Can We Get Some Normal Imperial Examination Historical Novels? 能不能来点正常的历史科举文

1. 151 慈 Empress Dowager Cixi and Her Three Favored Eunuchs 慈禧皇后与她的三个宠爱太监 Farmer Third Young Master农家三少Historical3.7M WordsCompleted [Eunuchs + Palace Secrets + Empress Dowager Cixi + Court Intrigue] From the time Empress Dowager Cixi entered the palace to the day she ruled from behind the curtain, she shared an unusual relationship with three eunuchs: An Dehai, Li Lianying, and Xiao Dezhang. They were like master and servants, like friends, and more than anything, like old companions. She doted on the three eunuchs, who relied on her favor to do as they pleased, throw their weight around, and take part in court affairs. This 51.3kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

   Reader note

   A very good historical novel, absolutely wonderful.

2. 152 朕 I Am Hongli, Building a Golden Age for the Qing Dynasty 朕是弘历打造大清盛世 Third Aunt from the Farm农家三姑Historical1.4M WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue + Harem Rivalries + Factional Strife + Romance + Emperor] Hongli ascended the throne at twenty-five and ruled for sixty years, making him the longest-reigning and longest-lived emperor in history. He governed with diligence, excelling in both civil and military affairs, and led the Qing to the height of its golden age. Yet factional strife raged through the court, conflicts in the deep palace never ceased, and danger lurked behind the splendor. In the end, the golden age ga 15.7kReads8.3Score435Shelves
3. 153 穿 Transmigrating to the Tang Dynasty: Jinghua and the Palace Maid’s Red Leaf Romance 穿越大唐景华与宫女的红叶情缘 Third Aunt from the Farm农家三姑47k WordsCompleted A Transmigration into the Tang Dynasty, and a Red-Leaf Romance Between Jinghua and a Palace Maid 47Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 154 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 6.9kReads8.3Score538Shelves

   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.

5. 155 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

   The essays written by these two authors for the imperial examinations did not simply follow formulas, and their content on the examinations was also commendable; they were not plagiarists.

6. 156 科 The Imperial Exam's Oxherd Class: A Young Scholar's Teacher Produces Three Thousand Successful Candidates 科举放牛班，童生夫子教出进士三千 I'm a Bubble我是泡泡Historical2.6M WordsOngoing A paradise for exam failures, and a graveyard for renowned scholars. A group of spoiled officials’ sons has become the century-old academy’s newest headache. The old scholar was so furious he suffered a stroke. Chen Fan, a licentiate serving as an assistant instructor, activated the god-tier imperial exam teaching System and was appointed head of the academy in its hour of need. The mischievous magistrate’s son mastered the Five Classics in four months. The unruly prefect’s son became the top sc 1.9kReads8.9Score172Shelves

   Reader note

   Although it's a new book, the author's writing is skillful, demonstrating ample knowledge; it's very well written.

7. 157 老 I, Fan Jin, Am Retiring in Great Ming 老夫范进，在大明退休养老 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical223k WordsCompleted (Already published under the title Madcap in the World of Scholars) (Third Prize in the “Reviving Ancient Books, Passing Down a Love of Reading” writing contest) Good heavens! I passed! Fan Jin from The Scholars is traveling through the Ming Dynasty. “Would you like to live a different life? Want to avoid thirty years of detours? Step out of The Scholars and begin your own journey.” At seventeen, Fan Jin opened his eyes and found himself fifty-four. The next time he opened them, he was thirty. H 5.1kReads9.5Score511Shelves
8. 158 科 The Imperial Exam System: The First Female Chancellor 科举系统之第一女相 Yun Yao云夭Ancient Romance624k WordsCompleted At long last, she had finished her postgraduate entrance exams. Who knew she’d suddenly die and wake up bound to the imperial examination System? Her father was dead, her mother was weak, and she was sickly. From the very start, her clan bullied her. At least she was a man, so getting things done would be convenient. Wait, why was she a woman? Never mind. Dressing as a man wasn’t a problem. Just watch her outwork all her classmates! 142Reads5.9Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   There's bound to be one you'll like, available for both men and women. Yuege'er is here!

