Top-Rated Novels Set in the Ming Dynasty 明朝高分小说

1. 1 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 59.6kReads9.3Score6.2kShelves

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   I've read a bunch of books about the Ming Dynasty, and only these few have good writing that I can read through to the end. I can only get to the beginning of many others.

2. 2 皇 The Emperor's Gold Medal County Magistrate 皇家金牌县令 Noodle King Zai板面王仔Historical2.7M WordsCompleted [Farming + lighthearted fun + transmigration] Fang Zhengyi transmigrates to the Great Jing dynasty and becomes a county magistrate. After seven years of work, he has created his own earthly paradise. He’d planned to live out his days as a carefree little emperor. In the thirteenth year of the Jinghe era, the emperor of Great Jing travels incognito and accidentally wanders into Taoyuan County... The moment the emperor enters the county, he is astonished! The many strange and wondrous things leave 228.3kReads9.5Score28.1kShelves

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   The first book is completely fictional, a comedy novel. The second book is highly recommended; it seeks to clear the name of the Zhu family, a dynasty that has been wronged for thousands of years. It explains why the Zhu family members all died young, why such a great dynasty collapsed, and why there were so many anti-Qing and pro-Ming figures during the Qing Dynasty. If you really like Ming history, I highly recommend it. It's full of historical materials and not much actual writing, so the rating isn't high. But be patient, it gets better as you read. As for the third book, I won't say anything; it's all romance, and it made this thirty-something-year-old cry buckets.

3. 3 铁 Ironblooded Late Ming 铁血残明 Ke Shanmeng柯山梦Historical2.5M WordsOngoing In the late Ming dynasty, Spain and Japan gradually restricted the outflow of silver, reversing the capital inflow that the Ming had enjoyed since the early sixteenth century. The commercial and smallholder economies that coexisted under the Ming were both hit by deflation. Combined with the effects of the Little Ice Age, one domino after another fell, plunging the realm into chaos. In the eleventh month of the sixth year of the Chongzhen reign, the roving rebels crossed the river south of Mianc 105kReads9.4Score11.1kShelves
4. 4 我 My Grandfather Is Zhu Yuanzhang 我祖父是朱元璋 Time Thief岁月神偷Historical6.5M WordsCompleted I have the most illustrious name: Zhu Yuntong. I am the legitimate grandson of the founding emperor of Great Ming, and the legitimate son of Crown Prince Zhu Biao. My mother is the daughter of Chang Yuchun, and my maternal granduncle is Lan Yu. I am the most illustrious imperial grandson in Great Ming, and the most influential and legitimate heir to the throne. I will usher in a different Great Ming, magnificent beyond compare, its sun and moon shining bright. It will embrace all rivers and welc 236.3kReads9.4Score27.6kShelves
5. 5 我 My Father Is the Emperor Who Begs at the Gate 我老爹是叫门皇帝 Bald Li San光头李三Historical2.2M WordsCompleted In the fourteenth year of the Zhengtong reign, my father, Zhu Qizhen, personally led an expedition beyond the borders, hoping to spread the might of the Great Ming far and wide. He never expected it to be like sending meat buns to a dog: he went out and never came back, becoming the Emperor Who Knocked at the Gates. Once he was no longer useful, they sent him back to the capital and confined him in the Southern Palace. Now Father is knocking at the gates again. Zhu Jianshen, who had been countin 55kReads8.8Score4kShelves

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   The first book's protagonist transmigrates into Zhu Jianshen, the son of Zhu Qizhen, the war god of the Oirat Mongols. He is registered at the age of two, thus preventing the Ming Dynasty from suffering losses in the Oirat war and allowing history to take a turn towards a brighter future. The second book's protagonist transmigrates to the era of Zhu Yuanzhang, where he is captured by Zhu Yuanzhang and taken to the palace to rescue Empress Ma, but unfortunately, he cannot save her. Due to special circumstances, the protagonist becomes immortal and secretly helps successive Ming emperors. Whenever the Ming Dynasty faces problems, he re-enters the court to save the dynasty from collapse.

