Looking for High-IQ Political Intrigue and Mind-Bending Novels 求高智商 权谋 烧脑的小说

1. 151 天 The Dragon and Phoenix of Destiny 天命龙凤 Let's Eat Hot Pot吃火锅呀Ancient Romance475k WordsCompleted [Serious drama + ensemble cast + court and martial world + love of country and family + female lead with a golden finger] The author is terrible at writing blurbs, sorry! If you enjoy this kind of story, feel free to give it a try. To save her life, Lu Wan does everything she can to send Yao Qian to the northern frontier. Sixteen years later, Emperor Li Yunshan summons the Third Prince, Li Tian, who has lived in the northern frontier, back to the capital. Rumors spread throughout the city that H 6Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A group portrait of power struggles.

2. 152 隆 The Longqing Restoration 隆庆中兴 Resting Cloud休息的云Historical5.4M WordsCompleted I transmigrate as Zhu Zaihou, but I won’t be a little sycophant. For the sake of tribute and trade, I dare to wage righteous war. I open the passes and command the four seas, my proclamations reaching the eight directions. The people receive sweet rain, and the dynasty flourishes forever. Alas! I would rather be a man of the Longqing era than aspire to rule like Yao and Shun. 8.8kReads8.5Score756Shelves

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   No system, but not mindless, slow-paced, not a wish-fulfillment novel.

3. 153 王 Dynasty Wars: I Killed My Brother-in-Law with My Own Hands from the Start 王朝争霸：开局我亲手斩了妹夫 Wine-Flavored Jelly酒味果冻Historical51k WordsOngoing No System, no heroine, no transmigration. Rivers of blood, bones paving the way. After fifteen years in a dream of yellow millet, Li Anzhi's temperament changed completely. He no longer wanted to follow the same path he had in the dream. The first thing he did upon waking was send his beastly brother-in-law, the emperor's son-in-law, and the son of the Minister of Justice to the executioner's block. Sometimes, solving a problem doesn't have to rely on brains alone. A knife works just as well. —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Story Synopsis: Genre Category:

4. 154 说 I Was Supposed to Be Reborn, But Is This a Mission Anyone Can Accept? 说好的重生，这任务是人能接的？ Cabbage Needs Boiling白菜要开水煮Mystery141k WordsOngoing (No System, not invincible, no mindless power fantasy. Read with caution if that bothers you.) I died for no apparent reason, only to discover I still had a chance to be reborn. When I embarked on a series of challenges, hoping to make my way back by overcoming them one by one, I realized this path was doomed to fail. I have no interest in becoming a lofty god. All I want is to return to the world I came from… 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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   This book is quite mind-bending, not overly complex, but rather ingenious. It's easy to understand without overloading your brain, but the protagonist just can't figure it out until the answer is revealed.

5. 155 开 From the Start, the Favoring Decree Made Me an Enemy of the Entire Dynasty 开局推恩令我得罪了整个王朝 Wine-Flavored Jelly酒味果冻Eastern Fantasy321k WordsOngoing "Confucian and Daoist cultivation + fantasy + xianxia + no System + no female lead + literary feuds + conspiracy theories" This book has few typos and works well as an audiobook. Library security guard Su Mu unexpectedly transmigrates, taking the place of a poor scholar who died in the imperial examination hall. To lay the original owner's lingering obsession to rest, Su Mu writes a policy essay on governing the country that moves the heavens and earns the favor of the nation's fortune, purify 227Reads5.5Score—Shelves
6. 156 这 This Cultivator Is Rather Cunning 这个修士有点心计 Cigarette Between the Fingers指间香烟Eastern Fantasy421k WordsOngoing This story focuses on schemes, suspense, and plot twists. If you enjoy this style, dive right in with confidence. Her family is wiped out, a bounty is placed on her head, and she is hunted down. She moves among the great clans, repeatedly teetering between life and death. When talent falls short, cunning makes up the difference. So what if I’m only at the Qi Refining stage? I can still scheme a Golden Core cultivator to death. So what if I have a crippled spiritual root? I can still join a major 103Reads6.9Score—Shelves

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   Fantasy-themed stories involving strategy and intrigue, setting up and breaking schemes, and scheming and plotting, don't have many readers yet. I would appreciate any guidance from experts. The main theme is listening to advice.

