Civil Service Exams in a Troubled Age: A Farmer's Son's Road to Glory

The Li family had a young rogue who stole chickens, picked pockets, loafed around, and never learned a thing. After stealing a bellyband and making advances on a young woman, he was beaten to death.

With no food at home and his father paralyzed, he faced a hopeless start. His weathered, stooped grandfather stood by as the young man picked up a book and entered the imperial examinations.

Everyone in the village waited to laugh. The notorious Li Rogue passing the exams would be the biggest joke of all.

But a few years later, gongs and drums rang out as good news poured into the Li family home.

When one person rises to prominence, even the family’s chickens and dogs benefit. The Li family’s life grew better and better.

The villagers all sent their younger children to school, hoping their own families might produce a “rogue” like him.

The realm fell into chaos, with warlords vying for supremacy.

He moved among the various powers, all to protect his family. But when the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact? In the end, he took up his spear.

His path was strewn with thorns. Through shrewd schemes and hard-won victories, he weathered countless crises and led his family step by step toward a wider future.