79 古 The Survival Code of Ancient China: Decoding the Nine Classes of Society 古代生存密码：解密三教九流 Bai Ze白泽Historical155k WordsCompleted Confucianism: The state religion through the ages, assisting the Son of Heaven in educating the people... Confucianism takes Confucian thought as its supreme belief and honors Confucius as its founding teacher. To distinguish it from Taoism, which venerates the thought of Laozi, Zhuangzi, and other Daoists, later generations began calling it Confucianism during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Thus, Confucius is also revered as the holy founder of Confucianism. The Dao: The way of heaven and 88Reads9.3Score—Shelves
30. 80 圣 A Brief History of Christmas 圣诞简史 Mister Cangshan苍山先生34k WordsCompleted In December, the thing people look forward to most, besides snow, is of course the holidays. At this time of year, you can see the whole city come alive with festive cheer. Christmas trees and lights are everywhere, white-bearded old men appear on the streets, Christmas songs play in shopping malls, and all kinds of gift boxes announce that Christmas is on its way! Christmas comes around every year, but how much do you know about the holiday? Christmas, also known as the Feast of the Nativity, i 11Reads9.1Score—Shelves
31. 81 中 An Introduction to Ancient Chinese Culture 中国古代文化常识 Li Ran李然Historical839k WordsCompleted This book is a systematic and comprehensive encyclopedia of essential knowledge about Chinese literature, intended to provide readers with thorough, well-organized cultural knowledge. Covering literature, art, religious beliefs, politics, economics, culture, entertainment, philosophy, science, and many other fields, it uses detailed discussions and a rigorous scholarly approach to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the breadth and depth of Chinese culture. The section on literature prov 162Reads8.6Score—Shelves
32. 82 清 The Curse of Along the River During the Qingming Festival 清明上河图的诅咒 Two Yuan两元Mystery24k WordsCompleted [Mystery + imaginative twists + mild horror + jaw-dropping reversal + true love was all part of the plan] An ancient painting sparks a deadly crisis! Jiang Feng’s friend gets him a job forging Along the River During the Qingming Festival, But rumor has it the painting is cursed, and fourteen artists who took the job have already died one after another! Still, this job pays three hundred thousand yuan! To save up for the bride price his girlfriend asked for, Jiang Feng takes the job anyway. From 6Reads8.4Score—Shelves
33. 83 说 A Guide to the Spring and Autumn Annals (7-Volume Set) 说春秋（全7册） Jia Zhigang贾志刚Historical1.7M WordsCompleted The Spring and Autumn period was an era of cultural flourishing in China, a rare golden age in Chinese history when a hundred schools of thought contended and ideas thrived. Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, the School of Yin-Yang, and others all took the stage in turn, contributing the finest elements of Chinese civilization while also representing its heights. The Spring and Autumn period was also an age of upheaval. The pursuit of desire led to deceit and betrayal, even to violence between kin. 825Reads9.5Score140Shelves
34. 84 自 Feel Inferior, You Wretched First Wife: An ABO Story 自卑吧，糟糠原配ABO Lots of Gold and Water 2025金水多多2025Modern Romance279k WordsCompleted (An ensemble story about awakened Omegas, clear minds and hearts, a suspenseful plot, and Song Xuesong is not really gone for good) The craziest, bravest thing Su Tao ever did was show up to provoke a general’s wife, only to fall in love at first sight. Wen Songxue, a female Omega who was supposed to be “mediocre and dependent,” dragged him into a storm that would overturn the Alliance. The truth about the Alliance is buried deeper than the stench of a corpse: Why do attendants suffer mental br 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Not here. I recommend the chilling trilogy: Zhang Ailing, Li Mural, and Yan Geling, to explore human nature and the times.

35. 85 起 Getting to the Bottom of Mind-Reading 起底观心术 Bao Erri鲍尔日Urban1.5M WordsCompleted When I was five, a fortune-teller said I’d be able to read people’s minds when I grew up. My parents thought I was a genius and spent the whole family’s savings to send me to school. But I failed the college entrance exam and became a fried-noodle vendor. That vendor later became a “Walking Encyclopedia,” all thanks to the saying, “In books, there are houses of gold.” You are not just who you are. You can become a different kind of dazzling light. Read a comment on the first page, and you’ll get 229.5kReads9.6Score66.4kShelves

    Reader note

    I enjoy watching it, but watching too much of it is tiring.

