From Ancient to Modern: The Legitimate Daughter Reborn into the 1950s

Set in 1967 China, the story follows Su Yue, a young woman who has been reincarnated with memories of a previous life. In her past existence, she endured years of abuse and neglect from her stepmother in a grand mansion, surviving only through the kindness of her wet nurse. Upon reincarnating into a rural family in Hekou Brigade, she retains access to a magical courtyard from her past life, which serves as a secure storage space for food and supplies. Su Yue is the only daughter among three brothers and is deeply loved by her parents, Shen Qiuxia and Su Dahai, particularly because her stepmother had previously mistreated her. Her older brothers are successful: the eldest is a battalion commander in the army, and the third works at a machinery factory in the capital. In contrast, her second brother, Su Zhiqiang, dropped out of school to marry Wu Xiulian, and the couple has become freeloaders who rely on their parents for financial support while contributing nothing to the household.

Simultaneously, the narrative introduces Li Xiangbei, a young man from the Li family who has been in love with Su Yue for four years. Despite his family's initial reservations about his choice of a rural bride, Li Xiangbei is determined to marry her. His mother, Zhang Cuihua, works in the cafeteria of the county steel plant, where Su Yue has just secured a job as a records manager after passing a competitive exam. The Li family prepares a substantial bride price of 168 yuan and a bicycle ticket, reflecting their sincerity and respect for Su Yue. The marriage proposal proceeds smoothly, with both families agreeing to the union. However, tensions arise within Su Yue's own family when Wu Xiulian discovers the engagement and demands that Su Yue hand over her job to her brother, claiming it as family property. Su Yue refuses, asserting her right to the position she earned through her own efforts.

The conflict escalates as Shen Qiuxia, Su Yue's mother, decides to divide the family due to the second son's entitlement and lack of contribution. She announces that she and Su Dahai will move into a new house built with funds from the eldest and third sons, leaving Su Zhiqiang and Wu Xiulian to fend for themselves. This decision shocks the second son, who had grown accustomed to his parents' support. Meanwhile, Su Yue begins her new job at the steel plant, where she encounters workplace politics. Her former classmate, Qin Mingyue, who harbors resentment from a past rejection, attempts to sabotage Su Yue by withholding office supplies and reporting her to Deputy Director Qin, a powerful figure in the logistics department. Su Yue handles the situation with composure and political acumen, exposing Qin Mingyue's misconduct and forcing a formal reprimand.

As Su Yue navigates her new role, she builds alliances with colleagues who recognize her integrity and capability. She maintains a close relationship with her fiancé, Li Xiangbei, who supports her both emotionally and practically. The story highlights the contrast between the supportive environment of the Li family and the toxic dynamics of Su Yue's natal family. Su Yue's ability to leverage her past-life knowledge and her current resources allows her to establish a stable and prosperous life. The narrative sets the stage for further developments in her career and personal relationships, as she balances her professional ambitions with her upcoming marriage and family obligations.

The plot also delves into the social and economic realities of the era, including the importance of household registration, work points, and ration coupons. Su Yue's transition from a rural village to an urban factory worker represents a significant step up in social status. Her interactions with various characters, from her supportive mother to her antagonistic sister-in-law, illustrate the complex family dynamics and societal pressures of the time. The story emphasizes Su Yue's resilience and intelligence as she overcomes obstacles and secures her future. With the marriage formally arranged and her career underway, Su Yue is poised to build a life of her own, free from the hardships of her past and the burdens of her family's dysfunction.