Looking for Historical or Alternate-History Novels With Good Prose and a Smart Protagonist 求历史文，或架空历史，文笔好，主角有脑子的

1. 51 我 I Try Cases in Ancient Times and Leave Everyone Stunned 我在古代审案，震惊众人 Mu Yi 10086木易10086Historical370k WordsCompleted After transmigrating to the Great Qian dynasty, Yang Xu finds himself drawn by a twist of fate into one strange and bizarre case after another. It turns out that all of it has been plotted by someone. Using the wisdom of a later age, Yang Xu solves one extraordinary case after another... 41Reads6.3Score—Shelves
2. 52 九 The Nine Princes Vie for the Throne: From the Start, I Rebel with My Imperial Brother’s Head 九龙夺嫡：开局提皇兄人头造反 Little Flying Pig from the Mountains山里小飞猪Historical211k WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the Great Yan Dynasty, Yan Xun becomes the useless Sixth Prince, a vassal prince of Beiliang Province. From the start, the Fifth Prince marches an army right to his doorstep. With the enemy at his gates, Yan Xun awakens a golden finger and makes a spectacular comeback! He personally kills his Fifth Imperial Brother from the start, launching a rebellion then and there! Taking full control of his fiefdom, Beiliang Province, Yan Xun proceeds cautiously, expands his army, i 4.3kReads—Score308Shelves

   Reader note

   Both are still acceptable.

3. 53 九 Nine Princes Vie for the Throne: The Good-for-Nothing Prince Is Banished to Beiliang from the Start 九子夺嫡：废物皇子开局被贬北凉 Little Beetle 339小小甲壳虫339Historical6.7M WordsOngoing After transmigrating to the Great Zhou dynasty, Li Xun became the unlucky, useless Sixth Prince. In the struggle for the throne among nine princes, he was marked as a loser from the very beginning. He was framed and exiled to the lands of Beiliang, yet his enemies still wouldn't leave him alone. After his golden finger awakened, Li Xun gained control of the Emperor's Support System and obtained terrifying power. Then he launched a powerful counterattack. When his enemies wouldn't let up, he simp 40.7kReads8.6Score3.1kShelves
4. 54 理 A Top Science Student Takes the Imperial Exams? His Majesty Is Stunned by His Brilliance 理科状元考科举？强到朕傻眼 Lucky Lin招财林Historical2.2M WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + court politics + farming + alternate history + daily life + lighthearted + no romance] Li Su had barely had time to savor becoming the top scorer in the national college entrance exam when he transmigrated as the youngest son of the Li family. His whole family doted on him, even though they lived on coarse grain and vegetables, and supported his studies. The original owner had been led astray by his classmates. Selfish and only interested in having fun, he had ruined him 91.8kReads8.9Score9.1kShelves
5. 55 回 Back to Ancient Times as a Prince 回到古代当皇子 The Running Tiger奔跑的老虎Historical804k WordsCompleted Su Run transmigrates into the body of the Great Xia dynasty’s Sixth Prince, wanting nothing more than to become an unambitious, carefree prince. But even his casual schemes shatter people’s understanding and strike at the root of the problem. A poem he tosses off becomes an immortal masterpiece, unmatched by anyone before or since. In an instant, he soars into the clouds, shaking heaven and earth. 1.1kReads8.0Score102Shelves
6. 56 穿 I Transmigrated to the End of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and Helped Liu Yu Unite the Realm 穿越东晋末年，我助刘裕一统天下 Xingdong's Banhuan Longbing兴东的板桓龙兵Historical226k WordsOngoing No System. Court intrigue + conquest + reform + development. Chen Jiu, an archaeology team member who has just started his career, accidentally travels to the first year of Long'an after triggering a mechanism trap during an excavation. He becomes a captain in the Northern Army. He becomes a colleague of Liu Yu. From then on, he puts down Sun En, campaigns against Lu Xun, outmaneuvers the great clans, and destroys Huan Xuan. He sweeps across Northern Wei and reforms the system, becoming Liu Yu’s 1.8kReads—Score159Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is good; the author wrote it entirely by hand and has a solid foundation in history.

