Novels like Build a Fortune and Pass the Imperial Exams
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as Build a Fortune and Pass the Imperial Exams, best match first.
- 1 A Famous Scholar from a Humble Family 寒门名士 When other people transmigrate, don't they always start out as officials, well versed in books, ready to comment on state affairs from the very beginning? But Tang Chen is different. He transmigrates into the body of a fool. Not only is he stupid, he's poor, too. Fortunately, he has six wives, each gifted in her own way. To feed the whole family, Tang Chen has no choice but to rack his brains for ways to make money. He refuses the prize money he wins and asks for the leftovers instead! Thus, he 14Reads—Score—Shelves
- 2 The Imperial Examination Is the Only Way 科举才是硬道理 See how a scholar who dreams of the modern world turns his life around, step by step, in a feudal society where social ranks are rigidly enforced. I'm a novice author. In truth, I wanted to make up for things missing in my own life, so I gave the story a warm family and a united clan. Many of the characters in the book are based on my own relatives. What I don't have in my own life, I'll make happen in this book. 150Reads—Score—Shelves
- 3 A Rise from Humble Beginnings: From Village Keeper to Ruler of the Realm 寒门崛起：从守村人到执宰天下 [Alternate history + farming + war + political scheming] College student Li Lin was reborn in an alternate dynasty. Before he could even figure out what was going on, he came across a down-and-out young lady from a wealthy family, and his life became colorful once more. No money for food? I'll make some money for you to spend. Someone's bullying you? I'll become an official and put them in their place. Xu Wanwan: Husband, I want to know what it feels like to be empress. Li Lin: Then I'll take th 9Reads—Score—Shelves
- 4 What Cultivation? I’d Rather Just Study for the Imperial Exams 什么修仙啊，还是老实考科举吧 [Reborn in the Womb + Female Soul in a Male Body + Imperial Exams + Ancient Farming + Cultivation?] No spatial System. After dying suddenly, the girl Li Jinhua was mistakenly reborn in a boy’s body and became Li Wufang. She thought she was destined to be the protagonist, and could win with ease, but in reality she still had to study and work hard on her own. She thought she would have to settle for taking the imperial exams. Who could have guessed she would stumble into cultivation instead? Heav 1Reads—Score—Shelves
- 5 The Imperial Examinations: Rising from a Humble Background 科举：从寒门开始崛起 Watch as Yang Yi rises from an ordinary commoner, step by step, to the pinnacle of power. The first part focuses mainly on his journey through the imperial examinations, while the later part follows his career in government. The more he suffers early on, the more wildly he strikes back later. 68Reads8.2Score—Shelves
- 6 Going Back to Ancient Times to Take the Imperial Exams 回到古代考科举 [Imperial exams] + [officialdom] + [getting rich] + [sweet romance] Jin Yu had always been the kind of student other parents pointed to as an example. He studied straight through to a postdoctoral degree, finishing at the age of twenty-five. Books had always been his companions. Fortunately, he didn't dislike studying. In fact, he loved it. One day, he transmigrated into the body of an ordinary farm boy. He was too weak to carry a shoulder pole or lift a load. In the end, he still had to rely on 15Reads6.8Score—Shelves
- 7 Transmigrated to Ancient Times: Everyday Life as an Imperial Exam Candidate 穿越古代，科举日常 Zhao Zhihui wakes up as a poor young scholar in an ancient village, only to be told right away that he’s acquired a wife! Later, he discovers that his family is in debt and that he’s offended a petty man, leaving him with no choice but to withdraw from the academy! With no other option, Zhao Zhihui starts earning money to support his family and improve their lives, all while studying hard. In the end, he passes the imperial exams with flying colors. Then someone suddenly shows up to tell him tha 266Reads8.4Score—Shelves
