Classics, History and Culture, and World Classics 名著，历史文化，世界名著

1. 101 国 An Outline of National History (Complete in 2 Volumes) 国史大纲（全2册） Qian Mu钱穆Historical412k WordsCompleted An Outline History of China is a general history of China, written with a focus on concision: it sets out the main points and cuts the trivial details. In fewer than 1,000 pages, it manages to provide detailed accounts of historical figures and a comprehensive record of their achievements, demonstrating the author’s remarkable command of a complex past. The book is clearly structured, with just the right balance of detail and brevity. An Outline History of China surveys the evolution of traditio 2kReads9.4Score60314d adds

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   Known as the nation's legacy and an outline of national history, the Records of the Grand Historian explores the relationship between heaven and humanity, understands the changes of ancient and modern times, and establishes a unique perspective.

2. 102 说 The Complete Story of the Tang Dynasty: A Definitive Edition 说唐全传-精编完整版 Long-form Qing Dynasty Legends清代长篇传奇小说Historical360k WordsCompleted The definitive account of the heroes of the Sui and Tang dynasties. From Qin Qiong rescuing the emperor at Lintong to Li Shimin’s Xuanwu Gate Incident, it establishes Li Yuanba’s legend as the mightiest hero of the Sui and Tang. Classic episodes such as the oath of brotherhood at Wagang Stronghold and Cheng Yaojin proclaiming himself emperor fuse historical fiction with the traditions of folk storytelling, laying the framework for later narratives about the Sui and Tang. 65Reads9.4Score—14d adds
3. 103 殇 The Last Emperor of the Shang Dynasty 殇朝末帝 Maple Leaves Fluttering枫叶絮扬Historical113k WordsOngoing The Empress Dowager seizes power, her relatives meddle in government, princes rebel, eunuchs wreak havoc, barbarians invade, the people suffer, and the common folk rise up… The Great Zhou dynasty is a pot of Eight-Treasure Congee boiling over with chaos! Oh no, I’ve wet myself again! Your Majesty, don’t cry. There’s nothing to be afraid of! Reborn for a second life, I’m the last emperor, and the nation is on the verge of collapse. I have to find a way out… After finally setting the Great Zhou dy 1Reads—Score—14d adds
4. 104 一 Yifan Is Anything but Ordinary 一凡不凡 Maple Leaves Fluttering枫叶絮扬Urban572k WordsCompleted My new work is out! Welcome to read it 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! 4Reads—Score—14d adds
5. 105 爱 The Crime of Love 爱的罪行 Maple Leaves Fluttering枫叶絮扬Urban123k WordsCompleted The son of a drug dealer and the daughter of a police officer grow up happily, unaware of the truth! As the truth slowly comes to light, what kind of story will emerge from their tangled love and hatred? A crime born of love... 1Reads—Score—14d adds
6. 106 武 Wu Zetian's Four Great Mystery Cases 武则天四大奇案 Anonymous佚名Historical200k WordsCompleted [Historical Mystery + Four Great Cases + Ancient-Era Deduction] From strange cases in the countryside to courtly intrigue, Di Renjie carefully unravels the truth at every turn. Newly appointed magistrate of Changping County, Di Renjie is immediately faced with a bizarre murder: a merchant from Huzhou is found mysteriously dead at an inn in Liulidun. The local headman, Hu De, abuses his power, but the identity of the real culprit raises even more questions. Disguised as an ordinary traveler, Di R 391Reads9.5Score—14d adds

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   I highly recommend this to everyone; it will definitely elevate your reading taste! [Smile]

7. 107 四 The Scandalous Tales of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人艳史演义 Su Yan Zhuren素阉主人Historical104k WordsCompleted Uncovering the untold stories of the Four Beauties [History + biographies + the Four Beauties + unofficial anecdotes] Xi Shi, whose beauty could topple a kingdom as she washed silk, was caught in the turmoil of a chaotic age. Yang Yuhuan’s glance could captivate an entire city, but her passionate love became a shackle of fate. Wang Zhaojun left the frontier with a mournful song, bringing a brief peace between the Han and the Xiongnu. Diao Chan ingeniously set a chain of schemes in motion, turnin 92Reads8.7Score—14d adds
8. 108 感 66 Heartwarming Stories That Will Move You for a Lifetime (Part One) 感动一生的66个情感故事（一） Guo Bilian郭碧莲Modern Romance59k WordsCompleted Overview: The Read, Appreciate, and Reflect series was carefully compiled according to the principle of benefiting students, winning teachers’ favor, and putting parents at ease, with extensive input from primary and middle school students and teachers. These books help improve students’ reading and writing skills, make an ideal choice for reading together as a family, and are valuable aids for Chinese-language teachers. The Read, Appreciate, and Reflect series offers a feast of reading for toda 6Reads8.4Score—14d adds
9. 109 曾 The Story of Zeng Guofan 曾国藩演义 Xu Zheshen徐哲身Historical381k WordsCompleted The Romance of Zeng Guofan follows the tumultuous life of the famed late Qing minister Zeng Guofan, offering a sweeping account of the epic struggle between the Taiping Rebellion and the Qing court. Author Xu Zhesheng uses historical sources as its framework and literature as its soul, vividly portraying Zeng Guofan’s legendary journey from an impoverished scholar to a celebrated minister of the restoration. He founded the Xiang Army and turned the tide, and championed the Self-Strengthening Mov 6Reads8.0Score—14d adds

