Stories About Poor Scholars Passing the Imperial Exams in Ancient Times 想看古时寒门考状元的

1. 51 从 From Little Kid to Top Scholar, I Cheat My Way to the Top 从幼童到状元，我一路开挂 Dreaming Back to Childhood Songs梦回童歌Historical2.1M WordsOngoing [Alternate-history fiction + imperial examinations + slice of life + no golden finger] Here, clan ties are more important than life itself, and clan rules take precedence over the law. When Qin Haoran was three, his father was killed in a bloody fight over water rights. According to clan rules, the entire clan was supposed to raise the family that had lost its breadwinner. But fate's cruelty was far from over. Three years later, his young mother, unable to bear a life of loneliness and widowhood 59.6kReads8.6Score4.5kShelves
2. 52 遗 Life in Ancient Times as a Posthumous Child 遗腹子的古代生活 Cheng Shu Ju程书橘Historical2.2M WordsCompleted [No golden finger + farming + imperial examinations + alternate history + court politics in the later stages + everyday family life] He wakes up as the posthumous son of a county deputy in the Great Zhou dynasty. He may not be born into an official family, but surely the assets his father left behind are enough to make this only child rich. So he happily decides that in this life, he’ll coast to success. Things don’t go as he expected. His father died young after only a few years in office, leav 11.5kReads7.7Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   The first book begins with the protagonist's father dying at birth, leading to the family's decline. The male protagonist works tirelessly to rebuild the family fortune. The second book features a woman who transmigrates into a man's body; her family is extremely poor, a true impoverished background. The male protagonist earns money first to support his studies, gradually persuading his elders to support his education.

3. 53 全 My Whole Family Supports My Imperial Exams, and I Rise to Great Heights 全家供我科举，而后青云直上 Flying Cow 98会飞的牛98Historical337k WordsCompleted One heroine + no System + lighthearted pacing A bird must flap its wings before it can soar; a person must study before they can get ahead. Huang Zhiwen unexpectedly gets another chance at life, bringing the memories of his previous life with him as he slowly adapts to this new world. Here, he finds new people to care about and a new family. The Huang family is warm and close-knit, and they will do everything they can to support Huang Zhiwen in the imperial examinations. That leaves all the pres 761Reads8.4Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   These are all novels about the imperial examination system, and the male protagonists are all scholars from farming families! 🌿🌿🌿🌿In the first book, the male protagonist is reborn into a farming family and is weak and sickly from a young age. He grows up with many hardships and, not wanting to farm but wanting a better life, chooses to study for the imperial examinations. He doesn't have any special abilities; he relies entirely on his own efforts. 🌿🌿In the second book, the male protagonist is reborn with memories of his previous life. His family is warm and harmonious, and they work hard to support him in his studies. He has a good memory and is also very diligent. 🌿🌿In the third book, the male protagonist is weak and sickly and doesn't start working in the fields until he's six or seven years old. Not wanting to endure the hardships of farming, he studies hard and passes the lowest level of the imperial examinations at a young age. He has strong moral values ​​and knows how to be grateful. The story focuses on everyday life and family matters. 🌿🌿The fourth book features a male protagonist who is reborn into the body. He regains his memories after an accident when he is three or four years old, hitting his head. He is forced to follow the traditional social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, and must study and take the imperial examinations to change his fate. He enters the court as an official and, through his wisdom and interpersonal skills, gradually rises to the pinnacle of life.🌿🌿The fifth book features a male protagonist who is already married with a daughter after transmigrating. He works very hard, studying for the imperial examinations and becoming an official. He rises from a sixth-rank official to the Grand Secretary. His children and grandchildren are also very successful. The story spans from his youth to old age!

4. 54 论 On the Imperial Exams, Who Knows Who'll Be the One Sweating? 论科举，谁卷谁还不知道呢 Corn Breakdance玉米扒舞Historical648k WordsOngoing In his previous life, he was visiting Dujiangyan with his mentor to draw up reinforcement plans when one misstep cost him everything. When Zhang Shi’an opened his eyes again, he was holding a little stick, facing a golden field of rice. The rice looked unusually small, though. Before he could figure out what he was doing, he spotted several sparrows feasting on the rice. His hands reacted even faster than his mind. He raised the stick and swung it at them. The thieving sparrows soon flew up into 489Reads7.7Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   That's too many.

