Looking for Alternate-History Political Schemes Without Forced Idiocy or Garbage Writing 求架空权谋类的，不要强行降智的lj

1. 51 宦 Tales of Turmoil in the Sea of Officialdom 宦海风波录 Zixi Ye子系业Historical481k WordsCompleted One who conceals his edge will become a blade; even after drinking blood, he still longs to light a lamp. Jie Han, a lone son from a poor family, bears the weight of an old bloodshed and a wrongful accusation as he enters the snow-covered city of Tianqi. Power is both poison and medicine. On the chessboard, he is both a pawn crossing the river and the player moving the pieces. —Reads—Score—Shelves
2. 52 天 A Catastrophic Start: I’m Forced to Marry a Lame, Mad King 天崩开局，我被迫嫁给瘸腿癫王 Who Says Immortality Must Be Lonely?谁说长生需寂寞Ancient Romance806k WordsOngoing [One-on-one, both with no past relationships: the woman transmigrates into a book, pretending to be a vixen but really just a laid-back slacker; the man is reborn, pretending to be a madman but secretly a true romantic. They spar and fall in love, flirt to the extreme, enjoy endless sweet indulgence, and clash over court politics.] No bitter drama, just sweet, over-the-top romance. Their clashes are mostly battles of wits. Su Xu accidentally transmigrates into a book and becomes a cannon-fodder —Reads—Score131Shelves

   Reader note

   The title doesn't do it justice—it's a political intrigue novel! She's a laid-back but logical genius, he's a wicked king but a hopeless romantic. Their daily banter is hilarious!

3. 53 萨 Sardo 萨尔多 A Chirping Bird一只啼鸟Eastern Fantasy236k WordsCompleted This book is not suitable for children! As the Sacred Snow Mountain teeters on the brink of collapse, a young boy from the Saldo tribe unexpectedly awakens the “Eye of the Ancestors,” guarded by his people for a thousand years, and inherits the cultivation legacy left behind by the Ice River Immortal. He leads the remnants of the Saldo tribe on a deadly migration, fighting hordes of demon beasts on the Crescent Grassland, standing up to the brutal Wolf-Herding Demon Clan, forging alliances with 169Reads8.6Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Fictional setting, political intrigue, revenge, deception... All contained in this book.

4. 54 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 6.7kReads8.3Score528Shelves

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   Transmigrating into a poor farming family with no background or special abilities, how does one rise to become a pillar of the Qi Dynasty court? The protagonist, Chen Chuyi, dedicates himself to the imperial examinations, writing a legendary tale of rising from commoner to wise minister.

5. 55 赘 The Scholar Son-in-Law 赘婿书生 The Mountains and Seas Are Heartless山海无情Eastern Fantasy168k WordsOngoing Lu He transmigrated to ancient times and only wanted to pass the scholar's exam, lie flat, and live like a carefree nobody. But then an unexpected "act of gratitude" came his way: two hundred mounted soldiers abducted him to the capital to become the "orphan of a fallen hero." It turned out his father had saved the Duke of Protecting the Nation's life at the cost of his own? Staring at a restroom more luxurious than his old home and servants whose salaries could buy several villages, Lu He was d —Reads—Score744Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a historical fiction novel about political intrigue!! The characters are intelligent, and the plot is intricately woven! 🔥The opening premise is quite interesting: the male protagonist transmigrates to ancient times, starting as a lazy bum who just wants to relax, but because his father is a benefactor of the Duke of the Nation, he is taken in as a martyr's orphan to repay his debt of gratitude.

6. 56 问 Ask Me How I Can 问君何能 Astonishing888叹为观止888Historical550k WordsCompleted [Golden finger + intense mind games + court intrigue + sweet romance and satisfying payback + plenty of twists] A young man is beaten by a thug and unexpectedly gains the ability to read minds through heavenly ears. A beggar turns his fortunes around and rises to become a prince of the court. Power struggles and battles for the throne unfold one after another. Everyone is a pawn, yet everyone is caught up in the game. Who has the greater foresight and cunning? The princess by his side, the prime 40Reads8.9Score—Shelves

   Reader note

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

7. 57 太 The Empress Dowager Is Reborn: The Ninth Lord’s Beloved Miracle Healer 太后重生：九爷的神医白月光 Beautiful Yaoyao美美的夭夭Ancient Romance233k WordsOngoing Before Empress Dowager Mu Qingyi died, what she couldn’t let go of most was not the empire, but the young man, Ji Chuanyan, who had once promised her “peace and prosperity year after year.” During a lunar eclipse, she opened her eyes and returned to the day she turned fifteen. The young man was still there in the front hall. He took her hand, passion burning in his eyes, yet said in a low voice, “You must enter the palace.” In her previous life, she did right by the empire, but let him down. In 182Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This one perfectly meets your requirements.

