Historical Novels with Literary Merit and Beautiful Prose 历史类，文学，文笔好的小说

1. 201 人 Living in Turbulent Times, I Pretend to Be a Top Clan from the Start 人在乱世，开局冒充顶级门阀 Pillow Moon, Meeting Xi枕月逢熙Historical181k WordsOngoing In the final years of the Great Qian dynasty, warlords carved up the realm. Shen Yan, a PhD in history, transmigrates into the body of a condemned prisoner who deserted the army. He's sentenced to be executed from the start! No System? The knowledge in his head is the ultimate cheat! With nothing but a broken jade pendant, he passes himself off as the eldest legitimate grandson of the most powerful clan in the realm. A contest of knowledge? He can recite ancient codes and institutions backwards, 4Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   I recommend you check it out. The storyline is complete, all the plot holes are filled, and everything is explained.

2. 202 从 From Pangu to Puyi 从盘古到溥仪 Wang Weisheng王尾生Historical3.0M WordsOngoing [A Tomato-style Records of the Grand Historian + a blessing for audiobook listeners + grounded in historical sources + told with the flair of a novel] [Also known as From Pangu's Creation of the World to the Last Emperor's Abdication] A million-character epic spanning from Pangu's creation of the world to the last emperor's abdication. This isn't a mindless power fantasy: it combines historical authenticity with an engaging, nuanced touch. The book tells the whole story of Chinese history, from 615Reads8.3Score13014d adds

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   Despite its length of millions of words, the scroll does not feel tedious. The author is adept at narrative rhythm, placing each dynasty and key figure in just the right position. From the abdication and conquests of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the hegemony and turmoil of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han; from the elegant spirit of the Wei and Jin dynasties to the glorious chapters of the Sui and Tang dynasties—the rise, development, climax, and resolution of history flow smoothly under the author's pen.

3. 203 民 The Ethnic Alchemist 民族炼金术士 Bright Moon Ten Thousand Miles Away万里明月Modern Romance105k WordsCompleted When international gold prices surged by more than 70% in 2025, surpassing U.S. Treasury bonds for the first time in 30 years to become the world's leading reserve asset held by central banks, the real-world rush to “hoard gold in troubled times” echoed the battle over gold in this novel. Amid geopolitical upheaval and the restructuring of the monetary system, gold's value as a safe haven is once again in demand. Yet The Nation's Alchemist had already revealed the truth in its story: what people 68Reads—Score—14d adds

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   Set against the backdrop of the Republican era! Amidst the chaos and power struggles of the Golden Age, ordinary people rise to prominence through sheer knowledge! Du Jiusheng, a beggar under a bridge who rises to power in the foreign concessions, attempts to use the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams to refine gold and seize control; Shen Yanzhi, a chemistry PhD with no military power, uses his "Outline of Chemistry" as a weapon, employing techniques like low-temperature crystallization and magnetic field separation to purify gold and unravel the mysteries of this mysterious element. A stunning female reporter exposes the dark secrets, a tough guy protects cultural relics, and a lost detective repents. Together, they use chemistry to unravel the mysteries of a secret underground palace, employ ancient wisdom to thwart a Japanese weapons program, and, despite the allure of gold and beauty, forge a path of patriotism amidst the chaos, ultimately protecting their nation.

4. 204 举 The Provincial Graduate’s Son, the Sixfold Champion Grand Secretary 举人之子，六元首辅 The Past Is Not the Future过往曾经不是未来Historical552k WordsOngoing [A novel that puts you right in the imperial examination hall] Modern history PhD Zhou Huai dies unexpectedly, only to wake up as Pei Zhiwei, a twelve-year-old boy in the Great Yan Dynasty. Though born into a family of scholars, he faces trouble on all sides: his father passed the provincial exam at twenty, but repeated failures at the metropolitan exam left him disheartened, drowning his sorrows in drink and neglecting himself. His birth mother is the daughter of a fabulously wealthy merchant, 5Reads—Score—14d adds

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   It's really good. You can tell the author put a lot of effort into writing it. Five stars!

