Liu Rushi (1618-1664), whose original surname was Yang and whose given name was Ai, changed his surname to Liu and whose given name was Yin. Later, the name was changed to Shi, with the courtesy name being this. He was also called Hedongjun, also known as Miwujun, Yinglian, and Wowen Jushi. A native of Jiaxing, Zhejiang. Qian Qianyi, a great talent in the Ming Dynasty, was a concubine and a female poet in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.
Liu Rushi was later sold into the home of Zhou Daodeng, the former prime minister of Chongzhen, and married to Zhou Daodeng, who was over sixty years old, as his concubine. Because Liu Rushi was young and bright, Zhou Daodeng often held her on his knees and taught her poetry and songs. The other wives and concubines were very jealous. After Zhou Daodeng's death, fourteen-year-old Liu Rushi was kicked out of the Zhou family. She was forced to go down to court and become a singing girl.
Liu Rushi can draw poetry. When she first married Yunjian Xiaolian, she became her concubine and studied poetry from Xiaolian. He was later abandoned and traveled between Wu and Yue, becoming famous for his literary talent and grace. She was first interested in Chen Zilong, but was rejected.
Later married Qian Qianyi, leader of the Donglin Party. After the Qing troops entered the pass, Liu Rushi was very dissatisfied with Qian Qianyi, Ma Shiying and others' complicity. After Qian Qianyi's death, Liu Rushi committed suicide by hanging himself from the beam because he could not bear the humiliation of the Qian family.
Character evaluation:
Liu Rushi was a famous singing prostitute who was active during the Ming and Qing dynasties. She has a strong personality, integrity, intelligence, and courage. In terms of literary and artistic talents, she is known as the first of the "Eight Beauties of Qinhuai". She is also famous for her calligraphy and painting. Her paintings are skillful, simple, elegant and graceful; her calligraphy was highly praised by later generations, who called her "an iron fist with a silver hook, which once captured the wonderful traces".
In addition, Liu Rushi, as a woman in a traditional society, has deep feelings for her family and country and political ambitions. Among the celebrities who interacted with him, Zhang Pu, Chen Zilong, and Li Cunwo were all steadfast national patriots. Liu Rushi often discussed with them the rise and fall of the world.
When he was in Shengze, Liu Rushi once said to Zhang Pu: "The Central Plains is in turmoil and a great hero is needed to quell the chaos and resist aggression. He should be like Xie Dongshan in planning and defeating the enemy, but not like Tao Jing in his bright and honorable spirit. . As a man, I must save the nation and serve the country with my life!"
Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia - Liu Rushi