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   A true classic, a must-read! [Smirk]

10. 110 恒 The Constant Register of Parables 恒籍寓鉴 Xuanyuan Badao轩辕霸道Modern Romance1.2M WordsOngoing Synopsis of The Book of Constant Records: Tales to Awaken the Mind and Discern the Truth With “drawing wisdom from the classics to illuminate the questions of today” as its guiding principle, this book selects over a hundred classic fables and anecdotes from the various schools of philosophy, historical biographies and notes, and folk tradition. These include “The Frog at the Bottom of the Well” from Zhuangzi, “Making Up the Numbers” from Han Feizi, and “The Man from Qi Who Worried the Sky Would 10Reads—Score614d adds

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    The Green Stream Stone and the Cloud-Edged Pine: A Millennial Allegory of Finding Peace and Well-being. Deep in the mountains, a winding green stream stretches for hundreds of miles, its waters flowing through layers of peaks and valleys, nourishing all things in the mountains over a thousand years. Beside the stream lives an old man with white hair and beard; no one knows his age, only that he spends his days tending to his house, his stove, and his tea, indifferent to worldly strife, yet always able to enlighten those who have lost their way into the mountains. In late spring of that year, a young traveler named Zi'an, carrying a heavy bag and looking weary, stepped into the deep mountains. He had traveled far and wide, seeking fame and fortune, determined to accomplish something extraordinary, but in the end, he encountered setbacks at every turn, constantly arguing with others, acting rashly and impulsively. Not only did he achieve nothing, but he also became physically and mentally exhausted, his mind in turmoil day and night, tossing and turning, feeling that the world was unjust, that his talents went unappreciated. Zi'an followed the sound of the stream to the old man's thatched hut. Upon entering, he knelt down, tears streaming down his face, and poured out his sorrows: "Old sir, I've exhausted all my strength trying to prove myself, to gain fame and fortune, to earn everyone's respect. But the harder I try, the more I fail. What can I do to escape this predicament?" The old man didn't answer immediately, but poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards Zi'an, saying softly, "Drink this tea first, calm your mind, look at this stream, look at the mountain plants. Once your heart is at peace, I'll tell you a story from the mountains." Zi'an did as he was told, closing his eyes and sitting quietly, listening to the babbling brook and birdsong. After a long time, the anxiety in his heart gradually subsided. When he opened his eyes, his gaze was much calmer. Seeing this, the old man slowly began to speak, recounting a fable hidden deep in the mountains for a thousand years. Long ago, in this clear stream, there lived a angular blue stone. From birth, it believed itself to be different, determined to become the most dazzling stone in the stream. It always boasted to the pebbles and sand around it, saying its hard texture and unique shape would one day be discovered and treasured by the world. Whenever the stream rushed in, it would straighten its body, resisting the current, afraid of being looked down upon; whenever fish and shrimp swam by, it would deliberately display its sharpness, wanting to attract all attention. But as the days passed, the rushing water repeatedly crashed against the stone's edges. Instead of becoming more dazzling, it was riddled with cracks, its once sharp edges becoming worn and broken with each impact. The blue stone grew increasingly impatient and argumentative, complaining to the sand and stones at the bottom of the stream about the injustice of nature, and venting its anger on the rushing water. But the more it argued, the more exhausted it became; the more stubborn it became, the more painful it was. Gradually, even the fish and shrimp refused to approach it, and it became the loneliest stone in the stream. At the end of the stream, on the cliff edge, grew an ancient pine tree, which people called the Cloud-Edge Pine. This pine tree never competed with the mountain flowers for beauty, nor with the towering trees for height. It simply silently took root on the cliff, absorbing rain and dew to solidify its foundation. When the spring breeze blew and the flowers vied for attention, it quietly sprouted branches and leaves; in the scorching summer, when trees stretched their branches and leaves to grab sunlight, it simply grew steadily, neither arrogant nor impatient; in the bleak autumn, when plants vied to bear fruit and display their vitality, it remained silent; in the winter snow, when everything withered, it stood proudly against the wind and snow. People passing by the cliff admire the exotic flowers and praise the tall, ancient trees, but no one pays special attention to this pine tree. Yet the pine tree by the clouds never cares, never bends down to flatter, and never deliberately displays its posture. It simply guards its own piece of land and silently accumulates strength. The old man, looking at Zi'an who seemed lost in thought, continued, "Later, the mountains were struck by a once-in-a-century flash flood. Torrential rains caused the streams to swell, their force far exceeding anything seen before. That stubborn, sharp-edged blue stone, determined to withstand the flood once more, was swept away by the raging torrent, crashing into the boulders and ultimately shattering into countless small pieces, lost to the current. But the cloud-edge pine, unassuming and quietly rooted, remained steadfast, its roots firmly planted in the cliff face, enduring the