6. 6 大 Great Ming: Please, Just Insult Me to Death! 大明：求求你骂死朕吧！ Great Pixiu大貔貅Historical2.3M WordsOngoing Just after Zhou Chen learned that his dad was a secret billionaire with a trillion in family assets, he was inexplicably whisked away by a System and transmigrated to the barren Ming Dynasty. The System warned him that if Old Zhu beheaded him, he would lose the System and be sent back to his dreary life. So Zhou Chen, whose spirits had just crashed because of his transmigration, found himself with fresh motivation and a new goal... Lose the System? Get lost already! What’s so hard about getti 1.1kReads8.7Score101Shelves

   Reader note

   Of the 10 books rated 9 or higher, 4 are set during the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang. The remaining books cover the mid-Ming and late-Ming periods, ranging from 7 to 8 points. They all focus on the reigns of Hongwu, Jianwen, Yongle, Chongzhen, Zhengde, Jiajing, and Chenghua. The main relationships are typically between emperor and subject, father and son, or grandfather and grandson. Recommendation rating: All four stars. Friendly reminder: The viewpoints presented in these books differ; please refrain from criticism.

7. 7 我 My Years in the Great Ming 我在大明那些年 Qing Hong青红Historical8.6M WordsOngoing [The first long-life novel set in the Ming Dynasty on the entire internet] Li Qing transmigrates to the early Ming Dynasty and, through a twist of fate, becomes a disciple of Zhang Landa. He lives a carefree life for years. In the fifteenth year of the Hongwu era, Empress Ma falls gravely ill, and by chance, Li Qing becomes her attending physician. From then on, Li Qing begins his journey through the Ming Dynasty. He experiences the bloodshed and turmoil of the Hongwu era and gets caught up in t 243.3kReads9.4Score19kShelves
8. 8 大 Great Ming: I Have a Brain Disorder, Yet You Still Want Me to Be Emperor 大明：我有脑疾，你还让我当皇帝 Let's Finish This Bottle of Lao Gan Ma干了这瓶老干妈Historical1.1M WordsOngoing Zhu Su was an overworked wage slave from the 22nd century. After falling asleep, he transmigrates and becomes Zhu Su, the Ming dynasty's fifth prince. At eight years old, he risks his life to save Empress Ma and the crown prince. That same year, the imperial physician diagnoses him with a brain disorder. Now the empress and crown prince owe him their lives, and he even has an official “medical certificate” from the imperial physician. Zhu Su charges headlong down the path of pretending to have a 9.8kReads9.1Score675Shelves
9. 9 开 The Embers of Kaiping 开平余烬 Mino Qu Xiang米糯曲香Historical122k WordsOngoing He possesses glory and honors beyond anything the world would dare imagine, but behind every honor lies a death warrant. He is Zheng Guogong, the youngest founding duke of the Great Ming Dynasty. At fourteen, he is the most notorious young wastrel in the empire. His father is the Prince of Kaiping, posthumously honored with the finest title a military general can receive: Zhongwu, "Loyal and Martial." His father-in-law is the Duke of Song, one of the six founding dukes of the Great Ming. His eld 1.4kReads—Score155Shelves

   Reader note

   This new book is good; it lacks a systematic approach and isn't mindlessly entertaining.

10. 10 明 Growing Powerful from the Rank of a Battalion Commander in the Late Ming 明末从千户开始做大做强 Look Ahead Quickly看快前面Historical974k WordsCompleted Han Xi transmigrated to the end of the Ming dynasty. Thanks to his father's efforts, he managed to become a battalion commander in the garrison. But the garrison was only a few dozen miles from where Huang Taiji would first enter the Pass, making the area extremely dangerous. Fortunately, Han Xi had the [Salary System], and the timeline was still early. The Wanli Emperor had only recently died. Han Xi still had plenty of time to quietly build up his strength. 9.7kReads7.8Score583Shelves

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    The protagonist transmigrates to the late Ming Dynasty and inherits the position of commander of a garrison. However, the area is very close to the Later Jin Dynasty. Fortunately, there is a salary system that allows him to earn wages, purchase supplies, and quietly develop his own strength. He accumulates grain and waits to declare himself king. Watch how I rise from a commander to become the King of Liaodong.

