High-IQ Historical Alternate-World Novels Without a System, Tang, Song, or Ming Are All Fine 历史类型不要系统，唐宋明都可以，智商在线

1. 551 大 Great Ming Heavenly Qaghan: I Almost Ran Away After Transmigrating 大明天可汗：穿越后我差点跑路 Yan Wu Bayi言午八一Historical317k WordsCompleted The land of China shall be ours, and the sun and moon shall usher in a new Ming dynasty! In the seventh year of the Tianqi reign, the Ming dynasty was teetering on the brink. Beyond its borders, the Jianzhou Jurchens watched hungrily, plotting to seize the land of China. Within, peasant rebellions were about to erupt, while millions of refugees lacked food and clothing. At this very moment, Zhu Qing, a university student from the twenty-first century, transmigrated into the body of the Chongzhen 2Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Without a system or cheat codes, the protagonist is just an ordinary person. After becoming emperor, can he really govern the entire empire well with only knowledge from later generations?

2. 552 关 On Transmigrating as Wang Jian's Daughter 关于穿越成为王翦之女这档事 Dew-Stained, Wind-Cut露染风裁Ancient Romance301k WordsCompleted (Original title: By Your Side) [First person (not an omniscient perspective; what you see isn’t necessarily what you think you see) + transmigration + multiple perspectives + two storylines (historical and alternate-history). Not a power fantasy!] During a hectic week of final exams, the heroine was tearing her hair out when she unexpectedly transmigrated to the Qin state at the end of the Warring States period. She even discovered that her father was Wang Jian and her older brother was Wang Ben 89Reads—Score—Shelves
3. 553 综 Qing Dynasty Crossover: When a Femme Fatale Becomes a Cannon Fodder 综清穿：当祸水穿成炮灰后 Biology Nerds Never Give Up生物狗永不认输Ancient Romance536k WordsCompleted [This story is complete. The new story, The Frail, Bewitching Favorite with the Cannon-Fodder Heroine’s Script, is now underway.] [Everyone’s darling + alternate history + System + wish fulfillment + romantic rival showdown. This is not a pure Qing Dynasty story, and history will change!!!] After dying as Zhao Hede, beloved consort of Emperor Cheng of Han, she entered the Quick Transmigration Bureau and made deals with figures from history in hopes of bringing her elder sister back to life. Worl 16.1kReads9.3Score942Shelves
4. 554 盛 Clouds of Smoke over the Flourishing Tang Dynasty 盛唐烟云 Wine Addict酒徒Historical1.6M WordsCompleted Wang Xun was a Chang’an playboy with no great ambitions, spending every day eating, drinking, and waiting to die. Then one wrong step turned him into a legendary figure for the ages. When the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, he joined Guo Ziyi’s eastern campaign to pacify the realm. He would witness the mighty Tang dynasty plunge from its peak into a rapid decline, its brilliant lights dimming in an instant. As the golden age of the Tang rose and fell, with countless difficult choices before him, 303Reads8.8Score—Shelves
5. 555 丹 Art Never Ages: Painting Beauties in Ancient Times 丹青不老，我在古代画美人 A Certain Nobleman某家大官人Rural Life512k WordsOngoing [No System, No golden finger, No Powerful Backing | Multiple Female Leads | Business-Building | Northern Song, Xuanhe Era] Shen Mo transmigrated to the Northern Song dynasty during the Xuanhe era and took over the body of a down-and-out scholar. With no special abilities or fortuitous encounters, he started from scratch, relying on ordinary livelihood skills and his talent for painting. He slowly built up a business and formed sincere, openhearted bonds with the women around him. He moved betwee 8.5kReads7.1Score886Shelves

   Reader note

   This story features no system or cheat codes, focuses on economic stability, and progresses slowly. It includes multiple female leads and is written in a quiet, understated style.

6. 556 盐 Salt and Iron 盐铁 It's Really a Dog真的是狗Historical387k WordsCompleted Liaodong is bitterly cold, and salt is worth its weight in gold. To save his parents, young Shen Huai pawns his hairpin for salt. But without a permit, the officials seize it. His father dies in prison, and his mother’s blood stains their doorstep. After a blizzard, he leaves his home behind and follows his uncle, a wandering man of the jianghu, onto the path of the black salt trade. From then on, he is drawn into the fateful abyss of salt and iron, military funds, and political power. At first, 453Reads—Score—Shelves
7. 557 秦 Peace Between Qin and Zhao 秦赵和 Xie Xie寫勰Historical122k WordsOngoing In 309 BC, Meng Yao, a beloved concubine of King Wuling of Zhao, gave birth to two sons. Before the elder was old enough to wear a child's cap, he died young. The younger was named He, and would become King Huiwen of Zhao. The rulers of the realm were vying for supremacy, and distinguished ministers such as Lin Xiangru and Lian Po entered government service. Qin preyed on the weaker states, leaving people across the land fearful for their lives. The Six Kingdoms formed an alliance in search of a 1Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A story of the Warring States period, featuring a large cast of characters, it's incredibly captivating; it has all the types you're looking for.