- 8 After I Transmigrated, Farming Didn’t Work Out, So I Took the Imperial Exams 穿越后种田不行考官来凑 The right way for someone from a poor family to transmigrate isn't supposed to be studying hard, reading the classics, and striving to get ahead? But after transmigrating, food streamer Chen An devotes himself to cooking instead. He occasionally studies a little and teaches some disciples how to make money. Who would have thought that while earning money and teaching his disciples, he'd somehow become a scholar, then, while expanding his restaurant and improving his professional skills, go on t 31Reads6.5Score—Shelves
- 9 Transmigrated: I Found Happiness in Ancient Times 穿越之我在古代有了幸福生活 An unexpected transmigration turns Li Xu’s life upside down. At last, his parents are alive, and he even has a wife and a child, just as he always wanted. But why does everyone call him a hooligan and treat him with contempt? Even his wife acts like a stranger. How can he let such a wonderful life go to waste? Follow Li Xu as he tries to build a happy, fulfilling life in ancient times. 192Reads6.7Score—Shelves
- 10 From Kitchen Worker to Imperial Exam Candidate 穿成灶户考科举 After transmigrating into the past as a “stove worker,” she lives at a saltworks in poverty. She had thought that working hard might let her become a salt merchant, but the ancient world has a rigid class system, and the only way to change her family's fate is through the imperial examinations. See how Ling Xiao, having transmigrated from the modern era, takes the imperial examinations while leading her family to prosperity, making her way from the saltworks to officialdom and gradually changing 762Reads7.2Score106Shelves
- 11 The Lame Farmer's Rise to Power 跛脚农家子的权臣之路 Reborn as a lame peasant boy in ancient times, in an era when no one believed in him, Gu Cichuan overcomes one obstacle after another to claim the position of The Outcast. He seeks no great power, only to stay true to himself and do right by the world. 2Reads—Score—Shelves
- 12 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 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 60Reads6.7Score—Shelves
- 13 The Imperial Exam Road from a Farmer’s Gate 农门科举路 When Song Mian was seven, he studied so he could one day go to town and work as a bookkeeper, earning enough to support himself. At twelve, he studied to pass the imperial examinations, bring honor to his family, and give everyone who had paid for his education a better life. At seventeen, he studied so the people could eat their fill and stay warm, so the country could grow strong and resist outside threats, and so the world could know peace and tranquility. This is the coming-of-age story of a 4Reads8.6Score—Shelves
- 14 This Young Scholar Is a Little Whiz at Making Money 这个小书生是个致富小能手 After an accident, Xu Duo transmigrated and became the youngest son in a poor farming family. In an era when people went hungry and cold, yet his parents insisted that he study to change his fate, all he wanted was to gradually become a little landowner who never had to worry about food or clothing, honor his parents, get along with his brothers, and marry a wife and have two children. That would be a life of effortless success. 514Reads5.9Score—Shelves
- 15 A Farmboy's Guide to the Imperial Exams: I'm One Lucky Layabout! 农家科举子我是躺赢狗！ 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… 43Reads—Score—Shelves
- 16 Passing the Imperial Exams: I Know the King of Hell, Go Ask Him If You Don't Believe Me 科举入士：我认识阎王不信你去问 Chu Nanxing got into an argument with the King of Hell. The King of Hell lost his temper and sent him straight off to be reincarnated, so Chu Nanxing was born with his memories from his past life because he never drank Granny Meng's soup. He was then told that a great responsibility rested on his shoulders. As someone who'd always been content to laze around, he had no choice but to study hard. Getting ahead was his only stepping stone. Later, unable to stand clocking in to work every day, Chu N 44Reads6.7Score—Shelves
- 17 The Chief Grand Secretary 当朝首辅 A historical slice-of-life novel about getting rich and preparing for the imperial examinations. The pacing is slow, so please don’t complain if that’s not your thing. Thank you! Heaven itself has a heart. Who is making all that noise? Step onto the stage and weigh the people’s will. 3Reads7.8Score—Shelves
