Military Marriage: The Daily Life of a Rough Man Spoiling His Wife in the ’70s

Jiang Yingying, a twenty-five-year-old woman from the modern era, finds herself trapped in the body of an eighteen-year-old girl with the same name in 1972 China. The original Jiang Yingying had traveled to a military region to reunite with her brother, Jiang Chao, after the death of their grandmother. However, she was kidnapped by human traffickers who attempted to drown her in the Jinsha River. Jiang Yingying survived the ordeal through sheer willpower, only to be rescued by He Yan, a cold and stern military captain known throughout the region for his intimidating demeanor and refusal of romantic advances.

Upon waking in a military hospital, Jiang Yingying discovers she has suffered severe damage to her vocal cords, rendering her unable to speak for an extended period. She communicates through writing, which becomes a central element of her interactions. The original body’s family, including her brother Jiang Chao, his wife Xu Zhishu, and young nephew Jiang Yang, are overjoyed to find her alive. They are furious upon learning of the trafficking incident and the brutal treatment she endured, vowing to protect her from further harm. Jiang Yingying, feeling a deep sense of gratitude toward He Yan for saving her life, also feels a strange emotional connection to her new family, whom she begins to care for sincerely.

He Yan, despite his reputation for being aloof and unapproachable, finds himself drawn to Jiang Yingying’s resilience and gentle nature. He visits her in the hospital, an unusual gesture for someone of his status, and accepts an invitation to dinner at the Jiang family home to repay his kindness. The dinner serves as a turning point, breaking down the barriers of fear that the rest of the military community holds for him. Jiang Yang, initially terrified of the captain, begins to see him as a friendly figure, while Xu Zhishu and Jiang Chao express their profound gratitude.

As Jiang Yingying recovers, she takes on domestic responsibilities, cooking meals for her new family and neighbors. Her culinary skills, honed in her previous life, earn her respect and affection within the military compound. She navigates the social dynamics of the 1970s, dealing with rumors about her relationship with He Yan and the curiosity of her colleagues. Meanwhile, He Yan continues to observe her from a distance, his initial concern evolving into a protective interest. He struggles with his own emotions, unused to feeling warmth toward anyone, yet unable to stay away from the woman who survived against all odds.

The narrative explores the growing bond between Jiang Yingying and He Yan, set against the backdrop of military life and family dynamics. Jiang Yingying’s modern perspective allows her to approach situations with a unique mindset, while He Yan’s rigid discipline provides a counterpoint. Their interactions are marked by subtle gestures and unspoken understanding, as both characters navigate their feelings in a time and place where such emotions are rarely expressed openly. The story highlights Jiang Yingying’s determination to live a meaningful life in this new era, supported by her loving family and the unexpected presence of a man she once feared.

As the days pass, Jiang Yingying’s voice begins to recover, allowing her to communicate more freely. She continues to strengthen her relationships with the Jiang family, finding comfort in their warmth and support. He Yan’s visits become more frequent, and the line between gratitude and affection begins to blur for both of them. The story concludes with the promise of a deeper connection, as Jiang Yingying embraces her new reality and He Yan confronts the unexpected feelings he has developed for the woman who survived the river.