An Alternate-History Imperial Exam and Political Intrigue Novel With a Protagonist Who Isn't From a Poor Family 主角非寒门，科举、权谋，架空历史文。

1. 1 如 How to Become a Chancellor for the Ages 如何成为千古名相 Ripples on the Cold River寒江回澜Historical353k WordsCompleted (Alternate history) (A great tale of political intrigue) The founding emperor of this dynasty rose from humble beginnings, ended three hundred years of chaos, established the Great Yong, and divided the realm into twenty-one circuits. The dynasty has ruled the Central Plains for more than seventy years. To the north lies Northern Liang, to the south Southern Qi, the eastern border meets the vast sea, and the west reaches the great desert. In the twenty-eighth year of Yuanjia, Fan Yunzhou trav 324Reads8.7Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Tired of stories about poor families passing the imperial examinations? This one offers a refreshing change, featuring a protagonist with an extraordinary background. The protagonist's mother is a princess, the current emperor's sister; his biological father is a prefect; and his adoptive father is a retired Grand Secretary of the State Council. The protagonist rises through the ranks of officialdom through the imperial examinations, demonstrating both literary and military prowess in governing the country. Recommended rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. 2 穿 Transmigrated into the Foil Character in an Imperial Exam Novel 穿成科举文里的对照组 Big Flower Ball大花球Ancient Romance271k WordsOngoing Yu Wenyan, a Shandong native who had worked hard to become a civil servant, transmigrates into a book. In the story, he’s a wasteful, gambling, wine-loving underachiever who resents his younger brother for being good at school and spends every day trying to sabotage his studies and civil service exam prospects. The transmigrated Yu Wenyan makes one thing clear: not studying is out of the question, and not taking the civil service exam is out of the question too. Playing dirty is out of the quest 25Reads6.5Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The male protagonist's father was a minor official, and the family was well-off. There were no troublesome people or relatives. As someone with a Shandong soul, the male protagonist was always very diligent in his studies.

3. 3 科 The Imperial Exams: From a Duke’s Bastard Son to a Powerful Official 科举！从公府庶子到权臣的青云路 Zhou Shusen周树森Historical4.2M WordsOngoing [Not a BL novel! Not a male-male romance! One male lead, little to no romance, and a plot-focused story.] [Transmigration + Illegitimate Son of a Duke’s Estate + No System + Imperial Exams + Political Intrigue] He transmigrates, and the good news is that he’s now an illegitimate son of the Duke of Wei’s household, with food and clothes taken care of and no need to worry about making a living. The bad news is that he’s not only unloved, but also mocked and looked down upon. Heh. Never look down o 48kReads8.9Score4.3kShelves

   Reader note

   I'm currently following the first one; it's very exciting. We haven't reached the imperial examination stage yet, but the political intrigue has already begun. The male lead is the son of a duke, born out of wedlock, and his aunt is extremely wealthy. In the second book, the father is an official, but not a high-ranking one. His aunt died when he was born, and he was raised by his grandmother. He succeeds through the imperial examinations, gaining his father's attention and his stepmother's notice. His stepmother isn't particularly malicious, and the family is relatively harmonious. In the third book, the male lead transmigrates and gets married right away, then works hard on the imperial examinations.

