Ancient-Era Stories With a Brilliant Strategist, Political Intrigue, Mind Games, and Power-Building 古代，高智商+权谋+烧脑+创建势力

1. 451 惊 What?! I've Become My Idol's Child 惊！我成了我担的孩子 Yu Ningbing玉凝冰Ancient Romance630k WordsCompleted [Mystery and crime-solving + rekindled romance + two powerful, devoted leads + sweet romance and a happy ending + father-son bonds + exhilarating wuxia] Ye Fuyao is the only male outer disciple in his sect, and the one nobody takes seriously. He’s bad at martial arts and not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. Then a dream-come-true protagonist’s script falls right into his lap, and he becomes the beloved son of the idol he’s admired since childhood. Just like that, he lands a life of easy wi 963Reads8.2Score113Shelves

   Reader note

   This person possesses their own power, political maneuvering, and high-IQ crime-solving skills.

2. 452 行 Late in the Day 行止晚 Zhi Er织尔Ancient Romance138k WordsCompleted [Devoted love + emperor and empress + tragic palace romance] 145,000 readers gave it top ratings, and countless readers cried their way through it! The year’s breakout historical romance, a heartache readers can’t forget. A clear-eyed, sweet empress VS a proud emperor whose love never wavers. Born into the imperial family, how can everything ever go as you wish? May we remain together forever, and may I keep you safe and at peace. A gentleman’s word is his bond. In a daze, I saw the moon rise. 25.2kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
3. 453 黑 The Black Lotus Female Official Rejects Lovesickness 黑莲花女官拒绝恋爱脑 Zhong Mengli中萌李Ancient Romance163k WordsCompleted [Palace intrigue|high-IQ heroine|alternate Ming Dynasty|no romance|mind-bending twists|ensemble power struggles] While everyone else fights for favor in the palace, Xie Yunxiang investigates cases. From laundering money through charcoal tribute to an edict written on human skin, from a fake imperial seal to the true dragon vein “Your Majesty, the Emperor asks when you’ll investigate his true feelings.” “No time. I’m calculating his father’s coffin savings!” 3Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A must-read for fans of strong female leads! "The Black Lotus Female Official Refuses to Be Love-Obsessed"—is the female lead ruthless? No, she's just very goal-oriented! 🗡️

4. 454 将 The Bride-to-Be 将嫁 Echoes Linger for Three Days绕梁三日Ancient Romance287k WordsCompleted Three years ago, to pacify the western frontier, he married the daughter of the Governor-General of Yongzhou as his empress. But during his lifetime, he met Huo Shiying, the one and only woman of her kind, and the sole female general in the Great Yan dynasty. She doesn't know, and no one else does either, that he has followed her life for twenty whole years. When he was six, he first heard his mother and eldest sister mention her name, and wondered how a two-year-old girl could have been taken t 25kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
5. 455 攀 Marrying Up 攀高枝 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance424k WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] [Print edition published] Zhang Zhixu had everything from birth. A family with a century of prestige, enviable talent, and a career that kept rising step by step. But he found life terribly dull. Then, one day, an accident struck, and his soul entered a woman's body. A woman who couldn't read a single character, yet dreamed of marrying into a powerful family and becoming a phoenix. · Chen Baoxiang had traveled a thousand miles from the countryside to the capital, hoping 165.6kReads9.6Score23.2kShelves

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   These are top-tier political intrigue novels! They're absolutely amazing, with incredibly captivating storylines that will keep you hooked. You'll never run out of reading material! Everyone should read them! [Kissing emojis]

6. 456 捡 I Picked Up a Ghost and Brought It Home; My Aloof, Powerful Minister Spoils Her Rotten 捡只阿飘回家，清冷权臣他宠疯了 Longing for Osmanthus Wine欲饮桂花酿Ancient Romance766k WordsCompleted A motion comic is now available: She Brought a Ghost Home, and the Cold, Powerful Official Warmed Up [Streetwise wandering ghost X aloof young general and powerful official] [Ancient-style political intrigue + Light supernatural comedy + Stories of ordinary life in ancient times + Mystery and investigation + Love goes both ways] [There is a male lead, both leads are virgins, happy ending, a slow-burn romance that unfolds gradually. They don't kiss until chapter 100, but it's very sweet, so dive 23.3kReads8.9Score4.3kShelves

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   He dies instantly, becoming a wandering ghost. After three years of spying, he's caught red-handed by a coffin maker, only to discover he's a wrongly accused and retired young general. A wandering strategist x a cold-faced general: investigation, political intrigue, and mutual attraction!

