The Cannon-Fodder Ex-Wife Finds Happiness

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

Qiao Wei found herself as the cannon-fodder ex-wife of the male protagonist in a historical novel set in the 60s and 70s. The male lead was handsome, with a broad shoulder, narrow waist, and long legs, clad in a uniform. Not only was he the type Qiao Wei liked, but his future prospects were also boundless.

In the original story, Qiao Wei was a pitiful cannon fodder who ended up in misery, dying alone after eloping with someone. In the reborn version, the original female lead married the male lead and lived a good life.

However, Qiao Wei, upon entering the book, didn’t want to be the cannon fodder. From being a lonely terminally ill patient to having a husband and children, with a big shot right at home, she couldn’t let others take that away. Qiao Wei wanted to hold on tight.

Yan Lei noticed that ever since he brought his wife back, she seemed like a different person.

“Commander Yan’s wife wears such old-fashioned fabric all the time, so simple and plain.”

Qiao Wei: Natural fabrics are so comfortable, synthetic fibers go away.

“Did you hear? Commander Yan’s wife voluntarily gave up the new dormitory and continued to live in the old family quarters, giving the chance of living in a building to someone else. Look at her ideological consciousness.”

Qiao Wei: The courtyard in the broken dormitory building is much more down-to-earth.

“We misunderstood them before. Look, the commander’s relatives are here, directly arranged in the guesthouse, high-standard reception, so atmospheric.”

Qiao Wei: Having relatives stay at home is too annoying; sending them to the guesthouse is much more relaxed.

Life went from being formal and distant to passionate and lively. From living in separate rooms in the past, she now walks around in his white shirt with smooth, straight legs in front of him. Before, he couldn’t see her in the morning, but now he could see her rosy cheeks and vibrant eyes when she woke up from morning exercise.

In the past, she complained about his lack of education and didn’t allow her to touch his precious books. Now she willingly handed him a book, saying, “Although I hope you can read it too.”

“Clothes, you can’t wash them; leave it to me,” the man said coldly.

“Just because you don’t want to wash dishes, leave it to me,” the man disdainfully said.

“Here,” the man handed it over.

“What?”

“Money and tickets,” he said. “This month I found more people to exchange cloth tickets, enough for you to buy new clothes.”

Qiao Wei smiled with her eyes curled. As long as she wasn’t the cannon fodder, Qiao Wei lived happily in this 60s and 70s setting.

Associated Names
One entry per line
年代文炮灰原配幸福起来
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Raising Babies in the ’70s (1)
Remarriage to a Mortal Enemy in the 70s (1)
After Gaining Mind Reading Abilities, the Male Lead’s Love Brain Can’t Be Hidden Anymore (1)
My Wife Spoils Me Too Much (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. China in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
  2. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s and more part 2
  3. To all the novels I have loved before 3.0~
  4. anne 70/80/90 Rebirth
  5. Top Tier

Latest Release

Date Group Release
10/14/24 Shanghai Fantasy c143
10/14/24 Shanghai Fantasy c142
10/14/24 Shanghai Fantasy c141
10/07/24 Shanghai Fantasy c140
10/07/24 Shanghai Fantasy c139
10/01/24 Shanghai Fantasy c138
10/01/24 Shanghai Fantasy c137 part2
10/01/24 Shanghai Fantasy c137 part1
10/01/24 Shanghai Fantasy c136
09/23/24 Shanghai Fantasy c135
09/23/24 Shanghai Fantasy c134
09/23/24 Shanghai Fantasy c133
09/19/24 Shanghai Fantasy c132 part2
09/19/24 Shanghai Fantasy c132 part1
09/19/24 Shanghai Fantasy c131
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Write a Review
29 Reviews sorted by


Roxasfleur
Roxasfleur rated it
April 3, 2024
Status: Completed
Different from other similar novel. This story starts before the “era” in chinese history, MC and ML also have settings deeply entrenched in military. There will not be slice of life of typical rural farming family drama and college entrance examinations. Instead this story shows how it was before that special period, how it changes everything and the end of it all.

somewhat heavy in context. There are some things explained in that special era that gives me heart wrenching feeling.

anyway, it is a somewhat special and beautiful story. I love... more>> interactions between both leads, and reading their son’s excerpts. <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
jbkb_gims
jbkb_gims rated it
February 20, 2024
Status: Completed
First and foremost let me say it ain't free, well I was able to find a free version on wattpad but it was practically gibberish. I spent $57 in order to finish this. Ugh the amount of books I could have bought with this... sigh...

