Any Good Imperial Exam Novels? The More, the Better 有没有好看的科举文，多一点的

1. 1 全 My Clan Raised Me to Greatness, So I Gifted Them Purple Robes 全族扶我青云志，我赠族人朱紫袍 Uncle Jianghe江河大爷Historical2.2M WordsOngoing After dying suddenly from overwork, workaholic Chen Yan is reborn as the only son of a newly born provincial graduate in the Great Liang Dynasty. His father is successful, so Chen Yan promptly decides to lie flat and enjoy the good life, with food brought to him and clothes laid out for him. But when he learns at the age of six that he was switched at birth with a farmer's child, his life takes a turn. The day the fake young master returns to the Chen family, he goes out to work in the fields an 214.1kReads9.3Score21.3kShelves

   Reader note

   I never expected that the first novel I read about the imperial examination system would be such a masterpiece, especially the plot after the protagonist became an official—wow, it was so exciting to read!

2. 2 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

   Both of these are exceptionally good imperial examination novels. The male protagonists have very positive values, and the authors' writing is excellent!

3. 3 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
4. 4 理 A Top Science Student Takes the Imperial Exams? His Majesty Is Stunned by His Brilliance 理科状元考科举？强到朕傻眼 Lucky Lin招财林Historical2.2M WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + court politics + farming + alternate history + daily life + lighthearted + no romance] Li Su had barely had time to savor becoming the top scorer in the national college entrance exam when he transmigrated as the youngest son of the Li family. His whole family doted on him, even though they lived on coarse grain and vegetables, and supported his studies. The original owner had been led astray by his classmates. Selfish and only interested in having fun, he had ruined him 88.6kReads8.9Score8.7kShelves

   Reader note

   The first one is the best; the other two are also good.

5. 5 书 Master Calligrapher? Poet Immortal? Chief Minister? That's Right, I'm All of Them 书圣？诗仙？首辅？没错，都是我 Sunlight on the River日照前川Historical834k WordsOngoing In his previous life, Cui Xian was a PhD in Chinese Language and Literature at a top-tier university. In this life, he transmigrated to ancient times, into a poor family with no connections: A destitute home, a pregnant mother, young siblings, an uncle who had failed the exams six times and was hopeless at studying, a grandmother so obsessed with imagining her son placing high in the imperial examinations that she had become delusional, and Cui Xian, who was only eight years old. Cui Xian: This 28.3kReads9.4Score2.7kShelves
6. 6 农 The Imperial Tutor's Road to the Civil Service Exams 农门帝师的科举之路 Ju He雎禾Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Imperial Examination, One-on-One Romance After an accident, a young man from the modern era transmigrated into the Great Qian Dynasty. Looking at his family’s dilapidated brick house, Qi Wenyu wondered how he would make a living from then on... 21.3kReads9.2Score2kShelves
7. 7 科 The Imperial Exams: A Poor Scholar's Journey 科举，寒门读书郎 Upside Down左右颠倒Historical511k WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + lighthearted + everyday life + one heroine] Li Chengping transmigrated to Daqian, a strange dynasty. He had planned to live off his family in a scenic spot by the mountains and water, but the backbreaking labor service of ancient times terrified him. If he didn't want to work, he'd have to find another way to live. This is the story of a farmer's son who studies for the imperial examinations. Zhang Erniang: “If you could put in the effort to memorize your books while eat 8Reads6.9Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   These few works demonstrate profound writing skills and maintain a high level of literary quality. They are basically the best examples of overcoming the imperial examination system I've ever read.

8. 8 随 After My Mother Remarried, I Made Three Rules with My Stepfather 随母改嫁，我跟继父约法三章 Early Spring in March晓春三月Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted I was born into this family, and before I was two, my father had an accident on his way to take the prefectural exams. No one ever saw him again, alive or dead. My grandfather died of grief that very month, and my grandmother was bedridden for two years before leaving us with a mountain of debt and passing away. A few years later, my mother could no longer shoulder the burden of making ends meet and decided to remarry. Fine, she could marry again. I wasn't going to do anything foolish, but I had 69.8kReads9.2Score8.9kShelves

   Reader note

   A very good novel, with vivid characters and a clear plot; highly recommended.

