Wang Baochuan (Chinese/English)

Author: Xiong Shiyi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Wang Baochuan was a great woman in the Tang Dynasty who endured hardship in a humble cottage, patiently waiting for her husband for love. As a noblewoman in feudal society, her loyal and devoted image of enduring 18 years of hardship in the cottage deeply moved and inspired people. The author, Mr. Xiong Shiyi, a renowned expert in Sino-Western cultural exchange, has adapted this story into a play. It is particularly noteworthy that this book is a bilingual edition (Chinese-English), allowing more foreigners to learn about Wang Baochuan and, in turn, more about Chinese culture.
Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, Wang Yun, the prime minister, had three daughters. His youngest daughter, Wang Baochuan, fell in love with Xue Pinggui, a poor but ambitious man. Her father strongly opposed the match, forcing her to flee with Xue Pinggui to a humble cottage in the southern city. Later, Xue Pinggui eliminated public evils and was appointed as the commander of the rear army by the Tang emperor to lead a campaign against the Western Liang. In a battle against the enemy, due to his second Wei Hu's retreat, Xue Pinggui was outnumbered and captured. When Wei Hu returned to the capital, he spread rumors that Xue Pinggui had died in battle and persuaded Wang Baochuan to remarry. Wang Yun and others also visited the cottage to urge her to remarry, but she refused all of them. She spent her days enduring hunger and cold, surviving by foraging for wild vegetables. Eighteen years later, when Western Liang was unified with the Tang, she finally reunited with Xue Pinggui.