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

1. 101 兴 Rise and Fall 兴衰 Farewell to Parting辞去离别Historical267k WordsOngoing When a dynasty rises, the people suffer; when a dynasty falls, the people perish. What makes a prince, and what makes the realm? Anyone with ambition is bound to struggle for power. What does it matter if he stands above all as a treacherous hero or a ruthless warlord, when he is both a usurper of the realm and a victim of its wars? 5Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is in turmoil, all for gain. The rise and fall of dynasties are always driven by those vying for power, not a purely historical, unsystematic power struggle (similar to the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period).

2. 102 山 A Journey Through Mountains and Rivers 山水行记 Moli Baji莫里吧唧Historical1.4M WordsCompleted "Not a wish-fulfillment novel, not stupid, and not something to eat with your rice. It’s best enjoyed with a drink. This book is for readers with a long-term mindset. Take your time and savor it, and you’ll find that this novel is as tender as water, like the girl you love, intoxicating you." What seems like an ordinary opening is actually a grand scheme plotted long ago… Guangxi, a rainy night, a dilapidated Taoist temple, and a mystery upon mystery. A helpless young woman encounters a handsome 1.4kReads8.2Score187Shelves

   Reader note

   It's all just storytelling, whether it's about disability or not. Even highly intelligent people might not understand it.

3. 103 女 Empress: Father, It's Time to Abdicate 女帝：父皇，你该退位了 The Mountains Are High, the Waters Long山高水长长Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted {Strong male and female leads + alternate setting + power struggles + revenge + palace and household intrigue + the aloof one brought down from his pedestal + princess + empress + satisfying wish fulfillment + teacher-student romance + divorce and remarriage + chief minister + 1v1} She is the most honored eldest princess, who played a key role when her father ascended the throne. Her mother is the empress, her brother is the crown prince, and all her uncles are great generals. With a family back 15Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A super engaging political intrigue novel, purely historical romance, no time travel or reincarnation. A powerful female protagonist story with a romantic pairing; both leads are strong. The female lead is a princess, initially pampered, but later suffers a tragedy, losing loved ones and facing constant suppression. Since she can't hold onto her peak, she decides to start afresh. She participates in the struggle for the throne and successfully becomes the Empress.

4. 104 逆 Against the Meridians: Liar, Stop! 逆经：骗子住手 Ren Fanwuyin任梵无音Eastern Fantasy1.3M WordsCompleted [Original novel for the animated series This Taoist Is Not Quite Right] Life is unpredictable. The fit thrive under Heaven's law, Those skilled in force become generals, those skilled in strategy become kings. Born into the lowest of professions, he refuses to live like a nobody, He waves the yin-yang banner and sees through the Six Lines of Divination. Watch him play at being a spirit medium, watch him swindle and deceive, Watch him make ruthless decisions, watch him rise like a hidden dragon f 43.3kReads9.4Score4.5kShelves

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   A fresh and exciting male-oriented novel! High-IQ political intrigue, a gripping plot full of twists and turns! Incorporating suspense and crime-solving! A genius protagonist's revenge story! Humorous writing style, enjoyable reading, you won't regret reading! 🌴🌴🌴

5. 105 开 From the Start, I Was Lame, Yet I Built a Glorious Dynasty 开局瘸腿，打造盛世皇朝 Slippery Udon乌冬滑溜溜Historical299k WordsCompleted A modern special forces soldier dies while standing up for what is right, then transmigrates into a lame borderland commoner in a turbulent age. Powerful enemies threaten the frontier from without, intent on conquering the Central Plains and looting and slaughtering its people. Within, corrupt officials rule and scheme to squeeze the people dry. In an age of chaos, commoners are worth less than grass. Yet Zhao Cen thrives amid the turmoil, rising step by step to become a regional overlord. The G 3Reads6.6Score—Shelves

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   This is a great read that I couldn't stop reading even if I stayed up all night. The protagonist pretends to be weak while actually being strong, and the political intrigue escalates. The author put a lot of effort into it, and the time-travel setting adds to the fun. The writing is excellent, and I highly recommend it.

6. 106 天 A World Gone Mad 天地荒唐 Blue Crescent Island蓝色的月牙岛Ancient Romance334k WordsCompleted The two legitimate daughters of the Chancellor’s family are married off on the same day. A double celebration, a joyous occasion for all. One marries into the Chu family, the other into the Zhao family. Everything seems peaceful, but behind the beautiful facade, an abyss watches. The vortex of power drags everyone in. When the dream ends, the kingdom lies in ruins... Love was too deep to last. In the end, they were born into the wrong great houses. Do you believe we’ll meet again? I do. The firs —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Fictional setting, ancient Chinese political intrigue

7. 107 却 Yet the Way Seems Ordinary 却道寻常 A Few Ounces of Talent三两才气Eastern Fantasy2.6M WordsCompleted [A web-novel master picks up his pen again: a monumental xianxia epic twenty years in the making] He walked out of the Inverted Sky, climbed to the fourteenth floor, and shouldered the whole mortal world. Barely twenty and dressed in blue, he dares to seal the heavens! 196Reads8.5Score—Shelves

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   Both of these political intrigue novels are quite good; the protagonists in both are scheming to control the world. Don't be fooled by the first one's low rating; it's still a decent book, and the protagonist is exceptionally clever.

