Palace of Eternal Life: The Great Elegance Collection

Author: Hong Sheng (Qing Dynasty), commented by Weng Minhua and Chen Jinsong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This play is a renowned classical Chinese opera that depicts the tragic love story between Emperor Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan. Together with The West Chamber, The Peony Pavilion, and The Peach Blossom Fan, it is hailed as one of the "Four Great Classical Plays," embodying the highest achievements of ancient Chinese theatrical works. Author Hong Sheng spent ten years writing the play, revising it three times, and titled it The Longevity Palace to focus solely on the love story of the hairpin and box. It is considered a peer to The Peach Blossom Fan as the twin gem of the early Qing Dynasty theater scene. The play consists of fifty scenes, with the love story of Li and Yang as the narrative thread, intertwined with the complex and sharp social contradictions of the Tianbao era, particularly the An Lushan Rebellion. Using various artistic techniques such as oblique narration, hints, and foreshadowing, it portrays the emperor and empress's indulgence in luxury and desire, leading to the corruption of the court, rebellions by regional warlords, and ultimately, the self-made tragedy of their love. The book is accompanied by exquisite annotations, elegant illustrations, and a timeless, classical charm.