In the early 20th century Pearl River Delta, “self-combed women” like Shang Meiju, who vowed never to marry, adopted and raised girls to sell as concubines. Ah Di, a self-combed woman, was forced into marriage by her fiancé, Tan Afu, but Shang Meiju intervened, leading to a “fake marriage” agreement. Shang Meiju’s adopted daughter, Yan Zhi, was offered for 20,000 silver dollars but deterred suitors with her beauty. Ah Di... see more