Novels like From the Start, I Took the Blame, Then Climbed to the Top
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as From the Start, I Took the Blame, Then Climbed to the Top, best match first.
- 1 Courting Beauties and Commanding Power: Qin Fei’s Desperate Comeback 揽美驭权：秦飞绝地逆袭 Qin Fei is targeted by his stepmother and her son, bullied by his mother-in-law's family, and frustrated at every turn. When a massive crisis strikes, he takes the initiative and plans his moves carefully. From then on, he commands the world and holds the reins of power! 253Reads—Score—14d adds
- 2 Into the Azure Clouds: A Love That Endures 入青云：情意绵绵 [Continuation + sweet romance + a power couple] After finishing the TV series, the withdrawal symptoms only got worse. Even though it had a very happy ending, it still left me feeling sad. So I wanted to write a more perfect ending to the story, one that matched what I had in mind. There may be out-of-character moments, and I've added some original details. 38Reads—Score—14d adds
- 3 A Book from Nanyue Under Heaven 天下南岳的一本书 343Reads8.6Score10214d adds
- 4 The City Builder 造城者 City Builder —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 5 After the Inspection Team Forced Me Out, I Went on a Rampage 被巡视组清退后，我杀疯了 After the Inspection Team Forced Me Out, I Went on a Rampage —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 6 I Was Sent to Guard a Reservoir, but I Caught a Very Important Person 我被发配看水库，却钓来大贵人 I Was Sent to Watch the Reservoir, but Reeled in a VIP 14Reads—Score—14d adds
- 7 A Universe Between the Lines 字里乾坤 The Universe Between the Lines 1Reads—Score—14d adds
- 8 Officialdom: Refusing to Lie Flat 官场：拒绝躺平 Feeling ill at ease is simply part of life. The choices we make and the effort we put in are challenges we all have to face. A thirty-eight-year-old section chief in a government office is on the verge of taking the next step in his career when all sorts of unexpected troubles strike, changing everything around him… Will he give up and let everything fall apart, or refuse to lie flat? Join us as we follow He Zhe and see how he transforms himself, turns the tide, and becomes a cadre in the mold o 11.6kReads8.4Score97214d adds
- 9 Entering the Azure Clouds: Mingyi and Ji Bozai's Turbulent, Tortured Love 入青云:明意纪伯宰乱世虐恋 Into the Azure Clouds: Mingyi and Ji Bozai's Turbulent-Era Tragic Romance 9Reads—Score—14d adds
- 10 Ji Bozai and Mingyi Tie the Knot After Finally Speaking Honestly 纪伯宰明意开诚布公后大婚 Ji Bozai and Mingyi Tie the Knot After Speaking Candidly 3Reads—Score—14d adds
- 11 Entering the Azure Clouds: My Wife Is a War God 入青云：我的老婆是战神 Into the Azure Clouds: My Wife Is a War Goddess —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 12 Into the Azure Clouds: Becoming Xunming’s Wife 入青云之做了勋名的老婆 One day, she transmigrates and becomes Mu Xinliu. The System orders her to win over Xunming, but she has no idea that she isn’t the only one forced to play along: the villain’s charming wife and the unloved prince of Zhushui Lingzhou’s “older sister” are in the same position. When the three women meet, who is really winning over whom in this beauty trap? Watch as they wield the threads of love like blades, stir up turmoil across the Six Realms, and defy fate amid the whirlpool of political schem 19Reads—Score—14d adds
- 13 After My Divorce, I Rose Through the Ranks in Government 离婚后，我在官场一路开挂 The higher-ups send a special task force to investigate Luming County. After the deputy county magistrate mysteriously dies by suicide, Qin Chuan, a secretary in the Government Office’s secretarial section, loses his patron. Targeted by his superiors and hit by marital troubles, he finds himself surrounded by danger. Outnumbered and outmatched, how will he turn the tables? 11.8kReads6.6Score1.9k14d adds
- 14 Huang Zhichen's Tenth Book 黄智宸第10本书 My new work is here! You can 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
