The Beautiful Diva as a Mediator in the 70s

Jiang An'an, a skilled marriage mediator from the twenty-first century, finds herself transported back to 1972 in rural China. She inhabits the body of a seventeen-year-old girl with the same name, who is known for her beauty but also for her spoiled and arrogant temperament. The original owner was involved in a violent dispute with her relatives over a proposed "marriage exchange," a feudal practice where she would be traded to marry a man from another family to secure a wife for her cousin. During the altercation, the girl suffered a head injury, which allowed Jiang An'an to take over her identity.

Upon waking, Jiang An'an discovers she has been adopted by the Jiang family, who treat her with extraordinary devotion despite their modest means and poor reputation in the Hongqi Brigade. Her mother, Lin Meiru, is a fierce and formidable woman who dominates the village through her sharp tongue and willingness to fight. Her father, Jiang Degui, is a gentle man who dotes on his daughter. Jiang An'an quickly realizes that her new family is under threat from her paternal grandmother and uncle, who are plotting to force the marriage exchange to benefit their own son.

The central conflict arises when Jiang An'an learns of the uncle's plan to trade her for a wife for her cousin, Jiang Dezhuzhu. Refusing to accept this fate, she confronts her relatives and threatens to report them to the authorities for violating marriage laws. Her boldness shocks her family, who are accustomed to her previous docile behavior. Jiang An'an leverages her knowledge of the legal system and the political climate of the era to outmaneuver her opponents. She successfully negotiates with the brigade leader, Captain Luo, to secure a leave of absence and protect herself from further coercion.

A significant turning point occurs when Jiang An'an intervenes in her eldest sister's marital crisis. Her sister, Jiang Shulan, is being abandoned by her husband, Zhou Kang, a sent-down educated youth from the capital who seeks to divorce her to return to city life. Zhou Kang attempts to frame the Jiang family for illegal imprisonment, but Jiang An'an skillfully deconstructs his accusations and exposes the bribery he offered to her uncle. Through her mediation, she ensures that her sister receives a fair settlement and protects the family from further exploitation.

As the story progresses, Jiang An'an navigates the complexities of rural life in the 1970s. She encounters new educated youth, including Zhou Yinghuai, a handsome and disciplined young man who becomes a potential romantic interest. Jiang An'an also begins to use her professional skills as a mediator to resolve disputes within the brigade, gaining respect and influence. She works to improve her family's standing while preparing for a future that includes education and personal independence.

The narrative explores themes of family loyalty, gender equality, and social justice. Jiang An'an challenges traditional patriarchal norms and supports the women in her family to assert their rights. She faces opposition from conservative relatives and villagers but remains steadfast in her convictions. The story highlights the struggles of rural communities during a turbulent historical period and the resilience of individuals who refuse to be oppressed.

Jiang An'an's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. She transforms from a seemingly spoiled girl into a confident and capable woman who uses her wits to protect her loved ones. Her actions inspire those around her to question unjust traditions and strive for a better life. The novel concludes with Jiang An'an looking toward the future, hopeful that she can achieve her dreams and contribute positively to her community.