LayarHijau— The Republican-era drama The Lament of Autumn (玉簟秋), starring Cheng Lei and Xu Ruohan, has been airing on Hunan TV and Mango TV since October 12. As the story picks up, the ending of the original novel has become a major topic among netizens. According to a report by HK01, the same story ends in two very different ways in the novel and the drama.
SPOILER WARNING: This article reveals plot details and the ending of the novel The Lament of Autumn, along with some of the changes made in the drama. If you haven’t read the novel or finished the drama, you may want to stop reading here.
Support Layar Hijau
Layar Hijau is an independent media outlet dedicated to sharing news and stories about the Asian dramas you love. If you enjoy our content, your support helps us keep going and bring more stories to fellow drama fans.
Every bit of support means a lot to us. Thank you for reading, following, and being part of Layar Hijau's journey.
For supporters in Indonesia
For international supporters
For more information, click here.
Disclaimer: The endings of the novel and the drama can differ. This article is based on media reports and posts from the drama’s official Weibo account. Because the drama is still airing, its plot and ending may differ from what is described here.
The novel’s ending: tragedy for both leads
The Lament of Autumn is one of three Republican-era novels by author Ling Xi. It follows the tangled relationship between Ye Pingjun (played by Xu Ruohan) and Yu Changxuan (played by Cheng Lei), a young marshal.
In the novel, Ye Pingjun is held captive by Jiang Xueting. During her pregnancy, she is repeatedly abused and injected with drugs to keep her under control, leaving her on the verge of a mental breakdown. She eventually kills Jiang Xueting and escapes. After enduring great hardship, she gives birth to Yu Changxuan’s son, Chongye, and entrusts him to a close friend to raise.
Ye Pingjun’s health keeps deteriorating, and she dies alone in a ruined temple. Her body is wrapped in a straw mat and hastily buried. Yu Changxuan’s carriage happens to pass by. He glances at her but doesn’t recognize the emaciated woman as the love of his life, and he drives on. He later rises in rank and wealth, marries a woman from a family of equal standing, and has a daughter named Xinping.
The most shocking turn comes in the novel’s extra chapter. Years later, a middle-aged Yu Changxuan, acting on a misunderstanding, kills those in the know. He also shoots Chongye, who is nominally Xie Fanshu’s older brother. Only afterward does he realize that the man he killed was his own son, the child Ye Pingjun secretly gave birth to and left with her friend. Yu Changxuan ends up with no heirs. Ling Xi has publicly said that leaving the male lead childless was “deliberate retribution.”
The drama: reunited amid war
The drama is directed by Ju Jueliang. Reportedly, it completely rewrites the novel’s family tragedy. In the drama, Ye Pingjun loses her memory after escaping and is sincerely protected by Yu Changxuan. Several years later, the two meet again in the midst of war, set aside their personal grievances, and join the revolutionary cause together to defend their homeland.
Netizens divided
The sweeping change has sparked heated discussion on social media. Many netizens support it. One wrote, “The male lead in the novel is basically antisocial. Removing his scumbag image in the drama was a great change!” Another commented, “The novel’s ending is too dark. Changing it to the two of them working together to save the country makes the story’s scope instantly feel bigger.”
A small number of readers of the original novel disagree. One wrote, “The novel is brutal, but that sense of tragic fate is the soul of the book.”
Chinese dramas products
Rosy Zhao Rosydoedian Authentic Dachshund Plush Doll Squeaky Soft Stuffed Decorative Throw Pillow Collectible Gift
Authenthic Dachshund plush doll from Zhao Lusi's Rosydoedian.
It's only available for shipping to certain countries.
Official Genuine Pursuit of Jade Drama Collectible Photocards Zhang Linghe Tian Xiwei Photo Trading Cards Holiday Gift
Official genuine collectible photocards These Pursuit of Jade Drama collectible photocards are officially licensed and authentic, featuring beloved characters Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. Perfect for fans seeking genuine memorabilia from the popular drama.
New Drama Fangs Of Fortune Official Merch Collectible Cards Zhao Yuanzhou, Wen Xiao Characters HD Photocard Cosplay Gift
Official Merchandise from Fangs of Fortune This collectible card set is officially licensed Fangs of Fortune merchandise, featuring beloved characters Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao in high-definition detail for true fans.