11. 11 正 Zhengde's Empire Where the Sun Never Sets 正德日不落 Chinese Farm Bull中华田园牛Historical691k WordsOngoing Some say that Emperor Zhengde was fascinated by ingenious silverwork and eccentric gadgets, dabbled in unorthodox pursuits, and showed no respect for Confucius and Mencius. But they fail to see how the steam engine propelled the Ming forward, setting it on the path to capitalism and industrialization. Some say that Emperor Zhengde relied on corrupt officials, established tax offices, and used force to collect taxes, while the people suffered under a crushing burden of levies. But they fail to se 218Reads7.6Score—Shelves
12. 12 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. 14kReads8.9Score863Shelves
13. 13 从 Contending for Supremacy, Starting With Water Margin 从水浒开始争霸 Ge San葛三Historical2.2M WordsCompleted An ordinary gaming nerd transmigrates to the Northern Song Dynasty during Emperor Huizong's reign, in a world fused with Water Margin. No computer, no air conditioning, no human rights. Honestly, if my newlywed wife didn't look like a celestial sister, I'd want to kill myself... 1.5kReads8.3Score103Shelves
14. 14 明 Late Ming: I Cleave Chongzhen with My Blade 明末：刀劈崇祯 Admiral Cao Jiang提督操江Historical756k WordsOngoing In the final years of the Tianqi era of the Ming dynasty, a transmigrator born into a family of loyal ministers rises amid chaos and turns the tide when all seems lost. Then he personally brings down this rotten dynasty, corrupt to its very roots. 541Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Currently, among the historical novels I admire on Tomato (a Chinese author), there are a few others that require a certain level of understanding, which I won't recommend. The first one focuses on strategy, not the pretentious kind, but rather on overall planning. The second one is more like a travelogue, with the protagonist wandering around during the Jiajing era, engaging in various battles and rivalries. The third one is on a literary level, with a good story, but it also requires a certain level of understanding.

15. 15 锦 Embroidered Guard, Fangs Bared 锦衣獠牙 Uncle Ribs排骨大叔Historical2.1M WordsCompleted [Adapted into several short dramas and animated dramas. Witty, lighthearted, slice-of-life comedy, ridiculous antics, sly tricks, and absurd humor.] After the old Taoist finished chanting, he shouted, “Begone! Soul, return to your body!” Li Xiaoya’s body jerked inside the coffin. He sat bolt upright, opened his eyes, and asked in confusion, “Where am I?” “(⊙_⊙)” The old Taoist performing the ritual rolled his eyes back and promptly fainted on the spot. Also known as: [Relax, How Many People Have 34.6kReads9.1Score3.6kShelves
16. 16 朱 Zhu Cilang: I Refuse to Be the Crown Prince of a Fallen Dynasty! 朱慈烺：我不做亡国太子！ When the Leaves Fall from the Trees乔木叶落去Historical4.1M WordsCompleted Lighthearted + political intrigue + war + passionate action + no System + no brainless decisions! See how he manipulates the levers of power and wins people’s hearts, outwits civil officials and military officers, and crushes every rival faction! See how he develops the economy and technology, trains his troops into a powerful army, conquers the world, and builds a Ming Empire on which the sun never sets! If they go to war, then their nations will be destroyed and their people wiped out! 4.9kReads8.7Score380Shelves
17. 17 我 I Debate the Classics with Great Scholars in the Embroidered Uniform Guard 我在锦衣卫跟大儒辩经 A Grain of Rice in the Vast Blue Sea沧海茫茫粒米身Historical1.2M WordsOngoing Yang Zhi, a top salesman and philosophy graduate student in his previous life, transmigrates to the end of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty. Through a twist of fate, he joins the Embroidered Uniform Guard, passes the imperial examination, enters the Hanlin Academy, and debates the classics with the great scholars at court! 5kReads8.8Score354Shelves
18. 18 大 The End of Dayan: Winds Rise in Hanzhou 大衍末路：邯州风起 Ai Yuan艾原Historical800k WordsOngoing [Transmigrate to the Late Ming] [Imperial Son-in-Law] [Not Mindless] [Not a Power Fantasy] [No System] [New Book] In the first year of the Chongzhen reign, at the end of the Ming dynasty, there are no golden fingers, no System, and the story unfolds at a measured pace. Zhao Yanzhi, a modern office worker, transmigrates by accident and becomes the illegitimate son of a landowning family in Handan during the early years of the Chongzhen reign. The realm is on the verge of chaos, bandits roam every 1.2kReads—Score117Shelves

    Reader note

    Having read countless time-travel novels set in the late Ming Dynasty, this is the first time I've encountered such a clear-headed male protagonist! He doesn't blindly vie for power, nor does he crave empty fame and wealth. In a world where everyone is fleeing for their lives, engaging in burning, killing, and looting, he goes against the tide, building strongholds to protect the people and sheltering refugees. He uses the most practical methods to cultivate the land, improve defenses, and reorganize the military, single-handedly creating a stable haven amidst the chaos and ruins. His vision is truly remarkable.

