Imperial Exams, Rural Life, Children, Smart Characters, No Dumbing Down, and Real History 科举，农村，小孩，有脑子，不降智，真实历史

1. 101 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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   1️⃣ The male protagonist, at the age of thirty-five, transmigrates to ancient times and becomes an old scholar. He has four sons. Just then, the imperial examinations are reopened. The protagonist joins the examination team and passes with flying colors. Fame is on the horizon. The protagonist is exceptionally intelligent.

2. 102 全 My Whole Family Supports My Imperial Exams, and I Rise to Great Heights 全家供我科举，而后青云直上 Flying Cow 98会飞的牛98Historical337k WordsCompleted One heroine + no System + lighthearted pacing A bird must flap its wings before it can soar; a person must study before they can get ahead. Huang Zhiwen unexpectedly gets another chance at life, bringing the memories of his previous life with him as he slowly adapts to this new world. Here, he finds new people to care about and a new family. The Huang family is warm and close-knit, and they will do everything they can to support Huang Zhiwen in the imperial examinations. That leaves all the pres 783Reads8.4Score—14d adds
3. 103 网 Selling Online: An Unemployed Young Man’s Comeback to Fortune! 网络卖货：待业青年逆袭挣大钱！ Fan Wen番文Urban105k WordsOngoing The war of the internet! The war of business! They seize territory in business battles, leaving rivers of blood and countless casualties. Wang Zhengguang vows to return business to the people and serve the people! Flanking maneuvers in business warfare! Defensive battles in business warfare! Offensive battles in business warfare! Guerrilla warfare in business! The war of the internet: every click is a bullet fired, every mobile phone a strategic bomber! You can secretly sabotage the other side’s —Reads—Score—14d adds
4. 104 快 Run! Wei Zheng Is Bringing His Son to Court! 快跑，魏征扛着他儿子上朝了！ My Bumpy Journey磕磕绊绊的我Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Year Seven of the Zhenguan era. A thunderous boom sounded in the sky, and I transmigrated into Wei Shuyu. As Wei Zheng's beloved son, shouldn't I help my father with his troubles? Li Shimin secretly hiding spending money? Take a break, Dad. I'll chew him out. Li Shimin wanting to take a concubine? Take a break, Dad. I'll chew him out. Li Shimin wanting to lead a personal campaign? Take a break, Dad. I'll chew him out... In short, whatever Li Shimin does, we oppose it. That's how you earn a reput 22.9kReads9.0Score2.7k14d adds
5. 105 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

   Reader note

   This technology feels quite realistic; it doesn't involve photographic memory, but rather diligent and hardworking learning. Moreover, this story is heartwarming, without any scheming or backstabbing, simply a straightforward narration of growth. It's very enjoyable.

6. 106 科 A Zhuangyuan Emerges from a Farming Family Through the Imperial Exams 科举农门出了个状元郎 September Jojo九月玖玖Historical608k WordsCompleted After finally making something of himself as an orphan, he opened his eyes in the darkness and found himself a five-year-old idiot in ancient times. From the start, the Husky System tricked him into going deep into the mountains, telling him to be independent and figure out how to survive there alone. To hell with that! I have a home and a family. There’s just one problem: this family is dirt poor! No worries. Getting rich and passing the imperial exams are well within his abilities! This is a s 345Reads6.9Score—14d adds

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   Imperial examination, a farmer's son

7. 107 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
8. 108 穿 Reborn as a Farmer, I Built My Fortune Gathering Wild Goods 穿成农夫，我靠采山货起家 A Cabbage Leaf一片白菜叶Historical751k WordsOngoing [One Female Lead] [Farming] Modern man Zhao Lang transmigrates into the body of Zhao Dalang, a villager from Zhao Village. In his previous life, he was a lifelong bachelor, but here he suddenly has a wife and an adorable daughter. Just as he curses Zhao Dalang for abandoning them and leaving him to raise his wife and child, he discovers that his new family is on the verge of starving to death! What can he do? Find them something to eat, of course. But... He lifts the lid of the rice jar. Not a s 895Reads9.0Score12814d adds

   Reader note

   Earning money to support the family, passing the imperial examinations to bring prosperity to the family, rising step by step from a farmer's son.

