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. 51 大 The Great Ming: From the Start, I Destroyed the Jurchen Tribes of Liaodong 大明，开局覆灭辽东女真 Starry Night星辰晚Historical756k WordsOngoing Overnight, he finds himself in the Ming Dynasty, and to his surprise, he has become the Wanli Emperor. What does the Wanli era have to offer? Famed ministers like Zhang Juzheng, Shen Shixing, and Wang Xijue. Famous generals like Qi Jiguang, Li Chengliang, and Deng Zilong. And, of course, the Three Great Campaigns of the Wanli era and the Three Victories at Huangzhong. But none of that matters. What matters is pacifying the Jurchens in Liaodong first. And there's no need to worry about losing, be 62Reads8.7Score—Shelves
2. 52 家 My Father Is Emperor Wu of Han! 家父汉武帝！ The Wise Man's Mutt智者的土狗儿Historical1.9M WordsCompleted [Winner of the National Library writing contest] [Top-tier historical storytelling + no System + rebellion + political intrigue + a love-hate relationship between father and son] Reborn in the womb as Liu Ju, the eldest legitimate son of Emperor Wu of Han. His father is Liu Che, the most powerful carbon-based life form on Earth in the second century BCE! And his maternal family’s lineup is even more outrageous! His mother is Wei Zifu, his uncle is Wei Qing, his cousin is Huo Qubing, and his youn 88kReads9.2Score8.3kShelves
3. 53 蜀 Zhuge Liang Calls the Rebellious Son of Shu Han a Total Monster 蜀汉逆子诸葛亮直呼太妖孽 Lan Bingche岚冰澈Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Autumn winds sweep across Wuzhang Plains, and a star of the Han falls. For so many later romantics who love Shu Han and dream of its restoration, this became an unshakable regret in their hearts. Yet in the final moments of Zhuge Liang's life, he met a kindred spirit from a younger generation, long overdue. A mere brat, yet born with a rebellious streak. His words made even Zhuge Liang question his own life, leaving him feeling diminished. And yet, a deathless light flared in his aging eyes. "Th 779Reads8.7Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   No system, hellish start, pure political intrigue.

4. 54 毒 The Poisonous Strategist, the Emperor's Son-in-Law: Zhu Yuanzhang, Don't Panic 毒士帝婿，朱元璋你别怂 Desolate Dust荒尘Historical2.0M WordsCompleted Li Qi transmigrated. And, of all people, he ended up as Li Shanchang’s only son! To avoid the fate of having his entire family executed, Li Qi decided to court disaster and unconditionally fawn over the wise and mighty Hongwu Emperor, Taizu of the Great Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang. “What? There’s a corrupt official?” “Your Majesty, don’t worry. How about peeling off his skin and stuffing it with straw?” “What? Most scholars in the early Ming refuse to serve in office?” “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. Strip 2.9kReads8.7Score460Shelves

   Reader note

   Look, it's found in the Qin, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties.

5. 55 在 A Bandit in Late Ming China: My First Heist Was Sun Chuanting 在明末当山贼第一次就抢了孙传庭 A Vast Sky in a Grand Dream大梦长空Historical2.2M WordsCompleted While traveling, Zhou Yan's mind wandered for a moment, and he found himself in the eighth year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty. Forced to become a bandit, he never expected the first person he robbed to be Sun Chuanting, the last pillar of the Ming Empire. With Zhou Yan's arrival, will the crumbling Han dynasty still fall? Will Sun Chuanting, whose death was said to mark the fall of the Ming, still die in battle at Tong Pass? Will Lu Xiangsheng, praised as a once-in-a-generation talent 69.8kReads8.6Score8kShelves

   Reader note

   The duration proves it all, from beginning to end.