5. 205 大 The Benevolent Ancestor of the Tang Dynasty 【大唐仁祖】 Tang Renzu of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors三皇五帝唐仁祖Historical973k WordsCompleted [Golden Finger] [Transmigration] [Li Ke] [Political Intrigue] [History] This is the only alternate-history novel anywhere to feature a protagonist who fulfills the ideals of "establishing a moral compass for Heaven and Earth, securing the lives of the people, carrying on the lost teachings of the sages of the past, and bringing peace to all generations." From the start, he is caught in a dead-end situation: Zhangsun Wuji has already begun laying the groundwork to frame him, and fewer than six y 5.6kReads—Score50614d adds

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   This is the book! After reading it, you'll understand the author's profound literary skill! It includes original couplets and a prose love letter! The nearly one million-word novel will be completed in mid-September. Imperial intrigue, power struggles, and political maneuvering are all top-notch! The author of *The Great Tang Emperor Renzu* possesses astonishing writing power, a grand scope, ingenious conception, lofty ideals, profound thought, solid knowledge base, deep cultural foundation, and top-tier power struggles. I suggest reading the comments section of the last chapter first; the author has summarized the entire novel, which will aid in reading. If you don't like it after reading it, you can slap me in the face! ◦ Power Scheme Highlights: The entire book focuses on open strategies; Li Ke and Li Shimin are both players and pawns. ◦ Character Highlights: Qin Qiong's satisfying ending distinguishes it from traditional tragic novels; the characters are well-developed, and their arcs are brilliantly portrayed. ◦ Guarantee of the Work: A complete one-million-word novel with no unresolved plot holes or unfinished endings.

6. 206 春 [Spring Winds Are Hard to Cross] 【春风难渡】 Yun Sheng and the Clever Rabbit云笙and聪明的兔子Two Male Leads277k WordsOngoing This is not a story about faith and betrayal. It is about how two people fall in love in the cracks between eras, then are crushed to pieces beneath the wheels of history. Spring winds cannot cross the divide. The divide is not the era, but the one inch that will always remain between two people. It is for everyone who believes in love but doubts that it can survive in times of chaos. Disclaimer: Spring Winds Cannot Cross the Divide is a fictional work. All characters, events, and historical set 3Reads—Score—14d adds

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   I'm going to unveil my long-forgotten treasure from my bookshelf and amaze you all.

7. 207 朕 My Great Han Dynasty: Extending Its Life by Five Hundred Years 朕的大汉，续命五百年 Young Partridge鹧鸪小生Historical699k WordsCompleted The history books wrote his story in stone: Liu Zhi, Emperor Huan of Han. He ascended the throne at fifteen and endured thirteen years before executing Liang Ji. Then he enfeoffed the Five Marquises, launched the Partisan Prohibitions, and let the eunuchs run rampant. He died suddenly at thirty-six, leaving no heir. The Eastern Han fell under Huan and Ling. He was the foolish ruler who opened the Pandora's box that doomed the dynasty. What the history books never recorded was this: When he was f 3Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   The writing is delicate and the author possesses profound literary skills, making it worthy of appreciation.