8. 108 权 A Wild Ride Through Officialdom’s Power Struggles 权力巅峰之官途狂飙 One Pick, Twelve Strokes一拾二画Urban1.1M WordsCompleted [Officialdom + anti-corruption + crackdown on organized crime + one heroine + satisfying power fantasy] Four consecutive top officials have been investigated, and rumors are rife. Young secretary Zheng Gongming is entrusted with a mission at a critical moment. With his exceptional judgment and his dedication to serving the people, he writes a legendary story of his own. What's more, he also has an older brother, Zheng Gongcheng… 6.1kReads9.0Score424Shelves

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   A refreshing take on political intrigue and power struggles in officialdom novels. The protagonist starts as a secretary to the provincial discipline inspection commission secretary, and the story revolves around the commission's anti-corruption and anti-organized crime efforts. It's realistic, fast-paced, and features a tight plot, intelligent characters, sound values, and plenty of exciting moments. Highly recommended!

9. 109 锦 Wealth and Power: The Concubine's Merchant's Scheme 锦绣钱权：庶女商谋录 Little Hejian小禾尖Ancient Romance721k WordsCompleted From five taels in her private stash to wielding control over the empire’s finances, she relied on the simplest principle: Everything in the world can be calculated. Human greed, tangled interests, the rise and fall of dynasties: it is all just a ledger waiting to be tallied. 69Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead is intelligent throughout, not love-struck or a saint, and the story is full of domestic intrigue, business battles, and political maneuvering.

10. 110 开 From the Start, in a Wheelchair, with Four Poisonous Strategists Helping Me Become Emperor! 开局坐轮椅，四大毒士助我成皇！ Nine-Star Magician九星魔术师Historical649k WordsOngoing [No System] + [ruthless and decisive] + [no harem] + [no naive do-gooder] Assassinated from the start, he is left crippled. The Four Great Poisonous Strategists appear to assist him. A hidden dragon stirs in the depths, as eight princes contend for the throne. The victor becomes emperor; the defeated die. The Xiongnu threaten from the north, and numerous kingdoms lie to the west. Three kingdoms stand in a tripartite balance, until one unifies the realm. This is an alternate-history novel, filled —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Four ruthless strategists appear to assist him. A hidden dragon lies dormant, eight princes vie for the throne. The victor becomes emperor, the loser dies. To the north lie the Xiongnu, to the west, various kingdoms. A three-way stand, a unified world awaits. This book is set in an alternate history, filled with decisive killings and profound political intrigue, without sacrificing intelligence. A pure power struggle novel, featuring four legendary ruthless strategists by his side.

11. 111 第 The Ninth Special Zone 第九特区 Wei Jie伪戒Urban6.1M WordsCompleted After the catastrophe, the land was scarred beyond recognition. Food was scarce, resources were in short supply, and the situation was chaotic... A young man who had fought his way out of an undeveloped zone, with endless yellow sand at his back, came alone to District Nine to make a living. Yet he never expected to meet a few good friends by chance, rise to prominence in the chaotic era over a single thought, and embark on a legendary journey... 210.5kReads9.6Score22.9kShelves

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    This book is invincible in my opinion.

12. 112 嫁 After Marrying the Mad Crown Prince to Bring Him Good Fortune 嫁给疯批太子冲喜后 You Shi尤时Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The unfavored legitimate daughter of the Mu family is ordered by imperial decree to marry the crown prince, Zhou Jing, who is at death's door, to bring him good luck. Plenty of people wait to laugh at her, saying she might just end up bringing him luck by killing him in bed. When Zhou Jing opens his eyes, he finds himself with a fiancée. The young woman is clearly terrified of him, but still can't help swearing her loyalty. “Your Highness, I'll treat you very well.” “Your Highness, after you pas 33.4kReads9.4Score4.7kShelves

    Reader note

    🌿WARNING⚠️ She's an innocent little rabbit, while I'm a sickly, useless crown prince!! Shameless and unrestrained, no more pretense, no more acting, this crown prince will suppress all! 🌿

13. 113 权 A Woman in Power 权姝 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance628k WordsCompleted Legitimate daughter | Devoted hidden guard × Long-suffering childhood friend, the prince | Pure romance | Court intrigue | Strong female lead | Nation and family The court of the Great Qi dynasty is in turmoil, with the struggle for the throne brewing beneath the surface. The Molong cavalry bears down on Zhenmen Pass, where starving, freezing soldiers hold the border with their flesh and blood. On the battlefields of a troubled age, it is not only men who march to their deaths. Fu Ziyou brav 558Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first novel featuring a cast of characters embodying political intrigue, all with everyone's intelligence on point.

