Fanqie booklists

I Want to Read Imperial Exam Stories, Preferably With the Protagonist Reborn in the Womb or Starting as a Child and Climbing the Ranks Step by Step 想看科举文，最好是胎穿，或者小孩子，一步步科举

Books: 261
Views: 3.2M
Recs: 674
Updated: 3d ago

GPT-6 Luna

Looking for books similar to After Being Bitten by Leeches While Farming, I Stayed Up All Night Studying for the Imperial Exams.

In this list

Reader notes translated by Google Translate

Genre, tags, more

101 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
102 A Woman in a Man’s Body: Lord Fuguang Goes on a Killing Spree 女穿男：扶光君他杀疯了 Shi Yi蒔宜Ancient Romance814k WordsOngoing [Female-to-Male Transmigration + No Romance + Literary Plagiarism + Jinx + Aristocratic Scion’s Exam Success Story] Also known as: The Azure Luan Chronicles Song Hezhen was a brilliant academic in the 22nd century, a top student who graduated from Cambridge with two doctorates. After completing her studies, she was just about to return home and contribute to her country’s development. But life is unpredictable: the plane she was on crashed, and just like that, Song Hezhen kicked the bucket! When 4.7kReads7.4Score51114d adds
Reader note
A story about a noble family's son taking the imperial examinations—a refreshing and unconventional tale with a fresh premise and no melodramatic plot twists.
103 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!! 1.8kReads6.5Score10114d adds
Reader note
Reincarnation, no special advantages, the whole family works together to achieve upward social mobility!
104 A Country Boy’s Ups and Downs in the Imperial Exams 农家小子科举浮沉记 Bamboo Bay Bay竹湾湾Historical394k WordsCompleted By a stroke of bad luck, he transmigrates into the cherished child of a man from the northwest, with a mysterious, aloof first stepmother, a hardworking second stepmother, and a sister who might be sold off at the drop of a hat. He studies late into the night, vowing to climb the ladder to success. (The protagonist is no saint or god. He can be selfish, and he’ll have his share of heartache over love.) (The female lead is neither sweet and cute nor gentle and soft-spoken. She’s a talkative, conf 845Reads8.2Score10014d adds
Reader note
He was only three years old when he traveled back in time, and through hard work and perseverance in the imperial examinations, he eventually became the top scholar, without any unexpected cheat codes.
105 A Scoundrel’s Path to Success in the Ancient Imperial Exams 败类的古代科举之路 Lin Lin Xi Xi林林熙熙Ancient Romance299k WordsOngoing Su Yanci was a bad person. After getting his parents killed and bringing about his own death, he was given a chance to be reborn. As long as he completes the System’s missions, he can return to the past and start over… 4.4kReads7.3Score30514d adds
Reader note
The protagonist is a scumbag who was bound to a system and transmigrated into this world. Evil people get their just desserts; he'll be strictly disciplined by his family and friends, which is super unique. The protagonist is also the most handsome child in the world—it's going to be very interesting! [Shy][shy]
106 I, Sun Shan, and the Imperial Examinations 我，孙山，科举 Ximen Qizi西门七仔Ancient Romance4.7M WordsOngoing “Imperial exams + transmigration + farming + exams + no space System” “Romance included, devoted male lead. The female lead is his childhood sweetheart, but she appears infrequently. Romance is not the main plot.” “The male lead rises step by step through hard work and good luck.” “The male lead is no good at scheming, but he gets things done and has technical skills.” “The imperial examination system is based on the Ming and Qing dynasties.” After an accident, he is transmigrated into the womb 47.4kReads8.8Score3.1k14d adds
Reader note
I highly recommend these two books!