36. 86 隋 The Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties: Complete, Edited Edition 隋唐演义-精编完整版 Chu Renhuo褚人获Historical617k WordsCompleted An epic tale of heroes rising amid chaos. Qin Qiong sells his horse, revealing a hero at the end of his rope; Cheng Yaojin robs the imperial tribute convoy, showing off his street smarts; and Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate Incident reshapes the course of history. Blending the official historical record with folk storytelling, it weaves a legendary tale steeped in history and the spirit of the jianghu. 838Reads9.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I love you so much

37. 87 被 The Forgotten Poetry Collection 被遗忘的诗集 West Moon Like Water Studio西月如水斋54k WordsCompleted A collection of poetry by Xiyue Ruyuzhai, written over a long period of time. The poems are inspired mainly by the author's everyday observations and reflections, or by boundless flights of imagination: a dream that cannot be fully expressed in words. The author tries to put these inspirations into words as completely as possible. 23Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Just throwing out an idea...

38. 88 博 The Natural History of China and Seven Other Works 博物志（外七种） Zhang Hua[晋]张华Historical79k WordsCompleted This book contains eight works: Records of Natural Things, The Tale of King Mu of Zhou, The Tale of Yan Dan, The Classic of Strange Gods, Records of the Ten Isles within the Seas, Notes on Things Past and Present, Plants and Trees of the Southern Regions, and Seasonal Customs of Jing and Chu. 81Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    20 Copies offered

39. 89 孤 Imprisoned in One Hand 孤掌为囚 Jiang River Under the Moon月下鎏江Modern Romance257k WordsOngoing [Bad Ending] [Older Man/Younger Woman] [Forbidden Romance] [Suave Scoundrel] [A Rotten Man's Sincere Love] [Literary Slow Burn] [Career-Driven Heroine, Not Love-Brained] [Gentle, Delicate University Professor vs. Older British Big Shot] Five years ago, on the day they broke up, Ji Bojun whispered sadly in Wen He's ear, "From now on, stay away from me. Don't let me see you again. Otherwise, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you by my side, and I won't let go again." Five years later, Wen He ret 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Check out this book—"Isn't what you're doing to me now exactly what your ancestors did to my ancestors? Isn't it exactly what your history did to my history?" The female protagonist's thoughts are simply brilliant; I'd call her a communist female warrior who emerged from a twisted romance novel.

40. 90 宋 The Splendor of Bianjing in the Song Dynasty: Provoke Her, and the Storm Will Pass! 宋韵京华：惹她，山雨歇！ Lush Pine and Bamboo松筠葱葱Historical184k WordsCompleted 1. (Transmigration to Song history) (Ancient-style romance, infinite worlds) (Literary foundations and imaginative ideas) (One female lead, occasionally a full cast of men) (Funny and never long-winded). Best savored slowly, one little bite at a time. 2. The two male leads are really just a pair of grown-up brats whose delayed adolescence is still dragging on. Once their rebellious phases end and they stop making everything about themselves, their worldviews will emerge. 3. Each incident is ordi 18Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Absolutely! Our Chinese teacher, wanting me to read literary classics and use my leisure time, made this book a fusion of One Hundred Years of Solitude, Everyday Watchman, Water Margin, Journey to the West, and various historical, literary, economic, political, and artistic works from the Song Dynasty—basically, it's amazing! My darlings, come check it out and show your support!

41. 91 人 A Brief History of Human Torture 人类酷刑简史 Mark P. Donnelly马克·P.唐纳利Historical151k WordsCompleted For thousands of years, humanity has devised many ingenious and cruel ways to inflict pain on its own kind. This tragic yet seemingly universal trait has corroded the civilization humanity strives to achieve. Though we now seem to detest torture, for more than 3,000 years it was part of the laws of all Europe and much of the Far East. A Brief History of Human Torture explores the many forms of punishment, torture, coercion, and torment. It takes readers into the arenas of ancient Rome, medieval 7.2kReads9.6Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    That's all for now.

