Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

Description

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First of all, this is not a story where the cannon fodder chambermaid counterattacks and gives the main wife a beat-down!

As a lowly s*ave who had been sold a total of six times, Xiao Hua has long become apathetic to her situation.

In her past life, she was a cannon fodder chambermaid who was beaten to death. In this life, she decided to turn over a new leaf and live honestly, yet in the end still ended up being sold off.

This prince’s estate seems to have pretty good benefits? She could be released at twenty-five, and they’d arrange a place for her to live under their jurisdiction? They’d even get rid of her s*ave records?

Great! That’s great! Xiao Hua thus decided to stay in the Jing Prince Estate and do her job properly. It’s a shame she could never overcome the whims of fate….

The master she serves is a “mute boy”, with several influences above him watching like tigers eyeing their prey. To say she doesn’t want to be pampered is definitely a lie. This is the road to survival of a “discreet girl” who clings on to her master’s leg and is solely pampered, yet feels that he never pampers her.

The road from a cannon fodder chambermaid to a beloved imperial consort is a little long….

Associated Names
One entry per line
A cannon fodder chambermaid wants a counterattack!
炮灰通房要逆袭
Related Series
The Prestigious Family’s Young lady and the Farmer (Shared Universe)
The Lofty Fierce Consort (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
Jin Wang Dotes on His Concubine (4)
The Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir (3)
Ying Chong (2)
Chang’an’s First Beauty (2)
Quick Transmigration: The Host Is Sweeter Than Sugar (2)
Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. CHINESE HISTORICAL ROMANCE
  2. Ult Completed Novels
  3. Well-written Ancient China romance novels
  4. BG Yandere Romace
  5. Reborn in Ancient China

Latest Release

Date Group Release
10/05/20 Princess Capture Plan c189
10/05/20 Princess Capture Plan c188
10/05/20 Princess Capture Plan c187
10/05/20 Princess Capture Plan c186
10/04/20 Princess Capture Plan c185
10/04/20 Princess Capture Plan c184
10/03/20 Princess Capture Plan c183
10/03/20 Princess Capture Plan c182
10/02/20 Princess Capture Plan c181
10/02/20 Princess Capture Plan c180
10/01/20 Princess Capture Plan c179
10/01/20 Princess Capture Plan c178
09/30/20 Princess Capture Plan c177
09/29/20 Princess Capture Plan c176
09/28/20 Princess Capture Plan c175
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144 Reviews sorted by


akiraa
akiraa rated it
April 8, 2021
Status: Completed
my only thought throughout reading was "I'm glad I wasn't born a woman in the ancient times" because truthfully I don't think I could scheme to survive like these formidable women. And polygamy definitely isn't for me. If you're like me (not a fan of harem) then you can probably stomach this.

FL is pitiful btw, I feel bad for her. Just a child and yet is forced into the harem and palace schemes ... more>>
Spoiler

just because the ML is too dull and can't read the room. However i've read many historical novels and it seems that men in those times are always s*upid and dumb about the tension between women in their harem but are somehow a geniuses in court or other areas. Idk what to say about it

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i don't like ML. Maybe I dislike him a bit? But he doesn't have a good personality.
Spoiler

other than the fact that he's not a pushover as a en emperor

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he is very apathetic and I can't seem to sense any empathy at all. Is it because he was locked up as a kid? I don't know. Don't yell at this sister if it's because of that, maybe I missed the points T__T I feel like I don't understand his character because he was written in a way that would make his apathetic attitude acceptable (if you encounter someone like this irl the best thing to do run away lol)

women in his harem are pitiful. Each and everyone of them are pitiful. Maybe some don't deserve sympathy but you can't help but think that they would probably end up a lot better if they weren't placed inside his courtyard.
Spoiler

I genuinely don't like the consort though. She has a scheming mind but not the ability, it's laughable.

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2/5 enjoyable but leaves a bitter taste in my mouth even though it's a happy ending. Maybe it's the modern woman in me crying rn <<less
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Lazyro
Lazyro rated it
March 16, 2023
Status: c124
Okay I accept that the story is not bad, and I really just continued reading till this point cause I do want to know what happens to them, but the author is absolutely annoying me

The worst thing about this novel is that the author is trying to make the story very realistic, but to be honest that just makes reading it extremely annoying (because the realistic storyline means the main characters in it have to go through A LOT OF pain for their own good so...) , and... more>> really if I've wanted something that realistic why would I Even be here, I would go read history books directly.

