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. 151 快 Quick Transmigration: I’m Here to Stand Up for My Mom 快穿：我来给我妈撑腰了 Gu Jinnian顾锦年Ancient Romance2.1M WordsCompleted [Male-lead quick transmigration; the small worlds may or may not have romance] 1. The son of a cannon-fodder crown princess (✓) According to historical records, Crown Prince Meng Zhang was exceptionally bright from a young age. He could write at three, fight at five, and was named crown prince at nine. He ascended the throne at just fifteen. Well-versed in history, he had grand ambitions. During his reign, he introduced a prefecture-and-county system at home, opened free schools, and established 12.9kReads8.4Score78514d adds

   Reader note

   #Quick Transmigration, Rebirth, Saving the Female Supporting Character's Mother, Genius Son

2. 152 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: A Chancellor of Unmatched Grace 红楼：风华首辅 Painted Bridge by the Willow Smoke烟柳画桥Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [No System + intellectual battles + political intrigue + everyday life] Every line is stained with bitter tears, every page filled with absurdity. You might think this is merely a tale of infatuated, indulged young men and women behind closed doors, but who could know that the rise and fall of the world are all intertwined? Are the fortunes of the four great families destined to change? Is the dynasty beset by internal and external threats destined to fall? Must the path to a noble title and hig 43.2kReads9.2Score3.5k14d adds
3. 153 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... 430Reads6.8Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   In the first story, the family initially thought the child was just sunbathing at the door and didn't pay much attention. However, by evening, when everyone returned for dinner, they discovered the child was missing. Good heavens, had he been kidnapped? Gouwa's mother's legs went weak, and the whole family sprang into action, searching the house and yard. Tears and snot streamed down their faces. His grandmother was terrified that she might have inadvertently lost her fourth son's only child.

4. 154 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 119.8kReads9.6Score11.5k14d adds
5. 155 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 122.5kReads9.4Score12.7k14d adds

   Reader note

   Historical fiction is the best on Tomato, with well-developed characters, fluent writing, grand content, humor, and touching moments, making it a book worth reading carefully.

6. 156 农 A Farmer's Rise: From Gathering Rice to Becoming Prime Minister 农家逆袭：从捡稻谷到当宰辅 Phoenix Dance, Thunder Blade凤舞雷刃Historical139k WordsOngoing Shen Yanzhi, a postgraduate history student, opens his eyes to find himself in the body of a country boy in ancient times named Goudan, the only child the Li family had waited ten years for. His great-grandfather once held high office, but so what? After being exiled to Lingnan, the whole family still had to rely on farming to survive. Just as he gets used to life in an ancient village, he’s bound to a bizarre System. Other transmigrators get Systems that help them conquer the world, but his tas —Reads—Score—14d adds

   Reader note

   Shen Yanzhi, a history graduate student, wakes up to find himself transmigrated into the body of "Gou Dan," a farm boy in ancient times—the only son the Li family had been hoping for for ten years. So what if his great-grandfather held a high official position? After being demoted to Lingnan, the whole family still had to rely on farming to survive. Absolutely true.

7. 157 穿 Transmigrate to Take the Imperial Exams? No, I'll Be the Chief Examiner Instead 穿越考科举？不，我直接当主考官 Keke Toluofusiji可可妥罗夫斯基Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Other people transmigrate, study hard for ten years, and burn the midnight oil to make the imperial examination rankings. Me, Lin Zhijie... Emperor: “You are truly gifted, sir! Would you be willing to serve as an official and help me shoulder the burdens of state?” Me (modestly waving my hand): “Being an official is too exhausting. I just want to be a layabout.” Emperor (after a moment's thought): “In that case, you can be a chief examiner!” Inner thoughts: “Only two months of work a year, an ea 435Reads7.7Score11214d adds
8. 158 穿 Transmigrated to Ancient Times as a Lady of Honor 穿到古代当诰命夫人 June Gardenia六月栀子花Ancient Romance327k WordsCompleted After an accident transmigrated Xiangyi to ancient times, she found her newlywed husband acting strangely in all sorts of ways. She was baffled. Was he really a man born and raised in ancient times? Xiangyi: Maybe I should test him. But what could I use to test him? By the same twist of fate, Yanshu also transmigrated to ancient times. Faced with his new wife, he was just as troubled. There was already someone in his heart, someone he had carried with him for nearly ten years. How should he trea 131Reads8.2Score10014d adds

   Reader note

   The male and female leads are both transmigrated. The male lead enters officialdom through the imperial examination. He has no special abilities or cheat codes. The two support each other and gradually rise to a high position. Both the male and female leads are intelligent, and the supporting characters are not less intelligent either.

