Record of Places Outside the Tributaries

Throughout history, talented men and beautiful women have often struggled to find suitable partners. Fate plays with them, leaving them helpless. Even if heaven were to bring them together, they would be as common as any other couple, having children in rows, walking side by side like shadows. If life is as bland as chewing wax, how can it compare to the artful obstacles and demonic entanglements that allow each to exhaust the essence of their lonely journey, solely possessing a legacy that brings tears and songs for a thousand autumns? If they were to meet

when they are still unmarried, it is only a pity that the man does not start by refusing to acknowledge his cousin referring to a potential betrothal, and the lady does not withhold her compassionate words. If we pass the story of the Jade Mirror Stand a metaphor for marriage, then in the blink of an eye, the two are faced with darkened greenery and thinning red blossoms metaphor for aging or the passing of beauty. The spring wind drags away the pear blossoms, and the autumn rain falls on the parasol tree leaves. When the affection is exhausted and fate reaches its end, one is left only with an old, cold spouse. How can they possibly understand the game of life and death?