Palace of Eternal Life (A Must-Read for University Students)

Author: Hong Sheng (Qing Dynasty), annotated by Xu Shuofang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: The Story of the Eternal Chamber depicts the sincere love between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei. It is self-evident that this love is not referring to the historical relationship between Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan. The first half of the play shows Emperor Xuanzong's relationships with the concubine Meifei and the princess of Guo, indicating that his feelings at that time were still relatively superficial. It can be said that the Secret Vow, which marks a second bonding, represents a new development. The incident at Ma'ensi deepens the theme of love in The Story of the Eternal Chamber. After the misfortune of losing his beloved, the sincere and irrepressible love becomes even more powerfully evident. The playwright's meticulous and accurate portrayal of Emperor Xuanzong's emotional growth process is also the entire progression of his spiritual journey. His profound mourning for the empress becomes the main focus of the latter half of The Story of the Eternal Chamber.