7. 457 魂 Soul Transmigration into Yang Zhi: Losing the Birthday Presents from the Start 魂穿杨志，开局失陷生辰纲 Meditating Tiger打坐的老虎Historical220k WordsOngoing I take over Yang Zhi’s body. When I open my eyes, the sky is falling. On Yellow Mud Ridge, there’s nothing but the unconscious soldiers and the old steward. The hundred thousand strings of birthday tribute meant for Liang Zhongshu have vanished without a trace! If things follow the original story, I’m the perfect scapegoat. Just as I’m at a loss, the “Uphold Heaven’s Justice” System comes online. Killing villains earns me points, and completing designated missions could even expand my influ 264Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is very well written and deserves this praise. Every character in the book is vivid and has their own unique characteristics. I recommend this book and give the author a thumbs up.

8. 458 穿 The Eunuch Who Transmigrated into a Book Is Far Too Good at Reading the Room! 穿书太监太会审时度势了！ Runxi001润熙001Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Su Rui has transmigrated into a book... And not just any book, but a political intrigue novel where the power levels keep climbing. The catch is, the novel already has a protagonist of its own. So... How can you get by without a System? Luckily, Su Rui is a eunuch, and nimble enough to adapt. The books hold golden mansions, The books hold beauties, The books hold the answers. 74Reads6.0Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Our word carries weight!

9. 459 穿 Transmigrating to Ming Dynasty: The King's Style 穿越大明之王者之风 Hu Pinghui胡萍慧20k WordsCompleted Transmigrate to the Ming Dynasty: The Way of the King —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Transmigrating into the body of a neglected member of the imperial family, he uses the aftermath of the Jingnan Rebellion to orchestrate his rise to power, taking control of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot, and gradually ascending to the center of power.

10. 460 大 A Stick in the Tang Dynasty 大唐一根棍 My Name Is Wang Dabao我叫王大宝Historical1.8M WordsCompleted [Comedy + Suspense + Brainy Wish Fulfillment + Historically Grounded Tang Dynasty] A farm boy with a serious lack of virtue gradually grows into the Tang dynasty's number-one troublemaker (no, wait, strike that). He grows into a pillar that holds up the sky, a beam that spans the sea. If I'm having a good time and you're not, I'll beat you until you are. If I can't reform you, I'll cremate you. I crush foreign kingdoms, dissect the aristocratic clans, discipline princes, and slap emperors I can' 3.1kReads8.7Score237Shelves

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    Tomato's only novel set during the reign of Emperor Wuzong of Tang (the one about the suppression of Buddhism), without a system, both humorous and realistic, featuring a group of entertaining characters, war and intrigue, loyalty and righteousness, and wickedness; it's intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. It's already completed.

11. 461 三 A Silver Tongue Conquers the World 三寸不烂打天下 Caribbean Mantis加勒比海刀螂Historical218k WordsCompleted [Hilarious + Political Intrigue + Carefully Crafted Details + Transmigration + Strong Moral Compass + High Intelligence + Ensemble Cast + No Golden Fingers + Masterful Detail + Brisk Pacing] A low-level delivery rider transmigrates into the body of a fool and marries two women from the start. What kind of chemistry will modern pickup lines, an ordinary person’s perspective, and iconic pop songs create in ancient times? What’s it like to give the emperor a bath? How do you use a handsome man to p 99Reads9.3Score179Shelves

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    "Cognitive Overwhelming" + "Strategic Showdown" + "Step-by-Step Planning": Ancient people cling to outdated ideas, while the male protagonist, with his far-sighted vision, orchestrates events, slowly stirring up the undercurrents of the court and accumulating power. #HighIQMaleProtagonist #StrategicRefreshingNovel #DimensionalDefeat

12. 462 魔 The Demoness Flirts with the Prince of the Spirit Realm 魔女到灵界撩殿下 Sea Salt Crispy海盐酥酥Ancient Romance342k WordsCompleted A bewitching demoness × an ascetic second prince, a clash between two formidable forces, and one twist after another in a battle of political wits! Duan Ziying, the demon world's greatest enchantress, is a master of medicine and poison with overwhelming combat prowess. But after a vicious trick leaves her plummeting into the spirit realm, where even the breath of demons is forbidden, she loses her life-bound demon pearl and crashes straight into the hands of Xiahou Yuan, the spirit world's famou 5Reads—Score—Shelves

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    I recommend these two books: the first is a high-IQ, visually appealing book about political intrigue and strategic maneuvering; the second is a book about a madman's cunning counterattack and strategic maneuvering.

13. 463 前 After a Brutal Death in Her Past Life, She Went on a Rampage in the Capital 前世被虐惨死后她在京城杀疯了 Qin Xiaomi秦小米Ancient Romance337k WordsCompleted Reborn + revenge against scumbags + household intrigue + political schemes + no saintly heroine + scumbag ex faces a road to redemption Li Yunshu is exceptionally talented and breathtakingly beautiful, renowned throughout the capital. Betrothed from childhood to the heir of the Duke’s mansion, she thought they were childhood sweethearts, never imagining her fiancé would fall for her half-sister. After marrying into the Duke’s household, she endured endless hardships. Her maternal family was fram 283Reads8.2Score—Shelves

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    Rebirth + revenge on scumbags + palace intrigue + political maneuvering + no saintly side + scumbag boyfriend's downfall - so satisfying! It's really good, so exciting!