6. 56 唐 A Soldier's Journey at the End of the Tang Dynasty 唐末从军行 The Casual-Notes Daoist随笔道人Historical3.0M WordsCompleted The Tang dynasty was at the height of its glory, yet its political failings could only be reversed by a hero of the ages. As the saying goes, rise and fall are governed by fate, and after reaching its peak, prosperity must decline. After three hundred years of glory and turmoil, the magnificent Tang dynasty finally crumbled. That year, Chen Congjin arrived in this world. He would bring this chaotic era to an end. 129.8kReads9.0Score13.7kShelves
7. 57 谍 The Little Spy's Rise to Power 谍战小特务的逆袭 Winter Isn't Hot冬天不热Urban2.8M WordsCompleted He is the lowest-ranking undercover agent in the Military Statistics Bureau, yet he can spot Japanese spies in a vast crowd. He is also an expert operative, infiltrating enemy-occupied territory to assassinate traitors who sell out their country and vanish without a trace. Because: “Scanning Eye” in operation... 187.4kReads9.5Score20.5kShelves

   Reader note

   Beware of fine bran and refined grains.

8. 58 归 Return to the Tang Dynasty 归唐 Murong Shaozong慕容绍宗Historical691k WordsOngoing He returns to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, before the An Lushan Rebellion. But beneath its dazzling surface, the court officials harbor ulterior motives and pay lip service. The fubing military system has completely collapsed, and displaced people fill the countryside. Border fires blaze one after another, while darkness steadily festers in places no one can see! The likes of An Lushan and Shi Siming are about to rise. Beyond the borders, Tibet, the Arabs, the Uyghurs, Nanzhao, the Shiwei, and c 516Reads8.9Score102Shelves

   Reader note

   I personally prefer the Three Kingdoms genre, but I'll also read the first two Tang Dynasty books. The total reading time exceeded five hours, and all the books on my bookshelf are trustworthy.

9. 59 抗 Eagle of the War of Resistance: From the Start, I Steal the Japanese Fighters 抗战雄鹰，开局就抢鬼子战斗机 Muzi Who Likes Mirrors喜欢镜子的木子Urban3.4M WordsCompleted During the War of Resistance, a group of patriotic young men from wealthy families joined the Chinese air force, taking part in one of the war’s most tragic battles. In 2023, a young pilot’s aircraft malfunctions during a combat exercise, forcing him to parachute to safety. He stumbles into that disaster-stricken era and throws himself, without hesitation, into its tragic battlefield. 8.1kReads8.8Score786Shelves

   Reader note

   They're all historical texts, right?

10. 60 乱 The Turbulent Tang 乱唐 Five-Flavored Wine五味酒Historical4.2M WordsCompleted In the fourteenth year of the Tianbao era, An Lushan raised an army in rebellion, and the prosperous Tang Empire suddenly teetered on the brink of collapse. The imperial capital was trampled again and again beneath the hooves of foreign forces, and the once-revered Son of Heaven fell from his pedestal. This age, so captivating to later generations, came to an end. Yet in this perilous, chaotic world, a young man suddenly appeared. Could he defy fate and change history through his own efforts? Wo 2kReads7.7Score203Shelves
11. 61 开 From the Start, I Save Liu Bang and Somehow Become a Powerful Minister of History 开局救下刘邦，竟成为历史权臣？ Looking Back at the Clouds Rising回顾云生Historical874k WordsOngoing [No System + Transmigration + Court Politics + Wars of Unification + Backbone of the Nation + Good Governance] At Mount Guangwu, Liu Bang is struck by an arrow from Xiang Yu. Is this where the Han dynasty's ambitions end? Su Yun has only just transmigrated. Thanks to his modest knowledge of medicine, he saves Liu Bang and is named the Marquis of Changqing by the Han dynasty. He follows Liu Bang in defeating Xiang Yu and founding the Han dynasty, then campaigns across the south and north to pacif 163Reads8.6Score—Shelves
12. 62 穿 I Became the Wanli Emperor's Crown Prince, So Whoever Wants the Red Pill Can Eat It 穿成万历太子，这红丸谁爱吃谁吃 Resting Cloud休息的云Historical2.3M WordsOngoing Reborn as an emperor who has only been on the throne for a month, he faces the Palace Coup and the Red Pill Incident, with treacherous officials within and bandits without. From crown prince to emperor, he plans every step. Great Ming, are you ready to welcome your Emperor Taichang? Nurhaci, are you ready to be put through the wringer? 7.9kReads7.2Score583Shelves
13. 63 大 The Great Ming's Number One Troublemaker 大明第一搅屎棍 The Wandering Hanhan行者寒寒Historical2.2M WordsOngoing [No System + No cheat abilities + Saving the Ming + Farming + Hegemony + Colonization + Lie-flat lifestyle] He transmigrates to the spring of Chongzhen Year 11 and becomes the youngest son of the Duke of England's household, doted on by everyone. Having been given a second life, Zhang Shikang refuses to work himself to the bone again. All he wants is to live honestly as a wastrel. But the Ming dynasty is doomed to collapse in just six years, and his whole family will perish without a trace. For 4.3kReads8.8Score332Shelves
14. 64 太 After Emperor Taizong, Rebuilding the Tang Dynasty 太宗之后，再造大唐 Li Zhen理振Historical1.2M WordsOngoing "The streets are carpeted with the bones of nobles; the imperial treasury has burned to ashes of brocade! Chang'an has fallen six times, and the Son of Heaven has fled nine! The Huang Chao Rebellion erupts; the Tibetans, Dangxiang, and Khitan run rampant. The late Tang and Five Dynasties plunge the realm into chaos, with warlords ruling unchecked and foreign tribes running amok as the common people wail in misery! In an age of chaos, the world is a furnace and all things are copper. Massacring c 101.5kReads9.2Score8kShelves
15. 65 汉 Winds Rise in the Late Han 汉末风起 It's Uncle是大叔啊Historical2.0M WordsCompleted [Three Kingdoms + Ancient History] The proud sun embraces the clear sky, immortal music rings around the heavens; A dark dragon pours down in torrents, shattering the jade firmament to dust. Standing amid the vast wilderness, I set my bold ambitions in motion; I burn the clouds for three thousand miles, and send waves surging through ten thousand fathoms; Even as the heavens fall and the battle rages, I rise again after every setback. The winds rise. Han? Han! Han. With a golden finger from a la 61Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend reading some high-quality historical novels, both completed and ongoing. [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