14. 114 宫 Blood on the Palace Walls: I Toppled an Empire with My Medical Skills 宫墙血：我靠医术覆了江山 The Hidden Guest of Kazama风间匿客Ancient Romance291k WordsOngoing I was born among the clouds, until one sudden upheaval changed everything. My family was slaughtered, and I entered the palace as a replacement bride to seek revenge. I conceal my medical skills, wield my needle case, stir up the inner palace, and tear the vicious empress to shreds. People say my beauty brings ruin to the nation, but I’ll use my medical skills to overthrow the realm, kill my enemies with my own hands, and rule the world! —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is great. The female lead is smart, clear-headed, and decisive. Everyone in the cast is intelligent, and the plot is exciting and fast-paced.

15. 115 寒 A Cold Crow Nests in Your Heart 寒鸦栖君心 Wind and Sunset风夕阳Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Everyone envies the Prince of Beian for loving his wife beyond all measure, with a love as deep as the sea. No one knows he won this perfect life by risking everything. Yan Junjue clawed his way out of a mountain of corpses in the Cold Palace. He was bloodthirsty and ruthless, a possessive, obsessive madman whose jealousy was carved into his bones. Everyone in the world feared him. Only Cui Yunqi was a little warmth in his endless darkness. She was the proud and steadfast lord of Hanya City, dev 9.1kReads8.8Score907Shelves
16. 116 贵 The Noble Consort Is Sweet and Soft, and the Theatrical Emperor Dotes on Her 贵妃娇又软，戏精皇帝宠入骨 Pickled Cabbage Noodles酸菜卤面Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Transmigrate into a book + villainess + palace intrigue early on + political machinations later + marriage before love + the husband chases his wife to win her back + HE ending) [A clever, money-loving substitute consort × a cold, suspicious, melodramatic emperor] After transmigrating into a book as a substitute villainess, Su Zhenzhen got a winning hand from the start and became the emperor's favorite. But having read the original novel, she knew she was merely a pawn Chen Qi used to bring dow 10Reads5.5Score—Shelves

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    The female protagonist in this novel is clear-headed, a master of acting, and meticulously plans her every move, amassing wealth and power to dominate the court. The male protagonist's feelings for her evolve from using her to falling for her, culminating in a tumultuous pursuit where he gradually falls for her and ultimately relinquishes all power to her.

17. 117 我 I’m Determined to Die, So How Did I Become Famous and Successful? 我一心求死，怎么功成名就了？ The Heavenly Court's Little Nobody天庭小卡拉米Historical1.9M WordsOngoing [Ensemble Cast + Political Scheming + Menace + Humor + No System + Not Invincible] [This book has a martial arts power system, but the protagonist has no combat skills. If you only like effortless power fantasies, please look elsewhere.] After nine lifetimes of reincarnation, Mu Qingbai has just one more to go before he can return to his homeland with everything accumulated over all ten lives. Falsely accused and thrown in prison from the start, he is about to be executed after autumn. He’s read 19.2kReads8.7Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist has everything under control. [Thinking]

18. 118 大 The Atlantic Federation 大西洋联邦 Nineteen, Failed the Exams, Started Writing19岁落榜写书Urban27k WordsCompleted Overseas Huazhou, the Western Alliance. Nations stand as equals, each vying for power. Great clans abound, and the provinces are divided. Masterful schemes and brilliant calculations, ruling the Seven Continents. His father, Zhang Huayi, is governor of the Chinese Autonomous State in the Atlantic Federation. His uncle, Zhang Jianqing, is president of the Federal Bank. His grandfather, Zhang Shiqing, is Minister of Finance of the Atlantic Federation. Zhang Yanli will become the emperor who rules —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    What is a hero? A hero is one whose spirit is supremely strong, whose sharpness is concealed yet manifests itself; whose actions are a perfect harmony of inner and outer strength; who can turn the tide before a crowd; who possesses the courage to withstand ten thousand men; who cannot be broken by defeat; who cannot satisfy their desires; who takes death as life; who stands proudly between heaven and earth.