9. 9 名 A Name in the Unofficial Histories: The Young Prince's Unorthodox Path to Office 名留野史，小世子的另类为官路 Born on April Fools' Day四月一号生辰日Historical292k WordsOngoing An unconventional farming-and-imperial-exams story: transmigration and rebirth, with no pocket dimension, no System, and no golden finger. He's simply absurdly lucky. In his previous life, Jiang Ruyan was bedridden and paralyzed for fifteen years. He never imagined that after closing his eyes and opening them again, he would transmigrate. He spent twelve years wandering the world with his parents, who were always chasing poetry and distant horizons, before they finally sent him off to school. 893Reads—Score110Shelves
10. 10 开 From the Start, Disguised as a Man, I Rose to First Rank Through the Imperial Exams 开局女扮男装，我靠科举官居一品 I Want to Make Money爷要赚钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Disguised as a man + imperial examinations and court intrigue + rises to the highest office + one heroine, focused on her career] When Xie Qingfeng opens her eyes, she's handed a nightmare of a life: a house with bare walls, and a woman forced to disguise herself as a man. In an age when everything is considered inferior to scholarship, if she doesn't fight for her place, she'll be crushed to pieces. Since she's here, she'll give it everything she's got! As a woman, she enters the imperial cour 48.9kReads9.3Score6kShelves

    Reader note

    These three books are absolutely amazing!! The first one is the first science novel I've ever read, featuring a top-scoring student who achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations. It's a pure imperial faction story where the protagonist is the emperor's fellow disciple—super incredibly satisfying! The second and third books, the one about Xu Yue disguised as a man, are also incredibly good. The one about Ming Yue Lang involves a fake marriage with a system later on. I haven't finished the second one yet, but it's very enjoyable. Xie Qingfeng's grandmother initially made him a fake...

11. 11 大 The Great Qi Marquis of One Step 大齐一步侯 A Single Thought of Nothingness一念无Historical846k WordsCompleted [Alternate history, airtight logic, a treat to listen to, multiple heroines, lighthearted daily life, the jianghu and court politics, love and hate, national and family vendettas...] A modern-day criminal investigator transmigrates into the body of a minor official in the State of Qi. At first, his only dream is to stay alive. But when foreign barbarians invade the Central Plains, slaughtering and pillaging until the kingdom falls and families are torn apart, he has no choice but to enter the fr 16.3kReads8.2Score984Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical fiction novel of exceptionally high quality, perfect for both listening and reading. Clear logic, well-developed characters, rich plot, and tight writing. Not a formulaic, fast-paced read. Please enjoy! [Already added to my wishlist]

12. 12 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 118.2kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves
13. 13 科 Imperial Exam Triumph: The Strongest Female Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：最强女首辅 Dressed in Splendor宝妆成Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted After finally becoming the first female heir in her family, she opens her eyes and finds herself back before the revolution. Her father is dead from the start, leaving her with a frail mother and three beautiful older sisters. She is the only son who can carry on the Cheng family line... Cheng Qing looks down at her slightly developed chest, wondering what on earth went wrong. Surrounded by scheming wolves, Cheng Qing, now with a new soul in her body, sets herself two small goals: First, keep pr 8.5kReads9.5Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    After looking at several recommendation lists, I felt some of the recommendations were really weak. Look at my recommendations; both of these are excellent. The first one is still being updated, so I'll wait and read it later. The second one is highly recommended, since it's already finished.

14. 14 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

    Reader note

    All are imperial examination novels. The first three feature women disguised as men taking the imperial examinations, while the fourth, fifth, and seventh feature reborn male protagonists taking the examinations. The sixth is an ensemble piece where the entire class is reborn, and some characters have special abilities, but their presence is not strong.