16. 66 武 The Martial Arts Empire 武林帝国 Xiao Qi Jiao骁骑校Historical1.2M WordsCompleted At the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Zhou, in a remote town on the northwestern frontier, Yuan Feng was a small, thin orphan with dark skin. Taken in by the owner of a horse-meat shop, he lived a lonely, uneventful life, constantly bullied. Everything changed the moment he used his superb knife skills to kill the leader of a band of horse thieves... Ancient roads and frontier towns, clashing spears and armored horses, blood-red sands. The sculpted head on an ancient silver coi 3.4kReads9.0Score521Shelves
17. 67 三 Three Kingdoms: Heir to the Sage Strategist, I Help Liu Bei Conquer the Realm 三国：谋圣之后，我帮刘备拿天下 Dragon in the Wind龙行风Historical1.3M WordsCompleted No System + Assisting Liu Bei + Ensemble Cast + Slow Burn, not a wish-fulfillment novel. Zhang Yu transmigrates to the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and becomes a minor clerk in Runan. When a collateral branch of the Yuan family smears his name, Zhang Yu beats them up, then promptly takes Chen Dao with him to Suanzao to join Liu Bei. A letter predicting the future sets Zhang Yu on the path of a strategist. From then on, he assists Liu Bei in campaigns across the land, leading the Han dynasty to 5.1kReads8.8Score348Shelves
18. 68 穿 Transmigrating as Liu Yizhen: Joining Liu Yu’s Northern Expedition 穿越刘义真：从跟随刘裕北伐开始 The Ji Han Black-Armored Army季汉玄甲军Historical912k WordsOngoing [Historical Transmigration] + [Political Intrigue] + [Farming] + [Good Governance] + [Expansion] Liu Yu, founder of the Song dynasty, rose from humble beginnings. He destroyed Southern Yan, put down Lu Xun, and swallowed Later Qin, his ambition as boundless as a tiger's. He had already won eight tenths of the realm! At the time, the Song army was elite, its banners blotting out the sun. It could march north at any moment, unite China, and restore the glory of the Han. But! His achievements arous 103.8kReads8.7Score11.1kShelves
19. 69 大 Great Ming: I Transmigrate as the Chongzhen Emperor, Starting with a Rope 大明：穿越崇祯帝，开局一根绳 An Illiterate Writes a Novel文盲写小说Historical2.8M WordsCompleted [No System + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + Ruthless Combat + War] Good news: Zhu Lian transmigrated and became Zhu Youjian, the Chongzhen Emperor of the Ming dynasty. Bad news: It was the tenth day of the third month of Chongzhen’s seventeenth year, just seven days before Li Zicheng’s rebels stormed the outer city. The Ming dynasty was already on the brink of collapse, in grave danger. The Jurchens threatened from the north, rebels from the west, with one natural disaster after another an 60.3kReads9.3Score6.3kShelves
20. 70 三 Three Kingdoms: My Laid-Back Strategist 三国：我的咸鱼军师 Ink Wears Away, Leaving the Scent of Words墨损文香Historical4.5M WordsCompleted [Three Kingdoms] + [Farming] + [No Harem] Li You, a history student, transmigrates to the Three Kingdoms and unexpectedly strikes up a friendship with Guo Jia. Serving Liu Bei and waging war across the land, watch how this cunning student creates a legend unlike any other in the Three Kingdoms. Zhuge Liang: “Li Bochuan is a heaven-gifted genius. I am no match for him.” Cao Cao: “If only I had known Bochuan's talent sooner. Things would never have come to this.” Guo Jia: “All that talk about Li B 31.6kReads9.1Score2.7kShelves
21. 71 大 The Great Xia Empire's Number One Tyrant 大夏第一暴君 Demon Blade妖刀Historical9.7M WordsCompleted He transmigrated to Great Xia and became emperor, only to face one crisis after another: powerful ministers held sway, the treasury was empty, and foreign tribes watched hungrily from the borders. Qin Yun had no choice but to raise his butcher’s knife and become a tyrant for the ages! Those who follow me prosper. Those who defy me perish! 1.4kReads8.8Score174Shelves