42. 92 中 Two Thousand Years of Chinese History 中华二千年史 Deng Zhicheng邓之诚Historical1.4M WordsCompleted A History of China Through Two Thousand Years was first published in 1934 as one of the University Series, then republished by Zhonghua Book Company in 1956. Written by Deng Zhicheng, it primarily recounts Chinese history from the Qin and Han periods through the Ming and Qing dynasties, while also presenting the author’s historical thought and commentary. 88Reads8.8Score—Shelves
43. 93 慈 The Tale of Empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧太后演义 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical226k WordsCompleted This book offers a detailed account of Cixi’s life, from her birth and entry into the imperial palace to her rule from behind the curtain, her decades wielding power over the Qing dynasty, and her death. It is not only literary and highly readable, but also of some value as a reference for historical research. 12Reads9.4Score—Shelves
44. 94 明 Tales of the Sixteen Reigns of the Ming Court 明宫十六朝演义 Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical751k WordsCompleted The Romance of the Sixteen Reigns of the Ming Court delves into the imperial palace, recounting the love and enmity between emperors and their consorts, while ranging widely across history to survey the twists and turns of feudal dynasties. Understand this series, and you will understand the court; understand the court, and you will understand history; understand history, and the realities of the world will become clear to you. 78Reads9.4Score—Shelves
45. 95 历 The Complete Collection of Courtly Tales Through the Ages 历代宫廷演义全集 Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical2.0M WordsCompleted Xu Xiaotian brings the secret histories of the Ming, Qing, and Tang courts to life in the style of a novel: the bloodshed of the Nine Princes’ struggle for the throne, Wu Zetian’s political schemes, and the tragic final days of the Chongzhen Emperor... The book has the solid historical foundations of a meticulously researched account, enlivened with the colorful flesh and blood of historical fiction. More vivid than official histories, yet more rigorous than tales of the past, it is an ancient v 137Reads9.5Score—Shelves
46. 96 老 Old Liu and His Daughter 老刘和他的女儿 Old Du Soup老杜汤Modern Romance108k WordsCompleted Lao Liu is an ordinary, down-and-out farmer with nothing to be proud of. But his ideas about raising his children are completely at odds with the mainstream. After 18 years of perseverance, his daughter has given him his proudest reason of all. Is he happy or unfortunate? Everyone probably has their own answer. 591Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    China's first stream-of-consciousness novel, *The Drunkard*, has been adapted into two films; how many people have actually seen them? Can wearing a cheongsam and giving a flower guarantee a child's success? Consider the effort an ordinary person needs to put in to raise two PhDs—how many people would be willing to do that?