7. 57 寒 The Poor Scholar Who Squandered His Family’s Wealth 寒门败家子 Xun Beiyi寻北仪Historical3.5M WordsCompleted Also known as Back to Ancient Times to Build a Factory. Main characters: Wang Yuan and Li Shihan. After transmigrating to ancient times and into a poor family, Wang Yuan had nothing to his name, yet he started squandering money! He poured mud into brown sugar, mixed limewater into lard, dumped government salt into a pond, boiled government liquor in a pot, set a live ox’s tail on fire, and handed money to every beggar he saw... These bizarre ways of wasting money left the imperial clan, powerful 7kReads8.4Score843Shelves

   Reader note

   This book starts with a wife. Wang Yuan's eyes lit up. A beautiful young girl stood timidly in front of the main room. She was seventeen or eighteen years old, tall, graceful, and with exquisite features. She was 1.7 Meters tall.

8. 58 带 I Came to the Great Tang with My Memories 带着记忆来大唐 Let's Talk Tomorrow, Hehehehe明天再说咯咯咯咯Historical2.2M WordsOngoing (A little farming in the early chapters, leaves the mountain after 100 chapters! Political intrigue, a struggle for supremacy, and comedy. Forms of address, etiquette, and some terminology have been carefully researched. Hope you enjoy it.) Great Tang? So this is what Great Tang is really like? If I don't unify the whole world, won't my trip here have been for nothing? Keep it up, Your Majesty! The ultimate wage slave! Burn yourself out for the generations to come! 6.5kReads8.4Score247Shelves

   Reader note

   Chosen by 200,000 readers, with over a million words. A lifesaver for many who are looking for something to read. No system, rigorous historical accuracy, not mindless, and incredibly engaging. A superb book that combines farming, political intrigue, power struggles, and humor all in one day!

9. 59 三 Three Kingdoms: Liu Feng's Comeback from Cannon Fodder 三国：炮灰刘封逆袭之路 Pineapples Everywhere满地是菠萝Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [This book is being published. Stay tuned.] (Conquest, strategy, iron-blooded heroics, beauties, System) After transmigrating as Liu Feng, Liu Bei's adopted son, he knew the fate that awaited him: losing favor, being marginalized, becoming a pawn to be discarded, and ultimately falling into a deadly trap. In this life, he chose to endure and bide his time, then turn the tables when all seemed lost! From the start, he risked his life to save Liu Shan at Changban Slope, earning a reputation across 72.5kReads9.6Score7.4kShelves

   Reader note

   The first book is still being read and I've heard it's very good. The second book is about time travel to Liu Feng's timeline, making up for the regrets of the Shu Han dynasty. The third book is about time travel to the time when the Jin army is breaching Bianjing (Kaifeng), where the protagonist accidentally saves the reborn Zhao Yingluo, and begins the journey of eliminating foreign enemies, suppressing internal troubles, and saving the world from collapse!

10. 60 布 The Commoner's Rise: I'll Cleave This Chaotic World in Two 布衣崛起：我要一刀劈开这乱世 Long Live the Fox Demon狐妖万万岁Historical115k WordsOngoing Alternate history | Strife for supremacy | Factional rivalries | Power struggles | Intelligent characters | Decisive and ruthless | No System Shen Yan crawled out of a pile of corpses and stepped into this filthy age of chaos, where human lives were worth less than grass. Family and friendship? Trust or betrayal? Countless fates became intertwined beneath the dark refrain of this age, painting the world in shades of gloom. And so “If this world is dark and lawless, then I’ll cleave the night 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Alternate history | Chaotic era of struggle for supremacy | Factional warfare | Power struggles | High intelligence | Decisive and ruthless | No system. From the martial world to the imperial court, a commoner gradually rises to become the ruler of the world. — New book, outline and detailed outline are complete, only what I want to see is written. Not a simplistic novel, the plot has multiple twists and turns, the characters are well-developed and not monotonous, the power struggles are not childish, there will be no deus ex machina, in short, it has great ambitions, and I hope to stick to it!

