The Male Lead Passes the Imperial Exams and Becomes an Official Who Serves the People, With a Virtuous Wife at His Side 男主科举当官，造福人民，女主贤内助

1. 1 科 The Imperial Examinations: Rising to the First Rank of Officialdom 科举之官居一品 Nine Jin of Fat九斤肥肉Historical826k WordsCompleted Synopsis: A scholar in the morning, admitted to the imperial court by night. The protagonist begins as a young scholar from a farming family and rises step by step through the imperial examination system. In the end, he earns a place on the honors list, becomes a jinshi, and enters the ranks of officials. After becoming an official, he works his way up through the bureaucracy until he reaches the highest rank and governs the realm as chief minister, guiding Chinese civilization to become the mos 1.9kReads7.6Score10114d adds

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   The first book features a successful male protagonist in a high-ranking official position, with both parents alive and only one extremely awful relative. His wife is virtuous. The second book is about a scholar fleeing famine; the protagonist finally passes the imperial examination and becomes a scholar, only to encounter war. Watch as he rises through the ranks. The third book is also quite good. The main reason I'm recommending these three books is because the authors write about real life. If you're looking for a protagonist building airplanes and creating Shenzhou 7 in ancient times, you don't need to click here.

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 28.6kReads8.7Score2.7k14d adds
3. 3 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 50.9kReads8.9Score6.3k14d adds
4. 4 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, 34.6kReads9.1Score3.4k14d adds

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   This book perfectly fits my definition of a classic imperial examination novel. The protagonist is portrayed as an ordinary person who transmigrates to ancient times and gradually rises through the ranks. After gaining power in the later stages, he begins to act with abandon, which is very satisfying.

5. 5 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 13.8kReads8.5Score1.1k14d adds

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   Recommended, it's a great watch, a story of rising through the ranks of officials.

6. 6 都 Since I've Been Reborn, I'll Master Both the Pen and the Sword 都重来了，我当然要文武双全 Ximen Kun西门坤Historical1.6M WordsOngoing Set in an alternate early Ming Dynasty, this is a story about a science student who transmigrates. Simple middle-school physics experiments are enough to amaze everyone. He sparks a scientific awakening, founds a new school of thought, and brings materialism into Confucianism to accelerate social progress. You just need a little scientific knowledge. You can do it too, and there’s no golden finger!! 1.8kReads6.5Score10114d adds

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   Improving technology using existing resources to benefit the people meets your requirements.

7. 7 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 14.7kReads8.7Score1.4k14d adds

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   😿😿 Imperial examination + daily life + lightheartedness + imperial court: Shen Zhou, who has a congenital illness, transmigrates into the body of a peasant boy. Good news: healthy body, all limbs intact. Bad news: burdened with debt, failed the examination three times. Shen Zhou: an unfavorable start. The teacher tells Shen Zhou to go home and think things through before returning to school. He does understand. He returns to school, but becomes his classmates' nightmare. Family, who understands? This person's efforts are sporadic. The most infuriating thing is, he actually passed the examination! His classmates shed tears. Shen Zhou helplessly shrugs: He doesn't care about passing the imperial examination; he's not a scoundrel.

8. 8 新 My Wedding Night Disaster: I Win by Living Off My Husband’s Heartbeat Points 新婚夜社死，我靠夫君心动值躺赢 No Way Around It冇计Ancient Romance777k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Marriage First, Love Later + Imperial Examinations + Healing Each Other + Growing Together + The Whole Family Ascends] Zhao Huixiang transmigrates into the body of a bride who drowned in a latrine, only to unexpectedly gain a System shop. The secret to getting rich lies with her husband! Every time his heart skips a beat, the System rewards her with gold coins, and she can buy anything in the shop! While coaxing her husband to earn coins, she sets up food stalls and opens shops 46Reads—Score—14d adds

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   A historical romance/sweet and heartwarming story/mutually healing/imperfect male and female leads/growing together, supporting each other through their scientific expeditions. The characters are relatable: they eat when they crave meat, express their feelings when they like something, throw tantrums when angry, and seek comfort when wronged. The male lead is a neglected second son, a scholar, while the female lead is an orphan of a narcotics police officer who unexpectedly transmigrates. They marry first, then fall in love, their initial distrust turning into attraction, their attraction evolving into a desire to understand each other's pasts, ultimately finding redemption in each other. They discover their ideals in the gentle flow of time, growing from ordinary people into lovers. (Neither character is perfect, but they feel real.) While there are some plot devices, it's not a purely wish-fulfillment story.