14. 464 系 The System Forced Me into Palace Schemes, So I Took the Empire Instead 系统逼我宫斗我反手拿下江山 Whale-Isle Traveler鲸洲客Anime Fanfiction1.3M WordsOngoing [Empress + against the usual tropes + nation-building] I transmigrated into a palace-intrigue game, and the System wants me to compete for the emperor's favor? I turned around and drew up a plan of my own, using the economy to control the dynasty's lifeline! While the concubines “happened” to run into the emperor in the imperial garden, I was pushing through salt and iron reforms at court. While they fought for his favor and poisoned one another, I had already trained an army of women, ready to 15Reads—Score—Shelves

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    "Host, please go to the Imperial Garden immediately and try to meet the Emperor!" "What's the rush? My memorial on salt and iron reform hasn't been approved yet." Later, the system said, "Boss, please take a break!" The young emperor on the dragon throne was terrified: "Sister...?" I slammed the world map in front of him: "See this? This is what I'm fighting for."

15. 465 大 Great Qin: A First-Rank Rogue Godslayer 大秦：一品流氓杀神 Ai Wang Minmin艾王敏敏Historical194k WordsOngoing Modern man Li Huai transmigrates to the Qin dynasty as Ying Huai, the useless younger brother of Qin Shi Huang. With no System and no golden finger, he relies on his knowledge to change his fate, outmaneuvers powerful ministers, crushes the feudal lords, repels formidable enemies, and expands the empire's borders, climbing step by step to the pinnacle of power. His methods are endlessly unconventional, earning him the name of a generation's greatest thug and executioner. 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Mind-bending! The intricacies of relationships between men and women! One power struggle after another, it even feels like every word is laced with conspiracy!

16. 466 异 A World of Exotic Blossoms 异世繁花 Si Baifeng思白凤Historical757k WordsOngoing The court is rife with intrigue, fragrant secrets linger behind closed doors, and the bustling streets conceal fortunes. Power struggles in a chaotic age intertwine with refined fragrances and elegance. Making his way in an unfamiliar world, Gu Ziying cultivates a garden of blossoms amid the cut and thrust of political scheming. From a down-and-out prince trapped in a predicament, he steadily advances toward the crown prince's path, protecting those dear to him, bringing order to the court, and 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It not only features the intrigues and power struggles of the imperial court, but also the poetic charm of a slow-paced life, creating a rich tapestry of experiences.

17. 467 回 The Spring Renewal Pharmacy 回春药铺 The Coldest Days Are Coming小寒将至Ancient Romance432k WordsCompleted [Pure historical romance + no rebirth or transmigration + revenge + political intrigue] Every thrilling tale begins in a little apothecary. After a chance encounter, a master and apprentice who have both suffered the slaughter of their families and endured countless hardships find themselves facing powerful enemies. They have no choice but to assume secret identities and disappear into the bustling streets of the capital, plotting carefully and advancing step by step as they seek revenge, stirri 21kReads9.4Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    ❶ Lately, I've been enjoying stories where the female lead disguises herself as a man and never reveals her true identity. Although there's a system involved, I feel the system isn't explored much [cute emoji]. There's no romantic pairing, but there's a one-sided crush; I love how the female lead is beautiful on her own. ❷ I laugh so hard every time there's a love triangle; it's sweet, gentle, and full of competition. ❸ There's no shortage of foreshadowing and suspense; the characters are intelligent and their stories are engaging.

18. 468 与 Playing Chess with You: The Phoenix's Power 与君奕：凰权 Jiang Tanluoyue江潭落月Ancient Romance369k WordsCompleted (The rating has only just opened and will rise later) “Political intrigue + evenly matched leads + marriage before love + traditional war for supremacy in a chaotic age + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + nation and family” In these chaotic times, even a monarch can hardly hope for a lifetime of peace. Crowned heir to the throne at six, named crown prince at eight, and enthroned at twelve, Yan Xi was the “future savior of the Yan Kingdom” foretold by an astrologer, blessed with the Purple 211Reads8.0Score—Shelves

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    A story of power struggles and intrigue, where all characters are highly intelligent, set against a backdrop of chaotic warfare, featuring a captivating plot and excellent writing.

