Taking place in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Zhu Yingtai - a noble maiden - assumes the disguise of a man to undertake her studies. Along her journey, she befriends Liang Shanbo, and they form a bond as sworn brothers. Despite Yingtai developing feelings for Shanbo, he remains oblivious to her true gender. Once Shanbo finally learns the truth, he discovers that Yingtai's parents have already arranged a marriage for her. This Chinese tale holds the same weight as Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.