The Story

We meet Zhao Lian, a kind but struggling scholar with more heart than luck. His fortune changes in the strangest way when he swallows a glowing pearl hidden in a fish. Overnight, his mind becomes razor-sharp. He writes flawless poetry, masters complex texts, and starts passing the imperial exams with flying colors. Fame, wealth, and a beautiful marriage follow. But this isn't a simple rags-to-riches tale. The pearl is a treasure stolen from the Dragon Palace of the South Sea. As Zhao enjoys his new life, messengers from the deep—sometimes in human disguise—start appearing, politely (and then not so politely) asking for their jewel back. The core of the story is his desperate struggle to hold onto the source of his success while the supernatural world closes in.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how modern the central dilemma feels. Sure, there are dragons and magic, but at its heart, it's about a guy who got a lucky break and is terrified of losing it all. You feel for Zhao, even when he makes selfish choices. The author has a sharp, witty eye for the absurdities of scholarly life and social climbing in imperial China. The fantasy elements aren't just decoration; they're the engine for a really smart satire about ambition, ethics, and whether you can ever truly own your own talent.

Final Verdict

This is a fantastic pick if you enjoy historical fiction with a big splash of the fantastical. It's for readers who like their classics with a sense of humor and a relatable protagonist stuck in an impossible situation. If you've ever wondered what would happen if a fairy godmother's gift came with a collection agency from a different realm, this is your book. A delightful and thought-provoking escape into a world where academic anxiety and dragon diplomacy collide.