7. 157 权 Power Over All: Shaking Up the Court with Logic 权倾天下：靠逻辑搅动朝堂 Cheese in Cola奶酪泡可乐Historical546k WordsOngoing Ling Mo wakes up as the foolish eldest legitimate son of the Chancellor’s household, and the moment he opens his eyes, he’s caught red-handed spying. With a few words, he turns the scene of a caught-in-the-act affair into a masterclass in logical reasoning. Before he can even enjoy the good life, he’s forced to take over the family’s mess. His sister is being married off for an alliance, his younger brother stabs him in the back, and his father is a sly old fox with plenty of secrets. The family 4Reads—Score—Shelves

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   💐💐 [A hardcore political intrigue novel you can buy with confidence] This book is guaranteed to [amaze everyone]! [Got it] The characters are intelligent throughout, the theme is very novel, the plot is intricately designed and highly immersive. I highly recommend this book!

8. 158 官 Officialdom and Human Nature 官场与人性 Vigorous Distant Mountain元气远山Urban470k WordsCompleted The Woman Who Studied the Art of War: Born in the countryside to an ordinary family, the heroine starts out as a hotel lobby manager. By studying the art of war in depth and making full use of her intelligence and abilities, she fights bravely and ultimately transforms her life in spectacular fashion. Along the way, she displays extraordinary courage and perseverance, taking readers on an inspiring, legendary journey from obscurity to success. 124Reads—Score—Shelves

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   "The Woman Who Studies Military Strategy," also known as "Officialdom and Human Nature," is a book devoid of feel-good platitudes. Readers encounter a realistic portrayal of social realities, truly reflecting life and profoundly addressing societal pain points, delving into the issues of human nature and society. It will leave readers pondering deeply. Highly intellectually stimulating, it's a book of political intrigue and mind-bending twists.

9. 159 假 Fake Heiress, I’m the Center Stage, So Move Aside 假千金，我是c位请让让 Wei Luoning卫洛柠Ancient Romance133k WordsOngoing My new work is out! Come read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your support is what motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! —Reads—Score—Shelves
10. 160 太 The Crown Princess Is Reborn 太子妃她重生了 Wei Yu'an卫屿安Ancient Romance184k WordsCompleted My new work is out! Please come read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your support motivates me to write, and I’ll do my best to tell every story well! 9Reads—Score—Shelves
11. 161 楚 Chu Yuan: This Heir Is Impossible to Kill! 楚渊：这个世子真难杀！ Sugar-Free Ink墨水无糖Historical409k WordsOngoing Above Chu Yuan [No System + Political Intrigue + Mystery | Everyone has 800 tricks up their sleeve, and every step leads to a deadly trap] Jiang Mo, a mechanical engineer from the twenty-first century, becomes a hostage prince fleeing to Chu to escape the Great Zhou’s pursuit. The moment he opens his eyes, he faces murder in Blackwind Cave, a conspiracy to seek shelter with the Qu household, and the blood feud of a massacre… The brain-computer chip embedded in his temple is his only advantage, y 5Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A modern engineer transmigrates to another world and becomes a fallen prince, caught in the vortex of the Chu Kingdom's court. Those around him harbor their own agendas, and hostile forces repeatedly attempt to assassinate him. He relies on his advanced technological knowledge to protect himself and rise to power, developing industries that benefit the people and winning over other factions. He steadily gains his footing amidst the power struggles of aristocratic families, thwarting every assassination plot.

12. 162 末 Love in the Apocalypse 末世儿女情 Mu Yun Jiu Xiao暮云九霄Ancient Romance462k WordsCompleted [Traditional Wuxia + Traditional History and Culture + Political Intrigue + Love of Country and Family + Talented Scholars and Beautiful Women + Mutual Redemption + Quiet Endurance and Comeback + Overwhelming Martial Prowess] This book has only just received its first rating, so it's normal for the score to be low. She is the reincarnation of the Lord of a Hundred Flowers, a phoenix destined for greatness, yet she has fallen to the station of a maid. Unaware that she possesses the Sacred Hundred 6Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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    I'm a die-hard fan of the author! I'm numb to it all! Amidst the swirling winds and rising sands, love blossoms in a chaotic world. A marriage contract promises a future together. So many regrets, too many unfulfilled emotions to express. A single word, "righteousness," unites countless hearts; a single word, "love," binds so many. Dynasties rise and fall, what determines their fate? Where do the people find food and clothing? All I wish for is one person to serve the world.

