Transmigrating into the 1970s as a Penny-Pinching Old Woman

[Period drama + ensemble cast in moderation + everyday family life + gossip-filled courtyard antics + no golden finger + lighthearted wish fulfillment]

He Meifeng is a strong-willed older unmarried woman. After one of her subordinates made a mess and left her to take the blame, she was so furious she transmigrated into the period novel she'd just finished reading, becoming the stingy, eccentric mother-in-law in the story.

In the original plot, He Meifeng spends her whole life scrimping and saving, depriving herself to help others. She works herself to the bone for her son and grandsons until the day she dies, and in the end, not a single person remembers her kindness.

Her ungrateful eldest son and his wife want to freeload? Not a chance! Her selfish youngest daughter wants a job? She can keep dreaming!

Only her second son is filial to the original owner, yet she drains his monthly allowance to support her eldest son and youngest daughter. Her second son, once a promising young man, is later forced apart from the woman he loves because of his mother, and dies on a mission…

He Meifeng gives a cold snort. She won't let herself suffer for anyone! She'll stop taking things lying down, save money, and enjoy the rest of her life!

Meanwhile, the fate of the novel's hero and heroine is the exact opposite of that of the original owner's family, mere cannon fodder.

The hero's family lives next door to the original owner's family in the crowded courtyard. The hero serves in the military and finds himself a heroine who teaches at a school in the military compound. Just as he hoped, they have twins, a boy and a girl, with their first pregnancy. From then on, he gets promoted, earns more, and reaches the peak of his life! The hero brings his mother, Widow Chen, to live in comfort in the military compound, while the original owner, a disposable side character, keeps tightening her belt and struggling to save money for her son and grandsons…