4. 4 古 A Guide to Surviving as a Lowborn Son in Ancient Times 古代庶子生存指南 Ms. Cabbage包菜女士Ancient Romance412k WordsCompleted [The male lead transmigrates without a golden finger; domestic family life; studying for the imperial examinations; the female lead appears late; fictional historical setting] After transmigrating as the concubine-born son of a civil official in an unknown dynasty, Huaize planned to take life easy and be a contented freeloader in the ancient world. But Huaize had hoped to keep to himself, only to discover that in an age when collective punishment was common, everyone in a prominent family had 7.8kReads8.4Score594Shelves
5. 5 迎 After Marrying a Sweet Young Wife, I Worked Hard and Took the Imperial Exam 迎娶小娇妻后，我奋发图强考科举 Flying Cow 98会飞的牛98Historical1.1M WordsCompleted One heroine + no System + lighthearted pacing A thorough understanding of the world is knowledge, and social savvy is good writing. Ren Junjie, a history graduate, suddenly finds himself in an unfamiliar world as the eldest legitimate son of the richest family in Xinchang County. A former wastrel, he turns over a new leaf and marries a lovely young wife. He rests every other day and works on the days in between, studying harder and striving to improve. With his deep knowledge of history, he purs 8.9kReads8.8Score715Shelves
6. 6 父 Father, I Only Want to Be a Prince 父皇，我只想当个王爷 A Man with a Wu Hook男儿带吴钩Historical5.3M WordsCompleted In the 115th year of the Jingli era, the realm was in turmoil, with three kingdoms standing in opposition. On that day, Ye Zhuo, heir to the Prince of Shou, opened his eyes after being unconscious for three years... Ye Zhuo only wanted to live a quiet, carefree life as a hedonistic playboy. But he was so outstanding that he shone wherever he went. See how Ye Zhuo carves out a path to becoming a wise prince in this chaotic age, one that belongs to him alone! 28.2kReads8.7Score2.4kShelves

   Reader note

   ① The protagonist is a prince, his uncle is the current emperor, and the crown prince is his cousin. In this ancient world, he vigorously develops the country, promotes the imperial examination system, fights in commerce, and destroys enemy countries. He has a very good relationship with the crown prince, like brothers. No melodramatic or clichéd plots. Highly recommended! ② The protagonist is the son of a marquis, whose official title was bought by his father, representing a newly powerful family. The protagonist focuses on developing commerce in the early stages before entering the court and also going on military campaigns. The protagonist is incredibly intelligent. This is a rare and excellent story of a soul-transmigration to ancient times.

7. 7 风 The Debauched Prodigal Son 风流败家子 Heavenly Fragrant Eyes天香瞳Historical3.8M WordsCompleted [Entry in the January 2020 Silver Vote Contest] Wang Kang, a university student from the twenty-first century, finds his soul in ancient times and becomes the wastrel young master of an earl’s household. He was too poor in his previous life, so in this one he wants nothing more than a beautiful wife, a life of wine and dreams, and the easy existence of a wastrel who can coast through life. But he never expected his family to be surrounded by crises and troubles to keep piling up from outside... 18.9kReads9.1Score2.1kShelves
8. 8 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

   Reader note

   This one should count, right? The male protagonist is the son of the retired emperor, and he looks a lot like him. He's the current emperor's younger brother, though he doesn't know it at first. He's discovered by the examiners during the imperial examinations. Overall, it's quite funny.

9. 9 侯 The Marquis's Son Takes the Imperial Exams 侯府子科举 Clear Wind, River and Stream清风川溪Historical620k WordsCompleted When fortune’s winds are fair, I’ll seize their strength and climb the ladder above the crowd. Before the palace gates, whips crack; the road to the clouds is lined with seven beams of purple jade. I have mastered the Four Books and Five Classics, and trained with blades, spears, swords, bows, and halberds. If I will not give myself to the realm, then what was the point of all my self-cultivation? A single-heroine story. Many thanks to all my readers. 430Reads7.1Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Then you absolutely must read this. The author has a strong literary foundation and excellent writing style; it's not simplistic or childish. A rare high-quality read from Tomato (a popular online author), it's truly a breath of fresh air.

10. 10 手 With the Notable Ministers System in Hand, I Disguise Myself as a Man in Ancient Times 手拿名臣系统，我在古代女扮男装 Tianyang Peak, Who Loves Handmade Wheat Dumplings爱吃手工麦饺的天阳峰Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Xu Yue transmigrates into a book. She becomes the delicate, vulnerable cousin of the male lead in an examination-themed novel: her mother died young, she has no brothers and no one to rely on, and her family won't take her in, so she is awkwardly forced to live in the male lead's home. In her previous life, Xu Yue rose from being an orphan to earning a doctorate. She never believed in fate, and even though it was hard for women to get by in ancient times, she never stopped thinking about how to 118.2kReads9.6Score11.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book is about the long-lost child of the retired emperor, who looks exactly like him. When he took the imperial examinations, the examiners were stunned. The second book is about the child of the richest family in the county. The third book is about the illegitimate son of a marquis. The fourth book is about the child of a landlord, and it's exceptionally well-written!

