U-Version Romance of the Western Chamber (GL)

Famous tales have always had their origins. A down-and-out scholar roams the world with nothing but a sword and books, his ambitions hidden away for years. How many can truly leap through the Dragon Gate, bring honor to their family, and make their name? Instead, poverty and illness weigh them down, and they struggle to survive. Stories of lovesick men and women falling for each other often begin in hardship. Could they be nothing more than impossible fantasies born of adversity? What kind of talent did the young lady of the He family possess? Had she never seen a handsome man before? To entrust herself to someone at first sight and vow to marry no one but him is truly absurd. Consider Yingying: what a background, what a remarkable person she was, yet she chose Zhang Junrui, a mere scholar. On closer thought, the reason is rather amusing.

For days, I was so immersed in The Story of the Western Wing that I could hardly tear myself away. Then a strange idea struck me: Hongniang is an extraordinary woman, so why was she reduced to a supporting role? It is a grave injustice, and I wanted to write her biography. Then a beloved post was locked, and with nothing to do that night, I started browsing the forum. So I happily set to typing, hoping only to make all you ladies smile. I have no other intention.

I will be tied up with all sorts of things for the coming year, and I don't want to rush the updates, so I can only keep putting them off. Besides, my state of mind is no longer what it was, and figuring out how to pick up where I left off and continue this story is no easy task. This time next year, if everything is in order, I will certainly fill in this abandoned story and finally put one matter to rest.

09.06.07