Romance novelist Chiung Yao passes away at 86, leaving legacy of love and literature

TAIWAN: Chiung Yao (瓊瑤), celebrated as the “queen of romance novels,” passed away on Wednesday (4 December) at age 86, leaving a profound impact on Chinese literature and film.

Born Chen Che on 20 April 1938, the prolific Taiwanese author and screenwriter was discovered unresponsive in her Taipei home, as reported by local media.

Emergency responders confirmed that Chiung Yao had no vital signs upon arrival. According to reports, she had instructed her secretary to visit her home at noon to handle tasks.

Tragically, the secretary found her unconscious and called for immediate assistance. Chiung Yao’s son later confirmed the existence of a will detailing her final wishes.

In her last social media post on 28 November, Chiung Yao expressed poignant reflections, sharing her deep longing for her late husband, Ping Hsin-tao, who passed away in 2019.

“Perhaps it’s because the weather turned cold, or maybe it’s because there’s a bird constantly calling behind the mountain, sounding as if it’s saying, ‘It’s time to go home,’” she wrote.

She also revealed that she had been working on “the final tasks” of her life, seeking to set her affairs in order to avoid the prolonged suffering her husband endured during his illness.

Chiung Yao’s career began in the 1950s with her debut novel Outside the Window, inspired by her personal experiences.

Her works, known for their emotional depth and exploration of love, heartache, and human complexity, resonated deeply with readers.

Among her bestsellers were One Side of the Water and The Wild Goose on the Wing.

Many were adapted into films and TV dramas, such as My Fair Princess (Princess Pearl 還珠格格), which starred prominent actresses Vicki Zhao and Ruby Lin.

Despite criticism of her melodramatic plots, her ability to capture the nuances of love and longing established her as a cultural icon.

Over 100 film and television adaptations of her stories further solidified her influence.

Chiung Yao was also a lyricist and an advocate for the right to die with dignity.

In 2017, she penned a letter specifying her wish to forgo life-prolonging treatments, preferring a simple departure without religious rites or rituals.

Her family has confirmed that her wishes will be honoured, including forgoing a memorial service.

As fans mourn her passing, Chiung Yao’s legacy lives on through her evocative stories that continue to inspire readers and viewers worldwide.

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