9. 9 我 I Turn My Life Around Through the Imperial Exams 我靠科举逆袭人生 Corn Breakdance玉米扒舞Historical808k WordsCompleted When Li Jingxing wakes up, he finds himself in an unfamiliar place. Around him are crude huts and shabby furniture, and the air carries a faint smell of straw. Looking down, he sees that he is wearing ragged clothes and a pair of straw sandals. All of it leaves him utterly confused. “How did I end up here?” Li Jingxing wonders. Just then, a burst of noise breaks through his thoughts. 2.9kReads8.8Score21914d adds

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   I'm here! I've read both of these novels myself. The male protagonists are Li Jingxing and Li Yiqing. In the early stages, they are reincarnated into peasant families. One of them gets bitten by insects while farming and starts thinking about changing his path by studying; the other is weak and sickly and can't do farm work, so he chooses to study. Their families are poor, so they lead them to prosperity; their families lack power, so they work hard to pass the imperial examinations. The most exciting part is their astonishing achievements that amaze the emperor, and all the officials in the court are all smiling and welcoming. You guys will regret not reading them!!!

10. 10 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, 22.8kReads9.3Score2.2k14d adds
11. 11 娘 My Wife Is Actually a Female Demon Lord 娘子竟是女魔头 Toast Toast土司吐司Historical2.5M WordsCompleted After transmigrating, Wang You found himself married on the spot. Not only did he become a county magistrate, he also got to marry a beautiful bride... But on their wedding night, he was poisoned and carried away. His wife's family are a band of local tyrants, every one of them a peerless martial artist. In a tiny county yamen, there are more than ten people scheming against one another. The maid who is always smiling can take down more than a dozen burly men. His wife practices martial arts eve 35.7kReads9.0Score3.5k14d adds

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    Good-looking, taking the imperial examination to become an official

12. 12 在 I Had a Fiancée in Ancient Times 在古代有个未婚妻 Reincarnation转生Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted After three years of high school, Xiao Yansheng sets off on a graduation trip. A tsunami strikes, and a towering wave sends him flying. When he opens his eyes again, he has become an eight-year-old boy in ancient times. And as if that weren't enough, he somehow has a fiancée! And so the story begins... 11.4kReads8.8Score98814d adds

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    [KISS][KISS][KISS][KISS]

13. 13 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 15kReads9.0Score1.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    Imperial Examination-themed novel with a single female protagonist

14. 14 农 A Farmer's Son, the Imperial Exams, and Officialdom 农家子，科举，做官 Jiang He姜禾Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Born into the womb + imperial examinations + farming + daily life + public works and infrastructure, with a couple, little romance] [No pocket dimension, no System, no golden finger] [He starts looking for a teacher in Chapter 38. If you’re short on patience, you can start reading there.] Shen Huai is born into an ancient world and becomes the only boy in his family. The good news: he can take the imperial examinations. The bad news: they’re poor, very poor, desperately poor. Born into a 5kReads8.5Score38814d adds

    Reader note

    It fits, the female lead has few scenes.

15. 15 娘 My Wife Is Already the Richest, So Why Take the Top Scholar Exam? 娘子都首富了，还要考状元？ My Fans Are So Handsome我的粉丝超帅的Historical2.5M WordsOngoing [Whose husband is this? Whoever grabs him gets to keep him!] Xu Ye accidentally transmigrates while rescuing someone from drowning. When he reaches shore, he realizes he's holding the daughter of the richest man in the realm. He thinks he's landed himself a wealthy wife and can lie flat, living off her money, but then he sees his fiancée being schemed against... “Copy books to pay off your debts? Why not copy Battle Through the Heavens!” “The teahouse is empty? Let's get on the BBS!” The imp 64.1kReads8.2Score6.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    Super funny and entertaining

16. 16 被 After Being Sold to a Blind Scholar, She Took the World by Storm 被卖给瞎眼秀才后她大杀四方了 Song Sanniang宋三娘Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted She can’t even step outside without having an accident, and after transmigrating, she’s broke as can be. Song Ran looks up at the sky in exasperation. Is anyone more unlucky than her? As it turns out, there’s no such thing as the unluckiest person. There’s only someone even unluckier! It’s bad enough that her buyer is poor, but he’s stingy too! And if being stingy weren’t enough, he’s blind as well! What the hell! She gets up before dawn and works until dark to earn silver, running around and de 9.5kReads9.2Score92114d adds

    Reader note

    This one barely qualifies. The female lead is a time-traveler who goes into business, while the male lead takes the imperial examinations. Both leads are people of high status, and both are virgins.