107 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
This story features a protagonist who transmigrates to ancient times. Without any special abilities, she suffers from a severe allergy to sunlight. Fortunately, her parents love her dearly. Later, she meets the male lead, and the two form a family. Their lives become increasingly warm and loving. They have a son who is a prodigy in the imperial examinations, possessing a photographic memory at a young age. He not only achieves the highest honors in all six levels of the examinations but also becomes the youngest top scholar in history… [laughing][laughing]
108 A Woman Transmigrates into a Man: My Lame Childhood Bride 女穿男：我的跛脚童养媳 Gui Chengcheng归澄澄Ancient Romance545k WordsCompleted [Woman Transmigrates into a Man] + [Devoted Husband] + [Older Woman/Younger Man Romance] + [Everyday Rural Life] + [Helping Each Other Grow] + [Business and Imperial Exams] Modern-day overworked office drone Zhao Xiaoyu transmigrates into a poor farming family in ancient times. Orphaned at birth, he is raised by his five-years-older, lame, child-bride sister, who farms and sews to support his studies for the imperial exams. When he is five, Zhao Xiaoyu toddles after her, promising that when he g 2.3kReads8.9Score26114d adds
109 Life in Ancient Times as a Posthumous Child 遗腹子的古代生活 Cheng Shu Ju程书橘Historical2.2M WordsCompleted [No golden finger + farming + imperial examinations + alternate history + court politics in the later stages + everyday family life] He wakes up as the posthumous son of a county deputy in the Great Zhou dynasty. He may not be born into an official family, but surely the assets his father left behind are enough to make this only child rich. So he happily decides that in this life, he’ll coast to success. Things don’t go as he expected. His father died young after only a few years in office, leav 11.3kReads7.7Score1.2k14d adds
Reader note
🔥🔥🔥No cheat codes + farming + imperial examination + alternate history + later court politics + family drama🔥🔥🔥 He became the posthumous son of a county magistrate in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Although he couldn't become a second-generation official, the assets left by his father should be enough for him, the only son, to be a rich second-generation. He happily decided that he would live a life of ease and comfort. Unexpectedly, things didn't go as he expected. His father died young after only a few years in office, leaving him little property. His clan coveted his wealth, and many others were eyeing his fortune... To protect his family's wealth, Gu Xingjin, bearing the expectations of his entire family, had no choice but to take the imperial examination. Several years later, someone banged drums and gongs, announcing the good news: Young Master Gu has passed the exam!
110 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
It's not a reincarnation story, there's no system, no cheat codes, everything depends on the protagonist and his teacher. He's young but incredibly intelligent. There's no romantic pairing, the plot is fast-paced, every character is well-developed, and so far there's no melodramatic plot twists.
111 Cast Out of the Marquis's Residence, I Rise from Poverty to Become the Top Scholar 被逐出侯府，我寒门崛起成状元 Yu Youxia鱼又夏Historical1.0M WordsCompleted The score was just posted, so it’ll gradually go up as the story progresses. [Imperial exams and farming] + [Fictional ancient setting] Jiang Huai unexpectedly transmigrated into a book and became the second young master of the Marquis of Yongning’s household. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the Marquis’s biological son, so Jiang Huai was sent along with the original owner to live in the impoverished countryside. His new home had nothing but bare walls. They were dirt poor. No matter. He wrote popular 2.2kReads7.8Score16814d adds
Reader note
The story of the fake young master, who was banished to the countryside and became a farmer's son, rises to prominence through the imperial examinations.
112 I Had a Fiancée in Ancient Times 在古代有个未婚妻 Reincarnation转生Ancient Romance271k WordsCompleted After three years of high school, Xiao Yansheng sets off on a graduation trip. A tsunami strikes, and a towering wave sends him flying. When he opens his eyes again, he has become an eight-year-old boy in ancient times. And as if that weren't enough, he somehow has a fiancée! And so the story begins... 11.4kReads8.8Score98814d adds
113 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
He picked it up and looked at it, then looked up at the person in front of him and asked, "Are you Tang Wenfeng?" Tang Wenfeng nodded, puzzled. Had he become so famous? Did even the teachers at the county school know him? The man with the goatee shook his head and sighed, "I never expected you to come to the county school." He thought that a promising student who had passed the preliminary imperial examination at such a young age would go to Mohua Academy. Mohua Academy was the most famous private school in Yiyang County, jointly funded by several prominent families in the county. The headmaster was an old gentleman specially invited from the prefectural city who had taught at the Imperial Academy. From the very beginning of Mohua Academy's establishment, the two academies had been at odds. Although their relationship had eased somewhat, to the point that they wouldn't spit at each other if they bumped into each other on the street, they still ignored each other. The man with the goatee asked curiously, "Can you tell me why you came to the county school?" Tang Wenfeng hesitated, "Do you want to hear the truth or..." The man with the goatee raised an eyebrow, "The truth, of course." Tang Wenfeng then said, "It's cheap."
