When the second young master of the Wei family returned home to celebrate placing second in the imperial examinations, he accidentally injured a young maid.
Though a shard of porcelain had pierced her palm and her eyes glistened with tears, she still trembled as she bowed to him.
That stubborn, captivating face stole into his heart at a single glance.
Only later did he learn that she was a maid purchased half a year ago, named Qing'e, and that she now worked in his mother's rooms.
Carried away by his feelings, he immediately planned to tell his mother to take her in as his concubine.
But his elder brother told him that Qing'e had a fierce, unyielding nature, and that this approach would only push her further away.
To help him win the beauty's heart, his elder brother taught him three secrets:
First, Qing'e's family is poor, and she cannot read. Don't recite the pretentious poetry of those stuffy scholars to her.
Second, Qing'e only likes muscular men who wield swords and practice martial arts. She once lavishly praised the butcher at the end of the lane.
Third, Qing'e is old-fashioned in her thinking. Talk to her more about serving one's husband and raising children, and promise to take no concubines. She'll be happier.
With his elder brother's earnest advice in mind, the second young master Wei began his pursuit of Qing'e.
Every day, he timed his appearances so he could bare his chest and practice boxing and swordsmanship along the path Qing'e took.
He also seized every opportunity to boast at length about his martial arts prowess, insisting that she offer her opinion.
Most importantly, he professed his love to her every day and promised that she would be the only woman in his household.
Strangely, Qing'e looked more and more afraid of him, and eventually even started avoiding him.
Then one day, hidden behind the green bamboo, the second young master Wei saw Qing'e wiping away tears as she confided in someone:
"The Wei family is powerful and wealthy, and the second young master is crude. He insists on making me his concubine. What should I do?"
Before he could even begin to grieve, he witnessed a scene that made his eyes blaze with fury.
His most beloved elder brother was holding the woman he loved most, tenderly wiping away her tears:
"Don't be afraid. I'm here. He wouldn't dare do anything to you."
Furious and shocked, he kicked down the bamboo and startled the pair of lovebirds. "Elder brother, you really are my very, very good brother!"
Theme: Success comes from relying on yourself.