5. 55 穿 I Transmigrated to Ancient Times, but My Brother Seems Even More Like a Transmigrator Than I Do 穿越古代我哥比我还像穿越者 Pavilion by the Pond池上楼台Historical1.4M WordsCompleted Alternate World / Ancient Era / Farming / Imperial Exams After a plane crash, Chen Jingming transmigrates to ancient times and becomes a farmer's son. His family is split up because they need to pay for his medical treatment, and his older brother goes missing. Later, the eldest brother returns from a long journey and sends him to school. Eldest Brother: “Little brother, our family's honor rests entirely on you!” But later, as he watches the family estate grow, Chen Jingming realizes that the 15.2kReads9.0Score1.9kShelves

   Reader note

   Curiously good... There are completed and ongoing stories, all kinds of genres, rich and exciting content, humorous and witty writing style. Recommended, very suitable for everyone to read... Hehe

6. 56 全 My Entire Clan! Supports My Imperial Exams 全族！供我科举 Yang Chan Who Loves Braised Yellow Mutton爱吃焖黄羊肉的杨婵Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Imperial exams + transmigration + imperial exams + no golden finger, no System. The story draws on the privileges enjoyed by scholars in the Ming dynasty! The clan elder was a licentiate, and that was the only reason Baihu Village was protected. Now the elder is gone, and no new licentiate has appeared. The entire clan can only pool its strength to support one child. Just one licentiate can improve life in the village, give the children a future, boost the village economy, and make officials thi 13.8kReads8.5Score1.1kShelves

   Reader note

   My family's support has enabled me to achieve this success in the imperial examinations; all of this is thanks to the strong support of my clan. In the future, I will surely use my salary to support my relatives, bring glory to my family, and live up to everyone's expectations.

7. 57 寒 The Poor Scholar's Rise 寒门贵子 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical2.1M WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the body of a penniless scholar, Jiang Feng thought about how his computer science degree from his previous life was utterly useless here… Then it occurred to him: “Of all pursuits, studying is the noblest. I’ll just have to grit my teeth and take the imperial exams!” He kept going, and when he suddenly looked back, he had risen to the highest offices, expanded the empire’s borders, and built an unprecedented legacy! P.S. The new book, A Poor Scholar of the First Rank, 34.2kReads9.1Score3.4kShelves

   Reader note

   💥I really enjoy reading stories about poor students taking the imperial examinations in ancient times. Here are a few recommendations...

8. 58 布 A Commoner Conquers the Nine Provinces 布衣镇九州 Cai Bibi菜比比Historical2.3M WordsCompleted Zhao Ce transmigrates to the Ming Dynasty, becoming an impoverished scholar with a terrible reputation. He also discovers that he borrowed money to get married, then squandered it all, and ended up buying a pitiful little cripple on the way back to make up the numbers. The little cripple has mismatched eyes and is treated like a monster. Zhao Ce: What kind of miserable life is this? A disastrous start? But when he takes another look at the little cripple, so tiny and thin, blinking those big eye 26.2kReads9.2Score2.7kShelves

   Reader note

   These are some of the best novels for the imperial examinations, especially the first one; I've recommended it several times because it's so good.

9. 59 寒 The Commoner Who Became Chief Minister 寒门首辅 Nangong Chenchen南宫沉沉Historical1.5M WordsCompleted When Gu Changliu wakes up, he has become a country scholar. He has no grand ambitions: he just wants to pass the provincial examination, become a minor official, put down roots, and spend his life in harmony with the woman he loves. But the officialdom is no easy place to get by. He had hoped to be a lazy nobody, but the political infighting leaves him no choice but to press forward with all his might. If he can't be a carefree salted fish, then he will take flight like a great roc, rising ninet 3.1kReads8.6Score215Shelves
10. 60 我 I Was the Top Liberal Arts Student in the College Entrance Exams, So Taking Three Top Honors Is Only Natural 我高考文科状元，连中三元很合理 Tang Shijiu唐十玖Historical888k WordsOngoing Shen Ping, the top liberal arts student in the national college entrance exam, accidentally transmigrates and becomes the wastrel heir of a marquis's estate. His elder sister is a favored consort of Great Chu, wielding power throughout the imperial harem. His father is the Marquis of Pingyang, a high-ranking official serving as Vice Minister of Revenue. His status and background could hardly be more illustrious, and Shen Ping is perfectly content with his life. He had planned to spend his days a 2kReads8.0Score231Shelves

    Reader note

    Everyone who's seen it says it's good [laughs]

11. 61 一 A Poor Scholar of Noble Character 一品寒士 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical1.6M WordsCompleted [Single heroine, semi-fictionalized Tang Dynasty] In an era when the great aristocratic clans looked down on the imperial family, Zhao Quan was born to a farming family and entered school carrying the hopes of his parents and six older brothers. Farming was out of the question: even the village head’s family had no food to spare… So he had no choice but to take the imperial exams and become an official. 10.2kReads9.3Score888Shelves

    Reader note

    It's often said that it's difficult for children from poor families to achieve success, so come here to experience the rise of the poor, relax a bit, and give yourself a break.