11. 61 我 I Debate the Classics with Great Scholars in the Embroidered Uniform Guard 我在锦衣卫跟大儒辩经 A Grain of Rice in the Vast Blue Sea沧海茫茫粒米身Historical1.2M WordsOngoing Yang Zhi, a top salesman and philosophy graduate student in his previous life, transmigrates to the end of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty. Through a twist of fate, he joins the Embroidered Uniform Guard, passes the imperial examination, enters the Hanlin Academy, and debates the classics with the great scholars at court! 5kReads8.8Score355Shelves

    Reader note

    Both of these books are excellent, scoring above 9.5, And are very readable.

12. 62 黄 A Dream of Huangliang: The Mad Heroine Hates Me to the Bone 黄粱一梦，疯批女主竟恨我入骨 Cowherd Boy of Lonely Mountain孤山放牛娃Eastern Fantasy4.1M WordsCompleted [Play the Pig to Eat the Tiger + Decisive and Ruthless + Cunning and Devious + Invincible Among His Peers] Ye Lingtian transmigrates into a romance-and-intrigue novel as the villainous Third Prince of Great Zhou. From the start, he’s supposed to marry the heroine, Feng Huojun? On their wedding night, the crazy heroine tries to kill me. The reason? She loves me to the point of obsession? As the poison-coated dagger sinks into my heart, I know I’m done for. This villain really doesn’t survive pa 69.6kReads8.8Score7.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These two are considered relatively good alternate history novels. The protagonist in the first one is very cunning, and the supporting characters are also quite intelligent. The second one is a new work by the renowned author "Zhu Xiaojiu," but the author is not in good health, and updates are inconsistent.

13. 63 铁 Ironblooded Late Ming 铁血残明 Ke Shanmeng柯山梦Historical2.5M WordsOngoing In the late Ming dynasty, Spain and Japan gradually restricted the outflow of silver, reversing the capital inflow that the Ming had enjoyed since the early sixteenth century. The commercial and smallholder economies that coexisted under the Ming were both hit by deflation. Combined with the effects of the Little Ice Age, one domino after another fell, plunging the realm into chaos. In the eleventh month of the sixth year of the Chongzhen reign, the roving rebels crossed the river south of Mianc 104.5kReads9.4Score11kShelves

    Reader note

    Both of these books are excellent, scoring above 9.5, and are very readable.

14. 64 大 Great Qin: I Became a Butcher, and the First Emperor Begged Me to Stop Killing 大秦：化身人屠，祖龙求我别杀了 The Five Black Categories黑五类Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [Conquering new lands] [Improving people’s livelihoods and technology] [Ruthless and decisive] After transmigrating to the time when Ying Zheng had just ascended the throne, E Fu discovered that his strength increased dramatically once every year. Thus, the Great Qin gained a god of slaughter even more ruthless than Bai Qi, the Lord of Wu’an! He killed Lao Ai, wiped out Lü Buwei, and swept across the Six Kingdoms, always charging at the very front! Known as Great Qin’s honey badger, he spent eve 685Reads8.8Score182Shelves

    Reader note

    The novel opens by plunging into the complex political landscape of the Qin Dynasty, where the protagonist governs with ruthless methods, constantly clashing with various factions. Thrilling and suspenseful plots, including palace coups and border wars, unfold in rapid succession, quickly grabbing the reader's attention without any dragging. The novel begins with the protagonist transmigrating into the body of Cao Ang and "intercepting the Zou family," breaking away from traditional Three Kingdoms narratives. It focuses on the rarely explored Cao Ang, altering his experiences to create a new trajectory within the familiar Three Kingdoms framework, offering a unique perspective. The author transcends the limitations of the original work, planning the development of Liangshan from the perspective of a reborn individual, building the strongest possible lineup. The reborn protagonist, with his understanding of the original work, actively plans and works alongside the Liangshan heroes to overcome numerous challenges. The work combines modern elements with the Stone Age, unfolding with the dramatic plot of "accidentally taking the school beauty to the Stone Age," breaking the conventional time-travel setting and launching a novel story.