9. 109 寒 Poor-Born Child Prodigy: At Five and a Half, I Face-Slap My Entire Clan in the Imperial Exams 寒门神童：五岁半科举打脸全族 Feast 3盛宴3Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [Genius child from the start, satisfying comeback, putting every skeptic in their place!] Xu Fei is a five-and-a-half-year-old farm boy who was born into an ancient era, yet is treated as a “nobody” by his family. His biased grandmother makes him work and feed the chickens, while every egg goes to his thirty-year-old uncle, a licentiate who has yet to pass the imperial exams, and his “child prodigy” cousin! Xu Fei is furious: Pretend to be a prodigy? I can do that, too! He recites poetry in publ 4.5kReads8.0Score32614d adds
10. 110 天 The Works of Heaven and Earth: Raising My Wife and Children in Ancient Times 天工开物，我在古代养妻儿 Master of Hongya Cave洪崖洞主Historical2.4M WordsCompleted Li Ming, a modern man, wakes up after his soul travels through time and finds himself in ancient Ning, reborn as Zhang Dashan, a forty-year-old dirt-poor farmer in Qingshi Village on the frontier! He faces a home with bare walls and eight hungry children, a wife worn out by hard work and helpless with worry, and parents so hopelessly biased they see him as a burden. His younger brother and sister-in-law are lazy, greedy, sharp-tongued parasites, too! And to make matters worse, he's forced to spl 1.7kReads7.7Score14414d adds
11. 111 科 The Imperial Examination: Starting by Talking My Parents into Splitting Up the Family 科举，从忽悠爹娘分家开始 Clear Blossoms Reflect a Cool Face清花照凉颜Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Li Yunzhi was born in a province known for its fierce competition in the civil service exams. Millions of people sat the exams every year, and under his parents' urging, he kept taking them year after year. At last, he stood out from the crowd and secured a civil service post. But before he could tell his parents, he was in a car accident and transmigrated to a dynasty called Great Wei. Looking at his family of impoverished peasants, their bare cupboards, and several downright awful relatives, L 3.2kReads7.9Score22414d adds
12. 112 新 The New Dynasty's Turmoil Begins with a Poor Scholar in Yuezhou 新朝风云，从岳州寒门开始 Mr. Seems to Understand似懂先生Historical1.5M WordsOngoing Lin Yue, a graduate student and a battle-hardened special forces king, dies in the line of duty and awakens in a war-torn era reminiscent of the late Yuan. He is now a poor young man on the verge of death in Yuezhou. In his previous life, he excelled in both letters and arms; in this one, he has nothing. He studies ancient characters and goes into business; he recites the classics and strengthens his body. Drawing on both his knowledge and his own abilities, he rises through the county, prefectu 37Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The day he transmigrated into the body of a poor boy from Yuezhou, he had just woken up from the brink of death. He was faced with a drafty thatched hut, hungry siblings, and a rigidly hierarchical dynasty like the Yuan Dynasty—southerners were taxed the heaviest, and even education was nearly impossible. Without a system or a powerful mentor, only the ruthlessness of a former elite soldier and the knowledge of a graduate student, he began by deciphering the coded messages in the notices, taking control of his survival.

13. 113 拼 I Worked My Way to the Top Scholar in the Imperial Exams, and Now You Say I Have a Powerful Identity 拼命科举成状元，你才说我有身份 This Fish Wants to Eat Cats Now这鱼想吃猫了Historical1.6M WordsCompleted (A cathartic power fantasy: the protagonist never takes anything lying down, and never lets a grudge wait until tomorrow!) No romance + nation-building + imperial examinations + farming + alternate history + court intrigue A no-holds-barred power fantasy, with a decisive, ruthless protagonist!! If there's no justice in this world, then I'll carve it out with blood! If the great clans leave everyone with nowhere to turn, then I'll cut a path through them. The county magistrate's son toys with peo 33.1kReads9.0Score4k14d adds
14. 114 穿 Transmigrated to Ancient Times as a Handsome Farmer, This Special Forces Soldier Wants to Cry 穿越古代成农夫小鲜肉特种兵想哭 Wild Sands Veil the Moon狂沙掩月Historical4.4M WordsOngoing On his way home from an elite special forces competition, his plane is struck by lightning, and he transmigrates to another world. A young bachelor in the prime of his life becomes an old farmer of grandfatherly age, and is left close to tears when faced with so many mouths to feed. How can he lead this bunch of adopted kids to a better life? Only through hard work. Drawing on the martial arts passed down through his family in his previous life, as well as his maternal family's renowned Huizhou 3.5kReads8.6Score31114d adds
15. 115 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 27.9kReads8.7Score2.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    1. Su Yu transmigrates to ancient times. On the day he fails the imperial examination for the fifth time, he marries Princess Chang Le, who is disguised as an ordinary girl. Before Su Yu can even roll up his sleeves to earn money to support his beautiful wife, news of his missed success in the imperial examination suddenly arrives. From then on, news of his success in the imperial examinations—from county-level scholar to provincial-level scholar, to metropolitan-level scholar, to palace-level scholar—frequently arrives. Until one day, news of Su Yu becoming the top scholar arrives. Gu Chang Le, at home, says, "... I only told him to pass the preliminary examination to become a county-level scholar. How come he's become the top scholar in the imperial examinations so quickly?" 2. After accidentally falling into the water and regaining his modern memories, Chen Jiguan, seeing his sister and brother-in-law's eager gazes, can only shoulder his books, pick up his pen, and launch an attack on the path of the imperial examinations. Passing the examinations will exempt him from corvée labor, grant him land tax exemption, and allow him to transcend social classes. He wants to make his beloved elder sister a Lady of High Rank, envied by all!

