After Separating from my Mother-in-law, I started to make Money on a Daily Basis

Shen Xuezhu, a modern woman with a black belt in martial arts, transmigrates into the body of an abused wife in the ancient Nanye dynasty. The original owner died after being pushed by her cruel mother-in-law, Song Guimiao, while trying to prevent the sale of her eldest daughter, Lu Xiaoyue. Upon awakening, Shen Xuezhu immediately confronts the situation, tearing up the sale contract and physically defending her children against the henchmen hired by her in-laws. She establishes her dominance by injuring Song Guimiao’s son, Lu Xiahe, and warning that anyone who threatens her daughter will face severe consequences.

The conflict escalates as Shen Xuezhu demands a family division to escape the abusive household. Despite resistance from her father-in-law, Lu Kaifu, who relies on her labor, the village head and patriarch eventually agree to the split. Shen Xuezhu receives only the dilapidated old house, three plots of mountain land, and minimal livestock, while the Lu family retains the valuable farmland and wealth. She retrieves her late husband’s silver jewelry from Song Guimiao, which had been confiscated under the guise of safekeeping, and moves into her new home with her two daughters, Lu Xiaoyue and Lu Xiaoli.

With limited resources, Shen Xuezhu utilizes her modern knowledge to secure her family’s survival. She travels to Guyang Town and sells four fried chicken recipes to the owner of Xuan Yun Restaurant for forty taels of silver. This capital allows her to purchase cooking equipment, ingredients, and household necessities. She begins producing cured meat, a specialty she plans to sell to the restaurant, establishing a steady income stream. Her business success draws the attention of her relatives, leading to confrontations with her selfish sister, Shen Qingye, who attempts to extort meat and money. Shen Xuezhu firmly rejects these demands, using her physical strength and sharp wit to defend her property and dignity.

The narrative explores the strained relationship between Shen Xuezhu and her natal family. During a visit to her father’s birthday, Shen Dayou sides with Shen Qingye, demanding that Shen Xuezhu apologize and provide pork despite the sister’s prior aggression. Shen Xuezhu refuses to submit to unfair treatment, sparking a public dispute that highlights her father’s long-standing favoritism. She asserts her independence, declaring that she will no longer endure abuse from any family member, whether from her husband’s side or her own.

As Shen Xuezhu stabilizes her new life, she focuses on raising her daughters and expanding her culinary business. The hens she acquired begin laying eggs in unexpectedly high numbers, providing additional food and potential profit. She balances domestic responsibilities with her entrepreneurial efforts, ensuring her children are fed and educated in self-reliance. The story tracks her transition from a victim of domestic violence to a resilient matriarch who controls her own destiny through skill and determination.

The central tension remains the ongoing threat from the Lu family, who resent her independence and seek to reclaim her earnings or force her back into servitude. Shen Xuezhu maintains strict boundaries, refusing to share her resources or submit to their authority. Her journey involves navigating village politics, managing economic challenges, and protecting her family from exploitation. The narrative concludes with her establishing a sustainable livelihood, setting the stage for future conflicts as she continues to build her independence in a patriarchal society.