The second thing that annoyed me a lot in the beginning of the ML and FL's relationship was how unaware ML was About how much pain and sadness FL is going through and he is always like this: he feels something is wrong with her but because he doesn't understand what it is, he just ignores it. And mostly the reason for her sadness is ML. This only got a bit more bearable after their relationship progressed a lot more.

But seriously although the story is good the author practically made me want to punch them almost after every single chapter I read.

Spoiler

for example at one point when ML's main wife asks him to give FL a title and let her join the place other his other women live, he easily agrees and he lets FL to deal with his main wife and concubine on her own (although he knows how much they can be cruel from his past life since in his past life his main wife said it herself how she and one of his concubines killed eachother's sons.) He still acts so clueless and just lets the FL who untill that moment was just a low ranking servant to deal with his main wife and concubines. And that is not the end....

And author always have the same crap of this is just to make the main character stronger and to make their relationship develop and blah blah blah, but the author's logic only makes the ML more annoying.

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In short if you are looking for a story that is very abusivly realistic then go for it. But if you are just looking for some devoted ideal male lead, (I say IDEAL since this one is not an Ideal male lead and is very s*upid) don'tgo for this novel, it is by no means some warm romance and although I was ready for struggles, this one is brutally realistic and makes me want to tear someone apart at every chapter.

the story is not bad, the bad thing is author's abusive logic. <<less
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rattlesnake753
rattlesnake753 rated it
April 23, 2021
Status: --
It so ridiculous that people give more stars than they feel the story deserves just because other people rated the story really low. Well some people don't like it even if it's written well, translated masterfully and plot and characters have depth. I feelt really bad while reading, I was angry and frustrated so I gave low rating because the story wasn't enjoyable for me. It's realistic? That's great but If I wanted to be depressed and sad I would read r*pe victim biography and get similar emotional experience. So... more>> no thanks. The more people forcefully raise stars the more expectations people have while reading, and I really don't like how some people say "there are tags and reviews so if this story is not for you then don't comment". <<less
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summerspring
summerspring rated it
June 23, 2020
Status: c45
i like it. It is more realistic than the other ones where ML inexplicably falls in love. I give many likes
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Kimichi03
Kimichi03 rated it
May 20, 2020
Status: c5
I have been waiting for this book to be translated:D. The translation is lovely. Aside from that the plot has the popular theme of transmigration HOWEVER both main characters reincarnated in this one and its not about a young lady of an affluent family but about a regular maid. This is enough to make the story quite different from the others. You should give it try;).
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asampe_tae
asampe_tae rated it
February 11, 2023
Status: c60
This book is irritatingly slow. MC isn't likable and do not get me started on ML! I've read my fair share of stoic and face-dead ML but this is the worst. I read 60 chapters before I told myself that life was too short to be reading s*upid-ass books.

I hardly read tags on NU so I went in totally blind. The r*pe scene was absolutely unnecessary and just plain lazy writing. The author and some readers justifying it by saying "ML is too unaware and umemotional to ever fall for... more>> MC without a push" is laughably dumb. I've read loads of stern ML who still started and progressed in their relationship without resorting to r*pe. There are so many ways they could have started developing feelings for each other but author decided to take a shortcut.

Eunuch Fu got on my nerves so much and I sure as hell didn't find him cute one jot. Why tf is he so interested in ML's matters? And all the explanations given doesn't fly.

No matter how s*upid and unemotional you are, when you notice or are interested in something, you ask questions about it. You want to find out more about it. ML doesn't have conversations with MC. He always just talks in one-liners and that's even when he talks (ps. He doesn't most times) ! How is that cute? How is a relationship supposed to develop like that? He knows f*ck all about MC. His backstory sure isn't tragic enough to warrant such a**holery. He needs to get tf over himself.

I just really hate ML and Eunuch Fu. I also couldn't stand MC. I wouldn't care less if she died. She's too boring. You can write calm MCs without making them paper-flat. The s*x was also horrible. What on earth is "she's blushing, she's crying, she's struggling"? I've read Job of a Imperial Concubine, Virtuous Concubine (I know I'm getting the exact names wrong but y'all know the books I'm referring to) and other main players in this trope and all the MCs enjoy the s*x. They also don't blush at the drop of an hat (except they want to) ! Just pissed I wasted so much time and data reading this. <<less
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CaliforniaMaki
CaliforniaMaki rated it
December 20, 2020
Status: Completed
I'm not an expert in Ancient Chinese culture but this probably is the most realistic of all historical CNs I've read. Gem! One of the best Historical CNs I've ever read.