15. 65 穿 Transmigrating as Cao Ang: Dad, Stop Calling Me Your Founding Master 穿越曹昂：老爹，别叫我祖师爷 Jiang Buche姜不车Historical500k WordsOngoing After transmigrating, Cao Ang finds himself in Wancheng, where his father Cao Cao has already brought Zou Shi home by force. Cao Ang is at his wit's end... With danger closing in, Cao Ang has no other choice but to step forward and roar, “Father, stand back! I'll handle this!” Cao Cao: “My dear Zixiu, what a dutiful son you are!” Dian Wei: “Don't worry, Young Master. I'll protect you!” 54.8kReads9.2Score11.5kShelves
16. 66 大 Great Yin 大阴 Yin Geqing阴葛卿Historical43k WordsOngoing This is a school of thought that has endured for a very long time. Its founding patriarch was Yin Geqing, known as Yin Zi, a disciple of Confucius. The teachings will be passed down through many generations, and these disciples will create many beautiful stories. 5Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 67 水 Water Margin: Reborn, Who'd Still Accept an Imperial Pardon? 水浒：都重生了，谁还招安啊！ Han Yu寒羽Historical3.3M WordsCompleted Trade height for insight from the start! Ren Yuan transmigrates into a minor character in Water Margin, determined to forge his own legend in the martial world at the end of the Northern Song dynasty! Wherever the banners of the Liangshan army fly, the land belongs to the Han people! I’ll save the people the Great Song won’t save, and fight the enemies the Great Song won’t dare to fight! Jin Wushu: Ren Yuan, stay away from me! 67kReads9.1Score5.2kShelves
18. 68 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 52kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    A beautifully written historical novel, it's fantastic!

19. 69 表 Rejected After Confessing My Love, I Transmigrate to the Primitive Era with the Campus Belle 表白被拒，校花跟我穿越原始时代 Jinx's Fishbone金克斯的鱼骨头Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Just after Chen Feng gets rejected while confessing his love, he and four campus beauties transmigrate to a desert region in a primitive world. But what's so appealing about campus beauties when you can farm? Starting from a small oasis in the desert, he ventures out to conquer the primitive tribes at the source of a great river. He crafts all kinds of tools and weapons by hand, domesticates livestock, and begins farming. Armed with superior weapons, he heads east, conquering the tribes along th 1.5kReads8.6Score103Shelves
20. 70 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 15.7kReads8.3Score432Shelves
21. 71 懒 The Lazy Scholar and the Fierce Escort Girl 懒懒书生，彪镖女 Zuo Lan佐蓝Historical1.1M WordsCompleted In the twelfth year of Yongjia, a great flood struck Suzhou Prefecture. Countless houses collapsed, and immeasurable acres of farmland were submerged. Tens of thousands of people were left without food or clothing and became refugees. When Li Xiang transmigrated here, he became a proud member of the Beggars’ Sect. Just as he was lamenting how unfair fate, or the System, had been to him, a burst of commotion jolted him awake. Several burly men suddenly barged in. Leading them was a sturdy, broad- 4.6kReads8.3Score299Shelves

    Reader note

    Historical fiction, humorous and funny, a story of wits and battles of wits

22. 72 聚 Gathering the Talents of the Three Kingdoms to Battle Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing! 聚三国之才，战秦汉唐宋元明清！ King Kaikai凯凯大王Historical3.2M WordsOngoing What would happen if all the great figures of history lived in the same era? Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng has just unified the six states. Seeing powerful Han, prosperous Tang, Mongol Yuan, cultured Song, and great Ming realms spring up around him, he falls into deep thought. Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, points his sword straight at the peerless Genghis Khan: “If the enemy can come, so can I!” Zhu Yuanzhang silently sets down his bowl. Watching Cao Cao slaughter his way across the land, his eyes blaz 11.5kReads8.0Score551Shelves

    Reader note

    It's so enjoyable to read, and the updates are very consistent. I'm sure this book will be a huge hit. Looking for similar books; it's just too good!

