Please, I Need Political Intrigue Novels. No Idiot Protagonists 权谋文求求了，对脑残主角说打咩

1. 1 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 86.4kReads9.2Score8.1kShelves

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   This! This! The ultimate showdown between Liu Che and Crown Prince Ju!

2. 2 锦 The Splendor of the Tang Dynasty: My Father Is Li Shimin 锦绣盛唐：我的父亲是李世民 The King Sent Me to Eat Vegetarian大王叫我来吃斋Historical4.1M WordsCompleted My surname is Li, my given name is Tai, my courtesy name is Huibao, and my childhood name is Qingque. I am the legitimate second son of Emperor Taizong of the Great Tang. My mother is Empress Wende, and my uncle is Zhangsun Wuji. I was favored above all the princes from a young age, and as I grew up, I proved to be exceptionally talented and brilliant. My useless elder brother, the crown prince, ruined himself and lost his position. Naturally, I am the most suitable, reasonable, and legitimate h 2.1kReads9.2Score269Shelves

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   I personally think they're all pretty good, but the first book's updates are really slow.

3. 3 请 Your Highness, Go to Your Death! 请皇兄，赴死！ Brew Little Wine煮小酒Historical1.1M WordsOngoing Zhou Che is reborn as the sixth prince of Great Xia, but his five elder brothers keep closing in on him. They want to strip me of my claim to the throne! They want to confiscate what little my family has left! They want to take the woman I love and kill me! If that’s how it is “If you, my brothers, can kill your own kin, why can’t I?” “If you can fight for the realm, why can’t I?” “You all think yourselves capable. What makes me any less so?!” Zhou Che rises with his sword drawn. “Your sixth bro 31.3kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves

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   🔥 [Highly Recommended] Zhou Che is reborn as the sixth prince of the Great Xia Dynasty, but his five elder brothers are relentlessly pressing him. They want to depose him from the throne! They want to confiscate his ruined family property! They want to steal his beloved and take his life! Since that's how it is— "These brothers, if my brothers can kill them, why can't I?" "This world, if my brothers can fight for it, why can't I?" "My brothers are so self-reliant, why am I incompetent?!" Zhou Che draws his sword and rises: "My sixth brother is unrighteous, I beg my brothers to die!"

4. 4 回 Back to the Song Dynasty to Be a Tyrant 回到宋朝当暴君 Painting Lingyan画凌烟Historical3.2M WordsCompleted In the halls of government, rotten wood holds office. Between the palace steps, beasts feast on their salaries. Men with hearts like wolves and the ways of dogs crowd the halls of power. Toadies and bootlickers fill the ranks of government, bringing the state to ruin and the people to misery! You dare demand to know whether the sword in my hand is sharp? 169kReads9.4Score19.6kShelves
5. 5 大 The Song Dynasty's Greatest Assassin 大宋第一杀神 Long Yuan龙渊Historical4.1M WordsCompleted At the end of the Northern Song dynasty, with Emperor Huizong on the throne, a modern-day king of spies awakens in the body of the Marquis's legitimate son and makes a forceful entrance! Treacherous minister Cai Jing, foolish ruler Zhao Ji? I'll use modern schemes and ruthless political tactics to bring you down! Strange, baffling cases with killers lurking in the shadows? I'll solve them with modern investigative techniques and turn every case into another rung on my ladder to power! Liao, Jin, 33.1kReads9.0Score3.8kShelves

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   The only downside is his consistently weak combat skills. The novel tells the story of a modern-day spy king who transmigrates into the body of Yan Ran, the eldest son of a noble family in the late Northern Song Dynasty. In this era of treacherous officials and a foolish emperor, Yan Ran cleverly navigates the complexities of modern politics, skillfully maneuvering against corrupt officials like Cai Jing, and using modern deductive reasoning to solve bizarre cases, gradually increasing his status and influence. Faced with the powerful armies of the Liao, Jin, and Western Xia dynasties, he uses modern technology to build a powerful army, determined to sweep across the land and change this chaotic world.

6. 6 扬 Promote the Ming 扬明 Ke Jiu柯久Historical3.7M WordsCompleted In the final years of the Ming Dynasty, the court grows increasingly corrupt, factions spring up everywhere, and political infighting rages on. Beyond the passes, the Jurchens are ambitious and hungry for power. Zhu Youxiao decides to do something, to save the Ming Dynasty from the brink of collapse and prop up its crumbling foundations! 12.5kReads8.4Score1.1kShelves
7. 7 大 The Benevolent Ancestor of the Tang Dynasty 【大唐仁祖】 Tang Renzu of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors三皇五帝唐仁祖Historical973k WordsCompleted [Golden Finger] [Transmigration] [Li Ke] [Political Intrigue] [History] From the start, he transmigrates into Li Ke. Facing certain death, he uses Li Shimin as a chess piece and goes head-to-head with the Changsun clan and the Guanlong aristocratic families, deftly resolving the struggle over the crown prince's succession. From the start, he is trapped in a dead end: Changsun Wuji has already begun plotting to frame him, and the deadly purge of Zhenguan Year 17 is less than six years away. He 5.5kReads—Score494Shelves

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   Absolutely! I read it five or six times before recommending it to my fellow readers. If you read it patiently, you'll absolutely be hooked. *The Great Tang Emperor Renzu* is a historical romance novel with the quality of a serious drama! I guarantee the more you read, the more addictive it becomes! It's intellectually stimulating and logically sound! Quality is absolutely guaranteed! Completed in September with nearly a million words, all foreshadowing is resolved, all plot holes are filled, and there's no disappointing ending. The author's writing style, word choice, plot structure, imperial strategies, political maneuvering, emotional nuances, military battles, and court intrigue are all top-notch. The book has a grand scope, lofty ideals, profound thoughts, rich cultural background, and exceptional character portrayals! If you don't like it after reading it, you can slap me in the face!

