Phoenix Perches on the Parasol Tree (2012 Edition)

[Author's Note]

As the title says, this isn't a new story. It's the 2012 version of "Phoenix Perches on the Parasol Tree."

The original "Phoenix Perches on the Parasol Tree" isn't finished yet, but I just can't stand how naive I was when I was younger. I also feel that if I keep writing it this way, the style will vary too much and spoil the whole thing, so I've decided to start over.

The plot won't change, but I've removed some melodramatic, illogical, and buggy scenes. I'll also do my best to keep the style consistent from the beginning. It wouldn't make sense to have modern, playful expressions appear here. I've also changed a few unimportant names and titles. I originally found them through Baidu, and I don't want to be awkwardly accused of plagiarism later. Also, to make the characters more rounded, I'll add some background details for them.

If you haven't read the story before, don't go looking for the old version. I'll lock it.

Lastly, I should say that the author has a bad case of procrastination and will never update on time. I also lack common sense, so please point out any mistakes (bows deeply).

At night I stroll idly by the pond pavilion, where the riverbank stretches away.

Qingming has just passed, and already I feel spring drawing to a close.

A few raindrops fall, then the wind stills them; the faint moon comes and goes behind the clouds.

Peach and plum blossoms linger as spring quietly slips away.

Who is on the swing, whispering softly with a smile?

A heart full of longing, a thousand tangled thoughts, yet nowhere in this world to put them. (Li Yu, "Butterflies in Love with Flowers" 1)

Nothing can keep two people in love from staying together for life.

Nothing can stop those who pine for each other from growing old alone.

We once loved, hated, felt heartache, and shed tears.

Years later, I only hope to see you smile again,

and sing "Phoenix Perches on the Parasol Tree" for you once more.

1. "Butterflies in Love with Flowers" is a ci tune pattern, also known as "Phoenix Perches on the Parasol Tree."