Du Shiniang

 

Du Shiniang was one of the most famous courtesans during the reign of Emperor Wan Li of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). She was the daughter of an official and after her father got into trouble and died in jail, Du was sold to Yicui Yuan, a brothel in Peking. The daughter of a well-to-do family in good social standing, Du was well versed in music and dancing and soon became the most favorite courtesan in Peking.

Du then fell in love with a son of an official surnamed Li. They tied the knot after Du ransomed herself from the brothel. However, Li sold his wife to a wealthy business man because he was afraid that his father would not agree to his marriage to a courtesan. Finally, Du jumped into a river and killed herself after she knew she had been betrayed by her busband.