Good Historical Fiction 好看的历史小说

1. 301 韦 Wei Xiaobao Conquers the World 韦小宝争霸天下 Dirt Clod ZM土疙瘩ZMMale-Channel Fanfiction1.9M WordsCompleted Funny, lighthearted, a little System, transmigration, souls returning... Nong di ge dong, xian ren ban ban, Xiao Xuanzi, I didn't rebel, but somehow I became a wanted criminal! What a load of nonsense! For the sake of a thousand generations, Xiao Xuanzi, I'll take your throne, and you can have Tongchi Island back! 10.9kReads8.7Score989Shelves

   Reader note

   Humor based on history

2. 302 曹 Cao Song: Cao Cao Arrives in the Great Song and Talks Fall Apart with the Jin Dynasty! 曹宋：曹操穿大宋，和金朝谈崩了！ Get Rich, Forest!暴富啊森林Historical906k WordsCompleted In the first year of the Jingkang era, Cao Cao transmigrates into the body of Zhao Huan, Emperor Huizong of Song, the last doomed ruler of the Northern Song? The Jin envoys demand that Cao Cao submit a surrender document, call them father, and sue for peace. Court officials collude with the Jin to kill him. He has not a single capable minister at his side, and his younger brother Zhao Gou is preparing to seize power and rebel? With a catastrophic start, how will Cao Cao launch a new Wei dynasty? 99Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is very enjoyable and worth reading two or three times. I often read the later parts to find foreshadowing in the earlier parts.

3. 303 真 The Real Three Kingdoms Is Even More Exciting 真实的三国更精彩 Great Utopia大乌托邦Historical579k WordsCompleted [Authentic Three Kingdoms history | No transmigration, no System, no golden finger] Stop letting Romance of the Three Kingdoms mislead you! Based on Records of the Three Kingdoms, this novel reconstructs the late Han truths that have long been obscured. He Jin’s foolishness brings Dong Zhuo’s chaos upon the land, while Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan struggle to establish themselves. Zhuge Liang excels at governing, but his northern campaigns conceal a weakness. Sima Yi patiently plots, outlastin 1.6kReads7.1Score102Shelves

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   Yong Kai did not want to be an enemy of Shu Han for a long time, nor did his own strength allow it. Li Hui's suggestion to guarantee a high degree of autonomy for Yizhou Prefecture deeply moved him, and after discussing it with Meng Huo, a simple ethnic minority leader, they were both quite tempted.

4. 304 破 Breaking the Deadlock: Another Path for Shu Han 破局：蜀汉的另一种可能 Just One Ordinary Person染人一枚Historical386k WordsCompleted In the Three Kingdoms story we know, the Shu Han regime seems doomed by its disadvantages from the outset and its failures later on. The loss of Jingzhou and the defeat at Yiling were shackles that kept it firmly trapped in the land of Shu. But have you ever considered that, at the pivotal moment in 219 CE, Shu Han had another option? A strategic opportunity with enormous risks, but one that could have completely reshaped the Three Kingdoms if it succeeded? 9Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   It's really good, a historical strategy article.

5. 305 飏 Yangcheng 飏城 Liu Jin刘瑾Historical200k WordsCompleted This is just one of countless stories from the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression: sacrifice, passion, fear, and moving moments fill every cell. In this era, even love seems to have been reduced to waiting... 65Reads—Score—Shelves
6. 306 北 North Gate, South City 北门南城 Liu Jin刘瑾Urban226k WordsCompleted The front line stretches from north to south, and the story begins in a small town in the Northeast. Decline, hope, redemption, hardship, pain, and love reaching ever farther: it all feels like a dream. The story unfolds through its male and female leads, depicting the helplessness of wartime. 50Reads—Score—Shelves
7. 307 黄 Sunset on the Yellow River 黄河落日 Liu Jin刘瑾Urban244k WordsCompleted Sunset over the Yellow River is a work set against the 1938 Huayuankou Incident. The story unfolds against a backdrop of warfare and follows two love stories experienced by a woman who cannot speak... 72Reads—Score—Shelves
8. 308 刘 Liu Bowen: Tides of Fortune in the Imperial Court 刘伯温之宦海沉浮 Gurgling Spring泉之淙淙Historical565k WordsCompleted Liu Bowen: Rising and Falling in the Sea of Officialdom abandons the magical realism commonly used in earlier works about Liu Bowen. Its main approach is realism, with touches of romanticism. Following the ups and downs of Liu Bowen’s official career, and set against the peasant uprisings led by Fang Guozhen, Xu Shouhui, Wu Chengqi, and others, it offers a many-sided portrait of the vibrant world of the late Yuan dynasty. It depicts both the contests of wits and political maneuvering among strat 158Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   It's a fantastic read, with excellent writing and a captivating, suspenseful plot.

9. 309 三 The Three Kingdoms of Water Margin: Liangshan of the Illustrious Lord 三分水浒之昭烈梁山 Ximen Caozei西门曹贼Historical1.0M WordsCompleted The last man of the mighty Han dynasties, Liu Xuande, whose virtue shone bright and whose deeds were heroic, arrives in the Northern Song. The last glimmer of the Han dynasty shines over the final years of the Northern Song. Liangshan, Emperor Huizong, Fang La, the Jin Kingdom. Watch as Emperor Zhaolie rebuilds the Han dynasty. 9kReads9.2Score867Shelves

   Reader note

   It's really, really beautiful.