8. 558 瑾 An Ode to Jinshuang 瑾霜赋 Ran Xuan苒萱Ancient Romance344k WordsOngoing At the dawn of a chaotic age, she transmigrated as Xiao Qiao, using her superb medical skills to save lives, and her talents as a mechanical designer to devise ingenious traps for the battlefield. She met Zhou Yu when he was young, and they came to understand one another and stay by each other’s side, watching him grow from the young Zhou Lang, step by step, into a renowned commander admired throughout the land. A gentleman as beautiful as jade, peerless in the world. He was elegant and noble, 93Reads8.2Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   It's a historical novel set in ancient times, telling the story of Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao. The story unfolds gradually and the writing is quite good. Highly recommended.

9. 559 武 Emperor Wu’s Forbidden Love: The Beauty of Emperor Xiaowu 武帝之绝爱：孝武红颜 Dreaming and Soaring漫梦飞翔Ancient Romance226k WordsCompleted After Emperor Wen came the prosperous Han dynasty. Young Emperor Wu, Liu Che, ascended the throne full of ambition and vigor. He was not only a ruler of great vision, but also a passionate and romantic man. In his life, there was the fiery, headstrong Chen A'jiao, the gentle and virtuous Wei Zifu, and the peerlessly beautiful Lady Li... Yet among all his romances, one woman was the love of his life, and also the one least mentioned in the historical records. She was Lady Wang. Lady Wang was from 504Reads—Score—Shelves
10. 560 梦 Dreaming of Bianliang 梦回汴梁 Yi Xing Yiyi易行一意Historical266k WordsOngoing After transmigrating to the Northern Song dynasty, your choices are to pass the imperial examinations and enter officialdom, or to stir up the court. Lin Yan refuses to do either. Struck by lightning and transmigrated into the body of a poor scholar, he’s so hungry he has to gnaw on cold buns. But after reaching his breaking point, he scares off some thugs with a single “Bro, that’s awesome!” and becomes a hit at the teahouses by ghostwriting letters full of modern memes. He strolls through the 3Reads7.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This historical text is different.

11. 561 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 young man from the martial arts world venturing into officialdom – a book best read in one sitting.

12. 562 关 Tales of the Northern Song Dynasty 关于北宋的那些事 Can't Cry哭不得Historical2.0M WordsOngoing A new work is here! I hope you'll head over to Tomato Novel to read it. I hope you enjoy it. Your support is what keeps me writing, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 9.4kReads8.4Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This book can rival any historical novel on the entire internet!

13. 563 隋 The Warlord at the End of the Sui Dynasty 隋末枭雄 Successful Candidate及第Historical246k WordsOngoing [Warfare and conquest] + [Court intrigue] + [No System] + [No harem] + [Transmigration] The Sui has lost its prize, and the heroes of the land are vying for it. In the ninth year of Daye under the Sui, Yang Xuangan’s rebellion at Liyang is defeated, and he dies. His friend Li Mi flees alone, a fugitive with nowhere to turn. Shen Yan, a modern archaeology student, unexpectedly transmigrates his soul into the body of Li Mi, fleeing through the final years of the Sui Dynasty, fourteen hundred years 84Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No system + no harem + not brainless