17. 17 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 5.4kReads8.9Score57914d adds

    Reader note

    🧡ྀི💛ྀི❤️ྀིThis is a really good novel. The more you read, the more addictive it becomes. The author's writing is excellent, the plot is exciting, and it's the kind of book that you can keep reading. Don't miss it! I highly recommend it!!

18. 18 哀 Elegy: Raising a Peerless Beauty in the Late Ming Dynasty 哀鸿：我在明末养成绝色少女 Foam Inkfish沫墨鱼Anime Fanfiction1.1M WordsOngoing (The rating has been suppressed several times. It was 9.0 before the rating was pushed down. See the reader reviews for details.) [Lin Pianpian] + [Mutual salvation] + [One female lead] + [Romance and daily life] + [Surviving the late Ming Dynasty] + [Song of the Silenced Crow fan fiction] A year of famine, and people ate one another! In this apocalypse, what is the most precious thing of all? Only conscience, only sincerity. … Lu Zhixing, who had died suddenly from overwork, thought he had tran 29.8kReads8.3Score3.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    As for this book, you'll have to read it yourself to find out.

19. 19 农 A Farmer's Son Places First in All Six Exams 农家子六元及第了 Li Datou李大头啊Historical341k WordsCompleted Father and son, both top scholars; imperial exams; transmigration; an alternate world; satisfying wish fulfillment; one-on-one romance; sixfold top honors. After a car accident, Shen Ce, Henan’s top college entrance exam scorer, transmigrated into the Great Yan Dynasty. Unwilling to take up farming, he used the imperial exams to steadily climb the road to success… 238Reads—Score10214d adds

    Reader note

    This novel about officials serving the people is particularly good; it's about officials upholding justice for the people.

20. 20 重 Reborn, I Study for the Imperial Exams in Another World 重生后，我在异世界读书科举 Lan Xiaoyi蓝小一Historical2.8M WordsCompleted (Transmigration) + (farming) + (daily life) + (imperial examinations) (no System) + (court politics) Chen Chuyi was reborn into a poor family in Beishui Village, carrying the memories of his past life. At first, he only wanted to earn a little money to improve his family's life. But in this unfamiliar ancient world, he was always afraid someone would take his family's money and eat their food. In the end, he embarked on the path of study and the imperial examinations. He knew that only by changi 6.7kReads8.3Score52814d adds

    Reader note

    While others transmigrate to fight monsters and level up, I transmigrate to bury myself in studying and take the imperial examinations—an unconventional transmigration novel. The protagonist has no cheat codes, no superpowers, only a heart that refuses to be ordinary. Watch as he gains a foothold in the complex officialdom and becomes a wise and virtuous minister.

21. 21 奸 The Treacherous Official's Wife: A Book-Transmigrated Heroine's Farming Life 奸臣之妻：书穿女配好种田 Youyou Doesn't Eat Spicy Food柚柚不吃辣Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Farming + sweet romance + family bonds + political intrigue + healing + comedy] Cui Wantang had lived with her old charlatan of a master, dependent on each other. After he died, she was left all alone. Then one day, she transmigrated into a book she hadn't finished reading, becoming the wife of the villainous minister. [The book said Song Yu was a smiling tiger, ruthless and cruel, a lackey and a weapon for the antagonist.] But at this point, Song Yu was only a poor young man who hadn't turned 25.6kReads9.4Score3.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    All are similar in topic, but each has a different style. The average score is 9+, with slightly angsty parts in chapters 1, 2, and 4. Choose according to your preference. [Add to bookshelf]