10. 310 从 Starting with Growing Sweet Potatoes 从种红薯开始 Su Zifang of Tangyin Mountain唐阴山的苏子芳Historical857k WordsOngoing Can you transmigrate just by riding a high-speed train through a tunnel? From then on, he grows sweet potatoes, produces grain, and stores provisions; gathers refugees and trains elite troops; breaks the Three Strategists, recruits the Five Dragons, and subdues the Ten Tigers. Thus begins the struggle to unite the Three Kingdoms… 77Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Let's see if this book on the Three Kingdoms catches your eye.

11. 311 笔 The Sixteen Kingdoms in Turmoil: A Heavenly King’s Hegemony 笔下乱世十六国之天王霸业 Black Ocean on the Cliff崖上黑洋Historical397k WordsCompleted A classical Chinese historical novel. They are lord and subject, yet also kindred spirits. Amid the chaos, they support each other and entrust their lives to one another. From ruling their own territory to taking control of Guanzhong, from carefree young noblemen to pillars of the court, they tread side by side through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, rising together to the summit of power. One becomes a wise ruler who brings peace to the land; the other, a worthy minister who serves th 9Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Witness how the carefree young master achieves his hegemony!

12. 312 祁 Qi Tongwei Is Reborn as Wu Dalang and Goes on a Rampage in Water Margin 祁同伟重生武大郎，水浒杀疯了 Bookworm Breaking Free书虫破茧Historical373k WordsOngoing A certain-death situation! A rise from the bottom! No System! No golden finger! Just iron will and strategy! After Qi Tongwei takes his own life at Lone Eagle Ridge, his soul transmigrates into Wu Dalang, the three-footed runt who sells flatbread. He kills Ximen Qing, takes his wealth, marries his woman, and earns his first fortune! Wu Song, Lin Chong, Chao Gai, Wu Yong, Ling Zhen, Luan Tingyu, Lu Zhishen, Shi Jin, Song Jiang, Yang Zaixing, Li Qingzhao, Yue Fei, Zhou Tong, Lu Junyi, Pang Chunmei 69Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I think my writing is pretty good, so why does nobody read it?

13. 313 贵 The Pinnacle of the Noble Consort 贵妃之巅 Shu Yao Jiu舒窈纠Ancient Romance372k WordsCompleted “A twisted romance” + “palace intrigue” + “a tragedy of the age.” During the Chenghua reign of the Ming dynasty, palace maid Wan Zhen'er spent ten years bringing Crown Prince Zhu Jianshen, confined in the Cold Palace, back from hell to the world of the living. What began as a desperate act of protection warped, under the influence of power, into a twisted symbiosis. Seventeen years older than him, she was his nursemaid and elder sister, and eventually became his only Noble Consort, as well as hi 824Reads—Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    "Abnormal love affair" + "palace intrigue" + "Ming Dynasty tragedy". Wan Zhen'er was 17 years older than Emperor Zhu Jianshen of the Ming Dynasty, but Zhu Jianshen loved her to death and even set up the Western Depot, a special agency for her... Ironically, Consort Wan almost poisoned all of his princes!

14. 314 简 A Simple History of China (4-Volume Set) 简读中国史（全4册） Zhang Hongjie张宏杰Historical853k WordsCompleted The four-volume series A Concise History of China is now complete. The volumes are A Concise History of China, A Concise History of China: Power and Finance Behind Corruption Through the Dynasties, The Tributary System, and The Evolution of the Chinese National Character. Chinese civilization never developed in isolation. From the moment it emerged, it was influenced by other civilizations around the world. The first book compares Chinese and world history across time and space, helping readers 400Reads9.5Score109Shelves

    Reader note

    If you want to truly understand history, you must have a broad understanding of it from multiple perspectives and countries.

15. 315 开 From the Start on a Late Ming Battlefield: Three Kills in My Debut 开局明末战场，首秀三连杀 Simple2023简单2023Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [Late Ming + war + a soldier's perspective + not a power fantasy + an ordinary man's resolve to defend his home and country] The whole court curses and vows to destroy the barbarians; a mighty army marches forth from the borderlands! What is the use of grand ambitions? At Sarhu, a lake of blood was left behind. I am Wang Jiu, one of the most ordinary people in the great tide of transmigrators, and an utterly inconspicuous foot soldier on the battlefields of the late Ming. In historians' account 2.7kReads9.0Score183Shelves

    Reader note

    A high-quality, satisfying historical novel set in the late Ming Dynasty. The protagonist rises from humble beginnings, possessing impressive political acumen and military prowess, and continuously grows stronger throughout the story. The author's characters are exceptionally well-developed and unforgettable, neither glorifying historical figures nor distorting historical facts! This is my favorite book in terms of writing style, plot, and characters; highly recommended to all readers!

16. 316 重 Reborn in the World of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer 重生笑傲江湖世界 Author Chen Ran作者陈然Male-Channel Fanfiction740k WordsCompleted The protagonist is reborn in the world of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. What are the Five Mountains Sword Alliance, the Sunflower Manual, or the Dugu Nine Swords compared to doing whatever you please? The martial world is simply a place where people clash with one another. 47Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A wandering swordsman ventures into the imperial court; a tale of officialdom.

17. 317 简 A Simple Guide to Japanese History 简读日本史 Zhang Hongjie张宏杰Historical318k WordsCompleted Japan is a particularly unusual country. Its cultural core is remarkably stable, while its outward appearance changes with ease, leaving the world unable to pin it down. Only by understanding the unique nature of Japanese history and the Japanese spirit can we grasp Japan’s influence on the course of East Asian and even world history. This book presents readers with a rich, multidimensional history of Japan through four lenses. Part One begins with the distinctive Japanese view of sex, analyzing 1.9kReads9.4Score406Shelves
18. 318 楚 The Feast at Hongmen 楚汉鸿门宴 Can't Cry哭不得Historical334k WordsOngoing A new story is here! Come read my work on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your support is what keeps me writing, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 16Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Absolutely stunning! Deep and meaningful!