12. 62 青 Road to the Azure Clouds: The Poor Scholar Who Tops the Exams 青云路：寒门状元 Riding a Donkey to See Black Stockings骑驴看黑丝Historical349k WordsCompleted [Alternate history + imperial examinations + everyday life in ancient times + a touch of romance early on] College student Xu Luo stayed up all night at an internet cafe playing Valorant, only to wake up the next morning in his mother’s womb. Well, his previous life had ended quite peacefully. In this life, he is reborn into an ordinary farming family in the Great Yu Dynasty. In an era when everything is considered inferior except scholarship, the imperial examinations are the only way forward. 163Reads6.5Score—Shelves
13. 63 寒 The Imperial Exam Routine of a Poor Butcher's Son 寒门屠户之子的科举日常 Diki DaddyDiki粑粑Historical3.3M WordsOngoing The Wang butcher family is full of burly men, all tall, broad, and muscular, like a whole den of reincarnated black bears! But their youngest son, Wang Sanniu, is the odd one out: frail, delicate, and liable to fall over in a breeze. Standing beside his family, he looks like a little fox that wandered into a bear’s den. Butchering pigs? The moment pig’s blood splashes over him, he faints! Farming? The hoe is taller than he is! With the family fearing he’ll become a good-for-nothing, his mother m 188.1kReads9.0Score24.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This is one of my recent favorite unconventional novels. It has no awful family members, it's heartwarming, and the whole family is happily living their lives. There are no villainous supporting characters; all the classmates, strangers, and NPCs are kind at heart and have their own admirable qualities. I've always wondered why most books need villainous supporting characters to drive the plot. Human nature is inherently good, and even a small stream can become a wide river. The only downside is that the author is incredibly lazy. Although they haven't stopped updating, two updates a day is pitifully little…

14. 64 落 The Fallen Noble Scion 落魄贵子 Person Among Things物中人Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Reborn in a duke's household on the verge of ruin, with everyone despising her and her stepmother suppressing her! She must first survive if she hopes to become the noble benefactor who rebuilds a great family from the ruins! 368Reads7.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all novels about transmigrating to ancient times, becoming poor scholars, studying diligently, passing the imperial examinations, achieving fame and success, marrying beautiful wives, and turning their lives around! I've read them all and they're pretty good; they're full of romance and have a long and complicated plot.

15. 65 寒 A Scholar from a Humble Home 寒窗读书人 Ding Kai, Who Loves Pepper-Salt Rice Dumplings爱吃椒盐豆粽的丁凯Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Bystanders: Xu Sandan’s life is over (watching the drama unfold…) Family: What’s going to become of Sandan? (worrying…) Xu Heng (Xu Sandan): My fate is mine to decide, not Heaven’s (striving…) A story about Xu Heng, who transmigrates into a desperate situation from the start. With a disabled body and a poor family, he fights against a cruel fate step by step through his own efforts, ultimately turning his life around. An uplifting story about farming, cozy everyday life, and hard work. P.S. Ther 4.3kReads8.6Score331Shelves

    Reader note

    [Admiration][Admiration] I personally really enjoy imperial examination novels, and I have a very low tolerance for clichés. I also value the protagonist's character development; I like protagonists who are both kind and capable. Therefore, the novels I'm recommending are at least good quality or above. [Sending hearts][Sending hearts]

16. 66 种 Farming Life: A Poor Scholar’s Devoted Wife 种田：寒门状元的宠妻生活 Little Sugar Cube一颗小白糖Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Farming + Sweet Romance + Heartwarming + Joyful Power Fantasy] After transmigrating, he starts from the ground up in a house stripped bare. Watch as he and the woman he loves build something from nothing and lead their village to prosperity. Before long, the villagers realize that the young woman nobody wanted has been cherished like a treasure, becoming the envy of everyone. At first: “Have you heard? Qi Xiubai offered twenty taels of silver as the betrothal gift.” “Oh my gos 1.1kReads8.9Score106Shelves

    Reader note

    So sweet, so incredibly sweet!

17. 67 大 The Literary Champion of Great Song 大宋文魁 Riding a Donkey骑驴Historical1.7M WordsCompleted Zhang Tangqing, the young owner of a shop in the ancient city of Qingzhou, transmigrates to the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song, an era bright with stars. Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu, Han Qi, Bao Zheng, Di Qing, and a host of other great figures all make their entrances. See how Zhang Tangqing makes his mark in the Great Song, becomes its most dazzling literary talent, and leads the dynasty down the path to wealth and strength. 2.7kReads8.9Score282Shelves
18. 68 逍 The Carefree Little Landlord 逍遥小地主 Block the West Tower堵上西楼Historical3.0M WordsCompleted He was lucky enough to transmigrate, and even into the family of a wealthy landlord. He'd never have to worry about food or clothes, but he had no intention of wasting his life doing nothing. So Fu Xiaoguan casually set a few things in motion, never expecting the impact to be so enormous. The emperor wants to make him a first-rank official, the princess wants him as her husband, the daughter of the Minister's household refuses to marry anyone else, the barbarians want his head, the Yi Kingdom wa 37.2kReads8.9Score4.3kShelves
19. 69 科 The Road to the Imperial Examinations Begins as a Student 科举之路从童生开始 Hardworking Chicken-Raising Expert努力赚钱的养鸡专家Historical407k WordsOngoing Lin Ying transmigrates. He had been researching the history of the imperial examination system at a research institute, but one careless moment sends him to ancient times, where he becomes the son of a farming family on his way to sit the exams. What else can he do? For the sake of a better life, he can only give it everything he’s got! On the long road to success in the imperial examinations, Lin Ying sets himself a small goal: first, pass the entry-level exam and become a student! 452Reads9.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book to record the imperial examinations so realistically, it makes me wonder if I'd only be able to farm in ancient times [laughing and crying emoji].

