In his previous life, Cui Xian was a PhD in Chinese Language and Literature from a prestigious university.
In this life, he has transmigrated into an impoverished family in ancient times.
A destitute household, a pregnant mother, young siblings, a father and Eldest Uncle who have failed the imperial examination six times, a grandmother who has driven herself into hysteria fantasizing about her sons making the honor roll, and an eight-year-old boy-himself.
Cui Xian: This is just too tragic.
To change his fate, Cui Xian goes out to work and becomes a Study Servant for a wealthy Young Master.
But the Young Master is a hopeless academic failure, terrified of entering the examination hall. He comes up with a terrible idea: having Cui Xian take the imperial examination in his place.
Not only does Cui Xian pass, but he “goes on a rampage.”
At eight, he begins formal studies. At eight, he writes “Ode to the Goose.” By eight and a half, he pens “Pity the Farmer.” At nine, he composes countless works that leave the literary greats of the time heartbroken and retiring their pens.
His eight-legged essays establish the format itself, earning him the title of “the originator.”
He debates scholars on stage, defeating renowned intellectuals with his eloquence.
His annotations on the Four Books are included in official academies, becoming the de facto textbooks for the imperial examination.
At seventeen, he becomes the Top Imperial Scholar.
He even mentors six students who also become Top Imperial Scholars.
By twenty-seven, he enters the cabinet as the Grand Chancellor, achieving the pinnacle of power.
He becomes the last pillar of Great Liang’s literary world, a model and idol for all scholars.
Of the ten measures of talent in the world, he alone possesses eight.
He retreats to compose poetry and essays, advances to write policy papers for the imperial examination, governs the nation with his pen, and secures peace on horseback.
Single-handedly, he extends the dynasty’s lifespan by three centuries.
He eradicates pirates, defeats nomadic invaders, develops cannons, builds warships, opens new maritime routes, and leads expeditions to Europe.
He becomes the behind-the-scenes controller of sixteen global nations.
When he stands, the emperor dares not sit.
Officials and ministers weep bitterly, longing for his return: “When will the Grand Chancellor finally ascend the throne?”
And it all began on that fateful day, when Cui Xian took the imperial examination in place of the Young Master…