15. 15 卖 Selling Vegetables and Studying, Then Becoming the Top Scholar 卖菜读书，结果高中状元 Three Layers of Belly Fat三层肚腩Historical1.1M WordsCompleted After Shen Qingfeng dies alongside the Zombie Emperor in the apocalypse, he transmigrates to an alternate dynasty called Great Chu and becomes a child in Ning'an Village. The boy, nicknamed Dog Egg, is frail from birth, suffers from heart disease, and has a lowly name. Luckily, his proper name is Shen Yu'an. After studying for a few months with the elders, Shen Yu'an decides to take the imperial examinations, only to discover that his ancestors were exiles, and the descendants of exiles for thre 5.5kReads8.9Score573Shelves
16. 16 努 I Strive for the Imperial Exams, But My Slacker Dreams Never Change 努力考科举，咸鱼梦想从未改变 A Little Green Ear一只绿耳Historical1.8M WordsCompleted [Imperial exams + everyday life + lighthearted] Lu Yang, a rich second-generation heir, wakes up one day as the youngest and most cherished son of the Lu family. This youngest son is a scholar, yet selfish and self-centered, turning a blind eye to his family's sacrifices and caring only about his own future. Lu Yang may be a slacker with little conscience, but he knows who's good to him. He keeps his dream of being a slacker tucked away and works hard to pass the imperial exams, hoping to become 17.8kReads9.1Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These three books are highly recommended; I've recently become obsessed with imperial examination novels. All three are time-travel stories. The characters are all different, and very well-developed. The female leads appear relatively late in the stories. The second book, in particular, has some humorous parts, making it engaging and not too frustrating. You can read them with confidence! 👀

17. 17 她 She Held a Reunion Feast, and the Entire Court Showed Up? 她办个同窗宴，满朝文武都来了？ Little Su Mehmeh小素咩咩Ancient Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [Group transmigration + ensemble cast + no System + imperial examinations + everyday academy life in the early story + political intrigue in the middle and later story] (Everyone is highly intelligent and career-driven; the heroine has no romance) An earthquake sent Zhu Lan and her entire class of top students into a book, where they became a notorious group of failures! How could they turn things around? Oh, apparently all they had to do was pass the highest-level imperial exam. What a relief! 10.5kReads9.1Score1.9kShelves
18. 18 为 To Avoid Planting Rice, I Work Hard to Pass the Imperial Exams 为了不插秧，努力考科举 Three Layers of Belly Fat三层肚腩Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [The short drama adaptation is now streaming] A modern SSS-rank researcher dies suddenly and transmigrates to the Great Xing Dynasty. His health is so poor that he's not allowed to pick rice in the fields until he's six. Sunstruck and light-headed, Li Jing decides that farming with this body is a risky business, so he immediately resolves to study for the imperial examinations. That's what he's good at; the transplanting can be left to the professionals! The following year, now named Li Yiqing, 23kReads9.3Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These five novels are all quite good, and the writing style is also quite good. I recommend them to read.

19. 19 陈 Chen Sanbao's Daily Struggles in Ancient Times 陈三宝古代奋斗日常 A Primordial Beast一只洪荒兽Historical1.5M WordsCompleted A modern-day hoodlum transmigrated into an unknown era and became Chen Sanbao, a member of the Chen family in Chenjia Village, at the foot of the Beilu Mountains! No golden finger, no pocket dimension, no protagonist’s halo. All he has is the everyday struggle of an ordinary person at the bottom of society! The protagonist is far from perfect. He’s impulsive and quick-tempered, has no advanced education or exceptional intelligence, longs for family affection, and feels compassion for the disadva 10.4kReads8.7Score752Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥🔥🔥The first book features a protagonist from a farming family who, to improve his family's life, transforms from a poor student into a top student, gradually rising to the top. The second book follows a protagonist facing poverty who, despite his circumstances, studies diligently to inherit his family's fortune and build wealth with his beautiful wife. The story is heartwarming, with a fast-paced and engaging plot, sweet romance, and a successful career. The third book features a chemistry PhD who transmigrates to ancient times, using his past knowledge to amass immense wealth, marry a beautiful and wealthy woman, and reach the pinnacle of life. The fourth book features a protagonist who is actually from ancient times, achieving the highest rank in the imperial examinations at the age of ten, and living through the reigns of nine emperors including Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Di, and Zhu Xiong Ying, ultimately becoming the Grand Prince of the Ming Dynasty. His love story with his childhood sweetheart is unwavering until death. The fifth book features the most tragic protagonist, without any special advantages or high education, telling the story of an ordinary person.

