Decorating for Chinese New Year with Your Own Touch

Every Friday, a column in NST RED will feature an article written by me. It's all about the unique spaces which I have come across that provide interesting or unusual experiences. Yes, the stories I write for NST RED can be about anything as long as it is related to spaces/places. After all, the RED in NST RED stands for Real Estate & Decor.

So, this Friday 8th February 2013 - I have written an article about fun decorating tips for Chinese New Year. As there are always "constraints" in the newspapers' publication, this is the full version with extra pictures and information. 

It will be Chinese New Year (CNY) soon. Traditionally, CNY a time for families to come together - every single family member will make that journey back to her or his hometown, and have their reunion dinner on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Nothing completes a Chinese New Year more than families reunited to usher in the New Year together. As a kid, it is the best time of the year because they get to receive red packets with money inside from all their elders/adults. As an adult, it is another precious opportunity to spend time with families, relatives and friends. Above all, it is to do the real important stuff such as feasting on the sinfully delicious food.

Traditional Chinese New Year Cuisine

This week KL city is abuzz with much activity as many people are rushing to buy all their Chinese New Year items, apparel, ornaments and décor. Traffic is visibly much more congested. May be every Chinese is apparently out at the same time shopping for all the CNY goodies. 

Shopping for CNY Decorations

If there was ever a time when symbolism and superstitions supersede all else, it would have to be during Chinese New Year. Every single item decked out in 

each Chinese household is filled with metaphors of prosperity, great health, good fortune, happiness, and harmony. Every colour, fruit, flower and candy holds poetic meanings. For example, red is a common traditional colour of Chinese New Year that represents joy, virtue, sincerity and good luck. It is also used to ward off bad luck and “unsavoury” spirits during the festive period. Fruits like pineapple, oranges and tangerines are essential features in a Chinese home as they represent the gathering of families and friends, happiness, abundance and prosperity. Flowers like pussy willow, bamboo, plum or peach blossoms all represent the good tidings like blooms of romance, prosperity, long life, resilience and growth. Sweet treats such as candied melons means good health and growth, where as lychee nuts represents strong family ties in the coming New Year. Hence, it would be no surprise to find all these elements and more in a Chinese home during CNY. This is the only time whereby going overboard in symbolism would be approved and most welcomed. This 2013 will be the year of the Water Snake. Therefore, do expect to see many replicas of the snake greeting every visitor in the Chinese household. 

Usually, shopping for new Chinese New Year clothes take a lot of time. And yes, it is tradition that one must wear new clothes for the New Year. So, after getting our new clothes for CNY, the next most important shopping is for the special décor and ornaments to mark the festive occasion. These days, there are a variety of shops which sell pre-fabricated and assembled ornaments. We do not need break a sweat to put things together from scratch unless you really want to, of course. Today’s buyers are really spoilt for choice, because even online stores are selling CNY wares for cheap. A local favourite place to buy affordable CNY accessories would be Petaling Street. Here, everything and anything can be found. Naturally, most of them are also made in China. However, if one prefers a higher quality and more refined ornaments, SSF in Sungai Buloh is a good place to check out.

Table Decor Sample from "The Secret Party"

 Once all the CNY trimmings and knick-knacks are bought, the challenge lies in putting them altogether in a tasteful and creative fashion. Sadly, I am utterly horrible at decorating. It would be likened to asking a hippo to dance the ballet. It is not a pretty sight. Thus, I decided to consult my friends, Erin Jessen and Coral Tong-Swyny, for their imaginative spin on CNY decorations. Both Erin and Coral own a Singaporean events company called, “The Secret Party”. Their company was set up about a year and a half ago. Coral is Singaporean, and Erin is from New Zealand but has been living in Singapore for six years. Theirs is an interesting company specializing in small and intimate bespoke events where personalization to a client’s desires is key. The featured photographs provide a sample of their artistic work. Below are the 5 tips that Erin and Coral have shared with me on decorating for Chinese New Year.  

1) Rice Paper Lanterns

These are an affordable and fun way to "dress up" our homes for the New Year.  Lanterns look great hanging from the ceiling but to add that extra impact, try hanging them in large clusters. For example, above the dining room table might be a perfect spot and suspended at different levels to create a cloud-like effect. Choosing a color scheme is a splendid way to start, but try to keep it to a limit of two to three colors so that it does not become too overwhelming. 

A Chandelier of Red Lanterns

Paper lanterns can be used as table centerpieces as well. Place three small sized lanterns down at the center of the table. Then on the top of each lantern, we can add flowers such as peonies. These floral companions make great choices, as their shape will fit perfectly over the top of the lantern and become a covering for the hollowness in the middle.

We can also use the same concept as above, but instead of the lanterns being presented as a table centerpiece, we can use them as place card settings for each dinner guest. We write each guest’s name in the center of the lantern with a gold ink pen.

Paper Lanterns do not have to be plain. We can add a variety of ideas to help personalize it into our own. Covering them in lace will give it a more “vintage” look, or we could also add ribbons cut into different lengths (tissue paper can be substituted for ribbons here) to the bottom of a hanging lantern to give it a “whimsical” look.

2) Mandarin Oranges

As it is customary to have oranges or tangerines be presented to our guests as gifts, personalizing them is another wonderful way to incorporate a fun décor factor to our CNY celebrations. A cluster of oranges or tangerines can be placed in a large bowl, or they can be displayed lined up on a side table like an art piece, as well as, serving as a traditional facet of Chinese New Year. Oranges can also be wrapped with big red bows made out of satin ribbons, or wrapped in a sheet of lace and tied with a curled ribbon. Small labels could be printed out and then glued to a toothpick, and be inserted into the oranges with a special message of well wishes from you to your guests for the coming year.

A Table filled with Goodies

3) Pussy Willow/Mandarin Wishing Tree

Have pre-made tags ready for guests to write a wish for you and your family for the coming new year is another interesting way to celebrate CNY. Once the guests have written their personal messages, they can hang it on the mandarin or pussy willow tree. This can become a great centerpiece or conversational piece for our homes. After the festivities, these lovely notes can be placed into keepsake box or even framed to hang on the wall as another CNY decorative item for the following year.

4) Horoscope Print Outs

This can be a fun family project. Each household can print out and frame a picture of the “animal” birth sign of each family member.  Then the framed animal pictures can be used as a centerpiece décor or be hung on walls in the dining room or living room. The same print out with different animal birth signs can also be made for the guests and visiting relatives. They are all encouraged to write their own names on it. These are personalized fun ways of decorating, or they can become a nice keepsake for guests to take home with them.

5) Fun for Kids

Keeping children preoccupied during CNY in any household may require more than just iPads, Playstations, tv and etc. We can create print outs of various coloring sheets, and these can be packaged with crayons or colored pencils to keep the children busy. The themes could be based around the different animals of the Chinese Horoscope, or the various meaningful symbols of Chinese New Year such as the double happiness words, mandarin oranges and CNY flowers. When the children are well occupied, the adults can happily indulge in their own “games” over CNY.