19. 319 北 Scheming for Power in Northern Wei: This Xuande Is Too Powerful 北魏谋国：这个玄德太强了 Dudu Who Lives on the Moon住在月亮上的嘟嘟Historical3.2M WordsCompleted (An alternate-history story, not based on official history) Liu Jing transmigrates to the city of Sishi in Northern Wei during its final years. There he unexpectedly meets the teenage Yang Zhong, still a farmer, and the rich young heir Gao Aocao. Thanks to the Liu family’s ancestral secret art, he successfully fools the two brothers into swearing brotherhood over chicken in a field of chrysanthemums. History would call them the “Three Chrysanthemum Brothers.” Later, Liu Jing becomes Er Zhu Rong’ 3.6kReads7.3Score231Shelves

    Reader note

    A masterpiece of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the revival of the Han Dynasty.

20. 320 胜 Defying Heaven by Half a Move: I Am Cao Cao’s Legitimate Eldest Son 胜天半子，我才是曹操嫡长子 Xuan Xi Thirteen轩羲十三Historical574k WordsOngoing Not an invincible hero story. Respects history, with humor and gravitas side by side, and plenty of laughs and tears! Cao Yang, a history PhD from Changdu University, one of China's 985 universities, transmigrates to the Three Kingdoms for the first time and becomes Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Ang. Though he survives the Battle of Wancheng, the butterfly effect and chaos in time and space ultimately lead to his assassination. When he wakes up a second time, he knows that academic credentials are u 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is very good. It's a time-travel story with no system.

21. 321 1 1853: Measuring the Nation's Territory with Cannons 1853：用大炮去丈量国土面积 Lone Angler独钓客Historical619k WordsCompleted The protagonist accidentally transmigrates to the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. See how he restores China during the late Qing Dynasty. Between the realm and the women he loves, he sees through all the ways of the world and enjoys a life of freedom. Then he strides boldly into the surging current of history. 1.2kReads7.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is worth reading.

22. 322 智 The Last Scion of the Zhi Clan: Everyone in My Warring States Era Is Evil 智氏遗孤：我的战国全员恶人 More or Less Me我差不多Historical521k WordsOngoing Jinyang City fell, and a century of glory for the Zhi clan was wiped out overnight. Zhi Yuan fled west to Qin, carrying the mysterious infant girl A Yan, who bore the power of “recursion.” But he was drawn into a life-or-death war between Qin and the ancient evil known as the “Darkborn.” The brilliant Zhi Wenshu concealed her identity in Qi, stirring up a storm at the Jixia Academy. With the world as her chessboard, she laid a web of secrets aimed at the Three Jin states. The fierce warrior Zhi 2Reads6.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this book; it's pretty good, you can give it a try.

23. 323 韩 South Korea (Third Edition) 韩国（第3版） Dong Xiangrong Song Wenzhi董向荣 宋文志Historical226k WordsCompleted The Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea, lies in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It borders North Korea to the north and is surrounded by sea on three sides. Since the 1960s, South Korea has attracted large amounts of foreign investment and technology, transforming itself in just half a century from a backward agricultural nation into an industrial powerhouse built on electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, and finance. Its gross national product and per capi —Reads8.4Score—Shelves
24. 324 大 The Iron-Boned Ming, Zhu Qizhen the Fortress Emperor 大明硬骨头，堡宗朱祁镇 Book Silkworm书蚕虫Historical204k WordsOngoing [No System, no golden finger, no overpowered protagonist, no crushing everyone with brute force] On the eve of the Tumu Crisis, he transmigrates as Zhu Qizhen and is emperor for just one day. Why did Zhu Qizhen clear Wang Zhen's name? Was the Zhu Qizhen who returned to power in history really the same man? Did the Ming dynasty truly begin its decline with him? Of the sixteen Ming emperors, how many met a clear-cut end? He must survive first. Only then can he think about anything else. With three 729Reads—Score117Shelves

    Reader note

    A new interpretation of the Tumu Crisis: the Ming Dynasty shouldn't be judged as the Qing Dynasty's history...

25. 325 明 Ming: The Goddess Chronicles 明：神女记 Yongle Yuan Ying永乐元樱Ancient Romance225k WordsCompleted Modern office worker Yang Xiaoqing plunges from a cliff amid blazing flames and yellow sand, only to land in a Ming army camp. Falling from the sky and seemingly immortal, she is hailed as the "Heavenly Oracle Goddess," and the wheels of fate begin to turn. Before the alcohol has even worn off, she finds a black-armored general holding a sword to her throat. He is none other than Prince Yan Zhu Di, the future Yongle Emperor! A golden star chart suddenly appears in her palm, and the battlefield's 26Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book, it's so addictive!

26. 326 李 Li Si Reborn: Flaying Zhao Gao Alive and Securing 800 Years for the Qin Dynasty 李斯重生，活剐赵高，秦祚八百年 Frost-Mirror Wanderer霜鉴客Historical489k WordsCompleted Li Si and Ying Zheng, two great heroes, are reborn with the bloodline of the Human Emperor. They command the destiny of humanity, and the human race finally stands tall. From this day forward, humanity shall reign supreme beneath the heavens! Li Si is reborn in Qin and carefully helps Ying Zheng unify the six states and restore order to the realm, while tearing Zhao Gao apart with his own hands to avenge his past-life grudge! The two accidentally uncover a world-shaking secret: Ji Fa and Jiang Z 32Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's so good, I'm urging for more updates every day!