8. 208 魂 Reborn in the Great Song: He Becomes Emperor in Place of the Wrongfully Executed Di Qing 魂穿大宋：他替冤死的狄青当帝君 Young Partridge鹧鸪小生Historical597k WordsCompleted In the second year of Jiayou under the Northern Song (1057), the court official faction frames General Di Qing, the tattoo-faced warrior. He dies with his name in disgrace, and the Song loses its great northwestern bulwark! Di Qing, a twenty-first-century military engineer, transmigrates back to the start of his frontier service at Qingjian, returning with the power of modern military engineering! No System, no cheat abilities: he takes on the world with nothing but hard-earned strategy! Refuge 1Reads—Score—14d adds
9. 209 穿 I Transmigrated into an Invincible Ming Dynasty Emperor 穿越成无敌的明朝皇帝 Fresh Ideas Make Literature More Exciting标新愿文学更精彩Historical530k WordsOngoing A thrilling historical tale, with no frustrating setbacks, beautiful women, and a hero who plays the pig to eat the tiger... Zhu Shaolong, a college student with a day job and an invincible Celestial Venerable, carries the memories of his previous life as an Immortal Venerable into the body of Zhu Youxiao, the carpenter emperor of the late Ming! Six hidden treacherous ministers scheme in secret, laying traps at every turn. The Tianqi Explosion is imminent, factional infighting is tearing apart t 135Reads9.5Score—14d adds
10. 210 明 Chronicles of the Ming-Era Sky Patrol, 1628 明末巡天录1628 Catch a Duck捉一只鸭Historical182k WordsOngoing [Historical setting]+ [Single heroine]+ [Xuanhuan]+ [No System]+ [Civilization] I will never abandon this story, so read with confidence! When I opened my eyes, I had become a junior constable in the first year of the Chongzhen reign, only to discover that demons existed in this world. As a medical student who transmigrated here, I believe firmly in science, yet I’m forced to inherit the “Demon-Suppressing Arts.” I heal the common people, but get dragged into an age of chaos that devours civiliz —Reads6.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book uses a fantasy theme to add some fun, but the actual content is largely based on historical facts, depicting ordinary people, war, the imperial court, grassroots life, and the martial arts world. It features a single female protagonist and a diverse cast of characters, including representatives from various factions. Currently, the story is progressing to the Jisi Incident, and it's a thrilling read, definitely worth a try.

11. 211 覆 Overthrowing the Tang: Transmigrate into Emperor Ai, Who Abdicated the Throne 覆唐：穿越禅位天子唐哀宗 Ren Daxi任大兮Historical669k WordsOngoing A modern soul transmigrates into Li Zhu, the last emperor of the Great Tang. In the fourth year of Tianyou, Zhu Wen usurps the Tang throne, and the dynasty collapses after 289 years. In name, Li Zhu is the Prince of Jiyin who abdicated the throne. In reality, he is a prisoner trapped in a cage. The history books are unequivocal: just three months later, a cup of poisoned wine will be his end. Given a second life, he refuses to sit still and await death! Imprisoned in his residence, he uses polit 3.1kReads—Score31114d adds

    Reader note

    "Late Tang Dynasty + Five Dynasties + Hegemony + Political Intrigue + Romance + Historical Research": A time-traveling tale of Emperor Ai of Tang. How does a prisoner rise step by step to conquer the world and bring the Five Dynasties back to the Tang? 🥬

12. 212 盟 The Mengjin Crossing 盟津渡 Facing South from the Mountain朝山南Historical267k WordsCompleted Also known as The Awakening of the Ferry Boy. Wu Heyuan, a young man from a Yellow River ferry crossing, suffers the massacre of his entire family, and his younger sister goes missing. After delivering a letter to the Weishui Alliance for a mysterious stranger, he becomes Jiang Shang’s disciple and embarks on a path of political intrigue. When his sister is trained to become an enemy nation’s assassin, when his beloved tastes poison to save him from the brink of death, and when his master gives —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This historical text is of very high quality, with delicate writing and rigorous logic.

13. 213 皇 Ming Dynasty Natives Versus Transmigrators 皇明土著大战穿越众 Would You Dare Say Yes?叫你敢答应吗Historical3.7M WordsOngoing Current plot: A newcomer to officialdom enters the inner circle as a pawn, but refuses to settle for mediocrity and wants to break free of his constraints. By chance, he gets caught up in turmoil on the frontier, where three hundred battered soldiers rout thirty thousand northern invaders. Zheng Zhi, a household retainer of the Zhen Ding Guard under the Ming rear army's Governor's Office, dreams of himself sixty years in the future. From then on, the Ming Dynasty gains a peerless talent in both 170Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Learn from time travelers, become a time traveler, and crush time travelers.

