A nobleman had a very gifted son. However, the young man was easily distracted. The father decided to send him to the capital, to take part in the imperial examinations. If he did well, he would receive a high government post. The nobleman gave him money for his travels, with instructions to well and make his family proud.
Along the way, the young man heard the praises of the beautiful Li Wa, a famous courtesan of the time, whose singing and dancing were said to be incomparable. He decided to see for himself. Long story short, he spent all his money on her. The news reached the nobleman’s ears, and in a rage, he hunted down his wayward son, beats him within an inch of his life, and left him for dead by the roadside. The young man was reduced to begging from door-to-door for his daily sustenance. One day, who should come to the door but Li Wa. When she saw her former patron in such a destitute state, she took pity on him and took him in. She clothed him, fed him and encouraged him in his studies. And in the following year, she gave him money and sent him off to take part in the imperial examinations. Thee young man won the highest honors, and was awarded the top government position. With this, he returned home to make amends with his father. And when the nobleman heard of all that Li Wa had done for his son, he joyously gave his permission for the two to wed.