Looking for Ancient-Style Political Intrigue with a Smart Protagonist Who Plots on a Grand Scale 求古风权谋文，主角智商在线，布局天下

1. 151 江 Scheming for the Realm: The Sickly Prince Can No Longer Keep Up the Act 江山谋，病秧子他装不下去了 Pondering Life While Making Pancakes摊饼时思考人生Two Male Leads480k WordsCompleted [The rating just came out, so it’s sure to rise + two male leads + sweet romance + unhinged and scheming + ancient political intrigue + powerful couple + happy ending] [Scheming, gentle pursuer X flirtatious beauty receiver with catlike charm; both are virgins, happy ending] The capital's top assassin goes undercover in a brothel as its star courtesan and lures in the frail scholar no one in all of Kyoto dares marry. Shen Qizhou thought he was the one doing the seducing. That is, until the night 6.1kReads8.7Score911Shelves

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   This book! It's simply divine!

2. 152 背 The Fall Guy Captain 背锅校尉 City Farmer都市老农Historical247k WordsCompleted When I woke up, I was a condemned prisoner in the imperial prison. Modern office worker Li Moxuan died from overwork, only to transmigrate into the Great Yan Dynasty as a scapegoat military officer. His father had escorted the royal treasure, the Ninefold Linglong, when it was stolen. The whole family was held responsible, and in five days they would be exiled to a freezing wasteland. His younger sister was to be sent to the state brothel. From the start, it was a living hell. A golden finger? A —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   An hour later, they arrived in the capital. The city gates were indeed under martial law, with strict checks for entry and exit. However, General Chen flashed his identification badge, and the guards immediately let them through. Once inside, Li Moxuan noticed that the atmosphere in the capital was indeed different. The streets were sparsely populated, and most shops were closed. Occasionally, soldiers marched by in formation, their armor clanging, their expressions grim. A tense atmosphere permeated the air, like the calm before a storm. General Chen led them to a small but secluded residence. "This is Lord Song's private residence. You will stay here for now," he said. "Lord Song will come over tonight." With that, he left two soldiers to guard the residence and departed with the rest of the group.

3. 153 陛 His Majesty Arranged Our Marriage, Husband, Let's Make the Best of It! 陛下赐婚，夫君，凑合凑合过吧！ Fragrant Crispy Chubby香酥肥肥Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The animated series is out now. Come watch! A quirky, drama-loving girl versus a brooding, calculating young nobleman Both leads are pure and devoted. A sweet historical romance with lighthearted comedy, everyday romance, and political intrigue. The Jiang family of Huainan is a scholarly clan. The second young master Jiang is as refined as the moonlight. He can win third place in the imperial exams with his literary talent, and bring the world to heel with his martial prowess. He is the most sou 27.2kReads8.5Score3.3kShelves

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   This is a community with everyone having an online IQ.

4. 154 欲 Ascend to the Ninth Heaven 欲上云霄九重天 Reading Ink, Listening to the Wind读墨听风Historical2.5M WordsOngoing A coral pendant engraved with a fire phoenix emblem draws Qi Ming, a destitute youth who lives on credit at a teahouse in Tianque City, into a shocking secret plot sweeping across four kingdoms. The moment the iron hooves of the Longxiang Army smash through the door, he still has no idea that the token his parents left him is the “key” that can overturn the world. The grand machinations governing the realm have barged into his life without warning. From a tide of Gu poison in a dungeon to a pack 571Reads—Score—Shelves

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   "Ascending to the Nine Heavens" is an epic tale spanning over a decade and depicting the rise and fall of four kingdoms. It transcends the simplistic "black and white" narratives of traditional political intrigue novels, delving into the complexities of human nature. The two main male protagonists are not simply flat "good guys" and "bad guys": The first, Qi Ming, rises from a street urchin in the Yong Dynasty to the throne of the Yanhuang King. He possesses a benevolent side—opening channels for public opinion, reducing taxes, and protecting his people—but also faces the struggles of ordinary humanity: he thrice declines Pan Chi's abdication, fearing both the weight of responsibility and the potential backlash from power; to protect those around him, he also wavers about the boundaries of authority. The second protagonist, Xiao Lin, is the iron-fisted emperor of the Yong Dynasty. He is ruthless in his executions and the massacre of surrendered soldiers, yet he also shows tenderness towards his lover, Su Ling'er, and understands that "the people's hearts are the strongest wall." He believes in absolute power, but after ascending the throne, he gradually suffers the consequences of his own actions. The entire book is intricately plotted in court intrigue, from the Yong Dynasty palace coup to Yan Huang's abdication, from the hidden threads of the four kingdoms' secret treasures to the overt alliance of the three kingdoms. The war scenes are magnificent and brutal: the standoff at Shiping Pass, the surprise attack at Hansu Pass, and the fierce battle against the Xuanshuang Army in the snow. Behind each battle lies not just a simple victory or defeat, but a clash of different governing logics. The most incisive core of the book is that it places "the will of the people" above all other schemes, wars, and heroic narratives: Xiao Lin, despite his cunning, loses the hearts of the people and is ultimately pushed back step by step by Qi Ming's "following the trend of the people." Qi Ming's governing philosophy of "the catfish theory" and "power is gathered by the people" is never an empty slogan, but is put into practice through promoting trade and industry, resettling displaced people, and reforming the bureaucracy. Even those seemingly insignificant people—the old man guarding the dilapidated post station, the conscripted soldiers, and the common people struggling to survive in the flames of war—their choices are the true force propelling the four kingdoms forward. This is not a novel about "how heroes reach the top," but a story about how everyone in a chaotic world struggles with desire, responsibility, and conscience, and is ultimately weighed by the scale of "public opinion."

