The Hard Life of a Widowed Husband

Ji Yuqing transmigrates into the body of a widowed man in ancient times, and learns that he's become a disposable villain in a novel. In the original story, this villain is selfish and gloomy. Whenever things don't go his way, he beats the main character and his sister, and often leaves them hungry and cold. He goes even further, forcing the two half-grown children to hunt wild game in the mountains, where the younger sister falls off a cliff and dies. The main character bears a grudge and, unable to take it any longer, runs away. Years later, the main character returns as a general with troops, captures him, and hangs him from the great locust tree at the village entrance. He whips him every day, then has vultures devour his flesh while he is still alive, leaving him to die a horrible death. Ji Yuqing shudders, feeling pain all over. As soon as he opens the door, he sees the main character, Zhou Rao, fighting a dog for food outside. Sure enough, he's a little wolf cub. He can't even beat a dog at a food fight. Thinking of how things will end, Ji Yuqing decides to raise this wolf cub into an upright, broad-minded, and loyal little dog. Later, he sends him to a private school. Zhou Rao lives up to expectations, passing the county-level exam, the prefectural exam, and finally the imperial exam. He vows to become a good official who serves his country and its people. Ji Yuqing is relieved. As long as he doesn't lead an army, even being a minor official will be fine. But later, Zhou Rao leads his troops to corner him inside his room. "Ji Yuqing, I want to marry you properly, with the full rites." Ji Yuqing's expression darkens. "You little brat, making something of yourself is supposed to bring honor to your Zhou family, not... Mm..." A hand presses against his aching waist as Zhou Rao bends close to his ear. "Ji Yuqing, I've liked you for a long time." Ji Yuqing grits his teeth. "You bastard..." Core Idea: Strive for success. If you're going to do something, be the best.