Looking for a Book Title: Imperial Exams, a Marquis’s Household, and an Official’s Illegitimate Son 求书名。科举，侯府（当官的）庶子

1. 1 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

   This is exactly the same as what you described.

2. 2 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

   Reader note

   I've read many imperial examination novels, and while they were all captivating, this one left me wanting more. The descriptions of the noble family's members are particularly detailed and vivid; I really enjoyed them. I'm wondering if there's a meal replacement option?

3. 3 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 214.1kReads9.3Score21.3kShelves

   Reader note

   ☘️This is an incredibly good read, currently the best ensemble cast of imperial examination novels, with all characters possessing high intelligence and solid writing. The male protagonist transmigrates from modern times to ancient times without any special abilities. He rises from a poor family to become an official through sheer hard work and talent, which was incredibly inspiring. To avoid being bullied, for himself, and for his clan, he studied relentlessly, pushing himself to the limit. Honestly, I cried buckets of tears when I read that part; I don't know why, I just couldn't control it.

4. 4 这 This Start Is Pretty Miserable! 这个开局有点惨啊！ Pi Xiaobai皮小白Historical888k WordsCompleted He transmigrates straight into an assassin training camp! After barely escaping with his life, he unexpectedly takes the place of an official’s son! He originally planned to pursue the imperial examinations, but the dynasty is in its final days and chaos engulfs the land! Watch the protagonist carve out his own place in the world! The author is no good at writing introductions, so please head straight to the story... 3.2kReads8.6Score226Shelves

   Reader note

   Both books are quite good, and they're from the same series; the first book is set a little later in time, while the second is set at the end of a dynasty and tells the story of the protagonist's struggles.

5. 5 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
6. 6 庶 A Concubine-Born Son’s Road to the Imperial Exams 庶子科举路 Lu Xun's Transmigration Journey陆寻的穿越之旅Historical653k WordsCompleted Gu Yan, an illegitimate son of the Marquis of Yongning’s household, lost his birth mother at an early age and was treated as a thorn in his stepmother’s side. From the start, he was kicked awake and made to kneel before his marquis father. In a military family, having a scholar for a son was a joke. His stepmother sneered, “You’re not cut out for studying,” while his legitimate elder brother mocked him: “Can a bookworm put food on the table?” Gu Yan didn’t argue. He simply went from the marqui 2.2kReads6.9Score157Shelves

   Reader note

   This illegitimate son is no ordinary man; he rose from the imperial examinations to become the Grand Secretary.

7. 7 红EN Dream of the Red Chamber: The Strongest Imperial Guard—The World Is Mine! 红楼：最强锦衣卫，我只手遮天！ The Loquat Tree in the Courtyard院有枇杷树Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [You can enjoy this even if you've never read Dream of the Red Chamber] After transmigrating into the world of Dream of the Red Chamber, Jia Huan becomes an unloved son born to a concubine. The dynasty is nearing its end, officials are corrupt, martial artists flout the law, and court factions scheme for power. Fortunately, Jia Huan awakens a golden finger and joins the Embroidered Uniform Guard, rising through the ranks. If anyone crosses him, he slaughters them, while also taking the opportuni 115kReads8.9Score12.2kShelves

   Reader note

   I've read quite a few books on the theme of "Dream of the Red Chamber," but this one offers a fresh perspective, with a captivating and dramatic story.

8. 8 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

   I personally think the beginning of this book was quite good, and overall it's pretty good. 😆

9. 9 我 I Came from the Ninth Heaven 我自九天来 Disarmed Veteran卸甲老卒Eastern Fantasy2.7M WordsOngoing An ensemble cast, political intrigue, passion, and war between nations. The world teems with heroes. Four great dynasties and thousand-year-old clans treat all living things as straw dogs. Though dust stains the young man's clothes, his heart remains fixed on the moon. 25.5kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves

   Reader note

   Different strokes for different folks. But this is exactly what you need!