A Circus Themed CNY for Kids

As with all decorating, one should not be afraid to adjust, mix it up and modify according to one’s preferences and personal tastes. Some older accessories can be recycled and updated when matched with new items. In the case of adorning one’s home for CNY, it becomes even trickier because some family members might be very particular about the symbolism and its meanings. I know of some traditional folks who are very superstitious and will never have anything to do with the colour blue, or allow hanging umbrellas into their living spaces, and they would definitely take offence to the colour black during CNY. Therefore, it is always advisable to decorate with sensitivity and consideration to the elders who are also residing in the same household. I always find it safer to consult the traditional members in the family and the elders so that they can feel included in the whole process of beautifying the house for CNY. After all, the main focus of CNY is in the congregation of families. Therefore, encouraging every family member to participate will not only minimize any unpleasant surprises, but also help bring the whole family closer together. It is truly heart warming to see how families get together and do their part in getting their homes ready for CNY. At all times, please do not forget to have fun while decorating together. It is the most essential element of the CNY spirit.

For those who are not as superstitious or traditional, you can add your own personal touches in whatever colours that you wish. Brand the CNY decor theme in your home as your own. It could be fun, creative and definitely, original. 

A Fun Invitation to Eat

This CNY the only real decorating I shall undertake will be on myself. I shall be sporting a new look for 2013. My long locks shall be snipped off and a short chic version will crown my head. After which I can fully concentrate on savouring the glorious scrumptious Chinese New Year feasts. There are a few Yee Sangs, and pineapple tarts with my name on them.

Until next time, have a prosperous and happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Water Snake bring good fortune, splendid 

Chapter Five: EAST OF THE HEART

Chapter Five: The Great Plan

1925 – George Town, Penang

Mei Yee did not go down to the formal dining room to join Mrs. Wong and the other ladies in the household for dinner. In fact, she had not left her room since her late lunch. Ah Ping conveyed to the matriarch of the Wong family that Mei Yee was suffering from a splitting headache, and had requested to be allowed to rest in her attic room. Mrs. Wong, who was only concerned that the bride-to-be must be well and prepared for the wedding ceremony, gladly granted Mei Yee the leave of absence. She then took the liberty to arrange a light dinner to be sent up to Mei Yee.

Ah Ping knew only too well that her mistress had lost all her appetite to eat. When she returned to the attic with the dinner tray, she found Mei Yee staring out of the window. The sun had already set, leaving the sky with a charcoal grey hue. There was no wind or stars, only a melancholy stillness to accompany the devastated Mei Yee. Ah Ping did not utter a single word but quietly placed the dinner tray on the table, and left the room. She was careful not to disturb her mistress who was deep in her thoughts, and wrought up over her feelings.

As Mei Yee gazed into the darkness of the city, her mind returned to her mother in Fujian. She was still much incensed with hostility against her mother. She kept asking, WHY? WHY? WHY would her own mother do this to her? The more she questioned, the more hateful she became towards her mother. There would be no forgiveness from her. She was unrelenting. In truth, she would no longer regard herself as a part of the “Lim family”. Most of all, she would cease carrying the responsibility of honouring the family’s name. They had clearly meant to abandon her in the worst possible way. Hence, Mei Yee would reciprocate with the same renunciation. She reached into her silken pocket and took out the jade bracelet that her mother had given her before she left the village.

Ever since Mei Yee arrived in Penang, she has been holding onto the bracelet like it was a priceless treasure. She did not even dare wear the bracelet, as she felt that she was unworthy. The jade bracelet was the only connection she had to her mother and her village. So, she kept it in her pocket and only held it each time she felt homesick. However, now looking at it, she felt nothing but disgust. Mei Yee took hold of the bracelet and smashed it on the windowpane. The crackling sounds reverberated with Mei Yee’s shattered heart. Then Mei Yee flung the broken pieces of the jade out of the window. That very ritual sealed her status as an orphan. She then erased all the memories of her past. She made a vow that she would not shed another tear for as long as she lived.

The very next morning when Ah Ping came to the room with a breakfast tray, she announced that Mrs. Wong had excused Mei Yee for the entire day. Mrs. Wong wanted to make sure that her soon-to-be daughter-in-law was well rested. Mei Yee was thankful for not having to appear before the rest of the ladies in the family. She still did not know how to face Ai Ling and Sun Lee. Knowing what she knew now, she could not bring herself to be in the same room as the two women. Despite how much she could feel their contempt for her, she felt she deserved every ounce of it.

“I need you to do something very important for me, Ah Ping.” Mei Yee said in a somber tone. 

   

Ah Ping’s heart skipped a beat. This was the first time she has ever heard her mistress speak in such a grave voice. Instantly, she stopped clearing the breakfast tray and stood still.

“Yes, mistress Mei Yee. What would you like me to do for you?” Ah Ping was almost afraid to hear her mistress’s answer.

“There is no one here that I trust, but you. I need you to promise me that you will do this for me and you will not tell a single soul.” Mei Yee stared hard at her personal attendant friend.

Ah Ping kept silent but nodded her head.

“Can I really count on you, Ah Ping?” Mei Yee asked firmly.

Ah Ping nodded again, without saying a word.

“I mean it. You cannot tell anyone, and you must do exactly as I tell you. You promise?” Mei Yee insisted.

Ah Ping finally replied, “Yes. I promise, mistress.”

“Good. I am really counting on you. So, please do not let me down.” Mei Yee said seriously.

“I will not let you down, mistress. I really promise.” Ah Ping assured her mistress.

“All right. I believe you. Now, this is what I want you to do for me.” Mei Yee said and pulled Ah Ping closer to her. She proceeded to whisper her instructions into Ah Ping’s ears.

Before Mei Yee could finish her sentences, Ah Ping’s face turned white. She looked at her mistress in disbelief.

“But mistress…” Ah Ping began, but Mei Yee stopped her from speaking further.

“It is what I want you to do and you already promised me that you will carry it out for me. So, please save your words. Say no more. Just do the deed as I have instructed.” Mei Yee was adamant.

Ah Ping was too shocked to move or blink. She continued to stare at her mistress with fear in her eyes.

“This is really what I want. So, please go now and get it done for me. I shall wait for your return. Again, remember not a word to anyone about this.” Mei Yee warned Ah Ping.

As Ah Ping did not budge, Mei Yee stood up from the chair and pushed her out of the door.

“Do not come back until you have got it. Please make sure that no one sees you. Wrap it carefully in your handkerchief. Now, go!” With those words, Mei Yee closed the door behind Ah Ping.

The young personal attendant stood outside her mistress’s door for a while. She did not know what she should do, but she had already made a promise. Thus, she must fulfill that promise. After she had gathered herself, she walked towards the small door and disappeared into the network of stairs and alleys behind the walls. She headed towards the direction of the main kitchen. Despite how deeply perplexed she felt, Ah Ping knew that she had to make good on her promise to her mistress. So, she walked silently with tears running down her face.

The sun had risen directly above the Wong mansion, casting a scorching heat upon all its inhabitants. It was exactly noon sharp when Ah Ping returned to the attic. This time, she brought a tray containing a teapot and two small teacups. Mei Yee had been waiting for her anxiously. When she saw Ah Ping, she immediately pulled her to the middle of the room.

