During the Eastern Han Dynasty, a scholar named Liang Hong, after completing his studies at the Imperial Academy, returned to his hometown to farm. He married Meng Guang, the 30-year-old daughter of a wealthy local landlord.

After their marriage, they chose to abandon the affluent life of the Meng family and went into seclusion in the Baling mountains. Later, they worked odd jobs, for instance, assisting a man named Gao Botong.

Whenever Meng Guang brought food to Liang Hong, she would always hold the tray up to the level of her eyebrows, a gesture demonstrating immense respect and deep affection for her husband. This became a symbol of their enduring, respectful, and loving marital relationship.