Transmigrate to Ancient China for the Imperial Exams and Become an Official 穿越古代科举，做官的小说

1. 1 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 26kReads8.6Score2.5kShelves

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   The male protagonist is reincarnated into a novel about taking the imperial examinations and becoming an official. The story focuses on his official career, is fast-paced, and well-written. Set in an ancient blended family, the protagonist has a virtuous and loving mother, a kind and educational stepfather, a quirky but discerning second brother, a lively and cheerful stepsister, and a third brother. From a hardworking farmer's son to a city dweller who can easily study and then pass the imperial examinations, the stepfather's sacrifices are immense. The protagonist is deeply grateful, treating his stepfather like his own father. When his unreasonable step-grandparents demand he change his surname back to his biological father's, he resolutely refuses, even unto death. The story then follows his journey from the bottom up.

2. 2 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 28kReads9.4Score2.7kShelves

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   [Top post][Top post] Both of these are recently released imperial examination novels. I highly recommend the first one; it's absolutely amazing! It's like an ancient version of a plagiarist, effortlessly incorporating various classical poems. The author's knowledge is truly vast, and the plot is incredibly satisfying and never frustrating. It's truly unbeatable!

3. 3 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 4.7kReads8.6Score344Shelves
4. 4 穿 Transmigrated to a Farmhouse, Raising a Son to Pass the Imperial Exams 穿越农家，养儿考科举 Ye Panxi叶盼兮Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted A modern unmarried man past his prime transmigrates to ancient times, where he has no strength to even wring a chicken’s neck and finds himself on a battlefield from the start. The good news is that the war is about to end, and he’ll soon be able to go home. The bad news is that before he can make it home, the authorities force him into an arranged marriage. He’s barely in his twenties, yet he’s considered an aging bachelor in this ancient world. If he doesn’t marry, he’ll have to pay a head tax 2.9kReads7.0Score181Shelves

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   ① This is a mistake; it's set in ancient times before the imperial examination system existed. ② Initially, no one sees the protagonist except for Gu Changyan, the son of a treacherous minister. Gu Changyan's father was a notorious traitor who should have had his entire family executed, but the protagonist managed to save him, and he was the only one... ③ It has some resemblance to the Ming Dynasty's Zhu Di's purge of corrupt officials. ④ His father and mother are dead, and his sister, to support his studies for the imperial examinations, declares she will marry whoever supports him! He vows to become an official to repay...

5. 5 开 Invisible from the Start: The Years I Led a Treacherous Minister’s Son Astray 开局隐身：带歪奸臣之子的那些年 Green Headband绿色发箍Two Male Leads736k WordsCompleted Wen Changning transmigrated, met someone, and went through a few things. Fortunately, he was never tamed by the ancient world. * Gu Changyan, as it happened, met someone and went through a few things. Fortunately, he spent his whole life learning how to love his partner. The serious version: Wen Changning wanted to be a Western doctor, but he transmigrated with a few medical books, a cell phone, a watch, two oversized surgical knives, and the clothes on his back. The bad news: he arrived in 2.3kReads9.3Score337Shelves
6. 6 穿 The Transmigrated Head of the Household’s Contract Brother 穿越而来的当家契弟 A Bowl of Boiled Fish一盆水煮鱼Two Male Leads128k WordsCompleted [Two male leads] The soul of Yun Lan, deputy captain of the Galaxy Squadron, is transported into the body of Yun Lan, who drowned after jumping into a river to avoid being sold as a male companion by his father and stepmother. Someone who had already stopped breathing comes back to life just like that. He thought things would go pretty smoothly. But then he realizes he's landed in a disaster from the start... 78Reads7.0Score—Shelves
7. 7 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!! 1.7kReads6.5Score101Shelves

   Reader note

   Set in the early Ming Dynasty, the story revolves around the imperial examination system, martial arts training, and the beginning of industrial enlightenment. It requires a foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and has a reading threshold.

