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. 601 逍 The Carefree Little Landlord 逍遥小地主 Block the West Tower堵上西楼Historical3.0M WordsCompleted He was lucky enough to transmigrate, and even into the family of a wealthy landlord. He'd never have to worry about food or clothes, but he had no intention of wasting his life doing nothing. So Fu Xiaoguan casually set a few things in motion, never expecting the impact to be so enormous. The emperor wants to make him a first-rank official, the princess wants him as her husband, the daughter of the Minister's household refuses to marry anyone else, the barbarians want his head, the Yi Kingdom wa 36.4kReads8.9Score4.3kShelves

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   This! The bigger the situation becomes, the better!

2. 602 青 The Good-for-Nothing Prince from the Brothel Has Ascended the Throne! 青楼里的废物皇子，登基了！ Cao Aman曹阿蛮Historical331k WordsCompleted He was a prince of the Dacheng Kingdom. But the emperor locked him up in Zongren Temple for ten years! Then, to use him as a counterweight against the crown prince, the emperor let him out. After leaving Zongren Temple, he spent his days at brothels, keeping up a false front and biding his time. Even so, the crown prince still wanted him dead, and several princes had already sided with the crown prince. He had no allies at court, was completely isolated, and faced difficulties at every turn. But 404Reads8.6Score—Shelves

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   This book is exceptionally good, with a tight plot. It follows a seemingly useless prince who rises from nothing to rule the world, win the hearts of the people, and ultimately win the heart of a beautiful woman!

3. 603 想 I Want to Lie Flat, but My Strength Won't Let Me 想躺平，怎奈实力不允许啊 Big Boss Norma诺玛大大Ancient Romance637k WordsCompleted If you like stories that jump straight into fighting and killing, with life-or-death stakes, this one may not be for you. The heroine isn't naturally inclined to seek power or kill. For a long time at the beginning, she enjoys peaceful days filled with family life and everyday trivialities. They are the easiest, most carefree years of her life, and a crucial period for gathering supplies and building the reputation she will need when she later rises up. When natural disasters and human calamitie 703Reads—Score—Shelves

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   The early part is peaceful and serene, while the later part is a chaotic struggle for power. The female lead is clear-headed and skilled in both literature and martial arts, while the male lead is a refined gentleman. Together, they build a beautiful homeland.

4. 604 我 I'm Luo Yujin! Come Fight Me If You Dare 我叫洛玉锦！不服来战 Bright as the Stars亮如星辰Ancient Romance204k WordsCompleted [Innate super strength + dependable best friend + special abilities + guiding threads + backing from a mysterious world] I am the First Female Official of the mighty Zhaoguo! The top-ranked martial arts champion! And yet the empress drove me out of the capital to carry out some ridiculous, important mission of hers. I don't want to! I can't bear to leave the capital's pork knuckles behind!!! Isn't a life of good food and drink wonderful? After more than a decade spent wandering far from home, wh 29Reads7.8Score—Shelves

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   Recommended high-quality historical romance novels about power struggles

5. 605 穿 I Became a Fussy Old Lady: While Everyone Else Fled the Famine, I Reclaimed the Land 穿成作精老太，别人逃荒我开荒 Fragrant Tangerine橘香袭人Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (No space, no System, no romance. A short drama with the same name has already been released. A warm, rustic story. Everyone says they wouldn’t survive three episodes after transmigrating into a chaotic era. Read this book, and you’ll survive ten more!) She transmigrated into a book, becoming the villainous aunt who abused the protagonist in a male-oriented novel, and was destined to be killed off. Jiang Zhi didn’t cling to the protagonist. She left him behind and relied on her extensive knowled 85.9kReads9.5Score8.2kShelves
6. 606 弟 Little Brother, Your Big Sister Will Train You to Become the Eastern Depot's Chief Eunuch 弟弟，姐姐培养你做东厂督公 Chouchou畴畴Ancient Romance240k WordsOngoing [Hard-core political scheming, no forced romance, fast-paced, and absolutely no padding. The author has no patience: life-and-death partings, an empire on the brink of collapse, all wrapped up in just a few chapters. No dragging things out.] Huang Jinyue’s mother hanged herself because the son she gave birth to was born without male genitals, destined to become a eunuch. To give her younger brother, Huang Jinsong, a chance at survival, Huang Jinyue resolutely gave up her status as the Huang fami —Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Fast-paced, hardcore power struggles; people die or fall from power in an instant, but the siblings manage to stay afloat amidst the ever-changing political landscape.

