Chinese Kunqu Opera "The Jade Hairpin"

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Chen Miaochang, the daughter of an official in Kaifeng. After becoming seperated with her mother when seeking shelter during war, she became a nun in Zhenguan nunnery in Jinling. Pan Bizheng, the nephew of the abbess of the nunnery, failed to pass the imperial examination. He was ashamed to return home so he also stayed in the nunnery. Pan Bizheng and Chen Miaochang fell in love with each other and expressed their feelings through poems and music.



After their mutual affection was discovered by the abbess, Pan Bizheng was strictly admonished and punished. He was forced to take part in the imperial exam again. Pan Bizheng then had to leave by boat and Chen miaochang went to see him off. She gave Pan a jade hairpin and Pan reciprocated with a fan pendant. They said their farewells with tears. Later, Pan Bizheng succeeded in exam and became an official. Then he returned to Jiankang and got married with Chen Miaochang.