47. 97 大 The Tang Dynasty's Lychee Smile 大唐荔枝笑 Liangshan's Funny Pine梁山搞笑松18k WordsCompleted Laughing Over Tang Dynasty Lychees —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Classic literature isn't as delicious or visually appealing as lychees. A fan fiction short story based on Ma Boyong's "Lychees of Chang'an," titled "The Lychee Laughter of the Tang Dynasty," has been released. It's the first story online to feature a lychee envoy flirting with Li Bai and the imperial concubine. Netizens say that Tang Dynasty lychees in Chang'an were transported from Yang Guifei's hometown in Sichuan, so this short story heeded their advice and changed the route to Sichuan to Chang'an. Netizens suggested using pigeons to deliver lychees, and after testing, it worked, making it the first story online to use carrier pigeons to deliver lychees, complete with an eagle. The pigeons and eagles flying through the air would be fantastic in an IMAX 3D theater, and adding them felt great; it's also an element of my ideal {short story cinematic}. "Lychees of Chang'an" only features Du Fu, but how could a poet be missing Li Bai? So I added Li Bai and wrote a poem. "The Lychee of Chang'an" only features assassins causing damage, but in my short story, not only is it satisfying to kill the assassins, but it's also incredibly satisfying to have the samurai and ninjas of the Japanese pirates fight back! "The Lychee of Chang'an" didn't even feature the Emperor, but this short story not only teases Gao Lishi, but also the Emperor and the treacherous and arrogant An Lushan—it's simply exhilarating. There's also a scene where the protagonist and An Lushan compete in a Hu Xuan martial arts contest—so cool! "The Lychee of Chang'an" lacks the feeling of first love, but this short story features a lovely girl like a first love. "The Lychee of Chang'an" has been published; this short story is about 18,000 words long, and I'm releasing a 30,000-word preview as a tribute. Below is the main text of "The Lychee of the Tang Dynasty," about 3,000 words long: On the first day of the ninth month of the fourteenth year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, the moon was bright and the stars were few. In a bamboo house in Lingnan, Li Shande, who had once been a lychee envoy, signed another contract to deliver lychees. Li Shande had vowed never to deliver lychees again, wanting to enjoy his later years in peace. But he was crying as he signed the contract, and those around him were also wiping away tears. Why was he crying? The lychees weren't being delivered by horse or boat, but by pigeons. This bizarre method of delivering lychees was truly unprecedented. But failing to do something for a sage meant losing your head—how could he not cry! He Luguang, the military commissioner of the five prefectures of Lingnan, pushed the yellowed contract to the center of the table, his knuckles tapping loudly on the paper. "Brother Shande, your brother Li Shancai has done a great service by signing this." He glanced at the dejected man opposite him, raising an eyebrow. "Shancai lost everything on that silk deal in the Western Regions, and he's drowning in debt from the gambling den. You know that, don't you?" Li Shande rubbed his calloused hands, his fingertips tracing the edge of the contract, dust clinging to his rough cloth sleeves. "Master He, Shancai is my own brother, thirty-five years old this year, and he still hasn't found a proper marriage." His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice tightening. "If we can really get rid of those debts, and get that Lingnan sea-view house and a thousand taels of silver, his marriage prospects will be secured. You have to keep your word, you can't lie to us brothers." "Don't worry." He Luguang leaned back in his bamboo chair, the hem of his brocade robe brushing against the blue bricks on the floor, stirring up a few specks of dust. "To be honest, His Majesty has already issued a decree that if the lychee delivery goes smoothly this time, I will be promoted one rank. This reward is nothing to me, just a drop in the ocean." Li Shancai, who had been sitting silently, suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot and deeply sunken: "Master He, the contract states that the Imperial Concubine values ​​the people's strength and will not use horses to deliver the lychees. So what will be used? We can't rely on people carrying them, can we?" He Luguang picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, the steam blurring the fine lines at the corners of his eyes: "His Majesty has a plan. The Imperial Concubine saw that the palace pigeons can deliver messages, and said that using pigeons to deliver the lychees would be fine too. Once they arrive in Chang'an, she wants to play a message-delivering game with these pigeons to pass the time." Li Shande reached out and patted his younger brother's back, his rough palm pressing on his shoulder. The two men stood shoulder to shoulder, their suppressed sobs echoing softly in the small room, filled with unspeakable grievances. He Luguang waited until their sobs subsided before clearing his throat and continuing, "Shancai is currently burdened with debt, his creditors are besieging his door every day, he has no other choice. The route is all planned out: from the Imperial Concubine's hometown of Fuzhou in Sichuan to Chang'an, a two-thousand-mile journey by horse takes three days, and pigeons fly faster, probably two days." Li Shancai wiped his face with his sleeve, his voice terribly hoarse: "Using pigeons to deliver lychees, what's the deadline? How's the cost? I can't possibly pay for it myself, can I?" "His Majesty has already arranged everything." He Luguang counted on his fingers, "You collect and train carrier pigeons, give him twenty-six days to prepare. The lychees must be delivered within four days, on October 1st of the fourteenth year of Tianbao, and must be in His Majesty's hands on time. The Imperial Concubine specifically requested nine hundred and ninety-nine lychees, for the auspicious omen of the Tang Dynasty's longevity." Li Shancai slammed his fist on the table with a dull thud, making the teacups on it tremble. "If you're willing to risk everything, even a donkey cart can become a horse-drawn carriage! To pay off the debt, to save face for my family, I'll risk it all!" He picked up a pen, dipped it in ink, and scrawled his name at the end of the contract, the ink seeping through the paper. Li Shande followed suit, solemnly signing his name as guarantor. Early on the morning of September 2nd, Li Shande hurriedly found He Luguang and handed him a written order to transfer