7. 607 雪 After the Snowy Night Coup, I Became the Leader of Humanity 雪夜逼宫后，我成了人族共主 Mo Xingyue莫星越Historical604k WordsCompleted The loyal die first, the brave follow, and the wise and sincere all become bones in an age of chaos. Once every idealist has fallen, all that remains is the ultimate contest between hypocrites and true villains. In the fourteenth year of Yonglu, in Longyou of the Great Jing. A clear-eyed soul from the modern era awakens in the body of a dying youth as a bowl of blood sacrifice is raised to his lips. He finds himself in a world of despair: the loyal die betrayed, the idealists sink beneath the ri 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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   That should meet most of the requirements; you can give it a try.

8. 608 天 Sky Screen: I, the Princess of Ten Thousand Years, Rebuild the Han Dynasty Three Times! 天幕：我，万年公主，三造大汉！ Year After Year Tong年年童Ancient Romance422k WordsCompleted [Historical Court Intrigue + Nation-Building and Farming + Three Kingdoms Ensemble Cast + Empress + Strong Female Lead + Livestreaming + Satisfying Female-Power Story] Liu Yue, a modern engineering PhD, was born into the body of Princess Wannian in the final years of the Han dynasty. The history books spare her only a few words: Dong Zhuo abused her, and she died after her “passage was torn apart.” In t 97Reads6.8Score—Shelves

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   ⭐⭐⭐ [This collection of historical romance novels featuring female emperors and political intrigue will absolutely satisfy you!] This is the best book I've read recently, packed with exciting moments and a fresh and original plot. 🍭 You'd be missing out if you didn't read it, highly recommended! (♡⌂♡)

9. 609 穿 I Transmigrated into a Book as Cannon Fodder and Married the Villainess from the Start 穿书成炮灰，开局迎娶女反派 Dora B-Meng哆啦B萌Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [One heroine + farming + invincible heroine + vying for supremacy in troubled times] A quick note upfront: the male lead returns with his spirit and soul, he does not transmigrate into someone else’s body!!! The heroine has also been reborn!!! Qin Feng opened his eyes to find himself lying in an antique room, with a woman’s sobs reaching his ears. Looking over, he saw a stunning young woman clutching her last remaining clothes and wiping away her tears... Seeing this, he seemed to realize what h 4.6kReads8.6Score325Shelves

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   Having traversed the world of the book and looking back at the current plot, he knew he was in a hopeless situation. In order to survive, he directly married the biggest BOSS in the book to avert his doom.

10. 610 我 I Refuse to Be a Hostage! I Want to Be Invincible Under Heaven! 我不要做质子！我要天下无敌！ Three Thousand Swordsmen三千剑客Historical270k WordsOngoing The protagonist, Qi Ming, transmigrates as a hostage prince in the Kingdom of Yunli, making a dazzling entrance from the very start! One poem shakes the capital; one sword rattles the heavens and earth! “I refuse to be a hostage! I’m going to become invincible under heaven!” 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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    High intelligence, strong political skills, invincible

11. 611 快 Quick Transmigration: A Laid-Back Streamer Stumbles into the Big Leagues 快穿：咸鱼主播误入高端局 Ruo Ning渃宁Ancient Romance4.0M WordsCompleted [Everyone's favorite] [Happy ending] Shi Li has a magical livestream. Every day, bored viewers sit around discussing all sorts of nonsense. Whenever the comments display, “Streamer, what do you think?”, the streamer is forced to transmigrate, taking the viewers along to witness the juicy drama firsthand. Shi Li transmigrates as a eunuch and watches the emperor and the top scholar's epic love story. She transmigrates as a maid and gets to know a food-loving powerful minister and his unlucky young 2.2kReads9.2Score222Shelves

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    The female protagonist, Lili, loses her memory every time she travels to a new world, but she always maintains her true nature as a "smart but lazy" person—teaching a princess to resist a forced marriage in a feudal dynasty, speaking up for a supporting actress in the entertainment industry, and breaking the shackles of history with modern thinking.

12. 612 天 The World Is Falling Apart: Escape from Tumu Fortress and Flee for My Life! 天崩：逃出土木堡，亡命狼居胥！ Book Silkworm书蚕虫Historical450k WordsOngoing [Survival of the Fittest] [No System] [Political Intrigue] He transmigrates into Zhu Qizhen. He is emperor for just one day, before being forced to flee into the snowy north. The Battle of Tumu is riddled with unanswered questions. First, he has to stay alive. Only then can he think about anything else... 13Reads—Score—Shelves

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    No system, no knowledge of history. On the night of Tumu Fortress, he transmigrated and killed Wang Zhen. He only reigned as emperor for a day, sending his double south to be captured, while he led three thousand remaining soldiers north, hungry and cold. Snowfields, blizzards, starvation, wolf packs… No cheat codes, only survival in dire straits. Meanwhile, Zhu Qiyu in the capital, watching the empty treasury, defending the borders with Yu Qian. Two parallel storylines, one overt, one covert. This is the Ming Dynasty's toughest bone, its coldest blade.

