In his previous life, Zhou Li was a brilliant student from a humble family and the top scorer in the college entrance examination!
In this life, Zhou Li is an orphan adopted by the prefect of Yingtian. He thought he would enjoy a life of endless riches, only to have his adoptive father's biological son steal his imperial examination results! Not only is his title as the top candidate in the provincial exam taken from him, but his adoptive family also suppresses him at every turn. He suffers their contempt and is looked down on by his useless younger brother!
And that's not all. His adoptive father uses his power and connections to brand Zhou Li the descendant of a disgraced minister, cutting off his path to the imperial examinations for good! He intends to keep Zhou Li in the household forever, as a stepping stone for his own sons. He even makes Zhou Li serve as a book attendant and accompany his son to the capital for the examinations!
One day, the former emperor dies and an empress takes the throne. Anyone who passes the exam she sets can enter the court as an official! Zhou Li resolutely decides to go to the capital and seek a direct appointment from the empress... Years later, Zhou Li stands above all others! Whenever he stands in the center of the Golden Throne Hall, he remembers the night he learned his results had been switched. His legendary life began there.