16. 116 逐 Chasing the Dream of the Pastoral Life in Muye 逐鹿牧野之梦回田舍郎 Little Ye Who Loves Stir-Fried Bottle Gourd爱吃清炒蒲瓜的小野Historical230k WordsCompleted After breaking up with his girlfriend, Chen Xiaoye impulsively sets off alone on an interstellar trip. He accidentally enters a time-space wormhole and transmigrates to an ancient village. Holy crap! I've transmigrated! Looking at this poor household, Chen Xiaoye lets out a desperate cry, but all he gets in response is a string of babyish wails. “Ah... waah...” Damn it, I'm a baby! Even if I have to start from scratch, did I really have to start this young? No System, no pocket dimension, no gol 16Reads—Score—14d adds
17. 117 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

    All are novels about the imperial examination system, rated 9.0 Or higher, and are exceptionally good.

18. 118 带 I Married the Sickly Chief Minister with a Farming System, and He Flirts with Me Every Day 带种田系统嫁病娇首辅，日日被撩 Jiang Qiuqiu姜秋秋Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Farming + putting scumbags in their place + strong heroine + sweet romance + devoted couple] Lu Zhaozhao, head of a family of merchants, accidentally gets bound to a farming System that brings her into a lucky-charm farming novel called The Imperial Consort of the Peasant Household. There, she becomes a cannon-fodder supporting female character who dies as soon as she appears. When she opens her eyes, she has to choose between two newlywed husbands. She faces a greedy, vicious mother-in-law, th 38.6kReads9.3Score3.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    Funny and touching at the same time. The female lead doesn't hold back when she's unhappy; she doesn't tolerate it. The male lead is intelligent. [Upvote][Upvote]

19. 119 种 Farming After Transmigrating as the Top Scholar's Younger Sister 种田：穿成了探花郎的妹妹 It's a Plum, Not a Pear是李子不是梨子Ancient Romance511k WordsCompleted Shen Yiyi transmigrated to an ancient farming household. Her parents were loving, her sister was gentle, and her older brother was a top student. Shen Yiyi was thrilled! She could eat and sleep, run and jump, then sit back and wait to cling to her brother’s coattails! Cozy daily life + opening a shop and making money + waiting for one person to make it big so everyone can benefit The chubby little Yiyi sweetly begged her family to carry her. Mother: “Why don’t you walk by yourself?” Father: “Can 8.2kReads9.0Score94914d adds

    Reader note

    Farming + heartwarming daily life [Thumbs up][Thumbs up] ① The female lead transmigrates into an ancient farming family and becomes the chubby little girl of the Shen family [laughing and crying][laughing and crying]. She is pampered by her family, her brother is a future third-place scholar [laughing][laughing], and her husband is a future top scholar [sending hearts][sending hearts]. ② The imposing Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, to repay a childhood favor, marries the female lead and becomes a true "henpecked husband" [facepalm][facepalm][heart][heart]. ③ The female lead has a lucky charm constitution. After marrying the foolish Xiao family, she starts picking ginseng in the mountains and gold in the river 💰💰💰. In the end, even her foolish husband becomes a top scholar. [Flying kiss][flying kiss][flying kiss][flying kiss]

