Scene 30: Repentance in the Realm of Shades

Scene 30: Repentance of Love

(Enter the Vice-Marshal)

Xianlü Entering Shuangdiao · Puxian Song:

The slope of Mawei is too desolate; even the Lord of the Earth cannot muster his spirits. The temple walls have crumbled, no one burns a stick of incense, and who offers sacrifices of blessings and three victims?

I am the local god of Mawei Slope. My incense offerings were once quite abundant. But because An Lushan rebelled, the local people have all fled. The temple has fallen into ruin, and the smoke of incense has ceased. Now there are many wild ghosts about; I fear they may cause trouble, so I shall patrol the area for a while. Truly: "Because my divine fortune is poor, I often fear ghosts and monsters will make a din." (Exits briefly)

(Enter the Soul of the Female Lead)

Shuangdiao Yinzhi · Dao Lian Zi:

Grievances layered and layered, resentment deep and deep; sleeping beneath the Yellow Springs, when will I wake? My soul is severed amid vast mist and cold moonlight, rustling with the wind past an empty courtyard.

"One strain of the 'Rainbow Robe and Feathered Skirt' melody fades with the morning breeze; heavenly fragrance and national beauty all end in emptiness. Pity only this heart, hard to die, lingering with endless regret." I am the ghost of Yang Yuhuan. Since my death at Mawei Slope, by the decree of the Great Emperor of Mount Tai, I have been allowed to rest my soul at the post station, spared from descending into the underworld. (Pause) I think back to my life, sharing pleasures with the Emperor in the Western Palace—such glory and favor! Now, in an instant, my rosy beauty has met its end; my white bones bear injustice, buried deep. In this desolate post station with broken walls, my lonely soul lingers alone. Look—the moonlight is dim, the stars cold; dusk has come again. How bleak and miserable it is!

Guoqu · San Xian Qiao:

The ancient post station, silent and empty; I steal along with the moving clouds and dim moonlight, furtively, hiding, momentarily showing my form. In secret, my heart is restless; suddenly I recall my former grace—the thought brings endless tears. Think, think of that day's delicate figure; think, think of that day's radiant makeup—truly surpassing painted portraits. Who knew it could not last? Soon I grew cold and starved (grievous) bitter! I have become a ghostly thing—who would recognize the form of Yang Yuhuan!

(Weeps. Takes out the hairpin and jewel box from her sleeve)

This gold hairpin and jewel box are tokens of the Emperor's love, retrieved from my grave. I might as well examine them by moonlight.

(The Vice-Marshal enters quietly, points at her and says) This is the ghost of Imperial Consort Yang. Let me hear what she says. (Stands behind, eavesdropping)

(Yang Yuhuan gazes at the hairpin and box)

Former Tune:

Seeing this gold hairpin with twin heads side by side, and this jewel box with its matching hearts—I only hoped our love would be as firm as gold and jewel. How was I to know it would become a broken cord? Had I known it would break, I would not have kept this heartrending token. I remember the fragrant incense at night beneath the box, the bright morning mirror beside the hairpin—how many joys I received, how much love I accepted (grievous)! But speaking of that kindness, how could I close my eyes beneath the Nine Springs! (Weeps) Bitter! It is only because of the hairpin and box, and that night's tenderness, that Yang Yuhuan now sheds these endless tears.

(The Vice-Marshal, eavesdropping behind, nods)

(Yang Yuhuan) Ah, I, Yang Yuhuan, suffered cruelty in life and bear deep after death. Perhaps if I can repent my former faults, I may yet attain release and ascend to heaven. Who knows? (Pause, sadly) But when I think of my deeds in life, which one is not a crime? Moreover, my brothers and sisters, relying on power and influence, committed sins that reach the heavens—all because of me. How can I repent them all? Better to take advantage of this starry moonlight and pray earnestly to Heaven. (Kneels and worships toward Heaven)

Former Tune:

Before the stars and moon, I pledge my utmost sincerity; bowing to Heaven and Earth, I lower my head and examine myself deeply. Heaven! Heaven! Think of me, Yang Yuhuan—my heavy sins have brought punishment and calamity. Tonight, I confess my faults, state my offenses, hoping the high heavens will clearly see and forgive me, showing me proof. Only one thing—that foolish love, sunk in the river of passion, still not awakened. Speaking of this, regret comes too late; only Heaven bears witness. Even if my cold bones cannot be reborn, I will endure death and wait in the Nine Springs. The Earth God said I was originally a fairy maiden from Penglai, banished to the mortal world. Heaven! But I am so burdened with karma—how dare I still hope to take a seat among the immortals of Penglai? I only wish to restore Yang Yuhuan's former marriage bond.

(Vice-Marshal) Consort Yang, I, the god, am here.

(Yang Yuhuan) So it is the honored Earth God.

(Vice-Marshal)

Yuediao Guoqu · Yi Duo Jiao:

I take advantage of the bright moon, walking alone at night. Seeing your deep prayers, I listen carefully—this repentance can wipe away all sins. It will surely move Heaven, move Heaven, and one day restore the old vows.

(Yang Yuhuan) I am deeply grateful for your pity, honored god. But I fear that I—

Former Tune:

Karma entangles me; my innate wisdom is shallow. Tonight, I vainly feel shame and regret; the road to the Yellow Springs is vast, blocking the way to the pure realm above. (Sadly) Speaking of grief, speaking of grief, I only leave behind eternal regret.

(Vice-Marshal) Consort Yang, do not grieve. I will now grant you a travel permit. Within a thousand li, you may wander freely as a soul. (Hands over the permit) Listen to me:

Dou Hei Ma:

You were originally registered among the immortals of Penglai. Because you fell into the imperial palace, your infatuation and madness grew. You have tasted joy and endured pain; though you have renounced the mortal world, it is hard to return to the immortal court. Rejoice that tonight you have awakened from your dream; I teach you to choose your path freely. Do not cling to the lost road, do not cling to the lost road—return early to your former path.

Former Tune: (Yang Yuhuan receives the permit and bows in thanks)

Deeply grateful to the honored god for guiding me. A resentful ghost and sorrowful soul—how dare I hope for immortality and transcendence! (Aside) From now on, I shall follow the wind, trust the road, drifting and wandering, hidden by day, traveling by night. Leaning on the moon, beside the stars, I will seek again the bond of hairpin and box. Yet I fear that when we meet, when we meet, both hearts will be doubly pained.

(Vice-Marshal) I go now.

(Yang Yuhuan) The dawn wind and waning moon bring tears, (Han Cong)

(Vice-Marshal) Facing the shadow, hearing the voice, already pitiful. (Li Shangyin)

(Yang Yuhuan) Past splendor and today's regret, (Sikong Tu)

(Vice-Marshal) We should only seek the cause and fate. (Fang Gan)