Please, I Want a Male Lead in the Imperial Examinations. He Needs to Be Smart, and There Should Be No Horrible Relatives 求求了 想要男主科举文 要智商在线 没有极品

1. 1 全 My Clan Raised Me to Greatness, So I Gifted Them Purple Robes 全族扶我青云志，我赠族人朱紫袍 Uncle Jianghe江河大爷Historical2.2M WordsOngoing After dying suddenly from overwork, workaholic Chen Yan is reborn as the only son of a newly born provincial graduate in the Great Liang Dynasty. His father is successful, so Chen Yan promptly decides to lie flat and enjoy the good life, with food brought to him and clothes laid out for him. But when he learns at the age of six that he was switched at birth with a farmer's child, his life takes a turn. The day the fake young master returns to the Chen family, he goes out to work in the fields an 216.4kReads9.3Score21.7k14d adds

   Reader note

   This first book is absolutely amazing! I've been reading countless imperial examination novels for ages, but *The Legend of Chusen* is truly incredible. It's packed with high-energy moments, has a vast world-building, and an absolutely novel setting. I beg you, please read it! It's so good! I can't understand why it only has a 9.2 rating. I think at least a 9.5 would be more worthy of the book's content.

2. 2 皇 The Emperor's Gold Medal County Magistrate 皇家金牌县令 Noodle King Zai板面王仔Historical2.7M WordsCompleted [Farming + lighthearted fun + transmigration] Fang Zhengyi transmigrates to the Great Jing dynasty and becomes a county magistrate. After seven years of work, he has created his own earthly paradise. He’d planned to live out his days as a carefree little emperor. In the thirteenth year of the Jinghe era, the emperor of Great Jing travels incognito and accidentally wanders into Taoyuan County... The moment the emperor enters the county, he is astonished! The many strange and wondrous things leave 226.6kReads9.5Score27.3k14d adds

   Reader note

   This first book is absolutely amazing! I've been reading countless imperial examination novels for ages, but *The Legend of Chusen* is truly incredible. It's packed with high-energy moments, has a vast world-building, and an absolutely novel setting. I beg you, please read it! It's so good! I can't understand why it only has a 9.2 Rating. I think at least a 9.5 Would be more worthy of the book's content.

3. 3 穿 Transmigrated to the Countryside: A Young Farmer's Road to the Imperial Exams 穿越之农家独苗苗的科举之路 Zhang Rubai张如白Ancient Romance2.5M WordsCompleted [Born into the Past + Farming + Imperial Exams + Fleeing Famine + Warfare] The slow-paced everyday life of a boy from a rural family in ancient times! Zhang Ping'an gets a new lease on life when he transmigrates to an ancient farming family. Fortunately, they are fairly well-off, so no one has to go hungry. He has six older sisters, and he is the only boy his parents had long hoped for. His parents favor sons over daughters, and all six sisters are fierce. He thought he was in for a story about 28.6kReads8.7Score2.7k14d adds

   Reader note

   This book features a protagonist who is reborn into a family with six older sisters. After passing the imperial examination at the county level (xiucai), he begins fleeing famine and later becomes a jinshi (jinshi). Unlike the typical "tomato" novels where the protagonist is always number one, this one is definitely worth reading.

4. 4 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

   Reader note

   I won't talk about the second and third parts; many people are recommending them, and I'm still following them. They're still being updated and are not yet finished... I just finished reading the first part. It's different from traditional imperial examination novels; it's more of an ensemble piece. If you delve into the details, it might not be perfect, but it's definitely a truly enjoyable read. It has everything: funny, tearful, tragic, and satisfying. You can literally be crying your eyes out one second and laughing the next...