“Have you got what I asked you to bring? “ Mei Yee asked eagerly.

“Yes, but…” Before Ah Ping could finish her sentence, Mei Yee directed her to show the requested item.

Ah Ping gave a heavy sigh and reached into her pocket. She took out a carefully wrapped handkerchief. There was something inside it. Together, the two ladies stood staring at the object in Ah Ping’s hand.

“Are you sure this is it?” Mei Yee had to be certain. There was no room for mistakes.

“Yes, I extracted it myself from the kitchen storage.” Ah Ping explained.

“And no one saw you in all this time?” Mei Yee asked nervously.

“No one saw me.” Ah Ping replied with sadness.

“Good. Very good. Thank you for doing this for me. I am very grateful. Now, please leave the handkerchief on the tray and go. I need to be alone.” Mei Yee spoke in her serious tone again.

Ah Ping did not want to leave and yet she knew that it was pointless in staying. Her mistress had made up her mind and there was nothing she could say or do. A part of her felt responsible for what her mistress was about to do.

Sensing Ah Ping’s reluctance to depart from the room, Mei Yee said, “I do thank you for everything that you have done for me, Ah Ping. You are the only person who has been kind to me without asking for anything in return. I wish there was a way I could repay you, but it has to be in another lifetime. You must leave me now. Thank you again.”

Tears started swelling in Ah Ping’s eyes again. She could not help herself. Mei Yee walked towards the crying girl and embraced her like a sister would.

“There now. Don’t be silly. Everything will be fine after this. Don’t cry anymore.” Mei Yee said gently.

Ah Ping held Mei Yee tightly and sobbed even more. After she had recovered, Mei Yee reminded her that it was time to go. Silently, Ah Ping walked out of the attic room and collapsed outside the door. She buried her head between her knees and continued to cry uncontrollably.

Inside the room, Mei Yee was re-arranging the tray to face her. She admired the pretty china teapot and teacups. Mrs. Wong certainly had a refined taste in everything she bought. The blue intricate designs on the china suggested an artistic influence of the Ming dynasty. Hence, they must have been very expensive. The Wongs would certainly not use anything less.

Mei Yee smiled as she poured the tea into the two cups. Then with great care, she unwrapped the handkerchief. Nestled in the white cotton fabric, was a folded piece of pink paper. After spreading out the paper, she could see the white powder. Ah Ping had delivered her promise, and brought the rat poison to Mei Yee.

Such a small amount it was, but fatal enough to kill a buffalo, Mei Yee mused.

Mei Yee lifted the pink paper and dropped the powder into one of the teacups. Nothing was wasted. Everything dissolved into the tea instantly.

Before her, sat the two beautiful teacups – one was filled with an ordinary Oolong tea, and the other was drenched in rat poison.

Mei Yee had two options laid out in front of her.

Option one – drink the ordinary Oolong tea and get married in less than 2 weeks. Her husband would never really be her husband in every sense of the word. In fact, she may not even see much of her husband. They may never be in the same room if Mrs. Wong had her way. From the wedding night onwards, Mei Yee would have to surrender to the fact that she was to be desecrated by her husband’s elder brothers. They each would take their turn in violating her until she was pregnant with child. However, if the child she bore was not a male child then the process would be repeated until the profane mission was accomplished. She would have to continue living in the household pretending that it was all a natural course of propagation, and not some repulsive fornication. She would have to look at the grim faces of her sisters-in-law every single day and feign her innocence in the whole marital charade. As long as Mei Yee complied with the Wong family, she would live in the confines of opulence, abundance and extravagance. She would never have to worry about not having enough to eat or wear. Mrs. Wong would ensure that everything would be provided for her. However, the real question remained tugging at her mind. Could she really live every day of the rest of her life like that? And if she could not and would not, then she would have to seriously consider the second teacup.

Option two – drink the rat poison infused tea and die instantly. Her life would end and everything would stop here. There would be no wedding, no husband and no dishonoring of her entire being by her husband’s brothers. There would be no future, no fear, and no shame. Along with those, there would also be the death of her hopes and dreams. She would not have any opportunity to make something of herself. Most of all, there would be no chance at real happiness and a life worth living. All would be lost and denied from the moment her last breath left her body. Could she really condemn herself to a life cut short due to the offensive circumstances? Would she not regret? More than anything else, all Mei Yee wanted was a chance – a chance to live a life defined by her own terms. Could she really go through with killing herself? Did she really want to die in the first place?

Mei Yee sat for what seemed like an eternity, staring at the two teacups. Each presented two very different and frightening paths. Yet that was all she had. There was nothing else left for her. Both of the options were variations of Hell – one was on earth and the other would take place in the after-life. None of them were good enough, but what could she do?

Unwilling to abdicate the possibility of a better future for herself, she hacked into the deep recesses of her mind and forced herself to think very hard. She desperately needed a third option. Is there one to be found?

Then it hit her. 

The third option uncloaked the confusion in her mind. It came to her like a flash of lightning. 

The third option showed her what she had to do. If she planned it well and did it right, she would have a chance. Within Mei Yee, hope began to simmer.

Option Three was a real possibility. Option Three meant hope and a pathway to her dreams. 

Mei Yee decided to choose Option Three.

Without a second thought, Mei Yee knocked down the two teacups before her and stood up triumphantly.

Ah Ping heard the strange noises from outside the door. She feared the worst had happened. So, she quickly rushed into the room and was surprised to find that her mistress was very much alive. She did not quite understand what had transpired, but was extremely relieved to know that her mistress had chosen not to proceed with the suicide.

Mei Yee smiled at Ah Ping. It was no ordinary smile. Optimism was rising in the horizon, and she was ready to seize it. It was time to plan something great. 

To be continued in Chapter Six….

EAST OF THE HEART: CHAPTER FOUR

Chapter Four: The Discovery

1925 – George Town, Penang

As summoned by the formidable Mrs. Wong, the tailor came to the mansion on the following morning with his two of his best seamstresses. Mei Yee was very delighted to learn that the two seamstresses were the same Shanghainese ladies whom she had travelled on the steamer ship to Penang with. They were Jing Fei and Bao Hua. The two seamstresses were stunned to discover that Mei Yee was going to be the Wongs’ new daughter-in-law. They were ecstatic for her, as it was considered to be extreme good fortune for any woman to be married into a family of wealth and position. Mei Yee gracefully accepted their good wishes, and said nothing else.

Mei Yee also found out that Bao Hua was older than Jing Fei by 2 years. Bao Hua was good in embroidery work, where as Jing Fei was an expert in the sewing of ornate buttons for qipaos. In a traditional Chinese ‘qipao’, the buttons were as significant as the dress itself. It took a specific skill to sew the time-honoured qipao buttons, as they were truly delicate. An assessment of how well a ‘qipao’ was made, would be judged on its cut, embroidery and the buttons.