10. 10 穿 Transmigrating to an Unmanageable Life in Ancient Times 穿越之躺不平的古代生活 Mi Wangwang米旺旺Ancient Romance2.5M WordsOngoing [The rating has just been posted and will rise] Ancient life + Slow-burn story + Studying and imperial exams + Devoted love + One heroine + Gradual pacing Chen Wen'an grew up in an orphanage and worked his way through college, graduating while holding down a job. After joining the workforce and becoming one of the office drones, he was walking home from work when he got distracted by a phone call and failed to notice a truck running a red light. Just like that, he became one of the transmigratio 25.5kReads7.3Score1.6kShelves
11. 11 寒 A Poor Scholar’s Rise Begins with Meeting the Miserable Crown Prince 寒门崛起，从遇上苦逼太子开始 Zuo Lan佐蓝Historical2.0M WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Imperial Exams for the Poor + No System + Lighthearted + Wits and Strategy] After transmigrating to ancient times, Tang Yin was completely dumbfounded. He'd gone to sleep and woken up as a seven-year-old kid? He lived in Peach Blossom Village, Qingzhou Prefecture, in the Great Ming, and came from a poor family? It was a disastrous start. He had to fight heaven and earth, and even deal with his awful relatives. Determined to escape the mountains, Tang Yin secretly studied at the 6.2kReads7.9Score543Shelves
12. 12 赚 Making Money to Support My Husband 赚钱养夫郎 Love Wheel Cakes爱吃车轮饼Two Male Leads399k WordsCompleted [Sweet romance, top takes the lead][A protective top vs. a well-behaved bottom] Content warning: a delicate, soft bottom Ji Zheng had just finished twelve years of school and was looking forward to the wonderful college life ahead. Then he died while trying to help someone in danger. Luckily, he didn’t quite die for good. He transmigrated. Unluckily, he transmigrated into the body of a married farmer named Ji Zheng. Even worse, his wife was a man. Looking at his scrawny, pitiful husband, Ji Zhen 77Reads9.0Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The imperial examination system, the path to officialdom, and even a sweet romance.

13. 13 女 Matriarchy: Seven Handsome Husbands for the Stunning Top Scholar 女尊：科举之绝色夫君有七个 There Are Long Years in the Swallow's Nest燕里有长年Ancient Romance359k WordsCompleted [Not One-on-One + Multiple Male Leads + Imperial Exams + Some Original Worldbuilding] (The early chapters focus mainly on the imperial exams and move along quickly. The pocket dimension is secondary and rarely used.) The Sang family had a daughter named Wu. A Daoist priest declared that she would struggle to live past sixteen. If she did survive, she should take the imperial exams, and she would surely rise to great heights. But fate had other plans. On her sixteenth birthday, the youngest daugh 11.6kReads9.2Score1.4kShelves
14. 14 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

    This lighthearted and humorous time-travel fantasy novel tells the story of Su Shi, a modern-day tycoon who unexpectedly travels to the prosperous Great Qian Dynasty, becoming the spoiled second young master of a noble family. Initially rejected by his fiancée, with everyone waiting to see him fail, Su Shi uses his modern wisdom to astonish the capital with his impromptu poetry, effortlessly invent things that change the world, and even inadvertently become the richest man in the Great Qian. The novel's plot is humorous and witty, offering both the satisfying thrill of a comeback and the heartwarming sweetness of romantic interactions. The entanglement between Su Shi and the Third Princess is particularly hilarious and heartwarming. If you enjoy time travel, comedy, and sweet romance, this book is a must-read!