It was well written - enough that I wanted to finish reading it. The female lead was clever but had moments where it made me feel a little uncomfortable, for example when she spoke about western cultures and how she instilled such thoughts into her child.... more>> Seeing as she came from a version of the future, and was practically saying to her kid "when you grow up, build weapons to wipe them out" (I am paraphrasing, but really that is what she pretty much told him). It would be one thing if she originated from that era then I could understand, because her thoughts would be the result of the environment she lived in, but she is a woman from modern society who I would hope would at least not encourage the destruction of another nation. She was also maybe a little too OP in regards to how all her speeches won over everyone, and all her articles could dazzle everyone. There was no one who would disagree with her words, or smart enough to argue with her.

The male lead was good in the beginning but then after a while was a little lackluster... maybe that's the wrong word. He still kept having military achievements, I was just hoping he would do more improving of himself by going to school or something. He did a lot in the first half of the story, but after awhile he almost became an after thought when he is supposed to be the leading male.

The story had weird pacing, for the majority of the story it had a slow pace, many things happening while the son was only 3 yrs old, then there would be these sudden gigantic time spurts that the author just glosses over. It was more of a story of raising a genius child through a turbulent span of time in their country's history and then he outgrew them before his balls even dropped and did his own thing elsewhere. The end was OK I guess just kind of bland I guess. I wasn't left feeling satisfied but it also didn't make me discontent. I kind of wish I didn't waste money on it though. <<less
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
l8rose
l8rose rated it
January 5, 2025
Status: c92
A strong start that just begins to drag. Like others have mentioned, there is a lot of propaganda. It's just too much even if it might fit for the era they're trying to portray. Outside that, there is a lot of repetition for various facts. Eventually, the combination just makes it hard to read.

The MC is Qiao Wei, a woman who died from a medical condition and transmigrated into the body of a town girl who had just died due to a fever. The MC is delighted with her instant... more>> husband and child as this is like the dream life she always wanted. She starts off with the intention of just living a happy life with them but then she feels like she needs a job because of boredom (I guess?). She also forces the husband to repeat things he told the original which feels weird.

The ML is Yan Lei, a soldier who's rank starts off normal before he's revealed to be on par with a County Secretary in rank (in his mid-twenties I might add). His personality comes across as fierce in the beginning but it feels like his IQ drops once the pair start getting intimate. Then he becomes a virtual non-entity after she gets a job. Only really being there for the MC whenever she needs something but without a lot for him to do. But he does dote on her and gets her whatever she wants. He was also the original ML of the original story.

Starting out, the story does have a lot of promise. The MC is genuinely thrilled about her new life but then there is the original-FL who seems obsessed with marrying the ML. The MC manages to navigate that and then the story just drops off fairly quickly after that.

Spoiler

The Original-FL is reborn after experiencing a terrible life so she decides she must marry the ML. She begins to try to seduce him but fails miserably because the ML views her like she's a child. Eventually, she makes the decision that the MC must die only to do a 180 when the MC points out that even if the MC wasn't there, there is no reason the ori-FL should expect the ML to choose her instead. This literally shatters the poor girl's mind and she gets depressed afterwards. And then weirdly fades out of the story after that (at least until chapter 92 anyway).

The MC also begins working as a broadcaster and starts developing propaganda material. She also does it ridiculously quickly (like a day to finish something that should have taken a week or more). There is so much propaganda covered in this section of the novel. Like... 80% of the material in this arc is all propaganda.

[collapse]

It was a chore to get through the beginning of her work arc but the move to the county just did it in for me.