8. 8 明 The Son of Heaven 明天子 Famous Sword Manor名剑山庄Historical3.4M WordsCompleted Reborn in the middle of the Ming Dynasty, he finds himself inhabiting the body of an eight-year-old child. But that’s not important. What matters is that he is the crown prince, the heir to the throne! In simple terms, this is the story of an eight-year-old emperor’s rise: seizing the palace, governing the court, bringing peace to the people, quelling internal unrest, recruiting talent, improving agriculture, and developing commerce... Through civil and military accomplishments, he will restore 151Reads8.6Score—Shelves
9. 9 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 493.7kReads9.7Score71.7kShelves

   Reader note

   Political intrigue novels are especially good; the main characters are all incredibly intelligent.

10. 10 唐 Tang's Grand Strategy 唐谋天下 Greenleaf 7青叶7Historical3.1M WordsCompleted After nine reincarnations, he is born into the imperial family. Fate grants him the exalted status of crown prince, but also a cruel and merciless home life! Here's the harsh reality he has to face: his father is Li Zhi, and his mother is called Wu Mei. 140Reads8.8Score—Shelves
11. 11 我 I, the Ultimate Schemer: The Empress Calls Me a Living Yama 我，最强毒士，女帝直呼活阎王 Xing Xing Zi星星子Historical4.3M WordsOngoing [Search Tomato to watch the short drama: The Third Greatest Stratagem of All Time] Gao Yang transmigrated to the Great Qian Dynasty just as the Empress ascended the throne and began recruiting talent from across the land. So he volunteered himself as a poison strategist! The Empress: “Suppose you personally wiped out your enemy's entire family. As you looked at the bodies scattered everywhere, you suddenly realized there was still a child in the house. What would you do?” Gao Yang: “I'd say, ‘Re 382.6kReads9.2Score32.3kShelves

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    Like Zhuge Liang in the Three Kingdoms period, the male protagonist is intelligent and resourceful, making perfect plans and helping the empress conquer all sides.

12. 12 癫EN What the Heck! Everyone Around Me Is Completely Nuts! 癫！孤身边全是神经病！ Wen Yuan Party文元党Ancient Romance764k WordsCompleted Born a crown prince, Qi Yuanzuo was convinced that he was the only normal person in the imperial family. Little did he know what the Crown Prince looked like to outsiders: At seven, he shot a tiger and won nine hundred kilometers of territory in the Qilian Mountains. At thirteen, he cut through the great clans of Jiangnan and personally orchestrated the Case of the Ninety-Seven Mourning Robes, stepping over piles of corpses to claim the throne. At fifteen, he gambled on the Qilian Mountains once 54.4kReads9.5Score7kShelves

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    Three-year-old Qi Yuanzu awakens his memories and discovers he's become the villain in a book, destined for a tragic end. His bizarre thought process leads him to devise the shocking act of severing his father's manhood. Meanwhile, the eldest prince, after his own rebirth, undergoes a complete 180-degree shift in his perception of the crown prince. The prince, whom he once looked down upon, is now a legendary figure, skilled in both literature and martial arts. The crown prince's heroic deeds—defeating the Xiongnu with three arrows and tearing up the peace treaty—have earned him legendary status! Now, news arrives that the crown prince can no longer practice martial arts, throwing the princes into a panic, causing them to worry about various important matters. With the princes collectively reborn and a time-traveling woman joining the fray, what kind of insane drama will unfold in this palace? It can only be said that everyone here is more eccentric than the last. Come and experience this exciting and thrilling ancient royal intrigue!

13. 13 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 257.8kReads9.7Score30.2kShelves

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    [These are my two favorite political intrigue novels, both rated 9.7. They feature high-IQ characters and are sure to give you a mental boost.] ① A political intrigue novel where the female lead is wise, intelligent, and has a broad vision, helping the male lead to conquer the world (the male lead is also very strong himself). ② A political intrigue novel where the female lead starts off weak but changes her fate through a script, and later it becomes a real battle of wits, with everyone being highly intelligent and the world being used as a chessboard. Very enjoyable!

