The History of Love - A Journey Through Human History

Author: Li Huijun / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: If It's Not Him, I Don't Marry; If It's Not Her, He Doesn't Marry
In the thirteenth year of the Chongzhen era, a scholar dressed in a square hat and wearing traditional robes arrived at the mansion of Qian Qianyi, the literary leader and head of the Donglin Party, standing at the foot of the Yushan Mountain on a small boat. The host initially thought he was just an ordinary visitor and made excuses to turn him away. The next day, the young scholar returned to Qian’s mansion and presented a poem, which subtly hinted at his identity. After reading it, Qian Qianyi was greatly astonished and quickly went out to welcome him. He noticed that although the visitor was dressed as a man, he appeared scholarly and handsome at first glance, but upon closer inspection, his feminine charm and elegance could not be hidden beneath his robes. Qian Qianyi suddenly recalled a remarkable courtesan—beautiful, talented, and possessing a masculine demeanor, who often dressed as a scholar. The visitor seemed to sense his thoughts and smiled, saying, “I am Liu Ruyi.”
During the banquet, in the presence of the literary giant Qian Qianyi, Liu Ruyi remained composed and spoke eloquently. She sometimes demonstrated her sharp wit by composing a poem on the spot in response to his; at other times, she effortlessly revealed her feminine allure, captivating everyone. When discussing national affairs, she spoke passionately, with a rare clarity and strength of character often unseen in women. Qian Qianyi was unknowingly deeply drawn to her and resolved in his heart that she was the red-haired companion he had long sought.
In reality, this meeting was carefully arranged by Liu Ruyi. Although a courtesan, she enjoyed associating with renowned scholars and was friends with leaders of the Fuxue Society, such as Zhang Pu, and the Jisi Society, such as Chen Zilong. She often engaged in lively debates about world affairs with them, showing exceptional insight and a broad perspective. She sought a partner who was far from ordinary. Liu Ruyi admired Qian Qianyi’s talent and integrity, but she also revered his political ideals of caring for the nation and its people. She famously declared, “In all the world, only Qian Qianyi of Yushan is truly talented—I will not marry a man who is not as talented as you.” Thus, she disregarded the significant age gap between them (Qian Qianyi was 59, while Liu Ruyi was 24) and boldly pursued her happiness, abandoning the timidity and shyness typical of ordinary women. Qian Qianyi, in turn, did not disappoint her sentiments, declaring, “I too will not marry a woman who is not as talented as you.” He then formally married her as his principal wife.
Given that Qian Qianyi still had a legitimate wife and that Liu Ruyi was a courtesan, this union became a shocking violation of Confucian norms. In an era dominated by male supremacy, Qian Qianyi demonstrated through his actions the equality of their relationship and his respect for Liu Ruyi’s character. P94-95