5. 5 这 This Top Scholar Plays by His Own Rules 这个状元路子有点野 The Foundation of One's Life立身之本Historical2.3M WordsCompleted [Farming + imperial examinations + alternate history + lighthearted] My Parents Flipped the Table and Quit, So I Want to Take the Imperial Exams Too Just as Wang Xuezhou was about to reach the peak of his life, he transmigrated. The good news: in this life, his parents were loving, and his siblings got along. The bad news: the whole family was pinching pennies to fund his eldest uncle's studies. They had next to nothing and were living on coarse grain and wild greens. But before he could flip t 50.9kReads8.9Score6.3k14d adds
6. 6 名 A Name in the Unofficial Histories: The Young Prince's Unorthodox Path to Office 名留野史，小世子的另类为官路 Born on April Fools' Day四月一号生辰日Historical292k WordsOngoing An unconventional farming-and-imperial-exams story: transmigration and rebirth, with no pocket dimension, no System, and no golden finger. He's simply absurdly lucky. In his previous life, Jiang Ruyan was bedridden and paralyzed for fifteen years. He never imagined that after closing his eyes and opening them again, he would transmigrate. He spent twelve years wandering the world with his parents, who were always chasing poetry and distant horizons, before they finally sent him off to school. 893Reads—Score11014d adds

   Reader note

   There are no exceptional individuals, but everyone is intelligent.

7. 7 努 I Strive for the Imperial Exams, But My Slacker Dreams Never Change 努力考科举，咸鱼梦想从未改变 A Little Green Ear一只绿耳Historical1.8M WordsCompleted [Imperial exams + everyday life + lighthearted] Lu Yang, a rich second-generation heir, wakes up one day as the youngest and most cherished son of the Lu family. This youngest son is a scholar, yet selfish and self-centered, turning a blind eye to his family's sacrifices and caring only about his own future. Lu Yang may be a slacker with little conscience, but he knows who's good to him. He keeps his dream of being a slacker tucked away and works hard to pass the imperial exams, hoping to become 17.6kReads9.1Score1.8k14d adds

   Reader note

   It's beautiful, highly recommended!

8. 8 名 You Abandoned Me When I Failed the Imperial Exam, So Who Are You Now That I’ve Swept the Boards? 名落孙山你不陪，连中六元你是谁 Dragon in the Wind龙行风Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [The short drama is now available, and the print edition is in publication.][Slow-burn, warm, and humorous][Alternate history + business + imperial examinations + one female lead + no System] Su Run transmigrates into the body of a disgraced scholar who has lost both his parents, failed the imperial exams, and earned a notorious reputation as a lovesick doormat. When he opens his eyes, his fiancée is publicly putting him down and emotionally manipulating him, even threatening to break off their 18kReads8.8Score1.6k14d adds
9. 9 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
10. 10 我 I Was the Top Liberal Arts Student in the College Entrance Exams, So Taking Three Top Honors Is Only Natural 我高考文科状元，连中三元很合理 Tang Shijiu唐十玖Historical888k WordsOngoing Shen Ping, the top liberal arts student in the national college entrance exam, accidentally transmigrates and becomes the wastrel heir of a marquis's estate. His elder sister is a favored consort of Great Chu, wielding power throughout the imperial harem. His father is the Marquis of Pingyang, a high-ranking official serving as Vice Minister of Revenue. His status and background could hardly be more illustrious, and Shen Ping is perfectly content with his life. He had planned to spend his days a 2kReads8.0Score23114d adds
11. 11 我 My Village Is Ridiculous: Everyone Is Worth Tens of Millions 我的村子太离谱，人均千万富豪 Rolling Prisoner滚动的囚Historical581k WordsCompleted Fang Tong was stunned! He opened his eyes to find himself reborn as a poor farm boy in a remote mountain village in ancient times. His family had nothing, and the whole village depended on the weather to survive. They were desperately poor. Looking at the hillsides covered in “chicken feed,” his eyes lit up. This wasn’t grass! It was a black gem that could turn stones into gold! “This filthy stuff is edible?!” His family was skeptical, but Fang Tong waved his little hand. “Grandpa, trust me! In 10Reads6.9Score—14d adds
12. 12 理 A Top Science Student Takes the Imperial Exams? His Majesty Is Stunned by His Brilliance 理科状元考科举？强到朕傻眼 Lucky Lin招财林Historical2.2M WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + court politics + farming + alternate history + daily life + lighthearted + no romance] Li Su had barely had time to savor becoming the top scorer in the national college entrance exam when he transmigrated as the youngest son of the Li family. His whole family doted on him, even though they lived on coarse grain and vegetables, and supported his studies. The original owner had been led astray by his classmates. Selfish and only interested in having fun, he had ruined him 86.2kReads8.9Score8.3k14d adds
13. 13 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
14. 14 书 Master Calligrapher? Poet Immortal? Chief Minister? That's Right, I'm All of Them 书圣？诗仙？首辅？没错，都是我 Sunlight on the River日照前川Historical834k WordsOngoing In his previous life, Cui Xian was a PhD in Chinese Language and Literature at a top-tier university. In this life, he transmigrated to ancient times, into a poor family with no connections: A destitute home, a pregnant mother, young siblings, an uncle who had failed the exams six times and was hopeless at studying, a grandmother so obsessed with imagining her son placing high in the imperial examinations that she had become delusional, and Cui Xian, who was only eight years old. Cui Xian: This 28kReads9.4Score2.7k14d adds
15. 15 举 Your Whole Family Hopes You'll Pass the Scholar Exam, but You Top All Six? 举家盼你中秀才，你六元连中？ A Little Green Ear一只绿耳Historical1.5M WordsCompleted [Imperial examinations in the early chapters + farming + everyday life + lighthearted + court politics later on] In his previous life, Shen Zhou was in poor health and cultivated himself through a quiet, disciplined lifestyle, becoming rather indifferent by nature. Then he transmigrated to an ancient peasant family. The entire Shen family pooled their resources to support the original owner’s studies, hoping only that he would pass the county-level examination and become a licentiate. Sadly, the 14.7kReads8.7Score1.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    There are no awful characters, the imperial examination process is fast-paced, and the later part, where the male lead becomes an official, is very engaging. The relationship between the emperor and the protagonist is also very touching.

