Historical Fiction That Doesn't Dumb Down the Characters 历史文不降智商

1. 351 异 A Different Ming Dynasty: I Became a Saint with a Hundred Lives 异世大明：我用一百条命成圣 Zi Yang紫炀Historical1.5M WordsOngoing Alternate-history Ming Dynasty / Fighting for the People / The Art of Toppling Dragons / Loyal Ministers Who Risk Their Lives to Remonstrate / Rules Horror Lately, the atmosphere at court in the Fengtian Hall has grown rather grim. For several days in a row, officials from one particular residence have been risking their lives to remonstrate, and they really do die on the spot. “I stake my life on this remonstrance!” Here we go again. But Emperor Zhu Chongba has changed his approach, too. “Do yo 9.9kReads9.2Score755Shelves

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   Deer can be seen when the trees are deep, and no bell can be heard at midday by the stream.

2. 352 煌 Glorious Tang 煌唐 Silly Little Lamb傻傻小羊Historical182k WordsOngoing Five thousand years of Chinese history have weathered countless storms, giving rise to a long and storied past, full of both splendor and absurdity. Never mind the distant Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties or the turmoil of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Just look at the more than two thousand years of dynastic rule since Qin Shi Huang unified the land: how many glorious golden ages saw generals pursue their enemies as far as Mount Langjuxu and envoys from every nation come to pa 10Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A modern youth unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of the emperor of the mid-Tang Dynasty. He immediately inherits a mess of eunuch power and constant factional strife. Using his modern mindset, he navigates the power struggles of officials, reforms the bureaucracy, and gradually reverses the decline of the nation.

3. 353 大 Great Ming: From the Start, I Reveal Zhu Yuanzhang's Future 大明：开局剧透朱元璋 Qing Hong青红Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Xu Qing transmigrates to the end of the Yuan dynasty and happens to arrive during a battle between the rebel army and the Yuan forces. Guo Zixing’s rebels mistake him for a spy and throw him in jail. As it turns out, his cellmate is Zhu Yuanzhang. “Brother Zhu, what’s your dream?” Zhu Yuanzhang: “A wife, kids, and a warm bed.” Xu Qing: “Why not dream bigger? Like becoming emperor.” Zhu Yuanzhang: “???” Xu Qing: “I can see that you’re destined for greatness, Brother Zhu. One day, you’ll surely be 20.3kReads9.1Score1.7kShelves

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   When the trees are deep, you can see deer; at midday, you can hear no bell by the stream.

4. 354 大 The Purple Robe of the Great Qing 大清紫袍 Sun Yiding孙一丁Historical187k WordsCompleted All the ministers inside and out wear purple robes. Who will share my burden? The jade cups drain the blood of a thousand households; the silver candles burn away the people’s fat. When Heaven sheds tears, the people shed tears; where the singing grows loud, the weeping grows louder. You speak so freely of the sovereign’s boundless grace, yet you are the ones who have betrayed it. Jiaqing Set against the White Lotus Rebellion during the Jiaqing reign, this novel traces the fates of high-rankin 131Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Historical novels from the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, based on official historical records, are quite good.

5. 355 明 The Loves and Hatreds of the Ming Dynasty 明朝那些爱恨事 Tea and Wine Wanderer茶酒行者Historical114k WordsCompleted Confucius said: "Food and sex are human nature." Yet in all things, too much is as bad as too little. Even the most wonderful things should not be coveted excessively. Throughout history, written works have never been meant merely to immerse people in the words themselves. They should also leave readers reflecting and thinking... 24Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Both books are logically rigorous.

6. 356 沙 The Goofy CEO Wants a Wife 沙雕总裁要娶妻 Chen Jiexue谌洁雪Modern Romance148k WordsCompleted “What I want to tell you,” Yang Huilong said, “is that I’ve fallen in love with someone.” She felt herself go stiff and numb. Then came a wave of pain, so deep and intense it tore her to pieces. She tried with all her might not to cry out. “Turn around, Chen Yufei.” She wanted to do as he said, but was afraid he would read her feelings for him on her face. “But... I thought...” she said hesitantly. “The person I love,” Yang Huilong said very softly and very slowly, as if carefully choosing his w 23Reads8.9Score—Shelves
7. 357 三 Three Kingdoms: Diao Chan Forces a Marriage, and a Programmer Brings Peace to the World 三国：貂蝉强嫁，码农当世平天下 Abundant Tart Fruit涩果累累Historical273k WordsOngoing (No System, a struggle for supremacy and unification, ironclad resolve and cunning, beautiful women) Programmer Cao Chao transmigrates into Cao Cao, accompanied by his coworker Liu Bei, a rival at their company, and the haughty beauty known as “Secretary Du.” In this world, he continues to vie with Liu, while with “Secretary Du” things are… He has the bigger picture in mind and knows that national unification is written into the bones of every Chinese person. He sets history on a different c 93Reads—Score—Shelves
8. 358 豆 Three Layers of Shadows Beneath the Cardamom Blossoms 豆蔻花重三叠影 Flower Shadows on the Sea海上花影Ancient Romance270k WordsOngoing [Transmigration, household intrigue, historical romance, no alternate history, slice of life, respect for history, searching for true love] This is a story about growing up. A modern, independent soul transmigrates to ancient times, where she protects her mother, supports her brother, and outwits her scoundrel father… In this life, which of three men does she truly love? And will she ultimately find a way to change everyone’s fate? 15Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Set against the historical backdrop of the Northern Song Dynasty, this book has no system or cheat codes, and the writing is quite good; it's worth reading.

