Here is the translation of the provided content: "Change of life Illustrated Edition"

Author: Hong Sheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The Longevity Palace is a representative work of Hong Sheng's dramatic creation, taking the line "On the seventh day of the seventh month, in the Longevity Palace" from Bai Juyi's Song of Everlasting Sorrow as the title of the play. The play depicts Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty loving his concubine Yang Guifei, who indulged in feasts and entertainment with him day and night, neglecting state affairs. The power in the court was held by Yang Guifei's brother, Yang Guozhong. On the seventh day of the seventh month, Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong swore eternal love in the Longevity Palace, vowing to be husband and wife for all generations. Soon after, An Lushan rebelled due to a power struggle with Yang Guozhong. Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei fled Chang'an, while the imperial army killed Yang Guozhong and forced Emperor Xuanzong to have Yang Guifei strangled. After An Lushan's rebellion was suppressed, Emperor Xuanzong yearned for Yang Guifei day and night. Later, the Taoist Yang Tongyou used magic to build a bridge to the moon, where Emperor Xuanzong flew to meet Yang Guifei, fulfilling their vow to be husband and wife "through life and death." The Longevity Palace has a complex ideological theme. On one hand, it praises the unchanging love between Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei; on the other hand, it connects to the broad social background of the An-Shi Rebellion and criticizes the ruling class for their debauchery, misgovernance, and harm to the people, expressing sorrow over the fall of the nation and the loss of family. The play is artistically delicate and rich in lyrical expression. The author skillfully uses beautiful, flowing, and poetic lyrics to depict the emotional and psychological changes of characters in different situations. For example, in the scene The Pipa, from the of the hairpin and hairpin box to the westward journey of the imperial carriage, the lyrics are melancholic and moving. "The inn at Mawei is desolate, the Buddhist hall slanted and cold. A beauty of the age dies for her lord, leaving a legacy of sorrow dripping from her silk handkerchief." These lyrics effectively combine the atmosphere of the environment with the character's personality, filled with poetry.