27. 327 欧 A Complete History of Europe 欧洲全史 He Bingsong何炳松Historical421k WordsCompleted A Complete History of Europe is divided into two parts: A History of Medieval Europe and A History of Early Modern Europe. A History of Medieval Europe traces Europe’s history from the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD through the 16th century. A History of Early Modern Europe focuses on the period from the rise of representative government and science in the early 17th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The book covers the politics, economy, thought, and a 142Reads9.3Score—Shelves
28. 328 大 The Rise and Fall of the British Empire 大英帝国的崛起和衰落 Lawrence James劳伦斯·詹姆斯Historical527k WordsCompleted The Rise and Fall of the British Empire offers a sweeping panorama of the empire's history, from the Elizabethan era through the late twentieth century. In Part One, the author praises the early adventurers who helped build the British Empire, along with the hard work of generations of settlers. Part Two tells how Britain fought rival empires to maintain its dominance, culminating in victory in the Napoleonic Wars and the beginning of a century of British supremacy. Part Three covers the height 211Reads9.4Score—Shelves
29. 329 问 Why Await Heaven's Will to Claim the Throne? I Shall Take It Myself 问鼎何需天意，寡人自取之 Your Uncle Next Door隔壁你二叔Historical328k WordsOngoing In the final years of the Great Jing Dynasty, a foolish emperor mistrusted loyal officials, while the treacherous Liu Fu held power. The people suffered terribly. Xiao Ce, the orphaned son of a military family, witnessed his parents die in battle and thirty thousand elite soldiers perish at Frostwolf Valley. From that day on, he took up the bloodstained tiger tally and rose from the desperate northern frontier. Over the following years, he led a hundred thousand soldiers through more than a hund —Reads7.6Score—Shelves
30. 330 选 Choose a Hero to Change History? Hold On, Let Me Try First 选英雄改变历史？等等，我先逝逝 Long Slow久缓Historical2.5M WordsOngoing When a major figure of an era runs into serious trouble, history is left with regrets. To set history right, the protagonist, Xi Zixin, is basically useless, so he has to rely on historical figures summoned from other eras to turn the tide and resolve those lingering regrets. The White-Haired Army of the Tang Dynasty, the Battle of Baoning in the Southern Ming, the First Emperor burning books and burying scholars... 249Reads8.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    By depicting the protagonist's life and death from multiple perspectives, the film portrays historical regrets, and then introduces historical figures to rectify those regrets. Does that make it more engaging? [Heart emoji]

31. 331 美 The Story of America (Seven Volumes) 美国的故事（七册） Bi Lan毕蓝Historical701k WordsCompleted Teacher Bi Lan spent more than twenty years in the United States, going from seeing America to seeing through it. With her thoughtful, sincere, and witty writing, she began writing about America on her blog in 2010, starting with the Mayflower, and she is still updating it today. Readers have praised her history of America as “concise but not simplistic, rigorous but not humorless.” If you want to understand what America is really all about, why not let Teacher Bi Lan tell you its story… 699Reads9.5Score163Shelves
32. 332 忆 Remembering Song: The Ultimate Battle of Wits [Northern Song Arc] 忆宋：顶级权谋对决【北宋篇】 Snow at Nightfall夜阑雪Historical501k WordsCompleted [The author is a junior fellow of Dang Nian Ming Yue. Thanks to him for his sincere encouragement and support. I dedicate this work to Those Things in the Ming Dynasty and pay tribute to Dang Nian Ming Yue!] After experiencing so much and seeing all kinds of men and women around us, after growing used to desire and entanglements, deception and temptation, and looking back across history, we have all come to accept things as they are. The core of history, human nature, has never changed over thou 3.3kReads9.4Score450Shelves

    Reader note

    A 9.4-rated masterpiece! The political intrigue of the Northern Song Dynasty is taken to its extreme, becoming increasingly addictive with each reading! The opening is explosive! How did Zhao Kuangyin secure his rule with just three moves? In the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, surrounded by powerful ministers and treacherous schemes, how did he manage to turn the tide? The novel exposes intricate details of political maneuvering that even historical records dare not mention! This is not a mindless wish-fulfillment story! It references over 20 historical materials to recreate the true political intrigue: Guo Wei's cunning schemes, Chai Rong's calculated ambition—every step is a life-or-death gamble, every word a calculated move. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, impossible to put down! A must-read for working professionals seeking survival wisdom! From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of power, Zhao Kuangyin's strategies for choosing sides and breaking through power barriers remain relevant today! Completed with a 9.4 rating and zero negative reviews, you'll regret missing it!

33. 333 世 A General History of the World (10 Volumes) 世界通史（全十册） Li Nan李楠Historical937k WordsCompleted This book explores the evolution of world history, the development of world civilizations, and their impact on modern society. Taking a global perspective, it focuses on influential historical events that helped shape the course of history. Its topics include primitive societies, ancient civilizations across Eurasia, early civilizations across Eurasia, the world beyond Eurasia, a world divided into regions, the rise of the West, a world ruled by Western powers, and the West's decline and success 2kReads9.5Score531Shelves
34. 334 笑 History That'll Make You Laugh 笑翻文史 Expanding Knowledge Capacity宏量扩识342k WordsCompleted A one-of-a-kind approach to telling stories about history and literature, a “Swiss Army knife” for broadening your knowledge and enriching your inner life. History itself is a master storyteller. Come on, let's listen to five thousand years of stories! 6Reads6.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A must-read book for history buffs