22. 72 诸 Zhuge Village Fool, You're Scheming Against Me Again 诸葛村夫，你又算计我 Smoked Wukong熏悟空Historical1.8M WordsCompleted [No System + Not Invincible + Aiding Liu Bei + Neither Glorifying nor Denigrating + Early-Round Conquest + Mid-Round Farming + Late-Round Sainthood] The first three chapters show the protagonist testing Liu Bei with his words. Pay attention to the title: his advice is supposedly offered, but it’s all fake. Fake advice. Volume One: Head north to save Xu Shu’s mother... Volume Two: Infiltrate Xiangyang to recruit talent for Liu Bei... Volume Three: Make early plans for Yi Province... Volume F 20.5kReads9.3Score1.9kShelves
23. 73 大 Age of Exploration: I Conquer Europe with Food 大航海时代：我用美食征服欧洲 Shali纱荔Two Male Leads1.4M WordsCompleted [Two male leads + transmigration + food + infrastructure building + Age of Exploration + mutual pampering + 1v1] Min Xi has the bad luck to transmigrate to the Ming dynasty, and even worse, he isn't in the Ming Empire at all. He's in Europe. At this time, the Industrial Revolution hasn't begun. Europe is still in a primitive state of plunder and ruthless expansion, with chaos everywhere and might making right. Luckily, he's not alone: Yun Ji, a young master who can really fight and happens to be 4.4kReads9.1Score773Shelves
24. 74 大 The Ming Dynasty's Greatest Magistrate 大明第一吏 Paper Flower Boat纸花船Historical2.1M WordsCompleted An ordinary country boy steps into the Ming dynasty’s officialdom and becomes a lowly constable at the county yamen! He reads people, sees through deadly schemes, and, despite his humble origins, relies on a fragment of knowledge from a later age, along with his grit and ingenuity, to rise step by step until he becomes one of the most powerful figures in the Ming court! 3Reads8.2Score—Shelves
25. 75 大 Li Chengqian, Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty: Reincarnation Through the Ages 大唐太子李承乾之宿世轮回 A Pile of Tea一堆茶Historical1.3M WordsCompleted This is not a wish-fulfillment story. Read with caution if that’s not your thing! If you don’t like it, don’t read it! After enduring a thousand years of reincarnation, Li Chengqian unexpectedly returned to the tenth year of the Zhenguan era. How will he change his fate in this life? 7.7kReads8.4Score531Shelves
26. 76 穿 Transmigrating to the Great Ming Empire 穿越之大明帝国 Little Snail Who Loves History爱历史的小蜗牛Historical2.6M WordsCompleted In the late Ming dynasty, Chongzhen ascends the throne amid crises at home and abroad. The eunuch faction and the Donglin faction clash, and the empire teeters on the brink of collapse. But what if the Ming dynasty could reform and recover, expand its manufacturing, and pacify the four corners of the realm? Follow the protagonist, Lin Hao, as he writes a different possible future. 2kReads8.0Score100Shelves
27. 77 三 Three Kingdoms: Strategist in a Time of Chaos 三国：乱世谋士 Lonely Fox孤单的狐狸Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [Three Kingdoms] [No System] [No female lead] [Strategist-focused] Better to be a dog in peaceful times than a person in times of chaos. Scheme for yourself, scheme against others, scheme for your country, scheme for the world. In a time of turmoil, how can anyone look after everyone else? Life in this world is hard, and simply staying alive is no easy task. All Chen Yu ever wanted was to survive, plain and simple. On a snowy night, at a mountain god temple, he chanced upon Zhang Jiao. In Nanyan 4.6kReads8.8Score334Shelves