5. 155 陪 On the Night of My Burial, I Brought the God of War Prince Back from the Dead 陪葬夜，我让战神王爷起死回生 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors" Animated adaptation: "A Doctor’s Graceful Colors: The Prince’s Beloved" [Hilarious + Transmigration + Sweet romance + Obsessive love + Devoted pairing + Imperial physician heroine + Palace and household intrigue + Inspirational] I was a military doctor with a PhD when I transmigrated, only to find myself about to be buried alive as a sacrifice for the dead God of War, the Prince? I grabbed the burial offerings and ran, planning to live in luxu 20.9kReads9.3Score2.4kShelves

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   A historical romance novel with political intrigue; both the male and female leads are intelligent and the story is sweet and fluffy with no angst. ① A goddess-like doctor transmigrates into a coffin to be buried alive with the deceased prince, saving him from poisoning; sweet and funny. ② The female lead transmigrates into a coffin, picks up handsome men, and enjoys a satisfying journey of revenge and career advancement. ③ A hilarious combination of mind-reading and a gossip-eating system; the prince overhears her thoughts and is furious; hilariously absurd.

6. 156 做 Be a Concubine? You're Not Worthy! I'll Find a Better Match, and You'll Beg Me to Stay 做妾？你也配？另谋高嫁你下跪 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted This book is now available as a full-cast audio drama, and it’s hilarious! Give it a listen! [Hilarious Transmigration + Medical Space + Sweet, Satisfying Romance + Power Struggles + Palace and Household Intrigue + Mutual Devotion and Strength] A genius in medicine and poison transmigrates to ancient times with a medical space. She wakes up in a coffin, only to have a bewitching man try to steal it? Her ex-husband favors his concubine, abuses his wife, and shamelessly claims her dowry? Her fathe 5.6kReads8.9Score554Shelves
7. 157 天 Sky Screen: I, the Princess of Ten Thousand Years, Rebuild the Han Dynasty Three Times! 天幕：我，万年公主，三造大汉！ Year After Year Tong年年童Ancient Romance422k WordsCompleted [Historical Court Intrigue + Nation-Building and Farming + Three Kingdoms Ensemble Cast + Empress + Strong Female Lead + Livestreaming + Satisfying Female-Power Story] Liu Yue, a modern engineering PhD, was born into the body of Princess Wannian in the final years of the Han dynasty. The history books spare her only a few words: Dong Zhuo abused her, and she died after her “passage was torn apart.” In t 96Reads6.8Score—Shelves

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   🔥🔥 [Highly Recommended] This Three Kingdoms-themed political intrigue novel is truly amazing, trust me! [Sparrow's Masterpiece] The author's writing is incredibly vivid, each character is brought to life, and the imagery practically overflows from the screen. I highly recommend this book.

8. 158 爆 Hilarious Mind Reading: The Prince Eats Gossip Until He Throws Up 爆笑读心术，王爷吃瓜吃到吐 Young Master Lan公子兰Ancient Romance452k WordsCompleted Short drama adaptation: The Hilarious Mind-Reading Art: The Prince Laughs at Gossip Until He Chokes Manhua adaptation: The Princess's Inner Thoughts Are Full of Gossip, and the Prince Is Hooked; The Princess's Inner Thoughts Can't Be Hidden [Historical fantasy + mind-reading + gossip System + silly comedy + System space + sweet romance + feel-good revenge + transmigration to an alternate world + palace and household intrigue + devoted and powerful couple + marriage before love + healing a posses 24kReads9.1Score2kShelves
9. 159 天 Supreme Destiny 天命最高 Sweet Dream Feather甜梦羽Historical180k WordsCompleted He was the “Qin dog” everyone in Handan hated, a hostage who trembled in his mother’s arms. Before the age of nine, he lived for one reason alone: to avoid being beaten to death by the people of Zhao. Then one day, his father died, and he became the King of Qin. The road back to Xianyang was strewn with thorns: his grandmother wanted to depose him, his younger brother wanted him dead, powerful ministers treated him like a puppet, and the queen dowager and her lover controlled the inner palace. H 10Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The world only knows Qin Shi Huang as a ruthless and cunning ruler who swept across the land, but no one knows that he struggled to escape the mire of being a hostage in Handan. After returning to Qin, he found himself trapped in a web of deadly situations, his bloody power struggles forging him into a ruthless and iron-willed man. He had no desire for tenderness, yet a simple wheat cake from Epang Palace healed his remaining years. He promised to give up the land as his dowry, and after finally establishing himself, cruel fate insisted on separating the two lovers.

