An Alternate-History Imperial Exam and Political Intrigue Novel With a Protagonist Who Isn't From a Poor Family 主角非寒门，科举、权谋，架空历史文。

1. 101 奴 Slave Overlord 奴枭 Lone Wild Goose Flying South南飞的孤雁Historical686k WordsCompleted A special forces captain with a superhuman brain died in an explosion while defusing a bomb during a peacekeeping mission. His soul ended up in an ancient aristocratic family, where he became a hereditary household slave, destined to serve the family for generations. He had no right to study for the imperial examinations, no right to practice martial arts or join the army, and no freedom. Even his life and death rested on another person's whim. What good was a superhuman brain? What good were a 6.9kReads8.9Score73114d adds

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   [Top Post] Power Struggle Recommendation! [Seeking Attention] Follow A Yao's books and you'll never be short of reading material! The first book is about a special forces soldier who travels to an ancient dynasty and uses his knowledge to change the past. The story is novel, the writing is fast-paced and realistic, definitely worth reading! The second book is about a hoodlum who travels to ancient times. He doesn't have any cheat codes, he relies entirely on himself. I think it's also very good. The third book needs no introduction. It's about a poor family rising to the top and finally standing at the pinnacle. Highly recommended!

2. 102 从 Starting as a Foot Soldier 从小兵开始 Li Xiangxiang李想想Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Qiao Lie, a young thug who spent every day brawling, got hit on the head with a brick. When he came to, he discovered that he had become a foot soldier on a battlefield. In a dynasty that had never existed in history, the uneducated Qiao Lie begins as a lowly soldier and embarks on a carefree, colorful life in ancient times... 12.2kReads8.9Score2k14d adds
3. 103 寒 The Commoner Who Became Chief Minister 寒门首辅 Nangong Chenchen南宫沉沉Historical1.5M WordsCompleted When Gu Changliu wakes up, he has become a country scholar. He has no grand ambitions: he just wants to pass the provincial examination, become a minor official, put down roots, and spend his life in harmony with the woman he loves. But the officialdom is no easy place to get by. He had hoped to be a lazy nobody, but the political infighting leaves him no choice but to press forward with all his might. If he can't be a carefree salted fish, then he will take flight like a great roc, rising ninet 3.1kReads8.6Score21514d adds
4. 104 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 18.7kReads7.8Score1.7k14d adds

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   Politics, court intrigue, martial arts world—high-IQ historical fiction—these are two highly recommended works by @2023. The only downside is that the beginning is slow-paced, but packed with foreshadowing. After a million words, looking back, you realize everything the author has planted is a setup, making it incredibly addictive. ① The protagonist, Ling Bufan, unexpectedly travels back to the Great Qian Dynasty. While seemingly unrelated, this is actually a preordained arrangement. High-IQ, multiple female leads, business battles, court intrigue—rich in elements. Highly recommended!

5. 105 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 7.7kReads8.2Score67914d adds
6. 106 科 The Chosen One of an Imperial Exam Novel 科举文里的天之骄子 Years of Rivers and Mountains江山岁月Ancient Romance238k WordsOngoing [New novel! The rating is low for now, so read the bonus chapters first] [Serious historical drama + woman transmigrates into a man + everyone’s darling + no romance + Mary Sue + imperial examinations + household intrigue + struggle for the throne + unifying the realm] [Note: This is a romance story with no CP. The protagonist, Jin Yu (Sun Wei), is a woman transmigrated into a man, adored by everyone, and, so to speak, incapable of falling in love with anyone. It’s perfectly normal for male and 16Reads7.2Score—14d adds

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   Here they come! Check out these! (◍•ᴗ•◍) First book: The female protagonist is transmigrated into a book by a tycoon and becomes the "granddaughter" of a powerful family. She becomes a disciple of a famous master at the age of three (a prestigious family), is wealthy and influential, and is naturally intelligent, becoming a top scholar in the imperial examinations. 😍 Second book: The protagonist transmigrates into a book with extraordinary abilities. He is born with unusual abilities, is loved by his family, and is the son of a county magistrate. He has many friends, is full of ambition, and ultimately achieves lasting fame. 😃