19. 119 明 Detective Lu Yong 明侦探陆用 A Tiger Snatched Along the Way顺手牵虎Mystery1.3M WordsCompleted Lu Yong, 25 years old. Occupation: military police. Position: criminal investigator in the Military Commission's Security Department. On March 1, 2023, he entered the Kunlun Mountains while pursuing a major military spy accused of stealing secrets and murder, and vanished without a trace. The Great Ming Dynasty, 1699, the sixth year of the Mingwu reign. Lu Yong appeared in the Daqing Mountains of Taiping Prefecture, in what is now Dangtu County, Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province. At the time, all L 6.7kReads9.0Score954Shelves

    Reader note

    The author of the first book truly has impressive knowledge and excellent writing skills [thumbs up]. Highly recommended. I've read over 400 chapters so far and it seems alright, readable, and not bad.

20. 120 长 The Chang'an Demon-Slaying Chronicles 长安伏妖记 Qin Chuchuan秦楚川Mystery440k WordsOngoing After his divorce, Zhang Xingyun accidentally became a professional demon hunter and began living a triumphant life of turning his fortunes around. Promotions, wealth, a meteoric rise, and beautiful women everywhere... Suppressing demons is easy. Winning people’s hearts is not. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient political intrigue stories, full of twists and turns, the truth only revealed at the very end.

21. 121 裙 Ministers Beneath Her Skirts 裙下倭臣 Rippling Beauty, Silent潋滟无声Ancient Romance106k WordsOngoing “Perhaps we should have passed each other by at first sight.” “I long for Langxing. I would gladly be her servant for the rest of my life.” Her country fell, her family was destroyed, her loved ones died horribly, and the one she loved betrayed her. In the depths of despair, Ji Langxing ascended the throne. Between obsession and companionship, which should Ji Langxing choose? [Male and female leads + one woman, two men + open ending + major changes in the characters' personalities over time + co —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm recommending my own book. It's a fictional historical romance with a touch of political intrigue. It's a coming-of-age story for both the male and female leads, and everyone in the book is scheming. This is my first time writing, so I'll do my best!

22. 122 重 Reborn in 1993: Dark Sea 重生1993，暗海 The Gods Want to Go Wild神想出去浪Urban1.9M WordsCompleted The physical edition of Wrathful Sea, Calm the Abyss is now available. Presales officially begin at 19:00 on October 11. [Reborn] [Mystery] [Undercover Agent] [Revenge] [Anti-Drug Operations] [Counterespionage] The golden finger is extremely weak, and he relies on his own abilities. This is a battle of wits between highly intelligent opponents, so you need to keep your brain switched on. There is no showing off and face-slapping! Ideal for veteran readers. If you understand it, you'll find it ve 259.2kReads9.6Score30.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The game between the two sides is very interesting 🥰🥰

23. 123 规 Rule Horror: I Can See Hidden Clues 规则怪谈：我能看到隐藏提示 Xing Wuchen星无辰Mystery2.3M WordsCompleted The world of supernatural tales has arrived, and everyone must follow the rules! After hundreds of years, the world of supernatural tales has appeared once more. Sun Kai accidentally transmigrates into it, becoming one of the first contestants representing his nation’s fate. They carry the fate of Xia Nation on their shoulders! If they win, they survive, Xia Nation’s fortunes rise, and its people all benefit. If they lose, they die, the nation’s fortunes fall, and supernatural tales invade the 4kReads9.0Score518Shelves
24. 124 影 Shadow Agent 影子特工 The Great Way Is Natural大道自然Urban3.3M WordsCompleted Born into an age of chaos, with the nation in peril, a man must serve his country! A young man burdened by vengeance for his family and hatred for his country assumes a false identity as he flees and joins the Special Services, beginning a dangerous and thrilling career as a spy. He crosses paths with forces from every side, matching wits and battling for survival. In this game within a game, who will be the last one standing? 14.6kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves
25. 125 匹 A Common Man Takes the Stage 匹夫驾到 Qian Xiao千笑Urban2.4M WordsCompleted (Signed for print publication) (One heroine, no System, not a power fantasy, Chinese-style supernatural abilities) Among the infinite parallel worlds, there is a special world called Nanke, and a special group of people known as Calamity Exorcists. They soar through the skies and burrow underground, know the past and present, and travel between parallel worlds in different eras to carry out missions. A young man who calls himself a commoner is chosen by fate to enter Nanke’s mysterious academy, 75.8kReads9.4Score7.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The game between the two sides is very interesting. [Admiration][Admiration]

