Book One: Scholar Zhang Disturbs the Monastery — Prelude

First Book: Zhang Junrui Disrupts the Buddhist Rite - Prelude

(The old lady, played by the supporting female role, enters and delivers the opening lines.) I am of the Zheng family. My husband, of the Cui family, served as a Grand Councilor in the previous dynasty, but unfortunately died of illness. We had only one young daughter, whose childhood name is Yingying. She is now nineteen years old and is skilled in needlework, poetry, calligraphy, and calculation—there is nothing she cannot do. When my husband was alive, he betrothed her to my nephew, the eldest son of Minister Zheng, Zheng Heng. Because my child's mourning period for her father has not yet ended, they have not been able to marry. She also has a young maid, who has served her since childhood, named Hongniang. And a young servant boy, named Huanlang. After my late husband passed away, I accompanied my daughter to escort the coffin to Boling for burial; but due to obstacles on the road, we could not proceed. Arriving at Hezhong Prefecture, we deposited the coffin in the Pujiu Temple. This temple was built by my late husband the Councilor and is a shrine endowed by Empress Wu Zetian. Moreover, the abbot, the Elder Faben, is a monk whom my husband tonsured. Therefore, I have settled into a residence beneath the West Wing. Meanwhile, I have sent a letter to the capital to summon Zheng Heng to come and escort the coffin back to Boling for burial. When I think of my late husband in life—with a feast spread before him and hundreds of attendants—and now only these three or four close relatives remain, how deeply sorrowful it is!

(To the tune of Xianlü: Shanghua Shi)

My husband's official salary ended with his death in the capital;

Mother and daughter, widowed and orphaned, are stranded on the road.

For this reason, we lodge the coffin in this Buddhist palace.

Longing for the old home at Boling, yet unable to reach it,

My blood-red tears fall like the azaleas.

Now, in this late spring weather, I feel so languid. I might as well call Hongniang and give her some instructions. Where is Hongniang? (Hongniang, played by the dan role, steps forward and pays respects.) (The lady says:) If no one is in the front courtyard, go and have some fun and take a stroll with the young lady. (Hongniang says:) I shall obey your strict command. (The lady exits.) (Hongniang says:) I invite the young lady to come out. (Yingying, played by the lead female role, enters and sings.)

(To the repeated coda)

Truly, one meets the waning spring east of Pu Commandery,

Behind closed gates in the lonely temple.

Falling petals and flowing water carry the red away;

A thousand nameless idle sorrows,

Wordlessly I resent the east wind. (They all exit together.)