scouring floods and raging winds. When the flood receded, most of the mountain's inhabitants were destroyed, but the cloud-edge pine stood tall and verdant, becoming the most steadfast landscape on the cliff. Only then did people realize that this seemingly unremarkable pine possessed such immense strength, needing neither boasting nor argument, yet able to withstand the storms of life." Upon hearing this, Zi'an's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly asked, "Old sir, is the story of the blue stone and the pine tree the truth of how to live in this world?" The old man nodded and slowly revealed five truths for a peaceful and fulfilling life. Each sentence struck a chord with Zi'an's confusion. Truly capable people are always silent and never try to prove themselves. The blue stone, eager to show off and argue, sought the approval of the sand and the stream, but ultimately met a tragic end. The pine tree, on the other hand, never boasted or argued, silently taking root, thus preserving itself and weathering the storms. In this life, a person's value is never defined by the opinions of others. The more eager one is to show off, the more one exposes their inner emptiness and insecurity. Guarding one's tongue, stopping arguments, and focusing one's energy on oneself is the foundation of preserving one's spirit. As the *Tao Te Ching* says, "The good do not argue; those who argue are not good." Those with a rich inner life do not need external recognition to sustain them. In life, we should learn from flowing water: using gentleness to overcome strength, avoiding head-on confrontation. The water of a clear stream, seemingly soft and powerless, can flow through thousands of mountains and rivers, penetrate hard rocks, bypass high barriers, accumulate strength in valleys, and eventually flow into the sea. A stubborn stone, unable to adapt, will be swallowed by the torrent; a person who always confronts difficulties head-on and strives for superiority will only suffer wounds. On the journey of life, forbearance and retreat are not weakness, but the wisdom of avoiding confrontation and accumulating strength. The softest things in the world can overcome the hardest; learn to adapt, and difficulties will naturally give way. Everything should be done in moderation; knowing when to stop is the key to longevity. If mountain plants grow wildly without restraint, they will prematurely exhaust their nutrients and be unable to withstand the wind and rain; if a person single-mindedly pursues fame and fortune, with boundless desires and no satisfaction, they will fall into the trap of greed and never find peace. In seeking wealth and fame, moderation and leaving room for maneuver are essential for long-term stability. Knowing contentment prevents greed from leading to humiliation; knowing when to stop prevents excessive pursuit from plunging one into danger—these are the foundations of invincibility. Be true to yourself, don't be swayed by others, and you will become a strong person. Zi'an was preoccupied with others' opinions, focused on their lives, and let their evaluations cloud his judgment, ultimately losing himself. Wildflowers in the mountains have their fragrance, trees have their grandeur, pines have their resilience; all things in the world have their own way of living, their own brilliance. In this life, you are the protagonist. Defeating others is not true skill; true strength lies in conquering your own desires, controlling your emotions, subduing your inner demons, focusing your attention inward, and preventing your energy from leaking out. Avoid arrogance and impatience, be cautious from beginning to end, and you will succeed. Zi'an was impatient for quick results, starting with great enthusiasm, but becoming easily agitated at the slightest setback, losing patience as the deadline approached, thus failing in everything he did. Life is never a sprint, but a long journey of self-cultivation. All success is inseparable from the accumulation of experience over time and from constant caution. No matter how difficult things are, no matter how uncertain the road ahead, always maintain your original aspirations, keep your composure, and persevere to the end; there will be no failure. As the old man finished speaking, Zi'an was already in tears. He finally understood that his past suffering stemmed entirely from his inner restlessness, greed, and competitiveness. He rose, bowed deeply to the old man, shouldered his bag, and turned to descend the mountain, free from his former anxiety and obsession with proving himself. Later, Zi'an tempered his sharpness, calmed his mind, stopped arguing with others, stopped blindly comparing himself to others, became calm and adaptable in the face of adversity, worked diligently, learned to be content, and persevered in everything he did. As the years passed, although he did not gain earth-shattering fame, his life was peaceful and smooth, his heart was at peace and content. He had survived the chaos of war and finally ushered in a brighter future. This parable of the green stream stone and the pine tree by the clouds has been passed down through generations, reminding people: there's no need to chase after others' glory, no need to deliberately prove yourself. Learn to be silent and rooted, learn to overcome strength with gentleness, learn to be content and know when to stop, learn to cultivate yourself deeply, stabilize your mind, and patiently wait for the flowers to bloom. In the end, you will live a unique life, guarding your own blessings and peace. All good fortune in this world originates from a peaceful, calm, and inwardly rooted heart. When the heart is settled, the path is smooth; when the heart is at peace, blessings come.

