Du Shaoqing, a positive figure, is based on the author himself. He is not keen on fame, opposes stereotyped imperial examination and is unwilling to be an official. He is regarded as "a rare wonder since ancient times and today". His contempt for the imperial examination is particularly prominent. He said, "Scholars in this school don't look like slaves." This is a mockery and a criticism of the system of selecting officials in feudal society.
He dared to doubt authority and challenged Zhu Xi, the interpreter of Confucian classics. He said, "Zhu Wengong's interpretation of the scriptures is a matter of course, and it is also for future generations to refer to the Confucianism. Now I have lost all the Confucians, only relying on Zhu Zhu's notes. This is the ignorance of future generations and has nothing to do with Zhu Xi. " In fact, this is a denial of the theoretical standard "Zhu Zhu Zhu", and it is also a denial of Zhu Xi's authority.
Du Shaoqing despises ethics, opposes discrimination against women and concubinage, and has a preliminary democratic thought. He is an ideal figure in the author's mind because he is generous in helping others and loves others equally.