Wuxia, Court Politics, Scheming, and Alternate History 江湖，朝堂，权谋，架空历史

1. 101 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

   It's so wonderful and entertaining!

2. 102 乞 The Beggar Emperor's Tutor 乞丐帝师 Xiao Yifeng萧一疯Historical59k WordsCompleted Yang Lin, the greatest special agent of his time, died a hero and transmigrated into the body of a young beggar fleeing famine. His first challenge was figuring out how to survive in this feudal dynasty that devoured its people. Determined to defy fate and clear the names of the innocent citizens of Haiyang who had died unjustly, Yang Lin resolutely embarked on a path to wealth and success through the imperial examinations. He entered the academy, pursued official honors, purged corrupt official —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The King of Spies is transported to a strange dynasty and becomes a beggar. In dire straits, watch how the protagonist turns the tide and survives against all odds.

3. 103 流 The Rogue Son-in-Law: The Empress’s Pretty Boy 流氓赘婿，女帝家的小白脸 Handsome Young Man俊俏少年Historical3.4M WordsCompleted He transmigrated to an alternate world and became a lowly live-in son-in-law. He had planned to drink tea, fish, flirt, watch opera, and live a carefree life, but... “Husband, help me!” “Dear son-in-law, help me!” “Young master, help me!” “My dear subject, help your emperor!” Fine, it seemed he wouldn't get to take it easy. The world would have to be protected by him after all. And so Zhou Yuan investigated major cases, cleaned up the bureaucracy, crushed rebellions, opened the seas, and expande 63.9kReads9.3Score7.6kShelves
4. 104 穿 Transmigrating to the Qing Dynasty as a Down-and-Out Official’s Son, I Become a First-Rank Minister 穿越大清落魄官二代成一品大员 Third Aunt from the Farm农家三姑Historical134k WordsOngoing Lin Wen accidentally transmigrates to the Qing dynasty and becomes the down-on-his-luck son of an official. Facing adversity, he works hard step by step, turns his life around, and ultimately climbs to the pinnacle of power, becoming a high-ranking court official of the first rank. 14Reads—Score—Shelves
5. 105 大 The Great Dao Dies, but I Live On; Even as Spiritual Energy Dries Up, I Remain Evergreen 大道死而我不死，灵气枯竭我长青 Principal Typhoon台风校长Eastern Fantasy2.0M WordsCompleted [Immortality + no System + not a power fantasy + fictional setting + slow-paced] [The story mainly follows the protagonist as he travels and witnesses the changes after spiritual energy dries up.] Have you seen an age of prosperity, when spiritual energy was abundant, countless races rose to prominence, and geniuses shone like stars in the sky? But have you ever lived through an era when spiritual energy ran dry, all magic withered, and the Great Dao died? Have you seen a vast immortal dynasty g 40.9kReads8.9Score3.5kShelves
6. 106 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
7. 107 我 My Years in the Great Ming 我在大明那些年 Qing Hong青红Historical8.6M WordsOngoing [The first long-life novel set in the Ming Dynasty on the entire internet] Li Qing transmigrates to the early Ming Dynasty and, through a twist of fate, becomes a disciple of Zhang Landa. He lives a carefree life for years. In the fifteenth year of the Hongwu era, Empress Ma falls gravely ill, and by chance, Li Qing becomes her attending physician. From then on, Li Qing begins his journey through the Ming Dynasty. He experiences the bloodshed and turmoil of the Hongwu era and gets caught up in t 246.5kReads9.4Score19.5kShelves

   Reader note

   🔥The protagonist, Li Qing, unexpectedly travels back to the early Ming Dynasty. By chance, he becomes a disciple of the mysterious master Zhang Lata, intending to live a carefree life. However, in the fifteenth year of Hongwu's reign, Empress Ma falls seriously ill, and the gears of fate begin to turn—Li Qing, through his medical skills, becomes the chief physician, thus stepping into the power center of the Ming Dynasty. Li Qing possesses an immortal body, experiencing the reigns of sixteen emperors from Hongwu to Chongzhen, witnessing firsthand the rise, prosperity, and decline of the dynasty. He is a participant in history and a witness to time. From the ruthlessness of Hongwu and the cruelty of the Jingnan Rebellion, to the tributary system of Yongle and the flourishing prosperity of the Renxuan era; from the covert battles of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to the power struggles within the cabinet; from the northern campaigns against the Tatars and Oirats to the pacification of the Japanese pirates in the south… the novel weaves together nearly three hundred years of major historical events in the Ming Dynasty, making for a thrilling and engaging read.

