As this melancholic and melodious flute tune resounded in my ears, the stage's enormous curtain slowly unveiled. Departing from the luxurious Purple Terrace, she ventures into the vast wilderness, leaving behind her lonely mound as she faces the setting sun. This is the majestic scene depicted in the concluding moments of the classic Chinese drama, Hanju. As the curtain falls, we witness the relentless determination of Wang Zhaojun as she embarks on her fateful journey beyond. My recent discovery of 'Wang Zhaojun,' a highly praised Hanju performance that retells this cherished Chinese legend, ignited a desire to explore this classic narrative.

The Chinese drama, Hanju, holds a history of over three hundred years and is a profoundly influential regional theater genre. Hanju, commonly known as "Erhuang," is a local theatrical art form originating from Wuhan City and it is one of the traditional Chinese opera genres of the Han ethnic group. Hanju, is known for its melodic singing, refined dialogue, and grand text, demanding high cultural qualifications from actors.

As the crisp sound of camel bells resonated, a group of Xiongnu envoys appeared before me, bearing precious gifts, bringing me back to the world of Hanju's "Wang Zhaojun." The legend of 'Wang Zhaojun' is characterized by two years of war and the people's enduring hardship in pursuit of peace between the Han dynasty and the Xiongnu. The Han court agreed to engage in intermarriage. Wang Zhaojun willingly chose to marry the Xiongnu, accepting a life away from her family for national harmony. During that time, the Han dynasty and the Xiongnu were at war every year. Emperor Han Yuan-di sent Wang Zhaojun to marry the Xiongnu king, making her the queen of the Xiongnu. Initially, she felt homesick. However, as Wang Zhaojun witnessed the cruelty of war, her determination became unwavering. She consistently advised the Xiongnu King against attacking the Han borders and shared the culture of the Central Plains with the Xiongnu. Wang Zhaojun's influence resulted in over sixty years of peaceful coexistence between the two states. I truly experienced the awe-inspiring performance of a Chinese historical tale through the lens of another facet of Chinese culture.

After watching the Hanju performance of “Wang Zhaojun,” I gained a new perspective on ancient Chinese women. Wang Zhaojun's actions showcase that, despite being unable to fight on the battlefield, she found another profound way to restore peace and safeguard her homeland. “Hanju” and its fellow theatrical masterpieces transcend mere dance performances and are powerful vessels of China’s historical and cultural legacy. Through these captivating productions, audiences are granted a profound glimpse into Chinese people’s unwavering patriotism and heartfelt emotions, making “Hanju” a timeless and awe-inspiring classic.