14. 564 长EN The Ning Empire's Army 长宁帝军 Know White知白Historical5.3M WordsCompleted This world is divided among hundreds of countries, large and small. When it comes to warfare on land, the Ning Kingdom is virtually invincible. Its fierce armies, drawn from the four frontiers and four arsenals, sweep across the realm. Wherever the land stretches, Ning's banners can be planted. But beyond the sea, where its armies cannot reach, there are always those who refuse to submit. And so a young man took up his blade and halberd, and crossed the sea on a single reed. 488Reads9.4Score—Shelves
15. 565 两 The Han Dynasty’s Tumultuous Years (3-Book Set) 两汉风云（套装共3册） Little Clerk of the Bohai Sea渤海小吏Historical622k WordsCompleted Twenty-four battles reveal the shifting fortunes of four centuries under the Western and Eastern Han! Twenty-four clashes uncover truths obscured by the mists of history, both on the battlefield and at court! Why was Liu Bang, despite his clear advantages, besieged at Mount Baideng? What was the secret weapon that allowed Han cavalry to sweep across the Xiongnu during Emperor Wu’s reign? Why did Huo Guang, personally chosen by Emperor Wu, dare to risk deposing an emperor? Why did Wang Mang, welc 1.4kReads9.5Score393Shelves
16. 566 氪 Spending Money Doesn't Work? I'll Get Them Through the Long March With My Life 氪金没用？我用命带他们走完长征 Luo Luo's Luo Luo洛洛的洛洛Urban1.9M WordsCompleted “Guys, whatever you do, don’t trust that designer named Luo An! He’s a fraud!” Kuang Ge, a top streamer with tens of millions of followers, is bawling in his livestream like a three-hundred-pound toddler, clutching his VR headset and refusing to let go. “He said it was a relaxing travel game, but from the start he dumped me on a snowy mountain in forty-below temperatures!” “He said there’d be no pay-to-win or in-app purchases, but I had to risk my life just to get a cold, hard black bun!” “He sa 118.1kReads9.5Score14.8kShelves

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    Come on, come on, don't leave! Let's suffer together, sob sob sob, I'm so easily moved to tears!

17. 567 开 The Founding Hero 开国功贼 Wine Addict酒徒Historical1.7M WordsCompleted “The dark night gave me black eyes, but I used them to seek the light.”, Gu Cheng A dockworker who carried sacks for a living only wanted enough to eat and a wife to care for his mother. Yet fate kept hurling him into the air, then smashing him back down, leaving him battered and bruised. Though he endured hardship after hardship, his dreams still burned within him. He was a low-ranking officer under the great bandit Zhang Jinchen. He was Dou Jiande’s capable minister who brought order to chaos. 871Reads—Score126Shelves
18. 568 风 When the Wind Rises, the Clouds Soar 风禾尽起云飞扬 Guest at the Deer’s Call鹿鸣客Ancient Romance381k WordsOngoing I was born to a military family in Yunzhou, on the frontier. My youth was marred by hardship, and I was sent far beyond the border. After surviving countless brushes with death, I finally returned. Then my father and brothers were framed, and I had no choice but to come to the capital to save them. Heaven be praised, they were unharmed. The emperor showed me kindness, and I bore him a son. In times of crisis, I rooted out treacherous officials, defended against foreign enemies, and safeguarded t —Reads8.3Score—Shelves

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    My new book is out! Please support it! It's an alternate history story where the female protagonist rises from a frontier general to a powerful empress dowager. If you're interested, feel free to add it to your favorites and read it later. [Salute]

19. 569 大 Great Qin: The Northern Army Mutinies, and the Dragon Robe Suddenly Falls on Me 大秦：北军兵变，龙袍突然加在身 A White Horse Enters the Reed Flowers白马入芦花Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [War and Intrigue + Witty Schemer + Meticulous Historical Research + No System] “What are the Six Kingdoms to me? I shall lead Qin’s iron cavalry and conquer a vast realm!” I have a noble identity: the eldest son of the Great Qin Empire. I am Ying Fusu. A scion of the imperial house, the rightful heir of Great Qin. My father is Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of the Ages. Wang Ben is my brother-in-law, and Meng Tian is my close friend. I am the most legitimate and influential heir to this ancie 3kReads8.6Score234Shelves

    Reader note

    Both are time-travel stories, but without a system, how does a lazy prince who just wants to win without any effort live a comfortable life in the treacherous Tang Dynasty? Let's see how this "most down-to-earth time traveler in history" uses his modern wit and survival instincts to fleece his enemies, make a fortune, and crush his rivals in the vortex of power struggles!

20. 570 司 Sima Yi Transmigrates into Qin Hui 司马懿穿越秦桧 The True Story of A Dong阿东正传Historical1.2M WordsCompleted One day in the sixth month of the third year of the Jiaping reign, Sima Yi, who had feigned illness his entire life, finally fell truly ill. He had endured for a lifetime, and decades of living on tenterhooks had left him utterly exhausted. Fortunately, he had everything in place before his death. All he had to do was wait peacefully for it to come. What Sima Yi never expected, however, was that his long-awaited path to unleashing his pent-up ambition was far from over... 1.9kReads9.1Score187Shelves

    Reader note

    Don't be put off by the title; if you're interested, give it a try. The author updates three chapters daily.