8. 58 三 A Silver Tongue Conquers the World 三寸不烂打天下 Caribbean Mantis加勒比海刀螂Historical218k WordsCompleted [Hilarious + Political Intrigue + Carefully Crafted Details + Transmigration + Strong Moral Compass + High Intelligence + Ensemble Cast + No Golden Fingers + Masterful Detail + Brisk Pacing] A low-level delivery rider transmigrates into the body of a fool and marries two women from the start. What kind of chemistry will modern pickup lines, an ordinary person’s perspective, and iconic pop songs create in ancient times? What’s it like to give the emperor a bath? How do you use a handsome man to p 99Reads9.3Score179Shelves

   Reader note

   "Three Inches" is truly a great book whose name doesn't do it justice. The male protagonist often reminds me of a young Stephen Chow!

9. 59 穿 Transmigrating to the Upheaval of the Five Barbarians: A Bloodstained Chang'an Sings of War 穿越五胡乱华：血色长安启战歌 Young Master Weinan公子威南Historical564k WordsCompleted Transmigrating means hell from the start! Modern historian Xu Zhaoyuan opens his eyes amid mountains of corpses and rivers of blood during the Five Barbarians’ Upheaval. A Xiongnu blade hangs over his neck, while tens of thousands of refugees, women, and children behind him are on the brink of death. This is a hellish start! A golden finger? I am the golden finger! ✅ Foresight into history: seize the initiative in a chaotic age! ✅ Technological superiority: establish farms along the Wei River, d 21Reads7.8Score—Shelves

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   🔥 Intrigue and Machiavellianism Edition 🗡 "Forging a Blood Edict is Just the Beginner's Guide! Xu Zhaoyuan's Lessons in Overt Schemes During a Chaotic Era" ▶ Falsely claiming an imperial edict to seize Qin Prefecture, creating an auspicious omens during a solar eclipse to bestow the title of "Celestial Master"! ▶ Testing Sima Bao with 500,000 shi of grain: "If you don't give it, the whole world will know that the Prince of Jin is refusing to help!" ▶ The search for seeds in Baidiezi is a pretense; the caravan is actually a spy network! 💡 Golden Quotes on Intrigue: "The essence of politics is to make the enemy think you are on the first level, while you are in the atmosphere." #TopHookingPlayer# #PlayingWerewolfInTheFiveBarbarian Lands#

10. 60 玄 Xuanjin Commerce Flourishes 玄烬商兴 Yue Yue钺越Ancient Romance322k WordsOngoing Jingshu is a woman who has transmigrated to Guigu, a place in an imaginary universe. As a metallurgist, she intends to change the balance of power among the feudal states! “At a palace banquet, Jingshu bites into a candied figure and stares at the Grand Princess’s golden hairpin. ‘Sister, that hairpin is so pretty. It looks like golden beads on a skewer of candied hawthorn!’ The noblewomen around her cover their mouths and laugh at her foolishness, never guessing that three days later, a secret —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Can't we move beyond fictional history? Let's have pure historical adventure and political intrigue. The Spring and Autumn Period, the rise of Duke Huan of Qi. The female protagonist focuses on adventure in the martial arts world, while the male protagonist focuses on court intrigue. Tired of the Ming, Qing, Tang, and Song dynasties? Let's have some Spring and Autumn! Tired of the traditional harem drama? Let's have some stories of legitimate and illegitimate children in a previous dynasty! A climax every three chapters, keeping the pace fast. Extensive psychological descriptions will let you experience true political intrigue, crystal clear political intrigue, while simultaneously providing a logical rollercoaster ride.

11. 61 夺 A Fight for the Throne? No, I'm Here to Set the Court Straight 夺嫡？不，我是来整顿朝纲的 It's Zhong Dada!是钟大大诶Historical480k WordsOngoing [Everyone is clever] + [ruthless] Since you killed my Crown Prince brother, don’t blame me for settling the score with each of you, one by one! Father! I’m taking your throne! —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    You won't regret watching this!