13. 613 妻 My Wife Betrayed Me, Then I Discovered My Mother-in-Law's Secret 妻子背叛，发现岳母的秘密 Southern Song Commander南宋总兵Urban1.6M WordsCompleted [Lighthearted + funny + everyday life + twists + face-slapping + multiple heroines + System] Wang Yu discovers that the child isn’t biologically related to him. The revelation is a devastating blow. Pain and sorrow flood over him. But fate’s drama doesn’t end there: by chance, he discovers his mother-in-law’s secret. The father-in-law and son-in-law meet each other’s eyes in silence. At a moment like this, who can comfort whom? Divorce is only the beginning. Two men bound by the same fate now em 31.8kReads8.8Score3kShelves
14. 614 无 I Never Meant to Rule the World 无意谋天下 Yu Feimo玉飞墨Ancient Romance237k WordsCompleted Two close sisters from the Marquis's household become victims of power. After they are both reborn, they choose opposite paths, one righteous and one wicked, until they meet again at the summit. A spinning fan sends blossoms flying, stirring up a thousand waves; a fading shadow cuts through the wind and vanishes without a trace. Chasing clouds and pursuing the moon, following the heart's desire, treading the waves for thousands of miles. 5Reads—Score—Shelves
15. 615 人 A Human Cage 人间囚笼 Yan Yizhi言一知Urban538k WordsCompleted [Not a wish-fulfillment story + extremely dark + oppressive and suffocating. Don’t read if you’re faint of heart.] When you’re nearing the end of your life, you can actually feel it coming. Just like right now. The closer that moment gets, the more you want to leave something behind in this world. But what should I leave? Assets lose value, and houses change hands. Nothing material can last forever. So perhaps I should tell everyone my story instead. I’m no good person. I just occasionally feel 118.9kReads9.5Score16.6kShelves
16. 616 云 The Legend of Yun Qiao 云翘传 Jade Mat and Dawn Breeze玉簟晓风Ancient Romance423k WordsCompleted [Transmigration]+ [Revenge]+ [Medical Skills] [A guide to what this story does not have: no space, no supernatural abilities, no martial arts, and no golden finger. The heroine has only her superb medical skills to rely on!] Yun Qiao, a genius doctor from the twenty-first century, was transported to a dynasty she had never heard of after a plane crash. For five years, she relived in her dreams the short life of a five-year-old girl named Lin Qiao, who shared her name. In her dreams, she watched 4.4kReads9.0Score551Shelves

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    See if you like this.

17. 617 世 The World Became a Game, but Forgot to Generate the Players 世界游戏化，却忘了生成玩家 Red Bean Tea红豆茶Eastern Fantasy3.3M WordsOngoing The physical edition of Volume One will soon be available for preorder. Follow @0RedBeanTea0 for details. Everyone says that the Dao is waning, demons are growing stronger, and the Heavenly Tribulation is imminent, but Zhou Yuan disagrees. Undying, indestructible demons? Those are just monsters respawning in a game. Paradise realms and wondrous secret realms? Those are just game dungeons. Humankind sealing and suppressing demons? That just means not exiting the dungeon, preventing its monsters f 211.9kReads9.3Score18.9kShelves
18. 618 宁 Ning Jinge 宁烬歌 Calm as Ever冷静如斯Ancient Romance697k WordsOngoing [Female commander × top-tier spy and assassin | Two equally matched leads | Court intrigue and the martial world | Standing together in troubled times | Devoted 1v1 romance] The sweeping scale of a male-oriented story, with the emotional depth of a female-oriented one. Fast-paced and tightly plotted, with no filler or dragging. The political intrigue is logical, and long-laid clues are brought back into play. A serious world with lighthearted, hilarious everyday moments, and an incredibly sweet 379Reads8.5Score103Shelves

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    This is an excellent work! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up] I've read up to chapter 159, and it feels like the best political intrigue novel ever! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

19. 619 问 Ask Me How I Can 问君何能 Astonishing888叹为观止888Historical550k WordsCompleted [Golden finger + intense mind games + court intrigue + sweet romance and satisfying payback + plenty of twists] A young man is beaten by a thug and unexpectedly gains the ability to read minds through heavenly ears. A beggar turns his fortunes around and rises to become a prince of the court. Power struggles and battles for the throne unfold one after another. Everyone is a pawn, yet everyone is caught up in the game. Who has the greater foresight and cunning? The princess by his side, the prime 34Reads8.9Score—Shelves

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    A masterpiece of political intrigue, set in the chaotic post-Tang Dynasty era, where three princes vie for supremacy, everyone a pawn, yet everyone is also part of the game. He begins with the execution of his entire family, and then keeps dreaming of a woman who calls out his name!

