Male classmate and rival of Lin Wanqing. Handsome appearance with refined demeanor, looks like a scholar. Already married to a fellow educated youth from his years in the countryside. Wavers between morality and emotion, ultimately chooses morality. Determined to surpass Lin Wanqing in exams. Ranked second with only two points less than her perfect score. Also referred to as Chen Aojun in some parts of the text.
