Transmigration: Fleeing Famine, Cannon Fodder Takes on the Burden of Supporting the Family

In the tenth year of Yongjia, during a time of famine and social upheaval, He Wanqing, a modern university lecturer, transmigrates into the body of a thirty-four-year-old woman named He Wan. The original owner was a widow with four sons—Ye Jianshan, Ye Jianwen, Ye Jianwu, and Ye Jianming, known as A-Ming. He Wan was known for her bad temper, selfishness, and neglect of her children, having spent her husband’s military earnings lavishly while forcing her sons to work and eat poorly. The family is currently fleeing their home village of Shuangmu Village after a devastating earthquake destroyed their farmland, heading toward Changning Prefecture in Xuannan Province. He Wanqing awakens on a handcart, feverish and near death, just as the village elders prepare to bury her, believing she has already passed. Her sudden awakening shocks everyone, particularly Old Lady Ye, who fears the boys will struggle to find wives if their mother is mentally impaired.

He Wanqing quickly adapts to her new reality, absorbing the original owner’s memories and understanding the dire financial and social situation. She discovers a "System 616" bound to her, a herb-collecting system that awards points for finding medicinal plants, which can eventually be traded in a cross-dimensional forum. Although initially dismissive of the system’s nagging, she recognizes its potential utility for survival and begins collecting herbs during their journey. Her primary goal is to live a laid-back, comfortable life, but she must first manage her four sons, each with distinct personalities and flaws. The eldest, Jianshan, is overly obedient and lacks independence; the second, Jianwen, is sharp but somewhat selfish; the third, Jianwu, is strong but simple-minded; and the youngest, A-Ming, is timid, insecure, and constantly ignored by his mother.

The core conflict arises from the tension between He Wanqing’s desire for a peaceful life and the harsh realities of refugee survival. She must navigate village politics, manage limited resources, and repair the damaged relationships with her sons, especially A-Ming, who suffers from low self-esteem due to years of neglect. A key turning point occurs when the family reaches Wuning Prefecture but is denied entry due to strict refugee controls. Forced to take a dangerous mountain route, He Wanqing uses the system to locate herbs and food, improving their chances of survival. During this journey, she saves a village child from a snake bite, earning the gratitude of the locals and securing a temporary stay at Peach Blossom Village.

While staying in Peach Blossom Village, He Wanqing purchases an iron wok and seasonings, allowing her to cook a proper meal of braised pork for the first time since transmigration. This act not only satisfies her own desires but also strengthens her bond with her sons, particularly A-Ming, who shares his food with his grandfather. The meal becomes a symbol of her changing approach to motherhood, as she begins to treat her children with kindness and respect rather than neglect. She also establishes boundaries with difficult villagers, such as Widow Liu, who attempts to manipulate her for food.

As the family prepares to continue their journey, He Wanqing focuses on nurturing her sons’ talents and healing their emotional wounds. She encourages A-Ming’s cooking skills, supports Jianwen’s education, and helps Jianshan and Jianwu develop confidence. The story follows her efforts to build a stable life in a new land, leveraging the system’s abilities to gather resources and trade for goods that improve their quality of life. Despite the ongoing challenges of famine, displacement, and social prejudice, He Wanqing remains determined to create a peaceful and prosperous future for herself and her family, gradually transforming from a neglectful widow into a caring and strategic matriarch.