20. 620 吾 My Emperor Is So Adorable 吾皇多娇媚 A Smile Brighter Than a Thousand Suns笑靥千阳Ancient Romance134k WordsOngoing Two powerful leads locked in an ultimate push and pull + laugh-out-loud, sizzling chemistry + political scheming + melodrama + dark scheming + court intrigue + humor + ensemble cast The emperor transmigrates into the body of the wife of a duke’s heir. To uncover the truth, she gets close to her own husband. 530Reads7.2Score—Shelves

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    A tyrant transmigrates into the body of a top-tier succubus, joining forces with a cold and aloof male protagonist to uncover the turbulent intrigues of the imperial court.

21. 621 最 The Strongest Prince 最强王爷 The Money-Loving Fox爱财的狐狸Historical1.4M WordsCompleted (The short drama adaptation is now online: In the Years of Famine, I Rose to Become a King Through Military Merit) Also known as (I Joined the Army and Was Forced to Marry 36 Wives) A college student from Blue Star is caught in an unexpected traffic accident and transmigrates to ancient China during the Rebellion of the Eight Princes in the Western Jin dynasty, in a parallel timeline. War rages year-round, the people are destitute, and foreign enemies threaten from all sides. Corruption festers 9.8kReads7.9Score859Shelves
22. 622 无 The Colorless Gate Opens 无色门开 Proud but Hollow空有傲骨Ancient Romance284k WordsOngoing Major revisions in progress. Please don't click. “You must remember their eyes. You must never become weak.” When she opened her eyes, she had become the Northern Frontier's God of Slaughter, whose sword had subdued all the realms. Before she could enjoy the thrill of wielding power over the court, she was plunged into a deadly trap: A hundred years of cultivation gone in a single day, with conclusive evidence of treason laid before the emperor. The entire court waited to see her beheaded, whil —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The setting is inspired by the Sui and Tang dynasties. The female lead is calm, intelligent, and represents the usurper, while the male lead is on the emperor's side. The story is logical and well-structured.

23. 623 吾 My Three Wishes 吾有三愿 Mechanical Wang机械汪Ancient Romance778k WordsOngoing [Mad Queen x Reclusive Power Behind the Throne] [Past and Present Lives] [Sweetness and Angst] [Fated Redemption] [Alternate World] (This story focuses on [Two Powerful Leads Growing Together] and [Profound Devotion]. Sweetness and angst intertwine. This is not a mindless power fantasy, so read with care if that's not your thing!) In their previous life, in the modern world, the two parted forever on a snowy night! He sat in a wheelchair dusted with snow, and his three wishes ended in regret as 55Reads7.7Score—Shelves

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    Reincarnated as a legitimate daughter, she takes charge of the secret chambers, engaging in palace intrigue and eliminating traitors while quelling chaos in the martial arts world. A double dose of power struggles and revenge! A blend of political intrigue, palace drama, martial arts, sweet romance, and revenge—a thrilling experience from beginning to end. Ruthless revenge against villains, a two-way journey that's incredibly addictive, you'll want to stay up all night to watch!

24. 624 与 Rediscovering Our Glory Together 与君重拾芳华 Carrying Dust携尘Ancient Romance528k WordsCompleted [Alternate world + reborn with no memories + mutual devotion + martial arts] Su Yue opens her eyes to find herself in a strange world, with no memories and nothing to her name. It turns out that the owner of this body is the daughter of the current chancellor, a famously beautiful airhead in the capital. After several days of fearful unease, she gradually realizes that this family and this identity are not as simple as they seem. Slowly, she settles in, trying to hold on to this hard-won peace. 4Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The premise of amnesiac transmigration and a seemingly incompetent woman's rise to power is full of ancient Chinese political intrigue as the female protagonist searches for her memories and cleans up the mess left by the original owner.

25. 625 女 Empress: Father, It's Time to Abdicate 女帝：父皇，你该退位了 The Mountains Are High, the Waters Long山高水长长Ancient Romance631k WordsCompleted {Strong male and female leads + alternate setting + power struggles + revenge + palace and household intrigue + the aloof one brought down from his pedestal + princess + empress + satisfying wish fulfillment + teacher-student romance + divorce and remarriage + chief minister + 1v1} She is the most honored eldest princess, who played a key role when her father ascended the throne. Her mother is the empress, her brother is the crown prince, and all her uncles are great generals. With a family back 15Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A gem among female-oriented novels featuring a female emperor, with a romantic pairing, political intrigue, and two strong protagonists. The female lead, originally a princess destined for a happy life, suffers a tragedy and loses her loved ones. She then rebels and becomes empress herself.

