After finally passing the civil service exam, Xu Changqing, a small-town test-taking whiz, unexpectedly transmigrates to an unfamiliar dynasty.
He had planned to coast through life, but discovers his father is a strict tiger of a man who brings out the cane if he won't study, and his older brother is a chatterbox who'll nag him endlessly if he doesn't hit the books.
Taking the civil service exam? That's right up his alley! After overcoming one challenge after another, he makes it into the Hanlin Academy, only for the old emperor, who admires his father, to kick him off to teach the Crown Prince.
Tutor to the Crown Prince? Four tutors before him have already resigned after being driven crazy by the prince. Is he going to be the fifth? No, he's going to be the last.
The most mischievous young Crown Prince meets the tutor best at giving students a hard time, and gets expertly played at every turn on his road to maturity. Years later, now a wise ruler, the Crown Prince has a favorite saying: "Don't even think about playing me. My tutor's already done that!"
[Bonus Scenes]
Young Crown Prince: I am the cleverest child in the world.
Xu Changqing: Indeed. I heard a genius at the prefectural academy passed the xiucai exam at just twelve years old.
Young Crown Prince: I can do that too.
Xu Changqing: Of course you can, once you've memorized the Four Books and Five Classics. You're a child prodigy!
Young Crown Prince: I'll go memorize them right now.
Young Crown Prince: One more round of Monopoly!
Xu Changqing: Your Highness, the court has doubled the taxes, and you're bankrupt...
Young Crown Prince: Scoundrel! They're inventing excuses to plunder the people's wealth!
Young Crown Prince: Teacher, you absolutely mustn't bully my Imperial Sister. She's a delicate young lady, so you have to indulge her.
Xu Changqing: (Delicate?!) Your Highness, you should say that to Her Highness the Grand Princess.
The Grand Princess gives him a look that's almost a smile...
Xu Changqing: I obey your command.
[Reading Guide]
1. Set in an imaginary dynasty. The early story focuses on the imperial examinations, and the later story on officialdom.
2. The examination system is mainly modeled on the Ming dynasty, with a few changes.
Theme: Seek truth and act pragmatically to govern the nation and bring peace to the world.