114 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 7.7kReads8.5Score56814d adds
Reader note
The male protagonist transmigrates but doesn't have any cheat codes; it's an imperial examination novel. Trust me, after 5000 hours of reading time, it's truly amazing!
115 Raising Daiyu as a High-Ranking Official 官居一品养黛玉 Xiao Yuanning笑苑宁Female-Channel Fanfiction2.3M WordsCompleted I transmigrated into Dream of the Red Chamber as someone never mentioned in the original novel. My only golden finger is the ability to choose one person to visit in a dream every ten years. After years of diligent study, Lin Dan, a humanities student, finally saves Daiyu and rises from a commoner to the highest rank of official. P.S. The male lead is Lin Dan, and the female lead is my adorable little Daiyu. But they are not a couple!!!! He’s just an uncle raising his niece!! The male lead will 12.3kReads8.5Score82114d adds
Reader note
Liberal arts student Lin Dan transmigrates into "Dream of the Red Chamber," becoming a character not yet appearing in the book, and possesses a ten-year dream-granting cheat ability. He studies day and night to save Daiyu, rising from a commoner to a first-rank official, and dotes on the adorable Daiyu as her uncle, embarking on a unique journey in the "Dream of the Red Chamber"!
116 Selling Vegetables and Studying, Then Becoming the Top Scholar 卖菜读书，结果高中状元 Three Layers of Belly Fat三层肚腩Historical1.1M WordsCompleted After Shen Qingfeng dies alongside the Zombie Emperor in the apocalypse, he transmigrates to an alternate dynasty called Great Chu and becomes a child in Ning'an Village. The boy, nicknamed Dog Egg, is frail from birth, suffers from heart disease, and has a lowly name. Luckily, his proper name is Shen Yu'an. After studying for a few months with the elders, Shen Yu'an decides to take the imperial examinations, only to discover that his ancestors were exiles, and the descendants of exiles for thre 5.4kReads8.9Score57914d adds
Reader note
Haha, it's a newly opened book, and the food there is delicious!
117 The Imperial Exams? Just Another Way to Take the Civil Service Exam! 科举？不过是换个地方考公罢了！ Braised Braised Pork红烧红烧肉Historical196k WordsOngoing [Civil Service + Imperial Exams + Humble Origins + Transmigration + Slow-Paced + Historical + No System + Not Brain-Dead] Lin Shuheng spent years grinding away at an entry-level civil service job. He had just passed his evaluation and was about to be promoted to deputy section chief. While imagining how he’d climb the ranks step by step, he died suddenly from overwork and transmigrated into the body of a poor scholar in ancient times. With the imperial exams looming, the original owner had been —Reads—Score—14d adds
Reader note
An absolutely captivating imperial examination novel!
118 A Farmer's Son Places First in All Six Exams 农家子六元及第了 Li Datou李大头啊Historical341k WordsCompleted Father and son, both top scholars; imperial exams; transmigration; an alternate world; satisfying wish fulfillment; one-on-one romance; sixfold top honors. After a car accident, Shen Ce, Henan’s top college entrance exam scorer, transmigrated into the Great Yan Dynasty. Unwilling to take up farming, he used the imperial exams to steadily climb the road to success… 238Reads—Score10214d adds
Reader note
The rebirth one looks quite nice.
119 The Lowborn Grand Secretary 贱籍阁老 Salty Fish Who Loves Watermelons爱吃瓜的咸鱼Historical1.8M WordsOngoing Transmigrated as the illegitimate son of a salt merchant in Great Zhou, Zhou Mingxuan was born into the lowest social class. A registered salt-household status was the only path to success for someone from a humble family. From the family estate and study halls to the imposing imperial court, he used his writing as his vessel, conquered the civil service examinations, pacified border troubles, and opened up the seas. From the Crown Prince's close friend to a trusted minister charged with safegua 626Reads8.0Score10514d adds
Reader note
The imperial examination system was alright!
120 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
Of these books, I've already finished the last one.
