Prince to King/Emperor:
Haechi - low-born prince with no standing and support in the court on a way to become the king
The Rise of Phoenixes - same, minus low-born status
Nirvana in Fire - the same, although here ambition is not his main driving force
Six Flying Dragons - ML even after he becomes royalty is far, far from the throne but he still makes it his (it's fascinating and horrible - but it's about Bang Won, so... yeh). Actually there are also some nice side stories about other characters making it from the bottom to different kinds of top.
Empress Ki - from slave/ lowly concubine to Empress
other
Ever Night - ML is poor nobody and orphan but he wants to become cultivator despite everyone telling him he doesn't have potential for it. He works hard for it becomes very powerful in the end.
Rebel - Thief Who Stole the People - ML is born poor and in the lowest class. He wants to better his and his family and friends life and works toward building his power. Although his father makes first steps in improving their lives, ML is the one who truly gains some power and standing.
