Zhao Ezi’s Deferred Future

Zhao Ezi’s hopes for city life shape her marriage to Wu Dawang, but the bargain gradually empties their intimacy of mutual affection.

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A Match Proposed

A Future Offered The accountant’s plan Accountant Zhao sees military service as a route to advancement and city registration for his daughter, Zhao Ezi. His proposal turns a young man’s career into a family strategy. Marriage by promise Wu Dawang agrees to the arrangement because it offers a future beyond village hardship. The match begins with practical hopes rather than a shared history of affection.

The Written Guarantee

A Promise on Paper Terms of advancement Wu Dawang pledges honors, Party membership, official status, and an urban home for Zhao Ezi. If he fails, he promises never to return to the village and to serve her without complaint. Duty formalized The document makes their marriage resemble a contract. It will later give Zhao Ezi’s father a tangible measure of Wu Dawang’s failure and a reason to repudiate him.

A Marriage Without Love

Intimacy Bargained A halted beginning When Wu Dawang reaches for his bride, Zhao Ezi asks whether he is a good soldier and rebukes him for handling her. Their first night establishes an awkward, emotionally distant pattern. Conditions for sex She requires promises of a uniform, yearly honors, and a future as an official before agreeing to intimacy. The couple’s physical relationship begins under the pressure of advancement.

A Distant Household

Family by Letters Separation and need Wu Dawang spends most of his service away from home. Zhao Ezi works the fields and raises their young son, while letters report harvests, injuries, and the child’s near accident. Affection as reward When they reunite, Zhao Ezi often treats intimacy as a reward for his progress. The practical bargain that began the marriage continues to limit tenderness.

The Pledge Rejected

A Contract Collapses Her father’s judgment Accountant Zhao returns the written pledge and declares that permitting the marriage was a mistake. Wu Dawang has not achieved the future he promised. Return to service The rejection helps drive Wu Dawang back to the barracks. It does not resolve the marriage; instead, it confirms how closely his family life has been tied to his career prospects.

Before Wu Dawang’s enlistment

At the time of Wu Dawang’s wedding

On the wedding night

During their years apart

After Wu Dawang’s prolonged leave