23. 73 肇 The Founding of Huaxia 肇造华夏 Flowers Bloom Late著花迟Historical9.4M WordsOngoing “Your Highness, please calm down. I only think of her as a younger sister. Don't get the wrong idea.” “How many younger sisters like that do you have?” “Your Highness, you know me. I come from a respectable family!” “Oh? Respectable enough to gather phoenixes and summon luan birds?” “Your Highness, I offer my greetings!” “You heartless man! Why weren't you so courteous when you were pursuing me?” “Your Highness, please mind your image!” “Would you like to be regent?” I'm doomed. I'm surrounded b 27kReads8.5Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    First, let me emphasize that this is a multi-female lead novel, so please proceed with caution if you don't like that. This book is set in a fictional world (but the backdrop is the Song Dynasty), with romance (romances with various princesses) and political intrigue running parallel. The author's writing and knowledge are impressive, the plot (the love triangle, hehe) is well-paced, and the update volume (word count) is substantial, making it a very enjoyable read. One more thing: the protagonist's intelligence increases with experience. He struggles a bit with the female leads in the early stages, but becomes much more adept at handling them in the Jin Dynasty. Also, the protagonist is a modern person who transmigrated, so he still retains a human conscience (but is by no means a saint), especially towards the female leads, which leads some to think he's too gentle. This is subjective; I think this temperament is perfectly acceptable—kind to family, strict with enemies—it's all very appropriate.

24. 74 大 Great Tang: The Farmer's Noble Son 大唐：农家贵子 Zhi Yangyu智阳雨Historical703k WordsCompleted The Tang dynasty was a golden age, flourishing with dazzling prosperity as envoys from every land came to pay tribute. Its glory has endured through the ages. Emperor Taizong of Tang once said, “The people are water, and the ruler is a boat. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.” His words have filled generations of Chinese people with endless imaginings of that turbulent era. Zhang Yi’s soul transmigrated into the Tang dynasty. He had no System and no golden finger. Let’s see how 168Reads6.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A distinguished son emerges from a farming family in the Tang Dynasty.

25. 75 穿 Transmigrate and Sell Tang Poems from the Start 穿越，开局卖唐诗 Zhi Yangyu智阳雨Historical1.3M WordsCompleted After a drunken night, college student Lin Feng transmigrates to the Great Yan Dynasty. He builds a distillery and opens taverns, earning gold by the day. Just as he starts feeling pleased with himself, beautiful women reject him one after another, and his fiancée breaks off their engagement. After facing reality, Lin Feng changes course and enters officialdom. With the knowledge and experience of a modern man, he makes a name for himself in Great Yan. He fights north and south, helping Great Ya 2kReads7.9Score141Shelves
26. 76 喜 Joy in the Tang Dynasty 喜唐 Weiwei's Wei微微的薇Historical3.6M WordsCompleted Bright and glorious is the Tang, favored by Heaven to rule the myriad lands. Our founding ancestors answered Heaven’s call, and the four imperial clans followed its ways. Heaven granted us boundless blessings, and our clans share a common virtue. Our descendants carry on the legacy, offering sacrifices to the gods and matching the Pole Star. What did it really mean for all nations to pay tribute? Was it about uncritically worshipping foreign languages, or going abroad and being treated as honore 123.6kReads9.4Score12.8kShelves

    Reader note

    You can take a look at these two.

27. 77 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: A Chancellor of Unmatched Grace 红楼：风华首辅 Painted Bridge by the Willow Smoke烟柳画桥Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [No System + intellectual battles + political intrigue + everyday life] Every line is stained with bitter tears, every page filled with absurdity. You might think this is merely a tale of infatuated, indulged young men and women behind closed doors, but who could know that the rise and fall of the world are all intertwined? Are the fortunes of the four great families destined to change? Is the dynasty beset by internal and external threats destined to fall? Must the path to a noble title and hig 44.1kReads9.2Score3.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Here are some highly-rated historical fiction novels, all averaging above 9.0. The plots are engaging and not mindless; these are some of the historical fiction novels I still read on my bookshelf and are definitely worth reading.

28. 78 我 My Grandpa Is the Daoist Emperor 我爷爷是道士皇帝 Bald Li San光头李三Historical3.1M WordsCompleted His grandfather practices Daoist arts and seeks medicinal remedies. He won't live in the imperial palace, preferring a Daoist temple... His father is a womanizer who stays in the palace, working tirelessly as a busy little bee in the imperial harem... Young Zhu Yijun quietly watches them perform from the sidelines, thinking to himself, “Now that you're done, it's my turn to put on a show...” 74.3kReads9.0Score7.6kShelves
29. 79 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 88kReads9.2Score8.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These two historical fiction books are truly top-notch; the protagonist in the second book is incredibly intelligent.

