The Rebirth of the Cannon Fodder Scholar in the Imperial Examination Novel

Xie Wenyuan, a scholar from a poor farming family, is reborn eighteen years into the past, retaining the memories of his previous life where he became a treacherous official who destroyed his country and suffered a tragic end. In his former life, he betrayed his extraordinarily talented cousin, a transmigrator who served the Crown Prince, by aligning with the Second Prince for personal gain. This betrayal led to the extermination of the Xie family's nine clans. After escaping execution by faking his death and fleeing to a neighboring country, he rose to power through ruthless schemes, ultimately destroying the State of Chǔ and taking revenge on those who wronged him. Now reborn, Xie Wenyuan resolves to climb the social ladder again but with greater caution and calculation. His primary goal is to win over his cousin, whom he recognizes as a valuable asset due to his otherworldly knowledge and talent. Unlike his previous self, who was impulsive and greedy, this time he plans to act as a devoted and loving brother to gain his cousin's trust and loyalty.

The story begins at Hongyuan Private School, where Xie Wenyuan encounters his old classmate Qian Botu, who attempts to subtly insult him. In his previous life, Xie Wenyuan would have tolerated such behavior, but now he deftly turns the situation around, using his eloquence to praise other classmates and isolate Qian Botu. This incident demonstrates his growth and strategic mind. He then returns home to reveal to his family a vivid dream in which he became a high official but suffered a gruesome fate. His parents and younger brother, though initially shocked, are ultimately motivated by the prospect of wealth and glory. They agree to support his ambitions, and the family unites in their desire to rise above their humble origins. Xie Wenyuan plans to verify the dream's predictions, which include an upcoming hunting accident involving his uncle and cousin.

The predicted accident occurs, and Xie Wenyuan's uncle and cousin, Xie Wenqi, are severely injured by a bear. Xie Wenqi, the transmigrator, has just taken over his body and is unaware of the family's true dynamics. The family faces a crisis as they struggle to afford medical treatment. Xie Wenyuan insists on seeking the best doctors and selling their precious land to save lives, contrasting sharply with the selfishness of his aunt Liu Shi, who has been embezzling family funds to support her natal family. Liu Shi's betrayal is exposed when she steals the medicine money to pay her brother's gambling debts, leading to her divorce and expulsion from the family. This event solidifies Xie Wenyuan's position as the family's moral and strategic leader.

Xie Wenyuan's actions deeply impress his cousin, who begins to view him as a genuine and caring sibling. However, Xie Wenyuan remains aware of his own dark nature and the potential dangers posed by his cousin's modern perspective. He continues to navigate family politics and social interactions with calculated precision, ensuring that he maintains control over his destiny. The narrative explores themes of ambition, morality, and the complexities of family relationships, as Xie Wenyuan seeks to rewrite his fate while staying true to his inherently selfish and pragmatic character. His journey is one of strategic manipulation and self-preservation, aiming to achieve power and wealth without repeating the mistakes of his past life.

As the story progresses, Xie Wenyuan encounters various challenges and opportunities that test his resolve and intelligence. He must balance his ambition with the need to maintain his family's support and his cousin's trust. The presence of the transmigrator cousin adds an element of unpredictability, as Xie Wenyuan must navigate the cousin's modern ideas and moral compass. Despite his villainous tendencies, Xie Wenyuan demonstrates a capacity for genuine care towards his family, particularly his younger brother, whom he wishes to protect and provide for. The narrative highlights the intricate dynamics of power and loyalty within the family structure, as Xie Wenyuan works to establish himself as the dominant figure who can guide the family to prosperity. His rebirth offers him a second chance to correct past errors and pursue his goals with greater wisdom and foresight, setting the stage for a complex and engaging tale of ambition and redemption.