9. 159 文 The Civil and Martial Arts of Song 文宋武略 Zhu Tao翥焘Historical552k WordsOngoing A 996 overworked employee at an electronics company transmigrates to the Northern Song. He uses modern knowledge to develop the salt industry, then draws on his knowledge of later history to anticipate Wang Jun’s rebellion and prepare for it in advance, intervening in the course of history. He also puts his knowledge of the later imperial examinations to use, entering officialdom through the child prodigy exam. He develops the economy, creates military equipment, and reorganizes the army, leadin 23Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A time-traveling story set in the Northern Song Dynasty. It emphasizes historical research and meticulous detail, has no system, and focuses on technical skill. The protagonist, feeling he can't compete with the ancients in the imperial examinations, plots to take the Northern Song prodigy exam, which primarily tests memorization.

10. 160 走 You Pulled Strings to Make Me a Scholar, and I Passed All Three Exams? 走后门让你成秀才，你连中三元？ Cai Bibi菜比比Historical2.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of A Match Made in Heaven is now available. Search for the author's name, Cai Bibi, on major platforms to buy a copy. Su Yu transmigrates to ancient times. On the day he fails the imperial exam for the fifth time, he marries the Princess of Changle, who has disguised herself as an ordinary girl. Before Su Yu can roll up his sleeves and earn a living to support his lovely wife, news of an imperial exam result that had been overlooked suddenly arrives. From then on, the good news 28.5kReads8.7Score3kShelves
11. 161 穷 From Pauper to Grand Secretary 穷小子到阁老 Zhu Family Jasmine茱家茉莉Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Zhu Yuanyuan was a highly educated young woman of the new era, ready to make her mark and serve her country. But before she could, she was shot on the school sports field... After becoming him, she threw herself into the imperial examination system, striving forward for herself and her family. From a village student to a presented scholar, from a farming household to the imperial court, she carved out her own path in life, one step at a time... 442Reads6.8Score—Shelves
12. 162 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 1.4kReads8.6Score149Shelves
13. 163 落 You Broke Off Our Engagement When I Failed the Exams. Now I've Topped Them, So Why Are You Crying? 落榜你提退婚，我高中状元你哭啥 Broken Eggplant, Bright Moon断茄明月Historical220k WordsCompleted Imperial examination story + fallen child prodigy + good-for-nothing’s rise to success + no System + nonstop thrills! The child prodigy Fang Zhongyong could write poetry at five and passed the county-level exam at eight, earning fame far and wide! The wealthy Zhou family came to curry favor with him, arranging for their daughter Zhou Liuliu to be betrothed to Fang Zhongyong. Under the pretext that their family had a private tutor to teach him, they tricked him into moving to their home. But they 909Reads6.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is acceptable; the logic is sound.

14. 164 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
15. 165 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
16. 166 青 A Floating Life in Blue Robes [Female-to-Male Transmigration] 青衣浮生【女穿男】 Twin Jade Island双玉岛Ancient Romance314k WordsCompleted Reader’s note: A woman transmigrates into a man, marries, and there is one couple throughout. The story is low-key, with no major twists, no inner-courtyard scheming, and only basic political machinations. Please read only if you’re okay with all that. I was a modern-day overworked teacher who suddenly died and transmigrated into the lowly illegitimate son of the Marquis of Daqi’s household. The moment I opened my eyes, I was faced with the terrifying reality of having the wrong gender, and I’d 10.4kReads9.3Score1.4kShelves
17. 167 穿 The Moment After I Reincarnated as the Dowry Bride 穿成陪嫁下一秒 Solving Worries in Dreams梦里解忧Two Male Leads1.9M WordsCompleted Two men + mutually faithful + domestic life + dual career struggles + imperial examinations and court politics After a fire, Meng Wan transmigrated to a dynasty he had never heard of and became a male companion to a young lady from a duke's household. Before he could figure out where he was, the next moment he was bound hand and foot and sold off by the young lady. Meng Wan: “? ... Mmmph!!!!!!!” Song Tingzhou lost his father as a child, and his mother raised him alone. Defying everyone's obje 30.5kReads9.5Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is good, although the main perspective isn't from those who took the imperial examinations, but you can still see the hardships involved.

18. 168 回 Back to the Song Dynasty to Be a Tyrant 回到宋朝当暴君 Painting Lingyan画凌烟Historical3.2M WordsCompleted In the halls of government, rotten wood holds office. Between the palace steps, beasts feast on their salaries. Men with hearts like wolves and the ways of dogs crowd the halls of power. Toadies and bootlickers fill the ranks of government, bringing the state to ruin and the people to misery! You dare demand to know whether the sword in my hand is sharp? 169kReads9.4Score19.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Here are some recommendations for high-quality books I've read recently; the authors have excellent writing skills and demonstrate great erudition and logic.