12. 62 我 I Was Just a Fake Eunuch, Yet I Became the Emperor! 我一假太监，结果成了皇帝！ Lan Xiaosong岚小怂Historical235k WordsOngoing I’m Gu Yi, the most unfortunate transmigrator in history. I’m about to get castrated from the start. Luckily, the System turns me into a fake eunuch, but why are its rewards so weird? Potato chips, fried chicken, hot pot seasoning? Am I supposed to throw a food party in the imperial palace? To protect myself, I can only swallow my tears and tell bedtime stories to the consort in the Cold Palace, while helping the unruly princess with her... personal problems. The eunuchs of the Eastern Depot for 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Check out my novel, *Spring Mountain Rain and Mist: The Nine Princesses Reign as Empresses but Are Not Yet Officials*. It's a classic fictional political intrigue story. I hope you'll give it a try. (Authors also need traffic, click here.) @ You can see it on the homepage. Follow me and I'll follow you back.

13. 63 屠 You Slaughtered My Whole Family, and Now You Want Me to Be the Righteous Path's Dog? 屠我全家，还想让我当正道的狗？ Big Fish Juice大鱼汁水Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted [Cultivation] + [Decisive and ruthless] + [Do as he pleases] + [Genius protagonist] + [No level suppression] + [Multiple female leads] This is the story of an undercover agent who grows into a Demon Lord. Mu Fan has a supreme spiritual root and a pure Yang physique. Practicing swordsmanship makes him stronger, yet a so-called righteous immortal maiden plots to slaughter his entire family and sends him undercover to the demonic sect. The demonic sect? Here, you can grab whatever resources you wan 4.1kReads7.0Score456Shelves
14. 64 高 After the College Entrance Exam, I Got a Kamen Rider Belt and Beat Up the Succubus School Beauty 高考后，空我腰带，暴揍魅魔校花 The Frog Who Loves to Sleep爱睡觉的蛤蟆Urban316k WordsOngoing [Reborn] + [High Martial] + [More Children, More Blessings] + [More Children, More Blessings] + [Kamen Rider] + [Leveling Up] + [Invincible] + [Succubus Campus Belle] + [Western Fantasy] + [Ten Thousand Races] + [Urban] + [Myriad Realms] Lin An is reborn and, from the start, is falsely accused of “misconduct” by the succubus campus belle. He turns the tables and uses her identity to threaten her, keeping her in check. Then, at the Awakening Platform, he awakens a colorless, god-tier talent: [Obt 3Reads—Score—Shelves
15. 65 开 Blizzard from the Start: The Empress Gave Me Eighteen Beautiful Wives 开局雪灾：女帝送我十八房美娇妻 Soybean Paste Eating Dirt吃土的酱豆Historical405k WordsCompleted [Blizzard disaster + getting a wife right from the start? A blessing or a curse!] Lin Feng transmigrates into the body of a frail young nobleman, the son of a Minister of Rites. Before he can even figure out what’s going on, a decree from the stunning Empress leaves him dumbfounded! He’s being forced to marry eighteen family members of convicted officials? A hell-mode start? Fortunately, the “Heartthrob Value System” activates just in time. Bind a heroine, and he can exchange points for anything 317Reads6.0Score100Shelves
16. 66 短 Short Story Collection: Read It or Don't 短篇合集，爱看不看 Gothic Striver哥特努力Historical197k WordsCompleted The first story starts with transmigrating as Lao Ai, awakening the more children, more blessings System, and specializing in stealing Xiang Shaolong's ten beauties before unifying the Six Kingdoms. I estimate it will run for 50 chapters. Other short stories will follow. 2Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 67 人 In the City, the Older Sisters Insist on Becoming My Wives 人在都市，御姐姐们非要当我老婆 A Dandelion一颗蒲公英Urban1.0M WordsCompleted My new work is out! You can read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your support inspires me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 1.2kReads—Score114Shelves