13. 163 浮 Where the Tides Settle 浮沉止 Ji Ye季野Eastern Fantasy713k WordsOngoing [Just one rule: this is unlike any other story.] [An ensemble tale of the martial world. The pace is very slow, and the setup takes a long time. Not everyone has to understand this world.] “May I ask, senior, what is the martial world?” The white-haired old man straightened up, sipped his cup of green tea, and replied with a smile: “The martial world? There’s one where you are, one where I am, one in the bustling streets, one on immortal mountains, one beneath a withered grave, and one in a swad 13Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This is the first book I wrote myself. It's about the imperial court and the martial arts world, full of political intrigue and logic. You can try reading the third volume to see if it suits your taste. [Almost crying]

14. 164 医 Medicine Is the Way 医本是道 Bear in Need of Dopamine需要多巴胺的熊Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted Classical xianxia + not a power fantasy + medicine + for veteran readers + original poetry Rituals collapse, music fades, mountains and rivers shatter; the people suffer as the state crumbles. The stars throughout the heavens dim: it turns out they have all fallen into the mortal world. The celestial signs take a disciple and impart a great calling; the Ziwei Emperor studies the mysteries. The Dao is heartless, yet immortals have feelings; medicine is the Dao that mends the Way of Heaven! In a 208Reads8.6Score—Shelves
15. 165 宫 Willows by the Palace Wall, a Scholar’s Soul 宫墙柳，状元魂 Sending the Moon on Passing Clouds行云寄月Ancient Romance161k WordsOngoing [Female-oriented + court intrigue + healing + deranged + coercive] [Steady, restrained minister VS soft-hearted princess VS obsessive, unstable second male lead] Shen Mingyuan spends his entire life searching for an answer. He enters the game himself, trying to solve the riddle of fate and win even half a move against Heaven. Kang Ning overturns and relives events time and again, yet still seems unable to change the predetermined ending. For the sake of the Great Liang and its people, she finall —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    [Bookmark][Bookmark] [Special recommendation for this excellent political intrigue novel] 🌸🌸🌸 The opening plot is truly original and refreshing, the writing is smooth and delicate, and most importantly, there are no bad parts! Highly recommended!

16. 166 靠 Mr. Reliable Opens Pandora's Box with His Own Hands 靠谱先生，亲手打开潘多拉魔盒 Liang Ziyuan梁子渊Sci-Fi & Apocalypse528k WordsCompleted [Poor or rich, we’ll plunder the West and make the Dragon Kingdom prosperous. Modern city + technology + strategic alliances = a powerful nation and military.] On April 1, 2024, a call came in to the Meritorious Honors Awards Committee. “Hello, this is the Meritorious Honors Awards Committee.” “Hello! If I can restore our national borders to their shape during the Republic of China era, like a begonia leaf in autumn, could I be nominated for the Republic Medal?” “Uh, sir... this... uh... hmm... 307Reads—Score—Shelves

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    I am Yang Jinyuan. If I could increase the country's land area by 194 square kilometers, restoring it to the shape of an autumn-leaf begonia from the Republic of China era, would I be nominated for the Medal of the Republic? This is the story of a Chinese entrepreneur and scientist who, by entering the game himself, is trying to influence the world, all for the sake of achieving a red miracle.

17. 167 我 With One Fist, I Challenge the World 我有一拳，要与天下问 Song Qing宋青Eastern Fantasy749k WordsCompleted The apricot grove behind Chengjia Village turns a brilliant gold when bathed in the setting sun. No matter how far he traveled, how many punches he threw, or how many countless sights he saw, Zhou Tian could never forget it. 150Reads6.3Score—Shelves
18. 168 烬 Ashen Night: “This Zichen Palace, This Vast Empire, It’s All Too Cold…” 烬夜：“这紫宸殿，这万里江山，都太冷了……” Yet I Know Tonight却知今夕12k WordsCompleted Jin Ye: “This Zichen Hall, this vast empire stretching for thousands of miles, they’re both so cold...” 8Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The iconic scene of "The Substitute Awakens": The scene where the female lead kneels to bid farewell to the Zichen Palace is arguably the highlight of the entire film. Without crying or making a fuss, she kowtows three times respectfully: "Your Majesty, I take my leave. May Your Majesty's empire be forever secure and your life be long and prosperous." The more dignified she is, the more resolute she is; the more generous she is, the less she intends to turn back.

