The Eternal Bond

Adjusting her disguise one last time, Zhu Yingtai prepared herself for an emotional farewell with her parents. Known for her dutiful nature, Yingtai had spent her days at home, diligently creating beautiful works of embroidery that brought her parents immense pride. However, deep within her heart, she longed for something more. Despite the Confucius Academy in Hangzhou being exclusively for boys, Yingtai yearned for an education. She implored her parents to allow her to attend the academy disguised as a boy. Witnessing her unwavering determination and skillful disguises, her parents reluctantly agreed, on the condition that she keep her true identity a secret and eventually return to the path they had set for her. Overjoyed by their consent, Yingtai embarked on her journey to Hangzhou.

During her travels, Yingtai found herself at a crossroads, uncertain of which path to take. It was then that she encountered a young man who approached her. Their eyes met, and an instant connection was forged. Learning that his name was Liang Shanbo and that he would be her classmate at the academy, they continued their journey together, engrossed in deep conversation. Yingtai felt an indescribable sense of liberation, as if she could finally be her true self. They decided to celebrate their newfound friendship, becoming sworn brothers. At the academy, Yingtai immersed herself in books and tirelessly studied alongside Shanbo, finding solace in each other's company. They shared a room, but Yingtai remained adamant about maintaining her secrecy, always using the bathroom alone and buttoning her robes to conceal her identity, regardless of the weather. Occasionally, she overheard whispers from fellow students speculating about her mysterious behavior.

As months turned into years, the murmurs grew louder and more persistent. Eventually, Yingtai had no choice but to bid farewell to the academy. Tearfully parting ways with Shanbo, she asked him to visit her in the future. Back at home, Yingtai's parents informed her that the Ma family from a neighboring village had sent a matchmaker to seek her hand in marriage. Considering it a suitable match, her parents had accepted the proposal. Concealing her disappointment, Yingtai acquiesced, staying true to the agreement. Yet, as she prepared for her new life, her thoughts were consumed by Shanbo. Meanwhile, Shanbo himself was distraught, his studies losing their luster without Yingtai's presence. When he finally visited Yingtai's home, he encountered a young woman. Initially mistaking her for her brother, Shanbo's eyes met Yingtai's, and he recognized the scholar he had always loved.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Shanbo confessed his love and proposed marriage. However, Yingtai, her heart heavy with sorrow, revealed that she was already promised to another. Devastated, Shanbo understood that Yingtai had no choice but to honor her parents' wishes, and they parted ways once more. Shanbo's health began to deteriorate rapidly, and his family, worried about his condition, sought to arrange a marriage for him. Yet, when the matchmaker approached the Zhu family, Yingtai's father declined the proposal, as it would bring shame upon their family due to her current engagement. As Shanbo's illness worsened, he wrote Yingtai a final letter. In it, he expressed his love and asked that she burn incense at his tomb on her way to the Ma family's residence. On Yingtai's wedding day, a somber atmosphere hung over the occasion. As the procession made its way through the town under stormy skies, Yingtai broke away and knelt before Shanbo's tomb, lighting incense and offering tearful sacrifices.

Suddenly, a resounding clap of thunder echoed through the air, and a bolt of lightning struck the tomb, causing it to crack. Without hesitation, Yingtai threw herself into the fissure. Her parents rushed to rescue her, but as they reached the tomb, two butterflies emerged from the fracture. This time, Yingtai had undergone a permanent transformation. Finally liberated, she could now eternally float alongside Shanbo, free from the constraints of societal expectations and bound by their unbreakable love.

Henrik Leandro