Chu Xi was lucky.
Reborn as the son of a high-ranking official, he had fine clothes and boots, delicacies served straight to him, and could lie flat and enjoy a comfortable life.
Chu Xi was also unlucky.
He had been reborn as the fake young master who had lived in the household for fifteen years. Before he could enjoy even a day of wealth and luxury, his secret identity was exposed.
The real young master was diligent and studious, the top candidate in the county exams, and a promising young scholar.
The original fake young master was a good-for-nothing wastrel, fond of cockfighting and dog racing, and extravagant to a fault.
As expected, Chu Xi was thrown out of the house.
His new home was drafty and leaky. His mother had died young, his father was unreliable, and his younger siblings were crying out to be fed.
Chu Xi wasn't strong enough for manual labor and couldn't do any heavy lifting. His only choice was to pick up his books again, study by lamplight late into the night and rise at dawn, and embark on the imperial exam path.
This time, he had to fight for more than pride. He had to fight for a steamed bun, too.
But no one expected that the infamous, useless fake young master would pass the imperial exams with flying colors, claim the top spot, and rise swiftly through the ranks at court until his name was known throughout the land.
Theme: Hard work is the only way forward.