8. 108 藏 The Guide to Concealed Beauties 藏娇引 Zhi Ge Wen Mo止戈问墨Eastern Fantasy793k WordsCompleted Winter. The last of the snow. Her sword is moonlight. Her poison is honey. Her name is a secret. Purple robes, swift as lightning. A woman, like a poem. The world knows Princess Jinning, Zhao Qingli, only as a living portrait of a court lady, hidden deep within the palace. Little does anyone know that she is also the Sword God’s sole disciple and a once-in-a-century genius of the Tang Sect. Her sword is called Purple Lightning. When it leaves its scabbard, it flashes like a startled swan reflect 35Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   One Dao, one Buddha, two gods, three demons, four saints, five ghosts. A young man, a white horse, a beautiful woman, the martial world. One sword opens the gates of heaven, one palm kills a martial saint. Winter. Lingering snow. Her sword is moonlight. Her poison is honey. Her name is a secret. Purple clothes, like lightning. A person, like poetry. The world only knows Princess Jinning, Zhao Qingli, a walking portrait of a lady in the deep palace. But they do not know that she is also the only successor of the Sword God, a once-in-a-century genius of the Tang Clan. Her sword is called "Purple Lightning". When the sword is drawn, it is like a startled swan reflecting its shadow. No one in the world can withstand three of her moves. Because those who have seen the third move have all become mute dead men. Her palm is called "Soul Chaser". Her fingers are called "Wind Splitter". Chu Yueyao and Wen Yunshu are not maids, but two deadly shadows. Three women, a game in winter. The martial world is a cup of strong liquor. They, however, sought to savor the tea's delicate elegance. Until someone spilled the tea… A sword cleaved the heavens, a single palm strike slew a Martial Saint…

9. 109 公 The Princess and the Sword Immortal 公主与剑仙 Zhi Ge Wen Mo止戈问墨Eastern Fantasy1.4M WordsCompleted Atop Lock Dragon Peak, snow falls without a sound. Xiao Jianqiu, the “Lone Shadow Sword Immortal,” is invincible beneath heaven with his gleaming blade. He watches the clouds drift by, seeking nothing more than freedom and ease. The martial world? Just a place where grudges are settled and swords do the talking. In Jinling, behind the deep walls of the imperial palace, Princess Zhaoyang Zhao Jin is born to privilege, yet finds the palace walls too high and her life too stifling. The court? Nothi 2.2kReads—Score190Shelves
10. 110 伏 Ambush 伏杀 Mo Bai1莫白1Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Original title: Ambush] Beneath the awe-inspiring might of Heaven, all living beings are mere ants. And yet he dares, with the strength of an insect, to turn the world upside down. For family, for friends, for the burning hatred in his heart, for the nightmares that haunt him year after year, for justice, and for fairness. This story is set in an imaginary world and has no connection to actual history. Everything in it is fictional. Any similarities are purely coincidental. 14kReads8.3Score890Shelves

    Reader note

    Tired of the same old feel-good novels? I recommend this political intrigue story. It has no time travel elements, and the various factions are constantly checking and balancing each other. The characters are well-developed and three-dimensional.

11. 111 尘 The Dustblade Guards the Palace 尘锋镇阙 Awareness觉性Martial Arts658k WordsOngoing The protagonist is both righteous and wicked, neither wholly good nor evil, and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals! He takes revenge on the spot. If he can’t get even right away, he’ll find a way to do it later. No saintly do-gooder, no brainless characters! Rescuing a gravely wounded noble on a snowy night draws him into the martial world, the power struggles at court, and the conflict between good and evil, as he investigates the secrets of the Imperial Bones. Welcome, new and longtime 3.1kReads6.0Score188Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended, recommended

12. 112 北 A Peking University Master's Imperial Exam: Shocking the Entire Court 北大硕士科举：震惊满朝文武 Ah Zhen Fell for A Qiang啊珍爱上了阿强Historical1.5M WordsOngoing In his previous life, Lin Yanqiu was a star student in Peking University’s history department. Then, overnight, he transmigrated into the Great Jing dynasty as a poor scholar who had failed the imperial examinations three times. His betrothal to the late county magistrate’s daughter had become the laughingstock of the entire village. On the eve of the examinations, the matriarch of the Cui family came personally to his dilapidated hut. Instead of breaking off the engagement, she insisted on hono 181.2kReads8.5Score22.6kShelves
13. 113 我 In the Celestial Prison, Immortal and Undying 我在天牢，长生不死 Jie Jie戒界Eastern Fantasy4.4M WordsOngoing [No System + invincible + wish-fulfillment novel + no female lead + fantasy] After Chen Guanlou obtains immortality, he secures a stable job as a prison guard in the imperial prison and begins spending his days slacking off at work. Throughout the long years, he watches them build towering mansions, then watches those mansions collapse. He watches them ascend to the imperial court today, only to become prisoners beneath the steps tomorrow. He watches their families enjoy wealth and honor, then w 316.1kReads8.7Score14.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Having 800 schemes was a piece of cake for him. The key was the protagonist's personality: he wasn't pretentious or cool, he was very pragmatic, and most importantly, he clearly distinguished between right and wrong.