22. 22 家 The Lucky Little Wife Who Brings Prosperity to Her Husband 家有旺夫小福妻 Aow Big Meow嗷大喵Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted On the day Cheng Wulang of the Cheng family in Jiqing Village, Bali Town, married a bride to bring him good luck, the bride was switched for a little girl who hadn’t even grown up yet. The entire village waited to laugh at them. But after the little girl joined the family, the Chengs’ lives changed beyond recognition. The sickly husband she married later became the chief minister. The close friends she picked up along the way turned out to be princesses and commandery princesses. Even the nephew 9.9kReads9.4Score1.5k14d adds
23. 23 穿 Reborn as the Cannon-Fodder Original Wife of a Mad Power-Hungry Minister 穿成疯批权臣的炮灰原配 Bright Lantern灯旺旺Ancient Romance707k WordsCompleted [Farming + Transmigrate into a Book + Sweet Romance] Witty, scheming girl vs. lovesick, obsessive powerbroker Xin Yueying transmigrates into a book, landing in an old-fashioned, preachy novel as the wicked wife of the deranged, obsessive second male lead. Shen Qingqi is the novel’s deranged, villainous male character. Born into a family of famed generals, he was imprisoned alongside the Shen family after his father offended powerful nobles. He suffered terribly in prison and was left with crippl 29.7kReads9.3Score10.3k14d adds
24. 24 老 My Dad Is Su Dongpo, My Wife Is Li Qingzhao, and My Bro Is Emperor Huizong 老爹苏东坡老婆李清照老铁宋徽宗 Wen Qingru文卿如Historical1.4M WordsOngoing Tags: No System, not a mindless power fantasy, meticulous historical research, slow burn, personal growth, one heroine An utterly ordinary art student transmigrates as Su Dun, the prematurely deceased youngest son of the legendary Su Dongpo. A quick calculation tells him When his father goes to Huizhou to eat lychees, he’ll be eleven. When his father goes to Hainan Island to eat clams, he’ll be fourteen. When his father is pardoned and dies in Changzhou, he’ll be seventeen. When Cai Jing erects 11.3kReads8.5Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Before we get to the part about becoming an official, there will be an excerpt from a letter written by the male protagonist, Su Dun, to the female protagonist, Li Qingzhao: "Brother, since the Yuan You era, I have moved north with my relatives, from Bianjing to Zhengding, and from Zhengding to Yinghui. Although the journey was bumpy, the scenery and people along the way were unlike anything I had ever seen before, truly giving me the joy of seeing and feeling my heart roam freely. Compared to the confines of the capital in the past, where I was buried in scriptures or busy with social interactions, I feel like a crane released from its cage, and the pent-up feelings in my heart have been relieved. I now believe that Liu Zihou's saying, 'Traveling is about enjoying the vastness of the world,' is not an exaggeration. Now, hearing of the vastness of the overseas world, I feel even more that life in this world is like a journey, time is fleeting, a hundred generations pass in the blink of an eye, the world is boundless, but human footprints are finite. If one spends one's whole life confined to one corner, growing old under one's window, without seeing the jade-like colors of Kunlun and the reflection of a raft on the vast sea, it would truly be a failure to the beauty of creation." If one day I can escape worldly affairs, I will set sail with two or three close friends, hoisting the clouds and riding the long winds, to personally visit the land, to see the coral reefs, to explore the mermaid market, and to witness all the wonders of creation, so that I may not have lived in vain. With this in mind, I follow the rhyme scheme of my younger brother's poem, hoping to bring you a smile: *Visiting the Golden Gate - Midsummer* (Part 1) Summer is not yet halfway over, and the mountains and passes separate us endlessly. Let us not dwell on the past, for the east wind cares not. Let us enjoy the remaining warmth of the setting sun, as the drifting clouds follow the chattering swallows. The amorous wind sends the tide rolling in, and the ends of the earth should not be far away. *Visiting the Golden Gate - Midsummer* (Part 2) Summer is not yet halfway over, and the traveler's feelings are boundless as evening approaches. In future years, I will travel far and wide, caring not for fame or fortune. A light boat on warm waves, my gaze follows the swallows soaring into the vast sea. The winds and waves of the six directions roll beyond the clouds, and the three sacred mountains should not be far away. After writing two poems, Su Dun admired them and thought they were quite good. He then copied them onto another sheet of paper, adding the line "In future years, I hope to travel the world with you," and prepared to send them to Zhao Ji. Upon finishing, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself, realizing his behavior resembled that of a scoundrel sending a love poem to two people… Shaking his head, he continued writing his reply to Li Qingzhao: "My dear brother, your talent is like that of a jade tree in the forest, a phoenix singing and a luan dancing. Like a divine steed, you should not be confined to a stable for long; such fine talent should not be left to grow old in a secluded valley. If you have the opportunity, you should emulate Sima Qian's grand travels. Even if you cannot traverse the entire land, you should still explore the four corners of the earth. Observe the grandeur of mountains and rivers to nourish your spirit, observe the hardships of the people to temper your will, and learn about the civilizations of foreign lands to broaden your knowledge. Once your horizons are broadened, your writing will naturally be more colorful; once your experience is extensive, your inner world will possess a unique grandeur." If Du Fu had not endured thirteen years of arduous travel on a donkey, how could he have uttered the poignant lament of "the rich feasting on meat and wine behind the red gates"? This truly demonstrates that "the skill lies beyond the poem itself." These are my heartfelt thoughts, brother; knowing your intelligence, I am sure you will understand my wild words.