121 The Abandoned Heir Places First in the Imperial Exam, and Ten Thousand Riders Storm the Marquis’s Mansion 被弃世子中状元，万骑踏平侯府门 Jun Moyu君陌玉Historical1.8M WordsCompleted [Imperial Examinations + Reborn in the Womb + Court Politics + Revenge + System] Shen Shufan was reborn in the womb as the heir to a marquis’s estate, only to be knocked unconscious and thrown into a river. No problem: ever heard of the Proficiency System? The impoverished Shen family, a humble family of scholars, found a poor child in a freezing river. Little did they know he was an imperial-examination genius! Other families considered it a blessing from their ancestors if even one person pass 21.6kReads8.7Score2.5k14d adds
Reader note
Rebirth, looks very nice.
122 Saving My Family Through the Imperial Exams: I Win Top Honors with My Talent 科举救家：我靠才华状元及第 Lingnan Jade Carver岭南琢玉郎Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Zhao Yan, a doctoral graduate, pulled an all-nighter and died suddenly. When he opened his eyes, he had become a sickly child from a poor family in Great Zhou! His scholar father had been framed and had the tendons in his hand severed. His mother had cried herself dry, and his sister traded embroidered handkerchiefs for rice to keep the family fed. Then the Ma family’s thugs came to force his father to kneel and sign a contract, trampling a scholar’s dignity into the mud! Zhao Yan clenched his f 377Reads7.2Score10014d adds
Reader note
It's beautiful, beautiful, so beautiful! Ahhhhh, trust me!
123 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 11.3kReads8.5Score1k14d adds
Reader note
A 10-month time travel experience would be roughly equivalent to a rebirth.
124 Dream of the Red Chamber: Jia Cong's Road to the Imperial Exams 红楼：庶子贾琮登科路 Noierton诺伊尔顿Historical391k WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + Dream of the Red Chamber spin-off + Transmigration + No golden finger + Not a wish-fulfillment story + One female lead, romance develops later] The rating has only just opened. Everyone is welcome to give it a try. He was once a young history professor. One night, while staying up to write a grant proposal for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, he worked himself to death. Who could have guessed he would transmigrate into the body of nine-year-old Jia Cong 448Reads8.0Score10914d adds
Reader note
I highly recommend this novel about the imperial examinations. The original protagonist transmigrates into the body of 9-year-old Jia Cong. The imperial examination storyline is concentrated and rich from chapter 29 onwards. You won't regret reading it! [Heart emoji]
125 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
It's so good! The plot is logical. I've added it to my bookshelf and will read it overnight.
126 The Commoner Chancellor, Xia Ren 布衣宰相虾仁 Floating Life Returns to the Void浮生归墟Historical920k WordsOngoing After a sudden car accident, Xia Ren, a double PhD in history and literature, transmigrated as a dying seven-year-old peasant child in the Great Jing Dynasty, a realm never recorded in history. His family had nothing, but that couldn't diminish the knowledge and experience he had accumulated over two lifetimes. His memories of poring over ancient texts in his previous life remained crystal clear. The classics, historical records, institutions, and lessons of dynastic rise and decline were all at 351Reads—Score—14d adds
Reader note
Book Synopsis: Xia Ren, a double PhD in History and Literature, is transported to the Great Jing Dynasty—a dynasty never before recorded in history—after a sudden car accident. He is reborn as a seven-year-old boy on the verge of death in a peasant family. Despite his impoverished circumstances, his knowledge and experience accumulated over two lifetimes remain undiminished. His memories of his previous life's deep study of classical texts are vivid; he possesses a profound understanding of history, philosophy, literature, institutions, and the principles of governance, chaos, rise, and fall. From a young boy studying by lamplight to a promising scholar, he overcomes numerous obstacles on the path of the imperial examinations with his vision and talent far beyond his time. He excels in the provincial examinations, achieves fame in the metropolitan examinations, and astounds the emperor in the palace examinations. Entering the court as a commoner, he finds himself navigating a treacherous and turbulent bureaucracy, rife with factional strife. Beset by treacherous officials and threatened by border troubles, he must contend with both open and covert attacks while simultaneously fulfilling his aspirations to govern and benefit the people. He promoted agriculture and sericulture, benefited industry and commerce, rectified officialdom, and brought peace to the four borders... Step by step, he rose from a poor scholar to the position of prime minister, writing a legend of "shrimp" and leaving a strong mark on the history books of the Great Jing Dynasty for this unexpected soul.