18. 68 成 An Adult's Guide to Cultivation: Senior Sister, You Won't Turn Me Down, Will You? 成人修仙传，师姐你不会拒绝我吧 Little Qiao by the Flowing Waters, East House小乔流水东家Eastern Fantasy82k WordsOngoing This is an adult cultivation story about a transmigrator. Lin Fan was an overworked office drone before he transmigrated into a cultivation world as a servant disciple with five spiritual roots. By chance, he obtained the Myriad Creation Furnace, and from then on embarked on the path of cultivation. But in the cultivation world of adults, how could he possibly resist his senior sister's tender gaze? "Senior Sister, I recently caught a spirit cat that can do backflips. Come take a look." "Senior 2Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 69 觉 I Awakened the Nine Suns Divine Physique, and My Fiancée Begged Me Through Tears to Forgive Her 觉醒九阳神体，未婚妻哭着求原谅 Bro Geek屌丝哥Eastern Fantasy3.4M WordsCompleted A fast-paced, satisfying story with face-slapping the very same day. [Xianxia fantasy + multiple heroines + transmigration and rebirth + the Myriad Worlds + peerless female emperors + humor and comedy + ruthless action + no saintly protagonist + evil personality + infinite flow] The protagonist, Mu Tianyun, transmigrates to the Canglan Continent. From the start, he encounters a peerless powerhouse and gains an astonishing opportunity, embarking on an extraordinary path to immortality... 44kReads8.1Score6kShelves
20. 70 妻 His Bride Ran Away on Her Wedding Night, So His Master's Wife Secretly Took Her Place 妻子连夜逃婚，师娘偷偷为其出嫁 Mischievous Little Rascal 888神气小捣蛋888Eastern Fantasy1.9M WordsOngoing Multiple heroines + master’s wife + rebellious disciple + genius + wondrous treasures A multiple-heroine cultivation fantasy set in the Hehuan Sect, beginning with the master’s wife. Lin Tianyang transmigrated to the Tianwu Continent, where he was rescued by his master, Shangguan Lǚmao, and taken on as a disciple. He had hoped to live a quiet life, but he never expected that… On his wedding night, his bride, Shangguan Jin, ran away, leaving behind a short letter. Not long afterward, he awakened 10.8kReads7.5Score1.3kShelves
21. 71 重 Reborn: The School Beauty Frames Me? I Won't Let Her Get Away with It 重生：校花污蔑我？不惯她臭毛病 Dreaming of Cleansing the Sea梦生涤海Urban120k WordsCompleted In his previous life, Xiao Wufeng was framed by the campus belle and left utterly disgraced. Reborn, he awakens the Death Judge System and returns to the very moment before she framed him! Looking at the campus belle preparing to slander him, Xiao Wufeng won't put up with her nonsense. He swings back with a resounding slap. As long as he fights crime, he can grow stronger and gain martial arts prowess. From Ming Jin to An Jin, Hua Jin, Dan Jin, and Gang Jin... Xiao Wufeng becomes the Grim Reaper 40Reads—Score—Shelves
22. 72 南 The American Civil War: My Days Living with a Dragon Girl 南北战争：我与龙娘同居的日子 Travel-Loving Doctor爱旅行的刀客塔Historical791k WordsCompleted [Alternate-history setting with modern warfare + demi-humans + one strong female lead + transmigration into the setting + Eastern dragon + light mystery with a slice-of-life focus + no System + no brainless decisions or cheat powers] Question: How did you two end up falling for each other in a situation like this? He Zhixing: She hissed at me and bit my hand the first time we met, then insisted we live together. I figured, fine, we can live together, but I didn’t expect her to jump me right away 8.3kReads9.4Score1.1kShelves
23. 73 上 The General Loves to Eat Watermelon, Book 19 上将爱吃西第19本书 The General Loves Tomatoes上将爱吃西红柿Urban100k WordsOngoing A new work is out! You can read my stories on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy them. Your support motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 3Reads—Score—Shelves
24. 74 我 Me, the Son of a Slave Trader, Forced into Charity Work? 我，奴隶商人儿子，被迫搞慈善？ Patrick Star’s Rhapsody派大星的狂想曲Eastern Fantasy314k WordsCompleted I’ve had nothing but bad luck my whole life. I died with my name cleared of no wrongdoing, and when I opened my eyes again, I’d become the precious son of a slave merchant in another world: Lester. I thought I’d get to lie back and enjoy the wicked life of a rich second-generation heir. Instead, I got bound to a downright awful System: [Xenophile Girl Appraiser Philanthropist System]! Objective: Promote peaceful coexistence between other races and humans? Embrace love and peace? Lester looks 49Reads6.9Score—Shelves
