Xiqu

Families love going to Cantonese opera during the Chinese New Year. The comedy Contention for the Seal, written by Lee Siu-wan, is surely a family “must see”. The act-ing of Leung Siu-ming and Chan Wing-yee will add much joy to the festive season.

Synopsis
The story takes place during the reign of Emperor Xian of Han. Shangguan Yunlong is the son of the Minister of War, and Situ Wenfeng is the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. Both are valiant generals, Yunlong having pacified the south, and Wenfeng, the west. The two happen to cross paths, and both are too proud to give way. They bring the case to the Emperor for ruling. The Emperor is caught in the middle and he strikes up a scheme: he bestows royal titles on them – Wenfeng is made a Princess, and Yunlong, a Prince. They are to go and marry according to His Majesty’s orders. The two are happy with the decoration, but little do they know that they are betrothed to each other. When the truth dawns on them on their wedding night, they go into another bout of bickering. Then news comes that their enemy in the north has invaded the border. The two contend for the Marshall’s seal on the royal drill ground, but there is no winner. The final decision is made by drawing lots, and the marshal position goes to Wenfeng, while Yunlong is to play assistant. When Wenfeng takes the roll call, Yunlong refuses to answer. Wenfeng punishes him to go fight the enemy alone. Yunlong is ambushed, and in dire straits, he sends for aid by shooting an arrow carrying a note. On receiving it, Wenfeng deploys her female troop into the battlefield, defeats the northern enemies, and rescues Yunlong. Despite all that, she finally decides to let Yunlong take the merit for the victory. The two finally make up in the name of love.