14. 214 林 Lord Lin Chong 林冲君 Xiong Wen夐文Historical1.0M WordsCompleted There have been heroes who were not sages, but never sages who were not heroes! One who can rouse himself may be called a hero. To rouse oneself is for one’s nature to arise from one’s vital energy. Dragging one’s feet and simply going along with the world, accepting what is and rejecting what is not, working all day yet never rising above a life of rank, land, house, and family, counting every grain of rice and every bundle of firewood until one’s spirit is worn down day by day, looking up at t 4Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Grand narrative, excellent writing.

15. 215 冒 Passing Myself Off as a Tang: Wowing the World and Aiding Zhenguan 冒姓大唐：技惊天下助贞观 Expanding Knowledge Capacity宏量扩识Historical363k WordsOngoing Real historical events and figures are woven into the story, bringing to life the grandeur and pulse of the Zhenguan era. From papermaking, soapmaking, and composting to water-powered machinery and improved weapons, each step faithfully recreates the Tang dynasty's path of technological innovation. Watch a tech enthusiast use “frivolous tricks and gadgets” to spar with censors, charm generals, and match wits with famous ministers, bringing a refreshingly unconventional flair to the Zhenguan cour 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A time-travel novel with solid historical research, where you learn many skills.

16. 216 智 The Last Scion of the Zhi Clan: Everyone in My Warring States Era Is Evil 智氏遗孤：我的战国全员恶人 More or Less Me我差不多Historical521k WordsOngoing Jinyang City fell, and a century of glory for the Zhi clan was wiped out overnight. Zhi Yuan fled west to Qin, carrying the mysterious infant girl A Yan, who bore the power of “recursion.” But he was drawn into a life-or-death war between Qin and the ancient evil known as the “Darkborn.” The brilliant Zhi Wenshu concealed her identity in Qi, stirring up a storm at the Jixia Academy. With the world as her chessboard, she laid a web of secrets aimed at the Three Jin states. The fierce warrior Zhi 1Reads6.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I recommend you try this book.

17. 217 楚 Chu Xingyao 楚星谣 West Wind, Green Ant Wine西风绿蚁Eastern Fantasy454k WordsOngoing What happens when you travel to another era? In her previous life, Shui Yuan’s grandfather forced her to memorize books until she was sick of them. She swore she’d never study again. After transmigrating to this world, she realized that studying was still the way to go. After all, books hold houses of gold, and books hold beautiful women. The old man really was right. Her dream in her previous life was to face the sea, with spring flowers blooming. Her dream in this life is still the same. But s 7Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Fantasy + infrastructure building + imperial examination, multiple buffs stacked together, "Chu Xing Yao" made me ecstatic when I was suffering from a reading slump!

18. 218 神 The Legend of the Condor Heroes: A Later-Era Chronicle 神雕晚世录 Wanderer Returns at Night游子夜归人Male-Channel Fanfiction990k WordsOngoing Since the book’s “Dragon-Slaying Arc” became clear, most fans of Xiaolongnü have left, but people still report the story, and some readers question whether the characters are out of character: Xiaolongnü is too skilled, Yelü Qi is too decent, and Yang Guo isn’t wild enough. I’ll explain using the original work: First, Xiaolongnü is no weaker than Yang Guo, and he has no confidence that he can kill her with a single blow, so he needs to lay a trap. The evidence: In the Third Discussion of Mount 2.1kReads8.1Score19414d adds

    Reader note

    A sequel to The Return of the Condor Heroes, offering a martial arts perspective on the end times of the Song-Mongol war.

19. 219 异 A World of Exotic Blossoms 异世繁花 Si Baifeng思白凤Historical766k WordsOngoing The court is rife with intrigue, fragrant secrets linger behind closed doors, and the bustling streets conceal fortunes. Power struggles in a chaotic age intertwine with refined fragrances and elegance. Making his way in an unfamiliar world, Gu Ziying cultivates a garden of blossoms amid the cut and thrust of political scheming. From a down-and-out prince trapped in a predicament, he steadily advances toward the crown prince's path, protecting those dear to him, bringing order to the court, and 2Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! The writing is exquisite, the court intrigue is thrilling, the male lead is intelligent, and he protects his family and friends to stabilize the court. It's a very reassuring read.

