short series

The Top Scholar from Humble Origins

share time: 2026-02-17 12:36:59

Scholar Lin Yan, from a poor family, travels to the capital for the imperial exam to raise money for his mother's medical treatment. On the way, he rescues Shen Zhaozhao, the prime minister's daughter who's framed by treacherous officials. To escape pursuit, they pretend to be an engaged couple. Shen Zhaozhao initially disdains him for his tattered, patched clothes and awkward speech, but soon discovers his virtues: he wins money with street couplets to help those in need, stands up to powerful officials to protect her, and astounds the court with his 'Letter to the People'—a paper criticizing social ills—during the exam. Just as Lin Yan becomes the top scholar and their affection deepens, Shen Zhaozhao receives a secret letter: Lin Yan's 'humble origin' is a lie! Did he approach her to avenge his family's extermination by the prime minister? And the half jade pendant hidden in Lin Yan's sleeve seems to hint at this secret...

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