- 18 The Unlucky Fool Becomes a Judge in Ancient Times 倒霉蛋回到古代当法官 [Ensemble cast + System + alternate world] If you don't like it, click the X in the top left and move on. No need to complain. A bolt of heavenly lightning sends Li Xiaosi to an unknown ancient world, where he's tasked with making a name for himself in the history books. Why should he do what he's told? Just as he's about to say something nasty, another bolt of lightning booms overhead. Fine, he's the most obedient, well-behaved little darling there is. But after all the bad luck he had in the m —Reads—Score—Shelves
- 19 I Take the Imperial Exam Seriously 科举我是认真的 Overnight, he transmigrates and becomes a poor farm boy in the Great Jiang Kingdom, with nothing but the bare walls of his home. His only “golden finger” is the arsenal of skills he learned in his previous life through exam prep and working his way through school. Looking at the thin porridge in his bowl, clear enough to see his reflection, Li Pingbao decides to break through by pursuing an official career through the imperial examinations… 14.8kReads8.2Score1.3kShelves
- 20 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 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
- 21 Striving Forward 奋进 This is not an accident, nor is it the end. It is a brand-new beginning. Only by continuing forward can we find hope. Not everyone enjoys hardship and toil. You need a goal in your heart to keep moving forward. 23Reads—Score—Shelves
- 22 The Scholar's Robe Rises from the Dust 青衿起微尘 Shen Wenyuan, a modern graduate student in history, suddenly transmigrates into the Great Zhou Dynasty and becomes the eldest son of a poor farming family. His grandparents favor his second uncle's family and mistreat and exploit his own. His father finally grits his teeth and splits from the family. A few acres of poor farmland and a dilapidated hut are all they have. Though mired in hardship, Shen Wenyuan refuses to accept his fate. Drawing on what he learned in his previous life, he studies t 35Reads—Score—Shelves
- 23 Wherever I Go, I’m Taking the Civil Service Exam 穿到哪里都要考编 A low-ranking clerk worked overtime until he dropped dead, only to transmigrate into the body of a young master from a prestigious family. Back when I was in government, I had to grovel and scrape. Now, I'm frighteningly powerful. I can thrive without any cheats. 57Reads5.1Score—Shelves
- 24 The Imperial Exams: I'm the Top Scholar from a Humble Family 科举，我是寒门状元 By a stroke of luck, Chen Zi’ang transmigrated to the Great Qing Dynasty. See how this son of a farming family relies on his own efforts to pass the imperial exams and become the top scholar… 5Reads—Score—Shelves
- 25 Poor Scholar, Grand Secretary: My Teacher Is Xu Jie 寒门首辅：家师徐阶 The early pacing is fast, with a focus on court politics. The protagonist is poor and under pressure at first, and that part has a few issues. If you find it hard to read, you can skip ahead to chapter 80 for the career-focused storyline. “Before the steps of the Golden Hall, half are the bones of scholars. The other half are the people's marrow, congealed. The alchemical furnace swallows every soaring ambition, then exhales it as frozen lines in the history books.” “By dawn, a farmhand; by dusk 379Reads6.4Score—Shelves
- 26 The Struggles of a Young Man Who Failed the Imperial Exams 古代落榜青年的奋斗 This uplifting, inspirational collection of historical stories explores the true lives of thirty famous, highly talented candidates who failed the imperial examinations, from the early Tang dynasty through the late Qing. Through their experiences under the examination system, it brings to life one inspiring tale of a remarkable comeback after another. —Reads8.5Score—Shelves