25. 75 极 The Ultimate Warlord: No Military Pay? I'm Sick of Being Broke 极品军阀：没有军饷，我穷怕了 Book, Concrete Surface书扎水泥面Urban1.1M WordsOngoing “Loan Shark Grandmaster” Huang Wen takes a tumble into a chaotic age of rebellion. Before he can even open his eyes, he’s bound to his life-bound magical weapon: three old Qing Dynasty cannons that can evolve! Not enough cannonballs? Feed them trash! Stuff a lump of dung into the barrel, and out comes a golden Italian grenade! He starts from the start with nothing, without even a gun. The only option is to start out as a bandit? Fine! Not only will he do it, he’ll fight his way up to become the 267Reads8.6Score—Shelves
26. 76 从 From Kept Man to Head of State 从面首到元首 One Gram of Gold一克金砖Historical503k WordsCompleted Transmigrating into a hell-mode scenario from the start, with everyone treating me like a kept man? Watch me tear down this dark world! Liang Wenfeng was brutally murdered, only to awaken in the body of a young man in a chaotic era. From the start, he faces a living nightmare: no memories of his predecessor and a treacherous world around him. Luckily, an AI assistant called "Deep Thought" is bound to his mind! A mix-up makes him pretend to be someone's husband? A powerful princess in disguise sa 6Reads—Score—Shelves
27. 77 当 You Joined the Army to Find a Wife, So Why Marry a Princess Consort and Then an Empress? 当兵娶媳妇，你娶完王妃娶女帝？ Lazy Sword Singer Who Doesn't Write剑歌懒懒不码字Historical567k WordsCompleted The Warring States are in chaos, with the kingdoms at war. Chen Ping’an transmigrates into the body of a village boy. From the start, he receives a military conscription order. Luckily, he awakens the Chaotic Era Family System, which makes him stronger every time his family grows. His military exploits and martial prowess increase by the day! At eighteen, he dominates the grasslands, burns Longcheng to the ground, and is named Champion Marquis! He leads eight hundred cavalry out of Beiliang, wat 20.8kReads8.1Score2kShelves
28. 78 我 I Pretended to Be a Fool During the Famine and Became a Marquis 我在灾荒年装傻成侯爷 Bookworm Eleven书虫十一Historical2.4M WordsCompleted (Easygoing Hunting + Thrilling Power Fantasy + Ancient-Era Conquest) Chen Wuji wakes up to find that he has transmigrated into the body of a poor hunter during an ancient-era famine. The young hunter lost both his parents and owns nothing but four bare walls. It is only thanks to his sister-in-law's care that he has managed to survive. Facing this disastrous start, Chen Wuji draws on modern knowledge to stockpile grain and fill his storehouse with meat, living freely as he competes for dominion 30.4kReads8.3Score3.5kShelves
29. 79 开 From the Start, I Had an Immortal Undying Tree and Used Female Evil Cultivators as Flower Fertilizer 开局不死神树，专抓女邪修当花肥 Ya Sheng Ziluo崖生紫罗Eastern Fantasy139k WordsCompleted [Nonhuman protagonist + no System + ensemble cast] An old martial arts master in the village composed a poem: “There is a tree in the Northern Sea, a very, very big tree. It gives shade in summer and bears fruit in autumn. Women who touch it stay youthful and beautiful; children who hug it grow clever and quick-witted.” Zhao Shu: Bah! What a load of trash. Once I’ve collected enough female demonic cultivators, I’m getting out of this godforsaken place tonight! Then, one midnight, he overheard 68Reads—Score—Shelves
30. 80 穿 Transmigrating to Ancient Times: I Rise by Winning Over Beautiful Women 穿越古代：从收服美娇娘开始进步 Rain South of the Mountains山南有雨Historical529k WordsOngoing A new work is out! Welcome to read my stories on Tomato Novel. I hope you'll enjoy them. Your support motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 9Reads6.0Score—Shelves
31. 81 师 Master's Wife, I'm Invincible! 师娘，我无敌了！ Asking About Love问情Urban218k WordsCompleted After my master died, he told me to take care of his wife. Now she’s discovered that I keep getting stronger! On the road, he faces all kinds of dangers, yet always manages to turn disaster into good fortune. His enemies tremble at the mere mention of him, and his master’s wife begins to see him in a new light! 1.7kReads7.5Score178Shelves
32. 82 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 401Reads8.8Score564Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend these two books. Both feature protagonists who use modern knowledge to create firearms, telescopes, and hot air balloons, implement sweeping reforms, unify thought through modern learning, and ultimately unify the world. The war scenes are grand, the plots are full of twists and turns, and these are incredibly engaging new alternate history novels! 🥰

