Happily Settling Down in a Military Marriage Novel [1970s]

Xu Xia, a modern woman who died from overwork, transmigrates into the body of a cannon-fodder supporting character in a 1970s military marriage novel. In the original story, her cousin, Xu Chun, is the reborn female lead who secures a happy marriage with a military officer, while the original Xu Xia dies after drinking at her cousin's wedding. Now inhabiting the role of the jealous and ill-fated cousin, Xu Xia has no intention of following the plot. She desires only a comfortable, low-stress life, having endured enough hardship in her previous existence. The primary conflict arises immediately as the local Educated Youth Office pressures her to be sent to the countryside for re-education, a fate she desperately wishes to avoid. Her family dynamics are strained; her grandmother, Wang Xiufang, dotes on her due to the memory of her deceased parents, but her aunt, Tian Mei, and cousin, Xu Chun, view Xu Xia as a burden and actively wish for her departure to secure their own family's stability and social standing.

Just as Xu Xia faces the prospect of forced relocation, a letter arrives from the Zhao family, revealing a childhood betrothal arranged by her late father. The letter includes a photograph of Zhao Hui, a handsome regiment commander, and one hundred yuan, inviting Xu Xia to Jiangcheng to formalize the engagement. This development shocks her family, particularly Xu Chun, who fears Xu Xia will surpass her in marital status. Xu Chun attempts to manipulate the situation by conspiring with Deputy Director Li to ensure Xu Xia leaves, but her plans are thwarted when the existence of the betrothal becomes public. Xu Xia, utilizing her knowledge of the original plot and her own pragmatic mindset, decides to accept the arrangement not out of romantic love, but as a strategic move to secure a comfortable life and escape the countryside. She bids an emotional farewell to her grandmother and her quiet, withdrawn younger brother, Xu Fengshou, promising to bring them to the city once she is settled.

During her journey to Jiangcheng, Xu Xia encounters Zhao Hui’s nephew, Zhao Zhiyuan, and his friend at a train station. Zhao Zhiyuan had fled the arranged marriage by garrisoning himself at the border, forcing his uncle, Zhao Hui, to take his place. Xu Xia inadvertently helps Zhao Hui by identifying him through the photograph, though she is unaware of the substitution. Upon arriving at the Zhao family compound, she is warmly welcomed by Old Master Zhao and his wife, He Hongying, who are unaware of Zhao Hui’s reluctance. Xu Xia quickly adapts to her new environment, using her modern culinary skills to prepare meals that win over the family. She maintains a respectful distance from Zhao Hui, recognizing his cold demeanor and lack of interest in the marriage, and focuses instead on building a good relationship with his parents to secure a job placement.

The tension between Xu Xia and Zhao Hui is palpable. Zhao Hui, a man who values his independence and resents being forced into a marriage to repay a debt of gratitude, is initially hostile toward Xu Xia. However, he is intrigued by her competence and beauty, which contrast sharply with his father’s description of her as plain. As Xu Xia integrates into the household, she navigates the complex family dynamics, including the resentment of Zhao Hui’s elder brother and sister-in-law, who had secretly helped Zhao Zhiyuan escape the marriage. Xu Xia’s pragmatic approach and hidden strength begin to shift Zhao Hui’s perception of her. The story moves toward a gradual development of their relationship, as Xu Xia proves her worth not just as a wife, but as a capable individual who can manage the household and support her family, challenging the expectations of both the Zhao family and her own relatives back home.