11. 11 我 My Wife Is Always Trying to Kill Me 我家娘子总想弄死我 A Little Frozen Li一只小冻离Historical1.1M WordsCompleted “Gu Chuan, are you plotting a rebellion?!” “Your Majesty, I’ve been wronged!” “Then why are the commander of the Xuanyue Army, the White Lotus Sect’s Holy Maiden, the Shadow Guards, the Queen of Jialan, and the Daoist Sect’s itinerant cultivator all with you?!” Gu Chuan swears that all he wanted at first was to lie flat. But the longer he lay low, the more people gathered around him. He had no choice but to mount his horse and take up arms to bring peace to the land! In the first year of the Wuh 14.1kReads8.8Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    "General, wait!" The sword was upon him again, and Gu Chuan hurriedly said, "I have a way to protect your innocence!" Cang Shuyue held her sword in one hand, her eyebrows slightly raised: "Speak!" Gu Chuan's mind raced, and suddenly a brilliant idea struck him: "We can tell everyone we were discussing military strategy!"

12. 12 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 43.7kReads9.2Score3.6kShelves

    Reader note

    This one, well, the protagonist isn't from a poor family, but it's a fanfiction based on *Dream of the Red Chamber*. [Eating popcorn emoji]

13. 13 女 She Transmigrated as a Man: Now She Must Fight for the Throne as a Prince 女穿男：穿成皇子要夺嫡 Wen Fu温芙Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Chen Muqi, a daughter of the Chen family of Huaguo, died in a family power struggle. In a twist of fate, she was reborn as Helian Qin, the Fifth Prince of Xilin. With a mother who was a noble consort, powerful maternal relatives, and brothers eyeing him covetously, Helian Qin had no choice but to set out on the path to claim the throne. He recruited strategists and worthy officials, campaigned north and south, weathered one crisis after another, and escaped repeated assassination attempts, ultim 2.1kReads8.6Score194Shelves

    Reader note

    Female transmigrates into male body, political intrigue, female lead exists but has no romantic feelings.

14. 14 寒 The Scholar from a Poor Family 寒门状元 Gentleman of the Green Mountain青山君子Historical2.1M WordsOngoing After transmigrating into the family of a common farmer, Ye Xuanmo arrives just as his paternal cousin passes the imperial examination. To revitalize the clan, his cousin invites a teacher to the family to educate the children. In an age when “all trades are base, and only studying is noble,” Ye Xuanmo wants nothing more than to pass the exams and change his family’s circumstances… 3.5kReads8.9Score331Shelves

    Reader note

    Having read many novels about the imperial examination system, I would recommend the following three: 🌼 The first one is written in a flowing style, with vivid and logical characters—a real treat for those who appreciate detail. 🌼 The second one features a male protagonist with high emotional and intellectual intelligence, who is shrewd and experienced in dealing with people, and a relaxed pace. 🌼 The third one is relatively bland, with a realistic atmosphere and professional knowledge of the imperial examination system. [Thinking]

15. 15 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 761Reads8.4Score—Shelves
16. 16 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. 40.7kReads9.2Score3kShelves
17. 17 我 My Sister Is the Emperor’s Favorite Consort 我姐姐是后宫宠妃 Only Eats Three Bowls只吃三碗Historical832k WordsCompleted [Comedy + fictional setting + one heroine + little romance + heroine appears late] Ji Jinxiao, the only younger brother of Consort Ji, the emperor's favorite, was notorious in the capital for being a playboy. The court officials roared: “Ji Jinxiao has no regard for the law, disrespects his elders, neglects his studies, and exploits the people for profit!” Having just hidden away a chest of treasures her younger brother had given her as bribes, Consort Ji burst into tears and secretly pinched h 13.4kReads8.8Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Just you wait and see! The bag is beautiful.

