The Laid-back Life of a Stepmother

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Wen Ye, who had worked hard to become a company director in her previous life, was reincarnated as the daughter of a concubine in an ancient aristocratic family after a car accident.

After learning the truth, Wen Ye completely gave up.

She had no interest in the power struggles and favoritism within the household; she just wanted to lie down and be a lazy person, occasionally turning over.

The consequence of her laziness was that she was still unmarried at the age of twenty. Her concubine mother was extremely anxious and pleaded with the main wife.

The usually strict main wife gave Wen Ye three options:

1. A newly minted scholar

2. A cousin from the main wife’s family

3. A widowed Ministry of Justice official with children

After considering for a day, Wen Ye finally chose the third option.

Upon hearing this, the concubine mother grabbed Wen Ye and began to worry: “These days, being a stepmother is difficult. Why are you doing this? I think that new scholar is quite good.”

Wen Ye swallowed the last bite of mung bean pastry and said, “This new scholar has a cousin who grew up with him in his hometown.”

The concubine mother was speechless for a moment: “Then there’s your main wife’s cousin…”

Wen Ye took a sip of tea and said, “There are too many people in that family, with two mothers-in-law alone.”

Moreover, each branch of the family had so many concubines and aunts, and she couldn’t be bothered to serve them.

The concubine mother: “…”

Wen Ye put down her teacup and continued, “This Ministry of Justice official is different.”

The concubine mother: “How is he different?”

Wen Ye: “Both his parents are deceased, he has a car and a house, an elder brother and sister-in-law above him, and a son below. When I marry him, I won’t have to manage the household or bear children.”

“As for the little one, I don’t have to worry about him either. As the saying goes, a sister-in-law is like a mother. Mrs. Lu can be considered half a grandmother to the little one.”

The concubine mother: “…”

Mrs. Lu, the sister-in-law who was only twenty-five: “…”

Associated Names
One entry per line
咸鱼继母日常
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Stepmother is Unkind (1)
My Mother-in-Law is Reborn [Seventies] (1)
A Disqualified Stepmother (1)
Heroine Saves A Gentleman (1)
My Son Might Be A Villain (1)
Eight Treasures Trousseau (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Romantic Historical Chinese Novels probably with a...
  2. Postpone
  3. Back to another Time + 70s Seventies | PART 3
  4. 1* Novels (Subjective)
  5. Cross' Library (3)

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/07/25 akkNovel c103
03/07/25 akkNovel c102
03/07/25 akkNovel c101
03/05/25 akkNovel c100
03/04/25 akkNovel c99
03/03/25 akkNovel c98
03/02/25 akkNovel c97
03/01/25 akkNovel c96
02/28/25 akkNovel c95
02/27/25 akkNovel c94
02/26/25 akkNovel c93
02/26/25 akkNovel c92
02/25/25 akkNovel c91
02/25/25 akkNovel c90
02/24/25 akkNovel c89
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20 Reviews sorted by


YouToon
YouToon rated it
March 2, 2025
Status: Completed
This was a unique experience. The FMC has very high EQ and her ambition is to live a comfortable life eating, reading and doing the things she likes without caring about the opinion of others beyond making sure they wont actively stop her.
Spoiler

She's pragmatic and rational. She likes money because it funds her lifestyle. She doesnt require romantic love to be happy but isnt opposed to it. She enjoys children but does not want to be around them all the time or give birth in ancient times. She is manipulative of those around her while also being sincere to them. She also has a mischievous sense of humor.

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Definitely not your typical female lead-she kind of breaks the mold. I can see how some might not like her because her choices are not their choices, but for a woman living in a time period where she has very little if any real choice at all, I liked her way of embracing and enjoying what her life did have to offer.

The ML is an interesting mix of your typical coldly rational character with a soft nuggety core who expresses said core in a sarcastic and rational way.

The son is a sweet precocious two year old who adores his mother even as she tricks him and his cousins. And yet you can never say her tricks truly cause him or his cousins harm. Her presence in her son's life brings him closer to his father and her presence in the overall family allows all the characters to be more themselves. I love her relationship with her sister-in-law. And I love how jealous her brother-in-law gets over it.
Spoiler

If sister-in-law is the husband, than FMC is the concubine plying her favor to survive and cause she likes likes the sis-in-law. Thus FMC steals her attention from the legitimate wife: the brother-in-law. LOL

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Spoiler

The backstory of their son's origins and the way the couple chooses never to have more children directly challenges anyone who suggests either of his parents dont like or love him. Yes, they both had their own reasons apart from his origins to not want other kids but they are both fully committed to him. Unlike some stories where theyd be portrayed as suffering not having more kids for his sake. This is more like, they love him enough to put aside their own lack of desire for children and embrace him fully.

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The two leads and their family are kind of a perfect fit for each other.