19. 19 重 Reborn as the Ming Emperor, but the Ming Dynasty Is Already Gone 重生明帝，但大明已经没了 Li Zhen理振Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Li Yan is reborn. The good news: he’s the emperor of the Great Ming. The bad news: the Great Ming is already gone. The Southern Ming court is on the verge of collapse, the Qing troops are pursuing them south, and the court keeps fleeing south… Li Yan: “I’m done running! I’ll fight the northern barbarians to the death!” Factional infighting? Kill them! We’ll fight our way from Guangdong back to Beijing! Li Dingguo, Zheng Chenggong, Gu Yanwu, Huang Zongxi. This time, they won’t be disappointed! 33kReads9.3Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all highly-rated historical novels about the Ming Dynasty. I highly recommend the first one. It's not a system novel, and although it imitates the Song Dynasty in many ways, it's really good. It's the story of an ordinary undergraduate student's rise to become an emperor.

20. 20 重 Reborn as a Tyrant in the Great Ming 重生大明当暴君 Painting Lingyan画凌烟Historical3.3M WordsCompleted You think you can secretly collude with the Jian Nu and I won't know? You think you can conceal your commercial taxes and I won't know? The southeast is prosperous, while Shaanxi lies barren for a thousand miles, littered with the starving dead. The court's ministers care nothing for the people's lives or the fate of the realm. They suck the blood of the Great Ming and strip the flesh from its people! Even an ordinary man in a fit of rage can spill blood three feet high. But do you know what hap 17.2kReads9.0Score1.4kShelves
21. 21 大 Jingtai of Great Ming: Brother, I Studied in the Modern Era 大明景泰：皇兄，我在现代留过学 Drifting Duck随波逐流鸭Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [Ming Dynasty + No System + Industrial Revolution + Commercial Empire + Modern Weapons + Business Empire Management] Standing before you is Zhu Qiyu: a bachelor's degree holder in both science and engineering, heir to a Fortune 500 conglomerate, a man who has driven tanks and fired cannons, and a PhD in archaeology... “Zhu Qizhen, didn't expect this, did you? I'm a student abroad just like you, except I came back from the modern age.” “Little Empress Dowager Sun, you dare stand in my way? Do you 1.5kReads7.9Score118Shelves
22. 22 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 4kReads8.8Score321Shelves
23. 23 帝 The Emperor's Hegemony in Great Ming 帝霸大明 Loves Beef on a Hot Plate爱吃铁板牛Historical620k WordsCompleted In the late Ming Dynasty, natural disasters struck one after another and the government was corrupt. After waking up as Zhu Youxiao during the final years of the Wanli Emperor's reign, he faced the Three Major Cases of the late Ming and the disastrous defeat at Sarhu. Faced with such a complicated situation, how will this young emperor turn things around? 18.4kReads8.9Score841Shelves
24. 24 大 Great Ming: Imprisoned in the Imperial Prison, I Find the Entire Court Is My Disciple 大明：人在诏狱，满朝皆是我徒孙 Xiao Niao Fei小鸟非Historical473k WordsOngoing What's the most dangerous thing about transmigrating? Of course, it's ending up in the family of corrupt officials under Zhu Yuanzhang. He opens his eyes in the imperial prison, where he has to watch beheadings every day. The whole family is supposed to go down together. Chen Chu, who spends every day on tenterhooks, suddenly makes a new friend: a son who has reported his own father. “Sir, how can we keep food supplies and the population stable?” “Sir, what should we do if we can't maintain stab —Reads—Score—Shelves
25. 25 重 Reborn as Zhu Youjiao, Building an Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets 重生朱由校，打造日不落大明帝国 Black Tortoise Immortal Tomb玄武仙墓Historical681k WordsCompleted In the sixteenth century, as the great Age of Exploration swept the world and Western nations eagerly expanded their horizons, the Ming Empire in the East quietly crumbled under natural disasters and human calamities. Zhu Xiao, a Ming history enthusiast from a later age, is reborn as the Tianqi Emperor, Zhu Youxiao. Watch as he ushers in reform, strengthens the army, leads the Ming Empire to the pinnacle of the world, and launches an Age of Exploration unlike any other for the Great Ming... 2.4kReads8.6Score107Shelves
26. 26 大 Great Ming: I Am Xu Da's Fifteenth-Generation Descendant 大明：我是徐达的十五世孙 Gu Xingyao顧兴瑶Historical1.8M WordsCompleted Xu Tianjue’s soul returns to the Ming dynasty, where he becomes the legitimate son of the Duke of Wei’s household and the fifteenth-generation descendant of Xu Da, Prince of Zhongshan. Faced with a dynasty beset by troubles at home and abroad, he wields the power accumulated by the Xu family over a century and vows to rewrite the fate of the Ming. At court, his family background lets him crush petty schemers; on the battlefield, he leads the Ming army to victory in every direction. This time, th 113Reads7.5Score125Shelves