20. 220 误 Lost in the Prosperous Tang Dynasty, Drunk on a Floating Life 误入盛唐醉浮生 Looking at the Missing Moon望缺Historical1.2M WordsCompleted One day, I accidentally stumbled into the prosperous Great Tang and became a nobody in Chang’an. The brightly lit, bustling streets of Suzaku Avenue, the poets and scholars who drank and caroused, the borderlands filled with the clamor of warhorses and weapons This was the best of times, and the most treacherous of worlds. Carrying memories that didn’t belong to this era, I hid my talents amid the lively bustle of the taverns. But when locusts swept across Guanzhong, Turkic cavalry came knockin 68Reads5.7Score13814d adds

    Reader note

    During the Zhenguan era, a humble official from a poor family settled in Liangzhou. He managed the Silk Road, improved weaponry, and opened up trade routes to the Western Regions, all while navigating the treacherous political intrigues of the court. With solid research and a profound writing style, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of power struggles on the Tang Dynasty's frontiers.

21. 221 大 Great Tang: I'm Li Ke, and I Win by Collecting People's Last Words 大唐：我，李恪，靠收遗言躺赢 Kong Qingluan空青鸾Historical1.5M WordsOngoing After 36 straight hours of overtime, Li Ke, a burned-out 996 office worker, dies suddenly. When he opens his eyes, he has become the most ill-fated prince of the Tang dynasty: Li Ke, Prince of Shu! He carries the bloodlines of both the Sui and Tang imperial houses, and history marks him as a high-risk figure who was wrongfully executed. It’s hell mode from the start! Fortunately, his golden finger, the “Kind Words App,” comes online. It senses regret within five zhang, and collecting it earns re 14Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It's okay, not bad, I recommend it.

22. 222 来 Since I'm Already Here, I'll Save the Great Ming 来都来了，我要救大明 Daoyang's Victorious Fighting Buddha道阳的斗战胜佛Historical2.0M WordsOngoing My new work is out! Please check it out on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy it. Your support inspires me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 92Reads—Score14214d adds

    Reader note

    Give this book a try. Opinions on the writing style vary, but there's no system or cheat system, and the villains aren't stupid. The descriptions of political infighting and cunning power struggles are definitely worth reading. The bloody war scenes are also a major highlight.

23. 223 从 From the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom to the Pacific Empire 从太平天国到太平洋帝国 User31769468用户31769468Historical1.2M WordsOngoing While verifying a theory of space-time, a modern graduate student in physics transmigrates into the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's Jintian Uprising. Using modern knowledge, he changes the course of history and establishes an empire spanning the Pacific. Though the novel is fictional, every argument is grounded in a sincere effort at realism. It depicts life in the late Qing from every angle, including government, economics, politics, military technology, and diplomacy. Alongside military battles, th 33Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is the best, no exaggeration.

24. 224 官 The Official Road, Starting at Level Three 官道，从三段开始 Mr. Fishjoy鱼乐先生Urban512k WordsOngoing My name is Bu Qingyun. (I hold a senior government post and have a fortune worth over a hundred million.) Let me tell you a secret. Ever since I was in elementary school, entering politics has been the light of my ideals and the flame of my ambition. It was buried in my heart like a seed, ready to take root and sprout as soon as the soil was right... 18.6kReads7.6Score2.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is highly recommended; the writing is excellent.

25. 225 胜 Defying Heaven by Half a Move: I Am Cao Cao’s Legitimate Eldest Son 胜天半子，我才是曹操嫡长子 Xuan Xi Thirteen轩羲十三Historical574k WordsOngoing Not an invincible hero story. Respects history, with humor and gravitas side by side, and plenty of laughs and tears! Cao Yang, a history PhD from Changdu University, one of China's 985 universities, transmigrates to the Three Kingdoms for the first time and becomes Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Ang. Though he survives the Battle of Wancheng, the butterfly effect and chaos in time and space ultimately lead to his assassination. When he wakes up a second time, he knows that academic credentials are u 15Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A book about Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Ang.