9. 159 咱 Our Family Has Been Bandits for Generations, and You Went and Passed the Top Scholar Exam 咱家世代贼寇，你小子考上状元了 Over Ten Thousand Words a Day日更过万Historical2.1M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation, Our Family Has Been Bandits for Generations, and You Went and Passed the Imperial Exams, premieres on November 21 at 9:00. Reservations are open now! Qin Yu transmigrated to ancient times. His father was the chief of Blackwind Stronghold, with wanted posters plastered all over the city gates. His mother was the Holy Maiden of the Black Lotus Sect, a notorious female fiend in the martial world. His grandfather had once attempted a rebellion... His grandmother was a pri 31.4kReads8.6Score3.7k14d adds
10. 160 明 I Could Easily Rely on My Martial Skills, but My Wife Insists on Using Her Brain 明明可以靠武力，娘子非要靠脑子 Kimchi Jar泡菜坛子Ancient Romance634k WordsCompleted [Modern woman in ancient times + transmigration with her body + love after marriage + sweet and satisfying] [A male lead who never stops rescuing his wife + a mindless heroine who kills at the slightest provocation] Jiu Yue, the greatest assassin of the twenty-second century, is blown off a cliff while carrying out a mission. With a splat, she lands in the backward Great Qi Dynasty. The wicked step-grandmother finds Ji Yiqing a wild girl she picked up and makes her his bride, hoping the marriage 35.9kReads9.4Score4.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    It doesn't lower the protagonist's intelligence, and there's no system. The protagonist works hard to pass the imperial examinations and diligently becomes an official. The protagonist's plot armor gets stronger later on, but overall it's pretty good. I personally prefer the second and fourth books; they have a good pacing.

11. 161 寒 A Humble Scholar’s Rise Through the Imperial Exams [Female to Male] 寒门科举崛起路【女穿男】 Yan Xiyao晏曦瑶Ancient Romance611k WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + woman transmigrates into a man + farming + food + making a name in history] In her previous life, Mu Suyan had worked her hardest just to become an ordinary university graduate. In this life, from the start, she became a penniless boy from a poor scholar’s family. His ancestors had once enjoyed great glory, but he had been born at the wrong time. The entire Mu family eagerly hoped he would restore their former greatness. He summoned the resolve to study through every har 219Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Without diminishing his intelligence. Xie Suyan, a son of a poor family, transmigrates to another world, awakening his spiritual awakening at the age of three. He diligently studies the Four Books and Five Classics, passing the imperial examinations step by step. Fortunately, he encounters a noble senior brother who supports his lofty ambitions. Their daily life is warm and harmonious, without any awful characters. His family is not a burden, but rather wholeheartedly devoted to him. The male protagonist's senior brother, his white moonlight, Li Yanzhi, comes from an official family and is the prodigy of the Li clan. He studied under Grand Secretary Mu and has been acquainted with great Confucian scholars since childhood. He is unparalleled in the world, achieving the highest rank in the imperial examinations, and is deeply trusted by the emperor. He shares a youthful friendship with Xie Suyan.

12. 162 穿 A Lowly County Office Clerk with Kids at Home and No Rice to Cook 穿成县衙小吏，家有儿女等米下锅 Don't Discuss the Wind-Banner, Follow Your Heart心动莫论风幡Historical1.3M WordsOngoing [A clerk is no official, and the desk is a mountain of blades] [No errors in the ledger, every stroke of the brush decides joy and sorrow] The male lead had only just transmigrated when someone cracked him over the back of the head. After missing work for three days, he nearly got struck off the rolls. His father thought he was saddled with two useless dependents. His older brother thought he was too inflexible to make money. His fourth younger brother feared his lowly clerk's status would tarni 166.2kReads9.2Score22.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    How about a story set in a county town? I highly recommend this one—a tale of the daily lives of ordinary officials and commoners in a county town. Exquisite details, a stark depiction of human nature, transporting you to the bustling streets of the Song Dynasty a thousand years ago. It's not a wish-fulfillment novel, but it has its emotional moments. It's not about political intrigue, but it captures the essence of human relationships. No romantic pairings, no cheat codes, no modern-day superiority complexes—just a hyper-realistic ancient Chinese novel. After reading this, I can't really read anything else!