9. 359 龙 The Dragon Awakens in the East: From a Century of Hardship to the Heart of Civilization 龙醒东方：从百年磨难到文明核心 Golden Moon金的月Historical84k WordsOngoing For a Chinese story of turning the tables, open this book. It is grounded in serious historical sources but told with humor, tracing how China rose from a century of hardship to become a superpower that could settle disputes with the United States peacefully and take its place at the heart of civilization. It returns to the top of the world, builds on the Moon, develops Mars, achieves the common prosperity of communism, makes initial contact with alien civilizations, cooperates with them, and ex —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   China's Path from the Opium Wars to Rejuvenation and Conquest of the Universe

10. 360 十 Ten Realms: I Was Ordinary 十界：我本平庸 Sanqi Confused Fish三七糊涂鱼Eastern Fantasy1.8M WordsOngoing (We are all ordinary people. Some say they don’t understand what I’m writing! The truth is, I simply want to tell the story of an ordinary person who keeps growing, improving, and learning. He feels lost and helpless, never knowing what to do. His life is full of stumbles, but through repeated setbacks and lessons, he slowly grows! Some people are born in Rome, while he is stuck in the mud. In Rome, it’s easy to cross the finish line. But there’s something all the more inspiring about perseverin 6.5kReads9.1Score529Shelves

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    Wishing you good morning, good night, and peace throughout the four seasons.

11. 361 中 Two Thousand Years of Chinese History 中华二千年史 Deng Zhicheng邓之诚Historical1.4M WordsCompleted A History of China Through Two Thousand Years was first published in 1934 as one of the University Series, then republished by Zhonghua Book Company in 1956. Written by Deng Zhicheng, it primarily recounts Chinese history from the Qin and Han periods through the Ming and Qing dynasties, while also presenting the author’s historical thought and commentary. 88Reads8.8Score—Shelves

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    High-quality historical literature

12. 362 娶 Marry a Wife to Cut My Taxes? I Started by Supporting My Beautiful Bride 娶妻抵税？从养活美娇媳妇开始 Last Night's East Tower昨夜东楼Historical1.8M WordsOngoing [No System + alternate world + farming + hunting + slow burn + not a wish-fulfillment story + political intrigue and warfare + competing for supremacy in troubled times] “Yucheng, do you want a wife or not? Just say the word and I’ll send one over.” “Then go ahead and send her over.” Shen Yucheng thought it was just a joke, never expecting to actually end up with a beautiful wife. The dynasty is in its final years. Warlords carve up the land, and refugees are everywhere. With nothing but bare wa 26.6kReads8.2Score2.1kShelves

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    A blend of historical fiction, fantasy, farming, hunting, and power struggles—this book is definitely worth reading! "Want a wife? The government will assign one, and it'll even be tax-deductible!" A poor hunter casually agrees, unexpectedly landing a beautiful and wealthy bride. With no surplus food, he braves the snow to hunt deep in the mountains to ensure his wife's survival. With the help of his hunting dogs, he reaps a bountiful harvest, only to be ambushed by a snow leopard on his return journey. This thrilling yet sweet farming adventure is simply irresistible! Highly recommended!

13. 363 慈 The Tale of Empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧太后演义 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical226k WordsCompleted This book offers a detailed account of Cixi’s life, from her birth and entry into the imperial palace to her rule from behind the curtain, her decades wielding power over the Qing dynasty, and her death. It is not only literary and highly readable, but also of some value as a reference for historical research. 12Reads9.4Score—Shelves

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    Niche but exceptionally engaging historical literature

14. 364 三 The Three Kingdoms: The Whole Internet Tells Me Not to Lie Flat 三国之全网劝我别躺平 Wei Jifeng微及风Historical605k WordsOngoing This is a unique story blending hardcore survival, livestream interaction, and Three Kingdoms history. From the start, the group faces the hellish difficulty of Changban Slope, and their teammates are all old, weak, sick, or disabled. There are no immortal spells here, only a brutal clash between modern thinking and an ancient age of chaos. It's full of laughter and tears, with passion blazing in every heart: an epic of ordinary people! Late at night, when all is quiet, a history professor open —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This is a unique story that blends hardcore survival, live-streaming interaction, and the history of the Three Kingdoms. The protagonist, Tang Ping, is just a modern-day office worker struggling to survive with his phone. He starts with the hellish difficulty of Changban Slope, his teammates all being the elderly, weak, and disabled. There are no supernatural powers here, only the hardcore clash between modern thinking and the chaos of ancient times. With laughter and tears, and brimming with passion, this is an epic tale of heroism for ordinary people!