33. 83 江 An Ordinary Man’s Path Through the Martial World 江湖凡人路 Disciple of Wang Mi王酩之徒Historical375k WordsOngoing This is my first long novel. The early chapters move slowly, but they follow an essential part of the characters’ emotional journeys. After much deliberation, I decided to keep them. Feel free to skip the prologue and start with Chapter One. I hope you’ll understand. On the execution ground, I, Timur, a gifted blacksmith, had become a condemned prisoner. The common folk cursed me for cutting corners and causing the deaths of soldiers on the frontier. My parents knelt below the platform, sobbi 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is highly recommended! A historical fiction story with political intrigue!!! Timur, at ten years old, wields a rough hammer, sweat evaporating on the scorching ground. In the sparks of the Iron Family Shop, lies more than just a blacksmith's dream of a life of adventure!!

34. 84 从 From Frontier Army Officer to Conquering the World 从边军校尉开始征战天下 Seven Blades七刃Historical1.4M WordsOngoing Modern-day office drone Qin Chuan transmigrates to the Great Zhou Dynasty, only to find himself from the start a low-ranking officer at Tianxiong Pass! With barbarian cavalry pounding at the border from without and court intrigue framing him from within, he has no System or golden finger, only a modern mindset and a ruthless, iron-blooded streak. Others say a border officer is a pawn with nowhere to go, but he is determined to make his move, break through the frontier, purge treacherous official 2.2kReads6.7Score137Shelves

    Reader note

    An alternate history, full of power struggles and intrigue, with both main and supporting characters possessing high intelligence!

35. 85 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 68Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Try this.

36. 86 执 With a Plan, I Set the Realm in Order 执策定山河 Yi Shiba 666易十八666Ancient Romance80k WordsCompleted In her previous life, Jiang Wanqing trusted the wrong man. As the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, she once saved Lu Jinglan, a general's son, helped him rise to success, and promised to spend her life with him. In the end, he broke off their engagement for the woman he cherished, framed the Jiang family, and had them all executed. When she awakens, she has returned to the moment of their engagement. This time, she doesn't argue or make a scene. She disguises herself as a man and head —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    You might want to check this out: career-oriented, not at all love-obsessed.

37. 87 穿 The Transmigrated City Lord 穿越女城主 Tianheng Palace天珩宫Ancient Romance647k WordsOngoing [Love triangle, slow burn, taking things one step at a time! The emotional entanglements of adults: the first male lead is passionate and fixated, while the second is clever and in control. The second male lead wins her heart.] [A beauty skilled in political intrigue! She pursues an official career, rises to a high position, and remains calm and self-possessed, leaving a prince heartbroken.] She has always believed that staying independent and relying on no one is the safest way to survive. But 27Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A powerful female protagonist, shrewd and calculating, calm and composed, steadily advances in her career, and then cuts off her romantic ties, leaving the prince heartbroken.

38. 88 谋 The Imperial Seal Scheme: A King's Road Through the Realm 谋玺：山河王途 Er Dan's Pinecone二蛋的松果Historical103k WordsOngoing History, war, and political intrigue. The Empress wants him dead, his imperial uncle is using his name, and the bandits think he’s a hostage. When Ji Zhen is fished out of the river, this is the situation he finds himself in… What? You want me to write to my family so they can pay my ransom? Forget it. There’s no good person in the imperial palace, and nobody’s going to pay up! Instead of demanding a ransom, why not come with me? I’ll help you make something of yourselves in this chaotic age… —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's a fictional political intrigue story, without a system, without lowering intelligence, and without any cheat codes. I think this is the only one that fits the bill.

39. 89 风 A Storm Rises, and the Beauty Takes a Stand 风起云涌红颜怒 Ten Miles of Spring Breeze, Pleasing Myself春风十里取悦自己Ancient Romance447k WordsCompleted The male lead is not chaste. Please avoid this if that bothers you. Since I've transmigrated, why not make the country strong and conquer the world? Even if I'm forced into a relationship, I'll still make money and build my career. After transmigrating into the body of a stunningly beautiful female doctor, she remains devoted to the man she loves. She and her fiancé are in love with each other and have sworn to stay together for life, growing old side by side. Yet the iron-blooded “God of Slaug 1.7kReads—Score136Shelves

    Reader note

    Hardcore political intrigue, logically consistent, high-IQ showdown, emotional game, extreme tension, tight plot, strong nation and military, alternate history, forceful acquisition, court intrigue, rewriting the rules.