26. 126 十EN Ten Days to the End 十日终焉 Pest Control Team Member杀虫队队员Mystery3.2M WordsCompleted 2024 Tomato Novel Annual Peak Rankings TOP 1 | 2024 China Online Literature Influence List | 2024 China Good Novel Award | Over 2 million copies sold (No harem, no formulaic tropes, no invincibility, no System, no mindless antics, no wish fulfillment. Read with caution if these bother you.) Just when I thought it was an ordinary day, I discovered I had been captured and taken to the End. Just when I thought I could escape by continually taking part in death games, people began awakening supernat 1.7MReads9.9Score207.7kShelves
27. 127 此 A Heart for the Martial Way 此心尚武 June in Guanshan关山六月Two Male Leads189k WordsOngoing Alternate history | Imperial examinations and political intrigue | Childhood sweethearts An alternate-history story inspired by the History of the Ming Dynasty. In the ninth year of Hongli in the Xuan Dynasty, a fire ravages the imperial palace. To make up for the shortfall in funds needed to rebuild it, officials submit a memorial requesting permission to open mines and finance the project. Thus, eunuchs are appointed as mining tax inspectors, pursuing profit and triggering repeated local upr 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A protagonist who grows up in a relationship. The idealistic and arrogant male lead struggles in the political arena, supporting his childhood sweetheart, the second male lead, as the world crumbles and they help each other achieve their ideals.

28. 128 从EN Once Upon a Time, There Was a Demon-Suppressing Pass 从前有座镇妖关 The Cat from the Xu Family徐二家的猫Urban3.0M WordsCompleted Once, there was a pass like this. Once, there was a group of people like this. Every inch of this pass was stained with blood. These people would not return until they were dead. All so that, amid mountains of corpses and seas of blood, in their final moments, they could turn around and see the lights of countless homes shining behind them, with peace and safety year after year. 160.1kReads9.6Score18.1kShelves
29. 129 铁 The Iron-Blooded Great Tang 铁血大唐 Wen Ye温夜Historical2.5M WordsCompleted [No System, no golden finger] [An ordinary protagonist, without so many lucky encounters and opportunities] Li Weiyang returns to a thousand years in the past as the eldest legitimate son of the princess royal. He thinks he can live a life where clothes and meals are brought to him, neglect his studies, and become the ne'er-do-well he's always dreamed of being. But he doesn't know that everything comes at a price. And so the story begins when he returns to Chang'an once more... What choices will 245Reads5.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This one, at least, isn't like other time-travel stories where the protagonist, wielding a cheat code and a system, becomes arrogant and domineering. They're even forced to submit to others' schemes, and even occasional warnings don't truly achieve their goals. Identity is a double-edged sword, facing both enemies and the protagonist. What good is nobility? In Chang'an, there's no shortage of people like that. Under the influence of the situation, they can only protect those around them from harm. As for living a life of luxury and spending nights in brothels? Just imagine. For royalty, being caught by political enemies is a serious problem →_→

30. 130 反 The Villain Takes Center Stage 反派在上 Mango Durian Mille-Feuille芒果榴莲千层Eastern Fantasy934k WordsCompleted After transmigrating as the young master of an ancient family in the Divine Realm, Lu Yixian had no shortage of cultivation resources and was born with a sacred physique. His talent was unmatched throughout the ages. He thought he’d had the luckiest start imaginable, only to awaken a System at the age of eight. The System gave him a beginner’s gift pack, then fell silent. At last, when he was sixteen, it fully activated. He assumed he would now become an invincible protagonist from a novel, swee 947Reads7.7Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    Intrigue and power struggles, high intelligence, and exceptional talent.

31. 131 我 My 99 Perfect Hunts 我的99次完美狩猎 Little Half-Immortal of Shu Mountain蜀山小半仙Mystery1.4M WordsCompleted [Realism] [High-IQ crime] [Masterful mind games] [No female lead] [For readers who love logic] The police in Xikang City received a phone call from someone calling himself Ghost, who claimed he would kill a certain person in three days. More than that, he wanted the police to rush out and protect the target. He intended to carry out the killing under the police's tight security. The police took the threat extremely seriously and made careful preparations. When the three days were up, the result 39.6kReads9.3Score4.1kShelves
32. 132 龙 Dragon Head Supreme 龙头至尊 Simple Fish简单的鱼Urban8.6M WordsOngoing The campus beauty he'd loved for three years was brutalized and killed! Chen Xuewen, who had done nothing, was framed and sent to prison! His honest, hardworking parents both died horribly while seeking justice for him! After nineteen years of living by the rules and obeying the law, Chen Xuewen finally saw the true face of the world. “Those who kill and burn their way to riches wear golden belts, while those who build bridges and roads leave no bones behind!” “If others can kill and burn, why 197.9kReads9.1Score11.8kShelves
33. 133 大 Great Tang: The Unrivaled Prince 大唐：无双皇子 Black Hole黑洞Historical2.2M WordsCompleted Li Jian transmigrates to the Tang Dynasty and becomes a son of Li Shimin. From the start, he cuts ties with Li Shimin. “Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have activated the Conquest System.” Li Jian: ??? With the System at my side, the world is mine. In the end, this world will be in the palm of my hand! 1.6kReads7.3Score273Shelves
34. 134 最 The Strongest Crown Prince 最强大皇子 Roar of the Dragon and Tiger龙虎啸Historical4.4M WordsCompleted [Alternate history + wish fulfillment + high energy + political intrigue + no System] Zhao Zheng transmigrated by accident and became the eldest prince of Zhao. He should have been the most privileged heir in the world, living in boundless splendor. But from the start, he became a prisoner. Falsely accused, bullied, powerless, and marked for death! Faced with this miserable predicament... Zhao Zheng's answer was simple: Don't back down. Fight! Since others were plotting so desperately to kill hi 391Reads8.3Score112Shelves
35. 135 千 Qian Jinhuan 千锦欢 Yun Lingge云翎歌Ancient Romance229k WordsCompleted Completed · [A highly intelligent amnesiac fake princess x a cold, scheming prince] [Not a mindless power fantasy] [Both devoted to each other + classic historical romance + no transmigration, rebirth, or System + political intrigue + doting romance + reunion after a long separation + devotion to country and family + exclusive devotion + the one who got away + happy ending] For twenty years, the second prince of Nantang, Chu Jinyuan, has kept his guard up and trusted no one, until Hua Qianmei ar 501Reads8.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Completed and incredibly good! A pure historical romance novel with political intrigue and sweet romance; no reincarnation or time travel, no revenge against villains, and no scheming women. Everyone is highly intelligent; the male and female leads engage in a battle of wits, scheming against each other while simultaneously falling in love. The female lead is the male lead's ideal woman/girlfriend. [Heart emoji]

