Marrying to Support My Husband, For the Sake of Our Child

Cen Meimei, a modern woman, dies in a car accident and awakens in the body of Qin Meinang, the seventeen-year-old First Madam of the Xu family. The original Qin Meinang had fallen into a death-like coma and was prepared for burial, but the fresh air from the open coffin revived her. Cen Meimei discovers she is in an ancient noble household where her husband, Xu Junying, the Marquis of Wei Yuan, had already planned to remarry her. He had been spending time with his cousin, Miss Zheng Meiyu, while Qin Meinang was ill. The household is in chaos; the Dowager Madam dislikes Qin Meinang, and her son, Heng Ge'er, has been mistreated by the household staff and Miss Zheng. Cen Meimei, now fully aware of her situation, decides to protect her son and reclaim her status as the mistress of the house.

Upon waking, Cen Meimei feigns amnesia to navigate the treacherous family dynamics without revealing her modern knowledge immediately. She encounters Xu Junying, who is confused by her sudden change in demeanor. Previously timid and withdrawn, she now displays confidence and poise. Xu Junying, a decorated general feared by northern states, is unsettled by his wife's resurrection and her lack of fear toward him. He had resigned himself to her death but now must face the reality of her return. The household servants, initially hostile, begin to shift their allegiance as they observe her competence and kindness, particularly toward her son.

A critical turning point occurs when a banquet is thrown for visiting nobles due to the confusion surrounding Qin Meinang's revival. The kitchen is short on ingredients because the roads are blocked by snow, and the family's concubines have mismanaged resources. Ning Rulan, the Third Madam, is overwhelmed by the task. Cen Meimei steps in, organizing an outdoor barbecue in the plum grove using the limited beef and vegetables available. She charms the noblewomen with her wit and hospitality, turning a potential disaster into a celebrated event. However, the celebration damages the Dowager Madam's prized trees, causing further friction within the family.

Cen Meimei uses her modern knowledge to improve her standing. She introduces the concept of hot pot to the Dowager Madam, offering a warm and novel dining experience that appeals to the elderly matriarch. She also leverages a gift from Xu Junying's associate in the northeast, presenting rare ginseng to the Dowager Madam to curry favor. These actions help her gain a measure of respect and protection within the household. Meanwhile, her mother and brother arrive from their hometown, and she ensures they are treated with dignity, further solidifying her role as the head of the household.

The core conflict revolves around Cen Meimei's struggle to secure a stable future for herself and her son in a patriarchal society where she is viewed with suspicion due to her resurrection. She faces opposition from the Dowager Madam, who prefers Miss Zheng Meiyu as a daughter-in-law, and from the internal household politics that favor the concubines. Xu Junying remains a distant figure, torn between his duty, his reputation, and his growing curiosity about his wife's transformed personality. Cen Meimei resolves to master the intricacies of noble life, using her intelligence and modern perspective to outmaneuver her rivals and establish herself as an indispensable and respected matriarch.

As the story progresses, Cen Meimei continues to navigate the complex web of relationships within the Xu family. She builds alliances with loyal servants and maintains a polite but firm distance from those who wish her harm. Her interactions with Xu Junying become more frequent, though still formal, as he observes her capabilities in managing the household. The narrative follows her efforts to integrate her modern sensibilities with ancient customs, all while protecting her son from the neglect he previously suffered. The resurrection has not only brought her back to life but has also ignited a struggle for power and recognition in a world that initially sought to bury her.