26. 626 天 A Worthy Minister Sent by Heaven 天赐良臣 Shopkeeper Hu, Who Loves Stir-Fried Loofah爱吃炝炒丝瓜的胡掌柜Historical354k WordsCompleted Li Chenhao, a PhD in history, accidentally transmigrates to Beijing in the forty-seventh year of the Kangxi reign while visiting the Palace Museum. Drawing on his knowledge of Qing history, he quickly adapts to his new surroundings and decides to seek out Yinzhen, who is still the Fourth Prince. Watch as Li Chenhao helps Fourth Prince Yinzhen earn Kangxi's favor. How will he deal with rivals trying to win him over or threaten him? How will he ease the burden on farmers, increase tax revenue, and 3Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Traveling to ancient times to assist in political intrigue and a prosperous era

27. 627 蜀 Zhuge Liang Calls the Rebellious Son of Shu Han a Total Monster 蜀汉逆子诸葛亮直呼太妖孽 Lan Bingche岚冰澈Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Autumn winds sweep across Wuzhang Plains, and a star of the Han falls. For so many later romantics who love Shu Han and dream of its restoration, this became an unshakable regret in their hearts. Yet in the final moments of Zhuge Liang's life, he met a kindred spirit from a younger generation, long overdue. A mere brat, yet born with a rebellious streak. His words made even Zhuge Liang question his own life, leaving him feeling diminished. And yet, a deathless light flared in his aging eyes. "Th 779Reads8.7Score—Shelves

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    How about trying this one? A hellish political intrigue novel without a system.

28. 628 大EN A Freshman Internship, and You Go to Bureau 749 to Contain Monsters 大一实习，你跑去749收容怪物 Gaara's Sand我爱罗的沙Urban4.0M WordsOngoing [Decisive killing] [How could any monster be good?] [All monsters deserve to die] [Ruthless] During his sophomore summer vacation, Lu Ding had planned to use the time to take an internship and earn some living expenses. Who could have expected that the construction site where he interned would excavate a bleeding stone? The workers fled one after another, but Lu Ding charged in with a rotary hammer. After transmigrating to this world nearly twenty years ago, Lu Ding’s golden finger, the Monster 538.5kReads9.5Score43.9kShelves
29. 629 诡EN The Horrors Are Hard to Kill? Sorry, I'm the Truly Immortal One 诡异难杀？抱歉，我才是真正不死 Six Gourds六个葫芦Urban2.0M WordsCompleted This book has been signed for publication, so enjoy it with confidence. [Death Regression + Foreknowledge of the Future + Kill the Saintly One First + Dark Tone + Supernatural Resurgence] After accidentally transmigrating to a world invaded by the supernatural, Fang Xiu awakens the ability to return from death, also known as turning back time. Whenever he dies, time rewinds to just before his death. In this perilous and uncanny world, he could have laid low, but instead he chooses to announce to 232.8kReads9.5Score28.3kShelves
30. 630 衔 Jade Between the Lips 衔玉 Evergreen and Everwhite长青长白Ancient Romance179k WordsCompleted [Delicate, Sickly Aristocratic Lady Lin Yu VS Cold, Tsundere Embroidered Uniform Guard Li Heming] [Historical Romance + One-on-One Romance + Household Intrigue + Secret Crush + Sweet Romance + Marriage Before Love + Devoted Hero + Happy Ending] The year Lin Yu broke off her engagement to Li Heming, rumors spread that she had done so because Li Heming had risen to become the Northern Commandant of the Embroidered Uniform Guard by stepping over the corpses of court officials. Lin Yu was frail, and 31.6kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves

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    A legitimate daughter's revenge × political intrigue! Shen Lingzhao transforms from a vulnerable woman trapped in a false accusation into an avenger capable of shaking the court. The city defense map in the painting is both her weapon and her shackles. The emotional and political storylines are interwoven perfectly!

31. 631 嫡 The Noble Daughter Shocks the Capital: Don't Mess With the Carefree Tower Master 嫡女惊华：逍遥楼主不好惹 A Floating Leaf浮叶一株Ancient Romance1.0M WordsOngoing Lin Weier transmigrates as the legitimate daughter of the Lin family, imperial merchants of the Great Yin Dynasty. Knowing the sorrow women face in this era and the enormous risks lurking within her family, Lin Weier resolves to take control of her own life! Disguising herself as a man under the name “Lin Mobai,” she uses the Lin family’s wealth to establish the Xiaoyao House, opening up a much broader path for her family. More than once, she secretly defuses deadly threats against them, giving 45Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The story features a female protagonist who grows through her own efforts, without an exaggerated system or cheat codes. She protects her family and finds love through her own hard work. The male protagonist is a young master from Miao territory, obsessive, cunning, skilled in Gu poison, and possessive. He places a Gu poison on the female protagonist on their second meeting. Both are virgins. The supporting characters are also very engaging, each with their own story. The plot revolves around learning martial arts, building power, and making money.