7. 107 惹 Offending the Imperial Daughter 惹金枝 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Film and television rights have been sold. The physical book will be available for preorder on July 10 at 19:00.) Shi Buyu was born smiling. At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing a row of outbuildings in the Shi family compound. Days of torrential rain brought devastating floods and countless victims. Rumors soon spread through the capital that she was a disaster star sent into the world. But she was as precocious as a demon, with a photographic memory, and learned bo 254.1kReads9.7Score29.8k14d adds

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   The male protagonist enters officialdom through the imperial examination, establishing himself as a patriot dedicated to the country and its people. In reality, he is the posthumous son of the late emperor, sent to restore order. The female protagonist is the apprentice of the imperial advisor, a high-ranking strategist, sent by the advisor to help the male protagonist rise to a high position without bloodshed.

8. 108 权 The Alluring Powerful Minister 权臣妖娆 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance960k WordsCompleted Also known as The Female Top Scorer and The Female Imperial Tutor. He was a celebrated, charmingly elegant top scorer, showered with every favor under the heavens. Only after the Du family was destroyed and he hanged himself in prison did the world learn that “he” was a woman! After her father's death, the family's good name was ruined. Dozens of loyal servants starved to death. The beautiful women of the household were either made into servants or reduced to playthings for officials. Reborn, Du 3.3kReads9.1Score43514d adds

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   This is truly a great book whose title doesn't do it justice; it only covers political intrigue and a fictional setting. The storyline is smooth, the logic is sound, and it has a strong sense of national and familial sentiment, especially the well-developed characters! However, there's no romantic pairing in this story!

9. 109 重 Reborn, I Study for the Imperial Exams in Another World 重生后，我在异世界读书科举 Lan Xiaoyi蓝小一Historical2.8M WordsCompleted (Transmigration) + (farming) + (daily life) + (imperial examinations) (no System) + (court politics) Chen Chuyi was reborn into a poor family in Beishui Village, carrying the memories of his past life. At first, he only wanted to earn a little money to improve his family's life. But in this unfamiliar ancient world, he was always afraid someone would take his family's money and eat their food. In the end, he embarked on the path of study and the imperial examinations. He knew that only by changi 6.7kReads8.3Score52814d adds

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   While others transmigrate to fight monsters and level up, I transmigrate to bury myself in studying for the imperial examinations—an unconventional transmigration novel. The protagonist has no cheat codes, no superpowers, only a heart that refuses to be ordinary. Watch as he gains a foothold in the complex officialdom and becomes a wise and virtuous minister!

10. 110 北 Scheming for Power in Northern Wei: This Xuande Is Too Powerful 北魏谋国：这个玄德太强了 Dudu Who Lives on the Moon住在月亮上的嘟嘟Historical3.2M WordsCompleted (An alternate-history story, not based on official history) Liu Jing transmigrates to the city of Sishi in Northern Wei during its final years. There he unexpectedly meets the teenage Yang Zhong, still a farmer, and the rich young heir Gao Aocao. Thanks to the Liu family’s ancestral secret art, he successfully fools the two brothers into swearing brotherhood over chicken in a field of chrysanthemums. History would call them the “Three Chrysanthemum Brothers.” Later, Liu Jing becomes Er Zhu Rong’ 3.6kReads7.3Score23114d adds

    Reader note

    Good articles on the history of the Northern and Southern Dynasties

11. 111 家 The Servant's Rise to Success 家丁升职记 Yearning for Freedom意欲逍遥Historical1.6M WordsOngoing Huang Hao transmigrates to another world. He does everything a transmigrator is supposed to do, and even things he isn't supposed to do. Yet after devoting his entire life to fulfilling his duties as a "transmigrator," he suddenly discovers that he's nothing more than a pawn… This book combines comedy, face-slapping, plagiarism, suspense, political intrigue, and sweet romance. It's packed with thrills from beginning to end, and the author's proudest achievement is its original worldbuilding 137Reads—Score414d adds

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    They are the elite themselves

12. 112 穿 I Transmigrated into a Commoner's Life, and My Wife Tried to Hang Herself from the Start 穿越当庶民，开局妻子就要上吊 Burning Like Embers如余烬燃Historical166k WordsOngoing [Transmigrate + build wealth + raise a child + rise from adversity] Shen Yan is a full-time web-novel author in the modern era, updating five books a day. His readers curse him until he drops dead on the spot. When he opens his eyes, he's become the son of a disgraced official, demoted to commoner status in the Great Zhao Kingdom. Less than two days after waking up, he catches his wife, Song Wanqing, trying to hang herself. The dilapidated house leaks wind, the rice jar is empty, and he doesn't 63Reads—Score10914d adds

    Reader note

    If you don't like it, come and hit me.