40. 90 骏 Galloping to the Azure Heavens 骏驰青霄 Dilireba Watermelon迪丽热巴西瓜Historical356k WordsCompleted The Eighth Prince, Gong Jun, has been frail and sickly since childhood, and his mother, Noble Consort Zhao, died under suspicious circumstances. Uninterested in the position of heir, he devotes himself to uncovering the truth behind her death. But one young attendant isn’t enough! There’s also a hidden expert by his side who can’t reveal his true identity. He really needs a few capable helpers, so what’s with being sent a blunt, headstrong daughter of a military family? 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I think my writing is pretty good, better than Liu Zhang and Li Ke's.

41. 91 荒 A Dream of Flowers on the Wasteland 荒原百花梦 Flower Child Redheart花童红心Modern Romance1.6M WordsCompleted The space-time universe, the Ark of Heaven, the Interstellar Alliance, the illusory realm: what kind of existence is the world we live in? From the ancient age of gods and demons, through the classical age of wandering heroes, to the modern age of technology, and finally the future age of artificial intelligence, the history of intelligent civilization seems to be a cycle... Will artificial life ever develop independent consciousness, gain a soul and intelligence, and ultimately replace intellig 24Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a fictional political intrigue novel where the characters are intelligent and engage in a fascinating power struggle.

42. 92 重 Reborn, I Turn My Fate Around with the System of Noncontention 重生归来，我凭不争系统扭转死局 Wen Qiheng温栖珩Ancient Romance114k WordsOngoing Reborn on the eve of the palace banquet, Su Wanyuan's fingertips brushed against the secret drug hidden in the lining of her gown. In her previous life, she was tricked into making a scene, lost her reputation, and saw her entire family executed. This time, she stayed calm, waiting to tear away her half-sister's gentle facade in front of everyone at the banquet. Before the trouble had even settled, a wooden token etched with a whirlpool pattern led her to a decades-old secret plot involving a 15Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A fictional political intrigue novel

43. 93 元 Legend of the Primordial Spirit Heroes 元灵英雄传 Cute and Handsome小萌帅Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted Once upon a time, the realms of Heaven and Earth were connected. The gods of the heavenly domains protected humanity, while mighty human martial cultivators roamed the world. The alliance between gods and humans held the foreign races of the earthly realm and the demons of Heaven’s domains at bay, temporarily halting their expansion. But then the Gate between Heaven and Earth suddenly closed. The gods fell or vanished, and humanity’s great powers dwindled and withdrew from the world, leaving man 498Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Alternate Fantasy History

44. 94 穿 I Transmigrated to the Tyrannical Qin: Chen Sheng Led Me in Rebellion 穿越暴秦：陈胜带我起义 Gu Tianshu穀天黍Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Are kings and nobles born to their station? The protagonist transmigrates into the brutal Qin dynasty and rises in rebellion alongside Chen Sheng, in an age ruled by harsh officials. Facing divisions between sworn brothers and the relentless turning wheels of history, he plots and schemes to save the brothers who stood together when their oath was first made. Where will he lead them from here...? 343Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Fictional setting, power struggles and intrigue

45. 95 前 The Former Dynasty's Tyrant: He Took the Throne by Living Off Women 前朝暴君，他靠吃软饭登基 Southern Bright Molten Abyss南明熔渊Historical604k WordsCompleted [Tyrant's Revenge] [Son-in-Law's Rise] [Political Schemes and Rivalry for Power] [Household Strife - Battlefield - Court] I, Situ Jun, was a ruthless tyrant who unified the realm, only to be betrayed by my own kin and burned alive. When I opened my eyes again, I had become Murong Jin, a good-for-nothing son-in-law whom everyone in the Yongning Marquis's household of Great Zhou could bully. Impotent? Useless? Even the maids dared spit at me. My spoiled wife forced me to write a divorce letter 4Reads8.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The plot is dense with complex power struggles, and the protagonist and the villain are constantly outmaneuvered by each other.

