Yingtai and Liang Shanbo
Star-crossed lovers, often called “Chinese Romeo and Juliet.”
In the days of the Eastern Jin, there lived Zhu Yingtai, daughter of a prosperous family. Though custom barred women from the scholar’s path, she longed for learning. So she bound her hair, donned men’s robes, and set out to study as though she were a son.
At the academy she met Liang Shanbo, a fellow student. For years they shared books, poems, and long walks beneath the willow trees. Their bond deepened into a love that neither dared to name aloud, for Liang believed Yingtai to be a man, and Yingtai feared discovery. Yet in her heart she knew him as her other half.
At last her family summoned her home. As they parted, Yingtai hinted at her secret: “Come soon to my house, and you may find a sister more than glad to welcome you.” Liang, innocent of her meaning, swore to visit.
When he arrived, the truth was revealed. Yingtai stood before him in woman’s dress, her hair unbound, her eyes alight with hope. Liang’s heart leapt, for love long suppressed now bloomed in full. They pledged themselves to one another with joy.
But fate was cruel. Yingtai’s parents had already promised her to Ma Wencai, a wealthy man of standing. She pleaded, but filial duty bound her; her parents forbade the match with Liang. Broken-hearted, Liang fell ill from sorrow. Within months he died, his spirit unable to bear the loss.
On the day of Yingtai’s wedding to Ma, her bridal procession passed by Liang’s grave. As she drew near, thunder rolled and winds howled. The tomb burst open before her, and Yingtai, casting aside her veil, ran into it, crying that she would never leave her true love. The earth closed around her, and she was gone.
From the grave rose two butterflies, bright and delicate. They circled together in the air, dancing free of earthly bonds, and flew away side by side into the distance. The people who saw whispered that Liang and Yingtai had been transformed, their love fulfilled in another form.
Thus they were remembered as the Butterfly Lovers, a tale of love that defied custom and endured beyond death. For in their flight, the people saw not only tragedy but also hope: that true devotion, once found, could never be torn apart.
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