8. 8 家 Homeland 家园 Wine Addict酒徒Historical2.2M WordsCompleted During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, a young boy from Shanggu in Hebei fled conscription and entered the vast grasslands. There he adopted a silver wolf, which the grassland tribes regarded as a sacred beast. He met Han Chinese people on the plains and learned archery, military strategy, and more from people from the Central Plains who had been stranded there. After offending the nobility, he returned to the Central Plains and joined the campaign against Goguryeo, where he won recognition! 2.5kReads9.2Score367Shelves

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   As a bookworm with over ten years of experience, my recommendations are definitely not bad. Whether they're good or bad depends on individual taste. The recommended books are either completed or have over a million words. I've definitely read them all, or am currently following them, and my reviews aren't AI-generated. The first and second books are both older works by Jiu Tu, originally uploaded to a certain platform, and I'm pleasantly surprised to find them available on Tomato Books now. Jiu Tu's earliest books were about time travel from the present to the past, but this setting became less clear in his later works. The Sui and Tang trilogy is arguably Jiu Tu's masterpiece. Another good book is set in the Ming Dynasty, but I haven't found it on Tomato Books yet. Those looking for something to read should check these out. Recommendation rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The third and fourth books are both time travel stories from the present to the past. They share the common thread of initially living in poverty, with the protagonist striving to improve their family's life. As their living standards improve, they begin studying and pass the imperial examinations, ultimately leading to a happy ending. The difference is that the protagonist in *The Poor Scholar* doesn't experience the thrill of passing the imperial examinations six times in a row, so the sense of satisfaction might be slightly less, but it's closer to reality. Also, both books are completed, and the audiobook narrators are excellent, so you can jump in without worry. Recommendation rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️★ Fifth, this is a modern-day time-travel story where the protagonist becomes a member of a wealthy family in the Tang Dynasty. The initial struggle is less arduous, similar to Yun Heng's character. The author's writing style is humorous and witty, making it a good time-travel novel. Although this book is not yet finished, it already has a considerable length, so those who can handle following updates can jump in without worry. Recommendation rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The reason the last book is only four stars is not because it's bad, but because I currently prefer reading fictional stories that are connected to real history, which often involve debate. Of course, Jiu Tu's book isn't fictional, but it's indeed well-written, so I still gave it five stars.

9. 9 大 Great Qin: The Ruthless Chancellor, Whom the First Emperor Begs Not to Kill 大秦：最狠丞相，始皇求我别杀了 Never Saw the Moon of Qin不曾见秦时月Historical2.5M WordsCompleted [Decisive and Ruthless + The Protagonist Is a Master Schemer + No Romance + Career-Focused Protagonist] After transmigrating into the Great Qin dynasty, Liu Bai rose straight to the position of Great Qin's Left Chancellor. From the start, he had seven thousand surrendered rebels buried alive. When he returned to Xianyang, everyone was sharpening their knives, ready to impeach the chancellor. Only then did they realize it was all just the beginning. “Your Majesty, Left Chancellor Liu Bai beat Zha 32.3kReads9.4Score3.8kShelves

   Reader note

   The first book features a protagonist who achieves the highest rank in the imperial examinations, becomes a disciple of a retired Grand Tutor, and eventually becomes the junior brother of the reigning emperor. His career takes off. It's a story of political intrigue, not naivety. The second book features a minister of Qin Shi Huang, who rises to the position of Left Chancellor. The political intrigue is exceptionally well-written, showcasing various developments. It also highlights Qin Shi Huang's favoritism.

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, 22.8kReads9.3Score2.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Regarding the ancient imperial examination system, these two books are my number one picks. I read them all by myself without skipping a single chapter. The funniest part is the male protagonist's daily life working in the imperial court, which is very interesting.

11. 11 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, 34.6kReads9.1Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    These are essays by impoverished scholars on the imperial examinations; choose the ones you like to read.

12. 12 喜 Joy in the Tang Dynasty 喜唐 Weiwei's Wei微微的薇Historical3.6M WordsCompleted Bright and glorious is the Tang, favored by Heaven to rule the myriad lands. Our founding ancestors answered Heaven’s call, and the four imperial clans followed its ways. Heaven granted us boundless blessings, and our clans share a common virtue. Our descendants carry on the legacy, offering sacrifices to the gods and matching the Pole Star. What did it really mean for all nations to pay tribute? Was it about uncritically worshipping foreign languages, or going abroad and being treated as honore 122.5kReads9.4Score12.7kShelves
13. 13 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 47.9kReads8.8Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    I'm only giving you these two books, but I think they're masterpieces among Tomato's works about peasant boys taking the imperial examinations to become officials, especially Wang Maoping's. I started reading imperial examination novels with his work. I think these two books would be masterpieces even on other platforms.