16. 16 科 The Imperial Exams: A Bookish Son in a Clan of Illiterates 科举：九族文盲出了个读书郎 I'm a Pighead我是猪头Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [Complete] [Imperial Examinations] [Transmigration + No System] [No heroine in the early story; there may or may not be one later, and if there is, she won't get much page time] Not a single person in the Gu clan, spanning nine generations, could read or write. Even the family genealogy had been written by the clan chief through a mixture of guesswork and asking around. Then, all of a sudden, this family produced a scholar. At first, the villagers and the Gu clan relatives had little faith in Gu 79.4kReads8.7Score8.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    The male protagonist transmigrates to another world, is from a farming family, and has no special advantages; he relies entirely on his studies, though he does have some good luck. He's intelligent and resourceful. Most importantly, his family isn't difficult; while they sometimes have minor conflicts, they're all family and work together. The child isn't difficult either; he's the son of the protagonist's third sister-in-law. At first, I thought he'd be a little troublesome, but he's just a bit mischievous. He's genuinely there for his family when things get tough. I really hate those stories where you're constantly fighting with difficult relatives. This one is much better.

17. 17 全 My Entire Clan! Supports My Imperial Exams 全族！供我科举 Yang Chan Who Loves Braised Yellow Mutton爱吃焖黄羊肉的杨婵Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Imperial exams + transmigration + imperial exams + no golden finger, no System. The story draws on the privileges enjoyed by scholars in the Ming dynasty! The clan elder was a licentiate, and that was the only reason Baihu Village was protected. Now the elder is gone, and no new licentiate has appeared. The entire clan can only pool its strength to support one child. Just one licentiate can improve life in the village, give the children a future, boost the village economy, and make officials thi 13.8kReads8.5Score1.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommended, a super good imperial examination novel!