20. 20 穿 Reborn as a Cannon-Fodder Man in a Broken Engagement Face-Slapping Story 穿成退婚打脸文里的炮灰男 Empty Mountain Fish空山鱼Ancient Romance263k WordsOngoing [Imperial Exams, One-on-One Romance] [Not a Power Fantasy] (The rating just came out, so it might go up later?) At first, Lu Heming thought he had transmigrated, or perhaps there had been water in Granny Meng’s soup, allowing him to be reborn with memories of his past life. It wasn’t until he turned six that he realized he had transmigrated into a women’s novel about a broken engagement and face-slapping revenge. But he was neither the male lead who would join hands with the heroine and reach th 636Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These are the best imperial examination essays I've read on Taobao. They're the pinnacle of imperial examination essays on Taobao, without a doubt, highly recommended!!!

21. 21 这 This Top Scholar Plays by His Own Rules 这个状元路子有点野 The Foundation of One's Life立身之本Historical2.3M WordsCompleted [Farming + imperial examinations + alternate history + lighthearted] My Parents Flipped the Table and Quit, So I Want to Take the Imperial Exams Too Just as Wang Xuezhou was about to reach the peak of his life, he transmigrated. The good news: in this life, his parents were loving, and his siblings got along. The bad news: the whole family was pinching pennies to fund his eldest uncle's studies. They had next to nothing and were living on coarse grain and wild greens. But before he could flip t 51.6kReads8.9Score6.4kShelves

    Reader note

    These are the best imperial examination essays I've read on Taobao. They're the pinnacle of imperial examination essays on Taobao, without a doubt. Highly recommended!!!

22. 22 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

    These three are really good, they look alright, I can add them to my bookshelf. Normally, even if I finish reading a book, I wouldn't add it to my bookshelf.

23. 23 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

    I've found all the imperial examination texts on the bookshelf, and I think the first one is my favorite.

24. 24 穿 Reborn as a Farmer’s Son, I’m Doted on by an Apocalypse Tycoon 穿成农家子，末世大佬宠夫郎 Milk Mochi奶麻薯Two Male Leads919k WordsOngoing After two years in the apocalypse, Ji Zhenli had finally built a base of his own, only to be ambushed by an ordinary zombie and transmigrate into the body of a child in the Hua Dynasty. Fine! If he'd transmigrated, then so be it. But… to make life better, Ji Zhenli decided to show the people of the Hua Dynasty the power of an overachiever. With the mindset that if he wasn't worked to death, he could work even harder, Ji Zhenli passed all four imperial examinations in a row. In the capital, he me 1.6kReads9.2Score132Shelves
25. 25 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
26. 26 护 Protecting the Gods 护神明 Digital Little Cattle-Horse电子小牛马Historical12k WordsCompleted Protect the Divine —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's quite good; there's no overly sentimental or cloying romance between the male and female leads.

27. 27 我 I Made My Way to Prosperity Through the Imperial Exams 我靠科举奔小康 Lemon Loves Milk柠檬爱吃奶Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted There are awful people. No golden finger (Though being a modern person who transmigrates might be the biggest golden finger of all!) After transmigrating, Song Zhixue wants only to change his life of toiling in the fields from dawn till dusk. 20.2kReads8.2Score1.8kShelves
28. 28 此 This Road Leads Straight to the Azure Clouds 此去直上青云路 Qing Suisui卿岁岁Historical603k WordsCompleted Li Yu, courtesy name Zixuan, originally named Shen Dakui, was from Shunqing Prefecture, Sichuan, and his ancestral home was Huangzhou Prefecture, Huguang. He ranked twenty-sixth in the second-tier examination in the second year of Xing'an. A politician, financier, firearms expert, hydraulic engineer, military strategist, educator, and more in the early years of the Dayong dynasty... Li Yu lost his father at an early age and followed his mother when she remarried Li Gang, the patrol inspector of 25.7kReads8.6Score2.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Li Yu's original name was Shen Da Kui. After her mother remarried, her stepfather supported her education. The plot is fast-paced, logically sound, and features well-developed characters, making it a very enjoyable watch.

