Become A Member
Join A Class
News
|
|
|
Laundering the Silken Yarn
 |
|
|
|
Entrusting One's Son |
|
|
|
Wen, Fulin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Laundering the Silken Yarn : Entrusting One's Son
|
Synopsis of "Laundering the Silken Yarn" and "Entrusting
One's Son"
Liang Chenyu (born 1520) was a famous Ming play writer; his
master piece Huan Sha Ji (Laundering the Silken Yarn) was the
first Chuanqi play put to the music of Kunqu style. It is the
story of the famous beauty Xishi during the Warring States
Period (475-221 B.C.). The Yue State was defeated by the Wu
State. As part of a conspiracy for future vengeance, Xishi,
formerly a country girl, laundering silken yarn in a stream, was
presented by the King of the Yue to the victorious King of the.
The only person to suspect the impending danger was Wu Zixu
(also known as Wu Yuan), the loyal prime minister of the Wu
State.
Deeply enamored of Xishi, the King of the Wu State simply left
Zixu's warnings unheeded. The conspiracy worked. Wu Zixu was
order by his king to commit suicide. Before long, king of Wu was
defeated and killed by the king of Yue. Xishi was rejoined by
her constant former lover Fan Li. They lived in retirement
happily ever after.
The play has 45 scenes; Entrusting One's Son is scene 25. Aware
of the impending threat to the Wu State, Prime Minister Wu Zixu
decides to do what he can to save his country and his lord, even
risking his own life. In order to leave nothing to worry about
at home, Wu Zixu is going to entrust his young son to the care
of a friend Bao Mu in the State of Qi. The father brings the son
along on the journey without telling him why. When the true
purpose of the journey is revealed, the son is overwhelmed with
grief, but he is obliged to comply with the father's wishes and
promises to behave as Bao Mu's adopted son. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join our Community |
   |
   |
|
|
|
