Trusting true love

Time and time again we hear about true love prevailing over all obstacles. From childhood we were raised hearing the tales of Snow White, Cinderella and even the Little Mermaid. In these stories, for the most part, the leading characters were innocent and seemed not to have a "past". In the story of Du Tenth sinks the Jewel Box in Anger, Du Tenth has a past that is not widely accepted. Although Li knew of Du Tenth's past, he still fell in love with her. Du Tenth bargained with her madam to allow time for Li to collect finances to buy her from her mama. "Though the young master may be a little strapped for cash...he can raise three hundred."(Menglong 502) Knowing that Li would be too ashamed to return if he did not succeed, mama agreed. She initially only wanted him to have three days but later stated, " for your sake, then, I'll give him ten days."(Menglong502) Around day six Li had been searching and talking to his friends but no one was willing to help him. They knew he had been spending his money in the whore house and pretty much was not about to support his habit. Du Tenth realizing he had not returned, sent for him. Upon his return he told her he was still broke but had been trying. "Catching tigers cannot be considered easy, but begging favors is what's truely hard." (Menlong 504) Du Tenth gives Li her savings which equals half of what he needs. The other half is given by Liu Yuchun to whom Du Tenth promises, "On some future day I swear that we will worthily repay your kindness." (Menglong 507) Time passes and Du Tenth uses gifts given to here to provide means for transportation and survival for herself and her new husband Li. During travels, Li is offered 1000 taels in exchange for Du tenth so that he would not have to return home as an embarrassment to his father. Li realizes that Du Tenth would not be accepted by his family because of her past as a prostitute.  Li agrees with the blessings from Du Tenth. After the exchange Du Tenth ask Li to retrieve her box. In it Du Tenth reveals treasures worth 10 times as much as  Li received. The treasure was thrown into the water because she realized Li was not worthy of the treasure since he traded her for one thousand.  If Li would have trusted in the love as much as Du Tenth did he would have returned to his family with the love of his life and wealth. But because he was embarrassed he left with one thousand taels.