35. 335 冒 Passing Myself Off as a Tang: Wowing the World and Aiding Zhenguan 冒姓大唐：技惊天下助贞观 Expanding Knowledge Capacity宏量扩识Historical363k WordsOngoing Real historical events and figures are woven into the story, bringing to life the grandeur and pulse of the Zhenguan era. From papermaking, soapmaking, and composting to water-powered machinery and improved weapons, each step faithfully recreates the Tang dynasty's path of technological innovation. Watch a tech enthusiast use “frivolous tricks and gadgets” to spar with censors, charm generals, and match wits with famous ministers, bringing a refreshingly unconventional flair to the Zhenguan cour 2Reads—Score—Shelves
36. 336 山 Blood and Tears Across the Land 山河泣血 Firebird on the Iceberg冰山上的火鸟Historical437k WordsOngoing In the first year of Jingkang, northern horsemen swept south and Bianliang fell. The emperors Huizong and Qinzong were taken captive, and the Northern Song dynasty was brought to ruin. Cao Gang watched the palaces reduced to rubble and the people driven from their homes. He once led a force to resist, but the court was incompetent and factional strife ran rampant, making it impossible to turn the tide. After the city fell, he lost heart and gave himself over to despair. On the road into exile, 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A novel based on real history, without a system, time travel, or cheat codes, featuring a single female protagonist. The writing is excellent, interspersed with poetry and prose, the plot is vivid, and the characters are lifelike.

37. 337 魂 Reborn as Han Xin, I Defeat Xiang Yu and Liu Bang to Unite the World 魂穿韩信灭项羽刘邦一统天下 Coco and Yiyi West of Jiangnan江南以西可可和一一Historical258k WordsOngoing Soul Transmigration and Rebirth + Historical Research + Power Progression and Conquest + Changing History + A World of Beauties In 196 BC, inside the Bell Chamber of Changle Palace, Xiao He and Empress Lu stand side by side at the top of the steps. Han Xin: "I regret not taking Kuai Tong's advice. I was deceived by women and children. Was this not fate? In my next life, I'll kill Liu Bang and sleep with Lü Zhi!" Han Ke, a graduate student in history at Peking University, wakes up to discover tha 270Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I really can't stop.

38. 338 盟 The Mengjin Crossing 盟津渡 Facing South from the Mountain朝山南Historical267k WordsCompleted Also known as The Awakening of the Ferry Boy. Wu Heyuan, a young man from a Yellow River ferry crossing, suffers the massacre of his entire family, and his younger sister goes missing. After delivering a letter to the Weishui Alliance for a mysterious stranger, he becomes Jiang Shang’s disciple and embarks on a path of political intrigue. When his sister is trained to become an enemy nation’s assassin, when his beloved tastes poison to save him from the brink of death, and when his master gives —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This historical novel is excellent, of high quality, with delicate writing, sound logic, and a captivating, suspenseful plot.

