The Value of True Love

Shen Fu and Yun's romance was the type that transcended every other role they played in life, and defined everything they did in it. From the day he met her, Shen Fu knew he wanted to marry her, even though he was only thirteen years old, and from the very beginning, their interaction centered around their mutual respect for each other's intellects and interests. As might have been expected at the time, Yun took intense interest in Shen Fu's family, work and travel, coming along side him to help in every way she could. Yun encouraged Shen Fu to be the best he could, even to the point of insisting that his pursuits come before her, as in the case of her letter writing when he was away studying.

As was likely far more exceptional for the time, Shen Fu took an equal amount...