15. 15 重 Reborn, I Study for the Imperial Exams in Another World 重生后，我在异世界读书科举 Lan Xiaoyi蓝小一Historical2.8M WordsCompleted (Transmigration) + (farming) + (daily life) + (imperial examinations) (no System) + (court politics) Chen Chuyi was reborn into a poor family in Beishui Village, carrying the memories of his past life. At first, he only wanted to earn a little money to improve his family's life. But in this unfamiliar ancient world, he was always afraid someone would take his family's money and eat their food. In the end, he embarked on the path of study and the imperial examinations. He knew that only by changi 6.9kReads8.3Score538Shelves

    Reader note

    Chen Chuyi, carrying memories of his past life, transmigrates to a poor family in Beishui Village. Initially, he only wants to earn money to improve his family's life. However, in this unfamiliar ancient society, without any means of protection, he is ultimately at the mercy of others. In the end, he has no choice but to embark on the journey of studying for the imperial examinations; only by changing his fate can he better protect himself and his family. "When poor, cultivate your own virtue; when successful, help others..."

16. 16 病 The Sickly Man Only Wants to Live Off a Woman 病秧子一心只想吃软饭 Gentle as the Breeze穆如清风Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Adorable child + business + imperial examinations + martial world + political schemes + strong female and male leads in love + battlefield] The imperial examinations come first, and the female lead appears later! Gu Fei, an orphan with congenital heart disease, died in one life. She thought that if she were reborn, she could have a healthy body this time. She only wanted to be comfortably well-off and live a long, peaceful life. But her mother went into early labor because of a wild chicken egg 835Reads7.4Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    1. A story combining imperial examinations and farming; the characters are all cunning, neither entirely good nor entirely bad. 2. A very interesting female-to-male transmigration plot.

17. 17 在 Life as a Kept Man in Ancient Times 在古代吃软饭的日子 Uncle Chen Who Loves Honeycomb Egg Yolk Pastries爱吃蜂巢蛋黄角的陈伯Ancient Romance529k WordsCompleted Someone asked Lu Chao how he became the youngest Minister of Works in the empire. What was the secret to his success? Lu Chao glanced at the person beside him and smiled. “First, you need to have a general for a wife.” The story of Lu Chao, a modern-day corporate drone who accidentally transmigrates to ancient times. He originally plans to lie flat, but ultimately becomes a wise minister of his generation. 5.5kReads8.8Score413Shelves
18. 18 穿 Transmigrating to Another World, I Marry a Husband, Raise Children, and Become Chancellor 穿越异世，娶夫郎养包子做首辅 Plant Killer植物杀手Two Male Leads604k WordsCompleted [Dual male leads + ancient setting + sweet romance + mutual pampering] Su Wenjing transmigrates to another world and becomes a man believed to bring misfortune to his relatives and wives, with no choice but to marry into another household. He likes men, but he doesn't like a man he's never even met. He goes to the other man's home to discuss ending the engagement amicably. Unexpectedly, the moment Su Wenjing sees him, he falls for him, and even starts thinking of names for their children. * 2.2kReads8.7Score279Shelves
