Winter Begonia

In 1933, the city of Beiping was China’s busiest city, bustling with noise and excitement. However, its liveliness was unlike that of any other place: it came not from the wine-drinking and pleasure-seeking masses in brothels, nor from the ten-miles long markets filled to the brim with foreigners. Rather, it was a one of a kind type of noisiness, beautiful and elegant. The high-pitched singing of kunqu, jingju and qinqiang; the beating of the dagu and the clacking of the bangzi; the clear, loud voices of storytellers narrating the rise and fall of dynasties – each and every traditional art one can think of could be found here, mixed together to create the theatrical world’s most glorious stage. This was also the place where the opera world’s most outstanding performer, Shang Xirui, reached his full glory. An invitation to a home celebration, a face-to-face meeting – this was how Cheng Fengtai, the second master of the Cheng family, got to know the famous opera actor who seemed to only exist in rumors and legends. He plucked the red plum blossom hairpin from the lapel of Shang Xirui’s changshan and smiled, inserting it in the lapel of his own three-piece suit. In the blink of an eye, they found themselves in the Palace of Eternal Youth. Shang Xirui sang, “Come, come, come, I’ll accompany Second Master.” Cheng Fengtai replied, “As long as you want me to, I’ll always accompany you.” These two people, who grew close because of an opera, also professed their feelings to one another as though enacting lines on a stage. Later, a distinguished scholar and casanova would narrate their tale in a perfunctory manner: “Today, dear listeners, I bring you a story. Pay close attention, lest you fall behind and fail to understand clearly what I’m about to tell you. Dear listeners, without further ado, this is Winter Begonia.”

Original Publisher

iqiyi

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Winter Begonia "Winter Begonia" is a novel that truly surprised me. Going in, I was expecting one thing and got something entirely different, something much richer and more complex. It's a historical yaoi that delves deep into the lives of an opera singer and a businessman in 1930s China, and their unlikely love story. ### First Impressions Initially, I was a bit taken aback. The cultural context is crucial, and without understanding the norms of the time, some aspects of the characters' behavior can be jarring. It's easy to judge them through a modern lens, but that would be a disservice to the story. I recommend going in with an open mind and a willingness to understand the world the author has created. ### What Works Well The characters are the heart of this novel. Cheng Feng Tai, the businessman, and Shang Xi Rui, the opera singer, are both flawed and fascinating. I found myself deeply invested in their relationship, which is portrayed with both tenderness and a raw honesty. The novel doesn't shy away from the complexities of their situation, including existing family obligations and societal pressures. The romance, while central, unfolds against a backdrop of war and political intrigue, adding layers of depth and suspense to the narrative. I also appreciated the touches of humor and wit, which provided moments of levity amidst the heavier themes. ### Areas of Concern One potential drawback is the open-ended nature of the ending. While some may find this ambiguous conclusion satisfying, others might crave a more definitive resolution. Also, I can see how the mature themes, including adultery and the treatment of entertainers during that era, might not appeal to all readers. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several reviews mention that the drama adaptation significantly differs from the novel, particularly in its portrayal of the relationship between the main characters. The novel apparently delves into a more "real" and potentially "toxic" relationship, with physical intimacy that is absent in the drama. Also, the ending of the novel leaves things open to interpretation. ### Final Verdict Despite its potential drawbacks, "Winter Begonia" is a captivating and thought-provoking read. It's a mature and sophisticated love story that explores complex themes within a rich historical setting. If you're looking for a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading, I highly recommend giving "Winter Begonia" a chance. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.