The Empress of the Imperial Exams

[Woman disguised as a man + the white moonlight + feel-good imperial examination story + no romance] Xie Yan is a lucky soul. She is both the Chancellor’s daughter and his son.

The young master Xie is famous throughout the capital. The already powerful Xie family now has a top scholar among its ranks.

At court, where the officials’ thoughts are unfathomable, she lets her brilliance shine.

With an imperial noble consort for an aunt, the Chancellor for a father, and the wealth of a hereditary marquis’s estate, life is practically a breeze for her.

…

Later, the young master Xie, cherished since childhood, stirs up the court. People praise him as gentle as jade, while Xie Yan teaches the world that appearances can be deceiving.

There will inevitably come a day when imperial power and the Chancellor’s authority can no longer coexist. When that day comes, what will become of her assumed identity...?

Xie Yan’s real life is only just beginning.

P.S. 1. This is a feel-good novel set in an alternate history, so please don’t nitpick historical details.

2. She is a model of grace and refinement, with talent and virtue at her core. The protagonist is stunningly beautiful and gentle as jade. Her personality will change somewhat later on, but her essential nature will remain the same.

3. There is no romance, but the protagonist is a white moonlight to others, and some people have unrequited feelings for her. The story focuses mainly on the imperial examination and political intrigue. It’s feel-good from beginning to end: this is the dazzling life of a truly extraordinary woman.

4. Her disguise as a man has a dramatic reveal, and she reveals her identity of her own accord, creating the conditions for her eventual achievements. She will rule the world as a woman. If you want a story where she stays disguised as a man and is never exposed, look for another book that suits your taste.

※ No need to tell me if you drop the novel.