25. 25 科 The Imperial Exams: From Poor Scholar to Shocking the Entire Court 科举：从寒门书生到惊爆满朝文武 Little Zhang Under the Night Lamp夜灯下的小张Historical166k WordsOngoing (Imperial examinations + farming + no System + transmigration) (Has a CP; the male lead is devoted and never flirts around) Though Landowner Lin's family is fabulously wealthy, every member of the clan is short, plump, and sturdy, looking like they were born lucky! But his son, Lin Bei, is strikingly handsome, tall and elegant, and stands out in any crowd. Gazing at his reflection in the water, Lin Bei couldn't help sighing: A man who isn't charming in his youth has wasted it. His wet nurse 728Reads—Score11114d adds

    Reader note

    Warm and cozy everyday moments from ancient times are sure to be a hit.

26. 26 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... 21.8kReads9.2Score2k14d adds

    Reader note

    The book has a warm tone, the characters are very vivid, and everyone is positive and hardworking...

27. 27 农 An Ambitious Country Boy's Life in Ancient Times 农家小子的古代上进日常 The Hibernating Donkey冬眠中的驴Historical6.2M WordsOngoing After transmigrating into the body of a farmer's son in ancient times, a poor student had no choice but to embark on the long road of the imperial examinations to improve his family's life. He sought neither wealth and status nor a high salary or lofty office in this life. All he wanted was to protect his family and give them a peaceful life. 40.2kReads9.2Score3k14d adds

    Reader note

    So beautiful! So beautiful! So beautiful! [Add one to your bookshelf][Add one to your bookshelf][Add one to your bookshelf]

28. 28 穿 I Was Reborn in a Farming Novel, but I Don't Want to Pass the Imperial Exams on Talent 穿进种田文里，我不想靠才华科举 Autumn Has Always Been Here丛来是秋Historical1.6M WordsCompleted Su Congli transmigrated. To stay alive, he studied day and night and threw himself into the imperial examinations. Who could have guessed? At the provincial exam: “What are you staring at, chief examiner?” At the metropolitan exam: “Why do these examiners all seem so strange?” At the palace exam: “Oh! Isn’t that guy sitting in the throne hall the one who stares at me every night?” Emperor Qiyuan prided himself on being a wise ruler of his age, blessed with extraordinary fortune. Who knew he’d ru 10.8kReads8.9Score88914d adds

    Reader note

    This imperial examination novel without a romantic pairing is quite well-written, with excellent writing skills and a very imaginative plot. It just finished recently, so you might want to check it out!

29. 29 簪 The Flower-Pinned Young Man 簪花少年郎 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted When they first met, Qiao Yanan mistook the young man's sex, taking the breathtakingly beautiful youth for a girl. Thinking they were both fellow sufferers in this world, she treated “her” with great warmth, stirring the young man's heart. Once his identity was revealed, Qiao Yanan asked him to pose as her fake fiancé for her own safety. Having fallen for a beautiful young woman, the boy's heart beat faster and faster. He gladly accepted his new fiancée and did everything he could to turn their 10.4kReads9.6Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    This is a farming-themed novel. The main story revolves around the female protagonist, a village cadre, leading her family to prosperity and a comfortable life. After the male protagonist becomes an official, the female protagonist proposes ideas, and the male protagonist ensures their implementation. The two mutually benefit from each other's success.