14. 114 暗 The Shadow War Between the Eastern Jin and the Sixteen Kingdoms 暗战之东晋与十六国 The Serpent's Ritual in the Americas美洲的祭礼之蛇Ancient Romance1.7M WordsOngoing The title may not sound very much like a Tomato Novel, but the story is great. A descendant of the reborn Zhuge Liang marries a future female agent, a descendant of Sima Yi who has transmigrated into a woman with the same name? One of them goes undercover in Former Qin, while the other hunts spies in the Eastern Jin? And they have a female partner who transmigrated along with her body and disguises herself as a man to get things done? A villainess even brainwashes Xie Daoyun, the talented woman 23Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A spies who travel back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, a reborn descendant of Zhuge Liang, marries a descendant of Sima Yi whose soul has also transmigrated, and has a good partner disguised as a man.

15. 115 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

    I came here because of his popularity 🔥🔥, and he is here to save this dynasty from the brink of collapse. The protagonist is shameless and intelligent, and I will start this golden age with the Empress!

16. 116 开 Stealing a Chicken from the Start: My Scheme-Rating System 开局偷鸡，我有诡谋评分系统 Peerless Blade Edge不二刀锋Historical246k WordsCompleted [High Martial] [Schemes and Power Plays] [Funny and Lighthearted] [High IQ] [Scoring System] Chu Wen, a PhD who studies military strategy, accidentally transmigrates into the body of a poor scholar who has starved to death. To survive, he goes to steal a chicken, and unexpectedly binds himself to the Cunning Schemes Scoring System. From then on, the System coerces him: only by constantly using plots and schemes to earn Cunning Scheme Points can he ensure that points are added to his Life Score. 30Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A power struggle in the martial arts world, coupled with a system where you can't succeed without plotting against everyone—that's quite interesting.

17. 117 综 Wuxia Crossover: The Jade Prince Jiang Feng 综武：玉郎江枫 Melody of the Night夜的旋律Male-Channel Fanfiction1.7M WordsCompleted A modern soul transmigrates into a world where martial arts realms collide after an accident, taking over the body of the dashing Jiang Feng and inheriting everything that was his. He also gains a quest System: completing its missions earns him rewards, and even missions completed by other people count toward his own progress. With such a powerful cheat at his side, Jiang Feng sets out to live a carefree, unrestrained life in this world of mixed martial arts! 25.6kReads8.1Score1.6kShelves
18. 118 牢 The Fierce Soldier of the Prison Camp 牢军营悍卒 Snow on the Blade刀锋雪Historical1.3M WordsOngoing The animated short drama is now streaming. Search for "Iron Bars, Fierce Prisoners, and a Fight to Rule the World" on Hongguo and watch with confidence. [Blood-Pumping War God] [Power Plays and Ambition] [Warm-Hearted Man] [Rise from the Grassroots] [Multiple Heroines] Jiang Fan, a Special Forces king from the Dragon Kingdom, transmigrates into the body of a heavily punished border prisoner in the Great Jiang Dynasty. He forges a new identity, seizes power, and trains soldiers, surviving amid th 11.6kReads8.8Score1kShelves
19. 119 穿 Transmigrating to the Tang Dynasty as a Carefree Prince 穿越大唐之逍遥王爷 Potential Ding Ding潜力丁丁Historical1.5M WordsCompleted Carefree in the East I transmigrated into another world. I have a whole body of cultivation, yet I'm a total weakling in a fight. My only move is to "take my enemies down with me." I have a System, sure, but it isn't much use. I kept my head down for ten years! Now it's finally my turn to shine! Li Er? He's my brother! His home is my home. His daughter is my daughter. His wife... is my sister-in-law! If my brother is in trouble, I'll have the kids help you out. Seize the throne, crush the foreig 740Reads6.5Score—Shelves
20. 120 凤 The Phoenix Strategy 凤策 Fifteenth of the Tenth Month拾月十五Historical597k WordsCompleted The Kunlun divine veins hold the Six Kingdoms in check, while the rules of the Divine Palace conceal deadly traps. A researcher of ancient civilizations transmigrates as Zhao Yan, a dissolute prince. With the phoenix as his wings and strategy as his blade, he rises against all odds to the throne and rules the world. 96Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The high-IQ showdown was seamless throughout the whole process, and the logic control player went crazy banging the table after watching it. What's even more amazing is that every beautiful character has an online IQ and a charming personality. Who can refuse this configuration? [Naughty]