18. 18 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 47kReads8.9Score5kShelves
19. 19 侯 The Marquis's Son Fails at Lying Flat 侯府郎君躺平失败记 Pi Xiaobai皮小白Historical791k WordsOngoing Just after Feng Yanchu transmigrates, he hears a series of smacks before feeling a stinging pain on his butt. How embarrassing! His pants have been pulled down and he’s being spanked! Then he hears several children wailing. Three other kids are getting beaten nearby, too. Looks like they got into trouble. At least he isn’t the only one being punished, which makes it a little less embarrassing. The male lead transmigrates into the body of an illegitimate son in a marquis’s household. He expects t 70.7kReads8.5Score5.5kShelves
20. 20 穿 Reborn as a Marquis's Bastard Son? Then I'll Take the Imperial Exams! 穿成侯门庶子？科举！科举！科举 Jin Rizhuhui晋日灼晖Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [Imperial Exams + Feel-Good Story + Business + Child Prodigy + Everyday Life + Political Intrigue] Song Mingyuan dies in a car accident and wakes up as an illegitimate son in the Marquis of Great Zhou's household. The good news: he has plenty to eat and wear, and maids to look after him. The bad news: his adoptive mother is his father's principal wife. Now that she has a son of her own, she sees Song Mingyuan as a thorn in her side and wants him dead! Song Mingyuan, who has transmigrated into t 17.8kReads8.2Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Song Mingyuan transmigrated into the body of a concubine's son in the Great Zhou Marquis's mansion. Good news: He has no worries about food or clothing, and even has servants to attend to him. Bad news: He's the adopted son of his stepmother, but now that she has a son, she not only sees him as a thorn in her side but also wants him dead! Lying down is out of the question; if he does, he'll be dead! His father favors his elder brother, his stepmother dotes on her own son, and his birth mother is weak and incompetent… It seems his only path is the imperial examination! So, he'll stick to that path to the end! Song Mingyuan: Roll up! Being a prince is nothing compared to being a powerful minister! Watch as I rise above all others, second only to the emperor!

21. 21 穿 Transmigrating into The Story of Minglan: Am I Han Zhang's Grandson? 穿越知否，我成了韩章孙子？ Wistful Flower, Quietly Proud哀花浅自矜Male-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted He was struck by disaster for doing good deeds. After living a second life, Han Ming discovers that he has transmigrated into The Story of Minglan, a parallel world blending the Song and Ming dynasties. He has also become the legitimate eldest grandson of Han Zhang, the Grand Chancellor of the current dynasty, a character who never existed in the original story. Just as he hopes to lie flat and enjoy an easy life, his grandfather Han Zhang orders him to attend the Sheng family school. Before lon 1.7kReads6.8Score101Shelves
22. 22 癫EN What the Heck! Everyone Around Me Is Completely Nuts! 癫！孤身边全是神经病！ Wen Yuan Party文元党Ancient Romance764k WordsCompleted Born a crown prince, Qi Yuanzuo was convinced that he was the only normal person in the imperial family. Little did he know what the Crown Prince looked like to outsiders: At seven, he shot a tiger and won nine hundred kilometers of territory in the Qilian Mountains. At thirteen, he cut through the great clans of Jiangnan and personally orchestrated the Case of the Ninety-Seven Mourning Robes, stepping over piles of corpses to claim the throne. At fifteen, he gambled on the Qilian Mountains once 54.4kReads9.5Score7kShelves

    Reader note

    The Crown Prince, with his refined and elegant demeanor, plans ten steps ahead for every one he takes, outshining all the other chosen ones of heaven.

23. 23 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 62.4kReads9.2Score7.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Although he's from a poor farming family, his father, a master of academic examinations, has already carried him to success before he even starts trying! 🌿 While the protagonist is chasing dogs around the village, his father passes the provincial examination with top honors. When the protagonist is ten and preparing to study to avoid baldness, his father becomes the top scholar in the imperial examinations. The protagonist finally achieves the same honors, only to have his father become the Grand Secretary. Protagonist: Who's the real protagonist of this academic drama?!

24. 24 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 22.8kReads9.5Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book, I highly recommend the first book!