14. 14 蝉 Cicadas Sing as the Sun Sets in the West 蝉声且送阳西 Rain Falls, Bamboo Turns Cold雨落竹冷Eastern Fantasy2.6M WordsCompleted [Wuxia + swordsmanship + political intrigue + scheming protagonist + comedy + multiple leads] The world’s great currents form a chessboard, and all living beings are its pieces. One player commands the black pieces, another the white. One person has double pupils and looks down coldly on mortal life, overturning heaven and earth with a single gesture. Another is refined and graceful, laying schemes one after another, each linked to the next. Another, though only at the second rank, takes one ste 7.5kReads9.3Score759Shelves

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    *The Misty Rain Pavilion* A thousand years ago, the gods brought calamity upon the world. Heaven did not protect humanity, only the Daoist sect held up the heavens. A thousand years later, as the polar night and harsh winter approach, Confucian sages, in their twilight years, struggle to uphold the flickering flame of hope. A high-ranking official holds the black chess piece, declaring, "Under the heavens, all land belongs to the emperor; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king." A Daoist leader, with his crippled body, gives his old friend a final push. A thousand-year-old elder dissipates his cultivation to search for a way to save the world. The Li family is incredibly wealthy, and a genius appears only once in a millennium. A young monk cultivates Buddhism with a demonic body, and a virtuous and upright senior disciple. There is the unfathomable Northern Heavenly Maiden, as deep and unyielding as a mountain peak; and a Western Palace Master who has entered the fifth realm. Watch as the chosen one wields the pearl of wisdom, calculating flawlessly, and effortlessly destroys all enemies; and how he borrows the power of the past to protect the present. "The Cicada's Song Sends Yangxi Off" The world's affairs are a chessboard, all living beings are chess pieces; one plays black, the other white. Some have double pupils, coldly observing the mortal realm, their hands capable of overturning heaven and earth. Some are gentle and refined, their calculations intricately linked. Some, with the bearing of a first-rank official, enter the realm of martial arts in a single step, achieving enlightenment, igniting fireworks from dozens of meteors. Some are righteous in their swordsmanship, yet walk alone as chivalrous heroes... Some weep bitterly, some laugh heartily. A young man with a wooden sword at his waist emerges from a secluded paradise, observing this mundane world, this martial arts world. Fallen leaves suddenly herald autumn, the cicada's song sends Yangxi off. Hello, Xianxia! "The Carefree Prince" Court intrigue, open and covert attacks, every step fraught with danger; martial arts grudges, flashing swords, every move deadly. A powerful minister who dared to defy a hundred imperial edicts for twenty years ultimately served as a stepping stone for others. A former crown prince blinded himself, exchanging the treasures of his restored kingdom for a beautiful woman, vowing to betray the world rather than betray her. A peerless fairy, the Wutong Fairy, imprisoned herself in the palace for a hundred years for love, eating the sweetest pastries and drinking the strongest wine. A general, whose two sons and three grandsons died on the battlefield, proved that his women were stronger than any man. Amidst the chaos of the Three Kingdoms, blood congealed into dust, and mountains of white bones added countless more demons and monsters. Love, hate, passion, and vengeance—what harm is there in being carefree?

15. 15 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 123.7kReads9.7Score14kShelves
16. 16 逍 The Carefree Prince 逍遥皇子 Old Ghost of Wenshan文山老鬼Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [A wholly fictional historical setting] Courtly power struggles, open and covert attacks, and deadly traps at every turn. The jianghu is rife with grudges, where flashing blades strike to kill. A powerful minister served as chief censor for twenty years, daring to reject a hundred imperial edicts, only to spend his life paving the way for someone else. A crown prince of the previous dynasty gouged out his own eyes and traded the treasure meant to restore his kingdom for a beauty, willing to betr 4.5kReads8.4Score206Shelves
17. 17 娘 Mother, Please Stop Trying to Find Me a Concubine 娘，真的别给儿子纳妾啦 White Dragon, Don't Lurk白龙勿潜Historical909k WordsOngoing Multiple heroines + alternate world + political intrigue + satisfying power fantasy Shen Zhi'an transmigrates into an ancient family of merchants as its only son. To ensure the Shen family line continues, his mother is intent on taking concubines for him so he can father a dozen sons. Shen Zhi'an's own dream is to live as a spoiled young master. But the world is in turmoil, and the Jiangnan Shen family has become a target of the imperial court. Shen Zhi'an has no choice but to flee. In Great Zho 5.3kReads—Score372Shelves

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    It's really beautiful.

18. 18 慈 Empress Dowager Cixi and Her Three Favored Eunuchs 慈禧皇后与她的三个宠爱太监 Farmer Third Young Master农家三少Historical3.7M WordsCompleted [Eunuchs + Palace Secrets + Empress Dowager Cixi + Court Intrigue] From the time Empress Dowager Cixi entered the palace to the day she ruled from behind the curtain, she shared an unusual relationship with three eunuchs: An Dehai, Li Lianying, and Xiao Dezhang. They were like master and servants, like friends, and more than anything, like old companions. She doted on the three eunuchs, who relied on her favor to do as they pleased, throw their weight around, and take part in court affairs. This 51.3kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

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    A truly captivating and absolutely enjoyable historical novel.

19. 19 被 After My Engagement Was Broken, My Identity as a Poet Immortal Was Revealed 被退婚后，我诗仙的身份曝光了 Block the West Tower堵上西楼Historical2.8M WordsCompleted New book announcement: My Husband, Be Good. The Princess Is Here to Steal You Away. Thank you for showing your support by checking it out. This book is also known as After My Engagement Was Broken Off, My Identity as a Poetry Immortal Was Revealed. Li Chen’an transmigrates to the Ning Kingdom and becomes an unwanted son kicked out of his home! His background is truly tragic: He began his lessons at three, yet by eleven he still couldn’t recite the Three Character Classic. Then he spent three yea 4.8kReads8.9Score944Shelves

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    This one... At least everyone in it is scheming. It's a bit like a book I read before. I forgot the title, but the author was something like Desert, and I remember a line that went something like, "Six dragons gather their troops, the Bodhisattva opens the gate." Anyone know it?

