In the gripping drama Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Ⅲ: Chang'an (唐朝诡事录之长安), the character Wu Yang (舞阳) initially appears as a victim of circumstance, trapped by her mother's overprotective love in the bustling capital of Chang'an. Her story unfolds with layers of deception, challenging viewers' perceptions of innocence and manipulation. As the plot delves into her desperate bid for freedom, it reveals a complex web of human emotions and calculated moves, set against the rich backdrop of the Tang Dynasty. This narrative not only captivates with its suspense but also invites reflection on the lengths one might go to break free from societal constraints.
The Illusion of Innocence
Wu Yang's first encounter with Cherry and Pei Xijun (裴喜君) at a cosmetic shop seems like a chance meeting, but it is carefully orchestrated. She approaches them with a facade of pure vulnerability, quickly proposing a friendship and arranging a visit to Chenfo Temple (成佛寺). Her ability to read people allows her to select targets who are both sympathetic and influential, ensuring that her disappearance would cause enough concern to be investigated, yet not enough to derail her plans. This calculated approach shows her deep understanding of human psychology, far beyond what one might expect from someone so secluded.
Despite her sheltered life, Wu Yang demonstrates sharp observational skills, honed by years of interacting with customers in her mother's shop. She recognizes that Cherry and Pei Xijun, with their official connections, can serve as unwitting pawns in her escape strategy. By presenting herself as a helpless girl yearning for companionship, she effectively manipulates their empathy. This initial setup is not born of malice but of a desperate need to seize control over her own destiny, highlighting the theme of hidden strengths in seemingly fragile individuals.
The meeting at the temple sets the stage for a series of events that expose Wu Yang's true nature. While she plays the part of the innocent victim, her actions are deliberate and strategic. She uses her resemblance to a young Empress Wu (武则天) to her advantage, aware that it attracts attention she can exploit. This duality in her character—appearing meek while being inwardly resolute—adds depth to the story, making her one of the most intriguing figures in the series.
Shadows of Deceit
When Chen Kong (沉空), a devoted follower of the former empress, kidnaps Wu Yang, her reaction is remarkably composed. Instead of succumbing to fear, she confronts him with a stark declaration that losing her life is preferable to living in bondage. This calmness under duress suggests a prior experience with such threats, indicating that she has learned to navigate dangerous situations. Her confidence that Chen Kong would not harm her outright points to a shrewd assessment of his motives, turning her perceived weakness into a tool for survival.
Wu Yang's encounter with Bai Mian Langjun (百面郎君) and Tao Bo (陶伯) further reveals her resilience. After being rescued by A Mu (阿木) from a near-drowning, she immediately plots to eliminate Bai Mian Langjen rather than seek official help. Her decision to swap clothes with a corpse to fake her own death demonstrates a chilling practicality. For a young woman raised in isolation, such bold actions imply a mindset shaped by years of planning and a willingness to cross moral boundaries to achieve freedom.
Throughout these ordeals, Wu Yang's relationship with A Mu evolves as she identifies him as a reliable ally. His simple, honest nature makes him easy to influence, and she leverages his affection to secure her escape. This partnership underscores her ability to discern whom to trust and how to mobilize resources, painting a picture of a character who is both vulnerable and formidable. Her choices reflect a deep-seated desire to rewrite her fate, even if it means embracing darkness.
Plea for Freedom
In the climax, as Su Wuming (苏无名) and Lu Lingfeng (卢凌风) intercept Wu Yang's carriage, she drops to her knees in a heartfelt appeal for mercy. She does not deny her manipulations but instead emphasizes her suffering and yearning for liberty. This emotional performance is tailored to resonate with their sense of justice, appealing to their compassion rather than confronting their accusations. Her intuition that they came alone, without additional guards, allows her to tailor her response for maximum effect.
Wu Yang's final actions reveal a conflicted soul—she orchestrates her own "death" to escape yet remains deeply connected to her mother, Chi Ying (赤英). Before departing, she ensures her mother's emotional stability, watching from afar as Chi Ying moves on with life. This bittersweet farewell highlights the enduring bond between them, suggesting that her deception is driven by love as much as by a thirst for independence. The story concludes with Chi Ying closing her shop and chasing after Wu Yang, symbolizing a potential reconciliation and new beginnings.
The ambiguity of Wu Yang's destination—whether she truly heads to Hanzhou (寒州) or embarks on a different path—leaves viewers pondering her future. This open-endedness enriches the narrative, inviting audiences to reflect on the complexities of family ties and personal freedom. Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Ⅲ: Chang'an masterfully uses her journey to explore universal themes, making it a thought-provoking tale that resonates long after the screen fades to black.