30. 80 西 Fierce as Xifeng Liquor 西凤烈 Cooking Green Plums in a Dream梦煮青梅Historical1.2M WordsCompleted A modern special forces instructor dies heroically on a mission. When he opens his eyes again, he has become Liu Qi, the son of a military family in the Northern Song dynasty. The story starts at full throttle: a bloody battle at Zangdi River, where the heavily armored Iron Kite cavalry charges forward like a steel torrent, crushing the Song army. Just as the commander’s banner is about to fall and the commander’s son lies near death, a soul from a thousand years in the future quietly awakens. T 7.2kReads9.2Score882Shelves

    Reader note

    You could take a look at this book; it's a million words long.

31. 81 我 I’m Just Slacking Off, Who Accused Me of Usurping the Throne? 我一摸鱼的，谁污蔑我摄政？ Who Knows Where知向谁边Historical1.6M WordsCompleted [Lighthearted comedy] + [alternate history] + [one heroine] + [nearly invincible] My name is Ling Chen, and I'm in ancient times. To obtain citizenship in the Great Zhou dynasty, I was forced to volunteer for the Vanguard Battalion and go chop people up on the battlefield. By a twist of fate, I rescued an old geezer from the enemy. It was the best investment I ever made. I thought I had latched onto a powerful patron. But... Why am I the MVP when the results screen comes up? That's when I final 32.7kReads8.5Score2.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The author's black hair symbolizes the joy of the readers.

32. 82 哈 Hahaha, Great Ming 哈哈哈，大明 Weiwei's Wei微微的薇Historical3.2M WordsCompleted In an age when everyone is rebelling, to survive, you have to be more ruthless than every rebel king. You have to become the greatest rebel king of all. Take down Gao Yingxiang first, then Zhang Xianzhong, then Li Zicheng, and after that, go straight for the Eight Banners. You Manchus, your emperor is back. 461.1kReads9.4Score69.4kShelves
33. 83 大 The First Duke of the Great Ming 大明第一公 Time Thief岁月神偷Historical2.3M WordsCompleted I am Li Jinglong. This is my story, and the story of the Great Ming. 130kReads9.2Score14.1kShelves
34. 84 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 36kReads9.0Score3.4kShelves
35. 85 白 The White-Robed Emperor 白衣天子 East Has Fusu东有扶苏Historical3.4M WordsOngoing (No System + One Female Lead + Political Scheming and Conquest + Surviving in Troubled Times + Building a Following) “You want to know who I am? Sit down, have some tea, and let me spin you a tale.” In the eyes of the refugees, I'm a living bodhisattva who barely belongs in this world, giving them food and shelter. In the eyes of the noble clans, I'm a mad dog in human skin, mild-mannered most days but ready to wipe out entire households when I make a move. In the histories, I'm the gravedigger 186.6kReads9.0Score22kShelves

    Reader note

    I recommend these books, they're pretty good.

36. 86 边 The Border City Crossbowman 边城游弩手 Traveling Fox旅行的狐狸Historical1.3M WordsOngoing (Note: A traditional alternate-history novel, with no System and no wish-fulfillment.) A war to conquer a nation, fought by nobodies rising to prominence. A struggle for power full of ingenious schemes. The empire falls apart, and the chaos of war rises once more. A corrupt and twisted Confucian regime, powerful clans seizing land, warlords entrenched in their own territories, and barbarians watching hungrily from the sidelines. Clashing ideologies, rigid class divisions, a turbulent political l 682Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend a novel with limited readership. It's a fantasy story, without a system, not a wish-fulfillment novel, but the kind that gets more and more addictive the more you read.

37. 87 锦 Embroidered Guard, Fangs Bared 锦衣獠牙 Uncle Ribs排骨大叔Historical2.1M WordsCompleted [Adapted into several short dramas and animated dramas. Witty, lighthearted, slice-of-life comedy, ridiculous antics, sly tricks, and absurd humor.] After the old Taoist finished chanting, he shouted, “Begone! Soul, return to your body!” Li Xiaoya’s body jerked inside the coffin. He sat bolt upright, opened his eyes, and asked in confusion, “Where am I?” “(⊙_⊙)” The old Taoist performing the ritual rolled his eyes back and promptly fainted on the spot. Also known as: [Relax, How Many People Have 34.2kReads9.1Score3.5kShelves

    Reader note

    I recommend 7 books, 5 of which are completed. They are all highly rated historical fiction works with excellent writing, plot, and attention to detail.