27. 27 这 The Ming Dynasty Can Still Be Saved 这个大明还能拯救 Cantonese Melon粤瓜Historical1.6M WordsCompleted (Ming Dynasty + Ensemble Cast + Iron and Blood + No System + Emperor + Struggle for Supremacy + National Strength) A modern engineer transmigrates to the Ming Dynasty and becomes Zhu Yiyi, the eldest legitimate son of the Longqing Emperor, who died young. Faced with the impoverished Ming treasury, Zhu Yiyi has no choice but to propose reforms, mint silver coins, overhaul commercial taxes, and build a new army. He builds up his strength step by step, fights Altan Khan, opens maritime trade, conqu 8.5kReads8.5Score453Shelves
28. 28 大 Great Ming: A Scholar’s Rebellion Begins with Executing Corrupt Officials 大明：秀才造反，从诛杀恶吏开始 Climbing High登高Historical637k WordsOngoing After accidentally transmigrating to the late Ming Dynasty, Xiao Jingsheng sees an era where poverty, exploitation, hunger, war, disasters, epidemics, and fear all coexist. The powerful live in drunken luxury, officials and gentry are insatiably greedy, merchants run rampant, the Jianzhou Jurchens sharpen their blades, and darkness blankets the land... The throne changes hands from one year to the next. Next year, it will be my turn. If the world is unjust, then I’ll build a new, egalitarian wor 300Reads6.3Score—Shelves
29. 29 大 Great Ming: I'm a Prince, Can't I Enjoy Myself? 大明：皇子的我还不能享受享受？ The Pumpkin Became a Rookie南瓜变成菜鸟Historical1.7M WordsCompleted I'm no good at writing introductions. This is a new book by a new author. He transmigrates to the Zhizheng era, and the System blows up. What! I'm actually the Prince Qin Min, who did every evil thing imaginable? The second legitimate son of the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang! He died young. After his death, Zhu Yuanzhang personally wrote a memorial condemning him: "Since you were sent to your fief, you have earned no good reputation. You kept company with petty men, indulged in wine and women, a 36.8kReads8.8Score2.3kShelves
30. 30 快 Get on Board! It's Time to Overthrow the Qing and Restore the Ming 快上船，反清复明啦 Fifty Minus One五十缺一Historical585k WordsCompleted Standing before you is Zhu Zaiming, His Majesty the Emperor of the Second Ming Empire: lord of Australia, savior of the Yin people, leader of the Americas, pioneer of the ironclad battleship, nightmare of Europe, dear friend of Napoleon, supreme leader of Eastern civilization, and father of the world… The story of the Second Ming’s rise begins with a group of Han people stranded in Australia… 187Reads8.9Score—Shelves
31. 31 大 Great Ming: I Receive a Package from the Future Every Day 大明：我每天收到一个未来的快递 The Thirteenth Concubine Gone Mad疯狂十三姨太Historical2.1M WordsCompleted Wei Wu accidentally transmigrates to the Ming Dynasty and also gets a Courier Blind Box System. Every day, the System sends him a package from the future. From then on, he shuts himself away, refuses to be anyone’s workhorse, and enjoys a carefree life with everything he needs. He plays Black Myth on one side, grabs crayfish with the other, hangs solar panels overhead, and keeps a portable power bank in hand. Wei Wu: “Hey, how about sending me something high-end for a change? Is instant noodles 28.9kReads8.0Score2.7kShelves
32. 32 大EN Reborn as Zhu Yunwen: Forging a Mighty Ming 大明：我重生成了朱允炆 Plum Blossoms Startled by Snow寒梅惊雪Historical4.3M WordsOngoing In the thirty-first year of Hongwu, Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang passed away. Zhu Yunwen, the imperial grandson with a soul from a later age, ascended the throne! “Since I've become the Son of Heaven of the Great Ming, then... sorry, Zhu Di, you'll just have to be a capable minister who brings peace to the realm!” “Let's set up a cabinet, build a military academy, open a state-owned bank, develop the commercial tax system, and make nine years of compulsory education universal...” “Send Zheng He to S 39Reads8.6Score—Shelves
33. 33 大 Great Ming: I Told You to Hang Yourself, Not Rebuild the Ming Dynasty 大明：让你上吊，没让你重建大明 Tiger of Fire vvvv火之虎vvvvHistorical3.0M WordsCompleted He opens his eyes on the eve of the Jiashen upheaval. Li Zicheng has already breached Beijing, the Manchus beyond the passes are eyeing the capital, and court officials are closing in to force the issue. Faced with a nightmare from the start, what should the Chongzhen Emperor do… This work’s style: history as its bones, art as its wings. It respects real history and does not rewrite established events, using artistic storytelling to fill the regrets history left behind. A note for readers: This 5.7kReads8.9Score476Shelves

