Eighties: My Scum Husband Tricked Me into Marriage to Marry His Sister-in-Law, So I Turned Around and Married the Chief

Qu Chuning spent three years of her life serving the Lin family in rural obscurity, believing her husband Lin Dongguo was a dedicated military officer fighting for his country. In reality, Lin Dongguo had deceived her with a fabricated marriage certificate to secure a caregiver for his aging parents while he lived a double life. After saving a comrade on the battlefield, Lin Dongguo felt a debt of gratitude that he repaid by giving his wife’s allocated housing and job to the comrade’s widow, Shi Zhenzhen. Over time, this arrangement evolved into a genuine affair, and the two began living together as husband and wife in a coastal garrison city, while Qu Chuning remained behind, raising his children and tending to his parents in poverty. The betrayal culminated in Qu Chuning’s death; upon overhearing Lin Dongguo and Shi Zhenzhen plotting to dispose of her after her mother-in-law’s funeral, and hearing her own son call Shi Zhenzhen “Mama,” she collapsed and died of a broken heart. However, fate granted her a second chance, and she woke up three years into her marriage, determined to rewrite her destiny.

Armed with knowledge of the future, Qu Chuning immediately traveled to the garrison to report Lin Dongguo for bigamy. She was initially blocked by guards who feared offending the rising star, but her persistence caught the attention of Xi Muzhou, the formidable Regimental Commander and head of the Inspection Team. Xi Muzhou, known for his ruthlessness and impartiality, allowed her entry. Upon arriving at Lin Dongguo’s residence, Qu Chuning confronted Shi Zhenzhen in front of the neighbors, exposing the lie of the fake marriage certificate and the reality of their two-year cohabitation. Lin Dongguo attempted to dismiss her as a delusional woman seeking money, claiming the certificate was forged to ease his mother’s worries. When he physically assaulted her to drag her away, Qu Chuning fought back, biting his wrist and drawing blood, which led to her being thrown to the ground and injured.

Xi Muzhou intervened, arresting Lin Dongguo for assault and initiating a formal investigation. The disciplinary committee ruled that Lin Dongguo would not be promoted and ordered him to pay Qu Chuning three thousand yuan in compensation, along with a public apology in the newspaper to clear her reputation. Despite receiving the money, Qu Chuning refused to leave until Lin Dongguo fulfilled his obligation to publicly clarify their marital status. Her refusal triggered a kidnapping attempt by Shi Zhenzhen’s hired thugs, who tried to force her onto a bus back to her hometown. Qu Chuning escaped the ambush by climbing a wall at the bus station, only to collapse from exhaustion and fever. She was found by Xi Muzhou, who was suffering from a similar drug-induced illness caused by a rival faction’s plot. In his delirium, Xi Muzhou took advantage of Qu Chuning’s kindness, and they spent the night together. Taking responsibility for the incident, Xi Muzhou married Qu Chuning, providing her with housing, financial stability, and protection.

As Qu Chuning adjusted to her new life as the wife of the feared Regimental Commander, she faced hostility from the military community, who viewed her as an opportunistic country bumpkin. Shi Zhenzhen and Lin Dongguo continued to scheme against her, spreading rumors and attempting to undermine her new position. When Qu Chuning was assigned a job at the local printing factory, Shi Zhenzhen instigated a confrontation with another employee, accusing Qu Chuning of stealing the position through manipulation. However, Qu Chuning’s relationship with Xi Muzhou deepened; he demonstrated care by cooking for her, tending to her injuries, and respecting her boundaries, gradually winning her trust. Unlike Lin Dongguo, who had used and discarded her, Xi Muzhou offered her dignity and partnership. The story follows Qu Chuning as she navigates the complex politics of the military compound, stands up to her enemies, and builds a genuine life with a man who values her, leaving behind the abuse and deception of her past.