Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District | Princess Changping

Description

The story takes place in the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Chongzhen. The Emperor, having fallen out of favor with the Queen and his concubines, orders their deaths and attempts to kill Princess Changping as well. She is rescued by Zhou Zhong, and under the careful care of Zhou and his wife, Bao Lun, she slowly recovers. Seeking wealth and status, Zhou Zhong and Bao Lun plan to present Princess Changping to the Qing Emperor. With the help of Zhou Ruilan's clever scheme, Princess Changping escapes and takes refuge in Weimo Nunnery. A year later, she is reunited with her lover, Shi Xian, who finds her outside the nunnery and pleads with her to return. Only when Shi Xian offers to die for her does Princess Changping finally agree to recognize him.

Shi Xian reveals to Princess Changping his plan to pretend to surrender to the Qing Dynasty. With a heavy heart, the princess writes a petition to the Qing Emperor, requesting a proper burial for Emperor Chongzhen and the release of the Crown Prince. To appease the remnants of the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Emperor is forced to fulfill his promise. In the end, the princess and her husband bid each other farewell under the cinnamomum camphora tree and both take poison to commit suicide. Heavenly voices are heard, welcoming the return of the Jade Maiden and Golden Boy to the celestial realm. Overcome with shame, Zhou Zhong and Bao Lun resign from their official positions and return to their hometown.