A scholar's love is tested by a tragic disease and societal prejudice in 1960s China.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Robbed Scholar
Li Xiao-Wen faces robbery and finds refuge at Ciyun Temple. There, he meets the Abbot and later encounters the wealthy Liu family.
Key Events
Robbery on Highway — Li Xiao-Wen is robbed while traveling to the capital. Characters: Li Xiao-WenLocation: Highway
Temple Sanctuary — Li arrives at the temple and meets the Abbot. Characters: Li Xiao-Wen, AbbotLocation: Ciyun Temple
Scripture Copying — The Abbot takes Li in and assigns him to copy Buddhist scriptures. Characters: Li Xiao-Wen, AbbotLocation: Ciyun Temple
Liu Family Temple Visit — Liu Yi-Ren and his daughter visit the temple and encounter Li. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Liu Zhen-Lian, Li Xiao-Wen, AbbotLocation: Ciyun Temple
The Arranged Union
Liu Yi-Ren proposes marriage to secure his daughter's future. Li accepts, but the wedding is immediately marred by Zhen-Lian's coldness.
Key Events
Liu Family Temple Visit — Liu Yi-Ren and his daughter visit the temple and encounter Li. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Liu Zhen-Lian, Li Xiao-Wen, AbbotLocation: Ciyun Temple
Artistic Admiration — Liu Yi-Ren admires Li's artistic talent and offers exam funding. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Li Xiao-WenLocation: Ciyun Temple
Mansion Invitation — Liu invites Li and the Abbot to his residence for a gathering. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Li Xiao-Wen, AbbotLocation: Ciyun Temple
Mansion Gathering — Li and the Abbot visit the Liu mansion and enjoy hospitality. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Li Xiao-Wen, AbbotLocation: Liu Mansion
Marriage Proposal — Liu Yi-Ren proposes marriage between Li and his daughter Zhen-Lian. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Li Xiao-WenLocation: Liu Mansion
Li's Acceptance — Li agrees to the marriage, trusting Liu's appreciation of his talent. Characters: Li Xiao-WenLocation: Liu Mansion
The Leper's Secret
Zhen-Lian reveals her lifelong leprosy and the folk belief behind the marriage. Li decides to honor the union despite the risk.
Key Events
Li's Acceptance — Li agrees to the marriage, trusting Liu's appreciation of his talent. Characters: Li Xiao-WenLocation: Liu Mansion
Wedding Coldness — Zhen-Lian ignores Li after the wedding, causing marital tension. Characters: Li Xiao-Wen, Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Married Home
Divorce Threat — Li becomes furious at Zhen-Lian's coldness and decides to cancel. Characters: Li Xiao-WenLocation: Married Home
Leprosy Confession — Zhen-Lian confesses she has had leprosy since childhood. Characters: Liu Zhen-Lian, Li Xiao-WenLocation: Married Home
Escape and Despair
Liu Yi-Ren locks Zhen-Lian away out of shame. With He-Er's help, she escapes to Qujiang, but illness and despair lead to tragedy.
Key Events
Leprosy Confession — Zhen-Lian confesses she has had leprosy since childhood. Characters: Liu Zhen-Lian, Li Xiao-WenLocation: Married Home
Folk Belief Explanation — Zhen-Lian explains the folk belief that marriage transfers the disease. Characters: Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Married Home
Li's Resolve — Moved by her sincerity, Li decides to return home and marry her. Characters: Li Xiao-WenLocation: Married Home
Disease Discovery — Liu Yi-Ren finds Zhen-Lian's disease has not been cured. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Liu Mansion
Stone House Lockup — Fearing disgrace, Liu angrily locks Zhen-Lian in a stone house. Characters: Liu Yi-Ren, Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Stone House
Maid's Intervention — The maid He-Er helps Zhen-Lian escape from confinement. Characters: He-Er, Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Stone House
Flight to Qujiang — Zhen-Lian and He-Er flee the mansion to find Li in Qujiang. Characters: Liu Zhen-Lian, He-ErLocation: Road to Qujiang
Couple Reunited — The couple finally reunites after a long separation. Characters: Li Xiao-Wen, Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Qujiang
Disease Worsens — Zhen-Lian's leprosy rapidly deteriorates, causing deep despair. Characters: Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Qujiang
Self-Imprisonment — Overwhelmed by hopelessness, Zhen-Lian locks herself inside. Characters: Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Qujiang Room
Poison Attempt — Zhen-Lian drinks poison in a final attempt to end her suffering. Characters: Liu Zhen-LianLocation: Qujiang Room
Story Breakdown
Scholar's Journey — Li Xiao-Wen faces hardship before finding refuge.
Robbery on Highway — The protagonist loses his wealth on the road.
Temple Sanctuary — The Abbot provides shelter and purpose.
Noble Encounter — A wealthy patron recognizes the scholar's talent.
Artistic Admiration — Liu Yi-Ren praises Li's calligraphy.
Marriage Proposal — An arranged union is offered to secure the daughter.
Marital Strife — The arranged union faces immediate emotional distance.
Wedding Coldness — Zhen-Lian ignores her new husband.
Divorce Threat — Li considers canceling the engagement.
Hidden Truth — A painful secret about the bride's health is revealed.
Leprosy Confession — Zhen-Lian admits her lifelong illness.
Folk Belief Explanation — The marriage was meant to transfer the disease.
Father's Betrayal — The father prioritizes reputation over his daughter's safety.
Disease Discovery — Liu Yi-Ren finds the illness persists.
Stone House Lockup — Zhen-Lian is imprisoned to protect family honor.
Desperate Escape — Loyalty and courage drive the escape from confinement.
Maid's Intervention — He-Er risks everything to free her mistress.
Flight to Qujiang — The pair travels to find Li Xiao-Wen.
Tragic Reunion — Love is ultimately consumed by illness and despair.
Couple Reunited — Li and Zhen-Lian finally meet again.
Poison Attempt — Zhen-Lian drinks poison to end her suffering.
In 1966, like in The Love Eterne, Ling Bo took up the male lead in Forever and Ever, despite Shaw Brothers' earlier plan of having her as the female lead. Facing opposition from fans, they finally arranged for her to star as a male student named Xiaowen. Wicked rich man Liu, portrayed by Lo Wei, the director of this film, wants Xiaowen to marry his daughter (Lin Yu) who is suffering from leprosy, thinking that marriage will take away her disease. Although Xiaowen discovers Liu's plan, he is still in love with her and hopes that a miracle will cure her disease...
