Long ago, in Shangyu County, Zhejiang, stood the mysterious and solemn Zhu Family Manor. Its master, Lord Zhu, had a daughter as beautiful as a lotus rising from clear water. Her name was Yingtai. At seventeen or eighteen, she was as striking as the rising sun, and everyone who saw her adored her. Yet the Zhu family's rules were like towering walls, confining her tightly to her chambers. Though she had the clever and lovable maid Yinxin for company, she still felt stifled and bored.
Every day, she could only gaze at the sky through her window and imagine the world outside, a place filled with the unknown and endless possibilities. She longed to become a brave young man and explore that fascinating world, to see for herself just how wonderful it was.
But the rules of the Zhu household were strict, and Zhu Yingtai could not take a single step beyond her chambers. She could only learn about the outside world through Yinxin's stories. Yinxin was always telling her about strange and wondrous happenings, describing beautiful scenery and heroic figures. These tales left a deep impression on Zhu Yingtai, making her long even more to become a man and experience the world for herself.
Though her circumstances were difficult, Zhu Yingtai never gave up on her dream. She used her wits and courage to overcome obstacles that seemed impossible to surmount, convinced that one day she would fulfill her wish. Her resilience and bravery inspired those around her, making her a bright and beloved presence at the Zhu family manor.
In that ancient era, Zhu Yingtai's story was passed down from person to person. Her dream and courage inspired countless people. Through her actions, she proved that women, too, could bravely pursue their dreams. Her story