14. 14 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. 40.2kReads9.2Score3kShelves
15. 15 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 186.1kReads9.0Score23.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! A new book released in August, I read it all in one go! The male protagonist transmigrates into the body of a poor butcher's son. His entire family are strong, muscular bear spirits, except for him, who is a weakling. At first, he only wants to find an easy job after learning to read and write. Later, even selling braised meat, he gets bullied and realizes that without power and influence, life is as worthless as grass. He then resolves to work hard and focus on passing the imperial examinations. Cute point 1: Everyone in the family, except for the male protagonist, is a walking iron tower. Cute point 2: He's not a plagiarist. Because he can't write poetry, he meticulously records good words and phrases he hears in a small notebook to make it easier to fill in the blanks later. Cute point 3: The place where the male protagonist begins his education is similar to an ancient vocational school, specifically providing employees for various shops. He gets to take the county exam thanks to a classmate who works at an inn, who provides him with good accommodations and food, and even helps him with exam tips—it's incredibly heartwarming.

16. 16 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 28.6kReads8.7Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this one among all the imperial examination novels. I've read at least twenty of Tomato's imperial examination novels, but I gave up on most of them. This one, however, has clear logic and doesn't lower your intelligence. Although the rating isn't high, I strongly recommend it! [Thumbs up]

17. 17 大 Great Ming: The Village's Little Top Scholar, Whom Old Zhu Absolutely Adores 大明：乡村小状元，老朱贼稀罕我 Scholar Who Wins a Marquisate封侯书生Historical2.0M WordsCompleted During the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Qiniu, an ordinary four-year-old farm boy, accidentally comes across a silver bell. From then on, he dreams every night of entering a room filled with books: the Thousand Character Classic, the Hundred Family Surnames, the Four Books and Five Classics, collections of successful candidates’ exam essays from every dynasty, and more. With his golden finger and relentless effort, he becomes the top scholar before the age of ten. Beloved by Old Zhu, Litt 18.5kReads8.9Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The Wen Kui Stele states that upon seeing this stele, civil officials will dismount from bridges, military officials will dismount from their horses, and they will not kneel before the emperor.

18. 18 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... 21.8kReads9.2Score2kShelves

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    💐💐💐This book is absolutely amazing!!! Qi Wenyu's name is truly fitting; he never argued with anyone in his life, and aside from his time on the battlefield, he was a gentle and refined individual. He dedicated himself to the Great Qian Dynasty and its people, never displaying an air of superiority despite his superior knowledge, nor did he distance himself from worldly affairs. His natural integration made me forget his initial identity. The protagonist's character is richly developed, quite different from other books about the imperial examinations. It doesn't stop at the moment of passing the exams, nor does it merely describe his subsequent achievements; instead, it details his path to officialdom. Perhaps I'm more sentimental now, but I couldn't bear to see the characters in the book leave one after another. Even knowing they were fictional, I was still deeply saddened. Finally, the protagonist's enlightened family traditions were passed down through generations, allowing the Qi family to thrive for a thousand years, becoming a large and powerful clan, and even extending to the 21st century along with the families of his former classmates—a truly moving story. Highly recommended!!! 🌸🌸🌸

19. 19 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 17kReads8.2Score1kShelves

    Reader note

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

20. 20 寒 A Northern King Rises from a Poor Family 寒门出了个镇北王 Rock Biscuit洛克饼干Historical2.9M WordsCompleted A STEM guy transmigrates to ancient times as a poor scholar, and gets a lovely young wife right from the start. What do you do when your family is dirt poor? Make soap from lard and plant ash, build a pressure cooker to distill liquor and sell it for a fortune, use a waterwheel to power a spinning wheel, and rake in silver by the handful. Improve ironworking, and fame, fortune, and official rank will come knocking. He rises from humble beginnings to become the Prince of Zhenbei. This book is als 21.2kReads8.6Score1.1kShelves
21. 21 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 86.2kReads8.9Score8.3kShelves

    Reader note

    These two novels feature male protagonists who transmigrate to ancient times to take the imperial examinations and become officials. After reading them, I really felt they were amazing, gradually reaching the pinnacle of life, with their families supporting them and being their reliable backers.