pigeons: "All pigeon farmers, hand over your best homing pigeons to the government. Rewards will be given after the Emperor bestows money. If anyone dares to hide their best pigeons, taxes will be doubled next year." Li Shancai listened from the side, his brows furrowed and his lips downturned: "Pigeon farmers bring out their best pigeons, but they don't see a single penny in cash. What if the pigeons die on the way? The government hasn't even offered compensation. Isn't this blatant cheating? There's no logic to this!" Despite his complaints, he was burdened with debt and couldn't care less about others. He could only bury himself in training the homing pigeons, getting up before dawn every day. First, he hung lychees on the pigeons' claws; when two were too heavy, he reduced it to one. The iron boxes were too heavy for the pigeons to fly in, so he switched to wooden boxes, and finally, ultra-thin bamboo boxes. To prevent the lychees from spoiling if water leaked out of the bamboo box, small blocks of ice were used for preservation. The pigeons carrying the lychees were heavier than usual, initially flying slowly and low, some even landing after only a short distance. After two days of practice, most pigeons gradually adapted and could fly steadily with the bamboo box. The two thousand carrier pigeons collected by Li Shande were still sweltering in September. The journey from Lingnan to Fuzhou, a distance of 2,500 li, took five full days, with the sun blazing all the way. The pigeons suffered from heat and thirst; as many as eight hundred died, leaving only 1,200, flapping their wings weakly, landing listlessly in the pigeon loft in Fuzhou. Li Shancai looked at the listless pigeons in the loft, squatting on the ground counting them again and again, his heart heavy. He reached out and picked up a pigeon, feeling its crop; it was dry and without a drop of water. The keeper handed him a water bowl: "Boss Li, these pigeons need a couple of days of rest, otherwise they might not be able to handle the work later." Li Shancai nodded, his voice weary: "Feed them more millet and water, take good care of them, and make sure nothing goes wrong." He stood up, brushed the dirt off his trousers, and gazed at the distant sky, calculating the remaining days. October 1st was fast approaching; the road ahead was long. At that moment, the clerk sent by He Luguang approached, holding an account book: "Boss Li, Lord He asked me to inquire about the progress and, by the way, to check the expenses for these past few days." Li Shancai took the account book and flipped through it, his brow furrowing even more: "The cost of ice and bamboo boxes has exceeded the limit considerably, how do we account for this?" The clerk scoffed: "Lord He said that as long as the lychees are delivered on time, this amount of money is nothing. Quickly double-check the remaining routes, and make sure there are no mistakes." Li Shancai returned the account book to the clerk and said nothing more. He knew there was no point in saying anything now; he could only grit his teeth and move forward. He turned and went into the pigeon coop, picked up a bamboo box, weighed it in his hand, put a lychee inside, and then some crushed ice. The keeper next to him sighed, "These pigeons are suffering. They'd rather not do their normal messenger work than carry lychees." Li Shancai didn't reply, but silently put the bamboo box over the pigeons. He knew that this errand not only concerned his own debts but also his brother's guarantee, and he couldn't afford to be careless. Watching the pigeons flutter their wings, he had only one thought in his mind: he had to deliver the lychees to Chang'an on time. On September 7th, Li Shancai and his party arrived in Fuzhou. Just as they settled the pigeons, the military governor's judge, Yang Xuanye, sent someone to summon them. He straightened his clothes and strode into the government office. "Judge Yang, His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine have decreed that carrier pigeons are needed for this shipment of lychees." Li Shancai bowed respectfully, his tone humbled. "May I ask if you could issue a pigeon-collecting order, mobilizing two thousand carrier pigeons?" Yang Xuanye sat in his armchair, tapping his fingers on the table, not even lifting his eyelids. "Imperial Concubine Yang is my cousin. What rank do you hold? You think you're worthy of a pigeon-collecting order? No way." Li Shancai's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped forward. "Judge Yang, this time, with the lychees being delivered to Chang'an, I'm certain I'll get to see Imperial Concubine Yang. I'll put in a good word for you with her, and I guarantee you'll be promoted three ranks." Yang Xuanye's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward. "Good, good, good!" He rubbed his hands together, a smile spreading across his face. "It's been so long since I've had a chance to speak with my cousin, the Imperial Concubine. I bet she's forgotten about me. Brother Shancai, please don't forget to put in a good word for me with her. The pigeon-collecting order is a piece of cake!" The order to recruit pigeons in Fuzhou was posted that very day. By noon the next day, September 8th, two thousand homing pigeons had all gathered, bringing the total to three thousand two hundred, including those previously left. Li Shancai looked at the densely packed pigeons in the loft and clicked his tongue, "My goodness, power really does make you powerful." He cleared his throat and shouted to the gathered pigeon handlers, "By imperial decree, pigeon handlers, all of you, be alert! One hundred men on the left, follow me with sixteen hundred homing pigeons from Fuzhou to Xixiang, specifically to train the pigeons to carry lychees back to their homing nests." "Pigeon captain, step forward!" "Here!" A lean man stepped forward, his chest ramrod straight. Li Shancai pointed to the pigeons on the other side: "Take 1,600 pigeons and head straight for the Chang'an pigeon farm. Take good care of the pigeons along the way, protect them from the heat and give them plenty of water. Once you arrive in Chang'an, immediately train them to carry lychees back to their roosts. Do you understand?" "Yes, sir!" The pigeon team leader replied in a strong voice. Early on the morning of September 9th, the pigeon team leader set off with his caravan. Sixteen carriages carrying pigeons and ten carriages carrying one hundred pigeon handlers, a total of twenty-six carriages, stretched out in a long line on the dirt road. Li Shancai's caravan also set off, their route from Fuzhou to Dianjiang, their destination Xixiang County.

