During the period of the Republic of China, Chinese society underwent unprecedented changes, and the emancipation of ideas and cultural pluralism became the prominent features of this period. Against this backdrop, many literati and artists began to shake off the shackles of feudal etiquette and religion and pursue a more liberal and open lifestyle. Ding Ling, an outstanding woman during the Republic of China, has become a distinctive representative with her unique concept of love and ideology. She not only showed profound insights in literary creation, but also practiced her beliefs in her personal life. Ding Ling believes that the essence of love does not lie in the restraint of form, but in the fit of the heart and the sincerity of emotions. The concept of love that she advocated beyond the traditional concept of marriage was undoubtedly a bold attempt and challenge at that time, and also reflected people's desire for freedom and equality during the Republic of China.
In that era of change and hope, Ding Ling's journey to Peking was not only the starting point of her academic career, but also an important turning point in her emotional world. The experience of auditing in the Department of Literature of Peking University not only exposed her to advanced ideas and culture, but also allowed her to meet Hu Yepin in a chance meeting. As the editor of "Beijing Daily· People's Literature and Art", Hu Yepin's talent and enthusiasm deeply attracted Ding Ling. Although Ding Ling did not show much interest in Hu Yepin's pursuit at first, Hu Yepin's unremitting pursuit and sincere attitude gradually touched her heart. The relationship between the two gradually warmed up in continuous exchanges and interactions, and developed from the initial academic discussion partners to deep lovers. They returned to Peking together, not only supporting each other academically, but also relying on each other in life, facing the challenges and opportunities of that era together.
In the academic atmosphere of Peking University, Ding Ling has not only been greatly nourished in literature, but also has gained unprecedented freedom in thought. Her encounter with Feng Xuefeng added a new dimension to her emotional world. The two talked about everything from literary creation to current political discussions, and the collision of ideas and the exchange of emotions made their relationship warm up rapidly. Ding Ling's bold proposal to live with Hu Yepin and Feng Xuefeng, although it seemed quite avant-garde and even a little shocking in the social concept at the time, the three of them still started this relationship full of challenges and explorations on the shore of Hangzhou's West Lake. However, this non-traditional model of relationships is not without contradictions and conflicts. As time passed, Hu Yepin and Feng Xuefeng gradually felt the discomfort of this shared lover relationship, and finally chose to leave, ending this complex emotional entanglement.
In 1931, when Hu Yepin was attending the preparatory meeting of the National Congress of Workers, Peasants and Soldiers, he was unfortunately arrested and secretly executed by the Nationalist Government, which was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Ding Ling. Not only did she lose her beloved partner, but she also felt loneliness and distress like never before. During these difficult years, Ding Ling had a marriage with the translator Feng Da, but the relationship failed due to Feng Da's betrayal. In the face of many setbacks in her personal life, Ding Ling did not choose to escape, but devoted more energy and enthusiasm to the revolutionary cause and literary creation. Her pen not only has a deep reflection on her personal fate, but also a keen observation and criticism of the changes of the times. Through her writings, she expressed her desire for freedom and justice, as well as her strong dissatisfaction and rebellion against the old society.
Ding Ling has experienced ups and downs on her emotional journey, and her soul has become more tenacious in the twists and turns. During this challenging journey, she met Chen Ming, a young actor. This sister-brother relationship with a huge age difference was not favored by the outside world at first, and even Chen Ming chose to break up with Ding Ling because he couldn't bear the strange eyes and pressure of the people around him. But the power of love is great, and it is able to transcend worldly prejudices and obstacles. After careful consideration, Chen Ming finally decided to give up that short marriage and return to Ding Ling's side. The relationship between the two became stronger after going through trials, and they faced the ups and downs of life together, and they remained together until they grew old and became an integral part of each other's lives. This legendary love story has also become a topic of conversation.