- 15 Entering the Azure Clouds: Mingyi and Ji Bozai's Love Across Three Lifetimes 入青云明意纪伯宰情动三生 Into the Azure Clouds: Mingyi and Jiboyuan’s Love Across Three Lifetimes 2Reads—Score—14d adds
- 16 Entering the Azure Clouds: The Moon Shines Forever over the Sea of No Return 入青云：无归海上月长明 Into the Azure Clouds: The Moon Shines Bright Forever Over the Sea of No Return 10Reads—Score—14d adds
- 17 In the World of Officialdom, One Wrong Move Can Get You Promoted 官场，不小心就升官了 Qin Mo, a 50-year-old, low-ranking employee at the Archives Bureau, wakes up one morning having traveled from 2025 back to the night before the 1995 civil service exam. After a miserable, bullied life in his previous life, all he wants this time is to make money and chase women, staying well clear of the troubles of government service. 36Reads—Score—14d adds
- 18 The Pinnacle of Political Power 权路巅峰 Also known as Power at Its Peak and Tao's Official Career. [Power at Its Peak]+ [Multiple Heroines]+ [Feel-Good Political Drama] While investigating someone, Luo Zekai discovered a video of them that was not meant to be made public. Not only did he accidentally uncover a shocking secret, but most devastating of all, his wife and mother-in-law were part of it too... He carried ideals in his heart, yet was swept along by the tide of reality; he longed for power, yet knew the abyss that lay beneath 621Reads7.8Score10114d adds
- 19 A Weathered Political Career 沧桑官途 Without attaching himself to power, and without using it to bully others, Gong Zheng unexpectedly embarked on a career in public service. Starting by taking the fall for the county Party secretary, he skillfully leveraged every opportunity and rose steadily through the ranks, while also experiencing the ups and downs of officialdom... 121Reads—Score—14d adds
- 20 The Ladder to the Azure Clouds 青云之梯 Liu Hongzhi had just arrived in Hongtu Township for work when a major upheaval struck: the township's entire leadership was implicated in a scandal. Amid this turbulent shift, Liu Zhicheng was also dragged into one fierce struggle after another, facing danger at every turn. One careless move could leave him dead and buried... A good official should serve the people and bring prosperity to the region. Staying true to one's principles is the only righteous path! 371Reads6.2Score—14d adds
- 21 Help! The System Wants Me to Win Over the Sickly Marquis Xun 救命！系统让我攻略病娇勋名 [Original heroine Fu Xue × Xun Ming] [HE, a sweet little romance] [Prideful, lovesick general Ji Xingyuan × lively, clever dragon fairy] Fu Xue watched the hit drama Enter the Azure Clouds and was so heartbroken by the villain Xun Ming's death that she sobbed and pounded the wall, wailing… How could that handsome fox boy just fall like that! Who could have guessed that the very next second, she would transmigrate! She landed in the Azure Cloud Realm, in Ji Xingyuan's Garden of Flowers beneath th 369Reads6.5Score—14d adds
- 22 Tianji Starfall, Laughter and Joy 天玑星落，言笑晏晏 The Princess Tianji of Jixingyuan and her childhood friend, Yan Xiao, had agreed that she would marry him once she was grown. So why did he keep backing away, even as concern and love shone unmistakably in his eyes when he learned she had been poisoned? Is power more important than love? When they meet again, all that remains is a tense confrontation, swords nearly drawn. She mocks him for “fawning on the powerful and forgetting his place.” He sneers that “your judgment of people has always been 79Reads—Score—14d adds
- 23 Into the Azure Clouds: Ling Lan Mingxin 入青云：岭揽明心 The opening picks up where the original story begins. [Younger, puppy-like, sweetly seductive boy × a girl caught in a web of schemes and intrigue] Couple: Situ Ling × Ming Yi (Don't read if you dislike fanfiction.) “Big sis, how could you suspect me?” “I just want to know if you've been doing well, big sis.” 176Reads—Score—14d adds
- 24 The Story of Pi Tonglin 皮童林的故事 Pi Tonglin was born into an ordinary family and entered public service. Through many ups and downs, he gradually grew from an inexperienced novice into a principled, capable leader who could stand on his own. 97Reads—Score—14d adds
