Born to a poor family and orphaned young, she disguises herself as a poor young man by using the household registration of her brother, who died as a child, in order to escape her fate. She is patient and composed, rational and decisive, clear about kindness and grudges, disciplined and resilient, and cares deeply for the people. She has no interest in marriage or romance, devoting herself entirely to her studies, the imperial examinations, good governance, reforming officialdom, and helping the people at the bottom. Slender and unassuming, she avoids the limelight and relies on her own talent and strategy to make her way. She will never attach herself to anyone or depend on powerful patrons for advancement.
