Dad, Keep Working Hard—Even the Goose in Our Family Has an Imperial Title Now!

Tang Li, an eight-year-old girl in the Jing Dynasty, transmigrated into the body of a sickly child from a declining branch of the Tang family. Upon regaining her modern memories, she discovers the existence of the Virtuous Empress Cultivation System, which demands she undergo grueling daily training in the Four Arts, astronomy, geography, and medicine to become a historically revered empress. Recognizing the system as a burden that would sacrifice her well-being for the benefit of others, Tang Li refuses to bind with it. Instead, she negotiates a loophole, transferring the system's binding to her father, Tang Xun, a lazy and selfish man who had previously squandered the family's assets and driven their grandmother to an early grave. Tang Xun, initially horrified by the prospect of becoming a "virtuous empress," eventually accepts a modified contract that requires him to study and complete tasks in exchange for intelligence boosts and silver rewards, while Tang Li enjoys the benefits from the sidelines.

The core conflict arises from Tang Xun's forced transformation under the system's strict supervision. He is subjected to daily lessons in the Sea of Consciousness and punished by lightning strikes for failures or distractions. Despite his initial resistance and attempts to seek help from a fraudulent monk named Liaoran at Qingniu Temple, Tang Xun is repeatedly humiliated when the system strikes him with visible lightning in public, an event that inadvertently boosts the family's reputation. Tang Li manipulates these events to her advantage, using the system's Dream-Visitation skills to influence her grandmother, Yang Taohua, and secure her own elevated status within the family. She is renamed Tang Li, meaning "dawn," and is treated as a blessed child, shielding her from the hard labor that previously defined her life.

As Tang Xun diligently studies to pass the imperial examinations, Tang Li focuses on securing her family's future and protecting vulnerable relatives. She visits her aunt, Tang Mei, who is married into the household of the Assistant County Magistrate, and discovers she is being physically abused by her mother-in-law, Madam Su. Through subtle questioning and observation, Tang Li uncovers the truth of her aunt's suffering, including the forced kneeling and scripture copying that has left bruises on her knees. This discovery highlights the precarious position of women in this society and adds a layer of urgency to Tang Li's efforts to stabilize her family's social standing.

The story progresses with Tang Xun enrolling in school and rapidly acquiring knowledge, driven by the promise of silver and the fear of punishment. His intelligence increases, allowing him to outperform expectations and even teach his family to write their names. Meanwhile, Tang Li leverages her position as the "blessed daughter" to gain resources and protection. The narrative sets the stage for Tang Xun's rise through the imperial examination system, aiming to restore the family's honor and wealth, while Tang Li continues to orchestrate events from behind the scenes, ensuring her own comfort and safety in a world where her original branch was destined for ruin.