Phoenix Seeking

Author: Zhang Jing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: This is a romantic love drama adapted from the touching story of Sima Xiangru and Zhu Wenjun, two famous figures from the Han Dynasty in China. The Dong family of Linqiong, adorned with lanterns and decorations, welcomes Zhu Wenjun, the daughter of Zhu Wangsun, into their home to bring good fortune to the ailing second son. The Dong family is a clan of high-ranking officials, and Zhu Wangsun betrothed his daughter to the Dong family to secure a position as the official in charge of iron production. Unexpectedly, the second son of the Dong family died before the wedding ceremony could be completed. By chance, Dong Xiaoxian, the wealthy merchant of the Dong family, dressed Sima Xiangru, who had come with Wang Ji to celebrate, as the groom and married him to Wenjun. After learning the truth, Sima Xiangru felt immense regret and vowed to rescue Wenjun from the Dong family. After many twists and turns, Wenjun agreed to return to Chengdu with Sima Xiangru. However, Sima Xiangru failed to make the journey due to a mishap involving alcohol. Forced to act alone, Wenjun disguised herself as a man with her maid, Yu Tong, and left. Sima Xiangru followed her to Chengdu and stayed at the same inn as the disguised "Du Gongzi," Wenjun. Additionally, the involvement of Cheng Yi Fei, the eldest son of another wealthy iron merchant, Cheng Zheng, and the interactions between Wenjun and her servants, Du Gongzi and Sima Xiangru and his servant Sang Pu, led to many stories. During this time, Sima Xiangru and "Du Gongzi" discussed poetry and literature, deeply appreciating each other. By chance, they composed an ancient song, "The Phoenix Seeks the." The five of them agreed to travel together, during which Sima Xiangru saved Qinglu, the daughter of a friend, Meng Zhai, who was trying to assassinate the evil general Tang Meng, though he failed and nearly captured. Later, Sima Xiangru attempted to petition for the people's sake in an encounter with Tang Meng but nearly suffered the consequences. Fortunately, Wei Qing saved him with a clever trick. After this incident, Wenjun had no choice but to return home. Sima Xiangru also returned to Chengdu to meet his old friend, Wang Ji. To please Emperor Wu of Han, Dong Xiaoxian tricked Zhu Wangsun into having a painter draw Wenjun's portrait. During the process, Sima Xiangru and Wenjun confessed their hearts to each other, giving rise to genuine love. Eventually, Wenjun bravely returned to the Dong family's mansion in Linqiong with Sima Xiangru, but Dong Xiaoxian ruined their home, forcing them to return to Chengdu. When their tavern business failed, the eunuch Yang from the palace brought an imperial decree summoning Sima Xiangru to Chang'an. Emperor Wu admired Sima Xiangru's literary talent and had him compose poems in the palace. However, Sima Xiangru was demoted for petitioning for the people's sake and was placed under house arrest, forbidden to leave Chang'an. Empress Chen hoped to win Emperor Wu's favor by having Sima Xiangru compose a poem, but her efforts backfired, causing Emperor Wu to furious. Wenjun was kidnapped by Dong family members, and Sima Xiangru, upon learning the news, composed the "Shanglin Fu" demanded by Emperor Wu to rescue her. When he returned to Linqiong, he was told that Wenjun was already dead. In reality, Dong Xiaoxian had secretly sent Wenjun to Chang'an. To save Meng Zhai, who was attacked by Tang Meng, Sima Xiangru composed the "Changmen Fu" requested by the empress. Sima Xiangru was recalled to Chang'an but nearly executed for offending Emperor Wu, saved only by Dong Fangshuo and Princess Pingyang, who housed him in her mansion. Impressed by Sima Xiangru's genuine love for Wenjun, Princess Pingyang was moved. Sima Xiangru was appointed as the head of the Wen Garden. From then on, he spent his days composing poetry and drinking, even the beautiful Wei Zifu failed to win his heart. Emperor Wu, too, was moved by Wenjun's devotion to Sima Xiangru. In the end, he decided to send Sima Xiangru and Wei Qing westward to campaign. Upon their victorious return, Emperor Wu personally arranged a marriage for Sima Xiangru. As the newlyweds, Sima Xiangru finally gathered the courage to lift the veil of his bride.