Romantic tales: Only Wish to Grow Old with You Tenderly
In the 1960s, in a modest courtyard in Beijing, a plain-clothed woman sat quietly in a bamboo chair.
From the radio inside, the classic Kunqu opera “The Palace of Eternal Life” played: “Wishing to grow old with tenderness in this life, unenvied by the white clouds of the fairyland.”
A slender man stepped out and gently draped a cloak over her shoulders. They exchanged a smile, their love evident without words.
In 1931, a Zhejiang student named Wu Han was admitted to Tsinghua University’s history department. Due to his family’s financial difficulties, he had to work part-time to support his studies.
In 1934, as Wu Han was about to graduate, a friend named Jiang Enqian asked him to help take care of a sick person. Wu Han, out of kindness, agreed, not realizing that this promise would last a lifetime.
Yuan Zhen, a girl from Hubei, came from a scholarly family and was admitted to Wuhan University at the age of 18. Slim and graceful, Yuan Zhen was pursued by many talented young men, but she cherished her studies and was not swayed by romance, even turning down a proposal from a wealthy suitor.
In 1930, at the age of 23, Yuan Zhen was admitted to Tsinghua University’s history department with excellent grades, quickly becoming one of Tsinghua’s talented women. However, she soon contracted tuberculosis, a contagious disease.
Unable to attend classes for an extended period, Yuan Zhen had to give up her studies. To make matters worse, her good friend Jiang Enqian, who had been caring for her, had accepted a teaching position elsewhere.
“Yuan Zhen, this is my junior, Wu Han. You can contact him if you need anything. He has agreed to take care of you,” Jiang Enqian said, introducing Wu Han to Yuan Zhen one early spring afternoon.
Yuan Zhen, lying in bed, put down her book and slightly nodded. Wu Han, slender and gentle, smiled softly, extending his hand. Yuan Zhen did not shake it but smiled and nodded.
Pale and fragile like a flower about to wither in the autumn wind, Yuan Zhen’s appearance stirred Wu Han’s heart with pain. Despite her illness, this solitary girl continued to read and study in bed, earning Wu Han’s admiration.
That warm afternoon, they talked about history. Wu Han studied Ming history, while Yuan Zhen focused on Song history. They often discussed academic issues, with Yuan Zhen’s quick thinking and clear analysis impressing Wu Han.
Wu Han began taking care of Yuan Zhen’s daily needs. He would wake up early to get meals from the school cafeteria and rush them to Yuan Zhen before heading to class. After his midday classes, he would bring her lunch. No matter how busy he was, he always found time to chat with Yuan Zhen about school events in the evening before returning to his dormitory.
Knowing Yuan Zhen liked Kunqu opera, Wu Han bought an old radio for her bedside. Many quiet nights, they sat by the window, listening to “The Palace of Eternal Life” and “The Peony Pavilion,” their own love story unfolding alongside the opera.
When Yuan Zhen was well enough to get out of bed, Wu Han would push her in a wheelchair to the lakeside on his days off. Though they enjoyed the scenery, their hearts were heavy with unspoken feelings.
Grateful for Wu Han’s kindness, Yuan Zhen felt the seed of love growing in her heart, but she dared not express it. Her serious illness might burden and hinder his future.
Wu Han, a promising student favored by the renowned scholar Hu Shi, had already gained recognition in the academic world with his articles on Ming peasant revolts. Such a talented young man deserved a healthy companion.
Wu Han, too, was deeply moved by Yuan Zhen’s resilience and scholarly insights. Yet, he refrained from confessing his love, fearing it might hinder her recovery.
Just as their budding love was about to blossom, tragedy struck again. Yuan Zhen’s tuberculosis spread to her spine, causing severe pain. Wu Han rushed her to the hospital, but the treatment costs left them penniless. Wu Han took on multiple jobs and wrote articles to cover their expenses.
In 1937, as the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out, Wu Han received an invitation to teach at Yunnan University in Kunming. Torn between his duty and love, Wu Han was persuaded by Yuan Zhen to accept the offer, knowing his talents should not be wasted.
Separated, Wu Han and Yuan Zhen endured the pain of longing. Wu Han confessed his feelings in letters, expressing his desire to grow old with her tenderly and urging her to join him in Kunming for better care.
In 1939, with the help of friends, a frail Yuan Zhen moved to Kunming and stayed in Wu Han’s dormitory. During frequent air raids, Wu Han would clumsily carry Yuan Zhen to the air-raid shelters. Later, they moved to the countryside for safety, living a simple yet peaceful life.
Despite the hardships and the turbulent times, their love only grew stronger, proving resilient against adversity.
When Wu Han’s mother came to Kunming and saw the bedridden Yuan Zhen, she vehemently opposed their relationship, fearing the financial and emotional toll of Yuan Zhen’s illness. Wu Han, torn between filial duty and love, faced a difficult choice.
“Let me go. You’ve done enough for me. Find a healthy girl to marry,” Yuan Zhen tearfully suggested. But Wu Han firmly replied, “We’ve endured so much together. I can’t abandon you now.”
Wu Han’s mother issued an ultimatum, willing to deplete the family’s resources for Yuan Zhen’s treatment but forbidding their marriage.
“I love Yuan Zhen and will care for her all my life, no matter what,” Wu Han pleaded. The once harmonious family was now fraught with tension.
In the autumn of 1939, on a clear day, Wu Han told his mother he was taking Yuan Zhen to see a doctor in the city. Instead, they stayed overnight in a hotel and announced their marriage in the newspaper the next day, receiving blessings from friends. Seeing their genuine love, Wu Han’s mother finally relented and even helped care for Yuan Zhen when Wu Han was busy.
Their love, nurtured through trials, became even more precious. After marriage, Wu Han focused entirely on his research, while Yuan Zhen, though unable to work, assisted with transcribing his work.
Living in the countryside, Wu Han walked miles to work each day, then bought food and cooked for Yuan Zhen, ensuring she had nutritious meals. They shared simple dishes, often forgoing meat, while Yuan Zhen did what little housework she could.
A friend visiting once found Yuan Zhen mending a worn-out dress, full of patches. Amused, the friend remarked, “This dress is more patches than fabric!” Yuan Zhen joked, “The poor wear patches, the rich wear clothes. We’re just in between.”
After the nationwide liberation, Wu Han held a leadership position but remained devoted to Yuan Zhen. Despite his busy schedule, he always came home to cook and take walks with her. They spent evenings together, Wu Han working on his writings, and Yuan Zhen helping with research and revisions, living in mutual respect and love.
Life, like a drama, has unpredictable endings. Although Wu Han and Yuan Zhen were both persecuted to death during the Cultural Revolution, their love story earned the respect of many.
In the vicissitudes of the world, their vows never changed. Only wish to grow old with you tenderly.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