22. 22 娇 My Sweet, Adorable Little Wife 娇萌小甜妻 Roadside Grass路边草Historical536k WordsOngoing [One heroine + super sweet romance + farming + everyday life] As a young man from the twenty-first century, Xie Jin transmigrated, only to find himself in a disastrous situation from the start. His parents were both dead, and he was dirt poor. What was he supposed to do? But then he looked at the adorable little beauty who had come with his transmigration. She gazed at him with big, sparkling eyes, and he was instantly full of energy again! “Husband, we're out of rice...” “Don't worry. Your husb 208Reads8.0Score—Shelves
23. 23 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. 20.1kReads8.2Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Here's a book list! [Sending hearts] ① The male protagonist transmigrates to a farming family, helps them become wealthy, and embarks on the path of imperial examinations. 🌸 ② The male protagonist transmigrates into a scholar who failed the imperial examinations three times, studies diligently, and achieves the highest rank in all six examinations, becoming the emperor's favorite minister. Highly recommended! 🌸 ③ The female protagonist is a strong maid who learns various skills in the mansion, marries the unlucky scholar male protagonist, and her son becomes the top scholar in the imperial examinations. 🌹

24. 24 寒 A Prime Minister from a Poor Family 寒门宰辅 The Head Coach Himself教头本尊Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Gu Ping wakes up one morning to find his fiery mother eager to arrange a marriage for him. Feeling the pressure, Gu Ping uses his silver tongue to talk her out of it, promising to bring home a sweet and gentle daughter-in-law. His mother's standards aren't high. She doesn't care whether the girl is ugly, as long as she has wide hips. Just thinking about it gives Gu Ping a headache. And then there's Li Quan, the tagalong who keeps putting him down but follows him unconditionally. A heavy rain on 506Reads8.0Score100Shelves
25. 25 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

    Reader note

    [Thinking][Thinking][Thinking][Thinking][Thinking]

26. 26 从 From Maid to Magistrate’s Wife: A Native Woman’s Journey 从丫鬟到官夫人，土著女子奋斗史 Zhuang Sheng Mi庄生迷Ancient Romance769k WordsCompleted [Native-born leads, no space, no System, no golden finger] Strong, beautiful maid Ren Qingmiao x unlucky, sickly, handsome scholar Lin Yanchu Ren Qingmiao's hometown was struck by disaster when she was young, and she was sold into slavery. Her intelligence and strength won her master's favor. By chance, she saved the unlucky scholar Lin Yanchu, and the two became entangled from then on. She learns a trade and trains her body, becoming self-reliant and strong. After leaving the manor, Ren Qingmia 5.1kReads8.9Score541Shelves
27. 27 一 I Transmigrated, and They Made Me Emperor! 一朝穿越，我被黄袍加身了！ Zhou Big Tomato周大番茄Historical2.2M WordsCompleted Also known as The Finest Young Master from a Humble Family One month after transmigrating, a woman I've never even met wants to be my wife? And she wants to have my babies! What does it matter if the dynasty is in chaos and the times are turbulent, even if I'm out in the countryside, far from the centers of power? Foreign enemies are invading and want to take my money? Dream on! 830Reads8.6Score102Shelves
28. 28 种 Farming Life: A Poor Scholar’s Devoted Wife 种田：寒门状元的宠妻生活 Little Sugar Cube一颗小白糖Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Farming + Sweet Romance + Heartwarming + Joyful Power Fantasy] After transmigrating, he starts from the ground up in a house stripped bare. Watch as he and the woman he loves build something from nothing and lead their village to prosperity. Before long, the villagers realize that the young woman nobody wanted has been cherished like a treasure, becoming the envy of everyone. At first: “Have you heard? Qi Xiubai offered twenty taels of silver as the betrothal gift.” “Oh my gos 1.1kReads9.0Score106Shelves
29. 29 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

    This is a very realistic book! It truly shows how difficult the ancient imperial examinations were—a fierce competition, far more difficult than the current undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It's not just another feel-good story; it's a book with real emotion. Everyone should check it out.

30. 30 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 216.4kReads9.3Score21.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommend!! It's really good! I've been following it non-stop!! Especially the first book, full of political intrigue! It's not about being invincible! The second book can be summed up in a few words: Time to show off!

31. 31 科 The Imperial Exams: A Bookish Son in a Clan of Illiterates 科举：九族文盲出了个读书郎 I'm a Pighead我是猪头Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [Complete] [Imperial Examinations] [Transmigration + No System] [No heroine in the early story; there may or may not be one later, and if there is, she won't get much page time] Not a single person in the Gu clan, spanning nine generations, could read or write. Even the family genealogy had been written by the clan chief through a mixture of guesswork and asking around. Then, all of a sudden, this family produced a scholar. At first, the villagers and the Gu clan relatives had little faith in Gu 79.4kReads8.7Score8.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This is outrageous! The author is awful! [Crying][crying] It's not enough! [Angry] This one is super good, just everyday family stuff, no cheat codes, you can feel the male lead's efforts little by little, it's not the kind with all sorts of plot holes. I finished it in one day, and there's no substitute! [Crying][crying][crying][crying] So many similar ones, but none of them are to my liking! [Crying][crying][crying][crying] It's outrageous! [Crying]

