Looking for Imperial Examination Stories. No Mindless Power Fantasies with a Transmigrated Protagonist: The Male Lead Should Succeed Through His Own Hard Work 求科举文，不要穿越无脑爽文，男主努力靠自己那种

1. 1 科 The Imperial Exams Are No Easy Feat, So I’ll Take My Whole Family to the Azure Sky 科举不易，我携全家共青云 Ye Jizi of Cangmang City苍忙城的叶姬子Historical870k WordsCompleted Lin Shu opened his eyes and found himself reborn as a newborn in a farming family in Xiaolin Village, Great Yong. In his previous life, he was alone, bedridden and sick. In this life, his family gathered around him, their home warm with lamplight. His frail mother embroidered money for books by lamplight. His silent father used his own back to open the way for him to study. His gentle older sister poured her girlhood into the soup she made for him. Even the eggs his grandparents secretly slipped 16.9kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves

   Reader note

   The male protagonist relies on his own efforts, progressing step by step. He's not a useless scholar who only talks the talk; the entire story is filled with practical and useful ideas, making it a very enjoyable read.

2. 2 大 The Benevolent Ancestor of the Tang Dynasty 【大唐仁祖】 Tang Renzu of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors三皇五帝唐仁祖Historical973k WordsCompleted [Golden Finger] [Transmigration] [Li Ke] [Political Intrigue] [History] From the start, he transmigrates into Li Ke. Facing certain death, he uses Li Shimin as a chess piece and goes head-to-head with the Changsun clan and the Guanlong aristocratic families, deftly resolving the struggle over the crown prince's succession. From the start, he is trapped in a dead end: Changsun Wuji has already begun plotting to frame him, and the deadly purge of Zhenguan Year 17 is less than six years away. He 5.5kReads—Score494Shelves

   Reader note

   Historical fiction! I read it five or six times before recommending it to my fellow readers. If you have the patience to finish it, you'll absolutely be hooked. *The Great Tang Emperor Renzu* is a historical romance novel with the quality of a serious drama! I guarantee the more you read, the more addictive it becomes! The characters are intelligent and logically sound! Quality is absolutely guaranteed! Completed in September with nearly a million words, all foreshadowing is resolved, all plot holes are filled, and there's no disappointing ending. The author's writing style, word choice, plot structure, imperial strategies, political maneuvering, emotional nuances, military battles, and court intrigue are all top-notch. The book has a grand scope, lofty themes, profound thoughts, rich cultural background, and exceptional character portrayals! If you don't enjoy it, you can slap me in the face!

3. 3 大 The Great Qi Marquis of One Step 大齐一步侯 A Single Thought of Nothingness一念无Historical846k WordsCompleted [Alternate history, airtight logic, a treat to listen to, multiple heroines, lighthearted daily life, the jianghu and court politics, love and hate, national and family vendettas...] A modern-day criminal investigator transmigrates into the body of a minor official in the State of Qi. At first, his only dream is to stay alive. But when foreign barbarians invade the Central Plains, slaughtering and pillaging until the kingdom falls and families are torn apart, he has no choice but to enter the fr 16.3kReads8.2Score984Shelves

   Reader note

   A historical fiction novel of exceptionally high quality, perfect for both listening and reading. Clear logic, well-developed characters, rich plot, and tight writing. Not a formulaic, fast-paced read. Please enjoy! [Top Post]

4. 4 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—Score110Shelves
5. 5 苏 Eunuch Su's Road to the Imperial Exams 苏公公的科举之路 Singing Alone for Joy笙歌独欢Historical1.3M WordsCompleted Chief eunuch Su Weisheng had finally endured his way to retirement, only to die unexpectedly. When he opened his eyes again, he had become a five-year-old child a century later, and all his enemies were dead! His relatives were unkind, and his parents were weak. Su Weisheng consoled himself: At least in this life, I won't have to be a eunuch. I can live with that! He takes on the worst of the family, manages the household, and studies for the imperial examinations. Only after achieving fame and 9kReads9.0Score1.1kShelves

   Reader note

   This ancient Chinese romance novel, written with delicate strokes, realistically portrays the lives of poor students taking the imperial examinations. It doesn't depict a fairytale ending with a magic touch, but rather the harsh reality of struggling at the bottom and navigating the treacherous path step by step. It makes the idea that "studying changes destiny" a reality, not just an empty phrase.