19. 169 只 Live Long Enough, and No One Can Beat Me 只要活的够久，就没人是我对手 The Day I Ascended to Godhood成神这天Eastern Fantasy1.2M WordsCompleted [System]+ [Transmigration]+ [Playing It Safe] Xu Fan transmigrates to a fantasy world and obtains an Immortality System. The System’s only function is to extend his lifespan. Today’s run: lifespan +2 days Today’s boxing practice: lifespan +3 days Today’s kicking practice: lifespan +5 days “A gentleman’s revenge can wait five hundred years.” After Xu Fan waited five hundred years and finally found his enemy again, the only thing he could do was dance on his enemy’s grave. Question: What 9.7kReads9.0Score797Shelves
20. 170 通EN The Netherworld Scholar Immortal 通幽小儒仙 You Zi Yin油子吟Eastern Fantasy2.0M WordsCompleted “Where is this?” “Perhaps... the River of Forgetfulness...” “Who are you?” “Wuchang...” “I've never heard of anyone called Wuchang in this world.” “From now on... that's who I'll be!” The soul crosses the River of Forgetfulness, while its thoughts remain on the other shore. What is gained from all beings must be returned to all beings. When Su Mo woke up, he was no longer in his former life. He went to the capital to sit the imperial examinations, but accidentally stumbled into an immortal schem 63.7kReads9.4Score6.7kShelves
21. 171 工 The Engineer Emperor 工科大明 Drinking Chinese Medicine Every Day天天喝中药Historical1.4M WordsCompleted Lu Ren, an engineering professor, unexpectedly transmigrated into the body of a baby in a farming family in Henan during the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty. He first entered the imperial examination arena to compete against the greats, then used his engineering knowledge to advance technology and improve people's lives. As he steadily expanded his influence, he wrote an extraordinary legend in the Great Ming. 4.1kReads8.8Score513Shelves
22. 172 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

    Reader note

    🔥🔥🔥What would you do if you traveled back to ancient times? Take the imperial examination? Join the army? 🔥🔥🔥Watch how a farmer's son rises step by step... 9.5 Stars, plenty of content available [Please follow]

23. 173 夫 A Couple Transmigrates: My Easygoing Husband Takes the Exams While I Raise the Kids 夫妻穿越：咸鱼老公科举我养娃 A Little Ball of Rice一团小丸子Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Completed] [No pocket dimension, no System + lighthearted comedy + everyday family life + slow pace] A modern couple transmigrates to ancient times and finally fulfills their dream of having a son and a daughter. Their daughter, reborn into a new life, wants nothing more than a loving father and mother. Professor Zhang: “Even though I transmigrated, I don't want to take the imperial exams. I just want to laze around.” Manager Li: “Even though I came along too, I can't exactly make my husband wo 4.4kReads9.2Score493Shelves

    Reader note

    This undergraduate thesis is recommended.

24. 174 发 Build a Fortune and Pass the Imperial Exams 发家致富考科举 Eat It in One Bite一口吃完Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted [No System or golden finger, one heroine, not a wish-fulfillment story, realistic] Xie Fan is a hopelessly single exam nerd, a useless graduate of a top university, and a slacker at a major organization. He enjoys a carefree life of choosing to lie flat. After an unexpected death, he returns to a parallel world in the Ming Dynasty, reborn as the son of a landlord. But life in a landlord’s household turns out to be no easier. To make ends meet, he sets out on the path of the imperial examinations 1.1kReads8.6Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    I'd like to shamelessly recommend my own book. It's about a modern-day office worker who transmigrates to the mid-Ming Dynasty and works hard to pass the imperial examinations to get rich. This is my first time writing, so any feedback and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Happy New Year and all the best to everyone!