18. 18 农 The Imperial Tutor's Road to the Civil Service Exams 农门帝师的科举之路 Ju He雎禾Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Imperial Examination, One-on-One Romance After an accident, a young man from the modern era transmigrated into the Great Qian Dynasty. Looking at his family’s dilapidated brick house, Qi Wenyu wondered how he would make a living from then on... 21.8kReads9.2Score2k14d adds
19. 19 寒 The Poor Scholar's Rise 寒门贵子 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical2.1M WordsCompleted After transmigrating into the body of a penniless scholar, Jiang Feng thought about how his computer science degree from his previous life was utterly useless here… Then it occurred to him: “Of all pursuits, studying is the noblest. I’ll just have to grit my teeth and take the imperial exams!” He kept going, and when he suddenly looked back, he had risen to the highest offices, expanded the empire’s borders, and built an unprecedented legacy! P.S. The new book, A Poor Scholar of the First Rank, 34.6kReads9.1Score3.4k14d adds
20. 20 为 To Avoid Planting Rice, I Work Hard to Pass the Imperial Exams 为了不插秧，努力考科举 Three Layers of Belly Fat三层肚腩Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [The short drama adaptation is now streaming] A modern SSS-rank researcher dies suddenly and transmigrates to the Great Xing Dynasty. His health is so poor that he's not allowed to pick rice in the fields until he's six. Sunstruck and light-headed, Li Jing decides that farming with this body is a risky business, so he immediately resolves to study for the imperial examinations. That's what he's good at; the transplanting can be left to the professionals! The following year, now named Li Yiqing, 22.8kReads9.3Score2.2k14d adds
21. 21 穿 I Transmigrated into a Book About the Imperial Exams and Brought Home a Fussy Little Wife 穿书科举，娶了个小作精回家 Zhou Zijin舟子衿Ancient Romance910k WordsCompleted [Imperial examinations + sweet romance + face-slapping + infrastructure development and rising through the ranks: a scheming, smug transmigrated playboy x a spoiled, somewhat crafty but not too calculating troublemaker] Xie Zi'an is a spoiled young master who transmigrates into a book, becoming the husband of the villainess. In the original story, the man he replaces is framed and found alone with the unconscious Xu Nansong. The two are forced to marry, but after the wedding, he discovers that X 23kReads8.7Score2.5k14d adds

    Reader note

    Currently being pursued

22. 22 从 From Little Kid to Top Scholar, I Cheat My Way to the Top 从幼童到状元，我一路开挂 Dreaming Back to Childhood Songs梦回童歌Historical2.1M WordsOngoing [Alternate-history fiction + imperial examinations + slice of life + no golden finger] Here, clan ties are more important than life itself, and clan rules take precedence over the law. When Qin Haoran was three, his father was killed in a bloody fight over water rights. According to clan rules, the entire clan was supposed to raise the family that had lost its breadwinner. But fate's cruelty was far from over. Three years later, his young mother, unable to bear a life of loneliness and widowhood 58.5kReads8.6Score4.4k14d adds

    Reader note

    This book is highly recommended. The entire family supports the protagonist's studies for the imperial examinations, and he himself is incredibly diligent, rising to the top rank of the imperial examinations without plagiarism (a big plus). I deduce the setting is the Jiajing era, and the protagonist's character resembles Zhang Juzheng. It's truly excellent, and the short drama adaptation is also very good.

23. 23 过 With a Photographic Memory, Isn’t It Only Natural I Came First in the Imperial Exam? 过目不忘，我中状元正常吧？ Mountaineer登山客Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Lu Chengan forgot to drink Granny Meng’s soup. One day, he transmigrates to a remote mountain village in the Great Zhou dynasty and becomes the second son of the Lu family’s second son. To take the imperial examinations, Lu Chengan has no choice but to urge his father to better himself. Before he knows it, his father becomes an official. Lu Chengan: Does he still need to work hard? 45.5kReads8.6Score4.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    These two books are well-written and very exciting, and there's no romantic pairing!

24. 24 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
25. 25 状 The Top Scholar Becomes a County Magistrate: An Unusual Road to Success 状元当县令，不一样的青云路 Luo Wuwu落五五Ancient Romance2.1M WordsOngoing [Alternate History + Nation-Building + Farming + Court Politics + No Romance] The main story is complete, and bonus chapters are still being updated~ The rating is low because so few people have rated it. Come give it a look! ₍˄·͈༝·͈˄*₎◞ ̑̑ Warnings: This is a brainless power fantasy!!! Please don't post opinions like how modern people would act, how ancient people would act, or how the protagonist's actions make no sense. If you think a modern person sent back in time couldn't do anything, feel 14.1kReads8.8Score1.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    No romantic pairing [thumbs up]