- 25 Into the Azure Clouds: Meritorious Fame 入青云：勋名 [Yandere Hero + Black Lotus Heroine + Forced Love + Mutual Scheming + A Little Sincerity Mixed in with the Pretending] The obsessive madwoman Yun Qing drew close to Xun Ming out of sheer fixation, flirting and seducing him at every turn. She would stop at nothing to get him. Xun Ming merely found her amusing and kept her around for entertainment, planning to kill her once he got bored. But she shamelessly flirted with him without restraint, tossing out sweet nothings and using every trick in the 445Reads8.2Score—14d adds
- 26 Original Work: Entering the Azure Clouds 入青云原创 Passionate adventure × layers of suspense × a clash of fates × undercurrents stirring. As winds rise over Qingyun, twin stars meet for the first time, and the wheel of fate quietly begins to turn. To truly “enter Qingyun” is not to reach the summit and claim victory, but to set your heart on the light and fear no darkness. Love is the unspoken understanding of fighting side by side, and the salvation of illuminating one another. 20Reads—Score—14d adds
- 27 Book Three by the Sunless King 日不落大王的第3本书 —Reads—Score614d adds
- 28 Thirty Years of Political Ups and Downs 宦海沉浮三十年 A rural boy claws his way out of the countryside and into the world of politics, enduring relentless suppression in a grueling struggle to defy fate and change his life. After being tested in multiple workplaces and weathering the ups and downs of several relationships, he is repeatedly beaten down, only to turn the tables again and again. With no connections or backing, how far can he get in thirty years in politics? Is the problem the individual, or the system? A thought-provoking story. It al 5Reads—Score—14d adds
- 29 The Pinnacle of Power: Taking the Road Less Traveled 权力巅峰：不走寻常路 As the ancients said: A man in office should command the power of the realm by day and sleep with beauties in his arms by night! Today, some say: A position needn't be high, as long as you have power. After all, a county magistrate can't hold a candle to the local official in charge! Those who wield power hold a double-edged sword. Used well, it benefits the country and its people; used poorly, it can hurt others and themselves. People say it's hard to be a good person. What about being a good o 238Reads8.2Score—14d adds
- 30 Entering the Azure Clouds: Making Myself a Chess Piece 入青云：以身为棋 At the annual Azure Cloud Assembly of the Six Realms of Hexu, Ji Bozai, a fighter from the Jixing Abyss who was born a convict, defeats Ming Yi, the ruthless female war god who has won for seven years straight. To investigate the truth behind her poisoning, Ming Yi infiltrates enemy territory and approaches Ji Bozai. Disguised under secret identities, the two test one another, matching wits and stirring each other’s hearts. Through a series of thrilling clashes and emotional push and pull, they 32Reads—Score—14d adds
- 31 The Laws of Power: A Discarded Son-in-Law's Road to Success 权力法则，废婿的青云之路 A flood changes Chen Fei’s fate. The son-in-law everyone sees as a loser is the apple of his superiors’ eyes. As he makes his way through the long road of officialdom, he relies on exceptional courage and wisdom to navigate the rules of power, ultimately rising to prominence. 2.5kReads7.4Score23614d adds
- 32 Into the Azure Clouds: Late Harvest 入青云：晚穗 “Suìsuì, will you stay by my side forever?” “Of course.” Original female protagonist x Ji Bozai A fanfic based on the drama Into the Clouds! I haven't read the novel, so the characters may be out of character. The story is currently based on the episodes and clips released so far. 1Reads—Score—14d adds
- 33 The Vanguard’s Path 先锋之路 The conflicts he sets in motion slowly unfold, leading step by step toward secrets buried ever deeper... 1.2kReads7.4Score13614d adds