25. 175 大 The Ming Dynasty’s Talented Scholar, Jie Jin 大明才子解缙 Heaven's Way Is Strong6729天行健6729Historical170k WordsCompleted Jie Jin, a gifted scholar of the Ming Dynasty, lived a turbulent and legendary life. Brilliant from childhood and endowed with extraordinary talent, he was hailed as a “child prodigy.” He made his mark at a young age, sailed through the imperial examinations on the strength of his vast learning, passed the highest-level exam, and embarked on an official career. Quick-witted and inspired in his writing, Jie Jin oversaw the compilation of the "Yongle Encyclopedia", bringing books from across the 6Reads7.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Stories in history and fate in stories

26. 176 农 The Lazy Little One from a Farming Family Takes the Imperial Exams 农门懒娃娃考科举 Black Tofu豆腐黑Historical352k WordsOngoing Dogwa had terrible luck in his previous life. He worked hard all his life and had nothing to show for it. It was all for nothing. In this life, he just wants enough to eat and drink, and to lie flat until the end. Who knew the Lai family already had a layabout: Dogwa's own father. There was no room for a second one. So Dogwa can only be pushed into improving himself and working hard. (Original title: The Lazy Farm Boy Takes the Imperial Examinations) 680Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Explore][Explore][Explore] The protagonist is a time traveler with the mindset of an adult. After living in ancient times for a while, he discovers that all other professions are inferior, only studying is noble. Therefore, he has no choice but to take the imperial examination, because only those who pass the imperial examination can live with dignity in ancient times. The plot is compact, with one thing leading to another. It is mundane but not boring. He climbs up step by step through the imperial examination and finally realizes his ambitions. When poor, he cultivates his own virtue; when successful, he benefits all under heaven.

27. 177 大 Wen Tianxiang, the Great Song’s Lone Loyalist 大宋孤忠文天祥 Heaven's Way Is Strong6729天行健6729Historical342k WordsCompleted As the Southern Song teeters on the brink, its lands lie shattered beneath the ravages of the Yuan army. The Loyal Son of the Great Song: Wen Tianxiang tells the tumultuous story of Wen Tianxiang’s life. He excelled in the imperial examinations at a young age and was determined to serve his country. Though faced with corruption at court, he never wavered from his original ideals. When the Yuan army advanced, he stepped forward, gave away his entire fortune to recruit volunteer troops, and went t 17Reads—Score—Shelves
28. 178 过 With a Photographic Memory, Isn’t It Only Natural I Came First in the Imperial Exam? 过目不忘，我中状元正常吧？ Mountaineer登山客Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Lu Chengan forgot to drink Granny Meng’s soup. One day, he transmigrates to a remote mountain village in the Great Zhou dynasty and becomes the second son of the Lu family’s second son. To take the imperial examinations, Lu Chengan has no choice but to urge his father to better himself. Before he knows it, his father becomes an official. Lu Chengan: Does he still need to work hard? 47.9kReads8.6Score5.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This book seems good, I'll take a look.

29. 179 风 When the Wind Rises in Lingbiao: The Five Dynasties’ Seven Governors 风起岭表之五代七刺史 Dust Watching from East Mountain东山望之尘Historical117k WordsCompleted Ning Mengli possessed strength enough to reach the heavens and virtue that rivaled the divine emperor. He guarded the nation's frontier and reclaimed the wilderness. Ning Changzhen had the ambition to encompass mountains and rivers and the noble bearing of clouds and mist. He subdued Jiaozhi, campaigned against Linyi, and seized Shebei. Ning Yuan Ti was the first successful candidate in the imperial examinations from Lingnan, a distinguished remonstrance official in the Kaiyuan Golden Age. Begin 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The most authentic Lingnan-style historical novel! The poetry and prose are breathtaking! Highly recommended for reading in Hakka or Cantonese.

30. 180 科 I Passed the Imperial Exam and Gave the Dynasty Three Hundred More Years 科举高中，我给王朝续命三百年 Kill That Young Lord刀了那个郎君Historical258k WordsCompleted [Imperial Exams + Daily Life + Business + Officialdom + Political Intrigue + No Romance + No System] Xue Zhao, a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, transmigrated one day into an abandoned infant who had been taken in and raised by a scholar and his wife. Before his adoptive father died, he urged Xue Zhao to take the imperial examinations, enter officialdom, and bring honor to the family. To fulfill his adoptive father’s dying wish, Xue Zhao embarked on the path of scholarship. From the coun 218Reads6.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this book that I wrote myself.

