There were many famous people who failed the imperial examination in ancient times. 1 Cao Xueqin: In the Qing Dynasty, he wrote famous novels such as Dream of the Red Chamber. He had participated in the imperial examination but failed to become a master of literature in the Qing Dynasty. 2. Li Qingzhao: Song Dynasty writer who participated in many imperial examinations but failed to pass. In his later years, he made a living by composing songs. 3 Lu Xun: A modern Chinese writer who participated in many imperial examinations but failed to make it in the end. He made a living by writing novels and essays. 4. Pu Songling: In the Qing Dynasty, he wrote famous novels such as Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. He had taken the imperial examination but failed. Later, he made a living by writing novels. These are just some examples. There were many famous people who failed the ancient imperial examinations. Their works were also very rich. For example, the author of classic works such as Water Margins and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Luo Guanzhong, was a famous person who had participated in the imperial examination but failed to enter the list.