20. 70 寒 The Road to the Imperial Examinations for a Poor Scholar 寒门科举之路 Moon Glutinous White月糯白Historical821k WordsCompleted After surviving alone in the apocalypse for three years, Yang Han is betrayed by his teammates and scratched by a zombie. Unwilling to turn into one and get his head blown off, he takes his own life. To his surprise, he transmigrates into the body of a farm boy, the only son of a family with a thousand acres of fertile land. He can't handle the backbreaking work in the fields, and since all professions are inferior to studying, he has no choice but to set out on the path to the imperial examinat 193Reads8.6Score114Shelves
21. 71 大 The Great Xuan Scholar 大玄读书人 Holding the Moon手捧月亮Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted [Traditional slow-burn + long-term foreshadowing + Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, ghosts, demons…] Ning Jin transmigrates to the vast land of the Xuan Kingdom. After living there for more than a decade, he is astonished to discover that Confucians, Daoists, Buddhists, demons, and ghosts all coexist in this world. From then on! Drawing on the poetry and writings from his past life, Ning Jin steps onto the Confucian path. As he gradually adapts to this wondrous cultivation world, he makes another 28.2kReads7.9Score1.9kShelves
22. 72 古 I Was a Salt Merchant in Ancient Times 古代我是一个盐贩子 Fat Guy Who Loves Ketchup爱吃番茄酱的胖子Historical676k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Cunning + Meticulous + Lighthearted + Farming + Conquest] Wu An is reborn into a chaotic era. An empire beset by internal and external crises is already nearing its end. Natural disasters and human calamities drive the people to rise up. What will he do now...? Amid clashing swords and tender beauty, he gradually loses himself in this era... 749Reads8.3Score102Shelves
23. 73 一 A Scholar of Humble Origins 一品寒士 Lu Mingye鹿鸣野Historical2.2M WordsCompleted Transmigrating to ancient times, he becomes an impoverished scholar? His home is bare, but he has a beautiful wife! No worries. He can farm, do business, and wage war. Making money couldn’t be easier. The court is in turmoil, and the times are chaotic. Even out in the countryside, he is still a powerful warlord in his own right. He guards the borders and puts down unrest. I am a humble scholar of the highest rank. 377Reads5.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    He transmigrated into the body of a poor, down-on-his-luck scholar, had a beautiful wife, and they farmed, did business, and fought in wars—it's quite a story.

24. 74 寒 The Poor Scholar Who Squandered His Family’s Wealth 寒门败家子 Xun Beiyi寻北仪Historical3.5M WordsCompleted Also known as Back to Ancient Times to Build a Factory. Main characters: Wang Yuan and Li Shihan. After transmigrating to ancient times and into a poor family, Wang Yuan had nothing to his name, yet he started squandering money! He poured mud into brown sugar, mixed limewater into lard, dumped government salt into a pond, boiled government liquor in a pot, set a live ox’s tail on fire, and handed money to every beggar he saw... These bizarre ways of wasting money left the imperial clan, powerful 6.8kReads8.4Score854Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all quite beautiful.

25. 75 农 The Old Country Scholar: Reborn as the Father of Four 农门老童生:穿成了四个娃的爹 Flying Cow 98会飞的牛98Historical833k WordsCompleted One heroine, no System An old book never tires the reader, even after a hundred readings. Read it closely and ponder it, and its meaning will reveal itself. Lin Mingyuan transmigrates to Great Chu, just over a decade after its founding, and becomes an old licentiate in a small mountain village. At the ripe old age of thirty-five, he is the father of four, with a beloved wife he thinks of constantly. The imperial examinations, suspended amid the wars at the end of the previous dynasty, are now be 3.8kReads9.0Score266Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is nearly forty years old and has four children.