39. 339 洪 The Hongwu Secret Files: The Untold History of Zhu Yuanzhang 洪武密档：朱元璋不为人知的历史 Ren Xiao任逍Historical453k WordsCompleted 🔥 Tomato’s masterpiece of mystery and investigation, Hongwu Secret Files: The Untold History of Zhu Yuanzhang, unveils the forbidden secrets of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Great Ming! 📜 Born into abject poverty, the cowherd Zhu Chongba went from begging as a monk at Huangjue Temple to becoming a warlord of the Red Turban Army. In the end, he climbed to the throne over the corpses of Chen Youliang and Zhang Shicheng. Yet behind this legendary rise lurk bloody mysteries that officia 11Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In the winter of the third year of the Hongwu reign, the air inside the Fengtian Hall in Yingtian was bitterly cold. Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in a dragon robe, sat on his throne. On the table were ten gilded iron certificates of immunity from death, each engraved with the name of a meritorious official and the words "immunity from death three times." Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, Li Shanchang, and other founding heroes, arranged according to their ranks, stood bowing in the hall, their eyes fixed on the gleaming iron certificates. "Today, we reward those who have rendered meritorious service," Zhu Yuanzhang's voice echoed through the hall, carrying the majesty of an emperor, "You have all followed me through life and death, conquering the Ming Dynasty. These iron certificates of immunity from death are my promise to you—except for the crime of treason, you are exempt from the death penalty three times!" The eunuchs then distributed the iron certificates to the meritorious officials in turn. Xu Da accepted the iron certificate with both hands, bowed deeply in gratitude, and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace and will certainly dedicate myself to the Ming Dynasty!" Chang Yuchun accepted the iron certificate and loudly proclaimed, "I am willing to protect the Ming Dynasty with my life. This certificate is good, but I only wish that I never have to use it!" The meritorious officials all accepted their certificates, except for one figure who stood still and did not step forward—was that Marquis of Ji'an, Lu Zhongheng? No, it was Marquis of Jiangyin, Wu Liang. Wu Liang was from Haozhou. When Zhu Yuanzhang raised his army, he defended Jiangyin for ten years, resisting Zhang Shicheng's hundreds of thousands of troops, and was known as the "Shield of Eastern Wu." In terms of merit, he should be ranked among the top five. Seeing that he did not move, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly: "Wu Liang, why do you not accept the iron certificate?" Wu Liang stepped forward, bowed but did not raise his head: "Your Majesty, I dare not accept this iron certificate of immunity from death." The whole hall was in an uproar. Li Shanchang couldn't help but speak up: "General Wu, this is His Majesty's grace, something many would covet. Why do you refuse?" Wu Liang raised his head, his eyes clear: "I know full well that a pardon is not a talisman, but a death warrant. During the Warring States period, Lord Xinling stole the pardon to save Zhao, but in his later years, he was suspected by the King of Wei; in the early Han Dynasty, Han Xin's merits overshadowed his lord, but he ultimately died in Changle Palace. If I accept this pardon, I fear that my 'merits' will bring disaster upon my family in the future." Zhu Yuanzhang tightened his grip on the armrest of the dragon throne, his tone turning colder: "Do you think I would kill meritorious officials like the King of Wei or Emperor Gaozu of Han?" "I dare not presume to know Your Majesty's thoughts," Wu Liang kowtowed, "but I would rather guard my meager fields in Jiangyin, retire from the army, and live out my remaining years in peace. My merits were earned by following Your Majesty. If Your Majesty does not trust me in the future, even an iron pardon cannot protect me; if Your Majesty trusts me, even without an iron pardon, I can die peacefully." Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him for a long time; the hall was so quiet that the crackling of the candlelight could be heard. After a while, he suddenly laughed: "What a fine 'retirement from the army'! Wu Liang, you're quite insightful. Since you don't want this iron certificate, I will grant your request. Starting tomorrow, you will relinquish your military power and return to Jiangyin to retire." Wu Liang was overjoyed and kowtowed repeatedly: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your generosity!" The other meritorious officials looked at Wu Liang, some with envy, some with confusion—the iron certificate of immunity from death was a life-saving charm, yet he just threw it away? Xu Da quietly tugged at Wu Liang's sleeve and whispered: "Brother Wu, why are you doing this? With this certificate, even if you make a mistake in the future, you can still save your life." Wu Liang simply shook his head: "Brother Xu, His Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition, but also very suspicious. This iron certificate is a favor today, but it may be evidence of a crime tomorrow. It's best if we're careful." Xu Da seemed to understand, but in the end, he still put the iron certificate into his pocket. The next day, Wu Liang relinquished his military power and left Yingtian with his family, returning to his hometown of Jiangyin. There, he cultivated farmland, raised chickens, and grew vegetables, never associating with local officials or discussing court affairs. Someone once advised him, "Lord Marquis, you are a founding hero; even after retiring, you should enjoy wealth and honor. Why toil so hard?" Wu Liang simply smiled, "Wealth and honor are fleeting; stability is true happiness. I am content to live to see my wife and children safe and sound." Days passed, but the political turmoil at court intensified. In the thirteenth year of the Hongwu reign, the Hu Weiyong case erupted. Zhu Yuanzhang executed Hu Weiyong for "treason," implicating over 30,000 people. Li Shanchang, despite having an iron certificate of immunity from death due to his past acquaintance with Hu Weiyong, was still sentenced to death, and his entire family was executed. Before his execution, Li Shanchang gazed at the sky and suddenly remembered Wu Liang's words from years ago, smiling bitterly: "If I had refused that iron certificate back then, perhaps I wouldn't be in this state today." In the twenty-sixth year of Hongwu's reign, the Lan Yu case erupted. Lan Yu was skinned alive and stuffed with straw. Meritorious officials like Fu Youde and Feng Sheng were successively given death sentences. Although Xu Da died young, rumors circulated that he was killed by a roast goose bestowed upon him by Zhu Yuanzhang. Of the meritorious officials who received the iron certificate of immunity from death, almost none, except for the early-deceased Chang Yuchun, met a good end. The iron certificate became a "death warrant," and the words "immunity from death" engraved on it became the greatest irony. Meanwhile, Wu Liang, far away in Jiangyin, lived a peaceful life. Local officials repeatedly submitted memorials praising Wu Liang for being "law-abiding and beloved by the people." Each time Zhu Yuanzhang saw the memorials, he merely nodded indifferently, never harboring any suspicion towards Wu Liang. Someone once advised Zhu Yuanzhang, "Although Wu Liang has retired from the military, he still holds considerable prestige. If someone were to use his name to plot a rebellion in the future, it could become a disaster." Zhu Yuanzhang replied, "If Wu Liang wanted to rebel, he would have done so when he was defending Jiangyin. Why wait until today? He is a wise man; he knows what he should and shouldn't do." In the fourteenth year of the Hongwu reign (1389), Wu Liang died at home at the age of fifty-eight. Upon hearing the news, Zhu Yuanzhang suspended court for a day, sent an eunuch to Jiangyin to offer sacrifices, and posthumously conferred upon Wu Liang the title of Duke of Jiang, bestowing upon him the posthumous name "Xianglie." Wu Liang's family was also treated well, and his descendants lived peacefully and prosperously in Jiangyin, never becoming involved in court intrigues. Wu Liang's son, Wu Gao, later entered the court as an official. Someone asked him, "When your father refused the iron certificate of immunity from death, did he foresee the upheaval in the court?" Wu Gao sighed, "My father said that the Emperor's favor could be accepted or refused; but the human heart is unpredictable, and the Emperor's trust is more important than any iron certificate. He didn't want the certificate because he didn't want the Emperor to think he was arrogant or presumptuous, nor did he want to have any thoughts of acting recklessly because of the certificate." Later, someone found a will he wrote to his descendants at Wu Liang's former residence, which read: "We followed His Majesty in conquering the world, and achieving fame and success is already a blessing. Remember, one must not covet the Emperor's favor, nor cling to the position of a powerful minister. Living a peaceful life and protecting one's wife and children is the greatest blessing." This will was later included in the "History of Ming," and Wu Liang became one of the few founding heroes of the Hongwu era who died peacefully. Whenever later generations recall those bloody cases of meritorious officials, they think of the Marquis of Jiangyin who refused the iron certificate of immunity from death. He didn't have a glittering certificate to protect him, but through his clear-headedness and dutiful choice, he protected himself and his family's lives amidst the bloodshed of the Hongwu era. Those meritorious officials who once treasured these certificates ultimately became victims of the power struggles within the imperial court. They never understood that Zhu Yuanzhang's promise of immunity was never a guaranteed guarantee, but rather a game of chess testing people's hearts—only Wu Liang saw through the game's essence and voluntarily sacrificed himself, thus escaping unscathed.

