The Cannon Fodder Only Wants to Farm

He Zifeng discovers that he is actually the cannon fodder character in a farming novel. His stepmother’s son is the main character gong, who manages to marry the village chief’s youngest son thanks to his sweet talk, leading to a life that prospers as if it were on cheat mode. Meanwhile, He Zifeng barely gets by, with his husband and child living like little beggars. Everyone ridicules him, comparing him to the main character and making him look like a useless mess. After being reborn, he has no intention of dealing with the various troublesome actions of the main character gong. Instead, he focuses on farming, setting up a stall, and raising his child, eventually becoming prosperous. Without his cooperation, the main character gong fades into obscurity.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Cannon Fodder Only Wants to Farm I dove into "The Cannon Fodder Only Wants to Farm" expecting a rural, agrarian tale, and while the title might be a tad misleading, I found myself pleasantly surprised by what I discovered. This novel is more about navigating ancient Chinese society as a low-level government official and building a loving family than it is about tilling the soil. ### First Impressions Initially, the discrepancy between the title and the actual content threw me off. I was picturing vast fields and agricultural innovations. However, the story quickly drew me in with its focus on family and the protagonist's determination to carve out a better life for himself, his wife, and their adorable child. The reincarnation aspect adds a layer of intrigue, especially as he leverages his knowledge to avoid becoming stepping stones for his nefarious stepbrother. ### What Works Well The heart of this novel lies in the relationships. The interactions between the MC, his husband (ML), and their son are genuinely heartwarming and provide a strong emotional core. I particularly enjoyed seeing the MC utilize his strong work ethic and resourcefulness to help his community and rise through the ranks of the yamen. It's refreshing to see a protagonist who isn't overpowered but succeeds through hard work and the support of a grateful community. The "face-slapping" moments, where the MC triumphs over those who wronged him, are satisfying. The presence of kind villagers who reciprocate his good deeds adds a layer of warmth and makes the story feel truly rewarding. ### Areas of Concern I did find the ending a tad unsatisfying. While I appreciate that the author aimed for realism, some loose ends could have been tied up more neatly. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning There are some minor spoilers ahead regarding the fate of a particular character: While Wan Hai, a character who faced a difficult life, doesn't receive a completely negative ending, his change of fortune is minimal. The MC's decision not to completely destroy him stems from Wan Hai's lack of a genuine threat, unlike a previous corrupt official who endangered the MC's family. ### Final Verdict Despite the title's slight misdirection and a somewhat weak ending, "The Cannon Fodder Only Wants to Farm" is an enjoyable and heartwarming read. The strong family dynamics, the MC's relatable struggles, and the presence of a supportive community make it a worthwhile experience. If you're looking for a lighthearted story with a focus on family, career, and a touch of ancient Chinese intrigue, I'd recommend giving this novel a try.