26. 76 苏 Eunuch Su's Road to the Imperial Exams 苏公公的科举之路 Singing Alone for Joy笙歌独欢Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Chief eunuch Su Weisheng had finally endured his way to retirement, only to die unexpectedly. When he opened his eyes again, he had become a five-year-old child a century later, and all his enemies were dead! His relatives were unkind, and his parents were weak. Su Weisheng consoled himself: At least in this life, I won't have to be a eunuch. I can live with that! He takes on the worst of the family, manages the household, and studies for the imperial examinations. Only after achieving fame and 9kReads9.0Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This is exactly the kind of ancient Chinese tale you wanted: a poor scholar striving for the highest imperial examination! A former chief eunuch is reborn as a five-year-old child, encountering awful relatives, struggling to support his family, and relentlessly climbing the ranks through the imperial examinations. Only after achieving success does he realize he can finally marry and have children… Watch as he overcomes adversity and writes a glorious chapter in the history of a humble family…

27. 77 科 The Imperial Exam Path to Success 科举助吾上青云 Glory Returned荣归Historical1.0M WordsCompleted After transmigrating into a family of farmers who also valued education, Bai Zimu had grandparents, parents, uncles, and aunts to support, as well as seven older sisters whose dowries had to be prepared. To escape the fighting on the border, the entire family moved back to their hometown. Along the way, they lost two of his sisters, and he himself nearly died. He wasn't strong enough to carry heavy loads or even lift much. In this underdeveloped world, Bai Zimu thought it over and realized that 3kReads9.0Score229Shelves

    Reader note

    A treasure trove of imperial examination novels for any bookworm! Guaranteed to be a hit! [Admiring]

28. 78 开 My Ancestors’ Graves Started Smoking from the Start: Disguised as a Man, I Take the Imperial Exams 开局祖坟冒青烟，女扮男装科举忙 Jiang Suiwan江岁晚Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Xie Yuheng transmigrates from the Apocalypse to a farming household, where a tyrant rules the land. With no other choice, she disguises herself as a boy. As she grows older, everyone in the surrounding villages comes to know that the Xie family's prodigy has an exceptionally clever mind. Too bad he's a sickly weakling who can't lift a finger or carry a load. Bystander: “You're so noble, so impressive! Your sickly family member just kicked someone through a wall!” The Xie family: “Does the head o 12.1kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves
29. 79 重 Reborn, the System Makes Me a Scholar and Warrior in Ancient Times 重生后，系统让我在古代文武双全 Along the Way在途中Ancient Romance350k WordsOngoing (No CP)!!! Beep... A machine sounded, and Sang Hua was gone from this world for good. Her soul left her body. Looking at herself lying on the hospital bed, she thought back over the twenty years of her life. Sang Hua felt she had been incredibly unlucky. After finally escaping that family through her own efforts, she had been about to enjoy a happy life of doing nothing, only to get into a car accident on the way to the airport... Sang Hua watched the medical staff cover her body with a white sh 23Reads7.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist disguises herself as a man to take the imperial examination; she excels in both literature and martial arts. There is no romantic partner.

30. 80 名 You Abandoned Me When I Failed the Imperial Exam, So Who Are You Now That I’ve Swept the Boards? 名落孙山你不陪，连中六元你是谁 Dragon in the Wind龙行风Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [The short drama is now available, and the print edition is in publication.][Slow-burn, warm, and humorous][Alternate history + business + imperial examinations + one female lead + no System] Su Run transmigrates into the body of a disgraced scholar who has lost both his parents, failed the imperial exams, and earned a notorious reputation as a lovesick doormat. When he opens his eyes, his fiancée is publicly putting him down and emotionally manipulating him, even threatening to break off their 18.3kReads8.8Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    So far, I've only finished reading the fourth book, which is also the one that got me hooked on imperial examination novels!

31. 81 哈 Hahaha, Great Ming 哈哈哈，大明 Weiwei's Wei微微的薇Historical3.2M WordsCompleted In an age when everyone is rebelling, to survive, you have to be more ruthless than every rebel king. You have to become the greatest rebel king of all. Take down Gao Yingxiang first, then Zhang Xianzhong, then Li Zicheng, and after that, go straight for the Eight Banners. You Manchus, your emperor is back. 460.1kReads9.4Score66.8kShelves

    Reader note

    ①🌈Yu Ling, as a time traveler, almost died in the 35th year of the Wanli Emperor's reign. You could say the timing is good, because he would have to live through the chaos of the late Ming Dynasty to grow up; you could also say it's bad, because if he could stir up trouble in this era, he might be able to change the scarred and bloody history of China. Alas, all of this is contingent on him actually surviving to adulthood. His elder brother's decision to sever ties with the Ming Dynasty for survival leaves Yu Ling with no choice but to pursue the path of upholding the Ming Dynasty's rule, making the imperial examinations an inevitable choice.