20. 120 穿 A Transmigrator’s Guide to Supporting a Family in Ancient Times 穿越古代养家实录 The Pigeon in the Dove Cote鸽子窝里的鸽子Ancient Romance450k WordsCompleted Transmigration + face-slapping + putting scumbags in their place + making money Ning Fan, a modern IT professional, dies from overwork and transmigrates to ancient times. He becomes the eldest son of the second branch of the Ning family, which has just been split off and thrown out. The moment he wakes, his wicked grandmother shows up to cause trouble. Ning Fan boldly stands up for his family and face-slaps her. Then he turns around and sees a leaky roof, bowls cleaner than their faces, and a wh 1.2kReads8.8Score10114d adds
21. 121 科 Imperial Examinations: Reborn, She Took Her Ex-Husband's Steady Job 科举：重生后她抢了前夫的铁饭碗 Rabbit Lord's Chitchat兔君闲谈Ancient Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Heroine Does Not Disguise Herself as a Man | Civil Service Exams and Government Career | A Name in the History Books | A Strong Heroine Who Grows] In her previous life, Jiang Ruchu was a fallen noblewoman. Her father was faithless, her mother weak. Carrying a keepsake, she married into the prominent local Huo family to repay a debt of gratitude. When her husband entered school, Jiang Ruchu quietly supported him through his studies... She kept a low profile and fulfilled her duties, hoping only 7kReads9.1Score99014d adds

    Reader note

    Attention all fans of imperial examination novels! These books bring the ancient imperial examination system to life! 💥 From achieving the highest score in six consecutive examinations to a seemingly hopeless scholar turning the tables, there's even a storyline involving a woman disguised as a man and a powerful minister! Family support, breaking through four generations' impasse, a peasant family's rise to power… Farming + imperial examinations + political intrigue, packed with exciting moments, and the historical accuracy is also excellent. Read these now if you're looking for something to read! 📚

22. 122 穿 I Transmigrated and Picked Up a Five-and-a-Half-Year-Old Husband 穿越捡来的相公五岁半 The Wind Goes Whoosh大风呼呼的Ancient Romance206k WordsCompleted Everyone in the capital knows that the influential Grand Secretary married the older sister who raised him from childhood to repay her kindness, becoming a thoroughly henpecked husband. They say Qin Zhao’s wife is jealous, never lets him take a concubine, and won’t let him go out drinking with courtesans. They say Qin Zhao has a miserable life at home, worse than death. Cao Xi spat out a melon seed shell. They don’t know what they’re talking about. That clingy little pest is practically attached 11.3kReads9.1Score1.4k14d adds
23. 123 穿 Into the Story: The Prime Minister’s Transmigrated Wife 穿书嫁首辅，锦鲤甜妻旺全家 May You Never Waste Your Youth卿不负韶华Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A gentle, slow-paced farming story, lucky charm, sweet romance, no golden finger, male lead is reborn, with a natural-disaster escape along the way.] Jiang Sui transmigrated into an ancient romance novel as a background character who didn’t even get a name. But the moment she heard the name Xiao Hechuan, she didn’t hesitate to take her sister’s place and marry him, even though Xiao Hechuan was still a fool at the time. She knew that before long, the fool would recover and go on to pass the impe 19.6kReads9.0Score2.5k14d adds
24. 124 我 I Scored Six Top Marks in a Row, So What Gives You the Right to Call Me a Heretic? 我连中六元，你凭什么喊我异端？ Golden Broth Beef Rice Noodles金汤肥牛米线丫Historical722k WordsCompleted [Cultivation] [Newly rated, score may rise] [Imperial examinations] [Comedy] [Political scheming] [Transmigration] [Not reborn] [Alternate Qin Dynasty] I, the emperor of Great Qin, have been terribly troubled lately. Ever since I promoted that top scholar named Lin Xi, I haven't had a single good night's sleep! He alone has turned the whole court upside down, forcing my idle ministers to get serious about their work and the sons of noble families to start striving for success. Even my imperial h 133Reads7.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These are some of the higher-quality books I've read so far, offering both enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.