- 34 The Summit: Back Then, I Was Just a County Office Nobody 登顶时刻：那年我还是县委小卒 Chen Lin had always looked up to his mentor as a guiding light on the path to an official career. He never imagined that his mentor had only ever seen him as a tool for climbing the ranks, and had even been sleeping with his girlfriend. With his career and love life both in ruins, Chen Lin wanted to fight back, but he was just a minor player with no power to stand against them. Then one day, his superior, Li Huanyan, asked to meet him... 74Reads6.9Score—14d adds
- 35 I'm Just an Ordinary Guy. Do I Really Have to Get Promoted This Fast? 我就一俗人，不要升职那么快吗 (Contemporary, urban, political drama, no rebirth, multiple heroines.) This novel is simply a dramatized take on the everyday affairs of political life. If you see yourself in it, please don’t take it personally. Let me make this clear first: the political story is entirely fictional. This is urban life, so don’t read too much into it. Please be kind. Thank you. 108Reads6.3Score10514d adds
- 36 Film and TV Crossover: The Apple of Their Eye 综影视：心上宠 Beloved Xiao Ruofeng The Blood of Youth The Last Immortal A Different Yi Wenjun Genderbent Liu Yue Dashing Youth My Journey to You 191Reads—Score—14d adds
- 37 Enter the Azure Clouds 入青云剧情 At the annual Azure Cloud Tournament of the Six Realms of Hexu, Ji Bozai, a fighter from the prison mines of the Pole Star Abyss, defeats Mingyi, the ruthless goddess of war who has dominated the tournament for seven years straight. Overnight, he becomes the hottest new star in the Pole Star Abyss. Mingyi conceals her true self and disguises herself as a dancer to get close to Ji Bozai. Wearing secret identities, the two dive into a thrilling romance while fighting for justice and fairness, and 81Reads6.6Score—14d adds
- 38 Power Struggles: The Organization Department Sends Me Down to the Grassroots 官场争锋：我被组织部下派去基层 This is a cathartic rebirth novel set in the world of officialdom. In his previous life, Qin Zhen was betrayed and turned into a tool for others to purge their rivals, meeting a tragic end. Reborn before the turn of the millennium, he sees through everything, rejects his girlfriend's arrangements, and joins a provincial government agency, becoming a deputy section chief in the Organization Department. Before long, he is sent down to the grassroots as a deputy township head. From then on, he soar 3Reads5.8Score—14d adds
- 39 Zhou Xiaoxiao's 23rd Book 周晓晓第23本书 In his previous life, Wang Xiangdong was an utter failure. His wife, a deputy director at the County Party Committee Office, divorced him, and he spent his whole life being pushed around! This time, Wang Xiangdong is reborn at the very moment his wife, the deputy director, divorces him. What will he choose to do? By a twist of fate, he saves a beautiful leader and rises rapidly through the ranks. 120Reads8.6Score10114d adds
- 40 A True Han-Dynasty Succubus: From the Start, I Steal Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun 真大汉魅魔，开局截胡诸葛亮赵云 Liu Yu, a librarian, transmigrates to the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and begins his journey into the art of political intrigue. In a chaotic age, it is not enough to know how to fight. You also need to understand human nature and social customs. “Zilong, do you want a wife?” “Kongming, how about your brother-in-law teaches you some science?” “Dian Wei, come with me. I’ll make sure you have plenty of good food and drink.” “Ziyi, you can come along, but why are you bringing a divine general?” 184Reads—Score—14d adds
- 41 A Beauty Who Captivates Everyone Across the Screen 综影视万人迷美人骗心中 Deadly Game in progress: Xie Wuwang, everyone's darling, a sunny and handsome young man World One: Enter the Azure Clouds: everyone's white moonlight, disguised as a man. World Two: Dashing Youth: a heartthrob adored by all, the greatest swordsman, two equally matched powerhouses 1.7kReads—Score—14d adds
