This tale that blends fantasy and romance also explores the history of ancient China and artistry. Yen Mah incorporates her personal story in the narrative, hence the protagonist named Chinese Cinderella akin to her moniker. The allusion refers to her tough upbringing in her younger years same as the character Mei Lan with the mean stepmother Niang. CC lives through the life of Mei Lan during the Song dynasty in her vivid dreams showcasing their connection. The connections in the story persist as Mei Lan’s older brother is Zhang Zeduan (Gege) the painter of Along the River at Qing Ming, the painting that inspires CC’s visions. CC has a link to her past life akin to the three individuals and their friendship that transcends time through the painting.
Through the deep dive into the history and culture of Ancient China, Yen Mah explores the social issues through the three friends. After CC suffers the injury she begins reliving her previous life through Mei Lan the daughter of a wealthy family. Ah Zhao is a gifted calligrapher with an eye for art and beauty that sees him outclass others in artistry. Mei Lan and Gege appreciate his talents while they cultivate a bond though they come from different social classes. A friendship between Mei Lan and Ah Zhao blossoms as they become star-crossed lovers. Thus alludes to the Cinderella story since she has a mean stepmother and obstacles that keep them apart. Even though their romance is unresolved the friendship between the three characters endures in art.
The inspiration of the classic Chinese painting from the Song Dynasty suggests the same themes and motifs explored in the tale. Yen Mah incorporates the history of the painting into her fictional tale to highlight the cultural dynamic of the past through the Qing Ming festival. Moreover to explore the social stratification of the era represented in the painting which also plays a huge role in the narrative. The painting is a symbol of friendship, the connection to the past and between ancient and modern cultures. In essence, the beauty of the past and how elements such as love and art persist through time.
