The Poignant Love Story of Lady Yang and Emperor Xuanzong

在天願作比翼鳥，在地願為連理枝；天長地久有時盡，此恨綿綿無絕期。

“Let’s be two birds in the sky flying side by side.”

“Let’s be two branches on the earth inseparably tied.”

The sky and the earth will not be eternal, however.

Only this regret remains and lasts for ever and ever.

In these heart-wrenching lines from Bai Juyi’s "Song of Everlasting Sorrow," we find a reflection of eternal love and the pain of separation that resonates through the ages. The imagery conjures a longing that transcends the barriers of time and space, inviting us to explore the tragic tale of Lady Yang, one of China’s Four Great Beauties, and Emperor Xuanzong.

A Love Story That Echoes Through Time

The story of Lady Yang and Emperor Xuanzong unfolds against the backdrop of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, a time marked by cultural flourishing and artistic brilliance. Yet, beneath the shimmering facade of wealth and power lies a narrative woven with love, heartache, and eventual tragedy. Lady Yang, originally named Yang Yuhuan, was married to the Prince of Shou, but after the prince’s untimely death, her beauty captured the heart of Emperor Xuanzong.

Their love bloomed like a vibrant flower in spring but soon turned to sorrow. In the tumultuous later years of Xuanzong’s reign, the An Lushan Rebellion shattered the tranquility of the empire. Under the guise of quelling the influence of Lady Yang's brother, An Lushan ignited a revolt that led to chaos and despair. As the empire crumbled, Emperor Xuanzong faced an agonizing choice that would haunt him forever.

In a moment of desperation, he was forced to relinquish Lady Yang to protect the empire. As they stood at the precipice of farewell, Lady Yang uttered words of acceptance, wishing only for the safety of Xuanzong and the empire they both cherished. The pain of parting was so profound that it echoed in every corner of the palace, and as Xuanzong gazed upon her painting, he felt a wave of regret and sorrow that would linger for the rest of his life.

The Poem’s Heartfelt Meaning

“在天願作比翼鳥” speaks to the desire for an eternal union, where two souls soar together, bound by love even in the heavens. “在地願為連理枝” emphasizes their wish to be forever entwined in life, much like two branches that grow together.

Yet, the stark reality is captured in the lines “天長地久有時盡” and “此恨綿綿無絕期.” Here, Bai Juyi reminds us that while the vastness of time may eventually come to an end, the sorrow and longing borne from lost love will persist without cease. These verses resonate deeply, speaking to the universal experiences of love and loss that echo across cultures and eras.

Xuanzong’s Painful Remembrance

In his later years, Emperor Xuanzong found solace only in memories. Gazing at Lady Yang’s painting, he was engulfed by a profound sense of melancholy. Each brushstroke reminded him of her laughter, her grace, and the fleeting moments they shared, now mere whispers of a love that once filled the palace with light.

As the audience of Shen Yun Performing Arts immerses themselves in this poignant tale, they are transported back to the Tang Dynasty, lingering in the beauty and tragedy of Xuanzong’s story. The dancers portray his heartache with movements that evoke a sense of longing, encapsulating the bittersweet memories that haunt the emperor as he reflects on what once was.

A Timeless Remembrance: The Tang Dynasty Grace Silk Art

Tang Dynasty Grace Silk Art showcased at

Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, Kuala Lumpur

The Tang Dynasty Grace silk art subtly suggests the elegance of the Tang ladies, inviting us to appreciate the refined beauty that characterized this illustrious era. While not a direct representation of Lady Yang, the silk art embodies the grace and charm of the time, connecting us to the cultural richness that surrounded their love story.

Through this evocative narrative, we are invited to reflect on our own lives—on the loves we cherish, the memories we hold dear, and the inevitable separations that shape our journeys. The tragedy of Lady Yang and Emperor Xuanzong serves as a poignant reminder that while life may be fleeting, love is an eternal bond that transcends the boundaries of existence. As the echoes of their sorrow resonate, we are left with a profound appreciation for the beauty of love, even in its most painful forms.