The story is very slice of life with anecdotes about their day to day and the occasional dramatic event. I strongly recommend when you are in the mood for a slow paced, sensual if understated and highly rational romance more often dominated by a woman light heartedly trolling her family for fun. :-P
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Vindictivity
Vindictivity rated it
March 12, 2025
Status: c103
I have rarely seen a novel where the "side" characters were so much more interesting than the supposed leads. You could just skip everything involving the "main couple" and probably enjoy the story a lot more.

ML has the personality of a brick. Dull, dull, dull. He goes to work. He comes home. He does more paperwork. He sleeps. Sometimes he gets to perform his marital duties. Yawn. He's stunningly boring.

FL makes the "Lazy Protagonist" tag feel like a gross understatement. I find her degree of laziness and pure selfishness to... more>> be UTTERLY INFURIATING. Sure, she worked super-hard in her prior life and then kicked the bucket without getting to enjoy a well-earned retirement, but is that really an excuse to do nothing but eat, sleep, and read in her current life?

She has flashes of intelligence and cleverness, but they're too rare and are focused almost exclusively on avoiding having to put forth any effort in life. Her being a businesswoman from a modern world is completely pointless because she absolutely refuses to lift a finger and DO ANYTHING.

She won't help her sister-in-law run the household.

She won't handle the management of shops and other properties.

She won't raise her stepson.

She won't even have her own children. (This is not actually a negative point in and of itself, but the fact that she deliberately takes steps to avoid pregnancy without first discussing the matter with her husband is a HUGE negative.)

She's a total waste of space. I wish her legal mother had dumped her into a family where she would have been forced to get off her behind and contribute to the household to earn her keep.

I kept hoping that something interesting would happen, but the story is just a long dull slog. There's no conflict aside from FL vs Anything Requiring Effort, or maybe FL vs My Rapidly Dwindling Patience, but this doesn't even feel like a slice of life story. Even MY life isn't this boring.

Avoid this one unless you need a sleep aid. <<less
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Shaw Johnson
Shaw Johnson rated it
February 23, 2025
Status: c22
MC is too lazy but worse is, she is also quite greedy.

... more>>
Spoiler

Cannot handle how she changes her response when given gems and such.

But then, she shirks her responsibilities, even being so cold to the lil child she is supposed to take care of. The household she married into was quite nice and favorable and yet, she doesn't even bother to do the bare minimum of what she is supposed to do unless forced.

So gross how she avoids the lil child so bluntly and yet expects more money to just fall to her lap. Speaking of which, she can't even be bothered to manage her share responsibilities like the assets and shops that was supposed to be under her supervision.

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Sure, MC was overworked last lifetime but seriously, no excuse for her to be so lazy. There's a limit to it and clearly she's beyond that and became a horrid bum instead.

Despite being given favorable treatment, she keeps on taking them for granted and just being a horrible slouch. <<less
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nicomcla1995
nicomcla1995
April 26, 2025
Status: Completed
The “romance” was forced. No emotions at all.

The MC (I could understand her being from the 21st century, a modern-day feminist, who doesn’t want to have kids, or get married if she could avoid it) I get her stick. However, the ML being from the times (not transmigrated) was actually nonchalant about her actively trying to not conceive and being okay with not furthering his progeny (especially after the plot twist) kicked me straight out of the immersion when it was already hard to do with the current MC that... more>> we were given. Why even make this a historical novel when it’s not the least bit historically accurate.

I would have skipped this one if I knew it was this unrealistically basic. <<less
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Serendipity_22
Serendipity_22 rated it
April 19, 2025
Status: Completed
A transmigrated women (or rather reborn to ancient times) has the goal to live a carefree and leisure time. The ML is widowed and the FL decides to marry him because he already has a son (she doesn't want to get pregnant/ have children).

The novel wasn't to my taste. There's nothing really wrong with it but I found the FL to detached and careless which in turn made the rest kind of boring, since the FL didn't care about anything, why should I?
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Sherlocked
Sherlocked rated it
March 19, 2025
Status: Completed
It's a worry-free, easy to read, feel-good, slice of life novel with good vibes and humour. The epitome of a salted fish life. The characters are surprisingly well crafted and the relationships are heartwarming. The novel even has a good immersion factor. Not all novels need plot twists and emotional upheavals to work out. This kind of plot has a charm of its own, suited for a rainy day and a cup of tea. Would 100% recommend.

One of the reasons this novel stood out to me is that the ML... more>> respects the decision of the FL. And in turn, I salute the author for not making the protagonists have their "own" kid (and even more respect for not using the accidental pregnancy trope). Kudos for making it a choice not the course of life or something inevitable. :) <<less
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kyrez
kyrez rated it
March 17, 2025
Status: Completed
Well—- it's a short enjoyable reading for me~ FL is a winner in life where she lies down all the time (as she wishes)..