15. 365 靖 In the First Year of Jingkang, He Survived the Flames of War 靖康元年，他从战火中活了下来 Wang Who Likes Spicy Food吃辣的王同学Historical134k WordsOngoing After an accident, Wang Xun is thrown into the most brutal meat grinder of the Northern Song: the siege of Bianjing. Outside the gates, a hundred thousand foreign troops seethe with bloodlust. Inside, the absurd court tries to defend the city with "magic spells." He has no System or cheat, knows no peerless martial arts, and can barely make sense of the local dialect. His only bargaining chip is the vivid memory in his mind of the cataclysm about to unfold. The day the city falls, wails fill 676Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This book can

16. 366 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: Zhou Yu Reincarnated as Jia Lian 红楼之周瑜穿成贾琏 Dreams Come True 2001梦想成真2001Historical2.2M WordsOngoing This novel is for both male and female readers. I'm a fan of Zhou Yu from the CCTV version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and in this alternate world, I let my idol unite Europe, Asia, and Africa. Zhou Yu transmigrates into the frail Jia Lian. He plans to save the Twelve Beauties and restore the Jia family, but Emperor Cao Cao grows so suspicious of him that all he can do is lie flat. But he can't die! If he kicks the bucket, Cao Cao, Cao Zhi, and Liu Zhen will all have to join him. The big 1.7kReads9.5Score192Shelves

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    This is a fictional story where Zhou Yu and other figures from the Three Kingdoms period travel to the 13th century, during the era depicted in the novel *Dream of the Red Chamber*. They collaborate with Genghis Khan's Mongols, conquering both militarily and culturally in medieval Asia, Europe, and Africa. Keep in mind that Europe at that time was still in the midst of the Crusades, and the Renaissance had not yet begun.

17. 367 大 The Great Song’s Divine Doctor: I Married a Widow and Became a God of Incense 大宋神医：娶大娘后我香火成神 Unhappy Medicine不开心药Male-Channel Fanfiction242k WordsOngoing [Medicine + slow burn + imperial examinations + wuxia] One of the nation’s ten outstanding young physicians and a materialist, Wu Yong’s favorite pastime is explaining human anatomy to country folk who perform spirit-medium rituals. Bad news: He wakes up to find himself transmigrated to the Northern Song, with a free tuberculosis patient experience card included. Good news: He has transmigrated to the reign of Emperor Renzong. The young emperor seems decent, and his mother can’t bear to watch 148Reads—Score—Shelves

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    It's got the feel of a time-travel guide to the Northern Song Dynasty!!! So many details, come check it out! [Shy]

18. 368 重 Reborn at the End of the Han Dynasty: My List of Ministers Will Astonish the Ages 重生汉末：我的臣子名单震古烁今 Mud Egg Is Not a Melon泥蛋不是瓜Historical1.6M WordsOngoing Liu Bian was reborn in the body of the Han dynasty's teenage emperor of the same name. To make matters worse, Dong Zhuo pursued him all the way to Mount Beimang. In just three days, Liu Bian would be deposed and given a cup of poisoned wine! What could he do? Seize military power first. He couldn't gamble his life on Dong Zhuo's conscience. From that moment on, history took an unexpected turn. To protect himself, Liu Bian recruited Zhang Liao, Yu Jin, and Sun Jian, and even won Lu Bu over as his 7.3kReads8.8Score607Shelves

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    Become Liu Bian, gather all the famous generals in history, quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion and restore the Han Dynasty.

19. 369 汉 No Three Kingdoms After the Han 汉后无三国 Crazy Fun疯玩Historical2.2M WordsOngoing Liu Xia transmigrates to the end of the Han dynasty, but refuses to become emperor or king. With fifty cavalrymen, he slaughters five thousand Xiongnu. Beneath Xiapi, one strike of his halberd leaves Lu Bu crippled. He casually tosses aside the Imperial Jade Seal: "Just a broken stone. Can it put food on the people's tables?" His motto is: "Whoever dares threaten our mighty Han, no matter how far away, must be destroyed!" "The people are the true masters of the Han. The Son of Heaven is just the 10.7kReads9.4Score894Shelves

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    More than ten elite soldiers were smashed into a bloody pulp by Dian Wei! "We can't delay!" Zhang Xiu steeled his resolve, his spear technique suddenly shifting! He retreated three steps, dodging Dian Wei's sweeping attack, then suddenly leaped more than ten feet into the air like a hawk! In mid-air, his spear hummed! "'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Technique' - the ultimate secret technique - 'Phoenix Three Nods'!" With a sharp shout, the spear shot out like a phoenix's cry from the heavens! That steel-plated spear transformed in an instant into three indistinguishable shadows! One thrust towards Dian Wei's throat, one towards his heart, and one towards his abdomen! The three spears struck simultaneously, swift as lightning, ruthless as a venomous snake, sealing off all escape routes! Zhang Xiu concentrated all his energy and spirit into one spear, creating three shadows, all three solid, specifically designed to break through heavy armor and kill fierce generals! Dian Wei was terrified! If he had his twin halberds, he might have been able to use the advantage of his weapons to block the attack. But with a corpse in each hand, how could he possibly withstand such an exquisite killing move? In a flash, Dian Wei roared and launched a counterattack instead of defending! He slammed the corpse in his right hand into Zhang Xiu's air, while using the corpse in his left hand to block in front of him, and simultaneously charged forward with both hands! This was a suicidal attack! "Pfft—!"

