Qiao Nianyao is a transmigrator who arrived in the year 1972 after sacrificing herself to save wounded soldiers in a post-apocalyptic war. Possessing wood-element healing abilities, she had died protecting her comrades before waking up in the body of Qiao Xiaowan, a woman who had attempted suicide by drowning. The original owner of the body had been rescued from the river by Song Qingfeng, a soldier who had just returned from active duty. Under local customs, Song Qingfeng was obligated to marry Qiao Xiaowan for having touched her body during the rescue. He paid five hundred yuan to redeem her from her abusive original family, the Qiao family, and the two entered into a marriage. For two years, Qiao Nianyao has lived in Songjia Village, hiding her true identity and supernatural abilities while adapting to the harsh realities of the era.
The story begins with a military truck arriving in Songjia Village, causing a stir among the villagers. Song Qingfeng’s comrades, Chen Gang and Li Song, escort him home. They reveal that Song Qingfeng has been discharged due to severe injuries sustained in battle. Both of his legs are damaged, and while he may recover some function with proper care, he is effectively disabled. The army provides a monthly disability subsidy of fifteen yuan, but the implication is clear: Song Qingfeng can no longer serve as a soldier or perform heavy labor. The villagers gather outside, whispering and speculating about the severity of his condition. Some express pity, while others harbor hidden schadenfreude, noting that a disabled husband will be a burden on the family.
Qiao Nianyao receives the news with calm composure, though her inner thoughts reveal her strategic mind. She does not display the despair her companions expect. Instead, she politely sees off the soldiers and begins preparing for Song Qingfeng’s recovery. Her neighbors, Ma Guilian and Sister Wu, offer comfort, suggesting that he might still walk again. Qiao Nianyao accepts their words but remains focused on practical matters. She lights the stove and tends to the household, her movements efficient and practiced. The villagers watch her, unaware that she is not the timid woman they remember. The original Qiao Xiaowan was weak and submissive, but Qiao Nianyao carries the resilience of a battlefield medic.
Behind the scenes, the political and social landscape of 1972 rural China adds pressure to the couple’s situation. Song Qingfeng’s disability threatens his status in the village and his ability to provide. In an era where physical strength and military service are highly valued, a disabled veteran faces stigma and economic hardship. The fifteen yuan subsidy is meager, insufficient to sustain a household without additional income. Qiao Nianyao understands that her husband’s return is not just a personal tragedy but a test of their survival. She must navigate village politics, manage limited resources, and protect Song Qingfeng from those who might exploit his vulnerability.
As the chapter concludes, Qiao Nianyao reflects on her past life and her current circumstances. She compares the difficulties of 1972 China to the apocalyptic world she left behind, finding the present era comparatively stable. Her goal is no longer survival in a war zone but securing a peaceful life for herself and her husband. She resolves to use her knowledge and abilities discreetly to improve their situation. The narrative sets the stage for a story of resilience, adaptation, and quiet strength. Qiao Nianyao will face challenges from villagers, economic constraints, and Song Qingfeng’s own psychological struggle with his disability. Her journey involves rebuilding trust, restoring dignity, and finding a path forward in a society that values conformity and physical capability.