30. 30 寒 A Top Scholar Rises from a Humble Family 寒门出了个状元郎 One Luo Ruanyan一萝阮烟Historical1.5M WordsOngoing A graduate student in finance from a top Chinese university transmigrates overnight. His home is bare, his stomach is empty, and everyone is scheming against everyone else. Are kings, nobles, generals, and ministers born to rule? 2.9kReads8.4Score18814d adds
31. 31 我 I, Sun Shan, and the Imperial Examinations 我，孙山，科举 Ximen Qizi西门七仔Ancient Romance4.7M WordsOngoing “Imperial exams + transmigration + farming + exams + no space System” “Romance included, devoted male lead. The female lead is his childhood sweetheart, but she appears infrequently. Romance is not the main plot.” “The male lead rises step by step through hard work and good luck.” “The male lead is no good at scheming, but he gets things done and has technical skills.” “The imperial examination system is based on the Ming and Qing dynasties.” After an accident, he is transmigrated into the womb 47.4kReads8.8Score3.1k14d adds

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    Try these books

32. 32 为 To Avoid Getting Beaten, I Started Studying for the Imperial Exams 为了不挨打，开始考科举 Yu Su鱼素Historical1.4M WordsOngoing One day, Shen Qingyun becomes the youngest son of a farming family and thinks he can spend his whole life as a freeloader. But then disaster strikes, and he faces a dire predicament: His eldest brother went off to take a temporary job, but came back dead, wrapped in a straw mat; Other families in the village have several sons, but the Shen family has only him, their sole heir; His shrewish, favoritism-prone mother, his mistreated nieces, and his stooped, adopted father all depend on him; Bearing 1.4kReads8.6Score14914d adds

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    Little Sheep's Book Recommendations 📖📖 🐏① Unexpectedly transmigrated into the body of a peasant's son, just as his uncle passed the imperial examination [eating melon][eating melon]. To revitalize the family, his uncle specially invited a tutor to the family to provide early education [shy][shy]. In this era where "all other pursuits are inferior, only studying is noble," Ye Xuanmo has no other desires but to pass the exam and change his family's circumstances [rushing to finish][rushing to finish]… 🐏② Wang Maoping transmigrated into the body of a peasant's son in ancient times. To improve his family's life, this academically challenged man could only embark on the long road of imperial examinations [rushing to finish][rushing to finish]. In this life, he does not seek wealth, honor, or high office; he only wishes to live a simple life protecting his family's peace. [Shy][shy]

33. 33 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 17.6kReads9.1Score1.8k14d adds

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    🌸Only Recommending High-Quality Novels🌸 1. The male protagonist transmigrates from the present to the past. To change his family's fate, he studies diligently and takes the imperial examinations. He also strives to be a "lazy bum" (a person who is lazy and unambitious). The female protagonist is virtuous and gentle. The author's writing is delicate, the plot is tight, and the content is realistic. Worth reading! 😊😊😊 2. The female protagonist possesses a lucky charm constitution, accompanying the male protagonist on his journey to officialdom and the pinnacle of success. The plot is exciting and rich, and the characters are meticulously and reasonably portrayed. Those who enjoy this type of story should not miss it.

34. 34 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 6.6kReads8.9Score60214d adds

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    💥Children from poor families, striving to rise above others! They study, pass the imperial examinations, and step by step become officials to benefit the people, never forgetting their original aspirations to improve their lives.

35. 35 科 The Imperial Exams? Just Another Way to Take the Civil Service Exam! 科举？不过是换个地方考公罢了！ Braised Braised Pork红烧红烧肉Historical196k WordsOngoing [Civil Service + Imperial Exams + Humble Origins + Transmigration + Slow-Paced + Historical + No System + Not Brain-Dead] Lin Shuheng spent years grinding away at an entry-level civil service job. He had just passed his evaluation and was about to be promoted to deputy section chief. While imagining how he’d climb the ranks step by step, he died suddenly from overwork and transmigrated into the body of a poor scholar in ancient times. With the imperial exams looming, the original owner had been —Reads—Score—14d adds
36. 36 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 216.4kReads9.3Score21.7k14d adds
37. 37 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 194Reads8.6Score6414d adds

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    Traveling back in time and seeing one's own predicament—a terrible house with leaky walls—one has no choice but to embark on the path of the imperial examinations to change their life. It seems that this is the only way to go. The first book can truly be considered the top-ranked novel about the imperial examination system; it's very realistic.