38. 88 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 240Reads5.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Without any cheat codes or systems, and not a mindless wish-fulfillment novel protagonist, as the nephew of Emperor Taizong of Tang, he has the power his mother left in the army to protect him, ensuring his life isn't threatened. What more could he ask for? He never even considered that position, because he simply wasn't capable. He could only do his best to handle some minor matters in the future, nothing more.

39. 89 疯 Madman: Slashing My Way from a Pile of Corpses to the Dragon Throne 疯子：从死人堆里一路杀到龙椅 Pamela帕米拉Historical415k WordsOngoing [No System + Two Insane Souls + No Saintly Mercies + Decisive and Ruthless] The day Shen Zhou crawled out of a pile of corpses, a modern man's soul appeared in his mind. One soul was bloodthirsty and loved to kill; the other was calm and calculating. The two souls fought each other every day, driving him into a madman feared by everyone in Yunmeng Marsh. Defeated soldiers tried to steal his food? He killed them all. The imperial army came to crush him? He used a fire ox formation to rout thre 130Reads—Score—Shelves
40. 90 水 Water Margin: The World’s in Chaos, So What? 水浒：天下大乱关我屁事 Words Can Heal文字能治病Historical182k WordsOngoing I transmigrated into the world of Water Margin by accident. Before me was a world overrun with heroes, and behind me lay chaos where the people could barely survive. Murder and arson were everyday occurrences, while mountain spirits and monsters appeared and vanished without warning. The System said: Get fifty people to come eat at the tavern, and you’ll receive a pocket dimension. I looked at the counter showing 0/50, then at the three hunters fleeing through the woods in the distance. They’d m 482Reads—Score117Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is interesting! It's really bizarre!

41. 91 莫 Better Than the Clouds 莫若凌霄 Yue Guan月关Historical2.2M WordsCompleted Tang Congxin, an art school reject, unexpectedly arrives in a world ruled by an empress and becomes a fallen imperial grandson whose life is hanging by a thread. But even an abandoned child can aspire to greatness. A fallen imperial grandson should rise like a dragon. If my grandfather could be emperor, and my grandmother could be empress, then I, an abandoned child, can do it too. 27.2kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves
42. 92 绝 Desperate Changping: Defying Fate with 400,000 Zhao Soldiers 绝境长平：带四十万赵军逆天改命 Xue Zhongzi雪重梓Historical1.5M WordsOngoing When Zhao Xun opened his eyes, he found himself transformed into Zhao Kuo, the laughingstock of the ages. Changping had been surrounded for forty-one days. Food and water were gone, and people were eating one another. Facing him was the God of Slaughter, Bai Qi. In five days, four hundred thousand comrades would be buried alive in a catastrophe with no escape! With nowhere left to retreat, he would stand his ground! With no food, he would boil horse bones for soup! With no way through, he would 1.9kReads7.6Score103Shelves
43. 93 大 Great Ming: I Have a Brain Disorder, Yet You Still Want Me to Be Emperor 大明：我有脑疾，你还让我当皇帝 Let's Finish This Bottle of Lao Gan Ma干了这瓶老干妈Historical1.1M WordsOngoing Zhu Su was an overworked wage slave from the 22nd century. After falling asleep, he transmigrates and becomes Zhu Su, the Ming dynasty's fifth prince. At eight years old, he risks his life to save Empress Ma and the crown prince. That same year, the imperial physician diagnoses him with a brain disorder. Now the empress and crown prince owe him their lives, and he even has an official “medical certificate” from the imperial physician. Zhu Su charges headlong down the path of pretending to have a 9.8kReads9.1Score663Shelves

    Reader note

    The first one was hilarious, the second one got a bit watery towards the end.