19. 169 我 Slaying Dragons on the Road to Power 我在仕途斩群龙 Muha of the Celestial Masters' Palace天师府的穆哈Urban2.6M WordsCompleted 3.6kReads8.2Score331Shelves

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    Without political maneuvering and cunning, how can one reach the pinnacle?

20. 170 欲 Ascend to the Ninth Heaven 欲上云霄九重天 Reading Ink, Listening to the Wind读墨听风Historical2.5M WordsOngoing A coral pendant engraved with a fire phoenix emblem draws Qi Ming, a destitute youth who lives on credit at a teahouse in Tianque City, into a shocking secret plot sweeping across four kingdoms. The moment the iron hooves of the Longxiang Army smash through the door, he still has no idea that the token his parents left him is the “key” that can overturn the world. The grand machinations governing the realm have barged into his life without warning. From a tide of Gu poison in a dungeon to a pack 571Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A pinnacle of political intrigue novels! Set in an alternate Eastern history, it features political maneuvering, palace intrigue, large-scale wars, and the grand scheme of the world. It's a truly epic historical narrative. The cast is vast, yet each character is distinct, with virtually no stereotypical figures. The portrayal of human nature and the human condition is incredibly nuanced.

21. 171 汉 No Three Kingdoms After the Han 汉后无三国 Crazy Fun疯玩Historical2.2M WordsOngoing Liu Xia transmigrates to the end of the Han dynasty, but refuses to become emperor or king. With fifty cavalrymen, he slaughters five thousand Xiongnu. Beneath Xiapi, one strike of his halberd leaves Lu Bu crippled. He casually tosses aside the Imperial Jade Seal: "Just a broken stone. Can it put food on the people's tables?" His motto is: "Whoever dares threaten our mighty Han, no matter how far away, must be destroyed!" "The people are the true masters of the Han. The Son of Heaven is just the 10.6kReads9.4Score865Shelves
22. 172 千 One Slip After a Thousand Careful Thoughts 千虑一失 Old Dong from Yichang宜昌老董Mystery315k WordsCompleted [Criminal Investigation] [Mystery and Deduction] [No Supernatural Elements] A man commits a brazen crime in front of the police and jumps into a river during the manhunt, but the body they find in the water is not the culprit’s. Afterward, new victims appear one after another in an apartment elevator, at a hospital, and outside the Public Security Bureau, setting off a kidnapping crisis as well. Four people die in a single day. Is this a deliberate provocation, or is something else at play? Face 60Reads8.6Score—Shelves

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    To meet the requirements, I'm recommending a recently completed crime thriller. As a newcomer, I can't offer many recommendations, but I guarantee it with my lifelong happiness: it's an absolutely thrilling, mind-bending, and incredibly plot-twisting masterpiece! In a single day, four people are killed. Behind this series of murders lies a connection to three cold cases from 25 years ago. The prime suspect turns out to be the male captain of the special investigation team's elementary school teacher and the policewoman's childhood savior.

23. 173 佛 Buddha's Son of Heaven 佛子天 The Gods Want to Go Wild神想出去浪Urban1.9M WordsCompleted [No System, no golden finger, an underdog's comeback, a grim early story and a thrilling later one! Anti-drug operations + counterespionage + a brutal start + underworld conflicts + love of country and family] With a mysterious background, a strange family, and a vast shadow lurking behind him, a student with a tragic past is driven to become a madman feared by both the underworld and the legitimate world! A madman who wants to turn the entire world upside down! He crushes the demons and monster 14.7kReads9.4Score2.4kShelves

    Reader note

    💥 Rebirth, political intrigue, counter-espionage, underworld struggles + war, romance, farming, high-IQ showdowns and desperate counterattacks, exposing layers of darkness.

