Okay, so I'm looking for something set in Ancient China that has to do with politics. But the catch is I want a male protagonist. There are a bunch of female protagonist stories set in ancient China with political intrigue. In fact the only ones I can seem to find are those. So I would like one with a male protagonist, I'd prefer no harem but beggars can't be choosers. Oh and while I'd like if the protagonist is a prince and the politics is a battle for the throne I'll settle for him working his way up to a powerful official. I'd prefer no Xinxia and just normal people but I feel that would be too much so I'll take what I can get. P.S. No BL, please.
The Grandmaster Strategist - the romance is kind of bland. Wuxia power system, although MC is not a martial artist and is in fact rather weak. Lots of flowery language and philosophy. No harem. Marquis of Grand Xia - the romance is really bad and it gets worse as you read. Wuxia power system. Joy of Life - watched the drama, it's not too bad. Again, the romance isn't the best, but whatever. Has harem. The Golden Age - never read this but it looks alright? No harem genre.