Salted Fish Was Forced To Take The Imperial Examination

In his previous life, Song Yunzhi died from overwork. After reincarnating as the eldest grandson of the richest family in Linzhou, he was determined not to be swayed by the system’s temptations and vowed to live a carefree, laid-back life. Studying? Why bother studying? Are slingshots not fun enough, or are crickets not entertaining enough? Unfortunately, his peaceful life didn’t last long. At the age of six, Song Yunzhi’s idyllic existence encountered a minor hiccup— Bad news: His widowed father, who had nothing but good looks, was framed, and the father-son duo were about to be exiled. Good news: His father caught the eye of the recently divorced eldest daughter of the Prime Minister’s family and successfully became her new husband! Life in the Prime Minister’s residence wasn’t easy. Song’s father, a naive and brainless pretty face, was no match for anyone in the household. Watching his father, who was furious but could only hug him and cry, six-year-old Song Yunzhi frowned and reluctantly picked up a brush. Life is hard, sighed the little slacker. Song Yunzhi originally just wanted to live a slightly more comfortable life, but somehow, he accidentally earned the reputation of a child prodigy. Then, by another accident, he topped the imperial examinations and became the top scholar. And yet another accident later, he became the emperor’s most trusted confidant. Song Yunzhi had planned to quit while he was ahead, but it seemed it was already too late. The Emperor: “This difficult task shall be entrusted to Minister Song. This one too, and this one, and this one, and this one—”

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Salted Fish Was Forced To Take The Imperial Examination "Salted Fish Was Forced To Take The Imperial Examination" is a novel that certainly piqued my interest with its intriguing title and blend of comedy, historical setting, and reincarnation elements. After diving in, I found it to be a story with a very specific appeal, and whether it clicks for you will depend heavily on your expectations. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a lazy protagonist thrust into the rigorous world of imperial examinations. The reincarnation aspect added another layer of intrigue. I was curious to see how the author would balance the protagonist's past life memories with his current childish perspective. ### What Works Well What I appreciated most was the author's commitment to portraying the main character as a genuine child. He isn't just an adult mind trapped in a young body; he's a child with memories, still very much shaped by childish emotions and reactions. I found this approach refreshing, as it avoids the common trope of an all-knowing, overly mature child protagonist. The slice-of-life aspects are also well-executed, painting a vivid picture of daily life in ancient China, complete with doting parents and the pressures of education. The system element, while present, doesn't overshadow the character development and feels integrated into the narrative. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning This section contains potential spoilers regarding the protagonist's development and the pacing of the story. Proceed with caution. ### Areas of Concern One thing I can definitely see being a sticking point for some readers is the pacing. It seems the story focuses heavily on the protagonist's childhood, and some might find this prolonged focus less appealing if they're eager to see him as an adult navigating the imperial examinations. Also, the protagonist's emotional responses, particularly his tendency to cry, might be off-putting for readers seeking a more stoic or composed character. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Salted Fish Was Forced To Take The Imperial Examination" is a unique and charming story that prioritizes realistic character portrayal and slice-of-life elements. If you're seeking a lighthearted read with a focus on a child protagonist's growth and are willing to embrace the slower pacing, this novel might be right up your alley. However, if you prefer a more mature protagonist or a faster-paced plot, you might find yourself wanting more. I'd recommend giving it a try, but be prepared for a more grounded and child-centric narrative than the title might initially suggest.