46. 96 天 A Fated Hero, Forced to Conquer by the Goddess of Vengeance 天命枭雄，复仇女神逼我称霸 Huo Ya, Who Loves the Yangqin喜欢杨琴的霍琊Historical210k WordsOngoing [An alternate-history story, not based on real history. Set in the era after the Three Kingdoms, as the Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms period begins.] Cheng Feng, a state-owned enterprise employee, sees his hopes of marriage crushed by an exorbitant bride price. After one night of heavy drinking, he transmigrates to the war-torn Northern Jin, becoming the nephew of the head of the Jiang clan in Liangzhou. At this time, the Five Barbarians are wreaking havoc across the Central Plains. The empir 52Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of power struggles and manipulation, where the leaders of various factions are all highly intelligent.

47. 97 墨 The Ink Moon Halberd: Love and Revenge in the Western Regions 墨月戟：西域情仇 White Rice Dumpling白水粽Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [No AI, entirely written by hand; court intrigue and an ensemble cast, with a traditional plot-driven narrative] [Subtle emotions, sweeping warfare, vivid characters] Beyond Yumen Pass lie the great desert and the Tianshan Mountains. With half Han heritage and half Hu blood, he was born amid the flames of a chaotic age, as the Han and the Xiongnu fought over the Western Regions. In a dreamlike lifetime, he saved the Cheshi princess and uncovered the fated bond between them as husband and wife in 158Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical novel about war and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of the fierce struggle between the Western Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu for control of the Western Regions. The protagonist is of mixed Han and Xiongnu descent, skilled in archery and spear fighting. The first battle appears in Chapter 21, after which various factions gradually emerge, making the story increasingly exciting. Ultimately, the protagonist returns to the Han Dynasty, awakens his bloodline, avenges his family, repels the Xiongnu, guards the frontier, and becomes the Protector-General of the Western Regions. He also experiences fateful romances with several girls (not a harem novel). This book encompasses themes of family and country, war, political intrigue, coups, love, destiny, betrayal, revenge, and much more.

48. 98 威 The Mighty Phoenix Ode: Li Shimin 威凤赋之李世民 momocaHistorical926k WordsCompleted In the waning years of the Sui dynasty, warlords contended for supremacy, matching wits and fighting with everything they had. Emperor Taizong and Empress Zhangsun were young newlyweds who supported each other and brought peace and prosperity to the people. Adapted from history, this is not an alternate-history novel. It features political maneuvering, warfare, and noble ideals. It vividly recreates the four major battles of Li Shimin's career and shows how, before the Xuanwu Gate Incident, this 39Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    At the end of the Sui and Tang dynasties, warlords vied for power, engaging in fierce battles of wits and courage. Emperor Zhenguan and his empress, a young couple, supported each other, bringing peace and prosperity to the people. Based on historical events, not a fictional historical novel. It features political intrigue, warfare, and righteous righteousness. It comprehensively recreates the scenes of Li Shimin's four major battles, although some descriptions are quite bloody.

49. 99 关 The Guanshan Pact 关山契 It's Really a Dog真的是狗Historical488k WordsCompleted On the western frontier, yellow sands bury the dead, and honor is as fragile as paper. The young Zhao Tianhao was merely a merchant’s son from Ping Wharf. With a heart full of sincerity, he kept his contracts, protected his family business, and brought peace to his neighbors. Yet the crushing might of the war-torn age destroyed his household, driving him to abandon trade and take up arms. He entered the death camp, managed military rations, trained a corps of death-defying soldiers, and defended 5.3kReads9.3Score607Shelves

    Reader note

    It doesn't lower your intelligence, has rigorous logic, doesn't involve time travel, isn't mindlessly entertaining, doesn't indulge in wishful thinking, doesn't use overpowered abilities, and has a simple, unpretentious writing style, yet it's still incredibly exciting.

50. 100 盐 Salt and Iron 盐铁 It's Really a Dog真的是狗Historical387k WordsCompleted Liaodong is bitterly cold, and salt is worth its weight in gold. To save his parents, young Shen Huai pawns his hairpin for salt. But without a permit, the officials seize it. His father dies in prison, and his mother’s blood stains their doorstep. After a blizzard, he leaves his home behind and follows his uncle, a wandering man of the jianghu, onto the path of the black salt trade. From then on, he is drawn into the fateful abyss of salt and iron, military funds, and political power. At first, 439Reads—Score—Shelves

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