Chinese Kunqu Opera: Peony Pavilion-part-5.1

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青春版牡丹亭-惊梦 Interrapted Dream

Awakened by warblers in the morning, Du Liniang is dazzled by the signs of spring.? She suddenly realizes she has promised to explore the garden with Chunxiang, who comes to assist her with getting dressed. Pleased with herself in the mirror, she declares that for all her elegant accessories, she likes being natural best. At first, the two girls flit here and there in the garden like birds out of a cage, marveling at its sights and sounds. Soon, however, Du Liniang falls into deep thoughts as Chunxiang attempts to draw her out.

Back in her room, Du Liniang sighs that, at sixteen, she is wasting yet another spring with no one who truly "knows" her. The Flower God enters, escorting a dream lover for her. Du Liniang and the man, holding a willow branch signifying spring, back into each other. When they turn around, they regard each other with astonishment. The man asks if she might compose a poem for the occasion. Du Liniang inquires shyly how he has managed to find her. Holding her sleeve, he addresses her as "Jiejie" (literarily, "older sister" or "respected sister") and confides that he has been looking her all along. They consummate their love in the Peony Pavilion as flower fairies arrive to provide them cover.

In what is the most famous erotic poetry in Chinese drama, Du Liniang's sexual arousal is couched in nature imagery, also reflected in the costumes.