- 27 You Sold My Beloved Wife? I'll Rule the Court Through the Imperial Exams! 卖我娇妻？我靠科举权倾朝野！ [Transmigrator Reborn + No System + Imperial Examinations + Political Intrigue] “I'll kill them all!” That was Li Yu's first thought when he woke up. After transmigrating, Li Yu was betrayed by his parents and family. His newlywed wife was sold and disfigured. He used a transmigrator's knowledge, far beyond that of the ancient world, to build wealth, but was cruelly oppressed by the powerful. His whole life was a tragedy! But just when all seemed lost, he was reborn. The moment he opens h 342Reads8.2Score—Shelves
- 28 The Centurion's Qilin Son 百夫长的麒麟子 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
- 29 At Hoeing Time Beneath the Midday Sun, I Fell for the Imperial Exams 锄禾日当午我和科举处 [Imperial examinations + daily life + romance, with a male-female pairing; the protagonist is still a child at this stage] Su Yan transmigrates into a new life as an infant in swaddling clothes, born premature and frail into a family with nothing but four bare walls. He’d already lived freely enough in his previous life, and now, everything goes black before his eyes. He just wants to give up and be reborn as soon as possible. But each time he’s on the brink of death, he narrowly survives. He ch 2Reads8.0Score—Shelves
- 30 A Farmer’s Son’s Daily Struggle to Succeed in the Imperial Exams 农家子科举奋斗日常 Born into a farming family in an unknown dynasty, Zhao Jue looked at his tiny arms and legs and thought, Farming was out of the question. In this age where scholars ranked above farmers, artisans, and merchants, and learning was considered the noblest pursuit, he’d better work hard at his studies… 226Reads7.3Score—Shelves
- 31 Zhao Wulang's Struggles in Ancient Times 赵五郎古代奋斗史 Zhao Xin transmigrates to the unfamiliar Great Qian Dynasty! His family has borrowed money from all over to save him, but when he wakes, his creditors are already at the door demanding repayment. See how Zhao Xin saves his family. Watch Zhao Xin use bread to lead the villagers to prosperity. 156Reads7.0Score—Shelves
- 32 The Gentry of Great Ming 大明豪绅 [Farming] [Fishing] [Hunting] [Study and Imperial Exams] In the thirty-second year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, the young Qi Zhengyan leaves the fields behind, builds his fortune, and studies for the imperial exams, becoming a wealthy gentryman of the Great Ming. The Manchus will not be allowed through the pass. 2.7kReads8.4Score168Shelves
- 33 A Journey Through the Officialdom 宦海征途 [Alternate History + Transmigration + Single Male Lead + Strategy] Zhao Liyang, a student in the Chinese department at Yanjing University, is struck and killed. He transmigrates to the Kingdom of Cheng. As someone who has transmigrated, Zhao Liyang swears he won't let this life go to waste before he leaves this world again. He takes the imperial examinations, becomes an official, and enters the court. He earns military merit, speaks out against his sovereign, and battles treacherous ministers. A 193Reads7.0Score—Shelves
- 34 A Farmer’s Son’s Road to the Imperial Exams 农家子的科举之路 After an earthquake, modern university student Chen Xiao transmigrated to the fictional Great Zhou dynasty and became the son of a poor farming family. His widowed mother lived with him, along with his virtuous wife, who was four months pregnant. Looking at the family’s bare cupboards, Chen Xiao decided to take up the previous owner’s ambition of passing the imperial examinations and lead his family toward a brighter future... 36Reads8.9Score—Shelves
- 35 Turning the Tables in the Imperial Exams: A Cat Swapped for the Crown Prince from the Start 科举逆袭：开局狸猫换太子 [One-on-one romance + System + imperial examinations + historical fiction + transmigration to an alternate world] Chen Xiao was once the head of a modern family of martial arts practitioners. Who could have imagined that his fiancée and younger brother would betray him? After dying, he was born into the Great Wei dynasty and became the crown prince who had been switched at birth! On the road to success in the imperial examinations, Chen Xiao pushed forward with his indomitable spirit, repeatedly 11Reads7.1Score—Shelves