13. 163 水 Water Margin: Reborn, Who'd Still Accept an Imperial Pardon? 水浒：都重生了，谁还招安啊！ Han Yu寒羽Historical3.3M WordsCompleted Trade height for insight from the start! Ren Yuan transmigrates into a minor character in Water Margin, determined to forge his own legend in the martial world at the end of the Northern Song dynasty! Wherever the banners of the Liangshan army fly, the land belongs to the Han people! I’ll save the people the Great Song won’t save, and fight the enemies the Great Song won’t dare to fight! Jin Wushu: Ren Yuan, stay away from me! 66.5kReads9.1Score5.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book features a caveman as the protagonist, not a time traveler; he's the Eighth Prince of the Ming Dynasty, a high-ranking official. The second book is more fictional, but the content is good. The third book is somewhat of a Water Margin fanfiction. The rest are all novels I've finished reading.

14. 164 笑 You Mock My Clan for Never Passing the Imperial Exams? What Are You Crying For Now That I Passed All Three with Top Honors? 笑我全族不中举？三元及第你哭啥 A Useless Scholar无用一书生Historical323k WordsOngoing Zhang Yan, the top scholar of nine provinces, has just earned his doctorate when he opens his eyes and finds himself in a poor village in the Great Yong Dynasty. His clan has spent generations taking the imperial examinations, but after decades, not one of them has even passed the first degree. They have become the laughingstock of the entire village. But Zhang Yan sees the clan elders' good intentions. People say studying is hard, but how can it be harder than farming? He secretly swears, “Sinc 313Reads8.4Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    I just read a text about the imperial examinations; the whole family was very poor, but they worked hard to support each other.

15. 165 南 The Southern Song Dynasty’s Top Undercover Agent 南宋第一卧底 Long Yuan龙渊Historical7.4M WordsCompleted In the sixteenth year of the Jiading era of the Southern Song, Shen Mo, a modern-day undercover agent, began manipulating the fate of the empire in the palm of his hand. Countless ingenious schemes, ruthless plots, and brutal tactics poured from him. His modern forensic techniques cracked one bizarre Southern Song case after another, while his espionage skills crushed the secret agents of the Liao and Jin. When the Mongol Yuan cavalry, invincible across the land, came thundering toward them, the 5.9kReads9.1Score81014d adds
16. 166 重 After Rewriting the Family Tree, Smoke Rose from the Ancestors' Graves: I'm Rich! 重开族谱后祖坟冒青烟，发家啦！ Astonishing Swan Takes Flight惊鸿鹊起Historical898k WordsCompleted [Business] [Imperial Exams] [Alternate Setting] [Everyday Life] [A Touch of Romance] Modern intangible cultural heritage video editor Li Yanning is in a car accident and transmigrates into the body of Li Yanning, a frail five-year-old boy. His biased grandfather and sharp-tongued step-grandmother are ready to let him die! Luckily, his reliable birth parents go all out to protect him. So touching... But after the family splits up, they're left with nothing. His parents are bullied, and his greedy 3.6kReads8.6Score32714d adds

    Reader note

    Imperial examinations, wealth creation, a diverse group of people

17. 167 宋 The Struggles of a Poor Family in the Song Dynasty 宋代寒门的奋斗史 De Boerba德波尔巴Historical1.1M WordsCompleted In the blink of an eye, a history PhD from the 21st century becomes the second son of a farming family outside Bianliang City. His family is dirt poor, the elders are shortsighted, and they even have a “precious heir” whom the whole family must support. As the second son of a branch family whom no one takes seriously, watch how Chen He works his way up, crosses class boundaries, and leaps from the farm into a new life. 1.7kReads7.6Score14714d adds

    Reader note

    The protagonist has very few family ties; his father is the second son and not favored. His desire to study is dismissed as a pipe dream. He copies books to earn money for his studies, but his family tries to take it away from him. The only good thing is that his older brother intervenes when he's about to be beaten. In the end, the protagonist is adopted out. His later role as an official in a remote area is quite exciting and engaging. It's a good story, but it makes me want to cry. The protagonist's life is so tragic; he truly tried so hard.

18. 168 三 Three Kingdoms: Starting in Liangzhou, Building Power Step by Step 三国：从西凉开始，步步为营 Explosive Squid爆炸鱿鱼Historical10.0M WordsCompleted No System, no golden finger. A farming and political-strategy novel. Transmigrated to the late Han, he uses wisdom a thousand years ahead of its time to open up vast tracts of farmland and train elite troops. While other warlords are still forcibly recruiting soldiers, he already commands countless elite troops. While other generals are fighting over a single Red Hare, he has already assembled an army of tens of thousands of Red Hare cavalry. While the other lords are worrying about money and pr 503Reads8.1Score—14d adds
19. 169 豪 The Tyrant of Great Song 豪横大宋 Luo Shen罗诜Historical3.6M WordsCompleted “Dalang, it's time to take your medicine.” Wu Zhi wakes up and suddenly finds a bewitching beauty standing before him, holding out a bowl of medicine! Should he drink it...? 707Reads8.5Score12014d adds
20. 170 穿 Transmigration: The Daily Life of an Ancient Imperial Exam Candidate, Son of a Peddler 穿越：商贩之子的古代科举日常 Bai Qiqi百柒柒Historical1.2M WordsCompleted [Imperial Examinations + Alternate History + Everyday Life in Ancient Times + Building Wealth + Slow-Burn + Coming of Age] In his previous life, Lin Xiang’an lost his parents at a young age and grew up dependent on others. After getting into college, he took a leave of absence to serve as a conscript. When he returned from the military and resumed his studies, he started a few businesses and gradually made his fortune. He achieved success at a young age, and his business kept growing. Then, one 2.5kReads7.9Score18314d adds