32. 82 穿 Transmigration: The Daily Life of an Ancient Imperial Exam Candidate, Son of a Peddler 穿越：商贩之子的古代科举日常 Bai Qiqi百柒柒Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [Imperial Examinations + Alternate History + Everyday Life in Ancient Times + Building Wealth + Slow-Burn + Coming of Age] In his previous life, Lin Xiang’an lost his parents at a young age and grew up dependent on others. After getting into college, he took a leave of absence to serve as a conscript. When he returned from the military and resumed his studies, he started a few businesses and gradually made his fortune. He achieved success at a young age, and his business kept growing. Then, one 2.5kReads7.9Score182Shelves

    Reader note

    Born into poverty, how could one be buried by the tides of history? Traveling back to ancient times, as a merchant, after ten years of vain, one day one passes the imperial examination, enters the palace for the interview, and is granted an official position. Young and spirited, this is how it should be.

33. 83 种 Farming Didn’t Work Out, So I Made My Fortune Through the Imperial Examinations 种田不成，只好科举发家 Artemisia蒿菜Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted After being transmigrated into a womb, Song Yingzhi was reborn too. In his previous life, Song Yingzhi had been born into the body of a child in a dirt-poor farming family. During the day, he worked in the fields with the men of the household. At night, he slept in the pigsty. When he was sixteen, his grandmother decided to sell the family’s pigs so Song Yingzhi could marry a wife, then cleaned out the pigsty and turned it into his bridal chamber… After getting married, Song Yingzhi became even 3.9kReads7.4Score455Shelves
34. 84 寒 The Scholar from a Poor Family 寒门状元 Gentleman of the Green Mountain青山君子Historical2.1M WordsOngoing After transmigrating into the family of a common farmer, Ye Xuanmo arrives just as his paternal cousin passes the imperial examination. To revitalize the clan, his cousin invites a teacher to the family to educate the children. In an age when “all trades are base, and only studying is noble,” Ye Xuanmo wants nothing more than to pass the exams and change his family’s circumstances… 3.5kReads8.9Score331Shelves
35. 85 科 The Imperial Exams: They All Say I'm the Star of Literature Reborn 科举，他们都说我是文曲星下凡 Lin Tong林桐Historical1.1M WordsOngoing (This book blends elements of the imperial examinations, romance, court politics, bureaucratic intrigue, warfare, and more.) Zhao Lin was the youngest professor of classical Chinese literature in Huaxia. After transmigrating, he becomes a young scholar in the Great Zhou, celebrated as a “star of literary talent” and a “child prodigy.” But the Grand Examiner declares him “frivolous by nature, destined to achieve nothing.” With his reputation on the verge of collapse, he draws on the extraordinary 1.5kReads8.7Score161Shelves
36. 86 穿 After I Transmigrated, I Saved a Fallen Marquis Household Through the Imperial Exams 穿越后靠科举拯救落魄侯府 Yu Jian郁见Historical212k WordsOngoing Ye Hezhen was a Chinese literature student who had failed the graduate school entrance exam three times. After failing for the last time, he drowned his sorrows in alcohol, heartbroken. Little did he expect that when he opened his eyes the next morning, the whole world had changed. He had transmigrated into the newborn legitimate son of a declining marquis’s household. He had only three older sisters, and the family was on the verge of ruin. Watch as Ye Hezhen finds a way to save the marquis’s h 1Reads6.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These three books in the "[Exploration]" series are the ones I'm currently following. [Note] I've been looking forward to the first one these past few days. [Note] The second one is just average. [Note] I've been following the third one for a long time, and it feels like it's almost finished.

37. 87 穿 Transmigrated to the Countryside: A Young Farmer's Road to the Imperial Exams 穿越之农家独苗苗的科举之路 Zhang Rubai张如白Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted [Born into the Past + Farming + Imperial Exams + Fleeing Famine + Warfare] The slow-paced everyday life of a boy from a rural family in ancient times! Zhang Ping'an gets a new lease on life when he transmigrates to an ancient farming family. Fortunately, they are fairly well-off, so no one has to go hungry. He has six older sisters, and he is the only boy his parents had long hoped for. His parents favor sons over daughters, and all six sisters are fierce. He thought he was in for a story about 29kReads8.7Score2.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Recommended by a ten-year veteran reader: a pure ancient survival, farming, and scientific expedition novel without any systems or cheat codes.

