Personal Library -- Peach Blossom Fan

Author: Kong Shangren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The Peach Blossom Fan is a representative work of Qing Dynasty's chuanqi (classical Chinese opera). Through the love story between Hou Chaozong, a literati of the Fushu (Society for the Preservation of Ancient Culture) and Li Xiangjun, a famous courtesan in Qinhuai, the play reflects the fall of the Southern Ming Hongguang Dynasty, embodying the phrase "using the theme of separation and reunion to express the sentiments of rise and fall." Based on historical facts, the play spans from the 16th year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1643) to the 2nd year of the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1645), starting with Li Zicheng's rebellion capturing Beijing and the Chongzhen Emperor's suicide on Coal Mountain, and ending with the Shunzhi Emperor recruiting mountain hermits. It realistically portrays the complex contradictions of this historical period, aiming to reveal the reasons for the fall of the Hongguang Dynasty and impart the historical lessons of its collapse to the readers, as stated: "Not only does it move the audience to tears, but it also serves as a warning to the heart, offering a form of salvation for the declining times."