The qipao originated from the 17^th century, when the minority Manchus ruled China after the Ming dynasty. Together with their allied and conquered forces of Mongol, the Manchus created the “Eight Banner System” in China. Thus, the ruling Manchus came to be known as the “Banner people”. The one-piece dress that was commonly worn by the Manchu women came to be regarded as the “banner-quilt” or in the Mandarin language, the qipao. As the Manchus created elite classes within their social infrastructure, women of nobility wore “formal court” qipaos, and “common” women would wear everyday casual qipaos. Hence, even the qipao costume could represent the subservient relationship between the aristocrats and the ordinary folks.

Before the 1920’s, the qipao was worn very loosely and wide. It was meant to conceal most of the woman's body, regardless of her age. In conservative China, women’s attire was meant to only reveal the ladies’ heads, hands, and the tips of their toes. However, during the 1920s, Shanghai became the fashion capital of China. Thus, the modifications to the original qipao were made popular. The new version of the qipao was more “exposed” with the famous slit at the sides that showed much of a woman’s leg. The new qipao was now made to fit the modern woman’s beautiful curves. Soon, this became the standard qipao, and everyone quickly started transforming their old qipaos to accommodate the latest style changes.

The Shanghainese have always been renown in China for their exceptional talents in making exquisite qipaos. The most luxurious of all qipaos would be the ones specially tailored for a bride to wear on her wedding day. It would have to be red in colour, as red was the colour that symbolized good luck and happiness in the Chinese culture. Then the master tailor and his team of seamstresses would spend hours, days or weeks working on the bridal qipao, depending on how complicated or elaborate the embroidery work was involved.

In Mei Yee’s case, her wedding qipao would have the motifs of a dragon adorned at the front of the dress. It would start from the right shoulder and flow down to the left bottom skirting of the dress. Here, the dragon symbolized the masculine qualities, meaning the groom or the husband-to-be. Mrs. Wong wanted to remind Mei Yee to always uphold her husband’s interests in her heart. The back of the bridal qipao would display an intricate emblem of the phoenix. The phoenix has always represented the female qualities in the Chinese custom, meaning the bride herself. Mrs. Wong had deliberately instructed the master tailor to have the phoenix embellished at the back of the dress in order to remind Mei Yee that her own identity would have little importance over her husband’s. Therefore, her husband’s welfare and happiness would always come first and foremost. Mei Yee would have to ‘put herself at the back’.  

This resplendent qipao would be sewn with gold threads, and decorated with precious stones such as jade, turquoise and rubies. Mrs. Wong had spared no expense in making a truly spectacular qipao for her soon-to-be youngest daughter-in-law. After all, the bride would be paraded in front of all the relatives and guests at the wedding banquet, like another priceless art acquisition for everyone to appraise.

Mei Yee and the two seamstresses became fast friends. Jing Fei was most envious of Mei Yee, as “marrying well” was her main purpose in coming to Penang. Jing Fei prayed hard that she too would end up as lucky as Mei Yee. As the ladies and the master tailor were measuring Mei Yee, Ah Ping stood silently behind squirming within herself. She has grown very fond of Mei Yee. For once in her life, she felt that she had found a friend in Mei Yee. It troubled her deeply that she was knowingly withholding some very pertinent information from her friend. She dreaded not being able to tell Mei Yee the truth about the Groom, Christopher Wong, and what Mrs. Wong had planned for her on the wedding night.

After the tailor and seamstresses have left the mansion, Ah Ping was directed by Mrs. Wong to deliver Mei Yee’s lunch to the attic. It was thirty minutes after one o’clock in the afternoon, and the other ladies in the household had already eaten their lunch. It was served at twelve o’clock in the formal dining room every day, without fail. Mrs. Wong had graciously excused Mei Yee from joining them that day due to her appointment with the tailor and seamstresses. It was more important for Mei Yee to get herself measured and sized properly before the tailor could start work on the opulent fabric chosen by Mrs. Wong.

As Mei Yee was eating her sumptuous lunch, she noticed Ah Ping acting very strangely. In fact, Ah Ping has been behaving rather oddly since yesterday. Without delaying a moment longer, Mei Yee stopped eating and confronted Ah Ping directly.

“Now, what is really bothering you, Ah Ping? I want to know. You have been fidgeting all day. And if I remember correctly, you started doing so right after yesterday’s breakfast.” Mei Yee spoke sincerely.

Ah Ping shuffled her feet and looked down. She did not know how to explain the situation to her mistress.

Mei Yee got up from the table and walked towards her personal maid. She had not regarded Ah Ping to be her domestic attendant, but more of the sister which she never had.

Gently, she took hold of Ah Ping’s hands and said, “You can tell me, Ah Ping. I treat you as my sister. So, I will do my best to help you. Don't be afraid to tell me. What is the matter?”

Ah Ping finally looked up and sobbed, “It is not I who will be afraid, mistress, but you. And I don’t know how to help you. I am so sorry.”

Mei Yee was taken back. She did not expect to hear those exact words from Ah Ping. Why should she be afraid, and what would she be afraid of? She was very confounded by Ah Ping’s statement.

 “What will I be afraid of, Ah Ping? Please tell me. I beg of you.” Mei Yee was disturbed, as Ah Ping looked most distressed.

“The night before you had arrived at the Wong residence, I over-heard Madam Wong’s private conversation with Sir Wong in the library. It was an accident. I was told by the Head Housekeeper to clean up some stains on the windows of the library. I did not know that both Sir and Madam Wong were inside. I was about to leave them alone when I heard your name. I was so curious about you at that time because they had already told me that I was assigned to be your personal maid. So, I stayed behind the closed door, and listened carefully to what Madam Wong was saying to Sir Wong.” Ah Ping explained while weeping, but another emotion was beginning to surface in her tone. It was fear.

The look on Ah Ping’s face alarmed Mei Yee even though she had no clue as to what Ah Ping had heard. She was determined to find out.

“Will you please share what they were discussing about me? I really need to know, Ah Ping, please.” Mei Yee pleaded.

“Before I tell you, I need to show you something. Only then you would truly understand.” Ah Ping said as she wiped away her tears.

Mei Yee felt very uneasy. As much as she was concerned about herself and wanted to learn what Ah Ping had heard, she did not like seeing the young girl cry over her.

“All right. But please, do not cry anymore, Ah Ping. I am not worth your tears.” Mei Yee said and handed Ah Ping a handkerchief.

Ah Ping refused her mistress’s hanky and proceeded to wipe her wet eyes on her sleeves. “You have been most kind to me, mistress. You treat me like a friend and not a maid. I really appreciate that very much. So, this is why I feel so sad. I did not know how to tell you. You certainly do not deserve to be treated in this way. Please come with me now. I will show you what Madam Wong has been hiding from you.” Ah Ping added.

Mei Yee’s curiosity urged her to go along with Ah Ping. Whatever it was – be it good or bad, she knew she had to see it for herself. She was not going to take anyone’s word for it. She never did. She needed to witness the truth with her own eyes, and then she would decide for herself. No one else held the right to make any conclusions on her behalf.