29. 29 飞 After Failing to Ascend, the System Pinned Me Down and Made Me Take the Imperial Exams 飞升失败后被系统摁在地上考科举 Daoist Sang Ye桑也道人Eastern Fantasy212k WordsOngoing [Imperial Exam History + Cultivation / Farmer's Son / System, No Cheats / Lighthearted and Funny] They say the end of the imperial exams is immortality... Lu An joins forces with his seventy-year-old "book boy," determined to make his way to the top! Lu An had a lifetime's worth of fame, yet he came to grief over the words "rise to the clouds in a single stride." After falling into a land without spiritual energy... since that's how things are, he might as well take a turn in the mortal cour 986Reads—Score134Shelves

    Reader note

    Original ancient history story, combining imperial examination and cultivation. Currently, the main focus is on the imperial examination route, with cultivation as a secondary element. Later on, the male protagonist will achieve great success and crush all the gods!

30. 30 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

    These are all incredibly good. Although they feature a single female lead, the focus is on the male lead's career; there's no harem or overly romantic subplots. They're truly excellent.

31. 31 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
32. 32 我 I, San Mao, Will Take the Imperial Exams 我，三毛，要科举 Muscle Boss肌肉头子Historical563k WordsCompleted [Alternate world + farming + imperial examinations + everyday family life] One brick was all it took to turn Chen Ping'an into a poor farmer’s son. Farm the land? The taxes are too high. He shakes his head and gives up. Go into business? He’d still be stuck with corvee labor. No, that won’t work either. That leaves only one path. Fortunately, as he pursues his studies, he has the support of a teacher and several like-minded friends by his side. Along the way, Chen Sanmao overcomes one challenge 1.1kReads7.4Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    They're all pretty.

33. 33 穿 I Transmigrated to Ancient Times and Still Reached the Pinnacle of Life 穿越古代照样走上人生巅峰 Walking Little Chili Pepper行走的小米椒Historical680k WordsCompleted Li Fengnian gets hit by a car and is sent straight to the ancient world to start his life over. In this life, he is born into a peasant family. They are poor, but at least his parents love him and his grandparents dote on him. Along with his own shamelessness, that makes for a pretty decent life. The only problem is that farming is exhausting! He just can’t do it. Luckily, his father is dependable: he divides the family’s property and sends Li Fengnian to school. Hoping to make life easier for h 1.5kReads8.4Score112Shelves

    Reader note

    This is super good! The protagonist is reborn, shameless, sweet-talking, and intelligent—very popular. He basically works hard, with a bit of foresight, to rise through the ranks of the imperial examinations to become the top scholar. He also encounters a good emperor; a talented horse meets its discerning patron, allowing him to fully utilize his abilities. The plot is fast-paced, with no major flaws, and there are practically no villains. Problems are resolved quickly, and they don't cause any real trouble. In short, it's an imperial examination novel I could read in one go! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

34. 34 苏 Su Chen'an's Journey Through the Imperial Exams 苏辰安的科举之路 Dream of Nine Hundred Million Girls九亿少女的梦梦Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Su Chen'an, a master of Chinese painting, had finally wrapped up an exhibition. Just as he walked out of the building, a flowerpot full of sunflowers came flying at him. He died on the spot. When he woke up again, he was almost starved to death inside his mother's womb. Every day, he teetered on the brink of starvation. He felt that if he absorbed even a little more nourishment from the amniotic fluid, his mother might die. But if he absorbed even a little less, the embryo that was him would pro 10.2kReads8.3Score877Shelves
35. 35 农 A Late-Born Son of a Farmer Takes the Imperial Exam and Leaves the Emperor Stunned 农家老来子考科举，强到朕傻眼了 Wind Tugs at the Clouds风挽云Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Also known as The Late-Born Son of a Farming Family Takes the Civil Service Exams, and Grows So Powerful Even the Emperor Is Stunned; I Entered Government Through the Civil Service Exams and Became a Powerful Minister of Great Qian; Song Yuan, a rising star in the legal world, dies in a car accident and transmigrates into a farming family in Great Qian, becoming the late-born son whom the whole village mocks. With disasters striking one after another and his family mired in poverty, his life fro 12.4kReads8.1Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This book has just finished, everyone should check it out, it's very well written!