- 36 From the Start, I Was a Lowly Illegitimate Son, but the Imperial Exams Carried Me to Success 开局低贱庶子，我靠科举步步青云 Transmigration, imperial examinations, illegitimate son, political intrigue, court politics, play the pig to eat the tiger, male-oriented, historical, one female lead When Lin Yan transmigrated, he became an inconspicuous illegitimate son of the Lin family. He harbored no deep-seated hatred and had never endured relentless bullying. All he knew was how to keep his talents hidden, guard his heart, and live quietly. While others studied hard for the imperial examinations, he already had a firm gr 19.3kReads6.7Score1.7kShelves
- 37 The Ruthless Minister from a Humble Family 寒门枭臣 Li Mao transmigrates into the Northern Song dynasty as a down-and-out scholar from a poor family. In an age when everything is inferior except studying, and the realm is on the brink of ruin, he changes his fate step by step through hard work, rises to the pinnacle of life, and brings peace to the world for generations to come. This story has not only clashes of steel and the thunder of battle horns, but also beauty and romance, alongside the struggles and striving of ordinary people. 1.6kReads8.4Score169Shelves
- 38 A Farmer's Rise: From Gathering Rice to Becoming Prime Minister 农家逆袭：从捡稻谷到当宰辅 Shen Yanzhi, a postgraduate history student, opens his eyes to find himself in the body of a country boy in ancient times named Goudan, the only child the Li family had waited ten years for. His great-grandfather once held high office, but so what? After being exiled to Lingnan, the whole family still had to rely on farming to survive. Just as he gets used to life in an ancient village, he’s bound to a bizarre System. Other transmigrators get Systems that help them conquer the world, but his tas —Reads—Score—Shelves
- 39 You Broke Off Our Engagement When I Failed the Exams. Now I've Topped Them, So Why Are You Crying? 落榜你提退婚，我高中状元你哭啥 Imperial examination story + fallen child prodigy + good-for-nothing’s rise to success + no System + nonstop thrills! The child prodigy Fang Zhongyong could write poetry at five and passed the county-level exam at eight, earning fame far and wide! The wealthy Zhou family came to curry favor with him, arranging for their daughter Zhou Liuliu to be betrothed to Fang Zhongyong. Under the pretext that their family had a private tutor to teach him, they tricked him into moving to their home. But they 909Reads6.9Score—Shelves
- 40 The Road to the Imperial Examinations Begins as a Student 科举之路从童生开始 Lin Ying transmigrates. He had been researching the history of the imperial examination system at a research institute, but one careless moment sends him to ancient times, where he becomes the son of a farming family on his way to sit the exams. What else can he do? For the sake of a better life, he can only give it everything he’s got! On the long road to success in the imperial examinations, Lin Ying sets himself a small goal: first, pass the entry-level exam and become a student! 452Reads9.0Score—Shelves
- 41 The Noble Son of a Farming Family 农门贵子 He never imagined that one day he would transmigrate into the body of a fifteen-year-old peasant boy who had died in an examination hall. To take control of his own fate in this dynasty, all he can do is study hard. Studying changes one's fate, and can pave the way to success… 52Reads7.4Score103Shelves
- 42 The Top Scholar from a Poor Family 寒门第一状元郎 Su Yan, a calligraphy enthusiast from the 21st century, transmigrates to ancient times and becomes the down-and-out young master of an official's family. By chance, he receives the true teachings of the Sage of Calligraphy, Wang Xizhi. Now the age has two calligraphy sages: Wang Xizhi, the Great Sage of Calligraphy, and Su Yan, the Lesser Sage of Calligraphy. The reputation of a great man is never unfounded, and how could a talented young man be anything but handsome? Watch Su Yan rise from humb 162Reads6.2Score—Shelves
- 43 A Poor Scholar: I Got a Long-Legged Bride-to-Be for Free 寒门书生：白捡逆天长腿童养媳 This is a story that begins in a mountain village. Reborn in a single day, I find that a sudden upheaval has occurred on my wedding night. Everyone says that the poor can no longer produce great men, but I am determined to break that rule. I will drink with beauties in my arms and wake to command the power of the world, raising my impoverished family to greatness once more... 1.3kReads7.1Score130Shelves