38. 88 全 The Whole Family Transmigrates: My Scholar Dad Revives the Family Through the Imperial Exams 全家穿越：学霸老爸靠科举兴家 Today, I'm a Pretty Flower Again今天也是花花呀Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted What’s it like when your whole family transmigrates to ancient times? Jiaojiao raises her little hand. She knows! Hua Tao and Shen Heqing, an older couple who thrived in the twenty-first century, transmigrate to ancient times together with their only daughter, Hua Jiaojiao. History professor Hua Tao has no choice but to study day and night for the imperial exams. Shen Heqing, a leading beauty-industry entrepreneur, starts from scratch and builds a business to make money. As for Jiaojiao, she’s 2.5kReads8.9Score227Shelves
39. 89 朝 A Farmer's Son at Dawn, an Emperor's Courtier by Dusk 朝为农家郎，暮登天子堂 Lantern Festival Revelry闹花灯Historical2.6M WordsOngoing (There's family drama, petty squabbles, rural life, outrageous oddballs, life in government, and much more.) After spending nearly ten years in a daze as an idiot, Tang Wenfeng fell into the water one day and finally came to his senses, now with a modern mind inside him. To avoid taxes, make a fortune, lie flat and enjoy himself, and secure a carefree life for the future, Tang Wenfeng decided to sit the imperial examinations. Who knew that an unexpected turn of events would put him on the 6.4kReads8.4Score437Shelves

    Reader note

    Both of these books are very good. The pacing and language are excellent, and there are no exaggerated plot devices. The protagonists work hard to improve their family's circumstances, which gives a very positive feeling.

40. 90 胎 Born into a Farmer's Family as Their Late-Born Son, I Change Our Fortunes Through the Imperial Exams 胎穿农家老来子，靠科举改换门庭 Tu Yi凃扆Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [Imperial Examinations + Daily Life + No Golden Finger] Just after passing the civil service exam, Song Xi was sent by a cement truck trying to meet its quota to an ancient dynasty called Great Qi. He was reborn as a farmer's son, and his mother gave birth to him at an advanced age, drawing plenty of ridicule from those around them. His family owned nothing but four bare walls, and they could afford meat only once or twice a year. Fortunately, his family loved him, and he had something to look f 19.7kReads8.3Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist is reborn into ancient times and forges his own path through education.

41. 91 女 A Woman Transmigrates as a Man: A Farmer’s Road to the Imperial Exams 女穿男：农家子的科举青云路 Shang Xinghe裳星河Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Female-to-male transmigration + imperial examinations + romance later on + remembered in history + founding the family tree] In her previous life, Qin Huan grew up in an orphanage and worked her way into a university degree. She landed a job at a major company and was on the verge of reaching the pinnacle of success. Her only regret was never having much family to speak of. When she opened her eyes again, she had traveled from modern times to the past, and from a woman to a man. She had become 9.6kReads9.0Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    This ancient romance novel, set in a farming village and spanning time, is a great read. It's realistically portrayed, depicting the hardships faced by children from farming families in their studies. It avoids overly overpowered advantages from the start, reflecting the realities of time travel for ordinary people. The protagonist gradually improves in a backward era, integrating into society and rising through the ranks. The protagonist's character is truly inspiring, and the overpowered advantages are just right.

42. 92 大 Great Ming: The Village's Little Top Scholar, Whom Old Zhu Absolutely Adores 大明：乡村小状元，老朱贼稀罕我 Scholar Who Wins a Marquisate封侯书生Historical2.0M WordsCompleted During the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Qiniu, an ordinary four-year-old farm boy, accidentally comes across a silver bell. From then on, he dreams every night of entering a room filled with books: the Thousand Character Classic, the Hundred Family Surnames, the Four Books and Five Classics, collections of successful candidates’ exam essays from every dynasty, and more. With his golden finger and relentless effort, he becomes the top scholar before the age of ten. Beloved by Old Zhu, Litt 18.8kReads8.9Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    He was awarded the title of "Top Scholar" six times in a row and was bestowed with a stele. Upon seeing this stele, civil officials would dismount from their sedan chairs, military officials would dismount from their horses, and no one would kneel before the emperor.

43. 93 女 After Reincarnating as a Man, She Studies Her Way to Restore Her Family's Honor 女穿男后，靠读书为家族改换门楣 Little Meatball Is Super Skinny小肉丸子超级瘦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted A 38-year-old office drone transmigrates into the body of a little boy, working hard to act cute by day and studying himself to death by night. He, Jiang Mingfei, is the sole heir in four generations of the Jiang family, and he’s determined to lead them all to a better life. “Grandpa, your fifties are the perfect age to strive for success. How about taking a look at past provincial examination questions?” “Father, I heard that passing the provincial-level imperial exam qualifies you for an offic 3.3kReads8.6Score359Shelves

    Reader note

    1.2.3 Traveling to ancient times 4.5.6. Woman traveling to man

44. 94 惊 What?! I Transmigrated into a Farmer's Son from the Start, and Now He Wants to Take the Imperial Exams 惊了！开局穿成农家子，他要科举 Luo Yi落矣Historical802k WordsCompleted [Famine + transmigration + System + farming + imperial examinations + daily life] Shen Yu woke up one morning to find that he had transmigrated. It was bad enough for a science student to end up in ancient times, but he’d arrived in the middle of a famine, with his family having nothing to their name. Luckily, he unlocked a red packet group. Without it, how could he possibly survive in this strange world? The Shen family had one daughter after another. At last, the third son’s family had a bo 1.4kReads8.3Score107Shelves