Quickly, Mei Yee abandoned her lunch and crept out of the attic. Ah Ping walked ahead to make sure that the coast was clear. She took Mei Yee through the narrow corridors and opened a small door. The door opened to a series of staircases which led to various doors and corridors on different levels. This was the back of the house, where the servants would move about freely whenever they had to go from one place to another. In the Wong residence, no servants were allowed to use the main staircases or wander about in the main building. Only those who were sent for, or had to serve would make themselves seen. All of the household staff was restricted to journey around the mansion through the complex structure of stairs constructed behind the walls of the great mansion. Hence, they could swiftly get from one end of the house to another, without being spotted by anyone.

Ah Ping guided Mei Yee through an assortment of doors before they reached the North Wing attic of the mansion. They were fortunate that no one had seen them. As they emerged from a narrow aisle and into the main hallway, Mei Yee realized that they had arrived at the opposite side of the mansion. Her own attic room was located on the South Wing corner. However, this North Wing attic was much more spacious than hers. The living room had several big floor-to-ceiling windows but there was hardly any furniture. There was only a large hand-painted folded lacquer screen that was placed in a corner. In front of the screen were two sofas and a table. Ah Ping grabbed hold of Mei Yee’s hand and led her behind the large screen. She motioned her finger to her mouth and Mei Yee instantly understood that they had to be very quiet. The screen concealed the both of them completely and safely in the corner of the room. Then, Ah Ping pointed to the small gaps in between the screen and gestured to Mei Yee to peer through them.

There were some sounds of movement coming from behind the bedroom door. They could hear the doorknob turn, and it was opened. Mei Yee looked closely and saw that a lady dressed in all white was wheeling out someone from the bedroom. She could not see the person seated on the wheelchair as their backs were facing her. Gradually, the lady in white turned the wheelchair around, revealing their faces. Mei Yee gasped in shock at the sight of the man seated in the wheelchair. Ah Ping had to place her hands onto Mei Yee’s mouth quickly in order to silence her.

The man in the wheelchair had a severe physical disorder. His whole face had been disfigured. It did not resemble any human form. His fingers were curled up like they were permanently clenched. He kept shaking his head and hands uncontrollably as the lady in white wheeled him out of the room. The only limbs that did not move at all were his legs. They looked lifeless.

After the lady in white had left the room with the crippled man, Ah Ping and Mei Yee came out from behind the screen. Ah Ping ran to the door to make sure that they were not coming back. She could see Mei Yee’s horrified face waiting to launch a set of questions.

“Who was that man in the wheelchair and why is he like that? Who is that lady all dressed in white? I have not seen anything like this before!” Mei Yee asked.

Ah Ping cautioned Mei Yee to keep her voice down, and told her that she will explain later. She then took Mei Yee back to the hallway, through the narrow alleys behind the walls of the mansion and climbed the flight of stairs back to Mei Yee’s attic in the South Wing corner.

Once they were both in the privacy of the attic, she announced, “Mistress, that man in the wheelchair will be your husband in less than 2 weeks’ time. He is Master Christopher Wong.”

This revelation fractured Mei Yee into pieces. She was completely dumbfounded.

“Master Christopher suffered a terrible hunting accident almost a year ago. He nearly died. Well, he does look like a ghost of his former self now. They say that he is also damaged in the brains. Only a handful of the servants in the house know about this. I happened to know because I was taking care of Master Christopher before they got him a full time nurse. That’s the lady in white we saw earlier. This is the real reason why Madam Wong did not want mistress to be wandering about in the house. Madam Wong did not want you to accidentally see her son before the wedding. She was most afraid you would change your mind. There is no such thing about any bad luck to see the groom beforehand. Both mistresses Ai Ling and Sun Lee were formally introduced to the Wongs’ older sons after they had been selected for the purpose of marriage. They all met with one another at an arranged dinner in the house. Then it was up to Master Alfred to decide which of the two ladies he wanted, as he was to be the first to marry. Bernard would the marry with the other lady a year later.” Ah Ping clarified.

Mei Yee was astonished at the lengths Madam Wong would undertake in entrapping her to marry her youngest son. It started to make sense why the family had insisted on finding a potential bride from the Mainland, and not sought out a local Penang girl. The China-ordered bride would not have any opportunity to run back to her own family after finding out the truth, where as a local girl could stir up all kinds of trouble for the Wongs.

“However, this is not all. The worst will happen on your wedding night and the nights after that.” Ah Ping said gravely.

“What do you mean?” Mei Yee wondered what could be worse than being married to a physically and mentally deformed man.

“You know they will see to it that you will bear them plenty of grandchildren, especially grandsons. But Master Christopher is no longer capable of making any babies. His manhood was also impaired by the accident.” Ah Ping disclosed.

Mei Yee stiffened. She shuddered to think of what Ah Ping was about to say.

 “This will not be easy for you to hear, mistress. To all the relatives and everyone outside of the family, you will be marrying Master Christopher. But you and I know that Master Christopher will never be seen by anyone other than his nurse and Madam Wong. His condition will remain a family secret. So, at the wedding ceremony, you will actually be married to two men – Master Alfred and Master Bernard. Like all traditional wedding ceremonies, a red cloth will be covering the faces of the Bride and Groom. No one can see, and you will also not see who is the real person behind the red cloth. Everyone will think that the Groom is Master Christopher, but the role will be rotated between Master Alfred and Master Bernard.” Ah Ping described how the ceremony will be played out.

Mei Yee’s eyes widened at the implication of what it might mean on her wedding night.

“Therefore, on your wedding night and the nights after, you will be impregnated by the two older sons. They will take turns in being with you until you give birth to male children. This is the main reason why the other sisters-in-law do not like you from the beginning. They know about this, but they cannot do anything. Madam Wong’s decision cannot be overturned by anyone.” Ah Ping uttered the words as fast as she could in order to lessen the horror and pain to her mistress. 

Mei Yee could feel rage rising inside her like a flaming sword.

Did her mother know about how this marriage was to be arranged amongst the Wong sons? Had her mother also lied to her, knowing the kind of life she was condemning Mei Yee to live with the Wong family? How could all of them make her go through with this unspeakable arrangement? How could they proceed with such a sickening plan themselves?

The hostility that was directed towards Mei Yee by the other daughters-in-law was definitely called for. They had every right to be disgusted, she thought. Of all the terrible things that had ever happened to her, nothing came close to this. Mei Yee had held her emotions intact ever since she was first told to leave her family home and village. She did not want to create any problems for her family, especially her mother. Although she wanted to cry on several occasions, she did not allow herself to fall apart. She had wanted to represent her family’s honour in the best possible light. In all this time, she has fought back all the tears that were culminating behind her fiery eyes. This was the final straw that would breach the teary barricades. Like a dam, every fibre of her being wept unquenchable tears.

What could she do? What would become of her?   

The foundation of her being surrendered to an overwhelming surge of misery.