26. 26 病 A Sickly Powerful Official's Guide to Lying Flat 病弱权臣的躺平指南 Socially Anxious Bandit Chief社恐悍匪头目Historical2.0M WordsOngoing [Transmigration] + [Alternate History] + [Imperial Court] + [Wits and Strategy] + [Imperial Examinations] My name is Xiao Yi, and my dream is to be a lazybones who can lie flat. I just want to take it easy. I have only one annual KPI: sleep a total of 8,760 hours. So I can sleep in peace, I plan to give the family ledgers a quick once-over. I casually point out three loopholes, hoping they'll leave me alone. The result: the old bookkeeper falls to his knees and begs for mercy, and I'm forced to 10.8kReads7.7Score1.2k14d adds
27. 27 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 5.5kReads6.9Score49314d adds
28. 28 启 Your Majesty, the Top Scholar Is Slacking Off Again and Again 启禀陛下，状元郎他又又又开摆了 Fang Jinxi方锦溪Historical2.8M WordsOngoing [Imperial Exams and Farming]+ [Family Matters]+ [Building Wealth]+ [Scheming]+ [Alternate Ancient Setting] Lu Qilin, a modern enthusiast of intangible cultural heritage, unexpectedly transmigrated. When he woke up, he had become an eight-year-old village boy with a dim mind, whose mother had died young and whose father had disappeared. Fortunately, his grandparents and uncle and aunt truly loved him, and his two older cousins genuinely cared for him. It wasn't the worst start imaginable. Unfortu 12.8kReads8.5Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    These are all incredibly good, really, trust me, bro 👁️👁️ Look me in the eyes, they're all fantastic. Except for the last one, which isn't a civil service exam story, the rest are. The last one is about taking exams step by step; these were all exceptionally good back in the day 🤞🤞🤞 I've read many civil service exam stories, but very few I could finish. I can only say I'm begging for more updates on these! 👍👍👍

29. 29 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

    Reader note

    These are all incredibly good, really, trust me, brother 👁️👁️ Look me in the eyes, they're all fantastic. Except for the last one, which isn't a civil service exam story, the rest are. The last one is about taking exams step by step; these were all exceptionally good back in the day 🤞🤞🤞 I've read many civil service exam stories, but very few I could finish. These ones... I just have to say, please update them more often! [Thumbs up][thumbs up][thumbs up]

30. 30 寒 The Imperial Exam Routine of a Poor Butcher's Son 寒门屠户之子的科举日常 Diki DaddyDiki粑粑Historical3.3M WordsOngoing The Wang butcher family is full of burly men, all tall, broad, and muscular, like a whole den of reincarnated black bears! But their youngest son, Wang Sanniu, is the odd one out: frail, delicate, and liable to fall over in a breeze. Standing beside his family, he looks like a little fox that wandered into a bear’s den. Butchering pigs? The moment pig’s blood splashes over him, he faints! Farming? The hoe is taller than he is! With the family fearing he’ll become a good-for-nothing, his mother m 186.1kReads9.0Score23.8k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book was super good! The protagonist is brave and resourceful, and it's very enjoyable to read. He's intelligent and doesn't feel mindless at all. 💕

31. 31 开 From the Start, I Cut Down My Kin, Top the Imperial Exams, and Slay My Way Through the Court 开局先灭亲，科举中状元杀穿朝堂 Yun Huang云凰Historical578k WordsOngoing [Historical fantasy + imperial examinations + transmigration + rebirth + court politics + power struggles] Zhao Jingyu, a screenwriter with a modest reputation in the entertainment industry, watched a video about ancient male entertainers and had the misfortune of transmigrating into the body of one. He has no intention of becoming a helpless victim for others to bully. Anyone who picks on him gets wiped out! His shameless grandfather covets his body? Wiped out! His corrupt second uncle aids and 343Reads8.2Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    This book has an unusual beginning. The male protagonist is intelligent, possesses unparalleled political acumen, becomes the top scholar in the imperial examination, eliminates all evil spirits, and ushers in a peaceful and prosperous era.

32. 32 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Historical4.3M 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 46.6kReads8.9Score4.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book was one I was quite satisfied with. I've read so many imperial examination novels, and they all become verbose and tedious towards the end—the stories are all the same: a peasant boy. This one wasn't particularly original, and I was left wanting more. The protagonist is exceptionally intelligent, almost supernatural. The second book was very good in the beginning, but a bit boring later on. The protagonist seemed a bit aloof. Overall, it was still pretty good.