21. 571 不 The Undying Starveling 不死饿殍 Yu Jinhe余瑾和Eastern Fantasy996k WordsOngoing Tomato Original: They all call me Shen Qianqiu, or the Undying Wretch. I survived the meat hooks used to butcher people for food, weathered the storms of the Tang and Song dynasties, and witnessed the flames of war under the Yuan and Ming... I have walked this mortal world for a thousand years. “They ate me for a thousand years. At last, they ate me into a god.” 3.3kReads—Score260Shelves

    Reader note

    If even a minor character's faction is this complex, the scope of this book is truly vast. World-building enthusiasts will be ecstatic.

22. 572 莫 Better Than the Clouds 莫若凌霄 Yue Guan月关Historical2.2M WordsCompleted Tang Congxin, an art school reject, unexpectedly arrives in a world ruled by an empress and becomes a fallen imperial grandson whose life is hanging by a thread. But even an abandoned child can aspire to greatness. A fallen imperial grandson should rise like a dragon. If my grandfather could be emperor, and my grandmother could be empress, then I, an abandoned child, can do it too. 27.2kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book is said to be written by a postdoctoral fellow in classical Chinese literature from Peking University, with profound writing skills. The second book objectively depicts the historical reality of the Ming Dynasty, where the people suffered due to factional strife, and it was made into the popular animated series "Shrimp". The sixth book was written by the historical genius Yue Guan, who is also the author of "Back to the Ming Dynasty to Be a Prince" from twenty years ago.

23. 573 开 From the Start, I Lifted Guanyinbi's Veil on Li Er's Wedding Night 开局李二大婚，我揭了观音婢头盖 Mountain Tiger虎山人Historical238k WordsCompleted History / transmigration / no golden finger / comedy / farming / political intrigue I transmigrated into Li Yuan's third son, Li Xuanba. With no golden finger, all I want is to stay alive. I grow grain, speculate in land, and muddle through life, determined to be a lucky mascot in the background of my second brother, Li Shimin until, on my wedding night, I foolishly lifted my second sister-in-law Guanyin Bi's veil. After my father gave me a thorough dressing-down, Li Xuanba finally understood T 1.3kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If you're looking for a good read, check out "Starting with Li Er's Grand Wedding, I Lifted Guanyin's Veil." The protagonist transmigrates into Li Yuan's third son, Li Xuanba, and is relentlessly chased and beaten by Li Yuan while also being targeted by Li Shimin. It's incredibly exciting and thrilling! Definitely worth reading!

24. 574 穿 Transmigrating to the Tang Dynasty: From High School Girl to Goddess Who Protects the Nation 穿越大唐：从高中女生到护国神女 Please Do Me a Favor, Blue Fatty请给我蓝胖子两个面子Ancient Romance1.6M WordsOngoing [The rating has just appeared and will rise later] No romance, with Emperor Wu. After waking from a nap, Tang Xiaoyuan landed right in front of Prince of Qin Li Shimin and Princess of Qin Zhangsun, just before the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Apart from her head being full of all kinds of web novels she'd read, the only "golden finger" she had was a polyester school uniform washed so often that it had faded white. She'd planned to lie low in a corner, eat her fill, and wait to die. Who knew that this 4.8kReads6.4Score526Shelves

    Reader note

    No romantic pairings, no idiocy, no cheat codes, no mindless fun... The only downside is that a book review imagined Wu Zetian couldn't ascend the throne, which caused many readers to avoid it. In reality, Wu Zetian is only 4 years old in the book.

25. 575 活 The Living Dead Dynasty 活死人王朝 Snail Enjoyer蜗享家Historical2.5M WordsOngoing Li Yu, a company commander in the Great Shun army stationed on the border in Youzhou, is wounded in a clash with northern raiders. To his surprise, he awakens a secret from his previous life. He comes from a collateral branch of the Li family, a military household in Youzhou. For generations, his family has guarded the bitterly cold borderlands beyond the Great Wall. If things had continued this way, life would have been peaceful enough. But the reigning empress of Great Shun, seated in Luoyang, 32.3kReads8.8Score2.4kShelves

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    Fictional history is still history✌ This book tells the story of an ancient zombie outbreak. The protagonist is a centurion, and the setting is a fictional dynasty. Based on its technology and military system, it should be based on the Tang Dynasty. The setting is very fresh, and the plot is currently fine. The author seems to be a newcomer, so you can give it a try. If you like it, please remember to support him. It's always tough for Tomato (the author) to write, so please read rationally.

