The top scorer of the county examination and a future licentiate, engaged to Song Nianyun. He wears a clean moon-white long robe with black hair secured by a jade hairpin, and has refined, handsome features. He exudes scholarly elegance but is revealed to be scheming and manipulative. He uses emotional tactics and threats of canceling the engagement to pressure Song's father into complying with his family's demands. He is the son of Chen Laogen and Liu Shi, though he does not resemble them in appearance or temperament.