33. 33 开 Sold into Slavery from the Start, I Rise to Grand Secretary Through the Imperial Exams 开局卖身为奴，我靠科举登顶首辅 Blazing Fire Dragon冲天爆火龙Historical2.2M WordsOngoing After waking up, Wang Wei, a modern university student majoring in Chinese, transmigrated into Wang Gou'er, a young servant who had been sold by his own clan. He thought his life was over before it had even begun, but his new master turned out to be a wealthy provincial graduate. Even more unexpectedly, a twist of fate made him the young master's lifesaver, and he was assigned to work in the study. While the other servants were still struggling to memorize the rules, Wang Gou'er had already set 49.8kReads7.9Score4.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    It's a very good read, a fairly realistic college entrance exam essay.

34. 34 布 A Commoner Boy: Disciple of the Son of Heaven 布衣少年：天子门生 smilyAncient Romance1.4M WordsOngoing The novel finally received its rating on July 5. The rating has just opened, so it will rise later. [Young political intrigue | Redemption for all | Reform for the people | Women's awakening | Passionate ensemble cast | Imperial examinations | Xu Zhiyan] The Great Jing court was rigidly stratified. For a hundred years, no commoner from a humble family had risen to the top overnight and caught the emperor's attention. Xu Zhiyan was the first. He came from Xu Family Village in Huzhou, Zhejiang. 4kReads8.1Score29214d adds

    Reader note

    There are no overpowered characters, no reincarnation, no system, no cheat codes; everything depends on the protagonist and his teacher. The protagonist is young but incredibly intelligent. There's no romantic pairing, the story is fast-paced, and every character is well-developed. Currently, there are no melodramatic plot points.

35. 35 冒EN Impostor of the Langya Clan 冒姓琅琊 Eastern Zhou Young Master Nan东周公子南Historical1.6M WordsOngoing (Also known as “The Matter of Me Pretending to Be a Nobleman of the Southern Dynasties”) To transmigrate isn’t a dinner party. It’s a deadly game at every turn. The south is beautiful, yet lofty ambitions often fade away. Since ancient times, the Southern Dynasties have been weak, their heroes short-lived. No golden finger, no System, and no second chance at life. Everything starts from zero! Original owner’s memories: none! Identity: none! Supplies: none! When transmigration becomes reality, ho 497.6kReads9.7Score72.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    The first book: Transmigrating to ancient times without any cheat codes, the other transmigrators all have ulterior motives, the male lead has no identity and is captured, so he can only impersonate a nobleman. He is highly intelligent and plans every step carefully. The author has a strong literary background, so it's hard to keep up with the pace and understand without it. It's a pity I read this book too late, otherwise I would have gone to the author's offline event. A bookworm of over ten years highly recommends it. Chinese people don't lie to Chinese people. If you don't like it, scold me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The second book: The male lead transmigrates without any cheat codes. He originally wanted to rely on his father and live a carefree life, but he found out that he was a fake young master who was switched at birth. He was forced to take the imperial examination and pass the exam with top honors. The male lead is highly intelligent. Unlike other novels where the male lead becomes a disciple of a great Confucian scholar and then constantly motivates his master to improve, he is only in his fifties, which is the best age for striving. The detailed descriptions are also good. Highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The third book: My white moonlight "Brother Yue" is a female disguised as a man but has a system. The female lead is super beautiful, but because she has a system, there is no low-level version of female disguise as a man. It is a high-IQ imperial examination novel with political intrigue. It is already completed. You won't regret reading it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

36. 36 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
37. 37 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

