Zhao Ezi’s Life in the Bargain

Zhao Ezi’s story traces how rural hardship and a promised city future shape her marriage, parenting, and eventual move.

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A Daughter’s Prospects

A Future Negotiated Her father’s ambition Accountant Zhao hopes that his daughter can escape rural work through a husband who advances in the army. Zhao Ezi’s future is discussed as part of a practical family plan. A constrained choice The proposed marriage carries the promise of an urban life but begins under pressure from family expectations. Her own hopes are most clearly expressed through the conditions she sets.

Terms of Intimacy

The Uniform and the City Three demands Zhao Ezi asks for an army uniform, annual commendations, and Wu Dawang’s pledge to become an official and bring her to the city. Only after his oath does she agree to sex. A relationship structured The terms reveal her practical understanding of marriage. They also establish a pattern in which intimacy and professional success remain closely linked.

Work and Motherhood

Rural Responsibilities Labor at home While Wu Dawang serves away, Zhao Ezi works the fields and cares for their son. Her letters describe harvests, a cut hand, and the child nearly choking on a locust. Care expressed plainly Her account is practical rather than romantic, but it exposes the labor sustaining the family. The distance between spouses is also a distance in their daily experiences.

A Father’s Rejection

The Pledge Returned A judgment delivered Accountant Zhao brings the pledge back and tells Wu Dawang that allowing the marriage was his greatest mistake. The paper becomes evidence of a promise he has not fulfilled. The village bond strained Wu Dawang returns to the army the next day. Zhao Ezi’s family has not received the future they expected, and the marriage’s original bargain remains unresolved.

The Promised Move

Urban Resettlement An assigned future Wu Dawang receives a factory job and city housing for his family. The promise that shaped Zhao Ezi’s marriage finally becomes an administrative outcome. Limited closure The novel gives little account of Zhao Ezi’s later city life. Her material circumstances change, but the emotional terms of the marriage are not shown to have healed.

Before her marriage

On her wedding night

During Wu Dawang’s years in the army

After Wu Dawang’s leave passes its limit

During the division’s demobilization