25. 25 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 122.6kReads9.4Score12.7kShelves
26. 26 穿 I Transmigrated into Dream of the Red Chamber as the Heir of Prince Zhongshun 穿越红楼之我是忠顺王世子 Half an Acre of Sugar半亩方糖Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Zhao Yunqi's soul transmigrates into the world of Dream of the Red Chamber, where he becomes the emperor's most trusted nephew and the retired emperor's most beloved grandson. He also has a beautiful, gentle mother. His only regret is having Zhongshun for a father, but that's all right. At least he has a wonderful maternal grandfather, and his life is much happier than it was in his previous life. Most importantly, he now has a little fairy he can't help thinking about all the time. 14.7kReads8.5Score1kShelves
27. 27 懒 The Lazy Scholar and the Fierce Escort Girl 懒懒书生，彪镖女 Zuo Lan佐蓝Historical1.1M WordsCompleted In the twelfth year of Yongjia, a great flood struck Suzhou Prefecture. Countless houses collapsed, and immeasurable acres of farmland were submerged. Tens of thousands of people were left without food or clothing and became refugees. When Li Xiang transmigrated here, he became a proud member of the Beggars’ Sect. Just as he was lamenting how unfair fate, or the System, had been to him, a burst of commotion jolted him awake. Several burly men suddenly barged in. Leading them was a sturdy, broad- 4.3kReads8.3Score310Shelves

    Reader note

    This one is alright!

28. 28 伏 Ambush 伏杀 Mo Bai1莫白1Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Original title: Ambush] Beneath the awe-inspiring might of Heaven, all living beings are mere ants. And yet he dares, with the strength of an insect, to turn the world upside down. For family, for friends, for the burning hatred in his heart, for the nightmares that haunt him year after year, for justice, and for fairness. This story is set in an imaginary world and has no connection to actual history. Everything in it is fictional. Any similarities are purely coincidental. 14.8kReads8.3Score931Shelves

    Reader note

    This political intrigue novel is highly recommended! The overall quality is ridiculously high, setting a benchmark for political intrigue novels!

29. 29 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 188.1kReads9.0Score24.1kShelves

    Reader note

    This is funny; it's not exactly from a poor family, nor is it part of a "bitter gourd" group, but it's definitely hilarious.

30. 30 古 A Young Master's Daily Life as a Scholar in Ancient Times 古代少爷读书日常 Linlin Loves You for Ten Thousand Years琳琳爱你一万年Ancient Romance327k WordsCompleted Also known as Back to the Days of Youth at Yuzhang and The Eldest Legitimate Grandson’s Code The everyday life of a young nobleman in ancient times, a favored son of heaven (school + family life, etc.) Yuzhang’s spirited yet chaotic student life at the Imperial Academy! P.S. He transmigrates into a book, with no golden finger and no CP, though he does have a wife who serves as a tool and whom he feels no affection for. The male lead will take the imperial examinations and become an official. The 5.5kReads6.9Score493Shelves

    Reader note

    The male protagonist is the eldest son of a prestigious family. He is not favored by his father. He is a leader at the Imperial Academy, has a group of close friends, and possesses extensive connections. He aims to become an official through the imperial examinations.

31. 31 堂 After My Cousin Was Reborn and Stole the Groom, I Snagged the Better Deal 堂姐重生后抢亲，硬是让我捡了漏 Win the Lottery天中大奖Ancient Romance535k WordsCompleted (Strongwoman heroine, devoted husband and loving father hero + rebirth vs. transmigration + farming + household intrigue + real and fake young masters + comparison trope) Liu Xu'er suddenly transmigrates, and within days of arriving, she saves the village heartthrob in distress and earns her first fortune: a whopping twenty wen. One day, returning from town, she hears someone shouting for help. She happens to pass by and meets the man's gaze. It's the heartthrob of Dahe Village. The heartthrob i 1.1kReads7.5Score106Shelves

    Reader note

    Let me recommend another book. The male protagonist starts out as a farmer's son, only to discover during the imperial examination that he is the only son of a marquis. Before that, the fake heir discovered his identity and sent assassins to kill him several times, but the female protagonist saved him each time. In her previous life, the female protagonist was an underground boxer and possessed superhuman strength. After returning to the marquis's mansion, she was appointed a general by the emperor after winning a strength contest against a foreign tribe at a palace banquet.