6. 6 科 Imperial Exam Comeback: From Farmer’s Son to First-Rank Grand Secretary 科举逆袭：从农家子到一品阁老 Jing Le璟乐Historical576k WordsCompleted A modern young man transmigrates overnight and becomes a farm boy, descended from generations of farmers. Other people who transmigrate get a golden finger or a System. But when he takes a look at himself, he has nothing at all and is one of the lowest-ranking people of this era. He wants to invent things and change the age, but he's hopeless with his hands. He wants to master Neo-Confucianism and stand above the world, but, well, he knows nothing... Sigh, he'd better face reality. After thinkin 4.7kReads8.8Score357Shelves

   Reader note

   The male protagonist becomes a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) through his own efforts, dedicates himself to serving the people, and eventually becomes a renowned minister.

7. 7 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 80.6kReads8.7Score9.1kShelves

   Reader note

   This novel has a clear structure, smooth flow, and delicate emotions. It has both a sense of familiarity with life and a realistic feel to life scenes. The character design, descriptions, and dialogues are all extremely well done. The author's expression of the protagonist's emotions and personality is crisp, neat, and delicate. It is a rare masterpiece.

8. 8 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

   [A Collection of True Imperial Examination Essays] A solid underdog story of hard-earned success. "My Clan's Support for My Rise to Power" vividly portrays the support and gratitude bestowed upon a family; "A Poor Scholar's Noble Deed" details the weight and glory of upward social mobility. The writing is solid and insightful, conveying the weight of history and the true path to success for scholars. 📚🖋️

9. 9 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, 34.2kReads9.1Score3.4kShelves
10. 10 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
11. 11 我 I Turned My Superstitious Father into the Chief Councilor 我把神棍老爹卷成首辅 Beyond the Mountain山的那边Historical1.7M WordsCompleted [Ensemble cast + imperial examinations + daily life + farming + court politics later on] Father and son join forces to build a Ming dynasty on which the sun never sets. Yan Xun transmigrates to the Ming dynasty and discovers that his father can do everything except study. His dad has so many secret identities, like an onion with layer after layer to peel back. Huh! If I push Dad hard enough to make him Grand Secretary, can I become a Junior Grand Secretary? The filial son Yan Xun sells everythin 22.8kReads9.5Score2.7kShelves
12. 12 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

    Highly recommended! In both books, both the male lead and supporting characters are intelligent; the supporting characters aren't made less intelligent just to highlight the male lead!

13. 13 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
14. 14 改 Changing My Family's Status, I Aim to Top the Imperial Exams 改换门庭，我要科举高中 Bamboo Bay Bay竹湾湾Historical160k WordsCompleted A programmer from the 21st century had a happy family and a fulfilling life, but then he transmigrated into the family of a feudal-era small landowner. Seeing the tenants’ lives, his simple-minded cousin, and his family desperately guarding their farmland, he declared, “I’ll take the imperial examinations! I’m going to climb into the clouds and see what’s up there!” 68Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    All three books are based on a very realistic imperial examination process, without any cheat codes or special effects.

15. 15 农 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 891Reads8.2Score100Shelves
16. 16 百 The Centurion's Qilin Son 百夫长的麒麟子 Bamboo Bay Bay竹湾湾Historical599k WordsCompleted Chen Zhan, a newly graduated PhD in chemistry, was enjoying a vacation before starting work at a university when a glass walkway suddenly shattered. He then found himself occupying the body of Chen Zhan, the frail son of a centurion stationed at a border camp. From then on, a military family that could never find the right words and always lost arguments finally had someone who could speak for them. To stop his father from actually punching a civil official's head clean off, Chen Zhan swore: I'l 1.7kReads7.8Score196Shelves
17. 17 我 I Was Already Eight When Grandpa Finally Passed the Provincial Exam 我都八岁了爷爷才中举 The Sixth of Madam Six六夫人的老六Historical1.5M WordsCompleted The transmigrator has a smaller role in the early chapters. The protagonists are Liu Lin and the transmigrator Liu An. I, Liu An, have been transmigrated for eight years, and only now has Grandpa passed the provincial civil service examination! In the thirteenth year of the Wanli era of the Great Ming, forty-two-year-old Liu Lin passes the provincial examination. Years later, Liu Lin gazes at the plaque reading “Four Jinshi from One Family” and falls into deep thought. Follow the protagonist’s g 2.8kReads6.9Score221Shelves

    Reader note

    This is the story of three generations of a family who passed the imperial examinations and became officials during the Wanli era, ultimately resulting in four members of the family becoming Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). It's a heartwarming novel without any melodrama.