20. 370 三 The Three Kingdoms: A World of Gods and Demons, Watch Me Conquer It 三国之神魔世界，看我如何称霸？ Spicy Diced Chicken with Chili Peppers辣子鸡丁炒辣椒Historical937k WordsOngoing What is a god? What is a demon? Who is righteous, and who is evil? The rules of this world are nothing more than a game of chess written by the victor... Original titles: Three Kingdoms: The World of Gods and Demons, Watch Me Claim the Throne! and The New Three Kingdoms of Gods and Demons Wen Fengqing transmigrates to the late Eastern Han dynasty, only to discover that his beautiful teacher has come along with him. And that is not all. He is not the first person to transmigrate... What's more, t 5.1kReads9.4Score430Shelves
21. 371 戏 A Tale of the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties 戏说魏晋南北朝 Qin Xue Wuhen琴雪无痕Historical806k WordsOngoing Telling history with a touch of humor doesn't mean making things up! It's the bare minimum of respect for the past. The 300 years from the Western Jin to the Sui Dynasty were practically a large-scale, absurdly realistic Game of Thrones. What a remarkable era it was: less than ten years after Sima Yan unified the realm, the foolish emperor and the fierce, ugly empress Jia Nanfeng turned the land into a bloody battlefield during the War of the Eight Princes. Liu Yuan, Shi Le, and others swept int 6kReads7.2Score297Shelves

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    The Unknown History of the Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties

22. 372 冒 Passing Myself Off as a Zhuge: Heavens, Why? Rebuild the Han! 冒姓诸葛：悠悠苍天？再造大汉！ Songlu Maolin松麓茂临Historical1.0M WordsCompleted In Jianxing Year Twelve, Zhuge Liang, the peerless genius known as the Sleeping Dragon and chancellor of Shu Han, fell ill and died at Wuzhang Plains, lamenting, “Vast heavens, why have you treated me so unfairly?” He had devoted himself completely and worked until his dying day, making six campaigns against Mount Qi in an attempt to restore the Han and return to the old capital. But fate was cruel, his ambitions unfulfilled, and he passed away. Zhuge You, a history undergraduate from the twent 142Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This book won't lower your IQ, and neither will the bag!

23. 373 神 The Legend of the Condor Heroes: A Later-Era Chronicle 神雕晚世录 Wanderer Returns at Night游子夜归人Male-Channel Fanfiction990k WordsOngoing Since the book’s “Dragon-Slaying Arc” became clear, most fans of Xiaolongnü have left, but people still report the story, and some readers question whether the characters are out of character: Xiaolongnü is too skilled, Yelü Qi is too decent, and Yang Guo isn’t wild enough. I’ll explain using the original work: First, Xiaolongnü is no weaker than Yang Guo, and he has no confidence that he can kill her with a single blow, so he needs to lay a trap. The evidence: In the Third Discussion of Mount 2.1kReads8.1Score194Shelves

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    Looking at the history of the Song-Mongol War from the perspective of martial arts fiction.

24. 374 丽 Lida's Wish 丽达的心愿 Pomegranate Dew榴露Ancient Romance135k WordsOngoing [A serf girl accused of witchcraft after breaking up a couple from the start: how can she survive the medieval witch-hunting frenzy?] [Alternate history | Western Middle Ages | A turbulent era and its many characters | Vocational ideals | Love and friendship | Realism] [If this time we choose love, kindness, and courage, could things turn out differently?] Theme: A story about love, growth, understanding, and healing Events: The witch hunts, the Renaissance, the Reformation Elements: A serf r 152Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A Western-style history article, come and take a look!

25. 375 大 Ming's God of War, Zhu Di 大明战神朱棣 Shu Yao Jiu舒窈纠Historical472k WordsCompleted Why do we love reading about him? Because he lived the way we wish we could: if you don’t like it, fight! If you lose, own it! If you win, don’t brag. He feigned madness, played the fool, and even ate pig feed in a pigsty. Then he fought his way from Beiping to Nanjing and seized the dragon throne with his own hands. Zhu Di, the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, was twenty when he was sent to govern Beiping. No one had any faith in this “Fourth Son.” His imperial father suspected him, his nephew trie 19kReads8.3Score1.4kShelves

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    The most venerable Han Chinese emperor, Zhu Di, is portrayed in a particularly rich and detailed way in this novel.