13. 113 我 My Father Is the Emperor Who Begs at the Gate 我老爹是叫门皇帝 Bald Li San光头李三Historical2.2M WordsCompleted In the fourteenth year of the Zhengtong reign, my father, Zhu Qizhen, personally led an expedition beyond the borders, hoping to spread the might of the Great Ming far and wide. He never expected it to be like sending meat buns to a dog: he went out and never came back, becoming the Emperor Who Knocked at the Gates. Once he was no longer useful, they sent him back to the capital and confined him in the Southern Palace. Now Father is knocking at the gates again. Zhu Jianshen, who had been countin 53.4kReads8.8Score3.8k14d adds

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    Eligible, Emperor

14. 114 大 Ming Dynasty Imperial Exams: From the Start, I Became the Father of Five Children 大明科举，开局成了五个孩子的爹 Little Zhang Under the Night Lamp夜灯下的小张Historical393k WordsCompleted (Farming + daily life in ancient times + imperial examinations) A reassuring read. Shen Lin'an inexplicably finds himself reborn in ancient times in the body of a widower, with four sons and a daughter to care for, as well as a mother in her fifties. The original owner was a scholar, but he had never even earned the title of licentiate. He was too weak to shoulder a load or lift a hand, knew nothing of farming, and spent every day in drunken stupors, letting the years slip by. Let's see how Shen 2.2kReads7.0Score16114d adds

    Reader note

    This book is so good, I stayed up all night reading it.

15. 115 夫 Husband! We Can't Just Mass-Produce Babies! 夫君！生娃这种事不能靠走量啊 Master Guoba锅巴大师Historical469k WordsCompleted One heroine + sweet romance + everyday life + palace intrigue + scheming The princess is poisonous! And stinks! No problem, as long as she can have my babies. The crown prince has been sidelined, the empress dowager wants to plunge the court into chaos, and the emperor is waiting for a laugh! No problem, just don't interrupt me while I'm making babies! The emperor has gone missing... No problem, I'll go find him so he doesn't interrupt me while I'm making babies! The northern army is attacking! 151Reads5.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Although it's a book about having a baby, although it's a bit humorous, although it's a sweet and a bit angsty love story, although, well, that's about it, it's a very enjoyable book to read!

16. 116 我 I Became a Chancellor at Eighteen 我从十八当相爷 Grand Viceroy of Mount Heng南岳大都督Historical1.1M WordsCompleted No System + No Power Fantasy + Historical Farming + Governing an Ancient State Gunpowder, the compass, and printing: the three great inventions that heralded the arrival of capitalist society. Gunpowder blew the knightly class to pieces, the compass opened up world markets and established colonies, while printing became a tool of Protestantism. Overall, these inventions became a means of scientific revival and the most powerful lever for creating the necessary conditions for intellectual develop 114Reads7.7Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The protagonist starts as a Duke, a position comparable to a Prince. Upon entering the court, he immediately initiates the imperial examinations, uses political maneuvering to sideline nobles, creates newspapers to control public opinion, and establishes a three-tiered education system to enlighten the people.

17. 117 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 8.2kReads9.5Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The quality is very good.

18. 118 开 From the Start, Disguised as a Man, I Rose to First Rank Through the Imperial Exams 开局女扮男装，我靠科举官居一品 I Want to Make Money爷要赚钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Disguised as a man + imperial examinations and court intrigue + rises to the highest office + one heroine, focused on her career] When Xie Qingfeng opens her eyes, she's handed a nightmare of a life: a house with bare walls, and a woman forced to disguise herself as a man. In an age when everything is considered inferior to scholarship, if she doesn't fight for her place, she'll be crushed to pieces. Since she's here, she'll give it everything she's got! As a woman, she enters the imperial cour 48kReads9.3Score5.9k14d adds

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    Transmigrated into the body of an orphaned peasant girl, she is forced to disguise herself as a man to protect her family from oppression by their clan. The imperial examination system throws a curveball at her, granting her three chances to keep her true identity hidden. From learning to read and write to assisting three emperors, her journey to becoming the greatest prime minister in history begins with her feigning male identity!