    Reader note

    I bet you haven't read this book.

34. 34 明 A History of the Ming Palace 明代宫闱史 Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical734k WordsCompleted Venture deep into the palace to explore the love and hatred between emperors and their consorts; delve into history and discover the twists and turns of feudal dynasties. Understand this series, and you understand the palace. Understand the palace, and you understand history. Understand history, and the realities of the world become clear. Palace romances are an important branch of traditional historical fiction. 40.9kReads9.6Score710Shelves

    Reader note

    The glorious history of the Ming Dynasty

35. 35 红 Secret Records Behind the Red Walls: A Complete History of China's Unofficial Past, Unabridged 红墙秘录：中国野史大全（无删节完整版） Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical2.7M WordsCompleted This complete collection is like a secret key unlocking the hidden chambers of China's imperial past, guiding readers into shadowy corners that official histories leave shrouded in secrecy. From the ancient legends of Unofficial History of the Xia and Shang to the imperial passions and court intrigues of The History of the Imperial Harem in the Song Dynasty, The History of the Imperial Harem in the Ming Dynasty, and Unofficial History of the Yuan Dynasty; from the extravagant excesses of The Ero 1.6kReads9.3Score256Shelves

    Reader note

    The History of Ming is very interesting

36. 36 永 Emperor Yongle Is My Brother-in-Law! Let’s Play It Safe! 永乐大帝我姐夫！苟苟苟出发咯！ Coffee Gives Me a Stomachache喝咖啡胃疼Historical544k WordsCompleted Authors interested in adapting this novel can search for "My Brother-in-Law, Emperor Yongle" to apply. All authors are welcome to adapt it! By a stroke of luck, I transmigrated and became Xu Huizu, eldest son of Xu Da, Duke of Wei of the Ming dynasty. What? My brother-in-law is the future Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di? Then all I have to do is keep my head down, right? And so... During the Hongwu reign, I kept an extremely low profile! During the Yongle reign, my brother-in-law was Zhu Di! During the H 5.9kReads8.1Score339Shelves

    Reader note

    A good Ming Dynasty novel 🥰

37. 37 大EN The Great Ming's Strongest Imperial Grandson: Asking the Emperor for Death at the Start 大明：最强太孙，开局求老朱赐死 Chen Miaowu陈喵呜Historical2.5M WordsCompleted In the twenty-fifth year of Hongwu, Crown Prince Zhu Biao died. Zhu Yuanzhang planned to make Zhu Yunwen the Imperial Grandson. Just then, Zhu Yuntong, who had transmigrated from the future, decided it was worth fighting for the position. Otherwise, after the three fools of the Jianwen era made a mess of things and his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, raised an army to suppress the rebellion, Zhu Yuntong might not even get the chance to live as a carefree prince when the troops reached the capital. So, dur 5.6kReads7.8Score414Shelves
38. 38 重 Reforging the Realm: Diary of the Great Ming's Ying Emperor 重铸山河，大明瀛帝日记 Riverside Pebble河边鹅卵石Historical2.1M WordsOngoing The twenty-fifth year of the Wanli reign, the year of the Fire Rooster. That night, Consort Li Jing gave birth to the emperor’s seventh son. Ten days later, consumed by grief, she departed this world, her youth fading at the age of twenty-one. She was murdered, yet no one spoke up for her. On the night she died, someone cried out for her, but his voice was barely louder than a mosquito’s buzz. I am the newborn child whom Consort Li Jing never stopped thinking of as she lay dying, the one who cri 733Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I've read a couple hundred books from the Ming Dynasty, and these are some of the better ones.