Great plot, great characters and great Translation! 100%

Plot: I think it was really refreshing that we see a rebirth not going down the revenge plot against her og cast. This FL was sent somewhere and we find her adapting quickly and acting smart against unfavorable odds. Really strong FL. And, since I always feel somewhat uncomfortable about r*** scenes, but... more>> this novel explained how it came to that point (ofc r*** is wrong)

As the author said, there's no dog blood drama in the harem, but there's still enough drama to get the heart pumping same with the palace intrigues. I'd have to say this is a slice of life novel in a royalty household.

Characters: Weren't 2D. Everybody had faults and acted how humans do. No black and white characters. Always grey. You'd be cheering on characters while feeling disappointment in others which is really what makes novels successful. Real people what makes the eunuchs, palace maid, court officials and other princes tick.

Romance: Slow-moving romance that makes you appreciate the realness of it. *Sigh* filled with smutty scenes, too!

Overall: It's a well-written novel and I would love to read more of this author's work. It's just amazing! <<less
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Q3APo
Q3APo rated it
July 17, 2020
Status: Completed
This novel is a gem. The story is slowly paced but gradually getting interesting. The MC is perfectly realize her own status after her death and she tried to live her life as a servant but god has another plant for her.

The ML has trauma that make him hard to speak. So he shows his love in a hard way. But I believe he will learn how to show it well.

The romance is very realistic. Slowly but sure. I cant wait till the end.

And the end its good. The fighting... more>> for throne was not detailed. Its working well because the author using the MC as the main part. It really shows hiw woman in that era behave. Even in early marriage. What I love is the extra. About ripple effect. Excpecially the old couple and the fourth young master. I love how the fourth young master and his wife story. He growed from pampered yoing master to man. This novel show how the characters grow frok nothing to something. You should read it. <<less
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Kieukieu
Kieukieu
May 30, 2020
Status: c35
Absolutely enthralled with the story so far. In terms of the pacing and writing style, it perfectly aligns with my taste. The story is descriptive without being boring. The plot moves a little bit quicker than a slice of life, yet it still retains the immersive world building and strong characters. The romance is being slowly.... slowly developed. I am a sucker for a good slow burn romance, so I can't complain. Lastly, the translation is amazing. I check for updates daily, that's how much I am enjoying this.... more>> <<less
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taohua098
taohua098 rated it
January 7, 2023
Status: Completed
I enjoyed this novel a lot, it has moments that made me cry and moments that made me laugh. Honestly its events aren't too mind blowing but I couldn't stop myself from forgoing sleep to continuously read it, the flow of the story was very enjoyable for me.

I do believe that the bad reviews are mostly due to people treating novels as a self-insert and not approving of the male lead, but people should learn to review novels based on the story, the characters and the plot, not on how... more>> they feel about the characters actions based on their own morals and modern views.

Spoiler

I am not approving nor saying what the male lead did at the beginning was correct, not at all, but you have to acknowledge that he is very ignorant and doesn't have the experience nor EQ to understand from her point of view, until the age of 6 he stayed forcibly hidden in a dark room not allowed to make a sound nor see anyone, with a crazy and paranoid mother, I am sure everyone would not be able to grow up soundly under these conditions. But, he learns, he realises his mistakes and feels sad he caused her pain.

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This is a slice of life novel about a woman who just wants to remain low key and have a peaceful life but due to circumstances cannot, how she adapts / treats the situation and about an extremely low EQ and awkward (but eventually endearing) male lead who slowly learns how to love someone.

I love the female lead and I feel like all her actions are in line with her personality and she was clear headed and steady, but knew when to stand up for herself. Towards the middle of the novel you really do love the couple, their interactions and their growth. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys novels about slowly but surely building feelings and understanding, a bit of harem intrigue and a slight dash of politics, but this novel does focus mainly on the romance. All in all the couple left a smile on my face at the end of the book. <<less
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fallinlight
fallinlight rated it
June 27, 2022
Status: Completed
Honestly, it was a little disappointing. Like many had said, it is indeed realistic for most of the time but sometimes... not so much.