    Very good to watch online

38. 38 我EN I'm Not a God of Theater 我不是戏神 Three Nine Sound Domain三九音域Urban4.0M WordsCompleted The brand-new masterpiece by San Jiu Yin Yu, author of Slay the Gods | Winner of the Best Science-Fiction Web Novel Award at the Macau International Science Fiction Awards | A Chinese grotesque epic that turns the tide of an era After a scarlet meteor streaked across the sky, human civilization ground to a halt. From that day onward, humanity could no longer build a rocket, a nuclear bomb, an airplane, a car... The pyramid of civilization built upon modern science collapsed with a thunderous roa 1.7MReads9.9Score178.8k14d adds
39. 39 我EN Learning to Slay Gods in the Psychiatric Hospital 我在精神病院学斩神 Three Nine Sound Domain三九音域Urban4.3M WordsCompleted A must-read hit on Tomato Novel | Original novel of the hit anime Slay the Gods | IP influence on the China Online Literature Influence List | 2023 China Good Novel Have you ever wondered whether monsters from ancient myths lurk beneath the neon-lit city? Have you ever wondered whether gods stand watch over humanity atop the moon hanging high above us? Have you ever wondered whether extraordinary people walk among us in our bustling modern cities, acting in the gods’ stead? In the society ruled 992.2kReads9.9Score158.5k14d adds
40. 40 农 An Ambitious Country Boy's Life in Ancient Times 农家小子的古代上进日常 The Hibernating Donkey冬眠中的驴Historical6.2M WordsOngoing After transmigrating into the body of a farmer's son in ancient times, a poor student had no choice but to embark on the long road of the imperial examinations to improve his family's life. He sought neither wealth and status nor a high salary or lofty office in this life. All he wanted was to protect his family and give them a peaceful life. 40.2kReads9.2Score3k14d adds

    Reader note

    📚The author's writing is divine, the plot is high-energy, and it combines the double benefits of imperial examinations and a thrilling read: Solving court intrigues, displaying literary talent that sweeps across the land. Ink stains the examination papers, and the top scholar is crowned. ✨The more you read, the more addictive it becomes. The pinnacle of imperial examination novels!!

41. 41 被 The Fake Heir Was Cast Out of the Marquis's Estate, Then Rose to Power Through the Imperial Exams 被赶出侯府假世子靠科举逆袭权臣 Fuyu Ya浮玉呀Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Chen Yan worked himself to the bone as an office drone. After finally paying off his mortgage and car loan, he had 400,000 yuan in savings and was ready to lie flat in a small county town. Little did he know that disaster can strike at any moment. He transmigrated! The good news: he was still a man in this life, so he wouldn't have to experience period pain. He was born into a wealthy marquis's household, surrounded by fine clothes, delicious food, and his family's boundless affection. The bad n 53kReads8.6Score2.1k14d adds

    Reader note

    They're all imperial examination essays, none of them are top-notch.

42. 42 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 63.5kReads8.5Score4.9k14d adds

    Reader note

    Super good-looking, highly recommended

43. 43 此 This Road Leads Straight to the Azure Clouds 此去直上青云路 Qing Suisui卿岁岁Historical603k WordsCompleted Li Yu, courtesy name Zixuan, originally named Shen Dakui, was from Shunqing Prefecture, Sichuan, and his ancestral home was Huangzhou Prefecture, Huguang. He ranked twenty-sixth in the second-tier examination in the second year of Xing'an. A politician, financier, firearms expert, hydraulic engineer, military strategist, educator, and more in the early years of the Dayong dynasty... Li Yu lost his father at an early age and followed his mother when she remarried Li Gang, the patrol inspector of 26kReads8.6Score2.5k14d adds
44. 44 科 The Imperial Exams! After Ten Years of Study, I Pass and Take Down the Nobility 科举！寒窗十年，上岸就斩勋贵 Zhuoran卓燃Historical1.7M WordsOngoing “The autumn wind howls in August, sweeping three layers of thatch from my roof!” The moment Mei Cheng'an opened his eyes, he found himself facing a catastrophe. Framed and cast out of the marquis's household by his own father, he was now being hunted, with his life hanging by a thread. He chose to fake his death and flee south to seek refuge with family friends. On the way, however, he ran into an imperial inspector investigating a case. From the inspector, he learned that his family friends had 7.9kReads8.1Score41614d adds

    Reader note

    Then I have to recommend this one. [Top post]

45. 45 被 Falsely Accused of Cheating in the Imperial Exam? One Essay on the Six Kingdoms Shocks the World 被诬科举舞弊？一篇六国论惊天下 Song Yan宋湮Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [No System + Court Intrigue + Literary Plagiarism + Rigorous Logic] Lu Linchuan, a top student in classical Chinese literature, unexpectedly transmigrates to the fictional Great Yu dynasty and becomes a poor scholar falsely accused of cheating in the imperial exams. Faced with oppression by the powerful, he takes up his brush and writes On the Six States, every word as sharp as a blade, stunning the entire court. From a dark prison cell to the steps of the Golden Hall, he uses his modern knowled 17.1kReads8.5Score1.3k14d adds