19. 469 江 Jiang Yan’s Dream: Flowers Bloom from His Brush 江淹一梦笔生花 Gurgling Spring泉之淙淙Historical505k WordsCompleted In the winter of the seventh year of the Daming era (463 AD), Jiang Yan was gathering firewood in the biting wind by the Qingxi River. Suddenly, he spotted a young woman stumbling along the main road, clutching her wounded left arm, with three constables from the Court of Justice in hot pursuit. Jiang Yan pulled her into a reed bed, helping her evade the officials’ deadly grasp. It turned out she was Xie Wei’s daughter. Xie Wei had been implicated in the Fan Ye case because of his poetry and pro 126Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese romance novels, featuring high intelligence and strategic thinking, romance and palace intrigue.

20. 470 腹 I Pounced on the Scheming Prime Minister 腹黑相爷被我扑倒了 A Broad Mind Adds Years to Life心宽可增寿Ancient Romance113k WordsOngoing [No-Brain Fun] + [Historical Political Intrigue] ≈ [Sweet Romance] Slow burn! Lighthearted sweet romance. The heroine is a lovable goofball, always positive and optimistic. The hero is a scheming powerful official who plots to rule the world, but the heroine is the one person who leaves him helpless. #Historical Sweet Romance #Scheming Powerful Official #A Blackhearted Hero Beneath a Gentle Facade #Mutual Healing #Feel-Good Power Fantasy #One-on-One, Both Pure #Historical Political Intrigue #Liv 25Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I had so much fun watching it! The main character is both handsome and mischievous, he's got a lot of Stephen Chow vibes! [Laughing][laughing][laughing]

21. 471 穿 Transmigration: After Being Dumped, the Imperial Uncle Comes Begging to Marry Me Every Day 穿越：被退婚后，皇叔天天来求娶 Nangong Ningyue南宫凝玥Ancient Romance414k WordsCompleted Transmigration + sweet romance + light comedy I was having a perfectly nice dream. Who knew I could transmigrate in the middle of it? I'm speechless. Since I had transmigrated, I might as well make the best of it. But wouldn't you know it, the Crown Prince of the realm broke off our engagement. I thought that once the engagement was over, no one would dare marry me, and I could enjoy a free and wealthy life. But who could have guessed that the Crown Prince's uncle would take a fancy to my knack 4.5kReads9.2Score215Shelves
22. 472 替 A Substitute Bride Sent for a Political Marriage: The Cold, Ascetic Prince's Eyes Turned Red 替嫁和亲，清冷禁欲王爷红了眼 Grilled Fish Tonight今晚吃烤鱼Ancient Romance244k WordsCompleted [A beautiful, scheming princess sent to marry a cold, austere prince] [Revenge after being reborn + sweet romance + happy ending + clear-headed heroine + secretly devoted hero with a surprising side] Jiang Suining was forced to marry in place of another as a princess of Southern Liang, only to die miserably in a foreign land. Her whole life had been a joke. When she opened her eyes again, she had only one thought. Win over Xie Yujing and establish herself in the Great Sheng! Reborn, she had no c 704Reads8.7Score108Shelves
23. 473 落 The Fallen Daughter Fights Her Way into the Marquis's Household and Rises to Become Its Mistress 落难弃女闯侯门迈向主母之位 Future Tense将来时Ancient Romance237k WordsOngoing [Palace and Household Intrigue] + [Political Schemes and Officialdom] + [Love That Grows Over Time] Having a son is like stepping into heaven, where one can enjoy every luxury. Having a daughter is like falling into hell, where survival is a struggle. Ye Fusang's birth mother was expecting twins. It should have been twice the joy, but fate had other plans: both babies were girls. For the sake of her own wealth and status, her mother heartlessly abandoned Ye Fusang in the freezing cold. Just as —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A blend of ancient Chinese style, lighthearted humor, and political intrigue set in a chaotic era that breeds saviors, the protagonist transforms from an insignificant playboy into a powerful figure who stirs up the political scene. Don't miss it! ❌

24. 474 我 The Years I Rose Through the Ranks at Court 我在朝堂晋升的那些年 Resisting the End抗拒结束Historical84k WordsOngoing From a lone minister's sharp blade to a pillar holding up the state. From a low-ranking official of humble origins to a chief minister of the realm. From a world of deceit to seeing the rise and fall of fortune for what it is. From lurking in the depths to ascending to the highest halls of power. He was a petty official in Jiangnan. A ledger of salt accounts exposed a shocking conspiracy, and a secret order thrust him into the political game in the capital. With no faction, no connections, and n —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The structure is rigorous, the plot is tight, the writing is smooth, the story is exciting, full of twists and turns, and progresses layer by layer. The writing is beautiful, the word choice is appropriate, and it does not pursue fancy production, but only precise and appropriate word choice and sentence structure. The logic is rigorous, closed and self-consistent, with subtle foreshadowing and hidden clues. It is full of top-notch foreshadowing, high-level twists and turns, suspense, reasoning, and mind-bending games. It also analyzes human nature and psychological battles.