40. 340 老 My Dad Is Su Dongpo, My Wife Is Li Qingzhao, and My Bro Is Emperor Huizong 老爹苏东坡老婆李清照老铁宋徽宗 Wen Qingru文卿如Historical1.4M WordsOngoing Tags: No System, not a mindless power fantasy, meticulous historical research, slow burn, personal growth, one heroine An utterly ordinary art student transmigrates as Su Dun, the prematurely deceased youngest son of the legendary Su Dongpo. A quick calculation tells him When his father goes to Huizhou to eat lychees, he’ll be eleven. When his father goes to Hainan Island to eat clams, he’ll be fourteen. When his father is pardoned and dies in Changzhou, he’ll be seventeen. When Cai Jing erects 11.4kReads8.5Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The idea originated from reading Li Yibing's "Biography of Su Dongpo," where I discovered that Su Dongpo's youngest son, Su Dun, who died young, was the same age as Li Qingzhao and Emperor Huizong of Song. (All historical figures are portrayed as close to their original personalities as possible, without personal interpretations.) (A logically sound and enjoyable story; the protagonist's cheat abilities are the essential memory-enhancing ability for time travelers, plus his father Su Dongpo's exceptional learning talent.) (The protagonist is an ancient person with modern memories, not a modern person who time-traveled. His personality is that of a Confucian gentleman, embodying the Six Arts of a gentleman, skilled in both literature and martial arts, aspiring to the ideal of the perfect man, Fan Zhongyan.) (The marriage is modeled after the marriages of figures like Sima Guang, Wang Anshi, Su Zhe, and Emperor Xiaozong of Ming—monogamy and soulmates. The female lead will not be weakened; she will fully showcase her talents, shining brightly in the newspaper and media industries. However, since this is a male-oriented story, the female lead's role will not be particularly prominent.) (All the technological advancements the protagonist pursues are feasible under ancient conditions.)

41. 341 中 Reviving the Great Ming: A Lone Minister Founds Constitutional Rule 中兴大明，我以孤臣开宪政 Starry Words星星语话Historical731k WordsOngoing The protagonist, Su Ran, transmigrates into another world when the Tianqi Great Explosion occurs. Through a stroke of fortune, he takes over the original owner’s body and enters the chaotic final years of the Ming Dynasty. See: A modern transmigrator versus the chosen one of the age. Heaven itself seems determined to help the Qing, the chosen ones of this world, sending one disaster after another: droughts, locust plagues, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis... A whole new game of political intrigue, 49Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend it!

42. 342 天 The World Is Falling Apart: Escape from Tumu Fortress and Flee for My Life! 天崩：逃出土木堡，亡命狼居胥！ Book Silkworm书蚕虫Historical450k WordsOngoing [Survival of the Fittest] [No System] [Political Intrigue] He transmigrates into Zhu Qizhen. He is emperor for just one day, before being forced to flee into the snowy north. The Battle of Tumu is riddled with unanswered questions. First, he has to stay alive. Only then can he think about anything else... 13Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No system, no knowledge of history. On the night of Tumu Fortress, he transmigrated and killed Wang Zhen. He reigned as emperor for only a day, sending his double south only to be captured, while he led three thousand remaining soldiers north, starving and freezing. Snowfields, blizzards, starvation, wolf packs… No cheat codes, only survival in dire straits. Meanwhile, Zhu Qiyu in the capital, watching the empty treasury, defended the borders with Yu Qian. Two parallel storylines, one overt, one covert. This is the Ming Dynasty's toughest bone, its coldest blade.

43. 343 关 About Being Deposed After 27 Days: I Give Up Fighting Back! 关于27天被废，我放弃了挣扎！ Wine and Meat Pass Through the Gut酒肉穿肠Historical409k WordsCompleted [Transmigration] + [Emperor] + [Absurdity] + [Turning the Tables Against All Odds] A modern-day nobody transmigrates into Liu He, who is about to ascend the throne but will reign for just 27 days. Throughout history, there have been plenty of “pathetic fools” we always laugh at. If we were in their shoes, could we really do any better? History may sometimes seem absurd, but on closer inspection, it has its own logic. Knowing that he is destined to be deposed, can he find a different ending? Watc 17Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Super super super good-looking

44. 344 激 Fierce Resistance War 激情抗战 Spring Breeze Leaves No Trace 007春风了无痕007Urban271k WordsCompleted [Alternate history + transmigration + heroes + espionage + behind enemy lines + the spirit of Bright Sword + multiple heroines + revenge] Shen Guohui, a police academy student, transmigrates to Jinling in 1937 while visiting the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. Enraged, he kills Iwane Matsui, the Japanese army's supreme commander. With help from Jiang Dan, his family's tutor, he escapes the residence and runs into Luo Manyun, Chen Gang, and other Nationalist special forces operatives planning an 61Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The excitement never stops!

45. 345 隋 Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties: Shan Tianfang's Storytelling Edition 隋唐演义之单田芳评书版 Yuan Shiren袁始人Historical472k WordsOngoing I’m a big fan of the storytelling performances by Master Shan Tianfang. Sometimes I wish I could read the words while listening, so I could mull over them more carefully. Today, thanks to this platform, my wish has come true. —Reads—Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    When talking about historical novels, one cannot ignore "Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties." This was the first novel to feature Cheng Yaojin, along with Lu Xun, Lin Zong, Shan Xiongxin, the leader of the bandits, Wagang Mountain from "Water Margin," and Li Shimin's rise from nothing to power, from demotion to rebellion to becoming king. There are so many interesting stories. For those who find classical Chinese inconvenient, here is a storytelling version that you will definitely understand. This is the manuscript of Mr. Shan Tianfang's storytelling of "Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties."