21. 121 玄 Xuanhuan: I Really Don't Want to Get Stronger 玄幻：本王真的不想变强 The Real Little Pea小豌豆本尊Eastern Fantasy1.4M WordsCompleted [Fantasy Wish Fulfillment] Zhao Chong accidentally transmigrates to another world, where martial artists rule. But he discovers that he has no martial meridians. Fortunately, he has a System. To stay alive, he starts constantly cultivating Martial Sages. One hundred Martial Sages aren't enough to keep him safe. Two hundred Martial Sages still aren't enough. Ten thousand Martial Sages. Now he finally feels somewhat safe, though by then the entire Jiuxuan Continent is trembling beneath his fee 12.3kReads8.2Score768Shelves
22. 122 一 One Sword to Slay the Fairer Sex 一剑斩红粉 Fifteenth of the Tenth Month拾月十五Urban552k WordsCompleted [Urban Martial Arts]+ [Traditional Cultivation]+ [Multiple Heroines] Lin Che, young master of an ancient martial arts family in the city, was framed and killed in his previous life while enjoying himself beneath the peonies. His lover, a minor internet celebrity close to him, had joined forces with his family's sworn enemy to set him up. His path to being reborn is also a path to rising to power… 369Reads8.5Score—Shelves
23. 123 系EN Immortality System: I Outlived Everyone 系统赋我长生，我熬死了所有人 One Durian No. 3一只榴莲3号Eastern Fantasy5.6M WordsOngoing Observing the love and hatred of cultivators across the river of time from a perspective beyond life itself. He left a modest little town and entered the wondrous world of cultivation. His journey sped up and slowed down, moving forward or stopping to rest, but he never stopped walking. The Age of Declining Dharma, the Age of Emperors, the Age of Dark Turmoil… He appeared in every age, and the only thing he could do was watch old friends die with his own eyes, then see them off to their grave 575.4kReads9.4Score59.5kShelves
24. 124 红 A Beauty’s Scheme for the Realm 红颜谋天下 Fifteenth of the Tenth Month拾月十五Eastern Fantasy148k WordsCompleted [Mystery]+ [Multiple Heroines]+ [No Transmigration]+ [No Golden Finger]+ [Alternate Fantasy World]+ [If It's Not Your Thing, Please Don't Complain] An imperial edict of marriage sends the icy, beautiful female general Murong Xue storming into the residence with a sword. Turmoil erupts in the Song household's rear court, while strange butterfly shadows from the Xuanming Cult appear, concealing a shocking conspiracy that could overturn the world. As one beauty after another gets drawn into the gam 63Reads—Score—Shelves
25. 125 天EN From Death Row to a King’s Equal: Slashing My Way Out of a Nightmare Start 天崩开局，从死囚营砍到并肩王 Big Monk o大和尚oHistorical5.2M WordsOngoing [Reborn + invincible + ruthless + the ultimate path] Li Dao is reborn in the Great Qian Dynasty as a third-rank earl. During a palace banquet, he accidentally gets drunk and stumbles into a palace. Just then, his memories of his previous life return, and between the memory confusion and the alcohol, he ruins the virtue of the palace's mistress. In a rage, the emperor sends Li Dao to a death-row camp on the frontier, hoping he'll die beyond the border. Instead, he unexpectedly awakens a “gain sta 154.9kReads9.0Score14.3kShelves
26. 126 从 An Empire Born in a Frontier City 从边城走出的帝国 Caterpillar to Butterfly虫蜕蝶Historical231k WordsOngoing (A note: This is an alternate-history novel featuring political intrigue, the martial world, warfare, and deduction. It's exceptionally brain-teasing. You will never guess the ending until you reach it, so please be patient and savor the story.) The Black-and-White Academy is made up of seven schools: Military Strategy, Mohism, Confucianism, Daoism, Diplomacy, Legalism, and Agriculture. It is said to have been established more than three hundred years ago. It never takes part in worldly affairs, 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book combines political intrigue, martial arts world, and imperial court. The entire text is meticulously logical, with the protagonist personally entering the game, using the dark side as a prelude, and laying the groundwork for decades. You'll never guess the ending until the very end.