    Reader note

    These few essays about the imperial examinations are heartwarming and meaningful; you might want to give them a try. [Sending heart]

45. 95 布 A Humble Scholar in Commoner's Clothes 布衣小书生 Wounded by the Fading Blood残血凌伤Historical3.3M WordsCompleted He went up the mountain to look for a sheep, accidentally fell off a cliff, and woke up to find himself reborn as a baby in an unknown dynasty. He looked around and discovered that his family was dirt poor: they had too little to eat, too little to wear, and lived in a mud house where rain poured outside and dripped inside. He had an older sister and a younger sister. He had thought that, with his modern soul, he could surely make a brilliant life for himself, but he never expected fate to deal 921Reads7.4Score110Shelves
46. 96 大 Great Tang: Give Your Seat to the Blind Man 大唐：给瞎子让座 A Big Shark一头大鲨鱼Historical4.8M WordsCompleted Other people transmigrate to the Tang dynasty and either make salt to earn a noble title, predict natural disasters to become high officials, or brew wine and become the richest man in the land. How come I transmigrated into a blind man? Still, at least I awakened the ability to see with my mind, letting me view the world through my heart. In the early years of Zhenguan, the first imperial decree called for people to marry and have children. The government ordered wives to be assigned, and newly 11.6kReads8.7Score887Shelves
47. 97 农 A Farm Boy's Imperial Exams: My Dad Turns Out to Be the Ultimate Study Machine 农家考科举：我爹竟是最强卷王 Long, Long, Long, Long Hair长长长长头发Ancient Romance847k WordsOngoing [Farming + imperial examinations + building wealth] A gifted student who hated studying transmigrates into the son of a peasant family in ancient times. As he chases chickens and dogs around the village, gathering friends and preparing to make a fortune so he can afford meat, someone calls out, “Ergouzi, your dad passed the provincial exam and became the top graduate! The county magistrate awarded him fifty taels of silver!” When he resolves to study so he can avoid going bald before turning ten 62.4kReads9.2Score7.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Although he's from a farming family, his father, a master of academic pursuits, has already carried him to success before he even starts trying! 🌿 While the protagonist is chasing dogs around the village, his father passes the provincial examination with top honors. When the protagonist is ten and preparing to study to avoid baldness, his father becomes the top scholar in the imperial examinations. And when the protagonist finally achieves the same honors, his father becomes the Grand Secretary. Protagonist: Who's the real protagonist of this academic novel anyway?!

48. 98 锄 At Hoeing Time Beneath the Midday Sun, I Fell for the Imperial Exams 锄禾日当午我和科举处 Clouds Have Liuliu云有六六Historical247k WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + daily life + romance, with a male-female pairing; the protagonist is still a child at this stage] Su Yan transmigrates into a new life as an infant in swaddling clothes, born premature and frail into a family with nothing but four bare walls. He’d already lived freely enough in his previous life, and now, everything goes black before his eyes. He just wants to give up and be reborn as soon as possible. But each time he’s on the brink of death, he narrowly survives. He ch 2Reads8.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Both are quite good. They feature ensemble casts, the authors have excellent writing skills, the content is positive and uplifting, and the logic is clear.

49. 99 穿 Transmigrate to a Farming Family, Aim for the Imperial Exams 穿越农家，科举为上 Tang Qinghan唐轻寒Ancient Romance305k WordsCompleted Wang Xi had a heart condition as a child and was abandoned at an orphanage. He worked odd jobs to put himself through college and finally landed a pretty good job. After three years of working diligently, just as he was finally able to give something back to the orphanage where he grew up, he suddenly died while working overtime one night. Reborn into a farming family, Wang Xi is now a little boy named Li Shuanzi. He knows all too well that if he wants a better life, passing the imperial exams i 3.6kReads8.9Score224Shelves
50. 100 重 After Rewriting the Family Tree, Smoke Rose from the Ancestors' Graves: I'm Rich! 重开族谱后祖坟冒青烟，发家啦！ Astonishing Swan Takes Flight惊鸿鹊起Historical898k WordsCompleted [Business] [Imperial Exams] [Alternate Setting] [Everyday Life] [A Touch of Romance] Modern intangible cultural heritage video editor Li Yanning is in a car accident and transmigrates into the body of Li Yanning, a frail five-year-old boy. His biased grandfather and sharp-tongued step-grandmother are ready to let him die! Luckily, his reliable birth parents go all out to protect him. So touching... But after the family splits up, they're left with nothing. His parents are bullied, and his greedy 3.7kReads8.6Score321Shelves

Other lists with From Little Kid to Top Scholar, I Cheat My Way to the Top