46. 346 古 I Was a Salt Merchant in Ancient Times 古代我是一个盐贩子 Fat Guy Who Loves Ketchup爱吃番茄酱的胖子Historical676k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Cunning + Meticulous + Lighthearted + Farming + Conquest] Wu An is reborn into a chaotic era. An empire beset by internal and external crises is already nearing its end. Natural disasters and human calamities drive the people to rise up. What will he do now...? Amid clashing swords and tender beauty, he gradually loses himself in this era... 749Reads8.3Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    The plot is both lighthearted and well-structured, telling the story of the protagonist's gradual rise to power and domination. Those interested can check it out.

47. 347 浮 A Thousand Years of Mortal Life 浮生千秋录 Spring and Autumn, Dreams Change春秋易梦Historical1.1M WordsOngoing Let the history-makers who seem so rigid in our memories sit down and talk with you like elders or friends, recounting the mistakes they made in life. Conviction runs through every part of the stories, both historical and present-day. Compassion is one of the rarest lights in human nature. But behind the light lies shadow. History has no what-ifs, and it never follows a straight line. 3Reads—Score145Shelves

    Reader note

    "Faith permeates every story in history and reality, and compassion is a rare glimmer of light in humanity. But behind that light lies shadow."

48. 348 大 Wang Pu, a Young Man Past His Prime 大龄青年王普 Spring Breeze Leaves No Trace 007春风了无痕007Urban476k WordsCompleted [Multiple heroines, romance, countryside, entrepreneurship, lesbian romance, and an older bachelor] Wang Pu returns to his village, where the neighborhood gossips surround him and laugh mockingly. Wang Pu develops the pond south of the village into an eco-farm. As the village committee brings in young officials and the local economy grows, Wang Pu makes a comeback and is elected, leading his fellow villagers down the road to prosperity. His love life, career, and political prospects all flourish 4Reads8.1Score—Shelves
49. 349 冮 Gangcheng Storm 冮城风暴 Spring Breeze Leaves No Trace 007春风了无痕007Mystery414k WordsCompleted [Officialdom + Power Plays + Big Shots + Suspense + Business + Deduction] A woman jumps to her death, and the clues point to the senior management of Jiangzhou Group. Canada’s Shen Group moves in, along with America’s Grid and Japan’s Cai Si… Who is the player, and who is the pawn? Power struggles in high places draw government officials into the fray… Powerful officials make their moves, foreign forces intervene, and a contest unfolds over the nation’s major Jiangzhou No. 1 Project… The male an 358Reads8.5Score—Shelves
50. 350 大 The Great Ming's Lord of the Seas 大明镇海王 Arctic Roasted Sweet Potato北极烤地瓜Historical2.1M WordsOngoing [Ming dynasty, soul transmigration, saving the Crown Princess, saving Zhu Ying, saving Zhu Biao, saving Empress Ma, saving Xu Da, saving Lan Yu] Zhang Wuxian transmigrates to the eleventh year of Hongwu. He plans to lie flat and do nothing, but his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder won’t let him tolerate anything “illogical,” so he has to fix it all. Even more absurdly, he has a System in his head that automatically provides solutions and supplies every time his compulsions flare up, and it d 2.3kReads—Score192Shelves

    Reader note

    A captivating historical novel. Also known as *The Ming Dynasty: I Really Just Want to Lie Down*, *Hongwu: Your Majesty, I'm Ill*, *The Ming Dynasty's Chief Physician*, and *The Ming Dynasty's King of Zhenhai*. Zhang Wuxian, a 36-year-old failed entrepreneur, transmigrates to the eleventh year of the Hongwu Emperor's reign, becoming a spirited 20-year-old. He initially wanted to live a carefree, easy life, but his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder prevented him from seeing anything "unreasonable"—wrong grain prices had to be changed, backward medical care had to be changed, the army had to be changed, and even the Ming Dynasty's failure to conquer the world had to be changed. Even more absurdly, he possessed a system in his mind that automatically provided solutions and resources whenever his obsessive-compulsive disorder flared up, all free of charge. Thus—he saved the critically ill Crown Princess Chang, ensuring the survival of Chang Yuchun's daughter; he vaccinated the eldest grandson, Zhu Xiong Ying, who should have died at eight, and the child thrived; he administered intravenous fluids to Empress Ma when she was critically ill, extending Zhu Yuanzhang's beloved woman's life by twenty years; he diagnosed Zhu Biao's terminal illness in advance, preventing the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty from dying young. With these four men alive, the history of the Ming Dynasty was completely rewritten—the Jianwen Emperor was gone, the Jingnan Rebellion was over, and the Lan Yu case was a thing of the past. Empress Ma adopted him as her godson, calling him "this is my son" to everyone she met; Zhu Biao and Zhu Di addressed him as brothers, one calling him "my virtuous brother" and the other "brother-in-law"; Xu Da offered his daughter in marriage to him, making him the son-in-law of the Duke of Wei; Lan Yu regarded him as his savior, even taking a knife for him in court. Zhu Yuanzhang patted him on the shoulder and said, "The most diligent person I've ever met is you." Zhang Wuxian replied tearfully, "Your Majesty, I'm not diligent... I'm ill!" Later, he led Zheng He to conquer the Iwami Silver Mine, crossed the Pacific Ocean to discover the Americas, and planted the Ming Dynasty's flag all over the world. On the day the Ming Dynasty unified the world, he could finally retire. But a tree in the courtyard was planted crookedly...

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