36. 136 满 With a Court Full of Famous Ministers, You Want Me to Rebel? 满朝名臣，你让本王造反？ White-Browed King Yin白眉殷王Historical623k WordsCompleted [Alternate History + Historical What-If + Wish Fulfillment + Political Intrigue + System + Rebirth] Reborn in another world in an ancient era, Xie Yun wakes up to find himself the regent of Great Qian. He thinks his happy days have finally arrived, only to learn that as regent, he’s supposed to launch a rebellion! But when he looks at the court packed with legendary ministers, Zhang Liang as Left Chancellor, Zhuge Liang as Right Chancellor, Fang Xuanling as Grand Tutor, Cao Cao as Grand Commanda 99Reads6.9Score—Shelves
37. 137 开 The Nation's Doomed from the Start? First, I'll Cuddle My Consort and Take a Nap 开局就要亡国？先搂着妃子睡一觉 Spicy Boiled Fish发烧水煮鱼Historical784k WordsOngoing I woke up to find that I had become Gao Wei, the last emperor of Northern Qi during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. [Historical what-if] + [Tyrant emperor] + [Everyone is unhinged] + [Subverting expectations] + [Prince of Lanling] + [Feng Xiaolian, displayed in all her glory] Grandson of Gao Huan, son of Gao Zhan, and enemy of Yuwen Yong. The good news: I am the supreme ruler of the realm, with a beauty in my arms. The bad news: I am the notorious tyrant in history, who trusted treacherous 513Reads6.2Score106Shelves

    Reader note

    This book unfolds from the perspective of Gao Wei, the last emperor of the Northern Qi Dynasty, blending elements of historical fiction, the trope of a tyrannical ruler, and universal condemnation. The protagonist transmigrates into the body of a notorious tyrant but secretly plots to reverse the tide of history. The last 10 reviews are all 4 stars or higher, and the book has already reached 400,000 words. The transmigrator has no system and no knowledge of historical details; the story unfolds naturally according to the historical timeline.

38. 138 权 The Winds of Power and Intrigue 权谋之风波起 Broke and Hungry没钱干饭Two Male Leads224k WordsCompleted Setting: Alternate world, no central romance, revenge, court politics, warring states. After his clan is wiped out, he is branded a traitor who sold out his entire people. He struggles to survive in the capital, believing he can overturn the world, but obstacle after obstacle stands in his way. Can he get his revenge? Yet he says, “Wen San, hate me. Give all your love and all your hate to me.” 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    _(:з"∠)_ Court politics, warring states

39. 139 寒 The Poor Scholar's Most Powerful Minister 寒门第一权臣 Red Leaves Cover the Mountains漫山红遍Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [Transmigrate + Tang Dynasty + farming + power struggles + scheming protagonist + no System! A lighthearted, entertaining style that’s guaranteed to leave you both thrilled and grinning~] After transmigrating to the Tang Dynasty, Li Su discovers his family is dirt poor and he has a stunning sister-in-law to support. He has no choice but to use modern knowledge to build a fortune and become the richest man in the Tang Dynasty! But somewhere along the road to becoming the richest man, Li Su seems 255Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist transmigrates into a poor family in the Tang Dynasty. How will he turn his life around in this abject poverty? This historical novel features delicate writing and a well-researched plot. Highly recommended.