127 A Farmer's Son's Journey Through the Imperial Exams: I Took My Parents to the Capital 农家子的科举征途：我带爹娘上京 Yu Yu Qi Qi鱼鱼棋棋Historical109k WordsOngoing Li Zeyan was a fine young man of the 21st century, a typical college student. He'd chosen to study history on a whim, only to find himself unemployed as soon as he graduated. Just as he was losing hope, fate gave him the chance to transmigrate. He thought he was finally going to make his mark and win fame, but when he opened his eyes, he found himself in ancient times, in a peasant household where there was never enough to eat or wear. As the only son born to the Li parents after three daughters 24Reads—Score—14d adds
Reader note
New seedlings, quite young, but only one seedling after birth.
128 The Imperial Exam Life of a Poor Military Household’s Son 寒门军户之子的科举日常 Xing Mumu杏木木Historical381k WordsCompleted [Imperial Exams + Everyday Life + Alternate World + Farming + Cozy + No Romance] The Wang military household has served in the army for generations, and every child is strong and healthy, rarely falling ill from a young age. Only the youngest son, Wang An, is different: weak, adorable, fair-skinned, and delicate, as if a single punch could kill him. Ask him to work in the fields? He’d faint before long. Ask him to help grind beans? He’s too small to manage it. His mother reluctantly chooses a pa 2.6kReads8.8Score35014d adds
Reader note
It's a great read, with a scientific expedition throughout, and the writing is excellent. The only slight regret is that the ending felt rushed!
129 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
Both are very good novels, and I highly recommend them.
130 Reborn, I Use the System to Find My Family, Redeem Myself, and Become a Chancellor 重生后，我靠系统寻亲救赎成宰相 The Xiahou Clan of Humengdao虎蒙道的夏侯族Historical861k WordsOngoing Shen Yan was reborn at the age of twelve, on the night his older sister went into a difficult labor. He activated the Family-Finding System, saved his sister, and received lavish rewards. He discovered that the relatives he had lost in his previous life were scattered across the land, all living tragic lives: A nephew whose identity had been switched, a sister humiliated in the palace, a younger sister reduced to a kept woman… Shen Yan rose through the ranks by passing the imperial examinations, 15Reads6.9Score—14d adds
Reader note
Rebirth through the Imperial Examination, not time travel.
131 A Zhuangyuan Emerges from a Farming Family Through the Imperial Exams 科举农门出了个状元郎 September Jojo九月玖玖Historical608k WordsCompleted After finally making something of himself as an orphan, he opened his eyes in the darkness and found himself a five-year-old idiot in ancient times. From the start, the Husky System tricked him into going deep into the mountains, telling him to be independent and figure out how to survive there alone. To hell with that! I have a home and a family. There’s just one problem: this family is dirt poor! No worries. Getting rich and passing the imperial exams are well within his abilities! This is a s 345Reads6.9Score—14d adds
Reader note
It's a novel about the imperial examination system; it's quite good. You might want to check it out.
132 A Woman Reborn as a Man: This Farmer’s Son Must Make Something of Himself 女穿男：农家儿郎要争气 coco Lingcoco零Ancient Romance535k WordsOngoing (Female-to-male transmigration + imperial examinations + deduction + criminal investigations + a female lead, with little romance) In my previous life, I was one of the country’s top talents. Then, well, bam! The good news: I’m still alive. The bad news: I’ve got the wrong equipment. From the start, I grow crops to earn a little silver. My family aren’t troublemakers, and to avoid doing farm work, I embark on the path of the imperial examinations. 222Reads—Score—14d adds
Reader note
Both are reincarnation stories, but I prefer the first one; the male lead feels very real. The third one has a native father and a time-traveling mother. The second one is particularly unrealistic; the male lead is incredibly powerful, but since he works in the cultural field, it's understandable.
