Chapter 11: Yuanyang Refuses Marriage
Bab 11: Yuanyang Menolak Pernikahan
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 adalah pelayan paling tepercaya Nenek Jia. Dia telah melayani wanita tua itu selama bertahun-tahun dan mengetahui setiap detail rumah tangga. Dia jujur, setia, dan memiliki rasa kuat tentang benar dan salah. Semua orang di rumah menghormatinya.
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."
Suatu hari, putra tertua keluarga, Jia She, memutuskan bahwa dia menginginkan Yuanyang sebagai selirnya. Dia mengirim istrinya untuk berbicara dengan Yuanyang, menjanjikan pakaian bagus, makanan enak, dan kehidupan yang nyaman. "Ini adalah kehormatan besar," kata istrinya. "Kamu harus berterima kasih."
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.
Tetapi Yuanyang tidak memiliki keinginan untuk menjadi selir. Dia menghargai kebebasannya dan martabatnya lebih dari kekayaan dan kenyamanan. Ketika dia ditekan untuk menerima, dia membuat keputusan berani. Dia langsung pergi ke Nenek Jia, memotong sehelai rambutnya, dan bersumpah bahwa dia tidak akan pernah menikah.
"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.
"Aku lebih baik mati daripada melayani sebagai selir," katanya, air mata di matanya. "Aku telah melayanimu dengan setia selama bertahun-tahun, dan aku ingin terus melakukannya. Tolong lindungi aku dari takdir ini." Nenek Jia sangat tersentuh oleh keberanian Yuanyang dan marah pada putra sulungnya.
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.
Wanita tua itu menolak untuk menyerahkan Yuanyang, dan masalah itu ditinggalkan. Yuanyang terus melayani Nenek Jia dengan kesetiaan yang sama seperti sebelumnya. Tindakan beraninya menunjukkan bahwa bahkan seorang pelayan bisa membela haknya dan menolak diperlakukan sebagai properti.