Farming and Picking Up A Wife

Qiao Xi’s luck wasn’t like others who transmigrated into extraordinary adventures; instead, he ended up farming every day. After years of studying hard to escape the mountains and earn a decent living, he suddenly found himself poor again due to his transmigration, leaving him cursing his situation daily. One day, he stumbles upon a dirty, unconscious man in the mountains and decides to bring him home. After cleaning him up, Qiao Xi discovers the man is surprisingly handsome and muscular, so he keeps him as free labor to farm and make a living together. Little did he expect that the man came with a small child in tow, and their lives grew increasingly harmonious—until one thing led to another, and Qiao Xi ended up in bed with his muscular helper. Ever the self-proclaimed straight man, Qiao Xi brushes it off as a purely platonic arrangement… until his belly starts to grow. When the village chief’s wife gleefully informs him he’s expecting, Qiao Xi is so shocked he faints on the spot. Shen Yiguang, meanwhile, was once a general from a prestigious noble family, famed for his military achievements. At just 14, he was named a General of Courage and entrusted with the emperor’s dying wish to protect the young crown prince and secure the throne from the treacherous third prince. Injured during an ambush while fleeing with the prince, Shen Yiguang barely escapes death and collapses in the wilderness. When he awakens, the first thing he sees is a beautiful man taking care of him. Lying low, he lived a peaceful life together with Qiao Xi while evading his pursuers, Shen Yiguang decides to win Qiao Xi’s trust by pretending to fall for the rugged but kind villager. Every day, he shows off his muscles, flaunts his martial prowess, and freeloads off his host until he successfully integrates into the household. A year later, Shen Yiguang triumphantly leads his army back to the capital, restoring the young prince to the throne and reclaiming his status. However, when he looks back, he realizes his beautiful “wife” has run away! Panicked and no longer in denial about his feelings, the proud general floods the city with posters to find Qiao Xi, while the young crown prince issues a bounty of gold to assist in the search.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Farming and Picking Up A Wife "Farming and Picking Up A Wife" promised a cozy slice-of-life with a side of political intrigue, and for the most part, it delivered. While it wasn't *exactly* what I expected, I found myself surprisingly invested in the characters and their unconventional journey. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a transmigrator adapting to an ancient Chinese omegaverse while trying to make a living as a farmer. The early chapters painted a picture of rural life, complete with quirky neighbors and a slow-burn romance. I was a little thrown off by the MC's abrasive personality at first. He's definitely not your typical gentle protagonist, and his sharp tongue takes some getting used to. ### What Works Well The heart of this novel lies in its characters. The dynamic between the MC, the injured ML with a hidden identity, and the young emperor-in-hiding is genuinely heartwarming. I especially enjoyed watching the ML slowly fall for the MC, and I found the little emperor to be an endearing presence. The author does a great job of creating a sense of community within the village. The villagers are genuinely kind and supportive, which is a refreshing change from the usual jealous-neighbor tropes. I really appreciated that the story didn't rely too heavily on the MC's modern knowledge to solve every problem. Instead, it focused on character development and the relationships between them. The political drama simmers in the background for much of the story, adding a layer of intrigue without overshadowing the slice-of-life elements. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the MC's bluntness, I can see how some readers might find him off-putting. His constant threats to kick out the ML and his nephew, even if said in jest, could be interpreted as verbally abusive. Also, the plot does become more serious and rushed toward the end, and I felt like some of the beloved side characters got sidelined in the process. I really wanted to know more about them! ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers might find the summary misleading as it removes a lot of the tension and wondering what's gonna happen as instead you end up waiting for the thing to happen. ### Final Verdict Despite a few minor flaws, "Farming and Picking Up A Wife" is a worthwhile read. It's a well-written blend of comedy, drama, and slice-of-life with a unique cast of characters and a surprisingly engaging plot. If you're looking for a novel that balances lighthearted moments with serious themes, I recommend giving this one a try.