Chapter 11: Yuanyang Refuses Marriage
Capítulo 11: Yuanyang rechaza el matrimonio
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.
Yuanyang era la sirvienta más confiable de la Abuela Jia. Había servido a la anciana durante muchos años y conocía cada detalle del hogar. Era honesta, leal y tenía un fuerte sentido del bien y del mal. Todos en la mansión la respetaban.
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."
Un día, el hijo mayor de la familia, Jia She, decidió que quería a Yuanyang como su concubina. Envió a su esposa a hablar con Yuanyang, prometiéndole ropa fina, buena comida y una vida cómoda. "Este es un gran honor", le dijo la esposa. "Deberías estar agradecida."
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.
Pero Yuanyang no tenía ningún deseo de convertirse en concubina. Valoraba su libertad y su dignidad más que la riqueza y la comodidad. Cuando la presionaron para aceptar, tomó una decisión audaz. Fue directamente a la Abuela Jia, cortó un mechón de su cabello y juró que nunca se casaría.
"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.
"Prefiero morir que servir como concubina", declaró, con lágrimas en los ojos. "Te he servido fielmente todos estos años, y deseo continuar haciéndolo. Por favor, protégeme de este destino." La Abuela Jia se conmovió profundamente por el valor de Yuanyang y se enfadó con su hijo mayor.
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.
La anciana se negó a entregar a Yuanyang, y el asunto se dejó de lado. Yuanyang continuó sirviendo a la Abuela Jia con la misma lealtad de antes. Su acto valiente mostró que incluso una sirvienta podía defender sus derechos y negarse a ser tratada como propiedad.