26. 376 赵 Zhao Kuangyin Is Reborn as Han Xin, and Liu Bang Panics 赵匡胤重生韩信，刘邦急疯了！ Hu Mo虎陌Historical231k WordsOngoing [Struggle for supremacy] + [Strategic cunning] + [Decisive ruthlessness] After the Incident of the Axe and Candle Shadows, Zhao Kuangyin, who should have died, opens his eyes once more and discovers that he has transmigrated to the Chu-Han era, where he has become the God of War, Han Xin! The realm is still unsettled, and heroes contend for supremacy. Who will rule the land has yet to be decided. Kuai Tong: “Is this really the Han Xin I know? General Han... he seems to harbor grand ambitions. 7Reads6.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The new book is good. Zhao Kuangyin is reborn as Han Xin. His subordinates say, "General, it's too cold, put on some more clothes." Zhao Kuangyin replies, "I'm familiar with wearing the yellow robe."

27. 377 大 Uncle Zhang, the Gatekeeper of a Ming Dynasty Apartment Complex 大明小区门卫张大爷 Soda Wholesaler汽水批发商Historical1.0M WordsOngoing The new book's rating has just appeared. It'll go up! [Ming Dynasty, multiple male leads, no female lead, ghosts and gods, from the Hongwu era to the Chongzhen era] A modern soul who lived to 126 and was driven to death by AI arrives by mistake in the Hongwu era of the Great Ming, carrying a mind full of memories from the future. He can burrow underground, see through solid objects, whisper into people's dreams, and take countless forms. He is a true wandering spirit. He first meets Zhu Yuanzhan 645Reads6.9Score110Shelves

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    This is a heartfelt and high-quality novel that recounts an emperor's nightmare of his deceased wife and son, depicting his breakdown and weeping. The protagonist gently comforts him and helps him out of his despair. Highly recommended!

28. 378 食 The Southern Gourmet 食南之徒 Ma Boyong马伯庸Historical173k WordsCompleted Tang Meng, a gluttonous envoy of the Han Empire, arrives in Nanyue, a land renowned for its cuisine. With ingredients in abundance, it seems like a food lover’s dream. Yet behind the feasts simmer tensions between north and south, divisions between peoples, struggles for power, and battles over the rise and fall of national policies. The twists and turns are even more complex than the flavors of Lingnan’s ingredients. This laid-back Han envoy finds himself caught in the whirlpool of political st 5.7kReads9.6Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book, despite its title, has virtually no connection to *Dream of the Red Chamber*. Everyone in the cast is intelligent, and the emperor isn't a fool.

29. 379 君 Divine Right of Kings: I Am the Only Immortal in the World 君权神授：我是世间唯一仙 Zi Yanwu字延武Historical1.1M WordsCompleted (Ensemble cast, behind-the-scenes scheming, faith, alternate history, cultivation and sci-fi, no female lead) The animated drama I Am the Immortal of This World is now available to watch on Hongguo Short Drama. The modern arc is the second chapter (224 chapters of the pseudo-modern arc, 334 chapters of the modern arc). If gods and immortals really existed, how would history have unfolded? Also known as The World's Only Cultivator, Worshipped by All and I Created the Heavenly Court and the Underw 39.6kReads8.2Score3.7kShelves
30. 380 好 At Least I’m an Emperor 好歹也是个皇帝 Autumn Waters at Night秋水夜Historical1.6M WordsCompleted Transmigrating and becoming an emperor shouldn't be a big deal, but Guo Dongyan thinks there's something odd about being an emperor in his case. His empire is only as large as a village, he has just a few hundred subjects, and even his dog is the Imperial Guard's Grand General... Wasn't becoming an emperor through transmigration supposed to mean fighting for power at court and vying for control of the Nine Provinces? How did it turn into playing house in some remote mountain valley for me? And t 5.1kReads8.1Score195Shelves

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    I think these two historical novels are quite well written. The characters are consistent with historical settings, and the plots are very exciting. The second book is mainly funny at the beginning, making it both funny and exciting!

31. 381 开 The Beginning: Pan Feng Is in a Panic from the Start 开端：开局潘凤很慌张 I Am Tian Shao吾乃天少Historical8.0M WordsCompleted I am Pan Feng, and I’m freaking out. I’ve been reincarnated five times already. Hua Xiong is coming to chop off my head, and Lü Bu wants to kill me too. How am I supposed to survive? The Yellow Heaven is dead, the Great Wind shall rise. 9.5kReads8.9Score774Shelves

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    Non-toxic and waterless, plentiful and filling, born at the wrong time, well-written. The first and second volumes are about the Three Kingdoms period, I haven't read the third volume yet. The beginning can be read as a comedy. To put it simply, many people have spent hundreds of hours reading this book, the most I've seen is over 900 hours.

32. 382 关 The Guanshan Pact 关山契 It's Really a Dog真的是狗Historical488k WordsCompleted On the western frontier, yellow sands bury the dead, and honor is as fragile as paper. The young Zhao Tianhao was merely a merchant’s son from Ping Wharf. With a heart full of sincerity, he kept his contracts, protected his family business, and brought peace to his neighbors. Yet the crushing might of the war-torn age destroyed his household, driving him to abandon trade and take up arms. He entered the death camp, managed military rations, trained a corps of death-defying soldiers, and defended 5.3kReads9.3Score577Shelves

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    No wisdom, no brainless fun, no system, no time travel, no love. The writing is excellent, the logic is tight, and it is definitely of super high quality. The plot twist in Chapter 10 is particularly amazing, and the quagmire battle in Chapter 28 can directly make you a god.