    Reader note

    It's so good! The writing is excellent, the logic is meticulous, the male protagonist is vengeful and has a good balance of strength and gentleness, it's definitely not just mindless fun, the plot is full of ups and downs, one thing leads to another, and he turns the tables step by step in adversity through his own efforts and wisdom... It gets more and more exciting as you go on!

21. 171 女 After Reincarnating as a Man, She Studies Her Way to Restore Her Family's Honor 女穿男后，靠读书为家族改换门楣 Little Meatball Is Super Skinny小肉丸子超级瘦Ancient Romance1.6M WordsCompleted A 38-year-old office drone transmigrates into the body of a little boy, working hard to act cute by day and studying himself to death by night. He, Jiang Mingfei, is the sole heir in four generations of the Jiang family, and he’s determined to lead them all to a better life. “Grandpa, your fifties are the perfect age to strive for success. How about taking a look at past provincial examination questions?” “Father, I heard that passing the provincial-level imperial exam qualifies you for an offic 3.3kReads8.6Score36214d adds

    Reader note

    This is a very rare topic. Not content with just rolling it up himself, he got the whole family involved too! It's hilarious; this little one has the whole family wrapped around his little finger.

22. 172 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) 659Reads8.5Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all examination essays written by farmers; you can take a look. [Sending hearts][Sending hearts][Sending hearts]

23. 173 斩 Executed from the Start? One Poem Made Me a God! Defying Heaven to Change My Fate! 斩首开局？一诗封神！逆天改命！ Hua Nuo Huajingxuan花诺花靖轩Eastern Fantasy1.5M WordsOngoing In the Great Qian Dynasty, the literary path reigns supreme, and poetry can manifest the divine! From condemned prisoner to supreme Literary Sage, Lin Fan uses modern knowledge to reshape the literary path! “Let the literary path serve the people, and let all under heaven live as one! I will change this world with my poetry!” 1.6kReads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommend it, it's a really good book [laughs]

24. 174 全 The Whole Family Transmigrates: I Take the Imperial Exams with Dad and Become a Rich Heiress 全家穿：随爹科考后，我成了白富美 Supporting Green Waters扶绿水Ancient Romance496k WordsCompleted [The Whole Family Transmigrates + Imperial Exams + Business + An Adorable, Silly Male Lead] Other people transmigrate alone. The whole Liu family comes along, and even their big yellow dog makes the trip, becoming a talking parrot. As soon as the Liu family arrives, they waste no time splitting up the household! Liu Zhizhi also kicks her cheating scumbag of a fiancé to the curb! After the split, the house is drafty on every side and they have nothing. They’ll have to start from scratch. But don’ 65Reads5.8Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    🌷🌷A super captivating imperial examination novel!!! Highly recommended! ❤️❤️

25. 175 农 The Farmer's Eldest Daughter: I Bound a System to Revive My Family Through the Imperial Exams 农家长姐：我绑定科举兴家系统 Mu Lianlian慕莲莲Ancient Romance515k WordsCompleted [Completed novel + imperial examinations + farming + born to be a teacher + romance later on + slow burn + feel-good story] Xie Linghe was mistakenly claimed by the underworld and transmigrated into a book. Unfortunately, this whole family was made up of villains and cannon fodder. Luckily, the underworld made it up to her by giving her a System. A System for bringing honor to the family through the imperial examinations? ! I'm a woman, and you want me to take the imperial examinations in anc 466Reads7.2Score10814d adds
26. 176 全 The Whole Family Transmigrated, and My Husband Rose to Success Through the Imperial Exams 全家穿，相公他靠科举平步青云 Quiet Joy and Forever清欢与久Ancient Romance613k WordsCompleted [Fleeing famine + farming + transmigration + imperial exams + both leads are faithful + one-on-one romance] They’d planned a lovely trip before the wedding, taking both families along for a big holiday. Then they all died. When she woke up, she was in the middle of a great famine, surrounded by barren land beneath a scorching sun. Thankfully, she had a golden finger: A built-in Wealth System. Ding! Today’s task: walk two kilometers. Reward: five taels of silver. Ding! Today’s task: walk half a k 757Reads8.8Score10514d adds
27. 177 清 Clear Spring, Bright Moon 清泉明月 An Hong安洪Historical524k WordsOngoing [No System], [no pocket dimension] Not a plagiarist, not a mindless farming story, a slow burn, one heroine. He only wanted a peaceful night's sleep. By chance, he made something to repel mosquitoes and other bugs, but someone else got rich from it. He only wanted to protect the rice at home from pests, so he made some insecticide powder, but it opened up a shortcut to success for someone else. He only wanted to study a little and pass the exam to become a licentiate, so he could escape the burd 9Reads8.0Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is definitely not mindless; the male lead is intelligent and not lazy, and the female lead is kind and wise. It's a sweet little story, starting from the bottom of a farming family—not the very bottom, though; at least the protagonist's family still owns five acres of paddy fields.