11. 111 白 The Meaning of the White Tiger 白虎通义 Ban Gu班固Historical53k WordsCompleted The Baihutong, also known as the White Tiger Discussions or the White Tiger Treatise on Virtue, is a collection of proceedings from an officially convened meeting on Confucian studies during the Eastern Han dynasty, as well as an imperially sanctioned work interpreting the Confucian classics. It holds an exceptionally important place in the history of Confucian thought and Han political thought. In 79 CE, the fourth year of Emperor Zhang of Han’s Jianchu era, the emperor personally convened a la 28Reads8.6Score—14d adds

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    Cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world! [Under pressure][Under pressure][Under pressure]

12. 112 伤 The Hilarious, In-Depth Guide to Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases 伤寒杂病论爆笑详解版 Eight Hundred Miles of Wind and Clouds风云八百里1.7M WordsCompleted The Hilarious, In-Depth Guide to Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases is a medical classic interpretation that turns tradition on its head. With witty, humorous language, the book presents a fresh take on Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases, breathing new life into this ancient text on traditional Chinese medicine. Skillfully blending modern elements with ancient wisdom, the author uses entertaining stories and vivid examples to explain complex, dif 69Reads—Score—14d adds

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    *The Hilarious Explanation of the Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases* is a revolutionary interpretation of a classic medical text. Using humorous and engaging language, the book offers a fresh perspective on Zhang Zhongjing's *Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases*, breathing new life into this ancient Chinese medicine classic. The author skillfully blends modern elements with ancient wisdom, using entertaining stories and vivid examples to explain complex and difficult medical theories in a simple and accessible way, allowing readers to grasp the essence of Chinese medicine while having a good laugh. Whether you are a beginner interested in Chinese medicine or a professional looking for a fresh perspective on the classics, you will gain both knowledge and enjoyment from this book.

13. 113 合 The Useless Disciple of the Hehuan Sect 合欢宗废材 Qin Gengxin秦更新Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted [Absurd comedy + traditional fantasy + multiple heroines + espionage + battles of wits] Ye Huan is a disciple so disappointing that even the Hehuan Sect wants nothing to do with him. By chance, he obtains an inheritance, and from then on becomes a man who can hold up the heavens. One way for men to survive in the Hehuan Sect is to become spies. As it happens, Ye Huan is an espionage enthusiast, and with his exceptional powers of logical deduction, he matches wits with all sides on the covert fro 1.7kReads7.2Score16714d adds

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    [Thinking][Smirking][What][Shy][Awkward laugh][Making a face][Shy][Smiling][Making a face][Pouting][What][Thinking][Shy][Making a face] Packed with exciting moments and high IQ, the plot is not padded.

14. 114 绝 Peerless Secret Words: The Spirit Heavens Chronicle 绝世密言：灵天记 Ouyang Miguo欧阳米果Eastern Fantasy997k WordsCompleted Through fantastical stories, this book explores the mysteries of the universe and explains the principles of life, helping readers understand why people live. In doing so, it can help them put their worries aside and embrace life's experiences with greater optimism and energy! 913Reads9.4Score12714d adds

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    The fifth greatest classic of China. It explains the history of the origins of all humankind.

15. 115 唐 Shangguan Wan’er: Courtly Intrigue in the Tang Dynasty 唐朝上官婉儿宫廷风云 Shu Yao Jiu舒窈纠Ancient Romance252k WordsCompleted Shangguan Wan'er was the daughter of a convicted official, yet she became Wu Zetian's right-hand woman. When Emperor Zhongzong of Tang was restored to the throne, she was named Zhaorong and continued overseeing official edicts for both the inner court and the outer government. Later, she attached herself to Princess Taiping. After Emperor Zhongzong's sudden death, Shangguan Wan'er and Princess Taiping drafted an imperial edict naming Li Chongmao crown prince, with Prince Xiang, Li Dan, as regent 3.1kReads7.5Score19414d adds

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    The life of Shangguan Wan'er, a woman of both beauty and talent, is full of twists and turns... Love, hate, and family and country... Based on history, well-written, not simplistic, and not mindless, it's worth reading!

16. 116 律 Seeking the Way in the Legal World 律界问道 Half a Scholar半个书生Urban1.2M WordsCompleted [Comeback and growth + charming lawyer + mysteries surrounding cold cases + officialdom and workplace + wits and will] He turns his life around, with Death brushing past him several times. A string of cold cases remain shrouded in mystery... 940Reads—Score15914d adds

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    Growth, triumph, suspense, unsolved case, explosion, murder, thrilling and exciting, relatable to everyday life.

