Zheng Yu moved his lips but said nothing. He felt disappointed. He had told Ruan Ning to be filial and obedient, yet she had argued with his mother in public. The helpless girl he imagined waiting for his rescue had vanished. The decisive woman before him was not who he wanted, making him hesitant about the marriage contract.
Wu Shi, seeing Meng Chi cared for the nun, no longer wanted to break the contract. “No breaking the contract; we’ll marry soon. Our families have had this contract for so long!”
Meng Chi’s expression was conflicted as he surveyed Ruan Ning, Zheng Yu, and then Wu Shi. “Since you’re not breaking the contract, fine. Prepare slowly. I’ll first find a place for my sister. She must have a grand wedding, with nothing missing.”
Wu Shi nodded. Meng Chi pulled Ruan Ning: “Let’s go!”
Ruan Ning didn’t want to go but felt she had no choice. The Zheng family was only allowing the marriage because of Meng Chi, so she could only pretend to be close to him.
Wu’s mother hit Zheng Yu, cursing, “I told you not to marry her, but you ran away and brought her back. Marry her and get Meng Chi’s money!”
“I won’t marry her!” Zheng Yu replied, head drooping. “She’s fierce and always argues with you. I don’t like her.”
“I don’t care if you like her! Marry her for me!” Wu’s mother slapped him again. “Stop talking nonsense!”
Zheng Yu decided to find Ruan Ning. If she didn’t want to marry, the problem would be solved. He rushed to the inn and, before knocking, noticed through the half-open window that Meng Chi was holding Ruan Ning, who was struggling. Their wrists were chained together with a silver lock.
Zheng Yu recalled the first time he saw Ruan Ning; she was also locked in chains. Imagining a bully oppressing a young girl, he kicked the door and shouted, “Open the door!”
The door creaked open, and Meng Chi pulled Ruan Ning to the doorway, looking ashen: “What are you doing here?”
Zheng Yu stood in front of Ruan Ning, his neck stretched. “What were you doing holding her? Why are you chaining her?”
“Nothing.”