38. 38 被 Cast Out of the Marquis's Residence, I Rise from Poverty to Become the Top Scholar 被逐出侯府，我寒门崛起成状元 Yu Youxia鱼又夏Historical1.0M WordsCompleted The score was just posted, so it’ll gradually go up as the story progresses. [Imperial exams and farming] + [Fictional ancient setting] Jiang Huai unexpectedly transmigrated into a book and became the second young master of the Marquis of Yongning’s household. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the Marquis’s biological son, so Jiang Huai was sent along with the original owner to live in the impoverished countryside. His new home had nothing but bare walls. They were dirt poor. No matter. He wrote popular 2.2kReads7.8Score16814d adds
39. 39 布 The Commoner Chancellor, Xia Ren 布衣宰相虾仁 Floating Life Returns to the Void浮生归墟Historical920k WordsOngoing After a sudden car accident, Xia Ren, a double PhD in history and literature, transmigrated as a dying seven-year-old peasant child in the Great Jing Dynasty, a realm never recorded in history. His family had nothing, but that couldn't diminish the knowledge and experience he had accumulated over two lifetimes. His memories of poring over ancient texts in his previous life remained crystal clear. The classics, historical records, institutions, and lessons of dynastic rise and decline were all at 351Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Those who enjoy reading about ancient history and the imperial examinations should check this out. The book's synopsis: A double PhD in history and literature, Xia Ren, after a sudden car accident, his soul transmigrates to the historically unrecorded Great Jing Dynasty, reborn as a seven-year-old dying child in a peasant family. His impoverished circumstances cannot diminish the knowledge and insight he has accumulated over two lifetimes. His memories of his previous life's deep study of classical texts are as clear as yesterday; he possesses a profound understanding of history, philosophy, literature, institutions, and the principles of governance, chaos, rise, and fall. From a child studying by lamplight to a promising scholar, he overcomes numerous obstacles on the path of the imperial examinations with his vision and talent far beyond his time. He excels in the provincial examinations, gains fame in the metropolitan examinations, and astounds the emperor in the palace examinations. Entering the court as a commoner, he finds the bureaucracy treacherous and rife with factional strife. Beset by treacherous officials within and threatened by border troubles without, he must contend with both open and covert attacks while simultaneously fulfilling his aspirations to govern and benefit the people. He promoted agriculture and sericulture, benefited industry and commerce, rectified officialdom, and brought peace to the four borders... Step by step, he rose from a poor scholar to the position of prime minister, writing a legend of "shrimp" and leaving a strong mark on the history books of the Great Jing Dynasty for this unexpected soul.

40. 40 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 17kReads8.2Score1k14d adds

    Reader note

    A niche, alternate history novel, without a system, of exceptionally high quality—a gem for both audio and reading. Clear logic, well-developed characters, rich plot, and tight writing. Not a formulaic, fast-paced read; please enjoy!

41. 41 正 A Proper Exam Candidate, and You Want Me to Have More Children, More Blessings? 正经科举人，你让我多子多福？ Little Cabbage Treasure小白菜宝Historical126k WordsOngoing Imperial exams + System + Brother Cao + Comedy + Court politics + Struggle for supremacy Gu Zhengchuan had it rough. He was a delivery driver who got hit while rushing to finish his orders, and transmigrated to ancient times. He soon discovered that this was a society that valued civil officials far more than military ones, and the imperial exams were the only way for an ordinary person to rise in the world. But how was a vocational-school graduate like him supposed to pass the imperial exams? T 60Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This is good, but there are too many female leads.

42. 42 没 I Didn't Seduce Him, My Love-Struck Husband Came to Me Himself 没勾引，恋爱脑夫君自己贴上来 Qilin Treading on the Moon麒麟踏月Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Mind Reading + Adorable Kids + Imperial Exams + Comedy] After transmigrating into a book, she gets two stepkids and a husband destined to become the heroine's devoted “simp,” while she herself is the most notorious shrew in the area. Zhong Ning: “Damn it!” To fill their bellies, she shows off her amazing archery skills, hunting rabbits, pheasants, and wild boars without breaking a sweat. To make money, she writes one “timeless masterpiece” after another: Reborn: I Became the Strongest Sword Sai 10.1kReads8.8Score1.2k14d adds

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    Choose this one! There may be many similar articles, but this one is really good. The baby is adorable, the female lead is incredibly cool, and the male lead is a handsome young man, a future powerful minister. [Admiration]

43. 43 大 The Ten Great Mysteries of the Song Dynasty 大宋十大奇案 I Am Prince Fish在下鱼亲王Historical1.6M WordsOngoing No harem, no formulaic tropes, no invincible protagonist, no System, no golden finger, and no transmigration. This is not a power fantasy, so read at your own discretion! A pure historical mystery set in the jianghu, offering an immersive experience of everyday life in an ancient town and the suspenseful twists and turns as officials use their wits to solve cases… 7.3kReads8.6Score63914d adds

    Reader note

    Try this, sir/madam!

