Wed Dec 04 07:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Celebrated Taiwanese Author Qiong Yao Dies at 86
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Acclaimed Taiwanese author Qiong Yao, best known for her iconic works such as “My Fair Princess” (还珠格格) and “A Dream of a Curtain” (一帘幽梦), passed away peacefully at her home in Tamsui, Taiwan at the age of 86. Her death was confirmed by Taiwanese media, citing a suicide note she left behind.
In the note, Qiong Yao, who chose to end her life, expressed a desire for a graceful and peaceful departure, using the word “翩然” (piānrán), meaning “light and graceful,” to describe her wish. She detailed her reasoning, citing the increasing physical pain and suffering associated with aging and the prospect of a prolonged and debilitating decline. She stated her preference to control the manner of her death, rather than succumb to the natural process of aging and potential prolonged illness.
The author expressed her gratitude for the life she lived, emphasizing the joy and passion she experienced through love, laughter, and creative expression. While acknowledging the sadness her passing would cause her loved ones, she urged them not to grieve, but to celebrate her life and the impact she made.
Qiong Yao also left a video message, reportedly detailed in her work “When the Snow Falls” (当雪花飘落), which she encouraged her friends and family to watch. She concluded her note with a message of hope and encouragement to younger generations, urging them to persevere through life’s challenges and not to give up on life, suggesting that they consider their options regarding death at an older age, when physical capabilities diminish.
The note concludes with a plea for others to embrace life fully, urging them to live courageously and to find joy in their experiences. The statement was accompanied by a disclaimer from the news platform stating that they merely provided a hosting service for the user-generated content.
First Piper 