28. 178 农 The Noble Young Master of the Countryside 农门贵公子 Jing Yiruoxi静依若熙Historical303k WordsCompleted Transmigration, alternate world, farming, space, male lead He transmigrates to a poor, remote mountain village in ancient times. This isn’t quite what he imagined transmigration would be like... At least he has a loving family by his side. Since he’s here, he might as well make the best of it! 1.9kReads8.5Score12514d adds
29. 179 寒 The Top Scholar from a Poor Family 寒门第一状元郎 Unable to Paint It画不成Historical275k WordsCompleted Su Yan, a calligraphy enthusiast from the 21st century, transmigrates to ancient times and becomes the down-and-out young master of an official's family. By chance, he receives the true teachings of the Sage of Calligraphy, Wang Xizhi. Now the age has two calligraphy sages: Wang Xizhi, the Great Sage of Calligraphy, and Su Yan, the Lesser Sage of Calligraphy. The reputation of a great man is never unfounded, and how could a talented young man be anything but handsome? Watch Su Yan rise from humb 162Reads6.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The second book was especially good.

30. 180 首 The Lucky Wife of the Grand Secretary 首辅家的锦鲤妻 Cong Yue丛月Ancient Romance3.2M WordsCompleted Only after Su Jiuyue married into the Wu family did she discover that her husband was a fool. She thought she'd been swindled. But as soon as she entered the family, it was as if Heaven itself had blessed the Wus. One happy occasion followed another, and their lives kept getting better. She went up the mountain to gather wild greens and found a lingzhi mushroom; she went down to the river to fish and found a rare, ancient fungus. Even her foolish husband turned out not to be a fool, and he came 17kReads9.3Score2.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book had 99+ reviews for every single point, and the storyline was incredibly engaging. I recently finished the second book, and it's also a pretty good scientific exploration novel.

31. 181 重 Reborn as a Young Scholar in a Farming Family 重生之农家小书生 Smiling Dove笑白鸽Historical1.5M WordsCompleted Xiao Han transmigrated to ancient times as a little boy. He had planned to coast through life, eating his fill and waiting to die, but the System, desperate to meet its performance targets, tried every trick to tempt him, from sweet-talking him to feeding him poisonous motivational slogans. Xiao Han gradually veered onto a path no one had planned for. He had only wanted to help his family achieve a comfortable life, but he aimed too high and accidentally reached the pinnacle of success. Xiao San 1.9kReads8.7Score12614d adds
32. 182 大 Great Qin: My Frail and Delicate Worthy Minister 大秦：我那身娇体弱的贤臣 White Clouds, White Clouds白云朵朵白Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted Female transmigrates as a man + no romance + focused on building a career Zhang Yuanqing transmigrates into the body of a down-on-his-luck noble from the State of Chu during the Warring States period. “System for Great Ministers of the Ages activated. Host, work hard to become one of history's greatest ministers!” Wait, wait, wait. Having a System is a good thing, but what does it mean to become one of history's greatest ministers? It's a given that King Zheng of Qin will unite the six states. A 14.6kReads9.5Score1.6k14d adds

    Reader note

    This was the first book that got me hooked, and I highly recommend the third and eighth installments. Are there any good imperial examination novels? I'm experiencing a reading slump and can't find any good ones.

