The mistress of our household was choosing husbands for the daughters born to concubines.
We could marry a scholar from a modest family as his lawful wife, or enter a household of equal standing as a concubine.
By the time my turn came, the only choice left was to become an old man’s concubine.
Everyone expected tears, tantrums, perhaps even threats to hang myself.
Instead, I held my dowry list with delight.
On the day I climbed into the bridal sedan, Mother asked, “Ah Tao, didn’t you always want a husband who would love only you, for your whole lives?”
I smiled serenely.
“When I was little, I wanted to rule the whole world, too.”
Childhood wishes didn’t count.