With Marquis Chang Le's domineering obstruction, Wu Guanyu's leg treatment was delayed by two days. Unfortunately, it was too late. The doctor said that while the leg might heal, it would appear slightly lame if he walked slowly.
Upon hearing this, Madam Wang fainted on the spot.
A lame woman might still be able to marry into a decent family, with a larger dowry as compensation. But for a man, a disability means a ruined life.
Because the court does not accept physically disabled men as officials, regardless of his talent, he would never be able to serve as an official. And isn't a man's education aimed at passing the imperial examinations?
Yet Wu Guanyu's leg was ruined. How could he attempt the imperial examinations? Why bother studying? With a disability, how could he marry a noble woman from a reputable family? What lady from a reputable family would be willing to marry a cripple with no future?