20. 20 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

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    The legendary story of Emperor Qianlong, from a young emperor to one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history.

21. 21 皇 The Emperor’s Favorite Minister? No, I’m Rebellious to the Bone! 皇帝宠臣？不，我一身反骨！ Lun Dong伦东Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [Power Struggles] + [Political Scheming] + [High-Stakes Play] + [Not Mindless] The great clans grew powerful and took control of the imperial court. The emperor wanted to use me as a weapon to reclaim imperial authority, but he devised countless ways for me to die. Once he realized how useful I was, he even wanted to castrate me and turn me into a eunuch, so I could continue serving as his blade. The Left Chancellor, head of the great clans and a man of unfathomable depths, pointed to the fish 7.5kReads9.0Score714Shelves

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    Come and savor the finer details. True political intrigue, concise and to the point; excellent writing and perfectly portrayed characters! There's nothing overly flashy or gimmicky.

22. 22 反 Villain: From the Start, I Gouge Out the Heroine's Spirit Eye 反派：开局刀剜女主灵瞳 Snow Seeking Redemption赎罪的雪Eastern Fantasy1.4M WordsOngoing [No System] [No Harem] [One Female Lead] Shen Yuan transmigrates and becomes the villainous cannon-fodder clan head in a mindless power-fantasy xuanhuan novel. Yes, the kind of villainous clan head who never stops courting death. When a woman from his clan falls in love with the protagonist, he has to do everything he can to stop them. Whenever the protagonist finds some rare treasure in a secret realm, he has to scheme to steal it. But he never gets his own hands dirty, only sending his clan’s 1.9kReads8.6Score295Shelves

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    🌸A political intrigue novel. The male protagonist transmigrates and becomes the main antagonist, the prime minister of the current dynasty. He starts by gouging out the female protagonist's eyes, then assassinates the empress, seizes power to control the emperor and command the feudal lords, wielding immense power, calling a deer a horse, and controlling the military. [Top Post][Top Post]

23. 23 大 Great Qin: The Ruthless Chancellor, Whom the First Emperor Begs Not to Kill 大秦：最狠丞相，始皇求我别杀了 Never Saw the Moon of Qin不曾见秦时月Historical2.5M WordsCompleted [Decisive and Ruthless + The Protagonist Is a Master Schemer + No Romance + Career-Focused Protagonist] After transmigrating into the Great Qin dynasty, Liu Bai rose straight to the position of Great Qin's Left Chancellor. From the start, he had seven thousand surrendered rebels buried alive. When he returned to Xianyang, everyone was sharpening their knives, ready to impeach the chancellor. Only then did they realize it was all just the beginning. “Your Majesty, Left Chancellor Liu Bai beat Zha 32kReads9.4Score3.7kShelves

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    Tomato Strategy Top Three!

24. 24 穿 Transmigrate, Become the Great Qian Crown Prince's Eldest Son 穿越，大乾第一世子 Chubby from Western Shu西蜀小胖Historical2.3M WordsCompleted [Parallel Martial Arts and Political Intrigue + Reincarnated in the Womb + Hegemony + No Harem (Politics First, Not Mindless Wish Fulfillment)] Li Cheng'an wakes up as the heir of the Great Qian Dynasty. In his previous life, he worked himself to the bone. In this life, all he wants is to be a wastrel who indulges in wine and women. But fate has other plans. As a child, he learns an unreliable Daoist cultivation technique, and the wheels of destiny begin to turn. He acts recklessly in his youth, 55.4kReads8.7Score5.8kShelves
25. 25 穿 Transmigrating Through the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Sun and Moon Light My Way 穿越之日月照我隋唐路 Xuanwu Ji玄武季Historical4.1M WordsOngoing He was just a 2025 spy operating on the edge of a knife. An accidental explosion sent him transmigrating to the turbulent years of the Sui and Tang dynasties. Reborn in another body, he finds himself the young lord of a frontier people. Should he take up the shepherd's crook and continue living a pastoral life? Or command a hundred thousand mounted archers and challenge the Sui and Tang, the Tujue, and the Gaobaixin Japanese? A cinnabar mole, a moonlight of the heart... His reach extends to ever 16Reads5.9Score—Shelves

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    The intrigue and power struggles of the Sui Dynasty await you! The moment you transmigrate to the Sui Dynasty, extraordinary phenomena occur...⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Experience the world of the Sui Dynasty from a first-person perspective! ... I'm a casual guy, but when I'm serious, I'm definitely not a bad person... The lands of the Sui Dynasty are filled with a violent, turbulent atmosphere, rebellions and wars... Li Er finally encounters Abu, who's abducting girls... Xiuning, be sure to keep your distance from that handsome fortune teller... The pain of society falls on everyone; it's when you no longer have the courage to say "I love you"... And the Sui Dynasty, intrigue, conquest, life!