25. 125 全 My Clan Funded My Exams, So I Won My Dog an Imperial Title 全族供我科举路，我赠族犬诰命身 Househusband煮夫Historical2.9M WordsOngoing In her previous life, Fang Ziqi was a PhD in science at one of China’s top five universities. In this life, she transmigrates into a farming family in the Great Liang dynasty! A poor household, a father who secretly studies, a biased grandfather, and an uncle who has failed the exams ten times… In an age when everything is inferior to studying, Fang Ziqi has no choice but to tighten her belt and embark on the imperial examination path! She begins her studies at six! Takes the exams at eight! Pas 22.1kReads7.8Score2.2k14d adds
26. 126 只 I Just Want a Bite of Meat, So Why Make Me Take the Imperial Exam? 只想吃口肉，非要让我考科举 Luoluo Feathers洛洛羽毛Ancient Romance835k WordsOngoing A lighthearted, humorous slice-of-life story. Shen Qingyun transmigrates into the body of a poor farm boy in Qingshan Village, Great Qian, whose family can barely keep food on the table. Instead of using his adult wisdom to turn his life around, he devotes it all to figuring out how to get meat to eat. He tricks his cousin and schemes with the neighbor kids. Other people get beaten up, while he gets to satisfy his cravings. When Grandpa suggests sending a grandson to school, Grandma shows her “k 39.4kReads8.5Score3.4k14d adds
27. 127 陛 Your Majesty! The Duke's Uncle Passed the Palace Exam in Third Place! 陛下！国舅爷他中了探花！ The Pig Who Hates Hiking不爱爬山的猪Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [Civil Service Exams and Officialdom] [Court Intrigue] [Plenty of Romance] [A Slice-of-Life Leaning] People in the capital say that after taking a thorough beating, the young imperial uncle has finally gotten his old self back, and even passed the exam as a third-place laureate. But no one knows that he has lived two lives, or that he once had a miraculous encounter across time and witnessed the flourishing civilization of a thousand years in the future. Jiang Yan has never understood how he los 46.6kReads8.9Score5k14d adds
28. 128 科 I Take the Imperial Exam Seriously 科举我是认真的 Lemon Loves Milk柠檬爱吃奶Historical614k WordsCompleted Overnight, he transmigrates and becomes a poor farm boy in the Great Jiang Kingdom, with nothing but the bare walls of his home. His only “golden finger” is the arsenal of skills he learned in his previous life through exam prep and working his way through school. Looking at the thin porridge in his bowl, clear enough to see his reflection, Li Pingbao decides to break through by pursuing an official career through the imperial examinations… 14.8kReads8.2Score1.4k14d adds
29. 129 魔 The Demon Venerable Is Reborn as a Baby and Helps His Father Pass the Imperial Exams 魔尊胎穿崽，陪爹考科举 Show-Off with the Hazard Lights On显眼包开双闪Ancient Romance663k WordsOngoing [Reborn and reincarnated from infancy; farming in the early stages; imperial exams in the middle; officialdom later on; warm family bonds; no romance; adored by everyone] The Demon Lord Shen Yan got a fresh start one day, only to be reborn by mistake as a child born to a cuckold. His cheap father had been cuckolded so badly that his head was practically green-black. So what? At least he had a father now! His father was in poor health? No problem. Three-year-old Shen Yan dragged over a big stool, 1.2kReads9.0Score10314d adds

    Reader note

    🌿①The male protagonist was a demon lord in his previous life, but was reborn as a baby in someone's belly. In order to stay with his ailing adoptive father, he [explores] studies hard, takes exams with his father, and goes to school together...

30. 130 陈 Chen Sanbao's Daily Struggles in Ancient Times 陈三宝古代奋斗日常 A Primordial Beast一只洪荒兽Historical1.5M WordsCompleted A modern-day hoodlum transmigrated into an unknown era and became Chen Sanbao, a member of the Chen family in Chenjia Village, at the foot of the Beilu Mountains! No golden finger, no pocket dimension, no protagonist’s halo. All he has is the everyday struggle of an ordinary person at the bottom of society! The protagonist is far from perfect. He’s impulsive and quick-tempered, has no advanced education or exceptional intelligence, longs for family affection, and feels compassion for the disadva 10.2kReads8.7Score76714d adds

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    Support from 4,000 hours