33. 183 农 The Noble Son of a Farming Family 农门贵子 Orchid Seed兰花子Historical1.5M WordsCompleted He never imagined that one day he would transmigrate into the body of a fifteen-year-old peasant boy who had died in an examination hall. To take control of his own fate in this dynasty, all he can do is study hard. Studying changes one's fate, and can pave the way to success… 39Reads7.4Score1514d adds
34. 184 穿 I Transmigrated to Ancient Times and Became a Poor Scholar 穿越到古代，我成了穷酸秀才 Duanmu Ci Yixin端木赐一心Historical1.4M WordsCompleted In his previous life, he earned doctorates in mechanical engineering and materials science. After transmigrating to ancient times, he became a penniless scholar despised by everyone. His family was at the end of its rope. Their land and house were mortgaged, the pantry was empty, and they were about to be left homeless. Fortunately, he had a market-trading System. Starting with just two coins, he began by making pickles and earning money to support his family. From there, he never looked back. D 6kReads8.6Score54114d adds
35. 185 红 Dream of the Red Chamber: Who Dares Lay a Hand on My Sister? 红楼：谁敢动我妹 Painted Bridge by the Willow Smoke烟柳画桥Historical712k WordsCompleted Planned settings for now: Dream of the Red Chamber, Liaozhai, Lotus Lantern, and Journey to the West. A young man is reborn in Dream of the Red Chamber, only to unexpectedly master the Daoist Great Yellow Court cultivation art from The Sword of the Snow Stride! In this life, he was an orphan from the frontier, but was saved by the father of Xue Pan and Xue Baochai. He had meant to stay out of things, but he owed them his life. Enough! Enough! Enough! Then he would use the Great Yellow Court wit 9.1kReads8.9Score62214d adds
36. 186 穿 Rules for Transmigrators: I Become an Online Keyboard Warrior in Great Ming 穿越者守则：我在大明当键盘侠 Liu the Son of a Thousand Cutthroats刘杀千刀的Historical2.4M WordsCompleted (Alternate history + no System + no golden finger + imperial examinations and political intrigue + one female lead) Chen Ke, a transmigrator, enters the Jiajing era. From a boy who tended cattle to top scorer in the imperial examinations, from Hanlin compiler to Earl of Jinghai, he cuts a path through one challenge after another, navigating the treacherous court with care at every step. With a brush in his left hand and a sword in his right, he uses modern knowledge to maneuver among the uprigh 4.6kReads8.7Score29914d adds

    Reader note

    No system, during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, had a mind, not a brainless one.

37. 187 开 From the Start as a Caveman: Survive Evil Spirits by Reading 开局山顶洞人，遇邪祟要读书保命 Xu Da虚大Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted [Genius protagonist + invincible protagonist + imperial examinations + dragon-like fortune + super genius + no System + talismans that suppress evil + lawless aristocratic clans] After transmigrating to a world overrun by evil spirits, Liu Ci discovers that studying is his only way to survive. Other people take the imperial exams to earn fame and rank. He takes them to stay alive. Others rely on their families and connections. He relies on the study techniques he remembers from his past life as 1.8kReads8.5Score15814d adds

    Reader note

    These few essays on the imperial examination system are very readable; I recommend them to everyone. [Smirk]

38. 188 穿 I Became a Farm Girl, and My Son Is a Top Imperial Exam Scholar 穿成农家小娘子，儿子是科举大佬 Better to Step Back and Cast a Net不如退而结网Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Dual transmigration, farming, the imperial examinations, family life, building wealth, and a warm, happy life) (No System, no pocket dimension, no golden finger. Both the female lead and her son have transmigrated.) (The female lead is hardworking, clever, beautiful, and capable. The male lead seems honest on the surface, but is actually hopelessly devoted to her, fiercely protective of his family, and scrupulously faithful. Their son is a prodigy who never forgets anything he reads, and he’s r 14.1kReads8.5Score1.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    Then I'd recommend this novel. The male lead's mother is an ordinary person who transmigrated into the body of a farmer's daughter. She has no special abilities or powers of magic. After marriage, she gives birth to a son who also transmigrated... Because the son has worked in the government, he's very intelligent. During his growth, his true identity is revealed, but he never knows that his mother is also a transmigrator. He has doubts at times, but he manages to smooth things over because his father is a romantic at heart... I don't know if it's historically accurate, but I think this novel is definitely worth reading.

