Like earlier chapters, this one also deals with the theme of sacrifice and filial obligations. Earlier, An-mei's mother sacrificially mutilated herself for her mother; here, Lindo submits her life to her parents' plans for her future: "I once sacrificed my life to keep my parents' promise," the chapter begins. Lindo is willing to endure a carping, loveless marriage in order to ensure her parents' honor and prevent them from losing face. Only when she can escape with honor does she leave the doomed relationship with her husband.
Lindo explains that she was betrothed when she was only two years old — to a boy only a year old. By this time, people in cities were already making matches based on love, but Lindo's family was from the country and followed the old ways. When Lindo was twelve years old, the Fen River flooded the plains, ravaging the wheat crop, wrecking the land, and destroying their home. Since there was no insurance in those days, Lindo's family was suddenly penniless. Her father moved all the family members — except Lindo — to Wushi, a town near Shanghai. Lindo stayed behind to live with her future in-laws, the Huangs.
When Lindo arrived at the Huangs' home, she was in awe of the magnificence of their mansion; immediately, she sensed that they were wealthier than her family and that they looked down on her. The Huangs' house, however, was imposing only from the outside; inside, it was unadorned and uncomfortable, with barely enough room for all twenty relatives. There was no celebration when Lindo arrived; she was immediately shown to the servants' quarters.
