Zhao Yulan sighed to herself he was young, headstrong, and soft‑hearted; seeing her suffer had made him determined to protect her. Youth was blind to reality. “Fine. Be stubborn then. Don’t come crying to me later.” She turned away, too upset to look at him, and went to the kitchen.
Night fell as Su Fugui returned from the neighbouring village cheerful, the four hundred and fifty yuan secure in his hand. By the time anyone knew, it would be done.
Su Ying lay awake and saw a shadow slip from the house Tian Cuifen sneaking into Su Xiuxiu’s room. She crept over and listened outside the window.
“What’s come over you?” Tian Cuifen whispered. “Eating like you’re starving… and your belly’s grown. Tell me the truth have you been with Wang Liang?”
Su Xiuxiu feigned innocence. “With who?”
Tian Cuifen, embarrassed but firm, pressed on. “Have you shared a bed?”
Su Xiuxiu blushed bright red. Tian Cuifen slapped her arm. “Why hit me?” she whined. “Wang Liang says that’s how it works. I like it.” She bit her lip, already daydreaming of the next time. If not for gossip, she’d never leave his side.
Tian Cuifen despaired ruin awaited them if word got out. And Wang Liang was nothing compared to the matchmaker’s proposal: an officer, sixty yuan a month, a life of ease. She pressed a hand to her daughter’s stomach and paled. Pregnant.
No good. She would not let Su Ying profit from this. “Listen,” she said firmly. “That marriage belongs to you. End the pregnancy at the commune clinic tomorrow quietly, without telling Wang Liang. Then you take Su Ying’s place.”
Su Xiuxiu pulled away. “I love Wang Liang! We’re happy together!”
“Keep your voice down!” Tian Cuifen hissed. “Do you want her to hear?”
Su Ying frowned. “Bastard” indeed your own grandchild you carry.
“Wang Liang may never get back to the city,” Tian Cuifen reasoned. “This man can take you to the commune now.”
“I won’t!” Su Xiuxiu declared. “If you force me, I’ll move into the Educated Youth quarters tomorrow night!”
Tian Cuifen slapped her hard. Su Ying bit back a laugh outside.
“You encouraged me to get close to him!” Su Xiuxiu wept. “Now I’m carrying his child how can I marry anyone else?”
“Go to the clinic alone tomorrow,” Tian Cuifen commanded. “Say nothing to Wang Liang. You will be Su Ying from now on. Think on it.”
She left, and Su Ying slipped out of sight. The coast clear, Tian Cuifen went to her own room. Su Xiuxiu sobbed within. Foolish girl, Su Ying thought romantic but ill‑served.
Back in her room, Su Ying laid out the borrowed red coat. A plan formed. They would marry her off to the cripple? Over her dead body. She would swap the brides let Su Xiuxiu take her place. By morning, it would be too late.
Su Fugui, Tian Cuifen… the choice will be yours. And your conscience will answer.