44. 44 说 They Called Me Sickly, So I Turned Around and Made a Name for Myself in the Imperial Exams 说我病殃子，我转身科举争光 King Smile笑笑大王Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Farming + Alternate Ancient Setting, Imperial Exams, but Not a Conventional Exam Novel, Romance] My new book, [Reborn with the Appearance of an Eighteen-Year-Old, While My Children Are Already Twelve], is now updating. Please give it your support. Wang Erxiao was in the prime of his life when he transmigrated, born into the body of a farm boy named Wang Erxiao in the Great Liang dynasty. The Wang family now has three generations living under one roof. Counting his biological and cousin sisters, 24.6kReads7.2Score2.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The newly released book features a male protagonist with very positive values; it's worth reading.

45. 45 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 3.8kReads9.0Score27014d adds

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    🎋🎋🎋I transmigrated into the body of a 35-year-old scholar, now a father of four, embarking on the path of the imperial examinations to become an official and benefit the people. He has strong moral principles and a loving marriage. 🥬🥬🥬The warmth of everyday life is what truly comforts the human heart!

46. 46 阿 Sister, I Passed the Imperial Examination! 阿姐，我中举了！ The Mantis Loves to Dance螳螂爱跳舞Historical647k WordsCompleted Scholar Chen studied hard all his life but never passed the provincial examination. Before he died, he told his eldest daughter, “You must make sure your younger brother studies and earns an official title. Otherwise, I won’t be able to rest in peace!” An elder brother is like a father, and an elder sister is like a mother. Bearing her father’s final wish, Chen Zhaodi resolutely laid down her terms: “If you want to marry me, you must send my little brother to school.” While everyone else in the 4.7kReads8.6Score34414d adds

    Reader note

    The ordinary male protagonist's daily study and imperial examination

47. 47 贵 Your Shop Is Really Busy 贵铺真忙 Sleeves Perfumed With Secret Fragrance暗香盈袖Ancient Romance190k WordsCompleted In a moment of greed, Jiang Ruyi took in Ji Shisan, a mysterious injured man, and agreed to pretend to be his wife until he recovered. She thought of it as hiring a free temp for her cosmetics shop. Who could have guessed he’d get into character so quickly, turning into a doting husband who showered her with praise every day and made a show of their affection at every turn? “My wife can make rouge and powder, and she’s an unparalleled makeup artist, too. I’m so proud of her!” “My wife is wond 362Reads9.2Score5614d adds

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    🤡The female lead is a beauty entrepreneur🤑The male lead is a sales genius🤠His arrival brings wealth to the shop💎His super sales skills teach the female lead sales techniques💍To get rich, you need to know how to promote, package, and market👝They support each other🧤and get rich together👠🥾May the lovers be united in marriage👑

48. 48 超 So Sweet! My Unconventional Beast Husband Can Handle Anything 超甜：我那不正经的兽夫贼扛事 Shanmi山米Ancient Romance541k WordsCompleted Sweet One-on-One Romance After Qing You transmigrated to the Beast World, she caught the attention of a man with short silver hair, a cold, stern face, and an air of untamed danger. His solid, sculpted muscles, their size difference, and those vivid green eyes constantly fixed on her made Qing You feel like he could crush her in one hand. There was no domestic violence after they became mates, but he was so wild and direct that Qing You often couldn’t keep up. Her back would ache, or her legs wo 10.5kReads8.9Score81214d adds
49. 49 我 Opening a Little Restaurant in Shengjing 我在盛京开小馆 Four Bayberries四颗杨梅Ancient Romance381k WordsCompleted [Alternate world, slow burn, not a wish-fulfillment novel, food + court intrigue + transmigration. Read with caution if that’s not your thing.] Miss Li’s Changhuan Eatery, tucked away on Qingxing Alley, serves delicious food at affordable prices. The officials who get up early for roll call tug at their increasingly tight uniforms, but still can’t help ordering another bowl of fresh pork wontons. Pei Hongzhi happened to eat there once and discovered that Miss Li didn’t just make excellent breakf 27.5kReads9.4Score3.7k14d adds
50. 50 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 9.4kReads9.0Score1k14d adds

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    🔥🔥Highly Recommended🔥🔥 [Rebirth + Imperial Examination + Female Transmigration + Modern Live Streaming System + Couple] [Please Follow]

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