During the Warring States period, a beautiful Korean singer named Han E traveled east to the capital of Qi, Linzi. When her food ran out, she began singing for money at the Yongmen Gate in the western part of the city. Her voice was so enchanting that even after she left, the echoes seemed to linger around the gate for three days, leading locals to say, "Han E's song never truly ended."
Han E's voice was so melodious and captivating that it drew a crowd of passersby. When she finished singing, the listeners still felt her melody lingering around the beams of the house, echoing for three days without fading, leading the nearby residents to believe she had never left and was still performing there.
On another occasion, the singer Han E arrived at an inn. The innkeeper, fearing she was too poor to pay, not only refused her lodging but also berated her. Unable to bear the humiliation, Han E grew increasingly sorrowful and began to weep in a long, mournful tone. To everyone's surprise, her cries moved the entire neighborhood—men, women, young, and old alike—to tears, and for three full days, no one could bring themselves to eat.
By then, Han E had already left the inn. The townspeople, who deeply sympathized with her, were unwilling to see her go and sent someone to bring her back. Moved by their kindness, Han E sang a joyful, long song for them. Hearing it, everyone on the street—young and old alike—couldn't help clapping and dancing, completely forgetting their earlier sorrow. To thank Han E, they gave her many gifts.
It is said that the people of Yongmen still sing joyful or sorrowful songs in the tones of Han E, which is why their melodies are especially moving.
"The idiom 'lingering echoes around the rafters' comes from this story, and has long been used to describe beautiful singing that leaves a lasting impression."
Source: *Liezi*, Chapter "Tang Wen"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "余音绕梁" came to describe beautiful singing that leaves a lasting impression.