39. 39 我 My Grandpa Is the Daoist Emperor 我爷爷是道士皇帝 Bald Li San光头李三Historical3.1M WordsCompleted His grandfather practices Daoist arts and seeks medicinal remedies. He won't live in the imperial palace, preferring a Daoist temple... His father is a womanizer who stays in the palace, working tirelessly as a busy little bee in the imperial harem... Young Zhu Yijun quietly watches them perform from the sidelines, thinking to himself, “Now that you're done, it's my turn to put on a show...” 71.8kReads9.0Score7.3kShelves
40. 40 大 Great Ming: An Elite Snow-Dragon Cavalry from the Start, and My Grandfather Is Zhu Di! 大明：开局大雪龙骑，祖父朱棣！ Empty Thoughts Startle the Sea空念惊海Historical349k WordsCompleted [Conquest + political intrigue + palace power struggles + divine selection + charisma] Zhu Zhansheng transmigrates to the Ming dynasty, becoming the eldest grandson of the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, the eldest grandson of the Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di, and the eldest son of Prince Han, Zhu Gaoxu. After Zhu Di has a dream, he and Zhu Zhansheng become candidates for the title of Sage Grandson. When Zhu Di returns from his fourth northern campaign, he is assassinated in the street, sending the emp 5.7kReads9.2Score321Shelves
41. 41 大 The Great Ming Emperor-Slayer 大明屠皇 Mister Boling博陵先生Historical3.4M WordsCompleted In the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen reign, military doctor Zhu Jian transmigrated into the body of Zhu Cilang, becoming the ill-fated crown prince of the Great Ming. The plague was raging, the government was rotten to the core, Li Zicheng was sweeping across the land, and Zhang Xianzhong was ravaging the southwest. In the northeast, the Jurchen cavalry was sharpening its blades, ready to invade the Central Plains at any moment. And to top it all off, his new father was a hopeless good-for-not 5.9kReads8.9Score534Shelves
42. 42 大 Great Ming: The First Emperor of Qin Lives in My Head! 大明：我的脑子里住了个秦始皇！ Mountains Stand Tall山久在高Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [Great Ming]+ [Princes]+ [Political Scheming]+ [Battle for Supremacy]+ [One Female Lead] Consort Yang gave birth to a son, the seventeenth prince. Born clutching a jade, he was greeted by purple light filling the city. Heavenly omens marked him as extraordinary from birth! The officials looked on in astonishment! The palace was in uproar! But... if the prince is extraordinary, where does that leave the Crown Prince? After all, Zhu Biao, history's greatest crown prince, is still alive! His virtue 348Reads7.5Score—Shelves
43. 43 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! 3.9kReads8.4Score213Shelves
44. 44 大 Great Ming: My Father Is Zhu Tumu, and I Seize the Gate from the Start! 大明：家父朱土木，开局夺门之变！ Little Bear Dreams of Insects小熊梦虫Historical316k WordsCompleted The eighth year of the Jingtai era. The spirited Emperor Jingtai, Zhu Qiyu, is gravely ill and has little time left. The increasingly unhinged former emperor Zhu Qizhen is trapped in the Southern Palace, waiting desperately for his chance. The once-radiant Empress Qian is old, crippled, and impoverished, forced to weave cloth to support the former emperor. Wan Zhen'er, favored above all the women in the palace, still waits alone for her Prince of Yi, uncertain of what lies ahead. That year, Yu Q 25Reads8.5Score115Shelves
45. 45 大 The First Duke of the Great Ming 大明第一公 Time Thief岁月神偷Historical2.3M WordsCompleted I am Li Jinglong. This is my story, and the story of the Great Ming. 130.1kReads9.2Score14.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I've read quite a few Ming Dynasty novels, and I highly recommend these few.