32. 32 异 The Heir of the Marquis of Yixiang Knocks on the Doors of Power Through the Imperial Exams 异乡侯世子科举叩权门 Yu Moyang羽墨扬Historical182k WordsCompleted Hardship forges a master of both letters and arms. Lu Han, the young heir of the Weiyuan Marquis's household, is five when his father is framed by villains, stripped of his title, and exiled. On the eve of the exile, the marquis entrusts his son to Lin Hu, the captain of his guards. That night, Lin Hu flees the capital with five-year-old Lu Han in his arms. The young heir dies of illness on the journey, and Lu Han, a brilliant dual-degree graduate from the 22nd century, takes his place. His path 18Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A story of a double-degree academic prodigy who travels back to ancient times and grows into a well-rounded individual skilled in both literature and martial arts.

33. 33 侯 The Noble Young Lord of a Marquis's House 侯门贵公子 Beneath the Full Moon圆月之下Historical976k WordsCompleted Su Shi transmigrates into the prosperous Great Qian dynasty and becomes the second young master of a marquis's household! The young master may have a handsome face, but he's a useless wastrel, a notorious playboy in the capital. His engagement is broken off right from the start, and everyone waits to see him make a fool of himself. Su Shi couldn't care less. He casually recites a poem, never expecting to shake the entire capital. Su Shi smiles. Writing poetry and essays? Is that all? I can do a 3.2kReads8.4Score230Shelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist, a businessman, transmigrates into the body of the spoiled second son of a general's family. The story combines business warfare, political intrigue, and a small amount of romance. The logic is clear and the events are interconnected.

34. 34 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 32kReads9.4Score3.7kShelves
35. 35 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

    Reader note

    The protagonist isn't from a poor family; he's the illegitimate son of a noble family. He transmigrates into the body of a widower and works hard to pass the imperial examinations to achieve official rank. It's a heartwarming story.

36. 36 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... 21.3kReads9.2Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book, [Sending a Heart], serves as a typical control group, rigorously telling us that compared to the ancient imperial examination system, we should be content with a carefree life and stop complaining! The second book, [Laughing and Crying][Laughing and Crying], tells us that it's difficult for children from poor families to rise to prominence, implying that once a child from a poor family does rise to prominence, they will inevitably become a powerful minister, second only to the emperor!

37. 37 科 The Imperial Examination: I’m from a Humble Family 科举：我是寒门子弟 Autumn Wu秋梧Historical675k WordsCompleted After an earthquake, modern college student Chen Xiao transmigrates to the fictional Great Zhou dynasty, becoming the son of a poor farming family. He has a widowed mother, a virtuous wife, and a child who is four months away from being born. Looking at his family’s utter poverty, Chen Xiao decides to take up the original owner’s ambition of passing the imperial examinations and lead the whole family toward a bright future... 1.1kReads7.7Score105Shelves
38. 38 拒 After Refusing to Rejoin My Clan, I Became a Great Scholar Through the Imperial Exams 拒绝认祖归宗后，我靠科举成文圣 Lonely Lamp in the Night Rain夜雨孤灯Historical482k WordsCompleted (Transmigration + wish fulfillment + imperial examinations + court politics + face-slapping + no System) He transmigrates to ancient times, only to find himself an illegitimate son who has never been acknowledged by his family. Su Shijin wants to change his fate through knowledge, but despite having mastered high school Chinese and graduated in applied mathematics, he can barely make sense of classical Chinese. Then he obtains a writing brush. From that day on, he earns the red mark on his foreh 2.3kReads9.0Score185Shelves

    Reader note

    🌺① The male protagonist of this book transmigrates into the body of an illegitimate son of a powerful family, ostracized by the clan. He resolutely refuses to acknowledge his ancestors and relies on his talent to overcome all obstacles, eventually becoming the top scholar in the imperial examinations and a literary sage. A quick transmigration, face-slapping, and satisfying novel! 🌺② The male protagonist of this book transmigrates into the body of the eldest son of a billionaire. He turns over a new leaf, marries a beautiful wife, and becomes an ambitious young man. Later, he achieves top honors in the imperial examinations and becomes a renowned minister. 🌺③ Personally, I think this book's rating is too low. Unlike typical quick transmigration novels, the author of this book is meticulous in his research and possesses profound writing skills. It's perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea, reading slowly and carefully. Follow us to stay updated! 👇👇 More exciting content!