26. 226 定 Forging a National Strategy: Scheming for the Realm in Troubled Times and Unifying the Empire 定国策：乱世谋国，一统江山 Sole Owner of Seven Dou独占七斗Historical281k WordsCompleted Overnight, Xiao Ce transmigrated and became the son of a defeated general. His father had died in battle, his clan looked down on him, enemies lurked all around, and the realm was in chaos. The moment he opened his eyes, he found himself trapped in a deadly predicament, narrowly escaping death time and again. No System, no golden finger, just the strategic mind of an ordinary man. From a castoff pushed aside by his clan to someone who carved out a foothold step by step; from bringing down corrup —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The characters' emotions are nuanced, and the content is of high quality, making it worth watching.

27. 227 盛 The Tang Dynasty's Splendid Rivers and Mountains 盛唐山河卷 Weaving Little Dreams编织小梦Historical174k WordsOngoing In the third year of Tianbao, the High Tang sun was setting, its glory burning bright. A modern archaeology professor, Pei Zhao, is thrown into the Tang dynasty after a car accident and becomes a poor scholar from Puzhou who has failed the imperial examinations three years in a row. His mother is gravely ill, his land has been seized, the aristocratic clans look down on him, and his chances of passing the exams are gone. So what? His mind holds the entire history of the Tang dynasty, along with —Reads—Score—14d adds
28. 228 黎 Wrath of Dawn 黎怒 Quiet in the Small Things微末无言Historical660k WordsCompleted Spring grass withers and blooms year after year. Common people live and die, generation after generation. How can the laws of the land be sacrificed because ordinary people suffer hunger and cold? Open the splendid annals of history, and all you find are the deeds of kings, lords, generals, and ministers. The names of commoners and ordinary folk are never recorded. Nobles hold the brush; the people are like grass. A “great victory” is declared, and before the ink is dry, countless bones have alr 6Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Can the shameless, failed author please promote their own historical fiction? It's not about cheat codes, but more about fate, psychology, character development, and philosophical debate (which I will demonstrate through the story)!

29. 229 重 Reborn in the World of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer 重生笑傲江湖世界 Author Chen Ran作者陈然Male-Channel Fanfiction740k WordsCompleted The protagonist is reborn in the world of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. What are the Five Mountains Sword Alliance, the Sunflower Manual, or the Dugu Nine Swords compared to doing whatever you please? The martial world is simply a place where people clash with one another. 63Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Novels suitable for reading in one sitting

30. 230 北 The Northern Song Dynasty’s Greatest Treacherous Chancellor 北宋第一奸相 Huo Guanjun霍冠军Historical447k WordsOngoing After transmigrating as Cai Jing, I'm going to carry out a once-in-a-millennium reform with Wang Anshi! A modern history student transmigrates as Cai Jing. By the age of seven, people are already calling him a prodigy. Looking at the corrupt court on the brink of collapse, he silently clenches his fists. In this life, he'll stir up the winds of change from the shadows. Secretly amass wealth, recruit talented people, gather leverage... Ten years of planning, all waiting for the right moment. When 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend these two books. The protagonists quietly build their own hidden power, using modern knowledge to create firearms, telescopes, and hot air balloons. They implement sweeping reforms, unify thought through modern learning, and ultimately unify the world. Both novels feature grand war scenes and a gripping, dramatic plot. They're incredibly good new alternate history books!

31. 231 宋 Song Cavalry Rules the World 宋骑天下 Plain White of Cizhou刺州的素白Historical2.4M WordsCompleted Modern engineering PhD Zhao Qi unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji. With the Jingkang Incident looming, he resolves to turn the empire’s fortunes around. His first move is to expand the Imperial City Bureau and divide its duties into specialized branches. When his ministers denounce him for “neglecting his proper duties,” Zhao Qi quietly equips all three armies with newly developed Shenbi crossbows. When the Jin army marches south toward the Sixteen Prefe 401Reads8.8Score56414d adds

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