Ding Yuehua


Ding Yuehua is a fictional character from the 19th-century Chinese novel The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants. She was a younger cousin of the twins Ding Zhaolan and Ding Zhaohui, and later married Zhan Zhao.

Background

Ding Yuehua lived with her elder cousins Ding Zhaolan and Ding Zhaohui in Jasmine Village, Songjiang ever since her parents died, presumably when she was still young. Her aunt treated her like her own daughter, and the twins addressed her "sister" rather than "cousin". The twins were sons of a military general, and Ding Yuehua also became an excellent fighter with her sword named Zhanlu.

Betrothal to Zhan Zhao

Zhan Zhao is invited by Ding Zhaohui to visit the Ding Family Village. There he tries sword dancing with a famous sword from the village, Zhanlu, and remarks that Zhanlu is much lighter than his own sword, Juque. Outraged, the younger cousin Ding Yuehua challenges Zhan to a duel as she is Zhanlu's owner. Zhan is very impressed with Ding Yuehua's skills and admits defeat when she cuts off his bandanna. However, Ding Zhaolan notices that Zhan has actually cut off Ding Yuehua's earring which is much more difficult. With the blessings of the entire Ding family, Zhan and Ding Yuehua exchange swords as engagement gifts.
Zhan and Ding married later in the novel.

Portrayal in film and television