31. 181 吃 Trying to Inherit My Family's Wealth? I Disguised Myself as a Man and Took the Imperial Exams, Winning All Six Honors 吃绝户？我女扮男装科举六元及第 Jiang Suiwan江岁晚Ancient Romance605k WordsOngoing [Imperial Examinations + No CP + A Woman Disguised as a Man (She Reveals Her Identity Once She Holds Great Power) + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast] Reborn into an ancient farming family as its only “son,” she is so despised by her entire clan that they wish she would die soon so they can seize the Lu family's estate. Lu Ming: That's no problem. So what if they try to trip her up and stop her from taking a master? She'll walk the road to success no matter what! After observing mourning for t 1.2kReads8.6Score230Shelves

    Reader note

    The imperial examinations are all about women disguised as men, and there's no romantic pairing; they're all quite good.

32. 182 寒 A Poor Scholar’s Rise Begins with Meeting the Miserable Crown Prince 寒门崛起，从遇上苦逼太子开始 Zuo Lan佐蓝Historical2.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Imperial Exams for the Poor + No System + Lighthearted + Wits and Strategy] After transmigrating to ancient times, Tang Yin was completely dumbfounded. He'd gone to sleep and woken up as a seven-year-old kid? He lived in Peach Blossom Village, Qingzhou Prefecture, in the Great Ming, and came from a poor family? It was a disastrous start. He had to fight heaven and earth, and even deal with his awful relatives. Determined to escape the mountains, Tang Yin secretly studied at the 6.2kReads7.9Score543Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended by a seasoned bookworm with 11,000 hours of reading experience 🦎: An ancient Chinese imperial examination novel. It tells the story of a man who travels back in time to become a commoner, and through diligent study, participates in the imperial examinations, rising from a lowly candidate to a high-ranking scholar. 🐍

33. 183 赵 Zhao San's Road to the Imperial Exams 赵三的科举之路 Xin Jingchen心静辰Historical165k WordsOngoing Zhao San, Li Huida, and Zhang Daming transmigrated from the future to the Qing Dynasty, but their memories of transmigrating were erased. Later, at a certain point in time, they awakened to their memories of the future. They witnessed the literary inquisitions and the suffering of ordinary people, and took the imperial examination route. Discontent with the Qing court, they developed thoughts of rebellion after reading The Ten Days in Yangzhou and The Jiading Massacre. Those thoughts grew strong 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    1. Zhao San, along with Li Huida and Zhang Daming, travel from the future to the Qing Dynasty. They awaken to their time-traveling memories, witnessing the suffering of the world and the turmoil of literary inquisitions. This sparks their anti-Qing sentiments, and they use their memories to unite like-minded individuals to pursue the imperial examinations. 2. Xu Xingfeng, a 21st-century county government official, is reborn as a farmer's son. As the only son, he bears the heavy responsibility of ensuring his family's prosperity. Initially only aiming to improve his life by passing the preliminary examinations, he unexpectedly rises to the pinnacle of success in the imperial examinations.

34. 184 农 A Farmer’s Son’s Road to the Imperial Exams 农家子的科举之路 Autumn Wu秋梧Historical672k WordsCompleted After an earthquake, modern university student Chen Xiao transmigrated to the fictional Great Zhou dynasty and became the son of a poor farming family. His widowed mother lived with him, along with his virtuous wife, who was four months pregnant. Looking at the family’s bare cupboards, Chen Xiao decided to take up the previous owner’s ambition of passing the imperial examinations and lead his family toward a brighter future... 38Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I liked the first book based on recommendations, even though it had some minor issues. I just don't understand why it has such a low rating; it only has one female lead. The second book was also quite good.

35. 185 将 The General's Wife Only Wants to Farm 将军夫人一心想种田 Rolling Bitter Melon滚动的苦瓜Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted A farming story turned into an educational account of Zhao Kuangyin, founding emperor of the Early Song. This melon is so drunk. Apart from the protagonist's family and relatives, who are fictional, most of the people in the story are real. Even the personalities of minor soldiers, as well as the characters, events, and policies, are all documented in official histories. For sources, see the Song History on Hancheng.net. Historical fact-checkers welcome. A few caveats before you dive in: First, 24.3kReads9.3Score3.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Historical texts, not those about the imperial examinations, but purely popular science!

