Transported from the modern era back to ancient times, Zhang Ye once believed his contemporary knowledge would grant him an easy path to greatness in the old world. He dreamed of reaching the pinnacle of life effortlessly, yet he soon discovers that ancient society is brutally harsh. Without official academic titles, a person can barely take a single step forward.
With no other choice left, Zhang Ye pins all his hopes on the imperial civil examinations. Born into the impoverished Zhang family, he endures repeated humiliation and bullying from ruthless local landlords. Even under such hardship, good news finally arrives: Zhang Ye passes the preliminary exam and earns the rank of Child Student, qualifying him to continue advancing through the imperial examination system.
This is only the start of his tough journey. He must navigate tangled local conflicts, corrupt gentry and unfair rules of the ancient bureaucratic world. Drawing on modern thinking, he outwits bullies and fights for the rights of the vulnerable folk. Step by step, he climbs through each level of the civil service exams, turning his miserable fate around. Eventually, he rises to become an imperial envoy, holding great authority to investigate cases and deliver imperial edicts. The ordinary time-traveler will stand up against crooked local powers and bring justice to the oppressed.
