Luo Zifu, a native of Bin County, lost both parents early. At the age of eight or nine, he went to live with his uncle, Luo Daye. Luo Daye served as the Libationer of the Imperial College, possessing great wealth in gold and silver, yet having no children. He doted on Luo Zifu, treating him as his own flesh and blood. When Luo Zifu was fourteen, he was led astray by villains and developed deviant habits.

In the county town lived a courtesan from Jinling, whose beauty