17. 117 帝 The Art of Imperial Politics: The Jiajing Era 帝王心术：嘉靖时代 Shu Yao Jiu舒窈纠Historical227k WordsCompleted This novel offers a profound look at Jiajing’s transformation from an energetic reformer into an emperor obsessed with Daoism. Daoist priests such as Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen used mysticism to manipulate his inner world; Yan Song and his son won favor with Daoist prayers and monopolized power for twenty years; Xu Jie bided his time before finally bringing down the treacherous ministers; and Hai Rui risked his life to submit a memorial condemning the ills of the age. Together, these vivid ch 1.2kReads6.9Score11414d adds

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    "I am the emperor, yet I cannot acknowledge my own father as my father?! Isn't this the biggest joke in the world?! So what if I haven't held court for decades? No one has dared to rebel against me!!"... What a Jiajing Emperor! Based on history, yet beautifully written! Worth reading!

18. 118 大 Li Shizi of the Tang Dynasty: My Six Tycoon Darlings! 大唐兕子：我的六个神豪小囊君！ Lush Pine and Bamboo松筠葱葱Ancient Romance2.1M WordsOngoing A woman who transmigrates into another world finds her way to a higher-dimensional acceptance of her own strength and weakness, maturity and immaturity, dignity and disarray amid the height of the Tang dynasty. In the first five volumes, she is intensely drawn to strength and despises foolishness, ashamed of her own imperfections. When her energy is high, she is the model of a refined, high-born lady: restrained, sensible, and keenly observant. When her energy is low, she becomes anxious, avoida 55Reads9.2Score—14d adds

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    She opened her notes app and started typing: "The ninth day of the first lunar month, early morning. Woke up with pain in my chest acupoint. Traditional Chinese medicine says it's qi stagnation in the chest, liver qi stagnation, and grief affecting the heart meridian. Modern medicine calls it stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome. Actually, it's all the same—it's just my body telling me: you truly loved, you truly hurt, you truly placed someone in the softest part of your heart." "Pain isn't an illness, it's a lingering effect of deep affection." "It will get better slowly. It just takes a little time." She paused, looking at the words she had written. Then she turned off the screen and put her phone back beside her pillow. A bird chirped outside the window. Very briefly, very softly. She stood in the sunlight, pressing the stone in her chest, waiting for it to slowly...

19. 119 宋 The Splendor of Bianjing in the Song Dynasty: Provoke Her, and the Storm Will Pass! 宋韵京华：惹她，山雨歇！ Lush Pine and Bamboo松筠葱葱Historical184k WordsCompleted 1. (Transmigration to Song history) (Ancient-style romance, infinite worlds) (Literary foundations and imaginative ideas) (One female lead, occasionally a full cast of men) (Funny and never long-winded). Best savored slowly, one little bite at a time. 2. The two male leads are really just a pair of grown-up brats whose delayed adolescence is still dragging on. Once their rebellious phases end and they stop making everything about themselves, their worldviews will emerge. 3. Each incident is ordi 19Reads8.2Score—14d adds
20. 120 二 The Husky and His White Cat Shizun 二哈和他的白猫师尊 Meat Bun Won't Eat Meat肉包不吃肉Two Male Leads1.4M WordsCompleted [The audiobook adaptation of the same name, starring Gu Jiangshan and Sanshi, is complete. Tune in and give it a listen!] Mo Ran thought becoming Chu Wanning's disciple had been a mistake. His master was far too much like a cat, while he was like a silly dog wagging its tail and fawning over him. Dogs and cats can't reproduce together, and the silly dog hadn't wanted to reach out his fluffy paws toward that cat in the first place. He'd always thought dogs should be with dogs, like his senior bro 100.9kReads9.7Score19.5k14d adds
21. 121 铸 Forging the Soul, Anointing the Altar, Inheriting the Radiance 铸魂，润坛，承曜 Lush Pine and Bamboo松筠葱葱Modern Romance70k WordsOngoing I've spent half my life writing, depicting all kinds of lives. Yet every time I put pen to paper, I always return to the soil I know best: human nature. There, the earliest rays of dawn shine alongside the deepest darkness of night. Some people complain, some put on an act, and some secretly watch the clouds through the cracks in their lives. Over the years, I've heard so many teachers say, “I feel like I've become a mere tool. I've forgotten who I am.” I understand. Within the coordinates of ra 2Reads—Score—14d adds
22. 122 红 Another Dream of the Red Chamber: Fifty Letters on a Fleeting Life 红楼别梦：五十笺浮生录 Jade Mirror Stand玉镜台Female-Channel Fanfiction217k WordsCompleted My new work is out! You’re welcome to read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it, and your support means a lot to me. Version One Without the entanglements of the old pledge between wood and stone, without the constraints of a fated match between gold and jade, the people in Grand View Garden can find a different way to live. Borrowing the old names of Dream of the Red Chamber, this is a brand-new tale. Fifty short stories capture the joys and sorrows found beyond the Red Chamber. 5Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Fifty or sixty derivative stories of Dream of the Red Chamber

23. 123 此 Chang'an of This World 此间长安 Gu Yanqing顾砚青Ancient Romance353k WordsOngoing A lifetime in a frail body, half a life among books. After an unexpected long sleep, he wakes in the Tang dynasty, during the Zhenguan era. Young Lin Chen has nothing to his name and a life as insignificant as a blade of grass. The moment he opens his eyes, he falls into a deadly predicament. In his previous life, he was confined to a sickbed, unable to live freely. In this life, even if he must walk through the mud, he will make every step shine. He will neither curry favor with the powerful no 28Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Chang'an would be destroyed by the flames of war at the end of the Tang Dynasty, demolished by Zhu Wen, and buried by time—but they didn't know that...