19. 119 造 Rebellion: I Lead an Army of Trillions to Force the Emperor to Abdicate 造反：我带领亿亿大军逼皇帝退位 My Three Eggs我的三颗蛋Historical380k WordsCompleted (Decisive and ruthless + no saintly heroics + one female lead + never takes abuse + invincible + invincible + invincible...) The Prince of Beihuang, the Prince Who Guards the North, died. Zhou Kang, the heir who had been living a dissolute life, was driven out of Beihuang, without even knowing who was behind it all. By chance, he caught a chill. His subordinates left him soaking in a puddle until he died. Zhou Kang from a later age transmigrated into the Great Zhou dynasty, waking up in the heir 42Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The protagonist is driven away at the beginning, then rebels.

20. 120 帝 The Emperor's Marriage: I Would Conquer the World for You 帝王嫁：为君倾天下 Cold Heart, Cold Feelings, Pretty Girl凉心凉情好姑凉Two Male Leads943k WordsCompleted [No female lead + Two male leads + Two emperors] Domineering, devoted emperor VS aloof, proud hostage prince “You and I are twins. I'll take your place and go to the Northern Kingdom. But you must help me protect the Southern Kingdom. Remember, protect it.” The realm's supreme authority is divided between the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. The Southern Kingdom favors peace, while the Northern Kingdom favors war. To foster friendly relations, the Southern Kingdom sends a prince to the Northern K 4.8kReads9.3Score51114d adds

    Reader note

    They are all incredibly beautiful, and they all come from noble backgrounds with tragic fates.

21. 121 战 The God of War Is Here, and the Mad City Lord Is Gentle as an Orchid 战神在下，疯批城主他温润如兰 Rong Li Xu Yu冗里胥玉Two Male Leads365k WordsCompleted [Two Male Leads, 1v1] [Sweet Romance and Healing] [Two Powerful Leads + A Match Made in Heaven] [Careful Scheming + Ancient-Style Court Intrigue] (A seemingly ethereal, refined, jade-like gentleman who is quietly unhinged, cold-hearted and cold-natured, the top, vs. a domineering, wild, wickedly charming and free-spirited God of War general who refuses to believe in fate or bow to it, the bottom) The Hanshu Academy is a school where only the princes of Northern Chu may study. A new teacher recen 4kReads9.4Score56214d adds
22. 122 摄 Regent, Your Princess Consort Has Arrived. Please Confirm Receipt 摄政王，您的王妃已送达，请查收 Shi Jiu莳酒Ancient Romance214k WordsCompleted [Transmigration into another body, both virgins, 1v1] Content warnings: No matriarchy, palace intrigue, power struggles, or scheming white-lotus rival. A light, simple story. If that's not your thing, please move along! The ministers pressured the regent to marry! No matter what, he had to take a principal wife this year. With no choice, the man spoke at the Heaven-Worshipping Ceremony: “Then I ask Heaven to grant me a wife.” And so, a lucky woman fell from the sky straight into the regent's arm 2.8kReads9.0Score24714d adds

    Reader note

    The male protagonist, a regent, is relentlessly pressured into marriage by his ministers. During a sacrificial ceremony, he prays to the heavens for a queen, only to have the female protagonist descend from the sky. She's a pure, innocent, 1v1 romance novel—my top sweet story... Ii

23. 123 青 The Brothel’s Young Lord 青楼世子 Fish Drinking Niuer喝牛二的鱼Historical610k WordsOngoing Transmigrated to another world as a baby. Just days after being born, I saw my vicious stepmother poison my birth mother to death, then I was sent to the imperial palace. There, I ran into the Sixth Emperor. He poisoned me and kept me on the brink of death, testing me from time to time. As a hostage, all I could do was visit brothels, admire the beauties, and sleep with them. Unexpectedly, the Sixth Emperor arranged a wife for me and even sent me home. At home, besides my vicious stepmother, the 5Reads5.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is an alternate history novel. Although the protagonist only wants to survive, others won't allow it. He has an uncle who outwardly dotes on him but secretly poisons him; a wicked stepmother who poisoned his own mother and sent him as a hostage; a resentful older sister he hasn't seen for over a decade who despises him; and a nominal younger brother born to his stepmother (not his father's biological son). [Evil laugh][Evil laugh]