- 44 Transmigrate to Ancient Times: I Become the Pillar of the Southeast 穿越古代：我成东南擎天巨柱 [Alternate Setting] [Passionate] [No System] [Officialdom] Jixi County's Longchuan Liu clan is a famous local family. Liu Xian transmigrates into the body of an unlucky fellow who died of excitement after passing the jinshi exam. The man had the same name as him. Liu Xian didn't inherit the original owner's memories, and has no idea what to do around the man's wife, whose intelligence is almost supernatural. See how Liu Xian holds fast to his principles amid the pursuit of fame and fortune, paci 92Reads—Score—Shelves
- 45 After I Transmigrated, I Saved a Fallen Marquis Household Through the Imperial Exams 穿越后靠科举拯救落魄侯府 Ye Hezhen was a Chinese literature student who had failed the graduate school entrance exam three times. After failing for the last time, he drowned his sorrows in alcohol, heartbroken. Little did he expect that when he opened his eyes the next morning, the whole world had changed. He had transmigrated into the newborn legitimate son of a declining marquis’s household. He had only three older sisters, and the family was on the verge of ruin. Watch as Ye Hezhen finds a way to save the marquis’s h 1Reads6.6Score—Shelves
- 46 The Struggles of a Concubine's Son 庶子的奋斗史 (Fictional setting, no need to nitpick. Everything serves the story. An imperial-examination novel.) A university student majoring in Chinese Language and Literature transmigrates into the body of a concubine-born son of a prominent family. In this dynasty, where the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is stark, a concubine-born son's status is low. Most receive little attention from their families, let alone much of an inheritance. Ling Fengyu knows this all too well. He un —Reads—Score—Shelves
- 47 Xu Erlang's Road to the Imperial Exams 徐家二郎的科举之路 After an accident, Xu Xu, a modern university student majoring in traditional Chinese medicine, transmigrated to an ancient farming family. To give himself and his family a better life and keep them safe, he embarked on the long road of the imperial examinations. He passed and became a county magistrate in a remote region, eventually rising to the highest ranks of government. 39Reads—Score—Shelves
- 48 Transmigrating to the Great Song: A Guide to the Civil Service Exam 穿越大宋之考公指南 A serious historical novel featuring the imperial examinations, officialdom, a mix of classical and vernacular Chinese, a slow pace, political intrigue, highly intelligent characters, and military campaigns. This novel contains extensive classical Chinese, poetry, and archaic language. If that is not to your taste, please do not read it. Huang Zhongsi, a modern young man preparing for the civil service exams, transmigrates to a parallel world during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Northern 189Reads6.7Score—Shelves
- 49 The Imperial Exams: A Poor Scholar's Journey 科举，寒门读书郎 [Imperial examinations + lighthearted + everyday life + one heroine] Li Chengping transmigrated to Daqian, a strange dynasty. He had planned to live off his family in a scenic spot by the mountains and water, but the backbreaking labor service of ancient times terrified him. If he didn't want to work, he'd have to find another way to live. This is the story of a farmer's son who studies for the imperial examinations. Zhang Erniang: “If you could put in the effort to memorize your books while eat 8Reads6.9Score—Shelves
- 50 Transmigration: From the Imperial Exams to Chief Grand Secretary 穿越：从科举开始的内阁首辅之路 An ordinary university student transmigrates into the son of a small landowner in ancient times. He takes the imperial exams and enters government service under the Great Feng dynasty, rising through the ranks step by step. Of all pursuits, study is supreme. “What? Young Master Wang has passed the county-level scholar exam!” “Young Master Wang really is impressive!” “Scholar Wang has passed the provincial exam and become a juren!” “I hear Wang, the top scholar in the provincial exam, passed the 37Reads—Score—Shelves
