The Fragrant Rice and Fish of Farm Life

Yu Xiao Mi’s greatest wish was to “sleep drunk amid the scent of fish and rice, wake up and earn all the money in the world!” Yu Xiao Mi used to be an ordinary office worker in the city. By accident, she transmigrated into the body of a fisher girl in Jiangnan. Her family was dirt poor, but that was no problem: the fish-and-rice country of Jiangnan was the perfect place to get rich. First, she’d dig a fishpond and raise plump, delicious fish. Then she’d plant dozens of mu of farmland. Her whole family would have plenty to eat and drink, and she could make plans from there! Every family has a few awful relatives, and there are always squabbles among the neighbors. Still, most of the villagers are simple and honest. They trade favors, gossip about family matters, and work the fields. There are conflicts, but plenty of warmth too! Yu Xiao Mi uses a few clever tricks to settle the petty disputes, then focuses on making a fortune. But before she can even get her money-making enterprise started, she catches the eye of the third young master of the richest family in Jiangnan! Yu Xiao Mi warns the third young master, “Don’t come bothering me!” The third young master spreads his hands innocently. “I’m here to repay my debt. I’ll give myself to you!” Yu Xiao Mi says seriously, “I forgot to tell you: my father was the one who saved you. I’ll never let you come between my parents!” “…” The third young master’s face darkens. Her fiery mother flies into a rage and charges over with a broom. “Yu Xiao Mi! Are you asking for a beating?” “Help! My own mother is trying to murder her own daughter!” Yu Xiao Mi cries, then leaps forward and plunges into the river. The third young master and her fiery mother are startled. Before they can react, the river splashes, and Yu Xiao Mi bursts out of the water with a radiant smile and a huge carp held aloft. She turns to her lame father, sitting by the doorway. “Dad, we have a dish for dinner!” Her strong-willed father, disabled in body but not in spirit, smiles. “Good! I’ll make braised carp for dinner!” “I want some!” Her two little twin siblings stare with watery eyes and drool, smacking their lips. Her eldest sister laughs and helps the dripping Yu Xiao Mi inside to change, while her third younger sister takes the fish to the kitchen to clean it. Her disabled father invites the young master, “If you don’t mind a simple meal, please stay and have dinner with us.” “Gladly!” The third young master seizes the chance to stay and enjoy a warm fisher family dinner, while continuing to scheme about how to coax Yu Xiao Mi into coming home as his wife.