36. 36 三 Awakening the Learning System at Three: Study, Take the Imperial Exams, and Become an Official 三岁觉醒学习系统，读书科举做官 Zhong Wangwangwangwang中旺旺旺旺Historical676k WordsCompleted [Imperial exams + study System + farm boy + one heroine] (The ratings have only just come in, and the book is still growing. Don’t let them fool you! It’s good, really good, really, really good.) Wang Yuan had just passed the entrance exam for a master’s program at a top university, but before he could bask in the admiration of his whole village, an accident sent him into the womb of a peasant family in ancient times. Fortunately, an earlier transmigrator had established a new dynasty and encour 4.5kReads7.5Score338Shelves
37. 37 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

    They're all novels about the imperial examinations, and they're all very readable. The serialized ones are already over a million words long, so feel free to follow them. I've read them all one by one, and they're all great.

38. 38 迎 After Marrying a Sweet Young Wife, I Worked Hard and Took the Imperial Exam 迎娶小娇妻后，我奋发图强考科举 Flying Cow 98会飞的牛98Historical1.1M WordsCompleted One heroine + no System + lighthearted pacing A thorough understanding of the world is knowledge, and social savvy is good writing. Ren Junjie, a history graduate, suddenly finds himself in an unfamiliar world as the eldest legitimate son of the richest family in Xinchang County. A former wastrel, he turns over a new leaf and marries a lovely young wife. He rests every other day and works on the days in between, studying harder and striving to improve. With his deep knowledge of history, he purs 8.9kReads8.8Score715Shelves
39. 39 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
40. 40 穿 Transmigrated with No Golden Finger, I Keep a Low Profile and Farm 穿越之没有金手指的我低调种田 Before the Dust Settles尘埃未落Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Farming + No Golden Finger + No System + Imperial Exams + Court Politics in Later Arcs] After transmigrating into a poor rural family in ancient times, with hardworking and down-to-earth relatives, the protagonist plans to keep a low profile and quietly build a fortune. But how could anyone's ambitions be limited to that? Follow the protagonist as they grow rich, overcome hardship, and turn their fortunes around without making a fuss... 303Reads7.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Both are novels about the imperial examination system. The first one is super good; the protagonist succeeds step by step in the examinations, has an excellent relationship with the emperor, and is highly appreciated by him. Later, there are unofficial historical accounts about his interactions with the emperor. The latter two books don't have any cheat codes or systems.