19. 19 玄 Xuanhuan: Living Off Others from the Start, I Emerged as a Confucian Sage 玄幻：开局吃软饭，出世即儒圣 Yao Ren尧人Eastern Fantasy3.1M WordsCompleted [Slice of life + not a power fantasy + the Hundred Schools of Thought + empress + Confucian cultivation] Shen Wuming transmigrates to Northern Han, with an unbelievably fortunate start. His wife is devastatingly beautiful: "May all be well with you, my husband!" His father-in-law is powerful and influential: "My brilliant son-in-law!" Though surrounded by comfort and luxury, Shen Wuming has no intention of living off his wife. With his heaven-defying insight, he becomes a Confucian Sage. [Y 2.3kReads7.9Score241Shelves
20. 20 大 Great Tang: I Broke Off the Engagement from the Start, Became a Poet Immortal, and Now You're Crying? 大唐：开局悔婚，我成诗仙你哭啥 Explosive Tomato爆炸的番茄Historical1.4M WordsCompleted Scheming + sharp-tongued + internet troll + princess killer + hilarious + absurd + father-in-law and son-in-law devotion + love and hate After waking up to find the world changed, Fang Jun is horrified to discover that he has transmigrated to the Tang Dynasty and become Fang Yiai, the most cuckolded man in history! The most cuckolded man in history? Not a chance! When Fang Jun tricks Li Shimin into personally going to the princess's residence to catch them in the act, he sends the entire circle 18kReads8.3Score1.1kShelves
21. 21 寒 Ten Years of Study, Only to Discover It's a Martial Arts World 寒窗十年，才发现是武侠 Sweet Potato Monster红薯怪Male-Channel Fanfiction724k WordsCompleted [No System + Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils martial arts world] Ten years of hard study go unnoticed, then one day of martial arts training makes you famous across the land! After transmigrating to the Northern Song, Li Xianyu studies hard for ten years, planning to pass the imperial exam and land a minor government post. On his way to the exam, he runs into Duan Yu and Wang Yuyan. Li Xianyu is instantly stunned. “I’ve studied hard for ten years, and this is actually a martial arts world?” “Brother D 28.1kReads8.2Score1.8kShelves
22. 22 家 My Father Is Emperor Wu of Han! 家父汉武帝！ The Wise Man's Mutt智者的土狗儿Historical1.9M WordsCompleted [Winner of the National Library writing contest] [Top-tier historical storytelling + no System + rebellion + political intrigue + a love-hate relationship between father and son] Reborn in the womb as Liu Ju, the eldest legitimate son of Emperor Wu of Han. His father is Liu Che, the most powerful carbon-based life form on Earth in the second century BCE! And his maternal family’s lineup is even more outrageous! His mother is Wei Zifu, his uncle is Wei Qing, his cousin is Huo Qubing, and his youn 86.4kReads9.2Score8.1kShelves
23. 23 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—Shelves