36. 186 天 The Rise and Fall of the World Are Mine to Rule 天下兴亡我为王 I'm Just Someone Who Keeps Getting Rejected我是一个一直扑街Historical406k WordsCompleted “Chief, you're awake?”… What do you mean, transmigrating here didn't come with a golden finger? What do you mean the government troops are coming to wipe out our stronghold? What do you mean an age of chaos is about to begin? Then there's only one thing to do: step forward, throw myself into the fray, and fight my way through this chaotic age… 43Reads—Score—Shelves
37. 187 为 Working Hard to Save the Great Ming 为拯救大明而努力 Rebel逆贼Historical631k WordsCompleted [Imperial examinations] + [slow burn] + [no System] + [harem] + [factional strife] The Jian slaves rebel, bringing disaster to Liaodong. Factional strife grips the court, and the situation grows increasingly chaotic. The end times are drawing near, and the nation teeters on the brink of collapse. We form a faction not to serve our own interests, but to save the Great Ming. 988Reads6.4Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    If you're looking for a change of pace and tired of reading simplistic novels, give this one a try. The story spans from the 40th year of the Wanli reign to the end of the Tianqi era. The content is meticulously researched, filled with details. The author himself consulted numerous historical records for this book, including the *Ming Shilu*, *Wanli Yehuo Bian*, *Dijing Jingwu Lue*, *Wanshu Zaji*, and *Quanzhou Fuzhi*. The main plot is divided into three parts: early on, the imperial examination system; mid-period, political intrigue; and late-period, reforms. The pacing is moderate. 1. In the imperial examination section, the protagonist, besides taking the exams, focuses on building connections, making early acquaintances with many officials, merchants, and scholars. These individuals later prove invaluable. 2. In the political intrigue section, due to the intense infighting among various factions of civil officials in the late Ming Dynasty, the protagonist, after entering officialdom, will establish a new political party, using absolute power to crush the Donglin Party, Zhejiang Party, Qi Party, Chu Party, and other factions. 3. In the reforms section, after the protagonist and his faction gain power, they will implement reforms to address various shortcomings in the economy and military. The male protagonist in this book isn't exactly a womanizer, because the focus isn't on picking up girls.

38. 188 科 Gone Mad on the Road to the Imperial Exams? Watch Me Make a Fortune! 科举路上疯了？看我发家致富！ San Lengzi三棱子Ancient Romance138k WordsOngoing [Imperial Exams + Business + Daily Life] [A light romance, mainly plot-driven] The day before the college entrance exam, Xu Qingfeng woke up as the Xu family's beloved third son. Unable to accept that all his hard studying had gone to waste, Xu Qingfeng wanted to go back and did everything he could to die. Everyone in the village thought he had studied himself crazy. To help him regain his senses, his parents arranged a marriage for him, hoping it would bring him good luck. Once he accepted real —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead has strong moral values; it's a good watch!

39. 189 绝 The Unparalleled Illegitimate Son 绝代庶子 Light Rail轻轨Historical501k WordsCompleted [Alternate World + Transmigration + Ancient Setting] After transmigrating, he finds his mother brutally murdered and his younger sister unconscious beside her. When she wakes, she has developed a split personality. He heads to the capital to find his biological father, only to discover that his father's family is the source of all the hatred. Watch as a concubine-born son avenges his mother and drives his father into an inescapable corner, step by step. Once his revenge is complete, where will h 420Reads7.3Score—Shelves
40. 190 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

    Reader note

    I brought myself a bag of salt. [Heart emoji]

41. 191 重 Reborn in Great Ming: With a Library at My Fingertips, the Imperial Exams Are Mine 重生大明：图书馆在手，科举我有 Zhu Yixun朱奕迅Historical245k WordsCompleted With a library in my head, how could I fail the imperial examinations? Lin Yan, a man from the 21st century, transmigrates and is reborn as a poor scholar during the Hongzhi era of the Ming dynasty. A modern library that appears in his mind becomes his greatest asset as he makes his way in the Ming Empire. 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel is really good; I recommend reading it patiently.

42. 192 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

    I really love reading about the imperial examination system.

43. 193 我 I Rely on Reincarnation to Build Up Invincibility 我靠转世积累无敌 Popcorn Chicken Without Rice鸡米花不加米Eastern Fantasy1.5M WordsOngoing [Hundred Lifetimes of Reincarnation]+ [Immortality]+ [Ruthless and Decisive]+ [Invincible] Others cultivate immortality, striving to cross the threshold in a single lifetime. Shen Li cultivates immortality. If one lifetime isn't enough, he starts another. He transmigrates to a cultivation world and awakens the supreme treasure, the Primordial Dao Cauldron. Cultivation, skills, reputation, wealth, karma: all can be refined into [Origin Points]. Origin Points can manifest divine arts, forge immort 16.8kReads7.7Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    The early imperial examinations are written very realistically; the author has literary talent. Those who enjoy this genre can give it a try.

