The Ming Dynasty Official's Wife

After Gu Wan wakes up, she discovers that her father is a scholar who has repeatedly failed the exams, while her older brother, a licentiate, is so ill he’s nearly at death’s door.

This is wish-fulfillment fiction. If you’re the type who nitpicks historical accuracy, please move along.

The Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty was a fascinating time. Among the loyal officials was Yang Jisheng, the Ming’s toughest man. There was also no shortage of corrupt officials, including Yan Shifan, the real-life inspiration for Ximen Qing, the oil-slick villain, as well as the great scholar Wang Shizhen and Xu Wei.

But none of them is the male lead. The male lead is fictional.