Mar 03 2008
Gifting a woman
Although it was a common practice, but my great grandpa did not have a concubine or concubines, as Lucy insisted. But he had a woman that was a gift to him from his subordinates while he’s working in Suiyuan 绥远 - Hohhot, Inner Mogolia alone. He usually uprooted his family for new post around the country, but when the going got tough, he’d sent family away, back to Beijing. His friends and subordinates sensed that he needed someone to take care of him, also to curry favors, so they took upon themselves, picked a bride, set a date, arranged a banquet, sent the invitation that included the groom.
Zhao was a Mongol who wasn’t meant but a lose cannon 十三点. She acted appropriately when she’s in the mood, other times would stirred up the family. When great grandpa finished his tour at Suiyuan, he brought her back to Beijing. At time, his mother came to Beijing from Lujiang for a stay, took liking of Zhao: a robust woman with a pair unbounded feet, thought she’d be a good breeder, ending the single male dilemma that threatening the lineage. As on cue, Zhao gave a birth to a son, Xiaojin. But quickly they found out Xiaojin was incompetent. Soon Lily was born. So my great great grandma took Zhao and her son went back to the countryside, Lujiang.