24. 174 重 Reborn in 1975: From the Start, I Tore Up the Order to Return to the City 重生1975：开局撕毁回城调令 Great Cangyue大沧月Urban4.0M WordsCompleted Zhou Yang, an unrivaled patriot who devoted his whole life to his country, was reborn and returned to the remote mountain village where he had been sent down to work in 1975! Looking at the transfer order in his hand, this time he didn't hesitate. He tore it to shreds! In his previous life, he'd been blinded by greed and abandoned his wife and daughter to return to the city, watching helplessly as Li Youwei and her daughter met tragic deaths. Reborn, all Zhou Yang wanted was a warm home with his 163.2kReads9.5Score18.2kShelves
25. 175 南 Farming Amid the Chaos of the Northern and Southern Dynasties 南北乱世我种田 The Gods Want to Go Wild神想出去浪Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Transmigration, power struggles, war, farming The chaotic Northern and Southern Dynasties era is impossible to survive in! Then let's fight! A mysterious, stunningly beautiful shaman? I'll make her my wife. The Baiyue tribes in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains? They're one of us, so don't panic! A refugee-army general with a mysterious background? A good brother, let's make our way together! The lofty aristocratic clans? I can't kill you all… The Two Jin dynasties and the Northern and Southern D 1.9kReads8.9Score203Shelves
26. 176 凤 The Phoenix's Lament 凤泣凰 Mu Lan Ru Xue慕兰如雪Ancient Romance579k WordsOngoing [Alternate history + xianxia fantasy + political intrigue + historical romance + heroes vying for power + country and people] A mutual journey of devotion and salvation between a general's orphaned daughter and an illegitimate son Set against a chaotic age, the male and female leads grow together. She was born into a general's family, but her father was killed on the border between two countries by a spy sent by the enemy kingdom to infiltrate their ranks. The spy fled into the depths of the for 10Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Romantic relationships are just the surface; don't jump to conclusions before you've finished reading. And since I haven't finished writing it, I don't know how I'll write it.

27. 177 重 Back in the Game: Cleaning Up Officialdom 重出江湖之整治官场 Millennium Stone Monkey千年石猴Urban228k WordsCompleted A mob boss shakes up and cleans house in the political arena! [No idiotic characters, no System, light mystery] Black is black, and white is white, but the two can also change places! Even the righteous may do shameful things, while the wicked may do good for the country and its people. What matters is how you see things and what you believe, and whether you can answer to your conscience! 56Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A gangster boss returns to the underworld to clean up the bureaucracy; the story is logical, engaging, and lightly suspenseful.

28. 178 尸 Born of a Corpse, Carried in a Ghost's Coffin 尸生子，鬼抬棺 Jie Yu界玉Mystery3.3M WordsCompleted In ancient, remote places, all kinds of strange and terrifying things are bound to happen. And these things happen around Hua Jiunan. In fact, Hua Jiunan is part of them. For instance, he was born from a corpse! 212.8kReads9.6Score25.1kShelves
29. 179 捞 The Corpse Retriever 捞尸人 Chen Shisan陈十三Mystery1.9M WordsCompleted Twenty-three years ago, his father died under mysterious circumstances. His skin was hung from the old locust tree at the entrance to the village. Twenty-three years later, the eldest brother who had been given away as a child returned. His banner read: Corpse Retriever. 3.3kReads8.3Score484Shelves
30. 180 上 The Strange Tales of Shangguan Zhaorong 上官昭容诡事录 Bamboo Shoot Buns Are So Delicious竹笋包子超好吃Mystery1.6M WordsCompleted [Completed] [Strong female lead, no romance, Chinese-style horror, transmigration through history, numerous foreshadowed clues, coherent plot, no System, not a power fantasy] [The Strange Tales of Shangguan Zhaorong] [Also known as: Old Tales from the Yellow Springs] [Reader’s guide: The main plot and the individual arcs are interconnected, with plenty of clues and foreshadowing. Almost every character who appears has a role to play, though each arc can also be read as a standalone story.] Th 2.1kReads9.3Score347Shelves

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    Two highly intelligent female protagonists embark on a perilous journey across the Tang Dynasty, collecting national treasures, orchestrating the Taishan Fujun Festival, and uncovering mysterious tales of the underworld.

