Reborn in the 1960s: The Pitiful Little Girl's Real Mother

He Jingshu, a woman from the modern era, dies in an earthquake and awakens in the body of a young mother in 1964 China. The original owner of this body, also named He Jingshu, was a tragic figure. Abducted and raised by the exploitative Zhang family, she was forced into a marriage with Zhong Youliang, a soldier who had been away since before their daughter, Zhong Ling, was born. Suffering from postpartum depression and manipulated by her foster mother, Zhang Daya, the original He Jingshu had become volatile and abusive toward her innocent three-year-old daughter. After being struck on the head by her nephew Tiedan, she fell into a coma, allowing He Jingshu to take over. Upon regaining consciousness, He Jingshu immediately recognizes the trauma inflicted on Zhong Ling and vows to provide the love and stability the child never had.

The central conflict arises from the Zhang family, who viewed He Jingshu as a source of free labor and food. They regularly raided her home, stealing grain and supplies while treating her with contempt. When Zhang Daya confronts He Jingshu after finding nothing in the kitchen, the reborn He Jingshu refuses to submit. Using her knowledge of martial arts, she physically repels the aggressors, shocking the villagers who were accustomed to her meekness. When the Zhang family attempts to turn public opinion against her by claiming she is ungrateful, He Jingshu counters with a detailed ledger of the years of exploitation and theft. She demands the village leader formally sever all kinship ties with the Zhang family. Faced with the threat of legal repercussions for stealing military rations, the Zhang family is forced to sign the separation document, ending their financial parasitism.

With her abusive family cut off, He Jingshu focuses on improving her and her daughter’s quality of life. She uses the monthly allowance sent by her husband, Zhong Youliang, to buy better food, clothing, and necessities. She also negotiates with the village leader to exempt herself from field work, allowing her to dedicate her time to raising Zhong Ling. Her demeanor changes completely; she is kind, patient, and nurturing. Zhong Ling, who previously lived in fear of her mother’s unpredictable rage, begins to thrive, gaining weight and confidence. He Jingshu also mends relations with her in-laws, the Zhong family, who had been distant due to the original He Jingshu’s hostility. She earns their respect by cooking for them during the busy farming season and sharing her resources.

A pivotal turning point occurs when Zhong Youliang writes a letter, expressing his guilt for neglecting his family and his desire to meet his daughter. He Jingshu replies with honesty and warmth, bridging the emotional gap between them. She decides to take Zhong Ling to visit him at his military base. The journey is eventful; on the train, He Jingshu confronts a nosy and prejudiced woman who criticizes her for having a daughter instead of a son. He Jingshu handles the situation with sharp wit, earning the respect of fellow passengers. Upon arrival, Zhong Youliang is overwhelmed with emotion seeing his daughter for the first time. He is also struck by his wife’s beauty and composure, which contrasts sharply with his memories of her previous depression.

Life at the military base introduces new social dynamics. He Jingshu and Zhong Youliang begin to grow closer, moving from awkward strangers to a supportive couple. He Jingshu befriends other military wives, including Sister Chen and Sister Zhang, the widow of a fallen comrade. She uses her modern knowledge to improve their living conditions and helps Sister Zhang, who faces harassment from local thugs. Zhong Youliang applies to have his wife and daughter officially join him at the base, a process that requires bureaucratic approval. Meanwhile, the Zhang family, now cut off from their food supply, struggles financially and internally, regretting their loss of a provider but unable to reconcile with He Jingshu. The story concludes with He Jingshu establishing a stable, happy family unit, protected by her husband’s military status and her own resilience, while looking forward to a future where she and Zhong Ling can remain together permanently.