Not something I'd recommend unless you're really into that era. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
rndmsmmrflng
rndmsmmrflng rated it
October 21, 2024
Status: Completed
This novel is light for me. Not overly fluffy and not too complicated. It's the kind of slice of life that I want. Although I feel bittersweet about Yan Xiang's chosen path, all else is good for me. Sometimes, I don't get why other readers complain a lot about the communism aspect here. I mean if you have read other stories in similar timelines it's really common. It's also not on a level that could brainwash anyone. For me, I just take it with an open mind, I take account... more>> the 'common sense' of the people in that time/era and how much propaganda they were exposed to. So naturally I just take it as a 'fact' for the characters and the setting. I think people should chill and not take everything too seriously unless that's what you came here for. There's a lot of novels out there that could offer that but for this one, just look at the genre and the tags and you'll get it. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Asheza
Asheza rated it
January 19, 2024
Status: c19
Okay, this was such a cute and wholesome story. It was also very relatable as if I was reading my grandparent's story especially how it depicts the past culture of people hahaha! I'm excited for the future chapters.
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
sarabodd
sarabodd rated it
November 9, 2024
Status: c88
I gave a 3 because the first half I would rate highly and the latter half I would give no stars. It's so good till about the middle where it turns into straight up communist propaganda not just praising communism but not so subtly insulting other countries. It focuses less and less on her relationships with ML and son. And focusses on her job which is straight up ... more>>
Spoiler

creating and slinging propaganda she works for the propaganda department... seriously

[collapse]
. It made me really uncomfortable. Like it talks about how "sensitive" (horrendous and awful) the time to come is while praising the people that brought it about. I read pretty far but had to stop once I realized that it wasn't just a brief part of the story. I honestly don't know if it gets better later but I'm done. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
aliceteox
aliceteox rated it
October 21, 2024
Status: c101
Im halfway done reading thia novel. I like the interaction between ML and FL but the nationalism is too much for me. Its talk a lot about how good communism is, mao zedong teaching is immortal, taking taiwan back etc. Its too much and I ended up skipping chapter to avoid reading some part.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Nelle
Nelle rated it
January 23, 2025
Status: Completed
This novel is amazing. It's been a long time since I've read something so refreshing and meaningful. Set in the chaotic era of China's reforms and scarcity between the 60s and 80s, this book shows a unique view of that time. It really makes you feel how careful people had to be.

The MC is wonderful. Even though she tries to keep a low profile, she still stands out. Her presence is always felt, and she quickly becomes an important part of her new family. She's an excellent mother, wife, friend,... more>> and someone everyone can rely on.

In many other novels, a strong MC hides her status and connections, only revealing them when she's wronged. But in this story, the MC knows when to use her status and connections wisely, avoiding unnecessary drama. I really like her character.

Usually, I read novels for the romance, but in this case, it was the MC's brilliant mind and how she handled every challenge that impressed me. Her relationship with her son, showing her exceptional motherhood, was truly inspiring. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Evie Ren A
Evie Ren A rated it
October 29, 2024
Status: Completed
This story has heavy propaganda, patriotism, and nationalism throughout the story. Mainly from the FL. If you don't like it, don't read, spare yourself the anger or frustration.

If you can turn a blind eye, turn off your brain and compartmentalize your beliefs to enjoy fiction, then by all means.

I liked the beginning of the story a lot, I enjoyed the FL finding her place with an instant family and her place in society. I love Xiang Xiang, such an adorable baby, I actually like the og!FL, and I liked that... more>> the FL understood and was sympathetic to the original owner's problems.

There was a lot of confusion during the read due to the unorganized chapters, but it all made sense eventually. Very few annoying characters, and most of them were wholesome, supportive and had a little depth to them. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Lulula
Lulula rated it
July 14, 2024
Status: c58
I didn't have to pay any money to read as of yet. So far was liking this slice of life type of story. For its genre I would say its in the upper middle tier, with MC's son being a highlight. I didn't really get why the rating wasn't any higher but the latest chapter I read ch 58 had this really uncomfortable scene where it's implied the main characters doing s*xual activities with each other, but they had there 4 year old child sleeping right next to them in... more>> the same bed, they then cover his eyes when he awoke to the noise patting him to go back to sleep. This lowered my rating significantly. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Eeria
Eeria rated it
February 19, 2024
Status: Completed
It’s a 3.5