... more>>
Spoiler

Romance? There's some tidbits, but it's really not the focus.. Parenting? There's some tidbits, and they're quite interesting..

This is actually a story of how the FL schemes her way out of doing anything tiring.. In other words, how she flatters and acts so she can laze around all day~

ML fell in love with her from the start (or we can say he was attracted to her cleverness and shrewdness) , even though he knows FL doesn't really love him with all her heart.

The little boy Xuan'er is probably the happiest. He grows up with lots of love. It's nice to read about him in the extras.

But I wish there was more about the FL's sister, Xiao Wu (Wen Ran). Her romantic relationship seems so so cute 😍

Also, I love to read about the sisterhood and the harmonious relationship between FL and her maternal family, as well as between her and her in-laws. It's super nice to see them get along well 🌷

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All in all, I think the story deserves better rating~ Take a chance to read and enjoy! 🌈🍄 <<less
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Astrology Freak
Astrology Freak rated it
March 13, 2025
Status: --
The writing is okay. If you're looking for a Fem MC who has high EQ but refuses to connect with anyone except for superficial connections, this is spot on. Ngl, I stopped because I genuinely felt sorry for her stepson.

... more>>
Spoiler

Sure, she doesn't like children, but she literally chose to be a stepmother because of the freedom the family allows her to move with; this behavior of ignoring her imposed responsibilities not having consequences just. Idk. Rubs me wrong.

Sure, it's okay if she wants to live as a salted fish and leech off the benefits of her new family's wealth + status, but visibly pushing away a child that grows attached to her thanks to her high EQ (a child who WANTS a mother) just makes me feel that MC is pretty cruel, in a twisty sort of way.

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It's a genuine wonder to me, because MC is noted as "not a short-sighted woman who wanted quick benefits, " when that is EXACTLY what she is. If she wanted long-term stability, she'd try and care for the stepson as much as she could without making him feel unwanted, so that in the future (by CN Historical Drama Novel Standards), he'd respect her enough to fund her salted fish lifestyle. But with how things are going, it feels like she's setting herself up to be defunded for her future lifestyle and sent out into the country on a paltry allowance. <<less
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KaelynC
KaelynC rated it
March 9, 2025
Status: Completed
Silly and cute. Please don't take the novel too seriously- it's literally about the "salted-fish" life.

FL is very similar to the writing style- very sincere but lazy and "contrary" (can't think of another word right now) on the outside. She wants a relaxed life since she spent her previous one working herself to death and does what she can to enjoy it. She knows what she wants in life and behaves in a way that will allow her to get it. Wouldn't say she's manipulative with its negative connotations and... more>> the way its used in these novels, but she does know how to keep an eye out and to behave according to the situation and people. Her actions might come off as
Spoiler

taking advantage of others, but she stays within certain boundaries, and let's be honest- if she as a concubine-born daughter worked really hard and got a lot of attention, it would be a very different scenario for her to deal with. Generally speaking, those around her know what's she's doing and accept it.

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She's very very lucky to have been born into the family she was in and married into the family she chose, given the ancient setting, but given the other characters and her personality, it worked out great and allows her to have the maximum freedom and sincere relationships of her position at that time. Personally wouldn't make most of the choices she did, but I would never be able to live as well as she either haha

ML is wayyyyy ahead of his time. While novel centers around FL, having him there is really nice to see in this novel. Can't imagine it actually happening but fits into this particular novel. <<less
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Icedflea
Icedflea rated it
May 5, 2025
Status: Completed
3.6 is criminally low for this novel.

The romance is subtle. Starts with physical relationship between husband and wife (nothing explicit is in the novel; it doesn't qualify as smut), and grows slowly. Very much like Eight treasures trousseau. Except the ML isn't op. He's good, but he's not the best at everything.

Lot of focus on female relationships. FL has a great relationship with her official mother, her birth mother, her sister, half sisters (except one), the elder SIL... Just a really nice novel overall.
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Linah02
Linah02 rated it
April 17, 2025
Status: c66
A laid back and funny historical backyard novel.

Given that I am in the mood for something serious that tugs the heart strings I'm putting this novel down for a while. It is a perfect story for a relaxed read with a humorous FL but so far she hasn't really warmed up to anyone but her birth mother and younger sister. I generally prefer more emotionally involved characters but on the bright side each character has a distinct and interesting personality, which prevents them from beaning flat.

This novel is perfect for... more>> a light and fun distraction from stories with heavier themes, I hope people enjoy it. <<less
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bookmunchies
bookmunchies rated it
March 31, 2025
Status: c103
I enjoyed reading this one, many of the plot points were fresh and good to see, but I would only recc it to people who don't mind extreme slice of life that is just there to rest the brain, there is truly no drama no issues nothing that gets the blood going.

