Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai
A story that every 3-year-old in China knows.
In Chinese folklore, there is an eternal love story that has touched countless people. This story is about Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Their love story is not only filled with joy and sorrow but also epitomizes the profound emotions of life and death together.
Two ButterfliesAround the 4th century, during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, in Kuaiji County of Shangyu, there was a wealthy merchant family with a clever and beautiful daughter named Zhu Yingtai. Zhu Yingtai was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, but in a time when “a woman’s virtue is her lack of talent” was the norm, her parents, though doting, could only allow her to study at home. However, Zhu Yingtai was not content. She yearned for profound knowledge and desired to discuss and debate with scholars. Therefore, she decided to disguise herself as a man and go to an academy to study.
On her way to the academy, Zhu Yingtai met another scholar, Liang Shanbo, who was also traveling to the academy. Although Liang Shanbo came from a humble background, he was upright and gentle. They felt an immediate bond and became sworn brothers. During their three years of study, they were inseparable, studying and progressing together, and their feelings for each other grew deeper.
However, Liang Shanbo was unaware that his constant companion was actually a woman. Zhu Yingtai’s love for Liang Shanbo deepened, but she did not dare to reveal her feelings and could only hint at them through her daily interactions. Liang Shanbo never understood her true feelings. As their three years of study were about to end, Zhu Yingtai had to return home. During their farewell, she hinted in every possible way for Liang Shanbo to visit her home and propose, even mentioning she had a “ninth sister” who hoped to meet him. Although Liang Shanbo was reluctant to part, he still did not realize Zhu Yingtai’s true intentions.
Upon returning home, Zhu Yingtai’s parents had already arranged a marriage for her. Though her heart belonged to Liang Shanbo, she could not disobey her parents. Her parents arranged the marriage, hoping she would have a stable future, but her heart remained with Liang Shanbo. After discovering the truth, Liang Shanbo hurried to the Zhu family to propose, but it was too late. Zhu Yingtai was forced to marry into the Ma family, and Liang Shanbo was heartbroken and grief-stricken. A few months later, he died of a broken heart.
Upon learning of Liang Shanbo’s death, Zhu Yingtai was devastated. On her wedding day, she decided to visit Liang Shanbo’s grave. At the grave, Zhu Yingtai wept uncontrollably, collapsing against the tombstone, letting her tears soak her clothes. She lamented, “Shanbo, Shanbo! Why is fate so cruel, separating us? Why can’t we spend our lives together, enjoying happiness?” Her cries were so sorrowful that they seemed to tear the heavens. She expressed her pain and helplessness: “Shanbo, I wish to follow you, never to part, in life and death.” Her voice echoed through the graveyard, moving heaven and earth.
Suddenly, with a clap of thunder, the grave split open. Without hesitation, Zhu Yingtai leapt into the grave, joining Liang Shanbo in death. Heaven took pity on them, and these devoted lovers were reborn as beautiful butterflies, soaring freely in the sky. Their love transcended life and death, transforming into butterflies, creating a legendary love story that has been passed down through the ages.