To be continued on Chapter Five…

EAST OF THE HEART: CHAPTER THREE

Chapter Three: The Introduction

1925 – George Town, Penang

Mei Yee settled quickly into her “pre-wedding” quarters. It was actually an attic located at south wing corner of the mansion. By every means, it was much larger than the tiny room in her village. The attic was generous in size and décor. There was a formal sitting area, a separate enclosure for the bedroom and dressing room. Most of all, Mei Yee was impressed to find that the room had an en-suite bathroom. It was complete with modern plumbing, a soaking tub, a washbasin and accessories. She never had a private bathroom before. It was a new experience for her. In the village, an entire household would share a common bathroom and the toilet would be located outside of the house. It was mainly a hole dug into the ground and a shed was built around it. Mei Yee had always hated going to the toilet in the night. She hated the darkness, and the long walk from her house to the external toilet. There were many nights when she would just endure the urge to go to the toilet, and had forced herself to go back to sleep. As for the bath, it was basically an outhouse built around a well. However, this was established right next to the house. Or rather, the house was built next to the well. Water extracted from the well would be used for a variety of things, and not just for washing. The same water from the well would be used for cooking and cleaning as well. Hence, Mei Yee began to appreciate having her own personal bathroom tremendously.

As the attic was located at the highest point of the mansion, Mei Yee had an unobstructed view of the city. She could see coconut trees, palm trees, shops, places of worship, and the streets leading all the way to the train station at the far distance. There were other houses around the Wong residence, but none could match its size and grandeur. Mei Yee also noticed that the Wong family owned two automobiles. In the whole island of Penang, there were but a few motor vehicles. Only the most affluent could afford to own one. However, to possess two vehicles under one roof would prove that one had not only the means to purchase; but also the authority to import. The Wong family was not only wealthy, they also held influential positions in the community. The family business extended from shipping, agriculture, land and property ownership to banking. Many other businesses in Penang were supported by the Wong family’s empire. No one would dare speak a word to injure the family’s reputation. Therefore, Mei Yee would have to think twice before voicing any disagreements within this particular family. The Wongs never forget, and would bear a long grudge against anyone who did not comply with their wishes.    

On the first day of her arrival, Mrs. Wong permitted Mei Yee to rest in her room. She was excused from joining them for all the meals. Instead, Ah Ping delivered her lunch and dinner to the attic. Despite Mrs. Wong’s lack of approachability, she was generous in furnishing Mei Yee with an abundance of food and drinks. There were canisters of snacks and biscuits sent to her room, in addition to the main meals of the day. Mrs. Wong was not joking about "fattening" her up for the wedding. It took Mei Yee some time to get accustomed to being served. At her own home in the village, Mei Yee was the one who helped her mother serve her father and brothers. Her family could only afford two domestic helpers – a cook and a cleaner. Actually, they were more like relatives than helpers. Mei Yee had to assist in the household chores, as well as, in serving the family on a daily basis. Here, it felt rather strange to be at the receiving end.

Mei Yee’s personal maid, Ah Ping, was about the same age as her – both of them barely eighteen. Ah Ping had joined the Wong residence when she was 7 years old. Ah Ping’s mother had given her to the Wong family because her family was too poor to feed another mouth. It was very common in Penang to marry off their daughters, and if they could not be married off, they would be given away to rich families to be incorporated as part of the household staff. Ah Ping’s fate led her to be a servant for life to the Wong family. It was sealed from the moment she had walked into the mansion. In this respect, Mei Yee felt that she shared the same predicament as Ah Ping. The both of them had no control over their lives, and there seemed to be little hope that they could change their fate. Mei Yee thought that the female race was given the rotten end of the bargain in life. It was a curse to be born a woman in this society, at this time - she lamented. Women were nothing more than commodities which could be sold, traded or disposed of. It did not take long for Mei Yee to bond with Ah Ping. They were different, yet similar in their dispositions of life. They both felt imprisoned by their circumstances, like a bird in a gilded cage.

On the following morning, Ah Ping came to the attic and delivered the morning tea to Mei Yee promptly at 8am. This was Mrs. Wong’s unique way of training Mei Yee to be ready by this hour every morning onwards. Then, Ah Ping would help Mei Yee get dressed for her breakfast with the other ladies in the household. Mei Yee would be meeting them for the first time. Ah Ping had kindly enlightened her with a brief history of the Wong family, and the other significant members living in the mansion.

Mr. and Mrs. Wong had come from generations of power and wealth in Penang. Otherwise known more commonly as the “descendants of old money”. Each of their families had immigrated to Penang during the time of Captain Francis Light in the 1790s. Mr. Wong’s family had owned most of the rubber plantation, and Mrs. Wong’s family were the owners of tin mines. Their families had witnessed the island's main town being named as “George Town” when Captain Light had christened it in honour of King George III of Great Britain. Over the centuries, the two families have prospered immensely. However, in 1867, the island was caught in a bloody massacre between two feuding Chinese secret societies - the Cantonese-speaking and the Hakka-speaking groups. Their brutal fight worsened to the point that the British commanding army had to bring in additional forces from Singapore to regain control of the murderous situation. Cannons and guns had to be fired. Later, it was discovered that the hostility between the two Chinese factions stemmed from opposing interests in the tin mining industry. Hence, it had affected Mrs. Wong’s family business a great deal. Then and there, the two great families decided that it would be wise to merge their “mutual interests” by the form of a marriage. Each side had only one child, but jointly, they would come to own a large part of Penang.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wong brought about three sons and a daughter. They had given all their children English names, in addition to their Chinese names. Penang was still very much a British colony in every sense of the word. So, it was important to the Wongs to present themselves as forward-thinking liberals to the community, despite how deeply entrenched they were in their own tradition. Their sons were named Alfred, Bernard, and Christopher. Their daughter was named Jasmine. It was Christopher, their youngest son, whom Mei Yee would be marrying in two weeks’ time. The entire household had been busy making preparations for it.

Ah Ping pointed out that the wives of Alfred and Bernard did not get along. Everyone in the family knew. Both Ai Ling and Sun Lee started as rivals competing for Alfred’s affections, as being the Wong's eldest daughter-in-law had its own perks and benefits. Alfred was the heir apparent to the Wong dynasty. Naturally, the coveted throne of Mrs. Wong would also be passed onto the eldest daughter-in-law. Thus, one could imagine the powers that came with the title of “Eldest Daughter-in-law”in the Wong estate. As soon as Ai Ling had won Alfred’s heart, Sun Lee had no choice but to steer herself towards the next best thing – marrying Bernard. In Sun Lee’s opinion, some wealth was better than no wealth at all. In any case, these two daughters-in-law would never tire of out-scheming and plotting against each other. It had become a vicious routine around the house, with one trying to win the approval of Mrs. Wong over the other. There would be no shortage of collateral damage of innocent bystanders. Even Jasmine Wong had resigned from spending any time with her two sisters-in-law. She did not have much care for anything or anyone in Penang. All she longed for was to leave Penang as soon as the wedding ceremony between Christopher and Mei Yee was over. It had all been arranged for Jasmine to study music in England. Secretly, Jasmine was planning to marry a British gentleman so that she would not have to return to Penang ever again.