28. 78 我 I Switched Sides to Zhang Han and Rebuilt Great Qin, Leaving Liu Bang in Tears 我转投章邯再建大秦，刘邦哭麻了 Young Master Ying Gao公子嬴高Historical1.9M WordsCompleted Zhao Long transmigrates to the end of the Qin dynasty and joins Xiang Yu’s eight thousand Jiangdong troops. When Xiang Yu insults him after he offers a strategy, Zhao Long switches sides to Liu Bang and renders outstanding service. After the fiefdoms are assigned in Xianyang, Liu Bang is dissatisfied with the division of power. Secretly wary of Zhao Long’s achievements and suspicious of his identity, he angrily drives Zhao Long away and plots to kill him. Xiang Yu looks down on him, and Liu Bang 23kReads8.6Score2.2kShelves
29. 79 大 The Great Tang's First Tyrant 大唐第一暴君 Literati of Wood and Water水木文人Historical3.0M WordsCompleted A calculating civil servant transmigrates to the late Tang in 904 AD and becomes Li Zhu, the last emperor of the Tang dynasty, Emperor Ai. The Tang dynasty is only three years from its fall. His father, mother, brothers, and he himself are all destined to die at the hands of Zhu Wen. Will he resist, or beg for a chance to cling to life? Will he save the Great Tang, or let it fall? With nowhere left to turn, he ultimately embarks on a difficult path: borrowing another five hundred years of nation 936Reads8.2Score105Shelves
30. 80 大 The Tyrant of Great Wei 大魏暴君 Lao Zhou Is No Zhuangzi老周不庄Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Only a tyrant can deal with treacherous ministers. Might makes right! Before true power, all schemes and machinations are nothing but smoke. Sima Yi: Your Majesty, my blood pressure is high, and I'm dizzy. I humbly ask to retire and return to my hometown. Cao Fang: Grand Tutor, are you putting on an act again? That's a crime of deceiving the throne. Sima Zhao: Your Majesty, my loyalty is known to all. Cao Fang: Excellent. You're very clever, and I appreciate you. Sima Shi: Alas, I let my guard d 15.4kReads8.6Score1.2kShelves
31. 81 跃 Riding Across the Great Tang 跃马大唐 Big Apple大苹果Historical4.1M WordsCompleted In the fourth year of the Tianbao era, the Tang Dynasty is at the height of its golden age. An Lushan is rising to power, and Yang Guozhong is about to dominate the court. Beneath the songs and dances, blades are being sharpened; behind the peace and prosperity, bloodshed is brewing. A humble neighborhood guard rises from the bustling streets. He is a luminary of the literary world and a conqueror destined to rule. For whom will the peerless beauty dance in her rainbow skirt and feathered robe? 46Reads8.5Score—Shelves
32. 82 你 You Call Austria-Hungary a Great Power? 你说，奥匈是列强？ The Copycat's No. 1 Wen Leihu Ke Unit文抄列文虎克一号机Historical1.5M WordsOngoing To transmigrate and be born as Karl I, the last emperor of Austria-Hungary, a “second-generation royal,” is truly wonderful! But since I’ve enjoyed all this glory and honor, I’ll have to find a way to restore the empire’s splendor and save it from collapse, so I can avoid the miserable fate that awaits me! Though I may seem weak right now, my ending is destined to be magnificent! So Karl swore. 66.9kReads8.6Score4.8kShelves
33. 83 我 I Am a Tyrant in the Ming Dynasty 我在大明当暴君 Painting Lingyan画凌烟Historical2.5M WordsCompleted You think I don't know you're secretly colluding with the Manchus? You think I don't know you've been hiding your commercial taxes? The southeast is lost in drunken revelry, while Shaanxi lies barren for a thousand miles, strewn with starving corpses! The court's ministers care nothing for the people's lives or the fate of the realm. They suck the lifeblood from the Ming and carve the flesh from the people! Even an ordinary man's fury can drench the ground in blood. Do you know what happens when 3.9kReads8.9Score230Shelves