133 I Bled My Family Dry in My Past Life, Now Six Yuan Makes Me a God 前世吸光全家血，今生六元来封神 A Really Big Piece of Candy Right Here这里一颗好大的糖Historical680k WordsCompleted [Farming]+ [Imperial examinations]+ [Making a fortune]+ [Power fantasy]+ [Lighthearted comedy] Lin Yunzhou spent half his life working his way up to the rank of interstellar marshal. He never expected to transmigrate to an ancient era with not a trace of technology... The good news: He went from being an orphan to the most doted-on youngest son in the family, and fell in love at first sight with a young lady. The bad news: His parents play favorites, his brothers are blindly filial, and his olde 5.9kReads8.0Score42314d adds
Reader note
I've reread these books by [Sparrow's Masterpiece] multiple times! The protagonist is focused on his career without being obsessed with romance. The plot, from the imperial examination to becoming an official, is written in great detail. It's not the kind of wish-fulfillment novel where the protagonist's life is ridiculously overpowered. The sense of immersion is incredibly strong.
134 I Turned My Superstitious Father into the Chief Councilor 我把神棍老爹卷成首辅 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical1.7M WordsCompleted [Ensemble cast + imperial examinations + daily life + farming + court politics later on] Father and son join forces to build a Ming dynasty on which the sun never sets. Yan Xun transmigrates to the Ming dynasty and discovers that his father can do everything except study. His dad has so many secret identities, like an onion with layer after layer to peel back. Huh! If I push Dad hard enough to make him Grand Secretary, can I become a Junior Grand Secretary? The filial son Yan Xun sells everythin 22.8kReads9.5Score2.8k14d adds
Reader note
1. [Request for more updates][Top post] Luo Yanxun transmigrated to the Ming Dynasty and discovered that his father was good at everything except studying. His father had many identities, like peeling an onion, layer after layer. Wow! He could make his father the Grand Secretary and himself a junior Grand Secretary? The filial son Yan Po sold everything he owned to support his father's studies, making him even more versatile! 2. [Request for attention][Request for more updates][Request for attention] In this era where powerful clans looked down on the imperial family, Zhao Quan, born into a farming family, entered school carrying the hopes of his parents and six older brothers. Farming was out of the question; even the village chief's family had no surplus grain... So he had no choice but to take the imperial examinations and become an official.
135 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
136 After Marrying a Sweet Young Wife, I Worked Hard and Took the Imperial Exam 迎娶小娇妻后，我奋发图强考科举 Flying Cow 98会飞的牛98Historical1.1M WordsCompleted One heroine + no System + lighthearted pacing A thorough understanding of the world is knowledge, and social savvy is good writing. Ren Junjie, a history graduate, suddenly finds himself in an unfamiliar world as the eldest legitimate son of the richest family in Xinchang County. A former wastrel, he turns over a new leaf and marries a lovely young wife. He rests every other day and works on the days in between, studying harder and striving to improve. With his deep knowledge of history, he purs 8.9kReads8.8Score70314d adds
137 Sister, I Passed the Imperial Examination! 阿姐，我中举了！ The Mantis Loves to Dance螳螂爱跳舞Historical647k WordsCompleted Scholar Chen studied hard all his life but never passed the provincial examination. Before he died, he told his eldest daughter, “You must make sure your younger brother studies and earns an official title. Otherwise, I won’t be able to rest in peace!” An elder brother is like a father, and an elder sister is like a mother. Bearing her father’s final wish, Chen Zhaodi resolutely laid down her terms: “If you want to marry me, you must send my little brother to school.” While everyone else in the 4.7kReads8.6Score34414d adds
Reader note
The male protagonist in this book has no messy relatives, only a loving older sister, which is very heartwarming.
138 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
This book has great potential, it's really good!
139 I Transmigrated into a Poor Family and Turned My Fate Around Through the Imperial Exams 穿越寒门，我考科举逆袭 Lincang Cloud临沧云Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [A clever tale of power and strategy] Su Wen, a university student majoring in Chinese literature, transmigrates to ancient times and is born into a poor family. Relying on the brilliant poetry and literary culture of China, he makes a stunning comeback and passes the imperial examinations as the top scholar. A princess of the imperial family, a chancellor's daughter, a wealthy merchant's daughter, the top courtesan in the pleasure quarters, a charming maid... all admire his peerless talent. “ 17.7kReads8.1Score1.6k14d adds
Reader note
The Carefree Scholar: Poetry and Literature Prowess Lead to Success. Su Wen, a Chinese literature major, transmigrates to ancient times from a humble background. Armed with the brilliance of Chinese poetry, he defies the odds in the imperial examinations, ultimately winning the title of top scholar! He effortlessly composes masterpieces like "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" and "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng," and his recitation of "Drinking Alone Under the Moon" astounds the world, attracting the admiration of princesses, daughters of prime ministers, and daughters of wealthy merchants. Court power is meaningless to him; Su Wen has no desire to wield the reins of power. He only desires to live a carefree and unrestrained life in ancient times, relying solely on his vast knowledge!