26. 26 三 The Virtuous Provincial Graduate 三好举人 A Cat Dad一位猫爸Historical289k WordsOngoing [Political scheming] [Multiple heroines] [No golden finger] [It’s all down to brains and talent] The Great Zhou Dynasty is a realm whose history is completely different from anything Tang Xu knows. In this life, he is the renowned prodigy of the Tang family and the youngest provincial graduate in Jianning Prefecture. But the moment he wakes up, he is falsely accused of a crime. A disastrous start. Let’s see how I get out of this mess, stir up the winds of change, maneuver through the politi 4Reads—Score—Shelves
27. 27 天 Amid the Schemes at the Peak of Power, I Ascend to the Clouds with My Wits 天之巅权谋间，吾以心术踏云端 Lun Dong伦东Historical284k WordsOngoing "Political Intrigue" "High-Stakes Power Plays" "No System" "No Mindless Protagonist" "Passionate" "Court Politics" If an umbrella cannot shield people from wind and rain, who would hold it high above their head? But whatever shelters you will also constrain you. It can protect you from wind and rain, yet keep you from ever seeing the sun. Even pigs never understand, right up until they die, why the person who feeds them three meals a day is the same person who slaughters them. Those at the botto 113Reads7.3Score—Shelves
28. 28 大 The Splendor of Daqing 大庆之韶华录 Jin Qianqian金千千Historical205k WordsCompleted [Multiple storylines + political intrigue + palace coup] The story centers on the romantic entanglement between Chu Ran, a woman born into a family of generals, and Wei Jin, Prince of Yong’an. Their marriage comes first, and love follows. Against a sweeping historical backdrop, they fight fierce battles in the southwest, face tangled schemes and turmoil within the palace, and endure the harsh sieges threatening the northwestern frontier. Through these twists and turns, Chu Ran and Wei Jin grow c 33Reads7.7Score—Shelves

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    [Multiple Storylines] The story revolves around Chu Ran, the daughter of a military family, and Wei Jin, the Prince of Yong'an, whose marriage is arranged but blossoms into love. The tale follows their growth as they navigate the Southwest Campaign, palace intrigue, and the Northwest Siege. Subplot 1: A cunning emperor abandons his love for the throne, but the unwavering devotion of his beloved leads to a heart-wrenching union. A third party criticizes the empress for her ambition and rebellion. Subplot 2: A charming young marquis wins over a delicate princess, who wavers between her childhood sweetheart and the marquis. Subplot 3: The most beautiful woman in the land, abandoned by the prince, joins forces with the eldest son of the prime minister to wipe out the heroine's entire family. Other subplots include: a loyal general marrying a courtesan for love, but causing his brother's engagement to be broken off; a former prince falling in love with a beautiful spy from the marquis's household, uncovering the empress's past affairs; the tragic love story of the Marquis of Dingyuan in the desolate Northwest; and a war between four tribes in the Southwest that ends in marriage. (Everyone's focused on their careers, with only time for romance. I originally planned to write 100,000 words, but it kept rambling on and on.)

29. 29 年 Only Eight Years Old, He Is Rushed Into Taking the Throne! 年方八岁，被仓促拉出登基称帝！ At Ease at the Edge of the World天涯逍遥Historical2.9M WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the imperial family of the Yu Dynasty, Chu Ling found himself a son born to a concubine, without power or influence, and with a weak maternal clan. It seemed his best option was to become an idle prince, surrounded by beautiful women, frequenting pleasure quarters and indulging in wine and song. But the new emperor died suddenly less than a year after ascending the throne, and fate played a cruel joke on Chu Ling, forcing him down an entirely new path! 12.8kReads8.6Score946Shelves

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    Highly recommended, it's really good!

