Through trials that tempered the will through life-and-death challenges, the protagonist shed cumbersome arrogance and illusions, evolving from sharp-tongued debates to non-contention and non-argumentation, speaking with loving and gentle words. She grew increasingly humble, serene, and profound, learning compassion and courage through experience, harboring no resentment or blame after emerging from the mire, possessing a religious-like magnanimity and freedom, allowing the world to appear frankly and peacefully before her eyes. Her status rose from lowly to noble, yet her temperament shifted from pride to humility, always bowing low and yielding to the dust, without a trace of ostentation or sharpness, only warmth and tolerance. This is the meaning and ideal behind my creation of this character.
Some readers complained about Xianglan's transformation in the later chapters, while others offered sincere praise—it all depends on one's breadth of mind, aesthetic taste, and life experience. As for me, I am satisfied with having told this story according to my own vision.
Interestingly, as Xianglan's circumstances gradually improved in the story, my work situation also turned for the better. After observing me for some time, several supervisors overrode objections to promote me. I moved to a better place, gained a private office, and now work under a generous, humorous, scholarly leader. Looking back, it was the Buddha's teachings that helped me, making me revere cause and effect and endure those difficult days. This also strengthened my belief that outcomes achieved through scheming, even if obtained, may soon be lost or remain incomplete; but by upholding conscience and patience step by step, though it may seem like enduring injustice and loss, one will ultimately receive the most perfect reward and retribution.
After Lan Xiang Yuan, I probably won't write such a long novel again, and likely won't tackle historical themes anymore. My next book will be set in the Republican era, a story I've held in my heart for a long time. After that, I might try modern themes. I am not a professional author, nor do I have grand ambitions—I only hope to break through my limits and make progress with each book, which would be enough to satisfy me.
Lan Xiang Yuan truly ends here. Finishing this book feels like completing a spiritual practice. I extend my gratitude to the readers who accompanied me on this journey, especially those from Yan Shan Bie Yuan and He Yan Shan Zhuang, who provided steadfast support and help during my most difficult times. The connections forged through this novel are the greatest gift from writing it.
After all this rambling, finally, I’d like to share an teaching by Master Kuanru. When I heard these words during my most confused period, they were like a wake-up call, stirring deep emotions and reducing me to tears in the Buddha hall:
No matter how dire the situation, do not abandon yourself; endure and preserve good karma.
No matter how perilous the environment, do not give up being a pure, good person.
Amid the bustling mortal world, persist in being a clear-minded person.
Amid rampant material desires, persist in being a clean-hearted person.
When everyone says human hearts are unfathomable, persist in believing in the goodness of human nature.
When rituals collapse and morals decay, hold fast to the morality and ideals in your heart.
When the world laughs at my foolishness, persist in viewing the world with a simple heart and innocent eyes.
Persist in your soul and beliefs, even if this persistence leaves you utterly alone.
That is all.
Thank you, everyone, with heartfelt gratitude.
July 14, 2014, early morning
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