32. 632 妃 A Consort's Scheme for the Emperor's Heart 妃谋帝心 Falling Ashes坠落的灰Ancient Romance527k WordsCompleted With her father turning a blind eye and her stepmother throwing her weight around, Mu Li is ordered to marry an old prince as a concubine. They tell her this is her fate. Mu Li refuses to believe it. She has never believed in fate… Just then, the imperial household holds its selection of consorts. Daughters of officials of rank eight or above who are of suitable age may participate. Mu Li thinks: Since I’m to be a concubine, why not become the concubine of the most powerful person in the realm? 9.4kReads8.9Score1.1kShelves
33. 633 清 A Farewell to Quiet Joy 清欢辞 Wu Tong梧桐Ancient Romance96k WordsCompleted Xiao Qinghuan, daughter of the Marquis of Wuyang, was praised by everyone in Bianjing as a fine young lady from a distinguished scholarly family. She was beautiful, gentle, and charming. Before she had even come of age, countless young men from prominent families had come to ask for her hand, but she had not taken a liking to a single one. The man she loved was a peerless hero. “The young ladies in the capital are all pretty much the same, dull as dishwater. Especially the ones from scholarly fa 20.2kReads9.2Score2.1kShelves
34. 634 穿 Transmigrated into a Heroic Warlord 穿越枭雄 Buddha's Seal佛之封印Historical2.1M WordsCompleted A young special forces soldier is struck by lightning and transmigrates into the foolish son of a blacksmith in the Great Xia dynasty. On the very day he arrives, his father dies in battle, his mother dies of grief, and the authorities force a marriage on him. Their already impoverished life is made even harder. Luckily, armed with modern knowledge, the protagonist first makes eel traps and promotes fishing. After the authorities embezzle the reward money for a tiger-slaying hero, he begins a co 1.4kReads8.5Score133Shelves

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    A special forces soldier, struck by lightning, transmigrates into the body of a blacksmith's mentally challenged son in the Great Xia Dynasty. His father dies in battle that same day, his mother dies of grief, and the government forces him into a forced marriage. His already impoverished life is further shattered. Fortunately, aided by modern knowledge, the protagonist first learns how to catch eels and promotes fishing. A tiger suddenly appears in the yard, but the protagonist easily kills it using a technique from the elementary school story "Tang the Tiger Hunter." The tiger-hunting hero deserves a reward of 1000 taels of silver, but the corrupt government embezzles 995 taels. Thus begins a power struggle with the corrupt official. The official, greedy for money, wants the protagonist to participate in bandit suppression, ideally dying in the process. Unexpectedly, the protagonist possesses incredible abilities, beheading the bandits in their stronghold. He easily defuses every trap they set. Just as the Great Qi, with an initial force of 200,000, invades, the protagonist leads a hundred-man team composed of village guards, government troops, and bandits, achieving numerous victories. He repels the powerful northern nomadic tribes and even orchestrates a battle between the two powers. The two powerful nations resolved their conflict through diplomacy, uniting to pressure the Great Xia and attempt to extort a large sum of money. However, the protagonist used a broken piece of glass to sow discord between them. The nomadic tribes descended into civil war, and the Great Xia royal family was embroiled in internal strife, resulting in the emperor's death. The princes were manipulated by their maternal relatives in a power struggle, plunging Great Xia into chaos. The protagonist, however, ultimately chose not to participate in the Great Xia's civil war, establishing a principle that during any civil war, the protagonist would personally confront any external enemies. After a long period of development…

35. 635 逐 Chasing Golden Boughs 逐金枝 Candied Ginger糖姜Historical426k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance + Reborn for Revenge + Healing Each Other] [A Smiling Young General with a Hidden Blade, a Honey-Tongued Princess Who Schemes for Power] In their previous life, as they shared a tender moment, Li Yan joked, “Am I going to die beneath the peonies?” He never imagined his flirtatious jest would come true. For the sake of her lover, Zhao Jinning stabbed him to death with a hairpin. Reborn, Li Yan did just as he had in his previous life: he won military honors, presented his Tiger 681Reads8.4Score102Shelves
36. 636 人 The Descendants of King Zhou, Heir to the Human Emperor 人皇后裔纣王的子孙 Yue Yue钺越Ancient Romance105k WordsOngoing Modern corporate drone Feng Qing woke up one day as Shugen, the most powerful high priest in the Shang royal court. With divine authority above all, she spoke on Heaven's behalf, and thought she could coast to victory! Who knew the palace was full of ruthless people? The sickly, obsessive Daji hid poison-tipped golden hairpins in her fox-fur cloak; Queen Jiang's jade tablet coiled around a little snake with a flickering tongue; even Ziyi, the firstborn son of a concubine who always wore a gentle —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Let's delve into ancient history. Rewrite *Investiture of the Gods* as *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. Fuxi, Nuwa, Shennong, Zhuanxu, Gonggong, and Zhurong—all the ancient gods who could be there are included, yet this is still historical fiction. Understand the transition from Shang to Zhou, understand Chinese history. The struggle between divine and royal power is the tireless breakthrough of our ancestors. All miracles are the result of human perseverance, all legends are gifts from our ancestors. It sounds grand, but it's actually a feel-good story. A climax every three chapters, many conflicts, quick reversals—enjoy the thrill while gaining insights. Eastern mythology and history + hardcore political intrigue + tasteful fusion of female-dominated society is reasonable because of remnants of matriarchal society. Erotic elopement is reasonable because it's ancient group marriage and pairing marriage. Forced marriage is reasonable because it's bride kidnapping. Forbidden love is reasonable because it's levirate marriage. Not only are there emotional entanglements, but also realistic political maneuvering, a materialistic view of history where productive forces determine relations of production. The logic of power struggles within the palace, determined by the natural landscape, climate, and resources, ensures that the conflicts are not merely superficial.

