The winds of the Anshi Rebellion
In 756 AD, the An Lushan Rebellion swept through the Tang Dynasty, forcing Emperor Xuanzong and his entourage to flee the capital. Their flight eventually led them to the ill-fated Maweipo, where events made the situation dire. In the chaos, the loyal retainer betrayed Xuanzong and instead launched a fatal blow against the emperor's favorite Yang Guifei, forcing Xuanzong to make the heartbreaking decision to hang herself.
A Different Narrative: The Mystery of Life and Death on Ma Wei Slope
Historical accounts of Yang Guifei's life and death provide different details. Some sources say she died in the temple, while others suggest that she was killed in the chaotic clashes of the rebels. Her body was not examined at the time, which set the stage for speculation and deepened the mystery of her final moments.
Mysterious disappearance: the body is hard to find
After Yang Guifei's death, a bizarre event occurred - her body disappeared. Legend has it that when officials went to dig up her grave, they only found the sachet she had worn before her death, making the whereabouts of her body a mystery. This unsolved mystery supports rumors that Yang Guifei may have survived and escaped.
Talk of escape: Yang Guifei's figure in a foreign country
About Yang Guifei's escape and life in a foreign country, the legend is still true. There are rumors that she fled to Japan, and there are even people claiming to be descendants of Yang Guifei who appear in unexpected places. What's fascinating about this claim is that the famous Japanese actress Momoe Yamaguchi claims to be a descendant of Yang Guifei, which makes the legend even more confusing.
The Enigmatic Grave: Redefining the Resting Place of Yang Guifei
Although Maweipo has become a historical site dedicated to Yang Guifei, the ambiguity about her final resting place remains. The construction of a mausoleum in Xiang County adds depth to the mystery, leaving scholars and enthusiasts alike to wonder whether the tomb is her resting place or simply adding to the mysterious legend of Yang Guifei.
The Modern Quest for Monuments: The Quest to Uncover the Truth
Contemporary scholars are still trying to solve the mystery of Yang Guifei's life and death. Despite the time, money, and effort expended, the millennium has blurred many details. Romantic depictions of Yang Guifei by literati and writers of the past generations are intertwined with factual records, creating a picture scroll that blurs the line between legend and reality.
Epilogue: Echoes of a bygone time
As we traverse the mysterious corridors of history, the story of Yang Guifei persists as a fascinating mystery. Her life, death, and subsequent legends make for an intricate narrative that has stood the test of time. In the absence of conclusive evidence, Yang Guifei's legacy remains a fascinating topic that invites us to meditate on the shadow of a bygone time, where reality and myth merge within the boundaries of history.