10. 160 嫡 Reborn Heiress Saves the Marquis's Estate, While an Obsessive Prince Steals Her Heart 嫡女重生镇侯府，偏执王爷夺佳人 Qi Xiaoke柒小可Ancient Romance188k WordsOngoing [Love After Marriage | Revenge and Political Schemes | Sweet Romance and Feel-Good Payoff | Both Leads Are Pure and Powerful] [Quick-Witted, Mischievous Legitimate Daughter × Obsessive, Scheming Prince] Reborn on the day she was falsely accused of losing her virtue, the mischievous legitimate daughter tears into her enemies, only to catch the eye of an obsessive mad prince! Rong Xiaoxuan: "The game is afoot. You saved me, so don't even think about escaping me in this life!" Feng Qingwu: "Gentlen 13.2kReads—Score240Shelves

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    This is super good; the female lead is intelligent. She's got a sharp mind.

11. 161 明 Marry Me Beneath the Bright Moon 明月嫁卿卿 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Song Chuyu thought she and Kang Rui were deeply in love, and that no one could ever come between them. Yet that person had been living by their side all along, pampered under the title of “sister-in-law.” After being reborn, Song Chuyu didn’t spare Kang Rui a glance as he rode through the streets in triumph, and she certainly wouldn’t marry him again. * When Kang Rui woke up to find himself back in the impoverished days of his youth, he struggled to get used to the drafty windows after having li 82.6kReads9.3Score10.5kShelves

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    My first favorite book is Song Chuyu

12. 162 她 After She Ascends the Throne, She Takes a New Husband, Leaving Her Ex to Weep 她登基后换了夫，新夫不见旧夫哭 Rabbit Purple Moonrise兔紫月上Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (Power! It's a woman's second face! She loves it!) (1V2 + advancing the nation through technology + two men competing for her, only to end up regretting it) Lu Jichen: He is an ill-omened man. On the day his elder brother got married, they smeared dog blood all over his face and locked him in a cellar. Later, she brought him out, washed his hands, let him sit at the table, fed him, and paid for his education. Wei Chiyuan: He is the young lord of an aristocratic clan; she is a young widow. One sc 17.2kReads9.3Score2.1kShelves
13. 163 首 The Grand Secretary Regrets It, but I've Already Won the Favor of the Entire Harem 首辅大人后悔了，我已宠冠六宫 The Wind Goes Blah Blah叽里咕噜的风Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama of the same name, Resigning as Chief Councillor, is now streaming on Hongguo and Fanqie! In this life, both leads are faithful to each other. In her previous life, the heroine, Liu Mianmian, was married. In his previous life, the hero, Xie Lingyuan, died young. There’s no rivalry between women, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this story isn’t for you. In her previous life, no one lived happily. In this life, Liu Mianmian just wants to live comfortably. All she wants this t 8.6kReads8.8Score2.4kShelves
14. 164 不 I Will Not Assist the Court 不辅朝纲 Who Changed My Script谁改我剧本Two Male Leads313k WordsCompleted The original story has a happy ending? No, it has four happy endings! Chen Xixi transmigrates into a sweet historical tale of political intrigue where everyone gets a happy ending, becoming the gentle supporting character Chen Xuan'er. The original script clearly promised: Mr. Shen would be a noble, brilliant chancellor who serves the nation, a peerless strategist and an untouchable flower on a high peak; Chu Mo would be the loyal male lead, a fierce wolfdog on the battlefield and a cuddly puppy 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a political intrigue novel with two male leads, both of whom are quite intelligent.

15. 165 重 Reborn, I Turn My Fate Around with the System of Noncontention 重生归来，我凭不争系统扭转死局 Wen Qiheng温栖珩Ancient Romance114k WordsOngoing Reborn on the eve of the palace banquet, Su Wanyuan's fingertips brushed against the secret drug hidden in the lining of her gown. In her previous life, she was tricked into making a scene, lost her reputation, and saw her entire family executed. This time, she stayed calm, waiting to tear away her half-sister's gentle facade in front of everyone at the banquet. Before the trouble had even settled, a wooden token etched with a whirlpool pattern led her to a decades-old secret plot involving a 15Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese political intrigue, everyone's IQ is online

16. 166 权 The Alluring Powerful Minister 权臣妖娆 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance960k WordsCompleted Also known as The Female Top Scorer and The Female Imperial Tutor. He was a celebrated, charmingly elegant top scorer, showered with every favor under the heavens. Only after the Du family was destroyed and he hanged himself in prison did the world learn that “he” was a woman! After her father's death, the family's good name was ruined. Dozens of loyal servants starved to death. The beautiful women of the household were either made into servants or reduced to playthings for officials. Reborn, Du 3.3kReads9.1Score435Shelves

    Reader note

    I have a lot to say about ancient political intrigue.