25. 475 女 A Woman Reborn as a Man: My Years as Emperor of Great Liang 女穿男：我在大梁当皇帝的那些年 The Rain Is Not Yet Late时雨未晚Ancient Romance241k WordsCompleted [Female soul in a male body + imperial examinations + infrastructure building + women in government + no romance + women's solidarity + women's growth] Shen Moyun died from overwork after pulling an all-nighter at a construction site. When she opened her eyes, she had become the poorest scholar in the Great Liang dynasty. A broken leg, debts, and an imperial examination career cut short by violence. Everyone said, “You're finished.” But one brilliant essay on statecraft stunned the examiners, ea 30Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A modern soul inhabits the body of a poor boy from an ancient family. He faces a miserable situation, oppressed by the powerful and restricted at every turn. However, he does not give up on himself. Instead, he calms down and overcomes all difficulties, studies diligently, and stands out with his outstanding talent in policy essays. He becomes famous through the imperial examinations and steadily advances on his path to officialdom.

26. 476 大 Great Qin: A Second Chance to Change the Fate of Sand Hill 大秦：两世重来定沙丘 Ye Family Member Who Loves Cabbage and Celery爱吃白菜芹菜的叶家人Historical158k WordsCompleted Lin Yue, a modern historian and culture blogger, transmigrates to the Qin dynasty during Emperor Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng’s fifth tour of the eastern provinces. He takes over the body of Gongsun Jingheng, a nobleman descended from the former royal house of Wei. Using his foreknowledge of history, he carefully maneuvers to stay by Ying Zheng’s side. He introduces himself to outsiders as a disciple of Guiguzi. At first, he serves as Left Senior Commandant and oversees salt, iron, agriculture, and 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Every character in it is intelligent and specializes in political intrigue in the imperial court!

27. 477 探 The Spring Hunt Decree 探春令 Listening to the Wind, Watching the Fog Rise聆风起雾Ancient Romance105k WordsOngoing [A seemingly docile and delicate noblewoman] X [An upright, principled rising censor] Mu Nanxue X Jiang Yubai (Happy Ending) (Political intrigue) She is the capital's perfect imposter: the frail noblewoman Mu Nanxue is secretly the ruthless "Ghost Orchid," who controls Di Ting, an immense intelligence network. He is the sharpest solitary light in the imperial court: Censor Jiang Yubai has sworn to burn away the darkness with the law, including her, the "shadow" herself. A crisis threatening the 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist is highly intelligent, there's a romantic subplot, it's set in ancient times, and she possesses power from the start. The pacing is fast, it's a new book, but I personally think it's quite good.

28. 478 被 After Being Kidnapped, I Kidnap the Western Regions' Young Lord and Bring Him Back to the Central Plains 被拐后，我反拐西域少主回中原 Thousand Threads of Intrigue千丝戏Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Young lord of the Western Regions × Princess of Sheng'an] Ye Zhaoyu was born into the imperial family. She figured she'd surely been dealt the pampered darling's script in life, so she wisely decided to coast. But she never expected to take a wrong turn and be kidnapped to the Western Regions. By a stroke of bad luck, she was sent to the bed of a deranged young lord known as a demon's lair and a living Shura. She immediately switched into survival-and-escape mode, determined to flee back to the 8.4kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Recommended 🦆 ① Blood Ties in the Game: "The seemingly gentle second cousin is actually a venomous snake who has been manipulating things behind the scenes for twenty years!" Ye Zhaoyu and her cousin, the Crown Prince Xiao Ruye, unravel the mystery, discovering the truth of betrayal by their closest relatives. When the brotherhood they've protected for twenty years turns into a sharp blade, the Crown Prince uses an iron fist to purge the palace, yet he cannot hide the dark circles under his eyes—this game, in the end, is a sacrifice of flesh and blood.

29. 479 我 My Name Is Wu Dalang, Wu as in Martial Arts 我叫武大郎，武术的武 My Name Is Zhang Shiyi我叫张十一Historical382k WordsCompleted “Prime Minister Wu, it’s time for court.” “What did you call me?” “Prime Minister Wu.” “What Prime Minister Wu?” “The pillar of our Great Song, a chancellor versed in both civil and military affairs, who drives out the northern invaders.” I’m done pretending. I’m coming clean: I’m not taking this medicine! Jin Lian’er is mine! And I’ll be the one to avenge the shame of the Jingkang Incident! 529Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Breaking everyone's preconceived notions about Wu Dalang, he is not a cowardly and incompetent pushover, but a pillar of the Song Dynasty who is both scholarly and martial. Protecting Jinlian and driving out the barbarians, every scene is incredibly exciting!