44. 194 这 The Sage of Letters, the Poet Immortal, and the Grand Secretary: I Am All Three 这文圣，诗仙，首辅我一人当之 Beneath the Green Blade青锋之下Historical207k WordsOngoing The moment he opened his eyes, Gu Yanzhou had transmigrated into the body of a poor student in the Great Xuan dynasty. At a poetry gathering, he recited, “Have you not seen the Yellow River’s waters descend from the sky?” and left a hall full of renowned scholars speechless. “Is all the world’s talent worth ten bushels?” He swept his brush across the page. “I, Gu, claim eight of them!” At the imperial examination, his policy essay astonished the emperor, who personally named him the top scholar. 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The writer wields his pen, poignantly depicting the lives of ordinary people. A single poem can shake the world; words are like blades, dissecting the very fabric of society; plots are like surging waves, stirring up turbulent emotions. Characters leap from the pages, imbued with the warmth of life and the spirit of humanity; even after finishing the book, a thunderous impact lingers in the heart.

45. 195 丁 A Child-Free Couple Transmigrates to Ancient Times and Raises Eight Kids 丁克夫妻穿越古代养了8个娃 Xi Yu犀渔Ancient Romance560k WordsCompleted Chen Xuening and Zhai Kun had been a loving middle-aged couple for over twenty years. Both had grown up in an orphanage, where even having enough to eat was considered a blessing. They struggled through childhood with too little food and clothing, then worked hard to build a comfortable family fortune. But it seemed Heaven had no intention of rewarding their efforts: after twenty years of marriage, they still had no children. Eventually, they accepted their fate. They thought that if Heaven was 5.8kReads9.2Score849Shelves

    Reader note

    Poor scholar's examination essay

46. 196 国 The National Fate Roulette 国运轮盘 Li Luo厘珞Eastern Fantasy94k WordsOngoing “When the wheel turns, the nation’s destiny is decided.” On Kun Ning Continent, where magic and technology coexist, the Mingyan Dynasty stands in the heart of the continent and rules over five nations: Waguo, Guifang, Yulin, Danzeng, and Quanxian. To the north lies a frigid wasteland inhabited by numerous mythical beasts from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Watch as Li Biyu uses the “National Destiny Wheel” to rise step by step to the pinnacle of power in this age, reshaping civilization and —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Imperial Examination in Another World

47. 197 奋 Striving in the Great Ming 奋斗在大明 Famous Sword Manor名剑山庄Historical3.9M WordsCompleted A man can be a teacher for generations, and a single word can serve as a rule for all under heaven. Two thousand years ago, Confucius was born, illuminating the ages! Two thousand years later, Zhouzi was born, a master for generations! The story of an “observer of the heavens” with a scientific mindset from the future, striving to make his mark during the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty! 52Reads8.9Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Books that are barely readable

48. 198 任 Free Travel Between Worlds: My Leisurely Life in Two Realms 任意穿梭：我的两界休闲生活 Six Broken Bowls六个破碗Historical682k WordsCompleted [Travel between the modern world and an alternate ancient era, transfer knowledge between the two worlds, trade in ancient treasures, promote modern technology, develop both past and present in parallel] Zhao Yan can travel freely to an unfamiliar ancient world. From the start, the local school ropes him into working as a teacher. But as he teaches, things suddenly take a strange turn. To make teaching easier, Zhao Yan brings knowledge of literature from ancient and modern Daxia over from the mo 38Reads5.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Hmm... Yay!

49. 199 明 The Son of Heaven 明天子 Famous Sword Manor名剑山庄Historical3.4M WordsCompleted Reborn in the middle of the Ming Dynasty, he finds himself inhabiting the body of an eight-year-old child. But that’s not important. What matters is that he is the crown prince, the heir to the throne! In simple terms, this is the story of an eight-year-old emperor’s rise: seizing the palace, governing the court, bringing peace to the people, quelling internal unrest, recruiting talent, improving agriculture, and developing commerce... Through civil and military accomplishments, he will restore 151Reads8.6Score—Shelves
50. 200 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—Shelves

    Reader note

    Try these books, I highly recommend them!

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