The background of the story comes from a book called "Xi Ou Ju Ci Hua" written by Mao Daying, a scholar from Baoshan, Jiading in the Qing Dynasty: Liu Niang's real name is Chen Xiangping. She is the daughter of a famous family. She has been childhood sweethearts with her neighbor Wang Chutong since childhood.Later, Chen's parents thought that the Wang family was poor, so they betrothed Liu Niang to a rich man.From then on, Wang Chutong studied hard and took the provincial examination many times, but failed repeatedly.Later, when the Qing Dynasty suppressed the Xiaojinchuan Rebellion, the emperor opened a special recruitment examination. Forty-eight-year-old Wang Chutong became a sergeant and ranked second class.
2. After becoming a sergeant, Wang Chutong was awarded the title of official of Sikuqun Library, and later became an official in Shandong, succeeding him as Tongzhi of Ninghai Prefecture.During his tenure as an official, his administration was simple and his punishments were clear, which won the hearts of the people.Later, when he took office in Jinan, he was deeply appreciated by Yi Jiang'a, the governor of Shandong. University scholar Ruan Yuan called him the most talented person in Jiangzuo and the most famous teacher in Jinan.At this time, Wang Chutong was married and his wife was virtuous. However, because he longed for Liu Niang in his heart, he had a weak relationship with his wife.
3. In the fourth year of Jiaqing, Wang Chutong returned to his hometown as an official, lived in seclusion in Fangtai, and wrote books.Besides, Liu Niang quickly squandered all her family property due to her husband's dissolute behavior.In desperation, Liu Niang had no choice but to succumb to Goulan% (ancient acrobatic performance venue), singing and laughing without selling her body, and later she ended up selling her body instead of performing arts.A few years later, with some savings, she left the land of fireworks and lived alone by Chashui (also known as Chaxi, another name for Nanxiang Town), reading and watching the scenery, quiet and comfortable.
4. At that time, Fangtai and Nanxiang were not far apart. Once, Wang Chutong was boating on the Cha River. Suddenly he heard the familiar sound of the piano (Liu Niang had played the shen piano since she was a child), and ordered the boatman to dock.Entering the Bang house, it turned out to be Liu Niang.After the two met and complained, they couldn't help but sigh.At this point, Liu Niang was still alone, but Wang Chutong already had a group of children. It was impossible for the two to get married again, so they called themselves brother and sister.
5. From then on, the king secretly supported Liu Niang's silver coins. She often came and went, talked about literature and poetry, and didn't care about the comments of idlers.In order to repay Wang Chutong's kindness, Liu Niang painted a portrait of herself and gave it to the king. On the painting was the inscription "The weather is cold and the green sleeves are thin, and the sun sets against the bamboo".This is a poem by the Tang poet Du Fu - "Beauty" - which means that a beautiful woman is aloof and independent.Wang Chutong signed four characters on it - "peerless beauty", which became a perfect combination.
6. At that time, many people in the literary circle in Jiading saw this painting, and sympathizers wrote poems and inscriptions on it, none of which criticized Chutong and Liu Niang.This painting has been spread to the capital.Many literati in the capital had seen this painting. They were all fascinated by Liu Niang's beauty and talent, and they also lamented the love tragedy of Wang and Chen.