46. 46 大 Great Ming: My Uncle Is Zhu Yuanzhang 大明我大伯是朱元璋 Men Jieliefu门劫裂夫Historical1.2M WordsCompleted He was Zhu Yuanzhang’s most trusted nephew. He was also the person who gave Zhu Yuanzhang the biggest headache. He loved to play the rascal, and though people could beat and scold him, they couldn’t kill him. After all, he was the only son of Zhu Yuanzhang’s second elder brother. But this guy really was a troublemaking lout who drove the entire court crazy: he tricked Old Zhu, conned Young Zhu, and loved beating up Zhu Laosi. 20.2kReads8.8Score852Shelves

    Reader note

    Lighthearted and funny, worth watching

47. 47 人 In the Great Ming, Starting with Tofu 人在大明，从做豆腐开始 The Dumpling Who Loves to Gamble爱打赌的饺子Historical1.7M WordsCompleted Wu Zishan, a medical master's graduate, transmigrated to the early Ming dynasty. At first, he only wanted to earn a few taels of silver to improve his life and, while he was at it, marry a beautiful wife. But a beauty pursued him with tearful pleas, and through a twist of fate he entered government service. He was promoted every few days and somehow became a major figure who stirred up the political landscape and changed history... 1.6kReads7.9Score128Shelves
48. 48 大 In the Ming Dynasty, We Dug Up a Living Ancestor 大明咱挖出了个活祖宗 Men Jieliefu门劫裂夫Historical144k WordsOngoing At the end of the Yuan dynasty, with the army short on funds, Zhu Yuanzhang sends Chang Yuchun tomb raiding and unearths a mighty Tang dynasty general who has slept for a thousand years. Clad in bright armor and wielding a long saber, the man is unmatched in battle, with no famous general able to defeat him. When he first wakes, he's simple and bewildered. Old Zhu wins him over with a bowl of meat, and he willingly charges into battle, taking on every tough fight. After the Ming dynasty is found 17Reads—Score—Shelves
49. 49 稳 The Steady Chongzhen, Starting with Saving Wei Zhongxian 稳健崇祯，从救下魏忠贤开始 Milk Drunk晕奶Historical4.4M WordsOngoing [Ming dynasty + contending for supremacy + no System + Chongzhen] Transmigrating to the Ming dynasty, he becomes Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, at Coal Hill. The land is in ruins, the sun and moon have lost their light, and the people are suffering. If that is how things stand, then I shall bear the stars on my back and shoulder the sun and moon! From the start, I save the dying Wei Zhongxian and confiscate the estates of the eight great Shanxi merchant clans! Rebellion? Kill! Manchu invaders? 28.2kReads8.6Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    🔥 [Data Domination] A phenomenal 8.9 Rating! 42,000 Bookworms are engrossed in following the story. This 1.947 Million-word epic novel is a testament to the author's dedication. The author, "Yun Nai," has been updating non-stop for 23 consecutive days, maintaining a daily update pace as steady as the Chongzhen Emperor's court!

50. 50 崇 The Seventeenth Year of Chongzhen: The Empire's Collapse 崇祯十七年：帝国的崩塌 Mountain Ghost of Spring City春城山鬼Historical842k WordsCompleted The Great Ming was at the height of its power and prosperity, yet collapsed overnight. What happened? This book is not a simple account of a dynasty's decline. It is a panoramic dissection of how a complex civilizational system crashed completely. Through the interwoven fates of more than twenty central figures, including the Chongzhen Emperor, Li Zicheng, Yuan Chonghuan, Wu Sangui, and Johann Adam Schall von Bell, we are drawn into the scene of an irreversible collapse. You will witness with yo 7.8kReads8.8Score582Shelves

    Reader note

    Three highly-rated novels set in the Ming Dynasty: *The Border Fires of the Ming Dynasty*—the iron hooves of the Qing army entering the pass; *The Seventeenth Year of Chongzhen: The Collapse of the Empire*—a tragic song of the Ming Dynasty's demise, unlocking the transition from Ming to Qing from two perspectives. And then there's the mind-blowing *The Ming Dynasty Did Not Colonize*, a must-read for anyone experiencing a reading slump, high-energy throughout.

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