31. 181 何 Why Not Sail Together 何不同舟渡 Xian Yuke羡鱼珂Ancient Romance483k WordsCompleted "The print edition under the same title is available to buy online" [No golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth. A pure historical romance about family and country, with high-IQ espionage and political intrigue] [A double agent undercover + a petty thief who grows: a lone wolf plays a game of raising a rabbit, gives her fangs, then insists they run away together] In a chaotic age, she is a thief worth less than a blade of grass, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive. She steals ten 142kReads9.7Score108kShelves
32. 182 分 After the Breakup, I Could No Longer Hide My Political Star Power 分手后，我仕途天骄身份瞒不住了 A Breeze at Nine Degrees清风九度Urban1.7M WordsCompleted Qin Yang, the son of a prominent family in Beijing, had hoped to make his mark in politics through his own abilities. But after years of struggle, he was still going nowhere at the poverty alleviation office, unable to make any progress. Then his girlfriend of many years broke up with him, and he picked up the phone and called Beijing... The gears of fate began to turn! 24.8kReads8.6Score2.4kShelves

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    Qin Yang, born into a wealthy family in Beijing, refused to accept his family's help. Although he achieved some success (fake), rising from deputy mayor to mayor... Due to political disagreements, he languished in the poverty alleviation office for several years, enjoying deputy-department-level benefits (fake). His girlfriend, seeing no hope for promotion, broke up with him. Qin Yang then compromised with his family and received their help, being transferred to a neighboring county government for a promotion. His girlfriend, upon learning this, was filled with regret.

33. 183 青 The Road to Qingyun: Finding Life in Desperate Straits 青云路之绝处逢生 The Man Who Rides a Wolf骑狼的汉子Urban2.2M WordsCompleted A sudden disaster destroyed Lu Fan’s family, leaving behind nothing but ruined walls and broken tiles. By chance, Lu Fan entered officialdom. After honing his skills, growing, and transforming at the grassroots level, Lu Fan was tempered into steel and emerged from his cocoon as a butterfly. At last, he achieved his heart’s desire! 121.2kReads9.2Score14kShelves
34. 184 虎 Tiger's Roar Over the Sea of Clouds: Starting with Military Discharge 虎啸云海从转业开始 The Zhu Clan's Spring and Autumn朱氏春秋Urban2.2M WordsCompleted Lin Haoyu leaves the military as a senior colonel and enters local government, rising from county magistrate to a powerful official in charge of an entire region. His wife, Su Mengyao, heads a Fortune 500 company. His younger sister, Lin Xiaowan, quietly supports her brother's political career, while his older brother, Lin Yu, is fiercely protective of her. Their background is enough to leave people speechless. I hope you’ll enjoy my new book. 16.3kReads8.2Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    It's a really good official novel. It's a new book, and many people are adding it to their bookshelves, reading it, and urging for more updates.

35. 185 东 Dongheng: The Road to Power 东恒青云 Old Man Green Bamboo青竹翁Urban1.7M WordsCompleted A meteoric rise to the top! Chu Dongheng, a master's graduate who knows nothing about his birth family and jokes that “my mom and I are our own family,” is the abandoned grandson of a military family. After passing the civil service exam in Jiangdong, he finds that someone else has taken the position he applied for. By chance, he becomes a leader's secretary, beginning his career in politics. With the people's interests as his mission, he advances one steady step at a time toward the pinnacle of 30.8kReads9.2Score3.4kShelves
36. 186 权 The Pinnacle of Power: A Hidden Background 权力巅峰之隐形背景 Duan Ming, Who Loves Xiang Shen喜欢香神的段明Urban568k WordsCompleted Gao Zhiyuan is an ordinary young man who has just graduated from school and, for no apparent reason, is assigned to work in a remote backwater town. Little does he know that he possesses an incredible hidden background, one even he is unaware of! One seemingly fortuitous opportunity after another comes his way. With life on easy mode, he rises from a minor town clerk, climbing the ranks step by step until he reaches the very pinnacle of power! 339Reads7.2Score118Shelves
37. 187 龙 The Dragon Hides in the Abyss: A Tale of Ruthless Power Plays 龙隐于渊：铁血权谋 The Zhu Clan's Spring and Autumn朱氏春秋Urban581k WordsCompleted Amid the tide of reform and opening up, Lin Qinghai, a boy who was abducted as a child, grows up under his adoptive mother’s military-style discipline. He enters the National University of Defense Technology as the top scorer in his province and proves his mettle in live-fire exercises, only to lose his chance to compete in an international special forces tournament because of interference from a mysterious force. His encounter with Wang Wan’er, the daughter of a military family, entangles his f 5Reads—Score—Shelves
38. 188 官 The Official's Ladder: Starting by Raking in Billions from Imperialism 官梯：从薅帝国主义羊毛百亿开始 Round Round Pig圆圆猪Urban938k WordsCompleted A great political novel, with a super-fast pace, a logical power fantasy, humor, and plenty of passion. Qin Jiageng is reborn into the world of politics. A master of managing upward, his greatest talent is bringing good fortune to his bosses, all the way to the pinnacle of power. 9.9kReads9.2Score820Shelves
39. 189 梦 Tales of Ten Dream Kingdoms 梦十国记 Lost in the Green Wilderness碧野迷生Ancient Romance721k WordsOngoing [Transmigration + Powerful Female Lead + Six Male Leads + Alternate-History Political Intrigue + Conquest + Love-Triangle Drama + Spy Warfare + Forced Love + Imprisonment + Everyone Is Scheming] No System, no golden finger, and the heroine has no memories of the original host. She’ll have to rely on her own wits to get out of every predicament. . The first man to imprison her: “Let’s see whether I’m more impressive, or your romantic fantasies are.” The second man to imprison her: “Normal sex is 381Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    High IQ, political intrigue, mind-bending—you absolutely need this book!