41. 41 手 With AI in Hand, I Take the Imperial Exams. Who Can Outdo Me? 手握AI考科举，谁润得过我？ Clear Breeze Fish Balls清风鱼丸Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [Imperial examinations + court politics + farming + alternate history + daily life...] Wu Di, courtesy name Yanzu, was a transmigrator and the top scholar of the literary path in the second year of Jinghe, the best in the land! At sixteen, he became the top scholar, achieving the highest honors in all six examinations. Riding high on his success, he galloped through Chang'an, taking in all its flowers in a single day. His brilliant essays seemed heaven-sent, his deft brushwork blossomed across t 10.8kReads8.1Score850Shelves
42. 42 重 Reborn in Ancient Times: I Lead My Family to Wealth 重生古代：我带领一家发家致富 Salt Fisher盐漁Historical270k WordsCompleted [Reborn and transmigrated + devoted husband + faithful couple + farming + getting rich + everyday life without awful relatives] Gu Jiangyu was reborn in ancient times as a notorious ne'er-do-well. The man who had been alone in his previous life now had parents and siblings, as well as a young wife. Gu Jiangyu had never been in love before, and his wife was such a tiny thing. Gu Jiangyu: … No divorce, then. I'll make do. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway. But then he started protec 179Reads7.2Score—Shelves
43. 43 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
44. 44 首 The Chief Minister's Road to the Imperial Examinations 首辅的科举之路 Adoring You at Dawn and Dusk朝暮倾卿Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [No golden finger + No pocket dimension + Heartwarming family + No ridiculous characters] [The male lead works hard and climbs the ranks one step at a time through his own efforts] [The male lead is devoted; the female lead appears fairly late. The story begins with the imperial examinations and later moves into officialdom] [No forced stupidity, no self-righteous saint, and no fake innocent heroine] Xu Xingfeng, a county-level civil servant in a twenty-first-century town, suddenly finds himself 6.7kReads8.9Score616Shelves
45. 45 奋 Striving Forward 奋进 Iron Fist Xiuxiu铁拳羞羞Historical1.6M WordsOngoing This is not an accident, nor is it the end. It is a brand-new beginning. Only by continuing forward can we find hope. Not everyone enjoys hardship and toil. You need a goal in your heart to keep moving forward. 23Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Li Fen, how could you be so heartless? How could you do this? Sisi has been with you for so many years, don't you know what she's thinking? Why treat her like this? Why always have to make choices, always weigh things? Are we all for your benefit, destined to be sacrificed? This isn't the person you used to be. I thought you had everything planned out, I never imagined it would end like this. From now on, we're completely cut off, like strangers.

46. 46 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
47. 47 被 The Fake Heir Was Cast Out of the Marquis's Estate, Then Rose to Power Through the Imperial Exams 被赶出侯府假世子靠科举逆袭权臣 Fuyu Ya浮玉呀Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Chen Yan worked himself to the bone as an office drone. After finally paying off his mortgage and car loan, he had 400,000 yuan in savings and was ready to lie flat in a small county town. Little did he know that disaster can strike at any moment. He transmigrated! The good news: he was still a man in this life, so he wouldn't have to experience period pain. He was born into a wealthy marquis's household, surrounded by fine clothes, delicious food, and his family's boundless affection. The bad n 53.8kReads8.6Score2.2kShelves
48. 48 科 The Imperial Examination: I’m from a Humble Family 科举：我是寒门子弟 Autumn Wu秋梧Historical675k WordsCompleted After an earthquake, modern college student Chen Xiao transmigrates to the fictional Great Zhou dynasty, becoming the son of a poor farming family. He has a widowed mother, a virtuous wife, and a child who is four months away from being born. Looking at his family’s utter poverty, Chen Xiao decides to take up the original owner’s ambition of passing the imperial examinations and lead the whole family toward a bright future... 1.1kReads7.7Score105Shelves
49. 49 举 Your Whole Family Hopes You'll Pass the Scholar Exam, but You Top All Six? 举家盼你中秀才，你六元连中？ A Little Green Ear一只绿耳Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [Imperial examinations in the early chapters + farming + everyday life + lighthearted + court politics later on] In his previous life, Shen Zhou was in poor health and cultivated himself through a quiet, disciplined lifestyle, becoming rather indifferent by nature. Then he transmigrated to an ancient peasant family. The entire Shen family pooled their resources to support the original owner’s studies, hoping only that he would pass the county-level examination and become a licentiate. Sadly, the 14.7kReads8.7Score1.4kShelves
50. 50 古 The Daily Life of an Ancient Couple Making Money and Raising Kids 古代夫妻赚钱养娃日常 Zhuang Sheng Mi庄生迷Ancient Romance735k WordsCompleted A local ancient couple's everyday struggle to save money and raise their child! The village's most beautiful embroiderer × a clever, capable accountant × their smart, well-behaved son! See how this family rises from humble farming roots and climbs the social ladder! The story of Chen Qiuyue and Zhao Huaiyu, a couple born and raised in ancient times, who work hard to save money and pay for their child's education after starting a family. They succeed in raising their child to excel, and their fa 7.4kReads8.6Score554Shelves

    Reader note

    The story of an ancient couple raising their child: the mother was an embroiderer, the father an accountant, and the child took the imperial examinations. But those stories don't always rank first; that's too unrealistic.

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