    Reader note

    Check out this one, a time-travel novel about passing the imperial examinations, where you can become a high-ranking official yourself! 😄❤️

24. 24 侯 The Marquis's Illegitimate Son Turns the Tables in the Imperial Exams 侯府庶子科举逆袭 Tang Qinghan唐轻寒Ancient Romance310k WordsCompleted Wen Rugui is a concubine in the Ningyuan Marquis's household. Seeing that the household's ship is about to go down, she spends all day trying to use connections to secure her position, terrified that if the child she's carrying is a girl, she'll be traded away too. She watches the women in the household live shackled by rules, their lives worth no more than grass. When she gets a chance to go out, she runs away with the baby she is carrying. And Xun Huan is that baby... 560Reads7.3Score121Shelves
25. 25 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
26. 26 我 My Proud and Talented Lady of the Marquis’s Manor 我的侯府傲娇才娘子 When Bai Ze Arrives白泽来时Historical1.8M WordsCompleted Also known as: “I Just Transmigrated and Picked Up a Proud Marquis Household Heiress” and “One Female Lead” Food gives life continuity. Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song give it charm. A little wealth, fame, and success give it grandeur. Gu Zhengyan transmigrated and unexpectedly won first place in a poetry competition. He even married a young lady from a marquis’s household, only for the furious marquis to throw them both out. Gu Zhengyan took his wife back to his impoverish 31.7kReads9.0Score2.9kShelves
27. 27 知 The Story of Minglan: The Young Marquis of the Marquis of Yongyi’s Mansion 知否：勇毅侯府小侯爷 Li Kurong李枯荣Male-Channel Fanfiction671k WordsOngoing [Female lead: Hualan] [The Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun] When Xu Shou opened his eyes, he discovered he had arrived in the world of The Story of Minglan. He had even become the young marquis of the Marquis of Yongyi, the family his grandmother Sheng hailed from. And his uncle was named Zhao Zongquan? A sudden crisis on the border left the Marquis of Yongyi's future resting on Xu Shou's shoulders. Entrusted with an important mission by Emperor Renzong, he went to Yangzhou to reorganize the army. 1.7kReads7.5Score100Shelves
28. 28 开 From the Start, Signing In for the White-Robed Army: A Commoner's Son Becomes King 开局签到白袍军：庶子称王 Tired Bird of Qianzhou虔州倦鸟Historical227k WordsCompleted Gu Fan transmigrated. He arrived in a dynasty that had never existed before. He became the illegitimate son of the Dingyuan Marquis's household, who had died of illness in bed. The court was in turmoil, and foreign tribes on all sides watched hungrily. His birth mother had died young, his father ignored him, and treacherous men were plotting against him. As an illegitimate son, Gu Fan could only enlist in the army and fight for a way out. He awakened a sign-in System, receiving the Martial King 754Reads6.3Score100Shelves
29. 29 穿 Transmigrated to Ancient Times: A Concubine-Born Son’s Rise 穿越古代，庶子的逆袭人生 Spring Dreams at Dawn春心晓梦Historical1.1M WordsCompleted Modern special forces soldier Qin Lang opens his eyes to find himself the least noticeable son born to a concubine in the General of the Western Guard's residence in the Great Chen Dynasty. His mother is alive, but her low birth leaves him with a stepmother who regards him coldly and elder brothers who look down on him. He lives like a ghost in the household, facing harsh reprimands at the slightest misstep. Meanwhile, Great Chen is beset by powerful ministers forming factions and fighting among 35Reads6.1Score—Shelves
30. 30 穿 Transmigrate, Turn the Imperial Exams Around, and Raise a Wife 穿越，科举逆袭养媳妇 Passerby A Z路人甲ZHistorical340k WordsCompleted [One heroine + imperial examinations + transmigration + alternate history + devoted husband] Zhang Yue feels a sudden wave of dizziness. When he wakes up, he has become the illegitimate son of the Zhang family's second branch. Just thinking about being an illegitimate son gives him a headache, but then he sees his gentle, tender concubine mother and the First Madam, who has always looked after him, and feels like things might just work out after all... Life is hard. Yue sighs!!! 329Reads7.4Score—Shelves
31. 31 欺 You Dare Bully My Disciple? Do You Really Think I Only Know How to Teach? 欺我弟子，你真以为我只会教书？ Yu Laojiu余老九Eastern Fantasy1.3M WordsCompleted (The new novel The True Immortal of the Dao is now serializing. If you’re interested, check out Lao Jiu’s profile.) There is a small school in Longquan Town. And there is a Mr. Xu at the school. In this sealed-off land of Jiuzhou, he steadily pioneers the Way of Letters, passes down the teachings of the Dao, and enlightens otherworldly beings, transforming them into spirit folk. At last, Jiuzhou enters a golden age. Then one day, Jiuzhou shatters, and the Divine Land sinks. Mr. Xu stands alone w 30.7kReads8.8Score2.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Super good-looking and incredibly good-looking

32. 32 我 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 47.9kReads8.8Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    These are two highly-rated male protagonist novels about the imperial examinations. They are all sweet stories with a smooth and successful journey, without any angst or abuse involved. The last two are romance novels, and both are very interesting.

33. 33 女 A Woman in a Man's Body: The Concubine-Born Heir's Rise to Power 女穿男，庶房嫡子的逆袭 Liu Jilian刘忌廉Ancient Romance1.3M WordsOngoing Now available as an audiobook with a full cast. [Alternate history] + [Woman transmigrates as a man] + [Born into this world] + [Imperial exams and business in the early story] + [Court politics later on] + [One female lead, with a relatively small role] + [A touch of ensemble cast] + [No golden finger] Xie Chengxi was born into another world as the sixth son of the Xie family, a minor family in Bianjing's Grain Transport Guild. His father was the clan's rejected son, kept under pressure for yea 33.9kReads8.3Score3.7kShelves

    Reader note

    You can take a look at this book.