48. 98 武 Wu Zetian's Four Great Mystery Cases 武则天四大奇案 Anonymous佚名Historical200k WordsCompleted [Historical Mystery + Four Great Cases + Ancient-Era Deduction] From strange cases in the countryside to courtly intrigue, Di Renjie carefully unravels the truth at every turn. Newly appointed magistrate of Changping County, Di Renjie is immediately faced with a bizarre murder: a merchant from Huzhou is found mysteriously dead at an inn in Liulidun. The local headman, Hu De, abuses his power, but the identity of the real culprit raises even more questions. Disguised as an ordinary traveler, Di R 391Reads9.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I've recently become obsessed with reading old books and discovered some gems! You guys should check them out! 😄

49. 99 四 The Scandalous Tales of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人艳史演义 Su Yan Zhuren素阉主人Historical104k WordsCompleted Uncovering the untold stories of the Four Beauties [History + biographies + the Four Beauties + unofficial anecdotes] Xi Shi, whose beauty could topple a kingdom as she washed silk, was caught in the turmoil of a chaotic age. Yang Yuhuan’s glance could captivate an entire city, but her passionate love became a shackle of fate. Wang Zhaojun left the frontier with a mournful song, bringing a brief peace between the Han and the Xiongnu. Diao Chan ingeniously set a chain of schemes in motion, turnin 92Reads8.7Score—Shelves
50. 100 莽 Chronicles of the Wilds 莽丛记 Wang Hu王胡Historical386k WordsCompleted [Wuxia chivalry + the nation in peril + torn between loyalty and righteousness + a tragic song of a turbulent age] The first volume of The Record of the Wilds, winner of the Best Long-Form Book Award at Legends Ancient and Modern, is set amid the Song-Jin wars and paints a vivid portrait of ordinary people caught up in the tides of history. It captures the essence of classical storytelling without sacrificing dramatic force: the wandering swordsman Yan Sheng rescues a secret envoy and obtains a 398Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In the thickets beside the Water Margin, where politics and intrigue abound, is it possible to find a place to settle down and make a living?

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