17. 167 山 Peace Across the Land 山河无恙 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted A companion volume to The Alluring Minister, also known as The Female Emperor’s Tutor. Political intrigue + a woman disguised as a man + battles of wits at court! He was a dashing, romantic top scorer in the imperial examinations, famous throughout the land! He was also a brilliant strategist who stepped up when the nation was in peril, planning far ahead. A master of both letters and arms, his genius astonished the world, and his elegance was unmatched. He left countless legends and stories beh 485Reads8.9Score101Shelves
18. 168 仙 The Immortal's Appearance 仙人状 Shi Jin是今Martial Arts313k WordsCompleted [Historical romance + mystery solving + male lead with a secret identity + lovers who fight as fiercely as they love] A dazzling, outspoken heroine and a seemingly gentle but secretly ruthless physician, locked in a battle of equals as they fall in love! A celebrated romance author's popular historical mystery! A relationship between equals, full of tension; heart-stopping court intrigue; and the shocking truth behind bizarre murders! A celestial being appears in a dream to help solve a case and 16.2kReads9.6Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    ① **Highly recommended:** The immortals of the Qingtian Pagoda in Youcheng are incredibly skilled at solving cases. From the scholar's case to the dry well case and the kidnapping case, the events are intricately linked, meticulously unraveling the mystery to uncover the money-related case. The protagonist painstakingly builds momentum and uses supernatural means to avenge a deep-seated blood feud. The female lead is intelligent, well-rounded, and not a saint. The book is emotionally rich, with vivid and three-dimensional characters, each possessing their own shining qualities. It explores both national righteousness and personal love, making it highly recommended. ② ****"The Golden Branch"** Another masterpiece by author Kong Liu. The female lead, Shi Buyu, is neither a time traveler nor a reincarnated individual; she is simply a traditional noblewoman with exceptional intelligence. She unites a group of ambitious individuals to stir up trouble and overthrow tyranny. It's truly excellent! A must-read for fans of classical Chinese literature! ② *Bound Spring* is also a great read. It's one of the few ancient romance novels I've read since *Xi Hua Zhi* that I found so delicately written and plot-driven. Highly recommended! ③ *Deep Palace Strategy* is a microcosm of the lives of some noblewomen in ancient times. Under the emperor's powerful influence, those with high positions are forced to send their carefully nurtured daughters into the deep palace. Come see how Fu Qingzhi, the daughter of a powerful minister feared by the emperor, gradually becomes a virtuous empress! Also included is *Xi Hua Zhi*, another time-travel novel by the author Kong Liu. Come and dive into the world of ancient romance novels!

19. 169 深 Palace Intrigue: The Story of Qing Zhi 深宫策·青栀传 Qing Zhi Wei Bai青栀未白Ancient Romance882k WordsCompleted Her eyes can see through sinister tricks and schemes, but she cannot fully see the changes in people's hearts. His hands hold the fate of all under heaven, yet all he wants is to hold on to the few who truly care for him. How far is it from being the daughter of a powerful official distrusted by the emperor to becoming a virtuous empress remembered throughout history? Once she enters the imperial palace, her past ties are severed. Half a lifetime of ups and downs conceals the green of the garden 1.9kReads9.2Score298Shelves
20. 170 驸 My Consort Took a Concubine, So I Cast Him Off; He Rebelled, So I Became Emperor 驸马纳妾我休弃，驸马造反我称帝 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication] [A noblewoman and a transmigrated woman join forces to contend for the throne. Strong female lead, ensemble cast, political intrigue, no romance] Yuan Xuan was born to be a pawn. For the sake of the realm, she lived as a man and served as crown prince for over a decade. When her younger brother was born, Yuan Xuan returned to living as a woman and became a discarded pawn. Abandoned by everyone, she had no one left who didn’t want her dead. Less than a year into her marri 15.7kReads9.5Score3kShelves
21. 171 吾 My Emperor Is So Adorable 吾皇多娇媚 A Smile Brighter Than a Thousand Suns笑靥千阳Ancient Romance134k WordsOngoing Two powerful leads locked in an ultimate push and pull + laugh-out-loud, sizzling chemistry + political scheming + melodrama + dark scheming + court intrigue + humor + ensemble cast The emperor transmigrates into the body of the wife of a duke’s heir. To uncover the truth, she gets close to her own husband. 516Reads7.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm the author. Well, this book has always been categorized as a male-oriented "marriage-changing" novel, but it's actually written like a female-oriented political intrigue story. Anyway, you'll see once you start reading. The beginning is heartwarming, funny, and full of tension; the later parts feature political intrigue, a large cast, and a grand scale. I recommend waiting until it's fully released before reading further; you won't regret it.

