Caroline Young, artwork and text
QFWF, June 21th 2020 © Source: The art of Caroline R. Young (2002)
In ancient China, the legendary Emperor Fuxi had a beautiful daughter named Fu-Fei, who was very delicate and sickly.
All who knew her believed that she would one day be a great beauty, yet her father mostly ignored her.
Fu-Fei grew to womanhood with a loving and pure heart that matched her exquisite face.
However, she was often sad because her father paid her such scant attention.
One day, Fu-Fei wandered to the banks of the Lo River.
The girl’s loveliness and sorrowful expression intrigued and captivated the River so much that it began to woo her.
Ripples appeared on the water and mist rose from the surface to create countless illusions of enchanting scenes. Mesmerized, Fu-Fei gave herself up to the water’s warm embrace and was pulled into its depths.
After some time, Emperor Fuxi noticed that one of his daughters was missing and went in search of her.
Arriving at the Lo River, he was astonished to see a woman of matchless beauty rise up and hover above the surface. Fixing her gaze on him, the young lady gave a slight smile.
Fuxi recognized her as his daughter at once, but only now was he aware of her flawless beauty.
He chastised himself for having neglected to love her as a father should, begging her to come back home with him.
Fu-Fei, however, could not be separated from the river.
Fuxi, to make amends, gave his daughter the title of Lo-Shen, meaning Goddess of the Lo.
