Xueyan was included in Ties that Bind,Ties that Break because she and Ailin are the two girls we know of in the story without bound feet. Xueyan purpose is to prove that not every girl in China has to have their feet bound, that girls can become doctors and teachers. On page 53 it says,”My fiance’s family broke our engagement because of my feet,” I confessed to Xueyan. “My mother is afraid nobody will marry me now.” Xueyan laughed. Her laughter was so loud that several girls walking ahead of us in the hallway turned and stared. “What’s so bad about that?” Demanded Xueyan. “ I don’t intend to get married at all. After finishing this school I’m going to study medicine and become a doctor. Then I won’t need a husband to support me.” I admired Xueyan.