24. 124 山 Peace Across the Land 山河无恙 Minced Meat and Fried Egg肉沫跑蛋Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted A companion volume to The Alluring Minister, also known as The Female Emperor’s Tutor. Political intrigue + a woman disguised as a man + battles of wits at court! He was a dashing, romantic top scorer in the imperial examinations, famous throughout the land! He was also a brilliant strategist who stepped up when the nation was in peril, planning far ahead. A master of both letters and arms, his genius astonished the world, and his elegance was unmatched. He left countless legends and stories beh 480Reads8.9Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    The second book is the prologue to the first book.

25. 125 女 Disguised as a Man for the Imperial Exams, the Sword God Is Reborn 女扮男装科举，剑神重生 Sister Gu Yi谷一姐Historical1.7M WordsCompleted [Reborn + imperial examinations + a woman disguised as a man + cultivation + revenge + pocket dimension + a little romantic entanglement!] Qin Yun was raised as a boy from childhood, passing the entry-level examinations and becoming a licentiate... In her previous life, her beloved concubine, Shang Jingru, poisoned her to death. An evil sorcerer suppressed her beneath Gougou Mountain, taking one of her souls. In her next life, she could become neither immortal nor god! In this life, she will get 1.2kReads9.5Score20514d adds

    Reader note

    The path to the imperial examinations was never smooth. It was difficult for men, but even more difficult for women. Excellent writing is refreshing and full of originality!

26. 126 走 You Pulled Strings to Make Me a Scholar, and I Passed All Three Exams? 走后门让你成秀才，你连中三元？ Cai Bibi菜比比Historical2.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of A Match Made in Heaven is now available. Search for the author's name, Cai Bibi, on major platforms to buy a copy. Su Yu transmigrates to ancient times. On the day he fails the imperial exam for the fifth time, he marries the Princess of Changle, who has disguised herself as an ordinary girl. Before Su Yu can roll up his sleeves and earn a living to support his lovely wife, news of an imperial exam result that had been overlooked suddenly arrives. From then on, the good news 27.9kReads8.7Score2.9k14d adds
27. 127 农 A Farmer's Son's Road to the Imperial Exams: Defying Fate to Become a Hanlin Scholar 农家子弟科举路：逆袭命运翰林郎 Leather Makes Me Happy皮使我快乐Historical712k WordsCompleted [Alternate History + Imperial Examinations + Transmigration + Farming + Exams + Pocket-Space System] There's a romance, and the male and female leads are childhood sweethearts. The story mainly focuses on the imperial examinations. A simple, honest father, a mother who won't put up with being mistreated, a henpecked grandfather, and a difficult grandmother make for all kinds of everyday family drama. Through hard work and good luck, the male lead gradually rises through the ranks. The pocket-spa 408Reads7.5Score—14d adds
28. 128 拼 I Worked My Way to the Top Scholar in the Imperial Exams, and Now You Say I Have a Powerful Identity 拼命科举成状元，你才说我有身份 This Fish Wants to Eat Cats Now这鱼想吃猫了Historical1.6M WordsCompleted (A cathartic power fantasy: the protagonist never takes anything lying down, and never lets a grudge wait until tomorrow!) No romance + nation-building + imperial examinations + farming + alternate history + court intrigue A no-holds-barred power fantasy, with a decisive, ruthless protagonist!! If there's no justice in this world, then I'll carve it out with blood! If the great clans leave everyone with nowhere to turn, then I'll cut a path through them. The county magistrate's son toys with peo 33.1kReads9.0Score4k14d adds
29. 129 崇 Chongzhen: My Life Has Been on Thin Ice 崇祯：我这一生如履薄冰 The Clear Breeze Chases Dust, Leaving No Common Souls Behind清风逐尘不留俗人Historical2.0M WordsOngoing (An immersive experience of Zhu Youjian's life and the true nature of the chaos at the end of the Ming dynasty! Not a power fantasy!) At the end of the thirty-eighth year of the Wanli reign, a report that Liaodong postal couriers had frozen to death was being used by a eunuch to prop up a table leg. The rice wasted at banquets by wealthy gentry in Jiangnan was worth more than three years of disaster relief in Shaanxi. Nanmu timber for the construction of the three great halls in the Forbidden Ci 651Reads6.4Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    With sharp pen, the author depicts the turbulent political landscape; vividly portrays the power struggles and intrigues of the imperial court; profound historical depth showcases the charm of history; rigorous logic fills in the gaps in dynastic history; and the author travels through time to explore the legends of emperors. The author's masterful writing creates masterpieces! Especially in the first and second books, every character is fleshed out, experiencing joy and sorrow, and possessing both cunning and strategic thinking. They are swept along by the tides of history, no longer merely tools to drive the plot. The plots are grand in scale and the scenes are vividly depicted. The later books are rich in historical depth.