Before leaving the attic, Ah Ping gently cautioned Mei Yee to stay away from the two devious sisters-in-law. When they both arrived at the breakfast room, Mrs. Wong was already seated at the head of the rectangular table. Everything had been laid out. Ai Ling and Sun Lee were seated at her right and left, respectively. Jasmine was running late, as her personal maid came to inform the ladies in the room. Mei Yee quickly greeted Mrs. Wong first, followed by the two daughters-in-law. Then Mrs. Wong directed her to sit next to Sun Lee. No personal orders would be taken, and no one was allowed to ask for anything else unless they had already discussed it with Mrs. Wong. All the meals in the household were planned and decided by Mrs. Wong, and her alone. Everyone would eat whatever that was served before them.

That morning, they were having an English Breakfast with bacon, sausages, eggs and toast. Mei Yee had never seen anything like it, and was not quite sure how she was going to eat her breakfast without chopsticks. Neither Ai Ling nor Sun Lee bothered to offer her any help. They did not even look at her. It was not until Jasmine’s arrival that she finally had some assistance. Jasmine took her usual seat next to Ai Ling, and showed Mei Yee exactly which utensils to use in eating their English breakfast. From across the table, Mei Yee slowly learnt how to use a fork and knife for the very first time. She found it amusing that the Westerners would take the time and effort to invent various utensils for eating different foods. All they ever needed in the village were a pair of chopsticks and a spoon. They ate everything under the sun with just that.

The breakfast area was a charming room that faced East, where the morning sun would rise and cast a brightly coloured glow through the stained glass windows. It held the views of the gardens. Mei Yee was told that the gardens were landscaped according to a typical British garden in England. It was definitely a stark contrast to the flowerbeds in Mei Yee’s village. No one spoke at breakfast unless Mrs. Wong questioned the individual directly. Mei Yee could see that Mrs. Wong was very fond of her daughter. Jasmine was the only person in the family who was allowed to go as she pleased, and spoke whenever she chose. Jasmine was also the only one who wore Western clothes at all times. Initially, Mei Yee thought Jasmine looked quite obscene with her hands and feet being so exposed. A traditional Chinese dress would have ensured that the ladies’ arms and ankles were covered up gracefully. However, the western “flapper dress” was way too short, and it had hardly any sleeves. It was not something that Mei Yee could imagine herself wearing, but she could not deny that Jasmine did look very lovely in them.

    

After breakfast, they were allowed to return to their individual chambers, or join Mrs. Wong in the sitting room. The sitting room was another area in which the ladies of the house would be allowed to gather. There was a gramophone, a grand piano, stacks of magazines and some newspapers organized neatly in the room. The sitting room faced the views of the water fountains. When the windows were opened, one could hear the calming sound of water flowing through the fountains and into the ponds. Each lady found her own preferred seat, and made herself comfortable in the sitting room. Ai Ling read the newspapers, while Sun Lee chose some magazines. Jasmine would go through the collection of records, and took one out to play on the gramophone. Then she guided Mei Yee by the hand to a nearby two-seater sofa. Jasmine informed Mei Yee that the ladies would have their afternoon tea served in this room as well, and it was usually at 4pm everyday.

“This is also a visitors’ room. If any of us had visitors such as family members or relatives, we would receive them in here as well.” Jasmine explained.

However, it was very rare for any of the ladies to have visitors – except Jasmine. She was allowed to invite her friends and cousins over to the house at any time of the day. Only weekends were strictly reserved for family time – whereby the men in the family would take their wives out to town, and make their formal appearances at the country club. 

“Mei Yee, I have arranged for the tailors to come over tomorrow. They need to measure you and start making your wedding costumes. I have already chosen all the fabric. There will be two sets of formal wear. You’ll be wearing the traditional “qipao” for the wedding ceremony, and then change into a modern evening dress for the wedding banquet. Since we would be inviting some important British guests for the banquet, a western gown would be most appropriate.” Mrs. Wong announced.

Mei Yee swallowed hard.

She could not bear to bring herself to wear any of the Western apparel. She glanced at Jasmine, who happily turned the pages of a fashion magazine to show her what Mrs. Wong meant by a “western gown”. It was a long dress which showed much of the women’s bare shoulders and arms. Mei Yee was panicking inside. If her parents or anyone from her village were to see her in that kind of clothing, they would have her beaten to death. It was most indecent. How could any woman walk out of her room in that flimsy thing, much less the house?! Suddenly, the room began to spin. Mei Yee had trouble breathing. She begged to be excused. Ah Ping was summoned to accompany her back to the attic room.

Once she was safely hidden in the privacy of the attic with Ah Ping, Mei Yee stuffed her face into the pillow and let out a muted scream. Ah Ping was taken aback.

“I am going to be completely humiliated and disgraced by the time the wedding is over!” Mei Yee exclaimed.

Ah Ping turned away from Mei Yee and gave a sorry look. Underneath the personal maid’s demure appearance there lurked a conscience that was stricken with guilt. Ah Ping struggled internally, contemplating on whether she should tell her mistress the truth of what she would inevitably uncover on the day of her wedding. 

To be continued in Chapter Four….

EAST OF THE HEART: CHAPTER TWO

EAST OF THE HEART

Chapter Two: The Arrival

The groom’s family had sent two chaperones to escort Mei Yee from her village to Penang. One of the chaperones was an older woman, and the other was a younger man who basically took orders from the older woman. It was the chaperones' job to ensure that the “bride-to-be” would arrive safely into Penang. Mei Yee later found out that the older lady chaperone was actually one of the Groom’s aunts. She told Mei Yee to address her as “Aunty Bee Yoke”. 

Aunty Bee Yoke had come to the village at the request of the Groom’s family in order to inspect the “bride-to-be”. She had to make certain that Mei Yee was of childbearing age, and was healthy in every sense of the word. With her approval on sight, Mei Yee then left with them. Later, aunty Bee Yoke also explained that Mei Yee’s mother had been corresponding with a distant relative in Malaya, and arranged for this marriage. The relative in Malaya had convinced her mother that the Groom was from a wealthy reputable family in Penang, and Mei Yee would be well taken care of. Aunty Bee Yoke asserted that Mei Yee had nothing to worry about from here on.

Their journey to Penang from Shanghai would take more than a week by sea, depending on the weather. Aunty Bee Yoke had secured a “third class” cabin for Mei Yee and herself. It had four bunk beds and a washbasin in the middle. There were no windows. They had to share the tiny room aboard the steamship with two other ladies from Shanghai. The two ladies were also traveling to Penang to start their new jobs as seamstresses at their mutual relative’s shop. They also hoped to find better marital prospects in Penang. Mei Yee was the youngest amongst them.

During that week onboard the vessel, Mei Yee became rather ill. She had not been on a boat before this, much less a ship. She found the motions of the sea extremely nauseating. She had to rest in the cabin for the most part of their journey. Aunty Bee Yoke did not improve the situation by “educating” Mei Yee on what she was expected to do in the Groom’s household. In addition, she informed Mei Yee that everything had been arranged – from Mei Yee’s “pre-wedding” room, to the wedding ceremony itself, to the “wedding-night” room, and to the “after-wedding” official residence. The Groom’s family had their own peculiar traditions, and it was imperative for Mei Yee to assimilate herself with them. Aunty Bee Yoke gave her a list to recite and commit to memory.