32. 32 寒 The Commoner Who Became Chief Minister 寒门首辅 Nangong Chenchen南宫沉沉Historical1.5M WordsCompleted When Gu Changliu wakes up, he has become a country scholar. He has no grand ambitions: he just wants to pass the provincial examination, become a minor official, put down roots, and spend his life in harmony with the woman he loves. But the officialdom is no easy place to get by. He had hoped to be a lazy nobody, but the political infighting leaves him no choice but to press forward with all his might. If he can't be a carefree salted fish, then he will take flight like a great roc, rising ninet 3.1kReads8.6Score215Shelves
33. 33 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

    Reader note

    The characters who time-travel to take the imperial examinations are all incredibly talented; the first book is especially good, highly recommended.

34. 34 寒 The Poor Scholar's Sweetheart 寒门小娇妻 Tower-Pushing King推塔天王Historical997k WordsCompleted After transmigrating to the Great Sheng Dynasty, Huang Tinghui finds himself dealt a disastrous hand from the start. His parents died young, and this ne'er-do-well, whom even a dog would shake its head at, squandered the entire family fortune, leaving only a dilapidated thatched hut. Some days he can barely manage a meal. Luckily, he picks up a beautiful girl along the way, and somehow they end up married. Well, faced with his utterly destitute home and his pitifully adorable wife, Huang Tinghui 187Reads6.9Score—Shelves
35. 35 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 9.4kReads9.0Score1kShelves
36. 36 寒 The Integrity of a Humble Scholar 寒门风骨 Half a Young Scholar半个小秀才Historical4.4M WordsCompleted Three thatched huts and half a mu of farmland, a poor scholar and his farmer’s wife. Great wealth is too much to ask for; a modest, comfortable life is more than enough! Because of online gambling, Zhao Xiaojia transmigrates to another world and becomes a poor commoner. His father has just died, he’s left with nothing but empty walls, he owes two taels of silver, and he has a child bride to support. What can he do? The autumn harvest is just around the corner, and the authorities, bandits, and b 1.3kReads8.4Score125Shelves
37. 37 耕 A Family of Farmers and Scholars 耕读人家 Qiu Mi楸米Ancient Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Female lead transmigrates + male lead is reborn, no pocket dimension, no System, no supernatural powers] Gao E transmigrates into the body of a heavily pregnant woman with four sons. From the start, she's supposed to sell her children to pay for her husband's imperial exams. The good news is, she arrives in time to save her eldest son. The bad news is, she nearly gets caught by her husband when he returns after turning back from the exam journey. Gao E gives up her need to prove herself and jus 7.8kReads8.9Score1kShelves
38. 38 寒 A Poor Scholar, From the Start with a Beautiful Wife 寒门书生，开局收获美娇妻 Ascending to the Ninth Heaven登临九霄Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Jiang Chao had just transmigrated to ancient times when he discovered that his predecessor had been a lazy glutton, and that a pair of unfortunate sisters lived at home. With their food running out and starvation looming, Jiang Chao had no choice but to become a diligent little worker bee. Just when life began to look promising, bandits came knocking. You all want me dead, do you? Then I’ll kill you first. I’m an all-purpose agent, and I can start by making a few homemade land mines to blow your 1.9kReads8.7Score7.6kShelves
39. 39 穿 The Laid-Back Life of a Marquis’s Bastard Son 穿成侯府庶子的摆烂生活 April Thirty-Three四月三三Historical600k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + historical setting + non-virgin male lead + ordinary protagonist with no golden finger] Chen Heyu, a fine young man of the modern age, transmigrates into the body of a good-for-nothing ancient playboy. He is a middle-aged widower with children, a low-ranking son born to a concubine, and not a single money-making skill to his name. He does, however, have plenty of ways to spend money and a mountain of debts from his romantic escapades. To avoid another beating from his father, 34.4kReads9.3Score3.6kShelves
40. 40 一 The First-Rank Minister 一品权臣 Slay the Sun屠日Historical3.8M WordsOngoing Hua Ju transmigrates to the Song Dynasty of the Water Margin world and accidentally saves Emperor Huizong. From then on, he embarks on the path to becoming the power behind the throne. He roots out treacherous ministers, dismisses corrupt officials, puts down bandits, sweeps across the Liao, Jin, and Western Xia, and brings the surrounding peoples to heel. “I hereby appoint Hua Qing chancellor and commissioner of the Privy Council, placing him in charge of the government. From now on, all matter 13Reads8.6Score—Shelves
41. 41 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 50.9kReads8.9Score6.3kShelves

    Reader note

    It's extremely good, not at all silly, especially the first book, which is particularly brilliant. And so far, there's no female lead. The fourth book is also good, but it does have a female lead. Those who can accept a romantic storyline should definitely read it.