31. 131 我 I Turned My Superstitious Father into the Chief Councilor 我把神棍老爹卷成首辅 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical1.7M WordsCompleted [Ensemble cast + imperial examinations + daily life + farming + court politics later on] Father and son join forces to build a Ming dynasty on which the sun never sets. Yan Xun transmigrates to the Ming dynasty and discovers that his father can do everything except study. His dad has so many secret identities, like an onion with layer after layer to peel back. Huh! If I push Dad hard enough to make him Grand Secretary, can I become a Junior Grand Secretary? The filial son Yan Xun sells everythin 22.8kReads9.5Score2.8k14d adds
32. 132 科 The Imperial Exam Path to Success 科举助吾上青云 Glory Returned荣归Historical1.0M WordsCompleted After transmigrating into a family of farmers who also valued education, Bai Zimu had grandparents, parents, uncles, and aunts to support, as well as seven older sisters whose dowries had to be prepared. To escape the fighting on the border, the entire family moved back to their hometown. Along the way, they lost two of his sisters, and he himself nearly died. He wasn't strong enough to carry heavy loads or even lift much. In this underdeveloped world, Bai Zimu thought it over and realized that 3kReads9.0Score23614d adds

    Reader note

    These are some of the most treasured imperial examination novels on my old bookworm's bookshelf! They're all incredibly good! [Admiring]

33. 133 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 8.9kReads8.8Score70314d adds

    Reader note

    🌿🌿🌈Highly recommend! This novel about the imperial examinations is written by a master of humor. The protagonist encounters all sorts of bizarre and wonderful things on his journey to the capital. It's a must-have for relaxing and stress-relieving!

34. 134 科 The Imperial Exams: Daily Life of a Young Farmer in Ancient Times 科举：古代农家小子生活日常 A Few Taels of Silver for oo为了oo碎银几两Historical1.1M WordsCompleted [One Female Lead] + [No System] + [Farming] + [Everyday Life] + [Romance] + [Family Matters] The everyday life of a man from the bottom of society in ancient times. To avoid being bullied, wear silk, live in a big house, have a beautiful wife and concubines, own fine horses, and farm without paying taxes, he strives to pass the imperial examinations. And more… Of all pursuits, studying is the noblest. He had only just graduated, yet he threw himself into the imperial examinations. Though it was 1.1kReads6.2Score10914d adds

    Reader note

    Daily Life of the Imperial Examination

35. 135 选 You Chose Me as Censor, Li Shimin, So Why Are You Crying? 选我当御史，李世民你哭什么 Zhang Invincible张无敌Historical4.1M WordsOngoing [Hilarious, satisfying, lighthearted, historical, ancient China] Cheng Jun transmigrated to the third year of the Zhenguan era in the Tang Dynasty, becoming the son of the military officer Cheng Yaojin. As it happened, Li Shimin was recruiting imperial censors! Years later, Li Shimin said to the Crown Prince, “Cheng Jun is a peerless sword of our Great Tang. Only a virtuous person can wield him. You're young, so I'll leave him to you.” The Crown Prince burst into tears. “I don't want it anymore! 45.1kReads9.0Score3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The Lu family, with the combined resources of all three branches, supported a scholar. After Lu Yang transmigrated, his first priority was to improve his family's life. Utilizing existing natural resources and the brewing recipe in his memory, he led his family to earn money! 🍒 Then, he devoted himself entirely to the imperial examinations. Heaven rewards the diligent, and he achieved the highest score in the sixth round… "Congratulations, Scholar Lu, on achieving the highest score! This is an auspicious sign. Scholar Lu will be extraordinary in the future." "Indeed, achieving the highest score is the dream of many scholars. From now on, Scholar Lu will be a role model for all scholars in our Great Jing Dynasty! Congratulations, Scholar Lu." Lu Yang's expression was gentle as he cupped his hands and smiled, "Thank you all. I am able to achieve this only because of the Emperor's boundless grace. If it weren't for His Majesty's busy schedule and the long-term stability of the Jing Dynasty, I would not have been able to achieve this highest score."

36. 136 开 From the Start, Disguised as a Man, I Rose to First Rank Through the Imperial Exams 开局女扮男装，我靠科举官居一品 I Want to Make Money爷要赚钱Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Disguised as a man + imperial examinations and court intrigue + rises to the highest office + one heroine, focused on her career] When Xie Qingfeng opens her eyes, she's handed a nightmare of a life: a house with bare walls, and a woman forced to disguise herself as a man. In an age when everything is considered inferior to scholarship, if she doesn't fight for her place, she'll be crushed to pieces. Since she's here, she'll give it everything she's got! As a woman, she enters the imperial cour 48kReads9.3Score5.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    A novel about the imperial examination system! It features a system! No romantic pairing! Slow pacing! The protagonist is reborn into a farming family, bound to a system, disguised as a man, and studies diligently, focusing solely on the imperial examinations. She climbs the ranks step by step, carving out her own path! Although she has a system, its assistance is relatively small; she relies mainly on her talent, self-discipline, caution, and resourcefulness… she achieves her goals step by step. It's truly inspiring and motivating!

