The Butterfly Lovers is a widely told tragic and beautiful story in later generations. The refined young lady Zhu Yingtai cross-dresses as a man to study at an academy, where she meets the gentle gentleman Liang Shanbo. The two refer to each other as brothers, but unexpectedly develop feelings for each other.
However, this relationship did not gain the support of Zhu Yingtai's family. Her father forces her to marry Ma Wencai, who has a better family background.
Their rebellion was in vain. In the end, Liang Shanbo dies tragically, and upon learning this, Zhu Yingtai flees her wedding procession and goes to Liang Shanbo's grave, where she takes her life as well.
To give this tragic love story a good ending, the world ultimately lets them transform into a pair of butterflies, to live together forever after.
This story thus gains a touch of mysterious fantasy. But ultimately, it's just a token of pity for lovers.
