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第5章 · 第1节

霸王别姬 Chapter 5, Section 1

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Section 1
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In 1977, the Cultural Revolution finally came to an end. After a decade of turmoil, China began a new era. The artists who had been persecuted were gradually vindicated, and traditional Peking opera was once again granted permission to perform.

Section 2
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Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou had both grown old. After eleven years apart, the two finally reunited in the theater. Their hair had turned gray, and their faces were etched with the marks of time. The grudges and affections of the past seemed to have faded with the years.

Section 3
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》。穿仿

The theater arranged for them to rehearse "Farewell My Concubine" once more. This would be their final collaboration on stage. The two elderly men donned their costumes and painted their faces, as if they had returned to their youth.

Section 4
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During the rehearsal, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou gradually rediscovered their old rapport. The familiar melodies and the skilled movements felt as if they were etched into their very bones. Though time was merciless, art remained eternal.

Section 5
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Cheng Dieyi looked at Duan Xiaolou and recalled the years they had spent together. From the children in the opera troupe to the renowned stars, and then to the enemies who had exposed each other during the Cultural Revolution. Fifty years felt like a long, drawn-out drama.

Section 6
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:"。"

In the final rehearsal, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou performed the scene where Yu Ji takes her own life. Cheng Dieyi picked up the prop sword and slowly sang: "The Han army has taken the land, surrounded by the sounds of Chu songs. The king's spirit is exhausted; what hope is there for this lowly concubine?"

Section 7
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:"。"

Suddenly, Cheng Dieyi remembered a line he had always misquoted: "I was once a delicate beauty, not a manly fellow." He whispered it softly, and this time, he got it right.

Section 8
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怀

Then, he drew the sword across his neck. This was not a prop sword, but a real one he had somehow found. Blood gushed forth, and Cheng Dieyi collapsed into Duan Xiaolou's arms.

Section 9
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仿宿

Duan Xiaolou held him in terror, repeatedly calling his name. But Cheng Dieyi's eyes were slowly closing. A faint smile seemed to linger at the corners of his mouth, as if he had finally fulfilled his destiny.

Section 10
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怀""

Yu Ji died in the embrace of the King. This time, it was not on the stage, but in the reality of life. Cheng Dieyi used his own life to fulfill the promise of a "lifetime" with Duan Xiaolou.