18. 18 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 17.8kReads9.1Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a romance novel with no system, a time-travel story, and a lighthearted slice-of-life narrative. Highly recommended!

19. 19 六 Top Scorer in All Six Exams, the Emperor Begs Me to Become Chief Grand Secretary 六元及第，皇帝追着当首辅 Ming Chong明虫Historical1.6M WordsOngoing Chen An was born into another world, where he became the son of a farming family that couldn't even afford a proper meal. His life plan was simple: study hard, earn an official degree, make sure his family could eat white rice, marry a hardworking wife, have two children, and live out his days in peace. To avoid taking unnecessary detours, he casually apprenticed himself to an old scholar who sometimes acted crazy at the village entrance. To earn some good karma, he casually rescued a down-on-hi 4.7kReads8.0Score313Shelves

    Reader note

    This is incredible!!

20. 20 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 33.7kReads9.0Score4.1kShelves

    Reader note

    You can tell just by looking at the name.

21. 21 科 The Imperial Exams: A Genius by Day, Studying Myself to Death by Night 科举：白天装天才，夜里卷到猝死 Golden Broth Beef Rice Noodles金汤肥牛米线丫Historical496k WordsCompleted (Imperial examinations + ensemble cast + political intrigue + showing off + lighthearted comedy) After transmigrating into the lowest-ranked student at the Imperial Academy, he spends the day pretending to be a born genius who “just glances at the books and comes first,” then studies till he nearly goes bald by night. He'll grit his teeth and walk this show-off's path through the imperial examinations all the way to the palace exam. 392Reads5.9Score106Shelves
22. 22 布 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 336Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Although it's a time-travel story, there's no system or cheat code. The book's synopsis describes a man, a double PhD in history and literature, whose soul transmigrates to the historically unrecorded Great Jing Dynasty after a sudden car accident. He's reborn as a seven-year-old child on the verge of death in a peasant family. Despite his impoverished circumstances, his knowledge and experience accumulated over two lifetimes remain vivid. His memories of his previous life's deep study of classical texts are clear as yesterday; he possesses a thorough understanding of history, philosophy, literature, institutions, and the principles of governance, chaos, rise, and fall. From a child 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, gains fame in the metropolitan examinations, and astounds the emperor in the palace examinations. Entering the court as a commoner, he finds the bureaucracy treacherous and 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.

23. 23 农 The Imperial Tutor's Road to the Civil Service Exams 农门帝师的科举之路 Ju He雎禾Historical1.0M WordsCompleted Imperial Examination, One-on-One Romance After an accident, a young man from the modern era transmigrated into the Great Qian Dynasty. Looking at his family’s dilapidated brick house, Qi Wenyu wondered how he would make a living from then on... 21.3kReads9.2Score2kShelves

    Reader note

    Attention all fans of imperial examination novels! 📜A poor scholar rises to the top of the imperial examination with his talent, his entire family supports him, and he dons a purple robe. His six top scores in the examinations bring order to the officialdom – incredibly satisfying! A peasant boy's rise to become the top scholar and even amass wealth – a hardcore imperial examination journey without mindless wish-fulfillment. The clash between power struggles and talent – this ancient-style thriller will hit you right on the action! 👇

24. 24 科 The Imperial Exam: Top of the Six Tests, Reshaping the Workplace 科举，六元及第整顿职场 Cangbai Beneath the Moon月下苍柏Historical1.6M WordsCompleted (No System, no golden finger, one female lead) (A slow-burn story) In the 21st century, the only person in Tianhai University’s history to earn master’s degrees in both the arts and sciences suddenly transmigrates into the body of a poor farmer’s son in ancient times. Looking at the bare walls of his home and the family who place all their hopes in him, Wang Ping can only gaze at the heavens in speechless resignation. Since all other pursuits are inferior and only scholarship is esteemed, he wi 944Reads7.5Score107Shelves
25. 25 科 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 365Reads6.9Score—Shelves
26. 26 迎 After Marrying a Sweet Young Wife, I Worked Hard and Took the Imperial Exam 迎娶小娇妻后，我奋发图强考科举 Flying Cow 98会飞的牛98Historical1.1M WordsCompleted One heroine + no System + lighthearted pacing A thorough understanding of the world is knowledge, and social savvy is good writing. Ren Junjie, a history graduate, suddenly finds himself in an unfamiliar world as the eldest legitimate son of the richest family in Xinchang County. A former wastrel, he turns over a new leaf and marries a lovely young wife. He rests every other day and works on the days in between, studying harder and striving to improve. With his deep knowledge of history, he purs 8.9kReads8.8Score715Shelves
27. 27 科 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—Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend these books!