22. 172 盛 The Prosperous Era's Medical Detective 盛世谋医神探 Xiaoyao Lingzi逍遥凌子Ancient Romance423k WordsOngoing Tang Wei, a top modern forensic pathologist, unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of an ancient criminal's daughter who shares her name. The original Tang Wei's family was confiscated after her father became embroiled in an imperial examination cheating scandal. She was reduced to a government servant and took her own life in despair. When Tang Wei wakes up, she is immediately trapped in a desperate situation: her status as a government servant leaves her as lowly as dust, and the shadow of 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A highly recommended book! Watch as the female detective punishes evil, promotes justice, and writes her legendary life story. Highly recommended!

23. 173 奸 The Treacherous Minister 奸臣 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Zhao Wuyou was the son of a treacherous minister, and everyone at court had to respectfully call him “Little Chancellor.” Father and son controlled the court and toyed with political power, so plenty of people wanted him dead. Mu Baili was the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the governor of the Eastern Depot. He seemed respectful, mild-mannered, and kind to everyone, but in truth he was a wolf who devoured people without leaving a bone. What a shame that such a ruthless ma 4.4kReads9.1Score522Shelves
24. 174 长 The Legend of Shen He of Chang'an 长安禾火之沈禾传奇 Xiaoyao Lingzi逍遥凌子Historical17k WordsCompleted The Legend of Shen He of Chang'an 3Reads—Score—Shelves
25. 175 上 Spring Affairs in the Capital 上京春事 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance400k WordsCompleted Ning Chaoyang rises to become a fourth-rank female official, yet still can’t escape the fate of being traded into a political marriage. She decides to take in a lover to fight back. He must be lowborn, handsome, and preferably too frail to look after himself. She glances to the side and spots a charming young doctor in white. 5.7kReads9.3Score884Shelves
26. 176 霓 The Brocade Gambit: A Record of Power Plays in the Tang Dynasty 霓裳弈：大唐权谋录 Xiaoyao Lingzi逍遥凌子Ancient Romance14k WordsCompleted Silk and Strategy: A Record of Tang Dynasty Power Plays 2Reads—Score—Shelves
27. 177 穿 Transmigrating to Ancient Times: The Legend of County Magistrate Lin Tao 穿越古代之县太爷林涛传奇 User23973638用户23973638Ancient Romance902k WordsCompleted After his soul transmigrates into another world and he becomes a seventh-rank county magistrate, Lin Tao rises from the streets to become a great and upright official. At last, he can turn his chivalrous ideals into strategies for governing the land. Damn it, why are there so many corrupt officials causing trouble? One murder case after another... Who’s afraid of whom? The words “submit” and “back down” don’t exist in my dictionary! Dear readers, watch as I unravel every clue and deliver justice 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is truly a political intrigue novel. The protagonist, Lin Tao, is exceptionally quick-witted. He engages in a battle of wits and courage with various villainous and corrupt officials. It's incredibly interesting! Everyone should definitely check it out! Suspense, crime-solving, and reasoning—it has it all. It covers the officialdom, the imperial court, and everyday life—it's all there.

28. 178 本 This King's Sleeve Is Thoroughly Severed 本王这袖，断的彻底 Born Under a Lucky Star八字过硬Two Male Leads562k WordsCompleted [Preorders for The World Cannot Keep What It Loves Most open at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. For the first 15 minutes, signed copies are available with no quantity limit; from 16 to 30 minutes, copies personally signed by the author are available with no quantity limit!] [Two male leads + The prince has a bit of a sense of humor] Everyone knew Prince Pu was gay. Even the man on the imperial throne turned a blind eye. Prince Pu had loved many people in his life. A horseman from the frontier 34.7kReads9.6Score5kShelves

    Reader note

    This novel features two male protagonists, both of whom are intelligent, and there's always an unexpected twist just when you think the main characters are being deceived.

29. 179 太 The Retired Emperor Li Shimin Plots a Rebellion? Fifty Years of House Arrest 太上皇李世民竟谋反？幽禁五十载 Drunken Scholar Beneath the Moon月下醉书生Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Also known as The Great Tang Emperor’s Decree. The Great Tang Emperor’s Decree: The Retired Emperor Li Shimin intends to rebel. Confine him in Lingyan Palace for fifty years. No one may see him without my decree. Anyone who disobeys shall be executed without mercy! Anyone who pleads on his behalf shall be treated as an accomplice to treason, and their entire clan shall be exterminated. The Great Tang Emperor’s Decree: The Japanese envoy has shown contempt for me. To show contempt for me is t 4kReads6.9Score141Shelves

    Reader note

    [Sparrow's Masterpiece] A thrilling political intrigue story where the protagonist clashes with Li Shimin at Xuanwu Gate; whoever wins becomes the emperor.

