The Legend of the Phoenix Seeking the Swan (Novel Version): A Beautiful Love Story Between the Scholar Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun

Author: Zhang Jing, Cao Jingsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: In Linqiong, the Dong family decorated their house with lanterns and flowers to welcome Zhuo Wenjun, the daughter of Zhuo Wangsun, as a bride for the seriously ill second prince to bring good fortune. The Dong family was a branch of high-ranking officials of the court. Zhuo Wangsun arranged for his daughter to marry the Dong family to secure the position of iron official. Unexpectedly, the second prince of the Dong family died before the wedding ceremony. By chance, Dong Xiaoxian, the senior official of the Dong family, dressed as the new groom and married him to Wenjun. After learning the truth, Sima Xiangru felt immense regret and vowed to rescue Wenjun from the Dong family. After several twists and turns, Wenjun agreed to return to Chengdu with Sima Xiangru, but Sima Xiangru failed to make the journey due to a drinking mishap. Forced to act alone, Wenjun disguised herself as a man with her maid, Yu Tong, and left alone. Sima Xiangru followed her to Chengdu and stayed in the same inn as the "Du Gongzi," who was actually Wenjun in disguise. The involvement of Cheng Yi Fei, the eldest son of another iron-rich merchant, Cheng Zheng, and the interactions between the two couples and their servants created many stories. During this time, Sima Xiangru and the "Du Gongzi" discussed poetry and literature, deeply appreciating each other. By chance, they composed an ancient melody called "The Phoenix Seeks the." The five of them made plans to travel together, during which Sima Xiangru saved Qinglu, the daughter of a friend, Meng Zhai, who was trying to assassinate the evil general Tang Meng but failed and was nearly captured. Later, Sima Xiangru also nearly suffered losses while petitioning for the people against Tang Meng. Fortunately, Wei Qing saved him with a clever trick. After this incident, Wenjun had no choice but to return home. To meet his old friend Wang Ji, Sima Xiangru also returned to Chengdu. To please Emperor Wu of Han, Dong Xiaoxian tricked Zhuo Wangsun into having a painter draw Wenjun's portrait. During the process, Sima Xiangru and Wenjun confessed their hearts to each other, giving rise to a sincere love. Eventually, Wenjun bravely returned to Linqiong with Sima Xiangru, but Dong Xiaoxian ruined their home, forcing them to return to Chengdu. When they could no longer run the tavern, the eunuch Yang from the palace brought an imperial decree summoning Sima Xiangru to Chang'an. Emperor Wu admired Sima Xiangru's literary talent and had him write poems in the palace. However, Sima Xiangru was demoted for petitioning for the people and was placed under house arrest, forbidden from leaving Chang'an. Empress Chen wanted to use Sima Xiangru's talent to compose a poem to win back Emperor Wu's favor, but her plan backfired, causing Emperor Wu to furious. Wenjun was kidnapped by Dong family members, and Sima Xiangru, upon receiving the news, composed the "Shanglin Fu" demanded by Emperor Wu to rescue her. When he returned to Linqiong, he was told that Wenjun had died. In reality, Dong Xiaoxian had secretly sent Wenjun to Chang'an. To save Meng Zhai, who was attacked by Tang Meng, Sima Xiangru also composed the "Changmen Fu" requested by the empress. Sima Xiangru was recalled to Chang'an but nearly executed for offending Emperor Wu. Fortunately, Dong Fangshuo and Princess Pingyang saved him and he was taken in by the princess's mansion. Princess Pingyang was also moved by Sima Xiangru's genuine love for Wenjun. Sima Xiangru was appointed as the cultural advisor to the imperial garden. From then on, he spent his days with poetry and wine, even the beautiful Wei Zifu failed to win his heart. On the other side, Emperor Wu was also moved by Wenjun's sincere love for Sima Xiangru. In the end, he decided to send Sima Xiangru and Wei Qing on a western expedition. After their victorious return, Emperor Wu personally arranged a marriage for Sima Xiangru. As the newlyweds, Sima Xiangru finally gathered the courage to lift the veil of his bride in the bridal chamber.