    Reader note

    These three books are all written by the same author, they don't have a system, they're not wish-fulfillment stories, and they're all completed. I personally think they're good.

34. 84 大 The Lords of Great Zhou 大周王侯 Big Apple大苹果Historical5.9M WordsCompleted Tread the thorny road, turn the course of fate and Kunlun, bask in flourishing beauty, and bring prosperity to all under heaven. 18Reads8.0Score—Shelves
35. 85 昭 Rain on the Locust Trees of Zhaoling 昭陵槐雨 Mu Bai幕白Historical204k WordsOngoing During the Zhenguan era, Crown Prince Li Chengqian is left with a damaged leg after falling from his horse, and sinks into insecurity. With his father, Emperor Li Shimin, trying to control him and his brother, Prince Li Tai, threatening him, he must tread carefully. He endures humiliation as regent, provides disaster relief, and puts down rebellions. Despite his limp, he breaks the curse that says a crown prince cannot hold on to his position, learning to balance benevolence and might amid the w 12Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all good. The Tang Dynasty setting and Li Chengqian are featured. The first book is heavily focused on political intrigue, while the second is a rebirth story with slight angst, about an unfavored crown prince whose fate is filled with unfulfilled ambitions.

36. 86 龙 The Dragon Rises in Jinling: Reviving the Tang Dynasty for Five Hundred Years 龙起金陵，再续大唐五百年 Guest at the Deer’s Call鹿鸣客Historical163k WordsOngoing “The emperor in Chang’an, the army of the Wei residence.” The Wei residence’s household troops had become a thing of the past beneath the executioner’s blade, while the emperor in Chang’an lived in constant fear amid troubles both within and without. Does an emperor have some special birthright? Whoever commands the strongest troops and finest horses becomes emperor! Flames raged everywhere. Looking across the land, the Tang was now divided among rival regional warlords: Zhu Wen, Li Keyong, Yang 52Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period is a slow-burn story. It has no system, no cheat codes, no modern technology, no pretentiousness, no mindless plots, no idiocy, and no melodramatic clichés. It features characters, history, war, intrigue, and strategy. An adopted son seizes power, controls regional warlords, and ultimately unifies the country, continuing the five-hundred-year golden age of the Tang Dynasty! Recommended.

