Yuan Wuguang's mother was a young woman from the Lu family of Fanyang. She had a love for reading from a young age and always conducted herself with grace. She became a young widow with small sons and a family struggling to make ends meet. Lu personally taught them to read and educated them with noble moral standards, which earned her praise from the community. As the Renshou period was drawing to a close, Prince Han Liang launched a rebellion and dispatched General Qi Liang to Shandong to seize territory. Qi Liang took Yuan Wuguang on as his aide. Eventually, after Qi Liang's defeat, Shangguan Zheng, the governor of Cizhou, searched Yuan Wuguang's home, noticed Lu, became infatuated with her, and attempted to coerce her. Lu firmly refused. Shangguan Zheng, a particularly fierce man, grew furious and even burned Lu with a candle. Lu's resolve only strengthened, and she never wavered.
Pei Lun's wife was a well-educated young woman from the Liu family of Hedong. As the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty was nearing its end, Pei Lun became the magistrate of Weiyuan County. Just as Xue Ju was staging his rebellion, the county was overrun by bandits, resulting in Pei Lun's death. At that time, Liu was forty years old and had two daughters and three beautiful daughters-in-law. She said to them, "We have fallen into this chaotic world, your father has died, and I fear that I won't be able to protect you. Our family has always upheld strong morals, and we cannot allow ourselves to be dishonored by those bandits. I will die alongside you. What do you think?" Her daughters and daughters-in-law wept and replied, "We will follow you." Liu then jumped into a well to take her own life, and her daughters and daughters-in-law followed her lead, and they all perished in the well.
Zhao Yuankai's wife is the daughter of the Cui family of Qinghe. Her father, Cui Ran, is mentioned in "Literary Biographies." Their family has always been strict, and all the children have adhered to the rules. Yuankai's father is a wealthy and influential minister who values social status, so he married her off with generous gifts. Yuankai holds great respect for Mrs. Cui; even at private banquets, he does not speak out of turn or make jokes, and his every move and attire are in accordance with etiquette.
Later, Yuankai went to Hebei to work for the court and was preparing to return to Chang'an. When he reached Fukou, he was ambushed by bandits. Yuankai barely saved his life, but Mrs. Cui was captured by the bandits. The bandits intended to force her into marriage, but Mrs. Cui replied: "I am the daughter of a scholar-official and the daughter-in-law of a minister. Even if my family is destroyed today, I can still take my own life. Let me be your wife? Absolutely impossible!" The bandits tore her clothes, tied her naked body to the bed, intending to insult her. Fearing defilement, Mrs. Cui deceived them: "I am too weak to resist now; do as you please, I dare not resist; please untie my rope first." The bandits quickly released her. Mrs. Cui quickly donned her clothes, seized the bandit's dagger, stood by a tree, and declared: "Want to kill me? Bring it on! If you want me dead, come on!" The bandits, enraged, shot her with arrows. Later, Yuankai found the killers of his wife, dismembered them, and used their remains as offerings at Mrs. Cui's funeral.
In historical records, it is said that people praise the virtues of women, mostly focusing on gentleness and obedience as the primary standards. This is merely a mediocre perspective and does not reach the pinnacle. Women like Cui Shi, who possess a clear understanding and long-term vision, steadfast determination, and noble integrity, have existed in every era throughout history! Princess Lanling's virtues are even more exalted than the coldest pine, and Princess Nanyang's determination is even firmer than stubborn rocks. The filial piety and bravery of Xi Shi, Cui Shi, and the two mothers surnamed Feng can make even the bravest and most resourceful feel ashamed, while those with noble virtues feel inferior. Princess Xiangcheng, Princess Huayang, the wives of Pei Lun and Yuan Kai, all faced hardships and adversity, as events unfolded contrary to their desires; yet they willingly faced life and death together, remaining steadfast despite their hardships. Their resolve is as unyielding as frost, and their words and actions as bright and righteous as the sun. Even the vows of mutual love in the Book of Songs and the account of Lady Boji's loyalty and sacrifice in the Zuo Zhuan pale in comparison!