28. 28 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

    The male protagonist is diligent and hardworking, relying on his own efforts to study. He doesn't have any special advantages, and the writing style is very interesting, with a strong Guangnan flavor.

29. 29 科 I Became a Child Prodigy Through the Imperial Exams, Cut Ties with My Family, and Made My Biased Relatives Furious 科举成神童后断亲，气死偏心全家 Feast1盛宴1Historical1.3M WordsCompleted [Family Drama + Steady Pacing + No Taking Abuse] After transmigrating into an obscure member of a peasant family in ancient times, he finds that his grandmother plays favorites, his aunt is spiteful, and his own father is a pushover. His mother is in labor, and the whole family just watches her die? Chen Yang has had enough: “We’re splitting up the family!” With the foresight of a modern mind, he sails through the imperial examinations, rising from child prodigy to young official. He earns noble 4.8kReads7.9Score490Shelves
30. 30 爱 The Mosquito Who Loves Gossip 爱听八卦的蚊子 Ling Shui Yibo凌水一波Historical265k WordsCompleted A mosquito with a passion for gossip unexpectedly transmigrates into a child in ancient times. Growing up surrounded by chatter, he develops a keen ear for people and their motives. On the path to the imperial examinations, gossip gives him a head start; as an official at court, rumors help him unravel mysteries. Though he spends his life navigating the storms of court politics, this unique talent lets him find a secure footing amid a treacherous world and write an extraordinary tale. 31Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Strive to pass the imperial examination

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—Shelves

    Reader note

    Check out this unusual imperial examination novel. Eight-year-old Yu-ge is ruthless yet kind-hearted, a man of few words. A little expert at making a fortune, he strives to defy fate.

32. 32 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!! 1.7kReads6.5Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    A science student time-travels, very meticulous, set in an alternate early Ming Dynasty, gradually improving Neo-Confucianism and developing industry, very realistically.

33. 33 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..."

34. 34 唐 Tang Fan's Leisurely Life as a Landlord 唐凡悠闲的地主生活 Tomatoes Are Sure to Catch Fire番茄一定火Historical3.0M WordsOngoing Tang Fan was a modern office worker whose dreams had been drained away by the 996 work schedule. He died suddenly, only to wake up as the young master of a landowning family in Jiangnan. He owned a thousand mu of fertile fields and a sprawling courtyard, with a gentle maid, capable guards, and Uncle Qian, the old steward, handling everything for him. No more squeezing onto the subway, eating takeout, or worrying about his boss's moods. In the morning, someone helped him wash and dress. At noon, 973Reads5.4Score113Shelves

    Reader note

    Super beautiful, five-star review

35. 35 寒 Ten Years of Studying, Only to Discover After Passing the Imperial Exam That This Is The Return of the Condor Heroes 寒窗十年，中探花后才发现是神雕 One Times One Is One一一得一Male-Channel Fanfiction1.9M WordsOngoing [Myriad Heavens + no System + top scholar + starting in The Return of the Condor Heroes] After ten years of hard study, I placed first in the Song imperial examinations and became the top scholar. But when I took a closer look, I realized I was in the world of The Return of the Condor Heroes! Well, in that case, I might as well forget about being an official. Can't use martial arts? No problem. With my knowledge of the story and my golden finger, I can easily stir up the martial world. I'll pose 1.6kReads7.0Score240Shelves
36. 36 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 314Reads8.4Score101Shelves
37. 37 被 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 22.6kReads8.7Score2.6kShelves
38. 38 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 22.3kReads7.8Score2.2kShelves
39. 39 农 A Farmer's Son's Road to the Imperial Exams 农家子科举的青衿路 Second Young Master of the Liu Family, Yeah刘家二少耶Historical253k WordsCompleted The Great Qi dynasty is plagued by a corrupt court. The treacherous minister Yan Song wields power, turmoil looms at court, and disorder is spreading through the provinces. Liu Jingyuan, born into a poor family, studies hard for ten years and passes the imperial examinations. He seeks neither high office nor great wealth, wishing only to use his talents to protect the people and keep the peace. He takes up his post in Wuchang, Chu. An upright official who cares for the people, he soon wins the 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Path to Success in the Imperial Examinations for Poor Families

40. 40 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

    This book is very good.