40. 190 权 Notes on the Pinnacle of Power 权巅仕途笔记 The Lucky Little One Who Keeps Running犇跑的小幸运Urban3.4M WordsCompleted [Political power struggles + three generations + one female lead + climbing the ranks from the grassroots + fighting for the people + reaching the pinnacle of power!] Ye Zhenggang, the third generation of the Ye family, falls victim to a sinister scheme and spends one reckless night with Xu Xiaoqing, the cherished daughter of another top family, the Xus. Then he listens to a close friend’s instigation, runs from his responsibilities, and leaves for Bohai City. This indirectly leads to Xu Xiaoqin 36.4kReads8.9Score3.7kShelves
41. 191 朕 I Am Hongli, Building a Golden Age for the Qing Dynasty 朕是弘历打造大清盛世 Third Aunt from the Farm农家三姑Historical1.4M WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue + Harem Rivalries + Factional Strife + Romance + Emperor] Hongli ascended the throne at twenty-five and ruled for sixty years, making him the longest-reigning and longest-lived emperor in history. He governed with diligence, excelling in both civil and military affairs, and led the Qing to the height of its golden age. Yet factional strife raged through the court, conflicts in the deep palace never ceased, and danger lurked behind the splendor. In the end, the golden age ga 15.7kReads8.3Score435Shelves

    Reader note

    The more I watch it, the more I like it; the more I watch it, the more I love it.

42. 192 权 Ruling the Realm: The First Secretary 权掌山河：第一秘书 The Spider Who Loves Playing Cards爱打牌的蜘蛛Urban6.6M WordsCompleted After graduating from college, Zhong Dexing failed the civil service exam twice and had no choice but to make a living helping his older sister sell fruit. Then a turning point came: advice from a mysterious leader helped him land a civil service job. With his political savvy, he rose steadily through the ranks and made his way into an even more powerful circle. 27.3kReads8.9Score2.7kShelves
43. 193 东 A Bastard Son in the Eastern Jin: From Dowry Servant to Rising Star 东晋庶子：从陪嫁仆从开始逆袭 Xingdong's Banhuan Longbing兴东的板桓龙兵Historical1.1M WordsCompleted The comic adaptation just came out. If you’re interested, go check it out. No System + political machinations + comeback + reform + aristocratic clan power struggles + plotting from behind the scenes In the first year of Jianwu, Sima Rui declared himself emperor, while the Langya Wang clan held the court in the palm of its hand. Under the Nine-Rank System, those from humble families had no way forward, as aristocratic clans monopolized the court generation after generation. Lu Heng, a tomb raide 4.1kReads7.7Score361Shelves

    Reader note

    Political intrigue, reform, war. You might want to check it out.