39. 39 科 The Imperial Exam System: The First Female Chancellor 科举系统之第一女相 Yun Yao云夭Ancient Romance624k WordsCompleted At long last, she had finished her postgraduate entrance exams. Who knew she’d suddenly die and wake up bound to the imperial examination System? Her father was dead, her mother was weak, and she was sickly. From the very start, her clan bullied her. At least she was a man, so getting things done would be convenient. Wait, why was she a woman? Never mind. Dressing as a man wasn’t a problem. Just watch her outwork all her classmates! 142Reads5.9Score—Shelves
40. 40 开 From the Start, I Cheated in the Imperial Exam, and the Empress Is Actually My Mother 开局科举舞弊，皇后竟是我亲娘 Bad Luck Even with Plain Water凉水塞牙Historical2.1M WordsCompleted Li Junyan transmigrates to ancient times and becomes the biological child whom the current emperor and empress lost among the people. But his adoptive father is framed and dies a tragic death, he finds himself imprisoned, and his childhood sweetheart wants to break off their engagement. Li Junyan, newly arrived from another world, spreads his hands. “I’m done pretending. I’m going to answer the imperial recruitment notice, save the empress, and reach the pinnacle of life!” After saving the empre 324Reads5.1Score—Shelves
41. 41 开 My Ancestors’ Graves Started Smoking from the Start: Disguised as a Man, I Take the Imperial Exams 开局祖坟冒青烟，女扮男装科举忙 Jiang Suiwan江岁晚Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Xie Yuheng transmigrates from the Apocalypse to a farming household, where a tyrant rules the land. With no other choice, she disguises herself as a boy. As she grows older, everyone in the surrounding villages comes to know that the Xie family's prodigy has an exceptionally clever mind. Too bad he's a sickly weakling who can't lift a finger or carry a load. Bystander: “You're so noble, so impressive! Your sickly family member just kicked someone through a wall!” The Xie family: “Does the head o 12.1kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves
42. 42 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 2.1kReads8.7Score145Shelves
43. 43 穿 Reborn as an Exiled Prince, I Take the Imperial Exam in an Enemy Kingdom 穿成流浪皇子，在敌国考科举 The King Doesn't Like to Study Properly大王不爱好好读书Historical311k WordsOngoing [Light fantasy wuxia + irreverent imperial examinations + political intrigue + decisive killing + princes + golden finger + no romance] Yan Guijin has always been convinced that there's something wrong with him. Yan Shengyong never imagined that the abandoned baby he took in would one day become a radiant beacon in this prison of a world. [One] Taxes and forced labor are fiercer than a tiger, while the yamen runners are as greedy as wolves. How is a landlubber supposed to survive in a sea that s 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a novel about the imperial examination system. The protagonist is not from a poor family. It is set in an alternate history and involves political intrigue. He transmigrates from a post-apocalyptic world into the body of an abandoned prince who is also unable to swim. The island is heavily taxed, so he is determined to take the imperial examination to stabilize his life. He gradually uncovers the conspiracy and his true identity.

44. 44 征 Conquering the Wilderness, Defeating Japan, Winning the Empress: I Am Invincible 征蛮荒打倭国征女帝我已无敌天下 A Pot of Tea, Please来一壶小茶水儿Historical1.6M WordsCompleted “Grandson, if you were going to drug someone, why pick the daughter of that old Prime Minister Lin? I mean, no matter how desperate you were, you couldn't do it in the imperial palace, could you? Still, you've got a bit of your grandpa's old flair!” “Uh, Grandpa, you did it in the palace back then too...” “Not quite as spectacularly as you, though!” Ning Fan, a mercenary who had just taken a bullet meant for a teammate on the battlefield, opened his eyes to find himself in the body of one of 2.1kReads8.7Score216Shelves

    Reader note

    This novel is absolutely amazing! Ning Fan transmigrates into the body of the eldest grandson of a general who protects the nation. He faces a drugging crisis right from the start, but he doesn't give up. He fights bravely on the battlefield, [shy][shy][shy] navigates the court with various factions, successfully reorganizes the Four Heavenly Guards, exposes and thwarts the prince's conspiracy, and gradually rises to the position of a powerful minister. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns!