41. 41 大 Ming Dynasty Imperial Exams: From the Start, I Became the Father of Five Children 大明科举，开局成了五个孩子的爹 Little Zhang Under the Night Lamp夜灯下的小张Historical393k WordsCompleted (Farming + daily life in ancient times + imperial examinations) A reassuring read. Shen Lin'an inexplicably finds himself reborn in ancient times in the body of a widower, with four sons and a daughter to care for, as well as a mother in her fifties. The original owner was a scholar, but he had never even earned the title of licentiate. He was too weak to shoulder a load or lift a hand, knew nothing of farming, and spent every day in drunken stupors, letting the years slip by. Let's see how Shen 2.1kReads7.0Score160Shelves

    Reader note

    The warm and cozy daily life in ancient times, the stories of family life, and so on were all very beautiful.

42. 42 崖 The Family on the Cliff 崖上人家 Neither Thinking Nor Worrying不思不忧Historical650k WordsOngoing [Farming + Hunting + Taking Refuge in the Mountains] The struggle of ordinary people to survive in a tumultuous age. After a string of natural disasters strikes the north, masses of refugees head south, and taxes rise in the south. The seven counties of Qingjiang Prefecture are hit by the calamity of forced labor: men are gone from every household, and white mourning banners hang at every door. When refugees arrive as well, countless families flee into the mountains. 59.5kReads8.3Score4.1kShelves

    Reader note

    They initially sought refuge in the deep mountains. After the empire was stabilized, they began the imperial examinations.

43. 43 娶 After Marrying a Poor Scholar's Daughter, My Son Passed the Imperial Exams and Rose to Power 娶了寒门小娘子后庶子科举成枭臣 A Hero Sets Off壮士一去兮Historical438k WordsCompleted [Alternate world + a common-born son’s rise + imperial examinations + farming] Zhao Ce transmigrates to Great Yan and becomes the young master of a landowning family. He thinks he can start a life of wealth and privilege, only to discover that he is an unloved concubine-born son. His legitimate eldest brother, Zhao Qian, is exceptionally capable and adored by everyone. Zhao Ce takes it in stride. The Zhao family is rich, after all, so being a laid-back concubine-born son who can eat his fill and 794Reads7.2Score100Shelves
44. 44 被 After Being Kicked Out of My Family, I Passed the Top Scholar Exam 被赶出家门后，我考上了状元 Ye Jizi of Cangmang City苍忙城的叶姬子Historical586k WordsCompleted Xie Cheng stayed up all night and died suddenly, only to be reborn as a spoiled young master from an ancient aristocratic family. The moment he opened his eyes, his eldest brother slapped him in front of everyone. “The Xie family doesn't support dead weight!” His mother and he were thrown out into the rain. Looking back at the grand family estate, he swore to himself: I'll pass the imperial exams and become the top scholar, then personally slap that smug look off your face! Just got my rating, a 2.6kReads7.6Score260Shelves
45. 45 赤 A Pure Heart Climbs the Ranks 赤子登阶 A Youngster Riding the Wind稚子乘风Historical551k WordsOngoing [Alternate World + Reincarnated as a Baby + Imperial Exams + Martial Arts + Everyday Life + No Golden Finger] Yang Yuan never imagined he’d wake up one day as a swaddled baby in ancient times. He never imagined that in this strange world, with no System, no pocket dimension, and no golden finger of any kind, he’d have to rely on himself, one step at a time: rolling over, crawling, standing, then memorizing the Thousand Character Classic. He began his studies at three, learned martial arts at fou 14Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a classic reincarnation story about taking the imperial examination. There are no cheat codes, no system, no talent for reading ten lines at a glance, and no repetitive steps like making salt or cement. The protagonist relies entirely on his hard work day and night to study and practice martial arts, and gradually enters officialdom through the imperial examination.

46. 46 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

    Learn from time-travelers, become a time-traveler, crush time-travelers—nearly four million words.

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