30. 130 李 Li Chengqian: I Really Don't Want to Be Emperor 李承乾：我真不想当皇帝 I'm Almost Out of Battery我快没电了Historical1.0M WordsCompleted In 643 AD, the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era, Crown Prince Li Chengqian was accused of plotting rebellion, stripped of his title, and exiled to Qianzhou. A year and a half later, he died at the age of twenty-six. When news reached Chang'an, Li Shimin was overcome with grief and wept uncontrollably. Li Chengqian had thought his life was over. But when he opened his eyes again, he found himself back on the eve of his rebellion. Given a second life, he would reclaim everything that had once 2.8kReads6.9Score17414d adds
31. 131 祖 Grandmother Told Daiyu No One Dares Make Her Unhappy 祖母告诉黛玉，没人敢惹她不顺心 Move Aside, I'm About to Shine闪开要发光了Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted The old matriarch of the Lin family died in the most prosperous year of the Lin residence in Gusu, when the family had been marquises for four generations and its members came from generations of distinguished officials. Before she died, she saw her son, Lin Ruhai, place third in the imperial examinations, take office at the Censorate, and become the Imperial Commissioner of Salt Transport. At last, she could close her eyes in peace and go to join the Lin family’s ancestors. But buried in the Li 1.7kReads7.0Score13814d adds
32. 132 扶 Fusu: This Time, I'm Claiming the Throne 扶苏：这一次皇位我坐定了 Dumb Cat Isn't That Dumb呆猫不呆呆Historical1.2M WordsOngoing [Great Qin] [Political Intrigue] [Conquest] [No System] I am Fusu, the eldest prince of Great Qin. The heavens have given me another chance at life, and this time I will reclaim everything that belongs to me. In this age of fierce contention, anyone with the blood to fight will rise up and struggle. How could I let Great Qin fall after only two generations? I will quell internal strife, bring the Hundred Schools of Thought under my banner, strike the Xiongnu in the north, pacify the Baiyue in th 35Reads6.7Score—14d adds
33. 133 重 Reborn, I Decide to Become a Monk from the Start 重生归来，开局我要出家 A Pile of Tea一堆茶Ancient Romance505k WordsOngoing 73Reads7.0Score—14d adds
34. 134 回 Back in the Ming Dynasty as the Emperor's Grandson 回到大明当皇孙 Tea Books and Goldfish茶书金鱼Historical1.2M WordsOngoing My name is Zhu Yingying. I am the eldest legitimate grandson of the Great Ming. My grandfather is Zhu Yuanzhang, founding emperor of the Great Ming. With a single thought, flowers bloom, and I rule over the capital, forging a glorious Great Ming unlike any other. (This is not a transmigration story. Zhu Yingying simply gains a set of memories from a later age, and this is a story of the Great Ming told from his perspective.) 187Reads8.9Score—14d adds
35. 135 我 My Grandpa Is the Daoist Emperor 我爷爷是道士皇帝 Bald Li San光头李三Historical3.1M WordsCompleted His grandfather practices Daoist arts and seeks medicinal remedies. He won't live in the imperial palace, preferring a Daoist temple... His father is a womanizer who stays in the palace, working tirelessly as a busy little bee in the imperial harem... Young Zhu Yijun quietly watches them perform from the sidelines, thinking to himself, “Now that you're done, it's my turn to put on a show...” 69.6kReads9.0Score7k14d adds
36. 136 隆 The Longqing Restoration 隆庆中兴 Resting Cloud休息的云Historical5.4M WordsCompleted I transmigrate as Zhu Zaihou, but I won’t be a little sycophant. For the sake of tribute and trade, I dare to wage righteous war. I open the passes and command the four seas, my proclamations reaching the eight directions. The people receive sweet rain, and the dynasty flourishes forever. Alas! I would rather be a man of the Longqing era than aspire to rule like Yao and Shun. 8.4kReads8.5Score71414d adds