40. 140 沉 Sinking Into 沉沦之 User22456819用户22456819Ancient Romance118k WordsOngoing [A career-driven heroine who's a romantic con artist × a distant, aloof man who can no longer hold back his feelings] [No more being the unattainable first love: I'll temper my original ideals into poison] [Traditional historical romance: no golden finger, no contrived melodrama, no transmigration] In the third year of the Jinbao era, an outbreak of plague exposed a shocking case. She believed she was exceptionally gifted and destined to distinguish herself in the imperial examinations and prot —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [A career-driven heroine and a con artist in love x an aloof beauty unable to control her feelings] [Not a white moonlight: I'll turn my initial heart into poison] A story of a female official's growth. In the third year of Jinbao, a plague broke out, leading to a shocking case. She believed herself to be exceptionally talented, destined for success and to protect the people. But she witnessed her father's wrongful death, and the light that had once saved him from suffering turned out to be merely a substitute for someone else. Xu Zhiyi's heart was repeatedly tempered by fire and cold water. Gao Fang: The person he admired in his youth came from the mountains and seas, and left with the wind and rain. By the time he finally realized he wanted to pursue her, they were already separated by death. She disturbed his seasons, and from then on, he suffered from a chronic illness. Xu Zhiyi asked him, did he love her or her shadow? In truth, for him, it was already the same. Xu Zhiyi: She walked a path without right or wrong, without good or evil, loyalty or treachery. The more powerful she became, the less she could see herself clearly. That pure initial heart was also swept away and transformed into a wicked flower of evil, and when she looked back, she could no longer see herself clearly.

41. 141 少 The Young Master's Plan to Destroy the Empire 少爷的江山毁灭计划 Leaning on the Rail, Listening to Wind and Rain卧栏听风雨Historical310k WordsOngoing [Alternate History! Eastern Fantasy! Ancient Spycraft! Mind-Bending Mystery! No System! No Goody-Two-Shoes! Not a Power Fantasy! Ensemble Cast! Slow Burn!] Ye Xiaolou transmigrates into the body of the tenth prince of Beiyun, only to witness his kingdom fall on the very day he arrives. Ten years later, he commands the Heavenly Web and stirs up a storm of bloodshed. A mere scholar pays a visit, and a half-step immortal gives way. From the Heavenly Secrets Hall, he holds the world in his grasp and 56Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If you say the protagonist is very smart, then I'll say he's very smart. If you say he's very smart, then he must be the one who runs a restaurant. If you say he's cunning, then I'd recommend this book where he doesn't get brain-dead even when he encounters all sorts of things. If you say the protagonist is very strong, then this book is historical, ancient, fantasy, martial arts, or something like that. If you say the protagonist is very strong, then he needs to drink beer to quench his thirst. Otherwise, look at the political intrigue in this book. If you say the protagonist is very smart, then this book is the real deal.

42. 142 综 A Film and TV Crossover: Grant Me Three Thousand Wishes 综影视之许我三千心愿 Pipi Q皮皮QFemale-Channel Fanfiction984k WordsOngoing A different possibility for various film and television worlds, making up for all the regrets of the original stories. No lovesick protagonists, no golden finger, logical storytelling, not canon, parallel worlds based on film and television dramas, intelligent protagonists, political scheming, palace intrigue, strong female leads, the Republic of China era, equally matched couples... 1. Aisin-Gioro Yongqi and Xilin-Jueluo Linlang 2. Lu Mengping and Qin Shuo 3. Xiao Zhenying and Lin Xie 1.7kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The latest Three Kingdoms world!!!

43. 143 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 118.2kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves
44. 144 死 Death Note: The Demon Star Throws the World into Chaos 死亡笔记：魔星乱世 Ximen Nanqing西门难庆Urban107k WordsOngoing Will he become the god of a new world, or a demon who slaughters thousands? A mysterious notebook falls from the sky, a god of death who toys with the world, and the power to kill without a trace simply by writing down a name. A boy who has never known the light, a tormented and shadowed heart, and an ambition to turn the world upside down. When the two meet, the demonic star will plunge the world into chaos. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Murder and arson, defiance of the central government. Coups and defection, wreaking havoc on the world. Will one become a god of the new world, or a demon slaughtering thousands? A mysterious notebook falling from the sky, a death god playing with the world, a power that can kill without a trace simply by writing a name. A boy who has never seen the light, a burning, dark heart, a wild and untamed ambition. When these two meet, it will be the beginning of a chaotic world.

