Wang Baochuan

Chancellor Wang Yun of the Tang dynasty had three daughters. His eldest, Jinchuan, married Su Long and became the esteemed wife of the Minister of Revenue. His second, Yinchuan, married Wei Hu, Vice Minister of War, and enjoyed wealth and status. But his third daughter, Baochuan, was strong-willed, loving with all her heart and hating just as fiercely. She hung a flower ball from a tower at the crossroads of Chang’an and tossed it to choose a husband, causing a sensation throughout the city. But fate had other plans: the ball struck a ragged beggar named Xue Pinggui.

Wang Yun valued wealth above all else. Furious, he ordered Baochuan to break off the match, but she refused to regret her choice. She would give up riches and fine clothes to spend her life with Pinggui. Father and daughter struck their palms together three times in a formal break: the first ended their relationship, the second severed their ties, and the third vowed they would never acknowledge each other again. From then on, their bond was broken. Baochuan resolutely followed Xue Pinggui into a dilapidated cave dwelling. Rain seeped through its thatched roof and broken tiles barely sheltered them, but she treasured every scrap of warmth they shared as a poor married couple.

Xue Pinggui was ambitious. He joined the army and, through his valor, tamed a red-maned steed. The Tang king appointed him commander of the Junjun military prefecture and sent him on an expedition to Xiliang. In secret, Wang Yun conspired with Wei Hu, plotting to drive Pinggui into a desperate situation and have him captured. Recognizing his exceptional talent, the King of Xiliang gave him Princess Daizhan in marriage and installed him as ruler. Xue Pinggui rose from prisoner of war to legendary horse tamer and then ruler of a foreign land. He endured countless battles and gained immense power, but back in Chang’an, Wang Baochuan kept vigil alone in their humble cave for eighteen years, suffering hunger and hardship without ever wavering. She wrote a letter in her own blood and sent it to Xiliang by carrier pigeon, hoping only for her husband’s return.

After eighteen years of hardship, Xue Pinggui received her letter and hurried back to Chang’an. At Wujia Slope, he chanced upon Baochuan. After eighteen years apart, they were finally reunited. Wang Yun plotted to usurp the throne and murder the king, so Xue Pinggui led his troops back to the capital, named Baochuan his empress, made Princess Daizhan his second empress, and welcomed his mother-in-law, Lady Wang, to the seat of honor as they celebrated their reunion.