26. 576 大 The Song Dynasty Textile Worker 大宋纺织工 Revised Version修正版Historical1.6M WordsOngoing This story takes place in an era very much like the historical Northern Song dynasty. Its physical world is also very similar to Earth as readers know it, composed of the elements on the periodic table. There is no spiritual energy and no ghosts. The only invisible thing is electricity. The protagonist’s golden finger is the ability to gain knowledge, though he needs some kind of medium to obtain it. This is a story with multiple female characters. It explores feelings, but not romance. There is 730Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Adding a system to a historical novel would make it less interesting, as it would be too overpowered. The protagonist of this book also has a cheat ability, which is the ability to acquire knowledge in his mind. The source of this knowledge will be explained in the second half of the book. It can be set up that there is a base station in the ionosphere that emits radio waves, and those radio waves are connected to a receiver in the protagonist's brain.

27. 577 明 Late Ming Qinhuai: New Songs from the Flower Boat Shake the Realm 明末秦淮：花船新曲震山河 Zhe Yuan喆元Ancient Romance438k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate Into a Deadly Predicament + Cheat Space + Strong Female Lead Building a Business] The moment I opened my eyes, I’d crushed the son of a Ming official, and a knife was already at my throat! Luckily, a scar on my wrist concealed a modern laboratory. A stun gun took down the brute, and I even had a bar management manual! Other people transmigrate and get caught up in palace intrigue. I went to the Qinhuai River and brought a run-down pleasure boat back to life. The girls from the lowe 102Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Three complete history books

28. 578 大 The Great Song’s Industrial Liangshan 大宋之工业梁山 Zhe Yuan喆元Historical230k WordsCompleted A collection of trope-defying scenes: Wu Song doesn’t fight a tiger; he’s a righteous man from Hangzhou in the historical records. Ximen Qing isn’t some domineering CEO, but a shy top student devoted to medical research. And there’s more: Hu Sanniang isn’t a bold heroine of the martial world, but an artsy young woman. What about Pan Jinlian? As it turns out, she’s the little maid who follows Sanniang around... Wang Yifan transmigrates to a different Liangshan. Watch as he stirs up a storm of blo 77Reads—Score—Shelves
29. 579 穿 Transmigrating to the Early Tang Dynasty to Build a Different Kind of Golden Age 穿越初唐打造另类盛世 Zhe Yuan喆元Historical790k WordsCompleted [On the Bloody Night at Xuanwu Gate, He Crashed Through History in an Off-Road RV] An earthquake in Tibet tore open space and time, sending retired combat engineer Yao Kem in and his vehicle tumbling into the ninth year of Wude. Before Xuanwu Gate, Li Shimin’s sword was aimed at the crown prince. The cold gleam of its edge met the roar of the diesel engine as Yao’s vehicle surged forward. As drones skimmed over Chang’an, the lost bronze gears of the Mohists meshed perfectly with the patterns o 302Reads—Score—Shelves
30. 580 上 Last Season's Palace Intrigue Champion Is Now Ruling from Behind the Curtain 上一届宫斗冠军，现在垂帘听政了 The Visitor Sings of Yantai来者歌燕台Ancient Romance322k WordsOngoing [No System] [Political Intrigue with an Ensemble Cast] [Ascends the Throne] [Serious Drama] Xie Jin transmigrates, and before she can even celebrate becoming the champion of palace intrigue, she realizes she's become the previous champion! With his dying breath, the young emperor personally places the Imperial Seal in her arms. Xie Jin looks down at herself. The three-year-old crown prince is hugging her leg, drooling all over her sleeve. Good news: No more serving in the emperor's bed! Bad new 1.9kReads—Score157Shelves

    Reader note

    A group of female characters, set in a setting reminiscent of the Eastern Han Dynasty, all of whom are intelligent and capable.

31. 581 魏EN The Wei Clan's Cursed Son Becomes Grand Secretary—Now They Beg Me to Return 魏家孽种成首辅，全族跪求我认祖 A Salted Fish in Everyday Life生活中的咸鱼Historical1.6M WordsOngoing (Also known as The Wei Fox) [Political Schemes][One Female Lead][Ensemble Cast][The Wei Faction] Condemned from birth, I was given the name Niesheng. On the day I was born, my mother died in childbirth, and my grandfather mourned before the ancestral hall. The whole household looked at me askance, all calling me a disaster star who had stolen another's fate. My biological father hated me like an enemy, my elder half-brother regarded me as an omen of bad luck, and my stepmother hid a knife behind 645kReads9.2Score90.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is good!