30. 30 青 Record of Ascending to Immortality in the Azure Clouds 青云登仙录 I Take Up My Sword to Set the World Right提剑当平天下不平事Eastern Fantasy383k WordsOngoing [No System] [Political Intrigue] [Heir Apparent] [Blades] [War] Xu Ningyuan, the mighty Prince of Liyang of the Qingyun Dynasty, commands an invincible army of six hundred thousand, the Tiance Army. His power shakes the Dengyun Continent, so much so that even the imperial authority must bow before him. His eldest legitimate son, Xu Mo, reached the pinnacle of cultivation at a young age, then kept a low profile within the great cultivation sect known as the Xuntian Sect. Five years passed in the 20Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A cry of an eagle echoed from the sky, followed by a golden-feathered eagle several meters long appearing before everyone's eyes. Xu Mo chuckled, "General Huo, it seems this young master doesn't need to turn back." Huo Liushang frowned, seemingly sensing other variables. "Boom, boom..." The sound of uniform hooves grew louder as it approached, quickly reaching everyone's ears, and an armored cavalry force came into view. This cavalry force was like an unstoppable black torrent; all the soldiers were clad in black cloud-patterned armor, wore white feathered helmets, wielded fine steel broadswords, and held high the Xu-character royal banner. With a wave of the hand from the middle-aged general at the front of the cavalry, they came to a uniform halt behind the Imperial Guards, the only sounds being the friction of armor and the neighing of warhorses. Huo Liushang stared at the cavalry formation before him and sighed, "With such imposing presence alone, the Imperial Guards are no match for them." "Dismount!" The middle-aged general commanded. In less than a few breaths, over a thousand cavalrymen had formed a square formation, and a chilling, oppressive atmosphere filled the valley. The Imperial Guards, intimidated by the imposing aura, involuntarily took several steps back. The middle-aged general, with his long beard and sword-like eyebrows, had a pair of sharp, hawk-like eyes that gleamed coldly. He surveyed the Imperial Guards before him, a disdainful sneer playing on his lips. "Get out of the way!" His icy voice made the Imperial Guards' eardrums ring. Huo Liushang, knowing there was no chance left, resignedly said, "Let them go!" Upon hearing the general's order, the Imperial Guards retreated as if granted a pardon, no longer caring about upholding the dignity of the imperial guards. Xu Mo's smile widened. Uncle Bai had finally arrived; there was no need to gamble anymore. Behind him, over a thousand Mo Dao cavalrymen followed closely, treating the Imperial Guards as nothing, and like sharp blades, they passed straight through their formation. "Under the Heavenly Strategy Army Banner, Bai Tong, Commander of the Mo Dao Battalion, by order of the Prince of Liyang, respectfully welcomes His Highness the Crown Prince!" A rare warmth appeared in Bai Tong's eyes. "Mo Dao Battalion cavalrymen greet His Highness the Crown Prince! We respectfully welcome His Highness the Crown Prince into the camp!" Over a thousand Mo Dao Battalion cavalrymen pounded their chests and shouted in unison. (Main Character Relationship: The Crown Prince and the Princess's Entanglement)

31. 31 书 Master Calligrapher? Poet Immortal? Chief Minister? That's Right, I'm All of Them 书圣？诗仙？首辅？没错，都是我 Sunlight on the River日照前川Historical834k WordsOngoing In his previous life, Cui Xian was a PhD in Chinese Language and Literature at a top-tier university. In this life, he transmigrated to ancient times, into a poor family with no connections: A destitute home, a pregnant mother, young siblings, an uncle who had failed the exams six times and was hopeless at studying, a grandmother so obsessed with imagining her son placing high in the imperial examinations that she had become delusional, and Cui Xian, who was only eight years old. Cui Xian: This 28.3kReads9.4Score2.7kShelves
32. 32 大 The Women’s Realm of Great Jin 大晋女权 Wei Yu Qiwei为鱼其威Ancient Romance420k WordsCompleted [Historical Political Intrigue + Transmigration to Another World + Everyone Gets a Bad Ending] They say that when someone is on the brink of death, their brain spends thirty seconds replaying their life like a lantern show, laying every regret and missed opportunity bare. Luo Zhaoran’s life was particularly short, yet full of color, making its end all the more heartbreaking. In her previous life, she suffered through every kind of hardship. Given another chance in a different world, all she want 17Reads—Score—Shelves

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    These are the best historical romance novels with political intrigue I've ever read. They're definitely not fake political intrigue but real romance; everyone is intelligent and articulate, and there are no clichéd plots! A very promising new author, highly recommended!

33. 33 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 767Reads8.7Score—Shelves

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    A top-tier political intrigue novel; debate it if you disagree. A hellish start, but the plot is flawless. Twists and turns, twists and turns! (Those with low intelligence or those who idolize certain historical figures should not read this, as it may shatter your worldview.)

34. 34 永 The Yongle Emperor: Zhu Biao 永乐大帝：朱标 Fourth Prince四王爷，Historical4.2M WordsCompleted (Decisive and ruthless! No System! Court intrigue and power struggles! Conquering the northern frontier!) A top wilderness survival expert transmigrates into the parallel world of the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, becoming his eldest son, Zhu Biao! From then on, the Yongle Emperor is no longer Zhu Di. At home, he executes Lady Lü to stabilize the inner court. Abroad, he trains iron cavalry and formations of musketeers, repeatedly sweeping through the Tatars, Jurchen, Oirats, and the Little Cher 36.2kReads9.0Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The strategist is incredibly skilled, and even the supporting characters aren't brainless.

35. 35 穿 Transmigrated as a Treacherous Minister's Legitimate Daughter, She Plays the Part to Perfection 穿成奸臣嫡女，她本色出演 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance565k WordsCompleted [Transmigrate into a book + Career-focused early on + Sweet romance + One-on-one romance + Both leads are devoted to each other] [Two-faced, ruthless minister's daughter × Wild, formidable iron-faced general] The ruler of the business world transmigrates into a book overnight, becoming the daughter of the treacherous chancellor. She throws her weight around and commits every kind of evil, with the label “vicious supporting female character” practically branded onto her. She's madly pursuing the 86.4kReads9.6Score11.3kShelves

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    Business tycoon Xiao Wangshu transmigrates into a book, becoming the daughter of a treacherous prime minister. Under her new identity, Xiao Wangshu uses her modern business knowledge to develop a business empire, assisting her father from a powerful prime minister to the emperor, while she herself becomes a princess with the power to oversee the country.