39. 189 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 4.5kReads9.2Score49914d adds
40. 190 摄 Prince Regent, the Top Scholar Has Impeached You Again 摄政王，状元郎又弹劾你了 A Little A-Fei一只阿肥Two Male Leads283k WordsOngoing [Ancient setting + two male leads + two powerful leads + court intrigue + a touch of the martial world] Cool, frail beauty × arrogant, ruthless powerhouse In the dying years of the Great Qian dynasty, warlords carved up the land into five kingdoms. In the Central Plains dynasty, the sixth year of Shengzhao’s reign, the emperor was absurd and treacherous ministers held sway. Yan Ci rose to fame at a young age, placing first in the palace examination after taking top honors in all three rounds, on 34Reads—Score33114d adds

    Reader note

    A story of political intrigue and strategic mastery, without time travel, transmigration, or rebirth. The protagonist begins by embroiled in a scandal involving cheating on the imperial examinations, and a princess is nearly forced into a political marriage, lamenting that sending a concubine would secure the stability of the nation, leaving her wondering where a general could be found. The male lead proposes that a prince could also be sent for a political marriage, and the regent quickly follows suit, using his power and influence with officials to pressure the emperor into marrying a prince from another country.

41. 191 农 A Late-Born Son of a Farmer Takes the Imperial Exam and Leaves the Emperor Stunned 农家老来子考科举，强到朕傻眼了 Wind Tugs at the Clouds风挽云Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Also known as The Late-Born Son of a Farming Family Takes the Civil Service Exams, and Grows So Powerful Even the Emperor Is Stunned; I Entered Government Through the Civil Service Exams and Became a Powerful Minister of Great Qian; Song Yuan, a rising star in the legal world, dies in a car accident and transmigrates into a farming family in Great Qian, becoming the late-born son whom the whole village mocks. With disasters striking one after another and his family mired in poverty, his life fro 12.1kReads8.1Score1.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    🔥😱 A peasant boy is ridiculed by the whole village: "A peasant dreaming of becoming the top scholar? A pipe dream!" But who would have thought that at age 3 he could recite the Four Books and Five Classics, and at age 5 he could debate with the corrupt gentry and scholars, making the Ming Dynasty's imperial examinations incredibly competitive! ⚡✨ The character is explosive! This poor prodigy possesses a photographic memory, doesn't resort to tricks, and crushes all his opponents with his intelligence—a snobbish relative tries to steal his credit? He counters with the Emperor's bestowed writing brush and ink! The examiner sets a difficult, off-topic question? He writes a timeless masterpiece on the spot, leaving everyone speechless! 💥🎯 The thrill is so intense you can't stop! From being so poor he can't even afford food, to achieving top marks in the county, prefectural, and provincial examinations, and finally being chosen by the Emperor as the "Sixth Scholar" in the palace examination, every chapter has a new twist, the pace of face-slapping is lightning fast, and there's no fluff, just pure substance! ✅🌟 He's the apple of everyone's eye! Parents sold everything to support the child's education, older siblings worked tirelessly to protect the prodigy, and even the reclusive powerful father showed up to offer assistance. Clearing all obstacles in the imperial examinations, the story is a double dose of revenge and heartwarming family drama – the more you read, the more addictive it becomes! 📚👉 Click to read the full story and witness the farm prodigy's incredible intelligence as he rises from a village child to a high-ranking official. Every chapter is packed with exciting moments, ensuring a captivating read. Immerse yourself in the ultimate thrill of "imperial examination godhood" – the more you read, the more addictive it becomes!

42. 192 寒 Poor Scholar, Grand Secretary: My Teacher Is Xu Jie 寒门首辅：家师徐阶 Jiangcheng🔥江城🔥Historical446k WordsCompleted The early pacing is fast, with a focus on court politics. The protagonist is poor and under pressure at first, and that part has a few issues. If you find it hard to read, you can skip ahead to chapter 80 for the career-focused storyline. “Before the steps of the Golden Hall, half are the bones of scholars. The other half are the people's marrow, congealed. The alchemical furnace swallows every soaring ambition, then exhales it as frozen lines in the history books.” “By dawn, a farmhand; by dusk 372Reads6.4Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    The author of this book possesses exceptional literary talent, even writing practice questions and answers for the imperial examinations.

43. 193 少 Keep Moving Forward, Young Man 少年且前行 Li Xiangxiang李想想Urban1.6M WordsCompleted Bearing the hopes of his disabled parents and supported by every uncle and elder in Kaoshan Village, Wang Yan arrived in Binhai carrying a fertilizer sack full of the future. He stepped onto campus and began his journey toward changing his life… 60.7kReads9.5Score6k14d adds

    Reader note

    Having read so many wish-fulfillment novels, I always thought I wouldn't enjoy stories about a rural boy's journey to success, but why did I start crying while reading this? [Almost crying]

44. 194 从 Life in Ancient Times, Starting as a Cowherd 从放牛娃开始的古代生活 A Primordial Beast一只洪荒兽Historical1.6M WordsCompleted After transmigrating to ancient times, Zhao Xiaoshan doesn’t become a prince or a royal lord. Instead, he ends up a village boy tending cattle. He stares at the sky in dismay. Fine, if he can’t go back, he might as well roll up his sleeves and get to work. So what if they’re poor? He has his wits about him! See how he leads his whole family to earn money and make a fortune in ancient times! [Farming + business + lighthearted + everyday family life] No pocket dimension, no System, no golden finge 3.7kReads7.9Score25214d adds

    Reader note

    The first two books are about taking the imperial examinations with one's father. The third book is about a wealthy family taking the imperial examinations. The last book is about trying to change one's life through business, but things don't go smoothly. It seems the protagonist will eventually take the imperial examinations again.

