Chapter 11: Yuanyang Refuses Marriage
Yuanyang was Grandmother Jia's most trusted servant. She had served the old lady for many years and knew every detail of the household. She was honest, loyal, and had a strong sense of right and wrong. Everyone in the mansion respected her.
One day, the eldest son of the family, Jia She, decided that he wanted Yuanyang to be his concubine. He sent his wife to speak with Yuanyang, promising her fine clothes, good food, and a comfortable life. "This is a great honor," the wife told her. "You should be grateful."
But Yuanyang had no desire to become a concubine. She valued her freedom and her dignity more than wealth and comfort. When she was pressed to accept, she made a bold decision. She went directly to Grandmother Jia, cut off a piece of her hair, and swore that she would never marry.
"I would rather die than serve as a concubine," she declared, tears in her eyes. "I have served you faithfully all these years, and I wish to continue doing so. Please protect me from this fate." Grandmother Jia was deeply moved by Yuanyang's courage and anger at her eldest son.
The old lady refused to give Yuanyang away, and the matter was dropped. Yuanyang continued to serve Grandmother Jia with the same loyalty as before. Her brave act showed that even a servant could stand up for her rights and refuse to be treated as property.