24. 124 商 A Comprehensive History of Commerce 商史通鉴 Mu Feng Wuchen, Branch Office沐枫无尘分号Historical1.5M WordsCompleted A sweeping historical novel that lays bare six centuries of power games in the Shang dynasty. No myths, no romanticized tales, only the truest human nature, the cruelest contests, and the deepest lessons of rise and fall. My writing on Shang history began with questions about the origins of Chinese civilization, and ended with a reunion with myself. The Shang dynasty was a pivotal era when the rites, royal authority, and divine power of Huaxia took shape together. Yet scarce historical records a 163Reads—Score—14d adds

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    A comprehensive history of the Shang Dynasty, a historical novel that vividly portrays human nature and political intrigue in ancient times. It is meticulously researched, comparable to official histories, and grounded in solid historical sources.

25. 125 妖 Monster Codes: Journey to the West 妖怪密码：西游记 Bai Ze白泽Eastern Fantasy333k WordsCompleted How many demons are there in Journey to the West? The White Bone Spirit, Tiger Vanguard, the Red-Rumped Macaque, Red Boy... Only after enduring the Eighty-One Tribulations can one look upon the world's fortunes with a smile. What are their true forms? What becomes of them? Is there a connection between demons and natural phenomena? Here, I'll reveal the answers to all these questions, one by one. 157Reads9.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Interpreting classic works from another perspective [Note][Note][Note]

26. 126 一 The Three Kingdoms: History So Addictive, You Can’t Put It Down 一读就上瘾的三国史 SpikeHistorical191k WordsCompleted The Three Kingdoms era was marked by endless warfare and rival warlords, and is now familiar to everyone thanks to Romance of the Three Kingdoms. But the novel isn't history, and some of the famous stories we all know never actually happened! Did Zhuge Liang really borrow arrows with straw boats? Why is Zhang He known as “the Three Kingdoms strength tester”? How did Fei Yi live a life worthy of the title “master of pacing”? Did Cao Zhi really love his sister-in-law? Why is Cao Cao's life said to 1.1kReads9.5Score10014d adds
27. 127 大 Three Hundred Years of the Tang Dynasty’s Rise and Fall: A Thousand Years in One Glance 大唐兴衰三百年：一眼千年读唐史 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical624k WordsCompleted [Read in One Sitting + Three Hundred Years of the Tang Dynasty + Historical Context + History Made Accessible + Major Historical Figures] The three-hundred-year Tang dynasty was about far more than the Zhenguan and Kaiyuan eras or the poet Li Bai. This book lets you take in a thousand years of history at a glance. From Li Yuan’s desperate uprising in Taiyuan to Li Shimin’s unrivaled glory as the “Heavenly Khan”; from Wu Zetian’s unprecedented era as an empress to the height of prosperity under L 14Reads8.2Score—14d adds

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    Classic book recommendations [smirk]

28. 128 成 Idiom Cognition Dictionary: Unlocking the Algorithms That Shape Your Life 成语认知词典：解锁人生底层算法 Dao Yue Qingchen, Who Likes Stegosauruses喜欢五角龙的道月轻尘Modern Romance9.7M WordsOngoing A contemporary urban romance about a woman's growth and rebirth. The story begins on the night of her former lover Lu Chenzhou's lavish engagement party. Su Wan, a jewelry designer, chooses to stay alone in her studio, setting fifty-seven chips of diamond into a platinum base as she begins creating a pair of earrings called “Breaking Free.” Eight years of waiting and the collapse of her family's business have not crushed her. Instead, they have forged a quiet, resilient brilliance within her. W 1Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    It seems to stubbornly illuminate one specific star after another in the boundless, abstract night sky. Each star's light may be faint, but their refusal to be swallowed by darkness, and the starry sky they create, are precisely defending a most basic truth.

