Chapter 6

Chapter 6

It was common knowledge that I was the most virtuous noblewoman in Shangjing.

But noblewomen have their own share of miseries.

Even though I was gentle-natured, well-educated, and reasonable, I could never manage to win my mother-in-law’s favor.

Using my inability to conceive a child as an excuse, she constantly forced me to transcribe the Lotus Sutra and visit Guanyin Temple to burn incense and pray for a son.

I managed the household affairs and social obligations, worrying over matters both great and small. Having to spend whatever free time I had transcribing endless scriptures left me utterly exhausted, both in body and mind.

Once, in a moment of grievance, I tried to vent my frustrations to my mother-in-law: “My husband never even comes to my room. No matter how many scriptures I copy, it won’t do any good…”

In return, I received nothing but a harsh scolding.

She sternly demanded to know how I could be neglected by my husband for so many years without reflecting on my own faults.

Couldn’t find any faults to reflect on?

Then go copy the Admonitions for Women and Precepts for Women ten times.

Life truly felt hopeless.

Before I was married, my mother’s way of punishing me was making me copy the Admonitions for Women and Precepts for Women.

After I married, my mother-in-law’s way of punishing me was still making me copy the Admonitions for Women and Precepts for Women.

I had spent so many years writing those texts that, finally, I broke down in tears and asked Xi’er and my Wet Nurse, “What is the point of a woman’s existence in this world?”