32. 582 朱 Zhu Yuanzhang and I Discuss the History of the Ming Dynasty 朱元璋与我聊明史 Gua Huan Taishu寡欢太叔Historical1.6M WordsCompleted Zhu Yuanzhang dreamed of Chongzhen, and of Li Zicheng. In court, no one could fathom the hearts of men. Blood and turmoil were everywhere. A low-ranking official’s son transmigrated into this world. See how he uses the history of the Ming dynasty to debate with Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Yuanzhang: I want to kill Lan Yu. Chen Zewu: Whatever you wish, Your Majesty is wise. Zhu Yuanzhang: I want to kill Li Shanchang. Chen Zewu: Whatever you wish, Your Majesty is wise. May the sun, moon, mountains, and riv 2kReads8.1Score118Shelves

    Reader note

    The characters are very realistic, they feel like flesh and blood, they're not stupid, and there's no system involved. This is the best Ming Dynasty story I've read recently.

33. 583 我 Fighting for the Realm in the Late Ming Dynasty 我在明末争天下 White Lonely Island白色孤岛Historical1.5M WordsCompleted The Great Ming Dynasty is engulfed in flames of war, its lands falling into enemy hands. Prince Ying, Zhu Youju, rises from Jiangnan to turn the tide, build an elite army, vie for supremacy over the Central Plains, reclaim the realm, and usher in a new golden age for the Ming! 4kReads8.4Score207Shelves

    Reader note

    These three books

34. 584 大 The Ming Chronicles: Emperor Hongzhi 大明录之弘治大帝 Emperor皇爷Historical1.6M WordsOngoing [Transmigration] [Decisive and ruthless] [Expanding the realm] [Wuxia] [Uncovering historical secrets] Protagonist: Zhu Youji He transmigrates into the grandson of the Ming dynasty's God of War. The Crown Prince of the Chenghua era is the eldest son of the Chenghua Emperor and the son of Consort Wan. This story sets history's regrets right, features brain-teasing political intrigue, and is a contest for supremacy. If you can figure out who the final villain is, the author concedes defeat. The Gr 137Reads7.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Tomato's only book featuring the biological son of Consort Wan.

35. 585 归 The Soul of Tang Returns to the Righteous Cause 归义唐魂 Perfected Lord Xuan Zhen, Manifest Sage玄真显圣真君Historical1.0M WordsCompleted To the west, he allied with his uncle’s Yutian Kingdom; to the east, he reclaimed eleven prefectures of Helong. He drove the Uyghurs north and secured the Tianshan Mountains; looking south toward Chang’an, he reclaimed the old frontiers. Gunpowder shattered the Tibetan ranks; iron cavalry trampled the Khitan camps. The Three Stars Banner swept across Youzhou and Yunzhou, and the Han realm’s sky was opened anew beneath the sun and moon. 1.6kReads—Score144Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone knows Anxi's loyalty, but does anyone still remember my Guiyi Army?

36. 586 七 Seven Stars Align! I Become a Duke in the Great Ming 七星连珠！我在大明当国公 Left Deputy Minister of War兵部左侍郎Historical149k WordsOngoing A rare alignment of seven stars! A thunderclap explodes across the sky. Has the whole dinner party transmigrated? Celebrating a birthday in ancient times, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, no less?! What? The Great Ming Daily? If you don't read it, you're no true citizen of Great Ming! As the battle to defend Kaifeng Prefecture rages, a mysterious male voice comes from inside Prince Zhou's residence. "I can see you don't get it at all. Let me take a look!" Shocking! The Duke of England of Great Mi —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Qin Dynasty ones are also good.

37. 587 他 His Name Is Zhu Youtang 他叫朱佑樘 Jiang Mouqing姜某青Ancient Romance318k WordsOngoing There are so many emperors in the Ming Dynasty. Everyone writes about Hongwu, Yongle, Jiajing, and Chongzhen, but I insist on writing about Zhu Youcheng. A nearly perfect emperor, with one point deducted for dying young. Zhu Youcheng: Being crown prince is so hard. My mother died early, I didn't meet my father until I was six, and my position as heir is hanging by a thread. Noble Consort Wan: I am a good person. I've never hurt anyone. I'm not some wicked viper! Zhu Jianshen: I am a good emperor 132Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Amidst the undercurrents of the imperial palace, Crown Prince Zhu Youcheng treads a precarious path. Consort Wan harbors a menacing ambition, yet he defuses the dangers with his benevolent heart, restoring the perfect life of the heir apparent to the Ming Dynasty.