THE LIST:-

1)    Upon arrival, Mei Yee would be presented to the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Wong. She must greet Mrs. Wong appropriately, as she would be her daughter-in-law soon.

2)    Then she would be shown to her “pre-wedding” room. This would be temporary residence for two weeks before the actual wedding ceremony.

3)    Prior to the ceremony, the bride must not be seen out and about - especially by the Groom. She should only stay within her own quarters. She must not venture about the house freely without a servant, or suitable escort. There were only a few rooms within the household which the ladies in the family are permitted to gather or meet.

4)    She would be expected to join the ladies in the family at all meal times - that would mean breakfast, lunch and dinner. On some occasions, she might be invited to tea with the other ladies in the household when they hold an audience with Mrs. Wong. She must be suitably attired at all times. Mrs. Wong had already arranged a wardrobe of “approved” clothing in her room. The men in the Wong household never dine with the ladies unless it was a festive occasion, such as weddings, Mrs. Wong’s birthday, Chinese New Year reunion dinner and so on.

5)    A list of protocol and guidelines would be explained to her during the first week of her stay. She would be wise to remember them well.

6)    At any time of the day, Mrs. Wong may summon her for whatever purpose and reason. Therefore, she must always be prepared.

7)    Under no circumstances would she be allowed to issue any instructions to other maids and helpers in the household, other than her own.

8)    If she should require anything in addition to what had already been provided for, then she must seek counsel with Mrs. Wong and obtain her approval.

9)    She would not be allowed to go out of the house on her own unless she had received explicit permission from Mrs. Wong, and a fitting escort would be provided.

10) She must learn and adhere to the duties of a daughter-in-law together with the other daughters-in-law of the household. There would be daily morning prayers to be made, as well as evening prayers. In addition, there would be monthly prayers to the ancestors, and annual prayers. A calendar would be given out every year with all the important dates marked.

11)  She must never gossip. Mrs. Wong absolutely detested females who indulged in idle chatter. 

12) Proof of her virginity on the wedding night would be of utmost importance. This was to be carried out in the special “wedding night” room.

13) If she had failed to provide the family with any male child, then her husband would have the complete right to take on another wife to do the job.

14) After the wedding night, she would move into her husband’s formal residence. This would become her permanent home.

Aunty Bee Yoke had made Mei Yee read the list every single day. It made Mei Yee feel much worse each time. Mei Yee was beginning to worry about how she would cope. Nothing in her life had prepared her for this. The list gave her the impression that she was not getting married, but receiving a prison sentence without any hope of a reprieve. Above all, she was very apprehensive about her “soon-to-be” mother-in-law. Mrs. Wong was obviously the matriarch of the whole family, and her words would be LAW in the household. Mei Yee began to suspect that the likelihood of her getting along well with Mrs. Wong, would be as sure as “the porridge turning into rice”. This was part of a common Chinese proverb in her village. Once rice has turned into porridge, it would be irreversible.

When the steamship had finally docked at the Penang port, Mei Yee felt queasy again. The sight of her future looked bleak and utterly confusing. A set of trishaws took them from the port through the streets, and nothing looked familiar. There were buildings, schools, churches, temples and shops. Penang was not exactly as progressive and modern like Shanghai but it was definitely more advanced than her village in Fujian. Houses were very different in Penang, especially the Wong Mansion. It was a huge masonry building with three stories, and a large surrounding garden.

Cautiously, Mei Yee alighted from the trishaw and followed Aunty Bee Yoke through the imposing main entrance doors. The visitor’s hall was truly impressive with a huge crystal chandelier hanging in the middle. Wealth was evident from every corner of the room. There were many corridors that led to various rooms. It was like a maze. The two ladies weaved their way through a long hallway and reached a small sitting room where an elderly lady sat, dressed in all her fine silk and jewelry. Mei Yee had only seen brides on their wedding day dressed with such regalia in her village. It was not everyday attire from where she came from.  The elderly lady was addressing a group of household staff, while waiting for Mei Yee’s arrival. When she finally saw Mei Yee, she did not rise or smile. She only acknowledged aunty Bee Yoke and Mei Yee after she had spoken with her servants.

“Big sister, I trust you have been well. May I introduce your “soon-to-be” daughter-in-law, Lim Mei Yee,” Aunty Bee Yoke said with reverence, laced with a little fear.

This was the first time Mei Yee witnessed how very polite and timid aunty Bee Yoke behaved. Aunty Bee Yoke was visibly afraid of her elder sister. Then she tugged at Mei Yee’s blouse. That was her cue to greet the grand older woman.

“Good morning, Mrs. Wong. It is an honour to meet you. Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your great family.” Mei Yee said nervously and bowed.

Mrs. Wong looked at Mei Yee closely and motioned for her to come forward. She started to inspect Mei Yee for herself.

“A little on the skinny side, I see.” Mrs. Wong remarked.

“Believe me, big sister, she is the best from the village.” Aunty Bee Yoke added.

Then Mrs. Wong introduced Mei Yee to her personal maid-in-waiting, “Ah Ping”. Ah Ping would be attending to Mei Yee throughout her stay in the Wong household. Apparently, it was customary for every mistress and master in the household to have their personal maid or manservant. These personal servants would follow and serve their assigned mistress or master till they die. In fact, all the servants in the Wong household belonged to the family, and would not leave until it was the time of their death. Mei Yee began to realize that her fate was no different from theirs. 

“Ah Ping will take you to your pre-wedding quarters. This is where you will stay for the next two weeks until the wedding ceremony. We have strict rules and traditions in this family. We consider it very bad luck for the Groom to see his bride before the wedding. And besides, we need to prepare you before the wedding. It would not do at all if our guests saw how scrawny you are. They would think that we did not feed you enough. By the day of the wedding, you’ll have to be a lot heavier than you are now. Only manual labourers are thin in Penang. Portliness and prosperity go hand in hand.” Mrs. Wong explained sternly.

It was then Mrs. Wong noticed Mei Yee’s feet and her eyes widened in shock.

“Your feet…were they not bound when you were young?” Mrs. Wong was appalled.

“I did not like how they had restricted my mobility. So, I had refused to have my feet bound.” Mei Yee answered earnestly.

There was a moment of tensed silence. Mrs. Wong stared at Mei Yee. She was tempted to say something, but refrained herself. Mei Yee could feel the matriarch’s eyes slicing into every limb of her body. 

“You’d be most wise to embrace every single tradition of this family. This family owns you now. You’ll live here, as a daughter-in-law of the Wong Family, and you’ll die here to become a ghost of the Wong Family. See that you do not forget.” Mrs. Wong declared her first and only warning.

A tight knot churned inside Mei Yee’s stomach. She neither replied nor nodded her head. She simply looked at Mrs. Wong with dread. This would be the beginning of an agonizing ever after.

(To be continued in Chapter Three)