27. 127 春 A Spring Dream Takes Me to Ancient Times: I Become a Workaholic in Dayin 春梦穿古我在大胤当卷王 Fifteenth of the Tenth Month拾月十五Historical147k WordsCompleted [Mystery]+ [Multiple Heroines]+ [Transmigration]+ [Golden Finger]+ [Alternate Fantasy World]+ [If It's Not Your Thing, Please Don't Complain] Just because he begged his goddess for a hug in a romantic dream, Lu Xiaochuan was kicked straight into a river in the Great Yin dynasty, launching his mortifying Transmigration adventure! The moment he climbs ashore, he's branded a suspect in the Witchcraft Cult case. He lets slip what he said in his sleep, then reveals the secret that he once saw a celes 45Reads—Score—Shelves
28. 128 武 Martial World, Don't Bully Me: I Have a Demon Blade 武侠，休要欺负我，我有一把魔刀 Huang Xiaozhao0黄小招0Martial Arts203k WordsOngoing The martial world was never a place for settling scores with satisfying vengeance. It was a place filled with deceit, coldness, and hurt... Yan Xiaoxiang watched his family home destroyed and his loved ones die with his own eyes. His young heart was burdened with the pain of the world. A demonic blade fell into his hands. It could kill, and it could ensnare the mind... In the end, he chose to kill! 1.6kReads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is worth reading.

29. 129 北 Beiliang: The Prince of Another Surname Who Crawled Out of a Pile of Corpses 北凉：从死人堆里爬出的异姓王 Temple Hall Iron Egg庙堂铁蛋Historical706k WordsCompleted “The Great Qian is sick. If I can’t serve as a loyal minister and cure it, then I’ll rebel and find another way to live.” Jiang Ding, a bestselling web novelist in his previous life, is reborn in the death-row camp of Great Qian. He only wants to become a wealthy landowner and scrape by through the chaos. That is, until the year heavy snow falls on the northern frontier and the court cuts off food supplies. Li Muzhi, the Northern Frontier General whom he regards as an elder brother, goes gray wi 11.3kReads8.3Score598Shelves

    Reader note

    The mad strategist, the white-haired general, and the poisonous strategist of Northern Liang overturned the chaotic world of the Great Qian Dynasty.

30. 130 雪 Intrepid Blade’s Path in the Snow 雪中悍刀行 The Warlord Who Played with Princes烽火戏诸侯Eastern Fantasy4.5M WordsCompleted The jianghu is a beaded curtain. Great and small figures are its beads; great and small stories, the strings that bind them. And loyalty and affection are the spirit that gives those beads their luster. The story is drawing to a close. The final chapter will end with those words: “Waiter, bring us some wine.” 11.5kReads9.7Score603Shelves

    Reader note

    Of these three, "The Snowy Path of the Sword" needs no introduction, and the other two are highly rated and very enjoyable, especially the first one, which I really loved.

31. 131 第 First Rate! 第一流！ Zhong Jiuling钟九陵Eastern Fantasy3.0M WordsCompleted [No female lead, no formulaic tropes, not a power fantasy. Excellent writing and a first-rate plot. If that’s not your thing, don’t read.] Year thirty-one of the New Era. Snow fell in the bitter cold of winter. Many things happened that year. The Divine Church gained a new Divine Son, the Buddhist faith saw thirty-six golden lotuses bloom, and a madman emerged from a crumbling Taoist temple. The North Sea churned, threatening to swallow heaven and earth. A tiny blade of grass grew in the De 40.1kReads8.5Score3.5kShelves

    Reader note

    These are a few pretty good books; you can check them out if you're looking for something to read.

32. 132 临 Lin'an, Gaze North 临安北顾 Lu Qiao芦樵Ancient Romance864k WordsOngoing (All chapters are complete. The novel is currently being revised, so it may appear to have stopped updating.) (Feedback and suggestions are welcome.) [Set in the mid-to-late Southern Song dynasty + ensemble cast of young characters + central couple’s push and pull + a touch of wuxia + long timeline] The emperor’s adopted son x daughter of a military family // Some background and plot elements are based on historical figures (no transmigration + no rebirth + no golden finger + plenty of heartbrea 5Reads6.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    All of these elements are present!