30. 480 第 The Number One Son-in-Law: I Really Don't Want to Rebel! 第一赘婿，我真不想造反啊！ Tangyuan2023丸子2023Historical4.5M WordsCompleted Historical fiction, a touch of ensemble cast, not mindless wish fulfillment, everyday interactions with the heroines, and family life. Also known as: My Wife Is a Grandmaster. Who Wouldn't Lie Flat? No one helps me reach for the clouds, so I tread through snow to the mountaintop alone. If fortune was never meant for me, I'll climb Kunlun by myself! The strategist risks everything by entering the game, all to bring Dongling back into the light! One vow: “I hunger to feast on the flesh of the nort 19.1kReads7.8Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    All of them fit into this category

31. 481 公 The Princess Returns: I Grant You the World 公主归来：许你天下 Jade Mat and Dawn Breeze玉簟晓风Ancient Romance734k WordsCompleted [Political intrigue, revenge, rebellion + both leads are each other's only partners and equally powerful] [The heroine is a formidable martial artist, peerless in both medicine and poison. The hero bears humiliation and bides his time, but is ruthless and decisive.] After ten years of studying martial arts on the mountain, Su Yuli, eldest daughter of the Marquis of Ningyuan's household, suddenly received a letter from home. Her brother had killed a princess sent to marry for peace, and to protec 270Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    See if you like this book.

32. 482 一 I Woke Up to Find Myself a Son-in-Law 一觉醒来变赘婿 Tangyuan2023丸子2023Historical2.1M WordsCompleted Lan Yuheng dies suddenly from overwork at school and is ultimately dragged back to the underworld by Ox-Head and Horse-Face. The Judge discovers that he's a virgin for the ninth lifetime and takes pity on him, sending him to an ancient parallel world. Here, those so-called poets don't exist, and the Tang dynasty is not the prosperous era it once was. In the end, his fate is changed, granting him endless romantic encounters. But because something goes wrong with Granny Meng's soup, his soul trans 8.3kReads8.2Score711Shelves
33. 483 我 I Wanted to Break Off the Engagement, but Ended Up with a Harem 我欲退婚，结果妻妾成群 Xi Wu Xu嘻唔许Historical473k WordsOngoing Shen Yi's soul transmigrates into the Great Jin dynasty, where he becomes the adopted son of a eunuch. Drawing on the knowledge from his previous life, he sets out to build a business empire amid the chaos of the age. But penniless, he needs startup capital. His plan is to get his engagement called off so he can claim the betrothal gifts. 280Reads6.6Score—Shelves
34. 484 青 A Promise in Blue Robes 青裳一诺 The King Is Thirteen大王十三岁Ancient Romance398k WordsCompleted In their previous life, Qingshang (Heguan) and Duruo (Houpu) died together in a car accident, bound by death as they had been in life. In this life, Qingshang carries her memories of their past and journeys across mountains and rivers to reunite with him... But he no longer recognizes her, and love and resentment pull them in opposite directions... She practices medicine to save lives, solves one strange case after another, and uses her wisdom to stop a war between two nations and protect the pe 43Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🏮Breaking free from the clichés of palace intrigue, this novel offers a fresh perspective from a commoner's point of view. Featuring "Escape from Palace Intrigue," "Practicing Medicine in the Countryside," and "Border Intrigue," this story follows a journey of traveling and practicing medicine, using medical skills to quell wars between opposing sides, and reuniting with old acquaintances from past lives amidst chaos. #NicheGenre #AncientStyleIntrigue

35. 485 谋 Scheming for the World 谋略天下 The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss潜龙在渊Historical211k WordsOngoing In an age of great turmoil, the Marquis of Luocheng in the State of Yu seizes power through a coup, using methods that are both brilliant and despicable. Amid the rebellion, two infants are accidentally allowed to escape: Ziyu, a prince of the State of Shan, later renamed Wujiu, and Yuyan, a prince of the State of Yu, later renamed Zhao Yang. The two close friends are taken in, one after the other, by the mysterious Yi family, whose mission is to “uphold Heaven's will and bring peace to the land 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The story is captivating, and the writing is superb. It features palace coups, court intrigues, strategic clashes, and battlefield battles. There are intrigues and open schemes, justice and evil. A series of incredibly exciting power games will let you experience five thousand years of wisdom and strategy!

36. 486 薄 The Coldhearted Empress: Her Royal Husbands Marry Her, but Don’t Love Her 薄情女帝，皇夫们只娶不爱 Meng Ai Yuqi梦爱宇琦Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Strong female emperor]+ [Ancient-style political intrigue]+ [Palace intrigue with twists]+ [An entire cast of unhinged beauties]+ [Male leads are virgins] She is Xiao Jingli, the female emperor of Great Zhao, with the realm in her hands and the power of life and death at her command. Her harem is a chessboard. The three thousand beautiful men are not the emperor's prisoners, but living pieces on her political game board. The refined and gentle young nobleman; The proud, untamed son of a militar 1.1kReads9.3Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    A must-read historical romance novel featuring strong female leads, where handsome men are all pawns, filled with political intrigue and palace drama!

