Chiung Yao, a beloved Taiwanese romance novelist, passed away at the age of 86 in an apparent suicide at her home in New Taipei City, marking the loss of a significant figure in Chinese literature. Found on December 4, 2023, local authorities revealed that her son reported she had left a note instructing her secretary to check on her at noon. Tragically, despite prompt emergency response, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Chiung’s untimely death has left a profound impact on the literary community, where she was widely celebrated for her contributions to romance literature.
Born Chen Che in 1938 in Chengdu, China, Chiung Yao’s journey into writing began early, influenced by her tumultuous childhood. She fled to Taiwan with her family in 1949 amidst the civil war, a pivotal experience that shaped her identity and inspired much of her writing. Chiung began her literary career in her youth, publishing her first novel at 25. Over the decades, she became a household name, revered for her unique storytelling that intricately wove romance with cultural narratives, a combination that resonated deeply with readers in Taiwan and beyond.
Many of Chiung’s novels were adapted into popular television series, creating a cultural phenomenon, particularly her well-known work, “My Fair Princess,” set against the backdrop of the Qing dynasty. The story of a poor girl ascending to royalty captured audiences’ imaginations and solidified her popularity in both Taiwanese and Chinese media. Chiung’s ability to craft compelling narratives that connected with the public was a testament to her skill as a writer and her understanding of her audience’s desires and emotions.
Chiung Yao’s personal life influenced both her work and her legacy. Her second husband, Ping Hsin-tao, played a significant role in her literary career as the founder of Crown Publishing, which published nearly all of her works until his death in 2019. Their partnership not only facilitated the dissemination of her stories but also highlighted the support networks that underpin career success in the literary field. Despite her prolific output, with her last five novels being published in 2020, Chiung’s recent struggles leading up to her death remain a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many artists behind their creative personas.
In a heartfelt farewell, Chiung Yao left a poignant message in a pre-recorded video on her Facebook page stating, “I am the spark, and I have burned as hard as I can.” This reflection on her life and career exemplifies her passion for writing and the emotional investment she placed into her stories. Her words resonate with both her fans and fellow writers, highlighting the intensity with which she approached her craft and the indelible mark she left on the literary landscape.
Chiung Yao’s legacy is enduring, especially among generations of young women who found solace and inspiration in her novels. Professor Tsai Mei-tzu from the National Cheng Kung University articulated this sentiment by recalling how Chiung’s works were cherished by girls who secretly read them, fearful of the societal restrictions of their time. Even decades later, the allure of Chiung Yao’s old-fashioned romances and the universal themes of love and longing continue to captivate audiences. Her passing not only signifies the end of an era but also underscores the enduring impact of her narratives on Taiwanese and Chinese culture.
