Historical Drama with the Best Politicking (Romance Irrelevant)... please

So, I seem to be in the minority here, but I don't watch things for the romance. Sure, I enjoy a good romance, but often if I don't feel for it, so much of the spotlight is stolen by annoying pining, and I don't like that in my historical dramas.

I like them for the awesome costumes and ruthless plotting. I like intelligent characters, ones who have prioritised things over their romances. Maybe the deeper connection that is friendship, or family, or delicious revenge. Or simply power. 

Most dramas seem to be recommended based on how satisfying the romance is. Plot holes will be overlooked if the leads have good chemistry. And their ratings often seem to reflect this. For me, this is very much not a priority. 

So, does anyone have some brilliant political historical dramas with dynamic characters where the romance is not an integral part of the story? Or at least not the thing that drives the main character's motivations?

Yes, before you recommend Nirvana in Fire, it's been many years and I need to re-watch it, so I'm looking for something else.

I also like political dramas while not being too keen on romance. It's unfortunate that many political dramas do have that romance aspect. Here some you might like:

1. Nirvana in Fire - I know you said to not recommend it, but I can't put anything other than Nirvana in Fire on 1, so bleh.

2. The Longest Day in Chang'an - Chinese historical drama where every episode is filled with political and strategic scenes. This drama is like the definition of "Power struggle". Also some badass fighting scenes, and the best thing about this: no romance.

3. Joy of Life - Fictional Chinese historical drama. There is some romance in this, but I find it easy to ignore. It's not a very heavy political drama, which makes it a fun and enjoyable watch, even though some fighting and political scenes are intense.

4. Bad Guys - "Current day" Korean action drama, with some political scenes. More like the bad good guys against the system, but you do get that political or "outsmarted" feel. No romance.

5.  Who Rules the World - Chinese wuxia, and this is romance, but some of the incredibly shocking twists (most of them very political) make up for it. 

6. Secret of Three Kingdoms - Chinese historical drama. It's politics and revenge and secrets. A little bit of ignorable romance. 

Other dramas you might like: Splendid Politics, Bloody Heart, Designated Survivor, Haechi, The Eight, Shinbun Kisha