38. 588 举 Unrivaled Throughout the Song Dynasty 举宋无双 Mu Yi Yanyu木易言语Historical760k WordsCompleted [Political intrigue] + [Reform] + [Unification] + [Conquest] + [No System] Reborn in the Southern Song Dynasty, he takes over the body of Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou. He pardons Yue Fei, executes treacherous ministers, appoints the worthy, and quells internal unrest, turning history on its head. At last, he gives full rein to his ambitions, marches north into the Central Plains, recaptures Kaifeng, and presses on toward Huanglong... If you can't stomach the humiliating history of the South 769Reads8.4Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    The path to power of a foolish emperor: protecting Yue Fei, executing Qin Hui, launching a northern expedition to conquer the Central Plains, and striking directly at the heart of the enemy's capital.

39. 589 明 A Ming-Era Diary of Getting By: The Eastern Palace Poison Master in the Three Kingdoms 明初混饭日记：东宫毒士的三国 I Want to Steal Jiangnan's Pocket Money我要偷江南的小钱钱Historical287k WordsCompleted I’m Cheng Xu, a history student who kept failing classes. Now I’ve transmigrated into the Ming dynasty as the lowest-ranking aide in the Eastern Palace, not even important enough to serve tea. I have just two scraps of information that might save my life: Zhu Biao dies young, and Zhu Di launches the Jingnan Campaign. I know nothing else about statecraft or military affairs. To avoid going down with everyone else, I pore over The Three Kingdoms Poisonous Strategist’s Handbook, adapting Jia Xu’s 84Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist has no system.

40. 590 大 The Song of Great Qin 大秦风歌 Li Si李肆Historical2.2M WordsOngoing [High-stakes succession struggle from the start + an emperor's growth + lots of obscure knowledge + history buffs welcome + the main story features generals' stat cards and plenty of highlights] Qin: once a small frontier state in Longxi, it rose to dominance among the Seven Warring States and ultimately unified all under heaven. During those turbulent years, how much did the people of Qin sacrifice to erect pillars of shame, sing songs of brotherhood, and unify Huaxia? But… the First Emperor's —Reads6.8Score—Shelves
41. 591 骑 Mount & Blade: Kingdom of Heaven 骑砍：天国王朝 Perfected Lord Xuan Zhen, Manifest Sage玄真显圣真君Historical466k WordsOngoing When he opens his eyes, he has become a two-year-old boy: Elias of Anjou, the youngest son of Fulk V, Count of Anjou. In this era, French castles are built of stone, winters are cold enough to leave your fingers stiff, and noble lords fight in the mud wearing chain mail. His elder brother Geoffrey, the historical Duke of Normandy and father of the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty, is the heir to Anjou. The good news is that he has a golden finger: the Mount & Blade: Bannerlord System. Troops, 1.8kReads—Score226Shelves
42. 592 万 The Flames of War in the Wanli Era 万历烽火 Chasing and Beating Menglegeye追打孟了个也Historical602k WordsCompleted A detailed portrayal of the imperial examinations; the brutal Battle of Sarhu! A grand war brought vividly to life; thunderous horns and drums, whistling arrows and keen points; stinging sand in every face, skin torn and bones broken; corpses strewn along the banks of Jugang, blood filling the passes in the Great Wall! A tender, heartrending love, like a song that lingers through the years! Emotions as poetic as a lover’s warm hand, gently stroking eyes clouded by rain; a quiet parting, soft as 104Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These books are all very good; book lovers who haven't read them before can give them a try.

43. 593 半 Peninsula: My Girl Group Exorcism Diary 半岛：我的女团驱魔日记 Perfected Lord Xuan Zhen, Manifest Sage玄真显圣真君Urban412k WordsCompleted In a modern world where spiritual energy has run dry, Chen Ming, who has cultivated to the peak, goes on a trip to the peninsula, only to stumble into a story about a peninsula teeming with ghosts and monsters! Obsessions and starlight intertwine as he gently protects those around him! (This is a story about helping girl idols drive out evil spirits while falling in love with them! Multiple heroines! A harem novel!) 1.1kReads—Score131Shelves
44. 594 重 Reborn as Emperor Zhezong of Song: From Puppet to Power Player 重生宋哲宗：从傀儡开始逆袭 Sesame Oil With Oyster Sauce香油加耗油Historical346k WordsOngoing In the eighth year of Yuanyou, Empress Dowager Gao died. Zhao Xu, Emperor Zhezong of Song, finally took power after eight years under her thumb. At court, the Old Party was entrenched. On the borders, Western Xia watched like a tiger ready to pounce. Everyone was waiting to see the young emperor make a fool of himself. But no one knew that his soul came from a distant future. He renamed the era Shaosheng, recalled Zhang Dun, purged the Old Party of Yuanyou, and restored the New Policies. At the 809Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    You could try writing about Emperor Zhezong of Song.

