Sweet Military Marriage: A Scheming Beauty Becomes the Darling of the ’70s

Jiang Qingrou, a former top-tier celebrity from the twenty-first century, transmigrates into the body of an eighteen-year-old girl in 1970s China. She wakes up in the body of Jiang Qingrou, a character from a novel she had previously rejected for a leading role. In the original story, Jiang Qingrou is the villainous cousin who steals the application spot from the female lead, Jiang Fei, and ultimately causes the downfall of her own family. The original Jiang Qingrou is depicted as beautiful but unintelligent, relying on her privileged family background while bullying the hardworking Jiang Fei. Jiang Qingrou discovers that her new family—consisting of a loving but flawed father, a protective mother, and two doting older brothers—is destined for tragedy due to their own vices and Jiang Fei’s manipulations. Determined to change their fate, she resolves to navigate the challenges ahead using her modern knowledge and experience.

The story begins with Jiang Qingrou preparing for an audition for the provincial military art troupe, a coveted position that offers an iron rice bowl and protection from being sent to the countryside. The atmosphere is tense, as only ten spots are available for over a hundred applicants. Backstage, she faces hostility from Qin Lulu, a fellow dancer who spreads rumors that Jiang Qingrou stole Jiang Fei’s application form. Jiang Qingrou calmly confronts the accusation, turning the tables on Qin Lulu and exposing the rumor’s flaws. When Jiang Fei arrives, pretending to be innocent and fragile, Jiang Qingrou refuses to be bullied. She uses her sharp wit to dismantle Jiang Fei’s attempts to gain sympathy, forcing Qin Lulu to reveal that Jiang Fei was the one who spread the rumors. This public confrontation shifts the perception of the other dancers, who begin to question Jiang Fei’s true character.

During the audition, Jiang Qingrou performs a Dai ethnic dance, which, while not technically perfect, showcases her exceptional physical flexibility and stage presence. The judges are divided, with some criticizing the improvisation and others praising her fundamental skills. Yu Siming, a judge and a key figure in the original plot who supports Jiang Fei, is initially skeptical but ultimately gives her a fair score. Cen Shi, a high-ranking commander and the male lead of the original novel, observes from the back. He is known for his cold demeanor and strict fairness. Impressed by Jiang Qingrou’s confidence and her defense of military honor during the backstage incident, he intervenes when the judges are deadlocked, granting her a second performance. Jiang Qingrou then performs a routine demonstrating her advanced basic skills, securing a high score and a spot in the troupe. Jiang Fei, meanwhile, performs poorly under pressure and receives a lower score, finishing seventh while Jiang Qingrou places fifth.

After the audition, Jiang Qingrou encounters Cen Shi in the dark stairwell. Startled by a rat, she instinctively clings to him, creating a moment of physical proximity that surprises both of them. Cen Shi, who has rarely shown interest in women, finds himself intrigued by her boldness and beauty. He notices a small embroidered pouch she dropped and keeps it, a subtle sign of his growing attention. Back at home, Jiang Qingrou reunites with her family, who are relieved to hear she succeeded. Her brothers, particularly her eldest brother Jiang Qingzhi, are already planning to use their connections to ensure she never faces hardship. Jiang Qingrou, however, is determined to handle things herself and begins to establish healthier boundaries with her family to prevent the scandals that doomed them in the original story.

The narrative shifts to the political and social dynamics of the era. Commander Wei, Cen Shi’s superior and godfather, is eager to find a wife for Cen Shi, who has rejected all previous matches. Upon hearing that Cen Shi showed interest in Jiang Qingrou, Commander Wei immediately begins investigating her background, planning to arrange a meeting. Jiang Qingrou remains unaware of this attention but continues to navigate her new life with caution. She recognizes that her success in the audition has made her a target for Jiang Fei’s resentment. As she settles into her role in the art troupe, she must balance her career ambitions with the need to protect her family from the manipulative schemes of the female lead. The story sets the stage for a conflict where Jiang Qingrou uses her intelligence and modern perspective to outmaneuver Jiang Fei, while slowly winning over Cen Shi, who becomes an unexpected ally in her fight for a better future.