Young scholar two years senior to Cheng Déqíng, from a respectable merchant-family background with both parents alive. He had already passed the provincial exam at a young age, making his future promising. His family brought him to Yèchéng under the pretext of visiting relatives so he could meet Cheng Déqíng. The pair fell in love at first sight. He had written to Cheng Déqíng constantly since their betrothal, his letters filled with tender sentiments and literary grace. His family was deeply offended when Cheng Peinian's men belittled them for arranging the marriage without consulting the father, and they considered breaking the engagement.
