The Purple HairpinThe Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong"Cantonese Opera Young Talent Showcase" Performance Schedule 2019-2020 Phase 2

Li Yik, a talented young man, comes to Chang'an to attend the imperial examination with Tsui Wan-ming and Wai Ha-hing. On the night of the Spring Lantern Festival, he meets Fok Siu-yuk and recovers her purple hairpin which becomes their love-token. They get married on that very same night.

However, the daughter of Lo, the supreme official of military affairs, is in love with Li Yik too. Owing to his refusal of being Lo’s son-in-law, Li Yik is appointed to a military post beyond the Great Wall even he comes out first in the imperial examination. And thus the young couple is separated.

Nothing is heard from Li Yik for three years and Fok’s living becomes difficult, but she keeps subsidizing Wan-ming from time to time. At last, she has to pawn even the purple hairpin. Meanwhile, Lo has Li Yik summoned to Chang'an to be his son-in-law, and beats Wan-ming to death for his refusal to be the matchmaker for Li Yik and his daughter. In order to quench Li Yik’s affection for Siu-yuk, he further procures the purple hairpin as a proof of her remarriage.

At Ci’en Temple, a Chevalier in Yellow Gown, after hearing her story, helps Siu-yuk to reunite with Li Yik. However, Lo has his men take Li Yik back to marry his daughter during their reunion. As advised by the Chevalier, Siu-yuk comes to claim her husband back at the wedding. Just when Lo tries to beat her to death on the accusation of intrusion, the Chevalier comes as the emperor's brother. He deposes Lo for his evil deeds and reunites Siu-yuk and Li Yik.