37. 137 挽 Saving the Ming: The Great Ancestor of the Ming 挽明：明圣祖 Scholar's Holy Envoy朴学圣使Historical1.6M WordsCompleted Li Min, a history enthusiast, unexpectedly transmigrated into the Ming dynasty as Zhu Youxiao, the carpenter emperor. He panicked. Even a history ignoramus knew that the Ming dynasty had only a little over twenty years left. Worse still, he would rule for only seven years, then die under mysterious circumstances. What was he supposed to do? Would he accept fate, or fight back? See how he struggles to survive in the waning years of the Ming dynasty. 45Reads6.6Score—14d adds
38. 138 明 Late Ming: Dawn Drives Out the Night 明末，天明驱夜 The Skipping Rabbit溜溜的兔子Historical2.7M WordsOngoing [Traditional historical fiction] [No System] [Not pure wish fulfillment] [The unique power struggles of the Ming Dynasty] [Unraveling how power shifts and collapses] At the end of the Ming Dynasty, demons and monsters run rampant. Civil officials cling like parasites and drain the country dry; military nobles scheme over national policy; the emperor is consumed by lust for power; border garrisons are little better than bandits; the central court is riven by intrigue; local officials take their 2.6kReads8.7Score24214d adds
39. 139 回 Back in the Zhenguan Era as the Crown Prince 回到贞观当太子 Cang Sheng苍笙Historical1.5M WordsCompleted "A sagely ruler embodies the virtue of an emperor, pacifying the people within and suppressing the barbarians without. He is endowed with the pure, unyielding essence of Heaven and Earth and the refined beauty of rivers and mountains. His talent surpasses all in his age, his spirit towers over the ages, his wisdom is enough to understand all the world's changes, and his courage is enough to seize command from an entire army. Brilliant as jade atop a peak, vast as the moon reflected on water, he 2kReads8.2Score10214d adds
40. 140 大 The Tang Crown Prince 大唐皇太子 Invincible Big Watermelon无敌大西瓜Historical1.3M WordsCompleted One day a crown prince, the next a commoner. Li Chengqian ultimately brought about his own downfall. Then one day, I suddenly became him. In this unfamiliar era, I had planned to settle down and live quietly. But someone wanted to wipe out every last trace of me. If that's how it is, then I'll have no choice but to risk everything. I'll stake my life to reclaim all that I've lost. 2.9kReads8.3Score18514d adds
41. 141 贞 The Winds of Zhenguan 贞观风云 A Life of Tragedy生命致殇Historical151k WordsCompleted The Outcast, second only to the emperor and above everyone else, was a man whose status seemed peerless in the eyes of others. Naturally, his father thought so too. But no one ever considered what the Crown Prince wanted. 1.1kReads8.2Score10714d adds
42. 142 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 15.8kReads8.3Score43714d adds
43. 143 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 50.2kReads9.0Score3.1k14d adds
44. 144 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—14d adds
45. 145 女 A Woman in a Man's Body: The Concubine-Born Heir's Rise to Power 女穿男，庶房嫡子的逆袭 Liu Jilian刘忌廉Ancient Romance1.3M WordsOngoing Now available as an audiobook with a full cast. [Alternate history] + [Woman transmigrates as a man] + [Born into this world] + [Imperial exams and business in the early story] + [Court politics later on] + [One female lead, with a relatively small role] + [A touch of ensemble cast] + [No golden finger] Xie Chengxi was born into another world as the sixth son of the Xie family, a minor family in Bianjing's Grain Transport Guild. His father was the clan's rejected son, kept under pressure for yea 33.5kReads8.3Score3.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is very good.