44. 94 我 I Make Money for My Whole Family in Great Zhou 我在大周赚钱全家 Winter Isn't Hot冬天不热Historical524k WordsCompleted In the fifth year of Chongde under the Great Zhou, a severe drought struck Shanxi and bandits were everywhere, while the Donghu people watched from the grasslands, ready to pounce. In a small village in Pingyang Prefecture, Liu Ping'an looked at his family of more than a dozen, none of whom could even get a proper meal. Heavy-hearted, he resolved to earn money and support them. 6kReads8.3Score346Shelves
45. 95 老 N Ways for the Boss to Die: Starting with Shortchanging the Tooth Soldiers 老板的N种死法：从克扣牙兵开始 Book, Concrete Surface书扎水泥面Historical1.6M WordsOngoing [No System] Wen Xiu was ruined by a shady employment agency in his previous life, then died after his boss withheld his wages... When he opens his eyes again, he has transmigrated to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, where he is now a soldier in the Weibo garrison. Bosses in this era are even more ruthless. They aren’t called CEOs, but military governors. Withholding wages is called docking soldiers’ pay, and employees quitting isn’t called changing jobs, but mutiny. As a soldier deman 35.7kReads7.8Score2.5kShelves
46. 96 我 Lying Flat and Slacking Off in the Tang Dynasty 我在大唐躺平摆烂 Painting Lingyan画凌烟Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Li Tan transmigrated into the body of Li Longji's grandson. Kept under close watch, he had no choice but to act like a spoiled, reckless wastrel so no one would suspect a thing. When the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, Li Tan used the prestige he had earned defending Tong Pass to enter Chang'an and force Li Longji to appoint him Supreme Commander of the Imperial Guard. Thus began the Tang dynasty's game of power. A scheming and ruthless emperor followed the same path as Li Shimin and ascended the 11kReads8.8Score794Shelves
47. 97 边 Frontier Army: From Claiming a Convict Woman to Unifying the World 边军：从领取罪女开始，一统天下 Yining Will Shineogsun一宁会发光ogsunHistorical1.6M WordsOngoing [Not a good person] [Multiple heroines] [Decisive and ruthless] [Frontier power struggle] [Blood-and-iron scheming] [Alternate history] [Imperfect protagonist] (The protagonist makes mistakes and suffers defeats.) Transmigrating to the frontier isn't a dream of waking up with the world in your hands. It's a struggle to survive with your head on the line. Briquette coal, the Mo Dao, fine steel: in a time of chaos, technologies that can enrich the country and strengthen its army aren't just source 201.8kReads8.6Score25.7kShelves
48. 98 穿 I Entered a Female-Focused Imperial Exam Novel: I Wrote a Treasonous Poem to Ruin the Original Male Lead 穿女频科举：我写反诗坑死原男主 Peace of Mind心安之Historical1.2M WordsOngoing The animated drama is now streaming. Chu Yun transmigrates into a romance novel aimed at female readers, becoming the princess's lovesick male supporting character. According to the original plot, the princess will manipulate him into helping the poor-born male lead cheat in the imperial examinations, and in the end his entire family will be sentenced to death. Damn, who could put up with that? The princess is still smiling as she waits for him to hand in his exam paper 43.8kReads7.9Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    It's both historical and comedic, a lighthearted series that never gets boring!

49. 99 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

    💥, The first book, about the Sixth Prince Che, the original owner of the body, is exactly as the imperial edict states: uneducated in both literature and martial arts, inherently cowardly, possessing no redeeming qualities other than good looks and a large stature, plagued by various vices. Last night, the original owner was invited to a banquet at the Fifth Prince's house and got extremely drunk. But to say he disrespected his elder brother's fiancée, Zhen, is absolutely untrue! The original owner is both cowardly and weak; even after drinking, he would never dare to disrespect Zhen. Clearly, this is a trap, a trap designed to kill the original owner!

50. 100 本 I Tried to Kill the Emperor, Failed, and Fled into the Mountains 本想干掉皇帝，失败逃入深山中 Snow Flying Across the Vast World大千飞雪Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Li Zhao helped his father, Li Qi, plan to lead an army against the emperor. But the coup failed, and the whole family was forced to flee in a panic. Li Qi was captured and taken back to Chang'an, while Li Zhao escaped into the mountains. His subordinates stared at him in confusion. Li Zhao calmly reassured them, "Everyone, don't worry. It's all going according to my plan." Inside, Li Zhao was panicking. Could someone tell him how to survive in the mountains? 6.2kReads8.2Score398Shelves

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