45. 195 大 The Ming Dynasty Carpenter: Awakening Ancient Wood Spirits and Stirring Up Political Intrigue 大明木匠，觉醒古木灵识掀权谋风 Ze Bu则布Historical187k WordsOngoing Lin Mo, a young man from the modern era, transmigrated to the early years of the Yongle reign in the Ming dynasty, taking over the body of a destitute apprentice carpenter. The court was still unstable, the aftermath of the Jingnan Campaign simmered beneath the surface, and artisans held low status. He awakened the “Ancient Wood Spirit Sense”: by touching ancient wood, he could access memories spanning centuries and uncover lost techniques and secrets of the court. A broken piece of red sandalwo —Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    Hurry up and read it, hurry up and read it.

46. 196 胎 Born into a Peasant Family as the Favored Only Son, My Only Path Is the Imperial Exams 胎穿成农家偏心唯一男娃唯有科举 SweetSweetz3甜甜z3Historical1.0M WordsOngoing [Reborn in the womb]+ [Feel-good story]+ [Everyday family life]+ [Slow and steady]+ [Imperial examinations]+ [Alternate world]+ [No golden finger] He was reborn in the womb in an unknown dynasty. Wait, reborn in the womb? He became the only boy in a farming family, and the one his family doted on most. Any good food went to him first. His grandmother was a selfish, unreasonable woman who blindly favored him. After years of her indoctrination, the whole family showed him extreme favoritism. His f 130Reads5.0Score—14d adds
47. 197 哈 Hahaha, Great Ming 哈哈哈，大明 Weiwei's Wei微微的薇Historical3.2M WordsCompleted In an age when everyone is rebelling, to survive, you have to be more ruthless than every rebel king. You have to become the greatest rebel king of all. Take down Gao Yingxiang first, then Zhang Xianzhong, then Li Zicheng, and after that, go straight for the Eight Banners. You Manchus, your emperor is back. 461.2kReads9.4Score64.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first three books are about the ancient imperial examinations, and they're all quite heartwarming. The last one is about modern times, and they all have some humorous elements. They're all worth reading; highly recommended! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up]

48. 198 穿 Transmigrating as a Farmer's Son: Building a Legacy Through Farming and Learning 穿越成为农家子，看我耕读传家 Wei Tao未陶Ancient Romance936k WordsOngoing An ordinary modern man is reborn as a farmer’s son in ancient times. No System, no golden finger, and his family aren’t a bunch of troublemakers. Follow an ordinary man as he and his family make a good life for themselves in the ancient world. 58Reads6.0Score10814d adds
49. 199 苏 The Su Family's Castoff Tops the Imperial Exams, and the Whole Clan Begs for His Protection 苏家弃子中状元，全祖哭求我庇佑 Sending You a Smile送你一个微笑Historical1.1M WordsOngoing [Historical fiction + humble beginnings + imperial examinations + power plays + satisfying revenge + intellectual duels + high-IQ protagonist + cunning + ruthless] On a snowy night, I, Su Yan, was cast out of the family and expelled from the grand estate, abandoned like a pawn. I was an illegitimate son who should never have been born, a thorn in my legitimate mother’s side and dirt beneath my elder brother’s feet. They thought I would freeze and starve to death that winter. Little did they know 79Reads6.7Score11114d adds

    Reader note

    Look at this, it's really great!

50. 200 胎 Born into the 1970s: I Make My Whole Family Rich Through Studying 胎穿七零：我靠读书带全家致富 Mao Mao猫芼Modern Romance2.6M WordsOngoing (I Just Want to Slack Off, but They Call Me a Genius) (Period Piece + Academic Prodigy + Strengthening the Nation + System + No Romance + Cozy Daily Life + Lighthearted Comedy + Pure Wish Fulfillment) After Chen Wang died, he was reborn as the Chen family's only dim-witted grandson. With four older female cousins, the two elders of the Chen family doted on him like a precious treasure, giving him the best of everything. Chen Wang thought he could spend this life slacking off. Who could have gues 161.7kReads9.0Score15.7k14d adds

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