On December 4th, renowned Taiwanese author Qiong Yao (琼瑶) passed away at the age of 86. The news of her peaceful departure at her home in New Taipei City sent shockwaves across the literary world, prompting widespread discussion and tributes. According to Google Trends, searches for “Qiong Yao” surged to over 1,000 shortly after the announcement at 3:10 PM, reflecting the deep impact she had on generations of readers. Known for her romantic novels and screen adaptations, Qiong Yao’s legacy lives on through her timeless works.
Qiong Yao’s Connection to Singapore
Qiong Yao’s influence extended beyond Taiwan and China, leaving a significant mark on Singapore’s cultural scene. Her novels and television dramas, such as My Fair Princess and Romance in the Rain, were immensely popular among Singaporean audiences, fostering a deep appreciation for her storytelling. Many of her works aired on local TV channels, becoming household favorites and sparking discussions about love, family, and destiny. Her literary contributions helped bridge cultural understanding between Singapore and other Chinese-speaking regions, making her an enduring icon in the local community.
Qiong Yao’s Last Letter
[Translated, Original Text in Traditional Chinese]
Dear friends and confidants,
Please do not cry, do not be sad, and do not grieve for me. I have already gone “gracefully”!
“Gracefully” is my favorite word, representing “independent, comfortable, and free” “flying,” beautiful and “light.” I have cast off the increasingly painful shell of my body and “gracefully” turned into a snowflake and flown away!
This is my wish. “Death” is the path everyone must take, and it is the last “big event.” I do not want to leave it to fate, nor do I want to wither away slowly. I want to “take charge” of this final event.
Heaven did not design the process of life very well. When people age, they all have to go through a period of “weakness, degeneration, illness, hospital visits, treatment, and incurable” conditions. This period can be long or short, and for those who will inevitably die of old age, it is a great torment! If one is unfortunate, they might also become a “bedridden elderly” person dependent on “tube feeding”! I have witnessed such a miserable situation. I do not want that kind of “death.”
I am a “spark,” and I have done my best to shine. Now, as the flame is about to go out, I choose this way to go away gracefully. Everything I want to say is recorded in my video “As the Snowflakes Fall.” I hope my friends will watch the video several times to understand everything I want to express.
Friends, do not mourn my “death,” laugh for me! The beauty of life lies in the ability to “love, hate, laugh, cry, sing, speak, run, move, live a free and easy life, be a companion in the mundane world, live passionately, and detest evil, live vigorously…” I have experienced all of these in my lifetime! I have “lived,” and I have not lived in vain!
What I cannot let go of the most is my family and you. “Love” tightly binds my heart, and you are all the ones I cherish the most. To let my soul (I don’t know if humans have souls) also “gracefully” take flight, everyone, laugh for me, sing for me, dance for me! My spirit in heaven will “dance” with you!
Farewell! My beloved ones! I am fortunate in this life to have met and known you.
Note, the way I “die” is carried out at the end of my life! Young people like you, never give up on life easily. Temporary setbacks and blows may be “trials” in a beautiful life. I hope you can withstand these trials, live to be eighty-six or seventy, and when your strength fails, then choose how to face death. I hope that by then, humanity will have found a more humane way to help the “elderly” to “depart” happily!
Dear ones, be brave, live a strong “self,” and do not waste your time on this earth! Although the world is not perfect, it also has all kinds of unexpected joys and sorrows! Don’t miss the wonderful moments that belong to you!
A thousand words cannot express it all. In the end, I wish you all health, happiness, and a life lived freely and easily!
Qiong Yao, written at the Shuilian Lou, Tamsui
December 3, 2024
Posted by Shu Ling on December 4, 2024
Why SpecialInSG Is Focused on This Event
SpecialInSG is dedicated to covering significant events and personalities that resonate within Singapore and across Southeast Asia. Qiong Yao’s contributions to literature and film have touched countless lives, transcending borders and generations. Her passing marks the end of an era and serves as a poignant moment for reflection on the power of storytelling. By highlighting this event, SpecialInSG seeks to honor her legacy and inspire readers to appreciate the enduring value of literary art.
News Sources
- Zaobao report: Link to the article
Conclusion
Qiong Yao’s works, much like her life, were filled with passion, emotion, and courage. From Romance in the Rain to My Fair Princess, her stories captured the hearts of millions and shaped a cultural landscape. As she takes her final “flight,” she leaves behind a treasure trove of memories and inspiration. SpecialInSG will continue to follow and report on significant cultural moments. Stay tuned for more updates.