33. 133 布 The Commoner Chancellor, Xia Ren 布衣宰相虾仁 Floating Life Returns to the Void浮生归墟Historical920k WordsOngoing After a sudden car accident, Xia Ren, a double PhD in history and literature, transmigrated as a dying seven-year-old peasant child in the Great Jing Dynasty, a realm never recorded in history. His family had nothing, but that couldn't diminish the knowledge and experience he had accumulated over two lifetimes. His memories of poring over ancient texts in his previous life remained crystal clear. The classics, historical records, institutions, and lessons of dynastic rise and decline were all at 324Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Jianghu (martial arts world), imperial examinations, the imperial court, power struggles, and alternate history—this book has it all. Xia Ren, a double PhD in history and literature, after a sudden car accident, finds his soul transported to the Great Jing Dynasty, a dynasty never before recorded in history. He is reborn as a seven-year-old child on the verge of death in a peasant family. His impoverished circumstances cannot diminish the knowledge and experience accumulated over his two lifetimes. His memories of his previous life's deep study of classical texts are as clear as yesterday; he possesses a profound understanding of history, philosophy, literature, institutions, and the principles of governance, chaos, rise, and fall. From a child studying by lamplight to a promising scholar, he overcomes numerous obstacles on the path of the imperial examinations with his vision and talent far beyond his time. He excels in the provincial examinations, gains fame in the metropolitan examinations, and astounds the emperor in the palace examinations. Entering the imperial court as a commoner, he witnesses the treacherous nature of officialdom and the undercurrents of factional strife. Beset by treacherous officials within and threatened by border troubles without, he must contend with both open and covert attacks while simultaneously fulfilling his aspirations to govern and benefit the people. He promoted agriculture and sericulture, benefited industry and commerce, rectified officialdom, and brought peace to the four borders... Step by step, he rose from a poor scholar to the position of prime minister, writing a legend of "shrimp" and leaving a strong mark on the history books of the Great Jing Dynasty for this unexpected soul.

34. 134 大 Great Xia: I Became a Constable and Founded a Dynasty 大夏：我，捕快，建朝称帝 Yuzhu Pavilion玉竹轩Historical2.2M WordsCompleted (No System + Political Intrigue + Iron-Fisted Conquest + Mount & Blade + Faction Building + Traditional Alternate History) He transmigrates into the body of a low-ranking constable in a county town of the Great Xia dynasty. Starting from humble beginnings as a constable, he builds an army and expands his power. Amid the clash of swords and the thunder of warhorses, he earns distinction and rises through the ranks, advancing one careful step at a time. In the end, he carves out territory, claims 12.4kReads8.6Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    📚 *The Rise of a Poor Scholar to Emperor: From Constable to Power* – A modern-day office worker is electrocuted and transmigrates to ancient times, becoming a "simpleton"? This underdog story is incredibly captivating! The beginning is hellish! Lin Xiao, a modern-day tech guy, gets electrocuted while repairing a computer, turning him into a "human Pikachu." He wakes up naked on a large bed in a mansion, with a beautiful stranger sleeping next to him – this transmigration package is just too outrageous! 😂 While others transmigrate with cheat codes, the protagonist Lin Xiao starts with only a "simpleton" persona: watch how he uses his superhuman strength to forge a path to heaven in a chaotic world. 🔥 Highlights: ✔️ High-energy plot twists: the seemingly simpleton is actually a wolf in sheep's clothing. ✔️ Career and love both flourish: from constable to powerful official – when modern technology collides with feudal bureaucracy, this underdog's rise to power is something I'm definitely watching! PS: The girl on the bed is even more mysterious; investing in this story is definitely worthwhile!

35. 135 穿 Transmigrating to Great Qian as a Prince 穿越大乾当王爷 Wang Dongdong, a Late Bloomer大器晚成的王冬冬Historical627k WordsCompleted A worthless man from the twenty-first century transmigrates to the Great Qian Dynasty and tries his best to keep his head down. Instead, he is first made the Great Qian’s first non-imperial prince. Afraid the emperor will grow suspicious, he tries even harder to stay under the radar, only to gradually become the Great Qian’s richest man, the first prince to serve as a grand secretary in its Grand Secretariat, a pillar protecting the realm, and a minister entrusted with the emperor’s heir. He say 125Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It must be arranged, but this is not an exaggeration. Subjects are easily manipulated by the monarch, and in the end, the monarch always wins.