37. 637 奸 The Treacherous Minister 奸臣 Lan Jia Sanshao蓝家三少Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted Zhao Wuyou was the son of a treacherous minister, and everyone at court had to respectfully call him “Little Chancellor.” Father and son controlled the court and toyed with political power, so plenty of people wanted him dead. Mu Baili was the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the governor of the Eastern Depot. He seemed respectful, mild-mannered, and kind to everyone, but in truth he was a wolf who devoured people without leaving a bone. What a shame that such a ruthless ma 4.4kReads9.1Score506Shelves
38. 638 科 Imperial Exam Triumph: The Strongest Female Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：最强女首辅 Dressed in Splendor宝妆成Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted After finally becoming the first female heir in her family, she opens her eyes and finds herself back before the revolution. Her father is dead from the start, leaving her with a frail mother and three beautiful older sisters. She is the only son who can carry on the Cheng family line... Cheng Qing looks down at her slightly developed chest, wondering what on earth went wrong. Surrounded by scheming wolves, Cheng Qing, now with a new soul in her body, sets herself two small goals: First, keep pr 8.5kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves
39. 639 首 The Lucky Wife of the Grand Secretary 首辅家的锦鲤妻 Cong Yue丛月Ancient Romance3.2M WordsCompleted Only after Su Jiuyue married into the Wu family did she discover that her husband was a fool. She thought she'd been swindled. But as soon as she entered the family, it was as if Heaven itself had blessed the Wus. One happy occasion followed another, and their lives kept getting better. She went up the mountain to gather wild greens and found a lingzhi mushroom; she went down to the river to fish and found a rare, ancient fungus. Even her foolish husband turned out not to be a fool, and he came 17.3kReads9.3Score2.8kShelves
40. 640 权 The Power of the Imperial Favorite 权宠天下 June六月Ancient Romance4.1M WordsCompleted Live-action short-form drama: The Power and Privilege 4: Ruling the World is now streaming on Hongguo. A brilliant medical PhD transmigrates into the body of the Chu Prince’s discarded consort. As soon as she arrives, she encounters a critically injured patient. Guided by her medical ethics, she treats him, only to nearly be thrown into prison on false charges. When the Retired Emperor falls gravely ill, she finds a way to treat him, but that hateful Poison King misunderstands and berates her. I 10.3kReads9.4Score3.9kShelves
41. 641 我 I’m Just a Nobody: I Transmigrate and Get Caught in a Son-in-Law Scheme 我本路人：穿越身陷赘婿迷局 Holding an Umbrella, Seeking the Dao执伞问道Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [Not a Wish-Fulfillment Novel + Live-in Son-in-Law + Alternate History + Suspense + Court Politics + Martial World + No System + Light Ensemble Cast] Modern-day Shen Nian'an plunges into the water and wakes up as a substitute live-in son-in-law in ancient times. Before he can figure out what's going on, a sister who suddenly appears accuses him of murdering their mother and younger brother. Just what kind of dead end has he landed in? The young widow he married into the family seems to refuse hi 7.7kReads8.5Score560Shelves

    Reader note

    Read slowly, I'm afraid you'll be confused.

42. 642 最 The Best Lyricist 最佳词作 Kong Liu空留Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Film and TV rights sold] One is a heroine, the other a pampered youngest son who’s always smiling. They work together seamlessly to resolve an unexpected crisis the first time they meet. The second time, she warns her younger cousin not to fall for someone like him. Then comes the Nth meeting, and with it, a lifetime together. 24.6kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves
43. 643 独 The Lone Phoenix 独凰 A Lifetime of Xu Xuyi许栩一生Historical220k WordsOngoing [Sole Protagonist + Political Intrigue] Within the imperial family, there have never been brothers, only prisoners and hunters. Crown Prince Chu Lianguang has only just entered the Eastern Palace. On the surface, the princes serve together and get along like brothers. In secret, the Third Prince schemes with deep cunning, while the Fifth Prince commands troops and acts with impunity. Other princes are watching from the sidelines, closing in step by step, all with their sights set on the Eastern 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The political intrigue in "The Eastern Palace" is so captivating! Crown Prince Chu Lianguang seems all smiles on the surface, but behind his back lies a dagger; I can't stop watching!