30. 180 清 The Legend of Qingyi: The Peerless Grace of the Legitimate Daughter 清漪传：嫡女风华绝代 Startrail An星轨安Ancient Romance906k WordsOngoing [Household Intrigue] [Historical Romance] [Mutual Firsts] [Heroine Focused on Her Career] [Husband Chases Wife to the Crematorium] [Real and Fake Heiresses] The general's household arranged marriages for two daughters at once. Prince Rui arrived in an eight-palanquin sedan to marry the fake heiress, while the real heiress, Qing Yi, became the laughingstock of the entire city. Her father doesn't love her, her mother doesn't care for her, and her fake sister, a scheming little white lotus, plots a 4.2kReads8.4Score289Shelves

    Reader note

    The real and fake heiresses return, and the legitimate daughter's revenge ignites the entire audience! Gu Qingyi, who has been living among commoners for 15 years, returns to the manor and immediately puts the fake heirestoic to the test! Seizing the courtyard? Stealing valuables? Not enough for her! Watch as the real heiresses use her intelligence to crush the scheming younger sister and expose the conspiracy at the family reunion banquet! 🔥 Identity Reversal + Domestic Intrigue + Power Struggle + Sweet Romance💡 Recommendation Reason: The female lead is high-energy throughout, not a naive or overly virtuous character, making for a super enjoyable read!

31. 181 失 The Amnesiac Sword Immortal 失忆剑仙 Xiaoyao Lingzi逍遥凌子24k WordsCompleted The Amnesiac Sword Immortal 3Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 182 病 My Sickly, Seductive Master Has My Soulful Disciple Floating on Cloud Nine 病美师尊太会撩，娇俏徒弟魂会飘 A Gentle Breeze Carries a Painted Fan清风渡画扇Two Male Leads1.0M WordsOngoing (Main story complete, happy ending) [Two male leads + mutual devotion + two powerful leads + return + satisfying wish-fulfillment + everyone except the mastermind speaks their mind + some ensemble cast moments + a little confinement later on] (Early story: charming, versatile disciple Song Chenzhi vs. protective, soft-hearted, doting, sickly beauty of a master, Bai Cinian) Bai Cinian woke up one day to find that his whole world had come crashing down. Transmigrating into a book was bad enough. B 15.7kReads9.4Score2.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The main characters are powerful, both protagonists are pure and strong, and the story is about a return to the world. The strategist enters the game himself, bringing about the rebirth of all things. Bai Cinian is a master strategist. The protagonist is sick but not weak. The rating is low because it's a new series and the author is a new account, but the writing and plot are really good. Go check it out, it's super good!

33. 183 六 Ballad of the Six Provinces 六州歌头 Three Years Since Leaving the Capital一别都门三改火Two Male Leads574k WordsCompleted The Prince of Zhao and his princess are the most infamously carefree couple in Jinling: they drink and feast in lavish towers, getting drunk together in broad daylight. Only their little daughter, who’s barely old enough to wear her hair in a child’s topknot, can drag her ridiculous parents home. Until one day, Lu Lingcong and Xie Jing both discover that what is fated to come will come. Playing the fool and drinking their lives away might help them escape for a while, but not forever. In the win 243Reads8.6Score101Shelves
34. 184 双 The Twin-Pupil Covenant: Throne of Thorns 双瞳盟约之荆棘王座 Xiaoyao Lingzi逍遥凌子37k WordsCompleted The Covenant of Twin Pupils: The Thorn Throne —Reads—Score—Shelves
35. 185 宗 The Clan Wants to Swallow Her Inheritance? The Legitimate Daughter Starts a Century-Long Family Genealogy 宗族想吃绝户？嫡女单开百年族谱 Every Inch Is Gold寸寸金Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Shi Juntang lost her mother at thirteen. She believed her stepmother had killed her, and had even thought of killing her and her children. It wasn't until her wedding night, when her mother-in-law poisoned her, that she learned the truth: her clan had feared her abilities and joined forces with her mother-in-law to murder her parents. Only by eliminating her could they move against those timid siblings and seize the family fortune. That night, her stepmother and younger siblings braved the rai 4.7kReads8.5Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    A strong female protagonist, a prince, reborn, and embroiled in political intrigue.

36. 186 笑 Laugh at Her Divorce? After She Marries the Emperor, You'll All Kneel Before Her 笑她和离？改嫁帝王后都给她跪下 Guest from the Immortal Realm仙中客Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The heir of the Duke of Qingguo doted on his concubine and neglected his wife. The emperor felt sorry for the man’s wife and brought her into the palace to look after her. The result was the birth of several little princes and princesses. Full synopsis: Yun Qing’s father commanded a powerful army. Several princes wanted to marry her to gain control of his troops, which aroused the emperor’s suspicions. To protect both her and the Yun family army, her father had no choice but to petition the empe 14.3kReads9.0Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The male lead ascends to the throne; he is handsome, powerful, and resourceful. The female lead is decisive in her actions. The male lead is the emperor, and the female lead is the empress. It's a sweet and doting story. The male lead leaves the female lead's harem empty. It's a very good read!

