The Romance of the West Chamber: The Bells are Ringing

So Yingying turned back to her mother, Mrs. Cui Xiangguo, and said: "Mom, if those bandits really kill all my family members, even the young children, even though I want to join the army, But I'm afraid of bringing shame to our Cui family. I really don't know what to do. Maybe, I might as well find a rope to put around my neck, find an opportunity to commit suicide, and hand my body over to those thieves. At least, I can save my life. dignity and protection from greater torture.”

As she spoke, Yingying's eyes were full of despair and contradiction, and the struggle in her heart made her unable to calm down. She held her sleeves tightly with both hands, as if looking for some comfort and support, trying to find a glimmer of hope in a helpless situation.

After hearing what her daughter said, Mrs. Cui Xiangguo felt the despair and helplessness in her heart. She hugged her daughter tightly, and tears flowed down unconsciously. She knew how heavy her daughter's heart was at this moment, and as a mother, she couldn't bear to see her daughter in such pain.

The lady gently stroked Yingying's back, with encouragement and determination in her voice: "Yingying, don't give up hope. We will find ways to protect your family and you. We will never let you face all this alone."

Yingying raised her head and looked at her mother's firm eyes. The despair in her heart seemed to be relieved. She bit her lip, nodded, and said softly: "Mother, thank you!"

When the monks and lay people inside and outside the Dharma Hall heard Cui Yingying say that she wanted to commit suicide, they were stunned and looked at her in disbelief. Everyone present turned pale, and felt indescribable panic and anxiety in their hearts.

Although the matchmaker understood, her face turned pale with fright. While looking at Yingying, she took a few steps forward and reached out to hold her.

The monks and laypeople inside and outside the Dharma Hall also felt the unusually tense atmosphere. Some shook their heads in horror, while others whispered to each other solemnly. Everyone understands how irreversible such a decision would be.

The faces of some monks became solemn, and they exchanged some looks, as if they were discussing countermeasures in tacit understanding. Some lay people could not help but frown, feeling anxious in their hearts.

Everyone was talking and making dissuasive voices. Some people frowned and said seriously: "Miss Yingying, you must not be impulsive!" Some people looked at Cui Yingying with eager eyes and said: "Young life still has many possibilities, so don't give up hastily. "Some people were excited and shouted: "Miss Yingying, you are our hope, we can't give up easily."

Cui Yingying's expression looked determined, and her eyes shone with determination. She looked at her mother, and her voice revealed a firmness: "Mom, please believe me, I have already thought about it."

Mrs. Cui Xiangguo bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes full of reluctance and anxiety. She clenched her hands, struggling in her heart. She understood her daughter's determination, but as a mother, how could she watch her daughter take such a dead end.

Outside the Dharma Hall, everyone was talking and looking at each other, not knowing what to do. Some people came forward one after another, trying to persuade Cui Yingying and prevent her from making such a decision. Some voices were pleading, others eager.

A middle-aged monk approached Cui Yingying and said in a sincere tone: "Little girl, you must not belittle yourself. Life and death are natural laws, but in the face of life, we should move forward bravely, do good deeds, and not give up on ourselves."

Another old layman also came forward and persuaded her: "Girl, life is sometimes difficult, but we must not forget the beauty of life. There are many things in the world that are worth pursuing and cherishing."

Cui Yingying listened to everyone's persuasion, her eyes were slightly moist, and she was secretly proud of herself. She turned her head, met the matchmaker's eyes, and nodded slightly.

Cui Yingying turned her head and said softly to Mrs. Cui Xiangguo: "Mother, such a decision makes Yingying feel uneasy. At the same time, it is difficult to explain it to others." Her brows wrinkled slightly, and there was a hint of helplessness and anxiety in her eyes. , as if facing many difficulties.

She held her mother's hand tightly and continued: "Mom, please don't worry too much about Yingying. I don't have to commit suicide!"

When Mrs. Cui Xiangguo heard this, she was overjoyed. She nodded repeatedly, wiped her tears, and felt a little relieved.

All the monks and laymen inside and outside the Dharma Hall were relieved at the same time and nodded one after another.

Cui Yingying said again: "Mother, your daughter already has a plan. Although it may sound risky, I believe it is feasible." Her voice gradually became firmer, and there was a touch of perseverance in her eyes.

She took a deep breath and continued: "I don't care who it is, as long as he can establish meritorious service, repel the bandit army, and eliminate those evil forces." There was firmness and determination in her tone, and she had already made up her mind to take on the responsibility. This difficult mission.

"I am willing to surrender, join forces with heroes, and become as good as Qin Jin!" Her voice gradually sounded, revealing confidence and perseverance. There was a look of determination in her eyes, and she had made a decision.

After Mrs. Cui Xiangguo thought for a while, she nodded and said firmly: "This plan is feasible. Although our Cui family is a noble family and may not be a good match with our status, it is better than being trapped among thieves. .”

Her eyes shone with perseverance. Although she faced a difficult situation, as a mother, she had to protect her daughter and fight for the dignity of the Cui family. She took a deep look at Yingying, her eyes full of understanding and support.

The atmosphere inside and outside the hall was still tense. People's eyes were focused on Cui Yingying, waiting for her decision. The conversation between mother and daughter seemed to convey a glimmer of hope, making everyone feel a little more at ease.

At the same time, the monks and laypeople inside and outside the Dharma Hall continued to discuss the matter. Some people still insisted on handing Yingying over to the thieves, some suggested that the family pool money in exchange for peace, and some thought that people could be sent to leave Pujiu Temple to seek foreign aid. Various opinions emerged one after another, and everyone was working hard to find a way out.

In the Dharma hall, Elder Faben cleared his throat and said in a loud voice: "All monks and laymen, please listen to me! If there is a brave man who can drive away the bandits, Prime Minister Cui's government is willing to accompany him with a dowry and a house, and marry Miss Yingying to him. As a wife!" His voice echoed in the Dharma hall, and the sound seemed to linger in everyone's ears.

The atmosphere in the Dharma Hall became tense, the elder's voice echoed in the air, and everyone who heard these words couldn't help but feel shocked.

Everyone's eyes were focused on the elder, staring at him expectantly, as if hoping to find clues to solving the problem from his words. The elder is the leader of Pujiu Temple, and his words represent the attitude and decision-making of the temple.

Mrs. Cui Xiangguo frowned, her eyes full of worry. She couldn't help but clenched her hands, feeling uneasy. She understood that the current situation was extremely serious, and this proposal was undoubtedly a decisive choice.

Cui Yingying stood beside his wife, with complex emotions surging in her heart. Her face was pale and her lips were trembling slightly. While this offer would save her life, it would require her to give up her future and happiness. Her hands were clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms, but she never said a word. All I thought in my mind was: "I wonder if what the matchmaker said is reliable?"