45. 595 开 Song Renzong from the Start: I’ll Send the Entire Court of Nobles to Their Graves! 开局宋仁宗，我给满朝朱紫送终！ How Was Ah Xuan Already Taken?阿烜怎么被占了Historical588k WordsCompleted On his first day after transmigrating into the Song Dynasty, Zhao Yan found himself in a nightmare from the start. The army had been wiped out at Sanchuan Pass, Western Xia’s cavalry had smashed through the frontier, yet the court was full of high officials who could only kneel and weep in protest: “Your Majesty! We must not abandon the laws of our ancestors!” He smashed the peace treaty memorial and sneered as he pointed at the censor-in-chief. “The enemy is only eight hundred li from Bianjing. 95Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No system, Song Dynasty, possesses intelligence

46. 596 大 Great Tang: Only Defying the Emperor's Order Makes You Stronger 大唐：抗旨才能变强 Sima Yi Waving a Fan摇扇子的司马懿Historical2.1M WordsCompleted He transmigrates to the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty and gets a frustrating System: the only way to grow stronger is to defy imperial orders. It's like dancing on the edge of a blade, constantly courting death. Yet, against everyone's expectations, no matter how recklessly he acts, Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun dote on him and indulge his every whim. Even the protagonist himself has no idea why. As it turns out, he is the first child Li Shimin and Zhangsun had together, a poor little boy wh 110.6kReads8.8Score13.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The Ming Dynasty and Southern Song Dynasty stories are by the same author and have a strong spy thriller feel, while the Tang Dynasty story features a system that is almost useless.

47. 597 西 Great Qin Lies to the West, Rising Like the Sun 西有大秦，如日方升 The Cat with No Feelings木有感情的猫Historical2.0M WordsCompleted The blazing sun rose from distant Qin Yi, bringing a new order to this decaying world, where all ritual and morality had collapsed. Qin, a great nation. Even if given another chance, he would still lay the foundation for the unification of all under heaven. And the story all began beneath Beiman Mountain, under a sunset red as fire… 2.9kReads8.9Score182Shelves
48. 598 人 In the Great Ming, I Conquer the Nine Frontiers 人在大明，横推九边 Huang Ermazi Here黄二麻子是也Historical666k WordsOngoing [Rousing Action] [Political Intrigue] [Conquest] [Ensemble Cast] (The rating just came out and will rise later.) In the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty, the empire was beset by internal strife and external threats... Wang Ma transmigrated to this world and rose from a humiliated concubine-born son of a military officer to an unmatched God of War who struck fear into the Nine Frontiers. At the bloody Battle of Hun River, he fought alongside Qin Liangyu and dealt a crushing blow to Huang Taiji, Nur 32kReads8.2Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This book perfectly meets your requirements!

49. 599 回 Back in the Spring and Autumn Period, I Became a Tyrant 回到春秋当暴君 Glory and Loyalty荣耀与忠诚Historical1.6M WordsCompleted The history of the Spring and Autumn period is half a history of Jin. A soul from the modern era transmigrates to the state of Jin in the late Spring and Autumn period, becoming Zhi Xiao of the Zhi clan. In this era... Laozi organizes the Zhou court’s ancient records and travels around teaching his principles. Confucius takes on disciples in droves and travels among the states, drawing the attention of the world. King Fuchai of Wu and King Goujian of Yue are bound by love and hatred, while Xi Sh 1.8kReads8.9Score137Shelves
50. 600 刘 The Biography of Liu E 刘娥传 The Moon Sleeps in the Starry River月眠星河Historical247k WordsCompleted The Story of Liu E, Part One: Springtime in Bianjing A creative take on history + the growth of an ordinary person. ☆Not a wish-fulfillment story☆Slow burn☆A rewarding read☆Humorous prose☆Remember! The politics of this dog-eat-dog dynasty have nothing to do with women, so the heroine often disappears from the story in the early chapters! Emperor Taizong of Song really couldn't appoint a crown prince. His eldest son, Zhao Yuanzuo, was made crown prince: he went mad. His second son, Zhao Yuanyou, 109Reads6.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    An authentic portrayal of the Northern Song Dynasty, with the protagonist's intelligence consistently on point throughout.

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