33. 383 重 Reborn as Lao Ai? From the Start, I Save Ying Zheng from Bullying 重生嫪毐？开局拯救被霸凌的嬴政 Drifting Duck随波逐流鸭Historical1.4M WordsCompleted Song Kun, born into the late Warring States period, finds his family fallen on hard times from the start. In Handan, he unexpectedly saves nine-year-old Ying Zheng, then saves Zhao Ji as well and brings mother and son home. He counsels Ying Zheng, helps him regain his confidence and build his strength, and acts as an elder brother and father figure. He becomes a ray of light in the childhood of Qin Shi Huang. With such a brilliant start, he had planned to quietly help Qin Shi Huang ascend the th 6.1kReads9.0Score814Shelves

    Reader note

    Both have a rigorous writing style and do not lower one's intelligence.

34. 384 盐 Salt and Iron 盐铁 It's Really a Dog真的是狗Historical387k WordsCompleted Liaodong is bitterly cold, and salt is worth its weight in gold. To save his parents, young Shen Huai pawns his hairpin for salt. But without a permit, the officials seize it. His father dies in prison, and his mother’s blood stains their doorstep. After a blizzard, he leaves his home behind and follows his uncle, a wandering man of the jianghu, onto the path of the black salt trade. From then on, he is drawn into the fateful abyss of salt and iron, military funds, and political power. At first, 453Reads—Score—Shelves
35. 385 说 The Complete Story of Tang 说唐全传 Lotus-Dwelling Scholar如莲居士Historical360k WordsCompleted Centered on the gathering of heroes at Wagang Stronghold, the story spans the period from Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou’s conquest of Northern Qi and Emperor Wen of Sui’s pacification of Southern Chen, to Li Yuan of Tang’s defeat of the rival warlords and Li Shimin’s ascension to the throne. It mainly recounts how the heroes of Wagang joined forces to rebel against the Sui and help establish the Tang dynasty, recreating the turbulent age of the eighteen rebel kings and sixty-four bands of rebels. 21Reads9.4Score—Shelves
36. 386 千 A Thousand Miles of Frost, Stars Falling Like Rain 千里霜寒星如雨 Elder Yan Hong延洪长老Historical283k WordsOngoing (No System, no golden finger, no transmigration. Political intrigue, not childish, not mindless, and no characters acting stupid.) The nation is divided into seven provinces: Zhong, Yong, Liang, Bing, Ze, Wan, and Yun. The wheels of history are gradually turning toward an age of chaos. Coups! Wars! Alliances and rivalries! Political marriages! Betrayals! What path lies ahead? Ran Xing, a young man who came from a small place to study in Fengdu, meets the young masters and princesses of the vario 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Although it's a fictional story, the characters' intelligence is definitely on point.

37. 387 大 Great Qin: I Was Reborn After Dying of Old Age 大秦：寿终正寝后朕重生了 Xie Musheng谢慕笙Historical358k WordsCompleted Good news: I transmigrated to the end of the Qin dynasty, successfully led a rebellion, and became emperor. Bad news: After dying of old age, I was reborn... Good news: The Luck System stuck by me through it all. Bad news: A wild System showed up and stabbed me in the back. 70Reads7.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead has a stable and rational personality and currently has no romantic partner, while the other characters have their moments of brilliance.

38. 388 开 From the Start, I Revealed the Achievements of Ancient Emperors and Stunned the Emperors 开局曝光古人皇功业，惊呆皇帝们 Trainee001练习生001Historical4.3M WordsOngoing [Historical retrospectives] + [a commoner's view of history] + [spoilers in the comments] + [emperors goofing around] + [A complete run-through of Chinese history from the Yan and Huang emperors, starting with the Shang] Chen Yong was hired to make a series of historical retrospectives. He planned to start with the Shang dynasty. To set his videos apart from the many others, he decided to follow standard historical methodology. Source priority: archaeological artifacts > official histories > 76kReads9.0Score5.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Is everything recorded in history books necessarily true? What stories lie behind those seemingly illogical accounts? What is the truth behind the embellishments and subtleties of historical writing? From the perspective of ordinary people, were tyrants truly tyrants? Were those who were still willing to restore a tyrant's kingdom hundreds of years after its fall truly foolish? Were sage rulers truly sages? The true history, the games and strategies of monarchs, and the stories behind every reform are all so fascinating.

39. 389 来 Arriving in Southern Ming, an Engineering Student Crushes the Qing and Restores China 来到南明，工科生横扫满清复华夏 Ripples in the River of History历史长河的浪花Historical531k WordsOngoing In the first year of the Hongguang reign, Jiangnan is on the verge of falling. The realm is shattered, and the people are displaced. A modern engineering expert unexpectedly arrives in the storm-tossed chaos of the Southern Ming. The land is divided among warlords, powerful enemies press at its borders, and the old and new dynasties take turns on the stage. He has no peerless martial arts, but he possesses engineering, manufacturing, and scientific knowledge far ahead of his time. He gathers dis 1.1kReads—Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    The sky is high and the clouds are light; I gaze until the wild geese fly south. He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true hero.