... more>>
Spoiler

Based on the title, I expected a smart and witty MC and she is, until the ML started spoiling her and she lost half of her brain cells. I actually liked her passive personality in this story because she was a servant after all, and it would be unrealistic if she suddenly became overbearing. But, sometimes I can't stand her. For example, when the ML wanted to leave her to go to the capital to fight for the throne, she insisted on coming along and even threatens the ML using their children. I understand her feelings but when she involved their children, I dont understand her anymore. What mother would use their children's lives ? Yes, she did that because she loves him but don't she love their childrens too ??

For the ML, I dislike him. While he is wrong for tainting her, especially with the uncomfortably large age gaps, there are many more of his traits I found that I dislike. Firstly, he is too possesive over the MC. Hell, he even got jealous of his own son for being hugged by the MC even though his son was just back after a journey where he almost got killed. Secondly, this he didnt explain things to the MC even though she was having negative thoughts about him leaving them and that bugged me so much. Like, the misunderstanding could easily be resolved if he actually communicate with her.

As for the plot, it was alright but I do found it hard to believe that the court officials and nobility would accept an empress who had a lowly background so easily. I am also unsatisfied with their eldest son's story. The author basically just repeated his parent's story by having him favouring a concubine who also have a low background (better than his mother's though) that also gave birth to dragon and phoenix twins. I dont know, I feel like the author didnt spend much effort when coming up with a story for him.

But, I love and I mean LOVE Ruan Siyi's side story. It's so much better than the main story and I was very invested in them.

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In conclusion, it is an overall pretty realistic historical novel but it just doesnt suit my taste. <<less
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J.A.M.
J.A.M. rated it
May 19, 2022
Status: Completed
It's good if not being compared to another novel.

It's realistic and slow paced. I'm not bothered about what happened in the novel because I knew there is something like that.

Reminder: Reading tags helps a lot. Before, I don't read tags so I'm surprise by some events I didn't expect that would happened. Now, I'm used to reading tags so my expectation won't exceed to some extent.

Thank you for the translation.
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Flying Jade
Flying Jade rated it
May 25, 2021
Status: --
Author-san, are you sure the chambermaid MC is really the protagonist of this story? The MC just stands at the side and watches everything happen. Nothing hat happens in the plot in her present life has any relation to her at all! At most, she can only spend 80% of the chapter recalling over and over again that she was the one suffered or fell at so and so point.

At present, she is just a bystander though whose eyes we view the story.

That aside, if not for the retelling of... more>> her past life, in reality, nothing interesting happens in her present. The initially very interesting story starts to turn stale quickly. <<less
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Nelle
Nelle rated it
March 25, 2021
Status: c24
As much as I would like to give this a high rating, I can't even make myself finish the story.

I reached chapter 24 and the story did not even revolve around the MC up to chapter 14. Then after that, she only got the spotlight for 2-3 chapters, and she was out of focus again. The author likes to tell the story of irrelevant characters. I made it to chapter 24 and MC still do not have much presence. Author made a lot of effort with world building indeed. But... more>> what sense is there for extensive world building when your chapters are not even written about your main character. It's such a chore reading this, I'm sorry.

You might say that I don't think it's good because I only made it to chapter 24. However, are 24 chapters still not enough? Imagine reading 24 chapters of pure boredom. <<less
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kylanex
kylanex rated it
February 24, 2021
Status: c189
3 stars for the novel (Translation +1 star). The story was realistic for the time period and the situation, and I enjoyed the main story, but the last bit went pretty much downhill quite quickly.

The most disappointing parts were Lin Qingwan (the transmigrating girl) and the MC's daughter-in-law, the crown princess.

... more>>
Spoiler

LQW: She was just an annoying and unnecessary part of the story. Like, sometimes I hate it when transmigrating characters from the future come in and try to impose their views on monogamy on the people of the time. She may not have done so, but istg, I keep feeling like she did. Maybe it's trauma from previous transmigrating novels I've read, LMAO.

Crown Princess: She's just completely unsuited for the Crown Prince. An idiot whose incredibly timid, and to be honest, pretty pathetic. Honestly, she is quite possibly the reason for the -2 stars. Just a horrible choice for the crown prince. I would have thought, with his mother as the example and his personality, he would choose a steady, calm, and mature partner. Instead, he chose some bumbling country hick. Ruined all the good feelings I had for the novel.

Moreover, the fact that he doesn't have a harem was also a little disappointing and out of place. I know that with examples like his parents, he would be inclined towards monogamy, but his parents were like this because of their experiences together, not just because they loved each other. I could maybe understand if it were some childhood friend he has deep feelings with, but some little moron? That he what? Fell in love at first sight with?