    Reader note

    🌸While others transmigrate and diligently study Confucian classics, Lin Zhijie effortlessly becomes the exam setter. When the eight-legged essay exam question becomes "A Feasibility Report on the Five-Year Plan of the Great Liang Dynasty," 🌹🌹when the imperial examination requires candidates to present their governance plans using PowerPoint, those old-fashioned scholars who only know classical Chinese all fall apart. 🌹🌹The most exciting part is watching the "new-style officials" group he cultivates—a prefect who can write code, a governor who understands psychology, and a general who uses probability theory to fight battles, turning the entire court into a high-IQ battleground.

46. 46 弟 Little Brother, If I Call You Dad, Do You Dare Answer? 弟弟，姐叫你一声爹你敢答应吗？ Meow, No Salt喵不可盐Ancient Romance2.3M WordsOngoing [Transmigration + imperial examinations + martial world + farming + sister and brother + ensemble cast + playing the fool to catch the tiger off guard + feel-good + comedy + getting rich + transmigrating into a book] Transmigrated? Turned into a six-year-old little girl? Not bad. It’s like getting to grow young again. That troublesome little brother came along too? Not bad. At least I’ll have some company. My little brother turned into my dad? Not bad. I can accept that. Accept it, my foot! 35.3kReads9.1Score3.7k14d adds

    Reader note

    Both of these are good. They are books that test you step by step, gradually increasing your level.

47. 47 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

    The first book is finished. The descriptions of the imperial examination system are very detailed, and the writing is excellent, demonstrating the author's literary talent. The protagonist is very intelligent, and the overall experience is very enjoyable. The only downside is the unexpected ending, leaving the reader wanting more. The second book is currently being serialized (ahhh, I almost don't want to finish it!). The author writes well, the characters are vividly portrayed, and the world-building is grand. The characters are brave and resourceful, and there's a satisfying sense of overcoming adversity. The biggest problem is that it's not finished yet, and it won't be anytime soon, but it's already quite long. Highly recommended! 💪 Both books are non-CP (couple pairing) and the authors' writing is superb; I really love them.

48. 48 都 Since I've Been Reborn, I'll Master Both the Pen and the Sword 都重来了，我当然要文武双全 Ximen Kun西门坤Historical1.6M WordsOngoing Set in an alternate early Ming Dynasty, this is a story about a science student who transmigrates. Simple middle-school physics experiments are enough to amaze everyone. He sparks a scientific awakening, founds a new school of thought, and brings materialism into Confucianism to accelerate social progress. You just need a little scientific knowledge. You can do it too, and there’s no golden finger!! 1.7kReads6.5Score10114d adds

    Reader note

    Highly recommended. Anything that doesn't belong to its time is strictly based on the existing conditions at the time. The male protagonist is quite rational, with a touch of cunning.

49. 49 我 What Does My Living Off a Woman Have to Do with a Scholar's Integrity? 我吃软饭关文人风骨什么事？ Running Braised Fish奔跑的红烧鱼Historical225k WordsCompleted [Imperial Exams + One Heroine + Living Off a Woman + Feel-Good Story + Officialdom + Plagiarism] My name is Luo An. My teeth aren’t up to the job, so I can only live off a woman and enjoy her soft, delicious cooking. To get my hands on that meal, I didn’t hesitate to frame my classmate by claiming he was from Chengdu. Once I’d kicked him out and taken his place, I finally got my hands on a piping-hot bowl of rice. What? You say this shows a lack of scholarly integrity? Let me tell you, I’d do an 1.5kReads6.8Score11014d adds

    Reader note

    The male protagonist transmigrates into the body of a farmer's son, and immediately dumps his classmate to become a kept man.

50. 50 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

    These three are absolutely amazing. The writing is delicate, the story logic is clear, and the plot is full of twists and turns. They are really good.

Other lists with My Clan Raised Me to Greatness, So I Gifted Them Purple Robes