The Phoenix Seeking the Swan: Novel Version

Author: Zhang Jing, Cao Jingsheng (screenwriters)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The Dong family of Linqiong, adorned with lanterns and decorations, welcomes the daughter of Zhuo Wangsun, Zhuo Wenjun, into their home as a wedding gift for their ailing second son. The Dong family is a clan of high-ranking officials of the court. Zhuo Wangsun betrothed his daughter to the Dong family to secure the position of iron official. Unexpectedly, the second son of the Dong family died before the wedding ceremony could even begin. By chance, Dong Xiaoxian, the senior official of the Dong family, forcibly made Sima Xiangru, who came with Wang Ji to celebrate the wedding, the groom and married 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 as his companion. However, Sima Xiangru failed to make the journey due to a mishap involving alcohol. Forced to act alone, Wenjun disguised herself as a man with her maid, Yu Tong, and set off alone. Sima Xiangru chased after her to Chengdu and stayed at the same inn as the disguised "Du Gongzhu," Wenjun. The involvement of Cheng Yi Fei, the eldest son of another iron-rich merchant, Cheng Zheng, and the interactions between Wenjun and her maid, Yu Tong, and Sima Xiangru and his servant, Sang Pu, led to many stories. During this time, Sima Xiangru and "Du Gongzhu" discussed poetry and literature, deeply appreciating each other. By chance, they composed an ancient song, "The Phoenix Seeks the." The five of them made a plan to travel together, during which Sima Xiangru saved Qinglu, the daughter of his old friend Meng Zhai, who was attempting to assassinate the evil general Tang Meng but failed and was nearly captured. Later, Sima Xiangru nearly suffered a setback while petitioning for the people's sake against Tang Meng. Fortunately, he was saved by Wei Qing's 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 a portrait of his daughter, Wenjun. During the portrait session, Sima Xiangru and Wenjun confessed their hearts to each other, giving rise to a sincere love. Eventually, Wenjun resolutely returned to Sima Xiangru in Linqiong's official residence, but Dong Xiaoxian ruined their home, forcing them to return to Chengdu. When their tavern business failed, 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 compose poems in the palace. However, Sima Xiangru was demoted for petitioning for the people's sake and was placed under house arrest, forbidden to leave Chang'an. Empress Chen wanted to use Sima Xiangru's literary talent to compose a poem to regain the Emperor's favor, but her attempt backfired, causing the Emperor to fly into a rage. Wenjun was kidnapped by Dong family members, and Sima Xiangru, upon learning the news, composed the "Palace of Shanglin" to save her, only to return to Linqiong and find out 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 composed the "Palace of Changmen" for the Empress. Sima Xiangru was recalled to Chang'an and nearly executed for offending the Emperor but was saved by Dong Fangshuo and Princess Pingyang, who then took him to live in her palace. Impressed by Sima Xiangru's genuine love for Wenjun, Princess Pingyang was moved. Sima Xiangru was appointed as the head of the Wen Garden. From then on, he spent his days composing poetry and drinking, even the beautiful Wei Zifu failed to win his heart. On the other side, Emperor Wu was also moved by Wenjun's genuine love for Sima Xiangru and decided to send Sima Xiangru and Wei Qing on a western expedition. After their victorious return, the Emperor 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. To tell the long story short, this happened over two thousand one hundred years ago. It was a autumn morning when morning mist, like a silk scarf, drifted over a large river in Shu. The river water was calm and smooth, like silk.