34. 34 小 The Daily Life of a Minor Official's Son Preparing for the Imperial Exams 小官之子科举日常 Ninth Day of the First Month良月初九Historical377k WordsCompleted [Woman Transmigrates into a Man + Imperial Exams + Farmer's Son + No Problematic Family Members + No Pocket Dimension + No Golden Finger] Lin He, a graduate student in history, transmigrates into the Great Qi, a dynasty that never existed in history, and goes from being a woman to a man. His family has nothing to its name: his father is a catlike academic prodigy, his mother a tigerlike farmer, and Lin He's life is a constant struggle. Fortunately, his father earned the jinshi degree early on, a 1.8kReads8.8Score130Shelves

    Reader note

    Highly recommended! (Second book)

35. 35 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
36. 36 买 I Bought a Bookboy to Take the Imperial Exam for Me. Now I'm Accused of Stealing His Honors? 买书童替本少科举，告我偷功名？ Stray Bullet流弹Historical1.6M WordsCompleted [Transmigrated into a Book as a Cannon-Fodder + Embroidered Uniform Guard + Imperial Exams + Officialdom + Rooting Out Treacherous Ministers + Fighting the Tartars + Empress] Also known as: The Young Master Strikes Back Against His Fated Bookish Servant, Passes the Imperial Exams, and Saves China After transmigrating into the book as Lin Zhi, a young master destined to be cannon fodder, he finds himself caught in a ridiculous plot where his servant uses the young master as a stepping-stone in th 1.3kReads7.6Score145Shelves
37. 37 庶 Run, Bastard Son! Crown Prince, Stop Chasing Me! 庶子快跑，太子你别追了 Invincibly Handsome Grandpa Niu宇宙无敌超帅牛爷爷Ancient Romance241k WordsOngoing Situ Yu, a top assassin from the twenty-first century, was born into the body of an unsupported son born to a concubine in the prime minister's household. Disguised as a boy, she was sent to live in the countryside as a child. Alone, she sought out a master, then took in four maids. Amid the chaos of war, she made a name for herself in the martial world as the Young Master Muhua. Later, because of one of her maids' backgrounds, she infiltrated the prime minister's household and resumed her life —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's incredibly good; the female lead is disguised as a man.

38. 38 不 Wait, My Brother Is the Emperor? Then What Am I Even Studying For? 不是，我哥是皇帝？那我还学啥？ Wa Xiaoxia蛙小夏Two Male Leads386k WordsOngoing (The rating just came out, so it should go up later.) [Two male leads + transmigration + everyone's favorite + mutual firsts + a little nation-building] [Stubborn, resilient, fun-loving bottom who wants to slack off but can't × initially aloof, later devoted top who gets jealous on the sly] After transmigrating to another world, Xie Qingluo throws himself into the imperial examinations to survive. But after he leaves the provincial exam hall, he is told that he is the emperor's younger brother.. 618Reads8.4Score—Shelves
39. 39 首 The Chief Minister Is Teasing His Young Husband Again 首辅他又在逗弄小夫郎了 Qianqiu仟邱Two Male Leads967k WordsOngoing [Top + Farming + Making Money to Support the Family + Imperial Examinations + Mutual Devotion] Song Qunqing, a powerful survivor from the apocalypse, opened his eyes to find himself a poor scholar in ancient times. His family had nothing, his parents were both dead, and he had two little dependents who were still crying to be fed! Song Qunqing sighed. Forget it. If I survived the zombie apocalypse, surely raising kids and farming won't defeat me. Just as he was about to make his fortune, he pick 108Reads8.2Score—Shelves
40. 40 穿EN Transmigration: The Endless Road to Pampering My Husband 穿越：宠夫之路无尽头 Clouds Shift and Stars Turn云移星转Two Male Leads376k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + farming + raising kids + doting on his husband + imperial exams + sweet romance + devoted couple + one-on-one romance + cozy daily life] Rong Zheng, heir to a family of ancient martial artists, wakes up to find that his soul has transmigrated into the body of a down-and-out scholar with the same name. While he's still standing there in confusion, a handsome young man with delicate features offers him a bite to eat. Rong Zheng falls in love at first sight, and is completely smi 6.1kReads9.3Score795Shelves
41. 41 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 51.6kReads8.9Score6.4kShelves
42. 42 别 Don’t Touch! Every Antique She Restores Is Evidence of a Crime 别碰！她修的旧物全是罪证 Nan Xing Writes Stories南星写故事Ancient Romance41k WordsCompleted Don’t touch them! Every restored relic she handles is evidence of a crime. 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥 Who says a time-traveling woman has to rely on men? She relies on an eye for antiques and a bamboo knife. Words beneath the lacquer of the screen, the crack in the vase filled with paraffin wax, the replacement of the wood on the ancestral tablet's base—every antique speaks for her. #BookRecommendation #NoCheatFingers