40. 390 晚 Late Ming: Rewriting China, Starting with a Songjiang Textile Mill 晚明：从松江纺坊开始，改写华夏 Fish Hiding in Time时鱼藏影Historical153k WordsOngoing Reborn as an impoverished scholar in the late Ming, Shen Che knows all too well how the Ming dynasty will meet its end: factional strife will bring down the country, the Qing army will invade, and the land of China will fall. He refuses to gamble everything on the imperial exams. From the start, he breaks through with a spinning wheel, leading weavers and farmers from the lowest ranks of society to build industry, establish social protections, and train a powerful army. In this life, he will rew —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In the tenth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, a scholar wearing a scholar's robe initiated the Industrial Revolution using a spinning wheel.

41. 391 工 An Engineering Student Ventures into the Late Ming 工科小伙闯明末 Ripples in the River of History历史长河的浪花Historical1.0M WordsCompleted A middle-aged bachelor, beaten down by society and thwarted at every turn in the modern world, with no connections to his name but plenty of knowledge and ability, is accidentally transported to the Chongzhen era at the end of the Ming dynasty. Relying on his modern knowledge while adapting to the era’s actual technological and industrial capabilities, he works hard to quietly change history and prevent China’s decline. 2.8kReads7.8Score196Shelves
42. 392 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

    Reader note

    💥 A captivating historical novel, highly recommended! The original protagonist, Zhou Che, was the sixth prince of the Great Xia Dynasty. As the imperial edict stated: uneducated in both literature and martial arts, inherently cowardly, possessing no redeeming qualities other than his good looks and large stature, plagued by various vices. The original protagonist was invited to a banquet at the Fifth Prince's residence and became extremely drunk. However, the claim that he disrespected his elder brother's fiancée, Zhen Shi, is absolutely untrue! The original protagonist was both cowardly and weak; even drunk, he would never dare to disrespect Zhen Shi. Clearly, this was a trap, a trap intended to kill the original protagonist! However, the mastermind overestimated the original protagonist's weakness… After drinking too much, he simply passed out, allowing the transmigrated Zhou Che to take over his body.

43. 393 三 Three Kingdoms: Inheriting 300,000 Qingzhou Soldiers from the Start! 三国：开局继承三十万青州兵！ The Three Kingdoms at the End of the Eastern Han Dynasty东汉末年分三国Historical1.3M WordsCompleted (Decisive and ruthless, a fun power fantasy, an invincible protagonist, vying for supremacy, a somewhat ensemble cast, internally consistent logic, based on the Records of the Three Kingdoms, with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and miscellaneous notes as supplements. If that bothers you, don't read.) Zhang Yuheng, son of the Yellow Turban commander in Qingzhou. After Zhang Rao's death, he awakens memories from two lifetimes. Knowing the Yellow Turbans are short on food, he invites the greates 19.1kReads8.8Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    I personally think it's a good novel

44. 394 这 This Prince Has Gone Mad. Why Would You Provoke Him? 这皇子都疯了，你惹他干嘛？ Before the Wind Rises风未起Historical4.0M WordsCompleted [No System + High-Stakes Scheming + Laying Low to Build Strength + Logical Plot + Brains and Brawn + Suspense + Ancient Espionage] His mother consort dies suddenly of an illness. His older brother dies mysteriously in battle. All his backers are gone!! His father distrusts him, and his other brothers all want him dead! Not a single court official is on his side? In that case, he has no choice but to carve out a path to survival from between the cracks! After transmigrating to another world, he b 62.3kReads8.8Score5.1kShelves
45. 395 三 Three Kingdoms: My Brother Is Dian Wei, and I Take on Lü Bu from the Start 三国：家兄典韦，开局硬刚吕布 Young Eunuch年轻宦官Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Dian Mo transmigrates to the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and becomes Dian Wei's younger brother. To join Cao Cao's camp, Dian Mo sends a letter that leaves Cao Cao stunned. Cao Cao: “Find the person who wrote this letter, no matter what. This must be the peerless genius I've been looking for!” While the whole camp launches a search, Dian Mo comes to Cao Cao of his own accord and begins his career as a strategist. Yuan Shao: “The Dian brothers are one a civil genius, the other a military geniu 45.9kReads9.6Score4.6kShelves
46. 396 性 Genderbent Three Kingdoms: I Take Them All 性反三国，我大小通吃 Young Master Changle长乐公子Historical440k WordsOngoing [Female-Led Three Kingdoms] + [Founding a Nation] + [Strategy] + [Multiple Heroines] + [Gender Reversal] The story takes place in a parallel world where the Three Kingdoms era is dominated by women. A food delivery driver with the same name transmigrates into Lü Bu, only to discover that women are strong and men are weak, and all the rules have been reversed. The familiar figures from the Three Kingdoms have all had their genders flipped, too. The male protagonist is first forced into marriage b 2Reads9.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist, Lü Bu, transmigrates to a parallel Three Kingdoms world dominated by a strong female protagonist. Everyone except him has their gender reversed. Because Lü Bu is so handsome, he's first forcibly married to the county magistrate's daughter, then kidnapped by Cao Cao, and finally kidnapped by the Yellow Turban rebels to become their holy man! Lü Bu feigns weakness to outsmart his opponent, successfully awakening his peak combat power and building a vast harem… The female Zhao Yun is both ethereal and dashing, the female Hua Tuo is intelligent and kind, the young Gao Shun is mischievous and clever, and the female Taoist Zuo Ci is ethereal and otherworldly… Oh my, it's so satisfying! Then, under the guise of preaching, Lü Bu gathers talented people from all over the land, using a combination of coaxing, deception, and even kidnapping! Hahaha, so interesting… In short, this is undoubtedly a masterpiece of the Three Kingdoms! Although humorous, the logic is sound, major events follow real history, and minor details are drastically altered! And the transitions are perfect and seamless! An absolute must-read! An awesome historical fantasy! Go read the love-struck Zhuge Liang! [Laughs][smirks]

