There was blood there. On her hands and arms. The dress was white once. White as her bridegroom's teeth.

For the family and for honor. For her grandmother and grandfather. Never for her. Nothing for her.

The wedding was special. The whole family came to see Chi Ling marry into what was the richest family in Beijing. Such an accomplishment. They complimented her mother and her father for making the match. Mounds of food decorating the reception hall. Her family got drunk on wine while his hid behind their paper fans, whispering that he'd only married her because her family were proven breeders.

13 brothers and sisters. All in a row. Nestled like Russian dolls. She was in the middle somewhere. Not here nor there.

She said yes in a daze, her mother's face in her mind's eye. Obedient, always obedient.

The wedding night was different. Cool red lamps instead of bright fans. His hands and his teeth and his laugh. She would not forget them. When they came to put her away she would say she was obedient. To the end, obedient.