42. 42 穿 From Kitchen Worker to Imperial Exam Candidate 穿成灶户考科举 Classmate A Lan阿兰同学Historical886k WordsOngoing After transmigrating into the past as a “stove worker,” she lives at a saltworks in poverty. She had thought that working hard might let her become a salt merchant, but the ancient world has a rigid class system, and the only way to change her family's fate is through the imperial examinations. See how Ling Xiao, having transmigrated from the modern era, takes the imperial examinations while leading her family to prosperity, making her way from the saltworks to officialdom and gradually changing 762Reads7.2Score106Shelves
43. 43 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 17.6kReads9.1Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    These are all time-travel novels set in ancient times and focused on the imperial examinations, but they all start from childhood. The plots are lighthearted and engaging, making them very enjoyable to read, with some slightly humorous moments.

44. 44 寒 A Poor Scholar: I Got a Long-Legged Bride-to-Be for Free 寒门书生：白捡逆天长腿童养媳 Red Lamb Wolf红羔狼Historical500k WordsCompleted This is a story that begins in a mountain village. Reborn in a single day, I find that a sudden upheaval has occurred on my wedding night. Everyone says that the poor can no longer produce great men, but I am determined to break that rule. I will drink with beauties in my arms and wake to command the power of the world, raising my impoverished family to greatness once more... 1.4kReads7.1Score132Shelves
45. 45 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 6.6kReads8.9Score602Shelves

    Reader note

    Tomato's best imperial examination novel 🔥 without a doubt 🎉 Recommended for anyone experiencing a reading slump 🌹

46. 46 农 A Farm Boy's Imperial Exams: My Dad Turns Out to Be the Ultimate Study Machine 农家考科举：我爹竟是最强卷王 Long, Long, Long, Long Hair长长长长头发Ancient Romance847k WordsOngoing [Farming + imperial examinations + building wealth] A gifted student who hated studying transmigrates into the son of a peasant family in ancient times. As he chases chickens and dogs around the village, gathering friends and preparing to make a fortune so he can afford meat, someone calls out, “Ergouzi, your dad passed the provincial exam and became the top graduate! The county magistrate awarded him fifty taels of silver!” When he resolves to study so he can avoid going bald before turning ten 60kReads9.2Score7.5kShelves

    Reader note

    ✧*｡٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و✧*｡

47. 47 朝 A Farmer's Son at Dawn, an Emperor's Courtier by Dusk 朝为农家郎，暮登天子堂 Lantern Festival Revelry闹花灯Historical2.6M WordsOngoing (There's family drama, petty squabbles, rural life, outrageous oddballs, life in government, and much more.) After spending nearly ten years in a daze as an idiot, Tang Wenfeng fell into the water one day and finally came to his senses, now with a modern mind inside him. To avoid taxes, make a fortune, lie flat and enjoy himself, and secure a carefree life for the future, Tang Wenfeng decided to sit the imperial examinations. Who knew that an unexpected turn of events would put him on the 6.2kReads8.4Score415Shelves
48. 48 寒 A Scholar from a Humble Home 寒窗读书人 Ding Kai, Who Loves Pepper-Salt Rice Dumplings爱吃椒盐豆粽的丁凯Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Bystanders: Xu Sandan’s life is over (watching the drama unfold…) Family: What’s going to become of Sandan? (worrying…) Xu Heng (Xu Sandan): My fate is mine to decide, not Heaven’s (striving…) A story about Xu Heng, who transmigrates into a desperate situation from the start. With a disabled body and a poor family, he fights against a cruel fate step by step through his own efforts, ultimately turning his life around. An uplifting story about farming, cozy everyday life, and hard work. P.S. Ther 4.2kReads8.6Score331Shelves
49. 49 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 11.3kReads8.9Score949Shelves
50. 50 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. 2.9kReads8.8Score219Shelves

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