29. 129 职 Career Leap: A Guide to Going from Rookie to Expert 职场跃迁：菜鸟到大神的认知法 Dao Yue Qingchen, Who Likes Stegosauruses喜欢五角龙的道月轻尘Urban842k WordsOngoing Three months into the job, Ling Che has become the company's most miserable “office tool”: he takes the blame, works overtime, and gets dumped on by other departments. Colleagues steal credit for his hard work, connections get the promotion he deserves, and he earns an entry-level salary while doing core work. He's nearly laid off! At his lowest point, he unexpectedly awakens a Workplace Insight System and unlocks eight smart tools: The Entropy Reduction Engine sorts messy materials in three mi 1Reads—Score—14d adds
30. 130 底 The Bottom-of-the-Barrel Dictionary 底渣词典 Dao Yue Qingchen, Who Likes Stegosauruses喜欢五角龙的道月轻尘455k WordsOngoing The CEO’s Contract Wife: His White Moonlight Turns Out to Be Me To save her gravely ill younger brother, Pei Yuwei signs a contract and becomes a stand-in for the late wife of business tycoon Jiang Hanzhou. Thirty million yuan, three years: she must live as the shadow of another woman, copying her smile and preferences, even wearing the earrings she left behind. Jiang Hanzhou is cool and cruel. He sleeps beside her every night, yet gazes through her at his lost white moonlight. Day after day, 7Reads—Score—14d adds
31. 131 异 Day of the Beastly Disguise: A Plan to Reset Humanity’s Knowledge 异兽伪装日：全人类认知清零计划 Dao Yue Qingchen, Who Likes Stegosauruses喜欢五角龙的道月轻尘Urban274k WordsOngoing The Day of the Disguised Beasts: A Plan to Erase Humanity's Understanding follows Lu Ming in an inverted world where “humans disguise themselves as beasts, while beasts infiltrate humanity.” He goes from an “ordinary student kept in the dark” to someone who “awakens supernatural powers, sees through disguises, and uncovers the truth about the world.” At the beginning of the novel, Lu Ming lives in “seemingly ordinary Qingteng City”: he goes to school every day, jokes around with his classmates, 5Reads—Score—14d adds
32. 132 规 The Book of Principles 规律之书 Dao Yue Qingchen, Who Likes Stegosauruses喜欢五角龙的道月轻尘Urban309k WordsOngoing Synopsis of The Nightscape of Pujiang In glittering, bustling Shanghai, rookie professional Su Yu earns a position as special assistant to Lu Zeyan, a business elite, through her own ability. During an important international joint venture, she meets Sophia, heir to Germany's Nord Group. From business negotiations to late-night strolls along the Pujiang River, the two intelligent women form a genuine friendship amid good food, art, and the city's shifting lights. Yet beneath the elegance and c 12Reads—Score—14d adds
33. 133 清 Romance of the Qing Dynasty 清史演义 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical587k WordsCompleted Cai Dongfan's The Romance of the Qing Dynasty is an epic of sweeping grandeur. In a million words, it uncovers the century-spanning secrets of the Qing Empire, from its rise to its fall! From Nurhaci rallying his troops against the Ming with his “Seven Grievances,” to Kangxi outsmarting and capturing Oboi and putting down the Three Feudatories; from undercurrents stirring beneath the Qianlong Emperor's prosperous reign to the humiliating guns of the Opium War; then to Empress Dowager Cixi ruling 5Reads8.3Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Reading classics is good for your mind and body. [Cool]