- 42 Officialdom: The Road to Power Begins in the Communist Youth League 官场：掌权之路从共青团开始 Reborn into a new life, Lu Zhenhua used his foresight to change the course his life had originally taken. After carefully laying the groundwork, he finally embarked on a political career unlike the one he had in his previous life. 4Reads6.1Score—14d adds
- 43 The Power Game: A Scandalous Political Career 权路迷局：绯色官途 The arrival of a female leader from outside gave Hao Feng, a county government office secretary who had long been suppressed, a chance to turn things around. After falling into a shocking trap, Hao Feng emerged stronger and was entrusted with important responsibilities. From then on, his career in government took off. He unraveled one mystery after another, rose rapidly through the ranks, and ultimately reached the pinnacle of power. 851Reads9.0Score10314d adds
- 44 The Game of Power 权利的游戏 Reborn in 2001, Gao Yuan decides he won’t lie flat anymore. He’ll ride the waves and fight his way forward in officialdom. Subtle dealings and favors, ruthless political power struggles, intense clashes of ideals, and the unpredictable ups and downs of a career in government. This is the story of a young official’s journey of transformation. 515Reads7.4Score10314d adds
- 45 A Book by Zhanfu 栈斧的一本书 Chen Yuanmin hit rock bottom, but he never gave up. Confident that life would span two hundred years, he vowed to ride the waves for three thousand miles. In the end, he reached the pinnacle of power. 49Reads6.4Score1214d adds
- 46 The Bustle of a Small County: A Portrait of Ordinary People in the Bureaucratic World 小县喧嚣：普通人的体制浮世绘 This book tells the story of a young man from a rural village who earns a job in the county government through his own efforts. But with no connections, he is sent to a remote township to work in a village, and his girlfriend leaves him without hesitation. Even after putting down roots at the grassroots level and delivering results, he is repeatedly passed over for promotion. Then an anti-corruption storm sweeps through officialdom, tearing a crack in the murky order. With no family or political 3Reads—Score—14d adds
- 47 A Clash of Power and Ambition 权欲交锋 The author says: [Urban] + [Career in politics] + [Male-centric] + [Rags to riches] + [Feel-good] This is the story of an ordinary foot soldier who climbs step by step to the pinnacle of power. It all begins when Chen Mingyuan is investigating the county Party secretary and unexpectedly comes across a video of him. From that moment on, Chen embarks on an extraordinary journey... 8.3kReads8.2Score52614d adds
- 48 Officialdom: The Road to Power Begins as a Police Officer in a Detention Center 官场：掌权之路从看守所民警开始 Yang Junbang, a police officer with the criminal investigation squad, was framed and demoted to work at a detention center. There, Yang Junbang met his benefactor and ultimately embarked on a path to defy fate and change his destiny. 1Reads—Score314d adds
- 49 The Road to Power: Who Holds the Reins? 官路之谁主沉浮 Who will rule this vast land? His superior is murdered, his girlfriend betrays him, and Lin Feng reaches the darkest moment of his life. Demoted to the Bureau of Religious Affairs, he has nothing to do all day. Unwilling to waste away, Lin Feng finds a new way forward: he works with the Tourism Bureau, makes full use of his department’s role, and promotes temple construction and tourism. At the same time, he secretly assists Liu Qingqing, captain of the city criminal investigation brigade, in in 302Reads—Score—14d adds
- 50 Reborn in Officialdom: I Alone Command the World 重生官场，独掌一方乾坤 [Reborn + Tycoon + Officialdom + Period Piece + System + Extremely Satisfying] Chen Ming was reborn in 1982 as the county magistrate of “Fuyu” County and bound to the [Wish for What I Want] System. As long as he wants it, anything in the world can be his! Everyone called him the “Chosen County Magistrate.” When “Fuyu” County became an international metropolis, everyone wanted to know his secret. Standing atop the city, Chen Ming said just one thing: “This power was given by the people. I wield t 1Reads—Score—14d adds