37. 137 最 The Timidest County Magistrate Is Forced to Become Emperor 最怂县令被迫称帝 Listening to the Wind Beyond the Tower楼外听风Historical1.2M WordsOngoing Chen Gou is reborn as a county magistrate on the border and just wants to keep his head down and slack off. Unfortunately, his adviser is a master of wild imagination! He grumbles, “No money, no food. What's the point of doing anything?” The adviser says, “My lord means to use the empty-fort strategy? Brilliant!” He complains, “The city walls are falling apart. Why bother fixing them?” The adviser says, “My lord means to provide relief through public works and win the people's hearts? Genius!” W 7Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    He transmigrated to ancient times, became a cowardly county magistrate, and was forced to become emperor.

38. 138 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 18.5kReads8.9Score1.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    They're all novels about the imperial examination system, and they're quite good. Except for the last one, the rest are complete and don't require any waiting time; they all have a rating of 9.0 Or higher.

39. 139 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 6.2kReads8.4Score41514d adds

    Reader note

    Tired of farming novels? Trying something different, I found these imperial examination novels to be really enjoyable! There's not much romance or scheming; instead, they focus on a positive and uplifting core. The simple, everyday life and family dramas are soothing to a restless soul…

40. 140 我 I Was Already Eight When Grandpa Finally Passed the Provincial Exam 我都八岁了爷爷才中举 The Sixth of Madam Six六夫人的老六Historical1.5M WordsCompleted The transmigrator has a smaller role in the early chapters. The protagonists are Liu Lin and the transmigrator Liu An. I, Liu An, have been transmigrated for eight years, and only now has Grandpa passed the provincial civil service examination! In the thirteenth year of the Wanli era of the Great Ming, forty-two-year-old Liu Lin passes the provincial examination. Years later, Liu Lin gazes at the plaque reading “Four Jinshi from One Family” and falls into deep thought. Follow the protagonist’s g 2.8kReads6.9Score22414d adds

    Reader note

    A very good new book

41. 141 宋 Song Dynasty Crossover: From Scholar to Ruler, Calling a Deer a Horse 宋综：从秀才宰执天下，指鹿为马 Yang Xian杨弦Male-Channel Fanfiction761k WordsOngoing [TV adaptations and Song-era settings: Story of Minglan + A Dream of Splendor + Destined + Love Like the Galaxy + Song Dynasty + Imperial Examinations + Chancellor] Good news: I transmigrated to ancient times and became a scholar. Bad news: I'm the scholar from the story “My Son Is a Scholar.” Sun Zhigao is at his wit's end! He's become a useless freeloader! Living off others feels great, but you can't do it forever! All he can do is work hard, pass the imperial exams, enter officialdom, and cli 1.6kReads8.3Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    You can take a look at these books.

42. 142 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 3.1kReads8.6Score21514d adds
43. 143 布 A Commoner Conquers the Nine Provinces 布衣镇九州 Cai Bibi菜比比Historical2.3M WordsCompleted Zhao Ce transmigrates to the Ming Dynasty, becoming an impoverished scholar with a terrible reputation. He also discovers that he borrowed money to get married, then squandered it all, and ended up buying a pitiful little cripple on the way back to make up the numbers. The little cripple has mismatched eyes and is treated like a monster. Zhao Ce: What kind of miserable life is this? A disastrous start? But when he takes another look at the little cripple, so tiny and thin, blinking those big eye 25.9kReads9.2Score2.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    The protagonist transmigrates into the body of a penniless man and unexpectedly marries a beautiful wife. Faced with abject poverty, all sorts of situations arise. Watch how this young couple, amidst chaos and commotion, uses their wit, creativity, and optimism to make their impoverished life full of fun, laughter, and endless joy.