140 Civil Service Exams in a Troubled Age: A Farmer's Son's Road to Glory 乱世科举：农家子的光耀门楣路 Tiger of the Year of the Tiger虎年的老虎Historical232k WordsOngoing The Li family had a young rogue who stole chickens, picked pockets, loafed around, and never learned a thing. After stealing a bellyband and making advances on a young woman, he was beaten to death. With no food at home and his father paralyzed, he faced a hopeless start. His weathered, stooped grandfather stood by as the young man picked up a book and entered the imperial examinations. Everyone in the village waited to laugh. The notorious Li Rogue passing the exams would be the biggest joke of 58Reads6.7Score—14d adds
Reader note
Transmigrated into the body of a notorious peasant ruffian, his family is destitute, his father is paralyzed, and his grandfather is old. Faced with a disastrous start, he resolutely picks up his books and strives for success in the imperial examinations. From the universally ridiculed "Li the Ruffian" to a brilliant scholar who tops the list, he leads his family to rise again, only to be forced into the power struggles of a chaotic world. To protect his loved ones, the scholar takes up a gun, carving a path to heaven through thorns and brambles!
141 A Farmboy's Guide to the Imperial Exams: I'm One Lucky Layabout! 农家科举子我是躺赢狗！ A Worthless Cow一文不值的牛Historical217k WordsCompleted Li Xuan opens his eyes and finds himself inexplicably transported to a dynasty called Great Qi. The country is in desperate need of rebuilding, and he is a farmer's son, the hope his whole family is counting on… 45Reads—Score—14d adds
142 The He Clan's Palace Graduate 何氏传胪 The Tangerine Who Dreams of Getting Rich做梦也想暴富的橘Female-Channel Fanfiction599k WordsOngoing [Imperial examinations + business + farming + native protagonist + romance] Born into a family of scholars and farmers, he comes from a long line of officials. His direct relatives now include a third-rank court official, but his own branch is so distant that they have been excluded from the clan for five generations. To restore the family’s former glory and stop his grandmother and grandparents from being mocked, he has only one path: the imperial examinations. He takes exam after exam, builds 664Reads6.7Score—14d adds
143 The Number One Son-in-Law: From Child Bridegroom to Powerful Minister 第一赘婿：从童养夫到权臣 Sweetheart Wine糖心酒Historical362k WordsCompleted [Farming and imperial examinations + warm and relaxing + alternate ancient setting] [The male lead seems sweet and simple but is actually cunning and doting toward his wife; a story of growth × the female lead seems frail but is actually domineering and cold-hearted] Villagers: “That little fool from the Fang family carries Pear Girl around everywhere all day. What a bargain that child bride turned out to be!” Song Zhun: “Do you think I want to carry her? If I don’t humor that lazy girl, she say 733Reads8.4Score10314d adds
Reader note
Both the male and female leads are time travelers. They are childhood sweethearts, and the male lead is bought by the female lead to be her child husband. It's a sweet, slice-of-life, imperial examination-themed novel...
144 A Scholar from a Humble Family in the Zhu Household 朱门寒士 Catch Turtles and Embrace the Moon捉鳖揽月Historical317k WordsCompleted A family of scholars, but who deserves a bowl of chicken soup? Climbing out of poverty: how many can fit on that narrow path? During the Jiajing reign of the Great Ming, the Zhu family hall in Zhuhe Village hosted a silent contest every night. The chicken soup's oily sheen floated only in the bowl of the eldest grandson, Zhu Yawen. The whole family tightened their belts to support a promising young scholar who had struggled for more than a decade without even passing the county-level examinatio 216Reads6.0Score—14d adds
Reader note
This is a good book. It follows a five-year-old child's arduous journey through the imperial examinations, depicting the daily life of a farmer's son while also creating suspense and conflict from time to time. It's worth reading.