Story is well written and very cute. Especially love the FL and her kids. Can’t stand the ML. The fact he can treat all women he marries the same makes it a no-go for me. He could/would have been happy no matter which woman came along is what makes him unacceptable as a male lead for me. Else everything is good to read. Luckily, the novel doesn’t focus much on the love story part.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Relenapeacecraft
Relenapeacecraft rated it
December 16, 2024
Status: Completed
It was a fun read. It was differrent from the usual ancient china transmigration I've read. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the people lived in that era regardless of its historical accuracy.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
asami78
asami78 rated it
November 8, 2024
Status: Completed
I loved it !!!❤️

Normally, this type of story can feel repetitive, but the author managed to make it intriguing and captivating, especially in the last three quarters. The ending left me wishing for extras, but overall, it felt complete. I also appreciated how much focus was given to the relationship between the main characters. Often, stories like this emphasize the mother-child bond, but here, there’s a wonderful balance between the romantic relationship and the family dynamic, which is truly engaging.

I highly recommend it, and I hope the author writes more... more>> stories just as captivating.🙌🌹 <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Julyeys22
Julyeys22 rated it
November 8, 2024
Status: c86
This story is good. But agree with the comments to much communism so I skip those. But, this is the first time I read a transmigrated FL who is not nbsb and very open to s**. He lowkey teach ML the positions hahahhaha. The transalations sometimes stress with me the pronouns but all and all its good
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
lotuslilac
lotuslilac rated it
October 28, 2024
Status: Completed
Wow.

Amazing!!

Before I start, BEWARE THE CHAPTERS GO OUT OF ORDER TOWARDS THE END, DOUBLE CHECK THE CHAPTER NUMBER BEFORE READING, ESPECIALLY THE LAST FIVE CHAPTERS!

Honestly, this novel exceeded my expectations. The translation was off sometimes but nothing too unbearable. A few months ago, I read a similar novel, reborn as the lazy step mother, and that novel was PERFECTION! I didn't expect this novel to be that great but to be honest, it was super interesting and I liked it almost as much as I loved the lazy step mother... more>> novel!

I loved our cool, calm and collected Qiao Wei. I loved her practicality and realness. I also loved our ML, Yan Lei!!!!! How many men, especially during that time period, would ever step foot into the kitchen? Especially a military man? What I love the most about Yan Lei is that he is a practical, do-er type of husband, if you tell him something, if you envision something, and you show him what you want then he will do everything within his power to make it happen for his wife! Ahhhh We love our Captain Yan <3

I loved our little Yan Xiang so much!! Tbh, wanting him grow into the genius we all knew he was, it was kinda bittersweet. But I am happy he had a happy ending too!

Spoiler don't read****

I truly did not think the author would have Qiao Wei have another child, but I am glad they had a daughter. I just don't understand why they did not elaborate on Yan Fu's ending? We know Yan Xiang marries an aloof genius woman, they even had a child but what about Yan Fu??? Who does she marry? Or does she not marry and have a career instead? Please someone comment if I missed a part!

Anyways, 4 or 5 stars! I truly recommend this novel, finished it within 2 weeks and it was an enjoyable pass time.

If you are still reading this, I wish you a stable and happy love life similar to our Yan Lei and Qiao Wei! <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Pv_
Pv_
February 20, 2024
Status: Completed
It was a good read. With no additional drama. The author didn't stretch the story much hence instead of loosing interest in story around chp 1000, this 143 chp story keeps your interest. The relation between a genius and his mother was portrayed beautifully.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Flor-VIB412
Flor-VIB412 rated it
February 18, 2024
Status: c34
I must say that I am really liking the novel and that the translation is very good, I can understand things well even though English is not my native language. I love how the relationship between the protagonists develops, he is very sweet and tender.