43. 43 五 Five Years of Waiting Came to Nothing: My Husband Brings His New Love to Demand a Divorce 五年痴等成空，夫君带女逼我和离 Cang Yuesheng仓月生Ancient Romance604k WordsCompleted [Both Chaste] [Romance with His Older Brother's Wife] [Male-Male Story] [The Male Lead is repeatedly seen completely naked but stays faithful. Later, what looks like infidelity is actually a guard in disguise; the male lead remains devoted to the female lead throughout.] [Dear readers, we're very sorry! When you reach Chapter 139, please skip straight to Chapter 146. Chapters 140 to 145 are inconsistent and can be ignored.] On their wedding night, unrest broke out at the border, and her husband 5.9kReads9.3Score443Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead lives within a framework; it must be tough for her 🤭

44. 44 我 I Was Reborn, and This Time I'm Going on a Rampage 我重生了，这一世我嘎嘎乱杀 Cang Yuesheng仓月生Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted In my past life, I was schemed against and killed by Bai Lianhua and Liu Ruyan! This time, I'll send every one of the people who hurt me straight to hell! Seeing them hate me to the bone yet be powerless to do anything about it is so satisfying! This time, let me weave the path that sends you all to hell! I'm the head of the Wen family business. Watch me put men aside and focus on my career. I'm the leading lady of my own story! I just love building my business! When I try to put men aside, they 1.8kReads9.4Score185Shelves
45. 45 冲 After Her Tragic Death as a Concubine Brought in to Bring Good Fortune, She Empties the Marquis's Estate and Flees Famine 冲喜姨娘惨死后，搬空侯府去逃荒 Flowing Moon over the Paulownia流月梧桐Ancient Romance267k WordsCompleted Fleeing famine + natural disasters + special abilities + pocket dimension + strong female lead + farming and infrastructure building + conquest + reverse harem + feel-good story Ji Wushuang transmigrates to ancient times and becomes the ill-fated concubine brought in to bring good luck to the heir of the Yong'an Marquis's household. They say revenge shouldn't wait overnight. That very night, Ji Wushuang sneaks into the marquis's residence, kills her enemies, and empties its treasury. It is a yea 527Reads6.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The details of farming and infrastructure construction are very solid, not the kind of unrealistic cheat codes. The female protagonist relies on her brains and pre-prepared resources to build her home step by step from scratch. This kind of down-to-earth satisfaction is much better than mindless cheat codes. I sincerely recommend it to readers who like stories about escaping famine and building a career.

46. 46 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 79Reads6.7Score111Shelves

    Reader note

    My own book is really good, and I'm also very good at listening to advice, so I hope you all like it.

47. 47 皇 Ming Dynasty Natives Versus Transmigrators 皇明土著大战穿越众 Would You Dare Say Yes?叫你敢答应吗Historical3.7M WordsOngoing Current plot: A newcomer to officialdom enters the inner circle as a pawn, but refuses to settle for mediocrity and wants to break free of his constraints. By chance, he gets caught up in turmoil on the frontier, where three hundred battered soldiers rout thirty thousand northern invaders. Zheng Zhi, a household retainer of the Zhen Ding Guard under the Ming rear army's Governor's Office, dreams of himself sixty years in the future. From then on, the Ming Dynasty gains a peerless talent in both 146Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Ming Dynasty, the imperial examination system, the imperial court, and villains.

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