37. 187 上 I've Suffered Enough in My Last Life. I'd Rather Die Than Marry Him Again 上辈子苦够了，打死她都不嫁了 Chang Qingqing常庆庆Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Shen An'an came from a distinguished family and was both talented and beautiful. As soon as she came of age, she was betrothed to the fourth prince, Xiao Yuan, a man of heavenly beauty and noble character, and the dream lover of every young lady in the capital. Heaven had dealt her a winning hand. Even she once believed she was blessed beyond measure, until her girlish heart was shattered into pieces. She suffered every kind of pain at the hands of that graceful, refined man, and paid a devastat 17kReads8.6Score2.5kShelves
38. 188 这 This Palace Maid Doesn't Want to Be Famous 这个宫女不想红 Boiling a Frog in Hot Water热水泡青蛙Ancient Romance153k WordsOngoing A modern fitness trainer transmigrates into the body of a palace laundry maid about to leave the palace. With her knack for postpartum recovery, she fights her way to the top, rising from an ant trampled underfoot to a woman feared even by the empress and desired even by the emperor. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It takes care of both the imperial harem and the imperial court! It's absolutely amazing!

39. 189 两 Two Lives of Joy: The Duke's Legitimate Daughter Is Truly Unrestrained 两世欢：公府嫡女她是真的狂 Dancing Sunflower跳舞的向日葵Ancient Romance667k WordsCompleted (Rebirth power fantasy + married across two lifetimes + palace and household intrigue + political machinations) Ye Liujin once thought she was the happiest young lady in Shengjing. Her aunt was just one step away from becoming empress. Her elder brother was the illustrious Duke of Shanguo, commanding an army of two hundred thousand, while her elder sister was a brave and battle-hardened warrior admired by all, both in court and beyond. She herself had been betrothed in infancy to the Third Princ 18kReads9.0Score4.7kShelves
40. 190 威 The Mighty Phoenix Ode: Li Shimin 威凤赋之李世民 momocaHistorical926k WordsCompleted In the waning years of the Sui dynasty, warlords contended for supremacy, matching wits and fighting with everything they had. Emperor Taizong and Empress Zhangsun were young newlyweds who supported each other and brought peace and prosperity to the people. Adapted from history, this is not an alternate-history novel. It features political maneuvering, warfare, and noble ideals. It vividly recreates the four major battles of Li Shimin's career and shows how, before the Xuanwu Gate Incident, this 42Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Sui and Tang dynasties were a battlefield of heroes, a struggle for supremacy, a clash of wits and ruthlessness. Li Shimin and Guanyinbi, a young couple, supported each other, bringing peace and prosperity to the people. Based on history, not a fictional historical account. It features political intrigue, warfare, and righteous righteousness. Li Shimin rescued the emperor at Yanmen Pass at sixteen, incited his father to rebel against the Sui at eighteen, formed the Xuanjia Army at twenty-two, nearly conquering the entire land for the Tang Dynasty, ascended the throne at twenty-seven, and was revered as the Heavenly Khan by neighboring states at thirty-two. The story comprehensively recreates Li Shimin's four major battles and how, at Xuanwu Gate, this master hunter lured eight hundred cunning brothers and his shrewd father into his encirclement, swiftly ambushing them.

41. 191 重 Reborn as a Tyrant in the Great Ming 重生大明当暴君 Painting Lingyan画凌烟Historical3.3M WordsCompleted You think you can secretly collude with the Jian Nu and I won't know? You think you can conceal your commercial taxes and I won't know? The southeast is prosperous, while Shaanxi lies barren for a thousand miles, littered with the starving dead. The court's ministers care nothing for the people's lives or the fate of the realm. They suck the blood of the Great Ming and strip the flesh from its people! Even an ordinary man in a fit of rage can spill blood three feet high. But do you know what hap 17.2kReads9.0Score1.4kShelves
42. 192 我 My Childhood Friend Is a Royal Consort. What Can the Princess Do About Me? 我的竹马是驸马，公主奈我何？ Bridge of the Islet屿之桥Ancient Romance469k WordsOngoing [Pure historical romance | Reunited after years apart | Devoted, sweet romance with mutual fidelity | Ensemble coming-of-age] After their entire village was massacred, six young friends were scattered to the ends of the earth. Years later, Yun Sheng, now going by Qin Sheng, had made a life for herself in the capital. Xiao Hechen, the childhood friend she had never stopped thinking about, returned to the capital too, but fate had other plans. For the sake of his scheme, he had no choice but to m 181Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended historical romance! All characters are intelligent and quick-witted! The plot is fast-paced and engaging!