45. 45 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 2.8kReads6.9Score221Shelves

    Reader note

    This is my new book, which begins with the imperial examination system and later focuses on political maneuvering. I hope everyone will support it.

46. 46 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 6.4kReads8.4Score437Shelves

    Reader note

    No need to hoard any novels, there's enough to read!! I personally recommend the last one; it has a slight cheat code element and the logic is very smooth.

47. 47 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 15.2kReads9.0Score1.9kShelves
48. 48 老 My Dad Is Su Dongpo, My Wife Is Li Qingzhao, and My Bro Is Emperor Huizong 老爹苏东坡老婆李清照老铁宋徽宗 Wen Qingru文卿如Historical1.4M WordsOngoing Tags: No System, not a mindless power fantasy, meticulous historical research, slow burn, personal growth, one heroine An utterly ordinary art student transmigrates as Su Dun, the prematurely deceased youngest son of the legendary Su Dongpo. A quick calculation tells him When his father goes to Huizhou to eat lychees, he’ll be eleven. When his father goes to Hainan Island to eat clams, he’ll be fourteen. When his father is pardoned and dies in Changzhou, he’ll be seventeen. When Cai Jing erects 11.4kReads8.5Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Not from a poor family, the idea for Su Dongpo's youngest son originated from reading Li Yibing's "Biography of Su Dongpo," where it was discovered that Su Dongpo's youngest son, Su Dun, who died young, was the same age as Li Qingzhao and Emperor Huizong of Song. This is all for the sake of this dish of vinegar, hence this plate of dumplings. (All historical figures are tried to adhere to their original personalities, with no personal interpretations.) (A logically sound historical novel; the protagonist's cheat codes are the essential memory ability for time travel + exceptional learning talent inherited from his father, Su Dongpo.) (The protagonist was raised under Su Dongpo's tutelage, outwardly a humble Confucian gentleman, proficient in the Six Arts, inwardly a master of both.) (Marriage follows the precedent of Sima Guang, Wang Anshi, Su Zhe, and Emperor Xiaozong of Ming, monogamous, soulmates. The female lead will not be weakened; the greatest female talent of all time will fully display her abilities, shining brightly in the newspaper and media industries, but because this is a male-oriented novel, the female lead's role will not be particularly prominent.) (All the technological advancements the protagonist pursues are feasible under ancient conditions.)

49. 49 从 From Toddler Prince to Sovereign of All Under Heaven [Infrastructure] 从奶娃诸侯王到天下共主【基建】 Peach Creek Wilds桃溪野Ancient Romance1.7M WordsOngoing Original title: From Infant Prince to Ruler of All Under Heaven: Infrastructure Building [Feel-good power fantasy + adorable toddler from the start + gaming cheat + infrastructure building + farming + war + family and country + cute pets + romance?] [Serious Synopsis] If you come from across the sea and travel west, you will eventually find a prosperous city unlike anything in this world. It is the fiefdom of His Highness, the Prince of You: Youzhou. At the end of the dynasty, the land is strew 171.2kReads9.3Score18.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Prince, no explanation needed

50. 50 科 The Imperial Exams: I Conquered the World with Poetry 科举，我靠诗文名动天下 Whose Great Sage Is This?谁家大圣Historical674k WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + no romance + alternate world + poetry and prose + fortune-telling by characters + sixfold honors in the imperial examinations + infrastructure + political intrigue] An imperial-examination story. Sheng Yu transmigrates to ancient times as a three-and-a-half-year-old child. He begins his studies right away, enters the finest academy in Jiangnan, then advances through the prefectural school and a tribute recommendation to the Imperial Academy. Step by step, he grows up and 1.2kReads8.4Score106Shelves

    Reader note

    A young master from a prestigious family, a time-traveling, alternate-world imperial examination novel. The male protagonist is a child prodigy, a refreshing read.

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