45. 145 娘 My Wife Is Already the Richest, So Why Take the Top Scholar Exam? 娘子都首富了，还要考状元？ My Fans Are So Handsome我的粉丝超帅的Historical2.5M WordsOngoing [Whose husband is this? Whoever grabs him gets to keep him!] Xu Ye accidentally transmigrates while rescuing someone from drowning. When he reaches shore, he realizes he's holding the daughter of the richest man in the realm. He thinks he's landed himself a wealthy wife and can lie flat, living off her money, but then he sees his fiancée being schemed against... “Copy books to pay off your debts? Why not copy Battle Through the Heavens!” “The teahouse is empty? Let's get on the BBS!” The imp 62.2kReads8.2Score6.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Super funny and entertaining

46. 146 这 This Eldest Legitimate Daughter Is Clearly Overpowered 这个嫡长女明明超强 Qi Huanhuanhuan起欢欢欢Ancient Romance112k WordsOngoing A refined and virtuous young lady in public, but uninhibited and freedom-loving in private X A seemingly aloof, otherworldly young nobleman who is actually passionate and chuunibyou (Theme: Serve the people, not the emperor) Shen Zhifei was the beloved eldest daughter of the Shen family, treasured by everyone. The only flaw in her happy life was having to deal with an ambitious concubine. Who could have guessed that an edict from the foolish emperor would turn Shen Zhifei overnight into the daug —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The more you read, the better it gets. The female lead is incredibly strong but not a saint; she carves out a path for herself amidst the chaos of warring states, strategizing and plotting every step of the way. The male lead pretends to be weak while serving as a hostage in the capital, feigning vulnerability, but is actually a passionate, idealistic young man who dreams of becoming a hero to save the world. Every character in the book has their own storyline. For example, the second female lead is initially a timid and weak young lady who begins to scheme and plot to protect her sister, gradually rising to a high position.

47. 147 春 Spring Returns, and the Land Smiles 春来江山笑 Bubble Trickster花式冒泡Ancient Romance833k WordsCompleted [A heroine who grows into an empress + multiple male leads, one heroine with many partners + power struggles + a cast of beautiful, strong, tragic characters + love rivals fighting for her + a childhood-friend general, the Minister of Justice, a neighboring prince, a reclusive divine doctor, and a loyal shadow guard: every kind of male lead you could want] Nearly three hundred years have passed since the founding of the Great Qi dynasty, through the reigns of twelve emperors. History has seen tw 1.3kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a female-centric power struggle novel where the female lead is initially a crown princess who eventually becomes an empress. She leads five male leads in building their careers and finding romance along the way. All of them are intelligent, beautiful, strong, and tragically beautiful.

48. 148 关 Tales of the Northern Song Dynasty 关于北宋的那些事 Can't Cry哭不得Historical2.0M WordsOngoing A new work is here! I hope you'll head over to Tomato Novel to read it. I hope you enjoy it. Your support is what keeps me writing, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 9.4kReads8.4Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is not brain-dead or has no system; everyone is intelligent, and the conspiracy is only subtle and silent!

49. 149 山 Spring Comes to the Mountain Woods 山木逢春 The Fly Doesn't Fly乌蝇不飞Ancient Romance263k WordsOngoing [Two formidable leads + court intrigue + kindred spirits + growing together + long live idealism] Censor Zhou Huaiyue is ordered to investigate a fire at the salt warehouse. A token belonging to the Fang family is found in the ashes. Armed with an imperial edict, he turns the Fang family’s estate upside down, determined to find the statue of an evil god rumored to be enshrined in their inner residence. He doesn’t find the statue. Instead, he brings out a young woman who seems detached in both 39Reads—Score135Shelves

    Reader note

    A classic Chinese romance novel featuring two powerful figures, both skilled in political maneuvering. The male protagonist is a voracious reader, while the female protagonist has traveled far and wide. Their meeting is a rare and precious encounter, surpassing countless other romances. No melodramatic plot twists or overpowered plot devices; the story is one of patriotism, love for family, and love for the people.

50. 150 皓 A Thousand Miles of Bright Moon: Rising Amidst the Chaos 皓月千里之乱世崛起 Lovely Rhymes on Brocade Paper绮笺佳韵Ancient Romance497k WordsCompleted A noblewoman rises amid the chaos of war [Empress x Great General] [Power struggles] [Two equally strong leads] [Growth] [The court officials curse me as outrageous. I smile and put an arm around his waist: “We keep each other as lovers. Any objections, gentlemen?”] [Every day, I push myself without rest so I can stand proudly by your side and become someone worthy of you. But no one told me that a Great General can't marry a princess!] [How can a woman like you ascend to the halls of government 35Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The main character is brain-dead, and the supporting characters are brain-dead too. It's best if you mess with me, I mess with you, and neither of us can get a handle on the other. We know who did it, but we can't find any evidence. [Shy] A newbie has met a seasoned veteran; they're having a blast fighting each other! [Laughing]

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