第二十九章 (Chapter 29)

Wang De returned from the Newspaper Office feeling disconsolate. He entered the courtyard, which was quiet save for the north wind rustling through the bare branches. He went to his room, set down his book bag, and thought to find Li Jing for a talk. Just as he reached the door, he overheard Li Jing and Li Ying conversing in hushed tones inside. Li Ying said, "Sister Jing, you mustn't do this." Li Jing replied, "Brother, my mind is set. There's no use trying to dissuade me." Wang De pushed the door open and entered. He saw Li Jing's eyes red and swollen, and Li Ying's brows tightly knotted. Wang De asked, "What are you discussing?" Li Jing remained silent. Li Ying said, "Wang De, Sister Jing is to marry Lao Zhang." Wang De was astounded. He said, "How can this be permitted? Lao Zhang is a wolf in man's clothing. If you marry him, wouldn't it be like a lamb entering a tiger's den?" Li Jing said through tears, "How could I not know? But the debt Uncle owes-who else but Lao Zhang would lend the money? If I don't marry, Uncle will face a lawsuit. He is old and frail. How could he endure it?" Wang De said, "We must find another way." Li Jing shook her head. "What way is there? That philanthropist, Mr. Dong, was no help. Long Shugu can't even protect himself. Who else remains?" Wang De stomped his foot. "I'll go beg Sun Ba!" Li Ying said, "Sun Ba is in cahoots with Lao Zhang. What good would begging him do?" The three of them fell into a wordless silence.

Just then, Aunt Zhao entered. Seeing their expressions, she said, "You young people don't understand the ways of the world. What's so bad about Jing'er marrying Lao Zhang? Lao Zhang has wealth and influence. Once Jing'er goes over, she'll want for nothing in food or clothing, and she can even lend a hand to the family." Li Jing hung her head in silence. Wang De was so incensed he couldn't utter a word. Aunt Zhao added, "I've already spoken with Lao Zhang. The bride price is a thousand dollars, and he'll send the betrothal gifts in a couple of days." Wang De said, "Aunt, isn't this tantamount to selling your own niece?" Aunt Zhao's face hardened. She said, "What does a child like you know of such matters? It's the parents' command and the matchmaker's word-I'm her aunt, so I have the right to decide." With that, she turned and left. Li Jing wept, "My fate is so bitter!" Wang De and Li Ying tried to comfort her, but neither could think of a way out.

That night, Wang De lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. He thought, "If only I had money, I could save Li Jing. But I'm just a poor fellow-where would I get the money?" The more he pondered, the deeper his distress grew, and thus he lay awake until dawn.