44. 644 佛 The Good-for-Nothing Goes with the Flow: My Lord, Stop Pretending 佛系废柴：王爷别装了 Cozy Little Home馨馨小屋Ancient Romance427k WordsCompleted #Historical Romance #Alternate History #Two Strong Leads #Marriage Before Love #Playing the Fool to Outsmart the Tiger #Satisfying and Sweet #Smart Leads Shen Zhaoning has pretended to be a fool at the marquis's manor for thirteen years. Everyone thinks she's useless. When her half-sister smashes their mother's keepsake in front of everyone, she smiles and says, “It's broken, so it's broken.” When her stepmother arranges for her to be burned to death at a birthday banquet, she cries as she switc 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    1. The Buddhist-like Useless Girl: Your Highness, Stop Pretending! Shen Zhaoning, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Dingyuan, is a notorious "useless girl" in the capital. She spends her days eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist scriptures, taking everything in stride, and doesn't even bother to retaliate when her half-sister publicly ridicules her. No one knows that she has feigned stupidity for thirteen years, just to survive to adulthood in the cannibalistic Marquis's mansion. Wu Yu, the sixth son of the emperor, is a notorious "sickly idle prince." He spends his days in the brothels, indulging in cockfighting and dog racing; court officials say he is a disgrace to the royal family. No one knows that he secretly controls the Tianji Pavilion, and every fallen leaf in Tianqu City cannot escape his eyes. A royal decree binds the two "useless girls" together. The whole capital waits to see them make a fool of themselves. On their wedding night, the Crown Prince sends a "gift"—a cup of poisoned wine. The half-sister plants a spy in the mansion. The stepmother waits for her to run back to her parents' home in tears. Shen Zhaoning picked up her wine cup and smiled, "Let it be." The next day, the Crown Prince's favorite concubine died suddenly, and the scandal of her half-sister's affair spread throughout the land. Her stepmother's secret agents were all eradicated. The sickly prince embraced her, "My lady, shall I also let it be?" The useless eldest daughter smiled slightly, "Your Highness, you're quite convincingly feigning illness." Later, a purge took place in the court, the Crown Prince was deposed, and Prince Yu ascended the throne. On the day of the coronation ceremony, officials knelt to welcome him, and the people cheered. The new Empress, however, ate grapes in the back of the palace, "It has nothing to do with me; I'm just a useless person." The Emperor sighed, "Empress, it's time for court." "Let it be."

45. 645 大 Great Tang: Beating Up Princess Gao Yang from the Start 大唐：开局暴打高阳公主 Like Frost in the Year 1999九九年的寒霜似Historical211k WordsOngoing [Tang Dynasty + character growth + multiple heroines + behind-the-scenes scheming + playboy + medicine] A different kind of wish-fulfillment story! (The first volume starts slowly because the male lead was transmigrated into the womb. The early chapters focus on him trying to be a normal person in ancient times, with clear and sensible reasoning, so they may be a little wordy. Please be patient as you read. I'm begging you!) Fang Jun, a top medical professor, transmigrates to the Tang Dynasty an 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I took a look at the new book, and the content is a little different from the title [facepalm]. The male lead is quite intelligent.

46. 646 风 The Blade's Shadow in Love and War: A Choice Between Power and Loyalty 风月刀影：权谋与情义的抉择 Pine Sounds Beneath the Inkstone砚底松声Historical500k WordsCompleted When a great fire devours the red gates of the Jun family estate, the young man who emerges through the smoke is no longer the dashing, carefree playboy who once spent his days cockfighting and chasing dogs. His eyes hold fire and blood, and in his hand he clutches half of a broken jade pendant, the last keepsake his father gave him before the family fell. Fate sweeps him like a tide into one abyss after another. From a life of luxury to utter poverty, from the son of the powerful to an outcast 88Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient times, high intelligence, everyone's IQ is online, political intrigue and scheming, mind-bending, step-by-step planning, revenge.

47. 647 无 The Path of the King of the Infernal Realm 无间王途 Mi Li Ka Mang米理卡忙Ancient Romance214k WordsOngoing [Transmigrated into a Book + Everyone Is Clever + Devoted to Each Other + Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Power Fantasy] Song Li transmigrates into a book as a cannon-fodder spy. She only wants to survive, and thinks she accidentally changed the plot, but discovers that other transmigrators are behind the changes. The gears of fate push her forward, one step at a time. She wins people over, makes a fortune, and develops explosives... In the end, unable to win love, she has no choice but to sei —Reads—Score—Shelves

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