44. 144 科 The Imperial Exams: They All Say I'm the Star of Literature Reborn 科举，他们都说我是文曲星下凡 Lin Tong林桐Historical1.1M WordsOngoing (This book blends elements of the imperial examinations, romance, court politics, bureaucratic intrigue, warfare, and more.) Zhao Lin was the youngest professor of classical Chinese literature in Huaxia. After transmigrating, he becomes a young scholar in the Great Zhou, celebrated as a “star of literary talent” and a “child prodigy.” But the Grand Examiner declares him “frivolous by nature, destined to achieve nothing.” With his reputation on the verge of collapse, he draws on the extraordinary 1.4kReads8.7Score16614d adds

    Reader note

    Here are four recommended novels about the imperial examination system [thumbs up]: 1. A top student with master's degrees in both arts and sciences, unexpectedly transmigrated into the body of a peasant boy in ancient times [shocked]. "All other pursuits are inferior, only studying is noble" [thumbs up]. Seeing his family's less-than-ideal circumstances and their expectations, he embarked on ten years of arduous study, ultimately achieving success in the imperial examinations [laughs]. 2. An accident led to his rebirth into a peasant family [stunned]. Understanding his new era [thinking], he realized that only through studying and passing the imperial examinations could he truly live a good life [salute]. Therefore, at the age of five, he requested to start school, also bearing the expectations of his family [thumbs up]. Go check them out! [Please follow]

45. 145 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... 36Reads8.9Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I highly recommend the third book. The author's writing is tight, the plot is rich, and the male protagonist doesn't have any special abilities; he relies on his knowledge from before his transmigration and his hard work to fight his way through.

46. 146 寒 The Road to the Imperial Examinations for a Poor Scholar 寒门科举之路 Moon Glutinous White月糯白Historical821k WordsCompleted After surviving alone in the apocalypse for three years, Yang Han is betrayed by his teammates and scratched by a zombie. Unwilling to turn into one and get his head blown off, he takes his own life. To his surprise, he transmigrates into the body of a farm boy, the only son of a family with a thousand acres of fertile land. He can't handle the backbreaking work in the fields, and since all professions are inferior to studying, he has no choice but to set out on the path to the imperial examinat 193Reads8.6Score11414d adds

    Reader note

    These are all examination essays, written by people from peasant families who rose to high-ranking official positions. They are well-written and do not diminish intelligence.

47. 147 小 The Daily Life of a Minor Official's Son Preparing for the Imperial Exams 小官之子科举日常 Ninth Day of the First Month良月初九Historical377k WordsCompleted [Woman Transmigrates into a Man + Imperial Exams + Farmer's Son + No Problematic Family Members + No Pocket Dimension + No Golden Finger] Lin He, a graduate student in history, transmigrates into the Great Qi, a dynasty that never existed in history, and goes from being a woman to a man. His family has nothing to its name: his father is a catlike academic prodigy, his mother a tigerlike farmer, and Lin He's life is a constant struggle. Fortunately, his father earned the jinshi degree early on, a 1.7kReads8.8Score12514d adds

    Reader note

    The writing is good, the content is interesting, the main character is intelligent, and there are some external factors involved, but not many.

48. 148 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

    Reader note

    💥💥💥First Book: [Female to Male Transmigration + Imperial Examination + Later Romance + Historical Influence + Founding Family Genealogy] Qin Huan, born into an orphanage, is unexpectedly transformed into a college graduate. When she opens her eyes again, she finds herself transported from the present to the past, from female to male, becoming a poor farm child in the historically unrecorded Northern Ming Dynasty. Holding a useless cheat-like interface, Qin Huan resolutely decides: if the mountain won't accept me, I'll take the mountain! Soar to the top! Take the imperial examination! 💥💥💥Second Book: Transmigrated into an ancient farm child, to improve her family's life, this academically challenged student embarks on the long road of the imperial examination. She doesn't seek wealth, high rank, or official positions; she only wishes to live a simple life protecting her family's peace.

49. 149 科 The Imperial Exams: Soaring Ninety Thousand Miles 科举之扶摇直上九万里 Yi San Du一三渡Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Li Yanqing transmigrated to the Great Qi, a fictional dynasty. He told himself, “No need to worry. I’m a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. I can make a good life for myself anywhere.” But his father died, leaving behind a final wish: Li Yanqing should study, take the imperial exams, become an official, and make something of himself. To fulfill his father’s wish, Li Yanqing embarked on a decade of arduous study. Li Yanqing thought that since fate had brought him here, he ought to make use o 2kReads8.7Score14614d adds
50. 150 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 11.3kReads8.9Score94914d adds

    Reader note

    The first two books are like that, the third one starts with passing the imperial examination, and it's very well written.

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