If I had to "criticize" something it would be that the chapters from 30 onwards are paid and the price is not very accessible. Translation work is something that is greatly appreciated! We really have to thank them for their tremendous work, but considering the number... more>> of chapters for the number of coins, The novel ends up costing around $50. I really want to keep reading because I like it. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
NathalieA
NathalieA rated it
April 29, 2025
Status: Completed
I give it 3 stars because the story was entertaining and has some sweet moments but what I didn’t like was:

- the translation: even though I am very grateful for the time that was taken to translate the novel, some pronouns are mixed up: sometimes the son is a daughter and the same happens with the names of the characters.

Some parts are in disorder and you might not understand what happened because it seems like parts are cut out (some I think is the same in the original version... more>> but I’m not sure).

- There is a lot of political propaganda of the parties involved in the 60’s and can be repetitive.

Is my first time reading a novel in the 60’s before they even sent the educated young people to the county so is was novel for me. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
puregarnet
puregarnet rated it
March 14, 2025
Status: Completed
4.057 Stars

Date Read: 6/3/2025

Personal Enjoyment: 4/5

... more>> I love this era and it's been awhile since I read something like this. The beginning was the best. Simple, budding family relationship. It felt pretty genuine too. I loved the relationship between MC and ML and MC and her son. I can understand why the rating is 3.9, though. Where the story turns later on is a bit odd. But overall, I enjoyed reading it.

Plot: 3.8/5

Interesting choices by the author. The beginning felt like a typical transmigration to the 50’s type of story. Then it slowly showed a zoomed-out perspective of what life was like when those things happened and how people lived then. As the more chaotic changes happened, it got more bittersweet. I teared up at a few bits even.

However, there were a couple of points where I felt like I was missing information. It felt like I missed a chapter somewhere. The most prominent was when the MC apparently did not expose Secretary Ment to the dogs in the auditorium. And made enemies out of some other people. The story did not show this scene, we just saw the aftermath. I double checked the raws but they were the same so I didn't miss anything actually. Also, some of the chapter order is weird and might be wrong near the end like C110+, FYI.

Other than that, I appreciate that the story did not end on a bittersweet note. The son left the family at 11, forbidden contact for years and no physical contact for decades. That was so bittersweet. But near the end, the surrounding era had forwarded enough that communication resumed. And I am very happy the story ended with the MC and ML happily taking care of their grandkid at a youngish age still. Some other stories will go on until they are age 90+ and show them dying after the other of old age. Those stories were so sad at the end!

Writing/Translation: 3.8/5

The translation I read is from ShanghaiFantasy. It was pretty decent. A few wrong names and such but it flowed pretty smoothly. There were some bits whose sentences I didn't understand but I kinda got the gist and skipped some sentences over.

Pacing: 3.8/5

Setting/Worldbuilding: 4/5

The setting is decently written and quite interesting! The author chose a variety of places and people to show us how the setting was like. Very interesting.

Characters: 4.5/5

I love all the characters. They feel so real and they all have their own logic behind their actions even if you don't really understand. I love that. Nobody was truly bad or good. They were all just regular fellow humans.

Romance: 4.5/5

The romance is good! I especially love the beginning’s more intimate relationships. Before the chaotic age began. It was so heartfelt. The ML was such a green flag but also with his own flaws and quirks that he feels real. And the author has such a way with words to make me feel for the ML and his hard life. He was so happy when his wife lived up to his hopes and dreams of starting a marriage with a partner to navigate through life with.

My Created Lists (I include my rating and review in the list itself XD)

  • All Novels I've Read Sorted By Rating - Where I ranked every single novel I read on novelupdates.
  • Economic Reform! 50's-90's
  • My Favourites!
  • Romance where I really feel it!
<<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Humbledaisy
Humbledaisy
January 15, 2025
Status: c47
I’m only at ch. 47 right now and I’m enjoying it but - in the past few chapters, the FL has cushions made and sends the ML to buy straw to stuff the cushions. He comes back with loose straw for the cushions and skeined (bundled?) straw to make a mattress pad. Which she appreciates for their kang bed. Then he leans in and tells her something along the lines of “heh, heh, now your knees won’t hurt!” WHAT! They are indeed having marital relations but - on her knees?... more>> This is not the position I was expecting! <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.