34. 134 三 Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Complete Plain-Language Edition 三国演义（白话版全集） Luo Guanzhong罗贯中Historical723k WordsCompleted Romance of the Three Kingdoms is the first full-length historical novel in chapter-and-episode format in ancient China, and is regarded as one of the Four Great Classical Novels. Written by the late Yuan and early Ming novelist Luo Guanzhong, it draws on historical events and folk tales from the Three Kingdoms period. Set against the history from the end of the Eastern Han dynasty to the beginning of the Western Jin, the book vividly depicts the tangled political, military, and diplomatic strugg 10Reads9.2Score—14d adds
35. 135 武 The Tale of King Wu's Campaign Against Zhou 武王伐纣平话 Anonymous Author不题撰人Historical39k WordsCompleted King Zhou of Shang was born with extraordinary gifts and the strength to defeat ten thousand men, yet he sank into the charms of the bewitching consort Daji and plunged into an abyss of tyranny! He built wine pools and meat forests, and devised punishments such as roasting people over fire and drowning them in pits of snakes and scorpions. He cut open pregnant women to determine the sex of their unborn children and cracked bones to examine their marrow. His atrocities shook heaven and earth, aro 1Reads7.8Score—14d adds
36. 136 清 Veritable Records of Qing Taizu, Emperor Wu 清太祖武皇帝实录 Anonymous佚名Historical59k WordsCompleted The Veritable Records of Emperor Wu, Taizu of Qing is the authoritative official biography of Nurhaci, founder of the Later Jin dynasty. Written in chronological form, it recounts the sweeping story of the Manchus’ rise from tribal rivalries to the foundation of an empire. The book not only reveals the mythic origin of the “Three Fairy Maidens Who Ate the Divine Fruit and Bore the Ancestor,” but also vividly depicts Nurhaci’s legendary deeds: raising an army with thirteen suits of ancestral armo 3Reads7.8Score—14d adds
37. 137 五 The Five Tigers Pacify the South 五虎平南 Li Yutang李雨堂Historical127k WordsCompleted The Five Tigers Pacify the South is set during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Great Song, when the southern barbarian king Nong Zhigao rebelled and war engulfed the southern frontier. Di Qing, Prince of Pacifying the West, received the imperial order to lead the army and set out once more with the Five Tiger Generals. But they were thwarted by the sorcery of a strange martial expert from the southern tribes: Duan Hongyu, daughter of Duan Hong of Mengyun Pass. Trained in the Way of the Immor 2Reads8.3Score114d adds
38. 138 资 Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance: Zhou Chronicle, Modern Chinese Edition 资治通鉴·周纪（白话版） Sima Guang司马光Historical66k WordsCompleted Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government is a monumental chronological history of ancient China, compiled by Sima Guang during the Northern Song dynasty. It covers 1,362 years of history, from the Warring States period to the Five Dynasties. This book presents the “Zhou Annals” as a standalone work, translated in full into clear, modern language for contemporary readers. This edition covers all five volumes of the “Zhou Annals,” from the twenty-third year of King Weilie of Zhou (403 BCE) to the 15Reads8.6Score814d adds
39. 139 奸 Tales of Treacherous Ministers: The Five Fiends and Six Bandits of the Northern Song 奸臣传之北宋五鬼六贼 Trajectory轨迹Historical49k WordsCompleted [A roll call of treacherous ministers, with a touch of spicy humor and theatrical satire!] The Biography of Treacherous Ministers: The Five Ghosts and Six Bandits of the Northern Song is like a blacklist of history's ultimate “villain club”! No need to transmigrate to the Song dynasty. You can “watch remotely” as these self-serving, scheming power brokers stir up trouble. Wang Qinruo, Ding Wei, Chen Pengnian, Liu Chenggui, and Lin Te, along with Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Wang Fu, Liang Shicheng, Zhu 7Reads8.4Score—14d adds
40. 140 班 Ban Chao: Star Lord of the Western Frontier 班超：镇西星主 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今21k WordsCompleted Ban Chao: Star Lord Who Pacified the West 1Reads—Score—14d adds
41. 141 九 The Power of the Chancellor: The Great Qin Dragon Cauldron 九天相权·大秦龙鼎 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今20k WordsCompleted The Nine Heavens' Chancellor's Power: The Dragon Ding of Great Qin —Reads—Score—14d adds
42. 142 九 The Nine Heavens’ Tally of Command: The Biography of Sun Wu 九天兵符：孙武传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今19k WordsCompleted The Nine Heavens' Military Talisman: The Legend of Sun Wu —Reads—Score—14d adds
43. 143 玄 The Heart of the Han, Book Two: The Bronze Cauldron Emerges, War Engulfs the Three Kingdoms 玄汉文心·第二部 文鼎现世·三国烽烟 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今Male-Channel Fanfiction13k WordsCompleted The Literary Soul of the Mystic Han, Part Two: The Bronze Ding Emerges, Flames of War Engulf the Three Kingdoms —Reads—Score—14d adds
44. 144 玄 The Heart of the Han: The Legend of Lu Jia 玄汉文心.陆贾传奇 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今26k WordsCompleted The Literary Soul of the Mystic Han: The Legend of Lu Jia —Reads—Score—14d adds
45. 145 大 Winter Solstice Sacrifice at the Suburban Altar, Year Eighteen of Jinghe, Great Yong 大雍景和十八年·冬至郊天 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今8k WordsCompleted Winter Solstice Sacrifice to Heaven in the Suburbs, Year Eighteen of Jinghe in the Great Yong Dynasty —Reads—Score—14d adds
46. 146 剑 Zhuangzi, the Sword Immortal: Roaming the Ninth Heaven 剑仙庄子：逍遥九天 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今15k WordsCompleted Sword Immortal Zhuangzi: Carefree Across the Nine Heavens —Reads—Score—14d adds
47. 147 浩 Venerable Lord of the Vastness Sword: Mencius Descends to Earth, His Aura Reaches the Ninth Heaven 浩然剑尊：孟子临凡，气贯九天 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今28k WordsCompleted Sage of the Righteous Sword: Mencius Descends to the Mortal Realm, His Spirit Piercing the Nine Heavens —Reads—Score—14d adds
48. 148 残 The Tang Dynasty in Turmoil: Reforged in the Year of the Fire Horse 残唐鼎沸：丙午再造 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今26k WordsCompleted The Tumultuous Late Tang: Rebuilding in the Year of the Fire Horse —Reads—Score—14d adds
49. 149 太 The Marquis of Liu Through the Ages 太玄留侯 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今23k WordsCompleted The Great Mystery and the Marquis of Liu —Reads—Score—14d adds
50. 150 天 The Heavenly Secrets: The Life of Guan Lu 天机箓之管辂传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今13k WordsCompleted The Records of Heaven’s Secrets: The Biography of Guan Lu 1Reads—Score—14d adds

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