梁山伯与祝英台爱情故事英文版.docVIP

梁山伯与祝英台（英文版） ?The Chinese Legend of the Butterfly Lovers ?This may not be a word-for-word transcript. Adjusting her disguise, Zhu Yingtai prepared to bid her parents goodbye. She had always been a dutiful daughter – staying home and creating works of embroidery that brought her parents pride. And yet, although only boys were allowed at the Confucius Academy in Hangzhou, what Yingtai truly wanted was to go to school. She begged her parents to let her attend dressed as a boy and, seeing her determination and clever disguises, they finally agreed. However, they only gave her permission when she promised to keep her true identity a secret and eventually return to the traditional path they’d set for her. Elated, Yingtai began her journey to Hangzhou. On the way, she found herself at a crossroads, unsure which route to take when a young man approached. As their eyes met, they shared an instant connection. Yingtai learned that his name was Liang Shanbo, and that he’d be her classmate at the academy, so they walked the rest of the way together, rapt in conversation. Yingtai realized that, despite her meticulous disguise, she felt that she could finally be herself. The two decided to celebrate what they thought would be a long, close friendship, and became sworn brothers. At the academy, Yingtai buried herself in books and studied with Shanbo late into the nights. The two felt at home so long as they were at each other’s sides. They shared a room, but even though Shanbo questioned her about it, Yingtai always used the bathroom alone and buttoned her thick robes up to her chin – no matter the weather. Now and again, Yingtai heard students muttering about her secretive behavior. As months slipped into years, Yingtai continued to excel at her studies and felt like her past – and intended future – were lifetimes away. Yet the whispers grew louder. And after three years, she had no choice but to leave. Parting tearfully, Yingtai asked Shanbo to visit her. When Yingtai returned ho