43. 193 大 Great Qin: The Ruthless Chancellor, Whom the First Emperor Begs Not to Kill 大秦：最狠丞相，始皇求我别杀了 Never Saw the Moon of Qin不曾见秦时月Historical2.5M WordsCompleted [Decisive and Ruthless + The Protagonist Is a Master Schemer + No Romance + Career-Focused Protagonist] After transmigrating into the Great Qin dynasty, Liu Bai rose straight to the position of Great Qin's Left Chancellor. From the start, he had seven thousand surrendered rebels buried alive. When he returned to Xianyang, everyone was sharpening their knives, ready to impeach the chancellor. Only then did they realize it was all just the beginning. “Your Majesty, Left Chancellor Liu Bai beat Zha 32kReads9.4Score3.7kShelves
44. 194 千 Record of a Thousand Lanterns 千灯录 A Chilly Breeze on Either Side侧侧轻寒Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mystery solving + palace intrigue and household scheming + face-slapping and revenge + powerful families + court and kingdom] Fifteen prospective husbands are locked in a fight to the death in my family’s back courtyard, while all I want is to become a nun. Schemes and deceit, suspicion at every turn, bloodshed and tragedy piling up, a deadly battle in the back courtyard with no survivors allowed. [The high-born judge of the Court of Judicial Review, who loves wiping out entire households] x [T 22.7kReads9.6Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book is absolutely amazing!!! The writing and imagery are simply wonderful! The audiobook's narration is also fantastic! The others are mostly books I've been reading recently, and they each have their own unique features.

45. 195 摄 Your Highness the Regent, Is Your Assassin Missing a Few Marbles? 摄政王殿下，你家杀手缺根筋！ Little Iron Leftover小铁剩Ancient Romance559k WordsCompleted After Jiu Yue died, the System told her that once she completed her mission, she could return to the real world with a reward of ten billion. Jiu Yue, who had been grumbling about her identity as an assassin, smiled sweetly. “Who says transmigrating is a bad thing? This is amazing!” However, a time-space delay kept the System from transmigrating with her, and it hadn't had time to explain the mission in full. But Jiu Yue didn't think that mattered. She was an assassin, after all. How hard could 38.2kReads9.4Score4.9kShelves
46. 196 全 Everyone in the Sect Is Love-Brained, Except Me, a True Lunatic 全宗门都是恋爱脑，唯我是真疯批 Paper Tiger纸老虎Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted The complete print edition of A Double Crossing is now available on all platforms. Relationship blogger Lin Du died of a broken heart after being driven crazy by hopeless romantics. After death, she transmigrated into a tragic romance cultivation novel, becoming the beautiful, powerful, yet doomed junior uncle who paved the way for the protagonists' great love with her own ashes. After reading the script, she slowly typed a question mark. “Have they dug up every wild vegetable on this sect's mou 234.9kReads9.7Score27.6kShelves

    Reader note

    I won't elaborate on the quality of Lin Du's work; both books are by the same author!

47. 197 摄 The Regent Prince Dotes on Her Shamelessly: The Reborn Firstborn Daughter Is Wild and Unruly 摄政王放肆宠，重生嫡女过分野 Weeds Become Spirits野草成精Ancient Romance235k WordsCompleted (Transmigration and rebirth + real and fake heiresses + palace and household intrigue) In her previous life, An Ning married Gu Xuanyou, the secondary son of the Chancellor. She helped him claim the position of family head and eliminate his political rivals. In the end, her former husband betrayed her, taking a princess as his equal wife. He humiliated and killed her, and both she and her unborn child died. This time, An Ning will take control of her own life. An Ning was the real daughter of t 5Reads—Score—Shelves
48. 198 倚 Leaning on the Perilous Pavilion 倚危庭 Smiling Eyes Amid Peach Blossoms桃花深处眉眼弯弯Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Just how hard is it to raise an outstanding young woman? That depends on who’s raising her. If an entire clan, or even a whole country, throws its support behind her, that’s another matter entirely. Ye Qingjiu is a woman with all sorts of jumbled memories and a knack for baffling people with her behavior. She thinks she’s clever, until she somehow gets married and finally realizes Li Tingye has been playing her all along... 6kReads9.4Score597Shelves

    Reader note

    Humanity is clear-headed, and the smell of fireworks is fresh.

49. 199 锦 The Brocade Guard's Bid for the Throne 锦衣夺位 404taxiEastern Fantasy252k WordsOngoing This is not a feel-good power fantasy in the traditional sense, but a wuxia novel set in an imaginary world and filled with political intrigue. There is no System here, and I won't turn every other character into a mindless pawn just to make the protagonist look good. On the contrary, everyone has their own principles, desires, and plans, and each of their choices has its own reasons. The story is now in its second volume, but it's only just getting started. There are still several major event 5.1kReads6.5Score405Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm looking for a good book to read, so I'm recommending "The Embroidered Uniform Guard's Seizure of the Throne." It's a fictional martial arts story with political intrigue, no system, and no mindless cheating. Follow a lowly Embroidered Uniform Guard as he navigates the power struggles between various factions and forges his own path.

50. 200 绝 The Peerless Little Princess Consort 绝世小俏妃 Dog Thirteen狗十三Ancient Romance575k WordsCompleted [A funny, charming princess consort + a scheming prince who fiercely protects his own + a manipulative woman + a wickedly seductive and mysterious Holy Lord, and more...] [Sweet romance + comedy + from scum to love + perfect ending] What does it feel like to fall in love with your enemy? The day he led his troops to invade her country, the sun shone brightly. The seventh prince of Beijiang, Mu Beiming, cut an imposing figure in his black armor. Even with a fearsome mask hiding his face, his shar 5.6kReads9.5Score668Shelves

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