37. 87 锦 The Splendor of the Ming Dynasty 锦绣大明 Lu Renjia路人家Historical3.1M WordsCompleted The brocade is the Embroidered Uniform Guard; the blade is the Embroidered Spring Sword. See how Yang Zhen, transmigrated five hundred years to the early years of the Wanli reign in the Ming dynasty, rises to the top and restores the empire! 10Reads8.4Score—Shelves
38. 88 风 The Debauched Prodigal Son 风流败家子 Heavenly Fragrant Eyes天香瞳Historical3.8M WordsCompleted [Entry in the January 2020 Silver Vote Contest] Wang Kang, a university student from the twenty-first century, finds his soul in ancient times and becomes the wastrel young master of an earl’s household. He was too poor in his previous life, so in this one he wants nothing more than a beautiful wife, a life of wine and dreams, and the easy existence of a wastrel who can coast through life. But he never expected his family to be surrounded by crises and troubles to keep piling up from outside... 19kReads9.1Score2.1kShelves
39. 89 贞 The Winds of Zhenguan 贞观风云 A Life of Tragedy生命致殇Historical151k WordsCompleted The Outcast, second only to the emperor and above everyone else, was a man whose status seemed peerless in the eyes of others. Naturally, his father thought so too. But no one ever considered what the Crown Prince wanted. 1.1kReads8.2Score107Shelves
40. 90 饿 The Starved: A Thousand-Mile Journey in the Late Ming Dynasty 饿殍：明末千里行 Ji Ling嵇零Historical219k WordsCompleted After years of disaster, the court’s harsh policies remained unchanged. Soon, corpses littered the land and rebel armies rose up everywhere. In the fifth year of the Chongzhen era, near the end of the Ming dynasty, the bandit Liang and his accomplices accepted a job from a human trafficker. Liang was to transport four little girls from Huazhou to Luoyang. The thousand-mile journey would take them through Huazhou, Wenxiang, and Shanzhou before they finally reached Luoyang. At first, Liang thought 33.4kReads9.6Score5kShelves

    Reader note

    This uniquely conceived history book doesn't depict grand historical events or focus on great figures. Instead, it uses a simple narrative style to focus on the story of two ordinary people. Their intertwined fate and mutual redemption reveal the brilliance of humanity. The plot and setting depict the struggles of the lower classes as a dynasty nears its end, the wickedness of human nature, and the myriad aspects of life amidst despair. The title "Starving Corpses" refers to those who starved to death. The journey to Luoyang by a highwayman and a clever girl also reveals the widespread famine and devastation of the late Ming Dynasty. After reading it, one understands the preciousness and hard-won nature of food during famine years and remembers the preciousness of life. May the world never again be filled with starving corpses, and may fertile fields yield abundant harvests!

41. 91 权 The Power Minister 权臣 Desert沙漠Historical3.7M WordsCompleted He made one family’s surname the banner of an empire! Desert Classic 53Reads8.6Score—Shelves
42. 92 大 Great Ming: From the Start, I Reveal Zhu Yuanzhang's Future 大明：开局剧透朱元璋 Qing Hong青红Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Xu Qing transmigrates to the end of the Yuan dynasty and happens to arrive during a battle between the rebel army and the Yuan forces. Guo Zixing’s rebels mistake him for a spy and throw him in jail. As it turns out, his cellmate is Zhu Yuanzhang. “Brother Zhu, what’s your dream?” Zhu Yuanzhang: “A wife, kids, and a warm bed.” Xu Qing: “Why not dream bigger? Like becoming emperor.” Zhu Yuanzhang: “???” Xu Qing: “I can see that you’re destined for greatness, Brother Zhu. One day, you’ll surely be 20.3kReads9.1Score1.7kShelves
43. 93 奋 Striving in the First Year of Hongwu 奋斗在洪武元年 Imperial Nobility天煌贵胄Historical2.8M WordsCompleted The good news: I transmigrated. The bad news: I transmigrated to the first year of Hongwu. Who else can relate? I, Young Master Yang, got press-ganged right from the start and became one of Emperor Zhu Chongba's proud wage slaves. 14.7kReads8.9Score925Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend everyone check them out; the writing is quite good. However, the focus is different; some emphasize warmth, while others emphasize contrast, so it depends on personal taste.