46. 146 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 336Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Book Synopsis: Xia Ren, a double PhD in History and Literature, is transported to the Great Jing Dynasty—a dynasty never before recorded in history—after a sudden car accident. He is reborn as a seven-year-old boy on the verge of death in a peasant family. Despite his impoverished circumstances, his knowledge and experience accumulated over two lifetimes remain undiminished. His memories of his previous life's deep study of classical texts are vivid; he possesses a profound understanding of history, philosophy, literature, institutions, and the principles of governance, chaos, rise, and fall. From a young boy 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, achieves fame in the metropolitan examinations, and astounds the emperor in the palace examinations. Entering the court as a commoner, he finds himself navigating a treacherous and turbulent bureaucracy, rife with factional strife. Beset by treacherous officials and threatened by border troubles, 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.

47. 147 女 The Vicious Villainess in a Matriarchal World Raises Her Fish Online 女尊恶獠在线养鱼 Garlic Bamboo Shoots蒜香竹笋Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Matriarchal society + sweet romance + one-on-one + devoted to each other] [Calculating and ruthless princess × obedient, loyal guard] The capital's good-for-nothing Second Princess is beaten in the street by another woman for pursuing a man, then crashes into a stone lion. After recovering from her serious injuries, the Second Princess seems like a completely different person: kind to others, uninterested in competing, and always helping her sisters. It isn't until the day this powerful princes 15.2kReads9.5Score1.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    The female lead gives me the impression of being calm yet cunning, resourceful and ruthless – a true powerhouse. Her intelligence is consistently high (the kind that defies easy comprehension). She combines the given points, available information, and deductions to complete tasks – how impressive is that? And she's NOT LOVE-driven at all! (But she's also incredibly indulgent and doting on this adorable fish). It made me wonder if she only bothered to check the strategy on her coronation day. It's truly, truly excellent! [Shy][shy] Recommendation: Five stars

48. 148 皇 The Emperor's Gold Medal County Magistrate 皇家金牌县令 Noodle King Zai板面王仔Historical2.7M WordsCompleted [Farming + lighthearted fun + transmigration] Fang Zhengyi transmigrates to the Great Jing dynasty and becomes a county magistrate. After seven years of work, he has created his own earthly paradise. He’d planned to live out his days as a carefree little emperor. In the thirteenth year of the Jinghe era, the emperor of Great Jing travels incognito and accidentally wanders into Taoyuan County... The moment the emperor enters the county, he is astonished! The many strange and wondrous things leave 226.6kReads9.5Score27.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is an alternate history novel where both protagonists are transmigrated. One is a lazy widower who, through his own efforts, escapes the lowliness of his predecessor's life and embraces his own brilliant future; the other happens to live in a dynasty that needs his help to turn the tide, making full use of his modern knowledge to become the lovable yet hateful rogue imperial tutor!

49. 149 快 Quick, Let Duke Zhou Eat Some Meat 快让周公吃肉 Back to Yunnan归云南Historical1.3M WordsOngoing I transmigrated one day and became the famous Duke of Zhou, Ji Dan. Everyone praises me, saying, “The Duke of Zhou spits out his food to welcome worthy men, and all under Heaven turn to him.” But who knew I wasn’t practicing humility, I really just can’t stomach meat! The shadows of the blood sacrifices at Zhaoge haunt me. Just one bite of meat and I’m back in that slaughterhouse in my dreams. Within, scheming ministers watch like tigers; without, the rebellion of the Three Guards bears down. Th 72Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Try this.

50. 150 此 A Heart for the Martial Way 此心尚武 June in Guanshan关山六月Two Male Leads189k WordsOngoing Alternate history | Imperial examinations and political intrigue | Childhood sweethearts An alternate-history story inspired by the History of the Ming Dynasty. In the ninth year of Hongli in the Xuan Dynasty, a fire ravages the imperial palace. To make up for the shortfall in funds needed to rebuild it, officials submit a memorial requesting permission to open mines and finance the project. Thus, eunuchs are appointed as mining tax inspectors, pursuing profit and triggering repeated local upr 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The arrogant male protagonist, born into an official family, and his childhood sweetheart, the second male lead, support each other in a world on the verge of collapse, and together they achieve their ideals.

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