Long ago, in a distant village, there lived a kind and hardworking cowherd named Niulang.
很久以前，在一个遥远的村庄里，住着一个善良勤劳的牛郎。
He had an old ox that helped him with his farm work and was his only companion.
他有一头老牛，帮他耕田，也是他唯一的伙伴。
One day, the ox spoke to him, saying, "Go to the river tomorrow. You will meet someone special."
有一天，老牛对他说：“明天去河边吧，你会遇到特别的人。”
Niulang was astonished but followed the ox's advice.
牛郎感到惊讶，但还是听从了老牛的建议。
At the riverbank, he saw seven heavenly maidens bathing, and among them was Zhinü, the youngest and most beautiful.
在河边，他看到七位仙女在洗澡，其中最年轻最美丽的是织女。
Zhinü, a celestial weaver, had come down from heaven to experience life on earth.
织女是一位天上的织布仙女，她来到凡间体验人间生活。
Niulang and Zhinü fell in love at first sight and soon got married.
牛郎和织女一见钟情，很快结为夫妻。
With Zhinü's help, Niulang's life improved, and they lived happily together, raising two children.
在织女的帮助下，牛郎的生活改善了，他们幸福地生活在一起，还养育了两个孩子。
However, the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother of Heaven discovered Zhinü's absence.
然而，玉皇大帝和王母娘娘发现了织女擅自离开天庭的事。
Angered, they sent heavenly soldiers to bring her back to heaven.
他们非常愤怒，派天兵将织女带回天庭。
Niulang, heartbroken, placed his children in baskets and chased after Zhinü with the help of the magical ox.
伤心的牛郎把孩子放在篮子里，在神牛的帮助下追赶织女。
As he was about to reach her, the Queen Mother created a river of stars, separating them forever.
当他快要追上织女时，王母娘娘用发簪划出了一条星河，将他们永远分开。
This river became the Milky Way, leaving Niulang and Zhinü on opposite sides.
这条星河变成了银河，把牛郎和织女隔在两岸。
Their love moved the magpies, who formed a bridge once a year, allowing the lovers to reunite.
他们的爱情感动了喜鹊，每年都会搭起鹊桥，让他们相见一次。
On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, Niulang and Zhinü meet on the magpie bridge.
在农历七月初七，牛郎和织女在鹊桥上相会。
This day is now celebrated as Qixi, the Chinese Valentine's Day.
这一天被称为七夕节，是中国的情人节。
Their story endures as a symbol of eternal love and perseverance.
他们的故事象征着永恒的爱情和不懈的追求。