36. 136 诡 Chang'an: The Strange Art of Appraisal 诡鉴长安 The Sun's on Fire太阳着火啦Mystery896k WordsCompleted On a night in Chang’an, blood spatters the streets. I open my eyes and find myself a secret agent of the Tianbao era. The file on my desk is still wet with ink. It reads, “The Crown Prince died suddenly.” The jade token in my sleeve is growing warm. These are the memories of a modern-day criminal investigator, and the “foresight eye” of this body. They altered the history books and wiped out my entire family. Now they want to record the Crown Prince’s death as an “illness”? The darker the night 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    History, court politics, power struggles—it has everything you could want.

37. 137 中 Two Thousand Years of Chinese History 中华二千年史 Deng Zhicheng邓之诚Historical1.4M WordsCompleted A History of China Through Two Thousand Years was first published in 1934 as one of the University Series, then republished by Zhonghua Book Company in 1956. Written by Deng Zhicheng, it primarily recounts Chinese history from the Qin and Han periods through the Ming and Qing dynasties, while also presenting the author’s historical thought and commentary. 88Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The pinnacle of historical intrigue

38. 138 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

    It's a bit of a wish-fulfillment story at the beginning, but it gets really good later on.

39. 139 慈 The Tale of Empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧太后演义 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical226k WordsCompleted This book offers a detailed account of Cixi’s life, from her birth and entry into the imperial palace to her rule from behind the curtain, her decades wielding power over the Qing dynasty, and her death. It is not only literary and highly readable, but also of some value as a reference for historical research. 12Reads9.4Score—Shelves
40. 140 黑 The Underworld's Turbulent Road 黑道风云江湖路 Old Jianghu Number Six江湖老六Urban4.9M WordsOngoing What is the Dao? It does not arise because of one person's goodness, nor perish because of one person's evil. Good and evil are determined by people; rise and fall are determined by fate. The people of the world think they are fighting for money, power, or pride. Only in the end do they understand that they were fighting for nothing but illusion. The Dao knows no black or white. All living beings are within the game. (Note: This book is extremely realistic and even somewhat oppressive. Re 137.5kReads9.2Score9.5kShelves

    Reader note

    A migrant worker, seeking revenge for his sister's death, slaughters all the city's powerful figures in one night! Yang Ming: "The lives of the rich are lives, but my sister's life isn't?!" Yang Ming: "I don't ask for anything, I only ask for justice!" [This story is purely fictional; any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental.] Read the main text.

41. 141 大 Great Tang: Li Shimin Begs Me to Start a Rebellion 大唐：李世民求我造反 Joy Throughout the Land天下乐Historical3.1M WordsCompleted Li Ke transmigrates to the Zhenguan era of the Tang dynasty. He plans to use his skills as a motivational speaker to brainwash a loyal crew and keep his head down as an unremarkable prince. But eight years after transmigrating, he discovers that he brought along an entire national strategic reserve warehouse. So Li Ke throws caution to the wind. If he’s going to be a prince, he might as well be one who fears nothing and lives as freely as he pleases! First, he starts a newspaper to build his rep 157.2kReads9.5Score16.9kShelves

    Reader note

    The combination of "Jianghu × Imperial Court × Political Intrigue × Alternate History" is perfect!! [Crying] ☆The first book is incredibly good. Returning with an armory is so satisfying. Slowly building up your own power, the protagonist is intelligent and not a saint. If you don't like it, please scold me!☆The second book is one of the better ones in the series. Building power in a fiefdom, the male lead isn't a saint, and it gets better the more you read. The third book has a male lead who thwarts the enemy's schemes right from the start. He's intelligent and uses his advantages to become powerful.☆The fourth book starts with him enjoying the company of a beautiful woman, but circumstances prevent him from doing so, so he has to become stronger. Xi Yao's recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