37. 487 觉 After Awakening: A Villainess's Guide to Survival 觉醒后：恶女求生攻略指南 Jade Pillow Star玉枕星Ancient Romance178k WordsCompleted [Female supporting character's rise + beloved by all + sweet on the outside, dark within + ensemble cast] Bai Yingli, the concubine-born daughter of the Grand Commandant's household, was born with a face capable of captivating an empire, but she was so sickly that she got winded after walking a few steps. Everyone thought she was a pitiful girl in need of protection, including her white-lotus, legitimate older sister. But then she suddenly awakened and discovered she was living inside a melodra 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    In the original novel, Bai Yingli acted like a fool, knowing full well that the Third Prince didn't love her, yet still throwing herself at him like a moth to a flame. She used every means at her disposal, losing everything, only to end up with a cup of poisoned wine and a three-foot-long white silk ribbon.

38. 488 绿 Green Shoots on the Branch 绿上枝头 Light Peach Blossoms轻薄桃花Ancient Romance221k WordsCompleted [Signed for print] [Brave, steadfast transmigrated heroine VS cool, clearheaded young noble] [Transmigration + rebirth + prominent family + household intrigue + feel-good + career building + strong heroine + light comedy] Jiang Lübao, daughter of a censor, was unexpectedly kidnapped and had her reputation ruined. The marriage that had already been arranged for her was called off, too. For a young woman from a prominent family, this was a devastating blow. But she burst out laughing. No one knew 86.2kReads9.6Score9.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Super good-looking palace intrigue historical romance

39. 489 闻 The Sound of Spring 闻春声 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance161k WordsCompleted [Taciturn, stammering country hunk VS vivacious, fiery widow. Farming romance, one-on-one, both leads’ first relationship] [She makes the first move, and the unyielding tree finally blossoms. A period farming romance] At the matchmaker's urging, young Yao Chunniang took her dowry and married into the Zhang family in Lishui Village. Who could have guessed that on their wedding night, her sickly husband would close his eyes and die? Before Yao Chunniang could even process what had happened, she ha 29.5kReads9.6Score3.5kShelves
40. 490 乱 The World in Chaos: Biographies of Heroes from the Late Luan Dynasty 乱世天下：栾末英雄列传 Clouds and Water Are Ink云水皆墨Historical365k WordsOngoing [Traditional style + ensemble cast + alternate history + war + power struggle] His benefactor, the great general, died for his country by taking his own life. Little Wuzi witnessed it but was powerless to change the outcome. Even after death, his lingering soul could not bear to fade away. By a stroke of fate, he traveled back a hundred years. The long sweep of history unfolded before his eyes like a scroll: The great clans were arrogant and domineering. How could their power be confined to one 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The rise and fall of dynasties are not determined by the imperial court, nor by the outcome of battles. In this chaotic world, who will ultimately achieve their long-cherished ambitions?

41. 491 一 I Transmigrated, and They Made Me Emperor! 一朝穿越，我被黄袍加身了！ Zhou Big Tomato周大番茄Historical2.2M WordsCompleted Also known as The Finest Young Master from a Humble Family One month after transmigrating, a woman I've never even met wants to be my wife? And she wants to have my babies! What does it matter if the dynasty is in chaos and the times are turbulent, even if I'm out in the countryside, far from the centers of power? Foreign enemies are invading and want to take my money? Dream on! 819Reads8.6Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    This is beautiful, the rhythm is great!

42. 492 策 Riding Across the World 策骑天下 Venerable Black Snow黑雪居士Historical2.6M WordsCompleted He is tender and gentle with the women he loves, but ruthless and decisive toward his enemies. As the Xi Yan Dynasty teeters on the brink of collapse, he saves the people from a living hell. When petty factions covet the Central Plains, he leads hot-blooded warriors to defend their homeland. He blazes a new trail, drawing merchants from every corner of the world to the Chinese heartland in a race to do business. The finest minds of every people gather in Zhongdu, truly making it the center of th 508Reads6.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical novel full of high intelligence, political intrigue, mind-bending plot, and the creation of a world, "Strategist of the World" is definitely worth reading!