145 The Exam-System Bargain Hunter Accidentally Wins the Whole Empire 科举捡漏王，一不小心捡了个天下 Fan Yuxing凡与星Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [Imperial Exam Fiction] [Alternate History] [One Heroine] [No Golden Finger] Xie Qi thought he had died, but one day he woke up to discover that he had transmigrated into the son of a poor farming family in an alternate dynasty. The only way to change his fate was to take the imperial exams! After finally passing the exams and becoming the top scholar, Xie Qi was badly set up by the emperor. He was sent straight to the most remote prefectural city. Since he was here, he might as well make the be 66Reads7.0Score—14d adds
146 The Daily Life of a Minor Official's Son Preparing for the Imperial Exams 小官之子科举日常 Ninth Day of the First Month良月初九Historical377k WordsCompleted [Woman Transmigrates into a Man + Imperial Exams + Farmer's Son + No Problematic Family Members + No Pocket Dimension + No Golden Finger] Lin He, a graduate student in history, transmigrates into the Great Qi, a dynasty that never existed in history, and goes from being a woman to a man. His family has nothing to its name: his father is a catlike academic prodigy, his mother a tigerlike farmer, and Lin He's life is a constant struggle. Fortunately, his father earned the jinshi degree early on, a 1.7kReads8.8Score12514d adds
Reader note
The male protagonist doesn't have any special advantages; his father only reaches the fifth-rank official level in the end. The story explores the protagonist's journey towards becoming an official, and his smooth career path is due to his choosing the right side (well, I'm not sure if this counts as a special advantage). The epilogue is also quite good.
147 I Only Wanted to Pass the Civil Service Exams, but They Forced Her to Seize the Throne 本想科举做官，非逼她谋朝篡位 Autumn Farewell and the Lantern's Song秋辞与灯鸣Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted (The comic adaptation is now available) [No CP] [Strong Female Lead] [Female Empowerment] [Imperial Exams, No Disguise as a Man] [Political Scheming] [Reincarnated in the Womb] [A Light Ensemble Cast] Yu Zhao transmigrates. In her previous life, she grew up in an orphanage and worked herself to the bone, finally graduating at twenty with a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate. Just as she joined a research institute and was on the verge of a bright future, a sudden pebble struck her dead. When sh 7.9kReads8.9Score1.4k14d adds
Reader note
Reincarnated as a scholar in an imperial examination, he later rebels and becomes emperor.
148 My Precious Grandson's Journey to the Imperial Exams 宝贝孙子的科举之路 Mo Rui墨芮Ancient Romance223k WordsOngoing My grandma is what everyone calls a nightmare, but she absolutely dotes on me and gives me anything I want. In that case, I'll make sure she gets to live a life free of worries, with fine clothes and plenty to eat. (No romance between people of the same sex. None. Any mentions of it early on are just a misunderstanding.) 4Reads8.1Score—14d adds
149 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... 1kReads7.7Score10514d adds
Reader note
These are all exceptionally good time-travel imperial examination novels.
150 My Big Brother Is a Celebrated Minister, So Who's Afraid of the Imperial Exams? 大哥是名臣，科举路上我怕谁 Shanshan Laichi山山徕池Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Tags: No Romance, Ancient Imperial Examinations, System, Beloved by All] [Content warning: The protagonist grows up from infancy, with a slow-paced, everyday child-rearing story. This is not a traditional imperial-examination novel.] [The bonus chapters include a romance subplot for Xiao Lu. If that bothers you, please don’t read them!] Yang Buhuo is reborn, and should have been delighted to receive a “win by doing nothing” System and rise to the top. Instead, System Xiao Ba gets the wrong pers 1.6kReads8.1Score13014d adds
Reader note
No romantic pairing. The protagonist is a genius who was reborn as "Hua Yimiao". He has a system, but it was bound to the wrong person – a soldier under his command in his previous life. There is a timeline of his past life. Yimiao's current timeline is the past of his previous life's timeline. Hmm, is it now a parallel world? Because of his arrival, some butterfly effects have been triggered, and the current historical development does not conform to the historical development of his previous life's timeline.

Other lists with Little Brother, If I Call You Dad, Do You Dare Answer?