42. 142 明 Tales of the Sixteen Reigns of the Ming Court 明宫十六朝演义 Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical751k WordsCompleted The Romance of the Sixteen Reigns of the Ming Court delves into the imperial palace, recounting the love and enmity between emperors and their consorts, while ranging widely across history to survey the twists and turns of feudal dynasties. Understand this series, and you will understand the court; understand the court, and you will understand history; understand history, and the realities of the world will become clear to you. 72Reads9.4Score—Shelves
43. 143 无 The Invincible Crown Prince 无敌皇太子 Namo Ya南無呀Historical2.5M WordsCompleted Adapted into the short drama Invincible Crown Prince, premiering November 20 at 9:00. Available to reserve now! Reborn as a disgraced crown prince, he acts outrageously every step of the way. He punches the chief ministers and kicks the general guarding the nation. The entire court is soon cowed into submission, while the princess of an enemy nation gives him flirtatious looks. Eunuch: “Your Highness, get out of that lover's embrace and come to court!” 3.7kReads8.6Score582Shelves
44. 144 鼠 You Rats Dare to Plot Against Me! 鼠辈，竟敢暗害我！ Pumpkin and Millet Congee南瓜小米粥Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted [High Martial]+ [System]+ [Lighthearted comedy]+ [Relaxed, slow-paced]+ [One female lead]+ [A touch of ensemble cast] He transmigrates to a world where martial artists can split mountains and shatter rocks, sorcerers can summon wind and rain, and demons and monsters run rampant. Ji Huo has kept his head down for years and finally raised a whole gang of underlings, turning every one of them into a talented killer and arsonist. Just as he’s thinking about unifying the underworld... “Master Ji, you 26.1kReads8.1Score2.8kShelves

    Reader note

    A martial arts novel, completed but very good.

45. 145 武 The Martial World Has Been Peaceful Too Long, So I Came with Twin Blades 武林平静太久，我持双刀而来 Xia Dong, Who Loves Pearl Rice Balls爱吃珍珠汤圆的夏东Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted (No System, one heroine, not brainless, humorous style) Also known as Double Blades Six years ago, a swordsman appeared out of nowhere and swept through the martial world with a single blade. His final strike cleaved the signboard of Heavenly Sword Manor in two. At just nineteen, he challenged Baili Chengfeng, the manor's master, for the title of the greatest under heaven. No outcome was ever announced, but the swordsman vanished from the martial world soon afterward. The martial world buzzed wi 293Reads5.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Brothers, this is worth watching. It's a tale of martial arts and imperial court, with the male lead being the best in the world.

46. 146 历 The Complete Collection of Courtly Tales Through the Ages 历代宫廷演义全集 Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical2.0M WordsCompleted Xu Xiaotian brings the secret histories of the Ming, Qing, and Tang courts to life in the style of a novel: the bloodshed of the Nine Princes’ struggle for the throne, Wu Zetian’s political schemes, and the tragic final days of the Chongzhen Emperor... The book has the solid historical foundations of a meticulously researched account, enlivened with the colorful flesh and blood of historical fiction. More vivid than official histories, yet more rigorous than tales of the past, it is an ancient v 131Reads9.5Score—Shelves
47. 147 游 Game Invasion: I Became Emperor Before the Players Transmigrated 游戏入侵：我称帝了玩家才穿越 Xiao Chu Still Hasn't Slept潇楚还没睡Eastern Fantasy3.9M WordsOngoing [Transmigrating ahead of time + political scheming + dynastic power struggles + succubus + worlds merging] This book is also known as [I, the Empress's Fiancé, the Strongest Villain Behind the Scenes]. After waking up, Xia Chen finds himself logged into the mysterious game from his previous life ahead of schedule, starting out as the legitimate son of the Marquis of Zhendong. What? I have a younger brother named Xia Hao, who seems to have a mysterious bone inside him? It looks just like the lege 467kReads9.1Score47.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These three books are highly recommended for their exploration of martial arts, court intrigue, and political maneuvering.

48. 148 春 Spring and Autumn Pavilion 春秋阁 Pine Pavilion松阁Eastern Fantasy271k WordsOngoing [Traditional xianxia] [One heroine] [The martial world and the imperial court] [Ensemble cast] [Sword cultivators] Beyond the martial world and the imperial court lies a little-known power called the Spring and Autumn Pavilion. Its master, Chen Zipao, is peerlessly charismatic yet little known to the world. From the shadows, he commands intelligence and decides who lives and dies. What no one knows is that there is another person behind the Spring and Autumn Pavilion, its true master. A young sw 82Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Without further ado, here's the book 😏

49. 149 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

    Reader note

    Try this one, the pinnacle of historical political intrigue novels.

50. 150 侠 The Hero on the Left, the Sword on the Right 侠左，剑右 Carefree Junior Uncle逍遥小师叔Eastern Fantasy5.7M WordsOngoing [Passion, strategy, and chivalry] In Great Chu, there was a town called Shili. Shili Town had a cripple named Lu Tianming. Since he pushed a little cart around the streets every day, writing letters home for people, the townsfolk liked to call him Scholar. One day, the top fighter in Shili Town died. Scholar reported it to the authorities, only to get caught up in a power struggle with undercurrents running deep. After that, a Sword God appeared in Shili Town. No one knew who he was. They only k 37.5kReads8.8Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good, you can't stop watching!

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