The FL is 20 when she gets engaged which I loved to see, their bedroom dynamic is great too, with her being the one who initiates and the ML following along. I loved that she didn't change her mind... more>> about pregnancy and it wasn't a big issue at all. In the end she is a bit of an indifferent person, all of this I loved but I see people have some sort of problem with her not wanting to do anything except have fun. Well tbo, she is living the life of nobility, this is not a problem. Her not wanting to be a true mother even tho she is a stepmother is again, not a big issue either, noble children have their own nanny who follows them for life, and it's not rare for these nannies to be more like mothers than actual mothers, she behaves with the kid how an auntie or a cousin would, which is not a bad thing in her situation. Too bad that in the end she can't enjoy having a competent daughter in law, cause the son she helped raise went and married a heroine hahhahahaa.

The ending is a bit rushed or rather abrupt but it is what it is. <<less
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LemmonPaii
LemmonPaii rated it
March 17, 2025
Status: Completed
One of the most funny, slice of life and fluffy novels I have read. FL is a truly land back pearson, she just wants to eat and is averse to all kind of work, ML has an opposite character, he is very work oriented and workaholic at the beginning but he changes as the story evolves. There is respect, understanding and a great deal of communication between them, so much so that there is hardly any misunderstanding and that in itself makes it the more fluffy. The family is united... more>> and all of them loves each other, there are after chapters and it ended on a good way. Loved it. <<less
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Lidia17
Lidia17 rated it
March 13, 2025
Status: Completed
Literally read it in two days. And now I would like to express my humble opinion.

The story is easy enough to read and is very suitable for reading in the evenings with a cup of tea. There's a little bit of humor and I've often been touched by everything. I really enjoyed the relationship between the characters. Although it might really get a little boring to read at some point, wait, give this novel a chance. I think the male protagonist can be attributed to the green flag.

... more>>
Spoiler

The most interesting thing is that the main couple really did not have children. I thought the author would write them a child, as they usually do in novels, but no. This really surprised me. To be honest, I was upset for 5 seconds😅, but I quickly felt satisfied.

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In general, I liked the story, and I recommend at least giving this novel a chance to read it) <<less
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Charlie_88888888
Charlie_88888888 rated it
March 12, 2025
Status: Completed
Not bad. The story is good and entertaining. Just a bit boring at times but mostly a funny story. This is a real definition of a lazy FL and how to lead a lazy life. The FL is not OP at all and if you are into mary sue FL novels, this story is not for you.

Only downside is the romance. I kinda expected more romance towards the end but I got disappointed. Nevertheless, this one is a good read.
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miufae
miufae rated it
March 11, 2025
Status: --
Fluffy, soft domestic life focused novel. Nothing big happens, there's no big conflicts, but if you're looking for something sweet and heartwarming, this is it. Think of this novel like a pleasantly warm summer day with a light breeze, lazy and indolent. The romance isn't high stakes, but the focus on female characters steal the show. Extra bonus for all the food talk!
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Mariria33
Mariria33
March 10, 2025
Status: Completed
The romance was extremely slow-paced and lacked any real dynamics. I'd describe it as a steady, uneventful novel without any standout moments. The only aspect I appreciated was that the protagonist was reborn into a normal life rather than a book where she already knew the plot.
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sakuzou
sakuzou rated it
March 25, 2025
Status: --
Super chill slice of life story about the GL's attempts to do her best to live a salted fish life. There's not much scheming either, as the FL's family situation before and after marriage is chill as well. We're literally just following her around as she experiments with new foods, "studies" with her husband, and figures out ways to keep responsibilities with her sister-in-law XP
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cas_ciel21
cas_ciel21
March 13, 2025
Status: Completed
the some tags shouldnt be included, the title is direct enough. It is literally a laid back stepmother novel, no secrets, no intrigue, no drama, no harem, no "medical knowledge", no martial spirits, no Secret Identity, no secret relationships and no changes from the time of the marriage to the end of the novel.

even the childcare is minimal, its a carefree kind of childcare, mostly its having GREAT IN LAWs. Thats the whole novel about.

romance is limited as well, might be heavier to the ML side than MC.

But I did... more>> finish it, meaning I was hoping for at least 1 character development for MC but alas, some people are stubborn in their ways. <<less
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amikyun
amikyun
March 13, 2025
Status: Completed
5.0 for upgrade the rating, my real rating is 3.9 maximum, this indeed such a smooth, slice of life, and almost became romance as a sub plot :) agree that romance between MC and ML is unique, but it really not something eventful, u might be more interest about how our kiddo life. Ngl, it too bland to became romance imo. I wouldn't recommend it for a sweet hunter, but if u want comedy u may come.
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