He's an emperor. His child will be the future emperor. With a mother like that, I don't have high hopes for the empire.

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IvaAres
IvaAres rated it
December 28, 2020
Status: Completed
This was a really good novel. I binged it in 3 days. The novel is realistic and it's clear that the author has actually done their research before writing about ancient China.

The authors notes helped explain some of the characters actions and gave minor spoilers about the plot which kept me interested all throughout the novel.... more>>
Spoiler

One thing that I didnt know before reading this novel was that it's actually less painful to give birth standing up/squatting compared to how it's done now, while laying down. It was really interesting to learn about such stuff since I usually read novels to kill time but dont really learn anything from them.

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The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is cuz sometimes things would be going so good for the MC and ML that I would just get bored at the lack of tension around them... <<less
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czeihne
czeihne rated it
October 29, 2020
Status: Completed
For someone who finished reading the story. Its a good one. A rating of 5 is okay.

I understand the part where the ML was taciturn, and that some says he r*ped the FL.

As a prince, he could normally take any s*ave, and as I read that part in chapter 42 and ill post it as spoiler since it is quite long

... more>>
Spoiler

"To refuse, she definitely didn't dare refuse, and didn't dare think of the consequences of such a refusal. He was the master, and she was the servant. She was already scared of Eunuch Fu, let alone Eunuch Fu's master his highness the Jing Prince.

The hands unbuttoning her clothes continued to do so.

She should reach out and grab his hands, preventing him from doing so. But she was shaking all over and didn't dare resist.

In that instant Xiao Hua thought about many things. She thought about all the implications in Eunuch Fu's actions, including his favorable treatment and his taking advantage of the situation. She also thought of Xiu Yun who was beaten to death, and thought of her past life.

So be it, so be it. She was a servant after all, no matter how she tried she couldn't escape from her lot in life... a servant never had any so-called innocence to speak of, why still care about her body?

At this moment, Xiao Hua even remembered her initial suspicions regarding whether the Jing Prince was a man or not, and inexplicably found it to be rather amusing...

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The FL decided to give in based on the story itself.

I like the story since the ML is loyal to her till the end.

The FL also knows how to fight back especially when someone. Schemed and pushed her daughter into the pond

I like how the ML turns from his original taciturn personality to a passionate husband

Guys, come on, he doesnt know much about s*x in the beginning, but didnt he learn afterwards and both of them enjoy it everytime.

I like the extra story about Ruan Siyi, the original master of FL, and his fat ugly wife. Yes, Ruan Siyi and his wife fell inlove in the end <<less
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Mai04149
Mai04149 rated it
September 22, 2020
Status: c167
This is my first time writing a Review. So I apologize if my review is messy (Also, English it’s not my first language!)

I really love this story, people should definitely read this!

I’ve seen some people give this story one or two stars because they don’t like the MC’s personality. Aka, “She’s weak and submissive.” You guys need to understand that this is not your typical transmigration story. Our MC did not come from a modern world. She was born in ancient China and due to this fact is the... more>> reason why she acts the way she acts.

You guys need to understand that women did not have rights back in the days. It is part of their culture to act that way. And for the ML’s actions.... He also has his own reasons to act like that.

The characters are rounded and relatable (not OP).

The conflicts are not painfully extended (Thank god!)

And I love the Author’s note at the end of the chapters. The author would often explain why things happen in her story by using actual research!

I really recommend this story. But just in case.... READ THE TAGS! <<less
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tweedledeestwin
tweedledeestwin rated it
July 17, 2020
Status: c74
I love this C-Novel, It takes a minute to mert the ML and have them interact but its worth it in the long run. The ML is cautious and appears calm, knowing more than others around him.

The FL is the same, she just wants to survive. Shes quick witted and young enough no one give her credit and she uses that. When romance does start, its a slow burn but were getting to the point where even the ML is kinda confused as hes never experienced these types of feelings... more>> before. I love this novel and cant wait for PC to translate it (they have the best translation of it so far.) <<less
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FlufflyLittleRabbit
FlufflyLittleRabbit rated it
July 1, 2020
Status: Completed
What can I say? The story is one of few novel that has a very satisfying ending. There's no ab*se and the romance may be slow, but it is good. In my opinion, the author wrote the story well, including the development of each characters personality.

Just like I said, the ending is very satisfying and heartwarming. I recommend this novel to read. :)
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