How are courtesans represented in the story? Why do you think Feng Menglong chooses to depict them this way?

The story “Du Tenth Sinks The Jewel Box In Anger” was written in the 17th century and actually published in 1624. Feng Menglong, the author of the story, had access to classical Chinese, yet depicts the story in a vernacular language. As the date suggests, the story was written hundreds of years ago when courtesans (prostitutes) in particular had no freedom/independence of their own and were not considered up-to-the-mark as compared to the ordinary people (in short, got no respect from anybody). I have come up to this conclusion because Du Mei, a.k.a Du Tenth, who is described as such an adorable person inside out  in the story had to struggle so much to buy her freedom which wasn’t long-lived. In my opinion, Feng Menglong chooses to depict ‘courtesans’ this way in the story to highlight how they are not any different from any other person yet they are treated so differently. For instance, Du Tenth had been feeding the madam off her services for so long but still she had to convince the madam to set her free in exchange of a price. Moreover, when Li Jia headed out for help to gather the money, everybody refused thinking of his situation as “just an excuse to get money to enjoy with that whore”. In return of it all, it turns out that even though Du Mei was a prostitute by profession, she was more genuine and loyal than Li Jia who is convinced by a stranger to separate from Du Tenth. Also, when Du Tenth decides to see her sisters before she sets off for the journey with Li Jia, we find that her sisters celebrate her independence and upcoming journey wit Li Jia in the best way possible and also provide her supplies which would help her and Master Li throughout their journey. Overall, the role of courtesans in the story was very significant and mind-changing about facts such as a courtesan is not trustworthy, loyal, or worthy of anything.