43. 493 嫡 The Phoenix Brocade of the Legitimate Daughter 嫡女凰锦 Nine Phoenixes Purple九凰紫Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Strong female lead + reborn + household intrigue + mystery + satisfying read In her previous life, Qin Jinxuan was forced to marry Shen Muchen, heir to the Marquis of Yongding, to protect her mother. Over the seven years of their marriage, she devoted herself heart and soul to the marquis's household, only to end up disgraced, cast aside, and murdered. She never imagined that it had all been part of a scheme by him and the woman he loved. Reborn, Qin Jinxuan returns to seven years earlier, befor 87Reads7.1Score—Shelves
44. 494 春 The Allure of Spring 春华引 Sticky Ash粘粘灰Ancient Romance2.3M WordsCompleted As a princess, Shen Minghua spent her previous life taking “doing whatever she wanted” to the extreme. If anyone crossed her, she would use her power to crush them. Yet she was favored by the emperor, so even those who resented her had to flatter and appease her. With so many sycophants around her, she gradually lost sight of who she truly was. In her previous life, she trusted the wrong person, and one cup of poisoned wine cost someone their life. When she opens her eyes again, she is back in J 446Reads5.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is an ancient Chinese romance novel about rebirth and revenge.

45. 495 烛 The Candlelight Pavilion 烛幽台 At Ease with the Universe随宇而安Ancient Romance366k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy + parallel worlds + soul swapping + endless loops + Mobius strip. After "A Thousand Peach Blossoms Bloom in One Lifetime", acclaimed author Sui Yu Er An returns with another fantasy hit! Jiang Hui × Qi Huan: three lifetimes of entanglement across parallel worlds, as they seek the essence of love in intersecting timelines.] At nineteen, Jiang Hui set out to avenge her father’s murder. On her wedding night, she and Qi Huan died together. But though she was gravely wounded, she 4.7kReads9.5Score716Shelves
46. 496 大 Great Jing: One Shot Stands Supreme 大靖：一枪独尊 Blue and White蓝中白Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Alternate History] [History] [Wulin] [Court Politics] [No System] [Multiple Heroines] Li Yun, a modern mercenary and assassin nicknamed the “Dark God of Slaughter,” transmigrates into the body of a foolish young master from a general’s family, just as he is getting married in the unfamiliar Jing Dynasty. He’s been a fool for ten years, enduring endless ridicule and humiliation. Then he awakens, finally able to vent his frustrations, and shocks the world! Unmatched with a spear, unrivaled beneat 3.5kReads8.3Score281Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone who saw it said it was good.

47. 497 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

    Starting with a small fortune, the female lead gradually rises to control the world's wealth and power. She's intelligent throughout, not a love-struck fool or a saint. The story is a complex tale of domestic intrigue, business battles, and political maneuvering.

48. 498 授 Hand Him the Reins 授他以柄 Zhou Fuyao周扶妖Ancient Romance96k WordsCompleted With the city about to fall and the kingdom on the brink of ruin, Pei Qing wrote a letter asking that man for help. For seven whole days, there was no reply. But just when all hope seemed lost, he arrived. His peerlessly handsome face was full of disdain and contempt. Xiao Yuan walked into the imperial bedchamber with blood dripping from his blade and lazily called out, “Elder Brother.” Having earned merit by rushing to the emperor’s defense, he naturally expected a reward. “I have plenty of gol 24.9kReads9.5Score2.8kShelves
49. 499 天 A Fated Hero, Forced to Conquer by the Goddess of Vengeance 天命枭雄，复仇女神逼我称霸 Huo Ya, Who Loves the Yangqin喜欢杨琴的霍琊Historical210k WordsOngoing [An alternate-history story, not based on real history. Set in the era after the Three Kingdoms, as the Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms period begins.] Cheng Feng, a state-owned enterprise employee, sees his hopes of marriage crushed by an exorbitant bride price. After one night of heavy drinking, he transmigrates to the war-torn Northern Jin, becoming the nephew of the head of the Jiang clan in Liangzhou. At this time, the Five Barbarians are wreaking havoc across the Central Plains. The empir 52Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    High intelligence and political acumen lead the male protagonist to rise in Liangzhou, Hexi.

50. 500 反 Oppose the Grand Princess's Ascension? Enjoy a Clan-Wiping Game 反对长公主登基？赏你九族消消乐 Jia Mu Seeks the Phoenix嘉木求凤Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted Political intrigue + powerful heroine + a touch of ensemble cast. Warning: the heroine is a total maniac. Huangfu Aushuang, Princess Pingkang, is the late emperor’s eldest legitimate daughter and the young emperor’s eldest sister. She commands tens of thousands of troops, keeping in check the great clans who are all watching the emperor’s youth and waiting for a chance to make their move. Everyone says she is reckless, arrogant, and defiant of convention, preferring beautiful women to handsome m 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a female-centric political intrigue novel. There is no female lead; she focuses solely on her career. Romantic characters don't survive more than a chapter. Both male supporting characters are chauvinistic. One female supporting character and the female lead have a romantic relationship on the surface, but in reality, their relationship is based on mutual exploitation for national interests.

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