During the Qing Dynasty, a poor scholar surnamed Ding lived in Tianjin. His family circumstances were modest, and he spent his days studying at home. Years earlier, his family had arranged an engagement for him, and the betrothal gifts had already been exchanged, though the marriage itself had not yet taken place.
His prospective father-in-law came from a wealthy household. Seeing that Ding remained impoverished and without prospects, the man began to regret the match. Eventually, he sent an invitation for Ding to visit his home, where he prepared a lavish banquet in his honor.
Ding had a fondness for drink and did not refuse the wine that was offered. Before long, he became thoroughly intoxicated. At that point, his host spoke plainly. He claimed that his daughter had a physical impairment and would not be able to serve Ding properly as a wife. He then offered one thousand taels of silver as compensation, suggesting that once Ding achieved success, he could marry someone else. He asked Ding to write a document dissolving the engagement on the spot.
Inflamed by drink and pride, Ding replied passionately: “Selling one’s wife is not something I would ever do. How could silver sway my heart? Does a man truly fear that he will never find a wife? But if you insist on ending the matter, then I will write the document now.”
Delighted, the father-in-law immediately produced paper and a brush. In his drunken state, Ding wrote the document without hesitation and left the house.
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