36. 36 伏 Ambush 伏杀 Mo Bai1莫白1Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Original title: Ambush] Beneath the awe-inspiring might of Heaven, all living beings are mere ants. And yet he dares, with the strength of an insect, to turn the world upside down. For family, for friends, for the burning hatred in his heart, for the nightmares that haunt him year after year, for justice, and for fairness. This story is set in an imaginary world and has no connection to actual history. Everything in it is fictional. Any similarities are purely coincidental. 14.8kReads8.3Score931Shelves

    Reader note

    If you're looking for a good read, just go for it! "Ambush" is a hardcore political intrigue and revenge story with no weaknesses in the battle of wits. The revenge plot is ruthless and satisfying, guaranteed to get your blood pumping!

37. 37 极 The Finest Crown Prince 极品太子爷 Sea Dongqing海东青Historical3.0M WordsCompleted The original novel behind the hit short drama Crown Prince of Ancient Times. This hit web novel is also known as Crown Prince Regent. After transmigrating into the crown prince of Great Qin, I refuse to be a 996 wage slave in this life. I'll hold the power of the world in my waking hours and sleep in the embrace of beauties after a night of revelry. I'll execute treacherous ministers, destroy enemy kingdoms, and sail east to conquer Japan. The mighty authority of Great Qin will resound across 1.3kReads8.7Score266Shelves
38. 38 综 Rewriting the World with the Emperor's System 综影视朕手握帝王系统重写世界 The Guanghanzi of Anyun Province安云省的广寒子Ancient Romance100k WordsOngoing System + reborn + dual protagonists (the male lead is Liu Che; the heroine is Ning Yun, who transmigrates, and Lin Wan’er, who is reborn) + political intrigue + feel-good power fantasy + infrastructure building + chaotic pairings + both protagonists are beloved by all + crossover of film and television worlds + Joy of Life + no CP The greatest emperor of all time is reborn in the Kingdom of Qing as a wrinkly baby. His biological father holds him upside down to inspect him, while his aunt pinches —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Liu Che transmigrates into Joy of Life

39. 39 极 The Ultimate Young Landlord 极品小地主 Lone Wine孤酒Historical2.6M WordsCompleted Modern-day wage slave Tang An transmigrates to ancient times and becomes the heir to the richest family in the land. Everyone thinks he will squander the family fortune, but the more he squanders, the richer the Tang family gets. By the time he is done, they are wealthy enough to rival the nation itself... He has no desire to become an official. He just wants to be a carefree young wastrel, but in the end he rises to the highest rank, The Outcast with all others beneath him, becoming a powerful 1.1kReads5.7Score112Shelves

    Reader note

    This is the most interesting and well-crafted political intrigue novel I've ever read. It's humorous and nuanced, featuring a protagonist who transmigrates into the body of a billionaire, pretending to be weak while actually being strong—a truly unconventional plot. If you're interested, you should definitely check it out.

40. 40 绥 Suiyang 绥阳 Mo Yuheng墨煜衡Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [Ensemble Cast + Political Intrigue + Multiple Viewpoints + Long-form] An alternate-history ensemble inspired by the histories of the Tang and Song dynasties. The title means “to pacify and settle” and “vitality and prosperity.” Twelve years ago, Wang Zhizhou, the Grand Pillar State, died in Chang'an. The Fourth Prince was crippled overnight and sent to the frontier. This sudden turn of events shocked the court and triggered a series of earth-shattering upheavals that left officials throughout t 267Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Is a large group portrait acceptable?

41. 41 穿 Transmigrate to the Three Kingdoms: I Am Liu Qi 穿越三国：吾乃刘琦 Jiu Shu Ci久舒辞Historical164k WordsCompleted [No System] [Political Intrigue and Scheming] [Building an Elite Cavalry and Infantry] [Cold Weapon Duels] [A Rich Sense of Three Kingdoms History] [Massive Infantry and Cavalry Battles] [Marrying Beauties, but Not as a Womanizer] [Dedicated Civil Officials and Loyal Generals] [A Kinsman of the Han Imperial House, Rebuilding the Han Dynasty Three Times] A modern special forces soldier and PhD in Three Kingdoms history transmigrates as Liu Qi, eldest son of Liu Biao, governor of Jingzhou. Inside, 274Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this book. The protagonist, Liu Qi, is decisive and ruthless, always seeking revenge. He stirs up the chaotic world of the late Han Dynasty with his single-moon halberd... Every step is a calculated maneuver, his political strategies are masterful, the battles between cold weapon generals are thrilling, and the ancient battlefields are depicted grandly, vividly, and in great detail, making you feel like you've truly returned to the Three Kingdoms era!

42. 42 天 Heaven Does Not Answer 天不应 The Sound of Wind and Rain at Night,夜来风雨声丶Eastern Fantasy1.7M WordsOngoing Three myriad mounds of yellow earth and white bones, a sword's light like a shadow, the moon like wine. The spring breeze cuts through all the world's troubles. Tell me, peach blossoms, will you turn white-haired too? In the year 547 of the Yong'an era, a pitch-dark snowstorm fell over Kuhai County, a border county in southern Qi. In a dilapidated temple outside the county, Wen Chaoshen found a crippled woman, gravely injured and on the verge of death. He thought she was merely a refugee in dist 84.8kReads9.1Score6.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The main characters in these two books are truly intelligent and have very high IQs.