47. 397 废 The Useless Prince: Why Are You Forcing Me to Become Emperor? 废物皇子：为何要逼我做皇帝？ The Wind of the 80s80年代的风Historical4.0M WordsCompleted He is the empire’s useless prince! But his own father, the emperor, wants him dead. The crown prince wants him dead. His brothers all want him dead. Even the most beautiful woman under heaven wants him dead! To survive, he trains an invincible army and builds a hidden paradise. He brings the Hundred Schools of Thought to heel, drawing capable ministers, mighty generals, and reclusive masters from every corner of the land to his side. All the beauties under heaven dream of becoming his bride. Ami 84.3kReads9.3Score8.5kShelves
48. 398 筑 Forging the Golden Realm 筑金瓯 Old Dragonfly老蜻蜓Historical2.1M WordsCompleted [War, lighthearted, meticulously researched, history, no System] This is the Tang dynasty, a dynasty forged on the edge of a blade. The Tang emperor Xuanzong's dream ends in the Tianbao era, and the banner of the great Tang falls. There can be an Earlier Han and a Later Han. There can also be an Earlier Tang and a Later Tang. If the great Tang is gone, then we will build another great Tang. If the golden age is gone, then we will create another one. Let every child have a home, every elder have 3.4kReads8.2Score269Shelves

    Reader note

    The Tang Dynasty on the edge of a knife, the struggle of a group of warriors. There is burning passion, and also joy and sorrow. Tomato's first realistic war novel. Rigorous research, appropriate props, earnest dialogue, and visceral combat. No system, no idiots, no cheat codes, intelligence is maintained throughout. Armored cavalry, heavily armored infantry, and the clash of swords.

49. 399 山 Dreams Entrusted to the Realm: From Foot Soldier to Pillar of Peace 山河寄梦：从义军小兵到太平基石 Shou Yuan守远Historical281k WordsCompleted After accidentally transmigrating to Shandong, under Jin rule during the Southern Song, programmer Shen Zhi seems to have neither a golden finger nor a System. But what he does have is a sincere heart and the resolve to protect others. He joins the rebel army, fights the Jin, swears brotherhood with Xin Qiji, and travels far across the grasslands, watching Temujin grow up. Returning to the Central Plains, he enters the imperial court and navigates the treacherous divide between power struggles a 545Reads9.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This historical novel is incredibly popular! The writing is absolutely top-notch, not mindless, and the protagonist doesn't have any special abilities. He starts out transmigrating to a turbulent Shaoxing and finds himself in danger. After being rescued by a righteous army, he experiences a series of events, from acquaintance to sworn brotherhood with Xin Qiji, and then together they fight against the Jin dynasty. The characters are vivid and well-developed, and the writing is very comfortable. The high-energy plot is thrilling and exciting. Every character is memorable. Definitely worth reading!

50. 400 红 Neon Dreams in the Mortal World: China Across the Land 红尘霓梦：华夏纵横 Bird Flies 0591鸟飞0591Historical644k WordsOngoing Also known as: Blazing Heart: Great Yi Shang; Reborn in the Body of King Zhou: A King’s World [No System + Passionate + Reconstructing the Truth of History Based on Real Historical Sources (Artifacts) and Mythology (Not Investiture of the Gods) + Bronze-Toned Love and Death] Guys, can you believe this? I transmigrated to the Shang Dynasty, crushed the Rong and Di, expanded the realm, revitalized commerce, respected women (beautiful women), and protected little animals (divine beasts)... only to 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is great! The premise is novel and makes it very engaging. [Sending hearts] The protagonist transmigrates to the Shang Dynasty, intending to defeat the Rong and Di tribes and revitalize commerce, but due to a series of unforeseen events, he ends up being burned to death as King Zhou of Shang! It features no system and relies on historical records to reasonably deduce the truth of history. The plot is exciting and engaging, and the more you read, the more you uncover the mysteries of the Shang Dynasty. It's an amazing read!

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