44. 194 五 The Five Barbarians Ravage China: Starting with a Surprise Attack on Shi Le 五胡乱华：从偷袭石勒开始 Xingdong's Banhuan Longbing兴东的板桓龙兵Historical872k WordsCompleted No System. [Survival + Comeback + Farming + Political Scheming + Conquest]. In the first year of Yongxing, the Western Jin dynasty collapses, the Five Barbarians ravage the land, and Bingzhou becomes a living hell. Li Yin, who transmigrates into this world, leads a dozen or so battered soldiers to fight for survival in dire straits. With no System and no golden finger, he relies solely on ruthless courage and exceptional cunning to launch surprise attacks on the Hu cavalry, defeating the strong 1.6kReads5.4Score104Shelves
45. 195 官 The Road to Officialdom 官途 Lin Xiner林新儿Urban1.5M WordsCompleted Wang Cheng, an ordinary young official at a provincial-level government agency, is unexpectedly chosen to become a senior leader's full-time secretary. From then on, he becomes the leader's right-hand man and embarks on a journey to rise through the ranks… 27.1kReads9.0Score2.3kShelves
46. 196 官 A Grand Vision for Officialdom 官场宏图 A Frog Who's 185 Centimeters Tall一米八五的蛙蛙Urban4.4M WordsOngoing A lesser physician treats people; a great physician treats the nation. Xia Feng, a talented traditional Chinese medicine student, resolutely enters politics to avenge his father's death. But when it rains, it pours. On the very day of his wedding, his father-in-law dies unexpectedly. From then on, Xia Feng is met with cold indifference at home. His mother-in-law resents him, and his wife lives apart from him for long stretches. With his father-in-law gone, Xia Feng loses his shelter. Then, after 12.8kReads8.9Score1.1kShelves
47. 197 诡 The Fog of a Bizarre Case 诡案迷雾 Bystander Joe旁观路人甲Historical684k WordsOngoing A historical mystery and political intrigue novel set in the fictionalized Wu Zhou period of the Tang dynasty, around the fifteenth year of Wu Zhou. It follows the protagonist and his companions as they enter government service and become entangled in a series of criminal cases, as well as the gripping struggle over the succession to the throne at the Luoyang court. This is my second novel. I hope you enjoy it, and I’ll do my best to tell a good story! 88Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Learned it][Already want it][Added to bookshelf][Masterpiece by Sparrow Eater][Currently working on a draft][Thumbs up]!!

48. 198 火 Rising Through the Ranks 火线提拔 A Thousand Miles Away万路之遥Urban5.5M WordsCompleted Qiao Yan witnessed someone jump to their death and was urgently promoted to investigate the real culprit behind it. But the case led him to a vast network of vested interests and a fierce battle. Relying on his own strength, he brought down the powerful forces and rose steadily through the ranks... 56.2kReads9.3Score5.9kShelves
49. 199 冒EN Impostor of the Langya Clan 冒姓琅琊 Eastern Zhou Young Master Nan东周公子南Historical1.6M WordsOngoing (Also known as “The Matter of Me Pretending to Be a Nobleman of the Southern Dynasties”) To transmigrate isn’t a dinner party. It’s a deadly game at every turn. The south is beautiful, yet lofty ambitions often fade away. Since ancient times, the Southern Dynasties have been weak, their heroes short-lived. No golden finger, no System, and no second chance at life. Everything starts from zero! Original owner’s memories: none! Identity: none! Supplies: none! When transmigration becomes reality, ho 497.6kReads9.7Score72.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Male-oriented, historical romance, political intrigue, a literature PhD student's soul travels back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The opening is fraught with danger, well-written, rich in allusions, and educational. Over 600,000 readers, it gets better with each reading.

50. 200 这 This Fisherman Delivers: One Trip to Sea, One Boatload of Catch! 这渔夫能处，出海一次收获一船！ Fortune From All Directions八方进宝Urban1.4M WordsCompleted [System + one heroine + island] After Jiang Nanzhou was harassed by his female superior, he simply quit and returned to his hometown to rest for a while and spend time with his family. While fishing offshore, he accidentally activated a System. With the System's help, he never returned empty-handed from a fishing trip and even discovered sunken treasure hidden deep beneath the sea. He built a shipwreck museum in his hometown and developed the tourism industry alongside the goddess he had secretl 13kReads8.8Score1.1kShelves

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