43. 43 重 Reborn as a Physician Consort, I Opened My Eyes to the Whole Capital Lining Up to Fight for My Hand 重生医妃一睁眼，全京城排队抢亲 Honeysuckle Vine忍冬藤Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Revenge Against Scumbags + Sweet Romance] In her previous life, she was blind and foolish, helping her husband rise to power. But once he had achieved success, he discarded her like a used tool. Her grandfather’s entire family and her upright father, the Minister of Rites, were branded with infamy and executed. She herself died with child, unable to rest in peace. At last, Heaven takes pity on her, and she is reborn. In this life, she will protect her family and crush the scumbag man 27.1kReads9.4Score4.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The second book is humorous and readable; the third book features a female protagonist who disguises herself as a man with a roguish air, yet it feels completely natural, and she saves a prince in distress; the fourth book is based on Lu You's poems, and it's known to be a tragic ending.

44. 44 雪 After the Snowy Night Coup, I Became the Leader of Humanity 雪夜逼宫后，我成了人族共主 Mo Xingyue莫星越Historical604k WordsCompleted The loyal die first, the brave follow, and the wise and sincere all become bones in an age of chaos. Once every idealist has fallen, all that remains is the ultimate contest between hypocrites and true villains. In the fourteenth year of Yonglu, in Longyou of the Great Jing. A clear-eyed soul from the modern era awakens in the body of a dying youth as a bowl of blood sacrifice is raised to his lips. He finds himself in a world of despair: the loyal die betrayed, the idealists sink beneath the ri 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is truly a top-tier political intrigue novel; the protagonist's intelligence is consistently high throughout.

45. 45 长 The Chilling Wind Over the River 长风江上寒 Hidden and at Ease若隐若闲Eastern Fantasy3.4M WordsOngoing Not only them, but everyone in the martial world had heard the legend of the Blade Demon. What they didn't know was that the seemingly harmless boy standing before them was that very Blade Demon! The God of Slaughter! H-he's not dead! He's back! A beauty tucked under one arm, a killing blade in the other! Living freely, roaming the world at his leisure! When you find yourself caught in a scheme, do you ever suspect it's a scheme within a scheme? Or perhaps... a scheme within a scheme within a sc 20.8kReads8.7Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    It's very beautiful.

46. 46 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
47. 47 游 Game Invasion: I Became Emperor Before the Players Transmigrated 游戏入侵：我称帝了玩家才穿越 Xiao Chu Still Hasn't Slept潇楚还没睡Eastern Fantasy3.9M WordsOngoing [Transmigrating ahead of time + political scheming + dynastic power struggles + succubus + worlds merging] This book is also known as [I, the Empress's Fiancé, the Strongest Villain Behind the Scenes]. After waking up, Xia Chen finds himself logged into the mysterious game from his previous life ahead of schedule, starting out as the legitimate son of the Marquis of Zhendong. What? I have a younger brother named Xia Hao, who seems to have a mysterious bone inside him? It looks just like the lege 459.8kReads9.1Score46.7kShelves
48. 48 以 Scheming for the Throne 以权谋君 You Sui有绥Two Male Leads212k WordsCompleted When Wei Chun was eighteen, he wandered by mistake into Zhaohe Hall, the residence of Si Yan, the only prince of Emperor Si Liang. There he met the young, innocent Si Yan and fell in love at first sight. He never managed to leave that moment behind. In the years that followed, Wei Chun, who wielded great power and commanded a mighty army, granted Si Yan everything he wanted and helped him do whatever he wished. Yet though Wei Chun made his feelings so clear, Si Yan never once spared him a glance 995Reads9.3Score129Shelves

    Reader note

    👍🏻👍🏻① The male lead is a prince who enters the palace disguised as a eunuch, all for revenge. He's ruthless and cunning in palace intrigue. ② It features two male leads. The emperor orchestrates a grand scheme to be with his beloved. This love story intertwined with political intrigue is highly recommended. The cunning and power struggles of the court, and the emperor's strategies, are all exceptionally well-written.

49. 49 多 Surely You Laugh at My Passion 多情应笑我 Jiu Xiaoqi酒小七Ancient Romance216k WordsCompleted Lin Fang has been disguised as a boy since childhood, and she can't help feeling helpless about it. Her household registration says she's male, so what can she do? But the secret she has sworn to protect is discovered by a young boy she accidentally rescues! Lin Fang thought she'd picked up a deadweight, but once the boy, Yun Weiming, regains his identity, she feels as if she's sitting on a mountain of gold. “Who would've thought! I've picked up all kinds of things before, but you're the most va 70.3kReads9.7Score9.3kShelves
50. 50 烟EN Misty Rain Tower 烟雨楼 A Night of Misty Rain一夕烟雨Eastern Fantasy9.5M WordsOngoing [The print edition is now available nationwide at all major retailers] "Traditional xuanhuan" "No harem" In the land of Jiuzhou stands a tower called the Misty Rain Tower. Its master, Li Qingzhi, is hailed as a peerless prodigy, holding life and death in his hands beneath the cover of night. Yet what the world doesn’t know is that someone else stands behind the Misty Rain Tower, its true founder. Using the guise of a spoiled young master as cover, he manipulates the winds and clouds and plots ac 868.2kReads9.6Score68.1kShelves

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