44. 94 锦 The Brocade-Clad Spring and Autumn 锦衣春秋 Desert沙漠Historical4.8M WordsCompleted Steadfast as the earth, deep and unfathomable as a hidden treasury! The Ksitigarbha Scroll appears in the world, and the Golden Phoenix returns to the mortal realm. North and south vie for supremacy beneath layers of dark clouds. Treachery fills the imperial palace, while blood runs across the battlefield. With heaven and earth as the board and all living beings as pieces, heroes and beauties alike take part in an unprecedented game of strategy! 52Reads8.6Score—Shelves
45. 95 大 The Ming Dynasty's Princess Who Guarded the Nation 大明镇国公主 Li Hou黎侯Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [No Word Changes + Not a Power Fantasy + Slow-Burn + Aiming to Stay Close to History + Empress + Single Female Lead] [The above is a warning. As of October 30, 2026, the author earns 25 yuan per thousand characters from this book and has barely made any money. There is no reason to put up with unsolicited nitpicking from people who haven't paid for it. The author isn't your mother, after all.] [The person on the cover is Huanhuan, from artwork generously commissioned by a reader. Artist ID: Xi S 10.8kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves
46. 96 斩 Cutting Spring 斩春 Chinese Loropetalum in the South南有檵木Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted ༆ Original title: "Slaying Spring", courtesy title: "Three Thousand Miles of Floating Light", also known as "A Little Bookshop in Chang'an" . "The audiobook is now available. Give it a listen!" . [Historical fantasy, farming, ancient romance, healing, opening a bookshop, romance, with a strong focus on the love story.] · [Heroine: Xu Jiang ★ Hero: Lou Yunchun] · [Other characters: Hu Xu ★ Song Li, Zeng Zhui ★ Lin Hongchu, Lin Qinnian ★ Madam Lin, Lou Jing ★ Madam Lou. Du Hui, Yuan Zuzu, Wu Zhi, 20kReads9.5Score3kShelves
47. 97 从 The March to War 从军行 Rain Falling in the Dust风尘落雨Historical5.6M WordsCompleted “Where is the Imperial Guard? Who dares ride with me across the battlefields of the northern desert and trample the Yanrong King’s tent beneath our horses?” A general in a red cloak sat astride his horse, saber in hand. “We will go!” the battle-hardened soldiers before him answered in unison. A boy from a small mountain village joined the army only to spare his family some taxes. All he wanted was to save enough money to marry his childhood sweetheart. As his military achievements mounted, he ro 24.8kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The first and fourth books are both fictional historical novels set in the Tang Dynasty; the second is an ancient war novel with intense and exciting scenes; the third is also a fictional historical novel. All of them are very enjoyable.

48. 98 九 The Nine Princes Vie for the Throne, but I Refuse to Rule This Empire 九龙夺嫡，这江山朕不坐 Let the Wind Sing, Ask Not of Time不问岁月任风歌Historical6.5M WordsOngoing Chu Ning transmigrated into the body of a prince of Great Chu. But the Crown Prince wanted him to be a scapegoat! The princess refused to marry him! Even the emperor wanted him to go and die! So Chu Ning had no choice but to train an invincible army to protect himself! Emperor: Chu Ning, the Crown Prince has grown too powerful. Can you lend your father the two hundred thousand troops you command? Crown Prince: Eighteenth Brother, let’s deal with Father and split the empire between us! Princess: 15.3kReads8.4Score1.1kShelves
49. 99 大 The Tang Dynasty’s Fine Prince 大唐好贤王 The Six Arts of the Gentlemen君子六艺Historical3.3M WordsCompleted [Funny and Stress-Relieving + Fiery Battles + Alternate History + “A Loving Father and Filial Son” + Top-Tier Jokesters Teaming Up + No System, Just a Golden Finger + Deep Grandparent-Grandchild Bond] In an alternate universe, in another Tang dynasty, the blood of the Xuanwu Gate Incident stained the flagstones beneath the palace walls red, and a different legend of the prosperous Tang began! Li Kuan, the second prince raised by his grandmother, Empress Dowager Taimu, survived a brush with dea 56.2kReads9.4Score4.8kShelves
50. 100 重 Reborn as Lao Ai? From the Start, I Save Ying Zheng from Bullying 重生嫪毐？开局拯救被霸凌的嬴政 Drifting Duck随波逐流鸭Historical1.4M WordsCompleted Song Kun, born into the late Warring States period, finds his family fallen on hard times from the start. In Handan, he unexpectedly saves nine-year-old Ying Zheng, then saves Zhao Ji as well and brings mother and son home. He counsels Ying Zheng, helps him regain his confidence and build his strength, and acts as an elder brother and father figure. He becomes a ray of light in the childhood of Qin Shi Huang. With such a brilliant start, he had planned to quietly help Qin Shi Huang ascend the th 6.1kReads9.0Score814Shelves

    Reader note

    There's no system involved, and the characters are all incredibly intelligent!! All three authors have thoroughly researched history—unbeatable! A masterpiece!!!

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