Since the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Kunqu, once popular and of very high literary value, was in decline. It was not until 1955 when a famous drama Fifteen Strings of Cash was staged that Kunqu came back to life.

Fifteen Strings of Cash was adapted by the Zhejiang Kunju Opera Troupe in 1955, based on a story of the same name written by Zhu Sucheng, a scholar who lived at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty. The story was not at all complicated, but the actors were the most famous of the period who staged very vivid characters with exquisite acting.

Kuang Zhong, the leading character in the play, is the reincarnation of Bao Zheng, an official famous in Chinese history for his honesty. Soon after he takes up his official post, Kuang Zhong is told in a dream about a miscarriage of justice. He makes a careful investigation and rights the wrong. He points out that the victim of the in justice has been misled by superstitious ideology and feudal doctrines.

The language of the original story was made easier to understand, and this drama was quite a hit at that period. It contributed greatly to reviving the popularity of Kunqu.